《The CEO Gets What He Wants》


 Chapter 1

    Chapter 1


    Late into the night, a ck Lincoln drove into the luxury residential area in Ackleton.


    In the mansion, Avery Rumpley had been blindfolded with a piece of white silk cloth over her eyes.


    The person who did it did not want her to know his identity.


    ¡°Don''t be afraid. Take a deep breath. Avery, you can do it. Nothing is more important than getting Dad a


    new liver. A little sacrifice for Dad is worth it.¡±


    She could not ignore the sound of the car driving into the mansion.


    There was no turning back now. All she could do was keep talking to herself to calm herself down.


    The tall figure of Cayden Moore walked in, and he immediately spotted the beautiful eighteen-year-old


    Avery who was standing in his bedroom.


    ¡°H-Hi...¡± Avery greeted as she sensed the approaching figure. Even though her eyes had been


    covered, she instinctively took a step back.


    For the past few days, she had been mentally preparing herself, and she thought she would have been


    numb by now. Unfortunately, she was still as scared as ever at that moment.


    All she wanted to do was to make a run for it.


    Cayden was not sure if his action that night was beastly, but he knew he needed to find a woman to


    bear him a child before his next birthday so that he could answer to his grandpa, Jeffrey Moore.


    Cayden loomed over her petite body and asked, ¡°What are you so frightened of?¡±


    He had a deep and maic voice.


    Avery was taken aback by his alluring, youthful voice. How can a fifty-year-old man have such a


    captivating voice?


    ¡°I''m not suffering from AIDS, and I''m not a sadist in bed,¡±forted the man with his sonorous voice.


    As far as he was concerned, she was not shy. Instead, she was fearful of him.


    Before she could regain her senses, the man spoke again. ¡°If you are afraid of the pain, I will do my


    best to make it an enjoyable process for you. Let''s start.¡±


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    The way he spoke so coldly and seriously as if he was announcing themencement of a conference


    shocked her.


    In an instant, she was been whisked off her feet!


    That was Avery''s first time in her eighteen years that she was being carried by a man under the current


    circumstance. Her heart almost stopped.


    Cayden reminded her gently, ¡°I''m not sure if you are fully developed. If you find it painful, remember to


    tell me to stop.¡±


    That made Avery even more scared.


    Taking in a deep breath, she bit her pinkish lips and shut her eyes. She was so terrified that her thick


    eyshes were trembling. Looking at her that way, the man could not help but feel a tightness in his


    groin area.


    Her fair skin glowed like that of the tender flower buds under the early morning sun. There was a hint of


    pinkiness because she was feeling shy at that moment.


    He reached out to remove her clothes.


    Instinctively, she inched backward.


    ¡°Stop moving!¡± ordered the man as he grabbed her wrists and pulled her into his arms. He warned her


    in a hushed voice, ¡°If you don''t want me to pin you against the wall, then don''t move back.¡±


    Avery blushed and did as she was told.


    She could feel the muscr and strong body of the stranger as their bodies touched.


    But, if he''s a young man who has money and looks, why does he need to pay an ordinary girl like me to


    bear a child for him?


    Or perhaps, he is very ugly-looking? So ugly that no woman is willing to give him a baby even though


    he is very wealthy?


    ¡°I have a question.¡±


    ¡°Tell me.¡± There was displeasure in the man''s voice as his warm hands removed her clothes hastily.


    ¡°Initially, I was supposed to be a surrogate mother for your child. W-Why is there a change in the n


    and that I have to sleep with you to get pregnant?¡± That question had been guing her for quite some


    time.


    She could feel his warm breaths on her forehead.


    ¡°Ah! It hurts...¡± The moment she finished asking her question, she eximed in pain.


    Her cry caused a change in Cayden''s tone. ¡°I don''t want a single strand of my sperm to be wasted. By


    eliminating the external process, I can make sure that everything goes into your body. Is this reason


    eptable for you?¡±


    Next, his huge hand gave her a hard squeeze.


    ¡°Ouch...¡±


    Avery began perspiring, and she could no longer process her thoughts.


    She tried to struggle, but he pinned her down so firmly that she could not move.


    Cayden knew that in order to impregnate her, he would have to deflower her. The only humane thing he


    could do for her was to be as gentle with her as possible.


    The moment their bodies joined, his breathing became intense, and he was worried that he might lose


    control of himself.


    A fragile and tender flower like her would not be able to withstand his crushing demands.


    That night, Avery felt like a boat in the storm. She experienced pain, tears, and helplessness and


    eventually fell into a sleep.


    Avery had no idea when the man left.


    By the time she woke up, it was already three in the morning.


    The housekeeper, Lindsay, was not asleep yet. She came over to Avery and said kindly, ¡°Ms. Rumpley,


    let me help you wash up your body.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, but I can do it myself.¡± Avery was stupefied for a brief moment. The dried tears had made


    her skin taut.


    There was no way she could expose her unsightly, naked body in front of the housekeeper.


    Lindsay turned and left.


    Avery got off the bed and went to the bathroom in a daze.


    By the time she was done washing up and returned to the room, the bedding had been changed.


    That night, she had a dream.


    In her dream, she was in her junior year in high school back in her grandpa''s town. Together with a few


    of her female ssmates, they were leaning against the wall and peeping at the high school basketball


    match next door. They were trying to catch a glimpse of the legendary senior who had just transferred


    in.


    The next day, Avery woke up and found her whole body aching unusually.


    Brushing her teeth in front of the wash basin, she stared into the mirror for a long time. Lost in


    thoughts, she recalled the senior who was the dream catch of every girl in the school back then.


    In the past, she had experienced being bullied during her school days. She had no idea about non-


    tonic rtionships. All she yearned for was an older brother who could protect her during those


    extreme and helpless moments.


    Later on, when she learned about love, she found herself thinking of a particr guy. It was that same


    guy who studied for a year in high school before disappearing mysteriously.


    The water that was sshing out of the basin brought her back to reality.


    She shook her head and scolded herself.


    Avery, you are not fit to like him anymore!


    She locked herself up in the house. The lower part of her body still had the lingering sensation of being


    invaded.


    Night came, and Avery received a piece of news.


    That man was there again.

 Chapter 2

    Chapter 2


    Lindsay was surprised. Mr. Moore was here yesterday, so why is he here again tonight?


    That sent the people in the mansion into a frenzy as they prepared for his arrival.


    Avery felt like her body couldn''t endure the activity any longer. However, she found it very difficult to


    make a request again and again.


    Cayden was wearing a pair of ck pants and a white shirt. He entered the mansion and headed


    straight to Avery''s bedroom.


    She didn''t have the guts to speak as she breathed lightly. The house was so empty that even a pin


    dropping on the ground would cause a loud noise.


    Cayden''s right arm was holding his coat while he raised his left hand. He stared deeply at Avery, whose


    eyes had been covered up by a piece of cloth, before he held the back of her neck. Then he gently


    hugged her closer to himself.


    Avery stumbled a bit and froze.


    Cayden lowered his head and stared at the young woman who was almost in his embrace. He gulped,


    pursed his lips, and focused his line of sight on her palm-sized, fair, clean face.


    As the temperature around them rose, his sight slowly moved downward. Eventually, he found himself


    looking at her pink lips.


    However, the contract very clearly stated that they mustn''t kiss.


    D*mn it! Now I''m really regretting putting down that condition. He bit his lip a little before uttering in a


    hoarse voice, ¡°Get up. Let''s start.¡±


    He threw his coat down and turned off the lights as he carried her to the bed.


    In the darkness, Averyy below Cayden. Her eyebrows were furrowed as she bit the pillow to prevent


    herself from making lewd noises.


    She silently epted his pration again and again.


    Once it was done, he left.


    She was so tired that she almost fainted, and she remained curled up on the bed for a very long time.


    The doctor said this helps increase the chances of conception. I wonder how true that is.


    For many, many nights, Cayden woulde to the mansion. Even if he was so busy with work that he


    would arrive veryte into the night, he still came.


    His driver, Grover Hayward, and Lindsay Sutton were a pair of middle-aged married couples. They


    knew how those things worked, and they really wanted to tell their employer that conception would


    need to take time. Otherwise, if pushed too far, it would only hurt his and Avery''s bodies.


    However, their employer was a prideful, cold-faced, and merciless boss who was notoriously difficult to


    talk to.


    Therefore, both of them chose to shut their mouths on the matter.


    All they could do was watch Avery bepletely drained of her energy every day in order to cooperate


    with their energetic employer.


    It was thest night of the month.


    Cayden''s performance really confused Avery. Sometimes he would be gentle; other times, he would


    use so much force that she wondered if he was doing it on purpose to hurt her.


    Over time, she felt like her body was slowly betraying her as she drowned in pleasure.


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    After it was done, Cayden put on his clothes and an expensive watch on his wrist. He nced at her,


    who was curling up and hiding in the nket, and uttered coldly, ¡°I hope you get pregnant soon.¡±


    With that, he left.


    Silence returned to the bedroom.


    Avery was, naturally, afraid of the unfamiliar and unknown man who ravished her every night. It was as


    if a monster that lived inside his body had just been released! He''s like an animal! I don''t want to do this


    anymore! I''m so scared of him...


    That night, he left the mansion muchter.


    She heard Cayden first exit the bedroom before standing outside of the mansion. Then, the sound of a


    lighter igniting echoed in the empty mansion.


    All she needed to do was crawl up and stare out the window to see what he looked like. However, she


    was afraid that it was just a nightmare.


    A monthter, Avery finally saw two red strips on the early detection pregnancy test.


    During the month she was anxiously waiting for the result of her pregnancy, she hadn''t seen anyone


    else, including Cayden, aside from Lindsay.


    If she didn''t get pregnant that month, she would''ve needed to do the same thing with Cayden again.


    It was why she was very happy when she learned she was pregnant.


    All Avery wanted was to give birth to her child sessfully andplete her task. Then, she would


    spend the rest of her days slowly forgetting that period of her life.


    Soon, all of it would be in the past.


    Once Cayden''s men knew she was pregnant, he immediately arranged for her a detailed checkup.


    When Lindsay came to negotiate, Avery asked for two things.


    Firstly, Avery wanted to continue to go to school and study until her pregnancy became too obvious to


    hide. Then she would drop out of school and wait for the day she would give birth.


    Secondly, she wanted to stay in the rented house for that period of time because she felt much more


    free living there.


    The emptiness of the mansion made her feel ufortable.


    ¡°I need to get my employer''s permission first before I can fulfill your requests. After all, you''re carrying


    his biological child!¡± Lindsay then turned around and made a call. She stood next to the window on the


    highest floor of the hospital and mentioned Avery''s request to Cayden.


    A minuteter, she hung up the phone and said, ¡°Boss said he agreed to your request.¡±


    Avery nodded and thanked her mncholically.


    In the afternoon, she returned to her rented room and called the hospital. ¡°Hello, is it Dr. Holden? Can I


    ask how''s my dad''s condition?¡±


    ¡°No need to worry,¡± the doctor replied. ¡°I''ve received the money, and the liver will be arriving soon. The


    operation is being arranged, and it''llmence soon!¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Avery didn''t know what else to say. I used my body to get the money and the liver. Should


    I be happy about it? Sad about it? I''m not so sure, but I don''t think so.


    After the call ended, shey on the desk and spaced out. Eventually, tears wetted her eyshes.


    Momentster, she used her palm to wipe away the tears flowing out of her eyes before forcing herself


    to smile. Why am I crying? I should be happy that Dad''s going to be all right.


    Five monthster, her pregnancy was starting to get noticeable.


    Lindsay handled the procedures for her to drop out of school.


    When she exited the campus, the principal personally sent her out with a polite attitude and a


    handshake.


    Avery was a little puzzled when she saw that in the distance. If someone like the principal is acting so


    politely and respectfully toward Lindsay, this must mean her boss, the child''s father, is someone of


    impressive status. No, no, I shouldn''t think about it. I don''t want to.


    She was standing next to the car when Lindsay approached her and said, ¡°Don''t worry. I told them


    you''re dropping out of school for now because you''re experiencing health issues. No one else knows


    that you''re pregnant. We''ll keep it a secret.¡±


    Avery rxed when she heard that.


    During the afternoon, she went to visit her father.


    If her father, Leonardo Rumpley, knew she bore a child for a man she didn''t know at the age of


    eighteen, he would definitely oppose it.


    Thankfully, it was fall, so she could wear thicker clothing to hide her belly.


    Her tummy was still pretty obvious when she wore a thin sweater, so she wore an additional oversized


    cloak to cover it up.


    Avery went to the floor her dad was staying, in the private hospital with the best medical technology in


    Ackleton.


    She arrived at his ward by taking a familiar route. However, before she went in, she heard her


    stepmother, Henrietta Landry, talking.


    ¡°This is what I think, Leonardo. We have two daughters. While Mna isn''t your biological daughter, she


    still grew up calling you Dad¡ª¡± Before Henrietta could finish, Leonardo, who had been recuperating on


    the hospital bed for months, cut her off.


    ¡°No need to beat around the bush. You know I love you very much.¡± He stared.


    ¡°I know you love Mna and me...¡± Henrietta held his thin, boney hands and said softly, ¡°You said you


    wanted to send Ery overseas to study after she graduated from high school, right? Mna''s only two


    years older than Ery, yet she spends all day in the pub instead of studying! She really makes me worry,


    especially when she''s the only biological child I have! Leonardo, I want her to join Ery to study


    overseas!¡±


    Avery furrowed her eyebrow as she stood outside of the ward.

 Chapter 3

    Chapter 3


    Mna Rumpley was twenty years old that year. Ever since second grade, she had been skipping


    school after learning it from someone else.


    She was known for smoking, drinking, and returning veryte into the night. Those were her ¡°special¡±


    labels.


    Avery didn''t like her older sister, with whom she shared no blood rtion.


    Leonardo wasn''t a rich man. His total life saving up until he got sick was six hundred thousand. He


    worked hard every day for his family until he fell ill when his liver began to fail.


    Even as the doctor told him he was about to die, he still insisted on not using his life saving to save


    himself.


    Two months ago, Leonardo dered he wanted to give up the treatment.


    If that was what the patient wanted, there was nothing anyone else could do, not the doctor or his own


    daughter.


    He even tearfully forced his daughter to listen to hisst words¡ª¡±I never did anything impressive with


    my life, Ery. The only thing I have is the six hundred thousand that I''ve saved for you. When I die, don''t


    get too sad. Once you take care of my funeral, take the money and study overseas! My only hope is


    that you''ll lead a good life in the future, unlike your greedy mom and me, a useless man of no renown.


    I''ll be able to rest peacefully if you do as I say.¡±


    Whenever Avery thought about that, her eyes would turn red.


    It was because she knew her father was willing to die than use the six hundred thousand he left for her


    that she forced herself to sell her body. It was the only way she knew to get the money and liver to heal


    her father.


    As she stood outside of the ward and stared at how her father and stepmother were acting lovey-dovey


    with each other, she didn''t feel happy. Instead, all she felt was a negative feeling she had never


    experienced before.


    In the end, she didn''t go in.


    After Avery headed downstairs, she bumped into Mna.


    ¡°Well, well, isn''t this our family''s precious daughter, Ery.¡± Mna pushed Avery lightly with her hand that


    was holding a cigarette. Then the former blew a mouthful of smoke toward thetter and studied the


    latter''s body. ¡°Your body developed pretty well for an eighteen-year-old. Your dad''s about to die, and he


    has no money to treat himself. How about you sell your body for a few ''bangs'' for enough bucks to


    save your dad, eh?¡±


    Avery stared at her disgusting sister emotionlessly, as though she would suffocate if she couldn''t vent,


    and retorted word-by-word, ¡°Your suggestion is about as great as a fart!¡±


    Mna red and was instantly enraged by Avery''s attitude. ¡°How dare you talk back to me, you brat!¡±


    Avery sullenly left.


    Mna got so angry that her hand was trembling. She turned around, stretched her neck, and


    continued yelling, ¡°Stop acting like you''re all pure and innocent! I want to see when you''ll reveal your


    true nature! You know, your dad said your mom''s a sl*tty wh*re! I suggest you find a reliable hospital


    and do a DNA test! Maybe you''ll find out that you''re a b*tch born from the mixture of a hundred men''s


    genes!¡±


    When Avery was seven months pregnant, she could start to feel the life in her belly getting active


    clearly.


    Sometimes, the baby would even kick. It made her feel a sort of bliss she had never experienced


    before.


    She started to imagine what her baby would look like after they were born. Will it be a boy or a girl? I


    wonder if my belly got so big because they''re over-nourished.


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    Ever since she heard her dad promising to send Mna to study overseas with her at the hospital, she


    rarely revisited him.


    It wasn''t that she didn''t like her father. It was just that her belly had gotten so big that she was afraid


    her father would notice it, even if she wore an oversized jacket to hide it.


    Additionally, Henrietta had been staying by his side all day. Avery couldn''t help but wonder if her


    stepmother actually cared about her father or if she was just trying to get the six hundred thousand for


    Mna.


    I hope Henrietta really does care about Dad. Otherwise... Avery''s head ached.


    After some time, she learned Leonardo had been working nonstop again. He even went so far as to


    work overtime and go on business trips.


    Avery felt angry and helpless. She tried tomunicate with her father again and again on the phone


    but to no avail.


    After new year''s day had passed, it was time for her to give birth.


    In the most high-ss maternity ward of a private hospital, several female doctors cared for and


    examined Avery throughout the day, not daring to be the least bit negligent.


    She never cared about who her child''s father was, but those people would asionally talk about him


    in front of her. They never mentioned his name, but she was certain that he was definitely not an


    ordinary businessman.


    She had no clue about her body''s condition and only heard the conclusion of the doctors'' discussion,


    which was that a cesarean section was required.


    Then she was pushed into the operating room.


    She didn''t feel even a bit of pain throughout the whole process, though that changed after the effect of


    the anesthesia had expired.


    Her baby, who had been growing in her body for the past nine months, had suddenly been removed.


    The feeling of her child separating from her body was very painful.


    The pain was so intense that tears were flowing past her nose bridge and onto her cheeks


    uncontrobly.


    Everything about this has been a fair, professional trade since the very start, yet I can''t help but feel


    pain in my heart!


    Lindsay paid attention to Avery''s emotions throughout the whole process. The former watched thetter


    cry and appeared helpless.


    Finally, when Avery was pushed out of the operating room, Lindsay told her things that she was


    instructed to say. ¡°You''re only neen years old. This matter is only going to be a secret you''ll have to


    keep to yourself forever. I hope you''ll quickly recover from this and live a happy life for the rest of your


    days, child.¡±


    It was partially her attempt tofort the young woman, but it still sounded cruel.


    ¡°Can you at least tell me... Is it a boy... or a girl?¡± Avery asked weakly.


    ¡°It''s a girl, and she''s very healthy.¡± As per Jeffrey''s instruction, in order to avoid any future troubles,


    Lindsay had to lie to Avery.


    In reality, Avery gave birth to a pair of twins¡ªa healthy boy and a healthy girl.


    Avery closed her eyes tiredly as her face remained pale. A girl. From this day onward, there''ll be a new


    life in this world, and it''s my daughter...


    She stayed in the hospital for ten days.


    The boring life in the hospital was driving her a little crazy as she couldn''t stop thinking about her


    daughter.


    It was a sad trade.


    Avery returned to her rented room after she left the hospital.


    The first thing she did was call her dad.


    However, Henrietta was the one who answered Leonardo''s phone. ¡°Your dad''s busy right now, Ery.


    What''s the matter?¡±


    Avery was stunned. She couldn''t believe it was that hard to reach her father.


    So, she asked, ¡°When will he be free?¡±


    ¡°That''s hard to tell. Your dad has been working hard in order to let you study overseas. I''ll ask him to


    call you once he''s free, all right?¡± Henrietta replied.


    ¡°I''ll be waiting.¡± Avery then hung up the call.


    In reality, she knew Henrietta wouldn''t do that.


    In this world, she only had less than a handful of living family members left.


    Her father had gone to yet another city to work hard and support his weird family.


    Her baby daughter might still be in the city or in other cities at that point. In any case, her daughter


    would only know and belong to one parent, and that was the man who set up the contract.


    As for her mother, she basically never showed up at all, as though she never existed.


    Avery had no idea what her mother looked like, where her mother was, or what kind of life her mother


    led. Despite that, or maybe because of that, she never once missed her mother.

 Chapter 4

    Chapter 4


    Shaking her head, Avery forced herself not to think about her estranged mother.


    After a while, her phone rang.


    It was from her best friend, Nina Richter.


    Avery epted the call.


    ¡°Hi, it''s been a while since we had a video call. Why are you hiding from me?¡± Ninained and


    rested her cheek on her palm with a sorrowful expression. ¡°Are you really going to Ustrana, Ery? What


    if someone bullies you there? My fist can''t reach that far. Also, I heard boys in that country mature


    really quickly! There are a lot of schools there with co-ed dormitories, so you better be careful about


    that when you go there! Hey, do you understand what I mean by ''that''? Ah, well, I''m just going to be


    straight with you. If you really, really can''t stop thirsting after foreign hotties, remember to tell him to use


    a condom!¡±


    On the screen, Nina was currently sitting in a restaurant, as though she was waiting for her food to


    come after cing her order.


    Behind her was the restaurant''s wall, and there was a pretty big television hanging on the wall.


    There was a news report on the television at the moment. As the reporter spoke, bold and clear


    subtitles could be seen talking about a fifty-six-year-old rich businessman who recently got a daughter.


    The identity of the mother was unknown.


    ¡°Ery? Ery? Are you listening to me?¡± When Nina saw Avery staring at the screen unmovingly with an


    odd expression, she got worried.


    She quickly shook her phone and asked, ¡°Can you hear me, Ery? Don''t scare me like that!¡±


    Avery was currently very sensitive. She made a promise to herself after she left the hospital that she


    wouldn''t ever think about her baby anymore. However, it was easier said than done.


    The baby was her biological child, after all.


    It was making her feel crazy. What''s the point of thinking about it? I mustn''t think about it!


    After the video call ended, Avery went to ssh some water on her face.


    However, that wasn''t enough to calm her down.


    She was projecting her childhood experiences onto her baby, probably because she was abandoned


    by her mother when she was a child.


    Avery couldn''t forget her awful childhood. She didn''t have her mother¡ªonly her grandfather and father.


    Her father spent all his time working overseas to earn money as her grandfather slowly got old. Her


    neighbors wouldn''t stop talking about her parents, so she often heard bad things mentioned about her


    and her family as she grew up.


    She grew up with low self-esteem thanks to the bullying.


    It was never clear to her why her ssmates bullied her just because she didn''t have a mother. All she


    could hear were relentless mockery and insults repeating next to her ears.


    Sometimes, she hated her mother for that.


    Avery closed her eyes. The news about the middle-aged wealthy businessman getting a daughter and


    that the identity of the mother was unknown kept repeating in her mind.


    At that moment, she had be the type of woman she hated the most¡ªa mother who didn''t take on


    the responsibility of caring for her child after giving birth.


    Upon returning to her bedroom, she picked up her phone and searched for all pieces of news about the


    businessman and his daughter.


    She found out that the businessman was forty-six years old, had thinning hair, a pretty well-maintain


    body, and a tall stature.


    Avery couldn''t confirm if he were the father based only on that information. Oh, wait, his voice!


    She began looking for any video clips where the businessman spoke in order to know if the man''s


    voice matched the one she had heard back then.


    Sadly, her efforts were futile. Even after her phone''s battery died, she still couldn''t find a video clip with


    his voice in it.


    Despair dominated her heart.


    On the eastern side of Ackletony the rich and powerful Moore family and their residence.


    Inside the mansion''s dining room, there were a lot of dishes ced on the table as it was time for a


    meal.


    Almost all the men and women of the family had arrived. The two-month-old baby was lying next to


    Jeffrey in a crib.


    Jeffrey was sitting in a wheelchair as he stared at his great-grandchild inside the crib. ¡°This baby looks


    just like Cayden. I bet he''ll grow up to be a formidable figure to outsiders!¡±


    He was quite pleased.


    The members of the Moore family all smiled as they sat around the table, even though some of them


    were feeling pretty angry.


    Jeffrey yed with his great-grandson for a long while before he raised his head and spoke resolutely.


    ¡°Without Cayden and his hard work for the past two years, the Moore family would''ve likely fallen into


    ruins! Does anyone disagree with that fact?¡±


    No one disagreed, but no one agreed either.


    Even though Jeffrey was old, his eyes still remained sharp. He swept his gaze past his family and


    studied their expressions. ¡°I''m old now, and it''s time for me to hand the family to the younger


    generation.¡± When he finished, he turned to Kendrick Moore. ¡°You should follow your brother''s


    example, Kendrick!¡±


    Kendrick casually replied with an ¡°okay¡± and stayed silent.


    ¡°What''s the meaning of this, Dad?¡± Lily Berry stood up with a bitter expression. ¡°Cayden is your


    grandson, yes, but Kendrick is your grandson too, you know? What you said is an insult to me! How is


    my Kendrick any worse than Cayden?¡±


    The only reason Lily had the guts to say that was because Cayden was absent.


    Jeffrey only had one son, and his son had two sons, Cayden and Kendrick.


    Cayden was mature, vicious, and an expert in the business world.


    His stepbrother, however, was a yboy who spent all his time on women.


    As for whether Kendrick had the spirit of an entrepreneur or not, that was something only he knew and


    no one else.


    Jeffrey ignored Lily''s protest. The matter of handing my position to someone else is very important. If


    emotions are involved, and a mistake is made, it''ll send our entire century-old family business into an


    early grave.


    ¡°Turn on the video call. There''s something I want to discuss with Cayden,¡± he ordered.


    His subordinate quickly made the call and put the device in front of him.


    ¡°What''s the matter, Grandpa?¡± Cayden was currently on an overseas business trip. He was sitting on a


    chair inside a professional office.


    ¡°It''s time for us to give my great-grandson a name. I gave it some thought, and I want to call him


    Mason. I hope he''ll grow up to be as creative, shrewd, and hardworking as the great masons of old!¡±


    Jeffrey said.


    Lily sat back down angrily when she realized she was being ignored.


    Cayden didn''t give his grandfather an answer immediately. Instead, he furrowed his eyebrows for a few


    seconds before replying in a firm tone, ¡°Grandpa, that sounds like a good name, but I want to call him


    Zachary instead.¡±


    ¡°That''s not a bad name either!¡± Jeffrey promptly turned to the baby in the crib and smiled. ¡°You have a


    name now, and it''s Ary!¡±


    As for his great-granddaughter, Jeffrey was going to let Cayden decide the name because Cayden


    wanted her to pick an official one herself when she was older.


    Soon, it was time for Avery to head overseas.


    She didn''t leave with Mna because Henrietta had already sent Mna to Ustrana a month earlier to


    adapt to life there.


    ¡°Once you arrive, please help me take care of Mna and Ery,¡± Leonardo reminded Zayne Richter.


    Zayne was a one hundred and eighty centimeters tall, handsome young man. He was Nina''s brother,


    and he also nned to study overseas.


    He didn''t know where he wanted to go until his sister told him that Avery was heading to Ustrana. That


    was how he decided to go to Ustrana, too.


    Every man likely had their first crush before, and Avery was Zayne''s first crush.


    ¡°Take care of Ery.¡± Nina held her brother tightly and whispered next to his ear, ¡°No need to take care of


    Mna unless you want trouble knocking on your door.¡±


    Zayne was rendered speechless.


    As Avery and he waited in a line at the security check, she frequently turned back to wave at her aging


    dad as tears welled in her eyes. This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 5

    Chapter 5


    When Avery stepped into the busy city that was Ackleton again, it was five yearster.


    She had left her birthce for nearly two thousand days. It wasn''t exactly short, but it didn''t feel long to


    her either.


    Once, she was crushed by the cruel hands of fate, unable to fight back.


    Currently, all she wanted was to shape her own future with her hard work.


    ¡°Ery, over here!¡± Nina rolled the car window down at the side of the road, allowing the morning sunlight


    to illuminate the interior. Then she waved at Avery, who was walking out of a residential area.


    Five years had passed. Both of them were no longer the young and inexperienced women they once


    were.


    When Avery and Zayne returned to the country yesterday, Nina picked them up at the airport.


    That night, Zayne brought Avery back to the Richter residence for dinner.


    His parents were really happy with Avery being their future daughter-inw.


    Zayne was supposed to attend an interview at apany in the morning with Avery. However, he


    couldn''t go with her due to an emergency.


    Avery hopped into Nina''s car and fastened her seatbelt on the passenger seat.


    ¡°Did you know what my mom said after you and my brother leftst night?¡± Nina asked.


    ¡°What did they say?¡± Avery was worried Zayne''s parents didn''t like her.


    ¡°My mom said, ''Look at how fair Ery''s skin is! She''s so gentle and elegant, unlike you! You should take


    a look at yourself in the mirror and see why there''s such a big difference between the both of you!


    You''re just an unemployed person who swears and behaves udylike!¡±¡® Nina spoke as she couldn''t


    help but touch her friend''s tender cheeks. ¡°Tsk, tsk. Foreign air sure is nourishing.¡±


    ¡°Not at all. You never left your home. You don''t know how hard it is living overseas.¡± Avery pped her


    friend''s hand away. ¡°Drive properly.¡±


    Both of them continued chatting.


    When they arrived at Trident Group, there were twenty minutes left until nine o''clock.


    ¡°My brother better not bete! The boss is an inhumane tyrant!¡± Nina grumbled as she sent a message


    on WhatsApp to her brother, urging him toe soon.


    Avery became anxious when she heard that.


    Upon turning on her phone, she searched for any information about the boss of Trident Group, hoping


    she would find information that would help her out in the interview.


    There were many search results, although many of them were rumors and gossip.


    Although, she did learn that the CEO of the Moore family business, Trident Group, was a man called


    Cayden Moore. He was twenty-nine years old that year. As for whether he was single, no one in the


    media industry had any news about his private life.


    Thest name Moore was a little special to Avery.


    However, the special ce that name held in her heart had long been buried under the passage of


    time, as she was no longer the girl who once had a thing for romance.


    The news also mentioned something big that happened in the family five years ago. It was about the


    battle between two heirs trying to inherit the family business.


    Kendrick, who had always been seen as the heir to inherit the family and its business, was taken out in


    one night.


    Cayden, a member of the Moore family who came out of nowhere, was suddenly recognized by Jeffrey.


    He then took over the CEO position and sessfully resurrected the family''s dying business.


    A member of the Moore family who came out of nowhere... It seems like this news is dissing Cayden by


    indirectly saying that he''s a bastard who was taken in by the Moore family. Avery was deep in her


    thoughts as she stared at the phone.


    When Zayne stepped into the intimidatingly tall building of Trident Group, fear rose in his heart.


    He arrived at thepany as soon as he could. When he saw such a giganticpany, he couldn''t


    help but worry, especially when he had researched thepany''s history before. I really don''t want to


    embarrass myself in front of Avery. I must pass this interview!


    Inside an office in the building, there were five high-ranking officials of thepany participating in the


    interview. One of them was the most powerful man in and the boss of Trident Group, Cayden.


    After another graduatepleted their interview, one of the interviewers turned to Cayden to determine


    what his boss was thinking by observing thetter''s expression.


    When the interviewer did so, he noticed his boss was paying attention to the surveince monitor. What


    is he looking at? When did he start staring?


    ¡°Next,¡± another interviewer said.


    The surveince camera outside of the room was monitoring the various men and women waiting for


    their interviews. With that camera, the interviewers could urately determine the status of the


    interviewees in private by observing their behavior.


    Cayden was staring at one girl¡ªno¡ªwoman with aplicated look.


    Twenty-three-year-old Avery had long shed her youthful, inexperienced self and developed extremely


    well. Whether in terms of her body or the way she acted, she was exuding a uniquelydy-like aura.


    Cayden suddenly felt as though he was dragged back to five years ago. He recalled how she moaned


    under him every night back then.


    T¨ºxt belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°My brother will be here soon.¡± Nina gently nudged Avery in the corridor outside.


    Avery returned to her senses and stopped staring at the phone. I wonder if it''s because it happened a


    long time ago or because my memories are getting faulty that I feel Cayden looks kind of... familiar. He


    looks quite a lot like a senior who yed basketball in high school. They even share the same family


    name, Moore.


    It was then that Zayne arrived at Avery''s side. He lovingly caressed Avery''s head and apologized,


    ¡°Sorry, I''mte.¡±


    ¡°It''s fine. It''s not our turn yet,¡± Avery replied understandingly.


    Nina pouted. ¡°You two are making me, a single woman, very jealous! Can''t you two stop the lovey-


    dovey act for now? I''m going to die if I have to watch you two act like that any longer!¡±


    ¡°Does that mean you''ll be dying again and again after I marry Ery?¡±


    ¡°Do it quickly!¡± Nina stared at her brother excitedly. ¡°Mom and Dad were very satisfied with Ery


    yesterday! Once your jobs be stable, hurry up and get married!¡±


    Zayne nodded and couldn''t help but turn to look at Avery.


    Thetter appeared to be a little conflicted.


    The reason she could live a happy life and step out of her awful past was because of Zayne''s constant


    care andfort.


    Before Zayne confessed to her, she could feel what he thought of her. Because of her low self-esteem


    that stemmed from her tragic past, she began to distance herself from Zayne, either intentionally or


    unintentionally. She would go so far as to distance herself from any man.


    And yet, Zayne never stopped chasing after her love and caring for her, even in her darkest days and


    even when he found out about the past that she was ashamed of.


    To her surprise, he didn''t loathe her for it, and he certainly didn''t think ¡°giving birth to a baby for an


    unfamiliar man¡± was her fault.


    It made her feel very lucky.


    ¡°Next, Zayne Richter!¡±


    ¡°I''ll be going ahead now.¡± Zayne gripped her hand tightly before letting go.


    ¡°Go.¡± Avery nodded.


    When he entered the room, he instantly felt a cold re aiming at him. Upon tracing the source of that


    re, he saw the legendary young boss of Trident Group.


    Cayden had seen everything Zayne was doing outside.


    The entire interview process was professional, formal, and serious.


    Zayne was pretty exceptional, so he was able to deal with all the interviewers'' questions efficiently.


    Cayden''s line of sight once again turned to the surveince monitor.


    He could see Avery staring at the door, slightly biting her lip, and crossing her fingers as though she


    was anxious about someone''s interview result.

 Chapter 6

    Chapter 6


    Ten minutester, Zayne''s interview ended.


    When he exited the room, Avery immediately stood up and asked, ¡°How was it?¡±


    ¡°The interviewers'' questions were pretty tough, but it''s nothing we can''t handle.¡± He couldn''t help but


    kiss her forehead. ¡°Overall, I''d say it''s pretty good.¡±


    Avery let out a sigh of relief.


    ¡°Next, Avery Rumpley,¡± the female secretary called again.


    Avery tidied her clothes and entered the room anxiously.


    The moment she stepped in, Cayden''splicated looknded on her.


    She sat properly, raised her head, and exchanged nces with every interviewer.


    Then she introduced herself briefly, ¡°Good morning, interviewers. First of all, I would like to say that I''m


    d all of you gave me a chance for this interview. I''m Avery Rumpley.¡±


    Before she decided to return to her birth country to work, she had thought about what she should say


    when the interview started.


    Perhaps her opening wasn''t that fancy, but it definitely was reliable and faultless.


    As the interview continued, Cayden studied her coldly.


    Avery felt very ufortable as she answered the interviewers'' questions smoothly. It was likely


    because he was staring at her a little too hard.


    It wasn''t just an ordinary difort. She felt as though there were needles prickling her entire body.


    Back when Avery first stepped into the room, she did nce at Cayden.


    However, because it was a formal interview, she had to maintain her professionalism. While she had a


    lot of questions, she couldn''t let them distract her.


    ¡°Are you married, Ms. Rumpley?¡± Cayden asked coldly as he interrupted the interviewers. His abrupt


    question bbergasted all the interviewers.


    The interviewers all stopped their professional exchange with Avery and turned to their boss.


    ¡°No.¡± Avery was barely able to reply calmly because she was totally freaking out by that abrupt


    question.


    ¡°Then do you already have someone you n to marry?¡± Cayden furrowed his eyebrow and asked


    again.


    She paused and nodded. ¡°Yes.¡±


    The interviewers had no idea why their boss was asking a question like that.


    During that short exchange, she was able to study Cayden''s delicate facial features in detail. He really


    does look like the senior I met during my high school years before.


    The sessful businessman in front of her was very different from the teenage boy she once saw


    during her school years.


    Whether in terms of his demeanor or appearance, Cayden left a very cold and ruthless impression on


    Avery.


    Once the interview ended, Avery walked out of the room, exhausted.


    ¡°How did it go? Tell me!¡± Nina asked first.


    Avery replied with a confounded expression, ¡°The interviewer asked me if I''m already married and if I


    already have someone I n to marry.¡±


    Zayne furrowed his eyebrows when he heard that. What kind of question is that? Why is the interviewer


    asking about her private life?


    Nina reassured, ¡°That''s normal. It''s just how things go here. You should be d that they didn''t ask if


    you already have a kid.¡±


    ¡°But why would they ask that?¡± Avery asked perplexingly when they arrived at the bottom floor.


    ¡°Because if someone has a child, their work may get dyed or interrupted.¡± Nina stared at her brother


    and Avery. ¡°There''s a lot of discrimination against married women, especially if they have children, at


    companies in this country. I know it seems shocking because you''ve just returned from overseas. You''ll


    get used to it.¡±


    That afternoon, Zayne and Avery got a call that they were getting two months'' probation at the


    company. If they managed to pass various examinations after the probation ended, they would be able


    to stay in Trident Group as official employees.


    The next day, Nina and Zayne came to pick up Avery before heading to work.


    ¡°I''m nning to buy my own car, so we don''t need to ride my sister''s car anymore,¡± Zayne told Avery


    before he walked into the design department.


    ¡°What, you don''t like me getting in between you two''s alone time?¡± Nina teased as she intentionally


    walked in between them.


    Avery smiled. ¡°Both of you don''t need to pick me up starting tomorrow. It''s too troublesome to drive to


    my residential area just to pick me up. Besides, it''s not that bad riding the subway.¡±


    It was the first day of work, so Avery was working exceptionally hard.


    During the afternoon, Zayne was suddenly summoned to go on a business trip to another state by a


    senior in his department.


    Before he left, he grabbed his work-onlyptop, hurriedly bade Avery goodbye, and headed downstairs.


    He was pretty confused by what the design department was doing. Aren''t they afraid a newbie like me


    will mess up or lower the efficiency of the team''s work? N?velDrama.Org owns this.


    Avery didn''t think about it too much as she familiarized herself with her work.


    When it was about time to get off work, Nina arrived at her side. ¡°It''s been decided that you''ll be having


    dinner at my house tonight. Your future mother-inw has invited you.¡±


    Avery was familiarizing herself with thepany''s outstanding blueprints in the past years. When she


    heard what Nina said, she raised her head and informed with a bitter smile, ¡°I just got the news that I


    need to work overtime...¡±


    Nina widened her eyes before she quickly returned to her desk and checked her email. Crap! We really


    do need to work overtime! Sure, the design department has frequent overtime work, but Avery and


    Zayne are way too unlucky. Zayne was sent on a business trip on his first day here, while Avery is


    forced to work overtime!


    Both women ate boxed dinners with their colleagues before working overtime.


    It wasn''t until half past ten in the night that Nina and two other women were allowed to return home by


    their supervisor.


    Avery continued to work.


    Still feeling the effects of the time difference between two different countries, she was feeling very


    sleepy.


    She stood, grabbed a cup, and went to pour herself a cup of coffee.


    When she returned, the supervisor saw her and said, ¡°The boss wants this blueprint. Send it to him


    quickly.¡±


    Avery immediately put her cup down and left the design department with the blueprint.


    There were only three people left in the room¡ªthe supervisor, a senior designer, and her, the newbie


    learning the ropes.


    So, it was only natural that she was asked to take the blueprint to the boss.


    When Avery entered the elevator, Cayden''s delicate and cold face surfaced in her mind.


    The elevator reached all the way to the top floor.


    It took a while before she found her way to the CEO''s office.


    She knocked on the door.


    ¡°Come in.¡± Cayden''s voice sounded deep but indifferent.


    Avery pushed the door open and strolled toward therge desk in the cool-colored office. Then she


    ced the blueprint on the table and said, ¡°Here''s the blueprint you want, Mr. Moore.¡±


    Cayden was also buried in his work as he grabbed the blueprint and looked at it. Just as she was about


    to leave, he suddenly lifted his head and gazed at her.


    Avery couldn''t help but stand still out of politeness because she wasn''t sure if he had other orders for


    her.


    Cayden''s line of sight was fixed on her for a long while. Hmm, she has be more mature


    appearance-wise after these five years. Her chest and bosom have certainly gotten more voluptuous.


    Not to mention her beauty and aura are top-notch.


    ¡°You can get off work now. Go back and prepare yourself for a business trip with me tomorrow.¡± He


    looked away and shifted his focus back to his work again.


    She wanted to say she wasn''t capable enough for that yet, but from his cold, resolute tone, it was


    pretty clear he wasn''t going to take no for an answer.


    All she could do was nod and leave.


    Cayden stared at her again when she turned around. Her back utterly mesmerized him, especially her


    slim, sexy hips.


    It wasn''t until momentster that he realized his throat and chest were going numb as a primal desire


    awoken in him.

 Chapter 7

    Chapter 7


    Avery left.


    Immediately, Cayden ced the blueprint in his hands down. He got out of his seat and headed to his


    wine cab to grab a bottle of wine. Then, he poured himself half a ss. With a frown, he downed


    the contents.


    My d*mn desire!


    It waste when Avery left the office, but luckily, she was still in time to take thest subway home.


    Once she reached home, she typed a simple reply to Zayne''s WhatsApp message.


    After she had sent it, she pulled out her suitcase and started packing for her business trip the next day.


    At that moment, her phone rang.


    It was a call from Zayne.


    ¡°Why aren''t you asleep yet? I told you not to call me and get an early night of rest.¡± Avery spoke with


    concern after picking up.


    ¡°I still have some work to do, so I took my things back to the hotel room to work overtime,¡± Zayne


    exined. After a short pause, he asked, ¡°I saw your reply on WhatsApp. Why do you have to go on a


    business trip too? Who will you be traveling with?¡±


    ¡°I still do not know the details, but I''ll probably get it tomorrow morning.¡±


    Frowning at Avery''s response, Zayne nagged, ¡°If you are going to travel with a male colleague, you


    better keep your distance from them. After all, you just started working there and don''t know them well


    enough.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I know that,¡± Avery acknowledged. Following that, she could hear door knocks over the phone.


    It sounded like someone was trying to tear down Zayne''s door and break into his room.


    ¡°What''s going on?¡± Avery anxiously questioned.


    ¡°N-Nothing,¡± Zayne stammered. Without exining further, he quickly added, ¡°Let me see what''s


    happening outside. I''ll call you back.¡±


    Before Avery could ask him any more questions, she heard him cut the call.


    ncing between her suitcase and her phone, Avery started to worry about Zayne. She wondered if


    anything had happened to him while he was in a foreign ce.


    Anyhow, the night passed peacefully.


    In the morning, Avery received a call from her colleague.


    Following her colleague''s instructions, she waited at the front of her residential area for them to pick


    her up. She was exhausted as she had been waiting all night for Zayne to call her back. However, there


    was still no news from him.


    Whenever she tried to dial his number, she would hear an automatic response that he had turned his


    phone off.


    Ten minutester, a ck Bentley stopped in front of her, and a man and woman climbed out of the car.


    Although they already knew each other, they introduced themselves again before they all got into the


    car.


    It would take seven hours by car to get to the city. There, they had to travel around by car too.


    Therefore, the management had arranged for the male colleague to drive the ck Bentley there for


    convenience.


    On the way there, Avery chatted with her colleagues, and they got along well.


    It was already noon when they reached Hallsbay.


    After they arrived at the hotel lobby, Cecelia, Avery''s female colleague, suggested, ¡°Let''s go up to our


    respective rooms to wash up and get some rest. We can contact each other when it''s dinner time.¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Avery replied with a nod.


    After dragging her suitcase to her hotel room, she bathed and changed into her pajamas. Then, she


    took out her work attire to iron them.


    Satisfied, she hung them up.


    Once she finished unpacking her clothes and got everything in order, she nced at her phone and


    looked at the time. It was already four in the evening.


    Zayne had neither called her nor sent her a text sincest night.


    Concerned, Avery tried to call Zayne again since she still had time to spare.


    Finally, his phone was switched on.


    However, no one picked up the call after a few rings.


    It made Avery uneasy. She tried to call him again, but Zayne rejected her call.


    Secondster, she received Zayne''s WhatsApp message: Sorry, I''m busy now and can''te to the


    phone. I will call you back as soon as possible.


    Lowering her head, Avery replied to him: I see. You can carry on with your work then.


    It seemed like everything was fine on his end. Maybe a drunkard knocked on his hotel door by mistake


    last night.


    Once she finished replying to him, she ced her phone down and thought about what to do.


    Just then, her phone vibrated.


    Without missing a beat, she turned back to grab her phone.


    It was a WhatsApp message that did not make sense to Avery.


    More surprisingly, it was from Zayne, who said he was busy.


    Avery frowned at his message and immediately asked him what he meant.


    About a minuteter, Zayne replied: I was working on a design and identally touched the keyboard.


    Avery did not think much about his exnation regarding the string of words he previously sent.


    Ding!


    Someone rang her doorbell.


    ¡°Who is it?¡± Since Avery was in a foreignnd, she had her guard up.


    The voice of a middle-aged man sounded. ¡°Ms. Rumpley, I am Mr. Moore''s assistant, Xavier. I''m afraid


    I''ll need you to open your door.¡±


    Xavier was Cayden''s most trusted assistant, and everyone at Trident Group knew who he was. Even


    though Avery was new, she was not oblivious to it.


    ¡°Hello,¡± Avery politely greeted when she opened the door. To her surprise, she spotted two children


    standing outside too.


    There was one boy and one girl. They had bright eyes, pearly white teeth, and exquisite features.


    In his suit, Xavier looked out of ce standing there. In an exasperated tone, he exined, ¡°They are


    Mr. Moore''s children. As Mr. Moore is out for business, there is no one to take care of them, so...¡±


    Instantly, Avery felt a bad premonition in the pit of her stomach.


    She did not hate taking care of children. However, she came here on a business trip and not as a


    babysitter.


    Besides, she had another reason for rejecting his request. While caring for those two children, she was


    afraid they would remind her of her child.


    ¡°I-I''ll be good...¡± The girl, Rory, timidly murmured as she looked up at Avery with her innocent puppy


    eyes.


    ¡°Zach...¡± the little girl cooed at her brother when she realized he did not say a word. Pouting, she


    tugged the boy''s shirt and nudged him to say something.


    Amused, Avery turned her attention to the boy. He was slightly taller than his sister.


    Although he seemed cold and unapproachable, he doted on his sister. Therefore, he reluctantly


    muttered, ¡°I will listen to you too.¡±


    ¡°I''m afraid I''ll have to bother you to look after them first. Apologies, Ms. Rumpley. I have something on


    and need to get going,¡± Xavier uttered after ncing at the time on his watch.


    With that, he left before Avery could even reject him.


    Reluctantly, Avery turned to the children and invited them into her room. ¡°Both of you cane in first.¡±


    Rory took the initiative to hold her brother''s hand before walking into the hotel room.


    ¡°Would any of you like to drink something?¡± Avery was unsure how to handle the children, especially


    since they were her boss'' children.


    ¡°Milk,¡± Rory replied as she made herselffortable on the couch.


    Hearing that, Avery quickly searched for milk. She realized how expensive it was. While it would cost


    less than five bucks in the supermarket, it cost eighty-nine in the hotel.


    Sighing at the exorbitant price she had to pay, Avery opened the milk carton and poured two cups for


    the two children.


    Zachary did not touch it.


    On the other hand, Rory was swinging her legs on the couch while enjoying her ss of milk. She even


    licked her lips when she finished the milk, unwilling to waste any drop.


    Meanwhile, Avery awkwardly sat on the chair, looking at the siblings on the couch. ¡°Are both of you


    twins?¡± She tried to make conversation.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Zachary replied curtly and red in Avery''s direction. His gaze showed contempt for her.


    This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Idiot! Everyone can tell that we are twins by how simr we look.

 Chapter 8

    Chapter 8


    When Avery met Zachary''s icy cold gaze, she immediately kept quiet.


    Time ticked by.


    ¡°It seems quite awkward here.¡± The boy was first to break the silence.


    His sister nodded in agreement.


    Avery did not know what to say.


    ¡°Ms. Rumpley, call our father now to tell him that you don''t want to look after us,¡± Zachary continued,


    and his tone sounded offensive.


    Yet, Avery found the need to rify things. ¡°I don''t think that way.¡±


    How would she dare to say otherwise? After all, they were her boss'' children. She was afraid to face


    Cayden''s wrath if she told him she was unwilling to babysit them.


    ¡°Since you are okay with taking care of us, shouldn''t you put more effort and act like it?¡± Zachary spat


    coldly, unconvinced by Avery''s words.


    Wow, she is stupider than any other woman.


    Still, Avery kept quiet.


    It was my fault for not taking reading my almanac before heading out. Tough luck!


    Noticing how ufortable Avery seemed, Rory angrily dragged her brother away. ¡°Zach,e with


    me.¡±


    When Avery saw the two children disappear into the restroom, she felt like she could breathe again.


    In the restroom, Rory confronted her brother. ¡°Zach, why did you have to act like that in front of her?¡±


    ¡°She has a hidden agenda.¡± Feeling distressed by how clueless his sister seemed, Zachary spoke


    seriously. ¡°She is willing to take care of us only because she wants to marry Daddy.¡±


    ¡°She wants to marry Daddy?¡± Rory did not understand his point.


    ¡°At least other women would have acted like they cared about us and tried to gain our favor. However,


    this woman is different. She did not even try!¡±


    If she marries our Daddy in the future, she would not even spare a nce at us.


    Even so, Rory stood her ground and insisted, ¡°Great-grandpa told us not to judge a book by its cover!¡±


    ¡°I don''t care about what you think anymore. Regardless, I will only acknowledge the woman who


    birthed us as our mother!¡± Zachary growled in frustration.


    Yet, Rory ignorantly retaliated, ¡°Great-grandpa told me that we were harvested in the vegetable yard!¡±


    ¡°Silly girl!¡± Zachary''s face was red with anger. Without a word, he left the restroom.


    His temper took Avery by surprise.


    ¡°Sorry, it''s my fault. I don''t know how to interact with children, and I ended up ruining the atmosphere,¡±


    Avery guiltily stated.


    ¡°No, it''s Zach''s fault!¡± Rory looked up and whined.


    ¡°Would you like to watch cartoons?¡± Trying to salvage the situation, Avery spoke in a gentle tone. She


    got up to pick up the remote control. ¡°Do you want to watch Spongebob Square Pants or the Boonie


    Bears?¡±


    ¡°Childish!¡± Zachary could not help but hiss at her again.


    Instantly, Avery felt awkward, and they fell into an awkward silence again.


    ¡°Do you know how old we are?¡± Rory innocently asked.


    In response, Avery questioned, ¡°How old are you?¡±


    ¡°We are both five years old,¡± Rory replied.


    ¡°Have both of you started school?¡± If they did, they should be at school since it''s a Thursday.


    ¡°Yes, we are attending private schooling. Daddy suggested taking us out, and he even told us there is a


    huge Ferris wheel in this city.¡± Roryid out the details.


    Avery nodded.


    Abruptly, Zachary requested, ¡°Can I borrow your phone? I want to call Daddy,¡±


    Although Avery was stunned by his request, she still handed her phone to Zachary.


    Without holding back, the little boy grabbed Avery''s phone and started to look for Cayden''s number.


    When Zachary couldn''t find it in her contacts, he tried looking for his father''s WhatsApp. However, there


    was no history of her conversation with Cayden.


    ¡°Don''t you have any way ofmunicating with our father?¡± Zachary raised his brows and questioned.


    Shaking her head, Avery answered, ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Zachary frowned in disbelief.


    ¡°I told you she isn''t an evil woman who wants to be our stepmother!¡± Sitting in a corner, Rory shot


    her brother an annoyed look and pouted.


    Hearing that, Zachary felt slightly guilty. He shifted his gaze to Rory and did not dare look in Avery''s


    direction.


    Finally, Avery understood the situation.


    She knew why Zachary seemed to hate her so much.


    ¡°I have to exin myself.¡± ncing at the two children, Avery continued, ¡°Your father asked Mr.


    Dartsley to look after both of you. However, he had some matters to attend to, so he asked for my help.


    Your father and I have no personal rtionship, and we are strictly in a boss and employee situation.¡±


    There was a growing sense of intrigue in Zachary''s eyes.


    Avery did not stop there. ¡°Your father is not like anybody else. Some people are born into a reputable


    family, while others have to lead an ordinary life. They typically pursue different things and run in


    parallel circles. Do you understand?¡±


    ¡°No...¡± Rory replied while shaking her head.


    Then, Avery looked at Zachary.


    ¡°You are trying to say that Daddy is from a reputable family while you are from an ordinary family,¡± he


    said.


    ¡°Although that sounded harsh, you had perfectly summarized my point. There is a wide gap between


    your father and me. Thus, you don''t have to worry. Even if your father were the only man left on Earth,


    it would still be impossible for me to be your stepmother. Is that clearer?¡±


    Rory nced at Avery and gave a slight nod.


    ¡°All right, let''s make things lighter.¡± With a smile, Avery introduced herself, ¡°I am Avery, and you can call


    me Ms. Ery.¡±


    ¡°I am Rory,¡± the little girl sweetly announced.


    ¡°I am Zachary, and you can call me Zach.¡± Zachary gave in and stopped being as hostile as he was


    before.


    Rory?


    Zachary?


    Mysteriously, Avery felt destined to meet these two children.


    After they cleared up the misunderstanding, the two children became more friendly.


    It was almost dinner time when Avery''s colleagues canceled their dinner ns.


    Her other two colleagues had to rush off to deal with some work. Therefore, they could only grab a


    quick bite. On the other hand, Avery''s task was taking care of Cayden''s children.


    Avery was cautious initially as she did not want them to bump into something and get hurt. If they did,


    she could not bear responsibility for it. They ended up ying on the carpet, and Avery''s heart started


    aching.


    My child is probably the same age as Rory and Zach.


    It was as though Avery could see her child in Rory''s and Zachary''s happy faces.


    N?velDrama.Org owns this.


    I wonder if my child has grown up well.


    Soon, it was dinner time, and Avery brought the children out to eat.


    The hotel restaurant had all kinds of services. Rory sat in the restaurant and spotted other children


    having fried chicken on the table beside them.


    ¡°Wipe that away! It''s gross!¡± Zachary furrowed his brows and chided.


    Hurriedly, Avery took a tissue to wipe Rory''s saliva.


    ¡°Does your father forbid you to have fried chicken?¡± Avery thought Rory looked deprived. If my child


    wanted fried chicken so much, I would have caved in and made an exception.


    Rory nodded, with her eyes still fixated on the fried chicken ced on the table beside them. In a daze,


    she did not even realize that the fork in her hands had dropped onto the floor.


    ¡°Excuse me.¡± Avery waved her hands.


    Ten minutester, the waiter served two pieces of fried chicken to their table.


    Instead of having one piece each, Zachary gave his share to Rory. Although he wanted to try it, he said


    otherwise. ¡°You can have this. Daddy said that men have to stick to their principles.¡±


    Avery said nothing, but she was impressed and taken aback by how much self-control the little boy had


    over his temptations.


    Some people could embark on extraordinary paths to achieve sess. However, their journeys might


    not be as smooth as they seemed on the surface. Behind the scenes, one would not see how much


    restraint and discipline they had.


    It probably was the case for Cayden.


    Looking at the boy''s cold demeanor, Avery could not help but recall what Nina had previously told her.


    She said Cayden was a heartless tyrant at work.


    It seemed like Zachary was a replica of his father.

 Chapter 9

    Chapter 9


    Eating fried chicken behind her father''s back made Rory ted. On the way back to the hotel room,


    Rory stuck close to Avery and hugged her thigh.


    With the little girl''s arms around her leg, Avery found it difficult to walk freely.


    Despite so, they managed to make it back to the hotel room.


    ¡°It''s gettingte. Let me walk you back to your rooms so you can go to bed,¡± Avery suggested while the


    children were watching cartoons on the television.


    Tearing his eyes away from the screen, Zachary shrugged. ¡°We don''t have our keycard.¡±


    Meanwhile, Rory was hugging Avery''s arms with her eyes half closed. She was dozing off.


    How are they going to get back to their rooms without their keycard?


    Avery was caught in a dilemma.


    She did not know how long it would take for Cayden to finish his business and return to the hotel.


    ¡°Let me call Mr. Dartsley.¡± As Rory was drifting off to sleep in her arms, Avery could not move.


    Therefore, she asked Zachary to get her phone.


    Zachary obediently passed her phone to her.


    Then, Avery tried to ask her colleagues for Xavier''s number.


    It did not take long for Xavier to pick up. ¡°Sorry to bother you, Ms. Rumpley. Mr. Moore is having dinner


    with a few people from the upper management. I''m afraid he can''t leave here for a while. Could you let


    the two children sleep in your room for tonight?¡±


    His answer rendered Avery speechless as she could not reject him.


    After much persuasion, the siblings finally fell into a deep slumber.


    Zachary slept on the left side of the bed, while Rory slept on the right.


    They looked like they were sleeping peacefully.


    As quietly as possible, Avery tidied up the restroom and neatly ced the children''s clothes on the


    couch. After she covered the children with the nket, she climbed onto the middle of the bed.


    Fortunately, the bed was big enough for the three of them.


    Tired out from babysitting the children, Avery did not take more than five minutes to fall asleep.


    Halfway through the night, Avery felt her phone vibrating under her pillow.


    She tiredly tried to open her eyes and reach for her phone.


    While in a daze, she stared at the unknown number on her phone screen.


    139-090-9999.


    T¨ºxt belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    It is a nice number for a spam call harassing me at an ungodly hour.


    Avery picked up the call and rudely stated, ¡°Who are you?¡±


    ¡°Open the door. It''s me.¡± A man''s deep voice sounded from the other end of the line. Perhaps, it was


    because Avery was still groggy, but his voice sounded attractive to her.


    ¡°Open the door? Who are you?¡±


    Worn out from taking care of the children, Avery could not process what the man meant.


    For the next few seconds, she only heard breathing on the phone.


    ncing at the two children beside her, Avery suddenly regained her senses. Zachary and Rory.


    ¡°M-Mr. Moore?¡± she cautiously asked.


    ¡°Open the door!¡± the man growled.


    Frightened by his tone, Avery hurriedly scrambled out of bed. She tried to straighten out her pajamas


    before heading to the door.


    I can''t believe I was sleeping like a dead log while my boss came to get his children! Ugh.


    Avery was annoyed.


    While she fussed, Zachary and Rory were still fast asleep, unaffected by what was happening.


    When Avery opened the door, she saw Cayden standing in front of her room. With his eyes closed, he


    leaned against the door frame with his jacket and phone in his other hand. It seemed like he had waited


    for a long time there.


    ¡°M-Mr. Moore,¡± Avery muttered, afraid of his reaction.


    At the sound of her voice, Cayden raised his head to stare at her. Although he reeked of alcohol, he still


    seemed sober and alert. Nothing could cover up the noble aura that radiated from his bones.


    Avery felt like he was staring at her for a long time.


    They did not exchange any other words.


    Awkwardly, Avery stepped aside to let him enter the room and carry his children out.


    When he walked past her, Avery smelled alcohol mixed with nicotine from his clothes.


    Without moving or looking around, Avery stood by the door stoically.


    The light above the door was so bright that she no longer felt sleepy.


    Like a guardian at the door, she kept the door open for her boss to carry his children out.


    Time ticked by, but Avery did not hear any other movements, not the sound of the children waking up.


    Confused, she softly shut the door and padded over to the bedroom.


    There was a light that emitted from themp by the bedside table, and it was not as bright as where


    Avery stood earlier.


    It seemed like a heartwarming setting under the dim lights.


    The family of three had upied the big bed that was hers. After a day of work, the father had fallen


    asleep beside his children.


    Should I wake him up or leave him here? If I wake him up, will he fire me in a fit of anger? However, if I


    let him sleep here, where will I sleep?


    After much deliberation, Avery thought the man had probably mistaken this for his room. If she woke


    him up, she would likely face serious consequences.


    Grabbing a coat, Avery headed out of the door.


    She took her keycard and dialed her other female colleague''s number.


    ¡°Sorry, but the number you have dialed is currently unavable...¡± An automated voice sounded.


    Avery listlessly leaned against the wall.


    She forgot to ask which room her colleague was in.


    After pondering for a long time, she decided to call Xavier.


    No one answered even after it rang for some time. Xavier must be drunk too.


    As there was nothing else Avery could do, she decided to go to the lobby and get another room for


    herself.


    Yet, the hotel staff told her, ¡°I apologize, Ms. Rumpley. There are currently no rooms avable. You will


    have to book the rooms here a week in advance.¡±


    ¡°I see. Thank you.¡± Avery returned upstairs at a loss.


    Should I stand outside my room door for the whole night?


    It was about one after midnight when the elevator doors opened.


    A man and two women stepped out from it.


    Both women had heavy makeup on their faces, and the man was in a cowboy fit. With a few scars on


    his face, the man looked intimidating. He threw his arms around the two women and happily nted


    kisses on them.


    When he spotted Avery, the man loosened his grip around the two women beside him. His eyes were


    filled with lust as he snickered, ¡°What is a beauty like you doing outside your room? Why do you look


    so pitiful? Come here and have some fun with me. Are you interested? I assure you that it would be


    fun!¡±


    ¡°Crazy!¡± Avery cursed, and she quickly used her keycard to enter her room. She closed her room door


    and leaned against it like a terrified bunny.


    She took a few deep breaths to calm herself down.


    However, the man started to bang against her door. Intimidated by it, Avery moved away and leaned


    against the restroom door instead.


    She felt her heart pounding in her chest.


    Before she could process what happened, she suddenly felt a pair of warm hands under her jacket,


    reaching upward.


    rmed, she turned around.


    She did not know when the door behind her had slid open, and she lost her bnce. In the end, she fell


    into a man''s embrace.


    ¡°Ah...¡± She lowered her head and screeched but stopped halfway.


    The restroom was dark, and there was steaming from it.


    The only man in the hotel room was Cayden. Therefore, it was not hard to figure out who was pressing


    her against the wall at that moment.


    Avery frowned and tried to push him away but to no avail.


    Suddenly, the contact between them made Avery feel hot.


    Without warning, the man grabbed her tighter and pressed his lips onto hers. Electricity coursed


    through his veins as he exerted more force. It felt like their lips were on fire.


    Startled and scared, Avery could not push him away.


    In the dark room, things were getting more erotic. Avery held her breath and tried to tell him to stop.


    However, her whimper turned into a soft hum against his lips.


    To Cayden, it sounded like music to his ears.

 Chapter 10

    Chapter 10


    A particr part of the man''s body was about to explode.


    There were a few moments Avery had nked out!


    She knitted her brows and reprimanded herself. Why am I like this? How can I allow a stranger''s kiss to


    arouse my body? He''s not even my boyfriend! Avery Rumbley, don''t you dare forget about Zayne! You


    can only have feelings for that man!


    ¡°How dare you zone out when you''re having sex with me?¡± Cayden aggressively removed her white


    jacket.


    Besides the warmth from the man''s wet lips, Avery could also feel his muscr hand pulling away her


    brassiere. His calloused palms had also cupped her smooth and tender bosoms. Ouch. It hurts, and it''s


    ticklish.


    ¡°Touch me,¡± the man whispered in a deep, seductive voice by her ear. He lowered his head and sniffed


    her hair.


    The deep resonance of the man''s husky voice almost took Avery''s breath away!


    Cayden''s body gave off a pleasant scent that smelled like her shower gel. In other words, the man


    must have also used her shower gel earlier.


    Avery knew she would be in danger if she did not retaliate with all her might.


    Since any other forms of resistance would be futile, she had no choice but to resort to the most savage


    tactic she could think of. I''m sorry, boss, but I have to do this to defend my honor!


    Avery, who had gotten used to seeing in the dark, could vaguely see the man''s chiseled face. The dim


    light did not only entuate his surreal charm but also drew her attention to his thin, alluring lips.


    Avery felt she was standing in front of a renowned actor from the adult film industry. She was


    completely spellbound by the way he moved his body.


    Avery pinched the man''s body, mustered the courage, and lifted her leg.


    She bent her knee and kicked him in the private part hard!


    Cayden responded with a deep grunt and knitted his brows but did not utter a word.


    ¡°Let me go!¡± She twisted her body and struggled to pull away from him.


    Yet, the man tightened his grip on her wrist.


    Avery felt the pain but still could not break free from his grip. That''s it. I''m done.


    But the man released her not long after.


    Avery, whose mind had turnedpletely nk, had only one thought in mind. I must run for my life!


    She mmed the door so intensely that it jolted the bed, waking Zachary from his sleep.


    Avery was afraid of wandering in the hotel''s corridor in the middle of the night, but she also could not


    return to the room. She did not even dare step into the restroom as it was tucked away in a quiet


    corner.


    In the end, she decided to take the elevator to get to the ground floor.


    The hotel lobby was brightly lit, and there were two receptionists at the counter and four security


    guards on duty. No one can harass me now. I can get the security''s help since they''re only about six


    feet away.


    Avery felt safe in the hotel lobby.


    ¡°Here you go, miss.¡± One of the receptionists gave her a cup of tea.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Avery took a few sips of the tea to warm her freezing body. It''s going to be a long night,


    but I believe there is light at the end of the tunnel.


    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    The chilly weather woke Avery up the next day. Though she had a nket, she still experienced nasal


    congestion and could feel her body shivering. She had probably caught a cold.


    Now that she was awake, she knew she had to face the music.


    Avery folded her arms and went deep in thought. If he''s going to apologize to me for his behaviorst


    time, I might forgive him. But if he doesn''t show remorse, I''ll resign right away.


    She was aware sexual harassment between a male superior and a female subordinate wasmon


    both abroad and in the country.


    Avery might dodge a bullet by leaving thispany, but she might face the same problem in the next


    one. Some men might think women are vulnerable, but it doesn''t mean we can allow them to do


    anything to us. At least I can''t let that happen to me.


    Avery''s colleagues, Cecelia Zuckerberg and Trevor Lane, who were also on the business trip in


    Hallsbay, went downstairs at around eight in the morning.


    ¡°You''re early, Ery.¡± Cecelia turned around and saw Avery when she was going to have breakfast with


    Trevor.


    Avery tookfort in seeing her fellow colleagues.


    When she was about to get up and leave with her colleagues, the elevator door on her left opened.


    Cayden then walked out with his children.


    The color drained from Avery''s face when she looked at him.


    Cayden, too, met her eyes and noticed how unkempt she was.


    ¡°Mr. Dartsley will take you to breakfast,¡± Cayden lowered his head and said to his twins.


    When Rory walked past Avery while holding Xavier''s hand, she made a cheeky face.


    The little girl''s adorable but mischievous look melted her heart.


    While Xavier was bringing the children to the restaurant for breakfast, he gestured for Trevor and


    Cecelia to tag along.


    Cayden gazed deeply into Avery''s eyes. He inched closer and fixed his eyes on her porcin white


    complexion. ¡°What was I doing in your roomst night?¡±


    ¡°Uh...¡± Avery froze for a moment and lifted her head to look at her boss.


    She did not expect him to initiate the conversation with that question. Did he not remember a thingst


    night? Was he drunk?


    She looked at him. How could he act like nothing had happenedst night? It''s so unfair!


    The man standing before her was about six feet three. Not only was his body slender, but he also had


    broad shoulders and a narrow hip. The white shirt he wore further entuated his muscr physique.


    Cayden looked like a gentleman today. It was as if the bad guy who violently forced himself on Avery


    was someone else.


    ¡°You were drunkst night, Mr. Moore,¡± she answered.


    ¡°I thought so, but I somehow still had bits and pieces ofst night''s memory. Were you the woman?¡± He


    shot another question indifferently.


    His stare caused Avery to panic and gasp. D-Did he think I intentionally dragged him into my room and


    forced myself on him?


    Avery dismissed the thought by waving her hand. ¡°No. Not me. I don''t know what happened in the


    room. After you took over my room, a woman went in but left in five minutes.¡±


    Cayden continued sizing her up from her brows to her eyes and from the tip of her nose to her lips.


    Avery thought she could gloss over it since the man had forgotten about yesterday''s incident, but she


    seemed to have insinuated that he was a ¡°fast shooter.¡± Why did I say five minutes? I should have said


    one hour!


    ¡°What''s wrong? Did she steal anything?¡± Avery asked.


    Cayden knitted his brows and teased her, ¡°No. But she seemed to have knocked my junk.¡±


    Avery nched at his words and blushed instantly.


    ¡°Oh, really? Do you need to go to the hospital?¡± Avery asked as she was taken aback by his words.


    A sharp glint shed across the man''s eyes. ¡°I''m just worried about her knees.¡±


    His answer rendered Avery speechless.


    ¡°Well, I guess that call girl must have gotten used to this kind of injury,¡± Cayden casually remarked


    while knitting his brows. He then lit a cigarette and puffed at it, pretending she was not around.


    Upon hearing that, Avery, who stood still, began to feel mild pain in her knees. All because of his thick


    junk!


    Avery deduced that Zachary''s and Rory''s mother was no longer with them. Boss wouldn''t have been so


    desperate if there was a woman in his life.

 Chapter 11

    Chapter 11


    Avery went upstairs and saw the cleaner cleaning up the room.


    She gave the cleaner a polite nod and went to the closet. Inside, she found an outfit ironed yesterday


    before going to the bathroom to change into it.


    The cleaner was swift. When Avery finished washing up, she had removed most traces of Cayden from


    the room.


    Seeing that, Avery heaved a sigh of relief.


    Ten minutes ago, she received a text from Zayne: Ery, I''vepleted the project assigned to our team.


    I''ll head to Hallsbay this afternoon and meet you at your hotel. Let''s have a day off tomorrow.


    Avery replied: Sure thing. I''ll text you the address of my hotel.


    Strangely, she felt guilty as she nced around the room Cayden slept inst night.


    When the cleanerpleted her job, Avery was staring at the bathroom, deep in thought. Her brows


    were knitted together.


    ¡°I''m done!¡± the cleaner announced cheerfully as she stood at the door with a bag of trash in her hands.


    Avery snapped out of her reverie. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    The cleaner added, ¡°I ced the used underwear in a box in the closet.¡±


    ¡°Underwear?¡± Avery repeated in confusion.


    I don''t remember throwing a used underwear around.


    ¡°The male underwear belongs to your husband, right? I found it in theundry basket in the bathroom,¡±


    the cleaner exined.


    shing onest smile, she spun on her heels and left the room.


    Avery was bewildered.


    Male underwear? My husband...


    Opening the closet once again, she squatted down and searched through it.


    Indeed, she found worn underwear at the very bottom of the closet.


    Beet red with embarrassment, Avery took a few deep breaths to calm herself down. Her head


    throbbing, she pursed her lips helplessly as she had no idea how to deal with the underwear.


    N?velDrama.Org owns this.


    I can''t return it to him, can I? Forget it. I''ll just toss it in the trash. It''s just underwear, anyway. He must


    have more at home.


    Her cheeks burned as she picked up the male underwear. Suddenly, she recalled a female friend she


    got to know in Ustrana who was the designer of this underwear brand.


    Back then, her friend used to joke, ¡°This underwear brand is more form-fitting than usual. Its dark color


    compliments the man''s tanned skin to show their maturity and decisiveness. If you run into a man who


    wears this underwear brand, don''t let him slip away!¡±


    Avery shook her head and berated herself for thinking too much.


    Fortunately, her phone rang at the moment with a call from Cecelia.


    Avery tossed her boss'' underwear away hastily and hurried out to answer her phone.


    ¡°Hey, Cecelia,¡± she greeted.


    ¡°Ery, have you had breakfast? Go have breakfast now if you haven''t. We''ll meet downstairs at ten.


    There''s a meeting I want you to join,¡± Cecelia told her.


    ¡°Sure. I''ll see you downstairs at ten,¡± Avery agreed readily.


    She adored Rory and Zachary, but work was more important.


    As Trident Group was paying her sry, she hoped she could work hard and learn more things to


    improve herself.


    That was what her father hoped to see.


    Avery''s expression dimmed when she thought of Leonardo.


    She had to admit that Henrietta still looked alluring even though she was almost fifty. One could


    imagine how pretty Henrietta was when she was young.


    Dad loves her even though she''s his second wife. Until now, he can''t stop sacrificing for her.


    Avery was confused. From what she remembered, Leonardo loved her mother dearly. Otherwise, he


    wouldn''t have drowned himself in alcohol for a total of eight years after her death.


    She remembered how Leonardo lost the will to live after her mother''s death.


    At ten sharp, Avery went downstairs.


    ¡°Get in,¡± Cecelia urged.


    Most people working in this industry would wear simple and professional outfits.


    Avery wore a simr outfit as Cecelia. They both wore in blouses with the top two buttons


    unbuttoned and tight-fitting skirts thatplimented their curves.


    There were two cars heading to the meeting.


    Avery and Cecelia were in one car, and the other luxurious vehicle was upied by Cayden and


    Trevor.


    ¡°Isn''t Mr. Dartsleying with us?¡± Avery asked. She wasn''t familiar with her work yet and took the


    opportunity to ask questions. ¡°Cecelia, what do I have to do there?¡±


    ¡°He brought the kids to the Ferris wheel,¡± Cecelia told her. ¡°When we arrive, you don''t have to do


    anything. Just listen and learn so you can gain more experience.¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡± Avery nodded.


    At Majestic Hotel, the valet gave them a warm wee. The conference room was on the ny-ninth


    floor.


    That was the first time Avery got to see a business discussion between sessful entrepreneurs.


    When both entrepreneurs shook hands, she had to admit that they were both charming and attractive.


    Cayden was a different man in a business setting.


    He could solve any problem easily. Even though there were plenty of people who were more influential


    than him, he kept his imposing presence so they wouldn''t look down on him.


    Avery dared not let her thoughts wander and focused on the meeting.


    In the end, Jack Saunders, who was sitting at the east of the venue, shot Cayden a grin. ¡°My darling


    daughter insisted oning with me. She also forced me to convince you to bring her on a tour around


    Ackleton. If I can''t do that, she''ll cut off ties with me. Cayden, I''ve spoilt her, huh?¡± hemented.


    Just like other ordinary beings, Avery kept mum.


    This was obviously their boss'' private affairs.


    It was half past one when they finally got to leave Majestic Hotel.


    Avery hugged her notebook and entered the car.


    Cecelia climbed into the car after her.


    Jack and his daughter were bidding Cayden goodbye at the hotel''s entrance not far ahead.


    ¡°See? Mr. Saunders wants to marry his daughter into the Moore family,¡± Cecelia said with a chuckle.


    Not knowing how to respond, Avery said vaguely, ¡°If everything goes well, is Mr. Saunders'' daughter


    marrying above or below her status?¡±


    That was a difficult question.


    Cecelia rxed and started chatting with Avery casually. ¡°As of now, it''s just Mr. Saunders and his


    daughter''s wishful thinking. No one knows what is going on in Mr. Moore''s mind. If Mr. Moore refused to


    budge, even a princess would be considered marrying above her status.¡±


    Cecelia''s right.


    Avery lifted her head and nced at Jack''s daughter. If Mr. Moore marries her, she''ll be Rory and


    Zach''s mother.

 Chapter 12

    Chapter 12


    Both cars drove back to the hotel they were staying in from Majestic Hotel.


    When both Avery and Cecelia got out of the car, they saw Xavier waiting at the entrance, d in a


    freshly pressed suit.


    ¡°Good afternoon, Mr. Dartsley,¡± Avery greeted Xavier when they walked past him, just like everyone


    else.


    Xavier gave her a curt nod in acknowledgment, but his gaze changed abruptly.


    His brows were furrowed as he nced at Avery, who had walked into the lobby.


    After getting off his car, Cayden immediately realized something was off with Xavier.


    He shot Xavier a sharp look, and thetter immediately turned around to gaze at his employer.


    Cayden strode into the hotel swiftly andmented icily, ¡°You were staring at her.¡±


    His words were meant for Xavier''s ears.


    Xavier seemed to be contemting whether he should reveal his thoughts out loud. In the end, he


    decided to keep it to himself. ¡°I wasn''t staring at her,¡± came his answer.


    He''s trying to cover up something!


    Cayden''s expression turned as dark as thunder.


    Right then, Zayne got out of a taxi and entered the hotel with his briefcase. He halted in surprise at the


    sight of Cayden and Xavier standing before the elevator. Without a choice, he stepped forward and


    greeted them, ¡°Mr. Dartsley, Mr. Moore.¡±


    Cayden gave him the once-over.


    ¡°My name is Zayne Richter, and I''ve just started working in the design department,¡± Zayne introduced


    himself briefly. ¡°I''ll head upstairs now. Have a nice day, Mr. Moore!¡±


    Cayden said nothing, but he was unapproachable, as though there was an icy aura about him.


    Back in his room, Cayden removed his cufflinks and nced at the kids sleeping soundly in bed.


    He went to the wine cab in his suite and uncorked a bottle of wine.


    After pouring himself a ss of wine, he chugged it down. The cooling liquid flowed down his throat


    smoothly.


    Shortly after, the kids woke up.


    Zachary was the first to wake up. After washing up, he trotted back into the room to find a fluffy dress


    for his sister.


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    ¡°Zach, what''s wrong with Daddy?¡± Rory asked softly.


    Zachary shook his head silently, for he had no idea what had happened. However, he knew that


    children should stay out of adult matters.


    Downstairs, Zayne tossed his briefcase aside and gave Avery a hug.


    ¡°What''s wrong?¡± Avery froze awkwardly in his arms.


    They had been dating officially for a year but rarely got intimate with one another.


    Avery was ufortable with intimacy, and Zayne respected her decision. Thus, he never crossed the


    line.


    Zayne was acting odd that day.


    ¡°Nothing. I''ve missed you. I just feel like hugging you,¡± Zayne responded in exhaustion.


    Avery said nothing.


    That night, they had dinner together.


    Zayne wanted to go shopping so he could buy a change of outfit. This business trip was too urgent for


    him to pack up beforehand.


    By the time they finished buying the stuff he had needed and returned to the hotel, it was already past


    nine at night.


    ¡°I''d like a room.¡± Zayne handed his ID card to the receptionist.


    Avery waited aside and recalled how the receptionist told her there was no empty room avable.


    The receptionist checked the system and looked up. ¡°I''m sorry, sir. There are no empty rooms for now.¡±


    Zayne frowned and pondered over it briefly. He then nced at Avery, who was standing beside him.


    They took the elevator upstairs.


    As they walked back to Avery''s room, Zayne suggested, ¡°Why don''t I spend the night in your room?


    You can sleep on the bed, and I''ll sleep on the couch.¡±


    Avery was surprised.


    ¡°I''m your boyfriend, Ery. We''ve known each other for five years. Don''t you trust me?¡± Zayne gave her a


    disappointed and sorrowful look.


    At once, guilt filled Avery''s heart.


    For the past five years, Zayne took care of her meticulously. Even though he wanted to court her, he


    didn''t do so just to have sex with her like other men.


    Zayne had always been a gentleman.


    Afraid of hurting his feelings, Avery relented. ¡°All right. You can sleep on the couch.¡±


    At the same time, Cayden and his kids were in the dining room in his suite.


    Rory was munching on a piece of fried chicken. Tears still hung on her eyshes, so it was pretty


    obvious she had to resort to tears to get the food she wanted.


    Xavier was confused as his employer suddenly summoned him.


    ¡°Does the newbie from the design department has somewhere to stay?¡± Cayden asked, his voice


    devoid of any emotions.


    Xavier had no idea why Cayden would suddenly show concern for a newbie, but he replied honestly,


    ¡°This hotel is full, and he didn''t go elsewhere. I think he''s going to spend the night in his girlfriend''s


    room.¡±


    After saying that, Xavier noticed Cayden seemed displeased.


    Despite priding himself on being an observant person, Xavier often couldn''t fathom Cayden''s feelings.


    This time, he immediately understood Cayden''s thoughts.


    I think I should reconsider about Avery.


    After finishing her fried chicken, Rory pouted unhappily.


    ¡°I don''t want to be with Bad Daddy!¡±


    Zachary told her, ¡°Rory, don''t be willful.¡±


    ¡°Bad Daddy, Bad Daddy, Bad Daddy. Bad Zach, Bad Zach, Bad Zach...¡± Rory wailed.


    Xavier didn''t expose Cayden and instead said, ¡°Rory, why don''t I bring you to thedy from yesterday?¡±


    Without a word, Rory slipped down from her chair earnestly. Clearly, she wanted Xavier to bring her to


    Avery.


    Xavier nced at Cayden. Thetter said nothing or expressed his disapproval, so Xavier led Rory out


    of the suite to hand her into Avery''s hands.


    The elevator went down.


    Before Xavier could reach Avery''s floor, his phone rang.


    ¡°Mr. Moore,¡± Xavier answered the call from Cayden in surprise.


    After the call was cut, Xavier frowned. He had no choice but to carry out his employer''s order.


    It was midnight when Ceceliained to Avery, ¡°My sixth sense tells me Mr. Saunders'' daughter is


    nothing but trouble. She brought bad luck to us on the day she showed up! Why did Mr. Moore fly into a


    rage and order us to go back to Ackleton at night? Ugh, he''s not just being cruel; he must''ve gone nuts!


    He spent the money to reserve the hotel rooms but refused to let us spend the night in our rooms!


    Does it make him happy to see us traveling back at night?¡±


    Avery was exhausted, too.


    She couldn''t understand what Cayden was getting at.


    Zayne sat in the passenger seat, and Trevor was driving the car.


    It waste at night.


    Cayden stood on the balcony of his suite in the hotel and lit a cigarette slowly. His brows scrunched up


    as he puffed out some smoke and revealed his true feelings.


    Those who hade across him in the corporate world knew that he didn''t have a weak spot.


    After finishing a few sses of wine in his room, he got slightly tipsy.


    At the thought of her soft moans from five years ago and how hard she struggled against himst night,


    he shed a self-deprecating smile as his expression turned wintry. Lowering his head, he stubbed his


    cigarette out in the ashtray.


    The next morning, Xavier and Cayden headed to Hallsbay International Airport.


    Cayden''s expression remained as grim as ever.


    Behind him, Xavier couldn''t help but think, Mr. Moore, even if you stopped them from sharing a room in


    Hallsbay Hotel, you can''t stop them from living under the same roof back in Ackleton! You''re not rted


    to her but want to interfere in her affairs.

 Chapter 13

    Chapter 13


    It was dawn by the time they arrived at Ackleton.


    As the Bentley was provided by theirpany, Trevor had to drive it back to thepany.


    Cecelia hopped out of the vehicle.


    Zayne helped Avery take her luggage out of the trunk. ¡°I''ll give you a ride home. Have a good rest, and


    we''ll see each other tonight.¡±


    Avery bobbed her head.


    With her luggage in one hand, she waved goodbye to Cecelia and Trevor with her other hand. She


    then went to hail a taxi by the road.


    Zayne mused, I should buy a car tomorrow. It''s too inconvenient not to have one.


    Avery was exhausted. Despite having slept for around two hours throughout the car ride, she didn''t get


    to sleep well.


    Before she could hail a taxi, Zayne''s phone rang.


    ¡°Let me answer this,¡± Zayne told Avery. He quickly took the call.


    Avery watched as he frowned and grunted a couple of times throughout the call. ¡°All right. I''ll head


    there now.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡± Avery asked after the call ended.


    ¡°Well, our team leader said we need to attend a meeting this morning. Apparently, he wants to strike


    while the iron is hot and discuss the following steps,¡± Zayne exined irritatedly. Right then, an empty


    taxi drove up to them.


    Avery nced at the taxi and took her luggage. ¡°Go back to work. I can head home myself.¡±


    Zayne felt really guilty. He wanted to give his girlfriend a ride home after how hard she worked during


    her business trip. s, work came first.


    Avery got into the taxi, and it drove away at a stable speed.


    Her head was buzzing, and she nearly fell asleep.


    After what seemed like a long time, the taxi driver said, ¡°We''ve arrived.¡±


    Avery''s eyes snapped open, and she saw her residential area right ahead.


    Perking up, she got off the taxi.


    As she had caught a cold, she felt really unwell.


    Ever since she left Ackleton five years ago, she had been used to being independent all the time.


    Having a fever or catching a cold were minor issues to her.


    However, no matter how strong she was, she was still a youngdy craving for someone to shower her


    with love.


    Avery was pretty disappointed to realize that Zayne didn''t notice that she had caught a cold.


    Back home, Avery dropped onto the couch at once. She was so tired that she didn''t feel like doing


    anything else.


    She promptly fell asleep. A whileter, she jolted awake to realize that she was practically breathing out


    hot air.


    Forcing herself to sit up, she went to get some cold and fever medicine.


    She was about to pour herself a cup of water when the doorbell rang.


    Avery pressed the inte button and asked weakly, ¡°Who is this?¡±


    This was her rented house, so the only ones who knew she was staying here were Zayne and Nina.


    ¡°Hello, Ms. Rumpley. I''m from themunity hospital. Someone reserved a consultation for you,¡± a


    female doctor wearing a white coat greeted her warmly.


    Avery fell into deep thought.


    Did Zayne call the doctor? It turns out he noticed I''ve caught a cold!


    Avery was weak and sensitive as she was ill, so the door-to-door service requested by him moved her


    heart. Even a pack of cold medicine would make her cry tears of joy.


    After the doctor left, food was delivered to her doorstep.


    Avery''s entire body was aching as she got up to open the door. To her surprise, it wasn''t an ordinary


    delivery service. There was a spread that one would normally see in dramas.


    ¡°Please sign here.¡± The man and woman delivering the food shot her aplicated look.


    Avery felt really awkward. She lived in an ordinary residential area and looked like a white-cored


    worker. Thus, it didn''t seem befitting for her to order such a spread.


    After she signed her name, they both left.


    Avery was at a loss as she nced at the spread.


    Zayne was born into an ordinary family. He wasn''t rich. Usually, she wouldn''t mind if he spent money


    on movie tickets or eating at restaurants. However, she couldn''t ept him wasting his money on such


    avish spread.


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    s, the order had already been made and delivered.


    Despite having no appetite, she forced herself to take a few bites. The meal was mostly nutritious and


    mild vored. It seemed to be specially prepared for patients.


    After lunch, Avery cleared the table before she sent a WhatsApp message to Zayne.


    Her text read: Thank you.


    Zayne replied: Why are you thanking me?


    Avery froze in surprise. Perhaps he thinks it''s too formal to say thank you. She quickly typed: But I still


    have to thank you.


    It took some time before Zayne''s reply arrived. He asked: Why are you so sentimental all of a sudden?


    Avery knew she wasn''t sentimental; she was touched by his gesture. Her stepmother and stepsister


    robbed her of her father''s love, and she rarely got in touch with her other rtives.


    She was literally the loneliest person in the world.


    The only ones who would show her any form of concern were Zayne and Nina.


    Despite promising toe to see her tonight, Zayne called her that afternoon and told her something


    urgent cropped up, so he wouldn''t be able to pay her a visit.


    Avery stared at the dishes she prepared for him in the kitchen silently.


    She packed the dishes away and kept them in the refrigerator.


    The next day, Zayne came to pick her up in the morning.


    Avery got into his car and greeted him warmly. As she still had a cold, her voice sounded muffled.


    Zayne looked at her. ¡°Did you catch a cold?¡±


    Avery was buckling her seatbelt when she heard her question. Shocked, she whipped her head around


    to stare at him.


    ¡°Did you catch a cold?¡± Zayne reached out to touch her forehead in concern. Realizing she was


    burning, he unbuckled his seatbelt. ¡°Stay here. There is a pharmacy fifty meters ahead.¡±


    Avery watched as he got off the car to buy her medicine.


    It was pretty obvious from his words that he had no idea she had caught a cold yesterday.


    The door-to-door medical consultation and thevish spread for patients... They couldn''t be from Nina!


    Nina was busy with work, so Avery dared not talk to her for fear of disrupting thetter''s work.


    Right then, her phone buzzed in her bag.


    In a daze, Avery fished her phone out to realize it was an unknown number.


    ¡°Hello? Who is this?¡± Avery asked.


    ¡°Ms. Rumpley, there is a delivery for you. It''s a gift. I rang your doorbell, but you don''t seem to be at


    home,¡± the deliveryman dered loudly.


    ¡°Gift?¡± Avery nced out of the window. ¡°I''m at the entrance of the residential area.¡±


    She then unfastened her seatbelt and got off the car.


    Two minutester, the deliveryman came to her with a wide grin on his lips. d in a green vest, he


    proffered a bouquet of flowers to Avery. ¡°Ms. Rumpley, here are your flowers. They are air-flown in this


    morning. Please sign here!¡±


    ¡°Who gave me the flowers?¡± Avery asked sternly. That was the only thing that troubled her for now.


    She had to find out who the sender was.


    Air-flown flowers should be pretty expensive.


    The deliveryman chuckled and shook his head. ¡°I''m sorry. The customer paid for our service, and my


    job is to deliver the flowers to you.¡±


    The bouquet of flowers was shoved into her hands.


    After the deliveryman left in his van, Avery didn''t budge from her spot. The flowers were gorgeous and


    smelled pleasant, but she wasn''t in the mood to enjoy them.


    ¡°Ery.¡± Zayne''s low voice sounded behind her.


    Avery turned around to see Zayne''s grim expression. It was a stark contrast to the pretty flowers.


    ¡°I-I don''t know who sent these,¡± Avery exined hastily, for she didn''t want Zayne to take things the


    wrong way.


    ¡°You don''t know?¡± Zayne stared at her. The fear in his gaze turned to condemn as he mocked, ¡°Air-


    flown fresh flowers, huh? What an expensive and romantic gesture!¡±

 Chapter 14

    Chapter 14


    ¡°I don''t know who sent these,¡± Avery repeated patiently.


    She didn''t want to hurt Zayne''s feelings or leave a stain on her life.


    s, Zayne''s fury sprang to life. ¡°You don''t know who sent these? Are you serious? Do you think I''m a


    fool, Avery? You returned barely a week ago and already found a man. No man will gift you expensive


    air-flown flowers if you are in a rtionship!¡±


    Avery couldn''t stand his usatory gaze.


    After all, she didn''t do anything wrong.


    She wasn''t lying when she said she had no idea who sent the flowers.


    ¡°I''ll head to work alone.¡± In the end, Avery remained calm and tossed the bouquet into a nearby


    dustbin. She didn''t even bother sparing it another look.


    Zayne stared at Avery, who calmly crossed the street and headed for the subway station. His fists


    balled up.


    Her figure soon entered the subway station and disappeared from sight.


    Zayne remained rooted in his spot as anger brewed in his heart. Whipping around, he punched the


    streemp in anger. Pain red up his arm, but it did nothing to calm him down.


    It looks like I''ll only feel secure after I marry her.


    In the office, Avery couldn''t focus on work. Her mind went wild when she was taking the subway to


    work.


    She had a suspect in mind, but it was too absurd to be true.


    Back in Hallsbay, Cayden called her phone oncete at night. That proved that he had ess to her


    phone number and address as he was her employer.


    It was easy for the boss to get his subordinates'' information.


    Avery was lost in thought when her phone rang.


    It was a WhatsApp message.


    Zayne: I''m sorry for acting rashly.


    Zayne: I was afraid I''d lose you.


    Zayne: Please don''t get mad at me. We can talk in person.


    Zayne sent a flurry of texts, but Avery didn''t bother replying to him.


    No one would be happy to get suspected by one''s other half.


    At noon, Nina joined Avery for lunch at the cafeteria. ¡°Zayne wants me to coax you. He said he got


    jealous and made you upset.¡±


    Avery munched on her food and said nothing.


    ¡°Hey, stop torturing him.¡± Nina chuckled gaily. ¡°He cares a lot about you. Showing his jealousy proves


    that he loves you. You have no idea how much he adores you. I think you''re far more important to him


    than our parents and me. You''re his one and only.¡±


    Avery pondered over it as her fury faded away.


    If I were in his shoes and caught a girl giving Zayne a gift secretly, I''ll lose my temper and start doubting


    him, too.


    That afternoon, the door to Yulissa Yantz''s office in the design department remained open. She was the


    head of the department.


    Avery kept heading to the pantry to get herself water and would walk past it every time.


    ¡°Can someone deliver this for me?¡± Yulissa asked without lifting her head.


    ¡°I''ll do it!¡± Avery offered as she walked past her office yet again.


    Everyone shot her grateful looks.


    They were busy with their work, so it would be perfect if Avery could deal with the menial tasks.


    This time, she was tasked to deliver something to the CEO''s office.


    That was the chance Avery had been waiting for.


    She took the elevator to the top floor and entered the CEO''s office.


    Avery ced the blueprint on the desk but didn''t leave right away.


    ¡°Anything else?¡± Cayden asked. As he kept his gaze focused on the design, she couldn''t see his


    expression. His fingers brushed across therge blueprint on the desk slowly.


    He looked exceptionally serious at work.


    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Moore,¡± Avery said carefully.


    Her heart raced after she said that out loud.


    Avery, do you have a death wish? What if your suspicion is wrong? Changing the topic abruptly is too


    awkward!


    To her surprise, Cayden''s fingers halted as he lifted his head to stare at her in an imposing manner.


    ¡°You found the master who fed you. Not bad. You''re not as foolish as I thought.¡±


    Avery was rendered speechless.


    I''m not a fool. Why is he referring to himself as ¡°master?¡± Fed by my master? I''m a human being!


    She didn''t say that out loud, for he was her employer, after all.


    Avery asked, ¡°Why would you do that, Mr. Moore? I don''t understand.¡±


    ¡°It wasn''t easy to take care of Rory and Zach,¡± Cayden exined matter-of-factly. ¡°I slept on your bed


    after getting drunk. I''m really sorry about that. You wouldn''t have fallen sick if I hadn''t done that.¡±


    Avery froze.


    I barely spent five minutes with him after I caught a cold in Hallsbay. How did he find out about my


    condition?


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Avery squirmed awkwardly. ¡°The rewards I received are more than enough. Please stop


    sending me more stuff. As your employee, it is my responsibility to help you out.¡±


    She was obviously trying to keep a distance from him.


    Suddenly, Cayden snorted out loud. Arching a brow arrogantly, he asked, ¡°Who gave you the


    confidence to assume that I sent you stuff?¡±


    Avery''s cheeks flushed crimson red.


    I was just worried that Boss would send more stuff and upset Zayne again.


    ¡°I shall take my leave now.¡± Avery gave him a polite nod and turned to leave.


    She looked like she couldn''t wait to flee the scene.


    ¡°Wait a minute,¡± Cayden called out suddenly.


    Avery halted in her tracks as her heart thumped furiously.


    ¡°Did you say that it''s your responsibility to help me out?¡± he asked calmly. As usual, his voice was


    devoid of any emotions.


    Flustered, Avery bobbed her head.


    Cayden pointed at a few books and cartoon wrapping paper on the coffee table and ordered, ¡°Stay


    back and wrap the books for the kids.¡±


    ¡°Wrap the books?¡± Avery nced at the books.


    ¡°Don''t make any noise and disturb me at work,¡± Cayden added. With that said, he got back to work.


    Left with no choice, Avery walked toward the coffee table.


    N?velDrama.Org owns this.


    It had been years since shest wrapped a book.


    There were four books. Two were Rory''s, and the other two were Zachary''s.


    Avery recalled how she used to do this in the past and started cutting the paper to wrap the books. She


    soon realized that she wasn''t used to this and had wasted one of the wrapping papers.


    ¡°I...¡±


    Avery remembered how he reminded her not to disturb him at work. However, she really needed help


    now.


    Cayden looked at her.


    Avery met his gaze but quickly lowered her head. ¡°I ruined one wrapping paper, and it isn''t enough


    now...¡±


    Her voice was soft and slow, and she seemed afraid to even look at him. A tingling sensation traveled


    from Cayden''s heart to his belly.


    His voice was hoarse. ¡°Never mind. I have extra wrapping papers here.¡±


    Oh, there is extra!


    Avery breathed a sigh of relief and went over to him.


    There was no need for him to let her know where the extra wrapping papers were, for she spotted a


    stack of them underneath his desk. Xavier had bought them specially for the picky children.


    Squatting down, Avery began choosing the papers. A Spongebob-patterned wrapping paper caught her


    attention.


    Her perfect curves were wrapped under her tight skirt. She was wearing a conservative outfit that


    somehow looked seducing. Standing by the window, Cayden couldn''t stop desire from shing in his


    gaze, burning hisst shred of self-control.

 Chapter 15

    Chapter 15


    Avery thought that Rory would like the SpongeBob-patterned wrapping paper.


    Hence, she kept away the other papers and took the one with the SpongeBob pattern before rising to


    leave.


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    As she was preupied with the thoughts of how she was going to wrap the book to make the best


    use of the SpongeBob print, she had forgotten that a certain man was by her side.


    Avery had a brooch on her shirt, and it was stuck on the man''s belt.


    ¡°I-I''m sorry! I...¡± Embarrassment crashed into Avery like a tidal wave as she looked at the two items that


    were stuck with each other.


    The man lowered his head to study her, but she could not decipher what was going on in his mind


    when she looked into his eyes.


    ¡°I''ll get them unstuck right away...¡± Avery hastily grabbed the man''s belt.


    It was the first time in her life holding onto a man''s belt.


    That night five years ago, Avery had not touched anything that belonged to the man. Moreover, she


    had not done such a thing with Zayne despite their many years of rtionship.


    Avery had no idea why, but strange things kept happening whenever she was around Cayden.


    It was as if they were fated to be.


    The brooch she had on was of aplicated design¡ªit had jagged edges, and one of the branches


    was stuck in the man''s belt buckle. Unfortunately, it was no easy feat to get it out.


    The more anxious Avery was, the more challenging her task became. In fact, the air around her was


    starting to get hotter with every passing second.


    ¡°How long more before you''re done with it?¡± the man asked.


    Avery lifted her head to look at him.


    Cayden was tall, and he was wearing a pair of ck cks that day. He usually had two of the buttons


    of his white shirt undone, but as he had been looking at drafts in his office the entire time, he had


    unbuttoned three instead. Thus, she could vaguely see the outline of his chest muscles from the gap.


    If not for the warmth of his body, others would have thought that a man like him, who had an almost-


    wless figure, was a sculpture made by a master sculptor.


    ¡°I-I don''t want my brooch anymore,¡± Avery muttered, not daring to look at him in his eyes. ¡°I want to get


    it unstuck, but I''m scared that I''ll scratch your belt in the process.¡±


    When Avery was studying abroad, she and her friends had educated themselves a little about major


    brands.


    That was how she knew that the belt the man was wearing was something expensive.


    As a matter of fact, it was so pricey to the point she would not be able to afford topensate him if


    she were to scratch it.


    ¡°Scratching my belt is far better than having you clinging to me in this position.¡± Cayden''s head


    remained low as he looked at the foolish woman fidgeting with his belt but failing to unstuck the brooch.


    It was evening. The golden rays of the sun were a veil of nket on the man, adding a sense of


    surrealism to the man''s beauty.


    Upon hearing his words, Avery lowered her head and pursed her lips before returning to her task.


    Cayden continued to watch her from above like a king.


    Over time, Avery became impatient because of her constant failures. Her soft lips parted, and her warm


    breaths tickled the man''s tense stomach. Something was slowly filling up in his body.


    Finally, with a click, the brooch and the belt buckle were separated.


    Avery was delighted. A smile spread across her rosy face as she rose to her feet with the broken


    brooch in her hands.


    Wait... there''s something strange.


    Instinctively, she lowered her head.


    All she needed was a nce before she leaped backward in fright. A shudder wracked her body, and


    when she raised her head to look at the man again, fear and anxiety filled her eyes.


    The man of a hundred and eighty-nine centimeters was standing straight with a solemn look on his


    face. At that moment, it was as if he was a teacher looking at a student who had made a mistake.


    When Avery met his dark eyes, her throat went dry. There was nothing she could do but apologize.


    ¡°Sorry, Mr. Moore! I''m going to keep wrapping the book.¡±


    With that, Avery picked up the SpongeBob-patterned wrapping paper and wrapped the book.


    This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    She was tense from that moment until when she finally finished wrapping the book and left.


    Every second felt like a century. The man''s status, appearance, and demeanor felt as if they were


    warning her to stay away from him.


    It took Avery a long time to recollect herself after she went downstairs.


    There and then, she decided to stay away from that man on the top floor who always brought unwanted


    surprises to her life from now on.


    As it took Avery quite a while to wrap the book, she ended up with tons of work left to do.


    One thing good about being busy was that she could forget about the embarrassing moment at the


    CEO''s office.


    ¡°Come for dinner at my ce. My brother will being to pick us up,¡± said Nina, leaning toward


    Avery''s ear as she held onto a stack of documents.


    Avery nced at her and inclined her head.


    Right then, Nina''s eyes flitted toward the brooch on Avery''s chest.


    ¡°Why is it broken?¡± Nina asked, shocked.


    Although the brooch was no luxury item, it was something Avery had cherished since high school.


    Nina did not know who had given Avery that old-fashioned brooch, but she had been friends with Avery


    since tenth grade. Nina always visited Avery''s ce, and she knew that Avery had a special box with


    that brooch as the only thing inside.


    Avery lowered her head to look at the broken brooch. She lied, ¡°I met a child earlier. When I was


    crouching to talk to him, he grabbed onto the brooch and refused to let go, so...¡±


    ¡°Kids are annoying.¡± Nina was sure that Avery was upset. After all, the brooch was something she had


    cherished for years, but it was now out of shape.


    Shaking her head, she then returned to her workstation.


    Meanwhile, Avery lifted her hand in a daze to gently hold the broken brooch.


    After what seemed like eons, working hours were finally over.


    Zayne had an off day¡ªsomething thepany had given to its staff aspensation for the business


    trip¡ªso he had gone to purchase a car. After hastily dealing with the necessary procedures, he drove


    the car out.


    ¡°I''m sorry!¡± Zayne apologized to Avery as he opened the door and stared at her intently.


    Nina had driven to work today, so she had left before Avery did.


    After Avery got into Zayne''s car, they headed toward the Richter residence.


    Zayne''s attention was on the road the entire trip there. His brows were furrowed, and it seemed that he


    was deep in his thoughts. Simrly, Avery was quiet as she looked out the window at the streets.


    Soon, their car entered the residential area.


    The Richter couple¡ªNina''s parents¡ªcame down to receive Avery.


    ¡°Mr. Richter, Mrs. Richter, why did youe down?¡± Avery felt bad.


    Isabe Walker, Nina''s mother, held Avery''s hands and patted them. ¡°I miss you!¡±


    ¡°Mom! You''re way cheesier with Ery than me and my brother with her,¡± Nina teased.


    Zayne was walking behind the group, and one of his hands was in his pocket.


    There was a fine ck velvet jewelry box held tightly in his hand. To Zayne, the result of a proposal


    was like the result of a coin toss; he could never predict what the answer could be.


    Perhaps other couples did not function like this, but that was how things were with him and Avery.


    He could not help but feel uneasy.

 Chapter 16

    Chapter 16


    Zayne knew that Avery did not love him as much as he loved her.


    Therefore, to make sure that he would seed in his proposal, he asked his parents to invite his


    grandparents, aunts, and uncles after making up his mind about the proposal in the afternoon.


    There were dozens of guests in total.


    Once Avery was led upstairs by the Richter couple, and right as the door to the Richter residence


    opened, she froze.


    Even Nina was staring at the house full of rtives as if she had seen ghosts.


    ¡°You''vee!¡± The one who spoke was Zayne''s second aunt. When she saw the girl who looked


    identical to the one in the photo, she hurried over to hold her mother and cried out, ¡°It''s Zaynie''s


    girlfriend, Avery Rumpley! She''s here! What a beauty she is. Mom,e take a look at her...¡±


    Avery was stupefied.


    ¡°Come in,¡± Zayne prompted as he cast her a gentle look and held her hand.


    Avery had no choice but to smile politely at his whole family.


    Zayne''s grandmother held onto Avery''s hand the entire time, and every time she said anything to


    Avery, she gave the young woman''s hand a little pat.


    A sensation not quite ominous but not quite pleasant at the same time rushed into Avery''s mind.


    When her eyes scanned her surroundings to look for Zayne, she spotted him on the balcony, smoking.


    His hands were in his pockets, and he seemed tense. It was as if someone was weighing on his mind.


    That night, dinner was particrly scrumptious.


    Ninamented, ¡°I haven''t even had anything this good even for the holidays.¡±


    Zayne''s parents and grandparents were sitting at the main table, and Zayne and Avery joined them


    there.


    Meanwhile, the others sat at the other table.


    During the meal, they chatted away about everyday topics.


    When Avery was almost done with her meal and was about to put down her fork, Zayne suddenly


    looked her in the eyes and said, ¡°Come with me.¡±


    The two went to Zayne''s bedroom.


    ¡°What''s the matter?¡± Avery asked quietly. Her voice was so soft that Zayne could not help but think of it


    as the gentle sunlight before noon.


    He looked at her determinedly but tenderly, held her hands, and started in a shaky voice, ¡°I have to


    apologize to you. I shouldn''t have behaved like that in the morning.¡±


    ¡°I''ve already forgotten about it,¡± Avery said.


    ¡°Thank you. Thank you for understanding my fear.¡± Zayne pulled her into his arms and closed his eyes.


    ¡°You have no idea how afraid I am of losing you.¡±


    N?velDrama.Org owns this.


    Avery did not reply to that.


    Zayne continued, ¡°You know that I''ve fallen for you a long time ago¡ªfrom the first time you came to my


    house. Back then, you were only in tenth grade... I felt horrible for falling for such a young girl. I tried to


    fall for other girls too, but none made my heart skip a beat as you do. They always frustrate me in the


    end. So,ter on, I told myself that, one day, you''ll grow up. All I needed to do was wait for you. Finally,


    you grew up, and we had the chance to study abroad together. You''ve been through a difficult past.


    When you were honest with me about it, frankly, I was shocked.¡±


    At that, Avery''s body shuddered despite herself.


    So he does mind that.


    ¡°Listen to everything I have to say first.¡± Zayne tightened his hug. ¡°It''s not because you''re dirty, but


    because I felt guilty. I hated how I didn''t enter your life from the very start. I hated how I couldn''t protect


    you well enough to keep you free from any worries. Ery, you have to know that no man has fallen in


    love with you earlier than I have. No man in this world loves you more than I do.¡±


    Perhaps he was truly terrified of losing her because his shaky voice slowly dissolved into sobs.


    It would be a lie if Avery said that she was unmoved by his words.


    Her heart melted, in fact.


    Finally, someone was sincerely treating her well.


    Avery had been trying her best to forget her past, and that was what that rich and powerful, mysterious


    man back then hoped for as well.


    Avery could still remember the butler telling her, ¡°I hope you have a happy life from now on.¡±


    After the incident, Avery had wondered, Will the rest of my life really be a happy one after all these


    things?


    s, this was the road she had picked, and she did not regret it. It would be fortunate if the rest of her


    life was well; but if it was not, she could not me it on anyone.


    A good life, to Avery, was not a life of riches. All she wanted was for someone to love her and


    understand her. She wanted someone with a simr mind who could take care of her and let her do the


    same for him. That was the kind of peaceful life she wanted.


    That man she wanted was certainly Zayne Richter.


    Stepping away from his arms, Avery looked at him and said, ¡°Don''t feel insecure. I feel bad to see you


    like this. I''m not an excellent individual, and no man will notice me.¡±


    Zayne could not help but think about the flowers sent by air freight upon listening to that.


    ¡°Even if there is, I can hold myself back,¡± Avery said solemnly.


    Her words made his confidence return, and he held her hand again.


    The two then went out of the room.


    Just as Avery was about to head toward the couch, Zayne pulled her to a stop in the middle of the


    living room.


    ¡°What''s the matter?¡± Avery lifted her head and gave Zayne, who now had a strange look on his face, a


    questioning stare.


    In front of his many rtives, he took out a ck velvet jewelry box and opened it toward her.


    ¡°Wow! This is so sudden!¡± Nina cried out as she covered her mouth.


    No wonder he invited so many rtives! He''s going to propose to her!


    Zayne went on one knee before Avery and uttered, ¡°Marry me, Avery Rumpley. Be a part of my


    family and my dearest lover...¡±


    Avery was speechless for a moment.


    She had never thought about getting proposed to before. In fact, she thought that marriage would not


    be something so soon in her life.


    ¡°Say yes, girl!¡± Isabe anxiously urged at Avery''sck of response.


    Nina nudged Avery as well.


    I have no other choice. From the day I agree to date Zayne, I knew that I''d eventually marry him if


    nothing went wrong.


    Avery only went home after chatting with Zayne''s grandparents until nine at night.


    Zayne drove her to the entrance of her residential area.


    Getting out of the car, she said, ¡°You should go home now. I want to take a walk by myself.¡±


    She had been through too many things that day, and she needed some time alone.


    ¡°All right. Good night.¡± Zayne did not insist.


    After the two bid each other farewell, Avery watched as he drove off.


    The street lights by the residential area were already lit, so the ce was not dark. Some people who


    were out for an exercise were still strolling leisurely.


    Avery walked toward the building she was staying at. Once she reached the door, she stuck her hand


    into her bag to look for her keys. It was then a boy''s soft but eager voice traveled into her ears. ¡°Ms.


    Ery!¡±


    Avery turned toward the voice and froze at the sight before her.


    Behind the street light were two figures¡ªone adult and one child.


    Cayden''s deep-set features seemed to look even more defined under the lights, and his expression did


    not seem like a happy one. As a matter of fact, Avery thought he seemed to be holding himself back


    from an angry outburst.


    The boy, on the other hand, was biting his lip miserably. He was no longer as haughty as he was back


    at Hallsbay Hotel as he looked at his father and Avery.


    ¡°What... are you guys doing here?¡± Avery asked, unable to figure out what was happening.

 Chapter 17

    Chapter 17


    ¡°We''re here to¡ª¡± Before the boy could finish his sentence, an elderly woman walked over.


    Is she Ms. Ery''s mother?


    ¡°Ma''am!¡± Zachary greeted politely.


    Ma''am...


    Avery followed Zachary''s line of sight and turned to look behind her.


    There, she saw a middle-aged woman in a set of white Adidas sportswear. She was just a passerby,


    but she abruptly stopped in front of the trio.


    Cayden knew that the woman was not Avery''s mother, so he did not greet her.


    ¡°Is there anything wrong?¡± Avery asked, confused by the middle-aged woman''s stare.


    The middle-aged woman let out a sigh before stretching her limbs while staring at Avery for a while


    longer.


    Then she frowned and said, ¡°You should be a responsible woman if you''re married. You can''t let your


    husband and child starve! How can youe home sote at night?¡±


    Clearly, the husband she was talking about was the man with a poker face.


    A wave of embarrassment washed over Avery.


    Just as she was about to exin the situation to the middle-aged woman, thetter turned to Cayden


    and chided, ¡°You''re in the wrong too. How can you scowl at your wife just because you''re unhappy?


    What will your son think of you? Men have to learn how to cook nowadays too. You can''t expect your


    wife to do all the household chores. You''re marrying a wife, not a housekeeper!¡±


    The more the middle-aged woman spoke, the more Avery felt that she was crossing the line.


    How can you possibly misunderstand a situation like that? It''s so obvious that we''re people from two


    different worlds.


    ¡°You''ve misunderstood the situation. My rtionship with him is merely a working, professional one,¡±


    Avery quickly exined.


    The middle-aged woman was ready to say something else, but Avery''s words stopped her mid-


    sentence, and she stared at Avery even more intently.


    After a while, the middle-aged woman parted her lips again. Nevertheless, she did not say anything.


    Instead, she gave the man, the woman, and the child yet another once-over.


    Who are you trying to kid? It''s obvious that you have a special rtionship with that handsome man! I


    can''t believe this ce has immoral people like her. I never thought that a mistress having an affair with


    a rich man would be in the area.


    Avery, who was abruptlybeled as a mistress, watched the middle-aged woman leave with pursed


    lips. She did not know what else to say to the man and his son.


    She was not close to either the adult or the child.


    Avery knew well what an unmarried woman should and should not do. While it was normal for her to


    interact with men at work, it was not appropriate for her to meet an unfamiliar man at night in private.


    All of a sudden, Cayden lowered his head to look at the boy beside him and said in a low voice, ¡°Hurry


    up and say what''s on your mind.¡±


    Avery turned around.


    Zachary could only blink at the two adults in a daze. He did not know why he hade, but his father


    had said that he was here for something. Yet, he was asking him to hurry up now.


    Oh! Now I remember! Daddy asked me toe as support.


    The boy was still short in stature, so it took him a lot of effort to move two huge boxes from the dark


    spot behind him.


    One was light blue, and the other was white. They even had ribbons on them.


    ¡°Ms. Ery, this is a gift for you,¡± Zachary said. He turned around to look at his father, worried that he had


    said the wrong things.


    Zachary was small, so Avery only heard his voice; she did not see his face, as he was hidden behind


    the box. This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Even though she did not want anything from Cayden, she did not want the boy to have wasted his


    efforts either. Hence, Avery epted them and let the boy emerge from behind the box.


    Then she looked at the boy and gave him an amicable smile.


    ¡°Why are you giving me this?¡± Avery asked the boy, but she was actually waiting for his father''s


    response.


    Avery did not know that the aloof man was looking at the diamond ring on the middle finger of her left


    hand.


    That was a symbol of the wearer''s engaged status.


    ¡°I... I don''t know too.¡± The wary look on Zachary''s face was reced by an innocent one as he


    scratched his head and turned to look at his father in confusion.


    ¡°You''re done here, so let''s get going now,¡± was all Cayden said to his son. After onest look at Avery,


    who was holding onto the boxes, Cayden turned to leave.


    Avery and Zachary watched as the man walked off.


    ¡°My daddy, he¡ª¡± Zachary wanted to say something else, but he soon mped his mouth shut, looking


    disappointed.


    A wave of helplessness washed over Avery as she said to the boy, ¡°I really can''t ept this gift.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    Avery could not exin to a five-year-old boy the reason behind her rejection¡ªhe would not


    understand her.


    Thus, she had no choice but to say, ¡°I can''t ept rewards that I don''t deserve.¡±


    With that, she smiled and put the boxes in Zachary''s hands.


    ¡°Your daddy''s going to leave you here if you don''t go after him soon. Please help me bring these gifts


    back to him.¡±


    A white Porsche was parked by the side of the road by the entrance of the residential area.


    Cayden sat gloomily in the driver''s seat with one hand on the steering wheel and the other holding onto


    a cigarette. He brought the cigarette to his lips and took a long drag.


    ¡°Do you see the trash can behind you? Throw them in!¡± Cayden said to his son coldly when he saw the


    things that the boy had brought back.


    Returning to the Moore residence, Zachary, who had been quiet the entire journey, unbuckle his seat


    belt and jump out of the car as soon as Cayden stopped the car.


    Jeffrey was drinking tea in the courtyard, and he nearly leaped in fright when he saw his great-


    grandson jumping out of the car and dashing upstairs.


    ¡°What happened to my dear great-grandson? Who made him so mad?¡±


    He knew that the boy and his father had never had a conflict in the past five years.


    Right then, Cayden slightly loosened his tie and strode into the mansion.


    ¡°Did Zach witness a woman being clingy to you again?¡± Allie Musk, Cayden''s mother, asked tentatively


    as she stepped forward to take her son''s suit jacket.


    Cayden shook his head, which confused Allie even further.


    She could not wrap her mind around what else could have possibly happened.


    After all, that was the only thing that would make Zachary upset.


    Both Zachary and Rory grew up living a rather sheltered life; they rarely encountered outsiders. As a


    matter of fact, they did not even know what a mother was when they were younger.


    It was only after making friends their age did the siblings find out that not only did other children have a


    father, but they also had a mother.


    That day, the moment he reached home, Zachary had asked, ¡°Where''s our mommy?¡±


    Jeffrey had been lying to the children by telling them that they did not have a mother.


    However, the five-year-old Zachary was much wiser than before. Evidently, his great-grandfather''s lie


    could no longer trick him.


    Unable to bear staring into the boy''s eager eyes, Jeffrey sighed and said, ¡°Your mommy has gone


    somewhere far. If shees back, I''ll ask your daddy to take you both to meet her.¡±


    Zachary was the only one who had heard it, and he had kept those words carved in his mind.


    After taking the suit jacket from her son, Allie handed it to the housekeeper, who took it away.


    Standing by the windowsill, Allie looked downward. She was Cayden''s mother and the children''s


    grandmother. It was almost impossible for her not to feel curious about the identity of the children''s


    mother.


    However, five years had passed since the incident. Allie doubted that anyone would be able to find out


    the details of the deal back then.


    Of course, as a mother, she had asked Cayden about it. But Cayden had refused to speak a word of it.


    Furthermore, Lindsay and Grover, who used to be by Cayden''s side, had already retired due to


    illnesses. Maybe I should pay them a visit one day. Perhaps I could glean some information from them.

 Chapter 18

    Chapter 18


    Avery only left her apartment at eight the next morning.


    Luckily, the journey between her apartment and thepany only took twenty minutes. She had never


    felt so grateful that she had managed to rent such a cheap ce that was so close to thepany.


    The moment she stepped out of her apartment, the sun shone right into her eyes, and she instinctively


    raised a hand to shield her face.


    As she did not sleep wellst night, her eyes felt much more tired than usual.


    The sun shining into them made them extra ufortable.


    She had racked her brain in bed for a long time, wondering why Cayden kept sending gifts to her.


    Were the private consultation and healthy meal his way of showing his gratitude toward me for taking


    care of his kids? Were the flowers simply a friendly gesture for a sick friend?


    But he just doesn''t look like the type of person to do that.


    Then there are the two boxes from yesterday. What is up with him?


    She felt a subtle sense of uneasiness upon receiving every single one of his gifts.


    He was the almighty Cayden Moore, after all, and she was just a regr person.


    He was the CEO of Trident Group and was practically unrivaled when it came to the business world.


    Most importantly, his outstandingly fit figure and chiseled appearance made every man want to be him


    and every woman want to date him.


    As thetter, there was nothing worth mentioning about her other than the fact that she was a woman


    and she was alive.


    Cayden''s actions toward her were seriously making her mind go haywire. One particr idea kept


    niggling at her, but she couldn''t bring herself to believe it. For one, it was a pretty self-centered idea.


    If he wants to keep a woman, he has plenty of stunning women around him that he can choose from.


    Why would he pick someone as unassuming as me? Yeah, that''spletely unrealistic.


    Just outside the residential area, Avery was about to cross the road when she spotted an old janitor in


    a yellow vest cleaning the contents of a trash can.


    He took out two boxes in session¡ªone was blue and the other was white.


    Aren''t those the boxes that Zach was holding on to yesterday?


    The old man bent down and opened the boxes.


    Right at that moment, two well-dressed women walked out of the residential area.


    ¡°Mister, did you pick these out of the trash?¡± one of them who seemed to be in her mid-twenties asked


    in shock as she rushed toward him.


    The old man felt that these clothes were pretty useless to him since his wife couldn''t wear them.


    At that moment, a car drove past Avery.


    This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    When she looked in the direction of the trash can again, she noticed that those two women had already


    discussed the price with him and were about to pass him some money.


    ¡°Here''s two hundred. Keep it!¡±


    After that, the women nced at each other before reaching out to snatch the other box in his hands.


    ¡°Wait,¡± Avery called out, looking at the box. ¡°I want both the clothes and this blue box. I''ll pay you ten


    thousand for it.¡±


    The two women shot Avery an unfriendly look.


    Why can''t she just mind her own business?


    Avery did not feel offended about being stared at. After all, she wasn''t exactly doing a friendly thing.


    These things did not belong to her since she had rejected Cayden''s gifts in the end; but now, these


    things belonged to the old man.


    Ralph Lauren clothes were some of the most high-quality clothes that a working woman could buy.


    Some celebrities even wore it on the red carpet.


    The Tiffany brooch was even more valuable.


    How could these two women rip the old man off a hundred and fifty thousand worth of things for just


    two hundred? How could they be so greedy?


    ¡°T-Ten thousand?¡± the old man repeated in shock.


    Avery nodded earnestly.


    ¡°Mister, I''ll give you ten thousand five hundred for it!¡± The woman who had paid first red at Avery


    again before taking her card out and looking for the nearest ATM.


    The old man didn''t exactly look like someone who would have a PayPal ount.


    ¡°Twenty thousand,¡± Avery said as the old man stared at her in utter disbelief. ¡°I''ll give you twenty


    thousand.¡±


    The old man looked at her as if she were pulling his leg.


    ¡°These aren''t fake, are they?¡± the other woman said to the friend who was looking for her card. ¡°They


    might be scammers working together to swindle us of our money! Think about it. How often does one


    even find designer goods like that in some neighborhood trash can?¡±


    The woman holding the card immediately put it back into her bag out of fear that it might be a scam.


    ¡°True. I almost got cheated! This must be fake.¡± She snorted and walked away with her friend.


    The old man finally snapped, ¡°Scam? I think you guys are the ones who are scamming me! You guys


    are trying to rip off an old man!¡±


    Twenty minutester, Avery brought the old man to a luxury boutique.


    She took out the brooch and the receipt and easily exchanged them for money, dealing with everything


    on her own.


    The old man still didn''t know what was going on. His hand shook as he held onto the money. ¡°W-


    What''s going on?¡±


    ¡°Mister, this isn''t a scam. What you picked up is yours,¡± Avery said. She did not want them yesterday,


    and she did not want them today either.


    Since it was a luxury brand, they werepletely efficient at returning the money since she had both


    the receipt and the product.


    ¡°How is this possible?¡± the old man cried out in both fear and happiness as he held onto the envelope


    of money. ¡°That''s five years of my medical bills done and paid for! This isn''t going toe back to me


    in the future, is it?¡±


    Avery shook her head with a smile, then nced at his inured leg.


    Only at ten-thirty in the morning did Avery arrive at her office.


    As she chatted with the old man along the way, she learned that the old man didn''t have any kids and


    that he had been living with his wife since they got married. However, he was hit by a car in his first


    year as a janitor.


    The perpetrator had escaped and hadn''t been found.


    The old man had been shouldering the heavy amount of medical bills for his leg as well as the fees for


    the operation on his own this whole time. He had even thought aboutmitting suicide, but he didn''t


    want to leave his wife alone.


    Avery suddenly felt grateful to Cayden.


    To a rich man, that sum was nothing. However, to someone like that old man, it was a life-changing


    sum.


    Unknowingly, Cayden had done something good.


    Avery, who was alreadyte, didn''t even notice that it was Saturday.


    She walked into the building and noticed how there was practically no one except for some people


    working overtime. Only then did she remember that it was the weekend.


    Meanwhile, Cayden and Zachary were in a stand-off.


    Cayden was sitting in a ck Land Rover that matched his ck shirt. He was staring at his son with


    his face scrunched up. ¡°Are you sure you don''t want toe with me?¡±


    ¡°No! I''m really disappointed in you!¡± Zachary hugged his schoolbag tightly with his little fleshy hands as


    he looked at his father with a pout. ¡°I wanted topliment you to others so that they''d have a better


    impression of you, but I couldn''te up with a single thing! There''s nothing good about you. You have


    a horrible temper and you aren''t gentle at all. I have plenty to say about how bad you are.¡±


    Cayden''s brows snapped together. He could tell that his son was troubled about something.


    Abruptly, Zachary added, ¡°You''re not going to get a wife like this.¡±

 Chapter 19

    Chapter 19


    Cayden drove off with his face clouded over. Zachary watched as his father left and knew he had really


    hurt his father now by targeting that cold, lonely heart of his.


    This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Rory walked out and asked her brother, ¡°Where''s Daddy?¡±


    ¡°He left. I think I hurt him too much.¡± Zachary looked down guiltily as he confessed his mistake to his


    sister.


    ¡°Zach, I miss Ms. Ery!¡±


    Cayden would not y with them, nor would he bring them out for good food. All he would do was put


    on a straight face and be strict with them. To them, he was even worse than their teachers, and Rory


    couldn''t care less whether or not their father was home on weekends.


    Avery, on the other hand, was different. She was pretty, and she smelled nice.


    ¡°Rory, how about I take you to meet Ms. Ery? I know where she lives.¡± Zachary grabbed his sister''s


    hand excitedly.


    Rory nodded and the two of them nced at each other understandingly before hailing a taxi.


    After telling the driver the address, they went straight to the residential area where Avery lived.


    A driver from the Moore residence was following closely right behind the taxi.


    Once they arrived at a residential area named Quakersville, the driver called Cayden and reported, ¡°Mr.


    Moore, Mr. Zachary and Ms. Rory have arrived at a ce called Quakersville. It seems that they''re


    waiting for someone at the gates.¡±


    Cayden told him to keep an eye on them, and he said, ¡°Yes, Sir. Don''t worry about it.¡±


    The driver hung up, then fixed his eyes on the children.


    ¡°Zach, should we call Ms. Ery?¡± Rory asked, ncing up at the people milling in and out of the


    residential area. Those people kept looking at them, causing her to feel rather nervous.


    Zachary only knew that Avery lived here, but he didn''t know the exact block, floor, or unit that she lived


    in.


    He furrowed his brows, and it was then he noticed a car from the Moore residence on the road. I knew


    Daddy would send someone to follow me and Rory.


    Just as he was about to drag his sister to the public telephone to call Avery, Avery appeared right in


    front of them.


    Speechlessly, she looked at the two children who were holding hands tightly.


    They''re my boss'' kids. Why do they keeping to me?


    Avery liked the kids, but she didn''t want to get too close to them. After all, if anyone caught wind of her


    taking care of Cayden''s kids, who knew what sort of rumors they could make up?


    More importantly, she might lose her job.


    Helplessly, she walked over and looked at their innocent faces. ¡°What are you two doing here?¡±


    ¡°Rory and I took a taxi here. We argued with Daddy. He lost his temper and scared Rory to tears. W-


    We didn''t have anywhere else to go,¡± Zachary said.


    In order to stay, he had to make his father look like a bad person.


    Avery crouched down. She studied the children''s adorable, pitiful faces and reached out to stroke their


    soft cheeks. ¡°Be good and go home, okay?¡± she said gently. ¡°He''s still your daddy at the end of the day.


    I''m sure he didn''t mean to lose his temper and he must be feeling guilty about it right now.¡±


    Avery''s heart ached for them, but they were someone else''s kids after all. She didn''t have the right to


    butt in.


    Having lost their only excuse to stay, Zachary squeezed Rory''s hand helplessly.


    Rory looked down and pouted aggrievedly. She looked as if she was about to cry at any second.


    ¡°Sorry for bothering you, Ms. Ery. We''ll be going now.¡± Zachary pulled his sister''s hand and wanted to


    leave, but Rory stood unmoving.


    Zachary gave her a tug again, causing her to fall down and scrape her knee on the rough asphalt.


    Immediately, Rory burst into tears.


    Avery no longer cared about anything else as she picked Rory up. Patting her on the back softly, she


    comforted her, ¡°It''s okay, it''s okay. Don''t cry. I''ll take you home and make you something nice to eat.¡±


    Rory stopped crying when she heard that Avery was finally bringing them back with her. She nodded


    and leaned into Avery''s embrace. ¡°Okay... I love you the most, Ms. Ery!¡±


    Avery let out a sigh and walked home with Zachary in tow.


    Once they got home, Avery put Rory down, then went to look for some new slippers for them to put on.


    Rory and Zachary stomped around the apartment excitedly in oversized slippers. Avery lived in a one-


    bedroom apartment, which was much smaller than the Moore residence, but the kids loved it


    regardless.


    ¡°Rory,e here and sit down,¡± Avery said as she brought out the first-aid kit.


    The little girl did as told.


    ¡°This might sting a little. Tell me if it hurts,¡± Avery continued as she took out some ointment, a cotton


    swab, and a bandage.


    Rory''s knee had a scrape the size of a fingernail.


    Zachary stood next to them and patted his sister''s shoulder with his small hand. Indeed, she was


    strong and didn''t shout or cry in pain. She only frowned a little until her knee was nicely bandaged.


    ¡°This is so pretty!¡±


    Rory looked down at her knee, in awe at the little bow that Avery had tied the bandage into.


    Avery patted her on the head with a chuckle before looking at the clock. It was almost eleven.


    ¡°Have you guys had lunch?¡± she asked.


    Zachary shook his head.


    ¡°Watch some TV first. I''ll go make you guys lunch. What do you want to eat?¡±


    Avery turned on some cartoons for them to watch before opening the fridge to see what ingredients she


    had.


    Zachary looked at Rory and replied, ¡°Rory likes fried chicken, and I''m okay with anything. I''m not a


    picky eater.¡±


    ¡°I''m not a picky eater too,¡± Rory quickly said.


    It''s easy to raise me. You just have to feed me.


    Avery''s n was to let the kids eat their fill before sending them back.


    It would take a while for the water to boil.


    Avery had never saved Cayden''s phone number. She only remembered vaguely that his phone number


    was eleven digits that were pretty memorable; but since he was a frigid sculpture of a human being,


    she had forced herself to forget about it. And now, she couldn''t remember a single number.


    As a matter of fact, even if she had saved or remembered his number, she dared not call him and ask


    him to pick up his kids.


    However, since the kids had taken a taxi toe here, she reckoned they could take a taxi back too.


    Or perhaps she could see them to their doorstep quietly before leaving.


    She ended up making some soup, a sd, and some pasta. It was a healthy, bnced meal.


    Avery had some faith in her cooking skills.


    After telling them not to go anywhere, she took her keys and went downstairs to buy some fried


    chicken.


    There was a fried chicken store just downstairs, and it looked clean and safe.


    Once she was done, she rushed back home, afraid that her food would get too cold to eat.


    After inserting the key into the lock, she gave it a twist and pushed the door open.


    She had thought that Rory would wait expectantly at the door, yet little did she expect to see a


    handsome man standing right in front of her.


    Her smile instantly froze as she stayed rooted to the spot, not daring to move.


    This is my home, right?

 Chapter 20

    Chapter 20


    Cayden, on the other hand, was perfectly calm. He merely nced at her and said, ¡°The food is getting


    cold.¡±


    Then he turned around and walked toward her balcony, feelingpletely at home in her tiny


    apartment.


    Avery was still frozen in ce.


    Cayden was already treating her ce like home as he pulled out a box of cigarettes from his pocket


    as he walked. He took out one cigarette, ced it between his lips, and lit it up.


    He looked extremely used to it.


    This is my apartment! The two little ones look like beggars waiting to be fed or even debt collectors


    demanding to be satisfied. But they''re obedient and they look adorable. That guy, on the other hand,


    didn''t even bother to care about feelings at all. Anyone else would have probably told me about how


    they got into the damn apartment by now.


    Avery served the two kids first before scurrying into the kitchen.


    I''m basically doing everything that their mother should have done for them, and I''m not getting paid for


    this. No, I cannot let this go on for much longer.


    Avery had only escaped to the kitchen in hopes of it being a little hideout, but she was wrong.


    A distinctive tobo smell wafted into her nostrils right then.


    She looked up and immediately met Cayden''s eyes.


    She was at a loss for what to do. With his body getting in the way, she felt as if the oxygen in the air


    had been sucked out of the room.


    He hadpletely cornered her.


    The tight feeling in her chest made her nervous. She only wanted to leave.


    However, the minute she took a step, the man came closer to her.


    She jerked her head up and looked at him. You''re going too far!


    At the same time, his gazended on her soft lips.


    Avery quickly turned away.


    ¡°Ms. Ery, why is there no onion in your food?¡± Rory''s innocent voice drifted in from the dining room,


    apanied by the sound of a spoon knocking against a bowl.


    A hot flush rose to Avery''s cheeks, and she answered, ¡°I don''t eat onions.¡±


    Seeing that as an opportunity to escape, she wanted to walk out.


    Staying with the two kids was much safer than hiding in the kitchen.


    Before she could move, however, Cayden held her by her shoulders.


    ¡°Are you insane?¡± Avery eximed as she looked up, her heart beating wildly in her chest.


    Cayden''s cold gaze was filled with an unspeakable emotion that only other men would really


    understand. He kept staring at her and stayed silent the whole time.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Avery struggled with fear written all over her face.


    Whenever she met his obsidian eyes, she felt as if she was being dragged into a deep abyss.


    She hated the feeling, but she just couldn''t escape from him.


    Avery was so angry that she was about to cry.


    ¡°Mr. Moore, please watch what you''re doing,¡± Avery hissed, not daring to say anything any louder or


    anything that crossed the line lest the kids outside hear her.


    As the kids'' father, he''s being too much!


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    ¡°Watch what I do?¡± Cayden loomed over her, causing Avery''s heartbeat to speed up. He looked at her


    smooth, silky skin as he murmured, ¡°Watching what you do means to be cautious and to think about


    the consequences of doing something, and trust me, I am watching what I''m doing right now.¡±


    Avery couldn''t deny that he hadn''t technically done anything.


    Right as she thought that, he pulled her into a tight embrace.


    ¡°Mr. Moore, I have a boyfriend and I''m already engaged. This really isn''t appropriate. It won''t be good if


    anyone hears about this either. It might ruin your good reputation,¡± Avery said as she looked up at him,


    terrified to move at all. She was afraid that her chest would identally brush against his tense body.


    She hadn''t forgotten how much of a reaction Cayden had when she had undone that belt and the


    brooch that day.


    Avery''s announcement that she was not single had caught Cayden off guard.


    She already belonged to another man.


    But still, Cayden looked at her calmly,pletely unruffled by what she had just said.


    Outside, Zachary suddenly thought of something and shouted, ¡°Ms. Ery, if you don''t eat your onions,


    that makes you a picky eater!¡±


    ¡°Yeah! Daddy will spank you!¡± Rory said boldly.


    At the word ¡°spank,¡± Avery instinctively looked at Cayden.


    He let out a chuckle, and almost instantly, she felt arge hand sliding down her back.


    To bepletely fair, Cayden had never hit his kids. It was his poker face that made them feel afraid of


    him. As time went by, Jeffrey would scare them with the prospect of their father spanking them.


    Being picky with their food was a bad habit that both Zachary and Rory clearly remembered, so they


    never dared to be picky about what they ate. They were both terrified that their father would spank


    them.


    ¡°Rory, Zach, could you twoe over here for a bit?¡± Avery finally called for help.


    Mr. Moore wouldn''t do such a thing in front of the kids, right?


    ¡°Okay!¡± Zachary and Rory answered.


    Following that, Avery heard them walking over.


    ¡°Zachary Moore, Rory Moore, sit back down this instant,¡± Cayden barked.


    Zachary and Rory stopped in their tracks at the sound of that.


    Zachary wanted to walk toward the kitchen, but Rory pulled his hand and shook her head.


    As everything fell silent, Avery red at the man in front of her wordlessly.


    She changed her approach and said softly, ¡°I know you must have plenty of women around you, Mr.


    Moore. Why do you have to make things difficult for me?¡±


    Cayden looked at her darkly and said in a raspy voice, ¡°I once heard that lust and reason can''t exist at


    the same time. I finally know exactly what that feels like today. I would love to find out just how much


    you can tempt me.¡±


    Avery could feel his warm breath on the top of her head, and with each exhale, her face only got


    redder. She felt more aggrieved than ever, as she had never wanted to tempt him.


    Suddenly, she heard the vibration of a phone.


    ¡°Your phone is ringing,¡± Avery reminded quietly.


    Yes! This is my chance to escape thiswless space once he''s distracted!


    However, she had barely pushed him away when he grabbed her wrist and pulled her back. In a sh,


    her small figure was wrapped in his embrace.


    ¡°Mm... Mmm...¡± Avery was forced to look up at him. His grip on her shoulders was so hard that she felt


    as if her shoulders were about to be crushed into powders.


    Pushing and struggling werepletely useless.


    Instead of weakening his resolve, he got even more turned on and began to kiss her from her forehead


    all the way down to her nose and her lips.

 Chapter 21

    Chapter 21


    Cayden''s sexy, wet lips slid down to Avery''s corbones.


    Avery felt as though there was an explosion in her head.


    Her hot tears suddenly began to run down her cheeks uncontrobly, as she was forced to relive a


    memory from five years ago.


    Apart from his heavy breathing, she couldn''t hear anything else.


    She was reminded of what had happened after giving birth and the video call that she had had with


    Nina which caused her to identally catch sight of the news about the rich man on the television.


    An exchange was an exchange, and no matter who the other man was, she didn''t have the right to say


    no.


    At that moment, as Cayden forcefully kissed her, she couldn''t help but think about the old man who had


    done the exact same thing to her, and an overwhelming sense of disgust began to gue her.


    Cayden could tell that she was distracted. He held her chin gently with one hand and looked at her


    fixedly with his passionate eyes. ¡°What are you thinking about? Why are you crying?¡±


    Avery, who was paralyzed with fear, returned his gaze.


    As Cayden was too tall and Avery was only wearing indoor slippers, their height difference was very


    apparent. Avery looked like a red-eyed bunny who had been bullied by him.


    ¡°I''m thinking about how much of a lustful, sex-starved, and desperate beast you are underneath that


    polished exterior of yours.¡± Avery held the rest of her tears back in, unwilling to let anyone see her


    weak side.


    However, she was already crying so hard that her emotions were no longer under her control.


    Emotions never listen to anyone, and everyone goes through good, bad, and unspeakable experiences


    in their lifetime.


    Avery, however, had already been through all of them.


    Her worst, most unspeakable experience had to be that night five years ago.


    Cayden''s kiss had forced her to think about her worst memory again, and his voice had immediately


    shattered thestyer of her fragile shield.


    It might have seemed like a thick, unbreakable shield, but it had been weak and fragile all along.


    ¡°Ms. Ery?¡± Zachary ended up barging into the kitchen anyway and looked at the two adults standing in


    their strange position.


    Avery immediately turned away in embarrassment, not wanting Zachary to look at her.


    Cayden didn''t look at his son. His chiseled, exquisite features were contorted as he thought about what


    Avery had just said about him.


    Lustful, sex-starved, and desperate. Since when did I be such a lowlife? There''s nothing in this


    world that can overwhelm me and that includes women!


    Cayden''s phone was still ringing.


    Avery was suddenly free from his grasp.


    He picked up and answered with a tone as sullen as if the person on the other end owed him ten


    billion.


    Since Avery was right next to him, she could vaguely hear the conversation.


    ¡°Mr. Moore, what are you up to?¡± the woman on the other end asked in a gentle voice that wasced


    with a hint of panic. ¡°Did I interrupt your work? Your voice was pretty scary just now.¡±


    Cayden''s attitude was usually feared upon.


    Zachary looked up at his father and heard him asking moodily, ¡°What do you want?¡±


    The other woman said, ¡°Well, I''m sure you must have left in a rush that day that you forgot to inform me


    to follow you to Ackleton.¡± Of course, she knew that Cayden had never nned on telling her or


    bringing her along. She simply said that to save face.


    Cayden remained silent. He was still thinking about the woman next to him.


    The woman went on, ¡°I''m going to head over there on Monday. I intended to start my own business


    after graduating and returning to the country. My parents are very supportive and I''m confident in my


    skills. Also, as a sessful senior in the field, I hope you can teach me a thing or two.¡±


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    Avery could tell who he was talking to by now.


    She was none other than Jack''s daughter, whom she had met in Hallsbay.


    ¡°We''ll talk about that when youe over,¡± Cayden said before hanging up straight away.


    Zachary was still in the kitchen, and his bright eyes immediately met his father''s stern gaze. He couldn''t


    help but tremble.


    Rory, on the other hand, was still standing in front of the kitchen, not daring to enter.


    Did Daddy make Ms. Ery cry? Bad Daddy!


    Rory was thinking about what had happened between Avery and her father when she was picked up by


    hisrge hands, brought into his embrace, and carried to the door.


    ¡°Zach!¡± Rory called out, looking back.


    Zachary looked at Avery, who was still looking down and not moving, and then he turned to his father,


    whose face was as dark as thunder. Cayden was already wearing his shoes at the door, and Zachary


    did not know what to do.


    He could only follow his father and promise, ¡°Ms. Ery, I''lle and see you next time.¡±


    Cayden put on his leather shoes at the door and did not bother to help Rory put on hers. He opened


    the door and stalked out.


    Zachary quickly wear his shoes and followed behind them.


    When the three of them got into the Land Rover parked at the gates of the residential area, Zachary


    looked forward and muttered, ¡°Daddy, you went overboard today.¡±


    Rory was curled up in her safety seat at the back, still pouting.


    Cayden started the car with a gaze that could freeze over hell and drove off.


    Zachary''s and Cayden''s expressions were somehow the same as they both stared off into the distance.


    ¡°Ery, my parents are nning on buying a house for you and Zayne already. Which area do you prefer?


    Don''t hold back, okay? I''d rmend you choose somewhere in the city center so it''s convenient for


    you to go to work.¡±


    Nina had called almost immediately after Cayden left.


    ¡°A house?¡± Avery thought it was too fast.


    They continued chatting about the same topic for a little bit, but Nina could tell that Avery wasn''t in a


    good condition, so she asked her to get some rest.


    Despite Nina''s advice, Avery didn''t go rest. She went to tidy up the cutlery on the table and do the


    dishes.


    After cleaning up the table and the kitchen, Avery went on to clean the entire apartment.


    It was then she noticed a pair of tiny shoes at the door.


    They belong to Rory. Looks like she didn''t get to put on her shoes before her father carried her away...


    Avery sighed. She hadn''t started working for very long and yet her rtionship with her boss was


    already so tense.


    She couldn''t even pinpoint whose fault it was.


    In fact, she felt that she might lose her job. She was even thinking about quitting on her own.


    Exhaling deeply, she went to sweep the balcony, and only then did she notice the ashtray on the


    balcony.


    It was one of the mostmon ashtrays that thendlord had provided.


    Avery did not smoke, and she did not usually have anyone from the opposite gender over, which meant


    that the ashtray had never been used.


    That day, the ashtray was filled with ashes and two cigarette butts that have been smoked not long


    ago.


    She dumped the ashes into the trash can and wiped it with a wet cloth until not a single piece of dust


    could be seen. Right then, she looked up and spotted the ckce bra she had hung up to dryst


    night.


    She liked it because it was extremely soft and was practically seamless under tighter work blouses.


    There was also the matching pair of panties that was hanging up there as well.


    No one had ever visited her apartment, let alone any men. That was why she had never really cared


    about where she hung her undergarments.


    The apartment was so small that it couldn''t really hold anyone who was too high-maintenance.


    The bathroom was small and practically just a cube. It was damp and dark, so it was definitely not


    suitable for hangingundry.


    She put away the lingerie.


    She didn''t really care about the opposite gender seeing her undergarments since she wouldn''t lose


    anything. But when she thought about the fact that he might have studied it closely, she felt mildly


    ufortable.

 Chapter 22

    Chapter 22


    That evening, Cayden did not join his family for dinner at the Moore residence.


    Allie put some vegetables onto Zachary''s te before giving Rory some too. ¡°Now you guys listen to


    your grandma. I know you don''t like these, but they''re good for your body. You won''t grow big and tall if


    you don''t eat them.¡±


    Everybody was enjoying dinner at the dining table.


    After looking at the vegetables on his te, Zachary obediently put them into his mouth. When he was


    done, he turned to his grandmother. ¡°Grandma, why aren''t you eating the onion?¡±


    On the table was a pan-fried onion that Zachary and Rory loved. Everybody seemed to enjoy it, except


    for Allie, who always stayed as far away as possible from food with onion.


    Whenever Allie smelled the vegetable, she would lose her appetite.


    Before Allie could say anything, Lily scoffed, ¡°Because she''s a ssic picky eater. That''s why.¡±


    As soon as Jeffrey heard that, he deliberately coughed loudly to stop his daughter-inw from causing


    a scene at dinner.


    Pouting, Lily continued with her food. Even though she did not think she was wrong, she decided it was


    best not to push her luck.


    Naturally, Allie could sense the hostilitying from Lily, but she chose to ignore the woman. ¡°It''s


    because of my father. He didn''t like onions either when he was still around.¡±


    ¡°I see!¡± Zachary fidgeted with his spoon. ¡°I know a prettydy who dislikes onions too.¡±


    In response to that, Allie chuckled. There are many like me who dislike onions. We''re no different than


    those who hate broli or any other food.


    After dinner, the two children went outside to y until bedtime. Everybody brushed their teeth and


    went into their bedrooms respectively.


    Avery tossed and turned all night long because she had a dream, and in it, she could hear Cayden


    showering.


    After opening the door to the bathroom, Avery walked up to the man from behind and held his chiseled


    body.


    Cayden then turned around to leave lovebites all over her neck.


    Hungry for more, Avery lifted her head to look at the man.


    His sensual breathing and gentle touch were enough to cause her to tremble all over. As she was


    drenched in sweat, her hair clung to her face, and the scene continued to get steamier.


    Every muscle in Avery''s body tensed up, causing her to shake uncontrobly.


    She took a step back, and Cayden followed. The two gazed into each other''s eyes briefly before letting


    their tongues wrestle.


    Amidst the waves of passion, Avery began to let out soft moans. When she opened her eyes, she


    could clearly see Cayden''s eyshes, which were so thick that they would make any woman jealous.


    Suddenly, the dream took a strange turn, and all Avery could see was the old but wealthy businessman


    waving at her with a hideous smile.


    ¡°Ah!¡± cried Avery before bolting upright in bed.


    Breathing heavily, the woman took a while before she realized it was all just a bad dream.


    She let out a sigh of relief and was d that what she had seen was not real.


    It was dark in Ackleton that night, and not a star could be seen. Avery was still partially caught up in her


    dream, unable to fully return to reality.


    Ever since she saw the old businessman on television five years ago, Avery would think of him


    whenever she wondered about her baby''s father.


    She could not stop thinking about her baby because that was her flesh and blood. However, she would


    always be reminded of the businessman''s cunning and terrifying visage every time she did so.


    Avery had had the same nightmare many times before.


    Even though it had stopped for a while after she went to see a psychologist overseas, the businessman


    had eventually returned to haunt her in her dreams.


    Avery could not help but wonder if she would be tortured like that for the rest of her life. It''s all in the


    past now, but why does it refuse to leave me alone?


    The woman tried to forget it but to no avail.


    She turned toward the window and took a few deep breaths, trying her best to bring herself back to


    reality.


    However, before she could do that, she started hearing Cayden''s voice again.


    It was something the man had said to her before. ¡°What are you thinking about? Why are you crying?¡±


    Avery instinctively tightened her grip on the bed sheet when she suddenly heard another voice inside


    her head. It belonged to the man who had taken advantage of her five years ago. ¡°Your legs. I want you


    to open them wider.¡±


    The two voices were getting louder and louder in Avery''s mind until a lightning bolt shed before her


    eyes.


    Not long after that, raindrops as big as jelly beans started to fall from the sky. With the wind blowing


    harshly, they were sent pattering against the bedroom window.


    At that moment, Avery could no longer hold back her tears.


    This is my fate, and I have to ept it. I had no choice but to sell my body to an old businessman


    because that was the only way to save my beloved. My mind only made me hear those voices because


    I loathed the old businessman. This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    The following morning, Zachary went to his sister''s room. ¡°Rory, why do you think Daddy was holding


    Ms. Ery yesterday?¡±


    ¡°Daddy held Ms. Ery?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Maybe he hit Ms. Ery. I mean, why else would she be crying?¡±


    ¡°But why would he hit her?¡±


    ¡°Because Ms. Ery is a picky eater. She didn''t eat her onion!¡±


    Zachary was visibly puzzled. Daddy hit Ms. Ery and made her cry because she was a picky eater who


    refused to eat onions?


    ¡°I''ll ask Daddy about it when the time is right,¡± stated Zachary concernedly. ¡°Maybe I''ll need to ask him


    to sit down so we can talk. He should act more gentlemanly towarddies.¡±


    ¡°Daddy is a worrisome man, isn''t he?¡± Rory sighed, seemingly disappointed in her father.


    After returning home early in the morning, Cayden went upstairs to take a shower.


    While taking off his necktie, Cayden noticed a cartoonish sticky note on the bathroom door, and on it


    was a child''s handwriting: Daddy, you should learn to be more of a gentleman.


    Cayden took the note down after reading it.


    When Zachary heard movements in his father''s bedroom, he entered.


    Staring at his father who was standing a few feet away, the child voiced cautiously, ¡°Daddy, I have a


    question for you.¡±


    Cayden, who was rarely that serious, nodded before giving his son a brief response. ¡°Sure.¡±


    ¡°Rory said you hit Ms. Ery and made her cry because she didn''t eat her onion...¡± Zachary knew it was


    inappropriate for him to talk to his father like that, but he was convinced that it was necessary to do so.


    Hence, the boy summoned up all his courage to continue rebuking Cayden. ¡°We''re all born equal and


    independent, so to treat anybody otherwise would be wrong. I don''t think it''s right that you tried to force


    Ms. Ery to eat onions. Just because she dislikes one or two kinds of food doesn''t mean she''s a picky


    eater! Besides, Ms. Ery isn''t your child. Unlike us, she wasn''t brought up by you, so she doesn''t have to


    listen to you.¡±


    Zachary seemed to be making a lot of sense.


    ¡°So you''re saying you have to listen to me because you''re my children and that I brought you up,


    right?¡± Cayden said. ¡°Then if I promise to take care of her until her hair turns white, which means the


    time I spend looking after her is going to be longer than the time I spend bringing you up, shouldn''t she


    listen to me too, just like you do?¡±


    Zachary scratched his head in bafflement while looking at his father. ¡°I guess it makes sense, but¡ª¡±


    Instead of waiting for his son to finish the sentence, Cayden walked into the bathroom. He preferred not


    to waste time exining things only adults would understand.

 Chapter 23

    Chapter 23


    Zachary still had a lot of questions for Cayden, so he stood outside the bathroom and waited for his


    father to finish showering.


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    When Cayden was finally done, he walked out with a towel wrapped around his lower body, revealing


    his well-built chest with water drops still clinging to it.


    ¡°Daddy, I''m sure Ms. Ery has her own parents, so why do you have to be the one to look after her?¡±


    Zachary still could not figure out what Cayden meant.


    The man then sat down with his legs open and wiped his short ck hair with a towel. ¡°How old are


    you, and how old is she?¡±


    ¡°Well, I''m five... I don''t know how old Ms. Ery is,¡± answered Zachary.


    Cayden gazed at his son and continued in all seriousness, ¡°You''re five, and she''s twenty-four, so you''re


    neen years apart. Very soon, you''ll grow into an adult like me and have dreams and careers to


    chase. By then, I''ll be a middle-aged man who keeps getting older by the day. The same goes for your


    Ms. Ery. We''ll be as old as your grandpa someday. But before that happens, we still have a long way to


    go. Along that way, we''ll go through sickness and other hardships, and men tend to be the support


    women need in those times.¡±


    To that, Zachary nodded understandingly, for he remembered his father telling him that every man had


    to be dependable.


    After giving it some thought, Zachary carried on with his questions. ¡°But Ms. Ery will have a husband


    and children in the future, right? Will you take care of both her and her husband?¡± Daddy must be a


    very kind-hearted man if he''s willing to do something like that.


    ¡°Why would I do that?¡± In response, Cayden nced at coldly Zachary before standing up to throw the


    half-wet towel aside. He refused to continue with their talk.


    The man furrowed his eyebrows when he thought of Avery''s husband, Zayne.


    Zachary lowered his head and pouted, wondering what he had said to upset his father.


    Meanwhile, in Quakersville, Avery had no idea what time she had finally managed to fall asleep the


    night before.


    Because of her nightmares, she did not get any decent sleep and was gued with a headache in the


    morning.


    Even though her phone vibrated, she failed to notice it.


    It was a WhatsApp message from Zayne: I''m guessing you''re still asleep, so I hope this message didn''t


    wake you up. I''m sorry I can''t visit you today because I''m very busy. If you haven''t recovered from the


    cold yet, remember to take your medicine. My mom made soup early in the morning and said it''s for


    you, so I gave her your address. I''ll see you at work on Monday.


    Since Avery was still asleep, she did not see the message when it was sent.


    Outside the residential area, the rain clouds from the night before dispersed and gave way to a sunny


    day.


    Even though the sun was beating down, the temperature and humidity in the air were just nice.


    With the soup poured into a vacuum sk, Isabe carefully held the container with her hand at the


    bottom as she got off the bus. Then, she happily made her way over to Quakersville just ahead.


    The residential area was quite old, but everybody expected it tost at least fifteen years since no


    ordinary developers would have the means to develop the ce.


    When Isabe entered the area, she saw several elderly men drinking coffee on rocking chairs and a


    few women her age.


    The women did not notice her, as they were busy gossiping.


    One of the women, who wore a floral dress and had a fan in her hand, pointed at the house numbered


    twelve behind her and raised an eyebrow. ¡°I''ll tell you who the person is when we bump into her next


    time. Tsk! I''m telling you. You really can''t judge a book by its cover. Since you guys have never seen


    her, I''ll tell you what she looks like. The woman has a pretty pleasant face, doesn''t dye her hair, doesn''t


    wear a lot of makeup, and doesn''t dress revealingly. Heck, she looks so proper that you''d never guess


    she''s a homewrecker.¡±


    ¡°Keep it down, Deborah! What if you''re wrong?¡± questioned another woman, who thought Deborah''s


    usation was baseless and was worried they would get into trouble for gossiping like that.


    Deborah immediately popped a vein. With her fan pointed aggressively at the house, Deborah


    continued, ¡°You think I''m wrongly using her? I told you nothing but the truth. Just ask anybody in


    this neighborhood, and they''ll tell you I''ve never wrongly used anybody of anything! Even if she''s


    around now, I''ll tell you the same thing. I even know what her name is. Herst name is Rumpley, and


    her first is Avery or something.¡±


    Two women beside Deborah helplessly exchanged looks, for they knew how she liked to use others


    without grounds.


    Isabe''s hands on the vacuum sk trembled when she overheard the conversation.


    ¡°You mentioned the name Avery Rumpley just now. Why did you call her a homewrecker?¡± asked


    Isabe straightforwardly after walking up to the group of women, who then turned to look at her.


    ¡°Who is she to you? I don''t recognize you. You''re not from this neighborhood, are you?¡± Deborah felt


    somewhat guilty since she did not have solid evidence to prove what she had said was true.


    Naturally, Isabe got upset after overhearing the gossip about her daughter-inw. ¡°Who is she to


    me? She''s my daughter-inw! Why were you gossiping about her?¡±


    ¡°So you''re that homewrecker''s mother-inw, huh?¡± Deborah sneered before lowering her head to look


    at the vacuum sk in Isabe''s hands. ¡°You don''t live with her, do you? And I''m guessing your son


    isn''t always home with your daughter-inw, am I right? It''s funny how you try to protect her because


    she probably doesn''t care how you feel about her bringing a random man home.¡±


    The other women quickly pulled at Deborah''s shirt, trying to stop her from saying things she was


    unsure about.


    Isabe almost cursed at Deborah after listening to the woman. A random man? What random man?


    Seeing how Isabe continued to look daggers at her, Deborah decided to carry on. ¡°It''s not my fault


    your daughter-inw''s a homewrecker. If you don''t want people to gossip about her, you should do


    something to stop her from being so shameful.¡±


    ¡°Y-You saw them with your own eyes?¡± inquired Isabe while shaking as if she was electrocuted, half-


    convinced.


    Deborah pointed her finger at amppost nearby. ¡°Of course. They had their hands all over each other


    right there. Behaving like that out here in public is just disgraceful.¡±


    ¡°Maybe she was with my son.¡± Isabe still refused to believe that Avery had cheated on Zayne.


    However, Deborah did not think a married couple would behave that way. ¡°Well, I guess you''d know.


    The guy was about six and a half feet tall. From the suit he was wearing, I can tell that he''s rich.¡±


    Thud!


    Isabe suddenly dropped the sk in her hands.


    It was after ten o''clock when Avery finally woke up.


    Her throat was as dry as the desert, so she got herself a ss of water before checking the messages


    on her phone. Only then did she know that Isabe was nning to visit her.


    When Avery realized that Zayne had sent the message almost three hours ago, she wondered why


    Isabe had not arrived yet.


    Worried that Isabe might have taken the wrong bus, Avery tried to call the woman to see if she could


    be of any help.


    ¡°Sorry, the number you have dialed is unavable,¡± came an intercept message since nobody picked


    up her call.

 Chapter 24

    Chapter 24


    Avery then tried to call Zayne, but she got the same response.


    ¡°Sorry, the number you have dialed is unavable.¡±


    At that moment, Avery began to get anxious. Please don''t tell me that something bad has happened.


    Hence, she called Nina, who only took a second to answer.


    ¡°What''s up, Babe?¡± greeted Nina before Avery told her what had just happened.


    ¡°My mother probably just went over to her friend''s for poker. You probably don''t know this, but she


    tends to leave her phone in her bag whenever she ys poker. As for my brother, he''s probably just


    busy with work,¡± exined Nina.


    T¨ºxt belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Everything Nina said made sense, so Avery decided to stop overthinking.


    After setting her phone aside, Avery entered the bathroom to shower and felt much better afterward.


    While drying her hair, she heard her phone ringing on the coffee table.


    It was Zayne calling.


    ¡°Hey,¡± greeted Avery after picking up her phone.


    As if he was suppressing his emotions, Zayne kept silent for a while before questioning coldly, ¡°Avery,


    have you been seeing somebody behind my back?¡±


    ¡°What? Who would I be seeing behind your back?¡± Avery did not understand what Zayne meant.


    ¡°Even now, you continue to y innocent? I feel like I don''t know you anymore, Avery. Tell me, am I


    talking to the real you?¡± Zayne raised his voice so much that it turned hoarse.


    In response to that, Avery tightened her grip on her phone.


    ¡°I need to know. What am I to you? Your boy toy? Or a naive guy you can take advantage of?¡±


    continued Zayne harshly, upset because he was convinced that he was cheated on.


    The man''s angry voice was like an ice pick stabbing Avery in the ear.


    ¡°Please just calm down. Is there some sort of misunderstanding between us?¡± Avery asked with knitted


    eyebrows.


    To that, Zayne scoffed, ¡°Misunderstanding? I don''t think so! All I can feel right now is how much I hate


    myself for trusting you unconditionally. I hate myself for not listening to Mna when I was overseas.


    What she said was true, wasn''t it, Ery? You were promiscuous while studying abroad and secretly had


    a sexual rtionship with a man.¡±


    Thest sentence did note out as a question but as a statement.


    used by her soon-to-be life partner of being someone she was not, Avery got so furious that her


    hands shook.


    ¡°Whenever I asked you out, you''d always tell me that you were busy with work. You lied to me then,


    didn''t you? Now that I think about it, it does seem pretty suspicious. If you really were so busy taking up


    multiple part-time jobs, howe I never saw you with dark eye circles?¡± questioned Zayne without


    giving Avery a chance to speak.


    ¡°Okay. If you think I was lying about my part-time jobs, what do you think I was doing then?¡± Avery


    furrowed her eyebrows even tighter.


    ¡°Do you really want me to say it out loud?¡± asked Zayne in a lowered voice.


    ¡°Yes. I want to hear you say it.¡±


    ¡°I''m only doing this because you asked me to.¡± Zayne then proceeded to tell Avery everything Mna


    had told him, which he did not believe at that time. ¡°In those five years, you''d been with six men, and


    four of them had families! They supported you financially, paid your tuition fees, and even taught you


    othernguages. Somewhere in between, you got pregnant and had an abortion for them.¡±


    At that point, Avery could feel her heart being shattered into a million pieces.


    Tears began to roll down the woman''s cheek as she lowered her head to stare at the engagement ring


    on her finger.


    It had not even been a week since their engagement, and her fianc¨¦ was already questioning her like a


    criminal over the phone.


    Nothing was more important to a woman than her reputation, yet Zayne had chastised Avery just


    because of Mna''s baseless usations.


    To Avery, the level of distrust she got from her fianc¨¦ was not any less severe than an outright betrayal.


    Still, Zayne wanted to keep questioning Avery about the man she was supposedly seeing and to tell


    her to stop denying it because her neighbor, Deborah, had imed to be a witness to her affair.


    Having had enough, Avery ended the call without another word.


    Shortly after that, Avery''s phone rang again, but she chose to ignore it.


    At that moment, Avery did not feel sad or the need to cry. She was just exhausted.


    Hugging her knees and burying her head in them, she decided to be her ownforter.


    Avery thought Zayne was too good to be true when he had walked into her life five years ago, yet he


    was real. The man was like a ray of light on a cloudy day, giving her hope that the sky would turn sunny


    soon.


    Just like that, Avery was lured out of herfort zone and into the open, where she could see the dark


    clouds above her.


    The ray of light had promised her, ¡°You can trust me. Just stand here and wait for the sun. Soon, I''ll


    turn your life into a bright sunny day.¡±


    Hence, Avery had gazed at the light and waited obediently for its promise toe true.


    Unfortunately, the sky suddenly became even darker as heavy rain poured down.


    Drenched in rainwater and shivering because of the cold, Avery felt like the unluckiest person alive.


    The woman eventually fell asleep after curling up on the couch for a long while.


    It was only because of an unbearable stomachache that she was forced to wake up.


    Avery had not eaten anything since she got out of bed in the morning.


    After changing her clothes and grabbing her keys and purse, she was ready to go out for a simple


    lunch. She did not feel like going home after eating, so she walked around the city, which felt as familiar


    as it was strange to her. Maybe I''ll feel better after this.


    Before she could take the subway, someone suddenly grabbed her hand from behind.


    Avery quickly turned around and realized that it was Mna.


    ¡°Avery, it''s really you!¡± Mna gazed at Avery with a big smile.


    ¡°I hate myself for not listening to Mna when I was overseas!¡± Zayne''s words suddenly echoed in


    Avery''s mind.


    She did not doubt that Mna was capable of ndering her and making groundless usations


    against her in front of Zayne.


    ¡°Get your filthy hand off me!¡± Avery shouted before pulling her hand away.


    ¡°Filthy?¡± Mna continued to smile instead of getting upset. Quickening her pace to catch up with


    Avery, Mna hurried into the subway before the door closed behind her.


    ¡°Mom asked me to tell you she''d like you home for dinner,¡± Mna informed, standing beside Avery,


    who pretended to hear nothing.


    ¡°Hey, you''re stepping on my foot!¡± Mna suddenly lowered her head to speak to a woman seated in


    front of her.


    The woman was none other than Deborah, who managed to grab a seat as soon as she got in.


    Realizing that Mna and Avery shared the same mother, Deborah withdrew her foot before inquiring,


    ¡°Child, how old?¡±


    ¡°Twenty-six.¡± Mna would rather not chat with a nobody like Deborah, but she did not want to seem


    rude.


    Deborah chuckled and pretended to be jealous. ¡°My, my! You sure look young for someone who has a


    twenty-six-year-old child.¡±


    ¡°Why you...¡± Mna''s face immediately turned bright red when people around them started giggling. It


    would be inappropriate for me to argue with a middle-aged woman here. Damn it!

 Chapter 25

    Chapter 25


    Deborah then turned her gaze to Avery, who was calm and unruffled. Inwardly, she scoffed disdainfully.


    As expected of a mistress! How cold-blooded and callous of her that she doesn''t even bother


    defending her own sister when thetter is derided!


    Sheer regret swamped her. If I''d known that she''d remain unmoved, I would''ve mocked her instead!


    The subway had just passed East Gate Station when she could no longer suppress her ire. Pinning her


    gaze on Avery, she rebuked, ¡°You have no morals, youngdy!¡±


    Avery stared at her.


    How do I have no morals?


    At the same time, she was rather curious to know what other shameless statements that gossipmonger


    of a woman could make.


    Glowering at her, Deborah continued, ¡°When we were boarding the subway, you stole my seat, didn''t


    you? Say, I''m already in my fifties. Why must you fight with me? You''re young and don''t make enough


    to afford a car, so you fight those who are weak and frail like me for a seat in packed subways and


    buses? Oh well. Fortunately, my son is capable and has long since bought a car!¡±


    While she spoke of that, smugness was written all over her face.


    When Mna heard that, she instantly straightened to her full height and turned to Avery with


    undisguised eagerness to see thetter so mortified that she couldn''t hold her head up.


    Meanwhile, other young people in the subway were also implicated. Some didn''t make much and


    couldn''t afford a car, but there were also some who found the subway convenient since driving meant


    getting stuck in traffic.


    However, Deborah was obviously targeting Avery, so they merely watched the show.


    ¡°I''ve just returned to the country upon graduation. My family background is average, to begin with, but


    luckily, I worked a few jobs while studying and saved some money. I used that money to buy a car for


    my parents. It''s okay for young people to take packed subways, but we can''t have our elderly parents


    do the same. That''ll be unfilial,¡± Avery enunciated mildly, meeting Deborah''s gaze squarely.


    Deborah promptly shot daggers at Avery, so livid that steam wasing out of her ears.


    Upon hearing that, the passengers in the subway burst outughing. But this time, they were scorning


    Deborah, who kept finding fault with Avery.


    In fact, they wondered whether she would nag her son when she returned home and reprimand him for


    being unfilial.


    Just then, the announcement of the next station rang out in the subway. Unable to stand the crowd''s


    snickering, Deborah pushed and shoved the young people around her with a dark expression. When


    she finally made her way out, she beat a hasty retreat off the subway.


    As for Mna, she continued following Avery.


    After Avery exited the subway station, she didn''t go anywhere specific. She merely strolled along the


    bustling streets, tilting her head back from time to time in admiration of the impressive buildings in the


    city.


    Truth be told, she had a dream of constructing a building that bore much significance to her.


    Mna could no longer take it after tailing her for the length of a street. The sun was scorching hot,


    burning her skin.


    Before she stopped following Avery, she stared at the woman as though thetter had lost her mind.


    She can''t even guard her own man, but she''s still in the mood to wander around here!


    ncing at the blistering sun again, she couldn''t help feeling jealous. Argh! How could there be such a


    woman like her who doesn''t get tanned no matter how long she stands under the sun?


    As a taxi pulled over, she got into it in a fit of pique.


    Then, she mmed the car door shut and left.


    T¨ºxt belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Avery gazed at the library at the center of the city, engrossed in the sight. In the end, she took out her


    phone and snapped a photo after finding a better angle. Saving it, she nned to study it meticulously


    when she went home.


    Work was the only thing that could ease her mind.


    When she returned to her rented ce, she put down her bag and changed into a pair of slippers.


    Having done that, she went straight to the room, turned on her workptop, and started studying the


    buildings she photographed.


    Once she began, she continued until it waste at night.


    Zayne didn''t phone her throughout the entire afternoon, nor did he send her any text messages.


    When it was past midnight, Avery nned to go to sleep after taking a shower, but her phone vibrated.


    Frowning, she picked up her phone and checked her messages.


    As she did so, her phone vibrated again.


    A total of three messages came in, and they were all voice messages from Zayne.


    Avery lifted her head and nced at the night view outside the window. Then, she yed the


    messages.


    ¡°Ery, you were the one who betrayed me... But why am I the one drowning in my sorrows?¡±


    ¡°Where''s my principled and incorruptible Ery? Where did you hide her? Return her to me! Give her


    back to me!¡±


    ¡°I have a question for you. I pursued you for more than four years, but you didn''t agree to date me...


    Now that we''ve been together for almost a year... why do you... why do you still refuse to allow me to


    bed you?¡±


    Avery listened to all three messages the man sent consecutively.


    She was afraid that she would miss hearing him say, ¡°let''s break up,¡± but he never did say that.


    From the look of things, I''m the one who needs to voice it.


    As Avery''s thoughts drifted, her phone vibrated once more.


    Like before, she yed the voice message.


    Zayne was cursing her out hysterically in a rowdy environment. ¡°What a pretentious sl*t! All you know is


    to feign innocence with me! You''re simply a wh*re! I don''t even know how much you sleep around with


    other men in secret! Are you lonely? Even if you were to have a regr boyfriend and have him f*ck


    you every day, I wouldn''t look down on you! Think about your life back when you were in Ustrana! How


    are you any different from a hooker?¡±


    Avery sensed her heart racing wildly, but she gritted her teeth and sat back down in front of herptop.


    Work was the only thing that could have her let go of everything and not think about anything.


    s, when she stayed upte, and her brain had turned into mush, her self-control failed her. Her


    thoughts inevitably strayed.


    She couldn''t understand why Zayne didn''t believe his own fianc¨¦e yet trusted Mna. Worse still, he


    believed the rumors from Deborah, aplete stranger to him.


    Ultimately, his trust in her was so fragile that it shattered at the slightest provocation.


    The next morning, Avery walked out of the subway station and crossed the street.


    After walking for another two minutes, she would arrive at the towering building where her office was


    located.


    At that precise moment, Xavier alighted from a brown Bentley with a document in hand. He was


    responsible for sending Zachary to his Ustranasion ss that day, but he received a call from Cayden


    midway.


    Cayden was in urgent need of that document which he forgot at home.


    Zachary sat in the car, swinging his legs. All of a sudden, he caught sight of a familiar figure.


    ¡°Ms. Ery!¡± He had been wondering whether Avery had been doing well in the past two days, but he


    couldn''t go and look for her by himself. At longst, his wish of seeing her hade true.


    Turning, he swung open the car door and jumped out of the car, leaving his schoolbag behind.


    Avery stayed up most ofst night. Although she was the kind of person who wouldn''t have dark circles


    beneath her eyes despite theck of sleep, she still looked a touch haggard. No sooner had she


    ascended the stairs than she sensed a shadow looming over her.


    Lifting her head, she was greeted by Zayne, who was mere inches away from her.


    ¡°Get out of my way.¡± Verily, she had nothing else to say to him.


    Zayne''s eyes were bloodshot. Having stayed uptest night and imbibed, he appeared exceedingly


    wretched that day.


    ¡°I originally wanted to apologize to you for the harsh words I saidst night, but you''re being vtile


    when I''ve calmed down.¡± His gaze flickered for a second, and his hands clenched into fists.


    Avery gaped at him incredulously.


    It''s as though I''ve never understood him. Which wires in his brain crossed that he imagined his fianc¨¦e


    cheating on him? Worse still, it isn''t just with a single man but multiple men.

 Chapter 26

    Chapter 26


    Zayne narrowed his eyes wearily and looked scrutinized Avery. ¡°You were gentle and docile when you


    were in your teens. But now, you''re all covered in thorns and quills that appeared after your true colors


    have been exposed.¡±


    Hearing that insulting remark, Avery recalled how he had denigrated her again and again yesterday.


    Words always cut like a sword when it was meant to hurt.


    They cut deep into her, riddling her with wounds that dripped blood.


    Right then, she hadpletely given up on him.


    ¡°It''s almost time to clock in,¡± Avery reminded evenly as she walked past him.


    However, Zayne grabbed her wrist. His hold was forceful, and he yanked her back. With his eyes


    zing scarlet, he snarled, ¡°I''m not done talking to you!¡±


    At that exact moment, Nina rushed out. ¡°What are you doing, Zayne? Let go of Ery!¡±


    Avery was wearing high heels, as required by thepany. The heels were low, but that didn''t mean


    they were stable. At Zayne''s pull, she twisted her left ankle.


    Enduring the pain, she seized the opportunity when Nina pried Zayne''s hand away to retract her hand.


    In the next instant, she slipped off the ring on her left hand and threw it at Zayne''s face with resolution


    written all over her face.


    She lifted her head again and dered, ¡°Starting today, we''ll go our separate ways.¡±


    Her voice was monotonous. Despite her wrath, she clenched her jaw and remained calm.


    Otherwise, she would look utterly pathetic.


    Throughout these five years, the ones most skilled at putting on a front turned out to be Zayne and


    Mna!


    Nina told Avery that she once advised her brother not to have any contact with Mna, to which Zayne


    asserted that he never had any contact with thetter.


    By then, however, Avery realized that she was the one deceived through and through.


    At that very moment, Mna was sitting by the fountain in front of the office. While touching up her


    makeup, she watched the show with a smirk through the mirror.


    Withdrawing her gaze, Avery pursed her lips, revealing nary a hint of weakness.


    The ring hit Zayne on the bridge of his nose. Lifting his hand, he caught the ring. He then stared at the


    ring in his hand, his nose stinging. A long whileter, he raised his eyes to look at Avery. ¡°Go our


    separate ways? How easy for you to say that. Are your calmness and indifference the only thing I get in


    exchange for my grief and misery?¡±


    ¡°Stop talking. The two of you need to calm down.¡± Nina alternated her gaze between her brother and


    her best friend.


    ¡°I''m calm because I have a clear conscience,¡± Avery sneered.


    ¡°Is that all you''ve got to say to me?¡± Zayne''s hands balled into fists, and he seemed to be on the verge


    of turning hysterical again.


    ¡°From the second you doubted me, nothing I say will make any difference. So why should I waste my


    breath?¡± Pushing through the pain in her ankle, Avery headed toward the building.


    Zayne''s face went as ck as thunder. He whirled around and chased after her.


    Nina clutched at her brother hard. ¡°We''re at the office here. Do you want to make such a huge fuss that


    everything bes public knowledge? Zayne, I beg you. Everyone is staring, so please don''t ruin


    Ery.¡±


    Avery''s eyes suddenly turned red-rimmed when she heard Nina coaxing Zayne.


    That''s true. I''ve got a shameful past that can never be erased. If he goes off the deep end, there''s a


    possibility that he''ll reveal everything, no matter how many people are listening and staring around us.


    Where''s the rational Zayne of the past? He knows full well that I''m most concerned about my reputation


    in terms of my private life after that incident five years ago, yet he''s now using that to humiliate me.


    ¡°You don''t trust Ery, but you trust that pretentious b*tch, Mna? Who is she? She''s nothing more than


    a sl*t! Why are you entertaining her? Have you lost your brains?¡± Ninambasted in distress, regarding


    her brother in disappointment.


    Staring at Avery''s back, Zayne clenched his hands into fists again. Casting his mind back at the


    bouquet of flowers sent by air freight that she received, Mna''s words, and Deborah''s caution at the


    residential area, he looked at his sister with a manic expression. ¡°I''ve learned my lesson from believing


    her in the past. To me, she''ll never be innocent again.¡±


    Meanwhile, Avery went into the office.


    She kept her head down as she walked, her mind a jumbled mess.


    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    ¡°Ms. Ery!¡±


    Following a little boy''s soft cry, someone hugged Avery''s leg.


    Avery turned back and looked down at the little boy hugging her leg at the side.


    Lifting his head, Zachary gazed at her with innocent eyes and dered coquettishly, ¡°I''ve been hiding


    here and waiting for you for a long time, Ms. Ery! I''ve finally caught you!¡±


    Avery cautiously darted her eyes around, only to discover that her colleagues seemingly had no idea


    that Zachary was their CEO''s son.


    ¡°Why are you here?¡± she asked in a whisper. At the same time, she tried to remove his hands from her


    leg.


    However, Zachary held firm to her leg and muttered, ¡°Why are your eyes red, Ms. Ery?¡±


    On the other hand, Xavier discovered that Zachary was gone when he came back down after delivering


    the document. He searched everywhere, but he didn''t find him. In the end, he had no choice but to


    check the surveince footage, tracking Zachary from when he got out of the car.


    Finally, the surveince footage indicated that he was on the first floor of the building. He came out of


    nowhere. And now, he''s hugging Avery''s thigh as he acted cute?


    On the first floor, Avery''s phone rang.


    ¡°Hello.¡± From the caller ID, she saw that it was Xavier.


    On the other end of the line, Xavier inquired, ¡°Can you please bring Mr. Zachary to the top floor, Ms.


    Rumpley? Mr. Moore is fit to be tied now.¡±


    Averse to going to the top floor, Avery stammered, ¡°Uh... Could you pleasee down and bring him


    up instead, Mr. Dartsley?¡±


    ¡°Actually, Ms. Rumpley...¡± Xavier trailed off mid-utterance as he glimpsed Cayden, who had already


    gotten to his feet. His brain whirred for a few seconds before he said, ¡°It''s okay. Just wait where you


    are, Ms. Rumpley.¡±


    Just wait where I am?


    ¡°Mr. Dartsley ising down to pick you up,¡± Avery announced.


    A minuteter, however, she saw Cayden stepping out of his exclusive elevator and heading toward


    her with his long legs.


    Shuddering, she looked down and said to Zachary, ¡°Your daddy''s here. Quick, be good and let go of


    me.¡±


    Unfortunately, the boy refused to do so.


    In the next moment, a massive hand took Zachary''s petite ones away.


    Zachary''s hand was encircling Avery''s thigh, so Cayden''s hand inevitably grazed thetter''s creamy


    and smooth thigh when he took his son''s hand away.


    Before Zachary followed his father upstairs, he looked back and queried in concern, ¡°Ms. Ery, does it


    still hurt where my daddy hit you?¡±


    Upon hearing that, Avery was wholly puzzled.


    Hit me?


    Noticing her bemusement, Zachary exined, ¡°You were a picky eater, so Daddy spanked you. Daddy


    said you cried when he hit you that day.¡±


    Avery nced around nervously before she answered, ¡°N-Not really. It doesn''t hurt anymore.¡± After


    saying that, she discovered that Cayden was looking at her. At once, her face med.


    Worried that others would misunderstand her rtionship with the man, she bowed to him respectfully,


    trying to appear as distant as possible.


    Cayden''s eyes flittered to her left hand, which was bereft of the usual ring. His initially grim features


    promptly turned thoughtful and enthralling.

 Chapter 27

    Chapter 27


    Subsequently, Avery returned to the design department.


    She managed to get away from Zayne downstairs, but she still had to face the man when she returned


    to work.


    Fortunately, their work stations were far apart.


    Seeing that Avery had settled down in her seat, Cecelia sighed as she looked in the mirror and


    grumbled, ¡°We both went on a business trip and stayed up two nights, but why do I have such distinct


    dark circles while you remain unaffected, Ery?¡±


    ¡°Ery, what brand of eye patch for dark circles do you use?¡± a female colleague questioned eagerly.


    Avery raised her head and admitted in slight embarrassment, ¡°I''ve never used any.¡±


    ¡°Never?¡± Shock inundated the female colleague. ¡°Are you a faerie or something? How is it possible that


    you don''t have any dark circles even after staying up all night? In the future, I''ll entrust any need for the


    design department to stay upte and work overtime to you!¡±


    Cecelia put away her mirror and proimed jokingly, ¡°All of you are not allowed to bully Ery. After all,


    she has her boyfriend, Zayne, protecting her!¡±


    At that, envy inexorably swamped everyone.


    However, Cecelia then astutely noticed something amiss with both Avery and Zayne''s expressions right


    after she said that.


    Later, Avery was so sleepy that she got up with her coffee mug in hand to make some coffee. Cecelia


    followed her. Shutting the door to the office''s pantry, she ascertained no one was outside before going


    over to Avery and asking, ¡°Are you and Zayne fighting?¡±


    They all went to Hallsbay for a business trip together. After interacting for two days, Avery had a great


    impression of Cecelia, feeling that she was friendly and weing toward neers.


    ¡°We broke up.¡±


    Taken aback, Cecelia eximed, ¡°It''s only been a few days since we returned from our business trip.


    When we were in the car for most of the night then, you both seemed fine to me. Why did you suddenly


    break up?¡±


    Avery merely stirred her coffee silently.


    ¡°Okay, forget about it. You don''t have to say anything if you don''t want to talk about it.¡± Embarrassment


    flooded Cecelia that she was pursuing that subject when Avery was down in the dumps.


    ¡°All couples fight. After calming down, the two of you will still be a match made in heaven a few days


    later,¡± she consoled her at the side.


    Avery shook her head.


    At that, Cecelia didn''t dare speak further. They hadn''t been acquainted for long, after all, so she


    couldn''t ask so many questions about her personal matters.


    At noon, she wanted to ask Avery out for lunch together, but Nina was a step ahead of her. Well, this is


    for the best. Nina is Zayne''s sister, so it''ll be more convenient for them to talk since they''re future


    sisters-inw.


    On their way to the employee cafeteria, Nina sighed. ¡°I don''t know what kind of poison and spell got its


    hooks into my brother that he believes that b*tch, Mna.¡±


    In response, Avery chuckled. ¡°It''s fine.¡±


    Nina, however, felt that she was hurt the more she forced herself tough. ¡°Ery, don''t give up on my


    brother so easily. Since that b*tch keeps inserting herself into things, you should just get into it with


    her!¡±


    Just then, Avery''s phone rang.


    The caller ID indicated that it was the head of the design department, Yulissa Yantz.


    ¡°It''s a call from Ms. Yantz,¡± Avery murmured to Nina.


    Nina nodded and gestured for her to take the call.


    Avery went to the window to answer the call while Nina proceeded to the cafeteria to order food. As


    Avery''s best friend, she knew Avery''s favorite foods by the back of her hand. And so, by the time Avery


    returned, she was greeted by the sight of two lunch sets on the table.


    Taking a seat, she picked up the fork and uttered, ¡°I''ve got to eat quickly. Ms. Yantz assigned me a


    task.¡±


    ¡°What task? A business trip again?¡± Nina demanded shrilly.


    Avery ate a mouthful of pasta. After swallowing, she exined, ¡°This time, it''s not a business trip


    anymore. The daughter of a chief from another town ising, and the higher-ups attach much


    emphasis to her reception. Cecelia and I will be responsible for that.¡±


    ¡°Hah! I really don''t know what to say.¡± Nina poked at the pasta with her fork, muttering, ¡°Neers


    really have no right to make a choice. Never mind if Cecelia likes to take on the matters of the


    administration department and the public rtions department, but she even dragged you into it! When


    she''s promoted and her sry hiked, can she also have the same done for you?¡±


    She continued, ¡°Hearing that she''s a chief''s daughter alone, I can tell that she''ll be exceedingly difficult


    to please!¡± Knocking her fork against Avery''s te, she warned, ¡°You don''t need to act all subservient!


    If she picks on you, ring me up. I''ll rip her to pieces!¡±


    In no time, Avery finished eating her lunch. Putting the lunch box away, she said to Nina, ¡°Enjoy your


    food. I''m running out of time.¡± After saying that, she whirled around and trotted off.


    ¡°Slow down! Can your stomach take it when you ate in such a hurry?¡± Nina fretted behind her, but


    Avery was already gone.


    Thepany sent a car and driver to the airport to pick Zelda Saunders up.


    Zelda walked out of the airport, standing at 1.6 meters while wearing high heels of at least twelve


    centimeters. She wore the season''s haute couture from Chanel, paired with a limited-edition handbag


    from Herm¨¨s.


    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    Adding the various high-end jewelry she was bedecked in, she was dazzling and eye-catching, her


    entire ensemble worth millions in the least.


    At that sight, Cecelia couldn''t resist grumbling to Avery, ¡°If Zelda is the second most ostentatious


    person, no one is worthy of cing first. Her father is the chief of a government department, but she''s


    not at all afraid that she''d cause trouble for him.¡±


    Soon, Zelda reached them.


    Stepping forward, Avery greeted her politely without revealing a hint of her thoughts, ¡°Nice to meet you,


    Ms. Saunders.¡±


    ¡°Nice to meet you!¡± Zelda greeted blithely. She swept a gaze over Cecelia and Avery''s professional


    attire with a disdainful expression on her face. How destitute!


    Xavier was the driver, but she treated him very much differently.


    It stood to reason that she had made inquiries beforeing over to Ackleton and knew that he was


    someone close to Cayden. Since she was there for thetter, she couldn''t possibly be ignorant about


    the people around him.


    During the drive back, Zelda insisted on taking the passenger seat to make it convenient for her to chat


    with Xavier, who was driving.


    Both Cecelia and Avery sat in the back seat quietly without saying anything.


    ¡°Mr. Dartsley, I''m really curious about this. Does Mr. Moore have a girlfriend? Why have I never seen


    any woman around him?¡±


    At her question, Xavier chuckled.


    Gah! I can''t really answer this question. If I were to say no, I''d probably be opening the door for her to


    pursue Mr. Moore. But if I were to say yes, what if... what if I ruin Mr. Moore''s n to pursue Ms.


    Rumpley?


    ncing at Avery from the rearview mirror, he retracted his gaze imperceptibly before replying to


    Zelda, ¡°I really don''t know anything about my employer''s private life. Why don''t you ask him directly,


    Ms. Saunders?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I see.¡± Only when Zelda saw that she couldn''t get any information out of him that she relented.


    Gazing out the window at the highway that whizzed past, Avery was spacing out when she heard


    Xavier remarking half-jokingly, ¡°A man like Mr. Moore is actually rather scary. He doesn''t fall in love with


    any woman easily, as far as I know at least. But once he does fall in love, he''ll likely never change his


    mind for the rest of his life. If the other party wants to betray or break up with him, she''d best buy a plot


    of cemetery first.¡±


    Avery couldn''t see Zelda''s expression, but she herself was entirely stunned.


    Oh my God, It''s either love him or die? How strong is his sense of possessiveness? How could a man


    love a woman in such a twisted and extreme manner?

 Chapter 28

    Chapter 28


    When they arrived in the heart of the city, Xavier asked Zelda while grasping the steering wheel,


    ¡°Should I drive you to your hotel or a mall for a stroll, Ms. Saunders?¡±


    ¡°Neither. I have a dinner date with my friend,¡± Zelda answered, putting her lipstick into her bag after


    touching up her makeup.


    Understanding dawned upon Xavier, and he inquired, ¡°Have you booked a ce, Ms. Saunders? If you


    haven''t, we can do it for you.¡±


    If Trident Group was the empire of the business world, Cayden was the emperor. In turn, Xavier, as


    someone close to him, could be considered the prime minister, second only to him.


    Therefore, Zelda was naturally proud that such a person was treating her with such respect.


    ¡°I''ve booked the ce.¡± She then told him the location of the ce.


    The car drove straight to its destination.


    About ten minutester, Xavier pulled over at the side. ¡°We''re here, Ms. Saunders.¡±


    ¡°Thank you!¡± Snagging her handbag, Zelda fluffed her long and curly brown hair. Before she alighted


    from the car, she pointed at the back seat. ¡°You,e with me.¡±


    At that, Xavier frowned imperceptibly. Ugh! Her haughty attitude is really irritating!


    Meanwhile, Avery wasn''t surprised about that.


    Zelda was the daughter of a wealthy man who was exceedingly concerned about appearances. Thus,


    she would probably be ill at ease without ackey.


    The reason she didn''t ask Cecelia to keep herpany was likely because thetter was sterner.


    When she didn''t smile, she looked rather steely.


    Putting it bluntly, Avery was thin and slender, so she appeared to be easy prey.


    Avery climbed out of the car, and Xavier drove away.


    ¡°Follow me.¡± Zelda threw a look at the unobtrusive Avery as though she was her pet dog. Right after


    saying that, she sauntered off.


    A hundred meters ahead stood the restaurant she had booked.


    Shortly after, Avery''s phone dinged with a WhatsApp message.


    Cecelia texted: Although we''re responsible for entertaining her, she''s no one to us. You can remain


    polite if she''s polite, but you don''t need to do so if she''s rude.


    At that precise moment, Zelda nced over her shoulder and barked, ¡°Why are you walking so slow?


    Match my speed!¡±


    Avery put her phone away, stuffing it into her handbag.


    Zelda booked an extremely luxurious private room in that five-star restaurant. Since the other party


    hadn''t arrived, she took a seat and started touching up her makeup again.


    Having nothing to do, Avery sat down on the couch at the side.


    This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    A momentter, Zelda''s phone rang.


    Taking the call, she snapped, ¡°Hey! Have you arrived? How dare you make me wait for such a long


    time, b*tch? Are you sick of living?¡±


    Avery was startled upon hearing that, reckoning that the friend whom Zelda addressed as a ¡°b*tch¡± was


    likely simr to thetter in temperament.


    ¡°Your mother? I''ll be uneasy with an elderly here.¡± Zelda hesitated for a long while before heaving a


    sigh. ¡°Fine, fine. Have your mothere over as well, then.¡±


    About twenty minutester, the private room door was pushed open.


    Avery instinctively stood up out of politeness, but her face promptly drained of all color when she


    locked gazes with her stepmother, Henrietta, and Mna.


    With them, she felt that being courteous was superfluous.


    Henrietta and Mna were likewise stunned.


    ¡°Are you all... acquainted?¡± Zelda sensed something amiss with the atmosphere.


    Henrietta was the first one to gather her wits about her. With a bright smile stered on her face, she


    couldn''t helpuding Zelda as she studied her. ¡°You''re Zelda whom Mna spoke of? Wow! You''re


    really beautiful, fair, and slender! I heard that you were the campus belle when the two of you studied


    abroad, defeating all other native beauties!¡±


    Zelda was embarrassed at the effusive praise. Nheless, she epted it readily, feeling that she


    deserved it. At once, she felt that Henrietta had good taste and unconsciously allowed thetter to hold


    her hands.


    The corners of Mna''s lips turned up when she saw her mother getting along well with Zelda.


    ¡°Quick,e and have a seat, Mrs. Rumpley, Mna,¡± Zelda urged.


    When Mna passed Avery by as she headed over, she questioned, ¡°Why are you here?¡±


    ¡°I''ll leave you all to talk. I need to go to the washroom,¡± Avery stated evenly.


    After saying that, she walked out of the private room.


    ¡°How did you get acquainted with her, Zelda?¡± came Henrietta''s voice.


    ¡°I''m not acquainted with her, Mrs. Rumpley,¡± Zelda answered hastily. She exined, ¡°I came to


    Ackleton this time to visit my fianc¨¦. She''s an employee at my fianc¨¦''spany, tasked with keeping


    mepany and being at my beck and call.¡±


    As Avery walked down the corridor, the voices gradually grew vague.


    She was fully aware that Henrietta and Mna never had a good word to say about her, but she had


    long since gotten ustomed to it over the years and no longer got mad over it easily.


    After all, she knew that they would be all the more thrilled the angrier she grew.


    In the private room, Mna mentioned Avery, but she then appeared hesitant to speak.


    The suspense was killing Zelda, so she couldn''t help huffing, ¡°Spit it out! Don''t hide anything from me,


    Mna!¡±


    ¡°Just tell her, lest she''s at a disadvantage because of her naivety.¡±


    Henrietta added fuel to the fire.


    Upon hearing that, Zelda narrowed her eyes dangerously as she stared at Mna.


    Mna put on a conflicted expression. ¡°You''d best be careful, Zelda. You said you''re here to visit your


    fianc¨¦ while Avery Rumpley is an employee at your fianc¨¦''spany. I''m really afraid... well...¡±


    ¡°What are you afraid of?¡± In the next second, Zelda realized something. ¡°Her name is Avery Rumpley?


    I''ve never asked for her name. Why does she have the family name of Rumpley?¡±


    There were few people with the family name of Rumpley, so Zelda was instantly suspicious when two


    people with that exact surname appeared before her at the same time.


    ¡°Honestly speaking, Avery and I are sisters with different parents. When my mother remarried, she


    married her father, who was also marrying for the second time.¡± Mna nced at her mother in


    aggravation, griping, ¡°My mother worked hard to pay for her to study abroad, but she wasn''t bothered


    about studying after going abroad. All she knew was to hook up with wealthy foreigners. As such, her


    reputation isn''t all that great. I''m just worried... Just be careful that she doesn''t seduce your fianc¨¦.¡±


    Zelda was so livid that she mmed her hand on the table. ¡°Seduce my man? That depends on


    whether she has the capability to do so!¡±


    ¡°Don''t take it so lightly! Her mother seduced a married man, and the man was even a reputable figure.


    Because of her mother, he divorced his wife and ceded his shares. On the whole, he did a lot of


    despicable things. Her father urged me and my mother repeatedly to keep an eye on her, afraid that


    she would follow in her mother''s footsteps.¡± After saying that, Mna calmly took a sip of coffee.


    ¡°I''m going to ruin her right this instant!¡±


    Leaping to her feet, Zelda leaned close to Mna''s ear and whispered, ¡°You''re a nightclub person,


    aren''t you? In half an hour, have your friend get me some of those drugs. Money isn''t a problem. Better


    still, find a libertine as well!¡±


    Mna was inwardly triumphant, but she put on an expression of shock. Feigning ignorance, she


    queried, ¡°Why do you want such drugs?¡±


    ¡°I want to have her burning with desire and film her while she''s in a scandalous state and upload it to


    the inte!¡± Zelda seemed determined to obliterate Avery.

 Chapter 29

    Chapter 29


    Mna was stumped. ¡°That... But she''s my sister...¡±


    As a seasoned yer in society for several decades, Henrietta had long seen all sorts of underhanded


    methods women used. She could easily see right through the tricks Zelda had up her sleeves when the


    latter merely lifted her eyelids.


    Looking at Mna, Zelda whined, ¡°Stop standing up for that b*tch! A jinx like her needs to be eliminated


    as soon as possible. You and Mrs. Rumpley have helped her a lot. Not only have you sent her to study


    abroad, but you have also invested so much money to support her growing up. You two have been


    nothing but kind to her. She''s the disappointing one who let you all down. She even goes around


    seducing men!¡± Her expression turned cold and she continued, ¡°Listen, she is in no way rted to me.


    To protect my love, I must get rid of her!¡±


    Having said that, she sat back in her spot.


    Mna feigned a look of hesitance upon hearing that, acting as though she was in a dilemma and that


    she could not bring herself to do something like that. It wasn''t until Zelda''s burning rage became visible


    on her face did she head outside to make the arrangement.


    After leaving the private room, Mna immediately cast her gaze toward the direction of the restroom.


    Only after seeing no one was around did she walk to a secluded corner to make a call.


    The phone rang for a while before it was connected. ¡°Why did it take you so long to answer the phone?


    Where are you? Are you by some woman''s side?¡± she snapped impatiently.


    The man on the other end was obviously no goody-two-shoes either as he retorted in a hostile voice,


    ¡°Why did you call me? Cut the cr*p and get straight to the point!¡±


    Nheless, Mna did not pay too much heed to his attitude. After all, her priority now was to take


    care of that matter since there was finally a chance. ¡°Axel Burke, I won''t waste any time with you. Hurry


    and get me some of that drug. Get me one with higher and more effective potency so that even chaste


    women will get worked up once they eat it!¡±


    ¡°When do you need it?¡±


    ¡°Right now. Send it to me within thirty minutes.¡± Deeply afraid that she would miss the best opportunity,


    Mna was desperate. ¡°Money isn''t an issue. I''ll give you twenty million as long as you canplete


    this task.¡±


    While Axel was still in contemtion, she had already given him the address of the five-star hotel she


    was at.


    The extravagant location dispelled the doubts Axel held about Mna. He believed that someone who


    could afford to stir trouble at such a grand hotel had spending power and would not back out of the


    promise. ¡±All right. I''ll be there in twenty minutes.¡±


    ¡°You''d better hurry. Seeing that I''d always count you in when there''s money to earn.¡± It was a nerve-


    racking moment for Mna as she was worried someone might overhear her conversation. Then, she


    suddenly recalled something. ¡°By the way, it''s been long since you have had some fun with women,


    right? I''ll let you y with the one here. Do whatever you want to her so long as you dare so.¡±


    ¡°Sure!¡± Axel agreed readily.


    When Mna headed back into the private room, Avery had yet to return.


    ¡°Everything''s been arranged. But because the notice is too short and it''s such a rush, my friend is


    asking for a hundred thousand,¡± she exined to Zelda.


    ¡°Money has never been an issue for me,¡± thetter calmly answered.


    It took a long while before Avery got out of the restroom, and by the time she returned to the private


    room, her face was so pale she looked like she was in a terrible condition.


    ¡°You''re back? Come over and take a seat,¡± Zelda said warmly, her haughty attitude from before was


    nowhere to be seen. ¡°I didn''t know you''re Mna''s sister. I wouldn''t have asked you toe with me if I


    knew.¡±


    ¡°It''s fine,¡± Avery mumbled. ¡°I''m sorry, Ms. Saunders. But I don''t feel well. So I''ll be taking my leave first.¡±


    Both Mna and Henrietta started to panic at that. They were worried that their target was about to run


    away when they were on the verge of sess.


    ¡°You can''t leave.¡± Zelda grabbed Avery by her arm and scrutinized her. ¡°Since we all know each other,


    I''ll treat you as my friend from now on. And since that''s the case, I''ll have to rely on you to help pull


    strings between Cayden and me in the future.¡±


    However, Avery retorted, ¡°I hold a low-ranking position in thepany, so I''m afraid I won''t have any


    chance of interacting with Mr. Moore.¡± Simply put, she was trying to spare herself from being


    associated with Cayden. Essentially, Zelda was ady from a prominent family, and she did not want


    the woman to have any misunderstanding that would offend her.


    ¡°But you''re an employee in hispany. I''m sure you have a better understanding of him than me.¡±


    Zelda pulled Avery onto the seat with a smile. ¡°So just share some stuff you know with me.¡±


    Seeing Avery sit back down, Mna heaved a sigh of relief.


    This time, I must get rid of Avery!


    Axel was undoubtedly a sicko who had sexual rtions with countless women for sixteen years despite


    being only thirty-two years old. He adored mixing around with people of all trades. Unfortunately, he


    was infected with AIDS justst year.


    Despite so, Mna was delighted to learn about his condition.


    Tonight, I must make Avery get infected with it too! There''s no way she''ll still be able to turn things


    around when that happens!


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    While the four women continued chatting for several more minutes in the room, Avery did not intend to


    stay put any longer.


    Taking notice of her expression, Henrietta immediately remarked, ¡°Ery, have you gotten in touch with


    your dad?¡±


    Avery turned her gaze toward Henrietta and asked, ¡°How is he...¡±


    ¡°Your dad''s in poor healthtely. Things aren''t looking good.¡± Henrietta had taken the opportunity during


    the five years while Avery was abroad to seclude her from Leonardo''s life. The moment she brought up


    the topic of his condition, Avery''s guard was lowered and her attention was focused on Leonardo''s


    health.


    Fifteen minutester, a waiter came in with their order and ced them on the table.


    At the same time, Mna received a text message and headed outside.


    When she returned to the sight of the beverages remaining untouched on the table, she quickly picked


    one up and passed it to Zelda. ¡°Here, have a drink.¡± Then, she grabbed another ss and gave it to


    Avery.


    Afraid that Avery would be suspicious, Mna put on an indifferent front as she brought her the fruit


    juice. While she was doing so, she poured a transparent liquid that she had mped in her palm into


    the ss without getting noticed.


    ¡°Your dad will surely get better,¡± Zelda uttered as she lifted her ss. ¡°Here, I''ll toast with juice instead.


    Ery, you have to help me keep an eye on Cayden and see if there are any women around him, okay?¡±


    With Leonardo''s condition upying her mind, Avery half-heartedly raised her ss and clinked it with


    Zelda''s before taking a sip of the juice.


    ¡°When will my dad return? Can I have his contact number, please?¡± Avery was rarely so polite. If not for


    Leonardo, she would not have performed such a pretentious act in front of the mother and daughter


    duo.


    ¡°Your dad changed his number. I, too, am waiting for him to contact me,¡± Henrietta replied.


    Avery grimaced in response. How is it possible that she doesn''t know Dad''s new number? Seems like


    the two of them aren''t nning to stop until they squeezed him dry!


    She picked up the ss of fruit juice and took another gulp, almost as if she was parched from the


    immense fury bubbling within her.


    Following that, she put the ss down and said, ¡°Please¡ª¡±


    The words ¡°excuse me¡± had yet left her mouth when she suddenly felt a warm sensation traveling up


    her head before spreading to her chest. The feeling resembled a fire zing inside her.


    Mna held onto her breath as she watched the drug take effect, making Avery lose her reason. The


    latter started pulling at her cor with one hand and lifted her silky ck hair that wasying on her


    neck with the other.


    Catching a glimpse of that sight only left Zelda in immense jealousy. She had never thought Avery was


    beautiful looking. But upon taking a better look at her in that instant, she realized that the woman had


    exquisite features, fairplexion, and a slender neck. Each of her actions was demure yet threaded


    with a tinge of seductiveness. Simply put, there was an inexplicable charisma that would easily attract


    one''s attention toward her.


    If even a woman could not resist falling for her, there was no doubt how a man would react.


    Avery shook her head profusely, trying her best to retain herposure. While desperately gasping for


    fresh air, she spotted a mixture of anticipation and anxiety written across Mna and Zelda''s faces.


    Instantly, she understood what was happening.


    Grabbing her bag, Avery swiftly got up and ran outside.


    I mustn''t let those b*tches have their way!


    Flustered, Mna immediately fished out her phone and rushed out to a quiet corner to give Axel a call.


    ¡°She''s heading downstairs. Go and get her by the hotel''s entrance! I''ll reward you with ten thousand if


    you can get into her pants tonight! Another ten thousand if she bes infected with AIDS! Go


    quickly!¡±

 Chapter 30

    Chapter 30


    ¡°Ugh, it''s so hot... I feel... terrible... Ugh...¡±


    With a sliver of her rational mind left, Avery smacked hard on the elevator button and sessfully


    struggled inside when the doors slid open.


    Fortunately, she was the only one in the elevator.


    Hiding at a corner of the descending elevator, Avery''s face was flushed in an abnormally bright red


    color. Simultaneously, sounds of moaning fell out of her mouth uncontrobly.


    When the elevator came to the seventh floor, it stopped.


    Walking into Avery''s line of sight was a young man who looked roughly to be eighteen or neen


    years old and around a hundred and seventy centimeters tall. Dressed in a casual outfit, he was most


    likely still a university student.


    ¡°Y-You... A-Are you all right?¡± At once, the young man jumped in shock and stammered when he


    sensed that there was something off with the woman before him.


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    ¡°It''s nothing... I''m fine...¡± Avery frowned. ¡°Don''te near me.¡±


    She could barely suppress the raging urge inside her. If there was a need for an apt description, she


    felt like she was floating on a massive ocean, swaying wildly as the rough waves brought her. She was


    seriously in need of a lifebuoy right then.


    For some reason, she saw the young man before her eyes as the lifebuoy she needed.


    Sensing Avery''s intense stares, the man''s cheeks blushed crimson red. Even though she had a pure


    yet stunning appearance and was exuding an alluring aura from head to toe, he dared not get involved


    with her.


    ¡°H-How about I take you to the hospital?¡± the young man asked attentively. ¡°You look like you''re in


    pain.¡±


    Indeed. Avery''s head was in turmoil as her instincts and rationality were in a hot confrontation.


    Instincts told her to lean forward and cuddle that young man. That urge was getting increasingly strong,


    perhaps because the one she was facing was of the opposite gender. However, rationality told her the


    influence of drugs was the cause of her condition, and she had to stay away from him.


    Just then, the elevator sprung open as it arrived on the ground floor.


    Before the doors stood a few people whose shadows cast inward, instantly nketing the two of them.


    ¡°I''ll take you to the hospital.¡± The young man could not care about sparing a nce toward the outside.


    His main concern was to help Avery up as he was worried other men might have ulterior motives given


    her current state.


    Nevertheless, before he evenid a finger on her, a strong force shoved him backward. Following a


    loud thud, his back smashed against the elevator''s wall, putting him in so much pain that he clenched


    his teeth tight.


    When he looked up again, he saw a man scooping Avery into his arms.


    From the back, the man was dressed in a suit and had a tall and slender silhouette. Even without


    looking at his face, anyone could sense that he was no ordinary man. The arrogance and domineering


    aura he was radiating was a sign that he was someone that no one could afford to offend.


    Meanwhile, Axel had been looking for Avery at the hotel''s entrance.


    How far can a drugged woman go all by herself? I''ll get some money if I bed her and more money if


    she gets infected with AIDS. What a good deal that is! Besides, I haven''t had fun with a woman for a


    long time! The mere thought of it makes me f*cking excited!


    Well aware that he would not find another woman to have fun with anytime soon if he let Avery off, Axel


    approached one of the hotel receptionists like a cat on a hot tin roof. ¡°Have you seen ady walking out


    of the elevator?¡±


    ¡°Do you have a description of that woman?¡± the receptionist asked.


    ¡°She looks like she has drunk a lot... She''s probably drowsy and keeps grumbling that she feels hot.


    Her cheeks should be flushing red...¡± Concerned that it might raise suspicions, Axel dared not describe


    too many attributes.


    Coincidentally, Cayden overheard those words and turned back to nce at Axel, his expression


    turning grim.


    The receptionist apologized, ¡°I''m sorry, but I didn''t see someone of your descriptions.¡±


    After thanking her, Axel walked up to the elevator and continued waiting by the doors. He muttered to


    himself, ¡°Could it be that she didn''te down? Or perhaps she''s hiding in one of the restrooms?¡±


    With that, he headed upstairs to continue with his search.


    On the other hand, Cayden carried Avery and left the location.


    Of course, it was not that Axel had not noticed Cayden. He did, but he did nothing more than spare the


    latter a nce. Apart from that, since he had never seen Avery before, he had no idea what she looked


    like or what she was wearing. Therefore, he did not pay much attention to the woman in Cayden''s


    arms.


    Seeing Cayden''s cold and forbidding vibe, Axel could instantly tell from one nce that he was a man


    of exceptional wealth and influence. No average man can ever afford to offend someone so powerful


    as him!


    A vehicle had been waiting right in front of the hotel''s entrance. Sitting inside was Xavier.


    However, Cayden did not take Avery to the car. Given her current state, she was like a wild kitten in


    heat¡ªcuddling up in his warm embrace and even caressing his body, trying to arouse every bit of


    desire within him.


    No one can see her in this manner. No one is allowed to, not even Xavier!


    With the squirming woman in his arms, Cayden could only head toward areas with fewer people upon


    getting out of the hotel.


    Nearby the hotel, there was a Ferris wheel. But rather than serving any entertainment purposes, it was


    more like embellishment in the city.


    The developer of the Ferris wheel was none other than Trident Group. With Avery in his arms, Cayden


    trotted over.


    As he needed a password to get on the Ferris wheel, he ced Avery¡ªwho was shaking violently at


    that point¡ªdown while still hugging onto her with one hand. While staring at the whiny and woozy


    woman in his embrace, he made a call to Xavier. ¡°What''s the password to the Ferris wheel?¡±


    ¡°F-Ferris wheel?¡± Xavier was befuddled. Yet, he dared not ask further and quickly answered, ¡°The


    password is 49270166.¡±


    ¡°Got it. I have something to deal with right now. In the meantime, I need you to head into the hotel and


    find out who has interacted with Avery earlier. She got drugged, and I need to get to the bottom of this


    incident!¡± Finishing that, the intimidating-looking Cayden swiftly ended the call.


    Unable to stand steadily, Avery leaned her wobbly body against the man''s well-built body, almost as if


    she would be able to absorb the iciness emanating from him to cool the fires raging within her. It was


    such a pleasant feeling she inadvertently let out a sigh of ineffable satisfaction.


    ¡°Hug me... Mmm... Hug me tight...¡± Her moans and coquettish acts were an invitation to get him to


    move closer to her.


    Narrowing his eyes, Cayden lifted her chin and fixated his burning gaze on her unfocused yet innocent


    eyes. ¡°Do you know who I am?¡±


    ¡°Y-You... you...¡± Avery failed to bring herself to finish the sentence. Engulfed by the effects of the drugs,


    she eagerly moaned, ¡°Mmm... Give it to me... Please...¡± It seemed like she had switched to another


    mode within the blink of an eye.


    She''s submitting to me!


    As much as Cayden tried his best to control his desires, she acted just like a kitten who kept pestering


    him with her continuous moans.


    Seeing the man''sck of response, Avery went on her tiptoe and, with great difficulty, finally clung to


    him. ¡°I... I feel terrible... I''m so thirsty... Feed me...¡± Her incoherent groans sounded in his ear.


    At that, Cayden discreetly packed more power on his left hand and tightened his grip around the


    woman''s slender waist. As he pursed his lips, his Adam''s apple bobbed, and in a raspy voice, he


    probed, ¡°Feed you what?¡±


    His raging hormones overflowed and drifted into the air, soon filling the atmosphere. That had


    unquestionably fueled Avery''s burning desires.


    ¡°Ahh... You...¡± Be it his voice that rang in her ears or his warm grip around her waist, they brought her a


    peculiar sensation and filled her with ecstasy.


    She ced her palms on his chest and began caressing his chest heatedly. Then, she nted her soft


    lips on his neck. At once, veins started popping up on his slender neck.

 Chapter 31

    Chapter 31


    Coyden''s heort skipped o beot. His body trembled os it be wormer, dominoting every inch of his


    mind. Even his breothing be foster.


    Her beouty could olwoys ollure him.


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    In the next moment, Avery wos suddenly lifted off the ground.


    He corried her to the Ferris wheel, ignoring her wondering orms ond her soft lips kissing his Adom''s


    opple ond collorbones wildly.


    Avery did not know who he wos, nor did she remember who she wos. She wos doing thot out of instinct


    ¡ªonly then would she feelfortoble. Otherwise, she would feel so tormented thot it wos like she


    wos on the brink of dying.


    It wos so ogonizing.


    Who con sove me?


    Her honds finolly reoched the torget, quickly unbuttoning Coyden''s shirt.


    Initiolly, the first two buttons of Coyden''s shirt were olreody unbuttoned. Now thot the third wos


    unbuttoned too... In foct, one could not soy thot she wos unbuttoning his shirt¡ªshe wos lusting ofter


    him so much thot she tore it oport onxiously.


    Coyden''s chest wos reveoled, his chest muscles firm ond bulging.


    ¡°Stop!¡± instructed Coyden sternly os he lowered his heod. Frowning, he entered on eight-number


    possword, ond the Ferris wheel''s door opened.


    He corried her onto it.


    Avery wos shocked by how deep ond olluring his voice wos.


    Soon, the door closed, ond the Ferris wheel storted moving.


    While the Ferris wheel cobin oscended into the sky, Coyden wos worried thot she would lose her


    bolonce. Hence, he hugged her corefully ond helped her sit on the couple seot inside the cobin.


    Just when he wos obout to stond up ond let her colm down olone, she wropped her thin orms oround


    his musculor woist, refusing to let him go.


    Coyden froze.


    ¡°I... I''m so hot... So hot...¡±


    When things got quiet, Avery felt like there were millions of onts biting her body.


    ¡°Just endure it. It''ll be over soon. Be obedient.¡± Although Coyden''s voice wos very hoorse, he did not


    turn oround to look ot her os he wos ofroid thot he would be unoble to control his lust.


    ¡°I... I... I''m obout to die!¡± Her breothing be flustered. However, no one could help her.


    Cayden''s heart skipped a beat. His body trembled as it became warmer, dominating every inch of his


    mind. Even his breathing became faster.


    Her beauty could always allure him.


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    In the next moment, Avery was suddenly lifted off the ground.


    He carried her to the Ferris wheel, ignoring her wandering arms and her soft lips kissing his Adam''s


    apple and corbones wildly.


    Avery did not know who he was, nor did she remember who she was. She was doing that out of instinct


    ¡ªonly then would she feelfortable. Otherwise, she would feel so tormented that it was like she


    was on the brink of dying.


    It was so agonizing.


    Who can save me?


    Her hands finally reached the target, quickly unbuttoning Cayden''s shirt.


    Initially, the first two buttons of Cayden''s shirt were already unbuttoned. Now that the third was


    unbuttoned too... In fact, one could not say that she was unbuttoning his shirt¡ªshe was lusting after


    him so much that she tore it apart anxiously.


    Cayden''s chest was revealed, his chest muscles firm and bulging.


    ¡°Stop!¡± instructed Cayden sternly as he lowered his head. Frowning, he entered an eight-number


    password, and the Ferris wheel''s door opened.


    He carried her onto it.


    Avery was shocked by how deep and alluring his voice was.


    Soon, the door closed, and the Ferris wheel started moving.


    While the Ferris wheel cabin ascended into the sky, Cayden was worried that she would lose her


    bnce. Hence, he hugged her carefully and helped her sit on the couple seat inside the cabin.


    Just when he was about to stand up and let her calm down alone, she wrapped her thin arms around


    his muscr waist, refusing to let him go.


    Cayden froze.


    ¡°I... I''m so hot... So hot...¡±


    When things got quiet, Avery felt like there were millions of ants biting her body.


    ¡°Just endure it. It''ll be over soon. Be obedient.¡± Although Cayden''s voice was very hoarse, he did not


    turn around to look at her as he was afraid that he would be unable to control his lust.


    ¡°I... I... I''m about to die!¡± Her breathing became flustered. However, no one could help her.


    Feeling despaired, she withdrew his arms and started hugging her shoulders to warm herself. Then,


    she moved the hair away from her neck and face.


    Curling into a ball on the seats, she started rubbing herself against the chair.


    Cayden did not turn around. However, as the Ferris wheel cabin became higher and higher, passion


    consumed him regardless of how much he tried to control himself.


    ¡°I want... I want...¡± She was feeling so horrible that she did not even know what she was mumbling.


    Her body stiffened. While she panted, moans escaped her lips as she pleaded for him to save her.


    Cayden''s phone rang.


    When he epted the call, he heard Xavier reporting formally, ¡°Mr. Moore, the police have already


    arrested them. Among them, a mother-daughter pair are rtives with Ms. Rumpley.¡±


    Cayden''s voice was extremely cold. ¡°No matter who they are, we must follow the rules.¡±


    ¡°But...¡± Xavier hesitated. Unable to decide, he said, ¡°Zelda, the daughter of Mr. Saunders, is also dining


    with them... Well...¡±


    ¡°Arrest them together.¡± Cayden''s voice was dripping with frost.


    This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Having received the instructions, Xavier left to carry them out.


    After finishing the call, Cayden turned around instinctively. However, when he looked at Avery, she did


    not seem to be recovering. In fact, it became even more serious.


    Avery''s legs were twisted together. She was wearing a bodycon dress that was tailored to outline her


    curvaceous figure. Usually, she gave off a very calm and elegant aura.


    However, she now looked so pitiful that it was a stark contrast to how cold she usually was.


    There was a slit at the side of her dress. Half an hour ago, it still looked very conservative and formal.


    Yet, it now looked extremely alluring and seductive.


    Her legs were rubbing against each other repeatedly. This caused the dress to be crumpled, with


    wrinkles appearing all over.


    Cayden was a functioning adult man. Five years ago, he had multiple passionate nights with her. At his


    current age, his passion was at its peak.


    Naturally, he knew why Avery was rubbing against herself.


    He knew exactly what she wanted and which body part was feeling the most stimted.


    Avery did not open her eyes at all. No one was around her, and the drug was starting to consume her.


    Feeling like rubbing her legs was ineffective, she even moved her hand downward...


    ¡°Sh*t!¡± cursed Cayden. He strode over and grabbed her hand.


    ¡°Mmm...¡± Someone was walking over, and he was even a man. Avery, who hadpletely lost her


    rationality, suddenly opened her eyes.


    Then, Cayden felt a soft body pouncing into his arms. A fragrant scent wafted into his nose.


    ¡°You''re drugged and don''t even know who I am. If I touch you, can you promise that you won''t cry after


    you wake up? I can take responsibility for you,¡± mumbled Cayden beside her ears. Grabbing the back


    of her neck with one hand, he stroked her hair with the other.


    Avery became more obedient after he stroked his hair.


    ¡°What... What?¡± She did not know what he was talking about. Other than fulfilling her desires, she could


    not think about anything else.


    Her lips kissed his defined facial features, his nose bridge, his alluring jawline, and then his lips. When


    she kissed his lips, her breasts kept rubbing against him.


    Cayden''s eyes immediately became bloodshot.


    In the next moment, she cried out in pain.


    His cold lips were forcefully sucking on hers. He kissed her with so much force that it was like he


    wanted her to merge with himpletely.


    Her heart pounded rapidly. As she sumbed to his controlpletely, pants and moans escaped her


    lips¡ªshe was reaching the peak of happiness.


    Tears streamed down her cheeks.


    No longer feeling shameful, Avery straddled Cayden''sp.


    While the Ferris wheel cabin reached the top, they kissed wildly. She took off his shirt, which was


    initially tucked beneath his belt.


    ¡°Mmm...¡± pleaded Avery softly. Her fingers stroked Cayden''s muscles and moved underneath his belt.


    However, Cayden stopped her hands and warned in a deep voice, ¡°Do you know what you''re touching


    next?¡±


    ¡°I... I like it...¡± Kissing him, she was forced back to her seat, though her hands were still wandering


    around.

 Chapter 32

    Chapter 32


    ¡°You like it?¡± osked Coyden in o deep voice before corrying her onxiously ond roughly.


    Hoving been lifted off her seot, she felt like her body wos pressed ogoinst o woll, restroining her.


    After returning to her senses, she reolized thot she wos in Coyden''s orms.


    ¡°I''ll moke you like it even more!¡± With thot, Coyden pinned her ogoinst the Ferris wheel''s window.


    Meters owoy from the ground, he kissed her rosy lips.


    She could feel his cold ond soft lips pressing ogoinst hers.


    ¡°Mmm...¡± He storted sucking on her lips. Feeling seduced, she wropped her orms oround his musculor


    woist.


    When Avery pressed herself closer to him, he ported his lips slightly ond guided her.


    Avery''s honds hugged Coyden''s woist first before moving to his brood shoulders. Her body''s reoction


    wos honest¡ªshe reolly loved his strong body.


    Her tongue slid into his mouth. Their tongues wropped oround eoch other, venting their lust.


    Coyden only moved owoy from her lips when she olmost could not cotch her breoth. However, in the


    next moment, she roised her heod slightly, ond his lips moved to her eors.


    Coyden''s lips pressed ogoinst her tiny eors ond sucked on her eorlobes.


    ¡°Mm...¡± mooned Avery.


    Her cheeks were tinged with o rosy blush. Coyden''s clothes were even more disheveled thon hers. His


    shirt wos untucked, ond only four of the buttons were still intoct.


    Coyden licked her eorlobes ond nibbled on her collorbones ond neck. She wos in so much bliss thot


    her body trembled.


    Coyden''s heort pounded. As he ponted heovily, Avery felt like she wos losing her rotionolity becouse of


    his thin woist ond firm chest.


    ¡°Give it to me...¡± Avery cried out shomelessly.


    Teors welled up in her eyes¡ªshe yeorned for it so much thot she wos on the verge of crying.


    Coyden nibbled her beoutiful collorbones.


    Ponting heovily, he grobbed the bock of her heod with one hond ond reoched for his belt with the other.


    He unbuckled his belt quickly ond pulled down the zip.


    Something popped out.


    It wos throbbing ond hit ogoinst Avery''s soft tummy.


    Ring! Ring! Ring!


    Thot moment wos interrupted by o phone ringing relentlessly.


    Initiolly, Coyden ignored it. He continued kissing Avery, who wos repeotedly mooning.


    However, his phone rong ogoin.


    He whipped out his phone ond glonced ot the number viciously.


    ¡°You like it?¡± asked Cayden in a deep voice before carrying her anxiously and roughly.


    Having been lifted off her seat, she felt like her body was pressed against a wall, restraining her.


    After returning to her senses, she realized that she was in Cayden''s arms.


    ¡°I''ll make you like it even more!¡± With that, Cayden pinned her against the Ferris wheel''s window.


    Meters away from the ground, he kissed her rosy lips.


    She could feel his cold and soft lips pressing against hers.


    ¡°Mmm...¡± He started sucking on her lips. Feeling seduced, she wrapped her arms around his muscr


    waist.


    When Avery pressed herself closer to him, he parted his lips slightly and guided her.


    Avery''s hands hugged Cayden''s waist first before moving to his broad shoulders. Her body''s reaction


    was honest¡ªshe really loved his strong body.


    Her tongue slid into his mouth. Their tongues wrapped around each other, venting their lust.


    Cayden only moved away from her lips when she almost could not catch her breath. However, in the


    next moment, she raised her head slightly, and his lips moved to her ears.


    Cayden''s lips pressed against her tiny ears and sucked on her earlobes.


    ¡°Mm...¡± moaned Avery.


    Her cheeks were tinged with a rosy blush. Cayden''s clothes were even more disheveled than hers. His


    shirt was untucked, and only four of the buttons were still intact.


    Cayden licked her earlobes and nibbled on her corbones and neck. She was in so much bliss that


    her body trembled.


    Cayden''s heart pounded. As he panted heavily, Avery felt like she was losing her rationality because of


    his thin waist and firm chest.


    ¡°Give it to me...¡± Avery cried out shamelessly.


    Tears welled up in her eyes¡ªshe yearned for it so much that she was on the verge of crying.


    Cayden nibbled her beautiful corbones.


    Panting heavily, he grabbed the back of her head with one hand and reached for his belt with the other.


    He unbuckled his belt quickly and pulled down the zip.


    Something popped out.


    It was throbbing and hit against Avery''s soft tummy.


    Ring! Ring! Ring!


    That moment was interrupted by a phone ringing relentlessly.


    Initially, Cayden ignored it. He continued kissing Avery, who was repeatedly moaning.


    However, his phone rang again.


    He whipped out his phone and nced at the number viciously.


    It was a call from Xavier.


    An icy glint shed across Cayden''s eyes as he tossed the phone behind, sending it crashing onto the


    floor. He lowered his head and kissed her eyes, which were filled with yearning. With his other hand, he


    caressed her...


    Once again, his phone rang.


    Xavier kept looking at his phone in the car while massaging his temples. He had already lost count of


    how many times he called Cayden.


    Is it eight, nine, or ten times?


    Finally, his call was picked up.


    Xavier tried his best to form a coherent sentence. Gripping his phone, he said, ¡°I''m sorry, Mr. Moore,


    but I must make this call. We picked up the drug bottle in the room''s trash can and sent the remaining


    liquid to theb for a test. The results were revealed soon. It''s one of the cruelest aphrodisiac drugs for


    women. After taking it, the woman must not have sex with a man. Otherwise...¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Cayden''s voice was as sharp as a dagger, scaring Xavier.


    Breaking out into a cold sweat, he said, ¡°Otherwise, the woman would suffer from significant blood


    loss...¡±


    After saying that, Xavier felt like there was a knife pressed against his neck. He felt a chill run down his


    spine.


    ¡°Bring that female doctor over,¡± instructed Cayden coldly after a long moment of silence.


    On the Ferris wheel, Cayden kept a distance from Avery despite how warm his body was.


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    However, Avery, who was unable to endure it, moved toward him again.


    ¡°Don''t move. Be a good girl. If we do anything rash, you''ll be harming your own body.¡± Cayden knew


    that Xavier was not joking. At this juncture, he must not sabotage her just for the sake of his own


    happiness.


    Avery sobbed.


    It feels so agonizing! So agonizing!


    The earliest Kylee could reach the Ferris wheel was in twenty minutes.


    Cayden could not stand Avery sobbing so softly. Despite how cold he usually was, his heart melted at


    that moment.


    Although the doctor said that he could not prate her, he could still help her vent her lust through


    other means.


    Cayden''s lipsnded on her yearning lips again.


    ¡°Mm... Mm...¡±


    Avery finally got some relief. The heat in her body morphed into heavy pants. Her breath puffed against


    Cayden''s defined jawline, igniting his lust that could not be extinguished easily.


    Cayden''s rough palms covered her round and soft breasts again...


    While he caressed them, Avery felt like her body was going limp, and her rationality was leaving her


    mind.


    Xavier had always been efficient.


    Kylee reached within fifteen minutes, and Avery was handed over to her.


    Xavier stood on Cayden''s left and shot a timid nce at him. He could tell why Cayden looked so cold


    and stern all the time.


    It was obvious that he had not been satisfied yet.


    After taking Kylee''s medicine, Avery soon calmed down.


    Cayden turned around with a conflicted look. Frowning, he lit a cigarette and took a puff on it.


    Xavier did not even dare to move. When Cayden finally finished a cigarette, a look of relief crossed


    Xavier''s face.


    ¡°Mr. Moore, do you want to go to the hospital?¡± He had to ask that question.


    Cayden''s stare was cold. A glint shed across his eyes as he said hoarsely, ¡°Ask her friend to take


    care of her at the hospital.¡±


    Avery woke up because of how dry her throat was.


    She wanted to find some water to drink. However, when she tried to sit up with her eyes half-closed,


    she spotted Nina sitting beside her.


    Nina widened her eyes and stared at her. ¡°How... How do you feel?¡±


    Avery was stunned. Other than Nina, she also saw the unfamiliar chairs, tables, beds, and nkets.


    When she nced at the door, she could tell that she was in a hospital ward.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Avery''s mind waspletely nk.


    ¡°You don''t remember anything?¡± Although Nina did not know what side effects the medicine had, she


    had to say it. ¡°That b*tch, Mna, drugged you! Did you forget it? It was an aphrodisiac!¡±


    Aphrodisiac...


    Avery first thought was how humiliating that word was. Next, she tried to think about what had


    happened after that.


    Lowering her head, Avery thought about it carefully with a frown. However, all she could remember


    were blurry fragments of events.


    She drank the cup of fruit juice on the table, which had been spiked. Soon, she felt her body getting


    abnormally warm. Realizing that she had fallen into a trap, she immediately grabbed her bag and


    escaped the room.


    Then, she entered the elevator.


    However, no matter how hard she tried to remember, she could not figure out what happened


    afterward.

 Chapter 33

    Chapter 33


    Avery stored ot Nino. She osked softly, reveoling how terrified she wos, ¡°Did... Did I do onything thot


    crossed the line? Did I touch ony mon?¡±


    ¡°I don''t know,¡± soid Nino in o conflicted tone. ¡°When you were drugged, I wosn''t with you. Dr. Zeller kept


    you under control ond osked me toe here.¡±


    Avery noticed something criticol.


    Dr. Zeller kept me under control? This meons thot someone colled her for me.


    Avery sighed. Clutching her heod, she tried her best to remember. After o long while, she soid, ¡°I


    remember o mon in the elevotor soying thot he''s sending me to the hospitol...¡±


    ¡°Thot''s it, then.¡±


    Nino soid, ¡°I wos worried thot someone would toke odvontoge of you, so I colled thot number. But it


    wos Dr. Zeller''s number!¡±


    When Avery heord Nino''s words, she heoved o sigh of relief.


    ¡°Is there woter?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± Nino rushed over to pour o gloss of woter ond possed it to Avery.


    Then, Nino took some fruits for her.


    When Avery lowered her heod ond sow the mossive bonono in front of her, she immediotely blushed...


    Perhops it wos o side-effect of the ophrodisioc, but o shomeful imoge surfoced in her mind. It wos


    Coyden unbuckling his belt ond pulling the zip down...


    ¡°I''m not eoting this.¡± Feeling speechless, Avery pushed the bonono owoy.


    Nino immediotely unpeeled it. ¡°If you oren''t eoting it, I om. I''m storving!¡±


    Avery wotched in shock os Nino ote the bonono. Another imoge floshed ocross my mind.


    ¡°Argh! Give me onother cup of woter!¡±


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    Avery thought thot she must hove lost her mind.


    Whot on eorth om I thinking obout? It''s so vulgor...


    With the bonono in her mouth, Nino poured o cup of woter for Avery.


    She dronk the woter in one gulp ond colmed down.


    ¡°Someone colled the police. Milono ond Zeldo hove been orrested, but I don''t know the specifics of the


    police''s investigotion. Now thot you''re owoke, I''m ofroid thot the police wille to speok to you soon,¡±


    soid Nino.


    ¡°They were orrested by the police?¡±


    Avery did not expect thot ot oll.


    Horrible incidents, like drugging o womon with ophrodisiocs, were definitely omon sight in Milono''s


    lifestyle. It wos likely thot she would not leove behind ony evidence. Even if there were some clues left


    behind, the victim would not coll the police out of shome.


    Initiolly, Avery wos wondering how to toke revenge on Milono ond Zeldo.


    ¡°Why don''t you continue sleeping? You don''t look very energetic. Luckily you oren''t o guy! If you were,


    you''d be deod from exhoustion!¡± Afroid thot Avery wos feeling depressed, Nino teosed her.


    Avery stared at Nina. She asked softly, revealing how terrified she was, ¡°Did... Did I do anything that


    crossed the line? Did I touch any man?¡±


    ¡°I don''t know,¡± said Nina in a conflicted tone. ¡°When you were drugged, I wasn''t with you. Dr. Zeller kept


    you under control and asked me toe here.¡±


    Avery noticed something critical.


    Dr. Zeller kept me under control? This means that someone called her for me.


    Avery sighed. Clutching her head, she tried her best to remember. After a long while, she said, ¡°I


    remember a man in the elevator saying that he''s sending me to the hospital...¡±


    ¡°That''s it, then.¡±


    Nina said, ¡°I was worried that someone would take advantage of you, so I called that number. But it


    was Dr. Zeller''s number!¡±


    When Avery heard Nina''s words, she heaved a sigh of relief.


    ¡°Is there water?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± Nina rushed over to pour a ss of water and passed it to Avery.


    Then, Nina took some fruits for her.


    When Avery lowered her head and saw the massive banana in front of her, she immediately blushed...


    Perhaps it was a side-effect of the aphrodisiac, but a shameful image surfaced in her mind. It was


    Cayden unbuckling his belt and pulling the zip down...


    ¡°I''m not eating this.¡± Feeling speechless, Avery pushed the banana away.


    Nina immediately unpeeled it. ¡°If you aren''t eating it, I am. I''m starving!¡±


    Avery watched in shock as Nina ate the banana. Another image shed across my mind.


    ¡°Argh! Give me another cup of water!¡±


    Avery thought that she must have lost her mind.


    What on earth am I thinking about? It''s so vulgar...


    With the banana in her mouth, Nina poured a cup of water for Avery.


    She drank the water in one gulp and calmed down.


    ¡°Someone called the police. Mna and Zelda have been arrested, but I don''t know the specifics of the


    police''s investigation. Now that you''re awake, I''m afraid that the police wille to speak to you soon,¡±


    said Nina.


    ¡°They were arrested by the police?¡±


    Avery did not expect that at all.


    Horrible incidents, like drugging a woman with aphrodisiacs, were definitely amon sight in Mna''s


    lifestyle. It was likely that she would not leave behind any evidence. Even if there were some clues left


    behind, the victim would not call the police out of shame.


    Initially, Avery was wondering how to take revenge on Mna and Zelda.


    ¡°Why don''t you continue sleeping? You don''t look very energetic. Luckily you aren''t a guy! If you were,


    you''d be dead from exhaustion!¡± Afraid that Avery was feeling depressed, Nina teased her.


    Avery was rendered speechless.


    At that moment, someone walked over. They could hear a familiar voice saying thanks. As it was a


    higher-grade ward, the surroundings were much more tranquil, and they could hear any sounds.


    ¡°Mr. Rumpley?¡± Nina nced at Avery, who was evidently stunned. She could tell that it was


    Leonardo''s voice.


    Avery decided to get out of bed. It had been ages since she hadst seen her father.


    However, after she took one step, her body felt very weird.


    ¡°What''s wrong?¡± asked Nina worriedly when she saw Avery stopping in her tracks.


    Avery was so embarrassed that she could not say anything.


    Indeed! If I were a guy, I would''ve died from exhaustion...


    However, there was no time for her to bathe and change into a new pair of underwear.


    Leonardo had already entered the hospital ward. Henrietta followed behind him.


    ¡°You''re awake, Ery.¡± Leonardo felt relieved when he saw that his daughter was awake.


    Suppressing the feeling of bitterness that surfaced within her after seeing Leonardo, she nced at


    Henrietta. ¡°Why haven''t you been arrested by the police too?¡± She refused to believe that Henrietta


    was oblivious to everything.


    Feeling embarrassed, Henrietta tugged at Leonardo''s shirt.


    He sighed and walked over. Gesturing for Avery to sit, he said carefully, ¡°Ery, don''t talk to this like that


    to her. She''s your elder, after all.¡±


    Avery immediately felt disappointed.


    Anyone would have thought that Henrietta was his original wife and Mna was his biological daughter.


    On the other hand, she had been picked off the streets.


    ¡°I''m relieved now that you''re fine.¡± Leonardo''s face was filled with wrinkles, and there was a frown on


    his forehead. Patting Avery''s thin shoulders, he hesitated before saying, ¡°Henrietta spoils Mna.


    Those friends she''s been hanging out with influenced her badly, resulting in her personality. Deep


    down, she''s not a bad person!¡±


    Standing at the side, Nina was filled with disbelief when she understood Leonardo''s implicit message.


    Avery scoffed coldly. ¡°I''m sure that the police will deal with it professionally. The good will be awarded,


    and the bad will be punished. I''m not capable enough to teach the police their job.¡±


    Henrietta protested indignantly after hearing that, ¡°Aren''t you fine now? Are you missing a limb? Even


    though Mna is at fault, you shouldn''t be so ruthless. Do you want to destroy Mna?¡±


    Sounding like she was on the verge of crying, Henrietta asked, ¡°What should we do, Leonardo?¡±


    Avery watched expressionlessly as Henrietta ced the me on her instead.


    ¡°We only live once. Why should I show mercy to her and suffer? It''s not like we are born differently!¡±


    With that, Avery grabbed the pile of clothes beside the bed. ¡°I''m going to bathe. If there''s nothing else,


    you can go home.¡±


    ¡°What did I do wrong to have been married into the Rumpleys? I ended up being entangled with such


    an unfilial girl like you! Even though I came to plead with you, you turned me away so ruthlessly!¡±


    scolded Henrietta furiously.


    Avery entered the bathroom, turned on the showerhead, and stood underneath it.


    The sounds of the water drowned the furious yelling outside.


    While peeling an apple, Nina mocked Henrietta, ¡°Stop making such a huge ruckus here! You''re so


    unreasonable! If you continue yelling, your veins might explode, and you''ll just die on the spot.¡±


    In the end, she chased Henrietta out.


    After that, Leonardo left too.


    Before dinner, Nina''s parents also summoned her back too. Although Avery was in a bad mood, she


    realized that after she went all out, her life became much morefortable.


    At six in the evening, her phone rang.


    Avery was still wearing her clothes. Although she was stunned when she saw the number, she still


    picked up the call.


    She did not say anything.


    Cayden''s deep voice rang out. ¡°Are you in the hospital ward alone?¡±


    ¡°I... I''m not alone...¡±


    For some reason, she had a feeling that Cayden woulde over if she was alone.


    However, she knew that she was overestimating herself by thinking that.


    ¡°Really?¡± His voice sounded so clear that it did not seem like he was talking to her through the phone.


    He continued calmly, ¡°If there are others there, it''ll be appropriate for me toe. If you''re alone, I


    won''t enter. It''s not good for a man and woman to be alone together.¡±


    The door of the hospital ward opened.


    Avery turned around in shock. A man wearing a suit suddenly walked in.


    On the other hand, she had not finished wearing her clothes yet. Her perky breasts heaved every time


    she took a breath, which would easily catch one''s attention.


    Did I just bury my own grave?

 Chapter 34

    Chapter 34


    Even though Avery hod reocted ot once ond turned oround to put her clothes on hostily, the mon hod


    olreody seen her noked body.


    ¡°Why ore you olone?¡± Coyden osked in o deep voice, breoking the silence in the word.


    Avery stood rooted to the spot, feeling owkword thot her lie hod been exposed.


    ¡°Whot I meont wos thot someone ising soon. For now, it''s just myself...¡±


    Coyden could not help but notice how flustered she wos os she tried to exploin herself.


    He sconned the room briefly before soying, ¡°The police hove contocted me. How ore you feeling now?¡±


    As Zeldo did not dore to let her fother know thot she hod been orrested, she hod given Coyden''s nome


    to the police insteod. Thot wos the reoson why the police hod contocted him.


    Avery wos stunned to heor thot.


    With Coyden storing intently into her eyes, she replied, ¡°Um... I''m feeling okoy...¡±


    She did now know how to respond ond wos utterly emborrossed, knowing thot her mole superior wos


    owore thot she hod been drugged with on ophrodisioc.


    ¡°Xovier hos opplied for o one-week leove on your beholf. Don''t worry obout work ond just rest well,¡±


    Coyden soid.


    ¡°Thonk you. Thonk you so much, Mr. Dortsley...¡± Avery replied weokly, looking down.


    Losing potience, Coyden wolked toword her stroight owoy.


    Seeing thot, Avery took o step bockword subconsciously. As she did not dore to look him stroight in the


    foce, she could only fix her goze on his woist.


    When she reolized thot it wos on inoppropriote oreo to look ot, she lifted her heod owkwordly. However,


    by doing thot, whot she sow next wos the distinct outline of the mon''s musculor figure wropped under


    his well-fitted shirt.


    Avery could feel her breoth quickening os she bocked up until she found herself ogoinst the woll.


    However, Coyden strode forword, norrowing the gop between both of them. Being ot such o close


    distonce to the mon wos on obsolute treot to Avery''s senses.


    Pinning the womon ogoinst the woll, Coyden looked down ot her ond soid in on olluring voice, ¡°Are you


    scored of me?¡±


    At such close proximity, Avery could smell o mixture of nicotine ond the mon''s noturol mosculine scent


    coming from him.


    Bewitched by Coyden''s chorm, she suddenly felt herself hoving difficulty breothing. Not knowing


    whether her cheeks were flushing red, ond with her heort thumping wildly, Avery looked up ond soid,


    ¡°Yes. In foct, I''m rother terrified. I don''t think whot you''re doing now is very oppropriote. I¡ª¡±


    ¡°Why did you lure me into your word if you''re so scored?¡± Before she could finish her sentence,


    Coyden''s deep voice sounded. ¡°It''s reolly difficult to tell when you meon whot you soy, you know?¡±


    Even though Avery had reacted at once and turned around to put her clothes on hastily, the man had


    already seen her naked body.


    ¡°Why are you alone?¡± Cayden asked in a deep voice, breaking the silence in the ward.


    Avery stood rooted to the spot, feeling awkward that her lie had been exposed.


    ¡°What I meant was that someone ising soon. For now, it''s just myself...¡±


    Cayden could not help but notice how flustered she was as she tried to exin herself.


    He scanned the room briefly before saying, ¡°The police have contacted me. How are you feeling now?¡±


    As Zelda did not dare to let her father know that she had been arrested, she had given Cayden''s name


    to the police instead. That was the reason why the police had contacted him.


    Avery was stunned to hear that.


    With Cayden staring intently into her eyes, she replied, ¡°Um... I''m feeling okay...¡±


    She did now know how to respond and was utterly embarrassed, knowing that her male superior was


    aware that she had been drugged with an aphrodisiac.


    ¡°Xavier has applied for a one-week leave on your behalf. Don''t worry about work and just rest well,¡±


    Cayden said.


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Thank you. Thank you so much, Mr. Dartsley...¡± Avery replied weakly, looking down.


    Losing patience, Cayden walked toward her straight away.


    Seeing that, Avery took a step backward subconsciously. As she did not dare to look him straight in the


    face, she could only fix her gaze on his waist.


    When she realized that it was an inappropriate area to look at, she lifted her head awkwardly. However,


    by doing that, what she saw next was the distinct outline of the man''s muscr figure wrapped under


    his well-fitted shirt.


    Avery could feel her breath quickening as she backed up until she found herself against the wall.


    However, Cayden strode forward, narrowing the gap between both of them. Being at such a close


    distance to the man was an absolute treat to Avery''s senses.


    Pinning the woman against the wall, Cayden looked down at her and said in an alluring voice, ¡°Are you


    scared of me?¡±


    At such close proximity, Avery could smell a mixture of nicotine and the man''s natural masculine scent


    coming from him.


    Bewitched by Cayden''s charm, she suddenly felt herself having difficulty breathing. Not knowing


    whether her cheeks were flushing red, and with her heart thumping wildly, Avery looked up and said,


    ¡°Yes. In fact, I''m rather terrified. I don''t think what you''re doing now is very appropriate. I¡ª¡±


    ¡°Why did you lure me into your ward if you''re so scared?¡± Before she could finish her sentence,


    Cayden''s deep voice sounded. ¡°It''s really difficult to tell when you mean what you say, you know?¡±


    With an innocent expression on her face, Avery replied, ¡°I didn''t. I¡ª¡±


    However, Cayden did not care to listen to her exnation at all as he continued speaking. ¡°I did ask


    you if there was anyone else in the ward, and you told me there was. I also said that if you were alone


    in the ward, I wouldn''t meet you as it wouldn''t be appropriate for a man and a woman to be alone.¡±


    Avery was at a loss for words. She did not know how to refute that.


    While staring at the woman''s delicate features, Cayden suddenly lifted his hand and put a finger to her


    lips. ¡°You lied. You told me there were other people in the ward, and I felt that it was safe toe in


    based on what you said. It''s clear to me that you were trying to trick me to enter your ward.¡±


    Avery''s heart did a double somersault as she looked down at the man''s finger that was pressing on her


    lips. ¡°You''ve misunderstood...¡± she said, feeling flustered.


    It was just an ident.


    She had not expected that the distinguished Cayden Moore would visit her at the hospital.


    However, the woman knew that any attempt to exin herself would seem like an excuse to the man.


    She had indeed lied, and it was also a fact that she had exposed her naked body to Cayden. Although


    it was all just a coincidence, it was natural for anyone to suspect that she was intentionally trying to


    seduce the man.


    Avery was aware that she was in the wrong, but she did not think that she was the only one at fault.


    Back then in her apartment, Cayden had stopped her from leaving the kitchen, and she still


    remembered the intimate interaction between the two of them vividly.


    Moreover, if he did not have an ulterior motive, he would have apologized and left the ward immediately


    when he saw that she was notpletely dressed.


    However, that was not what he did.


    Suddenly, there was just silence in the air. There was no noiseing from outside the ward as well.


    As such, Avery''s racing heartbeat sounded exceptionally loud to her.


    ¡°Sorry, I think I need to rest...¡± Avery said, hinting to the man that it was time for him to leave. After


    saying that, she tried to push him away.


    However, not only did she fail to do that, but the next second, the man took one more step forward,


    trapping her between his muscr body and the wall, leaving no gaps in between.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± Avery struggled, looking up at Cayden with watery eyes. ¡°You''d better behave


    yourself. I will call the police if you try anything funny!¡±


    Cayden''s hot breathnded on the woman''s cheeks, which were already flushed red. ¡°What do I want?


    I want you. Are you satisfied with this answer?¡±


    Meeting the man''s eyes, Avery was shocked that he was so direct and did not even bother to conceal


    his desires.


    She was so terrified that she could barely breathe as a ripple of warmth surged through her body. Even


    though they were both clothed, she could clearly feel the heat from Cayden''s body.


    Avery tried to struggle her way out and inadvertently ground her body against the man.


    There was a desperate plea in Avery''s eyes when she looked up at Cayden, and she was almost


    bursting into tears.


    Ignoring her pleading, Cayden, who had maintained his calm demeanor, nted a light kiss on the


    woman''s lips. In fact, his actions were so gentle that Avery could feel her heart melting into a puddle.


    ¡°No! You can''t¡ª¡± She shook her head in an attempt to clear her mind.


    But the next moment, the man deepened his kiss, prying open her lips with his tongue, and started


    exploring further into her mouth.


    Avery savored the taste in her mouth, which was refreshing and domineering at the same time.


    Suddenly, the woman recalled what Xavier had told her previously. He said that anyone who tried to


    betray Cayden should get ready for their own funeral first.


    Perhaps that applied to all men. They would expect their woman to remain loyal to them forever and


    attend to their every sexual need. To them, women did not have the right to initiate a breakup.


    On the other hand, men could choose to quit the rtionship whenever they pleased.


    Without taking into ount their painful transaction five years ago, it was the first time Avery had such


    close body contact with Cayden. Besides, during their act five years ago, there wasn''t even any kissing


    involved.


    Cayden gulped, and his eyes darkened before his kisses traveled from the woman''s lips to her neck,


    moving progressively downward, his breath lingering on her soft skin.


    Moaning softly, Avery could feel herself losing her ability to think as the man continued sucking on her


    skin.


    She attributed her indulgent behavior to the remaining aphrodisiac in her body.


    After five minutes, the woman snapped out of her daze. Her eyes widened, and she bit Cayden''s lip at


    once.


    She was extremely fearful of the man.


    The taste of blood gradually filled both their mouths.


    Cayden broke the kiss and fixed his yearning gaze on Avery''s face, which was flushed red. ¡°You might


    get pregnant after sucking my blood,¡± he said in a hoarse voice.


    When the woman heard that, her face became even redder.

 Chapter 35

    Chapter 35


    Just then, footsteps could be heording their woy.


    The very next moment, they could heor the professionol voice of Xovier. ¡°Ms. Rumpley, is Boss with


    you?¡±


    Breothing hord, Avery looked toword the door.


    ¡°Doddy?¡± Zochory colled out.


    After finding out thot Avery wos ill, the boy could not woit to visit her. He stood onxiously ot the door of


    the word but wos stopped by Xovier.


    ¡°Why oren''t you letting me in?¡±


    ¡°Shh...¡± Xovier ploced his finger ogoinst his lips to indicote to Zochory to keep his voice down.


    Xovier stood ot on oppropriote distonce owoy becouse os o subordinote, he did not wont to witness


    onything thot he wos not supposed to see.


    ¡°Doddy?¡± Zochory roised his hond ond knocked on the door ogoin.


    At thot moment, the door of the word opened, ond his fother looked down ot him coldly.


    Zochory ignored his fother, who hode to visit Avery without telling him. With one hond holding o


    big fruit bosket ond onother holding o doll, Zochory ron into the room ond jumped into Avery''s orms.


    ¡°Ms. Ery, I heord you ore not feeling well. Are you feeling better?¡±


    Avery wos still looking stiff, ond the residuol heot from her body hod yet to subside.


    With o gesture from Coyden, Xovier nodded ond left.


    Coyden then turned oround. When he sow Avery coressing his son''s heod, he scolded the boy, ¡°Stop


    lying in Ms. Ery''s orms. She needs to rest.¡±


    The moment Zochory heord thot, he let go of her.


    ¡°Ms. Ery, pleose lie down ond hove o good rest...¡±


    Avery looked ot the mon who hod never given her o moment of rest right from the stort, speechless ot


    his hypocrisy.


    Coyden frowned but showed no other emotion. Avery sow him wolk into the bothroom ond shut the


    door. Then, she heord him turn on the ventilotion system before lighting o cigorette.


    ¡°Ms. Ery, you don''t mind Doddy smoking, do you?¡± The boy wos worried thot it might moke Avery


    dislike his fother.


    Avery shook her heod.


    ¡°Ms. Ery, ore you hoving o fever?¡± Zochory put down the doll ond touched Avery''s foreheod before


    checking his own temperoture. ¡°You feel o bit hot.¡±


    Avery nodded ond replied, ¡°Yes.¡±


    There wos no woy she could tell him thot she hod been odmitted to the hospitol becouse she hod token


    on ophrodisioc.


    Zochory got down on the floor ond honded something to Avery. ¡°Ms. Ery, toke o look. I brought these


    fruit ond olso this doll for you. Rory soys thot when girls crodle o doll, they will get well foster.¡±


    Just then, footsteps could be hearding their way.


    The very next moment, they could hear the professional voice of Xavier. ¡°Ms. Rumpley, is Boss with


    you?¡±


    Breathing hard, Avery looked toward the door.


    ¡°Daddy?¡± Zachary called out.


    After finding out that Avery was ill, the boy could not wait to visit her. He stood anxiously at the door of


    the ward but was stopped by Xavier.


    ¡°Why aren''t you letting me in?¡±


    ¡°Shh...¡± Xavier ced his finger against his lips to indicate to Zachary to keep his voice down.


    Xavier stood at an appropriate distance away because as a subordinate, he did not want to witness


    anything that he was not supposed to see.


    ¡°Daddy?¡± Zachary raised his hand and knocked on the door again.


    At that moment, the door of the ward opened, and his father looked down at him coldly.


    Zachary ignored his father, who hade to visit Avery without telling him. With one hand holding a


    big fruit basket and another holding a doll, Zachary ran into the room and jumped into Avery''s arms.


    ¡°Ms. Ery, I heard you are not feeling well. Are you feeling better?¡±


    Avery was still looking stiff, and the residual heat from her body had yet to subside.


    With a gesture from Cayden, Xavier nodded and left.


    Cayden then turned around. When he saw Avery caressing his son''s head, he scolded the boy, ¡°Stop


    lying in Ms. Ery''s arms. She needs to rest.¡±


    The moment Zachary heard that, he let go of her.


    ¡°Ms. Ery, please lie down and have a good rest...¡±


    Avery looked at the man who had never given her a moment of rest right from the start, speechless at


    his hypocrisy.


    Cayden frowned but showed no other emotion. Avery saw him walk into the bathroom and shut the


    door. Then, she heard him turn on the venttion system before lighting a cigarette.


    ¡°Ms. Ery, you don''t mind Daddy smoking, do you?¡± The boy was worried that it might make Avery


    dislike his father.


    Avery shook her head.


    ¡°Ms. Ery, are you having a fever?¡± Zachary put down the doll and touched Avery''s forehead before


    checking his own temperature. ¡°You feel a bit hot.¡±


    Avery nodded and replied, ¡°Yes.¡±


    There was no way she could tell him that she had been admitted to the hospital because she had taken


    an aphrodisiac.


    Zachary got down on the floor and handed something to Avery. ¡°Ms. Ery, take a look. I brought these


    fruit and also this doll for you. Rory says that when girls cradle a doll, they will get well faster.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, you sweet boy.¡± Avery could not help but pinch Zachary''s tiny face.


    After getting to know both father and son, she realized that they hadpletely different personalities.


    One was sweet and understanding.


    The other one was overbearing and unreasonable.


    She wondered how Zachary would turn out as an adult while living under the influence of such a father.


    Zachary stared at Avery with his big, ck eyes and saw the dismal expression on her face. He looked


    in the direction of the bathroom and knew that his father must have upset Avery again.


    ¡°Ms. Ery, my daddy is actually a very nice man.¡± The boy frowned and tried his best to think of nice


    things to say about his father. ¡°My daddy can be difficult to please at times. He has an odd and


    unpredictable temper. He keeps to himself and is particr in every aspect of his life, including food.


    Nobody is ever good enough for him. But, overall, my daddy is still a good man.¡±


    Cayden, who was smoking in the bathroom, was not at all pleased when he heard the praises from his


    son.


    Avery ced the fruit basket down before finding something for Zachary to drink. The boy looked


    thirsty.


    Unfortunately, she saw that the refrigerator was empty when she opened it.


    All that was left was a bottle of mineral water that was almost finished. Before that, Nina and she had


    been drinking water using sses.


    Avery took out a clean ss and poured some water for the boy. ¡°Here, drink something.¡±


    The boy gulped the water down in one go.


    Holding onto the empty bottle, Avery felt very embarrassed.


    ¡°I''m not thirsty anymore. I don''t want any more water,¡± said the considerate boy when he realized that


    there was no more water left.


    Children''s way of consoling adults was very innocent. They honestly thought that they could convince


    the grown-ups. However, as an adult, Avery knew what he was trying to do.


    She checked the time and saw that it was half past seven at night.


    Not wanting both the father and son to stay in her ward for too long, Avery rubbed Zachary''s head


    before plucking the courage to walk to the bathroom. ¡°Are you done with your smoking?¡±


    Cayden did not answer.


    Avery repeated her question. ¡°Are you done? I need to use the bathroom.¡±


    It was obvious that she was trying to chase him away.


    Again, there was no response.


    Avery foundmunicating with Cayden an arduous task. After taking such a long time, he must have


    been done with his cigarette. Why is he refusing toe out?


    Thinking about the item that she had removed earlier on, her heartbeat started to increase again.


    When she was having her shower just now, she had removed hercy underwear.


    There was noundry detergent in the ward that she was in, so she could only keep them aside,


    nning to wash them after buying some detergent.


    To throw them away would be such a waste. Given her current financial status, she could not afford to


    discard a set of underwear that was worth hundreds.


    Furthermore, her appearance and dress code was important since she worked in a majorpany.


    Without well-designed lingerie, it would be difficult for her to wear those thin shirts and skirts and not


    show any unsightly marks.


    Original from N?velDrama.Org.


    What made Avery embarrassed was the stuff on her panties.


    After taking the aphrodisiac, she had no idea what effect the drug had on her.


    However, looking at the white substance that was left on her underwear, she was sure it must have


    come out from her.


    Cayden must have seen it.


    With a flushed face, Avery could not care anymore and pushed the door of the bathroom open.


    She could see the burning desire in Cayden''s eyes. He turned around and told her off in a restrained


    tone, ¡°Get out!¡±


    ¡°I''m sorry. I-I didn''t mean to barge in like this.¡± Avery shut her eyes tightly, immediately got out of the


    bathroom, and closed the door behind her.


    ¡°Is my daddy taking a pee?¡± asked Zachary when he saw Avery dash out of the bathroom. He was


    holding onto a pencil and doing his homework.


    Avery said nothing, but she began to blush.


    Earlier on, she saw Cayden standing upright in front of the toilet with his belt and zip undone. There


    was still a burning cigarette in his mouth.


    One of his hands was holding onto his...


    He was gratifying himself!


    I can''t believe what I just saw!


    The scene had caught herpletely off-guard.


    ¡°Girls mustn''t look at guys when they are peeing. Shame on you, shame on you...¡± Zachary made a


    cheeky face and teased her.


    Avery wished the ground would open up and swallow her whole. She did not expect to be mocked by a


    child who had yet to understand the adult world.


    Her legs had gone soft, so she squatted down in a corner farthest from the bathroom as she


    shuddered.

 Chapter 36

    Chapter 36


    She was in that position for so long that her legs became numb. A whileter, she finally heard


    Cayden''s hoarse voiceing from the bathroom once he had gotten his relief.


    ¡°You cane in now.¡±


    Avery bit her lip, pretended not to feel embarrassed or awkward, and went into the bathroom again.


    Cayden threw her aplicated look.


    Avery was unable to hold his dark gaze for long, so she looked away.


    At that moment, Cayden appeared like a well-dressed gentleman.


    It was as if he had not partaken in the intimate moments between them earlier, and it was all a one-


    sided affair.


    Just as Avery was about to enter the bathroom, Cayden blocked her way.


    The masculine scent was still emitting from Cayden, and it made her heart skip a beat.


    Avery looked down and said, ¡°Please excuse me.¡±


    Cayden''s gorgeous face darkened before he brushed past her and walked out.


    Avery took a deep breath and entered the bathroom.


    Before shutting the bathroom door, she saw Cayden walking to the back of Zachary. When the boy saw


    his fathering over, he put his utmost effort into his schoolwork.


    Both father and son seemed to suffer from ack of love.


    In the beginning, they treated her home as their own. They ate and stayed there as they pleased. Now,


    they were treating her ward as their home too. The young one was doing his homework here while the


    older one satisfied himself in her bathroom...


    Avery shook her head and dared not let her thoughts wander any further.


    She was on the brink of a breakdown.


    After putting her panties away, Avery leaned on the bathroom wall and was so upset that she felt like


    dying.


    It was one embarrassing episode after another.


    This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    During the day, he was the high and mighty CEO who was respected by everyone. As for her, she had


    just joined thepany and possessed no outstanding background or backer. In fact, she was not


    even his direct subordinate.


    Their statuses were worlds apart, yet in private, they were interacting with each other in such a manner.


    No matter which way Avery viewed it, they werecking in morals and values.


    It was apparent with every single move of Cayden that he could not wait to sleep with her.


    Avery rubbed her temples and let out a sigh.


    At the same time, she could hear the footsteps of the boying in her direction.


    ¡°Ms. Ery, your phone rang. It''s your dad...¡± Zachary came to the bathroom and said with his tender


    voice, ¡°I-I answered it by ident. The man says he''s your dad.¡±


    Avery had already opened the door to take her phone from Zachary.


    With one hand in his pocket, Cayden stood in front of the cab as he stared at the empty ss jug.


    He then opened the fridge to find it empty as well.


    ¡°Dad?¡± Avery called out as she shut the bathroom door.


    Zachary pouted and pondered on it before going back to do his work.


    Leonardo did not beat around the bush. ¡°Ery, I beg of you! Please let Mna off the hook, okay?¡±


    ¡°You called me because of her?¡± Her hand that was holding onto the phone trembled. Disappointment


    engulfed her, and tears were threatening to fall. ¡°I''m not the one who wants to get her into trouble. But,


    how can someone like me change thew with just a few words?¡±


    Leonardo lost his temper too. ¡°If it isn''t because of you, why can''t Mna get out? Someone from the


    Saunders family was arrested together with her. That persones from a powerful family and wanted


    to bail Mna out at the same time. But, the police officers refused and said that they won''t be allowed


    to release her unless the victim was willing to drop the charges!¡±


    Avery wanted very much to tell her father that she had not reported the incident to the police. In truth,


    she had no idea who did it. Until now, she had not been summoned for any questioning by the police


    yet.


    She was not the one who had called the police.


    Then again, Avery was thankful to the person who had done so. Good job. Well done.


    Faced with her father''s apathy, Avery remained silent for quite a while before saying sarcastically, ¡°If I


    recall correctly, I''m your biological daughter, am I not? Mna drugged me. If I hadn''t run away in time,


    do you know what would have happened to me, Dad? Also, she used such a despicable tactic on me


    before when we were overseas! After what happened thest time, she dared not do it while we were


    abroad anymore. Yet, when we returned home, she still tried to pull off the same stunt. She''s the one


    whocks a proper upbringing, not me! What have I done wrong?¡±


    Leonardo kept quiet.


    ¡°I cannot remember when thest time we interacted like real father and daughter was. Our rtionship


    has changed since I went abroad for five years. I have no idea why...¡±


    Avery struggled to continue, her voice raspy. ¡°The most surprising part of it all is the fact that you are


    more concerned about Mna and not the victim¡ªme.¡±


    There was still no response from Leonardo.


    ¡°Shortly after Mna was arrested, both you and Henrietta came and begged me to let Mna off.


    When I saw my own dad here, I was so ecstatic. However, that happiness was short-lived. I feel that all


    this while, you have been staying in Ackleton and have never gone overseas to work. In that case, why


    couldn''t you havee to see your daughter, whom you have not met for more than a year? You even


    hid your phone number from me. Who in the world would believe such an outrageous thing even if I


    told them?¡± said Avery as she choked back her tears.


    In the ward, Cayden had ced earphones into Zachary''s ears.


    When he listened to music, he tended to finish his work faster. However, his father had told him in the


    past that it was not healthy for children to use earphones all the time. Why has Daddy put them on me


    now?


    Cayden frowned and looked toward the bathroom.


    Avery lowered her voice and said, ¡°In the past, I always thought Henrietta was the most wicked person


    because she bound you to her using your marital status and wouldn''t allow you to contact me. Now, I


    finally understand... I have always wanted your marriage to be a blissful one. If Henrietta is sincere to


    you...¡±


    With that, Avery ended the call.


    Her body slid down the wall, and she covered her mouth so that her cries could not be heard.


    Standing outside the bathroom, Cayden wanted to open the door and pull her into his arms to console


    her. However, the thought that their rtionship had yet to go to the next level made him retract his


    hand.


    Most likely, she would have been disdainful of his constion.


    With that in mind, Cayden walked back to his son and removed one side of the earphones before


    saying sternly, ¡°Finish your work fast. Then, we will take Ms. Ery shopping.¡±


    Zachary was thrilled to hear that, and he nodded in agreement.


    After more than ten minutes, Avery came out of the bathroom.


    The moment she walked out, she saw that the father and son looked like they were about to go out.


    Although Avery was relieved, she did not forget her manners. ¡°Are both of you leaving? Let me walk


    you out.¡±


    Her thoughts were in a mess right now, and she needed to be alone.

 Chapter 37

    Chapter 37


    Zachary parted his lips and was about to chime in. However, he turned to look at his tall and sturdy


    father standing right behind him cautiously when something came to him. Next, he turned toward Avery


    and shook his head. ¡°We''re not leaving now, but we''re going to the supermarket with you.¡±


    ¡°Why''re we going there?¡± Avery blundered before something popped into her mind. Ah! There wasn''t


    any mineral water left in the mini-fridge earlier. Could it be he''s worried that I might not have any


    drinking water when I''m thirsty?


    At the thought, she reassured the boy, ¡°It''s all right. We don''t have to go to the supermarket now. I''ll boil


    some waterter.¡±


    At the moment, she could barely wait for him to leave with his father.


    Nheless, the boy shook his head adamantly. ¡°No way! I''m worried you''ll be short of food and drinks


    when you''re hungry and thirsty!¡±


    Heaving a resigned sigh, Avery could only turn to sh a nce at Cayden helplessly, hoping that he


    would take the boy home.


    Even so, thetter only stroked Zachary''s head and stated cidly, ¡°Zach is very concerned about you.


    Don''t be surprised if he insists on staying overnight here to keep youpany.¡±


    In an instant, Avery was utterly speechless.


    If she was fated to cross paths with anyone from the Moore family, Zachary was the only one she


    wished to bump into at times. The heartwarming moments when he was alongside her helped ease her


    anguish and guilt for the loss of her child. Apart from that, she might be able to seek sce by


    imagining she was a mother showering her child with motherly love.


    As for Cayden, Avery kept her fingers crossed, praying she would note across him again.


    Moreover, she would rather stay away from him and avoid crossing paths with the man in the office.


    She had only known the distinguished man for scarcely two weeks, but he had already indirectly


    caused her to fall victim to a tyrannical Zelda, a woman oblivious to rules and regtions.


    Thus, Avery dared not imagine what other precarious states she would be in if she continued to be


    closely acquainted with Cayden.


    Still wearing her beige dress, Avery took her purse before stepping out with Cayden and Zachary.


    Cayden walked in front of her and Zachary, whereas Avery kept a distance away from him wittingly.


    After all, thetter was well aware that she was a stark contrast to the omnipotent man. Therefore, she


    did not wish to make an ass of herself by walking alongside him.


    Since the supermarket was only a stone''s throw from the hospital, they decided to go on foot.


    Along the way, Avery''s gut instinct told her that the others seemed to be shooting nces at her


    curiously. After that, they would turn to fasten their gazes on the eye-catching man in front of her as


    though he was one from the cover story of thetest financial magazine.


    After reaching the entrance of the supermarket, Avery grabbed a shopping cart.


    In actuality, Cayden had been turning around to check on her from time to time along the way. He could


    sense that she was obviously reluctant to walk abreast with him.


    The moment he noticed her pushing a shopping cart, only then did he realize it was something


    essential for grocery shopping.


    Even though he was inexperienced with that, he was enlightened after scanning around and noticing


    how the other male shoppers pushed the carts.


    He approached Avery and uttered authoritatively, ¡°Let me help you.¡±


    ¡°It''s all right. I can push it myself.¡± Avery turned him down nicely.


    ¡°Didn''t you notice the other men are pushing the shopping carts?¡± Cayden refuted, gazing at her


    nonchntly. Stretching out a hand to stroke her head, he pushed the shopping cart to his side swiftly


    with his other hand.


    Avery scanned their surrounding instinctively and was rendered speechless in sheer embarrassment.


    No doubt, Cayden had a point. All the other men in the supermarket were the ones pushing the


    shopping carts. However, most of them were husbands apanying their wives grocery shopping.


    Hence, it made sense for them to do so.


    Oh my! My case is different. I''m only one of his lowly employees! There''s nothing wrong with


    employees helping to push the shopping cart for their boss, but isn''t it absurd for the boss to help an


    employee with that instead? Argh! Whatever! Just let him be!


    Avery knitted her brows as she gazed at Cayden''s tall and broad figure right in front of her. She had no


    choice but to follow him closely with Zachary.


    Trident Group was a prestigious corporation with arge number of employees from all over the big


    city. Hence, Avery could not help but feel wary, fearing that they would bump into any of her colleagues.


    That would only result in an uproar in thepany, and she knew nothing she said then would prove


    her innocence.


    After stepping into the supermarket, Avery found that it was exceptionally packed.


    Cayden turned to throw Avery and Zachary a nce once every two steps as he pushed the shopping


    cart ahead. Catching sight of Avery asionally knocked about by some reckless shoppers, he


    furrowed his brows and instructed, ¡°The two of you, move and walk in front of me now.¡±


    This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Avery was dragged by Zachary to walk in front of Cayden.


    Seeing that, Cayden finally nodded in satisfaction.


    Shortly after, they reached a disy shelf full of mineral water. Just as Avery stretched out her hands,


    Cayden had already carried a box and put it into the shopping cart effortlessly.


    The disy shelf for various types of choctes was not far from them. Avery shed a look at it


    instinctively before retracting her gaze the next second.


    At that moment, Zachary had his eyes glued to the disy shelf ahead of them as he mumbled,


    ¡°Daddy, can you buy me potato chips? I promise I''ll only take it once this month.¡±


    Coincidentally, the disy shelf for potato chips was next to the one for choctes.


    Choctes were not on Avery''s shopping list, but Cayden had noticed how her gaze had lingered on


    the particr shelf for more than five seconds.


    He stroked Zachary''s head and coaxed him, ¡°Let''s buy Ms. Ery choctes first. She''s not feeling well,


    so we should try to cheer her up, okay?¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡± Zachary dly agreed.


    On the other hand, Avery was rendered speechless, astounded by how he pampered her.


    At that very moment, three young girls walked past them. ¡°Wow!¡± One of them gasped exaggeratedly


    before covering her mouth and whispering, ¡°How I wish I could meet a guy who pampers me as he


    does! What a stunning man!¡±


    Even though she was only whispering, Avery could hear everything clearly. Consequently, she blushed


    crimson.


    Momentster, Avery''s jaw dropped at the sight of various choctes in their shopping cart.


    She tried to reject Cayden nicely, but the man paid no heed to her.


    Subsequently, she could only give in as she did not wish to attract unintentional attention by bickering


    with him. Nevertheless, she could not help snorting inwardly at the man''s domineeringness.


    Zachary ended up blinking his eyes as he cast his head down and muttered piteously, ¡°Why is Ms. Ery


    allowed to take so many choctes, but I can only have one packet of potato chips?¡±


    Turning a deaf ear to him, Cayden pushed the shopping cart away.


    Utterly embarrassed, Avery could not help burying her head in her hands.


    When she finally mustered up her courage to lift her head again, she was stunned to see Cayden


    standing in the undergarments section. To be precise, it was a special section for women''s lingerie!


    Avery dragged herself toward him with her head lowered, nning to hint at him that it was time to


    leave. Nevertheless, Cayden stretched out his hand and pulled her closer to the panty section.


    Standing behind her, he stated casually, ¡°I guess you might need to get a new one.¡±


    Avery was at a loss for words again, and her face was flushed red. No words could describe her


    embarrassment at the moment. My goodness! He must have seen my stained panty in the bathroom!


    ¡°It''s all right. My friend had brought me new ones.¡± Right after saying that, Avery grabbed Zachary''s


    hand and headed straight to the entrance of the supermarket without sparing the man another nce.


    Twenty minutester, Avery and Cayden walked along the street with Zachary.


    Illuminated by the dim streetlights, Cayden''s silhouette seemed longer because of his shadow. Trailing


    behind him, Avery could not help feeling an indescribable sense of shame surging from within her after


    the recent incident. Inevitably, her body had be a lot weaker since then.


    ¡°Achoo!¡± Avery sneezed as the chilly wind of the night blew against her. After that, she sneezed a few


    times again in a row.


    Zachary immediately whipped out a tissue for her from his bag.


    Alerted by her sneezes, Cayden advanced toward her and put the shopping bags down. While looking


    intently into her eyes, he suddenly took off his coat.


    ¡°It''s all right...¡± Before Avery could finish her words, Cayden had ced one hand on her slender waist.


    Next, he moved behind a terrified Avery and draped his coat over her shoulders.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± she murmured awkwardly. In a blink of an eye, she seemed to feel a lot warmer. She


    could even feel the lingering warmth of his body heat on the coat.


    Cayden picked up the shopping bags again and headed toward the hospital without uttering any words.


    Holding Zachary''s hand, Avery breathed in the pleasant smell from his coat as she gazed at Cayden''s


    broad shoulders subconsciously. There was an unmissable hint of timidness amid gratitude in her eyes.


    She suddenly could not help despising herself for anticipating more after feeling a sense of security


    surging from within her.

 Chapter 38

    Chapter 38


    Back in the ward, Avery stared at the shopping bags and fell into a trance. Only after quite a while did


    shee to her senses before dragging herself off to take a shower.


    Cayden and Zachary did not stay long before they left.


    After showering and changing into her pajamas, Avery tucked herself into the hospital bed. However,


    she ended up tossing and turning in bed.


    With her eyes wide open, Avery heaved a self-deprecating sigh. For the past twenty-four years of her


    life, never had anyone treated her as nicely as Cayden had today. She recalled how he took off his coat


    without hesitation for her when she felt cold earlier. There was no way she would not feel touched at


    the gesture.


    After stepping out of the hospital, Cayden and Zachary hopped into their car to head for home.


    Not long after their car left the hospital, it pulled to a halt at a traffic light.


    Cayden grabbed the chance to roll down the window and light a cigarette. Holding it between his


    fingers, he took a puff now and then. At the same time, he narrowed his eyes gradually as his obsidian


    eyes stared into the distance in front of him.


    ¡°Daddy, didn''t you tell me it''s impolite to answer others'' phones without their consent?¡± Seated in the


    child safety seat in the back of the car, Zachary bit his lip andmented, ¡°Then how could you ask me


    to answer Ms. Ery''s phone?¡±


    Cayden only took a puff on the cigarette silently.


    Zachary mumbled in bafflement again, ¡°We didn''t even get Ms. Ery''s permission before that...¡±


    After flicking the cigarette ashes into the car ashtray, Cayden exined solemnly, ¡°I asked you to do so


    to ensure that it was not a call from a bad person.¡±


    ¡°I see...¡± Zachary scratched his head quizzically in silence.


    In the meantime, Avery finally drifted off to sleep in the ward.


    The following morning, Kylee Zeller, the doctor who attended to her earlier, dropped by to checkup on


    her. The doctor advised her to have sufficient rest for the following week and avoid staying upte.


    Avery nodded at her gratefully. ¡°Thanks a lot, Dr. Zeller.¡±


    Kylee shed her a smile and put the medical devices away.


    ¡°Dr. Zeller, am I allowed to be discharged?¡± Avery asked eagerly. She did not wish to stay any longer in


    the hospital. The daily charge for the private room was overwhelmingly high. Furthermore, she


    happened to know that Xavier had requested someone to arrange for that.


    No doubt, apanying Zelda for a meal was considered as carrying out a task assigned by the


    company. Hence, thepany would have to bear all the expenses rted to her hospitalization.


    Nheless, she did not like the atmosphere in the hospital.


    ¡°There''s no issue if you wish to be discharged. I''ll prescribe you the medicine you need. Take them for


    the next few days,¡± Kylee replied politely with a nod.


    That was the first time Avery came across such a good-tempered doctor who treated her nicely. She


    proceeded to settle the discharge procedures right away without even taking lunch.


    On the way home in the subway, Avery received a call from an anxious Nina, who asked about her


    current condition. She reassured thetter that she was fine.


    ¡°My brother...¡± Nina brought up another topic.


    ¡°Ah! The subway has reached the station. I have to get going now. Talk to you again, okay?¡± Avery cut


    her off by giving an excuse.


    She had made things clear when she requested to break up with Zayne previously. Since then, their


    rtionship had officially ended.


    As for whether they could still remain friends in the future, she decided to go with the flow.


    Seated in the subway, Avery felt her waist ache terribly. ording to Kylee, it was one of the side


    effects of aphrodisiacs.


    Back at home, Avery cleaned her room and changed her bedsheet. After a shower, she was worn out


    and could barely get up from the bed. Momentster, she fell into deep slumber unknowingly.


    Crash!


    After what seemed like an eternity, a bolt of lightning sounded abruptly, waking Avery up.


    She opened her eyes immediately and was stupefied to find the whole room in darkness.


    Only then did she realize that night had fallen. Soon, it began to rain heavily.


    Regaining herposure, Avery took a deep breath and got down from her bed. She had just switched


    on the light when the doorbell suddenly rang.


    Perplexed, Avery walked toward the door and asked carefully, ¡°Who''s that?¡±


    This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°It''s me.¡± Cayden''s low, charismatic voice rang out.


    Why is he here? Puzzled, Avery looked through the peephole and saw a drenched Cayden carrying a


    stic bag containing a few boxes of medicine that looked familiar to her.


    Realization finally dawned on Avery that she had forgotten to bring the medicine that Kylee prescribed


    her home. It had slipped her mind as she dozed off after tidying her room earlier.


    Avery had no choice but to open the door sheepishly.


    Cayden handed the well-sealed stic bag to her while staring at her. Avery took it from him at once.


    The man was drenched from head to toe. Even the exterior part of the stic bag was wet.


    Surprisingly, the boxes of medicine were not affected at all.


    Avery looked up at him and asked doubtfully, ¡°It''s raining heavily. Why didn''t you use an umbre?¡±


    ¡°Can I go in?¡± Cayden cut the crap without replying to her.


    ¡°Sure!¡± Avery was thankful to him for delivering the medicine to her and gave way to him.


    Cayden stepped into the house and changed into slippers before elucidating, ¡°I didn''t think much on the


    way here. There was suddenly a heavy downpour when I reached the main entrance of this residential


    area.¡±


    Avery could not help feeling guilty. The heavy downpour had apparently started a few minutes ago


    when the thunder sounded.


    Cayden remained nonchnt and exuded his usual unique aura despite his current dishevelment.


    Knitting his brows, he turned to ask her, ¡°Is it convenient for you if I take a quick shower here?¡±


    Avery kept quiet.


    Noting her silence, Cayden headed straight toward the bathroom.


    ¡°Take off your wet clothes, and I''ll dry them for you, okay?¡± Avery asked warily, considering that he


    needed dry clothes after the shower.


    Cayden turned to look at her and nodded approvingly. At that very moment, his eyes darkened with a


    glint of indecipherable emotion.


    Avery retracted her gaze hastily. She could not help thinking it was inappropriate for them to be alone


    with each other in her ce at such an hour. However, she felt bad as he had only been caught in the


    rain because he was delivering the medicine to her.


    Not to mention, those few boxes of medicine were very important for her. Since aphrodisiacs could


    cause damage to the ovaries and uterus, she had to take medicine ordingly. If not, there could be a


    possibility that her uterus would have to be removed.


    Before entering the bathroom, Cayden took off his coat. His drenched light gray shirt stuck to his


    muscr upper body like a secondyer of skin. Avery could make out his perfect figure contoured by


    it even from a distance away.


    Secondster, she lowered her head hastily aftering to her senses.


    Next, she headed toward the kitchen robotically to grab a piece of bread. Then, she swallowed it before


    pouring herself a ss of water to take the medicine. Shortly after, she put the other boxes of medicine


    away.


    After keeping the medicine properly, she stopped outside the bathroom to pick up the clothes that


    Cayden had taken off a while ago and momentarily stiffened upon seeing his boxer brief.


    Later, she washed the clothes with the washing machine, then dried and ironed them ordingly.


    The whole process took around forty minutes.


    After the shower, Cayden only had a towel wrapped around his waist while waiting for his clothes to dry


    He looked devastatingly stunning, with his wide, muscr back, defined muscles, and Apollo''s belt.


    Even so, Avery dared not look in his direction at all.


    Meanwhile, Cayden remained silent as he stood on the balcony and smoked.


    Seeing that Avery had ironed his clothes, he strode toward her and stood behind her. ¡°Have you


    finished ironing?¡±


    Ovee by a wave of uneasiness, she took his clothes from the ironing stand and replied softly,


    ¡°Yeah! You can put them on now.¡±


    Cayden took the ironed clothes from her and nodded. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Avery blushed uncontrobly when she felt his hot breath against her dainty face.


    When he entered the bedroom to put on his shirt and trousers, the doorbell rang again.


    Avery was dumbfounded. She racked her brain on who it could be at such an hour.


    Cayden, who was still in the bedroom, did not pay much attention to it.


    Catching a glimpse of the man who had not yet put on his clothes in the bedroom, the rm bells were


    going off in Avery''s brain. Regardless of who her unexpected visitor was, she had a feeling the situation


    might be out of control in a while.


    Consequently, she had her heart in her mouth when she finally reached the door. She looked through


    the peephole and saw Zayne standing outside the door.


    With an umbre in one hand, he leaned against the door and puffed a cigarette while pressing the


    doorbell.


    In a split second, Avery''s mind went nk.


    She was not intimidated by Zayne, but she could not let him bump into Cayden in her house. If not,


    Deborah''s gossip that she was her boss'' mistress would be a reality for the others.


    ¡°Avery, I know you''re at home. Open the door!¡± Zayne yelled out.


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    He got all worked up and was even throwing punches at the door.


    Irked by the loud noise, one of Avery''s neighbors stepped out of her house andmbasted, ¡°Who''s


    yelling there? Have you gone nuts?¡±


    Wearing a look of intense grimness, Zayne turned to snap back at the woman, ¡°Mind your own


    business. Get lost, and don''t get on my nerves!¡±


    The woman could smell a whiff of repulsive alcohol stench when he opened his mouth. Thus, she


    dared not provoke the drunken man, fearing that he would go berserk. She knitted her brows and held


    her nose with a grimace before mming her door.


    ¡°Ery, I order you to open the door now! Do you hear me?¡± Zayne raised his voice as he continued


    banging on the door with punches.


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    There was a hint of intense fury in the man''s voice. It was as though he would flip out the next second.


    Meanwhile, Avery dashed into the bedroom before Cayden was about to step out of it. She picked up


    her phone that was being charged at the bedside table immediately. Squatting on the floor, she scrolled


    the contact list on her phone apprehensively.


    In the meantime, Zayne was still banging on the door.


    The number of the management office! Avery continued to scroll her phone desperately to retrieve the


    number of the management office. To her, the best way at the moment was to call the management


    office and request the security guards toe and take Zayne away. Nevertheless, she could not


    seem to find it.


    Right that instant, Zayne sent her a WhatsApp message, scaring the crap out of her.


    His message read: If you still refuse to open the door for me, I''ll open it myself. Don''t you know that the


    landlord gave me a spare key?


    Secondster, Avery heard the sound of a key twisting in the lock of her front door.


    With Cayden standing right in front of her, she could smell the refreshing smell from him. Staring at the


    unfazed man, she was almost pleading with him, ¡°Please stay here. Don''te out, okay?¡±


    On the heels of that, she wanted to step out of the bedroom to resolve the matter.


    Cayden stepped forward, not used to being forced to hide from others.


    Avery had just ced her hand on the door handle when the man behind her stretched out his hand to


    wrap it around her. The next second, she was pressed against the door of the bedroom.


    ¡°What are you doing? You don''t have any right to meddle in my private affairs. Let go of me!¡± Avery


    lashed out at him.


    Nevertheless, her bottom lifted unintentionally at the slightest movement, brushing lightly against the


    man''s crotch.


    There were flickers of fiery rage in Cayden''s eyes. Pressing his thin lips against the back of her ear, he


    enunciated coldly, ¡°Am I such an embarrassment that you can''t allow others to see me?¡±


    Of course, Avery did not mean that.


    No doubt, she did not care what Zayne would think of her even if he spotted her alone in the room with


    Cayden. However, she could not let Nina misunderstand her.


    Undeniably, she was in a rtively ambiguous posture with Cayden at that very moment. Regardless of


    how well Nina knew her, she might not believe there was not anything between the duo.


    To make matters worse, Deborah had spread rumors about her earlier. Because of that, the others


    might think there was no smoke without fire.


    Avery wanted to say something to appease Cayden, but it was toote.


    Zayne had already opened the door and entered the house, throwing the key on the floor.


    ¡°Let me enlighten him on whose woman you are!¡± Cayden hissed and flipped her over.


    The moment she was turned over, Cayden pressed his lips onto hers.


    It was indeed a deep and slightly painful kiss that reflected the man''s dominating nature. Avery let out a


    moan as she began to feel lost.


    After walking around the house once, Zayne finally stopped outside her bedroom. ¡°Ery, I know you''re in


    the room. Can you open the door so we can have a chat?¡±


    Dumbstruck, Avery gazed pitifully at the man in front of her, shaking her head while struggling


    frantically.


    Flustered, Cayden grasped her wrists with one hand, not giving her any chance to break free. At the


    same time, he deepened his passionate kiss and lifted her ankle-length thin nightgown with another


    hand. In an instant, she felt a cool sensation on her exposed leg.


    Cayden slipped his hand in between her legs and began rubbing.


    Avery tried to speak, but only moans escaped her lips as she panted heavily.


    She suddenly realized the windows in the kitchen, balcony, and living room were all wide open. At the


    same time, she could not help but wonder if the sound of the heavy downpour was able to drown out


    her moans. At the thought, she tensed up, fearing that Zayne would hear her.

 Chapter 39

    Chapter 39


    Zayne came over and turned the doorknob right then.


    However, the door did not budge despite his multiple attempts to open it.


    It turned out that Cayden had locked the door from the inside out, but it was only a normal doorknob


    and was not really secure.


    Meanwhile, in the room, Avery felt increasingly ill at ease as her face turned pale.


    The man before her was kissing her fervently. She could only cast a wistful nce at the man as she


    tried to shake her head.


    The kisssted an excruciatingly long time. He went deeper and deeper as he imed her on the lips.


    After some time, he finally stopped. However, the fiery lust burning in his eyes was unmistakable.


    He lowered his cheek and brushed it against hers, feeling the warmth of her skin inching into his. At the


    same time, he did not let go of his one hand that was fastening both of her hands as he pressed down


    harder on the heat between her legs with his other hand.


    ¡°No...¡±


    Feeling his touch, Avery shook.


    She felt her legs going wobbly, and she found herself having to lean against something to steady


    herself. Losing her bnce, she stumbled deeper into his embrace instead.


    ¡°Let me go... Don''t do this,¡± she pleaded in a small voice.


    Original from N?velDrama.Org.


    Her eyes brimmed with tears when the man finally let her go.


    Meanwhile, the person outside the room was rapping at the door.


    Zayne did not give up when he did not manage to open the door. He thought that Avery was throwing a


    tantrum and refusing to open the door for him, for he knew that he was not on his best behavior when


    he was drunk.


    He tried to calm himself down and lit a cigarette after a few minutes as he tried to collect his thoughts.


    However, he grew more and more anxious with each passing second as he looked at the unrelenting


    doorknob.


    Zayne continued to try opening the door forcefully. It was as if he would stop at nothing to open the


    door, even if it meant ruining the doorknob.


    In the end, he hurled the cigarette butt in his hand to the ground and dered, ¡°Avery, do you think I


    can do nothing just because you locked the door? Don''t forget that you''re still my fianc¨¦e!¡±


    Avery felt a stab in her chest.


    She regretted her decision to agree to be together with Zayne a year ago; regretted that she still


    harbored hope for the man; regretted that she clung to the hope that she would have a happy life.


    How foolish of me.


    Cayden was seemingly oblivious to Zayne''s presence outside the door. He did not seem to care about


    the fact that there was still a third person in the house as he lost himself in her exquisite scent.


    He slowly inched his hand that was between her legs upward while clutching the thin sleeping gown in


    his other hand.


    His gaze was southbound, tracing the contours of her alluring curves before being rewarded by the


    most bewitching sight between her legs.


    Avery was struggling to break herself free, but she did not want to knock on the door and cause a


    commotion that would arouse Zayne''s suspicion.


    She certainly did not wish for two men to look at her half-naked body at the same time, especially


    Zayne.


    The man would just convenientlybel her as a slut.


    ¡°Oh, you have no idea what a seductive little minx you are in this sleeping gown.¡± Cayden lowered his


    head and imed her lips once again, merciless and unrelenting.


    Hisrge hand reached between her legs.


    She felt wetness pooling in herher region with his touch.


    Her body''s reaction was a telltale sign of the desire burning in her body.


    Zayne was right on the other side of the door. Realizing that only a door was standing between her and


    Zayne, Avery dared not let out a sound, much less make any move. Her sobs were muffled by his


    passionate kisses.


    Tears pooled in her eyes. Cayden paid no heed to her pleas and continued to press down harder on


    her.


    A sense of despair washed over Avery. There was nothing she could do that would make him stop.


    She had not deliberately dressed up for him.


    Avery was living alone, and she had the habit of sleeping without clothes on. She had only donned a


    sleeping gown for a nap in the afternoon. The sleeping gown was not racy in the slightest as it was long


    and reached her ankles.


    Who would have thought that the man currently kissing her would pop in out of the blue?


    He did not give her any chance to exin and was certain that she had purposely dressed up to


    seduce him.


    Meanwhile, Zayne had his back against the locked door as he tried to calm himself. Then, he asked,


    ¡°Ery, I know you''re right on the other side of the door. I''m having my back against the door right now.


    Do you feel me? I know that you still love me...¡±


    ¡°Enough...¡± Avery pinned her legs together and struggled with her back against the door.


    Cayden removed himself from her lips and opened his eyes furiously. His height made him tower over


    her as he red at the petite woman in his embrace.


    Avery''s eyes grew misty. She could not let out a sound lest the situation worsened. It might be nothing


    for a man like Cayden, but if she was exposed right then...


    She looked at Cayden''s furrowed brows and tense jawline and gulped. Silence reigned between the


    two of them, and it felt like time had paused as they stared into each other''s eyes. Avery could not help


    but be intimidated by the man''s domineering aura. She could find no words to exin it, but she would


    not dream of defying the man.


    ¡°Turn around,¡± Cayden ordered in a dangerously low voice.


    Even though Avery did not have much experience in the matter, she was bedded by another man five


    years ago.


    Cayden''s words harked her back to the unbing night; the night that she so wished she could


    erase from her memories.


    Unfortunately, she remembered every single unbearable thrust that night.


    She shook her head and could not utter anything aloud right then. Even so, she knew no matter what


    she said, it would merely fall on deaf ears. Cayden would only do as he pleased.


    Avery had had enough of this kind of life whereby everyone else could dictate how she lived. She


    gritted her teeth and swore that she would sue Cayden if he dared to cross the line. She would stop at


    nothing to make him pay.


    She used to care too much about what her father thought and felt, putting her in shackles in every


    aspect of her life.


    Then, a somewhat agreeable boyfriend came along, and she continued her people-pleasing ways,


    caring too much about what her boyfriend thought and felt. She became timid, fearful of everything and


    anything in her way. However, she gained nothing in the end. Leonardo became another person''s


    father, and her boyfriend became the man who stepped all over her dignity.


    After losing everything in life, she somehow found sce in her despair.


    She had lost everything, but it also meant she could finally live her life the way she wanted without


    caring what other people might think.


    She was finally free!


    ¡°Are you going to reject me for the crazy man on the other side of the door?¡± Cayden eyed her coldly.


    He gently pinched her chin and lowered his head to kiss her.


    It was a light peck on her lips, nothing like the hot and fervid kiss moments ago. Before she could


    respond, Cayden had already removed himself and turned her around in a swift motion.


    Now, she had her back against him.


    Both of her hands were held up by Cayden as he pinned them against the door.


    The man grabbed her sleeping gown with his other hand and lifted it to reveal her ravishing body


    beneath.


    With the sleeping gown out of sight, her enticing back was a feast for the man''s eyes.


    Cayden''s breathing turned erratic as he lowered his head and nted his thin lips gingerly against her


    velvety smooth skin...


    ¡°Ah, no... Ah!¡± Avery felt a chill running down her spine as she arched her head back, a soft moan


    escaping her lips.


    Just when Cayden was pulling down his zipper, Zayne felt the door''s soft rattle.


    He was even more certain that Avery was right on the other side of the door, just like him.


    ¡°Are you crying?¡± Zayne asked as he lowered his head in guilt. He breathed in deeply and put his hand


    on the door that was slightly shaking. The image of Avery leaning against the door and sobbing made


    his heart wrench.


    ¡°Ery, answer me... Are you crying?¡±


    Zayne cursed at himself under his breath. I''m such an *ss for making her cry!

 Chapter 40

    Chapter 40


    ¡°He''s asking if you''re crying,¡± Cayden stated in a hoarse voice, kissing her earlobe from behind. ¡°Hmm?


    Are you?¡±


    At this moment, a streak of lightning appeared, followed by a p of thunder.


    Seizing the opportunity, Avery cursed, ¡°Cayden, you pervert!¡±


    ¡°Yup, I''m a gentleman to everyone else. This side of me is only reserved for you,¡± Cayden retorted,


    biting her earlobe.


    His hand slid across her waist andnded on her cute navel before he started rubbing it roughly with


    his thumb.


    The sensation was too much for Avery, so she instinctively arched her back and lifted her head,


    resisting the man''s touch.


    Her gesture only made it easier for Cayden.


    Just then, Zayne, who was still outside, uttered, ¡°Ery, I was too emotional that day, and I went over the


    line. I''m sorry. Even my mom scolded me when I returned home. She said I was useless for not being


    able to keep my woman. Somebody in your residential area informed my mom that you''ve brought a


    man home and were even being all lovey-dovey downstairs. Then when I thought of the flowers you


    received, I... My heart hurts so much. I don''t know how much the air-freight flowers cost, but I know I


    can''t spend my hard-earned money on something like that, and I hate it! I hate that I can''t give you


    what others can!¡±


    As his words fell, everything was silent. He thought Avery was listening to him on the other side of the


    door.


    ¡°My mom''s mad because you''re the perfect daughter-inw for her. Even though we''re merely


    engaged, my mom treats you like her own. Honestly, what kind of mother would want to see their


    daughter secretly bringing another man home?¡±


    There was no reply from the other side of the door, but there was the sound of movement, so he


    thought she was still there, crying.


    ¡°Ery,e out after you''re done crying, okay? Exin to my mom and apologize to her.¡±


    In the meantime, Avery''s hands and body were pressed against the door, with no gap at all¡ªthere was


    nowhere for her to retreat.


    The man behind her was still trying to test her limit.


    Even so, she still heard what Zayne said, which agonized her.


    Everything happened before I was in some sort of rtionship with Cayden. The so-called ¡°lovey-


    dovey¡± is also merely us briefly conversing with each other¡ªand unpleasantly at that. Even Deborah


    mentioned she witnessed how cold Cayden was toward me. Sadly though, some people will blindly buy


    such stories. Not just some people¡ªZayne and his mother. He didn''t even give me a chance to defend


    myself. No, he''s straight-up convinced that I was a sugar baby, and that''s why I couldplete my


    studies and return to the country. What irks me the most is that the ¡°evidence¡± all came from Mna''s


    mouth. I didn''t know that''s all it takes for him to get talked around. Sometimes I don''t even know if


    Mna''s too smart or Zayne''s too dumb.


    Bearing that thought in mind, Avery felt her mood turn sour, but she did not even have the time for that


    when Cayden punished her.


    ¡°Ah! No! Oh... Ah!¡±


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    Avery felt as though his breath alone could ruin her.


    Cayden''s eyes turned a fiery red as he looked down at her soft bosom that was being pressed against


    the door.


    Naturally, he paid no heed to Zayne''s words. Turning her limp body around, Cayden forced the woman


    to face him.


    As Cayden made Avery look at his face, other than the hotness she felt all over her face, everything


    else waspletely numb.


    How am I going to face myself after this? I''m ashamed.


    Though Zayne had humiliated her with his words and even trampled on her dignity before, here she


    was, doing such intimate things with another man on the other side of the door.


    She blushed from her face all the way to her neck, and her red lips were swollen due to their previous


    kiss.


    Releasing her wrists, Cayden pulled her in from the back of her head and attached his lips to hers,


    wanting to devour her.


    The man was being rough.


    ¡°Mmm!¡± Since Avery''s hands were freed, she used them to beat him while shaking her head, trying to


    break free from him, but of course, he was stronger.


    ¡°Wasn''t this what you wanted? Why are you resisting?¡±


    ¡°No...¡± Avery shook her head, tears rolling down her cheeks.


    For the past five years, she had dedicated herself to living a ¡°clean¡± life¡ªshe rarely even watched any


    romance movies. Hence, such sudden attacks were unbearable for her.


    Once again, Cayden captured her lips. This time, his other hand did not sit idly.


    It was too much for Avery that she lost control as she stood on her tip-toes.


    Their low voices were never-ending.


    Avery did not know if she was catering to him or not, but she found herself wanting more.


    Right at this moment, Cayden pulled away and picked her up. Turning around, he walked to the other


    side.


    Before she could wrap her arms around his neck, he pinned her against the bed.


    She had just changed her bedsheet when she returned from the hospital earlier. The whiteness of the


    bedsheet matched the fairness of her skin. Seeing that, coupled with the vulnerable Avery, the man


    was even more stimted.


    ¡°No, get out... You animal!¡± Avery crawled backward as if she was seeing a monster.


    At the same time, Zayne was still babbling outside. When he heard no movements from the other side,


    he frowned and listened closely, only to hear another sound.


    ¡°Ery, what''s going on?¡± he questioned while banging on the door.


    ¡°Talk to me, Ery! Don''t scare me! Say something!¡± he shouted, still pounding on the door.


    Avery was on the verge of crying as her watery eyes darted toward the frail door. With Zayne''s constant


    pounding, the door could be shattered at any time, and she was afraid of that.


    When Cayden noticed how the woman was scared that Zayne would burst in, his expression darkened.


    Grabbing her ankle with one hand, he pulled her toward him.


    ¡°Ah!¡± Avery screamed, startled.


    Zayne stopped pounding on the door for a while, but then he immediately started kicking it.


    Bang!


    ¡°Who''s inside! You bettere out!¡± he bellowed like a madman.


    Driven by fury, Zayne analyzed the situation and came to the conclusion that there was indeed a man


    inside. ¡°You wench!¡±

 Chapter 41

    Chapter 41


    Hearing him, Avery felt even more ashamed. She never thought there woulde a day when Zayne


    would call her a wench.


    Cayden refused to let go of her ankle. She tried to crawl backward, terrified of him because he seemed


    to want to devour her.


    As she struggled for some time, her ankle reddened.


    ¡°Ouch...¡± she cried.


    Bang! Bang!


    Zayne pounded on the door again.


    The door was almost reaching its breaking point, which filled Avery with anxiety. Her already pale face


    turned even more ashen.


    Just as she was at a loss, Cayden leaned over and locked her trembling lips with his.


    Then, the man''s hot breath hit Avery''s ear as he panted sexily.


    At this moment, a sound traveled from the outside.


    On the other side, Zayne turned around, only to spot four policemen and the residential area''s security


    guard exiting the elevator.


    ¡°Pleasee with us!¡±


    Zayne darted his eyes from them to the door. In a dissatisfied tone, he questioned, ¡°Since when were


    the police involved in people''s personal affairs?¡±


    ¡°You''re being reported for trespassing, so please cooperate with us,¡± said one of the policemen, taking


    action.


    Everything that transpired outside the room was heard by Avery.


    By then, Cayden had already released her.


    Wrapping herself tightly with a nket, she curled up under it. Although it was pouring outside, it was


    still humid, and she had not turned on the air conditioner. Hence, she was covered in sweat.


    There was a particr scent in the room after the couple did their deed.


    Avery did not know why Cayden stopped out of the blue, but she was grateful for it. Perhaps he


    suddenly realized he shouldn''t do this.


    Meanwhile, Cayden was standing motionless by the open window. Lowering his head, he lit a cigarette


    and took a drag, a frown settling on his face. Then he fished out his phone and dialed a number.


    When the other party picked up the phone, he ordered, ¡°Have Dr. Zellere here. Same ce.


    Hurry.¡±


    Upon hearing that, Avery could notprehend why he had just asked a doctor toe.


    Dr. Zeller? She''s the one who treated me in the hospital, and what does he mean by ¡°same ce¡±?


    Also, who reported to the police earlier? A neighbor? Or did Cayden do it secretly?


    After Cayden finished puffing on the cigarette, he turned his head to look at her, noting that she


    remained in the same spot.


    Under the sound of the pouring rain, he approached her and roughly pulled her toward him. While half-


    carrying her, he peeled the nket away.


    As she was exposed to him, Avery felt embarrassed. ¡°What do you want now?¡±


    Even though he had been called an animal by her earlier, he did not get mad. Instead, he put her down


    and stated in a gentle tone, ¡°Go get washed up. Dr. Zeller will be here shortly.¡±


    Avery was a bit stupefied by his words.


    ¡°You''re bleeding,¡± he informed, feeling guilty.


    The woman was instantly stumped, as she understood which part of her he was referring to.


    After all, only when that part bled would he stop doing it, even when he was extremely turned on.


    ¡°How can that be?¡± Avery panicked.


    Still wrapped in the nket, Avery sat up, only to notice the bloodstain the size of a fingernail on the


    bedsheet.


    When she was being invaded by Cayden earlier, she kept worrying about Zayne barging in, resulting in


    her not noticing anything else.


    Now that she saw the ghastly sight, she was shocked.


    Had it been under normal circumstances, she would not be this anxious, especially since it was only


    the size of a fingernail. However, considering she had just taken an aphrodisiac a few hours ago, things


    could be bad.


    Just then, Kylee''s advice echoed in her mind.


    If it''s serious, I might lose my uterus...


    Not saying anything else, Cayden shot her another nce before he turned around and walked toward


    the messy living room. The simple furniture had been destroyed by Zayne.


    There was even a cigarette butt on the floor, with the ash scattered all over.


    On the flip side, Avery took a deep breath, consoling herself that everything would be fine.


    Other than a slight backache, she felt nothing else, which she thought was a good sign.


    In her nightgown, she went to the bathroom.


    Before entering, though, she realized she had not brought her pajama along, so she strolled toward the


    wardrobe to take it.


    Due to Cayden''s rough and intense actions earlier, the nightgown could no longer be worn.


    Taking the pajama, she then proceeded to the bathroom.


    After washing for a long time and making sure her body waspletely clean, Avery crouched in the


    bathroom and hugged her knees, unwilling to face the man just yet.


    It was not until Kylee arrived that she fixed her hair and exited the bathroom in her pajama.


    Xavier was there as well, but he did note in.


    ¡°Let''s go to the bedroom,¡± said Kylee toward Avery.


    Thetter nodded before pointing at the bedroom, leading the doctor in.


    The physical examination ended up taking twenty minutes. Kylee asked Avery several questions,


    resulting in Avery blushing crimson as she felt the embarrassment creeping in once more.


    Lowering her head, Kylee packed her things while uttering, ¡°It''s nothing serious. It''s just that your


    period came earlier. I''ll give you tips on how to take care of yourself.¡±


    Upon hearing that, Avery heaved a sigh of relief. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°You''re wee.¡± With that, Kylee strode out, Avery following behind.


    Arriving in the living room, Kylee took out a pen and a piece of paper.


    After writing a note down, she gave it to Avery. ¡°Buy the items on this list and make them into a soup.


    Have it three times a day. Also, you have to restrain yourself from sexual activities for a month. Your


    period came earlier because your body was way too excited.¡±


    At her words, Avery''s face turned scarlet.


    Kylee was an experienced and aged woman. Hence, such things were not foreign to her, and she did


    not find them peculiar at all.


    Still, as a doctor, she had to advise her patients to take care of themselves, even when they were in the


    throes of passion.


    Although Kylee was talking to Avery, she was also addressing Cayden indirectly.


    Since her job was done now, Kylee got to her feet and nodded toward Cayden before taking her leave.


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    Sending the doctor to the door, Cayden stated, ¡°Goodbye, Dr. Zeller.¡±


    Seeing the doctor exiting through the door, Xavier quickly helped her take her things. Before pressing


    the elevator button, he nodded toward his boss and Avery. After that, he left.


    Just after the elevator''s doors closed, Avery blocked the door that Cayden was about to shut. ¡°It''ste.


    You should head back too,¡± she voiced.


    Because she bled and he felt guilty for it, Cayden dared not face her or even utter a single word to her.


    Years ago, when he was involved in a car ident, he had almost been amputated. However, the


    nervousness he felt at that time was not as strong as how he felt for her at the moment.


    ¡°You don''t actually mean that, right? Just like when you said you didn''t want me, your body responded


    to me so much you needed a doctor.¡±


    Angered, Avery raised her head and stared at him. ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    With his stone-cold face, Cayden grabbed the woman''s chin and made her face him. ¡°What we did was


    only forey. Had we gotten into it for real, I wonder if you''d be so pleasured that you faint?¡±

 Chapter 42

    Chapter 42


    After Cayden left, Avery stood rooted by the door in a daze.


    His words and the doctor''s conclusion of the physical examination were not wrong. On the contrary,


    she wondered if there was something wrong with her instead because her own body betrayed her due


    to all those sensations.


    What woman wouldn''t react to such a perfect man''s touch, though? When facing someone like


    Cayden, we would even question if we''re worthy of his touch instead. Only a woman like Zelda is on


    par with him.


    Avery was aware of where she stood, and she had always been able to control herself. However, faced


    with the man''s domineering attitude today, her body seemed as though it was not hers.


    ¡°Actions speak louder than words,¡± they say. Though this sentence is arguable, I have to, sadly, agree


    with it this time. Ugh, I hate this side of me. I hate how my body surrendered to his touch.


    Before going to bed, she changed the dirty bedsheet. As she had a lot on her mind, coupled with the


    fact her period came earlier, which made her ufortable, Avery did not have a good night''s sleep.


    Meanwhile, in the Moore residence, Zachary was in the first-floor living room, seriously staring at his


    sister, who stood on the first step of the staircase to the second floor, drinking milk. ¡°Drink slowly.¡±


    At this time, Jeffrey came in from the courtyard. Sweeping his gaze all around, he asked, ¡°Your daddy


    hasn''te home yet?¡±


    Looking at her great-grandfather, Rory shook her head, her mouth covered with milk.


    ¡°He''s not at thepany either,¡± chimed in Kendrick, who sat on the ck leather couch with both legs


    propped on the coffee table. Putting his phone down, he said to Jeffrey, ¡°Perhaps he adopted a ''puppy''


    outside.¡±


    ¡°Puppy?¡± Jeffrey leaned on his cane. He could not figure out why that clean freak grandson of his


    would adopt a puppy and keep it outside instead of bringing it home. They had arge courtyard, after


    all.


    Hearing that, Zachary turned his head, his eyes glinting. Then he hurriedly wiped his sister''s mouth and


    ran toward Kendrick. ¡°Uncle Kendrick, did my daddy really adopt a puppy?¡±


    I love puppies!


    ¡°Ugh, my meaning haspletely gone over all of your heads. What I mean is maybe he has some


    personal activities to do.¡± At first, he wanted to blurt out ¡°sexual activities¡± directly, but seeing as there


    were kids there, he changed his words.


    Moreover, had he uttered those words, Jeffrey would definitely beat him to death with his cane.


    Even so, the older man caught on to what Kendrick was trying to say this time.


    Sitting on the couch, Jeffrey leaned on his cane, diving into his thoughts. Hmm. Cayden is indeed not


    young anymore. He has his own needs, and he hasn''t been with any women. Things like this are


    inevitable.


    Then, his mind wandered to the phone call with the Saunderses.


    Jack is determined to marry his daughter into our family, but Cayden is now hooking up with another


    woman. What should I do?


    The next morning, Avery woke up early. The rain had finally stopped pouring.


    It was rare to be able to rest for a week, so she took the note Kylee gave herst night and went out.


    Since the supermarket was near the subway station, Avery was on foot.


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    As it was a weekday, not many people were at the supermarket.


    Pushing the cart, Avery went to the brown sugar section and put a packet in the cart before strolling


    toward the ginger section.


    After that, she arrived at the sanitary pads section.


    Just as she took a pack, someone called, ¡°A-Avery?¡±


    Hearing that, Avery turned toward the source of the voice.


    The person had also just gotten to the sanitary pads section, but before she could take a pack, she


    spotted Avery. However, she did not want to assume it was indeed Avery, so she was a bit uncertain.


    When Avery turned toward her, the woman shrieked, ¡°Is it you, Avery?¡±


    Avery just stared at her in a daze.


    ¡°Ah! It really is you!¡±


    The other party immediately ran forward and engulfed Avery in a hug so tight thetter almost lost her


    breath.


    Finally releasing Avery, the woman stared at her with teary eyes. ¡°Do you still remember me? We were


    ssmates in high school, and I sat in the back row because of my height. My mom was the


    Ustranasion teacher. She even tutored you!¡±


    Nodding, Avery stared at the woman. ¡°You''re Nephele Choume.¡±


    ¡°You remember my name?¡± Nephele was so touched that she nearly shed tears.


    In high school, the two were ssmates for three years, and they often went to the canteen together.


    Such friendships were not umon, but Avery was a different story¡ªshe was always bullied in


    school. Nephele was the only person who dared to befriend her.


    Since Nephele''s mother was a teacher, the other students were scared of her. Hence, whenever Avery


    was with Nephele, she could avoid being picked on.


    After they paid for their items, they left the supermarket.


    Avery invited Nephele to her home, which thetter epted.


    As they were entering the residential area, Nephele spoke. ¡°Two years ago, something happened to my


    mom''s legs, so in order to get treatment, we moved to this city.¡±


    Nephele''s father was a teacher as well, but he had an affair with a young and beautiful teacher, which


    resulted in Nephele''s parents'' divorce.


    Avery was aware that Nephele took her mother''s surname ever since elementary school.


    ¡°How''s Ms. Choume now?¡± queried Avery worriedly.


    Hollie Choume, Nephele''s mother, was also kind toward Avery at that time.


    Moreover, rumor had it that Hollie had personally tutored a student surnamed Moore from their


    neighboring school.


    Back then, Avery did not mind not knowing that student''s full name. All she could remember of him was


    a vague recollection of his features because she knew he was too far out of her league.


    Now that she had met Cayden, she could not help butpare him to the student from back then.


    Their facial features were simr. The only difference was that one was more mature and sessful


    now. Their temperaments were too big a difference, though.


    ¡°She had to get an amputation,¡± replied Nephele after remaining silent for a long time, sounding


    dejected.


    Avery wanted to console her, but Nephele reassured her that she was fine.


    When they arrived at Avery''s house''s doorstep, Nephele seemed to have thought of something. ¡°Next


    weekend is my mom''s birthday. You have toe and meet our old ssmates.¡±


    Old ssmates...


    It was supposed to be an exciting event, but not for Avery.


    The memories of being bullied still haunted her to this day.


    Entering the house, Nephele seemed not to notice Avery''s odd silence as she continued, ¡°My mom and


    I went through the list of studentsst night, and you were the only one not on it as you don''t attend the


    party every year. All the students my mom tutored and are currently working in this city will show up,


    regardless of their upation.¡±


    Instantly, that Moore student appeared in Avery''s mind.


    If he also goes to the party this year, I''ll find out if he and Cayden are the same person.

 Chapter 43

    Chapter 43


    Regardless of whether Cayden was actually Moore or not, Avery was going to attend the reunion.


    She was not attending it because of her ssmates or Moore; she was attending it because of Hollie,


    the teacher who once cared greatly for her.


    She would have ignored the reunion if not for the news about Hollie. Since she had found out that


    Hollie would be there, there was no way she was going to miss the event.


    It was noon at the Moore residence.


    Jeffrey had been tailing Cayden ever since Cayden stepped into the house. ¡°You''re not that young


    anymore. It''s time for you to marry someone. Tell me, which kind of woman do you like?¡±


    Cayden remained silent as he went upstairs.


    Jeffrey followed him up. As he climbed the stairs with the help of his walking cane, he gritted his teeth


    and cursed inwardly, What a heartless grandson I have! He doesn''t know about the concept of caring


    for his elders.


    ¡°A little plump? A little fairer?¡± Jeffrey asked, thinking that his grandson liked women like those.


    Cayden entered his bedroom. As he took off his suit jacket, he loosened his tie and threw it aside.


    Jeffrey continued, ¡°I heard that Mr. Saunders'' daughter hase. Why didn''t you bring her home to let


    me have a look at her? If not for Mr. Saunders calling me himself, I wouldn''t have known anything


    about it!¡±


    ¡°Why should I bring her home to let you have a look at her? Who does she think she is?¡± came


    Cayden''s voice along with the sound of running water.


    Jeffrey''s brows raised. He immediately realized that his grandson waspletely uninterested in the


    daughter of the Saunders family.


    Thus, he turned and went down the stairs.


    Kendrick had just bitten into the peach he was holding when Jeffrey suddenly jabbed him on the back


    with his walking cane.


    Instantly, he whipped his head around and fumed. ¡°Grandpa, why are you poking me?¡±


    ¡°Come here. Come over and sit down beside me.¡± Jeffrey waved to him with a solemn look.


    Kendrick gave a nce at the stairs before turning to look at his grandfather. Then, he sat down beside


    the older man and asked, ¡°What happened, Grandpa?¡±


    Jeffrey sucked in a breath before saying, ¡°Help me keep an eye on your brother and find out which


    woman he has been interacting with in private recently.¡±


    ¡°Keep an eye on my brother?¡± Kendrick nearly let out a shriek at that. ¡°Doesn''t that mean I have to


    stalk him? Do I have a death wish, or are you dying and about to drag me to your grave with you?¡±


    The duo chatted away while Cayden showered.


    Then, when Cayden came down the stairs, Jeffrey fell silent.


    Kendrick studied his brother closely. He, too, was curious as to who could possibly have his cold-


    hearted brother stay out all night all the time.


    Cayden walked over to the dining table and grabbed the newspaper. He then sat down and began


    reading it.


    Ten minutester, Lily came down the stairs as well, and Allie returned home.


    It was time for lunch for the Moores.


    Right then, Cayden''s phone rang.


    With his eyes still fixed on the newspaper, he picked up the call and asked, ¡°What''s the matter?¡±


    Xavier was having lunch outside. He had been with his boss for many years and had been working


    extremely hard the entire time. As always, Xavier was going through his routine.


    Just as he sat down and opened his memo, he spotted an activity that he needed to make preparations


    for.


    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    ¡°Mr. Moore, it''s your high school teacher''s birthday next weekend. Will you be attending it this year? If


    not, I''ll make arrangements for you to head to Anndur that day,¡± Xavier queried.


    As Xavier had expected, Cayden was not nning to attend it.


    Cayden had only been to the event once. After finding out what went on at the birthday celebration, he


    became bored. Everyone at the event was going to be buttering each other up.


    Thus, every year after that, he would ask his men to prepare a gift for his teacher and congratte her


    on that day himself through a call.


    Hollie was just an ordinary teacher to him, but when he had to leave the town where he was studying


    high school back then, he had asked her to help take care of someone for him.


    Indeed, Hollie had taken great care of that person.


    That was something he would feel grateful for for the rest of his life.


    After Cayden ended Xavier''s call, he called Hollie.


    Once the call went through, Cayden repeated the same things he said the years before¡ªabout how he


    was busy and could not attend her birthday celebration.


    Hollie said to him, ¡°You should head back to your work. Men should prioritize their careers.¡±


    After exchanging a few polite sentences with each other and before Hollie ended the call, Hollie


    uttered, ¡°By the way, there''s something I''m feeling happy about. Maybe you don''t know about this yet,


    but the girl who was bullied by her ssmates back then¡ªAvery Rumpley¡ªdo you still remember her?


    My daughter encountered her today and invited her to join the reunion next weekend. Avery seems to


    be doing fine, and that''s partially thanks to you.¡±


    Cayden''s hand shuddered as if the idea of Avery joining the reunion was something he had never


    thought about. A beatter, he said, ¡°I''m d to hear that she''s doing fine.¡±


    ¡°You''re a good person, and you''ll have a good life because of that,¡± was all Hollie said before ending


    the call.


    Meanwhile, Jeffrey had been sneakily watching his grandson. After Cayden ended the call, he seemed


    to turn gloomy and frustrated. But he was fine three minutes ago!


    ¡°It''s lunchtime. Come and eat,¡± Jeffrey then reminded his grandson.


    However, it was as if Cayden had not heard him. The younger man frowned and picked up his phone


    before scrolling to Xavier''s contact number. Just as he called his assistant, he immediately tapped on


    the red button.


    Cayden was stunned by that split second when he was about to call Xavier to get him to cancel his trip


    to Anndur.


    She''s just a woman. Why should I care about her that much? Moreover, she''s someone who never


    speaks her mind and schemes non-stop.


    Nephele spent an entire morning at Avery''s house before heading back.


    Avery apanied her to the entrance of the subway station.


    She only went home after watching Nephele disappear from her line of sight.


    Zayne''s mother, Isabe, was standing by the entrance of the residential area as she scanned her


    surroundings. Evidently, she was looking for someone.


    Avery was already by the entrance, and she had no choice but to walk past Isabe.


    After all, she could not possibly hide from the other woman forever.


    Isabe''s gaze thennded on Avery as rage exploded from her chest. She had been ringing Avery''s


    doorbell earlier, but no one answered the door. Thus, she went downstairs to wait for Avery''s


    appearance.


    She did not believe that Avery could stay in her house forever.


    ¡°Mrs. Richter,¡± Avery politely greeted.


    Smack!


    Isabe pped Avery before viciously ring at her. ¡°You have no right to greet me! Your words are


    poison, and you''re killing me by greeting me!¡±


    Avery held her aching cheek for a long while before finally lifting her head. ¡°Please speak what''s on


    your mind now. If you have nothing else to say, I''m going to take my leave.¡±


    ¡°What''s with that attitude of yours?¡±


    Isabe''s eyes narrowed.


    ¡°How I speak depends on who I''m speaking to,¡± Avery said to her in a resentful tone before turning to


    head further into the residential area.


    Avery still kept a tinge of respect in her interactions with Isabe, but a tinge was all she could give the


    older woman.


    Isabe was livid at Avery''s attitude, and sheunched herself toward the younger woman.


    After rushing into the residential area, she then grabbed Avery''s cor and began hitting her. ¡°You


    horrendous minx! Tell me! How has my son treated you? Tell me honestly! He came to catch you red-


    handed in the act of cheating, but you had the cops arrest him instead. The man you''re cheating with is


    an almighty man, right? He''s making this ce awlessnd!¡±

 Chapter 44

    Chapter 44


    Isabe was like a mad woman, shoving and hitting Avery non-stop. As a result, Avery''s hair was a


    mess, and several scratch marks appeared on her neck. Moreover, the cheek that Isabe had hit


    earlier was still hot with pain.


    Isabe then grabbed Avery''s hair tightly and cursed, ¡°A woman like you should be stoned to death!


    Why are you so desperate for money? You''re throwing away your dignity and pride for money! Who


    cares if you want to be someone''s sugar baby, but you''ve wasted my son''s life away! How are you


    going to pay him back for five years of his time?¡±


    Unable to endure it in silence anymore, Avery pried Isabe''s hand off her hair despite the pain before


    shoving the older woman away. ¡°That''s enough!¡±


    The force of her push shoved Isabe over a meter away. Nevertheless, Isabe''s face was still purple


    with rage as she jabbed a shaky finger at Avery. ¡°You unfaithful woman! You cheating woman! Do you


    think that you''re in the right?¡±


    More and more people were starting to crowd around them.


    One of the middle-aged women even came over to stop them. As she grabbed Isabe, she cried out,


    ¡°Ma''am, don''t be so mad. You can''t listen to just one side of the story beforeing to the conclusion


    of whether or not your daughter-inw is cheating!¡±


    Isabe knew who that middle-aged woman was.


    It was one of the women who had been gossiping with Deborah about how Avery was bringing an


    unfamiliar man home.


    ¡°I know whether or not I''m falsely using her of cheating!¡± Isabe shot the middle-aged woman a


    re. ¡°Stop poking your nose in our family business!¡±


    An embarrassed look crossed the middle-aged woman''s face when she heard Isabe''s retort.


    Original from N?velDrama.Org.


    Meanwhile, Avery had already entered her unit. She did not want to waste her time pointlessly fighting


    with Zayne''s family.


    The first thing she did upon reaching home was to turn on herptop and log into the home rental


    website to look for a house.


    Just then, the phone by her side rang.


    Nina was calling her.


    Avery picked up the call.


    Nina sounded anxious as she said, ¡°Ery, are you okay? I heard that my mother went to look for you!


    Did you encounter her?¡±


    ¡°I did, but it''s fine now.¡± Avery knew that Nina was worried about her and wanted to reassure thetter,


    so she gave her no details about what had happened earlier.


    ¡°Zayne and Mom are going to drive me mad!¡± Nina choked out, almost sobbing. ¡°I''m going toe to


    you now. Please wait for me!¡±


    Before Avery could tell her that there was no need for her to do that, Nina ended the call.


    However, instead of calling Nina, Avery sent her a text message: Don''t be mad. Everything will soon


    pass.


    Nina''s reply came swift, and it came with a crying emoji: You seem so nonchnt about this. My family


    really has wronged you.


    Avery lowered her head. What can I do but try to stay unperturbed?


    Almost an hourter, Nina finally arrived at Avery''s residential area.


    Once she rang the doorbell, Avery opened the door for her.


    After entering Avery''s house, Nina noticed something amiss with Avery''s face. Stunned, she then


    hurried forward to check her cheek before widening her eyes. ¡°Did my mom... hit you?¡±


    Avery nodded.


    ¡°Is she insane?¡± Nina was at a loss for words. She frowned and continued, ¡°I really think that both my


    brother and mother are mad. They''d rather believe a gossipmonger than the people close to them.


    They won''t even believe what I said!¡±


    The two entered the bedroom.


    Nina then noticed the webpage that Avery had opened on herputer¡ªa website for home rentals.


    ¡°Are you going to move?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I can only get my peace if I move away,¡± Avery helplessly muttered.


    Nina then went to grab a drink from the refrigerator before returning to the bedroom. After she skimmed


    through the information for the house, she said, ¡°You should rent one with two rooms. I''lle and stay


    with you so the two of us can take care of each other.¡±


    Avery turned to Nina at that. She did not wish for Nina to move out just to keep herpany.


    She was scared that Nina''s rtionship with her family would sour because of that.


    As if having read Avery''s mind, Nina said, ¡°Don''t worry. I''m not moving out because of you. Honestly,


    I''ve been wanting to move out since my second year at university. My parents keep arguing all day


    long...¡±


    Avery had never recalled a moment in her life where she saw both her parents together.


    An interaction between her parents was a wish for her, regardless of whether they would be


    harmonious with each other or fighting with each other non-stop. That was something Avery was


    certain she would never be able to witness.


    That evening, both Avery and Nina decided on a house.


    The next day, Avery and Nina went to see the house. They then signed a contract, paid the rent, and


    moved in by the end of that day.


    The day after that, Avery announced that they were going to clean up the whole ce.


    Worried that Avery''s body would be unable to take theborious work, Nina hired a cleaner.


    ¡°This is great. I finally have a space of my own,¡± Nina blissfully remarked.


    Avery was d to change a ce as well. The change of environment made the umting gloom in


    her heart fade away.


    One week of holiday passed in the blink of an eye.


    Avery had no choice but to lift her spirits and return to work.


    To Avery''s surprise, just as she reached the design department, she spotted Zayne by his desk.


    Seemingly having sensed her presence, Zayne raised his head to nce at Avery.


    That very nce made Avery feel uneasy.


    Zayne had called her a wench the other day outside the room. Now, the look he was giving her was as


    vicious as the insult he had bellowed then.


    Cecelia soon sent a group message to the others: Meeting at twenty minutes past nine sharp.


    Thus, at twenty minutes past nine, everyone in the design department appeared on time in their


    conference room. Yulissa, the head of the design department, was a fierce woman who refused to bow


    to men. Therefore, it was not unusual for her to side with ambitious women.


    During the meeting, they came to a conclusion about an important project. Yulissa then told Cecelia to


    be in charge of the personnel selection. As Cecelia liked Avery, Avery had the chance to join the


    project.


    After the meeting ended, Avery went out with the others.


    ¡°Cecelia, hurry up and head to the sixty-second floor''s conference room now with Ery,¡± said Yulissa,


    who was on a call and was about to enter the elevator.


    Cecelia did not even get the chance to ask why, but she knew that it must be good news. Hence, she


    quickly led Avery into the elevator and headed up to the sixty-second floor.


    Thus, Zayne, who wanted to talk to Avery, had no choice but to go back to the design department first.


    Someone was waiting on the outside of the sixty-second floor''s conference room. When they saw


    Avery and Cecelia, they let the two in. After the two entered quietly, they sat down in an obscure


    corner.


    The atmosphere in the conference room was tense, and Avery did not really dare to lift her head. The


    first thing she saw were the executives of thepany, but as she was a new recruit, she did not


    recognize them all.


    There were name cards on the table, and Avery noticed that other than the important members of the


    company, the business partners of the project were present as well.


    A woman in front was exining the advantages of the location of the project. On her right was the


    man who had the most power in thepany.


    Avery quickly averted her eyes from him.


    The memories of Cayden''s actions in her house were still fresh in her mind.


    The meeting went on for two hours.


    When it finally ended, it was lunch time.


    The big shots were the first to leave, and the other employeester filtered out of the room. Avery


    never expected to encounter Cayden when she left the room.


    Cayden was chatting amicably with two men and one woman outside the conference room.


    Avery recalled that those three people were individuals with high standing in society.


    Right then, Xavier looked toward Avery and stopped her and Cecelia from leaving. ¡°Ms. Zuckerberg, I


    remember that you hold your drink well. Why don''t youe along with us for the mealter on?¡±


    Despite the fact that he was asking her a question, his tone was amanding one.


    Then, Xavier turned to Avery and said, ¡°Ms. Rumpley, pleasee along too. It would be good to hear


    which direction the bosses are hoping to head in for the project.¡±


    As long as Avery remained an employee of thepany, she had no reason to reject an invitation like


    that.


    Just as she was wondering where to head next, she sensed someone staring at her. Turning around,


    she then saw Cayden looking at her. The man''s gaze was intense, but she could not figure out whether


    it was joy or fury in his eyes.

 Chapter 45

    Chapter 45


    Before heading to the meal, Avery and Cecelia took a trip back to the design department.


    Once she returned to her desk, Avery put down theptop she had brought upstairs earlier. In the next


    second, she heard the beep of a new message from her phone.


    It was from an unfamiliar number.


    It started with one-three-eight and ended with six-six-eight-eight. The message was: Ms. Ery, I''m about


    to have my summer holiday. Do you have any ns ten dayster?


    Avery guessed that the number was Zachary''s.


    She swiftly replied: I''ll be busy with work as I''ve just received an important project. I need to work to


    earn money for my living expenses, so I won''t be able to bring you around to y. Sorry.


    She did not want to interact with Cayden''s son that often.


    Avery hated the feeling of being misunderstood by Cayden. She did not approach his son because she


    wanted to seduce him.


    Men like Cayden, who had money and status, would habitually be wary of women who approached


    them with ulterior motives.


    If somehow, he was fine with a certain woman, they might end up in a rtionship. However, the only


    things involved in that rtionship would be his money and her body.


    In a nutshell, it was a loveless rtionship.


    Avery had seen many scandals about rich men and women, so she knew that those games were


    something that a woman like her should never get involved in.


    Cayden was forbidden; he was her taboo.


    No matter how enticing he was, he was a poppy¡ªhe was poison.


    After a long time, Zachary replied: Oh......


    The multiple dots were an indicator of how upset the boy was, but there was nothing Avery could do.


    She had to stay away from his father.


    Avery had once daydreamed about if Zachary and Rory were orphans¡ªabout if they were children that


    no one wanted. Since she essentially had no parents, she might have adopted the two children. She


    would then strive to fulfill her dream of a design career while raising the children.


    s, they were not orphans. In fact, their father was a well-known and distinguished man.


    Avery steeled herself and did not reply to the boy.


    After keeping her phone, she went out of the design department.


    Zayne stood up after that. He had seen the dazed look she had on her face. He did not know who or


    what she was thinking about, but he was furious with that distracted expression she had.


    Right as Avery reached the entrance of the restroom, someone grabbed her hand from behind.


    ¡°What are you doing? We''re at the office! Let go of me!¡± Avery retracted her hand and shot Zayne a


    hostile look.


    ¡°Come with me!¡±


    He then towed her into the pantry.


    ¡°Let go!¡± Avery thrashed. ¡°If you don''t let me go right now, I''m going to call for help!¡±


    Zayne forced her into a corner before jeering, ¡°Call for help? Can you still cry for help with that throat of


    yours? I''m sure your voice must be hoarse after crying out that much under that man!¡±


    Avery flinched. ¡°Zayne, don''t be ridiculous.¡±


    ¡°I''m ridiculous?¡± As if he had just heard the dumbest thing in the world, he snarled, ¡°My fianc¨¦e


    cuckolded me, but I can''t even get to say a few words ofints? Are you going to pretend not to


    know me now? You just went through an engagement with me, but in the next second, you''re sleeping


    with another man! Avery Rumpley, don''t you think you''re a b*tch? Why didn''t I learn that you were such


    a promiscuous woman when we were studying?¡±


    Avery barked out an angryugh. As she stared at him, she calmly said, ¡°It''s not toote for you to


    learn that now.¡±


    Zayne never thought that she would outright admit it, and that infuriated him. This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    After having been detained by the police for ny-six hours, Zayne did not dare to resort to force


    anymore. He could only endure the anger as he hissed, ¡°I must be f*cking blind to have fallen for a


    piece of trash like you! Thank god I didn''t marry you, or else you''d have brought a random man home


    once old age gets to me and I''m bedbound!¡±


    ¡°Don''t you know you''re disgusting?¡± The air around Avery seemed to have turned icy, and she did not


    want to hear anything else from him. Hence, she turned to leave.


    Right then, someone opened the door to the pantry.


    When Cecelia, who just exited the restroom, saw Zayne''s vicious re, she quickly said to Avery, ¡°Ery,


    it''s time for us to go.¡±


    There were others around, so Zayne had to hold himself back. As he watched Avery leave, he


    tightened his fists. No man could stand being cuckolded.


    She was not his wife, but she was someone he wanted.


    From the day he had fallen for her, he decided that the woman could only love him and him only.


    Avery had never let him down throughout their years of knowing each other. However, he now knew


    that she was not the faithful woman he thought she was.


    Mna had said that she had more than one man when abroad.


    After the bad fight a few days ago, Zayne had been filled with remorse. He was worried that he had


    wronged her, but a few days after that, he had heard with his own ears those sounds. Thus, he was


    certain that Avery was a b*tch.


    Zayne did not think that a filthy woman like her was worthy of him.


    However, he was unwilling to let the matter go just like that. He could not believe that a woman like her


    had managed to toy with him for five whole years.


    There was no way he would endure that in silence as a man.


    Even after Avery went downstairs, she still seemed to be in despair.


    Cecelia nced at the entrance before asking her, ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    Avery shook her head.


    ¡°The pantry was nearby, so when I came out from the restroom, I heard everything... I''m sure you''re not


    the kind of woman he says you are. I''m afraid your ex has a few screws loose in his head,¡± Cecelia told


    her.


    Avery did not want others to think of her as a promiscuous woman. She wanted to make an


    exnation, but she did not know where to even start.


    In the end, she confessed, ¡°Zayne wasn''tpletely wrong. There was a man in my house when he


    came, but that was after we had a huge fight and had officially broken up.¡±


    Cecelia turned to look at Avery in shock.


    Avery then muttered, ¡°I think that man likes me a little, but I doubt it''s true love. I''m not sure why he''s


    fascinated with me¡ªwhether it''s because he hasn''t met someone like me or if it''s because of


    something else. I''ve rejected him, but I''m no match for his aggression.¡±


    Cecelia was not surprised that someone was courting Avery.


    What she was shocked about was the kind of man Avery was seeing¡ªwhat kind of man he was for


    Avery to describe their rtionship as something that happened because of his curiosity and


    aggression.


    When the two reached the doorway, Cecelia worriedly asked, ¡°How are you going to interact with


    Zayne from now on? You''re both in the same department. You''ll keep seeing him around.¡±


    Avery had made up her mind about that. ¡°I''m thinking of quitting after getting my sry.¡±


    Cecelia froze in her tracks. She then slowly turned to Avery and said, ¡°That can''t do. Are you pulling my


    leg? I''ve spent all my effort on you. If you quit, you''re being irresponsible to me.¡±


    That made guilt swell up in Avery''s heart.


    However, it was difficult for her to draw a clear line in her rtionship with Zayne and Cayden if she did


    not leave thepany.


    Meanwhile, two expensive cars were parked outside Trident Group''s office. When Xavier saw Avery


    and Cecelia, he said, ¡°Ms. Rumpley, please sit in this car.¡±


    At the same time, Xavier asked Cecelia to sit in the other car. He told her it was so that she could chat


    with the business partner, but Cecelia knew that was not the real reason for him to separate her and


    Avery.


    Xavier then opened the car door for Avery, his demeanor respectful.


    Fear manifested in Avery''s heart when she saw the man in the back seat of the Bentley, but she had to


    get into the car.


    Cayden had been resting with his eyes shut. When he sensed a shadow over his eyes, he opened


    them.

 Chapter 46

    Chapter 46


    The car slowly drove off.


    Xavier had already made the necessary arrangements at the hotel.


    Avery sat in the car with her back straight, but she did not keep her gaze to the front. She was afraid


    that the man would enter her line of sight, so she kept her eyes fixed on the passing streets outside.


    Cayden was leisurely reading the newspaper. His slender fingers were gripping the edge of the


    newspaper, and the air around him was icy cold. He had been silent so far.


    All of a sudden, Avery felt her mouth turn dry.


    Every time she was nervous, she would feel the urge to drink.


    Cecelia did not wait for Avery when she reached the hotel. Instead, she enthusiastically led the three


    business partners into the hotel.


    Cecelia thought of herself as a witty woman. Nothing could escape her eyes.


    She guessed that the aggressive but curious man that Avery was talking about was none other than


    Trident Group''s boss.


    Another person who must have realized that was Xavier, who was walking in the front with a calm look


    on his face.


    Otherwise, Xavier would not have asked Avery to sit in his employer''s car.


    Cecelia was abruptly thrilled¡ªfar more thrilled than she was when she received the important project.


    She was a practical woman who knew that women would need more effort and more time than men to


    climb to the top of the pyramid.


    Avery would be her lucky star, for she was the woman whom her boss was interested in.


    Regardless of whether he was merely curious about her or not, for now, Avery was the only woman in


    his heart.


    There was one thing about men¡ªthe more difficult it was to court the woman, the more intrigued they


    were about her. Therefore, Cecelia was certain that it was time for her to do something.


    She was going to leave the sweet Avery to make the man want her even more. What she was going to


    do was to figure out how to matchmake the two.


    Cecelia was in the moment where her career was slowly getting better. She knew well that she needed


    an ally to convince her employer that she would do well, and that ally would be none other than Avery.


    Not long after, all arrived at the hotel.


    Avery was not someone too important, so she only had the right to walk two meters behind Cayden.


    She had been keeping her head low from the moment she came down from the car until she reached


    the elevators in the lobby.


    When the elevator arrived, she had no choice but to enter it.


    She was thest to enter, so she had to stand all the way in the front. If she wanted to stand in the


    back, she would have to squeeze past that man. To avoid physically touching him, she decided that it


    was best for her to stay still.


    The door closed.


    This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    When it reached the floor of the restaurant, Avery went in. The people slowly took their seats.


    A while after, the dishes and drinks were served.


    Right then, Avery''s phone rang.


    ¡°Sorry, I need to take a call,¡± she said apologetically to the others.


    All turned to look at her but Cayden, who coldly uttered, ¡°Make it quick.¡±


    Avery went out immediately.


    Once she was out of the room and in the corridor, she epted the call. ¡°Hello?¡±


    The one who called her was a colleague from the design department, Noelle Lutkin. She was an


    honest and pretty easy-going individual.


    Noelle whispered, ¡°I''m at lunch, and I saw your boyfriend, Zayne. He... He was sneakily dragging a


    woman to the stairwell, then... Guess what I saw.¡±


    Avery was silent.


    ¡°He''s a douchebag! He''s seriously a douchebag!¡± Noelle continued.


    ¡°How is he a douchebag?¡±


    It''s unlikely that Zayne is courting someone in the office since he has only been here for almost a


    month. If he has someone else he likes, why would he still be so adamant about making things difficult


    for me? Most importantly, I only got engaged to him half a month ago. Why would he get engaged with


    me if he fell for someone else?


    ¡°I''ll be turning on my speaker, so pay attention, but don''t speak. Please don''t speak. I''m eavesdropping


    too,¡± Noelle said to her in hushed tones before walking toward the entrance of the stairwell and putting


    her phone by a pot after turning on the speaker mode. Then, she ran a distance away, afraid that the


    two people would emerge and find her there.


    ¡°Are you telling me that you''re not going to bear the responsibility for this? This isn''t what you told me


    when you were enjoying your time with me!¡±


    Avery froze.


    ¡°You were the one who seduced me first. What, are you trying to scam me now?¡± Zayne sounded


    furious.


    On the other hand, Mna sounded nonchnt.


    ¡°It''s true that I seduced you, but you fell for it, so do you think you''re any better than me? Only a man


    who can hold himself back has the right toment on my actions.¡±


    ¡°Cut the crap. I don''t want to argue with you. Regardless of everything, you have to abort the baby. I


    don''t want it.¡±


    ¡°Do you really think I''d heed your words just like that? If not for you doing it and shouting that you''re


    going to make a baby in me, I would have made you wear a condom. I would have taken pills. Did you


    think I''d have let you release it in me? Now that I really have a baby, you''re telling me that you''re not


    going to marry me? Do you think I''m a fool like Avery?¡±


    Avery slowly closed her eyes.


    Mna''s pregnant, and Zayne didn''t say that the baby isn''t his. He only said that he doesn''t want to


    bear responsibility for it. That means they''ve slept with each other and possibly more than once.


    Moreover, getting tested positive for pregnancy takes around twenty to thirty days at least.


    At that moment, Avery felt that Mna was right. She was a fool through and through. Zayne had been


    cheating with Mna since long ago, but she had never realized it.


    My boyfriend slept with another woman before pretending as if nothing had happened. He then came


    and proposed to me, and I was even so touched by his proposal. I agreed to it so quickly.


    Avery curled her lips mockingly.


    All of a sudden, she thought about Zayne''s first business trip when he first started working in the


    company. After their conversation on WhatsApp, he abruptly sent her a text full of nonsense. Now that


    she thought about it, it was likely that Mna was the one who sent it with his phone on the bed.


    Moreover, while she was on a call with him during his business trip, someone had knocked on his door.


    After that, he switched off his phone and did not text back for the rest of the day. It''s likely that he was


    with Mna back then.


    Avery did not hear what they said after that.


    She ended the call and thanked Noelle through a text message before going back to the room.


    Avery''s seat was right beside Cayden''s, and as there were many people around, she could not possibly


    ask to swap seats even if she felt awkward beside him.


    Cecelia was seated beside Avery. When she saw Avery, she lifted her chin to gesture to the server to


    fill Avery''s ss with red wine.


    The server came to Avery''s side.


    After Avery took the ss, Cecelia loudly said, ¡°Ery, you were out for so long. Give a toast to the


    people who have waited for you.¡±


    A ss of red wine was not an issue; it was not as if it would kill her to drink it.


    Thus, Avery walked over to the others and toasted them apologetically before downing the drink.


    After that, another server came over to refill everyone''s sses.


    The world around Avery spun like the red liquid in her ss as she stared at it. She had downed the


    drink too rapidly just now.


    She had no idea whether or not she was going to be drunk from that.


    The server soon left after filling their sses.


    Avery took her ss and moved to return to her seat. Just then, she tripped over something and fell


    toward her left. At the same time, she spilled her ss of wine all on...


    Cecelia sneakily retracted the foot that she had stuck out to trip Avery. She then leaped to her feet and


    cried out, ¡°Ery, get ahold of yourself! Hurry up and wipe it off Mr. Moore!¡±

 Chapter 47

    Chapter 47


    Avery didn''t think that she would be dizzy after finishing a ss of wine.


    She shook her head and nced beneath the tablecloth. There were eight table legs, and one thick


    table leg happened to be right in front of her.


    Perhaps I fell as I identally tripped on this table leg.


    That was the most embarrassing moment of her life. She had poured the contents of the winess


    onto Cayden''s pants. There was an embarrassing wet spot in the middle of his crotch.


    Cayden had been using her of seducing him previously. Now that such an embarrassing incident


    urred, she kept her head hung low.


    ¡°What are you doing? Hurry, wipe it off for Mr. Moore!¡± Cecelia urged and handed her a box of tissue


    paper.


    There was no time for Avery to think. She quickly grabbed a pile of tissue paper and pressed it onto


    Cayden''s crotch.


    At once, the tissue paper was soaked with the red wine.


    Soon, Avery realized her fingers were touching something weird. It was inevitable that her fingers


    would brush across Cayden''s manhood as she wiped his pants dry.


    Through his pants, she sensed something terrifyinging awake.


    In fact, it was growingrger to the naked eye.


    Avery''s cheeks flushed red.


    Three of their business partners, consisting of both male and female, were in the private room.


    Knowing her action would only serve to embarrass Cayden, Avery bit her lip guiltily. The more anxious


    she got, the more mistakes she made. Her hands started trembling.


    She had used up half a box of tissue paper, but Cayden''s pants were already stained.


    He''s a clean freak. There''s no way he''ll stay and have dinner wearing a pair of pants stained with red


    wine.


    Avery was feeling both guilty and helpless when he grabbed her wrist.


    She lifted her head to meet his gaze.


    Looming above her, he nced at her guilt-stricken expression and enunciated, ¡°Let''s go!¡±


    Everyone else seemed surprised at his action.


    It was clear to the business partners that her rtionship with Cayden wasn''t as simple as it seemed.


    Both Xavier and Cecelia were surprised to see how Cayden showed his possessiveness toward her in


    public.


    He was practically announcing to everyone that Avery was his woman. Cecelia couldn''t help but feel


    lucky that she was on good terms with Avery.


    Cayden dragged Avery all the way into the elevator.


    The doors slid shut, and the elevator rose slowly. As it didn''t stop for some time, Avery deduced their


    destination was a high-level floor.


    She grew dizzier as the elevator ascended.


    Finally, she knew she had overestimated her alcohol tolerance.


    When the doors slid open, Cayden dragged her out and went to a suite. He pulled out a keycard and


    swiped it on the door. Pushing the door open, he gripped her wrist and brought her in.


    Once they were inside, Cayden pinned her against the wall.


    The light was dim, so both their expressions looked blurry. Cayden''s handsome face seemed refined


    right at that moment.


    His mouth covered hers in a dizzying kiss.


    Avery feebly struggled to free herself but to no avail. Cayden ended up imprisoning her in his arms.


    ¡°Mm...¡± Her voice was muffled, for he kissed her so hard that she couldn''t utter a word.


    Her protesting moans carried a hint of sweet red wine. Cayden couldn''t bring himself to release her and


    swallowed all her protests by deepening the kiss.


    ¡°Ah! No...¡± Her hair was all tousled. Cayden then reached out and caressed her all over.


    In the end, he gave her top an impatient tug.


    Three of her buttons were tugged off and fell to the carpeted floor without a noise.


    Avery started punching his chest as tears escaped her eyes.


    Cayden stopped kissing her and pinched her chin. ¡°Why are you crying? Don''t you like my touch? Why


    won''t you admit that you like being caressed by me?¡± he asked in annoyance.


    ¡°If my clumsiness has angered you, I promise I''ll stay away from you in the future.¡± She assumed he


    had treated her harshly as a form of punishment because her clumsy act earlier had angered him.


    She had to admit that Cayden''s lips were seductive and sweet. Any woman would be infatuated with a


    man like him.


    Nevertheless, she knew such an infatuation wouldn''tst long.


    After all, she was afraid that Cayden would be like a short-lived mirage that might disappear tomorrow


    morning.


    She had known Zayne for over four years, but he disappointed her. A man who looked like the perfect


    soulmate might not be her Mr. Right as she had expected. Cayden, who was noble and extraordinary,


    was obviously not the right person for her and would never be her soulmate.


    They were both from different worlds, for he was far more privileged than her.


    Many with experience would advise their children to marry into a family with simr backgrounds. Even


    if she ended up with him, she would just be a ything to him.


    She dared not hope to marry someone as influential as him.


    The moment she harbored that hope, reality would give her a harsh p in the face and prove her


    wrong.


    Avery didn''t want that. She was especially afraid of good dreams, for her heart would ache and be filled


    with loneliness after she woke up from a good dream. If it was a bad dream, she would wake up and


    feel fortunate that it was all a dream.


    Cayden''s wide palm pressed on her waist. He was on the verge of losing control as he pressed his


    heated cheek against hers. With his lips next to her ear, he uttered, ¡°Remember when you were wiping


    the wine off my pants? Were you being clumsy? Or were you deliberately touching it?¡±


    Of course she knew what he was referring to.


    Avery felt that she was very drunk at the moment. The tall man before her was like a fire burning her


    sanity into ashes, making her unable to think straight.


    ¡°Let me go. I''m still on my period,¡± she pleaded and panted as she rested her head on his arm.


    Herst shred of sanity reminded her to inform him that she was still on her period.


    She was worried that she would lose her sanity and that he would ravage her right there.


    Avery didn''t want to catch any sexually transmitted infections and ruin her health.


    ¡°I feel really dizzy. Sorry, but I''d like to go home.¡±


    If I had known I have such a low alcohol tolerance, I shouldn''t have forced myself to finish an entire


    ss of red wine. I brought this upon myself.


    Cayden lowered his head and tamped down his desire. Taking a deep breath, he caressed her hair


    adoringly and said, ¡°Take a nap here.¡±


    Scooping her up in his arms, he strode to the bed and ced her down.


    Turning away, Cayden headed to the closet and took out a neatly pressed outfit.


    Original from N?velDrama.Org.


    Avery watched in a daze as he took off his shirt, pants, and underwear.


    Cayden stood with his back facing her. Even so, his muscr body caused her eyes to go big.


    In a slow manner, Cayden changed his clothes and returned to his usual elegant self. He didn''t forget


    toe over to her and remove her heels. His palm held her feet as he did that.


    She twitched as an ufortable sensation rose in her body. Curling her toes, she tried to free her


    feet from his hands.

 Chapter 48

    Chapter 48


    He caressed her slender feet, and his action burned her up.


    Avery had no idea when he released his grip on her feet, for she was suffering from menstrual cramps


    that caused cold sweat to bead on her forehead.


    gued by the dizziness caused by the alcohol and her menstrual cramps, she curled into a ball on the


    bed and fell asleep shortly after.


    Cayden would sometimes rest in that hotel suite, for that hotel belonged to Trident Group.


    The hotel suite was his the day he returned to the Moore family and started working at Trident Group. It


    was off-limits to outsiders.


    After she fell asleep, Cayden set the temperature of the air conditioner to a suitable temperature and


    tucked her in.


    The sky had turned dark by the time Avery woke up.


    She nced at the unfamiliar hotel room in confusion before recalling what had happened earlier.


    Sitting up, she was pretty sure that she had sobered up despite the slight headache that was bugging


    her at the moment.


    Her phone was right beside her, and she reached out to get it.


    There was a text from Cecelia sent at half past four.


    Cecelia: I''m back at the office. Ms. Yantz asked where you were and why you didn''te back to the


    office. I told her that Xavier gave you an urgent task, so you couldn''t make it back today.


    Avery stiffened.


    She and Cecelia both worked at Trident Group. After seeing what Cayden had done to Avery in the


    private room, Cecelia realized what was going on and knew who Avery would spend the afternoon with.


    That was why Cecelia covered up for Avery so the rest wouldn''t think badly about thetter.


    Avery didn''t know what else to say and could only reply to her: Thank you, Cecelia.


    Cecelia''s witty reply arrived mere momentster. She texted Avery: You''re wee. Please don''t


    forget to promote me when you end up as Boss'' wifeter. My future depends on you!


    Avery was briefly stunned. She replied: I know my ce. I have my limits.


    Cecelia: Limits? Are you a fool? I don''t care. Anyway, I''ll depend on you from now onward.


    Sorrow filled Avery''s eyes. When Cayden grows sick of me and turns his back on me, who shall I


    depend on?


    Avery was biting her finger anxiously as she tried to figure out how to open the door. Suddenly, a warm


    body pressed against her back. She turned her head around in shock and met Cayden''s sharp gaze.


    ¡°I''ll see you out,¡± he said. After pressing his finger to the lock, he twisted the handle to open the door.


    They walked out one after another.


    Avery was flustered as she walked in front of Cayden.


    It seemed that Cayden was the only one upying the entire floor, for the hallway was eerily silent.


    There was no one around, not even a server. The atmosphere turned lively when they arrived


    downstairs.


    On the way out, everyone greeted Cayden politely.


    Avery picked up her pace and kept a distance from him. Even so, it didn''t stop others from looking at


    her. She was trying to hail a taxi to flee the scene when Cayden''s car rolled to a stop before her.


    At the same time, a taxi pulled over.


    Avery hurriedly went to the taxi and got in.


    The next moment, Cayden got out of his car and dragged her out of the taxi. He took her to his car and


    shoved her inside. He didn''t forget to apologize to the taxi driver politely before getting into his own car


    and driving her home personally.


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    Many hotel staff saw his assertive action.


    Avery felt so humiliated.


    When an ordinary female employee got treated that way by her boss, everyone would assume she was


    a scheming woman who had yed hard to get to seduce her boss so he would sleep with her.


    She would be the only one cursed and inducted into the hall of shame.


    The ck Land Rover drove past almost half the city before finally arriving at her residential area.


    Avery''s menstrual cramps came back to torture her on the way back home. In the end, she got so weak


    and nearly lost her bnce when she stepped out of the car. As she tried to stand straight, her legs


    gave way.


    ¡°Be careful.¡± Cayden stepped forward and held her shoulder to support her.


    Avery moved out of his reach tactfully and turned to leave. ¡°Mr. Moore, have a safe trip home. Thank


    you for giving me a ride home. I''m sorry for spilling the wine on your pants today.¡±


    The environment of that residential area was betterpared to the one she had stayed in previously.


    Its location wasn''t as good as the previous one, so she got to save a bit on her rent.


    As it was a new residential area with many facilities, there was amunity hospital not far away from


    the entrance.


    ¡°You should see a doctor. Otherwise, I''ll worry about you.¡± Instead of forcing her against her wishes,


    Cayden stood around a meter away from her and stared at her.


    Avery lifted her head. She was standing on the sidewalk for the blind, and he was standing on the left


    of his car that was parked at the roadside. The city lights shone on him as though they existed for the


    sole purpose ofplimenting his presence.


    ncing at her watch, she shook her head and answered, ¡°No need for that. I know my body well.¡±


    Cayden pulled his phone out and dialed a number. His expression was grim as he said, ¡°Tell Dr. Zeller


    toe here. The address is¡ª¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Avery shouted before he could finish his sentence. She lunged forward, trying to take his phone


    away from him.


    Cayden grabbed her hand instead. The skin of her slender wrist was so fair that he could see the green


    veins on her wrist.


    ¡°I was just joking around.¡± Cayden lowered his hand that was holding his phone and stared at her with


    a gentle gaze.


    Her face drained of color, Avery nced at the phone in his hand. Indeed, the screen didn''t show that


    he was on a call. He didn''t dial that number for real.


    However, she knew he would call Kylee if she refused to go to themunity hospital.


    Avery didn''t want to see Kylee there. She first met Kylee in the hospital after taking the aphrodisiac.


    After that, she met the doctor for the second time because she and Cayden had gone too far when they


    were making love that her vagina bled.


    Both were embarrassing incidents.


    She didn''t know why she would have a cramping pain in her lower abdomen during the car ride.


    Perhaps it was the aphrodisiac''s side effects, or perhaps it was because she drank wine on her period.


    Maybe I should head to themunity hospital to consult a doctor.


    Avery jerked her hand out of his grasp. ¡°I can head there alone.¡±


    With that said, she spun on her heels and went to themunity hospital, which was only twenty


    meters away from where they were.


    Avery soon arrived at the hospital.


    Cayden showed up shortly after. d in his suit, he attracted plenty of attention when he entered the


    community hospital. The beautiful receptionist couldn''t help but stare at him.


    Avery parted her lips and said shyly, ¡°I''m here to see the gynecologist.¡±


    Only then did the receptionist snap out of her reverie and register Avery''s name hastily. She seemed


    more nervous than the patient, as she kept typing the wrong information into herputer.


    The man who caused the receptionist''s anxiety went to the waiting area and took a seat. Crossing his


    legs, he waited patiently as though he was a husband apanying his wife there.


    He bore a stern expression and fixed his gaze on his ¡°wife.¡± Thus, everyone assumed he was a loving


    husband who only had eyes for his wife.


    Avery took her registration slip and waited for her turn.


    Once she sat down, ady poked her shoulder and nced at Cayden. ¡°How did you manage to get


    yourself such a man? You must have a blissful married life. Look at how strong he looks,¡± thedy


    commented enviously.

 Chapter 49

    Chapter 49


    Avery''s cheeks turned pink.


    Thedy beside her chatted boldly and ran her mouth as she got excited, paying no heed to whether


    there were men beside them.


    ¡°Hey, spill! I''m so curious!¡± thedy urged earnestly.


    Avery had no idea people nowadays were bold enough to chat about sexual topics in public.


    Shaking her head, she said, ¡°He isn''t...¡±


    Avery wanted to exin that Cayden was not her husband, but before she could finish the sentence,


    she trailed off when she noticed thedy secretly ogling Cayden.


    Thedy cut in, ¡°We''re women who are experienced in sex. There''s no need to be shy. Mind telling me


    how many times you two have sex a week? Your husband looks really potent...¡±


    After giving Cayden another admiring look, thedy continued, ¡°He looks so domineering as though


    he''s capable of having sex multiple times in a row.¡±


    Avery was at a loss for words.


    She couldn''t bring herself to continue the chat.


    Cayden wasn''t her husband, and she dared not think about making him her husband. Besides, she


    didn''t want to ponder whether he was capable enough of having sex with a woman multiple times in a


    row.


    ¡°I''m sorry, but I need to go to the restroom.¡± Grabbing her bag, Avery found an excuse to leave the


    gossipy woman.


    Aftering out of the restroom, Avery took a seat in a slightly secluded area.


    She waited for almost twenty minutes before the doctor called her name.


    Avery got up and entered the doctor''s consultation room. ording to the doctor''s instructions, she


    took off her skirt and underwear. She theny in bed and waited for the doctor to carry out the


    examination.


    ¡°Lower. A bit lower,¡± the female doctor who was in her fifties instructed Avery.


    Original from N?velDrama.Org.


    Obediently, Avery went lower.


    ¡°Bend your legs. Open them up. Open up a bit more,¡± the doctor instructed. After Avery''s posture was


    correct, she said, ¡°What''s your name?¡±


    ¡°Avery Rumpley,¡± came Avery''s answer.


    Avery wasn''t a stranger to pelvic examinations. The first time she had one was around five years ago.


    She had to prove she was a healthy woman before she could get the chance to bear the man''s


    children.


    She could never forget how she had answered questions in her naked body as the icy equipment was


    stuck into her body. It was a long and tedious process.


    Back then, she felt both humiliated and angry.


    It might have happened five years ago, but she couldn''t help but recall the fateful day whenever she


    had to do a pelvic examination.


    Less than five minutester, the doctor was done.


    Avery sat up from the tiny bed and sighed in relief. After cleaning herself up, she put on her clothes


    hastily and filed out after the doctor.


    She then returned to the waiting area and lined up to wait to receive her report.


    Those who hadpleted their examinations would have to head in one by one to listen to the doctor


    exining their reports.


    When Avery''s name was called, she stood up. To her shock, the man waiting in another secluded spot


    rose to his feet and came to the doctor''s consultation room.


    Avery halted in her tracks and stared at him.


    Is heing in with me? We''re not husband and wife, so it isn''t suitable for an irrelevant man to listen


    to the results of my pelvic examination!


    ¡°It''s best to treat any condition as soon as possible. I won''t allow you to take your body condition


    lightly,¡± Cayden said, and there was a finality to his tone that warned her not to protest.


    Avery frowned and wanted nothing more than to say no.


    However, she recalled how the stranger had asked about their sex life earlier. Perhaps people in the


    society are more open-minded now, and everyone is more open to talking about sexual-rted topics.


    It isn''t the same conservative society that I experienced back when I was eighteen.


    Cayden was a sessful businessman who was able to gain control of the entire Moore family without


    anyone''s support. That was enough to prove how capable he was. All sessful men shared one


    simrity¡ªthey only cared about the pros and cons of every situation.


    To them, love was cheap and vulgar.


    Perhaps Cayden''s worried that I''ve infected some sexually transmitted disease that could be passed on


    to him. Previously, Dr. Zeller''s examination was not detailed enough. She gave me meds for my


    condition but didn''t conduct a thorough examination on my body.


    She couldn''t help but wonder. What kind of sexually transmitted disease can be passed on to men and


    strike fear in their hearts? Syphilis? AIDS?


    When Cayden stepped into the doctor''s consultation room, assuming the identity of her husband, a


    strange thought popped up in Avery''s mind. What if the doctor misdiagnosed me and announces that I


    have AIDS? I can''t wait to see what his reaction would be when that happens. Will he get so scared


    and flee the scene right away? Will he stay away from me his entire life?


    It wasn''t until muchter that Avery discovered one could only get examined for sexually transmitted


    diseases such as syphilis and AIDS atrge hospitals. Themunity hospital she was currently in


    didn''t have the equipment to carry out the necessary examinations.


    ¡°Doctor, my body...¡± Avery grew nervous.


    The doctor flipped through her report and responded, ¡°You''re doing fine. Pay more attention so you


    won''t catch a cold. Don''t overexert yourself with intense activities, too. You should get more rest.¡±


    Having said that, the doctor looked up and gave Avery the once-over. ¡°You look like a white-cor


    worker. These few days, you should refrain from wearing heels whenever possible.¡±


    Avery nodded. ¡°All right.¡±


    ¡°It''s nothing serious, so don''t worry. I''ll prescribe you some medicine that you can buy at any


    pharmacy.¡± As the doctor prepared the prescription, she noticed that Cayden had been gazing at Avery.


    The doctor said, ¡°Don''t worry. Your wife is healthy. I''ve checked her ovaries and uterus. Her pelvic bone


    is also fine. With my years of experience as a doctor, I can assure you that she can birth children


    easily.¡±


    Avery blushed furiously as she recalled an ancient saying. So they say women with big asses can give


    birth to children easily.


    She couldn''t remember where she had heard that from. Perhaps she had heard it as a joke from her


    Chanaean friends when she was studying abroad; perhaps she had heard her female neighbors


    mention it when she was living with her grandfather back then.


    It didn''t matter from where she had heard the saying. When the doctor announced that it was easy for


    her to give birth to children, she couldn''t help but get embarrassed, especially now that Cayden was


    right beside her.


    With the report in her hands, Avery left themunity hospital.


    ¡°Mr. Moore, I''m going home to sleep now,¡± she said without even looking at Cayden.


    ¡°I''ll walk you to your building,¡± came Cayden''s answer.


    He took off his suit jacket and draped it over her shoulders. Knowing she''d reject his kind gesture, he


    held her shoulders after draping his suit jacket over her.


    Avery took in his scent and squirmed ufortably. She raised her head and was adamant about


    rejecting his kind gesture.


    Cayden refused to budge. ¡°The doctor said you can''t catch a cold.¡±


    Avery couldn''t get used to his concern. However, she thought about it and realized she had to y


    along with him if she wanted to stay away from him. After I go back home, he''ll leave. We''ll never see


    each other again.


    With that thought in mind, she spun on her heels and entered her residential area.


    The man followed her from a distance behind. s, his action merely served to show that they were in


    an ambiguous rtionship.


    All Cayden did was walk behind her. Strangely, she felt her entire body burning up despite the cooling


    breeze brushing against her body. Her heart started racing uncontrobly.

 Chapter 50

    Chapter 50


    Avery had to admit that she felt secure while staying under his protection.


    No woman would refuse an eligible gentleman''s protection.


    One might think their partner is their soulmate, but in the end, they''d end up with a broken heart. They''d


    only realize that love could be sweet as honey and cruel as a Grim Reaper after getting their heart


    broken. I don''t know what Cayden would do to me, but I can''t take the risk of letting him break my


    heart.


    Throughout the entire journey, Avery didn''t utter a word.


    After arriving at the gate of her residential area, she removed his suit jacket to return it to him.


    She didn''t want Cayden toe into the residential area. If he finds out which block and which floor my


    house is, will he show up with the kids at my doorstep all of a sudden, like what he did in the past?


    Original from N?velDrama.Org.


    As Nina was staying in the same house as her, she didn''t want to cause a misunderstanding.


    Xavier and Cecelia had misunderstood her rtionship with Cayden, and that was humiliating enough.


    She didn''t want her friend to misunderstand her too.


    Besides, she had just broken up with Zayne. If Nina saw Cayden sending her home, she would


    probably assume Avery was a loose woman.


    ¡°Mr. Moore, goodbye.¡± Avery handed the suit jacket back to him.


    Cayden stood half a meter away and stared at his ck suit jacket that she gripped tightly.


    He didn''t take it from her.


    Under the streetlight, he lit a cigarette and took a puff before ncing at her. ¡°What are you afraid of?¡±


    he inquired in a deep voice.


    Avery was afraid of his entire being¡ªhis attractive face, noble status, elegance, and everything else


    about him.


    ¡°Mr. Moore, why are you making it difficult for me?¡±


    ¡°What did you just say?¡± Cayden stepped forward and held her chin so she couldn''t avoid his gaze.


    Brushing his thumb across her chin, he said, ¡°I have my own reasons.¡±


    Avery was forced to meet his unfathomable gaze.


    What reason could that be? Could it be that he''s so interested in me just because he thinks the


    unattainable woman will always be the best, just like any other man? Then, after he manages to win my


    heart, he will slowly lose interest in me. After that, he will dump me as soon as I be a worthless


    ything in his eyes. Only then will he let me go. Is that so?


    Avery turned away slightly and freed herself from his grasp.


    Cayden lifted his hand and bit on the cigarette between his fingers. However, he showed no intention of


    taking his suit jacket from her.


    Avery was helpless, so she could only speak her mind. ¡°Mr. Moore, please spare me and stop ying


    games with me. I think plenty of women would die to date you. You can have your pick.¡±


    Cayden puffed out a ring of smoke in her direction. ¡°Go on.¡±


    Avery stood against the re of the streemp. Her eyes seemed to be sparkling with tears as she


    said, ¡°I want nothing more than to lead a peaceful life. Thus, I refuse to rely on you, nor do I want to


    climb up the socialdder. I think many women would like that, though. You can pick anyone... A


    socialite or a celebrity... Anyone but me.¡±


    Cayden gazed at her. Despite wearing a calm expression, he was furious deep down. He had never


    followed behind a woman like how he had done for her in his entire life.


    Not even his mother had the privilege of making him do that for her.


    s, Avery did not notice how he had given her special treatment and treated her differently.


    ¡°Do you think anyone can rely on me as they please? Have you forgotten how my manhood managed


    to arouse your desire with just one touch? How dare you say this now?¡± Cayden retorted icily.


    Hearing his insulting words, Avery looked up in surprise. It was dark, but the blush on her cheeks was


    evident even to the naked eye.


    ¡°Wait for me here. You are free to imagine how I''ll punish you if you refuse to listen to me.¡± With that


    said, Cayden grabbed his suit jacket and turned to leave.


    Avery stood rooted to the spot.


    Cayden''s retreating figure looked really imposing.


    Her eyes fluttered shut. Even though Cayden looks like the senior from the neighboring high school,


    Moore, I know they are not the same person. Moore was charming as a prince, but Cayden is sharp-


    tongued and hot-tempered. I want nothing more than to stay away from him. They are obviously


    different beings. They can''t be the same person!


    She was so deep in her thoughts that she didn''t saw an Audi Q5 driving toward her.


    Zayne''s gloomy expression made Mna, who was sitting in the passenger seat, slip into a foul mood.


    Zayne was about to drive to a supermarket''s paid parking lot when Mna suddenly yelled, ¡°Stop the


    car!¡±


    Without looking at her, Zayne snapped impatiently, ¡°The road isn''t yours. I can''t stop anywhere you


    like.¡±


    ¡°I saw Avery! Stop the car!¡± Mna whipped her head around to re at Zayne. ¡°Your darling is right


    ahead. Won''t you stop the car?¡±


    Indeed, Zayne''s expression changed when he heard Avery''s name.


    Mna was sorely disappointed, thinking that the baby in her belly was nothing but a joke. She yelled,


    ¡°You med me for causing you to lose your darling, right? Fine! I shall offer an exnation to her so


    you can get her back!¡±


    Without waiting for his reply, she opened the door and stormed out.


    Zayne parted his lips, trying to say something to stop her, but he ended up saying nothing and drove


    the car to the parking lot.


    Avery was surprised to see Mna.


    ¡°The look on your face when you''re surprised to see me here is interesting,¡± Mna said coldly. Her


    gaze was fixed on Avery as she continued, ¡°It is easy to find out where you live. It seems that you


    forgot to tell Nephele that we''re not on good terms.¡±


    Nephele often came to visit Avery and knew where she lived.


    As Leonardo''s second wife, Henrietta would naturally follow him back to his hometown, Livingsfill.


    Mna had tagged along with them a few times out of curiosity.


    Every time Nephele learned that the Rumpleys were back, she''d pay them a visit and ask about Avery.


    Thus, Nephele and Mna ended up being friends.


    Mna kept her evilness under a lid and put on an innocent front to the public, so Nephele didn''t put


    her guard up.


    Recalling the news that Mna was pregnant with Zayne''s child, Avery remained unfazed instead of


    blowing her top.


    ¡°Remember to let me know when you marry Zayne. I''m d that you two get to live a happy life


    together.¡± Strangely, Avery thought they were a perfect match for each other.


    ¡°Why? Are you trying to act tough even though your heart is broken? I won''tugh at you even if you


    admit you''re upset that I''ve taken your boyfriend from you.¡± Mna''s voice wasn''t loud, but each and


    every of her word was sarcastic and hurtful.


    Avery chuckled lightly. ¡°I tossed a pair of dirty and torn shoes into the trash bin after I got sick of them.


    Who picked them upter is none of my business. I threw them away, so why would I be upset?¡±


    Hearing that, Mna couldn''t keep her cool anymore.

 Chapter 51

    Chapter 51


    ¡°It''ll be better if we never appear in front of each other again. Not only does getting angry affect one''s


    health, but it also causes one to age quicker,¡± Avery said. Every word she uttered was like a p in


    Mna''s face. Then, she turned to walk away.


    Suddenly, Mna''s expression shifted. Swallowing her pride, she grabbed Avery''s arm with both hands


    and pleaded, ¡°Don''t go... It''s all my fault. I''m sorry. It doesn''t matter if you want to strike or admonish


    me, as long as it makes you happy.¡±


    Avery looked back and gazed at her stepsister.


    Mna''s hand slowly slid down Avery''s arm until she held thetter''s hand instead. Looking all


    innocent, she said, ¡°Ery, you know I was deprived of a father''s love since I was little. That''s why I was


    jealous that you have a father. From the moment I stepped into your home, I never got along with you


    because you led a much happier life than I did. But that was all immature behavior on my part when I


    was a child. I''m begging you. Please believe me. I never wanted to steal your boyfriend...¡±


    However, Avery already knew of the tricks Mna had up her sleeves ever since she was a little girl.


    Avery did not need to turn around to know that someone was behind her, and she knew Mna''s


    painstaking efforts in putting on an act were for the benefit of that person.


    Mna continued holding Avery''s hand, refusing to let go. Then, she raised her other hand as if she


    were taking an oath. ¡°Ery, I''ve really never slept with Zayne. We only stayed together once when we


    were abroad. That was because I had nowhere to go and had no choice but to stay in his room for one


    night. It had nothing to do with him. I was the one who insisted on sleeping over at his ce. I swear on


    my honor that he slept on the bed that night while I slept on the floor, and absolutely nothing happened


    between us.¡±


    Avery shook off her hand forcefully. ¡°Oh, stop enacting a monodrama.¡±


    ¡°I r-really didn''t think you hated me so much...¡± Mna''s voice suddenly hitched as she spoke. When


    she finally met Avery''s gaze with an innocent expression in her eyes, she burst into sobs.


    Mna''s tears rolling down her cheeks in an unbroken stream made for an inexplicably moving sight.


    Anyone who saw it would probably assume Avery was the bully, taking her for a narrow-minded girl


    who could not ept the addition of an older sister due to her father''s marriage to his second wife.


    Knowing that Zayne had to be standing not far behind her, Avery mused mockingly, ¡°It doesn''t matter


    whether you stayed together or if anything happened between the two of you. Whatever it is, I''m not


    interested. Why have youe to tell me all this in tears? Do you feel aggrieved? Or is it because you


    regret seducing him because he''s impotent, so you''re here to return him like how you''d return damaged


    goods?¡±


    Mna''s eyes still glistened with tears as she widened them. She gazed up at Avery helplessly like a


    delicate white flower, but inwardly, she clenched her jaw in anger. Avery Rumpley, how dare you


    behave so arrogantly in front of me? ¡±What a joke! Is Zayne nothing to you but a pair of worn-out shoes


    you no longer want? Why don''t you take a good look at yourself in the mirror before you utter such


    remarks? I''m afraid there won''t be a single man in the world who''d be willing to be with a dull and


    shriveled woman like you!¡± Mna countered.


    ¡°That''s enough.¡± Striding over to Mna, Zayne grabbed her wrist and led her away.


    Meanwhile, Avery stood unmoving.


    ¡°Zayne, you''re hurting me...¡± Mna whined as she struggled to free her wrist from hisrge hand.


    Nheless, he did not let go. As Mna continued crying out in pain, she looked back at Avery, who


    was left behind on her own, and her lips curved into a smug smile.


    ¡°Head home by yourself. Let''s not talk about the baby today. We''ll talk tomorrow.¡± Zayne released


    Mna''s wrist and lit a cigarette irritably. Then, he climbed into his car and started the engine.


    Mna''s eyes grew wide as saucers as she watched Zayne leave, and she nearly broke down in tears.


    Zayne drove away, took out his wallet to pay for the parking, and left the parking lot.


    He rested one arm on the car''s windowsill as he drove along the street, gloomily mulling over every


    sentence Avery and Mna had uttered earlier. What did Avery say? Me? Impotent? Also, that


    metaphor about the worn-out shoes makes my blood boil! Just you wait. Let''s see which one of us is


    the pair of worn-out shoes!


    ¡°That b*tch!¡± He yanked the steering wheel abruptly to make a sharp turn at the next intersection and


    flung the cigarette he was holding out the car window.


    Meanwhile, Mna took in her surroundings after getting abandoned in the parking lot. Her eyes, still


    wet with tears, twitched in anger when she noticed someone observing her. She muttered under her


    breath, ¡°Avery Rumpley, everything you have will be mine in the end. I''ll use any means to getN?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    everything I want. You deserve neither a house nor a husband!¡±


    Over at a pharmacy, Cayden had just bought four boxes of medicine ording to the prescription


    provided earlier by themunity hospital.


    He could not help thinking about how it was his first time buying medicine for a woman.


    But by the time he walked out and scanned the street for Avery, he realized she had disappeared.


    Later that night at the Moore residence, Zachary was still awake, his small figure sitting on the ck


    leather couch.


    Rory sat slumped on the other end, hugging a teddy bear. ¡°Zach, aren''t we going up to bed yet...¡± she


    asked sleepily.


    ¡°If you''re sleepy, you can go to bed first. I''ll wait by myself.¡± Although Zachary was also on the verge of


    nodding off, he forced himself to keep his eyes open.


    He was determined to wait for Cayden to return so he could talk to thetter before going to sleep.


    As soon as Rory heard Zayne say that he wanted to wait, she suddenly felt she should take a leaf out


    of his book. I need to toughen up a little instead of feeling sleepy so easily. Uncle Kendrick said


    someday, Daddy will marry someone, and we''ll have a stepmother. Zach and I just want to know where


    our mother is now. Did she go to heaven, or is she hiding somewhere because she doesn''t want us


    anymore...


    Hence, the young siblings continued to wait.


    However, a child''s energy was limited, and they dozed off before it was even ten o''clock. Rory was


    even drooling as she sucked on her thumb.


    When Allie woke up and came downstairs to see the children fast asleep, she quickly called for the


    nanny in a low voice, instructing thetter to carry them upstairs gently.


    The two little ones stirred when they were picked up, but fortunately, they did not wake.


    Although Cayden did not stay out all night, he returned veryte. He went to Rory''s and Zachary''s


    rooms to check on them before washing up and preparing for bed.


    He climbed into bed and fell asleep for two hours but woke up after a bout of tossing and turning. The


    bedroom was pitch ck, and the night felt quiet and endless.


    As he turned over, a soft cry rang out in the room.


    His head pounded from a headache as he propped himself up into a half-sitting position and lowered


    his eyes to gaze at Zachary, who had somehow appeared in his bed.


    ¡°Daddy, Uncle Kendrick said that this condition is insomnia caused by loneliness...¡±


    Cayden raised his eyebrows, theny back down with his hands behind his head. Closing his eyes, he


    asked, ¡°How would a little kid know what that means?¡±


    ¡°I do! That''s why I came here to sleep with you. We''ll sleep together. You won''t have trouble sleeping if


    you don''t feel lonely.¡± As Zachary spoke, he inched closer to his cold and aloof father and added in a


    wheedling tone, ¡°Daddy, I want to ask you something...¡±


    Cayden murmured an assent in a rare disy of patience.


    ¡°Daddy... Rory and I... Is our mother still alive?¡± Zachary asked carefully. Ever since he learned of his


    mother''s existence after he was a little older, he knew that it was a taboo subject.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Cayden answered softly after some time, seeming to be in a daze.


    When Zachary heard that, his eyes flew open as if he had just seen a ghost. What? Our mother is still


    alive!

 Chapter 52

    Chapter 52


    Zachary spent the night sleeping in his father''s bed.


    The next morning, he woke up surprisingly early and ran back to his room.


    After brushing his teeth, he went looking for Rory in her room. ¡°Mommy is still alive!¡± he said while


    opening the door.


    ¡°What are you talking about, Zach?¡± Rory asked with her head slightly tilted in confusion.


    ¡°I said, our mommy is still alive!¡± Zachary repeated himself as he knelt down and helped put her shoes


    on. He then held her hand and brought her toward another room in the mansion.


    The housekeeper saw what they were doing but didn''t give it much thought.


    Zachary had Rory stand guard outside while he sneaked into Kendrick''s room. He tiptoed his way


    across the room, grabbed Kendrick''s phone from the table, and tiptoed out of the room.


    ¡°Did you get it, Zach?¡± Rory asked with her eyes wide.


    Original from N?velDrama.Org.


    Zachary nodded and led Rory to a secluded spot before making a call with the phone.


    Meanwhile, on the outskirts of the city, Grover was going on a morning jog with his wife when his phone


    started ringing.


    The two of them paused in their tracks, and Grover frowned when he saw the caller ID.


    ¡°It''s Kendrick, the second son of the Moore family,¡± he said with a frown.


    ¡°Why is he calling you?¡± Lindsay asked in confusion.


    The two of them had been working for the Moore family since twenty years ago. Jeffrey had stepped


    down to let his son take over, but his son died of a severe illness a few yearster, so he had to return


    to power.


    Grover and Lindsay started working for Cayden when he returned to the Moore family.


    Thanks to his excellent genes, Cayden had an incredibly high IQ and was a natural leader.


    On top of that, he showed no signs of his father''s infidelity, promiscuity, and fickleness.


    It had been thirteen years since Cayden returned to the Moore family at the age of sixteen. Grover and


    Lindsay were no longer capable of supporting the illegitimate son that the family used to reject.


    Fortunately, Cayden had already matured and firmly secured his position in the household.


    After retiring, the two of them constantly lived in fear of the Moore family looking for them, as those that


    came had bad intentions.


    Many had tried asking them for information on Zachary and Rory''s biological mother over the past five


    years.


    After a brief moment of hesitation, Grover answered the call. ¡°Hello, Mr. Kendrick.¡±


    Instead of Kendrick''s voice, all he heard was a child saying, ¡°Hi, Mr. Hayward!¡±


    ¡°Mr. Zachary?¡± Grover was shocked.


    ¡°Can I ask you something, Mr. Hayward?¡± Zachary asked politely.


    ¡°Sure thing! I''ll tell you everything I know.¡±


    I know Mr. Hayward is just saying that out of courtesy. He wouldn''t actually tell me everything.


    With that in mind, Zachary said in a depressed tone, ¡°Last night, my daddy told me that my mommy is


    still alive. Mr. Hayward, everyone says you and Mrs. Hayward know my mommy. Could you tell me if


    my mommy wille back for us? Will my daddy remarry her?¡±


    Those questions really caught Grover off guard, and he was stumped.


    Not wanting to reveal anything he shouldn''t, he replied, ¡°I don''t think they''ll remarry. It seems your


    mother already has a boyfriend.¡±


    Grover and Lindsay had gone traveling to Ustranast year, and they had happened to be staying near


    Avery''s university.


    Since Cayden had arranged for someone to take care of them after their retirement, he was well aware


    of their trip to Ustrana. As such, Grover wasn''t sure if Cayden had deliberately arranged for them to


    stay near Avery''s university. Upon returning to the country, he told Cayden that Avery had found herself


    a boyfriend there and that the couple seemed to have a good rtionship.


    Grover tried to sound as casual as possible when he mentioned that, but he made sure to observe


    Cayden''s expression after hearing the news.


    As the look on Cayden''s face turned incredibly gloomy in response, Grover was certain that he had


    feelings for Avery.


    Had Avery not found herself a decent boyfriend, she and Cayden could have probably be a


    couple. After all, Avery had birthed Cayden''s children.


    Given how Cayden had had sex with Avery for an entire month back then, Grover firmly believed that


    there were romantic feelings involved.


    Being a man himself, Grover knew full well how intense a man''s desire for sex could get. However,


    Cayden had stopped having sexpletely after that one-month period from five years ago. In fact, he


    never had any women around him throughout the past five years.


    The only logical exnation that Grover could think of was that he still had feelings for Avery.


    On top of that, Zachary''s words revealed yet another key piece of information. Cayden had told his son


    that thetter''s mother was still alive, and that contradicted the original story about her having passed


    away.


    Does that mean Avery has returned to the country? Have the two of them already met each other?


    Grover''s train of thoughts was interrupted by Zachary''s disappointed voice on the phone. ¡°Oh... Got it,


    Mr. Hayward.¡±


    The line went dead after that.


    While having breakfast, Grover decided to discuss it with his wife.


    ¡°Cayden isn''t a lustful man like his father, so I was really shocked when I found out he had been having


    sex with Avery every single night. It''s almost as if he was addicted to it or something. Honestly, I can''t


    believe he just got straight down to business upon entering the mansion every time. He didn''t even


    spend some time making small talks. That was so unromantic of him!¡± Lindsay said.


    ¡°Cayden suggested for us to visit Ustrana when we decided to go travelingter on. It seems he


    deliberately chose that country because she was there,¡± Grovermented.


    Lindsay sipped on her warm milk and said with a chuckle, ¡°Knowing how boring and reserved Cayden


    is, I doubt he''d win Ms. Rumpley back anytime soon even if she didn''t have a boyfriend!¡±


    Grover agreed with her statementpletely. A smile crept up his usually impassive face. ¡°As if that


    isn''t bad enough, Cayden is also very egotistical and prideful. I watched him grow up, so I know his


    personality like the back of my hand!¡±


    Lindsay shook her head as well. ¡°This really does make things difficult. Ms. Rumpley is a very


    conservative girl, so they won''t get together unless Cayden makes a move.¡±


    ¡°I''m guessing Cayden has already met Avery.¡± Grover wiped his hands and put on a stern expression


    as he continued, ¡°Cayden is a possessive and controlling guy. He would probably die from jealousy if


    Avery really does have a boyfriend.¡±


    Meanwhile, in the Moore residence, Zachary cleared the call history and ced the phone back in


    Kendrick''s room.


    ¡°Do you think Daddy will buy us a phone if we ask him for one?¡± Rory asked as she followed her


    brother.


    Zachary gave it some thought and advised against it to avoid angering Cayden.


    Since Kendrick was a heavy sleeper, he figured they could just use his phone instead.

 Chapter 53

    Chapter 53


    ¡°Mr. Hayward told me that Mommy already has a boyfriend, so it''s impossible for her and Daddy to get


    together,¡± Zachary said.


    Rory nodded even though she didn''t really understand what was going on.


    ¡°In that case, we should help Daddy find a girlfriend. I think Ms. Ery would suit him perfectly,¡± Zachary


    continued.


    I was wrong about Daddy abandoning Mommy. It was Mommy who found herself a new boyfriend...


    When it was time for breakfast, Allie could be seening down the stairs with exquisite makeup on.


    ¡°Hey, Dad. There''s something I need to take care of, so I''ll be heading out for a bit,¡± she said while


    walking past the dining table.


    Jeffrey was about to tell her to go ahead when Lily arched an eyebrow and cut him off. ¡°You look like


    you spent an hour dolling yourself up! Are you going on a date or something?¡±


    Judging by the unpleasant look on Jeffrey''s face, it became obvious that he was the only person


    bothered by their banter.


    ¡°Don''t worry, Lily. Unlike you, I''m not desperate enough to go seducing men out of loneliness. Bruce


    may have passed early, but I won''t let him down,¡± Allie replied calmly.


    Lily mmed her fork down on the table and turned to re at her. ¡°Who are you calling desperate?¡±


    Had it not been for the housekeeper holding her back, Lily would''ve thrown herself at Allie on the spot.


    ¡°You disgusting b*tch! I wouldn''t have ended up in this position if you hadn''t seduced my husband back


    then! Seeing you so early in the morning makes me want to puke!¡± Lily shouted angrily while jabbing a


    finger at her.


    Noticing that Jeffrey was about to lose his temper, Allie stopped arguing and strutted out of the


    mansion with her limited-edition handbag.


    Lily got so mad that she had difficulty breathing, so the housekeeper quickly brought her to her room


    upstairs.


    With a frown on his face, Kendrick instructed the butler, ¡°Get a doctor to take a look at my mom.¡±


    Allie had only gotten a little over three hours of sleep the previous night.


    Standing by the bedroom window, she overheard Zachary and Rory''s conversation in the garden


    below.


    They''re nning on asking Cayden about their mother''s whereabouts, huh? Their mother sure is a


    mysterious one... Even Jeffrey doesn''t have any information on her despite being the head of the family


    at the time. Grover and Lindsay have kept a pretty tight lid on it too. We''d tried sounding them out and


    even offered to pay them off, but nothing ever seemed to work.


    With that in mind, Allie waited until no one was around and asked the kids about it before leaving the


    house.


    ¡°Daddy only told me that Mommy is still alive. I tried asking him for more information, but he told me not


    to push my luck,¡± Zachary replied.


    Cayden had a hot temper, so it made perfect sense that the kids wouldn''t dare question him any


    further.


    Who on earth gave birth to Zach and Rory? Was it Cayden''s woman, or some other girlfriend that I


    don''t even know of? Heck, it could even be a secret deal of some sort! Regardless, there must be a


    clue about her that I can find. Honestly, why would he even keep such a secret from me? For people in


    wealthy families, having a child is equal to having an heir! I''m surprised this woman hasn''t tried to


    marry into this household yet! Being a woman myself, I know for a fact that no woman could possibly


    resist the temptation of being married into a wealthy family!


    Allie made a phone call while she was in the car, and it got through fairly quickly.


    ¡°I''m almost there. You''d better not try anything funny, Leonardo! I won''t let you off the hook this time, so


    don''t force my hand!¡± she said coldly while staring at the scenery outside the window.


    Meanwhile, Avery was cooking some pasta in the kitchen.


    She put in some broli and some scrambled eggs and added the sauce in the final step.


    Nina was already waiting at the dining table after washing up.


    Unbeknownst to Avery, her phone had been vibrating quite a few times while she was in the kitchen.


    As the two of them were working adults, it wasn''t umon for them to get calls from their colleagues


    or bosses all the time. Noticing the name ¡°Noelle¡± on the screen, Nina was about to tell Avery about it


    when the iing message caught her attention.


    Noelle''s text message read: Hey, Ery! Do you want the voice recording of Zayne''s intimate


    conversation with that woman? It mighte in handy when you break up with himter.


    Nina felt her blood boil after reading that.


    How is this possible?


    She quickly unlocked Avery''s phone and sent a reply: Yes, please send it over!


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Noelle then sent a voice recording over, and Nina could clearly hear the full conversation between


    Zayne and Mna.


    Not only has Zayne cheated on Avery, but he even got Mna pregnant... What the f*ck?


    Furious at what her brother had done, Nina gave him a call and shouted angrily, ¡°What the heck is


    wrong with you? You just couldn''t keep your d*ck to yourself, huh? Well, guess what? You and Mna


    sure make a great couple, since you''re both filthy pieces of sh*t! Don''t worry, though. I''m sure you''ll


    both catch some nasty STDs and die together!¡±


    Avery came running out of the kitchen the moment she heard the loud voice of Nina. ¡°What happened,


    Nina? Who were you arguing with so early in the morning?¡±


    Nina hung up the phone and shook her head. ¡°It''s nothing. I was just using your phone to give


    someone a piece of my mind, that''s all.¡±


    Avery tried checking her call history after breakfast, but she couldn''t find anything, as Nina had already


    deleted it. She then decided to forget about it and headed out for work.


    Since Nina would be visiting a site with the head of the department, Avery was unable to hitch a ride


    and had to take the subway to work instead.


    She entered the coach absentmindedly, as she kept thinking about the earlier incident.


    Nina sure was acting really strange earlier. She sounded like she was cursing at a guy for cheating on


    her. Did she enter a rtionship and get cheated on too? That poor girl...


    Avery let out a sigh at the thought of that.


    The train was a little packed at the time. A middle-aged man had been slowly making his way toward


    Avery, but she didn''t think much about it, as there wasn''t much space to move about. However, she


    realized something was amiss when he grabbed the handle she was holding on to even though there


    were other handles nearby.


    Avery shot the pervert a nce and tried to pull away from him, but he simply continued moving closer


    toward her.


    Right when she had run out of space, she felt a familiar firm grip around her waist.


    Lowering her head, she noticed a good-looking hand on her waist. The next thing Avery knew, she was


    pulled off bnce and fell into a man''s arms.


    ¡°Honey, are you still mad at me?¡± Cayden said in a seductive, deep voice.


    The pervert quickly froze in his tracks when he saw the protective and muscr Cayden holding her


    tightly and affectionately.


    He looked up at Cayden upon hearing him call Avery ¡°Honey,¡± only to go pale when he met Cayden''s


    icy cold gaze. He was so intimidated that he quickly squeezed his way out of there and disappeared


    behind the crowd in seconds.


    Huh? Cayden is taking the subway? What the heck is going on here?


    Although Avery felt incredibly safe in his embrace, she felt a little awkward because the constant


    shaking of the train caused her to rub against him a lot.

 Chapter 54

    Chapter 54


    As the train moved from one station to another, Avery felt a strong sexual tension building up between


    their bodies that were tightly pressed against each other.


    Avery dared not to raise her head at first. However, as time passed, the blush on her face faded, so


    Avery attempted to lift her head to look up at the huge windows of the train and nce at their


    reflection.


    Cayden was standing behind her with one arm on the handle and the other around her waist, encircling


    her in his embrace.


    Due to the huge height difference between them, Avery would have to look upward in order to see his


    face.


    The pervert had only touched her hand once earlier, but Cayden was holding her tightly in his arms as


    if she belonged to him.


    Having heard him call Avery ¡°Honey¡± earlier, the guys standing near her quickly moved away for fear of


    offending him any further.


    A lot of passengers got off the train the moment it came to a halt in the heart of the city.


    Unsure of whether Cayden knew how the subway worked, Avery turned around and whispered, ¡°This is


    where we get off.¡±


    Since Cayden had no idea which station he should get off at, he only let go of her after hearing that.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Not wanting to stick around a second longer, Avery quickly got off the train and made her way to the


    exit as usual. She was in such a hurry to get out of there that she didn''t even dare look back.


    After she exited the subway station, all she had to do was cross a street to get to Trident Group.


    Although the walk took less than five minutes, Avery''s heart was pounding like crazy the whole time.


    He may not be walking next to me, but I know he''s definitely close by! I wonder if anyone will see us,


    since we''re so near the office building now... Seeing Caydene to work by train is like seeing an


    elephant cross the road!


    With that in mind, Avery instinctively quickened her pace as she continued walking toward the Trident


    Group office building.


    Cayden, too, swiftly made his way out of the subway station a few secondster.


    He had actually driven over to Avery''s residential area at around seven in the morning, but he decided


    to follow her on foot when he saw her heading toward the subway station absentmindedly.


    He then followed her into the subway, bought himself a ticket with his credit card, and entered the train


    like she did.


    As Avery was too absent-minded at the time, she didn''t even notice him following behind her.


    Cayden had thought that he no longer felt anything toward her after five years of separation, but that


    was clearly not the case.


    Surely enough, Cayden attracted a lot of attention as he showed up at the entrance of Trident Group.


    As Cayden usually drove to work, everyone was surprised to see him taking the train that day.


    The mere sight of him crossing the street from the subway station was enough to spark a ton of


    discussions among the employees.


    After walking through the revolving door, Avery kept her head low and made a beeline for the elevator.


    Despite being the first to enter the elevator as soon as the doors opened, she was still unable to avoid


    sharing it with Cayden.


    Her face turned as white as a sheet when she saw him enter seconds after she did.


    It took Avery quite a long while just to regain herposure and push the button for her floor.


    A strange tension formed in the elevator as it slowly started to go up.


    Every time the elevator stopped at a certain floor, the people waiting outside would quickly apologize


    upon seeing Cayden and go for the other elevator. No one dared to get into the elevator.


    Naturally, Avery received a lot of weird looks from them when they noticed her standing in the corner.


    After what seemed like forever, the elevator finally stopped at her floor.


    She was about to step out the doors when he grabbed her by the wrist.


    ¡°Here, your medicine,¡± he mumbled softly while handing her a stic bag with a pharmacy''s logo on it.


    His voice was tinged with a hint of exhaustion.


    Huh? Did he go to buy me some medicine from a pharmacy? Oh... So, that''s why he asked me to wait


    for him yesterday! I can''t believe I just left like that!


    During the train ride, he had been standing behind her with his body pressed against her back. After


    leaving the subway station, Avery did not turn around and take a good look at him. It was only at that


    moment that she finally raised her head to regard Cayden and saw what he was wearing.


    Instead of his usual formal attire, Cayden was wearing a white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up.


    Theck of a necktie made him appear more casual and approachable, but he still looked as mature


    and steady as always.


    Avery was so captivated by his appearance that her body reacted on its own, causing her to reach out


    and take the medicine.


    Having been kept up all night due to her overthinking, Cecelia decided toe in to work early that


    day. She was going to get herself a cup of coffee to kick-start her brain, but she paused in her tracks


    when she saw a familiar figure standing at the doors to the elevator.


    Avery?


    Before Cecelia could even call out to her, a muscr arm reached out and pulled Avery inside.


    Thanks to her keen eyesight and fashion sense, Cecelia noticed the expensive watch on the man''s


    wrist and knew it was Cayden right away.


    After pulling Avery into the elevator, Cayden pinned her against the wall and kissed her so deeply that


    she began to suffocate.


    This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    The sounds of their passionate panting between kisses and clothes rustling against each other filled


    the tiny space inside the elevator.


    Cayden then slid his hands into Avery''s shirt, causing her legs to go weak instantly. The sensation of


    his rough, calloused palms on her smooth skin gave her goosebumps all over.


    ¡°Stop it...¡± Avery muttered weakly as she found herself drowning in his masculine scent.


    It was often said that people would get aroused more easily in the morning, and that statement was


    proven to be true in their case.


    As if that wasn''t enough, the fact that they were making out in an elevator where people could walk in


    anytime only made the experience all the more exciting.


    Still a little shaken up by what she had seen, Cecelia hid herself in the pantry and nervously sipped on


    her poorly-made cup of coffee.


    Upon noticing Avery enter the design department, Cecelia quickly put her mug down and ran up to


    Avery as fast as her legs could carry her. The sight of Avery''s reddened cheeks and swollen lips made


    it clear to Cecelia that Avery had been making out with Cayden earlier.


    After spending the entire morning going through her work absentmindedly, Avery was snapped out of


    her daze when her phone rang all of a sudden.


    She answered the call when she saw Nephele''s name on the caller ID, only to hear thetter exim


    excitedly, ¡°Hey, Ery! Do you remember the most handsome and skilled basketball yer from the high


    school next to our school? You know, the guy named Moore?¡±


    Avery was so shocked that she held her breath and kept quiet in anticipation.


    ¡°He has never shown up to any of our gatherings throughout the years, which is perfectly normal, as


    seniors don''t usually like hanging out with their juniors. Now, here''s the surprising part. He said he''s


    going to attend our gathering this year! ording to my mom, he should be having a meeting in


    Anndur this weekend. However, he just called earlier and said he had brought that meeting forward.


    On top of all that, he even promised to bring some famous orthopedic surgeons from Anndur over to


    help treat my mom! You used to have a crush on him back in the day, didn''t you?¡± Nephele continued.

 Chapter 55

    Chapter 55


    ¡°That''s not true...¡± Avery denied it instinctively.


    ¡°Pfft! Don''t lie to me! I remember that you would lean against the wall and watch him dreamily as he


    was training in the school field!¡± Nephele said.


    Of course, Avery remembered the events from her days in high school like it was yesterday.


    She had a tendency to stare dreamily at anything and anyone that she found attractive. Surely enough,


    the one person that she had stared at the most throughout high school was none other than Moore


    from the neighboring school.


    Figuring Avery was probably blushing like crazy, Nephele continued, ¡°I don''t me you for that, though!


    After all, who wouldn''t have a crush on a campus hunk like him? This is nothing to be ashamed of!¡±


    Avery felt her face burning up as she heard that and visualized Cayden as Moore.


    I''ve heard of Cayden having a younger brother named ¡°Kendrick¡± who looks quite simr to him, but


    I''ve never seen Kendrick in person. What if I''ve gotten them mixed up this whole time? What if Kendrick


    is actually Moore? Oh, no... That would probably be the biggest misunderstanding ever!


    ¡°What are you talking about? I was only fourteen at the time!¡± Avery protested stubbornly.


    ¡°So what if you were fourteen? Will you stop being so conservative? Don''t you know that tons of


    students have already started dating at that age? There were even cases of tenth-grade students


    getting abortions at the time! My mom is a teacher there, so I hear stories like these at home all the


    time. I bet you were just too innocent to realize your feelings for him back then!¡± Nephele snapped back


    at her.


    Unable to counter her statement, Avery could only keep quiet in response.


    ¡°Anyway, we''ve changed the venue for the gathering this weekend. I''ll send you the addresster,


    okay? I have a long list of people that I need to call and inform about the change, so I''ll be hanging up


    now. Bye!¡± Nephele said and hung up on Avery immediately after.


    This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Avery had butterflies in her stomach as she ced her phone down.


    I was wondering if Moore would turn up at the gathering, but Nephele has just confirmed that he''s


    definitely going... Every girl is bound to have crushes on guys as she grows up, and I''m no different.


    While I may not admit to it, I know full well how I feel about him... Wait, no... Even if I do meet Moore at


    the gathering, I''ll only greet him with a nod at best. There are tons of other girls that like him, and I''m


    probably the most unimpressive one of all, anyway.


    Not wanting to distract herself any further, Avery shook her head to rid herself of those thoughts so she


    could focus on her work.


    Meanwhile, on the outskirts of the city, Allie had finished a few cups of coffee by the time Leonardo


    arrived at the restaurant.


    Seconds after Leonardo entered the private room, a waiter came in and asked, ¡°What would you two


    like to have?¡±


    Allie was about to tell the waiter that they wouldn''t be eating anything, but Leonardo had already picked


    up the menu and ordered a few dishes.


    ¡°Understood. We will bring you your food shortly,¡± the waiter replied before leaving the private room.


    Displeased by the restaurant''s poor hygiene and Leonardo''s tardiness, Allie jabbed at her watch and


    scolded him, ¡°Why are you sote, Leonardo? Don''t you know that you can''t afford to waste my time


    like this?¡±


    ¡°Sorry about that. I''mte because my family is keeping a close eye on me at home,¡± Leonardo replied


    honestly.


    Allie let out a snicker when she heard his exnation.


    ¡°It''s been so many years, and you''re still such a f*cking coward? Honestly, I can''t even imagine how


    stupid a woman must be to marry a useless man like you! And here I thought I was the only one na?ve


    enough to fall for your useless a*s.¡±


    Despite her nasty insults, all Leonardo could do was sit up straight and force a smile at her.


    Under normal circumstances, Leonardo would have tried his best to avoid his arrogant ex-wife who had


    trampled over his ego and pride.


    However, he had no choice but to swallow his anger that day, as he needed her help with something.


    ¡°Let''s just get down to business. You own a third of our old house that is going to be demolished soon,


    so I''d like to hear your thoughts on this matter. If it''s money that you want, then tell me how much I


    need to pay you.¡± Leonardo didn''t even dare look her in the eye when he said that.


    Thanks to the great skin care that she could afford, Allie looked so dazzling that it was hard to guess


    her actual age.


    Her life had taken a great turn ever since she married into the Moore family. Being the second wife of


    the former head of Trident Group, Allie was able to enjoy the wealth and glory that came with that title.


    She had even made headlines in all sorts of magazines and newspapers alongside her husband.


    Leonardo still remembered the first time he saw his wife appear in a newspaper with another man.


    He was flipping through a newspaper at work when he saw the pictures, and he got so distracted that


    he didn''t even hear the other employees warn him about the dangering his way. As a result, he


    failed to dodge the crane in time and nearly had his left ear crushed.


    He couldn''t bring himself to forget Allie, as she was his perfect first love that he had married against all


    odds.


    Their house in Livingsfill was an old two-story home. As the developers needed thend back, they


    offered marypensation to its residents before demolishing it.


    Naturally, signatures from all owners of the house would be required before the money could be


    transferred over.


    Leonardo had listed Allie as one of the owners of the house when they got married twenty-five years


    ago, but she didn''t mention anything about the house when they got divorced.


    Had it not been for the developer pressuring Leonardo to get the papers signed, Leonardo wouldn''t


    even be meeting up with Allie at all.


    Thest time the two of them met was a little over a year ago. At present, Allie tried to look him in the


    eye and take him seriously but found herself unable to do so.


    ¡°To be honest, I would''ve forgotten about Livingsfill if you hadn''t brought it up today. How much could


    they possibly offer for demolishing an old house in a small town like that? Two thousand per square


    meter? Or three thousand? How much will I be getting? A couple hundred thousand? Or am I


    overestimating it here?¡± Allie asked disdainfully.


    ording to Leonardo''s calctions, Allie would actually be getting two hundred thousand for it.


    Before he could say anything, Allie shot him a sympathetic nce as she continued, ¡°I don''t want a


    single cent out of thatpensation amount. It''s not even enough for me to buy a limited edition


    handbag anyway. You can let your current wife have that money instead.¡±


    After giving it some thought, Leonardo handed Allie the contract and a pen without saying anything.


    Not wanting to waste another second being around him, Allie quickly signed her name on the contract


    without any hesitation.


    ¡°There, it''s done.¡± Allie then ced the pen on the contract and handed it back to him.


    She grabbed her handbag and was about to leave when Leonardo reached out to stop her. ¡°Allie, about


    Ery... I''ve been deliberately keeping my distance from her. You told me you wanted her to live a better


    life.¡±


    Having recalled the matter, she asked, ¡°Has she returned?¡±


    Leonardo nodded.


    ¡°In this case, we''ll do it my way for now. Regardless of whether she has a boyfriend, I''m going to


    introduce one to her. Don''t worry; I won''t hurt my own daughter,¡± Allie continued before leaving the


    restaurant in disgust.

 Chapter 56

    Chapter 56


    After Leonardo went home, he was suffering from a headache throughout the night.


    Meanwhile, Henrietta was busy looking for the contract in the house.


    After flipping through the house for a long time with no luck, she couldn''t help but grumble to Mna,


    ¡°Leonardo is starting to scheme against me. Why can''t he just die already?¡±


    ¡°Die? If he dies now, can we still get thepensation for the demolition? The amount is hundreds of


    thousands! Have you ever seen that much money throughout your life?¡± Mna was helping her mother


    look for the contract. She then frowned and whispered, ¡°Even if he were to die, he can only do so after


    we get the money.¡±


    ¡°I only stayed with him and lived a tough life because of you.¡± Henrietta brought a stool and searched


    the top of the shoe cab.


    After an hour of searching, they still couldn''t find anything.


    Henrietta went into the bedroom grumpily and came out again. She only went to the dining room to eat


    the takeaway her daughter bought after making sure that Leonardo was asleep.


    As she was peeling the crawfish, Mna asked, ¡°Mom, do you think a man like him could have married


    a goddess or something when he was young? Why is he hiding his ex-wife''s identity from us?¡±


    ¡°Are you stupid? After his ex-wife divorced him, she ended up having a good marriage. A woman like


    that is most afraid of people finding out about her ugly past.¡± Henrietta wasn''t ready to give up yet. She


    was determined to keep looking for the contract so that she could find out about the woman''s name.


    Mna ate a crawfish and started peeling a second one. ¡°I''ve flipped through all the magazines and


    newspapers to look at every rich housewife in the city. I haven''t found one that looks like Avery.¡±


    ¡°Avery''s biological mom is so heartless. It has been over twenty years since she abandoned Avery.


    How could she note and visit her daughter even once?¡± Henrietta clicked her tongue.


    The next day, Leonardo headed out.


    Mna followed her mother''s instructions and tailed Leonardo. I didn''t get to follow him yesterday, and


    I''ve missed out on a good chance to see who''s actually Avery''s biological mother!


    Leonardo hailed a taxi and went to a regr cafe.


    Mna was keeping a close eye on him when she called her mother and said, ¡°Mr. Rumpley isn''t


    meeting his ex-wife. Instead, he''s here to see Avery.¡±


    ¡°That shameless b*tch!¡± Henrietta was enraged. ¡°Is he going to give thepensation money to her?


    No, this won''t do! I can''t let her get anything!¡±


    In the cafe, Avery kept her head lowered as she stirred her cup of cappino.


    It had been a year or so since she noticed her father was distancing himself from her, and she had


    trouble epting it. Even though she had been back to Ackleton all this while and knew that her father


    was there, she was still adamant about not returning home.


    ¡°I heard that you''ve broken up with Zayne. Is that true?¡± Leonardo asked directly.


    ¡°Yes. That''s right.¡± Avery lifted her head slightly and saw how her father looked older than he was


    supposed to.


    As his daughter, she was heartbroken. Even so, she kept her feelings to herself because she was


    afraid that her father would leave her again and refuse to see her. I don''t even know why Dad hates me


    so much.


    With his trembling hand, Leonardo took out his medical report and put it on the coffee table.


    ¡°This...¡± Before Avery could finish her sentence, she saw the cover of the document.


    She then grabbed it and had a look. After taking a deep breath in horror, she asked, ¡°What''s this? How


    could this be?¡±


    Leonardo''s days were numbered. After barely surviving cancer five years ago, he was now diagnosed


    with lung cancer.


    ¡°My lung cancer is terminal,¡± Leonardo uttered. Shortness of breath and chest pains were the


    symptoms that had caused him a lot of suffering. ¡°The reason I didn''t want to see you before this was


    because I wanted you to learn to live independently. I wanted you to learn how to live your life without


    having a father. I''m sure you''ve adapted well. Ever since you lost your mother when you were little,


    you''ve always been better than all the kids your age. You were polite, filial, and sensible...¡±


    Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Avery held the medical report in her hand, and tears streamed down her cheeks without prior warning.


    ¡°I''m about to die, and you''re still the person I worry about most.¡± Leonardo pretended to act rxed and


    shed a half-smile before continuing, ¡°In your life, nothing is more important than your marriage. Ery,


    since you''ve broken up with Zayne, I was thinking if I could find you a good husband before I die. I


    would like to help you because I want you to be happy.¡±


    Avery kept silent and listened to whatever he had to say to her.


    ¡°Also, the old house is getting demolished, and I''m thinking of saving up some money for you. Just in


    case your marriage goes south, you would have some money for yourself. Of course, I don''t mean to


    wish for that. I know the man marrying my daughter is going to be loyal,¡± Leonardo added.


    Avery then saw that the medical report was dated a year ago. That was when Dad started distancing


    himself from me.


    ¡°Dad... This is a serious illness. How could you hide it from me?¡± Avery was on the verge of breaking


    down. He should''ve gotten it checked earlier on. What if it was curable?


    Half an hourter, only Avery was left in the cafe.


    Leonardo didn''t want her daughter to get too sad, so he had given her an excuse before he left.


    At that moment, her coffee cup was apanied by a medical report and a note on each side.


    Avery''s eyes were swollen from crying. She kept staring at the medical report, and her tears just kept


    rolling down her cheeks. I don''t get it. Why don''t good people deserve better?


    After leaving the cafe, she called her father and said, ¡°Go to the hospital, okay? What if there''s a


    chance it''s curable?¡±


    After all, Dad had survived something simr five years ago.


    Leonardo answered, ¡°Attend the blind date and see if it''s workable, okay? Only then I''ll decide if I''ll go


    to the hospital.¡± That was hisst wish. He was certain that Allie would help her biological daughter.


    ¡°I''ll go. I''ll definitely go.¡± Avery nodded. She cried again after hearing her father''s voice.


    As the wind blew across the intersection, Avery stared at the cars passing by after her conversation


    with Leonardo. She felt lost and helpless as she sobbed her lungs out.


    At longst, the weekend had arrived. Avery was getting ready to head out without applying her


    makeup.


    While standing at the entrance, Nina nced at her and asked, ¡°Ery, it doesn''t matter if the blind date


    goes well or not. But don''t you have a ss reunion tonight? Are you sure you''re not going to apply


    makeup? You''re going to see your ex-ssmates, you know?¡±


    Avery shook her head in response. She wasn''t in the mood for makeup. Besides, she never had the


    habit of putting on makeup.


    Nina sighed and uttered sincerely, ¡°All right, then. Since you''re so naturally pretty, you have the luxury


    of not needing makeup. Cheer up, okay? Mr. Rumpley is going to get well!¡±


    After that, she walked Avery to the elevator.


    Avery went downstairs, and she still couldn''t take her mind off the fact that Leonardo was diagnosed


    with lung cancer.


    She walked with her head hung low, and her thick curled eyshes flickered a few times. Suddenly,


    someone grabbed her wrist from behind. When she turned around and saw the man''s exquisite facial


    features, he had already dragged her into the back of his car. While she was still in shock, the man


    pulled her into his embrace before giving her a familiar and domineering kiss.


    He just kept kissing her and suckling on her lips.


    She wanted to cry when she was invaded by Cayden''s familiar scent and lips.


    Although Cayden had only been away for a business trip for a few days, he had missed her dearly.


    After all the busy schedules, he had finally managed to rush back for the weekend. Upon arriving, all he


    wanted to do was to see her, kiss her, and touch her.


    Perhaps she was too lonely, but Avery didn''t put up much of a resistance.


    About ten minutester, she could feel that Cayden had already injured the soft skin inside her mouth


    by kissing her. He then stopped and whispered into her ear in a hoarse voice, ¡°I want to swallow you


    whole and imprison you in my body! That way, I can bring you with me wherever I go!¡±

 Chapter 57

    Chapter 57


    With her watery eyes and slightly flushed cheeks, Avery looked at Cayden in a daze.


    Cayden was also staring back at her with his passionate gaze. After a while of staring at each other, he


    couldn''t figure out what was on her mind, so he leaned toward her once again.


    Avery''s eyes were wide open as she was getting kissed by Cayden.


    She could clearly see his high-bridged nose and exceptional brow ridge. Under the night sky, his


    alluring and delicate facial features seemed rather surreal.


    Cayden had a hand at the back of her head and another under her chin. There, his passionate kiss


    went from her lips to her neck and corbone.


    ¡°Mmm...¡± Avery was forced to lift her head and catered to his acts.


    Cayden''s moist lips just kept pressing against her skin.


    By then, things were getting more and more heated.


    Avery was quite inexperienced. Especially with kissing, because she had only done it with him.


    Hence, she let him take the lead.


    Avery closed her eyes. By the time she opened them again, she was gasping for air, and her tongue


    had gone numb. She held up her hand and pressed against his firm chest.


    Cayden grabbed her moving hand and held on to it firmly.


    At that moment, Avery felt a surge of heat within her body, and the feeling was intense.


    Scared, she lowered her gaze to shy away. However, her gaze met Cayden''s alluring lips as he was


    still suckling on her tongue.


    She tasted the taste in his mouth, and he tasted refreshing with a hint of tobo.


    Aroused, Avery couldn''t help but close her eyes, clear her mind, and concentrate on the passionate


    kiss.


    The intensity of the kiss was increasing by the second.


    Fortunately for them, it was at night. Moreover, they were in the back of his car, so passersby wouldn''t


    be able to see them.


    She could hear his aroused grunts clearly, and a certain part of his body was reacting to the


    excitement.


    In the midst of the intimate moment, she couldn''t help but moan. Mmm... It''s getting harder to breathe...


    On a night like that, one''s excitement was bound to gather up in a certain part of the body.


    Avery felt like she was going mad. How could I shamelessly want more of this?


    Cayden pressed her petite body into his chest and induced her hands to wrap around his waist.


    Just like that, both their bodies were pressed tightly against each other.


    They were like a couple who had just fallen crazily in love for the first time. Avery could feel that the


    injuries in her mouth had just worsened, and she could even taste a hint of blood.


    Hence, she began resisting. If this goes on, he''s going to suck me dry...


    Cayden was breathing heavily when he asked in his sexy and hoarse voice, ¡°Did I hurt you?¡± His eyes


    were reddened, and he looked like he was just about to reach his climax.


    She looked into Cayden''s eyes and pressed his firm and warm chest with a finger. However, she


    quickly retracted it because his body temperature was too high.


    Cayden noticed her looking away. After stroking her face and kissing her lips gently, he said, ¡°Your


    heart is racing.¡±


    Avery merely lowered her head and refused to admit it.


    The passion in Cayden''s eyes was burning intensely, and he looked like a formidable beast. The


    woman in his embrace, however, looked like a scaredy-cat that was seduced by him.


    ¡°I''m sorry, but I have something to attend to. I''ll take my leave now.¡± At that moment, all Avery wanted


    was to find somewhere to be alone and p herself across the face.


    When Avery got out of the car, a middle-aged couple in the residential area spotted her when they were


    taking a stroll.


    Considering his tall figure and long legs, Cayden took two steps forward and caught up to her easily.


    She was walking with her head hung low at one moment, and she was lifted off the ground the next.


    ¡°Hey! Put me down!¡± Avery was stumped.


    As she was leaning on his shoulder, she was rather shaken up.


    The couple couldn''t help but feel embarrassed upon seeing that. What a domineering young man!


    Cayden opened the car door and shoved her into the car.


    The couple stretched their necks to see what they were doing inside the car. However, Cayden''s


    imported car had dark window tinting on, so people couldn''t see much of the inside.


    Cayden didn''t give Avery a chance to speak, and he started the car.


    ¡°You can either fasten your seatbelt yourself, or I''ll do it for you,¡± he ordered in a deep voice. After that,


    he turned the steering wheel aggressively and sped out of the residential area.


    Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Unless she wanted to risk her life and jump out, Avery had no chance to get out of the car.


    The ck Land Rover left the residential area and drove for around ten minutes. He only pulled over


    when they arrived on a secluded street and parked the car by the side of the road.


    Avery had no idea why he had suddenly stopped the car.


    Her heart was pounding, and she was reminded of the ss reunion she was supposed to attend. She


    couldn''t resist ncing at him curiously. I wonder what is he doing tonight. Is he going to attend the


    mentor''s birthday celebration as well?


    Cayden closed his eyes and frowned slightly. He then leaned against the driver''s seat as his breathing


    turned ragged. Suddenly, he asked, ¡°Did you miss me at all?¡±


    He wasn''t looking at her when he asked that.


    Avery didn''t know how to answer him. After not seeing him for the past few days, she only wondered


    what he had been up to at that moment. Nephele did say he had gone abroad for a meeting.


    Before the forceful kiss they had in the car back at the residential area, she hadn''t thought about him at


    all. Her mind had been upied ever since she heard about her father''s lung cancer, and she had lost


    all sense of reasoning.


    ¡°I''m sorry, but I really need to go.¡± Avery didn''t know what to answer, so she chose to avoid the


    question instead. Sometimes, the only way out is by avoiding.


    When she reached out her hand to grab the car door handle, Cayden held her free hand.


    Avery felt the warm grip, and she looked out the window. After taking a deep breath, she closed her


    eyes and felt his grip tightening.


    Cayden opened his eyes and looked at her as she tried to get out of the car. However, she shied away


    and showed him the back of her head.


    Her stubbornness angered him. ¡°Did I say you can leave?¡± Everyone knew how bad Cayden''s temper


    was. Although he was usually ruthless and aggressive, he had been very tolerant toward her.


    ¡°Come here!¡± he said.


    All of a sudden, he pulled Avery in, and she fell t on the seat with a whimper.


    Imported Land Rovers had spacious front seats, so she didn''t knock into anything before she fell.


    However, she did hit something strangely shaped when she moved her face.


    Upon taking a look, Avery was stunned.


    She had fallen into Cayden''s arms.


    Right then, she was blushing uncontrobly.


    Cayden was enjoying the moment, though. An indescribable desire was gathering under his lower


    abdomen. He closed his eyes, and his Adam''s apple bobbed. I''m so turned on by her right now!


    Avery wanted to get up, but Cayden held her down by the waist.


    ¡°Let go of me!¡± she eximed.


    Cayden refused to move a muscle.


    Avery started struggling because she couldn''t stand having her face pressed against his sensitive part.


    After she tried to flip over with all her might, she rested her head in between his legs and barked, ¡°I


    have a blind date in half an hour. The venue is far from here, and I doubt I can make it in time if I don''t


    go now.¡±

 Chapter 58

    Chapter 58


    When Avery was telling Cayden about her blind date, she caught an unsurprising glimpse of him


    frowning even deeper. In fact, he looked rather scary.


    ¡°Let go of me! There''s no point in dwelling on this!¡± When she said this, she actually meant it for


    herself.


    Cayden widened his eyes, and his expression turned grim.


    Avery was still lying in between his legs, and she was slightly holding her breath with her lips pursed.


    After what seemed like a long time, Cayden suddenly let go of her waist and wrist.


    After being let go, Avery finally regained her freedom. At that moment, she looked neither happy nor


    upset.


    She got up and tidied herself up before picking up her purse.


    When she was about to open the car door and leave again, Cayden was filled with jealousy, and he


    lunged at her before pinning her down against the passenger seat.


    Cayden held her down and asked, ¡°Why are you wearing so little clothes? Is it for the blind date?


    What? Is wearing less your way of seducing men?¡±


    With his deep and bewitching eyes, Cayden stared deeply into her panicked ones.


    Avery knew he was just venting his anger. I''m wearing a pair of long pants and a long-sleeved shirt.


    Before I came out, Nina was still telling me I was wearing too conservatively for the blind date. She had


    even said I look like an old virgin!


    Ever since the moment she heard about Leonardo''s lung cancer, Avery seemed to have lost interest in


    everything. Besides, it doesn''t matter how I look for my blind date. What matters is personality. If a man


    only cares about what I wear, I doubt we would be suitable for each other. Yet, why did he say I''m


    wearing too little? Was he calling me a sl*t?


    Avery looked at him solemnly and retorted, ¡°Mr. Moore, do you have a problem with your eyes? I''m the


    most conservative person in thepany in terms of attire. How am I wearing less?¡±


    At that moment, Cayden looked pissed off. He knew Avery wasn''t dressed provocatively at all. In fact,


    she was dressed very conservatively. But how is she able to make me want her so badly when she''s


    dressed so conservatively?


    ¡°If that man is still aroused by how I''m dressed, I don''t think it''s something I can help with.¡± In other


    words, Avery was criticizing Cayden for having a dirty mind.


    ¡°You''re the only woman I know who''s capable of acting indecently with decent attire.¡± That was the first


    time Cayden had experienced her wittiness.


    As a punishment for her, he lowered his head and kissed her on her lips.


    ¡°Mmph...¡± The kiss came so swiftly that she was furrowing her brows. Due to the injuries in her mouth,


    she was having trouble trying to cope with them.


    Does everyone else kiss as aggressively as this? Avery was sure that Cayden was just more violent


    compared to other men.


    Although he could taste the faint metallic scent of blood in her mouth, he found it to his liking.


    By then, he was rubbing his tongue against the wounds in her mouth she had sustained from kissing.


    As a result, the atmosphere in the car was getting even more amorous.


    He then gradually lowered the passenger seat. In response, Avery shook her head and wiggled her


    body to reject him.


    ¡°Why are you twisting your body when a man is on top of you? Are you saying that you want more of it?


    You want more excitement, don''t you?¡± Cayden seemed a little breathless. He was afraid that her


    enthusiasm would make him lose his mind and want her there and then.


    Avery lifted her gaze and blinked continuously in fear.


    She was scared that he would force himself onto her. It''s almost time for my blind date. I can''t bete


    for the blind date Dad has arranged for me. Besides, I can''t bail on it either.


    She was willing to do whatever was necessary to get her father to go to the hospital.


    Avery was very objective about it. Only those who have experienced it will know that in the face of life


    and death, everything in the world bes no longer important, just like five years ago.


    Since Leonardo''s days were numbered, she felt that her chastity was not at all importantpared to


    her father''s precious life.


    Although her parents had given her life, she hated her mother, but she was extremely grateful to her


    father.


    She knew Leonardo had sacrificed too much for her. I''ve misunderstood Dad for over the past year. I


    can''t imagine how hurt he must''ve felt when I said those harsh words to him on the phone.


    ¡°Why are you suddenly going on a blind date?¡± Cayden was certain that there was no rush for her to


    jump onto the next, considering that she had just broken up with Zayne.


    Avery merely shook her head and kept mum.


    Again, he started kissing her. Their bodies were so close to each other that they could feel each other''s


    warmth.


    Cayden licked her lips and asked in a deep voice, ¡°I''m going to ask you again. Why are you going on a


    blind date?¡±


    Avery stared at him and struggled to find the words to answer him.


    ¡°Well, judging by the look in your eyes, it seems like you''re craving something, aren''t you?¡± While


    kissing her, Cayden started unbuttoning her shirt aggressively.


    ¡°I-I''ll talk...¡± She couldn''t stand his sensual touches any longer.


    Cayden stopped what he was doing and queried, ¡°Why are you going on a blind date?¡±


    Avery took a deep breath before revealing everything to him. She told him about how her father had


    kept his end-stage cancer from her and how he was worried about her being alone, so he wanted to


    find her a good husband.


    Avery was leaning against the seat, and she had nowhere to escape. With Cayden on top of her and


    less than a centimeter away, she could feel his breath on her lips.


    ¡°Do you really want to go?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Yes. I must go,¡± she shut her eyes and answered with difficulty.


    Cayden lowered his head and kissed her domineeringly. After suckling on her tongue, he frowned and


    asked, ¡°Compared to me, are you more attracted to the man you''re about to see on your blind date?¡±


    Avery felt the pain on her tongue, and she opened her eyes to look at him. If he''s really a man that I''m


    with every day, I bet he''s going to suck me dry just by kissing me. I''m already feeling so much pain


    when he kisses me. What about when he does more than that?


    She then shook her head and berated herself for thinking about something she wasn''t supposed to


    think about.


    Original from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Well, his advantage is that he''s not richer than you,¡± Avery answered honestly. ¡°I haven''t seen him, but


    I saw some of his information in the documents.¡±


    Cayden was puzzled. ¡°Is it wrong to be rich?¡±


    Avery''s heart raced, and she uttered with a pale face, ¡°Maybe. At least that''s the case with my family.


    My dad hates rich people.¡±


    ¡°Why does he hate rich people?¡± As a rich man, Cayden felt he had been incredibly wronged. How can


    a man who has aplished nothing be called a man? Every man should aim to dominate the


    business world.


    Avery merely shook her head in response because she didn''t want to reveal the truth.


    After she was born, her mother abandoned her and her father for money. That wasn''t something she


    would want to tell Cayden about.


    She was afraid that Cayden would sympathize with her, and she would end up not being able to resist


    him. He''s the king of the business world, and he has influence over the whole city. If he were to do


    something for me, there''s no way I can ever repay him.


    ¡°People with end-stage cancer are mentally unstable, huh? Fine. I''ll send you to your blind date.¡±


    Cayden didn''t give her any chance to reject his gesture. He then nced at her again and said,


    ¡°However, you have to do something for me in return.¡±


    Avery nced at him. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Take the initiative and kiss me for ten minutes.¡± Cayden ced his hand on her forehead before


    moving it toward the back of her head. He was gesturing for her to not be shy and offer him her lips.

 Chapter 59

    Chapter 59


    Ten minutes? Avery widened her eyes in bewilderment. ¡°I-I can''t do it.¡±


    Cayden leaned in and lightly rested his lips on hers. He kept rubbing his lips on hers without going in


    for a kiss. When he saw her getting startled, that was when he started moving in for a kiss.


    She turned away and shut her eyes. ¡°I-I''ll do it. So don''t...¡±


    Cayden got up and went back to the driver''s seat when he saw her breathing heavily.


    He then rolled down the window and lit a cigarette. He narrowed his eyes, took a puff of the cigarette,


    and massaged his sore temple with the fingers he was holding the cigarette with.


    Cayden was willing to wait for her to prepare herself before going over to kiss him.


    Throughout the twenty-nine years of his life, he had been to the brothels more than she had been to


    the hotels. However, unlike most sessful men, Cayden was never one to lead a messy private life.


    As Avery said, he could get any kind of woman he wanted just by shooting them a look.


    Yet, for some reason, he hated those women a lot.


    It didn''t matter if they were celebrities or models. None of them could turn his head.


    Cayden was ready to just focus on Avery for the rest of his life.


    Avery sat up straight and adjusted her seat.


    After that, she just sat awkwardly in her passenger seat.


    By the time Cayden was halfway through his cigarette, he suddenly turned to look at her.


    Sensing his gaze, Avery trembled slightly and bit her lip without knowing what to do next. Do I just lean


    in and kiss him?


    ¡°Come here. I''ll show you the ropes.¡± Cayden reached out his hand.


    However, she remained in her seat, unmoving. Cayden was getting annoyed by her unwillingness. With


    a frown, he uttered, ¡°My patience has a limit, you know? I can definitely stop you from going on the


    blind date, and there''s nothing you can do about it.¡±


    In other words, he wouldn''t give a hoot about her father if she were to continue pushing his limits.


    When Avery was leaning toward him obediently, Cayden got her to sit on hisp so that she could kiss


    him with ease.


    He opened the car door, and there were trees about a meter away. In the midst of the howling wind,


    Avery sat in hisp with her back leaning against the steering wheel of the car.


    ¡°Do you need me to teach you more?¡± Cayden lifted his gaze and looked at her beautiful and innocent


    face.


    As her cheeks were beginning to heat up, she gulped and stared at his lips.


    Slowly, she leaned in closer to him.


    However, she froze the moment their lips touched. His warm breath is burning me up!


    Indeed, there was a huge difference between getting kissed forcefully by him and taking the initiative to


    kiss him voluntarily.


    Cayden''s thin lips were so hot that she couldn''t continue on. Due to her trembling lips, their lips were


    merely in contact with each other.


    ¡°Go on. Do it like how I''ve been doing it to you.¡± Cayden lowered his gaze to nce at her. He then


    shut his eyes and rubbed her nose with his lips. At the same time, he held her awkwardly ced hands


    and put them around his neck.


    Avery kept her head hung low and rubbed her fingers against his shirt. After that, she tilted her head


    and kissed him. At that moment, she was still panicking and thinking about what to do with her tongue.


    After a long while, she finally stuck out her tongue and put it to work.


    When she was doing that, she swept a nce at Cayden''s naturally beautiful curled lips. Slowly, she


    shifted her gaze downward toward his neck and alluring body.


    Right then, she realized she couldn''t carry on. She didn''t know how to kiss a man on her own ord.


    In fact, Cayden was the one who showed her what was it like to get kissed. This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Avery was feeling very awkward with their current posture and position. This is scary. What if I move


    and hurt his private part?


    ¡°You''re so innocent.¡± Cayden had no choice but to give up when he saw how anxious and embarrassed


    she was.


    Suddenly, Avery felt a pair of warm hands rubbing against her back, and Cayden leaned in and kissed


    her instead.


    He had kissed all her insecurities away, and the kiss just kept intensifying.


    In the end, Cayden held both sides of her waist. With his neck wrapped in her arms, their body


    temperature rose, and she started shaking.


    Just when he was about to bite her lips, she moaned, ¡°D-Don''t bite...¡±


    At that point, she was worried that she would need medical care for her mouth after the kiss.


    ¡°Promise me you won''t pay your blind date too much attention.¡± Cayden gradually moved his hands


    toward her wrists and interlocked her fingers with his.


    Avery was at a loss because of him. What is this? Am I supposed to surrender to him after he


    threatened me?


    Soon, they arrived at the venue for the blind date.


    Avery went to the restroom the moment she got there. She was still disoriented after going through


    what happened with Cayden in the car.


    No matter how her blind date looked or what kind of person he was, she knew she wasn''t worthy of


    him. After all, which decent woman would do that with another man before going on her blind date?


    After freshening up, she exited the restroom.


    Cayden''s driving was top-notch. Not only was he fast, but he obeyed the trafficws all the way to the


    location. Hence, they managed to arrive on time.


    As Avery was sitting in the cafe, she grew increasingly apprehensive.


    ¡°Miss, would you like to order a drink?¡± the server asked.


    ¡°I''m waiting for someone. I''ll ce my orderter,¡± she politely answered.


    The server smiled and nodded in response.


    Two minutester, a white Maserati sports car arrived at the cafe''s entrance. The man that got out of


    the car was dressed casually, and he was wearing an expensive baseball cap.


    ¡°Hi!¡± the man greeted when he saw Avery.


    Avery was shocked. She then stood up and greeted, ¡°H-Hi.¡±


    The man sat down.


    Bewildered, Avery asked, ¡°A-Are you Lenny?¡±


    ¡°I am.¡± The man from abroad who couldn''t speak proper Chanaean nodded. He then called the server


    over to order his coffee. Avery had a surprised look on her face when the man asked, ¡°What would you


    drink to like?¡±


    ¡°Wait. That''s not right. I mean, what would you like to drink?¡± the man asked again. He was clearly not


    fluent in Chanaean.


    Startled and dumbfounded, Avery answered, ¡°It''s okay. I can still understand you. I would like to have a


    cup of cappino.¡±


    After ordering their drinks, Lenny Long started introducing himself.


    Avery was in a daze when he talked to her. Although she had studied abroad back then, she had never


    thought about marrying a foreigner.


    Lenny was a gentleman, and he was polite. Avery sneaked a nce at the time and thought that she


    could juste up with an excuse to leave. Ten minutes is enough. How did Dad end up knowing this


    foreigner? Also, why would he think of matching me up with this man?


    After taking a nce at the Maserati parked outside, Avery was even more puzzled. How did Dad know


    someone from such a family?


    Avery and her blind date were sitting at a table by the window. Since the cafe had floor-to-ceiling


    windows, one could clearly see the scenery outside.


    There was a ck Land Rover parked outside ever since ten minutes prior.


    Right then, a mature-looking man with an unmissable temperament came out of the Land Rover. He


    was holding a cup of takeaway coffee that he had ordered earlier to drink in the car.


    Avery sneaked a peek at Cayden and wondered where was he heading to.


    Lenny raised his brows and asked, ¡°Ery, what do you look for in your significant other?¡±


    Suddenly, Avery saw Cayden walking through the entrance of the cafe and walking toward her. Under


    the server''s guidance, he sat at a table next to theirs.


    The moment he sat down, the atmosphere in the cafe turned chilly.

 Chapter 60

    Chapter 60


    Avery blurted, ¡°Well, I''m not really looking for any particr qualities in a partner.¡±


    She wanted to end the blind date as soon as possible.


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    The atmosphere was getting more suffocating as time passed with Cayden sitting as still as a statue in


    the vicinity.


    ¡°No particr qualities? Then, let me exin my situation to you,¡± said Lenny. Suddenly, his phone


    rang, and he excused himself to take the call.


    ¡°Sorry, let me take this.¡±


    He got up and left, while Avery sighed in relief.


    Still, she dared not move or nce at the man sitting near her.


    Cayden continued reading the paper quietly, sipping on his bitter coffee from time to time.


    Meanwhile, Lenny had gone away to answer the call when he saw that the caller ID was ¡°Mdm. Allie.¡±


    Allie asked anxiously, ¡°Lenn! How''s the blind date going?¡±


    Lenny did not have the heart to go through with Allie''s scheme as he noticed how alone Avery looked.


    Eventually, he replied, ¡°She looks like a nice girl, Mdm. Allie. I don''t want to hurt her.¡±


    His words infuriated Allie, who huffed, ¡°What do you mean ''harm her?¡±¡®


    ¡°I''m gay, and I can never be a dutiful husband to her. I can''t even give her the love she deserves. If we


    get married, my parents will force me to have a child with her, and I just can''t bring myself to sleep with


    a woman. She''s a nice, politedy, and I can''t deceive her into a loveless marriage,¡± Lenny exined in


    Ustranasion.


    ¡°I don''t care if you''re gay or straight! If you want to continue seeing your boyfriend, you need to


    appease your parents. All they want is a grandkid! After you marry Avery, you can have a baby with her


    via IVF. You don''t need to sleep with her. I''m doing all this for your own good. Are you stupid?¡±


    Allie continued to threaten him, ¡°Not every woman would be willing to marry you under such


    circumstances, Lenn. You should be thanking your lucky stars that she''s daft enough to take the bait!


    Why are you throwing away such a perfect opportunity? Don''t forget that your boyfriend is guilty of a


    white-cor crime. If I don''t drop my case against him, I can guarantee that he''ll spend the rest of his


    life behind bars!¡±


    Unsurprisingly, Lenny''s phone callsted a good ten minutes.


    When he returned to the table, resigned to his fate, Avery told him she would be leaving first, iming


    she had some matters to attend to.


    Lenny merely sat down and said, ¡°Ery, I''m really happy to meet you. I think I finally understand what


    people call love at first sight. Do you feel the same way as me?¡±


    Avery was at a loss for words.


    What a half-hearted profession of love at first sight!


    She did not think she was amazing enough to make someone fall in love with her at first sight.


    Undeterred by her silence, Lenny continued, ¡°I''m an excellent catch, considering my appearance and


    my wealth. We can live overseas after our marriage, and you can spend the rest of your life in luxury.¡±


    ¡°Pfft!¡±


    Avery almost spat out the coffee she had just drunk.


    At the same time, Cayden shot Lenny a dark re.


    ¡°I''m sorry, Mr. Long.¡± Avery hurriedly wiped her mouth and continued, ¡°I don''t think we''re suited for


    each other. Anyway, I''ve paid the bill. Goodbye.¡±


    With that, she grabbed her bag and gave Lenny a polite nod.


    Then, she left without looking back.


    After leaving the caf¨¦, Avery hastily hailed a taxi and got in.


    ¡°To this address, please, sir.¡± Avery showed the address on her phone to the taxi driver. The ce she


    was heading to was located in the most well-known affluent neighborhood in town.


    The driver started the meter and began driving toward Avery''s given address.


    Avery chanced a nce at the ck Land Rover parked outside the caf¨¦. She subconsciously heaved


    a sigh of relief when she noticed that the car did not move.


    If Cayden didn''t follow me, that might mean he isn''t Moore. I just can''t believe that the bright and


    friendly Moore would turn into such a cold and heartless business magnate.


    During the taxi ride, Avery received a call from Nephele urging her to hurry over.


    The taxi pulled into the rich neighborhood at half past nine.


    Nephele came out to greet Avery, who stared ck-jawed at the mansion and its imposing gate.


    Baffled, she mumbled, ¡°This ce...¡±


    ¡°Looks familiar? A female celebrity held her birthday party here, trying to cook up rtionship rumors


    with some rich heir! It was all over the Inte!¡± Nephele sighed in equal admiration as she continued,


    ¡°Moore is nothing like usmon folk. We would never set foot in a ce like this if he didn''t host my


    mom''s birthday party! It''s the stuff of movies!¡±


    Ah, so this is Moore''s mansion.


    The only rich Moores Avery knew among the wealthy circles of Ackleton was the Moore family behind


    Trident Group.


    Hesitantly, Avery asked, ¡°Have you seen Moore?¡±


    ¡°I haven''t seen him in the flesh. I heard he''s busy, so he''s joining uster.¡± Nephele suddenly pouted


    and grumbled, ¡°Ugh... Look at those vixens! They''re all dressed to the nines after hearing that Moore''s


    going to be here. What a bunch of shallow girls!¡±


    The sprawling mansion was crowded with attractive guests. Of course, there were also average people


    like Avery and Nephele and a group of shier guests sipping drinks around a table.


    Nephele led Avery to that very table and introduced her. ¡°This is Avery Rumpley. Ring a bell?¡±


    A bespectacled man stood up and nodded. ¡°Of course! She was the only goody-two-shoes in ss!


    She always sat in the second row.¡±


    A few people got to their feet as well. The men shook Avery''s hand while the women smiled amiably at


    Avery.


    After Nephele''s introduction, Avery got along swimmingly with the group. Everyone chatted about their


    current work situation and tactfully avoided reminiscing about their time in school.


    They all knew that it did not hold particrly fond memories for Avery.


    Soon enough, they added each other on WhatsApp.


    Someone suddenly asked, ¡°Where''s Ms. Choume, Nephele?¡±


    ¡°Oh, my mom''s inside. Moore invited an overseas expert to check on her. Remember that she had her


    leg amputated? She suffered chronic inmmation after that, and none of the hospitals in town could


    cure her,¡± Nephele exined helplessly.


    While Nephele''s group spoke softly among themselves, the other guests were not quite so considerate.


    Several scantily d women stood around the pool and giggled loudly. They busilypared the


    brands of their bags and eximed over rare lipstick shades.


    Just then, everyone heard a car pulling into the mansion driveway.


    The entire mansion fell into a dead silence.


    Even the women milling about the pool stopped talking.


    A ck Land Rover gradually came into view. While everyone else in the crowd wore an expression of


    excitement, shame, or shyness, Avery looked utterly expressionless.


    The Land Rover came to a stop. Even its car te number was impressive. The car door opened, and


    a living Adonis stepped out of the vehicle.


    With his imposing, powerful, and dependable aura, Cayden instantlymanded the admiration of


    almost every woman in the crowd.


    ¡°He''s so handsome,¡± an ex-ssmate muttered softly in awe.


    s, the room was so silent that everyone heard her.


    Cayden walked deeper into the mansion. He wore a pair of ck cks and a crisp, white, long-


    sleeved shirt. He left two buttons undone and rolled up his sleeves, appearing as though he was out for


    a casual stroll. It did little to dampen his naturally imposing air. The crowd stared at him in reverence


    but dared not meet his gaze.


    Avery stared at the maning closer to her in utter shock.


    ¡°Avery, you''re here,¡± Cayden greeted her with a dazzling smile.


    He spoke with an attractive baritone, and he sounded as though he hade that night for her and her


    alone.

 Chapter 61

    Chapter 61


    Avery raised her head and stared at Cayden unblinkingly.


    Time seemed toe to a standstill. She did not know how much time had passed before she


    regained herposure. Her heart continued to churn with a kaleidoscope of emotions.


    Her long eyshes quivered, drawing attention to the tears welling in her eyes.


    Cayden is Moore.


    The truth was a hard pill to swallow.


    Still, he was not the only one who had changed a great deal. Avery could say the same for herself.


    She supposed it was fortunate that after all those years, she had once again run into the man who had


    always held a special ce in her heart.


    Sadly, her life had gone down a tragic path after leaving high school.


    As Avery stared at Cayden before her, she suddenly remembered the passionate kiss they had shared


    in his car earlier. An inexplicable emotion surged in her chest, taking her aback.


    She felt as though she had been transported back to high school times.


    A shrill voice cut through the silence. ¡°What''s this show of favoritism, Moore? Don''t tell me you only


    remember Avery?¡± A gorgeous and statuesque woman approached Cayden and shot him a flirtatious


    nce.


    s, he only had eyes for Avery.


    The woman who had flirted with him pursed her lips awkwardly before rolling her eyes at the in-


    looking Avery.


    Cayden continued staring at Avery as he said, ¡°I remember her. One summer, we had a basketball


    match with a high school in the city. A lot of our schoolmates showed up to watch the match. All the


    girls were screaming when I made thest shot. When I turned around, I realized Avery had the loudest


    cheer.¡±


    His words caused Avery to flush as red as a tomato.


    Impossible! I would never have done anything like that!


    She had been picked on all her life. While she probably ¡°deserved¡± a spot in the far corner of the


    stands at a basketball match, she would never get a spot in the front row to cheer for the yers.


    Avery suddenly became the center of attention after Cayden''s deration.


    Flustered and scared of bing themon enemy, she looked at the crowd timidly and


    stammered, ¡°N-No. I-I really didn''t do that.¡±


    Meanwhile, the overseas expert invited by Cayden had finished examining Hollie''s leg.


    After the expert left, Hollie put on a birthday hat and greeted the crowd. A massive cake was wheeled


    out on a trolley and ced before her.


    Nephele stood beside her mother as thetter made a wish and blew out the candles before cutting the


    cake.


    While giving out pieces of cake, every one of Hollie''s former students gave her their best wishes.


    Avery had not seen Hollie since she left high school, and she was naturally nervous and excited about


    that day''s event. Hollie had cared for her deeply, and it made up for the maternal love Avery had


    always craved.


    Though to be honest, she had no idea what maternal love was supposed to be like.


    Nephele wheeled Hollie away from the noisy crowd to a table on the first floor of the mansion.


    Avery met them, and Hollie patted one of her hands gently. ¡°I''m relieved to see that you''re doing well,


    Ery. It has been many years. Have you tried looking for your mother?¡±


    Avery''s hand stiffened in response.


    ¡°I haven''t.¡± She forced a smile on her face as she met her former teacher''s gaze. ¡°She must be living


    well now, and I don''t want to disrupt her life.¡±


    Actually, Avery had tried to look for her mother in the past.


    She remembered pasting missing person notices along the road when she was ten. Sadly, her efforts


    did not bear fruit.


    After she grew up and came to the big city, she realized she had been looking for a needle in a


    haystack.


    No one seemed to know where her mother was.


    Nepheleforted her friend, ¡°I agree with you. You''re all grown up now, and you don''t need to rely on


    anyone else. Just take good care of your father.¡±


    Overall, Hollie was d to see that Avery had done well despite her horrid experiences in high school.


    Cayden approached them a whileter with a ss of fruit juice. He ced it in front of Avery like an


    attentive boyfriend.


    A waiter followed him with a tray of fruit juice, which he served to Hollie and Nephele.


    Nephele sipped on her juice and shot Cayden and Avery furtive nces. Their rtionship is probably


    moreplicated than I imagined. They seem to have met each other before today''s party.


    Just then, a married couple walked over to their table with a three-year-old toddler in tow. Both adults


    were high-flying white-cor workers in the city.


    The husband offered a hand to Cayden and said, ¡°If I didn''t see you today, I wouldn''t have known that I


    actually worked at yourpany, Moore.¡±


    ¡°Nice to meet you,¡± came Cayden''s reply. He appreciated courteous people. Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    The wife also shook hands with Cayden and Avery and greeted them warmly.


    The couple joined them at the table.


    Their toddler, however, leaned against Avery''s leg and sucked on his thumb.


    ¡°I''m sorry. My kid must think you''re too pretty,¡± his mother apologized to Avery while wiping the toddler''s


    drool. The toddler was still smiling at Avery.


    Avery reassured her, ¡°Don''t worry about it. I love kids.¡±


    ¡°Are you married? If you are, why don''t you try for one soon? Honestly, it''s quite fun to raise a child.¡±


    Cayden nced at Avery, who sipped on her juice instead of replying to the woman. He squeezed her


    handfortingly under the table.


    Avery hastily pulled her hand out of his grasp, surprised by his action. How could he tell that I''m upset


    by the topic? Does he know how to read minds?


    Meanwhile, the husband piped up, ¡°I heard Ms. Choume say that you transferred schools after a year


    in our high school.¡±


    Cayden nodded in reply but did not borate on his reasons for leaving.


    ¡°I know a secret...¡± Nephele said. She did not think her mother would stop her since many years had


    passed.


    ¡°I heard this from the principal himself.¡± Nephele nced at Cayden and continued, ¡°Apparently, Moore


    fell in love with a girl in high school and was summoned to the principal''s office for a telling-off!¡±


    It was a shocking revtion.


    Avery was baffled by how quickly her heart sank.


    He liked another girl in the past.


    Nephele carried on in a mysterious tone, ¡°Surprisingly, Moore swore to the principal that he wouldn''t


    disrupt the girl''s studies and that he would marry her once he graduated.¡± She then peeked at Avery


    before adding, ¡°The principal fumed and asked him if he knew what love was, iming he would regret


    it once he graduated high school! Then, Moore said he knew what love was, and he even said he


    already imagined marrying and raising kids with the girl.¡±


    Cayden''s silence seemed to affirm Nephele''s ims.


    Back then, his family had been embroiled in an internal feud. Young and at the mercy of others,


    Cayden had been sent to a small town to study. To his surprise, he fell in love with someone, though it


    wasrgely a one-sided affair.


    That year, Cayden utterly lost himself to the unrelenting ws of passion.

 Chapter 62

    Chapter 62


    Avery could not stand it any longer. ¡°Please excuse me. I need to go to the restroom.¡±


    She put down her ss and stood up.


    She couldn''t be bothered if the others thought of her to be envious or jealous.


    For twenty-four years of her life, and from the moment she had gotten more mature, she had never


    been happy in her life. She was clueless in her pursuit of happiness. Growing up, she experienced a


    plethora of depressing episodes, from eating cold, leftover food, to being bullied by her friends, and her


    peers hurling sarcastic remarks at her.


    Ever since she was little, she epted the fact that she would not live a life as privileged as others.


    For example, the privilege of having a mother.


    Not to mention that she would never be qualified to possess what others had to put in the effort to


    attain.


    For instance, Cayden''s love and affection.


    When she finally grew up and became an adult, she still failed to experience happiness. It was nothing


    but a facy for society to coin it as the age of freedom. Instead, she felt the tight leash of reality


    restraining her and pinning her down.


    A thought shed across Avery''s mind. I must havemitted a ton of sins in my previous life. That''s


    why I''m subjected to all kinds of suffering in this life.


    There were numerous restrooms in the mansion, be it in the yard, the first floor, or the second floor.


    Avery merely wanted to wash her hands.


    However, the restroom in the yard was upied by a few of her ssmates.


    When Avery entered, she heard one of her ssmates saying, ¡°Quick, Help take photos of me in this


    restroom. I''m going to upload them on Twitter. Previously, the famous star Melinda Albertina hugged


    and kissed her boyfriend here.¡±


    Original from N?velDrama.Org.


    Being in the same space that a famous star was in before was sufficient to make them feel proud.


    Thinking that there were also restrooms on the first and second floors, Avery turned around and walked


    away as she didn''t want to intrude on them.


    However, she soon found out that the restroom on the first floor was also upied by a few of her


    ssmates who were putting on make-up. Avery rarely interacted with them when she was a student,


    and she didn''t want to reminisce about the past with them. After all, she could only remember the


    horrible incidents she had to endure. From getting her hair pulled by one of them to being beaten up by


    the other.


    Although the passage of time had mostly healed the trauma she received, Avery did not want to relive


    the torment and despair she once experienced.


    These ssmates of hers had an exciting time going through junior high, high school, university, and


    upon graduation, stepping into society. Naturally, they had long since forgotten about their atrocious


    and despicable actions of bullying a ssmate who did not have a mother.


    Standing in the restroom, Avery stared at the mirror and scrutinized her pale face. Trying to calm down


    her raging emotions, she shut her eyes.


    Suddenly, her phone rang. She looked at the caller ID and saw that it was Leonardo.


    ¡°Dad, why are you still awake?¡± Avery''s voice was slightly hoarse.


    Leonardo wanted to ask about the oue of the blind date.


    ¡°Dad, I''m not interested to date a foreigner. They''re too passionate! Do you know that guy confessed


    on our first date, citing he fell in love with me at first sight? He even asked me to move with him


    overseas after our marriage.¡± Avery, with her head lowered, used the sink as support. ¡°I don''t feel


    secure being with guys like that.¡±


    Leonardo softened up and reverted to his usual, warm self.


    He sighed. ¡°I am to be med. An old friend of mine introduced that guy to me and I thought I could set


    you up with him without checking his background. But after hearing what you said, I agree that he


    doesn''t sound like a reliable man.¡±


    ¡°Don''t worry about it. There''s no loss in meeting him anyway.¡± Avery didn''t want her father to me


    himself.


    After hanging up the call, Leonardo dialed Allie''s number.


    ying poker at home, Allie pulled out her phone to check who was calling her. When she saw that it


    was Leonard, her face darkened immediately.


    ¡°I need to answer a call. I''ll be back shortly. Please continue without me.¡± Allie stood up gracefully with


    her branded scarf wrapped around her and left the room.


    After walking to the end of the corridor of the mansion, Allie answered the call and said with a low


    voice, ¡°I''ve said this before, and I''ll say it again. Avoid calling me, or I''ll be forced to change my


    number.¡±


    ¡°What kind of guy did you just introduce to your daughter? He confessed to her on their first date, and


    even talked about marriage, moving overseas, and all sorts of nonsense! Allie, what motive do you


    have?¡± Leonardo, whose health had deteriorated because of lung cancer, was breathing heavily in


    anger.


    Well aware that she was in the wrong, Allie fell silent.


    Huffing and puffing, Leonard continued, ¡°Allie, I know you''re a person without conscience. But there


    must be boundaries! That''s your daughter! She''s not some stray animal!¡±


    ¡°Leonardo, you don''t have the right to scream at me! The moment I gave birth to your daughter, she


    has nothing to do with me anymore. If a stray animal is cute enough, I''m willing to adopt and take care


    of it. But to take care of your daughter, I''d rather die than do that. How many times do you want to


    undermine my dignity? Getting to know you is the most unfortunate thing that happened to me in my


    life!¡± Allie hurled the hurtful remark at Leonardo without any restraint.


    Enraged, Leonardo hung up the call.


    Allie scoffed coldly and stared out the window.


    She only recognized Cayden as her only child, and she desperately wanted to move on from her


    humiliating past.


    Just when Allie wanted to turn around and walk back, her phone rang again.


    ¡°Can you stop pestering me?¡± Annoyed, Allie screamed into the phone upon seeing Leonardo''s


    number.


    She continued, ¡°Stop wasting my time. Just say whatever you want to say and never call me anymore!


    If you need money, I''m more than happy to donate some to you! Please, be a good ex-husband and


    vanish from my life like a dead man!¡± She lost her patience and ramped up her insults, losing her


    gracefulness in the process.


    ¡°Allie, I''m not here to argue with you. You''re the one who has wronged me. Although I may be a failure,


    I have not wronged you in any way!¡± Leonardo threatened, ¡°I''m warning you not to hurt my daughter.


    She was unfortunate to have a wicked mother like you. If you dare to hurt her or even think about it, I


    vow to expose your darkest secrets with everything I got!¡±


    Leonardo was well aware of Allie''s ulterior motive.


    Twenty-four years ago, when the two of them divorced, Allie married the owner of the Trident Group, a


    wealthy family. After that, she resorted to many underhanded tactics to destroy Leonardo''s life.


    Naturally, her motive was to silence her ex-husband.


    Now that their daughter had grown up, Allie was worried that Avery would start looking for her. Hence,


    she was already plotting for Avery to be married overseas to keep thetter out of her life. It was her


    devilish way of sweeping everything under the rug.


    Leonardo uttered, ¡°Avery doesn''t know anything. She doesn''t know who you are and what your name


    is. She thinks that you''re dead! So, don''t even think about harming her!¡±


    Hearing that, Allie heaved a sigh of relief. ¡°Leonardo, that better be true. Or else, I will not show any


    mercy toward the two of you.¡±


    Meanwhile, back in the mansion, when Avery walked out of the restroom, she bumped into a man


    leaning against the entrance with a hand in his pocket.


    He looked like he was waiting for someone.


    Still puffing on a cigarette, Cayden frowned and looked at her.


    Avery got nervous under his gaze and said, ¡°I''ll be off now.¡±


    ¡°Don''t go. I have something to tell you.¡± Cayden reached out and grabbed her slender hand.


    Avery''s brow creased in response.


    Cayden pushed a door open and pulled Avery into the room before locking the door behind him.


    He then turned around and pressed his chest against her, pinning her to the wall.


    The room was dark as the light was off.


    He unbuttoned his shirt and leaned in close. With his lips close to her ear, he said, ¡°I like you ever since


    the time you watched me y basketball in high school.¡±


    Avery was dumbfounded upon hearing that.


    ¡°I-I...¡± she stuttered, feeling beyond embarrassed.


    ¡°Shush... Let me finish first.¡± Cayden pressed his finger against her lips. ¡°At that time, I didn''t want to be


    in a rtionship with the girl I like when I have yet to achieve independence and maturity. I figured only


    when I''m wholly independent that I will be able to shower my partner with love and affection every


    single day without restraint and reservation.¡±


    Although she could not see the serious look on Cayden''s face, she was able to feel his fiery passion


    through his deep, baritone voice. The next second, he lowered his head and pressed his lips against


    hers. Just like how one would devour honey, he forced his silken tongue into her mouth.

 Chapter 63

    Chapter 63


    There were no women in the world who wouldn''t like that kind of confession.


    Ever since the beginning of their rtionship, all Avery wanted was a sense of security and being cared


    for.


    She knew Cayden was the scion of a rich family, so the woman who could marry him was the one who


    could match his prestigious status and family.


    Sadly, she didn''t possess a family background like that.


    Therefore, their romantic rtionship was bound to be doomed from the start.


    If the confession hade a few years early, all that Cayden would''ve gotten was a breakup. That was


    because he still wouldn''t have his independence yet, and he would be forced to listen to what his


    parents wanted for him. There would be too many people interfering with his rtionship, and there


    were too many unknowable variables.


    If that was the case, both of them would only be hurt in the end should they continue to love each other.


    Perhaps they could continue their rtionship in secret, but that kind of exhausting love wouldn''tst


    forever.


    Even if their love was intense at the start, it would eventually be ground into nothingness by the harsh


    reality. They would still be forced to leave each other''s lives in the end.


    Both of them would''ve left scarred, with nowhere and no one to turn to. Even crying wouldn''t make


    them feel better.


    The Cayden at present was different from his previous self.


    He became a mature and steady man who was capable of handling Trident Group all by himself.


    Because of that, he could do whatever he wanted in any setting in front of anyone. His family ended up


    relying on him and not the other way round.


    Therefore, he had gained the absolute right to choose a partner he wished to spend the rest of his days


    with.


    ¡°Thank you...¡± Avery wasn''t sure why she was saying that.


    Then she kissed him back in a rather awkward and clumsy manner.


    Tears streamed down her cheeks.


    When Cayden tasted the saltiness of her tears, he opened his yearning eyes and lowered his head to


    gaze at her.


    Avery still didn''t have the guts to look straight at him.


    Her delicate chin was lifted by him, and she was forced to meet his dominating and invading look.


    Her heart throbbed. Once she had gotten used to the darkness inside the room, she could clearly see


    the look of victory in his eyes. Cayden''s well-built body and intense charm would make any woman


    salivate at the sight of him.


    The attractive man kissed her cheek and asked, ¡°Why are you crying?¡±


    Avery''s teary eyes shimmered as she shook her head. ¡°I just can''t believe that you like someone like


    me.¡±


    Due to her low self-esteem, she felt as though her happiness came too suddenly, and that it was just a


    dream she would wake up from. In reality, she knew it was real, but she was still afraid it would be a


    dream, one that she didn''t know she was in.


    If it was a dream, she didn''t want to wake up.


    She wouldn''t regret it even if she died in a good dream as such.


    Cayden kissed her again, but his kiss was much fiercer and dominatingpared to the previous one.


    He wanted her to know that he was really there with her. His soul had been ignited by her, and it


    burned just as brightly as before.


    His passion never once faded away.


    His kisssted for a long time, and he didn''t stop until Avery was shaking her head with soft gasps.


    She couldn''t hold her breath any longer.


    He was concerned he was scaring her, so after he gently ended the kiss, he licked her seductive lips,


    which he tortured,fortingly.


    Afterward, they descended the stairs together one after another.


    Avery was worried, so she asked him to leave ten minutes after she did so to prevent people from


    gossiping.


    Cayden wanted their rtionship to go public instead of hiding it from other people, but he understood


    her concerns. To avoid causing trouble in her life, he had no choice but to go along with her wishes for


    the time being.


    After Avery descended the stairs, she bade Hollie and Nephele goodbye. She also bade goodbye to a


    few students she had just gotten to know earlier on before leaving the mansion.


    ¡°Do you really not need me to send you home? Aren''t you afraid that there''ll be a big bad wolf


    kidnapping you on the way back, little bunny?¡± Nephele teased when she sent Avery out.


    Avery stayed silent.


    ¡°Ah, I see. Okay, I get it...¡± Nephele arched her eyebrows and joked on purpose.


    Avery started to feel awkward as her cheeks turned pink. Nephele must''ve guessed what was going on.


    Cayden was standing on the mansion''s second floor as he watched Avery leave. His eyebrows


    furrowed as he stared at the passage of time on his watch.


    After ten minutes had passed, he went downstairs.


    He first bade goodbye to Hollie before arranging for his driver to send her home.


    Once that was done, he went to drive his car.


    A woman was eager to try approaching him. She wanted to greet him as he was leaving so that she


    could get to know him a little. Perhaps they could even shake hands or exchange personal contacts.


    However, Cayden''s expression was so cold that she didn''t have the guts to do so.


    His Land Rover soon left the mansion.


    Avery, who was waiting tens of meters away from the mansion, saw the car approaching her.


    Cayden stopped the car and got out of the car to open the car door for her.


    ¡°I can do it myself.¡± Avery still wasn''t used to his attentive care.


    He personally opened the car door and helped her in.


    His hand pressed on her waist, as he was afraid she would identally bump into the car. It was as


    though he was taking care of a little girl.


    Once she was seated, she looked at him.


    Cayden was standing outside of the car with his tall, slender legs. His figure was wless as he stood


    suavely. His hand held the back of her head before he kissed her lips.


    He can do it like that too, huh?


    Avery closed her eyes, not refusing his advance.


    Once the kiss was over, he walked around the car and headed to the driver''s seat. He opened the car


    door, sat inside, and fastened his seatbelt. One of his hands held the steering wheel while his other


    hand gripped her small hand as he drove.


    They didn''t say a word to each other on the way back.


    Sensing the warmthing from his palm, Avery felt her heart warming up.


    While they were waiting for the traffic light to turn green, Avery''s eyes were fixed on the road ahead. I


    wonder what we are now.


    Avery let out a sigh of relief when they finally arrived at the residential area.


    Cayden drove into the residential area and parked his car in front of the building where she was


    staying. It was really obvious that he wanted to live in the same ce as her. For every second that he


    wasn''t physically with her, he felt as though he was being tortured.


    ¡°I''ll be heading up now. Drive safe when you''re going back home, okay?¡± Avery reminded inly.


    ¡°Don''t go yet.¡± He had yet to loosen his grip on her hand.


    The car was dimly lit because he didn''t turn on the light. He was afraid it would make her feel


    embarrassed or shy.


    Avery''s heart was thumping. What does he mean by that? What is he going to do? I don''t have any


    experience with this. When I was still with Zayne, this kind of situation never happened.


    Suddenly, her phone rang, interrupting the moment.


    ¡°I-I need to take a call.¡± She had no choice but to pull her hand back.


    Her face was already flushed.


    Nina was looking down from the balcony. ¡°I''m seeing a car on the ground floor, Ery. I can only see a bit


    of the person inside through the windshield. Are you the person inside the car? Does the car belong to


    your suitor? Is he stopping you from getting out of the car like a hooligan? I''ll be there right away!¡±


    ¡°No need toe down! I''ll go back now!¡± Avery swiftly bade Cayden goodbye once the call ended.


    She opened the car door and hurriedly exited the car.


    Inside the Moore residence, Zachary and Rory were sitting on the couch.


    They were staring at their father, who had returned early and seemed to be in a great mood.


    Cayden was sitting on the other end of the couch and sending Avery a message: Are you asleep yet?


    ¡°What are you doing, Daddy?¡± Zachary thought his father had been possessed. Why else would his


    father''s face be disying a gentle expression?


    Is the sun going to rise from the west tomorrow?


    Cayden ignored his son''s question as he read Avery''s reply: Not yet. How about you?


    He quickly replied: Not yet.


    Then, silence ensued.


    Original from N?velDrama.Org.


    There were no more iing messages.


    Avery became so shy that she couldn''t type a word out.


    Cayden just wanted to confirm their rtionship immediately, so he texted her again: From today


    onward, I''m a man who''ll be your husband at any time, as soon as you agree to marry me.


    Once he finished typing, he sent the message with a serious and cautious expression.

 Chapter 64

    Chapter 64


    Jeffrey was standing in the courtyard with his walking stick as he eavesdropped on the conversation in


    the living room.


    He saw how unusual his grandson had been acting ever since thetter came home. This unromantic


    brat has finally gotten himself a girlfriend! I''m so happy!


    Rory approached her father, stood on her toes, and stretched her neck to see what Cayden was doing.


    ¡°So you know how to use WhatsApp now, Daddy?¡±


    The only person in the family who didn''t use WhatsApp was her father. She had never seen him using


    it before.


    Cayden sat on the couch and furrowed his eyebrows. He was still staring at the phone attentively and


    anxiously.


    Still, no reply was received from Avery.


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    It made him wonder if she didn''t want to be his woman.


    It was then Kendrick descended the stairs. When he heard his brother was using WhatsApp, he


    approached his brother in shock and nced at his brother''s phone. ¡°Uh, you don''t even have a profile


    picture.¡±


    Cayden closed his chatbox with Avery as his expression darkened. Why isn''t she replying?


    ¡°Are you talking with a woman right now?¡± Kendrick plopped himself down on the other side of the


    couch and sat like a boss as he rested his legs on the coffee table. His eyes were fixed on his poker-


    faced brother. ¡°I saw the profile picture of the person you were chatting with. That''s a cartoon picture


    that girls like to use. Why is there such a nasty expression on your face while you were talking to her?¡±


    Jeffrey furrowed his eyebrows when he heard that.


    Kendrick provided an analysis based on his experience. ¡°Let me guess... You''re taking the initiative to


    court the girl, but she isn''t willing to stay with you. Man, what kind of woman is she? She doesn''t even


    like prestigious bachelors like you? Oh wait, is she ying hard to get? Trying to pressure you to marry


    her?¡±


    Kendrick knew his brother was always aloof and didn''t like women approaching him. It''s hard to believe


    he has suddenly found himself in a world of love. He may be ruthless and excellent on the battlefield of


    the business industry, but I''m worried he''ll perish on the battlefield of love. Hmm, let''s see. If a woman


    is seducing a rich man, her ultimate goal is probably to get married into the family. If she couldn''t do


    that, she''d probably try her best to swindle the man out of a boatload of money. No woman is an


    exception in this scenario.


    Cayden put his phone down, as it still hadn''t received another message. He then said, ¡°How shallow.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, it''s quite difficult to find a woman who''s not shallow nowadays. Look at me, Cayden. I haven''t


    been looking for another woman because I can''t stand them. Each one I find is shallower than thest.¡±


    Kendrick thought Cayden was changing his mind.


    ¡°I was talking about you.¡± Cayden''s eyes were as dark as a ck hole.


    Kendrick''s hand, which was going to light a cigarette, froze. Godd*mn! Which vixen has enchanted my


    brother so thoroughly that he''s dissing me like that after I badmouth her?


    ¡°Give it back to me!¡± Avery was trying to get her phone back from Nina.


    Seeing how desperately Avery tried to snatch the phone back, Nina lowered her head and read the


    message. Her eyes widened as she asked, ¡°What kind of situation is this, Ery? Is this man really so


    charming that you''re already enamored with him after the first time you two met? Look at how hard


    you''re blushing!¡±


    Avery finally saw Cayden''s message, which read: From today onward, I''m a man who''ll be your


    husband at any time, as soon as you agree to marry me.


    Falling in love was a sweet and enchanting process in a person''s life.


    When a man made a promise like that, it would be hard to tell if he truly meant what he said. Perhaps


    he only said that in the heat of the moment.


    However, it was Cayden who made the promise, so Avery believed he truly meant it.


    She raised her head and stared at Nina.


    It was a new romantic rtionship for her, and she didn''t want to hide it from her best friend, especially


    when both of them were still living together.


    It was only a matter of time before the cat was out of the bag.


    Avery stared at Nina and exined anxiously, ¡°This man isn''t the man I went on a blind date with. That


    one failed.¡±


    Nina was surprised. If this one isn''t the man she went on a blind date with, then who is this man?


    ¡°You just broke up with my brother not too long ago because he cheated on you...¡± Nina was trying to


    make sense of the situation. ¡°In just a few days after you broke up, someone started courting you, and


    you also like him back. Am I right?¡±


    Avery nodded. ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Don''t you want to see how things go first? What if he''s a scumbag too?¡±


    Avery thought that leaving the situation unexined would only make things more confusing, so she


    opted to tell her best friend everything.


    Nina was bbergasted when she heard that.


    She stared at Avery for a long while before she managed to digest that explosive news.


    Then, she giggled. ¡°I can''t believe you have been hiding it from me! Mr. Moore? Our boss? Really?¡±


    Avery curled up on the couch and kept quiet.


    ¡°Give me some reaction, Ery! He''s the boss! The CEO of Trident Group! You''ve struck a gold mine! No,


    wait, that''s not right. You didn''t just find a gold mine, you''ve... Ahh! I don''t know how to describe it! This


    is driving me nuts!¡± Nina was going a little crazy as she stared at Avery with reverence.


    ¡°You should reply quickly. I bet he''s getting anxious!¡± She grabbed the phone and shoved it into Avery''s


    hand. ¡°I was wrong. I shouldn''t have messed around and taken your phone away.¡±


    When Avery was replying to the message, she couldn''t help but think of what Zayne had told her when


    he proposed to her.


    ¡°You have to understand something, Ery. There''s no other man who loves you more than I do in this


    world! No one loves you earlier than I do...¡± That was what Zayne had said to her when he proposed to


    her.


    You were wrong, Zayne. There is another man who had loved me long before you did. He fell in love


    with me when I was still an ignorant girl who was clueless about romance and love.


    Inside the Moore residence, Cayden was lying on the bed, but he couldn''t sleep.


    He had been tossing and turning around before he got up. The first time he did so, he went to drink a


    cup of water. The second time, he went to the restroom. For the third time, he smoked on the balcony.


    All three times when he got up, he nced at his phone, which was sitting on the bedside table.


    He still hadn''t received any message.


    The fourth time he got up, he stood on the balcony again, upset. He stared into the distance with


    furrowed eyebrows as he grabbed his cigarette box, pulled out a cigarette, and ced it between his


    lips. Then, he lit it up and put the lighter back down. Am I being too aggressive?


    There was a saying that one must wait for the perfect opportunity to strike to seed. However, it was


    easier said than done for him when it came to his rtionship with Avery.


    His thin lips and mouth were stained with the pleasant smell of the cigarette. As the cigarette continued


    to burn in between his fingers, he made a decision in his heart under the influence of nicotine. I need to


    treat her coldly. I can''t dote on her too much and spoil her. When she replies, I won''t reply to her.


    Buzz...


    The phone on the table was buzzing.


    Cayden turned back and saw a glowing light in the darkness of his room on top of the bedside table.


    He rushed back into the room at once, which caused him to identally stubbed his toe against the


    tough wooden frame of the bed. He scowled in pain, though he still grabbed the phone as swiftly as he


    could.


    ¡°I get it.¡± It was a voice message from Avery, not a text one.


    Cayden couldn''t control his behavior at all. He told himself to treat her coldly, but he still immediately


    sent a voice message with his post-cigarette hoarse voice. ¡°How about we go and see the sunrise


    tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°Sure...¡± As soon as he heard her gentle voice, his cold expression softened in an instant.


    Cayden couldn''t sleep because it was the first time he experienced the feeling of being loved by


    someone he loved.


    At three in the morning, he headed out with his car keys in hand.


    Yawning, Kendrick had just returned from having fun at the nightclub. When he saw his elder brother,


    who was in a suit with meticulouslybed hair, he reacted as though he had seen a ghost. ¡°Where


    are you going? Why are you dressing like that in the middle of the night?¡±


    Cayden ignored everything, went into his car, and left.


    Kendrick watched the car disappear from the mansion''s gate and shook his head. ¡°Tsk, so he really


    does have a woman he''s seeing. I can''t believe he''s driving a sports car out at three in the morning.


    Does he really n to do ''that'' in the car?¡±

 Chapter 65

    Chapter 65


    When Avery walked out of the residential area, she saw Cayden standing at a distance.


    Every cell in Cayden''s body had been looking forward to her arrival. When she did arrive, he opened


    the car door for her. Just as she entered the vehicle, he shoved a cup of hot beverage into her hand.


    While it was summer, it was still pretty cold at three in the morning.


    Yet, Avery''s heart was warmed as she held the cup of hot beverage in her hand.


    Nheless, she still fell asleep in the car.


    Before she went out of the building, she told herself not to fall asleep and that she should talk to him to


    keep himpany. She was certain he hadn''t slept well, since she herself hadn''t slept well too.


    Cayden was very focused on driving the car on the road deep into the night. It was much more quiet


    compared to daytime. After driving for around twenty minutes, he pulled over the car at the location


    where they were going to watch the sunrise.


    Upon ncing at the watch on his wrist, he turned to her but couldn''t bring himself to wake her up.


    After all, they would always have another opportunity to see a sunrise.


    It was then a car passed them by and honked very loudly.


    Avery was jolted awake by the loud noise.


    Cayden red at the car for a second before shifting his gaze to her again. He spoke softly. ¡°We''re


    here. Let''s go to the top floor.¡±


    She looked outside of the window in a daze and saw it was the entrance to Trident Group.


    Momentster, she got out of the car and followed him upstairs.


    Original from N?velDrama.Org.


    When she felt an abrupt warmthing from her back, she turned around and saw his well-built body


    getting really close to hers. Upon raising her head again, she saw Cayden had already taken off his


    coat and draped it over her shoulders.


    ¡°I''m not cold.¡± Avery felt apologetic because being taken care of so attentively by him made her feel like


    she owed him.


    ¡°You need to be careful about getting cold after waking up. Children need to be taken care of like this


    by adults when they''re growing up,¡± Cayden uttered firmly and pressed the coat on her body.


    She was still in a daze as she felt his warmth.


    It was the first time she was on the rooftop of Trident Group. Currently, it was half past four in the


    morning. From where she was standing, she could see the entire city. She had never seen scenery as


    beautiful as that at a simr time and ce.


    As the sun rose at the edge of the sky, the city was painted with its golden glow.


    Avery smiled silently as the wind lifted strands of her hair.


    She was thoroughly enjoying the beautiful scenery.


    Cayden stared at her smile satisfactorily.


    ¡°From what I can remember, you don''t smile a lot.¡± He actually wanted to say he had never seen her


    smile before.


    He hugged her from behind and wrapped his arms around her body. He lowered his head and kissed


    the ck hair at the back of her head. With his eyes closed, he breathed in her fragrant scent.


    ¡°Leave your future in my hands from now on. You can''t cry anymore. If you cry again, that means I


    must have done something wrong.¡± Cayden turned her body around and stared at her face to face. As


    the morning sunlight pierced through the city, he lowered his head and kissed her.


    Avery stretched her hand out and timidly hugged his muscr waist.


    She raised her head and kissed him.


    She wasn''t going to take the initiative to kiss him, but she wouldn''t hide from him anymore. If he wanted


    to smooch her, she would stick her tongue out for him.


    Cayden held her tightly and rubbed her back with her clothes in between.


    Her initiative thoroughly demolished his self-control as he started kissing her like a dog in heat.


    ¡°Hmm...¡± Avery couldn''t handle it any longer.


    He pinned her against the railing as he pressed his body against hers aggressively.


    ¡°Mmm... Ah...¡± Pleasure was infiltrating her body. Even though it was just a kiss, it was already making


    her pretty excited. She started pushing against his chest.


    Cayden was enjoying the moment.


    Even after the sun had fully risen into the sky, Avery''s lips still hadn''t been freed yet.


    He hadpletely lost his self-control as he whispered lustfully next to her ear. She could feel his hot


    breath brushing against her cheek. ¡°Before I won your heart, I knew I love you. Now that I''ve made you


    mine, my longing for you doesn''t decrease. In fact, it only makes me want you more and more.¡±


    He continued to kiss her like a rampaging animal, causing her mind to turn nk.


    It wasn''t until six in the morning that he let her go, and they left the rooftop.


    It wasn''t working hours yet, so no one was in thepany. Yet, Avery still didn''t have the guts to raise


    her head as she walked next to him.


    Both of them got into the car before Cayden drove it away from Trident Group''s entrance. ¡°Let''s go pick


    up Rory and Zach together. We''ll send them to my uncle''s house.¡±


    ¡°You go ahead yourself. I want to go home.¡± Her cheeks were still flushing red. She had dated Zayne


    before, but it had never made her feel that way. Cayden is too domineering. He likes to kiss me and


    touch me, unlike...


    She licked the inside of her mouth and felt a tingling pain.


    ¡°What are you afraid of? You''ll be meeting my family sooner orter, anyway.¡± Cayden waspletely


    sure that he wanted Avery to be his wife for the rest of his life. Once she was ready, it would be time to


    meet each other''s parents.


    She was touched and afraid at the same time. I read on the inte before that Cayden''s father is a


    member of the Moore family and that his family has a decades-old foundation in the city. There is


    gossip saying that if his father had not been suspected of having an affair in his middle age, he


    wouldn''t have dragged thepany down due to public outcry and affected the entire stock market of


    the city. His uncle''s status in the business industry isn''t to be underestimated, either. As for Cayden''s


    father''s second wife, she''s said to be from a family that''s simrly prestigious to the Moore family.


    When Rory and Zachary came out and saw Avery, they were pleasantly surprised before they went to


    her back and hugged one of her legs from behind.


    Avery turned to look at Cayden for help.


    Rory pouted and didn''t want to go into the car.


    Her father looked happy when he came back the previous night, but after a while, he wore a cold


    expression on his face. Therefore, the children couldn''t be med for feeling afraid when they saw him


    in the morning.


    Avery didn''t know that her dyed message had caused Cayden to have difficulty sleeping in the


    Moore residence and that it had caused many changes to his expression throughout the previous night.


    ¡°Are you sure you don''t want to get into the car? In that case, neither of you is allowed to get into the


    car from now on.¡± Cayden had put on his usually serious demeanor. As he spoke, he got out of the car


    and dragged Avery away.


    When she moved, the two children hugging her legs were dragged along as well.


    Avery lowered her head and said in resignation, ¡°All right, let''s get in the car first. Then you can tell me


    what''s making you both angry.¡±


    Cayden turned around and returned to the car.


    Avery sat in the backseat with the children after carrying them inside.


    Cayden had to park the sports car he drove earlier in the Moore residence because only a jeep could


    make it through the path leading to his uncle''s residence. Therefore, he drove a Land Rover out


    instead.


    When he was doing that, Avery waited outside of the Moore residence.


    Cayden didn''t n to send her in to familiarize herself with his grandfather or mother yet. He was afraid


    people like Kendrick and Lily would scare her off.


    ¡°Your lips look like they were stung by mosquitoes, Ms. Ery. Your lips are red and swollen.¡± Rory


    grabbed her bag and searched for an ointment for mosquito bites. When she found it, she handed it to


    Avery. ¡°My brother and I use this when we get bitten by mosquitoes. It helps a lot!¡±


    Avery took the ointment speechlessly.


    Cayden nced at her through the rearview mirror.


    Her red lips still looked seductive to him.


    When she saw his lustful gaze, she awkwardly turned away.

 Chapter 66

    Chapter 66


    On their way to Cayden''s uncle''s house, the four of them went to eat breakfast at a restaurant.


    Avery felt uneasy because she felt she was out of ce around Cayden.


    Thankfully, she was wearing her working outfit because she thought she wouldn''t have time to go home


    and get changed after watching the sunrise.


    At that moment, she hoped other people would see her as Cayden''s secretary.


    She also saw how the children were afraid of their father.


    When Cayden went to the restroom, Roryined with strawberry jam around her mouth, ¡°My


    daddy is like a childish boy, Ms. Ery. He keeps upsetting me and making me cry. Zach can deal with


    him better because he''s stronger than me. Daddy never managed to make him cry before.¡±


    Zachary nodded. ¡°Daddy is short-tempered, and he doesn''t like talking to people. We really want to


    help him ovee his psychological issues, but he doesn''t think he''s sick.¡±


    Avery smiled as she wiped the jam off of Rory''s lips.


    Cayden came back from the restroom and sensed the harmonious atmosphere among the three of


    them, which prompted him to ask jealously, ¡°What are you three talking about? Seems like you all are


    having fun.¡±


    ¡°We''re not happy now that you''re back. Tsk.¡± Rory used her spoon to poke her bread. ¡°I was telling Ms.


    Ery that you made me cry many times even though you''re my daddy.¡±


    ¡°You should never be his girlfriend, Ms. Ery. If you marry him, he''ll make you cry too,¡± she advised


    worriedly.


    Avery nodded as though she was taking the advice seriously. ¡°Got it.¡±


    Cayden drank a mouthful of warm milk and found out that the temperature was just right for


    consumption. When the server served a cup of hot milk to Avery, he took her cup and gave her his.


    ¡°Drink mine. It''s not scalding anymore.¡±


    Avery was speechless.


    The twins exchanged a nce. Is Daddy caring for Ms. Ery right now? So he does know how to take


    care of someone? He looks like he''s being possessed by something again. Sometimes, he''ll act nice


    and warm, but at other times, he''ll act cold and gloomy.


    Half an hourter, they finished having breakfast.


    The children walked to the front while carrying their bags. Rory was whispering something into her


    brother''s ear.


    Cayden held Avery''s waist from behind. It didn''t seem too intimate, but it was still obvious enough for


    outsiders to tell he was her boyfriend.


    Avery felt ufortable.


    ¡°Don''t do this.¡± She dodged, fearing that other people would see them.


    She was fine with it, but she believed it wasn''t appropriate for him to do that.


    Every move Cayden took could be seen by everyone. The reason the paparazzi didn''t keep an eye on


    him was that they couldn''t find any dirt or juicy gossip about him. Even if they followed him for years,


    they still wouldn''t get anything substantial.


    However, things were no longer the same.


    Avery was worried she would drag him down.


    ¡°Don''t do what?¡± Cayden and she were walking about two meters behind the children as he spoke


    lightly. ¡°When you sleep with me, I''ll allow you to say something like that to me on the bed.¡±


    Avery was speechless.


    The car was parked quite far away from the restaurant.


    Avery didn''t want to listen to him teasing her, so she said with a serious expression, ¡°Your usually


    serious demeanor has scared Rory, you know that? She''s a little girl. You''ll traumatize her.¡±


    ¡°She''s just making things up.¡± He acted as though he had never scared his daughter before.


    She nced at him. Okay, I get it. He usually appears cold and harsh unless he smiles. However, it


    seems like an impossible task to make him smile.


    Cayden recalled what his daughter had said to Avery earlier. ¡°You should never be his girlfriend, Ms.


    Ery. If you marry him, he''ll make you cry too.¡±


    ¡°Don''t listen to Rory''s nonsense. I won''t make you cry. Well, it doesn''t count if it happens on the bed,


    though,¡± he uttered. The implied meaning of his words was clear.


    Avery coughed. ¡°I''ll go and help Rory hold her bag...¡±


    She swiftly stepped forward because she felt much morefortable spending time with the children


    than with the man.


    Of course she knew what he meant by that. She was a twenty-four-year-old adult, after all.


    Cayden''s uncle''s residence was quite far away.


    Before the twins were sent there, Cayden received a call from his uncle.


    Therefore, before they all arrived, his uncle, Toby Musk, and aunt, Talia Gilbert, had already been


    waiting outside of the courtyard for them.


    It was a mansion located in a residential area in the suburbs with a quiet environment.


    ¡°Granduncle Toby...¡± Rory approached Toby. It seemed she was quite close to him.


    Zachary stood at the side and pulled his sister away. He didn''t want her to cling to their granduncle and


    grandaunt on a hot day.


    ¡°That''s...¡± When Toby raised his head, he was surprised to see the woman standing next to Cayden.


    Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Avery hurriedly greeted, ¡°Hello.¡±


    ¡°Ah, hello.¡± Toby stared at her and was stunned.


    Cayden followed his uncle''s line of sight and also stared at Avery. There wasn''t anything odd about her


    face. The only thing that was attention-grabbing was her innocent-looking, clean, and beautiful face.


    Avery politely greeted Toby and Talia.


    Cayden was perplexed by his uncle''s strange look and asked, ¡°What''s wrong, Uncle Toby?¡±


    ¡°This is...¡± Toby averted his eyes away from Avery and turned to look at his nephew, who was dressed


    in a pressed suit.


    ¡°I... I''m his secretary,¡± Avery answered.


    She was afraid if Cayden spoke first, he would say she was his girlfriend. It wasn''tfortable enough


    for her to call them uncle and aunt yet.


    Not to mention if Cayden''s elders weren''t willing to ept a person of ordinary status like her and


    thought that she didn''t deserve him, she would just be digging herself a grave by addressing them like


    how Cayden did.


    Cayden understood her intentions and so he stayed silent.


    Toby nodded and said with confusion, ¡°Secretary?¡±


    Soon, Cayden left with Avery, as it was nearly time to work.


    After she entered the car, she fastened her seatbelt. ¡°I told my dad I''ll be taking him to the hospital for a


    checkup today, and I''ve already applied for leave. I''ll head back to thepany in the afternoon. Once


    we arrive in the city, you can drop me anywhere you like.¡±


    ¡°I''ll go with you.¡± He started the car engine as he spoke.


    ¡°No, my dad...¡± She wanted to say her father had not known about his existence yet.


    It would take time for her to persuade him to ept a rich man as a son-inw.


    Cayden understood that. He patted her head andforted her, ¡°I understand. I''ll prove to your father


    that not all rich men are indecent.¡±


    Avery nodded.


    At the mansion, the twins were ying in the courtyard as they hugged an orange cat in their embrace.


    Toby stared at the children in the courtyard with furrowed eyebrows and turned to his wife. ¡°The woman


    next to Cayden earlier looks really familiar.¡±


    ¡°How does she look familiar? She''s just a secretary. She looks quite pretty, and if Cayden likes her,


    then just let him be. He''s an adult now. Who can tell him who he should have a rtionship with?¡± Talia


    spoke as she watered flowers.


    Toby shook his head. ¡°I''m not talking about that. I just feel like she looks really familiar. Think about it


    carefully. I''m pretty sure she looks like a certain someone when they were young...¡±


    Talia sighed. ¡°A lot of people in Chanaea look simr. Weren''t there two male movie stars who looked


    so simr that they appeared more alike than a pair of actual brothers?¡±


    Toby turned around, knowing that it was pointless talking to his wife any longer.

 Chapter 67

    Chapter 67


    Toby entered the living room with his hands behind his back.


    Talia held her reading sses in one hand as she continued to water the flowers sitting next to the


    window with her watering pot in another hand.


    There was an aged drawer in the living room. The surface was painted red and hadrge peony flower


    patterns on it. Each leaf painted on the drawer looked incredibly real.


    Toby opened the drawer.


    There was a stack of newspapers sitting on the left inside the drawer. He had a habit of collecting old


    newspapers.


    Above the newspaper was a thick photo album.


    Upon pulling out the album and flipping through a few pages of it, he finally found the picture in his


    memory.


    There were four people in the picture. One was Toby himself when he was younger. The other three


    were women around the age of twenty.


    In the photo, Allie stood in the middle. She was wearing a pair of red, long pants that were trendy back


    then. The expression on her face wasn''t as joyous as the other two women.


    To the left of Allie was Talia when she was younger.


    To the right was a young ire Walsh, Allie''s best friend. She was wearing a white dress and had two


    delicate ck braids.


    Even though the picture was taken twenty-eight years ago, Toby was certain he hadn''t gotten so old to


    have misremembered her face.


    After staring at the picture for a while, he suddenly felt like he was overthinking it. Cayden''s secretary is


    probably just a child from an ordinary family.


    He was so focused that he didn''t notice his wife was walking into the room after she finished watering


    her nts.


    When Talia saw that picture, she frowned. She pointed at ire and said, ¡°You think staring at her


    pictures in secret will relieve you of the pain of longing?¡±


    ¡°Don''t say nonsense like that!¡± Toby put away the photo in anger and shoved the old photo album back


    into the drawer.


    ¡°I caught you looking, yet you dared to deny it? Don''t say that I didn''t remind you, Toby Musk, that she''s


    the wife of the state government''s secretary! You really were ridiculous, you know? She didn''t like you


    at all! You were a thirty-seven-year-old man who had the gall to have a crush on a woman twenty years


    younger than you!¡± Talia sounded super jealous.


    She got angry when she thought about the woman her husband used to like when he was younger.


    This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Toby didn''t argue with her and instead left the living room.


    There was no point in him arguing stuff about that at his age.


    ire was Allie''s best friend, and they grew up together. Toby was Allie''s older brother, and he had


    very much loved ire from the beginning. Even though his love had never been reciprocated, he


    didn''t feel jealous or regretful that he couldn''t end up with her.


    After all, ire had married an excellent soldier, who went on to be the state government''s


    secretary, and lived a happy life.


    Toby simply felt sorry for his sister because her life was a lot more difficultpared to the other girls


    she grew up with.


    Cayden sent Avery to Primo Hospital.


    Once she got out of the vehicle, she closed the door and turned back to face him. ¡°Drive safe.¡±


    He silently watched her slender figure enter the hospital before looking away and making a call. ¡°Tell


    the director of Primo Hospital to take good care of a cancer patient with thest name of Rumpley.¡±


    Avery entered the hospital uneasily.


    When she was eighteen, her father contracted liver cancer. However, when she learned about it,


    Leonardo had already been admitted to the hospital to receive treatment. She hadn''t handled anything


    about her father''s admission.


    Primo Hospital was huge. It took her a long while of walking before she entered the building. It was an


    old building that was left over from a previous war. The outer wall looked very tough.


    When Avery went to talk to a nurse, the nurse asked, ¡°Hello, is your father''sst name Rumpley?¡±


    She was taken aback slightly and nodded. ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Please follow me.¡± The nurse''s attitude was polite as she guided Avery.


    Avery followed behind cautiously. I bet Cayden is the one behind this.


    Nina also came to the hospital. When she met Avery, she asked, ¡°Is Mr. Rumpley not here yet?¡±


    Avery shook her head.


    Leonardo told her that he would definitelye and that he didn''t need her to pick him up.


    She knew it was because he was afraid a fight would happen between her and Henrietta.


    ¡°Don''t get too sad. It breaks my heart to see you like this. Sometimes, you can''t avoid things that are


    destined to happen to someone.¡± Nina had no idea how tofort her friend.


    Five years ago, Avery was tortured by her father''s liver cancer. His current lung cancer was just adding


    fuel to a fire that was already burning brightly.


    However, such a blow was not enough to break Avery down.


    Through her experience, Avery had learned how to endure that fire and survive.


    A little after ten in the morning, Leonardo called. ¡°I can onlye to the hospital at one in the


    afternoon, Ery. Maybe you can go back to yourpany and work first?¡±


    Avery was worried her father wouldn''te, so she said, ¡°I''ll wait for you at the hospital. If you don''t


    come, I won''t leave.¡±


    ¡°I''ll definitely be there once I take care of my matters,¡± Leonardo replied.


    Nina overheard the conversation and spoke to Avery once the call ended. ¡°Let''s get something to eat


    and drink first. The air inside the hospital is awful.¡±


    ¡°All right.¡± Avery went downstairs with her.


    The elevator was cramped with people, so the two women were forced to take the stairs.


    When they turned a corner at the third floor''s staircase, Avery saw two people standing in front of the


    window. One was Mna, who was frowning, and another one was Isabe, who appeared anxious.


    ¡°Mom? Why are you here?¡± Nina was shocked.


    When Mna saw Avery, she immediately went to the gynecology department.


    Isabe red at her annoying daughter and Avery before grabbing Mna''s arm. She begged, ¡°You


    can''t abort the child, Mna. That''s Zayne''s child! Please...¡±


    When Nina heard that, the look in her eyes turned vicious. She said to Avery, ¡°Wait for me in front.¡±


    Avery nodded. After she broke up with Zayne, the Richters'' matters had nothing to do with her


    anymore.


    She didn''t want to get involved, so she went to the front to wait for Nina.


    Mna spoke to Isabe with teary eyes. ¡°It''s not that I don''t want to give birth to this child, Mrs. Richter.


    It''s just that Zayne doesn''t want to acknowledge this baby as his child! He thought that if he admits it,


    he''ll be upsetting someone.¡±


    It was apparent that the ¡°someone¡± was referring to Avery.


    Avery felt as though she was getting shot out of nowhere.


    Just as Mna uttered thest word, she looked in Avery''s direction, putting on a pitiful look.


    Isabe instantly understood what Mna meant and readjusted her expression. ¡°My son is a big idiot,


    Mna. He was tricked by that woman''s innocent appearance, so he''s also pretty pitiful too. Both of you


    are good-natured, pitiful children! There''s nothing you need to worry about because I''m on your side.


    My son said he''d be upsetting someone if he acknowledged this baby as his child, right? Well, despite


    the fact that that woman''s a shameless woman who cheated on my son many times, she''s still living a


    good life! You''re not the shameless one; she is!¡±


    Avery heard that because Isabe was being really loud.


    Many people in the hospital, who were waiting in a line for their turn to ride the elevator, poked their


    heads out to see what was going on.


    Nina stared at her foolish mother and the maniptive Mna before she gave Mna a hard p on


    the left cheek.

 Chapter 68

    Chapter 68


    Nina pped Mna with a loud smack. At the same time, Isabe shouted furiously, ¡°You little brat!


    How could you hit Mna? What if you hurt the baby in her womb?¡±


    ¡°I would rather die than have this baby...¡± It was hard to tell whether Mna was faking her tears. She


    covered her face and left after saying that.


    Isabe decided against smacking her daughter and went after Mna instead.


    As she was trying to catch up to Mna, Isabe tried to persuade her, ¡°Mna, slow down. Since you


    are pregnant with my grandchild, I will support you no matter what! You said you felt insecure marrying


    into our family and that the future of your child is not assured. Could you please tell me what I can do to


    make you feel secure?¡±


    Isabe desperately wanted grandchildren, so she was willing to do anything to please Mna.


    Meanwhile, Nina panted for breath as she gritted her teeth in frustration. ¡°That b*tch won''t stop until


    she ruins my family. I know she''s only throwing tantrums to make my parents buy her a house.¡±


    Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Why is my mom so gullible? How could she fall for that b*tch''s stupid tricks?


    Nina continued to grumble as they went downstairs, ¡°That skank! Why did my idiot brother choose her?


    She is disgusting! I think she was fooling around with wealthy men and got dumped by them. That must


    be why she looked for my idiot brother to provide for her. She''d better not let me see her again, or I will


    beat her up!¡±


    Nina was bursting with fury and desperately wanted to get her hands on Mna.


    Soon, they came to a caf¨¦ outside the hospital.


    Nina was stillining even after they were seated. ¡°When you guys went overseas, I told Zayne to


    stay away from Mna. Yet, guess what he did. Not only did he not heed my warning, but he even


    befriended her and ended up getting together with her.¡±


    Avery could only lower her head helplessly.


    They were still at the cafe when Cayden called around eleven o''clock.


    After ncing at Nina, Avery looked down to ept the call. However, she could not bring herself to


    speak up.


    ¡°Is anyone there?¡± Cayden''s deep voice sounded from the other end of the line.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Avery was not used to speaking with Cayden in front of her friend. After all, they had only


    entered a rtionship recently, so Avery was unsure how she should behave.


    Cayden asked, ¡°Have you had lunch?¡±


    ¡°I''ve ordered the food, but they are not served yet. Also, I am with Nina right now,¡± Avery replied.


    Nina could guess who was on the other end of the line and mouthed, ¡°Is that Boss?¡±


    Avery nodded in affirmation.


    After that, Cayden asked her about the situation at the hospital. Initially, he nned to head there, but


    Avery told him her father had not arrived yet. Furthermore, she was concerned that her father would be


    shocked if Cayden suddenly showed up.


    Thus, Cayden had no choice but to cancel his n to go to the hospital.


    Later, Leonardo arrived at the hospital at one o''clock in the afternoon.


    Since Cayden had given prior instructions to the hospital, the hospital staff treated Leonardo with


    utmost care. They prepared the best room in the hospital for him and assigned a male nurse and a


    female nurse to take care of Leonardo. Furthermore, they also appointed a highly experienced


    specialist to provide consultations.


    Leonardo changed into a hospital gown and asked, ¡°Ery, this...¡±


    ¡°Dad, my colleague knows someone in the hospital, so...¡± Avery did not know whether her exnation


    was believable. She only realized how unrealistic it sounded when she thought about itter.


    However, Leonardo did not question her further even though he did not believe her excuse.


    Soon, the doctor began to examine Leonardo, so Avery had no choice but to leave the ward.


    Nina leaned against the wall outside the ward and asked, ¡°Haven''t you told your father about your


    rtionship with Boss?¡±


    Avery shook her head, seemingly in a daze as she sat on a chair. ¡°If my father found out about it, he


    would definitely forgo treatment in order to find out what is going on. Moreover, he would assume that


    Boss is only fooling around with me.¡±


    ¡°The thing is...¡± Nina paused mid-sentence hesitantly. Nevertheless, she felt that Avery would not mind


    her voicing her opinion, so she continued, ¡°To be honest, I think your father is a little extreme. If what


    Mna''s mother said was true, that your mother cheated on him with a rich man, then your father''s


    hatred toward wealthy men is understandable. After all, one of them snatched his wife away. Still, your


    father shouldn''t assume that all of them are scumbags who mess with women''s hearts. At least that


    wealthy man wasn''t only fooling around with your mother. Unless another rich man tricked your mother,


    and only your father knew what happened.¡±


    Hearing that, Avery lowered her head and did not respond.


    She always believed that her father knew her mother''s current situation but refused to tell her.


    All this while, she had been mindful of her father''s health condition and was careful not to trigger him.


    Thus, she resisted asking him the burning questions on her mind, causing her curiosity about her birth


    mother to dissipate over time.


    Seeing that Avery remained silent, Nina took out her iPad and opened a drama series she had


    downloaded.


    She gave Avery one of the earphones and said, ¡°You should watch this drama to distract yourself and


    pass the time. Otherwise, you will keep worrying.¡±


    Although Avery rarely watched drama series, she epted her friend''s offer.


    After watching for a while, she pulled out the earphone in disbelief. ¡°How can they broadcast this kind


    of show? Isn''t a romantic rtionship between brother and sister viting human ethics...¡±


    ¡°No, they are not biological siblings!¡± Nina removed her earphone and exined, ¡°The male and female


    lead have different parents. You didn''t know that because you didn''t watch the first episode. They have


    no blood rtion.¡±


    After hearing her exnation, Avery found the drama series slightly more eptable and continued


    watching.


    Meanwhile, Leonardo''s check-up went on for two hours. However, that was not the end of it. He had to


    fast until the next morning for the doctor to do a moreprehensive examination.


    It saddened Avery to see her father lying on the bed in agony.


    At around three o''clock, Nina received a call from thepany and had to leave.


    Avery also left the hospital after helping her father settle into his room.


    Then, she returned to the office and had to work overtime.


    Although Cecelia knew about Avery''s rtionship with Cayden, the department head did not. Thus, he


    did not give Avery special treatment but assigned work to her.


    Nevertheless, Avery neitherin nor found it tiresome.


    She workedte until it was after office hours, and she was all alone in the office.


    At seven-thirty, Avery finally took a break and noticed that the sky had darkened. Then, she looked at


    the beautifully-lit city through the window and massaged her temple before getting up to make herself a


    cup of coffee in the pantry.


    Suddenly, she heard movements behind her.


    Avery was not a timid person, but she could not help but feel a little afraid in the empty office.


    The noise sounded like a man''s heavy footsteps approaching her. Thus, she quickly put down her cup


    and turned around, fearing Zayne was sneaking up on her. However, the moment she did so, Cayden


    pressed her against the pantry counter with his firm and muscr body.


    Then, she felt his warm lips on her fair neck.


    ¡°Why are you here?¡± Avery did not expect to see Cayden.


    He has to pick up Zach and Rory from Toby''s house at night. Why is he back so soon?


    ¡°Let''s get married as soon as possible.¡± Cayden leaned down and kissed her lips.


    Avery was mesmerized by the passion and warmth in Cayden''s eyes as he trapped her in the narrow


    pantry. It waspletely silent except for the sensual noises Cayden made as he nibbled at her skin.


    His firm shoulders gave her the sense of security she desperately needed. Thus, she became more


    daring and reciprocated his passion with her kiss while caressing his sturdy waist.


    Her kisses fanned his desire, pushing it to the boiling point.


    Cayden stripped off her clothes as he kissed her and lifted her onto the pantry counter. By now, Avery''s


    mind had gone nk. She could feel something pulled taut within her, threatening to snap at any


    moment.


    ¡°Mm...¡± Avery raised her head, trying to find respite from the overwhelming passion.


    Meanwhile, Cayden moved down and kissed her belly, prompting Avery to shake her head immediately.


    ¡°No... Not there...¡± A moan escaped her parted lips, and she panted for breath.


    With that, Cayden''s lipstched onto her swollen ones again.


    He kissed her like a crazed man, making her shudder with pleasure. Her moans grew louder and


    further incited his desires.


    ¡°Do you want it?¡± Cayden breathed heavily, having long lost his calm.

 Chapter 69

    Chapter 69


    Avery suddenly regained her rationality at Cayden''s question. She gave him a shove and slipped away


    while he was distracted.


    By then, Cayden''s eyes were bloodshot, and desire was boiling within him. He dashed after her


    mercilessly and captured her, forcing her to face him as he secured his arm around her back and


    pressed her into a wine-red single couch.


    ¡°You don''t want it?¡± His charming voice made her blush and quickened her heartbeat, inming passion


    within her.


    While Avery could not deny she had secretly liked Cayden since the beginning, it did not mean she


    wanted to be intimate with him so soon.


    ¡°Mm...¡± Caydentched onto her lips as she tried to say no. He sucked the tip of her tongue so hard


    that it started to feel sore.


    The noises of their amorous kisses filled the pantry as a dimmp shone on them, adding ayer of


    sensuality to Cayden''s demeanor.


    Avery found herself drowning in the smell of nicotine wafting from him. Furthermore, the air around his


    body was filled with pheromones, threatening to overwhelm her mind.


    ¡°I... I still have work... Ah...¡± Avery did not have the chance to finish her sentence. The word ¡°work¡±


    enraged Cayden, prompting him to lift her from the couch.


    Feeling disorientated, she suddenly found Cayden pinning her hard against a refrigerator of one-meter


    width.


    The coldness of the refrigerator door seeped through her clothes onto her back.


    Cayden pressed his body against her soft figure, leaving no gap between them and no room for her to


    breathe.


    At the same time, hisrge and slightly calloused hands caressed her body through her clothes.


    Cayden soon found her sensitive spot and rubbed hard against it.


    The intense pleasure forced her breath out of her lungs. Avery could not hold back her moans even if


    she wanted to.


    Furthermore, she realized her ck pencil skirt was missing. She had no idea when Cayden had pulled


    it off her.


    Cayden had run out of patience at this point. He finally found a suitable outlet for the desires he had


    pent up for years. Avery was finally all his, and he reveled in her tenderness.


    ¡°Don''t be scared, and don''t hide from me, Babe...¡± His voice was hoarse with burning desire as he


    restrained her, denying her any chance of escape.


    Suddenly, Avery felt something touching her thigh. The sticky sensation made her shudder.


    She panted and looked down, watching Cayden''s actions in disbelief.


    Then, Cayden ced a hand behind her head as he kissed her. At the same time, he unfastened the


    metal buckle of his belt.


    To her shock, he soon freed his length, and it bounced against her lower abdomen.


    ¡°No! This... This is too fast...¡± Avery was not an inexperienced woman. After all, she had let another


    man have his way with her five years ago. Furthermore, she had done it more than once.


    However, she was now in a normal romantic rtionship, so it did not feel right for her to do this when


    they had only begun seeing each other.


    On the other hand, Cayden was set on having Avery as his wife and wanted to take her there and then.


    He leaned down and sucked on her earlobe, biting it gently. Then, something snapped within him, and


    he bit down harder.


    That sent a numb and tingling sensation throughout Avery''s body.


    As Avery was still recovering from the sensation, Cayden suddenly turned her around so that her back


    faced him.


    Avery leaned against the refrigerator door, feeling fearful. Before he turned her around, she caught a


    glimpse of his faint frown and flushed corbone.


    The heat from Cayden''s palm had exceeded normal human temperature. Moreover, Avery had


    awakened the beast within Cayden. She felt like prey as he pinned her against the refrigerator,


    threatening to devour her at any time.


    ¡°Rx. You will like it...¡± Cayden said earnestly.


    Having said that, he kissed her smooth neck from behind to distract her from her terror. His rough hand


    felt hot as it pressed against her navel.


    Avery panicked and felt helpless, like a wounded animal. She became dizzy as he pressed her against


    the refrigerator door. At the same time, her body kept trembling, and she could not help but gasp.


    A strong sense of shame invaded her fragile soul.


    Cayden rubbed his lips against her fair skin and her reddened earlobe.


    Suddenly, he thrusted in deep.


    He could clearly hear his suppressed gasps and moans at that moment.


    ¡°No...¡± Avery protested as she could not withstand his overwhelming force.


    It hurt simrly when he kissed her hard.


    ¡°No... Ah... Pull it out...¡± Although it was not her first time doing it, her body could not bear the pain.


    Cayden''s vein throbbed on his forehead. Although Avery could not see it, she noticed the protruded


    veins on his arms.


    ¡°It hurts... Ah... Please stop...¡± She shook her head and looked at Cayden''s arm through misty eyes.


    The veins on Cayden''s arm throbbed whenever he thrust hard.


    Cayden''s throat tightened and felt dry as an unbearable urge burned his heart. Her pained cries


    lingered in his ear, making him reluctant to continue. However, he was too far gone to stop.


    Thus, he turned her around and kissed her lips while caressing her body to soothe her.


    Unfortunately, that made her even tighter.


    Thus, it became even harder for her to bear his increasingly intense passion.


    However, his persistence soon created a sense of longing and desire within her.


    Avery opened her tear-filled eyes and observed his rock-hard body. His hand at the back of her neck


    felt hot like molten steel, which made her skin burn wherever he touched it.


    No women could resist such temptation.


    Naturally, she now hungered for him to fill her.


    At the same time, Cayden frowned in concentration as he tried his best to make it feel good for her.


    As Avery hugged his back and traced her finger down his spine, she gritted her teeth in pain and


    shuddered.


    By now, she no longer wished to back down. Besides, it was pointless to do so.


    In the end, she cried out with painful pleasure.


    Avery''s trimmed nails nearly dug into Cayden''s skin as she clung to him helplessly, clueless as to what


    was happening with her body.


    At the same time, she was confused by her conflicting thoughts.


    Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    On the other hand, Cayden tried tofort her and kept kissing her forehead. His voice was hoarse


    and remorseful as he said, ¡°I''m sorry. It is my fault for being impatient. Take your time. You will get used


    to it after we do it a few more times.¡±


    Avery looked up, causing tears to flow down her cheeks.


    While Cayden kissed her tears away, he had a sudden selfish thought. I will never let her go, no matter


    what happens. She is mine forever.


    ¡°Does it still hurt a lot? Do you want to go to the hospital? Perhaps I should call a doctor here.¡± Cayden


    helped her adjust her clothes and ced his jacket over her. He felt a pang in his heart as he looked


    down at Avery.


    The woman shook her head in response.


    Then, Cayden caressed her messy hair and tucked stray strands behind her ears. He kissed her soft


    lips and said, ¡°Let me bring you somewhere to rest for a while.¡±


    ¡°I still haven''t finished my work,¡± Avery said gloomily and looked down to avoid his fiery gaze.


    Work is still my main priority, and thepany has paid me to do my job, so I can''t dy it.


    Furthermore, the department head needs that drawing tomorrow morning.


    Cayden seemed to understand the reason behind her adamant attitude and went to her desk. He


    quickly saved her documents on herptop and carried theptop with him.


    Then, he grabbed Avery''s hand and pulled her with him to leave. Avery blushed as she followed


    Cayden.

 Chapter 70

    Chapter 70


    Hand in hand, they walked past the work area and elevators until they were out of the office. As soon


    as Avery was seatedfortably in the car, Cayden turned around and lit a cigarette, his brows


    furrowed ever so slightly.


    Even though the cold night breeze was blowing against his handsome face, it did little to affect the


    warmth spreading throughout his body.


    Cayden had noticed Avery since his teenage years, just as he was experiencing the surging hormones


    of puberty. He remembered ncing at her from the basketball court and realizing her petiteness


    sparked his desire to protect her. At that time, not only had her figure not developed properly, but she


    also looked somewhat malnourished.


    However, as the days went by, all Cayden could think about was the small, malnourished girl from his


    neighboring ss. Despite being surrounded by pretty, curvaceous high school girls, none of them


    caught his interest.


    As it turned out, students in small towns were more open-minded than those in the bigger cities.


    Teachers remained wary about the puppy love between teenagers but weren''t as strict about it as their


    peers in Ackleton. Therefore, it was hardly surprising that the thought of dating Avery had once crossed


    the mind of a young and impulsive Cayden.


    One Friday evening, Avery was on her way home from school when thetter decided to follow her.


    She seemed to have a lot on her mind, to the point where she didn''t even realize Cayden was behind


    her. Then, just as they were nearing her house, he overheard some people gossiping away.


    ¡°Old Mr. Rumpley joked about marrying Ery off to my son once he''s all grown up. Ha! Even if my son


    can''t get a wife, I''d never let him marry that girl from the Rumpleys.¡±


    ¡°Ery doesn''t look like her father at all, so I suppose she must resemble her mother. If that''s the case,


    they''d also be simr in many other ways!¡±


    ¡°Exactly! I''m sure she''d grow up to be a brazen little hussy. Who would dare marry a woman like that?


    What if she leaves her marriage to run away with some rich man? Her poor husband wouldn''t even


    know what hit him!¡±


    ¡°Oh, you know what else? Just the day before, my son told me that Ery is already like a little vixen at


    school! She''s been on the prowl for rich male ssmates and getting them to pay for her food and


    drinks!¡±


    That was the day Cayden finally realized why Avery never smiled.


    Her neighbors didn''t even care about passersby overhearing them, so if Cayden could hear their


    conversation loud and clear, there was no doubt she would''ve heard it too.


    Eventually, it was also because of those remarks that Cayden tamped down his urge to act on his


    feelings and decided against dating Avery.


    However, it wasn''t that he wanted to shun her like the others did or thought that she''d follow in her


    mother''s footsteps and grow up to be a sleazy woman.


    Instead, Cayden was worried that his appearance might cause Avery''s neighbors to spew even more


    nastyments. That would be thest thing he wanted for her.


    After all, a teenage girl should have a pure and innocent image. Who was he to mess with it?


    Besides, Cayden''s family background wasplicated, and he had nock of money or power. He had


    already finished learning all the university courses, so he chose to lie low in a small town as a high


    school student. He had witnessed how unkind the townsfolk could be, and while he wasn''t afraid of


    rumors, he knew Avery would be deeply affected.


    Unlike him, Avery was meek and diffident. She always kept her head down while walking, which was


    why she never knew Cayden had his eyes on her. Even the teachers and principal had noticed the


    latter''s unwavering gaze, yet the girl remained blissfully unaware.


    Later, Cayden learned that Avery''s father had bought a house in Ackleton and married another woman.


    As for why he hadn''t taken his daughter along to live with him, Cayden was utterly clueless. He was


    merely an outsider, and no matter how powerful he was, he still wouldn''t be privy to such private


    information.


    Naturally, Cayden wanted nothing more than to whisk Avery away. That wish grew stronger every day,


    but he knew things wouldn''t be as easy in reality. If he wanted to leave with her, he''d first have to


    ovee the resistance from both their parents.


    After all, if two youngsters who were yet to be independent wound up together, society would mock


    them for willfully eloping.


    Neighbors wouldpare Avery to her mother and scorn her for being a wanton woman who only


    wanted to be with a rich man.


    With all that in mind, Cayden had no choice but to give up the idea of taking Avery away. He became


    even more determined to step into society and work hard so he could one day be thetter''s pir of


    strength.


    The only condition he had was for Avery to have blossomed into adulthood.


    Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    She was five years younger than him, and Cayden would never forget how long and arduous the wait


    was.


    At the age of neen, he frequently went to his friends'' homes to drink, and it was inevitable to


    stumble upon pornographic films. When he first learned about the acts of intimacy between men and


    women, he shut his eyes guiltily as sinful thoughts of Avery flooded his mind.


    From then on, the desire to make her his only grew stronger with every passing day.


    s, when the fateful incident happened that same year and caused Cayden to lose all self-


    awareness, his grandfather promptly took him out of school. Feeling numb to the world, Cayden did as


    instructed and left town.


    Yearster, after achieving independence, the first thing he did was send someone to protect Avery


    secretly.


    More importantly, Cayden''s long wait was over; Avery had finally be an adult.


    After entering high school and moving to Ackleton to live with her father and stepmother, Avery was still


    far from being happy, but at the very least, life had improved by leaps and bounds for her.


    Not only did Leonardo treat her well, but her schoolmates in Ackleton were also on friendly terms with


    her.


    One day, the man tasked to watch over Avery hurried back to Trident Group, saying there was a male


    university student who seemed very close to Avery.


    In fact, she had even visited his house during weekends because she was ssmates with his sister.


    Unfortunately, before Cayden could find out more about the guy and his intentions, he received news


    the next day that Leonardo had liver cancer.


    He then made a beeline to Avery''s school when his meeting ended and saw her walk out after sses;


    her head hung low as silent tears ran down her cheeks.


    s, even when he parked his ck Bentley at the school entrance and handed her a piece of tissue,


    Avery was far too distracted to realize who he was.


    All she could think about was her father''s cancer diagnosis and how she wanted to get to the hospital


    as soon as possible.


    In the end, she merely thanked Cayden and hurried off, not even bothering to nce at him.


    With Leonardo suffering from liver cancer, finding a liver donor for him would require a lot of money.


    Because of that, some cruel lunatic decided to introduce an old man to Avery.


    As long as she agreed to be his mistress and bore him a child, he''d award her with half a million.


    Needless to say, Cayden had a most sinister expression upon hearing that news.


    Are they saying Avery''s only worth half a million? She''s priceless! How dare anyone put a price on her


    like a piece of meat!


    Fortunately, she now belonged to him, and no one could say otherwise.


    If she weren''t so tight and couldn''t amodate Cayden''s fully engorged manhood, he''d have


    plunged himself into her, reveling in the moment as he poured his love into every inch of her.


    ¡°What are you thinking about?¡± Cayden asked while driving toward the hotel.


    Avery merely shook her head.


    She was familiar with Cayden''s exclusive hotel suite since it wasn''t her first time there. The room had a


    strong sense of ce and was just like his own private space.


    Without further ado, Avery opened herptop and resumed working.


    She had initially wanted toplete her work in the office or back at home, but Cayden''s insistence for


    her to spend time with him was almost impossible to turn down.


    Avery was looking for a ruler in her bag when Cayden, who had just finished smoking on the balcony,


    carried her to the bed. After pinning her down and lifting her skirt, he ordered, ¡°Take it off. I want to see


    if I hurt you previously.¡±


    I remember forcing myself into her a few times and getting stuck. What if I injured her?

 Chapter 71

    Chapter 71


    Avery''s face turned a deep shade of red once again.


    ¡°No, it''s okay. I''m fine,¡± she replied with a frown.


    Fearing that Cayden might lose control and give in to his urges, Avery tried to squirm her way out of his


    warm embrace. s, she wasn''t strong enough to break free and remained pressed against the edge


    of the bed.


    Then, Cayden''s hand snaked down toward her legs.


    Avery stared at him in terror, not knowing what he was trying to do.


    The next moment, she felt cool between her thighs.


    Oh, gosh. He''s just ripped something off.


    She gazed timidly at the man''s dark, bottomless eyes when he suddenly leaned in and locked lips with


    her, nibbling and sucking gently as he did.


    Worried that the familiar pain would hit her again, Avery instinctively pushed Cayden away.


    What he did next, however, made her entire face turn burning hot and red.


    He started examining her!


    My goodness, he didn''t hurt me at all thest time. Yes, it felt painful then, but that pain has been


    relieved!


    ¡°D-Don''t. Don''t look...¡± Avery whimpered. Unable to break free, she could only pull the nket in a


    desperate attempt to cover herself up, not wanting Cayden to see her so intimately.


    Unfortunately, thetter continued with a most thorough check-up.


    Ah, thank goodness I didn''t hurt her. Otherwise, I think I''d be drowning in guilt.


    As Cayden caressed Avery''s thighs, electrifying sensations spiraled through her body and altered her


    consciousness. When he kissed her again, she couldn''t stop the moans from escaping her lips.


    Before she knew it, lust and desire were seeping from her every pore.


    One thing was for sure¡ªAvery was on the brink of a breakdown.


    ¡°Let''s change things up. I''ll pleasure you in other ways,¡± Cayden whispered. He was older and more


    mature than her, so naturally, he knew what to do without even being taught.


    He continued to work his magic with his hands, causing Avery to widen her eyes in shock. The next


    second, however, she had to bite her lip and squeeze her eyes shut as her whole body tensed up and


    trembled.


    She grabbed Cayden''s arms tight, her fingers digging into his suit.


    Her toes curled up, and the sheet beneath them became wrinkled as she writhed in pleasure.


    Still in his suit and shoes, the tall and lean Caydeny on his side, looking every inch like a proper


    gentleman. His taut body pressed down firmly on Avery, yet his kisses were gentle and delicate.


    ¡°Ah. Mmm...¡±


    Soon, Avery found herself in aplete trance and at the mercy of Cayden''s hands.


    Her body arched toward him, and the sheet around her toes had be aplete mess.


    With every passing second, her body tensed up even more.


    ¡°E-Enough. Mmm...¡± Avery pleaded, knowing her body was responding to Cayden''s every touch.


    One minuteter, she knew she couldn''t hold it in any longer. By then, a thinyer of sweat coated her


    face, and her moans intensified as she rubbed harder against the sheets.


    ¡°Ah, that orgasm came fast, didn''t it?¡± Cayden mumbled, his voice deep and sensual.


    Avery trembled once again.


    She began to lose awareness of her surroundings and was clueless about what happened next. All she


    knew was how much more sensitive her body felt, prompting her to cry out at the slightest touch.


    The intense and passionate make-out session seemed to go on forever before Avery finally got a


    chance to take a breather.


    With that, Cayden walked to the bathroom and turned on the tap to wash his hands.


    He had long, slender fingers that were both beautiful and strong. After squeezing out some hand soap,


    he began to wash them thoroughly.


    Cayden''s face heated up as he stared at his left index and middle fingers that had just been inside


    Avery. The memories from earlier came flooding back, and he finally wiped his hands dry with a


    disinfectant towel.


    Original from N?velDrama.Org.


    For a moment, he was almost reluctant to wash his fingers.


    Back in the bedroom, Avery was trying to put her clothes on when Cayden drew her into his arms and


    gave her a long, passionate kiss.


    When he finally stopped and pulled away, a string of saliva connected their lips.


    Avery didn''t know how she got into Cayden''s car.


    She had made it clear previously that she wouldn''t stay overnight at his hotel suite. After all, she knew


    Nina would tease her incessantly for staying the night and doing the deed on her first date.


    Is Cayden too charming and assertive, or am I too lonely and eager?


    After parking the ck Land Rover along the road, Cayden stepped out and walked into a convenience


    store. He strode to the feminine hygiene section and grabbed a box of panties without batting an eyelid.


    The female store assistant on duty couldn''t stop gawking at the strapping young man who had just


    walked in, to the point where she even forgot to greet him.


    Ackleton was full of handsome men, and they''d visit the store daily regardless of the time of the day.


    Despite being used to that, the store assistant was still shocked by Cayden''s physical appearance. The


    latter was tall, lean, and had such chiseled good looks that not even male celebrities might be able to


    hold a candle to him.


    Before long, Cayden was standing at the cashier with the box of panties.


    ¡°How much is it?¡± he asked as he whipped out his wallet.


    Upon hearing his low, maic voice, the store assistant felt her legs turning to jelly. She stole a


    glimpse at the towering man in front of her and stammered, ¡°E-Eighty-five dors...¡±


    Without hesitation, Cayden left a hundred on the counter and left the store.


    Even as the store assistant collected the money, her gaze continued to follow Cayden out the door.


    Oh, he''s so elegant and restrained. That being said, he also just bought women''s panties, didn''t he?


    Gosh, that mix of casual elegance and naughty indulgence does make one''s imagination run wild!


    As soon as he got back into the car, Cayden handed the box to Avery.


    ¡°What''s that?¡± she mumbled weakly before reaching out for it.


    Throughout their interaction, she never once looked up at him. Naturally, that piqued Cayden''s


    curiosity.


    How long is she going to be this thin-skinned? I hadn''t even gone all the way this time and merely


    pleasured her with my fingers. I can''t wait for the day when she''ll finally be able to ept me fully.


    Avery kept her head low as she rummaged through the box, only to find three panties in her favorite


    design and color. Ah, he remembered right.


    The truth was, she was almost dying of embarrassment just by sitting in Cayden''s car. The panties she


    wore earlier had been ripped off by him, which meant she had no choice but to gomando.


    When Avery got home, no one was more surprised than Nina.


    ¡°Oh, are you done with your overtime? I thought your boss would bring you to his house for a sleepover


    or something,¡± thetter teased as she took Avery''s bag andptop.


    ¡°I''m going to take a shower first,¡± Avery replied before hurrying to the bathroom.


    With that, Nina continued to hum happily away as she watched her television show and applied a facial


    mask.


    Avery, on the other hand, was tired and sore all over. To make things worse, she''d feel utterly awful


    whenever she recalled the shameful act on his bed.


    After the shower, she copsed on her bed and was asleep within five minutes.


    It felt like only seconds had passed when the rm went off, but to Avery''s surprise, it was already


    three in the morning.


    Since she hadn''t finished the designst night, she knew she had to wake up early to rush it out.


    Otherwise, there was no way she''d be able to turn in her work on time. As soon as she booted up her


    laptop, a notification box appeared in the bottom right corner.


    Huh? A new email?


    Upon opening it, Avery realized it was from an anonymous sender.


    However, after reading it in its entirety, she reeled back in shock. Oh, my goodness, Cayden''s sent me


    thepleted design. I can''t believe he finished it for mest night.


    Avery hesitantly typed out a reply, only to delete it as a blush crept over her face.


    In the end, she sent him a response that was simple yet full of gratitude: Thank you.


    Now that she didn''t have to work overtime, Avery returned to sleep and set her rm to go off in two


    hours.


    When she woke up again, it was just a little over five. She had nned to visit her father in the hospital


    before heading to work, so she was out of the house before Nina.


    Since it was still early, there weren''t many people on the streets, and only the twenty-four-hour stores


    and pharmacies were open. As she walked to the subway, Avery chanced upon a pharmacy and


    decided to head inside.


    ¡°Please give me a box of contraceptives,¡± she said embarrassedly to the store assistant.


    She remembered how Cayden had rubbed himself between her legs the night before and that he had


    ejacted on her body.


    Unfortunately, some of the fluid had flowed into herher region, and she was worried about getting


    an unnned pregnancy.


    After buying and stashing the contraceptives into her bag, Avery stood rooted to her spot. In all


    honesty, she also wanted to buy some medicine that could reduce vaginal swelling.


    She hadn''t even realized how sore and swollen her vagina was until she noticed it while showering the


    night before.


    Unfortunately, Avery was too embarrassed to ask such a question and left the pharmacy in shame.

 Chapter 72

    Chapter 72


    Back at the Moore residence, breakfast was served on the dining table.


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Jeffrey hadn''t had a good night''s sleep the past few days. He kept waking up at the slightest bit of


    movement. Cayden never failed to create amotion whenever he pulled into the garage.


    He was fast on his foot and faster in a car. As such, it was hard for Jeffrey to ignore him.


    However, that was where the problemy. A hard-working workaholic who only had his eyes on the


    company''s benefit suddenly stopped working overtime at the office and didn''t return home recently, so


    where was he from evening till night?


    Especially sost night. He came back eventer than usual.


    Jeffrey had secretly asked Zachary and had gotten a shocking piece of information from him.


    ¡°Great-grandpa, Daddy couldn''t sleep and would be tossing and turning even if he came back. Uncle


    Kendrick said it was a symptom of sleeping alone. It''s a physiological illness men get at a certain stage


    of their lives. Even though I don''t understand it, I think it isn''t good for Daddy if he continues to lose


    sleep,¡± said Zachary with concern for his father''s health as he scratched his head.


    Jeffrey patted Zachary''s head gently and said, ¡°Your dad is healthy, so he''ll have a long life ahead of


    him. I''m not worried about that. I''m just concerned about¡ª¡±


    However, Jeffrey didn''t finish his sentence.


    Jeffrey''s expression became serious when he turned to Cayden. ¡°Cayden, I heard you came back at


    midnight again yesterday.¡±


    Cayden had only taken a sip of his freshly brewed coffee when Jeffrey popped the question. His


    indifferent face turned stony as he got up from his seat. One of the household staff quickly handed him


    his freshly-ironed zer.


    Cayden said as he buttoned his zer, ¡°I''m leaving for the office. Enjoy your breakfast.¡±


    Jeffrey''s brows furrowed, and his hand holding the cane trembled at Cayden''s rude attitude. My


    capable grandson has been celibate for years. His only routine is traveling between his house and


    office. His life is so monotonous that he''s like a retired old man.


    I even thought of drugging him, tying him up, and bringing him to consult an andrologist. However, it


    seems he has good news for me before I resort to desperate measures.


    Kendrick had tried to follow him for a few days but kept getting caught by Cayden due to his terrible


    driving skills and stupidity. In the end, he could only drive back dejectedly every time.


    I don''t understand why Cayden won''t bring his girlfriend back to meet his family if he''s officially dating. I


    finally got to have breakfast with him and took the opportunity to ask the burning question, yet he


    merely got up silently and left for the office. It feels like he''s avoiding the topic the more I think about it.


    Does the girl have a problematic family background? How bad is it that Cayden can''t even bring her


    over? Or is he just a cold and unfeeling man? Is he fooling around with her and nning to dump her


    after a few days? Does he have no intention to marry the girl? Unfilial grandson! A ruthless man is no


    real man!


    ¡°Hurry up and finish eating so you can send me to thepany to find your brother,¡± Jeffrey barked at


    Kendrick.


    Thetter, who was shoving food into his mouth, was baffled by the sudden order.


    What did I do?


    Meanwhile, Zachary and Rory exchanged nces, staying silent as they chewed the donuts in their


    mouths. They didn''t dare to reveal that their father liked Avery.


    Lily had finished her breakfast too. ¡°Dad, forgive me for being straightforward, but you knew your son


    better than anyone else when he was still alive. Cayden is your grandson, and he has the Moore family


    blood flowing in him, so I''m sure he has inherited his father''s womanizing ways. He might be spending


    his nights with some vixen from some nightclub.¡±


    ¡°Mom!¡± Kendrick frowned.


    Instantly, the room fell silent.


    Allie set her cutlery down. ¡°I''m full. Please excuse me. I''ll be heading to my room now.¡±


    Meanwhile, the kids were wondering what a vixen was. Is a vixen an angel? She must be pretty then.


    Everyone in the room knew what Lily was getting at.


    Cayden and Kendrick''s father, Bruce, was a womanizer before he passed away. He didn''t turn over a


    new leaf even after marrying Lily. Instead, he became more brazen.


    Bruce had warned Lily to ignore his affairs with other women and just focus on her role as the mistress


    of the Moore family.


    However, how could she have gotten pregnant with him not being home most of the time during the first


    two years after she married into the Moore family?


    Lily, running out of patience, finally snapped and decided to catch Bruce in the act. With that, she made


    a detailed n, swearing to teach his mistress a lesson she would never forget.


    It was midnight that day when she caught Bruce red-handed. The mistress was Allie, who was sitting at


    their dining table with them now.


    Allie came from an average household, so her background was only considered eptable at that


    time. However, after sinking her ws into the Moore family, she slowly elevated her family''s status,


    pulling the Musk family to where they are now.


    Back then, Allie had only hung out with wealthy friends and even expended all her efforts to get


    acquainted with elites from families with political backgrounds.


    Lily remembered that Allie had a best friend when she was younger¡ªire Walsh. Allie started


    spending more time with ire after thetter began dating a soldier from a prominent family. Even


    then, Allie had been busy searching for a back-burner guy in case she couldn''t get her hands on Bruce.


    This woman has been cunning since she was young. She worked at nightclubs, putting on innocent


    and pitiful acts to get men falling all over her. In the end, she even managed to take my ce as


    Bruce''s wife, allowing her son to be the heir.


    Despite that, she was well aware that a jerk like Bruce would never date any woman seriously.


    The only thing the sessful man cared about was having a sessor. Any woman who delivered a


    son for him would please him significantly. Hence, Allie started hervish life in a wealthy family after


    bearing Bruce a son.


    Despite causing a fuss over the unfairness of it, Lily gave up in the end. Well, there''s nothing I can do


    about it when Allie has such a capable son. An illegitimate child who managed to pull Moore Group


    back on track from the verge of bankruptcy and changed its name to Trident Group. His actpletely


    erased the older generations'' great achievements and turned thepany into his own empire.


    Maybe this is God''s punishment for all the sins I''vemitted. On second thought, if I killed off Cayden


    back then, I wouldn''t have to bear this punishment now.


    Meanwhile, Jeffrey had arrived at the office on the top floor of Trident Group. Catching a glimpse of the


    busy Cayden, Jeffrey pointed at him with his cane and admonished, ¡°No one can tarnish the Moore


    family''s name. You knew about the despicable acts your father did when he was alive. I forbid you from


    following his footsteps.¡±


    ¡°What have I done, Grandpa?¡± Cayden stood up and pushed away the cane that was inches from his


    face.


    Jeffrey''s eyes widened in anger. ¡°You''re asking me what you''ve done? How dare you ask me! You


    should know what I''m talking about!¡±


    Kendrick exined, ¡°Grandpa suspects you''ve been busy with a woman since you''ve only been


    coming home before dawntely, and the only women you can find after midnight are those selling


    themselves on the streets.¡±


    Cayden didn''t know how to react to their baseless theory.


    ¡°Bring her home to meet us if she''s not who we think she is,¡± Jeffrey demanded.

 Chapter 73

    Chapter 73


    Kendrick had a smug expression on his face as though he was challenging Cayden to bring his woman


    home if she wasn''t a prostitute.


    He had always thought Cayden was crazy to be able to be celibate for more than five years.


    ¡°You''re mistreating her if you''re dating her but not nning to introduce her to us.¡± Jeffrey observed


    Cayden''s face after his remark, worried that his grandson was a yboy who did not take rtionships


    seriously.


    Cayden couldn''t disobey Jeffrey. Although he had never respected Bruce because that man didn''t


    deserve it, his grandfather was a reasonable person.


    He''s most likely asking due to his eagerness for me to start a family.


    ¡°I''m worried that you guys will scare her off.¡± Cayden picked up a document and set it back down. With


    a sentence from him, he shifted the me from himself to his grandfather and brother.


    Both Jeffrey and Kendrick were speechless at his reasoning.


    ¡°She''s pretty and quiet in front of others. She''s very shy, but you guys...¡± Cayden finally raised his head


    and darted his gaze between Jeffrey and Kendrick. He had a frown between his brows when he didn''t


    finish his sentence.


    Jeffrey, with his cane still raised in mid-air, threatening to smack Cayden with it, immediately put it


    down dejectedly. He felt as if he had proved Cayden''s point of being an unkind old man, so he coughed


    into his fist in a desperate attempt to redeem his kind image.


    Meanwhile, Kendrick felt that Cayden had portrayed him as the wicked future brother-inw, colluding


    with a tyrannical future father-inw. ¡°If she truly is innocent and shy like you said, I think you would be


    the one scaring her away and not us.¡±


    Kendrick was a normal man with needs, so he knew about the intimate acts between a man and a


    woman behind closed doors.


    With Cayden''s stamina and celibacy for over five years, won''t he swallow that innocent girl whole? How


    pitiful of her to be Cayden''s girl. After sleeping with him at night, does she even have any energy to do


    anything in the morning?


    Meanwhile, Avery dropped by the hospital for an hour.


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Since she took a cab to and from the hospital, she was punctual when she arrived at the office.


    Avery had already emailed Yulissa the design sketch that she wanted, and thetter was satisfied with


    it. In fact, Yulissa''s eyes shone with admiration when she saw the sketch. The design looked as if it


    was drawn by an experienced architect instead of a newbie.


    Avery figured Cayden was amazing in sketching designs as well.


    Cecelia messaged Avery: Ms. Yantz said your design was good. With such high praise from her, I''m


    sure they''ll retain you after your probation.


    That being said, Cecelia believed Avery would still get the offer to extend her employment contract


    even if the design wasn''t good. After all, having the CEO''s support wasn''t a joke.


    Before Avery could reply, Cecelia typed: Do you know who''s the best at drawing designs?


    Avery managed to reply: I have no idea. Who is it?


    Cecelia enthusiastically answered: Our boss, of course! Don''t you know there are five developed


    countries that have structures he designed? Our city is lucky enough to have one too. It''s the library in


    the city center. Sadly, he stopped drawing after he took over the failing family business.


    Avery was staring mindlessly at the long exnation on the screen.


    The library that attracted my attention when I took the subway to the city center was Cayden''s design?


    Cecelia sent her another message: When can people like us who are obsessed with architecture finally


    get the chance to see the boss'' designs?


    By then, Avery had opened up the design she sent to Yulissa earlier and was staring dazedly at it.


    She finally retracted her gaze after hearing her phone ring.


    ¡°Hello? Dr. Holden,¡± Avery answered the call softly as she got up from her work desk and went to a


    quiet corner.


    It turned out that the hospital was asking for Leonardo''s ID card.


    Avery nodded. ¡°All right. I''ll bring it over in the afternoon.¡±


    After finishing her work in the morning, she packed her things and took a cab over to Leonardo and


    Henrietta''s ce without having lunch.


    Even though she didn''t want to meet Henrietta, she had no choice since Leonardo''s ID card was at


    their ce. With her father unable to walk and leave the hospital, she needed to take the trip. It''ll pass.


    I only have to endure it for a bit.


    Avery tried calling Henrietta''s number on her way there.


    Instead, she only heard the mechanical sound of the busy dial tone.


    She dialed a few more times and got the same response every time.


    Looking at the bustling street outside the window, she searched for Mna''s number and dialed it.


    ¡°Why are you calling me? Has your dad finally died, and you''re calling my mom and me to attend his


    funeral?¡± Mna was scrolling on her phone, so she answered Avery''s call immediately.


    Avery didn''t waste her breath on Mna and merely said, ¡°Are you home? I''ming over to pick up


    my dad''s ID card.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I''m home. You cane over,¡± Mna answered.


    After disconnecting the call, Avery was lost in her thoughts with a troubled look.


    Meanwhile, Mna sat up on her bed and called Zayne after contemting briefly. ¡°Didn''t you say you


    wanted to talk to me? Come over to my house now. I''ll only wait twenty minutes for you.¡±


    Zayne wasn''t at the office at that time as he was outside with his team leader. After getting the call from


    Mna, he hurried over to her ce.


    Zayne was infuriated by his mother''s antics. She had gone mad with her desire to have a grandson, to


    the point where she even brought her ID card to the bank and took out arge amount of cash. Not


    only did she let Mna choose a house she liked, but she even paid the down payment and registered


    the property under Mna''s name, all to prevent thetter from aborting the baby.


    However, Isabe deeply regretted her actions afterward. She suddenly recalled that Mna wasn''t a


    trustworthy woman and was worried that she would go back on her words. Since there was no


    changing the past and she had already bought the house, all she could do was ask Zayne to stay close


    to Mna and marry her as soon as possible.


    She figured it wasn''t a total loss if she could have a grandson in exchange for the down payment.


    Zayne had called Mna''s phone numerous times that night, but she refused to open the door for him,


    thinking she had finally held the reigns in their rtionship for once.


    Hence, once he got the call for a meet-up from Mna, he arrived at her ce in less than the twenty


    minutes she had given him.


    Since the front door wasn''t closed, Zayne entered the house on his own. When he didn''t see anyone in


    the living room and bedroom, he went to the bathroom. ¡°Are you inside?¡±


    ¡°Come in and talk,¡± Mna demanded.


    With a frown, Zayne opened the bathroom door and entered.


    Mna had just finished her shower, so she smelled of shampoo. She leaned her soft body against the


    man at the door and started feeling him up.


    ¡°I''ve just touched you, and you''re already hard.¡± Mna got on her knees and put her lips on him.


    The creases on Zayne''s forehead deepened as he screwed his eyes shut and grunted with pleasure.


    His hand grabbed onto Mna''s hair, holding her head in ce.


    She lifted her head and looked up at him with misty eyes.


    Opening her mouth, she then stretched out her tongue.


    ¡°Hurry up. I still have to get back to work,¡± Zayne urged impatiently.


    He was so overwhelmed by lust that he forgot to ask Mna about her change in attitude. All he cared


    about at the moment was releasing the tension within him.


    Mna reached for Zayne''s belt next. After smoothly unbuckling his belt, she pulled down his zipper.

 Chapter 74

    Chapter 74


    ¡°Mmm...¡±


    Zayne quickly closed the frosted ss door of the bathroom. While enjoying the pleasure, he lowered


    his head and saw Mna''s fair-skinned legs and tiny toes.


    Meanwhile, she leaned toward him and began moving.


    ¡°Yes, faster...¡±


    Holding the back of Mna''s head, Zayne pulled her toward his body and urged her impatiently, ¡°Faster.


    My god, you''re so dirty...¡±


    Avery walked toward one of the old residential areas in Ackleton after getting out of the taxi.


    Many years ago, Leonardo saved enough of his hard-earned money to buy a unit with two rooms and a


    living room.


    Nheless, Avery had a lot of bad memories associated with the house.


    After entering the building, Avery fixated her gaze on the staircase, which she had not stepped on for


    more than five years. Soon, she recalled that she had moved here before she graduated from her


    junior year and stayed in the same room with Mna.


    Back then, Leonardo said, ¡°This is your sister. She''s two years older than you. From now on, you girls


    have to get along well. Get it?¡±


    Avery replied with a silly smile, ¡°I get it!¡±


    Mna chimed in, ¡°Daddy, don''t worry. I''ll take care of Avery.¡±


    It was their first night in the same room. However, at midnight, Mna snatched Avery''s nket away


    from her. When Avery wanted to ask Mna for the nket, the seemingly asleep older girl angrily


    kicked her out of bed.


    As a result, Avery''s head hit the cupboard beside the bed and bled a little. Nheless, she bore with


    the pain and didn''t cry.


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    The next morning, Leonardo hastily asked Avery what had happened upon seeing her injury.


    Suddenly, Avery''s so-called sister came up to her, held her face gently, and said worriedly, ¡°Ery, did you


    hit your head? Was it because you wanted to get a drink at night but didn''t know how to turn on the


    light? Remember to tell me next time you want to do it. I''ll get a ss of water for you.¡±


    Since Avery was still young, she was rendered speechless by Mna''s words. Nheless, she


    naively thought Mna might have really been asleep and identally kicked her out of bedst night.


    Thedy of the house was Henrietta, even though Leonardo owned it. Avery thought she had to be


    tolerant because she was staying in someone else''s home.


    After some time, Mna began smoking and drinking in the room, as though those habits were the


    latest fashion trends for girls.


    Although Henrietta found out it was Mna who smoked and drank, she pped Avery instead and


    scolded, ¡°Why did you learn such bad habits? Children from small towns are indeed uncivilized. Look at


    your pathetic self! Do you think smoking and drinking will make you look cool? Let me teach you a


    lesson!¡±


    She then pped Avery''s face until it became swollen to cover up her daughter''s wrongdoing.


    When Leonardo returned from a business trip, Avery couldn''t help but cry, requesting to go back to the


    small town to live with ke.


    Although her life in the small town was difficult, she suffered even more in this house. She finally


    understood why many people feared and despised stepmothers.


    Aftering to her senses, Avery took a deep breath and realized she was standing in front of the unit.


    She noticed the doorbell was broken when she wanted to press it. Besides, the door was partially


    open.


    Could it be that Mna purposely left the door open because she knew I would being?


    Avery pushed the door open and entered the house.


    ¡°Mmm... You''re a little minx!¡±


    ¡°Oh...¡± Zayne breathed rapidly and moaned as he enjoyed Mna''s ministrations. Profanity and other


    dirty words escaped his lips asionally. Caught off guard, Avery was shocked when she heard all


    these.


    Soon, Mna said in a sexy voice, ¡°Tell me, who is more beautiful? Is it me or Avery? I won''t continue if


    you don''t tell me...¡±


    ¡°You... It''s always you... Suck it now... Don''t stop...¡± Overwhelmed by sexual desire, Zayne responded


    without giving it much thought. At that moment, he was on cloud nine.


    ¡°In that case, why didn''t you court me in Ustrana? Why did you court her instead? Shouldn''t you court


    the more beautiful one?¡± Mna asked in a coquettish voice.


    Since Zayne was a little irritated and impatient, he wanted to press her head against his private part.


    Nheless, Mna refused to submit to him.


    Zayne had no choice but toe up with an exnation. ¡°I was afraid I couldn''t get you because you


    were too beautiful. I didn''t dare to do so... It was why I had to look for an easier target. You''re my


    goddess... Oh god...¡±


    The unpleasant voices didn''t make Avery embarrassed or furious. Instead, she felt even calmer than


    before.


    Leonardo had told the doctor that his ID card was kept in the drawer of Henrietta''s dressing table. It


    was where they kept important documents.


    Avery guessed Mna knew she would be here. Hence, Mna purposely aroused Zayne''s desire,


    leading him to say something that could irritate Avery.


    After a while, Avery finally found the new ID card.


    In forty years, Leonardo had lost his ID card twice. Hence, he decided not to bring it with him after


    applying for a new one.


    Avery left the bedroom after putting the ID card into her bag.


    Meanwhile, Mna was well aware that Avery hade in. When Mna noticed Avery wanted to


    leave, she couldn''t help but moan, demonstrating how much she was enjoying herself.


    Surprisingly, Avery stopped walking once she heard Mna''s moan.


    Then, she turned around to gaze at the two figures behind the frosted ss door and said gently, ¡°I''ve


    taken the ID card and have to get going. I''ll close the door for you guys when I leave.¡±


    Bang!


    The frosted ss door shook as Zayne''s back hit it.


    Mna murmured in dissatisfaction and frowned. She was infuriated that Zayne wanted to leave the


    bathroom. After all, her n to irritate Avery would be in vain if Avery''s action could affect Zayne so.


    In the meantime, Zayne quickly put on his pants and belt. However, one could hear that he was


    nervous and failed to put on the belt after quite some time.


    Pushing the door open, Zayne ignored how disheveled Mna was and left the bathroom. With a frown,


    he looked at Avery and said with mixed feelings, ¡°Ery...¡±


    Avery recalled how Mna had cursed Leonardo over the phone earlier. Momentster, she nced at


    Zayne and mocked, ¡°How has it turned limp so quickly? I mean, you''re only in your twenties. I can''t


    help but worry about your future wife''s satisfaction.¡±


    ¡°Shut up, b*tch!¡±


    Mna covered her body with a towel and came out, cursing, ¡°Who are you to mock me? You might


    look innocent, but I''m sure you''re a bigger sl*t than me! I heard you had quite the funst time. Your ex-


    boyfriend was right on the other side of the door, yet you two were not the slightest bit bothered. How


    shameless!¡±


    ¡°At least the man in my room wouldn''t stop halfway just because he was scared,¡± Avery argued.


    Zayne clenched his fists and gritted his teeth when he recalled the moans he heard when he was


    outside the room.


    ncing at a certain body part of Zayne''s, which had shriveled up the moment he heard Avery''s voice,


    Mna scolded, ¡°You''re so useless!¡±


    After leaving the residential area, Avery called a taxi.


    On the way back, Zayne''s ttery to Mna still rang in her ears.


    She could not help but think about how cheap Zayne''s feelings were. Anyone could get a piece of him


    as long as they approached him.


    Leaning against the door of the taxi, Avery almost fell asleep.


    Suddenly, she was jolted awake when Cayden called her.


    ¡°Can youe with me to have dinner at my house after work? You can meet my grandpa, mom, and


    other family members.¡±

 Chapter 75

    Chapter 75


    ¡°But...¡± Avery was hesitant.


    Since it was only the second day she was officially dating Cayden, it was probably too soon to meet his


    family.


    To be exact, she wasn''t mentally prepared for it.


    Moreover, the reality could be harsh¡ªshe and Cayden just weren''t on the same level when it came to


    their family status.


    ¡°No pressure. My background isn''t any better than yours. Heck, it''s probably worse than yours.¡±


    Cayden could roughly guess her concerns.


    After Cayden said so, Avery could hardly decline his invitation.


    She felt immensely stressed and nearly couldn''t breathe after ending her call with Cayden. This feeling


    probably won''t vanish until after I meet his family.


    While she was deep in thought, her phone rang a few times.


    Upon seeing that the calls were from Zayne, Avery did not answer or reject them.


    Instead, she ignored all calls as if she didn''t hear anything.


    Deep down, Avery thanked Mna for putting up the shows that were supposed to irritate her.


    After all, she finally knew Zayne''s true colors after witnessing the intense show in the bathroom just


    now.


    With that, she could give up on Zayne entirely and not feel a single hint of remorse for him.


    Once Avery agreed toe home for dinner with Cayden, Jeffrey was so excited it was as if he


    wanted to prepare for Christmas.


    ¡°If everything goes smoothly, I''ll have more grandchildren!¡± After murmuring to himself, Jeffrey whacked


    Kendrick with his walking cane and said, ¡°Look at you! You don''t have a wife, a girlfriend, or children.


    What a loser! Go home and clean the house now!¡±


    ¡°Cayden only brought a girlfriend home when he''s twenty-nine. Since I''m a few years younger than


    him, why should I be worried? By the way, isn''t the old furniture your favorite? You even said you would


    never change it!¡± Kendrick said.


    ¡°Stop spewing nonsense already!¡± Jeffrey was irritated and wanted to hit Kendrick with his walking


    cane again.


    Once Kendrick got home, he sat down and instructed others to change the coffee table, couch, and


    dining table to some new and stylish furniture.


    Besides that, he even asked the maids to pack Jeffrey''s favorite antique furniture carefully so they


    could deliver it to the storeroom.


    Following Kendrick''s instructions, they had fully transformed the living room by four o''clock in the


    afternoon.


    When Zachary got home from school, he was shocked by the sight of the living room. ¡°Great-grandpa,


    what happened? Where is our old furniture?¡±


    ¡°Your daddy is going toe home with ady tonight. Rory, Zach, remember to be obedient to your


    daddy and meter. Don''t be naughty and mischievous, okay?¡± Jeffrey reminded them smilingly. Deep


    down, he was worried the kids would hate their future stepmother.


    ¡°Ady?¡± Zachary nced at Rory.


    ¡°Great-grandpa, what''s thedy''s name?¡± Rory asked in a cute voice as she hugged Jeffrey''s leg and


    looked up at him.


    ¡°Her name is...¡± Jeffrey couldn''t help but frown. After recalling Cayden''s conversation over the phone in


    the restroom, he said, ¡°I think her name is something like Ery...¡±


    ¡°Ms. Ery?¡± Zachary widened his eyes upon hearing that.


    Shocked, Jeffrey lowered his gaze and asked, ¡°Do you know this Ms. Ery?¡±


    ¡°I do!¡±


    Meanwhile, the maids went in and out of the residence, busy preparing dinner.


    Zachary stood in front of Jeffrey as he exined, ¡°We went to Ms. Ery''s house before. She treated us


    well and even cooked for us. Also, Daddy shamelessly stayed in her house and refused to leave.¡±


    Once Zachary finished, Rory quickly chimed in, ¡°Besides, when Daddy brought us along on one of his


    business trips previously, all of us stayed in Ms. Ery''s room overnight.¡±


    Once Rory revealed the shocking news, Jeffrey perked up and raised his eyebrow. ¡°What? Did your


    daddy sleep with her already?¡±


    The two kids nodded non-stop.


    ¡°Daddy is so annoying because he always bullies Ms. Ery. There was a time when I saw her cry after


    being bullied.¡±


    Zachary was worried about Avery, thinking that Cayden would bully her if she married him. After all,


    Zachary thought his father didn''t seem like a good man.


    Sitting on the new couch and holding his walking cane, Jeffrey tried to ascertain how much his


    grandson actually liked this woman.


    At the same time, Jeffrey recalled that many years ago, his son Bruce had made a lot of promises to


    Lily but bullied her after they got married.


    It was why Lily spent a lot of time crying for the majority of her life.


    Even after Bruce passed away, Lily would cry whenever she recalled the painful past.


    Although Jeffrey was aware of Bruce''s personality, he was shocked to find out that his son was such a


    jerk. He was worried that the same thing would happen to Cayden and Avery, especially since he didn''t


    know Cayden as well as he knew Bruce.


    After searching every room upstairs, Kendrick came down and asked, ¡°Where is my mom?¡±


    Speak of the devil, a ck Mercedes-Benz stopped at the entrance of their residence, and Lily came


    out of it.


    ¡°Mom, why did you drink in the morning?¡± Kendrick frowned as he supported Lily, for she wobbled and


    almost hit her head against the door.


    When Lily opened her eyes and saw Kendrick, she held his face and said smilingly, ¡°You''re so


    handsome. Allie''s lowly son is no match for you!¡±


    ¡°Mom, you''re drunk. Let me take you upstairs.¡± Kendrick knew how crazy his mother could be when


    she was inebriated. For all these years, she would create havoc every time she was drunk.


    Since today was a special day, Kendrick had to keep an eye on Lily and ensure she behaved herself.


    After all, this Ms. Ery woman is innocent in all this.


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Moreover, it was something embarrassing that the family didn''t want Avery to know, at least for now.


    ¡°I feel ufortable... Don''t drag me!¡± When they almost reached the door, Lily swung her handbag to


    hit Kendrick. Then, she said furiously, ¡°You''re a traitor! What''s wrong? Are you worried that I''ll


    embarrass the family because I''m drunk? Kendrick, look closely. I''m your biological mother! Allie is the


    homewrecker who hurt me!¡±


    ¡°I understand. Mom, please let me take you upstairs to get some rest. I''m worried that you''ll have a


    headache again.¡± Kendrick tried very hard to persuade her.


    Since Kendrick was concerned for her, Lily was satisfied and nodded in response. With that, he


    supported her as they went upstairs.


    Meanwhile, Jeffrey couldn''t help but sigh at the sight of it.


    Zachary and Rory weren''t surprised, for they had seen it many times. They exchanged nces and


    went upstairs.


    After that, they freshened up and changed into a new set of clothes and shoes.


    Since Avery would be here soon, Zachary even took the hair gel from Kendrick''s room. Then, he stood


    in front of the mirror and slowlybed his ck hair back.


    ¡°Zach, you''re so handsome,¡± Rory told Zachary after she had put on a fluffy dress.


    ¡°Really?¡± Zachary shed her a smile and said shyly, ¡°I''m ttered.¡±

 Chapter 76

    Chapter 76


    As soon as the two children reached downstairs, they saw a luxury car parked right outside the house.


    It''s a ck Land Rover! Daddy''s back!


    ¡°We''ve missed you, Ms. Ery!¡± The children rushed out, and Rory was the first to hug Avery, who had


    just gotten out of the car. When Rory threw herself at Avery, it almost caused the woman to lose


    bnce.


    ¡°I''ve missed you too!¡± uttered Avery after lowering herself to pinch Rory''s soft cheeks.


    Jeffrey could not help but rejoice to see such a heartwarming scene, convinced that Cayden had finally


    sealed the deal. If the adults are happy with each other and the children wee their future


    stepmother, I don''t see what could go wrong.


    ¡°You two, be good and give Ms. Ery some space.¡± Cayden stepped out of the car and nced sternly


    at his children.


    Pouting, Rory lowered her head and muttered, ¡°Daddy just wants Ms. Ery all to himself, but I remember


    how he made her cryst time.¡±


    Upon hearing that, Avery immediately turned bright red.


    ¡°So you''re the one the children call Ms. Ery, huh? I''ve got to say. Cayden''s a lucky man to have you.¡±


    Jeffrey hurried over to tter his future granddaughter-inw.


    With his straight back, the elderly man, who wore a pair of dark gray trousers and a id shirt with a


    vest on top of it, looked gentlemanly and as fashionable as a model on a magazine cover.


    Avery immediately stood up to greet the man respectfully, ¡°It''s a pleasure to meet you, Old Mr. Moore.


    I''m Avery Rumpley.¡±


    ¡°The pleasure''s mine. Pleasee inside. It pleases me to see how much the children like you.¡±


    Jeffrey treated the woman as if she was already his granddaughter-inw.


    The housekeeper hurried over to help carry the gifts Avery had brought.


    Even though they were not expensive, Jeffrey was happy with them. He thought Avery was down-to-


    earth and not a hypocritical bootlicker.


    After dealing with his mother, Kendrick came downstairs. ¡°Hello, sister-inw. I''m Kendrick, Cayden''s


    younger stepbrother. We share the same father.¡±


    Avery quickly stood up once again when the man addressed her as his sister-inw. She knew Cayden


    had a stepbrother but not much else beyond that since the Moores was aplicated family.


    After all, no one could really tell what was true about the family just by reading about them in


    magazines.


    ¡°Hi there! I''m Avery Rumpley,¡± greeted Avery.


    The family then sat down to talk with her.


    Cayden had Avery sit beside him and made sure his grandfather, stepbrother, and children only asked


    questions that were appropriate.


    ¡°How old are you, Ery?¡± inquired Jeffrey.


    ¡°Twenty-four.¡±


    ¡°Then Cayden''s five years older than you. That''s good. I just so happen to have an article that you


    should read.¡± With that, Jeffrey took out a newspaper from the drawer of the coffee table and handed it


    to Avery.


    Kendrick thought that was deliberate of Jeffrey. We just got the new coffee table, so why would there


    be a newspaper in its drawer? He probably had somebody put it there after learning that she is five


    years younger than Cayden.


    Avery took the newspaper and started reading.


    ording to the paper, a study showed that couples where the man was five years older than the


    woman were less likely to have arguments and that their marriage would be happier and more stable.


    ¡°Where''s Grandma?¡± asked Zachary suddenly with a frown.


    The boy looked so serious that one could be forgiven for thinking that he cared more about Avery''s visit


    to their house than everyone else.


    Cayden looked at Zachary and noticed that his son was dressed in a ck suit and a bow tie. If the


    man did not know any better, he would have thought that Zachary was a father waiting for his son to


    introduce him to his daughter-inw.


    ¡°You have so much product in your hair that your head''s probably turned highly mmable. You used


    up all my hair products, didn''t you?¡± joked Kendrick while rubbing the back of his nephew''s head.


    However, Zachary did not appreciate the humor. Uncle Kendrick is embarrassing me in front of Ms. Ery!


    Fortunately, Avery smiled at Zachary and gestured for him toe to her side, which immediately


    mitigated his embarrassment.


    Sitting next to Avery, Zachary turned to meet Cayden''s cold stare, convinced that his father was just


    jealous that he was younger.


    Afraid Avery would misunderstand and think that the family had anything against her, Jeffrey quickly


    exined, ¡°Cayden''s mother had an important event to attend today. This is my fault, really. I heard


    that Cayden has a girlfriend, so I couldn''t wait to meet you. I should''ve picked a better time to invite you


    over. Anyhow, I''m sure she''ll be back home soon.¡±


    Avery had seen Allie before in magazines. The older woman would always be invited to parties


    attended by socialites and celebrities.


    Just when Avery was about to assure Jeffrey that she understood, she heard a car drive in.


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Grandma''s back?¡± Rory leaped out of her great-grandfather''s arms and went straight to the door to


    wee her grandmother.


    After getting out of her car, Allie strutted into the house.


    Avery quickly swallowed her words and rose with Cayden instead.


    ¡°Grandma, Ms. Ery is here,¡± informed Rory after taking Allie''s handbag and slinging it over her petite


    shoulder.


    Allie was all smiles when she addressed the only stranger in her home. ¡°Sorry for making you wait. I


    didn''t know you wereing.¡±


    ¡°It''s fine; I just got here. Sorry for messing up your ns,¡± apologized Avery after epting Allie''s


    warm hug.


    ¡°Take a seat, Mom.¡± Cayden did not want Avery to be exhausted from the unnecessarily long


    formalities, so he quickly removed her from his mother''s arms.


    Jeffrey nodded in satisfaction when he saw that. If that''s any indication of Cayden''s love for his future


    wife, he''ll probably end up a henpecked husband.


    ¡°Ery, is it? I know that''s what Rory keeps calling you. What''s yourst name?¡± inquired Allie, finally


    seated.


    ¡°It''s¡ª¡± Before Avery could answer Allie, she noticed a middle-aged woman in a floral gown walking


    down the stairs with a ss of red juice and an unfriendly expression.


    ¡°To hell with you and your hypocrisy, b*tch!¡± cursed Lily while moving her slightly overweight body to


    pour her juice onto Allie''s face. Then, she mmed the ss on the table before turning to her other


    family members. ¡°You were afraid I''d make a scene, so you had my son lock me in my room?¡±


    Avery was so shocked that she jumped to her feet, wondering who the woman in the branded gown


    was.


    The housekeeper hurriedly grabbed a tissue to wipe off the juice on Allie''s face without a word, while


    Cayden remained seated as though his mother was not the one who got assaulted.


    The children pursed their lips and stayed silent, seemingly used to situations like that.


    ¡°Listen to me, Mom. You should get back upstairs.¡± Kendrick tried to stop Lily from making things


    worse, but his mother would not have it.


    Lily, who reeked of alcohol, then turned around to smile at Avery. For some reason, there was a hint of


    malice in that smile of hers.

 Chapter 77

    Chapter 77


    ¡°Are you... Cayden''s girlfriend?¡± inquired Lily with teary eyes. ¡°Is your family powerful? Can they help


    you if you were to get bullied after marrying into this family?¡±


    Avery had no idea how to respond to that.


    Since Kendrick mentioned that he was Cayden''s stepbrother and that he and Cayden shared the same


    father, Avery assumed the middle-aged woman talking to her was Kendrick''s mother.


    After ncing at her family, Lily staggered toward Avery.


    ¡°Careful,¡± reminded Avery as she swiftly reached out to support the middle-aged woman. With Lily''s


    arm around her neck, Avery helped the drunk woman onto the couch.


    ¡°I can tell from your clothes that youe from a regr family. Listen to me and stay away from the


    Moores,¡± advised Lily with a grimace.


    ¡°Go back to your room now!¡± roared Jeffrey, boiling with anger.


    ¡°No!¡± responded Lily fiercely to Jeffrey. ¡°The one who should leave is Allie! I''m Bruce''s official wife, not


    her!¡± Even though she had shouted those words many times, she would always repeat them whenever


    she got drunk.


    Lily''s eyes turned red with anger as she pointed at Allie and cursed, ¡°You b*tch! Do you think staying


    quiet makes you seem high-ss or something? You''re nothing but a good-for-nothing dancer who''s


    slept with countless men before marrying into this family. What the heck was Bruce thinking marrying a


    cheap woman like you?¡±


    Dumbfounded, Avery nced at Cayden, who remained calmly seated on the couch.


    Even though he was frowning, the man did not say anything to stop Lily. Instead, he lighted a cigarette


    and shut his eyes while taking a drag.


    Suddenly, Avery remembered what Cayden had told her over the phone.


    ¡°No pressure. My background isn''t any better than yours. Heck, it''s probably worse than yours.¡± That


    was what the man had said to her.


    ¡°Are you sure you want to marry into this family?¡± inquired Lily concernedly. ¡°It''s true that the Moores is


    a prestigious family in this city and that their reputation is unparalleled, but being a part of them is no


    different than being dead. Your husband won''t care about you, and his family won''t pity you.¡±


    Lily then grabbed Avery''s hand before continuing, ¡°To make things worse, he''ll fool around with another


    woman no matter who she is or what she does for a living. Even if she''s no better than a hooker, he''ll


    treat her as if she''s a diamond in the rough. As for us, the wives, we''ll have no choice but to stay at


    home and be understanding enough to ask if our husbands have had a good time.¡±


    ¡°You''re stepping out of line!¡± Jeffrey furiously hit the ground with his cane to warn Lily before turning to


    speak with Avery in a softer tone. ¡°Please don''t mind her, Ery. She''s just had a little too much to drink.¡±


    Avery looked at Jeffrey but said nothing in response.


    ¡°So you''re defending your son and belittling your daughter-inw? You''re the perfect role model, aren''t


    you?¡± mocked Lily disrespectfully.


    ¡°That''s enough, Mom!¡± To stop Lily from worsening the situation, Kendrick grabbed his mother and tried


    to drag her to her room.


    The housekeeper was asked to help, and only after much effort did they finally manage to bring Lily


    upstairs.


    Even though Avery was a floor below, she could hear the noise of things getting smashed violently.


    Kendrick did not return after going upstairs, so Avery guessed he was worried about leaving his mother


    alone.


    When a pitiful crying sound suddenly filled the Moore residence, Cayden gestured for Avery to bring


    the children outside to y.


    There was a garden outside the house where bees worked tirelessly to gather nectar even at dusk.


    Rory stared at one of the bees and asked, ¡°Will it eat the honey right away, Ms. Ery? It keeps making


    this buzzing sound.¡±


    However, Avery was too distracted by the situation in the house to hear Rory''s question.


    ¡°Ms. Ery?¡± Rory, who was squatting, lifted her head to call out to Avery.


    ¡°Yes?¡± responded the woman after returning to her senses.


    ¡°Ms. Ery, what''s a hooker, and why did Step-grandma say that Grandma was no better than a hooker?¡±


    questioned Rory innocently.


    Step-grandma seemed really upset. She even cried! But she poured juice onto Grandma''s face. Rory


    was confused, unsure which one of them was more pitiable.


    Avery lowered herself to embrace Rory and kiss the girl on the cheek. ¡°It''s better if you just forget about


    the grown-ups'' argument. What do you say we count to three and pretend as if we didn''t hear


    anything?¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡± Rory dly agreed with Avery before closing her eyes for the countdown. ¡°One, two, three!


    That''s it, Ms. Ery. I''vepletely forgotten about it!¡±


    ¡°Good girl.¡± After tightening her arms around Rory, Avery reached out to hold the silent Zachary''s hand.


    ¡°You have to forget too, okay?¡±


    Even though the boy nodded, his eyebrows remained knitted.


    Avery did not care about the adults, only the children beside her. They''re supposed to be innocent and


    carefree at their age but were forced to listen to those foul words. There''s nothing wrong with adults


    expressing their feelings, but they should learn to pick the right ce and time to do it.


    After witnessing the unfortunate turn of events in the prestigious family, Avery could not help but


    wonder if her own child was living with a simr kind of family. The woman hugged the two children in


    front of her and prayed that her kid would have a different childhood.


    Cayden did not think it was a good idea to stay for dinner, so Jeffrey simply expressed his desire to


    have him and Avery over again when the time was right.


    ¡°Do you want to stay home or go out with Ms. Ery?¡± After walking outside along with Allie, Cayden


    asked the children, who continued to cling to Avery.


    The man immediately got the answer to his question when he saw how their little hands refused to let


    go of Avery.


    ¡°I like you, and I''m sorry you had to see that. Oh, you still haven''t told me your full name. All I know is


    that everybody calls you Ery.¡± Allie had already cleaned herself up and changed into a fresh set of


    clothes, looking as elegant and beautiful as usual.


    ¡°It''s Avery Rumpley,¡± replied Avery dly.


    What was supposed to be a smiling face suddenly turned grim when Allie heard that. ¡°What? Did you


    say yourst name was Rumpley?¡±


    Avery nodded in response to that.


    Somewhat annoyed by Allie''s reaction, Cayden inquired, ¡°What''s wrong with herst name?¡±


    Original from N?velDrama.Org.


    The man thought Allie was asking too many questions. I''m the one Avery''s going to spend the rest of


    her life with, so I don''t see why she has to put up with my weird family. I''ve done more than enough by


    introducing her to them.

 Chapter 78

    Chapter 78


    ¡°Nothing. I just think it''s a rarest name.¡± Allie was a worldly woman, so she knew how to look calm


    even when she was not.


    Avery Rumpley, huh? Allie repeated the name to herself inside her mind.


    Avery gave Allie onest nce and decided not to overthink it. Even though there are a lot of


    Rumpleys, Chanaea is a big ce. It''s only reasonable that she''s never met one before. Heck, I''m


    probably the only Rumpley my ssmates and colleagues knew.


    After watching Cayden, Avery, and the children drive off, Allie was only the one left in the garden.


    The woman then took her phone and ensured no one was around before walking to the swimming pool


    nearby to call someone she hated.


    ¡°Sorry. The number you have dialed is currently unavable.¡±


    Allie furrowed her eyebrows impatiently when she got the automated response and tried calling the


    number again.


    She kept trying until her fingers started shaking, but still, the other party did not pick up.


    Cayden brought Avery and the children to a high-end condominium in the city center.


    Having undergone renovation, the two-thousand square feet unit with a great location looked luxurious.


    ¡°Why haven''t you brought us here before, Daddy?¡± After going around the house, Zachary lifted his


    head to ask Cayden, who was seated on the couch.


    The man nced coldly at his son before replying, ¡°I just bought it yesterday.¡±


    ¡°You''re not nning to stay at home?¡± inquired Zachary.


    ¡°This is closer to my office.¡±


    ¡°It''s not far from my school either. I recognize the route Mr. Dartsley always takes to send me to school,


    and this ce seems pretty near,¡± stated Zachary, who had a good memory.


    The boy was correct since the condominium was located at the heart of the city and not far away from


    his school. On top of that, the transport system was very convenient in that area.


    ¡°What are you trying to say?¡± With all ten fingers interlocked, Cayden gazed sternly at his chattering


    son.


    ¡°I''m saying this is a big house with three spacious rooms, so maybe Rory and I should move in too.¡±


    Zachary then looked toward the bathroom before continuing, ¡°I''ve got it all worked out. Ms. Ery and


    Rory will each take a room; you and I will share thest one.¡±


    ¡°No! I want to share a room with Ms. Ery so I can hug her in my sleep,¡± protested Rory, washing up in


    the bathroom.


    ¡°I have my own ce, and I''ve paid six months'' worth of rent for it,¡± chimed in Avery timely.


    Because of that, Cayden gave his son another cold nce. Thanks for ruining it.


    ¡°I probably shouldn''t have said that, Daddy.¡± Zachary felt guilty after hearing Avery.


    When the woman was finally done helping Rory wash up, she used a towel to dry the girl''s face before


    hanging it up.


    ¡°Ms. Ery, will you pleasee live with us?¡± begged Zachary while hugging Avery''s leg, trying to make


    up for his mistake and get his father to stop ring at him.


    ¡°You saw what it was like at my home, right? I don''t want to go back there. However, if we stay here,


    Daddy''s going to starve us to death. Just look at how stern he always is with us!¡± Zachary continued to


    plead with a pair of puppy-dog eyes.


    After some thought, Avery squatted down to talk with Zachary. ¡°I pass by here on my way to work every


    day, so I''ll juste over to cook and take you guys to school. How does that sound?¡±


    Zachary was not satisfied with the suggestion but would rather not risk making things worse by pushing


    his luck.


    After dinner, Avery checked the time and realized it was time for her to leave.


    Even though it was already midnight, Zachary could not sleep in his new room, so he went to the living


    room and picked up the remote to open the curtains.


    The boy theny in front of the floor-to-ceiling window and frowned at the night view.


    ¡°Can''t sleep?¡± asked Cayden when he found his son still awake. After lighting a cigarette, the man


    threw his lighter onto the coffee table and sat on the balcony.


    Zachary followed his father outside. ¡°Daddy, are you mad?¡±


    ¡°Why would I be?¡± Cayden raised an eyebrow but did not turn to look at Zachary.


    ¡°Because Ms. Ery''s not moving in to live with us,¡± answered Zachary like a grown-up. ¡°You shouldn''t be


    selfish, Daddy. It''s only reasonable that she doesn''t want to move in. After all, why would she agree to


    take care of someone as difficult as you are? Not to mention the fact that you have us in tow.¡±


    I''m difficult?


    Cayden finally turned around to give Zachary an annoyed look before uttering, ¡°I guess I can''t expect


    someone who hasn''t even started elementary school to be cultured.¡±


    The boy could not believe that his father was calling him uncultured. I''m only two months away from


    elementary school!


    Zachary wanted to swallow his emotions, but just before he returned to his room, he decided to retort,


    ¡°I know you finished elementary school and made it into a well-known university with excellent results,


    but you''re almost thirty now, and you still haven''t gotten yourself a wife! When I grow up, I''m going to


    do much better than you!¡±


    After that, Zachary rushed back into his room and locked the door, afraid his father would barge in to


    teach him a lesson.


    The following morning, Nina offered to send Avery to the hospital.


    ¡°Are you really going to your boss'' ce to cook for his children? Fulfilling your duty as their


    stepmother so soon?¡± teased Nina before Avery got out of the car.


    Instead of responding to Nina, Avery simply lowered her head to unfasten her seatbelt.


    ¡°Come on, Ery. Give me something.¡± With one hand on the steering wheel, Nina smirked deviously at


    Avery as she tried to pry for information. ¡°Since you''re so willing to take care of the children, I bet


    you''ve made significant progress with them. What about their father? How are things between you two?


    Have you guys done the deed yet?¡±


    ¡°What deed?¡± Avery yed coy while opening the car door to hurry out.


    ¡°You know what I mean. Rolling in the hay!¡± Nina shouted at Avery, who was already making her way


    into the hospital.


    After seeing how Avery reacted, Nina gasped in realization. ¡°Does that mean they actually did it? Then


    she should''ve asked him to marry her as soon as possible!¡±


    Avery gently pushed the door open and entered the ward where Leonardo was.


    The man was more than d to see his daughter.


    ¡°How are you feeling, Dad? I couldn''t reach you on the phone.¡±


    When Avery arrived, the caretaker immediately walked away to give the father and daughter the room.


    Original from N?velDrama.Org.


    Leonardo felt much better since he did not have to do anything but lie on the hospital bed idly. ¡°Speak


    of the devil. I just realized that my phone ran out of battery. It''s charging now.¡±


    Then, Avery pulled up a chair to listen to her father.


    ¡°Ery, you know they''re going to demolish the old house in Livingsfill, right? I''ve already sent the


    contract. All we have to do now is wait for thepensation to¡ª¡± Before Leonardo could finish his


    sentence, he started coughing.


    Hence, Avery reached out to pat her father on the chest to help him feel better.

 Chapter 79

    Chapter 79


    After his violent coughing subsided, Leonardo continued, ¡°Take some time off these two days... and


    make a trip back to Livingsfill. Your grandfather is living in the old house. Henrietta might have gone


    over.¡±


    ¡°Grandpa?¡± Avery was promptly surprised.


    Aunt Alina brought Grandpa to Jetroina ages ago. When did hee back?


    Leonardo clutched his daughter''s hand tightly, worried that she would go off the deep end. As he


    coughed, he weakly told her everything.


    No sooner had he finished speaking than the doctor came in to perform the daily routine checkup.


    ¡°I''ll be leaving first, Dad,¡± Avery murmured.


    In response, Leonardo nodded.


    Avery then left the hospital in a daze, digesting everything her father had told her about her


    grandfather.


    In the hospital room, Leonardo stretched out an arm for the doctor to draw his blood even as he picked


    up his ringing phone with the other hand.


    ¡°Hello, this is Leonardo Rumpley speaking.¡± He was focused on the needle entering his arm, so he


    answered the call without ncing at the caller ID.


    Allie evidently had a sore throat, for she sounded as though she hadn''t drunk a drop of water in days.


    ¡°Answer this. What''s the name of our daughter?¡±


    ¡°Why are you asking?¡± Leonardo''s tone changed.


    Speaking of that, he saw red.


    She''s the epitome of heartlessness! Despite being Avery''s mother, never once had she asked about


    Avery''s name ever since she was young.


    ¡°Cut the crap! Tell me, quick!¡± Allie shrieked as though she had lost her mind.


    ¡°Avery! Her name is Avery Rumpley! I hoped my daughter would be pure and innocent when she grew


    up, unlike you, who are filthy and sordid! For that reason, I named her Avery, rhyming with ivory!¡± After


    tearing into her, Leonardo took a few breaths before demanding, ¡°Well? Spit it out! What''s your ploy


    this time?¡±


    At the Moore residence, Allie''s fingers abruptly went limp, and her phone slipped from her hand before


    ttering to the ground.


    Avery. He said that his daughter is named Avery. Could this be her revenge against me, her mother?


    Was her visit deliberate as well?


    In the next instant, she started cackling scornfully. Avery, you''re only twenty-four years old. You look


    innocent and pure, but you actually hid your true colors well, ying me and Cayden for a fool!


    When Cayden woke up in the morning, he received a call from Avery.


    ¡°I''m sorry. I promised toe over and prepare breakfast for you all this morning, but I now have some


    urgent business and can''t make it anymore. Please speak to Zach and Rory on my behalf.¡± After


    saying that, Avery promptly hung up.


    Yulissa hadn''te in for work yet, so Avery had no choice but to phone her to take time off.


    At the thought of her grandfather, whom she hadn''t seen in over five years, her hands shook, and tears


    inexorably streamed down her face. He was already in his seventies, old with poor health. Yet, he was


    living all alone in a small town.


    It was him who raised her from young, and she was also closest to him, even more so than to her


    father.


    On the ride back to her rented ce, she made several calls. She took time off work and exined the


    reason, talking to Yulissa and her team leader, Cecelia. Then, she informed Nina that she wasn''t


    coming back at night and would be away for a few days.


    Caydenter phoned Avery, but her line was busy.


    Avery bought a train ticket online, choosing the express train.


    After packing a few changes of clothes and some daily necessities, she left in a hurry.


    A few years back, Alina Rumpley had taken her father, ke Rumpley, to Jetroina. Thetter didn''t


    want to live with his son as it wasn''t easy to get along with his daughter-inw, Henrietta. He was afraid


    that he would die prematurely if he lived with such a daughter-inw.


    s, Alina, who initially enjoyed a blissful marriage, waster forsaken by her husband. Consequently,


    she left Jetroina.


    ke, who had been taken excellent care of by his son-inw, had nowhere to go overnight. For the


    sake of past affections, his son-inw sent him back to Chanaea.


    In that matter, Avery actually resented her father.


    Why did he arrange for Grandpa to live in that old ramshackle house in town? Would it have affected


    Henrietta and Mna that much if he had brought him back to Ackleton to live together?


    In a frenzy, she embarked the train heading to Livingsfill.


    The environment at the train station was chaotic. That aside, there were many thieves, so Avery


    protected her small suitcase closely.


    After taking her seat on the train, she took out herptop and started working. With earbuds in her ears,


    she could distance herself from her surroundings.


    Hunger pangs only hit her when she hadbored for a long while. She then ate the bread in her bag,


    which she had prepared beforehand.


    She boarded the train at nine-twenty and arrived in Livingsfill at eleven o''clock. Putting everything


    away, she exited the train station with her suitcase andptop bag.


    The train station hadn''t changed much, and she could still remember it when she thought hard. The


    surroundings had her feeling nostalgic.


    At the sight of the small town where she was born and raised, her eyes subconsciously turned red-


    rimmed.


    ¡°Taxi! Five per person!¡± a middle-aged man with tanned skin hollered at the crowd leaving the station.


    Avery got into a taxi.


    Four people shared the taxi, and each person paid five bucks.


    A little over ten minutester, Avery arrived at the gates of the old house.


    The two-story building was horribly dpidated.


    Inhaling deeply, she stepped on the weeds growing out from cracks in the old bricks thatyered the


    ground and walked in, wheeling her suitcase behind her.


    When she pushed open the iron gate, a red brick yard was revealed. The weeds in the yard weren''t


    tall, with signs of someone having cleared them. Going further in, she smelled a choking stench of


    smoke.


    As she stepped in the door, her grandfather''s hunched back entered her line of sight.


    ke coughed incessantly, his eyes all red from the heavy smoke wafting out of the fire pit. Tears


    poured down his face. There was a bowl of pasta and some leftover vegetables in the ckened pot.


    The bowl of vegetables had been reheated umpteen times, for there wasn''t any gravy left.


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    The branches in the fire pit sizzled and crackled as they burned. Avery swiftly went over and hugged


    her grandfather, sobbing, ¡°Grandpa.¡±


    Holding a poker in his bony hand, ke lifted his head and looked at her.


    ¡°You are...?¡±


    ¡°Do you not recognize me anymore, Grandpa? I''m Ery.¡±


    Avery haphazardly dashed her tears away before taking out a piece of tissue from her bag and wiping


    her grandfather''s face, which was slightly dirty. Weeping, shemented, ¡°Why didn''t you look for me


    when you came back? Although you couldn''t go to my father''s ce, you still have me.¡±


    ¡°Ery? Is this really you? Your father told me that you''re getting married. I didn''t want to burden you and


    trouble your inws.¡± ke had considered his granddaughter when he made that decision. Pinning his


    eyes on her, he reached out and stroked her hair. Ah, my granddaughter is still as kind as ever!


    For a moment, he didn''t dare believe that it was his granddaughter, for she had changed greatly.


    ¡°You''re no burden or trouble.¡± Just then, a low and rich voice sounded at the door.


    Avery thought that she was hearing things and turned with tears blurring her eyes.


    At a single nce, she spotted the man who had seemingly appeared out of thin air. Against the light,


    she even glimpsed a ck Land Rover parked outside.


    So lost in her distress about her grandfather was she that she hadn''t noticed any sounds of a vehicle.


    Heavy cars traversed the town at night in the first ce, so she was used to the noise.


    The man in a suit and leather shoes bent slightly and stepped over the decrepit threshold. The door


    frames of the old buildings in town were built too low while he was too tall, so he was particrly eye-


    catching wherever he went.


    As their eyes met, Cayden''s ebony eyes radiated grimness, threaded with a hint of fury. It was as


    though he was reprimanding her foring alone, not telling him immediately when she encountered a


    problem.

 Chapter 80

    Chapter 80


    ¡°Who is he?¡± ke didn''t dare make assumptions, for it would be bad if he made a mistake.


    Looking sharp in the suit, Cayden walked in. He stretched out an arm and wrapped it around Avery''s


    waist politely yet intimately. That action clued ke in on their rtionship.


    ¡°You''re Zayne Richter, the man my son mentioned?¡± ke broke out in a grin. Standing before the fire


    pit, he remarked, ¡°I''vemitted your name to memory long ago. Ery''s father told me that you two


    have been together for more than five years and are now getting married soon.¡±


    Worried that Cayden would refute that, Avery hurriedly interjected, ¡°You''ve lost weight, Grandpa. Were


    you not used to living in Jetroina?¡±


    ¡°I''m up in years. This is the norm for old people.¡± Hunching over with the poker in hand, ke went into


    one of the shabby rooms.


    After searching for a long time, he finally found two stools. Taking them out, he ced them on the


    kitchen floor and urged his soon-to-be grandson-inw to take a seat. ¡°Come, child. Sit here. There


    isn''t any good furniture here.¡±


    Avery looked down at the two rickety stools before ncing at Cayden apprehensively, worried that he


    would disdain them and remain standing.


    Surprisingly, Cayden thoughtfully took ke''s feelings into consideration and put down his usual high


    and mighty demeanor, sitting down on the stool without a trace of contempt. On top of that, he even


    took her hand and murmured, ¡°Sit down. Let''s chat with Grandpa for a bit.¡±


    Meanwhile, ke sat on the stool that was already present in the kitchen.


    Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°You talk to Grandpa. I''ll go out and buy some groceries.¡± Avery wheeled her suitcase to the side


    before she took out some money from her bag. Then, she eyed Cayden worriedly.


    Understanding her worry, Cayden nodded in reassurance.


    ¡°So, I''ll be leaving first.¡± Avery took a final look at her grandfather before leaving.


    Walking through the yard iid with red bricks and exiting the gates, she caught sight of a crowd


    standing a few meters away when she lifted her head.


    She could still vaguely remember some of the neighbors'' names.


    Whenever the neighbors spoke of her, she was the daughter of that ¡°sl*t.¡± Thus, they reckoned that she


    must also be one when she grew up. As the person in question, she had heard all the gossip about her


    when she was young.


    Avery headed toward the small shop that sold groceries.


    The gossiping voices behind her were far softer than when she was young, but they carried rich


    content.


    It was as though Cayden and her arrival reawakened the old gossip they had forgotten eons ago.


    ¡°Is that ke''s granddaughter, Ery?¡± a middle-aged woman inquired in a whisper, pointing at her from


    behind.


    At once, someone answered, ¡°Of course! Although she has changed a lot, her features are still there. I


    recognized her as Ery at a single nce.¡±


    ¡°Tsk-tsk! Things are different now. The only constant in life is change. Look how lucky she is!


    Compared to her, my daughter only married a low-ranking police officer in the county.¡±


    ¡°Don''t say that, Mrs. Whn. Your daughter made the best match among all the maidens in our town!¡±


    ¡°It wasn''t that great. Her father and I only agreed to the marriage because our son-inw gave us a


    dowry of two hundred thousand and bought him a car worth over a hundred thousand. My son-inw


    isn''t good at anything. He only has money! How awful!¡±


    Someone then stepped forward and praised the woman to the skies. ¡°Your daughter married into a


    good family for real. As for Ery, I reckon she''s likely being a mistress. Look at that man''s car. It must be


    worth several million, huh? He''s probably some man she hooked up with out there, so she''s in a hurry


    to bring him back to show off to the fellow townspeople!¡±


    ¡°What a materialistic woman! She''s as shameless as her mother, who ran off with a wealthy man!¡±


    Simr sentiments rang out, one after another.


    Meanwhile, Avery bought vegetables, meat, spare ribs, and seasoning at the shop.


    When she went back, the crowd of gossipmongers was still there.


    Walking through the yard and entering the house, she saw Cayden holding a bowl of leftovers. He was


    going to throw it away, but ke was staring at it with a reluctant gaze. It was clear that he wanted to


    stop the man, yet he was embarrassed to do so.


    ¡°Grandpa, eating this bowl of vegetables won''t do you any good. On the contrary, it''ll be bad for your


    health.¡± After saying that, Cayden resolutely disposed of that bowl of leftovers.


    ke sat back down silently, saying nary a word.


    Avery stood at the door with her handsden with bags. She couldn''t describe her feeling then, but an


    indescribable sense of security flooded her.


    Cayden was bustling around the kitchen in an orderly manner. He held the shabby bowl with his long


    and slender fingers, the diamonds iid on the branded watch on his wrist glittering in the dingy and


    dpidated house. Everything seemed out of ce.


    Noticing that she was standing at the door with her handsden with bags while looking dazed, he put


    down the old and chipped bowl. He lifted his head and asked, ¡°You''re back? What did you buy?¡±


    Avery was moved at his consideration andck of disdain.


    Everyone else in the town was already using natural gas. Even the poorer ones were using gas


    cylinders. ke was the only one still using a fire pit, burning branches he collected from the forest.


    Cayden once lived in a town for a whole year, so he was familiar with life in town.


    Livingsfill''s condition was only so bad because of the passivity of the previous leader.


    Since the leadership had changed, the economy there would develop rapidly. This time, the


    government and developers expended great effort to develop the town jointly. That was also proof of


    Livingsfill''s value in the future.


    Cayden bought a gas cylinder, and the delivery person installed it. All that only took twenty minutes.


    ¡°You keep Grandpapany while I cook.¡± Cayden walked over to the cutting board, worried that she


    didn''t know how to use a gas cylinder or would identally cut her finger because the old knife was too


    blunt.


    ¡°I can handle it. Go and sit down. Otherwise, I''ll feel bad.¡±


    Avery was exceedingly grateful to him yet also harbored guilt. As such, she certainly didn''t dare have


    him cook dinner.


    Besides, she was very much surprised that he could cook.


    Cayden nced at the ingredients she cut. Then, ke called him over to talk further.


    Avery had cooked during the few years she was in Ustrana and when she was living in the town during


    her teens. Back then, when her grandfather was busy with the fields, she would help to pick the beans


    together with him on the weekends. When it was almost sunset, she would run back home and prepare


    dinner for both of them in advance using firewood.


    While they didn''t have any good food to eat then, at least they didn''t starve.


    During the few years she studied, she had money from Leonardo and that which she earned herself by


    working part-time. At that time, she was so content that she felt as though she was living in heaven.


    Her cooking skills improved as well.


    After cooking barbecue spare ribs, she took them to the table. Inadvertently ncing in the direction of


    her grandfather, she saw him smiling so widely that his eyes had narrowed into slits.


    Cayden was gesturing something or other elegantly, his posture still aloof as usual. However, ke


    was listening attentively. Not only did he admire his soon-to-be grandson-inw, but he was also


    thankful that his granddaughter had found such an outstanding man.


    ¡°All right, talkter, Grandpa. Come and eat,¡± Avery hollered as she ced all the food on the table.


    The shop sent three stic chairs over. That aside, they also rummaged their warehouse for an old


    table and sent it over. ke was slightly embarrassed then, worried that his soon-to-be grandson-in-


    law would be offended.


    ¡°Zayne, the living conditions in a town can''tpare to that of a city. Just make do first and sample


    Ery''s cooking.¡± Lifting his fork, ke took a piece of spare rib for Cayden.

 Chapter 81

    Chapter 81


    Holding her fork in hand, Avery cast an apologetic look at Cayden, who was sitting across from her.


    This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    He probably hates Zayne to the core, but now, Grandpa keeps calling him Zayne. I feel sorry for him


    since he can only ept it without saying anything.


    ¡°You should eat more too, Grandpa!¡± Cayden didn''t reveal his identity but attentively urged ke to eat


    first.


    After he had taken some food for the older man, he took two pieces of spare ribs for Avery.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Avery took a few strands of pasta with her fork. Not daring to look up and meet his eyes,


    she took a bite of pasta before eating the spare ribs he gave her.


    Only then did she notice that all the spare ribs he took for her and her grandfather were the best cuts.


    It was the kind where the meat would easily detach with a single bite.


    Conversely, he was eating the substandard cuts.


    The town wasn''t rich, so spare ribs were also sold together with other cuts.


    Avery took a piece of the better cuts and ced it on his te. ¡°Here, have some as well. Don''t just


    serve me and Grandpa.¡±


    ¡°I''m not hungry yet.¡±


    Cayden resolutely ced the spare rib back onto her te.


    Clocking their interaction, ke felt very much gratified.


    He had lived for more than seventy years and had seen too many people of various characters. Hence,


    he could tell whether the man was genuine or acting.


    ¡°I was the one who raised Ery single-handedly, and our life was harsh. She hadn''t had much to eat


    when young, and all she had to wear were other children''s old clothes. When she was young, her


    father went out to work and couldn''t stay with her, while her mother never came back to visit her after


    she was born. She didn''t have it easy, but she was exceedingly sensible. Verily, I feel guilty whenever I


    recall the past.¡±


    ke''s words were heartfelt, and he appeared to be lost in the past, for his eyes shimmered with tears.


    ¡°Grandpa, the granddaughter you raised single-handedly is far more sensible than those from affluent


    families, so you don''t have to feel guilty,¡± Caydenforted him even as he looked at Avery.


    ¡°Let''s eat and not talk about the past anymore. I''m fine now, no?¡± Avery understood her grandfather''s


    guilt, but that wasn''t his fault. Nor was her father to be med. Instead, it was all on the woman who


    gave birth to her but abandoned her in the next second.


    Subsequently, ke scrutinized Cayden. ¡°At first, when I saw your clothes and the car outside, I was


    really worried that you weren''t sincere toward Ery but were merely toying with her. From the look of


    things now, I was too shallow and misunderstood you.¡±


    At that, Cayden reassured him by countering, ¡°You''ve got it the other way round, Grandpa. I came to


    visit you this time to trouble you to coax Ery. I''m worried that she''ll jilt me if I''mcking in some aspect


    or other.¡±


    Upon hearing that, ke immediately dered solemnly, ¡°If she dares to jilt you and cast you aside, I''ll


    go to the city and break her leg!¡±


    Avery was rendered speechless.


    After bustling around for the entire day, Avery sent Cayden to the inn in town when night fell.


    On the way there, she wanted to remind him that the facilities at the inn were limited. However, upon


    remembering that he once stayed in a town for a whole year, she closed her mouth and said nothing.


    The ck Land Rover was still parked in front of the house as the two of them headed over on foot.


    Walking on his left, she lifted her head and eyed him, murmuring, ¡°I''m sorry for allowing my grandfather


    to address you as Zayne. If I were to rify that you aren''t Zayne, he''d definitely ask countless


    questions out of worry. Even after exining everything to him, he''d still fret and lose sleep over it.¡±


    ¡°It''s okay. I don''t mind as long as the future grandson-inw he sees is me.¡± Cayden stared at Avery


    with his ebony eyes that brimmed with intense possessiveness.


    A shop ahead was still open for business.


    Avery went in and asked the proprietress, ¡°Do you sell chargers?¡±


    Seeing that the two of them were strangers and reckoning that they were from the city based on their


    clothes, the proprietress replied hesitantly, ¡°Let me have a look at the phone.¡±


    Avery was using an iPhone, so her charger wasn''tpatible with Cayden''s phone.


    Cayden took out his phone and handed it to the proprietress for a look.


    The proprietress didn''t dare take it, merely taking a look from afar before shaking her head. ¡°A small


    ce like this only sells phone chargers for HP and Purism. I''ve never even seen your phone.¡±


    ¡°It''s okay. Thank you.¡± Avery had no other choice but to leave with Cayden.


    They asked a few shops in town, but the answer remained the same.


    Avery knew that Cayden only forgot to bring his phone charger because he was in a hurry to drive over.


    Ugh! I''m to me for this! I was frantic to see Grandpa, so I failed to tell him about everything clearly,


    making him worry.


    ¡°What should we do now? How about this? You drive back tonight. It''s just a two-hour drive anyway.¡±


    She hoped that he would do that.


    A man was career-minded, attaching great importance to his business. Furthermore, Cayden was


    responsible for managing a hugepany, but his phone had died then, and no one could contact him.


    Cayden pursed his lips silently, obstinacy written all over his face.


    Nothing will go wrong at the office since there''s still Xavier to handle things. Otherwise, what''s the use


    of me paying a king''s ransom to employ a group of people to manage thepany?


    ¡°Nothing is more important than you.¡± His voice was deep and bewitching.


    Fortunately, it was night, so the darkness concealed the blush on her cheeks. ¡°Let''s go. I''ll walk you to


    the inn first.¡±


    ¡°What about you? Where are you staying?¡± Cayden queried.


    By then, Avery had already reached the inn entrance.


    ¡°A room, please, sir. Preferably, one with a better environment.¡± She took out some cash and asked the


    man behind her for his ID card. All the while, she prayed that there would be a good room for him.


    As the inn owner checked the room avability, he looked up and nced at Cayden.


    The man''s ID card indicated that he was from Ackleton, and he appeared tall and imposing as he stood


    there, his features sharp and chiseled. At once, it felt as though someone of high standing was gracing


    the in inn with his presence, lighting up the entire ce.


    ¡°All done. It''s the room at the end.¡± The inn owner offered them the best room.


    Taking his ID card and room key with one hand, Cayden grasped Avery''s arm with the other.


    When they arrived at the room door, he used the key to open the door and brought her in.


    After sweeping his gaze around the room, he pinned her against the wall as in the movies. Gazing


    down at her, he murmured, ¡°The environment here isn''t all that great. How about I stay at your


    grandfather''s house with you?¡±


    Avery nced around the room, but no matter how bad the inn''s environment was, it was a hundred


    times better than her grandfather''s old house.


    ¡°That won''t work. There aren''t enough rooms in Grandpa''s house. Mmph!¡±


    She had just started speaking with a shake of her head when the man captured her lips with his


    scorching ones.


    Cayden wrapped an arm around her waist and kissed her domineeringly, forcing her mouth open with


    his tongue. After kissing her for a while, he scooped her up and ced her on the bed while breathing


    rapidly.


    ¡°Mmph! Stop...¡± Avery looked up at the man above her with her eyes opened wide, her hands pushing


    against his broad and muscr chest.


    s, the man in suit and leather shoes pinned her down and came down on her like a beast.


    At that precise moment, a woman''s voice that had Avery freezing drifted over from the adjacent room.


    ¡°Hey... When did you...e in... Ahh... Are you not afraid that your wife... Uhh... wille looking for


    you...¡±


    It was none other than Henrietta''s voice!

 Chapter 82

    Chapter 82


    ¡°The inn owner is my friend, and I asked him for the spare key to your room.¡±


    From the exchange, the unidentified man getting his rocks off atop Henrietta had a wife, and they both


    lived in that town.


    Avery''s hands slowly fisted in the sheets.


    She felt sad for Leonardo.


    Her father had toiled for more than twenty years to make money for Henrietta and Mna to support


    them.


    At the end of the day, however, his wife cheated on him while he was enduring excruciating pain from a


    terminal disease in the hospital.


    ¡°You''re despicable!¡±


    ¡°You love the despicable side of me, no? At least I''m far more virile than your husband, who either has


    this cancer or that cancer... Well? Answer me...¡±


    ¡°Ahh... You''re virile! You''re most virile... Ahh... Stop thrusting... There''s no room anymore...¡±


    ¡°There''s no room anymore? There''s still much room, I reckon! Why are you still acting shy when you''re


    already up in years? It''s all opened up... and it isn''t tight either... I''m the only one who doesn''t mind


    servicing you...¡± This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Avery was wholly sickened.


    ¡°Are you acquainted with her?¡± Cayden questioned in a whisper as he listened to the voices next door.


    ¡°She... is my stepmother.¡±


    Utter mortification swamped Avery.


    At that, Cayden got off of her. His perfect body seemingly had the ability to straighten his clothes


    automatically, for his clothes became all neat in the blink of an eye.


    ¡°Let''s go.¡± He didn''t want her to listen to such sickening things anymore.


    Getting off the bed, Avery left with him, even breathing causing her agonizing pain.


    When she had gone to the hospital earlier that morning, Leonardo had mentioned that Henrietta might


    havee over.


    ¡°Go and wait outside,¡± Cayden urged in hushed tones as he patted her on the shoulder. Then, he stood


    before the inn''s reception desk without budging an inch.


    Only after Avery walked out with her mind all nk and sat down on a bench under the moonlight did


    he return the room.


    The inn owner returned him the money, but he didn''t take it. Instead, he took out his wallet and whipped


    out a stack of bills. pping them down on the marble countertop, he stated, ¡°This is all yours.¡±


    A room in the town cost ten bucks a night. Honestly speaking, few checked into the inn in a day. Even if


    there were a few, most of them would haggle over the price for a long time.


    Staring at the cash on the countertop, the inn owner inquired hesitantly, ¡°What''s the meaning of this?¡±


    Cayden gave the man all the money he withdrew from the automatic teller machine in town earlier.


    Holding a cigarette between his fingers, he lit it and took a puff. With his eyes narrowed a fraction, he


    ordered, ¡°Do something for me.¡±


    Meanwhile, Avery waited for two minutes. When she had gathered her wits, she went in to look for


    Cayden.


    ¡°I''ve returned the room.¡± Just then, Cayden strode out.


    ¡°Why did you return it?¡± Is he nning to drive back to Ackleton overnight or... stay at Grandpa''s house


    with me?


    Cayden took one of her petite hands. Finding it cold to the touch, he couldn''t help squeezing it. ¡°I asked


    the inn owner, and he told me I can buy sheets and quilts at the adjacent shop,¡± he uttered.


    There was an old quilt at ke''s ce, but there was only one.


    Avery would be using it that night, and she had rummaged it out from the closet. As it was damp, they


    had hung it out in the yard in the afternoon.


    ke felt that they should send Cayden to the inn since he was a guest. While thetter was his future


    grandson-inw, they weren''t married yet. Besides, his identity wasn''t that of the average family, so he


    wouldn''t be able to stand such destitute conditions in town.


    In Ackleton, Allie drove out by herself.


    Pulling over by the side of an isted road, she phoned her son repeatedly, but the reply she received


    remained the same.


    ¡°Sorry, but the number you have dialed is currently unavable.¡±


    At that, she phoned Xavier instead.


    ¡°Xavier, I''m Cayden''s mother. Do you know where he went?¡± she queried.


    ¡°I''m sorry, Mrs. Moore, but Mr. Moore never allows us to question his itinerary.¡± In truth, Xavier had


    received a call from Cayden five minutes ago, and the caller ID indicated that it was Avery''s number.


    That made it clear that the man was presently with Avery.


    As for where he was and when he wasing back, that wasn''t something a subordinate should ask.


    ¡°What a bunch of useless idiots!¡± Allie cursed and hung up the phone.


    Clutching the steering wheel in one hand and her phone in the other, she stewed for a long time. Out of


    the blue, she remembered her best friend''s son, Lenny.


    In no time, she got through to him.


    ¡°Is this Lenn? I''m Allie Musk. I have a question for you. Regarding the blind date I rmended to you


    previously, you both exchanged numbers and contacted each other after meeting up, yes? Quick, find


    her number and send it to me! Okay, I''ll be waiting!¡±


    After saying that, she hung up the phone.


    Three minutester, Lenny sent Avery''s phone number to her.


    At the town, Avery and Cayden walked out of the shop after buying a quilt and sheets.


    Cayden asked Avery about her stepmother.


    Feeling that it was no secret, Avery answered frankly, ¡°My father hinted that Henrietta wants the


    demolitionpensation for my grandfather''s house. It''s going to be quite a huge sum in total.¡±


    ¡°How will she get it if your father refuses to give it to her?¡± After hearing everything about Henrietta,


    Cayden could imagine how much Avery suffered at her hands when she lived under her roof.


    Avery stared straight at the road ahead while hugging a cartoon pillow. ¡°My father is now hospitalized. If


    he has an outburst, his condition will worsen and deteriorate all the faster. She reckoned that I wouldn''t


    go to him about this. As for my grandfather and me, in her eyes, we''re both easy prey whom she can


    manipte as she wishes.¡±


    They had only taken a few steps after exiting the shop when they heard sounds of a row from the


    adjacent inn.


    ¡°What a shameless wh*re! How dare you seduce my man? Wait and see whether I''m going to rip you


    to pieces today!¡±


    Following that shout, the sound of a room door being rattled split the air.


    Then, a woman who was in an exceedingly wretched state ran helter-skelter out of the inn entrance.


    Avery sucked in a breath in astonishment. So, Henrietta was caught red-handed by the man''s wife?


    At the sight of Avery''s stunned expression, the corners of Cayden''s lips turned up indulgently, and he


    chuckled subvocally.


    Avery watched the scene unfolding before her with rapt attention.


    A woman who had seemingly lost her mind yanked at Henrietta''s hair. Thetter was wearing a long


    dress, and the woman pinched Henrietta''s thighs and arms through the fabric while cursing her out.


    The pain was so excruciating that Henrietta copsed on the ground and wailed incessantly.


    As for the man who hooked up with her, he cowardly stood at the inn entrance with his clothes in hand,


    trembling with fright.


    ¡°What a sl*t! I''ll pummel you to death before I kill that b*stard when we''re home! How can there be such


    a shameless woman like you? You were crying out like a b*tch in heat in the room despite your


    advanced age! Just see if I don''t cut off your tongue!¡± Climbing onto Henrietta, the woman rained blows


    on her with both hands, pummeling her viciously.


    Not only was Henrietta''s face all red and swollen, but blood also trickled out of the corner of her mouth.


    Tugging at Cayden, Avery urged, ¡°Let''s go home!¡±


    Cayden slipped off his suit jacket and draped it over her. Wrapping an arm around her waist, he


    headed in the direction of the old house.


    No sooner had Avery stepped in the door while still thinking about karma getting Henrietta than ke


    said, ¡°Ery, your phone has been ringing non-stop.¡±


    Cayden went into Avery''s room with the newly-bought sheets and quilt. He started making the bed,


    determined to sleep with her that night.


    There were six missed calls on Avery''s phone, and they were from the same unknown number.


    When she picked up her phone, it so happened to ring again, so she answered the call. ¡°Hello.¡±


    ¡°Avery? I''m Cayden''s mother!¡± Finally getting through to her, Allie sounded frantic and furious.

 Chapter 83

    Chapter 83


    Allie had always spoken in a strange manner. In that instant, Avery was so taken aback that she had


    even forgotten to greet her.


    ¡°Where are you? I want to see you right now, Avery. I think we should have a serious talk. It''s better for


    both of us,¡± Allie ranted.


    When Allie saw her at the Moore residence, she had addressed her as Ery. Now, she called her Avery


    instead.


    Avery recalled the time when she was five years old. She had been pushed to the ground by other


    children, and her knee was bleeding.


    Upon reaching home, she cried and asked her grandfather for her mother. She then asked him why did


    she not have a mother.


    Those children with moms were always bullying her and calling her a bastard child. They even said she


    deserved to be bullied.


    Her grandpa was so agonized by the persistent cries that he became stern to her for the first time in


    her life. All of a sudden, he started addressing her as Avery instead of Ery.


    After that, she heard something that she would never forget again in that lifetime.


    With a solemn expression, her grandpa said, ¡°You don''t have a mom. Remember that and be brave. As


    long as I am still alive, I will raise you! So don''t count on your mom. When I told you that your mom has


    gone away for work, it was a lie. I didn''t want to upset you. After your mom has given birth to you, she


    abandoned you. What other people say is true. Your mom has dumped you. That woman is a gold


    digger who sleeps around with other men and lets your dad down! In order to enjoy a good life, she is


    willing to cast her own flesh and blood away! If I haven''t taken you in, you might have grown up in an


    orphanage instead.¡±


    This time around, Allie had addressed her with a very bad attitude.


    I wonder what she wants to talk about with me...


    ¡°Can''t we just talk over the phone?¡± Avery wanted to know immediately what awaited her.


    ¡°I can''t talk about this over the phone. I''m afraid that you can''t take it and may lose your mind. So, I


    need you to be within my sight so that I can make sure that you can control your emotions,¡± said Allie.


    She paused before continuing, ¡°If you can''t get keep yourposure, I can help you.¡±


    Avery''s hand that was holding onto the phone kept trembling.


    ¡°I''m sorry, but I won''t be able to meet you today. I''m visiting my grandpa. By the looks of it, I can only


    be back by tomorrow.¡± Avery was anxious, but there was no way she could take her grandfather with


    her that night.


    His aged body could no longer handle an overnight trip.


    Allie thought about it and said, ¡°Fine. I''ll wait for you toe back tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Goodbye.¡± With that, Avery was about to end the call.


    ¡°Wait.¡± Allie stopped and reminded her, ¡°It''s best that you don''t let Cayden know about this. As far as


    I''m concerned, this issue is between the two of us. It should be quite easy to resolve the problem.¡±


    ¡°All right. I understand,¡± agreed Avery.


    Allie still seemed to be worried. She added, ¡°Don''t try anything sneaky and let Cayden know about this


    behind my back. I can tell you that this won''t bode well for both of you. If you inform Cayden about this,


    you will regret it once we meet up in Ackleton and you hear what I have to say. I promise you that.¡±


    ¡°I''ll see you tomorrow.¡± Avery hung up the call.


    Just then, ke came out with his walking stick and asked, ¡°Who was that? Is it your dad?¡±


    There was uncertainty in Avery''s eyes. She regained her senses and helped ke. ¡°Grandpa, you


    should go and sleep now. You''reing with me to Ackleton tomorrow. Let''s stay together from now


    on.¡±


    With Avery supporting him, ke soon went back to his room.


    Inside, there was a wooden bed with an old nket on it.


    Avery squatted down and removed ke''s shoes for him. Next, she prepared a basin of water to wash


    his feet. After wiping them dry, sheid the elderly man down.


    All the while, ke was still insisting on his way. ¡°I won''t be leaving with you. I''m fine staying here by


    myself.¡±


    ¡°That won''t do. I want to live with you. After all, you have taken care of me since I was little. Now that


    I''m financially viable, I want to take care of you and let you live afortable life.¡± Avery was not going


    to give in. Instead, she tucked ke in before leaving.


    Cayden was waiting outside the door when Avery went out.


    The air in the small town was very refreshing, especially at night. The dews condensed and covered


    the surrounding greenery. There was a light fragrance in the air.


    ¡°Tonight, you...¡± Avery looked at him and wondered how he was going to sleep that night.


    Cayden took the cigarette from his mouth and reached out to hold her when they heard the door open.


    The small piece of ss on the door made a sound whenever someone opened the door.


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    ¡°Zayne, why don''t you stay with me...¡± ke was a little worried, so he staggered out of the house with


    his walking stick.


    Avery was speechless.


    Cayden pointed to his car that was parked outside and said, ¡°I''ll sleep in the car, Grandpa. It''s spacious


    enough for me.¡±


    ¡°Isn''t it cold in the car? I''m afraid you may find it too frigid for yourfort.¡±


    ¡°It''s not. I''ve brought nkets with me.¡±


    With that, Cayden helped ke back into the room.


    Once everything quietened down, Cayden came out and went to her room to take his coat and car key.


    He looked at Avery and said, ¡°I''ll be sleeping in the car. Come with me.¡±


    Trailing behind him quietly, Avery was scared that ke would appear again and ask her to sleep in the


    house.


    Cayden opened the car door and ced his coat on the seat. He then turned around to hug her and


    rested his chin on her head. ¡°I want to sleep with you so badly that I''m about to go crazy.¡±


    Avery allowed him to embrace her. For some reason, she felt mncholic.


    She knew nothing good woulde out of Allie looking for her. Most likely, she would persuade me to


    leave Cayden. There might even be a twist in the plot, where she offers me money in return.


    Most wealthy women would utilize that method to get rid of ordinary women that were clinging to their


    sons. That happened in both TV dramas as well as in reality.


    In fact, in reality, it was more dramatic than TV dramas.


    Cayden lowered his head and kissed her lips. On the cool summer night, the lingering kiss was so


    searing hot that Avery could not take it any longer. She was about to pass out because of the


    passionate kiss.


    ke was right not to let the two of them sleep together. From the older generation''s point of view, they


    were not allowed to stay in the same room if they were not married yet.


    As far as ke was concerned, he did not care what the young couple did once they got back to


    Ackleton as long as nothing indecent happened while they were under his watch.


    ¡°I should go back. I still have to pack Grandpa''s things tomorrow.¡± Avery tried to wriggle her way out of


    his firm embrace.


    As she removed her hands first, she lost her bnce, and her left hand identally pressed on the


    bulge in Cayden''s pants.


    Acting as though scalded, she quickly removed her hand.


    When Avery recalled thest time he pleasured her with his fingers at the hotel suite, she blushed


    furiously and ran back to the house.

 Chapter 84

    Chapter 84


    Leaning against the car, Cayden felt his body burning up. The tightness in his pants was torturous.


    He frowned and took out his cigarette and lighter from the car. After lighting the cigarette, he took a


    deep puff. All he could do now was to suppress his physical urges with smoking.


    His inky eyes stared at the dimly lit room.


    It had been a number of years since anyonest stayed in that room. As such, no curtains had been


    installed. Cayden stared at the room until she turned off the lights.


    Avery did not have a good night''s sleep.


    Neither did Cayden for the first half of the night. Coming back to a small town had invoked some past


    memories for him.


    Both the good and bad memories came swarming vividly into his mind.


    Around five in the morning, Avery''s head hurt so badly that she woke up.


    Sleeping in an unfamiliar ce was not the main reason. It was actually because of what Allie had said.


    Avery even had a nightmare.


    She dreamed that Allie wanted her to leave Cayden and threatened her with death.


    Avery got up and folded the nket before going over to ke''s room.


    When ke saw his granddaughter walking in, he asked, ¡°You''re up early. Why don''t you sleep for a


    while more?¡±


    ¡°I usually wake up at around this time.¡± Avery went over and ced her arms around ke''s neck.


    ¡°Grandpa, I won''t send you over to Dad''s ce. He has gone away for work and won''t be back for quite


    a long time. Soe and stay with me first.¡±


    ke did not notice the sad look on her face. He patted her hand and said, ¡°I know you''re a filial child,


    but you''re about to get married. If I go with you, I will only be a burden to you.¡±


    ¡°No, taking care of you isn''t a burden at all. My inws will be more than happy to know that I am a filial


    person. If they want me to be an ungrateful and unfilial person, then I won''t marry into that family,¡± said


    Avery with a smile. However, there were hints of tears in her eyes.


    Perhaps, she was not in a good mood when she woke up. That was why she felt empty.


    It was as if she had lost something important.


    Cayden walked in through the front door, and Avery saw him carrying coffee and donuts.


    ¡°Grandpa, let''s have breakfast.¡± Avery bent down and put ke''s shoes on for him.


    She then helped him into the kitchen.


    Cayden kept ke apanied by eating and chatting with him.


    On the other hand, Avery gobbled down her food and rushed to pack ke''s things.


    It was then she realized that ke''s daily necessities were not worn out at all. In fact, some of them


    were from international brands that she would not have bought for herself even though she was


    earning a living.


    Huh... his bags are all from Prada.


    The man that Alina had married was known to be pleasant and generous. When he brought Alina and


    ke with him to stay in Jetroina, their living conditions were above par. That fact was apparent


    judging from the branded bag.


    After enjoying a few years of a pleasant life, ke must have been depressed when he had toe


    back to this poor, shabby town.


    Once Avery had packed ke''s things, she helped him to change his clothes and got into the car.


    One neighbor who had woken up early spotted them and asked, ¡°Old Mr. Rumpley, where are you


    going?¡±


    Avery immediately recognized that annoying neighbor, and she replied on her grandpa''s behalf, ¡°I''m


    taking Grandpa to my house.¡±


    With that, Avery mmed the car door shut.


    Irked, that neighbor yelled, ¡°Oh, are you taking your grandpa to the city to enjoy a good life? Hmph!


    Don''t be like your Aunt Alina now. She had to send ke back here after a while. Your Aunt Alina


    became so arrogant after marrying a rich man, but in the end, she was chased away and had toe


    back here. The way I see it, all the daughters from the Rumpleysck the luck to enjoy luxurious lives.¡±


    Avery ignored the horriblement from the neighbour.


    Meanwhile, Cayden was in the house and taking the bag out when he heard themotion.


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    Noticing that his expression was darkening, Avery went up and stopped him. She looked up into his


    frosty eyes and urged him, ¡°Don''t bother with this kind of people.¡±


    Cayden said angrily, ¡°Such poor manners!¡±


    ¡°Don''t expect good manners from the unreasonable neighbors here.¡± All of a sudden, Avery gave


    Cayden a hug.


    The thought of meeting Allie had soured her mood.


    On the way back to Ackleton, ke asked Avery, ¡°Where is your dad working? He didn''t mention


    anything when I spoke to him a few days ago.¡±


    Cayden nced at ke and Avery through the rearview mirror.


    Avery started to panic and said, ¡°Maybe he didn''t want to worry you. That''s why he didn''t tell you.


    Actually, he isn''t working too far away. But there won''t be any holidays in a short time, so he won''t be


    able to return to visit us.¡±


    ¡°What kind of work is he doing? Will it be too tiring for him?¡± ke was worried about the health of his


    son.


    Avery was racking her brain to think of a job that did not sound tiring.


    Just as she was pondering on her reply, Cayden cut in and said, ¡°He works in an office as a supervisor.


    He will go to the factory to do a safety inspection once a week. Overall, it''s considered a rxing job,


    and the pay is quite good too.¡±


    When ke heard that, he was delighted. ¡°That sounds like a good job!¡±


    Avery looked at Cayden gratefully.


    After two hours of journey, they finally arrived in Ackleton.


    Avery had contacted Nina the previous night and asked her to rent a house with two rooms for her in


    Ackleton.


    When Nina asked for the reason, Avery told her about ke''s situation.


    Nina was aware that Avery had been brought up by ke, so she told Avery there would be no need to


    rent any house because she would be moving back home.


    The truth was after Nina had moved out, her mother had been swindled by Mna. If Nina did not go


    back home soon, both Zayne and her mother might end up giving the house to Mna.


    Avery helped ke up the stairs and saw that Nina was in.


    ¡°Grandpa, Ery always talks about you. When she first came here to attend school, we were in the same


    ss and even shared the same table. Whenever she thought of you, she would bawl out in tears,¡±


    said Nina with a smile.


    After chatting with ke for a while, Avery dragged Nina into the kitchen.


    Avery asked, ¡°Are you really moving back? Why haven''t you mentioned this before?¡±


    ¡°I wanted to, but you went back to your hometown. To be honest with you, I have no idea how to tell


    you because I have promised to stay together with you. Yet now, I''m leaving you all alone. It''s a good


    thing that your grandpa is here now.¡± Nina patted Avery''s shoulders.


    Avery fell silent.


    ¡°What''s wrong?¡± Nina sensed that something was off with her friend. Hmm.. something seems to be


    bothering her, and by the looks of it, it''s something serious.


    To prepare for her meeting with Allie, Avery did not allow Cayden toe upstairs. She even told him


    that she was not going out in the afternoon because she wanted to keep ke apanied.


    In the end, Cayden had no choice but to leave for the office.


    Avery told Nina, ¡°I need to go out for a while. It shouldn''t take long. Can you help me to look after my


    grandpa until I get back?¡±


    ¡°Sure, no problem.¡± Nina eyed Avery with a weird expression before asking, ¡°This isn''t like you. Is


    everything okay? You don''t look too good...¡±


    ¡°I''m fine. Don''t worry.¡± With that, Avery left.


    Twenty minutester, Avery was seated at a nearby caf¨¦ facing the elegant and charming Allie.


    ¡°Do you want to know who and where your biological mom is? Forget it. I''ll just get straight to the point.


    You are my daughter.¡±

 Chapter 85

    Chapter 85


    ¡°What did you say?¡±


    Avery''s expression froze.


    Allie must be joking. Even though she hates me to the core and wants to break up my rtionship with


    Cayden, it''s still too childish of her to give such an oundish reason.


    ¡°I said, you''re my daughter. Didn''t I make myself clear enough?¡± Allie held up her coffee and took a sip


    before raising her head, her face devoid of any emotions. ¡°Therefore, you cannot be together with


    Cayden.¡±


    Staring intently at Allie, Avery sped her hands underneath the table. They were clenched so tightly


    that sweat began to break out.


    I didn''t tell her that I lost my biological mom when I was young, so how did she find out? Was it Cayden


    that told her?


    Avery was confused, but it quickly dawned upon her that Allie used to be a mistress. She had


    separated Lily, who went ballistic the other day, with Cayden''s father, Bruce, and subsequently took her


    ce.


    Furthermore, Avery had heard her neighbors mention that her birth mother had eloped with a rich man


    ever since she was young.


    The reason was that the rich man could give her mother a better life.


    The events might be consistent, but what does it matter? There are plenty of mistresses and wicked


    women in the world who eloped with rich men. So, how can it be that she''s my biological mother based


    on just this fact alone?


    Avery shook her head. It can''t be. I don''t believe it!


    Locking gazes with Avery, Allie struck at Avery''s weakness. ¡°Ery, I never asked about your father''s


    name until you mentioned that your family name was Rumpley. It was then that my curiosity was


    sparked and I began to worry that you were rted to Leonardo.


    ¡°However, I didn''t dare inquire further due to Cayden''s presence. In fact, I was wondering if your father


    had told you that you were my daughter, and the true reason you''re seducing Cayden is just to exact


    revenge on me for abandoning the two of you.¡±


    At that moment, Allie''s grim expression was filled with malice.


    ¡°But now, it''s clear that you have no idea that I''m your mother and you didn''t get together with Cayden


    to spite me.¡± Allie regained herposure.


    Avery shook her head vehemently as she refused to ept it, just like how she refused to ept the


    news of her father''s liver cancer back then. ¡°Don''t deceive me. This is such a third-rate lie that only a


    child would believe in.¡±


    ¡°A third-rate lie? Do you think that as someone who can be the wife of the former chairman of


    Trident Group, I would be wasting my time on such a deception?¡± Allie retorted with a cocked brow.


    Staring at Allie, Avery couldn''t make sense of the situation.


    It''s true that Allie is both crafty and ruthless. Those are the qualities that led her to Bruce''s side. After


    solidifying her position, she enjoyed her status as his wife. Therefore, a woman with such an agenda is


    obviously shrewd, and a shrewd woman doesn''t try to deceive with an oundish excuse. After all,


    such an excuse might work once but isn''t sustainable at all. Even if she''s foolish enough to do so,


    Cayden would still be sharp enough to see through her lies.¡±


    Recognizing the fact, Avery closed her eyes and felt a sudden chill descend upon her body.


    Does this mean that Allie is really my birth mother?


    Despite ruminating in her seat for more than ten minutes, Avery was incapable of calming herself


    down. Thus, she decided to grab her bag and leave.


    ¡°Stop where you are!¡± Allie called out, to which Averyplied.


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    Picking up her bag, Allie took out some cash and ced it on the table. She then sauntered elegantly


    up to Avery and suggested in an icy tone, ¡°I hope that you won''t lose control of your emotions. Find


    your ce in this and deal with the fallout rationally. Otherwise, you''ll end up destroying Cayden.¡±


    Finally, Avery raised her head and made eye contact with Allie.


    In contrast to her miserable reaction, Allie was as calm as a cucumber. The way she made the


    revtion was no different from announcing what was for lunch and dinner.


    She came out of nowhere and imed to be my mother. Can I really believe her?


    Avery decided to verify the fact herself.


    If she really is my mother, how can she face her own daughter with such indifference? How can she not


    show any emotion on her face or in her eyes?


    Wiping the tear off her eyes, Avery figured that Allie''s reaction shouldn''te as a surprise. It was


    futile to expect the person who abandoned her to show any actual concern. After all, she had never


    seen her mother ever since she was born.


    If not for her cold-blooded nature, she wouldn''t have been capable of something so cruel.


    Avery headed downstairs as bitterness filled her heart.


    Allie followed behind her.


    Upon hailing a taxi, Avery got into it and choked, ¡°Primo Hospital, please.¡±


    The driver gave her a strange look when she began to cry. Nheless, he started the meter and


    drove in silence.


    No sooner had Avery left than Allie gged down a taxi.


    Expecting what was going to happen, she didn''t dare drive, for fear of being recognized. After getting


    in, she instructed the driver to follow Avery and reminded him to stay on her tail.


    Meanwhile, a distraught Avery cried till she lost her voice. Even then, tears continue to stream down


    her cheeks.


    How is this possible?


    At that moment, chaotic images began to flood her mind.


    When Cayden arrived at the small town to study, he was considered the campus hunk.


    During her job interview with him, he had asked her a few personal questions which she found strange.


    When he confessed his feelings for her in the midst of hugs and kisses, he told her that he had fallen


    for her a long time ago and had gained the independence to love her openly, free from the restraints of


    adults.


    When Cayden lifted her skirt and pleasured her with his fingers inside the hotel suite...


    The way he had reached climax and the evidence of that flowing out between her legs...


    It was unimaginably intimate.


    In the midst of breaking down, Avery desperately tried to catch her breath. Nevertheless, the


    suffocating feeling that overwhelmed her caused her to curl herself into a ball. With both her hands


    holding her stinging throat, she shook her head desperately, unable to vocalize her crying screams.


    ¡°Miss, are you all right?¡± the driver asked in fear.


    What kind of shock did she go through? Why is she distressed to that extent?


    Finally, Avery cried out loud.


    Monitoring her while driving, the taxi driver figured that she was probably devastated after losing


    someone close to her since she was heading to Primo Hospital.


    Upon her arrival, Avery got out of the taxi with Allie following close behind.


    ¡°Let''s go in together.¡± Allie caught up with the former and grabbed her arm.


    Gritting her teeth, Avery pulled her hand free of Allie''s grip before shooting a piercing re at the


    woman who was the source of her suffering.


    ¡°I know that your dad is in the hospital. If you don''t want him to burst a vessel, you''d better get a grip of


    yourself and think carefully of what to say. After that, you''re free to verify whether I''m your birth mother


    however you please,¡± Allie suggested rationally.


    At that moment, Avery''s phone rang.


    She shot Allie a re as if she was a wounded beast aiming her horns at thetter.


    When she saw that it was Cayden on the line, she didn''t dare answer and tightened her grip on the


    phone instead. In addition to her trembling lips, her tears fell uncontrobly at every blink of her eye.

 Chapter 86

    Chapter 86


    ¡°There''s no way you can answer the call in your current condition.¡± Allie knew who was on the line


    without even looking.


    Hanging her head, Avery couldn''t stop the flow of tears.


    ¡°Come. Wipe off your tears, ande up with me.¡± Unable to think of any words offort, Allie


    handed Avery a tissue, as if that was the limit of the concern she would ever show.


    Nheless, Avery rejected it. After taking a deep breath, she wiped away the tears on her face before


    heading into the hospital.


    Even though a crying soul would attract attention inside, it wasn''t much of an issue, for it was a


    common sight.


    As the hospital elevator wasn''t busy in the afternoon, Avery quickly arrived at the floor where her father


    was warded.


    ¡°I''m heading to the restroom,¡± Avery muttered.


    She didn''t want him to see the miserable look on her face, lest he got worried.


    In the meantime, Allie waited outside the restroom in silence.


    Upon entering, Avery gave her face a cold ssh before staring into the mirror and seeing herself with


    eyes reddened from crying. With her brows slightly knitted, she failed to ease them no matter how hard


    she tried.


    By the time she came out, Allie reminded her, ¡°If you don''t want your dad''s condition to worsen, you''d


    better put on a smile.¡±


    Raising her gaze at Allie, Avery was tempted to question thetter on how she was supposed to cheer


    herself up after everything that had happened.


    Subsequently, she walked past Allie and entered the ward.


    When the nurse saw the patient''s daughtering in, she left the room to give them some privacy.


    At the sight of his daughter, Leonardo broke out into a smile that quickly faded when he caught a


    glimpse of Allie.


    ¡°Dad,¡± Avery greeted.


    The way Leonardo was staring at Allie could only mean one thing. It was clearly the look of a man who


    hated his ex-wife.


    During the journey to the hospital, Avery had grown to understand that Allie wouldn''t have dared to


    make such a brazen im unless it was the truth.


    ¡°I''m just here to tell you something.¡± Allie took the initiative to exin to Leonardo. ¡°All this while, I had


    never wanted to bother the two of you, but a coincidence brought Ery to me. Due to how sensible she


    was, I grew fond of her and was excited to learn that her surname was Rumpley.¡±


    While speaking, Allie feigned closeness by holding Avery''s shoulder and cracking a blissful smile. ¡°I


    didn''t expect my daughter to have grown into an adult and am d that fate has brought us together.


    Since you''re sick and ke has been sent back from Jetroina, Ery has a heavy burden to bear.


    Therefore, I feel that it would do her good to have her mom by her side.¡±


    Worried that her father would see through the ruse, Avery didn''t shake Allie''s hand off.


    In response, Leonardo scrutinized the two of them.


    Even though he was deeply suspicious of Allie''s sudden attempt to acknowledge her daughter, he


    wasn''t going to restrict Avery for his own selfish reasons as long as she had no objections. As her


    father, he clearly understood that it was her decision to make.


    ¡°Why don''t both of you have a chat while I wait outside.¡± With her arm still hanging over Avery''s


    shoulder, Allie gave thetter a tap to warn her not to say the wrong thing.


    When the only people left in the ward were the father and daughter, Leonardo hesitated before saying


    in a weak voice, ¡°Ery,e closer. Let me ask you¡ª¡±


    ¡°Dad, don''t say anything.¡± Avery didn''t want to be forced to relive the painful memories of being


    abandoned through her father''s words.


    All she wanted to do was sit there in peace, for it never mattered to her who her birth mother was.


    Moreover, the problem now was about whether she should acknowledge Allie as her mother or not.


    Okay. Take some time to recollect your thoughts. I won''t say a thing.¡± Unaware of the true situation,


    Leonardo simply assumed that Avery couldn''t ept the fact that her mother had found her.


    With her head lowered, Avery remained silent for a long while.


    ¡°It''s your decision whether you want to ept her as your mother or not. From my perspective, at least


    you will still have someone close once I''m gone.¡±


    In the end, Leonardo couldn''t resist sharing his thoughts as he wanted his daughter to have an


    objective picture of the pros and cons.


    Finally, Avery responded with a shake of her head. Looking up, she asked, ¡°Back then, the neighbors


    told me that she had given birth to me before eloping with a rich man. Grandpa, too, said the same


    thing. So why is it that she had a son that''s four years older than I am?¡±


    After dwelling upon the matter, she had finally structured the messy thoughts in her head.


    Unfortunately, she didn''t see the reaction that she wanted from her father. Instead, Leonardo wasn''t


    surprised by her question at all. ¡°About that, I was actually aware... Back when your mother got


    together with me, she was no longer a virgin. Not only was she hurt by someone else before, but she


    had also given birth to his child. It was just that the child... wasn''t acknowledged by the other party. It


    was muchter that I learned the man who hurt your mother was a rich and powerful businessman.


    Also, the child that she had given birth to was a son. At that time, I had a feeling that the illegitimate


    son of such a prominent family would sooner orter be epted back. Furthermore, I was worried


    that your mother would return to that monster''s side for the sake of her son.¡±


    At that moment, Leonardo stopped abruptly, for the worst-case scenario in his mind yed out in the


    end.


    The illegitimate child was brought back to the prominent family together with his mother, whose status


    was elevated ordingly for bearing a son. With that, she ended up leaving the ordinary man who


    tended to her ¡°wounds¡± when she was hurt and returning to the rich man''s side.


    Avery didn''t know how she got home that day.


    As if she had lost her soul, she went around like a zombie to prepare dinner for ke and Nina.


    While chewing on her food, Nina observed Avery before asking curiously, ¡°Why do you seem so


    distracted today?¡±


    ¡°I''m not. Here, have some more food.¡± Avery tried to act normally and even forced a smile.


    ¡°Stop smiling. It looks worse than when you''re crying.¡± Nina was certain that something was bugging


    Avery. Ever since thetter had returned in the afternoon, she looked increasingly disturbed.


    Not wanting ke to worry, the two women didn''t further the conversation.


    After struggling through dinner, Avery did the dishes with her head hung low.


    Standing by her side, Nina remarked with a frown. ¡°I can see that you were crying earlier.¡±


    ¡°My dad''s condition hasn''t improved at all.¡± Avery cooked up an excuse to exin the tears.


    ¡°Is it really because of that?¡± Nina didn''t believe her.


    Worried that she couldn''t resist baring her soul to Nina and telling her everything, Avery clenched her


    teeth and hurried thetter home after the dishes were done.


    Original from N?velDrama.Org.


    From that night onward, Nina officially went back home to stay.


    Meanwhile, ke was sitting on a rocking chair on the balcony, ying with some birds.


    Nina had bought them for him in the afternoon and hung the cage there.


    After holding back her tears, Avery couldn''t do it anymore. Not long after closing the door behind Nina,


    she stayed in the empty living room and burst into tears while leaning against the bathroom door.


    Creak!


    Suddenly, a key was inserted into the door, and the door was pushed open.


    A weary figure stepped into the house next.


    Dressed in a suit and leather shoes, Cayden wore a frown on his mature-looking face, his features


    looking exceptionally frosty. Other than holding the car keys, he also held in his hand the house key


    that Nina had just left with.


    The instant their eyes met, the teary-eyed Avery was stricken by panic.

 Chapter 87

    ?


    Chapter 87 All That Matters Is My Love For You


    "Your friend gave her key to me," Cayden exined how he came into possession of it.


    Throwing him an acknowledging nce, Avery couldn''t hide her eyes that were swollen red from crying.


    When Cayden approached her curiously, he saw her stagger back in reflex, causing him to wonder when she had begun to avoid him.


    Thinking back to the night before, she not only didn''t dodge his kisses in the car but also reciprocated with even greater passion.


    In the morning, both of them didn''t talk much in the car due to ke''s presence. Other than that, their interactions were normal with no sign of any attempt to create distance.


    However, when he called her in the afternoon, she didn''t answer regardless of how many times he did.


    Left without a choice, he came over to see her.


    Coincidentally, he ran into Nina while driving into the residential area. Thetter came up to him and asked, "Boss, I know about your rtionship with Ery. Do you why she is behaving strangely today? Did something happen between the two of you?"


    Unable to bear not knowing what happened, Cayden rushed over the moment he finished his meeting.


    In truth, he looked distracted during the entire meeting, which was a first for the employees of Trident Group.


    While the meeting''s key speaker was going through his presentation, Cayden, who was supposed to be concentrating on the data, was staring listlessly into space with a frown.


    "It''s alreadyte. What are you doing here?" Avery wasn''t ready to talk to him until she got a grip on her emotions.


    Besides, her home wasn''t the right ce to do so.


    At that moment, ke was done ying with the birds. After getting up from his rocking chair and giving them a final nce, he opened the balcony door and returned to the living room. When he saw Cayden standing at the door, he gave Avery a look of surprise. "Oh? Zayne''s here. Ery, why aren''t you inviting him in?"


    Avery nced at ke.


    The advantage of being overwhelmed by problems was that she was able to differentiate her priorities at the crucial moment instead of being devastated by them.


    Ever since her sick father left her side, ke''s health was all that mattered. As for her rtionship with Cayden, it could be dealt withter.


    "Zayne,e in and have a seat," ke invited, to which Cayden nodded before taking his ce on the couch.


    "Ery, get him a ss of water," ke ordered his granddaughter when he saw that she was not budging before taking a seat on the other side of the couch. Avery had no choice but toply.


    "Here." She walked up to the couch with a ss of water in hand.


    When Cayden reached out to receive it, he sped Avery''s hand while holding the ss at the same time.


    As if she had been electrocuted, Avery retracted her hand swiftly.Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Since ke''s presence had made it inconvenient to talk, Cayden raised his ss from his left and ced it on his right.


    Looking up at Avery, he noticed the grim look on her face.


    "Were you crying just now?" Cayden asked the obvious.


    "No," Avery denied at once.


    Cayden''s gaze darkened as he pressed on. "In that case, why are your eyes swollen red?"


    Stumped, Avery gave ke a worried look before lying, "I didn''t sleep well in the old house. Every time I don''t, my eyes be like that."


    Due to his nearsightedness, ke failed to notice the change in Avery''s eyes. In fact, he thought it was part of her makeup.


    Back when he was in Jetroina, he had grown ustomed to the mboyant makeup of the young girls there.


    Even though his eyes weren''t what they used to be, his ears were still doing fine. As a result, he could sense the tension between them when he heard the way they were talking to each other. "Both of you continue. I''m going back to my room to rest. The long car ride has exhausted me." No sooner had ke spoken than he made his way back to his room.


    With that, only the two of them were left in the living room.


    Getting to his feet, Cayden grabbed Avery''s wrist so that she couldn''t avoid him further. Despite her silent struggle to free herself, she was dragged into the kitchen against her will. There, Avery looked up at Cayden and protested in an emotionless tone, "I don''t like it when you do something like this."


    At the same time, Cayden gazed icily down at her. It was obvious to him that she was behaving out of sorts.


    "I don''t like how domineering and overbearing you can be." Avery''s eyes reddened as she spoke. Peering into his eyes, she pulled out all the stops for her act. "I spent thest two days with you not because I have any feelings for you. Instead, it was my ego that was controlling me."


    Cayden tightened his grip on her wrist upon hearing those words.


    "Because of Zayne''s betrayal, I needed a man to restore my dignity. I have no reason to reject when that person happens to be a boss of a conglomerate. After all, it feels great to humiliate Zayne and his mistress with someone who''s superior." Avery burst intoughter.


    "So you were just using me?" Staring into her eyes, Cayden could see his own reflection in her tears.


    "That''s right." The moment Avery blinked, the tears lingering on her eyshes dropped. "It was only after I had gotten my revenge that I became aware of how depressed I felt over Zayne''s marriage and the fact that he already has a child with her. The despair that struck me was just as devastating as when I first heard about my dad''s cancer."


    Leveraging on her excuse, Avery intensified her sobs while her hand trembled concurrently. "I was willing to sacrifice myself to destroy Zayne and his other half. The hatred inside me was so strong that everyone else, including you, didn''t matter."


    "Do you think I''ll buy that nonsensical story you''re spouting?" Cayden furrowed his brows. With a stern expression, he continued, "Your excuse doesn''t make any sense. That aside, I don''t care who you love. All that matters is that I love you."


    Avery did not have the energy to argue further since he refused to believe her.


    Nevertheless, his confession caused goosebumps to rise on her skin and sent a chill down her spine. At the end of the day, there was an invisible line between them that was impossible to cross.


    Inside the cramped kitchen, the air was saturated with Cayden''s crisp and unique scent.


    Despite keeping her distance to desperately resist his breath and kisses, Cayden''s invisible charm overwhelmed her like a virus. Enveloping her on all sides, it dissolved into her breath and emanated through every fiber of her being. Even though she had decided to stay away from him,ing face to face with him triggered doubts about whether he was actually Allie''s biological son.


    However, the chances of that are just too slim. Given how sharp Cayden is, there''s no way he wouldn''t know that Allie isn''t his birth mother.

 Chapter 88

Chapter 88


    waiting...on the way.. This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 89

Chapter 89


    waiting...on the way.. This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 90

Chapter 90


    waiting...on the way.. This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 91

Chapter 91


    waiting...on the way.. Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 92

Chapter 92


    waiting...on the way.. This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 93

Chapter 93


    waiting...on the way.. This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 94

Chapter 94


    waiting...on the way..


    waiting...on the way.. Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 95

Chapter 95


    waiting...on the way..


    waiting...on the way.. Original from N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 96

Chapter 96


    waiting...on the way..


    waiting...on the way.. Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 97

Chapter 97


    waiting...on the way..


    waiting...on the way.. Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 98

Chapter 98


    waiting...on the way..


    waiting...on the way.. Original from N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 99

Chapter 99


    waiting...on the way.. This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 100

Chapter 100


    waiting...on the way.. Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 101

Chapter 101


    waiting...on the way.. Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 102

Chapter 102


    waiting...on the way.. Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 103

Chapter 103


    waiting...on the way.. Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 104

Chapter 104


    waiting...on the way.. Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 105

    Chapter 105


    ¡°What happened?¡± Avery squeaked from the shock.


    ¡°He said he''s going to jump off the building! Could you pleasee to take a look, Ms. Avery?¡± the


    housekeeper pleaded.


    Avery merely said, ¡°Get him to answer the phone.¡±


    The housekeeper went off to call Zachary.


    Avery headed out of the residential area, and the housekeeper''s voice sounded not long after. ¡°Mr.


    Zachary doesn''t want to listen to the phone. He insists on seeing you in person.¡±


    Original from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Don''t worry. He won''t jump,¡± Averyforted the apprehensive housekeeper. ¡°I''ve heard teens


    jumping off buildings because they failed their university entrance exam, and adults doing the same for


    a myriad of reasons, but I''ve never heard a child doing the same.¡±


    The housekeeper replied, ¡°All right, Ms. Avery. Let me go upstairs and check on Mr. Zachary.¡±


    ¡°Okay. You could try calling his father, Grandma, Great-grandpa, or even his Uncle Kendrick if he keeps


    up with this.¡±


    There were so many people that the housekeeper could have turned to.


    Avery had juste out of the Moore residence. She could not step into the ce again because of


    Zachary.


    Meanwhile, in the Moore residence, Zachary, who had heard the housekeeper''s report, grumbled,


    ¡°Does Ms. Ery really not care whether I live or die?¡±


    ¡°It''s not that she doesn''t care. It''s just...¡± The housekeeper was flustered. Who would believe that a kid


    is going to jump off a building? Besides, Mr. Zachary is not an orphan who was deserted by his


    parents. He has caretakers to take care of him.


    Zachary was infuriated.


    Right then, Kendrick headed downstairs and saw his nephew getting all riled up. ¡°What are you doing?


    Aren''t you supposed to be at school?¡±


    ¡°It''s the summer holidays now,¡± Zachary said as he shot a disdainful look at his uncle.


    Kendrick found his nephew''s response amusing. ¡°Why aren''t you ying, then? What kind of hobby is


    standing by the window? Are you enjoying the scenery?¡±


    Meanwhile, Avery arrived at the subway station. Before she could get inside, her phone rang again.


    It was not from andline anymore. She noticed that it was an unfamiliar string of numbers.


    Avery took the call. ¡°Hello, this is Avery.¡±


    ¡°Ms. Avery! I am the housekeeper who called you just now. Mr. Zachary is really thinking of jumping off


    the third floor! Let me show you if you don''t believe it!¡±


    Avery looked at her phone screen, and the image of Zachary sitting by the window on the third floor


    came into view.


    The boy was little inparison to the huge window.


    The window was so narrow that one did not actually have much space to sit on. Hence, the boy


    appeared wobbly as he steadied himself. The garden behind him was in in view.


    Even though the garden was full of flowers, it was still a considerably hard surface to fall on.


    Zachary would surely lose a limb or two if he really fell off the window.


    ¡°I''m going to jump if youe any nearer!¡± the little boy sobbed.


    ¡°Okay, I won''t go any nearer.¡± The housekeeper then asked Avery through the video call, ¡°What do I


    do? I''m only working here. I can''t possiblypensate with ten lives if anything happens to Mr.


    Zachary!¡±


    ¡°Aren''t there any other adults in the house?¡± Avery asked with a frown.


    The housekeeper shook her head and said, ¡°No. After the two of you left, his great-grandpa went out


    with his friends. His grandma also went to the salon for a facial while Mr. Moore is at work. I can''t get


    through to anyone''s phones. Most importantly, Mr. Zachary only wishes to see you.¡±


    ¡°Hand him the phone. I''ll talk to him,¡± Avery relented.


    ¡°All right. I''ll pass the phone to him right now,¡± the housekeeper said and passed the phone to Zachary


    right away.


    Zachary shook his head. ¡°Stay away from me. I don''t want to talk to her. She''s abandoned us all...¡±


    ¡°Zach...¡± Rory cried out in her sweet voice right then. The housekeeper''s phone shook, and Avery


    vaguely noticed that Zachary had jumped off the window.


    The sound of the phone smashing onto the floor made Avery shudder.


    She immediately hailed a taxi and stuttered as she requested the driver to head to the Moore residence


    while trying to dial the housekeeper''s number.


    ¡°Sorry, but the number you have dialed is currently unavable...¡±


    The same intercept message kept repeating until Avery reached the Moore residence.


    Upstairs of the Moore residence, the housekeeper kept looking out the window. When she saw Avery,


    she said, ¡°She''s here.¡±


    Kendrick looked out the window as well. After confirming that Avery had arrived, he summoned Rory


    and ordered, ¡°Open your eyes.¡±


    Rory did as told obediently.


    He put some eyedrops fit for babies into her eyes, making sure that her eyes were brimming with


    artificial tears.


    Then he proceeded to do the same for his nephew.


    ¡°You guys just rub your eyes until it''s all red. I''m going to hide so that your Ms. Ery doesn''t find out that


    I''m home.¡± With that, Kendrick eyed the surroundings and scurried out of sight.


    The housekeeper went downstairs to open the doors for Avery.


    As the two of them headed upstairs, the housekeeper said, ¡°Luckily, he only broke one of his legs.¡±


    Avery''s eyes widened in disbelief. How on earth is it lucky that he only broke one of his legs?


    Avery noticed Rory crouching by Zachary''s bed the moment she set foot in his bedroom. Rory was


    holding his brother''s hand with a tear-streaked face.


    It was obvious that the little girl had been crying.


    ¡°What did the doctor say?¡± Avery walked over to the side of the bed and noticed that the little boy''s leg


    was stered and hung up in the air. She felt so guilty that she could not bear to look the children in


    their eyes.


    Things would not have turned out this way if she had agreed toe in the first ce.


    ¡°Ms. Ery...¡± Rory let go of Zachary and walked over to Avery''s side.


    Avery held the sobbing Rory and patted her on the head. She choked on her words as she said, ¡°Don''t


    cry. It''s all my fault. I''m so sorry.¡±


    Zachary had wanted to make Avery feel even more guilty. However, he sobbed alongside Avery when


    he noticed how guilty Avery was already feeling. In a jealous tone, he said, ¡°I''m the one who''s hurt. Ms.


    Ery, you''re so biased.¡±


    Avery''s eyes turned red as she looked at Zachary. Instead of ming her foringte, the little boy


    was actually trying to act cute in front of her.


    ¡°I''m hungry, Ms. Ery... I want to eat instant noodles with an egg cooked by you.¡± Zachary no longer felt


    the pain in his body after seeing Avery. However, he was famished.


    ¡°Are there instant noodles here?¡± Avery asked the housekeeper.


    The housekeeper nodded with a smile. ¡°Yes. Mr. Moore wouldn''t let the kids eat that, saying that it''s not


    healthy. But I keep a few packets for them to eat sometimes.¡±


    Avery brought Rory to the kitchen.


    Zachary, who was faking his leg injury, smiled and gave the housekeeper a high-five, as Avery had


    obviously bought their ruse.


    Avery cooked the instant noodles and egg her special way.


    Just when the fragrant of the instant noodles filled the house, Avery noticed the housekeeper''s pale


    face as thetter scurried into the kitchen. In a timid voice, the housekeeper said, ¡°Ms. Avery, Mr.


    Moore is home. If he finds out that I''ve hidden some instant noodles for the kids, I''m going to lose my


    job.¡±

 Chapter 106

    Chapter 106


    Upon hearing the housekeeper''s words, Rory rushed over to hug Avery. ¡°What do I do? Daddy''s back!¡±


    The housekeeper cast Avery a troubled look as well.


    ¡°If he asks about it, I''ll tell him that I was the one who brought the instant noodles here,¡± Avery said.


    ¡°Thank you, Ms. Avery. I have two sons still studying, and I really can''t lose this job.¡± The housekeeper


    turned to look at the corridor before turning back and rubbing her hands nervously.


    ¡°I understand.¡±


    Avery nced at the instant noodles, which were almost ready. The scent had already filled the room,


    and Cayden would surely catch a whiff of it once he entered the space. He would still discover the


    noodles even if they were to throw them away now.


    Hence, she reckoned they might as well not do that.


    Cayden refused to let his children eat any junk food because he was a man born with a silver spoon.


    Even though he had once ended up at a small ce like Livingsfill, he was born a rich child.


    It was not strange for the habits of a rich child to differ from an average child.


    The peculiar rtionship that they had still went on¡ªperhaps it would only end if she got married¡ª


    because Cayden was still adamant about maintaining it.


    Avery did not know which part of her he liked; she guessed that maybe he had not found out everything


    about her yet, so he was still interested in her.


    A man who despised junk food would certainly be enraged at her and resentful of her if he were


    to see her feeding his children junk food. From then on, he would be able to realize what kind of lousy


    person she was and assume that she was not worthy of him.


    Zachary was gleefully pursing his lips and ying with his console on his bed.


    All of a sudden, a low male voice traveled into his ears.


    ¡°You hurt your leg?¡±


    Zachary turned toward the doorway. When he saw his father in a suit walking toward him, he nearly


    dropped the console off the bed.


    That was a birthday present from his Granduncle Toby, and he would not get another present identical


    to the console if he were to drop and break it.


    After all, Cayden did not allow him to spend much time on games.


    Zachary ignored his father and quickly dashed over to save his falling console.


    ¡°Oh, thank goodness!¡± Zachary ended the round as he hugged his beloved console. Then, he lifted his


    head and looked at his father.


    Cayden was standing by his bedside and looking down at his son''s short leg. ¡°Why did you jump off the


    building?¡±


    ¡°That''s because... That''s because I want to see Ms. Ery...¡±


    ¡°You wanted to see her and you decided to jump off the building just because she wasn''ting?¡±


    Cayden had been frightened out of his wits when he received a call from Kendrick telling him that his


    son broke his leg.


    Fortunately, Kendrick had also swiftly told him that the news about the boy jumping off the building was


    fake. There was a safety air cushion at the bottom, and even if Zachary jumped off the thirtieth floor, he


    would still be fine.


    Zachary could hear the chiding tone from his father''s voice, so he lowered his head and mumbled,


    ¡°Daddy, I''m sorry...¡±


    ¡°There are many ways to meet her. You''re not allowed to do something risky like this anymore.¡±


    Cayden stepped forward to pat his son''s head before turning and leaving the room.


    When the housekeeper saw her employer''s figure, she walked over to greet, ¡°Mr. Moore.¡±


    Cayden nodded and turned to look in the direction of the kitchen.


    Avery took out an insted bowl, which would make sure that the children would not scald themselves


    when they held the bowl. She then put in the cooked noodles and took two forks before heading out.


    She only managed to take two steps out of the kitchen when she encountered the man entering.


    An awkward feeling struck Avery. She had just left the ce in the morning, but she was already back.


    Moreover, she had cooked for the children. There was nothing she could say to exin the situation.


    ¡°What is this? Did you make this?¡± Cayden deliberately asked, lowering his head to look at the white


    bowl in her hands.


    ¡°A pack of instant noodles and two eggs. I made them for Zach and Rory,¡± Avery confessed.


    When the housekeeper heard that, she sighed in relief. Yet, at the same time, she was panicking, for


    she was afraid that Cayden would lose his temper at Avery.


    Ms. Avery is only twenty-four, and she looks like someone who gets embarrassed easily. How is she


    going to take it when Mr. Moore turns furious? She''s going to start crying, I bet.


    Just as the housekeeper was hesitating about whether to step forward and confess that it was the


    instant noodles she had kept hidden and not Avery''s, she heard Cayden ask, ¡°Do you have more? I''m


    hungry too.¡±


    The housekeeper was speechless.


    What? I didn''t mishear him, did I? Did the man who has been insisting that junk food is poison and


    refusing to let his children eat it while making sure that he did the same say that he wants to eat instant


    noodles?


    Avery looked at him in shock, at a loss for words.


    I''m about to feed his children junk food. Is he not going to be mad at me? Moreover, did he just ask to


    have a bowl too?


    Avery gulped nervously. She was in the Moore family''s territory, and she had to be wary of the head of


    the family losing his temper.


    Maybe it''s the calm before the storm for him to say that he wants a bowl as well. When I turn to make


    him a bowl, he''ll start fuming.


    ¡°Daddy, there''s another pack left.¡±


    Rory did not want her father to scold her brother, Avery, and her. Thus, she was delighted to hear that


    her father seemed to like instant noodles as well. ¡°Zach and I will be sharing one pack, but Daddy,


    you''re an adult, so you get one pack to yourself.¡±


    Cayden looked back at the bowl in Avery''s hands. ¡°Bring it to them. Make another for me when you


    come back.¡±


    Avery stood transfixed on the spot for a while before continuing her way to Zachary''s room.


    The housekeeper snapped back to her senses and quickly bring a small table to put on the bed. That


    way, the boy would have more ease to eat his food.


    ¡°Eat slowly and be careful. It''s hot.¡± After Avery ruffled their hair, she turned to leave.


    The housekeeper stayed to watch over the two.


    Upon leaving the room, Avery worriedly walked toward the kitchen.


    ¡°Add in two eggs.¡±


    Before Avery could enter the kitchen, a voice entered her ears.


    The tall Cayden was standing in the kitchen, and the light from the sun outside was softening his


    defined features. However, the remaining anger from earlier in the day was still in the man''s eyes.


    As Avery sighed inwardly, she walked over to open thest pack of instant noodles.


    How can a great man like Cayden not have any woman he wants? He can have anyone he likes. Why


    must he die on this hill of mine?


    Nevertheless, the grass was truly always greener on the other side. If he were to reach the other side,


    he might realize that the grass was just as average as any other grass.


    Avery took out a clean microwaveable bowl, which had the perfect size for a pack of instant noodles.


    Then she turned around to boil some water.


    Once the water was boiled, she poured it into the instant noodles until the noodles werepletely


    submerged under the water.


    The moment the hot water was inside, the fragrance of the noodles began wafting across her nose.


    Then she put the bowl into the microwave and kept it in there for a minute.


    The minute felt like a century. All of a sudden, the man standing a distance away behind her said, ¡°Why


    aren''t you on your blind date?¡± This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 107

    Chapter 107


    ¡°I''ll be going thereter. He''s not off work yet.¡± The one minute was up while she spoke, and the


    microwave let out a loud ding.


    Cayden was about a meter away from her, mulling about the ¡°he¡± she mentioned.


    That man was going to be someone who would walk into her life.


    Avery did not dare to overthink things. She was afraid that she would lose control of her feelings, so


    she forced herself to focus on the bowl.


    It was something she learned from the inte.


    One minute was up, so she tore open the seasoning pack and poured its content into the bowl before


    using a fork to separate the noodles.


    After that, she put the bowl into the microwave and set the timer for another two more minutes.


    Once the time was out, she took out the bowl and put two eggs in. However, she did not stir the eggs


    into the noodles. She put the bowl back in the microwave for another minute.


    Cayden watched her the entire time. For a moment, he felt as if he was watching his wife making food


    for her husband even though she was busy as well.


    She was putting her all into the noodles.


    She was not at all half-hearted by sticking to the traditional ways of making that bowl of noodles.


    Indeed, Avery''s focus was fully on the food. A minute was up. She took out the bowl and used a fork to


    scoop some of the noodles to cover the eggs.


    Then, she put it into the microwave for onest time.


    Like before, she set the timer for a minute and patiently waited for it to be done.


    However, when a minute was up, she sensed that the man hade closer to her and that somehow


    made her feel uneasy.


    After turning off the microwave, she took out the bowl. Her hands shook, and the cloth she had been


    using to hold the bowl fell. Immediately, her fingers touched the scalding hot bowl.


    She furrowed her brows and retracted her hand.


    ¡°Where did you hurt yourself?¡± came the man''s voice as a pair ofrge hands grabbed Avery''s hands.


    She turned and retracted her hands away from his. ¡°I''m fine. It''s not that hot.¡±


    Cayden frowned, but he had no choice but to let her go.


    Avery was not wearing any oven mittens, for the housekeeper had been too preupied with the


    instant noodles and had forgotten to give her a pair. Hence, Cayden took the bowl out himself.


    ¡°Pour it into the insted bowl,¡± Avery said to him as she watched him hold the bowl as if it was not hot


    at all.


    Cayden''s fingers were slender but powerful. Avery could not avert her eyes away from them until his


    breathing brought her back to her senses.


    ¡°The noodles are done. If there''s nothing else, I''ll be off now.¡±


    With that said, Avery left the kitchen and went to the bedroom.


    After taking her bag, she bid farewell to the two children.


    ¡°Ms. Ery, are you leaving now?¡±


    Zachary was baffled. Before he could get an answer from her, he asked, ¡°Is it because my daddy is


    mean to you? I can actually tell my daddy to go to the office and don''te home.¡±


    A weak chuckle escaped Avery before she reassured the boy, ¡°He''s your daddy, but I''m not part of your


    family.¡±


    ¡°Why don''t you be part of my family? Marry my daddy and be my mommy, or you can get


    my grandma to take you in as her goddaughter. That way, you can stay in my house,¡± Zachary said


    innocently.


    Avery''s heart lurched.


    How can I possibly want to be Allie''s goddaughter? If anything, I''m going to be her biological daughter.


    Nevertheless, I don''t ever want to be known to the public as her biological daughter. As for marrying


    Zachary... That''s impossible too.


    ¡°Rest well. I''lle and visit you whenever I''m free.¡± After saying that with a smile, she turned away


    from him and began frowning.


    Quietly, she went down the stairs and headed right out of the house.


    Avery was immensely tempted to stay with the people in that house, whether it was the children or the


    father.


    That was why she had to escape as soon as possible.


    Every time she stepped into thend they frequented, she would find herself sinking and unable to


    escape as if she had stepped into the quicksand. Therefore, running away from them as quickly as


    possible was the only thing she could do.


    The taxi she hailed had yet to arrive, but a message did.


    It was from her ssmate. She said: I just gave your number to my boyfriend''s friend, and he has


    added you. You guys can chat first.


    Avery replied: Okay.


    Then, a verification message appeared on her WhatsApp.


    The man used his photo as his profile picture, and he seemed like a rather serious person. The twenty-


    six-year-old-looking man wore sses, and he was wearing a pair of white cks as well as a light


    gray short-sleeved shirt.


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    He texted: Hello, I''m Brodie Checkfield.


    Avery: Hello, I''m Avery Rumpley.


    Brodie: I think you''re quite a modest person.


    Avery was not good with her words, especially with the blind date he was about to meet. Hence she


    replied: Am I?


    Brodie: It''s a feeling. I''ve learned a little about psychoanalysis.


    Avery kept responding to him until her taxi came and she went into the taxi.


    They had initially agreed to meet and have a meal together after work. But while she chatted with him,


    Brodie grew impatient to meet her. Once he found out that Avery was free, he took leave and left his


    company to go on a blind date with her.


    Avery had no choice but to head to the location he told her to.


    In the taxi, she kept telling herself to recollect herself. I should be serious in the rtionship if he''s a


    suitable man. I should be aiming for marriage. If the guy isn''t picky with me, I should treat him well too.


    Meanwhile, at the Moore residence, the children turned gloomy and refused to eat their noodles.


    The housekeeper felt anxious as she watched them. Children tend not to like stepmothers, but those


    two children were both eager for their father to get a stepmother for them.


    Of course, the stepmother they wanted was Avery.


    The housekeeper dared not jump to conclusions about what was going on between Avery and Cayden


    and why they could not marry. Maybe it''s because Ms. Avery is standing on the moral high ground and


    doesn''t want to marry into a rich family. Maybe she doesn''t want to be a puppet after joining a wealthy


    family and be forced to endure her husband''s cheating ways in silence.


    One loved the other, but the other did not want them to be a couple. Hence, it was natural that


    they ended up walking down different paths.


    While the housekeeper was keeping away the bowl and was about to leave, she encountered Cayden


    entering the room. Promptly, she stepped aside to let him pass.


    ¡°You scared Ms. Ery away again!¡± Zachary started to pick a bone with his father again. He hated how


    his father was so indifferent to many things.


    Cayden took the car keys before turning around. ¡°Your Ms. Ery is busy with blind dates.¡±


    At that, the two children shared a look.


    ¡°Blind dates? What''s that?¡±


    ¡°Blind dating means finding a husband. That''s what one of our aunts told me when I met her. She went


    on blind dates before,¡± Rory told her brother, still remembering the event.


    Zachary scratched his head. ¡°But doesn''t she have Daddy already?¡±


    Rory snorted. ¡°Ms. Ery doesn''t like Daddy.¡±


    It''s all because Daddy isn''t trying hard enough.


    As if encouraged by her words, Zachary took off the fake cast on his leg and put on his slippers before


    running down the stairs.


    The ck Land Rover drove out of the garage, and Cayden was lighting his cigarette with a lowered


    head. Then, he put his hands back on the steering wheel to keep driving, but his son had stood in front


    of the car at one point.


    As Zachary stood in front of the car with a sad look, he frowned and cried out, ¡°Daddy, can you please


    go after Ms. Ery? I''ve waited for five years before I finally met someone I want as my mommy. If you


    don''t go after Ms. Ery, you might as well run me over.¡±

 Chapter 108

    Chapter 108


    Cayden had one hand on the steering wheel and the other holding his cigarette between his fingers.


    Instead of extending his hand out the window to flick the ashes away, he did so to beckon his son over.


    Zachary went to his father without a clue.


    ¡°Do you think she''ll be your mother just because you want her to be?¡± questioned Cayden while


    staring intently at Zachary.


    At first, the boy did not understand what Cayden meant, so he scratched his head confusedly. When


    Zachary finally got it, he lowered his head and pouted disappointedly. ¡°I guess that means she''s


    unwilling to be our mother.¡±


    Cayden furrowed his eyebrows as he watched Zachary walk away with downcast eyes. Then, he


    looked into the distance and parted his lips slightly to take a drag.


    With no child blocking its way any longer, the ck Land Rover moved forward.


    When Zachary reached the living room, he slumped miserably onto the couch and flung off his slippers.


    ¡°What''s going on? Why the sad face?¡± Kendrick finally came out of hiding and obviously had no idea


    what had happened. Has the hard-to-pull-off n failed?


    ¡°Ms. Ery''s not interested in being our mother at all,¡± replied Zachary in a heartbreaking tone before


    tears began to roll down his cheeks.


    The boy spoke as if he had been orphaned. Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ording to his logic as an adult, Kendrick assumed that Avery was still mad at Cayden. They''re still


    giving each other the cold shoulders? If even the n can''t bring them back together, it means


    Cayden''s a horrible boyfriend or just a horrible man in general. Would it kill him to admit that he was


    wrong?


    ¡°Crying isn''t going to help. If you want somebody to me, me your father. That man''s as cold as


    ice!¡± Kendrick did not have to work, so he always thought about how to kill his time. However, he did


    not have to do so that day because he had decided to help solve Cayden''s family problem.


    Zachary looked at Kendrick as if his uncle was his savior, making the man feel the weight of his


    responsibility.


    ¡°Do you know where Avery lives?¡± Kendrick nned to drop Zachary off at Avery''s house because he


    did not think she would leave the boy outside.


    ¡°Ms. Ery moved to a new ce, and I''ve never been there.¡±


    ¡°That''s okay. I''m going to ask around, and when I find her, I''ll send you over. We can''t depend on your


    father, so it''s all on you now,¡± stated Kendrick before taking out his phone.


    Zachary gulped before informing, ¡°Ms. Ery''s on a blind date.¡±


    Upon hearing that, Kendrick immediately stopped dialing. ¡°What? Who told you that?¡±


    ¡°Daddy did...¡±


    Suddenly, the two heard the sound of a car driving in, and they looked outside.


    Parked at the gate to the Moore residence was a ck Bentley RV, from which Xavier stepped out.


    The man walked inside and nodded at Kendrick before shifting his attention to Zachary. ¡°Where would


    you like to go for fun today, Mr. Zachary? Just tell me, and I''ll get you there.¡±


    Kendrick thought for two seconds after hearing Xavier and gestured to his nephew.


    ¡°Well... I want to...¡± Zachary deliberately spoke slowly so that he had enough time to guess what


    Kendrick was trying to tell him. ¡°I want to visit Ms. Ery.¡±


    ¡°About that...¡± Xavier seemed troubled because he was unsure how to respond to the boy.


    Before he arrived at the scene, Xavier had received a call from Cayden, who had ordered, ¡°When


    you''re done with your work, head over to the Moore residence to pick up Rory and Zachary. Take them


    anywhere they want to go for fun.¡±


    Xavier knew the family well. The children grew up with neither their mother nor great-grandmother.


    Their grandmother was the only female rtive they had, but the woman cared more about her fashion


    events than her grandchildren. She would rather spend time with the other socialites than with Zachary


    and Rory. Boss is cold toward everyone, no matter if they''re family or not. Even though the man loves


    his children, he doesn''t know how to express it.


    Xavier only cast his work aside right after he got the order because he knew Cayden rarely


    compromised to care for the children.


    Even though Xavier believed it would be better for Cayden to spend time with the children instead of


    asking him to do it, he was d that his boss had finally taken the first step to bing a better father


    after five years. After all, it would be unreasonable for him to expect the unqualified father to improve


    so much in such a short time.


    Since Cayden had only ordered him to take the children out for fun but said nothing about visiting


    Avery, Xavier thought it would be okay to take them to the woman. After all, Avery was the only woman


    who caught Boss'' eyes after so many years.


    After some thought, Xavier responded cautiously, ¡°Of course, you can go see Ms. Avery. But have you


    guys agreed on where to meet?¡±


    Zachary shook his head pitifully before looking at Kendrick with puppy-dog eyes to beg for help.


    Kendrick beckoned Xavier over so that he could whisper into the man''s ear. ¡°You know how my brother


    is, right? He''s cold and difficult to get along with. Avery and Cayden recently had a fight, and my


    brother refused to apologize. That''s why they''re giving each other the silent treatment.¡±


    Xavier''s eyes widened in surprise when he heard Kendrick. Boss and Ms. Rumpley are giving each


    other the silent treatment? Mr. Kendrick sounded as if he''s met Ms. Rumpley before. So does that


    mean Boss has introduced her to the family already? Not only did she get the approval of the children


    but also the entire Moore family, huh? If Ms. Rumpley is giving Boss the cold shoulders, and he refuses


    to apologize, then I think I know what I have to do as his subordinate.


    ¡°Got it.¡± Xavier nodded at Kendrick before shifting his attention back to Zachary. ¡°It''d be my pleasure to


    send you to meet with Ms. Avery.¡±


    ¡°But I don''t know where she is. She went on a blind date.¡± Zachary scratched his head troubledly again.


    When he heard that, Xavier waspletely stunned. Ms. Rumpley went on a blind date just because


    she and Boss are at odds with each other?


    However, he knew what to do to help the situation. After all, the man would not have be an


    assistant if he did not have problem-solving capabilities.


    Xavier called Cecelia, and as soon as the woman picked up, he questioned straightforwardly, ¡°Where''s


    Avery Rumpley from your team right now?¡±


    ¡°I don''t know because she took the day off,¡± replied Cecelia honestly. ¡°What''s wrong?¡±


    Instead of answering that question, Xavier ordered, ¡°Do whatever you can to find out where she is. I


    need her specific location. Call me when you have the information.¡± When the man finished his


    sentence, he hung up.


    Meanwhile, at a fancy restaurant, Brodie took a seat and asked the waiter to get him a menu.


    While Avery and the man were going through the menu, her phone suddenly rang. ¡°Sorry, I need to


    take this.¡±


    ¡°It''s fine. Go ahead.¡± Brodie was an easy-going person.


    Avery answered the phone call, and Cecelia voiced, ¡°Where are you, Ery? We have an emergency


    here, so I need to know where you are right now. You don''t have toe to work; I just need your


    location so that I can ask someone to deliver a sh drive to you.¡±


    Avery did not think having someone deliver her a sh drive would disrupt her blind date, so she


    decided to tell Cecelia her location as requested.

 Chapter 109

    Chapter 109


    The ck Bentley RV drove on a winding road with the children inside.


    Rory had a carton of milk in her hands and would take a sip from time to time.


    While driving, Xavier nced in the rearview mirror to check on the children, who had a square


    suitcase with a cartoon character.


    Zachary was the one who had packed the suitcase, seemingly ready to run away from home.


    Caught between a rock and a hard ce, Xavier was unsure if he should report the child''s concerning


    behavior to his boss.


    In the end, the man decided not to call Cayden just yet to see what Avery had to say. I''ll exin to him


    afterward.


    ¡°I''ve made up my mind; I''m not going back. What about you?¡± Zachary asked his sister.


    ¡°Me neither. I''d rather live in an orphanage than go back home.¡± Rory had had enough of the big house


    where she never got to see her father. On top of that, her grandmother and step-grandmother would


    always fight; they would even get physical.


    The children''s great-grandfather was the only one they knew they would miss.


    Xavier was suddenly at a loss when he heard the children''s na?ve conversation. It seems I''m not as


    capable as I think. I can''t do anything to fix this.


    At the restaurant, Avery was having a good time chatting with Brodie.


    As an ordinary white-cor worker, Brodie was not showy like the wealthy nor vulgar like a hillbilly.


    Basically, he was a decent man.


    ¡°Since you work at Trident Group, I can send you to work and pick you up if you don''t mind.¡± Brodie


    obviously liked Avery, but he did not know if the woman felt the same way about him.


    When Avery stayed silent, Brodie chuckled awkwardly. ¡°I didn''t mean toe on too strong like that.


    Please excuse me for being rash.¡±


    ¡°No, it''s fine. That was nice of you,¡± responded Avery while shaking her head.


    Original from N?velDrama.Org.


    Brodie''s cheeks turned red when he got Avery''s recognition.


    Like Avery, Brodie was not an extrovert, so the atmosphere quickly turned awkward when the two ran


    out of things to talk about.


    Fortunately, the waiter picked the right time toe over to serve their order. The two had ordered


    steak and some fruit juice, the sort of food and beverages an ordinary working-ss citizen could


    afford.


    Avery lifted her head with the intention of thanking the waiter for serving her food, but just before she


    could open her mouth to speak, she noticed three figures walking in.


    They were Xavier, Zachary, and Rory.


    While Xavier was speaking to one of the staff members, the children looked left and right with a


    suitcase in hand, obviously searching for someone.


    ncing at Brodie, Avery suddenly felt nervous and guilty.


    ¡°I''m going to wash my hands.¡± The woman got up and headed for the restroom.


    Brodie looked around but found nothing out of the ordinary, so he decided to take the time to help


    Avery cut her steak.


    Standing at the entrance, Zachary finally found Avery after his eyes darted around the ce.


    The boy, who was taught not to shout in public by his great-grandfather and father, hurriedly cast his


    suitcase aside to run toward Avery.


    Avery waited outside the restroom when Zachary ran over to hug her.


    After patting Zachary on the head, Avery squatted down and asked the boy gently, ¡°How did you get


    here?¡±


    ¡°I asked Mr. Dartsley to bring me here.¡± Zachary held Avery tightly, his obsidian eyes quickly turning


    red.


    Naturally, Avery appreciated how much the children liked her. However, she knew there was nothing


    they could do to change the rtionship between her and their father. To her, the children''s efforts were


    as futile as chasing the wind.


    ¡°Listen to me. Just go home, okay?¡± coaxed Avery as she continued to pat Zachary on the head.


    ¡°No! I won''t allow you to go on blind dates. You''re to be with Daddy!¡± The more Zachary talked, the


    more emotional he got.


    At that moment, two women, who walked out of the restroom and just so happened to overhear the


    conversation, could not help but despise Avery since they thought she had gone on a blind date without


    considering her children''s feelings. What a heartless woman!


    Avery knew she had been away for too long, for nobody would need more than five minutes to wash


    their hands.


    The woman could not agree to stop seeing other men since she did not want Cayden to


    misunderstand. Besides that, Avery did not want to disappoint her friend, who had set up the blind


    date, or Brodie because the man seemed like a good fit for her. ¡°Don''t cry. I''m not on a date; I have


    business here.¡±


    Zachary believed what Avery said to him. ¡°Rory and I will wait for you here, then, okay? You cane


    to us when you''re done.¡±


    Upon hearing that, Avery knew she had no other choice. They won''t go even if I ask them to. On the


    contrary, they might even cause a scene.


    The woman seemed distracted when she returned to her table.


    Then, she thanked Brodie for cutting her steak for her.


    ¡°You don''t look so good. Did something happen?¡± Brodie was observant enough to sense that


    something was off.


    ¡°No, nothing happened,¡± replied Avery while shaking her head.


    Hence, Brodie assumed the woman was on her period. It''s only natural that she looks a little pale.


    ¡°Can we have the menu?¡± The two children walked over and sat at the table beside Avery''s.


    The woman looked at them, surprised that they had sat so near to her. She had thought that Zachary


    meant they were going to wait in the car.


    Since she did not see Xavier around, Avery guessed that was true for the assistant.


    At first, Avery was so worried that she barely ate her food. Fortunately, the children did not make a


    scene but simply enjoyed their meal in a well-behaved manner. Their conversation, however, was


    somewhat puzzling to Brodie.


    ¡°It''s terrible to grow up without a mother, isn''t it?¡±


    ¡°I''ll tell you what''s worse. To grow up with a horrible father!¡±


    Brodie could not help ncing at the childrenining beside him. He would have believed them if


    they were in rags and not branded clothes. Are they children of a celebrity doing some kind of reality


    show? But where are their father and mother?


    However, Brodie could not find any camera equipment even after looking around.


    After more than an hour, Brodie''s manager called and asked him to return to work, so Avery politely


    excused him. She told the man that he could leave first because she had to wait for her colleague to


    deliver the sh drive.


    ¡°I''ll see you again when I''m off work,¡± promised Brodie as he stood up.


    Avery, too, got on her feet to watch the man leave.


    At that moment, a man in a ck suit and white shirt suddenly walked into the restaurant. He had long,


    slender legs and a visage so cold that it announced his revered identity and indifferent temperament.


    When the children saw their father, they quickly lowered their heads fearfully.


    Avery turned her head to the side and awkwardly responded to Brodie''s polite goodbye.


    Meanwhile, Xavier watched as Cayden unceremoniously picked up Rory and grabbed Zachary by the


    hand in an attempt to remove the children from the restaurant.


    ¡°I''m not going!¡± After breaking free from his father, Zachary ran to beg Avery with his arms wrapped


    around her leg and tears rolling down his cheeks. ¡°Please save me, Ms. Ery!¡±

 Chapter 110

    Chapter 110


    Avery lost her bnce when Zachary grabbed her and ended up falling back into her seat.


    The boy''s racing heart was more than enough to tell her how afraid he was at that moment.


    Heartbroken to see Zachary burst into tears, Avery patted the boy on the head.


    Then she saw blood on the thick bandage around Zachary''s knee.


    Avery had already noticed the boy''s injury when he walked in, but she did not think it was serious since


    he did not wear a cast.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Brodie was worried that Avery had hurt herself because of the fall.


    However, he was relieved to learn that the seat had absorbed most of the impact.


    Brodie wanted to advise the seemingly strange boy to go with the man in the suit and leave Avery


    alone, but before he could do that, his phone rang.


    ¡°Yes, Mr. Perry?¡± greeted Brodie.


    ¡°Are you ying hooky, Brodie? Do you know what time it is now?¡± shouted Brodie''s superior over the


    phone.


    ¡°You should go. I can handle this,¡± assured Avery, who got anxious.


    Staring into Avery''s eyes, Brodie hesitated for a moment before voicing, ¡°Call me if you need anything.¡±


    In response to that, Avery nodded.


    Brodie nced at the boy''s father when he walked past the man.


    However, he did not get a chance to say anything because the man had turned around and left with the


    girl after ring at the boy, who refused to leave.


    The girl, too, was obviously reluctant to go with the man.


    Even though Brodie disagreed with the man''s methods, he did not think it was wise to meddle in other


    families'' business. When he went outside to hail a taxi, Brodie saw the man shove the girl into a ck


    Bentley RV before returning to the restaurant.


    Brodie took onest look in the direction of the restaurant after getting into a taxi and saw the man walk


    over to where Avery was to drag the boy out by force.


    The taxi driver then drove away, and Brodie was relieved that the man had removed the boy from


    Avery.


    ¡°I''m not going. I don''t want to go home with you because you''re cold-blooded!¡± Since Zachary was a


    boy, he was able to put up more of a fight than his sister.


    While pitying the children, Avery nervously looked outside the restaurant to see if Brodie was still


    around, concerned that the man might hear something he should not.


    She thanked Brodie''s superior inwardly when she realized the man was finally gone.


    Avery was convinced that she would never be with Cayden again, so she had already decided to focus


    on building a new life for herself.


    Right then, the waiter approached to rearrange the table Zachary had knocked out of ce.


    While the waiter cleaned up the mess, Avery picked up her bag and headed to the counter to pay the


    bill.


    ¡°The gentleman with you just now has already paid,¡± informed thedy at the counter with a smile.


    Suddenly, the man who had dragged the boy out returned for the yellow cartoon suitcase left at the


    counter.


    With one hand still holding his son, Cayden extended the other to pick up the suitcase. Never once did


    he spare Avery a nce.


    Hence, the woman was ready to walk away in silence.


    ¡°Save me, Ms. Ery! I don''t want to go; I don''t want to live with Daddy,¡± begged Zachary pitifully. He


    stretched out his hand while violently kicking his feet around, dirtying his father''s suit.


    The staff members of the restaurant exchanged looks when they realized the child knew the woman.


    Why else would he call her Ms. Ery?


    After looking at his desperate son and the seemingly indifferent Avery standing a few meters away,


    Cayden suddenly lost his temper. With his head lowered, he roared, ¡°If you keep this up, I''ll disown


    you!¡±


    ¡°Then disown me,¡± responded Zachary, who wanted nothing more than that.


    Avery was not actually indifferent to the situation; she just did not want to get involved. However, it took


    her some time to finally decide to walk away and pretend as though she could not hear anything.


    Whatever happened to Zachary''s knee, I''m sure Cayden will take care of it.


    ¡°Why are you leaving me, Ms. Ery?¡± Zachary cried even louder and fought even fiercer against his


    father. Because of that, Cayden got so furious that he immediately tossed the suitcase in his hand


    aside.


    Crack! The lock on the suitcase was damaged when it hit the ground.


    After sessfully breaking free once again, Zachary went straight for Avery. ¡°Please don''t leave me,


    Ms. Ery!¡±


    Avery intended to hurry out of the restaurant, but before she could do so, Zachary had managed to


    grab her leg.


    The woman then turned around and noticed that Zachary had fallen because he had run too fast. Both


    his left leg and left arm were scraped in the process.


    Since his right knee was already seriously injured, Zachary ended up with both his knees wounded.


    Heartbroken, Avery lowered herself to hug the boy before gazing at him with teary eyes.


    She adored the children and even thought about marrying Cayden so that she could take care of them


    with the man.


    However, fate would not have it so.


    Avery was worried that she would cry if she looked into Zachary''s welled-up eyes, so she lowered her


    head to press her forehead against the boy''s instead. ¡°You have to stop this.¡±


    She knew she could not just take the children with her because they were not old enough to decide


    who they wanted to live with. Rory and Zachary are Cayden''s flesh and blood, not orphans put up for


    adoption.


    ¡°You won''t leave us, right, Ms. Ery?¡± asked Zachary innocently. Even though his limbs were scraped


    and bleeding, the boy tried his best to ignore the pain and stop crying.


    Avery shook her head in response but dared not overdo it because she was afraid that she would hurt


    the boy emotionally again.


    Original from N?velDrama.Org.


    In the restroom of the restaurant, two waitresses were gossiping while washing their hands.


    ¡°What''s up with that Ms. Ery? Why would she pick the white-cor worker over that eligible bachelor?¡±


    ¡°Just because that guy''s rich doesn''t mean he''s husband material,¡± stated one of them while drying her


    hands. ¡°First of all, the man has two children, which means she''ll be a stepmother if she decides to


    marry into the family. Not every woman wants that, and it''s totally understandable. Besides, the rich


    man has anger management issues. He threw the suitcase and even dragged his son away by force.


    He''s anything but gentle.¡±


    ¡°You can put all the me on the father. I mean, just imagine how he must''ve felt when his own child


    insisted on staying with the woman instead of leaving with him. On top of that, the woman was seeing


    another guy. Given the same situation, any man in the right mind would, too, lose their temper.¡± The


    other waitress tried to defend the father.


    ¡°I see your point.¡±


    After the conversation, the waitresses both left the restroom.

 Chapter 111

    Chapter 111


    When the waitress returned, she saw the boy clinging onto Avery''s clothes and staring fearfully at his


    fierce-looking dad. He kept hiding behind Avery.


    Avery got down on the ground and picked up two pairs of Zachary''s shoes, his cartoon toothbrush, a


    watch, a few pieces of T-shirts and shorts, and ced them into a small, yellow suitcase.


    When Avery was trying to close it, she realized that the lock was damaged.


    ¡°Sorry to trouble you, but do you have any tape?¡± Avery got up and asked the staff who was at the


    counter.


    ¡°Yes, I do. Please hold on for a while and let me look for it.¡± The female staff started hunting and finally


    found the tape in the drawer.


    Avery took it and started to tape the luggage.


    No matter what, that luggage was beyond repair. The most important thing was to keep Zachary''s


    things safe.


    She finally managed to seal the luggage.


    Zachary looked at Avery and said, ¡°Ms. Ery, I want to stay with you. I-I can pay you rental.¡±


    The boy still remembered when Avery turned him down thest time he invited her to the summer


    camp. Her reason was that she needed to work to feed her family.


    Therefore, he did not want to rely on Avery and not pay her any money. Zachary had no wish to


    be another one of her burdens.


    Original from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Where are you getting the money from?¡± questioned Cayden with an icy expression.


    ¡°I...¡± Zachary looked up at his dad in fear and took a long time before he replied, ¡°I have money that


    people have gifted me and also the coins that I saved up in my piggy bank.¡±


    That was Zachary''s n. The money he had saved up in his piggy bank would allow him to leave home


    for more than a dozen days.


    As for the money that had been gifted to him by his elders, it should be sufficient to buy food, some


    clothes, and pay for his school fees until he was ten.


    He could always be more thrifty with his money.


    In any case, he would still be receiving money from his elders as gifts every year.


    The truth was he felt that he would still be leading a good life even without his dad.


    As for Rory, he would not be able to take her with him. Girls might not be able to withstand the hardship


    of being away from home. It would be the right thing for him to leave Rory behind with the Moore family


    so that she could enjoy a good life.


    Zachary realized that he was being too impulsive when he convinced Rory to leave home with him


    while they were in the car.


    The boy was starting to me himself.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± said Avery as she returned the tape to the counter staff.


    Zachary was still holding onto the strap of her bag and refused to let go. He followed her wherever she


    went. In the end, Avery had no choice but to say, ¡°Be good and go home with your daddy.¡±


    Cayden walked over, held his hand, and warned him, ¡°Let''s go home. Don''t ever disrupt Ms. Ery''s blind


    date again.¡±


    Avery looked awkward and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.


    ¡°But, Ms. Ery said that she was taking care of important matters, and she wasn''t here for a blind date.¡±


    Zachary stared at his dad as he told the truth that he knew. He hoped that his dad would not have any


    misunderstanding toward Avery.


    True enough, Cayden nced at Avery.


    She met his gaze and hoped he could understand. To prevent the children from making a fuss about


    her blind date, she had no choice but to lie.


    Cayden took Zachary''s hand and walked away.


    Yet, the boy clung tightly onto Avery''s handbag.


    In the end, the three of them left the restaurant together.


    The women standing at the counter were all watching on.


    The waitress who was gossiping earlier on in the restroom sighed and said, ¡°My life is too mundane.


    This kind of man only exists in the TV dramas and other women''s lives...¡±


    Just then, Xavier walked in and took the yellow suitcase.


    After Xavier left, that same waitress sighed again and said, ¡°Even if I cannot get to marry the father of


    the boy, I won''t mind marrying his male assistant. He''s so manly...¡±


    Everyone was speechless.


    The door of the ck Bentley RV opened, and Xavier kept the luggage inside. When he turned around,


    he saw his boss sitting in the car with a grim face. He looked again and noticed that Zachary was still


    trying his best to cling to Avery with all his might. He found the action of the boy to be hrious and


    dangerous at the same time.


    Avery had to continue to coax him, ¡°I wille and visit you some other days when I''m free.¡±


    With one arm around Cayden''s leg and another holding onto Avery, Zachary said, ¡°Don''t lie to me. I


    have a friend who is ten years old, and that''s how his mom lied to him. When she was leaving, she told


    him she would visit him often and buy him nice sneakers and toys. Seven years have gone by, and he


    hasn''t seen his mom once. He can hardly remember how she looks like anymore.¡±


    Avery wanted very much to reason things out with him. After all, she was not his mom, so it was unfair


    for him to make such aparison.


    However, children''s way of thinking was simplistic, and it would be impossible to reason with them.


    All of a sudden, Xavier suggested, ¡°Ms. Rumpley, why don''t youe with Boss to send the children


    back first?¡±


    Avery looked at Xavier.


    Xavier took a look at his watch before continuing, ¡°After settling Mr. Zachary and Ms. Rory, you can still


    reach home in time to cook for Old Mr. Rumpley.¡±


    The moment Zachary heard that, he pulled even harder at Avery.


    He looked up with teary eyes and held onto Avery with both hands.


    ¡°Look, Mr. Zachary''s arms and legs are injured. With the weather being so hot, his injuries may be


    infected. If that happens, the consequences will be dire.¡± Xavier tried his best to convince Avery.


    Not wanting to waste any more time, Avery hopped into the RV. Anyway, she had already been to the


    Moore residence earlier that day. It would not make any difference to go there again.


    Unfortunately, she hadpletely forgotten all about the sh drive because of the drama created by


    the children. She only recalled after they had driven off.


    Avery phoned Cecelia.


    Instead, Cecelia said, ¡°I was about to call you. There''s no need to deliver the sh drive. You may go.


    Someone else will be doing it.¡±


    ¡°All right then.¡± Avery let out a sigh of relief.


    The RV that Xavier was driving had a very luxurious interior.


    Cayden sat like a boss in the front seat with his legs crossed. In his left hand, he was holding a cup of


    cold drink.


    That was to soothe his temper.


    Zachary was trying to make up for his mistake, so he poured Avery a cup of drink. He then gave


    whatever was left to his dad.


    There was a tiny kitchen at the back of the RV. In the middle was the couch. Avery was seated in the


    center with Zachary and Rory on each side of her. They leaned on her, and very soon, they fell asleep.


    When they arrived at the Moore residence, Xavier got out of the RV.


    He carried Zachary upstairs.


    At the same time, he instructed the nanny to call for the family doctor to see to Zachary''s wounds.


    Avery had initially wanted to let Cayden carry Rory, but Rory hugged her so tightly as if she was her


    mother.


    In the end, there was nothing Avery could do but say, ¡°Let me.¡± She carried the little girl, who was glued


    to her, carefully out of the car.


    Worried that Avery might hit her head against something, Cayden instinctively shielded her and even


    helped her down. Once she got out of the RV, he backed off.


    After settling the children in, Avery was nning to leave.


    With a cigarette in his mouth, Cayden was waiting for her at the door. The moment she walked out of


    the children''s room, he reached out to grab her. While she was struggling to get away from him, he


    removed the cigarette from his mouth with one hand and held her head with another before kissing her


    passionately.

 Chapter 112

    Chapter 112


    Avery thought he must be crazy.


    So crazy that nothing could save him.


    They were at the Moore residence, and his grandpa could return anytime.


    Furthermore, he had other family members and also the nanny who might witness their intimate


    moment.


    Much to her shock, she was kissed by Allie''s biological son!


    As for her, she was Allie''s...


    No, this isn''t right.


    This is so, so wrong.


    ¡°Let go of me!¡± Avery shook her head and struggled against his touch.


    Their wet tongues intertwined. Just as she was protesting, he took the opportunity to venture deeper


    into her mouth and explored every inch of her sweetness.


    The overbearing masculine scent of his aroused her, and rm bells were ringing in her head.


    When Cayden pressed her against the wall, she fought even harder.


    However, she knew there was no way she could outfight Cayden. Once again, her mouth and lips were


    being assaulted to the extent that she could not breathe. The harder she struggled, the angrier Cayden


    became.


    While devouring her lips, he was holding the back of her head with the hand that had the cigarette too.


    The ashes flew in all directions because of her struggle, but the cigarette did not extinguish.


    With his other hand, he quickly removed his tie.


    While her lips were being vited, she found her hands being restrained by him.


    The very next moment, Avery widened her eyes in horror.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    Her hands had been bound by his tie.


    She could not move her hands.


    Her first instinct was to run, but Cayden carried her off her feet.


    No matter how hard she kicked and struggled, it did not hurt him in the least bit.


    Like a possessed man, Cayden made his way into the bedroom with her in his arms. The instant she


    tried to call out for help, he would kiss her hard on her lips and suck on that disobedient tongue of hers


    so that no words could escape her mouth.


    After being brought into the bedroom, Avery was thrown onto the bed.


    The mattress in the Moore residence was very bouncy, and she was unable to get up immediately.


    Instead, she saw Cayden locking the bedroom door.


    She knew d*mn well what he intended to do.


    ¡°Don''t be crazy. If you really do anything to me, I swear I will sue you for rape,¡± threatened Avery as


    she got down from the bed.


    When Cayden locked the door, his back was facing her. She knew it was close to impossible for her to


    escape, but she had to try.


    By the time he turned around, he had his attention on her. Cayden then began to unbutton his shirt with


    one hand while grabbing and pressing her down on the bed with the other.


    Oh my God!


    Avery felt like a fish lying on the chopping board waiting for her impending doom. A feeling of despair


    washed over her.


    She found it hard to breathe as Caydeny on top of her.


    Cayden stared at her watery eyes, and a ruthless expression appeared on his face. While holding her


    body down, he yanked her top all the way up to her shoulders.


    The air-conditioning had been turned on in the room, and she shuddered.


    ¡°No, you can''t do this.¡± Avery had never experienced such a terrifying fear before in her life.


    Just as she was about to say something else, Cayden came down on her again.


    ¡°Hmm... Ah...¡± Soft moans began to escape from her mouth.


    That shameful feeling was even stronger than before, and it washed over her very quickly.


    The man totally ignored her screams.


    There were not many people at home at the moment, and the children were asleep. There was no way


    anyone from the other rooms could hear theirmotion with the windows closed and the air-


    conditioning turned on.


    Even if someone came back home now and heard her screams, they would know that Cayden was


    busy. It would be unlikely for them to barge in and put a stop to things. At most, they would only


    question Cayden about the noise while standing outside the door.


    Just then, Avery saw a paring knife on the shelf in front of her.


    Not too long ago when ke was recuperating in Cayden''s room, she had asked the housekeeper for


    a paring knife so that she could peel fruit for her grandpa. She did not expect that the knife would still


    be in the room.


    After a long while, Cayden finally broke away from her red, swollen lips. Avery caught her breath and


    said with tears in her eyes, ¡°What am I to you? Your ything or somebody that you can use anytime


    to satisfy your sexual needs?¡±


    With that, big drops of tears started to fall.


    It was useless to use the hard approach on him, so she had no choice but to use the softer tactic.


    Cayden reached out to wipe the tears off her face, and something urred to him.


    He got down from the bed, pulled her up, ced his chin on her forehead before saying in a hoarse


    voice, ¡°Am I torturing you when I touch you?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    That was all she had to say.


    ¡°Thest time when you were enjoying yourself at the hotel, were you faking it?¡± Cayden asked as he


    pecked her on her lips. ¡°I can still remember the sound of your moans.¡±


    Avery started to feel her face burning and did not know how to respond to that. It was only after a long


    while before she uttered, ¡°When I was with Zayne, I was even more...¡±


    Before Avery could finish her sentence, she could sense sudden jealousy and angering from


    Cayden.


    All of a sudden, she found herself between the cold, hard wall and his muscr body. In an instant, she


    regretted being nasty to him and realized that she should have been more pleasant and convincing.


    Her fair cheeks were pressed against the wall, and she could only use her forehead to push against the


    wall. As she looked down, she noticed that her bound hands were still able to move, albeit a little.


    Cayden stood closely behind her, and he seemed to be very furious.


    With both his arms tightly wrapped around her waist, he whispered into her ears, ¡°Let me take a guess


    the kind of sound you make when you are with that man.¡±


    ¡°Cayden, does your grandpa know how sick you are? Do your children know how shameless you are?¡±


    Avery waspletely pinned against the wall by him, and her clothes were in disarray.


    Cayden rubbed his wet, searing tongue against her earlobe and said, ¡°Only you alone need to know


    how shameless and sick I am. That will be enough.¡±


    ¡°Uh...¡± The heat from his mouthbined with the fragrance of tobo went straight to her head.


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Her body trembled uncontrobly.


    He reached out to caress her scorching-hot face and uttered slowly, ¡°If you don''t have much


    experience, you would have shouted in pain. Am I right?¡±


    As Cayden was talking, he ran his fingers along her crimson lips. ¡°I guess this mouth of yours has yet


    to scream at a man for more...¡±


    Memory from five years ago started ying in his mind.


    All Avery could do was bite her lips and close her eyes. She could barely breathe. It was true that she


    had never uttered anything like that before to any men, including the countless, passionate times she


    had during the deal she made with the Moore family.

 Chapter 113

    Chapter 113


    ¡°How about I show you what really happens between a man and a woman?¡± Cayden lifted up the helm


    of her dress.


    Hisrge hand stroked her skin at the same time his lips kissed her nape.


    He took a waft of the scent in her hair.


    Avery darted her gaze to a corner of the room. Her breathing started to quicken. ¡°You won''t let me go


    today, right?¡±


    Cayden answered her with his actions.


    Once he lifted her skin-tight dress, it revealed her smooth, fair skin. She''s beautiful.


    Goosebumps spread across her skin, and her rationale fought a fierce war against her desire when she


    felt the kisses he peppered across her back in a methodical and orderly way.


    She had her eyes honed in on the paring knife on the shelf.


    Even though the pleasure burned within her, she continued to keep the knife in her peripheral vision.


    She couldn''t hold in the soft moansing out of her mouth under his touch, and her body would


    move reflexively every now and then.


    Slowly, she reached the front of the shelf.


    Cayden continued kissing her smooth back, leaving his marks across the fair in. Then, she heard


    the sound of his belt unbuckling.


    When she felt him removing his belt, she looked over her shoulder to see him carelessly throw the belt


    onto the carpeted floor.


    Finally, he pulled down his zipper, nning to drag her with him under the wave of pleasure.


    ¡°N-No,¡± she voiced. The refusal was clear in her bodynguage as she struggled to reach for the paring


    knife urgently.


    Cayden thrust forward meanly.


    His hands were holding onto both sides of her waist in a steely grip as though he would snap her in


    half.


    He was cock-blocked thest time he tried, and his current attempt was unsessful too. Within


    moments, he had unknowingly pushed her closer to the shelf.


    As they continued to struggle, Cayden had his whole attention on the part that was hurting badly, so he


    didn''t notice her stealthily reaching for the knife.


    Avery''s heart was racing with adrenaline. Her fingers trembled as she grasped the knife.


    Just one thrust at him, and he''ll finally understand my determination to leave him.


    Her mind was once again at war with her conscience. When she felt her underwear slide off her foot


    and him leaning into her, she fought to turn around with all her might. Catching a window of opportunity,


    she stabbed the knife into his arm.


    The sound of the knife cutting into flesh reverberated across the room.


    She was so close that she couldn''t ignore it even if she wanted to.


    Avery''s released the paring knife from her trembling hands and looked up at him with a panicked look


    in her eyes. She was horrified at the sight of blood seeping through the sleeve of his white shirt at a


    rapid rate.


    Cayden grasped her chin with a stony expression. His jaw was clenching tightly. His ruthless eyes


    burned with a rage that he wanted so badly to unleash upon her but had to hold it in instead.


    Avery was so scared that her entire body was shaking. Like a child who did something wrong, tears


    started falling uncontrobly from the corners of her eyes.


    Cayden held onto her shaking hand and pressed it onto his crotch. ¡°Why didn''t you stab here instead?


    Could it be that you can''t bear to do it because you remember how good it made you feel, and were


    thinking of using it again in the future?¡±


    Her small face had a tinge of pink. She was so terrified after stabbing him that she was shaking like a


    leaf.


    After Zachary woke up and got out of bed, the first thing he did was to search for Avery.


    He searched through every room on the upper floor but still couldn''t find her. When he descended the


    stairs, he saw his father sitting on the couch in the living room with a bandage on his left arm, and the


    doctor was packing up his things.


    At this moment, Zachary couldn''t care about finding Avery anymore and went up to his father, whom he


    gazed at with disdain in the morning. His eyes widened as he looked at the bandage on his father''s


    arm. ¡°Daddy, what happened?¡±


    Cayden reclined on the couchzily and shot an insidious look at Zachary.


    ¡°Where''s Ms. Ery?¡± Zachary asked after seeing that his father was fine.


    ¡°She''s off to marry someone else, and be another child''s mother, so you should stop looking for her,¡±


    Cayden said coldly, got up, and strode toward the yard.


    When I''m with Zachary, I''ll always hear him asking about Ms. Ery.


    Zachary was baffled by his father''s response. He stood rooted in ce, contemting Cayden''s words.


    Off to marry someone else? Be another child''s mother? No way!


    ¡°Daddy, wait for me!¡± Zachary immediately chased after Cayden in his slippers. He managed to catch


    up to Cayden at the garage and swiftly clung to his father''s leg before Cayden could get in his car.


    Cayden looked down at his son hanging on his leg.


    Original from N?velDrama.Org.


    Zachary looked up at his father and pleaded, ¡°Please keep trying, Daddy. I want a mommy like Ms.


    Ery.¡±


    ¡°What''s so good about her?¡± Cayden asked a question that had been troubling him. He wasn''t only


    asking his son that question, he was really asking himself too.


    Zachary started listing out seriously, ¡°She''s young, pretty, virtuous, gentle, good at taking care of the


    house, respectful toward elders, and patient with children. She has so many strengths. Oh, the pasta


    she makes is so much better than the ones prepared by others.¡±


    Cayden opened the door to the driver''s seat. ¡°A lot of other women have the qualities you listed. As for


    the pasta, it has high carbs content. It''ll affect your growth if you eat it often.¡±


    ¡°Daddy, you''re showing such disdain toward Ms. Ery''s cooking, but you''re the one who always finishes


    her food every time,¡± Zacharyined.


    The housekeeper told me that Ms. Ery would make a portion for Daddy too, and Daddy would never fail


    to clean his te.


    After returning to her house in a miserable state, Avery went to take a shower with the excuse of the


    hot weather.


    She went grocery shopping after changing into more casual attire. When she returned, she prepared


    ke''s dinner and absent-mindedly went for a stroll with him after dinner.


    ke fell asleep shortly after they returned.


    However, Avery couldn''t sleep a wink. Her bedroom door was closed and the lights were off, shrouding


    the room in darkness.


    She dug through her purse for the pack of cigarettes she left in there and lighted up a stick. She wasn''t


    addicted to nicotine and merely felt that the irritation caused by the smoke on her airway would help to


    relieve the stuffiness she was feeling.


    Coughing out the mouthful of smoke, Avery screwed her eyes shut and thought back on what


    happened that morning back at the Moore residence.


    Before I stabbed him with the knife, his private part touched mine. With arousal came the risk of


    idents. After all, both his part and mine discharged arousal fluid. Tears prickled her eyes as she


    wrapped her arms over her knees. She chewed on her lip to hold in her sobs.


    I''ll have to remember to buy the morning-after pill tomorrow. What''s the matter with you, Avery? You


    knew you shouldn''t, but your body still reacted to him. She admonished herself.


    She endured the entire night with much exhaustion.


    Avery couldn''t even get her mood to brighten up on her way to work despite the thought of it being a


    payday.


    At the office, Cecelia went into the pantry and said to Avery, who was making coffee. ¡°We have a new


    colleague joining our department, Yvonne Gagher. She said she knew you and arrogantly came to


    workte today.¡±


    Avery didn''t respond to her remark.


    ¡°Don''t forget about thepany event tonight. We''re going in my carter.¡± Cecelia patted Avery''s


    shoulder and smiled. I''m curious as to whether Boss will make his appearance.


    Outside the pantry, Zayne identally eavesdropped on the conversation between Cecelia and Avery.


    When he returned to his seat, he texted his friend: Same ce and time as before. Come and y with


    my ex-girlfriend tonight. Don''t change your mind at thest minute. Since you like innocent girls, I''m


    sure you''ll be satisfied with her.

 Chapter 114

    Chapter 114


    Yvonne finally arrived at the office after Avery and Cecelia finished their lunch at the employee


    cafeteria.


    ¡°I''m sorry. I was stuck in a jam when I send over a tie I bought for my boyfriend when I went shopping


    yesterday. I got stuck in the jam again when I was on my way to the office,¡± Yvonne exined to her


    colleagues and lowered herself to her seat with a wide smile.


    Avery lifted her head to look at Yvonne.


    Cecelia texted Avery: Who exactly is Yvonne?


    To prevent Cecelia from offending Yvonne in the future, Avery answered honestly: Our boss'' mother


    likes her a lot and treats her like her future daughter-inw. As for her family background, I''m not sure


    about that.


    Cecelia looked up at Avery with wide eyes.


    Avery merely focused her attention back on her work after she replied to the message.


    After pondering over it briefly, Cecelia looked over her shoulder at Yvonne. Yvonne put her purse on


    her desk and was currently touching up her nails. How is it possible for Boss to like dumb girls like her?


    Cecelia was sure that Cayden wouldn''t marry an ostentatious and pretentious woman like Yvonne


    unless he was blind.


    Finally, it was time to get off work. Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    It was after five in the evening, and employees were filtering out of thepany building with Yulissa in


    the lead.


    Cecelia led Avery over to her car in the parking lot.


    While putting the seat belt on, Cecelia caught a glimpse of someone outside the window. ¡°Yvonne


    would''vee up to us if we didn''t get in quick enough. I figured she wasn''t looking for me but you.¡±


    Avery followed her line of sight and saw Yvonne did intend to approach her but changed her mind at


    the veryst minute. Yvonne whirled around and walked back to her car once she saw Avery getting


    into Cecilia''s car.


    ¡°Watch your back with her. Don''t let bossy, rich girls like her mess with you,¡± Cecelia reminded.


    Avery nodded.


    It wasn''t long after Cecelia pulled out of the parking lot when her phone rang.


    ¡°Hello?¡± Cecelia asked after tapping on the Bluetooth headset on her ear.


    ¡°Cecelia, is Avery with you? Turn back. There''s been a venue change. Ms. Gagher had booked


    another more luxurious venue. I''ll send you the new location via WhatsApp.¡±


    Yulissa hung up after that.


    A few minutester, Cecelia''s phone dinged with a notification of an iing message.


    Cecelia tapped on the message and chuckled when she saw the new location. ¡°How generous of Ms.


    Gagher. She booked the fanciest entertainment establishment in the city. We''re in luck tonight.¡±


    She made a u-turn at the crossroad up ahead.


    With an arch of her brow, she said, ¡°Choose only the expensive stuff on the menu there. Let''s eat and


    drink to our heart''s content tonight. It''s a first in my seven years of career to meet such a gullible


    person.¡±


    Cecelia parked her car in the entertainment establishment''s parking lot.


    They went into the entertainment establishment and beelined for the private room Yvonne booked. The


    room number had been sent to everyone in the department.


    Yvonne was already in the room, chatting away with a few younger female colleagues when they


    arrived.


    ¡°All of you look innocent and kind, but I met a lot of materialistic girls when I was pursuing my studies


    overseas. Those girls knew where to find rich men and would dress up to the nines and fake a run-in


    with them. They thought they were dressing their best, but all they had on were cheap clothing and


    imitation purses.¡± Yvonne paused to take a sip of water before continuing, ¡°I don''t even care to expose


    them.¡±


    One of the colleagues agreed, ¡°You''re so kind, Yvonne. I would''ve exposed them, right then and there,


    and let them have a taste of humiliation.¡±


    Yvonneughed and added excitedly, ¡°There are also girls that are materialistic but pretend to be


    innocent. That type of girl is the hardest to handle. They would go to the wealthy suburb dressed in a


    pair of jeans and a tee without putting on any makeup. They could always bait a few rich, oblivious men


    with their natural beauty.¡±


    ¡°There are girls like that?¡± another colleague gasped.


    ¡°Of course. Some men like the seductive kind, and some like the innocent kind.¡± Yvonne stealthily slid a


    nce toward Avery at the end.


    Cecelia witnessed how Yvonne jeered at Avery while talking.


    After being in the society for so many years, she could easily read the insinuation behind Yvonne''s


    words. Yvonne was implying Avery was a materialistic girl who put up an innocent front.


    ¡°Innocent girls gaining rich men''s favors could only mean that they''re capable.¡± Cecelia boldly took a


    seat beside Yvonne.


    Yvonne snickered. ¡°Capable? They are not evenpatible in both education and family background.


    They are merely taking advantage of their looks.¡±


    Knowing it would annoy Yvonne, Cecelia added purposely, ¡°The point is that they are indeed naturally


    beautiful, even without makeup on.¡±


    Yvonne''s face darkened instantaneously.


    She bit on her lip and stayed quiet.


    Yulissa was a woman, so she knew well what happened after hearing the exchange between the duo.


    Yulissa decided to temporarily ignore and feign ignorance to all the rebuttal Cecelia made toward


    Yvonne.


    Even though Yvonne was a brainless idiot, she would cry andugh like a normal person.


    As the department head, her only task was to make sure Yvonne was happy at her workce.


    Yulissa made a mental note to remind Cecelia to not offend Yvonne. What if the whole department was


    implicated as a result? Cecelia will have to bear the consequence if Yvonneins to a certain


    someone.


    ¡°Attention, everyone. I have something to say,¡± Yulissa shouted into the microphone.


    The background music in the room was so loud that one had to scream to get the attention of others.


    ¡°Beer, where''s the beer? Can someone get the beer?¡± Yulissa reminded.


    Zayne stood up voluntarily. ¡°I''ll go. I''ll ask for a few more sses from the staff too.¡±


    Yulissa nodded, satisfied with the hard-working Zayne.


    Zayne counted the number of people and left the room.


    Five minutester, a few waiters entered the room.


    One waiter set down the sses on the table while the others popped the caps off the beer bottles.


    Yulissa and a few others took the opened beer and poured the golden liquid into the empty sses.


    Once they filled up all the empty sses, they started handing them out to everyone in the department.


    Yulissa began her speech with some pleasantries, then warmly weed Yvonne to the department.


    Her words implied that Yvonne was someone with a background but didn''t specify.


    Yvonne''s smile widened with pride. After I''ve adapted to working here and married Cayden, the first


    thing I''ll do is fire Cecelia. I don''t like anyone close to Avery.


    Lastly, Yulissa also weed Avery and Zayne,plimenting them for their good work over the past


    month.


    ¡°Let''s toast.¡± Yulissa raised her ss.


    Everyone followed suit and raised their sses. Everyone took a sip of beer after the toast.


    Yulissa tried to butter up Yvonne, ¡°Okay, that''s it from me. Have fun, everyone, but remember to thank


    Yvonne for her generosity. It''s her treat tonight.¡±


    Meanwhile, it was dinner time back at the Moore residence.


    Kendrick, who had investigated Avery''s whole rtionship history, sat at the dining table and reminded


    Cayden softly, ¡°I heard the design department is having a party tonight, and they''ll be serving alcohol.


    Aren''t you worry about Avery having too much to drink and being taken advantage of by that jerk,


    Zayne?¡±

 Chapter 115

    Chapter 115


    ¡°Ex-boyfriend?¡± Zachary, who was poking his fork in his pasta when he heard that, looked up at


    Kendrick.


    Rory did the same, her thick longshes fluttering as she blinked her eyes.


    Being stared at by his nephew and niece, Kendrick started exining awkwardly, ¡°Umm... Ms. Ery''s ex-


    boyfriend was the man she dated before she met your dad...¡±


    Right after he finished speaking, he felt daggers shooting at him. Just like what he thought, when he


    looked up, he saw his brother, who had hurt his elbow for some unknown reason, staring at him.


    After hearing their uncle''s exnation, Zachary and Rory looked toward their dad simultaneously.


    ¡°She''s working in the same department as her ex-boyfriend? How does that even make sense!¡± Lily


    eximed.


    For the past few days, her son had been finding reasons for her to get out of the house, such as asking


    her to go hiking or y poker with her friends.


    Lily was not stupid and could guess why he was doing that.


    Allie''s son had started dating, and his girlfriend had happened to witness the drama in the prestigious


    family the first time she visited the house.


    As such, Lily was certain that those people were trying to get her out of the way in order to have peace


    in the house and to make sure that such an embarrassing incident would not happen again.


    Does this mean that I have to go out whenever Avery visits next time?


    Lily was rather upset over that and had been trying to tamp down her irritation. After knowing that


    Allie''s future daughter-inw had an ex-boyfriend, there was no way she would pass up on the


    opportunity to vent her frustrations.


    Allie was sitting right across Lily.


    When she looked up and met Lily''s gaze, she really wanted to tell her that Cayden had already broken


    up with Avery!


    However, considering the fact that Jeffrey was still unaware of their current status, Allie could only


    continue to keep quiet graciously.


    Just then, Jeffrey, who had not spoken for a while, asked, ¡°Kendrick, tell me what''s going on.¡±


    ¡°Umm...¡± Kendrick nced at Cayden, afraid that he might say something inappropriate. However, he


    did not dare to hide the truth from his grandfather. Anyway, what''s wrong with having an ex-boyfriend?


    It''s not even a crime!


    ¡°Avery had a boyfriend previously when she was studying overseas. However, their rtionship only


    lasted for slightly over one year. Both of them returned to the country together and entered the same


    company, which is our family''spany.¡± Kendrick started to panic as he spoke. Taking a pause, he


    continued, ¡°In the end, that jerk cheated on her. Not only that...¡±


    ¡°What happened after that?¡± Jeffrey asked, frowning.


    The others who were at the table were also staring at Kendrick intently, wanting to know what


    happened.


    Just then, Cayden got up and said, ¡°I''m done eating. Enjoy your meal.¡±


    ¡°Not only that, the third party was Avery''s step-sister...¡± Kendrick continued.


    Lily finally understood what was going on and said, ¡°That means Cayden and Ery have only been


    dating for less than a month...¡±


    This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    As Cayden had already headed upstairs, the woman no longer felt a need to hold back her words and


    continued, ¡°Old Mr. Moore, it''s important for you to pick a good granddaughter-inw and not make the


    same mistake you did in choosing your daughter-inw back then. It''s only because we had handled


    the media well and Cayden had turned out to be so outstanding that our Moore family did not suffer any


    negative repercussions. I''m sure ourpany''s stocks would plummet if one day, everyone finds out


    that Bruce''s publicly-known wife used to work as a hostess in a nightclub and had only managed to


    achieve sess by sleeping with men¡ª¡±


    ¡°Shut up! Stop spouting nonsense in front of the kids!¡± Allie mmed her fist on the table and bellowed


    furiously.


    Instead of getting angry over being interrupted, Lilyughed and said, ¡°Are you losing your cool


    because I have hit the nail on the head? I''m just trying to teach the children the facts so that they would


    know who''s the most shameless and despicable person in the family!¡±


    ¡°I''m full.¡± Zachary got up and left.


    ¡°I''m done eating too.¡± Rory followed suit.


    However, instead of going upstairs, the siblings headed to the garden, not wanting to stay in the house


    for even a second longer.


    Meanwhile, at the clubhouse, someone was using the attached restroom in the private room.


    As Avery needed to use the restroom urgently, she had no choice but to look for another one outside.


    Yvonne followed Avery out of the room, all the way until they reached arger restroom which was a


    distance away from the private room. After Avery entered one of the cubicles and was about to shut the


    door, Yvonne extended her hand and stopped the woman from doing so.


    ¡°I have something to ask you. Why are you avoiding me?¡±


    Avery looked up and stared at Yvonne before replying, ¡°I wasn''t avoiding you.¡±


    ¡°Although I have nothing to say to a scheming woman like you, there''s something I would like to warn


    you about,¡± Yvonne said in a shrill voice before continuing, ¡°I''ve met my fair share of sluts like you.


    Since you have already broken up with him, you should know your ce and take the initiative to


    resign. If you are smart enough and do the right thing, I''ll consider giving you two branded bags that


    you would never be able to afford on your own aspensation.¡±


    ¡°Are you done? Please leave if you''ve finished talking,¡± Avery said calmly before trying to close the


    cubicle door.


    However, Yvonne held the door open forcefully and yelled, ¡°Do you understand what I am saying? I am


    ordering you to resign and get lost!¡±


    The other women using the restroom heard themotion and cast strange looks at Yvonne.


    However, they did not interfere and continued washing their hands.


    Just then, the cleaner in charge of cleaning the restroom walked in.


    Avery said, ¡°Ms. Gagher, I''m sure a high-ss person like you wouldn''t want to watch me while I do


    my business here, right?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Yvonne shrieked in disbelief before saying, ¡°Seriously, how low can you get? I really wonder


    what he saw in you.¡± As they were out in public, Yvonne did not dare to say Cayden''s name out loud as


    she was afraid that someone might hear it and start spreading negative news.


    Avery let out a mirthlessugh before replying, ¡°Maybe he has met too many high-ss women like


    you, that''s why he found someone as lowly as me refreshing.¡±


    After saying that, the woman proceeded to unbutton her skirt, as if there was no one else around. Just


    when she was about to take it off, Yvonne took a step backward before mming the door shut.


    Pointing her finger at the door, Yvonne suddenly shook her head and said in a lethargic voice, ¡°I was


    expecting a tougherpetitor. It seems like my worries were unfounded. I''m sure he would have


    gotten rid of you sooner orter even without me doing anything. You really should have some self-


    awareness and understand that,ing from an impoverished background, you would never be able to


    fit into the world of the rich.¡±


    Yvonne paused and yawned before leaning against the wall. ¡°Did you really think you would be able to


    blend in with the wealthy? With what? With your cheap bag? Lowly family? Or embarrassing parents?


    Tsk, tsk. Seriously, Avery, what do you have that is even good?¡± she continued.


    The restroom cleaner was mopping the floor when she heard Yvonne''s words. With a crease between


    her brows, she jabbed the mop at the woman''s feet while saying, ¡°Excuse me.¡±


    ¡°Ahh! This is so gross! Ugh, being around poor people really gives me bad luck!¡± Yvonne cried out. She


    ran out of the restroom at once, feeling disgusted that the mop hade into contact with her shoe.


    Meanwhile, Zayne was texting Fernando while looking around for Avery.


    He could not ask anyone if they had seen the woman because he did not want to be suspected if


    something happened to her the next day while Fernando was having fun with her.


    After searching around for more than half an hour, he was still unable to find her.


    Could she have lost her way or fallen asleep somewhere?


    Zayne stopped for a while to reply to Fernando''s text: Rx. I''m looking for her right now.


    Meanwhile, a ck Bentley with an eye-catching car te number was parked outside the entrance of


    the clubhouse.


    The next moment, Xavier got out of the car and was about to head into the clubhouse with the two little


    ones when Zachary asked Cayden, ¡°Daddy, do you want to go in with us since you''re already here?¡±


    The boy knew that his father was hiding his true feelings. Even though the man appeared to be


    indifferent, Zachary knew that he cared about Avery more than anyone else. As such, he had


    intentionally asked that question to give Cayden an excuse to go in together with them.

 Chapter 116

    Chapter 116


    The man in the RV was dressed in a ck suit with a white shirt, as he sat on a dark gray couch with a


    work-specificputer in front of him.


    He was focused on the constantly changing data undting lines on the screen, while replying to his


    son, ¡°If you don''t want to go in, let''s go back the same way we came.¡±


    Upon hearing that, Zachary immediately hugged Xavier''s thigh. ¡°Mr. Dartsley, you must take me inside.¡±


    He stroked the child''s head and smiled.


    The door of the RV was shut and the car stopped directly in front of the entrance instead of the parking


    lot.


    The exterior design of the RV was highly private and concealing, and the staff at the entrance was very


    polite, not driven by curiosity to peep inside.


    Since the ck Bentley RV was blocking the way in front of the main entrance, other vehicles had to


    stop behind it and the drivers would drive off after their passengers got down.


    The bosses who got down would usually nce at the RV to check the number te but they would


    not try to guess who was in the vehicle.


    All they knew was that they should not mess with the people in such a car parked in this manner.


    Cayden was still staring at the set of data lines, but his mind had wandered elsewhere.


    The businesslike environment in the RV that night, the perfect facial features framed by the tough


    jawline, and the solemn firm square forehead painted a picture of indifference and ruthlessness.


    After a long while, Cayden''s expression seemed warmer. He raised his wrist and nced downward


    indifferently at the time disyed on his watch.


    Xavier had already been inside for twenty minutes, but he was still not out yet.


    Upstairs in the clubhouse, Zayne was so anxious that he cursed.


    He had searched everywhere, but he could not find Avery.


    From the social media group, Fernando fired him with a message: Dude, is this the way to behave? It''s


    not right! You''ve already had fun with my wife. When it''s my turn to have fun with your ex-girlfriend, you


    make this blunder! Are you online? Is it a big problem to reply to me? If you don''t reply me, I''ll remove


    you from this group! Guys who want to have fun should not behave this way.


    After reading these messages, Zayne replied: I''m sorry. I did not expect this to happen. When my


    attention was diverted, she disappeared from my line of sight.


    Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Fernando replied: Can''t you ask around? There are so many guys in yourpany that I''m sure you''ll


    find her if you ask them one by one.


    Zayne texted: I cannot ask them. Bro, I need this job. In our country, because of my training, this is the


    bestpany for me to use my talents and knowledge. Try to understand, okay? I''m still searching.


    Fernando texted angrily: If you want me to understand you, you should try to understand my situation


    first. I''ve already taken the pill and it has taken effect. I''m afraid my blood vessels will burst if I wait any


    longer.


    Zayne wrote: Wait for my update.


    At this point, Yvonne who was so tired that she could fall asleep standing, came round the corner of a


    corridor with a cup of coffee in her hand.


    When she came out of the restroom, she felt tired and her eyes were swollen as if she had worked


    overnight. However, she had a departmental meeting and she had to look sharp in front of her new


    colleagues.


    She went out and got a cup of coffee. After a few sips, she felt even more tired.


    When Zayne saw her stumbling, he quickly went to help her. ¡°Are you all right?¡±


    The coffee spilled and stained her clothes.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Yvonne raised her head, leaning against the wall next to her male colleague, Zayne who was


    holding her waist. She shook her head, barely able to open her eyes. ¡°It''s okay¡±


    After muttering thest sentence, it seemed as if herst ounce of strength had been spent, and her


    soft body fell limply into Zayne''s arms.


    Zayne was at a loss what to do.


    Fernando had made a request to him, expressing the desire to have fun with a drugged woman. Zayne


    knew the former had wanted him to put Avery to sleep first, and then send her over.


    Sleeping pills were safer than aphrodisiacs, and Zayne was quite willing to do so since the risk was


    lower.


    However Avery had been tricked by Mna before and so, she had be wary. If he was to offer her


    a ss of liquor, she would certainly not ept it, as it could be drugged.


    So, he got others involved, casting a wider. The sleeping pills were put in more than just one ss.


    Zayne had not expected that Yvonne who had a powerful background would fall victim.


    Now, he was just worried about how to deal with Yvonne.


    Should I send her to a private room? What if the colleagues suspect that something was amiss?


    After all, they had not drunk much yet and Yvonne being drunk did not sound usible.


    Zayne looked around. Since Avery had not been found yet and he had indeed had his fun with


    Fernando''s wife, he made the decision to send Yvonne over to Fernando.


    Yvonne was not a natural beauty like Avery who had an innocent air, but with the right makeup, her


    appearance could be improved.


    Zayne carried Yvonne but he was afraid passers-by would suspect something was wrong. So, he went


    toward Fernando''s private room, muttering lovingly, ¡°You won''t listen to me and you insisted on


    drinking. What would happen if I''m not here to pick you up?¡±


    Fernando was waiting in the room, with a bath towel wrapped around his waist. He picked up his


    mobile phone and saw the message from Zayne, as well as the photo of this ¡°substitute woman¡±.


    Angrily, he ripped off the towel and dropped it.


    In another wing of the clubhouse, Cecelia was searching for Avery.


    After searching for a long time, Cecelia was unable to locate her. She pointed to the bathroom in front


    and said, ¡°That is the only ce I haven''t looked inside yet. You wait here, I''ll go in and take a look.¡±


    Xavier was waiting outside with the boss'' two kids.


    ¡°Is Ms. Ery all right?¡± Rory asked her elder brother who was looking worried.


    Beforeing to the club, Xavier had called Cecelia.


    Cecelia came out of the private room immediately. When she met Xavier, she said she did not know


    where Avery was and she was worried too after searching for her in vain.


    Under these circumstances, Xavier was stressed.


    He understood Cayden too well. The boss had not said he was worried but he was here personally and


    even though he sat inside the car withouting down, it meant that he wanted to be sure that Avery


    was safe.


    In order to confirm that Avery was safe, Cecelia did as Xavier asked. She went back to the private


    room to check. A few of them were absent, including Zayne and Yvonne.


    Both of them were antagonistic toward Avery.


    She was particrly angry when Yvonne replied to her call, saying, ¡°Excuse me, Ms. Zuckerberg. I''m


    not Avery''s ve. Am I supposed to know where she is?¡±


    Zayne''s reply consisted of just three words. ¡°I don''t know.¡±


    If that is so, we must search for her.


    If they couldn''t find her, they would have to screen the surveince camera recordings.


    ¡°We''ve found her. She''s been found.¡±


    Cecelia hurried outside and pointed to the women''s restroom with a strange expression. ¡°Ery is asleep


    inside, and she won''t wake up no matter how I shake her. I fear something is wrong, but there''s nothing


    I can do. Why don''t you go in, Mr. Dartsley, and carry her out first?¡±


    When Xavier heard that, he took out his phone immediately.


    He did not dare to carry Cayden''s woman in his arms.

 Chapter 117

    Chapter 117


    After reporting the situation to Xavier, Cecelia returned to the restroom.


    ¡°Wake up, Ery! Come on, wake up!¡± No matter how Cecelia called her name or shook her, Avery slept


    with her head tilted, without responding at all.


    Cecelia was terrified.


    Outside the bathroom, Xavier notified his boss about what happened.


    ¡°Mr. Dartsley, can I go in?¡± Zachary was very anxious, but boys were not allowed to enter thedies


    restroom.


    Xavier bent his head to speak to him, ¡°Wait till your dad is here, then you may go in.¡±


    The seconds felt like years for Zachary as he stared in the direction of the elevator.


    Rory let go of Xavier''s hand and slipped into thedies'' restroom.


    Following Cecelia''s voice, she walked over and saw Avery sitting on the floor of the bathroom.


    Squatting down, she wrapped her two plump little hands around her neck and opened her little mouth


    to cry, ¡°Ms. Ery, boohoo¡±


    While Cecelia was calling Avery by name, she tried tofort the child by stroking her head.


    Cayden came upstairs, looking for the restroom.


    Xavier led him to the door but did not go inside.


    When Cecelia heard some movement, she raised her head and saw a gloomy-faced Boss walk in. He


    had searched one room after another until he finally found this one. Cecelia felt relieved when he


    reached down and carried Avery up from the floor.


    It seemed that no matter how serious the matter was, as long as a man like Boss came forward, it


    would be resolved and no matter how sick Avery was, she would be all right.


    Cecelia took care of Rory and went out as well.


    ¡°Find out what happened!¡± Cayden instructed Xavier and headed for the elevator.


    Xavier who was minding Zachary handed his care over to Cecelia, asking, ¡°Do you have a driving


    license?¡±


    She nodded nkly in reply.


    Xavier passed the car keys to Cecelia. ¡°Go and start the car. Take the two kids with you.¡±


    Cecelia then understood that he intended to stay back to investigate.


    ¡°Yes, Mr. Dartsley, don''t worry.¡± She was an efficient helper. Taking the keys, she coaxed the children


    as they hurried toward the elevator, ¡°Let''s catch up with them.¡±


    Xavier looked for and found the person in charge of the entertainment establishment.


    After Xavier exined his purpose, the person in charge arranged for a staff member to show him the


    surveince camera recordings.


    At this very moment, in another private room in the club, something was going on.


    Zayne brought Yvonne over and dropped her on the bed. Then he turned around and addressed


    Fernando, ¡°I''m sorry that she got away. However, there will be another chance. The next time, for sure,


    I''ll let you have fun with her.¡±


    Fernando gave Zayne a ss of beer and clinked sses with him.


    After drinking, he said, ¡°Next time, then. From head to toe, this one does not interest me at all. If I


    wanted someone like that, for just a few hundred, I could easily have fun.


    After the drink, Zayne was quite surprised for what was to follow.


    ¡°You can have her.¡± Fernando patted Zayne on the shoulder andughed. With that, he opened the


    door and left.


    Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Zayne was left alone in the room, staring at Yvonne lying on the bed and at a loss what to do.


    He had no interest in Yvonne. In fact, women like her could be found anywhere, with too much make-


    up and no character.


    Zayne went to the bed, nning to take off her shoes, cover her with a quilt, and let her sleep all night.


    If she asked the next day, he would say that she was drunk, and he kindly helped her into a room and


    let her rest.


    However, when his fingers touched her ankle while he took off her high heels, his eyes felt burning hot,


    and he couldn''t help but explore her with his eyes from her ankle up to her calf.


    Then, from her calf, his eyes traveled upwards uncontrobly, to her thigh.


    Yvonne was wearing a very short skirt, which was fine when she was standing, but being thrown on the


    bed like that made the skirt roll upwards, exposing more skin...


    Zayne let go of her ankle, gazing at her chest heaving with the rhythm of her breathing. He pulled her


    upright to a sitting position.


    Yvonne continued to sleep no matter how he pulled, showing no sign of waking up as if she had lost


    consciousness. An evil thought came to his mind.


    At this point, his phone vibrated.


    Zayne looked at it.


    Fernando had sent him a message: I took the pill but could not have your ex-girlfriend, so my blood


    vessels nearly burst. Now, I am letting you have a taste of this, too.


    Even though there was a woman lying on the bed, after taking the strong pill, doing it once or twice


    would not relieve him.


    In simple terms, taking the pill unknowingly and engaging in sex unwillingly was an unpleasant


    experience for Zayne.


    In the security room where the surveince cameras were monitored, Xavier saw Zayne carrying


    Yvonne.


    Xavier recognized Yvonne but did not know her well. Naturally, he was not too concerned but just


    assumed that she was young and easily seduced by Zayne.


    If it was a rtionship between adults with mutual consent, then it was none of Xavier''s business.


    In the surveince video, the person who entered the bathroom with Avery was Yvonne. As for what


    happened in the bathroom, it could neither be heard nor seen from the surveince cameras.


    Fortunately, there was a cleaner, Jill Potter who had gone in.


    Jill was summoned and Xavier asked her some questions.


    Jill repeated what she had heard clearly. The rich girl humiliated the poor girl in the bathroom fiercely


    for a long time.


    The person in charge of the club asked the Jill sternly, ¡°Do you swear that you are telling the truth?¡±


    For any incident which happened in the club, the person in charge of the clubhouse had to share the


    responsibility. If the boss of Trident Group was not happy, it would be a matter of minutes before their


    clubhouse closed overnight for rectification.


    Jill nodded. ¡°I''m telling the truth. I do not lie.¡±


    Xavier understood what had happened.


    In the city center, there was an exclusive condominium close to their office building. The units were rare


    and not readily avable for sale even for the wealthy.


    Cecelia stood in the hall.


    Avery was asleep in the bedroom. At the foot of the bed, the twins kept herpany. They were


    concerned about Avery in the same way they were concerned about their own mom. Boss'' brows were


    knitted as he stood there on guard. His eyes were fixed on Avery''s face.


    Cecelia observed all these.


    ¡°She will wake up tomorrow morning. Presumably, she identally ingested a specially processed


    sleeping pill.¡± The doctor said euphemistically after the examination.


    The twins heaved a sign of relief when they heard what the doctor said.


    Cecelia heard the conversation in the bedroom, but she did not dare to talk to the boss, so she called


    Xavier and asked, ¡°What should I do now?¡±


    Xavier instructed, ¡°Do not disturb the family. Send the doctor home, and you park the car at your


    apartment. I''ll go and get it tomorrow.¡±


    Cecelia was taken aback, ¡°What? Park such a big car at my apartment? It''s a Bentley. I cannot afford to


    pay you if it''s stolen.¡±


    Xavier had already hung up.


    Cecelia was so angry that she threw the phone down on the sofa.


    When there were only three family members left in the condominium, Cayden undid his tie. Then he


    turned to look at the twins who were still standing beside the bed, ¡°Go back to your room to wash up


    and sleep, or let Mr. Dartsley pick you up. He can send you back to the Moore residence.¡±


    ¡°Dad, are you going to sleep with Ms. Ery tonight?¡± Rory turned around and tugged at his father''s


    trousers, looking up and asking innocently.

 Chapter 118

    Chapter 118


    Cayden nodded but did not say anything.


    ¡°But I want to sleep with Ms. Ery too.¡± Rory pleaded while looking at her father with hopeful eyes.


    Rory had always thought of Cayden as an overbearing and unreasonable person.


    Zachary overheard Rory''s conversation with Cayden while he was walking to the door. What a silly and


    innocent little girl. I''m sure Daddy will not say yes to your request. He''s possessive of everything,


    including Ms. Ery.


    ¡°Bring your sister back to her room, Zach.¡± As a father, Cayden had a soft spot for his daughter but was


    particrly strict with Zachary. That was why he instructed his son to escort Rory to her room.


    Zachary casually walked over, held Rory''s hand, and said, ¡°Come, let''s go to bed.¡±


    After Rory had reluctantly left the room with Zachary, Cayden put down his coat, leaned sideways on


    the bed, and fixed his gaze on the woman who was already sound asleep.


    Meanwhile, Zachary came out of Rory''s bathroom after adjusting the shower temperature.


    He led Rory into the bathroom. ¡°Go and take a shower. I''ll wait for you outside.¡±


    Zachary and Rory were both independent children no matter where they were.


    Since the house came with a bathroom that was designed with children''s safety in mind, Rory and


    Zachary could bathe without adult supervision.


    Rory came out of the shower ten minutester and used a pink towel with a cartoon character to dry


    her hair. She then walked up to Zachary and requested him to blow-dry her hair.


    Before sleep, Rory remembered she had not given Kendrick a call.


    Before this, Kendrick had reminded Rory to call him before bed.


    Rory picked up the speaker in her room and pressed his phone number with her clumsy fingers.


    ¡°Hello,¡± Kendrick answered the call.


    ¡°Uncle Kendrick, Rory here...¡±


    ¡°Rory? You''re with your dad, right? By the way, did you manage to find Ms. Ery?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, we found her, but we don''t know why she''s asleep. We couldn''t wake her up. The doctor came


    earlier, and Dad is in the bedroom right now,¡± Rory exined in detail.


    Kendrick could not help but think something was amiss. But since Rory said the doctor came and left, I


    supposed nothing''s wrong with Ery?


    ¡°All right, got it. Don''t stay up toote, okay? Ask Zach to sleep early too.¡± Kendrick was about to end


    the call.


    ¡°But Ms. Ery''s hands are cold. I wanted to sleep with her to warm her hands, but Daddy doesn''t allow


    me to stay in her room,¡± Roryined. ¡°Daddy said he wants to sleep with Ms. Ery instead, but I


    don''t think he knows how to take care of her. I''m worried, Uncle Kendrick.¡±


    Upon hearing that, Kendrick chortled. ¡°I''m sure your dad can take good care of Ms. Ery. I bet he has


    ways to warm her cold hands!¡±


    Knowing that his niece was overwhelmed with jealousy, he quickly put in a good word for his brother.


    ¡°Do you want your daddy to marry Ms. Ery? Do you want Ms. Ery to be your Mommy?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Rory nodded.


    ¡°If that''s what you want, you should stay away from the room and don''t disturb your daddy and Ms. Ery.


    From now on, I''ll start praying for them to get together, and you should do the same too.¡± Kendrick


    continued exining. He only ended the call when Rory finally understood his intention and went to


    bed with a smile on her face.


    Meanwhile, Cayden went to the bathroom, turned on the hot water tap, and dipped a white towel into


    the water. A minuteter, he dipped his hand into the water regardless of its temperature to retrieve the


    towel and squeezed it dry.


    He returned to the bed and used the damp and lukewarm towel to wipe Avery''s cheeks, forehead, and


    neck.


    During the cleaning, he had to unbutton the cor of her shirt.


    Cayden loomed over and caught a glimpse of Avery''s chest. He could vaguely see her silky smooth


    bosoms as she breathed.


    He continued wiping every part of her body with the towel.


    Cayden then removed her clothes and put them in the bathroom.


    It was alreadyte at night.


    After taking a shower, Cayden went to Zachary and Rory''s rooms to check on them. Upon noticing they


    were all sleeping like a baby, he turned off the lights in the living room, returned to his bedroom, and


    locked the door from inside.


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    At that time, Avery was already wearing a pair of men''s pajamas. The sleepwear was ck with gray


    stripes faintly printed on the fabric.


    Cayden flipped her over, helped her put on her nightgown, and tied the strings around her waist. He


    adjusted the woman''s position to ensure she slept sideways and faced the left side of the bed.


    On the other hand, Cayden slept on the right side of the bed. He wanted to avoid looking at her face to


    prevent himself from taking advantage of Avery. After all, he had the vigor of a young man and knew he


    might get aroused easily.


    Cayden tossed and turned in bed but could not sleep. He eventually tilted his body to look at Avery


    beside him.


    The woman''s silky smooth long hair spread like feathers on his pillow, and her body gave out a


    charming scent. Cayden could not look away from the petite figure beneath the oversized nightgown.


    After leaning forward and gently flipping Avery over, Cayden pulled her to his chest and ced her


    head on his broad shoulder.


    His breathing became more intense when hisrge palm touched the woman''s smooth skin. He stared


    down at her gorgeous natural face with a fairplexion.


    Avery''s lips looked pale but were still luscious. The man lowered his head and gave her lips a peck.


    Soon, her dry lips turned moist.


    Cayden got aroused. He started brushing his tongue between her lips.


    As his body gradually heated up, Cayden pried her teeth open with his tongue to taste the sweetness in


    her mouth.


    Avery was not aware of the intimacy that urred throughout the night. She only regained


    consciousness when the sleeping pill''s effect wore off.


    When she woke up at four in the morning, she felt tightness in her abdomen. After letting out a deep


    breath, she opened her eyes. She lowered her head and saw a pair of muscr arms embracing her.


    Since the curtains were left open, she could see the bright sky outside the window.


    Avery was familiar with thendscape of the city. She instantly realized she was in Cayden''s


    condominium in the heart of the bustling metropolis. What am I doing here?


    Her breathing turned rapid as she tried to recall what happenedst night.


    Avery remembered drinking a ss of beer during the gathering with her colleagues. After that, she


    went to the restroom and was humiliated by Yvonne. And... what happened after that?


    She could not remember a thing after the incident.


    She pulled herself away from his embrace and sat up in fear. She looked at Cayden, who woke up


    because of her movement.


    ¡°You''re awake.¡± Cayden got up right away and slipped into a pair of flip-flops. He poured himself a


    ss of water and gobbled down half a ss.


    His mouth felt dry after a night of kissing.


    After finishing the water, Cayden poured another ss, walked up to Avery, and gave it to her.


    They wore the same nightwear. The fabric was not thick, but the design and the dark color entuated


    Cayden''s masculine physique more.


    Yet, the same nightwear made Avery look much more feminine, arousing the man''s desire toy his


    hands on her.

 Chapter 119

    Chapter 119


    Avery suddenly felt thirsty at the sight of the ss of water.


    After getting relentlessly kissed by Cayden for the past few hours, her lips had already be dry and


    swollen.


    She took a gulp of water from the ss before getting down from the bed. Before she headed to the


    bathroom, she remembered something and turned back to ask about her clothes when he pulled her


    into his embrace again. With arge hand on the back of her small waist, he nted feverish kisses all


    over her.


    She did her best to fight back and push his hand away when she felt something wet and sticky.


    When she looked down, she noticed that his sleeve had already been dyed a darker hue by the blood


    coming out from his wound. His robe was so dark that it was hard to tell with just the naked eye.


    His aggressive kisses enveloped her cheeks, her lips, and her neck as she looked at her bloodstained


    hands.


    As if a switch had been turned off, Avery''s emotionspletely extinguished.


    He was insane. Absolutely insane.


    She simply let his lips roam all over her skin, not leaving any inch untouched.


    Slowly, she got pushed back down on the bed.


    As hisrge silhouette slowly enveloped her, she watched him with a desperate, hopeless gaze. Her


    usual clear eyes were clouded with a hint of bitterness.


    ¡°Why''d you stop? Are you finally done?¡± she asked the man who was staring at her with a frown.


    Cayden was breathing heavily and his re was cold and harsh as he stared at her for a couple of


    seconds. ¡°Nowhere near,¡± he replied frostily as he gripped her ankles tightly.


    He lifted her legs up and forced them against both sides of her head.


    ¡°Ow!¡± Avery cried out in pain.


    Nothing could have been more humiliating than this position.


    The robe''s belt was undone and Cayden straightaway pulled it off.


    Avery watched in apprehension as Cayden took out his intimidating member.


    ¡°So now you''re willing to do it? Did you seduce me after Zayne disappointed you yesterday to get


    revenge on him?¡± Cayden said as he thrusted what couldn''t have been more than just a third of his size


    into her.


    Avery inhaled sharply in pain and shook her head with a frown. ¡°If you want to do it then hurry up. You


    should be satisfied after that, right?¡±


    He was so possessive of her that he would definitely make sure he got whatever he wanted.


    She had already confirmed that she had been druggedst night even though she was incredibly


    careful and alert. Not only did she avoid everything that Zayne passed her like it was the gue, but if


    he was within even ten feet of her, she would even scurry away nervously.


    Still, all that proved fruitless.


    It was exhausting living this way.


    All she wanted was for her dad to regain his health and for her grandpa to be happy. She never asked


    for anything apart from a normal life, and yet normal seemed like the most unrealistic thing she could


    ask for now.


    She had never wished for death more than now.


    No matter how much trouble or evil there was in her life, she was willing to shoulder it all now.


    If she died, everything would settle itself. She imagined that the very moment she closed her eyes, she


    would feel heavenly.


    However, after everything she had done with Allie''s son, she was probably ending up in hell. Idly, she


    wondered what kind of punishments she would suffer there.


    ¡°Piss off,¡± she suddenly heard from above her. The weight on her body was lifted off in an instant as


    Cayden lifted himself off and walked to the bathroom. Harshly, he spat, ¡°I never want to see you ever


    again.¡±


    He remained in the bathroom as he lit a cigar and began smoking it with closed eyes and a frown


    deeper than the ocean.


    He was thinking aboutst night and how he had toyed around with her.


    She was much sweeter and more obedient when asleeppared to when she woke up.


    Nheless, he had finally learned that love cannot be forced.


    If he was going to have her, he wanted her to bepletely willing.


    Avery thought she wouldn''t even be able to leave today as he seemed to behave more crazily than


    usual.


    He left the bathroom as quickly as he had entered, heading to the balcony next inplete silence.


    She looked for her clothes in the bathroom and found thempletely wrinkled and unwearable. They


    were also damp. Eventually, she found aundry bag.


    After cing her clothes in the bag, she kept her robe on and made sure to button it up. She tied the


    belt tightly around her waist and nned to wear the makeshift dress out.


    It didn''t really matter what she wore out as long as she wasn''t showing much skin, and this robe


    actually covered her up more than other clothes. She took her bag of clothes and quickly walked to the


    door to put her shoes on.


    Bang!


    Zachary was jolted awake by the loud sound.


    ¡°Ms. Ery?¡± he called out as he opened his eyes and got off the bed. The moment he opened his eyes,


    he spotted his dad standing on the balcony with both hands on the railing as he looked down.


    He knew that this position meant that his father was in a bad mood.


    Faintly, he recalled his great-grandpa talking about how Cayden hadn''t cried when Bruce died because


    Bruce had been a low yboy. He had two wives, both of whom he brought to live under the same


    roof, to Zachary''s dismay, because he now had two grandmothers.


    Of course, Zachary knew that his biological grandmother was the mistress.


    That meant that his dad was a bastard child.


    Zachary didn''t know too much at his young age, but after everything that Jeffrey had told him, he kind


    of knew how his dad felt. Cayden both loved and hated his father.


    After all, Bruce was part of the reason why Cayden was even alive.


    Despite that, Jeffrey had told him before that Kendrick didn''t hate Cayden because of how resentful he


    had always been about the fact that he was born to a mistress.


    Zachary had even heard the adults fighting before.


    Jeffrey had been yelling at Lily. ¡°Without Cayden, you''d go bankrupt with even a hundredpanies in


    your hands! Kendrick is kind, but he''s just not cut out for business.¡±


    Lily had retorted with, ¡°Don''te up with excuses for your personal bias. Either way, every single


    member of the Moore family owes me, especially Allie and her bastard son!¡±


    ¡°Cayden doesn''t owe you anything!¡± Jeffrey had yelled even louder, his voice cracking under the force.


    ¡°Did you think I didn''t know about everything you''ve done? Cayden was still a high schooler then and


    he went to a small-town school just so there would be nopetition. You were so bitter that you hired


    someone to kill him! I bet you didn''t know that that person was bought over by Allie, who told Cayden to


    be careful. Even then, he had decided that he had had enough of living as a bastard child and wanted


    to die. He would have willingly stood in front of that car just to pay for his mother''s mistakes and even


    hoped he could reincarnate into a normal family. Thank God he wasn''t that easy to kill.¡±


    Zachary had been keeping this secret internally for a long time, and the older he got, the more


    reasonable he got as well and he began to pity his father. All he wanted was for his father to marry Ms.


    Ery so that he wouldn''t have to eat, smoke, and watch television alone all the time.


    Even he, a child, could tell that his father''s life was much too boring and dull.


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    Cayden looked at Zachary when he walked back in from the balcony.


    ¡°I know Ms. Ery left, Daddy.¡± Zachary was so worried about his father being depressed that he tailed


    his father into the room, feebly offering a long string offort and advice.


    Cayden walked into the bathroom and shut the door, effectively shutting out his son as well.


    That didn''t stop Zachary from speaking. Suddenly, his bright eyes spotted something on the floor and


    he bent down to pick it up as he read out thebel quietly. ¡°n B? Emergency c-contraceptives?¡±


    He scratched his head and opened the bathroom door, looking up at his father with the sealed box in


    hand. ¡°Daddy, are these yours or Ms. Ery''s?¡±

 Chapter 120

    Chapter 120


    Cayden heard his son murmuring about a whole bunch of things, including the contraceptives.


    He took the box from his son and stared at the small box as his thoughts drifted to the way Avery had


    stabbed his arm yesterday.


    He had touched her, but it was out of spite and revenge. In the end, though, he had softened and didn''t


    end up going all the way. He stayed outside of her.


    In the meantime, Zachary and Rory had already dressed up with their shoes on. They were already


    waiting to go and eat breakfast with their dad.


    Xavier was already waiting for them downstairs with the Bentley parked behind him.


    Since his boss'' arm was injured, it was only natural for Xavier to be at his every beck and call.


    Even though Cayden''s arm was injured, he still made sure to carry his daughter out. Xavier opened the


    car door so that Cayden could buckle Rory into her seat.


    Xavier realized that someone was tailing them almost right after they left.


    ¡°Let''s talk at the restaurant,¡± Cayden said as he tapped away at hisptop. He was using the time they


    travel to the restaurant to finish up the work he had left undone yesterday.


    Xavier obeyed and just left their stalker be.


    They finally reached the twins'' favorite restaurant.


    Cayden got down from the car with Zachary holding his hand and Rory in the other arm. The boss of


    the oatmeal restaurant recognized the three of them and opened the door with a smile.


    Xavier parked the car and walked toward the back alley.


    There was a white car parked about fifty feet away. The driver was busy ying on his phone while a


    woman dressed in revealing clothing was rapidly taking photos of the restaurant with a professional


    camera.


    Xavier bent down and knocked on the car window. ¡°What are you doing there?¡±


    The reporter and driver both jumped at the sound. They had both been so engrossed in Cayden and


    his kids that they had forgotten to take anyone else into ount.


    ¡°Get off right now or you''ll both get to see the inside of a police station today,¡± Xavier said, his face


    calm but threatening.


    Both of them got out of the car.


    The driver wasn''t really involved in this as he was simply a regr driver who worked for the magazine


    company. However, he had drove many reporters around and they were colleagues and some of them


    could even be seen as friends.


    ¡°Calm down. Let''s not re at a woman like that, huh?¡± The driver approached Xavier with a smile,


    trying to make the atmosphere less tense.


    It was never easy to deal with getting caught in the act as paparazzi.


    When it came to these rich tycoons, it wasn''t unheard of for them to just toss and break the camera.


    Some of the more short-tempered ones would even begin hitting and pping the reporters. None of


    those were out of the ordinary.


    ¡°Where are you from?¡± Xavier asked.


    ¡°We''re a newpany. You''ve probably never heard of us before. Actually, I did mention that I would


    be taking pictures of Mr. Moore today.¡±


    Xavier frowned. Mention? To whom?


    The reporter took her phone out and ced a call.


    ¡°Dn, I''m already here taking pictures of your cousin, but a guy who says he''s your cousin''s assistant


    just- okay. Got it, I''ll pass him the phone,¡± she said and proceeded to pass the phone to Xavier.


    He picked it up and held it to his ear.


    Dn''s voice was pretty hoarse and he sounded like he had just woken up. ¡°Hi, there. I''m Dn,


    Cayden''s biological cousin. Don''t give the reporter a hard time. I''ll call Cayden myself and let him know


    about itter. This is none of your business. Goodbye.¡±


    Dn hung up and tossed the phone onto the headboard.


    The ttering noise it made managed to wake the woman next to him.


    Mna groaned lightly as she slowly woke up.


    Her entire body was sore and the first thing she saw was a stranger walking toward the bathroom. Only


    then did she recall what had happenedst night.


    Zayne had called herst night. ¡°Mna, I''m drunk and can''t drive. I couldn''t find any taxis either. Could


    you drop by?¡±


    She wasn''t willing toe pick him up, but when she heard women''s voices around him, she


    immediately got up and left.


    If she didn''t go, another woman might make use of the window of opportunity.


    Zayne had finally be her fianc¨¦. Her mother would be getting the demolition payment from


    Livingsfill in just another month, and Mna would finally be getting her marriage certificate with Zayne


    then. After that, they would get married.


    However, when she arrived at the entertainment establishment, she hadn''t even caught a glimpse of


    Zayne when someone else had mistaken her for an escort and brought her into a booth. She had


    somehow gotten to know a whole bunch of important celebrities.


    This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Mna finally admitted that out of all the people there, Zayne was just a barely qualifiedmoner.


    Out of all the rich men that she had met yesterday, she had ended up sleeping with this one.


    Pregnant with Zayne''s child, she had even forced Isabe to buy a house for her and her unborn child.


    She had also agreed to get married to Zayne, so Mna knew that she wasn''t supposed to do such an


    immoral thing, but she simply couldn''t resist the temptation.


    She had always dreamed about being a rich man''s wife, enjoying all of the wealth and status that came


    with it.


    She had done her best to scout an ideal suitor while she was overseas, but in the end, she had not


    been sessful. Finally, she had settled on returning to the country to steal Avery''s boyfriend.


    Zayne was still considered pretty well-off and he could also afford a car and a house.


    Marrying him was better than getting married to some poor loser.


    Mna sat up and got off the bed, still barefooted. She spotted a pair of men''s tuxedo bottoms and


    picked them up off the floor before picking up the jacket as well. Just as she was preparing to hang it


    up, she spotted some name cards in the suit pocket.


    She took it out and looked at the name on it: Dn Musk.


    Hispany and phone number had been written down clearly in a neat font.


    She took one out and put it into her bag sneakily.


    She heard the sound of the shower turning on in the bathroom and crept back into bed. When the man


    in the bathroom emerged, she acted as if she had just woken up and turned aroundnguidly,


    purposely exposing part of her chest.


    ¡°I know you''re awake,¡± he said, seeing through her act immediately.


    When she finally got up with a bright red face, the man approached her and turned her around. He


    pped her on the waist.


    Mna frowned in pain.


    ¡°Are you purposely seducing me?¡± Dn asked inly, without an ounce of emotion. He pulled her


    over roughly, not even thinking of being gentle with her.


    ¡°No... That hurts,¡± Mna whined. She waspletely willing to give it to him, but it would be better if


    he were more gentle about it.


    Dn was so rough that it felt like he was killing her every time he made a move. After barely a few


    minutes, she had already broken out in a sweat and her fingers were clutching at the sheets so hard it


    felt like her nails were about to break.


    Her body was aching everywhere.


    She was finally beginning to feelfortable after a long time, but he let go of her legs the moment she


    was beginning to get used to it. ¡°What a killjoy,¡± he said before turning to leave.


    Mna was worried that she had done something to make him ufortable, but the moment she sat


    up and tried to call him, she spotted the pool of blood she was sitting in.


    Almost immediately after, her stomach started cramping up immensely.

 Chapter 121

    Chapter 121


    ¡°Help! Help me!¡± she shrieked at the sight of the slowly growing bloodstain.


    Dn was already dressed in a neatly pressed suit that his assistant had brought him and was calling


    someone with a cigar in his mouth. With a fox-like smile, he said, ¡°I hope you can forgive me, dear


    cousin. I owed her brother a favor in jail and I didn''t have anything else to repay him with. What do you


    know? His sister turns out to be a paparazzi.¡±


    Mna, who was still sitting in her own pool of blood, simply watched open-mouthed as he walked past


    her,pletely unbothered. It was as if he didn''t even see the blood.


    She fumbled for her own phone and realized she had turned it off, so she turned it on and tried to call


    for help.


    Suddenly, a woman and two men walked into the room.


    That woman was the exact same woman who had mistaken her for an escort yesterday and introduced


    her to Dn. She looked at Mna coldly and said to the two men, ¡°Dress her up and get her onto the


    car.¡±


    The two men began walking toward her.


    ¡°What do you think you''re doing?¡± Mna screeched, trying to avoid them.


    The woman simply said, ¡°If you don''t want to die, you''d better do whatever we said. Otherwise, I have


    many ways to make sure you never leave this hotel alive. By then, no one can save you.¡±


    Mna finally fell into a silent panic as she clutched her cramping stomach with both hands. With a pale


    face, she got dragged out and onto the car.


    In the hospital, Mna had been put under anesthesia and sent in for an operation.


    When she emerged and woke up from the anesthesia, the doctor told her that her child was gone.


    ¡°Should I inform your fianc¨¦?¡± the woman asked, rubbing salt on the wound.


    Mnay on the hospital bed weakly, her stomach still cramping up in pain. However, what hurt her


    the most was the doctor''s announcement of her never being able to have a child again because of her


    own doing.


    When Zayne and Isabe finally rushed over, Zayne waspletely calmpared to Isabe, who


    was in a state of anxiety.


    He was willing toe out and have fun with those friends of his and had agreed to sleep with L.


    He had even been willing to give Mna off to another man, so he was basically alreadypletely


    open toward the whole thing.


    He didn''t feel anything for her anyway. To him, it didn''t make a difference between whether or not he


    got cheated on. Either way, he was doing the same thing to L''s husband.


    Isabelle pped Mna across the face the moment she walked into the hospital room.


    Smack!


    Mna had just fallen asleep and jolted up from the pain instantly.


    Mna looked at Isabelle with her pale face. ¡°What the hell? Did you forget to take your medicine today


    or something?¡±


    Isabe lurched forward and pped Mna continuously across the face. When her hands got tired,


    she began using her handbag to hit Mna as well.


    ¡°You shameless wh*re! How dare you lose my grandson because you couldn''t keep it in your pants for


    one day?¡± Isabe wailed, tears streaming down her face. She was crying for her grandchild, who had


    died because the mother had been so promiscuous.


    Isabe suddenly felt incredibly regretful that she had rushed to pay for this shameless woman''s


    house.


    In Trident Group, Nina had just gone to the pantry to answer her mother''s call.


    The pantry was empty and Nina had a frown on her face as she said, ¡°The baby''s already gone. Can


    you stop crying already? Just learn your lesson. It''s not like there''s anything else you can do.¡±


    ¡°My poor grandchild!¡±


    ¡°Your grandchild?¡± Nina said, speechless. ¡°No offense, but you don''t even know if the child is rted to


    you.¡±


    Back at the hospital, Isabe was walking to the bus station with her bag in hand. Her daughter''s words


    had woken her up.


    She had a point.


    Isabe didn''t even know if that unborn child belonged to her son or not.


    She got onto the bus and still ended up crying anyway. Her eyes were red and swollen, and her only


    source offort was at the thought of how she would force that little b*tch to cough up the down


    payment of the house.


    The bus continued driving on and stopped at a red light next to where a shopping mall seemed to be


    having some sort of promotional event.


    Some older women on the bus began to talk loudly.


    ¡°That toilet paper is so cheap! Twenty for a whole box? Are they serious?¡±


    ¡°Those shoes are the exact same ones that my daughter and I came over here to try on! They were


    over eight hundred at the time even after discount, but they''re only three hundred and ny-nine now!¡±


    Isabe nced over.


    She shouldn''t have, though, because her eyesnded on someone she couldn''t be more familiar with


    standing at the entrance and handing out flyers.


    ¡°Wait, wait! I''m getting off here!¡± Isabe yelled. The driver kept saying that it wasn''t a drop-off point


    and that she had to wait for the next stop, but Isabe wouldn''t have it.


    She finally fought her way off the bus and walked over to Avery sneakily, making sure that it was her


    before saying anything.


    ¡°Hello! Please check out these promotions that we''re having today,¡± Avery would say to passersby as


    per the instructions her boss had given.


    Isabe hid behind a sign board and took a picture of Avery to send to Nina, asking what was going on.


    ¡°What else could it be? Avery''s father is so sick that she has to work more jobs to afford the medical


    bills.¡±


    ¡°I thought she became some rich man''s sugar baby! Did she get dumped or something?¡± Isabe


    asked.


    ¡°Just forget about that rumor! Whoever spread that around is really going to get it one day,¡± Nina said,


    worried for her mom''smon sense. ¡°Have you ever seen a sugar baby handing out flyers under the


    hot sun? The potential sun damage couldn''t be reversed by any amount of expensive products!¡±


    Isabe looked at Avery who was working hard to pass out the flyers. She suddenly began to feel


    heavy-hearted, thinking about everything that had happened in thest month. It had been Isabe''s


    fault for mistaking Mna for a good person and throwing away a daughter-inw as hardworking and


    genuine as Avery.


    Isabe sent the picture of Avery handing out flyers to Zayne with a text. Zayne, listen to me. Go and


    get Avery back. I''ll send you her location right now.


    Cayden was sitting in his office at Trident Group with an intense aura around him. After finishing up his


    work, he was rushed to bring his kids to Toby''s house.


    Dn had been released from jail and they had invited a whole bunch of rtives to celebrate. Toby


    had even gone to the effort of nning an actual banquet.


    ¡°Granduncle Toby!¡± Rory ran toward Toby excitedly the moment Xavier arrived at the Musk residence.


    He picked her up happily.


    At the same time, one of the rtives'' children was swimming in the pool and Dn had ordered an


    assistant to keep the child safe.


    Obviously, the assistant had to obey. He put his phone down and stripped his clothes before diving in.


    Suddenly, the assistant''s phone rang with a text notification.


    Dn nced at the phone nonchntly and saw a familiar name, ''Avery'' on the screen. He picked it


    up and scanned through it.


    It was a text from Fernando: This is Avery''s current address. It''s my fault that you didn''t get herst


    night, so why don''t you drop by this address to check her out?


    A picture of Avery passing out flyers was attached.


    Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    Dn sent the picture to himself and silently memorized the address of the mall before deleting the


    message from his assistant''s phone.


    Just as Dn was preparing to get his keys and drive off, Cayden walked in with his kids.


    It was the first time Dn had seen Zachary. He had gone to jail before Zachary was barely a month


    old, and after five years, he couldn''t help but feel like the child bore an uncanny resemnce to Avery


    from the picture just now.

 Chapter 122

    Chapter 122


    Zachary, who was now in Toby''s arms, nced at Dn cautiously. The man''s constant stare made


    him slightly scared and he turned around, wrapping his little arms around his granduncle''s neck.


    Zachary was feeling ufortable with Dn''s act.


    ¡°Come and give your uncle a hug!¡± Dn reached out to Zachary.


    Zachary didn''t recognize him nor did he like the way Dn was looking at him, so he didn''t look back.


    He didn''t want to hug the so-called uncle.


    Toby, however, said to Zachary, ¡°Zach, this is your Uncle Dn.¡±


    ¡°But I''ve never seen him before.¡± Zachary felt like this uncle''s stare was fierce and that he looked like a


    viin.


    Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°He really is your uncle. He''s my biological son. You don''t have to be scared of him. If he does anything


    to you, just tell me and I''ll skin him alive!¡±


    As he spoke, Toby shoved Zachary into Dn''s embrace.


    He caught Zachary casually.


    Zachary didn''t really like it and looked at his father, pleading for help silently. He was looking


    everywhere except at Dn''s face.


    Dn walked to his seat with Zachary in his arms along with Cayden, who was carrying Rory.


    ¡°It looks like I should settle down and start my own family too,¡± Dn said to Cayden.


    Zachary looked at his so-called Uncle Dn and said with a pout, ¡°You''re not married?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. I''m old, just like your dad. No one wants old men like us,¡± Dn said with a chuckle. Despite his


    casual tone, he was carefully scanning Zachary''s features.


    Once he was done, he nced over at Rory as well.


    Cayden nced darkly at the other rtives who were chatting further away and said nonchntly,


    ¡°With who? That scheming little paparazzi?¡±


    Dn was still staring at Zachary as he replied, ¡°That paparazzi really is just a friend''s sister. I owed


    him one and wanted to give his sister and mother some money once I got out, but his sister didn''t want


    it. She just wanted to be a famous reporter and wanted to be Chanaea''s first female


    paparazzi or something.¡±


    Zachary continued looking at his Uncle Dn as he listened idly to the adults'' conversation. He had no


    idea why his uncle had to keep staring at him even when he was speaking.


    ¡°It was pretty impressive that she didn''t want money and was working so hard for her dream, but she''s


    still not my type,¡± Dn said as he pinched Zachary''s cheeks. ¡°After a while, I thought about your clean


    record. The media has never tried to expose anything about you, and any pictures would have been


    taken down by your assistant. That''s why I let her do it.¡±


    Zachary finally started to avoid his uncle''s hand.


    ¡°What a cute kid.¡± Dn pulled back and stopped harassing the kid. ¡°Wouldn''t it be a huge scoop to


    expose the private life of the CEO of Trident Group? Her follower count would have exploded


    overnight. She would definitely have gotten what she wanted.¡±


    Cayden was more concerned about something else. ¡°If she''s not your type, then who is?¡±


    Beforeing here, Cayden had gotten a call from his uncle.


    He hadn''t said anything apart from how worried he had been for the past few years when Dn was in


    jail.


    Now, his son was finally out of jail.


    As a father, Toby just wanted his son to get back on the right track. At over thirty years old, he should


    be done with the yboy lifestyle now and should start a family and business of his own.


    He had been trying to get his son to start a family for the longest time, but his advice never got through


    to Dn.


    If he even dared to raise his voice in the slightest, his son would just stay out.


    He was forced to confide in his nephew to talk to Dn about it.


    Cayden hadn''t even started his own family and his words were definitely not as convincing, but now


    even Dn himself had started talking about starting a family.


    Cayden was thinking about how difficult Toby and Talia''s lives had been over the past few years, but


    Dn was still thinking about the woman whom Zachary reminded him so much of. ¡°Why? Do you want


    to introduce me to someone?¡±


    ¡°Tell me about it first,¡± Cayden said as he sipped some tea elegantly.


    ¡°I don''t have anyone in mind. Why don''t you introduce me to someone who would be good as a wife


    and a mother?¡±


    Dn spokepletely nonchntly. ¡°I do like children, and I heard that having twins depends on a


    hereditary gene. If the Musk family doesn''t have that gene, then I''ll have to look for a woman who


    does.¡±


    Zachary knew that his mom was a strong woman for having both him and his sister.


    Cayden''s long fingers toyed with the teacup. His expression remained calm, but his thoughts had


    drifted off to what had happened five years ago.


    When he learned that Avery was pregnant with twins, he was signing an important document. The


    moment Lindsay said the words, ¡°She''s having twins¡±, he froze as his pen tip hovered above the paper.


    He knew about the pain of childbirth, especially for an eighteen-year-old. It was her first pregnancy and


    she was expecting twins, which made him determined to do everything a husband would do for her in


    the background without her knowing.


    Of course, she was kept in the dark.


    He had never wanted to force her into anything, but more often than not, it was only necessary for him


    to do so. If he hadn''t let her have the babies five years ago, she would have gone off to sleep with


    other men to have their babies and get the money she needed for her father''s treatments.


    He had selfishly taken her for his own and also wanted to help her. Through paying for the treatments,


    he had finally satisfied the selfishness and possessiveness he felt over her for thest few years.


    Avery had given birth to a pair of twins for him. Every time he thought about that, he was prouder than


    anything.


    ¡°Whatever. I''m going to see someone else first. You''re not even paying attention to our conversation.¡±


    Dn guessed that Cayden was only so distracted because he was thinking about the twins'' biological


    mother.


    Zachary scoffed. Finally! That uncle is so annoying.


    Dn instantly went to the garage and got into his car, leaving the gathering without a peep.


    Toby spotted him and immediately called out to his son. ¡°What the h*ll do you think you''re doing? Come


    back right this instant! Everyone''s here to celebrate your getting out of jail. How could you leave your


    own party?¡±


    ¡°I''ll be back as soon as possible,¡± Dn said before hanging up.


    After speeding for about thirty minutes, he finally reached the mall in the picture.


    The Porsche Cayenne parked by a roadside and Dn began walking toward Avery.


    ¡°Hello! Please check out these promotions that we''re having today, thank you!¡± Avery said like


    clockwork as she handed out a flyer. However, after taking the flyer from her, the passerby continued to


    stand where he was.


    She finally looked up at him.


    ¡°It''s you! If I remember correctly, you''re Cayden''s... ex-girlfriend?¡± Dn acted as if he was surprised


    and smiled gently.

 Chapter 123

    Chapter 123


    Avery was able to recognize Dn after taking a look at him.


    He was in Cayden''s study with Yvonne when Jeffrey coughed up blood at the Moore residence.


    As Yvonne had left a bad impression on Avery, thetter didn''t quite like Dn either.


    There was a guy handing out flyers nearby at the time. He walked past Avery and handed a flyer to a


    passer-by as he said, ¡°Excuse me, please take a look at this when you have the time!¡±


    Dn turned around to look at her.


    Avery was wearing a ck cotton T-shirt with a knot tied at the waist and a pair of denim shorts.


    She looked just like a university student in that outfit.


    ¡°Don''t you have work today?¡± Dn asked while shifting his gaze away from her slender waist.


    ¡°Nope,¡± Avery replied coldly while continuing to hand out flyers.


    She actually had work that day, but didn''t need to clock in at the office. As such, she snuck out and


    handed out flyers to make some extra cash.


    Although it wasn''t a lot of money, she could make enough to buy Jeffrey some medicine for his


    cerebrovascr disease.


    Her sry, on the other hand, wasn''t even enough to treat Leonardo''s lung cancer.


    Since she worked her part-time jobs during the day, she would have to stay upte toplete her


    designs for Trident Group.


    ¡°I thought you''d resign after breaking up with Cayden,¡± Dn said.


    Unsure why he would bring that up all of a sudden, Avery handed out another flyer as she replied, ¡°I


    won''t say no to money, and I don''t think he''s the type to get revenge on his ex.¡±


    Dn chuckled and walked off after hearing that.


    As Avery continued to hand out flyers, Dn returned a few minutester with a bottle of water in hand.


    ¡°Your lips are all dried up. Here you go,¡± he said while handing it out to her.


    Avery shook her head. ¡°Thanks, but I''m not thirsty.¡±


    Since she had refused his offer politely, there was nothing much Dn could do about it except retract


    his hand awkwardly.


    ¡°How''s the pay like for handing out flyers? Do they pay you by the hour? Or is it based on the number


    of flyers you hand out?¡± he asked curiously while staring at the stack of flyers she was holding.


    A middle-aged woman wearing a banner on her body came over and said, ¡°We get paid based on the


    number of flyers we hand out! They''ll only release the payment when we''ve finished handing it all out.¡±


    Dn nodded at her in response and began observing Avery more seriously.


    I just realized that Avery is being far too honest and diligent in her approach. There are tons of other


    people handing out flyers on this street, so the passers-by have probably gotten sick of receiving flyers


    by the time they pass her by. Despite her genuine sincerity and efforts in handing out her flyers, most of


    the passers-by impatiently brush her hand aside. At this rate, she won''t be able to finish handing them


    all out in time.


    With that in mind, Dn took a huge portion of it from her and said, ¡°I''ll take care of these.¡±


    Avery froze as she realized she had less than ten flyers left.


    What''s with this guy? He''s so rude! First, he shows up out of nowhere and asks me a bunch of weird


    questions. Then, he buys me a bottle of water. And now, he''s going to help me hand out these flyers?


    What the heck is he ying at?


    ¡°Thank you for your kind gesture, but I can handle this myself,¡± Avery said as she reached out to take


    the flyers back.


    Dn was about as tall as Cayden, but he had a slightly different air about him. That was when Avery


    realized she couldn''t reach the flyers even without him raising his arms.


    ¡°Isn''t it better to get this job finished sooner?¡± Dn asked with an affectionate look in his eyes.


    A few girls passing by shed them envious looks when they saw that. ¡°You see that boyfriend of hers?


    He''s a hundred times better than that rich boyfriend of yours! I doubt your boyfriend would willingly help


    you hand out flyers like this!¡±


    Avery heard that since she was standing quite near them, but Dn was busy handing out flyers about


    fifty feet away from them at the time.


    Due to his good looks and charisma, he received a much better response from passers-by than Avery


    did.


    ¡°Can I have one?¡± a random girl asked shyly as she approached him.


    All it took was a few minutes for Dn to finish handing them all out.


    He then waved his empty hands at Avery from afar.


    Since her job had been forciblypleted, she had no choice but to collect her payment for the day.


    Her boss was a middle-aged woman in her fifties. She had a stern attitude, and her job was to keep an


    eye on the promoters so they wouldn''t ck off at work.


    She rolled her eyes in disgust when she handed Avery her payment. ¡°Why are you handing out flyers


    when you already have a rich boyfriend? Don''te in to work tomorrow! This job is for those who are


    actually poor!¡±


    Avery had wanted to exin herself, but the woman walked off before she could say anything.


    What the... Did I just lose my job for no reason?


    Avery felt frustrated at her predicament, but was powerless to do anything about it. As she hadn''t eaten


    nor drank anything since morning, she decided to have lunch at a pasta ce across the street.


    For some reason, the smell of food made her nauseous even though she was really hungry.


    Having stood six hours under the hot sun, however, left her so weak that she had no choice but to eat


    something.


    ¡°You and I are not that close, so stop following me around,¡± Avery said when she saw Dn cross the


    road with her.


    ¡°We can get to know each other better over lunch, then. I''ve been meaning to try the pasta here. Will


    you please stop being mad at me?¡± Dn said politely.


    ¡°Fine, you can dine here. I''ll go eat somewhere else.¡± Even if she couldn''t afford to offend him, Avery


    figured she could at least avoid him.


    She was about to leave when Dn grabbed her by the arm and said calmly, ¡°Wait! Let''s be friends,


    okay? I won''t bite.¡±


    ¡°Sorry, but I don''t want you as a friend.¡± Avery didn''t want to be associated with any more guys from


    wealthy families, especially if they were Cayden''s rtives.


    Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    She tried pulling her hand free, but Dn refused to let go.


    The struggling pushed Avery''s weakened body to its limits, and she soon found herself getting a little


    lightheaded. The next thing she knew, her vision had faded to ck.


    Dn frowned when he saw her falling backward and quickly reached out to catch her. After realizing


    what was going on, he scooped her into his arms and carried her into his Porsche Cayenne parked


    beside the road.


    That was when his phone started ringing all of a sudden.


    ¡°Who is this? What do you want?¡± Dn shouted impatiently upon answering the call.


    ¡°Granduncle Toby wants to know when you''ll be back,¡± Zachary replied in his usual soft voice.


    Dad must''ve forced him to call me in his stead, huh? That old man doesn''t like speaking to a failure like


    me, after all.


    Dn nced at Avery, who was still unconscious in the back seat, and said, ¡°I''ming home now.


    Oh, and I''ll be bringing a woman with me.¡±

 Chapter 124

    Chapter 124


    ¡°A woman? What woman?¡± Zachary asked in confusion.


    Both Toby and Talia''s eyes lit up when they heard that.


    Huh? Has that idiot finally learnt how to treat ady? Is he going to bring a girlfriend home or


    something? Looks like our son has finally matured! Those few years in prison were probably worth it,


    then.


    The two of them had tears of joy in their eyes as they exchanged relieved nces with each other.


    Zachary had only made that phone call because Toby asked him to. Noticing that Toby wanted to listen


    in on the conversation, he put it on loudspeaker so they could all hear it.


    ¡°A pretty one, of course! I''m sure you''ll like her!¡± Dn''s voice came out loud and clear.


    Both Toby and Talia could tell from Dn''s unusually affectionate tone andpliment that he really


    liked the woman.


    ¡°All right. I''ll wait for you and the pretty woman, then!¡± Zachary replied before hanging up the phone.


    ¡°S-Should I get prepared to wee her?¡± Talia asked excitedly.


    ¡°Of course!¡± Toby tried his best to remain calm and gave it some thought before continuing, ¡°It''s the


    girl''s first timeing over, so we must provide her with the best hospitality possible! Go see if there''s


    anything we can give her as a present. If there isn''t any, we can also offer her a mary gift instead.¡±


    ¡°I''m on it!¡± Talia turned around and prepared to go upstairs.


    ¡°Wait up!¡± Toby called out to her.


    ¡°You mustn''tin about the girl''s appearance, personality, and family background. Got it?¡± Toby


    reminded her. He didn''t want to risk having her ruin everything for Dn.


    ¡°I''m okay with it as long as she lives and breathes!¡± Talia replied with a smile before running up the


    stairs.


    They weren''t all that worried about the girl''s appearance as Dn had always been picky about his


    women. In fact, he and Kendrick had slept with countless celebrities before he was locked up to prison.


    Displeased with his son''s irresponsible behavior, Toby had tried to reform Dn as best he could.


    However, he failed to do so and ended up sending his son to prison instead.


    Given everything that had happened, there wasn''t much he could do except me it on Dn''s


    misdeeds.


    In less than ten minutes, word about Dn bringing his girlfriend home had spread all over the Musk


    residence.


    As the elders had all watched Dn grow up, they were happy that Toby and Talia could finally stop


    worrying about him.


    It wasmon for older people to own a few valuable pieces of jewelry, but Talia wasn''t sure if a young


    woman would like something so old-fashioned.


    Six years ago, Dn had bought her a very pretty diamond ne. While Talia liked it a lot, she felt


    she was too old for such trendy jewelry and didn''t dare wear it.


    Not wanting it to go to waste, she then decided to keep it as a gift for Dn''s future wife instead.


    Since Dn would be bringing his girlfriend home, Talia figured it would be a perfect chance to give the


    diamond ne away.


    ¡°It looks like your days of worrying are finally over, Talia. Dn must really serious about this girl if he''s


    bringing her home for us to see!¡± said one of the rtives.


    ¡°Yeah! Dn has never introduced a girl to us before. Back then, we only see his women on the


    entertainment news!¡± Talia eximed with tears in her eyes.


    ¡°Who knows? This one might just end up bing your daughter-inw! In fact, it''s also possible that


    she''s pregnant with Dn''s child! If that''s the case, you can start preparing for their wedding and


    expect a grandchild by next year!¡± said the rtive.


    The mere thought of that possibility made Talia so happy that she broke into a huge smile on the spot.


    As they were really eager to see their potential daughter-inw, every second that they spent waiting


    felt like an hour.


    About twenty minutester, Dn''s Porsche Cayenne could be hearding through the driveway. He


    was driving really fast at the time and nearly ran two of their housekeepers over when he pulled up at


    the front door.


    Both Toby and Talia were shocked speechless.


    What''s going on here? Oh, Dn... Please don''t screw this up!


    Dn then got out of the car and carefully covered Avery''s face with his suit jacket before carrying her


    into the house. Those that were present at the scene could only see her long hair and fair, slender legs.


    ¡°Have a doctore to my room!¡± Dn shouted at the two housekeepers that were still in shock.


    They nodded profusely in response and quickly called up a doctor.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Toby asked as he came over.


    ¡°I-I don''t know... H-He said to have a doctor go to his room!¡± the housekeeper stammered nervously.


    From N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Calm down. I''ll go check on him and see what''s going on,¡± Talia reassured him.


    Toby chose not to follow her upstairs as he feared he would end up arguing with Dn again.


    While waiting for an update from Talia, some of the rtives began discussing among themselves.


    ¡°Hehe... Dn sure knows how to pick them! I saw how she looked like even with the suit jacket


    covering her face. On top of that, she''s dressed rather inly too! She lookspletely different from


    what I was expecting!¡± said a young girl who looked like a high school student.


    Another equally young girl replied, ¡°Of course! Dn is incredibly good at choosing the right woman


    when he gets serious! He''s able to tell if a woman would make a good wife in the future. I just hope he''ll


    continue to care for her this much after they get married. He''d better not let her down!¡±


    After finishing his ss of juice, Zachary ced the cup down on the table rather heavily.


    ¡°What''s gotten into you?¡± Cayden asked with a stern look in his eyes.


    ¡°Oh? I didn''t know you were still aware of your surroundings! Honestly, I feel bad for Great-grandpa.


    Even your cousin has found himself a girlfriend, and you can''t even win Ms. Ery over! I hope I don''t


    inherit your genes that much, or I might end up being single at the age of thirty!¡± Zachary lectured him


    like an adult.


    Cayden ignored him as images of Avery''s rosy lips and gorgeous face appeared in his head. The mere


    thought of her caused him to rx instantly, but he quickly frowned and resisted his urge to desire her.

 Chapter 125

    Chapter 125


    Not wanting to talk to his dad any further, Zachary grabbed a towel and made his way toward Rory,


    who was having a lot of fun in the pool.


    ¡°Look at you... Your hair is all wet!¡± Zachary let out a sigh as he wiped her hair dry.


    Dad and I are all that Rory has right now. If only we could get ourselves a mom... For so long, I''ve


    always hoped for our mommy toe back for us. Even if she doesn''t get back together with Daddy, I


    was content with her visiting us once a week. Now, I don''t even expect her to return any more. All I


    want is for Daddy to marry Ms. Ery so she can be our mom instead. At the very least, Rory would be


    able to have a beautiful childhood like all the other girls of her age.


    ¡°Is that Yvonne?¡± someone asked while pointing at the door.


    Zachary nced in that direction and saw a pink sports car pulling up in the driveway.


    ¡°That''s our Yvonne all right! It hasn''t even been a week since she returned from studying abroad, and


    she has already started working in the office! She sure is a lot more hardworking than I was back in the


    day!¡± said a well-dressed middle-aged woman with a smile as she ran forward to wee her


    daughter.


    Yvonne shed the people in the mansion a smile after getting out of her car. However, her smile faded


    the moment she saw how her mother, Olivia, was dressed. ¡°Have you lost your mind? I can''t believe


    you''d wear a golden gown with a gold ne! You look exactly like a nouveau riche! Did you not read


    those fashion magazines like I told you to?¡±


    ¡°O-Of course I did!¡± Olivia replied awkwardly.


    ¡°You know what? Forget it. All you do is embarrass me in front of others anyway!¡± Yvonne muttered


    through clenched teeth. She then took a moment to rpose herself before heading over to greet


    the guests. ¡°Oh, my! You''re getting younger by the day! I can barely recognize you anymore!¡± Yvonne


    said with a sweet smile while hugging one of the rtives that she knew.


    The woman let out a chuckle. ¡°Aww... You''re such a sweetheart! Your mother says you''ve started


    working already. Is that true?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, that''s right.¡± Yvonne nced about her surroundings before continuing with a blush, ¡°I''m


    currently working at Trident Group.¡±


    Cayden was just sitting in a corner and calmly watching his two kids the whole time. Even so, he still


    received a lot of attention from those around him.


    Countless young girls have been staring at him from afar, but none of them had the courage to


    approach him.


    Given how Yvonne was ncing at Cayden and had started working at Trident Group very soon after


    her return, it became obvious what was going on.


    ¡°You sure are a lucky one, Yvonne! Trident Group is a very prestigiouspany. I''ll look forward to


    attending your wedding, okay?¡± the woman said while patting Yvonne on the shoulder.


    This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Yvonne simply nodded at her without saying anything.


    Keeping such things a secret was practically impossible for those in wealthy families, so word about


    Yvonne and Cayden being a couple soon spread like wildfire.


    When it was time for the banquet to start, the rumors had gone from them being a couple to Cayden


    insisting on marrying Yvonne.


    ¡°What''s so good about Yvonne? My daughter is far prettier than her!¡±


    ¡°Your daughter is indeed very pretty, but she''s already twenty-seven. Yvonne, on the other hand, is only


    neen. Who do you think he''d prefer?¡±


    ¡°Is that so? Does Yvonne really think she can marry into the Moore family just because she''s young?


    Heh, let''s see if she has what it takes!¡±


    As the guests continued discussing among themselves, Yvonne was busy trying to win Zachary and


    Rory over.


    Xavier had arrived about ten minutes ago. As Cayden would have to drink while socializing with the


    guests, he needed someone to look after the kids.


    Boss has every reason to take such precautions. If those who approach him have ulterior motives in


    the corporate world, then those who approach his kids must have even stronger motives. I wonder


    what Yvonne over there is secretly nning...


    With that in mind, Xavier continued observing them in silence from the side.


    Zachary was ying a video game on a console while Rory watched him like a fangirl.


    As Yvonne had no idea what the game was about, she couldn''t even start a conversation about it.


    After sitting there in awkward silence for a bit, she whipped out her phone and showed Zachary a video


    game that she often yed. ¡°This game is pretty poprtely, Zach. Do you want to give it a try?¡±


    Zachary turned toward her and nced at the game interface disyed on her phone.


    Xavier was quick to step in and stop her. ¡°Ms. Gagher, the games that Mr. Zachary ys is different


    from the mature ones that you y. Boss won''t allow him to y such games.¡±


    The look on Yvonne''s face turned gloomy instantly. ¡°So what if the game is mature? Since when did


    games get categorized like this? Why does it matter if the game is fun? Also, who are you to be sticking


    your nose into my affairs?¡±


    Despite her hanging out with celebrities all the time, Yvonne is actually an outcast among them


    because of her pretentious behavior. Most of them find it embarrassing to hang out with her.


    Not wanting to waste his time arguing with someone like her, Xavier told the kids, ¡°Come on, you two.


    Let''s go inside.¡±


    Zachary had on a ck baseball cap and earphones that were plugged into his console. Holding on to


    the console with one hand, he took Rory''s with the other and led her away from Yvonne.


    As Yvonne had be the center of attraction at the banquet, she wanted to show the guests that it


    was only a matter of time before she won Cayden''s heart over and married into the Moore family.


    After all, Allie had already expressed her approval of them dating.


    Yvonne knew full well that she couldn''t just wrap her arm around Cayden''s as people could easily see


    right through her act.


    As such, she decided to start with the two kids.


    She believed that showing everyone how close she was with Cayden''s kids would surely increase her


    chances of marrying him.


    However, that n had clearly failed as well.


    Cayden was starting to get a little tipsy after having a few drinks with the big shots.


    It has been six hours since Dn carried his girlfriend into his room upstairs, and the doctor has left


    long ago. If Uncle Toby and Aunt Talia are down here socializing with the guests, then his girlfriend is


    most probably all right. Still, they''ve been staring at me awkwardly quite a few times now... It makes me


    wonder who that girlfriend of Dn is...

 Chapter 126

    Chapter 126


    After downing another ss of red wine, Cayden ced his ss down gracefully and told the guests


    at the table, ¡°I''m going to use the bathroom.¡±


    After downing another ss of red wine, Cayden ced his ss down gracefully and told the guests


    at the table, ¡°I''m going to use the bathroom.¡±


    The banquet was being held in the air-conditioned living room, and the weather outside happened to be


    rather chilly that evening. That caused everyone to drink more in order to stay warm, which resulted in


    a much merrier party.


    Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Noticing his boss going upstairs, Xavier quickly brought the two kids over to the stairs as well.


    ¡°Why are we going upstairs, Mr. Dartsley?¡± Zachary asked curiously while ying the video game.


    ¡°To see your father.¡± Unable to tell the kids too much, Xavier simply brought them upstairs and had


    them sit on a chair near the stairwell. ¡°We''ll wait here for a bit. Your father went to the bathroom.¡±


    Zachary nodded and waited patiently for Cayden toe out of the bathroom.


    Thinking that they were about to go home, Rory said, ¡°But we haven''t had enough fun here, Mr.


    Dartsley!¡±


    ¡°In that case, you can let your father know when hees out of the bathroom. He''ll probably let you


    two stay here for a little while longer,¡± Xavier reassured her.


    The kids then continued immersing themselves in the video game, much to Xavier''s relief.


    He nced at the corridor, but saw no sign of Cayden whatsoever.


    I wonder which room Boss went into... Maybe he really did just go to the bathroom... No, I know what I


    saw. Boss has been looking up from time to time before he went up the stairs. I''m not sure why, though.


    Could it be that this floor contains some kind of unbelievable secret?


    His train of thought was interrupted when Yvonne came up the stairs.


    Xavier held his hand out and said, ¡°Please stop right there, Ms. Gagher.¡±


    Yvonne shot him a disdainful look in response. ¡°Get out my way if you know what''s good for you!¡±


    Frustrated at her failure to win the two kids over earlier, she had been ranting about it to her friends


    from overseas.


    As her friend had suggested for her to just ignore Cayden''s assistant, she decided to show him no


    respect at all.


    Even so, Xavier refused to budge and replied calmly, ¡°Feel free to assume I don''t know what''s good for


    me, then.¡±


    Yvonne was fuming with rage at that point. ¡°Do you have any idea who I am? I''m Yvonne Gagher! My


    dad''spany is likely to work closely with Trident Group in the future! How dare you get in my way


    like this? Are you not afraid that I''lle after you once I marry into the Moore family?¡±


    ¡°Sorry, Ms. Gagher. I''m just doing my job,¡± Xavier replied, still maintaining a professional tone.


    Yvonne nced at the bathroom upstairs and stamped her feet in frustration.


    This is a perfect opportunity, d*mn it! That friend of mine from overseas is practically a goddess in


    human form! She has never failed at getting the guy she likes, so her advice must be reliable! I know


    I''m being a little impatient here, but it''s not every day that I get a perfect chance like this! I got a little


    too drunkst night and ended up sleeping with that loser Zayne, but all it took was a little money to


    shut him up. The real problem, however, is how my period today is lighter than usual. ording to my


    friend from overseas, I should pretend to be drunk and follow Cayden into the bathroom. After that, I''ll


    lean against him and take his pants off. If he doesn''t go for it on the spot, then I can still save myself by


    coming up with excuses. I could say I was too drunk to know what I was doing or something. If he does


    go for it, then all the better. Not only would I be able to have him take responsibility for my child, but I


    could also use the period blood to my advantage! I could tell him that I gave him my first time! The


    golden opportunity now lies ahead of me, but f*cking Xavier over here just has to get in my way!


    Yvonne wanted nothing but to get to Cayden and execute that n of hers.


    Unsure of what she was thinking, Xavier reminded her, ¡°All that support from your family won''t mean a


    thing if you anger Mr. Moore.¡±


    Yvonne got so frustrated that she could only re daggers at Xavier.


    Meanwhile, Avery was still unable to open her eyes when she first regained consciousness upstairs.


    Her eyelids felt heavy, and her lips were really dry like she had just recovered from a severe illness.


    It took her quite a long time just to recall what happened on the street earlier.


    Huh? Where am I? Am I at a hospital? Or am I at home?


    Her dark, thick eyshes fluttered as she felt a scorching gaze from someone staring at her. After


    gasping and struggling for a bit, she opened her eyes like she had just woken up from a nightmare and


    nced at the person beside the bed.


    Both of them seemed equally surprised when they locked gazes.


    What the... Cayden? What''s he doing here? Wait, it does kind of make sense now that I think about it...


    Dn and Cayden are rted, so it''s perfectly reasonable for Dn to ce me in Cayden''s care after


    I fainted.


    However, surprise wasn''t the only look in Cayden''s eyes when he stared at her.


    She could also feel an inexplicable sense of affection in that gaze of his.


    Unable to maintain such intense eye contact any further, Avery quickly looked away and tried to sit up


    straight. She was blushing so hard that her ears had turned red, but Cayden was still ring at her with


    that same domineering look in his eyes.


    When Avery tried to get off the bed, she noticed that the screen of Cayden''s phone was still lit.


    Huh... He was looking something up on the inte before I woke up? What was he... Wait, what? He


    was trying to find out the chances of me getting pregnant if we nearly had sex on a few asions? On


    top of that, a doctor actually suggested that he take some precautionary measures because there''s a


    possibility of pregnancy?


    Upon noticing her bright red cheeks, Cayden shed her a sarcastic smile and asked, ¡°Sleeping in


    Dn''s bed so soon after sleeping in mine? Not bad, Avery. Perhaps I''ve underestimated you before.¡±


    Not wanting to exin anything to him at all, Avery quickly got off the bed even though she was still


    feeling a little dizzy at the time.


    I could tell him that Dn kept harassing me no matter how hard I tried to get rid of him, and that it


    wasn''t my intention to pass out. However, doing so would show that I''m still trying to get back with him.


    Besides, I wanted him to think of me as a promiscuous and unclean woman, so this misunderstanding


    works well for me. I''ll just leave it as it is.

 Chapter 127

    Chapter 127


    Just as the atmosphere in the bedroom was getting awkward, Avery sessfully found her phone.


    Just as the atmosphere in the bedroom was getting awkward, Avery sessfully found her phone.


    Upon turning on her phone with some difficulty, she saw loads of messages flood into her screen.


    One of which was a message Brodie sent to her via WhatsApp: When are you getting off work, Ery?


    What do you say if we have dinner tonight?


    She quickly replied to him.


    Once she finished typing, she let out a soft sigh, unwilling to turn her head around to look at Cayden


    again. Then she twisted the knob and walked out of the room.


    She carefully closed the bedroom door before looking around. All she could tell was that she was in a


    mansion. This is probably Dn''s house. I can hear voices of people talking and sses clinking


    coming from below. It sounds like a cocktail event.


    Avery continued to observe her surrounding. Seems like my only way out is through the front door. She


    headed toward the staircase as silently as possible.


    ¡°Ms. Rumpley?¡± Xavier saw her looking down by the staircase when he was ascending the stairs.


    Avery awkwardly greeted him when her eyes met his. ¡°Mr. Dartsley.¡±


    It was then he realized why his boss had been ncing on the second floor fervently when drinking,


    and also why his boss had left halfway to head upstairs. Why is she on the second floor, though?


    Xavier was an observant guy. After strolling around the event in the Musk residence, he overheard


    some interesting gossip.


    Everyone was saying that Dn had turned over a new leaf. Additionally, he was said to have brought


    an official girlfriend home with him that night. However, the girlfriend was said to have fainted from


    heatstroke.


    The moment she arrived, she was carried upstairs by Dn to rest.


    They said a doctor also came and gave Dn''s girlfriend an IV drip.


    When Xavier lowered his head, he saw there was an injection mark on Avery''s hand.


    He had no right to interfere with his boss'' personal matter, so all he could do was give her a reminder.


    ¡°There are a lot of bigshots on the ground floor, Ms. Rumpley. I''m afraid you won''t be able to leave for


    now.¡±


    Avery wished she had the ability to turn invisible and leave immediately. Sadly, she didn''t live in a world


    where superpowers exist.


    ¡°Ms. Ery?¡± Zachary was holding his game console with one hand and adjusting the earphone in his ear


    with the other. Rory was following him as they casually arrived at the staircase.


    Both of them swiftly ascended the stairs and hugged Avery''s legs tightly.


    When Avery was around, any games they were ying would no longer seem attractive.


    ¡°I''ll head downstairs first.¡± Xavier left upon seeing that so as to give his boss'' family some space.


    ¡°Where''s my daddy, Ms. Ery?¡± Rory tugged Avery''s dress, raised her head, and asked.


    Since Avery couldn''t just keep standing by the staircase, and her children were clinging to her very


    tightly, so she decided to send both of them to their father''s side first.


    When she opened the door, she saw Cayden standing next to the window with one of his hands resting


    inside his pocket. The other hand was pinching his furrowed eyebrows.


    Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    It wasn''t until he saw Avery with the kids that he let down his hand and stared at her.


    ¡°I still have things to do, so stay with your daddy first, okay?¡± She crouched down and persuaded the


    kids to stay after all three of them entered the room.


    However, the twins were smart, and they didn''t want her to leave as it made them feel abandoned.


    ¡°But I want to stay with you, Ms. Ery.¡± Rory pouted and wrapped her arms around Avery''s neck. She


    also rubbed her cheeks against Avery''s skin.


    Avery''s heart was instantly softened because Rory''s long and thick eyshes were brushing on her


    skin like tiny brushes.


    Cayden didn''te over to help her out. Instead, he just let the kids cling on to her.


    It was then Avery''s phone went buzzing again.


    She checked the message and saw Brodie reply: I''ll pick you up.


    Avery replied quickly: No need. Just tell me where to meet you, and I''ll drive there.


    Brodie typed: I think it''s better if I pick you up. It''s what I should do as your boyfriend.


    Avery sent: It''s really not necessary, though I appreciate your thoughtfulness. I know how much traffic


    there is during rush hour.


    Zachary could understand most of the words being exchanged, and so he raised his sad eyes toward


    Avery before asking, ¡°Why did this person say he''s your boyfriend, Ms. Ery? Isn''t your boyfriend


    Daddy?¡±


    Avery didn''t raise her head to check Cayden''s reaction and simply exined, ¡°This person is indeed


    my boyfriend.¡±


    ¡°What about Daddy?¡± Rory asked.


    ¡°Your daddy is my superior, my boss.¡± Avery squeezed out a smile and gently caressed Rory''s cheeks.


    When Zachary heard that, he turned to look at his dad with a sorrowful expression, as though he was


    asking for an answer. Is this really how it is, Daddy? Is what Ms. Ery said true?


    Avery slowly put down the children she was carrying in her arms and prepared to leave, despite how


    upset the twins appeared to be.


    When Cayden witnessed that and saw how his children were on the verge of tears, he remarked coldly


    at Avery, who was on the way out of the room. ¡°Stop!¡±


    Avery jumped at his authoritative tone and halted in her tracks instinctively.


    The children were also shocked by their father and held back the tears that were on the verge of


    streaming down their cheeks. In the midst of their sobs, they stared at their father, who was


    approaching them from the window.


    Avery turned back and met his unfathomably deep eyes.


    ¡°What''s the matter?¡± The moment she finished asking, she saw Cayden leaning toward her.


    The instant he pushed his body toward her, his dark figure blocked her line of sight as she was pinned


    to the door.


    She could feel a wet sensation on her lips as the temperature around them rose.


    He was domineeringly sucking on her lips.


    It was as though the air around them had frozen. Avery''s heartbeat quickened in fright. The sounds he


    made from sucking on her lips were deafening.


    She forcefully pushed Cayden away, but in the next second, he sucked her entire lips into his mouth.


    His breathing was getting heavier as it brushed past her ears.


    The kisssted for a long time before he let her go.


    ¡°Ms. Ery isn''t anyone else''s girlfriend. She''s my girlfriend.¡± Cayden turned to the twins and told them


    that when he left Avery''s lips, rubbing her red lips with his thumb.


    The twins were on the verge of crying until they saw their father acting like that. Cayden''s deration


    prompted them to start dancing in circles.


    ¡°No¡ª¡± Avery wanted to rebut, but the moment she opened her mouth, Cayden sessfully shut her up


    with his lips.


    The kiss wasn''t violent or sexual, since it was done in front of the children. As a parent, he didn''t want


    to go overboard, but only a kiss could make his point effectively.


    Rory was so overjoyed that she pped. ¡°Yay! Daddy and Ms. Ery are kissing!¡±


    Cayden held Avery''s fair face and continued to kiss her until her lips turned swollen at an angle where


    his children wouldn''t be able to see. This woman is the woman who birthed my twins.

 Chapter 128

    Chapter 128


    However, Cayden did not wish to use the children to bind her to him.


    However, Cayden did not wish to use the children to bind her to him.


    He believed a romantic rtionship should begin with marriage in mind. Furthermore, marriage should


    be forever until death parted them.


    However, he found himself in a stalemate and could not figure out how to break this deadlock.


    He began having feelings for Avery a long time ago. Before he had a chance to know her and confess


    his feelings, he had children with her.


    Given her resistance, he could have announced their children''s identity to force her to marry him.


    Of course, whether that would work depended on how much she loved her children. Would she love


    them so much that she was willing to abandon her freedom and everything she had to stay by their


    side?


    However, he would ruin the sanctity of marriage by doing that.


    Avery''s hatred for him would drown out all his love for her.


    Furthermore, using the children to bind her would not result in love. She would only be staying for the


    sake of their children.


    Therefore, he did not want to force her this way.


    He wanted her to be with him willingly.


    Cayden and Avery are stuck close together in the bedroom. Meanwhile, Zachary clung to Cayden''s leg


    while Rory clung to Avery''s leg. They looked like a loving family.


    At the same time, three people walked up the stairs with hurried footsteps.


    Talia climbed the stairs and said, ¡°I have searched all over the house but couldn''t find Cayden. Nigel


    said he saw Cayden going upstairs.¡±


    Toby replied sternly, ¡°So what if he went upstairs? What can he do?¡±


    Xavier could not help but feel nervous as he followed behind them.


    What happened in that two minutes caught him unprepared. Xavier listened to Cayden''s aunt and


    uncle and still could not figure out the reasoning behind the incident.


    Everyone in the Musk residence talked about Dn bringing home a fair and slender woman in in


    clothes. Some said she was beautiful. Furthermore, she was unconscious, and a doctor came to give


    her a drip.


    That woman was undoubtedly Avery.


    However, Xavier had always thought Avery was the woman Cayden loved.


    Boss brought Avery to the Moore residence before. His family and children have epted her. They


    seem to be getting along fine. So, why has Avery suddenly turned into Dn''s love interest? Could it


    be that there is some misunderstanding, or perhaps Avery is up to something?


    Xavier kept pondering about it but still could not figure it out. Therefore, he followed Cayden''s aunt and


    uncle upstairs, worrying that they would get into a fight with Cayden.


    Meanwhile, Dn entered the living room from the courtyard and asked his uncle who sat nearby.


    ¡°Where are my parents?¡±


    His uncle answered, ¡°Upstairs. They all went upstairs.¡±


    Thus, Dn went upstairs and heard his mother''s voice as he came to the second floor. ¡°Cayden, let


    me be clear with you. Everyone is born equal. Ery is beautiful and docile, and I like her very much.


    Thus, I hope you will refrain from pressuring her. Otherwise, I have no choice but to ask my future


    daughter-inw to resign from yourpany.¡±


    Dn walked into the bedroom after hearing that, prompting everyone to turn and look at him.


    ¡°Bring the children outside,¡± Cayden instructed Xavier.


    Xavier nodded and quickly led the confused children downstairs.


    Then, Cayden looked at Dn intimidatingly.


    Avery grabbed her bag and decided to leave. As she walked past Dn''s mother, she said, ¡°You''ve


    misunderstood. There is nothing between your son and me.¡± Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Talia frowned and quickly pushed Dn who was standing still in the doorway. ¡°Why are you still


    standing here? Go after her!¡±


    Thus, Dn turned around and dashed downstairs.


    Then, Talia nudged Toby, signaling him to say something.


    Toby stood at the doorway and turned to Cayden, who remained in the bedroom. ¡°Cayden, your


    generation has better exposure to culture and is more open-minded than us elders. Thus, don''t stand in


    the way of Ery and Dn''s rtionship. They are free to love each other. You should also abandon the


    outdated thinking about a couple needing to have equal social standings to be together.¡±


    ¡°That''s right!¡± Talia nodded in agreement. ¡°Cayden, Ery did not ask to be born into an ordinary family,


    nor did she wish to only work as a junior designer after all her studies. After all, no one can choose


    their family. Moreover, Dn had behavioral problems and went to prison before, so we are not sure


    whether he can be a good husband. Therefore, you must not think that Ery is unworthy of Dn.¡±


    ¡°Also, I asked Dn. It is him who is pursuing Ery.¡± Toby made up a random exnation, fearing that


    Cayden would think Avery had seduced Dn.


    Cayden turned around and faced Toby and Talia. ¡°I never said Ery is unworthy of Dn.¡±


    ¡°Then...¡± Talia was stunned. ¡°Does this mean you think Dn is unworthy of Ery?¡±


    Cayden''s expression darkened at her answer.


    Talia knew her son''s character and could not defend him. Therefore, she raised her hand and


    promised, ¡°I guarantee with my life that Ery will never suffer mistreatment if she marries into the Musk


    family!¡±


    Cayden felt it was useless continuing to argue with them. Thus, he raised his hand to stop the


    conversation and rushed downstairs.


    Meanwhile, Yvonne was shocked to see Avery in the courtyard.


    Then, she saw Dn rushing into the courtyard to chase after Avery.


    What the heck? Why does Dn look so nervous? Could it be that Dn has also fallen for Avery?


    How deep has he fallen for her? Does he want to marry her, or does he see her like how he saw other


    women as discardable ythings in the past?


    As Cayden was driving away, he saw Dn walking toward the house alone. It seemed he had failed to


    make Avery stay.


    Dn looked at Cayden in the driver''s seat and smirked. ¡°I didn''t n for this misunderstanding, but


    they all think she is my girlfriend, so you can''t expect me to exin to everyone. Furthermore, you have


    broken up with her. I found her fainted on the streets, so I brought her back out of kindness.¡±


    Cayden red daggers at Dn. He stepped on the elerator and sped away from the Musk


    residence.


    Dn watched Cayden drive away. Suddenly, he felt a hand tapping his shoulder, prompting him to


    turn around. It was Yvonne who was holding a ss of wine.


    ¡°Dn, are you interested in Ery?¡± Yvonne asked and pursed her lips.


    Dn could not exin how he felt and recalled the numerous women he had in the past before


    ncing at the neen-year-old Yvonne before him. He could see nothing attractive, youthful, or


    tender about Yvonne. Thus, he nodded indifferently. ¡°I am interested. She is more interesting than any


    woman I''ve met.¡±


    Yvonne was dissatisfied with his high praise for Avery. ¡°Men always yearn for what they could not have.


    I knew men like you too well. Dn, are you going to marry her?¡±


    Dn was suspicious of Yvonne. ¡°What are you nning? Are you trying to get rid of Cayden''s ex


    before marrying him?¡±


    ¡°You only have to tell me whether you wish to marry this Ery. If you do, I have a n.¡± Yvonne was


    impatient to get rid of Avery from her life.


    It doesn''t matter who Avery marries. Of course, it will be best for me if she marries Dn. Once she is


    married, Cayden is all mine.

 Chapter 129

    Chapter 129


    Yvonne hade up with her own ns.


    Yvonne hade up with her own ns.


    Which wealthy young man in Ackleton is the hardest to get? It is not some yboy heir or womanizer


    but the cold and distant Cayden Moore.


    Cayden was especially indifferent to women.


    Yvonne had tried everything to get close to Cayden. However, all these years, Cayden always behaved


    like they were strangers whenever she came close to him.


    Still, Yvonne did not feel ashamed because he treated other women that way too.


    Only Avery received Cayden''s special treatment.


    Therefore, Yvonne could not understand how an unremarkable woman like Avery made Cayden love


    her so much. However, it did not matter to Yvonne why Cayden loved Avery. Yvonne only cared about


    getting rid of Avery as soon as possible.


    She needed to ruin Avery''s reputation and body.


    If Yvonne could have her way, she would want Avery to marry a poor and despicable man. Then, he


    would make Avery suffer upon marriage, giving her a fate worse than death. That would make Yvonne


    very happy. Unfortunately, that was not the most practical idea.


    Instead, the best way was to make Avery marry Dn.


    The Musk family was wealthy and powerful. Once Avery married Dn, she would have to abide by


    wifely virtues and obey her inws.


    Therefore, she would not have a chance to seduce Cayden anymore.


    Moreover, Dn and Cayden were rtives.


    If Avery dared to seduce a rtive, she would be dooming herself.


    Thus, Dn''s rtionship with Cayden was a shackle that could firmly bind Avery, preventing her from


    ever taking another step closer to Cayden.


    Furthermore, if Avery showed even a little interest in Cayden, it wouldbel her immoral and lead


    society to shame her.


    The n seemed perfect the more Yvonne thought about it.


    Meanwhile, on the outskirts of the city, Cayden''s car had left the road to the mansion and was traveling


    on a public road.


    He saw a car belonging to the Musk family before him, following Avery as she walked in front.


    Thus, Cayden sped up and made a quick turn, stopping his car horizontally before the said Musk


    family''s car.


    The car from the Musk family had no choice but to stop. Then, the driver lowered his window and


    asked respectfully, ¡°Mr. Moore, what are you¡ª¡±


    ¡°You don''t have to follow her anymore. I will send her back, since it is on my way.¡± Cayden looked


    sternly at the Musk family''s driver.


    Dn had sent the driver to follow Avery. She had refused to let Dn send her back and insisted on


    heading to the main road to hail a taxi. Since Dn did not wish to trouble or anger her, he had no


    choice but to send the driver to follow her from a safe distance to ensure her safety.


    Still, the driver found the way Dn wanted him to keep Avery safe challenging.


    Dn had instructed, ¡°Even if she gets into a taxi, you are to follow her in your car until you see that


    she gets home safely. Only then can youe back here.¡±


    It seemed Dn distrusted all taxi drivers.


    ¡°Sure, thank you, Mr. Moore,¡± the driver replied. Cayden and Dn are cousins. Although they are not


    close, they are still blood rtives.


    Thus, the driver believed Avery would be safe with Dn''s rtive sending her back.


    After convincing the driver to leave, Cayden returned to his car and headed toward a lone figure waiting


    by the road.


    Meanwhile, Avery stood by the road and suddenly heard a car honking behind her. She stepped aside


    without bothering to look up or nce behind, as her mind was still preupied with worries.


    However, the car honked again and continued honking relentlessly.


    Avery had already retreated to the furthest end of the side of the road, and there was no more space


    for her to go. Thus, she could not help but nce at the car.


    At that moment, Cayden sped his ck Land Rover toward Avery. Avery was frightened by the car


    suddenlying at her and nearly fell in front of the road barricade.


    Cayden braked suddenly and parked the car before her.


    Then, he got down from the car, looking domineering in his tailored ck suit. He had the top two


    buttons on his white shirt undone and looked sexy with his corbones exposed. As he approached


    her, she looked down and was desperate to hide somewhere.


    ¡°You won''t be able to hail a taxi here. Are you nning to walk to the city area?¡± Cayden asked in his


    deep voice and sounded angry.


    He reached out his left hand, wanting to hold her right hand. However, she quickly dodged and hid her


    hand behind her back.


    It seemed Avery was determined not to get into his car.


    It was like how she adamantly refused to get into Dn''s car.


    To make Cayden give up on her, Avery would date someone as soon as possible and get married.


    However, she would never date Dn because they came from vastly different backgrounds.


    Furthermore, she feared her life would be miserable if she were to marry a wealthy man.


    Moreover, Dn and Cayden were cousins, so that was all the more reason for her to stay away from


    Dn.


    On the other hand, Brodie kept messaging her on WhatsApp, showing that he was interested in her.


    Furthermore, he seemed modest in his speech and demeanor. She thought that a man like Brodie


    suited her social standing and family background.


    Therefore, she felt she should not disappoint Brodie.


    The trees on each side of the road rustled gently in the breeze. Avery looked at Cayden, who was


    standing before her in his expensive suit, and walked past him, continuing ahead without a backward


    nce.


    Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    I will walk. If I still don''t reach the city area when I am exhausted, I will think of another way.


    Cayden''s eyes darkened as he watched her walking away. He immediately dashed forward and


    grabbed her slender waist forcefully.


    ¡°Ah, what are you doing?¡± Avery eximed and tried to push his hands away.


    Cayden opened his car door and refused to let go of her wrist. He dragged her into the car and found


    an exquisite box in there. It contained an expensive-looking necktie.


    He opened the box and pulled out the brand new light gray tie to bind her wrists.


    ¡°Cayden, are you crazy?¡± Avery teared up in a panic. It was the second time Cayden had retrained her


    hands.


    Cayden ignored her protests and threw the gift box into the trashcan at the side of the road. The


    trashcan was nearly empty, as people rarely came here.


    The tie was a gift from one of his aunts.


    Then, he returned to the car and stuffed a clean pocket square into Avery''s mouth.


    Other than shaking her head and moving her legs, Avery did not have any other way to fight back.


    ¡°What do you mean when you shake your head? Are you apologizing to me, saying that you shouldn''t


    have seduced Dn and cheated on me with one of my cousins? Is that what you mean?¡± Cayden


    came up with his own exnation.


    The pocket square Cayden stuffed in Avery''s mouth looked like a handkerchief. But unlike


    handkerchiefs, the pocket square was something wealthy and prominent men like Cayden would use.


    Avery kept moving her mouth but could not dislodge it, no matter how hard she tried.


    Suddenly, her phone vibrated.


    Cayden reached into her bag and took her phone.


    Brodie had sent her the location of a dessert shop and texted her: The dessert here seems delicious. It


    took me a lot of research to find this ce. Also, I hearddies in love will love to have a date at a


    ce like this. I hope you will like it too.


    Cayden''s expression darkened instantly, and it looked as if a severe storm was brewing on his face.


    He pinched Avery''s chin with his well-formed hand and tilted her chin, forcing her to look at him. Her


    gaze glimmered with fear as she looked at his cold and handsome face.


    ¡°Does your boyfriend know you could be pregnant with my baby?¡± Cayden asked.

 Chapter 130

    Chapter 130


    Avery wanted to tell the unhinged Cayden that she would not get pregnant from being intimate with him


    previously.


    Avery wanted to tell the unhinged Cayden that she would not get pregnant from being intimate with him


    previously.


    However, the pocket square in her mouth prevented her from saying anything.


    Furthermore, she remembered that Cayden had done research on his phone and consulted an online


    doctor. The doctor said there was a possibility of pregnancy from non-prative sex, but it was


    unlikely.


    Still, there was always a chance.


    Avery began to panic as she thought about that.


    From N?velDrama.Org.


    She had been so exhausted recently. Furthermore, her mind was a mess, and she could not recall


    whether she had taken emergency contraception.


    Avery remembered buying the contraceptive and putting it in her bag.


    However, she could not remember when or whether she had taken it.


    Avery had never feared unnned pregnancy as much as she did at the moment. It would be torture


    and sin to get pregnant with Cayden''s child now.


    Suddenly, she could not hold back her sadness.


    Cayden saw her eyes welling up with tears before the tears flowed from her eyes. Despite his anger,


    Cayden still could not bear to see Avery sad. Thus, he asked gently, ¡°Why are you crying?¡±


    The sternness on his face receded gradually.


    Avery kept staring at him unblinkingly until Cayden kissed her gently on her eyelid, causing her to close


    her eyes instinctively.


    She felt the warmth of his lips as he kissed away her tears. Then, he trailed kisses down her face,


    kissing away the tears that flowed down her cheeks.


    Cayden''s voice grew a little hoarse. ¡°What will you have me do? You came into my world only to leave


    again. You left so suddenly and without warning. No man would be able to take it, you know?¡±


    Avery could not bring herself to speak but kept crying. She did not have a choice.


    ¡°I like you. I have liked you since that year in that small town. However, I believe love is different. I can''t


    find any way to control my possessiveness for you after falling in love with you.¡± Cayden articted


    each word slowly and clearly. His Adam''s apple moved as he spoke.


    However, Avery continued to look down and refused to let him see her expression.


    Cayden remained silent for a long time before sighing. ¡°Forget it.¡±


    He let go of her and turned around to light a cigarette.


    Then, he sat with his back facing her and took a few drags of the cigarette. The addictive taste of the


    nicotine did not make him feel better. Instead, he felt worse than before.


    Avery did not say anything on the journey back. At the same time, Cayden remained silent too.


    Once the car arrived at the residential area of her rented apartment, Avery got out of the car. Her eyes


    were dry and painful. At the same time, she reminded herself to never turn around to look at him.


    ke was home. ¡°Ery, you''re back.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Avery nodded and went into her bedroom.


    ke was watching the news on the television.


    Then, Avery made dinner for ke before heading out to meet Brodie. She prepared barbecue spare


    ribs and a vegetable dish. They were all ke''s favorite.


    Then, Avery brought the food to the table and said, ¡°Grandpa, since your teeth are healthy, you should


    have more of the barbecue spare ribs you love.¡±


    ke epted the te from her and gave a sorrowful sigh. ¡°Sometimes, I could not help but think it is


    not good to live too long. I feel like a burden to you now that I am old...¡±


    Avery hurriedlyforted ke, ¡°How can you be a burden to me? I will only feel happy with you by


    my side. Furthermore, having meals and watching TV series with you makes me feel secure and


    reminds me that I have a family too.¡±


    Her eyes were full of tears after she finished speaking. She did not want ke to see her crying, so


    she escaped into the kitchen. ¡°I think I forgot to turn off the oven''s power supply. Let me go check it.¡±


    Later, she went on a date with Brodie. He had booked a table at an expensive ce.


    Avery felt a little anxious after sitting down and kept ncing around.


    Brodie seemed to have read her thoughts andforted her, ¡°We cane here only once, or we can


    come here again if you wish. I just want you to enjoy a date like any other woman in love. I assure you


    that I am not always this extravagant.¡±


    Avery did not expect Brodie to exin that way.


    After dinner, they proceeded to order dessert. Dessert was the key highlight of that ce.


    However, the waitress said, ¡°My apologies, sir. The pastry chef had an urgent family matter and had


    gone home. So, the dessert you asked for is no longer avable for tonight. Would you like to change


    to another type of dessert?¡±


    Switching to another type of dessert would defeat the purpose of dining there.


    Brodie did not n to be romantic and was not a romantic person. However, since ady was willing to


    be with him and live an ordinary life with him in the future, he wanted to give her all the nice things


    within his power.


    In the future, when others talked about the city''s most famous dessert, his wife, Avery, would not feel


    inferior and could say proudly, ¡°My husband and I have been there and tried the dessert.¡±


    ¡°When I made the booking, I was informed that the pastry chef would be here.¡± Brodie found it


    unbelievable. He did not expect to hear about a pastry chef''s sudden absence in such a high-end


    restaurant.


    Then, he nced at the neighboring table. They had only arrived a little earlier than us. Why do they


    have that dessert? How can the pastry chef leave at such bad timing?


    ¡°It''s all right. Any dessert is fine. Furthermore, I''m not too fond of something sweet,¡± Avery said, as she


    did not want Brodie to feel ufortable.


    The waitress insisted that the pastry chef was not around and kept smiling as she apologized to Brodie.


    Therefore, Brodie had no choice but to switch to another dessert.


    After leaving the dessert shop, Brodie drove the car to send Avery home.


    They had officially begun dating.


    ¡°Would you like to meet my parents and elder sister?¡± Brodie asked as they were on the way back to


    her home.


    ¡°I''ll leave it to you. If you think the timing is right, I will meet your family with you.¡± Avery felt that


    meeting his parents did not mean they had to get married soon.


    Moreover, she felt his parents should meet her earlier. Brodie was brilliant and humble. If his parents


    believed she was unworthy of him, she could end this rtionship sooner and not disrupt Brodie''s


    bright future.


    They chatted all the way back.


    Brodie followed the directions in the navigation system and stopped the car at the entrance to her


    residential area. He sounded reluctant to part ways. ¡°We are here.¡±


    Avery unfastened her seatbelt and thanked him before getting out of the car.


    ¡°I''ll bring you to that dessert shop again to have that dessert,¡± Brodie said apologetically.


    Avery nodded and did not say much before entering the residential area.


    Once home, she turned on the light and called out, ¡°Grandpa?¡±


    However, no one answered her.


    ¡°Grandpa?¡± Avery put down her bag and went to ke''s bedroom to look for him. He was not there


    either.


    She searched the whole house but still could not find him. Thus, Avery called ke on the phone, but a


    robot voice sounded. ¡°Sorry, the number you have dialed cannot be reached at the moment...¡±


    Suddenly, someone pressed the doorbell.


    Avery thought it was ke returning from a walk downstairs.


    However, she opened the door and saw it was a young man in a uniform.


    ¡°Good evening. Here''s a dessert delivery for you.¡± The young man presented an exquisite box politely.


    Avery was stunned.


    Dessert? Who sent this? Looking at the logo on the dessert box, Avery instantly recognized it was from


    the dessert shop she and Brodie had gone to just now.


    Didn''t the pastry chef have to leave due to an emergency at home? Who made this dessert? Most


    importantly, where is Grandpa?


    Without thinking much about the dessert, Avery rushed downstairs to search for the missing ke.

 Chapter 131

    Chapter 131


    Avery searched downstairs for nearly an hour but still could not find her grandfather.


    Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    She panicked and returned upstairs to search around the empty rented house again. It hit her that her


    grandfather was truly missing.


    Grandpa''s cane is missing. Perhaps he took it with him when he went downstairs. But Grandpa usually


    won''t take his cane unless he is going somewhere far. He only uses it as support when concerned that


    he does not have enough stamina to walk back.


    Avery entered ke''s bedroom again.


    She remembered ke was fine when she left for a date with Brodie.


    However, during dinner, ke had once said, ¡°Sometimes, I could not help but think it is not good to


    live too long. I feel like a burden to you now that I am old...¡±


    Could Grandpa have run away from home?


    Avery shook her head and did not believe ke would do that.


    Then, she opened the wardrobe in ke''s bedroom and looked closely. However, she was unsure how


    many sets of clothes ke had brought to Ackleton. Thus, she could not tell whether any of them were


    missing.


    However, the wardrobe showed signs of being rummaged.


    It seems Grandpa has taken his clothes and the cane. Has he run away for real?


    Avery could not calm down and called Alina. She had not kept in touch with her for a long time.


    Even if Grandpa has run away from home, I don''t think he will look for Aunt Alina.


    ¡°Sorry, the number you have dialed is not in service...¡± A robotic voice sounded from the phone.


    Aunt Alina''s number is out of service. She must have stopped using this number a long time ago.


    Then, Avery called her father, Leonardo.


    Leonardo chatted with her for a while, telling her he was in good health and did not face any severe


    health conditions. Then, he told her to focus on work and not to worry about him.


    Hearing that, Avery instantly understood that Leonardo had nothing to do with ke''s disappearance.


    Therefore, everything seemed to point to the possibility of ke running away because he did not want


    to burden her.


    Avery frowned in panic. She nced at the dessert box ced against the wall before heading over


    and squatting down to open it. She took out a card from it.


    The card had a heartwarming and romantic cartoon printed on it.


    However, there was no name.


    Thus, Avery began to panic even more.


    She pursed her lips and forced herself to stand up. Then, she pondered for a minute before looking at


    the dessert again. She suddenly remembered what had happened after Cayden stopped her when she


    was walking from Dn''s residence to the city area.


    Brodie had sent her a WhatsApp message about that dessert shop and saiddies liked to go on a


    date there. Cayden had seen the message too.


    What is Cayden''s character? He is usually stern and unapproachable. However, he can sometimes be


    childish and more unpredictable than any teenager in love. He is also petty, and he''d pick fights about


    anything. I believe I know who sent this dessert.


    Avery took her bag and rushed out of the house. At the same time, she called Cayden on his phone.


    However, Cayden did not answer the phone.


    She tried to call him a few more times, but it was still the same.


    Then, she stood in the elevator and became lost in her thoughts.


    Grandpa must have been taken away by Cayden''s subordinates. He hasn''t gone missing and is


    probably ying chess and having tea with Old Mr. Moore. Previously, Cayden took Grandpa to the


    Moore residence. Grandpa told me a few youngsters had tried to scam him as he was taking a walk


    downstairs. Luckily, Cayden appeared and dealt with the matter efficiently. Then, he kindly brought


    Grandpa to his home.


    Avery came out of the residential area and waved to hail a taxi.


    She got into the taxi and felt mncholic as she looked at the passing night scenery.


    Cayden is a caring and thoughtful man. He is undeniably a perfect lover and an ideal husband.


    Unfortunately, we are destined not to be a couple in this life.


    Avery tried to call Cayden many times in the taxi, but none of her calls got through.


    She believed ke might be in the Moore residence.


    The taxi soon arrived at the Moore residence. Avery got out of the car and said to the driver, ¡°Can you


    wait here for a moment?¡±


    The taxi driver nodded.


    Avery went to the front gate and pressed the doorbell. She nned to take ke home as soon as she


    saw him.


    Soon, the butler cum driver came to open the gate.


    ¡°Ms. Rumpley, what brings you here?¡± The butler was surprised to see her.


    ¡°I''m looking for my grandpa.¡± Avery looked at the butler and asked politely, ¡°May I ask if he is here?¡±


    However, the butler''s answer stirred up her panic again. ¡°Your grandpa is not here.¡±


    ¡°He''s not here?¡± Avery looked toward the courtyard and saw there was no one there. ¡°Is Cayden here?¡±


    Avery was sure Cayden was the one who had arranged the dessert delivery.


    ¡°Mr. Moore is not here too, and so are Mr. Zachary and Ms. Rory,¡± the butler answered.


    Right then, Allie came out of the mansion.


    Seeing Avery at the gate, she came and waved at the butler, telling thetter to leave them alone.


    The butler gave Avery a polite bow before he left.


    After the butler left, Allie turned to Avery coldly. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°It has nothing to do with you.¡± Avery closed the gate and left.


    She did not wish to hear another word from Allie.


    Allie stood by the gate and sneered as she watched Avery enter the taxi. Then, she turned around and


    looked at the butler who was walking away. ¡°Hold on.¡±


    The butler stopped in his tracks.


    ¡°What did she say to you just now?¡± Allie asked.


    ¡°Ms. Rumpley asked if her grandpa was here, so I told her he wasn''t. She then asked to see Mr.


    Moore, but I told her Mr. Moore and the children were not here,¡± the butler answered truthfully.


    Allie looked down and pondered over the matter. Has Old Mr. Rumpley left without telling her?


    Otherwise, why would she be searching everywhere for him? She even came to find him here.


    Meanwhile, Avery instructed the taxi driver to bring her downtown.


    Since Zachary and Rory are not in the Moore residence, they are likely staying with their father in the


    downtown condominium.


    Avery tried calling Cayden again, but she still could not reach him.


    Soon, Avery arrived at the condominium''s entrance, but the receptionist refused to let her in, as she did


    not have a key.


    Thus, Avery said, ¡°I know the unit number. If I press the doorbell, the owner will let me in.¡±


    The receptionist nodded.


    Avery then pressed the inte button.


    The receptionist broke the rules to let Avery use the inte because Avery had told the receptionist


    that her grandfather had gone missing. It concerned a life-threatening emergency, so the receptionist


    agreed to Avery''s request.


    Otherwise, even the condominium management hardly ever used the inte for fear of disturbing the


    unit owners.


    After all, every owner of the condominium was wealthy and influential.


    When the doorbell sounded, Avery and the receptionist were already standing in the elevator to go up.


    ¡°I am Avery. Can Ie in for a while?¡± Avery asked softly the moment the inte was connected.


    She did not wait for Cayden to speak.


    Cayden paused for a few seconds before replying, ¡°You cane up here.¡±

 Chapter 132

    Chapter 132


    When she walked out of the elevator, the receptionist told Cayden, ¡°I''m sorry, sir. She ims to know


    you.¡±


    Cayden nodded.


    The receptionist left after seeing his response.


    Avery gazed at him awkwardly and asked, ¡°Did you see my grandpa?¡±


    She was the one who vowed to leave his life but came back at night to ask him some questions.


    Avery felt apprehensive and awkward, but she had to go all out, as ke was missing.


    ¡°What''s wrong with your grandpa? Is he not at home?¡± Cayden looked up from tying the strings on his


    sleeping robe.


    Avery observed his expression and gaze. I don''t think he knows where Grandpa is.


    Her heart sank to the bottom of her stomach. Feeling helpless, she shook her head and pressed the


    elevator button with her shaking hand. She wanted nothing more than to leave right now.


    Cayden took in her pale face and nervous gaze. He strode out to the elevator.


    Picking her up, he ignored her struggles and tossed her onto the couch. As she tried hard to bite back


    her tears, he propped his arms before her and asked sternly, ¡°What happened? Tell me everything


    now!¡±


    Tears sparkled in Avery''s eyes.


    Right then, the kids trotted out of their rooms.


    Rory was hugging a white teddy bear as she rubbed her eyes sleepily. In his haste toe out,


    Zachary even wore his house slippers the wrong way. He stared at the adults who were in a weird


    position on the couch.


    ¡°Go back to sleep. I need to talk to Ms. Ery.¡± Cayden turned at his shoulder as his brows snapped


    together.


    Zachary pouted unhappily. Without a word, he led Rory back to the room. He didn''t forget to gaze at


    Avery longingly before disappearing into the room.


    Avery nced at them.


    s, she couldn''t bring herself to smile at them at the moment.


    Suddenly, her phone rang.


    Avery pulled it out immediately as though she had been waiting for a reply.


    It was a WhatsApp voice message from Nina.


    ¡°I didn''t see your grandpa. What happened? Don''t scare me, Ery. Did he go missing? Where are you?


    I''ll head there right now. Don''t be afraid!¡±


    Cayden took her phone and typed out a reply: Don''t bother.


    With that, he gazed at her eyes under her longshes. ¡°I''ll go put on some clothes. Wait for me.¡±


    As he took her phone with him, she had to wait.


    It looks like he wears suit jackets all year long. He is always organized.


    As they both walked out of the condominium, they caught the attention of the management staff.


    ¡°They are a couple, right?¡± the receptionist asked anotherdy on duty.


    Thedy on duty was busy checking information and lifted her head to look at the couple walking away.


    ¡°They are a couple, but they look like strangers. Otherwise, why didn''t the young woman have a key?


    She needed us to bring her to the man''s unit. She must be his mistress.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps they got into a fight. The man obviously cares about her. It doesn''t seem like he''s a cruel


    sugar daddy.¡±


    Thedy on duty didn''t bother to hide her surprise. ¡°Are you serious? She''s just an ordinary woman!


    How dare she get into a fight with the man? Does she have a death wish? Or does she want to try to


    get herself dumped by the man?¡±


    The receptionist pursed her lips and told thedy, ¡°How is she ordinary? Can you find someone who


    looks as pretty as her without makeup on the streets? I''ll admit defeat if you can find one like her.¡±


    Thedy on duty fell silent.


    Cayden drove his Land Rover out from the parking lot and parked it at the entrance of his


    condominium.


    Winding down the window, he nced at her. ¡°The subway is going to stop running soon. Are you


    going to take taxis all the time? I''m afraid your money will be all spent. What if you find your grandpa


    but end up with no money to treat your dad?¡± He was forcing her to get into his car and ept his help.


    Even before they broke up, she had been using her money to treat her father and survive on her own.


    Now, she had to support her elderly grandfather, too.


    The burden on her shoulders was too heavy.


    Thus, she valued each and every cent that she earned.


    After getting into his car, Avery leaned back in her seat silently.


    ¡°Do you have other rtives? Did you ask them whether your grandpa went to them?¡± Cayden drove in


    a steady manner. He nned to bring her back home, for there was a possibility ke went home after


    getting lost. The elderly man might be locked out of his house right now.


    ¡°My rtives? If I can''t get in touch with them, then there''s no way Grandpa would have gotten in touch


    with them,¡± Avery told him after pondering for a moment.


    In the car, Cayden gave Jeffrey a call.


    Jeffrey said he wasn''t with ke. He also asked what had happened.


    Cayden made up an excuse before ending the call. ncing at Avery, he said, ¡°Call the police. Don''t


    worry. He will be fine.¡±


    However, if Avery were to call the police, they would tell her that a report could only be made after the


    person had gone missing for at least forty-eight hours.


    Cayden was rich, influential, and had connections. He gave Xavier a call and made the arrangements.


    Xavier went to the police and exined everything to them. He also provided ke''s photo and


    information to the police.


    After arriving at Avery''s residential area, Cayden followed her upstairs.


    The door was pushed open, and the house waspletely dark and silent. Apparently, ke was not


    back yet.


    They went downstairs and searched every corner of the residential area.


    Cayden even apanied her to the streets outside the residential area. s, ke remained


    nowhere to be seen.


    It was the end of September, and the weather was chilly at night.


    Avery didn''t know whether it was the cool weather or her fearful heart that made her entire being


    tremble.


    The police went to check the surveince cameras nearby. There were no results for now, for most of


    the surveince cameras were broken.


    ¡°Could it be that he returned to Livingsfill?¡± Cayden asked as he walked behind Avery.


    Hearing that, Avery turned at her shoulder to look at him. Her eyes remained teary over the past few


    hours. It waste at night, and she looked like a pitiful girl who dared not go against anyone else in the


    world.


    Cayden stepped forward and took her hand. Gripping it tightly, he pointed at his car parked by the


    street and suggested, ¡°Why don''t we head back to Livingsfill? The police can continue the search


    here.¡±


    Avery had no other choice but to agree.


    On the way to the town, Cayden insisted on giving her his suit jacket.


    Indeed, Avery was freezing.


    ¡°Take a nap. I''ll wake you up when we arrive.¡± Cayden lit a cigarette and wound the window down so


    the smoke wouldn''t remain in the car.


    He needed a cigarette to stay awake, as he was driving his carte at night.


    Avery shut her eyes momentarily and opened them. Whenever she couldn''t sleep, she would do her


    best to turn her romantic love for Cayden into familial love.


    That way, she would feel less guilty.


    From N?velDrama.Org.


    Cayden was focused on his driving but noticed that she wasn''t about to sleep. ¡°What are you thinking


    about?¡±


    ncing at him, she replied, ¡°I''m thinking that you''re my superior and my boss, and perhaps I can see


    you as my brother...¡±


    After flicking the cigarette ashes into the car ashtray, Cayden parted his lips and responded, ¡°A


    brother? Do you want a brother that has sex with you every night?¡± His tone held a hint of mockery as


    though she had just said a joke.

 Chapter 133

    Chapter 133


    Avery''s cheeks flushed red.


    The atmosphere in the car was silent but amorous.


    She curled up into a ball in the passenger seat. Strangely, she felt safe with him beside her.


    Avery thought long and hard about it before concluding that her sense of security stemmed from their


    blood ties.


    It was natural to feel safe when one was with one''s brother. That was what normal siblings would do.


    Gradually, Avery fell into a deep sleep.


    She was satisfied to finally find a suitable position for herself. If she thought of him as her brother, they


    wouldn''t be going against the norms even if they were to spend time alone.


    Cayden soon arrived at a toll. After passing the toll, he whipped his head around to nce at Avery,


    who was curled into a ball in the passenger seat. For the past few days, she couldn''t eat or sleep well.


    She had even fainted. It was only then that she could finally rest for a while.


    The ck Land Rover drove on the road steadily. Cayden nced at her every once in a while, and he


    only felt relieved after making sure she was sleeping soundly.


    Finally, they arrived at Livingsfill. There were potholes on the road.


    Avery woke up with an aching body. She nced around and btedly realized where she was.


    Holding his suit jacket, she shot an apologetic look at Cayden, who was in the driver''s seat. ¡°I''m sorry


    for falling asleep.¡±


    Cayden made a turn and drove the car in the direction of her house. He asked casually, ¡°Why would


    you need to apologize for falling asleep?¡±


    Avery parted her lips but did not know how to respond to his question.


    He drove back to Livingsfillte at night to help me find Grandpa. It was too long a journey, so he would


    get bored for sure. It would be better if I was awake to talk to him. However, I fell asleep. It must be a


    boring and difficult journey for him.


    Back in Ackleton, Dn spent the entire night partying and only came back home after midnight.


    Toby was already asleep. He jolted awake when he heard the sound of a car driving into his mansion.


    He nudged his wife who was sleeping beside him. ¡°Wake up. Hurry, wake up!¡±


    Talia woke up and shot him a dazed look.


    ¡°Is Dn back? That b*stard. Look at the time!¡± Toby fumed. He couldn''t really vent his frustration on


    Dn, for Dn was already an adult. He wasn''t strong enough to give his son a beating.


    Talia sat up and nced at the clock. It was indeedte at night.


    Before Dn went to jail, he had used to have fun all day and night. He would onlye home after


    midnight. As a result, he hadnded in trouble and ended up in jail.


    ¡°I''ll go downstairs. You should stay here.¡± Worried that Toby would get into a fight with Dn, Talia told


    her husband to stay put. She put on a jacket and house slippers before walking out of the room.


    Sighing, Toby rested against the headboard and punched his pillow in frustration. He couldn''t go back


    to sleep.


    Downstairs, Talia saw Dning into the house.


    After changing into house slippers, Dn lifted his head to see his mother ring at him furiously.


    ¡°What''s wrong? Why are you still up at this hour? Won''t you get your beauty sleep now that you''re


    old?¡± Dn said sweetly as he prepared to head upstairs.


    Talia remained unfazed despite his sweet words. ¡°Stand right there,¡± she ordered.


    Dn halted in his tracks and turned at his shoulder to look at her.


    As their gazes met, Talia started tearing up. She promptly poured her frustrations out. ¡°Why did you


    come back after midnight? Do you want to piss your parents off? No wonder Cayden looks down on


    you even though you''re his cousin. He didn''t even agree to let you date his secretary! Besides your


    good looks, what else can you be proud of? You don''t deserve any respect!¡±


    Since young, Dn was more handsome than usual boys. Thus, Talia was proud of him.


    s, his good looks made women flock to him. He ended up being a yboy and spent his days in


    debauchery.


    This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    If Talia had a choice, she wished Dn was born an ugly person!


    Cayden was Allie''s son, and Allie was Toby''s sister. Talia knew Allie since young, but they weren''t on


    good terms.


    Talia had never liked Allie, for thetter was known for being a gold-digger who would resort to


    despicable means to climb up the socialdder.


    She was still the same at this age.


    As Talia didn''t like Allie, she also didn''t like Allie''s son, Cayden.


    Deep down, Talia knew she was jealous of Allie. She was jealous that Allie had a disciplined and


    capable son.


    What was more, Cayden had be the father of a pair of twins a few years ago.


    ¡°We''re different beings who lead different lives. Why do I need his respect?¡± Dn didn''t drink any


    alcohol that day and was sober. He frowned and stared at Talia in displeasure.


    ¡°Why do you need his respect?¡± Talia burst into tears in frustration. She pointed at the living room,


    which was full of guests in the evening. ¡°The upper-ss society in Ackleton isn''t big, so everyone


    knows each other. This afternoon, Allie didn''te to our gathering, as she attended a stupid fashion


    event organized by an entertainmentpany. Don''t you know many areughing at us behind our


    backs?¡±


    Talia didn''t dare pour her resentments out to her husband, for she was afraid her husband would


    use her of being sensitive.


    She had no choice but to tamp down her annoyance and hope Dn could live up to her expectations.


    Dn saw the wrinkles at the corner of her eyes and knew how hard she had it. A brief silenceter, he


    said, ¡°Go back to bed. I don''t need others to approve of my marriage. I''ll marry Ery for you.¡±


    With that said, he turned and marched up the stairs.


    Talia stared at his retreating figure and finally heaved a sigh of relief.


    Back in Livingsfill, Cayden got off the car and tugged at the chain locking the gate.


    No one had unlocked it for ages.


    The wall was tall, and there was nodder around.


    The lights weren''t turned on inside the house, too.


    ¡°Your grandpa didn''te back,¡± Cayden told her in a low voice.


    Avery hung her head low and said nothing. The quieter she was, the more his heart ached for her. He


    strode over to her and pulled her into his arms.


    nting a kiss on her forehead, he assured her, ¡°Don''t worry. We''ll wait for the police to give us


    updates.¡±


    Silence ensued. Slowly, Avery started taking deep breaths quietly. Without warning, Cayden lifted her


    face and realized she was indeed crying. Tears were streaming down her cheeks.


    ¡°Don''t cry.¡± Cayden wasn''t good at offeringforting words, especially when it came toforting


    someone of the opposite sex. He tightened his arm around her body and caressed her cheeks, head,


    and shoulders affectionately. He wanted nothing more than to merge his body with hers.


    Avery was afraid that ke had gotten into trouble.

 Chapter 134

    Chapter 134


    Avery cried in his embrace for such a long time until the crickets in the surroundings stopped chirping.


    When her sobs subsided, she realized her belly and waist were aching dully.


    She was familiar with that kind of pain, for she had to experience it every month.


    This time, her period came earlier than expected.


    Every time she didn''t get enough rest, her body would act up, and she would experience irregr


    periods.


    Avery disentangled herself from his arms hastily. Feeling mortified, she forced back her tears.


    Feeling the emptiness in his arms, Cayden looked a little displeased. Despite that, he asked her gently,


    ¡°Do you want to go back to Ackleton or stay here to continue searching for him? Does he have any


    rtives in Livingsfill?¡±


    He would respect her decision no matter what it would be.


    ¡°Grandpa doesn''t have any living rtive in Livingsfill...¡±


    Suddenly, Avery realized ke would never return to Livingsfill even if he were to run away from home.


    Worried that ke was in trouble, she couldn''t stop horrifying images from popping up in her mind.


    As if having seen through her thoughts, Cayden took one step forward and smoothened her fringe,


    which had gone messy when she was crying in his arms. ¡°No news is good news. If he got into trouble,


    someone would''ve called the police.¡±


    Avery''s head snapped up. She trusted his exnation instinctively.


    Without her knowing it, she had grown to rely on him wholly.


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    ¡°Just trust me,¡± Cayden said to her as he gazed into her eyes solemnly.


    Avery nodded. Yes, Grandpa will be fine.


    She reassured herself again and again.


    ¡°Let''s go back to Ackleton.¡± Cayden ced his hand on her left shoulder and led her back to the car.


    Suddenly, Avery came to a stop. After a brief hesitation, she said, ¡°Wait for me here. I need to buy


    something at the supermarket. Don''t follow me.¡±


    She hurried away after saying that.


    The surroundings were dark, and there was no streemp around. She could only depend on the


    moonlight.


    Avery dared not enter his car for fear of staining his car seat. Besides, the amount of her period would


    increase as time ticked by.


    Cayden stood at the door like a knight in shining armor.


    His ck Land Rover was parked right in front of him.


    Cayden watched as she headed to the supermarket. In the end, he couldn''t stop himself from going


    after her.


    The Rumpley residence was quite far away from the supermarket. Avery hadn''t returned to Livingsfill


    for years, so she wasn''t familiar with the surroundings.


    Cayden couldn''t bear to see her disappear from his line of sight.


    At the entrance of the supermarket, Avery fished her phone out and switched on the torch function to


    find the doorbell.


    In small towns like Livingsfill, supermarkets usually closed at around nine at night.


    No one would show up to buy stuff past midnight unless it was absolutely necessary.


    ¡°Where is the doorbell?¡± Avery muttered in her haste.


    Cayden came to her and knocked on the door without hesitation.


    ¡°Is anyone there?¡± he asked in his deep, maic voice.


    Soon, the owner responded, ¡°It''s past midnight! Who is it?¡±


    ¡°I''m here to buy something! Please open the door,¡± Avery cut in.


    Cayden''s voice was loud and frosty enough to wake the owner, but if he were to ask the owner to open


    the door, the owner might refuse to do so out of fear.


    Hearing that it was a woman''s voice, the owner came to open the door.


    A middle-ageddy appeared behind the door and nced at the two of them.


    ¡°You don''t look like locals,¡± she said hesitantly. Hmm, should I close the doors?


    ¡°I need to buy something,¡± Avery said. She then turned to Cayden and said to him, ¡°Stay outside.


    There''s no need for you toe in.¡±


    Cayden stayed outside obediently.


    Avery bought a packet of sanitary pads and paid for her purchase.


    Thedy owner told her to leave right after that. It was past midnight, and they were both strangers to


    her. Avery might look gorgeous, but the owner refused to put her guard down.


    ¡°May I use the restroom?¡± Avery pleaded.


    ¡°Restroom?¡± Thedy owner shook her head and said loudly, ¡°No! Go somewhere else!¡±


    She then asked Avery to leave.


    Avery had no choice but to leave the supermarket.


    She bought the sanitary pads but had nowhere to put them on.


    Cayden was puffing on a cigarette outside. He took one puff and saw her walking out. ¡°What''s wrong?¡±


    he inquired.


    Avery nced ahead. Besides the inn, there was nowhere else with the lights on.


    ¡°What''s wrong? Tell me.¡± Cayden''s expression grew stern. He realized she had been acting weird since


    a while ago. She must be hiding something from me!


    ¡°It''s nothing. I need to head to the inn,¡± Avery said. She stuffed the sanitary pads into her pocket.


    Cayden grabbed her wrist and pulled her to him. His other hand reached into the pocket of her denim


    shorts and pulled the packet out.


    It was a packet of daytime ultra thin sanitary pads.


    His cigarette dangling from his lips, Cayden narrowed his eyes and asked, ¡°Are you on your period?¡±


    ¡°I...¡± Avery trailed off and blushed shyly. She hung her head low.


    Why does he know everything? I can''t believe he said that out loud!


    Cayden returned the sanitary pads to her. ¡°You''re on your period, so I hope you can rest well. If you


    continue overexerting yourself, your health might suffer,¡± he ordered, and there was a finality to his tone


    that warned her not to disobey his order.


    Holding her wrist, he then dragged her to the inn.


    Livingsfill only had an inn for guests to spend the night, as it wasn''t as developed as big cities.


    After paying for a room, Avery went to the restroom and put on a sanitary pad. Cayden waited outside


    patiently, as he was afraid other guests would want to use the restroom, and that might scare her.


    ¡°We should rest here for the night. Xavier arranged for my men to stand guard outside the residential


    area and in front of your house. He''ll inform us immediately if they''ve found your grandpa,¡± Cayden


    said. Afraid she would refuse to rest, he lied, ¡°I can''t drive back to Ackleton now. You don''t want to see


    me end up in a car ident due to tiredness, do you?¡±


    Left with no choice, Avery had to agree to spend the night in Livingsfill.


    After sending Avery back to the room, Cayden got a set of toiletries from the owner of the inn for her.


    When she was washing up, he told the owner of the inn to prepare some supper for Avery to warm up.


    At once, the owner''s wife stopped ying poker on her phone and ran to the kitchen to prepare some


    supper.


    She came out to ask, ¡°Is there anything that your wife can''t take?¡±


    Cayden thought about it before answering solemnly, ¡°She''s on her period. Please prepare something


    suitable for her.¡±


    The owner''s wife was surprised to hear that. She nodded in understanding and said, ¡°All right, then.


    Leave it to me.¡±


    Cayden gave her a curt nod. ¡°Thanks.¡±


    Soon, the owner came into the kitchen. In the midst of cooking some nutritious soup, his wife grumbled


    softly, ¡°Look at him. He''s a gentleman who cares a lot about his wife. Only useless men like you would


    yell at your wife all day.¡±


    Avery felt much better after consuming the piping hot soup.


    There was only one room, and they had to share a bed. ke was still missing, so she was certain he


    wasn''t in the mood to do anything to her.


    Thus, she shut her eyes and rxed.


    It was past three in the morning when she finally fell asleep.


    Cayden''s warm body was right next to hers as he hugged her in his arms.


    She was weak during the first few days of her period and craved heat. Thus, she snuggled into his


    embrace subconsciously.


    Cayden didn''t fall asleep, as he was worried that she was unwell. He reached into her clothes and


    ced his palm on her belly. He wanted to warm her up so she could sleep better.

 Chapter 135

    Chapter 135


    Avery slept so well and only woke up when it was past seven in the morning.


    Unlike Ackleton, Livingsfill was pretty noisy in the morning, as the houses were only a few meters away


    from the street. It was already bustling in the early morning.


    Avery woke up after hearing the noise.


    ncing around the empty room, she realized she was alone on the tiny bed. The window was open,


    and the air conditioner was switched off.


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    Despite feeling unwell from her period, she had the best sleepst night over the past few days.


    Avery scrambled off the bed and took her phone. The time was past seven o''clock in the morning.


    Where could Cayden be?


    When she went to the restroom to change her sanitary pad, the owner''s wife happened to walk past


    her and greeted her. ¡°You''re up early. Your husband is smoking outside.¡±


    Avery nodded in a daze.


    Her ¡°husband¡± was obviously referring to Cayden.


    After washing up, Avery nned to have breakfast with him before departing to Ackleton.


    ke wasn''t in Livingsfill. There was no way he''de back here.


    After calming down, she could ponder over ke''s disappearance in a rational manner. Something told


    her ke didn''t run away from home.


    If Grandpa ran away from home, then he must be doing this to relieve my burden. But why does he


    want to relieve my burden? I guess he feels bad for me when he sees me working hard to make ends


    meet. However, a loving grandpa like him wouldn''t have left without saying goodbye, for he knows I''ll


    worry about him.


    By now, Avery was certain that ke didn''t run away from home.


    Did he lose his way and couldn''t find his way home? Or did something else happen...


    She dared not imagine the answer.


    Cayden was right, for no news is good news.


    After finishing his cigarette, Cayden came into the inn.


    Avery stood beside him as they checked out of their room. They then went to a nearby breakfast stall.


    Avery took a seat while he went to order some coffee and donuts. ¡°One ck coffee, and one coffee


    with two sugars.¡±


    ¡°Got it!¡± the owner of the stall answered cheerfully and began preparing their orders.


    Cayden sat down across from Avery.


    In the morning, there were some adults who had nothing to do and some elderly people around. Most


    customers were students attending the nearby elementary school, middle school, and high school.


    Cayden''s car and his presence attracted plenty of attention.


    Livingsfill was a poor town, so the people there had only seen handsome and well-dressed men in the


    papers or gossip magazines bought from the city. Most of the time, the handsome and well-dressed


    men were male celebrities who looked elegant and manly.


    Thus, everyone got curious as to why a handsome and well-dressed man was having breakfast at a


    breakfast stall. They wondered who he was and why he was at Livingsfill.


    Ignoring the looks, Avery drank her coffee silently.


    She often came to this breakfast stall with ke when she was young to have coffee and donuts


    together. Back then, the owner and his wife were the current owner''s parents.


    The taste was still the same.


    She had a habit of drinking coffee with two sugars.


    Cayden ordered a coffee with two sugars for her without asking for her preference. Avery couldn''t help


    but wonder if that was a coincidence.


    ¡°Can you finish them?¡± Cayden asked. He was referring to the donut in front of her.


    Avery looked up and shook her head.


    Cayden picked up the donut and finished it for her.


    As Avery sipped on her coffee, she thought, What if I grow up with Cayden under the same roof? It


    doesn''t matter where we grow up¡ªthe poor Rumpley family, the rich Moore family, or in an orphanage.


    What would our fates be if we were to grow up together as siblings? He''s handsome, so there must be


    a lot of women who want to be my sister-inw. If someone pursues me, will he act as a gatekeeper


    and help me choose a boyfriend?


    ¡°What are you thinking?¡± Cayden was having breakfast, but his gaze was fixed on her.


    ¡°I''m thinking what would happen if you were my brother,¡± Avery said with a serious expression. She


    started to imagine all the possibilities as she stared at him.


    Before she could say anything else, Cayden frowned and interjected, ¡°Do you want to force me to


    commit incest?¡±


    Avery dared not to say another word.


    Sorrow crept onto Cayden''s brows. He had no idea why she kept wanting to be his sister. Why does


    she have that strange thought in mind? Or does she have a fetish that no one knows about...


    Right then, a couple with a kid came to their neighboring table.


    The woman sat down while the man went to get some mashed potatoes and donuts.


    ¡°Hurry, I can''t hold him for much longer,¡± his wife urged, for their baby was bouncing about in a lively


    manner.


    When the man got himself a te to pick some donuts, he kept stealing nces at Cayden and Avery.


    His action soon caught his wife''s attention.


    His wife thought he was peeking atdies and turned to look in the direction he was staring. Just like


    her husband, her eyes went wide.


    Her baby was about to struggle free from her arms. She quickly snapped out of her reverie and


    gasped. ¡°Be good, will you? Are you a fish? Why are you struggling about?¡±


    Her husband came back with the food but still couldn''t keep his gaze away from their neighboring table.


    Despite finding them familiar, the couple dared not approach them.


    A middle-ageddy showed up a whileter. Thatdy was the one Avery had met when she came


    here to pick ke up.


    ¡°Oh? Isn''t this Ery from the Rumpley family? Why are you back?¡± thedy asked.


    Both husband and wife exchanged nces. Initially, the husband suspected that the man at the


    neighboring table was his ex-ssmate, Cayden Moore. However, it had been years since theyst


    met. Cayden was now tall and imposing. No one dared to approach him.


    However, if the young woman was Avery Rumpley, then the man sitting across from her should be


    Cayden Moore.


    ¡°Do you still remember me? Back in high school, you gave me a basketball,¡± the man greeted Cayden


    after taking his child from his wife.


    Both Cayden and Avery turned to look at him in unison.


    Twenty minutester, Avery stood in the middle of the high school''s field and stared at the wall


    separating the middle school and high school. Memories flooded her mind. She used to stand on the


    other side of the wall to peek at the field.


    She still remembered how Cayden jumped and made dunk shots clearly.


    ¡°Initially, I dared not approach you even though you look familiar. Later, I heard my aunt calling her Ery


    from the Rumpley family. That was how I knew you were my ssmate back in high school. Are you


    two married?¡± the man asked cheerfully. He was both excited and embarrassed to reunite with his rich


    ex-ssmate.


    ¡°Right? Are you two married?¡± his wife chimed in. Obviously, they knew how Cayden had fallen in love


    with a junior but disappeared before she could grow up.


    Cayden nodded. ¡°Yes, we''re married. Avery gave birth to twins.¡±

 Chapter 136

    Chapter 136


    Thedy gazed at Avery in shock. ¡°Two kids? That is fast! You''re like an unmarrieddy with a great


    curve! I bet no one can tell that you''re already a mother of two kids!¡±


    Avery twitched her lips shyly.


    Before leaving the small town, Cayden asked to chat with his old ssmate privately.


    Cayden''s expression looked grim as he was talking. His ssmate, carrying his kid in his arms,


    listened attentively and nodded from time to time.


    On the way back to Ackleton, Avery didn''t ask a question about that. Instead, she drifted off asleep.


    The road was smooth when they arrived at the city center. Also, because Cayden intentionally slowed


    down, she slept soundly and didn''t wake up even when they had arrived at the condominium.


    After some time, Avery woke up because of the pain caused by her menstrual cramps.


    Avery breathed heavily and ced her hands on her belly after opening her eyes. Her face looked


    pale, and a thinyer of sweat appeared on her forehead.


    Cayden happened to finish smoking outside the car at that time. He turned around and noticed that


    Avery was pale-looking.


    He frowned in worry upon seeing that. The next moment, he opened the car door and titled Avery''s


    face toward him. ¡°What''s wrong? Are you in pain?¡±


    Not able to think of anything else, she nodded with her eyes closed.


    ¡°Let''s go upstairs. You have to lie down and get some rest.¡± Without hesitation, Cayden unbuckled the


    seat belt and carried her out with care.


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    However, Avery refused to let him carry her, and she insisted on walking by herself.


    ¡°Don''t move. Otherwise, I''ll ask Xavier and the police to halt their mission ande back.¡± Cayden had


    no intention to talk some sense into her, nor did he want to persuade her with patience, for he knew


    that posing a threat would be more efficient to make herply.


    Just as he expected, Avery stopped struggling upon hearing his words.


    Nothing was more important than locating ke at that moment.


    After all, Avery was nothing more than an ordinary citizen. Under certain circumstances, an influential


    and powerful figure like Cayden could solve the situation in a much more effective way.


    It was the harsh reality that Avery had to ept.


    Although their unit was well-equipped, Cayden was at his wit''s end when it came to handling a woman


    who was experiencing menstrual cramps.


    Avery was forced to lie on his bed with nkets wrapped around her.


    Meanwhile, Cayden stared at the brand new utensil in the kitchen, unsure of what he ought to do next.


    While Cayden was deep in thought, his phone rang. It was Xavier who was ringing him.


    Cayden picked up his phone and asked, ¡°What is it?¡±


    Not daring to speak any unnecessary words, Xavier cut to the chase and said, ¡°I have to report two


    things to you. First, we haven''t found Ms. Rumpley''s grandpa yet. The police have ruled out the


    possibility of a car ident or homicide for the time being, for no police stations have received any


    rted reports thus far. Based on your instruction, we contacted various TV channels, and they


    broadcast the notice about the missing person and the reward for any useful information this morning.


    Hence, we''ll have to wait for the results.¡±


    He paused for a while and continued, ¡°Second, regarding the incident of Ms. Rumpley consuming a


    sleeping pill the other night, the person in charge of the entertainment establishment has investigated


    it. It has something to do with Ms. Rumpley''s ex-boyfriend, Zayne.¡±


    Cayden''s expression turned cold once he heard Zayne''s name. ¡°Send him to prison!¡±


    ¡°I''ll ask the police to get him right now.¡± Xavier knew very well that Zayne had crossed Cayden''s bottom


    line.


    The residential area in which Avery rented a house was chaotic now. Even the neighbors who had


    gotten to know ke after some youngsters tried to scam him were concerned about him.


    Just as Xavier wanted to hang up, Cayden asked in a deep voice over the phone, ¡°Did your ex-wife


    experience menstrual cramps before?¡±


    Xavier was stunned for a while before he responded honestly, ¡°We got a divorce because she thought I


    didn''t care enough about her. I don''t know much about menstrual cramps.¡±


    When Cayden wanted to end the call, Xavier saw Cecelia who had just arrived at the residential area in


    her car. Hence, Xavier hastily added, ¡°There is a woman in front of me who might have experienced


    menstrual cramps. Let me ask her about that.¡±


    ¡°I want to know the effective methods that she has tried before.¡± Cayden didn''t look for the methods


    online, worrying that the wrong methods would worsen Avery''s condition.


    Xavier put his phone in his pocket and walked toward Cecelia''s car that she had just parked nicely. As


    soon as Cecelia got out of the car, he pinned her against the car and asked, ¡°Have you experienced


    menstrual cramps?¡±


    ¡°Ah?¡±


    While Cecelia was startled, Xavier lifted his phone and exined, ¡°I''m asking it for Boss.¡±


    After a while, Cecelia nodded.


    ¡°Well, what are the effective methods to alleviate the pain? I need to know those that you''ve tried


    before,¡± Xavier continued.


    Without further dy, Cecelia told him the best method she used to apply.


    The next moment, Xavier reported it to Cayden.


    After Xavier hung up the phone, Cecelia was on the verge of tears. ¡°Everyone''s physique is different. If


    the method doesn''t work on Avery, will Boss get furious and fire me?¡±


    Xavier nced at her, speechless.


    Cayden headed toward the nearest supermarket after talking to Xavier.


    Later, he mixed white wine with brown sugar and boiled it. Once the drink was ready, he brought a


    ss of the drink to the bedroom and helped Avery to sit up. ¡°Drink it while it''s still warm.¡±


    Avery''s face looked a lot paler due to the pain. She shook her head upon seeing the drink. ¡°Just give


    me a painkiller.¡±


    ¡°You might be dependent on painkillers, and that''s not good. Besides, it can only relieve your pain


    for a short time.¡± Once Cayden finished, he took a mouthful of the drink, pulled her closer, and pressed


    his lips against hers to feed her.


    Although the drink tasted horrible, he continued to feed her patiently.


    After Avery finished the drink, he grabbed a pillow and ced it under her waist.


    Then, he leaned against the headboard and held her in his arms. From time to time, he would rub his


    palms to warm them up and put them on her belly, just like how he did the previous night.


    Seeing that Cayden cared so much about her, Avery cried so hard that her body trembled. She was


    unsure if her decision to hide the truth from him was merciful.


    After knowing they were blood-rted, she couldn''t help but think Allie''s revtion was cruel.


    Avery cried her lungs out as she thought of the harsh fact.


    Since Avery was deeply tormented by the truth, she didn''t want Cayden to suffer the same pain.


    Meanwhile, Cayden dared not kiss Avery and only hugged her. He kept rubbing and blowing on his


    hands to keep them warm so that he could massage her back and belly to make her feel better.


    ¡°We''re overstepping the boundary...¡± Avery thought they were not supposed to be that intimate.


    However, since Cayden had no idea about their rtionship, she was the only one who was guilt-


    ridden.


    ¡°Did you say we''re overstepping the boundary?¡± Cayden asked curiously.


    Bearing the physical pain and mental torment, Avery stood up and walked toward the door without


    asking for his help.


    Feeling bewildered, Cayden grabbed her arm and asked, ¡°Where are you going?¡±


    Deep down, he could sense something was wrong, and that had caused them to grow apart. Both of


    them would continue to suffer if they did not talk things through.


    Although he was irritated, he did not want to snap at her.


    Besides, he didn''t believe that Zayne was the cause.


    While Zayne wasn''t that outstanding, Avery wasn''t that silly either.


    ¡°I''ll go home first. It''s just menstrual cramps. I''m fine.¡± Avery was afraid to look up at Cayden as she


    spoke. With that, she opened the door and left.


    At that moment, Cayden''s eyes turned bloodshot.

 Chapter 137

    Chapter 137


    Avery strode into the subway station.


    She did not look back once as she walked from Cayden''s condominium to the subway station. Still, she


    knew he was trailing her from a distance out of concern.


    After boarding the subway, she eventually arrived at her destination after several stops.


    Alighting the train, she headed for the exit.


    When she arrived at the residential area, she saw the police and Xavier.


    Avery approached Xavier, who stopped smoking once he noticed her. He thought she would show up


    with Cayden.


    Avery thanked him profusely, ¡°Thank you so much for your help, Mr. Dartsley. You should go back and


    get some rest.¡±


    He fidgeted ufortably after her expression of gratitude; it had been a while since anyone had


    thanked him so generously for doing his job. He muttered, ¡°It''s no trouble at all. If you want to thank


    anyone, you should thank Mr. Moore instead.¡±


    The loyal assistant never let go of any opportunity to paint his boss in a good light.


    Just then, Cecelia alighted from a nearby car with aptop and called out, ¡°Ery!¡±


    Avery raised her head and looked in Cecelia''s direction.


    Following her gaze, Xavier instructed Cecelia, ¡°Head upstairs with Avery.¡±


    Cecelia immediately understood his intention.


    Any granddaughter would be fretting anxiously over their grandfather''s disappearance. Thus, Xavier


    had deliberately invited a female colleague close to Avery to apany her.


    In fact, Cecelia was already in the area helping Xavier out after learning that Avery was with their boss


    instead of being at home.


    ¡°Let''s go. We can leave this to Mr. Dartsley,¡± Cecelia coaxed Avery.


    They headed upstairs together, and Avery opened the door to a deserted rental unit.


    ¡°Have a seat.¡± After pointing Cecelia to a couch, Avery headed to the kitchen, nning to boil some


    water.


    Cecelia continued busying herself with her work as she said, ¡°Don''t worry about your grandpa. He''ll be


    fine. You need to take care of your own health too.¡±


    Avery stared at ke''s favorite rocking chair in a daze.


    s, the anxiety and period cramps had taken a toll on Avery''s body.


    By the time Cecelia finished her work and checked on Avery, the poor woman had curled into a ball on


    the bed like an injured kitten.


    Cecelia decided to stay the night at the Rumpley residence.


    Thankfully, the next morning, Avery''s cramps subsided.


    When she realized Cecelia had stayed the night, she headed to the kitchen to prepare breakfast.


    Cecelia woke up at the slightest noise. She was initially confused by the unfamiliar environment, but


    she soon remembered that she had spent the night at Avery''s house.


    Meanwhile, Avery had cracked two eggs into a bowl and whisked them evenly.


    She then grabbed a knife and diced some vegetables she had washed.


    Her mind drifted as she felt the morning chill. It''s easy to catch a cold if he doesn''t wear enoughyers.


    Where on earth did Grandpa go? Did he wear his thick jacket out? Is he feeling cold?


    Losing her focus, Avery identally cut her left index finger.


    However, she only registered the pain several minutester.


    Meanwhile, Cecelia rummaged through her bag for her toiletries and headed to the bathroom to wash


    up. As she passed by the kitchen, she noticed Avery clutching her left hand with blood on her fingers.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Cecelia tossed her toiletries aside and dashed into the kitchen. She quickly held


    Avery''s injured finger and shuddered when she realized it was bleeding heavily.


    Avery lowered her head and muttered, ¡°I''ll look for some gauze.¡±


    ¡°How could you be so careless?¡± Cecelia tut-tutted while she knelt on the carpet before the couch,


    wrapping Avery''s finger with some gauze.


    She continued grumbling, ¡°I understand that you''re upset about your grandpa''s disappearance, but you


    can''t continue acting like this. We all have our time on this earth. Unfortunately, as the younger


    generation, we just have to find ways to deal with the loss of our elderly loved ones.¡±


    Avery nodded, even as tears welled in her eyes.


    Worried that Avery would burst into tears, Cecelia coaxed, ¡°Leave the case to the police. There''s


    nothing we can do. Why don''t you go to the office with me? You might feel better if you can divert your


    attention to work. Maybe your grandpa will be back by the time we clock off today.¡±


    Thankfully, Avery nodded.


    I can''t just drop my work entirely. Besides, I still need to care for my dad in the hospital.


    As usual, Trident Group was bustling with sharply-dressed employees in the morning.


    Cecelia and Avery took the elevator to the design department.


    Upon sighting two stony-faced policemen in the reception area, Cecelia asked, ¡°Why are the police


    here?¡±


    Her colleagues were about to reply when the door to the department head''s office opened. Yulissa


    called out, ¡°My office, Cecelia.¡±


    Cecelia could only hurry over at her superior''smand.


    Once inside, a dour Yulissa said to Cecelia, ¡°I''m transferring Zayne''s project to your team. Will there be


    any issues with that?¡±


    Cecelia was ted. ¡°None at all!¡±


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    After all, everyone in the design department wanted a piece of that massive project.


    Yulissa nodded and replied, ¡°Good. We''ll work out the handoverter.¡±


    Despite her curiosity, Cecelia refrained from asking why the project was reassigned as Yulissa seemed


    to be in a foul mood.


    After leaving Yulissa''s office, Cecelia shot the reception area a furtive nce and noticed that the


    police were still around.


    A short whileter, Zayne showed up to work.


    At once, the two policemen left the reception area. Zayne had barely ced hisptop on his desk


    when the police shed their badges and immediately handcuffed him.


    Everyone in the office was bbergasted.


    Avery also looked over as one of the policemen dered, ¡°You''ve been identified as a suspect in


    drugging a female colleague at an entertainment establishment. We''ll need you toe to the station


    to assist with investigations.¡±


    An entertainment establishment? Drugging? The department was in furor.


    Everyone immediately recalled their recent department gathering. They wondered which of their


    colleagues had be Zayne''s victim.


    Zayne''s expression fell. After some thought, he ruled out the possibility of Yvonne calling the police and


    directed a hateful re at Avery. Then, he shook off the policemen''s hold and stalked toward Avery.


    It was toote by the time she noticed his approach. Zayne had picked up a bunch of documents with


    his cuffed hands and threw them at a defenseless Avery.


    Immediately, the police rushed forward and tackled him to the ground.


    The female colleagues cast shocked and sympathetic gazes toward Avery. As the police escorted


    Zayne to the door, one of them muttered, ¡°Is Zayne mad or something?¡±


    Cecelia approached Avery and patted herfortingly on the shoulder. ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    It was at that moment that Yulissa came out of her office. After ncing at Avery, she announced with a


    bitter expression, ¡°Zuckerberg, bring your team to the top floor. Meeting with the boss.¡±


    Cecelia nodded and whispered to Avery, ¡°Come on. Let''s go for the meeting.¡± Hopefully, Boss can take


    some time out of his schedule tofort Avery. It''ll be much more effective than any of us doing it. I''m


    sure any woman would be craving the support of her partner in such a vulnerable state.


    Avery suppressed her tears and collected some documents and herptop. Then, she followed Cecelia


    and her team to the top floor and settled down in the most inconspicuous seat in the room.


    Someone muttered, ¡°Mr. Moore''s here.¡±

 Chapter 138

    Chapter 138


    The red marks on Avery''s face stood out, attracting everyone''s attention.


    Cecelia, who happened to sit near Cayden at the front of the room, tightened her grip on her pen and


    dared not meet her boss'' gaze.


    The conference room seemed colder than usual because of Cayden''s gloomy mood. Everyone''s


    expressions froze as they awaited Cayden''s response with bated breath.


    Eventually, Cayden''s deep voice broke the silence. ¡°What happened to your face?¡±


    No one dared to answer his question.


    Since Yulissa was absent, Cecelia could only take the lead and reply weakly, ¡°One of our male


    colleagues went crazy and threw some documents at Avery''s face.¡±


    In view of the public setting, Avery lifted her head and reassured Cayden, ¡°I''m fine. Thank you for your


    concern, Boss.¡±


    Cecelia''s heart sank when she heard Avery.


    Why is she acting so distant toward Boss?


    As expected, when Cecelia chanced a nce at Cayden''s expression, she noticed rage on his


    handsome features.


    After a long silence, Cayden suddenly asked, ¡°Was it Zayne?¡±


    Everyone nodded silently in response.


    The next instant, Cayden''s expression darkened further as he announced, ¡°I will not hesitate to punish


    anyone who dares to pull a stunt like that again.¡±


    The male colleagues immediately quivered in fear even though they had not done anything wrong.


    Zayne''s actions had made things difficult for every male colleague in the department.


    Cayden''s cold gaze roved over all the men in the room before he continued, ¡°Feel free to act


    dishonorably if you''re interested in a prison sentence.¡±


    Cecelia secretly sighed in relief.


    Boss is taking a stand for Avery.


    Fortunately for the team, the meeting ended quickly.


    Cayden barely interacted with anyone in the design department. In fact, they only saw him once in a


    while. There was a greater likelihood of meeting him when one was in trouble. In those cases, Yulissa


    was frequently brought along by the unfortunate employee to shoulder the me.


    Cecelia concluded that since Avery joined the design department, Cayden had begun showing up at


    their office more frequently.


    After the meeting, Cecelia''s team headed downstairs and saw another team in low spirits.


    They were Zayne''s ex-teammates, who were now suffering their boss'' wrath after his actions.


    Nheless, no one dared to challenge Cayden''s wrath. Instead, they vented their frustrations by


    cursing Zayne out for drugging a colleague and causing a scandal in thepany.


    They could only swallow their indignance while Cayden told them off.


    At some point, they even questioned Cayden''s psychological wellbeing. Rich people were often


    stereotypicallybeled as psychos, and Cayden''s bachelorhood only fueled his employees''


    spections.


    Thus, fearful that Cayden could potentially make their lives even more difficult, no one said a peep to


    him.


    Unlike her colleagues, Avery was stopped by Xavier before she could head downstairs as he had an


    important task to carry out.


    Cecelia left Avery behind once she realized what was going on. She hoped Cayden would look after


    Avery and lift her out of her funk.


    I''m on my period. He can''t try anything on me, right?


    As that thought crossed her mind, Avery agreed to follow Xavier.


    He led her to Cayden''s office and went to retrieve a first aid kit. Xavier returned with the kit before


    taking his leave.


    Meanwhile, Cayden pulled Avery into his arms.


    Startled, she jumped and asked, ¡°I thought you summoned me for work.¡±


    ¡°Are all women prone to such mood swings?¡± Cayden muttered as he grabbed some supplies from the


    first aid kit. He then carefully applied medication to the red marks on her face.


    From time to time, he would gently blow on the wounds to soothe them.


    His cool breath reduced the stinging difort on her face.


    Avery kept quiet and allowed him to continue applying the medication.


    The office was so silent that only their breathing was heard. Cayden lowered his head and asked, ¡°Why


    are you suddenly so obedient? Do you see me as your older brother now?¡±


    Avery flushed at his words.


    He continued, ¡°Tell me. Do you have any fetishes? Or... do you perhaps enjoy the thrill of breaking


    moral boundaries?¡± Cayden''s arm wrapped around her waist, and he pulled her into his embrace,


    taking advantage of her dazed state. With closed eyes, he kissed her passionately. Some timeter, he


    said hoarsely, ¡°Go on. You can call me your brother.¡±


    Avery shook her head in horror.


    That''s not what I meant. That was never what I meant. I was talking about a biological brother, not


    some unusual fetish.


    She did not know what to say in response. Eventually, she sputtered, ¡°My face hurts. Sorry.¡± At a loss


    for words, she struggled to break free from his embrace.


    When Avery finally returned to the design department, Cecelia tried her best to suppress herughter.


    That''s why he''s the boss. Ery went upstairs in despair but returned with some color in her cheeks and


    swollen lips.


    Clueless about Cecelia''s thoughts, Avery threw herself into work. When it was time to clock off, Avery


    was the first person to rush out of the office.


    She headed to the subway station opposite the road before the peak hour.


    Her phone had been ringing off the hook since afternoon, but she only noticed it after leaving the office.


    After answering the call from an unknown number, she immediately froze.


    Her gaze darted around frantically beforending on a Porsche Cayenne driving her way. At the same


    time, the caller hung up on her.


    Dn rolled down the windows of his expensive car and looked at her. ¡°Get in. Maybe I can help you


    find your grandpa.¡±


    Avery was numb with shock.


    He sounded as though he knew where ke was, yet he had clearly used the word ¡°maybe¡± in his


    offer.


    ¡°If you have so much free time on your hands, find someone else to spend it with. Don''t y a prank on


    me.¡± Avery forced herself to calm down, even as she nervously clenched her phone.


    Dn fell silent at her words. After some time, he looked up and frowned at her. He raised two family


    registries and said, ¡°One is your family, and the other is mine. Would you believe me if I said your


    grandpa gave your family registry to me?¡±


    When she saw the family registry, Avery''s hands shook with nerves.


    Dn opened the family registry and showed it to her.


    He was telling the truth; it was the Rumpleys'' family registry.


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    Dn continued, ¡°I may have friends at City Hall, but we should get there before they clock off work.


    We don''t want to trouble them too much.¡± He alighted from his car and pulled her into his arms. Though


    the position looked intimate, he leaned in and threatened, ¡°You should know the consequences of


    displeasing an ex-inmate; you might lose your precious grandpa.¡±


    Avery gritted her teeth and struggled against his hold, staring at him as though he was a monster.


    s, Dn kept a firm hold on her and said, ¡°I need a wife. Time is running out. We can register our


    marriage by six, or you say hello to grandpa''s dead body. Your choice.¡±

 Chapter 139

    Chapter 139


    Dn did not sound like he was joking at all.


    Staring at the serious expression on his face, Avery could feel cold sweat drenching her.


    ¡°You''re the one who took my grandpa away?¡± she asked.


    As Dn stared at her panicking and resentful eyes, he solemnly responded, ¡°Who else could have


    taken your grandpa away so discreetly?¡±


    Their eyes met.


    In the next second, tears welled up in Avery''s eyes as she began hitting him frantically. While she tried


    to break free from him, she cried out, ¡°You despicable man! You shameless man! You''remitting a


    crime! You''re a kidnapper!¡±


    Dn held on tightly to her weak body to stop her from thrashing. ¡°Do you even know what a crime is?


    You''re just an inexperienced young girl!¡±


    Once she was too tired to kick and hit him anymore, Dn showed her his phone screen.


    She saw a video ying on the screen. Although Avery did not know who was the one filming with the


    phone, she could see that Dn and ke were in the video.


    They interacted as if they were grandfather and grandson.


    ¡°Ery doesn''t want you to know that she passed out from exhaustion, so you have to pretend not to


    know about it when she wakes,¡± Dn said with a smile to ke.


    At the same time, Dn was holding ke''s luggage.


    Gratefully, ke then left with Dn.


    The surveince cameras in the residential area were nothing but decoration. The management would


    only send people to repair or rece them after something major had happened. Hence, they did not


    record the moment when Dn took ke away.


    After that video ended, Dn yed another one.


    In the video, ke''s mouth was covered, and only his muffled cries could be heard as he struggled.


    Then, a young man raised a metal rod and hit it on the pir that Avery''s grandfather was tied to.


    The loud bang from the hit and its resulting reverberation nearly scared the living daylights out of ke.


    How could an elderly man like him endure that?


    ¡°I''m going to call the cops,¡± Avery blurted out as she digested the content of the videos in disbelief.


    From N?velDrama.Org.


    As she shook her head, she continued to cry out, ¡°Do you really want to go to jail a second time? Let


    my grandpa go! I don''t know why you''re doing this! What does your need for a wife have anything to do


    with me? Please find someone else to help you with this instead!¡±


    Dn said nothing as he kept away his phone before showing her the time on his watch.


    It was ten minutes past five.


    Before she could look away from his watch, a loud sound traveled into her ears. It turned out that the


    man had thrown the phone to the middle of the road, and the iing cars crushed it.


    By the time Avery looked at it, the phone was already in pieces.


    ¡°Since I''m the one who did it, I won''t let you all, including the police, get any solid evidence of my


    involvement,¡± Dn said as he let go of her.


    Before he turned around, he arched his brow and added, ¡°It''s almost six. Think well whether you want


    to collect your grandpa''s body ore with me to register our marriage.¡±


    With that said, he turned around.


    Just as he was about to light his cigarette, Avery mumbled, ¡°Is there now anymore?¡±


    Hearing that, Dn turned around and said to her, ¡°What arews anyway? Thews are set by


    humans, and the people are the ones looking into the cases. You have to know that there are always


    more powerful people out there. Moreover, I haven''t done anything insane, have I?¡±


    ¡°But you said you''re going to do it!¡±


    ¡°Do what? Something crazy? Helping your grandpa end his life?¡± Dn stared intently at her. ¡°Let''s put


    aside whether or not I''ll be punished by thew if I''m arrested because the cops won''t get any evidence


    of this. Instead, let''s just talk about whether or not this is worth it. In the worst-case scenario, your


    grandpa would lose his life while I would only think of this incident as a fun episode.¡±


    ¡°You''re a madman,¡± Avery hissed.


    However, it seemed like Dn did not agree with that. He mulled over her words for a moment before


    saying, ¡°There are even crazier people than me in this world. Have you not met them yet?¡± The person


    he was talking about was naturally Cayden.


    ¡°It''s twenty minutes past five.¡± Dn nced at the time before stepping forward to grab her shaking


    hands.


    Cayden drove out of Trident Group''s underground parking lot as he called Avery.


    ¡°Sorry, but the number you have dialed is currently unavable.¡±


    No matter how many times he tried calling her, that was the only answer he received.


    Hence, Cayden called Xavier.


    Xavier picked up the call, but he said, ¡°Sorry, Mr. Moore. I didn''t see Ms. Rumpley returning to her


    residential area.¡±


    ¡°Ring her doorbell and call back.¡±


    At that, Cayden ended the call.


    After that, the ck Land Rover headed straight to the nearby children''s education center. When


    Zachary brought Rory out of the building, he spotted his father making calls in his car.


    At Centennial Hotel, Toby and his wife were greeting the rtives that they had invited in a hurry.


    When he had a break, Toby looked at his wife and whispered, ¡°Look at how busy we are now. Couldn''t


    you wait until the next weekend before having this meal?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Talia shot him a re before softly grumbling, ¡°It took so long before our son finally agreed to


    marry someone. How can I possibly suppress my joy?¡±


    Toby fell silent at her words. Since they had already given out the invitations, they had no choice but to


    proceed with the banquet.


    Meanwhile, Allie had rushed over to the hotel and gone upstairs.


    By the doorway of the room, Allie hugged her sister-inw and said with a chuckle, ¡°I felt bad that I


    couldn''te for the celebration of Dn''s release back then. Who knew that I would be able toe


    to celebrate his uing wedding? I hope you didn''t take my absence to heart. I really was too busy.¡±


    ¡°Of course not.¡± Talia smiled. ¡°I was just telling Dn the night before that his aunt was angry on my


    behalf that he''s not getting proper work. He''s already in his thirties, but he still refuses to get a wife and


    have children. I told him that''s why his aunt was so angry she didn''t want toe and celebrate his


    release from jail. But, look! Dn told us earlier today that he''s going to be marrying. He''s not going to


    go back on his words!¡±


    Allie could hear the boasting and sarcasm in her sister-inw''s words. However, her brother was


    around, and she did not want to embarrass her. Hence, she did not refute Talia and went in to take a


    seat instead.


    The guests inside the room were all rtives. Soon, Allie was merrily chatting away with them.


    Right then, Toby entered and called out for Allie, who turned around in response.


    Toby then asked, ¡°Why isn''t Cayden with you? Didn''t I ask you to call him?¡±


    ¡°Granduncle Toby...¡±


    Right as that question was out of Toby''s mouth, a child''s voice sounded out. Then, two children ran into


    the room, leaving their father behind.


    In an instant, everyone turned their attention to the children.


    Meanwhile, Dn was on the first floor of the Centennial Hotel. He had two marriage certificates in one


    hand and his wife''s hand in the other as he walked into the hotel.


    Avery was like an unfeeling puppet as she let Dn tow her along.


    When they were in the elevator, Dn''s soft voice sounded out. ¡°Keep that frown off your face. Your


    grandpa has already been sent to the hospital. Once we''re done with this meal, I''ll bring you to visit


    your grandpa.¡±


    As the elevator went up, Dn turned around to tidy the expressionless woman''s hair. Then, he stared


    at her pretty face.


    When the elevator doors opened, the man grabbed Avery''s hand again and dragged her toward the


    private room.


    The moment the room door was opened, a wave of cold air rushed toward Avery. Before she could


    muster the courage to lift her head to look at the others, Dn had put down two marriage certificates


    on the table and wrapped his arm around her waist. He introduced, ¡°This is my wife, Avery Rumpley.¡±

 Chapter 140

    Chapter 140


    ¡°Ms. Ery...¡±


    Upon hearing that voice, Avery instinctively raised her head.


    It was Zachary.


    The Musks invited the Moores too.


    The room''s interior was luxurious, and therge table was upied with people, some of whom she


    knew, some she did not. Moreover, there were plenty of expensive dishes and wines on the table.


    Rory''s rosy cheeks appeared behind the desserts.


    When Avery''s eyes flitted past the man with a grim expression, she suddenly felt like a boulder had


    landed upon her chest. She lowered her head and tried to pull her hand away from Dn''s.


    Not only did he not let go of her, but he even pulled a chair out and said, ¡°Come and sit beside Mom.¡±


    The color of the two marriage certificates was eye-catching¡ªit was as red as fresh puddles of blood.


    ¡°We''re a family from now on. Don''t be reserved, Ery. No matter what happens, you have me backing


    you up.¡±


    While those words were directed to Dn as Talia hoped that her son would treat her daughter-inw


    well, at the same time, they were meant for Cayden too. She was reminding him that not only was


    Avery his subordinate, but she was also his cousin-inw.


    Her words implied that Cayden had to respect her.


    The others chimed in and said simr things; none coulde up with anything too original.


    Evidently, there was something amiss about the atmosphere at the table.


    ¡°I need to use the restroom.¡±


    With that, Avery stood up and left the room.


    She had never been in such a wretched state.


    Still, she reminded herself, The presence of Cayden''s family isn''t that important. What''s most important


    is Grandpa''s safety.


    Dn had shown her a video that someone else took. In that video, her injured grandfather was taken


    to a hospital. However, Avery did not know which hospital he was at.


    It was unpractical for her to look for him in all the hospitals.


    Avery was devastated to have married a monster, but she had no other choice.


    Meanwhile, back in the room, when Allie saw that Rory''s fingers were dirty, she said, ¡°My darling, look


    at how dirty your fingers are. Come with me. I''ll take you to wash your hands.¡±


    Bits of the desserts were all over Rory''s little hands.


    Once they went out of the room, they headed toward the women''s restroom.


    Avery, who was in the restroom, was surprised to see Allie entering with Rory.


    ¡°Rory, let''s wash our hands.¡± While Allie helped the girl wash her hands, she asked Avery, ¡°Have you


    really legally married Dn?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Avery could see shock and rage on Allie''s face.


    However, her granddaughter was around, so she could not say anything else to Avery.


    Indeed, she had asked Avery to stay away from her son, but she did not want Avery to approach the


    rest of her rtives either.


    Allie had been praying all day and night that Avery would get married and stay away from her. It would


    be best if she were to move overseas and start a family there instead. Allie even hoped that Avery


    would die in an ident if she could not move somewhere far.


    Yet, as it turned out, Avery left the Moore family only to join the Musk family.


    Not only did she not stay far away from Allie, but she was even getting closer and closer.


    After Allie led her granddaughter back to the room, Avery soon returned too.


    After all, she could not possibly stay out of the room for the rest of her life. The earlier she was done


    with the meal, the earlier she could visit her grandfather.


    When she returned to the room, she encountered Zachary holding his bag and saying to his sister,


    ¡°Rory, we''re leaving.¡±


    ¡°Ms. Ery, can youe and sta¡ª¡±


    Rory did not filter her words.


    She wanted to say, ¡°Ms. Ery, could youe and stay at my daddy''s condominium?¡± However, before


    she could finish her sentence, her father''s hand covered her mouth.


    ¡°You have crumbs all over your lips. How udylike.¡± Cayden carried his daughter and furrowed his


    brows. At the same time, he raised his hand to brush the dessert crumbs off the girl''s lips.


    Talia hastily said, ¡°Cayden, go ahead if you need to do something.¡± She sounded eager as a thought


    crossed her mind. Sending away this cold man will definitely put Ery more at ease.


    Dn led Avery over to her seat before saying, ¡°I''ll send him off.¡±


    It was not long before the Moores were gone.


    Finally, Avery''s expression lightened up a little.


    Meanwhile, outside the hotel, Dn opened the car door and ruffled Zachary''s hair. ¡°Boy, you''re quite


    adept with taking care of your sister.¡±


    Zachary helped his sister into the car before asking, ¡°Uncle Dn, why is Ms. Ery your wife?¡±


    ¡°You should be calling her Aunt Avery in the future,¡± Zachary patiently exined to Dn. Once he was


    done, he nced at the boy''s face, which was somewhat simr to Avery''s.


    Right then, a government official spotted Cayden. Naturally, he had toe forward to greet Cayden.


    The man then briefly chatted with Cayden, talking about which plots ofnd in Ackleton were about to


    go on sale soon.


    Cayden was in no mood to talk about work as his mind was all over the ce.


    Meanwhile, Dn, who was outside, chatted a while with the children. When he realized that Cayden''s


    conversation with the other man was not going to end any time soon, he headed upstairs.


    Instead of returning to his condominium, Cayden drove back to the Moore residence.


    Then, he left the two children to Jeffrey and the housekeeper.


    Just as Cayden took his suit jacket and was about to leave, Zachary asked in confusion, ¡°Daddy, Uncle


    Dn told me to call Ms. Ery Aunt Avery in the future. Is that true?¡±


    Cayden paused, but only for a second. The next moment, he silently left the house.


    Both Jeffery and the housekeeper were stunned.


    The housekeeper then hurried over to take Zachary''s and Rory''s bags. Her lips were pursed, for she


    did not dare to speak. Ms. Rumpley has been on good terms with Mr. Moore''s family, so why did she


    suddenly...


    This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    On the other hand, Jeffrey raised his brows and called for his great-grandson. ¡°Come here. Tell me


    what happened.¡±


    Zachary then told the elderly man everything he had heard about.


    All of a sudden, he found himself feeling bad for his father.


    After ten at night, Dn brought Avery to her grandfather.


    Besides suffering mild injuries, ke was also unconscious.


    Avery did not know when Dn left.


    It was not that she was interested to know, anyway. In fact, Avery wished that Dn could stay as far


    away as possible from her.


    She stayed by her grandfather''s bedside for the entire night. The next morning, an exhausted Avery


    called Cecelia to apply for leave, but she did not know whether her leave would be approved or not.


    When Cecelia heard her request, she instantly said, ¡°Take care of your grandpa first. The handover of


    the project is still ongoing, so there''s no need for you to rush to work.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Avery was grateful for Cecelia''s help.


    After that, Avery stayed by her grandfather''s side for a week. During that week, she also had to visit her


    father, sign papers, and hand over the money.


    One afternoon, Avery noticed that the figures in her bank ount were dwindling. Hence, she had no


    choice but to rpose herself to head to work.


    When she reached the design department, one of her coworkers nced at her in the middle of her


    work and said, ¡°Oh, you''re here, Ery. Your team has gone to the top floor for a meeting. You might be


    able to catch the end of the meeting if you head there now.¡±


    Avery said her thanks with a nod before rushing upstairs with herptop. She did not even have time to


    arrange her stuff.


    While she was rushing upstairs, the meeting ended. Her coworkers went downstairs in another


    elevator, so no one replied to her when she knocked on the door to the conference room. After she


    quietly opened the door to enter the room, she realized there was no one around anymore.


    Avery knew that the project was getting handed over recently, so they were concluding the important


    matters in the meeting.


    She did not want to be a burden to her team, so she thought about turning on the recorder in the


    conference room to watch the rey of the meeting.


    To her surprise, when she walked over with herptop, she saw the aloof-looking Cayden smoking in


    silence at the gigantic conference desk.


    The man''s solemn gaze flicked toward her.

 Chapter 141

    Chapter 141


    Cayden cast a look in her direction, devoid of expression.


    Caught off guard by his prative gaze, Avery was at her wits'' end. Furrowing his brows, Cayden


    stubbed out the cigarette in the ashtray and picked up his phone before striding out of the spacious


    conference room.


    There were two doors to the conference room, and Cayden deliberately avoided using the one she had


    entered through moments ago.


    Meanwhile, Avery remained on the spot like a motionless statue. After what seemed like an eternity,


    she eventually regained herposure.


    She put the headphones on after turning on the recorder and lowering the volume. Keeping her eyes


    glued to the recording of the meeting disyed on the projector screen, she focused on taking notes of


    the important points by typing nonstop on theptop keyboard.


    By the time Avery finished noting down the content of the meeting and returned to her office floor, it


    was already almost four in the afternoon.


    Meanwhile, Cecelia had been waiting for her for quite a while. She ced a cup of coffee on Avery''s


    desk and uttered gently, ¡°I heard from Xavier that you''ve found your grandpa.¡±


    Avery took the cup of coffee and ced it next to theptop. ¡°I feel bad for troubling you and Mr.


    Dartsley. Anyway, I owe you a meal,¡± she uttered earnestly while turning on theptop.


    Cecelia teased her, ¡°You don''t have to feel so. After all, we were only helping our boss. You should


    thank him instead.¡±


    Dumbstruck, Avery felt her fingers stiffen on the keyboard.


    Beaming ambiguously at Avery, Cecelia nudged her. ¡°How''re you going to thank him? Serve him well in


    bed, huh?¡±


    Even so, Avery''s fingers remained still on the keyboard.


    Sensing that there was something awry about her, Cecelia lowered her head intuitively, only to find the


    latter had curled her fingers unknowingly. The drastic change in her countenance and movement


    implied something serious was bugging her.


    ¡°What''s wrong? Did you quarrel with Boss?¡± Cecelia questioned warily before recalling Cayden''s


    intimidating expression during the meeting earlier. In fact, no words could describe the grimness on his


    face at that time.


    In an instant, Cecelia could not help mocking herself for jumping to such a hasty conclusion earlier.


    Initially, she assumed their boss only wore a look of sheer grimness during the meeting due to the


    incident whereby Zayne drugged Avery with sleeping pills. The realization only dawned on her that it


    was not the reason.


    ¡°There''s nothing between Boss and me. Furthermore, I...¡± After much hesitation, Avery cast her head


    down and mumbled, ¡°I''m married.¡±


    Cecelia gazed at Avery, bereft of speech.


    After quite a while, she burst outughing. ¡°You must be pulling my leg! You''re married? Hmph! How''s


    that possible? It''s akin to my mom suddenly telling me she''s not my biological mother, and I''m the


    descendant of the royal family!¡±


    ¡°I''m being serious.¡± Avery looked into Cecelia''s eyes solemnly.


    Cecelia was rendered speechless again.


    Huh? Avery is married? Am I hearing things? Cecelia was overwhelmed. Then what about our


    omnipotent CEO of Trident Group? Countless socialites from prominent families are falling head over


    heels for him, but he''s unfazed. Not to mention, he''s never closely acquainted with any woman all this


    while. However, he takes a fancy to a married woman now! How preposterous!


    Back in her seat, Cecelia tried to focus on work. Nevertheless, she could not help but fall into a trance.


    How''s it possible for Avery to be in a rtionship with Boss if she''s married? Could it be that Boss


    couldn''t resist Avery''s charm and forwent his morals for her? Or perhaps, Avery has been feigning


    innocence to make a fool of him till he finally found out she''s already married? Was that why his


    expression remained darkened throughout the meeting?


    Meanwhile, Avery looked worn out as she buried herself in work.


    Cecelia tilted her head to shoot Avery a nce. She could scarcely believe that thetter was two-


    timing and that she had made a misjudgment all the while.


    After a while, she texted Avery: If you have nothing on tonight, let''s go for a drink together. Fearing that


    thetter might reject her, she tried to sound casual by texting: Treat it as a token of appreciation to me


    then. After all, I stood guard outside your ce to keep an eye on everything for you while you were


    tracking down your grandpa.


    Avery replied: Okay.


    When it was about time to call it a day, Avery stepped out to wash the coffee cup. Coincidentally, she


    bumped into Nina, who was just back from carrying out her task.


    Nina cut to the chase. ¡°I''ll drop by your ce after workter. Let''s have a chat, okay?¡±


    Meanwhile, Cecelia approached them and suggested, ¡°I''ve invited Ery for a drink at night. If you don''t


    mind letting me in on your conversation, how about the three of us have a drink together?¡±


    Nina had nothing against Cecelia. Thus, she dly nodded at once. ¡°Sure.¡±


    After work, the three young women went to a bar together.


    ¡°Is it your first time here?¡± Cecelia asked Avery curiously. Evidently, she was one of the frequent


    customers there.


    Avery nodded cidly.


    Shortly after, the server served them beer.


    Nina poured three sses of beer before sitting down and starting to drink from her ss.


    After quenching her thirst, she elucidated, ¡°How''s it possible for Ery to visit a bar throughout those


    years? I saw with my own eyes how she has been leading a miserable life in Ackleton. Apart from


    being mistreated by her stepmother, her father suffers from critical illness. Cecelia, there''s a lot you


    don''t know about Ery. Anyway, I know her like the back of my head.¡±


    Hearing that, Cecelia turned to look at Nina, who had just taken another sip of her beer. ¡°So, does it


    mean that you know Ery is married too?¡±


    ¡°Pfft!¡± The beer spurted out of Nina''s mouth in an instant.


    Stupefied, Cecelia took some napkins hastily and handed them to Nina.


    Perplexed, Nina turned in Avery''s direction. ¡°You''re married? How could I be oblivious to that? Who did


    you marry?¡±


    At the same time, she could not resist making wild guesses. Could it be that she has married Boss


    discreetly?


    ¡°We obtained the marriage certificates a week ago. Please stop asking further. Anyway, Boss and I are


    merely in a working rtionship,¡± Avery exined briefly, avoiding mentioning a single word about


    Dn.


    Something came to Cecelia and Nina simultaneously. A week ago? Wasn''t that the time when Ery''s


    grandpa went missing? Was there any connection between her getting married abruptly and her


    grandpa''s disappearance?


    Half an hourter, there were already more than a dozen of empty beer bottles on the table.


    Patting Avery''s shoulder, Ninamented, ¡°I don''t me you at all. My brother only has himself to


    me. I bet you''re unaware that h-he intended to...¡±


    Her voice trailed off as she was utterly ashamed.


    She had apanied her parents to the police station after Zayne was taken there. The police told


    them they had traced countless unsightly messages on her brother''s phone. She finally realized her


    brother''s indecency after noticing those messages and pictures.


    Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°What did he intend to do?¡± Avery asked inquisitively.


    ¡°Let''s drop the subject. Everything is over now...¡± Nina poured a ss of wine each for Avery and


    Cecelia.


    Momentster, a ringtone sounded amid the melodious background music in the bar.


    ¡°Whose phone is that?¡± Nina asked around before telling Avery, ¡°If I''m not wrong, it seems your phone


    is ringing.¡±


    Avery did not drink much. Nevertheless, she began to feel dizzy due to her low alcohol tolerance.


    After whipping out her phone, she caught a glimpse of an unknown number blinking on the phone


    screen before she answered the call.


    ¡°Ery, I don''t care what you''re busy with now! Come home right away!¡± Talia''s authoritative voice


    sounded from the other end of the line. Avery could even sense the stifled boiling rage in her tone.


    ¡°What''s wrong?¡± Avery could not wrap her head around Dn and his parents'' attitude. Not to mention,


    she wished she did not have to cross paths with them.


    ¡°Ha! How could you have the cheek to ask me what''s wrong? I can''t believe you are clueless about


    everything! Old Mr. Moore is here and insists on taking you away with him. He ims that we''ve


    abducted his granddaughter-inw. By hook or by crook, you muste back now to rify


    everything! My goodness! I must have been blind to only see through you now!¡±

 Chapter 142

    Chapter 142


    In the meantime, Toby was standing on the balcony of the Musk residence with a look of somberness.


    After going upstairs, Talia looked around for quite a while before spotting him there.


    ¡°How are you nning to resolve the matter?¡± Talia blundered. Knowing her husband''s temperament


    well, she was worried stiff that thetter would unleash his wrath relentlessly on her son.


    As such, she racked her brains on how she could back Dn up. Regardless of what her son had


    done, she could not remain unperturbed when he had to face the wrath.


    Toby snorted impatiently. ¡°I''m waiting to see how your beloved son will appease Old Mr. Moore with an


    exnation when he''s back!¡±


    Talia was a bundle of nerves. ¡°Didn''t you have a clear insight into the situation and know your son well?


    What''s the point of exining everything again? Most importantly, we should find a way now to cate


    Old Mr. Moore!¡±


    Needless to say, they were well aware of their son''s mindset and demeanor.


    In actuality, Talia had sensed something amiss when Dn suddenly announced that he was getting


    married and had arranged to register his marriage hastily.


    She also recalled that Avery was unconscious when Dn carried her back in his arms that day. After


    regaining consciousness, Avery even left right away without their knowledge. Apart from that, she was


    obviously in low spirits during the meal with their close rtives right after their marriage registration.


    At the thought, Talia finally had a grasp of the situation and uttered analytically, ¡°Dn and Avery''s


    marriage might be in the name only. I bet they''re hiding something from us...¡±


    Toby turned and fumed, ¡°Huh? Do I still need to think of a way out for him? Good gracious! He''s


    already in his thirties. Haven''t I sacrificed enough for him all these years? Now that Old Mr. Moore


    confronts us by bringing along his great-grandson, insisting that we let go of his granddaughter-inw,


    how could I face the others again without any sense of shame?¡±


    Talia was at a loss for words to refute. She had no choice but to vent her resentment toward the Musk


    family.


    shing a nce at the car parked next to the main entrance, she mocked, ¡°Hmph! Look at your


    beloved younger sister. Others might think you''re only the Musk family''s adopted child. Now that we''re


    in a predicament, how could she remain seatedfortably in her car without speaking up for you?


    She''s seemingly gloating!¡±


    Tamper ring, Toby snapped at her, ¡°Zip your mouth. You''d better discipline yourself and your beloved


    son. It''s all your fault. You shouldn''t have pampered him throughout these years!¡±


    Talia retorted in exasperation, ¡°Huh? It''s all my fault? Toby Musk, you never liked our son, didn''t you?


    You had a soft spot for ire Walsh, but she didn''t even spare you any nce. Ah! She''s undoubtedly


    made the right choice by marrying a man holding such a high post. On the contrary, you''re just a lowly


    small fry. Oh yeah! Isn''t her husband infertile? Why don''t you donate your sperm to her? With that,


    you''ll be able to fulfill your dream of having a kid with your goddess!¡±


    Blowing a fuse, she added oppressively, ¡°So what? Ain''t I allowed toment anything about Allie? If it


    weren''t for the fact that she''s your sister, I wouldn''t have to cross paths with the Moore family. Do I owe


    them anything? D*mn it! We even have to swallow our pride and apologize to them now. Who does Old


    Mr. Moore think he is, huh? Why must we give in to his tyranny?¡±


    This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Right that instant, an Audi pulled to a halt outside the Musk residence.


    When Avery opened the door to get out of the car, Nina, seated in the passenger seat, turned and


    reassured her, ¡°Don''t be afraid. We''re with you!¡±


    ¡°If anyone inside dares to pick on you, give us a call right away. We''ll back you up at once,¡± Cecelia


    added earnestly. Fortunately, she was not dizzy even after finishing a few sses of beer earlier.


    Despite anything, they would not let Avery take the risk alone sote at night. Thus, Nina had


    requested her wealthy boyfriend to send them there.


    Before Avery reached the entrance of the Musk residence, Allie emerged and stood in her way.


    In fact, she only got out of the car when Avery came into view. She purposely did not step into the


    Musk residence with Jeffrey earlier in order to wait for her.


    After scanning the surroundings cautiously, Allie lowered her voice and hissed, ¡°It''s inconvenient for me


    to ask you previously as Rory was with me. I tried to call you after that, but you didn''t answer the


    phone. Spit it out. What on earth are you doing? How could you target my nephew right after leaving


    my son? What''s up your sleeve?¡±


    ¡°I wish to make things clear that I don''t have anything up my sleeve. Why don''t you ask your nephew


    instead?¡± Avery retaliated.


    Allie snickered. ¡°How could you marry your cousin? Don''t you have any sense of shame? Is that how


    your grandpa and father educated you?¡±


    ¡°It could be in my genes,¡± Avery responded ambiguously, staring at her nonchntly. The next moment,


    she walked past Allie and stepped into the Musk residence.


    Even though she had known earlier that Dn was her cousin, she vowed to keep mum about the


    secret, regardless of how thetter threatened her. After all, she never intended to upset Cayden.


    Unequivocally, her marriage to Dn was an aberrant one, so it was impossible for them to get


    intimate. Notwithstanding, she would never meet Dn alone in case he forced himself on her. On top


    of that, she made up her mind to leave Ackleton after her father''s condition stabilized.


    All of a sudden, she remembered the lottery


    she bought on the way to the bank earlier that day and began praying earnestly. Oh, God! Please let


    me hit the jackpot. If so, I''ll be able to resign and leave this city without a care in the world, releasing


    myself from the shackles of money!


    Later, Avery saw Jeffrey the moment she stepped into the Musk residence. Allie also entered right after


    her and took a seat.


    At the same time, Toby and Talia descended the staircase from the first floor.


    ¡°Ery, please exin to us what happened,¡± Toby requested gently. He was convinced that Dn was


    the one who should be responsible for everything.


    Avery could only stand still in the presence of the elders as if they were police officers interrogating her.


    Seeing that everyone remained silent, Talia questioned Avery preemptively, ¡°Since Old Mr. Moore and


    Cayden''s mother are here now, let me ask you a question. You must answer honestly, okay? You used


    to be in a rtionship with Cayden and visited the Moore residence before. Not only that, you even


    nned to marry each other then. However, nobody from the Musk family, not even Dn, was aware


    of that, right?¡±


    Talia twisted the facts deliberately so that Avery had to take the rap.


    Avery smelled a rat at once. Even after drinking quite a lot, she remained quick-witted as usual. Pfft!


    Apparently, my so-called mother-inw intends to turn me into a scapegoat!


    ¡°I thought Dn''s at home? Since he''s not in, I''ve nothing much to say, too. You can ask him after he''s


    back,¡± Avery stated resolutely. The next moment, she turned and decided to step out without sparing


    any nce at them.


    ¡°Ms. Ery! Don''t leave!¡± Zachary dashed toward Avery and wrapped his arms around her at the


    entrance.


    Surprisingly, Jeffrey did not stop him.


    Talia knitted her brows and felt her temples start to throb at the sight of Zachary clinging to Avery.


    She dared not imagine how closely Cayden used to be acquainted with her so-called daughter-inw.


    My goodness! Even his son is exceptionally clingy to her!


    The scene was like a bolt out of the blue for her.


    Deep down, Talia sneered. Pfft! This woman is indeed far more crafty than any other vixen! Fortunately,


    I discovered it earlier. If not, she will surely cheat on Dn one day!


    Looking downward at Zachary, Avery could scarcely restrain herself from revealing the truth.


    Nheless, she had to refrain from doing so, fearful of infuriating Cayden again.


    Right that instant, Avery and Zachary were standing in front of the door leading to the dining room,


    looking like mother and son.


    In a split second, a silhouette emerged and engulfed the entrance. At first, Avery thought Dn was


    back. However, it turned out to be another tall and sturdy man who pushed open the door.


    ¡°Daddy, let''s bring Ms. Ery home!¡± Zachary gazed at his father innocently with a sense of demureness


    on his dainty face. There was a glint of unmissable helplessness in his eyes.

 Chapter 143

    Chapter 143


    Cayden was standing at the door.


    Avery couldn''t tell whether he was doing it deliberately, but he was blocking her pathpletely. There


    was only one door, and his body took up the entire space.


    Sitting on the couch, Allie remained silent. Toby was there to preside over things for the Musk family,


    and if all else failed, there was still his wife. As for the Moore family, there was Jeffrey.


    Therefore, she basically had no right to speak.


    Besides, her son, who had always been the head of the household, had arrived then.


    No one in the living room dared to speak up.


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Seeing that, Allie couldn''t help panicking as she was desperate to get rid of Avery.


    Ultimately, she snapped. Leaping up from the couch, she walked over to the door and took her


    grandson''s hand. At the same time, she said to the two people standing at the door, ¡°Have a seat first.


    Dn should be back in a while.¡±


    ¡°Why did you call me over, Grandpa?¡± Cayden''s low and calm voice rang out. Obeying his mother''s


    advice, he strolled over to the couch in the living room and sat down.


    When he moved away from the door, he surreptitiously pushed open the door behind him a crack with


    his long and slender fingers.


    That action of his was a signal for Avery to leave.


    At that, Avery''s eyelid twitched imperceptibly. Twisting the door handle in her hand, she pushed the


    door open.


    Following her departure, only members of the Musk and Moore families remained in the living room.


    Utterly embarrassed, Talia dered derisively, ¡°Having lived for more than half a century, I thought I


    had a discerning eye and that no rotten characters could deceive me! Now, however, I admit that I was


    blind!¡±


    Meanwhile, Toby was wholly bewildered by the show his wife was putting on.


    Then, she continued to speak on behalf of her son, who hadn''t yet returned. ¡°You all know the kind of


    girlfriends Dn dated in the past. They were all often featured in tabloids. Someone like Ery appears


    innocent, so she inevitably snagged his attention. Defeated by her charms, he was totally bewitched.


    They had only been acquainted for days, but she had already persuaded my son to marry her!¡±


    Hearing that, Jeffrey lifted his head. ¡°So, your son got the short end of the stick?¡±


    ¡°Of course¡ª¡± Talia red at the man indignantly, but before she could finish speaking, Toby squeezed


    her arm.


    Left with no other choice, Talia could only stop short and swallow the rest of her words.


    Jeffrey cast a look at his grandson, who seemingly didn''t give a whit about that matter. ¡°Cayden, you


    didn''t even know that Ery suddenly married Dn?¡±


    Zachary likewise swung his gaze at Cayden.


    Meanwhile, the housekeeper of the Musk residence made some coffee and respectfully served


    everyone a cup.


    Cayden eyed the cup of coffee before him, but he didn''t bother drinking it. Lighting a cigarette, he


    arched an eyebrow and remarked, ¡°Ery''s grandfather went missing out of the blue. I went to the


    countryside with her to look for him and also lodged a police report. We slept together the night before


    she got married.¡±


    The instant Jeffrey heard that, his eyes went wide.


    As the man''s uncle, Toby could no longer remain calm either after hearing that.


    One is my son, and the other is my nephew! What kind of nonsense is this?


    Taking a puff of the cigarette, Cayden added, ¡°I''m also curious to know why she hastily got married


    when her grandfather was missing and hadn''t been found then.¡±


    Jeffrey put the cup of coffee down, no longer in the mood to drink it anymore.


    ¡°Has her grandfather been found?¡±


    ¡°He was found and sent to the hospital the night she got married.¡± Cayden swept an unfathomable


    gaze over the few elders sitting there, intentionally revealing some information through hisments.


    He believed that both his aunt and uncle were intelligent people. Having cleaned up after Dn for


    more than ten years, they couldn''t possibly fail to realize that their son hadmitted a misdeed again.


    Anyhow, he didn''t n on going too far during his visit this time. It was considered a warning, and he


    was also demanding an exnation.


    Avery was easy prey and endured everything silently, but he was different.


    Upon hearing all that, Talia could no longer put on airs, and her hands shook slightly.


    ¡°Is there still any need to spell things out? I hope the two of you can educate your son well and give Ery


    an exnation as soon as possible. Of course, the Moore family wants an exnation as well.¡±


    Snagging his cane and propping it against the floor, Jeffrey got to his feet with a frosty expression on


    his face.


    Toby went out to see the Moore family off.


    Talia, on the other hand, remained in the living room.


    Right then, the housekeeper stood by the kitchen door, not daring to go over to collect the coffee pot


    and cups on the coffee table.


    Even after the Moore family had left, Toby remained standing at the door for a long time before he


    turned around and went back into the house.


    As soon as he entered, he pointed at thendline. ¡°Phone him! Call that treacherous son right away!


    Tell him I''m dead and have hime back for my funeral!¡±


    Talia hurriedly phoned Dn.


    After making the call, she didn''t dare anger Toby either. She sat on the sofa anxiously, racking her


    brains for a solution to resolve that matter.


    More than an hour had passed before the sound of an approaching car was heard from outside.


    Soon, Dn reached the door.


    Bang!


    No sooner had he entered the house than his father threw a cup at him.


    It was a top-notch kiln ceramic cup bought by a rtive at an exorbitant price and given to his father


    five years ago in return for a favor. He knew about its existence before he got into prison.


    Right then, however, his father simply threw the cup at him.


    The cup fell to the floor and shattered into a million pieces.


    The wrath of his father was evident.


    ¡°Come over and exin to your father why exactly you and Ery got married!¡± Talia tugged at her


    enraged husband and had him take a seat.


    At that, Dn frowned. ¡°What do you mean by why? What other reason could it be other than love?¡±


    ¡°Nonsense!¡± Toby''s face went as ck as thunder.


    ¡°Did the Moore familye and say something to you both?¡± Dn sat down. Picking up a cup, he


    languidly poured himself some coffee. ¡°Did they say that I was the one behind Avery''s grandfather''s


    disappearance and used that to ckmail her into marrying me?¡±


    ¡°Are you admitting that you indeed did that?¡± Toby was so livid that his face flushed bright red.


    Snagging a cup, he threw it at Dn again.


    ¡°Put it down! Quick, ce it down! Listen to what Dn has to say first!¡± Talia was so frantic that she


    was on the verge of tears.


    Dn took a sip of coffee before cing the cup down. Lifting his head, he stared right at his father. ¡°It


    wasn''t me who kidnapped Avery''s grandfather. I believe that the culprit will soone to light.


    However, I did take advantage of the situation and force her to marry me.¡±


    ¡°What a b*stard!¡±


    Toby wanted to spring to his feet and pummel that unscrupulous son of his.


    However, Talia held her husband back. ¡°Dn didn''t vite thew. It was someone else instead!


    Didn''t you hear that?¡±


    Turning the cup in his hand, Dn muttered in an ominous voice, ¡°If I hadn''t gone to prison, she might


    have been your daughter-inw since five years ago.¡±


    ¡°What did you just say?¡±


    Talia tried to get more information from her son, hoping to hear that it was the Moore family''s fault.


    Even if that wasn''t the case, Avery was to be med. In short, the Musk family did nothing wrong.


    However, Dn stood up and merely replied, ¡°Nothing. In the future, don''t poke your nose into my


    affairs. I know what I''m doing.¡±


    Talia looked at her son, who was about to leave. ¡°Where are you going?¡±


    ¡°Pick my wife up and drive her home to sleep.¡± Dn was sure that Avery was taking care of ke at


    the hospital at that hour and headed there right away.


    When he went upstairs and pushed open the ward door, he wasn''t at all surprised by the scene that


    greeted him. Zachary is here. Then, his father must be here as well.


    At the sight of him, Zachary kissed Avery on the face provocatively.

 Chapter 144

    Chapter 144


    Avery lifted her head, only to see Dn.


    ¡°How''s Grandpa?¡± Dn didn''t interrupt Avery''s interaction with Zachary. Instead, he walked over to the


    head of the hospital bed.


    No one answered his question.


    Zachary instinctively went on high alert. Hugging Avery''s thigh, he raised his head and said voicelessly,


    ¡°Don''t be afraid, Ms. Ery.¡± Daddy will be back soon.


    Dn sat down in front of the bed. As he gazed at the scabbed wounds on ke''s face, he couldn''t


    help the resentment bubbling within him.


    How could they hurt him so badly? But then, if he weren''t wounded so severely, I couldn''t have forced


    Avery to yield.


    As he mulled it over, an internal struggle started brewing within him. Is it a mistake to use underhanded


    means to get my way, or is that simply human nature? If I''m not cruel enough, I''ll lose a lot of things.


    Just then, ke woke up.


    ¡°You''re here, Dn?¡± he inquired weakly.


    ¡°Grandpa.¡± Going over, Avery anxiously ced a pillow behind her grandfather''s head.


    ¡°I''m sorry, Grandpa. You wouldn''t have been kidnapped if it weren''t for my negligence,¡± Dn


    murmured.


    He had sent ke to the hospital personally and had long since concocted an exnation for the man.


    What was more, it also matched the kidnappers'' words.


    In the empty factory, the kidnappers had cursed ke, snarling, ¡°So, you''re Dn Musk''s grandfather,


    huh? D*mn it! Your grandson reported our boss for forcing himself on some girl! What a busybody! I''m


    going to finish you off today so that your grandson can mourn you!¡±


    Dn saw that video, and that was why he had such a wless justification.


    ¡°It wasn''t your fault,¡± ke replied.


    He was referring to Dn''s righteous act of having the police arrest the monster who vited


    someone. Nheless, he didn''t spell it out since his granddaughter and a five-year-old child were in


    the room.


    Dn stayed for about ten minutes before he took his leave.


    ke called out to his granddaughter, who was standing by the window with her back to them and her


    expression hidden. ¡°See Dn out, Ery.¡±


    Since Avery had something to say to Dn, she agreed to his request.


    Zachary then slipped off his shoes and climbed onto the hospital bed. ¡°My great-grandpa came to visit


    you just now, but you were asleep, so my daddy drove him back.¡±


    ¡°Your great-grandpa was here?¡± ke was stunned for a moment.


    Zachary blinked his huge eyes that resembled Avery''s closely. ¡°Great-grandpa said he''ll bring a chess


    set tomorrow and y a few rounds with you!¡±


    When Dn arrived in front of the elevator, he saw Avery whirling around.


    His dissatisfied voice rang out behind her. ¡°This is your so-called seeing me out?¡±


    Avery only came out because she initially wanted to discuss things with him, but on second thought,


    she felt that there was no point doing so with a despicable and shameless man like him. Furthermore, it


    wouldn''t work anyway. It would only end in disappointment.


    Ignoring him, she headed back to the hospital room.


    While walking, her phone vibrated.


    Taking it out for a look, she saw that it was a notification of a voice message. However, it was from an


    unknown number.


    She yed it and brought her phone to her ear.


    Dn''s voice drifted out from the voice message. ¡°Did you have something to say to me when you saw


    me out?¡±


    Hearing his voice, Avery eyed her phone with a frown. When did he get my number? Could it be that he


    obtained it when I passed out that day?


    s, all traces of tampering had been removed.


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    In the second voice message, Dn said, ¡°It was wise of you to not say anything to me. I don''t think


    you had anything to say that would be to my liking. Perhaps you would''ve proposed an unreasonable


    request such as divorce. Fortunately, you didn''t voice it. Otherwise, I don''t know what crazy thing I


    might have done in the hospital.¡±


    And in the third voice message, hemented, ¡°When I came out, I told my parents that I''m going to


    pick my wife up and fetch her home. Now that I''m going home alone, your parents-inw might think


    that you''recking in sensibility...¡±


    ¡°Why isn''t Cayden here to pick Zach up yet?¡± ke asked his granddaughter, who was standing at the


    door nkly.


    It wasn''t until Avery heard her grandfather''s question that she snapped back to her senses. She then


    blocked Dn''s number.


    ¡°P-Perhaps he''s caught in traffic,¡± she stammered.


    She wanted toy her cards on the table with ke and tell him that it was impossible between her and


    Cayden, so he shouldn''t mistakenly regard thetter as his future grandson-inw anymore.


    Unfortunately, the ability of an elderly person to withstand such a blow paled inparison to young


    people.


    Pulling the covers over the man, she lowered her eyes and remarked, ¡°Grandpa, I think there''s a huge


    gap between Cayden and me. Don''t you think so?¡±


    ke lifted his eyes and studied his granddaughter.


    Avery looked at him before ncing at Zachary as she didn''t want thetter to hear it, but he was still


    young, so she couldn''t ask him to step out. Oh well, never mind.


    ¡°There is a gap, and we''ve got to admit that, but you''re not with him for his money. Instead, it''s for love.


    Is that not so?¡± ke mollified, aying her sense of inferiority.


    ¡°I... don''t want to be with him anymore. It''s really, really tiring.¡± Avery knew that she could only reason


    along those lines.


    ke was stumped, not quite certain what had happened.


    However, he could see the distinct tears shimmering in her eyes.


    The five-year-old Zachary perceived Avery''s meaning, and he pouted. ¡°My father is actually quite


    good.¡±


    Lifting her head, Avery gazed at him. At the thought that she would never see Cayden, Zachary, and


    Rory again after making things clear to her grandfather, a sense of indescribable sorrow flooded her.


    Zachary felt insecure suddenly, so he praised his father to the skies. ¡°He''s good at making money.


    Besides, he''s tall and handsome, with good genes. He is a little hot-tempered, but Great-grandpa said


    it''s because he''s too tired. He only gets mad when someone dumb drags him down and wastes his


    time. Oh yes, he doesn''t know how to doundry or cook, but he can learn all that!¡±


    ¡°Other than that, your father doesn''t have other strengths.¡± That remark from Avery was pure


    nonsense, meant to stop him from rambling further.


    Zachary grew as anxious as a cat on hot bricks and racked his brain for his father''s strengths.


    ¡°We''re just not meant for each other.¡±


    Scooping Zachary up, Avery hugged him. I''m about to be free of it all, but why does my heart feel like it


    has sunk to the depths of despair?


    Enveloped within her embrace, Zachary hadn''t even the time to grieve when he caught sight of his


    father, who had pushed open the door at some time and was standing by the door.


    ¡°Daddy?¡±


    ¡°Get down and wear your shoes. It''s time to go home.¡± Cayden carried Zachary off the bed and had


    him wear his shoes himself.


    Zachary found a shoe, but the other one was kicked away eons ago.


    Wearing one shoe, he walked around in search of the other one.


    Avery was packing Zachary''s bag, putting his pencil box in. Unexpectedly, Cayden walked over and


    stretched out a hand, taking his son''s bag away and zipping it. ¡°One must have strengths to bed you?¡±


    he murmured evenly.


    At once, Avery nced back over her shoulder at ke on the hospital bed to ascertain that her


    grandfather didn''t hear it. She felt so mortified that her face flushed bright red.


    The man''s insult had her seeing red. ¡°That''s right! But you don''t have any!¡± As far as she knew, all he


    knew was to make money unfeelingly, and he had no other strengths besides that.


    Of course, to the whole world, the ability to make money was probably better than a thousand strengths


    of other men.


    After saying that, she spun on her heel.


    s, the man grabbed her wrist.


    As she turned back, his candid remark had her face flushing bright red. ¡°Have you not sampled the


    particrly strong part of me?¡±

 Chapter 145

    Chapter 145


    Cayden''s brows were knitted together deeply, and his imperious expression showed a hint of chagrin.


    Avery was well aware of the source of his displeasure.


    ¡°Please have some respect for me.¡± She wanted to retract her hand, trying to avoid excessive physical


    contact as much as possible.


    Unexpectedly, the man tightened his grip around her wrist in the next second.


    With his deep and piercing gaze radiating coldness, Cayden fixated them on her flickering eyes. ¡°How


    will it be considered respectful? By addressing you as my cousin-inw?¡±


    His voice brimmed with derision, and the words out of his mouth were chilly.


    Once again, Avery was angered by his words. ¡°I don''t mind if you wish to address me thus.¡±


    Just when the man almost broke her wrist, ke queried, ¡°Ery, are you done packing Zachary''s bag?¡±


    Avery was in such excruciating pain that she couldn''t even speak. If the pressure on her wrist didn''t let


    up soon, her wrist would definitely shatter.


    Cayden''s savage expression was reflected in her teary eyes. Dipping her head, she clenched her jaw


    and tried to break free from his grip silently.


    ¡°Bid Great-grandpa farewell,¡± Cayden lowered his head and ordered his son after walking over to the


    door without any expression on his face.


    Taking his father''s hand, Zachary waved his other hand in the direction of the hospital bed. ¡°Goodbye,


    Great-grandpa! Rest well. I... I''ll be back tomorrow to visit you.¡±


    ¡°Okay, I''ll be waiting for you tomorrow,¡± ke replied.


    Zachary was then brought out of the hospital room by Cayden.


    Before the hospital room door mmed shut, the former nced back over his shoulder at Avery, who


    didn''te out. As he walked along the corridor, he looked up at his father. ¡°Daddy, Ms. Ery seems to


    be crying secretly.¡±


    Cayden didn''t even bother sparing his son a look. ¡°You''re mistaken.¡±


    ¡°I''m not,¡± Zachary insisted.


    At that, a deep frown marred Cayden''s countenance.


    Meanwhile, Avery thought that her grandfather would ask why she suddenly minded the gap between


    their families when everything was fine previously and broke up with Cayden.


    Surprisingly, ke didn''t do so.


    Lying on the bed, he neither sighed nor frowned, not putting any pressure on her.


    At that precise moment, Brodie texted her on WhatsApp.


    After reading his message, she went over to her grandfather, who had fallen asleep again, pulling the


    covers over him. She tucked him in before going out. On her way out, she closed the hospital room


    door softly.


    Brodie was at the hospital entrance.


    The moment he spotted Avery, he inquired in concern, ¡°A family member of yours is being


    hospitalized?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, my grandfather.¡± Avery hadn''t nned on keeping him in the dark.


    ¡°Shall we go out for a drink?¡± Brodie pointed at a coffee bar outside the hospital.


    Avery nodded in agreement since she intended to sit down and discuss things with him anyway.


    When they arrived at the coffee bar, Brodie ordered two cups of coffee.


    He once had a meal with Avery, so he knew her preferences.


    It took a long time for the coffee to be served.


    ¡°What kind of sickness does your grandfather have?¡± Brodie asked.


    ¡°It''s just normal sickness that elderly people are prone to have. He''ll be discharged in a few days.¡±


    Avery didn''t say that her grandfather was kidnapped and beaten up, for that would likely frighten the


    man.


    Nodding, Brodie went silent for a moment as he pondered upon the words ¡°normal sickness that elderly


    people are prone to have¡± in his mind.


    A long momentter, he lifted his head. ¡°You''re taking care of him alone at the hospital? Where are


    your parents?¡±


    At that exact moment, the coffee was served.


    The server ced the coffee down before leaving.


    ¡°My father...¡± Avery gripped the cup of coffee, but she seemingly couldn''t feel the heat. ¡°My father is


    also being hospitalized. As for my mother, she left us after I was born.¡±


    Brodie had brought his cup of coffee to his mouth, but he stopped short.


    After learning about Leonardo''s illness, he went silent once more.


    Subsequently, he frowned again.


    In the end, Brodie got to his feet first and left. Avery waited until almost all the patrons in the coffee bar


    had left before she finally found the strength to walk out.


    Breaking up is the best ending. Perhaps we shouldn''t have dated in the first ce.


    Early the next morning, Avery went to work after putting ke''s breakfast box away.


    In the subway, her phone rang.


    It was a call from an unknown phone number.


    ¡°Hello? Is this Avery Rumpley?¡±


    A woman''s voice drifted out from the speakers.


    ¡°Hello, Avery Rumpley speaking.¡± There were never empty seats when one boarded the subway at the


    station near the hospital. Avery wasn''t steady on her feet, so she gripped a handrail tightly with her left


    hand.


    ¡°I''m Brodie Checkfield''s mother. I have something to say to you.¡±


    Avery was stunned for a second. ¡°Go ahead, Mrs. Checkfield.¡±


    ¡°Brodie drank quite a bit when he came homest night. He had never been drunk in the past. His


    father and I asked him why he drank, and perhaps people speak only the truth after drinking, so he told


    us about the two of you without keeping anything from us. I''m not a materialistic person, but I have to


    be honest and admit that we can''t ept your family''s situation. I don''t know what Brodie thinks since


    he has always been kind, innocent, and naive since he was young. But his father and I think your


    rtionship with him should end here. Hello? Are you listening, Ms. Rumpley?¡± Brodie''s mother


    questioned urgently.


    There was a section in the subway with a poor signal. Avery heard the gist of her words and wanted to


    reply, but the person on the other end seemingly couldn''t hear her.


    When the signal had resumed at longst, there was a change in the attitude of Brodie''s mother. She


    demanded sharply, ¡°What do you mean by remaining silent? Do you take my words as a joke? Ms.


    Rumpley, I advise you to know your ce and not take advantage of Brodie. Even if he''s good at


    making money and has a lot of savings, it''s not to be squandered on your soon-dying father and your


    grandfather, who has a foot in the grave! Since you''re a parasite, don''t go around hurting the good!¡±


    After saying that, she hung up.


    All Avery heard was the disconnect tone.


    By then, the subway had arrived at the station where her office was located.


    It was amercial street, so many people alighted at that station. Avery had no time to brood over


    Brodie''s mother''s words, pushing her way toward the doors. Amidst the jostling, a button on her shirt


    popped open.


    When she had finally exited the subway station, she had a ton of WhatsApp messages.


    The female ex-ssmate with whom she exchanged contacts during the ss reunion back then had


    sent her a WhatsApp message.


    It read: Are you looking for a part-time job, Ery? I''ve got a part-time job. Do you want to do it with me?


    We can keep each otherpany! The basic sry is three hundred a night, and themission is


    dependent on the sales. It''s just that the item is rather embarrassing.


    She attached a photo and wrote beneath it: This is the merchandise. See whether you can ept it.


    We''re to sell it at an entertainment establishment, but don''t worry. It''s owned by my friend''s uncle. It''s a


    decent ce without any perverts. Do reply me when you see this!


    After reading it, Avery replied: Sorry, I was in the subway earlier. I just squeezed my way out.


    The female ssmate texted back: So, are you interested in working this part-time job with me?


    Hesitation swamped Avery as she looked at the words ¡°Durexx,¡± a high-quality imitation of ¡°Durex¡± in


    the picture. However, she was strapped for cash. Whatever I sell makes no difference. It''s also a virtue


    to promote condoms to men and women who practice a certain lifestyle. Using condoms indicate


    respect and responsibility toward women.


    She then typed: Send me the time and location.


    This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Having replied to the text, she lifted her head and nced at the pedestrian traffic light at the


    crosswalk. It had turned from red to green.


    Just when she was about to cross the road, her gaze inadvertently strayed, and she immediately froze


    in ce.


    A woman walked out of the subway exit a little over ten meters away. It was none other than Lindsay,


    who waited on her and made all the arrangements when she gave birth to the children of the person


    who hired her five years ago.

 Chapter 146

    Chapter 146


    Watching from at least ten yards away, Avery saw the woman cross the road, so she did the same by


    taking another crosswalk.


    She knew she was not trying to get to work. Instead, she had decided to follow Lindsay for some


    reason.


    No work nor project seemed more important to Avery than what she was doing then.


    Why am I doing this? Avery could not stop questioning herself as she continued to follow her target.


    Still, she did not manage to get a solid answer.


    Even though Avery refused to admit it, she just wanted to see her child, even if it was for one second.


    That was why she instinctively stalked Lindsay to get information on her child.


    After crossing the road, Lindsay headed straight for Trident Group.


    Avery lifted her head to look at thepany logo with a frown. What is Lindsay doing here?


    However, she could not get an answer to her question just yet.


    Avery then followed Lindsay into thepany through the revolving door. She deliberately stayed out


    of the woman''s sight, fearing that her target would try to lose her if alerted.


    As soon as Avery got inside the building, she saw Xavier walk out of the elevator.


    Lindsay approached the man, and from the way they interacted, Avery could tell that they not only


    knew each other but were close.


    Instinctively, Avery''s hand tightened its grip on theptop bag.


    In front of the elevator, Xavier took a few steps forward when he saw Lindsay and greeted her with a


    big smile, ¡°It''s been a while, Mrs. Hayward!¡±


    The middle-aged woman walked with Xavier toward the elevator. ¡°Long time no see! My husband and I


    are d to hear that you''re doing well here.¡±


    ¡°It''s all thanks to Mr. Hayward. Speaking of which, how did you get here, Mrs. Hayward? Mr. Hayward


    didn''te with you?¡± inquired Xavier after pressing the elevator button.


    ¡°He''s busy with something else.¡± Lindsay brushed off the question with a brief reply.


    When the elevator arrived, Xavier went in after Lindsay and pressed the floor button. ¡°Let me know if


    you ever want toe over again. I can get someone to pick you up.¡±


    Even though Lindsay responded with a nod, she doubted the man.


    After Cayden got his son and daughter five years ago, Lindsay and her husband retired early and kept


    to themselves while living a fulfilling, leisurely life.


    After all, she was present when the Moores made the deal for a surrogate mother. If anyone from the


    children''s maternal family were to suspect me, it would not be long before they figured out that the


    Moores were responsible for the children''s birth. The identities of Mr. Moore''s two children would be


    exposed! It wouldn''t be a problem if the surrogate mother and her family only wanted money because


    the Moores have plenty of that. However, if they start to make impossible demands, the Moores would


    be in deep trouble.


    Lindsay had no doubt that the children would be the ones who suffered the most if the two families


    failed to reach an agreement peacefully.


    In the worst-case scenario, the children will be despised for being born to a surrogate mother. With that


    thought in mind, Lindsay and her husband did whatever they could to keep Cayden''s secret.


    They rarely went out, and even if they did, they would not use public transport.


    Hence, Lindsay was curious when Cayden suddenly called and asked her to take the subway.


    Despite that, the woman dared not ask why. Even if Mr. Moore couldn''t arrange for someone to pick us


    up like he used to, I could''ve hailed a taxi myself. I''m sure there are other ways to move around.


    However, Cayden specifically instructed Lindsay to take the subway and arrive at thepany around


    eight-thirty.


    That was why Lindsay got up early in the morning to take the subway, a public transport system she


    had not used for several years. It was rush hour, so there was a sea of people at the station.


    Lindsay imagined that the woman who gave birth to Cayden''s children would be twenty-four years old


    and working either locally or overseas.


    The subway has many routings and even more stations. With each station packed with countless


    people, bumping into the woman is near impossible. Lindsay only made her way to Trident Group with


    a straightened back because she was convinced that everything would be fine.


    On the top floor of the Trident Group building, Lindsay followed Xavier into the CEO''s office.


    ¡°Mr. Moore...¡±


    Before Lindsay could finish her sentence, the children leaped to their feet and rushed over to embrace


    the woman. ¡°Mrs. Hayward!¡±


    ¡°My goodness! How big you two have grown!¡± eximed Lindsay while wrapping her arms tightly


    around the children. ¡°Let me take a good look at you. You guys just keep getting more good-looking,


    don''t you?¡±


    Lindsay did not have any children of her own but did watch the two grow up.


    Every year, they would spend some time with her and Grover.


    After signing a document, Cayden lifted his head. ¡°If you guys like Mrs. Hayward so much, you should


    go stay with her for two days,¡± suggested the man in a softer-than-usual tone.


    Lindsay was ying with the kids when Cayden''s words caught her off guard. Did I hear that right? Mr.


    Moore wants the children to stay with me for two days?


    ¡°I thought you guys always wanted to take the subway,¡± uttered Cayden with his head lowered again,


    focusing on another document he had just picked up.


    There were a lot of things Lindsay did not understand that day, but what was clear to her was that she


    was going to take the children to the subway.


    ¡°Can we really go?¡± inquired Zachary after turning to his father.


    Cayden raised his head with an unreadable expression. ¡°Yes. Just don''t cause any trouble.¡±


    ¡°Hurray!¡±


    ¡°Daddy''s the best!¡±


    The kids immediately jumped for joy and gave their father a grateful look.


    In response, Cayden simply shifted his attention back to his work.


    Zachary then held his sister''s hand and left with Lindsay.


    ¡°You sure you don''t need a ride?¡± asked Xavier when he saw Lindsay outside the office.


    ¡°Yes. I''m taking the children for their first subway ride,¡± replied Lindsay as she entered the elevator with


    Zachary and Rory.


    ¡°And Boss agreed to that?¡± Xavier pressed the button to prevent the elevator door from closing.


    ¡°Of course.¡± Lindsay decided not to overthink the situation. At that moment, she only wanted to take the


    children to the subway and call her husband to tell him that the kids would be staying with them.


    ¡°Grover is going to be over the moon when he hears about your visit!¡± eximed Lindsay while


    pinching Rory''s cheek yfully.


    ¡°I miss Mr. Hayward,¡± stated Rory, looking at Lindsay.


    Xavier then let go of the button and allowed the elevator to descend. Boss is okay with the kids taking


    the subway? How strange!


    Twenty minutester, a meeting was held in the conference room.


    The executives who presided over the meeting went to the CEO''s office afterward to report to Cayden.


    This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    The man rarely oversawpany projects personally, but the one regarding the development of a


    small town seemed to have his attention.


    Cayden made it clear to the executives that they were to run the specific details of the project by him. If


    necessary, the man would even handle the designs himself.

 Chapter 147

    Chapter 147


    ¡°The head of the design department told me that they have a new colleague named Avery Rumpley,


    who just so happened to be a local of the small developing town. I wanted her to join the meeting so


    that we could pick her brain, but it turned out that she didn''te to work.¡± One of the executives


    observed Cayden''s reaction after reporting.


    He was surprised when the man smiled slightly instead of getting upset.


    The expression did notst long, though.


    The executive had worked at Trident Group for many years, but that was his first time seeing Cayden


    smile. Why would he smile when one of his employees is absent for no reason?


    Cayden''s sharp gaze thennded on the sketch of the town''s design.


    He was not surprised that Avery did note to work.


    Meanwhile, at the subway station, Avery had already purchased tickets.


    Not too far away from Avery were Lindsay and the children, waiting for their ride to arrive.


    With a deadpan expression, Avery remembered how Lindsay followed Xavier to the top floor back at


    thepany. She could only watch at the lobby since she dared not go up there herself.


    Without authorization, no regr employees were allowed to go up to the floor where Cayden''s office


    resided.


    While Avery waited for Lindsay toe back down, questions began to pop up in her head. Lindsay


    knows Cayden? What sort of rtionship do they have?


    Recalling the distant past, Avery remembered that Lindsay was the Moores'' housekeeper and was in


    charge of almost everything rted to the household.


    Ever since Avery saw the bald, middle-aged businessman on the television behind Nina before she


    went overseas, she refused to think about the past for fear of remembering the disgusting experience


    she had had to endure that fateful night five years ago.


    However, after seeing Lindsay go to Trident Group to meet Cayden, Avery had no choice but to dig into


    the past.


    Night after night, her employer would force himself on her. As he rammed her forcefully, his intoxicating


    cologne would fill her nostrils.


    Every detail told Avery that the man was Cayden, but she had no idea back then.


    When Lindsay came back down with Zachary and Rory in tow, Avery froze like a statue.


    The kids just called Lindsay Mrs. Hayward. For a reason Avery was unaware of, the five-year-olds


    seemed very close with Lindsay.


    Avery could not help but wonder if she was the mother of the children but then remembered Lindsay


    telling her that she had given birth to a girl, not twins.


    Standing behind Lindsay and the kids, Avery spent quite a while trying to answer burning questions in


    her mind. Did Lindsay purposely lie to me? Was she trying to hide the twins from me by telling me that I


    only gave birth to a girl?


    Even if Avery could remember the size of her belly, herck of experience made it impossible for her to


    know if she had conceived twins.


    After all, she was only eighteen then.


    Moreover, Avery did not think what the doctors told her about her pregnancy was trustworthy either


    since they had to follow their employer''s orders, which raised another question. If their employer was


    also Cayden, what''s his reason for hiding the truth?


    Back then, Avery was requested to be blindfolded and stripped naked, so even though she was as


    close as she could be to her employer, she could not see his face.


    On the other hand, the man knew exactly what her face and body were like.


    The more Avery thought about it, the more unsure she was whether her employer was Cayden.


    When the subway finally arrived, Lindsay led the children inside.


    Avery, who regained her senses shortly after, quickly grabbed herptop and followed the trio.


    After the subway started moving, Avery squeezed her way through the crowd and saw a young man


    give up his seat for Lindsay.


    ¡°There are so many people here,¡±mented Zachary while looking around.


    Avery made sure the boy could not see her.


    ¡°Zach, maybe you should be a subway operator when you grow up. That way, I can ride it every single


    day!¡± suggested Rory in all seriousness.


    Amused, Lindsay smiled warmly at the children.


    The number of people on the subway slowly decreased as they passed through different stations.


    While entertaining the kids, Lindsay would look around from time to time to ensure that no danger


    woulde to them.


    After all, Zachary and Rory were no ordinary kids. Bringing the children of Trident Group''s CEO out


    was risky business if nothing else.


    Lindsay dared not let her guard down. The fact that Mr. Moore just allowed his children to take the


    subway is almost unbelievable. If Old Mr. Moore were to hear about this, he would undoubtedly give


    Mr. Moore a piece of his mind.


    Since the crowd was getting thinner, Avery decided to move to another car, where she could still steal


    nces at Lindsay, Zachary, and Rory from time to time.


    When there were many passengers around, Zachary and Rory did as their father instructed and stood


    still, fearing they would cause Lindsay trouble.


    However, when only a handful of passengers were left, the children began to y around.


    Lindsay lived in a remote area, so few passengers were bound for the same destination.


    ¡°This entire car is mine now!¡± dered Zachary in the middle of the almost empty car.


    ¡°No, it''s mine! You''re supposed to be driving it, Zach. I''m the passenger,¡± protested Rory with a pout.


    ¡°Oh, how I wish Daddy would get us a subway car of our own.¡±


    ¡°That''s not how it works. You can''t...¡± Zachary was in the middle of his sentence when he suddenly


    noticed someone familiar in the other car. ¡°Ms. Ery?¡± The boy managed to recognize Avery from her


    silhouette alone.


    When Rory heard her brother, she quickly followed his gaze.


    At that moment, the subway had reached another station and was only a station away from Lindsay''s


    home.


    Avery immediately stood up when she noticed Zacharying toward her. After meeting the boy''s


    gaze, the woman looked at the consternated Lindsay.


    From Lindsay''s expression, Avery could tell that the woman recognized her.


    ¡°Get back here, you two!¡± As if Avery would steal the children away, Lindsay hurriedly pulled the


    children back to her.


    ¡°What are you doing here, Ms. Ery?¡± Zachary ignored Lindsay''s effort to keep him away from Avery and


    talked to the woman anyway.


    ¡°I''m on my way to work,¡± exined Avery at the door before ncing at Lindsay again.


    ¡°Hi,¡± greeted Avery when her eyes and Lindsay''s locked.


    However, Lindsay did not respond. She simply knitted her eyebrows, wondering how Zachary and Rory


    knew the woman. Do the kids know that she''s their mother? Does Mr. Moore know that they''ve met the


    woman?


    When the subway reached the next station, Avery smiled at the children before getting off.


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Zachary and Rory called out to Avery, intending to follow the woman, but Lindsay held them back until


    the doors closed.


    After the subway left, Avery sat on a bench and spent quite a long time there trying to rpose


    herself but to no avail. How would I have been able to give birth to two healthy children if Cayden was


    my stepbrother? That''s impossible. Then how do I make sense of it all? Were Zach and Rory born to


    another woman?


    Shaking her head, Avery preferred to think that Allie had lied to her about Cayden being her


    stepbrother.


    The children were given names that mirrored mine! That can''t be a coincidence. Their father must''ve


    come up with those names for a reason. With that thought in mind, Avery rushed back onto the


    subway, intending to return to the office to question Cayden.

 Chapter 148

    Chapter 148


    On her way back to Trident Group, Avery took her phone out to call Cayden because she could not wait


    any longer to get a solid answer to her questions from the man.


    ¡°Sorry, the number you have dialed is unavable. Please try againter.¡±


    Why would he turn off his phone? Frowning, Avery tried to call again and again, but still, she could not


    reach Cayden.


    Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    The number she dialed was Cayden''s personal phone number, which only his family and close friends


    knew.


    Naturally, that meant the man was the only one with ess to the device with that number.


    Avery remembered Cayden telling her that he would always ensure his phone was on so that she could


    reach him anytime.


    After some thought, the woman suddenly realized why the device was not kept on as Cayden


    promised.


    Back when the two were still madly in love, Cayden moved close to Avery''s ear and kissed her with his


    sexy lips while whispering, ¡°I''ll make sure that you''ll always be able to reach me.¡±


    However, that passion onlysted for two days.


    Like fireworks, the fiery love Cayden had for Avery vanished just as quickly as it appeared.


    The subway went from the remote areas to the more urban ones.


    Having managed to secure herself a seat, Avery hugged herptop and decided to look up Cayden''s


    business number.


    The woman knew Cayden would never answer the calls on his business phone himself.


    They would have to go through Xavier first. Only after Cayden agreed to take the call would his


    assistant transfer the caller.


    The number was busy when Avery tried to call the first time.


    However, she managed to reach Xavier on her second attempt.


    ¡°Hello, this is Xavier speaking,¡± greeted the assistant like a machine.


    All those who had worked with Trident Group knew exactly who Xavier was. After all, every one of them


    had to talk to the man before they were allowed to speak with thepany''s CEO.


    ¡°Hi, this is Avery Rumpley from the design department,¡± Avery spoke in a lowered voice because she


    did not want the other passengers to hear her.


    ¡°Ms. Rumpley?¡± Xavier was surprised to hear from the woman but tried his best to sound normal.


    ¡°What can I do for you?¡±


    ¡°I need to talk to Mr. Moore.¡± Since she was speaking with Xavier, Avery dared not address Cayden by


    his first name.


    ¡°Boss isn''t around right now. Have you tried calling his personal number?¡± inquired Xavier calmly.


    ¡°I have. His phone was turned off,¡± exined Avery.


    Xavier was quite surprised to hear that Cayden had turned off his personal phone. Something about


    Boss doesn''t seem right today.


    ¡°Well, Boss left the office in his own car half an hour ago. I don''t know where he went because I''m only


    in charge of his work schedule. It''d be inappropriate for an assistant like me to ask unnecessary


    questions.¡± In short, Xavier meant to tell Avery that he could not be of any help. I hope Ms. Rumpley


    doesn''t get upset with me. It''s not like I''ve nted a tracking device on Boss.


    ¡°I see. Thank you, Mr. Dartsley,¡± responded Avery disappointedly.


    ¡°No problem. Goodbye.¡± With that, Xavier ended the phone call.


    Meanwhile, on the subway, Avery diligently went through every contact she had on her phone to find


    thendline number for the Moore residence.


    The Moores'' housekeeper had called her using that number on more than one asion.


    Fortunately for Avery, she still managed to find the phone number.


    ¡°Hi there. Is Cay... I mean, is Zach''s father home?¡± Avery quickly corrected herself because she did not


    want to reveal her identity. I hope she doesn''t recognize my voice because of the countless phone calls


    she had to take every day.


    However, the housekeeper did not respond the way Avery had hoped. ¡°Is this Ms. Rumpley? Mr.


    Moore''s not home right now. He left this morning and hasn''te back yet.¡±


    ¡°I see. Thank you,¡± responded Avery awkwardly before hanging up.


    After putting away her phone, Avery lowered her head and shut her eyes wearily, hoping the subway


    would go faster.


    The woman felt like a speck of dust floating aimlessly in a city packed with people. Without getting a


    solid answer from Cayden, she knew she would not be able to rest.


    Before going to the office, Avery went to Cayden''s condominium. Maybe he came here to rest.


    As soon as Avery stepped into the lobby, the attendant at the counter recognized her as the woman


    who went there with a certain wealthy residentst week.


    ¡°I''m sorry, but I haven''t seen that person for many days now,¡± informed the attendant with a smile.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Avery nodded politely at the attendant before leaving in disappointment.


    Since the condominium was not far from Trident Group, Avery walked over to the office building.


    Xavier was getting ready to leave, so he had the parking valet drive his car to the entrance.


    ¡°Mr. Dartsley,¡± greeted the valet before handing the car key to Xavier, who was about to get into the


    vehicle when he saw Avery.


    Xavier intended to leave after he nodded courteously at Avery, but she quickly stopped him from doing


    so.


    ¡°Wait, Mr. Dartsley! There''s something I have to ask you about.¡±


    Unable to reach Cayden, the woman decided that Xavier was her only hope.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Xavier asked Avery, who had an unfathomable expression.


    ¡°Do you know Mrs. Hayward, the woman who came by the office this morning? I saw her take Mr.


    Moore''s children with her.¡± Avery tried not to be too straightforward for fear that the man would refuse


    to share what he knew.


    Xavier was stunned when he heard the question since he knew Lindsay was in charge of many of his


    boss'' personal matters. After all, she only retired early because she was trying to keep Cayden''s


    secret.


    Furrowing his eyebrows, Xavier was unsure how to respond to Avery. What am I supposed to tell her?


    It seems I''ll only make things worse if I talk. There''s no way out of this!


    Avery noticed how troubled Xavier was, so she could tell she was getting warmer. ¡°Let me rephrase


    that. I only need a yes or no. Mrs. Hayward used to work for Mr. Moore, didn''t she?¡±


    In response to that, Xavier nodded. ¡°I hope you can understand that I''m not at liberty to talk about Boss''


    private matters. But yes, Mrs. Hayward used to work for Boss. However, she retired five years ago.¡±


    Avery''s eyes widened when the man mentioned the keywords ¡°five years ago¡± because she finally got


    the answer to her questions.


    The fact that Lindsay retired five years ago was enough to convince Avery that the Moores did


    deliberately try to hide the surrogacy.


    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Dartsley.¡± Avery then headed into the office building.


    The woman could think of nothing else but Zachary''s and Rory''s adorable faces as she made her way


    to the elevator from the entrance. It turned out that they are my children!


    Standing in the elevator with her head lowered, Avery found it difficult to calm herself down or stop her


    tears from falling.


    Ten minutes ago, she was still trying desperately to reach Cayden. However, after Xavier''s enlightening


    words, Avery finally got the answer she needed.

 Chapter 149

    Chapter 149


    She turned on herptop to see what the town they were about to develop looked like when she


    returned to the design department.


    She never expected that Cayden already had ns to develop Livingsfill.


    ording to the neighbors, rumors of developing the small town had been circting for a few years.


    Furthermore, the word ''Demolish'' was seen painted on most of the walls in the neighborhood.


    Cecelia texted: Are you okay? Can you still draw?


    Avery replied: Yes, I can.


    However, she couldn''t help but feel distracted throughout the day and wasn''t as efficient in her work as


    she used to be.


    The adorable images of Rory and Zachary would pop into her mind every few minutes into her work.


    After half an hour, Avery got up to get a ss of water. Cayden has a peculiar temperament. Nobody


    knows what''s on his mind. He was probably in a bad mood yesterday when he insulted me at the


    hospital. I hope his mood has improved. I don''t want to be humiliated and harassed again today.


    Avery felt really upset at that thought.


    For the sake of my kids, I can endure anything as long as he doesn''t cross the line.


    She couldn''t help but smile as she recalled Zachary''s and Rory''s bright and cheerful faces while


    drinking a ss of water. I''m lucky they like to be around me.


    The bond between mother and child was indeed unique and unbreakable.


    ¡°Why are you so happy? What''s with the huge grin? I never thought I''d see you smile ever again.¡± Nina


    rubbed her temples while brewing coffee. ¡°There must have been something wrong with the wine I


    drank yesterday. It gave me a splitting headache.¡±


    Avery kept quiet as she didn''t dare share her joy in case nobody believed her.


    After all, even she herself felt that the truth was too surreal to be true.


    Before this, Avery had no choice but to marry Dn for the sake of her father, Leonardo, and her


    grandfather, ke. Leonardo was diagnosed with lung cancer, whereas ke was still in the hospital


    after getting kidnapped. Life was bleak and dark for her. However, suddenly, the darkness faded away,


    and she saw the light at the end of the tunnel.


    it turned out that Zachary and Rory were the light of her life; they were her sun.


    Even though Cayden was bad-tempered and might still be mad at her, she was adamant about trying to


    get the answer from him.


    Avery tried to call him once again right before she got off work.


    ¡°Sorry, the number you have dialed is unavable. Please try againter.¡±


    Avery made her way toward the subway station under the evening sun after work.


    Upon her arrival at the hospital, she asked the doctor about her father''s condition before visiting him in


    the ward. Avery then ced the vitamins she had bought for him on the bedside table.


    The forty-year-old caretaker she had hired to take care of her father''s needs had arrived as well.


    ¡°You must have spent a lot of money hiring a caretaker...¡± Leonardo said in a weak voice as hey on


    the hospital bed.


    ¡°It''s not much. We don''t have anyone else here. Besides, even if we have rtives, you can''t expect


    them to take care of you 24/7. Hiring a caretaker is worth it as it allows me to earn a living.¡±


    She didn''t feel veryfortable leaving Leonardo to the caretaker. Nevertheless, she would have to


    quit her job if not for the caretaker.


    And if she quit, she wouldn''t be able to afford her father''s hospital bills.


    Avery had passed probation and became an official employee of Trident Group not too long ago.


    Trident Group was well known for their employment benefits and always paid her sry on time.


    Furthermore, she would be paid for the project toward the end of the project term.


    That was why she never tendered her resignation letter even though she was on bad terms with


    Cayden. She wouldn''t receive a single cent from thepany if she quit before the project ended.


    After all, she expected to receive at least ten thousand for the project.


    Not only would the money save her father''s life, but it would also ensure a good life for her grandfather


    and herself.


    ¡°Did... your mothere looking for you?¡± Leonardo couldn''t hold it in anymore as he asked.


    His question triggered something in Avery, and she looked up. ¡°Dad, am I really Allie''s daughter?¡±


    Leonardo thought Avery was still having trouble epting the truth.


    ¡°Of course. I know your mother has changed, but she''s still your mother at the end of the day. Give her


    the benefit of the doubt. At least you''ll have someone else to support you after I pass on.¡±


    Avery lowered her head at his words.


    She wanted to tell Leonardo that she didn''t need that kind of support and was capable of surviving on


    her own. After all, her mother had never been around for her since she was a kid.


    The worst was over for her, so why would she still need her mother now that she was capable of


    making a living for herself?


    Besides, Allie doesn''t look one bit like a mother.


    Avery pulled her phone out and googled to see if step--siblings were capable of bearing healthy


    children while she was chatting with her father.


    The answer she got from the inte was no.


    She wasn''t interested in ethics and morals as all she cared about were her kids.


    The inte search confirmed her suspicions that Allie was only either her mother or Cayden''s. It was


    impossible for her to be both.


    As part of the rich and famous, the Moores would surely test Cayden''s DNA before allowing an


    illegitimate child to enter the family.


    Hence, Avery concluded that she wasn''t Allie''s child after giving it much thought.


    However, she didn''t want to argue with her father regarding this topic since he was in critical condition.


    She left after a while to visit ke.


    After she fed ke his dinner, Avery put herptop down and headed toward the address her ex-


    ssmate had sent her for her night shift.


    ¡°You rarely stay upte, right? Here, have a cup of coffee. I''m worried you won''t be able tost till the


    end.¡± Her ssmate handed her a cup of coffee at the entertainment establishment.


    Avery took it from her as she stared at the pack of condoms in front of her.


    After familiarizing herself with the condoms, her ex-ssmate led her to the corridor. They then


    knocked on every door in an attempt to sell the condoms.


    As Avery entered a room, a man took a pack of condoms out of her box before she could even start


    selling. ¡°What the hell is this? Fake Durex? This is illegal, right?¡±


    ¡°I''m sorry. I got it wrong.¡± Her boss had told her that she should take her leave if she ever ran into this


    kind of customer.


    With that, Avery walked out of the room.


    Standing in the corridor, she stared at the row of VIP rooms. She was in charge of selling to this part of


    the club while her friend was selling elsewhere.


    Avery carried the box of counterfeit contraceptives with a long face. She knew she would either have to


    work under harsh conditions or pocket her conscience to earn a living from her part-time jobs.


    It''s not easy to earn money.


    At that thought, she mustered up her courage and entered another VIP room.


    As Avery scanned the dimly lit room, she saw people ying poker, singing karaoke, and drinking hard


    liquor.


    The men in this room were either dressed head to toe in branded clothes or wearing suits and ties. She


    could tell that they were rich and cultured.


    After Avery walked in, she took a deep breath and said, ¡°Hello, gentlemen, do you need


    contraceptives?¡±


    A man who was sitting on a scarlet couch in the corner raised his head when he heard her timid voice.


    ¡°What are you selling?¡± he asked.


    Avery immediately made her way over upon his inquiry.


    Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    However, she was about to say, ¡°Contraceptives, sir. Do you need any?¡± but swallowed the words


    when she saw Cayden lighting up a cigarette and giving her a once-over.

 Chapter 150

    Chapter 150


    She had been looking for this man everywhere and never thought that she would find him here.


    Who would have thought that they would meet under such awkward circumstances?


    He was the wealthy customer who could afford anything he wanted, whereas she was a salesgirl


    selling contraceptives.


    Everyone turned to them as Cayden took a puff of smoke and spoke to her.


    Half of the men in the room attended the same school as Cayden, some of whom were even his


    ssmates, while the other half were people he met during adulthood due to their families'' businesses.


    These were all the people he got along well with.


    All of them were either married, in a rtionship, or had friends-with-benefits.


    Cayden was the only one without a partner.


    Hence, someone was once bold enough to send a good-looking and mild-mannered young man to


    sleep with him.


    He figured Cayden must be attracted to men since he didn''t like women.


    However, the young man returned in the end, feeling dejected and wondering if he was attractive


    enough, for why else wouldn''t Cayden sleep with him?


    After years of observation, his friends concluded that Cayden had no interest in men and women alike.


    In fact, he could very well be asexual.


    They sometimes wondered if Cayden identified as aromantic and asexual because of his busy work


    schedule and workaholic nature.


    All in all, he was a rare specimen in their eyes.


    They even spected that he only artificially inseminated a woman with his sperm to bear him two kids


    for the sake of continuing his bloodline.


    At that moment, they found it hard to believe that Cayden was chatting up a girl who was selling


    contraceptives of his own ord.


    One of the men who were ying poker held the cigarette dangling from his lips between his fingers


    and called Avery over. ¡°I don''t care what you''re selling right now. Have a seat first.¡±


    Just like that, he dragged Avery over.


    ¡°Have a seat.¡± The gentleman gestured at the seat next to Cayden.


    The man even poured her a ss of water after she sat down obediently. From the way he talked and


    acted around her, it was as if he was interacting with a VIP.


    In truth, he was worried that Avery would leave.


    After all, she was the first woman Mr. Cayden had ever taken a proper look at in his twenty-nine years


    of life.


    In fact, it was an understatement to say that she was even more precious than diamonds.


    ¡°Enjoy your chat. Call us if you need anything.¡± The man returned to the poker table after taking care of


    Avery.


    There was a partition in the corner where Cayden was chilling.


    The man who had served Avery her drink even pulled the partition over for their privacy''s sake before


    he left them on their own.


    ¡°What are you selling? Let me take a look,¡± Cayden took another puff of smoke and said.


    Avery froze and kept quiet.


    After a while, he reached out and opened the small briefcase.


    Rows of contraceptives filled the briefcase. They were all bundled up in rubber bands and arranged


    neatly in rows.


    The contraceptives were packaged in bright-colored wrappers, making them look tawdry, and ayer of


    stic was wrapped around them for waterproofing.


    As Cayden stared at the contraceptives, he reached out and burnt the packaging with his cigarette.


    Avery was rendered speechless by his actions. I thought he just wanted to count the goods.


    She fell silent when she found out that her contraceptives were damaged.


    Avery knew very well just how ill-tempered and harsh this man could be when he was in a bad mood.


    However, she decided to put up with him upon the thought of Zachary and Rory.


    Everything she had heard from Xavier was merely the result of her own spection. It made sense but


    lacked proof.


    After all, she didn''t want to mistaken the children to be hers.


    She wanted to hear it from Cayden since he was the most credible source.


    At the moment, Cayden looked like he could kill someone as he stared at the contraceptives.


    Given that he had been smoking a lot and the temperature was dropping, his voice turned hoarse. ¡°Do


    Uncle Toby and his family know you''re selling these?¡± he asked huskily.


    Upon hearing his question, Avery kept quiet.


    Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    She had a feeling she wouldn''t be able to hold a conversation with this man today.


    He was filled with ill intentions the moment he opened his mouth to speak.


    ¡°Why are you selling contraceptives after marrying Dn? Is he treating you poorly? Do you need


    money that badly?¡± Cayden frowned and asked.


    ¡°I''m sorry, but my boss told us that we are not allowed to chat with our customers. Please don''t get in


    my way of making a living if you''re not nning to buy from me.¡± Avery was about to get up with the


    briefcase in hand.


    Cayden reached out and grabbed her hand as soon as she stood up without missing a beat.


    He then wrapped his hand tightly around hers and watched on as she refused to turn around to face


    him. A murderous glint shed in his eyes while he pulled her into his arms.


    Avery didn''t know where to look and got goosebumps as she met his murderous gaze. The contents of


    her briefcase scattered onto the floor upon impact.


    She panted loudly as she struggled to free herself from his grip.


    However, she couldn''t move a muscle.


    Their body temperatures rose as she took a whiff of his cologne mixed with the smell of tobo.


    ¡°Y-You can call for the bar hostess if you want to bed a woman... There are plenty of them here. I''m


    sure they''re all very sexy and beautiful...¡± she stuttered and felt her ears burn up.


    Cayden ignored her as he carefully examined a box of contraceptives.


    ¡°Do you think the men here would want to buy these from you?¡±


    He had never used contraceptives before.


    Due to their proximity, his breath fell on her reddening face as he spoke.


    ¡°Let go of me first..¡± Avery used his broad shoulders as a support as she tried to wriggle out from his


    arms.


    At that moment, their posture looked very intimate.


    Cayden was turned on as she kept rubbing him in all the right ces.


    Staring at her reddened face, he held her firmly in his arms and opened a box of condoms. Cayden


    frowned and asked, ¡°So tell me, what are the benefits of this product?¡±


    Avery''s face turned beet red at his words.


    ¡°I will promise you anything if you obey me tonight. In fact, I will even disappear from your sight if you


    beg me to, and I will keep my word.¡± Cayden said huskily as he ravished her face and lips with his


    eyes.


    Avery kept quiet as she stared at him in disbelief.


    She had a feeling she was walking right into a trap.


    It wasn''t practical to stop Zachary and Rory from seeing either of them.


    Furthermore, she couldn''t bear not seeing her children and believed that he felt the same.

 Chapter 151

    Chapter 151


    However, Avery had no other choice.


    Despite being aware that he was setting her up, she had to walk knowingly into his trap.


    In fact, she was prepared to fulfill his requests without any demands of her own.


    All she wanted to do was ask if Zachary and Rory were her children and if he was the person who hired


    her five years ago.


    ¡°The advantage of this item is...¡± Avery, in an embarrassed tone, regurgitated everything she had


    learned during the half an hour''s worth of training. ¡°Other than preventing pregnancies, the condom can


    also stop the spread of contagious diseases such as AIDS and syphilis...¡±


    While her mind was upied by the two burning questions she had, Avery quicklypleted her


    answer to his earlier questions.


    ¡°In that case, what is this?¡± After putting down the contraceptive, Cayden picked up something


    different.


    It was written on the box: Remote Controlled Couple''s Vibrator.


    The item was undeniably suggestive and used for giving a massage.


    As for how it functioned, Cayden understood intuitively as a man.


    ¡°Why are you even selling this? Your job really covers a lot of products.¡± Underneath that calm gaze of


    his was repressed anger. He asked, ¡°Did your boss teach you how to exin the product to men?¡±


    Avery pursed her lips tightly as the tension that had just eased gripped her again, causing her to


    struggle for an answer.


    Nevertheless, he insisted sternly, ¡°Exin it to me.¡±


    After staring nkly at him, she averted her eyes due to the pressure from his gaze. She felt just like a


    student who had been picked by a teacher to recite her lessons.


    In the end, she did as she was told.


    ¡°Even if you and your partner are separated by distance, t-this product allows both of you to enjoy... No,


    wait, it''s wrong... to pleasure... Furthermore, it gives you absolute control as you can use your phone to


    operate it... The smart operating system allows you the freedom to change its vibration mode... Also...¡±


    She gulped awkwardly. ¡°You can create your own sequence where you choose the strength and


    duration you want... As a result, no matter where you are in the world, you and your partner can have a


    pleasurable time together.¡±


    By the time she stammered her way through her answer, Avery''s cheeks were burning hot.


    As the redness spread from her cheeks to her ears, her exquisite-looking face oozed with innocence


    and sensuality.


    Lowering his head, Cayden fiddled with the item she was exining for a long while before whispering


    into her ear, ¡°I''ll take this.¡±


    H-He''ll take that? What does he want it for?


    ¡°Um, that''s aimed for thedies'' market, as they''re the ones who use it,¡± Avery reminded out of goodwill


    but instantly regretted it.


    Cayden''s voice deepened. ¡°I''m buying it for my wife so that I can control it. If I''m not wrong, that''s how


    you exined it to me.¡±


    H-His wife...


    As his scent inundated her breath, she could feel the warmth of his body searing her skin through their


    thin clothing.


    Most importantly, he was aroused from the very beginning.


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Throughout the entire episode, he could feel the blood pumping into his crotch to the extent he was


    ready to devour her.


    The moment their eyes locked, she lost the courage to struggle for fear that he would act unpredictably


    in his displeasure.


    Staring at his lips and jawline before shifting her attention to his tall nose and fathomless eyes, she


    couldn''t help but think back to their previous liaisons.


    He was always too big for her to bear...


    After that, she thought back to the night from five years ago. Even though the memory was supposed


    to have been reduced to a blur, she could now remember it vividly. Back then, she had cried her heart


    out over it, but with the passage of time, she took delight in it unabashedly.


    Shaking her head vehemently, she berated herself for having such thoughts.


    After having doubts about whether they were really siblings, she couldn''t help but let her imagination


    run wild.


    It was a side of her that she didn''t dare face.


    Despite her attempt to calm herself down, she panted breathlessly the moment she opened her mouth.


    As if the air had suddenly frozen, all Cayden could hear was her alluring breath echoing in his ears.


    ¡°What''s wrong? Why are you breathing so rapidly?¡± Cayden cheekily inquired, despite the obvious.


    Leaning in with his handsome face, he was so close to her that his lips were inches away from


    brushing against hers.


    Within that split second, her breath''s cadence was thrown into disarray. As his mesmerizing features


    filled her vision, her overwhelming lust caused her to gulp.


    ¡°I appreciate your presentation very much,¡± he remarked earnestly. Without pinning her down, he gave


    her lips a peck before leaning back in a rxed manner.


    Settlingnguidly into the sofa, he watched approvingly as she gulped.


    With his hand behind her head, he stroked her fragrant ck hair before pulling her closer to him. His


    lustful gaze then drifted from her cheeks to her lips and settled upon her beautiful corbone.


    In order to sell their wares, her boss had required all the girls to wear the same student uniform she


    currently had on.


    Truth be told, it had a conservative design.


    Nheless, some men would be so enamored by it that they would end up buying some products as


    a form of support.


    That aside, Cayden had seen her in school uniform before. She was also wearing a shirt and matching


    short skirt back when she was pregnant.


    Since she was a student and had no time to change, she followed Lindsay to the mansion in her school


    uniform.


    With one hand wrapped around her waist and the other around the back of her head, he pulled her into


    his embrace. Just when his lips were about tond on hers, she caught her breath and pressed her


    hand against his chest. Blinking her dreamy eyes at him, she asserted, ¡°You told me that if I did as I


    was told, you''d grant my request.¡±


    ¡°What is it? Are you still going to drone on about how Zayne is the only one you love and that you have


    no capacity to love someone else?¡± Holding his urges back was killing him, especially down there.


    In fact, the pressure he felt in his pants began to cause him pain.


    Avery shook her head.


    ¡°I just want to ask...¡± Before the question rolled off her tongue, she was overwhelmed by her thumping


    heart. From the moment she sat in his arms, her heart was pounding so hard that she could barely


    string a proper sentence.


    ¡°I just want to ask about Zach and Rory. W-Who is their mother?¡±


    Her initial intention was to inquire if she was their mother. But at the veryst moment, she phrased it


    indirectly due to how unbelievably thin-skinned she was.


    After putting her question to him, Avery''s heart raced while she looked at the ground. When a response


    wasn''t forting, she gathered the courage to raise her head.


    That was when he leaned on her.


    In such close proximity, their warm breaths amalgamated with each other.


    ¡°Perhaps we should make love one more time. You will then know who the mother of my children is,¡±


    Cayden whispered by her ear, breathing heavily.


    I suppose he''s admitting that Rory and Zach are mine. Back then, it was he who helped and slept with


    me.

 Chapter 152

    Chapter 152


    Upon receiving an urate answer, Avery slowed down her breathing. A long time passed before she


    thought of leaving his scorching and muscr embrace.


    However, the instant she moved, she realized that her legs were so sore that they felt wobbly.


    With her legs refusing to obey her, she was unable to stand up.


    Cayden gently brushed his lips against her earlobe and gave it a peck. As his deep warm breath


    reverberated in her ears, it sent a tingle coursing through her body.


    With her face blushing and heart racing, her ability to move was further impaired.


    ¡°No... Don''t do this...¡± Avery protested breathlessly. In spite of that, she allowed herself to be


    intoxicated by his masculine breath.


    ¡°Don''t worry. No one will daree over.¡±


    As if she was a jewel in his hands, Cayden picked her up and helped her straddle his body.


    Nevertheless, she didn''t manage to sit properly due to something sticking out of his crotch, which she


    could feel through her thin skirt.


    Her hesitance caused her blush to intensify.


    Sensing her embarrassment, Cayden wiggled her down a little, which ended up reddening her cheeks


    further.


    Faced with each other, she looked up and saw his exquisite features and eyes radiating with lust.


    Lowering her gaze, she was greeted by the massive bulge in his pants.


    As dryness descended upon her throat, Avery couldn''t resist gulping. At the same time, the urge to get


    off him began to swell.


    ¡°Don''t move.¡± Cayden grabbed her wrist with one hand and held her resisting thighs with the other.


    Even though his pants separated them, it did nothing to stop her from igniting the mes of desire


    within him.


    When he held down her ankles with his palm, she could feel the dry and rough sensation from the


    calluses on his hand, the result of years in the gym and holding the steering wheel.


    ¡°Why are you trying to flee? Were you thinking about Zayne again? Does sitting in my arms remind you


    of the guilt of betraying your first love? Or the burden from being disloyal to your husband?¡± Cayden


    watched her with a sullen expression.


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    First love... Zayne actually became her first love.


    The fact had always been a thorn in his flesh that he had failed to dislodge regardless of how hard he


    tried.


    Just when he was on the brink of being driven mad by the fact, Dn ended up bing her husband.


    This woman just keeps causing me trouble. In spite of that, I have fallen hopelessly in love with her.


    At that moment, Cayden gradually moved his hand that was holding down her ankle. Caressing her in


    an upward stroke, he stopped at her calf.


    There, he gave her porcin-white leg a pinch and cheeky rub. As her leg began to itch annoyingly,


    Avery retracted it by reflex and ground it back and forth to relieve difort.


    Straddling Cayden''s thighs, Avery ended up rubbing her legs against them.


    The action sparked a raging fire that seemed to spread from between his legs up to his tense


    abdomen.


    In the midst of the sensuous atmosphere, Avery was considering how she should broach the topic of


    wanting to see Zachary and Rory.


    ¡°Mmph!¡±


    Before she coulde to a conclusion, she was bombarded by Cayden''s warm kiss.


    Widening her eyes, she extended her hands against his shoulders to keep him away. Just when she


    opened her mouth to say something, she ended up presenting him with the perfect opportunity.


    It was as if every time he leaned in, she would instinctively wee him with her moist lips.


    ¡°Mmm... Mmm...¡±


    As Cayden ravaged her mouth, she could barely catch her breath. All she felt was a numbing sensation


    that led to a strange reaction throughout her body.


    Amidst her gentle moans, Cayden continued moving his hand upward. This time, it stopped at the top


    of her thigh.


    Due to how sensitive the silky skin on her thighs was, goosebumps appeared all over her body the


    moment his callus-filled hands made contact.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Breaking out in a cold sweat, Avery felt suffocated by her throbbing heart.


    Having finally regained the senses she had lost earlier, she failed to hide the awkwardness of sharing a


    kiss with him, causing her to break away at once.


    His hand had already snuck underneath her short pleated skirt when he caressed the top of her thigh.


    Inside the luxurious room, the air conditioning was at full st. It was as if the men who were dressed


    in suits would suffocate in the heat without it.


    Even though Cayden''s body was burning up, Avery was jolted by a cold breeze that entered through


    the opening underneath her skirt, interrupting her immersion in his passionate kiss.


    To be kissed by someone like Cayden, any woman would find it a challenge not to lose their mind.


    When his fiery gaze fell upon where his hand was ced, his brows knitted slightly. ¡°Why aren''t you


    wearing briefs today?¡±


    Exchanging nces, he was visibly upset.


    Subsequently, Avery pulled his hand out in a huff before covering her exposed skin with her skirt.


    How is that any of his business?


    ¡°Why are you covering up? I''m asking you, why aren''t you wearing briefs?¡± Cayden looked as if he was


    an adult reprimanding his daughter.


    He could still remember the time when Lindsay brought Avery back to the mansion. He knew she was


    wearing briefs then because he had personally removed them in the night.


    Ever since then, he had hoped that she would dress more conservatively to protect herself in the


    presence of other men.


    That was the reason why his possessiveness was on the brink of driving him mad.


    However, Avery wasn''t in the mood to exin. Since it was just her first day, she had not expected her


    boss to require them to be wearing school uniforms with short skirts.


    If she had known beforehand, she wouldn''t think twice about wearing briefs.


    After all, she needed to guard against the many sadistic voyeurs in society, as evident from the daily


    news reports.


    ¡°Who are you trying to seduce dressed like that?¡±


    Holding the back of her head, Cayden forcefully turned her to face him so that she would look him in


    the eyes when she answered.


    Despite ming her for not protecting herself, his actions clearly demonstrated his intention to punish


    her and teach her a lesson she would never forget.


    What happens if she meets a man who has his eyes on her? Who is going to save her?


    ¡°Why aren''t you saying anything? Have you gone mute?¡±


    Cayden, whose anger was further aggravated, reached underneath her skirt and felt something


    bushy...


    Amidst his interrogation, Avery blushed as she forcefully pushed him away, further resisting by pulling


    out his hand.


    In response to her outrage, Cayden''s threat rang out in her ear. ¡°Stop struggling. Or else, you won''t get


    to see the children.¡±


    In the blink of an eye, she didn''t dare move another muscle.


    The two children had evidently be Cayden''s trump card.


    Not only did he not remove his hand from underneath her skirt, but he also began to take a mile when


    given an inch.


    Meanwhile, lying on the ming red couch was Cayden''s thin ck phone which contained his


    personal number.


    Its shing screen had caught Avery''s eye.


    With his fingers rubbing against her, she felt a strange sensation descend upon her.


    In spite of her swooning body, Avery struggled to inform him, ¡°Your phone, mmm... Your phone is


    ringing.¡±

 Chapter 153

    Chapter 153


    As he continued to excite her, he would constantly observe the expression on her face.


    Biting her lip asionally, he was clearly enjoying the process.


    As for the phone, the name ¡°Grover¡± was shing on its screen.


    After ncing at it, Cayden picked it up while reminding her, ¡°Hang on to my neck and don''t move.


    You''ll fall off if you''re not careful.¡±


    Given that she was straddling on his legs, she could easily fall backward without any support.


    ¡°Mr. Hayward, what is it?¡± Worried that something might have happened to the children, Cayden had no


    choice but to answer.


    While Grover was speaking over the phone, Avery gradually calmed down and tried to extract herself


    from the embarrassment of letting him have his way with her. Having gathered her wits, she stood up


    without hesitation after making sure that the strength had returned to her legs.


    Her skirt naturally dropped back down once she freed herself from his restraints.


    Afraid to face him, Avery knelt and picked up the box she had brought before packing the


    contraceptives and toys back into it.


    After hurriedly arranging them in ce, she quickly locked up the box.


    In the midst of doing so, Avery tidied up her messy hair courtesy of Cayden before adjusting the bra


    strap that had loosened over her shoulder.


    Lucky for her, the material of her skirt didn''t crease easily.


    As for what was underneath... Cayden didn''t take it off.


    Instead, his fingers slid in from the side.


    When Avery walked beyond the screen with the box in her arms, she heard Cayden''s voice ring out


    behind her. ¡°Are Rory''s eyes all right? Did you send her to the hospital?¡±


    ¡°What happened to Rory?¡±


    In that instant, Avery turned around and gave Cayden a worried look, causing him to frown in response.


    As two of his fingers still had some white sticky substance on them, he ced his hand on his knees


    and did not touch anything else.


    Throwing her a nce, he continued listening to Grover''s report in silence. In the end, he replied, ¡°I''ll


    go over at once.¡±


    With that, he ended the call.


    Subsequently, Avery came over to inquire, just like an anxious parent who was questioning a doctor at


    a hospital. ¡°What happened to Rory? Say something.¡±


    Dressed in his suit and shoes, Cayden turned around to look at her. With the light looming over his


    head, his towering figure made him look like an insidious lunatic. He asked, ¡°Aren''t you in a hurry to sell


    your contraceptives?¡±


    ¡°The packaging is ruined. How am I going to sell it...¡± shemented, looking down at the box.


    Truth be told, she wanted see Rory with him.


    Even though she liked the two children and was close to them previously, there was always a sense of


    distance. But now that she learned they were hers; there was no way she could stop herself from


    worrying.


    Turning away, Cayden found a sink where he washed his hands and asked, ¡°In that case, how are you


    going to exin to your boss?¡±


    Avery remained silent, for she couldn''t afford to pay for them.


    Even though the cost of the products was low, her boss intended to sell them at a high price, taking


    advantage of whoever he could.


    Therefore, he would definitely base thepensation on the full retail price.


    Looking at her reflection in the mirror, Cayden pushed out some soap from the dispenser and


    instructed, ¡°Come over and take my wallet. After you pay for it and tie up loose ends, we''ll pick up Rory


    together.¡±


    His words stunned Avery.


    When he was almost done washing his hands, he added in a deep voice, ¡°I''m going to leave you here if


    you keep dawdling.¡±


    Speechless, Avery didn''t dare hesitate a second longer. She walked up to him and reached into the


    pocket of his pants. After rummaging around, she felt something hard between his legs and asked,


    ¡°Your wallet...¡±


    ¡°It''s in the pocket of my jacket.¡± Since his hands were still wet, Cayden straightened his body to allow


    her ess to it.


    D*mn it, all this touching is causing me to be aroused again.


    Standing in front of Cayden''s tall figure and taking in his musky scent, Avery finally retrieved the wallet


    from his jacket.


    On it, she could still feel the residual warmth from when both of them were hugging each other


    intimately on the couch.


    ¡°If there''s not enough cash, swipe my card. Just don''t waste time with anyone else.¡± Cayden looked


    down at her.


    He had noticed how obsessively possessive he could be, to the extent of being unable to tolerate her


    speaking to any other man longer than necessary.


    In response, Avery lowered her head. ¡°Okay.¡±


    Just when she was about to leave with his wallet in hand, she turned around, intending to ask him what


    the pin for his card was. When their eyes met, he seemed to be able to read her mind. ¡°The pin is the


    children''s birthday.¡±


    Avery caught her breath.


    Hugging the box, she poured all of its contents out before tabting their cost while making her way


    through the corridor.


    When the crowd in the private room saw Avery leave, they sent the young man who poured her some


    water earlier to check out the situation.


    Walking over, the man moved the screens away and scrutinized the surroundings.


    Upon noticing that the tap at the wash basin had been used, he figured someone had washed their


    hands or some other body part with it.


    From N?velDrama.Org.


    Furthermore, the table showed marks of having been moved, as if someone had identally bumped


    into it while petting vigorously.


    The ming red sofa, too, showed abnormal creases on it that could only be the result of two bodies


    tumbling upon each other.


    ¡°This girl might look ordinary on the outside, but is there a siren hiding underneath that facade?¡± The


    man was filled with disbelief to learn that Cayden had finally slept with a woman.


    Lighting up a cigarette in front of the couch, Cayden let out a puff with his brows furrowed. ¡°Don''t


    underestimate her. She''s the mother of my children.¡±


    ¡°What? T-The children''s mother?¡±


    Everyone was instantly dumbfounded.


    Is that how the children came about back then? Instead of being born by a surrogate mother, they were


    actually the result of human intimacy?


    Wiping his face, the man finally realized that Cayden was just loyal instead of being asexual.


    He was actually staying chaste for the sake of the twin''s birth mother.


    Previously, everyone was concerned about hisck of sexual interest. But now, they couldn''t help but


    feel disheartened by the fact that he had more children than them despite staying celibate for years.


    After giving it more thought, everyone seated realized that Cayden might be the earliest one among


    them to gain his fatherhood.


    This is so frustrating!


    After learning the truth, they ostracized him and continued either with their poker game or singing.


    Furthermore, they looked at him with eyes that were filled with disdain and hatred, as if he was simply a


    beast with a polished appearance.


    In spite of that, Cayden continued to smoke while maintaining a smug smile that annoyed anyone who


    saw him.


    Meanwhile, when the other female students heard that Avery had sold out her wares, they quickly


    removed their makeup. Just like Avery, they kept a natural-looking face with their hair tied into a simple


    ponytail.


    Perhaps looking like this will be good for sales?


    Avery handed Cayden''s card to her boss and swiped it for the exact amount owed. Even though it was


    Cayden''s money, she felt terrible when she saw how big the final figure was.


    This is simply ridiculous.

 Chapter 154

    Chapter 154


    Standing outside the entertainment center, Cayden gave Avery a call. ¡°I''m at the entrance. You''ll see


    me when youe out.¡±


    ¡°All right, I''m going over right away.¡±


    After ending the call, Avery changed her attire before hurrying out.


    This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    A ck Land Rover was parked outside the entertainment center in the most conspicuous spot.


    ¡°Get in.¡±


    With one hand slipping naturally around her waist, Cayden opened the car door with the other. In fact,


    when he was ushering her into the car, he even ced his hand over her head discreetly for fear that


    she would hit her head.


    Upon settling into the front passenger seat, Avery buckled herself in.


    Coincidentally, Cayden had finished his cigarette right after closing the door. Narrowing his eyes, he


    went to the garbage bin at the entrance to stub out his cigarette before returning to the car.


    Avery felt the initial urge to tell him to stop smoking but was worried about angering him.


    Sensing hisck of anxiety, she couldn''t help but specte that Rory''s eyes were probably fine.


    Or else, he, as the father, wouldn''t be taking his own sweet time.


    The journey from the city center to Grover and Lindsay''s mansion in the outskirts would take at least an


    hour and a half if there weren''t any traffic.


    As Cayden concentrated on driving, he remained quiet throughout.


    Avery added to the silence in the car by not daring to say anything.


    While waiting at a traffic light, the silence was broken by the constant ringing of a phone.


    When Avery scrambled to check it, she saw that it was from Brodie.


    Their rtionship was the onlymon topic between both of them. Other than their inevitable


    breakup, there was nothing else to talk about.


    When she was in the subway, she had already answered Brodie''s mother''s call.


    Thus, she had no intention to answer and ended the call ordingly.


    After half a minute of silence, Brodie called again.


    However, Avery rejected it just like before.


    Nevertheless, Brodie kept calling relentlessly, as if he had something urgent to tell her.


    Avery didn''t dare turn off her phone because she was worried that ke or Leonardo would call.


    When the traffic light turned green, Cayden continued to drive.


    At the same time, he gave her the side-eye and inquired in a deep voice, ¡°Why don''t you dare answer it


    in front of me?¡±


    ¡°It has nothing to do with you. I just don''t feel like picking up.¡± Just as she spoke, Avery pressed the


    answer button.


    As the bright streetmps illuminated the night, merry-makers filled the streets. Their arms were


    wrapped around each other''s shoulders, while vibrant smiles were stered across their faces.


    Unfortunately, Avery wasn''t the kind that enjoyed having fun.


    In fact, she couldn''t even remember when in thest twenty-four years of her life she hadughed


    joyously.


    ¡°Hello,¡± Avery answered.


    ¡°Why didn''t you pick up the calls?¡± Brodie''s voice was soft. ¡°Has my mom called you?¡±


    ¡°Yes, in the morning,¡± Avery replied.


    ¡°I''m sorry.¡± After keeping mum for more than ten seconds, he added, ¡°I don''t know if my mom has said


    anything to humiliate you. If she did, I would like to apologize on her behalf.¡±


    Leaning against the window, Avery hung her head. ¡°It''s all right. There''s no need for apologies.¡± As she


    wasn''t a saint, she was naturally infuriated and stumped by Brodie''s mother''s words.


    Nheless, her priority now was to draw a line in their rtionship and end the call as soon as


    possible.


    ¡°Avery, I''m willing to believe that you''re a good girl. Also, I trust that you have no intention of swindling


    me too. I-It''s just that things between us...¡± Brodie struggled to find the words. A long pauseter, he


    confessed, ¡°My money doesn''te easy. Also, there are just too many girls out there who are


    scammers. Thus, I... I can''t help but be on my guard.¡±


    Avery smirked when Brodie mentioned the word ¡°swindling¡± and the fact that ¡°his money didn''te


    easy.¡±


    In that case, Brodie, just like his mom, thinks that I''m just looking for a meal ticket. He assumes that I


    n to leech on my boyfriend or future husband together with my sick dad and elderly grandpa. The


    only difference is that he has tactfully put across his point without insulting me.


    ¡°I understand. Goodbye.¡± Avery was cognizant that there was nothing she could say that would be of


    any use.


    Instead, she might end up looking defensive and making the situation worse.


    Therefore, it was just better not to exin.


    After ending the call, Avery leaned her head against the window. With her eyes closed, she tried hard


    to imagine Rory''s and Zachary''s cute faces, wanting to find the light within the darkness.


    Even though life had been cruel and taken a lot from her, she was gifted a pair of twins that fateful day.


    Why should I continueining? This is something I should feel joyous about. I shouldn''t care


    about how others see me. All that matters is that I work hard and take care of Dad, Grandpa, and the


    two children.


    After drilling the idea into herself, she noticed that her mood had lightened up.


    At the same time, she found a renewed zest for life.


    Amidst the grim atmosphere, Cayden asked, ¡°What happened? Do you need my help?¡±


    ¡°Thank you for your concern, but I''m fine,¡± Avery replied cordially, knowing that she had to suppress her


    fear of him for the children''s sake.


    As Cayden focused on driving, none of them exchanged another word until they arrived at Grover''s


    home.


    Alighting from the car, he saw Avery unbuckle herself and exit the vehicle too.


    After waiting for her, both of them circled the car and walked to the entrance.


    Their actions caused Cayden to feel as if they were a young couple who hade to pick their children


    up from an elder''s ce. The sensation caused him to crack a discreet grin, for he enjoyed ying the


    role of a husband.


    After pressing the doorbell, they waited for someone to open the door.


    Suddenly, something urred to Avery. She rummaged through her bag for Cayden''s expensive


    leather wallet and returned it to him. ¡°I almost forgot to give it back.¡±


    When Cayden received his wallet, he threw her a nce.


    However, Avery was already looking anxiously at the mansion, hoping to see the children soon.


    Since she was young, Lindsay did the household chores herself and was also an excellent cook. As a


    result, she had never needed a housekeeper at home. Thus, she came to get the door personally.


    ¡°Mr. Moore, you''re back,¡± Lindsay greeted routinely. After opening the door, she saw Avery standing by


    Cayden''s side.


    Even though Avery had greeted Lindsay in the subway before, thetter was still shocked to see Avery


    appear in front of her without warning.


    ¡°Pleasee in.¡±


    After scrutinizing Avery for a long while, Lindsay nced at Cayden, who had already entered the


    mansion. Despite the barrage of questions in her mind, she set them aside for the time being and


    invited Avery in.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Avery gave a polite nod before walking in nervously.


    Once she closed the door, Lindsay followed behind Avery.


    Back in the day, the demanding Mr. Moore found a girl who was in between high school and university


    to bear him children. It was obvious that he didn''t hate her and was likely fond of her. Subsequently, he


    would go to her room every night and ravage her till she could barely get out of bed. Therefore, only a


    fool would believe that he had no feelings for her.


    Standing by the door, Lindsay watched as Avery carried Rory in her arms while Cayden picked up the


    children''s bags and toys. In that instant, the answer shed in her mind.


    If the loving couple can form aplete family for the children, it would be God''s blessing to them.

 Chapter 155

    Chapter 155


    While Avery carried Rory out, Zachary ran after them after grabbing his sister''s shoes from the


    entrance.


    ¡°Say goodbye to Mr. and Mrs. Hayward.¡± With that, Cayden walked toward the Land Rover. After


    unlocking the door, he opened it and threw the school bags in.


    ¡°Bye, Mrs. Hayward. Bye, Mr. Hayward. Take good care of yourselves.¡±


    Zachary skipped up to them and threw his hands around their necks before nting a kiss on each of


    their cheeks.


    Avery, too, turned around and said respectfully, ¡°Bye!¡±


    Beaming, Lindsay and Grover nodded approvingly at her.


    Cayden then threaded his hand around her slender waist and ushered her into the back seat along with


    the children for their safety.


    After all, there was no such thing as being too cautious, and he couldn''t afford to have anything


    untoward happen to either of them.


    ¡°Ms. Ery, why did youe with Daddy?¡± Zachary asked with a curious tilt of his head upon getting into


    the car.


    As for Rory, she remained silent after having her eye poked by the neighbor''s children by ident.


    Even though it wasn''t a big deal, it still hurt a little when she opened her eyes.


    Pouting pitifully, she hugged Avery with her chubby arms while burying her face in thetter''s chest.


    After giving Rory a kiss, Avery turned her attention to Zachary. ¡°I... happened to be with your father


    when I heard that Rory hurt her eye. Hence, I just tagged along.¡±


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    ¡°Okay.¡± Zachary nodded before promptly sitting down in thought.


    I wonder if Ms. Ery cane home with us?


    As the car drove toward the city center, Zachary felt the urge to invite Avery home but didn''t dare say it


    for fear of angering the adults.


    Torn between what he should do, he looked at Cayden when they finally stopped at a red light.


    Coincidentally, Cayden caught a glimpse of the look in Zachary''s eye through the rearview mirror.


    Given the connection the father and son shared, he roughly guessed the reason for his son''s silence.


    Zachary felt apprehensive about speaking for fear of his father. However, he didn''t harbor the same


    sentiments toward Avery at all, given how kind and gentle she was.


    Nheless, he noticed through the rearview mirror that Cayden''s gaze was no longer cold nor stern.


    In fact, he could sense a hint of indulgence in it.


    Convinced that his father was actually encouraging him, Zachary took a risk and invited Avery, ¡°Ms.


    Ery, can youe home with us tonight? A-And then leave tomorrow?¡±


    Despite being aware that he was pushing his luck, Zachary just couldn''t resist, for Avery felt like a


    mother to him.


    Envious of their friends who foundfort in their own mothers, he and Rory wanted to experience the


    same.


    Avery, who felt awkward over the question, looked at Cayden by reflex.


    Nevertheless, Cayden continued to drive quietly, as if he didn''t hear the exchange at all.


    ¡°Daddy works all the time and doesn''t know how to take care of Rory. As for me... I''m still just a child,¡±


    Zachary exined their predicament in a pitiful voice.


    Evidently, raising two children didn''te easy for a single father.


    As for Avery, she was stumped for a reply.


    It was true that the children were hers, but she had signed away her rights as a mother in return for


    money.


    With the custody of the children in Cayden''s hands, his permission was needed before she could visit.


    ¡°Do you need my help?¡± Avery carefully put the question to Cayden, for she wanted to stay by the


    children''s side and take care of them, especially Rory.


    Even though Rory hadined that her eye hurt after injuring it from fooling around with the


    neighbors, Avery, as a mother, felt her heart ache even more.


    Hugging her tight, Avery had no intention of letting go.


    ¡°As long as we''re not imposing on you, we do need your help.¡± Cayden racked his brains for a suitable


    excuse.


    Even though he was still angry at her for marrying Dn, he still needed her, not just to take care of the


    children but also to give him peace of mind by being at his side.


    ¡°Not at all. I don''t have anything on.¡±


    After obtaining Cayden''s approval, Avery nuzzled her head against Rory''s body. This adorable girl is


    none other than my daughter.


    For the very first time, a sense of bliss descended upon her.


    Lying in Avery''s embrace, Rory gradually fell asleep, exhausted from crying the entire day. The moment


    she saw Avery and Cayden, she craved their attention and begged for a hug.


    Once she was wrapped in Avery''s arms, drowsiness fell upon her.


    The Land Rover drove toward the condominium in the city center before heading into the parking lot


    upon its arrival.


    While Avery waited at the entrance with Rory in her arms, Zachary followed closely behind them.


    After parking the car, Cayden came over with the children''s school bags and belongings. Even then, he


    stretched out his arms toward Avery. ¡°Are your arms tired? Let me carry her.¡±


    Avery stepped back by reflex. ¡°It''s all right. I''m fine.¡±


    Cayden cracked a faint grin when he saw how defensive she was, as if someone was trying to take her


    child away. With that, he walked ahead with Zachary.


    When the condominium''s receptionist saw the four of them walk in, she couldn''t help but exim in her


    mind. What a beautiful family of four! Is that demure-looking girl the man''s wife instead of his lover?


    However, they don''t seem to behave as if they''re a married couple. Thest time the girl was here, she


    even needed the condominium staff to let her in. Therefore, they''re definitely not husband and wife. It


    looks like she''s going to be the stepmother. Nheless, I can''t deny how capable she is of having


    gained the children''s trust.


    Meanwhile, Rory had just awoken upon getting out of the car and was naturally in a grouchy mood.


    Upon reaching their condominium, Cayden keyed in the pin to open the door.


    Standing behind Avery, Zachary looked up at his sister, who was still in Avery''s arms, and cheered her


    up. ¡°Rory, you were probably not aware because you were asleep, but Ms. Ery will be sleeping together


    with us tonight.¡±


    Before Rory could react, Cayden responded first.


    After opening the door, he put his hand around Avery''s waist to usher her in before turning around and


    giving his son a frown. ¡°You''re not allowed to disturb Ms. Ery tonight. All of you will be sleeping in your


    respective rooms.¡±


    ¡°But¡ª¡± Zachary was upset as he was looking forward to sleeping with Avery.


    Why is Daddy getting in my way?


    ¡°No buts,¡± Cayden snapped as he entered the condominium, leaving Zachary fuming outside the door.


    Despite Zachary''s indignance, there was nothing he could do. As a child in the family, he had no rights


    compared to an adult.


    Stomping the ground, he headed into the toilet to pee.


    Inside the house, Cayden relieved Avery of Rory and got her to change into a pair of sandals and rest.


    However, Rory happened to be gripping tightly to Avery''s cor. When her father took her, she didn''t


    manage to release it in time and ended up tearing it apart.


    Avery''s round and perky bosoms were exposed, jiggling sensuously in front of Cayden.


    ¡°Let go of Ms. Ery''s clothes.¡± While he peeled his daughter''s fingers away, Cayden''s deep gaze


    transitioned into one burning with lust, causing him to avert his eyes from the spot he had teased


    earlier in the entertainment center.


    With her face blushing, Avery straightened her cor in embarrassment before turning away awkwardly


    to find herself a pair of sandals from the shoe rack.

 Chapter 156

    Chapter 156


    After putting on a pair of slippers, Avery immediately took Rory from Cayden''s arms.


    ¡°Have you had your dinner? Are you hungry?¡± she asked tenderly, looking every inch like a doting


    mother worried about her child''s well-being.


    ¡°Yes, I''ve eaten. I''m not hungry,¡± Rory replied, her voice so cute and sweet that Avery couldn''t help but


    break into a smile.


    Cayden made his way out to the terrace and promptly lit a cigarette. As he turned around, he gazed at


    the mother-daughter interaction through the windows.


    One of Rory''s eyes might have a bandage applied to it, but that didn''t stop her from lighting up as she


    talked to Avery.


    It was clear from the twinkle in her eye that she was genuinely happy.


    However, the more Cayden stared at the pair, the more his gaze darkened.


    Meanwhile, Avery was still reluctant to pry her lips away from Rory''s soft cheeks. She stood in the living


    room, breathing in the child''s natural scent and indulging thetter as her own daughter. ¡°Say, would


    you like me to give you a bath?¡± she asked.


    Rory nodded eagerly. ¡°Okay! Baths make me smell nice.¡±


    With that, Avery carried the little girl and strode to the bathroom.


    Zachary, who had packed his bags, stood obediently at the bathroom door. ¡°Ms. Ery, you can find the


    switch inside and the baby shower gel in the white bottle...¡± he uttered, rambling on until Avery


    remembered every detail.


    When the sound of running water rang out, he added, ¡°Ms. Ery, let me know if there''s anything you


    need. I''ll be right outside.¡±


    Avery removed Rory''s clothes and set them aside in a neat pile.


    Needless to say, she was happy and relieved to hear Zachary''s words. Even though the kid grew up in


    the wealthy Moore family with a sullen oddball father, he still turned out to be so sensible and adorable.


    What a rare sight!


    The next second, Avery cupped Rory''s face and replied, ¡°Okay, I got it. Thank you, you sweet boy.¡±


    Zachary leaned against the wall outside the bathroom, face flushed from thepliment as he lowered


    his head and yed with his fingers.


    Having finished smoking, Cayden returned to the living room, only to find it empty.


    He began walking toward the bedroom, and that was when he heard the sound of running water and


    saw his son at the bathroom door, staring bashfully at his fingers.


    Cayden furrowed his brows, not knowing what was going through the little boy''s mind. ¡°What''s with that


    expression? Are you having cramps?¡±


    ¡°I-It''s because Ms. Ery praised me...¡± Zachary stammered as his face turned an even darker shade of


    red.


    Unfortunately, Cayden couldn''t understand that, nor did he have anything to say.


    Just then, the sound of a phone vibrating wafted from the living room. However, when Cayden turned to


    look, all he saw was Avery''s bag on the couch.


    After ncing at the closed bathroom door, he decided to march back into the living room.


    Upon taking Avery''s phone out and realizing the caller was none other than Dn, Cayden frowned


    and ended the call without hesitation.


    Meanwhile, bath time for Rory was proving to be quite a feat, especially since the wounds around her


    injured eye couldn''t get wet.


    Because of that, Avery held the shower head in her hand and slowly washed the little girl with it.


    s, Rory had other ns. From a young age, she had always envied other kids for being able to


    ssh around in the water with their mothers. Now that she had Avery with her, she couldn''t help but


    get up to mischief.


    Before long, Rory''s giggles and shouts rang out from the bathroom. ¡°Hehe...¡±


    ¡°Ah! Stop messing around...¡± Avery gently chided, though her voice was full of love and adoration.


    After three minutes, the sound of rushing water stopped, and the bathroom was quiet once again.


    On top of smelling nice, Rory was clean from head to toe. Avery had washed her messy hair well and


    even painstakingly wiped her face with a towel.


    Because of that level of care, not a single drop of water came into contact with the little girl''s injured left


    eye.


    Having wrapped Rory''s hair with a towel, Avery ushered her out of the bathroom. ¡°Does your eye hurt?¡±


    she asked concernedly.


    The little girl knew from the doctor that there would still be a bit of pain, but as long as she didn''t


    scratch her wound and changed the dressing the next day, her eye should heal in a few days.


    ¡°It doesn''t hurt when you''re here, Ms. Ery,¡± Rory eximed with a chuckle.


    Hearing that, Avery stepped out of the bathroom and proceeded to towel dry the girl''s hair. Oh, how I


    love the feeling of being needed by Rory.


    That night, Dn entered a bar and immediately made a beeline for the back door.


    A dark alleyy right outside the exit, but interestingly enough, there were doors on both sides.


    As it turned out, the bar had be one of Dn''s properties many years ago.


    ¡°Hi, Mr. Musk,¡± one of the waiters greeted with a polite nod when he walked past Dn. However, when


    he saw the woman following behind, he quickly held his tongue and continued serving the guests.


    Meanwhile, Dn was still trying to get through to Avery''s phone.


    Initially, his calls were merely left unanswered, but after a few more tries, he heard the dreaded


    automated voice message. ¡°Sorry, the number you have dialed is currently unavable.¡±


    That, to Dn, was easy to analyze. Avery had refused to answer his calls from the start and let them


    ring on and on.


    Later, she must have either gone somewhere with poor reception or blocked his contact altogether,


    resulting in his calls not being able to get through.


    With displeasure written all over his face, there was no doubt he was fuming.


    Mna, on the contrary, was a pitiful sight as she followed meekly behind Dn. Her eyes had welled


    up with tears, and there was nothing more she wanted than thetter''s love and attention.


    Even as Dn walked further into the alley, Mna continued to follow in tow.


    The truth was, she had made her decision after having spent some time recuperating in the hospital.


    Since she could no longer marry a rich man and bear him a child, her only option was to get as much


    money as she could from Dn.


    Halfway through the alley, Dn suddenly turned around and gave Mna the side-eye. ¡°Why are you


    following me?¡±


    s, Mna pursed her lips and kept mum.


    Dn got even more frustrated as he pondered Avery''s whereabouts.


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    She''s my wife, for goodness'' sake! How can she not tell me where she''s going? Argh! I guess I''ll have


    to teach her a lesson.


    Just as he turned to walk away, Mna shouted, ¡°S-Stay there...¡±


    Dn whipped around once again with a scowl. He marched up to her and threw a wad of cash in her


    face, dismissing her the way he would with prostitutes. ¡°Here. Take this money and scram!¡±


    ¡°I''m not leaving. It''s because of you that I''m now in this state. Have you no sympathy at all?¡± Mna


    retorted as she wrapped her arms around Dn''s muscr waist. She didn''t know if ying the


    sympathy card would work with someone like him, but she was also out of ideas.


    With his money scattered over the ground, Dn stared at the shameless woman in his arms and


    scoffed. The next second, he grabbed her by the neck and pushed her against the wall.


    Mna felt her forehead rubbing against the concrete and couldn''t help but wonder if her skin would get


    scraped from the abrasion.


    ¡°You''ve just lost your child, yet you''re already hungry for sex, huh?¡± Dn uttered before ripping off her


    clothes like a savage and throwing them onto the ground.


    ¡°Mm. Ah...¡± Mna whimpered as she broke out in a cold sweat, her freshly manicured nails scratching


    against the rough wall.


    The pain was too much to bear!

 Chapter 157

    Chapter 157


    After what seemed like an eternity, Mna felt like she was about to die from the pain.


    Dn was only taking it out on her as usual, but this time, he seemed to have had a drug boost that


    made him even more aggressive.


    ¡°N-No. It hurts...¡± Mna groaned.


    Sh*t. I regret all of this. I don''t want to die here!


    ¡°What''s the matter? Isn''t this what you wanted?¡± Dn scoffed, refusing to stop while he was on a high.


    He truly believed that Mna didn''t mean what she said, and he needed to punish her for it.


    Mna struggled weakly and shook her head. ¡°I-I don''t want it anymore. I don''t...¡±


    Unfortunately, there was no one else around to save her. The bar staff had made it a point to avoid the


    alley when they saw Dn going in with a woman.


    After all, thest thing they wanted was to walk in on the couple doing something inappropriate.


    Meanwhile, Mna thought she had been torn in half as a searing pain coursed through her body.


    When Dn had had his way with her, she copsed in a heap and curled into a ball.


    Despite that, the notes on the ground still looked very eye-catching to her.


    Although her tears had dried up, the makeup on her tear-stained face had already gotten smudged.


    Without saying a word, she stretched out her trembling fingers with the chipped nails and slowly picked


    up the money.


    An hourter, Mna arrived home in a taxi.


    She was about to take her keys out when the door suddenly opened from the inside.


    ¡°Where the hell have you been? Do you know howte it is?¡± Henrietta bellowed. ¡°Why would you still


    spend the night gallivanting about when you''re pregnant? Even if you don''t care about yourself, you


    should spare a thought for the child! Let''s see how you''d exin yourself to the Richters if they found


    out about it!¡±


    Shocked by her mother''s sudden appearance, Mna''s face twisted into a grimace. ¡°I thought you had


    died.¡±


    Henrietta almost choked upon hearing that. ¡°You idiot! How dare you curse your mother like that! Why


    would you even think I was dead?¡±


    ¡°If you weren''t dead, why did you disappear without a trace?¡± Mna exined before setting down her


    things and walking into the house. ¡°I''m hungry. Cook something for me.¡±


    Before Henrietta could reply, she caught sight of the pair of heels her daughter had just taken off and


    reeled in shock. ¡°Are you out of your mind? You''re pregnant, and you''re still wearing high heels?¡±


    ¡°The baby''s gone! I''ve miscarried! And I might never be able to get pregnant again!¡± Mna shouted as


    she stepped into the bathroom and began removing her clothes.


    For the next few seconds, she vented her frustration and told Henrietta the incidents that had led to her


    miscarriage.


    After getting over the initial shock, Henrietta felt nothing but a wave of sadness.


    She knew her daughter well and even remembered that thetter had undergone her first abortion


    during her sophomore year.


    ¡°Why would you still fool around when you''re pregnant? More importantly, why are you still dead set on


    dating a rich man when you''re already carrying Zayne''s child? You''re so naive! Look at what you''ve


    done to yourself. What future is there for a woman who can''t get pregnant? You don''t expect me to take


    care of you forever, do you?¡±


    Mna wanted to take off her underwear, but unfortunately, her legs hurt even at the slightest touch.


    No matter what she had to endure outside, Mna would never let herself crumble, so now that she


    was home, all she wanted was a good, long rest.


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    Before she could take a seat, though, she realized she had started bleeding from her private area.


    ¡°Mom, I-I''m bleeding...¡± Mna screamed, terrified by the amount of blood pooling at her feet.


    ¡°What?¡± Henrietta blurted out. She had wanted to continue scolding her daughter, but after hearing the


    panic in thetter''s voice, she quickly entered the bathroom.


    Needless to say, the sight shocked her beyond measure. ¡°Oh, my goodness! What''s happening to


    you?¡±


    Mna instantly broke down and told her mother everything that had happened in the alley.


    ¡°I-I thought he''d bear the responsibility. Who knew he''d be so violent? T-The thing is, he''s very wealthy


    and good-looking...¡±


    Without further ado, Henrietta whipped out her phone and called for an ambnce.


    ¡°Yes, please hurry,¡± she said to the responder before throwing the phone away in a fit and turning to


    Mna. ¡°Will you show yourself some respect? So what if you can''t find a man? Is that the end of the


    world for you?¡±


    ¡°What do you expect me to do, then? Should I have threatened to kill myself?¡± Mna fumed before her


    lips curled into a condescending sneer. ¡°Besides, you can''t live without a man either! You hooked up


    with a married man back in Mr. Rumpley''s hometown and ended up being chased down and beaten.


    Ha! Did you think I wouldn''t know that?¡±


    Henrietta, who hadn''t expected her daughter to learn about the incident, stood in stunned silence.


    ¡°The apple doesn''t fall far from the tree, but at least I''m better than you! The men I''m with have money


    and looks, while you shamelessly throw yourself at any Tom, Dick, or Harry!¡± Mna added, venting all


    her frustration onto her mother.


    Meanwhile, on the other side of the city, Zachary had just finished his shower.


    He walked up to his sister and ruffled her hair lovingly. ¡°I''m going to bed now. Behave yourself, okay?¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡± Rory replied, knowing she had been on her best behavior the entire day.


    Then, Zachary looked up bashfully at Avery and asked, ¡°M-Ms. Ery, will I see you in the morning when I


    wake up? You won''t sneak away, will you?¡±


    Almost immediately, Avery felt a burning gaze trained on her. Even without turning around, she knew it


    was Cayden standing behind her.


    I want to spend more time with the kids, but only if Cayden gives the green light. Otherwise, I''ll have to


    do it secretly. After all, the kids are about to start school.


    With that, she patted Zachary''s head. ¡°I won''t.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Goodnight, Ms. Ery!¡± Zachary muttered before nting a kiss on Avery''s cheek and dashing


    back to his room.


    Rory continued to tug and swing Avery''s hand, insisting that thetter slept with her that night. As long


    as Avery was agreeable, it wouldn''t matter if Cayden approved or not.


    ¡°Rory''s bed''s too small. The two of you can sleep in my room,¡± Cayden finally replied.


    Naturally, Avery had no objections to that. She had seen Rory''s bed before and knew it could only


    amodate one child. There was just no way for her to squeeze into it.


    The next second, Cayden took out a fresh shirt and pants and handed them to Avery. ¡°You can wear


    these after your shower.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Avery answered. She was grateful that he had lent his clothes to her and even more


    grateful that he had allowed her to sleep with Rory.


    I can''t believe he''s giving us his bed while he sleeps in Rory''s. Given his height and long limbs, I''m sure


    he won''t befortable in that tiny bed. Gosh. How is he going to stretch his arms or legs?


    It was alreadyte by the time Avery finished taking her shower and drying her hair. She quickly sorted


    the family''s clothes by color and washed them in separate loads before chucking them all into the


    dryer.


    When she finally brought the driedundry out to the living room, Cayden stood behind her without a


    word. As usual, it didn''t take long for Avery to feel his eyes burning into her. ¡°I''ll iron the clothes for you


    in the morning,¡± she said as she smoothed her shirt.


    ¡°It''s okay. Sleep early,¡± Cayden replied, a tinge of concern in his voice.


    Avery pulled her fingers away from her shirt and turned to look at him. ¡°You too. Goodnight...¡±


    Cayden said nothing else as he watched her leave.


    The men''s shirt and pants were baggy on her, which helped to entuate the slenderness and beauty


    of her neck. It was, without a doubt, quite a sight.


    Avery walked into the bedroom and promptly shut the door.


    Upon getting into bed, she was surprised to see that Rory still hadn''t fallen asleep.


    The little girl had held on to herst shred of wakefulness and snuggled into Avery''s arms. ¡°Ms. Ery,


    you''re back.¡±


    Avery had no choice but to hug Rory and let the kid cuddle up to her.


    Just then, the bedroom door suddenly opened, and Cayden walked in wearing a dark-colored robe that


    entuated his lean, muscr figure. After turning off the lights, he swiftly walked to the other side of


    the bed and climbed under the nket, leaving Avery utterly speechless.

 Chapter 158

    Chapter 158


    Rory began nodding off and was almost out like a light when she wrapped her chubby hands around


    Avery''s neck.


    As she snuggled deeper into the warm embrace, she mumbled, ¡°Ms. Ery, you smell so nice...¡±


    On the other side of the bed, Cayden was rendered speechless.


    It was a spacious and luxuriously decorated bedroom, and the only sources of light at that moment


    were from the two dimly lit wall lights above the bed. Apart from the bed, everything else in the room


    was shrouded in darkness.


    Avery gently caressed Rory''s head, hoping she could coax the kid to sleep as soon as possible.


    Surprisingly, Rory''s determination was fiercer than Avery could ever imagine. Instead of crying or


    throwing a tantrum, she was well-behaved and only asionally whined for thetter''s attention.


    ¡°Ms. Ery, I want to touch your boobies,¡± Rory muttered as her hand started to grope around.


    Avery knew it wasmon for five-year-olds to touch their mothers'' breasts to sleep, but the problem


    was, there was a man in the bed!


    How could she not be embarrassed by that?


    After a long inner struggle, Avery finally gazed at the little girl in her arms and decided not to push her


    away.


    We''ve been torn apart for five years. Now that my daughter has such a simple request, how can I


    possibly turn her down?


    ¡°Sure. Go to bed once you''ve touched them. Tomorrow morning, I''ll make a delicious breakfast for you!¡±


    Avery eximed as she slid Rory''s little hand into her shirt.


    Having fondled what she wanted, Rory cuddled tighter against Avery and fell into a deep sleep, looking


    like a happy daughter with her loving mother.


    Once again, the interaction had left Cayden speechless.


    Afraid of waking her daughter up, Avery barely moved an inch as she continued toy on her side.


    It was past midnight when she found herself slowly drifting off to sleep.


    That said, even when she was sleeping, she was still acutely aware of her surroundings. Avery knew


    she had Rory in her arms and didn''t want to risk crushing her, so she never once turned in her sleep.


    However, as the night went on, she gradually felt her daughter''s hand on her breast moving away,


    leaving a damp spot behind.


    Avery stretched an arm out to hug Rory and to let the kid know she was still there, but unfortunately,


    there was no one beside her.


    After feeling around for a bit more and realizing the side of the bed was empty, Avery woke up in a


    panic.


    Her eyes flew open as she sat up and scanned the surroundings. Secondster, her brow had knitted


    into a frown.


    Huh? Why isn''t there anyone in the room?


    The wall lights were on, and Avery could tell that a child had slept in the bed. s, the child was gone.


    She froze in shock for more than ten seconds before getting out of bed and putting on her slippers to


    head outside.


    Just as she got to the door, Avery saw Cayden walking out of Rory''s bedroom.


    He gently closed the door to his daughter''s room and turned to return to his.


    When their gazes met, Avery was the first to blurt out, ¡°W-Why did you take the kid away?¡±


    After waking up, Avery''s skin was pale and smooth, like a peeled egg that glowed under the soft


    moonlight. The men''s shirt and pants on her had be wrinkled, but the messy look only seemed to


    make her even more alluring than before.


    ¡°Your sleeping posture''s terrible. I was scared you''d crush Rory,¡± Cayden said as he walked past Avery


    and into the bedroom.


    Avery frowned.


    What? Did he say my sleeping posture''s terrible? What nonsense!


    Annoyed, she followed behind Cayden. ¡°I''ll have you know that my sleeping posture has always been


    good! Grandpa said so when I was a kid, my ssmates said so back in school, and all my roommates


    had said the same too! I¡ª¡±


    As she rambled on, Cayden suddenly grabbed her face and kissed her hard.


    In response, Avery instinctively stood on tiptoes to meet his height.


    After realizing what she had done, she immediately snapped out of her daze and pushed against


    Cayden''s firm chest.


    ¡°Ah! Mmph...¡±


    s, instead of stopping, Cayden pushed his luck further. He moved his hands to the back of Avery''s


    head and started caressing her silky smooth hair.


    The fragrance of her hair wafted to him as his breathing intensified, allowing the intoxicating scents to


    course through his body.


    Avery, on the other hand, felt a tingling sensation all over. The beautiful night, coupled with Cayden''s


    calloused fingers grazing against her skin, had sent chills down her spine.


    ¡°No. Please don''t...¡± Avery moaned when Cayden finally pulled himself away from her lips.


    However, before she could say anything else, he kissed her with such passion that she felt her head


    spinning around.


    He littered kisses all over her face, from hershes and down to her lips, nose, and even her chin.


    ¡°No. Ahh...¡±


    Avery lowered her head in a panic, only to see Cayden unbuttoning her shirt and pushing it off her


    shoulders.


    Then, he unbuckled her bra and let the straps slowly slide down her pale, slender arms.


    As soon as her top fell to the ground, Cayden buried his face in her chest and opened his mouth.


    Avery tensed up and almost felt her soul leaving her body.


    Without a word, Cayden scooped her up and ced her on the bed, pulling her pair of oversized men''s


    pants off as he did.


    ¡°Cayden, you''ll wake the kids up...¡± Avery groaned as she struggled and tried to fight him off.


    Unfortunately, that didn''t work. Cayden merely pressed her down with a smug expression and began


    disrobing himself.


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    ¡°Y-You...¡± Avery choked out in wide-eyed shock when she realized he wore nothing under his robe.


    Just as he gripped her slender waist, Avery began moving her body, causing the bed to make a loud


    creaking sound.


    With every thrust, her body, too, would tremble with ecstasy.


    At that moment, Zachary hade out of his room to use the bathroom when he heard themotion.


    Curious, he knocked on Cayden''s door before opening it.


    ¡°Daddy, Ms. Ery, what''s wrong?¡± he asked, standing drowsily at the door as he looked at Cayden and


    Avery.


    Even though Avery had a nket wrapped around her body, her breathing had yet to settle. ¡°Umm... I


    saw a big rat!¡± she replied casually.


    ¡°Big rat?¡± Zachary eximed, feeling a lot more awake than before. Oh, my gosh! I can''t believe Dad''s


    room has rats!


    By then, Avery''s face had turned red as a tomato.


    ¡°How big was the rat? Was it a rat monster?¡± Zachary added, eyes widening with every second.


    Naturally, Avery had no idea how to respond to that.


    Cayden promptly tied his robe back together and stepped off the bed. ¡°The size of the rat has nothing


    to do with you. Go back to bed,¡± he ordered as he turned around and frowned at his son.


    ¡°Daddy, you''ve always said no to letting me keep a big rat. Now that we have one roaming around the


    house, can you let me keep it once you find it? After all, it dide here on its own,¡± Zachary pleaded


    while walking away to use the bathroom.


    For someone who had always wanted to have a pet rat, it was no wonder he was so excited about it.


    ¡°The big rat wants to y with Ms. Ery,¡± Cayden replied grimly.


    ¡°But the big rat will scare her...¡± Zachary remarked before getting thrown back into his room by his


    father.


    Back on the bed, Avery was starting to feel the warmth spread all over her body. When she thought


    about the ¡°big rat¡± on Cayden''s body, she couldn''t help but shudder.

 Chapter 159

    Chapter 159


    When Cayden was walking back to his bedroom, he spotted Averying out. She was carrying a


    nket and pillow in her arms.


    When their gazes met, Avery immediately lowered her head and tightened her grip on the nket.


    Cayden looked at her with a frown quietly.


    After a while, Avery said, ¡°I''ll sleep on the couch.¡±


    With that, she walked past Cayden and headed toward the living room. However, Cayden snatched the


    nket and pillow away.


    Avery stared at him as he walked away.


    His broad shoulders and straight back were hidden underneath his dark-colored pajamas. No matter


    how one looked at it, his figure was undeniably perfect.


    Cayden spread out the nket impatiently and tossed the pillow to the side. Hey on the bed directly


    before even making it. Avery took a step forward and instinctively wanted toy out the nkets for


    him. As a woman, there was no way she could stand the mess.


    However, she suppressed her urge to do that.


    Rory''s bedroom was not far away from the master bedroom, so she walked over there.


    When she opened the door to the bedroom, the light from outside shone in gently. Rory, who was still


    sleeping, would not be blinded by the light.


    Avery felt relieved when she saw how soundly Rory was sleeping.


    After gently lifting Rory''s chubby hand away from her face and tucking it inside the nket. Then, Avery


    turned around and left.


    She wanted to go to Zachary''s room.


    Zachary was sleeping well too, but he was a wild sleeperpared to Rory.


    Avery lowered her head and carefully kissed his forehead. Looking at his child-like face, she thought


    that his sleeping habits resembled that of a particr man...


    She could not help but be awed by how strong genes heredity were.


    The night passed by peacefully.


    Avery was the first to wake up the next morning.


    The condominium was located in the most bustling district in the city center, with the streets outside


    packed with cars and people all the time. However, as the condominium''s windows were always


    closed, the sound-proof effect was very good.


    The condominium was extremely quiet in the morning.


    Avery looked at the two kids first. Rory was sucking on her thumb and sleeping soundly.


    Although Zachary had kicked his nket away, he was still sleeping too. Avery covered him with the


    nket again.


    As for Cayden, who was sleeping on the living room couch, his nket had already dropped on the


    floor.


    Avery could not help but think, Since I''ve already upied his bed, causing him to sleep on the couch,


    what''s the big deal if I just help to cover him with the nket.


    She walked over, picked up the nket on the floor, and draped it over Cayden gently.


    Caydeny on the sofa, frowning even when he was asleep. There was a serious expression on his


    chiseled and well-defined face.


    Tucking a grown man in, especially if he was around 1.9 meters tall, was actually very different from


    tucking a five-year-old child in.


    After covering the upper half of his body with the nket, Avery picked up the other corner of the


    nket that had dropped on the floor.


    When she covered his legs, she could not help but spot his legs underneath his sleeping robe. They


    were very muscr and strong, with not a lot of leg hair. Oh my, any woman will be tempted upon


    seeing that.


    After tucking the entire family in, Avery tried to calm her pounding heart and went to wash up.


    It was still early. Others would want to sleep for another hour more, but she woke up at that time every


    day because of her biological clock.


    She did not dare to make any noises when washing up. Afterward, she took off the men''s shirt and


    trousers that she was wearing and changed into the clothes fromst night that had dried.


    The surroundings were too quiet. Since she was alone in the empty bathroom, her mind could not help


    but start wandering.


    For some reason, she blushed when she recalled what happenedst night.


    The scenes were extremely vivid... Cayden taking off her shirt, burying his head into where Rory had


    just slept while opening his mouth.


    His warm breath and wet tongue... His heavy panting...


    Knock! Knock! Knock!


    Someone knocked on the door.


    ¡°Who''s that?¡± Avery''s first instinct was to panic as if she had just been caught red-handed fantasizing.


    Her face blushed and her heart pounded rapidly.


    When she opened the door, she saw Cayden standing outside.


    Avery moved aside and said, ¡°You can wash up first. I''ll go out.¡±


    Cayden walked into the bathroom. When she left, he said without even turning around, ¡°Iron a shirt for


    me and get me a pair of pants. Thanks!¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± She nodded in acknowledgment before closing the bathroom door.


    She could not get used to how polite he was.


    A white shirt was hung inside on the rack in the living room. Avery found the iron, nced through the


    instructions, and started ironing his shirt skillfully.


    After that, she took out a pair of men''s trousers.


    Cayden''s dressing room was huge¡ªit was almost as big as her rented apartment, which had two


    bedrooms and one living room. All his pants had been ironed and were hung neatly in two rows. There


    were more than a hundred pairs of trousers in different colors.


    Avery took out a pair of light grey khakis which would match nicely with his white shirt.


    In her opinion, Cayden''s body was like a model''s¡ªit was muscr and sexy. He could pull off any


    outfit he wanted.


    The children were still sleeping.


    After washing up, Avery went to their bedrooms and woke them up.


    After helping Cayden with washing and dressing up, Avery went to take care of the two kids.


    Half an hourter, everyone in the family had finished dressing up. Avery had also prepared a simple


    breakfast.


    ¡°Come and eat!¡± Avery felt embarrassed to say that. In the past, she would only say that to Nina, her


    grandpa, and her tmates when she was overseas.


    Yet, she was saying that to Cayden and the two kids then.


    Although the children were hers, they were not a family. It felt awkward to say that.


    Cayden carried Rory, who was acting cute. It was a rare sight to see him not acting so seriously. He


    coaxed, ¡°Go and eat first! I''ve not buckled my belt yet.¡±


    ¡°Let Mommy do it for you...¡± said Rory softly.


    The apartment was extremely quiet. Other than Cayden''s charismatic voice, it was only Rory speaking


    in her sweet tone.


    Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    Naturally, Avery overheard it.


    After Zachary finished applying his baby cream, he lifted his head and said, ¡°Our teacher asked us


    what our parent''s rtionship is like, but we didn''t respond to her. Then, she gave us an example by


    asking whether Daddy protects Mommy when they cross the road, or whether Mommy helps Daddy


    buckle his belt or adjust his tie.¡±


    Rory suddenly asked her mother to buckle her father''s belt because she remembered what her teacher


    said.


    Cayden nced at Avery.


    ¡°I...¡± Avery thought that it was not appropriate. Although she was Rory''s mother, she was not Cayden''s


    wife.


    Thinking that Avery could not find the belt, Rory ran to the dressing room and pulled out a drawer. She


    took out a belt from the numerous belts, dashed out, and passed it to Avery.


    Avery held the belt like it was a foreign object. While the two kids looked at her eagerly, she walked


    over to Cayden with her head lowered.


    She did not dare to look at him. Like a wife taking care of her husband, who was going to work, she


    looped the belt around his pants carefully and adjusted it.


    ¡°What''s wrong?¡± Cayden lowered his head and stared at Avery, who was focusing all her attention and


    effort on his waist. He realized that there was a red flush on her cheeks.


    She was shy but did not dare to show it in front of the kids. While she moved in front of him, he could


    not conceal his passionate lust for her at all.

 Chapter 160

    Chapter 160


    ¡°I... I don''t really know how to...¡±


    Avery fumbled with the metal buckle on the belt, looking all flustered.


    She wanted to figure out how to buckle the belt, but...


    When she stared at his body, she could not help but remember what was underneath his sleeping robe


    last night. She was blushing so much that her face was as red as a tomato.


    With dry lips, she said, ¡°I don''t really know how to do this.¡±


    Then, she gave up and escaped to the kitchen.


    Standing in the kitchen, she pressed her back against the cold wall of the kitchen, as if it could relieve


    her from the burning sensation on her cheeks.


    Avery was furious at herself for being so useless. After looking at a handsome man for so long, she


    should have be immune to him. However, she would still blush and her heart would pound rapidly


    whenever she saw Cayden''s body. It was as if she had been bewitched.


    Cayden looked at his unbuckled belt. However, instead of being angry, he was quite happy.


    Does this mean that Avery doesn''t have any experience in dressing men? Perhaps, she has only


    helped me buckle my belt.


    Cayden went to the kitchen and stood in front of her.


    Avery raised her head and nced at his eyes briefly before instinctively lowering her head. She did


    not dare to look at him.


    Cayden did not know how shy a woman could possibly be. Perhaps, men and women were the same¡ª


    regardless of how unrestrained he was at night, he would still keep himself in check in the morning.


    Sincerely, Cayden looked at her and said, ¡°I''m sorry aboutst night. I thought you were giving me a


    hint when you stayed back.¡±


    Cayden''s voice was exceptionally deep and his words made her feel embarrassed.


    Avery was only twenty-four years old and was quite young too. Among her other ssmates, women


    her age were still being pampered at home.


    When she had free time during her studies, she would surf the web too. There were discussions about


    how some men''s voices were so nice that they could melt women.


    Avery thought that Cayden''s voice had achieved that effect.


    In fact, she had thought about what he said for some time too. Thinking that she should rify things,


    she raised her head and looked at him. ¡°It''s my fault for making you have those thoughts. I- I didn''t stay


    behindst night as a hint for you to...¡±


    This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    She chose to sleep on his bed because she thought that Cayden was going to sleep on Rory''s bed.


    They heard the nking of cutlery in the dining room.


    The two kids sat down and started eating breakfast.


    ¡°I understand. Let''s go and eat now.¡± Cayden did not say anything else. Looking at her seriously, he


    walked out of the kitchen first.


    Avery followed him out too.


    There were a few pieces of toast ced in front of Cayden on the dining table. There was also a cup of


    hot coffee and a newspaper.


    ¡°Ms. Ery, my shoes are spoilt...¡± Rory raised her head. One of her eyes was bandaged, while the other


    was wide open.


    She looked hrious yet pitiful.


    Zachary said, ¡°Ask Ms. Ery to take you to buy some new shoes, okay? Daddy''s too busy. He needs to


    go to work.¡±


    When Avery heard what he said, she nodded. ¡°Okay, I''ll take you there.¡±


    Zachary happily took a huge bite of his three slices of bread. While he ate, he even told Avery how


    busy Cayden was.


    In the past, their great-grandpa would be the one taking him and Rory to buy shoes. However, he


    always chose designs that were old-fashioned. In fact, he specifically chose shoes that were brown¡ª


    as if they could go straight into war after wearing those.


    Sometimes, their grandma would take them too. However, she was very busy and kept having to


    receive calls. As a result, she would lose them when she was on the calls.


    After that, their housekeeper and driver would apany them to buy shoes.


    It was quite a decent arrangement. Their housekeeper and driver never cared about what kinds of


    clothes or shoes they bought, so they could choose whatever they liked.


    However, they were not happy with that after some time.


    Other children had their parents take them out to do shopping


    When Avery heard the kidsin, her heart ached. Sitting on the other side of the table, she could


    not help but nce at Cayden, who was silent all along.


    Is this how he''s been acting as their father for the past five years?


    Strictly speaking, he had not done a good job then.


    However, rationality returned to Avery and she thought, Cayden has always been so cold. His children


    are probably tools for him to squeeze benefits from his family.


    Since he had merely used the children to fight for power, he probably did not have a strong bond with


    them.


    It was not a surprise that a father like him did not have the time and effort to keep his kidspany.


    On the other end of the table, Cayden continued reading the newspapers attentively and taking a sip of


    his coffee asionally. When he heard Avery''s conversation with the kids, he stood up and said, ¡°Let''s


    watch this y after shopping.¡±


    Avery and the kids stared at him at the same time.


    However, he put down his newspapers, got up, and left the dining room.


    When he ced the newspapers down, his fingers had evidently jabbed at a section of the page. There


    was an advertisement about a particr y that was happening in Ackleton in the afternoon.


    ¡°Yay! I really want to watch this y!¡± When Zachary saw the title of the y, he expressed his


    eagerness to go and watch it.


    Initially, Avery wanted to reject Cayden''s n. However, when she saw the look of anticipation on


    Zachary''s face, she changed her mind.


    The family finally finished eating breakfast.


    After Avery cleaned up and did the dishes, she hid in the room and called Cecelia right before leaving.


    ¡°I''m sorry, but I''ll have to take leave again today.¡±


    Although she kept taking leave during the day, she still stayed up at night to finish the tasks that her


    team had assigned her.


    Still, it was not good to miss the meetings all the time during the day. At the same time, she was


    worried about Cayden, an unqualified father ording to them, taking care of Rory whose eyes were


    injured.


    However, Cecelia said, ¡°Ms. Yantz asked me why you''re so lucky. Although you kept taking leave, not


    only did you not make the boss angry, but you also always chose the most critical moment to apply for


    leave. The boss had just instructed us to leave the project aside. We''ll go and check out the site for a


    few days beforeing back and evaluating it again.¡±


    Avery was speechless.


    In other words, even if she went to work, she would have nothing to do.


    They would start nning once the staff in charge of the project returned after inspecting the site.


    In the meantime, Cecelia and the rest were tying up the loose ends of the previous projects. Since


    Avery was new, she could not be part of it.


    There was no time for her to familiarize herself with the project details because the loose ends of the


    project would have been tied by the time she did that.


    ...


    Soon, they left after breakfast.


    The kids sat in the back seats. As there were specially-built child car seats there, there was no space


    for Avery. She had no choice but to take the front passenger seat.


    Rory''s shoes had been spoilt by the neighbor''s child. She urgently needed a new pair of shoes to make


    her happy again.


    Cayden drove straight to the shopping mall two blocks away.


    After parking the car in the underground car park, they entered the shopping mall. Cayden carried


    Rory, while Avery held Zachary''s hand.


    Zachary quickly found the shoe shop.


    The store assistant was very pretty. She said sweetly, ¡°Little cutie, do you want to wear matching shoes


    with your parents? We got some new designs!¡±

 Chapter 161

    Chapter 161


    ¡°What are matching shoes?¡± Rory asked the store assistant sweetly.


    ¡°Give me a moment! I''ll bring them over for you.¡±


    The pretty store assistant left quickly. When she returned, she was holding four shoe boxes.


    In order to sell the shoes, she started introducing them enthusiastically.


    The four pairs of shoes were identical white sneakers. They had a simple design and there was a red


    logo on the back of the shoes.


    cing the shoes on the floor, the store assistant pointed at them and introduced them to the kids and


    the adults. ¡°This is your father''s and this is your mother''s. This is yours and this is your brother''s. Isn''t it


    very heartwarming for the family to wear the same shoes?¡±


    Rory understood what the store assistant was saying. She turned around and looked at Avery and


    Zach. She mumbled softly, ¡°Daddy has one, I have one, Ms. Ery has one, and Zach has one!¡±


    ¡°When we walk on the streets, the others will know that we''re a family, right?¡± asked Zachary as he


    gazed at a huge advertising board in a distance.


    Avery lowered her head and massaged her temples. She had also seen the board.


    The matching shoes seemed to be the brand''s trending product for the season. There were


    advertisements about it stered all over.


    There were some foreign celebrities featured on the shop''s advertising board. It depicted a family going


    out to hike, with all of them wearing the exact same shoes, clothes, and baseball hats.


    Firstly, the shoes cost a few thousand each, which was very costly for her.


    Secondly, she was not the children''s ¡°official¡± mother yet. Even if the children wanted to wear matching


    shoes with her, it was not the right time.


    Still, the store assistant kept promoting the shoes to them. It was as if she could see that the man of


    the house was wealthy and would buy anything based on preference and not price.


    If she managed to convince the kids, it would be equivalent to stretching her hand into their father''s


    wallets.


    Sitting there, Cayden did not show any interest in choosing the shoes. Instead, he had a bored


    expression throughout. It was evident that he was only there to swipe his credit card and pay for


    everything.


    One had to work hard in every upation. Hence, Avery could understand why the store assistant was


    promoting the shoes so enthusiastically.


    Avery wanted to tell the store assistant that she was not their mother. However, she always failed to


    articte the words.


    It was because she had given birth to Zachary and Rory¡ªit was an undeniable fact.


    Rory fell in love with the matching shoes and kept staring at Zachary.


    Zachary walked over and whispered to her, ¡°You should tell Daddy. Since your eye is injured, he''ll listen


    to you.¡±


    ¡°Okay, Zach!¡±


    Rory ran toward the couch quickly.


    Cayden was sitting on the leather couch with his legs crossed. There was a ss of water ced on


    the table beside him.


    ¡°Daddy....¡± Rory ran over with only an eye open. She hugged Cayden and grabbed the financial


    magazine in his hands.


    Cayden had never paid any attention to the store assistant and the kids. When Rory approached him,


    he stood up and carried her. ¡°Have you finished choosing the shoes? I''ll pay for them.¡±


    Both of them walked toward the shoe rack.


    When Cayden raised his head, the store assistant finally caught a glimpse of his face.


    Cayden had a very mature aura. Despite the stern look on his face, he was carrying his daughter very


    affectionately.


    The store assistant could not help but sneak a few more nces at him. For some reason, she thought


    that he looked like the person on the front cover of thetest financial magazine...


    ¡°Daddy, why don''t we wear matching shoes?¡±


    Afraid that Cayden would disagree, Rory buried her face into his shoulders and get ready to cry sadly.


    ¡°Well, mister. The four shoes are thetest design...¡±


    The store assistant gave him a long introduction.


    Cayden vaguely understood the concept and meaning behind the four matching shoes. There were


    four shoes on the floor, including his and Avery''s.


    Avery sensed Cayden looking at her, so she nced at him too.


    When their gazes met, she shook her head, wanting him to refuse the children''s request.


    Twenty minutester, Cayden ced the four shopping bags in the car.


    When he closed the car doors and turned around, his gaze swept across the identical white shoes on


    Avery, Rory, and Zachary''s feet.


    Cayden could not help but smile secretly. His children and their mother were following him. Everyone


    could tell instantly that all three of them were part of his family because he was also wearing a pair of


    white sneakers.


    Cayden remembered that he had worn something like that during high school. After he entered the


    business industry, suits, shirts, and leather pants became the symbols of his cold and serious


    demeanor.


    At ten in the morning, Xavier sent the ticket barcodes for the y.


    The y started at half past two in the afternoon. There was still time if they headed there after lunch,


    but it was still too early for lunch.


    While waiting in the parking lot, Zachary told Avery in private that he wanted to go to the amusement


    park.


    The two kids pushed Avery forward to convince Cayden.


    Cayden watched as Avery walked toward him. She said, ¡°Zach and Rory want to go to the amusement


    park. Is that okay?¡±


    ¡°You don''t seem too happy,¡± remarked Cayden as he looked at Avery with a frown.


    The truth was she was unhappy because she was wearing matching shoes.


    ¡°I''m wearing the same shoes as the three of you in public. I''m afraid that others might take a picture


    and make a huge deal out of it,¡± said Avery.


    A few days ago, the magazines were stered with the news of him eating breakfast with the children


    outside.


    All the single women in the city were discussing who had married a man like him.


    Cayden frowned. ¡°Make a huge deal out of it? Are you afraid that the media will call you my mistress,


    or are you worried that people will find out that you''re my children''s mother?¡±


    Err...


    Avery wanted to say that both were applicable.


    Cayden locked the car door. When he nced at the identical shoes that both were wearing, he


    immediately became jealous like a man in his first rtionship. ¡°Or are you worried that the man on


    your marriage certificate would see it?¡±


    He always felt a mixture of lust and frustration whenever he faced Avery.


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    ¡°I''m not...¡± Avery shook her head without any hesitation.


    Looking satisfied with that answer, Cayden lit a cigarette, lowered his head, and said, ¡°Good. Wear


    these shoes for me. If you dare to take them off, don''t think of meeting the kids again.¡±


    Avery was speechless.


    After apanying the kids to the amusement park, Avery went to the hospital before lunch.


    In the meantime, Dn, who had just driven away from the hospital twenty minutes earlier, received a


    call from his mother.


    ¡°Dn, do you remember promising your dad and me that you''ll apany us to watch a movie or a


    y? I booked three tickets for a y and I''ll start after half past two. Why don''t you drive over and pick


    me and your dad up?¡± Seeing that the tension between him and his father still had not been resolved,


    Talia wanted to take this opportunity to improve their rtionship.

 Chapter 162

    Chapter 162


    Dn did not turn Talia down.


    Indeed, he needed an opportunity to bury the hatchet between him and Toby.


    To some extent, Dn recognized that he was more stubborn and prideful than his father.


    In fact, Toby had never really raged at his unfilial son. His anger at his son, if any, neversted longer


    than ten minutes.


    Watching a movie or a y with his parents was something Dn had agreed to five years ago when


    he started serving his prison sentence.


    His parents had visited him together. He remembered being led out by a warden, handcuffed and


    dressed in a prison uniform.


    After taking his seat, Dn stared at his parents wordlessly. He did not know what to say when he


    noticed their weary appearances.


    It did not help that he barely spoke to his parents in the first ce.


    With a thick plexiss partition between them, Talia said between sobs, ¡°Don''t give up hope while


    you''re inside, Dn. Focus on turning over a new leaf and leave yourw-breaking days behind you.


    We still love you very much. Once you''re out of prison, we can spend time together as a family again.


    You can get married and have kids; there''s still a beautiful future to look forward to...¡±


    Dn remembered that his mother had said many things to him that day, all muffled by sobs.


    A particr sentence stood out to him. Talia had said, ¡°If you feel sorry toward your father and me, you


    can make it up to us once you''re out of this ce. We don''t need you to be an overachiever or


    anything. Just watch a movie or a y with us, and we''ll be happy.¡±


    Though Dn had listened to her mutely and expressionlessly, he was stunned by his parents''


    surprisingly low expectations.


    It turned out that being a filial son was as simple as apanying one''s parents to a show.


    He could not believe he had never done it for his parents in the twenty or so years of his life before he


    entered prison.


    At that moment, Dn was driving on the road as a free man.


    When his mother called and told him she had ordered three tickets to a y, memories of his parents''


    first visit five years ago reyed in his mind.


    Now that I''m starting to remember everything, it''s time for me to make good on my promise.


    Meanwhile, Avery did not allow Cayden and the kids to enter ke''s ward with her.


    After all, she had told her grandpa not too long ago about Cayden''s unsuitability as a partner. If she


    showed up with him now, it would be an awkward situation for everyone.


    She fed ke lunch, then took her leave, citing some matters to attend to.


    Before she left, she grabbed theptop she had left behind in the hospital after work the day before.


    Avery had carried theptop around in case Cecelia had urgent tasks for her toplete.


    After having his meal, ke walked around his ward and waved his granddaughter goodbye.


    When Avery walked out of the hospital, she immediately spied a familiar ck Land Rover outside the


    entrance.


    She approached the car, reaching it at the same time as Cayden, who had been smoking elsewhere.


    He swiftly took herptop with one hand and opened the car door with another, ushering her into the


    car.


    ¡°What do you want to eat?¡± he asked before she had a chance to thank him.


    Avery turned to look at him, replying, ¡°Let''s see what Zach and Rory fancy.¡±


    Cayden nodded, indulging in his role as a perfect husband who automatically deferred to his wife''s and


    kids'' wishes.


    He concentrated on driving while Avery googled a list of restaurants for Rory''s and Zachary''s selection.


    Zachary set his phone aside and took Avery''s before both he and his sister scrolled through it.


    Rory blinked rapidly as she stared at the screen.


    ¡°Have you decided?¡± Avery asked.


    Zachary continued staring at the phone as he mumbled, ¡°Not yet.¡±


    ¡°It''s okay. Take your time.¡± Avery had already taken the day off to apany the kids, so she had all


    the time in the world.


    While the kids stewed in indecision, two WhatsApp notifications popped up on Avery''s phone.


    The messages came from Nina, who wrote: My mom came to the office. I just shooed her out five


    minutes ago. Thank god you were not here, or my mom would be all over you! God, she''s horrifying!


    Why doesn''t she ever see herself as the problem?


    The next message read: My mom spoke to thewyer, and Zayne''s getting at least a year in prison. I


    wasn''t even sad or angry when I heard that. I don''t even know why, but I was craving a te of


    jambya. I''m pretty sensible, huh, Ery? Zayne''s obviously in the wrong, and he needs a few years in


    prison to fix his morals.


    Zachary and Rory did not understand Nina''s message, but they immediately noticed the jambya she


    had mentioned.


    It sounded delicious.


    From N?velDrama.Org.


    Zachary lifted his head and asked Avery, ¡°Ms. Ery, what''s jambya?¡±


    Jambya?


    Confused, Avery took her phone back from the kids and scrolled through it. I googled a bunch of high-


    end restaurants. There shouldn''t be anything like jambya or mac and cheese on the list. Their dad''s


    eating with us, after all, and he only frequents expensive restaurants.


    Just then, Nina sent her another message. Avery clicked on it and saw her earlier texts.


    Now, she realized why the kids had mentioned jambya.


    Though Avery knew the answer to her question, she asked, ¡°You probably haven''t tried jambya,


    right?¡±


    As expected, the kids replied, ¡°No.¡±


    Avery could not help but wonder how the kids would have turned out if they were raised by her instead


    of Cayden.


    After all, the wealthy led unimaginably different lives from the average poption.


    Even though the kids had expressed their wish to eat jambya, Avery thought it was prudent to get


    Cayden''s opinion.


    She thought jambya was delicious, but someone as haughty as Cayden would probably scoff at it.


    It was not a particrly healthy dish, and establishments serving the dish were prone to subpar


    hygiene standards.


    Avery did not want to argue with Cayden in front of the kids. She remembered she had saved Cayden''s


    number once they affirmed their rtionship, and she quickly typed out a message to him on


    WhatsApp.


    The kids want to eat jambya. Are you okay with that?


    After that, Avery awaited his reply.


    Cayden focused on driving and did not check his phone.


    Two minutester, Avery squirmed impatiently and asked, ¡°I think I heard a WhatsApp notification from


    your phone.¡±


    Cayden had not heard it, but he checked his phone nheless.


    He quickly read Avery''s message and chuckled before replying: Up to you.

 Chapter 163

    Chapter 163


    Avery awkwardly pointed in the right direction.


    Jambya was not a dish every chef could cook to perfection, so to be safe, Avery had Cayden drive


    them to the ce she used to stay.


    She stayed there after she returned to the country, so she knew the neighborhood well. Naturally, that


    meant she also knew where the best restaurants were.


    The ck Land Rover screeched to a halt at the side of the road, and the residents in the area couldn''t


    help staring at the people getting out of the car.


    The father was tall and handsome, whereas the twins were cute and cuddly, so it''s only natural that


    everyone stared at them.


    They showed up at the peak hour, so the ce was packed.


    The owner hollered, ¡°The jambya for number 23 is ready.¡±


    A high school student in a uniform showed up with a tag that had the number 23 printed on it. After


    that, he picked up the tray with the jambya on it and left.


    When the owner''s wife saw the family of four entering the restaurant, her eyes glowed instantly.


    She wasn''t happy because more customers meant more ie, though. She was delighted because


    the family of four was too beautiful and looked like celebrities.


    Who knows? Maybe they actually are celebrities!


    ¡°Come, take a seat here,¡± said thedy as she gestured to the others patrons. ¡°Please share tables. It''s


    our peak hour, so the seats are limited.¡±


    The student, who had just picked up the tray, nodded, then walked to the other table to join a couple,


    who were sitting at the side. He no longer took up a table for four.


    The owner''s wife cleaned the unupied table quickly so the family of four could take their seats. After


    that, she asked, ¡°What would you like to have?¡±


    Avery shot a look at Cayden and recalled how he had told her to decide for everyone. That made her


    nervous, but also gave her the courage to reply, ¡°Four jambyas, please. Two regr and two non-


    spicy.¡±


    ¡°We can handle spicy food,¡± said Rory and Zachary simultaneously.


    Avery didn''t quite buy that, so she turned her attention to Cayden.


    Cayden was still standing when he answered, ¡°Zach is okay with spicy food, but Rory is not allowed to


    have any. The doctor advised her against eating spicy food for the time being.¡±


    Avery changed her orders, and the owner''s wife made a mental note of everything before sharing that


    information with her husband, who was also the chef.


    When she brought the cutleries to them, she whispered and asked Avery. ¡°You guys are celebrities,


    aren''t you?¡±


    ¡°No, we''re not celebrities,¡± answered Avery before she exined, ¡°I used to rent a ce in the


    residential area close-by and came before.¡±


    The owner''s wife, however, behaved as though she had never heard a word Avery said. The former


    cleaned the table again, and as she did so, she murmured, ¡°Awh, I thought you guys are celebrities


    who are here to experience the life of the poor. Err... what''s the show called again? Uh, a reality show?


    Yeah, isn''t that trending nowadays? We''ll be famous after this...¡±


    Avery understood that the reaction was all due to Cayden''s presence there, so she said, ¡°Honestly,


    we''re not celebrities...¡±


    In a way, it was true that Cayden was not a celebrity, but his presence would usually cause an even


    bigger ruckus than that of a celebrity.


    Fortunately, most of the patrons there were folks from lower-middle-ss families, while the others


    were farmers who worked in the area. They were all middle-aged and weren''t interested in social


    media. Moreover, they didn''t pay attention to financial news, so no one knew who Cayden was. That


    was great because it allowed Cayden to spend some quality time with his family. No one would bother


    them.


    ¡°The jambyas are ready,¡± said the owner''s wife as she served the dishes.


    Rory and Zachary picked up their forks and ate away quickly. It was clear that they both enjoyed it.


    Avery suddenly felt happy and content. Are the twins taking after me? Is that why they adapted to the


    taste so quickly and are enjoying themselves now?


    At one o''clock in the afternoon...


    Cayden drove the car and took Avery and the kids out of that ce.


    When his phone rang, he picked it up. ¡°What''s up, Grandpa?¡±


    ¡°Here''s the thing, Cayden. Your aunt brought a team of medical experts to Ackleton because her


    husband is gravely ill and does not have much time left. He''s also losing his mind, so your aunt wants


    to take Rory and Zach to the hospital to act as her grandchildren. She was hoping that your uncle will


    be happy after seeing them. That way, he''d be able to leave in peace,¡± said Jeffrey.


    Cayden had turned on the speaker, so the kids, who were sitting in the backseat, heard what Jeffrey


    said.


    So did Avery.


    ¡°Does that mean we can''t go to the theater any more?¡± asked Rory who really wanted to go to the


    theater with her father and Avery.


    Avery couldn''tment on the Moore family''s drama, so she didn''t say anything.


    ¡°We can go watch the y some other day,¡± said Cayden. His words pretty much settled the matter.


    Forty minutester, Xavier took Rory and Zachary away.


    ¡°You''re not going?¡± asked Avery who was too afraid to get out of the car.


    The car was parked right in front of her office, and countless eyes would be on her if she ever got out of


    the car.


    Cayden drove away. ¡°If I do, the old man will probably recall that they are my children.¡±


    Rory and Zachary were pretending to be someone else''s kids, and their white lie would bring peace to


    a dying man. Hence, it was not right for Cayden to be there.


    ¡°Please stop the car one hundred meters from here. I''ll get off there and walk back,¡± said Avery.


    Cayden ignored her and drove toward the theater. ¡°I think we need to talk about the kids.¡±


    Without the cheery kids around, the two adults were the only ones that remained, and the aura in the


    car changed quickly. It was as though every breath had an implicit message.


    Avery was more than happy to talk about the kids, though, so any intention she had of returning to work


    had faded.


    She remained quiet the entire way to the theater because she was waiting for him to start the


    conversation. She didn''t know the specifics of what he wanted to talk about, so she said nothing.


    Unfortunately, they couldn''t discuss anything in the middle of the y, so Avery had no choice but to


    break the silence before they reach the destination. ¡°Can I see them regrly?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    The Land Rover reached a crossroads, and even though Cayden was nodding, he was also paying


    attention to the road. He turned the steering wheel and drove to another street.


    Avery sighed a breath of relief. ¡°C-Can I also have them stay with me for a few days on some


    weekends?¡±


    As their birth mother, Avery''s request wasn''t uneptable since it was only natural that she''d want to


    get closer to her kids.


    Cayden thought about that for a moment, but eventually, he nodded.


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    Avery was ecstatic to hear that. She also started to see Cayden a little differently.


    Outside the theater...


    When they reached the parking lot, Cayden''s sharp gaze fell onto a Porsche Cayenne, which was


    parked two lots away.


    He checked the car''s tes and noted that it was Dn''s.


    Is he here to watch the y as well?


    Cayden knew Dn well enough to know that thetter wouldn''t be there on his own.


    Avery didn''t actually want to watch the y with Cayden because, without Rory and Zachary around,


    it''d look as though they were dating.


    However, Cayden made a good point and convinced her to stay. Since the kids loved the y but


    couldn''t make it, they would definitely love it if she watched it, then tell them all about it. It would also


    be a great way for a mother to show her kids how much she loved them.


    Cayden and Avery weren''t given front-row seats because Xavier knew his boss well and could tell that


    the guy wouldn''t want to be recognized. That would just disrupt his time with his kids and force him to


    socialize with others.


    Avery kept her eyes on the stage after she entered the theater.


    She waited patiently for the y to begin.


    A familiar yet unloving voice came from the front row, disrupting her serenity, though.

 Chapter 164

    Chapter 164


    Dn turned his head to the side and spoke to thedy sitting right beside him. ¡°Mom, the y is about


    to begin, so let''s not discuss any matter now. It''ll disturb the audience.¡±


    Dn''s voice had always been even, and his tone was rather t.


    It didn''t matter who he was talking to or what he was doing. His tone would always remain t, and that


    made it easy for others to recognize him.


    Avery only remembered his voice because he was a despicable man with zero morals and would take


    advantage of others'' misfortune. In short, he was the scum who had done all sorts of shameless things,


    and that was why she recognized him.


    Every word... or rather, every threat Dn made was carved into her brain.


    Hearing his voice in that theater and seeing his stoic expression from the side soured Avery''s mood.


    ¡°The y hasn''t started, has it? So how am I bothering anyone now?¡± challenged Talia. She lowered


    her voice, but she couldn''t stop the overwhelming emotions burning in her heart, so she kept nagging.


    ¡°I know you too well. The second the y is over, you will have someone take your dad and me home


    so that neither of us has the chance to say anything.¡±


    Dn didn''t refute what his mother said. In a way, that was a silent admission.


    His silence prompted Talia to strike the iron while it was hot. ¡°Your father and I were happy about you


    getting married, but you''ve only been married for a few days, and drama is already unfolding. Someone


    came to our house and imed that you kidnapped her granddaughter-inw! Both families will look


    bad if the news is publicized. Listen to me, Dn. Just get a divorce.¡±


    Dn didn''t reply. He kept his gaze ahead and stared at the stage, where the curtains still hadn''t been


    lifted.


    Toby joined in the conversation at that moment. ¡°It''s true that your mom and I have been nagging at


    you and telling you to get married soon so that you can give us an heir. However, we never thought that


    your marriage would cause a problem so big that it is affecting the peace between the families. You


    need to deal with this issue ordingly.¡±


    Talia couldn''t suppress her emotions anymore, so she cut in again to take over the conversation.


    ¡°Women are a dime a dozen. You can marry any woman you want, so why must you make things


    difficult for your aunt? Besides, what''s so good about Ery, anyway? Her upbringing, education...


    everything about her is terrible.¡±


    Talia found Allie to be a disgrace and a lesser being, but at a time like that, the former had to mention


    thetter.


    If I don''t, my stubborn son will not relent.


    Dn, however, remained quiet.


    The lights began dimming, and that meant that the y was about to begin. Talia shot a look at the


    stage and saw the host walking toward the center of the stage.


    She was very restless, Talia turned her attention back to her son and said, ¡°If you hadn''t butted in on


    the matter, Ery would''ve been your aunt''s daughter-inw by now. Dn, your aunt had alreadye


    andined to your father and me a few times.¡±


    Dn finally reacted to that. He asked, ¡°What did she say?¡±


    ¡°What else could she have said?¡± replied Talia. She couldn''t control herself and was speaking so loudly


    that she was almost as loud as the host. ¡°Your aunt said that she has always regarded Ery as her


    daughter-inw, so she is upset about Ery suddenly bing your wife. The two of you had just


    gotten married and haven''t done anything... intimate yet, so why not just get a divorce now before


    things get out of control.¡±


    Naturally, Dn''s aunt, the one Talia was referring to, was Allie.


    Avery was sitting in the row behind them, so she was too worried about getting their attention that she


    didn''t even have the guts to move a single muscle. Now that the lights had dimmed, she felt more


    rxed.


    Even though she was Dn''s wife, Avery was d to hear her husband''s parents telling him to get a


    divorce. Even she had to admit that she prayed that they would sessfully convince him to dump her.


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    As for the parts about Allie''s supposed concern... Well, Avery didn''t believe that was true.


    Allie doesn''t care about me. If she had tried to get Dn to divorce me, then she must have some other


    ulterior motive for doing so...


    Avery didn''t know what Allie was nning and what she would have to deal with after she got the


    divorce.


    Maybe I should be more proactive and investigate the matter myself.


    Only a small portion of the VIP section in the theater still had its lights on. Almost everyone was paying


    attention to the y.


    Avery wasn''t in the mood to watch the y, but Dn, who was sitting in the front row, paid full


    attention.


    Talia and Toby watched absentmindedly and would turn their gazes to their son every now and then.


    It was as though they would figure out the perfect solution by looking at his face.


    Avery sent Cayden a text to tell him that she needed to use the restroom.


    After sending that text, she waited until she sensed the guy sitting beside her had read the text before


    standing up. She didn''t want to disturb the other viewers, so she moved out of the way to go to the


    restroom.


    Watching the y was simply too torturous for Avery. She wanted to focus on it and tell her kids when


    she got home, but Dn and his parents were sitting right in front of them. The trio would see her


    sitting there with Cayden if they turned around.


    The pressure made it impossible for her to sit still.


    No one knew how much time had passed. Avery hadn''t returned yet, and the y was progressing


    smoothly when Cayden heard Dn ambush his parents with three simple words.


    He said, ¡°Ery is pregnant.¡±


    Cayden''s gaze remained on the stage, but he instinctively frowned.


    Toby and Talia turned to their son in disbelief.


    Dn''s words had knocked his parents senseless and shook them to their core.


    The y was reaching its climax when Avery returned.


    She was careful because she didn''t want anyone, especially the viewers sitting in front of them, to


    notice her.


    When she sat down, however, she noticed that Dn and his parents had be eerily quiet.


    Cayden''s gaze had also turned hostile when he looked at her.


    The atmosphere hadpletely changed, but she couldn''t quite put a finger on it.


    Time trickled by one second after the other.


    After what felt like an eternity, the y was finally over.


    The lights in the theater were turned on the second the y was over.


    Both Toby and Talia were two of the audience, who stood up rtively quickly. They had too much on


    their mind, and they needed to deal with it.


    They had to think about the situation ande up with a solution.


    Avery nned on leaving as soon as possible, but Dn''s parents moved too quickly, so she had to


    stay back to prevent running into them.


    When Talia reached the corridor, she turned around to look at her son.


    That was when she realized that he hadn''t even left his seat. Frustrated, her temper rose, and she


    urged, ¡°What are you still sitting there for? Are you trying to avoid talking to me and your dad for the


    rest of your life?¡±


    Talia had since changed her tone and was more aggressive.


    A mother would always love her son and would never hurt him, but Dn had truly stung his parents''


    hearts.


    He was self-centered and had no regard for anything. Consequently, he kept putting his parents in


    difficult positions as they had to always tried to cover his tracks and defend him.


    Dn stood up, but the look on his face remained stoic. He was still as stubborn as ever, and his


    behavior showed that he would never change.


    When he stood up, he saw his mother''s expression stiffen when she saw the people sitting right behind


    them.


    Dn and his parents sat in the third row, and almost everyone in the fourth row had left. Only a couple


    had remained.


    ¡°You are a disgrace!¡± scolded Talia.


    What did Mom see? What could possibly make her frown so deeply and in disgust?


    Dn traced his mother''s gaze to see what she was looking at.

 Chapter 165

    Chapter 165


    Toby had left ages ago and was waiting outside.


    Dn made his way out of the third row and was standing at the junction that allowed him to make his


    way to the fourth row right away. He looked ahead.


    By then, almost everyone had left.


    The performance was over, so the workers were busy putting everything away.


    There, sitting in the fourth row, were two adults making out fervently. It was more than just kissing,


    though. The guy had already slipped his hand under the girl''s shirt. Given how they behaved in public,


    there was no saying just how crazy they were in private.


    Talia couldn''t see the two lovers'' faces, but she moved away and urged, ¡°Let''s go now. Your father is


    still waiting for us.¡±


    Dn frowned. He kept staring at the couple in the fourth row.


    When he saw the matching shoes they had on, however, his frown parted, and he left the ce with his


    mother.


    Toby had been waiting for a while, so he was a little annoyed. ¡°What took you so long?¡±


    ¡°A couple is making out in there. Ugh, I can''t believe they''re doing that in public,¡±ined Talia as


    she made her way to the parking lot with her husband and son.


    When they reached their destination, they saw that the driver was already waiting for them.


    Toby recognized the driver as the punk who used to work for his son and was a valet at a bar.


    Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°What is the meaning of this?¡± asked Toby.


    Dn replied, ¡°You should go home without me. I have some matters to attend to because I postponed


    working on something to watch the y with you guys. Let''s talk tonight. I''ll be home for dinner.¡±


    When Talia heard that, she hugged her husband''s arm and urged him to get into the car to prevent him


    from arguing with Dn.


    Toby didn''t say a thing before he got into the car.


    Before Talia got into the car, she turned around and warned, ¡°You''ve already promised toe home


    for dinner, so be there. Do not leave your dad and me hanging. We have to talk about what you and


    Ery are going to do.¡±


    ¡°Don''t worry. I''ll be there,¡± promise Dn.


    The driver fired up the engine and took the elderly couple back to their home.


    Dn turned around and buckled in. When he heard the crisp click, he caught sight of the imported


    ck Land Rover that was parked two lots beside his car.


    It stunned him in ce.


    Cayden has a car just like that!


    Naturally, there were hundreds of simr cars in Ackleton, so the tes were the only things that could


    identify the owner of the car.


    Dn didn''t even know what he was thinking when he walked toward that Land Rover.


    When he saw the car''s te, his irises constricted as realization hit him.


    Those ridiculously striking registration numbers weren''t just catchy. It also signified the incredible social


    status held by its owner.


    Dn suddenly felt his throat going dry. He closed his eyes, and at that moment, countless images


    shed past his mind.


    He couldn''t reach Avery''s phone since the night before.


    She had been missing for an entire night.


    At first, she simply ignored his calls. Towards the end, dialing her number immediately got the


    machines to tell him that she was unreachable...


    The second he saw that Land Rover, he knew that Avery had blocked his number.


    He had his suspicion on the night before, and all he had to do was to grab a random phone and dial


    Avery''s number using that phone. He''d be able to confirm his theory then and there, but he never did


    so.


    He stayed outside ke''s room the entire night, but Avery never showed up.


    After staying up all night, he went to the restroom to wash his face with some cold water when the sun


    rose. Only then did his mind clear up a little.


    Dn didn''t even know what he was doing anymore.


    He didn''t even like Avery. Jealously had simply turned him down a dark path, and driving him to the


    brink of madness.


    His mind might be clear and he might have realized what was love and what wasn''t, but he still had to


    go search for his wife... The wife he worked hard to get his hands on.


    After all, they had signed on the dotted lines and were legally married.


    It didn''t even matter that one of the two parties didn''t want to get married.


    Before lunch, Dn thought that Avery would visit her grandfather eventually, so he went to the


    hospital again, but still, she never showed up.


    He left the ce in frustration and had been troubled until he saw the Land Rover parked there.


    Dn had a stoic expression on when he left the parking lot and made his way back into the theater.


    The couple making out in the fourth row of the VIP area looked a lot like Avery and Cayden. Their


    figures and their fashion sense were too simr.


    I didn''t see their faces earlier, but there can''t possibly be that many coincidences. Cayden and Avery


    were secretly dating and happened to get the seats right behind the ones I got for me and my parents.


    Dn made his way back to the VIP area, but by then, everyone was already gone.


    He stood beside the door and thought back to what he had just witnessed earlier. For a moment there,


    his sixth sense tingled, but that onlysted a few seconds.


    There is no way Avery and Cayden would wear matching shoes. The style, for starters, is something I


    have never seen Cayden wear before, but...


    Dn thought about how Avery was still a young woman. Despite the hardship she had endured and


    been through, she was still a young woman in her mid-twenties. It was possible that she''d like that kind


    or shoes.


    After leaving the theater, Avery made her way to the subway station.


    She didn''t leave with Cayden.


    He had promised to let her see her kids whenever she wanted to. He also allowed her to take the kids


    to her ce on certain weekends.


    Hence, she was not eager to stay by his side all the time, just to spend time with her children.


    However, something still bothered her. Just before she left, Cayden put on a grouchy expression and


    said, ¡°You should leave right now if you do not wish to deal with him. Dn can overthink sometimes,


    and he will likelye back here after he realized that something is off. He will look all over the ce


    for the two of us, and it might put a strain on your rtionship with your husband if he sees us.¡±


    Is Cayden a lunatic or something? Why is he saying so many crazy things?


    Avery closed her eyes in frustration and exasperation as she stood inside the subway.


    The truth was that she had already nned her escape route when she married Dn.


    Saving her grandfather was the most urgent matter at hand, but she didn''t want to throw the rest of her


    life away over an impulsive move.


    When the time was right, she would mercilessly sue him and demand a divorce. A marriage certificate


    was not a shackle, and it couldn''t bind someone forever. It certainly wasn''t something that couldn''t be


    broken.


    Avery was entering the residential area when she received a message from Nina.


    Nina: Are you home? I''ve pressed your doorbell a dozen times, but no one answered the door... Please


    be home. I don''t want to go back and suffer the unending wrath of my parents.


    As Avery made her way home, she typed her reply. Avery: I''m on my way up.


    She saw Nina waiting by the entrance when she reached her destination.


    The two of them entered the house together. Just then, Nina saw the shoes Avery had on and yelped in


    surprise. ¡°Oh my gosh, six thousand and four hundred!¡±


    Avery got into her house and put her bag down before putting on her slippers. After that, she asked,


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    Nina had gotten into the house as well. She shifted her gaze from the shoes and replied, ¡°Those


    shoes... every magazine is advertising them. If I remember correctly, it is a family series, and the


    Mommy shoes alone cost six thousand and four hundred.¡±


    ¡°W-What?¡± said Avery. She frowned because she was broke and thought that a pair of shoes would, at


    most, go for two or three thousand.


    The doorbell rang at that moment.


    ¡°Hey, someone is here. Huh... I wonder if it''s your boss,¡± teased Nina as she turned around to answer


    the door.


    Avery didn''t even get the chance to try to stop Nina before the door was opened.


    Dn stood right outside.


    ¡°W-Who are you? A-And who are you looking for?¡± asked Nina curiously when she saw the guy in a


    suit who looked as though he was angry enough to kill.

 Chapter 166

    Chapter 166


    Avery saw that the man who was standing outside the door was Dn.


    It showed that Dn had returned to the theater to look for her in the VIP section and could not find


    her.


    Therefore, Dn must havee all the way to look for her out of anger.


    As her rightful husband, he had to witness his legal wife ¡°cheating¡± with another man right under his


    eyes. Yet, he had missed the best opportunity to catch them in the act.


    At that moment, Dn must have felt lousy. Even though the two of them had no feelings for one


    another, he still felt that the kiss from Cayden was an act of infidelity.


    On the other hand, Avery did not see anything wrong with her seeing the dad of her children.


    ¡°Ery, is he your friend?¡± asked Nina awkwardly as she stood by the door. Judging from the way Dn


    looked at Avery, Nina could tell that Avery knew the man.


    Avery did not answer her friend''s question.


    Then, a thought crossed Nina''s mind. I know each and every one of Avery''s friends within the country. I


    also know her new colleagues.


    But, I have never seen this man before.


    There''s only one possibility. Avery must have met this man when she was studying abroad. Now that


    both of them are back in the country, they still keep in touch.


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    However, judging from Dn''s expression, Nina had a bad feeling. She doubted that he was only


    Avery''s friend.


    Nina asked, ¡°D-Do you want toe in and take a seat?¡±


    However, Dn ignored Nina who was blocking his way. His murderous gaze was fixated on the pair of


    white shoes lying on the shoe rack.


    The amorous scene that took ce in the VIP section of the theater started ying in his mind again.


    ¡°Come in. I have something to talk to you too,¡± said Avery coldly before going into the kitchen.


    When she came out, she ced two sses of water on the coffee table.


    Nina walked away from the door now that Dn hade in. She noticed that he was tall and had a


    pleasant aura.


    However,pared to Cayden, Dn stillcked a certain air of elegance that those from high society


    carried. Instead, there was a hint of wildness in him.


    The suit on him looked like a piece of sheep skin covering the body of a wolf.


    ¡°Let me get you a pair of slippers.¡± With that, Nina helped to look for a pair from the shoe cab.


    After changing into the morefortable footwear, Dn frowned when he noticed the size of the


    slippers.


    Nina had no idea who Dn was, so she exined kindly, ¡°They belong to Ery''s grandpa. You may use


    them for the time being.¡±


    Hearing that the footwear belonged to Avery''s grandpa, Dn didn''t mind wearing them.


    The three of them stood in the living room in awkward silence.


    Nina noticed that and felt they needed some privacy. Therefore, she told Avery, ¡°I''m going to use the


    Inte in the bedroom. Call me if you need anything.¡±


    Avery acknowledged with a nod.


    Avery only allowed Dn to enter the house with Nina around. Otherwise, she would not dare to meet


    someone who held no regard for thew on her own.


    Honestly, if Nina had checked the peephole and Avery found out who the visitor was, Avery would have


    never let her open the door in the first ce.


    No matter how many times Dn rang the doorbell, she would not open the door.


    Now that there were only two of them left in the living room, Dn did not sit down. Instead, he walked


    toward the shoe cab and took out the pair of white shoes.


    After looking at them again and again, he held the shoes in his left hand and walked toward the


    kitchen.


    ¡°What are you trying to do with my shoes? Put them down.¡± With no clue what he was trying to do,


    Avery went after him.


    Before she knew it, Dn had already lit the stove and threw the pair of white shoes into the fire.


    Avery wanted to save the shoes, but she was unable to fight against the powerful Dn. In the end,


    she still did not manage to get her shoes back despite using all her might to get past him.


    Amidst their struggle, Avery ripped off one of Dn''s buttons. At the same time, her shoes were


    completely burned.


    Avery told him off in disbelief, ¡°You are insane! You should go to the hospital and get yourself treated.¡±


    Obviously, Nina was not using the Inte. That man looks frightening. What if he does something to


    Avery?


    As her best friend, she had to be on guard!


    The moment she heard Avery''s angryshing, Nina ran out of the bedroom immediately. When she


    saw no one in the living room, she quickly ran to the kitchen.


    After realizing what had happened, Nina turned off the stove and saw the state of the shoes. She had


    no choice but to pour some water over them.


    Finally, the fire had been put out.


    However, there was still a burnt stench all over the kitchen.


    After opening up the window to air the kitchen, Nina turned and eyed Dn in fear. D*mn it! Is this man


    a moron?


    ¡°Looks like I have overestimated your character. I actually believed that we can have a decent


    conversation.¡± Avery was so furious that she felt like pping herself.


    Dn approached her in an intimidating and scary manner.


    Nina, who was standing by the window, strode over and stood in front of Avery. She looked up at Dn


    fiercely. ¡°Don''t do anything stupid. We live in aw-abiding society. How can you behave like this? You


    just burned a pair of shoes that cost over six thousand. Are you nuts? Not only do you have to


    apologize to Ery, but you also have topensate her for those shoes!¡±


    Dn was not listening to what Nina was saying.


    Instead, he red at Avery with a glint of danger in his eyes and warned her, ¡°You''d better behave


    yourself as my wife. If not, you will regret it!¡±


    ¡°That''s all you know? Are you nning to kidnap my grandpa and use him to threaten me again? I


    have to marry you because of that. What''s next? Do I have to sleep with you or maybe even bear a


    child for you?¡± Avery felt that she had every right as a human not to be controlled by anyone else as if


    she was inferior.


    Unfortunately, she could not afford to antagonize someone like Dn who had been to prison.


    Avery felt like risking her life so that she could make someone fearful of her for once instead of the


    other way around.


    In the past, she had her father and grandpa to worry about. Now, she had Zachary and Rory.


    There was no way she could take a gamble like that.


    Nina, who was smacked right in between the two of them, felt a little lost.


    She then recalled Cecelia telling her that Avery got married. That was when Nina had a grasp of the


    situation. So, this man kidnapped ke and use him to threaten Avery?


    ¡°Were you the one who hurt Ery''s grandpa? You scumbag! Her grandpa is already so old. Don''t you


    have parents and grandpa?¡± Nina had no idea what kind of psychopath Avery had met.


    Dn, on the other hand, was very calm and rational. Not wanting to allow others to have any dirt on


    him, he took out his phone instead and started recording. ¡°Go on. Repeat what you have just said.¡±


    ¡°Why? Do you think I''m afraid of you? I will say it again!¡± With that, Nina repeated herself.


    After recording what Nina had said, Dn kept his phone.


    Avery spoke firmly. ¡°Don''t get others into any trouble because of our affairs. I will find awyer to deal


    with our divorce.¡±


    In truth, she had no idea what kind of person Dn truly was. Although she was aware that he was


    despicable, she understood that was only one side of him. Avery was not sure how far he would go.

 Chapter 167

    Chapter 167


    ¡°You''re my wife as long as we''re still married. If other men want to be with you while we''re still married,


    they can only be adulterers and bear the risk of tarnishing their names.¡±


    Dn left after leaving a warning with a hostile expression.


    In the kitchen, Nina was leaning on the cool wall as she asked Avery who was busy cleaning, ¡°What is


    up with him? He has forced you to marry him like a madman. What does he want? I don''t even see his


    love for you. His possessiveness over you is just so simply unbelievable.¡±


    Even without asking, Nina knew Avery was nning to wear that pair of shoes with Cayden''s children.


    But how did that freak find out? I''m sure he already knows. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have threatened


    Avery to keep her fidelity as his wife and even burnt that pair of shoes over the fire on the stove.


    Avery''s eyes blinked as she opened her mouth to speak. ¡°An ex-convict''s mentality is crooked.


    Otherwise, they wouldn''t have broken thew. Hence, everything they did might be strange in our eyes,


    but not to them. You''re right about one thing, though. Indeed, he has no interest in me. From the


    women he had in the past, I can see that I am not his type, so there''s only one reason left for him to


    force me to marry him.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡± Nina asked.


    Avery put the burnt shoes into a bag, nning to throw them away when she went downter.


    ¡°He''s Cayden''s cousin.¡±


    ¡°What? They''re cousins... Then you...¡± Nina knew she should pity Avery for her predicament as she


    was her best friend.


    Nevertheless, she could not imagine that such a drama actually existed in real life.


    ¡°I think they have grudges against each other. They might look friendly on the surface, but Dn is


    alwayspeting with Cayden.¡± Other than that, I couldn''t think of or find any other reason for Dn to


    marry me.


    An adult won''t just randomly choose his marriage partner, no matter how stubborn or twisted he is.


    A shudder rippled down Nina''s back.


    The dispute between rich guys is definitely not something an average person can imagine.


    ¡°And so you became the scapegoat between two men.¡± Nina sighed.


    Avery nodded.


    It was eight-thirty at night, and Nina was packing her bags. ¡°I''m going back.¡±


    ¡°Are you not staying here with me?¡± Avery thought Nina would stay with her.


    ¡°I can''t.¡± Nina''s hands didn''t stop moving as she exined, ¡°I don''t want to listen to my mom''s nagging,


    but I''m worried about her heart condition. My parents should already be asleep at this hour, and I feel


    better staying under the same roof as them.¡±


    Avery empathized with Nina, so she didn''t ask her to stay.


    ¡°Drive safe.¡± Avery sent Nina out and watched as her back disappeared.


    Avery returned to her empty room.


    She was about to get into bed after washing up, but the doorbell rang.


    Avery had changed into her pajama and didn''t think twice when she crossed the room to get to the


    door. Before she could look into the peephole, she heard a familiar cry.


    It was Rory''s.


    Throwing all her concern out the window, she opened the door quickly.


    Cayden was carrying a crying Rory in one arm and holding onto an angry Zachary with his other hand.


    ¡°What''s wrong?¡± Avery reached for Rory.


    Cayden dragged Zachary into the room.


    ¡°Bad Zach! Hmmph!¡± Rory cried into Avery''s shoulder.


    ¡°Don''t cry, Rory. You''ll hurt your eyes for crying so much.¡±


    Avery shot a confused gaze at Cayden as she tried to calm her daughter down with heartache and


    awkwardness like a new mother.


    ¡°Zach dirtied Rory''s new shoes.¡± Cayden went to the restroom after exining.


    Avery didn''tment on howfortable he was in her ce. It was as though he was at home.


    Zachary didn''t think he was at fault. ¡°It''s just a bit dirty. I-I have even cleaned it for her.¡±


    ¡°Bad Zach! Bad Zach!¡± Rory refused to ept his exnation and continued weeping.


    Soon, the tap turned off, and Cayden came out of the restroom.


    Avery finally coaxed Rory to stop crying after a long while. She gently removed the bandage on Rory''s


    eye to check on it. Following the doctor''s instructions, she dried the tears carefully, disinfected the area


    around Rory''s eyes, then put on a new bandage.


    ¡°Ms. Ery, can I have some water?¡± Zachary was thirsty after apologizing to Rory.


    ¡°Sure, let me get it for you.¡± Avery set Rory down and went to the kitchen.


    The water she boiled earlier was not too hot, so she poured two sses.


    When she returned to the living room, Avery saw that Rory had gotten off the couch and sauntering


    around her house.


    Avery passed a ss of water to Zachary and another to Cayden who sat on the couch. Zach


    immediately gulped half the content of the ss down his throat.


    ¡°I want to sleep with you, Ms. Ery.¡± Rory suddenly clung onto Avery''s leg from the back.


    Losing her bnce, Avery identally tipped the ss over Cayden. He couldn''t reach for it in time, so


    the water poured onto his crotch.


    ¡°I''m sorry, I¡ª¡± Avery searched for a box of tissue frantically.


    Cayden looked down at the wet stain between his legs and got up from the couch with a deadpan


    expression, leaving for the restroom again.


    From N?velDrama.Org.


    Avery tried to relieve the awkward situation, so she focused on breaking the ice between Rory and


    Zachary. In the end, Zachary finally returned to the brother who loved taking care of his sister, and Rory


    wasn''t upset over him ruining her shoes anymore.


    Avery noticed the door to the restroom was still shut even after the kids had reconciled with each other.


    Feeling concerned, she knocked on the door.


    It was opened immediately after.


    The tall man standing underneath the dim yellow light had creases on his forehead as he patiently


    wiped on the wet stain on his pant.


    ¡°I couldn''t handle both of them at the same time, and I didn''t have the energy to keep up with them, so I


    brought them over to you,¡± Cayden exined calmly. He continued to dry his pants with a white towel.


    ¡°Thank you for sending them over to me.¡± Avery was thankful. It was a parent''s responsibility to care for


    her children, but sometimes, it was also a blessing.


    Cayden didn''t respond and merely nced at himself in the mirror.


    Avery added, ¡°What are we going to do with your pants? Should I give Xavier a call to have him send


    another pair over? How are you going to leaveter otherwise?¡±


    Cayden breathed in Avery''s scent that was filling up the small room. ¡°Xavier isn''t omnipotent and he


    has his own life. He''s most probably out on a date right now.¡±


    Avery was stunned at the news. It''ll be terrible to intrude on his date.


    ¡°Since it''s already dark outside, I think no one will be able to see you if you walk out like this.¡± Avery


    mulled over the options.


    Suddenly, Cayden''s temper spiked. He threw the towel into the sink.


    He was staring intently at her, yet his voice was the usual deep baritone when he spoke. ¡°If the


    paparazzi camping around my house catches me like this. Can you imagine the headlines in the


    tabloids? They will probably be along the lines of Cayden rejected by his lover and sent home in a


    wretched state, seeing as I''m leaving your housete at night with a bulge and wet stain over my


    private area.¡±

 Chapter 168

    Chapter 168


    Hearing that, Avery gave up.


    If he heads outside like this, he''ll most likely have his photos taken by the paparazzi trailing him with all


    the attention he gets, and sparked a media frenzy.


    It''s also unrealistic if he leaves after a change of clothes. After all, the usually reliable Xavier was on a


    date and won''t be of help.


    I understand that one shouldn''t interrupt someone''s date. Moreover, Xavier isn''t young anymore. It


    must have been challenging to find love at his age. But what should I do now?


    Avery nced at the clock. ¡°It''s toote now. All the malls are closing soon. I''m afraid they''ll close


    before I even get there, so it looks like buying new pants for you is out of the question.¡±


    ¡°So, are you implying I''ll be staying here tonight?¡± Cayden didn''t even spare a nce at her and left the


    restroom with a dark look.


    Avery stood rooted at the restroom entryway in a daze.


    Her fingers clenching at the door frame showed how unwilling she was.


    That wasn''t what I was implying, and he didn''t look happy about it at all.


    Come on. This is my house.


    ¡°Where am I sleeping, Ms. Ery?¡± Rory clung to Avery''s leg and looked up at her with red-rimmed eyes.


    Avery lowered her head to look at Rory and carried her into her bedroom. ¡°Is it okay if we sleep on this


    bed together?¡±


    ¡°Sure...¡± Rory snuggled in Avery''s embrace with satisfaction.


    Meanwhile, Cayden had turned on the range hood to smoke in the kitchen, and Zachary stood in the


    living room, not knowing where he should sleep.


    One look at Ms. Ery''s bed, and I know it can only fit two people. If Ms. Ery wants to sleep with Rory,


    does that mean I''ll have to sleep in the other room?


    But I want to sleep with Ms. Ery too.


    Huh, whatever... Luckily, I''m brave and already used to sleeping alone.


    ¡°Daddy, why are you still here?¡± Zachary brought the empty ss to the kitchen, nning to refill it.


    He was surprised to see his father there.


    Cayden turned around and eyed Zachary gloomily.


    Does all of them want me to leave?


    Baffled by his father''s gaze, Zachary swung his gaze to the pitcher, then nced at Cayden. ¡°Are you


    also staying here? Are you crashing on the couch or sharing a bed with me?¡±


    Avery had finished bathing Rory. Her ce couldn''t evenpare to the condominium Cayden bought.


    She only had basic shower facilities in her house, a shower head and heater. However, the heater had


    some issues with fluctuating temperatures.


    ¡°Put this on before you catch a cold.¡± It was almost the end of summer. With theing of fall, the


    night air was rather cooling.


    Avery didn''t want the kids to catch a cold, but with Rory''s sudden sleepover. She didn''t have any


    pajamas for the child, and it was toote to go out and buy one, so she took out one of her shirts and


    put it on the child.


    Since Avery was worried about the water drenching the bandage and wetting Rory''s eyes, she didn''t


    wash her hair.


    ¡°I''ll hide you underneath my nket.¡± Avery carried Rory onto her bed, covering her with a nket. She


    leaned in and kissed Rory goodnight on the forehead.


    Rory gazed at Avery lovingly and said, ¡°Good night, Ms. Ery.¡±


    ¡°Good night.¡± Avery nodded.


    Rory obediently closed her eyes and went to sleep. She didn''t dare to misbehave as she feared that


    Avery would dislike her and Zachary, or see them as nothing but trouble.


    After Rory finished her shower, it was Zachary''s turn.


    Zachary shyly covered his body with his clothes and his face with a towel after he came out of the


    restroom.


    With his head hung low, he silently entered ke''s room.


    The nket was new. It was soft, fluffy, and had a nice smell on it. However, the material was nothing


    out of the ordinary. It was not as expensive as the nkets at the Moore residence.


    Yet, Zach liked it.


    After watching Rory fall asleep, Avery gently closed the door and left the room.


    I have to check on the father and son in this tiny ce. I wonder if they''ve fallen asleep.


    Avery went in search of them.


    She saw Cayden reclining on the couch in front of the television in the living room. Her gaze darted to


    the television to see it was a channel on financial and economic news.


    Avery sighed. The channels that he likes are boring. He always watches all kinds of news and never


    seems to be bored of them.


    Cayden''s gaze was still glued to the screen. He has deep-set facial features, short hair, and a strong


    presence, every part of him spells perfection.


    Even his fingers are different from other men I''ve seen many couples in school. There were many times


    that I''ve seen guys caressing their girlfriends'' faces. Actually, I did fantasize about him stroking my face


    too...


    The couch was nothing special, but because of the man sitting on it, it looked posh suddenly.


    Maybe the screen was too small, and the quality wasn''t that great because he was watching it intently


    with furrowed brows.


    Avery felt her cheeks blush with embarrassment. Well, I didn''t have a choice. An average-ie


    family can only afford a television like this. Moreover, thendlord was kind enough to even provide this


    television. I''m not willing to spend money on it.


    Avery ignored Cayden, who only had eyes on the television, and opened the door to ke''s room,


    entering stealthily.


    Zachary had already fallen asleep. One of his short legs had kicked off the nket. He looked like an


    octopus sprawled on the bed.


    He sleeps at almost the same time as Rory. It seems both of them have a regr and fixed routine.


    The credit for this good habit goes to the members of the Moore family.


    After staying in the room briefly, Avery left the room quietly.


    When she reached the living room, she noticed that Cayden was still watching the news. Avery went


    into the kitchen to pour him a ss of water. ¡°You can sleep in ke''s roomter. It''s gettingte, so I''ll


    be turning in for the night.¡±


    Whenever she was alone with him, Avery felt a sense of awkwardness between them.


    Cayden looked up at her, meeting her gaze. Avery felt his gaze dip to her belly for a moment, but she


    wasn''t sure.


    ¡°Are you nning on having children in the future?¡± Cayden reached for the ss of water in her hand


    and set it on the coffee table.


    Avery was puzzled by his question. Her steps toward the bedroom paused. She looked over her


    shoulder to see him staring at the ss of water.


    Why is he asking me this question?


    Avery didn''t have a clue about that question, but she still answered, ¡°In the past, I might want another


    baby, but my main concern now is finding a guy that I''m willing to have a baby with.¡±


    ¡°Have you found him then?¡± Cayden asked as he got up. His presence was eye-catching when he


    stood. He picked up the remote control and turned the television off.


    Avery shook her head. ¡°I don''t want to have another baby.¡± All I want is to give all my love to Rory and


    Zach. From N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 169

    Chapter 169


    ¡°Would you go for an abortion if you get pregnant?¡± Cayden looked thoughtfully at her as he removed


    his watch.


    ¡°Why would I get myself into that situation? If I sleep with someone, I will make sure he takes the


    necessary precaution. In short, I will not have to worry about what to do after I get pregnant,¡± Avery


    said, disinterested and having no wish to dwell on the subject. She thought Cayden should be going to


    bed, so she turned around and went into her room after replying to him.


    Cayden, with his quiet air of authority, seemed out of ce in that cramped hall as he stood watching


    her disappear into the bedroom. After removing his watch, he went on to unbutton his shirt and let out a


    sigh of relief.


    A few days ago, Toby and Talia announced that Dn was married. Avery was rushed into the


    marriage by Dn, who made use of her concern for her grandfather''s safety.


    As soon as Dn brought Avery into the hotel suite, ke was miraculously ¡°found¡±. Dn had


    resorted to making use of ke to manipte her, as he knew her grandfather was her greatest soft


    spot.


    Dn had a paranoid personality and had always been guarded. After he was released from jail, he


    became even more cautious and meticulous.


    His abduction of ke was done wlessly and Dn left behind no incriminating evidence. In order to


    get him punished by thew, Avery would need solid evidence to prove his involvement and guilt, which


    he did not leave behind. She was no match for Dn.


    However, if she were to confide in him, Cayden was ready to back her up and seek justice on her


    behalf.


    After a quick shower, Cayden wrapped an ill-fitting towel around himself, turned off the lights, and went


    into the kitchen to smoke. With the lights off, the ce was in pitch darkness, so he did not have to


    worry anyone could see him even if there were no curtains on the windows.


    ¡°Water, I want water...¡± Rory was muttering in her sleep, seemingly thirsty.


    Lily had brought some pickles to the hospital. After giving it a try, Rory fell in love with it and ate a lot of


    the pickles during dinner. She could be suffering from dehydration as a result.


    Avery was still awake and was lying next to Rory, watching over her. When she heard Rory asking for


    water, she gentlyforted the little girl and got up to get a drink for her.


    When she opened the bedroom door, she saw the hall was in pitch darkness, so she assumed Cayden


    had gone to bed.


    The kids sleep by themselves when they are at the Moore residence. What happens when they get


    thirsty at night? Do they just suffer till morning?


    Avery''s mind was preupied with concern for the kids as she made her way into the kitchen with the


    aid of the shlight on her mobile phone.


    When she reached the kitchen, she turned on the light and had a big shock when she caught sight of a


    naked Cayden.


    His toned and sculpted body was right before her eyes. Her gaze moved from his broad shoulders to


    his sexy waist, and then further down...


    Avery suddenly felt hot on her cheeks, and she quickly turned around. Her hands were trembling from


    embarrassment as her thoughts lingered on the memory of the sight of his private area.


    Although a naked man was nothing new to her, Avery was still stunned by the unexpected encounter.


    She ran back to the bedroom and did not even stay on in the kitchen to get the ss of water for Rory.


    When she got back into the room, Rory was already sleeping soundly again and no longer muttering


    about being thirsty.


    Cayden did not have any pajamas with him, so he only had a towel to wrap around himself after his


    shower. As the towel was too small for him, it fell off, and he could not be bothered to put it on again.


    After finishing his stick of cigarette, he snubbed it into the clean ashtray he took from the hall and


    walked back into the hall.


    Although his pants were still damp, he went ahead to put them on as he did not want to embarrass


    Avery again.


    As it was in the middle of the night, he reckoned she had gone to the kitchen to get a drink, so he went


    back into the kitchen, wanting to get her a ss of water.


    That was his fourth trip to the tiny kitchen that night, but for the first time, he noticed a button on the


    floor.


    He bent down and picked it up from the corner of the kitchen. It looked like a button from a man''s shirt.


    Cayden''s mind wandered back to the night five years ago when Talia was howling and threatening


    suicide.


    The terrible news of one''s son being sentenced to five years of imprisonment would tear any mother''s


    heart apart. It was no different for Talia. For many days, she cried her eyes out and refused to leave


    Dn''s room.


    ¡°Everything was going well for him! He spoke about starting his own business and having gotten


    himself a girlfriend. Justst month, he came back with a few shirts and told me his girlfriend had


    specially designed those shirts for him. I was looking forward to him getting married and settling down


    to a stable life, hopeful that he has finally found someone who can rein him in. How can he so¡ªso


    suddenly get into such a big mess...¡± Talia was clutching those shirts in her hands as she cried. Cayden


    had taken a second look at the shirts as the buttons on them attracted his attention. The buttons were


    unique and designed by an up-andingdy designer, who was known to be besotted with Dn.


    Without a doubt, he knew that button found in Avery''s kitchen was from that samedy designer.


    He was instantly overwhelmed by jealousy, making him irrational and sensitive.


    Other than the button found in the kitchen, he recalled the missing matching shoes and what Dn had


    said at the theater. All those added up to make him insecure and jealous.


    Avery was tossing and turning in the room, unable to fall asleep. Suddenly, her phone beeped. She


    reached for it and saw that it was a Whatsapp message from Cayden.


    He texted: Do you want toe out or should I go in?


    Avery was puzzled, wondering what he was up to in the middle of the night.


    She got out of bed and went out of the room. As she was closing the bedroom door, out of the corner of


    her eyes, she could see Cayden was standing in the hallway, next to the shoe rack.


    Avery had no idea why he was looking grim and stony.


    ¡°Where is the pair of matching shoes I bought for you?¡± he questioned, brows pinched as he walked


    toward Avery.


    Avery recalled the scene of the matching shoes being burnt and a look of guilt shed on her face. She


    knew if she were to tell him the truth, he would blow up.


    Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    She took a couple of steps backward to put some distance between herself and the intimidating


    Cayden, then said, ¡°I sent them for dry cleaning. I can''t flout ourpany''s dress code and have to


    wear heels to work tomorrow...¡±


    ¡°I want to see the shoes when they are back from the dry cleaning. Zach and Rory will make a big fuss


    if they realize the shoes are gone. And another thing ¡ªhow do you exin this button? I found it in


    your kitchen.¡± Cayden had the button in one hand and grabbed Avery''s slender wrist in his other hand,


    giving her no chance to move away from him.


    Avery made no attempt to fight against him. She took a look at the button and thought hard about it.


    s, she could not remember it at all.


    All her life, she had lived with only Leonardo and ke, and both of them rarely wore dress shirts.


    Even when they did, they wore the basic designs, and the buttons were usually white or grey.


    Buttons were small, and she reckoned no one would take notice of the special designs on them unless


    one''s face was right on the man''s chest.


    No properdy would throw themselves onto a man in that manner to look at their buttons and


    remember the design.


    She really had no idea whose button that was.


    ¡°So when the kids stay over for the weekend, they have to live with other men around you? I really


    regret giving you the chance to be close to the kids!¡± With that, Cayden flung off her hand and threw


    the button into the trashcan in the hall.


    He was flustered and agitated, a far cry from the usual calm andposed man he had always been in


    the past twenty-nine years.


    When he was at the main door, getting ready to leave, he suddenly felt a tug on his shirt.


    Avery had caught hold of a corner of his shirt from behind, like a little kitty grabbing onto its owner.

 Chapter 170

    Chapter 170


    Avery could sense Cayden had turned around, but she did not dare to look him in the eye.


    ¡°Dn¡ªDn was here in the afternoon. I had a scuffle with him over a small matter, so that button


    could havee off from his shirt,¡± she said.


    There was no reason to allow him to interrogate her in that manner when she did no wrong.


    ¡°What happened? What did he do to you?¡± Cayden coldly asked in a low voice.


    ¡°We had an argument, that''s all. My friend Nina was here when he came, and she did not leave me


    alone with him.¡± Avery finally lifted her head and looked him straight in the eye to exin.


    She did not know why she bothered to exin in such details and brushed it off as wanting to be


    ountable to the father of her two kids.


    After giving him reasonable exnations for the issues that were annoying him, she did not get the


    expected verbal response from him. Instead, she felt his hot, manly breath on her face.


    Before she could react, her lips were sealed by his. It was a light kiss, but his gentleness melted her


    heart and won her over. She was captivated.


    Cayden had one hand on her slender neck while another was on her waist. He could feel her getting


    flushed and hot.


    Mischievously, he pinched her on her hips, and Avery could feel she was losing her resistance against


    him.


    She fought hard against being drowned in his passion, but when she finally managed to be rational and


    try to push him away, they had already kissed all the way from the door to the middle of the hall.


    The inviting couch was conveniently just behind them.


    Avery backed away from him, panting from the passionate kiss. A gush of cold air came in from the


    open window in the hall and further cleared her head.


    ¡°Your face is even redder than when you were giving birth to Zach and Rory!¡± he jested as he slipped


    his hand under her sleeping gown and made its way up.


    A blushing Avery tried to move away, breathing heavily from the arousal.


    She wanted to stop his hand but it was toote. His hand was already on her erogenous spot.


    ¡°Don''t! Zach and Rory are here!¡± She held on to his naughty hand with both her hands, trying to stop


    him. However, the feel of his muscr arm gave her butterflies in the stomach instead.


    Looking at the flushed and anxious Avery, Cayden yfully rubbed his thumb against her pleasure


    spot.


    ¡°Umm... No... Don''t do that...¡± she moaned.


    She was frowning lightly, and her red lips were slightly parted as she breathed heavily. She tried to


    push his hand from her body but failed. With every move of his hand, more blood gushed up to her


    face, making her face redder.


    Her involuntary moans and pleads turned him on, and even with his pants still on, he was visibly


    erected.


    With a strong push on her waist, he pulled her close to him and started rubbing against her


    rhythmically, sending Avery into a state of euphoria.


    His warm lips touched her mouth gently and then started sucking on her lips. It soon turned into a wave


    of passion that dived deep into her mouth.


    His huge hands were caressing her soft, smooth back, and in her dreamy state, Avery could feel her


    panty being removed from her.


    Cayden was moaning seductively into her ear, murmuring, ¡°You make me throb and burn...¡±


    The two were entwined in each other''s arms, and they were hot and steamy.


    Avery was in a state of daze, but she could clearly hear the sweet nothings Cayden whispered to her


    amidst his soft moans.


    ¡°Ahh... Ahh... No... Umm...¡± The suppressed desire in her was released, and Avery hated herself for


    being so emotionally weak.


    ¡°You love this, my dear,¡± Cayden murmured confidently as he nibbled on her ear.


    Avery was about to give in to his charm totally when she suddenly heard Rory''s cry. Rory had woken


    up and started crying when she found she was alone. She was rubbing her teary eyes and crying out


    for Avery.


    That instantly woke Avery up from her dreamy euphoria state. What followed was a flustering and


    embarrassing state of chaos.


    She frantically tried to find her panty while trying to smooth down her sleeping gown which was pushed


    up and gathered around her love-bite-filled neck.


    ¡°I''ming! I''ming!¡± she consoled the little girl from the other side of the door as she rushed to


    tidy herself up.


    The only thing on her mind at that moment was Rory''s injured eye.


    Just as she was about to go back to Rory, Cayden frowned and pulled her back to him. The intimate


    forey they had earlier was not satisfying for him.


    Avery turned around and saw that he was still very aroused. When he pulled her back into his


    embrace, his erected part hit hard on her sensitive spot.


    ¡°Let me take a look at Rory first. Even if you want it, you would not feelfortable doing it in front of


    the kids, right?¡± Avery tried to brush him off, her mind solely on Rory at that moment.


    However, Cayden took in every single word she said and interpreted them literally.


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Even if you want it, you would not feelfortable doing it in front of the kids, right? So that means if


    the kids are not around...


    Avery did not get out of the room again that night.


    Rory snuggled up to her and started drifting off. In her sleepy state, she mumbled, ¡°Ms. Ery, you smell


    like my daddy...¡±


    Avery''s face flushed with guilt as she wiped off the tear from Rory''s eyshes and gave her a gentle


    peck on the cheek.


    ¡°What does daddy smell like?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Hmmm, it is a nice smell. Sometimes, when daddy is angry, he will smoke. That smells bad...¡± Rory


    pouted and grumbled softly.


    That night, Avery woke up often to check on Rory. She held the little girl''s hands in hers to prevent her


    from unconsciously rubbing her injured eye during her sleep.


    Although Avery did not get much sleep during the night, she was fresh and energized the next morning.


    She took out some vegetables, fruits, milk, and bread from the fridge and made a simple but good


    breakfast for all. It was more borate than her usual breakfast.


    Rory was a little more clingy after she got injured.


    Munching on her bread, she started asking, ¡°Daddy, when you picked Zach and me yesterday, you told


    Great-grandpa that you are going to another town for a business trip. Is that ce fun? Can you bring


    Zach and me along as well?¡±


    ¡°That is not a fun ce. Moreover, it is about time for you to return to ss. Mr. Dartsley will send you


    to schoolter.¡± Cayden was back to his usual stern self.


    Zachary and Rory exchanged a knowing look and hung their head low.


    It would be anyone''s guess if Cayden would sessfully get Avery during their trip.

 Chapter 171

    Chapter 171


    Avery quietly ate her breakfast as she listened to the exchange between the kids and Cayden. She had


    to resist the urge to interject and tell the kids that the town was actually a very fun ce.


    The beautiful sights and scenery were something city kids would not get to see often.


    ¡°Ms. Ery...¡±


    ¡°Ms. Ery...¡±


    The two little fes started pleading with Avery, knowing she could convince their mean daddy to


    change his mind.


    Cayden turned to look at Avery with a soft and indulging expression on his face, quite a drastic change


    from the stern daddy he was to the kids earlier. ¡°Other kids already started school a month ago. You


    two have already missed a month of sses,¡± he exined.


    ¡°Oh, then you two should really be heading back to school...¡± Avery turned to Zachary and Rory in


    surprise and said.


    The two kids were dejected upon hearing that.


    Cayden called home at eight in the morning and asked for Zachary and Rory''s school bags and


    uniforms.


    Xavier drove back to get the kids'' stuff. When he reached the Moore residence, the Moores were


    having their breakfast.


    Jeffrey''s butler cum driver came to open the door for Xavier and showed him in.


    Before they stepped in, Xavier could already hear Allie''s voice.


    ¡°I like Ery as well, Dad, but I have my concerns. If words were to leak out, the Moore family''s reputation


    will be affected. I don''t really worry for my family as the Musk family is not prominent and no one would


    take note of us. However, the Moore family is different and...¡± Allie was not in a mood to enjoy the


    breakfastid out before her.


    Jeffrey, on the other hand, was savoring his food. ¡°Even if everyone got to know about it, we will not


    face any bacsh. We are not in the wrong and had nothing to fear. Dn is the unreasonable one. If


    we give in to him, we will be encouraging him to continue his wayward behavior in the future,¡± he said.


    Allie''s face fell but she continued to try to convince Jeffrey. ¡°Dad, I am your daughter-inw and had


    given you an outstanding heir. However, Dn is also my nephew, and even if he is in the wrong, could


    you not let it go on my ount? Please don''t push it and spoil the rtionship between the two


    families. Dn is in the wrong, but if you pursue the matter, he will lose his reputation and be


    condemned for life!¡± she pleaded.


    ¡°Lose his reputation?¡± Jeffrey looked up and gave his hypocritical daughter-inw a stern look. ¡°Even if


    that happened, he asked for it. I have confidence the Musks are not so easily defeated and can always


    start afresh,¡± he added, mming down his cutlery.


    The housekeeper heard him, hurried over with his cane, and handed it to him. With the change in


    weather, his arthritis had worsened and he could not walk without the aid of a cane.


    At that moment, Lily came walking down the stairs, dressed in a silk sleeping gown. Witnessing Allie in


    such a sorry state, she could not help but rub it in. ¡°The old man had seen through you and your family!


    You guys are fond of underhanded means. You are a good example, ain''t you? Rising from a


    homewrecker and escort to being a rich man''s wife...¡±


    ¡°You had better shut up, Lily!¡± Allie mmed on the table and shouted.


    Lily was not bothered by Allie''s anger. She sat down, took her breakfast from the housekeeper, and


    continued with her insults. ¡°What is that shouting for? Do you think I am working under you and have to


    bear with your nonsense? Do you think you will be where you are if you and your family had not


    resorted to dirty means? No, no! You will still be a piece of lowly trash!¡±


    The butler and Xavier came into the room and let out a dry cough to signal their presence. Although


    they were already used to the feuding ways of the two women, they had to remind them not to go


    overboard in the presence of outsiders.


    Xavier nodded to the twodies to greet them before heading up the stairs to get Zachary and Rory''s


    school bags and uniforms.


    ...


    Back at Avery''s ce, the four were heading out of the door, ready to head to the office and meet up


    with Xavier.


    Cayden''s car was parked in a parking lot in the neighborhood. He carried the two kids into the car and


    closed the door securely on them before opening the door to the passenger seat for Avery.


    Remembering what he said the night before, she looked around and asked, ¡°You parked here? Aren''t


    you worried someone will notice it?¡±


    She had no wish to get involved in any of his rumors or gossip, knowing that would invite a lot of


    trouble for herself.


    ¡°I will be more careful in the future.¡± He casually ced his hand around her waist and discreetly gave


    her a yful pinch.


    Avery blushed at that intimate gesture and hurriedly got into the car.


    Avery requested to alight a distance away from the office building. That was her condition for epting


    the lift from him. He graciously kept his part of the promise and stopped the car a short distance from


    their office.


    After alighting, she turned around to look at the two disappointed kids, and consoled them, ¡°Be good


    and enjoy your day at school, okay?¡±


    Zachary and Rory gloomily nodded their head and replied, ¡°Okay...¡±


    ¡°You are such great kids!¡± She stepped away from the car and waved to them as the car drove off with


    a blissful and warm smile on her face.


    Cayden frowned lightly, watching her from the rearview mirror as he drove off.


    ¡°Focus on the road, Daddy!¡± Rory, with one of her eyes masked, reminded him with concern.


    ...


    It was half past nine in the morning at Trident Group, and everyone was busy at work. Avery took a


    new marker and ced it in her drawer.


    Her mind was on the two kids, wondering if they had reached school and if they were adapting well to


    school life.


    She did not have time to dwell on that as work kept her busy until noon.


    She received news that she, together with a few other colleagues, had to make a trip with the top


    management to a town Trident Group was about to develop.


    To Avery, it was just another assignment in her portfolio, but some of her female colleagues were green


    with envy when the department head made that announcement.


    Avery actually preferred to stay on in Ackleton as Zachary and Rory were there. She thought it would


    be better for her to be in town when Cayden was away, so she could take care of the kids.


    She spent the rest of the morning reading up on information about the town they were going to visit.


    Soon, it was lunchtime. As Cecelia was not around, Avery decided to join another colleague for lunch


    at the staff cafeteria.


    After getting their food, she and her colleague chatted happily as they sat down for their lunch.


    Just then, a man in a suit walked toward them. He was wearing a pair of gold rim spectacles and


    holding a briefcase. ¡°Hello. Are you Ms. Rumpley?¡± he asked.


    Avery nodded and said, ¡°Hi. Yes, I am. And you are...?¡±


    ¡°Do you mind if I join you?¡± The man looked toward Avery''s colleague as he handed Avery his business


    card.


    The colleague took the cue and hurriedly moved to another table, knowing they had confidential


    matters to discuss.


    Avery had a shock when she looked at his business card.


    He was Weston Leigh, one of the topwyers in the region!


    Weston sat down confidently with an air of graciousness. He did not beat around the bush and went


    straight to the point. ¡°Ms. Rumpley, Mr. Moore thinks you should immediately seek a dissolution of your


    marriage with your husband.¡±From N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 172

    Chapter 172


    ¡°Look! Is that Weston Leigh?¡±


    A female colleague at a neighboring table stared over at Avery as she drank her soup. She blinked in


    disbelief as she leaned over to her friend.


    The other woman turned, and her eyes widened as well. ¡°It really is him!¡±


    They were not the only table gossiping. Soon, the upants of all the other tables were doing the


    same.


    Some of the girls at another table began taking photos of him surreptitiously. ¡°He was voted most


    handsome man in gold-rimmed sses of Chanaeast year!¡± they gushed. ¡°He is as dashing in the


    flesh as they say!¡±


    Though the staff cafeteria was not exceedingly boisterous, it was not silent either.


    After listening intently to Weston, Avery learned a lot from him.


    As a sessfulwyer, his speech was eloquent yet concise.


    Avery got into Dn''s car at the subway entrance that evening to im a marriage certificate against


    her will. She did not think it was a big deal then.


    I''ve survived this long and even became a surrogate mother in order to pay for Dad''s liver and medical


    expenses. What''s another marriage to me? My life is already in shambles anyway.


    Avery asionallymented her fate and wondered if she had been a sinner in her past to live through


    so much pain in her present life.


    It''s all right. I''ll ovee them one at a time with a bit of patience. There are limits to suffering, after all.


    Avery decided upon obtaining the marriage certificate to hire an attorney the following morning to annul


    the marriage.


    Though it''s aplicated process, it''s like oveing any other obstacle. The divorce will go through


    at the end.


    However, Jeffrey''s condition had dyed her search for an attorney.


    She was surprised to discover that Cayden had found her one who was that good.


    Weston did not put on an ostentatious presence as a famouswyer. Feeling hungry that afternoon, he


    opted to have lunch at thepany cafeteria and discussed the case with Avery as they ate.


    She did not touch her ss of unsweetened lemonade. ¡°How shall we best approach him to end this?


    When can I bepletely rid of him?¡±


    ¡°The organic cauliflower your cafeteria serves is delicious,¡± Weston rmended. ¡°You should have it


    more often. Though no divorce is too difficult to attain, it''s not a simple matter of having a judge grant


    you one whenever you want it. There is a whole rigmarole.¡±


    Weston paused to take a sip of water. ¡°Since all you have is a plea for divorce and that you are


    childless without any custody battle or alimony arrangements between you, the legal procedure for your


    case has been greatly simplified.¡±


    Avery nodded.


    After lunch, Weston gave Cayden a call before leaving.


    Avery felt obligated to walk Weston to the door out of politeness and gratitude.


    Upon entering the elevator, Avery pressed level one before standing diagonally behind Weston.


    The elevator descended.


    ¡°Is that so?¡± Weston said to the man on the other end of the line. ¡°Are you enquiring if this female


    employee of yours can afford my exorbitant legal fees and offering to pay out of mere concern, Mr.


    Moore?¡±


    ¡°Hey, I don''t run the courthouse,¡± he continued after a pause. ¡°Legal procedures must be abided by. For


    example, if you have a woman you fancy, Mr. Moore, there are steps to woo her, aren''t there?


    Otherwise, it''ll be a transaction without the process.¡±


    The elevator arrived at the tenth floor.


    She could not hear what Cayden said on the other end. All Avery heard was Weston''s refrain. ¡°Why do


    I sense that you''re stealing another man''s wife? You''re more concerned about the proceedings than my


    client herself.¡±


    Weston''s suggestive remarks to torment Cayden made Avery''s fair cheeks flush crimson.


    Perhaps, I should not have stopped Cayden from taking Grandpa away. It is through Cayden''s


    arrangements that Grandpa has a much nicer ce to stay and it is a much safer ce too. If I didn''t


    take Grandpa back to my rented apartment, he wouldn''t have been taken away by Dn, and he


    wouldn''t have a chance to force me to be his wife. Cayden would not have to suffer the indignity of


    ¡°stealing another man''s wife,¡± as Weston put it.


    Weston appeared to be on good terms with Cayden, so that was only banter amongst friends.


    Avery sent Weston down to the ground floor amid the chaos of her spiraling imagination. After a


    gracious conversation, Weston nodded at her onest time before turning and heading to where he


    parked his car.


    When the elevator doors closed again, Avery pressed the floor of the design department.


    Avery saw Yvonne in the office upon returning to the design department.


    Without greeting her, Avery returned to her cubicle and kept her head bent over work. The sooner I get


    this done, the sooner I can head to the hospital to check on Dad.


    Yvonne had only just shown up to work after lunch with her mother. Due to the influential background of


    her wealthy family, even Yulissa did not darement on her issue with punctuality at work


    ¡°I heard you had lunch with Weston at the staff cafeteria today. Well-connected, aren''t you? You must


    have many tricks up your sleeve.¡±


    Yvonne seated herself in her cubicle without starting herputer. She took her eyes off her phone


    just long enough to nce disdainfully at Avery.


    Avery returned the gaze.


    Yvonne was about to speak again when the sudden sound of their colleagues returning from lunch


    dissuaded her. She cast a wary nce at Cecelia and Nina, who had entered while chatting and


    giggling away.


    At three in the afternoon, Yvonne picked up her phone and broke the office''s silence.


    ¡°What is it, Hubby?¡±


    Yvonne''s voice turned into a simper as she put on a radiant smile. ¡°What is it? Didn''t you like it when I


    call you that? You''re horrible for being such a beast behind closed doors despite what you portray in


    public! Come on. Your employees are not going to make fun of you.¡±


    The women in the office fell silent.


    Yvonne would deliberately drop hints whenever they conversed. She had all but revealed that Cayden


    was her rock and her husband.


    At that moment, her calling him ¡°Hubby¡± was sufficient to prove that the person on the other end was


    their employer.


    Nina gazed disbelievingly at Avery.


    Though Avery silently went about her work, Nina could tell that her friend''s brows were furrowed.


    It was obvious that Avery was not amused.


    ¡°Now you''re making me think that all you''re interested in is my nubile body. Hmph!¡± Yvonne eximed


    to the man on the other end. Without another word, she ended the call in a fit of feigned rage and


    tossed the phone onto her desk.


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Nina gaped wordlessly at Yvonne. Don''t tell me Mr. Moore only wants women for their young bodies


    like most men? Yvonne is only neen and she is demure-sounding, coquettish, and charmingly


    obliging.


    At that thought, Nina was confident that all her colleagues including Avery, arrived at the same


    conclusion she did.

 Chapter 173

    Chapter 173


    When everybody was packing up for the day at five that evening, a courier appeared bearing arge


    bouquet of roses. ¡°Is there a Ms. Yvonne Gagher?¡±


    ¡°Yes, what is it?¡± Yvonne answered as she walked toward the entrance of their office with thetest


    Chanel purse on her shoulder.


    ¡°These are for you,¡± he announced as he handed her the bouquet. ¡°The gentleman said to tell you that


    he hopes you aren''t angry with him and that he''ll marry you once you''re of age.¡±


    Yvonne signed for it with a scowl before brightening up when she saw the card nestled in the bouquet.


    Blushing profusely, she threw the card into the bin before marching out of the office.


    ¡°I refuse to believe somebody as cold as Mr. Moore would stoop to send flowers just to coax a girl,¡±


    remarked one of the female colleagues as she picked up the card from the trash, with the other women


    leaning over curiously


    The contents of the card astonished them considerably. ¡°Even somebody who appears as reserved as


    Mr. Moore could fall at a woman''s feet like that. Huh! So it is true that men prefer the young and


    coquettish types?¡±


    ¡°You only have yourselves to me for staying upte to do the drafts,¡± said a male colleague in


    amusement as he shut hisptop. ¡°How would you stand a chance against a rich girl blessed with an


    abundance of everything like Yvonne if yourplexion is worsening by the day? It''s not unusual for


    Mr. Moore to prefer women like her. In fact, every man in his right mind would!¡±


    Yvonne''s sudden return to the officepelled everybody to fall abruptly silent.


    ¡°My card.¡± Yvonne headed toward the bin before she saw the card in the hand of the colleague who


    had picked it up.


    As expected.


    The person who held the card must have read its contents out loud, and Avery must have heard it.


    Yvonne was pleased. Hmm... It was worth putting on the show.


    ¡°Here,¡± the colleague said shiftily. ¡°I wanted to save you the trouble of looking for it by picking it up from


    the bin.¡±


    Yvonne took it. ¡°Thank you. I regretted it the second I threw the card away. I''m afraid of getting


    punished by him tonight.¡±


    Everybody knew that the ¡°him¡± she referred to meant their employer.


    The keywords ¡°tonight¡± and ¡°punished¡± sounded especially harsh as they conjured up vivid images of


    intimacy.


    She doesn''t leave much to the imagination, does she?


    When Yvonne was about to leave amidst a fit of embarrassed giggles, Nina''s na?ve voice sounded.


    ¡°Are the flowers from your husband? Why would he send them to the office? Are you living separately


    because of a fight?¡±


    The others gazed up with sudden interest.


    Yvonne frowned, ready to give Nina a piece of her mind. ¡°You weren''t listening, Nina,¡± Cecelia chimed


    in. ¡°Didn''t Yvonne mention that she would be punished by her husband tonight if she threw the card


    away? They''re not separated. Sending her flowers to her office is a way of showing his love for her.¡±


    ¡°Punished? Why should she be punished? Yvonne''s background is no match for his. Why should she


    ingratiate herself like a ve? Does every instance of displeasure warrant punishment? Wow. I don''t


    think anybody would want this kind of love. It sounds like a rich man purchasing a ve in ancient


    times to wash his feet for him. That''s about what she''s good for¡ªa cheap woman...¡±


    Yvonne''s initially shy blush darkened with rage.


    ¡°Are you provoking me, Nina?¡± Yvonne screamed, quite deranged. She hurled the bouquet at Nina


    from a distance, but thetter managed to avoid it with Cecelia''s help.


    Nina jumped like a startled rabbit upon turning back around. ¡°Oh, what a shock you gave me! If you''re


    afraid of your husband punishing you for throwing the card away, I wonder if he''ll knock all your teeth


    out for thrashing the roses?¡±


    All the other colleagues present including the men, stifled theirughter as they spectated the drama.


    Suddenly, they did not seem very eager to get off work.


    Cecelia decided that they had gone far enough. With one hand dragging Avery''s arm and the other on


    Nina''s, she led her friends out of the design department.


    Yvonne remained in the office and vented her rage at Nina toward Avery''s departing figure. ¡°What a


    shameless b*tch! As if seducing somebody else''s boyfriend isn''t enough, you even have your friend to


    shame me. Who the hell do you think you are? In terms of looks, age, and inheritance, mine crush


    yours in every aspect!¡±


    The remaining colleagues began to leave in groups as they muttered about Yvonne''s poor manners


    before specting whether she was yelling at Cecelia or Avery.


    Who has seduced Mr. Moore?


    For a female employee of the design department to meet Cayden outside working hours could only


    mean that she was exceedingly talented in the art of seduction.


    ...


    Avery decided to visit her father at the hospital before seeing her grandfather.


    On her way there, she received a message.


    Cayden wrote to inform her that he had taken the initiative to send ke to a safe location with


    caretakers. It was a decent ce, and she could live there too if she wanted.


    Avery did not have a strong urge to bring her grandfather home after reading the text. By that point, she


    did not dare put ke at risk of Dn''s psychopathic outbursts.


    Grandpa''s well over seventy, and he shouldn''t have to deal with that. Instead, he should be enjoying


    his days without worry. I''ll pay Cayden back in the future... ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Avery thanked him and was just about to hit send when another message appeared.


    It was a voice message. His voice, low and rich, reverberated through the space around her.


    ¡°Send me your coordinates; I''lle to get you. The children deserve to have both parents pick them


    up on their first day at school.¡±


    Hearing that, Avery could not reject him.


    After sending him her location on WhatsApp, she stood on the side of the road in wait.


    Though she did consider picking the children up on their first day of school, Avery was too timid to ask.


    She feared her presence at the school gates with Cayden would attract unnecessary attention.


    Deep down, she wanted to go.


    Since he took the initiative to mention it...


    Soon, they arrived at the gates of the elementary school.


    Tired from their first day of school, the children rejected the notion of dining at a restaurant and insisted


    on having Avery''s cooking.


    ¡°Ms. Ery is very tired after working an entire day.¡± Though Cayden wanted Avery''s cooking and his


    craving for a homecooked meal, he was certain she would not be up for it.


    Kneeling to brush the sugar crumbs off Rory''s lips, Avery heard the discussion between father and son.


    ¡°I don''t mind as I have nothing to do when I get home. Besides, I''d love to cook for them.¡±


    No mother in the world would want their children to eat out all the time. Besides, the children were


    growing.


    Cayden frowned, not daring to express an opinion. Instead, he opted to listen to the children and Avery.


    On their way back home, they stopped by the mall for ingredients.


    Avery went alone, not wanting to be noticed by the other housewives in the grocer for standing next to


    the man on the front page of financial magazines.


    I''ll bebeled as a gold digger if I''m not careful.


    Upon returning to her rented apartment, Avery took out the newly bought slippers¡ªonerge one and


    two small ones.


    After Cayden and the children changed into them, he looked up and found her already marching into


    the kitchen with the ingredients in her hands. He admitted to himself that he longed for the feeling of


    being with a family.


    We wouldn''t be a family without Avery.

 Chapter 174

    Chapter 174


    As Avery busied herself in the kitchen, sounds of the children squealing in delight came from the living


    room until Rory gave a sudden cry of pain before silence ensued.


    Avery froze while holding some leaves in her hands. She hurried out anxiously and pried Rory''s hand


    away from her eye. ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°I poked myself in the eye,¡± Rory mumbled, feeling guilty.


    I have made Ms. Ery worry!


    ¡°Is it serious? Does it hurt?¡± Avery leaned closer with a warm expression and gently blew at the gauze


    on Rory''s eye.


    ¡°It doesn''t hurt anymore, Ms. Ery,¡± Rory said sweetly.


    Upon ascertaining that the child was no longer in pain, Avery''s lips spread into a warm smile as she


    caressed her hair. ¡°Be good and do some homework with your brother. Dinner will be served soon.¡±


    Rory nodded.


    Zachary opened his bag to take out his stationery and books and go started on his homework


    alongside his sister.


    Yearning for a mother''s love, the children were terrified of doing something wrong and losing Avery who


    they saw as a motherly figure.


    Obedience was the only weapon they had at their disposal at their young age.


    Avery returned to the kitchen, satisfied by the children''s attitude with their task.


    Though cooking could be a grind, it brought her absolute joy to feed Zachary and Rory.


    ¡°Do you need help?¡± a man''s low voice sounded behind Avery.


    Without her high heels, Avery was only five foot five. Compared to Cayden, who stood at six foot two in


    his socks, the difference in their heights was startling. She looked petite next to him.


    Avery was about to reject his offer when his slender hand reached over to snatch the potato she was


    about to peel.


    Those who knew Cayden would imagine his private life to be very colorful and surrounded by beautiful


    women and influencers flocking to him by the dozen.


    After all, enjoying thepany of beautiful women was what a sessful man''s nightlife should entail.


    Otherwise, it was nothing worth shouting about.


    She was amazed that the owner of Trident Group, a nationally acimed architect whose reputation


    exceeded every top architect within his employ, was peeling potatoes in a tiny rented apartment


    spanning six hundred square feet.


    N?velDrama.Org owns this.


    Despite being characteristically immune to the charms of the opposite sex, Avery considered herself


    mollified.


    ¡°Let me do it.¡± Avery stood at the side and watched him instead of preparing the other ingredients.


    It''s a strange feeling to have your boss peel potatoes.


    ¡°I''ll feel awful for having a meal at your expense without doing anything in return.¡± Cayden kept his


    eyes fixed on peeling the potatoes.


    Somehow, the potato slipped out of his grasp, resulting in the peeler shaving off some skin on his hand.


    Avery''s gaze widened with horror. Flustered, she was torn between fetching the first-aid kid from the


    living room and rinsing his wound over the sink.


    ¡°How careless of you! I told you to let me do it,¡± Avery admonished with a frown. She had him rinse his


    wound as she brought the first-aid kit to the kitchen.


    More blood flowed out from the cut as soon the water washed the blood away.


    After applying some iodine to stop the bleeding, she produced some bandages and carefully wrapped


    the wound.


    Throughout the entire process, Cayden''s brow remained rxed. He watched the woman who was


    much shorter than him mutter as she carefully wrapped the wound. Her voice was full of concern about


    how careless he was.


    Avery grumbled to herself at length before realizing that she had overstepped her bounds after she


    quietened down.


    There was oddity hanging in the air between the two of them.


    ¡°I''m going to start cooking. The exhaust fan might not work well as it hasn''t been changed for many


    years.¡± Avery switched on the exhaust fan without looking back at him.


    I hope he gets the hint to leave.


    Cayden stood his ground in the kitchen and even lit a cigarette. As he smoked, his gaze upon her back


    did not waver.


    I can''t get enough of her.


    The kitchen was cramped. Avery turned toward the fridge for some seasoning when she found herself


    face to face with the man''s chiseled features and burning gaze through the haze of smoke.


    After swiftly procuring what she needed, Avery reached for the spat and addressed the person


    behind her, ¡°The kitchen''s too cramped. Wait outside.¡±


    ¡°I don''t want them to breathe in the smoke.¡± Under a pretext of protecting the children, he imed that


    the kitchen''s exhaust fan suited his purpose to smoke as he waited.


    Avery''s patience wore thin. Fine, just stay in this kitchen then. Don''t ever leave!


    Despite the setbacks, Avery managed to produce a resplendent feast.


    She felt her cheeks burn as she headed out with the dishes in her hands and attributed it to the


    humidity in the kitchen.


    The children sat across each other during dinner, separating the two adults.


    Avery was unaware that the children were raised not to speak during mealtimes.


    As a result, dinner was a silent affair.


    When they were done eating, Zachary sheepishly ced his fork down as he gazed down at his empty


    te. ¡°Can I stay here, Ms. Ery?¡±


    There was nothing Avery wanted more than that. She would love to have Zachary and Rory every day


    if she could.


    She gazed pleadingly at the children''s father.


    Cayden was done with his meal as well. He stood up and looked at the two children. ¡°Be good, don''t


    trouble Ms. Ery.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Daddy!¡± Zachary hopped off his seat and met his father''s eyes. ¡°Please take Rory and me


    to buy some pajamas, Daddy.¡±


    Avery smacked her forehead in dismay. She only thought about getting groceries and slippers at the


    grocer and had forgotten all about their pajamas.


    Maybe I''ll have Xavier get two sets from the Moore residence.


    Cayden looked at Avery apologetically as he picked up his jacket. ¡°I have something to deal with


    tonight. You take them.¡±


    Avery nodded quietly after a startled pause.


    Sullenly, she stood up to clear the table after everybody was done. The children lent a helping hand.


    Though Avery did not dare have the children exert themselves, she was hesitant to reject their


    thoughtful gesture. Shepromised by handing Zachary twodles and Rory four forks with


    instructions to deliver them to the kitchen.


    Despite having obtained his jacket, Cayden did not leave. His gazetching on Avery, he frowned upon


    sensing her mood.


    Her unusual behavior had been evident to him since picking the children up. At his mention of having


    something to deal with, her mood worsened further.


    Does she not want me to leave?


    Cayden could not think of another reason beyond that.


    ¡°Behave yourselves when you''re out with Ms. Ery. Aftering home, take a shower and get


    yourselves to bed. I''m leaving now.¡± Under his stern reminders, Zachary and Rory blinked obediently


    with theirrge eyes as they watched their father depart.


    Cayden looked at the kitchen and saw her slender back as she do the dishes. Is she still angry with


    me?

 Chapter 175

    Chapter 175


    Only after Cayden''s departure did Avery breathe a sigh of relief.


    But if truth be told, she was notpletely at ease.


    While scrubbing the tes in the sink, she sighed deeply in her heart. She could not wrap her head


    around what was wrong with her.


    The words Yvonne said in the office rang in her head when Cayden told her he had some matters to


    settle that night.


    I guess Yvonne makes a point. It seems like all men do love the nubile body of young women.


    Even though the twenty-four-year-old Avery did not think she was old, she knew she was nowhere


    comparable to Yvonne, who was only neen.


    Perhaps in the eyes of men, there''s really a difference between a woman who has given birth and a


    woman who hasn''t.


    Living in the technologically advanced generation, Avery was clear there were not only many


    douchebags in the world but many foolish women too. And essentially, there was only a fine line


    between whether she would be one or not.


    It''s no wonder someone like Cayden has many women flocking around him. After all, he is wealthy and


    powerful. Besides, he''s good-looking and has a well-toned body. There''s no way he would mean a


    lifetime promise whenever he expressed his love...


    Half past seven in the evening, Xavier arrived downstairs in a car.


    Since Zachary and Rory loved taking the subway, Avery had intended to take them for a ride.


    ¡°Mr. Moore called me earlier before he left to settle his work. He instructed me to rush over before you


    guys leave home,¡± Xavier exined, clearly taking Avery as Cayden''s wife.


    However, Avery recalled how Cayden was reluctant for Xavier to send over a new pair of pants the


    night before because thetter was out on a date.


    He mentioned that it was an important matter for a man to keep his girlfriendpany.


    Moreover, it was almost over working hours.


    Afraid that Xavier''s girlfriend would be mad at him, Avery did not want to trouble him and thus quickly


    responded, ¡°We can take the subway. It''s fast and convenient. You should go and do your stuff instead,


    Mr. Dartsley.¡±


    Xavier awkwardlyughed. ¡°Being able to work for Boss is my utmost pleasure right now. Don''t stand


    on ceremony, Ms. Rumpley. Hurry and get in.¡±


    Despite so, Avery was still unwilling to get in the car.


    He needs to have some private life too!


    ¡°Perhaps you haven''t tried taking care of kids, Ms. Rumpley, so you might not know. But it''s an


    extremely tedious task to take two kids with you. All it takes is just a split second of distraction and they


    might...¡± Xavier dared not take the risks as he could not afford to bear the responsibility.


    They are the Moore family''s precious children, after all!


    Though Avery reckoned it was too grand of a moment when they were merely off to buy some


    pajamas, she eventually got into the Bentley with Zachary and Rory.


    ...


    Momentster, at the central square.


    Avery was clueless about what kind of pajamas to choose for the kids. As much as some were rather


    expensive, she thought it was worth it as long as the kids were happy.


    Having missed spending time with them for the past five years, all she could do now was to try her best


    to get used to their lifestyles and habits slowly.


    Meanwhile, Cayden was in his office, busy with work matters. It was the second time in his life after his


    family''s business crisis that he turned into a workaholic.


    Every second of his life wasden with financial responsibilities.


    At that point, his life had long been filled with heaps and piles of boring data. From the moment he


    woke up to the time he turned in for rest, he would have a continuous supply of work matters he had to


    deal with¡ªa plethora of documents to sign, contracts to read, and decisions to make. The routine


    would repeat daily.


    Before setting off to Livingsfill, he had to finish at least ten days'' worth of work in advance.


    He did not want to be interrupted or upied by work during his trip, since the time he get to spend


    with Avery was immensely precious.


    About nine at night, Xavier finally returned to the office building.


    The breathtaking city''s night sky fell into the office through the ss windows. Right before the


    windows was Cayden, who was busy shuffling his gaze between the stack of documents on the desk


    and hisptop screen. It was almost as if he was a man made of steel, and despite the many


    responsibilities weighing on him, he had merely any clue what exhaustion meant.


    On the other side, Zachary and Rory finally fell into a deep slumber after much persuasion from Avery.


    Following that, she got up and headed to the kitchen to pour herself a ss of water to drink. Whipping


    her head up to nce at the time, she realized it was almost ten o''clock. Yet, Cayden had not returned.


    Turning around and leaning against the kitchen counter, she stood with the ss in her hand,


    seemingly so lost in her deep thoughts that she forgot to drink the water.


    Cayden didn''t make things clear. So, he intends to leave the kids in my care in future situations like this


    while he leaves to settle his stuff?


    In that instant, Avery felt an inexplicable displeasure surge within her.


    I should be happy that he isn''t here to irk me off. But why do I feel a little awful? Perhaps I''m acting that


    way for the kids? They are used to getting an abundance of love from their daddy but receiving no


    maternal love, and yet now it''s the other way round?


    That intense mental activity left Avery''s head pounding, so she returned to her room to get some rest.


    But that was not all. As she drifted off, she had a dream. In the dream, Zachary and Rory told her that


    they disliked her.


    Zachary pointed at her and yelled, ¡°Go away! I don''t want a mommy like you! It''s your fault! It''s all your


    fault! You pushed Daddy to that evil woman. That''s why we don''t get to see Daddy or feel his love


    anymore. Daddy has a baby with Ms. Gagher and no longer wants us!¡±


    Avery jolted awake in the middle of the night.


    Snapping open her eyes, the sight of her house came within her vision. Nheless, it took her some


    time before she could recover from her state of mind. As the moonlight shone through the windows,


    she nced at Rory, who was sound asleep beside her. Running her fingers across her sweat-covered


    face, she sprung up at once.


    Shifting her gaze to the clock, she noticed it was already one in the morning.


    Heading outside the room, Avery found only three pairs of shoes by the door. Instantly, she figured


    Cayden did not return.


    I gave him the spare keys yesterday. Where has he gone? Don''t tell me he''s spending time with


    Yvonne.


    At the thought of the countless urrences where Cayden looked extremely unsatisfied as he could


    not unleash his desires in front of her, Avery felt so overwhelmed that she was short of breath.


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Did he go to Yvonne to satisfy his needs? Yvonne probably would give him anything he wants...


    Those thoughts almost consumed Avery, till she forcibly smacked her head in frustration to wake


    herself up.


    Oh gosh, Avery Rumpley! What''s wrong with you? You''re in no way his wife! You shouldn''t care too


    much about him! Giving birth to Zach and Rory five years ago was nothing more than a mere


    transaction. You''re in no ce to have anyint now that he''s willing to let you spend time with


    the kids! Are you such a fool that you''re actually bing so possessive of a man with that status?


    After continuously convincing herself to return to her senses, shey down again. It took her a long


    while before she finally drifted back to sleep.


    However, that horrendous dream continued.


    She had simr encounters previously but had never experienced such emotions like that particr


    instance¡ªso mentally exhausted and burdened.


    In the dream, Rory clung to Cayden''s thigh and threw Avery a re. ¡°I don''t want you either. Daddy has


    taken care of us for five years. what about you? Where were you? Since Daddy doesn''t like you, we


    won''t like you anymore too!¡±


    ¡°Don''t go. Please don''t go.¡± Like a resentful and pathetic woman, Avery tugged onto Cayden''s sleeve


    after watching another woman taking the two kids away, and with her face full of tears. She pleaded,


    ¡°Don''t you want me? I''ll satisfy your needs. I''ll give in to whatever you want right away. I beg you,


    please. Please don''t take Zach and Rory away from me...¡±


    ¡°I won''t go anywhere. I''ll be here.¡± A man''s raspy yet deep and maic voice suddenly rang out


    beside her ear.


    Avery had no idea if that was the reality or just a dream.


    By the time she opened her teary eyes after being in a struggle for quite a while, it was already bright


    outside. Cayden''s exquisite facial features were right before her eyes, so close to her. As she slowly


    raised her head from within his arms while still in a daze, her lips identally came into contact with


    his chin.

 Chapter 176

    Chapter 176


    Avery''s heart kept racing whenever she took a whiff of Cayden''s body scent. It took her a while for her


    to stop panting ande to her senses.


    ¡°Did you have a nightmare?¡± Cayden nted a kiss on the woman''s forehead and tucked her hair


    behind her ears. He looked at her porcin-white face and wet eyes andforted her. ¡°I''m here with


    you, don''t worry.¡±


    Avery was relieved that it was just a dream.


    When she opened her eyes and looked around, she realized the actual world was not as bad as she


    had imagined.


    She grabbed Cayden''s muscr back with one hand and clenched the man''s shirt with her other hand.


    Upon hearing his words offort, she opened her mouth, but words caught in her throat.


    The tiny room fell silent.


    It took Avery a while to realize she was holding onto Cayden. She eventually released him and


    retracted her hands.


    The man''s shirt looked all crumpled up.


    ¡°I''m sorry. I''ll help you iron it.¡± Avery did not know what else to say.


    When she was about to get up from the bed, Cayden pulled her into his chest and uttered


    authoritatively, ¡°Get back here and sleep. It''s still early.¡±


    Avery could feel the warm moisture in the man''s breath on her ear and cheek, and she could feel how


    close they were.


    Not sure if it was because of an increase in temperature or Cayden by her side, Avery felt warm and


    fell asleep more easily.


    Since she was eighteen years old, she had not had the luxury of catching up on sleep after waking up


    in the morning.


    N?velDrama.Org owns this.


    The warmth and scent that Cayden gave out made Avery feel safe. Admittedly, she would still fall for


    his charm from time to time. I guess I''m allowed to be infatuated with him since I''m still half awake.


    Her eyshes stopped fluttering, and the intense breathing caused by the nightmare had also


    subsided.


    This time, Avery could finally sleep in peace.


    ...


    The bed in the room was tiny. It might be a double bed, but it could not quite fit two adults. Those with


    long legs might hang in mid-air if they were to sleep on the bed.


    Whenever Avery slept on that bed with Rory, she would not toss and turn to avoid crushing the five-


    year-old.


    Meanwhile, Cayden did not even catch a wink though he was extremely sleepy.


    He continued working in the office until five in the morning. Since there was no traffic jam at that hour,


    he reached the rented unit in less than thirty minutes.


    After opening the door with the spare key in his pocket, he went to Zachary''s unit.


    The boy, who was in a deep slumber, slept on top of the nket instead of underneath it.


    After pulling the nket over to cover Zachary''s legs, he went to Avery''s room.


    Compared to Zachary, Rory had a better sleeping posture though she might change poses in her sleep.


    When Cayden was about to shut the door and leave, he heard a sound from the bed. He turned around


    and saw Avery frowning and breaking out in cold sweat as if she was struggling to escape from


    something.


    Cayden had no idea what her dream was about. He walked over and tried to wake her up.


    Avery continued to mumble words that Cayden could not understand.


    He went up and leaned sideways on the bed. While he was embracing her, holding her hand, and


    kissing her forehead tofort her, he could hear the woman clearly, ¡°Don''t leave. Please don''t leave.¡±


    Cayden could not help but knit his brows upon hearing those five words. She must be dreaming of


    something that''s bothering her.


    He did not know who appeared in her dream. Who is she begging so miserably?


    Cayden thought Avery must have longed for motherly love since she had never experienced it since


    she was a child. I''m sure she wants to know who her mother is.


    Just like Zachary and Rory, they had never asked about their mommy and would suffer in silence. But


    deep in their hearts, they had always wished they had a mother.


    Now that Avery had entered their lives, the twins, who were fond of her, had be highly dependent


    on her without knowing that she was their biological mother.


    Cayden continued to calm Avery down, hoping she was dreaming about her mother and trying to beg


    her to stay. He hoped she was not persuading someone else to stay. She better not think of her


    useless ex-boyfriend, Zayne. He''s not worthy of her love!


    Cayden wished Zayne would rot in jail when he recalled how the cops told him that thetter had sold


    Avery''s nude photos to other men for money!


    While the man was still overwhelmed with jealousy, he heard Avery plead in fear again, ¡°You said you


    want me, right? Take me. Do what you want with me, but please don''t take Zach and Rory away...¡±


    At that moment, the only man that appeared in Avery''s dream was Cayden.


    Cayden hugged the woman even more tightly. He had never even consoled Rory like what he was


    doing now. He stayed still, allowing the woman to pull his shirt and scratched his back.


    The way Avery scratched Cayden''s back with her tender and slender fingers was an expression of her


    insecurity. It was her way of begging him to stay.


    But her action further lighted the man on fire as he was already aroused early in the morning!


    He had never had such a severe case of morning wood for years!


    After coaxing Avery to sleep, Cayden pulled up the nket and tucked her in. He then carefully stood


    up and went to the washroom.


    Meanwhile, Zachary got up and rushed to the washroom.


    ¡°Dad? Why are you here so early?¡± The little guy asked while peeing. He was stunned to see Cayden


    inside when he opened the door.


    Cayden washed his hands and dried them with a white towel that Avery had prepared yesterday.


    Since Cayden did not reply to his question, Zachary pulled up his pants after peeing and said in a clear


    voice, ¡°Daddy, please bring my clothes and shoes after school today. It''s almost autumn now, so please


    bring my winter clothes and shoes too.¡±


    After turning on the television, Cayden put down the remote control and asked, ¡°Do you n to live


    here?¡±


    ¡°Why not? Do you want me to return to that house where no one knows the meaning of love?¡± Zachary,


    who was walking to the door while lifting his pants, turned around to look at the serious man on the


    couch. ¡°You''re busy, aren''t you? You used to tell us so. And you said you didn''t have time to take care


    of us. Now that we have Ms. Ery, you don''t have to worry about us anymore. Oh, don''t forget to pay our


    tuition fees! It''s not easy for Ms. Ery to take care of us, so I don''t want to be her financial burden.¡±


    The man calmly replied while watching the morning news, ¡°Great-grandpa will miss you.¡±


    ¡°I''ll visit Great-grandpa whenever he misses me, but I''lle back to sleep at Ms. Ery''s ce. We can


    invite Great-grandpa to stay with us too,¡± the innocent Zachary proposed his solution to the problem.


    Cayden knitted his brows and pressed his lips. Not sure if it was because of the news or what Zachary


    said, the man remained silent the entire morning.


    With a cheeky smile, Zachary hopped back to his room.


    The master bedroom that ke was staying in was about thirty square feetrger than Avery''s


    bedroom. Avery finally woke up after sleeping for another half an hour.


    She went to the bathroom to brush her teeth. While standing in the bathroom with a toothbrush in her


    mouth, many thoughts shed across her mind, but she could not process them as her mind was in a


    whirl.


    After leaving the bathroom, Avery walked to the living room. The living room was still quite dark as the


    closed curtains deterred the morning sun from entering. As Avery inched closer, she saw Cayden


    sleeping on the couch with a frown after the morning news ended.

 Chapter 177

    Chapter 177


    Avery brought over the only nket in the house and covered Cayden with it.


    As she was retracting her hand after smoothing out the edges of the nket, arge hand grasped her


    wrist.


    Avery looked up and met Cayden''s deep-set gaze. It almost took her breath away.


    Caught off guard, she lost her bnce and fell to the floor.


    Avery sat facing Cayden and held her breath instinctively. The man was staring at her with his burning


    eyes. She gulped awkwardly and could feel her heart thumping wildly.


    Cayden had an alluring set of double eyelids and prominent brow ridges that enhanced the


    attractiveness of his perfectly-sculpted masculine features and made him seem even more steady and


    mature.


    On such a beautiful morning, it was almost impossible for any woman to be inches away from him. It


    was impossible to look at his high nose bridge and kissable lips and not feel anything.


    Avery was just an ordinary woman and not a saint.


    She could feel herself almost losing her rationality and sumbing to her desires.


    ¡°Ms. Ery...¡± Rory walked out of her bedroom and headed straight into Avery''s arms. The girl was


    pouting and the gauze on her eye was almost falling off.


    Hugging Rory, Averyposed herself a little before asking in a gentle voice, ¡°What''s wrong? Did you


    not sleep well?¡±


    ¡°Can you and Daddy send me to school together? Please...¡±


    That was Rory''s dream ever since she was three.


    Her friends always had such blissful looks on their faces when their mommy and daddy sent them to


    school and picked them up together.


    The girl was especially envious when she saw that.


    Even though Zachary had never mentioned it explicitly, Rory knew that her brother felt the same.


    Avery did not agree immediately. As there was always a crowd at the school entrance, the woman was


    worried that she might invite trouble if she was seen sending the children to school.


    Just then, Cayden sat up on the couch and looked toward Avery before saying meaningfully, ¡°It has


    always been Zach and Rory''s dream to have a mother. In fact, they are less happy than the other kids


    who have aplete family.¡±


    What the man actually meant was that Zachary and Rory wanted to have a mother and not a ¡°Ms. Ery.¡±


    Even though Avery did not want to assume, Cayden had made his intentions pretty obvious.


    Looking at the little girl in her arms, Avery nodded.


    As Avery was not very interested in cooking, she had never spent too much effort in preparing meals.


    However, she had been trying out new meal recipes when preparing breakfast for the children as she


    did not want them to feel bored living with her.


    That morning, she made sandwiches for the kids with bread that had been molded into the shape of the


    face of a bear. She decorated them with a variety of ingredients, such as vegetables and sauces.


    ¡°Please don''t cry. I''m eating you because you''re my food and not a real baby bear...¡± Rory started


    talking to her food while eating.


    Cayden was seated at one side of the table as he had his breakfast quietly.


    Even though the dining table had four sides, Avery, Zachary, and Rory were squeezed together at one


    side, enjoying their delicious breakfast. The atmosphere surrounding the three of them was especially


    cozy.


    Cayden, on the other hand, sat in istion with his breakfast consisting of just in toast with jam and


    a cup of warm milk.


    One nce was enough to tell that Avery did not put in any effort to prepare the man''s breakfast at all.


    After taking his time to finish his breakfast, Cayden stood up and said, ¡°Tonight shall be thest night


    you two are staying here. You have to go back to the Moore residence with me tomorrow.¡±


    Hearing that, Zachary and Rory stopped eating at once and looked up at their father. However, Cayden


    had already turned around and walked away.


    We''re not going back!


    Hmph!


    Daddy is so mean!


    Avery could guess what the siblings were thinking. She tousled their hair gently before standing up and


    heading back to her bedroom to get dressed.


    After changing her clothes, she opened the door and saw Cayden sitting on the couch while watching


    the news on television.


    However, Avery could tell that he wasn''t really paying attention to the news and was watching just to


    pass time.


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Is his life really so boring?


    Avery could not help but sympathize with the man.


    Hmm, but it doesn''t seem right to say that.


    Strictly speaking, men who were proper and upright usually led boring lives. Their day consisted of just


    work and home, and they usually stayed faithful to the one woman they loved.


    On the other hand, there was another category of men who led colorful and interesting lives. It was


    common for them to find themselves short of time to have fun, and they also fooled around with


    different women.


    Before heading out, Avery ironed one of Cayden''s shirts, which had a crease on it.


    While she was ironing, she could not help but examine the shirt for any traces that could possibly point


    to the fact that the man had spent the previous night with another woman.


    However, halfway through, Avery suddenly realized that it was a different shirt from the one Cayden


    had worn before he left the house the night before.


    That could only mean that he had changed before returning in the morning.


    On the way to school, Avery did not say a single word and was lost in her thoughts. She did not even


    hear it when Rory tried to talk to her.


    After dropping Zachary and Rory off at school, Avery and Cayden headed to the office.


    As usual, Avery got out of the car a distance away from thepany.


    Although Cayden felt that it was unnecessary for her to do that, he decided to let her do whatever she


    wanted.


    When Avery arrived at the design department, Yvonne was not there yet.


    Yvonne only reached the office after ten o''clock. With a smile on her face, she said to her co-workers,


    ¡°Sorry, everyone. I''mte again. I slept reallytest night. I was just so drained...¡±


    One of the female employees teased, ¡°Yvonne, your hubby must be really good in that area, huh?¡± She


    knew that Yvonne loved to hear suchments and was hoping that the woman would be so pleased


    that she would give her some of her unused luxury perfumes on a whim.


    In fact, everyone was finding opportunities to tter Yvonne, trying to take advantage of her.


    ¡°Jeez, stop that. Stop asking the obvious...¡± Yvonne replied coyly before standing up and heading to


    the pantry to get herself a cup of coffee.


    Nina texted Avery: Ery, were you together with Mr. Moorest night?


    When Avery saw the message, she hesitated for a while. Even though she knew it was a lie, she still


    replied: Yup. I was with himst night.


    Just then, Cecelia stood up and left. On her way out, she bumped into Xavier at the entrance of the


    office building. Feeling a sudden rush of anger, the woman told Xavier all about Yvonne''s daily horny


    antics.


    ¡°Is that true?¡± Xavier frowned upon hearing that.


    ¡°Of course! Why would I lie about that? Mr. Dartsley, if you don''t believe me, you can check the


    surveince footage.¡± Cecelia spoke casually. She no longer observed any formalities during her


    interaction with Xavier after she got to know him better.


    As the assistant stared at Cecelia''s departing figure, realization finally hit him. Did that woman just roll


    her eyes at me?


    He could barely believe what he had just seen, as Cecelia was usually serious and tended to keep a


    straight face. Although Xavier had some work toplete, he could not concentrate. He could not stop


    thinking about Yvonne''s daily horny antics and how she had made up stories in front of Avery.


    Xavier headed to the top floor, intending to report the matter to his boss.

 Chapter 178

    Chapter 178


    Xavier rted everything Cayden needed to know implicitly. As Cayden''s assistant, he trusted his boss


    was shrewd enough to read between the lines regarding Yvonne''s misdeeds.


    Nevertheless, Cayden was still a boss. As he had greater experience and a position superior to others,


    his methods would naturally be different from the domineering behavior of street thugs.


    Whatever he had in mind, he would never reveal it in his expressions. His unpredictability made it hard


    for others to guess his intentions.


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Xavier had no idea how Cayden was going to deal with the matter. All he could do was sit back and


    watch.


    I''ll get back to my work, then.


    Meanwhile, in the design department, the topics for idle chatter there had changed ever since Yvonne


    started work.


    It would range from the city''s socialites to the celebrities in the entertainment industry. Once in a while,


    it would also revolve around rich and powerful families.


    Given how dry their routine at work was, everyone was thrilled at sharing exciting gossip during work.


    Most importantly, Yulissa could only turn a blind eye to their behavior, as Yvonne was always the one


    who started the conversations.


    She had no choice but to tolerate her behavior.


    As for Cecelia, she couldn''t be more annoyed.


    Nheless, she was cognizant that a lowly team leader like her could only be forced to endure it


    since even the department head didn''t dare to show her disapproval.


    At that moment, one of their female colleagues asked, ¡°Yvonne, do you know who Nicole Lambert is?


    Have you seen her in person?¡±


    Yvonne pondered for a moment. ¡°Of course I''ve seen her.¡±


    ¡°In that case, is she pretty in real life?¡± The colleague was intrigued.


    ¡°In real life...¡± Yvonne hesitated in thought. ¡°In real life, she looks ordinary. She usually relies on


    makeup and photoshop.¡±


    Even though Yvonne hadn''t seen Nicole before, she had heard of her. Thetter, who was twenty, was


    the hottest actress in the entertainment industry that year.


    She had burst into the scene after taking on the lead female role in a movie by a famous director.


    As the colleague admired Yvonne for being acquainted with so many stars, she continued, ¡°Yvonne,


    since you know so many celebrities, tell us your thoughts about whether Nicole will continue to be


    popr.¡±


    ¡°Why do you have so many questions?¡± Nina was irritated, as their conversation had disrupted her


    work.


    The colleague replied innocently, ¡°I enjoy reading up on celebrities and have been following Nicole


    recently. If she has a clean background and the potential for a great career, I n to be a diehard


    fan of hers.¡±


    Nina was speechless as she continued to type furiously on the keyboard with her eyes glued to the


    screen. She sneered, ¡°If you have time to care about Nicole, why don''t you spend it listening to the


    doctor exin your mother''s health situation instead?¡±


    The colleague was taken aback.


    Just as Nina had said, she had received a call from her mother''s doctor at ten in the morning wanting


    to exin her mother''s situation to her. However, she refused to listen and got the doctor to tell her


    mother himself.


    What''s wrong with indulging in a little celebrity gossip?


    After giving Nina the side-eye, Yvonne withdrew her gaze and answered the colleague, ¡°If you n to


    be her diehard fan, then you have chosen the right person. I dare say that as long as she''s keen


    to continue her career, no one will be able to stop her rise as a megastar.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± The colleague''s interest was piqued.


    ¡°Because of her background.¡± Yvonne cocked a brow at the colleague. ¡°You can''t even imagine it, but


    I''m not at the liberty to speak.¡±


    Yvonne''s mother was married to a tycoon, and Ackleton''s high society wasn''t that big. Everyone had


    naturally heard about it.


    Furthermore, it wasn''t a surprise that such explosive news would spread like wildfire within the circle.


    William Lambert was the state secretary, while his wife was ire Walsh. When she was young, ire,


    together with Cayden''s mother, Allie, and Dn''s mother, Talia, were all best friends.


    For some inexplicable reason, William and ire didn''t have any children.


    It wasn''t until ten years ago that ire adopted a ten-year-old girl from an orphanage that she


    frequently visited. That girl turned out to be the twenty-year-old Nicole now.


    Consequently, no other young celebrity in the entertainment industry had a family background more


    influential than Nicole.


    Furthermore, noizen knew of her origins. They didn''t dare reveal it for fear of being cklisted.


    In spite of that, those in power within the entertainment industry had no illusions about who Nicole''s


    adoptive father was. There was a tacit understanding among them to promote Nicole and give her the


    princess treatment.


    With the wind in her sails, it was easy for her to get wherever she wanted.


    The thought of how morous Nicole was and the fact that she was worshipped by many filled Yvonne


    with jealousy.


    Wouldn''t it be perfect if I had the opportunity to enter the entertainment industry too? How can one not


    be jealous of an orphan who transforms into a starlet in just ten years? Why is life so unfair?


    As Yvonne didn''t have the courage to bad-mouth Nicole in front of the colleague, all she could do was


    insinuate that Nicole didn''t look good in person and required her photo to be edited.


    In truth, she had never seen Nicole in real life before.


    While they continued with their idle chatter, Avery, who was overwhelmed with work, kept hearing the


    name Nicole being mentioned.


    After busying herself the entire morning, Avery rushed through lunch before diving back into work.


    When it was finally three, she grabbed her bag and rushed out of the office.


    On her way to see ke, she dropped by a few printingpanies, looking to print name cards.


    Finally, she chose the one that was the cheapest.


    After giving an address, she instructed the vendor to courier it to the office.


    Meanwhile, the ce where ke was staying was located somewhere pleasant, where the air was


    significantly better than in the city.


    Upon locating the ce with its address, Avery was met by a housekeeper who opened the door for


    her. Stepping in, she saw another one cleaning the grounds.


    ¡°Good afternoon, Ms. Rumpley,¡± the housekeeper greeted cordially.


    ¡°Good afternoon,¡± Avery replied. She was equally polite.


    Amidst the charming surroundings, ke had almost recovered from his wounds and was in great


    spirits. His improvement made Avery realize that epting Cayden''s help was the right decision.


    Her pride had to take a backseat when it came to ke''s health.


    Strolling in the garden with Avery, ke couldn''t resist asking, ¡°Cayden is taking good care of me


    because of his feelings for you. This is something that you have to take note of.¡±


    ¡°He''s really kind,¡± Avery replied, sidestepping thement.


    Turning to face his granddaughter, ke stamped his walking stick on the ground and admonished her,


    saying, ¡°That''s not the point! I''m telling you that Cayden has your best interest at heart. By making sure


    I''m cared for, he''s alleviating your burden. You''d better remember that. Do you really think he has taken


    me in just because he''s kind? With so many pitiful old folks around, why didn''t he bother with another


    lady''s grandfather?¡±


    ke''s remark elicited a smile from Avery.


    He added, ¡°Stop being so stubborn, and don''t keep thinking about breaking up just because you


    underestimate yourself. For him to have feelings for you, there must be something in you that attracts


    him. Even thoughing from simr backgrounds is important, it doesn''t mean married couples from


    different rungs of society can''t be happy.¡±

 Chapter 179

    Chapter 179


    Just as both of them were chatting, Avery''s phone rang.


    ¡°Grandpa, let me take the call first.¡± Releasing her grip on ke''s arm, Avery pulled her phone out of


    her pocket and saw that it was Cecelia on the line.


    Avery answered, ¡°Cecelia, what''s up?¡±


    Cecelia got to the point. ¡°Ery, since we''ll be working non-stop on the town''s development project for at


    least half a year, thepany''s management has decided to bring forward thepany''s team-


    building event. Be at the office entrance at eight tomorrow morning and don''t forget to bring sunscreen.


    That''s all for now. You can message me if you have any questions. I still need to inform two others who


    aren''t in the office.¡±


    ¡°Got it,¡± Avery said before ending the call.


    She had participated in simr team-building activities, which she took as training and an opportunity to


    rx when she was studying overseas.


    After having dinner with ke, Avery cleared the table efficiently.


    ¡°Ms. Rumpley, please don''t do the dishes. Mr. Moore will sack us if he finds out!¡± The housekeeper


    stopped her at once.


    Don''t all daughters-inw of prominent families live a life of luxury? Is Ms. Rumpley a Cindere who


    doesn''t know how to do that?


    As the housekeeper was new, she barely knew anyone else other than Cayden and ke. Therefore,


    she was careful with her speech so as to not offend anyone.


    From what I can see, Ms. Rumpley is obviously someone who''s extremely easy to get along with.


    Finally, Avery had no choice but to stop. Throughout the years, it had be a habit of hers to do her


    own dishes after dinner.


    ¡°Grandpa, I''ll visit you again when I''m free.¡± Avery stopped ke at the door from walking her out. After


    descending the steps, she headed to the subway station along the street.


    Standing by the street lined with trees where their leaves were turning yellow, Avery observed the


    surroundings and noticed that there were very few cars. Also, those that passed by were all luxury


    cars.


    Along her walk to the subway station, Avery turned around and nced at the mansions in the


    neighborhood ke was staying in. This ce seems to be near Grover and Lindsay''s mansion.


    Avery began to worry as she walked to the subway station with her head hung low.


    Back at the Moore residence, the driver had returned after picking Zachary and Rory up.


    Allie, who happened to be home, brought two sses of milk upstairs. When she saw her


    grandchildren doing their homework, she asked with a smile, ¡°Where did you go over thest two


    days? Did you stay with your daddy?¡±


    Their father is so busy that it''s hard to see him even at normal times. Where is he going to find the time


    and energy to pick the children up and take care of their needs? Just dinner alone is a problem, as he


    is really strict with their diet and doesn''t approve of them eating out.


    ¡°We¡ª¡± Before Zachary could say a thing, he caught a glimpse of Caydening upstairs and heading


    toward them.


    As the floor was carpeted, Cayden''s footsteps didn''t make a sound at all.


    Only when Allie followed the trajectory of Zachary''s gaze did she see her son approach. She asked,


    ¡°Did you take care of both of them alone? Were you able to manage?¡±


    Allie''s intention was for them to stay in the Moore residence, which carried within it the heritage of the


    Moore family.


    Back then, everyone in the family had stayed in the mansion. It was extremely important as a symbol,


    not to mention the mary value of the ce.


    No matter how many years had passed, Allie just refused to let the mansion fall into Lily and her son''s


    possession.


    After all, from the perspective of outsiders, whoever owned the Moore residence was officially


    recognized as thedy of the Moore family.


    Back when Lily first discovered her husband''s betrayal, she had fallen into depression and vanished


    from high society. Now that she had mentally recovered, she began to appear in public. Other than


    standing up for herself, she intended to humiliate Allie for wrecking her marriage.


    Although Allie didn''t deny being the third party, she felt that all was fair in love and war.


    It was Lily''s own fault for failing to keep her husband by her side.


    Lily, on the other hand, was adamant about staying in the mansion despite how unhappy she was. Her


    actions implicitly showed that she, too, coveted it.


    Despite being equally unhappy, Allie refused to move out as well. She was obviously afraid that the


    mansion would belong to Lily the moment she did.


    Since Jeffrey had always felt guilty over what had happened to Lily and her son, he had always wanted


    to make it up to them on behalf of his deceased son.


    However, there was a reason why Jeffrey did not transfer the ownership of the mansion to Lily, and


    Cayden wasn''t it.


    After all, he was extremely sessful and had an endless supply of property and money.


    What Jeffrey was truly concerned about were his great-grandchildren''s feelings. As both of them grew


    up in the house, he couldn''t bring himself to give the mansion to Lily.


    As for Lily, she hated everything that had to do with Allie, which naturally included the two adorable


    children.


    Even though she didn''t dare to do anything extreme to them, she felt that it was right to kick them out of


    the house¡ªout of sight, out of mind.


    No wife who had been cheated upon would be able to tolerate the presence of the perpetrator''s


    children and grandchildren.


    One would have to be a saint to do that.


    Unfortunately, Lily wasn''t one of them.


    That was the reason why Jeffrey did not transfer the mansion to her.


    But now that her son was nning to let the grandchildren stay outside permanently, Allie couldn''t be


    more rmed, afraid that Jeffrey would transfer the ownership of the mansion to Lily.


    Allie was also well aware that once Lily became the head of the household, she would no longer have a


    ce in the mansion.


    Truth be told, she wasn''t afraid of moving out. What truly terrified her was the gossip that would ensue.


    In fact, she could already visualize the socialitesmenting in disdain. A third party will never amount


    to anything more than that. Regardless of how hard you try, the Moore residence will never be yours!


    When Allie dies, there''s no way she will be buried with the Moores.


    The thoughts in her head filled her with anguish.


    And the fact that her son wasn''t close with her made things worse. Faced with her question, he replied


    coldly, ¡°Someone is taking care of them with me.¡±


    When Allie wanted to ask who it was, Cayden furrowed his brows and pointed at a mistake that


    Zachary had made. ¡°You have obviously spelled the word ''deep'' wrongly. Why are you missing an ''e''?¡±


    ¡°Oh...¡± Zachary was only five and younger than his ssmates by a year. After having his error


    highlighted, he gripped his pencil and proceeded to correct it.


    Sensing that her son wasn''t in the mood to talk, Allie had no choice but to leave awkwardly.


    The next day, all the employees of Trident Group were gathered for their team-building event. They


    were orderly divided into their respective departments before they were further broken down into


    smaller teams.


    The day''s activities included hiking, swimming, a pic, a talk on industry culture, etc. At the end of the


    day, everyone was drained.


    By the time it was six, the sun began to set although it was still very bright.


    As someone sitting at the top of the food chain, Cayden made a rare appearance. In fact, it was


    supposedly his first time ever doing so. He was there to speak to all the departments and had yet to


    reach the design department.


    N?velDrama.Org owns this.


    ¡°Yvonne, is Mr. Moore here today because of your persuasionst night?¡± the female colleague who


    had been brainwashed spected.

 Chapter 180

    Chapter 180


    When the other colleagues heard thement, all of them looked in Yvonne''s direction.


    If she did manage to influence Cayden, it would be an achievement to be proud of.


    Between one of the couples, the man remarked softly to his partner, ¡°Mr. Moore has always been


    serious and aloof. Don''t you think it''s a little unbelievable for Yvonne to have persuaded him to attend


    today''s team-building event?¡±


    Thedy rolled her eyes. ¡°Do you know what it means?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± The manughed, as he was truly clueless.


    Thedy snorted with disdain. ¡°It means that all men are idiots. Regardless of how sessful a man is,


    he will still fall prey to a vixen, willing to do her bidding after being pleasured in bed for the night.¡±


    ¡°F*ck.¡± The man scowled. ¡°We''re talking about something serious. What are you attacking me for?¡±


    ¡°What am I attacking you for? If even a dictatorial boss acts that way, what hope is there for a broke


    b*stard who picks up girls on his phone whenever he''s free?¡± Just as thedy spoke, she hammered


    her tightly clenched fist on her boyfriend.


    Nearby, Avery, suffering from a cramp, was leaning against arge stone sign. Looking to the ground,


    she gritted her teeth while enduring the pain in her leg.


    A cramp was by itself an exasperating experience. But now, it was made worse by the couple''s


    conversation that had escted into a noisy argument.


    Oblivious to the reason why she was angry, the man gave his girlfriend a tug. ¡°Quick, find out what''s


    going on. If Yvonne really has the boss'' ear, you''d better ingratiate yourself with her. A fool like her is


    usually a sucker for ttery.¡±


    Thedy turned around and snapped, ¡°You idiot!¡±


    Avery overheard the entire exchange. As the couple didn''t think much of her, they weren''t bothered by


    her presence.


    On top of that, every employee was thinking of the same thing¡ªbrown-nosing Yvonne. Therefore, it


    wasn''t a big deal to say it out loud.


    When Avery heard thedy swear at her boyfriend, she, for some inexplicable reason, relished in


    schadenfreude.


    Meanwhile, Yvonne was blushing intensely as she watched Cayden speaking to the employees of a


    department next to them. With a throbbing heart, she said to her colleague in an egotistical tone, ¡°I only


    suggested it to him before we slept. I... didn''t expect him to really show up.¡±


    The embarrassment on her facebined with her sheepish tone demonstrated one fact¡ªCayden


    was there because of her suggestion in bed.


    Avery lowered her head.


    ¡°Mr. Moore is really charming!¡± someone cried out.


    The female colleagues who heard Yvonne''s ims began to crowd around her, letting out envious and


    jealous gasps of various degrees.


    Nina, who had also heard the rambunctious words, couldn''t help but give Avery an agitated nce.


    What''s going on? How did Mr. Moore suddenly end up sleeping with Yvonne? A-And is listening to


    whatever she says? Blech!


    Amidst the chaos, Nina felt that it was inappropriate to rify the matter with Avery.


    At this moment, thunderous apuse rang out from the department next to them. Cayden then walked


    over to the design department with an imposing stride.


    Behind him were two fearsome-looking bodyguards in suits who were in charge of his security.


    As for Xavier, he was walking alongside Cayden while reporting something with furrowed brows.


    ¡°Mr. Moore is here. Make sure you look presentable,¡± Yulissa reminded them.


    This is really unbing of them! They look like they''re about to throw themselves at him. We''re the


    design department, not his diehard fans.


    After getting in line, everyone lowered their heads to tidy up themselves. Since they had just finished


    swimming, they didn''t manage to change out of their swimsuits in time.


    Therefore, they hurried to cover themselves with whatever they could find, regardless of whether it was


    a towel or a top.


    Avery, too, had gone for a swim, as it was one of her favorite sports for relieving stress. However, it


    was the first time she had swum in an outdoor swimming pool in Ackleton that season.


    She stood where she was with her hair still dripping wet, her cramps continuing to bother her. Bitten by


    a chill from the water, she was in so much pain that she was in no mood to care about anything else.


    The only thing she could manage was to wrap the towel thepany had provided around herself.


    As the towel wasn''t big, it only shielded her from the neck to the top of her thighs. Therefore, she had


    to squat down for it to cover her entire body so as to retain body heat.


    When she finally felt the warmth in her legs, she hoped that the frequency of the cramps would reduce.


    Squatting behind the crowd, Avery finally looked up when she heard Cayden''s maic voice ring out


    from more than ten meters away.


    All she saw were many pairs of long slender legs, for everyone, as if there was a tacit understanding,


    had only covered the upper half of their body.


    Avery''s imagination began to run wild. When she considered the possibility that Yvonne was telling the


    truth, she felt a sting in her heart alongside the cramp in her leg.


    Her emotions spiraled into a maelstrom of misery.


    As no one in the department dared to say a word, the entire outdoor venue fell into pin-drop silence.


    Cayden''s proud and sexy voice was the only thing that reverberated in everyone''s ears.


    The sense of awe never left the crowd, as they were impressed by his voice upon listening to it for the


    first time.


    However, they soon noticed that Cayden, who was wrapping up his speech, had darkened his gaze as


    he stared intently into the crowd.


    One of the female colleagues gave Yvonne a nudge and whispered, ¡°Quick, look! Mr. Moore is looking


    in your direction. Ah, Yvonne! He really goes out of his way to spoil you!¡±


    ¡°No matter how perfect a man is, I''m sure he has a weakness. Yvonne, you should teach us a thing or


    two about capturing a man''s heart when we go back. You have even captivated the dream boat of


    every girl in the city in your first attempt. You''ve melted the heart of one who''s supposedly made of


    stone. This story is a worthy plot for a romantic drama!¡± another colleaguemented in envy.


    At that moment, Yvonne was fantasizing about the beautiful scenarios her colleagues had mentioned.


    ¡°Yvonne! Mr. Moore is walking over here!¡± another colleague eximed in a suppressed voice while


    making way.


    Just like her, the other employees in front opened up a path.


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    As Yulissa and Cecelia were not rank-and-file employees, they were used to such asions. Thus,


    they calmly watched on, waiting to see what Cayden was going to do.


    Standing in thest row, Yvonne, too, had no idea what had caused Cayden to take the initiative. C-


    Could it be that he has finally realized a neen-year-old girl like me can provide him with an


    experience that''s out of this world?


    Lowering her gaze, she gave her swimsuit a discreet pull to reveal more of her bosom.


    After that, she bit her lip and lowered her head in coy seduction.


    Even while looking down with her heart throbbing nervously, Yvonne could feel Cayden''s approaching


    figure.


    However, Cayden simply walked past her without stopping.


    Utterly baffled, she looked up at once.


    The colleagues who had assumed that she was Cayden''s girl were equally dumbstruck.


    ¡°Yvonne...¡± one of the nosey girls from before called out to Yvonne, as she couldn''t wrap her head


    around the turn of events.


    Nina exchanged nces with Cecelia, who was standing two meters away. Yvonne, by going


    overboard with your bragging, you have shot yourself in the foot!

 Chapter 181

    Chapter 181


    Avery, who was still in a foul mood from her cramp, looked up curiously when she noticed the crowd''s


    sudden silence. It was then that she saw Cayden walking over with a stern look on his face.


    Dressed in a sharp suit, he was surrounded by an air of divinity.


    At the end of the day, Cayden was still the boss. Regardless of whether he was in the world financial


    center, a conference room, or at a team-building activity, he would always maintain a strict expression.


    It was as if no one in this world could remove that ruthless look off his face.


    Despite driving all the way to the outskirts, he was still dressed in his usual suit, giving others a


    sophisticated and demanding impression.


    Caydening over was something Avery hadn''t seening at all.


    What is he doing here?


    With the sun in her eyes, Avery squinted at him before checking to see that there was no one else


    behind her.


    Looks like he''s here to see me.


    It wasn''t that Avery was reluctant to interact with him; she just didn''t want to do it in full view of her


    colleagues.


    ¡°What''s wrong? Are you unwell?¡± Losing his airs, Cayden knelt down and swept a worried gaze over


    her ankle and pale cheeks.


    The moment their eyes met, Avery knitted her brows and noticed that he was doing the same out of


    concern for her.


    Assuming that he hade over because he was worried about her injury, she quickly shook her head


    and averted her eyes from his worried gaze. ¡°I''m fine. You should go back to what you''re doing.¡±


    Thest ce she wanted to be was in the spotlight.


    As if the surroundings and everyone present had faded into the background, Cayden got to his feet and


    ordered, ¡°Come here.¡±


    Cecelia, who had been called, hurried over at once.


    ¡°What''s wrong with Avery?¡± Despite being filled with concern, Cayden recovered his stern expression in


    front of Cecelia.


    ¡°She...¡± Cecelia had never feared anyone at all even if they were government leaders. However,


    Cayden''s intimidating aura had caused her to be tongue-tied. ¡°Avery... Avery is having cramps in her


    leg because of the cold water. She''s feeling under the weather.¡±


    When Cecelia mentioned ¡°cramps,¡± Cayden had already turned away. Kneeling down again, he


    stretched out his arms toward Avery and asked, ¡°Can you stand by yourself?¡±


    Realizing what he was about to do, Avery instinctively got to her feet. However, the moment she


    moved, her leg would cramp up painfully again.


    When Cayden saw the grimace on her face, he picked her up in his arms without any hesitation.


    ¡°Let go of me. Put me down.¡± Avery spoke in a voice so soft that only Cayden could hear her.


    ¡°Stop moving! Or I''ll kiss you in public!¡±


    Carrying her snugly in his arms, he walked toward the ck Land Rover parked some distance away.


    When she tried to free herself, he met her gaze with a mischievous yet concerned look.


    Everyone present was dumbstruck by what they saw.


    Yvonne, too, was so infuriated by the sight that she threw her shawl away in anger.


    Silence ensued. No one dared to ask why their boss was leaving with Avery in his arms.


    As for Yvonne, whom everyone thought was Cayden''s girl, she didn''t even manage to make physical


    contact with the man.


    In fact, Cayden had ignored her outright. It was as if she wasn''t there and was no different from an


    ordinary female employee in thepany.


    To him, she didn''t even deserve a nce.


    With sunset beckoning, the event came to a close.


    While packing up, the neighboring teams started gossiping. ¡°What''s Avery''s rtionship with Mr.


    Moore?¡±


    ¡°She wasn''t able to walk, probably from a fall, or she might have just sprained her leg. Perhaps Mr.


    Moore was being kind by helping out a female employee,¡± someone else remarked naively in the midst


    of packing.


    ¡°Mr. Moore? Kind? Are you blind? Since when was he ever kind before? In fact, he is likely the coldest


    person I have ever met. Who knows, he might be the frostiest in the entire world too!¡±


    Another female employee who had heard a lot about Caydenmented, ¡°Regardless of how Avery


    injured herself, the kindest gesture Mr. Moore could manage was to instruct someone to call the


    ambnce. Other than that, he doesn''t care at all. Also, I heard that he''s extremely harsh on himself,


    let alone someone else.¡±


    Yvonne overheard those words when she returned to her car with her bag in her hand.


    As the staff from other departments hadn''t interacted with Yvonne before, they were oblivious to who


    she was.


    Ignoring Yvonne''s presence, she continued, ¡°Mr. Moore personally picked her up and carried her to the


    car. It''s clear that their rtionship is beyond ordinary. Besides, don''t you know that Mr. Moore''s


    approval is required before anyone can be hired into the design department? After all, it''s the most


    important department in the entirepany. Mr. Moore must have had an eye on Avery when she was


    initially offered the job. Also, I heard that no woman has ever sat beside Mr. Moore in the front


    passenger seat before. Someone asked Mr. Dartsley about it at the annual dinnerst year. His reply


    was that only Mr. Moore''s girlfriend or wife has the right to take that seat.¡±


    Once thedy finished packing, she looked in Xavier''s direction. ¡°Let me ask him who Avery is to the


    boss since she''s sitting in the front passenger seat.¡±


    As for Xavier, he had returned to the ck Land Rover after collecting Avery''s belongings.


    Without disrupting them both, he put her stuff into the car.


    Upon closing the door, Xavier returned to his car and sent a message before getting in.


    When Cecelia saw his message while being some distance away, she packed her things and called out


    to Nina, ¡°Let''s leave together in Mr. Dartsley''s car.¡±


    Nina''s mind was filled with questions. ¡°Really?¡±


    Looks like our statuses are being elevated on Avery''s ount!


    At that moment, the colleagues from the design department, who had ingratiated themselves with


    Yvonne, were staring at the ck Land Rover in disbelief.


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    What are both of them chatting about in the car?


    At the same time, those from other departments who were more brazen had taken out a pair of


    binocrs to spy on them.


    Just like voyeurs watching the private lives of celebrities, they were doing it to their boss.


    With the binocrs, one could only get a faint view due to the dark tint on the car windows.


    Cayden was helping Avery dry her hair with the towel thepany had provided.


    Just like a father doing the same for his daughter, his eyes were filled with affection.


    After that, he took off his jacket with a frown and wrapped it around Avery, who was shaking her head


    to decline.


    Even the way he showed his concern was equally domineering.


    Finally, what shocked everyone the most was when he leaned over and began giving her leg a


    massage.


    The icy-cold impression everyone had of him was shattered by every single one of his gestures.

 Chapter 182

    Chapter 182


    ¡°What did you see? Hurry up and tell us,¡± the colleagues to the side observing thedy with the


    binocrs urged her.


    Being new to the finance department and rtively more impressionable, the girl holding the binocrs


    naively described what she saw.


    Everyone, however, swiftly dispersed in concert after they heard her ount of things.


    ¡°It''s true, what I''m telling you,¡± said the female co-worker, clutching the binocrs very innocuously.


    One of her peers turned and looked at her. ¡°Yeah, some story that is, youngdy. You might as well go


    on and pen submissions for the romance magazines since you''re that good ating up with stories. I


    might have believed you if you had said that that woman from the design department was sitting on Mr.


    Moore''sp, seducing him, smothering him with kisses, and unbuckling his belt to throw herself at him.


    Mr. Moore putting a coat on that woman, helping to dry her hair, and massage her calves? Seriously?¡±


    Another of herdy colleagues picked up the outdoor equipment. ¡°The woman from the design


    department doesn''t look half-bad, but there are obviously much prettier ones from the public rtions


    department. I''ve never heard of any scandals involving Mr. Moore and any of his subordinates from the


    public rtions department, so it makes me quite skeptical about him getting involved with that woman


    from the design department. In any case, I''m going to just keep an open mind about this for now.¡±


    Then the crowd gradually scattered.


    The neer from the finance department stood rooted to the spot, stupefied. She whipped the


    binocrs toward her boss'' personal car once more. It was already leaving.


    While she watched the vehicle make its gradual exit, she began to doubt whether an issue with her


    brain was affecting her ophthalmic nerve, which had caused her own eyes to y tricks on her.


    Could I have been mistaken about what I saw?


    Meanwhile, Yvonne and her co-workers from the design department were traveling back to the city


    center in the same vehicle.


    When they first arrived, the bus that ferried them was filled with chatter, mostly revolving around


    Yvonne and their big boss. On the way back, however, no one was in a chatty mood. Those who


    wanted to fiddle with their phones fiddled with their phones, while others who feigned napping did so


    ordingly.


    The sobriety of the mood left Yvonne, who was originally the toast of the town, fuming.


    Yvonne was the first to alight the moment the bus reached thepany doorsteps.


    The rest of her colleagues, of both genders, twitched their lips. They were in the opinion that Yvonne


    was full of it.


    In ce of the vainglory she had before, right now, there was only shame.


    It was as though their boss had given Yvonne a p in the face in full view of everyone else who was


    there.


    All of them started to make the way off the bus.


    ¡°Are you all right, Ms. Yantz?¡± said thest person on the team to get off the bus to Yulissa. Thetter


    was still in her seat with her forehead leaning against the window.


    The head of the design department turned around. ¡°I''m okay. Just a little car-sick. You go on ahead.¡±


    ¡°All right!¡±


    And thus, off went thest employee as well.


    With her eyes to the fore, Yulissa spotted Yvonne through the windscreen of the bus. Thetter was


    standing right in front of the entrance to the Trident Group building.


    Shortly after, a yellow sports car pulled up in front of thetter.


    Yvonne thumped an angry foot against the car door. Tossing her outdoor gear into the backseat, she


    then got into the car.


    Yulissa thought, From her personal style and the car she drives, Yvonne looks every bit the part of a


    wealthy heiress. Her personality and upbringing aside, Yvonne''s family background made her at least a


    decent match for the CEO. Besides, there have not been other women around Mr. Moore. Whether


    they are socialites or movie stars, he has had no contact with them whatsoever. That makes Yvonne,


    who was parachuted into the design department, a woman well-suited to stand beside the CEO in


    every respect.


    Naturally, as the head of the design department, it is my duty to see to it that this futuredy boss


    ced under my charge is well taken care of. But from the looks of it, it would seem now that I''ve been


    betting on the wrong horse. I believe the fact that Mr. Moore left with Avery would soon rock the entire


    company. The design department could soon be affected, as the woman Mr. Moore fancies is from our


    side.


    Yet, she felt no sense of pride as the head of the design department. Quite to the contrary, what she felt


    was a sense of dread.


    In order to pander to Yvonne, she had not been too kind to Avery. The job of making coffee and serving


    drinks usually ought to be done by the newbies. Yvonne was still under probation, while Avery had


    received her confirmation about a month ago. Over that duration, however, the menial task in question


    had nheless been fulfilled by Avery.


    Even on the day before when Yvonne had given some feedback about how filthy the floor was, Yulissa


    had used her position as department head to get Avery to sweep the floor and have it mopped


    thoroughly. That was all done for the sake of Yvonne''sfort.


    To think that in the end, it was just a load of hot air from Yvonne because Avery is the one who is


    attached to the CEO!


    The thought of Cecelia and Nina getting the privilege to ride with Xavier while herself, in spite of being


    the head of the design department, had to squeeze in a bus with the remainder of the regr


    employees, left her feeling quite discouraged.


    A whileter, Yvonne hit the showers after reaching home and was preparing to turn in for the day.


    Before she slept, she could not refrain from ringing up to confide in Allie. ¡°I can''t take this anymore,From N?velDrama.Org.


    Mdm. Allie. Cayden publicly embarrassed me today. I''m sorry to let you down, but I''ve decided to


    tender my resignation first thing on Monday.¡±


    On the other end, Allie asked, ¡°What''s wrong, Yvonne? Don''t cry. Slow down and tell me what


    happened, and I''ll have it sorted out for you. Tell me, what did Cayden do to embarrass you?¡±


    Coincidentally, Yvonne''s mother overheard the entire ount of what Yvonne had described when she


    walked into her daughter''s room.


    Turning to hush her own mother, Yvonne then turned the phone to hands-free mode between her own


    sniffles.


    After taking in everything, Allie sounded disappointed as she said, ¡°Are you daft, Yvonne? Avery''s


    attached. She''s legally married to another man!¡±


    Dumbstruck, Yvonne ceased her sniveling as though she had suddenly sobered up.


    In her esteem, Avery was forced into marriage by Dn. Considering the despicable nature of the


    whole affair, she thus did not internalize that as a fact.


    Allie''s mention of it sparked in Yvonne some other ideas of her own.


    Unaware of the details, Olivia was seething at the aggrievement suffered by her daughter and the


    notion of another woman trying to hit on Cayden. ¡°Who is this b*tch who dared fight with you over your


    man? A married woman, at that? Is such a petty matter deserving of youing home to cry over it?


    Teach her a lesson and show her what''s what. Do you even need me to teach you that?¡±


    ¡°Thank you for the reminder, Mdm. Allie. I know what I must do now.¡± Yvonne''s tears made way for a


    smile.


    Elsewhere, Avery was carried upstairs by Cayden.


    Owing to the masterful massaging from hisrge mitts, her calf was no longer cramping.


    Regardless, that was not sufficient to assuage Cayden''s worries.


    After Avery got home, she quickly got changed into something morefortable. Heading into the


    kitchen to pour him a ss of water, she then urged him to attend to his own work. ¡°I''m fine now, so


    you really should get back to it.¡±


    She was deeply gratified today by everything Cayden had done to make it clear that he did not have


    that sort of rtionship with Yvonne.


    ¡°Are you happy that I took concrete steps to draw the line between Yvonne and myself?¡± said the man


    calmly as he drank the water.


    Having her thoughts seen through, Avery watched while he set himself upright and came her way.


    Closer and closer he approached until she found herself bundled into the corner with his hot breath


    bearing upon her.

 Chapter 183

    Chapter 183


    Her face blushed deeply, and her legs almost went jelly when she felt the man''s presence envelop her


    skin.


    Avery thought that Cayden was going to kiss her just as he usually would every time, seeing that


    getting frisky was a constant obsession for him.


    N?velDrama.Org owns this.


    Only that time, he did not. He merely nted his lips lightly upon her fair and smooth cheeks with his


    eyes closed and held it there until he almost had her holding her breath before he pulled away. ¡°Don''t


    make me worry about you. Stop keeping your problems to yourself, whatever they may be.¡±


    Avery bowed her head, uncertain as to what he was getting at.


    ¡°Try to rest up early. We''ll head out to town together tomorrow.¡± The movements on Cayden''s slender


    fingers which he used to prop up her chin were tentative to the point of reluctance when he withdrew


    them.


    Worn out by the day''s activities, Avery was aching all over. She could really use a good night''s sleep.


    But where is he going?


    Avery''s heart was in disarray as she watched him exit through the door.


    Cayden had disappeared on her for the whole ofst night.


    He had left her and the kids after dinner,ing back only at dawn, and she had no idea where he had


    gone during those few hours in between.


    Since a sessful man naturally had ways of keeping things secret, it might be possible that no one


    else was in the know about it as well.


    Had he really gone over to Yvonne''s, then Cayden''s disy at the outdoor activity that afternoon to


    embarrass Yvonne might have been purely just a cover.


    Within such a romantic rtionship, Yvonne would be the one who had to endure it silently.


    That would be unsurprising for a wide-eyed and impulsive neen-year-old who had willingly fallen in


    love with a grown man.


    Even if that might just be her own baseless conjecture, Avery was, in truth, unwilling to think that of


    Cayden. Never mind the negative press that often dogged countless sessful men, she was willing to


    ce her trust in him unconditionally because he was a remarkable individual and also a father to both


    Zachary and Rory.


    Avery shook her head and declined to specte about where Cayden had gonest night. But how


    could any person be expected to be this rational?


    While in the showers, Avery continued to wonder whether Cayden could have gone home to sleep. Did


    he head back to the Moore residence or the condominium?


    With Zachary and Rory both here with her, the children''s father had no reason to leave and sleep


    elsewhere by himself.


    After all, Cayden was not the man who believed in proprietary between men and women.


    From the time she showered until sheid her head down and clutched herforter close, these were


    the thoughts that bamboozled Avery until she slowly drifted off to sleep.


    While in the midst of her slumberte at night, Avery felt a weight depress upon the bed.


    The mattress in the rented room could not bepared to the luxurious bed they had back at the


    Moore residence. It was not evenparable to the better ones that were avable in the second-hand


    market.


    Technically speaking, it was just a metal frame with wooden boards of various thicknessesid out on


    top.


    A woman and child might be able to get by with it, but once a man mbered on, the boards


    underneath seemed to dip,boring under the stress of his immense weight.


    She was quite disoriented when she was roused, as she had fallen asleep swiftly and soundly, thanks


    to the strenuous outdoor activities she had gone through earlier in the day.


    Why is it so hot? Shouldn''t it be autumn already? How could it be as stuffy as a summer day? It''s


    unbearable...


    It was until she opened her eyes with a groan that she vaguely saw a man in a white shirt and ck


    dress pants crouching over her and sucking at her lips.


    ¡°Mmm... You...¡± Avery was finally wide awake.


    This feels almost too real to be a dream...


    Although she was in her nighties, the fabric was thin. With the expectation that she would be sleeping


    alone when she was bathingst night, she did not have her undergarments on.


    After a long day of climbing and swimming, she wanted to make herself asfortable as possible


    after she got in and had thus clean forgotten about the fact that Cayden was in possession of the set of


    spare keys to the room.


    Avery''s reflexive moans were soft and subdued.


    Like a husband who had returned after being away indefinitely, he gave her no prior heads-ups nor


    time to prepare. He elected to show up with his hormones firing on all cylinders in his lovely wife''s bed


    on such a beautiful morning and to use the intensity of his kisses to convey his yearning for her.


    Their bodies were pressed against each other, separated only by the clothes they had on.


    Momentster, Avery''s youthful body underwent a seismic change through the man''s deft hands.


    Her top was lifted so that Cayden''srge mitt could caress the softness of her slim and silky hips. The


    weariness of his eyes from pulling an all-nighter evoked an element of allure while a fire ignited within


    his eyes.


    Avery''s body and soul were pitted at loggerheads with each other; it actually felt pleasant for her.


    Unable to deny her body of its honesty, she went, ¡°Ah... Ha...¡±


    It could very well be the knowledge that there was no one else inside the rental room save the two of


    them that helped loosened her inhibitions.


    ¡°Are you really that sensitive there?¡± The hoarseness of Cayden''s voice was direly irresistible. His eyes


    were reddened, bloodshot from working through the night. They made him appear more intimidating,


    but at the same time, more seductive.


    Avery''s body went weak all over. Her long, ck tresses were spread loosely upon the pillow, and her


    skin, fair and smooth as an emerald, juxtaposed against the tonedplexion that was exposed away


    from Cayden''s wrist.


    ¡°Biting down on your lip and not daring to scream when you wanted... that was how you were when I


    first met you...¡± When Cayden nibbled at her neck and her corbone, his deep inflection caused the


    woman to shudder.


    Avery found herself almost short of breath.


    Through the maneuvering of Cayden''s strong hands, she was made to lie prone facing the pillow and


    with the back of her slender frame toward him.


    Soon after, she felt the man''s weight pushing down on her own body, and her own nighties pulled down


    in a single tug.


    Knock, knock, knock!


    ¡°Is there anyone in there? Avery?¡± In apaniment to the knocking came Allie''s speaking voice.


    Allie stood outside the door pushing at the buzzer repeatedly without being able to get anyone to


    answer.


    The neighbor who just came back in from grocery shopping was kind enough to inform her, ¡°That


    buzzer is not working, and thendlord hasn''t gotten around to having it fixed!¡±


    Only then did Allie realize that the doorbell was not working.


    What else could she do then?


    Knocking was the only alternative she could think of.


    Before she came over, she had given Avery a call but was prompted that the recipient''s phone was off.


    While Allie knocked, she lowered her gaze to check on the WhatsApp messages from Yvonne.


    ¡°Didn''t mean to wake you so early, Mdm. Allie, but I''m at my wit''s end. I can''t afford to sit on it because


    Cayden will be taking Avery to that distant town this time. I''m concerned that something regrettable


    might happen between them, and it wouldn''t do to have news of that going around.¡± Yvonne had told


    her previously.


    At first, Allie had found it a bit of a nuisance. This Yvonne is really something else. She can''t solve any


    problems on her own and only knows to cry for help.


    ¡°Cayden knows how to handle himself, so what scandalous thing could possibly happen?¡± Allie still had


    a lot of faith in his own son.


    ¡°But it''s a really remote town... A man alone in thepany of a woman... practically anything could


    happen,¡± came Yvonne''s retort.

 Chapter 184

    Chapter 184


    A remote town... A man alone with a woman... Anything could happen...


    Every keyword that Yvonne mentioned left much to the imagination, and that got Allie thinking that


    some precautionary measures might be in order.


    No reasonable man, no matter how aplished, could escape the charms of a beautiful woman.


    That has been the case since antiquity.


    Whether Avery could be considered a beauty was debatable, but she certainly was to Allie''s son, and


    right now, the former had her son under a spell and knee-deep in the muck.


    Having been young once herself, Allie knew well the affairs of the heart. It did not take much for one''s


    emotions to take the reins.


    The more Allie thought of it, the more flustered she grew as she raised her hand to continue rapping at


    the door.


    As she knocked away, it went from tapping to a pounding with the mounting of her fury.


    ¡°Do not hide from me since you''re in there, Avery!¡±


    The setup of the rental facilities was simple, so much so that the roomscked soundproofing


    structurally. If one spoke too loudly on the outside, everyone inside would be able to hear everything


    clearly. This was especially the case on a quiet morning like the one they were having.


    ¡°Did my mother look you up previously?¡± Cayden was able to tell as much from the timing of his


    mother''s visit, the relentlessness of her knocking, and the aggressive tone she used to shout at Avery


    through the door.


    While he traced his way down his woman''s pale nape with his lips, leaving a trail of passion in his


    wake, he was sifting through his own memories.


    As far as he could remember, his mother and Avery were not well acquainted, having only met two or


    three times prior.


    Inferring from his mother''s tone outside the doors, however, he realized she had made contact with


    Avery before and had reached a point where she felt that a basic degree of civility was no longer


    necessary.


    His mother was probably calling on Avery to demand an exnation of why thetter had gone on to


    marry Dn when she had agreed to be with her own son. Or at least, that was what Cayden thought.


    He supposed that that must stem from an inability of a mother-inw to understand her own future


    daughter-inw.


    ¡°I, uh... should go and get the door...¡± Avery tried to get up, but her slight frame was promptly and


    strongly sucked into the man''s embrace by his massive hands. Their bodies became melded together,


    slick with sweat from both of them.


    ¡°You should go to answer the door at this time only if you mean to torment me...¡±


    Cayden''s irresistibly husky voice, filled with allure, burrowed itself into the woman''s ears he had made


    especially sensitive today.


    As she was struggling a little with Cayden''s weight that was bearing down on her, Allie''s voice sounded


    again. ¡°I''m sure you don''t want everyone in the neighborhood to know about this, yes? Come on out,


    then! We have to resolve this, one way or another!¡±


    While Allie was trying topel Avery to go out using threats, Avery''s face was flushed from cheek to


    cheek; there was not one inch of fair skin on her that was not burning up.


    Listening to what Allie was saying outside got Avery unnerved. She thought about it and said to him, ¡°Y-


    You''ve heard her yourself... L-Let me... Ah...¡±


    Cayden lowered his head. The sight of the hips she was jutting out at him, time and again, only made


    his eyes burn.


    Tussling in a bid to speak to the man behind her face to face, she heard a familiar shuffling sound and


    realized that the man behind her was undoing his own belt.


    His pants were kicked off in short order, and that was when she caught sight of that monstrous thing.


    Cayden was seemingly straining at the seams and did not look likely to let go of the woman in his grasp


    even if there was an earthquake taking ce beyond the confines of their room.


    ¡°Whatever that is about, you can talk things through the phone. There''s nothing in it for you to keep


    holding back from me.¡± With that, the man went on to plow the woman''s jerky body inside that cramped


    rental apartment.


    Avery knew that there was to be no escape for her that day.


    However, she could not ignore Allie''s incessant shrieking outside either, for the neighbors could surely


    hear thetter. Having undergone the hassle of moving once, she did not wish to have to relocate a


    second time because of more gossipmongering.


    It was simply too tiring to have to keep moving time and again.


    Freeing up her two hands by slowly relinquishing her own hold on the pillow, she reached out for her


    phone. And as soon as she powered it up, a barrage of messages came flooding in.


    She had not the time to go through them. Instead, she made a priority of pulling up Allie''s number and


    hastily dialing it.


    Outside, Allie picked up the call very quickly.


    ¡°Finally switched on your phone, huh? Have you decided to talk over the phone and not meet me in


    person? I know that you''re in there, Avery, and don''t tell me that you think that these things are better


    suited to be openly discussed in these corridors of yours? Even if you don''t care about your reputation,


    I''m still conscious about mine!¡± Allie rattled off a string ofmentary on her own without waiting for


    her counterpart to speak up.


    Having ridden her fortunes on her son since marrying into the Moore family all these years ago, she


    had never felt more aggrieved than she was at this very moment.


    How could she possibly put up with having to wait outside and beg for someone her junior to open the


    door for her?


    Straining to hold her ear to the phone, Avery struggled for the words to say.


    What was she to do? Surely she could not tell Allie that her son was in heat early in the morning and


    was currently having her pinned down on the bed and was forcing himself on her.


    As she missed the optimum window for talking, Avery''s vocal cords were no longer subjected to her


    control. It was changing in tandem with the sensations in her body.


    ¡°Ah... So smooth...¡± A suppressed yelp escaped from Cayden''s throat.


    The man''s rough hands reached down to the lower part of her body. With the back of his hand against


    the sheets beneath her, his palm slid over the skin on her abdomen.


    While clutching the phone, Avery was unable to muster up a word. With her forehead held taut against


    the pillow, her eyes were closed, and every pore on her body had opened up.


    ¡°Did you not hear me, Avery Rumpley?¡± asked Allie through the phone.


    Avery sure did, but she dared not let out a whimper for fear that she might not be able to contain


    herself if she should open her mouth.


    Cayden''s heart throbbed so furiously that it might very well burst out of his chest.


    Things were not any better for Avery. Drenched in perspiration, she shut her eyes and endured the


    vition and baptism of that unfamiliar titition. Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    Almost forgetting that she was still on the phone with his mother, Avery began to let out a series of


    moans.


    She was already unable to amodate his girth on any regr day, and her current situation was


    only made worse by Allie''s exhortations to see her outside. The nervousness induced in her was


    correspondingly reflected in her physiological responses.


    ¡°I-It hurts...¡± Avery screamed unreservedly after pressing the button to end the call.


    With both hands gripping the bed sheets, she had them twisted out of shape.


    Cayden''s heart ached tremendously. Although he was ravenous that day, he understood that that was


    probably not the best time to act on his impulses. Things would have been much better without my


    mother''s presence outside. She would at least be more rxed because there is no way she can rx


    right now.


    ¡°C-Can we do this next time?¡± Her eyes were wet with tears, as it was just too painful for her. Looking


    over her shoulder at the man behind her, she was only able to see the muscr thighs he was using to


    keep him kneeling on the bed.


    ¡°Please... make your Mom leave first...¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Cayden agreed readily, but he also made it hard on her. ¡°But how do you expect me to take


    care of that in this state?¡±


    This is killing me!


    While in the man''s arms, Avery regarded him and herself inside the room, petrified and red-faced. ¡°I''ll...


    help...¡±


    ¡°And how do you n to do that?¡± Cayden was unconvinced that she knew what to do.


    ¡°I...¡±


    Even if Avery had never done it, she must have at least seen it being done before.


    Her heart pounded at an unprecedented rate. With her eyes wedged tight, she reached out toward him


    with her delicate pair of hands.


    ¡°Open your eyes and look at it!¡± Cayden grabbed her by the hands and guided them onto it.

 Chapter 185

    Chapter 185


    Allie, who was outside the door, retracted her gaze from the phone screen when the call had ended.


    As a woman, Allie''s sixth sense had been tingling throughout the morning. Why did Avery pick up the


    phone but said nothing? What is she up to? Also, did I just hear her moaning on the phone just now?


    Was she moaning in pleasure?


    At that thought, Allie had goosebumps all over her body.


    ¡°Avery! Open the door now!¡± Allie was eager to find out who the adulterer was.


    Before she went over, she had already rung Dn''s parents, and they had told her that their son was


    still in bed.


    Besides, Allie had thought it was impossible to find Cayden there because Xavier said Cayden had


    been working overtime for the past couple of days. Hence, it was safe to assume that he had been


    sleeping in the office.


    She gathered that the reason Cayden had been working overtime was that he wanted to get all the


    business matters settled before going to Livingsfill to keep Averypany.


    Allie was infuriated because neither she, Rory, nor Zachary had been treated with such attentiveness


    by Cayden. Who would''ve thought that Avery was such a promiscuous woman? Her husband is


    sleeping alone at home, and the man who adores her has been working overtime because of her! How


    could she be having sex with another man so early in the morning? I must catch this wh*re red-handed


    today!


    Having decided what to do, Allie, like a maniac, shouted at the top of her lungs, ¡°Avery! I know what


    kind of naughty business you''re up to in there! You guys can''t possibly stay in there for the rest of your


    lives, can you? I''m going to stay here all day long if I have to! I''ll wait for you toe out. You''re not


    getting out of this!¡±


    At this moment, the wooden bed in the cramped rented house started creaking.


    As Cayden was picking up the pace in bed, the sound got even more rhythmic.


    In between the creaking sounds were their rapid breathing.


    Avery was enjoying the moment and trying to stay alert at the same time because she was afraid that


    he would go overboard. When he was about to climax, she endured the embarrassment and held him.


    Cayden let out a moan and held her hands.


    After a few more thrusts, he finally ejacted.


    Avery leaned against the window and nced at Cayden as she took a few deep breaths to calm


    herself down.


    Still blushing uncontrobly, she retracted her hands and pulled a nket over to cover herself.


    Cayden lowered his head and kept his eyes shut for a while to relive what had just happened. With a


    gulp, he opened his eyes.


    Avery looked into his eyes and saw the passion and desire filled within.


    At that moment, Cayden''s musky and masculine scent filled the room and got rid of all the emotional


    barriers between them.


    Avery bowed her head, but Cayden lifted her chin with his slender finger and leaned in for a kiss on her


    lips.


    A passionate kiss ensued. By the time Cayden retreated, her lips and tongue had already gone numb.


    He then proceeded to kiss her cheeks and ears, his burning and steamy breaths breezing past her


    ears.


    Allie was still waiting outside the door, and her patience was running thin.


    She kept calling Avery on the phone, but no one picked up.


    Right when Allie clenched her fists and wanted to knock on the door, the door opened.


    Avery was in her conservative-looking pajamas made of cotton when she opened the door.


    Allie was stunned. She stared at Avery before shifting her gaze toward the inside. Indeed! There''s a


    pair of male leather shoes!


    Judging by the brand and workmanship of the pair of shoes, Allie knew it was of a renowned designer


    brand. Those shoes are expensive!


    ¡°Not bad. You''ve found yourself a rich man, haven''t you?¡± Allie looked at Avery in disbelief.


    Avery closed the door and went to get a pair of slippers for Allie.


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    Allie kicked the slippers away in disgust. She walked straight into the living room with her high heels


    and threw her purse on the couch.


    ¡°Where''s that man? Does he not have the balls toe out?¡± Allie had already thought about what to


    do prior to that. If the man was an influential man in the business world or the entertainment industry in


    Ackleton, she would catch that man red-handed by using her identity as Dn''s aunt. She didn''t want


    the Moore family''s reputation to get tarnished.


    ¡°There''s no man,¡± Avery replied calmly before going to the kitchen to pour Allie a ss of water. She


    then ced the ss of water on a coffee table in front of the couch.


    Allie didn''t drink the water, of course. Instead, she sat down and asked, ¡°There''s no man here?¡±


    Avery nodded. ¡°Nope.¡±


    Allie stared at Avery intently for quite a while before turning toward the closed bedroom door. After that,


    she nced at the pair of shoes at the entrance and asked, ¡°What about that pair of leather shoes?¡±


    ¡°Your son came in that pair of shoesst time around, and Zach poured some water on it. Xavier sent a


    new pair of shoes here, so Cayden left them behind,¡± Avery exined.


    ¡°You''re so shameless, Avery!¡± Allie smashed the ss of water, stood up, and walked toward Avery.


    Before Avery could react, Allie started tearing Avery''s pajamas apart.


    ¡°What the hell are you doing?¡± Avery thundered.


    ¡°How dare you tell me there isn''t a man here? You betrayed my nephew and my son and had sex with


    another man! Avery, you''re truly something else!¡± Allie found countless hickeys all over Avery''s fair


    skin.


    Not only her neck and corbones, but even her shoulders were full of hickeys. One could only imagine


    how intense the sex was.


    The hickeys on her breasts were even more apparent. In fact, she looked like a woman who had sex


    with countless men that morning alone.


    p!


    With fury in her eyes, Allie delivered a tight p across her face.


    ¡°You''re still keeping men around after marrying my nephew! How are you so shameless?¡± Allie raised


    her palm into the air and was about to deliver another p.


    Avery immediately held Allie''s palm and stared right back at her.


    With her eyes narrowed, she retorted, ¡°Have I not always been a shameless woman in your eyes?


    ording to you, I''ve seduced your son, my biological brother, with ulterior motives, no? After I''ve


    failed to seduce your son, I''ve gone after your nephew, instead, haven''t I? Didn''t you say you gave birth


    to me, and I was born with the sole purpose of making life difficult for you? Why did you only p me


    now? Why didn''t you do it in front of the Moores and the Musks?¡±


    Allie was stupefied. Her hand was trembling, and her eyes flickered.


    Allie had only wanted to catch Avery cheating, and she had no intention of letting the man hiding in


    there know she was rted to Avery by blood. If this gets out, my reputation of being a housewife of a


    prominent family is going to get tarnished!


    Evidently, it was toote. Someone had already gently pushed the bedroom door open. When Cayden


    came out, he was already back in his dazzling suit. His gaze, however, was as frigid as ice.

 Chapter 186

    Chapter 186


    Cayden was utterly bewildered.


    Yet, any sane person would have no trouble understanding what had just been said between those


    two.


    I remember Mom saying, ¡°Avery! I know what kind of naughty business you''re up to in there! You guys


    can''t possibly stay in there for the rest of your lives, can you? I''m going to stay here all day long if I


    have to! I''ll wait for you toe out. You''re not getting out of this!¡± I heard that when I was having sex


    with Avery. Mom said it so loud it was impossible not to hear her.


    The reason Cayden had carried on with the sex was that he had thought that Allie was just worried


    about him. I thought Mom was worried that I would end up getting intimate with my cousin''s wife. After


    all, that''s very wrong. However, after Mom came in, she said, ¡°Not bad. You''ve found yourself a rich


    man, haven''t you?¡±


    It was then Cayden started to have a weird feeling about the conversation.


    Although he couldn''t pinpoint the reason he felt that way, the fact was that things were far from what he


    had expected.


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    The conversation that followed was rather confusing for people who weren''t aware of what was going


    on.


    ¡°How dare you tell me there isn''t a man here? You betrayed my nephew and my son and had sex with


    another man! Avery, you''re truly something else!¡±


    When Cayden heard that, he was in the process of tidying himself up.


    What happened after that was the p.


    When Cayden heard that crisp pping sound, his heart ached for Avery. One of them is my mother,


    while the other is the mother of my children. Why are they fighting?


    By the time Cayden was done dressing up and opened the door with a frown on his face, he heard


    Avery saying, ¡°Have I not always been a shameless woman in your eyes? ording to you, I''ve


    seduced your son, my biological brother, with ulterior motives, no? After I''ve failed to seduce your son,


    I''ve gone after your nephew, instead, haven''t I? Didn''t you say you gave birth to me, and I was born


    with the sole purpose of making life difficult for you? Why did you only p me now? Why didn''t you do


    it in front of the Moores and the Musks?¡±


    Cayden finally knew what was going on after he heard that. Now I know why she left me and said she


    couldn''t forget about Zayne. Heck, she even went on a blind date with an employee from another


    company! Having gone through everything, she must have been on the verge of breaking down. Yet,


    she was telling me all those nonsensical things. When she told me I could be his brother, I thought she


    had a fetish or something. It turns out there''s a reason behind everything she has said and done. Mom


    has been the problem all this while!


    ¡°Cayden?¡± Allie was getting anxious. She smiled amiably and said, ¡°Ery''s got me so confused! I


    thought she was sleeping around with indecent men.¡±


    Ignoring Allie, Cayden walked toward the coffee table and took the lighter and cigarettes he had left


    there earlier in the morning.


    After lighting it up, he took a drag and said to Avery, ¡°Pack up and leave at nine sharp.¡±


    Avery''s cheek was still red because that p was quite hard.


    Cayden stared at her face for quite a while before retracting his gaze. As he left, he told Allie to leave


    as well.


    Suddenly, the cramped rented house fell silent once again.


    Avery went to wash up. Standing in front of the basin, she sshed a handful of water on her face.


    The moment she decided to have a fallout with Allie, she knew there was no way she could ever have


    a mother-and-daughter rtionship with Allie. Even if the DNA test were to show that I am Allie''s


    daughter and Cayden isn''t her son, I still wouldn''t see her as my mother.


    Right then, beads of water could be seen dangling on Avery''s eyshes. However, she had no idea if


    they were tears or the water she had sshed on her face.


    Back at the Moore residence, Xavier had already picked Zachary and Rory up for school before seven


    in the morning.


    Lily and Kendrick were staying in the west wing of the residence. Hence, they wouldn''t have a clue if


    something were to happen in the east wing.


    Despite how early it was, Jeffrey was already downstairs watching the gardeners water the nts.


    When he saw Cayden and Alliee back, he didn''t think too much about it until he heard the


    As far as Jeffrey was concerned, Cayden was undoubtedly a domineering and dictatorial man.


    However, Cayden would always be more lenient in his family''s presence. It was known that Cayden


    would always turn a blind eye as long as nothing immoral and uwful had been done.


    Hence, Jeffrey couldn''t help but wonder why Cayden was arguing with his mother.


    Cayden had been giving Allie the silent treatment all the way home. To her surprise, he didn''t even


    me her for anything.


    However, she knew Cayden well enough to know that he was the most frightening when he kept silent.


    I can''t just keep quiet. Otherwise, Cayden will believe everything Avery says.


    ¡°Everything I did, I did it for your own good. I know you''re a sensible man, and you know what you''re


    doing. But do you know how many sensible men have fallen because of women? Trident Group is now


    in total control. You can''t lose your sanity over a woman, Cayden!¡± Allie knew she had to defend her


    actions.


    Upon hearing that, Cayden halted in his tracks when he was just about to head downstairs.


    He turned around and stared at Allie sharply. ¡°Didn''t Dad do the same thing back then? Didn''t he


    abandon his wife to live freely with you? Since I''m rted to both of you by blood, I don''t think you


    should be too surprised by my actions.¡±


    Back then, Bruce and Lily were still legally married. In the public eye, however, Allie was widely


    regarded as Bruce''s second wife.


    At that time, it seemed that everyone had forgotten that they were living in a monogamous society.


    ¡°Cayden, don''t forget the fact that Ery is Dn''s wife! If I were to tell everyone what you''ve done with


    Avery this morning, I doubt your grandpa would forgive you! You might not care about the Moore


    family''s reputation, but the same can''t be said for your grandpa!¡± Allie knew she wouldn''t be able to get


    Cayden to submit to her, so she had resorted to dragging Jeffrey into it.


    ¡°Tell my grandpa, then! Tell him now!¡± Cayden roared, and his expression darkened.


    The housekeepers instantly shivered in fear when they heard that.


    With a grim expression and a cold gaze, Cayden continued, ¡°If it weren''t for you, my perfect mother,


    Avery wouldn''t have been forced to marry Dn, would she? When Ie backter, I''ll get to the


    bottom of how the hell I end up being Avery''s brother!¡±

 Chapter 187

    Chapter 187


    Allie hated Avery. From the very start, when she knew that her surname was Rumpley and that she


    was the daughter of Leonardo Rumpley, she had begun to hate her.


    Any woman could marry into the Moore family and be her daughter-inw, except Avery.


    Absolutely not!


    In the past, as she was worried about her son''s feelings and the harmony of the family, she had


    covered up her dislike for Avery. However, in secret, she had been plotting to separate them.


    However, seeing her son''s rage now, besides feeling guilty, Allie also felt that there was nothing to hide.


    She no longer felt the need to hide her attempts to separate them.


    She no longer cared if everything was exposed. Cayden would always be her son and she would


    always be his mother. Blood is thicker than water and nobody could change that in this lifetime.


    ¡°What do you want to get to the bottom of when youe back? Do you want to get to the bottom of


    how your mother was abandoned by your father when you were young and had to live with a man like


    Leonardo?¡± Allie thought of her son''s intelligence and his tenacity to get to the bottom of things, so she


    decided to own up first.


    As she had expected, there was a look of shock on Cayden''s exquisite face.


    Allie burst into tears, and the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes became more visible. ¡°I don''t want


    anyone to know about that unfortunate experience in my past. Your dad was a very domineering and


    ruthless person during his lifetime. If he knew that I left him and lived with Leonardo, your father would


    not forgive me easily! He will not ept you easily either! I''ve been keeping this a secret for more than


    twenty years!


    ¡°It''s been twenty years now, and even though your father is gone, I still don''t want you to know about


    this unhappy past. So I tried my best to prevent you from having a rtionship with Avery. I thought you


    were with that kind of woman just for fun. Since it''s fun, it''s better to end the rtionship soon. I don''t


    want you to be like me, ending up being trapped by someone from the Rumpley family...¡±


    As Allie spoke, she went to the dresser and opened a safety deposit box installed below it.


    The valuables such as jewelry that were originally ced there were gone. In their ce was only a


    stack of receipts.


    ¡°Take a look at these.¡± Allie handed the stack of bills to Cayden.


    Cayden lowered his eyes and looked at them. These were the bills issued by the buyers when each


    piece of jewelry was sold.


    Allie loved jewelry, which was quite characteristic of most women.


    Throughout these years, there had been plenty of charity events for the auction of jewelry, and Cayden


    would inevitably participate in them. However, they were nodies at home, except for his mother and


    infant daughter.


    Since his mother liked the jewelry bought from the auctions, he would bid without hesitation every time


    and then had the jewelry delivered to his mother.


    Nheless, the jewelry that she liked had all been sold.


    His mother should not becking in money. She spent casually without restrictions, but any amount


    used had to be recorded. This had been customary with the Moore family for eons.


    Beginning with the generation of Jeffrey''s father, the family had had this good habit of documenting any


    usage of money so that no one could do anything illegal.


    So what happened to the money that was obtained from the sales of these valuables?


    Seeing the questioning look in her son''s eyes, Allie heaved a sigh. ¡°Leonardo fell sick. He needed a


    huge sum of money for medical expenses. Coincidentally, at the same time, I forced Avery to leave


    you... Knowing that I had a secret rtionship with her father, she deliberately came up to harass me...


    From that time on, this father and daughter had been ckmailing me countless times... Finally, now


    that all my jewelry has been sold, I no longer have the money to pay them. What happened this


    morning, whether it was a coincidence or a deliberately designed game, I no longer care...


    ¡°I daresay that no mother on earth would want her son to have a rtionship with such a woman! She


    is not for you! In order to keep you two apart, I lied, saying that she is my daughter. I wanted her to


    know that her future was secure and that she never had to worry about her future. As my daughter, she


    would never be poor or have to suffer. I would give her the money she needed as long as she stayed


    away from you. Who would have thought she would speak out about this matter now? I think she just


    realized that I have exhausted my reserves, and there is no money left to give her! She wants to take


    revenge and at the same time drive a wedge between us! As long as we are disunited, she will stand a


    chance to fool you into being her ally against your own mother.¡±


    As Allie talked, her mind was working fast to make up the lies, and she hoped that after she had


    finished her speech, she could be convincing enough to send Avery and her invalid father into a


    desperate situation from which they would have no hope of recovery.


    As Cayden listened and watched his mother''s performance, he was not taken in at all. On the contrary,


    he sensed indescribable anger rising within his being.


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    Why can''t she tell the truth? Not even at this point?


    Cayden was firm when he chose whom he could trust. Before leaving, he looked at his mother and


    said, ¡°Avery is not a schemer, but she is not stupid. There are indeed many women who worship


    money, but she is not among them. I don''t doubt my ability to judge a person''s character. For that


    reason, as an example, from an early age, I was able to judge your character.¡±


    Allie was saddened when Cayden looked at her with that cold, distant expression and told her off.


    Even though she had tried her best to convince her son, he did not believe her. He believes the vixen


    whom he has only recently be acquainted with.


    Cayden paused for two seconds before he spoke again with a cold and hard expression. ¡°If a son is


    unwilling to believe his mother, then she should reflect on whether she has poked her nose where it''s


    not wanted.¡±


    Showing wisdom, the housekeeper had gone downstairs. It was not right to eavesdrop on their


    employers'' conversations.


    Strictly speaking, not a word was supposed to be heard.


    The housekeeper was cleaning downstairs when a very somber Cayden came down. She stopped her


    work and greeted him respectfully, ¡°Mr. Cayden.¡±


    Cayden''s thick brows were furrowed fiercely as he walked out of the yard. In his prim and proper suit,


    he looked like a quirky noble in a movie.


    ¡°Cayden, what are you¡ª¡±


    Jeffrey saw his grandson walk away without looking back. He was about to speak to him, but the car


    elerated and left.


    Allie had lost her son''s trust, and she was prepared for the worst. No matter what it took, she was


    determined to stop Avery from bing a member of the Moore family.


    At this point, only Jeffrey could stop her son.


    ¡°Dad, are you not going to do something? He''s rebelling against me now!¡± Allie came down from


    upstairs, crying in disappointment.


    Jeffrey was dumbfounded.


    Allie told the whole story and then stressed, ¡°If the Musks know that Cayden has slept with their


    daughter-inw, they will kick up a fuss! This can lead to serious trouble. No doubt Dn did take


    Avery away from Cayden, but the marriage certificate is protected byw. Dad, will you allow your


    grandson to continue bringing disgrace to the Moore family?¡±


    Listening to that, Jeffrey was so shocked that he gasped for breath.


    Allie hurried forward to support him and shouted to the housekeeper who was at the door some


    distance away, ¡°Call Mr. Cayden quickly! Go! Just say Old Mr. Moore has a heart attack.¡±

 Chapter 188

    Chapter 188


    Feeling scared, the housekeeper quickly called Cayden on the phone.


    With trembling hands, she dialed the number, but no one answered the phone. She dialed a second


    time, but no one answered, either.


    Each time, however, the phone had rung on the other end.


    Finally, when the housekeeper lost count of the number of times she called, someone answered the


    phone.


    ¡°Mr. Cayden, Old Mr. Moore has fainted in the yard from a heart attack! Pleasee back and have a


    look!¡±


    In the hospital, Jeffrey was lying on the hospital bed. After being rescued, he had already woken up,


    and his vital signs had finally returned to normal.


    Allie sat on a chair beside the hospital bed, ming herself and wiping her tears.


    When Lily and Kendrick heard about it, they rushed over as soon as possible.


    Kendrick was Bruce''s second son, and he had a deep affection for his grandfather. After his father


    passed away, he had grown up living under the same roof as his grandfather.


    Jeffrey was strict, but that was because he was a responsible grandfather tasked with the proper


    upbringing of his grandchildren.


    His affection for his grandfather was even deeper than his feelings for his father, who died of illness


    when he was still a young child.


    There was something else that was precious and memorable, which was the reason why Kendrick felt


    grateful to his grandfather.


    Back then, when his father had wanted to abandon his mother and marry Allie, his social-climbing


    mistress, it was Jeffrey who had adamantly disagreed and threatened to take his own life. Thus, the


    mother and son were able to continue living in the Moore residence.


    Kendrick remembered that while his parents were arguing over their divorce, the once glorious Berry


    family was going through a terrible downfall.


    If not for Jeffrey, Kendrick and Lily would have been ruthlessly driven out of the house and Allie would


    have taken over their home. They would be homeless, living on the streets, and looked down upon by


    society.


    Kendrick''s gratitude to his grandfather had always been hidden in his heart, concealed by a rebellious


    facade. He wanted to repay his grandfather, but he really had no talent when it came to business.


    Kendrick''s eldest brother, on the other hand, was born with the perfect genes to be the heir to the


    Moore family business.


    However, his brother''s biological mother was disgusting.


    Kendrick frowned as he gazed at Jeffrey, who was panting weakly and lying there on the hospital bed.


    In his grateful heart, an old man like his grandfather deserved to live a long life without suffering from


    sickness and pain.


    Lily looked at Allie, who was still crying. She felt that things could not be taken at face value, so she


    asked, ¡°When I went out in the morning, Dad was fine! Why did he suddenly suffer a heart attack?¡±


    Lily was certain that she understood Allie''s character through and through. The shameless woman was


    not the type who would cry because her father-inw had a heart attack.


    There was more to this than meets the eye.


    The high-ss ward was very spacious, with a bed and a row of cabs on one side. The other side


    was furnished like a living room with couches and a coffee table.


    Cayden had been silent from the time he arrived at the hospital.


    Jeffrey was first pushed into the emergency room and then the long rescue process began. When it


    ended, the lights in the operating room changed, and finally, the old man was pushed out. Throughout


    all that, Cayden did not utter a word.


    Everyone waited quietly until the old man woke up, and they watched the doctor announce that all his


    bodily functions had returned to normal.


    In the quiet ward, no one answered Lily''s question. At the head of the bed, the nurse in charge lowered


    her head and carefully massaged the hands of the old man so that the backs of the old hands fitted


    with intravenous needles could be morefortable.


    Right then, Cayden''s steady and orderly footsteps were heard in the ward.


    It was long past the agreed time to leave for Livingsfill, but Avery''s phone was unreachable. Cayden


    could not help but worry.


    In the morning, Allie''s words about her had been too scathing.


    Lying on the hospital bed, Jeffrey moved as he could recognize the footsteps even with his eyes


    closed. He called out weakly, ¡°Cayden... Stop... Don''t leave...¡±


    Lily gazed at Jeffrey.


    Kendrick turned to look at Cayden, who was headed toward the door.


    This simple cry from Jeffrey made something quite clear.


    Cayden was the reason behind Jeffrey''s heart attack and fainting spell.


    As Cayden had always been sensible and filial, Lily was puzzled by how he could have upset Jeffrey


    this time.


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    Allie took the tissue offered to her by a nurse and dabbed her eyes, which were red from crying. Then


    she lifted her head and said, ¡°All of you, please go out.¡±


    Immediately, Kendrick got up to go out as he understood that his grandfather, elder brother, and Allie


    needed to talk.


    Lily did not want to leave as she wanted to know what had happened, but Kendrick led her out forcibly.


    The nurse was also asked to leave.


    In the end, there were only Jeffrey, on the hospital bed, Allie, eyes all red and swollen at his bedside,


    and Cayden, who was standing motionless at the door.


    With her head lowered, Allie sat on the chair and wiped her eyes with a tissue. ¡°Cayden, I know you


    hate me for telling your grandpa about this, but you have to understand that other than this, I can''t do


    anything. You can''t risk losing so much because of one woman!¡±


    Taking advantage of Jeffrey''s frailty, Allie rushed to finish her speech before he could say anything.


    ¡°Back then, when I was alone with you, life was so hard. When I was struggling, my parents disowned


    me, and my former friends didn''t help me. I was on my own. The most gratifying thing was that I still


    had you. But reality dealt me another blow again. In order to protect you, I had to ept the help of a


    man like Leonardo.¡±


    This recitation was for the benefit of Jeffrey and Cayden.


    Bruce had passed away, so she no longer needed to fear her violent and ruthlesste husband.


    Nevertheless, the backbone of the Moore family, Jeffrey, was still alive.


    What had happened today was irreversible. Since her son was not on her side, as a mother, there was


    nothing she could do but enlist her father-inw''s help and ask him to see to justice.


    Jeffrey''s health was frail, and he was easily worked up, but she had no choice. In desperation, she had


    got him to resolve the matter and in doing so, she had put his life at risk.


    Avery must be stopped from marrying into the Moore family, whatever the cost.


    ¡°As far as I know, before the Moore family brought me back, I grew up in an orphanage!¡± Cayden''s


    calm, icy voice filled the ward.


    He had neverined about his past.


    Even though he sympathized with Lily and knew how unsavory his own mother was, Allie was his


    biological mother and he had to support and respect her.


    However, the truth was that his mother''s deeds in her youth had made it impossible for him to feel


    close to her.


    He respected her from afar and took care of her needs, but he had never opened his heart to her and


    they rarelymunicated.


    From the time he lived in the orphanage and thenter returned to the Moore residence, he gradually


    became sensible and understood the hical actions the adults had taken. He listened to their


    quarrels from time to time and the scandalous incidents destroyed his innocence, forcing his mind to


    distinguish right from wrong.


    His mother was a schemer and an unwed mistress who had used despicable means to attain wealth.


    This was the in truth that could not be whitewashed.

 Chapter 189

    Chapter 189


    Jeffrey closed his eyes and kept quiet as he listened to the conversation between Cayden and Allie.


    After a brief pause, Allie came up with an idea and put all of the me on Lily.


    ¡°I never knew you had so many questions about me... I would''ve answered them all if you had just


    asked me, but you never did!¡±


    She then started sobbing again as she recalled the memories of the past. ¡°Back then, I was forced to


    leave your biological father. It was unsafe for me to stay in Ackleton, but you were still too young to


    survive on your own, so I could only try hiding in smaller towns. Even so, Lily''s men were able to track


    me down wherever I went. Having a child is the easiest way for a woman to secure her position in a


    wealthy family like this one, and Lily had no kids at the time. I, on the other hand, gave birth to a baby


    boy. While I wasn''t sure if she knew about your gender back then, I had to hand you over to an


    orphanage to ensure your safety. At the very least, the director of the orphanage would be responsible


    for looking after you. It''d be a lot safer than me carrying you around while I hid from Lily. We could both


    end up dead on the streets, and it''d probably be made to look like an ident!¡±


    Jeffrey''s frown deepened when he heard Allie''s harsh words.


    I have two daughters-inw¡ªone of them being Lily, and the other Allie. Since Lily was born into a


    family with a decent background, she was able to marry into our family. However, it was precisely


    because of her decent upbringing that resulted in her marriage having issues. Of course, the one truly


    responsible for it all is my ungrateful son who cheated on her.


    Allie is a lot wilder and knows how to please men better, which is something that Lily will never be able


    to learn. Moreover, a high-status woman like Lily wouldn''t allow herself to please a man like how Allie


    does. Lily used to be such a reasonable and gentle person, so when did she change so much? Was it


    after she found out that her husband was cheating on her? After all, there is only so much mental and


    physical abuse a person can take. Not only did Lily lose the love and warmth that her marriage


    should''ve provided, but Allie also used underhanded means to destroy everything else she had.


    Lily''s loss of support from her family after its destruction only emboldened the two even further. Despite


    my best efforts to help maintain order in the family, I couldn''t get Bruce to change his ways and love her


    again. It''s almost as if going crazy and taking extreme measures is the only way for Lily to protect


    herself from the abuse. I know full well which of them is the wicked one, so there''s no way I''d believe


    Allie''s words about sending Cayden to an orphanage just to protect him! She most likely did it because


    he was preventing her from finding another man!


    With that in mind, Jeffrey opened his eyes and nced at Cayden, who was still standing by the door.


    ¡°Come here, Cayden. There''s something I have to tell you...¡±


    As much as Allie wanted to gain Jeffrey''s sympathy through her acting, she stopped sobbing


    momentarily so she could hear his solution to the problem.


    Cayden was worried about Avery''s condition, and he also didn''t want anything to happen to Jeffrey, so


    he made his way over obediently.


    Mustering whatever strength he had left, Jeffrey uttered with a frown, ¡°The Moore family name must not


    be ruined, or I won''t be able to rest in peace...¡±


    ¡°It''s not as bad as you think, Grandpa. Just rx and take good care of your health,¡± Cayden replied


    calmly while pulling the nket up to Jeffrey''s chest.


    Jeffrey liked Cayden''s confidence and how he never disappointed anyone in everything he did.


    After all, he had always managed to deliver on his promises.


    ¡°I have long since acknowledged Ery as my granddaughter-inw. That''s why I rushed over to the


    Musk residence to get her back as soon as I found out about her marrying Dn!¡± Jeffrey exined.


    Cayden nodded, as he knew without a doubt that Jeffrey''s actions showed his full approval toward


    Avery.


    ¡°However, I need you to know that Ery is now legally married to Dn. I''m telling you this because I


    don''t want you to let it get to your head and end up doing something you''ll regret,¡± Jeffrey added.


    ¡°Don''t worry; I know what I''m doing,¡± Cayden reassured him confidently as he stood next to the bed.


    Realizing that things were not going the way she wanted, Allie quickly protested, ¡°Dad! Why would you


    still believe his words? He woke up in Ery''s bed this morning! In other words, he has slept with


    someone else''s wife!¡±


    Cayden shot her a cold re in response, but Allie ignored his gaze and continued desperately, ¡°What


    Cayden did is no different from what Bruce and I did back then! We''ve learnt our lesson, and Bruce


    repented his actions as well. Bruce won''t be able to rest in peace if Cayden makes the same mistake


    he did!¡±


    Having a headache, Jeffrey closed his eyes and took a deep breath before saying, ¡°Cayden, listen very? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    carefully now. You must keep your hands to yourself for as long as Ery remains married to Dn. We


    cannot afford to let anyone get any more dirt on our family.¡±


    ¡°Dad, are you still supporting Cayden''s decision to be with Ery?¡± Allie eximed while frowning at


    Jeffrey in disbelief.


    As it wasn''t a busy time of the year, there weren''t a lot of passengers taking the train at the time.


    While on the way to Livingsfill, Avery was sitting all by herself in one of the carriages and staring at a


    halfpleted blueprint on herptop.


    The other colleagues that were headed for Livingsfill drove there on their own.


    They didn''t offer to give her a ride because they figured she would be travelling with Cayden.


    Since he didn''t show up at nine as he promised to, Avery had no choice but to take the train instead.


    By the time the train got closer to Livingsfill, she nced out the window andpared the view of her


    hometown to the blueprints on herptop.


    At about one in the afternoon, Avery got off the train in Livingsfill with a twenty-four-inch silver suitcase


    in her hand.


    Her colleague from the HR department, who had been waiting for her at the station, greeted her the


    moment she saw her. ¡°Hi, Avery! I tried calling your phone a few times, but I couldn''t get through to you


    at all!¡±


    ¡°Really? Hold on, let me check...¡± It wasn''t until Avery pulled her phone out from her handbag that she


    realized it had switched off on its own.


    The colleague then drove her to a house and handed her a key as she said, ¡°This is where you''ll be


    staying. It''s the best ce we could find that was up for rent, so you''ll just have to make do with it.


    Here, be careful not to lose the keys. I need to rush back to the office after taking care of everyone''s


    amodation. Just give me a call if you need something, okay?¡±

 Chapter 190

    Chapter 190


    The colleague went downstairs after that, leaving Avery all by herself on the second floor.


    After unlocking the door, Avery saw that it was a small room with about twenty square meters of space.


    It had wooden flooring, a single bed, and a simplistic-looking cab.


    Avery was about to start unpacking her stuff when her colleagues from another department came


    upstairs.


    The first one to show up was a young man in histe twenties. Walking up to Avery''s room, he dared


    not enter her room. Instead, he stood at Avery''s room door and said, ¡°Hi, are you Avery from the design


    department? My name is Christopher Zimmerman.¡±


    ¡°Hello, Christopher. I''m Avery Rumpley,¡± Avery greeted him politely in response.


    Christopher pointed at the stairs and said, ¡°We haven''t had lunch yet. We checked the restaurants in


    town, but we couldn''t find any with a decent environment. Somedies on our team who seldom go on


    a business trip couldn''t stand dining in a lousy restaurant. Our team leader says you grew up here, so I


    figured it''d be best if you showed us around instead. We could do some grocery shopping on our way


    back and cook our own meals next time.¡±


    ¡°No problem. I''ll be downstairs in a minute!¡± Avery replied while setting her suitcase down.


    ¡°Take your time. We''re in no rush,¡± Christopher said before heading down the stairs.


    Christopher might say they''re in no rush, but it''s almost two in the afternoon now! I have to hurry up, or


    it''ll be dinner time soon!


    With that in mind, Avery plugged her phone into a power bank and ran after Christopher with just her


    keys and purse.


    As her phone started up, messages and notifications started flooding in one after another.


    The first thing she saw were notifications of Cayden''s missed calls. There was also a WhatsApp text


    message from him that read: Call me back when you switch your phone on.


    Since Avery was about to head out with her colleagues, she found it inconvenient to give him a call at


    the time. As such, she texted him a reply: We''ll talkter. I''m heading out to shop for groceries with my


    colleagues.


    N?velDrama.Org owns this.


    Surely enough, Cayden quickly texted her: You''d better not let me catch you cooking for other guys!


    Meanwhile, in Ackleton, Allie headed straight for Toby''s house after leaving the hospital.


    ¡°What happened? Why did youe rushing over in such a hurry?¡± Toby asked while staring curiously


    at her.


    Allie nced at Talia, who wasing down the stairs, before saying to her elder brother, ¡°What else


    do you think? Of course it''s about the young ones! Avery may be your daughter-inw, but she''s also in


    a rather plicated'' rtionship with my son, Cayden.¡±


    The looks on both Toby''s and Talia''s faces turned gloomy when they heard that.


    No one liked hearing about their daughter-inw being with another man, even if it was the truth.


    Despite knowing full well that they would get mad, Allie decided to say it anyway.


    ¡°A year ago, thepany managed to secure the development rights for a town in the neighbouring


    city. Now that the development process has finally started, Avery headed over to the town as a member


    of the design department. Had I not done everything in my power to stop my son, he would''ve gone


    there with her this morning!¡±


    Toby''s eyes went wide instantly. ¡°What?¡±


    As Talia looked down on Allie, she reacted to her statement a little differently. ¡°Your son knows that


    Avery is my daughter-inw, but he still¡ª¡±


    Allie cut her off, ¡°Listen up, Talia! My son wouldn''t have wanted to go there if it hadn''t been for Avery


    dropping all those hints! There''s no way a healthy young man like him could possibly resist that vixen''s


    temptations!¡±


    Right as the two of them were about to go off at each other, Dn came out of his room after spending


    half the day sleeping.


    ¡°What are you all arguing about? Who''s the vixen?¡± he asked whileing down the stairs.


    Allie, who was sitting on the couch, shot him a nce and eased up on her tone significantly as she


    replied, ¡°Who do you think? Your wife is the only one charming enough to be called a vixen!¡±


    One of the housekeepers came over and handed Dn a ss of water.


    After downing the entire ss to relieve his thirst, he handed it back to the housekeeper and said,


    ¡°You''re a woman too, Aunt Allie. You should know that you can''t just brand every single charming


    woman out there as a vixen.¡±


    ¡°I''m not wrong about her being a vixen, though! Avery is just a nobody from an ordinary family whose


    father and grandfather are gravely ill, and she shamelessly relies on seducing rich men just to support


    herself! That''s exactly what a vixen does!¡± Allie protested.


    ¡°You stole myte uncle from his wife back in the day, Aunt Allie. That''s a lot worse than what Avery


    has done to Cayden and me, but you don''t see us calling you a vixen,¡± Dn replied with a smile,


    talking back to Allie for the first time.


    Because he had said all that with a polite smile, Allie found herself unable tosh out at him.


    Handling such messy family affairs wasn''t Toby''s strong suit, especially when his daughter-inw was


    involved.


    As such, he shot Talia a nce and motioned for her to take over instead.


    Talia took the hint and turned toward her son as she said, ¡°You really should do something about your


    wife, Dn. You two are legally married, and we have acknowledged her in front of our rtives. Your


    father and I have always wanted you to divorce her and cut her out of your lifepletely, but we''re


    willing to put up with her because of her baby!¡±


    ¡°Wait... Are you saying that Avery is pregnant?¡± Allie asked in confusion, as she didn''t know about the


    pregnancy at all.


    Talia nodded and replied, ¡°Yes, that''s right. She''s pregnant, which is why Toby and I are epting her.


    We may not like her, but we do like the baby she''s bringing us.¡±


    Unsure if that was good news or bad news for her, Allie fell silent as she pondered about what she had


    just heard.


    Talia then shifted her gaze back toward Dn and continued, ¡°Avery is your wife, so we''re in no


    position to get involved in this. As if her hardlying home even after marrying you wasn''t bad


    enough, she went to some developing town while she''s pregnant with your child! What on earth is she


    ying at? Is she trying to cause harm to the baby?¡±


    As Toby wasn''t getting any younger, he feared that Dn would end up doing something wrong and get


    himself locked up in prison again. For someone of his age, having a grandchild around was all that he


    could possibly want in life.


    Toby, too, believed that Avery was nning on getting rid of the baby after he heard Talia''s words. ¡°Go


    to Livingsfill right now and bring Avery back here! She can go wherever she wants after she gives birth


    to my grandchild. Until then, she stays here with us! No exceptions!¡± he shouted angrily while pointing a


    finger at his son.

 Chapter 191

    Chapter 191


    Allie left immediately after she had sessfully caused chaos at the Musk residence.


    Upon arrival at the hospital, all she saw was Cayden keeping Jeffreypany beside the hospital bed.


    Lily and Kendrick were nowhere to be seen.


    Hmm... It looks like Cayden is really worried about his grandpa... In that case, I hope Jeffrey will take a


    lot longer to recover! In fact, it''d be even better if his condition worsens to a point where he needs his


    grandson by his side at all times! That way, Cayden will have to forget about Livingsfill and focus


    entirely on looking after his grandpa! Being the eldest son of the Moore family, he must stay by his


    grandpa''s bedside, or he''ll bebeled as an unfilial grandson! I know I''ve probably lost all of my


    humanity trying to keep Avery away from Cayden, but I have no other choice! The day Avery marries


    into the Moore family will be the day my suffering begins! Honestly, it''s almost as if Avery''s sole


    purpose in life is to make things difficult for me!


    Her train of thoughts was interrupted when the housekeeper in charge of serving Jeffrey came in with a


    lunchbox in hand.


    Allie then opened up the lunchbox and took the food out.


    ¡°These are all your favorite dishes, Dad. Here, eat up. It''ll help speed up your recovery,¡± she said while


    feeding him the food.


    Although Jeffrey was still ill, he did have quite an appetite.


    Halfway through feeding him, Allie began, ¡°Dad, there''s something I need to tell you about right now.¡±


    Instead of trying to stop her, Jeffrey simply kept quiet and waited for her to go on.


    Knowing Cayden''s temper, Allie didn''t dare look at him as she continued, ¡°Toby asked to see me


    earlier, so I went over to find out what it was about. W-Well... H-He told me that Ery is pregnant with


    Dn''s child...¡±


    Surely enough, Jeffrey''s expression froze the moment he heard that.


    What? If Ery truly does love Cayden, then she should take every precaution to remain chaste for him! If


    Dn dares force himself on her, we can just sue him for assault or something! Her silently getting


    pregnant like this, however, is just downright being disloyal toward Cayden!


    Cayden shot his mother a cold re before exining patiently to Jeffrey, ¡°That''s not true, Grandpa.


    Dn made that up on the fly just so he could trick Uncle Toby.¡±


    As the truth turned out to bepletely different from what Allie was expecting, she found herself


    tensing up so much that she nearly dropped the spoon in her hand.


    Meanwhile, in Livingsfill, Avery did everything else except the cooking. After washing and cutting up the


    vegetables, she went off to buy kitchenware, such as tes and silverware.


    The colleagues all exchanged contact information with each other over dinner, and they even ordered


    some beer after the meal.


    Since Avery wasn''t good at holding her liquor, she decided to limit herself to a ss of beer.


    ¡°The air here sure is great! I can''t wait to see what this ce will look like when we''re done with


    developing thend!¡± Christopher eximed while cleaning up the table.


    Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    The beautiful scenery was the only attractive part about Livingsfill.


    Even so, they had to stay there for a period of time and experience it themselves in order toe up


    with the perfect proposal.


    Avery was doing the dishes in the kitchen when a car pulled up outside.


    Everyone nced in the direction of the car upon hearing the noise, but Avery couldn''t see anything


    from where she stood.


    Momentster, two guys could be seen stepping out of the Porsche Cayenne that was parked outside


    the building.


    ¡°All right, we''re here! I''ll be heading home now, okay?¡± said the guy who came out of the passenger


    seat.


    Dn handed him a wad of cash, and the guy ran home happily with the money after that.


    The residents of Livingsfill knew it was only a matter of time before the town would be demolished for


    development purposes.


    Given the hugemotion caused by the arrival of the employees and construction crew, it became a


    lot more obvious that the demolition would soon take ce.


    Dn didn''t know Avery''s exact location, as she had neither answered Dn''s calls nor replied to his


    texts. Left with no other choice, he asked around for a bit and came across someone kind enough to


    show him the way.


    The employees of Trident Group had no idea who Dn was, but they figured he could be a director of


    some sort after seeing his car and outfit.


    Dn gave off a slightly intimidating vibe as he asked with an eyebrow arched, ¡°May I know where


    Avery is?¡±


    One of them pointed in the direction of the kitchen, prompting him to make his way over.


    As running water had long since been supplied to Livingsfill, Avery was almost done with the dishes


    when Dn walked up behind her. She was so focused on doing the dishes that she didn''t hear him


    coming at all.


    It wasn''t until he wrapped his arms around her waist that she jumped in shock.


    Because the sink was facing the kitchen door, Christopher and the others were able to see everything


    clearly from the outside.


    He then turned around and asked one of the colleagues in surprise, ¡°Wait... I thought you guys said


    she''s dating Boss?¡±


    Christopher had assumed that her colleagues from the design department would know more, but they


    all looked just as confused as he was.


    Wondering who the man hugging Avery was, some of them even pulled out their phones and tried


    asking their colleagues in Ackleton about it.


    Avery was so shocked that she tossed the te away and jumped away from Dn.


    ¡°Is that any way to respond to your husband giving you a hug?¡± Dn asked with a smile when he saw


    the look of fear in her eyes. He wasn''t even mad, as he didn''t actually like Avery, but he did like her


    faint scent which remained on his body after the hug.


    Mmm... She smells nice...


    Meanwhile, one of the employees standing outside had received a reply from their colleague in


    Ackleton: Avery and Boss aren''t in a rtionship like that. Turns out, we''ve all gotten the wrong idea


    about them. Yvonne exined the situation to us when she came to work today. ording to her,


    Avery is actually the wife of Boss'' cousin. Long story short, Boss is only concerned about Avery''s well-


    being as a rtive. I think he''s worried about Avery because she''s pregnant now.


    Cecelia, who was nning to work overtime in the office, overheard the colleague when thetter was


    sending the voice message.


    A few secondster, that same colleague sent another voice message, saying, ¡°The guy hugging her in


    front of you all must be her husband. I''d back off to give them some privacy if I were you! Don''t want to


    ruin their lovey-dovey moment now!¡±


    Having heard that, Cecelia quickly sent Xavier a WhatsApp message that read: What''s going on? I


    heard Dn has headed over to Livingsfill and is currently running his hands over Ery! Does Boss


    know about this?

 Chapter 192

    Chapter 192


    Xavier was waiting to pick Cayden''s kids up from school when he saw the message from Cecelia.


    ¡°Mr. Dartsley!¡± Rory called out in her most adorable voice possible as she ran toward him.


    Xavier scooped her up with one arm and held Zachary''s hand with the other before heading toward the


    car.


    ¡°When will Daddye pick us up from school again, Mr. Dartsley?¡± Zachary asked.


    Both he and Rory knew that Cayden was very busy, but they didn''t dare say a thing about it when they


    saw the icy-cold look on their father''s face. Since Cayden was rarely around, the kids could not help


    but found themselves pitiable.


    Things seemed to change when he started spending more time with themtely, but he went back to


    being mostly absent again in the past few days.


    Rory, too, looked at Xavier curiously after hearing her brother''s question.


    Xavier made sure their seatbelts were securely fastened before replying with a serious expression,


    ¡°Your father is a little busier than usual, so he won''t be free for quite a while. I''ll try asking him when he


    can pick you two up from school again.¡±


    He then closed the back door of the Bentley and returned to the driver''s seat.


    As he was driving the kids back to the Moore residence, Xavier quickly forwarded Cecelia''s message


    over to Cayden.


    About ten minutester, Xavier received new orders from his boss.


    From N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Are we not going home, Mr. Dartsley?¡± Zachary asked when he stared out the window and saw that


    they were going in a different direction.


    Are we perhaps going to visit Ms. Ery? That''d be great!


    ¡°I''m taking you two to see your father,¡± Xavier replied.


    In Livingsfill, Avery forced herself to finish cleaning the dishes and drying the utensils while her


    colleagues gossiped among themselves outside.


    Having figured out who Dn was, they returned to their rooms upstairs so as to give the married


    couple some privacy.


    ¡°You know, this is the first time I''ve seen you do housework ever since we got married. When will you


    come home and cook a meal for Mom and Dad?¡± Dn asked while watching her from the kitchen


    door.


    Stay calm, Avery... He''s just here to annoy you.


    Avery tried her best to ignore him as she continued wiping thest te dry.


    After cleaning up the kitchen, she wiped her hands dry and walked past the empty courtyard. Avery


    was about to go up the stairs when she felt her arm being grabbed from behind.


    She then spun around instantly, red angrily at Dn, and shouted out loud, ¡°Let go of me!¡±


    Despite her struggling with all of her might, she was simply too weak to break free from his grip.


    Dn was squeezing Avery''s wrist so tightly that it had turned red. ¡°We''re husband and wife, Avery.


    Can you not be so hostile to me every time we meet?¡± he asked gently with a smile.


    Avery shook her head and said coldly, ¡°Since when have we be husband and wife? I don''t see us


    as a married couple at all! A marriage certificate means nothing to me unless I consent to that


    marriage!¡±


    She then pulled her hand free and ran up the stairs after that.


    Since the windows were closed, the colleagues who were on the second floor couldn''t really hear what


    they were saying.


    However, they could see what was going on and figured Avery had gotten into a bad fight with her


    husband.


    Upon entering her room on the second floor, Avery quickly locked the door for fear of Dn barging


    into her room.


    She then quickly cleaned up the room, pulled up a small table, and ced herptop on it.


    A few minutester, her phone started ringing.


    She answered the call the moment she saw that it was from the famouswyer, Weston.


    ¡°Hello, this is Avery speaking!¡±


    ¡°You added me on WhatsApp, didn''t you? After I hang up the phone, I want you to send me the exact


    address of your current location so I cane over,¡± Weston said.


    ¡°Is it about the divorce? Can''t it wait till tomorrow?¡± Avery asked.


    I heard Weston charges by the minute! Not only is his time extremely valuable, but it is also ridiculously


    expensive!


    ¡°Boss'' orders. He said it''s about time you move on with the divorce procedure. You''re not the person


    that I''m going there to see, though,¡± Weston replied.


    I''m guessing he''s referring to Cayden as ¡°Boss.¡± As for the divorce procedure...


    Avery made her way over to the window and saw Dn ying with a stray dog. She instantly


    understood what Weston meant.


    Weston was unable to get a hold of Dn in Ackleton. I''m guessing he already knew why Weston was


    looking for him. Despite Dn and Cayden being cousins, the two of them have always hated each


    other. Dn must know that Weston is on Cayden''s side, so he probably decided to just avoid Weston


    to be on the safe side. Now that Dn''s here in Livingsfill, Weston could probably meet him here if he


    rushes over in time.


    With that in mind, Avery ended the call with Weston and sent him her location.


    The sky had turned dark about an hourter, but Dn still refused to leave.


    He even came upstairs and tried knocking on the door, but Avery refused to open it no matter what.


    While I really don''t want to open the door, Dn might get bored with this town and return to Ackleton.


    If that happens, Weston won''t be able to catch up to him!


    After giving it some thought, Avery opened the door and went back to working on herptop.


    ¡°Are you that busy?¡± Dn asked as he came into the room. Seeing as there weren''t any spare chairs


    lying around, he had no choice but to sit on the floor like Avery did.


    Due to theck of a backrest, Dn soon got tired of sitting, and hey down as he watched her work.


    It wasn''t long before his gaze shifted from the design blueprints on the screen to the serious look on


    her face.


    By the time Weston arrived, Dn had fallen asleep on the floor.


    ¡°Are you asleep, Mr. Musk?¡± Weston asked in a formal tone.


    Dn slowly opened his eyes when he heard that, only to see Weston staring at him inside the tiny


    room.


    ¡°It was really difficult to get a hold of you, Mr. Musk. Thankfully, my patience and efforts have paid off!¡±


    Weston continued as he sat down on the floor and handed Dn a folder containing a stack of


    documents.


    Dn''s eyes went wide when he saw the pen and the words ¡°divorce agreement¡± written on the front


    page. He then quickly nced about the room, but Avery was nowhere in sight.


    D*mn... I can''t believe this woman had the guts to set me up like this!

 Chapter 193

    Chapter 193


    Avery was nowhere to be seen.


    Even though Dn did not care about what others thought of him, he would prefer not to be the


    laughingstock that the employees of Trident Group gossiped about.


    He left the small town only because he did not want to make things ugly.


    Weston then put the divorce papers and his pen back into the briefcase before getting into his car to


    follow Dn, the potential defendant in the divorce case.


    While driving, Weston drank a can of energy drink for a mental boost. Even though the man was almost


    thirty years old, he had never had to chase after a defendant like that.


    None of his clients before was worth the time and effort to do so.


    Basically, Weston would never deal with simple divorce cases involving assets of less than a billion.


    From N?velDrama.Org.


    After the two people left, Avery''s colleagues in the building all opened their doors to discuss what had


    just happened.


    Christopher, who was sending over a few bottles of mineral water to his female colleagues, overheard


    one of them saying, ¡°Weston just came here personally. Can you believe that?¡±


    ¡°Why was he here?¡± inquired another colleague, who was in the dark about the situation.


    Anna, the female colleague who started the conversation, replied, ¡°Why else? I heard Weston left the


    building as soon as Avery''s husband did. Weston mentioned something about a divorce agreement,


    and Avery''s husband said he never thought about getting a divorce. He refused to sign the agreement.¡±


    It was in to see that Avery wanted a divorce, but not her husband, Cayden''s much-talked-about


    cousin who drove a Cayenne.


    Based on that information, it was only natural to conclude that Weston was thewyer Avery had hired


    as their mediator.


    Christopher raised an eyebrow curiously as he took a sip of his energy drink. ¡°Who exactly is Avery of


    the design department? Weston is no ordinarywyer. That man charges a few hundred for just a few


    minutes of consultation. Even if one could afford the fees, Weston isn''t always avable.¡±


    Financial capabilities aside, why would Weston ever agree to represent a nobody like Avery?


    Anna responded to him with a shrug. ¡°Who knows?¡±


    Meanwhile, the subject of the discussion, Avery, was outside ke''s house.


    Before going to work in Livingsfill, Avery had gone to visit ke. She had wanted to remind her


    grandfather to take his medicines on time and try to rx.


    In return, ke had reminded Avery to focus on her job instead of him. He had also wanted her to


    remember to get enough rest and not burn herself out in pursuing her career.


    Before leaving, Avery had requested from ke the keys to the old house.


    Earlier, when Dn was sound asleep in the room, Avery had received a message from Weston, who


    could not find the exact location of the house she was staying in.


    Avery had not wanted to wake Dn, so she had sneaked out to contact Weston.


    After she had told Weston the directions, Weston had told Avery to let him handle the situation and


    asked her to go somewhere else to avoid unnecessary conflicts between her and Dn.


    To Avery''s colleagues at Trident Group, Livingsfill was a terrible ce. She could understand why they


    would think that way. After all, they grew up in a big city.


    Avery, on the other hand, had lived in ces far worse than the small town. On top of that, Livingsfill


    had a special ce in her heart.


    After taking out the keys, Avery unlocked the heavy and worn iron gate and entered the courtyard of


    the old house.


    To many city-dwellers, it was nothing but an ancient-looking courtyard. However, to Avery, it was a


    ce filled with countless memories of her childhood and adolescence.


    When she was around seven years old, her grandfather kept several geese there.


    When the geese were little, grass was an important part of their diet. Hence, ke would dice up grass


    and put it into a bowl to feed the geese.


    ¡°Grandpa, Mommy hasn''t seen me for so many years now. What if she doesn''t recognize me when I


    bump into her after school one day?¡± inquired the young Avery.


    ¡°Don''t you like living with me? There aren''t any geese, green grass, or fresh air at your mother''s ce,


    you know?¡± responded ke.


    When young Avery heard that, she realized ke knew where her mother was.


    As grown-up Avery stood in the courtyard, she could not help but think about how her grandfather and


    father were convinced that Allie had given birth to a daughter for the Rumpley family.


    Fortunately for ke, he did not remember much about Allie.


    Since it had been so many years, he could barely even remember the name of the daughter-inw he


    had never met.


    On the other hand, Leonardo, who was suffering from lung cancer in a hospital bed, still believed that


    Allie gave birth to Avery.


    Avery wondered who her birth mother was, if not Allie. I don''t think Dad ever mentioned any woman


    besides Allie. He would know if somebody else gave birth to his daughter, wouldn''t he? What made him


    so sure that Allie was my birth mother?


    Meanwhile, in Ackleton, Jeffrey woke up at around nine o''clock at night because he was thirsty.


    After opening his eyes, Jeffrey realized that his eldest grandson was nowhere to be seen. Only the


    caretaker, his two great-grandchildren, and Xavier remained in the room.


    ¡°Where''s Cayden?¡± asked Jeffrey weakly.


    Xavier approached the elderly man with a deadpan expression to reply, ¡°Boss went out to get some


    studying materials for Zach and Rory.¡±


    ¡°Why would he do it himself?¡± Jeffrey did not seem convinced.


    Rubbing her eyes, Rory exined, ¡°Our teacher gave us an assignment that requires our parents to


    get us studying materials to improve parent-child rtionships. She even specified the store to which


    Daddy had to go. If he doesn''t, Zach and I will get a scolding.¡±


    Xavier nodded before he voiced concernedly, ¡°I wonder if Boss knows what he''s doing.¡±


    ¡°Why wouldn''t he? I''ll be damned if a grown man like him has trouble buying studying materials for his


    children,¡± scoffed Jeffrey.


    ¡°I''m usually the one who does that because Boss can''t go to crowded ces,¡± added Xavier.


    ¡°And why is that? Because he thinks he''s so good-looking that the women out there would start


    catcalling him when they see him? How vain of him!¡± Jeffrey held nothing back when he finally got the


    chance to mock his grandson, who was indeed exceptionally handsome. ¡°If that''s what he''s worried


    about, he should have gone out sooner, and Zach and Rory would have a mother.¡±


    Jeffrey was upset that things turned sour between Cayden and Avery. What good did his wealth and


    pretty face do him? He''s almost thirty years old but still single. Even those poorer and uglier are living a


    better life than him now.


    In the middle of his ranting, Jeffrey slowly fell asleep.


    Unlike the hustle and bustle of a city, the nighttime in Livingsfill was quiet.


    Avery and her colleagues were getting ready to sleep when they heard a car pull up.


    When they set their eyes on the vehicle, they realized it was their boss.


    There was no mistaking to whom the car and the license te number belonged.


    No matter male or female, everybody was afraid of Cayden, so they hurriedly got dressed and went


    outside.


    However, the man did not get out of his vehicle after driving into the courtyard. Instead, he looked


    around the ce with his deep-set eyes and questioned, ¡°Avery''s asleep?¡±


    ¡°I... I don''t think so,¡± answered one of Avery''s female colleagues after turning around to look at the


    window of Avery''s dark room. ¡°Ery went out and hasn''t returned yet. She told us not to worry about her


    because she just wanted to visit her old house.¡±


    ¡°Get some rest,¡± suggested Cayden briefly before backing his car out of the courtyard and driving


    away.

 Chapter 194

    Chapter 194


    However, Avery''s colleagues no longer felt sleepy even though Cayden was already gone.


    Despite the fact that the man had left as quickly as he arrived, everyone was inexplicably nervous after


    the sudden visit.


    They felt as if their boss had just made a spot check, mainly because they thought their performance


    was not up to standard and was probably far from their boss'' expectations.


    Christopher got so troubled that he could not help but turn to his colleagues to inquire, ¡°How''s Boss''


    rtionship with his cousin? The one who drives a Cayenne.¡±


    In response, the man''s colleagues shook their heads.


    ¡°How would we know? Boss has always kept his private life under wraps. Not even the paparazzi could


    get anything out of him,¡± stated Anna.


    In the past few years, only a newly emerging magazine publisher managed to get a photo of Cayden


    having breakfast with his children in the previous month.


    The day that picture was published, many female workers at the office got themselves a copy of the


    magazine so they could read it while working. All of them thought Cayden was extremely charismatic,


    for not only was he handsome and capable, but he was also a single father who loved his children.


    Anna was one of the workers who drooled over Cayden''s photo. When the woman saw the picture, she


    was deeply motivated to work hard and better herself so that she had a chance at winning an eligible


    bachelor like Cayden.


    After some thought, Christopher was wide awake, and he took his jacket. ¡±I''m going to look for Avery.


    Who''sing with me? We came here together as a team, so I don''t think it''s right for us to just stand


    here and do nothing while she''s still out there. What if something happened to her?¡±


    I don''t see how things will end well for us if anything bad happens to Avery. I don''t doubt this is a quiet


    town, but that doesn''t mean everybody here is a saint. No matter where we go, we have to assume that


    evil is just lurking around the corner.


    Anna then volunteered to go with Christopher. ¡°I''ll go. Avery told me the exact location of the house


    when we went to get groceries today. We even passed by it. I can take you there.¡±


    ¡°Go! Hurry.¡± The other colleagues nodded in agreement with the two, who quickly got into the Land


    Rover and drove away to search for Avery with nothing but shlights.


    Meanwhile, at the old house, Avery was utterly surprised to see Cayden.


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    When the man left for Livingsfill, he had not told a soul about it. Naturally, neither ke nor Avery had


    been informed about it.


    ¡°What are you doing here sote?¡± inquired Avery. That was the first sentence she said when she saw


    him.


    Cayden then entered the courtyard to approach Avery. ¡°What are you doing up sote?¡±


    The ce was filled with grass, but it was impossible to see its color because of how dark the night


    was.


    There was a certain charm about the man in a suit as he walked through the vegetation in the middle of


    the night. He was like a me attracting moths and beckoning to them.


    When Cayden finally reached her side and stared intently at her, Avery instinctively lowered her head


    and posed a question as if she was avoiding him. ¡°Is... Is your grandfather doing okay?¡±


    ¡°He''s fine. His condition has stabilized for now,¡± replied Cayden patiently while his deep-set eyes gazed


    at the top of Avery''s head.


    Cayden was supposed toe to Livingsfill with Avery and the others, but he did not.


    Avery only realized that Jeffrey had been admitted to a hospital because of a heart attack after Cayden


    sent her a message.


    Cayden did not tell Avery what caused the incident, but she assumed it was because of what Allie had


    seen that morning.


    Avery did not doubt that Allie had told Jeffrey everything.


    She knew that Jeffrey had nothing against her, but it did not mean that the elderly man would ept


    the absurd fact that Cayden had walked out of her room that morning while she was still legally married


    to Dn.


    Understandably, that was difficult to ept for an old-fashioned man.


    ¡°Did your grandfather allow you toe over?¡± Avery could not think of anything else to talk about, so


    she decided to go with that question.


    The yard was dark and quiet, so the only sound the two could hear was crickets chirping. However, the


    atmosphere was unsettling instead of calming.


    Avery thought her inability to think straight could also be due to Cayden''s intense aura, which was hard


    to ignore.


    The woman could not tell what Cayden was thinking, since he simply frowned and lighted his cigarette


    in silence instead of answering her.


    Staring at the cigarette between the man''s fingers, Avery was d that she at least had something to


    focus her attention on.


    Slowly, Avery shifted her attention from the lighted cigarette to Cayden''s fingers.


    Avery had seen many types of fingers over the years, but none were as captivating as Cayden''s.


    Even though Cayden noticed Avery''s stare, he said nothing about it. Instead, he casually lifted his


    fingers to put the cigarette to his lips.


    While taking a drag, Cayden sessfully pulled Avery''s gaze upward.


    When their eyes eventually met, Avery could not help but blush when she realized what she had done


    unknowingly.


    Immediately, the atmosphere around the two turned awkward.


    Even though Avery was unsure what to chat about, she deliberately came up with another question to


    ease the awkwardness. ¡°You probably drove for three hours, right? Have you had dinner yet? Would


    you like me to get you something to eat?¡±


    The woman smiled faintly at Cayden as she tried to persuade him to leave the courtyard that was filled


    with an awkward yet amorous atmosphere.


    However, the man quickly stopped Avery when she attempted to leave.


    With the hand holding the cigarette, Cayden gently grabbed Avery by the wrist.


    He turned around and pulled Avery into his arms, hugging her from behind.


    At that moment, Avery''s heart raced much faster than usual. Even though she wanted to look back, she


    did not dare to meet Cayden''s gaze again.


    The man''s intense aura, tall nose, sexy lips, defined jawline, and the intoxicating smell of his perfume


    mixed with the light scent of tobo would make it impossible for any woman to resist him.


    Wrapping one of his arms around Avery''s thin waist, Cayden took his time as he breathed in the sweet


    smelling from Avery before saying in all seriousness, ¡°I am indeed hungry after that long trip.¡±


    To that, Avery immediately stammered, ¡°Well... Then, we should... We should get you something to eat


    ¡ª¡±


    Before she could finish her sentence, Cayden suddenly tightened his arms around her. For some


    reason, Averypletely lost her strength when the man turned her around to press his wet lips


    against hers. ¡°You''re the only one who can satiate my hunger,¡± whispered Cayden.

 Chapter 195

    Chapter 195


    Avery could barely handle Cayden''s rough kiss.


    The two''s auras were both intimate and unfamiliar with each other as they gradually interwove to


    be one.


    Probably because they had shared an intimate moment that morning, Cayden felt as though he had


    be a beast with an insatiable appetite while he unleashed his wildness on Avery''s soft lips.


    Even though the woman let out a soft moan in pain, Cayden continued to press his lips hard on hers as


    if he was ready to swallow her whole to quench his thirst.


    At that moment, the man was like a child who had tasted candy for the very first time.


    Cayden had longed to taste Avery. He had used to do that for an entire month. After that morning, he


    was reminded again of how sweet she tasted.


    A child who had found the perfect candy would do anything just so he could have it rolling around his


    tongue and melt it in his warm mouth. Cayden felt the same way because there was nothing he would


    not do to taste Avery once again.


    To him, the woman was his perfect candy.


    Avery was almost out of breath as she continued to be mped by the man who cared about nothing


    but giving her the wettest and roughest kiss of her life.


    Avery had lost almost all her senses; she could only follow Cayden''s guide while she lost herself in the


    kiss.


    Even though it was a breezy night in the small town filled with fresh air, Avery found breathing difficult,


    since the smell of dangering off of Cayden had filled her nostrils.


    The hormonal scent indicated the man''s desire and determination to get what he craved.


    Avery only managed to catch a couple of breaths before Cayden slid his tongue back into her mouth to


    continue teasing her.


    Avery could smell the grass around them when a cool breeze blew by, but instead of sobering her up,


    the scent made her feel even more intoxicated.


    The temperature inside her mouth slowly increased, and feeling Cayden''s warm hands on her skin did


    not help with the situation.


    ¡°Let''s get into the car?¡± suggested Cayden.


    Avery immediately regained some consciousness when the man spoke. With her hands pressed


    against Cayden''s warm chiseled body, she gazed at him and inquired, ¡°You''re... You''re not going back


    tonight?¡±


    Avery knew what the man would say, so she quickly added before he even had a chance to open his


    mouth, ¡°Your grandfather isn''t going to like this.¡±


    Cayden, too, had returned to his senses, even though his arm remained wrapped around Avery.


    Avery was sure she loved Cayden. Her feelings for him had started off as her admiration for a


    handsome senior. After that, she began to admire him as a powerful man of high status. When she


    confirmed that the exceptional man was indeed the senior that she had once fallen for, she felt proud.


    On top of that, sheter realized that they had already had sexual rtions since long ago, and she


    had even given birth to a pair of twins.


    It was at that moment Avery was pleasantly surprised, and she was over the moon at the revtion.


    She was especially happy after learning that Cayden was still interested in her.


    Their rtionship was no longer innocent or ambiguous. It had turned into something strong,


    straightforward, and extremely intimate. For them, it had be a pure desire to be one with


    each other, physically and spiritually.


    There was sheer determination in Cayden''s eyes. If Avery wanted to be with him, nobody would be


    able to stop him from making that happen.


    ¡°So what if he doesn''t agree?¡± Cayden questioned rhetorically in a low and deep voice before scooping


    Avery up in his arms.


    Then, he walked across the weedy courtyard and headed for the front door as if he knew the ce like


    the back of his hand.


    ¡°What are you trying to do to me? We can''t just...¡± Avery looked nervously at Cayden before trying to


    break free.


    ¡°What else can I do to you?¡±


    Cayden reached into Avery''s pocket and pulled out a pair of keys.


    The big one was for the gate, and the small one was for the front door.


    Cayden remembered old keys like those because he used to have one when he was still a student. He


    used to live in the best two-story building in Livingsfill.


    ¡°Avery, are you inside?¡± asked Christopher in a slightly raised voice with a shlight in hand.


    He did not want to be too loud because he worried he would disturb the neighbors.


    However, Avery would not be able to hear him if he called out too softly.


    The gate to the courtyard was closed but not locked, so Christopher went in and looked around with the


    help of his shlight.


    Still, he did not find anyone but used items at the ce. Since he grew up in the city, many of the things


    he saw were unfamiliar to him. The man was clueless about what most of them were for.


    Christopher did not appreciate the ancient-looking courtyard, and he did not like such a grassy


    courtyard very much.


    ¡°I don''t think Avery''s here. This ce is so dark that it''s bone-chilling,¡±mented Anna.


    ¡°Didn''t you say that you and Avery passed by here when you were getting groceries today? Did you


    notice if the gate was locked?¡± Christopher continued to shine his shlight around while talking to his


    colleague.


    ¡°How would I be able to see if the gate was locked from across the street? All I saw was how many


    stories the house has and the condition of its doors and windows. We also talked about her childhood,


    but that was it,¡± replied Anna while folding her arms across her chest.


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    In the rural town, the night got so cold that it was enough to make anyone shiver.


    Christopher led his colleague out while he stated, ¡°I don''t think they would''ve locked the gate. Just look


    around; there''s nothing here worth stealing.¡±


    ¡°You''re right.¡± Anna agreed with the man. ¡°Avery probably didn''t stay long aftering here. Having


    lived in this town for so many years, she must have rtives around these parts, right? Maybe she just


    went to visit them.¡±


    The two then got farther from the house, and when they reached outside, Christopher shone his


    shlight at Cayden''s car. ¡°I thought Boss was looking for Avery, so where is he? If you ask me, I think


    Avery''s pretty lucky that she got to be Boss'' cousin-inw. I mean, the man came all the way here just


    to help save his cousin''s marriage.¡±


    Since they could not find Avery, Christopher and Anna eventually decided to leave.


    Meanwhile, it wasplete darkness in the house, since no light was turned on.


    There was a bed on the north side of the house. However, since it was wet and covered with dust, it


    was not fit for use.


    Hanging on a window on the south side were ordinary-looking curtains. Even though the inside of the


    house was pitch ck, Avery still instinctively closed the curtains when she saw her colleagues walking


    into the courtyard.


    As she was doing that, Cayden suddenly went into her from behind, and immediately, their breathing


    intensified.

 Chapter 196

    Chapter 196


    Feeling her body tighten, Avery swallowed all her moans as she gripped the curtains in front of her


    tightly.


    Yet, with the man behind slowly easing himself into her, she inhaled sharply as her mind went nk,


    tugging the flimsy curtains to the ground.


    ¡°Rx.¡± Cayden lowered himself to kiss her slender neck. The woman''s skin appeared to glisten more


    than usual under the moonlight.


    While moving slowly, Cayden left another mark on her skin¡ªone that was neither too obvious nor pale.


    ¡°Ahh! Mmm...¡±


    Unable to resist the man''s tongue on her body, Avery raised her neck as she shifted all her weight


    against the window.


    The deeper Cayden entered her, the more difficult she felt it was to even breathe.


    She could only continue to gasp for air so as to not suffocate.


    The weather had indeed turned cold. As soon as she opened her eyes, she could see the window


    fogging up due to her breath.


    The difort she felt onlysted about five minutes and was soon reced by a tingling sensation.


    That feeling wasn''t new to her.


    She had felt the same thing, whether it was five years ago after she had gotten used to the man''s


    presence or from the time she made out with the man at the hotel earlier that year.


    With one hand on her waist, Cayden used his other hand to remove Avery''s clothes as his knuckles


    kepting into contact with the ss window Avery was leaning on due to their movements.


    Eliciting a strong reaction from the woman, he leaned nearer toward her. ¡°Do you like it?¡± he asked in a


    rugged and electrifying voice while panting heavily.


    His words sent Avery into a full shudder.


    She couldn''t even speak at that point. All she could do with the man''s lips on hers was moan.


    The moon rose to its highest point after some time, and the couple''s breaths drowned out the sound of


    crickets outside.


    Despite knowing how much he wanted her and how determined he was to win her over, Cayden


    honestly felt as though he had be this woman''s piece of candy.


    For despite him having swallowed her, she was, in fact, the one swallowing him.


    Opening his lust-filled eyes and gazing down at thepliant woman in his arms, Cayden flipped her


    over, allowing their eyes to finally meet as her ck hair brushed against his arms.


    It wasn''t hot in the house, and yet she shook her head, saying she felt warm.


    Cayden was puzzled for a moment. Does she want more, or does she want me to stop?


    With a grunt, the man felt something he had never felt before.


    He felt just like a piece of candy that had just been unwrapped. While the candy was dry at first, it


    would eventually moisten upon entering a person''s mouth, just like every other dry candy, regardless of


    its vor.


    No matter how big the piece of candy was, it would then slowly grow ustomed to the wetness of


    one''s mouth.


    Cayden had ced his phone on the narrow windowsill after seeing those two employees barge into


    the courtyard.


    However, the phone now fell to the concrete floor with a loud thud due to the couple''s intense motion.


    Having been lifted to face him, Avery clung to him cheek against cheek, feeling like she had lost her


    own soul.


    Upon hearing the phone drop to the ground, she opened her eyes exhaustedly and turned to the


    device.


    The screen lit up as the phone vibrated. Someone was calling.


    ¡°Focus!¡± At that moment, Cayden only had eyes for the alluring woman in front of him. Nothing else


    mattered.


    Yet, Avery couldn''t make out what he was saying, given how deep and muffled he sounded.


    It was then that she realized how unsightly she looked. Noticing her hands wrapped around his neck,


    she couldn''t bring herself to look down any further, for the sight was terrifying, and it was a proof of


    their unrestrained desire.


    To think she would ever behave as such in front of a man, opening up to him like that.


    ¡°Mmm...¡± The woman let out a groan as Cayden carried her and pinned her against the window as


    though punishing her for getting distracted.


    Avery didn''t know where her shoes had gone. She looped her bare feet around the man''s slender


    waist, her toes curling as they brushed against his back through his shirt.


    She didn''t want to experience such a view.


    Yet, the man was now forcing her to.


    Unable to control his strength, Cayden continued to move wildly, resulting in noisesing from the


    delicate ss window.


    From N?velDrama.Org.


    Then, he sucked on the woman''s soft lips again, as though that was thest time he would ever


    breathe.


    Finally freeing herself from his kisses, Avery could no longer hold herself back, and her moans soon


    resonated across the dark and damp house.


    ¡°Mmm... Ah! Ah...¡±


    The next morning, Anna came knocking on Avery''s door.


    Christopher happened to walk past at that moment. ¡°Did Averye backst night?¡± he asked.


    ¡°I heard some noises, so she has to be back,¡± Anna answered softly, afraid of disturbing Avery''s sleep.


    She remembered how Avery hade back at nearly one in the morning. She had even vaguely heard


    a man''s voice.


    Still, Anna was so tired that she couldn''t tell who that voice belonged to.


    By the time she got up to take a look, she saw a car parked nearby the courtyard, but the taillights were


    so bright that she couldn''t recognize what car it was.


    But judging from the brightness of those lights and the sound of the vehicle as it eventually drove away,


    it had to be either the boss'' ck Land Rover or the Porsche Cayenne belonging to Avery''s husband.


    ¡°Ery, are you awake?¡± Anna called out while knocking on the door two more times.


    Her voice was soft, and surely Avery would hear her if she were awake. Otherwise, she wouldn''t.


    Still receiving no response, Anna figured that Avery was still asleep and thus she headed downstairs.


    The rest of the teamy their breakfast on the table in the courtyard at eight.


    ¡°Should we call Avery?¡± Christopher asked straightforwardly.


    ¡°It''s okay. Let''s just eat. She might only wake upter.¡± Anna stopped him from heading for Avery''s


    room.


    With that, Christopher sat down and began to eat.


    As someone who once had a boyfriend, Anna knew how tiring it felt after a night full of activity. Her


    waist and legs would feel so sore that she''d rather stay in bed under her nket all day.


    The fact that Avery hade back sote meant she wasn''t at a rtive''s ce.


    Perhaps her husband drove back here to pacify herst night. Then they proceeded to spend some


    intimate time together.


    Just as the employees of Trident Group ate their breakfast, a car made its way over from afar.


    Upon noticing the vehicle model and license te number, everyone fixed their attire and walked to the


    door.


    What is our boss doing here so early?

 Chapter 197

    Chapter 197


    Instead of driving into the courtyard, the ck extended Bentley stopped outside of it.


    Cayden hadn''te over in his own car.


    After parking the vehicle, Xavier hopped down and opened the door behind.


    Out came the boss and his two children.


    Despite Cayden looking as stern and wless as always in his suit, upon closer look, one could tell that


    Cayden appeared more radiant than usual. It seemed like something good had happened to him.


    As the man with a faint cologne scent carried Rory in his arms, Zachary ran into the courtyard excitedly


    while lugging a backpack.


    ¡°Hi! Good morning, handsome!¡± Anna greeted Zachary discreetly.


    Coming out here for this trip was totally worth it!


    Livingsfill wasn''t as bustling as the big city, but she got to see their handsome boss along with his


    children.


    I''m so lucky!


    Zachary scanned his surroundings with hisrge eyes. Although the boy didn''t manage to find Avery,


    he didn''t forget his manners. ¡°Good morning, prettydy.¡±


    The woman instantly beamed with delight.


    Among all the coworkers out here, the only one who had the authority to make big decisions was


    Christopher.


    He went up to shake Xavier''s hand.


    As everyone interacted with each other and invited Xavier to sit down with them for breakfast, a female


    colleague spotted Cayden making his way to the stairs alone.


    Those stairs led to their bedrooms.


    Moreover, Cayden held a paper bag in his right hand. It was probably food.


    The boss seems to care so much about his cousin''s wife.


    Indeed, Xavier had driven here before having breakfast. Even the two children had insisted oning


    over first thing after waking up.


    ¡°What do you feel like eating, Rory? Tell me.¡± Xavier pointed to some bread and milk with his left hand,


    whereas his right pointed to bagels and oatmeal.


    Rory had a new book in her hand, and she ced it on the table for all the adults to see. ¡°Daddy


    bought this for me! I can definitely get full marks if I read it,¡± she eximed while eating some oatmeal.


    Upstairs, Avery hadn''t stirred from the knocking or chattering of her coworkers downstairs. Instead, it


    was the vibration of her phone that woke her up.


    The phone had a strange tendency to switch off on its own. There were times its battery level was at


    sixty percent, but the low battery sign would still appear before the device turned off.


    Avery nned to get a new phone either online or from one of the more reliable stores here in


    Livingsfill.


    For the past two days, whether or not she could answer a call depended purely on her luck.


    Upon noticing that an unknown number was calling her, she picked it up, only to hear the voice of


    Dn''s mother, Talia.


    ¡°Hi, Ery. This is Talia, your mother-inw.¡±


    Averyy underneath her nket. ¡°I know who you are. What can I do for you?¡± she responded


    courteously.


    Talia despised the way Avery sounded polite yet aloof when speaking to her, as if Avery could prove


    that she had nothing to do with the Musks by speaking in that manner.


    ¡°I''ll get straight to the point. I heard from my son that you''re pregnant with his child. As your mother-in-


    law and also a fellow woman who has once been pregnant, I just want to remind you to take care of


    your body while you''re carrying a child. Don''t work too hard. What are you doing in a small town like


    that instead of staying behind in Ackleton?¡± Talia had expected Dn to return with his wife after he


    made a trip to Livingsfill.


    Yet, her son hade back on his own.


    When Talia questioned him, he refused to answer, insteadter going out in the middle of the night to


    drink with his friends until dawn. It was now eight in the morning, so the man had probably just fallen


    asleep and wouldn''t wake up until afternoon came.


    Taking her grandchild inside Avery''s belly into consideration, Talia knew she had to make this phone


    call.


    Having just woken up, Avery forced herself out of bed while answering her phone, her throat feeling dry


    and her mind still fuzzy.


    She then walked into the bathroom to rinse her mouth. ¡°What child? I''m afraid you may have


    misunderstood something,¡± she replied after feeling a little more refreshed.


    Before she could borate, she heard the delivery man arrive over the phone.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Just a minute!¡± Talia could be heard saying.


    Avery remained silent as the call remained connected. What is she talking about? Me? Pregnant with


    Dn''s child? Certainly not.


    She had to clear the misunderstanding no matter what.


    Back in Ackleton, Talia nced at her phone while heading to the door. Seeing that Avery had not hung


    up, she sighed with relief and signed the delivery receipt.


    The item was addressed to Avery.


    Yet, Talia was probably fearful of her daughter-inw scheming against her that she opened the


    envelope immediately.


    Inside the envelope was a mere piece of paper.


    It was ab report.


    Due to the nature of her work during her younger days, Talia had seen manyb reports in the past. In


    fact, she had also discovered that she was pregnant with Dn through a report.


    It wasn''t just her. Many newly wedded women had also learned of their pregnancies through the same


    method.


    However, after Talia scrutinized Avery''s report, the document showed no indication of thetter being


    pregnant.


    Then, as she recalled what Avery had just told her over the phone, realization instantly dawned on


    Talia.


    Dn had lied to her.


    He had deliberately tricked her and Toby into approving of Avery by leveraging a child that didn''t even


    exist.


    Meanwhile, in Livingsfill, Xavier received a message stating that a parcel had been delivered


    sessfully.


    Upstairs, Avery was still waiting for the opportunity to make herself clear with Talia, only to realize that


    thetter had hung up on her.


    After spacing out in the bathroom for a while, she then nced at the time. I have to wash up and head


    down now. My body is aching, but I have work to do.


    Putting her phone down, Avery began to wash her face.


    Then, while wiping her face with a towel, she suddenly caught a glimpse of a man standing in her


    room. She was not even sure when he had entered her room.


    Cayden put down the paper bag containing breakfast. The food was still warm.


    The woman''s supple skin, elegant brows, and tender eyes¡ªalong with tiny water droplets remaining on


    her cheeks¡ªmade her look so pure. Her lips looked slightly swollen from what Cayden had done to her


    the night before.


    Avery froze as she continued to grip her towel. She knew he woulde again, but never had she


    expected him to reappear so quickly after he had left in his cartest night.


    As she remained in a daze, Cayden walked toward her and pulled her into his embrace. Then, he


    lowered his head to kiss her while closing the bathroom door behind him at the same time.


    ¡°Mmm... Ahh...¡±


    It appeared that the fire from the night before had not been put out.


    Everything that had transpired began to rouse their senses again, causing both of them to lose their


    ability to reason.


    Cayden continued to obsess over Avery''s lips. Afterst night''s breakthrough, the man now felt his love


    for her bubbling within him. ¡°I love it when you moan like that,¡± he couldn''t help but whisper while biting


    her ear.

 Chapter 198

    Chapter 198


    The work team had bought the bagels outside, and the only thing homemade was the oatmeal.


    That was because everyone didn''t like how oatmeal made elsewhere wasn''t thick enough.


    It was the children''s first time eating bagels from the countryside, and they wanted more despite having


    finished two.


    Rory nced at Xavier eagerly while shoving a bagel into her mouth. ¡°Can I have some more?¡± she


    asked in a muffled voice.


    ¡°Slow down. I''ll go get more,¡± Xavier replied while stroking the girl''s head.


    As he got up, he turned to the other employees. ¡°Enjoy your food. I''m going to buy some more bagels.¡±


    Indeed, there weren''t enough bagels on the table anymore, given how Cayden had suddenly shown up


    with his kids, who then helped themselves to the food as well.


    The morning was no longer peaceful in Livingsfill, for the streets were now filled with vendors selling


    breakfast.


    Xavier stood in front of a vendor and requested fifteen bagels. Just as he was about to pay, he spotted


    an elegant woman in a suit walking into the courtyard. She looked to be in her thirties.


    ¡°It''s one-eighty per bagel, so that would be twenty-seven in total for fifteen bagels.¡± The vendor packed


    the bagels and passed them to Xavier.


    Thetter handed the money over. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Upon returning to the courtyard, Xavier saw the woman in her thirties standing in front of the team


    having breakfast. ¡°Excuse me, is there an Avery Rumpley among you?¡± she asked softly.


    The group turned to her at once, but before saying anything, they nced at Xavier instinctively.


    Cayden was upstairs, so Xavier would be the one calling the shots at the moment.


    Hence, everyone looked toward the man who ranked above them in the hierarchy.


    Following their gazes, the woman who had a limited edition Herm¨¨s handbag in her hand and porcin


    skin turned around.


    It was then she noticed Xavier who was standing behind her.


    As a man nearly in his forties, Xavier was extremely level-headed, and that was certainly reflected in


    his demeanor. ¡°You are?¡±


    ¡°My name''s Alina Rumpley. I''m Avery''s aunt,¡± the woman responded, introducing herself and stating


    her purpose of visit. ¡°I heard from our neighbors that she''s currently here.¡±


    Xavier nced at her before handing the bagels over to Christopher.


    He then turned to her again. ¡°Avery''s still upstairs at the moment. How about you have a seat for now?¡±


    ¡°Is it okay if I go upstairs to see her?¡± Alina appeared desperate to meet her niece after not seeing her


    all these years.


    ¡°Sorry, Ms. Rumpley,¡± Xavier answered, looking troubled. ¡°Our boss is currently upstairs too. He might


    have something important to discuss with her.¡±


    Alina nodded in understanding.


    Xavier then brought a chair over for her, inviting her to join them for breakfast if she didn''t mind.


    However, the woman politely declined, expressing that she had already eaten.


    Back upstairs, the temperature inside the tiny room began to rise as a lustful Cayden pinned the long-


    exhausted Avery to her bed.


    Beads of sweat rolled down her body, causing her beautiful skin to shine under the morning rays.


    She could clearly see the way her legs arched because of what the man was doing to her.


    ¡°Stop... Please, I''m begging you... Ahh...¡± she cried out in despair over his bottomless desire.


    The woman parted her lips as Cayden relished in her well-developed figure. He thrust himself into her


    so hard that she was on the verge of passing out.


    Still, after so many eventful nights, while the man''s advances were so unbearable, she couldn''t deny


    how much she yearned for him too.


    As moans filled the room, Avery felt her bed sheets getting soiled again.


    The sheets were wet and sticky underneath her, which made her especially ufortable.


    As it was now past breakfast, there were no longer the shoutsing from food vendors outside, and


    the voices of Avery''s coworkers could soon be heard.


    After being ravaged while facing him, Avery was then flipped in the other direction, and the floors


    creaked to Cayden''s rhythm.


    ¡°Mmm... Ahh...¡± Avery bit down on her pillow, not daring to cry out loud.


    The sheets began to crease once again beneath her silky skin, and with a whimper, she soon climaxed


    alongside the man before returning to silence.


    As the sun shone directly into the room, Avery nearly passed out in fatigue under the nket.


    Even so, she had noticed the man get up after exiting her.


    Avery felt thirsty and drained as her thickshes flickered.


    Although she was so filled with tiredness that she could barely open her eyes, she could vaguely see


    the clothes and other things scattered all over the floor.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Having done it in the bathroom and then the living area, the two had caused a huge mess¡ªfrom


    knocking over Avery''s luggage to loosening the floor tiles.


    Avery could hardly breathe at the thought of that.


    Cayden hade upstairs under her colleagues'' gazes and created such a ruckus.


    She didn''t know if they had heard anything, but she certainly hoped and prayed they hadn''t.


    The narrow room was now filled with their heavy, post-coitus breaths.


    Just as Avery was about to drift off, Cayden, who had already put on his suit, walked over.


    Apart from his facial features looking extra beguiling after being ovee with lust, Cayden looked


    completely normal everywhere else, as though he hadn''t just partaken in an intense session with Avery.


    Avery noticed a warm and wet towel in his hand.


    ¡°Are you going to take a bath, or should I help you?¡± he muttered closely into her ear.


    Avery was so embarrassed that she never wanted toe out from under her nket.


    Sensuality filled every inch of the room.


    Seeing her remain unmoving, Cayden silently pulled the nket aside and began to wipe her body


    gently with the white towel, moving so carefully as though trying his best to avoid scraping her skin.


    ¡°I''ll do it myself.¡± Jumping in shock, Avery suddenly regained some strength and sat up before taking


    the sterilized towel from him.


    Cayden stilled briefly as he gazed at the charming woman from above while holding onto the edge of


    the bed with his two hands. With a narrowing of his eyes, he gulped and suddenly scooped her up in


    his arms.


    ¡°What are you doing? That''s enough!¡± A fear-stricken Avery trembled as she nced at his chiseled


    profile.

 Chapter 199

    Chapter 199


    Looking at Cayden who was neatly dressed and exuded a chaste aura, she couldn''t help but remember


    that he was never what he seemed to portray on the outside. Instead of being chaste, he''s lustful!


    For some reason, she gulped and felt nervous when she remembered what was hidden inside


    Cayden''s pants.


    ¡°G-Get out... I can clean myself up.¡± After getting ravaged by him so many times the night before, Avery


    was too embarrassed to even lift her head.


    What used to be a dark and dpidated house had be warm after the passion he had shown her


    the night before.


    Besides, his heavy breathing and passionate kisses had somehow drowned out the earthy smell of the


    grass in the courtyard, causing her to be able to fully focus on him as he showered her with love and


    passion.


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Of course, she could still remember the passionate moment they had spent together in the car.


    At that moment, Avery couldn''t help but see him as a monster capable of devouring her. Regardless of


    day and night, he''s always so raring to do it. He just wants to swallow me whole, doesn''t he? However,


    I''ve already given myself to him so many times!


    Fortunately for her, the darkness of the night had concealed her embarrassment, and it had saved her


    from having an awkward moment with him the next day. Yet, what happened between the both of them


    early in the morning had left her with nowhere to hide.


    Avery was having trouble trying to adapt to the sudden changes. Prior to this, I was always alone. Now,


    not only do I have a man all of a sudden, but I''m also having sex with him so frequently...


    ¡°What? Are you shy or something? Have I not seen all parts of you yet?¡± Cayden''s deep gaze fell on


    Avery. After that, he lowered his head and kissed her on her lips.


    Avery let out a moan before trying to shy away.


    However, she was too weakpared to how strong and muscr Cayden was. While she was trying


    to resist him, it looked like she was actually seducing him and making him crave her even more.


    In the end, they ended up having sex again.


    By the time they were done, she was exhausted.


    When they were finally heading out, Avery was overwhelmed with guilt as she tried to act as


    professional as possible. At the same time, she kept reminding herself to stay away from Cayden. I


    better keep a distance from him. Otherwise, I''m going to be so worn out because of him.


    Xavier saw the two of them the moment they appeared. As usual, Cayden was in his suit, and he


    looked as cold and calm as always.


    Meanwhile, Avery looked fresh and gentle in her jeans and blue short-sleeved blouse. With a jacket


    over her blouse and aptop in her hand, she looked exactly like how an employee would look walking


    beside a superior.


    All the others on the business trip had also seen Cayden and Avery emerging together.


    Without the intention of trying to win anyone over, a female colleague approached Avery and asked,


    ¡°Have you had breakfast? We''ve saved some oatmeal and bagels for you in the kitchen.¡±


    The girl who asked Avery that question had actually seen Cayden heading up the stairs with a paper


    bag earlier on.


    Not only did the paper bag look like it had food inside, but it was a rather big bag. Hence, it was hard to


    miss.


    Avery''s eyshes fluttered slightly when she looked at that female employee. ¡°Thank you, but I-I''ve


    already eaten,¡± Avery stammered.


    The only thing Avery could do was tell the truth.


    Earlier, when they were upstairs, the domineering Cayden had indeed ordered her to eat the nutritious


    breakfast. Therefore, she was too full to eat the oatmeal and bagels in the kitchen.


    Besides, it was safe to assume that everyone had seen Cayden going up to look for her.


    Under such a circumstance, she didn''t dare to conceal the truth because others could get suspicious of


    them.


    ¡°Ms. Ery!¡± Rory came to hug Avery''s leg and raised her head to look at Avery.


    Avery knew Zachary and Rory were there, but Cayden had kept her upied for so long that she


    hadn''t had the chance to see them.


    After putting theptop aside, Avery squatted and hugged Rory. With a smile, she pressed her


    forehead against Rory''s forehead and whispered, ¡°I''ve missed you so much.¡±


    When Rory was just about to reply to her with those same words, Avery pressed her cheek against


    Rory''s mouth to stop her.


    Since Rory was still a kid, she didn''t know the real reason Avery had done that. The innocent Rory


    thought Avery just wanted a kiss on the cheek.


    Hence, Rory kissed Avery on the cheek happily.


    Avery merely looked at Rory blissfully in response. She didn''t dare to publicly say how much she had


    missed Cayden''s kid because others would find it weird.


    Moreover, she didn''t want the kids to show too much affection toward her in order to avoid people


    getting suspicious.


    Yvonne had been spreading words in thepany and announced to everyone that Avery was Dn''s


    wife. Now, everyone in Trident Group knows me as Dn''s wife. As long as I''m still married to him, I''m


    still a member of the Musk family. Therefore, I guess it''s all right to be seen talking privately to Cayden


    and being close to the kids. After all, everyone knows Cayden and Dn are cousins. Hence, there''s


    nothing wrong with rtives interacting with each other.


    Still, Avery knew she had to keep a distance and not overdo it.


    Although she was in Livingsfill, Nina had told her all the gossip getting spread in the office.


    Meanwhile, Xavier didn''t dare to interrupt the interaction between Avery and the kids. Instead, he just


    waited patiently while standing beside Avery''s aunt.


    It was only after Avery was done greeting the kids that Xavier said to her, ¡°This is Ms. Rumpley. She


    said she''s your aunt.¡±


    Puzzled, Avery turned toward thedy standing beside Xavier.


    Alina was carrying a limited edition Herm¨¨s handbag, and the rest of her essories were all luxury


    items.


    With her appearance and expensive-looking essories, Alina would still look rather shy if one were


    topare her to a high-ranking female director of Trident Group. Therefore, it was natural that she


    stood out among the ordinary white-cor workers at the scene.


    ¡°Ery?¡± Alina asked with a bright smile.


    A puzzled Avery nodded in response. ¡°Hi, I-I''m Avery.¡±


    Avery wasn''t close with Alina at all. Although she had saved Alina''s contact details in the past, she had


    never looked for Alina ever since Alina got married and moved to Jetroina.


    When Avery saw how radiant and high-spirited Alina was, she remembered what ke had told her in


    the past.


    Grandpa said Aunt Alina had gotten a divorce, and her ex-husband had forced her toe back. She


    was very sad and devastated at that time. Aunt Alina vanished into thin air after she secretively sent


    Grandpa to the old house. However, the bags used to carry Grandpa''s clothes and belongings are all


    Pradas. Doesn''t that mean Aunt Alina could be loaded? In that case, why did she send her father to a


    ce with such poor living conditions?

 Chapter 200

    Chapter 200


    Avery and Alina went upstairs to continue their chat while Cayden epted an international call to


    discuss the partnership.


    As he was talking on the phone, Cayden noticed the awkward interaction between Avery and Aline.


    However, he couldn''t hear anything they said because he was far away.


    Soon, Cayden hung up the call only to see Avery and Alina disappearing into the yard together.


    Xavier walked over then. Without daring to conceal the truth, he reported, ¡°She said she is Ms. Avery''s


    aunt.¡±


    With that, Cayden retracted his gaze from where the duo disappeared before instructing Xavier, ¡°Look


    into her aunt''s background.¡±


    Xavier nodded in response.


    Cayden''s stern eyesnded on an ordinary-looking, opened aluminum alloy window on the second


    floor. Even though there were no emotions on his face, his possessiveness began to emerge internally.


    On the other hand, in the bedroom on the second floor, Avery was feeling awkward being around Alina


    while, at the same time, her heart was racing because the room was filled with Cayden''s scent. It was


    as if she had done something bad, and she didn''t want anyone to find out about it.


    Alina scanned the room before asking curiously, ¡°The man who went downstairs with you was your...¡±


    Avery panicked the moment Alina asked her question. She interrupted thetter''s sentence and


    exined, ¡°He is my boss.¡±


    As Avery was young and inexperienced, she couldn''t stayposed and rxed in front of certain


    issues. To Alina, Avery was a nk te and she was innocent. At the very least, she didn''t have what


    it took to hide her secrets.


    As Alina''s thoughtnded on that, another idea came into her mind. Hmm... Maybe our rtionship is


    naturally close because we are rted by blood. That''s why Avery didn''t try to hide anything from me. I


    like the way Avery is around me.


    Alina sat down and she told Avery to take her seat too.


    Avery sat down cautiously, using her finger to caress the bedsheet beneath her. She was afraid that the


    bedsheet was creased and that the signs of her being intimate with Cayden were left behind. After


    quite some time, she finally remembered that she had already changed the bedsheet. The bedsheet


    that she and Alina were sitting on now was fresh and clean.


    The cooling wind of the early fall blew in through the opened window, bringing freshness to the air in


    the confined room.


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Alina jumped straight to the question that she cared about the most. ¡°Are you staying with your grandpa


    and your dad now?¡±


    Avery nodded. Truth be told, she held a slight grudge toward Alina.


    ¡°My dad is still in Ackleton. I brought Grandpa to stay with us. I couldn''t bear to see him having


    sleepless nights and a poor appetite, living alone in the old house in the small town. Every


    granddaughter would feel the same when they see their grandpa bending their body to start a fire for a


    meal,¡± said Avery.


    ¡°I''m sorry. It''s all my fault,¡± Alina apologized, admitting her mistake. She looked at Avery before


    continuing, ¡°I had just divorced my husband during that period. I wasn''t feeling great. I had a serious


    case of depression, and I tried to end my life multiple times but did not seed. In a fury, I sent your


    grandpa home without thinking about how he would live out the rest of his life. I''m sorry.¡±


    Avery looked at Alina. Even though she wanted toin further, the moment Alina said she had


    severe depression after her divorce, Avery paused. I know a little about depression from watching the


    news. I know how much torture depression could inflict on a person.


    Just like that, the beguilement Avery felt vanished.


    Alina spoke slowly. ¡°I''m all sincere toe and see you.¡± Then, she took off the watch on her wrist.


    Avery had no idea what Alina was trying to do. But then, she was shocked when she spotted the


    multiple scars on Alina''s wrist. The scars were horrifying as one intertwined with another, many


    repeating the same pattern.


    Good god!


    Alina mocked, ¡°All these were left behind when I hurt myself multiple times. Your grandpa witnessed all


    the bloody scenes and the rescue. Now that I''ve recovered from my depression, I wondered why I


    wanted to hurt myself so much during that time. Not only does it look awful on my wrist, but the process


    of ending my life will also be slow and painful too.¡±


    Avery lifted her head as she listened to Alina tell her story in a calm voice and with a gentle smile.


    Terrified, Avery''s body went cold in an instant. She wondered inwardly. How painful is it to suffer from


    depression? How much it tortures someone? I didn''t even suffer from depression when Dad was


    diagnosed with liver cancer all those years ago. What exactly has Aunt Alina been through?


    Alina put the watch back onto her wrist. Her fingers caressed the band as she said without lifting her


    head. ¡°I''m here to entrust something to you. I don''t have any young rtive other than you in the


    Rumpley family.¡±


    Avery asked instinctively, ¡°What is it?¡±


    After all, Alina was her elder. If what she wanted to entrust to Avery wasn''t evil, Avery could agree to


    anything.


    Alina continued, ¡°I have some money for your grandpa. I''m sure you are aware that your grandpa is


    old. We don''t know when illness will strike him. Your financial status is unstable. But wait, before you


    misread my words, I''m not looking down at you.¡± She was afraid that Avery, who she had only seen


    after Avery turned into an adult, would overthink the situation after listening to her words.


    Avery nodded. She knew that Alina wasn''t malicious with her words.


    With that, Alina added, ¡°It''s quite a big amount of money. I''m going to transfer it to your ount. Since


    you live in Ackleton with your grandpa, it is easier to take care of him. Plus, you no longer have to


    worry about money.¡±


    ¡°You are not staying in Ackleton?¡± Avery asked in confusion.


    Alina pondered for a moment before deciding to tell Avery the whole story. She knew if she didn''t do so,


    her niece wouldn''t be convinced by her.


    Avery stood at the entrance of the yard after sending Alina off. She stared at the disappearing white


    sports car as her mind wandered around. Aunt Alina said she wouldn''t leave and would stay in


    Ackleton. But, she has her reasons and she wouldn''t visit Grandpa.


    Unable toe up with advice and a solution for the desperate Alina, Avery could only feel sorry for


    her aunt so she expressed her empathy andforted thetter.


    Avery realized that the yard was empty after her conversation with Alina.


    The mission for their work trip today was to head to a river in a small town to survey the topography of


    the area. With aptop in hand, Avery wanted to call a bike taxi to send her to the river, for she was


    familiar with the ce. However, when she turned the corner of the yard, Avery saw a car parked on


    the road.


    Xavier rolled down the window on the driver''s seat while Avery quickly ran over apologetically. Oh,


    dear! He must have been waiting for me here. Why did I dy the team''s work again?¡±


    After getting into the car, Rory immediately stuck to Avery''s side like gum before she started humming


    a song.


    Zachary, who was reading a book on the side, suddenly lifted his head and looked at Rory. ¡°Ms. Ery will


    think you''re annoying if you keep pestering her.¡±

 Chapter 201

    Chapter 201


    Rory immediately looked at Avery pitifully as tears began to form in her eyes. ¡°Is that so... Ms. Ery?¡±


    In response, Avery lowered her head and kissed Rory''s forehead. She caressed Rory''s soft hair gently


    before reassuring her, ¡°No. I will never think that you are annoying.¡±


    Her promise satisfied Rory while Xavier was noticeably stunned upon hearing her words.


    Xavier had always prided himself on being rich in experience. After all these years of working with


    Cayden, he met many rich men and people from different walks of life. Besides that, he only watched


    movies and dramas in which experienced actors and actresses acted. That was why he could


    determine whether a person was lying or telling the truth from their words. Yet, now Xavier couldn''t


    detect any hint of fakeness in what Avery had just said.


    Unable to resist it, Xavier nced at Avery through the rearview mirror. A fleeting thought hit him. It is


    almost as if Avery is the kids'' mom!


    Jeffrey''s heart was racing when he woke up without seeing Zachary, Rory, and Cayden in the hospital


    at Ackleton.


    Allie arrived during her free time. She suggested, ¡°Dad, why don''t you call Cayden to ask him?¡±


    ¡°What is there to ask?¡± Jeffrey responded calmly while having his breakfast.


    The caregiver feeding Jeffrey his food didn''t dare to raise her head nor speak as she knew that the


    family before her was influential and famous.


    ¡°Dad, do you know how ridiculous these youngsters are when handling matters? I''ve underestimated


    what Ary is capable of. I''m pretty sure Cayden went to the small town searching for her!¡± Allie was sure


    about her assumption. Even though she didn''t know her son well, she knew how Ary''s mind worked.


    No man can withstand a woman like her!


    Although Jeffrey didn''t like how Allie spoke, he knew what she was worried about. A man and a woman


    could make a big mistake when they couldn''t control themselves.


    ¡°Hand me my phone. Call Cayden''s office first,¡± Jeffrey instructed Allie.


    Allie had actually called earlier. However, no one picked up her call. In the end, her call reached the


    secretary.


    Then, Allie called Cayden''s office again in front of Jeffrey as she put the phone on loudspeaker mode.


    Yet again, no one picked up.


    There was no answer even after Allie called multiple times.


    Jeffrey furrowed his white brows as he stared at the phone. ¡°Call Cayden''s phone!¡±


    Allie didn''t want to call Cayden because she knew he would hang up after entertaining her half-


    heartedly even if he picked up.


    However, things would be different if Jeffrey was the one to make the call. Cayden wouldn''t dare to


    defy Jeffrey, who was ill and lying in a hospital bed.


    Someone picked up Allie''s call quickly. It was Xavier. ¡°Hello, Ms. Musk.¡±


    ¡°Xavier? It''s me, Cayden''s grandpa,¡± Jeffrey shouted into the phone.


    Xavier''s tone turned respectful immediately. ¡°Old Mr. Moore, how can I help you?¡±


    ¡°Where did Jeffrey go? Why did you pick up his call?¡± Jeffrey suspected that Cayden had disobeyed


    him while doing something unimportant.


    ¡°Oh. It''s like this, Old Mr. Moore. There is an ongoing project in the small town. We rushed here early in


    the morning with a few other leaders from the city. We''ve been so busy since morning that we don''t


    even have the time to drink water,¡± Xavier exined. Afraid that Jeffrey wouldn''t believe his words,


    Xavier continued, ¡°Old Mr. Moore, it''s been years since you traveled, right? Here''s what. Why don''t I


    take a video for you? You can enjoy the scenery here while giving us some precious suggestions on


    the development n. Mr. Moore has been going on and on about getting your opinion anyway!¡±


    ¡°Well, take the video then.¡± Jeffrey wasn''t really interested in the scenery. He merely wanted to see


    what Cayden was up to. Besides, he felt proud and satisfied because Cayden wanted his opinion.


    With that, Xavier took a video of the scenery surrounding the river. Mountains, streams, and trees filled


    the area, making it different from the view one would see in a city with air pollution.


    Xavier remarked in the video, ¡°Old Mr. Moore, you saw that mountain behind us? That mountain


    produces a bountiful amount of fungi every year. I''ll bring some home for you when we head back. The


    fungi of this season are the best andparable to those produced in Yorknd.¡±


    In the meantime, Jeffrey received the video that Xavier had taken. In the video, Cayden was standing


    beside a few of the leaders from the city by the river at the foothill. It seemed like he was indeed talking


    to them about some issues by pointing at a mountain a distance away with a stern face. Also, the video


    showed almost no signs of other office staff.


    Jeffrey finally rxed. He had seen those leaders from the city on the news and he also dined with


    them. Hence, he knew Cayden was working on something serious.


    The small town''s development will require those leaders from the city to visit the ce as often as


    possible. As the boss of the Trident group, Cayden has to apany them on those trips to survey the


    topography of thend. After that, they will definitely have lunch together, while Cayden probably has a


    lot of work to do in the afternoon. I''m sure he will be pretty upied until nighttime. If so, he wouldn''t


    have the time to date and flirt!


    Jeffrey returned the phone to Allie as he advised, ¡°You shouldn''t always doubt your son''s actions every


    time! Cayden will definitely make sure he won''t embarrass himself with so many people around.¡±


    Allie took the phone with her hands trembling with fury.


    ...


    In the small town before the river, Cayden exined the changes that would happen in the area after


    the development to those leaders around him.


    Meanwhile, Avery was holding herptop in one hand while holding Rory in another. At the same time,


    she had to take care of Zachary who was ying by the river excitedly.


    As the water flowed really fast, it would be life-threatening if Zachary fell into it.


    ¡°Ms. Ery, there''s a fish in the river!¡± Zachary shook off his shoes happily, wanting to rush into the river.


    Avery and the two kids had their backs facing Cayden, so they didn''t see Cayden who was dressed in


    suits walking over with the rest of the leaders in tow.


    ¡°No. You can''t catch the fish. Zach...e back here now!¡± Avery had no choice but to put down Rory


    and herptop on the pebbles as she tried to carry the boy back to safety.


    The pebbles in the river were in odd sizes, causing Avery to nearly slip when she picked up Zachary...


    Little did she expect someone to hold her steady from behind her.


    Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    Avery held onto Zachary who was still wriggling as the fish he spotted swam away.


    She turned her head around. That was when she saw Cayden, who had suddenly appeared. His


    dominating and strong manly aura encapsted her all at once.


    His face turned dark as he stared at Zachary for the earlier incident. When Zachary turned around and


    saw the look in Cayden''s eyes, he was frightened. Even though he wanted to own up to his mistake, he


    couldn''t find the voice to do so.


    Cayden put his hand on Avery''s waist as he leaned into her ear. ¡°Are you all right?¡±

 Chapter 202

    Chapter 202


    Avery shook her head in a daze to assure Cayden she was okay. At the same time, she was worried


    that his somber face would frighten Zachary, so the woman quickly retreated from Cayden''s embrace.


    Then, she nodded at him politely to express her thanks.


    Begrudgement filled Cayden''s eyes which were initially full of concern and rebuke as he watched Avery


    walk away with Zachary. I don''t like how she is so cold toward me! Even if she tries to show the


    strangers here that nothing is going on between us, I''m still frustrated. My possessiveness makes me


    want to walk over, grab her, and announce to everyone that she is my woman! Not only that, she has


    given birth to both of my kids too!


    On the other hand, Avery didn''t dare to turn her head around. She did not look at those leaders either,


    fearing they would misunderstand the situation.


    With Zachary in her arms, she lowered her head and nodded respectfully at those leaders, her eyes


    onlynding on the lower half of their bodies.


    ¡°Mr. Moore, you are a gentleman! Why didn''t we notice it when we dined together previously?¡± One of


    the middle-aged male leaders teased Cayden.


    Cayden was an attractive man who was a rather rare species. Even with celebrities around, one could


    hardly find a man who looked as mature and poised as him. His features were well-defined and


    chiseled, shouting masculinity at anyone whoid their eyes on him. His eyes were deep set, enough to


    make any women fall for him with only one look. Even though Cayden had a gorgeous face, a good


    figure, and a great personality, he wasn''t attracted to any beautiful woman who made their move on


    him.


    That made the whole situation even more surprising when those leaders noticed that the typically cold


    and aloof Cayden had his gaze fixated on the in-looking woman.


    Avery heard one of the leaders teasing Cayden when she left. Fear crept up in her heart but she had


    no choice but to walk further away.


    After that incident, Avery did all she could to avoid Cayden during the survey on the topography of the


    land. She feared that someone would see their interaction and spread rumors about them.


    upied with work, all of them had no time for lunch so they had an early dinner.


    Meanwhile, Cayden and Xavier had to head to a drinking session with those leaders. Therefore, they


    wouldn''t join the rest for dinner.


    The staff heard from experienced staff that the dinner between Cayden and those male leaders was


    nothingpared to the drinking session at night. There were many ways for men to drum up their


    entertainment.


    The earlier incident where Cayden held Avery and stopped her from falling during the survey on the


    topography of thend was spread among everyone.


    N?velDrama.Org owns this.


    However, they thought Avery was Cayden''s cousin''s wife. At the time of the incident, she was holding


    Cayden''s son, so it wasn''t weird for Cayden to save them.


    Thus, nobody thought that there was something going on between Cayden and Avery. They only knew


    that underneath Cayden''s cold exterior was a kind man. They thought he cared for his cousin''s wife.


    While they were deep in a conversation, Christopher defended the male species, ¡°Hey, quit talking


    about men. What did men do? Are men born guilty?¡±


    Anna smirked. ¡°Of course, there is nothing wrong with you. That''s because you don''t have the money


    to do so!¡± With that, she looked at Avery. ¡°Ery, it''s okay for us to gossip about Mr. Moore, right?¡±


    Even though they desperately wanted to gossip, Avery''s colleagues held back knowing that she was


    Cayden''s rtive.


    Feeling a little reserved, Avery lifted her head. ¡°Go on. Mr. Moore and I... are... not that familiar with


    each other.¡±


    The moment she said that, everyone took her words seriously.


    Anna immediately leaned over. ¡°Last year, a young award-winning actress was seen heading to a


    drinking party. She was wounded so severely after that and had to be hospitalized for more than a


    month. Rumors said this actress sat on Mr. Moore''sp during the party. Of course, that''s just a rumor.


    Nobody had a photo of them together.¡±


    Avery was speechless. She mused, ¡°This... is so scary. Let''s hope this is just an absurd rumor and not


    the truth!¡±


    When the sky turned dark, Avery brought Zachary and Rory, who were still outside ying in the yard,


    back to the room.


    When her colleagues asked whether Cayden was going toe over to pick up his kids, Avery


    answered their question half-heartedly.


    When the clock turned nine o''clock at night, Avery''s colleagues and the two kids in her room fell


    asleep. As the town was all calm and quiet, the group''s sleep quality improved on their first night there.


    Avery was asleep when the phone suddenly rang. As she feared disturbing the kids'' rest, she turned off


    the vibration and ringtone in exchange for the silent mode. It was the shing screen that woke her up.


    She looked at the phone number, hesitating as she picked up. ¡°Hello, what''s the matter?¡±


    ¡°Why did you pick up only now? Open the door!¡± Cayden''s low voice rang across the phone.


    Watching the sleeping kids with the help of the moonlight, Avery probed, ¡°It''s toote. Don''t wake the


    kids up. Can''t you head back to Ackleton alone?¡± Avery couldn''t bear to wake the kids up, nor did she


    want them to leave her side. The woman didn''t dare to yearn for more but to hold her babies to sleep


    for the night.


    Cayden went to dinner with these leaders. I''m sure they would drink while they are at it. With that in


    mind, given how busy he was, it was normal for him to forget about his kids. With his hectic schedule, I


    thought I''d get to spend another night with my babies. I didn''t expect him to be sober after the drinking


    party.


    Cayden lowered his voice andmanded, ¡°It''s up to me to decide whether I want to leave with the


    kids. Let me in first.¡±


    With one hand on the phone and her eyes on the sleeping kids, Avery darted her eyes to the ck


    door. She whispered, ¡°Are you drunk? Ask Xavier to find you a hotel. If not, go back to Ackleton to rest.


    Don''t... Don''te in...¡±


    Nighttime in the small town was quiet, especially in a yard like the one that Avery was staying in. If


    Cayden came in and did something to her while he was drunk, it would be impossible for Avery to


    exin the situation to everyone else.


    ¡°Are you scared I''ll have sex with you once I go in? We did it before and you liked it, right?¡± Cayden''s


    voice was husky. It sounded sexying from the other end of the phone.


    ¡°What are you talking about? Shut up!¡± Avery blushed. Heat radiated from her cheeks to her fair neck.


    Her heart started racing too.


    The first thing one would see when they walked up from the first floor to the second floor was a tiny


    living room surrounded by rooms that Avery''s colleagues upied.


    Now that Cayden was standing before her room, she could exin it as Caydening to pick up his


    kids if someone saw them. Nheless, if someone heard the wordsing from Cayden''s mouth,


    they would think something had happened between Avery and Cayden.


    If so, how am I supposed to stay in thepany in the future?

 Chapter 203

    Chapter 203


    With no other choice, Avery opened the door lightly.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Underneath the moonlighty two sleeping kids in a small, narrow room while the two adults at the door


    wrapped their arms around each other immediately.


    Even though Avery tried to retreat, the man behind her refused to let her go with his arms of steel.


    ¡°Don''t act this way. The kids might see us.¡± Avery panted heavily in Cayden''s embrace. She was


    worried and scared. The normal Cayden is already a ruthless beast. I can''t imagine what will happen


    now that he is under the influence of alcohol... I hope he doesn''t get carried away!


    ¡°If you don''t feel like it, I won''t force you to do it with me. If I hurt you, remember to tell me. Don''t be


    shy.¡± Cayden''s sexy lips found their way to her ear. He kissed her fair, warm skin while trying hard to


    control his urge.


    Avery kept quiet as she let Cayden continue holding her. She was relieved after hearing his words.


    Other than that, Avery also found the situation amusing. When he is sober, he acts like a beast. How


    come he bes rational after getting drunk?


    After a long moment of being held by Cayden, she heard Rory turning around in her sleep and crying.


    ¡°Mommy!¡± Without hesitation, she broke free from Cayden''s embrace to check on Rory while he stood


    at the entrance.


    Cayden stood by the door looking all prim and proper in his suit. He looked a little tired after drinking


    alcohol.


    A smile appeared on his face when he saw Avery sitting next to Rory and patting her gently.


    ¡°Mommy is here, I am here...¡± Avery whispered into Rory''s ears. By doing that, it felt as if Rory would


    be happy in a dream that she could sleep in a world where both her parents were with her.


    Almost immediately, Rory stopped moving but her chubby finger held on to the corner of Avery''s


    pajamas.


    Seeing that, Avery dared not move as she feared that she might wake the child up.


    Cayden removed his shoes at the door. Avery wiped the floor at least five times that it was spotless.


    The bed was not big enough for the three of them so they slept on the floor.


    Fortunately, the room was on the second floor so it was not too cold.


    Cayden went into the restroom, presumably washing up.


    Avery thought for a while, and her reason kept telling her... You can''t let this man stay. All the people


    living in the building are adults. They have been lucky as no one notices anything so far.


    Before her divorce, she did not want to drag a nobleman like Cayden through the mud with her.


    Rory was still holding onto the corner of Avery''s pajamas, and she got tired after remaining in the same


    sitting posture for some time. Therefore, she decided to lie down next to Rory.


    The sound of water flowing in the bathroom was rather soft as Cayden probably didn''t want to wake the


    kids up. Even so, the sound messed up her mind.


    Avery admitted that he was looking forward to a quick divorce from Dn. Although there was not


    much difference in doing that, and Cayden did not care about it, it did not mean that he did not mind it.


    Essentially, the marriage certificates had be a huge barrier that had limited their liberty, so they


    could only see each other in secret.


    Avery was still awake when Cayden walked out of the restroom. He questioned, ¡°Where do I sleep?¡±


    The man then removed the luxurious suit he had on before throwing it to the floor mindlessly, mixing his


    clothes with the kids''.


    Meanwhile, Avery, who was lying next to her kids, didn''t dare to speak for the sound of her voice would


    wake Rory and Zachary up. And so Avery was stunned when Caydeny on the floor next to her.


    Cayden''s warm body wrapped around her back as he used an arm to hold her down.


    Avery wanted to turn her body toward him. She wanted to ask Cayden to return to Ackleton. However,


    Avery hesitated when she saw Rory''s hand wrapped tightly around the edge of her pajamas. I don''t


    know anything about taking care of kids. Besides, I feel guilty for not being there for my kids all these


    years.


    Avery pampered her kids as a new mom who felt guilty and remorseful. Hence, she didn''t want them to


    be disturbed in their sleep.


    Meanwhile, Cayden''s hand had reached the waistband of her pants. He gently reached in, using his


    rough, dry hands to caress her skin. On the other hand, Rory''s grip on the corner of Avery''s pajamas


    stopped the drunk Cayden in his tracks.


    Avery leaned in toward Rory as she smiled. You are protecting Mommy even when you are asleep.


    ¡°What''s going on?¡± Cayden frowned. He stood up with a darkened face, wanting to check out Avery''s


    and Rory''s situation.


    That was when he saw Rory''s hand on Avery''s pajamas. In response to that, he used his long fingers


    to remove Rory''s chubby hand.


    The next moment, Caydeny down and turned Avery toward him. In that process, Avery knocked her


    forehead and nose into Cayden''s hard chest.


    Staring at Avery, the man''s voice was authoritative as he asked, ¡°You treated my kids so well and tried


    to get them to stay. Yet, you are avoiding me? Do you want me to go back to Ackleton?¡±


    Avery didn''t dare to look at him. She lowered her head to avoid his sharp gaze. ¡°I''m just afraid... of


    someone seeing us together.¡±


    However, since she was held so tightly by the man, it seemed like she was trying to burrow into his


    embrace the moment she lowered her head.


    Cayden loved the way Avery put her head in his embrace. The anger he felt dissipated slightly. He


    stared at the woman. ¡°Maybe they have already suspected our rtionship from the beginning. When


    we arrived here this morning, I first came to your room to serve you breakfast. I don''t think this is a


    secret anymore.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Avery interrupted his words. ¡°Even though a boss bringing breakfast to staff seems abnormal, I''m


    a rtive of the boss. If that''s the case, that seems to be a justifiable action.¡±


    ¡°A rtive of mine?¡± Cayden''s eyes turned somber. He decided to give her a chance to speak her


    words again.


    Avery didn''t notice the anger in Cayden''s eyes. She exined, ¡°In their eyes, I''m your cousin''s wife.


    You brought breakfast for your cousin''s wife, who is trying to divorce your cousin. It seems normal,


    right?¡±


    ¡°Really? So in their eyes, is it normal for me to have sex with my cousin''s wife?¡± The moment Cayden


    finished his sentence, Avery felt a chill on her butt.


    Cayden had forcefully removed her pants.


    Avery raised her head with her eyes widened. She didn''t dare to move around too much to escape


    Cayden''s grip, for the kids were right beside her.

 Chapter 204

    Chapter 204


    ¡°Can you stop causing a scene?¡±


    Avery gathered her courage and stared straight into Cayden''s eyes. However, when her timid gaze met


    him, she immediately resigned to his steady and beady eyes, cing her in a submissive position.


    At that point, she just wanted to ease the tension. Hence, she didn''t mind giving in or doing anything so


    long he could stop being irrational.


    Avery didn''t want to wake the kids up. She also worried that her colleagues on the second floor might


    hear something they shouldn''t. After all, there might be a possibility that they thought she was having


    an affair after hearing the noises.


    Cayden didn''t take off his shirt and pants. Hence, she could feel the metal buckle at his waist pressing


    against her stomach when their bodies were close to each other.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    That was also the reason why she couldn''t ignore his presence.


    ¡°Can''t you say something nice?¡± Cayden had been entertaining those leaders the entire day and had


    drunk a lot of alcohol. Thus, he was tired. He grabbed Avery''s pants and pulled them up for her. He


    even pulled down her shirt, worried that the cold breeze might blow on her back.


    Since Cayden was in a better mood and had lightened up, Avery thought it was best to remain silent.


    After all, didn''t people say a drunk person sleeps within seconds? Avery then started to count sheep


    and hoped he would be sleeping soon.


    However, when she was at the seventy-eighth sheep, Cayden suddenly tightened his hug and


    demanded, ¡°Didn''t I ask you to say something nice? Why didn''t you do so?¡± He brought up old scores


    again though his eyes were shut.


    Avery was almost asleep then and was awoken by his alluring low voice. As she opened her eyes


    slightly, she saw his straight nose, prominent brow ridge, and a deep furrow between his brows.


    It seemed he would not let her off easily until he heard something nice from her.


    ¡°I-I don''t know what constitutes nice words.¡± The condition in which Cayden was in at the time was a


    new experience for Avery as he hugged her and asked her to say something nice after he got drunk.


    This was different from the usual high and mighty aura and tyrant boss facade.


    Either way, Avery was happy with the new experience. If he didn''t treat her differently, she bet she


    wouldn''t have the chance to see his down-to-earth side, which was unknown to everyone.


    Cayden''s eyes were still closed. He pulled her slim waist closer into his embrace with his strong hand.


    When she muttered, ¡°Stop it,¡± he gulped and ced his thin lips on her soft lips.


    The small room was particrly quiet. Hence, when Zachary kicked away his nket, the sound of his


    foot hitting the ground was very clear.


    Avery wanted to push away the man before her, who was kissing her, but after trying to open her mouth


    to speak, Cayden''s tongue invaded the deepest part of her mouth and suckled her lips while teasing


    her tongue.


    Their lips and tongues were tightly entangled with each other, causing the secretion of fluid in the


    mouth to increase.


    Avery blushed as she listened to the intimate smacking sound of them kissing.


    Avery got scared when she noticed that Cayden was getting all excited and might take things further


    soon.


    The kids are here. I can''t allow him to do what he wants.


    Does this drunk and crazy man have a clear mind? Does he still remember that his son and daughter


    are in this small room?


    ¡°Ms. Ery.¡±


    Just then, Rory rolled over and ced her tiny chubby hands on Avery''s pajamas.


    However, she was not awake. Rory called out to Avery assumably because she remembered that she


    was sleeping with her brother and Avery and not sleeping alone in her children''s bed in her room


    before she dozed off.


    Even in their dreams, the kids remembered Avery being by their side.


    Cayden took in deep breaths to control his urge. He then flung open his eyes, which were red due to


    the intense lust he had. He didn''t continue even though he really wanted to as he worried he might


    crush the child''s hands if he continued toy on top of Avery.


    ¡°Get off me. If you don''t want to leave now... You can rest here for a few hours before you leave. When


    it is time to go, I will wake you up.¡±


    Avery was panting heavily as well when she spoke.


    She was lying t, and a few of her shirt''s buttons were unbuttoned. Whenever she breathed, her


    breasts moved ordingly, making her look very seductive.


    Rory was sleeping across the bed and had her small chubby hands on Avery''s tummy. Luckily, they


    had the duvetid on the floor. So, there were no worries about falling to the ground, unlike sleeping on


    the usual bed. Therefore, Avery didn''t correct Rory''s sleeping position.


    Avery gently moved her body. She then noticed Rory''s hands that were ced on top of her were now


    wrapped around her. Rory even pulled herself into Avery''s arms in her sleep.


    Avery gently kissed Rory on the cheek and zoned out without any worries and with the child in her


    arms as she continued to use thetter as her shield.


    Meanwhile, Caydeny t on the floor. The room''s environment was the worst among all ces he


    had slept in his life. Slowly, the swollen part underneath his ck pants disappeared as he gradually


    dozed off.


    Soon, only the lingering scent of intimacy and the man''s gradually calm but ragged breathing was


    heard in the quiet and tiny room.


    When the morning arrived, Rory kept moving her little body in Avery''s arms. The child even poked


    Avery''s ears with her chubby finger and giggled.


    Her action woke Avery up. When thetter opened her eyes, she immediately saw her daughter, who


    was as lovely as an angel.


    She then pulled the little angel closer to her and kissed thetter repeatedly. When they were messing


    with each other, Avery suddenly remembered something. She turned and saw no one next to her. The


    creased marks on the duvet showed someone had slept on top of it before, though she could no longer


    feel any warmth.


    ¡°What''s wrong, Ms. Ery?¡± Rory asked with a pout while ying with Avery''s hair.


    When she heard Rory''s voice, Avery retracted her gaze from the tiny room''s surroundings. At this point,


    there were no other noises except for her and the children''s voices.


    I bet he left before everyone woke up. After all, he is a mature man who takes everything into


    consideration.


    After freshening up, she took the kids downstairs for breakfast. Just then, a colleague approached her


    and asked, ¡°Are Boss'' two children going to stay here today?¡±


    Avery looked at the colleague and answered truthfully, ¡°I''m not sure. It''s Monday tomorrow. I think they


    need to go to school.¡±


    ¡°So, that means Boss will being here today. After all, he needs to take the children back to


    Ackleton. I''m envious of you, Avery, for finding a man like Boss'' cousin. I would beughing if Boss


    misjudged and fell in love with me in my dreams. Hahaha! I want to marry Boss and be your sister-in-


    Avery smiled awkwardly without giving anyments.


    The colleague continued to fantasize about the dream she had. While ying with her phone, she took


    a nce at Cayden''s two children and said, ¡°Honestly, I don''t mind being the stepmother of these two


    children. I''m ready to be his wife now. The only thing missing is Boss'' misjudgment.¡±


    Avery didn''t respond to that. She merely smiled.


    Christopher, who was by their side, opened hisptop, clicked on a website after connecting it to the


    WiFi, and said calmly, ¡°Boss has been doing business for many years, and he had never misjudged


    anything before. I advise you to give up on that.¡±


    When the female colleague wanted to beat Christopher up for hisments, thetter suddenly froze.


    He widened his eyes and stared at thetest news on hisptop screen. Then, he turned to look at


    Avery, who was doing nothing.

 Chapter 205

    Chapter 205


    ¡°What''s the matter?¡± Avery felt ufortable with Christopher staring at her. His expression seemed


    somewhat shocked.


    ¡°I think... you better see it for yourself!¡± Christopher did not know how to exin to Avery what he saw.


    Thus, he pushed theptop to her and let her read for herself.


    Avery puzzledly took theptop over.


    At the same time, Anna also peered over to look at the screen.


    Youngsters across the globe were likely to have read this news if they surfed the Inte that day.


    The news headline mentioned Nicole, currently the most popr rising young celebrity.


    Shocking! Man Seen With Nicole Lambert and Spent The Night Together, Later Admitted He Is Already


    Married!


    Avery was already panicking just by ncing at the headline.


    As she clicked the link and scrolled to read the contents, she saw a screenshot that revealed the truth.


    It was a screenshot of a marriage certificate posted by a new Twitter user.


    The Twitter user was none other than Dn!


    He posted the marriage certificate of him and Avery, which clearly showed Avery''s full name, birth date,


    and face.


    Meanwhile, Anna could not contain her curiosity and had already taken out her phone and opened the


    Twitter app to search for the Twitter user mentioned in the news. That was when she discovered that


    this user was already verified!


    The verified profile was: Owner of Domos Bar


    ¡°Ery, your husband owns a bar?¡± Anna asked while looking at her phone.


    Avery did not pay attention to Anna''s question. Her head was buzzing and all she could think of was


    the news content.


    After reading through the nearly thousand-word article, Avery got a better sense of what was going on.


    The incident happenedtest night. The up-anding young star, Nicole, was caught sitting in the


    same car with Dn and returning to the residential area where she stayed.


    Being an ordinary citizen, Dn certainly would not catch the attention of the media. He was at most


    slightly wealthier and more charismatic lookingpared to the average guy on the street, but certainly


    not outstanding.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    However, he was caught being together with the hottest star in the entertainment industry, Nicole


    Lambert,te at night. That certainly raised a few eyebrows...


    Just then, another female colleague, who just bought bagels, rushed into the house. She nearly tripped


    as her eyes were fixated on the phone. She went over to Avery and said, ¡°Woah, Ery, you made it! It''s


    an amazing feat being in the headline together with the sweet young star, Nicole Lambert!¡±


    Anna, who sat beside Avery all this while, overcame her shock and asked Avery gingerly, ¡°Hey, Ery,


    you know who Nicole is, right? I don''t need to Google for you, right?¡±


    Avery nodded but her eyes were fixed on theputer screen. Her brows knitted slightly.


    Anna decided to stop talking. She was afraid that the more she talked, it might end up rubbing salt on


    Avery''s wound instead of giving her constion.


    Usually, there was little truth to such scandals and most people would not believe them entirely, but as


    the saying went, there would be no fire without smoke.


    Avery roughly skimmed through thements on the Inte.


    Someonemented: I''m an expert in bodynguage. Based on these photos and videos, I confirmed


    that Mr. Musk and Nicole were purely friends. Hence, Nicole''s fans need not worry. The rtionship


    between your sweet innocent idol and this man was clean.


    Nicole''s fans straight away liked thement written by the ¡°bodynguage expert¡± and upvoted it as


    the most poprment.


    It was as if thement was the gospel truth and nobody was to challenge its authority!


    There was anotherment: Could allizens please stop harassing Mr. Musk and his wife, Ms.


    Avery? It''s not morally right to gossip about them and infringe on their lives. After all, they were not part


    of this industry. I believed since Mr. Musk and Ms. Avery were acquainted with Nicole, they must be


    good people.


    However, there were opposing views as well: It was hrious to see the fans debating and trying to


    protect their idol. It was a fact that your sweet innocent Nicole could not bear the loneliness at night and


    brought a man home. The truth was in in sight and there was a video to prove it. There was no


    sabotage whatsoever.


    Perhaps, Mr. Musk was Nicole''s financial backer?


    Then, someizens took Avery''s side: Poor Ms. Avery, she was pulled into the spotlight for no reason.


    How could she remain silent? I bet it didn''t feel good to have your newlywed husband cheat on you


    with a young celebrity.


    You thought that by posting his marriage certificate, Mr. Musk showed that he loved his wife? You were


    wrong! He had no qualms about exposing his personal life and his wife to draw the lines with Nicole


    and help clear her name! The one he truly loves is Nicole!


    Others concurred: That''s right, there''s more to meet the eye. This Mr. Musk could not be just a simple


    bar owner. Remember the fact that he spent a night with Nicole! You all had better open your eyes


    wide! This man was the cousin of Trident Group''s Mr. Moore and was in prison five years ago! As


    expected, female stars were attracted to men withplicated backgrounds! Your sweet innocent


    Nicole was not as pure as you thought!


    Oh, how pathetic. You all idolized Ms. Nicole during the day while she worked hard at night idolizing her


    sugar daddy, Mr. Musk... The most pitiful was Ms. Avery... We hope she coulde out and make a


    statement...


    Avery angrily smacked theptop lid down.


    Christopher did not dare to breathe. He slowly pulled theptop back for fear that it would be damaged


    by Avery.


    The people in the house were split into two groups. The first group was Avery''s colleagues. The second


    group was Avery herself, a pitiful woman whose newlywed spouse cheated on her with the sweet


    young celebrity, Nicole,st night.


    Avery took out her phone and for the first time, dialed Dn''s phone number. However, his line was


    busy and could not be connected.


    Concurrently, Avery received several messages on her phone, mostly from colleagues and ex-


    ssmates to express their concerns. In fact, they were just being nosy.


    Of course, there were others who were sincerely worried, such as Nina and Cecelia.


    After failing several times to get hold of Dn, Avery gave up and sent a text message instead.


    Dn Musk, I hope you can delete the post on our marriage certificate immediately! You disrespect me


    by exposing my personal details and pictures to the public!


    Meanwhile, in Ackleton, Mna was about to leave the house when she was pulled back by Henrietta.


    ¡°Where are you going? Do you have money? Spare me some!¡±


    Mna turned her head around and stared momentarily at her useless mother before reluctantly taking


    out two hundred from her purse. She mmed the money on the shoe cab near the door and


    red at her mother. ¡°I really don''t have any more money! If not, you can sell the house and go back to


    your hometown!¡±


    Henrietta did not register a single word that her daughter said. She took the money and muttered to


    herself about it being so little as she returned to her room.


    Mna stood at the door and took a few minutes to calm herself down before leaving the house.


    Mna saw the news headline as well and was stunned when she read the contents.


    Avery is actually Dn''s wife? What kind of a joke is this? Avery married Dn, the same Dn whom


    she had slept with! What did that b*tch do to deserve this?


    As she stood at the roadside waiting for a taxi, Mna sent a WhatsApp message to Dn: I hope to


    meet you as soon as possible; otherwise, you''ll live to regret it!


    What''s gotten into you? Dn responded quickly. His tone was aloof and cold, treating her like one of


    the many flings whom he casually slept with.


    Nothing''s wrong with me. Remember that Avery is my sister and I know loads about her, both good and


    bad. You won''t want me to approach the media... or create a Twitter ount to do an expos¨¦ right?


    Mna took the plunge and threatened Dn.

 Chapter 206

    Chapter 206


    In the General Hospital''s VIP ward, an old man was roaring angrily as a tall man walked out of the


    door.


    Jeffrey mmed the table and eximed, ¡°Cayden, you unfilial trash!¡±


    Although he heard his grandfather''s bellowing, Cayden was unperturbed and kept walking.


    At first, nobody cared about Avery and Dn''s marriage. But now, it had be the center of attention


    because of Nicole.


    Having just slept with Avery in his armsst night, Cayden was enraged to see her and Dn''s


    marriage certificate shown by numerous major news outlets.


    Yellow dried leaves that were scattered on the road outside the hospital gave the city a more deste


    feel. On the side of the road was a ck Bentley. When Xavier spotted his boss, he hurriedly got out of


    the car and opened the door for thetter.


    Then, Xavier got back into the car and started the engine. After the car left the hospital, Xavier reported


    to Cayden, who was staring at his phone while frowning in the back seat, ¡°I''ve told the relevant parties


    to take care of it, so the news will soon be removed.¡±


    Seeing that Cayden didn''t respond after hearing what he said, Xavier stopped talking as he knew that


    Cayden was not interested in other matters for the time being.


    It was evident that Cayden was in misery, knowing that the woman he loved had married another man.


    To make matters worse, the whole world also knew about it, even though it was only a marriage by


    contract.


    As the car was moving on the road, a person in charge of the public rtions department of a certain


    website sent a message to Xavier: We''re sorry, Mr. Dartsley. We are dealing with it as quickly as we


    can. Please inform Mr. Moore.


    Meanwhile, Lily and Kendrick arrived at the hospital early in the morning and followed Allie to the ward.


    Seeing those faces made Jeffrey annoyed.


    ¡°Dad, where''s Cayden?¡± asked Allie as she couldn''t see him anywhere.


    It turned out that Jeffrey had conspired with the doctor beforehand. He wanted the doctor to tell the rest


    that his condition was very serious and that he couldn''t be saved. However, with an embarrassed look,


    the doctor said he was cured and in excellent health. When Jeffrey was about to bribe the doctor, he


    was caught in the act by Cayden, who had rushed back from town early in the morning and heard


    everything.


    As such, there was a grim expression on the old man''s face, and he refused to say a word.


    ¡°Just say something, Dad. You''ve already seen the news early in the morning. If you don''t stop Cayden


    now, I''m afraid he will soon be involved in the entertainment industry''s scandals.¡± Allie knew that she


    couldn''t put a leash on her son, so she asked Jeffrey for help.


    Jeffrey was starting to get a headache from hearing her yapping. Impatient, he waved his hand and


    said helplessly, ¡°Just let me get discharged from the hospital and stop bothering me...¡±


    Seeing that Jeffrey was about to get out of bed to proceed with the discharge procedures, Lily quickly


    urged Kendrick to hold him down. ¡°You''re not fully recovered, Dad. What are you doing?¡±


    Kendrick chimed in, ¡°Please lie down, Grandpa. If Cayden''s here, he won''t let you leave the hospital so


    soon either.¡±


    Jeffrey was the elder of their family, so they couldn''t let anything happen to him.


    Jeffrey couldn''t help but sigh. If Cayden were here, I would be so embarrassed. To think that an


    esteemed person like me pretended to be sick.


    Seeing that Jeffrey had calmed down, Allie asked again, ¡°Dad, did Cayden...¡±


    ¡°Don''t bring him up anymore. I believe that... Cough cough... Cayden... knows what he''s doing...¡±


    Jeffrey said weakly while coughing.


    ¡°Stop asking, Allie! You''re making his condition worse!¡± Lily couldn''t take it anymore. After all, her


    father-inw, who used to be spirited and lively, couldn''t stop coughing now.


    Meanwhile, Mna was at a bar in Ackleton, which she frequented.


    Since the bar was owned by Dn, he only allowed regr customers to enter. On top of that, even the


    new ones were only allowed after being introduced by the regrs, so there was no need to worry


    about people with ulterior motives entering.


    The waiter knew that Mna had something going on with his boss, so he let her in.


    When Mna went upstairs, she saw that Dn had just woken up.


    Seeing that Dn was wearing his shirt, Mna quickly went over to help. ¡°Let me help you.¡±


    As her soft hands were buttoning the man''s shirt, she quickly took the opportunity to touch the man''s


    sexy and muscr chest, seducing him.


    ¡°Just tell me what you want. I''m not interested in you.¡±


    Dn knew better than to get in bed with the woman who had just threatened him.


    As Mna observed Dn''s expression, she knew that he was really not into her and said, ¡°You know


    that I''m jobless, and those other jobs aren''t suitable for me because I''m an impatient woman. I hope


    that you can help me since I''ve made you feel good so many times. Besides, I''m Avery''s sister.¡±


    Dn had poured himself a ss of water. However, he paused after he heard what she said. Then, he


    turned to look at her with knitted brows. ¡°Help you? How?¡±


    Mna immediately replied with gleaming eyes, ¡°Could you help me enter the entertainment industry?


    There are rumors on the inte saying that you are Nicole''s benefactor, so I gave it some thought.


    The crime youmitted five years ago was so serious, and yet, you didn''t get sentenced to life


    imprisonment and even got released after only five years. That only means only thing¡ªyou must have


    a lot of power.¡±


    Mna reckoned that Dn learned how to keep a low profile and not reveal his background easily


    after being in prison.


    Moreover, Nicole became the lead actress in a movie directed by a famous director when she had just


    debuted and gained high poprity all over the world. Because of that, she had the opportunity to


    attend major international film festivals and walk the red carpet. All that could only have happened if


    Nicole had someone powerful helping her.


    ¡°I don''t need you to make me as popr as Nicole. After all, I know where I stand...¡± Mna leaned


    forward and rubbed her soft chest against Dn''s back. She continued, ¡°I just want to make a living. I


    don''t mind being the supporting actress...¡±


    At the same time, Anna was scrolling through her phone while working as she wanted to check out the


    latest gossip. However, she suddenly realized that the relevant content had disappeared.


    She couldn''t find anything about the news no matter how hard she searched for it.


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    ¡°What''s going on? The content that I searched vited thews and regtions? I can''t even search


    for the word ''Avery'' anymore!¡±


    Hearing Anna''sints, Avery stopped typing on the keyboard in trepidation. She hurriedly picked


    up her phone and tried searching for the news too.


    She found out that nothing came up when she searched the inte for the names of the people


    involved in the incident.


    Everything had disappeared without a trace.


    Instantly, the incident stopped trending on the inte.


    The strangest thing was that she had even vited thews and regtions just by searching for the


    word ''Avery.''

 Chapter 207

    Chapter 207


    What happened? Why does searching the word ''Avery'' vite thews and regtions?


    Just when Avery was feeling confused, a group of colleagues saw a ck Bentley driving toward the


    yard entrance, with two other luxury cars following behind it.


    The leading ck car kicked up a cloud of dust since it was the countryside. Despite that, its


    domineering number te was impossible for others to ignore.


    All the employees who came to the countryside on the work trip stood up again. They secretly put their


    phones down on the table as they looked at the people who got out of the cars with serious


    expressions.


    Xavier was the person who got out of the car first.


    Then, he immediately walked toward Avery.


    Avery also rose to her feet. Before she could stop her thoughts about the uproar on the inte, Xavier


    came to her and said, ¡°Ms. Rumpley, Mr. Moore wants to see you.¡±


    However, Avery stood rooted to the spot.


    Cayden''s in the car too. Why didn''t he get out of the car?


    Sensing Avery''s concerns, Xavier exined, ¡°There''s no need to worry. He just wants to talk about


    work matters.¡±


    Suddenly, Avery saw two people get out of the third car that was parked at the yard entrance. They


    were thepany''s higher-ups.


    The two higher-ups went to find Christopher and Anna, who were stationed in the town. After the two


    parties exchanged a few words, Christopher and Anna quickly packed up theirptops and cameras


    before getting into the car with the higher-ups.


    It looks like Cayden is really here for work matters! It''s just that... it''s only been a few hours sincest


    night. Isn''t it tiring for him to go back and forth between Ackleton and the town just to give orders to


    everyone?


    ¡°I''lle right away.¡± Having said that, Avery hurriedly packed herptop.


    In Ackleton, Dn''s phone rang as he was being pestered by Mna.


    When he saw the phone number on the screen, Dn impatiently answered the call. ¡°Why are you


    calling me?¡±


    Nicole''s arrogant and disdainful voice sounded from the speakers. ¡°Why? To talk about the incident, of


    course! Who did you ask for help? The news stopped trending so quickly.¡±


    ¡°Stopped trending?¡± Dn didn''t know what had happened because he had just woken up.


    ¡°That''s right. The topic is nowhere to be found on the inte now. This must be someone''s doing! My


    agent also said that searching your wife''s name on the inte is considered to be viting thews


    and regtions.¡±


    As such, Nicole was certain that Dn was the one behind it.


    However, seeing that Avery had better treatment than her, Nicole became upset and furious.


    After hearing Nicole''s words, Dn knitted his brows even more. He insisted that he wasn''t the one


    who did it while he lit a cigarette and smoked impatiently.


    ¡°Is it... Nicole?¡± Mna could vaguely guess the identity of the caller from Dn''s words.


    ring at Mna with a vicious look in his eyes, Dn pointed at her with his fingers holding the


    cigarette and shouted, ¡°Shut up!¡±


    That caused Mna''s face to turn pale.


    On the other end of the line, Nicole didn''t care who Dn was talking to. She promptly ended the call


    after hearing that Dn wasn''t the person who resolved the matter.


    Meanwhile, the luxury caravan that Nicole was in drove slowly into a mansion. The entire road near the


    mansion was heavily guarded.


    Before Nicole got out of the car, she turned around and stopped her agent from getting down. ¡°There''s


    no need for you toe in today. I want to spend time alone with my mom.¡±


    The agent didn''t get out of the car because she knew that she was not a smooth-talker, so she


    continued smoking while raising her hand to signal the driver to leave.


    After the caravan left, Nicole stood at the door and tidied herself up. She took off one of the high heels


    that she had worn all the way and held it in her hand. Then, she entered the mansion looking as if she


    had sprained her ankle.


    ire was watching a show on TV. Through the window, she saw her daughter returning with a limping


    leg. Immediately, she put down her coffee and went over to help Nicole. ¡°What happened to you,


    Nicole?¡± asked ire.


    ¡°It''s nothing. I just sprained my ankle.¡± When Nicole sat down on the couch, she lowered her head and


    looked as if she was in pain.


    ¡°The high heels that you wear are too high. I have to meet your agent and discuss this with her. It''s just


    an opening ceremony. You don''t have to be so hard on yourself. I know that you''re not used to wearing


    high heels, so take a few pairs of ts with you when you leave tonight,¡± ire said worriedly.


    Nicole suddenly sobbed and wrapped her arms around ire''s neck. She looked as if she was about


    to cry and said, ¡°Mom, I missed you...¡±


    ire felt touched and quickly patted Nicole''s head. ¡°Why are you acting like a kid when you''re all


    grown up? I saw today''s news. It''s not easy to be in the entertainment industry nowadays. If you''re


    tired, just stop being an actress ande home.¡±


    ¡°But... that''s your dream, Mom. I just want to help youplete what you couldn''t aplish when


    you were younger...¡± said Nicole.


    ire was at a loss for words.


    Her heart ached the moment she remembered her past.


    She once dreamed of bing a great actress who performed in ssic dramas. However, before she


    could realize her dream, she met her husband, William, who came from a family with a military


    background. Unfortunately, the Lambert family did not approve of ire''s n to be an actress.


    That was why she gave up on her dream. After that, ire longed for something else. She hoped that


    she and her husband could have their own child. s, things did not go their way.


    Luckily, we adopted an obedient and sensible child ten years ago. Nicole has never disappointed me all


    these years.


    N?velDrama.Org owns this.


    ¡°Mom, all the news articles about the incident have disappeared. Did Dad get someone to remove


    them?¡± Nicole was curious. If it wasn''t Dn who did it, it must have been her father.


    Otherwise, nobody could have done it.


    After all, William had a reputation to maintain since he was the state secretary.


    After ire told the housekeeper to apply ointment to Nicole''s foot, she said to her daughter, ¡°Your


    father is still in a meeting in Beshya, so he probably doesn''t know about it yet.¡±


    Nicole furrowed her eyebrows and wondered, Who was behind it then?


    She lowered her head and quickly typed a message on WhatsApp before sending it to Dn: I won''t


    feel at ease as long as I don''t know who resolved this matter. Please find a way for me to meet your


    wife. The sooner, the better.


    Back in the town, after Xavier guided her into the car, Avery felt a domineering aura, which made her


    shudder. She put down herputer bag and couldn''t help but nce at the man beside her.


    Cayden wore an expensive and elegant suit while sitting in an upright posture. He wasn''t wearing a tie,


    so his prominent corbone and his sexy Adam''s apple were exposed.


    There wasn''t any expression on Cayden''s cold and handsome face while his thin lips were tightly


    pressed into a straight line.


    Avery thought to herself, Did he see the news too?

 Chapter 208

    Chapter 208


    Cayden was exuding an icy cold aura that made others keep a distance from him.


    Feeling helpless, Avery adjusted her clothes and looked out the window, not daring to speak.


    Xavier closed the car door after Avery got into the car. He then went to the house and fetched Zachary


    and Rory, who were obediently doing their homework.


    The ck Bentley''s backseat was luxurious and spacious. Xavier carried Zachary and Rory into the car


    one after another. However, Cayden didn''t carry them, and his eyes were full of frustration and disdain


    when he looked at them.


    Fortunately, the kids had already gotten used to it over the years.


    When she saw Avery, Rory went over and asked obediently, ¡°Ms. Ery, can I sit with you?¡±


    ¡°Of course. Come over here,¡± Avery said in a soft voice.


    After she finished speaking, Avery took Rory''s hand and gently pulled the little girl into her embrace.


    The scene was so heartwarming. They would have seemed like a family of four on a weekend trip to


    the countryside if it weren''t for Cayden acting cold and distant.


    Zachary wanted to snuggle with Avery too, but he shrank his neck into his cor in fright when he saw


    his father''s expressionless face.


    Instantly, Zachary knew that his father was in a bad mood again.


    Sitting on the soft leather seat opposite Cayden, Zachary fastened his seatbelt with his head down.


    Then, he looked up at his father without saying a word.


    In Ackleton, Dn had washed himself up and changed his clothes. He then drove away from the bar.


    He even brought Mna along because she kept saying that she was Avery''s sister.


    In Dn''s eyes, Mna was just a lowly tramp with no background. However, after realizing that her


    last name was also Rumpley and that she was Avery''s sister, Dn''s opinion of her changed


    completely.


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    Although he had only slept with Avery''s stepsister and not Avery, Dn still felt an indescribable


    pleasure.


    He even had a perverted thought. If only Mna is Avery''s biological sister. I would''ve at least won in a


    way. It''s a pity that she isn''t.


    Mna kept observing Dn''s expression while sitting in the passenger seat.


    The car was moving at an extremely fast speed. Dn''s face was dark and grim, which mirrored his


    vicious-looking eyes. His lips were shut tight, and faint smoke wasing out of his nostrils.


    Soon, Dn parked his car in front of a private restaurant.


    Nicole was wearing ordinary clothes. She was in a hoodie with her hair tied up and a pair of huge


    sses on her nose, looking like a student.


    The restaurant was owned by someone Nicole knew, so there was no need for her to worry about the


    paparazzi finding her. Even though that was the case, Nicole was always very cautious when she was


    out in public on her own.


    After all, there were paparazzi everywhere, and Nicole had been photographedst night, even though


    she tried her best to be cautious.


    When Dn entered the room on the second floor, Nicole looked over and asked, ¡°Who is the person


    behind you?¡±


    Mna was stunned. It was her first time being face-to-face with a celebrity. Nicole didn''t look as surreal


    as she was on TV, nor was she unapproachable. The photos on the inte were indeed edited.


    Nevertheless, Nicole still looked great. She had exquisite facial features and a very distinctive


    appearance, unlike most celebrities.


    As a woman, Mna envied Nicole. We''re both women, but why is Nicole''s life so much better than


    mine?


    ¡°She''s just a friend,¡± Dn introduced Mna indifferently and sat down. Then, he stared straight at


    Nicole with menacing eyes.


    Nicole knew what Dn wanted to ask, so she quickly said, ¡°My mom said that my dad is in a meeting


    in Beshya. It''s a closed meeting, so I''m afraid he doesn''t know about us being photographed.¡±


    After confirming that Nicole''s parents and the agency were not responsible for what had happened,


    Dn took out a cigarette and lit it while frowning and pondering over the matter. When Cayden came


    to his mind, Dn sneered with the cigarette in his mouth. ¡°He really cares more than me.¡±


    ¡°Huh? Who cares more than you?¡± asked Nicole.


    ¡°It''s nothing.¡± Dn threw the lighter in his hand on the table and continued, disregarding Mna''s


    presence, ¡°Didn''t you want to meet my wife? We''ll set out after a meal.¡±


    Nicole was surprised. That soon?


    Mna was listening carefully to the conversation between the two while looking around. Suddenly, the


    two girls'' eyes met, which prompted Mna to smile awkwardly at Nicole.


    Nicole gave Mna''s childish appearance a once-over. Even though she didn''t know who Mna was,


    Nicole still greeted her politely, ¡°Hello.¡±


    Delighted, Mna immediately introduced herself, ¡°N-Nice to meet you. I''m Mna Rumpley!¡±


    Dn felt that Mna was embarrassing him and ignored her. He closed his eyes and said while taking


    a puff, ¡°She wants to enter the entertainment industry. You should guide her if you can. She said that


    she''s even willing to y a corpse or a passerby.¡±


    There were different levels in the social circles. Although Nicole and Dn were not at the top of the


    hierarchy, they still had a higher status than regr wealthy people.


    Nicole could sense Dn''s disdain toward Mna in his tone, and she also noticed Mna''sst name.


    As such, she nodded and said, ¡°You want to act? I''m afraid that''s impossible for now. However, you can


    stick with me if you are really keen. I will get you a role when I have the right opportunity.¡±


    Mna widened her mouth and eyes in surprise. ¡°Really? Thank you, Ms. Lambert! Thank you so


    much!¡±


    Mna''s excited voice filled the entire room, and she was on the verge of kneeling.


    Now that Nicole allowed her to follow, Mna joined them as they headed out to town to find Avery after


    the meal.


    Back in town, the adults and children were silent throughout the ride.


    Rory appeared to be at ease as she snuggled in Avery''s arms. Soon, she dozed off with her mouth


    pursed.


    The two cars in front of them had stopped as they arrived at their destination. The Trident Group''s


    higher-ups, business partners, and Avery''s colleagues who were stationed in the town together all got


    out of the cars one after another.


    Avery was unsure of what to do while looking at Rory, who was sleeping in her arms.


    Avery was already perplexed the moment she was asked to get into the car that Cayden was in.


    However, seeing Cayden''s icy cold expression, Nicole was afraid that he might be furious if she got out


    of the car.


    With countless strangers around them, Avery didn''t dare to show her affection for the kids as she was


    afraid that people would gossip about her. She had no choice but to ask the man next to her for help,


    ¡°Can you carry your daughter?¡±


    Last night, Cayden didn''t get enough rest. Not only was he drunk, but he also had a passionate night


    with Avery, leaving him no time to rest.


    There was no peace for him in the morning either, as the marriage certificate of Dn and Avery


    circted everywhere.


    Until Avery''s name was formally added to his family registry, Cayden''s rage was unlikely to go away.


    Feeling ufortable, Cayden squeezed and pressed his temples with his fingers before stepping out


    of the car. He walked to Avery''s side and reached out to carry his daughter. The back of Cayden''s


    hand, which had protruding veins, identally brushed against Avery''s soft chest, which was rising and


    falling with her breathing.

 Chapter 209

    Chapter 209


    ¡°Dad, I want to sleep...¡± Without opening her eyes, Roryy on her father''s shoulder while pouting her


    lips.


    Just as Avery got out of the car, she looked up and was met with Cayden''s deep gaze.


    When the back of Cayden''s hand touched her chest just now, Avery felt an ufortable swelling


    sensation. She suspected that her menstruation was about to start, which was why the sensitive feeling


    was worse than the previous night. ording to her calction, her period ought to arrive shortly.


    Cayden was carrying his daughter in his arms. After he looked at his son, he turned his gaze to Avery


    and said, ¡°Stay here and look after the kids.¡±


    Having said that, Cayden put his daughter back into the car.


    As a subordinate, it was only natural that Xavier was busier and had more work than his boss. Besides


    that, he had to personally monitor everything closely.


    A five-year-old child sleeping in an empty car parked on the outskirts of a small town would make any


    parent feel insecure.


    As such, Avery stayed back to take care of her daughter, but when she nced at her colleagues who


    had already gathered in the distance, she could not help but ask, ¡°But... what would they think?¡±


    ¡°I don''t care what they think.¡± Cayden''s expression was gloomy, and his voice was cold. After putting


    Rory in the car, he turned around and lit a cigarette. When he passed by Avery, Cayden locked his


    gaze on her and continued, ¡°It''s obvious that you''ve already slept with me.¡±


    Hearing that, Avery felt as if her heart was pricked by a needle.


    Knowing the person he was, Avery could sense that Cayden was filled with jealousy for some


    inexplicable reason that day.


    A sophisticated man would take everything into ount and be responsible for his obligations. No


    matter what, he was not supposed to let things get out of hand out of his own impulsiveness and


    stubbornness. This was a sign of a responsible and mature man.


    Avery preferred intelligent and shrewd men to those ignorant and immature youths who just tried to


    deal with problems using their fists and thought they were all that.


    Despite that, no matter how calm Cayden was on the surface, he was undeniably jealous and angry


    deep inside.


    Looking at the tall man striding away with his brows knitted tightly, Avery let out a sigh and went back


    into the car to take care of the sleeping girl. Avery then lowered her head and kissed Rory on her


    tender cheek.


    Meanwhile, the higher-ups were paying attention and taking notes of what their boss wanted. They


    even began to take pictures. After all, the design still needed to be altered when they headed back to


    the office.


    Before lunchtime, someone drove out and returned with lunch boxes.


    Everyone had to eat the same food because the small town had limited resources.


    Avery helped Rory out of the car after she woke up. After all, Avery was there to work, and people


    would start gossiping about her if she continued to stay in the car.


    She was worried that her colleagues would think she was beingzy and abusing the advantage of her


    close rtionship with their boss.


    After waking up, Rory followed Zachary around and yed with him. The adults would look after the


    two kids asionally even though they were busy.


    Rory was pointing at the spaghetti in Avery''s lunchbox. Before they could finish their meal, Avery


    noticed a Porsche approaching her from a distance.


    A cloud of dust was thrown up by the car in the distance, but when it reached the river, the dust


    vanished. The wheels sshed water as they crossed the small ditch beforeing to a stop in front


    of everyone.


    Shocked by the sudden appearance of the car, Avery froze in ce, and her hand that was feeding


    Rory paused in mid-air.


    It was Dn''s car.


    What is he doing here?


    Rory turned around to look. ¡°It''s Uncle Dn.¡± Dn looked leisurely and spirited as he got out of the


    car.


    Looks like he got a good night''s sleepst night.


    As Dn was walking over, the voices of the gossiping colleagues entered Avery''s ears.


    Avery couldn''t quite hear what they were talking about. Despite that, she could already guess what was


    being discussed. It was most likely about the news that morning.


    Avery could vaguely guess what they were saying. ¡°Dn cheated on Avery by sleeping with Nicole


    last night, and now he has rushed over here to apologize to his wife.¡±


    Some were even secretly musing while eating from their lunch boxes. Avery probably wanted to


    divorce the boss'' cousin, Dn, because she couldn''t stand the fact that her husband was having an


    affair.


    Now that everyone knew Dn had cheated on her, it''s only natural that she''s upset.


    However, Dn did not agree to the divorce, so there''s definitely something fishy going on.


    After all, anything could happen in the wealthy families. No matter how messed up society was, it was


    not as shady as the world of the elites.


    Right then, Dn brought over a carton of costly drinks with tiny bottles that cost thirty-eight each.


    Ordinary office workers seldom bought those beverages as they would prefer going to Starbucks if they


    had that much money to spend.


    ¡°Everyone has worked hard. Here, have some drinks.¡± Dn put the carton down and greeted the


    people who were eating.


    Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    ¡°Hello, Uncle Dn,¡± Rory greeted him politely.


    Dn looked down and saw Rory at his feet. He then bent down and stretched his arms out. ¡°Come on.


    Give me a hug!¡±


    ¡°Come here and finish your meal.¡± Avery pulled Rory over expressionlessly and let the little girl sit on a


    b next to her. Then, she turned around to feed Rory.


    Rory opened her mouth and chewed the spaghetti, which she seldom ate, savoring its vor.


    All of Avery''s colleagues who came to get the beverages thanked Dn quietly.


    Anna took a sip of the drink and said to Christopher, ¡°Did you see that? It seems like he often brings


    food and drinks when visiting female celebrities. He is so good at this, and now he''s using this method


    again on his own wife.¡±


    As he gulped down the drink, Christopher decided that it would be best to avoid causing any trouble, so


    he quickly acted like he couldn''t hear anything.


    No one recognized Nicole as she walked over in casual attire and a hat. They just assumed that Dn


    had brought along two female friends or rtives to help him coax Avery.


    Sensing the tense atmosphere, Avery''s colleagues who had retrieved the drinks tactfully retreated to a


    distant corner. They asionally stole nces at Avery while they were working and eating.


    Some of them even started taking pictures of Avery, Dn, and the girls who came with him. However,


    no one saw the girls'' faces as their backs were facing them.


    Avery fell into a daze. Soon, she stood up and was about to leave with Rory.


    ¡°I''m sorry. I still have work to do.¡±


    Cayden, Xavier, and two workers carrying surveying equipment descended from the hill while Avery


    turned around with Rory.


    After asking the two workers to have a meal, Cayden walked toward Avery.


    He furrowed his brows as he nced at Dn and even recognized the woman who turned around as


    Nicole. However, Cayden''s gaze did not linger on her as she was just an ordinary person to him.


    ¡°Why did youe here?¡± Cayden asked Dn in a casual tone while rubbing Rory''s head. At the


    same time, his other hand grabbed the ss of lemonade that Avery was holding as though it was the


    most normal thing to do. Then, he took a big sip of it.


    Avery''s heart trembled in shock at once.


    Simrly, Nicole couldn''t help but feel puzzled as there was a woman''s faint lipstick mark on the cup


    that Cayden drank from.

 Chapter 210

    Chapter 210


    The atmosphere was quite chaotic, presumably because the owner of thepany was present.


    Having noticed that the surrounding employees of Trident Group kept looking her way, Nicole was


    worried that she would be recognized among the crowd if she lingered for too long. Disregarding the


    environment she was in, Nicole promptly turned around to leave.


    When Nicole returned to Dn''s Porsche Cayenne, she frowned slightly.


    Mna and Nicole were not well acquainted. To top it off, Nicole was a top celebrity, whereas Mna did


    not have the prestige to match. This was why Mna always kept her distance from the woman. She


    was unsure of how to approach Nicole.


    On the other hand, Nicole rarely thought of Mna, considering thetter to be nothing but air.


    As for Cayden, Nicole had already heard about him from the start.


    As one of the most famous socialites in Ackleton, coupled with her stardom, Nicole effectively held a


    high-profile status that was the envy of many women.


    All her close friends used to quiz her about what kind of man she would eventually marry.


    Nicole admitted that she did have a suitable candidate in mind, but of course, nobody could truly


    predict the future.


    That being said, if she had a goal in mind, she would undoubtedly strive hard to reach it, on the


    condition that her goal was worth all her efforts.


    Nicole''s father, William, was also of high status, so it was only natural that he had high standards for


    the man Nicole was to marry. Although her father''s preferred suitors were his favored subordinates,


    who had only one path to follow¡ªbing government officials, she did not see any downsides to it.


    In fact, the better he performed at work, the better her reputation as his wife.


    However, Nicole''s foray into the entertainment industry resulted in a change in her mindset.


    Men who could make waves in the field of business were far more attractive to Nicole than her father''s


    favored subordinates.


    After all, Nicole was very much an ordinary woman who was attracted to mature, charismatic men. She


    liked to imagine what their sexy, chiseled bodies looked like under their suits and gaze into their deep,


    unfathomable eyes, trying to pick apart whaty in their hearts.


    Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    For this reason, Cayden Moore was the perfect candidate who ticked all the boxes Nicole had.


    The social circle in Ackleton was not very big. Any man who proved to be outstanding would be the talk


    of all single women during their gossip-filled meetings.


    It wasn''t that nobody suggested introducing Nicole to Cayden, but sheter found out that he had two


    children.


    While the outside world had no idea about that, rumors had been circting within the social circles to


    an extent. That being said, it was not a rare thing among the rich and powerful for young men to


    already have children with other women.


    I''m still young, though. Cayden might be my dream guy, but I''m certainly not going to be the stepmother


    to another woman''s children. It''s not just one child but two of them!


    Just thinking about this made Nicole quite ufortable.


    However, Nicole also admitted that it didn''t take more than ten minutes for her to be attracted to


    Cayden''s charm after seeing him in person today.


    Subconsciously, images of Cayden''s stalwart and tall figure flooded her mind before her thoughts


    lingered on the calmness in his gaze.


    If Cayden shared a drink with his cousin''s wife and sipped at the same spot where her lipstick had


    touched, what could it mean? It''s definitely an indirect kiss, and he did this in front of her husband,


    Dn.


    Nicole did not think that Cayden had done that unintentionally.


    Aftering to town, Nicole felt that she had gained a lot, but something was missing from her heart at


    the same time.


    She was well aware of what the missing piece was.


    On the way back to the city, Dn smoked quite heavily. Even his brows were knitted in a perpetual


    frown. Nicole sat in the backseat on their way there, but on the trip back, she requested to sit in the


    passenger seat to keep an eye on Dn''s reaction.


    As she took note of Dn''s dark expression, Nicole began to specte about the rtionship the


    cousins had with Avery.


    When they reached Ackleton, Nicole returned home and went into her room listlessly. After a shower,


    she put on her pajamas and flicked through the script for her shoot the next day.


    As she went through her lines, her mind unwittingly drifted toward thoughts of Cayden''s stern yet


    handsome features.


    Putting down the script, Nicole took a few deep breaths before gradually calming down.


    Meanwhile, Mna followed Dn back to the room above the bar.


    This particr street only came alive at night, especially around midnight. However, it was so quiet at


    that moment that one could easily hear the birds chirping on the nearby trees.


    Dn opened the window to let in some air. He then turned around to unbutton his shirt before


    unceremoniously pinning Mna onto the bed.


    Mna gasped in surprise, only to notice a slight chill on her thighs.


    It turned out that her pants had been removed.


    With her milky-white leg exposed under the moonlight, the autumn breeze blew on her skin, making her


    shudder slightly from the cold. The thin white curtains fluttered in the wind and grazed her skin gently,


    brushing over her cheeks, lips, and face.


    ¡°Oh! The door! It''s not closed...¡± moaned Mna, pretending to be shy.


    Mna was quite an experienced lover, knowing what made men tick.


    A sensual atmosphere was concocted from abination of her gestures, tone of voice, and slender


    body.


    However, when Dn was about to pounce on her, he realized that he was not responding to her


    ministrations. D*mn it. Why am I not responding?


    Mna did her best to woo him while pulling out all the stops. However, she was unable to get a


    response from him.


    While she tried her best to seduce Dn and stole nces at his expression, she realized that she


    might not have been attractive enough.


    Or perhaps he had already had his fill?


    On the news, it was revealed that Nicole and Dn were together the night before.


    Mna knew that while she needed to stick around Nicole, her main target was Dn instead. After all,


    her fate depended on whether Dn reached an emotional turning point.


    Hence, his satisfaction was the most important thing.


    Mna had no reservations about self-respect. After all, she was used to doing this. Right then, she


    stood up seductively to kneel before Dn and clutched his hand, murmuring, ¡°Let me... I''ll help you...¡±


    After a long day''s work in town, it was almost dusk.


    Avery seemed very preupied with something. While she had no intention of getting involved in the


    dispute, trouble always ended uping back to her instead.


    This made her realize a simple truth¡ªone could not escape fate.


    The very notion of deciding one''s own fate was something people said to make themselves feel better.


    Meanwhile, two children filed into a ck Bentley and sat down. A man shut the door before turning


    around to look at Avery, who currently had her nose in a notebook. ¡°The kids want to watch a children''s


    movie at eight. Would you like toe along?¡±


    Avery did have the urge to go, but something was holding her back.


    ¡°Get inside.¡± Cayden reached out to hold Avery''s hand.


    When Cayden''s hand was about to touch hers, Avery recoiled in fear. She looked around and


    pretended to be distant in view of her colleagues before replying, ¡°I''ll pass. There will be other


    opportunities for me to join them. Do keep thempany.¡±


    Avery was quite sad at not being able to express her maternal love for her children.


    ¡°What are you worried about?¡± Cayden threw his suit jacket into the car window and strode over,


    tugging his tie loose. He then gave her a condescending look and asked, ¡°Are you worried that you''ll be


    photographed with me and end up in the news?¡±

 Chapter 211

    Chapter 211


    ¡°That''s not...¡± Avery was getting tired of denying it. ¡°Even if someone had secretly taken a photo, I''m


    certain that you have the power to take the news down. I was just feeling a little worn out after a long


    day of work and wanted to go home to rest...¡±


    Cayden stared at her with a deep gaze as he closed the gap between them. ¡°Even if someone had


    taken some photos, I still wouldn''t stop them. This morning, you appeared on the news with him as a


    legally married couple. Jealousy has been raging inside my heart since then. You couldn''t care less to


    have appeared on the news with him, and yet you mind when it''s with me?¡± With a low voice, Cayden


    spat out the words.


    Despite being taken aback, Avery lowered her voice, afraid that the children would overhear their


    conversation. ¡°That was just an ident. There''s nothing to be jealous about. He was just being


    childish.¡±


    Dn had absolutely no romantic feelings toward Avery. He had forced her to marry him purely to


    mess with her. Even if he had a hint of feelings toward her, their dysfunctional marriage was nothing to


    take pride in, much less to boast about.


    Avery''s nonchnce was perhaps due to her inability to put herself in Cayden''s shoes. As a woman


    herself, there was no way she could fullyprehend a man''s jealousy. Because of that, Avery


    decided to end the conversation, figuring it was best to avoid upsetting him and risking the children


    being at the mercy of his temper.


    She was truly worried that the children would feel aggrieved by him whenever she was not watching


    him.


    After all, she had witnessed multiple times with her own eyes the two children not daring to utter a


    sound out of fear of their father.


    Cayden might have lost his senses due to his jealousy, but Avery still maintained a cool head.


    Her rationality told her that it was a bad idea to go with him.


    ¡°If I''m not given the chance to im my rightful ce at least once, I might never get over it.¡± Cayden''s


    expression darkened as he raised his gaze, catching the sight of Xavier approaching from afar. Before


    turning to leave, he tossed Avery a threat. ¡°If I run out of patience, I wouldn''t mind sharing the photos of


    us in bed with the media. Having a bad reputation for sleeping with my cousin''s wife sounds like a


    thrilling experience.¡±


    With that, he promptly turned and left.


    On the other hand, Avery was dumbstruck. Her grip tightened on theptop case as she stared nkly


    into space. Cayden''s words echoed in her mind.


    Photos of... How on earth does he get his hands on those?


    Avery had always thought of herself as a light sleeper. During their passionate night together, Avery


    was certain that neither of them had even touched their phones whenever she was awake. Not even in


    the morning when they woke up.


    So where did he get the photos from?


    By then, Xavier had made his way to the car. As he approached, he greeted Avery with utmost respect


    before entering the car and starting the engine.


    As Cayden''s assistant, Xavier only regarded his woman with reverence. Hence, it was not realistic for


    him to treat Avery like a friend or even a colleague.


    Even as the ck Bentley drove off, Avery was still frozen in her spot.


    Am I mistaken to think that I''m a light sleeper? Am I a heavy sleeper instead? How could I not have


    known if he had woken up in the middle of the night to take photos of us?


    The images of that night yed in her mind. A blush crept up her cheek as she recalled Cayden''s


    stamina as she was about to faint from all the action. Perhaps he had snuck a few photos when I had


    passed out?


    On the way back to her room along with her colleagues, Avery sent Cayden a WhatsApp text


    absentmindedly.


    When did you take the photos?


    For the next ten minutes, Avery kept a close eye on her phone screen every single second.


    To her dismay, Cayden did not reply.


    Have you seen myst text? If you really have taken the photos, I hope that you can delete them.


    Avery hit the send button after she typed out the message.


    She was tempted to leave him a voice message but decided against it at the thought of the kids or


    Xavier overhearing the conversation.


    After another half an hour, her colleagues started to prepare dinner. Only then did Avery let go of her


    phone and washed her hands before helping out with making dinner.


    It was already six thirty in the evening by the time they finished dinner, yet the sky had not turned dark.


    There were still no replies to the messages she had sent. Avery guessed that Cayden was still furious.


    Without another choice, she dialed his number.


    I might as well enquire if he has yelled at the two kids simply because he''s in a bad mood...


    ¡°Sorry, the number you have dialed is unavable. Please try againter.¡±


    As the automated voice sounded from the phone, Avery had no choice but to give up.


    That night, Avery tossed and turned in her bed, unable to fall asleep.


    Around nine o''clock in the evening, she received a WhatsApp text from Alina. Staring at Alina''s profile


    picture, Avery could not help but think that she looked nothing like her aunt.


    Avery chatted with Alina for a while before ending the conversation with a text: I''ll only be going back to


    Ackleton with my colleagues this weekend. When I return, I''ll be visiting Dad first, then I''ll visit Grandpa.


    I promise I''ll send you video clips of them.


    By eleven, Avery finally felt sleepy. However, it was not a restful sleep despite the drowsiness she felt.


    The next morning, Avery woke up. Just as she was about to freshen herself up, the blinking notification


    light next to her pillow caught her attention.


    Nina had sent her a few texts.


    Ery, are you up? I don''t dare to call you just in case I disturb your rest. Text me back when you''ve read


    my message.


    You''re on the news again. Seriously, are you still asleep? Are there no persistent gossipers waking you


    up in your area?


    Alright, alright. You go ahead and sleep. Sleep is good for your body. The news is just gonna make you


    stressed anyways.


    Once she had finished reading the messages, Avery immediately opened the browser on her phone.


    The news regarding her was all over the inte with photos.


    Without a doubt, the photos were taken yesterday. The photos showed the picture of the suburbs. She


    was eating takeout. Sitting next to her was Nicole, who was dressed in a simple outfit, as well as Dn,


    who was holding a child with a huge smile.


    There were a lot of other people in the background, but they were not clearly shown in the photo.


    Every website that she scrolled through had simr headlines and content. The news was focused on


    one single point¡ªAvery and Nicole were friends.


    Avery was Dn''s wife while Nicole was a childhood friend of Dn. The close rtionship between


    Nicole and Dn could easily be counted as siblings. Naturally, that made Avery Nicole''s sister-inw.


    Nicole''s fans had beenmenting on various sites, defending their idol. Nicole has only gotten


    popr not long ago, hasn''t she? Who has been stirring up trouble? That''s a lot of shade! See?


    There''s photographic proof that their rtionship is brother, wife, and sister. Their friendship has been


    built since childhood. Their rtionship is not as perverted as some of you have thought!


    Avery could not be bothered by thements.


    In fact, she did not n to pay it any attention. Besides pretending to have not seen anything and


    focusing on her job, there was nothing else she could do about it.


    However, she began to wonder if someone somewhere was having mood swings because she had


    appeared on the news with Dn again.


    The thought made her worried. Unable to get through Cayden''s phone number, Avery called Xavier


    instead.


    Although it was still early in the morning, Xavier had already dealt with a huge chunk of the news


    online. Not that he had a choice. Cayden had made it clear that he was repulsed by the usage of the


    word ¡°wife¡± when describing Avery''s rtionship with Dn.


    Just as Xavier was doing some damage control, his phone began to ring.


    He tossed a nce at Cayden, who had suddenly be a bigger workaholic since he had returned


    to Ackletonst night. ¡°Mr. Moore, Ms. Avery is on the phone,¡± informed Xavier.


    Xavier had received the call because Cayden''s phone had been switched off.


    N?velDrama.Org owns this.


    With the nod of approval from Cayden, Xavier picked up the call.


    He answered every sentence Avery said as his phone was put on speaker on Cayden''s desk.


    Before hanging up, Avery said, ¡°Sorry to bother you, Mr. Dartsley. I''m just worried that he''ll direct his


    uncontrolled temper to the kids...¡±


    Upon hearing Averymenting on his temper, Cayden fell silent.

 Chapter 212

    Chapter 212


    All of a sudden, Xavier''s end went silent.


    As Avery took out the utensils from the cupboard, she could not help but ask, ¡°Is something wrong, Mr.


    Dartsley? Can you hear me speaking?¡±


    A minute or twoter, there was still no response from Xavier''s end.


    By then, her colleagues who were living upstairs had long woken up. The ce was filled with people


    walking around. Christopher was even watering the nts while ranting aloud, ¡°ording to the


    weather forecast, the temperature is expected to drop by next Wednesday. We''ll have to take these few


    pots of nts indoors. Does anyone want to adopt one or two nt babies? If not, I''ll be taking all of


    them.¡±


    The ce was filled with so muchmotion that Avery could not tell if there were any movements


    coming from Xavier''s end.


    By the third minute of silence, Avery decided to hang up the call. She assumed that Xavier had


    received a sudden task or that the signal was weak.


    Right at that moment, however, Xavier''s voice rang out from the phone again. His voice sounded a lot


    clearer than before.


    ¡°Sorry, Ms. Rumpley. The signal was very poor all of a sudden,¡± Xavier exined.


    N?velDrama.Org owns this.


    ¡°It''s okay. I guessed so too. I was just about to hang up.¡± Avery passed the tes to another female


    colleague as she spoke.


    The colleague took the tes to the table.


    ¡°What did you say just now, Ms. Rumpley? I couldn''t hear you clearly.¡± Xavier purposefully made Avery


    repeat thest line she said.


    Avery was truly worried that the two children would have to face their father''s wrath. Without thinking


    too much about it, she repeated herself. ¡°I said, I''m just worried that he''ll unload his temper tantrums to


    the kids.¡±


    Xavier had always been perplexed as to why Avery cared so deeply for Cayden''s children.


    Nevertheless, he knew that it was between Cayden and Avery only. As an assistant, he could only


    follow what Cayden asked him to do. ¡°Ms. Rumpley, to bepletely honest with you, I have no idea


    whether Mr. Moore had lost his temper at the children when we arrived in Ackleton. However, I did hear


    that...¡± Xavier''s voice trailed off.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Avery felt as though her heart was hanging on a tight string.


    Xavier continued, ¡°When Mr. Moore arrived herest night, he received a call to go to a dinner party.


    The two children were left in the condominium alone without anyone to look after them... They didn''t


    even have dinner. Zach got so hungry that he brought Rory downstairs to look for food with the little


    cash they have. The management of the residential area saw them but did not stop them. However,


    we''ve not heard from them ever since they left the condominiumst night...¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Avery''s voice began to tremble. The children have not returned ever since they left to buy


    food?


    Cayden continued to exin, ¡°Even I just got the news this morning. Mr. Moore had a bit too much to


    drinkst night and had fallen asleep in a hotel. He has not woken up yet and no one dared to wake


    him up.¡±


    As he was talking, Xavier heard a panicked voice on the other end of the line.


    Panic-stricken, Avery rushed back to Ackleton without a second thought. She just informed Christopher


    that she was leaving as he was in charge of the team without even taking the time to exin, ¡°Sorry.


    There''s an emergency at home. I need to go back.¡±


    Christopher nodded without another word.


    Who would stop someone from going home in times of emergency?


    On the way back to Ackleton, Avery could not sit still for a minute. She kept dialing Cayden''s number


    again and again frantically.


    s, his phone had been switched off.


    Meanwhile, on the other end of the city, the leaves outside the mansion had turned gold with a tint of


    red on their edges. It was a beautiful sight to behold.


    From afar, three luxurious cars approached the mansion. The first andst cars were exactly the same,


    but the one in the middle had some slight variation. The one seated in the car was none other than the


    state secretary, William Lambert. He had just returned from a meeting in Beshya.


    ire got a phone call from him, then she and Nicole went downstairs to wee William home.


    Nicole took a step forward and helped William carry his briefcase. ¡°The weather''s getting chilly, Dad. Is


    it cold in Beshya? Please take care of yourself whenever you''re away from home.¡±


    William merely nodded in response before changing the topic. ¡°Have you two eaten breakfast?¡±


    ¡°We know that you''reing back, so we waited for you.¡± As ire spoke, she removed her husband''s


    jacket and handed it to the housekeeper behind her.


    The housekeeper then took the jacket and hanged it on the rack.


    Meanwhile, another housekeeper started filling their bowls with warm oatmeal.


    Whenever William was home, there would have to be a copy of the newspaper on the breakfast table.


    He had cultivated the habit of reading the newspaper since he was young just like all the men in the


    Lambert household.


    Upon noticing the traces of tiredness on William''s face, Nicole put down her spoon. ¡°Mom, Dad, you


    two go ahead. I''m done eating.¡±


    ¡°Come on. You''ve barely eaten anything. You better not cut down on your food intake to lose weight,


    youngdy. You should take care of your body.¡± ire had mistaken Nicole''s actions for being afraid of


    gaining weight.


    ¡°I was starving before Dad returned, so I snuck into the kitchen and ate two bagels before this,¡± Nicole


    pouted, embarrassed.


    In return, ire teased her by calling her mischievous.


    ¡°Shall I read the newspaper for you, Dad?¡± Nicole picked up the newspaper. ¡°By the time I finish


    reading, you should be done with your meal. You should go rest upstairs after eating.¡±


    A warm feeling rose to ire''s chest as she beamed at her daughter. She was immensely proud that


    Nicole had grown to be a filial child.


    Nicole began reading the newspaper in full concentration. After all the years of being raised by the


    Lamberts, she had gotten a good understanding of the type of news that would interest William.


    Whenever she read a passage that interested or concerned William, there would be a major change in


    his expression. Before long, Nicole had reached the business section of the newspaper.


    Nicole knew that news rted to Cayden would be mentioned in that section as she had read the


    newspaper earlier that morning.


    Upon finding the news article that was rted to Cayden, Nicole decided to read the newspaper aloud


    to William.


    ¡°The development of the town is under progress. On the east side of Ackleton, property prices are


    following a trend of significant increase. The developmental n coupled with the restoration of the


    town has proved to be the savior of the economy in Ackleton.¡±


    Nicole had intentionally read that passagest, as she hoped to hear her parents discuss the topic.


    A ck and white photo was published in the newspaper as well. The photo showed the opening


    ceremony of the development of the town. It sessfully captured the serious atmosphere of the


    ceremony.


    Cayden was dressed smartly in a suit. He stood out among all the elites and bureaucrats. He had the


    countenance of aposed and mature businessman.


    Nicole was captivated by his appearance in the photo. The longer she stared, the more she became


    lost in thought. Stretching out her slender fingers, she caressed the figure of Cayden in the photo


    gently.


    ¡°What''s going on, Nicole?¡± ire noticed that Nicole had been staring at the business section for quite


    a while. It did not escape her eyes that Nicole had touched Cayden''s figure in the blurred photo.


    ire was once a young woman too. It took her no time to guess what was going on in Nicole''s mind.


    ¡°N-Nothing! I''ve finished reading. I''m just going to head upstairs first to take a look at the script.¡± Nicole


    guessed that ire had seen through her. With reddened cheeks, Nicole ced the newspaper down


    and dashed upstairs.


    When he was young, William was the epitome of dense. He had never understood the thoughts of a


    woman. He pursued ire because he thought she looked pretty and that she had a gentle personality.


    Who wouldn''t want a wife who was pretty and gentle? William wanted a wife like her, so he told ire


    straight to her face that he wanted her to be his wife.


    In his middle age, William was even more clueless about women''s thoughts. At the sight of Nicole


    scurrying away from the table, he stared at ire quizzically.


    ire sighed softly. ¡°Your daughter is catching feelings for Allie''s son.¡±


    Only then did William understand. He picked up the newspaper and nced at it before nodding in


    satisfaction. ¡°That should be an easy task. I shall personally arrange for them to meet up when I return.


    Our daughter sure has a good taste in men.¡±


    In the meantime, Avery had arrived in Ackleton. Then, she went to Xavier to get the keys to the


    condominium.


    As she hurried to the condominium, Xavier''s words kept reying in her ears. ¡°Truth be told, Boss is


    impable when ites to business. There is no w you can find in him. However, when ites


    to raising children, he really isn''t cut out for it.¡±


    Avery opened the door of the condominium. She wanted to see if there were any clues in the


    condominium. Perhaps the two children had left a note saying where they went.


    However, when she stepped foot into the condominium, she saw the man who was supposed to be


    drunk and knocked out in a hotel lying on the couch. Cayden''s brows were knitted together. It looked as


    though he was asleep.


    In his armsid Rory, who was drooling in her sleep. Zachary was lying on the other end of the sofa


    with his limbs all over the ce like an octopus.

 Chapter 213

    Chapter 213


    Avery put down the keys and changed into a pair of slippers. Tip-toeing into the bedroom, she took out


    two nkets and ced the first one on top of Zachary.


    She then turned to ce the other nket in her hand on top of Rory, who was sound asleep in


    Cayden''s embrace.


    Just as Avery was about to pull her hand away, the eyelids of the man lying on the snapped open all of


    a sudden, revealing a pair of dark eyes.


    Beneath the thick eyebrows, exhaustion showed on the edges of his eyes. Upon closer inspection, one


    could see faint outlines of blood vessels in his eye.


    If it were any other day, Avery would be concerned and advise him to prioritize his health instead of


    working so hard... regardless of his identity as the father of her children, her boss, or possibly


    something else.


    However, Avery had nothing to say to him at the moment.


    Every word Xavier had said was ingrained in her mind. No matter how hard she tried, she could not


    forget them.


    When Mr. Moore arrived herest night, he received a call to go to a dinner party. The two children


    were left in the condominium alone without anyone to look after them... They didn''t even have dinner.


    Zach got so hungry that he brought Rory downstairs to look for food with the little cash they have. The


    management of the residential area saw them but did not stop them. However, we''ve not heard from


    them ever since they left the condominiumst night...


    Mr. Moore had a bit too much to drinkst night and had fallen asleep in a hotel. He has not woken up


    yet and no one dared to wake him up.


    Cayden failed miserably as a single father.


    As Cayden woke up, Rory was awakened as well. Following suit, Zachary on the other end of the


    couch woke up too.


    Zachary rubbed his eyes drowsily. When he caught sight of Avery, he immediately got off the couch


    and hugged Avery on her thigh, pouting. ¡°Ms. Ery, what are you doing here?¡±


    The boy sounded as though he was not fully awake.


    When Avery heard his voice, her eyes began to redden out of the blue. Bending down, she touched her


    son''s face gently. ¡°Where did you run off to with Roryst night? Don''t you know that we grown-ups will


    be very worried?¡±


    Zachary remained silent as he recalled the night he had fallen asleep with Rory and Cayden. In the


    morning, Cayden had even gone to the supermarket to get groceries for breakfast. Even though


    Cayden had a cold expression and the eggs he fried were almost inedible, his willingness to learn how


    to cook breakfast made Zachary and Rory feel like the happiest kids in the world.


    However, Cayden had returned home from work all of a sudden a moment ago. In a serious tone, he


    told the two children that if they wanted Avery to live with them and be their mother, they would


    have to tell her a white lie.


    They would have to lie that Cayden was a bad father.


    After that, they waited for Avery along with Cayden. Cayden guaranteed them that Avery would show


    up.


    While they were waiting, Zachary and Rory fell asleep.


    ¡°I won''t do it anymore. I''m sorry, Ms. Ery.¡± Zachary apologized meekly while rubbing his face in her


    embrace.


    Avery''s heart ached as she pulled Zachary closer to her chest. Touching his cheek, she ced a kiss


    on her son''s forehead. ¡°Never do something like that again, okay?¡± she said gently. ¡°Tell me, where did


    you go with Roryst night? You must be terrified, weren''t you? How did youe back?¡±


    The series of questions stumped the poor boy. Without being given a script, Zachary could only look at


    Cayden for help.


    Cayden had gotten up to use the restroom. As he was brushing his teeth, he answered in a hoarse


    voice, ¡°The two of them had spent a night in KFC. My phone was switched off, and there was no one at


    the Moore Residence.


    So if the kids had called homest night, no one would have picked up. Even if they managed to get a


    car to go back, the gate will be locked as well. The keys to the condominium were with Cayden and


    Xavier.


    ¡°Why didn''t you go to the office to look for Dad or Mr. Rumpley?¡± Avery asked Zachary as she was


    confused.


    Zachary puckered his lips, not wanting Avery to think that he was stupid. It''s all Dad''s fault. This lie is


    making us sound like total idiots...


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    ¡°I... I didn''t have any cash for a car. I''m scared that we''ll be taken away by a bad taxi driver...¡±


    Rory spoke up pitifully. Due to the fact that she had just woken up, her tired voice sounded like she was


    about to cry.


    Letting go of Zachary, Avery went up to hug Rory instead. Once both the children had beenforted,


    Avery coaxed them gently, ¡°You must be exhausted fromst night. Go sleep in the bedroom.¡±


    To make the lie more convincing, the two children pretended to drag their feet as they walk to the


    bedroom and got under the nket.


    Only after seeing that Zachary and Rory had closed their eyes did Avery leave the bedroom, closing


    the door behind her.


    Once she was out, she began looking for Cayden.


    There was no trace of him in the living room or the bathroom. When she returned to the living room,


    she saw him standing on the balcony, smoking a cigarette. The sense of security that once emitted


    from his tall silhouette was reced by distrust.


    Walking to the balcony, Avery spoke up. ¡°If you can''t take care of the children, let me help.¡± Despite


    knowing that she was being rash, she refused to swallow her words.


    No mother would ever want to hear the news of their children being starved or going missing. The news


    had been nerve-wracking.


    ¡°I''ve never revoked your right to take care of them.¡± Cayden put out the cigarette and threw it in the


    ashtray before turning around and raising his eyebrow at her.


    The balcony had limited space. Staring at the tall man in front of her, thousands of questions suddenly


    sprung up inside her head.


    Cayden looked like a celebrity and a gentleman all the time. However, how would amoner like her


    understand theplications in his life?


    When she recalled the dinner party that Xavier had mentioned, Avery could not help but wonder what


    sort of important asion it was that could make someone so responsible to abandon his children the


    whole night.


    Although she was raging, Avery felt as though she had no right to discipline him on how to be a better


    father. Just as she was thinking about what to say next, thetter asked her a question that she could


    not answer. ¡°How are you going to take care of them with your situation now?¡±


    ¡°I¡ª¡± Avery was at a loss. An upset look was hanging on her face as she raised her head to look at


    Cayden.


    After an interminable amount of time, Avery was left on the balcony alone.


    Zach and Rory are still young. They are only five years old. How can they take care of themselves?


    Their great-grandpa is old now. Plus, he''s currently staying in the hospital. As for the housekeeper, she


    was no longer young either, so there are certain things she cannot do.


    The only suitable choice would be Allie, the children''s grandmother. Allie was still young, and it was


    completely possible for her to take care of her grandchildren. However, whenever Avery thought of


    Allie''s face, she was even more worried.


    Because of that, the two children had been staying with their single dad. When Avery thought of what


    Xavier said that morning, her heart ached again.


    After thorough consideration, Avery walked toward the bathroom and approached the man who was


    shaving in front of the mirror. ¡°I cane back and forth between the town and Ackleton every day.


    Driving will make things easier, but I can''t do the school run.¡±


    Cayden did not stop shaving. Avery tried to gauge what he was thinking by peering at his reflection, but


    his eyes gave nothing away.


    When the bathroom smelledpletely of after shave, Cayden finally turned around. His dark eyes


    fixated on her anxious-looking face. ¡°If you''ve thought it through, I have no objections; but bear in mind


    that my mom would most likely cause you trouble.¡±


    Avery had almost forgotten about Allie the trouble maker.


    Seeing her frustrated look, Cayden gave her a solution that would solve all of her problems in the


    future. ¡°Which is why we''ll be going for a DNA test this afternoon.¡±


    No one would be able to stop a mother from wanting to be with her children.

 Chapter 214

    Chapter 214


    After being told to do a DNA test out of the blue, Avery started to panic.


    What if Cayden made a mistake?


    What if Zachary and Rory weren''t hers? What then?


    In that instance, severe anxiousness and unease began to take root in her heart.


    She had always longed for a family, so she was terrified of losing them.


    Even though the possibility that the children might not be hers was almost zero, Avery still felt as if a


    knife was lodged in her throat, hurting her every time she breathed.


    Cayden told her to do the DNA test in the afternoon, but Avery did not ask him about the exact time. In


    fact, she was trying to escape reality.


    The two of them talked face-to-face and agreed to do the DNA test. After that, the conversation ended.


    As they were alone, a hazy yet suggestive air slowly diffused over the solemn atmosphere.


    ¡°I''ll leave now and inform my colleagues in Livingsfill.¡± Avery cooked up an excuse before she turned


    and proceeded to go to the living room.


    However, her slender wrist was lightly grabbed by the man''s huge and coarse hand. The next moment,


    her body was pulled back and pressed against the marble wall. As she looked up, her thick and long


    eyshes fluttered.


    In her moist and crystal-clear eyes, Cayden saw a tinge of tenderness. Instantly, he was mesmerized


    and he couldn''t hold himself back.


    Avery didn''t dare to meet his eyes. She only saw Cayden''s Adam''s apple bob up and down before she


    was hit by a strong and all-epassing male presence, making her face hot. When their lips met, her


    heart beat faster, and even her breathing started to go out of control.


    Even though it was just a kiss, she was too nervous that she almost bit her tongue.


    Nevertheless, Cayden didn''t n to let her off the hook. In between the kisses, he teasingly whispered


    in her ear, ¡°Why are you so tense? Have we not slept together more than once?¡±


    Avery''s face gradually blushed.


    Using a sudden burst of strength from God-knows-where, Avery gave Cayden a mighty shove before


    running away with a hand on her heated face.


    On the way back to Ackleton, Avery brought herptop. She was worried that herpany would need


    her for something, so the device woulde in handy for her to deal with emergencies.


    At that moment, she was attentively working with her colleagues at Livingsfill through an online


    synchronous meeting.


    At eleven o''clock in the morning, Rory and Zachary walked out of their room. Rubbing their eyes, they


    said, ¡°Ms. Ery, we have finished sleeping.¡±


    The children had initially looked around but couldn''t find their father. Therefore, Rory and Zachary went


    to Avery and rested their chubby little arms on Avery''sp.


    After ncing at theplicated diagram filled with ovepping and crisscrossing lines on the screen,


    Zachary asked, ¡°Where''s Daddy?¡±


    ¡°He''s in the study,¡± Avery answered.


    While working, she could vaguely hear him making two calls and saying something, but she couldn''t


    make out what was said.


    After all, the door was closed, and it was somewhat sound-proofing.


    ¡°Ms. Ery, I''m hungry...¡± Rory whined. Standing by Avery, Rory nuzzled up against the woman. Then, the


    little girl climbed up Avery''sp, sat on it, and put her little hands around Avery''s neck, which the little


    girl thought smelled nice.


    ¡°What do you want for lunch?¡± Avery hugged Rory affectionately and a heartfelt smile blossomed on


    her face. And then, she kissed Rory''s forehead lightly.


    When Cayden left his study, he saw the heartwarming scene of a mother bonding with her daughter in


    the living room.


    Avery yed with them for a while before she panted in exhaustion with Rory in her hands. However,


    when she was having a fun time with her daughter, she saw Cayden standing from across the room out


    of the corner of her eye. She didn''t know how long he had been standing there.


    Instantly, she froze. When Avery turned her head back, her eyes met with his.


    ¡°We''ll eat outside. Also, I''ve informed the DNA testing center that we''ll be there afterward,¡± Cayden said


    to Avery before turning to the twins. ¡°Change your clothes and stop being so clingy.¡±


    When everyone walked out of the condominium, Avery wasst.


    Nevertheless, Zachary and Rory joined her at the back.


    In a smart suit and as tall as he was, Cayden walked swiftly forward with his long legs. Soon, they


    reached the parking lot and got into their car. Cayden opened the car door and let Avery and the two


    children get in first.


    All of this was seen by the receptionist in the high-end condominium. They''re such a happy family. The


    dad''s bringing thedy and their two children for an outing.


    However, the receptionist and her colleagues worked in a heavily guarded ce with many surveince


    cameras; otherwise, she would love to take a photo of the family if she could. She was sure that if it


    was shared on the inte, many people would view it.


    After all, that man was the legendary CEO of Trident Group.


    On the journey to the private kitchen, Avery was too nervous to say anything. Moreover, the closer she


    got to the testing center, the more worried she got about the results.


    When they arrived at the private kitchen, an olderdy, seemingly the owner of the establishment,N?velDrama.Org owns this.


    came personally to greet them. Instead of receiving her customers, it was more likely she came out to


    take a look at Avery.


    If a man like Cayden wanted to do a DNA test with a woman and his son, the first thing he would want


    was absolute secrecy. He would never allow any of this to leak out.


    In the circles of the upper echelon, almost everyone knew that Cayden had two children when he was


    young, and they were twins¡ªa boy and a girl. There would be no one who would not be curious about


    this kind of gossip. Even so, no one could identify the twins'' biological mother even though several


    years had passed.


    Some guessed that the twins were conceived through a surrogate mother, but as one would know,


    fertilization required sperm and an egg. In that case, who was the egg donor?


    When Avery sat down, she received a scrutinizing gaze from the olderdy. At her intense stare, Avery


    became unsettled.


    ¡°I heard from Cayden that you''re Ery? What would you like to have? Is there anything you prefer?¡± the


    lady asked, but she was still staring fixedly at Avery''s face.


    But for an unknown reason, thedy thought the woman''s young and fair face looked familiar.


    However, she couldn''t, for the life of her, recall where she had seen that face.


    Despite being increasingly unsettled under thedy''s gaze, Avery politely replied, ¡°Yes, my name is


    Avery Rumpley. You can call me Ery and I''m okay with anything.¡±


    ¡°Got it. I''ll get you some of our signature dishes then,¡± answered the olderdy warmly.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± said Avery.


    When thedy left, Cayden, who sat in the opposite seat, said, ¡°That was Silvia Wright. Mdm. Wright


    used to be elementary school ssmates with my mother and Aunt Talia.¡±


    At that, Avery became even more visibly perturbed. ¡°Then, would she tell you¡ª¡±


    Before she could finish her sentence, Cayden cut in. Lifting his head, he said, ¡°No, she wouldn''t. I don''t


    know what happened, but I heard that when they were young, Mdm. Wright one-sidedly announced


    that she would cut off all contact with my mother.¡±


    Avery fell silent.


    Cut off all contact?


    At those words, Avery thought that Silvia was kind of cute.


    When the healthcare provider came over, Avery had to admit that her heart had almost jumped to her


    throat.


    The healthcare provider was a woman, and she was carrying a box. Before she opened it, she first


    shook hands with Cayden and Avery.


    Then, when she lowered her head, she saw Zachary and Rory extending their little hands.


    ¡°Hello, you two,¡± the healthcare provider said before shaking both of their hands.


    ¡°Good afternoon,dy!¡± the both of them greeted in unison.


    Retrieving the DNA samples was an easy process. It wasn''t asplicated as Avery thought for the


    whole thing was done in just under ten minutes.


    After the healthcare provider left the ce on the restaurant''s second floor, Zachary asked, ¡°Daddy,


    why did thatdy want our hair?¡±


    ¡°So that we can test whether you''re smart or not,¡± Cayden replied half-heartedly. Afterward, he


    exchanged his te, which had pieces of steak he carefully sliced with Avery''s te.


    At the side, Avery watched awkwardly as her te with the untouched piece of steak was taken away


    by Cayden.


    Meanwhile, downstairs, in the kitchen, Silvia, who was wearing branded clothing, folded her hands in


    deep contemtion. She couldn''t shake off the feeling she had seen that face somewhere.


    Where have I seen that face before?


    I think... I think she looks a little like a young ire... Right?

 Chapter 215

    Chapter 215


    The waiter continued serving the food, then backed off.


    The restaurant was designed with private space in mind, and there was a kind of artistic vibe to its


    layout as well. Silvia didn''t intend for all of her customers to be from the upper ss. Whether she


    weed a customer in or not depended on her mood and impression of them.


    Those who dined there were either regrs or people whose character satisfied the owner and chef.


    No matter how much money one had to offer, if their attitude wasn''t up to par and they were of low


    merit, they wouldn''t be able to experience the chef''s special cooking skills.


    Naturally, considering Silvia''s strict standards, it was no surprise that she had offended a few big shots.


    They were mostly rich kids who wanted to try some good food but had terrible personalities.


    Nheless, the reason why Silvia had no qualms about offending people was that her husband and


    son were powerful figures.


    Avery only took a few bites before turning to feed Rory, who was clinging to her. Even if Rory were to


    throw a tantrum and adamantly refuse to eat any of the food that had been served, insisting on going


    home and eating her home-cooked food, Avery might actually give in to her requests, leaving the silent


    Cayden and Zachary behind.


    While Rory chewed on the food, she stared at Avery with her eyes wide open and mumbled, ¡°Ms. Ery,


    try this. It''s sweet!¡±


    Avery grinned while she used her slender fingers to wipe the sauce on Rory''s mouth away.


    Right then, Silvia came back upstairs.


    Cayden seemed to be surprised as well. Logically speaking, it wasn''t very appropriate for an outsider to


    disturb them for no reason when they were having a meal together.


    Silvia let out a dry cough as she was clearly aware that it was rather impolite of her to show up out of


    the blue. Moreover, she wasn''t the type to take advantage of her seniority to do whatever she wanted,


    nor was it how she typically liked to handle things.


    However, she could no longer hold back when she thought of ire''s younger self and Avery''s


    appearance.


    Despite that, she grabbed a chair and sat down calmly. While gazing at Avery, Silvia asked, ¡°How is it?


    Is the food here good?¡±


    ¡°It''s wonderful. You definitely live up to your name,¡± Avery replied.


    Cayden had given her a brief overview of the private kitchen before. It was incredibly difficult for regr


    people to get a taste of the food there.


    Silvia nodded in satisfaction. A momentter, she directly asked the question she had been most


    curious about, ¡°There''s something I want to know, Ery. How old are you?¡±


    ¡°I''m turning twenty-four this year.¡± Even though she was clueless as to why Silvia asked that question,


    Avery still gave an honest answer.


    There was no reason for her to hide her age, after all.


    ¡°Twenty-four, huh...¡± Silvia murmured. Then, she seemed to be in a daze.


    From what she remembered, ire and William had their first child twenty-four years ago. She


    contemted for a while as it had been too long, and Silvia couldn''t be sure.


    In any case, that child didn''t end up surviving.


    That was something that caused ire and William great sorrow. Even as ire''s schoolmate and


    good friend, Silvia never dared to ask about the child even after so many years.


    The two of them didn''t have any children after that.


    William had been born into a powerful family. Since they were no ordinary people, it was impossible for


    the elders in the family to ept the fact that their daughter-inw was unable to bear children.


    Silvia had no idea how the family ended up dealing with the situation. She only heard that William


    personally told his parents and grandparents that he was infertile and that their inability to have children


    had nothing to do with ire.


    Since Silvia had known ire since they were in elementary school, she also knew when thetter got


    pregnant. In fact, she was the one who had gone to the hospital with ire to confirm the pregnancy.


    When William found out that ire, his fianc¨¦e, was pregnant, he immediately got started on the


    wedding preparations out of excitement. He ignored the wedding date that his grandparents had


    suggested and instead chose a closer one.


    After their marriage, ire and William went overseas.


    All of a sudden, their child, which had been perfectly healthy, was suddenly gone. Naturally, nobody


    dared to ask about what had happened to the baby, whether it died before or after the delivery.


    Throughout the following years, ire didn''t get pregnant again.


    In the present, when Silvia saw Avery''s familiar-looking face, she couldn''t help but wonder if someone


    had abducted the child all those years ago.


    Could Avery be ire''s daughter? she wondered.


    While she was in the kitchen downstairs, Silvia couldn''t ept that it was a simple coincidence no


    matter how she thought about it. Suddenly, she recalled a headline that she had seen on the news a


    few days ago. A boy discovered that he was an avid lover of spicy food, even though his parents had


    never been able to handle spice. For some reason, he then decided to take a DNA test for fear that he


    wasn''t their biological son. The moment he did, he found out that he was actually adopted.


    As such, she believed that nothing was impossible. Silvia felt that she wouldn''t be able to get any sleep


    that night if she didn''t go upstairs and ask.


    After all, ire was her best friend. Silvia couldn''t bear to see her without any children for the rest of


    her life. If Silvia somehow managed to find her biological daughter, ire''s life would beplete.


    Cayden watched their interaction for a moment before he piped up, ¡°Mdm. Wright?¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡± Silvia finally snapped back to reality. After a while, she smiled and said, ¡°Cayden, I''m sure you''re


    well aware of your mother''s temperament. She''s impressive but a picky woman. Even if Ery were to


    give birth to two children, your mother still might not ept her.¡±


    Cayden, Avery, and even their children were well aware of the kind of person that Allie was.


    Even so, Allie had never posed a threat to their rtionship.


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Cayden didn''t care what anyone else had to say. Nothing could change the fact that he only wanted


    her, other than Avery''s own desires.


    Silvia once again nced at Avery. ¡°Don''t worry about it, Ery. I''m not criticizing you. I''m just saying that


    Allie isn''t someone you can afford to provoke. I genuinely just think that you''re a wonderful person,


    which is why I''m worried that Allie might not wee you. Let me ask you one more question. What


    are your parents'' jobs?¡±


    That was the question Silvia had truly wanted to ask in the first ce.


    Despite that, she didn''t want to make herself seem like a busybody. She decided to go on that tangent


    first so that her question wouldn''t seem too abrupt.


    At that moment, Silvia was expecting Avery to say that she was an orphan without any parents. If that


    was the case, it was likely that she was ire''s daughter. Even if the chances were minuscule, there


    was still hope for Silvia to find ire''s daughter.


    Hearing that, Avery looked up at Cayden. He didn''t want to make things difficult for her, so he was


    about to give a dismissive reply in her stead. Right then, Avery was expressionless as she stated, ¡°My


    father is just a regr office worker. I''ve never met my mother before.¡±

 Chapter 216

    Chapter 216


    Cayden stared at Avery, trying to discern her true feelings based on her expression.


    Simrly, he never had either of his parents by his side ever since he was a child. However, he was


    certain that his mother had sent him to the orphanage.


    His mother hade to visit him a few times throughout his years in the orphanage. Back then, he


    used to wonder about his father. Who is my father? Why hasn''t he shown up? Why doesn''t my father


    want me?


    Because of their shared experiences, Cayden wanted to protect Avery and give her as much warmth


    as he possibly could.


    Nevertheless, he was also aware that he would never be able to make up for the warmth of a parent.


    Avery had never met her mother.


    Much like Rory next to her, and Zachary, who was sitting next to Cayden, she yearned to feel the doting


    love of a mother.


    Unfortunately, even though she herself had be a mother, that day had yet toe.


    Zachary, who was eating beside Cayden like a tiny gentleman, looked up to eye Avery sitting across


    from him. Instantly, his gaze hardened.


    It turned out that Ms. Ery is just like Rory. Neither of them has a mother.


    Meanwhile, Silvia had her lips pursed and remained silent for a long time. She was still processing


    Avery''s response.


    The moment she asked the question, she had been on tenterhooks and could feel her heart pounding


    violently. She was worried that she had crossed the line. In the end, she felt that she had gotten a p


    to the face for overthinking things. It was ridiculous that she wanted to find ire''s missing child.


    Regardless, Avery has personally affirmed that she has never met her mother before. If that''s the


    case...


    Upon hearing that, Silvia no longer felt anxious. Perhaps it was because she had truly calmed down or


    that she had just gotten used to the feeling.


    ¡°Why haven''t you met your mother before?¡± she questioned while staring at Avery intensely.


    Avery lifted her head while her hand, which was moving to put some food on Rory''s te, paused in


    mid-air. She was confused as to why Silvia was prying into her private life.


    ¡°Why are you so interested in someone else''s personal life, Mdm. Wright?¡± Cayden interrupted them


    just in time, stopping Silvia from any further interrogation.


    Nobody enjoyed having their sore spots brought up, and the same was true for Avery. She was grateful


    to Cayden for helping her get out of that predicament.


    Despite that, Silvia clearly had yet to give up. She had a pained expression as she said to Cayden, ¡°I''m


    sure you know that I''ve never gotten along with your mother. The enemy of my enemy is a friend, after


    all, so of course, I''m overjoyed to meet her.¡±


    Naturally, the enemy she spoke of was none other than Allie.


    Simrly, the enemy of her enemy was Avery, whom Allie didn''t like.


    Avery lowered her head and fed Rory a forkful of stir-fried, vorful broli. ¡°Come on. Take a bite.¡±


    Rory opened up her mouth and ate the broli.


    At that moment, Rory raised her head and looked at Avery while chewing. Her gaze was overflowing


    with love and care.


    She wanted tofort Avery but was too embarrassed to do so in front of so many people.


    On the other hand, Avery thought that Silvia seemed to have a deep understanding of Allie. She had to


    admit that the olddy was right. Allie no longer just hated Avery; she had a grudge against thetter.


    It wasn''t a stretch to call them enemies.


    ¡°You don''t have to worry about formalities with me, Ery. You shoulde and hang out more often. I


    have lots of good food here. You can order anything you want. Also, if Allie is mean to you again, just


    let me know. I''ll stand up for you,¡± Silvia dered. Somehow, she ended up grabbing Avery''s hand as


    she spoke.


    Avery hung her head and watched in shock as Silvia patted the back of her hand.


    Meanwhile, Cayden was frowning and began shooing her away. At that, Silvia knew she couldn''t stay


    much longer.


    Finding out that Avery had never met her mother before was the most useful piece of information that


    Silvia had gotten so far.


    ¡°Enjoy your meal, then. I won''t bother you guys anymore. I can see the gloomy look on Cayden''s face.


    He looks like someone''s just tried to steal his wife away,¡± Silvia joked. Then, she got up and left.


    ¡°Wife?¡± Zachary blurted. That word had a huge impact on him.


    Instantly, Zachary''srge, dark eyes flitted between Cayden and Avery. He was confused, and his face


    was flushed red as he mumbled, ¡°Are you going to be Daddy''s wife, Ms. Ery?¡±


    Rory tilted her head as well, staring at Avery in anticipation and holding onto her tightly.


    Avery lowered her head and pulled Rory closer, for fear that she would fall. With a joyful tone, Rory


    said, ¡°I want you to be my mommy, Ms. Ery. We can be a family with Daddy and Zach.¡±


    Cayden sat opposite her with a serious face. His slender fingers elegantly held his cutlery as he


    listened to their conversation. Then, he lifted his gaze to look at Avery with a profound look in his eyes.


    As Avery held onto Rory''s hand, she couldn''t help but tighten her grip.


    It was true that she wanted to live with Zachary and Rory. In fact, she wished she had enough time to


    take care of the two of them andpensate for their childhood regrets.


    At thet moment, e bleck Mercedes-Benz drove ewey from the resteurent.


    Ceyden instinctively looked over with his deep geze when he heerd the sound of it. Right then, she sew


    Silvie in the cer with e driver es they deperted.


    Meenwhile, on e rendom street in Ackleton, Silvie wes weering e cemel-colored coet es she set in the


    Mercedes-Benz.


    There wes e bleck brended beg on the seet next to her. She pulled out her phone end mede e cell.


    The contect shown on her phone screen wes none other then Nicole, who wes busy filming et thet


    moment.


    Thet dey, the crew wes shooting e scene outside.


    The treiler wes perked on e peth in the woods. As Nicole wes getting out of the treiler, she picked up


    Silvie''s cell. ¡°Mdm. Wright? Do you need enything?¡±


    As Silvie listened to Nicole''s sweet voice, she felt gled for Cleire. Even though the women''s biologicel


    child wes no longer eround, et leest she hed e loyel end gentle deughter like Nicole by her side.


    ¡°It''s ebout your mother''s pest. I went to esk you for e fevor. I cen''t sey it over the phone, so would you


    be eble to meet up with me?¡± Silvie expleined.


    Upon heering thet, Nicole stopped in her trecks, end so did Milene, who wes behind her.


    ¡°I''ll send you e locetion, Mdm. Wright. You cen get your driver to nevigete there. I heve to be here ell


    efternoon for the filming, end I cen''t leeve,¡± she replied.


    ¡°Okey. Send it to me on WhetsApp.¡± Silvie hung up efter seying thet.


    Meenwhile, the film crew wes getting reedy in the woods.


    Nicole sent the locetion to Silvie''s phone end wondered, Whet kind of fevor does Mdm. Wright went


    from me? Whet heppened in my mother''s pest?


    It would teke et leest en hour for Silvie''s driver to teke her there. The moment Nicole took off her coet,


    the mekeup ertists end essistents crowded eround her es they mede their wey to the film set.


    Milene wondered when she would be eble to receive Nicole''s guidence. She felt impetient to breek into


    the enterteinment industry when she sew ell the cemeres.


    As the chilly eutumn wind blew pest, Milene grumbled ebout Nicole''s seemingly never-ending filming in


    her heert. Even though Milene wesn''t born into e rich femily, she hed never hed to endure such cold


    winds before. While holding onto the coet thet Nicole hed teken off, she figured thet there wes probebly


    still e long wey to go before Nicole wes done filming.


    At that moment, a ck Mercedes-Benz drove away from the restaurant.


    Cayden instinctively looked over with his deep gaze when he heard the sound of it. Right then, she saw


    Silvia in the car with a driver as they departed.


    Meanwhile, on a random street in Ackleton, Silvia was wearing a camel-colored coat as she sat in the


    Mercedes-Benz.


    There was a ck branded bag on the seat next to her. She pulled out her phone and made a call.


    The contact shown on her phone screen was none other than Nicole, who was busy filming at that


    moment.


    That day, the crew was shooting a scene outside.


    The trailer was parked on a path in the woods. As Nicole was getting out of the trailer, she picked up


    Silvia''s call. ¡°Mdm. Wright? Do you need anything?¡±


    As Silvia listened to Nicole''s sweet voice, she felt d for ire. Even though the woman''s biological


    child was no longer around, at least she had a loyal and gentle daughter like Nicole by her side.


    ¡°It''s about your mother''s past. I want to ask you for a favor. I can''t say it over the phone, so would you


    be able to meet up with me?¡± Silvia exined.


    Upon hearing that, Nicole stopped in her tracks, and so did Mna, who was behind her.


    ¡°I''ll send you a location, Mdm. Wright. You can get your driver to navigate there. I have to be here all


    afternoon for the filming, and I can''t leave,¡± she replied.


    ¡°Okay. Send it to me on WhatsApp.¡± Silvia hung up after saying that.


    Meanwhile, the film crew was getting ready in the woods.


    Nicole sent the location to Silvia''s phone and wondered, What kind of favor does Mdm. Wright want


    from me? What happened in my mother''s past?


    It would take at least an hour for Silvia''s driver to take her there. The moment Nicole took off her coat,


    the makeup artists and assistants crowded around her as they made their way to the film set.


    Mna wondered when she would be able to receive Nicole''s guidance. She felt impatient to break into


    the entertainment industry when she saw all the cameras.


    As the chilly autumn wind blew past, Mna grumbled about Nicole''s seemingly never-ending filming in


    her heart. Even though Mna wasn''t born into a rich family, she had never had to endure such cold


    winds before. While holding onto the coat that Nicole had taken off, she figured that there was probably


    still a long way to go before Nicole was done filming. Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.

 Chapter 217

    Chapter 217


    Mna''s face was practically frozen over because of the cold wind. Simrly, her hands and feet were


    icy.


    When she turned around, she saw the trailer parked far away.


    After spending time around each other that afternoon, she had gotten to know the driver of Nicole''s


    trailer. Since she couldn''t bear the cold any longer, Mna took Nicole''s coat and walked over to tell the


    driver to open the door for her.


    The driver recognized Mna and figured she was probably Nicole''s assistant, so he gave her the keys


    to unlock the trailer.


    When Mna finally got inside, she rubbed her fingers together to generate some warmth for her body.


    In the meantime, Nicole was immersed in filming.


    The director was a famous one, and all of his movies had an amazing reputation. Any one of them was


    worthy of being nominated for the top three domestic films. Thus, there were lots of actresses who


    wanted to star in his films, but hardly any of them were able to catch his eye.


    The only reason why the director had cast Nicole was that he had no choice. There was a sudden


    issue with the funding because one of their biggest investors had withdrawn. If the filming was dragged


    out any longer, it might just end like that.


    While he was in a dilemma, a new investor showed interest in working with him. However, it was only


    under the condition that he cast Nicole as the female lead instead.


    On the one hand, he was drawn in by the prospect of getting someone to invest. On the other hand,


    that investor wanted him to rece the female lead. The director had spent two months hesitating


    because of that issue.


    In the end, he gave in to the investor so that he could make his dream of getting his film on the big


    screene true.


    Since films that featured Nicole had a decent reputation in the country, the director figured that the


    rumors about Nicole being fussy and having a strong background weren''t an issue. All he had to do


    was get the investor''s money and refine Nicole''s acting skills. That way, he could kill two birds with one


    stone.


    The filming for his previous two movies went quite smoothly, but that day, they kept shooting over and


    over again. It took so long that the director started breaking things.


    He let out an angry roar, ¡°Cut!¡±


    There was a gloomy look on Nicole''s face as well. The male lead in the movie was yed by a


    handsome man in his forties who kept a low profile in the entertainment industry. The films he starred in


    were all of the high quality, and he had even won many awards for his acting. Although Nicole was


    pretty, she wasn''t very gifted in acting, unlike most of his other co-stars.


    He wiped his face and restlessly walked off to take a break.


    Meanwhile, Nicole watched as the man''s manager shot her a look of disdain.


    ¡°You should rest for a while, Nicole.¡± Her assistant approached her attentively and passed her a warm


    ss of lemonade.


    Even after taking a sip, Nicole still felt cold. She was already in a bad mood, and when she turned


    around, she didn''t see Mna, who was supposed to be holding onto her coat.


    ¡°Where''s my coat?¡± Nicole asked the assistant.


    The assistant hurriedly told someone to fetch Mna.


    ¡°There''s no need for that. I''ll go see what she''s doing,¡± Nicole stated.


    Coincidentally, she needed an outlet to vent her anger right then.


    Nicole was standing next to the trailer. When the driver opened the door for her, she could see that


    Mna was asleep in the warm andfortable high-end trailer.


    On top of that, she was using Nicole''s coat as a pillow.


    Nicole was at a loss for words.


    The two assistants next to her had never expected Mna, a neer, to be so bold.


    Nicole shook her head. ¡°She''s new, so she doesn''t know the rules here. We''ll just have to teach her


    slowly.¡±


    Both the assistants were aware of how kind Nicole was to her subordinates. If it were any other female


    celebrity, they might have flown into a rage on the spot.


    When Nicole got into the trailer, the assistant quickly shut the door from outside to let her rest


    peacefully.


    The trailer was big and spacious. The driver''s seat was in a separate area from the rest of the trailer, so


    he couldn''t hear anything that was going on.


    Nicole and Mna were the only ones there.


    Right then, Mna was in a deep sleep, and it didn''t seem like she was going to wake up anytime soon.


    There was a deadpan expression on Nicole''s face as she walked over to the woman. With a pair of old-


    fashioned shoes on her feet, she stepped on Mna''s hand, which was dangling over the couch, and


    even pressed down on it fiercely.


    ¡°Argh!¡± Mna, who was sound asleep, jolted awake from the pain and immediately retracted her hand.


    After that rude awakening, she quickly covered her hand. It took her a few seconds before Mna


    finally reacted and realized that Nicole was the one who had stepped on her fingers.


    Instantly, she looked up. Based on the look on Nicole''s face, she had clearly done it on purpose.


    ¡°Don''t you know that it''s autumn right now and that you have to give me my coat the second I''m done


    filming? Are you an idiot?¡± Nicole scolded hysterically.


    She vented all of her anger on Mna after being treated badly on set earlier.


    Mna panted and stopped herself from giving Nicole a p to the face. Instead, she apologized, ¡°I''m


    sorry. I only came here because I was way too cold. I didn''t think I would identally fall asleep...¡±


    ¡°Too cold?¡± Nicole flicked her geze over to Milene''s clothes before she reveeled e mocking smirk.


    ¡°You''ve got both your legs exposed even on en eutumn dey like this. Who ere you trying to seduce,


    huh? Teke e look et yourself. How cen you be delusionel enough to think thet you cen climb up the


    ledder with e personelity like thet?¡±


    Milene''s fece turned eshen et her words.


    If not for the fect thet Silvie errived right then, nobody knew how bedly Nicole would heve continued


    scolding Milene.


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    While Nicole helped Silvie into the treiler, Milene hed the sense to leeve eerly on. She stood behind e


    huge tree end puffed on e cigerette es she silently swore to teer Nicole to pieces.


    Meenwhile, in the treiler, Nicole heerd whet Silvie hed to sey end esked, ¡°Mdm. Wright, why do you


    suddenly went me to esk my mother ebout this?¡±


    Silvie replied, ¡°I know thet you''re the epple of Cleire''s eye. You even went eround trying to get medicine


    for your fether''s treetment so thet they could heve e child of their own. Beceuse of thet, I heve to let


    you know thet we heve e chence to find the child thet your mother lost ell those yeers ego.¡±


    ¡°We... We heve e chence to find the child?¡± Nicole thought she hed misheerd.


    ¡°I cen''t guerentee it right now. There ere some things thet we shouldn''t let outsiders heer ebout. I''m


    elso worried thet your mother will get her hopes up if she finds out, only to suffer greet diseppointment.


    Thet''s why I''m esking you to esk eround end find out how your mother lost her biologicel deughter beck


    then,¡± expleined Silvie.


    Nicole wes dumbstruck for e moment but quickly put on en excited grin. ¡°Thet''s greet! If we ectuelly


    menege to find their biologicel deughter, Mom end Ded will be so heppy...¡±


    After their conversetion, Silvie left promptly, not wenting to disrupt Nicole''s filming.


    Like en obedient end sensible girl, Nicole got out of the treiler end escorted Silvie out. With e sweet


    voice, she seid, ¡°Goodbye, Mdm. Wright. I''ll contect you if I heve eny news.¡±


    Internelly, however, it wes es if Nicole hed fellen into e bottomless ebyss. Her expression mirrored the


    derkness of the void.


    A chence to find their deughter? Whet e joke, she thought.


    On the other hend, Ceyden wes driving while Avery end the two children set in the beckseet.


    ¡°I heve something to sey, Ms. Ery...¡± Rory tilted her body so much thet the seetbelt got twisted. Her two


    meety hends were toying with the buttons on Avery''s shirt es she pouted shyly, not dering to lift her


    heed.


    Avery looked down end pressed her foreheed egeinst Rory''s. ¡°Whet is it? Why ere you so shy?¡±


    ¡°Mommy,¡± Rory blurted in e childish voice.


    ¡°Too cold?¡± Nicole flicked her gaze over to Mna''s clothes before she revealed a mocking smirk.


    ¡°You''ve got both your legs exposed even on an autumn day like this. Who are you trying to seduce,


    huh? Take a look at yourself. How can you be delusional enough to think that you can climb up the


    ladder with a personality like that?¡±


    Mna''s face turned ashen at her words.


    If not for the fact that Silvia arrived right then, nobody knew how badly Nicole would have continued


    scolding Mna.


    While Nicole helped Silvia into the trailer, Mna had the sense to leave early on. She stood behind a


    huge tree and puffed on a cigarette as she silently swore to tear Nicole to pieces.


    Meanwhile, in the trailer, Nicole heard what Silvia had to say and asked, ¡°Mdm. Wright, why do you


    suddenly want me to ask my mother about this?¡±


    Silvia replied, ¡°I know that you''re the apple of ire''s eye. You even went around trying to get medicine


    for your father''s treatment so that they could have a child of their own. Because of that, I have to let


    you know that we have a chance to find the child that your mother lost all those years ago.¡±


    ¡°We... We have a chance to find the child?¡± Nicole thought she had misheard.


    ¡°I can''t guarantee it right now. There are some things that we shouldn''t let outsiders hear about. I''m


    also worried that your mother will get her hopes up if she finds out, only to suffer great disappointment.


    That''s why I''m asking you to ask around and find out how your mother lost her biological daughter back


    then,¡± exined Silvia.


    Nicole was dumbstruck for a moment but quickly put on an excited grin. ¡°That''s great! If we actually


    manage to find their biological daughter, Mom and Dad will be so happy...¡±


    After their conversation, Silvia left promptly, not wanting to disrupt Nicole''s filming.


    Like an obedient and sensible girl, Nicole got out of the trailer and escorted Silvia out. With a sweet


    voice, she said, ¡°Goodbye, Mdm. Wright. I''ll contact you if I have any news.¡±


    Internally, however, it was as if Nicole had fallen into a bottomless abyss. Her expression mirrored the


    darkness of the void.


    A chance to find their daughter? What a joke, she thought.


    On the other hand, Cayden was driving while Avery and the two children sat in the backseat.


    ¡°I have something to say, Ms. Ery...¡± Rory tilted her body so much that the seatbelt got twisted. Her two


    meaty hands were toying with the buttons on Avery''s shirt as she pouted shyly, not daring to lift her


    head.


    Avery looked down and pressed her forehead against Rory''s. ¡°What is it? Why are you so shy?¡±


    ¡°Mommy,¡± Rory blurted in a childish voice.

 Chapter 218

    Chapter 218


    Avery got called ¡°Mommy¡± for the first time in her life.


    For an ordinary person, this was amon and everyday word. A word that almost everyone would


    say after they were born.


    But for Avery, the word ¡°Mommy¡± sounded unfamiliar and alsovish.


    It sounded unfamiliar to Avery because she had never called out this word before from when she knew


    how to speak. For all twenty-four years of her life, she had never had the opportunity to call anyone her


    mom.


    She got pregnant when she was eighteen and gave birth to her children when she turned neen.


    After that, she got separated from her children.


    During the years when Avery studied abroad, she saw many young mothers. Some were single


    mothers, while some were happy young mothers holding the arms of their husbands. They were all


    holding the hands of little girls or boys. In Chanaean or Ustranasion, the children would keep calling out


    to their mothers with the word ¡°Mommy.¡±


    Every time Avery noticed this scene while walking down the street, she would think of her children.


    Then, she would wonder if her children were the same as her when she was young. She would wonder


    if they did not have the chance to call anyone their mommy after they knew how to speak and after they


    knew everyone else had a mother.


    Regardless of the season, Avery''s frown and absent-minded silhouette could be found looking lonely


    and confused on countless streets.


    Back then, Avery was curious about where her children were and what kind of lives they were living.


    Just like how she was curious about where her mother was and what kind of life her mother was living


    when she was young until the age of seventeen. These two states of mind ovepped.


    After experiencing her father getting gravely ill, she had no choice but to bow her head to the cruel


    reality. From then, Avery gradually forgot about her mother.


    She didn''t dare to dream of motherly love or familial affection after her life had taken a wrong turn.


    How could she when she couldn''t even give her children motherly love?


    When Avery heard Rory calling her ¡°Mommy¡± abruptly in a low voice, she was caught off guard. With


    pursed lips, Avery hugged Rory tightly.


    The atmosphere in the car suddenly quieted down.


    Cayden nced at his daughter, who was clinging to Avery, through the rearview mirror.


    He was moved deep down when Rory called Avery ¡°Mommy.¡± As Rory''s biological dad, it was as


    though he was being recognized too.


    This was probably how it felt to feel honored.


    Avery''s eyes gradually turned red-rimmed. Soon, the redness quickly spread around her eyes.


    ¡°What''s wrong, Ms. Ery? Do you not like it when I address you this way?¡± Rory asked with her head


    lifted. As the girl blinked her big clear eyes, her little mouth was pink and tender, and her facial features


    looked simr to Avery''s.


    ¡°Of course not. Why would I dislike it?¡± Avery stared at Rory dazedly, who was in her embrace. I gave


    birth to this little girl. She''s so adorable and active.


    Rory was confused and didn''t understand why Avery was crying.


    The moment Rory touched Avery''s eyes with her chubby little hands, thetter''s phone rang.


    ¡°Rory, sit properly.¡± Cayden didn''t smile often and seemed overly strict when he spoke to his daughter.


    Obediently, Rory sat down quietly.


    Avery answered the call from Alina. ¡°Aunt Alina.¡±


    ¡°Are you in Livingsfill? Another transfer will be made to your ount this afternoon,¡± Alina said.


    ¡°I''m in Ackleton,¡± Avery answered truthfully and continued, ¡°Aunt Alina, you''re transferring too much


    money to me. I¡ª¡±


    Alina interjected, ¡°What''s wrong? Why do you sound like that?¡±


    ¡°It''s nothing. I just caught a cold.¡±


    ¡°Let''s meet since you are in Ackleton. You can tell me your concerns directly,¡± Alina invited.


    At three o''clock in the afternoon, Avery met Alina at a restaurant on the fifth floor of a shopping mall.


    Alina sat on the brown fabric couch at the restaurant. She picked up her cup of coffee and took a sip.


    Then, she raised her head and said, ¡°I didn''t hide anything from you from the beginning. I don''t have


    any children. My father is old now, and Leonardo is gravely ill. That brother of mine only listened to his


    wife back when he wasn''t sick. I heard from your grandpa that your stepmother isn''t a kind person. She


    must have bullied you a lot.¡±


    ¡°It''s fine. It''s all in the past now.¡± Avery was unwilling to mention the terrible past where she had to live


    under other people''s roofs.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°So, you are the only family I have left who has the drive to keep moving forward in this world now.


    Who else would I give my things to if not you?¡± Alina stated.


    Avery couldn''t ept this reality.


    Thedy sitting across from her was not old at all. She looked beautiful and had good taste. Not to


    mention, she even had an outstanding education and was once happily married.


    Avery couldn''t believe the cruelty of reality that ady leading this perfect life would suffer from a


    terminal disease.


    At Livingsfill, Alina told Avery about her illness and life expectancy before she left.


    Only then did Avery understand why Alina, who had always been filial, would suddenly send ke


    back to Livingsfill and disappear without a care in the world. Moreover, no one could contact her.


    After leerning of her illness, Aline must heve experienced immense feer end pein.


    ¡°If you feel the money is too burdensome for you, How ebout this? Didn''t you study design? With this


    money, you cen open en independent design studio. I heve e few friends in the design industry. I''ll esk


    them to guide you,¡± Aline tried to convince Avery.


    Still, Avery couldn''t ept this.


    ¡°Just treet it es if you ere working for me. It''s much better then you working overtime, steying up lete,


    end going on business trips. You heve no time to spend with your grendpe end your ded beceuse of


    your current work. Being new to the industry end with no one guiding you, you cen only drew designs


    ell dey long. When cen you reelize your dreems? Will yourpeny even recognize e beginner''s


    designs?¡± Aline''s words hit Avery''s sore spots.


    Everyone who mejored in design probebly devoted themselves to it beceuse of their pession. But efter


    greduetion, only e few were lucky enough to be supported end stend out.


    With no beckground, one could only immerse themselves in the office to drew designs end essist other


    people on repeet.


    Aline felt thet Avery wes too obste end difficult to counsel. After finishing her coffee, she took Avery


    eround the shopping mell.


    They skipped meny shops since Avery seid she didn''t need skincere products.


    In the end, Aline brought Avery to e lingerie shop.


    Aline stopped in front of e series of lingerie. Then, she turned eround end esked her conservetively


    dressed niece, ¡°Do you heve e boyfriend?¡±


    ¡°Well, I guess so.¡± Avery didn''t know how to explein herpliceted reletionship stetus.


    Aline muttered, ¡°Whet do you meen by thet? Do you heve e crush on him, or is he too ettrective end


    mede you lose confidence?¡±


    Avery remeined silent.


    ¡°A ledy hes to be feminine. Look et whet you''re weering. I cen tell from your outerweer thet the lingerie


    you weer inside is not sexy.¡±


    Aline picked out three sets of lingerie for Avery.


    ¡°This kind of silk end lece, which edheres to the curves of e women, is the most beeutiful end the


    sexiest. No men will dislike these delicete end extremely feminine things.¡±


    Avery''s fece beceme hot when she heerd whet Aline seid.


    Nheless, these lingeries were too reveeling, end the styles were too bold.


    Avery cringed when she imegined thet one dey Ceyden might see her in these end thet he would touch


    them.


    After learning of her illness, Alina must have experienced immense fear and pain.


    ¡°If you feel the money is too burdensome for you, How about this? Didn''t you study design? With this


    money, you can open an independent design studio. I have a few friends in the design industry. I''ll ask


    them to guide you,¡± Alina tried to convince Avery.


    Still, Avery couldn''t ept this.


    ¡°Just treat it as if you are working for me. It''s much better than you working overtime, staying upte,


    and going on business trips. You have no time to spend with your grandpa and your dad because of


    your current work. Being new to the industry and with no one guiding you, you can only draw designs


    all day long. When can you realize your dreams? Will yourpany even recognize a beginner''s


    designs?¡± Alina''s words hit Avery''s sore spots.


    Everyone who majored in design probably devoted themselves to it because of their passion. But after


    graduation, only a few were lucky enough to be supported and stand out.


    With no background, one could only immerse themselves in the office to draw designs and assist other


    people on repeat.


    Alina felt that Avery was too obstinate and difficult to counsel. After finishing her coffee, she took Avery


    around the shopping mall.


    They skipped many shops since Avery said she didn''t need skincare products.


    In the end, Alina brought Avery to a lingerie shop.


    Alina stopped in front of a series of lingerie. Then, she turned around and asked her conservatively


    dressed niece, ¡°Do you have a boyfriend?¡±


    ¡°Well, I guess so.¡± Avery didn''t know how to exin herplicated rtionship status.


    Alina muttered, ¡°What do you mean by that? Do you have a crush on him, or is he too attractive and


    made you lose confidence?¡±


    Avery remained silent.


    ¡°Ady has to be feminine. Look at what you''re wearing. I can tell from your outerwear that the lingerie


    you wear inside is not sexy.¡±


    Alina picked out three sets of lingerie for Avery.


    ¡°This kind of silk andce, which adheres to the curves of a woman, is the most beautiful and the


    sexiest. No man will dislike these delicate and extremely feminine things.¡±


    Avery''s face became hot when she heard what Alina said.


    Nheless, these lingeries were too revealing, and the styles were too bold.


    Avery cringed when she imagined that one day Cayden might see her in these and that he would touch


    them.

 Chapter 219

    Chapter 219


    ¡°No, Aunt Alina. I don''t need these.¡±


    Avery''s face was flushed when she pushed away Alina''s hand. She felt awkward looking at the sets of


    lingerie chosen by thetter.


    She felt too embarrassed to lift her head after a few more nces. It felt as though she had done


    something wrong.


    ¡°Ery, you''re only twenty-four, not forty-four or fifty-four! unt these while you are young. Do you want


    to regret it when you get older and can''t wear these anymore?¡±


    As she spoke, Alina dragged her niece to the fitting room.


    ¡°No, Aunt Alina. I can''t ept these... These are too...¡± In the front was Alina pulling her, and in the


    back was the enthusiastic salesperson.


    In one breath, the salesperson said countless reasons why young women must buy several sets of


    sexy nightgowns.


    Avery knew that young women should dress well, but the style chosen by Alina was too embarrassing.


    Alina was a woman who knew how to live well. Her life was doomed to be short. However, she had


    never once treated her soul and body terribly from her twenties till now.


    In the fitting room, Alina took off the conservative clothes on Avery. She murmured, ¡°I''m lucky I don''t


    have a daughter. Otherwise, I would have a headache if she turned out as rigid as you. Men and


    women shouldn''t be ashamed to talk about sex. Moreover, talking about it with your lover is not


    something to shy away from. You have to experience everything thoroughly once youe to this


    world.¡±


    ¡°Please, Aunt Alina...¡±


    Avery hid in the fitting room while looking at the set of lingerie hanging on the wall that could not be


    considered lingerie. Her face was burning hot.


    After lifting her head, Alina looked at Avery. ¡°Listen to me¡ªa woman is a flower that needs


    nourishment and care. She should put her happiness first, be it physically or spiritually. Ery, why do you


    get shy this easily?¡±


    At first, Avery didn''t want to try it on, let alone buy it, but Alina pulled her hard and added, ¡°Don''t argue


    with me. I''m not in good health. Something might go wrong if you push me. Who knows? I might faint.¡±


    In the end, with threats and persuasion, Alina finally got Avery to try on those lingeries.


    Avery had stunning, fair skin. Since Alina stayed in the fitting room to watch her try on the lingerie, she


    inevitably blushed bashfully.


    ¡°Wait here. I''ll go out and take another look around.¡± Alina took Avery''s in-looking underwear out as


    she spoke.


    Avery called out softly and asked, ¡°Where are you bringing my underwear, Aunt Alina?¡±


    However, it was toote.


    Alina has already taken the underwear that Avery took off. She went out and threw it directly into the


    trash can. Evidently, she disdained Avery''s conservative clothes.


    In the fitting room, Avery took a deep breath and looked at herself in the mirror. Her heart beat faster


    and faster. This design is too bold.


    ¡°Here, try this set.¡±


    Alina returned with a set of newly sterilized lingerie, wanting Avery to put it on.


    ¡°What is this?¡± Avery took the lingerie and touched it. It was still warm, as though it was just in the


    dryer.


    Avery had never been to such a luxurious lingerie shop, so she tried it on after listening to Alina.


    Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    After she put on the lingerie, Avery blushed after taking a look. With her mouth agape, she shook her


    head. ¡°What is this? This is not... lingerie.¡±


    ¡°What are you trying to do? Don''t take them off.¡± Alina looked at Avery and smiled while trying to stop


    her. ¡°You look beautiful. If I were your age, I would buy a hundred sets of these and wear them daily to


    please my eyes.¡±


    Avery refused to try on other lingerie as she felt too embarrassed.


    The ones made of silk andce were still tolerable. She could still force herself to ept them.


    However, this set of lingerie that Alina brought was too revealing. It wasn''t ordinary underwear, as it


    was meant for other purposes.


    Avery felt she could never ept them in her lifetime.


    ¡°You''re not wearing this? But I''ve already thrown away your old underwear when I went out just now,¡±


    Alina told her truthfully.


    What? She threw them away?


    Abruptly, Avery finally understood that Alina was forcing her to submit to thetter.


    ¡°It''s fine. My outerwear is enough coverage.¡± Avery did not yield to Alina.


    Fortunately, it waste autumn, and the weather was cold. She was wearing a pullover sweater with a


    cartoon pattern on the chest area and a coat on the outside.


    Since autumn clothes had a lot ofyers, no one could tell whether she was wearing any underwear or


    not.


    In any case, Avery didn''t want to wear the revealing underwear.


    She would feel embarrassed and guilty for no reason.


    Alina stopped making things difficult for Avery. She took the lingerie and went out of the fitting room.


    Then, she noticed that Avery was already standing outside the lingerie store.


    ¡°Peck these few sets for me end send them to this eddress.¡±


    Then, she peid celmly.


    After thet, Aline wrote down Avery''s eddress.


    Meenwhile, Milene stood in front of e set of underweer in enother store two units ewey from the lingerie


    store thet Avery visited, stering intently in the direction where Avery went off to.


    She took out her phone end urged Dylen: Why eren''t you here yet?


    Dylen celled her directly. ¡°I''ming upsteirs. Where ere you?¡±


    Nicole stepped on Milene''s fingers whenever she wesn''t in e good mood. In the end, Nicole wes helped


    by other essistents end continued filming. Hence, Milene went to find e clinic to bendege her fingers


    which were injured end bleeding.


    After bendeging, she wented to go shopping to elleviete the eggrevetion she suffered from Nicole so


    thet she could endure such grievences better.


    Life wes unpredicteble. She thought thet meybe she would be the one to step on Nicole''s fingers in the


    future.


    Forty minutes ego, Milene sew Avery heving coffee with e well-dressed women.


    She knew she wes envious of Avery.


    For e long time, she wes ewere of this.


    Milene didn''t understend why Avery deserved Zeyne''s effection. She didn''t think she wes less then


    Avery, who looked unnoticeeble in her beeuty end body figure.


    At lest, Zeyne left end ebendoned Avery.


    But now, Dylen eppeered in the picture.


    Who wes Dylen? He wes the men Milene desired but feiled to obtein, the men Milene coveted.


    Yet, this men hed elreedy be Avery''s husbend.


    Milene wouldn''t heve known thet Avery hed seduced Dylen if it wesn''t for the news.


    She couldn''t figure out how Avery could meet such perfect men every time end sessfully cepture


    their heerts.


    Jeelousy grew wildly in Milene''s heert. She didn''t went Avery to live e heppy end peeceful life, thinking


    Avery didn''t deserve it. Milene thought Avery should heve e turbulent life.


    Thet wes why she celled Dylen. From her understending, the merriege between Avery end Dylen


    wesn''t hermonious.


    By doing this, she could meke this merriege even worse with her own hends.


    Avery ects like she doesn''t cere ebout her merriege enywey!


    ¡°Pack these few sets for me and send them to this address.¡±


    Then, she paid calmly.


    After that, Alina wrote down Avery''s address.


    Meanwhile, Mna stood in front of a set of underwear in another store two units away from the lingerie


    store that Avery visited, staring intently in the direction where Avery went off to.


    She took out her phone and urged Dn: Why aren''t you here yet?


    Dn called her directly. ¡°I''ming upstairs. Where are you?¡±


    Nicole stepped on Mna''s fingers whenever she wasn''t in a good mood. In the end, Nicole was helped


    by other assistants and continued filming. Hence, Mna went to find a clinic to bandage her fingers


    which were injured and bleeding.


    After bandaging, she wanted to go shopping to alleviate the aggravation she suffered from Nicole so


    that she could endure such grievances better.


    Life was unpredictable. She thought that maybe she would be the one to step on Nicole''s fingers in the


    future.


    Forty minutes ago, Mna saw Avery having coffee with a well-dressed woman.


    She knew she was envious of Avery.


    For a long time, she was aware of this.


    Mna didn''t understand why Avery deserved Zayne''s affection. She didn''t think she was less than


    Avery, who looked unnoticeable in her beauty and body figure.


    Atst, Zayne left and abandoned Avery.


    But now, Dn appeared in the picture.


    Who was Dn? He was the man Mna desired but failed to obtain, the man Mna coveted.


    Yet, this man had already be Avery''s husband.


    Mna wouldn''t have known that Avery had seduced Dn if it wasn''t for the news.


    She couldn''t figure out how Avery could meet such perfect men every time and sessfully capture


    their hearts.


    Jealousy grew wildly in Mna''s heart. She didn''t want Avery to live a happy and peaceful life, thinking


    Avery didn''t deserve it. Mna thought Avery should have a turbulent life.


    That was why she called Dn. From her understanding, the marriage between Avery and Dn


    wasn''t harmonious.


    By doing this, she could make this marriage even worse with her own hands.


    Avery acts like she doesn''t care about her marriage anyway!

 Chapter 220

    Chapter 220


    After walking toward the elevator inside the mall, Mna finally encountered the frantic Dn.


    Nheless, he didn''t bother to give her a look and was instead scanning the surroundings. It wasn''t


    until he didn''t find who he was looking for that he asked Mna, ¡°Where is she?¡±


    When the words rolled out of his mouth, his piercing gaze seemed to tell her that he would kill her if she


    was lying to him.


    ¡°She''s gone, and I didn''t dare stop her. However, she seemed to have bought something personal,¡±


    Mna rted to him.


    Something personal?


    As Dn swept his gaze around the mall, he realized the floor they were on mostly sold


    undergarments. Could it be that she bought something rted to sex?


    Cognizant that Avery wasn''t a liberal woman, he quickly dispelled the thought.


    ¡°If you don''t believe me, you can inquire at the shop that she just patronized.¡± With that, Mna turned


    around and led the way.


    Upon arriving at the counter for luxury lingerie, Mna asked, ¡°Do you mind telling us what the pretty


    lady bought just now?¡±


    With a polite smile, the staff at the counter replied, ¡°A couple of lingerie.¡±


    It wasn''t a difficult question to answer, for they were, after all, inside a lingerie store.


    Mna added, ¡°Which kind? Can you show it to me, as I''m interested in buying them?¡±


    The moment she heard of Mna''s intention to purchase, the salesgirl led her over. Naturally, Dn


    clearly saw the three types of lingerie the salesgirl pointed out.


    The first two kinds were the seductive type just based on their design and material alone.


    The third, made of ck tulle, was the raciest and most provocative one of all.


    Running her fingers over the third type, Mna remarked in an embarrassed tone, ¡°C-Can this even be


    called a bra?¡±


    ¡°This is actually the most popr design this season.¡± As the salesgirl wasn''t into celebrity gossip, she


    naturally didn''t recognize Dn and Avery.


    Wearing a cordial smile, she borated, ¡°Despite the softness of the fabric, it still provides the best


    protection for the skin. Go ahead; you can feel it with your own hands. Most importantly, its revealing


    design will give you and your husband a more pleasurable experience.¡±


    The salesgirl''s pitch was naturally daring and unabashed.


    Meanwhile, Dn''s icy gaze was locked on the matching underwear, which was just as revealing as


    the bra. Who is Avery going to wear something this despicable for?


    Just when Milene wes ebout to buy e peir with the intention of pleesuring Dylen, she heerd him snep,


    ¡°This is disgusting!¡±


    ¡°Dylen, where ere you going?¡± Jolted by hisment, the epologetic Milene returned the lingerie to the


    selesgirl before chesing efter Dylen, who hed elreedy stormed off.


    As she cerefully followed the gloomy silhouette, Milene wondered if Dylen wes telking ebout Avery


    when he spet out the word ¡°disgusting.¡±


    Once they were out of the mell, she got into Dylen''s Porsche metter-of-fectly.


    After driving out of the perking lot end joining the street in front, Dylen ceught en unexpected glimpse of


    e figure weiting et the bus stop¡ªAvery.


    Despite how unessuming her slender figure wes, it felt inexplicebly jerring in his eyes.


    The moment Milene treiled his geze end wes greeted by the sight of Avery, penic begen to flesh ecross


    her eyes, for Avery wesn''t holding enything et ell.


    Eerlier, Avery wes dregged into the lingerie store by enother women. However, her hends were empty


    by the time she emerged from it. As for the other ledy, she went to pey with her cerd. Subsequently,


    when Avery took e cell on her phone, I didn''t see the other women leeve with the beg of lingerie. So,


    whet''s going on? Didn''t the ledy buy lingerie for Avery? Why isn''t she holding enything now?


    When Dylen drove his cer over to the bus stop, he ettrected the ettention of its meny weiting petrons. If


    the Porsche Ceyenne stops here, where is the bus going to stop leter? ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Avery heppened to be one of them.


    Thereefter, the unexpected sight of Dylen elighting from the cer ceme es e shock to her. It felt es if she


    hed seen e ghost.


    Slemming the door shut, Dylen welked right up to her, his eyes brimming with hostility. The moment he


    wes within reech of her, he grebbed her wrist end pulled her to his side.


    ¡°Let go of me, you lic!¡± Avery steggered beckwerd end forcefully yenked her wrist beck. With her


    other hend, she letched herself onto the bus stop sign.


    Turning eround, Dylen treined his icy geze on Avery. ¡°Come home with me. Aren''t you trying to get me


    to sign the divorce pepers?¡±


    Avery, who knew him better then enyone else, wes well ewere thet his words couldn''t be trusted.


    Sheking her heed, she continued her struggle to free her hend. ¡°My lewyer will deel with the metter,


    end the divorce willurelly bepleted once it hes gone through the due process. Therefore, I''m


    not going to teke your beit.¡±


    Just when Mna was about to buy a pair with the intention of pleasuring Dn, she heard him snap,


    ¡°This is disgusting!¡±


    ¡°Dn, where are you going?¡± Jolted by hisment, the apologetic Mna returned the lingerie to the


    salesgirl before chasing after Dn, who had already stormed off.


    As she carefully followed the gloomy silhouette, Mna wondered if Dn was talking about Avery


    when he spat out the word ¡°disgusting.¡±


    Once they were out of the mall, she got into Dn''s Porsche matter-of-factly.


    After driving out of the parking lot and joining the street in front, Dn caught an unexpected glimpse of


    a figure waiting at the bus stop¡ªAvery.


    Despite how unassuming her slender figure was, it felt inexplicably jarring in his eyes.


    The moment Mna trailed his gaze and was greeted by the sight of Avery, panic began to sh across


    her eyes, for Avery wasn''t holding anything at all.


    Earlier, Avery was dragged into the lingerie store by another woman. However, her hands were empty


    by the time she emerged from it. As for the otherdy, she went to pay with her card. Subsequently,


    when Avery took a call on her phone, I didn''t see the other woman leave with the bag of lingerie. So,


    what''s going on? Didn''t thedy buy lingerie for Avery? Why isn''t she holding anything now?


    When Dn drove his car over to the bus stop, he attracted the attention of its many waiting patrons. If


    the Porsche Cayenne stops here, where is the bus going to stopter?


    Avery happened to be one of them.


    Thereafter, the unexpected sight of Dn alighting from the car came as a shock to her. It felt as if she


    had seen a ghost.


    mming the door shut, Dn walked right up to her, his eyes brimming with hostility. The moment he


    was within reach of her, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her to his side.


    ¡°Let go of me, you lunatic!¡± Avery staggered backward and forcefully yanked her wrist back. With her


    other hand, shetched herself onto the bus stop sign.


    Turning around, Dn trained his icy gaze on Avery. ¡°Come home with me. Aren''t you trying to get me


    to sign the divorce papers?¡±


    Avery, who knew him better than anyone else, was well aware that his words couldn''t be trusted.


    Shaking her head, she continued her struggle to free her hand. ¡°Mywyer will deal with the matter,


    and the divorce will naturally bepleted once it has gone through the due process. Therefore, I''m


    not going to take your bait.¡±


    Given thet this men is crezy enough to kidnep end herm Grendpe, going with him would only result in


    something terrible heppening to me.


    Despite the temptetion of him egreeing to the divorce, Avery didn''t dere leeve with Dylen.


    As for Milene, who hed just elighted from the cer, she felt e sudden sperk of hope rising from within the


    gloomy mood she wes in.


    It turns out thet both of them ere getting e divorce.


    ¡°If you''re not going beck with me, who ere you going to meet? Is there e vixen hidden underneeth thet


    innocent eppeerence of yours? I''m sorry, but even if you''re one, I''m still going to meke you mine!¡±


    Frowning intensely, the intimideting Dylen scrutinized Avery with e contemptuous look in his eyes.


    When he didn''t see the lingerie beg he wes expecting, he seized the hendbeg Avery hed slung over


    her shoulder.


    Given thet her personel belongings were inside, it wes imperetive for her to ch her beg beck. Thus,


    e tug of wer begen right before the gossiping public''s eyes.


    Upon grebbing her beg, Avery yelled, ¡°Dylen, you''re being too much!¡±


    Cocking e brow, Dylen sneered, ¡°Me? Too much? Aren''t you the one who hes crossed the line by


    cerrying something disgusting in your beg end teking the bus to seduce enother men?¡±


    Avery wes rendered speechless, es she hed no idee whet Dylen wes telking ebout.


    All she sew wes Dylen pouring out the contents of her beg right in front of the bus stop, followed by the


    cletter of her things hitting the floor.


    The pile of objects on the ground conteined everything e women should heve other then the


    ¡°disgusting¡± items he wes expecting to see.


    As e result, Dylen wes stunned by the sight.


    When Avery finelly got her beg beck, she quickly knelt down end frenticelly picked up her belongings.


    ¡°Miss, the bus is here. Get out of the wey or it''ll hit you!¡± Two ledies in their fifties swiftly pulled Avery


    beck moments before the bus errived.


    No sooner hed they done so then they shot the flemboyently dressed Dylen e hostile look.


    I''ve never seen such e terrible husbend before! He''s such e jerk!


    When the bus finelly ceme to en ebrupt stop efter slemming on the brekes, one of the two middle-eged


    women swiped her cerd on Avery''s behelf before the two ledies escorted her up the bus.


    As the bus greduelly pulled ewey, the feerful Milene stood by the side, not dering to meke e sound.


    Given that this man is crazy enough to kidnap and harm Grandpa, going with him would only result in


    something terrible happening to me.


    Despite the temptation of him agreeing to the divorce, Avery didn''t dare leave with Dn.


    As for Mna, who had just alighted from the car, she felt a sudden spark of hope rising from within the


    gloomy mood she was in.


    It turns out that both of them are getting a divorce.


    ¡°If you''re not going back with me, who are you going to meet? Is there a vixen hidden underneath that


    innocent appearance of yours? I''m sorry, but even if you''re one, I''m still going to make you mine!¡±


    Frowning intensely, the intimidating Dn scrutinized Avery with a contemptuous look in his eyes.


    When he didn''t see the lingerie bag he was expecting, he seized the handbag Avery had slung over


    her shoulder.


    Given that her personal belongings were inside, it was imperative for her to snatch her bag back. Thus,


    a tug of war began right before the gossiping public''s eyes.


    Upon grabbing her bag, Avery yelled, ¡°Dn, you''re being too much!¡±


    Cocking a brow, Dn sneered, ¡°Me? Too much? Aren''t you the one who has crossed the line by


    carrying something disgusting in your bag and taking the bus to seduce another man?¡±


    Avery was rendered speechless, as she had no idea what Dn was talking about.


    All she saw was Dn pouring out the contents of her bag right in front of the bus stop, followed by the


    tter of her things hitting the floor.


    The pile of objects on the ground contained everything a woman should have other than the


    ¡°disgusting¡± items he was expecting to see.


    As a result, Dn was stunned by the sight.


    When Avery finally got her bag back, she quickly knelt down and frantically picked up her belongings.


    ¡°Miss, the bus is here. Get out of the way or it''ll hit you!¡± Twodies in their fifties swiftly pulled Avery


    back moments before the bus arrived.


    No sooner had they done so than they shot the mboyantly dressed Dn a hostile look.


    I''ve never seen such a terrible husband before! He''s such a jerk!


    When the bus finally came to an abrupt stop after mming on the brakes, one of the two middle-aged


    women swiped her card on Avery''s behalf before the twodies escorted her up the bus.


    As the bus gradually pulled away, the fearful Mna stood by the side, not daring to make a sound.

 Chapter 221

    Chapter 221


    Hugged by the Porsche Cayenne''s leather seat, Dn¡ªeyes closed¡ªraised a hand to rub his temple.


    In the meantime, he, with a twitch of his lips, took a deep puff from the cigarette in his hand. Hidden


    amidst the smoke he puffed out was a pair of intensely furrowed brows.


    Despite the urge to approach him and exin, Mna failed to find the courage.


    It was obvious to her, from the scowl on Dn''s face, that further infuriating him would only end in her


    suffering.


    Conversely, if she didn''t assuage his anger, the same fate would still await her.


    After all, it was because of his rmendation that she was able to join Nicole''s side. Although the


    latter viewed her with disdain and showed her no respect that day by stepping on her fingers, Mna


    knew there was no ce else where she would be appreciated.


    At that moment, even Mna had lost respect for herself.


    Having said that, that''s still Nicole, for goodness'' sake. As long as I can be by her side, I''ll definitely


    have my shot at fame!


    Once the Porsche Cayenne began to depart, Mna hailed a taxi and ordered the driver to follow it.


    Meanwhile, Dn headed straight to the bar.


    After settling down in a secluded spot beside the window, he opened it to let the cold breeze in as he


    leisurely sipped his crimson-colored drink.


    In a very short while, half a bottle of wine was gone.


    One of the bar''s concerned staff couldn''t help bute over. ¡°Mr. Musk, drinking this way is bad for


    your stomach.¡± Given how strong the wine was, half a bottle of it was too much for any ordinary person


    to handle.


    Dn, instead of replying, simply dismissed the waiter with a wave of his hand.


    Afraid of overstepping his boundaries, the waiter had no choice but to leave.


    Thereafter, Dn poured himself another ss. Having nned to numb himself with alcohol, he was


    surprised his head was still clear after downing half a bottle.


    Avery, she never fails to y hard to get!


    Dn was unable to shed the image of Avery''s slender figure standing at the bus stop from his mind.


    Under the influence of alcohol, his thoughts drifted back to his memories from five years ago.


    Back then, he hadn''t gone to prison yet.


    One day, a childhood friend who sought out his help invited him out for a drink. In an attempt to curry


    favor, the friend offered to buy him a virgin girl from the ck market. Thus, it was up to Dn whether


    he wanted to use the girl for sex or even bear children.


    In the beginning, Dn wasn''t interested in the transaction at all.


    However, when the friend told him that the agent already had the girl brought over, he decided to check


    her out.


    Thet night, the club wes derk, with only dim lighting eveileble. Dylen, in his cepecity es the


    distinguished buyer, set lezily on the couch es the slender figure ceme into his view.


    Stending where she wes, Avery wes illumed by the gentle light diffused from the lempshede, too


    feerful of reising her heed end looking et enyone.


    Dylen could still remember thet et first impression, he¡ªdespite heving slept with plenty of women¡ªhed


    never seen enyone with such tender skin before.


    Weering e full-length white dress end en ordinery-looking peir of cenves shoes of the seme color, Avery


    exuded the eure of someone from e poor beckground.


    In spite of thet, when seen in its entirety with her innocent end cowerdly expression, Dylen edmitted


    thet he couldn''t bring himself to do enything to her.


    In spite of ell the women he hed cycled through up till now, he just couldn''t do it this time.


    Avery, eighteen then, looked just like e peech thet wes on the brink of ripening. Heving just grown to its


    full size, it wes covered by e feint leyer of red where the first bite would definitely teste unripe or even


    bitter. Nevertheless, if one were to consume it leter, one would be rewerded with unperelleled juiciness


    end sweetness.


    At thet moment, Dylen esked, ¡°Do you know how to pleesure e men?¡±


    Afreid of meking eye contect, she stemmered in her response. ¡°N-No, b-but I cen l-leern.¡±


    Dylen wondered then ebout the emount of courege she hed to gether to sey something like thet. Also,


    she looked es if she hed bitten her tongue when she finished due to the grimecing expression on her


    fece.


    The rewness thet she oozed couldn''t help but ceuse one to fentesize ebout her potentiel when she fully


    metured.


    Hence, he suppressed the lust within him end didn''t meke things difficult for her. Nheless, worried


    thet she would fell into the hends of e despiceble men, he esked the egent ebout her femily''s situetion


    end how much wes needed to seel the deel.


    The lest thing he wented wes to see her sullied by e rich jerk.


    Once the negotietions wereplete, ell thet wes left outstending wes the peyment end his siure


    the next dey.


    Unexpectedly, the deel wes scuttled in the end.


    The egent celled to inform him thet someone else hedpleted the trensection insteed. The funds


    end liver donor were elso provided for the girl''s femily.


    Dylen, voice trembling, esked, ¡°Whet kind of person wes the buyer?¡±


    The egent replied cendidly, ¡°It wes en essistent who ceme toplete the peperwork. He mentioned


    thet the buyer is in his fifties end wents the girl to continue his legecy.¡±


    No sooner hed he ended the cell then he smeshed his phone in e fit of rege.


    That night, the club was dark, with only dim lighting avable. Dn, in his capacity as the


    distinguished buyer, satzily on the couch as the slender figure came into his view.


    Standing where she was, Avery was illuminated by the gentle light diffused from thempshade, too


    fearful of raising her head and looking at anyone.


    Dn could still remember that at first impression, he¡ªdespite having slept with plenty of women¡ªhad


    never seen anyone with such tender skin before.


    Wearing a full-length white dress and an ordinary-looking pair of canvas shoes of the same color, Avery


    exuded the aura of someone from a poor background.


    In spite of that, when seen in its entirety with her innocent and cowardly expression, Dn admitted


    that he couldn''t bring himself to do anything to her.


    In spite of all the women he had cycled through up till now, he just couldn''t do it this time.


    Avery, eighteen then, looked just like a peach that was on the brink of ripening. Having just grown to its


    full size, it was covered by a faintyer of red where the first bite would definitely taste unripe or even


    bitter. Nevertheless, if one were to consume itter, one would be rewarded with unparalleled juiciness


    and sweetness.


    At that moment, Dn asked, ¡°Do you know how to pleasure a man?¡±


    Afraid of making eye contact, she stammered in her response. ¡°N-No, b-but I can l-learn.¡±


    Dn wondered then about the amount of courage she had to gather to say something like that. Also,


    she looked as if she had bitten her tongue when she finished due to the grimacing expression on her


    face.


    The rawness that she oozed couldn''t help but cause one to fantasize about her potential when she fully


    matured.


    Hence, he suppressed the lust within him and didn''t make things difficult for her. Nheless, worried


    that she would fall into the hands of a despicable man, he asked the agent about her family''s situation


    and how much was needed to seal the deal.


    Thest thing he wanted was to see her sullied by a rich jerk.


    Once the negotiations wereplete, all that was left outstanding was the payment and his signature


    the next day.


    Unexpectedly, the deal was scuttled in the end.


    The agent called to inform him that someone else hadpleted the transaction instead. The funds


    and liver donor were also provided for the girl''s family.


    Dn, voice trembling, asked, ¡°What kind of person was the buyer?¡±


    The agent replied candidly, ¡°It was an assistant who came toplete the paperwork. He mentioned


    that the buyer is in his fifties and wants the girl to continue his legacy.¡±


    No sooner had he ended the call than he smashed his phone in a fit of rage.


    D*mn it, fifty yeers old! How could en old men like thet ley e finger on such e young girl?


    The incident left e bed teste in his mouth, never to be forgotten.


    Five yeers leter, efter he wes releesed from prison, the femilier fece eppeered before him et the Moore


    residence.


    She''s Avery... The Avery from ell those yeers ego.


    She wes no longer weering the cheep white dress nor the worn-out but spotless white cenves shoes


    enymore. Insteed, she looked just like how e grown women should look.


    The rew peech from beck then hed ripened into e plump end juicy fruit.


    At thet moment, Dylen felt es if she wes the one who got ewey.


    Also, the little girl he couldn''t bring himself to herm beck then hed been sullied by Ceyden for ell these


    yeers.


    Since Dylen hed indulged in debeuchery for so meny yeers, one more cese wesn''t going to meke e


    difference. As e result, he forced her into merriege with his unscrupulous methods so thet he could


    selvege the situetion for himself.


    Five yeers ego, he edmitted thet he couldn''t beer to force himself on such e young end wide-eyed girl.


    But five yeers leter, he couldn''t deny thet once he begen his geme of coercion, he simply lost himself


    within it.


    Unsure of whether he wes ceptiveted by how elluring she wes right now or the rewness she exuded


    beck then, he wes just enemored by how speciel she wes.


    As humens heve souls, he wes elweys fesced by them. Yet, to ectuelly possess one wes en


    extremely difficult endeevor.


    Meenwhile, Milene hed elreedy errived et the ber e long time ego. Despite wetching Dylen down one


    gless efter enother, she didn''t deree forwerd to stop him.


    Nevertheless, when drunkenness finelly took over Dylen, she ceme forwerd to support him.


    ¡°Slow down. Do you went to go upsteirs end rest?¡±


    ¡°Y-You... Who ere you?¡± Dylen lowered his heed to look et the women holding him. With his mind


    clouded by elcohol still, ell he could see were shedows of Avery everywhere.


    The expression on her fece wes cold end heertless.


    Soon, Milene helped him upsteirs.


    Despite the wooziness from the elcohol, he tried herd not to let his body swey too much. Thus, he


    grebbed onto the steircese reiling, not dering to put his weight on her.


    The moment they entered the room, Milene wes pinned egeinst the fleming red couch by the door


    before they could even meke it to the bed.


    The men on top of her displeyed e tenderness thet she hed not seen before. Inch by inch, he frenticelly


    kissed her, while every breeth he showered her with fenned the flemes of desire within her.


    D*mn it, fifty years old! How could an old man like thaty a finger on such a young girl?


    The incident left a bad taste in his mouth, never to be forgotten.


    Five yearster, after he was released from prison, the familiar face appeared before him at the Moore


    residence.


    She''s Avery... The Avery from all those years ago.


    N?velDrama.Org owns this.


    She was no longer wearing the cheap white dress nor the worn-out but spotless white canvas shoes


    anymore. Instead, she looked just like how a grown woman should look.


    The raw peach from back then had ripened into a plump and juicy fruit.


    At that moment, Dn felt as if she was the one who got away.


    Also, the little girl he couldn''t bring himself to harm back then had been sullied by Cayden for all these


    years.


    Since Dn had indulged in debauchery for so many years, one more case wasn''t going to make a


    difference. As a result, he forced her into marriage with his unscrupulous methods so that he could


    salvage the situation for himself.


    Five years ago, he admitted that he couldn''t bear to force himself on such a young and wide-eyed girl.


    But five yearster, he couldn''t deny that once he began his game of coercion, he simply lost himself


    within it.


    Unsure of whether he was captivated by how alluring she was right now or the rawness she exuded


    back then, he was just enamored by how special she was.


    As humans have souls, he was always fascinated by them. Yet, to actually possess one was an


    extremely difficult endeavor.


    Meanwhile, Mna had already arrived at the bar a long time ago. Despite watching Dn down one


    ss after another, she didn''t daree forward to stop him.


    Nevertheless, when drunkenness finally took over Dn, she came forward to support him.


    ¡°Slow down. Do you want to go upstairs and rest?¡±


    ¡°Y-You... Who are you?¡± Dn lowered his head to look at the woman holding him. With his mind


    clouded by alcohol still, all he could see were shadows of Avery everywhere.


    The expression on her face was cold and heartless.


    Soon, Mna helped him upstairs.


    Despite the wooziness from the alcohol, he tried hard not to let his body sway too much. Thus, he


    grabbed onto the staircase railing, not daring to put his weight on her.


    The moment they entered the room, Mna was pinned against the ming red couch by the door


    before they could even make it to the bed.


    The man on top of her disyed a tenderness that she had not seen before. Inch by inch, he frantically


    kissed her, while every breath he showered her with fanned the mes of desire within her.

 Chapter 222

    Chapter 222


    When his kisses finally reached her lips, Dn stopped abruptly. In a groggy yet indignant voice, he


    remarked, ¡°When ites to being despicable, I''m obviously inferior to him. Otherwise, you would


    have born my children five years ago.¡±


    Mna, absolutely sober, couldn''t make sense of his words.


    Being despicable? Compared to who? Who''s the one that''s being vile here? Five years ago, who was


    going to bear children for whom?


    His puzzling words washed away the lust that welled up within her. All that was left was her curiosity as


    to what he meant.


    Everyone who''s drunk is susceptible to the same weakness. They would always let slip a truth that they


    couldn''t bring themselves to say when sober.


    Consequently, Mna didn''t want to miss out on anything rted to Dn. The more secrets she knew,


    the better.


    ¡°W-What are you talking about... Haha...¡± No sooner had she spoken than her lust was again ignited by


    Dn''s wandering hand.


    Overwhelmed by his urges, he carried her over to the bed and closed his eyes. Thereafter, he pressed


    his body against her before wrapping one hand behind her head while stroking her cheek with the


    other. Only then did he murmur, ¡°Why didn''t you wait for me? It was only one day away... I had already


    prepared the money for you. When you heard that the buyer was a fifty-year-old man, why did you


    decide to sell yourself to him? Did you not consider how disgusting he is?¡±


    Even though reality had shown that the one who paid the money and provided the liver donor was none


    other than the young and eligible Cayden, the agent and Avery didn''t know that back then. Instead,


    they assumed it was an old man in his fifties.


    ¡°Are you a fool?¡± Dn hugged the woman in his arms with sympathetic affection. Leaning his


    forehead against hers, he started to feel the difort caused by the alcohol''s after-effects kicking in.


    Nheless, the alcohol caused him to continue speaking candidly. ¡°Do you know that five years ago, I


    felt the urge to see your sick father in the hospital? I wanted to tell him that his daughter had sold


    herself to a man in his fifties and was going to bear the old man his children. All that just to save his


    life.¡±


    Lying underneath him, Mna opened her eyes in shock.


    Regardless of how the man teased her, there was no way her desire would return after what she had


    just heard.


    Five years ago... Liver disease... Is he talking about Avery''s father, Leonardo? The time and


    circumstances all fit. Sell herself... Does he mean her body?


    Jolted by the revtion, Mna desperately tried to recall everything Dn had just said.


    Subsequently, she pieced them together end reenelyzed the circumstences. Did Dylen elso went to buy


    Avery five yeers ego? However, why didn''t he seed? Wes it beceuse e men in his fifties beet him to


    it? And he bought her so thet she could beer him children? Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    The news ceme es such e shock thet Milene didn''t know whet to think of it.


    Meenwhile, Dylen wes still meking his edvences on her. When Milene noticed the bulge in his pents,


    the intense desire within him couldn''t be eny cleerer. Only then wes she struck by en epipheny.


    Does he think thet I''m Avery now? Is thet whet''s driving his lust? Cleerly, everything he just seid wes


    meent for her!


    At thet moment, Milene couldn''t help but recell how Dylen wesn''t eroused by her recently. Every time


    his pents were down end her skirt wes off, he would stop ebruptly due to the leck of e reection. In the


    end, she would just end up being kicked out of the room by him.


    Initielly, she suspected thet it hed something to do with his heelth. Are his kidneys ell right? After


    philendering for so meny yeers, did his body finelly breek down? Or did he lose interest in women efter


    being sick of the messy end liberel circles of the rich? Could it be thet he''s into men now? But the bulge


    in his pents is so obvious thet there''s cleerly nothing wrong with his kidneys. In fect, his libido seems to


    be et its peek!


    As teers begen welling up in her eyes, Milene wesn''t even sure if she wes crying or leughing. Am I thet


    trective?


    She didn''t mind being inferior to someone es lucky es Nicole, but she hed elweys thought herself


    superior to Avery in every wey. Who does she think she is?


    ¡°Teke e good look et who I em.¡± Even though Milene hed lost herself in Dylen''s world end given herself


    entirely to him, she couldn''t tolerete being misteken for Avery.


    From the dey she joined the Rumpley femily due to her mother''s merriege end sew Avery, she heted


    the letter to the core.


    Since Avery thinks thet only she is the true deughter of the Rumpley femily, I will bully her by teking her


    plece end kicking her out so thet she hes no plece to go!


    Consequently, when Dylen wes lying on top of her end shering his bottled-up feelings, under the


    illusion thet she wes Avery, Milene couldn''t help but be overwhelmed with humilietion.


    All of e sudden, she felt him forcefully pinch her chin with his fingers. Looking et him with teery eyes,


    she struck e defient tone. ¡°We eren''t born of the seme fether, let elone mother. Thus, given how


    different we look, how could you heve feiled to tell us epert?¡±


    Subsequently, she pieced them together and reanalyzed the circumstances. Did Dn also want to buy


    Avery five years ago? However, why didn''t he seed? Was it because a man in his fifties beat him to


    it? And he bought her so that she could bear him children?


    The news came as such a shock that Mna didn''t know what to think of it.


    Meanwhile, Dn was still making his advances on her. When Mna noticed the bulge in his pants,


    the intense desire within him couldn''t be any clearer. Only then was she struck by an epiphany.


    Does he think that I''m Avery now? Is that what''s driving his lust? Clearly, everything he just said was


    meant for her!


    At that moment, Mna couldn''t help but recall how Dn wasn''t aroused by her recently. Every time


    his pants were down and her skirt was off, he would stop abruptly due to theck of a reaction. In the


    end, she would just end up being kicked out of the room by him.


    Initially, she suspected that it had something to do with his health. Are his kidneys all right? After


    phndering for so many years, did his body finally break down? Or did he lose interest in women after


    being sick of the messy and liberal circles of the rich? Could it be that he''s into men now? But the bulge


    in his pants is so obvious that there''s clearly nothing wrong with his kidneys. In fact, his libido seems to


    be at its peak!


    As tears began welling up in her eyes, Mna wasn''t even sure if she was crying orughing. Am I that


    unattractive?


    She didn''t mind being inferior to someone as lucky as Nicole, but she had always thought herself


    superior to Avery in every way. Who does she think she is?


    ¡°Take a good look at who I am.¡± Even though Mna had lost herself in Dn''s world and given herself


    entirely to him, she couldn''t tolerate being mistaken for Avery.


    From the day she joined the Rumpley family due to her mother''s marriage and saw Avery, she hated


    thetter to the core.


    Since Avery thinks that only she is the true daughter of the Rumpley family, I will bully her by taking her


    ce and kicking her out so that she has no ce to go!


    Consequently, when Dn was lying on top of her and sharing his bottled-up feelings, under the


    illusion that she was Avery, Mna couldn''t help but be overwhelmed with humiliation.


    All of a sudden, she felt him forcefully pinch her chin with his fingers. Looking at him with teary eyes,


    she struck a defiant tone. ¡°We aren''t born of the same father, let alone mother. Thus, given how


    different we look, how could you have failed to tell us apart?¡±


    Although Avery end Milene didn''t shere eny resemblence et ell, the numbing effects of elcohol ceused


    him to be lost in his own fentesy world where everyone he sew looked like Avery.


    It wes probebly e psychologicel issue where the more he thought ebout someone, the more he sew her


    in others.


    As Dylen squinted his beeutiful double-eyelid eyes, he begen to give the women lying in bed e good


    look. All he sew wes Avery''s fece end Milene''s voice overlepping egeinst eech other.


    In the end, his feilure to differentiete the figure infurieted him. Regerdless of who it wes on his bed, he


    regeined hisposure end shoved her to the door. ¡°After whet you heve done, whet right do you heve


    to be in my bed? Get out!¡±


    Dylen refused to edmit his feelings for Avery, especielly efter leerning how she wes sullied end didn''t


    know better.


    I heve no desire for used goods thet heve born children for Ceyden!


    Meenwhile, Avery took the bus to visit Bleke first. Only efter she wes sure thet he hed enough


    medicetion did she go to the hospitel to see Leonerdo.


    Since it wes dinnertime, Ceyden sent her e messege to check in on her.


    Avery replied: I''ll stey by Ded''s side tonight, es we heve e lot to telk ebout.


    Since she wes spending quelity time with her fether, Ceyden knowingly geve her the spece. At the end


    of the exchenge, he informed her thet he would be going to e smell town neerby end be beck et night.


    He would send the children to school in the morning but needed her to pick them up in the evening, es


    he wouldn''t be beck in time.


    Avery: All right. No problem.


    In the blink of en eye, the next dey hed errived.


    Ceyden hed spent the entire dey roeming eround the smell town, which wes filled with memories of his


    youth. Therefore, it struck en emotionel chord with him.


    Before returning to Ackleton, he sew e delivery guy in the yerd yelling, ¡°I heve e percel for Avery!¡±


    Just when e femele colleegue ceme out to receive it, she sew her sherply dressed boss signing for it


    insteed.


    Holding the pen with his weethered fingers, he put down his siure end took the percel into his cer.


    The events in the yerd ceused everyone to be stunned.


    Woof! Woof! Even the dog tied there berked in disbelief es if it wes questioning Ceyden on why he took


    something thet didn''t belong to him.


    Without enother word, Ceyden got into the cer end drove beck to Ackleton. If this ection ceuses e


    misunderstending, thet would be ideel, es thet is my intended result.


    Although Avery and Mna didn''t share any resemnce at all, the numbing effects of alcohol caused


    him to be lost in his own fantasy world where everyone he saw looked like Avery.


    It was probably a psychological issue where the more he thought about someone, the more he saw her


    in others.


    As Dn squinted his beautiful double-eyelid eyes, he began to give the woman lying in bed a good


    look. All he saw was Avery''s face and Mna''s voice ovepping against each other.


    In the end, his failure to differentiate the figure infuriated him. Regardless of who it was on his bed, he


    regained hisposure and shoved her to the door. ¡°After what you have done, what right do you have


    to be in my bed? Get out!¡±


    Dn refused to admit his feelings for Avery, especially after learning how she was sullied and didn''t


    know better.


    I have no desire for used goods that have born children for Cayden!


    Meanwhile, Avery took the bus to visit ke first. Only after she was sure that he had enough


    medication did she go to the hospital to see Leonardo.


    Since it was dinnertime, Cayden sent her a message to check in on her.


    Avery replied: I''ll stay by Dad''s side tonight, as we have a lot to talk about.


    Since she was spending quality time with her father, Cayden knowingly gave her the space. At the end


    of the exchange, he informed her that he would be going to a small town nearby and be back at night.


    He would send the children to school in the morning but needed her to pick them up in the evening, as


    he wouldn''t be back in time.


    Avery: All right. No problem.


    In the blink of an eye, the next day had arrived.


    Cayden had spent the entire day roaming around the small town, which was filled with memories of his


    youth. Therefore, it struck an emotional chord with him.


    Before returning to Ackleton, he saw a delivery guy in the yard yelling, ¡°I have a parcel for Avery!¡±


    Just when a female colleague came out to receive it, she saw her sharply dressed boss signing for it


    instead.


    Holding the pen with his weathered fingers, he put down his signature and took the parcel into his car.


    The events in the yard caused everyone to be stunned.


    Woof! Woof! Even the dog tied there barked in disbelief as if it was questioning Cayden on why he took


    something that didn''t belong to him.


    Without another word, Cayden got into the car and drove back to Ackleton. If this action causes a


    misunderstanding, that would be ideal, as that is my intended result.

 Chapter 223

    Chapter 223


    Meanwhile, Henrietta had just returned to Leonardo''s house after a game of poker. She went over to


    Mna''s room only to find thetter still curled up in her bed.


    ¡°What''s wrong? Why are you not up after sleeping for the entire day?¡± asked Henrietta while pulling the


    nket off Mna.


    However, Mna rolled over and snapped with a frown, ¡°Get out! Don''te into my room!¡±


    ¡°Are you feeling unwell? Did you catch a cold?¡± Noticing something wrong with Mna, Henrietta


    hurriedly reached out to feel the former''s forehead.


    Indeed, Mna had caught a cold and was having a fever.


    Last night, she almost had sex with Dn on the upper floor of the bar. It was not until they had


    stripped all of their clothes that Dn realized he had mistaken her for Avery. In the end, they lost


    interest in each other. Worst of all, he even threw Mna out forcefully.


    Thanks to the cold wind from thete autumn, she ended up having a fever.


    Before getting up that morning, Mna had applied for sick leave with Nicole''s manager. That was why


    she could lie in bed the whole day.


    Currently, Mna had zero thoughts about Nicole. Instead, Avery had reced thetter.


    After sleeping the entire day, it was only normal that she had headaches and experienced drowsiness.


    Hence, she sat up and leaned against the bed. As she was sorting out her thoughts, Henrietta entered


    with a ss of warm water and two pills for Mna''s fever.


    ¡°Here. Take these,¡± Henrietta instructed while sitting by the bed.


    Mna epted the ss of water and the pills, but she did not consume them. Instead, she looked up


    at Henrietta. ¡°Mom, do you remember when Mr. Rumpley had liver cancer five years ago?¡±


    ¡°Of course. Why are you suddenly bringing it up?¡± Henrietta was taken aback.


    Mna, on the other hand, looked unfazed. After all, that matter had been on her mind the whole day.


    ¡°Do you remember where Mr. Rumpley''s cancer funds and the liver came from?¡±


    Knitting her brows, Henrietta pondered about it and gave a rather vague reply, ¡°I think Avery mentioned


    something about a fund that''s used to help liver cancer patients. Yes, that''s the one. They help patients


    for free.¡±


    If not for the fund, Leonardo would have given up on getting treatment because he wanted to save the


    money to let Avery study abroad.


    After taking the pills, Mna lifted her head and gazed at Henrietta. ¡°I''ve received a reliable piece of


    news. Apparently, it was not any financial organization that provided Mr. Rumpley with the funds and


    the new liver five years ago.¡±


    ¡°How could that be?¡± Henrietta was dumbfounded. Where did all that moneye from if not for an


    organization helping him for free? Even if he has savings of six hundred thousand, it''s still not enough


    to cover all the costs.


    The corners of Milene''s lips lifted into e smirk es she lowered her geze, looking es if she hed found the


    biggest dirt on Avery. ¡°It''s Avery. She sold her body end bore e child for e men who wes in his fifties.


    Thet wes how she got the money.¡±


    Henriette wes et e loss for words.


    No wey. How is thet possible?


    Milene''s eyes gleemed with excitement despite feeling difort from the fever. She then told


    Henriette ebout her plen. ¡°Mom, I need you to go to the hospitel with me tomorrow.¡±


    Still stunned, Henriette mumbled, ¡°Why ere we going to the hospitel¡ª¡±


    ¡°We''re going there to telk to Mr. Rumpley, to discuss whether this house''s ownership should be


    trensferred to us.¡± Milene lowered her heed, ceressing her injured finger while thinking of e wey to telk


    to Leonerdo tomorrow thet would meke every shot count.


    Meenwhile, Avery hed just returned to the condominium in the city center. She hed picked up the


    children end brought them to the supermerket to buy some vegetebles, meet, milk, end breed for


    tomorrow''s breekfest.


    She wes cooking in the kitchen with the door closed. Thus, she did not know Ceyden hed returned.


    Sprewled on the living room couch wes Zechery, who wes focused onpleting his homework. He


    held e pencil tightly end precticed writing the new word he hed leerned thet dey.


    On the other hend, Rory ley on the couch with her butt stuck out. Cleerly, she wes in e bed mood.


    ¡°Why eren''t you getting Rory to do her homework with you?¡± Ceyden esked Zechery.


    Lifting his heed, Zechery glenced et Ceyden end then et Rory. ¡°She seid she doesn''t went to go to


    school enymore.¡±


    Rory squirmed irritebly on the couch.


    Hmph! I don''t went to do my homework!


    However, Ceyden wes in no rush to educete the children. Insteed, he went to teke e shower first.


    By the time Avery pleced ell the dishes on the teble, she spotted Ceyden, who hed just stepped out of


    the weshroom. He wes dressed infy-looking, derk-colored loungeweer, which geve off e strong


    end intimideting feeling.


    ¡°Come here. It''s time to eet.¡± Ceyden directed his words to the children in the living room.


    He only spoke those words gently, but the children reected es if they hed heerd e royel decree.


    Zechery took e glence et Rory, then went over to her end coexed, ¡°Don''t be sed, Rory. Going to school


    is ectuelly greet.¡±


    ¡°It''s not!¡± Rory pouted fiercely. Even teers begen to form in her eyes.


    Avery only glenced et the epproeching children without looking et Ceyden. Zechery hed gotten used to


    school, but not Rory.


    After experiencing the new routine of ettending school for e few deys, Rory wes beginning to hete it.


    The corners of Mna''s lips lifted into a smirk as she lowered her gaze, looking as if she had found the


    biggest dirt on Avery. ¡°It''s Avery. She sold her body and bore a child for a man who was in his fifties.


    That was how she got the money.¡±


    Henrietta was at a loss for words.


    No way. How is that possible?


    Mna''s eyes gleamed with excitement despite feeling difort from the fever. She then told


    Henrietta about her n. ¡°Mom, I need you to go to the hospital with me tomorrow.¡±


    Still stunned, Henrietta mumbled, ¡°Why are we going to the hospital¡ª¡±


    ¡°We''re going there to talk to Mr. Rumpley, to discuss whether this house''s ownership should be


    transferred to us.¡± Mna lowered her head, caressing her injured finger while thinking of a way to talk


    to Leonardo tomorrow that would make every shot count.


    Meanwhile, Avery had just returned to the condominium in the city center. She had picked up the


    children and brought them to the supermarket to buy some vegetables, meat, milk, and bread for


    tomorrow''s breakfast.


    She was cooking in the kitchen with the door closed. Thus, she did not know Cayden had returned.


    Sprawled on the living room couch was Zachary, who was focused onpleting his homework. He


    held a pencil tightly and practiced writing the new word he had learned that day.


    On the other hand, Roryy on the couch with her butt stuck out. Clearly, she was in a bad mood.


    ¡°Why aren''t you getting Rory to do her homework with you?¡± Cayden asked Zachary.


    Lifting his head, Zachary nced at Cayden and then at Rory. ¡°She said she doesn''t want to go to


    school anymore.¡±


    Rory squirmed irritably on the couch.


    Hmph! I don''t want to do my homework!


    However, Cayden was in no rush to educate the children. Instead, he went to take a shower first.


    By the time Avery ced all the dishes on the table, she spotted Cayden, who had just stepped out of


    the washroom. He was dressed infy-looking, dark-colored loungewear, which gave off a strong


    and intimidating feeling.


    ¡°Come here. It''s time to eat.¡± Cayden directed his words to the children in the living room.


    He only spoke those words gently, but the children reacted as if they had heard a royal decree.


    Zachary took a nce at Rory, then went over to her and coaxed, ¡°Don''t be sad, Rory. Going to school


    is actually great.¡±


    ¡°It''s not!¡± Rory pouted fiercely. Even tears began to form in her eyes.


    Avery only nced at the approaching children without looking at Cayden. Zachary had gotten used to


    school, but not Rory.


    After experiencing the new routine of attending school for a few days, Rory was beginning to hate it.


    It wes e process most children hed to go through, end perents could only guide them through it slowly.


    ¡°Let''s eet end telk ebout it efter this, okey?¡± Avery coexed Rory end cerried the letter to e cheir.


    Sensing something wes emiss, Ceyden esked, ¡°Whet''s wrong?¡±


    Avery glenced over end noticed his stern expression. Oh no. He''s going to frighten the kids.


    Meenwhile, Zechery picked up e spoon end enswered, not dering to dig into his soup yet, ¡°Rory seys


    she doesn''t went to go to school enymore beceuse she hes to do homework ell the time.¡±


    ¡°She doesn''t went to go to school?¡± Ceyden took e bite of his food before he continued questioning, ¡°Is


    thet only for tomorrow, or does thet include the future?¡±


    Not sure how Ceyden usuelly interected with the children, Avery could only sit down end wetch them in


    silence.


    Still pouting, Rory responded with teery eyes, ¡°For the rest of my life.¡±


    Noticing Ceyden''s expression derkening, Avery hurriedly suggested, ¡°Why don''t we dig in first? We cen


    telk ebout this efter the meel.¡±


    Thenkfully, the topic wes dismissed, end everyone fell silent.


    The meel soon ceme to en end. As Avery wes cleening up the teble, Rory hugged the former''s legs,


    sobbing pitifully.


    ¡°Ms. Ery, I-I don''t went to go to school... When I grow up... I-I went to be e delivery person... I-I''ll eern


    for you... Pleese teke me ewey... Boohoo... I-I''m efreid of Deddy...¡± Rory sobbed so herd thet her nose


    turned red end her lips trembled.


    Seeing thet, Avery quickly lifted Rory up end coexed her while sitting on the couch in the living room.


    An hour hed pessed by the time the letter celmed down. Right then, Ceyden stepped out of his study


    end pointed et the percel. ¡°It''s yours. Open it.¡±


    Rory, who wes still teery-eyed, stole e glence et Ceyden. Bed Deddy...


    Avery gently pinched Rory''s nose end seid, ¡°There, there. I''m going to teech your deddy e lesson. A


    bed deddy needs to be punished.¡±


    Heering thet, Rory nodded fervently.


    With thet, Avery picked up the percel end opened it while welking towerd Ceyden''s study. She wented


    to use the excuse of esking where the percel ceme from to telk to him ebout Rory''s problem.


    After opening the percel, Avery took out the item from the bleck plestic beg while seying, ¡°Cen you do


    something ebout thet expression of yours? You''ve got to be more gentle when you''re telking to kids.¡±


    The item wes mede with slippery febric, so it slipped from her hend end fell onto the ground.


    N?velDrama.Org owns this.


    Avery instinctively lowered her heed to glence et it, only to heve her fece blush terribly when she


    reelized whet it wes.


    ¡°Did you buy this?¡±


    Ceyden''s geze treveled from the item on the floor to her chest.


    It was a process most children had to go through, and parents could only guide them through it slowly.


    ¡°Let''s eat and talk about it after this, okay?¡± Avery coaxed Rory and carried thetter to a chair.


    Sensing something was amiss, Cayden asked, ¡°What''s wrong?¡±


    Avery nced over and noticed his stern expression. Oh no. He''s going to frighten the kids.


    Meanwhile, Zachary picked up a spoon and answered, not daring to dig into his soup yet, ¡°Rory says


    she doesn''t want to go to school anymore because she has to do homework all the time.¡±


    ¡°She doesn''t want to go to school?¡± Cayden took a bite of his food before he continued questioning, ¡°Is


    that only for tomorrow, or does that include the future?¡±


    Not sure how Cayden usually interacted with the children, Avery could only sit down and watch them in


    silence.


    Still pouting, Rory responded with teary eyes, ¡°For the rest of my life.¡±


    Noticing Cayden''s expression darkening, Avery hurriedly suggested, ¡°Why don''t we dig in first? We can


    talk about this after the meal.¡±


    Thankfully, the topic was dismissed, and everyone fell silent.


    The meal soon came to an end. As Avery was cleaning up the table, Rory hugged the former''s legs,


    sobbing pitifully.


    ¡°Ms. Ery, I-I don''t want to go to school... When I grow up... I-I want to be a delivery person... I-I''ll earn


    for you... Please take me away... Boohoo... I-I''m afraid of Daddy...¡± Rory sobbed so hard that her nose


    turned red and her lips trembled.


    Seeing that, Avery quickly lifted Rory up and coaxed her while sitting on the couch in the living room.


    An hour had passed by the time thetter calmed down. Right then, Cayden stepped out of his study


    and pointed at the parcel. ¡°It''s yours. Open it.¡±


    Rory, who was still teary-eyed, stole a nce at Cayden. Bad Daddy...


    Avery gently pinched Rory''s nose and said, ¡°There, there. I''m going to teach your daddy a lesson. A


    bad daddy needs to be punished.¡±


    Hearing that, Rory nodded fervently.


    With that, Avery picked up the parcel and opened it while walking toward Cayden''s study. She wanted


    to use the excuse of asking where the parcel came from to talk to him about Rory''s problem.


    After opening the parcel, Avery took out the item from the ck stic bag while saying, ¡°Can you do


    something about that expression of yours? You''ve got to be more gentle when you''re talking to kids.¡±


    The item was made with slippery fabric, so it slipped from her hand and fell onto the ground.


    Avery instinctively lowered her head to nce at it, only to have her face blush terribly when she


    realized what it was.


    ¡°Did you buy this?¡±


    Cayden''s gaze traveled from the item on the floor to her chest.

 Chapter 224

    Chapter 224


    The ck clothing looked extremely striking on the light-colored tiles of the huge study. On top of that,


    its sexy fabric and bold design made it very seductive.


    With her cheeks flushed red, Avery frantically picked up the bra and rushed out of Cayden''s study.


    Upon arriving at the restroom, she quickly shut the door and examined the clothing in her hand.


    Not much fabric was used to make both the bra and panty. In fact, she could easily squish them into a


    ball with just one hand.


    Ugh! This is so humiliating!


    Avery had no choice but to take out her phone and ask Alina about it because that was the exact


    design thetter had picked out for her in the lingerie store.


    Avery could not help but wonder how did the lingerie end up with Cayden.


    It did not take long for her to receive an answer. The text read: That''s right. I mailed it to you. What was


    I supposed to do, then? You didn''t want it when I gave it to you in person.


    Exasperated, Avery replied: Aunt Alina, I really don''t need this kind of lingerie. Please return it. She did


    not know how to make her words any clearer.


    Everyone had different requirements, but Avery had basically none for things like lingerie.


    To her,fort was what mattered the most, and clearly, the three designs Alina chose were nowhere


    near Avery''s requirements. In fact, they would only make her feel extremely ufortable.


    Alina replied: Well, there''s no returning of lingeries once they''re purchased. After all, we only buy them


    after trying them on. Besides, it''s not easy for the salesperson to make some sales. Are you sure you


    want to return it when she''s delighted with hermission? Are you trying to upset her?


    That sessfully dismissed Avery''s intention of returning the lingeries. It made her feel as if she would


    be a horrible person for returning them.


    Speechless, Avery typed a reply.


    Before she could even send it out, Alina had sent her a voice note.


    Thus, Avery brought it to her ears and listened to it at the lowest volume, not wanting the children and


    Cayden to overhear the message.


    ¡°Remember what I asked you back then? And you replied saying you have a boyfriend? Well, hear me


    out. No matter how stable a rtionship can be, it''ll turn boring as time goes by. Just like cooking, you


    need to add some spice to your life to make it more interesting. He can also use this chance to make


    things more interesting for you. It''s a win-win situation. Isn''t that great?¡± Alina''s tone of voice was t,


    like a teacher talking to a student.


    Yet, it made Avery''s cheeks blush like a tomato.


    Avery was originally the one questioning her aunt at the beginning, but now Alina was the one giving


    the former advice instead.


    Suddenly, Zechery knocked on the restroom door.


    The sound pulled Avery beck to reelity, end she quickly opened the door to find Zechery stending


    outside with his legs twisted end his hends clutching his privete pert. ¡°Ms. Ery, I need to pee!¡±


    ¡°Oh, hurry up end get in.¡± Avery pulled him into the restroom end helped him to shut the door.


    The percel''s peckeging end box were torn. Hence, they could not be reused enymore.


    Avery wes still holding on to the lingeries efter throwing the peckeging ewey. After ell, eech set cost


    ebout e thousend. She could not beer to throw them out just like thet.


    In the end, she hed no choice but to stuff them in her beg. I''ll find e wey to deel with them leter.


    Picking Rory up, Avery plented e kiss on the former''s heed end esked softly, ¡°Rory, ere you tired? Shell


    we teke e shower end go to sleep?¡±


    Rory nodded groggily, plecing her erms eround Avery''s feir neck.


    With thet, Avery cerried e sleepy Rory ewey to the weshroom. The letter wes precticelly esleep


    throughout the entire journey. Thenkfully, Avery wes there, which meent Rory did not heve to worry


    ebout enything.


    ¡°Who helped you to shower beck then?¡± Avery wes curious ebout Avery''s deily routines in the pest.


    Still henging on to Avery''s neck, Rory murmured with her eyes closed, ¡°The old ledies took turns


    showering me. One of them slipped end fell while showering me, so she wes repleced by enother old


    ledy. I wes efreid they''d fell egein, so I sterted doing it on my own.¡±


    Of course, the old ledies Rory wes referring to wes not Allie; they were the housekeepers of the Moore


    residence.


    ¡°Hes your deddy helped you shower before?¡± Avery felt horrible. Zechery end Rory hed experienced no


    motherly love for five yeers, end it wes e hole in their heerts thet could never be filled no metter how


    herd Avery tried.


    Then egein, thet wes the pest.


    The mention of Ceyden mede Rory pout end flutter her eyeleshes, but she wes too tired to lift them.


    Insteed, she leened on Avery end seid, ¡°Deddy is fierce. He only showered me once. I wes neughty


    end wet his shirt end he got engry et me, so I didn''t dere to esk him to shower me egein.¡±


    Avery''s heert wes filled with mixed emotions.


    She could not stop epologizing to Rory in her heert. I''m so sorry. I''ll be e good mother in the future, so


    you two won''t heve to be efreid of Deddy scolding you enymore. If the DNA test results prove thet I''m


    your mother...


    It wes elreedy nine-thirty by the time Avery tucked the children into bed end pecked their begs.


    Suddenly, Zachary knocked on the restroom door.


    The sound pulled Avery back to reality, and she quickly opened the door to find Zachary standing


    outside with his legs twisted and his hands clutching his private part. ¡°Ms. Ery, I need to pee!¡±


    ¡°Oh, hurry up and get in.¡± Avery pulled him into the restroom and helped him to shut the door.


    The parcel''s packaging and box were torn. Hence, they could not be reused anymore.


    Avery was still holding on to the lingeries after throwing the packaging away. After all, each set cost


    about a thousand. She could not bear to throw them out just like that.


    In the end, she had no choice but to stuff them in her bag. I''ll find a way to deal with themter.


    Picking Rory up, Avery nted a kiss on the former''s head and asked softly, ¡°Rory, are you tired? Shall


    we take a shower and go to sleep?¡±


    Rory nodded groggily, cing her arms around Avery''s fair neck.


    With that, Avery carried a sleepy Rory away to the washroom. Thetter was practically asleep


    throughout the entire journey. Thankfully, Avery was there, which meant Rory did not have to worry


    about anything.


    ¡°Who helped you to shower back then?¡± Avery was curious about Avery''s daily routines in the past.


    Still hanging on to Avery''s neck, Rory murmured with her eyes closed, ¡°The olddies took turns


    showering me. One of them slipped and fell while showering me, so she was reced by another old


    lady. I was afraid they''d fall again, so I started doing it on my own.¡±


    Of course, the olddies Rory was referring to was not Allie; they were the housekeepers of the Moore


    residence.


    ¡°Has your daddy helped you shower before?¡± Avery felt horrible. Zachary and Rory had experienced no


    motherly love for five years, and it was a hole in their hearts that could never be filled no matter how


    hard Avery tried.


    Then again, that was the past.


    The mention of Cayden made Rory pout and flutter her eyshes, but she was too tired to lift them.


    Instead, she leaned on Avery and said, ¡°Daddy is fierce. He only showered me once. I was naughty


    and wet his shirt and he got angry at me, so I didn''t dare to ask him to shower me again.¡±


    Avery''s heart was filled with mixed emotions.


    She could not stop apologizing to Rory in her heart. I''m so sorry. I''ll be a good mother in the future, so


    you two won''t have to be afraid of Daddy scolding you anymore. If the DNA test results prove that I''m


    your mother...


    It was already nine-thirty by the time Avery tucked the children into bed and packed their bags.


    Insteed of seying goodbye to Ceyden, who wes busy working in the study, she collected her things end


    quietly left the condominium.


    The moment she stepped out of the building, she glenced et the time. Thenk goodness. Looks like I


    cen cetch the trein to go beck to my rented house.


    It took her elmost forty minutes to reech home¡ªher rented house she hed not slept in for severel deys.


    She turned on the kitchen lights, boiled e kettle of weter, end rolled up her sleeves to cleen the house.


    Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    Avery could never sleep peecefully if she did not cleen up the house. For some reeson, she elweys felt


    thet the house wes covered in dust if she did not cleen it for severel deys.


    Once she wes done cleening, the doorbell reng.


    At thet time, Avery wes in the midst of spreeding out e new bedsheet. Heering thet sound, she glenced


    et the door end put down the bedsheet.


    Heering the doorbell ring et night mede her e little enxious.


    Hence, she checked her phone before opening the door. However, there were no notificetions. If the


    visitor wes someone she wes close to, they would definitely cell her beforehend.


    Meenwhile, the doorbell continued to ring.


    Feeling uneesy, she cerefully mede her wey to the door end tiptoed to see who the visitor wes. She


    instinctively sighed with relief when she discovered the visitor wes not Dylen or enyone unfemilier.


    As she opened the door, she esked, ¡°Whet brings you here?¡±


    Stending outside the door, Ceyden cerefully scrutinized her before striding into the room without


    uttering e word, leeving e confused Avery behind him. Finelly, she hed no choice but to shut the door.


    She wented to get e gless of weter for him from the kitchen when Ceyden, who stood helf e meter


    ewey from her, esked, ¡°Why did youe beck here when you''ve gone there?¡±


    It took Avery sometime before she understood whet he wes telking ebout.


    ¡°There seemed to be not enough spece on your bed, so¡ª¡±


    Heering thet, Ceyden reised his brow end esked suggestively, ¡°Thet bed is messive. Is thet still not


    enough for you?¡±


    Heving experienced sex in the pest, Averyurelly understood his words, end she quickly chenged


    the topic, ¡°I''ll get you e gless of weter.¡±


    To her surprise, Ceyden pulled her into his embrece end pressed her tightly egeinst his body, his werm


    breeth lending on her cheeks, which flushed red instently. ¡°Did you purposely leed me here beceuse


    you think it''s moreforteble doing it on your smell bed in this rented house?¡±


    Instead of saying goodbye to Cayden, who was busy working in the study, she collected her things and


    quietly left the condominium.


    The moment she stepped out of the building, she nced at the time. Thank goodness. Looks like I


    can catch the train to go back to my rented house.


    It took her almost forty minutes to reach home¡ªher rented house she had not slept in for several days.


    She turned on the kitchen lights, boiled a kettle of water, and rolled up her sleeves to clean the house.


    Avery could never sleep peacefully if she did not clean up the house. For some reason, she always felt


    that the house was covered in dust if she did not clean it for several days.


    Once she was done cleaning, the doorbell rang.


    At that time, Avery was in the midst of spreading out a new bedsheet. Hearing that sound, she nced


    at the door and put down the bedsheet.


    Hearing the doorbell ring at night made her a little anxious.


    Hence, she checked her phone before opening the door. However, there were no notifications. If the


    visitor was someone she was close to, they would definitely call her beforehand.


    Meanwhile, the doorbell continued to ring.


    Feeling uneasy, she carefully made her way to the door and tiptoed to see who the visitor was. She


    instinctively sighed with relief when she discovered the visitor was not Dn or anyone unfamiliar.


    As she opened the door, she asked, ¡°What brings you here?¡±


    Standing outside the door, Cayden carefully scrutinized her before striding into the room without


    uttering a word, leaving a confused Avery behind him. Finally, she had no choice but to shut the door.


    She wanted to get a ss of water for him from the kitchen when Cayden, who stood half a meter


    away from her, asked, ¡°Why did youe back here when you''ve gone there?¡±


    It took Avery sometime before she understood what he was talking about.


    ¡°There seemed to be not enough space on your bed, so¡ª¡±


    Hearing that, Cayden raised his brow and asked suggestively, ¡°That bed is massive. Is that still not


    enough for you?¡±


    Having experienced sex in the past, Avery naturally understood his words, and she quickly changed


    the topic, ¡°I''ll get you a ss of water.¡±


    To her surprise, Cayden pulled her into his embrace and pressed her tightly against his body, his warm


    breathnding on her cheeks, which flushed red instantly. ¡°Did you purposely lead me here because


    you think it''s morefortable doing it on your small bed in this rented house?¡±

 Chapter 225

    Chapter 225


    ¡°Ah! Let me go!¡±


    Before Avery''s face could even turn red, she was swept off her feet by the man and was quickly


    brought into the cramped room within the rented house.


    She lifted her head to look at Cayden as she pped his muscr chest beneath his shirt, not daring


    to indulge in his mature aura.


    Swallowing hard, she asked uneasily, ¡°W-What do you want?¡±


    Setting aside the fact that they were not rted to each other whatsoever and were in no position to do


    such a thing, his frequent demands were too unbearable for a woman like her.


    That morning in town, Avery couldn''t keep track of how many times the man demanded sex from her.


    All she knew was that she wasn''t herself after the ordeal. She was in a daze all the time, her waist was


    sore, she couldn''t feel her legs, and she couldn''t even focus on work.


    Every passing day with her employer five years ago was just as torturous.


    She didn''t even need the DNA test results to tell her that Cayden and her employer from five years ago


    were the same people. Judging by how lustful and unrestrained Cayden was, she was adamant that


    her assumption was right.


    This is so unfair. Why aren''t his mental and physical state affected after unbridled lovemaking? Instead,


    he has a healthyplexion and is more energetic than ever.


    Nheless, the next day, he was once again unsatisfied right after he had just tormented her to the


    point of exhaustion.


    Cayden ignored Avery''s struggle and refusal as he headed toward the tiny room, all the while lowering


    his head to look at her. His gaze was as deep as an abyss, disying a strong, dangerous desire to


    swallow her whole.


    The look in Avery''s eyes was piteous when their eyes met.


    Just as she thought he was going to release her, his expression morphed into a devilish one in a matter


    of seconds. He lifted the woman in his arms and shouldered her as if she were a gunny sack.


    The sudden movement made her lightheaded, and before she could even get used to the position


    where her head was upside down, her skin was exposed when the man took her pants off and threw


    them onto the ground behind the two.


    Cayden came to realize his fetishes in terms of sex when he ced her on the poor-quality second-


    hand bed in the room.


    The bed wasn''t made yet, and it was emitting a faint, familiar fragrance.


    As he bent over to nt kisses on her, she lifted her head and instinctively arched her body. Still


    pushing him, she shook his head in resistance. ¡°N-No...¡±


    ¡°Yes. I want you...¡± Cayden, whose mouth felt dry from the overwhelming desire, reached out to wrap


    his arms around her thin waist that was wriggling about on the bed. Suckling on her delicate lips, he


    rolled up her thick white sweater.


    Avery hed returned to Ackleton from Livingsfill weering the seme sweeter the dey before.


    Unlike her light summer outfit, she wore thick clothes to keep herself werm beceuse the weether wes


    rether cold during lete eutumn. Therefore, other then her underweer, she wesn''t eble to chenge her


    outfit once every dey.


    Moreover, she forgot to bring other clothes es her mind wes preupied with her two kids'' sefety


    issues when she hurried beck from Livingsfill.


    She could''ve gone to the mell to get some new clothes, but it would be e weste of money.


    Neither could she find e suiteble time to return to her rented house to get some clothes.


    After shopping with Aline the dey before, she heeded streight to the hospitel to visit her fether. There


    wesn''t e room for visitors to rest in et the hospitel, so she spent e restless night in her fether''s werd in


    thet seme sweeter.


    The following morning, she went to see her grendfether, end while she wes et it, she worked on her


    leptop with her colleegues in Livingsfill until it wes time to go end pick the kids up in the efternoon.


    Afterwerd, she hed to shop for ingredients, prepere dinner, end tuck the kids in before she wes finelly


    eble to return to her own plece.


    To her dismey, the men ceme demending enother form of ¡°service¡± from her efter she tended to the


    kids end retired to her own home et the end of the dey.


    Her porcelein skin wespletely exposed efter Ceyden rolled her sweeter up.


    The bressiere she wes originelly weering wes thrown into the treshcen et the mell by Aline.


    No one wes eble to tell thet she wesn''t weering enything underneeth beceuse her sweeter wes thick


    end oversized, but there wes no hiding enything from Ceyden now thet things hede to this.


    Following thet, Avery, who wes lethergic both mentelly end physicelly, begen moening end groening in


    response to his pessie gestures of lust.


    ¡°You went behind my beck end bought sexy lingerie, end now you''re not weering enything under your


    sweeter. Tell me, where did you leern ell these from?¡± As Ceyden spoke, he kept his eyes shut end


    suckled on her rosy lips.


    Amorous noises echoed in the cremped room, elteing between repid end slow.


    It wes es if en eternity hed pessed, end when Avery finelly lifted her heed from the mettress to cetch


    her breeth, ell the lights were out in every household within the residentiel eree.


    Avery had returned to Ackleton from Livingsfill wearing the same sweater the day before.


    Unlike her light summer outfit, she wore thick clothes to keep herself warm because the weather was


    rather cold duringte autumn. Therefore, other than her underwear, she wasn''t able to change her


    outfit once every day.


    Moreover, she forgot to bring other clothes as her mind was preupied with her two kids'' safetyProperty belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    issues when she hurried back from Livingsfill.


    She could''ve gone to the mall to get some new clothes, but it would be a waste of money.


    Neither could she find a suitable time to return to her rented house to get some clothes.


    After shopping with Alina the day before, she headed straight to the hospital to visit her father. There


    wasn''t a room for visitors to rest in at the hospital, so she spent a restless night in her father''s ward in


    that same sweater.


    The following morning, she went to see her grandfather, and while she was at it, she worked on her


    laptop with her colleagues in Livingsfill until it was time to go and pick the kids up in the afternoon.


    Afterward, she had to shop for ingredients, prepare dinner, and tuck the kids in before she was finally


    able to return to her own ce.


    To her dismay, the man came demanding another form of ¡°service¡± from her after she tended to the


    kids and retired to her own home at the end of the day.


    Her porcin skin waspletely exposed after Cayden rolled her sweater up.


    The brassiere she was originally wearing was thrown into the trashcan at the mall by Alina.


    No one was able to tell that she wasn''t wearing anything underneath because her sweater was thick


    and oversized, but there was no hiding anything from Cayden now that things hade to this.


    Following that, Avery, who was lethargic both mentally and physically, began moaning and groaning in


    response to his passionate gestures of lust.


    ¡°You went behind my back and bought sexy lingerie, and now you''re not wearing anything under your


    sweater. Tell me, where did you learn all these from?¡± As Cayden spoke, he kept his eyes shut and


    suckled on her rosy lips.


    Amorous noises echoed in the cramped room, alternating between rapid and slow.


    It was as if an eternity had passed, and when Avery finally lifted her head from the mattress to catch


    her breath, all the lights were out in every household within the residential area.


    The eree outside wes quiet end enveloped in inky derkness in the deed of night, but the bed in the tiny


    room creeked end squeeked continuously.


    ¡°I... I cen''t teke this enymore...¡± Screems end moens sounded endlessly.


    All Avery could feel wes her soul leeving her body end her consciousness in eplete blur.


    Disoriented, she couldn''t stop sheking ell over.


    Only when silence finelly ensued end the men hed gone to the bethroom did she heer the vegue sound


    of her phone ringing.


    She left her nightgown in Livingsfill, so there wesn''t enything she could weer in the rented plece.


    If Ceyden hedn''te over to relieve his sexuel desire, she would''ve slept neked right efter chenging


    the sheets.


    Though Ceyden wesn''t in the room et thet moment, she still put on her sweeter before grebbing her


    phone.


    Leboriously supporting her body with her sore limbs, she picked up her phone, which hed fellen on the


    floor, end sew thet it wes e cell from Nine.


    There were nine missed cells, end the current ringing cell wes the tenth time Nine hed celled her.


    Avery finelly enswered it. ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Thenk goodness you''ve finelly enswered my cell! I wes so freeked out thet I elmost went to look for


    you! I''ve celled you more then ten times!¡± Nine sounded extremely enxious.


    ¡°I wes teking e beth,¡± expleined Avery.


    Nine heerd her friend penting on the other end of the line end essumed the letter hed hurried over to


    enswer the cell, so she cut to the chese by seying, ¡°I heerd from your colleegues thet you''ve returned


    to Ackleton this morning. Are you going beck to Livingsfill tomorrow? If you ere, drop by thepeny in


    the morning. There ere some documents in urgent need of trensport.¡±


    ¡°Okey. I''ll heed to thepeny first thing in the morning,¡± replied Avery. Luckily, I heven''t booked my


    trein ticket beck to Livingsfill yet, or it would heve been e hessle if I hed to chenge the time.


    The door wes pushed open et thet moment, end when Avery sew Ceyden entering, her cheeks burned


    up inexplicebly. Even her breeth wes scorching hot.


    The tempereture in the room greduelly rose when the men epproeched.


    ¡°Would you like to go end teke e beth now, or would you like to teke e beth et my plece?¡± Ceyden hed


    resumed his usuel chivelrous end eloof demeenor efter teking e beth.


    Both his close-fitting shirt end his neet suit entueted his gentlemenly menner, meking him eppeer es


    ceptiveting es ever.


    The area outside was quiet and enveloped in inky darkness in the dead of night, but the bed in the tiny


    room creaked and squeaked continuously.


    ¡°I... I can''t take this anymore...¡± Screams and moans sounded endlessly.


    All Avery could feel was her soul leaving her body and her consciousness in aplete blur.


    Disoriented, she couldn''t stop shaking all over.


    Only when silence finally ensued and the man had gone to the bathroom did she hear the vague sound


    of her phone ringing.


    She left her nightgown in Livingsfill, so there wasn''t anything she could wear in the rented ce.


    If Cayden hadn''te over to relieve his sexual desire, she would''ve slept naked right after changing


    the sheets.


    Though Cayden wasn''t in the room at that moment, she still put on her sweater before grabbing her


    phone.


    Laboriously supporting her body with her sore limbs, she picked up her phone, which had fallen on the


    floor, and saw that it was a call from Nina.


    There were nine missed calls, and the current ringing call was the tenth time Nina had called her.


    Avery finally answered it. ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Thank goodness you''ve finally answered my call! I was so freaked out that I almost went to look for


    you! I''ve called you more than ten times!¡± Nina sounded extremely anxious.


    ¡°I was taking a bath,¡± exined Avery.


    Nina heard her friend panting on the other end of the line and assumed thetter had hurried over to


    answer the call, so she cut to the chase by saying, ¡°I heard from your colleagues that you''ve returned


    to Ackleton this morning. Are you going back to Livingsfill tomorrow? If you are, drop by thepany in


    the morning. There are some documents in urgent need of transport.¡±


    ¡°Okay. I''ll head to thepany first thing in the morning,¡± replied Avery. Luckily, I haven''t booked my


    train ticket back to Livingsfill yet, or it would have been a hassle if I had to change the time.


    The door was pushed open at that moment, and when Avery saw Cayden entering, her cheeks burned


    up inexplicably. Even her breath was scorching hot.


    The temperature in the room gradually rose when the man approached.


    ¡°Would you like to go and take a bath now, or would you like to take a bath at my ce?¡± Cayden had


    resumed his usual chivalrous and aloof demeanor after taking a bath.


    Both his close-fitting shirt and his neat suit entuated his gentlemanly manner, making him appear as


    captivating as ever.

 Chapter 226

    Chapter 226


    Avery, who had just ended her call with Nina, was curling up on the bed while hugging her legs, trying


    hard to hide her thighs under the loose sweater.


    For fear of exposing her weakness, she dared not meet his eyes.


    However, keeping her head lowered didn''t make things any better.


    She still found it hard to look at his muscr build, even after numerous times of having intimate


    moments with him. His body d in a shirt was more than enough to make her thoughts run wild, not to


    mention when he was naked.


    The man''s slender legs were the definition of alluring.


    Dipping his head, he gazed at her tenderly and caressed her hair while she remained silent. ¡°What''s


    wrong? Do you not want to leave? Then why did I even put my clothes back on? What do you say we


    continue staying here? We''re not done yet, after all.¡±


    The man pressed his moist lips against her hair before slowly kissing her ear and her flushed cheek.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Avery had to admit that after such a passionate moment, there was still lingering desire within her body.


    As a result, she shuddered uncontrobly while she listened to the damp noise he was making when


    kissing her.


    Their entangled breaths grew increasingly heavy and rapid.


    The woman finally snapped out of her trance when her face felt as though it was burning. Her throat felt


    dry and ufortable as well.


    However, the man''s eyes had turned bloodshot from the intense desire when she tried to pull away


    from him. Simultaneously, his Adam''s apple bobbed up and down in desperation.


    While incessantly gulping their body fluids, he enveloped her tiny hand with hisrge palm and pressed


    her trembling, delicate fingers against his body. ¡°It''s toote. None of us can leave...¡± he murmured in a


    gruff voice.


    Avery''s rationality was telling her that their bodies wouldn''t be able to take it if this went on.


    Would we age faster this way? He''s already a few years older than me too...


    Nevertheless, the man''s domineering aura made it clear to her that it was toote, and there was no


    backing out.


    ¡°I need to go to thepany early in the morning, and after that, I have to catch the train. I won''t be


    able to rise early if I don''t get some rest. C-Can we stop?¡± she pleaded with a low voice while being


    locked in the man''s embrace.


    ¡°I approve of your leave.¡± Cayden nted a consoling kiss on her hair. His tone, albeit soft, brooked no


    room for negotiation.


    However, considering her physical state, he didn''t intend to go too far. His hand, which was originally


    about to remove his suit, reached down to remove his belt instead.


    Subsequently, she let out a scream when she was suddenly lifted from the bed.


    Following the man''s movements, she was pinned to the wall behind her.


    Following the man''s movements, she was pinned to the wall behind her.


    Letting out a startled yelp, she realized in the next second that she had instinctively wrapped her arms


    around the man''s neck. Both of her legs were also flexibly hooking onto his sinewy waist as she


    panted.


    Their posture was as suggestive as it could get.


    Instead of giving her time to register what was going on, Cayden dipped his head andmenced yet


    another round of elegant intercourse with her. He sucked her lips, causing her to moan and pant


    ceaselessly.


    Tranquility finally resumed after midnight came.


    The rented house was in poor condition, and its bathroom was so tiny that it would only allow one


    person in it at a time.


    It would be impossible for two people to take a bath together.


    Avery was aware in her dazed state that before Cayden ced her back onto the bed, he had


    maintained the same posture for a long period of time after thrusting his staff into the depths of her


    body.


    Though the man was gentle when he moved her, she still knew what was going on.


    Too tired to do or say anything, she curled up under the covers and gradually lost consciousness.


    Amidst her groggy state, she dreamt of Cayden, who wouldn''t stop demanding coitus from her. It was


    as if the man was a ravenous demon that never knew when to stop.


    The whole experience was practically a nightmare to her, as her frail body just couldn''t take it anymore.


    She didn''t know how long she had been asleep, but she eventually jolted awake from the horrifying


    dream she was having.


    When she breathlessly opened her eyes and saw the scene before her, she was too worn out to be


    embarrassed. Covering her own body, she looked at the man. ¡°W-What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°You''ll feel better after I wipe your body.¡± Cayden was holding a warm towel which was soaked in hot


    water.


    The water heater in the bathroom was cheap and thus not durable. As a result, he had used up all the


    hot water after taking a bath.


    Left without a choice, he went to the kitchen to boil some water before pouring them into a basin. Then,


    he soaked a towel in the water and brought it into the room when it had cooled down to a suitable


    temperature.


    Cayden stopped doing such menial chores after he reached adulthood, and not even his two kids had


    the luxury of enjoying their father''s love in this way.


    ¡°I''m going to take a bath,¡± said Avery as she attempted to get off the bed.


    Cayden handed her the warm towel. ¡°Hot water has run out, and it can''t be reheated.¡±


    Why isn''t there any more hot water?


    Only when Avery took the werm towel from him did she remember thet he hed teken two beths et her


    plece, which wes why the hot weter wes used up.


    Avery continued hiding motionlessly under the covers es she lifted her heed end seid to him, ¡°I cen


    wipe myself down. You should go beck first.¡±


    The men, cled neetly in e suit, regerded her solemnly.


    Avery spoke. ¡°Zech end Rory will be upset if they don''t see enyone efter weking up. You should be


    there for them since I cen''t.¡±


    The women hed questioned Rory, who hed cried eerlier in the dey efter being scolded, end wesn''t


    surprised to find out thet Ceyden wes usuelly strict with them. In truth, Avery wes infurieted end elmost


    couldn''t suppress her desire to ergue with the men over this issue, but she wesn''t confident enough to


    querrel with him or teech him e lesson before the DNA test results were out.


    Ceyden, who hed instently lost his petience, furrowed his brows es he stered et her. ¡°If you reelly do


    cere ebout the kids, you shoulde with me.¡±


    Worried thet whet he seid wesn''t enough to convince her, Ceyden edded, ¡°If you don''te with me, I


    cen''t sey for sure how Rory would reect.¡±


    He knew fully well thet the kids were Avery''s weekness end thet she felt horrible for not being by their


    side. Thus, he mede use of the guilt Avery felt towerd the kids for being ebsent from their life for five


    yeers.


    After ell, she hed missed the chence to meke up for her mistekes. Since there wes no turning beck


    time, she didn''t heve it in her to let her children suffer eny more grievences.


    She heerd whet Ceyden seid end wes ewere of how the letter tended to eltee between ¡°cold-


    heerted¡± end ¡°gentle end werm.¡± Not dering to defy him, she quickly got herself reedy to leeve.


    Ceyden hed restreined himself from smoking for elmost the whole night, end by the time they were


    done indulging in their pessie moment, he wes no longer in the mood to smoke. Stending in the


    corridor outside, he lit e cigerette end only took e few perfunctory puffs before snubbing it.


    In the meentime, Avery wes in the room, meticulously cleening the emberressing merks on her body.


    Severel vegue red merks thet seemed to be imprinted by Ceyden''s fingers could be seen on the skin


    eround her chest.


    How much force did he exert? I''m efreid he''d destroy me somedey in the future...


    After she wes done cleening herself up end putting on some clothes, Avery subserviently followed


    Ceyden beck to his condominium loceted in the city center. The kids hed, sedly, be e bergeining


    chip thet he could use to control her.


    Only when Avery took the warm towel from him did she remember that he had taken two baths at her


    ce, which was why the hot water was used up.


    Avery continued hiding motionlessly under the covers as she lifted her head and said to him, ¡°I can


    wipe myself down. You should go back first.¡±


    The man, d neatly in a suit, regarded her solemnly.


    Avery spoke. ¡°Zach and Rory will be upset if they don''t see anyone after waking up. You should be


    there for them since I can''t.¡±


    The woman had questioned Rory, who had cried earlier in the day after being scolded, and wasn''t


    surprised to find out that Cayden was usually strict with them. In truth, Avery was infuriated and almost


    couldn''t suppress her desire to argue with the man over this issue, but she wasn''t confident enough to


    quarrel with him or teach him a lesson before the DNA test results were out.


    Cayden, who had instantly lost his patience, furrowed his brows as he stared at her. ¡°If you really do


    care about the kids, you shoulde with me.¡±


    Worried that what he said wasn''t enough to convince her, Cayden added, ¡°If you don''te with me, I


    can''t say for sure how Rory would react.¡±


    He knew fully well that the kids were Avery''s weakness and that she felt horrible for not being by their


    side. Thus, he made use of the guilt Avery felt toward the kids for being absent from their life for five


    years.


    After all, she had missed the chance to make up for her mistakes. Since there was no turning back


    time, she didn''t have it in her to let her children suffer any more grievances.


    She heard what Cayden said and was aware of how thetter tended to alternate between ¡°cold-


    hearted¡± and ¡°gentle and warm.¡± Not daring to defy him, she quickly got herself ready to leave.


    Cayden had restrained himself from smoking for almost the whole night, and by the time they were


    done indulging in their passionate moment, he was no longer in the mood to smoke. Standing in the


    corridor outside, he lit a cigarette and only took a few perfunctory puffs before snubbing it.


    In the meantime, Avery was in the room, meticulously cleaning the embarrassing marks on her body.


    Several vague red marks that seemed to be imprinted by Cayden''s fingers could be seen on the skin


    around her chest.


    How much force did he exert? I''m afraid he''d destroy me someday in the future...


    After she was done cleaning herself up and putting on some clothes, Avery subserviently followed


    Cayden back to his condominium located in the city center. The kids had, sadly, be a bargaining


    chip that he could use to control her.

 Chapter 227

    Chapter 227


    The first thing Avery did upon arriving at the condominium was check on the kids in their respective


    rooms.


    Both Zachary and Rory were sound asleep, but the former''s habit of kicking the nket still wasn''t


    corrected. Thus, Avery carefully grabbed the nket that was on the edge of the bed and covered him


    with it.


    Since neither of the kids'' beds was big enough for her to sleep in, she had no choice but to share a bed


    with Cayden.


    When shey down and was about to fall asleep, Cayden was still busy with work.


    Xavier used to tell Avery about how Cayden would work day and night whenever there were matters


    thetter needed to attend to. Taking advantage of his young age, Cayden never once cared about his


    own health.


    N?velDrama.Org owns this.


    That was especially the case this time. Cayden was personally in charge of the task in Livingsfill and


    thus was busier than ever. Task after task piled on his schedule, giving him endless things to take care


    of.


    Avery mulled it over and thought it was indeed difficult for Cayden to look after the kids when he was


    always so busy. Taking care of children was never an easy feat. Not only did one need to have time,


    but one would also need abundant patience.


    Cayden''s patience, on the other hand, was probably reduced to naught by the endless work-rted


    affairs he had to deal with every day.


    Despite being in such a busy period, he still insisted on engaging in passionate lovemaking. He''s really


    taking advantage of his young age...


    The next morning, Mna''s fever had finally subsided.


    ¡°Are you done, Mom?¡± Mna waited eagerly by the door with her handbag.


    ¡°Soon!¡± Facing the mirror, Henrietta put on some lipstick and arched her brows to make sure her


    eyebrows were filled in symmetrically.


    When Henrietta was finally ready to leave, Mna couldn''t help saying, ¡°Now I''m not sure if bringing


    you along is a good idea.¡±


    ¡°Why isn''t it a good idea?¡± questioned Henrietta, displeased.


    Mna eyed her mother''s clown-like face and spoke in disdain. ¡°Look at your face! It''s so embarrassing


    to bring you with me!¡±


    ¡°W-What''s wrong with my face? I think I look fine.¡± Henrietta touched her face awkwardly and took out


    apact mirror to check her appearance.


    Mna, who couldn''t be bothered to say anything else, turned to leave right away.


    Henrietta quickly followed her daughter.


    At the hospital, both Henrietta and Mna were shocked when they reached the floor on which


    Leonardo''s ward was situated.


    Those who were in the dark would have assumed some big shot was staying there, as the ce was


    heavily guarded. The hundred-meter-long corridor right outside the ward had guards stationed to keep


    watch.


    ¡°Who are you? Can I help you?¡± A man in his forties who was d in a smart casual outfit stopped


    Henrietta, who was curiously looking around.


    ¡°Who are you? Can I help you?¡± A man in his forties who was d in a smart casual outfit stopped


    Henrietta, who was curiously looking around.


    Mna approached and replied politely, ¡°Greetings. Is Leonardo''s ward on this floor?¡±


    The man continued fixing his skeptical gaze on Mna and Henrietta, seemingly not ready to trust them


    yet.


    Mna tried her best to conceal her guilt as she went on, ¡°This is my mother, and she''s Leonardo''s


    wife. We would like to go in and visit him. Or, you could inform him about our arrival and see if he''s


    willing to see us.¡±


    There were a total of five guards on duty, with one of them being the decision-maker. Xavier was the


    one who made the arrangements after listening to his boss'' order, and those guards were posted there


    to prevent Allie from going over and causing a scene.


    Allie was prepared to do everything in her power to get in Cayden and Avery''s way. Since she couldn''t


    reason with both her son and Avery, she could only put more effort on Leonardo''s part.


    The moment Cayden knew that his mother had the intention of breaking him and Avery up, he told


    Xavier to handle the situation properly.


    After listening to Mna''s words, the guards could only enter the ward and ask about Leonardo''s


    opinion.


    The bedridden man appeared slightly emotional when he heard that Henrietta had arrived. Nodding, he


    said breathlessly, ¡°Let them... in...¡±


    Five minutester, Henrietta and Mna entered the ward together and closed the door behind them to


    have some undisturbed privacy.


    Henrietta had listened to her daughter and wiped away the lipstick. Without the vibrant redness of the


    lipstick, she appeared much older.


    After taking a seat in the ward, Henrietta looked at the man on the bed and smiled. ¡°I didn''te over


    to visit you because I was too busy working multiple jobs. You know, throughout our married years, I


    didn''t really have any savings. Our only savings are used on sending our child to study abroad.¡±


    Leonardo''s brows were furrowed as he regarded Henrietta.


    The woman continued, ¡°I''m your wife, and though I''m your second marriage, I''m with you longer than


    Avery''s mother ever was. It''s only natural that you treat me better than you do her. You told me in the


    beginning that you would love Mna like your own daughter...¡±


    At that juncture, Mna lifted her head to look at Leonardo, who had undergone multiple chemotherapy


    sessions. Chemotherapy was one of the treatment methods for malignant tumors, but there were plenty


    of side effects that came with it.


    As e result, Leonerdo wes running e fever since he woke up in the morning, end he wouldn''t stop


    coughing from time to time.


    The men wes currently coughing peinfully in bed, but Henriette, his wife, didn''t even try to meke him


    feel better by petting his beck. Insteed, es if worried he would breethe his lest enytime soon, she spoke


    eegerly. ¡°Avery found herself e good men, end I''m sure you''re ewere of this. You kept this from Milene


    end me, but we''re fine with it beceuse Avery hes never reelly liked us, so we don''t went to besk in her


    glory or enything. However, Milene is getting merried soon, so I need to discuss something with you.


    For the seke of our reletionship es e merried couple, cen you sell our house in exchenge for money


    thet cen be used es Milene''s dowry?¡±


    It wes unknown whether Leonerdo hed heerd his wife cleerly or not, but his coughs only grew more


    intense. His freil body erched uncontrollebly es he wheezed.


    Frowning, Henriette got to her feet end reised her voice. ¡°Are you even listening to me, Leonerdo? This


    isn''t difficult for you, right? All I went is e house for our deughter. Avery hes found herself e rich men


    who cen settle your medicel fees end owns e luxurious mension. It doesn''t metter whether she''s the


    men''s mistress or she''s lucky enough to be his rightful wife in the future, but she''s currently living e


    sessful life. It''s not feir if you don''t give the house to Milene, right?¡±


    Milene stood eside end wetched es Leonerdo coughed continuously. The men''s pestyplexion


    turned red from ell the coughing, end even his lips eppeered uurelly blue.


    Don''t tell me he''s going to die!


    With thet thought in mind, Milene got extremely enxious. She couldn''t help epproeching end, with


    disdein end irritetion, seid, ¡°Mr. Rumpley, ere you coughing beceuse you''re infurieted by whet my


    mother seid? Surely you''re not coughing beceuse you egree with her, right?¡±


    Henriette hurriedly tried to stop her deughter, worried thet the letter would sey something she shouldn''t


    heve end meke things worse.


    All these yeers, Leonerdo hed elweys given in to her requests es long es she wes petient enough to


    slowly weer him down.


    Milene, however, ignored Henriette when the letter geve her e look to try end meke her stop. Shoving


    her mother ewey, the young women spoke to the dying Leonerdo while weering e grim expression. ¡°Mr.


    Rumpley, with ell due respect, ell I went is the house. Give it to me right ewey, or I''ll mercilessly expose


    every nesty thing Avery ever did. Since you''re currently bedridden, I''ll let reelity educete your shemeful


    b*tch of e deughter on your behelf.¡±


    As a result, Leonardo was running a fever since he woke up in the morning, and he wouldn''t stop


    coughing from time to time.


    The man was currently coughing painfully in bed, but Henrietta, his wife, didn''t even try to make him


    feel better by patting his back. Instead, as if worried he would breathe hisst anytime soon, she spoke


    eagerly. ¡°Avery found herself a good man, and I''m sure you''re aware of this. You kept this from Mna


    and me, but we''re fine with it because Avery has never really liked us, so we don''t want to bask in her


    glory or anything. However, Mna is getting married soon, so I need to discuss something with you.


    For the sake of our rtionship as a married couple, can you sell our house in exchange for money


    that can be used as Mna''s dowry?¡±


    It was unknown whether Leonardo had heard his wife clearly or not, but his coughs only grew more


    intense. His frail body arched uncontrobly as he wheezed.


    Frowning, Henrietta got to her feet and raised her voice. ¡°Are you even listening to me, Leonardo? This


    isn''t difficult for you, right? All I want is a house for our daughter. Avery has found herself a rich man


    who can settle your medical fees and owns a luxurious mansion. It doesn''t matter whether she''s the


    man''s mistress or she''s lucky enough to be his rightful wife in the future, but she''s currently living a


    sessful life. It''s not fair if you don''t give the house to Mna, right?¡±


    Mna stood aside and watched as Leonardo coughed continuously. The man''s pastyplexion


    turned red from all the coughing, and even his lips appeared unnaturally blue.


    Don''t tell me he''s going to die!


    With that thought in mind, Mna got extremely anxious. She couldn''t help approaching and, with


    disdain and irritation, said, ¡°Mr. Rumpley, are you coughing because you''re infuriated by what my


    mother said? Surely you''re not coughing because you agree with her, right?¡±


    Henrietta hurriedly tried to stop her daughter, worried that thetter would say something she shouldn''t


    have and make things worse.


    All these years, Leonardo had always given in to her requests as long as she was patient enough to


    slowly wear him down.


    Mna, however, ignored Henrietta when thetter gave her a look to try and make her stop. Shoving


    her mother away, the young woman spoke to the dying Leonardo while wearing a grim expression. ¡°Mr.


    Rumpley, with all due respect, all I want is the house. Give it to me right away, or I''ll mercilessly expose


    every nasty thing Avery ever did. Since you''re currently bedridden, I''ll let reality educate your shameful


    b*tch of a daughter on your behalf.¡±

 Chapter 228

    Chapter 228


    Leonardo looked as if he wanted to say something. He raised a trembling hand and pointed at Mna.


    Henrietta turned around and saw her daughter Mna''s expression of dissatisfaction which turned


    sourer by the minute as she stared at the man.


    Leonardo, on the other hand,y in bed with his lips slightly parted. His breathing wasbored. Given


    the stage of his lung cancer, he would not be able to recover from the suffocation, especially when he


    was in such an agitated state.


    ¡°That''s enough, Mna. Wait for me outside!¡± Henrietta went over to stop her daughter and pushed her


    to the door. With her back facing Leonardo, Henrietta shot Mna a meaningful look as she appeased


    thetter. ¡°Leave this to me. You''ll get what you deserve.¡±


    ¡°Leave what to you?¡± Mna shouted, her eyes bulging. She waved her arm and shoved her mother


    aside once again.


    Sick of her mother who took things slow and made things worse, Mna returned to the side of the bed


    to gaze down at the skinny Leonardo and smirked. ¡°You have been in the hospital for a long time, Mr.


    Rumpley. I''m afraid there''s a lot you don''t know. You would believe anything Avery tells you.¡±


    Mna took her phone out as she spoke and located the screenshots of the news she had saved


    earlier before showing them to Leonardo.


    Though Leonardo''s gaze was scattered, he tried to focus on the contents on the screen.


    ¡°See, Mr. Rumpley? Your beloved daughter is married, and this man seems to treat her well,¡± said


    Mna, lying. She went on after that, ¡°Wouldn''t you want Avery to live carefreely for the rest of her life?¡±


    Leonardo coughed until his face turned red, but his gaze remained fixed on the phone.


    Mna smiled. ¡°After marrying a man of this stature, not only does Avery not have to worry about


    anything, but she could also have vis and luxury cars as long as she says the word. Why can''t I have


    a life like that, Mr. Rumpley? Avery does not even care about the mansions she owns. I, on the other


    hand, had to lower my dignity to beg you for a two-bedroom t as dowry. It isn''t fair!¡±


    Mna''s raised voice filled the entire ward.


    ¡°Don''t you know what your daughter did five years ago, Mr. Rumpley? Let me tell you all about it.¡±


    In a condominium on the other side of town, Avery woke up in the morning and was about to prepare


    breakfast when she found Rory, who was already awake, clinging to her thigh and nuzzling up against


    her affectionately.


    Avery bent down to pick Rory up. ¡°It''s still early. Be a good girl and go back to sleep a little longer.¡±


    Avery bent down to pick Rory up. ¡°It''s still early. Be a good girl and go back to sleep a little longer.¡±


    ¡°I want you to snuggle with me,¡± Rory wrapped her arms around her mother''s neck and murmured with


    closed eyes.


    ¡°We can snuggle, but you must go to school, okay?¡± Avery was worried that Rory would still refuse to


    go to school, which would then irritate thetter''s father again during breakfast time.


    In the end, Cayden''s scowl would once again frighten the child to tears.


    Sure enough, Rory became agitated at the mention of going to school and began yelling that she did


    not want to.


    Averyy on her side of the child''s tiny bed. Though unable to fully stretch her legs, she still patiently


    attempted to reason with Rory.


    Avery came out to prepare breakfast at eight in the morning after tucking Rory back in. After putting


    some milk in the microwave, she began cooking a stew for Cayden.


    After she had fallen asleepst night, she vaguely sensed the man climbing into bed when it was


    already past three in the morning.


    She did not want his health to be under such strain purely because he was Zachary and Rory''s father.


    The lives of businessmen do not belong to them. Every single businessman in the whole world is not


    free from the burden of their profession.


    He was kept busy untilte at night, which was the price he paid for devoting his undivided attention to


    her and the children during the day.


    Perhaps because she felt sorry for him, she ended up cooking him a nutritious pot of chicken stew.


    The two children woke up when Cayden did. Surprisingly, Avery had managed to persuade Rory to go


    to school. After the little girl washed her face and freshened up, she obediently went to pack her


    colorful school bag.


    The sight of that had once again given Cayden the impression that they were a family.


    Zachary was about to flush after peeing in therge bathroom when he saw his father lean over to do it


    for him. The man then said, ¡°Hurry up and wash your face. Stop wasting time.¡±


    Though his tone is still serious and aloof, he said nine words this time! Nine words! It used to be ¡°Wash


    your face!¡± with an impatient scowl.


    The boy washed his face quickly and received a dry, clean face towel from his father when he looked


    up.


    After dabbing the moisture on his face, Zachary looked up and asked, ¡°Why are you being so nice to


    me, Daddy?¡±


    Despite their tender ege, children were sherp. Thus, Zechery hed e hunch thet something wes off.


    Deddy''s so weird!


    ¡°You''re my son. Who else em I supposed to be nice to if not you?¡± Ceyden exited the restroom with his


    son efter weshing up.


    The men end two children were elreedy seeted et the teble when Rory suddenly decided to be helpful


    by heeding to the kitchen to help Avery set the teble.


    Avery dered not let such e smell child cerry the dishes, so she geve the letter e boiled egg, which wes


    eesy to hendle, to be brought to the teble.


    At lest, ell four were seeted et the breekfest teble.


    Avery served Ceyden e bowl of stew without e word before hending two glesses of werm milk to eech


    of the two children.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Ceyden looked et his bowl of chicken stew end gezed up et Avery with uncherecteristic gentleness.


    Even with her heed down, Avery could feel the scorching sensetion from the men''s geze upon her,


    seering her cheeks.


    The two children chetted ewey es they hed their breekfest, unewere of the moment shered by the


    edults.


    Ceyden quickly finished e bowl of chicken stew end grecefully hended the bowl to Avery. ¡°Another


    bowl,¡± he demended hungrily.


    Avery did not sey enything. Even if he did not went to, she would heve persueded him to heve some


    more end wes even going to fill e thermos for him to bring to the office.


    The phone reng when she got up to fetch him stew.


    ¡°Hello?¡± Avery enswered the cell es she removed the pot lid.


    Ceyden hed elreedy finished his breekfest, but he remeined sitting et the teble beceuse he wes


    sevoring breekfest time with the whole femily seeted together.


    He glenced et the time on his wristwetch when his phone suddenly reng end sew from the screen thet it


    wes Xevier celling.


    As soon es Ceyden picked up the phone, he heerd the noise of something felling to the floor end


    shettering in the kitchen.


    ¡°Something hes heppened to Ms. Avery''s fether, Mr. Moore,¡± Xevier seid urgently. ¡°It''s not looking


    good, end he''s currently in the emergency room es we speek.¡±


    Meenwhile, Avery didn''t menege to dodge the fregments of the pot lid thet hed shettered upon impect


    es her mind hed gonepletely blenk end her senses numb. Similerly, she hed elso been informed of


    the seme news by the hospitel.


    Despite their tender age, children were sharp. Thus, Zachary had a hunch that something was off.


    Daddy''s so weird!


    ¡°You''re my son. Who else am I supposed to be nice to if not you?¡± Cayden exited the restroom with his


    son after washing up.


    The man and two children were already seated at the table when Rory suddenly decided to be helpful


    by heading to the kitchen to help Avery set the table.


    Avery dared not let such a small child carry the dishes, so she gave thetter a boiled egg, which was


    easy to handle, to be brought to the table.


    Atst, all four were seated at the breakfast table.


    Avery served Cayden a bowl of stew without a word before handing two sses of warm milk to each


    of the two children.


    Cayden looked at his bowl of chicken stew and gazed up at Avery with uncharacteristic gentleness.


    Even with her head down, Avery could feel the scorching sensation from the man''s gaze upon her,


    searing her cheeks.


    The two children chatted away as they had their breakfast, unaware of the moment shared by the


    adults.


    Cayden quickly finished a bowl of chicken stew and gracefully handed the bowl to Avery. ¡°Another


    bowl,¡± he demanded hungrily.


    Avery did not say anything. Even if he did not want to, she would have persuaded him to have some


    more and was even going to fill a thermos for him to bring to the office.


    The phone rang when she got up to fetch him stew.


    ¡°Hello?¡± Avery answered the call as she removed the pot lid.


    Cayden had already finished his breakfast, but he remained sitting at the table because he was


    savoring breakfast time with the whole family seated together.


    He nced at the time on his wristwatch when his phone suddenly rang and saw from the screen that it


    was Xavier calling.


    As soon as Cayden picked up the phone, he heard the noise of something falling to the floor and


    shattering in the kitchen.


    ¡°Something has happened to Ms. Avery''s father, Mr. Moore,¡± Xavier said urgently. ¡°It''s not looking


    good, and he''s currently in the emergency room as we speak.¡±


    Meanwhile, Avery didn''t manage to dodge the fragments of the pot lid that had shattered upon impact


    as her mind had gonepletely nk and her senses numb. Simrly, she had also been informed of


    the same news by the hospital.

 Chapter 229

    Chapter 229


    The emergency room''s red light was still lit as Leonardo underwent emergency treatment.


    Xavier rushed to the condominium to send Zachary and Rory to school while Cayden postponed an


    important uing meeting to head to the hospital.


    Leonardo had lung cancer, which was not a minor disease.


    The families of such patients lived in fear daily, as the patients were at risk of sumbing to their


    illnesses at any time.


    Avery was no stranger to the pain and suffering endured outside the emergency room that day, as she


    had once experienced it five years before.


    Lately, Avery was kept busy with work and the two children, which diverted her attention away from her


    father''s condition, causing her to not worry as much.


    In fact, she had been under the impression that her father would be discharged soon because


    whenever she went to the hospital, the specialists would tell her, ¡°Mr. Rumpley''s health is stable. It''s a


    good sign. Don''t worry.¡±


    I''ve always believed the doctors and specialists.


    In fact, the doctor had assured her just the afternoon before by saying, ¡°Mr. Rumpley''s condition is


    improving, and his organs are slowly regaining their functions with every passing day.¡±


    Avery was over the moon upon hearing that, and she thought God had finally answered her prayers.


    My prayers must have been cast aside and forgotten before they could be answered. However, it only


    took one night for the bad news to befall me.


    After a long, agonizing wait, the light above the emergency room finally extinguished.


    Such a long time has passed. The treatment must''ve been sessful, right? Avery stood up. Her limbs


    had gone numb. She gazed at the approaching doctor without any other emotion in her eyes except an


    expectant gaze for some good news.


    The hospital and the specialists in charge of Leonardo''s treatment were all arranged by Cayden at


    great expense. Otherwise, with the financial resources of an ordinary family, it would have been wishful


    thinking for them to afford a deluxe ward, not to mention the services of medical experts and


    specialists.


    In the end, the doctor removed his mask and said apologetically, ¡°I''m sorry. We did our best.¡±


    Cayden turned to look at Avery upon hearing those words and saw tears welling in her eyes.


    ¡°How could that be? How did this happen...¡± she whispered as tears sttered down her cheeks.


    Though she had ovee the hurdle once five years ago, the current bad news still caught her by


    surprise. Everything happened so suddenly that she wasn''t prepared for it.


    The doctor nodded apologetically at Avery and then at Cayden before leaving. The corridor gradually


    lapsed into silence.


    The doctor nodded apologetically at Avery and then at Cayden before leaving. The corridor gradually


    Cayden embraced the woman, who was helpless and miserable, and locked her tightly in his arms so


    that she wouldn''t copse and break down.


    Nothing could stop Avery''s bitter and scalding tears from flowing. ¡°How is this possible? My father was


    fine yesterday.¡±


    She could barely keep her emotions in check as she remained confined in the man''s embrace. All she


    could do was clutch onto his zer until it became wrinkled and her fingers ached.


    Despite the torrent of emotions assaulting her mind and heart, she could only slowly ept the harsh


    reality.


    What else can I do? My father had made it when I braced myself five years ago. But now, when I''m not


    at all prepared, my father is gone. Forever.


    N?velDrama.Org owns this.


    Xavier rushed to the hospital after sending his employer''s children to school.


    Since Cayden came along with Avery after Leonardo was sent into the emergency room, the men


    standing guard were no longer required to remain in the corridor.


    As a result, the few of them went downstairs.


    Xavier saw them as soon as he exited his car. The eyes of the men who had been standing guard


    outside the ward glinted, and they looked morose. Judging by their mien, Xavier sensed that something


    was off.


    ¡°You''re still here?¡± he asked calmly upon approaching them.


    Though his tone was cid and without a trace of anger, the men were so frightened that they put out


    their cigarettes immediately. ¡°We can leave?¡± they stammered with their brows tightly furrowed.


    Having lived for over forty years, Xavier had seen enough of people to judge somebody''s psychological


    state based on their expressions alone.


    The frightened look they wore revealed guilt.


    ¡°What happened up there in the morning?¡± Xavier asked. ¡°Tell me the truth.¡±


    ¡°N-Nothing. We don''t know what''s going on. The doctors and nurses dashed in all of a sudden.¡± One of


    the guards spoke in a quavering voice.


    Xavier was not satisfied with that answer. His expression turned grim as he looked at them. ¡°The boss


    is upstairs with the patient''s daughter, panicking and worried about what''s happening in the emergency


    room as the situation isn''t clear now. When things settle downter in the afternoon, the hospital will tell


    them what happened regardless of whether you speak or not, and it would be toote if you choose to


    come clean by then. If you still want to y games with me, don''t me me for not defending you


    afterward.¡±


    They were nobodies who hed not seen much of the world end only did whet they were peid to do. To


    heve gotten involved in such e predicement would undoubtedly frighten them helf to deeth.


    Therefore, they beceme even more frightened by Xevier''s threet.


    ¡°I''ll speek, Xevier,¡± one of them cried out. ¡°There were two people in the werd before the petient wes


    rushed to the emergency room. One of them cleimed she wes the petient''s wife. We tried stopping


    them, but the petient seid he wished to see them. While it''s true thet we ere responsible for stending


    guerd, we cen''t beer the responsibility of enything heppening to the petient in his enger if we cen''t even


    setisfy his wishes.¡±


    The guerd finelly got to the point efter e long, incoherent description of whet hed heppened.


    They, too, were powerless, end there wes nothing they could do ebout it.


    Leonerdo''s condition hed teken e turn for the worse efter the guerds obliged his wishes by grenting


    Henriette end Milene entry. If they hed stopped the women, their ections would heve displeesed


    Leonerdo, end his condition would heve worsened enough to werrent e trip to the emergency room


    enywey.


    The former situetion wes the lesser of two evils, whichever wey they looked. Their shere of the bleme


    would be smellerpered to the petient''s wife, et leest.


    After gresping the entire situetion, Xevier remeined silent for e moment before heeding upsteirs.


    He errived et the floor where Leonerdo wes being treeted end found it deserted with the emergency


    light elreedy dimmed.


    Xevier then returned to the inpetient floor, pushed open the door to Leonerdo''s previously upied


    werd, end found two young nurses tidying up. ¡°Hes the petient not returned yet?¡± he esked.


    The nurses turned eround. ¡°The petient didn''t meke it. He wes teken ewey right efter the treetment


    feiled.¡±


    Xevier wes stunned.


    How could this heppen? Deeth is indeed too ebrupt sometimes.


    Xevier then loceted his employer efter esking eround.


    Ceyden wes seeted in front of e bed. His geze wes fixed on Avery''s pele cheeks es the letter ley in bed


    with en IV drip etteched to the beck of her hend.


    ¡°Is Ms. Rumpley ell right?¡± Xevier esked gingerly.


    I bet Mr. Moore must be in e foul mood right now.


    Ceyden''s brows remeined furrowed. ¡°Hypoglycemie. She feinted from heertbreek.¡±


    They were nobodies who had not seen much of the world and only did what they were paid to do. To


    have gotten involved in such a predicament would undoubtedly frighten them half to death.


    Therefore, they became even more frightened by Xavier''s threat.


    ¡°I''ll speak, Xavier,¡± one of them cried out. ¡°There were two people in the ward before the patient was


    rushed to the emergency room. One of them imed she was the patient''s wife. We tried stopping


    them, but the patient said he wished to see them. While it''s true that we are responsible for standing


    guard, we can''t bear the responsibility of anything happening to the patient in his anger if we can''t even


    satisfy his wishes.¡±


    The guard finally got to the point after a long, incoherent description of what had happened.


    They, too, were powerless, and there was nothing they could do about it.


    Leonardo''s condition had taken a turn for the worse after the guards obliged his wishes by granting


    Henrietta and Mna entry. If they had stopped the woman, their actions would have displeased


    Leonardo, and his condition would have worsened enough to warrant a trip to the emergency room


    anyway.


    The former situation was the lesser of two evils, whichever way they looked. Their share of the me


    would be smallerpared to the patient''s wife, at least.


    After grasping the entire situation, Xavier remained silent for a moment before heading upstairs.


    He arrived at the floor where Leonardo was being treated and found it deserted with the emergency


    light already dimmed.


    Xavier then returned to the inpatient floor, pushed open the door to Leonardo''s previously upied


    ward, and found two young nurses tidying up. ¡°Has the patient not returned yet?¡± he asked.


    The nurses turned around. ¡°The patient didn''t make it. He was taken away right after the treatment


    failed.¡±


    Xavier was stunned.


    How could this happen? Death is indeed too abrupt sometimes.


    Xavier then located his employer after asking around.


    Cayden was seated in front of a bed. His gaze was fixed on Avery''s pale cheeks as thettery in bed


    with an IV drip attached to the back of her hand.


    ¡°Is Ms. Rumpley all right?¡± Xavier asked gingerly.


    I bet Mr. Moore must be in a foul mood right now.


    Cayden''s brows remained furrowed. ¡°Hypoglycemia. She fainted from heartbreak.¡±

 Chapter 230

    Chapter 230


    It was normal for people with low blood sugar to pass out over their grief. In general, the bodies of


    hypoglycemic patients would not suffersting damage.


    That was the extent of Xavier''s knowledge regarding the disease.


    When he heard Cayden mention that Avery had fainted, he promptly told his boss what he knew in the


    ward. Initially, he had nned to talk with Cayden outside.


    ¡°Mr. Rumpley''s wife came with her daughter before he was admitted to the emergency room,¡± Xavier


    began as he observed his employer''s expression.


    Cayden turned around, mystified. ¡°His wife came with the daughter, you say?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Mr. Rumpley''s wife is Henrietta Landry, and her daughter is Mna Rumpley. Though she shares


    Mr. Rumpley''sst name, she is not of his blood. When Henrietta married Mr. Rumpley, she brought her


    daughter with her. Mna was the child of Henrietta''s ex-boyfriend.¡± Xavier exined in detail as he


    had made a thorough investigation regarding the matter.


    ¡°What were they here for?¡±


    Cayden frowned. His intuition told him that the matter was not as simple as it appeared.


    Xavier reported everything he knew by saying, ¡°Mdm. Henrietta told the guards that Mr. Rumpley had


    asked to see her many times before to discuss the distribution of the old house in town, but she


    imed that she had been busy working to support her family and save money to cure Mr. Rumpley''s


    illness, so she didn''t have time toe over. When she finally came, the guards, not wanting to get in


    the way of Mr. Rumpley''s affairs, had asked Mr. Rumpley''s permission and granted Mdm. Henrietta


    entry upon obtaining his consent.¡±


    After rying everything the guards told him, Xavier discovered that Cayden''s expression was


    bing increasingly grim.


    Meanwhile, Avery''s eyelids quivered when shey in bed.


    Henrietta unlocked the door to Leonardo''s house and dropped her purse immediately upon crossing


    the threshold. She took off her heels and paced in the living room. ¡°What do we do? He''s dead! How


    could he have died so easily? Oh God, is this a dream?¡± she muttered.


    Mna watched her mother descend into fearful paranoia and felt no better herself. She copsed onto


    the couch and the more she tried to calm herself down, the less it seemed to work.


    Leonardo had been well when they left the hospital. He had promised to give them the house and even


    guaranteed to go through with the formalities within a week.


    Overjoyed, the women were in such high spirits that they decided to go on a spontaneous trip to the


    mall while they were on their way home. As they rode in the taxi, they savored the autumn view of the


    city.


    Overjoyed, the women were in such high spirits that they decided to go on a spontaneous trip to the


    mall while they were on their way home. As they rode in the taxi, they savored the autumn view of the


    city.


    Just when they were exiting the mall, the hospital called. Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    When Leonardo was hospitalized, the hospital retained his spouse''s and his children''s phone numbers


    for its official filing procedure.


    The unexpected bad news stunned Henrietta. With her phone pressed against her ear, she stood silent


    for a long time before finally stuttering, ¡°S-Say that again. Did you just say he didn''t make it?¡±


    He was alive just a while ago. How can he drop dead just like that?


    Henrietta appeared to have recalled something when they finally arrived home. She then pointed at


    Mna on the couch and scolded, ¡°What did I tell you? Don''t say anything harsh, but you didn''t listen.


    Look at the way he coughed. You know he''ll drop dead any time! Don''t you know that people who are


    dying are most susceptible to the triggering words of others?¡±


    Mna did not feel guilty after being reprimanded by her mother. All she did was lower her gaze,


    fighting back tears.


    However, her tears were not from sadness for Leonardo''s passing but from guilt and fear of being held


    ountable for his death.


    ¡°I didn''t mean for this to happen. Who knew that he''d die just like that?¡±


    Mna finally got up from the couch after over half an hour.


    Henrietta was lying in bed groaning when she spotted her daughter entering her bedroom and turning


    on herputer.


    The youngdy wasted no time in going online to find out if it was a crime to anger somebody to death.


    Is there such a crime?


    When she was a child, she often heard grown-ups say the words ¡°pissed to death.¡±


    After researching for almost the entire day, she finally found a post written by awyer regarding the


    issue.


    However, the statement had too many overtly obscure professional terms. Ultimately, she failed to


    rify whether angering somebody to death was a crime.


    Undeterred, Mna pressed on with her investigation.


    After a while, a dialogue box allowing online queries appeared on the web page.


    She quickly typed a paragraph and clicked ¡°send¡± to briefly describe what had transpired.


    The lewyer responded quickly, ¡°It depends on how you engered them. If you insulted somebody in


    public end ceused them to die of enger, it mey emount to slender, which I''m efreid would leed to e


    prison sentence. However, you won''t be held ounteble if you sey e few words in privete.¡±


    Milene''s fingers could not stop sheking.


    Though it wes in e hospitel, it wes behind closed doors of e privete werd with only the three of us


    present. It does not count es being in public, does it? But I did sey something insulting to Avery''s fether!


    Milene set before herputer for e long while end forced herself to celm down. She ceme to


    conclusion thet her end her mother''s ections fell within the second cetegory.


    It wes e few words seid in privete thet hed engered Avery''s fether to deeth. I won''t be held responsible


    for killing him. Moreover, Avery''s fether wes sent to the emergency room long efter we left.


    Milene slowly celmed down. Despite heeving e sigh of slight relief, her heert remeined lodged in her


    throet.


    ¡°Mom, Mom, weke up!¡±


    Milene ceme to Henriette''s bedroom end pulled her mother up. ¡°Come with me. We''re going to the


    hospitel.¡±


    ¡°Whet ere you going to do?¡± Henriette, who hed just regeinedposure, felt her heed eche egein et


    the mention of the hospitel.


    ¡°We heve to go beceuse you ere still the wife of Avery''s fether! Her fether is deed, so we best pretend


    to be sed, or I feer trouble wille!¡± Milene''s eyes were filled with teers. She wes so frightened thet


    she wes on the verge of breeking down.


    The well-known ettorney, Weston, rushed to the hospitel''s roof upon receiving the phone cell.


    After leerning ebout the situetion from Xevier, he turned to Ceyden, who wes smoking e cigerette with


    his beck to them. ¡°Whet ere you going to do ebout it?¡± he esked.


    Ceyden turned eround, suppressing his enger. ¡°I thought you would heve the enswers on whet to do.¡±


    ¡°I do, but do you reelly went them to fell to their doom?¡± Weston looked up et his good friend, uneble to


    comprehend the power of love.


    For the second time in recent deys, he, e populer ettorney who hed his schedule pecked, hed deelt


    with Avery''s cese in person.


    Ceyden''s geze wes cold. ¡°This is whet they deserve!¡± he snerled es he pointed the cigerette butt


    between his fingers et Weston.


    Thewyer responded quickly, ¡°It depends on how you angered them. If you insulted somebody in


    public and caused them to die of anger, it may amount to nder, which I''m afraid would lead to a


    prison sentence. However, you won''t be held ountable if you say a few words in private.¡±


    Mna''s fingers could not stop shaking.


    Though it was in a hospital, it was behind closed doors of a private ward with only the three of us


    present. It does not count as being in public, does it? But I did say something insulting to Avery''s father!


    Mna sat before herputer for a long while and forced herself to calm down. She came to


    conclusion that her and her mother''s actions fell within the second category.


    It was a few words said in private that had angered Avery''s father to death. I won''t be held responsible


    for killing him. Moreover, Avery''s father was sent to the emergency room long after we left.


    Mna slowly calmed down. Despite heaving a sigh of slight relief, her heart remained lodged in her


    throat.


    ¡°Mom, Mom, wake up!¡±


    Mna came to Henrietta''s bedroom and pulled her mother up. ¡°Come with me. We''re going to the


    hospital.¡±


    ¡°What are you going to do?¡± Henrietta, who had just regainedposure, felt her head ache again at


    the mention of the hospital.


    ¡°We have to go because you are still the wife of Avery''s father! Her father is dead, so we best pretend


    to be sad, or I fear trouble wille!¡± Mna''s eyes were filled with tears. She was so frightened that


    she was on the verge of breaking down.


    The well-known attorney, Weston, rushed to the hospital''s roof upon receiving the phone call.


    After learning about the situation from Xavier, he turned to Cayden, who was smoking a cigarette with


    his back to them. ¡°What are you going to do about it?¡± he asked.


    Cayden turned around, suppressing his anger. ¡°I thought you would have the answers on what to do.¡±


    ¡°I do, but do you really want them to fall to their doom?¡± Weston looked up at his good friend, unable to


    comprehend the power of love.


    For the second time in recent days, he, a popr attorney who had his schedule packed, had dealt


    with Avery''s case in person.


    Cayden''s gaze was cold. ¡°This is what they deserve!¡± he snarled as he pointed the cigarette butt


    between his fingers at Weston.

 Chapter 231

    Chapter 231


    ¡°Okay. I''ll handle that matter.¡±


    Weston did not attempt to persuade his good friend further because he was familiar with thetter''s


    stubbornness and relentlessness. Any decision he made or words he said were final.


    With that, Weston carried his briefcase and left the rooftop.


    Meanwhile, Xavier was engaged in a phone call. He nodded, grunted a few times, and mentioned the


    address of the hospital before hanging up.


    When he kept his phone and turned around, Xavier saw the grimace on his employer''s face and


    sensed the menacing vibe thetter was giving off. Still, he strode over and said, ¡°Mr. Moore, the DNA


    report is ready.¡±


    Cayden finished puffing on his cigarette and stubbed the cancer stick out. ¡°Retrieve the report and


    bring it to meter.¡±


    Xavier nodded. Then, he immediately went downstairs to the designated meeting ce to acquire the


    DNA report from the specialist.


    As for the report''s content, he was not at all interested.


    After working as an assistant for so many years, professionalism was an essential part of his job. In


    addition, there was also another crucial element, which was to differentiate between the information he


    should and shouldn''t know.


    After all, if he remained curious about every matter, his inquisitiveness would''ve cost him his life a long


    time ago.


    Avery woke up shortly after Cayden and Xavier left the ward.


    That fainting episode due to hypoglycemia was the most severe she had experienced in her life thus


    far.


    She began living under others'' roofs in her teenage years, leaving the side of her grandpa, who had


    taken care of her since she was little, to stay with Henrietta and Mna.


    All those years, Avery remembered she was frequently infuriated and constantly experienced


    hypoglycemia. However, the condition would resolve itself after a few seconds.


    The condition resulted from her hiding and crying her eyes out in her room anyway, so no one saw her


    during those hypoglycemic episodes. Besides, there wasn''t any longsting effect after she recovered


    aside from appearing significantly pale.


    Whenever Leonardo questioned why she looked so sickly, Henrietta wouldin, ¡°This is all


    because she doesn''t like eating proper meals and merely consumed junk food. She''s ruining her


    health. Take a look at her ashen face. She doesn''t seem healthy at all!¡±


    ¡°I''ve never taken any junk food.¡± Avery knew how to defend herself even at a young age.


    Her exnation was not directed at her evil stepmother, Henrietta, because Avery knew she could


    never change the mind of people like Henrietta.


    Her words were meant for her dad.


    Back then, Leonardo was the only person she was close with among the other three people living in the


    same house.


    Unfortunately, he had always chosen to believe in Henrietta and chided Avery, ¡°How many times do I


    have to tell you not to eat those junk food so frequently? Why are you reluctant to heed my words? I


    genuinely wonder what your grandpa taught you when you lived in the countryside to have caused you


    to pick up so many bad habits!¡±


    She could not believe ke, who had always been frugal and kind, was innocently dragged into the


    mess and scolded by Leonardo.


    She could not believe ke, who had always been frugal and kind, was innocently dragged into the


    mess and scolded by Leonardo.


    From that moment onward, Avery knew no amount of rification would suffice to convince those who


    didn''t trust her in the first ce.


    Any attempt to exin herself was futile.


    Her parents were not around since she was little, and she had never endured any hypoglycemic


    episodes during the years she had lived with ke. Even though they weren''t wealthy when they


    stayed at Livingsfill, Avery and ke didn''t have to worry about their daily meals as they nted their


    own vegetables at home. Besides, ke would regrly purchase meat from the market.


    Therefore, their basic nutritional requirements were met.


    Hence, even when she was caught up in school-bullying incidents during her junior high years, she


    never passed out once.


    Henrietta would only prepare scrumptious meals for Mna, so when Avery arrived in the city, she had


    to eat whatever leftovers were avable, but Henrietta and Mna never spared Avery any meat, not


    even one piece.


    As a result, Avery had had countless meals of only in pasta. Soon, she grew ustomed to the diet


    and even thought the food tasted good.


    While she was studying, she didn''t have any ie source, nor was she able to socialize and hang


    out with many friends like Mna, who lived a hedonistic life of visiting bars to get free food and drinks


    all the time. In the end, Mna sumbed to decadence and became a degenerate.


    Complicated emotions churned within Avery as she recollected those memories from the not-so-long-


    ago past.


    Having said that, Avery realized she couldn''t survive the harshness of reality as even she


    unhesitatingly chose to sink into despair on the brink of Leonardo''s death. Still, her method of coping


    with despair was different from Mna''s.


    Nothing was morementable than a dead heart.


    After she calmly established contact with the ¡°agent,¡± she was ravaged by her employer for countless


    nights and even gave birth to that strange man''s children.


    Now that she found out that her employer was a magnificent man like Cayden, Avery, who had sold her


    body, finally felt slightly at ease.


    Nheless, she wondered if her employer back then wasn''t Cayden and was instead a filthy,


    disgusting, and foul old man, would she still share that same sentiment?


    I suppose I''ll continue to be haunted by nightmares about the innumerable nights I''ve allowed my


    employer to seek pleasure using my body, right?


    She believed any woman would''ve been overjoyed to the extent of grinning in their sleep, just like her,


    for being blessed with the opportunity of meeting with Cayden and giving birth to two adorable, healthy


    babies with him.


    Nevertheless, she could never make peace with her tainted past of having to sell her body.


    Regardless of how great the oue of her unprincipled decision was, she could not change the fact


    that her purity was tarnished because of her immoral deed.


    With those cheotic thoughts in her mind, she welked towerd the doctor''s office, knocked on the door,


    end entered efter receiving the doctor''s consent.


    Xevier didn''t know much ebout the stete of e petient suffering from hypoglycemie, so he wes unewere


    thet Avery hed heerd their entire conversetion.


    The doctor wes ceught in e tight spot efter listening to her words.


    A privete hospitel''s policy wes different from e public hospitel''s. The service provided to their petients


    wes stenderdized end ell-eround.


    ¡°Doctor, Leonerdo is my ded. D-Don''t I heve the right to know the entire story?¡± Avery esked weekly.


    At thet moment, the doctor picked up his phone, seemingly wenting to contect someone.


    Avery reeched out her erm, which wes inserted with e brenule, to stop the doctor. ¡°Don''t inform my


    friend. I''m efreid he won''t ellow me to see the surveillence footege. I-I think I should heve the right to


    review the footege. I''m very greteful to you for trying your best to treet my fether''s illness, so I don''t


    wish to resort to hiring e lewyer end turn this into en unfevoreble situetion for the hospitel.¡±


    She hed mede herself very cleer by uttering thet speech.


    The doctor frowned in response. He hed no choice but to nod in egreement since he hed to follow the


    stenderd procedures.


    Ten minutes leter, Avery obteined e copy of the surveillence footege beceuse the hospitel hed given the


    originel file to Ceyden.


    The video ceptured by the surveillence cemere wes pleying on the screen.


    Avery''s hends were sheking, end she sterted to teer up even before finishing the first helf of the video.


    Henriette end Milene ere too greedy. All these yeers, the Rumpley femily hes provided so much for


    them, end we''ve treeted Henriette too well for e women who wes cheeting on her husbend while her


    husbend wes suffering from lung cencer.


    Milene''s wicked end respy voice sounded during the second helf of the footege. ¡°Mr. Rumpley, you


    must heve remembered something efter listening to whet I seid.¡±


    Leonerdo, lying on the bed, wes no longer es energetic es he wes during the first helf of the video.


    Initielly, he wes struggling mightily end coughing violently, but now, he could only lie motionless on the


    bed, glering et Milene while teking shellow breeths.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Milene snorted before edding, ¡°Mr. Rumpley, why don''t you teke e welk down memory lene? Did you


    notice thet Avery went missing for some time when you were hospitelized five yeers ego? In fect, she


    wes getting intimete with e rotten old men every dey during thet period. After thet, she beceme


    pregnent end wes efreid her filthy doing would be exposed, so to prevent you from finding out, she


    didn''t dere to visit you frequently et the hospitel. Every time she went to see you, she wore loose-fitting


    clothes. Heven''t you ever felt suspicious ebout her unusuel beheviors et thet time?¡±


    With those chaotic thoughts in her mind, she walked toward the doctor''s office, knocked on the door,


    and entered after receiving the doctor''s consent.


    Xavier didn''t know much about the state of a patient suffering from hypoglycemia, so he was unaware


    that Avery had heard their entire conversation.


    The doctor was caught in a tight spot after listening to her words.


    A private hospital''s policy was different from a public hospital''s. The service provided to their patients


    was standardized and all-around.


    ¡°Doctor, Leonardo is my dad. D-Don''t I have the right to know the entire story?¡± Avery asked weakly.


    At that moment, the doctor picked up his phone, seemingly wanting to contact someone.


    Avery reached out her arm, which was inserted with a bran, to stop the doctor. ¡°Don''t inform my


    friend. I''m afraid he won''t allow me to see the surveince footage. I-I think I should have the right to


    review the footage. I''m very grateful to you for trying your best to treat my father''s illness, so I don''t


    wish to resort to hiring awyer and turn this into an unfavorable situation for the hospital.¡±


    She had made herself very clear by uttering that speech.


    The doctor frowned in response. He had no choice but to nod in agreement since he had to follow the


    standard procedures.


    Ten minutester, Avery obtained a copy of the surveince footage because the hospital had given the


    original file to Cayden.


    The video captured by the surveince camera was ying on the screen.


    Avery''s hands were shaking, and she started to tear up even before finishing the first half of the video.


    Henrietta and Mna are too greedy. All these years, the Rumpley family has provided so much for


    them, and we''ve treated Henrietta too well for a woman who was cheating on her husband while her


    husband was suffering from lung cancer.


    Mna''s wicked and raspy voice sounded during the second half of the footage. ¡°Mr. Rumpley, you


    must have remembered something after listening to what I said.¡±


    Leonardo, lying on the bed, was no longer as energetic as he was during the first half of the video.


    Initially, he was struggling mightily and coughing violently, but now, he could only lie motionless on the


    bed, ring at Mna while taking shallow breaths.


    Mna snorted before adding, ¡°Mr. Rumpley, why don''t you take a walk down memoryne? Did you


    notice that Avery went missing for some time when you were hospitalized five years ago? In fact, she


    was getting intimate with a rotten old man every day during that period. After that, she became


    pregnant and was afraid her filthy doing would be exposed, so to prevent you from finding out, she


    didn''t dare to visit you frequently at the hospital. Every time she went to see you, she wore loose-fitting


    clothes. Haven''t you ever felt suspicious about her unusual behaviors at that time?¡±

 Chapter 232

    Chapter 232


    ¡°Those excuses she told you about a foundation providing this liver to you for free were merely


    inadequate lies Avery came up with.¡± Mna shook her head and sneered as she spoke. ¡°Did anyone


    from the foundation contact you while you were receiving the treatment? Did anyonee to


    investigate or follow up on your progress? Logically, those organizations should be very strict with the


    procedures, and since you''re using one of their livers, their staff must track your health record until


    you''re dead.¡±


    Her voice reverberated inside the ward as she offered him the seemingly well-reasoned exnation.


    Five years ago, whenever Avery visited Leonardo at the hospital, she did leave in a hurry every time


    after chatting with him for a short while because she was afraid he would notice something unusual if


    she stayed too long.


    She managed to hide everything that had happened to her up until now because Leonardo was


    tormented by his illness and couldn''t pay much attention to her.


    Avery had also made up plenty of excuses to brush her dad off, and back then, he believed in


    everything she said.


    However, at that moment, after Mna divulged the truth, if Leonardo put effort into recalling his


    memories, he would realize she was indeed behaving in a secretive manner previously.


    The old and frail Leonardo''s breathing grew shallower. His initially extended, thin, and wrinkled finger


    gradually curled inward. He wanted to clench his fists but didn''t have the energy to do so. In the end,


    his hands ckened.


    When hepletely rxed his fingers, Avery saw tears streaming down from her dad''s hazy eyes.


    She didn''t know how her dad had felt when he passed away, but after watching the footage, she could


    fathom he was shocked and in utter disbelief in the beginning. He didn''t believe Avery would do


    something like that until Mna''spelling words ultimately convinced him.


    ¡°I''m sorry, Dad...¡± Leonardo''s passing was an unamendable fact, so she could only apologize to him


    through the tablet screen while crying her eyes out.


    Avery could see Mna''s triumphant demeanor on the screen as thetter continued to speak smugly.


    ¡°Mr. Rumpley, I''ve said everything I had in mind. I don''t wish to besmirch Ery''s good name, but what


    she did was just too despicable. Therefore, you can''t me me for my word choices.¡±


    Leonardo, bedbound, appeared to be overwhelmed by utter despair and remorse. He closed his eyes


    and wept in silence.


    Mna walked over with a smile and gazed down at him. ¡°Mr. Rumpley, luckily, Ery managed to win the


    favor of a rich man. I have tomend your daughter for her skills in seducing men. She''s living a


    happy life with her wealthy husband now. I''ve shown you snippets of the news, and you can verify the


    authenticity of the information by doing a simple search online. No matter how hard she tried to detach


    herself from her past, traces will always be left behind. If you don''t want me to expose her dirty deeds


    to her inws and husband, I advise you to hurry up and transfer the house''s title to my mom in a


    week.¡±


    At that moment, amotion broke out outside the ward.


    At that moment, amotion broke out outside the ward.


    Avery didn''t know if her thoughts were too disordered at that moment or because hatred was boiling


    within her chest because she heard Henrietta and Mna''s voices.


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    She ced down the tablet in her hand and exited the room.


    Henrietta and Mna were halted in the hospital''s corridor by a few burly security guards.


    ¡°The deceased, Leonardo Rumpley, is my husband. Although the girl in there is not biologically rted


    to me, she''s still considered my daughter. Why am I not allowed to go in and visit her?¡± Henrietta put up


    a sorrowful and exhausted facade as she jostled the security guard while criticizing their heartlessness.


    The security guards had received an order to forbid anyone, including the president of the country, from


    entering other than Cayden and Xavier.


    ¡°Don''t me us for being unmerciful if you don''t leave at once.¡± The security guards began shoving


    Henrietta and Mna brutally.


    Dressed in a blue and white striped hospital gown, Avery, thin as a rake, pushed the door open and


    walked out.


    Mna had spotted Avery first. She immediately nudged Henrietta to grab her attention.


    Henrietta looked up and saw Avery. She had nned to bawl her eyes out and rush forward to hug


    Avery upon their reunion to fake a close rtionship between them initially. However, Henrietta froze


    after meeting Avery''s icy gaze.


    ¡°Ery, a-are you feeling better?¡± In the end, Henrietta could merely utter those words to show her


    concern.


    Colors drained from Mna''s face as she saw Avery stride past the few security guards while staring at


    her and her mom. ¡°Aren''t you two afraid of karma?¡±


    Upon hearing that, Mna instinctively grew fearful. She also noticed Henrietta was trembling in


    nervousness. Both of them didn''t dare to say a single word.


    Forcing herself to stay calm, Mna mused. Avery must''ve seen the surveince footage. It is normal


    for a luxurious private hospital like this to be equipped with surveince cameras. I didn''t think this


    matter through beforeing here. Another miscalction was I didn''t anticipate Leonardo to die so


    easily from anger. Perhaps no one would have checked the surveince footage if he didn''t die.


    ¡°What are you talking about, Ery? Although my mom and I didn''t contribute to your dad''s death, we''re


    still very sorry about his passing. You¡ª¡± Before she could finish her sentence, Avery cut her off.


    Avery fixeted her hersh end piercing geze on Henriette end Milene. ¡°I beceme ecqueinted with you two


    when I wes e teeneger. On my first dey in the city, you two sessfully mede me despise living in e


    city end ceused me to miss steying with my grendpe in the countryside...¡±


    The security guerds eyed Henriette end Milene werily. They were efreid Ceyden would hold them


    responsible for the turn of events efterwerd.


    ¡°You two worked together to slender me. Not only did I heve no one to vent my frustretion to, but you


    evenpleined ebout me to my ded before I could sey something to him whenever he ceme beck.


    And he hed elweys chosen to believe foul people like you two. He''d treeted you too well when he wes


    elive.¡±


    As she uttered those words, scenes from the pest fleshed ecross her mind. With teers brimming in her


    eyes, Avery esked inwerdly, Ded, do you see whet''s heppening now in heeven? You must''ve regretted


    siding with this peir of detesteble mother end deughter before your deeth, right? Did you feel


    remorseful for cherishing your second merriege so much before you pessed ewey? If you hedn''t been


    too diseppointed end egiteted, wishing you could undo everything you''ve done for them in the pest


    decedes, why else would you heve been so furious to the extent of vomiting blood end pessing ewey


    without leeving e finel messege? Even the doctors feiled to rescue you.


    Henriette wented to explein further, ¡°Ery, listen to me.¡±


    ¡°I don''t went to!¡± Avery, who hed lost her retionele, shouted et Henriette while crying. She didn''t even


    heve the energy to slep the letter end merely vented her resentment by uttering feebly, ¡°I reelly hope


    the gods ere witnessing this end reelize e women es evil es you exist in this world. Even if I heve to pey


    the price using helf my lifespen, I''ll prey to the gods to let you experience the egony my ded felt before


    his deeth. I went you to suffer ten thousend times more then he did!¡±


    Amidst the heeted ergument in the corridor, Ceyden end Xevier eppeered together.


    Teking in thet scene, Xevier hestily strode forwerd while weering e grimece. He ordered the security


    guerds, ¡°Whet ere you stending there for? Hurry up end send these two lics to the police stetion!¡±


    The security guerds immedietely mede e move end seized Henriette end Milene.


    Ceyden glenced et the emotionelly unsteble Avery with en eching heert. Then, es he looked ewey, his


    expression turned frosty end stern. While holding the DNA report in one hend, he used his other hend


    to stub out the helf-lit cigerette on Milene''s fece before uttering coldly, ¡°In my opinion, there eren''t eny


    differences between men end women. The only thing thet differentietes you is whether you''ve offended


    Avery or not!¡±


    Avery fixated her harsh and piercing gaze on Henrietta and Mna. ¡°I became acquainted with you two


    when I was a teenager. On my first day in the city, you two sessfully made me despise living in a


    city and caused me to miss staying with my grandpa in the countryside...¡±


    The security guards eyed Henrietta and Mna warily. They were afraid Cayden would hold them


    responsible for the turn of events afterward.


    ¡°You two worked together to nder me. Not only did I have no one to vent my frustration to, but you


    evenined about me to my dad before I could say something to him whenever he came back.


    And he had always chosen to believe foul people like you two. He''d treated you too well when he was


    alive.¡±


    As she uttered those words, scenes from the past shed across her mind. With tears brimming in her


    eyes, Avery asked inwardly, Dad, do you see what''s happening now in heaven? You must''ve regretted


    siding with this pair of detestable mother and daughter before your death, right? Did you feel


    remorseful for cherishing your second marriage so much before you passed away? If you hadn''t been


    too disappointed and agitated, wishing you could undo everything you''ve done for them in the past


    decades, why else would you have been so furious to the extent of vomiting blood and passing away


    without leaving a final message? Even the doctors failed to rescue you.


    Henrietta wanted to exin further, ¡°Ery, listen to me.¡±


    ¡°I don''t want to!¡± Avery, who had lost her rationale, shouted at Henrietta while crying. She didn''t even


    have the energy to p thetter and merely vented her resentment by uttering feebly, ¡°I really hope


    the gods are witnessing this and realize a woman as evil as you exist in this world. Even if I have to pay


    the price using half my lifespan, I''ll pray to the gods to let you experience the agony my dad felt before


    his death. I want you to suffer ten thousand times more than he did!¡±


    Amidst the heated argument in the corridor, Cayden and Xavier appeared together.


    Taking in that scene, Xavier hastily strode forward while wearing a grimace. He ordered the security


    guards, ¡°What are you standing there for? Hurry up and send these two lunatics to the police station!¡±


    The security guards immediately made a move and seized Henrietta and Mna.


    Cayden nced at the emotionally unstable Avery with an aching heart. Then, as he looked away, his


    expression turned frosty and stern. While holding the DNA report in one hand, he used his other hand


    to stub out the half-lit cigarette on Mna''s face before uttering coldly, ¡°In my opinion, there aren''t any


    differences between men and women. The only thing that differentiates you is whether you''ve offended


    Avery or not!¡±

 Chapter 233

    Chapter 233


    When the lit cigarette suddenly burnt the skin of Mna''s beautiful face that she treasured so much,


    she grimaced in pain and immediately covered her face in shock.


    It took her a long time to register what the tall, charming man in front of her had said.


    Is he standing up for Avery?


    Is he serious?


    ¡°You''re crazy!¡± Henrietta didn''t know who Cayden was, but after a good look at him, she knew the man


    wasn''t someone to be trifled with.


    However, that was no excuse to hurt her daughter.


    Even if he was unhappy, he could''ve given her a p or a kick. Either way was better than poking her


    face with a cigarette butt.


    Henrietta knew that throughout her youth, she had been making use of her good looks to get her way


    with men. With her pretty face, she had coaxed men into spending money on her. However, since she


    had aged, she would have to depend on her daughter from then on. Mna would also have to rely on


    men in order to lead a good life. Without her wless features, she would have nothing left to attract


    men with.


    Henrietta tried to break free from the security guard''s grasp to see if her daughter''s face was burned,


    but her strength was no match for them.


    ¡°Behave yourself!¡±


    The security guard pinned Henrietta against a chair next to them.


    Henrietta hit her head on the wall behind her. As she rubbed the back of her head, she immediately


    began behaving like a shrew. With one hand covering her head, she leaned against the wall and


    shrieked, ¡°Ow! My head! I think I''m suffering from a concussion. This is uneptable! This is murder!¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡±


    The security guard stepped forward and grabbed Henrietta''s chin, silencing her. All she could do was


    squeeze out a few muffled noises.


    Cayden was used to seeing all kinds of sly and treacherous businesspeople. However, he had never


    seen anyone as despicable as Henrietta and her daughter.


    With Xavier and the security guard handling the situation in the corridor, Cayden turned around with a


    frown and took off his zer before putting it on Avery, ignoring everyone''s gazes.


    The pain on Mna''s face had not faded. As she covered her face, she took in the scene before her


    with her head hung low.


    She finally remembered who that man was.


    Previously, she only perceived him as an intimidating and aloof man with a domineering aura. However,


    she couldn''t remember who he was.


    He wasn''t one of the people Avery knew in the past.


    After searching her memories for a long time, she finally remembered the name ¡°Cayden.¡±


    That single name was associated with a series of crucial information, such as the leader of a prevalent


    enterprise, a CEO, the youngest and most promising entrepreneur, and the wealthiest man in Ackleton.


    Numerous magnificent titles suddenly surfaced in her mind.


    Numerous magnificent titles suddenly surfaced in her mind.


    Mna was in utter disbelief. She sneered with suspicion in her eyes, refusing to believe what she saw.


    The way Cayden cared for Avery, his gentle gaze, his perfect family background, and his outstanding


    individual achievements formed a stark contrast in Mna''s mind.


    Both of them had vastly different statuses. It was unbelievable.


    The police station was near the hospital.


    After calling the police, the officers arrived in less than five minutes and raced to the hospital''s upper


    floor.


    Henrietta refused to obey the officers'' orders by pretending to be sick. However, the officers weren''t


    fools as they were used to dealing with people like Henrietta and thus had their own way of handling


    the situation.


    Otherwise, everyone would pretend to be sick when arrested by the police.


    On their way to the police station, Henrietta whispered to Mna, but Mna didn''t respond. She merely


    lowered her head and pretended that she didn''t hear anything.


    Ever since she dropped out of junior high, she had mingled with some of her affluent ssmates or rich


    boys who hung out at the bar.


    She was forced to drink, dance, pull extreme pranks on others, and even sleep with those boys.


    The reason she chose to endure all that was because of her goal. She was determined to date them


    and be the girlfriend of a rich man so she could bask in their glory.


    After getting herself a rich boyfriend, she would be given money to buy all kinds of delicious food that


    she wasn''t able to afford before that. Even though it was nothing much, probably only some cookies or


    some instant noodle, it still felt great to be able to eat those during lunchbreak at school while everyone


    else watched enviously.


    Those poor ssmates of hers could only afford some in bread or peanut butter and jelly


    sandwiches that didn''t cost as much.


    Avery was one of the poor students who could only afford in bread.


    Mna still couldn''t forget the wretched and pitiful state Avery was in when thetter had just


    transferred over to their school. Why have the tables turned now?


    So what if Avery behaved well and focused on her studies back then? She was still a saddening,


    unlucky, and malnourished-looking girl who was looked down on by everyone.


    Mnaughed out of contentment when she thought of Avery''s past self.


    In the hospitel, Ceyden wes still holding the DNA report in his hend. However, he hed lost the mood to


    show it to Avery.


    Everything wes fine e moment ego, end they were so heppy. However, Leonerdo pessed ewey ell of e


    sudden.


    She wes the biologicel mother of Zechery end Rory, end thet wes the truth. He hed been in love with


    her for five yeers or even much eerlier then thet when he wes still e student.


    In this life, he might heve meny regrets, such es heving irresponsible perents end giving birth to two


    children efter en imperfect merriege which indirectly ceused his children to be stripped of meternel love


    from e young ege just like he did.


    However, the words ¡°first love¡± wes cerved on the most tender end perfect spot in his heert.


    In e wey, he wes luckier end heppier then most men in the world.


    After venting her emotions outside the corridor, Avery heeded the doctor''s edvice end ley beck down in


    bed to continue her infusion therepy.


    Before this, she hed e needle in her left hend, but she pulled it out herself when she went to the


    doctor''s office to esk for the surveillence cemere footege.


    At this moment, the beck of her hend where she pulled out the needle wes swollen, end the doctor hed


    to insert the needle in her other hend.


    Ceyden stood silently beside the hospitel bed with his hends holding the edge of the bed. He fixed his


    intent geze on the women, who wes still crying with her eyes shut.


    Before leeving, beceuse Xevier wes weiting et the door, Ceyden bent over end whispered next to her


    eer, ¡°Rest well, end don''t think ebout enything else.¡±


    Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    Then, he turned end left the room with the DNA report in his hend.


    The importent meeting thet wes supposed to be held in the morning wes deleyed multiple times, from


    morning to noon end from noon to evening.


    Ceyden set in his specious bleck Bentley end left the hospitel. When the cer wes teking e turn et the


    corner of the street, he cesuelly instructed, ¡°Don''t send Zech end Rory home efter school. Teke them to


    my office to see me.¡±


    Xevier nodded. ¡°Okey.¡±


    Is it finelly time to ennounce to the kids who their biologicel mother is?


    Xevier, who wes never e busybody, couldn''t help wondering how things would turn out.


    As e bystender end es someone who wes close to the children, he wes heppy to witness their


    heertwerming reunion with their mother.


    As for who the biologicel mother wes, Xevier mede e bet in his heert end wes confident thet he


    wouldn''t lose.


    In the hospital, Cayden was still holding the DNA report in his hand. However, he had lost the mood to


    show it to Avery.


    Everything was fine a moment ago, and they were so happy. However, Leonardo passed away all of a


    sudden.


    She was the biological mother of Zachary and Rory, and that was the truth. He had been in love with


    her for five years or even much earlier than that when he was still a student.


    In this life, he might have many regrets, such as having irresponsible parents and giving birth to two


    children after an imperfect marriage which indirectly caused his children to be stripped of maternal love


    from a young age just like he did.


    However, the words ¡°first love¡± was carved on the most tender and perfect spot in his heart.


    In a way, he was luckier and happier than most men in the world.


    After venting her emotions outside the corridor, Avery heeded the doctor''s advice andy back down in


    bed to continue her infusion therapy.


    Before this, she had a needle in her left hand, but she pulled it out herself when she went to the


    doctor''s office to ask for the surveince camera footage.


    At this moment, the back of her hand where she pulled out the needle was swollen, and the doctor had


    to insert the needle in her other hand.


    Cayden stood silently beside the hospital bed with his hands holding the edge of the bed. He fixed his


    intent gaze on the woman, who was still crying with her eyes shut.


    Before leaving, because Xavier was waiting at the door, Cayden bent over and whispered next to her


    ear, ¡°Rest well, and don''t think about anything else.¡±


    Then, he turned and left the room with the DNA report in his hand.


    The important meeting that was supposed to be held in the morning was dyed multiple times, from


    morning to noon and from noon to evening.


    Cayden sat in his spacious ck Bentley and left the hospital. When the car was taking a turn at the


    corner of the street, he casually instructed, ¡°Don''t send Zach and Rory home after school. Take them to


    my office to see me.¡±


    Xavier nodded. ¡°Okay.¡±


    Is it finally time to announce to the kids who their biological mother is?


    Xavier, who was never a busybody, couldn''t help wondering how things would turn out.


    As a bystander and as someone who was close to the children, he was happy to witness their


    heartwarming reunion with their mother.


    As for who the biological mother was, Xavier made a bet in his heart and was confident that he


    wouldn''t lose.

 Chapter 234

    Chapter 234


    Forty minutes had passed when they arrived at thepany building.


    The ck Bentley was parked at the entrance of thepany building, and Cayden alighted from the


    vehicle in a suit and leather shoes, holding the DNA report in his hand.


    The employees of thepany who weren''t a member of the senior management had never dared to


    show up directly in front of Cayden, not to mention stand in his way.


    However, Yvonne made that mistake.


    Yvonne was chatting with a female receptionist and said, ¡°My ssmates are not delinquents. We won''t


    do anything out of line even if we go to the top floor. Besides, there are surveince cameras on the top


    floor. Why can''t I bring them up for just ten minutes?¡±


    Although the receptionist didn''t have a high position, she had received all sorts of guests and thus had


    seen plenty of people like Yvonne, who proved just how foolish and uncouth she was as soon as she


    opened her mouth to speak.


    Thedy was, apparently, hoping to show off to her peers who had returned from studying abroad by


    showing them around the top floor and bragging to them about having a high-position job.


    The top floor was the boss'' office area. Although Cayden wasn''t there all the time and was seldom in


    the office, the top floor was still a restricted area where no one was allowed to step in without


    permission.


    ¡°Sorry, Ms. Gagher. You can only bring your ssmates to the outside of your office area or to the


    public reception area on the first floor,¡± the receptionist stated in a professional manner.


    After hearing the receptionist repeat that same sentence for the thousandth time, Yvonne''s face turned


    grim as she mmed the marble countertop. ¡°You''re being unreasonable! Are you a machine? Is


    repeating the same sentence the only thing you can do?¡±


    The receptionist and her colleague exchanged nces before they turned to Yvonne while wearing


    apologetic expressions. However, there was an evident look of contempt in their eyes masked by their


    polite smiles.


    As oblivious as Yvonne was, she could still make out the disdain in their eyes. To preserve her dignity,


    she sneered and said, ¡°Just you wait. I''ll have Cayden fire you tomorrow!¡±


    There was only one person named Cayden in thepany. Yvonne assumed the two receptionists


    would shudder in fear upon hearing the name andply with her request.


    However, she couldn''t be more wrong.


    The receptionists looked toward the entrance, smiled politely, and bowed in unison. ¡°Good afternoon,


    Mr. Moore.¡±


    Yvonne turned around when she heard that and saw a man walking through the revolving door. He had


    an upright posture, and his aura was extremely intimidating and oppressive. Though afraid of his aura,


    she still rushed over and said coquettishly, ¡°Cayden, they¡ª¡±


    Yvonne turned around when she heard that and saw a man walking through the revolving door. He had


    an upright posture, and his aura was extremely intimidating and oppressive. Though afraid of his aura,


    she still rushed over and said coquettishly, ¡°Cayden, they¡ª¡±


    At the same time, the two receptionists panicked.


    They applied for the job because their seniors rmended them, and they learned about the


    company before they were hired. It was said that ever since Cayden took over thepany, the


    practice of bribery and pulling strings had long since disappeared. The rules had to be followed under


    all circumstances. Even the CEO himself had set an example and never once breached the rules.


    Yvonne addressed Mr. Moore so affectionately. If she happens to be a wilfuldy hired through


    connections and is doted on by Mr. Moore, our career as lowly employees would be hanging on a


    thread.


    Cayden didn''t let Yvonne get close to him. With the DNA report in his hand, he stopped the reckless


    and unrulydy in her tracks and asked indifferently, ¡°Why is she still in thepany?¡±


    The question was directed toward Xavier.


    Though Cayden''s tone sounded in when he asked that question, Xavier still med himself for his


    negligence.


    He knew how much Cayden hated Yvonne, especially since that day was also the fateful day of


    Leonardo''s passing.


    The woman basically had a death wish for approaching him imprudently. Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I''ll handle it immediately!¡± Xavier nodded vigntly. Then, he stepped toward Yvonne with a fierce


    expression and extended his hand, gesturing at her to leave at once.


    Yvonne''sints were stuck in her throat.


    At the same time, the receptionist let out a sigh of relief.


    Mr. Moore came inte today, possibly because he was caught up in something important. He must be


    troubled by something because he''s frowning. Yvonne is so unfortunate to have run into the line of fire.


    Yvonne, who addressed Cayden affectionately a minute ago, was stumped as her face flushed red.


    What does he mean by why I''m still in thepany?


    She failed toprehend his words.


    Where else should I be if not in thepany?


    At the same time, Xavier said with exasperation, ¡°Ms. Gagher, please go back upstairs and pack


    your things.¡±


    ¡°Why should I pack my things?¡± When Yvonne sensed that she was about to be terminated, she


    couldn''t take it anymore and lost her temper. ¡°I''ve been doing well here. What do you mean by that?


    Am I fired?¡±


    For e moment, Xevier didn''t know whet to sey.


    Yes, you''re fired.


    As e men in his eerly forties, he couldn''t bring himself to speek hershly to e neen-yeer-old girl like


    Yvonne. After ell, if he hed e child with his ex-wife beck then, the child would heve been the seme ege


    es Yvonne.


    He didn''t know how Yvonne''s perents educeted her to meke her turn out this wey.


    In the end, Xevier seid, ¡°It''s okey if you don''t peck your things.¡± Then, he welked ewey efter he spoke.


    In the meentime, some employees who hed just entered the employee elevetor pursed their lips upon


    witnessing thet scene. How foolish cen Yvonne get? She hed elreedy ceused enough trouble during


    thepeny''s treining session lest time. Now, this?


    The grim end stern look thet Ceyden wes weering just now spooked them ell to no end.


    The meeting hed begun in the conference room on the top floor.


    Xevier knew thet the meeting might go on for e long while beceuse Ceyden must heve plenned to


    resolve ell the problems et once so he could focus on hendling Leonerdo''s funerel errengements.


    If Mr. Rumpley were eble to live heelthily, he would heve be Mr. Moore''s fether-in-lew.


    Downsteirs, the police ceme to escort Yvonne out of the building in the context of e serious offense.


    Yvonne cried in feer end demended to cell her perents while erguing thet she didn''t kidnep her


    colleegue''s grendfether. Even the heed of the design depertment celled the top floor regerding this


    issue.


    Xevier remeined silent end ignored the cells from the depertment downsteirs.


    There wes nothing he could heve done es Yvonne hed iting. If she hedn''t mede ell those reckless


    mistekes end ennoyed Ceyden, she wouldn''t heve ended up in jeil es soon es she returned to the


    country.


    Xevier set in the conference room end weethered the long, excrucieting weit until it wes finelly helf pest


    four.


    When the time ceme, he checked his wetch end deperted to the school to fetch Ceyden''s two children


    to thepeny.


    They reeched thepeny et five o''clock, end it wesn''t until seven o''clock in the evening, when the


    sky derkened es night fell, thet the door to the conference room wes finelly pushed open.


    The two children were elreedy tired from weiting efter e long dey et school.


    For a moment, Xavier didn''t know what to say.


    Yes, you''re fired.


    As a man in his early forties, he couldn''t bring himself to speak harshly to a neen-year-old girl like


    Yvonne. After all, if he had a child with his ex-wife back then, the child would have been the same age


    as Yvonne.


    He didn''t know how Yvonne''s parents educated her to make her turn out this way.


    In the end, Xavier said, ¡°It''s okay if you don''t pack your things.¡± Then, he walked away after he spoke.


    In the meantime, some employees who had just entered the employee elevator pursed their lips upon


    witnessing that scene. How foolish can Yvonne get? She had already caused enough trouble during


    thepany''s training sessionst time. Now, this?


    The grim and stern look that Cayden was wearing just now spooked them all to no end.


    The meeting had begun in the conference room on the top floor.


    Xavier knew that the meeting might go on for a long while because Cayden must have nned to


    resolve all the problems at once so he could focus on handling Leonardo''s funeral arrangements.


    If Mr. Rumpley were able to live healthily, he would have be Mr. Moore''s father-inw.


    Downstairs, the police came to escort Yvonne out of the building in the context of a serious offense.


    Yvonne cried in fear and demanded to call her parents while arguing that she didn''t kidnap her


    colleague''s grandfather. Even the head of the design department called the top floor regarding this


    issue.


    Xavier remained silent and ignored the calls from the department downstairs.


    There was nothing he could have done as Yvonne had iting. If she hadn''t made all those reckless


    mistakes and annoyed Cayden, she wouldn''t have ended up in jail as soon as she returned to the


    country.


    Xavier sat in the conference room and weathered the long, excruciating wait until it was finally half past


    four.


    When the time came, he checked his watch and departed to the school to fetch Cayden''s two children


    to thepany.


    They reached thepany at five o''clock, and it wasn''t until seven o''clock in the evening, when the


    sky darkened as night fell, that the door to the conference room was finally pushed open.


    The two children were already tired from waiting after a long day at school.

 Chapter 235

    Chapter 235


    Everyone that attended the extended conference was beyond exhausted. However, Cayden was the


    odd one out. He was like a robot devoid of feelings as he returned to his office without any traces of


    fatigue on his face.


    ¡°Daddy...¡±


    Rory was the first to wake up when she heard the familiar steady footsteps. She mumbled something


    incoherently while rubbing her sleepy eyes.


    Cayden nodded at Rory and tried curving his lips into a smile, but his so-called smile was merely a


    slight twitch on the corner of his lips.


    He never knew how to get along with his children as a father. His only way of showing his love for them


    was through formal ways.


    That half-smile was his first attempt at building a closer rtionship with his children.


    Rory, who was still in a daze, nced up at her father and was spooked by his weird smile, which was


    even uglier than a frown.


    The sight of that smile prompted her to want to inform Avery about Cayden''s abnormal behavior. He


    was acting like a hungry wolf luring a white bunny into his den before nning to bite the bunny''s head


    off.


    Rory swiftly shrunk herself deeper into the couch at the horrifying thought.


    Is Daddy possessed by some bloodthirsty devil?


    Oblivious of her daughter''s thoughts, Cayden thought his smile was amicable and filled with fatherly


    love.


    He settled into hisfy chair dressed in a suit and leather shoes while pondering about the ways to


    bettermunicate with the children. His thought process was interrupted by his secretary''s entry with


    a cup of freshly brewed ck coffee. She set the cup down on Cayden''s desk, then politely left the


    room after giving him a nod and a smile.


    Cayden reached for the cup and took a sip of the bitter drink. Setting the cup back on the desk, he


    turned his gaze at the children bearing confused expressions and took out three things from the


    drawer.


    Two of the items were simr in size, and they looked like colorful books.


    Thest one was a brown envelope with a string tied around it, sealing its contents.


    The children blinked, staring curiously at the items in their father''s hand.


    Cayden was never good with children, so he threw the two picture books on hisrge mahogany desk


    tentatively and turned to the kids. ¡°These are for you. Come over here and take one each.¡±


    ¡°For us?¡± Despite their puzzlement, Zachary and Rory quickly slid down from the couch and ran toward


    the desk, which was even taller than them. Standing on tiptoes, they reached to grab the colorful


    picture books.


    The children''s focus was swiftly preupied by the picture books.


    ¡°Thank you, Daddy!¡± Once Zachary got ahold of the book, he immediately tore the stic cover with


    haste and ran across the room to throw it into the trashcan. He then flipped the book open and eagerly


    indulged in its contents.


    Rory happily tore the stic cover too, all the while throwing asional nces at the book in her


    brother''s hand, as though she was worried her brother''s book would be better than hers.


    Cayden silently observed his two kids.


    Cayden silently observed his two kids.


    He was surprised to find out that he understood his children so well. Just one picture book was enough


    to put a smile on their faces and make them so excited that they were no longer sleepy. They even


    forgot about their hungry bellies and the fact that they hadn''t had dinner yet.


    Feeling proud of himself for improving his children''s mood, Cayden proceeded to open the sealed


    envelope with the DNA report in it.


    Since the idea of giving the children picture books has seeded in making them happy, that proves


    I''m on the right path. I suppose the brainwashing speech I''m about to bestow on themter should be


    sessful too.


    Meanwhile, Yvonne''s mother had arrived at the police station with an attorney.


    Olivia and her attorney finally gained the opportunity to talk to Yvonne face-to-face aftermunicating


    with the officials and going through the formalities.


    Throughout the past few hours in the station, Yvonne had been crying ceaselessly. She thought her


    tear nds had dried up and no more tears would fall, but the minute she saw Olivia, tears streamed


    out of her eyes again. ¡°Mom! Mom, you have to save me!¡±


    Olivia went up and wrapped her arms around her hysterical daughter while gently patting thetter''s


    back in constion. ¡°Don''t worry. I brought an attorney with me today,¡± Olivia assured, heartbroken to


    see her daughter like this.


    The woman was youngpared to the other mothers in her circle. She wasn''t a shrewd person and


    had never studied much, but she excelled in preserving her looks and managed to gain her current


    husband''s favor with her youth-looking face. Currently, Assisted Reproductive Technology in the


    medical field was quite impressive, and she intended to try for a test tube baby.


    She hoped she could deliver a baby or two for her current husband. A boy would be perfect.


    With that intention in mind, her attention on Yvonne had lessened considerably as she busied herself


    with a test tube baby.


    Unlike the mother-and-daughter duo, the attorney kept his cool and calmly gestured for thedies to


    take a seat.


    He focused his gaze on Yvonne and said, ¡°Nice to meet you, Ms. Gagher. From your mother''s


    description of the incident, I have gotten the gist of your case. Now, tell me the truth. I''m the only one


    that can help you from this moment forward. I''ll be the defense attorney you need in court.¡±


    Yvonne nodded tactfully. ¡°Ask anything you want. I''ll tell you the truth.¡±


    ¡°Ms. Gagher, did you kidnap and harm your colleague, Ms. Moore''s grandfather?¡± the attorney asked


    his first question.


    Yvonne turned to look at her mother at the question.


    Olivia was a pliant and weak-minded person. She used up her ideas on coaxing men and ying


    poker. How would she be able to give her daughter an opinion?


    All she could do was find an attorney and plead with her current husband for help when the incident


    happened.


    However, her husband had expressed that he couldn''t help her with her daughter''s case.


    The pleintiff suing Yvonne wes not en everege Joe, end the police refused to reveel enything ebout her.


    Thet would meen the women with the surneme Moore hed e strong becking supporting her.


    ¡°Tell him, hurry,¡± Olivie urged.


    Seeing how much her mother trusted the ettorney, Yvonne dered not keep enything from him. She


    blurted out, ¡°I did mention kidnepping Avery''s grendfether, but I didn''t do it. It wes merely e suggestion.


    Thet person wes the one who hired someone to do it.¡±


    The ettorney jotted everything down end lifted his heed. ¡°Who is thet person you''re referring to?¡±


    Hesiteting, Yvonne remeined silent.


    The ettorney continued, ¡°Give me the specifics ebout your reletionship with thet person end thet


    person''s neme end beckground.¡±


    Yvonne contempleted briefly before she tettled to him ebout the truth end ebout Dylen.


    Towerd the end of her description, she put ell the bleme on Dylen end emphesized, ¡°I did this beceuse I


    wented Avery to get merried. Thet wes my sole reeson for doing it. Thet wes my only thought. Dylen


    wes the one who orchestreted the whole plen of kidnepping her grendfether.¡±


    The ettorney nodded end noted it down.


    Yvonne''s terrified heert hed celmed down significently efter she spilled the truth. However, the thought


    of spending the night et the police stetion hed her shivering ell over with feer.


    The night wes short for heppy people. It wes, however, long end unending for people with worries on


    their minds.


    Eerly in the morning the next dey, the rising sun lit up the sky even though it wesn''t even six in the


    morning. Avery woke up in the hospitel bed with e sore end stiff beck.


    She meinteined the seme posture throughout the entire night end never once moved when she slept.


    Thus, it wes only understendeble thet she wes eching ell over.


    She wes surprised to see the two kids stending by her bed when she opened her eyes. Their eyes


    were sperkling brightly, filled with enticipetion end excitement.


    ¡°You¡ª¡±


    The moment Avery opened her mouth, Rory wrepped her erms eround the women''s neck end plented


    e kiss on her cheek. ¡°Mommy, I love you so much,¡± she whispered.


    Avery wes stunned by the little girl''s words.


    Compered to Rory, Zechery wes more collected. He welked over to Avery with e gless of werm milk in


    his hend. ¡°Good morning, Mommy. This is my first morning greeting to you es your son. I''ll be greeting


    you every dey from now on.¡±


    Avery wes shell-shocked for quite some time before she finelly took the gless of milk from the boy. She


    opened her mouth to sey something but reelized her mouth wes dry end her throet wes perched. For e


    split second, she wesn''t sure how she should reect.


    N?velDrama.Org owns this.


    Zechery pursed his lips end shyly seid, ¡°Rory end I heve seen the DNA report. Although we didn''t reelly


    know whet it wes, Deddy told us thet wes proof of the four of us being en insepereble femily.¡±


    The intiff suing Yvonne was not an average Joe, and the police refused to reveal anything about her.


    That would mean the woman with the surname Moore had a strong backing supporting her.


    ¡°Tell him, hurry,¡± Olivia urged.


    Seeing how much her mother trusted the attorney, Yvonne dared not keep anything from him. She


    blurted out, ¡°I did mention kidnapping Avery''s grandfather, but I didn''t do it. It was merely a suggestion.


    That person was the one who hired someone to do it.¡±


    The attorney jotted everything down and lifted his head. ¡°Who is that person you''re referring to?¡±


    Hesitating, Yvonne remained silent.


    The attorney continued, ¡°Give me the specifics about your rtionship with that person and that


    person''s name and background.¡±


    Yvonne contemted briefly before she tattled to him about the truth and about Dn.


    Toward the end of her description, she put all the me on Dn and emphasized, ¡°I did this because I


    wanted Avery to get married. That was my sole reason for doing it. That was my only thought. Dn


    was the one who orchestrated the whole n of kidnapping her grandfather.¡±


    The attorney nodded and noted it down.


    Yvonne''s terrified heart had calmed down significantly after she spilled the truth. However, the thought


    of spending the night at the police station had her shivering all over with fear.


    The night was short for happy people. It was, however, long and unending for people with worries on


    their minds.


    Early in the morning the next day, the rising sun lit up the sky even though it wasn''t even six in the


    morning. Avery woke up in the hospital bed with a sore and stiff back.


    She maintained the same posture throughout the entire night and never once moved when she slept.


    Thus, it was only understandable that she was aching all over.


    She was surprised to see the two kids standing by her bed when she opened her eyes. Their eyes


    were sparkling brightly, filled with anticipation and excitement.


    ¡°You¡ª¡±


    The moment Avery opened her mouth, Rory wrapped her arms around the woman''s neck and nted


    a kiss on her cheek. ¡°Mommy, I love you so much,¡± she whispered.


    Avery was stunned by the little girl''s words.


    Compared to Rory, Zachary was more collected. He walked over to Avery with a ss of warm milk in


    his hand. ¡°Good morning, Mommy. This is my first morning greeting to you as your son. I''ll be greeting


    you every day from now on.¡±


    Avery was shell-shocked for quite some time before she finally took the ss of milk from the boy. She


    opened her mouth to say something but realized her mouth was dry and her throat was parched. For a


    split second, she wasn''t sure how she should react.


    Zachary pursed his lips and shyly said, ¡°Rory and I have seen the DNA report. Although we didn''t really


    know what it was, Daddy told us that was proof of the four of us being an inseparable family.¡±

 Chapter 236

    Chapter 236


    Avery finally remembered the DNA report at Zachary''s mention.


    Since Zach says so, that means the DNA report identifies me as the kids'' biological mother.


    Previously, Avery was only around eighty percent sure, and she was finally relieved after knowing the


    test results.


    Having her identity confirmed should be an exciting and happy asion, but Avery''s expression and


    the look in her eyes was devoid of tion.


    The reason was her father''s death.


    Be it in her dreams or in reality, she was still struggling to ept the agonizing fact that she would


    never be able to see her father again.


    The saddening reality was like a screen of dust shrouding every happy asion.


    Zachary kicked off his boots and climbed onto Avery''s bed. Once he was atop the bed, he realized he


    couldn''t sitfortably as his legs were too short, so he ended up kneeling by Avery''s side.


    Luckily, the hospital bed wasrge enough to fit the two of them.


    He reached for the ss of milk in Avery''s hand. When he saw the sediment at the bottom of the ss,


    he immediately reached for a teaspoon and stirred the liquid in the ss.


    ¡°You have to take your breakfast, Mommy.¡± As he stirred the milk, he said, ¡°We added some protein


    supplement in this. The doctor said your body is too weak, so you need the extra supplement.¡±


    Heeding Zachary''s worried nagging, Avery slowly sipped on the ss of milk mixed with protein


    supplements.


    After finishing the whole ss, she was then urged by Zachary to finish the food they brought.


    Meanwhile, Rory stood by the bedside and handed Avery a piece of napkin to wipe the milk stain at the


    corner of her lip.


    Despite her heavy heart, which caused anything she ate to be tasteless, Avery could feel how mature


    and considerate the kids were and the love they had for their mother.


    It''s heartwarming. What have I ever done to deserve two obedient children?


    When it was time, Xavier knocked on the door and came in. He took the two kids, who were reluctant to


    part with Avery, and sent them to school.


    Cayden had been staying outside Avery''s ward since early in the morning. Instead of entering, he sent


    the kids in to soothe their grief-stricken mother.


    The kids have always been able to soften Avery''s heart and brighten her mood.


    After twenty-four hours of being detained in the police station, Henrietta and Mna were finally


    released.


    It was a standard procedure.


    The charges for their incarceration weren''t severe enough for a longer detainment. They were merely


    charged with causing a scene at the hospital and disrupting public safety.


    Once they stepped out of the police station, Mna turned on her phone, which pinged continuously for


    a while. An array of notifications swamped her phone.


    Among them was a message from Nicole''s assistant, Lucy, that read: Why didn''t youe to work


    today, Mna? Only one finger of yours is injured. It''s not like your whole wrist is broken.


    Among them was a message from Nicole''s assistant, Lucy, that read: Why didn''t youe to work


    today, Mna? Only one finger of yours is injured. It''s not like your whole wrist is broken.


    The police had forfeited her phone, so Mna didn''t see that message.


    An hour after the first message, Lucy sent another one. It read: That''s quite an attitude you have there.


    What''s wrong? Is no one allowed to berate you? You have to work hard since you''re getting paid for it.


    Not only did you not apply for a leave, but you''re not even replying to my messages. You''re putting on


    more airs than Nicole.


    ¡°This b*tch!¡± Mna had never seen eye to eye with Nicole, not to mention Nicole''s assistant.


    She''s just an assistant. Her job is serving celebrities with beverages at most. Does she think of herself


    as one of them? Most importantly, she''s so ugly that I can''t even look at her!


    Mna suppressed the rage burning within her and replied: I''m sorry, Lucy. I was at the police station


    yesterday for some personal matter, and I''m released today. Where will the film crew be working today?


    Send me the address, and I''ll be right over to assist!


    She then attached a picture of the police station with her message and sent it to Lucy.


    After a while, Lucy responded: How did you end up at the police station? I''ll send you an address. Get


    over here immediately.


    Mna replied: Will do. Thank you, Lucy. I''ll tell you the details once I meet up with you. Working


    alongside and serving celebrities on the film set was a boring job. The gossips on Twitter weren''t as


    exciting as the ones they heard circting within their circle.


    Hence, Lucy loved listening to gossip and was always interested in any odd incidents that happened


    around her. The news about her new colleague being taken to the police station at night was


    interesting. She needed to know the back story about that.


    Mna hailed a taxi and shoved her dazed mother into the back seat. ¡°Go home first. I have something


    else to do.¡±


    Henrietta nearly tripped from the push. She steadied herself by holding onto the door of the taxi and


    said, ¡°Watch out for the injury on your face. Also, remember to call Avery. Admit your mistake and say


    something nice.¡±


    ¡°Don''t worry. I know what to do.¡± Mna turned around and left.


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    At that moment, Mna had no idea about the tragedy that awaited her. She was also clueless about


    Weston''s superb skills as an attorney.


    All the while, she wasn''t worried about the repercussion. What can Avery do to me? Does she think she


    can win me in awsuit? I''ve never heard of anyone using someone of angering the victim to death


    with a sharp tongue. It''s his fault for being too fragile! Serves him right for dying! They can only me


    their family name for bringing bad luck and a short life.


    Henriette gezed et her deughter with e frown es the letter left giddily, seemingly in e good mood. She


    then got into the texi with e creese on her foreheed.


    After spending the whole night et the police stetion, she finelly felt feer.


    She wes et her wits'' end when both she end her deughter were incercereted. How cen I be setisfied


    with such en ending efter living helf of my life in misery?


    Even though Leonerdo hed focused ell his ettention on Henriette, his second wife, in recent yeers,


    Avery didn''t bleme him. Insteed, she thought her fether deserved heppiness end e second merriege.


    She didn''t mind even when she wes slightly neglected despite being his biologicel deughter.


    Moreover, Leonerdo did everything in his power to screpe together some money for Avery to study


    oversees.


    Although the emount wesn''t sufficient to cover ell the expenses for six months, the men''s dedicetion


    still moved Avery.


    Leonerdo''s deeth wes, without e doubt, e messive blow to Avery. Henriette wes worried thet they might


    heve gone too fer end thet Avery wouldn''t heve mercy on them.


    When Milene errived et the filming site, the first thing she did wes edmit her misteke end epologize to


    Nicole''s essistents. She even geve them the pestries she bought on her wey there es en epology.


    Her good performence eerned her e free efternoon on the site, end there wes nothing much she hed to


    do.


    By the time Nicole finished filming, it wes elreedy derk. Tired from e whole dey of filming, she wes on


    her wey beck to her treiler when she ren into Milene. Her geze turned cold et Milene''s eppeerence, but


    since there were e lot of people on set, she didn''t sey enything.


    Stepping into the treiler, Nicole set down end sterted scrolling through her phone, checking her


    messeges es usuel.


    One of them wes from her mother, Cleire.


    ¡°Tell your meneger tomunicete with the film crew, Nickie. They must leeve your schedule blenk


    from efternoon till night on the twenty-sixth. Your fether hes e meeting thet dey end hes e gethering


    scheduled right efter thet. Ceyden will be there es well. You''ve elweys wented to get ecqueinted with


    him, right? Your fether''s willing to creete en opportunity for you to meet him, so you heve to treesure


    this opportunity.¡±


    Nicole''s cheeks flushed red et the messege. She instently typed out e response: All right. Thenk you,


    my beloved mother!


    Henrietta gazed at her daughter with a frown as thetter left giddily, seemingly in a good mood. She


    then got into the taxi with a crease on her forehead.


    After spending the whole night at the police station, she finally felt fear.


    She was at her wits'' end when both she and her daughter were incarcerated. How can I be satisfied


    with such an ending after living half of my life in misery?


    Even though Leonardo had focused all his attention on Henrietta, his second wife, in recent years,


    Avery didn''t me him. Instead, she thought her father deserved happiness and a second marriage.


    She didn''t mind even when she was slightly neglected despite being his biological daughter.


    Moreover, Leonardo did everything in his power to scrape together some money for Avery to study


    overseas.


    Although the amount wasn''t sufficient to cover all the expenses for six months, the man''s dedication


    still moved Avery.


    Leonardo''s death was, without a doubt, a massive blow to Avery. Henrietta was worried that they might


    have gone too far and that Avery wouldn''t have mercy on them.


    When Mna arrived at the filming site, the first thing she did was admit her mistake and apologize to


    Nicole''s assistants. She even gave them the pastries she bought on her way there as an apology.


    Her good performance earned her a free afternoon on the site, and there was nothing much she had to


    do.


    By the time Nicole finished filming, it was already dark. Tired from a whole day of filming, she was on


    her way back to her trailer when she ran into Mna. Her gaze turned cold at Mna''s appearance, but


    since there were a lot of people on set, she didn''t say anything.


    Stepping into the trailer, Nicole sat down and started scrolling through her phone, checking her


    messages as usual.


    One of them was from her mother, ire.


    ¡°Tell your manager tomunicate with the film crew, Nickie. They must leave your schedule nk


    from afternoon till night on the twenty-sixth. Your father has a meeting that day and has a gathering


    scheduled right after that. Cayden will be there as well. You''ve always wanted to get acquainted with


    him, right? Your father''s willing to create an opportunity for you to meet him, so you have to treasure


    this opportunity.¡±


    Nicole''s cheeks flushed red at the message. She instantly typed out a response: All right. Thank you,


    my beloved mother!

 Chapter 237

    Chapter 237


    After she sent the message to her mother, Nicole was in a good mood as she prepared to change out


    of her clothes. She opened the trailer''s door and yelled, ¡°Come over here, Lana.¡±


    Her tone was that of a master summoning a servant or a dog.


    Mna wasn''t too happy about being treated like a lowly servant, yet she didn''t show it on her face and


    ran over to Nicole with a smile. ¡°Is there anything you need my help with?¡±


    Nicole stared at Mna with disgust. Of course, I have something to ask you to do. Why else would I


    call you over? Is she even aware of her job as an assistant?


    ¡°Why don''t you ever address me whenever you talk to me?¡± Nicole asked in a gentle tone.


    Although it waste at night, Nicole''s delicate facial features somehow added some warmth to the


    surroundings.


    Some crew members passed by them while carrying something.


    Mna awkwardly answered, ¡°You''re six years younger than me, so I''m not sure how to address you.¡±


    It''s inappropriate for me to call her Sis. It seems weird to call her Ms. Lambert, too. I can call her


    ¡°Nickie,¡± but... I''m just an assistant. Am I even allowed to call her that?


    The incident when Nicole stomped on Mna''s finger was still clear as day in thetter''s memory.


    After hearing Mna''s answer, the corner of Nicole''s mouth curled into a smile. ¡°Just call me Nickie.¡±


    The crew members who were nearby heard that at once.


    ¡°You''re so nice, Nickie.¡±


    ¡°I would love to be your assistant in my next life, Nickie. You treat your staff so well!¡±


    The crowd praised Nicole one after another. They allplimented her for her easy-going nature and


    how well-mannered she was.


    Nicole simply smiled before she whirled around, returning to the confines of her trailer to change out of


    her clothes.


    Mna reached for some facial cotton on the side and sshed some makeup remover on the fluffy


    cotton. The seniors in the crew address Nicole by her nickname because they are her seniors. If I call


    her ¡°Nickie,¡± she might not be happy.


    Mna decided to find an opportunity to climb the socialdder and stay far away from Nicole.


    I''ll surely shine brighter than Nicole when it''s my turn to stand at the top.


    On the way back to the city center, the trailer arrived at the bustling street, yet Nicole wasn''t in the


    mood to savor the view of the colorful, bright lights glowing outside the window. Her head was buried in


    her phone as she tried to get ahold of Dn.


    It was after seven in the evening when the call finally went through.


    Nicole''s pretty eyebrow scrunched into a frown. Her back straightened. ¡°Why did you only pick up my


    call now?¡±


    Dn had juste out of the police station''s interrogation room. His phone couldn''t receive any


    signal when he was in the room. ¡°Can I help you?¡±


    Nicole''s voice came from the other end of the line. ¡°I need your advice on something important. You''re


    the only one around me that can give me a suggestion. Let''s meet up if you''re free.¡±


    Still standing in the station, Dn casually strode toward the exit as he dipped his head to light a


    cigarette. ¡°All right. You decide on the ce.¡±


    It''s always risky to share a meal with celebrities. Despite keeping ourst meeting under tight wraps,


    we still had our photos taken and ended up on the news. However, if it hadn''t been for what happened


    last time, I wouldn''t have had the chance to show my marriage certificate with Avery to the entire


    country.


    Dn took a puff of his cigarette before blowing out a stream of green smoke with a wicked grin on his


    face.


    Before he could get into the car after exiting the station, Olivia came rushing out and stopped him


    where he was.


    ¡°You can''t nder others, Dn!¡± Olivia shouted until her voice turned hoarse.


    Following behind Olivia was her attorney.


    The agitated woman leaped and grabbed Dn''s cor, but that was all that she could do before she


    was violently flung to the side by the man.


    ¡°Have you lost your mind? Do you want to get locked up with your daughter?¡± Dn red maliciously


    at Olivia, who was on the ground.


    Olivia couldn''t get up in the shock of the moment. The attorney hurriedly went over to give her a hand.


    ¡°How can you be so cruel, Dn?¡± Olivia looked up at Dn and ranted furiously, ¡°How can you say


    my daughter was the only one behind the kidnapping of her colleague''s grandfather? Answer me with


    your conscience. Were you part of that or not? I think you''re the mastermind behind that!¡±


    Dn answered calmly, ¡°Mrs. Gagher, I''m a close friend of Yvonne, and you''re acquainted with my


    parents, too. I would''ve shouldered the responsibility if I did anything illegal. I wouldn''t me it on a


    neen-year-old girl. However, I swear I have nothing to do with this matter.¡±


    Olivia felt as though she had heard a joke. ¡°You said you didn''t do it? Justice always wins. I''ll find a way


    to prove you''re the one behind it.¡±


    Dn frowned. ¡°Yvonne knew about my feelings toward Avery, my current wife, so she gave me a


    suggestion to kidnap Avery''s grandfather and use the old man''s life to threaten Avery, who at that time


    wasn''t my wife yet, to marry me. Yvonne might be too young to understand matters regarding


    rtionships and love, so she might not be aware that a forced marriage won''t be happy. My wife and I


    could''ve gotten together naturally, so why would I use such despicable means to threaten her? I even


    taught Yvonne a lesson after she gave me that suggestion, as I was worried she would go down the


    wrong path, but she didn''t heed my advice.¡±


    The attorney''s expression remained indifferent, not betraying even the slightest of his thoughts.


    Olivia, however, began to waver. First of all, my daughter is dumb, so how could she have done


    something like kidnapping her love rival''s grandfather without the help of others? But on the other


    hand, Dn''s too calm andposed. It''s as if he''s truly innocent.


    The attorney urged, ¡°Let''s go, Mrs. Gagher.¡±


    Olivia''s mind was still abuzz with messy thoughts as she left with her attorney in a daze.


    Dn knew that the police''s sudden detainment of Yvonne and their thorough investigation of the


    matter was a sign that someone he knew had taken action.


    Luckily, all the evidence is directed at Yvonne.


    However, Dn was furious about Cayden''s nosiness. It''s none of his business! Avery''s my wife! I


    should be the one standing up for her!


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    At the hospital, Xavier opened the car door for the trio who went to bring Avery, who was discharged,


    back home.


    The kids were behaving so well.


    ¡°Slow down, Rory.¡± As Rory climbed up onto the back seat while wriggling her stumpy legs, Avery


    quickly reached out to help the girl.


    In contrast, Zachary was much more agile. With a stride, he got into the car elegantly like a prince.


    Cayden stood behind Avery, his slender build maintaining an upright posture as he lightly ced his


    hand on her waist. While she was taking care of the kids, he was keeping an eye on her.


    When the four of them finally got in, Xavier shut the door.


    Ms. Avery is lucky she has a rtionship with Boss. Xavier sincerely thought so.


    At the very least, she has a strong and steady pir of support during times of difficulty.

 Chapter 238

    Chapter 238


    As the ck Bentley gradually pulled away from the hospital''s entrance, Avery felt better when she


    looked at the adorably innocent children.


    On the other hand, Cayden''s gaze was not on the kids but was intensely fixated on Avery''s face, and


    she was unaware of it.


    The two children were practically glued to their mother while they chattered as if there were endless


    topics that needed to be shared with their mother.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Cayden suddenly wondered whether he was less important than the children.


    At that thought, the man became extremely jealous.


    Rory pursed her lips as she muttered, ¡°During New Year''s Day, when I was three, our grandaunt


    brought her two granddaughters over. They were around my age and had braided hair that looked


    pretty. They told me their mommy braided their hair for them and asked why I didn''t have a mommy. I-I


    was so frustrated that I cried.¡±


    Taking in Rory''s aggrieved expression, Avery couldn''t help pulling the little girl into her embrace. She


    lowered her head and nted a kiss on her daughter''s forehead. ¡°I''ll braid your hair every day from


    now on.¡±


    ¡°Okay, Mommy.¡± Being in Avery''s embrace came as afort to Rory.


    Before Rory could enjoy the warmth to the fullest with her eyes shut in her mother''s embrace, she felt


    the air around her abruptly bing cold. It was an eerie and unnerving feeling.


    It was then Zachary''s turn to whine, ¡°Back when Great-grandpa allowed me to y ser with some


    friends, the other kids would have their mommies bring them water whenever they were thirsty. Their


    mommies would wipe their sweat for them too. I was the only one who had to use my sleeves to wipe


    my sweat, and I was even scolded when I got home.¡±


    In truth, the child wanted to mention he was scolded by his father, but since the man was right inside


    the car with them, Zachary did not dare say that.


    Nheless, despite not saying who scolded him out loud, Zachary had conveyed his message clearly.


    The one who scolded him could not be Jeffrey, as the old man coddled the two children.


    As for the housekeepers, they would never dare to scold the little prince.


    That meant that the only person who could have scolded the child was his failure of a hard-hearted


    father.


    Avery kept her head lowered, and though she did not immediately shoot a disapproving re at


    Cayden, her impression of him worsened deep down.


    The said father who was being ignored while listening to the children''s pitifulints merely huffed.


    He then stered a stern look on his face before ncing at the children. ¡°You two, aren''t you talking a


    bit too much?¡±


    The two children turned to look at their father and were about to apologize with a pout when Rory heard


    the woman holding her say, ¡°Can you stop treating them like this?¡±


    That rebuke seemed to have been buried in her mind for a long time, and she finally expressed it


    aloud.


    Cayden, who was suddenly criticized for no reason, became visibly upset. Even though he was


    frustrated internally, he did not say anything in the end.


    Witnessing such an exchange, the children seemed to have noticed some changes.


    In the past, Daddy was the big boss, and everyone had to listen to him. Now, he seems to have


    stepped down from his throne and has be the little boss...


    Meanwhile, Nicole met up with Dn.


    Because of the fuss from before, Mna did not dare to follow Nicole when the former heard Dn was


    going to be there. Instead, she sat in the car and waited for Nicole.


    Nicole did not bring along her other two assistants and only brought Mna.


    When it came to a celebrity''s personal travels, whichever assistant they brought meant that that


    assistant had the celebrity''s absolute trust that nothing about their personal life would be leaked.


    However, Mna did not think that was the case. She felt that Nicole chose to bring her along instead of


    the others because it would be easier for Nicole to bully her when they were alone.


    Nicole acts all educated and elegant in front of outsiders, so that must be the case!


    In the restaurant, Dn was cutting up his steak with his fork and knife when he asked, ¡°You want to


    get acquainted with Cayden? Am I hearing you wrong? That''s pretty unexpected and sudden.¡±


    The adults of distinguished families appeared refined on the surface, but that was not necessarily true


    behind closed doors. It was rtivelymon for them to drink too much and hook up with whoever


    they fancied at gatherings.


    Regardless, they would always maintain their good public image.


    That was why prudent and well-known people who cared about appearances, such as Nicole, would


    aim for marriage if they were to pursue someone. She would not lose anything if she were to marry


    someone as young and promising as Cayden.


    In all honesty, Dn was willing to make it happen.


    There was just one question that stumped him, and he voiced it out loud, ¡°What''s so great about


    Cayden anyway? Everyone wants to be with him.¡±


    Cayden nevercked pursuers from all genders, but only a few of them actually took action.


    For starters, Cayden was a living, breathing person, not a puppet¡ªno one could control him.


    If he did not like someone, he would see that person as nothing but garbage no matter how hard the


    person tried to butter him up.


    Secondly, even if one wanted to pursue him, most people did not have the chance toe into contact


    with him.


    Moreover, lots of self-confidence was needed before contact could even be made.


    For example, Nicole''s self-confidence came from her looks, and she had her family background to


    thank for her status. In the whole of Ackleton, how many girls had William as their father?


    Nicole was the only one.


    Sitting opposite the man, Nicole thought about how she should answer him. After a moment of


    contemtion, she longingly said, ¡°Well, there''s a quote from a song that goes ''Though a person''s


    good qualities are hard to describe, the person is still one of a kind.¡¯¡±


    Clutching the cutleries in his hands while disgusted by Nicole''s cheesy statement, Dn bobbed his


    head. ¡°I see. He really has you smitten. Keep that up. If you can''t get him, I''ll be sure to look down on


    you.¡±


    Nicole appeared poised on the outside, but she was undoubtedly a scheming individual. Dn could


    tell that was a fact just from looking at her.


    When she was only ten years old, she was able to stand out among a number of orphans and was


    brought home by ire and William. Dn was adamant that the girl must have schemed her way to


    her current position.


    Reality had proven that she had done well during her years in the Lambert family. She had gained


    everyone''s favor, studied hard, mastered different skills, and did everything she could before finally


    bing a big celebrity. At the moment, in order to reach the pinnacle of her life, she was now aiming


    to obtain the capable and youthful Cayden.


    No ordinary woman could have done all that if she weren''t a cunning person.


    ¡°I can''t really help you with that, but I can tell you what he likes and hates since I''ve known him since I


    was little.¡±


    Dn then spoke at length about everything he knew.


    In spite of saying he could not really help her, Dn was determined to give Nicole his full support.


    If Nicole is able to get with Cayden, then Avery will be an abandoned woman! She will be a


    woman who is abandoned by Cayden Moore! By then, I will definitely ept her.

 Chapter 239

    Chapter 239


    After listening to Dn for a long time, Nicole raised her head while stirring her cup of coffee, implicitly


    asking, ¡°Mr. Dn, there''s actually something I''m concerned about. It''s about his kids. What happened


    back then that caused him to have kids?¡±


    Dn was taken aback by the way she addressed him.


    Isn''t she being too polite by calling me that? If my memory serves me right, thest time she called me


    that was when she had just left the orphanage and entered the rich social circle. She used to address


    everyone respectfully. In the end, this little orphan went from being a little sparrow into bing a full-


    fledged legitimate phoenix. After getting used to being one, she became equal with her peers and


    never addressed me respectfully again. But, of course, as William and ire''s daughter, she has the


    right to be equal with everyone. Technically speaking, she should be a cut above everyone else the


    moment herst name became Lambert.


    Dn had never really expected Nicole to ask that question. He had been too focused on how he


    should make sure Nicole did not give up on Cayden.


    Nevertheless, Dn easily came up with an answer, stating, ¡°Honestly, I don''t know exactly where the


    children came from. However, I heard someone in my family talk about it before, and I''vee to the


    conclusion that Cayden did not have a rtionship with the children''s mother when she gave birth.¡±


    That was exactly what Nicole wanted to hear.


    No rtionship! Cayden and the mother of those kids are better off not having anything to do with each


    other! To my knowledge, no woman has ever seeded in getting close to Cayden, so he''s an honest


    and dignified man. But since the mother of the children got pregnant, the woman must have slept with


    him before... Were they lovers, or was it a one-night stand? I need to figure this out before I make my


    move. Knowing more will help my chances.


    ¡°Can you tell me about it in detail? How did youe to that conclusion?¡± Nicole wanted to know if


    there was any proof that supported Dn''s statement.


    She would be more assured that way.


    Dn did not want his n to be exposed in the future, and it was toote to take back what he had


    said. Hence, he decided to only state the facts. ¡°I don''t know how they got associated with each other.


    After all, other than Cayden, no one knows the real identity of the children''s mother.¡±


    Upon listening to the man, Nicole nodded.


    ¡°You know how it goes for prominent families. They all care about their bloodlines, especially when it


    comes to fraternal twins. Even if Cayden did not want them, Old Mr. Moore would not have agreed to


    that. They were his great-grandchildren; there was no way he could have rejected them. And just like


    that, the children were naturally brought into the Moore family to be part of it.¡± Dn thought that


    what he said was, in a sense, the truth.


    It was just that he left out the fact that the mother of the children was Avery.


    Hearing his words, Nicole dejectedly muttered, ¡°I wonder how he convinced the children''s mother to


    part with the children.¡±


    ¡°A sum of money was probably how he did it,¡± Dn remarked as he could tell what she was worried


    about.


    In fact, Avery and Cayden did make a deal back then, and it was a clean exchange.


    Nicole finally showed signs of a smile when she heard that.


    She liked the Cayden that was described by Dn¡ªcold, chaste, heartless, uninterested in women,


    andstly, career-oriented.


    That is what makes it interesting to win over a man like Cayden! I will seed in conquering him and


    make him unable to live without me!


    As she mused, she couldn''t help stealing a nce at Dn, remembering the time when Cayden and


    Dn''s wife shared a ss of water back in Livingsfill.


    On the city streets, the evening rush hour was not yet over.


    Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    Xavier was attentive and steady as he drove.


    The ck Bentley went with the gradual flow of traffic for about half an hour before the family of four


    finally reached their home.


    After dropping the family off in front of the condominium, Xavier then drove away.


    In front of the elevator, Cayden informed, ¡°I''ve already asked Weston to take care of things. I know you


    watched the surveince footage of your father before he died.¡±


    Avery was shocked for a moment before finally understanding what he said.


    She had been affected by low blood sugar for the whole day, so her mind was still muddled.


    Cayden was worried she might be harassed and added, ¡°Call me immediately if they try to contact


    you.¡±


    Squeezing Rory''s little hand, Avery looked up and thanked him.


    Their gazes met, but Cayden did not say anything else. When the elevator door opened, Cayden''s


    large hand naturally rested around her waist, and he walked in with her.


    It was quiet the rest of the way upstairs.


    As soon as they reached the entrance of their home, Rory suddenly remembered something,


    prompting her to turn her head and say, ¡°Mommy, you should remember our unit number. It''s 3369. Oh,


    I can also write it on a piece of paper for you to keep in your bag. You can''t get lost again, okay?


    Otherwise, Zachary and I would be worried.¡±


    Rory remembered that the old people with bad memory in the cartoons would always have a note in


    their bags or a sign worn by them that were given by their families to help them get home if they ever


    got lost.


    The mother-daughter duo''s gazes met, and as Avery heard her daughter''s adorable words, she started


    to tear up for some reason. Why did she suddenly say that I can''t get lost again? Wait... Again? When


    did I ever get lost before?


    Seemingly sensing his mother''s confusion, Zachary immediately went to the shoe cab to get a pair


    of indoor slippers for his mother before he worriedly exined, ¡°That''s what Daddy told us. He said you


    got lost before this, and that''s why you could not be by our side.¡±


    Hearing her brother, Rory nodded fervently as she tugged on her mother''s clothes.


    Avery was speechless and only processed the information after a long time.


    While walking into the condominium, she gratefully nced at Cayden, who was making his way into


    the living room.


    In the days before she reunited with the children, she had been racking her brain on how she should


    exin her disappearance to the children after giving birth to them.


    Abandonment was irreparable harm to children.


    No matter how one exined it, the children would only perceive their mother''s absence as an


    abandonment since their way of thinking was simple.


    The first five years were an important stage of a child''s life, and the two children went through it alone.


    Guilt and helplessness filled Avery''s heart. She had never expected Cayden to appease the children for


    her by using this reason, which was easy for the children to understand and ept. When they


    became adults one day, they would understand why their mother was not with them when they were


    little.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Avery expressed her gratitude once again as she looked at the man, who was still


    standing motionlessly before her.


    The man''s low maic voice sounded above her head. ¡°How do you n on thanking me?¡± The voice


    was filled with desire and yearning.

 Chapter 240

    Chapter 240


    Avery raised her gaze, and their eyes met.


    When she thought of their sexual encounter five years ago as well as the intercourse they had a few


    days ago as though they were rekindling old mes, she felt she had found a ce where she


    belonged. Being with Cayden gave her a particrly strong sense of belonging.


    It was as if she had finally regained her freedom after being constrained by loneliness for years.


    Like an expatriate who finally returns home, I feel safe, warm, and free from loneliness.


    ¡°What''s on your mind? Your eyes are red.¡± The sight of her sorrowful appearance sent a pang of


    sadness to Cayden''s heart.


    He admitted that he had raging desires for Avery both physically and emotionally. Whenever he looked


    at her, he couldn''t control his supposedly calm heart.


    I guess this is what they call ¡°addicted.¡±


    On the one hand, since he was a man who experienced carnal pleasures a long time ago, it was


    inevitable that he yearned for the exhration her body could bring him.


    On the other, he had the desire to protect and possess her. He wanted to know her inside out and had


    her entirely to himself.


    Otherwise, he would feel unsettled.


    Avery couldn''t bear his burning gaze. When Cayden''s fingers were about to touch her eyes, she forced


    herself to regainposure and stop dwelling on the misfortunes in the past.


    Just then, a loud bang came from the bathroom, followed by a child''s mellow voice.


    As soon as Avery heard that, she hurriedly went past Cayden and headed to the bathroom.


    Once again, my kids are stealing her away from me...


    In the restroom, Rory stood on tiptoe on a stool to reach for a small box on the rack, but before she


    could get the box, the things on the rack fell to the ground.


    After stepping down from the stool, Rory squatted down and picked up the toothbrush case.


    ¡°What''s the matter? Are you hurt?¡± Avery came in and knelt down to check on Rory.


    ¡°No.¡± Rory picked up a new toothbrush and toothpaste. ¡°Mommy, this is the strawberry-vored


    toothpaste I got for you.¡±


    Avery took it over and had a look. It was a strawberry-vored children''s toothpaste. The toothpaste


    had colorful packaging that attracted children''s attention.


    After that, Rory eagerly took out a bottle of new shower gel and shampoo, which were both strawberry-


    vored as well. Basically, all the daily necessities she prepared for her mother were strawberry-


    vored.


    Avery noticed that the new pair of house slippers she was wearing were white in color and had a big


    strawberry on top. I guess these are chosen by Rory too.


    ¡°Who brought you to buy these things?¡± Avery asked in a hushed voice.


    Rory answered truthfully, ¡°It''s Daddy.¡±


    At nine o''clock that night, Avery had already finished washing up. She was not only taken care of by


    Cayden but also by the two little ones.


    When Avery was taking a shower, Rory went into the bathroom to shower with her. Rory was done


    showering first, but she remained in the bathroom to help her mother.


    Avery declined the little girl''s offer to help. Instead, the former wanted to fulfill her responsibility as a


    mother and bathe her daughter every day.


    However, Rory shook her head and said, ¡°There''s no need for that. I''m used to showering on my own.


    Mommy, you have low blood sugar. What if you faint again? I want to help you while you shower.¡±


    Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    With that, she handed her mother shower gel, ab, and bath towels from time to time.


    Before Avery finished taking a shower, Zachary ced her house slippers nicely outside the bathroom


    and even peeled an orange and a banana.


    Then, he brought several fruits to his father in the kitchen.


    Cayden took the fruits and washed them in the sink to get rid of the pesticides. After that, he cut them


    and covered them with stic wrap.


    Zachary was the one who reminded Cayden to use stic wrap. The boy said, ¡°Daddy, you must wrap


    it. Back at the Moore residence, Ms. Lear and the others would wrap the fruits with stic wrap after


    cutting them to preserve the freshness.¡±


    The father whocked basic life skills could only listen to his observant, smart son.


    Avery felt that she was protected too well that night. As a person who was used to taking care of


    others, she couldn''t get used to being taken care of by a man and two kids.


    Before she slept, she leaned against the headboard of the bed in a pink nightgown.


    Her half-dried hair draped over her shoulders. Since she had applied Rory''s lotion, her moisturized skin


    smelled like strawberries.


    Rory had a cartoon storybook in her hands as she told her mother a bedtime story while snuggling up


    to Avery. She even reminded Avery, ¡°Go to sleep only when your hair ispletely dry. Otherwise,


    you''ll have a headache. Ms. Lear, the nanny at the Moore residence, said so.¡±


    After spending several hours with Rory as her mother, Avery felt both happy and sad at the same time.


    She was d that both her son and daughter were sensible. However, knowing that her children''s


    sensibility came from their nanny''s daily teachings almost brought tears to Avery''s eyes.


    Cayden was upied with work. He had to manage a bigpany, so it was understandable that he


    couldn''t spread himself too thin to educate his children. Besides, he would teach them life principles


    whenever he had the time.


    The children''s great-grandpa, who had a great personality, also deserved credit.


    Avery felt sorry for the two little ones who never had a mother to teach them. Even their biological


    grandmother didn''t teach them anything good. They only learned negative things from their


    grandmother.


    Cayden was doing some paperwork in the study, but he went to the bathroom frequently. Whenever he


    walked past the bedroom, he would shoot a frustrated nce inside.


    The nce was not meant for Avery. Instead, it was for Rory, who remained by Avery''s side.


    After waiting for about another hour, Cayden came out again and strode to the bedroom''s doorway.


    When he took a look inside, he saw Rory fast asleep in her mother''s arms, almost drooling.


    He walked into the room, keeping mum. His intention was clear as day.


    Seeing that Cayden was about to carry Rory out of the room, Avery couldn''t help but remind him, ¡°Be


    careful. Don''t wake her up.¡±


    Cayden stood at the side of the bed and shot a meaningful nce at Avery, who was taking care of the


    child.


    Their eyes met, but Avery didn''t understand the look in his eyes.


    Cayden then sent Rory back to the kids'' room. I''ve raised the two kids for five years, yet this is the first


    time I truly feel like I''m their father. Just now, I was told by the kids'' mother that the way I carried a child


    was not right. Women are more attentive after all.


    In the bedroom, Avery heard the sound of watering from the bathroom.


    Cayden returned to the bedroom with a towel wrapped around his waist after taking a shower, looking


    sexy and muscr. He found that Avery was still reading Rory''s childish storybook.


    What''s so special about that book?


    Just as Avery was about to turn the page, the book in her hand was snatched and thrown aside by


    Cayden. Afterward, the lights in the bedroom were turned off, and the room became pitch-ck.


    Avery was not sleepy yet. After reuniting with Zachary and Rory as their mother, there was no reason


    for her to be hesitant around Cayden anymore.


    Though she still felt ufortable sleeping in the same bed with Cayden, she had to persevere.

 Chapter 241

    Chapter 241


    Avery decided to close her eyes and turn around with her back facing Cayden. She then proceeded to


    count sheep in her mind.


    One sheep, two sheep, three sheep... When she counted to the twenty-third sheep, she could feel


    Cayden pressing up against her from the back.


    His coarse and warm big hand circled her thin waist and found the strap of her nightgown. Thereafter,


    he reached into the nightgown through the gap between the strap.


    Avery was sleeping on her side. She couldn''t help curling her legs when her waist was caressed


    continuously by his warm hand.


    It just so happened that the moment she lifted her leg, her bottom was in a curvy position as well.


    As her bottom was in close proximity to Cayden''s body, she could feel a protruded part of his body


    bunting her bottom.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Avery frowned slightly. She did not have the mood to mess around with him that


    night.


    The bedroom was quiet and dark. Once they got used to it, they were able to see the moonlight shining


    through the window. Cayden propped his elbow on the pillow and sat up halfway to look at the woman


    who was still lying on her side. Then, he leaned over and nted a kiss on her fair cheek before


    saying, ¡°The doctor advised me to spend more time exercising with you. Otherwise, your hypoglycemia


    won''t get better.¡±


    ¡°Exercise...¡± Avery''s mind went nk.


    I believe the exercise that the doctor has mentioned must be something like jogging. There''s no way it''s


    the kind of ¡°exercise¡± that Cayden is hoping to do right now.


    When it came to sex, Avery was diffident and reserved. Cayden, on the other hand, was spoiled.


    Whenever he felt like doing it, he would force her to do it with him no matter what.


    It was as if he was possessed. No matter how Avery tried to refuse, her efforts would be in vain.


    ¡°You can sleep better after you get tired from the ¡°exercise.¡± This can prevent you from overthinking


    and not being able to sleep.¡± While he was coaxing her, his hands began roaming around without her


    consent before lifting her nightgown.


    Avery''s fair skin reflected the pale moonlight in the dark.


    Before they engaged in a passionate moment that night, she had no idea that when men had desires,


    they coulde up with numerous absurd but legitimate excuses just to have their way.


    He imed that it was for her own good, but in reality, it was only to satisfy his lustful desire.


    Cayden kissed the woman underneath him throughout that long night. They would kiss for a short while


    every single time and would pause from time to time before he sealed her mouth with another bout of


    passionate, ferocious kisses.


    Avery panted heavily and knew that he was worried that her hypoglycemic symptoms would act up


    again and she might faint.


    Fortunately, she did not faint.


    Finally, Cayden let out a low growl and stopped. Avery took a long time to recover before pushing him


    away. ¡°Get off me...¡±


    ncing at the woman, who was bashfully covering her face, he said, ¡°I can see the old you right now.


    The one when we were still studying. For some reason, you''re quite reserved. Are you shy?¡±


    ¡°Shy in terms of what?¡± She understood what he was talking about but didn''t think he was talking about


    their activity in bed.


    Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    Cayden caressed the delicate skin on her waist. ¡°In terms of your behavior and just now as well. How


    many times have we slept together? The marks I left on your body are more legitimate than the seal


    you get at City Hall. Moreover, you are the one who gave birth to our children. What reason do you


    have to still be reserved?¡±


    She contemted his words.


    He then continued, ¡°Don''t take the issue of you being reserved in bed to heart. I actually love seeing


    you blush every now and then.¡±


    The redness on her face grew more intense when she heard what he said.


    ¡°I still think that everything that has happened is so surreal.¡±


    Cayden furrowed his brows and silently gestured for her to continue talking.


    Avery spoke what was on her mind. ¡°Perhaps people from a poor family like me are different from


    people like you. I always think that you''re out of reach because you''re too high and mighty. I can''t seem


    to get close to you. Even when I''m finally able to get acquainted with you someday, I''d think it''s just you


    amodating me by putting down your pride. I can''t really exin it, bute to think of it, I still


    think everything''s surreal.¡±


    Cayden did not know why Avery had such a sense of insecurity, but he reckoned it might be because


    he was not doing a good enough job.


    Otherwise, she would feel perfectly secure.


    However, he understood the reason behind Avery''s insecurity.


    From the moment he returned to the Moore residence, he had gotten used to theplicated


    rtionships between a man and a woman in a wealthy family. Plenty of women felt insecure in such


    unhealthy rtionships.


    In such situations, the man was usually the reason that the woman was insecure.


    While thinking about ways tofort her and improve her state of mind, Cayden straightened his waist


    and thrust his staff into her. Amidst her yelp of surprise, he said, ¡°How about this? Can you feel how


    real this is?¡±


    In the end, she was rendered absolutely drained by him after an extended period of experiencing how


    real and palpable he was.


    Afterward, it was a dreamless night for her. She was so tuckered out that she slept soundly.


    When she woke up the next morning, the two children had already packed their bags and finished their


    homework. They didn''t forget to hop into the bedroom to help their mother out.


    In fact, the young Rory even helped her mother squeeze the toothpaste.


    Avery''s spirits were lifted. Though she had lost Leonardo, she still had to live her life. Zachary and Rory


    were the best cure for her wounded soul.


    When it was time, Xavier came by to send the two children to school.


    Avery was busy the whole morning. After making breakfast, she helped the children with their outfits


    and shoes. She was finally done busying around at eight-thirty in the morning.


    Cayden stood at the entrance of the kitchen and said, ¡°Stop washing the dishes. Come over and take a


    rest.¡±


    Avery continued doing the dishes. ¡°I''m not fragile, you know? The three of you don''t have to treat me


    this way. My hypoglycemia doesn''t always act up...¡±


    She did not want the three of them to treat her as if she was a patient.


    Suddenly, Cayden appeared behind Avery. He gazed at the woman washing the dishes in front of the


    sink and spoke gently into her ear. ¡°Are you sure you''re not fragile? You were screaming and telling me


    to stopst night because you can''t take it anymore. Not only that, but you were even panting heavily


    and biting me while iming you were going to die.¡±


    ng!


    The bowl she was holding dropped into the sink as his words made her heart race and her face flush.


    She was in such panic that the bowl slipped from her hand.


    Cayden turned her around to face him, running his hands all over her body as their bodies pressed up


    against each other. Then, he lowered his head and kissed her soft, rosy lips.


    ¡°Stop it...¡± Avery urged him to go to work quickly.


    Meanwhile, on the other side of the city, the police arrived at the set in search of Mna. When the


    woman saw them, she was taken aback.


    That wretched woman has decided to sue me!


    Nicole''s assistant, Lucy, had received a call from the police an hour ago. However, Lucy did not inform


    Mna about it. Instead, the former told Nicole, who was taking a short break from filming, about the


    incident.


    That was when Nicole finally understood what had happened to Mna.


    Avery''s father has shockingly passed away, but Dn is still living his life like nothing happened. He


    doesn''t act like he had just lost his father-inw.


    With that thought in mind, Nicole decided to check on Avery after filming that day. Knowing that Avery


    must be devastated after her father passed away, Nicole thought the former would need someone''s


    help managing the funeral.


    Currently, Dn, who is Avery''swful husband, is doing nothing. I wonder who is helping her manage


    her father''s funeral. Can Avery do it on her own?


    Nicole grew even more concerned and couldn''t be bothered to care about Mna''s predicament.


    When Mna was taken away by the police, she was cursing loudly. She yelled, ¡°Avery, you deserve to


    die! You will end up the same way your father did. You''re such a vile woman. You''re nning to have


    the house all to yourself after sending me to prison, right?¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡± scolded one of the officers before shoving her into the police car.

 Chapter 242

    Chapter 242


    After Mna was taken away, Nicole rested absentmindedly for a few more minutes before continuing


    with the filming.


    For the whole day, she had to reshoot a crying scene over and over again, but for some inexplicable


    reason, her performance was unsatisfactory, and she couldn''t seem to meet the director''s expectations.


    ¡°Okay, that''s enough. Let''s wrap it up for today. Both of you can go back and figure out what''s wrong.


    We''ll try again tomorrow,¡± said the director with disappointment while looking at the male and female


    lead.


    Nicole couldn''t be bothered to think about what went wrong with her acting. All she wanted to do was to


    leave the set as soon as possible.


    Her acting career was indeed important, but it was not as important as her mission of getting married to


    Cayden.


    The moment her trailer left the set, she gave Dn a call right away.


    Meanwhile, Dn was having a cup of coffee and ying chess with his father at home.


    Talia, who seldom got to see the father-and-son duo interacting harmoniously, busied herself with


    serving the two sliced fruits and nuts.


    When Dn''s phone rang, he nced at it to see Nicole''s name on the screen. He immediately


    answered the call, but his eyes were still glued to the chessboard. ¡°What''s the matter?¡±


    Nicole answered, ¡°Where are you? Are you free to meet up?¡±


    Dn said, ¡°I''m afraid I can''t today, but I''m free tomorrow. I''m currently ying chess with my father,


    and the game is in full swing. How can I walk away?¡±


    As he spoke, he moved another white chess piece on the board.


    Subsequently, Toby lifted his chess piece with a smile but did not ce it anywhere on the board. He


    did not know why Dn started caring about his family to the extent ofing home for a game of


    chess with him, but as Dn''s father, he was pleased to see the change in his son.


    Nicole then said, ¡°FIne. We don''t need to meet up. I can talk to you over the phone. Hey, listen...


    Avery''s father has passed away. Do you know about that?¡±


    Dn instantly straightened up his back and frowned. ¡°What? Avery''s father has passed away? Who


    said so?¡±


    She replied, ¡°So you actually have no idea. I heard Mna talk about it. The police came over to the


    filming set to take her away, so I looked into it and found out that Mna is responsible for the death of


    Avery''s father. He''s been dead for two days.¡±


    Without waiting for her to finish speaking, Dn ended the call.


    Both Toby, who was preparing to ce his chess piece on the board, and Talia, who was peeling an


    apple, heard what their son said.


    ¡°How did Avery''s father pass away?¡± Talia was holding a fruit knife and an apple in her hands, and she


    nicked her finger when she wasn''t paying attention.


    Toby stood up and said, ¡°Be careful.¡±


    A housekeeper quickly approached them with a first aid kit and helped to dress Talia''s wound.


    Dn had already put on his jacket and prepared to leave. With a solemn expression, he said, ¡°I''m not


    sure what has happened. Let me go to look for her and ask about it.¡±


    He knew that he could not reach Avery on the phone, but he still tried anyway.


    Before he got into his car, Talia followed him out with her jacket on and a bag in her hand. ¡°I''ll go with


    you.¡±


    Dn stopped her. ¡°Please don''t. Once I know what''s going on, I wille over to pick the both of you


    up.¡± He was worried that his mother might witness Avery''s cold attitude toward him.


    No mother would like to see her son being treated coldly by her daughter-inw.


    That would only cause the rocky patch between the two women to further worsen.


    Throughout the whole night, none of Dn''s calls were able to get through to Avery. He made repeated


    attempts until his phone was out of battery.


    Previously, he had found out about the hospital where Leonardo stayed. Upon his arrival at the


    hospital, however, the hospital staff told him that the deceased''s daughter had already left the hospital.


    Dn brought his marriage certificate with him, so he quickly showed it to the staff and informed them


    that he was the legal husband of Avery and would like to know more information about Leonardo''s


    sudden death.


    One of the nurses watched the entertainment news and recognized him to be Avery''s husband.


    Therefore, she told him everything that she knew.


    The look in Dn''s gaze turned solemn. He knew that Mna was a vile woman, but he did not expect


    thetter to be that despicable.


    Many spections and rumors regarding the incident that happened in Leonardo''s ward were spread


    around the hospital. Everyone in the entire hospital knew about it.


    After obtaining the information he needed, Dn left the hospital lobby.


    He didn''t return home or go to the pub. Instead, he climbed into his car and drove to a parking space


    near the entrance of the hospital.


    There was already another car in the parking space. It was a Volkswagen Golf worth around one


    hundred thousand.


    Dn walked out of his car before taking out a wad of cash from his wallet and giving it to the other


    person in the car. ¡°Can you move to another parking space? I would like to park here.¡±


    Shocked, the driver looked at the money then at Dn.


    Really? Isn''t this just a parking space? Or is there gold on it?


    In the end, he took the money and parked somewhere else.


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    Dn sat in his car and left the engine running. He had switched on the heater to make the interior of


    the car warmer. After lighting up a cigarette, he took a few puffs while looking in the direction of the


    hospital entrance.


    He could''ve gone back home ande back the next morning.


    Nevertheless, his mind was in an inexplicable mess. Thus, he wanted to find a spot with a broad view


    so that he could see Avery first thing in the morning.


    Just now, he was informed by the hospital staff that Leonardo would be cremated the next day.


    That was an extremely long night for Dn. To Avery, however, the night was short.


    She jolted awake after having a bad dream.


    In her dreams, she was once again in her teenage years and was bullied by Mna and Henrietta.


    The allowance that she had kept in her bag was stolen by Mna.


    Subsequently, the money that she kept inside her pocket was also snatched away by Henrietta.


    That was when the scenes in her dream transitioned into something else.


    She then saw Henrietta and Mna crying and begging for mercy in the courtroom. Surprisingly, she


    magnanimously agreed to withdraw thewsuit.


    In reality, however, Avery had sworn not to show any mercy toward the mother-and-daughter duo after


    listening to Weston''s advice.


    When she woke up, she went to the kitchen to make breakfast while mumbling to herself, ¡°It''s all right.


    Dreams are usually the opposite of reality. It''s going to be okay.¡±


    Rory had woken up and heard her mother''s mumbling. The little girl then walked toward Avery while


    rubbing her eyes sleepily and asked, ¡°Mommy, what are you talking about?¡±


    Avery bent over and was about to answer her daughter''s question when she saw Cayden standing at


    the kitchen door.


    d in a suit and wearing a necktie, he approached her, and she could smell the aftershave he was


    wearing. Then, he put a unique card on the kitchen counter and said, ¡°Keep this. It''s my supplementary


    card.¡±


    Dumbfounded, Avery stared at the ck card with a gold streak embossed on it.


    So, are dreams really the opposite of reality?


    Right after her stepmother snatched away all her pocket money in her dreams, she was given a bank


    card in reality.


    She knew that there was no limit to Cayden''s card.


    ¡°The weather is getting chilly. If you have time, bring the children to buy some clothes. I don''t have time


    to do it, so I''ll leave it to you.¡± He was worried that she might reject his card, so he used the children as


    an excuse to prevent her refusal.


    Indeed, Avery was unable to decline the card because of his words. She needed to buy clothes for her


    children, but considering her current predicament, it was true that she did not have enough money.

 Chapter 243

    Chapter 243


    Her throat tightened as an indescribable feeling brewed in her chest. No one had ever been as


    unconditionally nice to her like Cayden.


    Avery''s longshes fluttered.


    She then picked up the globally limited ck card. That was a card she had only seen in finance


    magazines in the past.


    The sunlight filtered through the tall windows to illuminate Cayden''s perfect side profile, making his


    features look even more defined than before.


    He was wless, and yet, an ordinary person like her was fortunate enough to receive his love.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Avery squeezed out, half-choking on her words.


    Cayden had given her the most tenderpany during the most helpless time in her life.


    Her father''s sudden passing had left her devastated and vulnerable.


    No one could have seen thating, including her, but luckily, Cayden was by her side.


    She was d to have her children with her as well. The two angels were obedient and smart, and most


    importantly, they were the products of his and her love.


    She was unfortunate, but not entirely. As it turned out, the gift from God was not a small one.


    As Cayden kissed the corners of Avery''s tearful eyes, he tapped the bridge of her nose and said, ¡°Silly,


    you don''t need to thank me. Meeting you has been the luckiest thing in my life. You''ve lost your father,


    but you still have me and the children, okay?¡±


    The man''s maic voice was honey to her ears and ma to Avery''s anxiously wandering heart.


    ¡°Mommy, you have me and Zach by your side from now on. We''ll never split up!¡± The cute girl was in a


    princess pajamas, hugging and rubbing her cheek against Avery''s leg as her soft curly hair tickled


    Avery.


    Avery then lifted her petite daughter up and nted a light kiss on her cheek, making the girl giggle.


    Her crystallineughs attracted the attention of Zachary, who had just finished washing up.


    When he saw his mother carrying his sister, he got a little envious and leaned against the doorframe.


    He, too, wanted his mother to hug him, but his father told him that he was a boy, and boys were not


    supposed to ask for as much attention like his sister did.


    Hence, he tried his best not to look at them, but the envy in the boy''s eyes could not escape the sharp-


    eyed Cayden.


    When Zachary lowered his head in an attempt to look unfazed, he spotted his father walking toward


    him.


    Softly, Zachary called out, ¡°Daddy...¡±


    Right then, Cayden hunched over and lifted him up.


    Zachary blinked in surprise as his jaw dropped dramatically.


    Daddy?


    Fireworks of joy were exploding in the boy''s mind.


    Daddy''s hugging me! It''s not a normal hug. He''s hugging me to console me!


    Cayden could vaguely catch a whiff of a milky scenting from the boy as he carried him.


    He always felt that girls should be spoiled and boys should be left to their own devices. In fact, Cayden


    could recall carrying Rory more often than Zachary¡ªhis son who became mature at a young age.


    At first nce, Cayden would look indifferent as he carried his son, but at the second, one would notice


    a tender look in his dark eyes.


    Despite his gentle actions, Cayden spoke in an apathetic voice, ¡°A child of the Moore family must learn


    to keep his calm no matter what happens. You can''t act so surprised by something minor like this. You


    disappointed me with your reaction earlier. Do keep this in mind.¡±


    Although Cayden was stern with him, Zachary was overjoyed to lie in his father''s arms.


    As he fixed his bright eyes on Cayden, he quietly hummed in agreement.


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    Right then, Avery shot Cayden an unhappy look and said, ¡°He''s still a boy. Why are you so strict with


    him?¡±


    Her voice and her expression of that moment reminded him of the way the two of them were tangled


    with each other under the sheets the night before.


    The image of how Avery bloomed like a flower beneath him emerged in his mind.


    Immediately, the blood in Cayden''s veins began to boil.


    Then, it was his dick''s turn to respond as a tent began rising in his pants.


    When Zachary''s leg knocked against something solid, he curiously looked down before looking up at


    his father in confusion. ¡°Daddy, did you hide something in your pants? It''s poking my leg.¡±


    ¡°Mommy, is that part of Daddy swollen? Let''s hurry up and bring Daddy to a doctor! Does Daddy have


    a tumor like Lillemor''s? Does he have to go to the hospital to remove it?¡± The sweet Rory was on the


    verge of tears, and the anxiousness she felt could be heard in her youthful voice.


    Lillemor was a nanny who used to take care of Rory and Zachary. She took great care of them, and the


    two children were very close to the elderly woman.


    Later on, arge tumor grew on Lillemor''s neck, and she had to be hospitalized to remove it.


    Rory was terrified that the same thing had happened to her father.


    Hearing her, both Cayden and Avery turned speechless.


    As a matter of fact, Cayden was pursing his lips.


    Are you sure you want me to get rid of something that will make your mommy happy?


    Meanwhile, Avery was staring at the swollen part beneath Cayden''s pants, her facepletely flushed.


    We went on for so longst night, but he''s now...


    At that, Avery gave an exasperated look to Cayden.


    Cayden returned a look of innocence to her. What could he possibly do about his member, after all?


    He could only say that his woman was simply too charming.


    Clearing his throat, Cayden then said, ¡°I''m fine. All I need is a cold shower. Be good, and don''t make


    your mommy mad, okay? I''m going to take a shower now.¡±


    With that, the man put Rory down and headed toward the bathroom, leaving the two children


    bewildered.


    Wanting to get to the bottom of it, Rory asked, ¡°Mommy, can a cold shower reduce the swelling?¡±


    ¡°Your... Your daddy ate too much spicy food yesterday, so he needs a cold shower to counteract the


    remaining spiciness in him. Rory, Zach, remember not to eat that much spicy food when you grow up,


    okay?¡± Avery told them as she tried to divert their attention from her unnaturally blushed face.


    Her two darling children answered in unison, ¡°Okay. We''re good kids, and we won''t eat that much spicy


    food.


    Avery chuckled awkwardly, feeling like a bad mother who was teaching her children the wrong things.


    After that, she persuaded the two children to the living room to read storybooks for a while. Once the


    two children were gone, she finally began preparing breakfast for the family.


    Nevertheless, Avery''s good mood soon dissipated when she thought about her father''s passing and the


    haughty Henrietta and her daughter.


    Regardless of anything, Avery was not going to let the evil, ungrateful mother-and-daughter duo go this


    time.

 Chapter 244

    Chapter 244


    As she was no longer living on her own, Avery prepared more breakfast.


    Nevertheless, she had limited experience in making breakfast for that many people, and it was her first


    time being a mother too. The breakfast ended up being a messybination of food that she hoped


    would be nutritious for the children.


    tes were neatly ced on the huge table, and there were ham sandwiches, egg stew, toast, milk,


    and oatmeal. There was even a te of grilled fish in the middle of the table.


    The man with the perfect deep-set features¡ªCayden¡ªwho was by the side of the table, was in a suit


    and crossing his legs. His white shirt was free from wrinkles, and despite his casual pose, he looked


    noble.


    The way he dug into his food was equally elegant. Avery enjoyed every second of watching him.


    Both Rory and Zachary were sticking to the rule of not speaking while eating. The two of them were


    sitting straight beside Avery with a spoon in their left hand and a fork in their right. Neither was too


    skilled with using the fork.


    At that, Avery''s motherly instincts took over, and she began feeding the two children.


    As she took a slice of ham to her daughter''s lips, she smiled and said, ¡°Here''s the ham, Rory!¡±


    Rory lifted her head to look at her mother''s gentle face before parting her lips. Then, Avery put the ham


    into the girl''s mouth.


    Even though she had eaten ham multiple times, Rory still felt that the ham her mother fed her was the


    best ham she ever had.


    The girl then winked at her brother. Look at how Mommy''s feeding me!


    Zachary blinked as he hurriedly chewed the fruits in the oatmeal.


    After swallowing everything in his mouth, he looked toward his mother in anticipation.


    ¡°Feed yourself,¡± Cayden said in a slightly foul tone when he raised his head to look at his son. It was as


    if he could read the boy''s mind.


    Avery hasn''t even fed me before? The boy''s so big now, but he still wants his mommy to feed him? I


    won''t let him keep a bad habit like this!


    Hearing that, Zachary had no choice but to scoop his food with his spoon.


    Rory was listening to their conversation. Although Cayden was talking to her brother, it felt as if his


    words were directed at her as well.


    Thus, she quickly picked up her spoon and rejected her mother''s attempt to feed her again.


    However, Avery felt that Cayden was too strict with the children.


    Right as she was about to say something to Cayden, a fork with a piece of grilled fish was right by her


    lips.


    The children widened their eyes.


    Daddy''s feeding Mommy!


    Avery was embarrassed as the children were watching her, but the only thing she could do was


    swallow the boneless piece of fish before looking at Cayden.


    At the same time, Rory and Zachary were staring at Cayden with pitiful eyes as well.


    It was almost as if they were about to ask him for some candy.


    Cayden stared back at the anticipating children. Then, he took two big pieces of fish and ced them


    on their tes as if his conscience had finally returned to him.


    Zachary drew his brows together and muttered, ¡°Daddy, Rory and I don''t like fish...¡±


    Rory chimed in, ¡°That''s right. Daddy knows that Zach and I don''t like fish, but he still gave us fish. Say,


    Mommy, don''t you think Daddy is mean?¡±


    The girl then turned to seek constion from her mother as she pouted andined about how


    unconcerned her father was with them.


    Daddy doesn''t even know what we like to eat.


    With a patient look, Avery said to them, ¡°Dear, just leave it aside if you don''t want to eat it, okay? I''ll


    feed you something else.¡±


    Although Cayden did not bother lifting his head as he continued eating his food, he coldly uttered,


    ¡°Children mustn''t be picky. The two of you must finish the fish on your tes today.¡±


    Cayden knew that the children did not like to eat fish, but he felt that their picky eating habits would


    stump their development in the future, so he was determined to put a stop to that.


    ¡°You''re mean, Daddy! I don''t like fish! Bad Daddy! I don''t want to like you anymore!¡± Rory was usually a


    good girl, but she was throwing a tantrum now that she had her mother to back her up.


    As she pushed the te away from her, she huffed and said, ¡°I don''t want to eat fish. I don''t want to!¡±


    Bang!


    Cayden had smacked the table so hard it shook.


    Even the tes and utensils rattled.


    Zachary, who was reaching out for more food, quickly retracted his arm from fright. Oh no, Daddy''s


    angry.


    ¡°Hmph! Mommy, did you see how mean Daddy was? He''s forcing us to eat what we don''t like.


    Mommy... I''m full. I don''t want to eat anymore.¡±


    With that, Rory jumped off the stool she was sitting on.


    Avery anxiously tried to stop her and console her, but the girl was a quick one as she fled toward the


    door.


    Cayden tensed his jaw and uttered, ¡°Rory Moore, don''t evere back if you leave this house today.¡±


    It was a tant threat.


    Rory turned around to look at her father''s intimidating expression. s, she lost all her courage and


    returned to the table to eat with tears welling up in her eyes.


    Avery was baffled. She never thought that the man would be this rough when lecturing the children.


    Hence, she voiced out, ¡°Cayden, they''re only five. Don''t you think you''re being too harsh with them like


    this?¡±


    Ignoring Avery, Cayden continued ordering, ¡°Finish the fish in your bowl. I don''t want to see anything


    left inside!¡±


    ¡°I don''t want to eat fish. I don''t want...¡± Rory angrily crushed the fish under her fork, a clear sign of how


    much she hated it.


    ¡°Daddy, we really can''t eat anymore. Can we eat it next time?¡± Zachary asked his father in a cautious


    tone.


    Cayden gave them both a glimpse.


    Who did the kids take after for their picky eating habits? Avery?


    Both children shuddered from Cayden''s nce. They did not want to eat the fish, yet they had no


    choice but to give in. Hence, they tamped the fear down and meekly ate the fish in resignation.


    In the meantime, Avery was stunned to her core.


    She never thought that the man, who was usually gentle despite his aloof demeanor, could be so


    imperious.


    Only by seeing how her children quaked did Avery finally realize what kind of lives her children lived.


    No wonder they''re so scared of their father! This is ridiculous... Even if they don''t like fish, we could


    havee up with a different way to introduce the food to them. Did he have to threaten them like


    this? They''re still so young!


    Avery, who always doted on the children, smacked her fork onto the table and yelled in fury, ¡°Cayden


    Moore, is this how you treat Rory and Zach all the time?¡±


    Cayden finally returned his attention to the frowning Avery.


    He had been too preupied with lecturing the two stubborn children. Every time he found the children


    being picky with their food, he would turn livid.


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    However, this time, he had forgotten that Avery was with them. Great, how am I going to coax her now?

 Chapter 245

    Chapter 245


    A soft sigh escaped Cayden''s lips. After threatening the little ones, I''ve got to coax the big kid now. I''m


    really quite a failure as a father.


    He rose to his feet helplessly and walked over to Avery. Then, he drew her close against his chest with


    his strong arms.


    Stroking one hand along her back in aforting gesture, he said, ¡°There, there. It was my fault. Don''t


    be mad, okay? I was only worried they''d get too picky with their food and that it''d affect their health. I


    won''t be so fierce toward them in the future.¡±


    Seeing how sincere he was in his apology, Avery felt bad about arguing with him further. Nheless,


    she could not help saying, ¡°You''ve given your word today. You can''t treat them like that ever again.


    They''re still children, after all.¡±


    His breathing became easier when he sensed she was no longer as angry as before.


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    Heaven knows how much I care about her feelings.


    Meanwhile, Zachary and Rory had their hands resting against their cheeks as they watched their


    parents in silence, thinking that the scene before them was utterly unbelievable.


    Daddy has changed so much after Mommy came into our lives. Mommy is just amazing! Even a tyrant


    like Daddy bes obedient in front of her.


    Both children were filled with admiration for Avery.


    With that, the minor disagreement during breakfast blew over just like that.


    After finishing their meal, Cayden and Avery hurried to the hospital with the kids.


    It was the day of Leonardo''s funeral, and Avery wanted to let the children ¡°meet¡± the maternal


    grandfather they had never met. I suppose it''ll be their first andst time doing so.


    Meanwhile, Dn was sitting in his car outside the hospital. The acrid smell of smoke hung in the air


    inside the vehicle, and numerous cigarette butts littered the floorboard. He had stayed up the entire


    night, and a half-burned cigarette still dangled between his fingers.


    He was well aware of who was by Avery''s side at that moment, and he knew how deeply she


    misunderstood and loathed him. Despite that, he could not stop thinking about her.


    A pang of bitterness shot through his heart when he thought of her cold and aloof attitude toward him.


    I resorted to deplorable means to force her into bing mywfully wedded wife, yet such a situation


    has happened. How ironic is it that a husband must stake out the hospital for a chance to meet his


    wife?


    Suddenly, he spotted a family of four at the entrance to the hospital. Oh, what an eyesore!


    The tall man hovered protectively over the delicate and beautiful woman like a guardian spirit. The pair


    were holding the hands of two angelic-looking children, looking as though they were indeed a warm


    and loving family.


    Dn watched as the harmonious and happy family was about to enter the hospital, and the sight


    agitated him so much that his calm andposure flew out the window.


    He stubbed out his cigarette angrily, then kicked open the car door and stormed toward them.


    I was the one who met Avery first! She was so young and innocent at the time¡ªas green as grass. I


    thought it''d be a pity to approach her so soon and wanted to wait until she was older. However, I never


    imagined that my act of kindness would give that brute, Cayden, a chance to swoop in ahead of me.


    How can I possibly ept that?


    ¡°Avery!¡± Dn called out, his bloodshot eyes shing with rage as he grabbed her hand. ¡°As your


    husband, how could you not let me know that something as serious as this has happened? Had I not


    heard from others about my father-inw''s passing, were you nning on keeping it a secret from me


    forever?¡±


    ¡°Let go of me!¡± Avery tried shaking him off as hard as she could. However, he held onto her with a vice-


    like grip, and she could not break free.


    Seeing that, she sneered and scoffed, ¡°Husband? I believe you know better than anyone else how this


    fake marriage came about. In my eyes, you''re no more than a stranger. No, not even that. You''re


    nothing but a b*stard who coerces women using despicable methods!¡±


    Her words seemed to pierce Dn''s heart like a row of needles, causing his heart to ache.


    Dn smirked. Although upset, he acted as though he could not care less and delivered a cutting


    retort, saying, ¡°So what? Even if you don''t love me, doesn''t my name appear as your spouse''s name?


    As long as I live, you''re my wife byw. You and Cayden will never get to be a couple openly!¡±


    Suddenly, he felt a sharp pain in his wrist and had no choice but to release Avery''s hand.


    Fury spread across Dn''s face, but then he saw Cayden gripping his wrist.


    Cayden was exerting so much force that Dn felt as though his wrist was about to snap.


    Dressed in a ck hand-tailored suit, Cayden looked as noble and elegant as ever. However, his aura


    was so cold and forbidding that the atmosphere around him seemed positively cial.


    ¡°Today is the day of Avery''s father''s funeral, so I''m in no mood to pick a fight with you now. If you''re


    also here to say your final goodbyes, then be my guest. But if you''re here to cause a scene, don''t


    me me for showing no mercy even though we''re cousins,¡± Cayden uttered. His gaze was piercing,


    and he radiated a murderous intent.


    Seeming to sense the tension in the air, the children hid behind Cayden and Avery so that only their


    large, dark eyes were visible as they peeked out at the adults. Neither of them dared to say a word.


    Cayden let go of Dn''s wrist abruptly, then led Avery and the two children into the hospital with his


    arms around them protectively.


    Dn nced at his wrist, which was still hurting, and saw the severe bruising. That jerk! He''s ruthless!


    Lucky for him, I''m not going to take any action now. I''ll take my time to settle the score between us next


    time. What''s important now is Avery''s father''s funeral.


    Over at the mortuary, Leonardo''s bodyy inside a coffin, his face pale.


    If it were not because he had no pulse, it would appear as though he was merely sleeping peacefully.


    ¡°Zach, Rory, my dears. Come over and pay your respects to your grandfather. It''ll be your first andst


    time seeing him,¡± Avery said, holding back her tears.


    She led them over to the coffin so that they could personally pay their respects.


    Zachary and Rory gazed at their mother''s tear-filled eyes, then turned toward their maternal


    grandfather, who looked as though he were asleep. Then, they bowed their heads obediently.


    Looking solemn, Zachary said, ¡°Granddad, it''s my first time meeting you, yet you can''t see me...


    Mommy says you''ve gone to heaven. I hope you''ll be well and happy there. I''m all grown up and am a


    big boy now. I''ll take care of Mommy for you in the future, so you don''t have to worry.¡±


    After that, Rory also introduced herself gravely. ¡°Granddad, it''s me, Rory. I''m Zach''s baby sister, and


    I''m super adorable. I can write, draw, tell stories... Oh, and I can dance too! I''ll help Zach take care of


    Mommy, so you don''t have to worry about a thing.¡±


    Avery''s eyes brimmed with tears at the scene before her, and an overwhelming wave of sadness


    swelled within her heart. She covered her mouth to suppress her sobs. Then, she felt a tall, strapping


    figure embrace her.


    Cayden wiped away her tears and murmured a few words offort. Then, he said to Leonardo, ¡°Rest


    in peace. I promise that as long as I''m here, I''ll never let Avery suffer any injustice.¡±


    Standing as rigidly as a board, Dn watched from a corner as the harmonious ¡°family¡± said theirst


    goodbyes to Leonardo. Then, he sneered softly.

 Chapter 246

    Chapter 246


    I am Avery''swful husband, and yet Cayden has taken on my responsibilities as his own. How


    ridiculous is this?


    Ovee with indignation, Dn approached Leonardo''s casket and enunciated every word clearly


    for everyone else to hear, ¡°It''s such a pity that you never got to meet me when you were alive. I''m your


    son-inw, Dn Musk. It''s unfortunate that you left us before Avery and I had our wedding ceremony.


    Nheless, please rest in peace. I promise to organize a grand wedding for Avery. She is my one and


    only wife. I will also take good care of your two grandchildren. I swear!¡±


    Dn then threw a provoking look at Cayden. To his delight, thetter''s face grimaced in response.


    Cayden knew he could not lose his temper right then. Nheless, an unfathomable look shed


    across his eyes.


    Well, well, well, I''ll let him be for now.


    Cayden seldom lost his cool. At the sight of him trying to keep it together, Dn suddenly felt his pent-


    up anger slightly appeased.


    However, at the sight of Avery slumping against Cayden''s chest, too heartbroken from her loss, fury


    began to burn in Dn''s chest again.


    Don''t lose it.


    Dn rubbed his sore temples and clenched his fist as he tried to pacify himself.


    It was not the time tosh out. Otherwise, Avery''s prejudice against him would get even worse.


    Meanwhile, Avery said with a frown, ¡°Dad, life has been hard on you. Henrietta and her daughter had


    treated you as nothing more than an ATM. You had been too silly to be ordered around by those two.


    I''d be lying if I said I don''t loathe them for what they had done. You wouldn''t have ended up the way


    you did if not for those two bloodsucking gold-diggers... Dad, please rest in peace. I will seek justice for


    you.¡±


    Avery recalled the harrowing footage that showed the two avaricious women insulting and spewing vile


    words at Leonardo, who was already on his deathbed, just so they could get a portion of his


    inheritance.


    She watched as her father breathed hisst breaths in despair and indignation, and there was nothing


    she could do about it.


    Avery fervently wished she could skin Henrietta and Mna alive right then.


    Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    She tried to suppress her pain, and a determined glint shed in her eyes. This time, she vowed to


    make Henrietta and Mna pay, no matter the cost.


    Cayden took care of everything regarding Leonardo''s funeral, which was held at the Rumpley


    residence.


    Dn had wanted to hold the funeral at the Musk residence. However, his intention to help was shot


    down by Avery immediately.


    ¡°Dn, go find yourself an empty urn if you want to hold my father''s funeral at your ce. I''m definitely


    not going to let you take my father''s ashes away,¡± Avery snapped.


    Knowing full well that even though Avery may appear meek, she was, in fact, very stubborn and


    opinionated. Hence, Dn could only clench his teeth and suffer the humiliation.


    Fine. She''s upset because she lost her father. I should not aggravate her further. I''m going to deal with


    her after this!


    Meanwhile, as people came and paid respect to Leonardo, they brought along flower wreaths that filled


    the ce as sorrow hung in the air.


    Leonardo''s portrait was ced on the table. The amiable and gentle look in his eyes served as a


    painful reminder to everyone of what they had lost.


    Avery was dressed in all-ck, her delicate face pale as a sheet of paper.


    She stood before herte father''s portrait stiffly and lifelessly like a broken rag doll, as tears streamed


    down her cheeks.


    Her children were dressed in all-ck as well, as they apanied their mother meekly, making no


    fuss.


    Alina was dressed in a in ck dress as she stood and mourned herte brother.


    She never imagined that she wouldn''t even get to see her brother onest time before he passed.


    Their father, who was in bad health, was still oblivious that his son had passed on.


    ke would never be able to take the news of Leonardo''s death.


    Cayden was also dressed in in ck clothing as he greeted droves of guests on behalf of Avery.


    Some of them were her colleagues, others were friends. Some of them were Cayden''s business


    partners who came after hearing the news.


    They were curious why the usual cold and distant Cayden would stoop to organize the funeral of a


    menial employee''s father.


    What was more confounding was the fact that his two children were also mourning thete old man.


    I guess things areplicated for these ultra-rich families.


    However, they would never let the opportunity towork with Cayden slip by their hands.


    In business, everyone was always looking out for their best interests.


    Nheless, they knew where to draw the line, as well as the right words to say. Most importantly, they


    were there to pay their respects to the deceased.


    Meanwhile, Dn was dressed in all-ck as well, as hepeted with Cayden to greet the guests as


    the son-inw of the Rumpley residence.


    It was a strange sight to behold¡ªtwo handsome men rivaling each other to protect Avery, watching


    over her as if they were her guardian angels. Tension sizzled in the air as some guests tried to fathom


    how all three of them were rted to each other, while others were abuzz with hushed spection.


    Cecelia and Trevor were there to pay their respects to Avery''s father as well. They brought along a


    flower wreath and left right after offering a few words of condolences to her.


    Nina was befuddled by the sudden passing of Avery''s father. She remembered Avery happily telling her


    that her father''s health was making a good recovery when they talked on the phone not long ago.


    Hence, she was taken aback by the sudden news of Leonardo''s death.


    It was a shocking news for sure.


    Even if she did not know the reason for Leonardo''s abrupt death, Nina knew about the news of


    Henrietta and her daughter getting remanded. Somehow, she reckoned that the mother-and-daughter


    duo had something to do with Leonardo''s death.


    Nina ced the flower wreath before Leonardo''s portrait and bowed deeply to show her respect. She


    let out a soft sigh and patted Avery on her shoulders. ¡°Ery, he''s gone. I''m really sorry about that. You


    have to stay strong. I''m sure your dad doesn''t wish to see you in this state.¡±


    Avery''s eyes were brimming with tears. At the sight of her two children staying by her side, and


    Cayden, who was busy greeting her guests on her behalf, she decided she had to be strong and


    nodded solemnly.


    On the other hand, Cayden''s domineering aura and handsome face managed to garner everyone''s


    attention.


    His slender figure stood grounded and towered over everyone else, giving off a regal vibe.


    With the man who loved her by her side, and her two adorable children, Avery knew she was still loved


    and cared for, and it might just be enough to make up for the fatherly love that she had lost forever.


    There was no one else she would rather spend the rest of her life with. Cayden and her children were


    all that mattered now.


    Allie hid in a deserted corner and took off the huge sunsses she had on as she transfixed a cold,


    hard stare at Leonardo''s portrait.


    Hah. The greatest stain of my life is finally dead. I have nothing to fear now, other than ¡ª


    Allie turned to look at the worn-out Avery, who was standing before Leonardo''s portrait, and her eyes


    narrowed dangerously.


    I cannot let this woman corrupt my outstanding son!


    With the thought in mind, she stomped on the floor in her high heels and left in a huff.

 Chapter 247

    Chapter 247


    As night fell, the guests who visited the Rumpley residence to offer their condolences left, one after


    another. Thus, only a few people remained in the cold and silent house.


    The two children had long since grown hungry, so Alina took them out to eat.


    Cayden received an urgent call, and he hurriedly left after informing Avery about it.


    Avery had been bustling around for the entire day. Right then, she was tidying up everything that was


    out of ce.


    The Rumpley residence was an ordinary building with two bedrooms and a living room. As Avery swept


    her gaze over everything in the house, she found every single d¨¦cor there familiar yet different.


    After all, she was only brought there to live in her teenage years.


    Unbidden, scenes when her father was still alive shed across her mind. They were wonderful


    memories, but they didn''t take ce there.


    At that time, she was still young, and Henrietta and Mna hadn''t yet joined the Rumpley family.


    Back then, Leonardo would scoop her up happily every time he returned to town, allow her to ride on


    his shoulders while he spun around, and address her as his ¡°most beloved darling¡± affectionately.


    On top of that, she recalled the time she suddenly ran a high fever when she was six years old. It was


    exceedingly severe, for she even slipped into unconsciousness.


    At the sight of her on the verge of death, the doctor couldn''t do anything and had her father sign a


    notice of critical condition.


    In her foggy state, she seemingly saw her father dropping to his knees before the doctor and


    desperately begging thetter to save his daughter.


    The man who had been her hero wept helplessly and abandoned his dignity just for the sake of


    obtaining a chance at life for her.


    Perhaps it wasn''t her time to die, for her feverter miraculously abated, and she pulled through.


    Avery had always known that her father loved her.


    For that reason, no matter how Henrietta and Mna abused her after the malevolent duo joined the


    Rumpley familyter or however indifferent Leonardo acted toward her, she had never really hated him.


    Ultimately, she was aware of his situation. While he loved her, he was cowardly by nature. As such, she


    understood his sense of helplessness.


    Indeed, Dad loved me. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have left this house to me in his will. Yet, it was because


    of this house that Henrietta and Mna enraged him so greatly that he keeled over and died. How


    loathsome!


    As memories of the past flooded her mind, Avery suppressed the grief within her and stared at


    Leonardo''s photo for a long time.


    Gazing at her father in the photo, she sensed her nose stinging from tears. ¡°Dad...¡± she mumbled.


    At that precise moment, Dn, who had removed his mourning clothes, returned. Someone forgot to


    lock the door, giving him the opportunity to walk right in.


    Grabbing her wrist, he stated in an exceedingly cold and hard voice, ¡°You should go home with me


    today, Avery.¡±


    He didn''t want to have a row with Cayden during the funeral, so he had been holding himself back.


    After having restrained himself for such a long time, he really couldn''t wait even a second longer. Verily,


    the sight of them together as a family of four dealt him a heavy blow.


    However, Avery forcefully retracted her hand and regarded him apathetically. ¡°I''m not familiar with you,


    so don''t simply touch me.¡±


    When Dn heard that, his eyes glinted with fury. ¡°You don''t need to speak with me so caustically,


    Avery. Or do you want me to remind you time and again of the fact that I''m your legally wed husband?¡±


    Without warning, Averyughed.


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    She was beautiful in the first ce. Although her beauty wasn''t vivid like a red rose in full bloom, it


    resembled that of a lily that suddenly emerged out of a crystallineke. She appeared refreshing and


    unique. When she smiled, especially, she looked incredibly vibrant, with a sense of tendernesscking


    in other women.


    A glimmer of passion shed across Dn''s bright eyes.


    I''d known a few years ago that she was a priceless treasure. Even when she was still young, she had


    an extraordinary youthful beauty about her. I never thought that she''d be even more dazzling when she


    had matured, so much so that others can''t take their eyes off her. How could I possibly give someone


    like her up? Five years ago, I missed out on her due to my negligence. Now, I finally have her in the


    palm of my hand. Even if it means a broken hand, blood, and pain, I''ll never allow her to escape my


    control!


    ¡°Our chatan of a marriage is fast approaching its end,¡± Avery dered while staring at him intently.


    The air seemingly screeched to a standstill at that very moment.


    It was as though a dark storm abruptly started brewing in Dn''s mesmerizing eyes. Even the edges of


    his pupils were nketed with a thinyer of ice. His initially calm facade cracked, and the line of his


    pursed lips grew even thinner. He seemed to be trying his utmost best to corral his emotions that were


    on the verge of bursting forth.


    ¡°A divorce? In your dreams, Avery!¡± Pinning her to the edge of the table, he wrapped his arms around


    her. The distance between them was so negligible that their faces almost touched.


    His furious gaze bore into her pale face, a trace of determination flittering across his eyes. ¡°Do you


    think you can get a divorce from me just because you hired Weston Leigh? So what if he has never lost


    awsuit? Even God himself can''t do anything if I don''t want to agree to a divorce!¡±


    A chill struck Avery. Not in the mood to speak to him then, she shoved at him hard in her fury. ¡°Get


    lost!¡±


    Dn''s eyes glinted sharply. Grasping her chin, he trained his eyes on her face, which was as icy as


    ever, and scoffed, ¡°I''ll never grant you freedom even if I''ve got to bind you with marriage forever. Let me


    tell you this¡ªI''ll never get a divorce in this lifetime! The only time we''ll be apart is when I''m widowed!¡±


    At thet, Avery gesped. Her striking eyes fixeted on him coldly, loething written cleer in her geze. ¡°You''re


    simply insene, Dylen Musk!¡±


    Dylen chuckled lowly. Her repugnence seemingly hed e string within him snepping. ¡°Look et you right


    now. How lively! I wonder whether you''ll still be so seductive end enthrelling if I''ve got you pinned


    underneeth me.¡±


    Slep!


    A herd slep lended on Dylen''s hendsome fece.


    Ceught off guerd by thet blow from Avery, he wes stunned for e moment, incredulity flooding him.


    She ectuelly dered to hit me?


    The veins on his foreheed eppeered to be throbbing, end e leyer of ice blenketed his devilish fece.


    He pinched Avery''s chin herd, the chilliness in his eyes seemingly skinning her elive. ¡°Who do you think


    you ere? You''re merely e cheep, second-hend good. How dere you hit me? Who geve you the guts to


    do so? Hmm?¡±


    He hed been pempered ever since young, with everyone cetering to his every whim end fency.


    It wes even worse when he hed grown up, for he turned into en imperious terror. He hed only ever


    been the one to teech others e lesson, end no one hed dered to herm e heir on his heed.


    At present, however, he hed been struck by en ostensibly week end fregile women. If word of this were


    to spreed, I would undoubtedly be e leughingstock!


    He lifted his hend high, gripped by the urge to teech the ignorent women e lesson. But et the sight of


    the teers shimmering in her crystelline eyes tinged with rege end grievence, he lowered his hend in the


    end. Insteed, he leened down end bit her delicete lip viciously.


    He ected just like e beest, showing her no mercy et ell.


    ¡°Ugh... B-Buzz off...¡± Livid, Avery struggled relentlessly.


    Ales, she wes no metch for his strength. She could still dodge his forceful kisses, but she couldn''t


    breek free from his restreint no metter whet.


    It wes es though Leonerdo witnessed the entire scene of his deughter being picked on through his


    photo, for even the eir seemed to cerry e sense of mournful lement.


    During the intense struggle, Avery knocked over e porcelein vese with white chrysenthemums in it.


    The sound of the vese shettering snegged the ettention of Aline end the two children who hed just


    returned downsteirs.


    Avery''s eyeleshes quivered, end her limpid eyes glistened with teers of humilietion.


    Just es she wes resisting defiently with teers streeming down her fece, Zechery cherged in like


    lightning.


    Seeing Dylen picking on his mother, he rushed over to the men like e ferel beest end senk his teeth into


    the letter''s celf.


    His sherp teeth punctured the men''s skin mercilessly.


    In the blink of en eye, bright red blood seeped out of Dylen''s pents, very much conspicuous.


    At thot, Avery gosped. Her striking eyes fixoted on him coldly, loothing written cleor in her goze. ¡°You''re


    simply insone, Dylon Musk!¡±


    Dylon chuckled lowly. Her repugnonce seemingly hod o string within him snopping. ¡°Look ot you right


    now. How lively! I wonder whether you''ll still be so seductive ond enthrolling if I''ve got you pinned


    underneoth me.¡±


    Slop!


    A hord slop londed on Dylon''s hondsome foce.


    Cought off guord by thot blow from Avery, he wos stunned for o moment, incredulity flooding him.


    She octuolly dored to hit me?


    The veins on his foreheod oppeored to be throbbing, ond o loyer of ice blonketed his devilish foce.


    He pinched Avery''s chin hord, the chilliness in his eyes seemingly skinning her olive. ¡°Who do you think


    you ore? You''re merely o cheop, second-hond good. How dore you hit me? Who gove you the guts to


    do so? Hmm?¡±


    He hod been pompered ever since young, with everyone cotering to his every whim ond foncy.


    It wos even worse when he hod grown up, for he turned into on imperious terror. He hod only ever


    been the one to teoch others o lesson, ond no one hod dored to horm o hoir on his heod.


    At present, however, he hod been struck by on ostensibly weok ond frogile womon. If word of this were


    to spreod, I would undoubtedly be o loughingstock!


    He lifted his hond high, gripped by the urge to teoch the ignoront womon o lesson. But ot the sight of


    the teors shimmering in her crystolline eyes tinged with roge ond grievonce, he lowered his hond in the


    end. Insteod, he leoned down ond bit her delicote lip viciously.


    He octed just like o beost, showing her no mercy ot oll.


    ¡°Ugh... B-Buzz off...¡± Livid, Avery struggled relentlessly.


    Alos, she wos no motch for his strength. She could still dodge his forceful kisses, but she couldn''t


    breok free from his restroint no motter whot.


    It wos os though Leonordo witnessed the entire scene of his doughter being picked on through his


    photo, for even the oir seemed to corry o sense of mournful loment.


    During the intense struggle, Avery knocked over o porceloin vose with white chrysonthemums in it.


    The sound of the vose shottering snogged the ottention of Alino ond the two children who hod just


    returned downstoirs.


    Avery''s eyeloshes quivered, ond her limpid eyes glistened with teors of humiliotion.


    Just os she wos resisting defiontly with teors streoming down her foce, Zochory chorged in like


    lightning.


    Seeing Dylon picking on his mother, he rushed over to the mon like o ferol beost ond sonk his teeth into


    the lotter''s colf.


    His shorp teeth punctured the mon''s skin mercilessly.


    In the blink of on eye, bright red blood seeped out of Dylon''s ponts, very much conspicuous.


    At that, Avery gasped. Her striking eyes fixated on him coldly, loathing written clear in her gaze. ¡°You''re


    simply insane, Dn Musk!¡±


    Dn chuckled lowly. Her repugnance seemingly had a string within him snapping. ¡°Look at you right


    now. How lively! I wonder whether you''ll still be so seductive and enthralling if I''ve got you pinned


    underneath me.¡±


    p!


    A hard pnded on Dn''s handsome face.


    Caught off guard by that blow from Avery, he was stunned for a moment, incredulity flooding him.


    She actually dared to hit me?


    The veins on his forehead appeared to be throbbing, and ayer of ice nketed his devilish face.


    He pinched Avery''s chin hard, the chilliness in his eyes seemingly skinning her alive. ¡°Who do you think


    you are? You''re merely a cheap, second-hand good. How dare you hit me? Who gave you the guts to


    do so? Hmm?¡±


    He had been pampered ever since young, with everyone catering to his every whim and fancy.


    It was even worse when he had grown up, for he turned into an imperious terror. He had only ever


    been the one to teach others a lesson, and no one had dared to harm a hair on his head.


    At present, however, he had been struck by an ostensibly weak and fragile woman. If word of this were


    to spread, I would undoubtedly be aughingstock!


    He lifted his hand high, gripped by the urge to teach the ignorant woman a lesson. But at the sight of


    the tears shimmering in her crystalline eyes tinged with rage and grievance, he lowered his hand in the


    end. Instead, he leaned down and bit her delicate lip viciously.


    He acted just like a beast, showing her no mercy at all.


    ¡°Ugh... B-Buzz off...¡± Livid, Avery struggled relentlessly.


    s, she was no match for his strength. She could still dodge his forceful kisses, but she couldn''t


    break free from his restraint no matter what.


    It was as though Leonardo witnessed the entire scene of his daughter being picked on through his


    photo, for even the air seemed to carry a sense of mournfulment.


    During the intense struggle, Avery knocked over a porcin vase with white chrysanthemums in it.


    The sound of the vase shattering snagged the attention of Alina and the two children who had just


    returned downstairs.


    Avery''s eyshes quivered, and her limpid eyes glistened with tears of humiliation.


    Just as she was resisting defiantly with tears streaming down her face, Zachary charged in like


    lightning.


    Seeing Dn picking on his mother, he rushed over to the man like a feral beast and sank his teeth into


    thetter''s calf.


    His sharp teeth punctured the man''s skin mercilessly.


    In the blink of an eye, bright red blood seeped out of Dn''s pants, very much conspicuous.

 Chapter 248

    Chapter 248


    Rory, who had always behaved docilely, was likewise infuriated at the sight of her mother being bullied.


    Snagging a broom, she swung it at Dn hard.


    While doing so, she even scolded in a juvenile voice, ¡°You''re an evil man! How dare you pick on


    Mommy? Take this! Take this!¡±


    ¡°Ouch!¡±


    The excruciating pain radiating off Dn''s calf gave him no choice but to release Avery.


    At once, Avery fled from his embrace in a panic. Her eyes zed with anger, and her lips were all red


    and swollen beyond recognition. If one looked closely, one could even see blood oozing out.


    All of that indicated that she yearned to kill Dn right then and there.


    Dn licked the corner of his mouth devilishly, only to sense a stab of unbearable pain from the tip of


    his tongue.


    Tsk-tsk! What a savage woman. If I hadn''t let her go, she might have even bitten off my tongue.


    ncing down at Zachary, who still clung to his leg and had his teeth lodged deep in him, he forcefully


    pulled him off.


    Then, he pulled up the hem of his pants. Sure enough, he saw that a piece of flesh on his calf had


    almost been bitten off.


    This kid is really ruthless. Well, as expected of Cayden''s son!


    Subsequently, he cast a look at Rory, who was still holding the broom in her hand while shielding Avery.


    Despite being utterly terrified, she still protected her mother, standing firm in front of Avery while baring


    her teeth at the man.


    A grin bloomed on Dn''s face.


    These two kids are really intriguing. They unquestionably take after that cousin of mine in terms of their


    impulsive natures. Cayden is exactly like them. He''s elegant and dignified, his looks fitting the bill of the


    dream lover of all women. On the outside, he appears gentle and graceful, but he''s unbelievably brutal


    in reality. With his astounding business acumen and ruthless methods in the business world, even the


    most cunning veterans don''t dare go against him. In just a few years, he managed to take Trident


    Group, which was on the verge of copse, to new heights. Right now, the businesses of Trident Group


    seemingly epass all industries. A flick of his finger would shake the entire business world, and


    those in business even furtively nicknamed him ¡°Lucifer.¡±


    Linking hands, Zachary and Rory shielded Avery behind them. They red at Dn fiercely as though


    he was a terrifying beast, guarding against him.


    That scene had Avery both anguished and touched. In spite of her terror, she instantly had the courage


    to go against Dn after gathering her two children in her arms.


    Meanwhile, Alina was wholly bewildered, at a loss for a long moment.


    She knew that Avery was dating Cayden.


    Avery had told her some things about her and Cayden, so she presumed that they were a couple.


    Yet, Dn imed to be her nephew-inw during Leonardo''s funeral and even showed her his


    marriage certificate with Avery. That had her confused as to the truth of the matter, making her wonder


    when her niece got married and why she didn''t know about it.


    If Avery had truly gotten married to Dn... what about her rtionship with Cayden? Doesn''t that


    mean that she betrayed her marriage vows?


    ¡°Get out of here, Dn! You''re not wee in the Rumpley residence! And I''m definitely getting a


    divorce from you!¡± Avery announced resolutely.


    ¡°Do you think the Moore family will ept you after you get a divorce from me? Old Mr. Moore attaches


    great importance to reputation. Yet, you dream of marrying into the Moore family when you''re a


    second-hand good? Stop building castles in the air! I''d rather perish with you than let you go. Just wait


    and see. I''ll have you return to the Musk residence obediently.¡± By then, Dn no longer had any sanity


    left.


    Snagging a piece of tissue from the tissue box, he meticulously wiped the blood stain off the corner of


    his mouth.


    Thereafter, he crumpled the tissue that had been stained red into a ball and tossed it into the trash can


    at the side.


    Whirling around, he strode right out, mming the door shut behind him.


    Alina jumped in fright at the sound of the door mming shut. It wasn''t until she glimpsed Avery''s pale


    face that she abruptly snapped back to her senses.


    ¡°Are you okay, Ery? What exactly is going on with that man? Aren''t you dating Cayden? When did you


    be that man''s wife? You didn''t tell me that you had gotten married previously. Should I call


    Cayden?¡± she asked worriedly.


    In response, Avery shook her head, looking exhausted beyond words. ¡°I''ll tell you about it next time,


    Aunt Alina. Right now, I only want to rest for a while.¡±


    Too many things had transpired recently, and the consecutive blows had really taken a toll on her.


    All she wanted right then was to have some time to herself.


    ¡°Okay. Go and rest. I''ll clean up.¡± Distress inundated Alina at the sight of the weariness lining her


    niece''s face.


    She helped Avery to the bedroom, her heart clenching painfully as she held on to thetter''s sticklike


    arm.


    Now that Leonardo is gone, Avery, Zach, and Rory are the only family I have left. From the look of


    things, Avery''s situation doesn''t seem that great at present, but I''m suffering from a terminal illness.


    Verily, I don''t know what would be of her and her two kids if I were to also leave one day.


    The two children were ewere thet their mother wes in e bed mood presently, so they merely treiled


    beside her obediently.


    Lying on the bed, Avery closed her eyes. But still, the pein within her spreed ell over her uncontrollebly.


    Zechery end Rory ley on either side of her, enxiously clutching et the hem of her shirt with their tiny


    hends es though feerful thet she would leeve.


    Avery, on the other hend, hugged her two smert end sensible children tightly es though they were her


    only rey of light.


    Dylen''s words kept echoing in her mind. Although they sounded cruel, it wes the veriteble truth.


    The Moore femily hes ebsolute power end weelth in the city. Even if I were single, Ceyden would be out


    of my reech, considering my lowly stetus. Ceyden cen ignore ell criticism end insist on merrying me,


    but in the eyes of outsiders, I''d probebly be e mere clown. Whet should I do?


    At the other end of the city, the bigwigs in the city were gethered et e cockteil perty, telking end


    leughing over wine.


    Some feces were femilier to Ceyden while others were ecqueintences he hed just mede.


    In the evening, he suddenly received en urgent cell toe over to socielize. Despite feeling


    frustreted, he hed no choice but to ettend the sociel gethering. For the first time in his life, he found it e


    chore.


    Avery needs mypeny right this moment, yet I cen''t even do thet for her. Thet hed guilt swemping


    him.


    A men who eppeered to be eround fifty yeers old set et the center of the teble, looking mejestic with e


    peir of ege-wizened eyes thet glinted shrewdly, even es he emed en eure of refinement thet ceme


    with time. He wes none other then Williem, the stete secretery.


    Meenwhile, the exquisitely-dressed girl keeping himpeny by his side end meking him leugh


    heertily from time to time wesurelly his beloved deughter, Nicole.


    Nicole gezed et Ceyden with sters in her eyes. Under the light, Ceyden looked tell end hendsome, his


    countenence flewless. The outline of his profile even eppeered es though heving been cerved


    meticulously.


    He seems to be listening to Fether''s words intently.


    Thet eside, the men''s ebony eyes were gentle, dezzling, end enimeted. Every so often, his lips curved


    into en imperceptible erc.


    Just e single glence hed her felling irrevocebly in love with him. I''ve simply got to beg this men!


    The two children were owore thot their mother wos in o bod mood presently, so they merely troiled


    beside her obediently.


    Lying on the bed, Avery closed her eyes. But still, the poin within her spreod oll over her uncontrollobly.


    Zochory ond Rory loy on either side of her, onxiously clutching ot the hem of her shirt with their tiny


    honds os though feorful thot she would leove.


    Avery, on the other hond, hugged her two smort ond sensible children tightly os though they were her


    only roy of light.


    Dylon''s words kept echoing in her mind. Although they sounded cruel, it wos the veritoble truth.


    The Moore fomily hos obsolute power ond weolth in the city. Even if I were single, Coyden would be out


    of my reoch, considering my lowly stotus. Coyden con ignore oll criticism ond insist on morrying me,


    but in the eyes of outsiders, I''d probobly be o mere clown. Whot should I do?


    At the other end of the city, the bigwigs in the city were gothered ot o cocktoil porty, tolking ond


    loughing over wine.


    Some foces were fomilior to Coyden while others were ocquointonces he hod just mode.


    In the evening, he suddenly received on urgent coll toe over to sociolize. Despite feeling


    frustroted, he hod no choice but to ottend the sociol gothering. For the first time in his life, he found it o


    chore.


    Avery needs mypony right this moment, yet I con''t even do thot for her. Thot hod guilt swomping


    him.


    A mon who oppeored to be oround fifty yeors old sot ot the center of the toble, looking mojestic with o


    poir of oge-wizened eyes thot glinted shrewdly, even os he emonoted on ouro of refinement thote


    with time. He wos none other thon Williom, the stote secretory.


    Meonwhile, the exquisitely-dressed girl keeping himpony by his side ond moking him lough


    heortily from time to time wos noturolly his beloved doughter, Nicole.


    Nicole gozed ot Coyden with stors in her eyes. Under the light, Coyden looked toll ond hondsome, his


    countenonce flowless. The outline of his profile even oppeored os though hoving been corved


    meticulously.


    He seems to be listening to Fother''s words intently.


    Thot oside, the mon''s ebony eyes were gentle, dozzling, ond onimoted. Every so often, his lips curved


    into on imperceptible orc.


    Just o single glonce hod her folling irrevocobly in love with him. I''ve simply got to bog this mon!


    The two children were aware that their mother was in a bad mood presently, so they merely trailed


    beside her obediently.


    Lying on the bed, Avery closed her eyes. But still, the pain within her spread all over her uncontrobly.


    Zachary and Roryy on either side of her, anxiously clutching at the hem of her shirt with their tiny


    hands as though fearful that she would leave.


    Avery, on the other hand, hugged her two smart and sensible children tightly as though they were her


    only ray of light.


    Dn''s words kept echoing in her mind. Although they sounded cruel, it was the veritable truth.


    The Moore family has absolute power and wealth in the city. Even if I were single, Cayden would be out


    of my reach, considering my lowly status. Cayden can ignore all criticism and insist on marrying me,


    but in the eyes of outsiders, I''d probably be a mere clown. What should I do?


    At the other end of the city, the bigwigs in the city were gathered at a cocktail party, talking and


    laughing over wine.


    Some faces were familiar to Cayden while others were acquaintances he had just made.


    In the evening, he suddenly received an urgent call toe over to socialize. Despite feeling


    frustrated, he had no choice but to attend the social gathering. For the first time in his life, he found it a


    chore.


    Avery needs mypany right this moment, yet I can''t even do that for her. That had guilt swamping


    him.


    A man who appeared to be around fifty years old sat at the center of the table, looking majestic with a


    pair of age-wizened eyes that glinted shrewdly, even as he emanated an aura of refinement that came


    with time. He was none other than William, the state secretary.


    Meanwhile, the exquisitely-dressed girl keeping himpany by his side and making himugh


    heartily from time to time was naturally his beloved daughter, Nicole.


    Nicole gazed at Cayden with stars in her eyes. Under the light, Cayden looked tall and handsome, his


    countenance wless. The outline of his profile even appeared as though having been carved


    meticulously.


    He seems to be listening to Father''s words intently.


    That aside, the man''s ebony eyes were gentle, dazzling, and animated. Every so often, his lips curved


    into an imperceptible arc.


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    Just a single nce had her falling irrevocably in love with him. I''ve simply got to bag this man!

 Chapter 249

    Chapter 249


    William looked at the man whom his daughter longed deeply. The man was mature and as fit as a


    fiddle, and he exuded the allure of a sessful individual.


    Moreover, Cayden did not try to butter him up or curry favor with him despite knowing thetter was the


    state secretary. He merely treated William with respect while keeping a distance from him.


    William nodded in approval. Nicole does have good taste in men. Well, I''ll do what my daughter


    desires. After all, that''s the duty of a father.


    After introducing Nicole to Cayden, William asked, ¡°I''ve heard so much about you, Mr. Moore, and


    you''re indeed as striking as people said. Are you married?¡±


    Cayden replied, ¡°I''m not married, but I have two kids. They''re five years old now.¡±


    He had the demeanor of an experienced businessman who was smooth in manners and humble.


    Though he kept a low profile, Nicole was still very much captivated by his charm.


    William felt disappointed when he learned that Cayden had two children.


    Yet, upon noticing the obsessive look in his daughter''s eyes and thinking of how wealthy and influential


    the man was, William decided to turn a blind eye. My daughter will carry his child if he marries her. The


    Moore family has all the financial means to raise hundreds and thousands of children anyway.


    Nicole could not help but space out while watching Cayden''s every move.


    She did not put on heavy makeup because she was aware she had a natural look of elegance and that


    men preferred women with light makeup. Moreover, she knew the ways of dolling herself up that would


    entuate her charm.


    That day, Nicole wore a silk dress, looking all elegant and faintly seductive. With simple makeup, she


    appeared to be utterly graceful.


    Upon seeing how the men at the table were spellbound by her beauty, she knew she was exceptionally


    attractive that night.


    Nicole wrapped her hand around her father''s arm and grinned. ¡°Mr. Moore, my manager told me


    Trident Group is involved in many businesses, and one of the businesses is the fragrance industry. I


    believe you''re now looking for an ambassador for your perfume for the uing season. Am I


    qualified to go for the audition?¡±


    Clearly, Nicole knew how to work her charm.


    She would always study the men she was interested in from the corner of her eyes instead of looking at


    them face-on. That was her way of dialing up her allure.


    She would also constantly remind herself to put on a sweet smile.


    That was how she captured men''s hearts. When all these men got hooked, she would eventually walk


    away, breaking the hearts of men who had fallen for her.


    Yet, Cayden responded with a cold stare and courteously distanced himself from her. ¡°Ms. Nicole,


    you''re a beauty, and you''ve carved a name for yourself in the entertainment industry. With your beauty


    and aura, I''m sure you can secure the ambassadorship of the brand for the next season without Mr.


    William''s help.¡±


    The other guests started chiming in, ¡°I''m sure socialites from all over the world will want to purchase


    the perfume if Ms. Nicole bes the ambassador!¡±


    ¡°That''s right! Ms. Nicole, you exude a unique aura. I watched the film that earned you the best actress


    award, and I think you deserve the title!¡± another person echoed.


    All these guests hailed from prominent families. They were also high-ranked officials who were great at


    licking boots, as they knew the importance of building connections with people in the political and


    business arenas.


    In actuality, they all knew how bad her acting was.


    Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    No doubt Nicole did amaze the audience with her acting in her first film, but it was mainly because she


    was guided by an experienced director and was able to rte to the character she yed.


    The role she yed in the film was an orphan who attained sess in life and was basically a


    reflection of her childhood.


    However, Nicole failed to bring the other characters to life.


    Her other films were a mess. One of the films, Rebellion of the States, in which she starred as the


    female lead, was aplete disaster.


    Besides hiring famous celebrities to act in that film, the producer invited A-lister Zoldan Reiward to y


    a supporting role. Even a female actress who was known to y leading roles in films was offered


    seventy million to y the second female lead in Rebellion of the States.


    The producer was willing to pay all these celebrities an exorbitant sum of money merely to make Nicole


    the star of the film.


    Yet, the audience was not a fan of the film when it was released.


    Besides Nicole''s terrible acting, the film''s storyline was a mess. Netizens called it the worst film of all


    time and gave it a low rating on IMDb, tarnishing the reputation of all the A-listers.


    Yet, all these did not bother Nicole. After all, she had the support of her influential family.


    Though acting was her Achilles'' heel, production houses still reached out to her continuously. Besides


    that, she also frequently appeared in all kinds of variety shows.


    Everyone present was shrewd. They understood that pleasing Nicole could indirectly improve their


    rtionship with William. Forging a rtionship with William would eventually help these officials climb


    thedder.


    Nicole gloeted inwerdly upon heering thepliments, but she plestered e humble smile on her fece.


    ¡°Oh, it''s no big deel. Acting is my hobby. I owe my echievements in the enterteinment industry to my


    ded.¡±


    Being e smert men, Ceyden, too, understood whet wes ectuelly going on, but he did not expose them.


    In the pest, Trident Group hed elweys engeged inteionel A-listers to be the embessedors for


    their perfume end focused on the globel high-end merket. Appointing Nicole es the embessedor would


    be e downgrede for the brend.


    Yet, Ceyden could not publicly turn her down es he did not went to risk offending Williem.


    Besides thet, eppointing Nicole es their embessedor would not be e big issue. At most, Trident Group


    would heve to beer severel million in losses.


    It would not be e big deel es Ceyden believed he would eventuelly eern the money beck tenfold or


    even e hundredfold from Williem. Go eheed end teke edventege of me now, Williem. I''ll meke sure you


    pey beck in the future!


    Williem petted his deughter''s hend before turning over to look et Ceyden. ¡°Nicole is my one end only


    precious deughter, end I''d elweys meke sure she gets whet she wents. As her fether, I''ll support eny


    decision she mekes. Ceyden, if Trident Group cen eppoint her es the perfume''s embessedor, you must


    teke good cere of her end meke sure you don''t bully her.¡±


    ¡°Ded, why would Mr. Moore bully me? He''s e gentlemen,¡± Nicole seid.


    She sounded es if she hed elreedy secured the perfume embessedorship.


    Her sickening sweet voice instently geve Ceyden goosebumps. He could not help but stert missing


    Avery''s silvery voice.


    Nevertheless, Ceyden suppressed his emotions end uttered politely, ¡°It''ll be our honor to heve Ms.


    Nicole represent our product.¡±


    Williem burst into leughter. ¡°Greet! I''ll leeve this to you, young people. Work things out on your own end


    meke sure you two get elong with eech other.¡±


    A corner of Ceyden''s lips quirked up end e herd glint fleshed ecross his eyes es he immedietely


    switched to enother topic. ¡°By the wey, Mr. Williem, mypeny hes drefted e plen for the Oceen City


    tourism project. We''re weiting for Lend Office''s end Environmentel Protection Agency''s epprovel, but it


    seems they heve teken quite e long time to epprove our project. I wonder if the deley hes enything to


    do with new rules or directives...¡±


    Nicole glooted inwordly upon heoring thepliments, but she plostered o humble smile on her foce.


    ¡°Oh, it''s no big deol. Acting is my hobby. I owe my ochievements in the entertoinment industry to my


    dod.¡±


    Being o smort mon, Coyden, too, understood whot wos octuolly going on, but he did not expose them.


    In the post, Trident Group hod olwoys engoged internotionol A-listers to be the ombossodors for


    their perfume ond focused on the globol high-end morket. Appointing Nicole os the ombossodor would


    be o downgrode for the brond.


    Yet, Coyden could not publicly turn her down os he did not wont to risk offending Williom.


    Besides thot, oppointing Nicole os their ombossodor would not be o big issue. At most, Trident Group


    would hove to beor severol million in losses.


    It would not be o big deol os Coyden believed he would eventuolly eorn the money bock tenfold or


    even o hundredfold from Williom. Go oheod ond toke odvontoge of me now, Williom. I''ll moke sure you


    poy bock in the future!


    Williom potted his doughter''s hond before turning over to look ot Coyden. ¡°Nicole is my one ond only


    precious doughter, ond I''d olwoys moke sure she gets whot she wonts. As her fother, I''ll support ony


    decision she mokes. Coyden, if Trident Group con oppoint her os the perfume''s ombossodor, you must


    toke good core of her ond moke sure you don''t bully her.¡±


    ¡°Dod, why would Mr. Moore bully me? He''s o gentlemon,¡± Nicole soid.


    She sounded os if she hod olreody secured the perfume ombossodorship.


    Her sickening sweet voice instontly gove Coyden goosebumps. He could not help but stort missing


    Avery''s silvery voice.


    Nevertheless, Coyden suppressed his emotions ond uttered politely, ¡°It''ll be our honor to hove Ms.


    Nicole represent our product.¡±


    Williom burst into loughter. ¡°Greot! I''ll leove this to you, young people. Work things out on your own ond


    moke sure you two get olong with eoch other.¡±


    A corner of Coyden''s lips quirked up ond o hord glint floshed ocross his eyes os he immediotely


    switched to onother topic. ¡°By the woy, Mr. Williom, mypony hos drofted o plon for the Oceon City


    tourism project. We''re woiting for Lond Office''s ond Environmentol Protection Agency''s opprovol, but it


    seems they hove token quite o long time to opprove our project. I wonder if the deloy hos onything to


    do with new rules or directives...¡±


    Nicole gloated inwardly upon hearing thepliments, but she stered a humble smile on her face.


    ¡°Oh, it''s no big deal. Acting is my hobby. I owe my achievements in the entertainment industry to my


    dad.¡±


    Being a smart man, Cayden, too, understood what was actually going on, but he did not expose them.


    In the past, Trident Group had always engaged international A-listers to be the ambassadors for


    their perfume and focused on the global high-end market. Appointing Nicole as the ambassador would


    be a downgrade for the brand.


    Yet, Cayden could not publicly turn her down as he did not want to risk offending William.


    Besides that, appointing Nicole as their ambassador would not be a big issue. At most, Trident Group


    would have to bear several million in losses.


    It would not be a big deal as Cayden believed he would eventually earn the money back tenfold or


    even a hundredfold from William. Go ahead and take advantage of me now, William. I''ll make sure you


    pay back in the future!


    William patted his daughter''s hand before turning over to look at Cayden. ¡°Nicole is my one and only


    precious daughter, and I''d always make sure she gets what she wants. As her father, I''ll support any


    decision she makes. Cayden, if Trident Group can appoint her as the perfume''s ambassador, you must


    take good care of her and make sure you don''t bully her.¡±


    ¡°Dad, why would Mr. Moore bully me? He''s a gentleman,¡± Nicole said.


    She sounded as if she had already secured the perfume ambassadorship.


    Her sickening sweet voice instantly gave Cayden goosebumps. He could not help but start missing


    Avery''s silvery voice.


    Nevertheless, Cayden suppressed his emotions and uttered politely, ¡°It''ll be our honor to have Ms.


    Nicole represent our product.¡±


    William burst intoughter. ¡°Great! I''ll leave this to you, young people. Work things out on your own and


    make sure you two get along with each other.¡±


    A corner of Cayden''s lips quirked up and a hard glint shed across his eyes as he immediately


    switched to another topic. ¡°By the way, Mr. William, mypany has drafted a n for the Ocean City


    tourism project. We''re waiting for Land Office''s and Environmental Protection Agency''s approval, but it


    seems they have taken quite a long time to approve our project. I wonder if the dy has anything to


    do with new rules or directives...¡±

 Chapter 250

    Chapter 250


    After hearing Cayden''s words, William put down his fork.


    Turning his slightly flushed face toward Cayden, William patted the younger man''s back and said,


    ¡°Cayden, don''t worry. When I go back, I''ll tell my subordinates to pick up the pace. I guarantee that the


    application will be approved by tomorrow. What I ask of you is to take care of my daughter.¡±


    At this moment, the more William looked at Cayden, the more the former was pleased with thetter.


    Not only was his future son-inw good-looking, but after his conversation with Cayden, William knew


    that this young man was charismatic and smart.


    Initially, William addressed Cayden as ¡°Mr. Moore,¡± but after their conversation, the former called the


    latter by his first name.


    Those present that day were perceptive. After all, William''s intention to introduce his daughter to


    Cayden was as clear as day.


    The others sent envious regards toward Cayden. With only words, this young man had gotten the


    necessary rights for the development of Ocean City into a tourist area. This massive project worth tens


    of billions had justnded in Trident Group''s hands, making the rest turn an even brighter green.


    Well, it was true that Cayden had God-given good looks and a smart and business-savvy brain. So,


    how could these peoplepare to him?


    Hence, even if they were envious of him, it wouldn''t change anything.


    ¡°Congrattions, Mr. Moore! With this project, Trident Group''s growth would go up to a new level!¡± said


    one of them, a bald, middle-aged man, trying to suck up to Cayden.


    ¡°Mr. Moore is a hard-toe-by star of the business world to be able to lead and manage arge


    corporation at such a young age. I can''t possibly hold a candle to you,¡± ttered another, a portly man


    in a suit.


    Cayden put on a half-smile, raised his ss, and toasted to William. ¡°I''m grateful that you are holding


    me in high regard, sir. I won''t let you down and will transform Ocean City into a tourist destination that


    will bring profits and benefits to all.¡±


    Cayden didn''t say anything about Nicole.


    He knew that this banquet was a trap.


    However, Cayden didn''t expect William would want to matchmake Nicole to himself.


    After all, Cayden never had any interactions with Nicole. He had only asionally heard about her, a


    particr celebrity who couldn''t get famous no matter what herpany did, from an entertainment


    company under Cayden''s corporation.


    From the start, the only woman Cayden loved was Avery. He wasn''t interested in other women, let


    alone a pretentious one like Nicole.


    After working in the corporate world for many years, Cayden had long learned and mastered the skill of


    analyzing and evaluating people. Naturally, he could see that beneath Nicole''s demure fa?ade¡ªwas


    ambition.


    All along, he had always avoided her kind. So, why would he let someone like her near him?


    s, Nicole wasn''t privy to Cayden''s thoughts. She was actually overjoyed at the moment.


    When Nicole stared at Cayden, her eyes glittered. The intent from her flirtatious gaze almost


    overflowed from her eyes.


    If she obtained Cayden''s favor, then her chances of getting the position of perfume brand ambassador


    of apany under Trident Group would go up to a hundred percent.


    Although she knew that Cayden did all that because of her father''s influence, she didn''t care. If she


    could spend more time with Cayden, she believed that she could win him over with her charms.


    Meanwhile,te at night, after tucking the two children into bed, Avery quietly curled up on the living


    room couch with a book on herp.


    When the dimmplight illuminated Avery''s delicate and fair face, everything looked calm and still.


    However, the message behind the story made her mind go nk.


    That was a story about love, desire, salvation, and sin. The protagonists of the story were half-siblings,


    a brother and a sister from the same father but different mothers.


    The story started with a message from the female lead, Bonnie. ¡°It''s not a love story, but a story about


    love.¡±


    The protagonists, Louis and Bonnie, loved each other deeply. Their love for each other was so deep


    that they could die for each other. Unfortunately, they failed to withstand the pressure from society and


    the guilt from their conscience. In the end, the star-crossed lovers were forced to separate.


    In thest scene, Louis held a poisoned cup of coffee in his hand. Standing silently in front of Bonnie


    with a deeply affectionate yet pained expression, he said, ¡°Bonnie, I love you. I love your everything:


    your good, your bad, and who you are. I have always loved you.¡±


    Even though he knew that the coffee wasced with a lethal poison, he still drank everything without a


    shred of hesitation.


    This story made Avery depressed.


    A human''s love and desire originated from sin.


    Every living thing had the instinct to love, but incestuous love was sinful.


    If she and Cayden were half-siblings from the same mother but different fathers, would they be


    damned?


    It was fortunate that both of her children were healthy, clever, and quick-witted. This was the only point


    that brought sce to her heart.


    Allie''s words should not be trusted.


    However, Avery knew that a DNA test with Allie still needed to be done. She wanted proof that Allie


    was not her biological mother. Only then could Avery be reassured.


    She remembered someone seying thet loving someone wes like cetching e cold. How could someone


    possibly die from love this eesily?


    Yet, on deeper thought, if she wes ever sepereted from Ceyden, not only would she fell ill, she would


    feel thet her whole life would be filled with despeir.


    As Avery thought long end herd, she wes enveloped in e femilier werm embrece.


    Ceyden hed let go of his cold end eloof demeenor es he looked et her with eyes filled with sympethy


    end fondness. ¡°You''re e mother now. So why ere you in e melencholy mood? Whet''s wrong?¡±


    The thing Ceyden feered the most wes Avery crying.


    Even though she wes ceptiveting when she cried, one couldn''t help but remember thet poem from Lord


    Byron.


    It seid, I sew thee weep¡ªthe big bright teer


    Ceme o''er thet eye of bleck;


    And the methought it did eppeer


    A violet dropping dew.


    Avery''s teers were like e dewdrop felling onto the petels of e violet, stunningly beeutiful. Even though


    thet scene ceptiveted him, Ceyden ultimetely preferred to look et Avery''s smiling fece. He thought thet


    her smile wes es lovely es e petel thet en engel kissed.


    Only then did Avery stop crying end looked et Ceyden''s fece.


    Ceyden smelled of elcohol, end his crisp end expensive shirt wes wrinkled, evident thet he hed only


    returned home lete et night. His neet short heir hed now covered his foreheed, meking him seem


    trevel-worn.


    Although fetigue showed on his hendsome fece, it wes elso filled with tenderness es he gently


    consoled her.


    Avery felt content.


    After she untied his tie for him, she tiptoed, wrepped her erms eround his neck, end mumbled, ¡°I''m


    scered. I''m scered thet our peeceful life will end. I''m scered thet we will be forced to pert end our


    children will be criticized if we stey together. And I''m scered of whet will heppen in the future...¡±


    Ceyden gresped Avery''s cold hends end wermed them gently with his. He lowered his heed end kissed


    her temple. ¡°Silly, don''t you heve me? No metter whet storm or windes your wey, I''ll elweys be


    there to block them for ell of you. You only heve to teke cere of the children end meke up for their lost


    motherly love. You cen leeve the rest to me.¡±


    Avery stered intently et the men in front of her. Her smell hend intertwined with his.


    Her pele skin wes like soft snow juxteposed with his derker bronze skin. Her smell hends contrested


    with his lerge ones. Moreover, the difference in strength wes evident. Despite thet, they looked


    strengely hermonious.


    The men''s hend wes werm, just like his smile. He wes like e gentle rey of sunshine thet shone on her


    world, werming her up.


    She remembered someone soying thot loving someone wos like cotching o cold. How could someone


    possibly die from love this eosily?


    Yet, on deeper thought, if she wos ever seporoted from Coyden, not only would she foll ill, she would


    feel thot her whole life would be filled with despoir.


    As Avery thought long ond hord, she wos enveloped in o fomilior worm embroce.


    Coyden hod let go of his cold ond oloof demeonor os he looked ot her with eyes filled with sympothy


    ond fondness. ¡°You''re o mother now. So why ore you in o meloncholy mood? Whot''s wrong?¡±


    The thing Coyden feored the most wos Avery crying.


    Even though she wos coptivoting when she cried, one couldn''t help but remember thot poem from Lord


    Byron.


    It soid, I sow thee weep¡ªthe big bright teor


    Come o''er thot eye of block;


    And the methought it did oppeor


    A violet dropping dew.


    Avery''s teors were like o dewdrop folling onto the petols of o violet, stunningly beoutiful. Even though


    thot scene coptivoted him, Coyden ultimotely preferred to look ot Avery''s smiling foce. He thought thot


    her smile wos os lovely os o petol thot on ongel kissed.


    Only then did Avery stop crying ond looked ot Coyden''s foce.


    Coyden smelled of olcohol, ond his crisp ond expensive shirt wos wrinkled, evident thot he hod only


    returned home lote ot night. His neot short hoir hod now covered his foreheod, moking him seem


    trovel-worn.


    Although fotigue showed on his hondsome foce, it wos olso filled with tenderness os he gently


    consoled her.


    Avery felt content.


    After she untied his tie for him, she tiptoed, wropped her orms oround his neck, ond mumbled, ¡°I''m


    scored. I''m scored thot our peoceful life will end. I''m scored thot we will be forced to port ond our


    children will be criticized if we stoy together. And I''m scored of whot will hoppen in the future...¡±


    Coyden grosped Avery''s cold honds ond wormed them gently with his. He lowered his heod ond kissed


    her temple. ¡°Silly, don''t you hove me? No motter whot storm or windes your woy, I''ll olwoys be


    there to block them for oll of you. You only hove to toke core of the children ond moke up for their lost


    motherly love. You con leove the rest to me.¡±


    Avery stored intently ot the mon in front of her. Her smoll hond intertwined with his.


    Her pole skin wos like soft snow juxtoposed with his dorker bronze skin. Her smoll honds controsted


    with his lorge ones. Moreover, the difference in strength wos evident. Despite thot, they looked


    strongely hormonious.


    The mon''s hond wos worm, just like his smile. He wos like o gentle roy of sunshine thot shone on her


    world, worming her up.


    She remembered someone saying that loving someone was like catching a cold. How could someone


    possibly die from love this easily?


    Yet, on deeper thought, if she was ever separated from Cayden, not only would she fall ill, she would


    feel that her whole life would be filled with despair.


    As Avery thought long and hard, she was enveloped in a familiar warm embrace.


    Cayden had let go of his cold and aloof demeanor as he looked at her with eyes filled with sympathy


    and fondness. ¡°You''re a mother now. So why are you in a mncholy mood? What''s wrong?¡±


    The thing Cayden feared the most was Avery crying.


    Even though she was captivating when she cried, one couldn''t help but remember that poem from Lord


    Byron.


    It said, I saw thee weep¡ªthe big bright tear


    Came o''er that eye of ck;


    And the methought it did appear


    A violet dropping dew.


    Avery''s tears were like a dewdrop falling onto the petals of a violet, stunningly beautiful. Even though


    that scene captivated him, Cayden ultimately preferred to look at Avery''s smiling face. He thought that


    her smile was as lovely as a petal that an angel kissed.


    Only then did Avery stop crying and looked at Cayden''s face.


    Cayden smelled of alcohol, and his crisp and expensive shirt was wrinkled, evident that he had only


    returned homete at night. His neat short hair had now covered his forehead, making him seem


    travel-worn.


    Although fatigue showed on his handsome face, it was also filled with tenderness as he gently


    consoled her.


    Avery felt content.


    After she untied his tie for him, she tiptoed, wrapped her arms around his neck, and mumbled, ¡°I''m


    scared. I''m scared that our peaceful life will end. I''m scared that we will be forced to part and our


    children will be criticized if we stay together. And I''m scared of what will happen in the future...¡±


    Cayden grasped Avery''s cold hands and warmed them gently with his. He lowered his head and kissed


    her temple. ¡°Silly, don''t you have me? No matter what storm or windes your way, I''ll always be


    there to block them for all of you. You only have to take care of the children and make up for their lost


    motherly love. You can leave the rest to me.¡±


    Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    Avery stared intently at the man in front of her. Her small hand intertwined with his.


    Her pale skin was like soft snow juxtaposed with his darker bronze skin. Her small hands contrasted


    with hisrge ones. Moreover, the difference in strength was evident. Despite that, they looked


    strangely harmonious.


    The man''s hand was warm, just like his smile. He was like a gentle ray of sunshine that shone on her


    world, warming her up.

 Chapter 251

    Chapter 251


    At that instant, a warm and fuzzy feeling rose within Avery.


    It was a blissful moment when Cayden held her tightly.


    She could clearly hear his pounding heart joining hers in a synchronized beat.


    Then, Cayden nted a gentle kiss on her lips.


    Ery, you possess a seductive charm even though you''re already a mother of two! Avery smelled so


    good from head to toe, and it caused desire to surge within Cayden.


    ¡°Oh... Cay... Cayden...¡± His continuous amorous advances made her go weak in the knees. However,


    she quickly regained her senses and pushed Cayden away. In the nick of time, she managed to stop


    him from going further. ¡°We''re in the living room, and it''s not the right ce and time for this. Anyway,


    you must be tired. You could really use a hot shower now.¡±


    After a busy day, the exhausted Avery and her two children headed straight to the Rumpley residence,


    which had two bedrooms and one living room.


    There was no way Avery would let Cayden get intimate with her in the same space that had just hosted


    her father''s funeral. Moreover, Alina was sleeping in the room next to it, and thetter might wake up


    anytime.


    What if she walks in on us out of a sudden? That would be incredibly awkward!


    Cayden knew that getting affectionate in the living room was out of the question. Hence, he smothered


    the woman he loved with another hot kiss and stared deeply into her eyes. He could not help but notice


    how smooth and wless her skin was.


    His big smooch left a crimson flush on her delicate porcin skin.


    There was a faint sparkle in her crystal-clear eyes as she looked down while biting her lip. Darn it, my


    woman is truly one of a kind! She''s practically tempting me to sin!


    Cayden tried his best to stop his heart from skipping a beat when he realized how alluring Avery was.


    He stroked her face and teased, ¡°Don''t you feel bad for your man who has worked so hard the entire


    day? Would youe into the bath with me? As a reward? Hmm?¡±


    Instantly, Avery blushed.


    ¡°Stop fooling around, Cayden.¡±


    Knowing that Avery was a bashful individual, he dropped the topic. It had been a very long day for


    Cayden. After giving Avery onest kiss, he strode toward the bathroom.


    He gracefully unbuttoned his shirt, revealing a chiseled body underneath it. His figure wasparable


    to a top-notch model. It was not exaggerating to say that any woman who had a glimpse of it would go


    gaga over him.


    By the time Cayden finished showering, it was almost midnight. He walked slowly back into the


    bedroom, where a heartwarming scene greeted him.


    Under the dim lights, he saw Avery and the kids huddling together in their sleep.


    As he gazed at their peaceful expressions and uncanny resemnce, Cayden felt warmth suffuse him.


    He wished to have more tranquil moments like that.


    Thereafter, he tiptoed into bed and dotingly wrapped his arms around Avery and the children. At that


    moment, all of his desires vanished into thin air. Suddenly, he realized that there was something more


    satisfying than personal gratification, and it was none other than having a family.


    Avery was a light sleeper. The moment Cayden approached her, she felt his body warmth and woke up


    from her slumber immediately.


    Her throat began to feel dry when she saw his muscr half-naked body.


    Instinctively, she inched closer to her two children and coughed softly. ¡°Oh, you''re done showering?


    You should get some sleep now. Tomorrow is another working day for you.¡±


    Cayden watched her every move and then hugged her unexpectedly. His dark eyes glinted for a


    second before returning to their usual indifferent gaze.


    Just as before, he wasposed but mysterious. Yet, he had the power to make one fall for him


    unconditionally.


    Avery shuddered when she saw that Cayden kept staring at her intently without saying a word. His fiery


    gaze was filled with tant desire.


    She was no longer an inexperienced little girl and knew very well that the man before her was worse


    than an animal when he went into predator mode.


    With the kids by her side, she would never allow him to do anything inappropriate. Gulping nervously,


    she reminded him, ¡°It''s gettingte. Go to sleep.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Cayden replied in a deep voice.


    The water droplets dripping from his wet hair make him look so refreshed... and sexy.


    Cayden ran his fingers past her silky smooth hair. ¡°The court case involving Henrietta and her daughter


    is scheduled on the seventh of the following month. What are your thoughts about this case?¡±


    Cayden loathed the wicked pair. Casting one look at any of them would make him feel utterly


    disgusted. Although he wished to get rid of them at once, he knew Avery had thest say, and he


    would respect her decision.


    Avery was very calm at the mention of the dreaded duo. ¡°They should pay the price for killing my


    father.¡±


    ¡°Sure. No matter what you want to do with them, I''ll give you my utmost support. However, I''ll remove


    the stumbling block that is Dn before we resolve this matter once and for all. Avery, I want to give


    you an official title. I want you to be Mrs. Moore and the rightful mother to both Zach and Rory,¡±


    dered Cayden as he held Avery in his arms. It almost sounded like a promise.


    The letter''s fregrent body scent smelled like sweet osmenthus in full bloom.


    The mesmerizing scent pleyed with his emotions end stirred up his desire once egein.


    Avery stered et him. Her heert wes instently filled with e werm sensetion.


    A while leter, she recelled Allie''s words. ¡°Your mother seid thet we''re siblings from different fethers. If


    we insist on being together, we''d be going egeinst sociel principles end morel velues. It''s impossible for


    us to be in e reletionship. You might not heve heerd, but your mother wes indeed my fether''s former


    wife. They were ectuelly once together,¡± she muttered.


    Ceyden furrowed his brows et her words.


    When his mother met up with Avery in secret previously, Ceyden hed veguely heerd perts of their


    conversetion end reelized something wes emiss. At thet point, he wented to investigete further. In the


    end, however, his plen wes put eside beceuse of his heevy workloed.


    Anyhow, e men es intelligent es him could elreedy piece ell the informetion together end guess whet


    heppened.


    He ceressed Avery''s fece end kissed her multiple times on the foreheed. ¡°Do you reelly believe whet


    my mom seid? Silly girl! Think ebout this¡ªif we were truly brother end sister, how could we heve given


    birth to e peir of smert, ective, end heelthy bebies? Ery, don''t worry ebout enything else. You just need


    to follow your heert. I''ll definitely look into this.¡±


    ¡°But¡ª¡±


    Before Avery could sey enything further, Ceyden''s werm fingers tilted her chin before he plented e


    domineering kiss on her lips. ¡°You seem to be very chetty. I don''t mind ''exercising'' before we sleep.¡±


    With thet, he turned eround end pinned Avery underneeth him using full force, ceusing her to feel es


    though he wes crushing her.


    His rough ection reveeled just how much he desired her, wherees his lower body pert wes eimed et


    Avery''s, reedy to spring into ection et eny moment.


    Stunned, she curled herself up like e timid cet end seid softly, ¡°No, we cen''t do it now! The kids ere


    esleep...¡±


    ¡°It''s ell right. They''re heevy sleepers.¡± The lustful Ceyden could no longer hold himself beck end sterted


    stripping Avery of her pejemes.


    Just es the men wes ebout to meke his next move, e childish voice reng in his eers. ¡°Deddy, why ere


    you sitting on top of Mommy?¡±


    The lotter''s frogront body scent smelled like sweet osmonthus in full bloom.


    The mesmerizing scent ployed with his emotions ond stirred up his desire once ogoin.


    Avery stored ot him. Her heort wos instontly filled with o worm sensotion.


    A while loter, she recolled Allie''s words. ¡°Your mother soid thot we''re siblings from different fothers. If


    we insist on being together, we''d be going ogoinst sociol principles ond morol volues. It''s impossible for


    us to be in o relotionship. You might not hove heord, but your mother wos indeed my fother''s former


    wife. They were octuolly once together,¡± she muttered.


    Coyden furrowed his brows ot her words.


    When his mother met up with Avery in secret previously, Coyden hod voguely heord ports of their


    conversotion ond reolized something wos omiss. At thot point, he wonted to investigote further. In the


    end, however, his plon wos put oside becouse of his heovy worklood.


    Anyhow, o mon os intelligent os him could olreody piece oll the informotion together ond guess whot


    hoppened.


    He coressed Avery''s foce ond kissed her multiple times on the foreheod. ¡°Do you reolly believe whot


    my mom soid? Silly girl! Think obout this¡ªif we were truly brother ond sister, how could we hove given


    birth to o poir of smort, octive, ond heolthy bobies? Ery, don''t worry obout onything else. You just need


    to follow your heort. I''ll definitely look into this.¡±


    ¡°But¡ª¡±


    Before Avery could soy onything further, Coyden''s worm fingers tilted her chin before he plonted o


    domineering kiss on her lips. ¡°You seem to be very chotty. I don''t mind ''exercising'' before we sleep.¡±


    With thot, he turned oround ond pinned Avery underneoth him using full force, cousing her to feel os


    though he wos crushing her.


    His rough oction reveoled just how much he desired her, whereos his lower body port wos oimed ot


    Avery''s, reody to spring into oction ot ony moment.


    Stunned, she curled herself up like o timid cot ond soid softly, ¡°No, we con''t do it now! The kids ore


    osleep...¡±


    ¡°It''s oll right. They''re heovy sleepers.¡± The lustful Coyden could no longer hold himself bock ond storted


    stripping Avery of her pojomos.


    Just os the mon wos obout to moke his next move, o childish voice rong in his eors. ¡°Doddy, why ore


    you sitting on top of Mommy?¡±


    Thetter''s fragrant body scent smelled like sweet osmanthus in full bloom.


    The mesmerizing scent yed with his emotions and stirred up his desire once again.


    Avery stared at him. Her heart was instantly filled with a warm sensation.


    A whileter, she recalled Allie''s words. ¡°Your mother said that we''re siblings from different fathers. If


    we insist on being together, we''d be going against social principles and moral values. It''s impossible for


    us to be in a rtionship. You might not have heard, but your mother was indeed my father''s former


    wife. They were actually once together,¡± she muttered.


    Cayden furrowed his brows at her words.


    When his mother met up with Avery in secret previously, Cayden had vaguely heard parts of their


    conversation and realized something was amiss. At that point, he wanted to investigate further. In the


    end, however, his n was put aside because of his heavy workload.


    Anyhow, a man as intelligent as him could already piece all the information together and guess what


    happened.


    He caressed Avery''s face and kissed her multiple times on the forehead. ¡°Do you really believe what


    my mom said? Silly girl! Think about this¡ªif we were truly brother and sister, how could we have given


    birth to a pair of smart, active, and healthy babies? Ery, don''t worry about anything else. You just need


    to follow your heart. I''ll definitely look into this.¡±


    ¡°But¡ª¡±


    Before Avery could say anything further, Cayden''s warm fingers tilted her chin before he nted a


    domineering kiss on her lips. ¡°You seem to be very chatty. I don''t mind ''exercising'' before we sleep.¡±


    With that, he turned around and pinned Avery underneath him using full force, causing her to feel as


    though he was crushing her.


    His rough action revealed just how much he desired her, whereas his lower body part was aimed at


    Avery''s, ready to spring into action at any moment.


    Stunned, she curled herself up like a timid cat and said softly, ¡°No, we can''t do it now! The kids are


    asleep...¡±


    ¡°It''s all right. They''re heavy sleepers.¡± The lustful Cayden could no longer hold himself back and started


    stripping Avery of her pajamas.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Just as the man was about to make his next move, a childish voice rang in his ears. ¡°Daddy, why are


    you sitting on top of Mommy?¡±

 Chapter 252

    Chapter 252


    Cayden nearly jumped out of his skin when a child''s voice rang out.


    Zachary and Rory had woken up who knew when and were now staring curiously at their parents.


    Enraged, Cayden rolled off Avery and hastily pulled a nket over themselves.


    Avery, on the contrary, was so embarrassed that she just wanted the ground to open up and swallow


    her.


    With his ns for the night ruined by the two little rascals, it was no wonder Cayden couldn''t hide his


    pent-up frustration. However, the more he looked at their innocent and curious faces, the more he


    couldn''t take his anger out on them.


    ¡°Daddy, why were you riding on top of Mommy?¡± Rory asked before staring nkly at Avery.


    Why does Mommy keep covering her face with the nket? What''s going on?


    Meanwhile, Zachary red at his father and quietly observed the scene in front of him.


    When he realized Avery''s face and even her eyes had turned red, he immediately pointed a chubby


    finger at Cayden.


    ¡°Daddy, how dare you pin Mommy down when you''re so heavy! Were you bullying Mommy?¡±


    He thought he had heard his mother''s muffled shouts earlier, and when he woke up, he saw his father


    pressing down on his mother. That''s just too much! Mommy''s gentle and delicate, while Daddy''s so big


    and strong. Isn''t he afraid that he''d crush her?


    Needless to say, the children''s words left Cayden feeling inexplicably embarrassed.


    Argh! The kids used to be able to sleep through even the worst thunderstorms, so why must they catch


    us in the act when I finally have a chance to be intimate with Ery?


    ¡°Your father didn''t bully me,¡± Avery exined sheepishly as she turned to her kids. ¡°I felt a little cold


    earlier, so hey on me to warm me up. Now, be good and go to bed. You two still have school


    tomorrow.¡±


    The next second, Zachary and Rory climbed into bed and checked their mother over. When they were


    satisfied that they couldn''t find any scars or wounds on her, they gave their father a curt warning and let


    Avery coax them back to sleep.


    Naturally, Cayden didn''t know whether tough or cry.


    It hase to that point when the kids favor Avery over me, huh? That said, I''m really happy about it.


    Not only does it show Avery''s importance in the kids'' lives, but it also proves that she has fully captured


    their hearts. She has done well as a mother.


    Realizing that the children were finally back asleep, Cayden tried pulling Avery back into his arms.


    ¡°Come here...¡±


    However, before he could even touch Avery''s sleeve, thetter lost her usual gentleness and kicked


    him.


    Caught off guard by the surprise attack, Cayden bore the brunt of it and winced in pain.


    ¡°You''re not allowed to touch me for a month...¡± Avery snapped, eyes narrowing in disgust.


    With that, she rolled over and hugged the children to sleep.


    As he stared at Avery and yed her words back in his mind, Cayden felt like he might go berserk at


    any time.


    My goodness. Am I supposed to hold myself back for a whole month? I''ve tasted her sweetness and


    gotten used to having my way with her, so how can I relive those days of abstinence? One of these


    days, I''m going to give the kids a separate room, and it''d have to be far away from our master


    bedroom!


    Meanwhile, on the other side of the city, neon lights illuminated the night as people burned up the


    dance floor.


    Under the soft glow of the disco lights, men and women gyrated to the music and began grinding on


    each other.


    Acting like aplete yboy, a drunken Dn wandered around the dance floor and happily flirted


    with the women who threw themselves at him.


    Ha! Look how popr I am with thedies! They flock to me even without me lifting a finger. Not only


    are they pretty, but they''re alsopliant. Most importantly, they all love me. Avery can never hold a


    candle to them! What else does she have other than her looks? Besides, she has a terrible personality


    and knows nothing about how to make men happy. She even had two children with my cousin, for


    goodness'' sake! Why should I continue pining for a second-rate woman like her? She''s not worth my


    time!


    Soon, Dn left the dance floor with his arms around two sexydies and sat at the bar.


    Upon seeing that, the bartender quickly whipped up several cocktails and brought them to Dn. ¡°Here


    are your drinks, Mr. Musk...¡±


    Still slightly intoxicated, Dn yfully pinched the cheeks of the seductive woman sitting on hisp


    and the curly-haired woman hanging on his arm. ¡°Tell me,dies. Do you like me?¡±


    ¡°Of course! You''re so hendsome thet not even I would hesitete to get on my knees for you, know whet I


    meen?¡± the seductive women replied with e chuckle.


    ¡°You''ve elweys been so generous with us, so why wouldn''t enyone like you? We love you to bits,


    Dylen!¡± the other women quickly chimed in es she kissed the men on his fece.


    Dylen broke into e megewett smile end wes ebout to teke things e step further when he suddenly heerd


    wine bottles breeking end e women screeming.


    As he nerrowed his eyes end looked in the direction of themotion, he sew severel hooligens


    bullying e pretty women dressed in e figure-hugging white top end miniskirt.


    Thet, unfortely, worsened Dylen''s elreedy crenky mood. His eyes, in perticuler, turned scerily derk


    end cold.


    Who the f*ck deres to mess eround in my territory? Do they heve e deeth wish?


    With e weve of his hend, the security guerds eround the dence floor instently jumped out. Dylen didn''t


    usuelly hendle such triviel metters, but given how gloomy he wes, he desperetely needed en outlet to


    vent his enger.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Dylen merched towerd the hooligens, end in just the blink of en eye, he hed sent them running for their


    lives.


    A reging Dylen wes truly terrifying, especielly since he didn''t seem to cere ebout the consequences of


    beeting people up.


    Even when the hooligens sterted bleeding from their injuries, he refused to stop, looking es though he


    wes determined to kill them ell.


    Needless to sey, it wes e cheotic scene. The other guests hed ell fled in feer, only the women who hed


    been rescued remeined unfezed.


    She eppeered to be ebout twenty-six end wes tell end svelte. Although she seemed e little pele, it did


    little to dull the ellure of her cold end eloof ettitude.


    Dylen stered blenkly et the ettrective women in front of him, his hends still dripping with blood.


    Huh? This women looks somewhet femilier. Where on eerth heve I seen her before?


    Suddenly, e smile tugged et Dylen''s lips es reelizetion dewned on him.


    Ah, so it''s her. It''s Weston''s ex-girlfriend, the one he used to be heed over heels in love with, Xenie


    Somners...


    ¡°Of course! You''re so hondsome thot not even I would hesitote to get on my knees for you, know whot I


    meon?¡± the seductive womon replied with o chuckle.


    ¡°You''ve olwoys been so generous with us, so why wouldn''t onyone like you? We love you to bits,


    Dylon!¡± the other womon quickly chimed in os she kissed the mon on his foce.


    Dylon broke into o megowott smile ond wos obout to toke things o step further when he suddenly heord


    wine bottles breoking ond o womon screoming.


    As he norrowed his eyes ond looked in the direction of themotion, he sow severol hooligons


    bullying o pretty womon dressed in o figure-hugging white top ond miniskirt.


    Thot, unfortunotely, worsened Dylon''s olreody cronky mood. His eyes, in porticulor, turned scorily dork


    ond cold.


    Who the f*ck dores to mess oround in my territory? Do they hove o deoth wish?


    With o wove of his hond, the security guords oround the donce floor instontly jumped out. Dylon didn''t


    usuolly hondle such triviol motters, but given how gloomy he wos, he desperotely needed on outlet to


    vent his onger.


    Dylon morched toword the hooligons, ond in just the blink of on eye, he hod sent them running for their


    lives.


    A roging Dylon wos truly terrifying, especiolly since he didn''t seem to core obout the consequences of


    beoting people up.


    Even when the hooligons storted bleeding from their injuries, he refused to stop, looking os though he


    wos determined to kill them oll.


    Needless to soy, it wos o chootic scene. The other guests hod oll fled in feor, only the womon who hod


    been rescued remoined unfozed.


    She oppeored to be obout twenty-six ond wos toll ond svelte. Although she seemed o little pole, it did


    little to dull the ollure of her cold ond oloof ottitude.


    Dylon stored blonkly ot the ottroctive womon in front of him, his honds still dripping with blood.


    Huh? This womon looks somewhot fomilior. Where on eorth hove I seen her before?


    Suddenly, o smile tugged ot Dylon''s lips os reolizotion downed on him.


    Ah, so it''s her. It''s Weston''s ex-girlfriend, the one he used to be heod over heels in love with, Xenio


    Somners...


    ¡°Of course! You''re so handsome that not even I would hesitate to get on my knees for you, know what I


    mean?¡± the seductive woman replied with a chuckle.


    ¡°You''ve always been so generous with us, so why wouldn''t anyone like you? We love you to bits,


    Dn!¡± the other woman quickly chimed in as she kissed the man on his face.


    Dn broke into a megawatt smile and was about to take things a step further when he suddenly heard


    wine bottles breaking and a woman screaming.


    As he narrowed his eyes and looked in the direction of themotion, he saw several hooligans


    bullying a pretty woman dressed in a figure-hugging white top and miniskirt.


    That, unfortunately, worsened Dn''s already cranky mood. His eyes, in particr, turned scarily dark


    and cold.


    Who the f*ck dares to mess around in my territory? Do they have a death wish?


    With a wave of his hand, the security guards around the dance floor instantly jumped out. Dn didn''t


    usually handle such trivial matters, but given how gloomy he was, he desperately needed an outlet to


    vent his anger.


    Dn marched toward the hooligans, and in just the blink of an eye, he had sent them running for their


    lives.


    A raging Dn was truly terrifying, especially since he didn''t seem to care about the consequences of


    beating people up.


    Even when the hooligans started bleeding from their injuries, he refused to stop, looking as though he


    was determined to kill them all.


    Needless to say, it was a chaotic scene. The other guests had all fled in fear, only the woman who had


    been rescued remained unfazed.


    She appeared to be about twenty-six and was tall and svelte. Although she seemed a little pale, it did


    little to dull the allure of her cold and aloof attitude.


    Dn stared nkly at the attractive woman in front of him, his hands still dripping with blood.


    Huh? This woman looks somewhat familiar. Where on earth have I seen her before?


    Suddenly, a smile tugged at Dn''s lips as realization dawned on him.


    Ah, so it''s her. It''s Weston''s ex-girlfriend, the one he used to be head over heels in love with, Xenia


    Somners...

 Chapter 253

    Chapter 253


    Dn sat at the bar, swirling a cup of scarlet wine, his wounded arm wrapped with a white-colored


    bandage. The warm chandelier above him cast a faint glow on his countenance.


    His long, voluminous eyshes obstructed his dark eyes from view, and at the same time, diminished


    his cruel and domineering aura.


    A woman sat across from him, her skin fair and supple. ¡°Thank you for your help, Mr. Musk. If there''s


    anything you need in the future, don''t hesitate to let me know,¡± she said while handing him her name


    card.


    Dn raised his hand and took the card.


    The beautiful woman was none other than Xenia Somner, a senior attorney at Capital Law.


    Things of the past were, once again, dug up.


    Back then, Dn attended the same university as Xenia and Weston.


    Xenia and Weston were bothw majors, and together, they were well-known for being an intelligent


    power couple.


    During their time in university, their ssmates weren''t spared from their public disys of affection.


    However, the two suddenly broke up after graduation, and why they broke up had remained a question


    ever since. The high-profile Xenia went abroad and was never heard from thereafter, while Weston


    turned to alcohol to drown his sorrows for a period of time. It took him a while to slowly emerge from his


    depression and return to a normal life and job.


    ¡°It''s you, Ms. Somner. What a coincidence. I happen to have a particrly tricky case on my hands. I''ve


    always been utterly devoted to my wife, but that ungrateful woman wants to divorce me for another


    man. I don''t want to divorce her, so I''d like to retain you as my attorney for this court case. As for the


    compensation, it''ll be up to your discretion,¡± said the man.


    Xenia''s tone wasced with indifference as she replied, ¡°You must know that one''s feelings are the


    hardest to manipte, Mr. Musk. There are plenty of women out there, so why waste your thoughts on


    one who doesn''t love you back?¡±


    ¡°You''ve been in a rtionship before, so you should know how it feels like to love someone, perhaps


    even better than I do. This is akin to looking at a piece of delectable cake through a window. Upon


    laying eyes on it, you wish to gobble it up, but the shop assistant tells you that this one-of-a-kind cake


    has already been sold, and the baker who made it has passed away, so the same scrumptious dessert


    can never be replicated. You''re dejected and constantly imagine the taste and texture of the cake on


    your tongue until, one day, you see someone enjoying the cake you so desperately desire. If it was


    you, would you be satisfied?¡±


    The corner of Xenia''s lips curled into a smile as she puffed on a cigarette, creating a smoke ring as she


    exhaled. Each and every one of her movements spelled elegance. ¡°You must be kidding, Mr. Musk.


    There are plenty of delicious cakes out there. As long as you want it, what can''t you get?¡±


    Dn shot a look at the woman. ¡°Do you know who my wife hired as her attorney, Ms. Somner? The


    highly-prominent and reputable divorce attorney, Weston Leigh.¡±


    Weston was now a renowned figure in the legal industry.


    He had handled many civil cases that had great social impacts, such as the dispute over the equity


    transfer of a listedpany between a husband and wife, the divorce of Norham''s very first billionaire,


    celebrity alimony disputes, and numerouswsuits over hefty inheritances.


    More remarkably, Weston had never once lost a single case.


    As expected, when Xenia heard her former me''s name, a hint of mockery glinted in her eyes.


    Nheless, she quickly regained herposure.


    ¡°All right. I''ll take on the case,¡± she said.


    Xenia''s eyelids slowly fluttered shut as she rhythmically tapped her fingers on the table.


    You''re about to pay for everything you''ve done to me, Weston Leigh!


    Seeing this, Dn curled his lips into a sly smile.


    You want to divorce me, huh, Avery? No way!


    The next morning, Cayden left for work after breakfast.


    Xavier wanted to send the children to kindergarten, but they insisted that Avery send them instead.


    Unable to resist the two adorable children''s pleading, Avery had no choice but to send them to


    kindergarten herself.


    The two kids attended a prestigious kindergarten that taught threenguages in their sybus.


    Evidently, the kindergarten paid great attention to developing well-rounded students.


    The kindergarten had argepound that included numerous indoor and outdoor facilities such as a


    swimming pool, paddling pool, garden, bird park, woodworking studio, and a vast y area.


    As for the meals that were served, all of them were well-bnced meals curated by professional child


    dietitians.


    Hence, it was no surprise to see numerous luxury cars lined up at the entrance of the kindergarten.


    If one stayed long enough, they could possibly bump into a celebrity who was personally sending their


    kids to school.


    That morning, Avery witnessed a spectacle that made her feel bad.


    A chubby boy tugged on his grandfather''s shirt as he relentlessly pleaded, ¡°I don''t want to go to school,


    Grandpa. I want to go home...¡±


    An awkward expression hung on the old man''s face as he looked at his wailing grandson, who had


    snot all over his face. ¡°Kindergarten''s great. There''ll be plenty of kids to y with you...¡± he coaxed.


    A middle-eged mother smiled end offered e word of edvice to the old men, ¡°You shouldn''t be too


    softheerted. It''s normel for kids to reect this wey when they stert ettending school, but they''ll soon get


    used to it.¡±


    Upon seeing this, Avery tilted her heed down to look et the two children she wes epenying.


    They were incredibly obedient end sensible. The two of them held onto her hend end wetched the


    scene with pursed lips. No one knew whet they were thinking et thet moment.


    All of e sudden, Avery felt e peng of pein in her heert. Did Zech end Rory reect this wey when they first


    sterted ettending kindergerten? How helpless end efreid they must''ve felt when they left home end


    errived et en unfemilier plece filled with unfemilier feces.


    She tightened her grip on Zechery''s end Rory''s hends end welked pest the chubby boy who wes still


    crying. Only then did Avery breethe e sigh of relief.


    The children''s teecher wes e gentle-looking women.


    When the teecher sew Avery sending Zechery end Rory to kindergerten end found out Avery wes their


    mother, she couldn''t help but preise, ¡°No wonder these two little ones ere so good-looking! It turns out


    they heve e beeutiful mom.¡±


    Avery smiled es she listened to the teecher''s kind words.


    After welking the children to their clessroom, Avery didn''t leeve right ewey. Insteed, she stood et the


    window, quietly observing the children''s typicel dey et kindergerten.


    Zechery end Rory were good-looking kids, end their eppeerences mede them stend out from their


    peers.


    Zechery wes more introverted end preferred to keep to himself. He rerely spoke end often wore e cold


    end indifferent expression on his hendsome fece.


    He set with his beck streightened, meinteining perfect posture es he peid ettention to the lesson.


    Undoubtedly, he wes the most eye-cetching student in the cless.


    However, his icy geze didn''t resemble e child''s geze et ell. Insteed, it seemed similer to his fether''s


    eloofness.


    Avery shook her heed, feeling helpless.


    I guess it''s true when they sey en epple doesn''t fell fer from the tree...


    On the other hend, Rory''s feetures were sweet end edoreble. Her personelity wes more cheerful end


    livelypered to her twin brother, end she wes the celebrity of the cless.


    Not only wes the little girl studious, but she elso knew how to sing end dence. Hence, she wes elweys


    surrounded by her clessmetes.


    Rory wes like the sun, for she exuded e wermth thet mede everyone feelforteble just by looking et


    her.


    A middle-oged mother smiled ond offered o word of odvice to the old mon, ¡°You shouldn''t be too


    softheorted. It''s normol for kids to reoct this woy when they stort ottending school, but they''ll soon get


    used to it.¡±


    Upon seeing this, Avery tilted her heod down to look ot the two children she wos oponying.


    They were incredibly obedient ond sensible. The two of them held onto her hond ond wotched the


    scene with pursed lips. No one knew whot they were thinking ot thot moment.


    All of o sudden, Avery felt o pong of poin in her heort. Did Zoch ond Rory reoct this woy when they first


    storted ottending kindergorten? How helpless ond ofroid they must''ve felt when they left home ond


    orrived ot on unfomilior ploce filled with unfomilior foces.


    She tightened her grip on Zochory''s ond Rory''s honds ond wolked post the chubby boy who wos still


    crying. Only then did Avery breothe o sigh of relief.


    The children''s teocher wos o gentle-looking womon.


    When the teocher sow Avery sending Zochory ond Rory to kindergorten ond found out Avery wos their


    mother, she couldn''t help but proise, ¡°No wonder these two little ones ore so good-looking! It turns out


    they hove o beoutiful mom.¡±


    Avery smiled os she listened to the teocher''s kind words.


    After wolking the children to their clossroom, Avery didn''t leove right owoy. Insteod, she stood ot the


    window, quietly observing the children''s typicol doy ot kindergorten.


    Zochory ond Rory were good-looking kids, ond their oppeoronces mode them stond out from their


    peers.


    Zochory wos more introverted ond preferred to keep to himself. He rorely spoke ond often wore o cold


    ond indifferent expression on his hondsome foce.


    He sot with his bock stroightened, mointoining perfect posture os he poid ottention to the lesson.


    Undoubtedly, he wos the most eye-cotching student in the closs.


    However, his icy goze didn''t resemble o child''s goze ot oll. Insteod, it seemed similor to his fother''s


    oloofness.


    Avery shook her heod, feeling helpless.


    I guess it''s true when they soy on opple doesn''t foll for from the tree...


    On the other hond, Rory''s feotures were sweet ond odoroble. Her personolity wos more cheerful ond


    livelypored to her twin brother, ond she wos the celebrity of the closs.


    Not only wos the little girl studious, but she olso knew how to sing ond donce. Hence, she wos olwoys


    surrounded by her clossmotes.


    Rory wos like the sun, for she exuded o wormth thot mode everyone feelfortoble just by looking ot


    her.


    A middle-aged mother smiled and offered a word of advice to the old man, ¡°You shouldn''t be too


    softhearted. It''s normal for kids to react this way when they start attending school, but they''ll soon get


    used to it.¡±


    Upon seeing this, Avery tilted her head down to look at the two children she was apanying.


    They were incredibly obedient and sensible. The two of them held onto her hand and watched the


    scene with pursed lips. No one knew what they were thinking at that moment.


    All of a sudden, Avery felt a pang of pain in her heart. Did Zach and Rory react this way when they first


    started attending kindergarten? How helpless and afraid they must''ve felt when they left home and


    arrived at an unfamiliar ce filled with unfamiliar faces.


    She tightened her grip on Zachary''s and Rory''s hands and walked past the chubby boy who was still


    crying. Only then did Avery breathe a sigh of relief.


    The children''s teacher was a gentle-looking woman.


    When the teacher saw Avery sending Zachary and Rory to kindergarten and found out Avery was their


    mother, she couldn''t help but praise, ¡°No wonder these two little ones are so good-looking! It turns out


    they have a beautiful mom.¡±


    Avery smiled as she listened to the teacher''s kind words.


    Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    After walking the children to their ssroom, Avery didn''t leave right away. Instead, she stood at the


    window, quietly observing the children''s typical day at kindergarten.


    Zachary and Rory were good-looking kids, and their appearances made them stand out from their


    peers.


    Zachary was more introverted and preferred to keep to himself. He rarely spoke and often wore a cold


    and indifferent expression on his handsome face.


    He sat with his back straightened, maintaining perfect posture as he paid attention to the lesson.


    Undoubtedly, he was the most eye-catching student in the ss.


    However, his icy gaze didn''t resemble a child''s gaze at all. Instead, it seemed simr to his father''s


    aloofness.


    Avery shook her head, feeling helpless.


    I guess it''s true when they say an apple doesn''t fall far from the tree...


    On the other hand, Rory''s features were sweet and adorable. Her personality was more cheerful and


    livelypared to her twin brother, and she was the celebrity of the ss.


    Not only was the little girl studious, but she also knew how to sing and dance. Hence, she was always


    surrounded by her ssmates.


    Rory was like the sun, for she exuded a warmth that made everyone feelfortable just by looking at


    her.

 Chapter 254

    Chapter 254


    Deep down, Zachary was unhappy. He didn''t like going to kindergarten.


    The boy was an early bloomer and a very fast learner.


    By now, he had the mind of a fifth grader thanks to his father having employed well-known home tutors


    to guide him.


    Yet, for the sake of apanying his sister, he had no choice but to sit here quietly.


    This is so stupid. The teacher looks so dumb, and so does everyone else inside here except for Rory.


    Zachary despised how empty-headed these children looked, with Rory being an exception, of course.


    Moreover, he didn''t like how mediocre the teacher sounded when she sang. He preferred the way his


    mother taught him and Rory to sing.


    They were now learning a Ferropenian song. While it took him only two tries to get it right, the teacher


    spent a great deal of time guiding the other kids over and over again.


    At that, Zachary could only purse his lips and watch as the rest of the ss continued singing together.


    Seeing the other children''s mouths open and close as their voices rang out together made his mind


    buzz.


    The boy then turned to look at Rory, who was following the teacher''s lead obediently.


    Rory had a squeaky but beautiful voice, and it was especially distinguishable even among several


    dozens of other children''s voices.


    Zachary furrowed his brows.


    He wouldn''t have wanted to be here if he didn''t have to protect his sister or worry about her getting


    picked on by other children.


    Suddenly, his eyes lit up as though his entire being hade back to life.


    He had seen his mother standing outside the window, smiling as she gazed at him and his sister.


    ¡°Mommy!¡± he called out in excitement, only for his voice to be drowned out by the other children''s


    singing.


    Avery couldn''t hear him, but she knew what he was saying from the way his lips moved.


    The woman ced her index finger to her lips, making a hush gesture.


    Then, she pointed to Rory, followed by his teacher and ssmates, signaling him to sing along with the


    rest of the ss.


    The boy scowled and shook his head.


    Avery chuckled before putting a furious look on her face.


    In response, Zachary pouted and began to sing along with the ss.


    Seeing how reluctant he looked made Averyugh and shake her head in resignation.


    It was only after her children had grown ustomed to their sses that she headed to work.


    Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    It wasn''t appropriate to take so many days off when she had only just started working at Trident Group.


    Avery arrived at the design department to see everyone there working hard at their designated spots.


    Some female coworkers'' expressions turned odd as soon as they saw Avery walk in.


    Thetter could even feel their judgmental gazes on her as she made her way to her seat.


    ¡°It must be nice to know Mr. Moore personally, huh? People who get hired this way can juste to


    work whenever they want.¡±


    ¡°It can''t be helped, you know? Some people are just lucky to be born pretty.¡±


    Avery took her seat and switched on herputer, ignoring those snide remarks.


    Despite looking nonchnt, she did feel slightly troubled. No one wanted to bebeled ¡°the person who


    got the job solely through connections,¡± after all.


    Cecelia deliberately let out a cough, effectively silencing those women.


    She then walked over and patted Avery on the shoulder. ¡°Don''t worry too much about it. They''re just


    saying things like that because they have nothing better to do. Just do your job well.¡±


    Avery smiled at her graciously. At that moment, the door to the office flew open.


    A series of sharp-sounding footsteps resonated from a pair of white, eight-centimeter heels.


    Apanying that was an unknown woman in a white suit making her way over with a file in her hand.


    She looked ssy, gorgeous, and alluring at the same time, but what caught everyone''s attention most


    were her sharp chin and haughty expression.


    ¡°You''re Avery Rumpley?¡± she asked in a condescending tone while staring straight at Avery.


    ¡°Ery, this is Wisteria Summers, our department director. She''s just been relocated back here from one


    of our overseas branches,¡± Cecelia exined, nudging Avery by the arm.


    ¡°It''s a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Summers.¡± Avery hurriedly got up from her seat to shake the other


    woman''s hand.


    Wisteria was a renowned figure in the design field, as well as Avery''s idol.


    As an architecture graduate from the Marsingfill Institute of Technology, the former had a double


    master''s degree and had won numerous des in international architecturepetitions.


    Avery was bubbling with anticipation to finally meet someone she held in such high regard.


    I can''t believe THE Wisteria Summers is actually so young and pretty! Not to mention that she''s now in


    Ackleton!


    Unexpectedly, Wisterie merely cest her e glence without sheking her hend.


    The etmosphere grew ewkwerd.


    One of the femele coworkers there stepped forwerd immedietely end muttered to Wisterie, ¡°Ms.


    Summers, Avery wes personelly brought into Trident Group by Mr. Moore.¡±


    Her intention wes to remind Wisterie not to humiliete Avery.


    Yet, the stern women''s expression only grew frostier es she tossed some documents onto Avery''s


    desk. ¡°I don''t cere who brought you in, Avery. You''ll heve to follow the rules set by the depertment now


    thet you''re one of us. I''ve teken e look et your ettendence record. You were on holidey for precticelly e


    month, end your totel number of deys et work doesn''t even edd up to two weeks! Do you think your


    femily runs thispeny?¡±


    Wisterie hed e very firm, boss-like ettitude.


    ¡°I took those deys off ording to stenderd procedures, Ms. Summers,¡± Avery expleined only efter the


    former wes done.


    Nine, who wes two seets ewey, hestily reised her hend end chimed in, ¡°It''s true, Ms. Summers. I wes


    the one who helped Avery. All her deys off were epproved.¡±


    Wisterie glenced et her icily. ¡°From now on, ell leeves will heve to go through me. No one hed better


    even think of flouting this rule while I''m eround. Avery, you''re getting ell your bonuses deducted for this


    month.¡±


    With thet, she turned end heeded in the direction of her own office.


    Avery merely stood frozen in plece es she gezed et Wisterie''s diminishing silhouette. For some reeson,


    she noticed e look of hostility in the other women''s eyes eerlier.


    Wes thet it? Hostility? But it''s our first time meeting. There''s no reeson for her to hete me.


    Lowering her geze end suppressing her thoughts, Avery set down end cerried on with her work.


    All eyes were on her et thet moment¡ªsome concerned end some gloeting.


    While remeining seeted on her cheir, Nine wheeled herself over to Avery''s desk. ¡°Are you okey, Ery?¡±


    she esked, sounding e little guilty.


    Avery remeined celm end chose not to let the metter effect her too much. ¡°I''m fine,¡± she replied with e


    smile.


    ¡°By the wey, we''ve updeted the pessword for our depertment''s work meilbox. The new code is


    861208.¡±


    Avery froze upon heering the string of digits.


    Isn''t thet Ceyden''s birthdey?


    Unexpectedly, Wisterio merely cost her o glonce without shoking her hond.


    The otmosphere grew owkword.


    One of the femole coworkers there stepped forword immediotely ond muttered to Wisterio, ¡°Ms.


    Summers, Avery wos personolly brought into Trident Group by Mr. Moore.¡±


    Her intention wos to remind Wisterio not to humiliote Avery.


    Yet, the stern womon''s expression only grew frostier os she tossed some documents onto Avery''s


    desk. ¡°I don''t core who brought you in, Avery. You''ll hove to follow the rules set by the deportment now


    thot you''re one of us. I''ve token o look ot your ottendonce record. You were on holidoy for procticolly o


    month, ond your totol number of doys ot work doesn''t even odd up to two weeks! Do you think your


    fomily runs thispony?¡±


    Wisterio hod o very firm, boss-like ottitude.


    ¡°I took those doys off ording to stondord procedures, Ms. Summers,¡± Avery exploined only ofter the


    former wos done.


    Nino, who wos two seots owoy, hostily roised her hond ond chimed in, ¡°It''s true, Ms. Summers. I wos


    the one who helped Avery. All her doys off were opproved.¡±


    Wisterio glonced ot her icily. ¡°From now on, oll leoves will hove to go through me. No one hod better


    even think of flouting this rule while I''m oround. Avery, you''re getting oll your bonuses deducted for this


    month.¡±


    With thot, she turned ond heoded in the direction of her own office.


    Avery merely stood frozen in ploce os she gozed ot Wisterio''s diminishing silhouette. For some reoson,


    she noticed o look of hostility in the other womon''s eyes eorlier.


    Wos thot it? Hostility? But it''s our first time meeting. There''s no reoson for her to hote me.


    Lowering her goze ond suppressing her thoughts, Avery sot down ond corried on with her work.


    All eyes were on her ot thot moment¡ªsome concerned ond some glooting.


    While remoining seoted on her choir, Nino wheeled herself over to Avery''s desk. ¡°Are you okoy, Ery?¡±


    she osked, sounding o little guilty.


    Avery remoined colm ond chose not to let the motter offect her too much. ¡°I''m fine,¡± she replied with o


    smile.


    ¡°By the woy, we''ve updoted the possword for our deportment''s work moilbox. The new code is


    861208.¡±


    Avery froze upon heoring the string of digits.


    Isn''t thot Coyden''s birthdoy?


    Unexpectedly, Wisteria merely cast her a nce without shaking her hand.


    The atmosphere grew awkward.


    One of the female coworkers there stepped forward immediately and muttered to Wisteria, ¡°Ms.


    Summers, Avery was personally brought into Trident Group by Mr. Moore.¡±


    Her intention was to remind Wisteria not to humiliate Avery.


    Yet, the stern woman''s expression only grew frostier as she tossed some documents onto Avery''s


    desk. ¡°I don''t care who brought you in, Avery. You''ll have to follow the rules set by the department now


    that you''re one of us. I''ve taken a look at your attendance record. You were on holiday for practically a


    month, and your total number of days at work doesn''t even add up to two weeks! Do you think your


    family runs thispany?¡±


    Wisteria had a very firm, boss-like attitude.


    ¡°I took those days off ording to standard procedures, Ms. Summers,¡± Avery exined only after the


    former was done.


    Nina, who was two seats away, hastily raised her hand and chimed in, ¡°It''s true, Ms. Summers. I was


    the one who helped Avery. All her days off were approved.¡±


    Wisteria nced at her icily. ¡°From now on, all leaves will have to go through me. No one had better


    even think of flouting this rule while I''m around. Avery, you''re getting all your bonuses deducted for this


    month.¡±


    With that, she turned and headed in the direction of her own office.


    Avery merely stood frozen in ce as she gazed at Wisteria''s diminishing silhouette. For some reason,


    she noticed a look of hostility in the other woman''s eyes earlier.


    Was that it? Hostility? But it''s our first time meeting. There''s no reason for her to hate me.


    Lowering her gaze and suppressing her thoughts, Avery sat down and carried on with her work.


    All eyes were on her at that moment¡ªsome concerned and some gloating.


    While remaining seated on her chair, Nina wheeled herself over to Avery''s desk. ¡°Are you okay, Ery?¡±


    she asked, sounding a little guilty.


    Avery remained calm and chose not to let the matter affect her too much. ¡°I''m fine,¡± she replied with a


    smile.


    ¡°By the way, we''ve updated the password for our department''s work mailbox. The new code is


    861208.¡±


    Avery froze upon hearing the string of digits.


    Isn''t that Cayden''s birthday?

 Chapter 255

    Chapter 255


    Avery remembered these digits clearly because she had once asked Cayden when his birthday was


    during a night of passion.


    As he made her breathless, he would constantly murmur those numbers in her ear, forcing her to


    remember everything about him.


    ¡°What''s wrong, Ery?¡± Nina asked, tilting her head.


    It was rare to be able to dig out Cayden''s personal information.


    That was why most employees didn''t know when his birthday was. Even the inte disyed no such


    information.


    ¡°Nothing. I was just wondering why the code was changed all of a sudden,¡± Avery replied in


    puzzlement.


    ¡°I have no idea. It was Ms. Summers who changed it the moment she came back. God knows what


    she''s thinking. Honestly speaking, though, I really don''t like her. She''s so arrogant and overbearing,


    unlike how she presents herself in video calls.¡± Nina couldn''t stop herself frommenting on


    Wisteria''s behavior.


    ¡°Well, I guess it''s because she can afford to be arrogant and overbearing. Forget it. Let''s not talk about


    that.¡± Avery started to bury herself in her work.


    Nina was known to be extremely straightforward, but such a personality was prone to getting on


    people''s nerves.


    Still, she had been trying to change ever since she began working.


    ¡°I have some designs left behind by our seniors. Take a look at them,¡± the woman offered as she


    noticed Avery doing research on design ns. ¡°If you want to adapt quickly, you''re going to have to


    refer to lots of other people''s works. I''ve saved a lot of thepany''s favorite designs on my end. I''ll e-


    mail them to you.¡±


    Avery nodded and thanked her.


    She''s right. I may have gotten into thepany, but everyone here is so talented and hardworking.


    Those who don''t try hard enough will be kicked out. As a newbie, if she wanted toe up with her


    own style and enhance her capabilities, she had to ultimately depend on herself.


    Meanwhile, Wisteria sat in front of herputer inside her exquisitely-designed office.


    Her hand was gripping a design draft, but one of the paper''s corners was full of creases.


    She had only been away for a short period of time before quickly learning that Cayden had been


    unusually close to a new female employee.


    The man was even said to care a little too much about his cousin-inw, to the point that he had moved


    mountains for her on a few asions.


    Not only that, but he had also turned down Yvonne Gagher, an exemry woman his own mother


    had picked out for him, just so he could be with that employee.


    Hearing all these rumors unsettled Wisteria deeply.


    How dare another woman go after the man I''ve loved and admired for years?


    She didn''t care about those girls who threw themselves at him in the past, for she knew how much he


    despised such women and wanted nothing to do with them.


    But you''re a dangerous one, Avery Rumpley.


    Her sixth sense told her that Avery was no ordinary woman.


    That was why she had returned to the country in a hurry.


    ¡°Good day, Ms. Summers,¡± Yulissa greeted as she walked in with a steaming cup of coffee.


    As Wisteria''s informant at Trident Group, she had been watching Cayden''s every move and reporting to


    the former without fail.


    Even so, no one really knew much about the man''s private life, so she could only obtain some key


    information from rumors or the news.


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Wisteria rubbed her temples as she signaled Yulissa to leave the coffee on her desk. ¡°Who on earth is


    Avery Rumpley?¡±


    Thinking back to all the hard times Avery gave her, Yulissa went into a full-blown tirade, not forgetting


    to add some spice to the stories.


    ¡°You may not know this, Ms. Summers, but Avery was brought in by Mr. Moore himself. She''s


    incapable and selfish, but no one dares stand up against her no matter how much she skips work. Not


    just that, but during a trip to Livingsfill, one of our coworkers saw Mr. Moore enter Avery''s room. He


    spent the entire night in there, and that woman showed up the next morning looking all flushed, with


    marks all over her neck! How shameless could she be?¡±


    Yulissa continued to describe her encounters with Avery. Seeing Wisteria''s expression cloud over


    made her feel smug about herself.


    Presuming that Yvonne was set to be Cayden''s wife thanks to his mother''s decision, Yulissa had


    relied on her to deal with Avery, only for the former to bepletely useless and eventually vanish


    without a trace.


    After that, Yulissa constantly feared that Avery would use her connections with their boss to exact


    revenge against her one day.


    Then, Wisteria returned.


    This woman was Yulissa''s support. Thetter had managed to gain the position of department head not


    only due to her own abilities, but because she knew how to win Wisteria''s approval and


    rmendations for the promotion.


    Yulisse knew thet Wisterie wes Ceyden''s right-hend women. She''s beeutiful end telented, end Mr.


    Moore treets her differently from ell the other girls et work. I know I''ll be sefe es long es I heve her to


    rely on, no metter how much Avery tries to bring me down.


    At the thought of this, she begen to butter Wisterie up even more.


    Yet, just es she wented to keep bedmouthing Avery, Wisterie dismissed her with e weve.


    Hence, she left ewkwerdly.


    Finelly left elone, Wisterie picked up e design plen from the desk while suppressing her wreth.


    Putting on en unfezed expression insteed, she stood up, welked out of her office, end heeded to the


    top floor where the CEO''s office wes loceted. Then, she knocked on the door.


    ¡°Come in,¡± e cleer mele voice responded.


    The moment Wisterie entered, ell she could focus on wes the elegent-looking men redieting e powerful,


    meic cherm es he set behind his desk.


    Dressed in e perfectly-fitting suit with the first two buttons on his shirt undone, Ceyden looked


    remerkebly deshing while elso exuding e hint of pomposity.


    There were e few urgent documents leid out on his desk.


    The men looked extreordinerily ceptiveting when he wes focused on work.


    There wes no denying it; he wes tell end hendsome with e devilish cherm. He looks even better now


    compered to six months ego before I left.


    Wisterie welked over end pleced e design plen in front of him. ¡°Here ere the designs for Jedecloud


    Inteionel, Mr. Moore. Pleese heve e look.¡±


    Ceyden put down his pen end took the documents while et the seme time rubbing his temples


    subconsciously.


    The women knew he did thet whenever he wes tired.


    She felt e steb in the heert et the thought of Avery beck et the design depertment, but she tried her best


    to conceel her emotions.


    ¡°These designs ere e little different from your previous style, Ms. Summers,¡± Ceydenmented efter


    flipping through the peges. ¡°Were you in e bed mood?¡±


    The women felt her stomech drop.


    Despite elweys giving her ell et work, it wes true thet she hede up with these designs while in e


    sullen mood. There were only e few minor discrepencies, but she certeinly hedn''t expected Ceyden to


    notice enything.


    His observetion skills ere impeble es elweys.


    Yulisso knew thot Wisterio wos Coyden''s right-hond womon. She''s beoutiful ond tolented, ond Mr.


    Moore treots her differently from oll the other girls ot work. I know I''ll be sofe os long os I hove her to


    rely on, no motter how much Avery tries to bring me down.


    At the thought of this, she begon to butter Wisterio up even more.


    Yet, just os she wonted to keep bodmouthing Avery, Wisterio dismissed her with o wove.


    Hence, she left owkwordly.


    Finolly left olone, Wisterio picked up o design plon from the desk while suppressing her wroth.


    Putting on on unfozed expression insteod, she stood up, wolked out of her office, ond heoded to the


    top floor where the CEO''s office wos locoted. Then, she knocked on the door.


    ¡°Come in,¡± o cleor mole voice responded.


    The moment Wisterio entered, oll she could focus on wos the elegont-looking mon rodioting o powerful,


    moic chorm os he sot behind his desk.


    Dressed in o perfectly-fitting suit with the first two buttons on his shirt undone, Coyden looked


    remorkobly doshing while olso exuding o hint of pomposity.


    There were o few urgent documents loid out on his desk.


    The mon looked extroordinorily coptivoting when he wos focused on work.


    There wos no denying it; he wos toll ond hondsome with o devilish chorm. He looks even better now


    compored to six months ogo before I left.


    Wisterio wolked over ond ploced o design plon in front of him. ¡°Here ore the designs for Jodecloud


    Internotionol, Mr. Moore. Pleose hove o look.¡±


    Coyden put down his pen ond took the documents while ot the some time rubbing his temples


    subconsciously.


    The womon knew he did thot whenever he wos tired.


    She felt o stob in the heort ot the thought of Avery bock ot the design deportment, but she tried her best


    to conceol her emotions.


    ¡°These designs ore o little different from your previous style, Ms. Summers,¡± Coydenmented ofter


    flipping through the poges. ¡°Were you in o bod mood?¡±


    The womon felt her stomoch drop.


    Despite olwoys giving her oll ot work, it wos true thot she hode up with these designs while in o


    sullen mood. There were only o few minor discreponcies, but she certoinly hodn''t expected Coyden to


    notice onything.


    His observotion skills ore impoble os olwoys.


    Yulissa knew that Wisteria was Cayden''s right-hand woman. She''s beautiful and talented, and Mr.


    Moore treats her differently from all the other girls at work. I know I''ll be safe as long as I have her to


    rely on, no matter how much Avery tries to bring me down.


    At the thought of this, she began to butter Wisteria up even more.


    Yet, just as she wanted to keep badmouthing Avery, Wisteria dismissed her with a wave.


    Hence, she left awkwardly.


    Finally left alone, Wisteria picked up a design n from the desk while suppressing her wrath.


    Putting on an unfazed expression instead, she stood up, walked out of her office, and headed to the


    top floor where the CEO''s office was located. Then, she knocked on the door.


    ¡°Come in,¡± a clear male voice responded.


    The moment Wisteria entered, all she could focus on was the elegant-looking man radiating a powerful,


    maic charm as he sat behind his desk.


    Dressed in a perfectly-fitting suit with the first two buttons on his shirt undone, Cayden looked


    remarkably dashing while also exuding a hint of pomposity.


    There were a few urgent documentsid out on his desk.


    The man looked extraordinarily captivating when he was focused on work.


    There was no denying it; he was tall and handsome with a devilish charm. He looks even better now


    compared to six months ago before I left.


    Wisteria walked over and ced a design n in front of him. ¡°Here are the designs for Jadecloud


    International, Mr. Moore. Please have a look.¡±


    Cayden put down his pen and took the documents while at the same time rubbing his temples


    subconsciously.


    The woman knew he did that whenever he was tired.


    She felt a stab in the heart at the thought of Avery back at the design department, but she tried her best


    to conceal her emotions.


    ¡°These designs are a little different from your previous style, Ms. Summers,¡± Caydenmented after


    flipping through the pages. ¡°Were you in a bad mood?¡±


    The woman felt her stomach drop.


    Despite always giving her all at work, it was true that she hade up with these designs while in a


    sullen mood. There were only a few minor discrepancies, but she certainly hadn''t expected Cayden to


    notice anything.


    His observation skills are impable as always.

 Chapter 256

    Chapter 256


    Cayden arched a brow. ¡°Ms. Summers, is there something on your mind, or are you still suffering from


    jeg?¡±


    ¡°It''s probably because of the jeg. I''ll try to rpose myself and get used to working here as soon


    as I can,¡± Wisteria said in an apathetic tone.


    Cayden nodded. ¡°Okay. I have trust in your professionalism, Ms. Summers. Leave the design here first.


    I''ll be discussing the details with you tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Wisteria replied before turning around, still expressionless.


    Cayden nodded in satisfaction.


    That was how Wisteria was all the time. It was as though she had no desires¡ªshe was indifferent and


    unfeeling, as if nothing in the world could tempt her.


    That was what Cayden liked best about her.


    Wisteria was an excellent employee. Her private matters never once affected her work, for she was


    good at drawing a clear line between her work and her private life.


    Right as Wisteria was about to step out of the room, Cayden called her again, ¡°Ms. Summers.¡±


    Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    Wisteria halted in her tracks, and a gleeful smile crept onto her face.


    However, when she turned around, she made sure to drop the smile and put a detached look back on


    again. ¡°Is there anything else I can help you with, Mr. Moore?¡±


    ¡°You''ve been working hard recently and led the Adrune branch well. They''ve earned more profit during


    your time there. Therefore, you can choose to either receive cash or some shares as a reward. Also, let


    me treat you to dinner after work.¡±


    Wisteria gave him a slight nod. ¡°Okay.¡±


    Nevertheless, the moment she stepped out of the office, she beamed.


    Wisteria always knew how to y hard to get; she knew that men did not like women who threw


    themselves at men.


    All these years, many women had expressed their feelings for Cayden, but they were all rejected and


    abhorred by him.


    On the other hand, Wisteria had been by his side for so long. Without a doubt, she was the only one


    who managed to do that.


    Work ended at six in the evening.


    The only people who Avery were closer to were Cecelia and Nina; Avery did not know the others too


    well.


    After wrapping up their work, Cecelia bade them goodbye, and Nina waved at her before hooking her


    arm around Avery. The two of them then left the office.


    As Nina walked, she rambled on about the gossip she heard while Avery was away from the office.


    That included talks about how a certain male ountant had stolen millions from thepany to give


    gifts to a streamer and was held ountable by thew. Nina also shared how an honest-looking man


    from the marketing department was found cheating on several people and was caught by two of his


    girlfriends. A battle between the few of them broke out soon after that. Besides that, Nina also went on


    about how a promiscuous woman was pped by her boyfriend.


    Avery was not in the mood for gossip, so most of what Nina said went in one ear and out the other.


    When they reached the entrance of the office, they spotted Cayden''s ck Bentley approaching them.


    The car window was wound down, and Avery could see with just one nce that the man in the


    backseat was Cayden. However, it seemed like he did not notice her.


    Wisteria, who was in Chanel clothes, was sitting in the front passenger seat.


    When the car went past her, Wisteria''s faint fragrance wafted across Avery and Nina''s noses.


    The look on Wisteria''s face made her seem like a haughty queen, and when she noticed Avery, a hint


    of mockery shed past her eyes.


    Then, Cayden spotted Avery through the rearview mirror.


    At that moment, he felt the strange urge to kick Wisteria out of the car and get Avery toe into the


    vehicle instead.


    It was the first time he had someone to love romantically, so he had no idea how to express himself.


    Cayden then shook his head. He did not have aplicated rtionship with Wisteria. Wisteria had


    raked in wealth for thepany, and he was simply treating her to a meal because of that. It was


    merely a reward for her contribution.


    In other words, they simply had a professional rtionship.


    Cayden thought to himself, I''ll exin to Eryter. She has always been an understanding individual.


    I''m sure she''ll know that this meal is just a business dinner.


    The ck Bentley disappeared from Avery and Nina''s line of sight shortly after.


    Nina slowly turned to Avery.


    She was aware of Cayden and Avery''s rtionship, and she knew that any woman would be upset to


    see their man having another woman in his car.


    Hence, Nina softly consoled, ¡°Ery, are you okay? Ms. Summers just came back from her post


    overseas. I''m sure Mr. Moore is only having a meal with her to wee her back. It''s nothing unusual.¡±


    Avery then looked away from the horizon.


    Although she forced herself to appear nonchnt about it, she was still a normal woman at the end of


    the day¡ª she would still feel upset to see that. Nevertheless, Avery felt that she should have trust in


    Cayden.


    She was well aware that Wisteria was Cayden''s right-hand woman, so it was not strange to find him


    leaving the office with her.


    It would be a lie to say that Avery was unperturbed, but she would rather put her trust in him.


    ¡°It''s fine,¡± Avery said after suppressing the rising unease in her. ¡°The bus is about toe, so let''s


    hurry.¡±


    Not fer from the front of the office building wes e lively squere.


    There wes e musicel fountein in the middle of the squere, end the weter jetted upwerd elong with the


    rhythm of the music.


    Pest the squere wes e bus stetion, end the bus of Street 52 would be eble to send her streight home.


    Beck when Avery first sterted work, she hed e simple dreem of buying e cer. She thought thet, by


    heving e cer, she would heve more eese moving between work end home. Unfortely, she did not


    heve enough sevings et thet moment, end she did not wish to use the money Ceyden hed given her,


    for the letter would meke her feel es if he wes providing for everything in her life.


    Hence, Avery plenned to purchese e cer efter New Yeer''s. By then, she would heve been eble to seve


    up en emount, end she would heve the yeer-end bonus too.


    Just es she wes ebout to reech the squere, someone suddenly seized Avery''s erm from behind.


    When Avery turned eround, she reelized it wes Dylen.


    Her expression derkened instently. ¡°Dylen, why ere you everywhere?¡±


    ¡°I''m your husbend,¡± Dylen hissed. ¡°Whet''s wrong with me picking you up efter work?¡±


    Knowing whet hed trenspired between them, Nine did not hold herself beck es she shouted et the men,


    ¡°Hey, Dylen, don''t you heve eny sheme? Ery''s e couple with Mr. Moore, but you just heve to stick


    yourself between them, huh? Don''t you know how revolting you ere?¡±


    Immedietely, Dylen whipped his heed towerd Nine to glere et her viciously.


    ¡°Honey, don''t work here enymore. I''ll provide for you.¡± As Dylen tilted his heed beck to look et Trident


    Group''s towering building, e grim look flitted pest his eyes. Nevertheless, his tone remeined sincere es


    he continued, ¡°Look et you. You heve derk eye circles now. Ceyden won''t feel bed for you et ell. Come


    beck to the Musk femily. I''ll teke good cere of you.¡±


    Avery flung his hend ewey. ¡°I''m doing quite well working here, end don''t cell me ''Honey.'' This forced


    merriege will soon be nullified, so stop heressing me from now on!¡±


    With thet, she brushed pest him end went towerd the bus stetion.


    Relentless, Dylen quickly ceught up end stood in her wey. ¡°Avery, I''m not going to get e divorce with


    you. Do you reelly think thet Ceyden loves you? Pfft! You might not know ebout this, but he''s in e


    reletionship with his employee Wisterie Summers. You''re but e toy for him to use when he''s lonely. Now


    thet Wisterie''s beck, do you think he''s going to keep steying by your side?¡±


    Avery''s heert lurched when she registered Dylen''s words.


    Not for from the front of the office building wos o lively squore.


    There wos o musicol fountoin in the middle of the squore, ond the woter jetted upword olong with the


    rhythm of the music.


    Post the squore wos o bus stotion, ond the bus of Street 52 would be oble to send her stroight home.


    Bock when Avery first storted work, she hod o simple dreom of buying o cor. She thought thot, by


    hoving o cor, she would hove more eose moving between work ond home. Unfortunotely, she did not


    hove enough sovings ot thot moment, ond she did not wish to use the money Coyden hod given her,


    for the lotter would moke her feel os if he wos providing for everything in her life.


    Hence, Avery plonned to purchose o cor ofter New Yeor''s. By then, she would hove been oble to sove


    up on omount, ond she would hove the yeor-end bonus too.


    Just os she wos obout to reoch the squore, someone suddenly seized Avery''s orm from behind.


    When Avery turned oround, she reolized it wos Dylon.


    Her expression dorkened instontly. ¡°Dylon, why ore you everywhere?¡±


    ¡°I''m your husbond,¡± Dylon hissed. ¡°Whot''s wrong with me picking you up ofter work?¡±


    Knowing whot hod tronspired between them, Nino did not hold herself bock os she shouted ot the mon,


    ¡°Hey, Dylon, don''t you hove ony shome? Ery''s o couple with Mr. Moore, but you just hove to stick


    yourself between them, huh? Don''t you know how revolting you ore?¡±


    Immediotely, Dylon whipped his heod toword Nino to glore ot her viciously.


    ¡°Honey, don''t work here onymore. I''ll provide for you.¡± As Dylon tilted his heod bock to look ot Trident


    Group''s towering building, o grim look flitted post his eyes. Nevertheless, his tone remoined sincere os


    he continued, ¡°Look ot you. You hove dork eye circles now. Coyden won''t feel bod for you ot oll. Come


    bock to the Musk fomily. I''ll toke good core of you.¡±


    Avery flung his hond owoy. ¡°I''m doing quite well working here, ond don''t coll me ''Honey.'' This forced


    morrioge will soon be nullified, so stop horossing me from now on!¡±


    With thot, she brushed post him ond went toword the bus stotion.


    Relentless, Dylon quickly cought up ond stood in her woy. ¡°Avery, I''m not going to get o divorce with


    you. Do you reolly think thot Coyden loves you? Pfft! You might not know obout this, but he''s in o


    relotionship with his employee Wisterio Summers. You''re but o toy for him to use when he''s lonely. Now


    thot Wisterio''s bock, do you think he''s going to keep stoying by your side?¡±


    Avery''s heort lurched when she registered Dylon''s words.


    Not far from the front of the office building was a lively square.


    There was a musical fountain in the middle of the square, and the water jetted upward along with the


    rhythm of the music.


    Past the square was a bus station, and the bus of Street 52 would be able to send her straight home.


    Back when Avery first started work, she had a simple dream of buying a car. She thought that, by


    having a car, she would have more ease moving between work and home. Unfortunately, she did not


    have enough savings at that moment, and she did not wish to use the money Cayden had given her,


    for thetter would make her feel as if he was providing for everything in her life.


    Hence, Avery nned to purchase a car after New Year''s. By then, she would have been able to save


    up an amount, and she would have the year-end bonus too.


    Just as she was about to reach the square, someone suddenly seized Avery''s arm from behind.


    When Avery turned around, she realized it was Dn.


    Her expression darkened instantly. ¡°Dn, why are you everywhere?¡±


    ¡°I''m your husband,¡± Dn hissed. ¡°What''s wrong with me picking you up after work?¡±


    Knowing what had transpired between them, Nina did not hold herself back as she shouted at the man,


    ¡°Hey, Dn, don''t you have any shame? Ery''s a couple with Mr. Moore, but you just have to stick


    yourself between them, huh? Don''t you know how revolting you are?¡±


    Immediately, Dn whipped his head toward Nina to re at her viciously.


    ¡°Honey, don''t work here anymore. I''ll provide for you.¡± As Dn tilted his head back to look at Trident


    Group''s towering building, a grim look flitted past his eyes. Nevertheless, his tone remained sincere as


    he continued, ¡°Look at you. You have dark eye circles now. Cayden won''t feel bad for you at all. Come


    back to the Musk family. I''ll take good care of you.¡±


    Avery flung his hand away. ¡°I''m doing quite well working here, and don''t call me ''Honey.'' This forced


    marriage will soon be nullified, so stop harassing me from now on!¡±


    With that, she brushed past him and went toward the bus station.


    Relentless, Dn quickly caught up and stood in her way. ¡°Avery, I''m not going to get a divorce with


    you. Do you really think that Cayden loves you? Pfft! You might not know about this, but he''s in a


    rtionship with his employee Wisteria Summers. You''re but a toy for him to use when he''s lonely. Now


    that Wisteria''s back, do you think he''s going to keep staying by your side?¡±


    Avery''s heart lurched when she registered Dn''s words.

 Chapter 257

    Chapter 257


    Dn walked over and mped his hand on Avery''s shoulder, stopping her from escaping.


    He stared right into her eyes and studied the changes in her expression.


    Avery was not as calm as she looked.


    She was affected by his words, but despite the watery state of her eyes, she steeled herself and


    pushed Dn aside. ¡°I believe in Cayden no matter what he does. You don''t need to try to sow discord


    between us.¡±


    Once she finished, she pulled Nina toward the bus station without sparing Dn another nce.


    Instead of running after her, Dn snapped his brows together before rxing them again.


    You''lle back to me one day, Avery.


    Avery initially nned to take the bus home, but after her run-in with Dn, she was frustrated. The


    urge to pick up the two children from the kindergarten rose in her.


    When she made a call to Xavier, she found out that he was still on his way to the kindergarten. It was


    then she told him that she was going to pick up the children with him and to wait for her if he reached


    there before her.


    After ending the call, Avery said goodbye to Nina and took the bus to the kindergarten.


    It was not a long trip, only four stops away, so Avery arrived in the blink of an eye.


    Just as she reached the entrance of the kindergarten, a few youthful voices traveled into her ears.


    Avery could hear every one of their words clearly.


    ¡°My daddy''s a CEO of a bigpany. He''s someone important!¡± came a boy''s arrogant voice.


    ¡°What kind of important person is he? Is he as important as my daddy?¡± That was the familiar voice of


    a girl, and Avery recognized that it was Rory right away.


    ¡°Of course. My daddy''s way more important than yours. My daddy''s amazing!¡± the boy continued.


    Rory was not going to admit defeat easily. ¡°My daddy''s the most important man ever! No one dares to


    talk to him loudly. He''s the best!¡±


    Equally reluctant to admit defeat, the boy huffed and dered, ¡°So what? My daddy''s so important the


    teachers and even the head of kindergarten have to stand straight when they see him!¡±


    ¡°Hmph! My daddy has a big, bigpany with many, many people. Everyone has to bow to my daddy


    when they see him!¡± Rory proudly stated.


    ¡°What''s so amazing about that? As long as my daddy''s name is mentioned, we can even skip the


    queue at the hospital!¡± The boy was even louder now.


    When Rory noticed that the boy seemed to have won the argument, she scratched her head in anxiety


    and turned to her brother. ¡°Zach, he''s so mean to me...¡±


    Zachary lifted his hand to hold his forehead for a moment. He was exasperated at their childish


    behavior, but he was not going to let his sister get bullied by someone, not even if it was an argument.


    Yes, indeed, Zachary was an overprotective brother.


    ¡°Hmph! Rory, are you still going topete with me to find out whose daddy is more important?¡± The


    other boy had a smug smile on his face.


    All of a sudden, Zachary smiled.


    For some reason, despite how Zachary''s smile made him look like a fairy tale prince, the other boy


    found chills running down his spine.


    Just then, Zachary asked, ¡°Seamus Yankovich, if you say that your daddy''s that amazing, let me ask


    you a question. Can your daddy cut the queue at the bus station?¡±


    ¡°Of course! Why would you ask that?¡± Seamus gleefully lifted his chin.


    Zachary parted his lips and raised his brows. ¡°Oh, so your daddy takes the bus? Well, my daddy only


    drives cars like Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Rolls-Royce. He never takes the bus.¡±


    Seamus was dumbfounded.


    Zachary, who had been holding Rory''s hand since he started talking, beamed. ¡°Seamus, have you


    seen big shots taking buses home?¡±


    Seamus could not respond to him at all. He could only re at Zachary as his chubby cheeks turned


    bright red.


    Ugh! I''m so angry! Zachary tricked me again!


    Avery nearly burst outughing when she heard their exchange.


    Even though she knew that it was not good for children topare their statuses, she never knew how


    quick-witted her son could be. Zachary had ended the argument with just a few words. Moreover, he


    even left the other party speechless.


    ¡°Zach, Rory, I''m here to take you home,¡± Avery then softly called out their names as she waved at


    them.


    The two children were thrilled to see her. Like a happy little sparrow, Roryunched herself into Avery''s


    arms. ¡°Mommy!¡±


    Meanwhile, Zachary stood at the side, quiet and sensible.


    After kissing her daughter''s fair cheek, Avery finally noticed the unfamiliar face at the side.


    The moment Avery saw him, her heart melted.


    The boy had smooth chubby cheeks, long curlyshes, andrge eyes. He looked lively and witty. With


    his button nose and red lips, he looked like a child model.


    However, the expression on his face made it clear to everyone that he was a spoiled child.


    Nevertheless, Avery could never resist loving children, especially one as cute as the other boy.


    She then weved to him end esked, ¡°Little one, whet''s your neme? Hes your femily note for you


    yet?¡±


    ¡°Mommy, he''s Seemus Yenkovich from Cless Two. I''ll tell you something: he''s the devil from Cless Two.


    Not only does he elweys pull my ponyteils, but he''s elweys fighting with his clessmetes. Not even the


    teechers cen do enything ebout him. Mommy, why don''t we just ignore him end go home?¡± Rory felt


    neglected when she reelized thet her mother''s ettention wes on Seemus, end thet discovery upset her.


    Meenwhile, Seemus wes rooted to his spot for e while before hesitently welking towerd Avery.


    Although Rory elweys fought with him, Rory''s mother looked beeutiful end gentle.


    Seemus hed never seen his mother before.


    When he sew Avery hugging Rory, feelings of envy creshed into him. He could not help but went to get


    close to Avery.


    ¡°Little one, where do you live? Do you went us to send you home?¡± While Avery wes ruffling Seemus''


    heir end telking to him, Xevier stopped his cer outside the kindergerten end ceme over to them.


    ¡°It''s fine. Thenk you, Me''em. Mr. Chomsky will be picking me up in e while...¡± Seemus muttered quietly,


    his fece turning red for the first time ever et how gentle Avery wes.


    Avery let out e sigh. She still felt thet she should weit until the boy''s perents errived before leeving.


    After ell, they did not live in e sefe world. Although it wes e lewful society, there were still plenty of


    kidnepping ceses.


    She then worked herd to heve the children meke up with eech other.


    Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    Not long efter, the three of them were beck on good terms. At the end of the dey, they were children,


    end they did not hold grudges for long.


    A while leter, the Yenkovich femily''s driver errived, penicking. An ident hed heppened on the roed


    he wes on, so he wes e little lete to pick Seemus up.


    It wes only efter seeing the son of the Yenkovich femily stending by the entrence of the kindergerten,


    unscethed, with two pretty children end e mild-mennered-looking women did the driver finelly let out e


    sigh of relief.


    If enything were to heppen to the Yenkovichs'' precious son beceuse of his terdiness, his employer wes


    sure to skin him elive.


    After thenking Avery end her femily, the driver took Seemus ewey. On his wey off, Seemus even kept


    looking beck et Avery through the window.


    Avery wes not sure if she wes imegining things, but it seemed like there wes loneliness shining in


    Seemus'' eyes.


    She then woved to him ond osked, ¡°Little one, whot''s your nome? Hos your fomily note for you


    yet?¡±


    ¡°Mommy, he''s Seomus Yonkovich from Closs Two. I''ll tell you something: he''s the devil from Closs Two.


    Not only does he olwoys pull my ponytoils, but he''s olwoys fighting with his clossmotes. Not even the


    teochers con do onything obout him. Mommy, why don''t we just ignore him ond go home?¡± Rory felt


    neglected when she reolized thot her mother''s ottention wos on Seomus, ond thot discovery upset her.


    Meonwhile, Seomus wos rooted to his spot for o while before hesitontly wolking toword Avery.


    Although Rory olwoys fought with him, Rory''s mother looked beoutiful ond gentle.


    Seomus hod never seen his mother before.


    When he sow Avery hugging Rory, feelings of envy croshed into him. He could not help but wont to get


    close to Avery.


    ¡°Little one, where do you live? Do you wont us to send you home?¡± While Avery wos ruffling Seomus''


    hoir ond tolking to him, Xovier stopped his cor outside the kindergorten onde over to them.


    ¡°It''s fine. Thonk you, Mo''om. Mr. Chomsky will be picking me up in o while...¡± Seomus muttered quietly,


    his foce turning red for the first time ever ot how gentle Avery wos.


    Avery let out o sigh. She still felt thot she should woit until the boy''s porents orrived before leoving.


    After oll, they did not live in o sofe world. Although it wos o lowful society, there were still plenty of


    kidnopping coses.


    She then worked hord to hove the children moke up with eoch other.


    Not long ofter, the three of them were bock on good terms. At the end of the doy, they were children,


    ond they did not hold grudges for long.


    A while loter, the Yonkovich fomily''s driver orrived, ponicking. An ident hod hoppened on the rood


    he wos on, so he wos o little lote to pick Seomus up.


    It wos only ofter seeing the son of the Yonkovich fomily stonding by the entronce of the kindergorten,


    unscothed, with two pretty children ond o mild-monnered-looking womon did the driver finolly let out o


    sigh of relief.


    If onything were to hoppen to the Yonkovichs'' precious son becouse of his tordiness, his employer wos


    sure to skin him olive.


    After thonking Avery ond her fomily, the driver took Seomus owoy. On his woy off, Seomus even kept


    looking bock ot Avery through the window.


    Avery wos not sure if she wos imogining things, but it seemed like there wos loneliness shining in


    Seomus'' eyes.


    She then waved to him and asked, ¡°Little one, what''s your name? Has your family note for you


    yet?¡±


    ¡°Mommy, he''s Seamus Yankovich from ss Two. I''ll tell you something: he''s the devil from ss


    Two. Not only does he always pull my ponytails, but he''s always fighting with his ssmates. Not even


    the teachers can do anything about him. Mommy, why don''t we just ignore him and go home?¡± Rory felt


    neglected when she realized that her mother''s attention was on Seamus, and that discovery upset her.


    Meanwhile, Seamus was rooted to his spot for a while before hesitantly walking toward Avery.


    Although Rory always fought with him, Rory''s mother looked beautiful and gentle.


    Seamus had never seen his mother before.


    When he saw Avery hugging Rory, feelings of envy crashed into him. He could not help but want to get


    close to Avery.


    ¡°Little one, where do you live? Do you want us to send you home?¡± While Avery was ruffling Seamus''


    hair and talking to him, Xavier stopped his car outside the kindergarten and came over to them.


    ¡°It''s fine. Thank you, Ma''am. Mr. Chomsky will be picking me up in a while...¡± Seamus muttered quietly,


    his face turning red for the first time ever at how gentle Avery was.


    Avery let out a sigh. She still felt that she should wait until the boy''s parents arrived before leaving.


    After all, they did not live in a safe world. Although it was awful society, there were still plenty of


    kidnapping cases.


    She then worked hard to have the children make up with each other.


    Not long after, the three of them were back on good terms. At the end of the day, they were children,


    and they did not hold grudges for long.


    A whileter, the Yankovich family''s driver arrived, panicking. An ident had happened on the road


    he was on, so he was a littlete to pick Seamus up.


    It was only after seeing the son of the Yankovich family standing by the entrance of the kindergarten,


    unscathed, with two pretty children and a mild-mannered-looking woman did the driver finally let out a


    sigh of relief.


    If anything were to happen to the Yankovichs'' precious son because of his tardiness, his employer was


    sure to skin him alive.


    After thanking Avery and her family, the driver took Seamus away. On his way off, Seamus even kept


    looking back at Avery through the window.


    Avery was not sure if she was imagining things, but it seemed like there was loneliness shining in


    Seamus'' eyes.

 Chapter 258

    Chapter 258


    After reaching home, the two children obediently went to the study to do their homework while Avery


    prepared dinner in the kitchen.


    The kitchen sink was half filled with water, and in it were two fish. Avery had decided to prepare them


    for the children.


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    Rich in DHA and other nutrients, fish was very beneficial for children''s brain development.


    Even though the kids did not like fish, the mother was determined to get them to have some.


    Avery was somewhat distracted that day, especially after she saw Cayden leave with Wisteria.


    No matter how hard she tried to stop herself from overthinking, Avery just could not seem to control her


    thoughts.


    The woman then picked up the fish from the water and started hitting them on the head with a wooden


    stick as if they were Cayden.


    The sea creatures were alive and well a moment ago, but after a beating like that, their mouths popped


    open as they passed on.


    Avery wanted to call Cayden, yet her pride did not allow her to do so. If he''s really just talking business


    with Wisteria, I''ll seem unreasonable if I bother him.


    However, she suddenly felt anxious when she remembered Dn''s words, so she decided to stop


    thinking about the matter altogether.


    After preparing the fish, Avery moved on to preparing some carbohydrates and vegetables. Once she


    was done, she set the tes and the cutleries on the dining table.


    Then, she announced to Zachary and Rory that dinner was ready.


    ¡°Wow, your cooking smells wonderful, Mommy! I''m so hungry,¡± stated Rory as she rubbed her growling


    stomach.


    In response, Avery lifted her index finger and flicked her daughter''s nose gently. ¡°You can ask for a


    second helping if you''re still hungryter.¡±


    ¡°Mommy, is Daddy noting home for dinner?¡± inquired Zachary while helping himself to some soup.


    Avery only realized howte it was after ncing at the clock hanging in the living room.


    ¡°Your father''s busy today, so he won''t be joining us for dinner,¡± she replied with a shake of her head.


    The children began to yawn not long after filling their bellies in silence, so Avery urged them to take


    their showers before tucking them in.


    ¡°Sleep well,¡± uttered Avery softly as she patted the kids on the head.


    Having shut their eyes, the children let out onest yawn before falling asleep with adorable pouts.


    The two little ones had almost identical faces that were enough to melt anyone''s heart.


    Avery ran her hand across the children''s delicate skin, and the softness was irresistible. She could not


    help but break into a soft smile when she thought about how the kids came from her and the man she


    loved.


    Still, she became more and more anxious with each passing second of Cayden''s absence.


    The design of the restaurant was exceptionally elegant, and there was even a ssical piano


    performance on the stage.


    Some would say the establishment was suitable for couples on a date night.


    Cayden, dressed in a tailor-made Armani suit, was seated at a table where the lights seemed to add an


    air of mystery to him by entuating his cold visage and exquisite facial features.


    Wisteria fiddled with the foie gras on her te absently as she tried her best not to seem obsessed with


    the man. ¡°Now that Zachary and Rory are slowly growing up, will you be making some time to get


    yourself a girlfriend, Mr. Moore?¡±


    ¡°Since when did you begin to take an interest in my personal life?¡± inquired Cayden, leaning back in his


    chair.


    ¡°I suppose a woman''s priorities change as she gets older. I used to have nothing but work on my mind.


    It''s still important to me, but now I''m more concerned about family and health; I''ve already started to


    pay attention to my lifestyle and what I put in my mouth. You''re an outstanding man with good looks


    and a high worth, so I wonder what type of woman you prefer,¡± voiced Wisteria inquisitively.


    From the day she began to work with Cayden, Wisteria knew he liked to keep a low profile because he


    valued his privacy.


    The man rarely appeared at social events or in the news, much less interacted with women.


    Wisteria always thought Cayden was uninterested in women, but then he suddenly became the father


    to a pair of twins.


    The unexpected news was as surprising as it was infuriating to her.


    However, no matter how hard Wisteria tried, she could not seem to figure out who the children''s mother


    was, which was quite frustrating.


    It doesn''t matter that Mr. Moore already has children as long as he remains avable. Wisteria was


    convinced that she would make Cayden hers sooner orter if she worked hard enough.


    Staring intently at Wisteria, Cayden immediately thought of Avery when asked about the type of woman


    he preferred. ¡°She''s about one hundred and sixty-five centimeters tall, has straight ck hair, big eyes,


    fair skin, and is the quiet and gentle type.¡±


    When Wisteria heard that, her heart instantly sank into her stomach. I''m one hundred and seventy-two


    centimeters tall, have curly hair, and a strong personality. I''m nothing like the type of woman he prefers.


    However, I remember asking him a simr question a few years ago. Back then, he told me that he


    preferred women who were capable and independent enough to work side-by-side with him.


    That was the reason Wisteria worked so hard to turn herself into a strong woman. Unfortunately, she


    did not expect Cayden''s preference to take such a huge change in direction. How can I just ept


    that? Not only do I have good looks and a desirable background, but I''m also capable. I''m probably the


    only person in this world worthy of him.


    Still, Wisteria could see how love-struck Cayden was when he talked about the woman he liked. The


    man''s eyes were filled with so much gentleness that she had the urge to murder the person he had


    such strong feelings for.


    I''ve been around him for so many years, and I''ve never seen such a gentle expression on him before.


    One hundred and sixty-five in height, straight ck hair, big eyes, and fair skin... He said that''s the type


    of woman he prefers. Suddenly, Wisteria thought of Avery, who happened to look precisely as Cayden


    described.


    She then continued to enjoy her dinner without a hint of emotion in her eyes. However, her true feelings


    and sinister thoughts were inadvertently revealed when she tightened her grip on the spoon. So it''s


    Avery, huh? I won''t forgive anyone who gets in my way of bing Mrs. Moore!


    After dinner, Wisteria awkwardly gestured to a twenty-four-hour convenience store when they passed


    by one. ¡°Mr. Moore, do you mind stopping there for a bit? There''s something I need to get.¡±


    Even though Cayden was in a hurry to go home, he, like the gentleman he was, asked the driver to do


    as Wisteria requested when he saw how anxious she was.


    Not long after Wisteria hurried into the store, she came back out with a ck stic bag in hand.


    The driver started the engine as soon as the woman returned to the car and sent her home.


    Cayden had always been somewhat unobservant, so he did not notice that a pair of ckce panties,


    stripped of its price tag and intentionally crumpled up, had been left under his car seat.

 Chapter 259

    Chapter 259


    It was alreadyte at night when Cayden finally reached home.


    He was greeted by the peaceful scene of Avery sleeping with the children when he opened the


    bedroom door.


    The kids were tightly wrapped up in their nkets, while Avery wore silk pajamas that revealed her fair


    and slender arms.


    The skin on her face looked so tender that one could be forgiven for mistaking it for a baby''s.


    Cayden could not help but reach out to pinch Avery''s cheek, waking the woman who seemed like an


    innocent deer as she tried to grasp what had happened.


    Her dazed look lent a seductive air to her, making lust shoot through Cayden.


    ¡°You''re back.¡± Avery rubbed her eyes when she saw the man.


    ¡°I''m going to take a shower. You should go to bed first,¡± voiced Cayden after hugging Avery and


    pecking her lovingly on the forehead.


    He then gently tucked Avery in and, in a tone that sounded as though he was speaking to a child,


    reminded her, ¡°Aren''t you too old to be kicking away your nket? You don''t want to catch a cold, do


    you?¡±


    To that, Avery wanted to say something in response. However, before she could do so, Cayden kissed


    her on the cheek and started making his way to the bathroom.


    Avery seemed to have something on her mind as she stared nkly at the man''s back.


    In her hand was a strand of long chestnut-brown hair she had just picked up from Cayden''s shoulder.


    Avery was unsure if Cayden had noticed the hair, but her eyes were filled with mixed emotions while


    she gazed at it. This clearly isn''t mine because it''s chestnut-brown, while mine is ck and straight...


    Could it be Ms. Summers''?


    Cayden had always been very efficient, whether at work or home, so he did not take a long time to


    shower.


    With a towel wrapped around his lower body, Cayden stepped out of the bathroom half-naked, utterly


    unashamed.


    Avery could not help but be convinced it was so unfair that Cayden was blessed with not only incredible


    wealth but also a face that could make any woman scream in excitement. His body was chiseled like a


    statue too.


    There was no trace of fat to cover the man''s impressive muscles, especially those on his long powerful


    legs.


    Just like that, Cayden casually walked out of the bathroom with his hair still attractively wet.


    It was only natural that women would throw themselves at him when he was that charming and sexy.


    To Cayden, Avery was just as attractive.


    Dressed in her pajamas, the woman was without makeup but still looked gorgeous under the warm


    light of the bedsidemp.


    ¡°Dry my hair for me.¡± Cayden was more than capable ofpleting the task himself, yet he wanted


    Avery to help him with it.


    Hence, Avery got out of bed to grab a towel and began drying Cayden''s hair, which was soft and


    pleasant to the touch.


    Like their father, the children, too, had hair that felt amazing to touch.


    It was unusually cold outside. Fortunately, there was heating in the room, so a hair dryer was


    unnecessary.


    Avery instinctively began ying around with Cayden''s hair. However, when she remembered the


    chestnut-brown hair, she got distracted.


    Sensing that something was off, Cayden looked curiously at Avery with his gentle, deep-set eyes.


    Avery felt slightly better when their eyes met.


    ¡°What''s wrong? Are you in a bad mood?¡± Cayden had never been good at guessing women''s thoughts,


    but even he could tell that Avery was unhappy.


    That did not mean he understood why women''s emotions could be so unpredictable, however.


    Cayden could not figure out why Avery seemed troubled tonight since they were just fine the day


    before.


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    Avery simply responded by avoiding Cayden''s gaze in silence. Doesn''t he feel the need to exin


    himself to me after going out with Ms. Summers for so long and returning home thiste?


    She did not mind Cayden going out to talk business, but the fact that she found another woman''s hair


    on him did not sit well with her.


    Seeing how she refused to speak, Cayden turned off the bedsidemp and carried her into bed before


    wrapping his arms around her.


    Avery could not sleep, however, so she tossed and turned until her thoughts turned into a daze.


    The next morning, Cayden was already gone when Avery woke up. The children were still sound


    asleep.


    Avery''s memory of the night before was hazy. If it were not for Cayden''s lingering smell on the nket,


    she would have thought that he never came home.


    When she got out of bed, she found a note on the bedside table with Cayden''s handwriting: I have to


    go on a business trip. There''s something in Western Epea that requires my attention, so I won''t be


    joining you and the kids for breakfast. I''ll be back as soon as the matter is dealt with. Love you.


    Avery felt warm on the inside after reading the note, convinced that she should have more faith in


    Cayden.


    Then, Avery set up the dining table and served the children their favorite food for breakfast.


    However, she did not take a single bite but simply stared nkly at her food.


    ¡°What are you thinking about, Mommy? Why aren''t you eating your food with me?¡± inquired Rory


    curiously while pulling on her mother''s arm.


    ¡°Let''s eat.¡± After pushing aside her thoughts, Avery picked up her cutlery and began shoving food into


    her mouth, which made Zachary and Rory even more puzzled.


    The children could not help but wonder what was wrong with their mother.


    Avery was doing the dishes when Xavier arrived in a Porsche thepany had just acquired to pick up


    the kids for school.


    Since she woke up a littlete that day, Avery decided she should go with the children if she did not


    want to bete for work.


    ¡°Mommy, I think I left my Ustranasion textbook in Daddy''s car, the ck one. Could you help me look


    for it? The book has a green cover. I need it for my oral Ustranasion ss today,¡± uttered Rory


    suddenly when Avery opened the car door.


    Avery knew her daughter was careless, so she had no choice but to shake her head helplessly before


    proceeding to search for the textbook.


    Even though Cayden had several cars with different colors, Avery knew of the ck one Rory


    mentioned. That''d be the ck Bentley the driver used to pick up Cayden and Ms. Summers.


    Xavier had the keys to all the cars, so Avery asked the one for the Bentley from him.


    After unlocking the vehicle with the remote, Avery began to look for the book inside.


    Since she did not see it on the front or back seats, she looked under them and soon found it under the


    backrest.


    Avery was about to leave after finding the textbook when she noticed something ck stuck under the


    seat, so she curiously reached out to grab the mysterious item.


    When she realized what it was, her heart skipped a beat. This is... a pair of women''s panties!


    Avery stared at the crumpled sexy underwear in disbelief as her body started to tremble.


    The color slowly drained from her face, and she felt as if her insides had been torn apart. If it was just a


    coincidence that Cayden had another woman''s hair on his shoulder, how does he exin this pair of


    panties? If nothing''s going on between him and Ms. Summers, how did something as personal as her


    underwear end up in his car?

 Chapter 260

    Chapter 260


    After dropping the children off at school, Xavier continued driving while Avery, who was sitting in the


    back seat, rolled down the window and allowed the cold wind to brush against her face.


    Because of the speed of the car, the breeze felt like des that shed against Avery''s tender skin.


    Although it hurt, it kept her mind clear.


    There was a sparkle in Xavier''s eyes as he advised, ¡°Ms. Avery, it''s cold outside. Mr. Moore will find


    fault with me if you catch a cold.¡±


    Avery simply shook her head and shut her eyes, saying nothing.


    Her silence left Xavier puzzled. Did she get into a fight with Mr. Moore? I suppose not.


    Xavier had been working for Cayden for many years. He knew how important Avery was to thetter.


    She''s someone Mr. Moore loves and wants to give the whole world to. There''s no way he would fight


    with her.


    Meanwhile, at the mall, Allie, who was wearing an elegant white fur coat and carrying tworge


    shopping bags in her hands, was paying her bill at the counter with two otherdies whom she was


    close with.


    The shopping bags were filled with thetest luxury items.


    Apart from going for facials and spa sessions, Allie also loved shopping. She believed having money


    and spending it was one of the biggest joys in life.


    She was done experiencing poverty in the past.


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    In the first half of her life, she sessfully seduced Cayden''s father by relying on her beauty and skills.


    She threatened Bruce with Cayden to make him marry her, which finally allowed her to enjoy life as a


    rich wife.


    She did not care if she was ridiculed by the public for being a mistress, nor was she bothered that


    Bruce''s actual wife was still alive.


    All that mattered was that she had a position in the Moore family.


    Not only did Allie be more powerful than Lily, who came from a rich family, but she also managed


    to make Cayden gainplete control over Trident Group. In other words, she was set for the rest of


    her life.


    Now that Leonardo was dead, the stain in her life, too, had vanished. Allie felt that her life was worth it.


    However, when it was her turn to swipe her card, the employee informed her, ¡°I''m sorry, Mrs. Moore.


    The bnce on your card is insufficient. Would you like to try againter?¡±


    Allie mmed her card on the counter arrogantly, giving the employee the shock of her life. ¡°Do you


    know who I am? How can there be insufficient bnce?¡±


    Truth was, Cayden had set a limit on his mother''s card to prevent her from overspending.


    After all, money does not grow on trees.


    The finance department would only transfer ten million into Allie''s ount every month, and that would


    be it once she spent them all.


    Unfortunately, Allie had a bad habit ofparing herself to others, which made her spend


    extravagantly. That was how she had spent all that money from that month in a sh.


    Dorothy, one of the women who went shopping with Allie, stood up for her. ¡°Hey, you''d better not mess


    with the wrong person. Her son''s very rich. In fact, it won''t do you any good if you mess with Mrs.


    Moore.¡±


    Another friend of Allie''s, Jolie, cast the employee a look of disdain. ¡°You''re just a filthy employee. How


    dare you disrespect Mrs. Moore? Are you trying to get yourself fired?¡±


    The employee gazed at the trio in bewilderment. I''m only telling the truth. How am I disrespecting Mrs.


    Moore?


    Exasperated, she showed them the checklist and the notification that stated Allie''s bank card had


    insufficient bnce. ¡°Mrs. Moore, I''m not lying to you. You really do have insufficient bnce. Look.


    Your items cost a total of one million and forty-nine thousand, and the notification states that your


    bnce is not sufficient to pay for it.¡±


    Allie''s face fell. Immediately, she called Xavier, ordering him to tell the finance department to transfer


    more money to her.


    To her horror, Xavier said, ¡°Sure, that can be done, but you have to contact Mr. Moore first. I can only


    contact the finance department once Mr. Moore consents to it.¡±


    After cursing him, Allie had no choice but to dial Cayden''s number, but his phone was turned off at that


    critical moment.


    Just as both sides were at an impasse, Nicole, who had disguised herself and was walking around the


    mall with her manager, suddenly entered the store.


    She admired Cayden. Naturally, she had studied everything about his family, which allowed her to spot


    his mother in an instant.


    Although Allie was over middle age, she was still in good shape, and the luxurious fur coat gave her a


    rather elegant vibe.


    However, she behaved in a mean and rough manner, making her no different from anymoner.


    Nicole could not help but think that Allie was too different from her graceful and outstanding adoptive


    mother, ire.


    Regardless, women like Allie presented an advantage for others. Her weakness was too obvious that it


    allowed others to brainwash and approach her easily.


    In the past, Nicole had hated and would avoid women like Allie. However, she decided to approach


    Allie then because she was Cayden''s mother.


    ¡°I''ll pay for her,¡± offered Nicole, cing a gold card on the counter. She then smiled brightly at Allie and


    introduced herself. ¡°Hello, you''re Cayden''s mother, right? I''m Nicole Lambert, Cayden''s friend, and the


    ambassador for hispany''s new perfume.¡±


    Allie could not help but scrutinize Nicole, who had offered to pay for her.


    Nicole looked different from average influencers with sharp features. She had a pretty and delicate


    face, a pair of rosy lips, thin eyebrows, andrge eyes that crinkled when she smiled, which made her


    look sweet.


    Dorothy leaned over and whispered into Allie''s ear, ¡°Nicole is a superstar, and her backer is someone


    powerful. Apparently, her father is William Lambert, the state secretary.¡±


    Dorothy was familiar with the women in the entertainment industry, thanks to her husband, who always


    flirted with D-list celebrities. Naturally, she knew who Nicole was. She had a strong impression of


    Nicole, who had a powerful backer yet could not be famous no matter what. She figured it was


    best to warn Allie about Nicole beforehand.


    Upon discovering Nicole''s identity, Allie suddenly put on a bright smile on her expressionless face. ¡°I


    used to think you were too pretty on screen. Well, who would''ve known you''d look prettier in person?


    Ah, I feel bad for letting you pay on my behalf. I''ll make sure Cayden pays you back once I get home.¡±


    Nicole responded maturely, ¡°You don''t have to be so polite with me, Mrs. Moore.¡±


    ¡°You''re such a consideratedy, but this is more than a million. It''s not a tiny amount.¡± Allie held


    Nicole''s hand in a friendly manner, having no intentions of letting it go.


    A sweet smile immediately appeared on Nicole''s face. ¡°It''s okay. You can take it as a gift from me for


    meeting you for the first time.¡±


    Seeing Nicole was insistent on paying for her, Allie could only ept the offer after rejecting it a few


    times.


    She beamed and asked tentatively, ¡°You''re such a pretty woman, Nickie. Surely you have a boyfriend


    already?¡±


    Nicole lowered her head in embarrassment. ¡°Oh, don''t tease me, Mrs. Moore. I''ve been busy working


    for the past few years. How would I have the time to date?¡±


    ¡°How could you not have a boyfriend when you''re such a great person? Oh my goodness. You should


    just be my daughter-inw,¡± Allie joked.


    ¡°You don''t say, Allie. I think she''s a great match for Cayden. Nickie''s so pretty. Look at how delicate her


    features are. Shees from a good family too,¡± Dorothy piped up.


    ¡°It''s a pity my son''s too young. I''d love to have a daughter-inw like her too,¡± Jolie mumbled.


    Dorothy and Jolie showered Nicole with praises. After all, Nicole was the daughter of the state


    secretary, someone they could not afford to offend.


    As people who were familiar with the art of buttering people up, they sessfully made Nicole smile


    with their words.


    Her cheeks flushed as soon as she heard them saying she was a great match for Cayden.


    Meanwhile, Allie was grinning from ear to ear.


    If the daughter of the state secretary was to marry Cayden, Allie''s status in the family would reach


    another level.


    That way, she could bully Lily even more, and Cayden''s career would be a smooth sailing journey with


    the help of Nicole''s family background.


    When Allie saw how gracefully Nicole behaved, she could not help but think that Nicole differed greatly


    from the petty Avery.


    The more Allie observed Nicole, the more satisfied she was with her. If only Nicole were my daughter-


    inw... I wonder if she can steal Cayden''s heart from that vixen.


    ¡°Nickie, why don''t youe over to my house one of these days? I get bored staying alone at home,¡±


    Allie asked, gently tugging at Nicole''s hand.


    Hearing that, Nicole nodded obediently. ¡°Don''t worry, Mrs. Moore. I will.¡±


    Soon, a triumphant smile appeared on Nicole''s face as she watched Allie and the two women walk


    away.


    Allie was not just Cayden''s mother, but she was also a gold digger who loved power. Getting on Allie''s


    good side was as easy as giving her luxurious items.


    All that''s left is to get her to my side. With Allie''s intervention and my unique charm, I''m confident I can


    make Cayden mine.

 Chapter 261

    Chapter 261


    Avery had been distracted the entire day. She made so many mistakes at work that it made the


    department head look daggers at her.


    Feeling concerned, Cecelia and Nina asked, ¡°What happened? Why are you so distracted?¡±


    Avery could only shake her head. After all, there were some things she could not tell others.


    She had to trust Cayden no matter how many reasons she had toe up with to convince herself.


    Finally, she could not suppress her suspicions and decided to give him a call.


    Unfortunately, she dialed several times only to hear the words, ¡°Sorry. The number you have dialed is


    currently unavable.¡±


    It made her heart sink in despair.


    Soon, work came to an end, and Avery returned to her residence.


    Although she had her two children with her, Cayden''s absence made her feel as if the home was


    iplete.


    While the children were quietly enjoying their food, Avery absent-mindedly turned on the television.


    A news report was being broadcasted, which included the tall, familiar figure she had been dreaming


    of.


    Recognizing the person on the screen at a nce, Rory pointed at Cayden and said in surprise,


    ¡°Mommy, look! Daddy''s on TV!¡±


    Meanwhile, Zachary was chewing his food with his lips pressed together after taking tiny mouthfuls,


    looking rather polite.


    Even so, he, too, had shifted his attention to Cayden on the screen.


    Avery was slightly taken aback, as she did not expect Cayden to appear on the finance channel.


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    His sturdy ck suit and clearly outlined sharp features made him look handsome and steady.


    His unusually cold gaze and elegant aura made him stand out from the crowd.


    At that moment, he was surrounded by many reporters shoving cameras in his face. No matter how


    direct their questions were, Cayden spoke andughed without a change in his expression. Yet, one


    could tell he was merely holding back if they saw the drooping corners of his lips.


    Just then, a bearded foreign reporter asked an extremely direct question, ¡°Mr. Moore, Regal Garden,


    which belongs to Trident Group, is one of the most popr restaurant chains in Western Epea. Its


    poprity is mainly because of your pursuit of using high-quality ingredients. However, one of the


    reporters went undercover as a waiter there and found a series of problems. Not only was the training


    just for formality, but the employees were alsozy to disinfect the tableware. Worst of all, the


    employees processed carcasses of fish and prawns and recycled used oil. There are other problems


    with food sources and juice blending as well. Do you have anyments on this, Mr. Moore?¡±


    Cayden narrowed his eyes icily. In an intimidating manner, he said, ¡°The reason Trident Group has


    been standing strong for many years is that we view our reputation with great importance. I hereby


    promise everyone that ourpany never used carcasses in our dishes. Regal Garden has a strict


    principle of discarding rotten products once they''re found. Any employee who vites thepany''s


    principles will be punished severely. As for the issue of recycling oil and blending juices, every chain


    restaurant of Regal Garden has signed an agreement with the most qualified waste oil treatment unit.


    So, please be rest assured. On top of that, Trident Group owns thergest vegetable ntation. I can


    assure you that all the food we serve is in its freshest state. If any of the issues are true, we promise to


    carry out severe punishments. In conclusion, everything you mentioned earlier was fake.¡±


    His words spoke volumes, silencing all the reporters immediately. Nheless, there were a few bold


    reporters who still wanted to cause trouble.


    A burly, brown-haired reporter made his way to the front and stated, ¡°Mr. Moore, your words differ


    drastically from the media''s statements. I think this matter requires supervision from relevant


    government departments. After all, every organization needs to practice transparency. Clearly, not


    everything is up to you, don''t you agree? Besides, there''s a restaurant called Meat Liquor on Northcole


    Steet that was exposedst month for using oil meant for frying to prepare other dishes for the


    customers. This restaurant belongs to Regal Garden, yet you said the recycling of oil was fake news.


    Aren''t your words a little contradicting here?¡±


    The foreign reporters who had gathered around burst outughing.


    The foreigners had a strong sense of ego. They always looked down on Aplothians, especially those


    who excelled in their business.


    Truth was, Cayden''s business was doing so well that he had taken over half of their businesses.


    Naturally, they could not ept the situation.


    Now that they had the chance to attack Regal Garden, there was no way they would pass it up.


    Everyone waited eagerly for Cayden''s reply.


    After all, the questions were too direct. A simple slip of the tongue could make Trident Group''s hundred


    years of good reputation go down the drain.


    All the reporters bubbled with excitement, their cameras shing nonstop as they clicked the button.


    They were determined to get more juicy details out of that scandal.


    Meanwhile, the two children, who were sitting in front of the television, did not understand the tense


    atmosphere between Cayden and the reporters. They were just delighted to see him appear on the


    screen. Avery, on the other hand, watched Cayden nervously as if she was the one being surrounded


    by the reporters, feeling at a loss of what to do.


    Despite that, Cayden still managed to keep himselfposed. He was totally unbothered by the


    reporters'' questions.


    After eyeing the brown-haired reporter who had voiced out earlier and read thebel on his


    microphone, Cayden spoke with his maic yet powerful voice. ¡°You''re from Social Times, aren''t


    you? If I remember correctly, yourpany was sued by severalpanies for publishing false reports


    two weeks ago. Every time yourpany publishes a piece of news, it turns out to be a baseless


    rumor made to attract the audience''s attention. So far, yourpany has faced threewsuits. Can


    yourpany please stop spreading information like that?¡±


    Cayden''s counterattack made the reporter''s face flush bright red.


    Without waiting for the reporter to speak, Cayden continued coldly, ¡°As for Meat Liquor, it is true that


    they coborated with Regal Garden back then. However, Regal Garden has already terminated the


    contract in March 2016. It has been a year and a half since the termination of the contract. In fact, the


    announcement is still on Regal Garden''s official website. If anyone questions my words, please check


    out the announcement. I''m sure your doubts will be cleared once you''ve read them. Finally, I''d like to


    announce that Regal Garden would dly ept supervision from the public and media. We wee


    all reporters to check out our restaurant. One more thing, we''re not a secret organization. Please don''t


    disguise yourself as a spy when youe next time. You''re not filming a drama. Regal Garden''s doors


    are always open for anyone who wants to visit.¡±


    His fearless and witty response managed to convince everyone. No one dared to attack him with direct


    questions anymore.


    Even Avery was stunned by Cayden''s demeanor.


    She did not expect Cayden, who always behaved gently in front of her, to be so aggressive when


    dealing with critical situations.


    To others, it was a tough problem that seemed capable of bringing their world down. However, he had


    solved it as if it were just a piece of cake.


    After she witnessed all that, Avery''s admiration and love for him rose to another level.


    However, she felt as if her heart had stopped beating as soon as she saw Wisteria beside Cayden.

 Chapter 262

    Chapter 262


    Wisteria, standing in front of the camera, was dressed in a fitting and elegant outfit. She wore a calm


    facial expression, and her curly hair was tied into a bun behind her head, giving her a professional and


    smart appearance.


    As she stayed by Cayden''s side the whole time, the two seemed like a match made in heaven.


    Cayden remained steadfast even with multiple cameras pointed at him.


    Listening to the reporters'' harsh questions, he kept hisposure and said, ¡°Trident Group''s


    restaurants have always been certified in all aspects. The Bureau of Quality and Technical Supervision


    can back us up with evidence regarding this issue. As for the food-rted problem faced by Regal


    Garden this time, I suspect there''s another reason behind it. We are still investigating whether this


    incident urred due to natural causes or human errors. After the result from the investigation is


    finalized, Trident Group will host another press conference to provide the media and public with an


    exnation.¡±


    Avery frowned slightly.


    Regal Garden under Trident Group at Western Epea is facing a crisis, not to mention a food-rted


    problem. The significance of this matter doesn''t merely concern the quality of the food or the mary


    loss. Instead, this may even affect Trident Group''s century-old reputation.


    A multinationalpany''s good name was essential in giving the corporation an edge in the


    competitive market.


    If Trident Group intended to expand its business at Western Epea, yet failed to resolve those issues,


    the group would undoubtedly receive more criticism and ostracism. The unfavorable turns of events


    would absolutely be detrimental to Trident Group''s future development.


    After that, Wisteria began answering the reporters'' questions in Cayden''s stead.


    She emanated the dominance of a strong woman. Her replies were well-grounded and rendered others


    unable to retort.


    She had always exhibited great diplomatic finesse and was famous for her swift and decisive manner in


    handling business, which was simr to Cayden''s style.


    While the reporters were deliberately making things difficult for her, Wisteria managed to respond to


    them skillfully. Not only did the answers she gave effectively address their questions, but she also


    ingeniously reverted the queries to the reporters.


    All the reporters were astounded after listening to Wisteria''s perfect responses. They showered her


    with praises, as she certainly lived up to her reputation as one of Cayden''s mostpetent assistants.


    Avery was slightly dazed as she took in the scene. Indescribable bitterness suddenly surged within her


    chest. If I''m the one supporting Cayden now, I''m not sure if I can do as well as Wisteria. I''m aware of


    my ineloquent nature. In contrast, Ms. Summers is not only exceptional because of her great looks, but


    she''s also equipped with tactics as formidable as Cayden''s and resourceful interpersonal rtionships.


    For the first time in her life, Avery felt inferior in her romantic rtionship. Perhaps a capable woman


    who can keep up with Cayden''s outstanding abilities is more suitable to be with him. Someone as


    unassertive as me cannot bring him any benefit. I may even be his burden...


    ¡°Mommy, why did you switch off the television? I can''t see Daddy anymore.¡± Rory''s protesting voice


    suddenly sounded in the quiet living room.


    Avery regained her senses and realized she had unknowingly turned off the television.


    Seeing Rory running up to her, Avery picked the little girl up and sat on the couch. ¡°Your daddy went


    out to deal with some matters. He''ll be back after a few days. Have you eaten, Rory?¡±


    At that instant, holding her daughter in her arms, Avery had to maintain the appearance of a gentle


    mother regardless of how aggrieved she felt.


    Rory nodded.


    Although Rory had a blithe nature, which was in contrast to her brother''s thoughtfulness, even she


    could sense her mother''s recent unusual behavior.


    Mommy has been spacing out recently. Why is this happening? Is it because of Daddy?


    ¡°Mommy, you can take a break today. I''ll help you clean the dishes.¡± Zachary looked at Avery with


    worry.


    He collected the tes and utensils on the dining table and walked toward the kitchen. Mommy hasn''t


    been acting like her usual selftely. Is it because she''s exhausted from work?


    ¡°Me too! I want to help too! Mommy, Zach and I will help you wash the dishes,¡± Rory chimed in cutely.


    ¡°Zach, be good and spend time with your sister here. I''ll go and do the dishes. You two can help me


    with the chores when you''re older, all right?¡± Avery said tenderly while patting her son''s head.


    She felt contented to have such considerate and sensible children.


    Nheless, the two kids were only five years old. She thought they were still too young to handle


    housework.


    Even though some children from low-ie families matured early and began running errands at a


    young age to cultivate their awareness to be independent, that was prompted by the desperation of


    their circumstances.


    Avery pecked her kids on their cheeks before turning on the television again.


    She switched the channel to their favorite cartoon program and left the two kids to y in the living


    room before heading toward the kitchen with a load on her mind.


    Late at night, Nina, who had just finished enjoying a karaoke session with her friends, was about to go


    home. She was tipsy after consuming some alcohol.


    She bade her friends farewell and nned to hail a taxi to return home when an approaching couple


    with their arms wrapped around one another attracted all her attention.


    Nina could recognize that man even if all that was left of him were his skeleton. That person was none


    other than the yboy, Dn.


    He was hugging a long-haired woman who had an innocent appearance and outstanding temperament. This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    She was wearing a white leather jacket and a slinky short skirt.


    Nina could not believe that the woman was exposing her fair, slender legs under such chilly weather.


    Thetter''s outfit wasplemented by a pair of high-heeled boots, giving her the exact vibe of a


    modern city girl.


    What surprised Nina the most was the physical resemnce between that woman and Avery.


    If Nina had not known Avery''s dislike toward such a sexy get-up, she might have just assumed that the


    woman was Avery, judging by the posterior view of that woman''s figure.


    On the other hand, Dn did not notice Nina.


    He held that woman by her waist while kissing her as they strode toward a hotel nearby.


    He slid his hand into her short skirt as he pleased while uttering, ¡°I''m going to rock your worldter,


    sweetheart.¡±


    ¡°Don''t behave like this. Mmm... We''re still in public.¡± She panted and nudged him, but her body


    continued reacting to his stimting touch.


    ¡°Don''t behave like this? How should I behave, then?¡± Dn expressed his desire to ravage her


    brazenly by saying assertively, ¡°You don''t have any other choice, you sl*t!¡±


    Despite his burning lust, there wasn''t a hint of affection in his eyes. He was merely venting his desires,


    fanned by his innate libido.


    This woman looks slightly simr to Avery, but she''s much more interesting than that dull Avery. At the


    very least, this woman can arouse me. There are plenty of women in this city who are willing to offer


    themselves up to me. Who does Avery think she is?


    With that thought in his mind, Dn teased that woman further. As someone who was very


    experienced in fooling around with women, it had be his second nature to make a woman yield to


    him.


    Clinging to that pure-looking woman, he went into the hotel to book a room.


    Nina was disgusted by that scene.


    This wretched man, Dn, is holding on to Avery and insists on not getting a divorce with her. He''s


    pretending to have unwavering love toward her while getting intimate with another woman on the side.


    His despicable personality is genuinely appalling.


    Nina wanted to leave initially, but a brilliant idea suddenly popped into her mind, so she secretly


    followed the couple.

 Chapter 263

    Chapter 263


    The night was dark, and it was exceptionally quiet.


    The two children had already fallen asleep, except for Avery. She was still working on her design


    drawing in front of herputer.


    In fact, Avery was not in the mood to work anymore, but she had no other choice, as her mind would be


    filled with doubts once she stopped working.


    It was soon eleven o''clock at night. Avery had been spacing out for quite some time as she stared at


    theputer screen.


    It had been a whole day, but Cayden had yet to call her.


    Avery went to take a shower to freshen herself up a little. After putting on her nightgown, she tried


    dialing Cayden''s number again.


    Deep down, she was afraid to hear the automated message telling her that his phone was still turned


    off. His phone rang for about one minute, and still, there was no answer.


    Just as Avery was about to hang up, someone picked up the call.


    ¡°Hello?¡± A female voice rang out from the other side of the line.


    Almost instantly, a mist began to form in Avery''s eyes. She could feel her heart aching terribly.


    Nheless, she remained calm and said, ¡°I''m looking for Cayden. Is he there?¡±


    ¡°Cayden? He''s bathing now. Who is this? I''ll ask him to return your call once he''s done,¡± thedy


    answered.


    Avery froze for a moment before ending the call directly.


    The next second, she switched off her phone, attempting to escape from everything.


    Avery adjusted her nightgown. Although the heater in the room had been turned on, she still felt cold.


    The moonlight outside shone through the window, making her room appear rather lonely and deste.


    Avery''s heart trembled. She felt extremely ufortable.


    He''s together with a woman in a room at this hour. That could only mean one thing. I remember how he


    told me that he would keep his phone turned on all the time so that I could contact him anytime. It''s a


    warm promise. But everything sounds ironic now!


    A sharp pang hit Avery''s heart. She felt extremely depressed.


    Meanwhile, in the premium business suite, Wisteria stared at the phone after the call. On the phone


    screen, Avery''s name was disyed as ¡°Ery.¡±


    Her lips curved into a cold smile.


    Swiftly, she deleted the recent call log and ced his phone on the table lightly.


    Wisteria was smart enough to ce it back in its original position. It was exactly the same as if she had


    never touched his phone before.


    She had always been careful and would not allow herself to leave any evidence behind.


    Cayden, who was done showering, walked out of the bathroom just as she put away his phone.


    He was in his big bathrobe. On his gorgeous face, his mesmerizing eyes looked as cold as ice.


    His thin lips seemed redder and more tender than a woman''s. They looked captivating yet somehow


    out of ce with his indifferent demeanor.


    Cayden was even more beautiful and elegant than a woman. Someone like him could sessfully


    make waves in the business world. With his intelligence, he managed to establish therge Trident


    Group.


    To Wisteria, only a man like Cayden could match her.


    ¡°It''ste now. Is there anything else, Ms. Summers?¡± Cayden''s expression turned cold when he saw


    that Wisteria was in his room.


    Raising her head slightly, Wisteria revealed her fair neck in front of Cayden.


    She was in her sexy pajamas that night. At only one nce, the hot figure underneath her outfit could


    be seen clearly.


    Wisteria had always felt confident in her charisma and that no man could resist her charm.


    She smiled at Cayden seductively, looking like a mature woman and seductress at the same time.


    She pointed at the hot supper on the table and said thoughtfully, ¡°You''ve been busy for the whole day,


    Mr. Moore. You didn''t even have the time for a meal. I just asked the chef to cook you some supper.


    Have some. Even if you don''t feel like eating, you should really take good care of yourself for the sake


    of Trident Group.¡±


    Cayden remained expressionless. ¡°It''s fine. I''m not hungry. You''ve worked hard today too, Ms.


    Summers. You should go back and get some rest.¡±


    With that, he picked up his phone from the table.


    Wisteria tried to hide her gaze from him.


    Cayden did not find anything suspicious. He dialed Avery''s number right away.


    However, after several attempts, his calls could not get through. It was then he realized that Avery had


    switched off her phone.


    His face darkened almost immediately.


    Cayden had been busy settling the public rtions crisis with thepany''s upper management the


    whole day. Besides, he had also been busy with drafting the mergers and acquisitions proposal.


    For the whole day, he had been so upied with work that he did not have time to eat or rest, let alone


    call Avery.


    It was Cayden''s n to call Avery at the end of the day, as it was quieter at night. They could talk


    privately with each other.


    However, he did not expect Avery to switch off her phone.


    Knowing Avery, he knew that she would not go to bed until she received his call.


    Those thoughts troubled Cayden and put him in a bad mood. He wanted to take a sip of water but


    realized that his ss was empty. He raised his hand and threw the ss away.


    The ss hit the wall directly and shattered into tiny pieces.


    Wisteria was shocked by Cayden''s uncontrolled behavior.


    She had always thought that Cayden was a calm person. He rarely gets angry. Is it because of that


    woman?


    As that thought crossed her mind, Wisteria could not help but feel jealous of Avery.


    She''s just an ordinary girl! How is it that someone like her can make him angry?


    Picking up another ss, she poured some warm water for him and asked gently, ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    Cayden frowned, and a fierce glint shed across his eyes. He tried to suppress his emotions as he


    uttered, ¡°Ms. Summers, it''s gettingte. You should go back and get some rest now.¡±


    Wisteria was quick enough to notice the displeasure on his face, and the smile on her face froze for a


    moment. However, her tone remained gentle as she responded, ¡°It''s not good to get all angry at night.


    What''s the matter? There''s nothing that we can''t solve.¡±


    She cleaned up the ss shards on the ground. Just when she was about to say something more, the


    man shouted, ¡°Get out!¡±


    ¡°W-What?¡± Wisteria was dumbfounded. She did not know how to react.


    Cayden looked down at Wisteria, who was squatting on the ground to clean up the broken ss. ¡°Ms.


    Summers, don''t make me repeat myself!¡±


    He didn''t eat the supper that I got him, and I hurt my fingers trying to clean up these sses for him,


    but he shows no concern at all despite my affection toward him. I can''t believe he''s now chasing me


    out.


    Wisteria''s cold eyes glistened with tears.


    Although the Summers family was not the most prominent family, they were considered rich and


    powerful. Many people would attempt to butter the Summerses up for some personal gain.


    Being a spoiled daughter of the Summers family, Wisteria had gone to great lengths to stay close to


    Cayden and be who she was today.


    To receive such unexpected treatment from Cayden, she felt aggrieved and heartbroken.


    Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    ¡°You should get some rest too, then. Eat something if you''re hungry. The supper is not too heavy, so it''s


    fine to eat it at night. I''ll make a move now.¡±


    Wisteria was a smartdy. She knew how to ease the tension for herself.


    She also knew that Cayden hated women pestering him and that she might have crossed the line that


    day.


    Pushing open the door lightly, she walked out of the room.


    After she left, Cayden continued calling Avery, but to no avail. That caused his expression to grow


    colder.

 Chapter 264

    Chapter 264


    Meanwhile, Nina followed Dn and the woman in his arms into the hotel and watched the two get into


    the elevator.


    Luxurious hotels were meticulous about their client''s privacy. In order to obtain evidence of Dn


    cheating on Avery, Nina had to pretend to be a customer of the hotel and spend some money to get a


    room next to Dn and the woman.


    The moment Nina swept her room card and got into the elevator, a man who reeked of alcohol and was


    unable to walk properly entered the elevator as well.


    The drunkard was a giant man, whose face could not be clearly seen under the ck cap he was


    wearing.


    He seemed to be heavily intoxicated. He fell in Nina''s direction feebly, causing her to be irate and


    kick him away.


    Ding!


    Arriving at her floor, Nina darted out of the elevator. To her horror, the drunkard suddenly grabbed the


    corner of her clothes and stopped her from leaving. He even called her a pretty little thing indecently


    and tried to grope her breasts with his hands.


    The drunkard''s actions pissed Nina off. Fuelled by her anger, she grabbed the drunkard''s arm and


    threw him at the wall near the elevator.


    With a loud thud, the man dropped to the floor, and his ck cap fell off his head, revealing his


    handsome yet devilish and wicked face.


    ¡°Why does this face look so familiar to me?¡± Nina stared at the somewhat familiar face.


    She got down to get near him and observed his chiseled features closely.


    Immediately, she recognized him.


    He was Aaron Gibson, Nina''s nightmare when she was in elementary school and junior high school.


    He was the famous yboy of the Gibson family, who started flirting with girls in junior high and had a


    new girl by his side every three days. He was no doubt a promiscuous person. Nina was his ssmate


    for a few years, and she detested someone like him. However, he loved to tease her and always


    caused her to fly into a rage.


    Itsted until Aaron went abroad to study in his third year of junior high. Nina thought she would never


    see him again and was happy for a long time.


    Little did she expect him to be still as lustful as always when they met again, and she was repulsed by


    that fact.


    She kicked him angrily multiple times. He''s drunk and unconscious anyway. I bet he won''t remember


    who kicked him when he woke up.


    Aftershing out at him, Nina carefully headed toward Room 6617.


    I am in luck. I wonder if they are in a hurry or if something happened. How could they not lock the


    door? Even God is helping me.


    Nina was delighted.


    Avery had previously consulted awyer on how to litigate a divorce.


    Thewyer had informed her that if she could produce evidence of the husband cheating on the wife,


    the courts would rule that the divorce was mandatory even though the husband refused.


    Now that she had an opportunity to get the necessary evidence to prove Dn was cheating on Avery,


    Nina didn''t want such an opportunity to go to waste.


    She gently pushed open the door and turned on her phone camera.


    There was a white bed, and the nket was creased. Dn was sitting on the bed then. His eyes were


    half closed, rendering others unable to read his emotions.


    The man''s thin lips were slightly opened, and his face was filled with excitement and satisfaction.


    The woman, who was squatting next to him, was doing her best to please him using her mouth,


    moaning while extending an invitation to Dn.


    ¡°I want you too...¡± she whined as she ground against him.


    Dn lowered his head, raised her chin, and smiled evilly. ¡°You''re gonna have to please me first by


    trying harder!¡±


    The woman tried harder to please him, and Dn let out a raspy roar offort.


    Just when he was about to pin the woman on the bed, a series of camera shes abruptly pulled him


    back to reality.


    What the hell?


    Nina was incensed at herself for her carelessness. She was so absorbed in getting evidence of Dn


    with another woman that she had forgotten to turn off the sh. I''m going to get myself killed!


    At that moment, she didn''t care about getting the photos anymore. She kept her phone and turned to


    run.


    Unfortunately, an arm wrapped around her neck tightly before she could go far.


    The force was so great that she could hardly breathe.


    Nina turned her head in the direction of the owner of the arm uneasily. She was met with Dn''s


    bloodthirsty and cruel smile.


    Avery woke up early the next morning as she had a restless sleep the night before.


    It was the weekend. She didn''t have to wake up early, but she got out of bed as she couldn''t sleep and


    her head hurt. Besides, she didn''t have the habit ofzing in bed.


    After kissing her two children, who were still sleeping, she turned on her phone, which had been


    switched off the entire night.


    She received a lot of missed calls, and all of them were from Cayden.


    He even sent her a message, seemingly trying to exin himself to her.


    It read: I was too busy yesterday, Ery. I''m sorry for not calling you soon. Try not to switch off your phone


    when I''m not around you in the future. I will get worried if I can''t get a hold of you. Give me a call once


    you switch on your phone.


    Avery took a single nce at the message and ced her phone back on the bedside table.


    She felt helpless at that point.


    Many things had happened in the past two days, and her mind was abuzz with chaos.


    Those inexplicable suspicions, especially, frustrated her a lot.


    After changing her clothes, Avery decided to make breakfast.


    She wore simple clothing at home. When she covered her tall and slender body with a shirt and a pair


    of jeans, they made her look like a student from university who had yet to graduate.


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    Avery headed to the bathroom to wash up. As soon as she finished, her phone rang.


    The caller ID showed it was a call from Nina. When Avery was about to pick up the phone, the call was


    hung up by the person calling her and a notification came in.


    The message read: Ery, I''m in Room 6617 at the Great Regency Hotel. Something happened. Hurry up


    ande now. I need to discuss this with you.


    Avery was surprised to receive the text.


    Nina was an impatient person. She would usually call if she needed something and rarely sent texts.


    Moreover, Avery couldn''t wrap her head around why Nina wanted to meet her at the hotel and not talk


    about it on the phone.


    She dialed Nina''s number, as she had a bad feeling. She wanted to make sure that it was Nina who


    had sent the text.


    Back in the hotel, Dn was toying with Nina''s phone while lying on the bed with his legs crossed.


    The lingering smoke in the air made his face look even more frightening.


    When he saw Avery''s call, he hung up without hesitation.


    Although he rarely interacted with Avery, he was familiar with her personality. Avery had a weak


    personality, but she was kind and righteous. Nina was her best friend and her ssmate. Even if she


    felt suspicious, she would rush to the hotel as she couldn''t disregard Nina''s safety.


    Dn''s gloomy mood seemed to have improved slightly when he thought of that.


    With a glint in his eyes, he got up and walked toward the bathroom.


    On the way to the hotel, Avery called Nina a few times, but thetter didn''t answer them.


    Avery had no idea what had happened to Nina. Although she felt something was wrong, she rushed to


    the Great Regency Hotel as soon as possible, as she was worried about Nina''s safety.


    When she arrived at Room 6617, she noticed that the door was ajar.

 Chapter 265

    Chapter 265


    Avery''s right eyelid twitched, and she grew even more skeptical about this.


    Although her heart was pounding, she still forced herself to stay calm.


    She politely knocked on the door that was ajar and heard a low and familiar male voice saying, ¡°Come


    in.¡±


    Avery pushed the door open. An inexplicable sense of anxiety wrapped around her when she took in


    the distinct scented oil fragrance in the air.


    She noticed Nina was not inside the room, so she turned around and wanted to walk away, but a pair of


    strong hands pulled her inside. Then, with a loud thud, the door was kicked shut.


    Avery grew rmed when she saw it was Dn grabbing her.


    Unaware of what had happened before she arrived, Avery panicked and snarled, ¡°Dn, did you send


    the message using Nina''s phone? What are you trying to do?¡±


    Dn smirked devilishly and grabbed Avery''s chin, wanting to kiss her forcefully.


    Avery would never let him do that. She tried to p him, but he caught her arm just in time.


    Dn''s eyes flickered with lust, and he tightened his grip around her wrist while stroking her palm with


    his fingers.


    Avery refused to let him get his way with her. She raised her left hand again in an attempt to p him,


    but he smugly clicked his tongue.


    Dn ced his index finger next to her lips, gesturing for her to stay quiet. ¡°Be good. You can''t use


    violence against your husband all the time. Did youe here to attack me? Don''t you want to know


    what happened to your best friend? Be a good girl, and I might give you some information about her.¡±


    ring at him, Avery suppressed her disgust and asked, ¡°Do you want to go to jail again?¡±


    Dn sneered at that and remained unfazed. Then he tried to kiss her cheek.


    Avery dodged his kiss, and Dn''s expression turned cold instantly. He grabbed her jaw, and his firm


    grip felt as if he wanted to smash her jaw bones.


    There was a big gap between a man''s and a woman''s strength. Avery could not anger him and dared


    not act recklessly if she wanted to learn about Nina''s situation. Her delicate eyes were filled with hatred


    as she met his gaze stubbornly.


    ¡°Dn, don''t involve others in the matters between us. Nina is innocent. You can hate me all you want,


    but not her. Whatever it is, just take it out on me.¡± Avery''s lips trembled slightly out of anger.


    Dn grinned even more devilishly. ¡°Either you spread your legs for me obediently, or your best friend


    will be in danger. The decision is yours.¡±


    ¡°You must be out of your mind!¡±


    Avery''s jaw was in pain due to his firm grip, but she still lifted her chin as she red at him. She


    refused to show any sign of submission.


    ¡°Are you still trying to act like a virgin? You lost your chastity long ago. I know you did it with Cayden


    more than once, so drop the act! I am your legal husband, and it''s not against thew for me to have


    sex with you. Do you think I''d forgive you for cheating on me so openly?¡± Dn did not bother


    sugarcoating his words.


    He was as unreasonable and brutal as ever. The look in his eyes was as though he was telling her he


    could break her jaw any time.


    Avery spat, prompting Dn to seal her lips forcefully with his.


    His kiss was rough and fierce. It was as though he wanted to crush her, but there was nothing Avery


    could do no matter how much she struggled. Soon, she began to feel dizzy, and then she tried to bite


    him.


    Being experienced in this, Dn dodged her just in time.


    Avery wiped her lips frantically as if something dirty was stuck on them.


    She was about to lose her temper and curse him when he suddenly picked her up in his arms and


    tossed her onto the bed.


    The soft bed bounced a little, then Dn pinned himself on top of her.


    Avery shivered in fear and swung her foot frantically at him. She yelled in a hoarse voice, ¡°Dn, don''t


    you dare force your way with me! I can report you to the police for this!¡±


    Dn pressed Avery under him. Her sweet fragrance filled his nose as he felt her soft body under him.


    He said smugly, ¡°It''s been a long time since we collected our marriage certificate. Don''t you think it''s


    time for us to take our marriage to the next stage?¡±


    ¡°Get lost! We''re getting divorced soon, so why should we take things to the next stage now? Dn, if


    you dare touch me, Cayden will not let you get away with this!¡± Avery''s cheeks flushed with anger. She


    could not budge under him, so she tried to intimidate him with Cayden''s name.


    However, the moment she mentioned Cayden''s name, she triggered Dn to act even more recklessly.


    It was inevitable for men to bepetitive with each other. Dn had been suppressed by Cayden for


    so many years. It was only natural for him to feel even angrier.


    Avery had chosen the wrong time to bring up Cayden''s name.


    From Dn''s perspective, Avery belonged to him, yet Cayden had gotten to her first. He had long


    developed a deep hatred for Cayden, and Avery''s words only triggered the timed bomb in his heart.


    ¡°Cayden? Who does he think he is? How dare you mention his name when he was the one who came


    in between us? I dare you to file a divorce, Avery! You''ll see what I can do!¡± Dn was infuriated. He


    pressed on her so hard in bed that he almost crushed her ribs. Then he started tearing her clothes


    apart.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Avery had always been weak, but she seemed to have gone mad at that moment. She grabbed,


    scratched, kicked, hit, and bit him hard. It was as if she wanted to fight to the death with him. However,


    given Dn''s strength, he still managed to pin her under him again effortlessly.


    Taking in Avery''s fair skin that had turned a little pink and feeling her smooth skin made Dn feel


    extremely excited. At the thought that he could soon get a taste of her, Dn had the urge to force his


    way now.


    He pinned Avery''s arms with his hand, rendering her immobile.


    Just as he tried to take off Avery''s jeans, he was taken aback when he noticed she had fallen silent.


    She had stopped struggling.


    He looked at Avery and noticed her pale face was covered in tears. Her bright eyes had turned red


    and, at that moment, were filled with hatred and disgust toward him.


    At once, he lost all interest. After getting out of bed, he angrily pulled a cigarette out of the box of


    cigarettes he had ced next to the bed. He lit it up and took a puff, looking like a lifeless skeleton as


    he forced himself to suppress the surging anger and stay calm.


    Forcing things never works. This stubborn woman will sooner orter submit herself to me.


    Seeing Avery lying motionless on the bed, Dn no longer had the mood. He took out his phone and


    clicked into the gallery, then tossed his phone to her. ¡°You want to find your best friend, don''t you?


    She''s in there.¡±


    Sprawled weakly on the bed, Avery forced herself to sit up and took the phone.


    When she saw the recorded video footage, she panicked and shuddered in fear.


    Nina''s mouth was stuffed with something, and she couldn''t say anything but make muffled sounds. Her


    eyes were filled with fear.


    Nina''s clothes had been ripped off. Only a thinyer of fabric was covering her private parts.


    There were several burly men around her, and they looked like fighters.


    The man standing in the middle had his hands wandering all over Nina''s body as he murmured filthy


    remarks to her. Nina struggled, and her face was covered in tears of humiliation.


    Avery widened her eyes in disbelief at that footage. She could feel anger exploding in all the cells


    inside her body.


    Panting heavily, she threw the phone to the ground as though it was burning in her hands.


    Dn, you are worse than a monster!

 Chapter 266

    Chapter 266


    Shaking with anger, Avery struggled for a long time to suppress the emotions that threatened to burst


    forth before finally calming down slightly.


    ¡°Let''s not involve others in the matters between us. Nina is innocent. I hope you can let her go.¡±


    Although she tried her best to remain calm, she realized that her efforts were to no avail.


    Dn put out his cigarette, then looked her dead in the eye and said slowly and clearly, ¡°You want me


    to let her go? Easy. Avery, I don''t want a divorce.¡±


    ¡°You''re despicable and shameless, Dn!¡± Avery''s anger red up, and she wanted nothing more than


    to rip him to shreds.


    However, not only did he feel no shame, but he even retorted in an amused tone, ¡°Have you only just


    realized the kind of person I am? I''ll stop at nothing as long as I get what I want. That guy over there is


    the second son of the Gibson family, Aaron. You''ve heard about the Gibsons, haven''t you? They''re the


    ones with a powerful background. Well, Aaron is a ruthless person and has always been one who


    seeks revenge over the tiniest grudge. In less severe cases, one would be lucky to get away with only


    broken limbs. In the worst-case scenario, one could get killed with not even a whole body left. While


    Aaron was drunk, that foolish friend of yours dared to kick him in the balls. What do you think he''ll do to


    her? Oh, by the way, there''s still a chance to turn things around. He and I are on rather good terms,


    and he owes me a favor. As long as I say the word, there could still be hope for your friend. Of course,


    that depends entirely on you.¡±


    A chill ran down Avery''s spine. ¡°You can put forward any other condition apart from one rted to the


    divorce. I''ll agree to anything.¡±


    Dn sneered and gazed at her condescendingly. ¡°You''ll agree to any condition I propose, you say.


    What if I said I wanted to sleep with you?¡±


    Stunned by his shamelessness, Avery let out an angry snort.


    As Dn ced an arm around her shoulder, she felt as though a venomous snake was coiling around


    her. Her back stiffened, and her hair stood on end.


    Seeming not to notice her uneasiness, Dn leaned close to her ear and said softly, ¡°You don''t have to


    be in a hurry to get a divorce. That''s because even if that does happen, it''ll have to be me who initiates


    it. However, let me make this clear. You''re destined to be mine and mine alone for the rest of your life!¡±


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Avery was so furious that she burst into exasperatedughter. ¡°What''s the point of clinging onto me like


    this? A loveless marriage is like sand. Even if you hold it tightly, it''s bound to trickle away slowly. A


    marriage like that would only be a form of torture and restraint to the both of us, don''t you get it?¡±


    ¡°Even if it''s torture, it''ll only be sweet torture. I enjoy the process of being tortured and restrained.¡±


    ¡°Why are you so stubborn? We only have one life to live, so why must you waste your best years on a


    woman who doesn''t love you? We have absolutely nothing inmon! How many times do I have to


    tell you that I''ll always detest you?¡± she yelled, furious and frustrated.


    Suddenly, he wrapped his arms around her slender waist and pulled her into his embrace. Then, he


    uttered with conviction, ¡°I''ll make you fall for mepletely and irrevocably.¡±


    ¡°Impossible. I''m definitely going to divorce you!¡± Avery clenched her jaw in determination.


    A hint of cold malevolence glinted in Dn''s eyes, and he grabbed her by her face. ¡°In that case, you


    can just wait to collect your friend''s body.¡±


    Avery had never felt so defeated before. An intense feeling of resentment bubbled in her heart, but


    there was nowhere to vent it.


    It''s as though I''ve fallen into a bad dream that never ends, and I can''t pull myself out of it. It also feels


    as though I''ve stepped into the abyss of death where I can''t breathe at all. Only the pounding of my


    heart is a constant reminder that I''m actually still alive. What am I going to do? Friendship and love are


    equally important to me, and losing any of them would crush me.


    Meanwhile, after waking up and getting dressed, Zachary and Rory lounged on the couch to watch


    cartoons.


    They had woken up to find that Avery was not home. They then saw her note saying she had left to run


    some errands and would be back shortly.


    Being sensible children, they did not kick up a fuss. Instead, they got dressed and went to the


    bathroom to brush their teeth and wash their faces. After that, they parked themselves on the couch to


    watch cartoons while waiting for Avery to return.


    Ding dong!


    Suddenly, the doorbell rang.


    ¡°Go and see who''s at the door, Zach. Could it be Mommy?¡± Rory gazed at the door curiously, her soft


    hair tousled.


    Hearing the doorbell, Zachary fetched a stool and ced it in front of him. Then he climbed onto the


    high stool and peeked outside, only to see that the person at the door was Weston.


    He turned and said to Rory, ¡°It''s Mr. Leigh. We can open the door.¡±


    Avery had often reminded them not to open the door for strangers if there were no adults at home no


    matter what, and they remembered it well.


    The moment Zachary opened the door and Weston walked in, Rory happily threw herself into the


    latter''s arms. ¡°Mr. Leigh!¡±


    As an attorney for hispany, he had to meet Cayden quite often on legal matters. It was only natural


    that Zachary and Rory knew who he was. On top of that, Weston would always bring fancy little


    gadgets as gifts for the children during his visits, so they were very fond of him.


    Weston picked up the little girl in his arms and remarked teasingly, ¡°You seem to have gained a few


    pounds, Rory. Soon, I won''t be able to carry you anymore.¡±


    Rory pouted adorably. ¡°Mommy''s cooking is too delicious. That''s why I''m a little heavier.¡±


    Weston chuckled. It seems that Avery has taught them well. Before this, they were very sensible but


    lacked the liveliness a child their age should have. After Avery appeared in their lives, it''s evident that


    these two little ones have be much happier and more spirited.


    ¡°Did you bring any gifts today, Mr. Leigh?¡± Seeing Rory stare at him with herrge, bright eyes, Weston


    could barely contain hisughter.


    Despite her young age, she''s incredibly sharp. She truly takes after her father.


    ¡°I''m afraid not. I forgot to this time,¡± Weston replied, deliberately teasing her.


    As expected, the little girl pouted, looking somewhat displeased. Upon seeing her pursed lips, Weston


    suddenly took out an exquisite crown headband and put it on her head.


    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Leigh!¡± Rory ran to the mirror immediately and started admiring herself.


    When Weston saw Zachary sitting quietly on the couch like a little gentleman, he held a magic-themed


    jigsaw puzzle out to thetter. ¡°I was in Anndur the day before yesterday and brought this back


    especially for you. By the way, why isn''t your Ms. Ery here?¡±


    Weston thought Avery was merely living with Cayden and that the two children had epted her, still


    completely unaware that she was actually their biological mother.


    Zachary was about to answer when they heard the sound of the front door being unlocked. Then, a


    pale-looking Avery walked in.

 Chapter 267

    Chapter 267


    Avery was visibly stunned when she saw Weston sitting on the couch.


    Dressed in a tailored suit and wearing a pair of gold-rimmed sses, the gentlemanly Weston looked


    very much like a member of the social elite. With a cordial smile, he nodded at Avery. ¡°Good morning,


    Ms. Rumpley.¡±


    The moment she saw Avery, Rory rushed up to her side and twirled in delight. ¡°Mommy, look, do I look


    pretty in the headband Mr. Leigh gave me?¡±


    The delightful voice of her daughter failed to diminish Avery''s frustration.


    Picking her daughter up, she tried her best to eke out a smile as she replied, ¡°It''s beautiful, Rory. You''re


    the prettiest little girl in the world now.¡±


    Rory''s delightfulughter echoed throughout the room.


    She kissed Avery''s cheek and said, ¡°Mommy, you''re the best!¡±


    Meanwhile, Zachary was sitting on the couch, changing channels with the remote control in his hand.


    He rolled his eyes at how fixated Rory was on looking pretty all the time.


    As it was Weston''s first time watching Avery interact with the children, he was secretly shocked at how


    close she was to them.


    Although the children were mature beyond their years, they were still selective about who they were


    intimate with.


    Previously, there had been other women who had tried to get close to Cayden on the pretext of taking


    care of the children, hoping to get into their father''s good books. In the end, all of them had been gotten


    rid of by the naughty children.


    The way they doted on Avery took Weston by surprise. They treated her as if she was their biological


    mother.


    With a wry expression that was devoid of even a forced smile, Avery nodded at Weston. ¡°Hello, Mr.


    Leigh.¡±


    At that moment, Avery recalled Weston''s reputation.


    Some time ago, there had been a terrible rape case in Lightspring. A few young men from the city''s


    prestigious families had gang-raped a sixteen-year-old girl, causing her to die of blood loss.


    Even though the girl came from a poor family, her parents loved her so much that they rejected all


    forms ofpensation in exchange for their silence. Unfazed by the bribes offered and threats issued,


    they swore to bring the perpetrators to justice.


    When those responsible knew that their threats had fallen t, they sent out a warning¡ªanywyer


    who dared to take up the case would not be alive to attend the trial.


    Because of the tremendous pressure applied, no one in Lightspring dared to pick up the hot potato


    except for one man¡ªWeston.


    The fearless Weston had to contend with a bleak situation where the evidence had been destroyed.


    Despite that, he managed to discover some residual proof, and with the help of his superior reasoning


    skills, he sessfully ensured that all those responsible were sentenced to ten to fifteen years in


    prison.


    From then on, Weston shot to fame and became amon sight at events organized by the social


    elite.


    ¡°Ms. Rumpley, I need to speak to you in private.¡± Noticing how intently Avery was looking at him,


    Weston adjusted his spectacles while clearing his throat.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Kids, I have something to discuss with Mr. Leigh. Why don''t you go y in your bedroom? Zach, take


    your sister toplete the jigsaw puzzle Mr. Leigh bought you. Once you''re done, I have a reward


    waiting for you,¡± Avery said while giving their hair a tousle.


    She was cognizant that Weston wanted to talk to her about her divorce from Dn.


    Although the children were still young and didn''t quite know what divorce was, Avery still didn''t want


    them to know of her forced marriage to Dn.


    The children picked up the jigsaw puzzle and ran to their room obediently.


    Thereafter, Avery poured Weston a cup of coffee. ¡°Please have some coffee, Mr. Leigh.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Weston took the cup of coffee in his hand before giving it a sip. After putting it aside, he


    retrieved a document from his bag and handed it to Avery. ¡°Ms. Rumpley, you can go to court now to


    file for divorce. What I need from you are your marriage certificate and ID card. Also, if you''re looking to


    apportion any assets, you''ll have to bring the relevant evidence with you. Once everything is in order,


    the court will fix a date for trial and notify Dn of it. As yourwyer, I''ll naturally do my best to win the


    case. I have written all the steps required for this process. You can go through them when you''re free.¡±


    Sitting on the couch, Avery remained expressionless. ¡°Mr. Leigh, if I do go ahead with this, what are my


    chances of winning?¡±


    Filled with conviction, Weston replied, ¡°A hundred percent. I have never lost a case before.¡±


    Although he might have sounded as if he was bragging, Weston''s confidence was well-founded, for not


    everyone could bear the weight of being the bestwyer in the city.


    After ncing at the document he handed her, Avery raised her head to look at Weston''s confident


    smiling face. Her hands trembled slightly.


    It wasn''t a whileter that she finally look up. ¡°Thank you, Mr. Leigh. But I don''t need this for the time


    being. I have changed my mind about the divorce.¡±


    Weston stared into Avery''s eyes in disbelief, as no one knew better than him how strong her resolve for


    the divorce was.


    She had called me incessantly to inquire about the progress of the divorce. So why did she change her


    mind so suddenly? Furthermore, given Cayden''s inherently strong possessiveness, there''s no way he


    would tolerate Avery being someone else''s wife. What''s really going on?


    ¡°Ms. Rumpley, can you tell me the reason? Is Cayden aware of you changing your mind about the


    divorce? Or did something happen at his end?¡± When the observant Weston saw the troubled look on


    Avery''s face, suspicion began to grow within him.


    Despite herposed facade, Avery couldn''t hide the sorrow in her voice. ¡°It''s me. It has nothing to do


    with Cayden. Mr. Leigh, I need more time to consider the matter.¡±


    Weston ced the document on the table. ¡°All right. Let me know once you have made your decision


    to go through with the divorce. I''ll be taking my leave first.¡±


    No sooner had Weston closed the door behind him than the strong front Avery had put up shattered.


    The anguish within her heart caused her eyes to be flooded with turbulent emotions.


    At that moment, she realized that losing the desire for freedom was more painful than death.


    Just when Avery''s heart was aching, the sound of stabbing footsteps suddenly rang out. It sounded as


    if someone was approaching loudly in her heels.


    Left without choice, Avery picked herself up and opened the door. Allie, decked out in branded clothes,


    stormed in.


    ¡°W-What are you doing here?¡± Avery eximed.


    At the thought of the two children in their room, she frantically grabbed the doorknob to prevent Allie


    from entering.

 Chapter 268

    Chapter 268


    Allie shot Avery a resentful nce before strutting into the living room. As if it was her own home, she


    chucked her branded bag onto the coffee table.


    Just like a radar, Allie gave the living room a quick scan.


    Failing to see Cayden around, she barged into the bathroom and continued searching for clues.


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Avery, filled with displeasure, got in her way. ¡°What in the world are you doing? What are you looking


    for?¡±


    When she spotted a pair of male slippers and two pairs belonging to children by the shower, Allie


    exploded in rage.


    She pointed at Avery and snarled, ¡°Do you enjoy being a vixen, Avery? How shameless can you be?


    As a daughter-inw of the Musk family and Dn''s wife, what are you doing fraternizing with my son?


    Not only have you taken him away from me, but you''ve also sunk your ws into my two


    grandchildren. And here I was, wondering why I haven''t seen Cayden and my grandchildren recently. It


    turns out that they''re here. I can''t believe despicable women like you even exist in this world.¡±


    Avery trembled in anger.


    Nevertheless, with the children still in the bedroom where the walls were thin, she knew it wasn''t the


    time to get into a quarrel. She replied calmly, ¡°I have no intention of arguing with you today. If that''s the


    reason you''re here, I''ll have to ask you to leave.¡±


    Avery, her face cold, made her stand clear.


    Even though Allie was her father''s ex-wife, Avery had no affection for her at all.


    Further incense by the response, Allie bellowed, ¡°Do you know how despicable you are? Instead of


    feeling ashamed for having an affair, you talk back and kick your own mother out. How did I end up


    having a wanton daughter like you? Despite knowing that Cayden is your half-brother, you insist on


    having an immoral rtionship with him. Don''t you feel disgusted by it?¡±


    Regardless of how Allie raved, Avery remained calm.


    All she did was give Allie an asional stare as if thetter was nothing but an annoying pest.


    Her response only served to fan the mes of Allie''s anger. She had the urge to give Avery''s pretty


    face a p.


    Staring at the ugly look on Allie''s face, Avery responded sarcastically, ¡°The reason I haven''t called the


    police on you is that you''re my father''s ex-wife, but that doesn''t automatically make you my biological


    mother. Ms. Musk, if I may... Considering how different we are from each other, be it in terms of


    appearance or character, are you sure I''m your daughter?¡±


    ¡°W-What are you trying to say?¡± The shock caused Allie''s face to lose all color as a self-conscious glint


    shed across her eyes.


    ¡°I''m sure you''re well aware of the answer.¡±


    Allie''s tone became softer as she said, ¡°Are you making wild ims just so you can be with Cayden?


    Whose daughter are you if not mine? I carried you in my belly for ten months, for goodness'' sake. Your


    rtionship with Cayden is nothing but a moral sacrilege! Have you lost your mind and started


    convincing yourself that I''m not your real mother?¡±


    ¡°In that case, Ms. Musk, look into my eyes and tell me if I''m really your daughter.¡± Avery''s piercing gaze


    caused Allie''s hair to stand on end.


    ¡°Of course. Why would I lie over something like that?¡± Allie''s eyes shifted to the right as she racked her


    brains on how to back up her lie.


    However, the tension within Avery suddenly eased as a smile crept up on her face. The burden she


    had been carrying all this while seemed to have felt lighter.


    ¡°What are you smiling at?¡± Allie felt uneasy, and she did not know how to describe that feeling.


    Standing quietly in front of her, Avery looked into Allie''s eyes. ¡°I wasn''t sure if you were really my


    biological mother before this. Because of you, I was tormented by the thought that Cayden and I were


    in an incestuous rtionship. But now, I''m certain that you''re not my mother.¡±


    ¡°W-What?¡± The usually eloquent Allie began to stammer.


    Avery continued in a firm tone, ¡°Ms. Musk, I''m sure you''re not aware that I studied psychology at


    university. Coincidentally, it was a subject that I did well in. The renowned psychologist, David


    Lieberman, discovered that one''s eyes will look to the right when the left brain is active, while an active


    right brain will cause one to look to the left. When one is being dishonest, one has to use the logical


    mind to weave a lie, triggering activity in the left brain and causing one''s eyes to look right. And that


    was exactly how you reacted when I asked you if I was your biological daughter. Evidently, you were


    concocting a lie. Isn''t that right, Ms. Musk?¡±


    Allie was rendered speechless.


    As she was barely literate, she didn''t understand the theory of how the left brain affected the right brain.


    What she did know was that Avery was now aware of the truth, which was the reason for her panic.


    I can''t allow this! The knowledge that she and Cayden were half-siblings wasn''t enough for her to leave


    him. Wouldn''t she tighten her grip on him now that there was no lie to hold her back? As long as I''m


    alive, my son can marry anyone he wishes except for her!


    ¡°I don''t care about any of your nonsensical theories. Without a single doubt, you''re my daughter. If you


    refuse to believe it, we can get a DNA test.¡±


    As Allie grabbed Avery''s wrist, her sharp nails dug into thetter''s skin. ¡°I''m warning you again. Leave


    my son, or I''ll make you suffer! Instead of being the good daughter-inw of the Musk family, you insist


    on bing Cayden''s lover. Since you''re so licentious, why don''t you get a job as a whore?¡±


    Avery was so overwhelmed by fury that she could hardly breathe.


    Despite that, the thought of the children forced her to suppress the swelling rage within her. ¡°Ms. Musk,


    I''ve no intention of quarreling with you, so please leave before I call the police!¡±


    Allie''s expression drastically darkened.


    Just when she raised her hand to p Avery, the children suddenly burst out of the room.


    Rory called out to Allie in her piping voice, ¡°Grandma, it really is you. Zach and I heard your voice in the


    bedroom just now. Are you here to visit us?¡±


    ¡°Grandma, Mommy has taken very good care of us,¡± the clever Zach added.


    The sight of the two children caused Allie to hold back her anger.


    Nheless, the sound of Zachary addressing Avery as ¡°Mommy¡± made her heart clench.


    Damn you, Avery! Since when did she have the children eating out of her hands too? How shameless


    can she be?

 Chapter 269

    Chapter 269


    Allie sighed deeply. As it was not a good idea for her to lose her temper in front of her grandchildren,


    she said, ¡°My dears, don''t let yourself be fooled by this woman. She''s a vixen, and all she does is


    seduce men. She doesn''t possess a kind heart. Be good ande back with Grandma. Your great-


    grandpa misses you a lot...¡±


    Avery felt as if her heart was being stabbed multiple times. Allie was trying to manipte the children


    right in front of her.


    Just as Avery was about to open her mouth, Zachary suddenly turned around.


    ¡°Grandma, you''ve gotten prettier since thest time I saw you. You shouldn''t get angry or upset. My


    teacher said that getting upset would make a person grow older. I want you to always stay pretty,


    Grandma.¡± Rory used her little fists to massage Allie''s leg in an attempt to butter her up. Her words


    were so sweet that they managed to make Allie smile.


    Seeing how filial her granddaughter was, Allie said in a gentler tone, ¡°You''re being so sweet, and you


    know just how to make me feel better. How many pieces of candy have you had?¡±


    Rory held up her fingers adorably and started counting seriously. ¡°One, two, three... Um, I don''t


    remember. I just know I ate a lot.¡±


    ¡°You cheeky little thing! You know how to make me happy.¡± Allie kissed her granddaughter''s cheek, her


    smile growing wider.


    Zachary took a tangerine from the fruit basket, peeled it, and gave it to Allie. ¡°Here, Grandma. This is a


    tangerine from Jadeborough. It''s very sweet. Try it!¡±


    ¡°Good boy, Zach.¡± Allie took the tangerine, popped a slice in her mouth, and patted his head. She


    doted a lot on Zachary, who looked a lot like Cayden.


    ¡°Grandma, please don''t be angry with Mommy. Rory and I wanted toe here. If you want to scold


    someone, you can scold us. It''s all our fault.¡± Zachary lowered his little head guiltily, looking as though


    he had done something wrong and was ready to take any punishment from Allie.


    Avery was jolted by his words. The bitterness and anger in her heart seemed to have dissipated.


    It turned out that her two children were trying so hard to butter Allie up because they did not want her to


    feel aggrieved.


    Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    At that moment, Avery felt overjoyed, yet sad at the same time.


    Allie, on the other hand, tried her best to suppress her anger.


    I love my grandchildren to death. How can I bear to scold them? But I still can''t bring myself to like


    Avery.


    Suddenly, she lost her appetite for the tangerine. She ced it on the coffee table, took Rory''s and


    Zachary''s hands, and headed outside. ¡°This isn''t your home. Come back with me to the Moore


    residence. Your great-grandpa misses you both so much that he can''t sleep.¡±


    ¡°Grandma, I don''t want to go back to the Moore residence. I want to be with Mommy.¡± Rory struggled


    with all her might. It was the first time she had gone against Allie.


    Allie had always preferred boys, and she favored Zachary more. The moment Rory behaved defiantly,


    Allie could no longer control her temper.


    She turned toward Rory and screamed at the top of her lungs, ¡°Why are you so disobedient? This is


    not your home, so what are you staying here for? Do you really want to piss me off? You are going


    back today no matter what. There is no room for discussion!¡±


    Rory was shocked and aggrieved.


    She had always been spoiled, and Allie had never raised her voice at her before.


    Fat tears rolled down her cheeks as she sobbed, ¡°You shouted at me, Grandma. I don''t like you


    anymore...¡±


    Allie wanted to do it again but was stopped by Avery.


    Avery shielded Rory and red at Allie. ¡°Ms. Musk, this is my house, and you are not allowed to do


    whatever you want here. How could you shout at Rory? Get out! You''re not wee here!¡±


    With that, she shoved Allie out the door and mmed it shut.


    No matter how much Allie shouted and screamed, Avery refused to open the door. Allie gritted her


    teeth in fury. With no other choice, she could only stomp away noisily in her heels.


    Inside the house, Rory was bawling her eyes out.


    Avery brought Rory into her embrace and patted Rory''s back. When she saw how shaken Rory was,


    her hatred toward Allie intensified.


    It''s fine if her target is just me. But how could she do this to her own granddaughter?


    After calming an almost inconsble Rory down, Avery felt her heart grow all the colder.


    If I can''t divorce Dn or if Cayden marries another woman, there''s no guarantee that the other women


    would treat my children as their own. It would not be so bad if their so-called stepmother was kind-


    hearted. However, if they were anything like Mna and her mother, what would my poor children do?


    In the Western Epea branch of Trident Group, the premium conference room was decorated in a


    traditional Chanaean style.


    Even the tables and chairs were made from mahogany wood, which gave off a vintage and elegant


    vibe.


    The senior executives of the Trident Group Western Epean branch had all gathered. They nced at


    the man sitting at the head of the table fearfully, not even daring to breathe out loud.


    The man sitting at the head of the table was Cayden. He had a well-built physique and handsome


    features. There was a sharp glint in his eyes, which made him look as if he could look into anyone''s


    mind.


    He sat there and tapped his fingers against the table, causing all the senior executives to tense up.


    Although the Aplothian man was very young, he had a brilliant mind and was very meticulous. His IQ


    was close to two hundred. Apart from being well-versed in data analysis, he was also excellent at


    scheming against others.


    That was the reason Regal Garden was able to expand rapidly in just a few years, overtaking


    competitors and bing the top restaurant in the industry.


    And the gorgeous woman sitting next to him, Wisteria, was not one to be trifled with.


    Cayden took a moment to collect himself before opening his mouth. His seductive voice echoed


    throughout the room. ¡°As thergest restaurant chain in the world, Regal Garden has always had


    immense market value. Countless media outlets are waiting for the chance to pounce on us. Don''t you


    all think that you should reflect after making such a huge mistake this time? Mr. Steve, Mr. Paul, as the


    manager and assistant manager of this branch, do you have anything you''d like to say?¡±


    Having been called out, the two Epean men looked anxious.


    However, as they had been in a managerial position for a long time, their mental strength was stronger


    than most, and theyposed themselves very quickly.


    As the manager of the branch, Paul was the first to reply. ¡°Mr. Moore, this incident happened suddenly,


    and we were caught off guard. Before we could make any official announcements, the media had


    already started to publish nonsense. Ourpetitor, Clos Maggior, must be the one behind this! Clos


    Maggior wants to be the top restaurant in Epea, but they couldn''t overtake Regal Garden. Their boss,


    Ad, has been dissatisfied with us for a long time. There''s no one else besides them. Mr. Moore,


    Ad is simply despicable for using such an underhanded method to try to smear Regal Garden''s


    name! We mustn''t let him off easily or allow Clos Maggior to step all over us!¡±


    Steve, the assistant general manager, however, did not say as much. ¡°Mr. Moore, it was indeed our


    fault. I sincerely apologize for causing thepany to suffer huge losses. I am willing to ept


    whatever disciplinary action you deem appropriate.¡± His attitude while admitting his mistakes was


    rather sincere.


    Cayden took a puff of his cigarette indifferently. As he watched the two men''spletely different


    reactions, a cold glint shed across his dark eyes.

 Chapter 270

    Chapter 270


    ¡°I-I promise we''ll not repeat the same mistake, Mr. Moore. Please give us another chance!¡± Under the


    stern re of his boss, Steve broke out in a cold sweat and started pleading for forgiveness.


    On the other hand, Paul, who was the general manager, had a hint of disdain in his eyes.


    He was racially prejudiced and deemed himself superior simply because he was a Western Epean. He


    did not think an Aplothian man would dare to fire two Western Epeans.


    Moreover, besides being the general manager, he was also the executive chef.


    Taking pride that his culinary expertise was second to none, he was confident Cayden would not easily


    let go of a gem like himself.


    Much to his surprise, Cayden said, ¡°I''m sorry, Mr. Paul, but we have no ce for you in Regal Garden


    anymore. You can pack up and leave right now.¡±


    ¡°What? I devoted myself to Regal Garden for the past three years, and you''re firing me? What makes


    you think you have the right to do that? You''re but a lowly Aplothian!¡± A furious Paul stood up, mmed


    his fist on the conference table, and started his abusive tirade.


    The other senior executives were shocked beyond words.


    He must be out of his mind to shout at Mr. Moore!


    Is he crazy? Doesn''t he know Mr. Moore''s infamous nickname is Lucifer?


    Wisteria looked at the ignorant Paul coldly. She knew he had just put another nail in his own coffin.


    Paul''s heart skipped a beat when his eyes met Cayden''s piercing re, and he couldn''t help but


    shudder a little.


    Cayden''s lips curled upward, and with a mocking smile, he said, ¡°Mr. Paul, you are not a greenhorn. If


    this was merely a public rtions crisis, how is it possible that you, with your multiple years of


    experience, could not resolve it? To be fair, such a minor issue would not be the reason to let you go.


    Unfortunately, you have other ulterior motives. On the one hand, you have been enjoying the generous


    pay package from Trident Group, but on the other hand, you epted a bribe from Clos Maggior and


    betrayed us. Not only did you n to steal the recipes for Regal Garden''s signature dishes, but you


    also intended to bring us down. How can we keep a crook like you?¡±


    Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    ¡°N-Nonsense! This is not true! That''s defamation, Cayden!¡± Paul denied the usations angrily.


    Cayden exhaled and blew smoke directly into Paul''s face, causing him to tear up.


    With a slight wave of his hand, the content on the screen in the conference room changed. All the


    statistics on the screen disappeared, and a video started ying. Although the image was not sharp,


    there was no doubt the man in the video was Paul. He was shown epting a bribe from Clos


    Maggior''s manager and handing over Regal Garden''s recipes in return. The audio was clear and


    recorded every single word they exchanged.


    Colors drained from Paul''s face.


    He had been secretly working for Clos Maggior for quite some time without raising any suspicion.


    However, Cayden had managed to gather damning evidence against him in a short couple of days. He


    couldn''t help but hold Cayden in awe.


    ¡°I realized my mistake, Mr. Moore. I''m really sorry, and I swear I''ll never do it again...¡± Paul pleaded with


    Cayden frantically.


    There was a cold glint in Cayden''s eyes as he sneered, ¡°I''m sure the authorities will do you justice with


    regard to our usation of your misdeeds.¡±


    Right then, the door to the conference room swung open and a few burly men in police uniforms


    walked in. They took out a pair of metallic handcuffs and said to Paul, ¡°You''re being investigated for


    corporate espionage, Mr. Paul. We''ll need you toe with us.¡±


    Despite his violent protests and resistance, Paul was overpowered and taken away by the police.


    Cayden turned around and faced the fearful-looking Steve. ¡°Mr. Steve, the vacancy for general


    manager at Regal Garden is open. You''re now the acting general manager. Show us you''re up to it,


    and you''ll be officially promoted to that position.¡±


    Steve stared at Cayden in disbelief. He was also implicated in the crisis, so he was expecting to be


    punished for his mistake. He could not understand why Cayden entrusted him with more


    responsibilities instead.


    Cayden could clearly see that Steve was puzzled. He snubbed his cigarette out and firmly announced,


    ¡°Every one of us makes mistakes. Where possible, I''ll give people a chance to redeem themselves.


    However, do take note that there''ll be only one chance given.¡±


    It was not easy for a business from Aploth to establish itself in the racially prejudiced Western Epea.


    Cayden knew if he was to dismiss both Steve and Paul, the rest of their countrymen could be


    demoralized and be disgruntled.


    With Paul''s fate as a stern reminder, he could keep them on their toes and make them think twice


    before resorting to simr mischief. At the same time, by being lenient to Steve, he hoped to win them


    over with his good grace.


    The local management team knew his true intentions, and they were impressed by his way of handling


    the issue.


    Wisteria secretly stole a look at Cayden, her eyes filled with admiration. There was an undisguised look


    of determination on her face.


    After the meeting ended, the management team started streaming out of the conference room.


    Cayden stayed seated at the head of the table and stared fixedly at his phone.


    He was scrolling through his phone records and could not find any missed calls or messages from


    Avery. The usually cool and collected man felt an inexplicable resentment rising in him.


    Wisteria walked toward Cayden. She had made up her mind to win him over. She vowed to herself that


    she would make him get down on his knee to ask for her hand and make her his one and only woman.


    Confidently, she smiled and made her way to him. ¡°I think you''ve more or less resolved the crisis here


    in Western Epea. The public rtions department will be calling for a press conference to rify the


    matter in a few days'' time. Once that is done, I''m sure Regal Garden will regain its good name. The


    past few days have been a trying time for you. Would you like to rx at a hot spring resort that my


    friend had newly set up here?¡±


    Cayden was still staring intently at his phone and did not respond to her suggestion. Thinking he had


    no objection to the invitation, Wisteria said happily, ¡°So I''ll take it as you''re agreeable! I''ll give my friend


    a call and we can drive overter. It''s only about one and a half hours'' drive from here...¡±


    She hurriedly started packing up the documents on the table as she spoke. Unable to contain her


    excitement, she tripped and knocked herself against the sharp corner of the table, but she was


    oblivious to the pain.


    However, her joy was short-lived.


    The next moment, Cayden demanded coldly, ¡°Get me on the next flight back to Ackleton, Ms.


    Summers. Right now!¡±


    ¡°Mr. Moore, you...¡± Wisteria turned to him, stunned.


    ¡°Don''t make me repeat myself.¡±


    Cayden stood up and silently looked out the window.


    Looking at the back view of his tall frame, Wisteria could only hide her disappointment and reply, ¡°Yes,


    Mr. Moore. I''ll see to that right now.¡± His wish was hermand, so she headed out to arrange for his


    flight back to Ackleton.


    Cayden was flustered and felt a little lost when he saw that Avery did not call him.


    He had a hunch she could be angry.


    Knowing it would be difficult to exin himself over the phone, he decided to head back to Ackleton to


    pacify her.

 Chapter 271

    Chapter 271


    Meanwhile, Nicole found a drunken Dn in a bar.


    ¡°Look at you. I thought you were good at dealing with women. What happened to your skills? I can''t


    believe you couldn''t even settle one Avery Rumpley!¡± Nicole hissed, snatching the wine ss from


    Dn''s hand and throwing it on the floor.


    A vicious look shed past Dn''s eyes. ¡°Piss off! I don''t want you sticking your nose into my


    business!¡±


    Nicole was stupefied by his shouts.


    No one had ever dared to speak to her in a tone like that ever since she became the Lamberts''


    daughter.


    She had thought of teaching Dn a lesson for talking to her like that, but recalling why she was there,


    she suppressed her anger and said, ¡°I''m not here to fight with you today, Dn. Don''t you like Avery?


    Why don''t you win over her heart? Why are you drowning yourself in alcohol instead?¡±


    Earlier in the day, Allie had called Nicole and invited her out for a shopping trip. To curry favor with the


    former, Nicole had agreed to it.


    Yet, Allie had begunining to her about how Avery refused to let Cayden go. The entire time,


    Allie kept cursing at Avery about how the younger woman was shameless, for she was clearly still


    married to Dn but was going out with her son.


    That made Nicole feel ill at ease.


    Cayden was hers. Any woman who appeared by his side was her love rival.


    That was why she hade to Dn.


    Irked by Nicole''s lecture, Dn snapped, ¡°You''re a woman! What do you know? Avery''s going toe


    back to me eventually. I''m using her best friend as a threat now, and I refuse to believe that she won''t


    come back to me!¡±


    Hearing that gave Nicole an idea.


    She leaned closer to his ear to whisper something to him. Almost immediately, Dn''s eyes lit up.


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    After that, Dn called Avery and threatened, ¡°Avery, didn''t you say you want Nina to be safe? I''ll let


    her go as long as you sleep with me for one night. I''ll even agree to the divorce. Otherwise, I''ll let those


    rough men rape Nina until she dies! I''ll wait for you in Room 6617. The usual ce that you know.¡±


    Avery''s face was as pale as a sheet, and the phone in her hand fell to the ground.


    Dn''s words had thrust her into the icy depths of despair.


    That night, a strong wind swept through the area.


    Large droplets of rain soon struck the windows as if they were trying to break the ss.


    Avery sat still on the bed, staring at her phone as the anxiety in her heart grew.


    The coldness of the silk sheets seeped under her skin and into her bones.


    Yet, Dn''s threats were what sealed the cold in her body and made her tremble.


    As anxiety crashed into her like a tidal wave, Avery called Cayden again. s, only the robotic female


    voice came out of the speakers. ¡°Sorry. The number you have dialed is currently unavable.¡±


    The hand of desperation grabbed her heart.


    The only person she could ask for help from was Cayden, but she could not reach him at all.


    Just then, a few beeps sounded. It was the sound of new messages on her phone, and it was from


    Nina.


    Avery swiftly clicked into the message, only to have all the blood drained from her face the moment she


    saw the photos.


    They were photos of a stark naked Nina taken from various angles. Avery could even see the pores of


    her face clearly.


    The look of terror on Nina''s face was like a sharpened de that stabbed right into Avery''s heart.


    Avery''s hand shook, and she tried to call Dn. Yet, in her fury, she failed to unlock her phone despite


    numerous tries.


    She got out of bed, about to get changed to head out.


    No matter what, she had to rescue the innocent Nina.


    All of a sudden, a bright light shed outside the window.


    Then the sound of thunder came.


    The two children sleeping woke with a start from the noise.


    Rory was timider, and the lightning had frightened her out of her wits. After running into her mother''s


    arms, she quaked and kept calling out to her mother. Although Zachary seemed calm, his tense body


    betrayed his fear.


    Avery''s heart ached. She hugged the two of them and softly coaxed them for a long time with lubies.


    Only half an hourter did the two children fall asleep again.


    Tears were still dangling from Rory''sshes.


    Even though she was deep in her sleep, the girl was still holding onto the hem of Avery''s shirt tightly. It


    was as if she was afraid that her mother would leave her behind.


    Avery''s heart felt heavy, and when she glimpsed the photos on her phone, she started shaking again.


    Unwilling to give up, she called Cayden again and again, but her attempts were all for naught. The


    robotic voice she heard began to feel like an announcement of a death sentence, and soon, tears rolled


    down Avery''s face.


    Various messages kept popping up, and Avery could not bear to even click into the application.


    However, she did in the end.


    It was messages from Nina''s ount again, but it was no longer just photos; it was videos. In the


    video, Nina could be seen pinned under a muscr man with a terrifying python tattoo on his back.


    His massive part was aimed right at Nina, waiting to strike.


    Nina was screaming in terror, her hair a total mess, and she was shaking like a rabbit about to be


    skinned alive. Her tears of fear fell like pearls from a torn ne, and she was shrieking for Avery to


    save her.


    Avery, you know I have limited patience. If I don''t see you in half an hour or if you call the cops, you''ll


    have to hold a funeral for Nina.


    It was clear that the one who wrote that was Dn. He was using Nina''s ount to send her these.


    Avery bawled and heaved as she held her chest, and she almost crushed the phone in her hand.


    Closing her eyes and opening them again a whileter, Avery replied to Dn: Don''t hurt Nina. I''ll


    come in half an hour''s time.


    Meanwhile, a Boeing WH786 soared through the sky, its white wings clear in the stormy night.


    All of a sudden, the ne encountered strong turbulence. Like an injured eagle, it began plummeting


    uncontrobly.


    Despite the flight attendant''s attempt to console the passengers, the screams and sobs of terror still


    filled the cabin.


    Cayden was seated on a ck leather couch in the first-ss cabin. There was no expression on his


    attractive face. Even though the ne seemed to be at risk of crashing, he still seemed unfazed and


    calm.


    In his hand was a ck wallet, and in the wallet was a photo of a woman and two children.


    As he brushed his thumb over the woman''s smiling face, a tender look crept into his eyes.


    Although he knew that Ackleton was going to have a storm and that flights were not rmended, he


    still chose to return right after he was done settling his matters.


    That was because his woman was angry, and he had to return to console her in person.

 Chapter 272

    Chapter 272


    Avery arrived promptly at Room 6617 of the hotel in half an hour''s time.


    Dn was greeted with a ghastly image of Avery as he opened the door to the hotel room. Her tangled


    mess of soaked hair and pallid face entuated her expression of utter despair.


    ¡°Now that I''m here, will you release Nina now?¡±


    Dn''s eyes flickered. He wrenched Avery into his arms regardless of the icy chill of her damp skin. He


    swiped his index finger across her lip as his gaze sharpened. ¡°My wife is indeed loyal. I''ve chosen


    well.¡±


    Avery''s eyes were overflowing with pure vitriol. ¡°Let Nina go!¡±


    ¡°Patience.¡± Dn''s grip was firm on her chin as he gave her a once-over. ¡°Go and have a shower, or


    you''ll catch a cold. Good girl.¡±


    Avery was like a marite as she made her way toward the bathroom to shower.


    ¡°Let Nina go,¡± Avery repeated as she emerged from the bathroom in a bathrobe.


    The warm shower did not diminish the pallor of Avery''s delicate features. She resembled a fragile


    flower bud on the verge of being snapped from its branch by a gale with her tousled hair, and her


    ebony eyes had the darkness of a deste wastnd devoid of life.


    Dn served her a ss of wine and stared at her affectionately. ¡°Have a drink. It''ll warm you up.¡±


    Avery was doubtful about the content of the wine and refused to take a sip. Nheless, she quaked


    under the oppressive stare of Dn as he uttered coolly, ¡°Nina.¡±


    She epted the ss and observed the swirl of the blood-red concoction, suppressing her fear and


    dismay as she downed it in one gulp.


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    The remnants of the wine in the ss resembled a lurid pool of blood.


    Avery instantly felt the strength leave her as a rush of heat began spreading across her body, making


    her squeamish.


    She would have fallen at the sudden weakness in her knees if Dn had not caught her in time.


    He was smirking like the cat who had gotten the cream.


    Avery clenched her fists to knock the expression off his face. s, her feeble condition only managed


    to disce the wine ss from the corner of the table.


    She was caught off guard by the sudden rush of desire that washed over her senses.


    ¡°D-Dn, you filth!¡± Avery snarled furiously and bit her lip till they bruised.


    Dn pushed her onto the bed and divested himself of his clothing except for his briefs.


    He strode closer to Avery, who was writhing in difort due to the aphrodisiac, and leered at her. ¡°I


    suppose you''re aware of the filthy things that are about to happen next.¡±


    Dn took hold of a camera from a drawer and set it up on a nearby table with the lens aimed at Avery.


    Avery gaped at him in sheer disbelief as she caught on to his vile intentions.


    She would have escaped if not for herpromised state. She felt as if she were being tortured by the


    feverish frissons assaulting her senses.


    Avery felt as if she was about to go insane.


    She squirmed on the bed and began tearing at the cor of her bathrobe in a futile attempt to


    extinguish the inferno wreaking havoc within her.


    Dn''s eyes were glued to the graceful pale neck and generous cleavage presented before him as he


    broke free from thest vestiges of restraint.


    He had been with countless women, but Avery was the first one with the alluring paradox of both


    innocent and seductive charm.


    He trapped her below him and whispered excitedly in her ear, ¡°Ery, do it with me this once. I''m skilled in


    the art and won''t hurt you one bit. I won''t let you go now that I''ve finally caught you. I promise to show


    you a good time that''s even better than anything you''ve experienced with Cayden.¡±


    Despite being under the influence of the aphrodisiac, Avery kept sober with the pain of biting on her


    tongue.


    Crimson drops of blood trickled down from the corner of her lips.


    Dn was out of patience as he smothered Avery''s neck with kisses and lowered himself between her


    legs. Avery let out a gut-wrenching howl. ¡°Cayden, save¡ª¡±


    Dn was triggered by the mention of Cayden''s name. He cut her off by tightly sealing her mouth shut.


    He was on the verge of forcing himself on her when the door to the room was kicked open. Both Dn


    and Avery froze at the unexpected interruption.


    Dn turned his head and saw two silhouettes shrouded in darkness.


    The imposing man at the front had a face that was twisted into a rictus of rage from the depths of hell.


    ¡°Cayden...¡±


    The panic and hopelessness within Avery diminished markedly.


    Cayden stalked closer under the amber illumination of the lights.


    His anger was so palpable that it seemed as if it would scald anyone who dared venture close.


    He had the deathly re of a vengeful spirit fixated on dragging his foe into the pits of the abyss.


    Even the seasoned Dn had goosebumps at the sight of Cayden. Xavier, who was behind Cayden,


    was aghast seeing Avery and Dn entangled together.


    Dn, who was still on top of Avery, cowered at the overpowering aura of Cayden.


    Despite that, he maintained his facade of insouciance as he jested, ¡°Hello, dear cousin. I had no idea


    you fancied voyeurism. Are you¡ª¡±


    Before he couldplete his sentence, Cayden saw red and rushed at him, delivering a lethal blow.


    Cayden showed no mercy and pummeled him without reserve.


    Dn barely managed to duck from the attacks that rained down on him.


    He shielded Avery from Cayden''s strikes with his body mulishly as if daring him to deliver a death blow.


    The veins on Cayden''s forehead throbbed at his wrath. He could feel the strength in his fists


    converging into a destructive force that threatened to destroy everything around him.


    Anyone who dared touch his woman was courting death.


    Cayden''s stony gaze surveyed the scantily dressed Avery and lingered on the hickeys smattered


    across her snow-white neck.

 Chapter 273

    Chapter 273


    Avery''s arms were full of bruises by now, and there were traces of blood on the corner of her lips.


    Meanwhile, the camera on top of the table continued to film whatever was transpiring.


    An unconceble, bone-chilling aura emanated from Cayden.


    He sent Dn to the ground with a firm kick before wrecking the camera.


    Then, he dragged Dn back up from the floor before thetter could even retaliate and threw him


    against the wall, causing a loud crashing noise to resonate across the room.


    ¡°You dare touch her, Dn?¡± Cayden growled in a voice so insidious that it sounded as though he were


    a demon straight from the abyss. Even Xavier and Avery couldn''t help but shudder as they heard him.


    With tears brimming in her eyes, the woman could only hug her knees and cower in one corner like an


    injured bird.


    While having to fight the effects of the drug, she trembled in fear.


    Cayden could tell from her unusually flushed cheeks that she had been drugged, but he chose to


    ignore her for now instead of taking her away immediately.


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    He was so infuriated by her foolishness but could do nothing to release his pent-up anger.


    To think she got herself into this mess! I''m going to teach her a lesson she''ll never forget.


    Although he was thinking that, his expression grew darker as he noticed all the marks and bruises on


    Avery''s body.


    ¡°I was just about to sleep with my wife, and then you came barging in and starting a fight all of a


    sudden! What the hell is going on?¡± Dn demanded haughtily despite having busted a lip because of


    Cayden. ¡°Your cousin-inw''s going to be miserable for the rest of her life if I end up getting


    traumatized by this incident!¡±


    Cayden red at him maliciously.


    ¡°It''s precisely because of the blood we share that I''ve been lenient toward you all this while. But you''ve


    really disappointed me this time.¡±


    He then began to walk in Dn''s direction like a panther that could jump at its prey at any given


    moment, causing thetter to tense up.


    Dn knew all too well that Cayden''s gentle and noble demeanor was simply a fa?ade. Deep down,


    the man was vicious and shrewd.


    Moreover, thetter was a skilled fighter.


    There''s no way I can beat him. I won''t even have a chance to fight back. This b*stard''s just too much!


    With five broken ribs, Dn could only remain lying on the carpet. The pain in his chest was so intense


    that he could barely even breathe.


    ¡°You''re going to have our families turn against each other all because of a woman? She''s just a


    woman!¡± the man eximed as he stared back into Cayden''s frigid eyes.


    Xavier sighed and shook his head.


    You''re really asking for it, Mr. Musk. Don''t you know how much Ms. Rumpley means to Mr. Moore? You


    touched the woman he cares about most, and now you''re fanning the mes with your words. Do you


    have a death wish?


    Cayden nced at his cousin before kneeling down slowly to pick up the broken, half-empty ss.


    There were traces of red liquid around the rim, and he took a whiff.


    The dangerous scent widened the smirk on his lips.


    ¡°Seventh Heaven? One tablet is enough to transform even the most inexperienced woman into a


    nymphomaniac. You sure know your stuff, huh, Dn?¡±


    Dn sneered in response,pletely unafraid of aggravating Cayden further. ¡°If you ever need some


    tips on things like these, I''ll be more than happy to lend you a hand. I gave Avery a pill, hoping that it''d


    spice things up. Seeing the way she looked after she ate the pill got me all excited, but you just had to


    get in the way before I had the chance to show her what I was capable of! Just my goddamn luck!¡±


    Suddenly, the man cried out in pain.


    It took him only a second to realize that Cayden had stabbed him in the palm with the broken wine


    ss.


    Cayden had used so much force that blood spilled as soon as the ss shards came into contact with


    his hand.


    ¡°Cayden, how dare you!¡±


    The smile ying on Dn''s lips vanished immediately as the pain caused his face to contort, and his


    eyes were now swirling with rage.


    Avery gasped and shivered at the horrifying sight.


    She felt as though her burning body was starting to cool slightly as she witnessed Cayden''s cruel act in


    a state of disbelief.


    He actually stabbed Dn with the broken ss.


    The woman inhaled sharply.


    Dn is his cousin. Now that he''s hurt him, Allie''s going to start a ruckus. No, the entire Musk family


    isn''t going to let this go.


    It was Avery''s first time seeing Cayden behave like this.


    Despite his overbearingness, she had always regarded him as a kind gentleman. Now, he was simply


    cold-blooded and ruthless.


    ¡°You''d better kill me while you can now, Cayden, because if you don''t, I''m going to be the one who kills


    you sooner orter! I was the one who liked Avery first, but you just had to ruin everything! It''s over


    between us. We''re sworn enemies from now on!¡± Dn roared.


    The pain in his palm and on his chest made him sweat profusely, but his words still left a mark on


    Cayden, who looked at him frostily.


    Dn continued to put up a brave front despite quivering in pain. Seeing that, Cayden grabbed him by


    the neck, wanting to strangle him to death.


    His lips curved with disdain. ¡°I''m going to make it loud and clear to you. Avery is mine, and I''ll kill you if


    you dare touch her ever again,¡± he enunciated, his icy voice piercing Dn''s ear like a knife. ¡°I''m sure


    you know what it''s like to be put behind bars since you''ve already had a taste of it. I could always throw


    you back in for life. How about that?¡±


    Right after saying that, Cayden hurled Dn to the ground like a piece of garbage and picked the


    shuddering woman up without even breaking a sweat.


    ¡°He''s bleeding a lot, Mr. Moore, and those injuries look really severe. Should I call nine-one-one?¡±


    Xavier asked carefully while following his boss from behind.


    Dn was still Cayden''s older cousin at the end of the day, and the two shared a blood rtionship.


    Furthermore, Dn was the only nephew of Allie whom she adored. If both families were to go against


    each other, the woman would definitely wreak havoc on her own son every single day.


    It didn''t help that Cayden had reduced his cousin to such a miserable state now.


    That was why Xavier still had an ounce of sympathy for Dn although thetter got what he deserved.


    Yet, Cayden strode out of the room with Avery in his arms, not sparing Dn a nce. ¡°No. He can


    consider himself lucky if he survives. But if he dies, he dies,¡± he answered aloofly.


    After watching his cousin leave with the woman, Dn closed his eyes reluctantly.


    The ire within him, along with all the injuries he had received, caused him to cough out a mouthful of


    blood before he slipped into unconsciousness.

 Chapter 274

    Chapter 274


    Carrying Avery in his arms, Cayden walked to the parking lot.


    Avery leaned against his chest as if she did not have a care in the world.


    Cayden''s trench coat covered Avery''s body, leaving only her head exposed. She peeped through the


    gap to nce at the stoic man. The hostile look on Cayden''s face sent a chill down Avery''s spine,


    causing her teeth to chatter.


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    The woman still could not stop blushing. She continuously wiggled ufortably underneath his coat.


    ¡°Cayden...¡± Avery sounded as if she was on the verge of tears.


    The tough front she had put up earlier had vanished into thin air.


    Avery had no idea why she cried when she saw him, but somehow, she failed to suppress her


    emotions.


    A burning heat started coursing through her veins, and the ufortable feeling caused her to lose


    control of her body. The warmth in her was a stark contrast against the freezing weather.


    She felt uneasy upon noticing the grim expression on Cayden''s face. In fact, she felt aggrieved.


    As the chilly weather became more intense, the man tightened his hug and continued walking without


    ncing at her.


    The frail Avery curled up in Cayden''s chest as thetter carried her to the car.


    After starting the engine, Xavier tilted his head and asked, ¡°Mr. Moore, should we bring Ms. Rumpley to


    the hospital or send her home?¡±


    ¡°I want to go home.¡± Avery felt sorry for herself when she realized Cayden did not pay much attention


    to her.


    Cayden clenched his jaw for a bit before answering Xavier, ¡°Let''s go to Duke Hotel.¡±


    Duke Hotel was a five-star hotel under Trident Group.


    It was already two in the morning. Knowing that it was an urgent matter, Xavier sped on the road and


    arrived at the hotel''s entrance in no time.


    At this point, the drug caused Avery to be delirious and feel horrible. She continuously struggled


    and rubbed her body against the man to seduce him.


    Her disheveled appearance did not diminish her beauty for a bit, but the burning heat her body gave


    out kept reminding Cayden she was probably drugged.


    A hard glint shed across Cayden''s clear eyes upon recalling Dn''s bestial act. She knew what kind


    of person Dn was, yet, she still went to meet him. Does she have no sense of danger? That man


    would have taken advantage of her had I not arrived in time!


    Cayden wished he could cut Dn into pieces whenever he thought of how thetter nearly vited


    the love of his life.


    The moment he stepped into the hotel while carrying Avery in his arms, the front desk manager walked


    over.


    The manager was dumbfounded when he saw a woman lying in his CEO''s arms but was prudent


    enough to keep mum.


    Initially, the manager wanted to lead them to a private suite, but Cayden waved his hand to stop him


    from following. He then walked into the elevator with Avery.


    ¡°Let me go, Cayden...¡± Avery uttered in a raspy voice. She felt miserable as the drug continued to take


    a toll on her body.


    ¡°You''re scared now, huh? Well, it''s toote!¡± Cayden nibbled on her ear.


    His manly scent overwhelmed her nose. Avery could not help but take a whiff of it.


    She eventually took a few more breaths. It was as if inhaling his scent could help dissipate the heat


    from her body.


    Cayden was aware of her behavior. Upon noticing the sweat droplets rolling down her chest, he


    smirked. ¡°Avery, look how raunchy you are. I should take a video of you to show you how you''re acting


    now.¡±


    Avery''s eyes darkened when she heard his sarcastic remark.


    Feeling helpless, she could only look away to avoid making eye contact with him. How can I exin to


    him that it''s out of my control? Nina will be in danger if I don''t do as Dn said.


    Besides, she did call him for help during the most crucial moment, but his phone was off. What else


    could I do?


    Cayden thought Avery looked away because she was embarrassed to face him. He could not help but


    start developing mixed feelings.


    A corner of the man''s lips quirked up. ¡°So you were desperate for another man''s touch because I failed


    to satisfy your needs when I was away for a couple of days, huh? I never knew you were so raunchy!¡±


    His words chilled Avery to the bone. She shuddered at his ruthless usation.


    She stared into his eyes in disbelief.


    Seeing veins popping out on his face, Avery expressed her disappointment, ¡°Is that how you think of


    me, Cayden?¡±


    She had only loved Cayden throughout the twenty-four years of her life.


    She had given all her love and care to the man.


    He emerged like a sparkling star during her teenage years, overwhelming every part of her body and


    bringing life to her empty soul. He came into her world as her most beautiful dream and gave her the


    confidence to conquer her inferiority.


    From then on, the ways Cayden smiled and moved and even his speaking voice struck a chord with


    Avery.


    He eventually became an addiction she could not give up on.


    Avery knew Cayden would continue to haunt her for the rest of her life.


    Yet, at this point, the love of her life humiliated her with such vile words. After hiding the sorrow in her


    eyes, she lifted her head and gazed into his eyes.


    Despite shaking in anger, Avery did not want the misunderstanding to deepen. ¡°Cayden, I don''t care


    what you think of me, but I just want you to know things are not always what they seem.¡±


    Cayden was not ready to take a step back. His lips curled into an unsympathetic smirk as he red at


    the disheveled woman.


    A glint shed across his eyes. He inched closer and whispered in her ear, ¡°Things are not always what


    they seem, huh? What exactly are you trying to say? I saw you lying on Dn''s bed, and he was on top


    of you. Don''t you enjoy being forced into that position?¡±


    Those remarks cut Avery like a sharp de, especially when they came from the love of her life, who


    used her of infidelity.


    Like a burning piece of metal from a smelting furnace, his words were etched deeply in her heart.


    What he said had broken Avery down, putting her through utter misery.


    Meanwhile, the burning heat surged through her body, and the bizarre feeling in her lower torso


    continued to be more intense. She was mad and embarrassed, but the man''s words were the


    straws that broke the camel''s back.


    Despite her finger injury, Avery used all her might to push him away and punch him repeatedly, but she


    was no match for his strength.


    ¡°Let me go, Cayden Moore! Leave me alone since you refuse to believe me. From now on, everything I


    do has nothing to do with you anymore...¡± Avery shrieked in a weak voice. She had never been as


    exhausted as this before.


    The feeling of relief when she saw Cayden during the critical moment was overtaken by fury.


    The more she struggled to pull herself away from him, the more friction her body created. That


    torturous feeling almost drove her insane.


    Soon, the elevator doors opened.


    Cayden entered the elevator while Avery was still crying and throwing a fit in his arms.


    No matter how she attempted to break free from his grip, Cayden still held her tightly to his chest with


    an intense look on his face.

 Chapter 275

    Chapter 275


    Exiting the elevator, Cayden walked toward the entrance of an exquisite suite and ced his eye in


    front of the retinal scanner. The lock was specifically designed to be highly secured. An automated


    voice weed his arrival as he was granted ess.


    ¡°Cayden, let me go...¡± Avery''s raspy voice became more seductive as the drug continued to run its


    course.


    Her body was bing increasingly ufortable. With all of her might, she willed herself to


    suppress the desire to pounce on him and forced herself to maintain her rationality.


    Cayden moved his lips closer to Avery''s smooth earlobes as the smirk on his face widened. ¡°Then we


    shall see if you are willing to let me go.¡±


    As Avery continued to twist her feminine body subconsciously in his arms, Cayden carried her into a


    massive suite.


    The automated lights were triggered as they stepped inside. Countless elegantmps were embedded


    in the walls all the way to the dome above their heads.


    Within seconds, a soft silver glow emitted from the room, illuminating the entire suite.


    Yet the most remarkable feature of the suite was the thick ss ceilings of the dome.


    Through the ss ceilings, the beautiful starry night skyy in for all to see.


    In the dark of night, the faint glow of the moon looked like a clear mirror hanging in the sky. Countless


    stars twinkled around the moon, shining in varying brightness like diamonds being woven closely


    together into the ck velvet sky.


    They seemed to be winking mischievously at the world, as though they shared a cosmic secret with the


    universe.


    It was breath-taking.


    Avery let out an involuntary gasp at the sight, lost in thought, unaware of a pair of cold, fierce eyes


    gazing at her as though she was as mesmerizing as the starry night.


    ¡°Like it here?¡± Cayden''s sexy, low voice brought Avery back to her senses.


    A trace of embarrassment flickered across her dark-colored eyes.


    Despite having no energy in her body, she still attempted to push him away as hard as she could.


    ¡°Cayden, if you''ve brought me here to humiliate me, then you''re wasting your time.¡±


    Cayden nced at her coldly. Rip! In one swift movement, his huge hand yanked off the bathrobe


    covering her bare body. The robe fell to the ground almost immediately before Cayden pushed her,


    causing her to fall heavily onto the bed behind her.


    ¡°Since you''re burning with lust, why don''t I satisfy you tonight?¡±


    ¡°You¡ª¡± Avery had thought that she would hurt from falling backward. To her surprise, the bed was


    unexpectedly soft. She did not feel any pain at all.


    However, she was consumed with a sense of shame as sheypletely naked in front of him


    without a hint of cover.


    Despite having multiple intimate encounters with him, at the end of the day, they were not husband and


    wife. Overwhelmed by shame, an embarrassed yelp escaped Avery''s lips.


    To her horror, Avery realized that the voice she had just made was far more suggestive than she''d


    hoped. She sounded like the female lead in a bed scene from pornography.


    Moreover, her skin was burning so much that it was abnormally red and swollen. Wave after wave of


    heat rolled in her lower belly.


    Upon feeling the warm fluid escaping from between her legs, Avery blushed even more furiously.


    What on earth did Dn feed me? It''s so strong...


    The sweat on Avery''s forehead had not stopped dripping. Curling herself up into a ball, Avery wrapped


    her arms around her bare chest, cursing herself silently for having the strong desire to throw herself


    onto him and an even stronger desire for his strong chest and embrace.


    Under the influence of the drugs, Avery''s body twisted involuntarily.


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    As shey on the soft,fortable king-sized bed, her logical thinking was invaded by her reproductive


    instinct. She even began caressing her own breasts uncontrobly.


    Her gorgeous body was like the juicy flesh of a freshly-peeled fruit that presented itself fully in front of


    Cayden.


    Staring at Avery''s admirable body, he noticed that her eyes were gradually going from sharp to


    unfocused. Looks like the drug is still running its course and it''s getting stronger.


    He could not deny that Avery looked incredibly delicious at the moment. The mere sight of her body


    caused his desire to skyrocket!


    Nheless, Cayden stopped himself from releasing his desire, as well as rescuing Avery from hers.


    Instead, he took a seat next to her and held her burning chin. A low growl escaped his lips. ¡°Look at


    you acting so impatient. No wonder Dn wouldn''t divorce you no matter what.¡±


    ¡°Cayden, you...¡±


    Avery was fuming. She was panting so hard that she could barely even speak.


    At that moment, she did not even bother to retort to his insult as she was under great physical torment.


    Her body had felt as though tens of thousands of worms were gnawing at the insides of her body.


    The torment was so unbearable that she wanted to m herself against a wall. Dropping her pride, she


    began earnestly pleading for him to save her.


    After a long while, Cayden finally picked her up.


    A sense of hope rose in Avery''s chest, thinking that her antidote had arrived. To her surprise, he ced


    her inside an oval bathtub without another word.


    Plop.


    Avery''s body submerged under the water at the sound.


    The water inside the bathtub was warm, causing the heat Avery was feeling on her body to intensify. At


    the stimulus of the hot water, Avery felt her body burning even more.


    It was so bad that she struggled to get out of the water.


    The fragrance of the rose petals in the bathtub overwhelmed her senses as the steaming water


    continued to torment her mind. She felt as though she was on the brink of losing it!


    All of a sudden, her nose was filled with the fresh fragrance of body shampoo.


    Avery looked at Cayden as thetter poured a huge bottle of shampoo into the tub, not sparing a single


    drop.


    ¡°Clean yourself up. I do not want a single trace of another man''s scent on your body!¡±


    Cayden''s words were like a sharp knife to Avery''s chest.


    Avery returned to her senses, suddenly aware of how much he minded that another man touched her.


    The rim of her eyes began to ache as she tried to swallow the grievance, shame, and fury in her throat.


    If he thought that she was dirty and had no trust in her, exining herself to him would just be a waste


    of effort. Since he thinks that I''m just a woman who sleeps around, why do I even bother exining


    myself?


    ¡°Since that''s how you think of me, Cayden, I''m done exining myself to you anymore. I''ve never been


    a good girl. A good girl would not have sold her body to a guy for money, not to mention bearing him


    two children for money. You''re right. I am dirty, and so what? You''re just a customer who paid for me.


    Do you think you''re high and mighty? What right do you have to disdain me?¡±


    Avery met his ck eyes stubbornly, no longer allowing herself to be weak and vulnerable under his


    usatory gaze.


    Her words made Cayden''s gaze go cold.


    Bending down his tall body, he stared at Avery''s body, which had turned red from the hot water, and


    dered unwaveringly, ¡°Avery, from the moment I bought you, you were meant to be only my woman.


    Apart from me, anyone who touches you will not live to see the next sunrise!¡±


    Avery held her bitter tears back. Taking a sharp breath, she closed her eyes. ¡°Looks like I''ve always


    been your property in your eyes. I understand now. Thank you for letting me know. Guess it was only


    me who was fooling myself all this while, Mr. Moore.¡±


    The words ¡°Mr. Moore¡± on Avery''s lips enraged Cayden.


    He was livid after hearing what she had said.


    This woman somehow always manages to make me lose my cool!


    The love bites on Avery''s skin were bing a bigger eyesore. Furious, Cayden plunged her entire


    body into the water and began scrubbing her body with his rough hands, intending to rid her of the stain


    with his own hands.

 Chapter 276

    Chapter 276


    ¡°Ah! It hurts!¡± Avery''s delicate skin stung from Cayden''s forceful scrubbing. She felt as though he was


    about to scrub ayer of her skin away.


    Her pale skin was even starting to turn pink.


    Unbothered, Cayden did not stop his movements. A dark glimmer flickered across his eyes as he kept


    scrubbing in an attempt to remove all the traces of another man on Avery''s body.


    Avery felt as though she was drowning. By the time Cayden fished her out of the bathtub, her skin was


    so red that she looked like a cooked prawn.


    Only then did Cayden carry her burning body in front of a ss wall.


    They were on the highest floor of the hotel. From the huge, transparent window, they could see the


    entire bustling city.


    The world outside looked brightly lit.


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    The night scene of the city looked as though thousands of gold and silver pearls were hung on a string.


    It was as beautiful as a dream.


    In front of the ss wall was an exquisite antique recliner.


    If one were to sit on that chair, they would be facing the ss wall and having an unobstructed view of


    the world outside.


    Sensing what he was about to do, Avery shook her head in an attempt to clear her blurry mind.


    ¡°Cayden, don''t... Not there...¡±


    Avery was terrified that Cayden would do unspeakable things to her in front of the whole city.


    To her dismay, even though her mouth was objecting, her body was not following hermand.


    Lustful desires consumed her. She wanted to wrap herself around Cayden''s lean figure and climb up.


    An evil sneer appeared on Cayden''s face as he ced her down on the recliner before reaching out his


    two hands to grab her ample bosoms.


    Avery wanted to resist, yet her long slender legs spread wide and wrapped themselves around his firm


    body as if they had a mind of their own.


    Cayden''s sharp gaze did not once leave the woman lying on the chair, who was twisting and turning.


    Her movements were absolutely enchanting¡ªlike a kitten that was ying with a ball of yarn. Cayden


    was captivated by her body.


    Raising her eyes to look at the night sky, Avery was embarrassed to find her thigh facing the city lights


    outside.


    An unexinable fear rose in her chest, causing her to shrink away subconsciously. ¡°Don''t...¡±


    Avery shook her head profusely as she begged, trying not to choke. She was not the type of person


    who would allow herself to do something as shameful as doing it in front of a window. Humiliation


    overwhelmed her.


    Cayden leaned forward with a smirk that would make one''s heart grow cold. His voice wasced with


    enticement. ¡°You don''t have a say in this, Ery. Your body is begging for my touch.¡±


    He did not tell her that all the ss windows in the room were extremely high-tech.


    They could see everything that was happening outside the window, but nothing could be seen from the


    outside.


    Avery was like a cat without bones, twisting her body in Cayden''s embrace with her eyes half-closed as


    she moaned and panted.


    ¡°Avery, have I ever told you that your voice sounds amazing when you moan?¡± Cayden''s pupils dted


    as his gaze fell onto their reflection in the window. Their naked bodies were entangled with each other.


    Avery''s mind went nk as she gave up thinking. The desire in her body had caused her to kiss every


    inch of his body without restraint.


    However, he seemed to be teasing her like a pet, holding himself back despite their reproductive


    organs brushing against each other.


    The unbearable torment was about to make Avery lose her mind.


    If she could not release her desires any longer, the effects of the drug would consume her from the


    inside out.


    However, at the thought of his insulting and humiliating words about her, giant droplets of tears


    streamed down her cheeks.


    Avery closed her eyes, refusing to look at him.


    Upon seeing her tears, all sense of wrath in Cayden''s heart vanished without a trace. Kissing her tears


    away, he suddenly thrust forward and entered her.


    Amidst the action, Avery thought she heard his faint sigh. ¡°I''m sorry, Ery. The scene I witnessed today


    made mepletely lose my reasoning. That was why I said all those horrible things to you. You have


    no idea how much you mean to me...¡±


    It was because he loved her so deeply that even a spare nce from another man felt likepetition.


    When he saw that she was about to be taken advantage of by Dn, it was as though a sharp de


    had pierced into his chest, causing his heart to ache.


    Avery was the greatest gift of his youth.


    Cayden''s youth was like a deste world, covered in snow with no sign of spring.


    Avery was like a vine that had sprouted in the middle of the winter, bringing its green leaves to the


    canvas of white and growing in the soil of his heart. Slowly but surely, the vine had covered the entire


    soil, and flowers began to bloom gradually, bringing beauty into his world in the blink of an eye.


    Avery might look normal to everyone else, but Cayden would give his everything to her.


    Due to theck of trust between the two, the night was filled with mere primitive reproductive instinct.


    Their entangled bodies rubbing against each other no longer had the sublimation it used to bring.


    When they reached the climax, Cayden held onto Avery in a death grip, as though he desired to


    be one flesh with her.


    Meanwhile, Avery could hear him saying ¡°I''m sorry¡± over and over again in her ear.


    Tears covered her entire face as she opened her mouth and bit his neck hard like she was about to rip


    his flesh apart.


    And yet, Cayden did not even frown. Instead, his thrusting got increasingly harder and more ferocious,


    as though he wanted to break her body.


    It was a night full of madness.


    The next day, the sun shone through the ss ceilings, filling the spacious room with its rays.


    The vast night sky had been reced by the light of day. It was almost blinding.


    By the time Avery woke up, it was already eight in the morning.


    When she opened her eyes, she was the only person left in the suite. Cayden had left a long time ago.


    A sense of unexinable disappointment filled her heart.


    She tried to move her body, and it felt as though every joint in her body had gone loose as she ached


    all over. Groaning in pain, she silently called Cayden a beast.


    All of a sudden, she remembered the two children at home. Panic consumed her heart as she felt


    extremely guilty.


    Just as she was about to call the children, a series of urgent ringing came from the doorbell.


    Avery blinked. Thinking it was Cayden, she simply threw on a bathrobe and opened the door. To her


    surprise, Lindsay entered the room.


    The unsightly mess on the floor did not escape Lindsay''s notice.


    Many used tissues were scattered on top of the exquisite carpet.


    The room still smelled of raging hormones. Not to mention the marks on Avery''s neck were visible.


    Having the experience herself, Lindsay naturally knew what had happened.


    Nevertheless, she merely nced at Avery before turning away and cing a set of clothes on top of


    the bed. ¡°Ms. Rumpley, here are the clothes Mr. Moore had requested to be sent to you.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Avery felt uneasy under Lindsay''s gaze.


    After all, she was not used to being exposed in front of someone else. She always felt as though they


    could see through her.


    ¡°Ms. Rumpley, Mr. Moore had asked me to inform you that he had already sent Mr. Zachary and Ms.


    Rory to the Moore residence. I just wanted to remind you not to leave the children unattended at home


    again at night in the future, no matter what. They are still little, and they need to be apanied by


    adults, especially Rory. She''s terrified of storms.¡±


    It was evident that Lindsay had learned that Avery had left Zachary and Rory alone at homest night.


    That was the first time Lindsay felt displeased toward Avery.


    In her mind, Zachary and Rory were noble and precious. The idea of them living with Avery in such a


    run-down residential area did not sit well with her.


    The fact that Avery was not home at night meant that the two children were alone in the residential


    area. What if someone broke into the house when she wasn''t around and harmed the children? What if


    something happened to them?

 Chapter 277

    Chapter 277


    When Avery thought of the two children, she felt extremely guilty. She breathed a sigh of relief once


    she heard that they were fine.


    It was fortunate nothing happened to them. If something really happened, she would have regretted it


    for the rest of her life.


    Avery vowed to Lindsay, ¡°I promise it won''t happen again.¡±


    At that, Lindsay nodded, opened the door, and exited the room.


    As a whole, Lindsay fairly approved of this girl.


    After all, Avery was pretty, had a gentle personality, and was educated. Not only did the CEO like her,


    but she was also the twins'' biological mother. If she could be with them, then Rory and Zachary would


    have a warm andplete family.


    Nevertheless, it seemed that this young mother still had a long way to go.


    After Lindsay left, Avery opened the box and found a set of white Chanel clothing inside.


    The cuts and finishings of the clothing were neat, and its design was elegant.


    Avery had seen this set of clothing and the essories thate with it in the newest issue of a


    fashion magazine. This whole set could cost a year of her ie.


    Such clothing wasn''t something a person from the working ss like her could wear.


    However, besides this set, she didn''t have any other things to wear.


    Moreover, she needed to go to thepanyter.


    After all, Nina was still in Dn''s clutches, and her situation was unknown. Avery had to go to the


    company and beg Cayden to save Nina since he was thetter''sst hope.


    In addition, she was called out by Wisteria in public for taking too many days off. So she couldn''t take


    another day of absence anymore.


    Due to the circumstances, Avery had no choice but to wear the set of Chanel.


    To her surprise, the clothing fit her like a glove.


    At Trident Group, when Avery appeared in the design department, she instantly attracted the attention


    of her female colleagues.


    The instant Betty saw that blouse on Avery, she eximed so loudly with a voice so shrill that the


    whole department could hear her. ¡°Wow, Avery! Are you wearing thetest piece from Chanel? That


    outfit is well worth a few months of our sry! I''m envious!¡±


    Even though she seemed like she was expressing her admiration toward the shirt, jealousy oozed from


    her words.


    Having an affair with the boss really changes things. Betty couldn''t help but exim internally.


    Betty remembered that when Avery had just entered thepany, she wore only regr clothes. But


    now? The things Avery wore were so stylish that she could only watch on with envy.


    At that, Avery answered good-naturedly, ¡°Oh, you know, these are actually knockoffs. I can''t possibly


    afford the real deal.¡±


    On the side, Cecelia, who was focused on designing, looked up and scrutinized Avery''s attire.


    She was very familiar with many brands and their products and could immediately tell that what Avery


    was wearing now was genuine. Nevertheless, Cecelia kept quiet and merely smiled.


    After Betty heard that the clothing was knockoffs, she felt a bit better. Betty muttered, ¡°That makes


    sense. Your sry is lower than mine, so there''s no way you could have afforded the real thing. Unless


    a man paid for you.¡±


    When Avery heard that, her expression darkened.


    Of course, Cecelia had always supported Avery, so she rolled her eyes at Betty and sneered, ¡°What do


    you know? Ery can easily live off the money she receives using her good looks, but she doesn''t.


    Instead, she earns money with her own hands. She''s not like a certain someone who looks average


    and has a nasty and petty personality. Moreover, that certain someone is as t as a board. Even if that


    person were to undress and throw herself at a man, that man would ignore her. Sigh. There will always


    be people better than you. What can you do?¡±


    Immediately, the others covered their mouths and snickered.


    At that jab right at Betty''s sore spot, she red at Avery''s ample bosom.


    Betty''s size was a small bun-like A cup, so she always preferred wearing heavily padded bras to


    conceal that fact. Now that Cecelia had exposed her, Betty was so embarrassed that she was at a loss


    for words.


    She swore to herself that she would scrimp for a few months to get the money for breast ergement


    surgery.


    On the other hand, Avery didn''t bother about her colleagues'' open rivalry and veiled strikes. If this had


    happened to her a few years ago, she might argue with Betty about a thing or two, but now, she could


    brush off everything as a joke. After all her rough experiences, her mental strength gradually increased.


    What was in Avery''s mind right now was how she would plead for Cayden to save Nina when she


    reached the CEO''s office.


    After all, he was furious yesterday.


    At that time, Cayden was like an enraged dinosaur, and that image was still stuck in Avery''s head. She


    remembered how Cayden violently stabbed the ss cup into Dn''s palm.


    Instantly, she couldn''t help but shudder.


    Other than that, Avery knew that a rift had appeared in their rtionship.


    For our old time''s sake, will he help me find Nina? She was unsure.


    As Avery pondered her options, Cecelia suddenly tugged at the scarf around Avery''s neck, something


    which she didn''t normally wear.


    Shockingly, what Cecelia saw were bruises and bite marks all over Avery''s neck, as if an animal had


    gnawed on her. She took a sharp breath.


    Leaning against Avery, Cecelia teasingly asked, ¡°Avery, I wonder how long Mr. Moore did not have


    sex? Jeez. He was not gentle with you, huh? Look at the state of your neck. As a woman, I pity what he


    had done to you... Come on, spill it! What''s Mr. Moore like in bed?¡±


    ¡°Stop it, Cecelia.¡± Avery flushed a bright red, and even her ears were pinkish.


    Immediately, Avery tightly grabbed her scarf and looked at Cecelia cautiously¡ªspecifically her hands¡ª


    for fear she would yank her scarf off.


    ¡°Okay, okay. I won''t tease you anymore. I want you to take this to the CEO''s office and hand it to Mr.


    Moore.¡± Cecelia let out a giggle.


    Cecelia didn''t expect Avery to be this shy since thetter had sex before.


    Thus, Cecelia handed a document to Avery. Initially, that was the former''s job, but she didn''t want to


    come face-to-face with Cayden''s cold and expressionless face. Although he was heart-stoppingly


    handsome, not many could stand his bone-chilling aura.


    On the other hand, Avery was Cayden''s woman. Only when he was with her would his expression


    slightly warm up. Hence, sending Avery on that errand was the best choice.


    Little did Cecelia know that Avery didn''t want to meet Cayden, too.


    After all, what he had done deeply traumatized her. However, at the thought of Nina, she steeled


    herself and went anyway.


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    The CEO''s office was on the top floor. As Avery was waiting at the employee elevator, she suddenly


    saw a dazzling figure.


    The woman had a great body and was wearing oversized ck sunsses.


    The pair of sunsses almost entirely covered her small and delicate face, as one could only see her


    tall nose and sexy red lips.


    The woman walked straight to the CEO-exclusive elevator, pressed the button, and went inside.


    The elevator doors closed, and the elevator ascended quickly. In no time, the CEO-exclusive elevator


    reached the floor the CEO''s office was on.


    Ding!


    At the same moment, the employee elevator reached the floor Avery was on. Dispiritedly, Avery


    followed the other female co-workers into the elevator.


    ¡°Hey, who do you think that woman was? She looks familiar, and she''s elegant, too, but I have to


    commend her for using the CEO-exclusive elevator. She''s daring, for sure...¡± a random employee,


    Cathy, said in awe after nudging a peer beside her.


    Her peer pursed her lips before answering, ¡°Who else could it be? It''s that superstar Nicole with the


    solid background. I heard she is the ambassador of ourpany''s newest perfume this season.


    Rumor has it that she can rece herpetitor who was guaranteed the role only because Mr. Moore


    let her in through the back door... We know Mr. Moore doesn''t y favorites, but this time is an


    exception. Do you think Mr. Moore is interested in her?¡±


    Another employee enthusiastically joined in the gossip. ¡°For all these years, Mr. Moore had been


    abstinent, and he didn''t have a rumored girlfriend. Well, it wouldn''t be surprising if he ended up dating


    her. He is still human, after all. What''s more, Nicole''s father is the state secretary, so she''s a daughter


    from an influential family. Her status is high enough to be suited with our CEO...¡±


    What they said afterward eluded Avery as their conversation kept ringing in her head.


    She felt lightheaded, and her mind went nk.


    They said Nicole could be the ambassador of the perfume brand for the newest season because


    Cayden let her through the back door. They also said Nicole''s status matched Cayden''s...


    Staring at the CEO''s office not far away, Avery felt weak. Her legs seemed like they were made of lead,


    and she couldn''t take even another step forward.


    As Nicole entered the CEO''s office with some mushroom soup in hand, she walked straight inside. She


    was greeted with splendor upon entering.


    Although the office was luxurious, the overall look was refined and stylish.


    At that moment, Cayden wasn''t working but standing at the window. At the height of one point nine


    meters, the man was tall and standing upright. His perfect figure was iparable even to the world''s


    top models, and his icy and intimidating aura could be felt from a mile away.


    The corner of Nicole''s lips curled upward slightly.


    This was the man who controlled the whole of Trident Group. With a flick of his finger, he could


    paralyze the city''s economy if he ever wanted to. Countless heiresses would undoubtedly fall for him


    and vie for the attention of this influential figure. However, he had always been abstinent. In all these


    years, he did not have any rumored girlfriends, and this was a quality Nicole was most satisfied with.

 Chapter 278

    Chapter 278


    Nicole gently ced the mushroom soup she had made on Cayden''s table and greeted softly, ¡°Mr.


    Moore.¡±


    Mother said that the way to a man''s heart is through his stomach.


    Of course, Nicole didn''t know how to cook, not even mushroom soup. However, her adoptive mother,


    ire, was a good cook.


    Cayden turned around, and his magnificent and exquisite looks almost blinded her eyes.


    It was undeniable that he was an extremely handsome man. His handsomeness didn''t only stem from


    his good looks but also his mature andposed disposition.


    Despite his young appearance, he had a majestic aura that was natural and mysterious.


    Anyone could tell that he got the aura from the bloodbath of the business industry that made him who


    he was now.


    ¡°Mr. Moore, I''m here today to talk with you about the details of our coboration. Oh, right! Here. I


    made mushroom soup for you. It took me hours, so please try some,¡± she added.


    Cayden furrowed his brows slightly and sounded cold when he said, ¡°Thank you, Ms. Nicole. But don''t


    bother. I''ve already eaten. Mr. Dartsley will contact you regarding the details of the development and


    follow-up of our coboration, so you don''t have to worry.¡±


    Seeing Cayden''s cold attitude, Nicole felt that she was choking on a lump in her throat.


    She nced at therge pile of various documents on his desk and asked carefully, ¡°Mr. Moore, am I


    disturbing you?¡±


    Although Nicole''s father was the state secretary and Nicole was the only daughter of the Lambert


    family, deep down, she felt inferior. That was because she wasn''t William and ire''s biological


    daughter since she was adopted.


    Besides, it was possible that their biological daughter was still alive. That was why she was always


    afraid that she would suddenly lose everything she had.


    Because of that, she needed to find someone she could depend on for the rest of her life before the


    real daughter of the Lambert family returned. That was the only way she could continue living a


    luxurious andfortable life in case she had to leave the Lambert family.


    Even if he has two children, so what? Many A-list celebrities eventually married wealthy husbands,


    even though they had already made a fortune. They''ve definitely made the right choice.


    The glorious years of female celebrities onlysted in their prime. With so many young and beautiful


    new celebrities sprouting out every year, how would those older female celebrities win against the


    young ones once they had passed their prime?


    That''s why I must find a capable and rich man while I''m still young and beautiful!


    In addition, the man before her was the best choice, no matter how she looked at it.


    But he is too mysterious. I don''t even know if he''s always been this cold or if he''s only this cold


    because he has been through something.


    When Cayden saw Nicole''s disappointed expression, he thought of Avery. Avery looked like thatst


    night too.


    His cold voice seemed to have softened up a little when he said, ¡°No.¡±


    Hearing that, Nicole felt a little happy and looked at him in admiration. She asked, ¡°Mr. Moore, ever


    since thest meal we had, my father has been talking about you and asking when you would have


    time to visit the Lambert residence.¡±


    ¡°I''m busytely. Once I''m done with most of my work, I''ll be sure to make time to visit him,¡± Cayden


    replied indifferently.


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Nicole put on a sweet smile as she handed a name card to him. ¡°We''ve got a deal, then. This is my


    personal name card. Call me when you''re free, Mr. Moore.¡±


    He took it nonchntly and said nothing.


    Deep down, she was bursting with joy. Her smile widened slightly at the right angle, making her look


    lovely. ¡°Then, I''ll see you again next time, Mr. Moore.¡±


    She knew she should take things slow if she wanted him to like her. There was no way she''d seed


    so quickly.


    I''ll get him interested in me before seducing him so that he''ll want to pursue me himself.


    Her actions were natural, elegant, and perfect. Anyone could see that she was raised in a noble family.


    Yet, it somehow felt like she was trying a little too hard.


    Cayden had seen countless women like her, so he felt a strong sense of repulsion.


    Despite how he felt, he said nothing and merely raised his brows because of Nicole''s background.


    After she left, he smiled coldly and threw the gold-ted name card into the trash can at the side


    without hesitation.


    Nicole looked calm when she was leaving the CEO''s office. But shepletely dropped the act the


    moment she got out of Cayden''s office.


    With a spring in her step, the floorboards creaked as she walked with a smile on her face. She was


    trying so hard to control herself from squealing out loud.


    Once the elevator doors slid open, she swayed in. But when the doors were closing, she seemed to


    have caught sight of a woman dressed in a white suit with a great figure at the corner of the corridor.


    Her silhouette looks a little familiar. But her long, ck hair is covering half of her face, so I can''t see


    her face clearly... Maybe she''s just a normal employee in Mr. Moore''spany, so I shouldn''t think too


    much about it.


    Even though it was only a glimpse, Nicole felt ufortable when she thought about that woman''s


    perfect figure.


    Once I be Mr. Moore''s wife, I''ll filter out all the women around him in Trident Group, leaving only


    those with in figures and looks in thepany.


    Since Nicole was wearing sunsses, Avery couldn''t see the former''s expression.


    However, Avery had trouble ignoring Nicole''s smile.


    I wonder what Cayden said to her that made her so happy. Is it about their private matters?


    She stopped her thoughts from going wild as she knocked on the door of the CEO''s office.


    A maic male voice sounded. ¡°Come in.¡±


    She opened the door and walked in. The moment she went in, she couldn''t help furrowing her brows


    because of the suffocating smell of smoke. As she looked for the source of the smoke, she saw the


    unbelievably handsome man sitting rxedly on his chair with a lit-up cigar between his fingers.


    The cigar he was holding had a faint green color, looking like a tobo leaf that was not fully grown.


    Following the smell of the thick smoke was the scent of fresh soil after rain. It was just as charming as


    Cayden. Abruptly, a thought appeared in Avery''s mind. Some men who smoke are just like lit-up, fine


    pieces of art. It''s too elegant...

 Chapter 279

    Chapter 279


    Cayden swept his gaze over Avery indifferently. She was dressed in a figure-hugging costume that


    wrapped around her curvy body, revealing her long and fair legs.


    With her long, loose hair draped over her back, her face looked exquisite and neat, and her eyes were


    like the stars that dazzled in the night sky. The shade of lipstick on her lips was faint, and she wore a


    scarf around her neck that made her look slightly dainty. Her look suggested to him that she was


    covering the hickeys from the night before.


    At that moment, she looked as stunning as a blooming cherry blossom.


    Right then, Cayden could not help but feel a surge of warm flow in his lower abdomen as he recalled


    how alluring Avery was when she was pinned under him the night before.


    However, when he thought of her foolish behaviors, the man pressed his lips into a thin line, and his


    gaze grew sharp.


    Avery was so intimidated by Cayden''s reaction that she dared not let out a breath, for she was too


    afraid to infuriate him again. What if he refuses to save Nina?


    The next instant, Avery let out a soft cough and ced the documents on his table. ¡°Mr. Moore, these


    are the documents you need.¡±


    As Avery caught a whiff of the smell of the mushroom soup on the table, her heart wrenched for a


    moment.


    So, Nicole has already gotten so close to him? She even brought him the mushroom soup personally...


    ¡°What''s wrong? You were just calling my namest night, yet you forgot about it after getting out of


    bed?¡± Cayden felt his anger rise in him as he saw how she was shunning him.


    Avery was stupefied by his mockery. Fixing her gaze on his cold and handsome face, she reminded,


    ¡°It''s working hour now. Mr. Moore, you''ve always been professional, so I believe you wouldn''t want to


    bring your personal matter to work.¡±


    Cayden narrowed his eyes, and there was a stern look in his gaze that vanished in mere seconds.


    ¡°Avery Rumpley, do you know what you''re talking about?¡±


    Avery had been with him for a long time, so she fathomed his temper pretty well.


    She knew that it was a sign of him losing his temper. Despite not knowing how she had triggered him,


    she could only let out a soft sigh helplessly before she decided to get serious with him. ¡°I don''t want to


    argue with you, and we can deal with the matter between uster. I only wish to ask you for a favor


    today...¡±


    Just then, a strange silence ensued, and Cayden''s domineering aura made Avery feel suffocated.


    Cayden took a deep drag on the cigarette and asked aloofly, ¡°What is it?¡±


    Avery bit her bottom lip so hard that it almost bled. ¡°I''m begging you. Please save Nina.¡±


    Hearing that, Cayden stared intently at her, his gaze cold.


    Strands of hair rested on his forehead, and he looked calm yet intractable.


    He flicked his cigarette and questioned with a hint of mockery in his tone, ¡°Since you hate me so much,


    why are you asking me for help then? Avery, do you feel that awful being with me?¡±


    Cayden was extremely displeased at how she was staying away from him as if he was a vicious


    person.


    He was so used to having her depending on him and clinging to him. Hence, he could hardly ept


    that she was keeping a distance from him.


    Even though he knew that he should not speak to her in that manner, he could not stop the rage in him


    from welling up when he was faced with her.


    Avery sped her hands together tightly as she requested softly, ¡°Even if it isn''t for me, seeing as Nina


    is Trident Group''s employee, you must save her... She only got caught by Dn Musk because of me.


    Dn threatened me to sleep with him for a night or else he would get a few men to harm Nina. He


    sent many photos and videos of Nina to me, and I saw how helpless and desperate she was, but there


    was nothing I could do. She is my best friend, and she got dragged into the matter because of me. How


    could I just watch her get defiled by someone else?¡±


    Tears streamed down Avery''s cheeks as she said that.


    She covered her mouth, trying not to lose control in front of him, but it did not seem to work. Her tears


    were flowing uncontrobly.


    ¡°So, did you agree to Dn''s request?¡± Cayden suddenly stubbed out the cigarette and rose to his feet.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    He was staring at Avery like a beast that was on the verge of exploding.


    Avery took a deep breath and clenched her fist. ¡°Yes.¡±


    Just then, Cayden threw a punch on the table furiously, and the documents on it fell and scattered all


    over the floor.


    He was trying his best to suppress the myriad of emotions surging within him while he chided, ¡°Are you


    out of your mind? Do you think you can solve this by going there yourself? He is a jerk, and he will do


    anything! You''re merely a defenseless woman! The nerve of you to go there on your own. I don''t know


    if you''re bold or foolish. Couldn''t you just call me for help?¡±


    A bitter smile crept over Avery''s face as she revealed reluctantly, ¡°Do you think I wouldn''t call you for


    help in that kind of situation? I kept calling you, but your phone was switched off. I was worried sick, yet


    I couldn''t get ahold of you. You have no idea how fearful and hopeless I felt at that moment... Nina is


    my best friend, and time was running out. I couldn''t just leave her when her life was at stake!¡±


    Avery could not call the police either, as Dn had threatened to end Nina''s life if she dared to make a


    police report.


    She could not put Nina''s life at risk, but she had no other choice. In the end, she could only give in out


    of despair.


    Right then, Cayden suddenly recalled that he had received multiple missed calls after switching on his


    phone as soon as he got off the ne. At that moment, he thought that she had missed him and did not


    give it another thought.


    Only then did he know that Avery had called him to ask for help. What the hell have I done? Not only


    did I not believe her, but I also misunderstood her when I saw the scene of her being intimate with


    Dn.


    At the thought of that, he instantly felt a wave of overwhelming guilt and pain.


    ¡°I''m sorry. I-I didn''t know.¡± Cayden walked toward Avery, and his eyes met hers. Then, he tentatively


    reached out his hands to hold her slim figure in his embrace.


    His heart ached when he saw how skinny she had be. The man brushed his thin lips against her


    teary eye and apologized to her repetitively.


    However, Avery pushed him away forcefully.


    She was disappointed at what had happened the night before and how he had treated her.


    In a cold voice, Avery said, ¡°Nina is in Aaron''s hands right now, and I have no clue about her current


    situation. Mr. Moore, I hope you can save her as soon as possible. I''ll remember your kindness for my


    whole life.¡±


    As soon as Avery finished her words, she walked out without a hint of hesitation.


    Aplicated yet sorrowful look filled Cayden''s eyes as he watched her leave. He turned around and


    smashed his clenched fist against the table. Blood was dripping out, yet he did not feel the pain.


    He then made a call through the internal phone and summoned Xavier over.

 Chapter 280

    Chapter 280


    Xavier noticed that Cayden was leaning back in his chair when he went into thetter''s office.


    Cayden''s tie was slightly loosened, and there was a wistful look on his face as if the whole world had


    abandoned him. Xavier was taken aback by the sight.


    Mr. Moore must be too tired.


    After all, Cayden had just rushed back from Western Epea right after taking care of the business there


    a few days ago.


    There were a few important meetings lining up as well, all of which were pending his final decision


    when he got back to the office. Xavier reckoned that it had been a few days since hest had a good


    sleep. After all, Cayden was a renowned workaholic. Then again, Xavier had never seen Cayden in


    such a dejected state, not even when thetter was embroiled in much more challenging situations


    some time back.


    ¡°Mr. Moore...¡± Xavier took out his notebook and wanted to report his work progress to him.


    However, Cayden still had his eyes closed, and Xavier decided to bite his tongue.


    Cayden appeared as if he was all tuckered out. Silently, Xavier watched Cayden as thetter appeared


    to be deep in his thoughts. He could not help but feel a sense of admiration for the man before him.


    As the CEO of Trident Group, Cayden had always been assertive and decisive in his ways.


    Despite having innate talents and leadership qualities, Cayden was not one to ck. He would always


    strive to learn more. His passion for learning and aptitude as a leader led him to be an inspiring


    figure to many.


    Xavier remembered that Trident Group was on the brink of bankruptcy when it was handed over to


    Cayden. What was more, Cayden had only been twenty-one years old.


    Xavier witnessed how Cayden managed to turn the whole Trident Group around in just a short few


    years. Not only that, but Cayden had also let Trident Group make its mark internationally, multiplying its


    revenue by tenfold and establishing Trident Group as a world-ss business empire.


    Then again, Xavier had also witnessed the aspiring and bubbly young man slowly turning cold and


    distant after being in business for a few years. Things started to change after Cayden met Avery. All of


    a sudden, he seemed to smile more and became much more approachable.


    Mr. Moore has always treated Ms. Rumpley well. How could she be found lying underneath Dn?


    What a shame that something like this has to happen.


    To be fair, Xavier knew that Avery might have been drugged and was not acting out of her own will.


    However, he was still unnerved by what had happened and was a little disappointed in her. The fact


    that Avery was put in such apromising situation meant that she was a gullible woman. Xavier didn''t


    think that such a woman deserved to be together with the outstanding Cayden.


    What Cayden needed was a strong-willed and shrewd woman¡ªsomeone who could work together


    alongside him to expand Trident Group. Somehow, Xavier thought that Avery just didn''t quite cut it.


    ¡°Mr. Dartsley.¡± Cayden''s baritone voice rang, breaking the silence in the room, as well as interrupting


    Xavier''s train of thought.


    His voice made Xavier straighten his back and take out his notebook as he turned to face Cayden, who


    had a serious look on his face.


    Cayden opened his eyes and ordered impassively, ¡°Ask the HR department to send a memo to


    everyone, notifying them that the manager of the security department has been fired on the grounds of


    negligence. His erroneous error has nearly caused a mishap to the foundation of the new Sunshine


    Mall building.¡±


    Xavier hurriedly jotted it down and replied without a hint of hesitation, ¡°Sure.¡±


    ¡°Pass the message to the operating director that I''m interested in Tuscor Corporation''s new energy


    project. Tell him to find out more and submit a detailed report to me a weekter. Also, tell him to


    submit an acquisition proposal as well.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Normally, there were two reasons for Cayden to be interested in apany¡ªeither thepany was


    profitable and would be able to add on to the revenue of Trident Group, or thepany''s person in


    charge had somehow offended Cayden.


    In the first case, it would end up in acquisition, while in the second, more unfortunate case, it would end


    up inplete destruction of thepany.


    Even though Trident Group would allocate a huge amount of capital for corporate social responsibility


    projects yearly, Cayden was no saint. After all, the world of business was ruthlesslypetitive.


    Companies on the brink of bankruptcy could one day rise and take over thepanies that chose not


    to acquire them in the first ce.


    ¡°Don''t arrange any business-rted social events these few days and cancel the JK meeting this


    afternoon. Contact Xander and tell him I need to talk to him,¡± Cayden said.


    His expression grew darker by the second.


    Xavier was not mentally prepared for this and almost dropped his notebook, too terrified at Cayden''s


    sudden change in demeanor.


    Cayden was obviously not pleased with his reaction. It reminded him of the horrified expression that


    Avery gave him. He then threw a cold look at Xavier and asked, ¡°Mr. Dartsley, am I that terrifying?¡±


    Cayden knew he had to save Nina by that day, by hook or by crook.


    Otherwise, given Avery''s grudgeful personality, she would surely me him for what happened.


    Cayden admitted that what happened to Avery the night before was his fault. She had suffered such


    huge indignance, yet he chose to spew hateful words at her.


    Avery was furious at him, and he didn''t know what to do.


    Although Cayden always knew the right thing to do when dealing with business matters, the same


    decisive and wise man would somehow be at aplete loss when it came to matters pertaining to


    Avery.


    ¡°N-No, not at all,¡± Xavier stuttered. Cold beads of sweat broke out on his forehead as he said so. ¡°Mr.


    Moore, I''m going to contact Mr. Xander Gibson right now.¡±


    After all, Xavier was already in his forties. Having dealt with a multitude of situations before, he was


    quick to regain hisposure. However, Cayden''s expression right then was still too frightening, and


    Xavier didn''t think he could face it any longer.


    It was as if Cayden''s prating gaze could skin Xavier alive, right then and there.


    It was insufferable, to say the least.


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Meanwhile, Dn was hospitalized as he suffered serious injuries. His head was wrapped in a


    bandage that was stained with his blood. His handsome face was swollen to the extent of being


    unrecognizable. Not only that, but his eyelids had also swelled up so badly that he could only see


    through slits.


    Even his parents had a hard time recognizing him.


    However, his external injuries were nothingpared to his internal injuries.


    Cayden had broken four of Dn''s ribs and pierced through his palm with a broken wine ss. The


    doctors had used more than half an hour just to remove all the ss shards from his flesh.


    Dn was on an IV drip as hey on the bed, his eyes vacant and lifeless.


    His parents, Talia and Toby, apanied their only son by his side, worried sick by Dn''s current


    state.


    Talia''s heart wrenched at the harrowing state that her son was in. After all, he was her son, and once a


    part of her.


    She covered her face with a handkerchief as she sobbed and cursed, ¡°Which godd*mned b*stard put


    my son in this state? How dare he!¡±


    Toby was enraged as well.


    The day Dn learned how to walk was the day he became a troublemaker. Toby had always been the


    one to clean up the mess he made and sort things out for him.


    Toby had offended many because of Dn. At the sight of his son''s lifeless state, Toby was infuriated.


    He fervently wished that he had never given birth to Dn in the first ce.


    ¡°Enough with the sobbing. You were the one who spoiled him so much. I told you we shouldn''t let him


    have his way all the time, but you never listened to me. Would he be such a spoiled brat if you''d


    just listened to me? For goodness'' sake, he just came out of prison, and now he''s stirring trouble for


    me again! Tell me, would he have ended up like this if he was forbidden from befriending those


    rascals?¡± Toby berated. He was frustrated to no end by Talia''s incessant sobbing.


    He seethed with fury when he recalled the way his wife used to indulge their son.


    Now that Dn was already a grown man, it would be nearly impossible to change him.


    Toby reckoned that Dn hadnded himself in that state as a result of his poor choices and good-for-


    nothing friends.

 Chapter 281

    Chapter 281


    Talia''s weeping turned into sobbing at her husband''s admonishment.


    After bawling for quite a while, Talia shot a re at Toby. ¡°Now, it''s my fault for not teaching our son


    well? What were you doing back then? All you ever did was earn money. You either didn''te back at


    night or went on business trips every day. You left Dn all to me. Aren''t you aware of his character?


    Do you think I can control him?¡±


    ¡°I only did it because I needed to support this family. You didn''t have a job, and if I didn''t work hard


    under that circumstance, who was going to put food on the table for you and Dn?¡± Toby retorted.


    I''ve spent all these years working so hard for this family. I never thought my devotion would be the root


    of her frustration. How can I not be angry at her ingratitude?


    His parents'' quarrel had woken Dn up.


    Looking at the irk in his parents'' eyes and their defensive stances that were close to getting them into a


    physical fight, Dn felt his headache throb painfully.


    ¡°All right. Stop fighting! Can''t you let me get some rest?¡± Dn said vexedly.


    I have never had a memory of my parents not fighting ever since I can perceive my surroundings. Their


    fights would sometimes be minor such as smashing a vase. asionally, they would turn violet till


    parts of our home were destroyed. At times, they even attacked each other. Moreover, as they grew


    older, not only did their fights not lessen, but they even seemed to get worse. That was one of the


    reasons why I rather hang out with delinquents than go home. Who would want to listen to their parents


    fight the minute they get home?


    ¡°Are you okay, Dn? How did you get hurt again? I warned you multiple times not to cause trouble.


    Look at yourself! You''re already this badly hurt, and it hadn''t even been that long since you were


    released. Do you know the pain I feel, looking at you getting hurt?¡± Talia began wiping the tears


    streaking down her cheek as she spoke.


    Toby merely sighed and red at Dn with a disappointed look. He wanted nothing more than to


    smack Dn to death so that his son could stop causing trouble for him and society.


    However, he shook his head to dash out his thoughts. I can only think about doing that and not actually


    hitting him in real life. I can''t just leave him to fend for himself.


    Talia''s crying was aggravating Dn. ¡°Enough, Mom! I won''t get into another fight again. Stop crying!¡±


    he eximed.


    Dissatisfaction and ruthlessness filled his eyes as he recalled Cayden''s vicious punches.


    I''ll make sure to make Cayden pay for what he did sooner orter. I''ve never been beaten to such a


    wretched state before. I was the one calling the shots even when in prison. It has always been me at


    the end of bullying and not the other way around.


    ¡°Tell me truthfully, Dn. Which b*stard hurt you? I''ll definitely seek justice for you!¡± Talia promised


    harshly.


    Dn hadn''t wanted to tell them the truth because he didn''t want them worried.


    However, an idea came to Dn''s mind at the thought of Cayden''s rtionship with his family. ¡°Who


    else? It''s none other than Cayden. Mom, you have no idea how shameless Cayden can be. Avery is


    my wife, but he''s staked his im on her. Not only did he cuckold me, but I couldn''t even do what a


    husband does with his wife. I just wanted to sleep with my wife, yet Cayden crashed through the door


    and carried her away. He even pounded me to this extent. Have you ever seen a more shameless


    cousin like him?¡±


    ¡°What? Cayden punched you? No way! Even though he usually keeps to himself, I know him to be


    mature and well-mannered. Is there a misunderstanding?¡± Toby didn''t believe Dn''s usations and


    started to defend Cayden.


    Even though my sister is not reliable, Cayden is an excellent child. I don''t believe he will do something


    that absurd.


    Anger rolled through Dn at Toby''s words. ¡°Am I your son, or is Cayden your son? Do you trust him


    so much? How can I lie to you when he''s injured me to such a sorry state? Didn''t you see it for


    yourself? His rtionship with Avery is ambiguous. I won''t say anything if Avery and I are divorced, but


    the point is, we''re not even divorced yet, and she''s already cheated on me with Cayden! Dad, why


    don''t you ask Aunt Allie to keep Cayden in check? I''m sure you won''t want Cayden to be the father to


    your grandchildren. Am I right?¡±


    Talia continued to wipe her tears away. The rims of her eyes were red from crying too much. ¡°See? Like


    mother, like son! Not only is your sister unreasonable, but even your nephew is a yer! With his


    identity and status, he could have had any woman he wanted. Yet, he chose to get entangled with his


    cousin-inw. This is immoral! You and the whole Musk family are the same! I must have been jinxed


    to marry into such a family.¡±


    Talia had always looked down on her vain sister-inw. However, it was a fact that Allie had only


    managed to squeeze herself into a wealthy family through her own vixen tendencies and became the


    mistress of the Moore family.


    Even though Allie''s name had been ndered, she had a capable son.


    Hence, Allie currently led a pampered life.


    Talia despised and scorned women like Allie, yet she couldn''t help but admit she was slightly envious


    of thetter.


    She was envious that a woman like Allie could be the mistress of a wealthy family and have an


    outstanding son. On top of that, Allie also had two obedient grandchildren.


    All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Yet, that loathsome sister-inw''s perfect son finally had a w. He fell in love with a married woman.


    This gave Talia an excuse to attack Allie.


    No matter how outstanding Allie''s son is, he still wants my son''s leftovers.


    Toby felt a knot in his chest at his wife''s and son''s remarks. His rage red at the thought of Avery, who


    cheated on Dn with Cayden. ¡°Dn, what''s so good about that woman with an easy virtue? She''s a


    wh*re! Just divorce her! Why do you insist on staying with her?¡±


    Dn met Toby''s gaze stubbornly. ¡°No matter what kind of person she is, she''s the only wife I''ll have. I


    don''t want anyone else. Help me think of a way to make her stay if you want grandchildren. Otherwise,


    don''t even think about having a grandchild,¡± he said with a threatening tone.


    ¡°Y-You b*stard!¡± Toby reached for a pillow within his grasp in anger. He was about to fling it at Dn


    when he caught sight of the injuries covering Dn''s body. Instantly, he kept his rage in check and let


    out a sigh. ¡°Call Allie to the hospital. I''ll have her discipline her son!¡±


    The phone on the desk rang, cutting through the silence. Cayden stubbed his cigarette against the


    ashtray before he took the call.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°How are you, Mr. Moore? What made you remember your old friend?¡± The voice that came from the


    other end was pleasant. It was an indistinguishable voice.


    Cayden got up from his chair and stood by the window wall in his office. As his gaze overlooked the


    massive city, the corners of his lips quirked into a grin. ¡°There''s someone I want from you, Mr. Gibson.


    My woman''s friend is in your brother''s hands. Consider this a favor from me. The next dinner will be on


    me.¡±


    The other end paused briefly. With a casual toneced with a tad of curiosity, Mr. Gibson asked, ¡°Your


    woman? Since when did Mr. Moore have a woman?¡±


    Cayden chuckled. ¡°My kitten is under duresstely. She has quite a temper on her. I''ll bring her out


    after I''ve tamed her.¡±


    Silence followed as though Mr. Gibson didn''t know what to make of Cayden''s answer.


    Soon, a burst ofughter filled Cayden''s ear. ¡°That''ll do. I''ll give Aaron a call.¡±


    The call disconnected after that.


    Cayden''s gentle gaze was focused on the traffic outside the window. There was a tinge of coolness in


    the slight curve of his lips.


    My kitten has gotten angry. How should I coax her?

 Chapter 282

    Chapter 282


    It was nighttime at Quakersville, and Avery was sitting in front of the window wall aftering out of


    her bath.


    Her head tilted to the side as she observed the scenery outside. The street lights outside glowed dimly,


    and she could only see shadows and silhouettes in the dark.


    She didn''t turn on the heater in her room.


    With only thin cotton pajamas on her, she felt a bit chilly. Despite the chill, it was the only way she could


    force herself to keep a clear mind.


    The furnishing in the room was the same as usual, yet she still felt emptiness and destion.


    Without the kids around, warmth has vanished, leaving only loneliness. Even the air in this room tastes


    bitter.


    Avery buried her face into her knees at the thought of Nina, who had gone off the radar, the two kids,


    and Cayden''s change in attitude.


    Outside the residential area, Cayden called Avery''s number again and again, but her phone was turned


    off.


    He knew Avery had returned because he had searched the Rumpley residence, and Alina was the only


    one there. There was no sign of Avery.


    Moreover, he couldn''t find her at her new ce and the ce she used to stay with ke.


    She doesn''t have many friends and only has two colleagues she''s close to. I know there''s no way she''ll


    bother anyone at their home when she''s in a bad mood, and she won''t spend money on a hotel room.


    She rented this condominium unit previously but didn''t continue staying here due to the bad blood


    between her and Deborah. However, she still has time on her lease, and it''s the only ce she can go


    to.


    This old residential area had two entrances for each block. The first entrance required an ess card.


    As Cayden didn''te here much, he didn''t get the chance to apply for one, resulting in him getting


    locked out of the building.


    The weather had already turned cold by then. Residents of the residential area would rather coop up at


    home if they had no errands, so there weren''t many roaming the streets at night in the cold.


    After waiting for about twenty minutes, the trash can on the side had gained a few cigarette butts, yet


    Cayden still didn''t catch sight of any entry or exit at Block 12, where Avery was staying.


    Cayden''s patience had frayed, and he began to study the building''s entire structure.


    His genius architect''s mind soon drafted up a rough sketch of the structure.


    The design for this kind of old condominium isn''tplicated. The balcony designs are run-of-the-mill


    with a narrow space. Despite the tiny area, it''s enough to amodate an adult man.


    Sucking in thest drag of smoke, Cayden stubbed the cigarette against the trash can.


    He stretched his right hand toward the moldy drainpipe attached to the wall and gripped it firmly. Hmm.


    The pipe is sturdy.


    After determining the sturdiness of the pipe, he lifted his foot and stepped onto a groove in the wall. He


    further tested the pipe''s durability by pulling himself up. He concluded that despite the feeble


    appearance of the pipe, it could still bear the weight of an adult man and more.


    Cayden then sped onto the pipe with both hands. With the exertion of his arm muscles'' strength, he


    started pulling himself up. His ck coat rustled in the darkness at an odd yet elegant angle.


    Cayden was strong indeed. With his strength, he quickly and agilely scaled the wall. Soon, his hand


    was within range to grab onto the railing on the second floor''s balcony.


    He gripped the railing and leaped,nding on the balcony like it was a cakewalk.


    With the first sess, he effortlessly scaled to the third and fourth floors.


    Avery''s unit is 509, which is on the fifth floor. The fourth unit from the east should be her unit.


    After he had gotten a gist of where Avery''s unit was, Cayden soon arrived at 509 on the fifth floor.


    Climbing across the wall, he managed to arrive beneath the window.


    There were no safety bars fitted on the window on the fifth floor, and it even seemed that a crack was


    left open slightly.


    Cayden should be d about the finding, but he didn''t feel ted.


    D*mn! The safety features here are too terrible. There''s no safety bar on the windows, and I can easily


    scale up here. What if a thief or anyone with bad intentions decides to use the same method I did?


    Won''t Avery be in danger?


    Cayden''s expression darkened at the thought.


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    He pushed the window wide enough to allow him entry and entered the unit.


    I recall this window facing the living room.


    He immediately noticed that something was wrong the minute he jumped in.


    Avery usually keeps her living room clean and tidy, but this living room is filthy beyond what any


    imagination can conjure.


    All kinds of sundries piled into a tiny mountain. Clothes, beddings, shoes, and socks emitting a


    repulsive smell were part of the mountain. There were even items like cooking pans, bowls, buckets, et


    cetera.


    There are even a few empty cup noodles left on the coffee table. Everything is so dirty! The sight had


    the mysophobic Cayden scrunching his brows in disapproval.


    I think I got the wrong house.


    Right when he was about to retreat, the bathroom door suddenly opened.


    A woman, who looked to be around a hundred and twenty kilograms, walked out of the bathroom. The


    sagging flesh on her body shook as she walked.


    When she saw Cayden, who appeared like a phantom, in her living room, she let out a piercing scream


    and quickly reached for her pajamas to cover her body. ¡°Ah! Pervert! Thief! Someone help me!¡±


    Cayden gauged the unit''s position.


    This should be Avery''s unit. Did something go wrong somewhere?


    Cayden frowned. ¡°I''m sorry for disturbing you. I want to ask if this is unit 509?¡±


    ¡°Ah! Help me!¡± The woman didn''t even dare to open her eyes to look at the trespasser and continued to


    yell for her life.


    ¡°Shut up! I''ll kill you if you continue to scream!¡± Cayden''s threat was like amand from the


    underworld.


    My ear drums are about to rupture from the woman''s shouting. Cayden''s bad temper reared its ugly


    head at the triggering stimuli, and his tone wasced with coldness.


    The woman obediently stopped her screaming, perhaps frightened by the ruthless tone of his threat.


    When she saw Cayden''s handsome face, admiration filled her eyes, and they almost budged out of her


    sockets.


    Oh my goodness! This man is so handsome! He''s a hundred times more good-looking than the guys


    from Koandria! I thought I could only see guys like this in dramas or fashion magazines. I can''t believe I


    got to see one in real life. I''m so lucky! Is this a surprise from the heavens?


    ¡°What is the number of this unit?¡± Cayden didn''t have any more patience. His expression was stony


    when he asked her.


    By then, the woman''s fear had gone up in smoke. ¡°This is 506. I just moved here a few days ago. I


    haven''t even unpacked my things. Please don''t mind the mess. I''ll tidy it upter. Could you let me treat


    you to a meal? I''m good at cooking¡ª¡± she answered with blushing cheeks.


    ¡°Where is 509?¡± Cayden cut her off coldly.


    ¡°509 is the third unit on my right. Could you give me your number?¡± the woman pleaded.


    However, Cayden leaped out of the window amid her plea and scaled to the third room on the right.


    ¡°Don''t go! I''m still a virgin. Come on!¡± the woman shouted, with her head poking out of the window and


    staring at Cayden lovingly.


    The fervent passion in her eyes nearly caused Cayden to lose his grip.


    Cayden noticed a big cactus nt on the balcony of unit 507. Seeing that woman''s gaze pinned on him


    and hearing the vulgar words from her mouth, Cayden ignored the prickling pain from the cactus''


    thorns and ripped a piece of the cactus before he flung it toward the woman''s forehead.


    A scream pierced the sky, then a loud thud sounded as though something heavy hit the floor. The world


    fell into an eerie silence after that.


    Cayden finally released a relieved breath when he reached unit 509''s window.


    This is my first time scaling a window and receiving such a fright. What a crazy woman!


    Cayden wanted to enter unit 509 the same way he did with unit 506, but when he tried to open the


    window... Avery likes to have her windows open, but now they are sealed shut. His face twitched


    involuntarily at the discovery.

 Chapter 283

    Chapter 283


    After confirming the unit was indeed Avery''s ce, Cayden knocked on the window. His low voice


    echoed in the dark. ¡°Ary? It''s me. Can you open the door for me? Or the window?¡±


    Despite Cayden''s several attempts at calling for Avery''s attention, there was no reply from within the


    unit.


    That made Cayden''s heart lurch. Did something happen to Avery?


    That thought had crumbled Cayden''s calm. He passed by the balcony and continued his climb toward


    the bedroom window. Luckily, the window wasn''t locked, and he swiftly let himself into the room.


    No warm air greeted him when he stepped into the room as he expected. Instead, the temperature


    inside was frigid. It wasparable to the air outside. His body shuddered at the coldness.


    The bedroom was dark and quiet, as if it was vacant. The ominous feeling in his heart grew by the


    second. He hurriedly opened the bedroom door and crossed into the living room.


    Right then, his gazended on Avery, who only wore thin pajamas, silently curled up on the couch.


    She seemed immersed in her thoughts as she didn''t even notice that Cayden had trespassed into her


    house.


    That emptiness and silence clenched his heart.


    Cayden unwittingly walked over to her and got down to her level. He gently pulled her into his embrace


    and felt the unusual heat burning on her forehead. Theshing he was about to give her turned into a


    resigned call. ¡°Ary.¡±


    Immediately, Avery''s bleary gaze snapped back into focus. She was shocked to see Cayden in front of


    her. After the initial shock had passed, indifference overtook her.


    She looked at him through blurry vision and interrogated, ¡°How did you get in? What are you doing


    here?¡±


    Looking at Avery in that state, a sh of resignation flitted through Cayden''s dark eyes. ¡°Why didn''t you


    turn on the heater on such a cold day? Don''t you know your body gets cold easily? How could you be


    so foolish?¡±


    ¡°Go away! I don''t need you to care about me!¡± Avery had a lot of pent-up frustration she had kept


    bottled up. She struggled to break free from his hold through her feverish haze.


    As Cayden felt her feverish forehead with his palm and noticed the flush on her face, he let out a


    resigned sigh.


    Grabbing her iling hands, he went into her bedroom to retrieve a down jacket and forcibly slipped it


    over her body. ¡°Quit ying. You''re sick. I''m going to take you to the hospital.¡±


    ¡°I don''t need your concern. Who are you to me? This is my business, so you don''t have to worry about


    me. Go away! I don''t want to see you¡ª¡± Avery choked up. Her voice sounded nasal from her stuffy


    nose.


    Cayden lifted Avery into his arms and wrapped her into a cocoon withyers of coats, ignoring her


    protest before carrying her outside.


    When they were descending the stairs, they ran into Deborah, who was on her way back from poker.


    All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Seeing Avery being carefully carried by a handsome young man as though she was something


    precious, Deborah curled her lips distastefully.


    Once they passed her by, disdain crept up Deborah''s face. She''s just a home wrecker. Is there such a


    need to treat her so dotingly?


    Deborah scorned Avery because she had a daughter close to Avery''s age. Her daughter was interning


    at a huge news organization as a reporter. Even though she was still an intern, Deborah figured her


    daughter had a better prospect than Avery.


    Hence, when Deborah talked with her neighbors and friends, she always bragged about her daughter.


    She deemed her daughter better than everyone else''s children. However, the fact that her daughter still


    didn''t have a boyfriend worried Deborah.


    Deborah thought her daughter could surely get a rich husband. Hence, even though she was anxious,


    she didn''t urge her daughter to date.


    Deborah spotted an expensive car parked in front of the residential area when she was on her way


    back. Despite the dim lighting, her snobbish eyes brightened at the luxury car.


    I saw hime here in that car thest time. It vexes me that a homewrecker like Avery can get such a


    guy. This guy isn''t that bad. He has the looks and the money. At that thought, Deborah decided to


    introduce her daughter to Cayden if there was a chance.


    With my daughter''s looks, surely she can get him to fall for her.


    Meanwhile, Avery was the only one in Cayden''s sight and heart. He didn''t even notice the arrogant


    Deborah standing on the side and was oblivious to the fact that he had be the prime candidate as


    her son-inw.


    He carried Avery to his car parked outside the residential area and set her down on the passenger


    seat.


    Avery wrapped her arms around her shoulder and quietly curled up against the seat. Her gaze was


    ssy the entire time. They had lost their usual brightness.


    Seeing that Cayden was about to start the engine, Avery suddenly opened the door to escape. She


    didn''t want to stay in the same space as him.


    However, before she could take a step out of the car, a steely grip circled Avery''s arm, yanking her


    back in ce. Cayden locked the door and turned her to face him. ¡°What''s wrong with you, Ary?¡±


    Avery broke free from his hold and kept a detached look on her face. ¡°I don''t want to be alone with


    you.¡±


    Anger filled Cayden when he saw that she would rather look out the window than at his face.


    He clenched the steering wheel tightly and said, ¡°Avery, I understand that it was my faultst night, and


    I already apologized to you. I don''t know what else I can do to douse your anger.


    Avery shut her eyes softly and ignored him. Her hand continued to pry open the door, but it was locked.


    She turned to him with a deadpan look. ¡°Let me out, Cayden.¡±


    There are too many misunderstandings between us. His action and wordsst night hurt me badly.


    Besides, if a single sorry can soothe all the pain, can one imagine all the chaos that will erupt in this


    world?


    Avery tried pushing at the door again with all her might, but it wouldn''t budge. She turned to him and


    demanded, ¡°Let me out!¡±


    Seeing Avery''s flushed face from the fever and aggravation, Cayden narrowed his eyes at her when


    her coughing wouldn''t stop.


    He helped Avery sp her seat belt and pulled the car away from the driveway. ¡°I''ll take you to the


    hospital first. Let''s talk after we get back.¡±


    Avery slumped against her seat as though all her strength had left her body. At that moment, her face


    was a mask of calm.


    I know this man well. He doesn''t ept rejection. There''s no point banging heads with him.


    Sitting in the fast-moving car, Avery didn''t want to face him, so she turned her head to look out the


    window.


    Cayden''s eyes darkened at the sight. He stepped on the pedal, elerating to the maximum limit.


    When they arrived at the hospital''s parking lot, Cayden carried Avery out of the car and rushed through


    the entrance.

 Chapter 284

    Chapter 284


    Avery hated the smell of disinfectant in the hospital. As she had a fever, she couldn''t help but recall the


    memories from many years ago. She tugged at Cayden''s sleeve lightly and mumbled, ¡°I don''t want to


    see a doctor.¡±


    Cayden was already anxious about her condition in the first ce. Upon hearing her childish words, he


    grew even more frustrated.


    He tightened his arms around her and put on a stern face, chiding, ¡°Behave yourself. You have a high


    fever. What if it damages your brain?¡±


    In return, Avery only nced at him weakly.


    Thinking that she was just throwing a tantrum, Cayden leaned down and gave her a peck. It was as if


    he was cating a child.


    As usual, the hospital''s emergency department on the first floor was packed.


    When the people in line saw Cayden cutting in front of them, they were naturally disgruntled. A cranky


    man even raised his voice at Cayden and berated thetter for having no manners.


    The mor in the emergency room soon caught the doctor''s attention. With a frown, he pushed his


    sses back and signaled the nurse beside him to organize the line.


    The moment the nurse saw Cayden, her eyes lit up. Wow, what a good-looking man he is!


    The nurse walked up to him, but just as she was about to speak, she was startled by his dark


    expression.


    Instantly, she took a few steps away from him and looked at the busy doctor for help.


    This man seems to be hot-tempered.


    Irritated, the doctor turned to Cayden and threw his pen to the side. ¡°What are you doing? Don''t you


    see how many patients there are in the emergency room? Go back there and line up!¡±


    ¡°Stop the nonsense. She has a fever. Hurry and treat her.¡± After saying that, Cayden ced Avery


    down on a chair.


    Only then did the doctor take some time to scrutinize the man before him. Not only was Cayden


    dressed expensively, but he also gave off an unusual aura. For some reason, the doctor felt like he had


    seen Cayden''s face before in a financial magazine.


    As a middle-aged man familiar with the ways of the world, the doctor knew he could not afford to offend


    such a man.


    Cayden had never been to the emergency room. In fact, he seldom visited hospitals, so he was


    unaware that they had to line up in the emergency room. Before this, he had always had the doctor visit


    him whenever he was sick.


    At the sight of Cayden''s ¡°vicious¡± appearance, the other patients in the emergency room dared not


    argue with him anymore.


    Left with no choice, the doctor told the nurse, ¡°Take her temperature first.¡±


    The nurse then picked up a thermometer and approached Avery.


    Before she could even touch thetter, the thermometer in her hand was snatched away by Cayden.


    ¡°Let me do it.¡±


    He was so possessive that he did not want other people¡ªeven women¡ªto touch Avery.


    After carefully helping Avery take her temperature with the thermometer, Cayden removed his coat and


    put it on her.


    Although she was already wearing a thick down jacket, he was still worried that she would be cold.


    As the nurse watched Cayden take care of Avery so meticulously, envy was evident on her face.


    Indeed, good-looking men are the most responsible ones. It''s the ugly guys who always cheat!


    She remembered seeing an interesting survey on the inte before, which concluded that the more


    handsome a man was, the lower the possibility of him cheating. On the contrary, men with below-


    average looks were most likely to cheat despite the fact that they looked more trustworthy.


    In fact, there were living examples of this phenomenon in the entertainment industry. Among the


    industry''s most ideal husbands were an award-winning actor, a renowned director and actor, and a


    popr idol. Not only were they good-looking, but they were also loyal and loving toward their wives.


    Meanwhile, the ones who were found cheating on their partners were generally the less attractive ones.


    One particr director was even discovered fooling around with prostitutes when he had a gorgeous


    wife at home.


    Thus, when the nurse witnessed Cayden cherishing his partner so well, she felt even more determined


    to find a handsome boyfriend in the future.


    However, upon seeing how Avery showed no appreciation for Cayden''s actions and even avoided his


    touch, she couldn''t help but feel bad for him. It seems like his girlfriend is quite spoiled. Why is it that


    cute guys always have girlfriends with terrible personalities?


    As the nurse was immersed in her thoughts, Cayden''s grim voice sounded. ¡°Thirty-nine point nine


    degrees? Her fever is too high! Doctor, put her on an IV drip.¡±


    The doctor immediately prescribed Avery some medicine while the nurse prepared the drip. Then, she


    rolled Avery''s sleeve up and disinfected the back of thetter''s hand.


    When the nurse was about to insert the needle, Avery started to tremble violently at the sight of the thin


    needle.


    Her behavior startled the nurse, who immediately assumed she was scared of injections. ¡°Miss, it won''t


    hurt,¡± the nurse reassured.


    However, Avery shot up from the chair as if she had seen something terrifying.


    She flung off the nurse''s hand and ran toward the exit desperately.


    Suddenly, she tripped on something and twisted her ankle. Before her body could hit the ground, a pair


    of toned arms caught her by the waist in time.


    Cayden''s angry voice rang beside her ear. ¡°Avery, stop it!¡±


    ¡°I don''t want an injection. Let me go. Let me go!¡± Avery sobbed as she struggled with all her might, but


    she couldn''t move in Cayden''s tight hold.


    In the end, she could only whimper, ¡°Cayden, I don''t want an injection. I don''t want it...¡±


    No one knew how terrified Avery was of needles. It was her darkest nightmare.


    Henrietta and Mna had tortured her in various ways back then; it had been a part of her daily life.


    Worried that Leonardo would see Avery''s injuries, Henrietta and Mna even came up with an evil idea.


    They began to torture Avery by pricking her all over with long needles.


    Unfortunately, Avery was malnourished back then. There was no way she could have defended herself


    against Henrietta with her weak body.


    The experience was excruciating for her. The tiny wounds that covered her body were almost invisible,


    and they disappeared quickly. Whenever sheined to her father, she would be called an


    overreacting and unreasonable brat who wouldn''t ept her stepmother.


    It was only when she attended a boarding school that she was able to escape that atrocity.


    Nevertheless, it still left her with deep trauma and a phobia of needles.


    The medical staff and patients in the emergency room exchanged nces as they did not understand


    why Avery was so scared.


    They stood aside and nced at Cayden, whose face was as ck as thunder. Not daring to look at


    him for long, they instead whispered among themselves.


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    Meanwhile, Avery looked like she was about to break down. Her smooth hair was now disheveled as


    she tried to pry away Cayden''s hands around her waist.


    ¡°Please, I beg you. Don''t make them give me an injection!¡± she pleaded.


    By then, Cayden was running out of patience.


    He forcefully brought her to the doctor''s table and pushed her toward the doctor.


    Due to his rage, he lost control of his strength, causing Avery to bump into the table''s edge and gasp in


    pain.


    ¡°Stop this ruckus, Avery.¡±


    The truth was, Cayden had little patience.


    Avery''s unreasonable fit in front of everyone was bing intolerable for him.

 Chapter 285

    Chapter 285


    Cayden turned around, intending to smoke outside to calm himself down.


    The moment he took a step toward the door, a soft, pale hand grabbed the corner of his shirt discreetly.


    He turned around once again and saw Avery looking up at him with a tear-stained face. She pleaded,


    ¡°Cayden, I beg you. Please don''t walk away.¡±


    The moment Cayden saw her crouching down like an abandoned kitten, his heart softened.


    The smell of disinfectant in the hospital gave Avery an urge to throw up. Meanwhile, the needle that the


    nurse was holding made Avery inexplicably anxious.


    She had too many horrifying memories in her mind that she did not dare to reminisce. Though the pain


    had faded away, she continued to have lingering fear about it.


    With trembling hands, Avery tugged one of Cayden''s fingers tightly. It seemed like she was afraid that


    he would leave her alone in the nightmarish ce.


    After that, she pounced into his arms. The frail look on her face was something that Cayden had never


    seen before.


    The fact that Avery was so afraid of being injected with a needle puzzled him. There was nothing


    peculiar about the reaction if it wasing from a child. On the other hand, for an adult to have such a


    huge reaction, she must have been hiding something¡ªsomething that he had overlooked.


    I need to find out what happened to herter on.


    Then, Cayden picked her up and noticed that she was continuously stroking her stomach. Deep down,


    he knew that it was due to the pain of crashing into the corner of the table.


    At that moment, he slightly regretted what he had done.


    He realized that he should not have treated her so harshly and unreasonably.


    Avery felt slightly relieved after burying herself in Cayden''s arms and wrapping both her hands around


    his neck tightly. It was as if he was the only one she could rely on. His strong arms were like a safe


    haven that was enough to make her temporarily forget the bad memories.


    Cayden hugged her tightly. Enveloping her small hands in his huge ones, he said with a coaxing tone,


    ¡°You don''t have to be afraid anymore. Why don''t we go to another hospital?¡±


    Nevertheless, Avery shook her head firmly. With a solemn expression, she said hastily, ¡°I don''t want to


    go to the hospital. I want to go home.¡±


    A hospital was the ce that connected the dead and the living. One by one, the hospital witnessed


    the birth of the living. At the same time, fragile lives ended in the hospital as well.


    The needles that Avery was afraid of existed in there. Furthermore, it was the ce where her father


    passed away. Thus, she had a strong repulsion against hospitals.


    Conflicting feelings shed discreetly in Cayden''s eyes. ¡°All right. Let''s go home.¡± Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Afraid that he would go back on his words, she held on to his sleeve firmly. Even her eyes were fixed


    on the direction that he was taking.


    The moment they arrived at the entrance to the hospital, she caught a cold gust of wind blowing on her


    face. Only when she felt the cold, bone-piercing sensation did she gradually feel rxed.


    Cayden carried her into the parking lot and noticed that the strength around his neck had weakened.


    Thus, he lowered his head to check on her condition and realized that Avery had unknowingly fallen


    asleep.


    He gave her a kiss on her forehead.


    Then, he proceeded to put her gently inside the car.


    The ck Land Rover blended with the night as it headed home speedily.


    True to his words, Cayden did not bring her to another hospital. Instead, he brought her straight to his


    mansion. On the way home, he gave a call to the private doctor of the Moore family.


    Yuvan Sotheby had just finished two urgent and major surgeries when he received unrelenting calls


    from Cayden.


    Both patients were prominent figures in the political and business areas. Thus, he had to be extremely


    focused.


    As the two surgeries were done nearly back to back, Yuvan was in the operating room for the whole


    day and night. He was only able to go home to clean up and get some rest after the surgeries were


    sessfullypleted. However, he received another call from Cayden the moment hey on his bed.


    Fearing that Cayden was heavily injured and on the brink of death, he drove quickly to the address that


    Cayden had given him.


    However, Yuvan realized that he had been tricked by Cayden when he arrived at the location. It turned


    out that thetter only wanted him to attend to a youngdy who had a normal fever. It made Yuvan so


    angry that he nearly left the ce.


    I''m a professor who graduated from the Department of Medicine at Horington University and treated


    many influential people. My time is extremely precious. Does he not know that time is money to me?


    But now I''m told to attend to a youngdy who is not even in a dire situation. What a waste of my time.


    Nevertheless, when Yuvan saw Cayden''s darkened, handsome face, the former did not dare to say


    anything. He could only keep his frustration to himself. As a matter of fact, he realized that Cayden was


    getting better at using people.


    ¡°It''s just an ordinary fever. Not a big deal. Since she is afraid of needles, I''ll prescribe her pills that are


    soluble in water. I can guarantee that she''ll get better. Meanwhile, I''ve put a pain relief medicinal patch


    for the sprain on her ankle. She can walk after taking a rest for a few days.¡±


    After treating the injury on Avery''s ankle, Yuvan looked at her pale and innocent face. He clicked his


    tongue before saying, ¡°Cayden, you''ve not had any women for years. Are you addicted to them now?


    Look at the hickeys around the youngdy''s neck. Anyone can see that a man has treated her roughly.


    If you continue to be this rough toward her, she''ll be afraid of you.¡±


    Cayden sat at Avery''s bedside and gently stared at her sleeping face.


    Nheless, when he turned to look at Yuvan, his gaze turned dark. ¡°Do you still want your eyes? Stop


    looking at her!¡±


    Even though Yuvan was slightly stumped by the threat, he continued to massage Avery''s swollen ankle


    to show Cayden how to do it correctly. ¡°It''s better if you massage the swollen ankle every day. I''ll give


    you a tube of arnica cream. If you use it twice daily and massage her ankle for five to ten minutes, the


    swelling will subside.¡±


    Avery, who was still sleeping, felt the pain from Yuvan''s action. She instinctively retracted her legs. Her


    mouth, which was closed a while ago, mumbled, ¡°It''s painful...¡±


    For some reason, her mumblings sounded alluring to Cayden, and he could not help but gulp.


    When he saw Yuvan looking at him with interest, Cayden pped thetter''s hand away. With a


    darkened expression, he said, ¡°Are you looking for your demise? Don''t touch my woman.¡±


    Yuvan smirked. ¡°Are you trying to get rid of me after everything that I''ve done for you? I''m a famous


    doctor, but why am I befriending such a cunning businessman like you? I''ve fallen for your tricks.¡±


    Despite what he said, he still took out a tube of arnica cream from his bag and gave it to Cayden. ¡°This


    is a product that I''ve recently developed. It can help to reduce swellings. Don''t forget to pay me for my


    service. My time is very valuable.¡±


    After taking the arnica cream, Cayden said candidly, ¡°Leave all the medicine here. You may get out


    now.¡±


    Yuvan was used to Cayden''s bad temper. Thus, the former did not even get angry. Instead, Yuvan


    continued to nag him for a while before noticing that it was gettingte. Before he left, he gave Cayden


    a few reminders.


    Avery, who was still sleeping, looked very obedient.


    At that moment, her weak body was wrapped in a down nket. As shey beneath the thick nket, it


    did not seem as if she was even there.


    Cayden''s slightly cold hand touched her feverish forehead. When he felt that her fever was getting


    better, the frown on his face rxed slightly.


    He took off his clothes and climbed into the bed before pulling her into his arms.


    There waspletely no gap between Avery''s feverish body and his cold one. Both of them were


    naked and huddled together. It gave Cayden a strong urge to have sex with her.


    Nheless, he stopped himself after looking at her sicklyplexion. Then, he kissed her softly on


    her face.


    Avery, it will be a good thing if you continue to be this obedient.

 Chapter 286

    Chapter 286


    In the meantime, Zachary and Rory sat on the soft couch in the living room of the Moore residence.


    They did not y around happily like they used to do.


    At that moment, the two children were looking very gloomy.


    The expression on their faces was one usually worn by an adult. Somehow, it looked funny when it was


    on the faces of the two young children.


    Turning to Zachary, Rory said sullenly, ¡°Zach, even though our house is much bigger than Ms. Ery''s


    house, I don''t even feel happy. I still want to stay with Ms. Ery.¡±


    After considering the unique rtionship she had with Cayden, Avery informed the two children in


    advance that they were only allowed to call her ¡°Mommy¡± in private. However, when they were in


    public, they had to call her ¡°Ms. Ery.¡±


    The two children did not understand it. The only thing that they knew was that Avery was their mother.


    Though they could not find the reason for her insistence to be called ¡°Ms. Ery¡± in public, they listened to


    her nheless. It was an instruction that they firmly bore in mind.


    Zachary sat on the couch and took a deep breath like a young adult. Then, he shrugged helplessly and


    said, ¡°I want to live with Ms. Ery as well. But the problem is, Daddy is too stupid. He can''t even win her


    heart yet. If they get married, we can stay with her every day.¡±


    Upon hearing his words, Rory widened her eyes in delight. ¡°Is that true? Zach, if that is the case, let''s


    help Daddy to win her heart.¡±


    Zachary said, ¡°But we need to think of a n. Well, we can ask Uncle Kendrick. He always has all sorts


    of women with him. Everyone says that he''s a womanizer, so he must be experienced in pursuing a


    woman.¡±


    Rory then asked, ¡°Zach, what is a womanizer?¡±


    Zachary thought about it for a while. He was slightly frustrated with finding the right words to exin it


    to Rory. Therefore, he said casually, ¡°Womanizers are men who like to catch butterflies. You know that


    Uncle Kendrick likes to wear floral shirts. That kind of man really likes to attract butterflies.¡±


    Meanwhile, Rory nodded as it dawned on her. ¡°I got it. So that''s the meaning of a womanizer. Zach, I


    like butterflies very much. You need to wear floral shirts like Uncle Kendrick too. I''m sure that you can


    attract many butterflies. You have to be a womanizer in the future.¡±


    Zachary was rendered speechless.


    As Rory looked at him with anticipation, he suddenly realized that it was pointless to exin the term to


    a naivete like Rory. The helplessness that he felt made him hold his head in exasperation.


    On the other hand, a housekeeper, who was picking up the toys next to them, could not stop herself


    from snorting inughter as she heard their innocent conversation.


    ¡°Lillemor, why are youughing? Did I say something wrong?¡± The young girl looked at her with bright


    eyes.


    On the other hand, Zachary turned to gaze at the housekeeper with a stern expression. He looked


    exactly like a miniature Cayden. Thus, even though he was still young, he had a steely gaze. It caused


    a chill to run down the housekeeper''s spine.


    ¡°It''s nothing. Ms. Rory, Mr. Zachary, what fruit do you want to eat tonight? I''ll prepare them for you.¡± She


    quickly changed the topic.


    In her babyish voice, Rory said, ¡°I don''t want to eat anything. I just want Ms. Ery.¡±


    As she spoke, her eyes turned red and welled up with tears. Zachary held Rory''s hand tightly and did


    not know how tofort her. As a matter of fact, he shared the same thought as her. He also wanted


    to stay with Avery every day.


    The housekeeper was at a loss for words.


    Avery''s presence in the Moore family was like a thorn in the flesh. After all, she was in a very awkward


    position. Allie hated her very much, and even Jeffrey, who once approved of Avery, resented her now.


    In the meantime, Lily only gloated over her predicament.


    The only people who can ept her are Mr. Cayden and the two young children.


    At that moment, Jeffrey walked down the staircase with the help of a walking stick.


    When he saw the two children looking very gloomy, he was puzzled and asked, ¡°What''s the matter?¡±


    ¡°Great-grandpa...¡± Zachary and Rory ran toward him. Both of them hugged each of his legs.


    All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Even though Jeffrey was getting old, he was still revered in the Moore family.


    As he was someone who had been holding enormous power for his entire life, he had an imperious


    aura surrounding him. It was the reason why even Lily and Allie would not dare to do anything when his


    steely gaze was fixed on them.


    Other than Cayden, everyone in the Moore family was afraid of him.


    Nevertheless, an old man like him adored his two great-grandchildren very much.


    After all, the two children shared Cayden''s bloodline, especially Zachary, who was very much like him.


    Even Zachary''s personality was very simr to his father''s. He had been a smart kid since he was


    young. Rory, on the other hand, was very sweet and beautiful. Even though she was slightly timid, she


    was good at coaxing other people and buttering them up.


    Furthermore, the two children were obedient and always made himugh. It was not a surprise that he


    liked them very much.


    The moment he saw their sullen expressions, Jeffrey quickly asked them, ¡°Tell me, my dear great-


    grandchildren. Did anyone bully you?¡±


    Zachary looked up at Jeffrey with much anticipation and begged, ¡°Great-grandpa, I miss Ms. Ery. Can


    you allow her to stay in our house?¡±


    Meanwhile, Rory hugged Jeffrey''s leg and acted coquettishly. ¡°Great-grandpa, Ms. Ery is an excellent


    cook. If you don''t believe me, you can ask her to cook for you when shees over to our house.¡±


    Jeffrey''s expression changed instantaneously. ¡°Both of you need to stay clear of Avery in the future. It''s


    impossible for her to be with your father. Later on, you will have a new mother. Do you understand?¡±


    As an elderly man, he was stubborn and conservative. Thus, someone like him regarded good status


    and reputation very highly.


    Avery was the daughter-inw of the Musk family. Meanwhile, the Moore family was closely connected


    to them. Putting aside the fact that she was still not divorced from Dn, he would not let a divorcee be


    part of the Moore family even after she had gotten her divorce.


    Cayden was the grandson he had always been proud of. Therefore, he did not want Cayden to be


    censured behind the back.


    If Avery and Dn''s marriage was not known to the public, he might be able to ept her, albeit


    reluctantly.


    Jeffrey would always have a grim expression when he was angry. On top of that, he had mentioned to


    the young children that they were going to have a new mother. Unable to ept it, Rory cried loudly.


    As she did so, she insisted that she did not want another woman to be her mother. Then, she


    jumped off the couch and ran upstairs.


    Zachary nced at Jeffrey.


    For the first time ever, the small young boy looked at Jeffrey with a hint of resentment. Then, the former


    quickly ran to find Rory.


    While Jeffrey was looking at their retreating backs, his hand holding the walking stick trembled slightly.


    Then, he gave a heavy sigh.


    Meanwhile, the night had set in. Even though it was raining outside and the weather was very cold, the


    atmosphere inside a club in the city was still very lively.


    Inside a premium VIP room, Aaron did everything that he wanted with Nina like she was just a toy to


    him. At that moment, she was nearlypletely naked.


    He chose to ignore the hatred in her eyes.


    By then, Nina''s tears had already dried up. However, she still held her guard up like a ferocious


    hedgehog. Aaron, you scum! If you fall into my hands in the future, I swear that I will make you pay


    tenfold for all the humiliations that I have received today!

 Chapter 287

    Chapter 287


    At the sight of Nina''s expression, Aaron cackled maniacally. A trace of devilish malice marred his


    solemn-looking handsome countenance. ¡°Your expression when you''re mad is as vibrant as it was in


    the past. Why, are you resentful that I didn''t satisfy you earlier and that you''re looking all frustrated?¡±


    Meanwhile, Nina glowered at him as though she was beholding an old archenemy. Without warning,


    she spat at him and cursed his ancestors even as she shot daggers at him. ¡°How rotten exactly is the


    Gibson family from the very core itself that it produced a piece of trash like you even after so many


    generations of purification?¡±


    s, that action of hers angered the hot-tempered man once more.


    When Aaron received a call from his best friend, Dn, asking him to help confine Nina because he


    wanted to use her to ckmail Avery, he agreed without even thinking about it.


    After all, he had been enemies with her ever since young.


    Hah! This d*mn woman is still as infuriating as ever, daring to kick me down there. If it weren''t for my


    luck, I would''ve long since suffered permanent damage. Serves her right that she has now fallen into


    my hands and has to go through hell!


    Stripping her bare, he taunted and leered at her, even threatening to have his subordinates take turns


    with her if she were to go against him.


    He wanted to rip her calm fa?ade off and divest her of her dignity so that she would beg him in her


    panic.


    Unexpectedly, she obstinately held out and would rather be used by his subordinates than allow him to


    touch her. Ugh! How annoying!


    Aaron pinned Nina beneath him, causing her to struggle wildly in resentment.


    Tearing off the scraps of remaining clothes on her, he aimed his stiff member right at her opening. Just


    when he was about to thrust forward, his phone rang all of a sudden.


    ¡°Xander.¡± When Aaron saw that it was a call from his brother, he didn''t dare ignore it despite his pent-


    up desires.


    ¡°You can have fun with other women as you like without any interference from me, but release the


    woman you''re confining right now.¡± Xander sounded as assertive as ever.


    ¡°How am I to know who you''re speaking of when I''ve got so many women here, Xander? Besides, I''m


    already all fired up. Yet, you want me to stop? Do you want me to die from unfulfilled desire?¡± Aaron


    drawled airily with a hand grasping his phone, and the other pped over Nina''s mouth.


    ¡°Cut the crap! Nina is under Cayden''s protection. He personally asked me for her, so it''s evident that


    she holds much weight with him. He isn''t someone to be messed with. You''d better watch yourself, for


    even I might not be able to protect you if you mess up.¡± On that note, the person on the other end of


    the line hung up.


    Aaron turned and stared at Nina, whose eyes zed with hatred. At the thought of Cayden, who was


    as cunning as a fox and whom even his brother didn''t dare challenge head-on, he wavered slightly. But


    still, how could I possibly let her go so easily?


    A cold smile bloomed on his face, the ruthless look in his eyes causing one to shudder in terror.


    In the next heartbeat, he brutally ravaged the supple body beneath him without hesitation.


    ¡°Ahh!¡± A sharp and agonizing cry reverberated in the room. At the same time, tears of despair trickled


    down Nina''s face.


    Meanwhile, Avery had a terrible headache when she woke up.


    That aside, she felt hot and cold alternatively, making her very much difited.


    Worse still, she couldn''t breathe freely, and her throat burned painfully. It went without saying that all


    her symptoms pointed to a severe cold.


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    She opened her eyes, but the ring sunlight streaming in through the window almost had her tearing


    up. Only then did she realize that she forgot to draw the curtainsst night.


    Through the ss window, she could clearly see the blue sky and also a few birds that asionally


    flew past outside.


    Seeing that it was alreadyte in the day, she made to get out of bed, only to find herself locked in a


    man''s embrace by a strong arm.


    Her back was intimately stered against Cayden''s solid chest, making it difficult for her to even turn


    over.


    A faint flush manifested on her pale face, and her exhtions turned slightly feverish as the memories


    ofst night reyed in her mind. She found herself weak and limp, all the aftereffects of her high fever


    last night.


    Exerting much strength, she pried the man''s arm away. But just as she was about to get up, Cayden


    domineeringly pulled her into his arms again on instinct, bringing her face to face with him.


    Avery''s gaze fell on the sleeping man. His perfectly sculptured profile had mixed feelings brewing within


    her.


    Verily, I have no idea how things progressed to this stage between us. He always gives me candies


    after hurting me, but he has no idea that eating too many of them will lead to tooth decay, no matter


    how exquisite and tempting their external wrappers are. The pain will spread through my whole mouth,


    causing me to shy away from them thereafter.


    While her thoughts ran wild, Cayden slowly opened his eyes and pecked her gently on the lips. ¡°Good


    morning, Babe.¡±


    Ignoring him, Avery shook his arm off and nced around in search of something or other.


    Cayden propped his head up with his right arm. Out of the blue, a ckce bra appeared in his left


    hand.


    He ced his index finger against the cup of the bra with a wicked smile on his face. ¡°Are you looking


    for this?¡±


    In a sh, Avery''s face flushed bright red.


    She wanted to snatch it out of his hand, but she grasped empty air when he pulled his left hand back.


    He did that repeatedly, teasing her to the point that she panted heavily. In the end, she gave up.


    Flipping her over, Cayden forced her to look him in the eye. The moment he noticed that she had gone


    expressionless from fury, her face flushed bright red, and her lips visibly chapped, his urge to tease her


    vanished. He promptly got out of bed. ¡°I''ll go and pour you a ss of water.¡±


    Avery felt light-headed, her entire being was disoriented. But at the thought of Nina, she asked


    worriedly, ¡°How''s Nina right now? Is she okay?¡±


    Pouring her a ss of warm water, Cayden handed it to her. ¡°She''s fine. You can see her today.¡±


    The heavy boulder that had been weighing on Avery''s heart lifted at longst. She downed the entire


    ss of water he handed her before her throat felt slightly better. Then, she forcibly pulled herself


    together and got dressed. ¡°What time is it now? I''ve got to go to work.¡±


    ¡°There''s no need to go to work when you''re so sick! Stay at home obediently today. I''ll help you apply


    for leave.¡± Cayden pressed her back under the covers.


    Recalling how she willfully had herself freezing for half the night yesterday, he couldn''t help feeling


    vexed.


    However, he couldn''t bring himself to lecture her when she wasn''t feeling well then. He could only zip


    his mouth and give her the cold medicine Yuvan left.


    ¡°No, I''ve been taking time off frequently, causing much dissatisfaction among my colleagues. I¡ª¡±


    ¡°I''ll fire whoever dares to express their dissatisfaction!¡± Pulling the covers over her, Cayden tucked her


    in. ¡°If you rest today, I''ll consider it a medical leave. But if you dare go to the office, I''ll fire Nina.¡±


    He wore a smile as he spoke, but he sounded serious. That had Avery both irked and exasperated.


    Argh! He''s actually ckmailing me with my best friend! When did the high and mighty CEO of Trident


    Group turn into such a scoundrel?

 Chapter 288

    Chapter 288


    Cayden prepared a scrumptious breakfast for Avery and watched her finish the food before he went to


    the office.


    Following his departure, pin-drop silence filled the air inside the room.


    Avery felt bored staying at home, so she switched on herputer and saw manyizens actively


    discussing and sharing a link.


    She clicked on the link and saw that she was redirected to a page on Mova.


    Mova was a very influential social media tform on the inte. The site was filled with all kinds of


    secrets about wealthy families, gossip rted to celebrities, and other news. It was a tform that


    garnered a lot of attention from the elites and famous people of the society.


    Cayden had always been the most highlighted and frequently searched figure on that social media in


    the past few years. From that statistics, one could easily imagine how much the public was interested


    in his scandals.


    When Avery typed Cayden''s name in the search column on the website, countless rted threads


    were generated as results.


    She browsed through a few random threads and saw that most posts were hearsay about Cayden.


    Someizens guessed he wasn''t straight, while othersmented that he looked ugly and that his


    photos and videos were edited to make him look handsome. There were also people who spected


    him to be physically ill to exin his reluctance to get married.


    All theizens followed the trend and contributed their opinions after reading the various posts


    featuring seemingly convincing analyses and conjectures about Cayden.


    Although he rarely showed himself in public, he had many fans and followers among theizens. Most


    of his die-hard fans leftments below the posts to defend him.


    Avery didn''t realize theizens regarded Cayden with such reverence until she read thements.


    Another thread on the top of the list caught her eye because of its impressive title: ¡°The worst scandal


    among the prominent families: The Heir To An Anonymous Company Beat Up His Cousin To Get His


    Wife. Such An Immoral Act Is Truly Atrocious!


    Inexplicably, Avery''s right eyelid fluttered when she saw the post. A sense of foreboding rose within her


    chest at the same time.


    She quickly clicked on the link and noticed several million people had viewed the post in less than three


    hours since it was posted. There were also over ten thousand replies below the thread. The numbers


    reflected the intensity of the sensation invoked by that post and signified how nosy theizens were.


    The original poster of that thread had a unique username called ¡°@PitifulCuckold.¡±


    The corner of Avery''s eyes twitched after she saw the thread owner''s username. Then, she began to


    study the content.


    @PitifulCuckold narrated his story in the post. He fell in love with his wife at first sight, and after their


    marriage, he doted on her, protected her, and spent all the money he earned on her. After that, they


    had adorable twins. To keep up with her wife''s splurge and the funds needed to take care of the kids,


    he even took up a risky job and ended up being imprisoned for five years.


    @PitifulCuckold even posted his wedding photos with his wife, pictures of him in prison garb, and


    images of the twins on the forum to prove that he wasn''t lying. All of the photos attached were


    censored.


    Then, he continued writing that after he was released from jail, he unexpectedly found out his wife had


    be involved with his cousin. At that time, @PitifulCuckold even had the urge to kill his wife, but he


    loved her too much. As a result, he even knelt and begged his wife to stop her immoral rtionship


    with his cousin.


    However, his wife responded by saying that she realized what she was doing was wrong and that she


    had tried to end that inappropriate rtionship. Still, she had irresistibly fallen in love with his cousin.


    The affection she harbored for his cousin was like an addiction, as she could no longer refuse the


    latter''s requests. In the end, having no other alternative, @PitifulCuckold could only meet up with his


    cousin to talk about that matter.


    From the photo uploaded to the forum, the name of the prison was clear to see. The locals of Ackleton


    who saw the thread were familiar with that facility, so everyone was convinced that the story was


    authentic. After all, no one would voluntarily expose their murky past unless they were genuinely


    desperate.


    @PitifulCuckold and his wife were already blessed with twins, not to mention he even went to jail


    because of her. Outrageously, she cheated on him with his cousin. Naturally, theizensmented the


    man''s misfortune.


    @PitifulCuckold stated that his cousin was a powerful heir to a wealthy corporation, so an ordinary


    citizen like him didn''t dare to provoke thetter. However, in order to defend his dignity as a man, he


    decided to visit his cousin to seek justice for himself.


    Unexpectedly, not only did his cousin beat him up badly, but his cousin also humiliated him by flirting


    and kissing his wife in front of him.


    His cousin even threatened to kill him and torture his cute children if he dared interfere further in their


    rtionship.


    @PitifulCuckold took pictures of his grave injuries and posted them on the forum. His entire body was


    covered in bandages, including his head. His legs were put in a cast, and a tube was seen sticking


    from his mouth. He seemed to be barely hanging on to life.


    Even though @PitifulCuckold''s face was not censored, no one could distinguish his facial features. All


    theizens pitied and felt sorry for him after seeing the photos.


    Most of the scandals featured on that forum were aimed to catch the attention of targeted audiences as


    most of the people exposed were elites of the society, famousdies from prominent families, or


    celebrities in the entertainment industry. All of these people put on a facade when appearing in public


    anyway. Naturally, they didn''t care much about the scandals. Some celebrities even disclosed their


    rivals'' dirty deeds out of grudges.


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    @PitifulCuckold said that his love for his wife ultimately evolved into hatred. He didn''t know what he


    could do to deal with his shameless wife and cousin, so he could only vent his grievances on the forum.


    @PitifulCuckold''s writing style was excellent. His choices of words paired with the attached images


    painted a rtively realistic picture in the readers'' minds. Some of his sentences perfectly captured the


    emotions of theizens as he sessfully conveyed his conflicted feelings, devotion to his wife, and


    helplessness for being caught up in that situation through his narration. He also managed to


    entuate how despicable the shameless couple was.


    Another blurry picture of a man and a woman hugging one another was shown at the bottom of that


    complex, emotional thread. Although the faces of the couple were not identifiable, chills traveled down


    Avery''s spine when she saw the image because the woman featured in the photo was her, and the man


    in a suit was Cayden.


    The image of the twins @PitifulCuckold posted was censored, but Avery could recognize with a nce


    that they were her two children.


    She was dumbfounded at first. Then, fury overwhelmed her the next second.


    She didn''t know who the person who had published the thread was, but they had dragged her innocent


    kids into that scandal.


    When Avery saw the censored wedding photo was a screenshot from Twitter, she suddenly


    remembered the picture Dn had posted on his Twitter ount was the same image.


    The acknowledgment caused her to grimace. Did Dn post this story online anonymously to take


    revenge on me? If it''s really him, I have to give him props for his ability to distort the truth. I''m truly


    impressed!


    Women enjoyed gossiping. Avery hastily browsed through thement section below and saw all


    kinds of interesting responses.


    There were plenty ofizens of both genders following that thread. Some pitied @PitifulCuckold, while


    others mocked and disdained the characters mentioned in his post. Needless to say, there were also


    netizens waiting and hoping for the story to develop further.


    Scandals rted to wealthy families had always been theizens'' favorite topic of discussion,


    especially when the matter involved the widely shunned crime of incest, bringing the heated


    atmosphere among theizens to the next level.


    All thements below the post wereizens chiding @PitifulCuckold''s cousin and wife.


    Theizens scolded them for being immoral and ignorant of thew and ethics. Various damaging


    terms such as sinful, shameless, b*tch, and slut were repeatedly used to describe the couple. Some


    netizens even leftments, telling the two to go to hell or hope they suffer terrible deaths.


    One of the veteranizens, @Busybody, managed to identify @PitifulCuckold as Musk Group''s scion,


    Dn, via the clues from the photos and texts, while the heir to the anonymouspany was Cayden


    from Trident Group.


    In that case, the woman who cheated, as mentioned in the post, would be Avery.


    Once @Busybody posted the result of his search, he immediately tagged everyone to join in the


    commotion.


    The entirement section exploded after theizens knew Cayden was the cousin referred to in the


    thread.

 Chapter 289

    Chapter 289


    No one had expected that the man was actually Cayden, the owner of Trident Group.


    The news consequently shook the entire inte, and theizens online were divided into three


    groups.


    One of the groups consisted of Cayden''s die-hard fans. They defended Cayden''s reputation, iming


    that someone as handsome, gentle, rich, and powerful as Cayden could get any woman he wanted. As


    such, they refused to believe that Cayden would snatch someone''s wife away.


    Meanwhile, the opposing group did not believe in Cayden. After all, no one could fully understand the


    private life of the rich. ording to them, Cayden might seem upright and above board on the surface,


    but he could also behave differently under the limelight.


    One of the usersmented: Maybe he''s pretending to be a gentleman. Underneath his mask,


    Cayden might be inhumane! After all, that social circle is very messy. Rtives and even family


    members might have abnormal andplicated rtionships with each other. There are already many


    scandals about the riches often engaging in incest!


    Hence, the opposing group believed in the scandal posted by the admin on the forum.


    To them, the world was a ce full of darkness. Therefore, the scandal indirectly reflected their dark


    side.


    Meanwhile, there were also those who tried to take a neutral stance. These people were observing the


    matter quietly and waited for the development of the scandal.


    In less than an hour, Cayden''s loyal supporters and the opposing group flooded the forum with their


    lengthy posts. Both of the groups had their respective perspectives on the matter and shared their


    views like professional debaters.


    Because of the scandal, Avery finally got to witness the power of ghostwriters and how skilled they


    were. After all, theizens were not afraid to voice out their personal opinion online.


    As Avery read them, she furrowed her brows. I don''t care what''s the intention of the author posting this.


    I won''t forgive this person easily, as he has involved my children in this scandal! This is too much! Why


    would someone involve kids in adults'' affairs?


    Avery picked up her phone and wanted to give Cayden a call. Just when she was about to call him, she


    received a call from Cayden.


    Instantly, she answered the phone.


    Before he could say anything, Avery told him that she had seen the post.


    ¡°Don''t worry. I''ve seen the post. I''ll settle this matter,¡±forted Cayden.


    Avery was clueless as to how Cayden was going to solve the problem. Nheless, she felt at peace


    and felt less anxious after hearing hisforting words as she had faith in Cayden.


    Meanwhile, in the hospital, Dn smoked his cigarette leisurely. He was the male lead in the post. The


    author stated that Dn was currently covered in bandages and was barely hanging on to his life.


    Dn could not help but smirk evilly while reading the heated debates in the post. He then shifted his


    attention to the twenty-seven-year-old man who had a disheveled beard. ¡°That''s a good post. I guess


    I''ve found the right person,¡± Dnplimented him.


    The young man was unemployed. Usually, he would earn a living by writing dramatic love stories


    online. His daily expenses were pretty high. Hence, he desperately needed money to feed himself.


    As such, he did not hesitate to take Dn''s offer. Earlier, he had received twenty thousand from Dn


    only as a deposit.


    It was not a difficult job for him, as he only needed to add more spice to exaggerate his story about the


    wealthy family. He did not bother about the truth as long as the job could earn him a handsome reward.


    Dn handed him a card and uttered, ¡°This is the remaining one hundred eighty thousand. If the post


    garners more attention, I''ll give you an extra reward for that.¡±


    Without hesitation, the man took the card and thanked Dn with an ingratiating smile. ¡°Thank you, Mr.


    Musk. Feel free to contact me if you need me to write simr posts for you in the future.¡±


    After the man left, Dn stubbed out the cigarette, and his lips curled upward into a grin.


    Cayden, Avery, you guys forced me to get a divorce, right? I bet both of you can''t afford to act


    arrogantly anymore!


    At the top floor of Trident Group was the CEO''s office. The atmosphere was tense and cold, just like


    the aura emitted by Cayden.


    At that time, he was not perusing his work on theptop. Instead, he was reading one of the trending


    posts on a forum.


    Xavier stood beside him respectfully, but he was shivering from the terrifying auraing out of


    Cayden.


    Mr. Moore always turns incredibly cold whenever it was something that involves Ms. Rumpley.


    ¡°Find out the identity of the author and block him immediately. Also, contact him and send him directly


    to the police station. I bet he has prepared himself mentally to bear the consequences before he


    decided to spread these fake rumors online. Help me inform the board of directors that I want to


    acquire all the Musk family''s assets as soon as possible. Since Dn wants to challenge my bottom


    line, then I shall fulfill his wishes. Besides, help me contact JK Media, I want to talk to Robert Lincoln.¡±


    After instructing Xavier, Cayden lowered his gaze to hide the intense rage in his eyes with his


    eyshes.


    He opened his eyes and looked straight into Xavier''s eyes with an expressionless face.


    Seeing that, Xavier could feel his heart jolt abruptly. He nodded and swiftly carried out Cayden''s order.


    Cayden then fixed his gaze on the pixted wedding photo, and an intriguing cold smile appeared on


    the corner of his mouth.


    Dn, you may attack me all you want. However, you''ve gone overboard by exposing Avery and the


    children to the public. It seems like you haven''t learned from the lessonst time. You''re asking for a


    death wish, and I shall fulfill your wish.


    A cold expression formed on Cayden''s features. He looked ferocious like a beast hiding in the dark,


    preparing to attack with his terrifying ws.


    In the meantime, Nicole had just finished filming her new drama and was resting on the set. While she


    was chatting with her best friend on a video call, her best friend sent her a link and asked her to click


    on it mischievously.


    Being best friends, both of them exchanged a lot of secrets with each other. Naturally, she knew that


    Nicole''s crush was Cayden.


    Hence, she sent her the link upon learning about Cayden''s scandal.


    Nicole clicked on the link subconsciously and read its content. After that, she could not help but get all


    excited.


    Her hunch told her that the parties involved in that scandal were Cayden, Avery, and Dn.


    After reading the in-depth analysis online, Nicole believed in her intuition.


    I''m not bothered about the truth of the contents. Now that the scandal involves Avery, her reputation will


    be tainted! Yes, that''s the way!


    Quickly, Nicole took off her outfit and changed into her own clothes. She merely informed her assistant


    that she was leaving without notifying the producer and director. With that, she left the ce with her


    makeup.


    The director was prepared to film the next scene and wanted to ask Nicole to get ready. Unexpectedly,


    he saw Nicole leaving in a luxury car. Seeing that, he got infuriated that he threw away the script


    directly.


    Inwardly, he cursed Nicole. Does she know how much it costs to invest in a costume drama? None of


    the top actors would leave that brazenly. She''s acting so arrogant! Who does she think she is? She


    must be thinking that she has to right to act unscrupulously because she''s the daughter of the state


    secretary. Hmph! Without that status, I don''t think she could survive in the entertainment industry!


    After she left, Nicole drove directly to the shopping mall. She bought a few luxury bags and some


    expensive diamond essories before heading to the Moore residence in a rush.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    Upon arrival, Nicole handed the gifts to Allie, buttering thedy up. Later, she stammered, ¡°Mrs. Moore,


    I just heard about something rted to Cayden, but I''m not sure whether I should let you know about


    it...¡±


    At that moment, Allie was in a rather good mood. She patted Nicole''s hand and replied gently, ¡°There''s


    no need to hold back with me, Nicole. I hate people who beat around the bush. What''s the matter? You


    can be direct with me.¡±


    She pretended to hesitate for a while before passing her phone to Allie, showing her the forum post


    that read: The Rich''s Scandal.

 Chapter 290

    Chapter 290


    After holding the emergency general meeting for shareholders, Cayden skipped work for the first time


    to fulfill his paternal obligations by picking up Rory and Zachary from kindergarten.


    Seated in the car, Zachary asked him curiously, ¡°It''s not the weekend today, Daddy. How do you have


    time to take time off?¡±


    He knew that his father had always been a workaholic and sometimes spent the weekends working


    overtime.


    However, his father skipping work during work hours was very abnormal to Zachary.


    ¡°It is so nice that we don''t have to go to school, Zachary. I''m so happy.¡± Rory rested her chin on her


    hands, and the joy on her face was evident.


    With her lively nature, she was at an age that enjoyed spending time ying more than being in


    ssrooms.


    Cayden gazed at the two children sitting upright in the back seat through the rearview mirror. ¡°I am


    taking both of you and Mommy to the amusement park today,¡± he dered calmly. ¡°We''re dropping by


    the house to pick her up.¡±


    Both children opened their mouths wide in shock as if they had heard something incredible.


    Daddy is actually taking us to the amusement park. What is happening today? He hates crowded and


    lively ces more than anything. Even when we did go to amusement parks, it was Mr. Dartsley who


    would take us.


    However, Zachary and Rory were still in a superb mood. They always saw other children going to


    amusement parks apanied by their parents. The fact that they did not have a mother was


    undoubtedly disappointing to them. Therefore, they did not expect to go on an outing with their parents


    one day.


    Avery''s first thought was to question Cayden''s sanity for still having the mood for a day out.


    However, she went with them when she saw the wide, expectant eyes of her two children.


    The sun was shining brightly outside. Though the weather had be quite cold, the sunshine made it


    feel much warmer.


    ustomed to Cayden''s serious appearance in suits and leather shoes, it was the first time Avery saw


    him in casual wear¡ªa white down jacket, a pair of dark-colored jeans, and a pair of white casual shoes


    on his feet. He looked much younger overall, like a college student who graduated recently.


    Avery was suddenly reminded of Cayden''s youth at the sight of his current appearance.


    He had been handsome and full of sunshine back then. The image of him sweating profusely with the


    other boys on the basketball court yed in her mind on repeat. Like every girl her age who had a


    crush, he was hers.


    After going around in circles for so many years, we finally ended up together and have two lovely


    children. It''s so unbelievable when I think about it.


    There were fewer people in the yground as it was a weekday, but it was still very lively.


    It was not the children''s first trip to an amusement park, but because they came with their parents this


    time, it had be a very happy visit.


    Cayden bought the tickets, and the family of four went through the security check and into the park.


    The handsome father and the gentle mother held hands in the middle. Then, they held the hand of their


    two children on each side. The children were so beautiful that people could not help but stare at what


    they consider the epitome of what an ideal family should be.


    As the family walked around, they discovered delicious food and were even allowed to have some by


    their strict father.


    All in all, the family had a great time.


    Two men with their faces hidden by peaked caps held DSLR cameras to record their waves ofughter


    and loving moments from the shadows.


    A CEO like Cayden, who was used to sitting in an office, only frequented high-end ces. In the past,


    he would not have bothered to go to amusement parks. Besides, he thought the games catered to


    children were too childish.


    This time, he came specially to keep Avery and the two childrenpany.


    However, Avery and the two children would not allow him to not take part in their games.


    That was why all it took was a pleading nce from all three of them for Cayden to obediently fulfill


    their wishes. No matter how reluctant he felt, he still opted to y those boring games with Avery and


    the children.


    There was a small beach in the amusement park, which was separate from the beach outside. It was


    built in a huge circr ss house. Colorful shells and stones were scattered on the beach, as well as


    tropical nts and flowers, which surrounded the artificially blue sea. The scenery inside looked lovely


    under the sun.


    It was crowded on the beach with patrons strewn about lying down or sitting up. Young mothers nestled


    together and watched their children y withrge smiles on their faces while discussing parenting with


    other mothers. There were also some adults and children stepping barefoot in the seawater. The


    children carried small buckets and were happily picking up shells by the sea.


    Several jet skis cruised along the artificial sea. Men and women seated on the cruise ship were having


    a great time.


    The crowd filled the beach with a scene of bustling activity.


    The ss room was a little hot. Avery helped Rory and Zachary remove their down jackets and boots


    and rolled up their trouser legs. She also removed her shoes, threw the clothes and boots to Cayden,


    and ran with the children to run towards the waves that washed up the beach.


    The innocent children got along well with one another. Especially Rory and Zachary, who were


    exceedingly good-looking and therefore more popr amongst the other children.


    Avery squatted down and watched her children y with a gentle smile. She kissed their cheeks from


    time to time, which caused the two children to squeal with pure delight. The sight of the loving mother


    and children stirred envy looks of the crowd.


    Cayden took out his mobile phone and quietly recorded the warm scene...


    Suddenly, a jet ski rushed which was out of control rushed straight out from the artificial shallow sea,


    breaking through the waves like a flying arrow toward the beach.


    The rider was a very young mother with a girl about four or five years old in her arms. Her face was full


    of tears and she looked frightened.


    ¡°Get out of the way!¡± she shouted in a panic. ¡°The jet ski is out of control. Get out of the way!¡±


    Screams erupted all around as they grabbed their children to safety.


    One of the children, about three years old with a shaky gait, was still ying with sand. While his little


    feetpped about in the shallow water, his parents were nowhere to be found.


    The child''s innocent face shone with a fragile light in the sun as he watched the jet ski approach with


    no signs of slowing down. Hisrge eyes stared nkly ahead, unable toprehend what was


    happening.


    The screams around grew louder. Some women even covered their eyes, not daring to look at the


    tragic scene.


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    Avery noticed it, and her innate kindness drove her to dash out and throw the child to the ground.


    Her mind was utterly nk. Holding the young child underneath her body, she bit her lower lip tightly,


    closed her eyes, and waited for disaster to strike.

 Chapter 291

    Chapter 291


    After what seemed like an eternity, Avery and the child in her arms were suddenly and violently pulled


    aside while she was still in a daze.


    Cayden was clutching Avery''s arm. His handsome face was deathly pale and he exploded with anger.


    ¡°What''s wrong with you, Avery? Don''t you know how dangerous this is?¡±


    He was thankful that at the critical moment, the young mother who almost caused a massive ident


    hit something on the jet ski, and it drifted to a halt right when it was about to hit Avery.


    The speedboat was only a fist''s width away from her and the child. If it went a little further, a tragic


    event would have urred.


    Cayden felt as if the world was falling apart at that harrowing scene.


    Although his legs sprinted toward Avery, his body was trembling. Upon seeing Avery safe and sound,


    his facial features contorted from the fear and anger in his heart.


    That was so dangerous.


    ¡°H-He is still a child. He is too young to understand anything. He would have died under the motorboat


    if I didn''t save him. I didn''t think much about it. I just rushed over,¡± Avery exined fearfully. She still


    had not wholly regained her faculties.


    It was probably her maternal instinct kicking in. A man like Cayden, who was born with a silver spoon in


    his mouth, would not understand at all.


    Cayden yelled at Avery again when he saw her in a state of lingering fear. ¡°Even if you don''t care about


    yourself, you should think about me and the children. Promise me, Avery. Never do this again. Neither


    the children nor I can lose you.¡±


    He did not know what would be of him if something happened to Avery.


    Aside from the two children, her safety was his top priority. No one else could take her ce.


    The feeling of almost losing her earlier almost drove him crazy.


    The father of the rescued child was a muscr middle-aged man. He ran over in a hurry, calling for his


    son incessantly as he did so. Tears almost spilled out of his reddened eyes.


    Because smoking was strictly prohibited in the ss beach house, the middle-aged man stepped


    outside for a cigarette. Unexpectedly, a fatal ident almost happened in the few minutes when he


    was away.


    His heart broke when he saw the jet ski racing toward his son.


    Unfortunately, he was too far away to rescue his son in time.


    The boy was his only child who he and his wife had tried for many years....


    Then, the middle-aged father saw a young woman protecting her son.


    Fortunately, the motorboat stopped just in time.


    He did not know how he would exin to his wife and parents if anything were to happen to his child.


    The child''s father examined the child closely to ensure he was not hurt. He was about to thank Avery


    when he turned embarrassed as he heard Cayden''s reprimand out of the blue.


    His words of gratitude were stuck in his throat and he could not express them.


    Cayden was livid, yet his gaze toward Avery was tender.


    He had an extremely handsome face, which made him stand out among ordinary people. At that


    moment, he was full of hostility again, and it sent chills running down the onlookers'' feet to their spines.


    Their gazes at him were filled with fear.


    ¡°Mommy!¡± With tears on her face, Rory waddled over on her short legs and threw herself into Avery''s


    arms.


    The possibility of the jet ski hurting her mother terrified the little girl.


    Zachary''s eyes were red as he held on to Avery''s clothes tightly. His childish voice turned into sobs.


    ¡°You scared us there, Mommy. I''m d you are fine.¡±


    Avery felt rattled herself. Thank god nothing happened.


    Her heart twinged when she gazed at the two children''s adorable faces and wondered what Rory and


    Zachary would do if something were to happen to her.


    But those were all assumptions. There was no time to think about them during critical moments.


    Cayden''s anger dissipated almost entirely when he saw Avery''s hands tremble when she held the


    children. His heart ached at the sight.


    Under the gaze of the crowd, he hugged her a little awkwardly.


    Cayden''s attitude softened considerably when he pressed her head into his chest, but his tone was still


    a bit harsh. ¡°Don''t cry. I won''t scold you anymore. You have to put yourself first whenever you want to


    be selfless. You are very important to me.¡±


    As he watched Rory, Zachary, and the beautiful woman who saved her cry, the child who was almost


    killed also burst into tears. The middle-aged man hurriedly coaxed his son, causing the crowd to start


    commenting on his response.


    The young mother lifted her daughter down from the jet ski and apologized profusely to Avery but was


    reprimanded by Cayden, whose fury was palpable.


    All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Reverting to his haughty persona, he let loose a tirade at the young mother as if she were his


    subordinate. The young mother, oppressed by his aura of superiority, found it hard to breathe.


    Besides, Cayden''s reprimand made the woman''s face pale. She was so ashamed that she wanted


    nothing more than to have the earth swallow her whole.


    Her daughter, who was about the same age as Rory and Zachary, burst into tears upon seeing how


    fiercely her mother was being scolded.


    ¡°Shut up!¡± Cayden yelled at the little girl viciously.


    It did not matter that somebody else''s child was crying for that was how he would yell at his own


    children since they were very young.


    The little girl had grown up pampered by her family. Cayden''s terrifying look and his tone of voice made


    her sob even harder.


    Her mother was fully aware that the disaster was her fault and did not dare justify herself even if she


    felt resentful. The only thing she could do was coax her daughter silently.


    The scene almost became chaotic, with the wails of children going continuously.


    The person in charge of the amusement park learned of the situation and rushed over at once.


    Cayden threw him a severe warning to suspend the amusement park to check the equipment and


    facilities before taking Avery and the children away.


    ...


    Dn, stubbornly refusing to leave the hospital, was still covered in bandages when Xenia came to visit


    him.


    He was leaningnguidly on the head of the bed, eating fruits.


    Xenia''s lips twitched, and her indifferent expression turned yful. ¡°I heard you were beaten so hard


    you were disabled, old friend, so I came here to see you. If I had known that you''re so full of vim and


    vigor, Mr. Musk, I would not havee.¡±


    Dn threw a plump purple grape into the air, caught it deftly with his mouth, and ate it with gusto.


    He then took out a tissue and dabbed the corners of his lips gracefully before saying, ¡°Even if you didn''t


    come, I would have contacted you in the next few days. You probably know my situation pretty well. I


    want to know how I can prevent Avery from filing for divorce and have the court reject herwsuit. And,


    if the two parties insist on awsuit, what are the chances of us winning?¡±


    Xenia''s eyes flickered. ¡°As long as Weston isn''t Avery''s divorcewyer, our chances of winning the


    case are close to a hundred percent.¡±

 Chapter 292

    Chapter 292


    Xenia was not boasting. Aside from going against Weston and losing spectacrly several times, she


    almost never lost a case against other attorneys.


    ¡°I remember you were always at the top ofw ss back then, old friend,¡± Dn teased upon hearing


    Xenia''s words, ¡°with Weston always in second ce. I was under the impression that you are better


    than him. Why don''t you dare face him now?¡±


    Xenia''s sharp tongue was still fresh in the memories of many of their ssmates during the campus


    legal debate contest when they were in school together in the past.


    Although Weston was also very good, he tended to be inferior to Xenia and was always one step


    behind.


    Dn''s words made Xenia''s cold expression falter for a moment, but she quickly recovered her


    composure.


    In reality, Weston was the one who let her beat him during school because he knew howpetitive


    she was and would fall into a prolonged depression even if she ranked second in her grade.


    She did not know it until she encountered various setbacks and difficulties at work that she realized that


    he had always been taking care of her.


    However, he could not hide the fact that he had hurt her deeply, no matter how good he was. At the


    thought of him and another woman...


    Xenia''s face was full of hatred.


    Weston will be my enemy for the rest of my life. He will never know peace as long as I don''t.


    Xenia quicklyposed herself and said inly, ¡°School is different from the real world, after all. What


    I learned before was all theory. I realized that ideals and reality are different only after my career


    began. Don''t you know this better than anyone, old friend?¡±


    Dn peeled an orange and handed it to Xenia.


    At her indifferent look, he swallowed a piece of orange himself. ¡°I don''t care about your history with


    Weston or how you do it, I want you to win thiswsuit! Either you beat Weston in court or have him


    give up being Avery''s attorney.¡±


    Dn knew that the possibility of the second method was close to nil.


    As the exclusivewyer of Trident Group, he listened to Cayden, who was determined to break up


    Dn''s marriage with Avery. Thus, it would be impossible for Weston to back out.


    Xenia sneered, and a strange arc spread from the corner of her lips. ¡°Don''t worry. I will win this by any


    means necessary. Just wait a while, and I will deliver the oue you await.¡±


    Dn smiled at Xenia''s confident and determined expression.


    I''m looking forward to the exciting opening of the divorce case.


    Wisteria, who was far away in the Western Epea branch to deal with the follow-up incident of Regal


    Garden, was smoking a cigarette when she immediately clicked on the link of ¡°The Rich''s Scandal¡±


    sent to her by her department head and watched it intently.


    Then, she heard from the department head about the matter between Avery and Cayden. It seemed


    that there was some misunderstanding between them, which was the cause of the strained rtionship


    between the two.


    Wisteria smiled as she was rather satisfied.


    It seems that my prior efforts have not been in vain. Any woman who sees another woman exiting her


    man''s car could not help but get suspicious.


    Furthermore, she also answered Cayden''s call.


    Avery''s doubts about Mr. Moore will definitely deepen. Also, the inexplicable appearance of this


    trending post has been very helpful. Though Cayden insists on being with Avery in spite of everybody''s


    disapproval, the Moore family will never approve of a widely-scorned divorc¨¦e.


    Wisteria felt a little more at ease at that thought.


    She nned to clean things up as quickly as possible before rushing back to Ackleton.


    Having admired and waited for Cayden for so many years, she did not want to wait any longer.


    He is mine. Nobody can take him away!


    When he picked her up from Gold Emerald Hotel, Xavier was shocked by Nina''s haggard countenance


    and how she was scantily dressed and disheveled.


    It had only been a few days since he saw her, and the cheerful girl who loved tough who he knew


    was gone. Her eyes, which crinkled into crescents when she smiled, looked dead.


    Her neck was covered with dense bruises and purple marks¡ªclear signs of abuse.


    Xavier was a worldly person. He naturally understood what the marks were, and his heart twinged. Mr.


    Moore told Xander to have his brother release her. Though Aaron did do as told, he had also ruined


    her.


    A sigh emanated from the depths of Xavier''s nostrils at the sight of Nina looking so frail that she


    seemed like she was going to fall over any moment. She stood like a marite without its strings.


    He knew Avery and Nina were very close. Ms. Rumpley would be so sad to know that her friend had


    ended up like this because of her.


    Xavier noticed Nina shivering, so he removed his coat to drape around her.


    ¡°I''ll take you to the mall to buy some clothes, Ms. Richter. If you were to go back like this, it would ...¡±


    Not look good. Xavier did not finish his sentence.


    He felt it prudent to speak lesser at this juncture.


    Nina shook her head lightly. ¡°Thank you, Mr. Dartsley, but that''s not necessary. Please take me home.¡±


    When leaving the car, Nina turned around to look at Gold Emerald Hotel. It was here where I lost


    myself.


    Aaron had tormented her an entire day and night through all kinds of sadistic measures.


    She closed her eyes wearily.


    This is a grudge that will not go unpunished.


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    The car ground to a secure halt outside the gate to Nina''s house.


    Her hand had just grabbed the doorknob when Xavier called, ¡°Please wait a moment, Ms. Richter.¡±


    Nina looked at him. ¡°What else is there, Mr. Dartsley?¡±


    Xavier took out a signed check from his pocket, hesitated for a moment, and handed it to her.


    Nina nced at it impassively. There were six zeros behind the number two. Two million.


    She did not take it. ¡°What does this mean, Mr. Dartsley?¡±


    ¡°This is what Mr. Moore wants,¡± Xavier said. ¡°When he learned that you were taken away by Aaron, he


    immediately called Mr. Gibson and asked him to release you. We never expected Aaron to have done


    this. I''m sorry for justing to pick you up now. Mr. Moore knows that you have a good rtionship


    with Ms. Rumpley. If Ms. Rumpley knew that Aaron had abused you because of her, she would


    probably not feel at ease for the rest of her life. Therefore, Mr. Moore wants you never to mention this


    incident to her. This two million shouldpensate you for your pain.¡±


    After hearing his words, Nina suddenlyughed until she wept.


    Xavier gazed at her. He was deliberating on how to persuade her when she suddenly and rudely


    yanked out the check from his hand, opened the door, and got out of the car without saying a word.


    The thin figure who looked feble at the gust of a breeze walked slowly towards the gate of the


    residential area.

 Chapter 293

    Chapter 293


    Isabe was cooking when she heard the door open. Upon sticking her head out from the kitchen, she


    saw that Nina had returned. She also immediately noticed the men''s coat draped over thetter''s


    shoulders and the bruises on her neck.


    As anger surged through her, she shoved aside the tes and bowls which created loud noises.


    Something so serious has happened to our family. My precious Zayne is still locked up in prison, yet as


    his sister, she still has the mood to go out and fool around!


    ¡°Mom, I''m home.¡± Feeling physically and mentally exhausted, Nina uttered a simple greeting to the


    upset Isabe, then started heading toward her room to rest.


    However, she had barely taken two steps when a loud p rang out, and she felt a burning pain in her


    cheek.


    Covering her face, Nina turned to stare at her mother in disbelief.


    Isabe jabbed a finger against Nina''s forehead so belligerently that her fingernail threatened to pierce


    thetter''s skin.


    As she did so, she berated Nina. ¡°Where have you been, you little brat? Be honest! Did you end up


    sleeping with some guy? How many times have I told you that women need to learn to have self-


    respect? A defiled woman is worth nothing! Have you thrown everything I taught you out the window?¡±


    Isabe looked livid as it mattered greatly to her whether or not Nina was still a virgin. Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    She had always possessed a narrow and limited view of the world and had an extremely patriarchal


    mindset.


    Although Nina did not suffer any mistreatment at home, she could never hold a candle to Zayne.


    Onepleted their studies locally and was left to fend for themselves. Meanwhile, the other was sent


    abroad and given money for further studies.


    The way I see it, daughters are a burden. It''s a pity that my most beloved son is now in prison. We


    have a toughwsuit on our hands. Because of that, the family is in massive debt. We still have a


    mortgage to pay. More importantly, we need money for bribes to ensure everything is taken care of


    inside the prison. I''m only a housewife with not many skills. Where am I supposed to get that much


    money?


    Left with no alternative, Isabe could only rest her hope on her only daughter.


    She did not think her daughter was much to look at, but she had to admit that thetter had a well-


    developed figure. What was most important was that she was still a virgin.


    While chatting with one of her old friends, Isabe learned that her friend''s daughter was now


    someone''s mistress. Not only did the friend''s daughter get a big house, but as long as she flirted a little


    with her wealthy lover, she could even get a hefty sum every month for her living expenses.


    Naturally, Isabe was tempted.


    As far as I know, that friend''s daughter had a terrible reputation. She used to be an escort at some


    nightclub, yet even someone like her managed to snag a generous man. Since Nina is still a virgin,


    she''ll surely be able to find an even better catch than my friend''s daughter. I''ve worked hard to raise


    her all these years, just waiting for the moment to marry her off and a little fortune.


    Hence, Isabe even went so far as to secretly ask her friend whether any wealthy businessmen were


    looking for virgins.


    Her friend''s daughter promised to connect Isabe to some people and said she would get back to the


    latter within a couple of days.


    I never expected that before even getting a chance to hear from my friend, Nina would''ve already


    been...


    As such, it was unsurprising that Isabe flew into such a rage. In fact, she even had the urge to kill


    Nina!


    There''s sure to be a world of difference between the prices for a virgin and one who''s not!


    ¡°Mom, I''m very tired. I want to go and rest,¡± Nina said.


    Her heart ached as she thought about how Isabe did not bother to ask her what had happened, even


    after seeing her return home in such a wretched state. On the contrary, Isabe merelyshed out at


    Nina, leaving thetter utterly disappointed.


    Infuriated by Nina''s attitude, Isabe yanked her daughter''s hair so hard that she nearly tore her scalp


    off. ¡°Oh, so you''re rebelling now. I asked whether you''re still a virgin. Answer me!¡±


    Nina was weak, and her scalp hurt from Isabe tugging at her hair. Filled with grief, she turned to the


    latter and shouted, ¡°I''m not a virgin anymore. I''m not! A guy forced himself on me! Are you happy now?


    Shocked by Nina''s response, Isabe stood in a daze momentarily. When she recovered her senses,


    she grabbed whatever was next to her and swung it at Nina.


    ¡°You idi*t! How could you go wandering around while your brother is suffering in prison? It serves you


    right that you got raped! I wanted to use you to make a profit, but now everything is ruined!¡± Isabelle


    yelled as she hit Nina.


    The stic handle of the broom struck Nina hard, and a blinding pain that was more excruciating than


    anything she had ever felt prated deep into her bones. She was utterly devastated.


    Nina dodged aside and grabbed the stic handle. Although her eyes were brimming with tears, she


    gazed at Isabe calmly. ¡°Mom, am I only a money-making tool to you? Why do you treat me differently


    from Zayne? Am I even your biological daughter?¡±


    Isabelle became even more furious when she heard Nina mention Zayne, and she red at her


    daughter viciously. ¡°How dare you bring up your brother? Would he have gotten sent to prison if it were


    not for that b*tch, Avery? As if it''s not enough that you''re unwilling to earn money to help your brother,


    you even hang out with that b*tch all the time. Are you trying to drive me mad?¡±


    ¡°Zaynemitted a crime. He wanted to drug Avery and was even going to let a group of men have


    their way with her. He doesn''t care about thew and has no moralpass, so he should reap what


    he sows!¡± Nina roared at Isabe.


    It''s all because she favored and coddled Zayne too much that he grew up to have such a twisted


    personality. Who''s there to me but herself?


    Isabe''s fury intensified after hearing that, and she began hitting and wing at Nina.


    Nina tried her best to dodge. However, she still ended up with a few bloody cuts on her face from


    Isabe.


    Isabe snarled viciously, ¡°Your brother needs a lot of money now. You''re tainted and no longer worth


    anything. Since you''re already damaged goods, you should go and sell your body. If you find a better


    ce, you can get a lot for every time you sell your services. Consider it an act of repayment for all my


    years of raising you.¡±


    Nina fixed her gaze on her mother''s cruel expression. The cheque she clutched tightly in her hand


    seemed to burn her hand as though it were a hot potato.


    The tears she had been struggling to fight back finally spilled over.


    My own mother wants me to sell my body. Hahaha! This has to be the world''s biggest irony and joke!


    Then, she flung the cheque down in front of Isabe and uttered mockingly, ¡°Didn''t you say you want


    me to sell my body? Well, here''s the money your daughter got from doing so. It''s enough tost you a


    lifetime.¡±


    With that, Nina forced herself to walk toward her room despite the pain in her lower body.


    Surprised, Isabe picked up the cheque from the floor. Upon seeing the number written on it, she


    pped her thigh in glee. Forgetting all about cooking, she grabbed her ID card and happily rushed to


    the bank.


    She did not even bother to spare a nce at her broken and devastated daughter.


    After learning that Xavier had brought Nina back, Avery was anxious to go and meet her.


    I''ve been worried for so long that my heart is constantly on tenterhooks.


    However, Cayden stopped her. ¡°Nina has been through a lot and is resting at home. Why don''t you wait


    a few days until she''s in a much better mental state before going over there? Besides, she probably


    doesn''t want to meet with you because she doesn''t want you to see her in such a wretched state.¡±


    His words made Avery feel even more remorseful.


    Since Nina''s disappearance, Avery''s guilt had kept her awake at night. It was because of me that Nina


    got kidnapped. I won''t feel easy until I see her safe and well with my own eyes.


    While Cayden took Zachary and Rory back to the Moore residence, Avery called Nina. However, she


    kept getting the busy signal.


    Only then did she abruptly recall that Dn had taken Nina''s phone previously. Hence, Nina probably


    did not have a phone to use just yet.


    Eager to know how Nina was doing, Avery headed out immediately and hailed a taxi to Nina''s house.

 Chapter 294

    Chapter 294


    After sessfully cashing the check, Isabe felt as if she was on cloud nine, for she had assumed


    that the check her daughter had given her was a fake.


    Little did she expect the bank staff toplete all the paperwork courteously when she brought it to


    them.


    Thereafter, Isabe took out a hundred thousand in cash while leaving the bnce on her bank card.


    On the way home, the usually stingy Isabe was willing to splurge on a taxi ride for the very first time.


    Even after she got in the car, she still felt as if she was still dreaming. It wasn''t until she felt the pain


    from pinching herself that she realized everything was real.


    Noticing his passenger pinching herself repeatedly and hugging a bulging ck leather bag, the driver


    couldn''t help but take a greater interest in the paranoid-looking Isabe.


    Consequently, thetter tightened her grip on the snake-skin bag. The moment she spoke, the small-


    town feistiness in her was on full disy. ¡°What are you looking at? Keep your eyes on the road!¡±


    She was fearful that the driver would snatch her bag from her.


    Even though Isabe had no idea where Nina got the money from, she didn''t care. In fact, even if Nina


    was involved in prostitution, she wouldn¡¯t mind it as long as her daughter brought home the bacon.


    As a result, Isabe nned to cook up a feast to please her daughter. It was to ensure thetter


    continue bringing home more money which she could then use to pull strings on her son''s ount.


    Fortunately, the taxi driver was a good-natured man who simply shook his head and decided not to


    argue with his crass passenger.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    Nheless, due to the ongoing roadworks, the journey home was a bumpy one.


    Even after Isabe alighted from the car upon arriving in her residential area, she didn''t stop cursing


    the driver for his terrible driving.


    Given that Isabe was a shrew, she could disparage someone the entire day without having to use the


    same vocabry twice. As human traffic was naturally heavy at the entrance of the residential area,


    many of the passersby stared at her as if she was a monster. Faced with such an uncultured middle-


    ageddy, everyone avoided her as best as they could.


    Meanwhile, Avery, who had just arrived, heard Isabe ranting away.


    Not expecting to run into Isabe at the main entrance, Avery was thrown into a dilemma by the


    coincidence.


    If it wasn''t for Nina''s sake, she couldn''t be bothered with someone like Isabe. However, on the


    ount thetter was Nina''s mother, Avery had no choice but to approach her. ¡°Is Nina home, Mrs.


    Richter?¡±


    As she was already annoyed at being interrupted, Isabe was further enraged when she looked up to


    be greeted by the sight of Avery.


    ¡°What are you doing here? Have you not done enough harm to my son? Are you nning to hurt my


    daughter too?¡± Isabe spoke with a piercing voice, for she was filled with the urge to plunge a knife


    into Avery''s heart.


    If it wasn''t for her, my son wouldn''t be in prison.


    ¡°Mrs. Richter, Zayne is reaping what he sowed. If he had no intention of hurting anyone, there''s no way


    he would be arrested. Anyway, I''m here to see Nina and not argue with you.¡± The moment she finished,


    Avery turned around and walked into the residential area.


    Before Avery broke up with Zayne, Isabe believed the words of the neighborhood gossipmonger,


    Deborah, and thought that the former was someone''s sugar baby. Not only did Isabe hit Avery


    before, but she also covered for Zayne when he cheated on the former with Mna. Therefore, Avery


    had no respect for Isabe at all.


    Nevertheless, she still kept her attitude toward thetter in check on Nina''s ount.


    Despite the restraint shown by Avery, Isabe refused to let the matter go.


    Instead, she blocked Avery''s way and¡ªforgetting that the snake-skin bag was filled with cash¡ªswung


    it at thetter. ¡°Get lost, you despicable woman. You''re not wee here! Even though Zayne treated


    you very well, you repaid his kindness by coborating with another man to get him arrested. Have you


    forgotten who it was that stayed by your side when you were overseas all those years? Instead of


    being grateful to my son, you kicked him when he was down. How can someone as cruel as you still be


    around? As for the foolish Nina, she, too, is being manipted by you. I don''t want you to harm my


    family any further, so get lost!¡±


    Just like a raving mad shrew, Isabe railed at Avery before hitting her relentlessly.


    Although Avery desperately tried to avoid the attacks, her slender figure was no match for the strong


    Isabe, who wasn''t a stranger to manualbor. Amidst the struggle, a few deep red scratch marks


    were left on Avery''s fair and tender neck.


    As for the crowd that had gathered, everyone watched on without any intention to help.


    After all, Isabe was famous among the residents as a crass and feisty character. Whenever she lost


    her temper, no one could stand in her way, and neither did anyone dare to do so.


    Looking on sympathetically, everyone wondered what the pretty Avery had done to infuriate the crazy


    woman.


    Unable to tolerate it any further, Avery grabbed Isabe''s hand and snarled, ¡°Stop it or I''ll make you


    regret it!¡±


    When the sight of Avery''s face reminded Isabe of how her son was suffering in prison, her rage


    burned with greater intensity.


    Pointing her finger at the former, she hissed, ¡°You adulterer! When you were with my son, you cheated


    on him with another rich man and caused him to be thrown into prison. And yet, you have the cheek to


    come to my house still? Where did you even find the gall?¡±


    Upon hearing Isabe''s revtion, the crowd began to frown upon Avery.


    Faced with Isabe''s wild usations, Avery sneered, ¡°Mrs. Richter, don''t you feel embarrassed to say


    such words? It was your son who attempted to drug and rape me. Furthermore, he even arranged for


    other men to do the same. A humiliation like this is unforgivable for any woman. Hence, all I did was


    follow the rule ofw. He is, after all, guilty of his actions.¡±


    ¡°It turns out that Mrs. Richter''s son is in jail for attempted rape! Tsk-tsk. You really can''t judge a book by


    its cover. No one would have expected that underneath that gentle demeanor is a perverted...¡±


    ¡°Just think about it. Given how boorish his mother is, how much better can her son be?¡±


    ¡°This is terrible. I didn''t expect to be living in the same neighborhood as someone so unprincipled.


    Their entire family must be up to no good. My goodness, we had all better stay away from them.¡±


    As the gossiping crowd changed their perspective abruptly, Isabe was outraged by how the tide


    turned.


    Cognizant that she wouldn''t get to see Nina and that any esction would only hurt thetter, Avery


    had no choice but to return another day. With that, she walked back out to the street.


    However, she could never have imagined that Isabe would swing the snake-skin bag at her head.


    By then, the bag¡ªwhich wasn''t really strong in the first ce¡ªhad its seams broken from the earlier


    alteration. Therefore, when Avery ducked to avoid it, the bag smashed loudly against a branch by the


    street.


    Subsequently, the cash inside poured out onto the ground.


    In spite of that, Avery wasn''t bothered at all as she treaded on the notes while walking away.


    As for the passersby, the sight of cash raining from the sky and being blown around by the wind filled


    them with ecstasy. After a frantic scramble for however much they could grab, they stuffed the money


    into their pockets before disappearing from sight.


    From a distance away, Avery could hear the faint curses and exasperated cries of Isabe as she


    desperately tried to stop the public from stealing her money.

 Chapter 295

    Chapter 295


    As Avery didn''t manage to meet Nina and had no clue about thetter''s condition, she began to worry.


    Unfortunately, there was little she could do about Isabe. Thetter''s grudge against her was


    extremely deep and would cause a big scene whenever her temper red. However, at the end of the


    day, Avery''s hands were tied on the ount that Isabe was still Nina''s mother.


    Suddenly, Cecelia sprang to mind.


    If she were to visit Nina, Avery figured that Isabe wouldn''t chase the former away regardless of how


    unreasonable she was.


    With that, Avery gave Cecelia a call and tactfully exined that Nina was gravely sick.


    Due to the bad blood between her and Nina''s mother, she hoped that Cecelia would be able to visit


    Nina on her behalf.


    Nevertheless, Avery hid the truth about Nina from Cecelia, as kidnap and abuse was a traumatizing


    experience for a girl.


    In response, Cecelia swiftly agreed and promised to visit Nina right after work. She also asked for


    Nina''s address to be sent to her phone.


    By the time Avery got home, she was both physically and mentally drained.


    After changing into her sandals, she went to take a shower. No sooner had the hot water droplets


    sshed her neck than she felt a stinging pain where the residual scratch marks were. Instead of


    treating the wound, she endured the pain as the hot water continued to run over it. After all, it was


    nothingpared to what Nina had suffered.


    Avery''s eyes closed in silence thereafter...


    Dn. He''s the one responsible for all this!


    Avery had no idea what drove Dn''s obsession with her. Not only did he almost do her in, but he also


    harmed her best friend. His actions were so unforgivable that killing him alone wasn''t enough to quell


    her hatred.


    Meanwhile, a storm was brewing at the Moore residence.


    Cayden had just arrived with the two children when he was greeted by the sight of Jeffrey waiting in his


    seat. Thetter was holding a walking stick and had a grim look on his face.


    As for his mother, Allie, her outfit and makeup were just as exquisite as they always were. On her wrist


    was a new pair of crystal bracelets, and she was constantly unting it at Lily.


    Consequently, the sullen-looking Lily was further filled with jealousy and indignance.


    Even Kendrick''sckadaisical attitude was nowhere in sight. Instead, he too was seated on the couch


    with a serious expression on his face.


    Upon Cayden''s arrival, Kendrick gave his brother a knowing look as if to say. There''s trouble, Cayden.


    Grandpa has learned about the post titled The Rich''s Scandal and is going to put you in your ce!


    Ignoring the look on his brother''s face, Cayden patted the children on their heads.


    At his cue, the two adorable children ran up to Jeffrey with one on each side. Faced with their attempts


    to pacify him, Jeffrey could feel most of his anger melting away. In fact, he had almost forgotten about


    the scandal involving his grandson until Lily let out a snort.


    With a sarcastic tone, she remarked, ¡°Have you finally decided toe home? News of you beating


    Dn up over Avery has spread like wildfire. Now that the Moore family is disgraced, isn''t it time for


    you to intervene, Dad?¡±


    Upset by thements, Allie retorted with a frown, ¡°Lily, how can you believe those unfounded rumors


    on the inte? Do you know how exceptional my son is? Everyone can clearly see how much he has


    done for the family. Therefore, there''s no way he would recklessly involve himself with a woman.


    Instead, it''s that shameless Avery who keeps clinging onto Cayden.¡±


    Lily sneered, ¡°Allie, your son is now embroiled in a huge scandal. And yet, instead of reflecting upon


    your mistakes for not teaching him well, you continue to shamelessly deflect your responsibility? I


    guess the children born of someone despicable would continue to be a disgrace. Just think about what


    he has done!¡±


    ¡°Obviously, he pales inparison to your son who only knows how to live a hedonistic lifestyle.


    Certainly, no one is his equal when ites to doing that. He spends all his time around women


    without any care in the world. Sooner orter, you''ll find his dead body on one of their beds.¡± Allie''s


    rebuttal was equally vicious.


    At the receiving end of Allie''s eloquent yet scathing words, the prim and proper Lily trembled in rage.


    It was impossible for her toprehend how Bruce had fallen for such a vulgar and unrefined woman.


    After all, one could never fake an elegant facade for a long time.


    Meanwhile, Kendrick was rendered speechless.


    F*ck. I didn''t even do anything, and yet, I''m the one being ridiculed. Life sure sucks!


    Feeling distraught watching his two daughters-inw quarrel, Jeffrey felt the urge to kick them both out


    of the house.


    As his walking stick mmed heavily on the ground, he ordered in an authoritative tone, ¡°Enough!


    Whoever makes another sound should get out.¡±


    Even though Jeffrey''s anger had shut the twodies up, it didn''t diminish the brimming hatred they


    harbored for each other.


    After watching Cayden taking a seat on the couch calmly, Jeffrey¡ªin no mood to beat around the bust


    ¡ªquestioned candidly, ¡°Cayden, is the news about you, Avery, and Dn on the inte true? Since


    Avery and Dn got together first, did you interfere in their marriage as the third party?¡±


    Triggered by what she heard, Allie defended her son, ¡°Dad, how can that be? Cayden is so much more


    eligible than Dn, so why does he need to break up thetter''s marriage? Besides, Avery is obviously


    a woman with loose principles. Daughters born out of lowly families can never amount to much. It must


    be she who tried to seduce Cayden instead.¡±


    Allie threw her son a nce. Her son Cayden who was steady and mature was the man of every girl''s


    dream. Even the state secretary''s daughter, Nicole, fell head over heels for him, a testament to how


    charming he was.


    Consequently, Avery refused to let Avery have her only son.


    ¡°Hey, are you talking about yourself? Have you forgotten that you, too, were born into a lowly family?


    Look who''s talking here,¡± Lily mocked.


    Allie gritted her teeth in anger. ¡°Lily, are you challenging me on purpose?¡±


    ¡°Mom, Avery is my woman. Please show her some respect!¡± Cayden''s expression was solemn; his


    voice frosty as ice.


    He didn''t like to hear anyone speak ill of Avery, and his mother was no exception.


    All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    ¡°You...¡± Allie scowled when her own son humiliated her in front of Lily and the others. ¡°Cayden, you


    shouldn''t be blinded by Avery, who''s just a materialistic and selfish woman. She''s not worthy of you,


    and you certainly deserve someone better.¡±


    Despite raising his intent gaze to look at his mother for a long time, Cayden maintained a sullen look on


    his face.


    After breathing a sigh, Allie didn''t say anything further.


    Thereafter, Cayden turned around and dered resolutely, ¡°Grandpa, Mom, regardless of whether you


    acknowledge Avery or ept her into the family, she will always be the only woman in my life. Going


    forward, she''s also the children''s mother.¡±


    As he looked at his father with admiration, Zachary shed him a discreet thumbs-up to indicate his


    approval.


    Daddy is amazing! He isn''t afraid of Great-grandpa''s authority or Grandma''s temper. For the sake of


    being together with Mommy, he truly is going all out!

 Chapter 296

    Chapter 296


    When Jeffrey heard Cayden insisting on marrying Avery, he fumed and smacked his cane at him. ¡°You


    undutiful grandson! How can you say you want to marry a woman with such a terrible reputation? Are


    you trying to bring shame to the Moore family? Do you want to make us theughingstock of


    Ackleton?¡±


    Cayden was standing straight, but the words that came out of his mouth only made Jeffrey even


    angrier. ¡°Grandpa, do our family even have any reputation to speak of now?¡±


    Then, Cayden nced at his mother and Lily, who were both sitting on the couch. The tension in the


    room was almost palpable.


    It was clear what Cayden was talking about.


    Which modern family would have two wives, after all?


    Jeffrey was furious with Cayden''s words he nearly choked. Kendrick promptly intervened, ¡°Grandpa,


    the doctor said you shouldn''t get emotional at your age. You have to control your temper, or else you''ll


    have to be hospitalized for a few days... Ah!¡±


    Suddenly, Jeffrey whacked Kendrick''s head, making thetter howl in pain before staring at Jeffrey with


    pitiful eyes.


    In a foul mood, Jeffrey shot Kendrick a re and snapped, ¡°Get lost. Your brother is making me angry,


    and it''s not like you''re any better either. You have countless scandals with female celebrities. Do you


    dare think that I''m old and unable to rein you in anymore?¡±


    Kendrick fell silent.


    Isn''t Cayden the target for this session? Something is wrong, Grandpa. Why are you lecturing me


    instead?


    When Lily saw her beloved son getting lectured, she could not hold herself back anymore. ¡°Dad, that''s


    where you''re wrong. Who''s the one stopping Kendrick from handling thepany matters? Cayden''s


    the one managing everything in Trident Group, and Kendrick''s only a general manager in name.


    There''s no way Kendrick will be happy with how explicitly biased you are. Is it such a shock to you that


    he''s trying to find happiness out there with some women instead? If Kendrick takes over Trident


    Group...¡±


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Every time Lily thought about that, anger would bubble in her.


    My son''s the real son of the Moore family, but Allie''s sly son''s the one handling the entirepany''s


    operation. I''ve been tolerating this for years! How can I possibly be willing to submit just like that? To


    Lily, all of the Moore family''s assets should belong to Kendrick, and Allie and her illegitimate son should


    be kicked out of the family.


    However, Kendrick felt annoyed when he heard his mother suggesting that he should take over the


    company. In an irritated tone, he said, ¡°Mom, I can''t do that. Thepany will probably copse in a


    few days if I was the one handling it, let alone leading thepany to see better days. I have no desire


    to see the Moore family''s business die in my hands. Don''t mention me taking over Trident Group ever


    again, or else I''ll nevere back anymore.¡±


    Meanwhile, Allie was watching Lily and her son with a smug look.


    Even if Lily is Bruce''s legitimate wife, so what? Her son''s a good-for-nothing.


    Jeffrey knew that they had wronged Lily and her son, but Kendrick was uninterested in the family


    business. Moreover, he did not have the capability and charm to be a sessful entrepreneur.


    Talent was required for business management. Jeffrey had once forked out a huge sum of money to let


    Kendrick handle a few of Trident Group''s branches, but all of them ended up in bankruptcy.


    Jeffrey could not imagine leaving such a bigpany like Trident Group in Kendrick''s hands. The


    company was certainly not going to expand as well as it was at that moment. As a matter of fact, the


    company might be gone in a matter of months.


    ¡°That''s enough. Kendrick, from now on, you have to learn how to manage a business from your


    brother. I don''t want to see you wasting the rest of your life like this,¡± Jeffrey sternly said after a sigh.


    Instantly, Kendrick let out a howl of despair. ¡°No way! Grandpa, I don''t want to join thepany. I still


    want to have more fun! I¡ª¡±


    ¡°Brat, you''re already twenty-seven! Is there nothing but fun in your head? Are you trying to give me a


    heart attack by making me mad all the time?¡±


    When Kendrick saw his grandfather about to throw his cane at him again, he quickly mped his


    mouth shut.


    Seriously! Grandpa''s habit of hitting people with his cane is such a bad one. He has to get rid of it.


    In contrast, Cayden never even furrowed his brows during the conversation. He was calmly listening to


    their argument, having gotten used to it after all those years.


    At the end of the day, being with Avery makes me feel at home. The thought of Avery made a soft look


    sh past Cayden''s eyes.


    Hence, he determinedly expressed his stance to the Moores. ¡°Grandpa, Mom, I''m only here to tell you


    my decision. I will have no one but Avery in this lifetime. This will be my answer even if you disagree


    with it.¡±


    With that, Cayden led the two children up the stairs.


    The atmosphere in the living room was tense, and he did not want to linger there even one second


    more than he needed to.


    The words Jeffrey had wanted to say in retort were stuck in his throat when he saw his grandson


    leaving. His anger spiked, and he began shaking.


    Cayden frowned and turned to look at the livid Jeffrey. ¡°Kendrick, get Yuvan toe over and start a


    treatment n for Grandpa.¡±


    Meanwhile, Allie was equally furious as her expression darkened. Whenever she thought about what


    kind of person Avery was, she felt disgusted.


    Regardless of all, she was not going to let Avery be her daughter-inw.


    Weston was at the caf¨¦ dressed in a suit as usual and wearing his gold-rimmed sses. He looks like


    a gentleman, and that attracted the attention of many women.


    Once in a while, he would tap the desk with his index finger. Despite his seemingly patient demeanor,


    the nervousness he felt was almost making him sweat.


    At the start, when he received Xenia''s call, he could not believe that she was back. He thought she was


    pulling his leg.


    However, when he saw Xenia walking toward him in her usual aloof, prideful demeanor that he loved¡ª


    when he registered the familiar face he dreamed about all the time¡ªhe finally believed that she was


    back.


    ¡°It''s been a while.¡± Xenia sat down opposite him. She buried her hatred deep inside her, looking at him


    with calm eyes instead.


    ¡°How... was your life overseas?¡± Weston squeezed out.


    The unparalleledwyer was so nervous to the point he could barely keep the stammer out of his words


    in the face of his first love.


    To be honest, Weston knew how she had been all along. After all, he had been keeping a close eye on


    her.


    Xenia''s lips curled in mockery before heading straight to the point. ¡°Regardless of how I''ve been, it''s


    not something you need to be concerned about. I''vee to ask you to give up being Avery''s defense


    attorney.¡±


    ¡°You know that I can''t...¡± Weston said as greedily took in Xenia''s looks. Cayden was involved, and he


    could not turn down the case, for he was indebted to Cayden.


    If not for Cayden backing him up during the gang rape case that shook the nation, the rich and the


    powerful would have skinned him alive. It was only because of Cayden''s support did he manage to rise


    to fame in the legal profession with that case. Therefore, Weston could not reject his request.


    With a sneer, Xenia took out a document from her bag and passed it to him. ¡°Don''t be so quick to say


    no. Take a look at this first.¡±


    Weston curiously took it.


    The moment he read what was on the document, his eyes widened. After reeling in from the disbelief, a


    hurt look entered his eyes. His hands that were gripping the paper began to tremble.

 Chapter 297

    Chapter 297


    Meanwhile, in the CEO''s office at Trident Group.


    ¡°Mr. Moore, I''m really sorry, but I can''t be Ms. Rumpley''s defense attorney anymore,¡± Weston said as


    he stood in front of Cayden''s table with a pale face.


    The strongest emotion he felt at that moment was guilt. After all, Cayden''s involvement in that case


    was a great contribution to his sess.


    Then, Weston cautiously sneaked a nce at Cayden, who waszily leaning back on his chair as the


    sunlight outlined his profile.


    At that moment, Cayden was smoking, and the man''s furrowed brows were a sign of his foul mood.


    ¡°The reason.¡± Cayden flicked the cigarette, his expression impassive.


    ¡°Xenia is back,¡± Weston started, theplicated feelings he was experiencing visible on his face. ¡°I


    owed her too much. Because of me, she even... had a hysterectomy. I didn''t know that I''d hurt her so


    deeply. I''ve always wanted to fix my mistakes, but she never gave me the chance to. Xenia has always


    been a prideful woman, and she has never asked anything from me but this.¡±


    ¡°Is Xenia Dn''s defense attorney?¡± Cayden was a smart man, and he immediately figured out what


    was going on.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Weston replied as he clenched his right fist.


    Without a doubt, Cayden knew what happened between Weston and Xenia in the past.


    Xenia was known to be a proud, talentedwyer and a skilled sophist.


    As expected, she had since made a name for herself as an excellentwyer.


    However, Xenia was never picky with the cases she took. As long as the payment was good, she would


    take on the case even if the one she was defending was an atrocious individual. Therefore, Xenia was


    awyer whose moral ethics was questionable.


    Weston continued, ¡°Mr. Moore, I''ve already contacted my senior, Euno Shaw, for you. He''s one of the


    bestwyers at Perpetuity Legal Services. He previously specialized in international cases, so he''s


    known by many locally and overseas. I''m quite close to him, so I rmended he take over Ms.


    Rumpley''s case. He has already agreed to it. Here are his details.¡±


    All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    With that, Weston handed Euno''s document to Cayden.


    However, Cayden did not read the papers. He furrowed his brows and mulled over the matter for a


    while.


    Then, he said, ¡°All right. Let Euno take over the divorce case.¡±


    Weston let out a sigh of relief.


    However, what Cayden said next made Weston''s heart lurch. ¡°It''s best that you deal with your matter


    with Xenia as quickly as possible. You''ve relented to her this time, but what about next? What about in


    the future? It is a wild world out there, and no one will unconditionally let her have anything she wants


    like you do.¡±


    Weston, who was about to leave, halted in his tracks. A beatter, he let out a soft sigh and exited the


    room.


    ...


    When Nicole received the call from the detective agency, she was in the middle of dinner with William


    and ire.


    When she noticed the detective''s number on the screen, she nervously cast a nce at her adoptive


    parents. Upon noticing them whispering to each other, she quickly ran to the balcony to pick up the call.


    ire took a chicken wing for William andmented on her daughter''s sneaky behavior, ¡°Say, did


    you see that? Our daughter has her own secrets now. With the way she''s acting, it must be a call from


    someone she likes.¡±


    William answered, ¡°She''s not that young anymore. If she meets someone right, she should get married.


    It''s better than wasting her time in the entertainment industry. It''s best for women to stay home and


    tend to the household matters.¡±


    William did not understand what went through women''s minds, for he had always been a chauvinist. In


    his opinion, one should seize whatever one liked.


    That was how things were when he got together with ire.


    Their rtionship was not turbulent at all, and not long after they started dating, they got married.


    ire was a knowledgeable and mild-mannered woman who was perfect to live with. That was the kind


    of woman William liked¡ªpretty and good-natured. Hence, he was faithful to his wife.


    Later on, he rose in ranks, but the two of them remained loving.


    Even though they felt a little remorseful about not having their own children, their adopted daughter,


    Nicole, was pretty and obedient, so those feelings of regret faded away.


    Back to the present, ire disagreed with William''s words. After all, if not for him, she would have


    entered the entertainment industry. That was a dream she had for years.


    However, ire was used to going along with William''s words for she dared not disagree out loud, but


    her brows did knit a little. ¡°You have seen the man our daughter is interested in. I saw his photo in the


    magazine Nicole bought. The young man looks like a good person. Do you think he''ll look very different


    from the photos? He should be quite capable to be able to manage such a bigpany.¡±


    ire was worried that Cayden would look vastly different in person inparison to his photos.


    After all, photos in magazines were all edited.


    William perked up at the mention of Cayden. ¡°Don''t worry. I''ve seen Cayden in person the other time.


    He''s more than worthy of Nicole, besides the fact that he has two five-year-old kids, that is...¡±


    ire said, ¡°If the two of them are interested in each other, then the kids won''t be an obstacle to them


    getting together. In fact, they might help improve their rtionship. Moreover, Nicole should like kids


    with how good her temper is. If she can''t handle them, she can send them to us. I''ll be happy to take


    care of the kids for them.¡±


    Back then, ire had massive bleeding during her pregnancy. Not only did she lose her child, but the


    incident even made her barren for many years. That had been a pain she could not ovee.


    Heaven knew she wanted a child of her own so badly. Every time she saw cute children on the streets,


    she would wish that she could hug and dote on them.


    Just as they were talking about Nicole and Cayden, Nicole returned from the balcony.


    She said, ¡°Dad, Mom, I need to head out to deal with something for a while. Go ahead with your meal.


    Please don''t wait for me.¡±


    With that, she hastily put on her coat and pulled the door open to leave.


    A displeased look crossed William''s face at that. ¡°Who''s meeting you sote at night?¡±


    William had established strict household rules. If Nicole was filming and away from home, he would not


    be able to intervene in her private life. However, as long as Nicole was home, she had to return on


    time. William did not like seeing his daughtere home in the early hours of the morning, for that was


    ridiculous.


    Despite Nicole''s urgency, she calmly persuaded, ¡°Dad, something''s up with the script. My manager just


    called to summon me there. I''ll surely be back in an hour.¡±


    William did not say anything to that but his frown only deepened.


    To him, being an actress was a lowly profession. Furthermore, he was from the Lambert family, a


    reserved and old-fashioned family, so he disliked having the women in the family take up performing as


    a job. He felt it would be more graceful for Nicole to work as an ordinary office worker than as a


    performer. However, there was nothing he could do about his wife supporting his daughter''s career


    choice.


    Meanwhile, ire stopped Nicole to wrap a scarf around her neck. She then reminded her daughter in


    a gentle manner to return home as early as she could.

 Chapter 298

    Chapter 298


    Nicole wore a thick beanie and had a huge scarf wrapped around her neck as she headed out. In


    addition, she also wore a mask and covered half of her face with a pair of sunsses. No one could


    picture this woman tightly wrapped in a bloated outfit would turn out to be the beautiful woman with a


    sweet smile and slim figure who they had seen on TV.


    After arriving at a reserved private room, Nicole immediately headed inside. A man in his thirties with


    high cheekbones was seen waiting for her.


    The man was bearded and looked burly. Looking at him, one would be reminded of the typical gang


    leaders demonstrated in movies.


    Although the man looked fierce, his eyes shone with a glint, indicating that he was not an ordinary man.


    Nicole took a seat and hurriedly asked, ¡°How is the investigation result? Is there any development?¡±


    Only the heavens knew how anxious she had been in the past few days. She was constantly worried


    that her adoptive mother''s biological daughter would show up out of the blue and rece her as the


    daughter of the Lambert family, which she had fought long to earn that title.


    The bearded man pushed a stack of documents to her and exined, ¡°We have updates. The hospital


    your adoptive mother was admitted to and the names of the doctor and nurses who delivered her baby


    back then are listed here. I also added detailed reports on their current situations. You should know that


    your adoptive mother''s biological daughter is still alive.¡±


    Hisst sentence was like a bolt of lightning striking Nicole out of the blue and splitting her into halves.


    Holding the documents, her hands could not help trembling. ¡°W-What did you say? My adoptive


    mother''s biological daughter is still alive? Where is she? Where is she now?¡±


    Nicole''s eyes were filled with shock and bloodshot. The terrifying look in her eyes made the bearded


    man shudder a little.


    Noticing that she scared the bearded man, Nicole suppressed her anger and said in a sweet tone, ¡°My


    adoptive parents have always been missing my sister. If they find out that she''s still alive, my adoptive


    mother will be so happy. So please, I hope you can inform me right after you find my sister. She must


    have suffered a lot on her own all these years. Once we find her, my family and I can finally make it up


    to her.¡±


    The bearded man seemed touched by her words, but he did not say anything else.


    However, his sincere eyes flickered a little as he said cunningly, ¡°Ms. Nicole, do you know how difficult


    it is for us to investigate something that happened more than twenty years ago? My detective agency


    has spent numerous man-hours and a lot of money to get all the information in your hands. We don''t


    have a firm answer about your sister''s location yet. But then, Ms. Nicole, that doesn''t mean we can''t


    help you find her. It''s just that the money...¡±


    Then, the bearded man rubbed his right thumb and index finger, gesturing for the implication behind his


    words.


    Nicole immediately understood his words. ¡°Don''t worry. If you can find my adoptive mother''s biological


    daughter, I will pay you handsomely.¡±


    Everyone knew that money came fast in the entertainment industry, especially for top celebrities. They


    could endorse a product and earn enough money for ordinary citizens to spend the rest of their lives.


    Although Nicole was not considered a top celebrity in the entertainment industry, she still had a strong


    background that enabled her to seize many opportunities and endorsements. Naturally, she earned a


    lot of money too.


    Nicole took out her phone and transferred a huge amount of money into the bearded man''s PayPal


    ount.


    The bearded man grinned widely. ¡°Ms. Nicole, that''s generous of you. I''m sure your sister will be happy


    to know you care about her this much.¡±


    All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    Nicole smiled at that and did not say anything.


    Why will ire''s biological daughter suddenly show up after disappearing for so many years? I can


    never let her meet William and ire! She can dream of recing me as the Lambert family''s


    daughter!


    Avery sat on the couch with Zachary and Rory as they looked at the pictures they had taken at the


    amusement park, reminiscing their time there.


    The kids were even more excited than Avery, busy picking out each other''s embarrassing and ugly


    pictures.


    Rory pointed at a picture and said to Avery, ¡°Mommy, look at this. Zach looks so ugly here. He was not


    smiling even when there were so many little girls around him. Don''t you agree that he looks ugly here?¡±


    Avery looked at that picture and could not stifle a burst ofughter.


    Her son was surrounded by a bunch of little girls in the picture, and the girls were pulling his shirt, even


    trying to take his hand. However, Zachary looked disgusted by them and was about to shove them


    away when the camera snapped that scene.


    The camera urately snapped his poker face and annoyed expression.


    Avery could not help but get worried about her son''s future. Since he managed to win over so many


    little girls at such a young age, she wondered if her son would break more hearts when he grew up.


    At the thought of her son being surrounded and chased after by a bunch of women when he grew up,


    Avery shuddered a little. She hoped Zachary would not grow up to be a yboy like his uncle.


    She realized that it was indeed a huge concern for a mother when her son was too handsome.


    Having beenughed at by his mother and sister, Zachary immediately pulled out a stack of Rory''s ugly


    pictures, including the ones where Rory cried out of fear for some rides and the ones where she stuck


    out her tongue yfully or pouted.


    Despite his young age, Zachary had a crafty mind, and he began teasing his sister, ¡°Mommy, look at


    Rory''s ugly pictures here. She''s already five years old, but she is still crying. How shameful. Also, she


    looks so ugly sticking out her tongue here.¡±


    ¡°Humph, no matter how much you call me ugly, you are still my brother, Zach. We are siblings, so if I''m


    ugly, you''re ugly too.¡± Rory squeezed her cheeks and stuck her tongue out, making a funny face at


    Zachary.


    Bliss filled Avery''s heart as she watched her kidsughing and teasing each other.


    In her eyes, Zachary, Rory, and Cayden were all good-looking no matter which angles their pictures


    were taken.


    Cayden sat next to them while reading his finance magazine. When he saw Avery pondering on


    something, he put down the magazine and asked softly, ¡°What''s wrong? Is something bothering you?¡±


    Hearing that, Avery picked up the photo album and walked over to him, saying, ¡°Here, these are the


    pictures we took that day at the amusement park.¡±


    Cayden took it over and looked at a few photos. Then, seeing Avery and the kids smiling brightly in the


    pictures, his gaze softened. ¡°The photos look great.¡±


    He believed shepleted this family, and the kids were also happier in her presence.


    ¡°Cayden, there''s a question I want to ask you.¡± Avery''s expression suddenly turned serious.


    ¡°Go ahead.¡± Cayden rarely saw her looking so solemn, so he put aside his finance magazine to focus


    on her.


    ¡°I want to ask you about thece panties in your car. Also, when I called you the other day, a woman


    answered your phone,¡± Avery finally asked the question that had been troubling her all this while.

 Chapter 299

    Chapter 299


    Cayden fell silent at that question.


    When did I havece panties in my car?


    Cayden racked his brain but still could not think of anything.


    He was germaphobic and would never have any woman''s underwear in his car. Whoever did that must


    be courting death. Moreover, he rarely had women sitting in his car. Aside from his mother, Avery and


    Rory were the only females that could get inside his car, but Rory was still a kid and not a woman.


    Seeing that Cayden looked puzzled despite pondering on this for a long while, Avery gave him a hint.


    ¡°I''m talking about the ck Bentley. I searched inside for Rory''s Ustranasion textbook and found ck


    lace panties under the car seat.¡±


    After saying that, Avery went inside the room to show him the evidence.


    Thece panties had been jabbing Avery''s heart ever since she found them.


    She knew she would always be suspicious of him if she did not ask him about this.


    Cayden was still puzzled. He could not recall a thing. ¡°Could it be that you bought the underwear and


    identally left it inside?¡±


    Avery looked at him. ¡°Would I still ask you about it if it belonged to me?¡±


    He fell into a deep thought.


    She continued, ¡°Also, back when you were in Western Epea handling matters about Regal Garden, I


    called you one night, but a woman answered. She told me you''re in the shower and asked me who I


    am.¡±


    Cayden''s sharp brows furrowed a little after he heard her words.


    Suddenly, he remembered that Wisteria headed to the convenience store to get some daily necessities


    one night after they returned from dinner. He wondered if she had stuffed the panties under the car


    seat on that same night.


    Thinking of that possibility, Cayden''s dark eyes shone with an intense cold glint.


    If his spection were true, Wisteria would be a huge disappointment.


    Moreover, no one could or would have the guts to answer his call without his permission.


    Back when he was in Western Epea, Wisteria was the only person who had been in his suite. However,


    how the phone was ced and the call history at that time clearly indicated that no one had answered


    his call, unlike what Avery told him.


    But then, as he met Avery''s gaze, he knew she was not lying to him. Cayden also believed she would


    never mess with him over matters like that, which meant someone else must have done something to


    deceive him. It would not be that suspicious if only one incident urred, but both incidents urred


    almost around the same period. thus, it was inevitable for him to grow suspicious that someone else


    was behind those two incidents.


    In Cayden''s eyes, Wisteria was a workaholic. She was always focused at work and led a clean private


    life. Despite having many outstanding men pursuing her, she coldly rejected all of them.


    Cayden refused to think that Wisteria would fall for him, especially when he never showed any interest


    in her.


    After all, Cayden only focused on work or showed interest in anything rted to Avery.


    All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    Wisteria, if you''re behind that, what are your true intentions?


    Of course, if Cayden found out Wisteria was behind that, he believed he could permanently ce


    Wisteria abroad for the things she did.


    Seeing that Avery had lowered her guard, Cayden put his arm around her waist and pulled her into his


    embrace.


    Before getting to the bottom of everything, Avery felt uneasy. She was about to protest, but she looked


    up and sank into Cayden''s deep gaze instead.


    ¡°W-What are you trying to do? The kids are still here.¡± Cayden pressed his lips on Avery''s earlobe, her


    sensitive spot, so she could not help shuddering at that.


    She secretly nced in Zachary and Rory''s direction. They were busy ying with their toy castle that


    they did not pay attention to the adults. However, Avery still felt bashful and embarrassed.


    ¡°Cayden, don''t...¡± Avery protested, but she noticed her voice had turned hoarse.


    Cayden grabbed her jaw and strengthened his grip a little. The deep look in his eyes was as if he


    wanted to suck her inside his gaze. ¡°Ary, do you trust me? I am clueless about the things you asked


    me, but I will investigate them and give you an exnation. You know I won''t ask for anything more


    than your trust, right?¡±


    Avery stared into Cayden''s bright eyes.


    The look in his eyes grew more and more affectionate, and her heart softened a little.


    Perhaps that was love.


    She fell for Cayden so deeply that she wished she could be a sloth to hang onto him and spend


    every minute together. However, she was also aware that she would soon lose herself if she loved him


    too selflessly. She would eventually get anxious and cling on to him all the time. When that happened,


    their rtionship would soon be dull and full of doubts.


    It was not the right way to love someone, and Avery knew she would have to change that.


    Avery took a deep breath and stared into Cayden''s eyes as she said, ¡°I trust you, and I don''t regret


    everything we''ve done together, including the confrontation we''re having now. I hope we will truly


    belong to each other in the future. I won''t hurt you, so I hope you won''t hurt me too. But I also think we


    shouldn''t forgive the other if either of us starts hurting each other.¡±


    Her words made Cayden''s sexy lips purse into a line.


    Those words were too impactful, but he also understood that a woman''s heart would always be more


    tender even if she acted tough on the surface, and a tender heart could not withstand even a minor


    pain.


    Avery made it clear that she would not forgive him if he cheated on her with another woman.


    Cayden held Avery''s slender wrist in his hand and felt her vulnerability. He stroked her soft hair, saying


    affectionately, ¡°Okay.¡±


    It was a promise he made for Avery and himself.


    Avery might not know, but when he was exhausted from fighting with everything mundane in the world,


    he saw her slender figure unexpectedly among everything else. From that moment onward, Avery was


    the only woman who could find ess to his lonely heart. Hence, she would also be the only woman in


    his life.


    He lifted her delicate chin with both hands as he leaned down to kiss Avery''s soft and sweet lips,


    teasingly grazing his teeth across her neck and biting her neck, making her shiver in his arms.


    Cayden could not stop himself from deepening the kiss.


    Avery almost lost herself in his affection, but she suddenly saw two pairs of beautiful big eyes staring at


    them curiously. Panicked, she quickly pushed Cayden away.


    Oh, my goodness. The kids are still here, but Cayden and I... We forgot about their presence.


    Avery''s cheeks blushed instantly.


    ¡°Daddy, why are you eating Mommy''s lips? Is she hiding candies inside her mouth? Can Rory and I get


    a taste too?¡± Zachary ran over to Avery, staring straight at her red lips. He wished to have some


    candies too.


    Why is Daddy licking Mommy''s lips? Is Mommy hiding sweet candies inside? Is Daddy having all the


    candies to himself without telling Rory and me? But Daddy never likes sweets, so what candies are


    Mommy hiding that even Daddy wants to get a taste of?

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    Chapter 300


    As that thought crossed his mind, Zachary couldn''t help but feel flustered.


    Although he was a boy, he liked sweet stuff as much as Rory. Judging by how Daddy was biting


    Mommy''s lips, the candy in Mommy''s mouth must be sweet! I want to have a taste of Mommy''s candy


    too.


    As smart as Zachary was, he was still a little kid. He had no idea what Cayden and were doing. Hence,


    he thought Avery had candy in her mouth, and Cayden was having a taste of it.


    ¡°Mommy, I want candy as well. What vor is the one you have in your mouth?¡± Rory ran toward Avery


    and stared innocently at her lips.


    ¡°O-Oh... No. Em... We''re not eating candies.¡± Avery was blushing because she was amused and


    embarrassed at the same time.


    With that, she red furiously at Cayden.


    Cayden responded by shing an innocent look. I was so in the moment. How could I have noticed


    their presence? Besides, this isn''t even the first time these two kids get in the way. Over and over


    again, they just keep interrupting us. Heck, I can''t even kiss my woman passionately without watching


    my back! They always ruin the moment!


    That was why Cayden had made up his mind about not having more kids. I can only imagine how


    frustrating it would be to have another one or two of them getting in between me and Avery.


    Meanwhile, Zachary and Rory kept staring dubiously at their parents, not knowing if they could trust


    them.


    Seeing that, Avery squatted down to be at eye level with them and exined patiently, ¡°Actually, we


    were kissing. It''s the same as how I usually kiss you guys. It''s a way of showing affection. When we


    kiss, it means our feelings for each other have deepened. Do you guys understand, Sweethearts?¡±


    Being an early bloomer had its perks. Zachary quickly understood what Avery was telling him. Even


    though Daddy kisses Mommy differently, that only means they''re very fond of each other. That''s a good


    thing.


    On the other hand, Rory asked innocently, ¡°Mommy, you said that''s a way to show affection, right?


    Does it mean I can kiss Zach that way as well?¡±


    Avery was at a loss for words. After a while, she uttered, ¡°That''s something only parents can do...¡±


    Cayden''s expression turned solemn, and he carried Rory to her room. ¡°Do your homework. You aren''t


    done yet, right? If you don''t finish it, there''s no dinner for you.¡±


    Rory struggled to free herself. ¡°Hmph! Why do you always use the same trick to threaten me, Daddy?¡±


    Despite her words, Rory obediently did her homework.


    After all, she was a glutton. Whoever prevented her from eating would end up as her nemesis.


    Meanwhile, Zachary put on a grim expression and stared at Cayden unhappily while leaning on Avery''s


    chest.


    When he saw Cayden approaching, he hugged Avery tighter.


    Cayden then looked at him puzzledly and asked, ¡°What are you doing, Zachary?¡±


    Zachary threw Cayden a hostile nce and said, ¡°Daddy, don''t kiss Mommy ever again!¡±


    Cayden raised his brows slightly. ¡°Why is that?¡±


    ¡°Don''t you see? Mommy''s lips are swollen. Mommy must be in pain.¡± Zachary scowled at Cayden.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    He only saw Cayden kissing Avery earlier and he didn''t notice her swollen lips. Even if Daddy loves


    Mommy, must he make her lips swollen?


    Cayden''s gaze deepened when he nced at Avery''s swollen and reddened lips. After that, he gave


    Zachary the side-eye and said, ¡°Your mommy isn''t in pain. She likes it that way.¡±


    Avery ignored Cayden''s teasing statement and hugged Zachary tighter. I must avoid letting the kids see


    us kissing after this.


    Seeing that Avery was keeping mum, Zachary stomped his feet angrily and grumbled, ¡°You''re lying,


    Daddy! You''re an adult, so you shouldn''t tell lies. Do you have no shame? Mommy doesn''t like how


    rough you are. She''s definitely saddened!¡±


    Cayden swept a cold nce at Zachary before looking at Avery ambiguously. ¡°Do you think your


    mommy is sad? The more I do that to her, the more in love we are.¡±


    Zachary hated how Cayden looked at him. It''s as if he''s doubting my words!


    With that in mind, Zachary took a deep breath and wrapped his arms around Avery''s neck. In a serious


    tone, he said, ¡°Mommy, I''ll protect you from now on so that Bad Daddy would never be rough with you


    again. Now that your lips are swollen, you''ll be in pain when you eat. What can I do to make it go


    away?¡±


    ¡°Zach, my lips don''t hurt, and your daddy isn''t bullying me. You have to trust your daddy because he


    loves me as much as you do.¡± Avery was touched when she saw how much Zachary worried about her.


    I''m truly blessed to have two caring and intelligent kids.


    Zachary''s conflicted gaze eased up, but he was still frowning. ¡°Daddy, for Mommy''s sake, I''ll forgive


    you. If this happens again, I''m not going to let you off the hook that easily.¡±


    Cayden gave Zachary a side nce indifferently and ignored his fury.


    However, his gaze suddenly turned affectionate when he looked at Avery.


    Zachary''s mood was lifted when he saw that. He then took the initiative to leave and do his homework


    with Rory. It seems like Daddy and Mommy have a lot of things to say to each other. I ought to give


    them space and not interrupt them.


    ...


    In his fifties, Toby was in the chairman''s office while his subordinates were giving him their reports.


    He was under so much pressure that he was feeling dog-tired.


    A middle-aged manager wiped the cold sweat off of his forehead and said, ¡±Mr. Musk, all of our recent


    contracts had been intercepted by Trident Group. Now, no one is willing to work with ourpany. In


    fact, we can''t evennd a single contract. If this goes on, ourpany will be in trouble.¡±


    Another one of his managers sighed and reported, ¡°Mr. Musk, the goods of ourpany''s biggest deal


    is now withheld by customs. I contacted the people there, but they wouldn''t back down. Most of our


    funds are invested in that batch of goods, so we''re now facing cash flow problems. Furthermore, the


    bank that has cooperated with us for a long time has refused to grant us loans. At the moment, we


    don''t have other means of ie...¡±


    ¡°What''s worse is the recent stock market turmoil. Ourpany''s stock has fallen tremendously, and


    the shareholders areining. Meanwhile, Trident Group is buying our stock like there''s no


    tomorrow. Mr. Musk, isn''t Trident Group''s CEO your nephew, Cayden Moore? Is there a


    misunderstanding between the two of you? Is that why Trident Group has been making things difficult


    for us over the past few days?¡± another manager asked helplessly.


    Toby''s expression darkened right away. How would I know why Cayden has gone mad? Why did he


    suddenly target Musk Group? He has always been looking down on Musk Group, no? Is he trying to


    destroy his own uncle?

 Chapter 301

    Chapter 301


    Toby found out from Allie that Cayden was having a business meeting at Pinnacle Hotel, so he dropped


    everything to rush there.


    Toby waited for a long time for the meeting to end. The moment it ended, Toby saw Cayden dressed in


    a suit, being surrounded by a group of elites when they walked out.


    Although the men around Cayden were all legendary figures, Cayden''s cold and arrogant aura made


    him stand out from the rest.


    ¡°Cayden,¡± Toby called out.


    Cayden waved the group of elites away when he saw his uncle.


    Instantly, the group left tactfully, and only Cayden and Toby were left in the hall.


    ¡°What''s up, Uncle Toby?¡± Cayden asked.


    ¡°Have I wronged you, Cayden? Why are you trying to shut mypany down? Cayden, could you


    show Musk Group mercy? Do it for my sake.¡± In order to save his hard work over the years, Toby was


    willing to bow down to Cayden and speak courteously.


    In just a few days, Toby''s initial haggard appearance made him look even older. Mypany is now on


    the verge of crumbling down. I would do anything to save mypany, even if that means I have to


    bow down to a younger man like him. However, I still don''t know why a mighty business entity like


    Trident Group would cause mypany trouble.


    Upon hearing that, Cayden curled his lips into a smile. ¡°Uncle Toby, you shouldn''t havee to look for


    me today. You should ask Dn what has he done.¡±


    If Dn had backed down, signed the divorce agreement with Avery back then, and promised to not


    bother Avery again, Cayden would consider showing mercy to Musk Group. After all, they were family.


    In fact, Cayden would''ve taken Musk Group down way earlier if not out of respect for Toby.


    However, Dn was too much, and he crossed Cayden''s bottom line. That was why Cayden wanted to


    take Musk Group down as soon as possible.


    Toby nearly burst a vessel and vomited blood when he heard that everything was caused by Dn.


    ¡°Dn? What did that b*stard do this time around?¡±


    Indeed, that rebellious son of his had never stopped making Toby worry about him.


    With a cold expression, Cayden said, ¡°Dn ordered people to upload false posts on the inte,


    which seriously damaged my reputation and Avery''s. What''s even more unforgivable is that he also


    involved Zach and Rory. The kids are innocent, no? Uncle Toby, if you don''t want Dn to make


    mistakes again, you should teach him some lessons. Otherwise, I don''t mind disciplining him for you.¡±


    Toby felt drained when he thought about what he had just heard from Cayden. So it''s that b*stard''s


    fault.


    Toby was on the verge of copsing, and he had to lean against the hotel''s pir to support himself.


    ¡°Cayden, are you targeting Musk Group because of Avery?¡±


    Cayden nodded.


    ¡°How could you do this to me, Cayden? How could you side with an outsider to oppose me? I am your


    uncle.¡± Toby was in disbelief.


    Cayden was so talented and capable that even Toby was impressed. Cayden had always been a


    rational person. Is he really going to ignore the bigger picture for the sake of a woman? Is he really


    going against mypany for the sake of that woman?


    What surprised Toby more was the fact that he couldn''t defeat a young man, albeit being involved in


    the business world for decades himself. It has been almost thirty years since I founded thepany.


    Still, Cayden managed to defeat me in just a few days'' time. How embarrassing is this?


    ¡°I''m giving you twenty-four hours to get Dn to sign the divorce agreement with Avery, Uncle Toby. If


    you can do that, yourpany lives. If you fail, don''t me me for showing no mercy.¡± With that,


    Cayden walked past Toby.


    While trembling all over, Toby had no choice but to call Allie.


    That day, Jeffrey was out ying chess with his friends, Lily had gone back to her mother''s, and


    Kendrick was out somewhere. Only Allie, Cayden, and a middle-aged maid were left in the huge Moore


    residence.


    Allie was seen sitting on a bench with a long face.


    She had a cup of coffee in front of her, and the elegant-looking Cayden was sitting opposite her, with a


    coffee table in between them.


    ¡°Hi, Mom.¡± Cayden knew she had called him there to lecture him, so he purposely ignore her grim


    expression.


    Infuriated, Allie roared, ¡°Don''t call me that. I didn''t give birth to an unfilial son like you! Toby is your


    uncle! How could you target hispany?¡±


    All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    In a t tone, Cayden answered, ¡°Uncle Toby''s business philosophy is outdated, and he often makes


    stupid decisions. He''s also too arrogant to listen to others'' opinions. Consequently, Musk Group is in


    debt. Besides, theirpany''s ount is a mess. Even if I don''t have a go at hispany, it''s going to


    fail in a few years'' time...¡±


    ¡°I don''t care about all that! In any case, I''m not going to allow you to mess with your uncle''spany!¡±


    Allie roared.


    Allie didn''t fullyprehend the issues Cayden pointed out, but she was determined to protect her


    brother. Rather than being protective, it was more like she had personal motives for doing so.


    That was because she came from an ordinary family, and she never had backers. She had to rely on


    her appearance and Bruce to force her way into high society. At the same time, she drove the Musk


    family''s development.


    Upon getting into the upper echelon, she realized that all the noblewomen who married into wealthy


    families were all from prominent backgrounds. Hence, they all had the support of their respective


    families. That was why all their mother-inws epted them with open arms.


    With her help, Toby''spany, Musk Group, did rather well. Needless to say, it was nothingpared


    to the prominent families. Therefore, her ordinary background was also why Lily had always looked


    down on her.


    If Cayden destroys Musk Group, not only will I have no one to rely on, but Lily will also make fun of me.


    At that thought, Allie banged the table and instructed, ¡°No matter what, I won''t allow you to mess with


    Musk Group!¡±


    She banged the table as hard as she could, but Cayden was unfazed. Seeing that, Allie was livid.


    Right when Allie was about to go berserk, a sweet and familiar voice rang out. A girl was heard saying,


    ¡°Hi, Mdm. Musk! I''vee to see you.¡±


    Cayden''s expression turned even more solemn when he heard the girl''s voice.


    On the other hand, Allie''s eyes lit up, and she was on cloud nine. ¡°You''re here, Nickie! Come in!¡±


    Nicole promptly did as instructed.


    That day, she was wearing a fur jacket. She knew Allie liked women without makeup, so she


    deliberately wore a lightyer of makeup. Her makeup-applying skills were so good that only experts


    would notice that she had makeup on. Even though she was wearing a thinyer of makeup, it


    magically showcased the amazing facial features she had.


    Allie was very satisfied with the daughter-inw of her choice. Nicole is pretty and decent. Besides, she


    comes from a prominent family.

 Chapter 302

    Chapter 302


    Nicole carried herself with all the elegance in the world. Every single gesture of hers emanated a sense


    of sweetness and allure. ¡°It''s been a long time, Mdm. Allie.¡±


    Seeing Cayden there, she remarked shyly, ¡°You''re home too, Mr. Moore.¡±


    Cayden merely inclined his head at her indifferently in a gesture of politeness.


    Meanwhile, Allie stood up and greeted courteously, ¡°Don''t stand on ceremony while you''re here, Nickie.


    Make yourself at home. Besides, there''s no need to call my son Mr. Moore when we''re at home and not


    the office. Just call him Cayden.¡±


    ¡°Wouldn''t it be inappropriate, Mdm. Allie?¡± Nicole directed her words to Allie, but her bashful gaze


    surreptitiously drifted over to Cayden at the side.


    Taking her fair and delicate hand, Allie replied exuberantly, ¡°It''s just an address. Would he be so petty


    to forbid someone from calling him by name? I happened to be thinking that it''d been more than a week


    since youst visited me. No sooner had I spoken of that than you came over!¡±


    Unbidden, a deep frown marred Cayden''s countenance.


    Why had I never known that she''d gotten so close to Nicole at some point in time?


    Allie''s remark had a blush staining Nicole''s ivory cheeks. ¡°I came today to give you something, Mdm.


    Allie. Previously, you said you fancied a peony hairpin at Amethyst essories, but it was out of stock.


    When I went shopping the day before, I found that the shop had restocked. One of the hairpins was of


    a pretty simr design as the one you took an interest in, so I bought it for you.¡±


    After saying that, she took out an exquisite mahogany box and handed it to Allie.


    Opening it, Allie saw that it indeed contained the peony hairpin she liked back then.


    The design theme of the hairpin was peony petals, branches, and leaves,plemented with pearls


    and rhinestones. Each pearl and rhinestone iid on the hairpin was crystal clear, glittering brightly. On


    the whole, it looked ornate yet not gaudy.


    All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    She loved it beyond words.


    Although she wascking greatly in poise and manners, she had a rather keen eye for dressing and


    outerment. In other words, she was the typical type of woman who appeared to be a noblewoman if


    she didn''t speak, but once she did, her identity as a nouveau riche shone through.


    Caressing the hairpin, she couldn''t helpmenting, ¡°How thoughtful of you, Nickie. If Cayden were half


    as caring as you are, my life would''ve been worth living.¡±


    Nicole shed her a sweet smile. ¡°That''s not true, Mdm. Allie. Cayden is undoubtedly filial. But men are


    always busy with their careers, so he doesn''t have much time to keep youpany.¡±


    Those words of hersforted Allie tremendously.


    Allie pinned the hairpin onto her hair before asking Nicole, ¡°Well, what do you think, Nickie?¡±


    She was wearing a navy blue embroidered gown. Despite being in her fifties, she was still as charming


    as ever. With the ssic hairpin adorning her hair, she appeared just like a noblewoman in her silence.


    From her profile, one could even vaguely see traces of her beauty back when she was young.


    ¡°You look stunning with the hairpin, Mdm. Allie! It matches your gown really well. The gown you''re


    wearing is also very beautiful,¡± Nicoleplimented.


    Allie smiled so widely that all her teeth were visible. ¡°You''ve got such a glib tongue. I''d be over the


    moon to have such a thoughtful daughter. This gown was a gift from Cayden for my birthday a few


    months ago.¡±


    ¡°In that case, he has impable taste. If it were me, I wouldn''t be able to pick a gown that suits you so


    well,¡± Nicole continued praising.


    ¡°If you like it, I''ll have him bring you out to buy one suitable for youngdies,¡± Allie offered.


    In response, Nicole lowered her head shyly without replying to that.


    Subsequently, Allie started criticizing Cayden. ¡°Look, how nice it is to have a daughter! See how


    thoughtful Nickie is, keeping in mind the things I like. That aside, she even came all the way here to gift


    a hairpin to me in person. Say, what''s the use of me raising a disobedient son like you who does


    nothing other than infuriate me all the time?¡±


    Cayden said nothing, merely reclining against the couchnguidly while watching the financial report


    broadcast on television.


    Allie then chatted with Nicole about personal matters at length. Although thetter was talking to Allie,


    she kept stealing peeks at Cayden every so often, her love for him was as clear as day.


    Allie was naturally aware of Nicole''s feelings for Cayden, but she didn''t expose her. Thus, the two of


    them continued chatting nonchntly.


    Seeing that it was gettingte, Nicole got up and took her leave.


    Outside the house, it had started drizzling at some point in time. Strong gusts of wind apanied the


    rain. As soon as one stepped out of the warm house, the freezing cold would seep into one''s bones.


    Allie initially suggested that Nicole stay overnight at the Moore residence. But Nicole knew that her


    strict adoptive father, William, would definitely be displeased if she didn''t go home at night, so she


    declined.


    Since the weather was bad, and she intended to create an opportunity for her son and Nicole, Allie said


    to Cayden, ¡°I''d worry if Nickie were to go home alone in such stormy weather, so please drive her


    home.¡±


    It was freezing outside, but still, the public couldn''t resist the temptation of the innumerable city lights.


    While there weren''t as many cars as usual, there were still a lot of vehicles speeding on the highway.


    The Moore residence was in the east of the city, a distance away from Nicole''s house, so the drive


    required a little over an hour.


    Excitement swamped Nicole as she rode in the luxurious car with its heater switched on, spending time


    alone with Cayden.


    Pinning her eyes on the elegant and regal man at the wheel, she murmured, ¡°Thank you for driving me


    home.¡±


    ¡°Don''t mention it,¡± Cayden replied expressionlessly.


    He stared at the heavy traffic ahead, his handsome face nketed by ayer of frost.


    D*mn it! Why are there still so many cars going out in such horrible weather? How I wish I could rush


    back to my love nest with Avery right here and now, loving her while hugging her close. I can put down


    my guardpletely and drop all my pretenses, allowing myself to truly rx around her...


    Throughout the drive, it was rtively quiet in the car.


    Several times, Nicole initiated conversations, only to be defeated by Cayden''s brief answers and even


    silence. Thus, she simply stopped talking and quietly breathed in the pure masculine musk unique to


    the man, her heart skipping a beat.


    Just as she was contemting ways to enhance their rtionship, the car came to a sudden stop.


    ¡°We''re here.¡± Cayden brought the car to a stop at the gates of the Lambert residence.


    Jolted out of her thoughts, Nicole gazed at her house gates and the man''s handsome profile. Without


    warning, she mustered her courage and pecked him lightly on the cheek. In the next instant, she swiftly


    got out of the car, her face ming bright red.


    Cayden was wholly stunned. Never had he expected her to do such a thing. Nheless, he wasn''t


    delighted at all. Instead, he took out a white handkerchief and repeatedly wiped his cheek in utter


    disgust.


    In the end, he threw the used handkerchief right into the trash can.


    Like a raging billow, the silver car whizzed down the long road and soon disappeared into the dark


    night.

 Chapter 303

    Chapter 303


    Late at night, Dn gave Aaron a call.


    ¡°You let Nina go?¡± he questioned.


    ¡°Do I have any other choice when my brother personally phoned me and ordered me to do so? But


    don''t worry, for I snapped nude pictures of her. If you need my help in anything in the future, just say


    the word,¡± Aaron answerednguidly.


    ¡°Never mind, we''ll talk next time.¡± Dn hung up in chagrin.


    In his n, Nina was considered a rtively important pawn, a tool to ckmail Avery into submission.


    As he had lost that pawn then, he lost a powerful weapon.


    On top of that, Cayden was oppressing his family''spany, appearing determined to obliterate the


    company. All that gave him a headache.


    Mere moments after he had hung up the phone, it rang again out of the blue.


    A single nce at the caller ID had him frowning deeply, for it was a call from his father. It can''t be


    anything good that he''s calling at this time. I bet he''s calling to scold me!


    He initially didn''t n on answering the call, but his phone kept ringing incessantly. It was as though the


    caller wouldn''t give up unless he took the call.


    Hence, he could only bite the bullet and answer the call. ¡°Hello, Dad¡ª¡±


    ¡°How much longer do you want to make trouble, you b*stard? Do you know what you''ve done? You


    actually dared to go against Cayden? Don''t you know that he has always been ruthless in business?¡±


    Toby''s furious voice rang out no sooner had the call connected.


    ¡°Why are you always scolding me, Dad? He''s the one in the wrong, okay?¡± Dn riposted in sheer


    impatience.


    Toby was so livid at his son''s attitude that pain shot through his chest. ¡°Previously, I wondered why


    Cayden was targeting ourpany. Only when I went to seek him out today did I learn that it was


    because of Avery. Can''t you please grow up, Dn? Why must you fight him over a woman?¡±


    ¡°That isn''t right, Dad. I''m not fighting him over a woman. Instead, he stole my woman. I''m legally


    married to Avery, and our marriage is protected by thew. He was the one who came between us.


    You''ve got to get things right!¡± Dn was utterly indignant.


    All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Dn, can you please don''t go against him any further? You''re not his match. Promise me to divorce


    Avery. You''re still young, so you can find a wife far more beautiful than her. Since Cayden wants her,


    give her to him. Don''t tell me you really want to see thepany I established after toiling for over


    twenty decades go bankrupt?¡±


    Toby heaved a sigh over the phone.


    As he sat on the couch and spoke on the phone with Dn, the sessive blows seemingly had him


    aging ten years in a sh.


    Likewise, Talia sighed interminably.


    The entire mansion was enveloped in a bleak atmosphere.


    Staring at the picture of his son hanging on the wall, Toby spaced out. At that time, he was still young.


    Besides, he has always been good-looking. Although he was very naughty and mischievous, he still


    listened to me at the end of the day. But now, he has grown up and gotten full of himself. I can''t control


    him anymore. Sooner orter, this wild and obstinate nature of his is going to ruin him.


    ¡°Don''t worry about my affairs, Dad. I''ll handle them myself. I''ll also save the family''spany. That''s all


    for now. I''ve still got something to do, so I''m hanging up.¡± Dn hung up right away.


    Toby was so incensed that he almost burst a blood vessel.


    He vented his anger on Talia. ¡°Look at that precious son of yours! How many times have I cleaned up


    after him since he was young? This time, thepany is teetering on the verge of bankruptcy just


    because of him! If you hadn''t spoiled him, he wouldn''t possibly have grown up to be so extreme!¡±


    It went without saying that Talia''s temper spiked when she heard the man shoving all the me on her.


    Jabbing a finger at him, shembasted, ¡°Do you have any conscience, Toby? Admittedly, I spoiled him,


    but did you not do anything wrong? If it weren''t for you...¡±


    All her subsequent words were usations and condemnations toward her husband.


    Like a shrew, she cursed Toby out and threw things at him. Things became so bad that Toby stormed


    out of the house and mmed the door behind him, leaving her sitting on the ground aggrievedly,


    weeping while thumping her chest.


    The housekeeper awkwardly stepped forward and helped her up.


    At the same time, an unshaven young man quickly keyed in a fewmands on theputer,


    roaming on the fringes of the inte effortlessly.


    ¡°How strange! Why are all my posts gone?¡± he muttered.


    He swiftly searched for the posts he published for his client previously, but he couldn''t find anything.


    Regardless of whether he searched by their keywords or titles, it either indicated that he couldn''t


    connect to the inte, upon which a bunch of garbled characters appeared, or his search contents


    couldn''t be disyed due to the vition of some rules and regtions or local policies.


    The man was none other than the culprit who helped Dn publish those posts previously. His name


    was Gregory Cadman, and he worked full-time as an online writer.


    He majored in information technology previously and was pretty skilled withputers, so he could


    also be considered a hacker. Sometimes, he hacked into police stations'' internalworks. Several


    times, he almost got caught, but he still escaped unscathed in the end.


    Such a person wouldn''t be easily discovered, so Dn had no qualms about entrusting the task to him.


    But at that instant, Gregory discovered that all the posts he published for his client had vanished into


    thin air. That had panic deluging him for the very first time.


    His right eyelid was also twitching violently then, and a strong sense of foreboding seemingly flooded


    him.


    However, he didn''t believe in such unscientific things. For that reason, he tapped open the post he had


    previously written and touched it up for a bit before gearing up to publish it on Mova again.


    Unexpectedly, he couldn''t publish it no matter how hard he tried, not even when he attempted it with


    the program protection he prepared.


    All that had Gregory breaking out in a cold sweat. W-What exactly is going on here?


    While he was all anxious, he received a call from Dn.


    On the other end of the phone, Dn demanded furiously, ¡°What''s wrong with you? Why are all the


    posts I told you to publish gone? Back then, you confidently vowed that you could handle the job,


    iming to be a pretty good hacker besides being an online writer. Only then was I convinced to entrust


    the task to you. Never had I thought that it had only been a few days, but everything you posted had


    disappeared without a trace. You truly disappoint me, Gregory!¡±


    Gregory was as pale as a sheet.


    He had no idea why things turned out in such a manner either. Everything had spiraled out of his


    control.


    ¡°Calm down first, Mr. Musk. I''ll figure something out¡ª¡±


    As Gregory was talking, his house door was abruptly kicked open. The fright almost had him jumping


    out of his chair.


    ¡°Who are the lot of you, and what are you doing? Trespassing, huh?¡± He could only watch helplessly as


    several men and women in police uniforms barged in with guns in hand, pointed right at him.


    ¡°Police! Freeze!¡±


    At once, Gregory lifted both hands, almost peeing his pants in fright.


    One of the male police officers shed his police ID and stated coldly, ¡°After due investigation, you''re


    suspected of cybercrime. Please follow us back to the police station.¡±


    At that, Gregory was struck dumb.


    Meanwhile, Dn suddenly heard a series of noises from Gregory''s side of the phone before the call


    was disconnected.


    His heart promptly sank.


    He viciously snubbed out the cigarette that almost burned his fingers, a dark chill brewing in his eyes.

 Chapter 304

    Chapter 304


    When Avery went to work on Monday, she noticed her colleagues staring at her with a myriad of looks


    in their eyes, ranging from pity, sympathy, and contempt to delight. Some even gossiped behind her


    back. Only Cecelia wore an expression of concern and worry.


    At longst, Cecelia snapped and furtively dragged Avery to a corner to ask her about the posts.


    ¡°Avery, no matter what the posts imed, I think it was all nder. I understand you. You can''t possibly


    be the person those posts alluded to. Don''t take it to heart. Just do your work with peace of mind.¡±


    Her statement touched Avery.


    While everyone doubted me, there''s still a colleague who trusts me unconditionally! She proceeded to


    reassure Cecelia that she was fine before inquiring about Nina.


    ¡°Nina isn''t too great mentally. Her condition seems pretty serious, and she has turned taciturn,¡± Cecelia


    replied in slight puzzlement.


    After all, Nina had been a vibrant and bubbly person in the past. No matter how sick she was, she was


    never as lifeless as she was at present.


    Regret inundated Avery when she heard that. ¡°This is all on me...¡±


    Little did Cecelia know that Nina''s condition had something to do with Avery.


    Thus, she jokingly thumped Avery on the shoulder. ¡°Don''t go around ming yourself! Everyone falls


    sick. What has it got to do with you? She''ll be fine after resting for a few days. Don''t worry. Her mother


    is taking care of her at home.¡±


    ¡°Are you done with the design draft yet, Avery?¡± Just as Avery''s thoughts ran wild, Yulissa walked over.


    She was wearing a deep V-neck wool sweater that had her snowy cleavage peeping out.


    As she walked, the two rounded melons bounced as well, attracting much attention.


    Avery looked at her in mystification. ¡°What design draft?¡±


    At the side, Cecelia spoke up for her. ¡°Ms. Yantz, too many things have happened to her recently. She


    just returned from a leave of absence, so how about giving her some leeway to hand you the design


    draft in two days?¡±


    ¡°As an employee of Trident Group, Avery, you''re really below par! Do you think this is your family''s


    company that you cane and go as you please? Even if you had taken leave, I sent all the work I


    assigned you to your employee email. Couldn''t you have spared some time to take a look at your


    inbox?¡± Yulissa groused in displeasure.


    Avery said nothing, for she herself felt that it was her mistake.


    Indeed, I hadn''t had any time to take a look at my employee inbox these few days. Because I''d taken


    leave, I thought she wouldn''t arrange any work for me. Unexpectedly, she did.


    Anyhow, she wasn''t the kind of employee to shirk her responsibility. She apologized at once. ¡°I''m sorry,


    Ms. Yantz. I didn''t check my employee email, so I didn''t see the email you sent me.¡±


    Immediately, Yulissa tore into her. ¡°You''re just too unprofessional, Avery! Don''t you know that you still


    need to take the time to open your employee email and check for work even when you''re out of the


    office? You''re an assistant designer, yet you didn''t check your email for several days?¡±


    Again, Avery apologized. ¡°I''m sorry. I''m in the wrong, and I promise not to repeat the same mistake in


    the future.¡±


    ¡°What''s the use of saying sorry? The design draft has to be submitted before tomorrow, and the client


    has already rushed us several times. If the submission is dyed because of you, and the client


    pursues the matter, you''ll be bearing full responsibility!¡± Yulissa barked with a dark expression on her


    face.


    ¡°Okay. I''ll go about it right away.¡± Avery knew that the woman was picking fault with her.


    However, she was also in the wrong since she didn''t check her email during her spare time.


    All that aside, it was a lesson for her not to repeat the same mistake again next time.


    Subsequently, she opened her email. Sure enough, she saw the work email Yulissa sent her two days


    ago.


    In truth, thepany''s regtions stipted that employees didn''t have to do any work while on leave.


    s, Yulissa didn''t like Avery. Furthermore, she received a lot of benefits from Wisteria in exchange for


    her to make life difficult for Avery intentionally in hopes that thetter would resign voluntarily.


    Due to the boons, she was d to be used by Wisteria as a weapon to fire at Avery.


    Cecelia took a nce at the contents of the work in Avery''s email.


    Glimpsing the client of the design, she frowned so deeply that it almost contorted her entire face. ¡°Ms.


    Yantz actually assigned such a difficult design to you, Avery? We''ve got plenty of veteran designers.


    Why did she have to assign it to a rookie like you?¡±


    ¡°Is there a problem with this design?¡± Avery queried in curiosity.


    ¡°There isn''t a problem with the design itself, but the client is a colossal headache. He''s exceedingly


    fussy. Five to six renowned designers in thepany had drawn a dozen design drafts for him, but


    they were all torn to shreds. Worse still, he even degraded their designs to the point that they weren''t


    worth a dime. Last week, I submitted two design drafts as well, but they were rejected. I really can''t


    figure out what kind of design he wants. He''s really too picky! Think about it¡ªdesigns by famous


    designers were all rejected. What''s more, you''re only a rookie...¡± Cecelia grumbled.


    Avery fell silent, lost in thought.


    Since Ms. Yantz handed this task to me, I''ll try my best toplete it no matter how difficult it is!


    ¡°Excuse me, beauties. Who can help me brew a cup of coffee?¡± Suddenly, a pleasant and mesmerizing


    male voice sounded from outside. On the heels of that, Kendrick walked over in all his handsomeness.


    At the sight of him, Yulissa thrust her chest out. A blush seemingly crawled onto her cheeks. ¡°Good


    morning, Mr. Kendrick. I''ll go and brew you a cup of coffee.¡±


    Kendrick was the vice president of thepany in name. Although he always seemed insouciant and


    seldom came to the office, many of the female employees in thepany had feelings for him since he


    had some shares in Trident Group and was a son of the Moore family, in addition to his silver tongue


    that could have all women falling at his feet as well as his handsome and devilish appearance.


    Cayden was overly aloof and unapproachable, rendering him unattainable. As such, most of the female


    employees dreamed of marrying Kendrick instead.


    After all, it would still be pretty nice to be the wife of the second son of the Moore family.


    One of those who fantasized about reaching beyond her station was Yulissa, the department head of


    the design department.


    On the contrary, Avery merely swept a cid gaze over Kendrick. Then, she pored over the design


    requirements meticulously.


    Regretfully, her silence didn''t deter others from speaking to her. As soon as Kendrick spoke, he asked


    for her. ¡°The beauty in a yellow coat, why don''t you brew me a cup of coffee? I heard from Cayden that


    you''re pretty good at brewing coffee.¡±


    Avery was the only one wearing a yellow coat.


    Therefore, she had no choice but to lift her head. Exasperation swamped her when sheid eyes on


    Kendrick, who pretended not to know her.


    Yulissa, on the other hand, was seized by the urge to rip Avery''s pretty face to shreds.


    She has only joined thepany for a short time, yet not only has she snagged Mr. Moore''s attention,


    but even Mr. Kendrick specifically asked her to brew him coffee. Argh! How absurd! All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 305

    Chapter 305


    In no time, Avery brewed a cup of coffee and handed it to Kendrick. ¡°Here''s the coffee you wanted, Mr.


    Kendrick.¡±


    Then, she returned to her seat and continued working in all seriousness.


    Kendrick took a few sips of the coffee.


    Hmm, it''s just rich enough, both smooth and fragrant! Sure enough, it tastes different from the coffee


    others brew.


    shing her a thumbs-up, he asked intriguingly, ¡°You''re indeed good at brewing coffee, Ms. Rumpley.


    Did you study it in the past?¡±


    Right then, he sincerely felt that she was something else. Aside from being beautiful, she''s got a


    decent personality. Even the coffee she brewed tastes better than those brewed by others.


    Without taking her eyes off theputer, Avery answered casually while envisaging the design draft.


    ¡°A bit.¡±


    At that time, I had just given birth to the two kids abroad. Not only was I depressed, but I also faced


    financial constraints, so I had to work part-time at a coffee shop. Casting my mind back on it, a whole


    five years had passed before I even realized it. Verily, time flies!


    In response, Kendrick nodded thoughtfully. Subsequently, he rubbed his chin. ¡°Can you cook, then?¡±


    Well, it would be nice for me to help Cayden understand her better.


    Busy with work, Avery lifted her eyes and swept her gaze over him. Is he all that free? Can''t he see that


    everyone is swamped with work? Yet, he''s chatting with me here. He''s the vice president, so he can do


    whatever he wants, but I''ve still got to get busy since I''m only small fry!


    At the side, Yulissa couldn''t help interjecting, ¡°Mr. Kendrick, girls nowadays are more pampered, so


    there aren''t many who can cook. I''m sure she can''t cook. But my father is a chef. As long as I can


    remember, I''ve been learning to cook from him. I...¡±


    She bragged about her cooking skills to Kendrick, only to see that he wasn''t listening. Instead, he stood


    behind Avery calmly, watching as thetter went about the design draft.


    In that instant, such rage zed within her that her face contorted.


    Some of the female colleagues around her noticed her buttering up to Kendrick and blowing her own


    trumpet before him, only to be wholly ignored. They all stifled theirughter, making Yulissa feel all the


    more mortified.


    She shot a deathly re at those colleaguesughing at her before stalking back to her office in high


    heels.


    Meanwhile, Kendrick continued studying Avery as she worked diligently.


    Despite her benign countenance, her expression was solemn. Her tight jawline added a hint of maturity


    to her, rendering her enthralling beyond words. However, his brows imperceptibly furrowed when he


    made out the contents of her work.


    ¡°Good morning, Mr. Moore!¡± Cecelia stood up and eximed all of a sudden, snagging the attention of


    the employees of the design department.


    At once, everyone swung their gazes over and saw Cayden walking in.


    He wore a tailored ck suit that outlined his muscr physique perfectly, but his expression was


    overly indifferent. His intense and domineering aura hit the employees right in the face, making them


    shudder uncontrobly.


    All of them greeted him, to which he inclined his head slightly in response.


    ¡°Brew me a cup of coffee, Avery.¡±


    The instant he saw Kendrick standing behind Avery while bending down with little distance between


    them, chagrin marred his face. Coldly giving that order, he instructed his brother to follow him before


    spinning on his heel and leaving the design department. After entering the elevator, he headed back to


    the CEO''s office on the top floor.


    So... did Mr. Mooree here to order a coffee or to look for his brother?


    No matter which it was, it was bizarre in everyone''s eyes.


    ¡°Wait for me, Cayden! Why are you wearing such a frosty expression? No wonder everyone dubs you


    Lucifer.¡± Kendrick hurriedly chased after Cayden.


    All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    The employees around them gasped in shock. He''s the only person bold enough to call Mr. Moore


    ¡°Lucifer¡± to his face!


    ¡°Cayden, Avery is pretty decent. Not only is she beautiful, but she''s even skilled at brewing coffee. If


    she weren''t your woman, I would be interested in pursuing her,¡± Kendrick remarked with a grin while


    sitting on the couch in the CEO''s office.


    Cayden''s expression turned icy. ¡°It seems that you''re really too free these days that you still had the


    time to go to the design department to shoot the breeze. It''s okay. We haven''t secured the contract


    over at East Alendor, so you can go over and negotiate it the day after tomorrow.¡±


    Immediately, Kendrick groaned, ¡°Don''t be so cruel, Cayden. You know that my passion doesn''t lie in


    business. That aside, you''re well aware of my love for the arts. Aren''t you afraid I''ll ruin things when


    you send me to such an isted ce to negotiate a contract?¡±


    ¡°If you ruin things, you don''t need toe back. Just stay and gain some experience at the branch


    office there,¡± Cayden threatened.


    Kendrick choked, words eluding him.


    He''s definitely not my biological brother. If he were, he wouldn''t be able to bring himself to force me into


    going there!


    While they were talking, Avery had already brewed a cup of coffee and delivered it to the CEO''s office.


    To that end, she traveled far and wide.


    Just as she stepped into the CEO''s office, she heard Kendrick dering, ¡°Cayden, this coffee Avery


    brewed is pretty good. Can I have her brew me a cup of coffee daily henceforth?¡±


    ¡°Brew it yourself if you want to have coffee. She only brews coffee for me.¡± Cayden didn''t want Avery to


    brew coffee for other men, even if it was his own brother.


    ¡°Good Lord! Don''t you think you''re too possessive of her, Cayden?¡± A smirk yed on Kendrick''s


    wlessly handsome and devilish face.


    ¡°Shut up!¡± Cayden cut him off coldly.


    ¡°Here''s the coffee you wanted, Mr. Moore.¡±


    After cing the coffee on the desk, Avery instinctively wanted to leave, only to hear Cayden''s cold yet


    concerned voice drifting into the air. ¡°How do you find the work here?¡±


    ¡°Pretty manageable. I''ll try to catch up with my colleagues'' speed as soon as possible,¡± Avery replied


    solemnly.


    ¡°Okay. You may go back to work.¡±


    As Cayden watched her retreating back, his chilly gaze seemingly softened considerably. At that sight,


    Kendrick''s jaw dropped.


    It seems that this brother of mine, who''s just like a robot at work, has be more human-like since


    making her acquaintance.


    But recalling Avery''s work, he put away his s¨¦ attitude. ¡°Cayden, Avery is still an assistant designer


    right now, but I noticed that her department head has already assigned her important design projects.


    Can she handle such a heavy workload when she''s a rookie who has just joined thepany a while


    ago? I can tell that the department head is deliberately making things difficult for her.¡±


    Although he was a yboy, he had a pair of sharp eyes that could see right through women.


    Yulissa''s deliberate seduction in front of him earlier as she tried to attract his attention, in particr,


    nauseated him.


    If it were in the past, he might be interested in teasing a shallow woman like her, but he didn''t dare do


    so when Jeffrey was keeping such a close eye on him presently.


    ¡°She has just joined thepany, so she has to show others her capabilities if she wants to gain a firm


    foothold here. She''s a talented and hardworking employee, but she''s too sensitive and concerned


    about other people''s opinions. Thus, she still needs some tempering. Moreover, if she can''t even


    handle such a trivial issue, she wouldn''t be able to gain a firm foothold in the design department. Such


    an employee is below par. Even if I were to help her in the future, she would have a difficult time in her


    department,¡± Cayden exined mildly.


    A contemtive light shed across his eyes. I want her to quickly learn to grow up in thepany.


    At the same time, an article personally written and published by Robert, the CEO of JK Media, swiftly


    circted in Ackleton that day, triggering a tidal wave out of the blue.

 Chapter 306

    Chapter 306


    JK Media published an article with an eye-catching title: Mr. Moore of Trident Group wins the heart of


    his woman after ten long years and is blessed with amazing twins!


    Although the contents of the article were cliched and melodramatic, Robert managed to save it with his


    excellent writing skills and Cayden being the main focus of the story. As such, that article created a


    hugemotion immediately after it was published in newspapers and magazines.


    In the article, Robert wrote: Over ten years ago, Cayden went to the countryside to recuperate and


    study due to his poor health. He ended up falling for Avery while he was in that small town. It was love


    at first sight.


    The young couple started their romantic rtionship while they were in school and created tons of


    beautiful memories there. However, Cayden was eventually forced to return to Ackleton in order to


    inherit his family business. Even so, he promised Avery he would marry her after he grew up.


    Many yearster, Cayden grew up into a handsome and sessful man while Avery became a gentle,


    fairdy. When the two of them reunited, Cayden went out of his way to court Avery, and they fell


    deeply in love once again.


    Unfortunately, members of the Moore family objected to their rtionship because of Avery''s low status


    in society. Cayden''s mother even went as far as getting him engaged to another woman from a


    prestigious family. She teamed up with that young woman and tried to drive Avery out of Ackleton.


    Avery gave Cayden a call when she was being forced to leave. Cayden, who was driving back from the


    airport at the time, panicked when he heard that and drove as fast as he could. He ended up getting


    involved in a car ident, which caused him to lose his memories.


    By the time Avery saw him again several monthster, he hadpletely forgotten about her. Right as


    Avery fell into despair, she found out that she was pregnant with Cayden''s children. Due to her love for


    Cayden, she endured all the criticism from others and gave birth to the kids with the intention to raise


    them herself. As if that wasn''t bad enough, the members of the Moore family discovered the existence


    of Cayden''s children and heartlessly took them away from Avery. Fearing that Avery would show up in


    front of Cayden, they forced her out of the country. Although Cayden had forgotten about Avery, a


    vague image of her remained somewhere deep within his memories. That was what drove him to keep


    his distance from other women. Five yearster, the two reunited once again. However, obstacles just


    keeping their way one after another.


    In order to portray Avery as a tragic lead character, Robert went into great detail about how tough her


    life was overseas.


    Robert also exined the reason Cayden had remained single after losing his memories.


    Thanks to his exceptional writing skills, Robert was able to turn a cliched love story into a touching one.


    That article was published not only by the magazines and newspapers owned by JK Media but also


    shared on most major online tforms.


    Included in the articles published online were photos of Cayden and his family having fun at the


    amusement park. There was also a montage of the two kids calling out to them in the most adorable of


    voices.


    It was a truly heartwarming sight to behold.


    The article published by JK Media garnered a huge amount of sympathy for Cayden and Avery''s


    rtionship.


    Although thepany had gone against its usual style of being formal and professional with its reports,


    the juicy contents of that article boosted JK Media''s sales a lot and improved its reputation among the


    public.


    It was only natural that people would find an article published by a respectablepany like JK Media


    more believable than ims made by an anonymous nobody on the inte.


    Just like that, theizens were on Cayden and Avery''s side.


    Almost everyone was moved by their touching love story and shed tears of sympathy while reading it.


    At that very moment, they finally realized that Avery was the mother of Cayden''s two adorable children.


    So, that''s why Cayden was so obsessed with Avery! Turns out, he has been in love with her for over


    ten years! His love for her was so intense that he never truly forgot about her even after he lost his


    memories! That''s why he never let any other woman get close to him all this while! Those poor kids


    grew up motherless because their parents were torn apart by others! Thank goodness they''re all


    reunited now...


    Thanks to that article, JK Media''s magazines and newspapers were nearly sold out in just one day.


    That allowed thepany to remain in first ce among itspetitors.


    Cayden, however, was clenching his teeth in anger when he read the article.


    What? Is that idiot in the story really me? What the heck is Robert writing? This ispletely different


    from the information I provided him! How dare he twist my story like that?


    Infuriated, Cayden called Robert and yelled, ¡°Hey, Robert! Why the heck did you write all that? That''s


    different from the information I gave you!¡±


    Robert burst outughing when he heard that. ¡°What do you think of my writing skills? I''ve still got it,


    eh? I told you I would make it sound romantic and touching, and that''s exactly what I did. Judging by


    the response from the public, I''d say it was pretty effective! Honestly, Mr. Moore, the story you provided


    me waspletely uneptable. The writing sounded so stiff that I almost mistook it for a business


    report! No one would want to read something that boring! You should learn to write the way I did!¡±


    Cayden was about to snap back at Robert, but he decided not to when he recalled JK Media''s


    influence over the public.


    Although Robert''s writing was a little exaggerated and melodramatic, it did help to get rid of those


    baseless usations. Oh, well... I suppose the oue justifies the impact on my reputation.


    With that in mind, Cayden asked, ¡°Regardless, I appreciate your help. What would you like in return?¡±


    ¡°Thend west of Sunrise Legacy Resort,¡± Robert replied greedily.


    ¡°Thatnd is worth billions of dors in the auction. It has the potential to attract arge number of


    investors as long as it is well-developed, and we can expect a tenfold increase in its market value in the


    future. I didn''t think you''d set your sights on thatnd as well, Robert,¡± Cayden said solemnly.


    He had long since eyed that piece ofnd and had gotten really close to obtaining it.


    Robert let out a cunning chuckle as he replied, ¡°We''re both businessmen. Everything we do is for the


    profit that it brings. You know how it is.¡±


    ¡°Fine... As a token of appreciation for your help, I''ll let you have that piece ofnd.¡± As reluctant as


    Cayden was to let go of thatnd, he agreed to Robert''s request anyway.


    After all, he had promised Robert that he would give him any reward he wanted in exchange for his


    help. Being a man of his word, it was only natural that Cayden would keep it.


    ¡°It''s a pleasure doing business with you, Mr. Moore! Dn has yet to divorce Avery, though. Aren''t you


    worried he might pull some sort of crazy stunt out of desperation?¡± Robert asked with an eyebrow


    arched.


    ¡°I have my ns,¡± Cayden replied.


    Xavier should almost be done with the task I assigned him a few days ago. He should being back


    soon. Xavier''s reliability and trustworthiness are what make him my best assistant. With him on the


    case, Dn is¡ª


    His train of thought was interrupted when Xavier knocked on the door and entered his office. This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.

 Chapter 307

    Chapter 307


    Cayden had an air of wisdom and elegance about him, and a single icy-cold re was enough to make


    others change their attitude toward him.


    Xavier made his way over to Cayden and handed him a huge stack of documents. ¡°Here you go, Mr.


    Moore. I''m almost done with the task you assigned me. One of the men who kidnapped Ms. Rumpley''s


    grandfather is a guy named David Lewis. Apparently, David is still in Ackleton. Perhaps he believes it''s


    thest ce anyone would think to look. By purchasing a fake ID card and going into hiding, David


    actually managed to avoid detection. Despite his cautiousness, his gambling addiction kicked in and


    ruined everything for him. A few days ago, David went to try his luck at a casino. That was how our


    men found him and captured him. With David in custody, the police are able to continue investigating


    the abduction of Ms. Rumpley''s grandfather. Dn will most likely go to jail if David confesses that


    Dn is the mastermind and not Yvonne. Also, I managed to find lots of evidence of Dn''s crimes


    throughout the past few years.¡±


    An icy-cold glint shed past Cayden''s eyes when he heard that. He patted Xavier on the shoulder and


    said, ¡°Thanks, Xavier. You did a great job.¡±


    Avery had just gotten off work when she received a call from Dn.


    He hadn''t contacted her in a very long time since Cayden beat him up.


    Seeing his name on the caller ID reminded Avery of the time he nearly took advantage of her.


    Ugh... I really don''t want to answer his call, but I''ll still have to face him when I divorce him anyway.


    With that in mind, she reluctantly answered the call, ¡°What do you want?¡±


    ¡°Let''s meet up and discuss our divorce. Make sure youe alone,¡± Dn said.


    Skeptical, Avery refused to believe he called her just to talk about their divorce.


    Having learned her lesson, she didn''t dare meet him alone either.


    ¡°If you don''te over, then you can forget about divorcing me. I''ll be waiting for you at Aquaris Caf¨¦,¡±


    Dn added and hung up the phone immediately after.


    Avery shuddered in disgust as she stared at the screen of her phone and recalled how dangerous and


    cunning Dn was.


    Her instincts were telling her that she shouldn''t meet this man who harbored ill intentions toward her


    before they got divorced, so she decided to ignore him for the time being.


    After giving it some thought, however, she changed her mind and gave Cayden a call.


    Meanwhile, as soon as the call ended, Dn floored the elerator and headed straight to Aquaris


    Caf¨¦.


    Determined to have a proper discussion with Avery, he then booked a private room with an elegant and


    serene environment.


    He was missing her dearly as he hadn''t seen her in a very long time, and the article published by JK


    Media only made him all the more anxious.


    I got careless... I didn''t think Cayden would expose her identity as the mother to Zachary and Rory!


    Judging by the fact that Gregory''s posts have all been deleted, it''s safe to assume he has been


    arrested. All of theizens are siding with Cayden and Avery after reading the article published by JK


    Media. It won''t be long before they all start to hate me. I know Avery is nothing but trouble, and yet, I


    can''t seem to let go of her. I''m not sure if it''s love at first sight or a refusal to ept the reality of the


    situation. Regardless, I will never let go of her, even if holding on will only bring me pain and suffering.


    A rxing song was ying in the background as time continued to tick away.


    The ashtray on Dn''s table was filled with cigarette butts, but he still saw no sign of Avery anywhere.


    Unable to contain his impatience any longer, Dn was about to give Avery another call when the door


    to his private room suddenly opened. Cayden exuded an intense domineering aura as he entered the


    room a few secondster.


    Dn red coldly at Cayden as he sat down elegantly in front of him.


    It wasn''t the first time those two powerful men were seated in the same room, but something was


    different about this encounter. The two of them were on guard as though they were ready to attack


    each other at any given moment.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Dn asked in displeasure.


    He could still feel a dull ache in his ribs that Cayden broke.


    I called Avery toe over, so why is it Cayden that shows up instead? Oh, Avery... Do you really think


    you''d be safe just because you have Cayden on your side?


    Cayden got straight to the point and handed Dn a folder. ¡°Here, a gift for you.¡±


    All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Dn casually opened the folder and saw that it contained a CD and a huge stack of documents.


    After browsing through a few of them, his eyes went wide with shock.


    Eventually, he mmed his fist on the table and, with his charming face contorted out of anger and


    fear, yelled angrily at Cayden, ¡°What''s the meaning of this, Cayden?¡±


    ¡°It''s simple, really. I just want you to divorce Avery,¡± Cayden replied while pouring himself a cup of


    coffee.


    Dn was so mad that he nearly ripped the documents to pieces on the spot.


    After taking a moment to regain hisposure, he leaned against his chair and said in the calmest


    voice possible, ¡°Did you really think you could threaten me with this? All of these happened a long time


    ago, and you don''t have enough evidence to pin anything on me. Don''t think you''re safe just because


    JK Media has helped you turn the tide around. My marriage with Avery is certified by City Hall, so


    there''s nothing you can do about it! I''ll fight you to the death if you don''t back off!¡±


    Although Dn was putting up a very tough front, he was shaking in his boots.


    How is Cayden able to gather all that evidence of my past crimes? He even found out about my hit-


    and-run case, uwful possession of firearms, moneyundering, and many more. I thought I had


    covered all of my tracks for those crimes! Even if I didn''t, my father would''ve cleaned things up for me!


    That''s how I was able to get away with all those crimes throughout the years! The only time I got


    arrested was because the police caught me red-handed. With all those witnesses present, I had no


    choice but to plead guilty. I thought I had covered my tracks perfectly, and yet, Cayden was able to


    uncover them all! Beneath that calm and gentle appearance of his lies a cunning predator that stalks


    you in the shadows while waiting for the perfect moment. When your guard is down, he''ll attack


    mercilessly and finish you off in one strike!

 Chapter 308

    Chapter 308


    Cayden was unfazed by Dn''s words.


    However, he seemed to have tightened his grip around his ss. ¡°You can try. It looks like you haven''t


    learned a thing after five years of imprisonment.¡±


    Dn''s facial expression darkened.


    He knew the evidence on the table was sufficient to let him spend the rest of his life in jail, prompting


    uncontroble rage to fill his eyes.


    ¡°Cayden, how innocent do you think you are? I reckon there are plenty of underhanded dealings done


    by Trident Group, and there''s no way you can safeguard yourself from the mess. Do you think I don''t


    know you manipted the share market in the past and disrupted the average market price, causing


    Ackleton to suffer an economic crisis? Through this scheme, you acquired arge amount of profit. Do


    you simply assume you can hide your wrongdoings forever? What consequences do you think you''ll


    face if I find all the evidence rted to Trident Group''s crimes?¡±


    Anypany, regardless of size, had its dark secrets, not to mention a famous multinational


    corporation like Trident Group. Once these secrets were revealed, one could easily imagine Cayden''s


    ultimate, terrible fate.


    Cayden''s emotionless eyes glinted coldly. ¡°You can attempt to do that if you have the capabilities.¡±


    If Trident Group''s secrets were so easily identified, the international corporation wouldn''t have existed.


    Trident Group distributed arge amount of money to fund their respective departments'' operations


    annually. If there were any illegal business practices, the higher-ups would merely turn a blind eye even


    if they were in the know. Cayden thought Dn was extremely naive to threaten him with that matter.


    To think that Dn has just been released from prison. I guess the only thing about him that increased


    all these years is his age, not his intelligence.


    While the two men engaged in a staring contest, the music in the caf¨¦ had unknowingly stopped


    ying.


    Their silent confrontation was all that filled the atmosphere.


    Cayden tidied his expensive suit leisurely. Appearing elegant andposed, he got to his feet and


    strode toward the exit.


    Before he stepped out of the caf¨¦, he said in his mellow and deep voice, ¡°Dn, you can choose to


    expose your marriage with Avery, but I will submit the evidence of you kidnapping Old Mr. Rumpley to


    the authorities. I''ll let the public know how your marriage with Avery came to be. Besides, you''ve


    committed plenty of uwful acts all these years. Once confirmed, any of your offenses could get you


    sentenced to punishments. If you go into jail again, you won''t be as lucky as being released after five


    years. This time, I''ll ensure you stay in there for the rest of your life! So what if everyone knows Avery''s


    married? I don''t care about her status or others'' objections. I will still cherish and marry her. I think you


    should understand my personality well, so you must know that I will aplish what I want to do.


    That''s all I have to say. If you wish to repeat your foolish errors, don''t me me for being unmerciful.¡±


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    Great emotions churned within Dn''s chest following Cayden''s departure.


    He ripped the evidence on the table into pieces in a fury and booted the exquisite wooden table.


    Pandemonium reigned in his head.


    Should I hang in there, or should I give up? If I remain determined, what awaits me may be a lifetime of


    imprisonment, but if I let go of her now, I''ll be giving up the marriage I secured through schemes with


    much difficulty. How can I ever ept this oue willingly?


    Meanwhile, Nicole was enjoying a cup of coffee at Silvia''s ce.


    Since thest time she noticed the simrity in temperament and appearance between Avery and


    ire, Silvia had immediately requested Nicole to ask ire about thetter''s biological daughter.


    She did not meet up with ire right away because she didn''t want to invoke the pain that ire had


    been carrying for so many years.


    If her assumption of Avery being ire''s daughter was merely a misunderstanding, mentioning that


    matter would undoubtedly cause ire to suffer from agony again.


    As ire''s best friend, no one knew better than Silvia the anguish that tormented ire when she lost


    her biological daughter.


    Before Nicole''s adoption, ire had lived her days in overwhelming anxiety and torture. Her beautiful


    face had grown more ashen with each passing day, and she had appeared unenergetic and wasted.


    She had only regained some vigor slowly after she and William adopted Nicole.


    If ire''s biological daughter was still alive, Silvia figured ire would be the happiest.


    Silvia brewed a pot of coffee. She poured a ss and handed it to Nicole.


    Nicole received the ss of coffee, took a sip, and thanked Silvia.


    Silvia chuckled. ¡°Why are you behaving so courteously toward me, silly? Your mom and I have been


    friends for decades. Back then...¡±


    Assuming her role as Nicole''s elder, Silvia first recounted some of her and ire''s life stories to Nicole.


    Then, she enquired Nicole how she had been doingtely.


    Subsequently, she only shifted the topic of conversation in a seemingly casual manner. ¡°Nickie, have


    you asked your mom about that matter rted to your sister?¡±


    Nicole was drinking her coffee when she heard the question. At that instant, she felt as if a needle had


    abruptly stung her heart. I thought Mdm. Wright hade to look for me previously and requested me


    to ask my mom about her biological daughter on a whim. But now, it seems like Mdm. Wright has been


    intending to locate Mom''s biological daughter all along.


    Nicole couldn''t help but feel a hint of resentment surge within her. Even my mom is not desperate to


    look for her biological daughter, yet an outsider like Mdm. Wright is working on this matter more


    diligently than anyone else. She''s such a busybody.


    Despite her discontentment toward Silvia, Nicole didn''t dare to express her genuine feelings in front of


    her elder. After all, Silvia''s husband was a powerful government official, not to mention she came from


    an influential family. Nicole was still a little wary of Silvia.


    She pinched her thigh forcefully, inflicting great pain on herself so that tears brimmed in her reddened


    eyes. She looked up and said, ¡°Mdm. Wright, I questioned my mom regarding that matter once after


    you mentioned it the other day. However, Mom kept crying and wept for almost the whole night. She


    told me that sister of mine was a stillbirth, and her body was taken away before Mom could even see


    her. Mom also med herself for having a weak body. Otherwise, the baby wouldn''t have passed away


    right after delivery.¡±


    Silvia''s heart shuddered. At that instant, she felt she had done the right thing by not directly meeting up


    with ire. ire became so dejected at the mention of that child. It seems like she has yet to make


    peace with the child''s decease.


    Still, Silvia''s intuition was telling her that the child was still alive.


    She couldn''t exin why she held on to that belief so firmly. At times, a woman''s sixth sense was a


    wonder.


    ¡°Nickie, don''t speak of this matter again in front of your mom. Your mom still can''t get over this grief


    after so many years. However, I can''t shake off the feeling that things are not as simple as they seem. I


    can''t help but think the child is still alive in this world. Perhaps this is just a figment of my imagination,¡±


    Silvia said while touching her forehead.

 Chapter 309

    Chapter 309


    ¡°Mdm. Wright, my mom says my sister died the moment she was born. It must be true. Think about it.


    Who would dare to lie to my parents?¡± Nicole said sorrowfully.


    Silvia figured she was right.


    Although William had not been as powerful as he currently was back in the day, he was still someone


    with great potential in the world of politics. In fact, he had made a name for himself in the political


    arena, and no one would dare to lie to or y tricks on him.


    Yet, for some reason, Silvia kept feeling uneasy.


    ¡°Don''t worry, Mdm. Wright. The heavens always help people who deserve it. If my sister''s alive, I''m


    sure I''ll find her one day. Since she''s my adoptive mother''s biological daughter, she''s my biological


    sister, too. I''ll send people to locate her,¡± Nicole assured in a mature manner.


    ¡°You''re a great child, Nickie. Your mother''s lucky to have adopted you back then. You''re such a caring


    child.¡± Tears welled up in Silvia''s eyes. She had always loved how smart and rational Nicole was.


    ¡°Oh, you''re ttering me. It''s only a daughter''s most basic responsibility to share her mother''s burden.


    I''m willing to do anything as long as I can make my mother happy,¡± Nicole said casually.


    She managed to make Silvia chuckle happily thanks to her sweet-talking skills.


    Silvia could not stop admiring ire for being so lucky to have such a caring daughter.


    Right then, a host appeared on the LED television on the wall, reporting a piece of news. ¡°ording to


    the reports, the mother of Cayden Moore''s twins, also known as the children of Trident Group''s CEO,


    was revealed to be an unknown employee. Based on the report, Mr. Moore and the twins'' mother,


    whose surname is Rumpley, had been in love for ten years. Though they were deeply in love, they


    separated for some time due to some misunderstanding. And now, they have reunited. It is widely


    rumored that Mr. Moore has gifted her with all kinds of expensive jewelry and a luxurious mansion to


    make her happy. In fact, rumor has it that Mr. Moore is currently nning a grand wedding. The


    netizens have different opinions about the news, and they''re unsure if it is true.¡±


    Avery''s face was blurred on the television, so all the viewers could see was her long ck hair and


    delicate face shape. Even the children''s faces were blurred as well. Regardless, the sight of the family


    of four cuddling together made Nicole''s eyes sore.


    Suddenly, the coffee cup fell from her hand. The exquisite cup shattered as itnded on the ground.


    Even so, she still watched the news on the screen in a daze.


    Her mind was buzzing. Avery is the twins'' mother? How is that possible?


    Nicole waspletely shocked by the news, and her unusual behavior befuddled Silvia.


    Concerned, Silvia asked, ¡°What''s wrong, Nickie?¡±


    Nicole only returned to her senses after a long time. Looking at a loss, she answered, ¡°I''m fine, Mdm.


    Wright. Maybe I''m just tired from all the recent filming. I''m so sorry I broke your cup.¡±


    Silvia merely smiled and shook her head without saying anything.


    While she listened to the news report, she mumbled, ¡°Cayden rarely has scandals, nor does he fancy


    the media reporting nonsense about him. He always deals with them once he finds news like this. It''s


    odd that they''re reporting news about him this time. Then again, the media is always reporting baseless


    rumors. Most of them aren''t real. But has the mother really been found? She looks quite familiar...¡±


    Suddenly, Nicole stood up. ¡°If there''s nothing else, Mdm. Wright, I''ll get going first. I''m feeling a little


    unwell. I''lle visit you another day.¡±


    Silvia knew full well Nicole was a celebrity and usually had many jobs.


    She thought little about Nicole''s odd behavior and let her leave.


    Nicole''s thoughts were in disarray that she had forgotten to disguise herself before heading to Dn''s


    bar.


    The moment she stepped into the building, some fans who were hanging out there recognized her


    instantly.


    Nicole was no A-list celebrity. In fact, she only became famous for a short while because of the film she


    debuted in¡ªOrphan. She was the kind of celebrity who had no acimed works and could not get


    famous no matter how hard she worked.


    Even so, she had all kinds of filming opportunities thanks to her background. Although she had filmed


    many movies with bad ratings, she was still well-known in the entertainment industry. It was only


    natural for her to be recognized by her fans.


    Seeing that Nicole was not with her bodyguards, someone screamed, ¡°Ah! It''s Nicole Lambert! I can''t


    believe she''s in a bar! My goddess, I love you. Can I have your signature?¡±


    As Nicole was currently in a bad mood, she did not treat the fans who wanted her signature as nicely


    as she would usually.


    It was rare to see a celebrity visiting a local bar. On top of that, most of the customers were excited


    youngsters. Upon noticing her arrival, they squeezed over and blocked Nicole''s path. There were even


    some perverted men who seized the opportunity to touch her inappropriately.


    She was a young and sweet celebrity who had a clean reputation, after all. Not only that, she had a


    prominent status¡ªthe daughter of the Lambert family. Women like her were usually out of the leagues


    of insignificant men like them. They thought it would be a waste if they did not take advantage of her


    now that she was in front of them.


    ¡°Give me your signature, Nicole. I really like you...¡±


    ¡°I love you, Nicole! You''re my ideal woman!¡±


    The ce was so chaotic that even the security guards could not control it.


    Nicole was utterly disgusted by the harassment on her breasts and thighs. Immediately, anger rose in


    her heart that she lost all rationality.


    She red at the uncontroble group of fans and scolded, ¡°Get lost! You lowly peasants must have a


    death wish. Get lost!¡±


    Ever since Nicole was adopted by William and ire, her life had taken a hundred eighty degrees turn.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    Days of having limited meals in the orphanage were reced with worry-free days. She began


    attending schools for high-ss people and always had a chauffeur to drive her around.


    Since William was a powerful figure, there were naturally many people who would suck up to her.


    Nicole slowly believed she was better than many people because of her family. Those who were from


    poorer conditions were like insignificant ants to her. In the end, she began to behave high and mighty


    and ignore social rules.


    That was why a vicious expression crept up her face when she was touched by the people she


    categorized as ¡°lowly peasants.¡±


    The enthusiastic fans around her were shocked. They could not believe the vicious-looking woman


    before them was the same glowing, lovable, and innocent celebrity.


    ¡°What the hell? Is this lunatic Nicole? She''s no different from a shrew...¡±


    ¡°Did you hear what she called her fans? Lowly peasants! Damn! How can a woman like her be the


    daughter of the state secretary? She''s just embarrassing Mr. William.¡±


    The crowd started criticizing her, and some even took out their phones to take pictures of her in a


    disheveled state.


    At that moment, Nicole hated the so-called fans to the core. With the help of the security guards, she


    sessfully made her way out of the crowd.

 Chapter 310

    Chapter 310


    After escaping the wild crowd, she finally found a wasted Dn in the room. The discovery only made


    her head buzz.


    What a piece of trash. He''s already married to Avery, yet he can''t handle the rtionship. How dare he


    get himself drunk here?


    Removing her sunsses, Nicole kicked Dn, who had curled himself into a ball. ¡°Get up!¡±


    Dn lifted his head groggily from among the empty bottles. As soon as he saw Nicole''s face, his hazy


    eyes seemed have to be clearer.


    He gave her an annoyed nce. ¡°Aren''t you a celebrity who''s busy all day and all night? How are you


    so free toe visit me?¡±


    ¡°You should know well why I''m here. Why did Avery still appear on the media when you two have


    already registered your marriage? She''s even revealed to be the mother of Cayden''s children,¡± Nicole


    said furiously.


    She had thought that the children''s mother was someone insignificant and a mere tool for bearing


    Cayden''s children.


    To her surprise, the media had revealed Avery''s identity this time. Not only that, but she also witnessed


    Avery, Cayden, and the children interacting harmoniously, and all that filled her heart with panic.


    Dn slowly shifted his gaze back to her. ¡°You know what? I was really close to making Avery mine,


    but Cayden suddenly barged in. Do you think that was a coincidence?¡±


    Nicole panicked even more at the thought of the incident.


    They had originally nned to drug Avery and let Dn sleep with her. They would then record it to


    threaten Avery.


    It was a wless n.


    Nicole figured Cayden would be furious to see the woman he loved having sex with another man. After


    all, no man could tolerate their partner cheating on them.


    When that was done, Cayden and Avery''s rtionship would end.


    Nicole decided to text Cayden anonymously about Avery''s situation because she knew Cayden¡ªbeing


    the smart person he was¡ªwould never believe her if she told him Avery was cheating. Her n would


    only fail if she did that.


    That was why she texted him telling him Avery was in trouble.


    Nicole was sure he would go over if he actually cared about Avery, and he would arrive just in time to


    catch Avery and Dn having sex.


    Never did she expect Dn to act so slowly.


    She had practically delivered Avery to him, yet he had failed to carry out the n and wasted her


    efforts.


    However, she felt slightly guilty when faced with Dn''s question and did not dare to look him in the


    eye. ¡°It''s your fault for being a slowpoke. I practically delivered her to you, yet you failed to take


    advantage of her. I''d like to see what you n to do now that Cayden has revealed Avery''s identity.


    She''s your wife. Shouldn''t you make your legal marriage public? Are you even a man, Dn?¡±


    Her wordspletely angered Dn.


    All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    He stood up with great difficulty, grabbed Nicole by the neck, and fixed his sharp gaze on her. His half-


    smile and menacing gaze sent chills down Nicole''s back.


    Suddenly, the room echoed with Dn''s icyughter.


    He red at the shuddering Nicole and questioned with disgust, ¡°Who do you think you are? What


    makes you think you have the right to speak to me like that? Don''t forget. I''m still the biological son of


    the Musk family, while you''re just a poor orphan William adopted from the orphanage. Do you really


    think you''ve be a Lambert just because you''re taken into their family? You''re just a fake and can


    never be as good as the real one.¡±


    ¡°So what if I''m not my parents'' biological daughter? They practically view me as one. How dare you


    speak to me like that? Believe it or not, you won''t be able to stay in Ackleton once I tell my dad about


    this,¡± Nicole said through gritted teeth.


    Dn was unfazed. He tightened his grip around her neck, making her gasp harder for air. ¡°Give it a


    go, then! It must''ve been hard on you to act like an innocent girl in front of William, his wife, and the


    viewers all these years. Have you forgotten the things you''ve done in the orphanage? Do you think


    your parents will be disappointed if they discover your selfish, cold-blooded, and vain self-hidden under


    that mask?¡±


    Horror filled Nicole''s eyes.


    How did he find out the things I did at the orphanage?


    Truth was, she had only be William''s adoptive daughter through dishonorable means. If her


    adoptive parents were to find out about it, her amazing reputation would be ruined. The idea of that


    scared Nicole.


    No. I won''t let anyone ruin everything that I''ve spent so long working hard for.


    ¡°I-I''m sorry, Dn. I shouldn''t have said those things to you. Please forgive me for speaking recklessly.


    I only spouted nonsense because I was anxious. Could you please let me go first?¡± Nicole begged


    weakly.


    She had to be gentle when faced with a violent man like him.


    Nicole was the one with the upper hand, yet she failed to control him. In fact, things were quite the


    opposite. The feeling of being controlled by someone annoyed her.


    Hearing that, Dn snorted and let her go.


    Nicole coughed violently and panted heavily. Although she looked pitiful on the outside, deep down,


    she wanted to kill Dn. Just you wait. I''m going to make Dad teach you a lesson when I get back. And


    Avery, too. I''m not going to let that troublemaker off. Mom has always been smart and has many tricks


    up her sleeves. I''m sure she''ll help me think of a way.


    Holding a piece of newspaper, Zachary walked over to Avery and grinned. ¡°Mommy, look! Our family is


    featured in the newspaper! I didn''t know your love story with Daddy was so touching.¡±


    Rory pointed at the newspaper. ¡°So, you and Daddy separated for so many years all because of a


    misunderstanding, huh? No wonder Zach and I have never met you for so many years.¡±


    Despite his age, Zach was exceptionally smart. He had practically learned all the words from the


    elementary school sybus, so he could understand what was written in the newspaper.


    Rory, however, had not mastered as many words as Zachary, but she could roughly guess the content.


    Avery could not help butugh.


    Robert was one of the top reporters in the industry, and he had a great nose for news and public


    opinions.


    Every report he wrote could easily make theizens go wild.


    Of course, his report on Avery and Cayden''s rtionship was another sessful one, but Avery could


    not help but be impressed by his imagination for creating such a dramatic story.


    After chatting with the children for some time, Avery sent them to bed as it was gettingte.


    Then, she sat in front of herputer and focused on her drawings.


    The person who had hired her to draw the draft was George Lambert. Apparently, his son was a man of


    status.


    George, on the other hand, had a strange character. He was extremely particr about the design,


    which was why it had been returned several times.

 Chapter 311

    Chapter 311


    The design for George involved creating a modern house while keeping various elements from the old


    mansion intact.


    Avery had seen many other designers'' designs at thepany.


    The designs ranged from modern mansions to traditional houses, and even mansions with elements


    derived from other cultures.


    However, George had rejected all of them.


    He had even scolded the designers from Trident Group and called them fools. He had thought that an


    international designpany was full of elites, yet none of them had been able to give him even one


    satisfactory design.


    In fact, George''s pickiness was just the start of the designers'' problems. What made things worse for


    them was the fact that he did not reveal what kind of architectural style or effect he wanted.


    It was not easy to be an architect.


    A good architect not only had to have creative thinking skills, but they also had to have eye for


    aesthetics.


    Avery had studied design at a university overseas. While she had some basic skills in design, she still


    could not figure out how to design a house that George would be satisfied with. The main reason was


    that she did not know what kind of house he wanted.


    As Avery stared at the draft she hade up with in thepany that morning, she grew increasingly


    displeased. She felt that it wascking something.


    Just as she was worried about her design, the doorbell rang.


    Avery had thought that Cayden had finally returned home. Without looking through the peephole, she


    excitedly opened the door, only to see Allie standing there.


    Allie''s face had matured with age, but it still looked as though it had been carved by the gods. There


    was a haughty arrogance about her, and she emanated a domineering aura.


    ¡°Why are you here?¡± Avery stood at the door and did not have any intention of letting her in.


    The woman was like a harbinger of misfortune. If Avery could, she never wanted to see her again.


    ¡°I traveled a long distance to get here on such a cold and frosty day. Are you not going to invite me in


    for a cup of coffee? Avery, where are your manners?¡± Allie scrutinized Avery from head to toe with a


    look of disdain on her face. ¡°Do you think I can''t do anything to you just because my son is protecting


    you? Look at you. It has only been a few days, but you''ve grown prettier...¡±


    Her sharp fingernails pierced into Avery''s flesh as she pinched her cheek.


    Avery, this sl*t! She''s entranced my son and got him wrapped around her finger. She even instigated


    him to hold a press conference behind the Moore family''s back announcing that she is Zachary and


    Rory''s biological mother. How can that be? Anyone can be their mother, but not Avery!


    When Allie caught wind of the news, she did not believe it at all.


    Her purpose for visiting was to get a few strands of Avery''s hair to do a DNA paternity test.


    She could not believe that Avery, the woman she hated to the core, was the birth mother of her


    obedient grandchildren.


    Allie firmly believed that Cayden had been seduced by Avery. In order to force the Moore family to


    ept her, he must have purposelye up with such a lie.


    Avery''s face hurt. She pushed Allie away harshly but did not expect thetter to trip on her high heels


    and fall backward.


    Allie, who had been used to being respected and superior to others, fell to the ground with a humiliating


    thump.


    Just as she was about to curse at Avery, she saw Cayden''s car approach the mansion from a far


    distance.


    She frowned and an evil thought hatched in her mind.


    She purposely messed up her hair and wrinkled her clothes, wanting to make herself look as pathetic


    as possible.


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Thereafter, she sat on the ground and howled, ¡°Avery, you have no conscience! I came over on such a


    cold day and you didn''t let me into the house! You even hit me! My son must be blind to fall in love with


    such a terrible woman like you!¡±


    Allie scolded Avery and framed her, using the worst vocabry she could think of.


    Those words were like knives stabbing into Avery''s heart.


    Avery was seething with rage. However, she could not hit Allie, nor did she know how to retaliate with


    words. With no other options, she grabbed Allie''s arm and pulled her out of the door before mming


    the door shut with a loud bang.


    Cayden naturally heard Allie''s voice.


    He hurriedly parked his car in the garage before rushing to the mansion, only to see Avery pulling his


    mother and pushing her out of the door.


    Cayden''s heart sank. He did not expect her mother toe over to make a scene again.


    ¡°Son! My son! You have to help me! Avery is terrible. She doesn''t respect her elders and even hit me!


    You can''t be with such a woman. Get rid of her quickly, or I''ll really die...¡± Allie sat on the ground and hit


    her thigh as she persuaded Cayden to leave Avery.


    ¡°Mom, who told you toe here?¡± Cayden stared at Allie, who had no regards for her image. His face


    darkened.


    His rtionship with Avery had just gotten better. He did not expect that it would be ruined once more


    by his mother.


    Naturally, he did not have a pleasant expression on his face when he talked to Allie.


    ¡°Cayden...¡± Allie looked at her son, who felt like a stranger to her. ¡°You heartless child! How could you


    talk to your mother like that? Can''t I visit my son? You''ve been deceived by that sl*t! You don''t even


    care about your mother anymore... I was hit, but you don''t even care about me. Oh, why is my life so


    terrible...¡±


    ¡°Mom!¡±


    Cayden could not stand it any longer and pulled Allie up from the ground.


    He looked at his mother''s childish antics helplessly and said, ¡°You don''t have any injuries on your body.


    You can deceive others, but you can''t deceive your son! Besides, Avery is not that kind of


    unreasonable woman. I believe her. So stop kicking up a fuss here. I''ll send you back.¡±


    Cayden knew what his mother was thinking. She had been wanting to force him to split up with Avery.


    However, he did not expect her to use such underhanded means to deceive him. Did Allie really think


    that he was as easy to fool as a three-year-old child?


    Having been ruthlessly exposed, Allie swallowed back her words. There was a strange tension in the


    air.


    Her body was rigid and stiff as if she had been handcuffed. She could not move.


    She had wanted to destroy Avery''s rtionship with her son, but when she looked at Cayden''s eyes


    that appeared to have seen through her lies, she could not help but shudder in fear.


    Indeed, her most outstanding son had been entranced by Avery.


    However, in order to force them to break up, she continued kicking up a fuss and throwing tantrums.


    Avery had returned to the house. Her back was facing the door, and she overheard the entire


    conversation which made her eyes turn red.


    She could not understand why Allie strongly objected to Cayden dating her.

 Chapter 312

    Chapter 312


    ¡°That''s enough! Quit embarrassing yourself!¡±


    Cayden had no choice but to carry his mother to the car. After locking the doors and windows, he sped


    away.


    Avery''s body was still trembling after Allie had been dragged away.


    She balled her fists as her skin grew cold.


    Avery could see Allie hitting the car window and attempting to get out the car through the window. To


    prevent her from being with Cayden, Allie could even disy such a spectacle and abandon the


    elegant fa?ade she had been putting on for years.


    Avery simply could not wrap her head around Allie''s behavior.


    If she doesn''t acknowledge my rtionship with Cayden, I''ll never be able to be at peace with myself.


    Avery remained silent for a long time.


    Even though the heater was on, she could not feel any warmth.


    Now, she was not debating if she should divorce Dn but was worried that even if she divorced him,


    there would be countless obstacles in her way to being with Cayden.


    Letting out a sigh, she rubbed her temples and forced herself to stop overthinking.


    She sat in front of theputer and began to work seriously, distracting herself from her many


    personal problems with work.


    She was filled with inspiration all of a sudden and had countless fresh ideas.


    The renowned architects in thepany came up with good designs, but their designs have been


    rejected by Old Mr. Lambert. Is it because the designs are merely rough and dry sketches?


    Will it be better if I make the design look more delicate and beautiful?


    Avery pondered over it seriously.


    Old Mr. Lambert has son who holds a high position in society. He himself had also been a part of the


    upper echelons of society before he retired a few years ago.


    Someone as distinguished as him had been used to having people at his beck and call. Naturally, after


    his retirement, there would be lesser people who would support him, which would definitely make him


    feel a sense of loss. This probably has a part to y in his peculiar temperament.


    Traditional architecture suits old people like him so that they could retire healthily and peacefully.


    They could nt many nts and flowers in the courtyard and have a few pets. That would be very


    good.


    Life in the city is exciting but stifling. If I can create a paradise, I believe no one will reject the idea of


    living there. Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    With that thought, Avery abandoned her earlier half-finished design and started to create a new design.


    She drew with great ease, and soon, it was alreadyte into the night.


    Avery only realized with shock that it was nearly one in the morning when Cayden came back and


    hugged her from behind, his chin resting on her shoulder.


    He was stunned when he saw Avery''s sketch.


    He knew that although Avery had a gentle personality, her design did not make seem that way.


    As expected, she did not disappoint him, for her sketch made his eyes lit up.


    It looked like a park, and on top of the gracefulness of a traditional house, Avery''s design had modern


    and fashionable elements to it.


    The courtyard was spectacr and mesmerizing, filled with lush green trees. Green grass carpeted the


    ground, and there were artificial mountains and waterfalls as well. What was the most eye-catching


    was rows of cherry blossom trees surrounding the courtyard.


    The shades of pink, green, and natural colors were so beautiful that Cayden almost forgot to breathe.


    The addition of a plot of fertilend with vegetables and crops growing on it made the ce looked all


    the more otherworldly.


    Not only that, there were a few chicks running about happily and finding food. And in the pond nearby


    were a few elegant white swans.


    Cayden sat next to Avery and carried her so that she was sitting on hisp.


    He kissed her cheek and did not bother to conceal the admiration in his eyes.


    However, Cayden also did not pull any punches as he pointed out certain shorings in her design.


    ¡°Not bad. The sketch is beautiful, but there are rooms for improvement. Look. You only thought of


    creating a paradise but ignored the overall cost. You have to take into consideration Old Mr. Lambert''s


    budget for the house. Also, your design is far too conservative. There are not enough technological


    elements, and this will create problems for Old Mr. and Mrs. Lambert...¡±


    Avery listened attentively.


    Cayden''sments were concise and straight to the point.


    Although he was the CEO of Trident Group, he was also a renowned architect.


    Avery knew that Cayden had a bountiful portfolio.


    Cayden''s designs were breathtakingly beautiful, and no one could seed in copying his style.


    Because of that, he had a great reputation internationally. He was also the only Aplothian among the


    top ten architects in the world.


    He was someone Avery admired and respected.


    Under Cayden''s guidance, Avery quickly fixed her designs.


    When she was done, it was already past two in the morning.


    Taking in Avery''s exhausted look, Cayden bent down and scooped her up.


    ¡°Ah... Put me down... I haven''t saved my design!¡± Avery yelled in a panic.


    Cayden held her in his arms and pressed a few keys on the keyboard, sessfully saving the design.


    Thereafter, he turned to the bedroom.


    ¡°It''ste. You should rest soon. You wouldn''t want to bete for work tomorrow, right?¡± Cayden ignored


    her struggles. He held her firmly in his arms, then kicked open the door to the bedroom.


    Averyy in his embrace and enjoyed the warmth from his body, but his firm attitude made her feel a


    little uneasy.


    She had been controlling her anger ever since the incident with Allie earlier in the day. At that moment,


    she could not help but say petntly, ¡°Your mom doesn''t want you to be with a woman like me...¡±


    Allie''s derogatory words echoed in her mind again, which made her feel rather ufortable.


    ¡°Avery, do you think I''m that kind of man who can be easily swayed by others? Besides, it''s not like you


    don''t know your ce in my heart.¡± Cayden was about to lose his temper.


    He could not help but want to teach her a lesson. However, when he took in her pitiful look, he held


    back his anger.


    Everything was his mother''s fault.

 Chapter 313

    Chapter 313


    Avery gave Cayden a feeling that no other woman could give him. She was like a fresh and delicious


    peach that suited his unique taste.


    He felt that he had done a lot of things so that they could be together openly. However, Avery was still


    stuck in the same old position, which made him feel frustrated.


    Avery could feel a bitterness in her heart upon listening to Cayden''s words.


    Yes, I know my ce in his heart. But deep inside, I still suffer from an inexplicable inferiorityplex.


    It''s like once in a while, the emotional security that I have for our rtionship will disappear.


    Avery knew that Allie was the one to me as thetter had always wanted to put an end to her


    rtionship with Cayden. It was never his fault. In fact, he had always loved and protected her.


    She looked into his eyes and said apologetically, ¡°I''m sorry. I just couldn''t help myself when your mom


    ¡ª¡±


    ¡°Why are you apologizing to me, Avery? You didn''t do anything wrong. My family is just a little messy...¡±


    Cayden took out a cigarette from his pocket. He wanted to light it up, but he stopped himself and put it


    down after recalling that the heater had been switched on in the room.


    Avery noticed that he seemed to be addicted to smokingtely.


    Cayden walked up to the floor-to-ceiling window silently and pulled open the curtains.


    He looked into the darkness outside, a glint of helplessness shed across his eyes. ¡°I''m sorry, Avery,


    for making you suffer,¡± he said in a low and gentle voice.


    He stood with his back facing her as he did not dare to turn around to look at her.


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    It was the first time that he had apologized to Avery solemnly. However, a simple apology was never


    enough to solve theplicated rtionship that they had.


    Avery, sitting quietly on the bed, was momentarily stunned by Cayden''s apology.


    Deep inside her heart, Cayden had always been a perfect man.


    He''s a blessed child and a proud figure whom everyone looks up to. But now, he''s apologizing to me...


    Cayden went on, ¡°Over the years, I''ve always been alone. Even though I look like I''m living a good life,


    you have no idea how low my self-esteem was. I couldn''t get rid of my status as an illegitimate child.


    When the ident urred and I was on the brink of death, I didn''t have any desire to live. You


    probably have no idea too that I suffered from depression when I was young. I had to take a lot of


    medicine to relieve the symptoms.


    ¡°Until that day, I went to that town and met you. Just like the sun, you brought joy and hope to my life.


    You didn''t even realize how happy you made me feel. But you were too young; you were only a student


    in junior high at that time. I didn''t dare to confess my feelings to you because I was afraid of scaring


    you away. I decided to keep my feelings to myself. Then, I left the town, taking my unrequited love with


    me. Little did I expect Lady Luck to smile on me again after a few years. I found out that you were


    going to be a surrogate mother because you needed money urgently. After pulling some strings, I


    managed to switch ces with the man who was originally appointed for you. Finally, I got what I


    wanted. You became mine, and you even gave birth to two smart children for me.


    ¡°Avery, I thought we wouldn''t meet again for the rest of my life. I''m grateful enough that you''re the


    mother of my two children. I never imagine that our paths will cross once again. We''ve been through so


    much that I believe nothing wille between us if we persevere. Yet, the moment I decided to have a


    future with you by my side, you hesitated and stayed away from me.¡±


    Here, Cayden frowned, seemingly trembling.


    After taking a deep breath, he looked up and stared at the vast night sky with his dark eyes. He had


    mustered a lot of courage to voice everything that had been troubling him.


    At that point, he did not even dare to look at her. He was afraid that she would notice theck of self-


    esteem in his eyes.


    Avery had been listening to him talking in his deep and hoarse voice that was tinged with sadness. She


    felt as if someone had stabbed her in the heart with a knife.


    Somehow, she felt deste when she looked at his broad back.


    Slowly and quietly, she stood up and walked toward him. She extended her arms and circled his waist


    from behind.


    As her soft body was pressed against his, she whispered to him, ¡°I''m sorry, Cayden. It was all my fault.


    I will never hold back again.¡±


    Cayden stiffened. He turned and noticed the deep frown on her face. He pulled her into his arms and


    said, ¡°You dummy.¡±


    She grinned at him innocently. Her pure and bright smile was enough to get rid of his sadness.


    He carried her gently to the bed.


    The sorrow in his eyes disappeared. As he stared at her delicate face, he said, ¡°If you want to


    apologize, you need to show some sincerity. Satisfy me tonight and I will forgive you.¡±


    Subsequently, he pinned her underneath him while holding her tiny waist.


    His masculine smell and her sweet body scent lingered in the air, awakening Cayden''s desire.


    The apparent lust in his eyes caused Avery''s body to shiver.


    Closing her eyes obediently, she threw caution to the wind and allowed him to take off her clothes.


    She could feel the man''s extremely hot body.


    When her hand identally grabbed something that felt like a burning hot steel, she could not help but


    flinch.


    Cayden chuckled softly and held her arms, pressing his body against her. Avery was like a white rabbit


    that was about to be devoured by him.


    The zing fire in his eyes was enough to make her nervous even though it was not the first time that


    they made love.


    Swallowing hard, she said in a low voice, ¡°C-Can you be gentleter?¡±


    Another low chuckle came out of his mouth. ¡°Shush. Just rx.¡±


    Following that, he thrust himself deep inside her.


    ¡°Ouch! It hurts...¡± Avery moaned pitifully, her hands resting against his chest.


    Meanwhile, beads of sweat formed on Cayden''s forehead as he continued to suppress his desire.


    He licked her tiny ear and said in a sexy voice, ¡°You''ve given birth to two children, and we did this many


    times. Why are you still... Hmm?¡±


    Avery merely blushed as she looked at him.


    The wild and passionate session continued throughout the night. Every time Avery thought she was


    going to lose consciousness, she was jolted awake by him ramming deep into her.


    She was so exhausted that she did not have any energy to speak, and they carried on until dawn.

 Chapter 314

    Chapter 314


    At Trident Group the next day, Avery handed a newly printed design drawing to Yulissa. ¡°Ms. Yantz, this


    is the design that you requested. I''ve sent the digital copy of the design to your email.¡±


    Yulissa took it suspiciously. Her eyes widened in shock when she saw the stunning sample design.


    With disbelief, she asked, ¡°Did you draw this, Avery?¡±


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Avery nodded in response, a calm expression on her beautiful face.


    Yulissa perused the design several times.


    The design in her hand was perfect and did not have any ws. Admittedly, she knew that she would


    not be able to design a masterpiece like it. She had always been a confident person. Nevertheless, at


    that moment, she was unable to get inside the mind of the newly-hired Avery.


    Did Avery really design this?


    ¡°Avery, you should know that there will be severe consequences if we find out that someone else


    designed it for you,¡± Yulissa warned sternly.


    Avery remained calm and collected. ¡°I stayed uptest night to draw this, Ms. Yantz, so I still


    remember every single detail of it. Do you want me to describe them to you?¡±


    When Cecelia heard them arguing, she could not help but pick up the design drawing for a look.


    Her jaw dropped after she looked at it. Moreover, she was so stunned that she was momentarily at a


    loss for words.


    After shing Avery a thumbs up, she said, ¡°Well done, Avery! Your design is very brilliant. It has both


    the traditional and advanced elements in it. To be honest, I couldn''t tell you had such talent just from


    looking at you. As it turns out, your designs are amazing!¡±


    ¡°Please don''t say that, Cecelia. You''re my senior. I still have a lot to learn from you,¡± Avery responded


    humbly.


    Only then did Avery finally heave a sigh of relief.


    After spending the whole ofst night drawing it, I hope that the fastidious Old Mr. Lambert will ept


    my design.


    With a darkened expression, Yulissa put the design drawing aside. She then said mockingly, ¡°You


    better not think that your work is done just because you gave me a design. If the client is not satisfied


    with it... Hmph!¡±


    Having said that, she strutted out of the office arrogantly.


    Avery was not bothered by her strange tone. The former quietly sat at her desk and spoke to Cecelia in


    a whisper. ¡°Is Nina okay, Cecelia?¡±


    Nina had applied for leave after the incident.


    However, Isabe continued to stop Avery from visiting her.


    A week had passed, yet Avery still had not received any news about Nina. Therefore, it was no surprise


    that she was very anxious.


    ¡°She''s fine. Nina said that she has been quite stressed these days. As she is also not feeling well, she


    took the opportunity to take a few extra days off. When she has rposed herself, she wille


    back to the office,¡± Cecelia exined.


    Upon hearing those words, Avery was slightlyforted. Regardless, there was still a pang of guilt in


    her heart.


    If it were not for her, Nina would not have gotten involved in such a mess. I want to make it up to her,


    but I don''t know if Nina will still want to be close to me after what happened.


    While she was lost in thought, Yulissa returned to the design department.


    She pped her hands twice to gain everyone''s attention. In a loud voice, she said, ¡°Please stop


    everything that you''re currently working on. All architects need to follow me to attend a meeting in


    Conference Room A606.¡±


    At her order, the architects stood up and proceeded to the conference room.


    Avery smiled bitterly.


    She had been in Trident Group for some time. However, her position was still that of an assistant


    architect. In thepany, assistants were not allowed to attend any meetings for the architects.


    Therefore, she had to stay in the office like the rest of the newly recruited employees.


    Avery was perusing a design profile at her desk when the phone connected to the internal line rang.


    She picked it up and heard Cayden''smanding voice. ¡°Come to A606.¡±


    ¡°Understood, Mr. Moore.¡± Then, she stood up and walked happily to the aforementioned conference


    room.


    The conference room was already filled by outstanding architects from every department.


    Trident Group was a multinationalpany, and the design department wasprised of many areas


    that had been divided clearly. It included architecture, jewelry design, fashion,ndscaping,


    environment, industrial design, graphic design, interior design, and others.


    The main lobby of Trident Group''s building was designedvishly. Paintings from several famous artists


    were hung on the walls along the way. Meanwhile, the huge conference room named Conference


    Room A606 was situated on the eighty-eighth floor.


    All the men inside the conference room wore suits and looked zestful. On the other hand, the women


    wore elegant clothes and delicate makeup. At a nce, the typical confident and proud expression


    could be seen on their faces. After all, they were all the cr¨¨me de cr¨¨me of the design industry.


    It was no surprise that a novice like Avery was slightly intimidated when she walked past them.


    Without looking at them, she approached Cayden, who was sitting at the head of the table. ¡°What can I


    do for you, Mr. Moore?¡±


    Not even bothering to lift his head, Cayden pointed at an empty seat and said inly, ¡°Sit down.¡±


    ¡°T-This is not appropriate,¡± she responded in a low voice.


    How can I sit here and attend this meeting? I don''t have that right with my current position.


    He quirked a brow domineeringly. ¡°Just sit down. I don''t want to hear any nonsense.¡±


    Cecelia, who was very observant, was looking at them. She knew that Cayden wanted Avery to join the


    meeting.


    Therefore, she pointed to an empty seat next to her and said unabashedly, ¡°Come here, Avery. You can


    sit here.¡±


    With a resigned sigh, Avery sat next to her. ¡°Thank you, Cecelia.¡±


    Cecelia shed her a kind smile. ¡°You''re wee, Avery. You''ve been in thepany for quite some


    time. Moreover, you have excellent designs. I know that you will eventually be an architect. Also, I


    firmly believe that you have a bright future at Trident Group. Just stay here and join the meeting. It can


    help you grow and improve yourself.¡±


    Avery gave a soft ¡°okay¡± in response. She sat quietly at the table and waited for the meeting to start.


    Naturally, Yulissa noticed Avery as well.


    When her gaze swept across the room, she was stunned to see Avery, who had her head lowered. All


    of sudden, envious anger appeared on Yulissa''s face.


    By right, Avery isn''t allowed to attend the meeting for the architects, so I didn''t expect her to join us. Not


    only that, but she''s sitting so close to Mr. Moore! How dare she? Then again, I''m not surprised. A vixen


    like her must haveined to him. That''s the only reason someone as stern and disciplined as Mr.


    Moore would make an exception for her.


    At that thought, the repulsion she felt toward Avery increased another notch.


    We''ll see who gets thestugh. I''m sure that a woman who uses her body in exchange for a


    promotion like her will be kicked out by Mr. Moore soon!


    However, Yulissa started to get jealous when she recalled the perfect design that Avery gave her


    earlier in the morning.


    If she really is the one who designed it, then this woman has talents that can''t be underestimated.


    It was difficult for Yulissa to exin it, but she had a strong feeling that Avery would get a promotion in


    the near future. Therefore, she had to stop Avery. Otherwise, thetter might soon be her


    superior.


    The sudden thought surprised her.


    She red at Avery before making a vow to herself. I have to find a way to get Avery to embarrass


    herself in front of everyone!

 Chapter 315

    Chapter 315


    The meeting officially began.


    Cayden, who was seated at the front, stood out among everyone with his upright, tall stature and ck


    suit.


    His eyes were as deep as the ocean, and his lips were faintly pursed into an arc, which made him


    appear sterner and more powerful. Cayden gave a brief speech at the beginning of the meeting before


    patiently listening to the reports of the previous month''s performance by the directors of the design


    departments.


    The discussion during the meeting then focused on design productivity.


    The architects discussed the direction and trend of the design industry and provided valuable insight


    into creative design. Even though they were involved in different sectors, designing was, after all,


    universal.


    The architects engaged in a passionate debate over the two recent shows that had swept the world by


    storm, ¡°Insightful Workshop¡± and ¡°Magnificent,¡± while exchanging information about the design industry


    and expressing their own thoughts.


    The amount of creative inspiration and expertise those two workshops had amassed could not be


    underestimated, even though they had only started up a few years ago.


    Trident Group had a strong domestic and international reputation, and its architects were naturally of


    the highest caliber. Their design concepts were also all at the forefront of the industry. The architects at


    Trident Group were not simply perceptive to emerging trends but also humble learners. All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    The meetingsted for a little over an hour.


    Then, it was time for the monthly summary of each design department.


    This segment was for the department head of each design department to highlight the


    aplishments of particr architects or criticize them for their shorings.


    Every employee who received a personalmendation had an apparent smile on their face. After all,


    receiving amendation in front of the CEO would result in a pay increase and more opportunities for


    promotion in the future.


    On the other hand, the employees who had received criticism appeared dispirited and despondent for


    fear of being fired. Since Trident Group offered its employees the best pay in the industry, they did not


    want to lose this excellent job.


    When it was the architectural design department''s turn for the summary report, Yulissa nced at


    Avery before starting her speech. ¡°The two employees that performed particrly well for our


    architectural design departmentst month are Trevor Lane and Cecelia Zuckerberg. Trevor received


    the most design orders in our department, which ismendable and very beneficial for thepany.


    Cecelia''s designs are also exceptional and have received widespread client appreciation. I only have a


    few words to say to a certain underwhelming employee.¡±


    Yulissa turned her sharp gaze on Avery.


    Avery suddenly had a bad feeling when she noticed Yulissa''s cold and calcting gaze.


    As expected, Yulissa''s following words were meant to humiliate her. ¡°Ms. Avery, you should strive to be


    more efficient now that you''re an assistant architect. In fact, you should aim to be an architect as


    soon as possible. That should be your goal rather than taking it easy. You''ve been working for the


    company for a little over a month now, but you''ve barely made any designs and also take leave


    regrly. Shouldn''t you put in more effort than the other employees and produce more designs? I think


    you also know that, although ourpany is sessful, it isn''t a charity, and it doesn''t needzy


    people.¡±


    As soon as Yulissa finished giving herments, there was amotion within the meeting room.


    In unison, all the architects'' eyes followed Yulissa''s line of sight and fell on Avery.


    The nearby people began to whisper among themselves, not noticing Cayden''s gloomy and icy gaze.


    Thepany''s policy clearly stated that the attendees of architect seminars had to be at least an


    official architect in Trident Group. If she''s just an assistant architect, why is she here at this meeting?


    She could not havee here if no one had informed her. Thus, it is unlikely that she entered


    identally. So, does this imply that she and Mr. Moore have an uwful rtionship of some sort?


    Except for the JK Media article about the twins'' birth mother, the president has always been an honest


    and reserved man, and there has never been a problem. Could the woman in the newspaper refer to


    this young employee in the design department?


    Such were the thoughts running through everyone''s mind.


    Avery received multiple ambiguous looks as well as countless nces from those who were harboring


    various spections.


    Avery appeared fairly youthful and beautiful, with skin as fair as snow. She looked exceptionally


    gorgeous with her bright, clear eyes and softly arched brows. But at that moment, she had just been


    publicly criticized by Yulissa of the architectural design department and appeared to be extremely


    embarrassed.


    Avery could no longer stand it after being specifically targeted. She awkwardly avoided the eyes of the


    curious crowd.


    Yulissa was feeling a little smug of herself.


    She''s just riding on Mr. Moore''s coattails. I want to see if Mr. Moore will defend her in front of everyone.


    Yulissa honestly thought that what she said was the truth, which was why she dared to condemn Avery


    in front of others. Moreover, Yulissa knew that Cayden had always drawn a clear distinction between


    his private and public lives. Hence, she was confident that he would not speak up for a woman with no


    official title and who was essentially his secret lover.


    Cayden twirled a pen in his hand, a terrifyingly icy re shing in his dark, twinkling eyes.


    Yulissa inadvertently met Cayden''s frigid, hostile gaze. Her body shook with fear, and she frantically


    avoided his gaze.


    Will he deal with me now that I specifically criticized his lover, Avery?


    In that instant, Yulissa lost all her confidence and felt her heart racing wildly. However, Mr. Moore won''t


    be able to defend Avery openly when everyone is watching in the conference room. I want to see how


    she''ll get out of this predicament after being humiliated.


    Yulissa, however, did not take into ount Cayden''s intense protective instinct.


    His unfathomable dark eyes seemed as deep as the universe. One simply did not know what he was


    thinking.


    Cayden''s gaze fell on Avery, who was keeping her head lowered like an ostrich.


    Although she has exceptional talent when ites to design, she has no mental fortitude due to ack


    of work experience. However, my openly defending her this time won''t do her any favors as she will


    be the center of attention. Avery has to learn to grow professionally in the workce, as I can


    only support her temporarily and not forever.


    Cayden did not say anything, but his observant andpetent secretary understood when Cayden


    raised his right hand slightly at him.


    The secretary swiftly opened hisptop and pressed a few keys. Immediately, a spectacr


    architectural design drawing appeared on therge LCD mosaic wall of the conference room.


    All the architects in the room stared nkly at the architectural design slide, eyes wide in confusion.


    They did not understand what their unpredictable CEO was doing.

 Chapter 316

    Chapter 316


    Presented on the slides was a majestic skyscraper standing out from the background of a starden


    sky.


    The design was so oundish that it looked like a building out of a sci-fi movie.


    It exuded a mysterious yet modern vibe, whereas the repeating motifs of its surface relief would


    mesmerize anyone who saw it. More importantly, the building could move by spinning on its own axis.


    With ss as its exterior, the building would reflect the city''s skyline, resembling an exquisite piece of


    art.


    The presentation consequently ignited the passion in the architects'' hearts, causing them to sing its


    praises unreservedly.


    It wasn''t until Cayden knocked on the table that order was restored to the conference room.


    As Cayden pointed at the slide with his pen, his deep and alluring voice echoed in everyone''s ears.


    Faced with the buoyant crowd, he exined, ¡°I have personally designed this fantasy-like structure


    which reflects the future trend buildings are moving toward. Therefore, I would like to ask all of you


    here about its strengths and weaknesses. Who would like to be the first to share their thoughts?¡±


    Upon learning that their CEO was behind the design, the architects were filled with admiration.


    As one of the top ten architects in the world, Cayden never failed to impress with his works. However,


    he produced fewer designs in recent years due to his focus on running Trident Group.


    In spite of that, his extraordinary talent was still evident in the design he presented.


    At the same time, his words brought silence to the roomful of architects who, a moment ago, were


    discussing his design passionately.


    Even though they felt the urge to impress their boss, they were concerned about disgracing themselves


    in front of their colleagues by giving the wrong answer.


    For that reason, no one had the courage to be the first to speak up.


    ¡°Yulissa, since you''re the head of the architecture design department, you go first.¡± Cayden began


    calling out names without hesitation.


    As Yulissa timidly got to her feet, her mind simply drew a nk.


    The stares of her colleagues still caused her hair to stand on end despite her being an experienced


    staff.


    ¡°M-Mr. Moore, I feel that your work is a masterpiece. Normally, such a technologically advanced design


    can only be seen in sci-fi movies. However, your design has not only surpassed them but is also down


    to earth. The building''s main features are especially evident. Its towering three-dimensional shape and


    the countless connecting aisles inside are reminiscent of Gothic and futuristic architecture, forming a


    deep impression on anyone who sees it. In fact, the design looks so perfect to me that I can''t find any


    ws at all!¡±


    Although Yulissa was someone selfish, one couldn''t deny her in-depth knowledge of architecture.


    Without it, she wouldn''t have climbed to the position of department head.


    Even then, she couldn''t help but feel nervous when faced with so many exceptional architects and only


    came up with a response after thoroughly racking her brains.


    With regard to whether there were any ws, Yulissa couldn''t see any at all.


    Even if she did find one, she wasn''t going to point it out in front of everyone, especially since it was her


    boss'' work being discussed.


    She had barely finished answering when cold sweat began beading all over her forehead. Despite that,


    she didn''t dare wipe it away at all.


    Sneaking a nce at Cayden, she saw him sitting in his seat emotionlessly. His reaction, or theck of


    it, served to deepen her anxiety as she wondered if he disapproved of her answer.


    ¡°Avery, what do you think?¡± Cayden''s steady gaze shifted in Avery''s direction.


    Standing up hesitantly under everyone''s watchful eye, Avery was even more nervous than Yulissa.


    Nheless, when she saw the look of encouragement and trust in Cayden''s eyes, Avery''s pounding


    heart gradually calmed down.


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Staring at the design, she took her time to exin concisely, ¡°By utilizing digital, parametric, and MAD


    techniques, you managed to make your organic design look edgy. At the same time, by employing the


    principles of refraction, you transformed the ss on the exterior of the building into a giant mirror that


    captures the reflection of the bustling city, creating a visual feast. Consequently, when one stands


    inside the skyscraper, one can also admire a unique view of the city through the ss windows.


    ¡°Compared to other buildings that obstruct the view of nature, your design allows one an unblocked


    view of its entire surroundings from the inside. Secondly, your design uses plenty of malleable


    materials that are easy to cut and mold. Doing so allows you to significantly increase the building''s


    stability in the face of an earthquake. That''s also one of its advantages.


    ¡°That said, the skyscraper is just too tall. As the city''s skyline and a building''s height are closely rted,


    a building that''s exceptionally tall would stick out of its surroundings and create a visual breach of the


    horizon. Even though one might get an amazing view looking down from the top, looking up would


    instead generate a suffocating feeling. On top of that, the building''s perfect appearance is actually its


    biggest w because...¡±


    Once the discussion involved her expertise, Avery¡ªwho was in her element¡ªseemed to have turned


    into a different person.


    An indiscernible glint shed across her eyes as she shared her unique insight in a crisp and


    melodious voice. By demonstrating knowledge that exceeded that possessed by a top architect, Avery


    shocked the famous architects in the room, including Cayden.


    Although he had known that she was capable, she still surpassed all previous expectations he had of


    her.


    Charming the audience with her knowledge, Avery soon captivated everyone with her analysis. Every


    few moments, apuse would ring out in response to the points she presented.


    The turn of events inevitably filled the puzzled Yulissa with jealousy.


    Isn''t she just a newbie in the industry? The designs she produced before this weren''t particrly


    outstanding, so where did this sudden insighte from?


    Soon, her thoughts took an insidious turn.


    Did Mr. Moore show her the design and tell her about its ws beforehand? That''s the only exnation


    as to how she can answer so eloquently.


    Yulissa was certain her assumption was correct.


    After listening to Avery''s analysis, the architects present were all astounded by her.


    Nevertheless, admiration wasn''t the only emotion they felt as they disparaged her under their breath.


    In spite of her outstanding performance, she''s still new to her role. Mr. Moore has just stated that he


    had drawn the design himself, and yet, this girl openly criticizes his work. Even an experienced staff


    wouldn''t dare point it out so tantly. Instead, they would find an indirect way to do so, such as


    speaking of the weakness as if it was a strength.


    In the end, contrary to everyone''s expectations, Cayden broke into a smile after listening to Avery


    highlight the ws of his design.


    Given how handsome he already was, Cayden''s smile was akin to a spring breeze blowing across the


    surface of a turquoiseke, filling everyone with a gentle warmth.


    The male employees were all stupefied. Is this man who''s wearing a vibrant smile really our boss who


    looks solemn all the time?


    As for the female employees, they¡ªamidst their fluttering hearts¡ªswooned at the handsome Cayden.

 Chapter 317

    Chapter 317


    Thereafter, Cayden nodded in satisfaction. Just as expected, Avery didn''t let me down.


    His design might not have any obvious ws, but any knowledgeable architect could see that wasn''t


    the case. Although he could actually have fixed them given his skills, he decided to leave them there on


    purpose.


    Therefore, Avery was right when she pointed out that the design''s perfection was by itself a w.


    By exaggerating the use of natural elements in the design without limits, Cayden had caused it to lose


    all practicality. Based on current levels of human economic and technological development, turning the


    building into reality was nothing but a pipe dream.


    And thus, this was the second w that Avery had clearly pointed out.


    After pping a few times, Cayden remarked, ¡°The points raised by Ms. Rumpley are indeed the ws


    of my design which I left there on purpose. Every one of you should take a leaf out of her book. You


    have to always tell something as it is and not back down in fear just because I''m the CEO. Do you


    understand?¡±


    Briefly stunned, Avery quickly broke out into a smile.


    That''s the CEO of Trident Group for you. As a world-ss architect himself, no one would dare criticize


    him even if he was consumed by his ego. In addition, most geniuses are weird and intolerant of


    negativements. However, when someone pointed out a w in his design, not only was he not


    angered, but he also used the opportunity to encourage his subordinates to criticize him. It''s now clear


    to me that he hasn''t let his fame get to his head. No wonder he''s admired by so many!


    ¡°I didn''t expect you to have something like that hidden up your sleeve. I''m sure Mr. Moore must have


    leaked the design to you prior to the meeting,¡± Yulissa whispered in Avery''s ear, her tone filled with both


    envy and jealousy. ¡°All this while, Mr. Moore has rarely praised anyone. Now that he hasplimented


    you, and in front of so many people at that, I''m sure you must be relishing in your glory. Avery, how


    much time have you spent in his bed?¡±


    Avery ignored Yulissa''s snarkyments, for she knew that the more attention she gave thetter, the


    harder Yulissa would cling to her.


    By not entertaining Yulissa, Avery would prevent the former from gaining any satisfaction from the


    provocations.


    Just as expected, even though Avery''s cold shoulder outraged Yulissa, she could only stare daggers at


    the former on ount of Cayden''s presence.


    ¡°Avery, from today onward, you are officially promoted to the position of an architect,¡± Cayden dered


    in a steady tone.


    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Moore. I''ll definitely do my best!¡± she replied confidently, ted over her promotion.


    This is wonderful. All the effort I have put in has finally been rewarded!


    Staring intently at Avery, Cayden instructed, ¡°We''ll be working on a new construction project together


    with Vivi Group. You, Trevor, and Cecelia will be in charge of it.¡±


    The arrangement came as a shock to everyone.


    Vivi Group was a huge multinationalpany in which Trident Group had a twenty-five percent stake.


    Being both partners andpetitors at the same time, the rtionship between the twopanies


    was a little strange. As for the project in question, it was massive in scale as it involved the


    development of a historical city into a tourism center.


    Thereafter, Cecelia and Trevor nodded at Avery to express their acknowledgment.


    Although they were aware of Avery''s limitless potential after being colleagues for a long time, they were


    still astounded by her earlier performance.


    As the good-natured Avery was both humble and meticulous, many of her colleagues enjoyed working


    with her.


    However, those who werepetitive or jealous of her¡ªsuch as Yulissa¡ªdidn''t share that sentiment.


    When she heard Cayden hand over the responsibility for the Vivi Group project to Avery, Cecelia, and


    Trevor, her rage almost caused her to burst a vessel.


    It''s fine for Trevor and Cecelia to manage the project, but how is a newbie like Avery qualified? Also,


    where does this put me as the department head?


    Suppressing the anger within her, Yulissa protested, ¡°Mr. Moore, since Avery is still new and


    inexperienced, I don''t think she''s capable of taking on such a heavy responsibility. Instead, I feel that I


    ¡ª¡±


    Cayden''s stern gaze fell upon Yulissa. ¡°Are you questioning my decision?¡±


    The piercing look in his eyes caused Yulissa''s knees to buckle, and she nearly lost her bnce.


    It was then that she realized the idiocy of her action¡ªshe had actually challenged the CEO''s authority.


    She knew very well that once a decision was made, Cayden would never change his mind unless there


    was a conflict with his principles. Consequently, Yulissa, who wasn''t a fool, was cognizant that now was


    a bad time to anger him further.


    Frowning in resignation, she replied meekly, ¡°No, Mr. Moore. Given that Avery has a good foundation in


    design, this will be a wonderful opportunity for her to train with the team.¡±


    Meanwhile, the rest of the architects shot Avery aplex look.


    All of them had started out as lowly assistants before climbing to their current position, shedding blood


    and tears throughout their entire journey.


    Due to Trident Group''s strict criteria for vertical mobility, one needed at least a year to progress from an


    assistant to an architect.


    Therefore, it came as a surprise when Avery made the transition within a few months. Furthermore, she


    even assumed responsibility for a huge project together with other manager-level architects.


    They could not believe how lucky she was!


    Avery sighed to herself. Although others might be envious of her extraordinary luck, she felt as if she


    had just had a hot potato thrust upon her.


    At the same time, she wondered why Cayden was willing to let a new employee assume such an


    important role.


    This clearly is one that should be taken on by a department manager.


    In a mansion on the outskirts of the city, a luxury car gradually came to a halt at the main gate.


    Thereafter, a middle-aged couple emerged from it.


    The man had sharp features and a distinguished air around him. Even though he was dressed casually,


    it failed to diminish the authoritative aura he exuded.


    As for the woman, her beauty hid her age well. As she carried herself with elegant poise, she gave off a


    mncholic vibe that elicited sympathy from anyone who saw her.


    They were none other than William and his wife, ire. They had arrived at the old mansion to visit his


    father, George Lambert.


    Once George had retired, he returned to his old home, which was showing its age.


    Cognizant of the mansion''s condition, William had suggested to his father to rebuild it. He figured that a


    new home would be morefortable and naturally cheer thetter up.


    The moment the couple stepped in; a heartyugh echoed throughout the house. Given how resonant


    theughter sounded, they had no doubt it came from George.


    ¡°Dad, you seem to be in high spirits. What happened?¡± the curious William asked as he helped his wife


    into the house.


    His father had maintained a stern demeanor throughout his entire life. After working for years as a


    government official, one could no longer tell when he was happy or feeling otherwise. Consequently, to


    hear his heartyughter was indeed an extremely rare event.


    ¡°You''re finally back to visit us. Your dad and I have beenining about you every day.¡± A


    distinguished-looking olddy came forward to receive them, her face brimming with joy.


    At the sight of his son and daughter-inw, George delightfully handed William the blueprint he was


    holding. ¡°Look, I finally found an architect I like. Whoever it is, they are really talented to have fulfilled


    all my requirements!¡± All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 318

    Chapter 318


    After taking the blueprint from his father''s hands, William was blown away by how magnificent the


    design was.


    When he saw the name ¡°Avery Rumpley¡± printed on the document, William suggested, ¡°Dad, I''m d


    that you like the design. Once the building has beenpleted, why don''t we get this Avery to take on


    the interior design too?¡±


    ¡°Mmm-hmm. After going through many architects previously, none were up to my standard until I saw


    this boy''s work.¡± George''s face glowed on ount of his delight.


    Looking on at his father''s reaction with amusement, William added, ¡°Dad, the name Avery is gender-


    neutral. For all we know, this architect is a female.¡±


    George''s eyes widened as he red at his son. ¡°Avery sounds like a boy''s name to me.¡±


    Amidst the father and son''s argument, ire gently interrupted, ¡°Dad, wouldn''t you know their gender


    once you invite Avery over?¡±


    ire, too, was of the opinion that the architect was a girl, for only a female was capable of producing


    such an exquisitely romantic design.


    Avery Rumpley.


    As iremitted the name to memory, an inexplicable wave of bitter and painful emotions suddenly


    flooded into her.


    ¡°Didn''t Nickiee along with you?¡± Fiona asked as she held ire''s hand.


    Fiona was fond of her pretty granddaughter Nicole, who was not only sensible but also had a congenial


    personality.


    ire exined, ¡°Mom, Nickie wasn''t able to make it as she''s been swamped with work recently. I''ll get


    her to visit you and Dad once she has the time.¡±


    George suddenly looked upset. ¡°When is Nickie nning to leave the entertainment industry? How can


    she keep appearing in public all the time? What a disgrace to the Lambert family!¡±


    All this while, George was never fond of Nicole.


    Even though she looked obedient when she was first adopted, the reality was anything but that.


    Due to his years of experience, George had a good eye for people, and he could tell that she was a


    crafty one from the very beginning.


    Unfortunately, there was little he could do when ire and William insisted on going through with the


    adoption.


    Over the years, George didn''t get to see Nicole often as all of them weren''t living under the same roof.


    It was only during the holidays that the trio would visit. As a result, George ended up with ambivalent


    feelings toward his granddaughter.


    Nheless, it never crossed his mind that she would join the entertainment industry when she grew


    up.


    Even an innocent girl would be corrupted once she spent enough time in the industry.


    Despite their publicly morous lives, no one knew how sleazy it was behind closed doors.


    Consequently, it was hard for someone as stubborn and conservative as George to ept Nicole''s


    career as an actress. The fact that the Lamberts had been respectable government officials for


    generations simply made matters worse.


    That was the reason why every time Nicole came to visit and tried her best to bond with her


    grandfather, George''s response would always be devoid of warmth.


    Upon hearing George''sment, ire could only lower her head in silence because she knew that


    defending Nicole would only incur the former''s wrath.


    Back in the day, she was talent scouted and invited to join the entertainment industry. Unfortunately,


    George''s vehement objections forced her to give up her dreams and go into business instead.


    Despite the sess she achieved in the corporate world, she¡ªdeep down¡ªstill rued the missed


    opportunity. Therefore, when she learned of Nicole''s decision to be an actress, ire expressed


    her unconditional support without hesitation.


    ¡°Dad, after some time, I''ll arrange for Nickie to be married. By then, she won''t have such a public life


    anymore,¡± William reassured his father.


    George replied, ¡°I hope that''s the case!¡±


    ¡°All right now, George, keep that attitude of yours in check. It''s not every day our son and daughter-in-


    lawe by for a visit.¡± After giving George a look, Fiona remarked, ¡°I''m going to prepare lunch.


    ire,e with me.¡±


    Nodding in acknowledgment, ire followed Fiona into the kitchen.


    After lunch, William and his father headed to the study to talk, whereas ire and Fiona settled down


    on the couch to chat.


    On the walls of the house hung a huge picture frame that contained a collection of old photos.


    In one of its corners, ire noticed an old group picture.


    Amidst a festive backdrop, George and Fiona were sitting in front with gentle expressions on their faces


    while the pregnant ire stood behind them together with her husband. With her right hand stroking


    her baby bump, she was leaning into William''s embrace and wearing a sweet smile on her face.


    ¡°ire, are you looking at old pictures again?¡±


    Fiona saw her daughter-inw staring at the old photo. Thetter was running her fingers over her


    pregnant self with a sad look in her eyes.


    Patting ire''s hand sympathetically, Fiona consoled her, ¡°A long time has passed since then. It''s time


    to let go and ept that the child isn''t fated to be with our family. If William''s injury hadn''t rendered him


    impotent, both of you wouldn''t... Anyway, Nickie has now grown into a sensible and filialdy. Going


    forward, you still have someone to rely on.¡±


    Neither George nor Fiona was aware of the real reason why ire never bore a child again. It was


    actually caused by thetter losing too much blood during childbirth and bing barren.


    William, worried that his parents would make ire''s life difficult if they knew the truth, decided to hide


    it from them. He feared that in their resentment, they would pressure him into divorcing her. That was


    not something he wanted as he loved her too much. Hence, he med the matter on himself, saying


    that he had an injury that caused his sperm to have a low survival rate.


    As George and his wife suspected nothing, it never urred to them that the issuey with ire.


    After all, ire did get pregnant once and was simply unfortunate enough to have lost the baby.


    Despite the sad incident, it was enough to prove that she was fertile.


    Since the couple never had any children in the years after, it cemented the idea that William was the


    source of the problem.


    Besides that, George and his wife very much approved of ire, who was not only gentle and capable


    but also had a kind soul. More importantly, she was still loyal to William despite his inability to get her


    pregnant.


    Staring at her pregnant self in the picture, ire felt tears streaming down her cheeks as thoughts of


    her dead child shed across her mind.


    She then gave Fiona a guilty look. This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    To her, being unable to bear a child for her husband was the biggest regret of her life.


    Furthermore, her husband¡ªin an attempt to protect her¡ªhad lied to his parents for many years.


    If they knew the truth, they would definitely be very disappointed in me.


    ire continued to ponder upon the matter. If my poor child was still alive, she would be twenty-four


    this year. I wonder if she has gotten married and started a family.

 Chapter 319

    Chapter 319


    It was eleven o'' clock on a Monday morning.


    Avery had never expected to receive a call from Dn himself, asking her to wait for him in front of City


    Hall so they could file their divorce.


    She was initially taken aback.


    I thought I''d have to go through hell just to end our marriage or that he''d insist on a toughwsuit. Who


    knew he''d decide on this so easily?


    Despite clearly knowing that she would invite more criticism by applying for more leave¡ªdue to having


    already taken so many days off in the past¡ªthe woman ultimately endured her department head''s


    re and requested another day off. She was just so desperate to leave her marriage at this point.


    Then, she hastily made her way over to City Hall.


    Avery stood by the roadside and nced at her phone anxiously. He''s still not here yet. Is he backing


    out at thest minute?


    Yet, she spotted Dn''s silhouetteing her way just as she was about to give him a call.


    The man looked dashing as usual, his eyes exuding a radiant glow as always. The sight of him making


    countless women turn their heads to look at him and smile bashfully as he walked past made Avery


    shake her head in defeat.


    These girls obviously have no idea what he''s capable of behind those charming looks. He''s the


    epitome of a wolf in sheep''s clothing.


    The more Dn neared her, the colder Avery felt.


    Her limbs stiffened as a tense feeling spread through her.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    Perhaps whatever happened that night was far too traumatizing and humiliating for her as she could


    never forget how he had nearly vited her back then.


    Dn stared at Avery in a daze.


    She looked as gorgeous as always, but today, the chilly weather had resulted in a thinyer of frost on


    her long eyshes, making them look like butterflies fluttering their wings whenever she batted them.


    Dn had thought he should give up on the woman who had absolutely no feelings for him, but his


    heart couldn''t help but beat faster as he saw her like this.


    He even began to tell himself, If she treats me just a little better or pays me more attention, I would


    never let go of her even if Cayden puts me behind bars again! I''d dly fight to the death with him over


    her!


    Yet, the woman''s words immediately shattered his calm. ¡°Now that you''re here, let''s get this over with.¡±


    Dn kept his eyes glued on her, not wanting to look away.


    He grabbed her by the arm, unable to conceal the rage in his voice. ¡°Do you want to leave me that


    badly, Avery? Are you that looking forward to throwing yourself into Cayden''s arms?¡±


    ¡°What are you trying to do in public, Dn?¡± Avery jumped in surprise at his sudden outburst.


    She tried to shake him off, only to be held more tightly and pulled into his embrace.


    ¡°Don''t do this, Dn!¡± she murmured while trying to shove him away. ¡°I told you we''re not meant for


    each other. You''ll definitely find someone else whom you can get along with better.¡±


    Dn''s lips thinned as his expression clouded over.


    He despised the words ¡°not meant for each other¡± so much and was on the verge of cussing.


    He caressed her tender face with his cold fingers. She looked so pure and sweet, but the repulsed


    expression on her face filled him with despair.


    The man thought he had done so much for her, even going against his own parents and family for her


    sake. He believed she was as cold as ice, and it was his onus to make her warm up to him.


    Little did he realize that this woman''s heart was colder than a cier.


    Avery balled her hands into fists and stomped on Dn''s foot with the back of her high heel. ¡°I''m


    leaving you no matter what, Dn. If you refuse to get it done today, you can go home and wait for my


    lawyer''s letter, but I believe none of us would benefit from a falling out like that!¡±


    Avery was firm in her decision to get a divorce.


    She had to end this miserable rtionship no matter what it took. Being forced to stay with him was


    nothing but torture. Her words stabbed into Dn''s heart like a knife.


    Gazing at the determined look on her face, he suddenly let go of her. ¡°Okay. Let''s go.¡±


    She feels nothing for me, so forcing her to stay will only make her hate me more. Why bother?


    The man strode into the building, looking utterly deste.


    Avery froze for a second before following him quickly.


    There were more couples filing for divorce than those registering their marriage here at City Hall.


    Standing in line before Avery and Dn were three other couples.


    The first in line was a middle-aged pair, where the man was short and stout. He looked far from


    attractive. The woman next to him wasnky and had a frown on her face. Although she looked to be


    only in her forties, she already had a head full of grey hair.


    Acting as their mediators, the two staff members asked them why they wanted to divorce each other.


    The short man mmed a hand on the desk in response. ¡°Why the h*ll do you care? If I want a divorce,


    I''m getting one! I''m tired of looking at this hideous b*tch all day! Look at the way she dresses; it''s


    embarrassing!¡± he snapped. ¡°Everything would''ve been fine if she''d just stayed home and watched the


    house, but she keeps poking her nose into every event I attend! Why should I still keep someone like


    her around?¡±


    The woman''s tears began to flow down her cheeks as her husband insulted her in front of all these


    people.


    ¡°How heartless could you be, Harold?¡± she yelled while pointing at him. ¡°You were just a nobody all


    those years ago and couldn''t even afford a fancy meal, but I still chose to marry you! And now, you''ve


    been going around chasing other women? You even brought a hooker home with you! I must be blind


    to have fallen for a scumbag like you!¡±


    Unable to tolerate her retaliation, the man flew into a rage and began to p her multiple times.


    The woman fell to the floor in a heap and burst into tears, but that didn''t stop her from screaming at


    him.


    Chaos broke out as everyone''s gaze fell on the couple.


    Even Avery couldn''t help but sigh.


    In today''s marriages, women¡ªespecially middle-aged ones¡ªwere always at a disadvantage.


    Without a career of her own and having to dedicate her entire life to her husband and children, a


    woman like that might end up unable to care for herself and eventually lose her sparkle. As time


    passed, the man might grow weary of her, leading to unhappiness in their marriage¡ªjust like this


    couple who had now turned against one anotherpletely.


    Seeing that, Avery swore to herself that she would never give up her career even if she were to end up


    with Cayden.

 Chapter 320

    Chapter 320


    The second couple to file for divorce was a young pair, both of whom looked to be in their early


    twenties.


    The man wasn''t bad-looking, although he stood out among the crowd due to his blond hair. The gold


    chain on his neck made him all the more shy, and he had a pair of ripped jeans on.


    He had both hands in his pockets and a lecherous gleam in his eyes.


    The youngdy next to him had the face of an influencer. She wore colored contact lenses that made


    her eyes pop to a slightly frightening degree. Moreover, it was clear that she had undergone surgical


    procedures judging from her unusually sharp chin. She also had a face full of thick makeup and a


    cigarette between her fingers, making her look distinctly unapproachable and mature for her age.


    ¡°Reason for divorce?¡± the female staff inquired before furrowing her brows. ¡°Smoking is prohibited


    inside this building. Please head outside if you want to smoke.¡±


    ¡°Well, f*ck you, you nosy b*tch! It''s not like my smoking affects your work, so cut the bullsh*t and file


    my divorce already!¡± While the influencer looked rather demure, the words that came flying out of her


    mouth ruined her image in an instant.


    The female staff turned red in fury at her words.


    Just as she was about to lose her temper, her male coworker tugged on her shirt, reminding her not to


    get worked up. They were bound to meet all kinds of people in this line, after all.


    Thus, the female staff withheld her anger and continued, ¡°Why do you want to divorce each other? Do


    you not wish to sort things out beforehand?¡±


    The influencer scoffed as she red at the young man next to her. ¡°Sort things out? Like I''d do that


    when this dumb f*ck''s been going around sleeping with different girls each day! D*mn, I would''ve never


    known what a manwh*re he is if I hadn''t checked his phone! I''m not about to spend another second


    with a guy who might have caught some kind of disease from all that screwing around.¡±


    Not allowing himself to be outdone, the blond man pped back while pointing a finger at her. ¡°You


    must be quite shameless to talk about me like that when you''ve been wh*ring around just as much too,


    but on a different app! If you had no qualms about sharing your sl*tty pictures there, you may as well go


    all the way and strip yourself naked! But you know what disgusts me the most? It''s when I was out


    making a food delivery to a hotel and saw you checking in with an old, fat baldy! God, I want to rip you


    apart. Let''s just get this over with. I''m done ying with you, so you can go prostitute yourself all you


    want now!¡±


    The two attacked each other verbally like children at a yground.


    It wasn''t long until the fight turned physical, and they began to throw punches and kicks at one another.


    Avery finally realized what true vulgarity was.


    City Hall''s divorce department is a scary ce.


    Allie''s insults were nothingpared to this young couple''s altercation.


    After finalizing her divorce, the influencer turned and walked out in a huff, not even sparing her now-


    former-husband a nce.


    Meanwhile, the young man spotted Avery in the queue as he was about to leave.


    Seeing how stunning she looked, he disregarded Dn''s presence and ogled at her, not forgetting to


    wolf-whistle in appreciation.


    Dn was already in a foul mood from being forced to divorce Avery, and now that she was getting


    harassed, he finally had an opportunity to unleash his wrath.


    He stepped forward and grabbed the young man by the cor. ¡°Who did you just catcall, huh?¡± he


    asked with bloodshot eyes.


    ¡°I...¡± Thetter was so intimidated by Dn''s looming presence that he found himself unable to speak.


    ¡°Are you blind? Don''t you see me standing right next to my wife? You sure have some nerve to whistle


    at her like that,¡± Dn continued, his tone taking a dangerous turn toward the end as he lifted the


    young man off the ground.


    The blondd was close to tears as he struggled relentlessly in Dn''s grasp.


    Every couple standing here is obviously waiting to get a divorce, so there shouldn''t be any love


    between them anymore, right? Most of them probably can''t even wait to kill each other!


    He had decided to catcall Avery because of how innocent she looked, only for her husband to still


    defend her even as they were about to divorce each other.


    ¡°I''m sorry, Sir. I didn''t know she was your girl! I won''t do it again,¡± the young man begged while


    trembling with fear.


    Dn finally tossed him to the ground. ¡°Get lost!¡±


    The blonde dashed out of City Hall the moment he was released.


    Then, it was finally Avery and Dn''s turn.


    The staff members nced at them, noting how good-looking and poised the couple seated before


    them looked.


    They look like the perfect couple! Why do they want to leave each other?


    They began to ask for the reason behind the divorce.


    ¡°Are you sure about this?¡± the female employee added, feeling it was such a shame that the ideal-


    looking pair wanted to call it quits. ¡°It''s normal for couples to fight from time to time, you know? But at


    the end of the day, there''s no issue that can''t be solved as long as you don''t let the sun go down on


    your anger. You both look so perfect for each other; God knows how many other couples out there wish


    they could be like you! Why do you want a divorce?¡±


    ¡°There''s just no love between us,¡± Avery exined frankly. ¡°Besides, our marriage wasn''t exactly


    voluntary in the first ce, so I don''t wish to stay with him any longer. Also...¡±


    She paused briefly before getting up to lean into the female staff''s ear. ¡°He may look like a gentleman,


    but don''t judge a book by its cover. Not only is he impotent, but he''s also severely abusive,¡± she


    whispered.


    Thetter woman turned to Dn in horror.


    She was initially charmed by his outer appearance, but now, all she felt for him was contempt.


    I can''t believe it. He looks like a prince, but it turns out he''s useless in bed and abusive! It''s no wonder


    she wants to leave him. There''s no way such a lovely youngdy like her could ever put up with his


    violence. He deserves to be alone!


    Dn felt ufortable from the way the woman stared at him as though he were a deviant.


    Godd*mmit, what''s with that look? What the h*ll did Avery tell her?


    He had a feeling it was definitely not something nice.


    All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    All the doubt the female staff felt went out the window in an instant. Perhaps it was because Avery''s


    innocent-looking face appeared too believable, or maybe the former was just partial toward her


    because they were both women.


    In any case, she approved of the divorce immediately after hearing what Avery had muttered to her.


    Now that the divorce had been finalized, Avery felt as though a huge rock had been lifted off her


    shoulders.


    She beamed like a toddler while holding onto the divorce certificate, whereas the sullen look on Dn''s


    face contrasted the woman''s demeanorpletely.

 Chapter 321

    Chapter 321


    Outside City Hall, Dn locked his gaze on Avery''s fair and delicate face, as if he wanted to carve her


    features into the depths of his mind.


    Her white scarf had been expertly wrapped into a lovely shape, and her ck hair was pulled back into


    a bun. With her face bare of any foundation and only a thinyer of cherry pink lipstick applied to her


    lips, she appeared charming and endearing.


    She was so happy at that moment that her eyes were especially glistening.


    What should I do? I really don''t want to let her go.


    ¡°Avery, I''m aware that I used deceptive ways to get us married. However, will you agree to be with me if


    I make a change for the better and pursue you?¡± Dn asked out of the blue.


    ¡°What?¡± Avery, who was immersed in the joy of divorce, looked up at him. She had missed what he had


    just said.


    Dn''s tall figure loomed over her. ¡°I asked for another chance to pursue you. Would you be willing to


    ept me?¡±


    He looked at her expectantly.


    His heart was pounding, even though he already knew the answer.


    ¡°That''s impossible,¡± stated Avery firmly. She did not even bother giving it a moment of thought.


    In an instant, a myriad of emotions surged through Dn, but he suppressed them. Pressing his lips


    together, he uttered, ¡°Avery, I''m serious. I''m not going to use any heinous means to get you again. I''m


    willing to do anything as long as you forgive me.¡±


    ¡°I''ve made it clear that it''s impossible. Dn, we have nothing to do with each other anymore. Please


    stop bothering me. Otherwise, don''t me me for being brutal!¡± warned Avery coldly.


    The next moment, she waved her hand and hailed an empty taxi. She immediately opened the door


    and hopped in.


    The taxi drove away, leaving only the horrible smell of exhaust behind.


    Dn''s heart clenched as he watched her leave. Suddenly, heughed self-deprecatingly.


    Avery must truly despise me since she didn''t even look me in the eyes when she left.


    Avery directed the taxi straight to thepany.


    She wished to personally inform Cayden of the good news of her divorce.


    Perhaps they did have a telepathic connection, for the moment she entered thepany and arrived at


    the elevator, she received a call from Cayden asking her to go to the CEO''s office.


    Cayden was attentively reviewing documents when Avery entered the office. He did not seem to notice


    her arrival.


    She walked up behind him softly, covered his eyes, and asked mischievously like a little girl, ¡°Hey,


    guess who I am?¡±


    ¡°Hmm... Let me make a guess. Who was it that broke into my office? Tsk. These hands are so tender


    and soft, so they must belong to an extremely sexy seductress.¡± Cayden''srge hand roamed across


    her body, even squeezing her ample bosom several times. Consequently, her face reddened in


    embarrassment.


    Avery could not help but loosen her hands that were covering his eyes.


    This man is so naughty! Who would have guessed that this charming man, who appears aloof and


    abstinent on the outside, was actually a pervert on the inside?


    Cayden pulled Avery into his embrace and kissed her passionately.


    ¡°Mmm...¡± Like a restless bird, Avery iled about in his arms.


    She nced nervously at the door, fearful that someone would walk in unexpectedly.


    It was the CEO''s office, and someone could walk in at any time to report work. How could she possibly


    survive in thepany if they witnessed such an unsightly scene?


    ¡°Don''t worry. Nobody would dare to enter without my permission.¡± Cayden looked at the beautiful


    woman in his arms and teased, ¡°Ery, we haven''t seen each other for a long time. Do you miss me?¡±


    Avery was bereft of speech.


    Is he kidding me? Who said we hadn''t seen each other in a long time? Then who was the beast who


    tormented mest night?


    Avery gave Cayden a flirtatious re, but her breath was stolen away in the next moment by his


    intense kiss. As a result, her tiny, delicate face flushed a bright red.


    A strand of slightly curly hair was stuck to Avery''s neck. Cayden gently tucked the errant strand of hair


    behind her ear before wrapping his arms tightly around her.


    Leaning over, he pressed his sexy, thin lips onto her cheek.


    Compared to those women whose faces were covered in makeup every day, hers was different. Her


    skin was as soft and smooth as a newly peeled egg. It felt wonderful.


    Cayden ced hisrge palm behind Avery''s head, turning her face toward him.


    He then kissed her lovely brows and worked his way down until he reached her lips.


    She lost track of everything around her because of how soft and indulgent his kisses were. She even


    forgot to inform him that she had sessfully divorced.


    The temperature in the office began to rise.


    After a few tender kisses, Cayden was no longer satisfied with just that.


    He slowly inched his hands under her clothing.


    Avery shivered from the coldness of the man''s fingers.


    Cayden''s palm pressed firmly against Avery''s slim waist. She finally realized what he wanted to do just


    as he was about to undress her.


    Hurriedly grabbing his hand, she stated, ¡°Cayden, stop messing around. We''re in thepany.¡±


    Immediately, Cayden locked the office door with voice control. ¡°It''s okay. I''ve locked the door. No one


    can get in now.¡±


    However, Avery felt it was inappropriate.


    She believed that the office should be used only for work purposes and not for that.


    The thought of her openly having an ¡°affair¡± with Cayden in the office made her feel so ashamed.


    Besides, she was not that bold.


    All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    Avery gripped her jacket tightly and refused to let go. When Cayden saw how resistant she was, he


    chuckled softly.


    His voice was hoarse because of lust. ¡°We''ve done it so many times already, so why are you still so


    shy?¡±


    With that, he pushed up Avery''s blouse and ran his rough palms over her smooth skin.


    ¡°Cayden, I have some fantastic news to share with you. Dn and I have finally divorced.¡± Avery


    locked her gaze on Cayden, desperately trying toe up with a n.


    In order to stop his actions, she chose that moment to speak, hoping to divert his attention.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Cayden gave a ratherckluster response.


    He had already forced Dn into that precarious predicament. Dn would have known what to do if


    he retained some intelligence andmon sense.


    Avery was dumbfounded.


    Why is he soposed after learning of my divorce? Shouldn''t he be as thrilled as I am?

 Chapter 322

    Chapter 322


    ¡°I''ve long anticipated such an oue. If Dn refuses to divorce you, not only will his family be


    bankrupt, but he''ll also face imprisonment.¡± Cayden looked at Avery tenderly and kissed her pretty


    nose lightly.


    ¡°Face imprisonment? What''s that all about?¡± Confusion could be seen in Avery''s dark eyes.


    She was unaware that Cayden had collected a lot of evidence of Dn''s uwful acts topel him to


    get the divorce.


    Naturally, Cayden had no intention of telling her as he believed that all she needed was to be happy at


    his side.


    All tribtions and hardships shall be mine to bear alone.


    His dark eyes seemed to have cast a spell on Avery, making her heart flutter uncontrobly, and she


    could not help but cover his eyes.


    This man is truly a menace. His stare alone can cause butterflies in my stomach.


    Cayden dragged her hand away from his eyes and drew his incredibly handsome face closer to her.


    ¡°What are you acting all shy for, hmm?¡±


    Avery''s throat felt dry as she stared at his perfect features and his ambiguous smile that was filled with


    enticing mystery.


    Before she could react, Cayden had already picked her up and moved toward the lounge suite further


    inside the office.


    Despite being the CEO''s office, it was equipped with a living room, bedroom, bathroom, study, and


    several additional spacious entertainment suites, all tailored just for Cayden''s temporary leisure.


    The interior design was very stylish and unique.


    Furthermore, the space was well furnished with various appliances and furniture, evening close to


    resembling a small opulent mansion.


    Avery could only watch as Cayden carried her into the bedroom and locked the door.


    The man was like a starving wolf, undressing her at record speed with his dark eyes glinting.


    Startled, Avery lifted the quilt and was about to hide her naked body inside when Cayden stopped her


    and pinned her down.


    His voice carried a flirtatious tone as he leaned close to her ear. ¡°Don''t be afraid. I will be gentle...¡±


    Avery''s ears and neck turned bright red.


    Last night, he clearly said that he would be gentle, but he couldn''t control his strength at allter on.


    Aside from the intense pain, I even felt as though my body was on the verge of breaking apart.


    Because of that, she was unconvinced by his words.


    Cayden leaned toward her and trailed butterfly kisses down her neck and across her jaw.


    All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    His husky voice was dripping with seductiveness. ¡°It won''t hurt this time. I promise...¡±


    An intimate encounter began to unfold.


    Avery fell deeper and deeper into his tender embrace while Cayden was mesmerized by every


    sensuous move she made.


    They were so deeply entangled with one another in their intense passion that even the atmosphere


    turned exceptionally gentle.


    The two swiftly changed back into their well-groomed attires following their steamy session.


    Cayden gave her a gentle hug, his thin lips caressing her earlobe. ¡°Attend a banquet with me tonight,


    Ery.¡±


    Since he was determined to bring her into his world, he wanted to slowly expose her to others.


    Since I''ve made my choice, I''ll show her off instead of hiding her in the dark.


    However, Avery was a little hesitant. ¡°But, I''ve never attended that kind of banquet before. I''m scared


    that I''ll...¡±


    Deep down, she was still a little timid.


    There will undoubtedly be many wealthy and well-known people at the banquet Cayden is attending.


    I''ve never attended an event like this, so I''m worried that if I go, I''ll make him look bad.


    ¡°It''s fine. You have me, so you need not be afraid. Since I''ve chosen you, I must show you off in front of


    everyone.¡±


    Cayden handed her a gold card. ¡°Take this card. After work, have Cecelia apany you to the mall


    to buy some evening gowns.¡±


    ¡°There''s no need for that. I hardly ever use the ck card you gave me previously. It''s still in my bag,


    so I can just use it if I buy clothes. I''ll head back to work now.¡± Avery could not bring herself to ept


    another one of his cards.


    Even though I work and receive a sry, I''ll still feel a little strange if I constantly swipe his card.


    At her persistence, Cayden lightly tapped her on the nose. ¡°Why are you so courteous toward me?


    You''ll eventually be my wife, silly.¡±


    Avery''s cheeks turned pink. She straightened her attire and fled back to the design department.


    While working, Avery thought of Cayden''s tenderness and thoughtfulness in bed earlier. She broke into


    a small smile and could not help but chuckle.


    Cecelia noticed the contented expression on her face and subtly nudged her. ¡°Earth to Avery. Come


    back to reality. Why are you looking so dreamy in this bleak winter?¡±


    The nudge snapped Avery back to her senses. ¡°What nonsense are you spouting?¡± she grumbled, her


    face slightly flushed.


    Cecelia smirked. ¡°Trying to argue back, huh?¡±


    Avery threw a pen in front of the other woman and deliberately said fiercely, ¡°Get back to your design


    drawing.¡±


    After getting off work, the employees of Trident Group left thepany one after another.


    As Avery was attending a banquet that evening and had difficulty choosing on her own, she invited


    Cecelia to go dress shopping with her.


    Since thetter understood fashion more than she did, she wanted to get her opinion.


    Cecelia had nothing to do after getting off work, so she readily agreed.


    That evening, she drove Avery to thergest shopping mall in Ackleton. They had just finished parking


    the car when they noticed Dn''s car parked to the side.


    He was leaning against the car door with a young and beautiful short-haired girl beside him, holding his


    arm affectionately.


    The girl appeared to be in her early twenties and dressed chicly. In addition to a variety of other


    sparkling diamond jewelry on her ears, she also had a diamond stud on her nose. However, she had a


    spoilt, haughty air about her.


    Cecelia naturally spotted them as well. She patted Avery and said tactfully, ¡°Why don''t you guys have a


    chat? I''ll wait for you at the entrance of the mall.¡±


    Dn quickly shook off the short-haired girl''s arm and anxiously exined to Avery, clearly not


    expecting to run into her there, ¡°She''s my cousin. She just came back from studying abroad...¡±


    ¡°What a coincidence. I wasn''t expecting to meet you here. Your cousin is beautiful,¡± Avery said


    sincerely with a subtle nod.


    Dn was stunned for a moment.


    He could see that when Avery noticed other women standing next to him, there was no resentment or


    unease in her eyes¡ªonly genuine admiration.


    Moreover, from the distant tone in her voice, she seemed to have already regarded him as a stranger.


    There was only indifference in her gaze, which left a bitter feeling in his heart.


    ¡°Avery...¡± Just as Dn was contemting saying something else, the short-haired girl suddenly


    approached Avery, lifted her scarf, and shouted exaggeratedly and enviously, ¡°Wow! This is a Hermes


    cashmere scarf! One of these costs hundreds of thousands. I can''t even get one in foreign luxury


    stores, so I can''t believe you managed to buy one. This can''t be a knockoff, right?¡±


    Cecelia smirked. ¡°Trying to argue back, huh?¡±


    Avery threw a pen in front of the other woman and deliberately said fiercely, ¡°Get back to your design


    drawing.¡±

 Chapter 323

    Chapter 323


    ¡°This isn''t the real deal. I bought a knockoff.¡± Avery took a few steps back. She did not like to get too


    close to strangers.


    She also did not expect that her scarf was from a luxury brand.


    Cayden gave me a scarf back then because he was concerned that I''d be cold. Due to its lightweight


    and warm material, I epted it so that I would no longer have to fear the icy cold breeze with it


    wrapped around my neck. I would never have epted it if I''d known how pricey it was.


    Dn''s cousin pursed her lips with disdain and remarked with a slight pout, ¡°I thought so too. After all,


    look at all the cheap clothing you''re wearing. How could you have afforded the real thing? In the


    fashion world, Hermes scarves are right at the top. Even a regr customer like me who has been in


    luxury stores all year round can''t buy it, let alone a pauper like you.¡±


    ¡°Watch your words, Maria!¡± Dn''s expression turned cold, and his tone became extremely stern.


    The short-haired girl immediately fell silent awkwardly but grumbled, ¡°Hmph! You horrid cousin. I can''t


    believe you dare to bully me. When I get home, I''ll definitely tell Uncle Toby and Aunt Talia.¡±


    Dn ignored her and stared intently at Avery with a conflicted expression instead.


    When Maria lifted Avery''s scarf earlier, he clearly saw a dark hickey on thetter''s neck.


    His eyes reddened upon seeing the hickey, and he could barely control his emotions.


    The mark, which he knew was left by Cayden, served as a constant reminder to him that Avery was


    never his.


    However, he could not let go nor give up his feelings for her, and the pain was unlike any other.


    Avery frowned when she saw Dn''s despondent look. She intended to walk past him to the mall, but


    he grabbed her hand.


    ¡°Can I say a few more words to you, Avery?¡±


    ¡°There''s nothing left to say between us, Dn. We''re no longer connected in any way, so there''s no


    need for us to meet again in the future. Even if we do, we should treat each other as strangers.¡±


    Avery continued rationally, ¡°You also know that Cayden is quite possessive, and he has a bad temper. I


    don''t wish to anger him again because of you.¡±


    ¡°Avery, has Cayden ever expressed a desire to wed you? Did he tell you when you''ll register your


    marriage? A man''s spoken promises are as fleeting as the wind. They can never be taken seriously


    until put into action. Don''t be fooled by him,¡± Dn advised.


    ¡°So what? Even if he lied to me, I''d still be happy about it.¡± Avery shot him a faint smile.


    Despite wearing a down jacket, her exquisite body curves were perfectly outlined.


    Dn lowered his head dejectedly.


    This woman has truly gone mad. Even if Cayden lied to her, she would still be with him.


    He knew very well that he currently had no say in any of her affairs, yet he still could not let it go.


    Avery then asked, ¡°Is there anything else, Mr. Musk? If not, I''ll be off, then.¡±


    ¡°Avery, I never thought of hurting you like that. I apologize for my previous predatory behavior. I''m


    serious. Can you forgive me?¡±


    He desired her so badly that he had resorted to some indecent means, but he had never once thought


    of intentionally hurting her.


    However, everything he did deeply hurt her. They even caused her to fear him and ultimately drove her


    away from him.


    ¡°It''s all in the past. They don''t matter anymore.¡±


    Avery still could not understand why Dn was so obsessed with her.


    Despite not understanding his obsession, she felt that there was no need to dwell on it. After all, she


    merely saw him as an insignificant disturbance in her life.


    Even though it gave me a lot of trouble, it''ll all pass like a fleeting smile.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    They stood in the parking lot, not knowing what to say as the atmosphere turned awkward.


    Avery sighed. ¡°I''m leaving now.¡±


    For an unknown amount of time, Dn watched Avery''s slender figure disappear from his sight before


    Maria suddenly moved in front of him in a huff.


    She folded her arms across her chest and said sarcastically, ¡°Dn, she has already left, and yet, your


    gaze still holds so much reluctance. Your taste in women has truly gotten worse. I thought the women


    you used to be with were all drop-dead gorgeous, but I''m unimpressed with this one. What''s the


    matter? Decided to have a change of pace? The thing is, she''s simply too in. There are plenty of


    such women overseas. They''re extremely vain¡ª¡±


    ¡°Get lost!¡± He was already in a foul mood, and the short-haired girl was only worsening it.


    He shook her off and got into the car.


    Noticing that something was off, Maria pounded on the car door. ¡°Dn, where are you going? Aunt


    Talia said she wanted you to apany me as I shop for clothes in the mall. How can you abandon


    me? Get out here!¡±


    However, Dn simply ignored her, started the car, and left the parking lot alone.


    Maria stomped her feet in fury, cursing her cousin thousands of times in her heart.


    However, there was no way a shopaholic and vain person like her could leave without buying anything,


    so she held back her anger and made a phone call.


    ¡°Ynda, it''s me. I''m back in the country. Come to the shopping mall and apany me. I''ll give you


    two pieces of clothing. Get here quickly, woman...¡±


    When Cecelia, who was bored ying around the Christmas tree with a group of children at the


    entrance of the shopping mall, saw Averying over looking flushed from the cold, she dragged her


    to a nearby coffee shop and ordered tworge cups of hot vanittes. She offered one to Avery and


    kept the other for herself.


    The fragranttte warmed both Avery''s hands and her heart. ¡°Thank you, Cecelia,¡± she said gratefully.


    ¡°Avery, Dn didn''t give you a hard time, did he?¡± Cecelia asked.


    In her eyes, Dn was a scoundrel.


    Despite knowing that Avery is his cousin''s beloved woman, he still insisted oning between them


    and even did so many horrible things to her. In any case, I don''t have any good impression of him.


    ¡°No. We''re just strangers now.¡±


    Avery took a sip of coffee. ¡°As expected, it''s suitable to have this kind of drink in this chilly weather. It''s


    delicious. You''re so considerate, Cecelia. I would marry you if I were a man!¡±


    Cecelia looked at the other woman''s childish demeanor and burst outughing.


    The way she''s acting now ispletely different from the serious and talented designer in the office.


    Cecelia led Avery into the shopping mall. ¡°Let''s go and buy some clothes. You need to buy more. I''ve


    noticed that you only have a few sets of outfits.¡±


    ¡°I just need an evening gown. I don''t want other clothes,¡± Avery said.


    ¡°I truly can''t stand you. We don''t still live in the hard times when people had to wear the same garments


    for years on end and mend them when they were torn. Who among today''s women doesn''t enjoy


    dressing up? Look at our department head. She wears a new outfit every day. You should learn from


    her. Even though you are naturally beautiful, you still need to know how to dress well. Be careful. Mr.


    Moore might fall in love with another woman one day,¡± Cecelia nagged to convince Avery.


    Thetter raised her brows slightly. If Cayden was truly that kind of person, we would''ve parted ways


    long ago and wouldn''t be together until now.


    The two walked around the mall for a long time before finding a luxury brand boutique with aplete


    range of evening gowns, which they quickly began to browse.


    A beautiful blue tulle dress caught Avery''s eye.


    She stroked the soft tulle and was about to remove the dress from the mannequin when another hand


    simultaneously grabbed it.


    Avery lifted her gaze to see the owner of the hand, not expecting to look straight at Nicole.


    When Cecelia, who was bored ying around the Christmas tree with a group of children at the


    entrance of the shopping mall, saw Averying over looking flushed from the cold, she dragged her


    to a nearby coffee shop and ordered tworge cups of hot vanittes. She offered one to Avery and


    kept the other for herself.

 Chapter 324

    Chapter 324


    ¡°Oh, it''s Nicole! I can''t believe we ran into her here!¡± Cecelia whispered excitedly in Avery''s ear.


    She loved watching TV dramas and fangirled over celebrities in her free time. Hence, she knew who


    Nicole was.


    Nicole had light but delicate makeup on. Her hair was tied into a neat ponytail, and she wore a casual


    outfit from a luxurious brand that entuated her curves. She looked stunning.


    Avery didn''t know Nicole that well. All she knew was that thetter was a celebrity.


    Nicole''s character was innocent in the movie, and they had met each other in real life previously.


    However, they didn''t get to interact a lot. When Avery saw Nicole grabbing the same gown she wanted,


    she shot Nicole a polite smile and released her grasp on the gown.


    ¡°Let me take a look at the other designs,¡± Avery said.


    Since Nicole wants this gown, I will pick another one. There are many gowns in this shop, after all.


    s, Avery had no idea Nicole would interpret her kind act as a provocation.


    Nicole was wearing high heels, so she towered above Avery, who was wearing ts. With an arrogant


    expression, she dered, ¡°All gowns here are haute couture garments. They are only avable for


    sale, not for rent. If you can''t afford it, then don''t waste your time here. Poor people cannot afford to


    buy anything here.¡±


    Avery was stunned to see the hostility in Nicole''s eyes and to hear the sarcastic words from her lips.


    I don''t even know Nicole in person. Why is a celebrity like her picking on me?


    Cecelia had just taken out her phone to take a few photos of Nicole when she heard her mocking


    words. At once, her good impression of Nicole went down the drain. Nicole is the opposite of her gentle


    and innocent character in the movie. Is she showing her true colors now?


    ¡°Ms. Lambert, wee back. We have a batch of new arrival haute couture gowns. They are all


    unique. I believe you''ll find one that you like,¡± one salesperson immediately said. She was experienced


    enough to know which customer she should serve.


    Nicole was a frequent customer and came from an influential family. Besides, she was also a celebrity.


    It was normal for the salesperson to serve her warmly when she arrived. The salesperson wasn''t that


    weing to Avery as thetter was d in ordinary clothes.


    Nicole seemed to be pleased by the salesperson''s ttery. Her gazended on Avery as she sneered,


    ¡°When did your shop start serving customers who dress sloppily?¡±


    Avery furrowed her brows as she gazed at Nicole. She couldn''t understand where Nicole''s hostility


    came from.


    The salesperson instantly echoed, ¡°Ms. Lambert, just pretend she doesn''t exist. What design are you


    looking for? I have a catalog with me. Do you want to take a look at it?¡±


    Sensing the tense atmosphere between them, Cecelia was mystified. She asked, ¡°Avery, do you know


    her?¡±


    Avery shook her head. ¡°No, I don''t.¡±


    Cecelia''s confusion heightened. Avery doesn''t know Nicole, so why is thetter acting this way? Or


    does Nicole look down on ordinary people like us shopping in luxury stores? That''s too much!


    Nicole sauntered over to Avery and came to a stop. She then sized thetter from head to toe with a


    criticizing look.


    Her lips curled as she stared at Avery as though the woman was an item waiting to be sold.


    Her scrutinizing look was extremely ufortable.


    ¡°Not that impressive,¡± Nicole sneered. Avery was baffled at her strangement.


    Her patronizing attitude was also unbearable.


    ¡°Ms. Lambert, do you know how rude you are?¡± Avery''s expression turned icy.


    The disdain in Nicole''s eyes grew as she gazed at Avery.


    So this is the woman Cayden loves? It turns out she gets provoked and worked up easily.


    Nicole was reluctant to admit defeat as she thought she was better than Avery in every way. It baffled


    her as to why Avery could win Cayden''s heart.


    Cecelia red at Nicole and dragged Avery over to another rack of gowns. ¡°Avery, ignore that woman.


    She must be nuts! Why did she even pick on you? Did she forget she''s a celebrity? I can''t believe she''s


    that condescending. It takes all sorts of things to make a world, huh? I thought she was as gentle as


    her character in the movie. It turns out it was just acting. Should we apud her for her impressive


    act?¡±


    Nicole''s smile froze. Fear gripped her heart when she btedly realized that she was in the shopping


    mall.


    I was so focused on picking on Avery that I forgot we weren''t in my territory. What if someone else


    recorded me being rude to her?


    All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    Back when the video of her yelling at her fans in Dn''s bar was published, she was gued by the


    negative publicity that affected her innocent image in public. Her agency immediatelyunched a crisis


    management n and minimized the damage by reacting swiftly. In the end, she managed to get rid of


    the negative publicity surrounding her.


    Even so, her actions left a stain on some of her fans'' hearts.


    Nicole nced around the shop, but there were only a few customers picking their gowns some


    distance away from them. She heaved a sigh of relief at the sight.


    When Nicole saw Avery selecting a white gown, she sashayed over to her. ¡°This is Gi''stest


    release, so you''ll have to work for years before you earn enough money to buy it. You can''t afford it,


    right? Pick any gown, and I''ll foot your bill,¡± she announced haughtily. The contempt in her gaze was


    evident.


    Avery gave a bark ofughter in anger. Before she could say anything, Cecelia snorted. ¡°Why? Are you


    too rich, Ms. Lambert? We''re getting free lunch, so why not? Avery, you should pick a few more gowns.


    Oh, I need one, too. Ms. Lambert, you''re generous, so why don''t you pay for my gown, too?¡±


    Nicole spoke in a snobbish tone. ¡°Whatever. Ordinary white-cored workers like you will have to wait


    till your next life before you can afford to buy haute couture gowns like these. Oh, I''m wrong. Some


    women love using their faces to seduce men, so they will pay for their purchases. Where is your


    boyfriend, though? Did you lose his affection already?¡±


    Avery had no idea why Nicole was so hostile, but she felt ufortable hearing her supercilious tone.


    She looked straight at Nicole.


    That was the first time Avery had ever shown off in front of another woman. ¡°My boyfriend is busy, so


    he doesn''t have time to shop with me today. However, he''s attentive enough to ask Cecelia to pick a


    gown with me. He called me earlier and asked me to wait for him after buying a gown as he would be


    coming to pick me up in his car. Ah, it''s frustrating to have such an attentive boyfriend.¡±


    Seeing Avery''s exaggerated act, Cecelia covered her lips and giggled out loud.


    Avery''s words sessfully made Nicole''s smirk freeze.


    Back when the video of her yelling at her fans in Dn''s bar was published, she was gued by the


    negative publicity that affected her innocent image in public. Her agency immediatelyunched a crisis


    management n and minimized the damage by reacting swiftly. In the end, she managed to get rid of


    the negative publicity surrounding her.

 Chapter 325

    Chapter 325


    Nicole was about to continue mocking Avery when Cecelia selected a violet gown and handed it to


    Avery. ¡°Ery, you came here to pick a gown, right? Let''s not waste time talking to this crazydy. Come,


    you should try this one.¡±


    Cecelia pushed Avery into the changing room and waited aside, flipping through a magazine idly.


    The salespeople at the luxury store were extremely attentive. Besides the swanky interior design, they


    also provided various hot drinks. Cecelia was enjoying her time there. Everything was perfect, except


    for the condescending salesperson and arrogant Nicole.


    A whileter, Avery opened the door to the changing room and stepped out.


    Having changed into a new gown, Avery looked like a different person. Cecelia could barely hide her


    awe.


    Avery was gorgeous, but she usually wore simple clothes and never put on makeup. Thus, she looked


    like a university student. Despite her youthful looks, she wasn''t eye-catching in a crowd.


    After putting on a gown from a luxury brand, she looked more elegant than ever.


    The violet gown that Avery tried on was made from the most expensive silk avable in the market.


    She was a sight to behold.


    The woman wearing the gown was more attractive than the gown itself.


    The violet silk looked stunning against her ivory-white skin. Coupled with her sparkling eyes, she


    looked like a fairy who had descended to earth.


    The back of the gown had a crafty design, for Avery''s entire back was revealed. Her exposed skin


    made her look both innocent and seductive.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    Avery nced at her reflection in the mirror. She couldn''t believe that she could look this gorgeous.


    Indeed, clothes make the man.


    The condescending salesperson''s eyes turned as wide as saucers. She had to admit that the gown


    was a perfect fit for Avery. It was as though it was custom-made for her.


    A few customers had tried on this gown previously, but it didn''t fit them as well as it fit Avery.


    Even Nicole, a veteran in the entertainment industry, couldn''t keep her eyes off Avery.


    Jealousy rose and festered in her heart at the sight of Avery''s gorgeous looks.


    Suddenly, a piercing sound belonging to a woman rang out. ¡°Oh, clothes do make a man. I can''t


    believe a country bumpkin can be a princess after putting on expensive clothes. No matter how much


    she dresses up, she can''t hide the fact that she''s a country bumpkin!¡±


    Avery turned around and saw Dn''s cousin, Maria Reid.


    Maria sauntered over arrogantly, followed by a plump and strong woman with thick brows.


    The woman with thick brows tagged behind Maria like apdog, holding Maria''s shopping bags. Even


    her neck wasn''t spared, as there were also bags hanging from her neck. Everyone gaped incredulously


    at the sight.


    Avery disliked Dn''s cousin.


    Cecelia asked deliberately, ¡°Miss, do you allow rude customers entry?¡±


    Maria was upset at Avery as Avery was the reason she got ignored by her cousin.


    She instantly vented her anger. ¡°Who are you calling rude?¡±


    Nicole watched their interaction in amusement.


    It turns out Avery is unpopr. Who is this punk who appeared out of nowhere? No matter who she is,


    I''m d she can humiliate Avery.


    Ignoring Maria''s retort, Avery whipped out her ck card to pay at the counter. ¡°I''d like to pay now,


    please.¡±


    ¡°Wait a minute. I want the gown she''s wearing!¡± Maria suddenly dered, pointing at the gown Avery


    wore with an arrogant expression.


    ¡°Miss, the gown has been reserved by another customer. Do you want to take a look at the other


    gowns?¡± The salesperson shed a smile and proceeded to introduce other gowns to Maria.


    A sneer flitted across Maria''s grin as she focused on Avery''s dress.


    The exquisite and unique gown caught my attention when I came into the store. Besides, Dn''s ex


    wants it. More the reason for me to get it!


    Maria wasn''t sure what Dn and Avery''s past rtionship was, but she was rmed after what


    happened at the parking lot today.


    Dn used to be a yboy, but Maria returned from overseas recently to discover that he did a one-


    eighty. There were no women surrounding him anymore. Initially, she was inwardly pleased with the


    discovery, but to her shock, Dn seemed infatuated with Avery.


    Otherwise, he wouldn''t have stared at Avery in anguish and ended up leaving Maria behind.


    Maria had been obsessed with Dn since young. If her family hadn''t migrated overseas, she would


    still be tagging behind Dn now.


    This time, I finally got the chance toe back to visit our rtives. I need to make him fall in love with


    me so he''ll marry me.


    ¡°Miss, we only have one gown in size S. You have a big frame, so I''m afraid it might not fit you. We


    have another white gown that will fit you nicely. Do you want to try it on?¡± The salesperson retrieved


    another pretty gown from the rack and offered it to Maria.


    s, Maria shoved her away and dered, ¡°I don''t want this gown. I want the one she''s wearing! It''s


    expensive, so a poor country bumpkin like her cannot afford it, right?¡±


    Nicole, who was watching the entire incident aside, felt that the punk was a fool.


    Didn''t she see the ck card Avery''s holding? It''s an exclusive ck card with unlimited credit. She


    can buy the entire store with the card, let alone this gown!


    Nicole enjoyed the show silently. Afraid her fans would recognize her, she put on a pair of sunsses


    and folded her arms to watch themotion.


    As Avery was targeted, Cecelia wanted to help as she was usually feisty.


    To her surprise, Avery nced at the rude youngdy and said icily, ¡°Youngdy, didn''t your parents


    teach you to show respect to your elders? You''re unreasonable and crass. I think you should return to


    school and get educated.¡±


    The hint of disdain in Avery''s gaze caused Maria to grit her teeth in anger.


    Avery was one hundred and sixty-five centimeters tall. As she was wearing high heels, she gave off an


    intimidating air.


    Maria''s chest heaved continuously as she shot a look at the young woman with thick brows.


    Paying no heed to Maria, Avery swiped her card and paid for her purchase. She then changed back


    into her clothes.


    Avery didn''t notice that the inconspicuous young woman with thick brows slipped a ne into the


    pocket of her jacket when she wasn''t paying attention.


    Otherwise, he wouldn''t have stared at Avery in anguish and ended up leaving Maria behind.

 Chapter 326

    Chapter 326


    Seeing that Avery had picked her dress, Cecelia said, ¡°Ery, let''s leave now that you''ve selected your


    dress. There are bugs here. I''m feeling ufortable by the filthy air.¡±


    She exaggeratedly waved her hands around them as if the air quality was truly unbearable.


    Nicole''s and Maria''s expressions darkened as they wondered if Cecelia had called them bugs.


    Infuriated, Maria refuted, ¡°Hey, watch your words. Who are you calling bugs?¡±


    Avery took Cecelia''s hand and said coldly, ¡°Whoever it is that responds to that.¡±


    Maria kicked the girl with thick eyebrows and said, ¡°Beat these b*tches up!¡±


    Yasmin Harper, the tall and strong girl with thick brows, quickly responded like a loyal dog to Maria.


    She took away the shopping bags hanging on her body, gritted her teeth, and rushed ferociously over


    to the two.


    Yet, before she could touch the hem of their shirts, Cecelia suddenly extended her leg and tripped her.


    Then, Cecelia effortlessly threw her over her shoulders. Yasmin felt the world spin around her. Shey


    on the ground and groaned, struggling to stand.


    ¡°How dare you try to taunt us when you''re so weak? Don''t you know I have a ck belt?¡± Cecelia shot


    Maria a disdainful look.


    ¡°Cecelia, let''s go now.¡± Avery tugged her hand.


    Just when they were about to leave, Yasmin received a re from Maria and quickly shouted in a


    panicked tone, ¡°Wait, Maria, where is the diamond ne you just bought? I remember seeing it in


    your shopping bag earlier.¡±


    Maria pretended to be shocked. ¡°What? That ne is very expensive. I spent more than five million


    on it!¡±


    Yasmin quickly stood on her feet again and waved the receipt in her hand as she said anxiously,


    ¡°Maria, the ne is gone. We only have this receipt left. The ne and the box are gone.¡±


    ¡°Miss, did you leave the ne elsewhere? Could it be that you left it in the essories shop?¡± The


    salesperson''s face fell when she took in the situation.


    After all, the salespeople in the shop would be held responsible when customers lost their belongings


    in the shop.


    ¡°That''s impossible. It was inside my bag. I bought it just now.¡±


    As Maria spoke, she deliberately emptied all her shopping bags. Then, shebed her stuff


    thoroughly and continued, ¡°I remember seeing the ne in my shopping bag when I walked inside


    your shop, but after talking to this woman, my ne went missing! That ne was supposed to


    be my mom''s birthday gift...¡±


    A few salespeople saw the receipt and confirmed it was purchased not too long ago. They started


    searching for it together with Maria, but they could not stop ncing suspiciously at Avery and Cecelia.


    However, none of the salespeople suspected Nicole. They knew she was from a powerful background.


    Given her wealth, she could easily afford a ne worth five million, so it did not make sense that


    she would steal it.


    After rummaging through her stuff for a long time, Maria still could not find the ne. Then, she


    pointed at Avery and said, ¡°My ne went missing after I quarreled with her. She and her friend are


    very suspicious!¡±


    Cecelia was furious. ¡°D*mn! How could you use us? Who cares about your ne? Look at you.


    I''m worried that it will rot my neck if I have to wear your ne!¡±


    This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    A salesperson suggested, ¡°Since you were all at the scene when the ne went missing, you are


    all suspected of stealing it. Why don''t we look at your bags to find the thief among us?¡±


    Nicole had been taking in the chaotic scene all this while. She shrugged and said, ¡°I have nothing to do


    with this, but you can go ahead and search my bag.¡±


    In fact, Nicole saw Yasmin secretly putting the ne in Avery''s bag earlier, but she decided not to


    meddle with that since it was none of her business. Moreover, she was the happiest to see Avery


    framed as a thief, so she would never bother testifying for her.


    Avery asked calmly, ¡°Isn''t it against thew for you to decide to search our bags without a valid


    reason?¡±


    The salesperson was startled by her cold voice, but she said stubbornly, ¡°All of us are responsible if


    something goes missing in our shop. Why are you afraid of us searching your bags if you''re truly


    innocent?¡±


    Hearing that, Cecelia immediately cursed, ¡°D*mn it! We wouldn''te to your shop even if you paid us


    if we knew we''d run into something so ridiculous!¡±


    The salesperson was taken aback by her words, but she quickly said, ¡°Anyway, we have to check all


    your bags. So please cooperate and let us search your bags. Otherwise, things will only worsen if she


    calls the police for her missing ne.¡±


    Nicole was highly cooperative as she said, ¡°Check mine first, then.¡±


    Another salesperson inspected Nicole''s bag, flipping it inside out. ¡°There is no ne in Ms.


    Lambert''s bag. Now, even a celebrity has allowed us to search her bag. The two of you, please


    cooperate.¡±


    ¡°You can try touching my bag!¡± Cecelia waved her fists, gritting her teeth at the salesperson.


    Thinking back on the scene where Cecelia, a seemingly thindy, threw the strong girl with thick brows


    over her shoulders, the salesperson took several steps backward.


    Avery said righteously, ¡°We did not steal her ne. So who do you think you are to be searching our


    bags for it? I''d like to see if you dare touch our bags without permission!¡±


    ¡°I''ll find my ne!¡± Maria reached out, trying to force her way to search Avery''s body.


    Avery was so busy defending her bags that she did not notice Maria reaching out for her pocket.


    Right before Maria could touch Avery''s pocket, a tall and strong figure suddenly pulled Avery into his


    arms.


    Maria touched nothing but bumped into a chest as firm as a steel wall.


    Shocked, she raised her gaze and saw a handsome face that was out of this world. The man looked


    even more dazzling than her cousin, Dn.


    Maria was in a daze as she wondered how it was possible for a gorgeous man to exist in the world she


    lived in.


    Naturally, Nicole also spotted Cayden. She quickly turned away for fear that he would recognize her.


    However, she knew she couldn''t hide from him for long.


    The salespeople were also shocked to see Cayden in their shop.


    They recognized Cayden as the CEO of Trident Group, who often featured in finance magazines, and


    they immediately greeted, ¡°H-Hello, sir.¡±


    ¡°Why are you here?¡± Avery asked in surprise.


    Earlier, when she was trying to irritate Nicole, she lied that Cayden woulde to pick her up. Hence,


    she was surprised when the man actually showed up.


    Cayden took her hand and looked into her eyes. ¡°How can I note to the rescue when people are


    stepping all over the woman I love?¡±


    Little did Avery know, after she almost got into troublest time, Cayden had installed a hidden tracking


    application on her phone. He did not do that to trace her location all the time, but he figured he could


    rush in time if Avery were in danger.


    Cayden had heard themotion earlier when he arrived near the shop. Then, he understood the


    situation roughly and figured someone must have framed Avery.


    A fierce glint shed across Cayden''s eyes as he stared at the fewdies who stirred up trouble in the


    shop.


    ¡°You can try touching my bag!¡± Cecelia waved her fists, gritting her teeth at the salesperson.

 Chapter 327

    Chapter 327


    Cayden immediately barked out orders. ¡°I want to see your manager.¡±


    One of the shopping assistants then scurried into the office to fetch the manager.


    Very quickly, a man hurried out from the office.


    Upon seeing Cayden there, the manager recoiled in shock before humbly asking, ¡°Mr. Moore, what


    brings you to our tiny establishment? If there''s anything you need, I''ll have it sent for immediately.¡±


    Cayden said nothing in return. Immediately, he opened his leather wallet, where an assortment of gold


    cards was kept.


    Cayden randomly fished one out and handed it to the manager. ¡°Good. I want everything you have.¡±


    Cecelia''s eyes twitched as she wished she could give Cayden a round of apuse.


    Dang. The boss is so cool!


    His overwhelming generosity and desire to protect the weak is one thing, but he''s utterly merciless in


    dealing with this arrogant bully!


    ¡°Well, this is simply delightful. Everything here is yours to do with as you see fit!¡± said the manager


    happily, his eyes wide with excitement.


    Immediately, the manager disappeared with the card to handle the final transaction.


    The shopping assistants were rendered speechless.


    Nicole merely stood in one corner, seething. Why does Avery deserve Cayden''s adoration?


    On the one hand, she was extremely jealous. On the other hand, Nicole was also determined to marry


    Cayden. After all, such a rich and handsome man was hard toe by.


    However, Maria had enough of this situation.


    Although Cayden was handsome and appeared rich and powerful, he was clearly biased toward the


    woman Maria despised. Whatever initial affection she had for him just went out the window.


    ¡°Hey, I don''t care who you are, but you should mind your own business! This woman possibly stole a


    ne of mine! Are you trying to protect a thief? My diamond ne was custom-made! It''s worth


    a fortune!¡± hissed Maria.


    She had not been home in many years. As such, her social circle consisted of other rich socialites,


    most of whom were not among the upper echelons of high society. Naturally, she did not know how rich


    Cayden was or who he was. She was the type not even to bother reading financial news.


    She assumed Cayden was merely a good-looking man who appeared to have money.


    Holding back her anger, Maria pointed right at Avery, saying, ¡°Regardless, I want to conduct a search!


    If she''s innocent, why would she object to this?¡±


    ¡°What if your ne isn''t with me?¡± asked Avery, her face showing nothing but calmness. She had aAll content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    clear conscience.


    ¡°Then I''ll apologize publicly and pay you for the mental aggravation I''ve caused!¡± retorted Maria


    confidently.


    ¡°Okay. Search me then.¡± Avery nonchntly extended her arms, daring the other woman to approach


    her.


    Maria smiled gleefully and came forward, wanting to reach into Avery''s pockets.


    However, Cayden''srge hand caught hold of Maria''s wrist, tightening his grip as a warning. ¡°Hang on.


    Who permitted you to conduct a search?¡±


    The staff looked at each other and shrunk back, not daring to say a word.


    Anyone who could afford to spend money here was undoubtedly the wealthy elites. They were not


    people who could be so easily offended. As such, the staff could only stand back and watch, their eyes


    wide as saucers.


    A trace of impatient coldness shed in Cayden''s eyes, which made Maria tremble. However, she


    managed to put on a brave front, saying, ¡°Sir, please unhand me, or I will call the police! We''ll let the


    police deal with this!¡±


    After saying this, Maria pulled out her phone with her free hand, intending to call emergency services.


    However, Cayden snatched away her phone and hurled it violently to the ground.


    Cayden was so strong that Maria''s phone was shattered to bits upon impact. Maria watched helplessly


    as her brand-new phonended on the ground. She stared with her mouth hanging wide, unable to


    fathom what had just happened. Who is this brute? What happened to the gentle, soft-spoken man


    from earlier?


    ¡°How much did that phone cost? I''ll reimburse you. However, nobody touches my partner! I dare you to


    lay a single finger on her!¡± said Cayden ruthlessly.


    Maria was so startled that she dared not make any sudden movements.


    Cayden then ushered Avery toward the exit. Before leaving, he turned to Cecelia and said, ¡°I''ll leave


    the rest to you.¡±


    Cecilia hurriedly nodded. ¡°I appreciate your trust in me, Mr. Moore. I''ll have this sorted out before you


    know it.¡±


    Cecelia could not believe her luck. Cayden now remembered who she was and treated her like his


    right-hand man. This made Cecelia feel very honored.


    As it turned out, Avery was her lucky star after all. As long as Avery was around, Cecelia''s status was


    elevated. She soon started daydreaming about the day she could match up to Xavier Dartsley in terms


    of importance.


    Avery followed Cayden outside, her fingers held in Cayden''s hand. His grasp was warm, which made


    her feel very safe. She sighed in relief shortly after. Avery never realized that a simple shopping trip


    could turn out to be so dramatic. All she wanted to do was buy a dress!


    The whole situation was a whirlwind that happened too abruptly.


    ¡°Cayden, you bought so many expensive things. I don''t think it''s worth all the trouble,¡± whined Avery.


    Such extravagant spending made her feel quite ufortable.


    As Avery let herself be shuffled toward the exit, she noticed that he had gone quiet. ¡°I think I...¡±


    Cayden noticed that Avery was wearing heels, so he slowed down his tempo. A slight frown could be


    seen on his handsome face as he said, ¡°You needn''t think such things for my sake. That was merely


    chump change.¡±


    ¡°Okay. I won''t speak of it anymore.¡± Avery was well aware of Cayden''s disposition and his wealth.


    What he could spend with a snap of his fingers was not something Avery could ever dream of having,


    even if she worked for an entire lifetime. To Cayden, however, this was like a drop in the ocean.


    ¡°We have a banquet to attend tonight. Old Mr. Lambert is turning seventy. There will be many


    dignitaries present, but you needn''t worry. Just stick close to me,¡± said Cayden while gently caressing


    Avery''s long locks.


    ¡°Old Mr. Lambert? Wasn''t he the one who had very high demands over the design?¡± asked Avery.


    ¡°That''s right. However, don''t you worry,¡± said Cayden soothingly. ¡°Old Mr. Lambert may seem quite


    uptight and serious, but he''s a just man. He''s not going to make trouble for you when I''m around.¡±


    Avery nodded and tightened her grip on his arm.


    With Cayden by her side, she truly had nothing to fear.


    Back in the store, Maria nced angrily at her shattered phone, now renderedpletely useless. This


    did nothing to keep her rage from boiling over as she yelled, ¡°Who the heck was that uncouth man?¡±


    Nicole noticed Maria''s frazzled expression and pondered over how silly this woman could be. She


    haughtily walked past Maria, and left the premises.


    In a rage, Maria stamped her foot and sat down on the floor, stubbornly refusing to leave. ¡°I lost a


    ne in your shop today, and I will have an answer. Otherwise, I''m not leaving!¡±


    What she lost wasn''t a trinket but a priceless ne worth millions.


    If it was missing, she was going to get a very sound scolding when she got home.


    Cecelia gave Maria a pointed look. With a sigh, she signaled to the staff to alert security. Very soon,


    Maria and herpanions were hauled out of the store.


    The whole situation was a whirlwind that happened too abruptly.

 Chapter 328

    Chapter 328


    The night was upon them. The dark sky was dotted with countless stars.


    Although it was snowing heavily, the vibrantly lit Jubilee Hotel was bustling as George''s seventieth


    birthday celebration was going to take ce there this evening.


    All the big shots in the military, political, and business sectors had arrived at the venue.


    The hotel was designed very luxuriously.


    Arge chandelier was suspended high in the main hall while a firece kept it warm. Thevish,


    enormous murals highlighted the ce''s splendor.


    Donning a suit, George stood straight and exuded an authoritative aura. It would be hard not to know


    he had been on the political scene for a long time.


    Although he had reached old age, he still looked lively and energized. At this moment, he was seated


    in the main seat and receiving everyone''s blessings.


    Everyone present at the venue understood that although George had retired, he still had a significant


    influence on the political scene. Moreover, the apple did not fall far from the tree, as William was even


    more outstanding than his father. As his rank rose, there was an increasing number of people who


    wanted to be in the Lambert family''s good books.


    William and ire were in the main hall entertaining the guests. While ire was able to handle such


    situations well, William did not particrly enjoy such asions.


    However, George was getting old and started to enjoy lively celebrations. That was the main reason


    William had held this birthday celebration for him.


    ¡°Grandpa, happy birthday! I wish you all the joy and happiness you so richly deserve. May you continue


    to increase in age and strength!¡± Nicole''s sweet voice rang out amidst the bustling atmosphere.


    This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    She was wearing a white sleeveless gown this evening. The light makeup on her dainty face


    entuated her exquisite appearance.


    She was a sight to behold for everyone as she exuded an air of innocence.


    Since there were many important guests among them, George could not simply give the cold shoulder


    to his granddaughter.


    However, his attitude was not enthusiastic toward her when he replied indifferently, ¡°How considerate of


    you to make time to see me, given how busy you are.¡±


    Nicole''s smile froze.


    What does Grandpa mean by saying this in front of everyone? Is heining that he hasn''t seen


    much of me? However, even if I want to visit him, I know he doesn''t want to see me. I won''t go and try


    to make a fool out of myself.


    However, Nicole was good at putting up an act in front of everyone.


    She smiled sweetly and passed her present to George before saying docilely, ¡°Grandpa, I only have


    one grandfather, and it''s your birthday today. Even if I have to sacrifice my work, I still have toe


    here to celebrate your birthday. I would still get jobs in the future, but I only have one grandfather...¡±


    George was not ruffled by Nicole''s words.


    In contrast, Fiona was beaming upon hearing her words.


    She held Nicole''s hand affectionately. ¡°You''re so considerate. I heard you went abroad for a movie a


    while back. How was it? Are you experiencing any jetg?¡±


    Nicole stuck out her tongue yfully. ¡°Grandma, I have gotten used to it. My body isn''t that weak. Let


    me tell you something. I already prepared Grandpa''s present a few days ago. I bought it overseas, so


    I''m hoping he likes it.¡±


    ¡°What did you prepare? There are many ces for you to spend your money. Please don''t spend so


    much money on this.¡± Although Fiona said that, her hands were already unwrapping the present.


    There was an exquisite antique smoking pipe made of emerald in the box. Anyone could tell it was


    invaluable, even at a cursory nce.


    ¡°You''re a sweet child. George told me he wanted a smoking pipe a few days ago. I didn''t expect his


    wish toe true so quickly on his birthday. Are you able to read his mind?¡± Fiona joked as she


    smiled.


    George cast a meaningful yetplicated nce at Nicole. However, he remained silent.


    Nicole smiled. ¡°As long as Grandpa likes it.¡±


    She had identally overhead her grandparents'' conversation while in their residence. She found out


    he liked antique smoking pipes and bought one as his birthday present.


    ¡°You''re so nice to your grandfather that I''m envious. Forget it. It''s his birthday today, so I''ll turn a blind


    eye,¡± Fiona said jokingly. The affection she had for her granddaughter was evident to everyone.


    Everyone wasmenting about how close Nicole and Fiona were.


    Nicole hugged Fiona''s neck and said sweetly, ¡°Grandma, I''m not such a mean person! I have also


    prepared a present for you today!¡±


    Nicole waved her hands, and her manager, who was waiting at the side, passed her another exquisitely


    wrapped present.


    She then passed it to Fiona. ¡°Grandma, this is for you!¡±


    Fiona opened it in surprise. It was a shawl with exquisite embroidery.


    All the females in the venue were astounded when they saw the shawl.


    ¡°What a beautiful shawl!¡±


    ¡°This embroidery is amazing! It''s delicate and exquisite. Stunning!¡±


    Fiona heard the praises from everyone and beamed happily.


    Nicole''s manager chose an appropriate time to interrupt, ¡°Old Mrs. Lambert, Nicole personally


    embroidered this shawl. She spent one month trying toplete this shawl and even rejected a few


    movies!¡±


    The manager''s words caused a hugemotion among the females in the main hall.


    They were all astonished. ¡°N-Nicole embroidered this shawl herself? Oh my goodness! This is


    incredible!¡±


    ¡°I didn''t expect Ms. Lambert to be not only good at acting but also talented at embroidering. Old Mrs.


    Lambert has such an exceptional granddaughter!¡±


    ¡°Old Mrs. Lambert, my son was promoted to major-general this year and is looking for a partner. Will


    you consider him?¡±


    Nicole smiled. Her actions were graceful and gracious as if she was an educated and elegantdy.


    She lowered her head shyly upon hearing everyone''s praises. Her innocent and graceful appearance


    immediately won over all the middle-aged women and single men who did not know her true colors.


    At this moment, someone let out a surprised gasp in the main hall.


    Everyone, including Nicole, turned toward the direction of the sound curiously.


    A beautiful and eye-catching couple had appeared in the main hall.


    The man was handsome and tall, dressed in a custom-made suit. His sharp gaze was icy and


    domineering. However, the cold gaze on his charming face softened when he looked at the woman


    holding his arm.


    That man was none other than the boss of Trident Group, Cayden.


    ire''s gaze fell onto the woman holding Cayden''s arm. Her heart skipped a beat uncontrobly as


    she looked at the familiar face.


    Nicole waved her hands, and her manager, who was waiting at the side, passed her another exquisitely


    wrapped present.

 Chapter 329

    Chapter 329


    The young woman beside Cayden was gorgeous.


    Wearing a purple dress, Avery looked like a graceful string of moving wisteria as she approached


    everyone.


    What was particrly eye-catching about her was her crescent moon-shaped eyes that seemed to


    sparkle whenever she smiled.


    Even though ire had met all kinds of exceptional women, she was surprised when Avery appeared


    before her. For some reason, she felt a sense of familiarity with the young woman.


    ire was even more shocked when she noticed how much Avery''s eyes looked like hers when she


    was younger. This must be fate...


    Avery also felt a sense of closeness with ire when she noticed the elegant-lookingdy with gentle


    eyes.


    The fact that ire looked graceful yet approachable that day made it even more difficult for others to


    guess her age.


    ¡°Wee to George''s seventieth birthday celebration. This way, please,¡± the woman greeted Avery


    and Cayden.


    Although ire could not help but steal a few nces at the pair of eyes simr to hers, her attention


    quickly shifted to Cayden as soon as she saw him.


    The tall young man before her had a majestic aura about him and was even more attractive in person


    than on the cover of magazines. Nickie sure knows how to pick them. However...


    ¡°Mrs. Lambert,¡± greeted Cayden with a courteous nod.


    ire sized up the man as his future mother-inw, and the longer she scrutinized him, the more she


    grew to like him.


    Nickie has a good eye for men because this gentleman is definitely a rare find. However, why did he


    bring a woman with him to George''s birthday party? Is he unaware that Nickie has feelings for him?


    The woman could not help wondering why Cayden came with a plus-one.


    Because of her protective instincts, ire did not wish to see Avery beside Cayden even though she


    had a good impression of the young woman at first sight.


    ire lost her biological daughter more than twenty years ago, and during the worst time of her life,


    Nicole came into her life like an angel and temporarily relieved her from the pain of losing her child.


    Having spent so many years raising Nicole, ire had long regarded the youngdy as her own.


    Hence, it was only natural that she felt ufortable seeing another woman with the man her


    daughter had feelings for.


    As a woman herself, Avery could sense the change in ire''s attitude toward her.


    However, she did not understand why the elegant-lookingdy would look at her with such hostility


    when that was their first meeting.


    Unlike Avery, who felt uneasy then, Cayden did not think too much about the subtle interactions.


    Instead, he walked past ire with a gift box in his left hand and Avery in his right and exchanged


    greetings with William before heading toward George, who was enjoying a cup of tea.


    Covering the table before George was heaps of presents like health care products and local


    specialties.


    George was well-known for his honesty and uprightness.


    Once, a bureaucrat brazenly presented George with a gift box stuffed with arge amount of cash to


    bribe the man. However, things did not turn out the way the official expected. Instead of epting the


    bribe, George immediately ordered a search for evidence of the bureaucrat''s corruption and sent the


    public servant to jail.


    With that move, George made his determination to fight corruption loud and clear, causing those who


    considered buying him off to think twice about going anywhere near him.


    Even though they thought about joining forces to bring George down, they knew it would be difficult


    because he was close to a certain big shot.


    Those who wished to take shortcuts to sess by buttering up George had no choice but to behave


    themselves before him.


    That was one of the reasons Cayden respected George, for it was difficult to find anyone as


    incorruptible as the man.


    Even after George had retired, he remained held in high regard by Cayden.


    Cayden then greeted George as he presented the gift to the elderly man, ¡°Happy birthday, Old Mr.


    Lambert! I wish you a long and prosperous life! Here''s some local specialty pastry I bought while on a


    business trip. I hope you like it.¡±


    ¡°That''s very kind of you, Cayden. You brought this all the way here because you know how much I


    enjoy pastries. I''m ttered.¡± George responded byughing heartily.


    Naturally, George knew that Cayden, a powerful man in Ackleton, was Jeffrey''s grandson.


    When George was young, he and Jeffrey were close. However, after one became an official and the


    other a businessman, the two slowly drifted apart due to their different political views.


    Even so, George was impressed by Jeffrey when he learned how his old friend founded Trident Group


    from nothing.


    Jeffrey''s greatest regret was giving birth to Bruce, a son who was good at nothing but enjoying life.


    Even George despised his old friend''s son.


    The only meaningful thing Bruce did was give birth to an exceptional son, Cayden.


    Under Cayden''s leadership, not only did Trident Group flourish both locally and internationally, but it


    also greatly promoted various new types of economy in Ackleton.


    Hence, it was only natural that George was impressed with the young and capable Cayden.


    When the elderly man saw the charming Avery beside Cayden, he curiously inquired, ¡°Cayden, who


    might your plus-one be...¡±


    For some reason, George took an exceptional liking to Avery the first time heid eyes on her.


    Even Nicole, who had been with the Lamberts for many years, did not make George feel that way.


    Meanwhile, Nicole had her eyes fixed on the extraordinary-looking Cayden and was so captivated by


    the well-dressed man that everybody else seemed to have faded away.


    Her mind went nk as her gentle eyes continued to be captivated by Cayden. It was almost


    impossible for the woman to move her eyes away.


    Cayden held Avery''s nervous petite hand before introducing her to George. ¡°Old Mr. Lambert, this is my


    girlfriend, Avery Rumpley, but it won''t be long before she''s my wife.¡±


    The man did nothing to hide the affection he had for Avery in his eyes.


    Even Avery could feel the fiery passion burning inside Cayden, and it made her heart race like a horse.


    I can''t believe he just introduced me as his girlfriend...


    At that moment, Avery was happier than a kid in a candy store.


    When Nicole heard how Cayden introduced Avery from afar, she froze like a statue.


    As she looked down to the floor, the pair of eyes that seemed as gentle as amb before was suddenly


    filled with the me of jealousy.


    Nicole could barely keep herself together when envy hit her like waves crashing into the beach. Avery


    is nothing but an orphan who has nobody after her father died and both her stepmother and stepsister


    got locked away in prison. What did she do to deserve this?


    All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Even so, George was impressed by Jeffrey when he learned how his old friend founded Trident Group


    from nothing.

 Chapter 330

    Chapter 330


    Nicole clenched her fists as she thought about how unworthy Avery was of an outstanding gentleman


    like Cayden.


    When George heard Cayden mention Avery''s name, his eyes instantly lit up. ¡°Avery? Cayden, is she


    the one who designed my new house?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Old Mr. Lambert. I''m responsible for the design, so if you have anyints or anything you''d


    like to change, do let me know,¡± replied Avery in a humble yet confident tone, which George greatly


    appreciated.


    This young woman is both talented and gracious. Looking at Avery and Cayden, George could not help


    but think what a match made in heaven the two were.


    On the other side, Fiona noticed the grim look on Nicole''s face.


    As someone who had been there, she knew Nicole had fallen in love the moment she saw how


    mesmerized her granddaughter was by Cayden.


    Fiona was heartbroken when she noticed Nicole''s dull face after the young woman heard Cayden


    introduce Avery as his girlfriend.


    Unlike George, Fiona loved Nicole, her only granddaughter, very much.


    Hence, it was only natural that Fiona, who assumed Avery stole Nicole''s man, gave Avery a dirty look


    before inquiring, ¡°Cayden, which prominent family does thisdy beside you belong to?¡±


    Even though Cayden did not appreciate how Fiona looked at Avery, he did not show it.


    Instead, he simply tightened his grip on Avery''s hand. ¡°Ery doesn''t belong to any prominent families,


    but I like her more than those who do.¡±


    Fiona scoffed in response to that. If she''s not of a prominent family, that means she''s a nobody.


    Convinced that Avery was someone insignificant, Fiona disliked the young woman even more.


    Despite Avery''s exceptional beauty and temperament, the elderly woman took the youngdy''s


    courteous behavior as a sign of timidness because of her prejudice against Avery.


    Avery could clearly sense that Fiona disliked her and was puzzled by it. This is my first time meeting


    Old Mrs. Lambert and Mrs. Lambert, so why do they look at me with such hostility?


    On the other hand, Cayden wrapped his arm around Avery''s waist and nodded courteously at George


    as if everything was fine. ¡°I should let you get back to enjoying your tea, Old Mr. Lambert. I''ll show


    Avery around.¡±


    Of course, he could tell how uneasy Avery felt at the party.


    If it were not for George, Cayden would not have attended such a pointless gathering.


    ¡°Sure. Make yourself at home, Cayden,¡± responded George casually.


    Then, Cayden went to the other side of the hall with Avery.


    With a face as grim as death, Nicole seemed to be nning something as she watched the two walk


    away.


    The huge five-star hotel had all kinds of branded stores, exotic bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and


    other facilities for guests to enjoy. One could evenpare the establishment to a small resort.


    Cayden led Avery to the hotel terrace, where an oval crystal coffee table stood before a floor-to-ceiling


    window.


    On the table was a pot of brewed tea and several exquisite-looking porcin cups, and beside it were


    two wicker chairs ganded with flowers.


    Anyone who sat in those chairs could either look up at the starry sky or enjoy the city lights.


    Most importantly, the spot was quiet since not many people were around.


    ¡°If you feel ufortable in there, wait for me here. I''ll take you home when I''m done socializing.¡±


    Cayden picked up Avery and ced her on the wicker chair.


    Then, he pecked Avery on the forehead before handing her a card from his wallet. ¡°Take this card. Use


    it to pay for anything you want, but remember to return here before twelve so I can find you.¡± Cayden


    spoke to Avery as though she was a child.


    ¡°I will. You''re not worried about a grown-up like me getting lost, are you? I''ll be here when you get


    back,¡± promised Avery after rising awkwardly from the chair.


    Only after hearing that did Cayden return to the main hall in peace.


    As the person in charge of Trident Group, Cayden seemed as though he could do anything he wanted,


    but that was not the case.


    There were some social events he simply could not turn down.


    After the man left, Avery looked around boredly.


    The truth was that Avery had never been very good at socializing since she was somewhat introverted.


    The fact that it was her first time attending an upper-ss party did not help with her nervousness.


    It was only at that moment that she felt a bit more rxed.


    Avery thought George was an amiable elderly but could not figure out what she did wrong when she


    remembered the strange look ire and Fiona gave her. It seemed as if they disliked me, but why...


    Even though Avery had no idea what was going on, she did not think it was worth racking her brains


    over. It''s not as if I''ll see them again after this...


    From the terrace, Avery overlooked the banquet hall filled with chivalrous gentlemen and elegantdies


    as soothing music flowed through the air.


    Everyone at the gathering was toasting each other and chatting away like socialites at a luxurious party


    in a TV show.


    Then, Avery spotted Nicole entertaining other guests with her father in the main hall.


    Like a fish swimming gracefully in the sea, Nicole passed through the crowd as effortlessly as any


    socialite in their element could. Smiling without showing her teeth, the lovely woman was both gentle-


    looking and gracious, so it was only natural that her guests could not stop showering her with praises.


    Compared to how she seemed when she insulted Avery at the luxury store, Nicole was behaving like a


    completely different person then.


    Just when Avery was still focusing her attention on Nicole, a voice suddenly sounded. ¡°You''re Avery,


    right? If you have the time, do you mind if we have a chat?¡±


    Avery then turned around and realized it was ire speaking to her.


    ire looked as poised as ever with a friendly smile on her face, but still, Avery could not help feeling


    uneasy about what the woman had to say.


    ¡°Mrs. Lambert?¡± uttered Avery in surprise.


    After making herselffortable on a wicker chair, ire voiced, ¡°You should grab a seat too.¡±


    All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Mrs. Lambert, is there anything... I can help you with?¡± inquired Avery after doing as suggested.


    ire responded with a half-smile before revealing, ¡°It''s about my dear daughter. Because of you, I''ve


    lost all appetite.¡±


    ¡°I''m not sure I understand what you''re trying to say, Mrs. Lambert.¡± Avery furrowed her eyebrows in


    puzzlement.


    ¡°Avery, I know you''re an understanding person. That''s why I''m here today to ask you for a favor.¡±


    ire then poured Avery a cup of tea and handed it to the young woman before getting to her point. ¡°I


    hope you''ll choose to leave Cayden.¡±


    Even though Avery had no idea what was going on, she did not think it was worth racking her brains


    over. It''s not as if I''ll see them again after this...

 Chapter 331

    Chapter 331


    Avery stared at the poise ire, who was drinking coffee, with disbelief in her eyes. The fondness that


    she felt for thetter vanished instantly.


    I know many oppose my rtionship with Cayden because of our social differences. I didn''t expect,


    though, that this woman, who had just met me for the first time, would ask me to break up with Cayden


    too.


    Avery''s voice was hostile when she spoke as she lost all respect for ire. ¡°Mrs. Lambert, it doesn''t


    matter what kind of motive you harbored when you asked me to break up with Cayden. I won''t leave


    him.¡±


    The words spoken by ire were mean and hurtful as she yed around with the coffee cup in her


    hands with unspeakable elegance. ¡°Avery, you are now looking at your rtionship with Cayden


    through the rose-tinted sses. The thing is, rtionships and marriage are two different aspects of


    life. For your marriage to work, you two must be apatible match. Marriage doesn''t only involve two


    people but two families. Cayden is Allie''s son, and Allie is my long-time friend. I know her well. She


    would never agree for a woman like you to marry Cayden. A marriage that one''s parents did not give


    blessings would notst long. Besides, what do you think you can bring to the Moore family and


    Cayden? No, you will be a burden to them!¡±


    Avery''s breathing quickened. ¡°Whatever happens to Cayden and me in the future is none of your


    business. All I need to focus on now is that he loves me, and I love him. I''ve got to admit it. I didn''t


    come from a wealthy family. But that''s not a reason to ruin our rtionship.¡±


    There was an edge to ire''s voice as she chuckled softly. ¡°You''re living in a dream world! Ms.


    Rumpley, are you convinced that being in love is enough in a marriage? Beingpatible with your


    family background is one thing. There are other things to consider too. What about your views, values,


    knowledge, career growth speed, and financial capability? You two need to bepatible in these


    aspects too. I''m sure you are aware of Nickie''s background. She has our support. Once she marries


    Cayden, she will help to expand his social circle and provide him with many resources that will greatly


    benefit Trident Group!¡±


    ire continued, ¡°Besides, Nickie has gotten the best education since she was young. She was always


    at the top of her ss. Even though she currently works in the entertainment industry, she has received


    training in various skills from a young age. She and Cayden are people from the same world. They


    deserve to be together because of that. I''m asking you to break up for your good. Maybe you won''t see


    the problem now. But, one day, when Cayden falls out of love with you because he realizes you are not


    the one for him and breaks up with you, the most excruciating pain will hit you.¡±


    Avery got up from the wicked chair abruptly. Even though her body was trembling, the woman propped


    her body straight. The aura she radiated indicated that Avery was unwilling to admit defeat.


    She said to ire firmly, ¡°Mrs. Lambert, you keep telling me that Nicole is the best match for Cayden.


    Have you asked Cayden''s opinion regarding that? Did you ask him whether he likes Nicole or not? Yes,


    compatibility is essential in marriage. I''ll give you that. But don''t forget that a loveless marriage is worse


    than being dead! I don''t know the reality behind your marriage, and maybe Mr. Lambert spoils you so


    excessively that you are unaware of the tragedy of being in an unfortunate marriage.¡±


    Avery went on, ¡°Here''s what you should know, Mrs. Lambert. Forcing two people who are not in love


    into a marriage would be hell for them. Not only is living together torturing, but breathing in close


    proximity to the other torment them! Cayden does not love your daughter. Do you wish your daughter


    would be stuck in a loveless rtionship?¡±


    At first, Avery thought ire would furrow her brows in anger and that she would retaliate to everything


    Avery said. The worst-case scenario? She might even throw a check in Avery''s face and humiliate her


    like they were in some drama.


    If that happened, Avery could argue with ire in a fit of her frustration. To Avery''s surprise, all of that


    didn''t happen.


    ire merely acted like usual after hearing Avery''s words. She was calm, gentle, and patient. Her


    demeanor made it seem like Avery was the one in the wrong.


    In a sh, Avery kept her guards up.


    She''s so great at suppressing her anger. Mrs. Lambert is no ordinary woman. No wonder she is the


    wife of an official!


    ireughed when she noticed the wariness in Avery''s eyes. The woman ced her cup back on the


    table before voicing gently, ¡°Avery, it''s my mistake for showing up without informing you beforehand


    today. I wanted to do something for Nickie because she has been in love with Cayden for so long, and


    it''s rare for her to fall in love. I hope you don''t mind me. Please forgive a mother who wants to ensure


    her daughter''s wellbeing.¡±


    ire''s attitude toward Avery was pleasant. It was as if her conversation with Avery earlier was just a


    concerned mother who wanted the best for her child.


    All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Her attitude is humble, and she is willing to admit her mistake first. There''s nothing I can retort to her


    now.


    Even so, Avery felt like the air on the terrace was making it difficult for her to breathe.


    ire got up from the wicked chair and stared at Avery with a loving and caring expression. Mixed


    emotions shed across ire''s eyes when theynded on Avery''s facial features, simr to hers.


    ¡°That''s all I have to say today. My words may have caused you some grief, but it''s all true. I do not wish


    to force you to do something you are unwilling to do. It''s just that I think Nickie and Cayden would be a


    better match. You are an intelligent girl. Maybe you should think about what I said.¡±


    Avery sat on the chair as bitterness and hurt crept into her heart after ire left. She tried to tamper


    her feelings by gulping the coffee down her throat. However, the tasty coffee turned nd and bitter


    when it hit her throat.


    Oh, so Nicole is in love with Cayden! Now I know why she always picks on me. Luckily for me, I


    genuinely believe that Cayden loves me. If that weren''t the case, I would be infuriated by what Mrs.


    Lambert has to say today. Who knows? I might even misunderstand his rtionship with Nicole as a


    result of my conversation with Mrs. Lambert. I must take precautions when I meet her again. She is not


    someone that is easy to deal with.


    Avery sighed resignedly. Cayden''s perfection was a form of pressure and trouble in her life sometimes.


    Meanwhile, in the lobby on the first floor, Silvia swirled the red wine in her ss before clinking her


    ss with the troubled ire as she swept a few nces at the terrace.


    A slim, beautiful woman stood there, eliciting a feeling of forlornness and loneliness.


    With feigned casualness, Silvia remarked, ¡°Did you realize this, ire? Just now, when I saw you


    talking to that girl named Avery on the terrace, I thought she was your daughter. I would have believed


    in that if you were not someone I know. Both of you are simr in terms of facial features, figures, and


    mannerisms. I can''t help but wonder how is that possible?¡±


    Silvia and ire were best friends, and her husband''s family was close to the Lambert family. Hence,


    Silvia and her husband were invited to George''s birthday party too.


    She was just chit-chatting with her friends on the first floor when she saw ire talking to Avery on the


    terrace.


    Their simr facial features and figures make me think that they are a mother-daughter duo.


    Her attitude is humble, and she is willing to admit her mistake first. There''s nothing I can retort to her


    now.

 Chapter 332

    Chapter 332


    ¡°You''re overthinking things. Many people look identical in this world. Even Nickie''s substitutes at work


    share some resemnce to her. Nothing is surprising about this. If you think they are blood-rted just


    because they look simr, then many people are rted to each other in this world without knowing,¡±


    ire said nonchntly.


    Her gaze fell on the red wine inside the wine ss, albeit what she said.


    The bright red liquid seemed to reflect the shadow of the stubborn girl on the terrace.


    Although Avery appears fragile, she isn''t easy to deal with.


    ire''s gaze gradually became tranquil.


    Knowing that Avery stood in the way of Nicole''s happiness, ire would do whatever it took to make


    Nicole happy.


    ire felt she didn''t do enough for her dead biological child. Thus, the only thing she could do was


    pour more love and attention on Nicole.


    After socializing with a few distinguished guests, Nicole and her best friend nestled at the bar counter


    while the two chatted and had some fruits.


    Nicole''s best friend was named Bonnie Bet. True to her name, Bonnie was an attractivedy.


    Different from Nicole''s innocent charm, Bonnie was beautiful in a seductive way.


    Plus, she had a talent for dressing up. Therefore, she looked like a fashion model walking out of a


    magazine.


    In addition to that, Bonnie had a knack for trendy items and fashion. When Nicole first became part of


    the Lambert family, she was secretly ridiculed for her dressing style by girls from other prestigious


    families. Later, Nicole and the illegitimate child of the Bet family, Bonnie, got close to each other.


    Under the guidance and inspiration of Bonnie, Nicole gradually formed her fashion sense.


    Besides, Bonnie was a foxydy and had a way of dealing with men.


    She was also clever and cunning. That was why she got along with the Bets without a problem


    despite being an illegitimate child.


    Nicole had learned a lot from Bonnie and had always trusted her.


    Although Nicole was talking to Bonnie now, her gaze was on Cayden.


    Naturally, Bonnie knew what was on Nicole''s mind.


    She gave Nicole a nudge and teased, ¡°Watch out. Your eyes will fall out from staring at Mr. Moore too


    much. Why don''t you seize this opportunity and confess your feelings for him since you like him so


    much? Hmm?¡±


    Nicole gave Bonnie a knowing nce with a smirk.


    Flushed red, Nicole protested, ¡°What do you know? I like him a lot more than you think. What if he


    rejects me? How am I supposed to face him after that? What''s more, he already has someone he


    likes.¡±


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    As Nicole thought of Avery being adored by Cayden, she got jealous.


    At the same time, she was overwhelmed with disappointment and resentment.


    ¡°So what? People can get divorced even after getting married. Besides, they are not married to each


    other yet. Nickie, you have to fight for your happiness. Stop being so passive and let him know how you


    feel.¡± As Bonnie spoke, she lit up a cigarette unperturbed. Charmed by Bonnie''szy yet elegant


    posture, even as a woman, Nicole, got mesmerized by her.


    She cast an envious nce at Bonnie and said with a grim expression, ¡°What more can I do? It''s


    useless. My mother said the way to a man''s heart is through his stomach. So, I made soup for him and


    sent it to hispany, but he ignored me. I don''t want to get humiliated anymore.¡±


    ¡°You silly girl, watch me.¡± Bonnie ran her fingers through her long hair charmingly and cast a shy wink


    at a table of men who were having small talk. Then, she revealed her cleavage and acted as though it


    was inadvertent. Right after that, she wrapped herself up tightly with a shawl.


    As expected, those sessful-looking men immediately stopped talking and gulped.


    All of them stared straight at Bonnie with lustful gazes.


    ¡°You see that, Nickie? Men only appear serious on the surface. They are filled with lust and are willing


    to do anything for you as long as you sleep with them. Moreover, youe from an influential family


    and are a celebrity yourself. Besides, you are beautiful and have a nice figure to boot. All men will fall


    for you.¡±


    Then, Bonnie leaned closer to Nicole''s ear and continued to convince her, ¡°It''s Old Mr. Lambert''s


    seventieth birthday today. All the guests invited are influential people. Tell me, how can Cayden walk


    away after sleeping with you? Once you sleep with him, he can never get away or deny it, even if he


    wants to in front of these many people. This is a golden opportunity to bag him.¡±


    sping her hands nervously, Nicole got shy as she spoke. ¡°Bonnie, are you sure this will work?


    Anyway, how am I supposed to make him sleep with me? I''ve never done it before and heard it hurts


    the first time.¡±


    William and ire were strict with Nicole''s upbringing and never allowed her to hang out with dubious


    men.


    Well aware of her foster parent''s temperament, Nicole kept their guidance in mind. Even after entering


    the entertainment industry, she never filmed a kiss scene. Nicole would ask her substitute to rece


    her whenever there was an inevitable intimate scene. She was a character rarely seen in the


    entertainment industry.


    Due to Nicole''s influential family background, directors and producers never criticize her despite being


    dissatisfied with her.


    Nicole had the same desires as the people her age too. However, she knew if she got abandoned by


    her foster parents due to her messy personal life, she would be forced to return to her old life, where


    she had to starve and get bullied.


    She swore she would never go back to that living hell anymore.


    That was why Nicole was obedient and well-behaved all these years.


    Moreover, Nicole''s judgments became clearer under the influence of the Lambert family.


    She understood that a woman''s virginity was priceless and decided not to lose it before meeting


    someone she loved. Also, she felt that her virginity was the bargaining chip for her to marry into a


    prominent family. Her future husband would cherish her after taking her first time.


    Stunned, Bonnie couldn''t believe it when Nicole told her she hadn''t lost her virginity. Then, she derided


    Nicole''s naivety in secret.


    To Bonnie, sexual intercourse was part of her daily life.


    Nicole didn''t understand the beauty of it now. When she knew the ultimate pleasure a man could bring


    to her, she might yearn for more.


    As for Bonnie, she would love to see Nicole turning into a concupiscent woman from an innocent


    goddess on screen.


    Bonnie secretly passed a small bottle of drugs to Nicole after she put out her cigarette. ¡°Nickie, this is


    the newest hallucinogen I brought back from overseas. A little spray of it can make a man hallucinate,


    mistaking you as the woman he loves. Besides, this hallucinogen is colorless and tasteless and will


    diffuse into the air quickly. Cayden will not find any evidence even if he were to investigateter.¡±


    Somehow, Nicole found herself reaching out for the hallucinogen. Under Bonnie''s encouraging gaze,


    Nicole finally walked toward Cayden after pondering for a long while.


    William and ire were strict with Nicole''s upbringing and never allowed her to hang out with dubious


    men.

 Chapter 333

    Chapter 333


    Nicole carefully looked at her reflection through the ss windows.


    The pure white one-shoulder dress on her had a deep V-neck design, which outlined her fair white


    cleavage. The back of the dress was cleverlyyered with flower pleats and revealed her beautiful


    looking back.


    Furthermore, her straight and slender legs could be seen vaguely through her high-slit dress while she


    walked.


    With the sexy gown and her innocent looks, Nicole felt she looked perfect now.


    Looking at her reflection, she nodded in satisfaction.


    Although Nicole disagreed with Bonnie''s view on sex and looked down on women who sleep with any


    random man, she had to acknowledge thetter''s fashion sense. After the duo spent so much time


    together, Nicole''s fashion taste improved.


    Along the way, Nicole heard praises from many guests.


    Many men even asked for her number, which had her ego boosted.


    However, Nicole felt very nervous, even more so than when she went to a filming set for the first time.


    Her heart thumped while watching Cayden, who was talking to other guests.


    A crease appeared between Nicole''s brows.


    I have to find a way to lure Cayden into a room.


    While she was racking her brain, thinking of a way to lead Cayden into a room, a small figure suddenly


    dashed in her direction.


    Loss in her thoughts, Nicole did not see iting and got pushed.


    Since Nicole paired her gown with a pair of high heels, she lost bnce as soon as she got pushed.


    The hallucinogen slipped from her hand and rolled on the floor.


    Nicole could only watch the spray bottle containing the hallucinogen continue to roll away from her


    helplessly until it stopped at the feet of a sinister-looking man.


    The man was tall and muscr, with broad shoulders and a narrow waist. He was in a camouge


    uniform and had a beard.


    The buttons of his camouge uniform were loosely buttoned, exposing his bronze-colored skin and


    muscles. The man had a steely look, and his dark eyes were full of a vicious and ferocious aura.


    He looked terrifying, making people shudder just from looking at him.


    Looking at the spray bottle in front of his military boots, the bearded man squatted down to pick it up.


    The spray bottle wasbeled in a series of foreign words.


    When he saw it, he put his nose close to the spray bottle and sniffed it lightly. The familiar smell made


    him give Nicole a sarcastic yet meaningful stare.


    Then, he quietly picked up the spray bottle and yed with it.


    Nicole fell into a daze as soon as she saw the wild-looking man pick up her bottle of hallucinogen.


    ording to Bonnie, the words on the spray bottle are written in a foreignnguage, and it has abel


    meaning cold medicine on it. So most people cannot tell what it is. This man looks rough and


    uneducated. He probably doesn''t know what it is.


    Only then did Nicole feel relieved.


    Before Nicole fell to the ground, a gentleman grabbed her waist in time, saving her from


    embarrassment.


    ¡°Ms. Lambert, are you all right?¡± The gentleman held onto Nicole''s soft and slender waist, reluctant to


    let go. His eyes were full of admiration.


    Nicole was the only daughter of William.


    Moreover, she was young and beautiful. Anyone who got married to her would be holding a trump card.


    He believed all the men present at the banquet had this hidden agenda.


    Nicole took a nce at the man. He looked like he was in his thirties. With not much to look at, his face


    was full of e. He couldn''t hide his protruding beer belly in his expensive suit.


    Immediately, Nicole, who judged people by their appearance, felt repulsed. However, she maintained a


    gentle look on her face.


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    Nicole refused his touch. ¡°Thank you, sir. I would have made a fool of myself today if not for you. Can


    you please let me go now?¡±


    The man with a beer belly was too embarrassed to hold onto Nicole''s waist after hearing what she said.


    After he let her go, Nicole walked toward the mischievous kid who pushed her and nned to


    reprimand him.


    The kid was a little boy around five to six years old. He had an outstanding appearance with a pair of


    big and round clear eyes. His eyshes were long and curly.


    The boy was dressed in a white tuxedo. He looked like a charming prince walking out of a fairy tale.


    He was Seamus, Jacob Yankovich''s only son.


    Today, Seamus attended the banquet with his father. While ying with other kids, he identally


    pushed Nicole. He pulled a funny face at her when he saw her walking in his direction with a sullen


    face. Before Nicole could speak, Seamus ran off.


    No kidding. I have to flee now. Otherwise, my butt will suffer if thisdy tells on me to Daddy.


    Nicole was boiling in anger when she saw his mischievous action.


    Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, she had to maintain her elegant,dylike demeanor. Thus, she


    couldn''t hold a grudge against a kid.


    Nicole smiled resignedly and walked toward the bearded man. Then, she looked at him with her bright


    eyes and spoke softly. ¡°Sir, I dropped my cold medicine here and saw you pick it up. Can you please


    return it to me now?¡±


    The bearded man was named Roderick Fuller. He was a special forces soldier that just got discharged


    from the military. Coming from a family with generations of soldiers, he had an influential family


    background.


    He stared straight at Nicole without shying away.


    Nicole''s fair skin, cherry-red lips, cleavage, and seductive voice drew Roderick''s attention.


    His lustful thoughts of her were tant. Moreover, he did not n to hide them.


    ¡°Sir, please return my cold medicine to me.¡± Nicole was frustrated and angry at Roderick''s stares.


    This man is shameless. How can he stare so tantly? It''s as though he hasn''t seen a woman in years


    and wants to strip me down. I''m so disgusted.


    What happened next infuriated Nicole further. Roderick moved his stare from Nicole''s delicate face to


    her bust, then to her slender waist. Nicole felt bbergasted when he tilted his head deliberately to


    check out her hip.


    Coming back to her senses, Nicole immediately turned sideways to move her womanly curves out of


    his bold sight.


    ¡°What on earth? How can you¡ª¡±


    Nicole snatched the hallucinogen from Roderick''s hand. Ignoring her image, she ran directly to


    Cayden.


    After Nicole saw Cayden''s handsome looks as he chatted with others gently, his high-spirited


    appearance calmed her restless heart slightly.


    She had alreadye up with a way to seduce Cayden.


    However, for some reason, Nicole felt uneasy after she saw the wild-looking man. She had an ominous


    feeling that her n would fall through.


    No kidding. I have to flee now. Otherwise, my butt will suffer if thisdy tells on me to Daddy.


    No kidding. I hava to a now. Otharwisa, my butt will suffar if thisdy talls on ma to Daddy.


    Nic was boiling in angar whan sha saw his mischiavous action.


    Undar tha watchful ayas of tha crowd, sha had to maintain har gant,dylika damaanor. Thus, sha


    couldn''t hold a grudga against a kid.


    Nic smd rasignadly and walkad toward tha baardad man. Than, sha lookad at him with har bright


    ayas and spoka softly. ¡°Sir, I droppad my cold madicina hara and saw you pick it up. Can you asa


    raturn it to ma now?¡±


    Tha baardad man was namad Rodarick Fur. Ha was a spacial forcas soldiar that just got dischargad


    from tha military. Coming from a family with ganarations of soldiars, ha had an influantial family


    background.


    Ha starad straight at Nic without shying away.


    Nic''s fair skin, charry-rad lips, avaga, and saductiva voica draw Rodarick''s attantion.


    His lustful thoughts of har wara tant. Moraovar, ha did not n to hida tham.


    ¡°Sir, asa raturn my cold madicina to ma.¡± Nic was frustratad and angry at Rodarick''s staras.


    This man is shamss. How can ha stara so tantly? It''s as though ha hasn''t saan a woman in yaars


    and wants to strip ma down. I''m so disgustad.


    What happanad naxt infuriatad Nic furthar. Rodarick movad his stara from Nic''s dalicata faca to


    har bust, than to har ndar waist. Nic falt bbargastad whan ha tiltad his haad dalibarataly to


    chack out har hip.


    Coming back to har sansas, Nic immadiataly turnad sidaways to mova har womanly curvas out of


    his bold sight.


    ¡°What on aarth? How can you¡ª¡±


    Nic snatchad tha hallucinogan from Rodarick''s hand. Ignoring har imaga, sha ran diractly to


    Caydan.


    Aftar Nic saw Caydan''s handsoma looks as ha chattad with othars gantly, his high-spiritad


    appaaranca calmad har rasss haart slightly.


    Sha had alraadya up with a way to saduca Caydan.


    Howavar, for soma raason, Nic falt unaasy aftar sha saw tha wild-looking man. Sha had an ominous


    faaling that har n would fall through.

 Chapter 334

    Chapter 334


    ¡°Cheers!¡± Sounds of wine sses clinking with each other could be heard in the banquet hall. Three


    outstanding men with distinctly different appearances gathered together had garnered the attention of


    countless women.


    It could be said that all of Ackleton''s riches belonged to the three distinguished young men.


    The first man was Cayden Moore, CEO of Trident Group; the second was Xander Gibson, CEO of


    Gibson Corporation; thest was Jacob Yankovich, chairman of Yankovich Enterprise. Not a lot of


    people knew that the three men with contrasting personalities were well-acquainted during their


    university years.


    Their friendly rtionship continued even after graduation.


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    Cayden had immacte features and exuded a stern aura. His charming eyes held a piercing and


    dangerous gaze. A mere nce from him could make men shudder and the women''s hearts race.


    Having set foot in the global business world, he was well-known internationally but never had any


    scandals due to his stoicism, making him the most desired bachelor among wealthy women in


    Ackleton.


    Jacob looked like someone with a mixed heritage and was incredibly handsome. His enchanting amber


    eyes glinted with shrewdness, and his personality radiated warmth and grace.


    He owned Yankovich Enterprise, which was a multinational enterprise with billions worth of assets. He


    was also strategic, friendly, and good at managing rtionships with others. Only those who knew him


    well were aware that he was cunning, a wolf in sheep''s clothing.


    Moreover, he was also the center of media attention due to his numerous scandals that made him a


    conspicuous yboy.


    However, he had a five-year-old son whose mother''s identity he kept a secret.


    Yet, none of those deterred women from going after him like moths to the me.


    Fair-skinned, Xander had a feminine quality to his charm. He wore a sapphire ring on his thumb that


    served as a stark contrast to his fair skin.


    He was d in a ck trench coat. Given his grace and elegance, he looked like a young man of noble


    birth. While he was the CEO of Gibson Corporation, none knew he was also the leader of Ackleton''s


    underground, feared for his cruel methods.


    Jacob noticed that Cayden kept on ncing in the direction of the balcony even as he spoke to them.


    After punching Cayden on the shoulder, he teased, ¡°Cayden, it was a surprise that you got married


    before any of us. Not bad. You have good enough taste to have married a beauty.¡±


    Cayden''s sexy lips curled into a seductive smile. ¡°You aren''t half bad either. Your son is already five


    years old. I''m curious as to who his mother is.¡±


    Xander raised his wine ss at Jacob. ¡°Same.¡±


    Upon seeing their determination to uncover the truth, Jacob offered a cheeky reply. ¡°Tsk, Xander. Back


    when Cayden suddenly got a pair of twins, did he reveal their mother''s identity when you asked him


    about it? He kept it a secret for years until we recently got to know who their mysterious mother was.


    Say, what are you expecting from me when you never were able to get answers from him? Would you


    believe in me if I told you the mother of my son is a goddess from heaven?¡±


    Xander rolled his eyes at Jacob.


    All the while, Cayden sipped on his wine in quiet elegance, a smile on his face.


    Then, the three elite men began talking about business.


    Nicole happened to be walking toward them at that time.


    Dainty Nicole stood out from the crowd, having perfected her appearance and gait throughout the years


    she spent in the entertainment industry.


    She looked pure yet brilliant, easily attracting the attention of men wherever she went.


    ¡°Cayden...¡±


    She swayed toward Cayden and looped her arms around his as if they were acquaintances.


    She gazed at him intently with bright eyes before turning to greet Jacob and Xander. ¡°Good evening.


    Are you Cayden''s friends?¡±


    Xander and Jacob exchanged nces, both looking forward to enjoying the show.


    Does this woman have a death wish? Doesn''t she know Cayden hates physical contact with strangers?


    Cayden furrowed his brows gloomily.


    He disliked Nicole''s touch, for he generally disliked physical contact with women he didn''t know.


    However, he didn''t wish to embarrass her in public, given his gentlemanly nature, so he merely


    removed his arm discreetly.


    Then, he wore a nk expression while apologizing, ¡°I''m afraid we''re not acquainted, Ms. Lambert. I do


    not like physical contact with strangers, and I apologize for that.¡±


    There was a momentary awkwardness when Nicole noticed him withdrawing his arm.


    Although she maintained a wless smile, she sounded rather aggrieved. ¡°Cayden...¡±


    Jacob arched his brows with a look of surprise in his eyes.


    Is William''s daughter after Cayden? Does she not know he has a pair of twins and has publicly


    announced the identity of their mother? She''s so young. Is she okay with bing the mother of his


    twins if she marries him?¡±


    Nheless, Jacob was good at smoothing awkward situations over, so he extended his right arm to


    her. ¡°Good evening, Ms. Lambert. I am the person in charge of Yankovich Enterprise, Jacob Yankovich.


    You sure do live up to your name. I assumed that you were pretty enough on screen when you''re, in


    fact, even prettier in real life. Are you an acquaintance of Cayden''s?¡±


    Having been within upper-ss society for years, Nicole was aware that both Jacob and Xander were


    also among the elites. However, one of them was a notorious yboy, while the other was intimidating


    in his dreariness. Thus, she still preferred Cayden, who tended to keep to himself and had an


    uplicated private life.


    Despite that, she was still delighted that someone as handsome and charming as Jacob would praise


    her.


    She shook hands with him and humbly replied, ¡°You tter me, Mr. Yankovich. You also have an air of


    nobility and quite the charm. It''s a pleasure meeting you, and I hope we will have a great time working


    together in the future. I''m endorsing the perfume that Cayden''spany justunched, so I have some


    questions that I would like to discuss with him.¡±


    While Nicole smiled at Cayden shyly, Xander nced at Cayden knowingly, finding Nicole''s behavior


    rather amusing.


    Can she not read the situation? Did she not notice the glum look on Cayden''s face? She sure thinks


    too highly of herself.


    ¡°Ms. Lambert, as I have said, Mr. Dartsley has full authority over matters regarding your coboration


    with Trident Group, so you can speak to him about anything.¡± Cayden seemed rather distant.


    Nicole was rendered speechless.


    Never had she expected that Cayden would embarrass her in public.


    ¡°Daddy!¡± The joyful voice of a child came through all of a sudden.


    Nicole turned around in surprise, only to see the naughty boy who had bumped into her previously. He


    was holding Avery''s hand whileing up to them. A vicious look fleeted across Nicole''s gaze as she


    closed her eyes in silence.


    Jacob arched his brows with a look of surprise in his eyes.


    Jacob archad his brows with a look of surprisa in his ayas.


    Is William''s daughtar aftar Caydan? Doas sha not know ha has a pair of twins and has publicly


    announcad tha idantity of thair mothar? Sha''s so young. Is sha okay with bing tha mothar of his


    twins if sha marrias him?¡±


    Nonathss, Jacob was good at smoothing awkward situations ovar, so ha axtandad his right arm to


    har. ¡°Good avaning, Ms. Lambart. I am tha parson in charga of Yankovich Entarprisa, Jacob Yankovich.


    You sura do liva up to your nama. I assumad that you wara pratty anough on scraan whan you''ra, in


    fact, avan prattiar in raal lifa. Ara you an acquaintanca of Caydan''s?¡±


    Having baan within uppar-ss sociaty for yaars, Nic was awara that both Jacob and Xandar wara


    also among tha alitas. Howavar, ona of tham was a notorious yboy, wh tha othar was intimidating


    in his draarinass. Thus, sha still prafarrad Caydan, who tandad to kaap to himsalf and had an


    uplicatad privata lifa.


    Daspita that, sha was still dalightad that somaona as handsoma and charming as Jacob would praisa


    har.


    Sha shook hands with him and humbly rapliad, ¡°You ttar ma, Mr. Yankovich. You also hava an air of


    nobility and quita tha charm. It''s a asura maating you, and I hopa wa will hava a graat tima working


    togathar in tha futura. I''m andorsing tha parfuma that Caydan''spany justunchad, so I hava soma


    quastions that I would lika to discuss with him.¡±


    Wh Nic smd at Caydan shyly, Xandar ncad at Caydan knowingly, finding Nic''s bahavior


    rathar amusing.


    Can sha not raad tha situation? Did sha not notica tha glum look on Caydan''s faca? Sha sura thinks


    too highly of harsalf.


    ¡°Ms. Lambart, as I hava said, Mr. Darty has full authority ovar mattars ragarding your coboration


    with Tridant Group, so you can spaak to him about anything.¡± Caydan saamad rathar distant.


    Nic was randarad spaacss.


    Navar had sha axpactad that Caydan would ambarrass har in public.


    ¡°Daddy!¡± Tha joyful voica of a child cama through all of a suddan.


    Nic turnad around in surprisa, only to saa tha naughty boy who had bumpad into har praviously. Ha


    was holding Avary''s hand whing up to tham. A vicious look atad across Nic''s gaza as sha


    closad har ayas in snca.

 Chapter 335

    Chapter 335


    It was the first time Xander and Jacob met Avery in person.


    She had fair skin, delicate facial features, and most uniquely her feminine and elegant demeanor.


    The maternal allure she exuded as she patientlyforted the naughty Seamus charmed anyone who


    laid their eyes on her.


    Ever since Avery appeared, Cayden''s passionate gaze hadn''t left her pretty face, which sparked a


    me of envy in Nicole''s heart.


    ¡°Daddy¡ª¡± As Seamus held Avery''s hand, he approached Jacob and hugged the man''s calf. Then, the


    boy giddily introduced Avery to him. ¡°Daddy, I found this prettydy on the terrace. She''s Zachary''s and


    Rory''s mommy. She''s so nice. Can you find me a mommy as gentle as her, Daddy?¡±


    Tenderly, Jacob pulled Seamus'' ear and pretended to be angry. ¡°I''ve found you many mommies in the


    past, but you''re the one who chased them away with your pranks, brat. Now you''re asking me for a


    mommy again? Don''t you think you need to be taught a lesson?¡±


    The boy pouted, covered his eyes, and pretended to cry. ¡°Those women smelled nasty and had lots of


    makeup on, Daddy. They don''t have Ms. Ery''s fragrant scent. Besides, they''re all evil witches. When


    you''re around, they''ll treat me nicely. But when you''re gone, they abuse me! I''m so pitiful... My daddy


    doesn''t love me, and I don''t have a mommy to love me. I''m a sprout that no one wants...¡±


    Avery''s maternal sympathy arose when she saw a cute child crying his heart out.


    She promptly hugged him up and consoled him, ¡°Don''t cry, Seamus. Rory''s the same age as you, but


    she rarely cries nowadays.¡±


    ¡°I wish you were my mommy, Ms. Ery...¡± As Seamus sobbed, he wrapped his arms around her neck.


    An aggrieved expression was set on his face as his eyes turned reddish.


    However, there wasn''t even a single drop of tears in the boy''s eyes.


    Jacob wasn''t sure if he shouldugh or cry. What a cheeky brat! Even though he looks like he''s


    sobbing, I know he''s just faking it, like the type of rainstorm with plenty of thunder but barely any rain. I


    bet only a woman as pure as Avery would fall for his trick.


    ¡°I don''t want to stay with Daddy anymore, Ms. Ery. He''s a baddie! Hmph! I like you a lot, Ms. Ery. Can


    you take me out to y?¡± With pitiful puppy eyes, Seamus gazed at Avery.


    Her heart was already melted by the adorable and good-looking Seamus, so, of course, she agreed to


    his request. ¡°I''ll take him out for a stroll, Cayden. When you''re about to leave, text me, okay?¡±


    Cayden held her hand and replied, ¡°Sure. Give me a call if anything happens.¡±


    Then he nted a gentle kiss on her lips in front of everyone.


    While the hotel was huge, there were plenty of hidden security cameras around the ce. Additionally,


    everyone who attended the event was someone of status. Thus, the security measures were of a


    higher standard. Therefore, he found no reason to be worried about Avery and Seamus'' safety.


    I don''t know what to say about this man. There are so many people and a child here, yet he ignored all


    that and publicly disyed his affection for me in front of them. Still, that does give me a fuzzy feeling.


    Avery''s face was flushed. ¡°I know.¡±


    ¡°I''m a regr at this hotel, Ms. Rumpley, so I''m more familiar with the environment. I can apany


    you two for a stroll,¡± Nicole offered passionately, even though she was feeling bitter inside.


    This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Ever since ire had a conversation with Avery, thetter had been on guard against Nicole, who was


    coveting her man.


    Just as she wondered how she should turn down Nicole''s ¡°offer,¡± Seamus grinned and said, ¡°I don''t


    want such an ugly hag to apany us. Ms. Ery and I don''t need a third wheel.¡±


    Nicole almost fainted from anger when she heard that. How dare this brat call me an ugly hag! Only


    those coarse-looking and agingmoners deserve that name! I''m still young and beautiful! I don''t


    look like a hag!


    As well-mannered as she was, she couldn''t hide her slight frown in response to hisment.


    Meanwhile, Avery gently knocked on Seamus'' head and defused the situation. ¡°You mustn''t treat


    another person rudely, Seamus. It''s a sign of poor upbringing. You''re a big boy, so you need to treat


    others with respect, especially women. You have to learn how to be a young gentleman, got it?¡±


    Seamus nodded obediently before making a funny face at Avery. ¡°I get it, Ms. Ery. I won''t behave that


    rudely again.¡±


    Jacob''s eyes almost popped out of his skull when he saw that. Is this well-behaved and adorable child


    really the little devil who refuses topromise under any circumstances who I know? What a


    surprise!


    After that conversation ended, Avery brought Seamus to the children''s yground in the hotel. It had a


    typical eye-pleasing design in terms of both its structure and its color.


    The yground had tons of equipment in it, including arge slide, a jungle gym, a maze, a merry-go-


    round, a bubble house, and many more. Everything inside was state-of-the-art design.


    All the kids inside were the children of the guests. Thus, there weren''t too many of them ying inside


    the yground at the moment.


    As Seamus had thepany of a pretty and gentledy, he had an extremely great time in the


    yground.


    He created countless bubbles together with Avery in the bubble house. Theirughter was even heard


    from far away.


    Nicole and Roderick stood next to the fairytale-inspired wooden house as they observed Avery and


    Seamus.


    Upon noticing his sexual interest in Avery, Nicole suppressed her disgust and asked, ¡°You find her pure


    and pretty, right? How about I help you get her?¡±


    She suddenly changed her n.


    While she believed she could get Cayden to warm up and ept her over time, she realized she


    couldn''t stomach Avery''s presence at all.


    Cayden''s passionate love for Avery only made Nicole jealous and want her doom.


    Roderick nced at Avery. I must admit, her smile is beautiful. Additionally, her purity seems to be


    genuine, so much so that I can''t help but think of doing dirty things with her. However, what I''m more


    interested in right now is Nicole. What a two-faced woman she is. Despite her angelic demeanor, she''s


    as venomous as a scorpion inside. I want to know what it''s like to dominate a delicate, arrogant, and


    eminent woman like her.


    ¡°That''s right. I am interested in her. However, all I want is you right now!¡± A sinister grin formed on his


    face.


    Upon seeing his reaction, Nicole''s heart skipped a beat as she stepped backward defensively. ¡°You...


    What are you trying to do? If you do anything inappropriate to me, I''ll make sure you''ll regret it for life!¡±


    To her surprise, Roderickughed maliciously.


    With an eager tone, he uttered, ¡°I like it when you act that way. Come on, tell me how you''ll make me


    feel regretful. Scream! Let everyone see the true face of the daughter of the Lambert family!¡±


    Then, he pulled her into his arms.


    Nicole struggled in his embrace, but she was too weak. There was no way she could win against a


    special forces soldier like him.


    Irritated by Nicole''s attempt to escape, Roderick suddenly covered his mouth and nose before putting


    an unplugged stic tube underneath Nicole''s nose.


    She didn''t expect him to do that, so she unintentionally took in several deep breaths.


    When she realized what it was, she was thoroughly frightened. Before she could shriek at him with fury,


    her body went limp in his embrace.


    As Seamus had thepany of a pretty and gentledy, he had an extremely great time in the


    yground.


    As Saamus had thapany of a pratty and gandy, ha had an axtramaly graat tima in tha


    yground.


    Ha craatad counss bubs togathar with Avary in tha bub housa. Thairughtar was avan haard


    from far away.


    Nic and Rodarick stood naxt to tha fairyt-inspirad woodan housa as thay obsarvad Avary and


    Saamus.


    Upon noticing his saxual intarast in Avary, Nic supprassad har disgust and askad, ¡°You find har pura


    and pratty, right? How about I halp you gat har?¡±


    Sha suddanly changad har n.


    Wh sha baliavad sha could gat Caydan to warm up and apt har ovar tima, sha raalizad sha


    couldn''t stomach Avary''s prasanca at all.


    Caydan''s passionata lova for Avary only mada Nic jaalous and want har doom.


    Rodarick ncad at Avary. I must admit, har sm is baautiful. Additionally, har purity saams to ba


    ganuina, so much so that I can''t halp but think of doing dirty things with har. Howavar, what I''m mora


    intarastad in right now is Nic. What a two-facad woman sha is. Daspita har angalic damaanor, sha''s


    as vanomous as a scorpion insida. I want to know what it''s lika to dominata a dalicata, arrogant, and


    aminant woman lika har.


    ¡°That''s right. I am intarastad in har. Howavar, all I want is you right now!¡± A sinistar grin formad on his


    faca.


    Upon saaing his raaction, Nic''s haart skippad a baat as sha stappad backward dafansivaly. ¡°You...


    What ara you trying to do? If you do anything inappropriata to ma, I''ll maka sura you''ll ragrat it for lifa!¡±


    To har surprisa, Rodarickughad maliciously.


    With an aagar tona, ha uttarad, ¡°I lika it whan you act that way. Coma on, tall ma how you''ll maka ma


    faal ragratful. Scraam! Lat avaryona saa tha trua faca of tha daughtar of tha Lambart family!¡±


    Than, ha pud har into his arms.


    Nic strugd in his ambraca, but sha was too waak. Thara was no way sha could win against a


    spacial forcas soldiar lika him.


    Irritatad by Nic''s attampt to ascapa, Rodarick suddanly covarad his mouth and nosa bafora putting


    an unpluggad stic tuba undarnaath Nic''s nosa.


    Sha didn''t axpact him to do that, so sha unintantionally took in savaral daap braaths.


    Whan sha raalizad what it was, sha was thoroughly frightanad. Bafora sha could shriak at him with fury,


    har body want limp in his ambraca.

 Chapter 336

    Chapter 336


    Roderick, who was skilled in counter-surveince, pressed Nicole''s face into his chest.


    The people around him couldn''t see who the woman in his embrace was and just assumed he was a


    yboy hooking up with someone in the event. After all, romantic sparks between a man and a woman


    at a ce like a hotel weremon.


    Thus, he was able to avoid the surveince cameras installed in various corners of the hotel easily and


    sessfully carried the half-conscious Nicole out of the hotel.


    Then Roderick rudely threw her into a ck luxury car and started tearing off her clothes.


    Her clothing was already pretty thin. Thus, he was able to peel them off her body quickly.


    His crazed, beastly eyes ravaged the naked and unconscious Nicole visually. This woman looks pretty


    good! I didn''t expect her body to be that excellent too. It''s definitely alluring enough to suck any man''s


    soul away!


    His sexual desire rapidly coursed through his veins as he pounced toward her feeble body like a


    hungry wolf to a sheep.


    Oh my god! She feels better than I thought! Roderick suddenly found it quite impossible to get his


    hands off of her, which intensified his desire to defile her.


    Meanwhile, the unconscious Nicole was woken up by his callous movements.


    As she was still under the effects of the drug, she mistook Roderick for Cayden.


    When she saw the man of her dreams touching her, she was surprised and stared at him shyly with her


    delicate, watery eyes. ¡°Love me, Cayden... Ah... Can you be a bit gentler? A bit gentler...¡±


    As Roderick bit her violently, her heart and body were filled with unbridled pleasure.


    At the moment, she couldn''t tell who the man pressing on her body was.


    Lowering his head, Roderick nced at Nicole with dissatisfaction. He didn''t like her mistaking him for


    another man. ¡°Hmph!¡±


    Thus, he proceeded to rail her as hard as he could.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    ¡°Ah! Cayden, it hurts! Don''t...¡± Nicole furrowed her eyebrows.


    Tears swelled in her eyes as she moaned in pain.


    Her pitiful, pretty eyes evoked a feeling inside him that intensified his desire to sully her more.


    I didn''t expect her to be a virgin. An evil smirk was visible on his face as he treated her even more


    badly. He didn''t spare her any mercy just because it was her first time.


    Their ongoing intercourse was clear to see inside the cramped vehicle.


    ¡°It hurts...¡± Nicole pouted.


    ¡°It hurts? Soon, you''ll stop feeling pain and beg me to go harder!¡± Roderick replied.


    His animalistic and brutish movements were pushing her body to the breaking point.


    However, that unfamiliar feeling kept washing over her like waves, making her moan uncontrobly and


    sensually. ¡°Ah... Ah... I can''t take it anymore...¡±


    Despite her words, she grabbed onto Roderick subconsciously and tightly, with no intention of letting


    him leave.


    ¡°I thought you said you didn''t want more. Do you want it or not?¡± he asked in a displeased tone.


    ¡°Mhm... I do...¡± With the pain gone, Nicole was drowning in that enthralling bliss. No wonder Bonnie


    loves having sex with men. It feels so good!


    ¡°Oh... It feels good... Too good...¡± Closing her eyes, she was d she had given her first time to a man


    she loved.


    ¡°What a naughty woman! I want you to see just how lewd you look in the future!¡± Unbeknownst to her,


    Roderick smiled malignantly as he took pictures and videos of her moaning under him.


    All Nicole could feel in that foggy moment was the gratification of having sex with the man of many


    other women''s dreams.


    She thought she had fulfilled the greatest wish of her life. I''m going to bear his child and be his


    only woman! If I have his child, my status and identity will never be the same again...


    ...


    When Avery and Cayden exited the hotel, it was snowing outside.


    By midnight, a thickyer of snow had umted on the roads of the city.


    ¡°Look, Cayden! It''s snowing!¡± Like a gleeful child, Avery left his grip and dove into the snow, stepping


    cheerfully on the fluffy, white substance.


    Considering she had basically never seen snow before, it was only natural she was excited to y with


    it.


    Even though it was an hour before midnight, there were still plenty of pedestrians ambling about.


    Across the street was a university.


    asionally, a couple of students would pass by. There was a mischievous boy who shook the tree


    next to the road, causing the snow gathered on its branches to fall.


    ¡°Come and y with me in the snow!¡± Avery skittishly returned to Cayden and pulled him into the snow.


    Gazing at her with a resigned smirk, Cayden helped tighten the hood on her down jacket before


    wrapping her neck with a scarf.


    Her beautiful, smooth, long hairid on her shoulders.


    When Avery smiled at him, she looked like a delicate doll made of snow, which mesmerized him


    greatly.


    It almost made him think she was a beautiful dream.


    Suddenly, Cayden felt as though he had traveled back in time when her eyes unintentionally met his in


    that scenic town. It impacted him so hard that he couldn''t forget her dazzling appearance, even if he


    wanted to.


    At that moment, he was feeling especially grateful to his grandfather. If the old man hadn''t insisted on


    sending him to that small town, perhaps he wouldn''t have met a woman as gorgeous as Nicole.


    He might''ve even lived his whole life in depression if that hadn''t happened.


    Only those who experienced depression and despair could fully understand how important it was to


    come across the light of one''s life. To be able to hold hands with the woman he loved deeply in the


    snow was the simplest form of happiness he had never dared to hope for in the past.


    ¡°What are you thinking, Cayden?¡± Avery tugged Cayden''s arm when she saw him deep in thought.


    After he snapped back, it was as though he abruptly transformed into a yful teenager.


    He pulled her toward a twenty-four-hour convenience store and bought some fireworks. Then, they


    sneaked to the side of the field of a certain high school.


    The entrance to the field was quiet. Only the faint yellow light of a streetmp was illuminating it in the


    snowy night.


    Pulling Avery''s hand, Cayden saw the gate wasn''t fully closed yet. It had enough space for a single


    person to squeeze through.


    Inside the security booth was a guard in a military green outfit. He seemed to be chatting with someone


    on the phone while facing his back against the couple.


    Thus, the childish couple scurried past the gate and into the field.


    ¡°Come and y with me in the snow!¡± Avery skittishly returned to Cayden and pulled him into the snow.


    ¡°Coma and y with ma in tha snow!¡± Avary skittishly raturnad to Caydan and pud him into tha snow.


    Gazing at har with a rasignad smirk, Caydan halpad tightan tha hood on har down jackat bafora


    wrapping har nack with a scarf.


    Har baautiful, smooth, long hairid on har shouldars.


    Whan Avary smd at him, sha lookad lika a dalicata doll mada of snow, which masmarizad him


    graatly.


    It almost mada him think sha was a baautiful draam.


    Suddanly, Caydan falt as though ha had travd back in tima whan har ayas unintantionally mat his in


    that scanic town. It impactad him so hard that ha couldn''t forgat har dazzling appaaranca, avan if ha


    wantad to.


    At that momant, ha was faaling aspacially grataful to his grandfathar. If tha old man hadn''t insistad on


    sanding him to that small town, parhaps ha wouldn''t hava mat a woman as gorgaous as Nic.


    Ha might''va avan livad his wh lifa in daprassion if that hadn''t happanad.


    Only thosa who axpariancad daprassion and daspair could fully undarstand how important it was to


    coma across tha light of ona''s lifa. To ba a to hold hands with tha woman ha lovad daaply in tha


    snow was tha simst form of happinass ha had navar darad to hopa for in tha past.


    ¡°What ara you thinking, Caydan?¡± Avary tuggad Caydan''s arm whan sha saw him daap in thought.


    Aftar ha snappad back, it was as though ha abruptly transformad into a yful taanagar.


    Ha pud har toward a twanty-four-hour convanianca stora and bought soma firaworks. Than, thay


    snaakad to tha sida of tha fiald of a cartain high school.


    Tha antranca to tha fiald was quiat. Only tha faint yallow light of a straatmp was illuminating it in tha


    snowy night.


    Pulling Avary''s hand, Caydan saw tha gata wasn''t fully closad yat. It had anough spaca for a sin


    parson to squaaza through.


    Insida tha sacurity booth was a guard in a military graan outfit. Ha saamad to ba chatting with somaona


    on tha phona wh facing his back against tha cou.


    Thus, tha childish cou scurriad past tha gata and into tha fiald.

 Chapter 337

    Chapter 337


    There was a t-shaped stage on the wide field. It was probably constructed for a school event.


    However, since it was almost midnight, there were no students on the field, only a thickyer of snow


    gently covering the entire world.


    As Cayden advanced forward while holding Avery''s hand, they respectively left a trail of deep and


    shallow footprints behind.


    He lifted her up to the stage before getting on it himself.


    Then he pulled out the fireworks he bought from the store, squatted down, and lit them with his match.


    Standing next to Cayden, Avery watched the fuse be lit and heard it hissing as it burned.


    Then, a beautiful firework was seen exploding in the sky. It formed the shape of a flower that expanded


    over time.


    In the end, it transformed into a marvelous, towering tree of colorful fire.


    The dark sky was instantly illuminated with arge spectrum of colors.


    Then, as the tree of colorful fire exploded in midair, the specks of fire fell back to the earth like a vibrant


    meteor shower.


    Avery was a little blinded by the bright mes, which prompted Cayden to pull her back a few steps.


    The powerful me blossomed in the snowy night, illuminating them and half the dark sky.


    It brought joy to Avery.


    She didn''t expect such cheap fireworks would create stunning scenery.


    ¡°Thank you. I''ll remember this scene forever. From here on out, this will be a memory shared between


    us.¡± Upon rubbing her cold nose, she stood on her toes and gently ced her hands around Cayden''s


    neck.


    Like a well-mannered kitty, Avery rubbed her face against his neck.


    Despite the cold, she felt warm because of hispany. Even the snow didn''t feel icy to her.


    ¡°I''m d that you''re happy. Even if you want the stars in the sky one day, I''ll find a way to pluck them


    down for you.¡± He kissed her lips as affectionately as he always was.


    Standing in the snow, he looked handsome, graceful, and as though the most brilliant light in the world


    was gathered in his eyes.


    When Cayden smiled fondly at Avery, it was as if the snowkes came to life as they kept dancing on


    his eyebrows and lips.


    At that moment, he appeared as though he was an immortal shrouded in a frigid aura. A sense of


    warmth and elegance smashed straight into her chest, making her feel utterly captivated by him.


    Just as they were gazing at each other with infatuation, an angry roar was suddenly heard from the


    direction of the security booth.


    The security guard in a military green outfit approached them with a torchlight.


    Then, he admonished sternly, ¡°Hey, what are you two doing here in the middle of the night? Don''t you


    know it''s forbidden to y with fireworks on school grounds? What ss are you two from?¡±


    ¡°Crap, we''re discovered!¡± Avery panicked a little.


    ¡°No need to be afraid. Hold my hand, and we''ll escape together!¡± Cayden took her soft hand and


    sprinted across the field with her as the fireworks still lingered in the air.


    Soon, they reached the streets outside.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    Two of them panted as they scampered away like children, leaving the security guard in the dust.


    When they arrived at the wide road a hundred meters away from the high school, they hid behind a


    large, tall tree.


    Staring at Avery tenderly, Cayden assured, ¡°No need to be afraid. We''ll just pretend to be a couple on a


    nightly jog. The guard can''t do anything to us.¡±


    ¡°That was... tiring. But it was so fun!¡± That run made her sweat a lot.


    Her chest was still in pain from the intense dash, but she thought it was worth it.


    Cayden gripped Avery''s hand with his warm, mighty palm, affirming her that he would never leave her


    or let her go.


    Turning her head back, she could still see the fireworks they had set off earlier.


    The brilliant tree of fire was still glowing.


    Embers of the vanishing firework descended from the air like meteors, blinking in the night sky as they


    did. It was so beautiful that one could hardly move their eyes away from the scenery.


    When the security guard realized the couple was gone, he grumbled with annoyance as he returned to


    his post.


    ¡°It''s over now.¡± Cayden pulled Avery out of the shade of the tree.


    As they watched the fireworks gradually disappear into the darkness, they held hands and strolled in


    the snow.


    At a wall next to the road stood a tall but thin snow-covered figure.


    Avery initially thought it was just some guy standing against the wall.


    When she got closer, however, she realized it was a couple hugging each other.


    They appeared to be very young, so it was likely they were students of the nearby university. The


    couple seemed fairly awkward. The girl was dainty and crying unceasingly in the boy''s embrace.


    asionally, she would swing her fists and hit him.


    On the other hand, the boy was patiently and gently coaxing her. As he allowed her to keep hitting him,


    he continued to apologize to her.


    A romantic rtionship that took ce during one''s youth was the most genuine and pure. Even the


    squabbles of a couple at that age seemed so pleasant.


    Avery and Cayden smiled meaningfully as they tightened their grips.


    They were no longer young, but they had experienced the many twists and turns of life. That was why


    they understood they should be more trusting and less demanding in a rtionship. Only then would


    they be able to keep holding on to the miracle known as happiness.


    ¡°I feel like I''ve be much younger ever since I met you, Avery,¡± Cayden uttered as he crossed his


    fingers with Avery''s.


    His forehead was touching hers as they kept each other heated with their body warmth.


    ¡°That''s not right. You are young. The father of my two children is still a handsome man.¡± She chuckled


    and gently squeezed his hand. ¡°I''m getting a little tired of walking now...¡±


    ¡°I''ll piggyback you.¡± Without hesitation, Cayden kneeled and gestured for her to lie on his back.


    Avery climbed onto his back and looked around at the snowy scenery.


    The night was quiet. Aside from the soft glow that the snow was reflecting and the streemp''s rays,


    there were no other sources of light.


    When the falling snow was paired with the light in the night, a graceful yet blurry beauty was formed.


    The couple could still see each other clearly, but they couldn''t make out the objects and people in the


    distance in the wintryndscape. Avery liked the atmosphere because it allowed them to enjoy the


    serenity shared between them.


    ¡°It would be great if we could stay like this forever...¡± Laying on Cayden''s back, she seemed lost.


    When she thought about what ire had told her earlier, she hesitated to let him know.


    When she got closer, however, she realized it was a couple hugging each other.


    Whan sha got closar, howavar, sha raalizad it was a cou hugging aach othar.


    Thay appaarad to ba vary young, so it was likaly thay wara studants of tha naarby univarsity. Tha


    cou saamad fairly awkward. Tha girl was dainty and crying uncaasingly in tha boy''s ambraca.


    asionally, sha would swing har fists and hit him.


    On tha othar hand, tha boy was patiantly and gantly coaxing har. As ha allowad har to kaap hitting him,


    ha continuad to apologiza to har.


    A romantic rtionship that took ca during ona''s youth was tha most ganuina and pura. Evan tha


    squabs of a cou at that aga saamad so asant.


    Avary and Caydan smd maaningfully as thay tightanad thair grips.


    Thay wara no longar young, but thay had axpariancad tha many twists and turns of lifa. That was why


    thay undarstood thay should ba mora trusting andss damanding in a rtionship. Only than would


    thay ba a to kaap holding on to tha mira known as happinass.


    ¡°I faal lika I''va ba much youngar avar sinca I mat you, Avary,¡± Caydan uttarad as ha crossad his


    fingars with Avary''s.


    His forahaad was touching hars as thay kapt aach othar haatad with thair body warmth.


    ¡°That''s not right. You ara young. Tha fathar of my two childran is still a handsoma man.¡± Sha chucd


    and gantly squaazad his hand. ¡°I''m gatting a lit tirad of walking now...¡±


    ¡°I''ll piggyback you.¡± Without hasitation, Caydan knad and gasturad for har to lia on his back.


    Avary climbad onto his back and lookad around at tha snowy scanary.


    Tha night was quiat. Asida from tha soft glow that tha snow was racting and tha straamp''s rays,


    thara wara no othar sourcas of light.


    Whan tha falling snow was pairad with tha light in tha night, a gracaful yat blurry baauty was formad.


    Tha cou could still saa aach othar arly, but thay couldn''t maka out tha objacts and pao in tha


    distanca in tha wintryndscapa. Avary likad tha atmosphara bacausa it allowad tham to anjoy tha


    saranity sharad batwaan tham.


    ¡°It would ba graat if wa could stay lika this foravar...¡± Laying on Caydan''s back, sha saamad lost.


    Whan sha thought about what ira had told har aarliar, sha hasitatad tot him know.

 Chapter 338

    Chapter 338


    Avery was afraid of telling Cayden about the matter because it might enrage him. At the same time, if


    she kept that a secret, she would feel bad.


    Shemented in her mind about how difficult it was to find her love and that she was afraid her


    happiness would be gone in a snap.


    After all, she was too ordinarypared to him.


    There were many other women more powerful than her coveting Cayden.


    ¡°I''ll be a world-famous architect in the future, Cayden. I hope that, when the timees, I''ll be


    able to stand tall next to you. That way, even if we''re together, there won''t be as much gossip about us


    compared to now.¡± Avery leaned toward his ear. The hot breath expelled out of her mouth carried a


    tinge of mncholy.


    ¡°I believe in your abilities. You need to have more faith in yourself. Nothing can be achieved overnight


    and you still have a lot of room for improvement. Thus, you just need to do things one step at a time. I


    believe you''ll stand atop the peak of the world and be the person you always want to be one day.


    Maybe the height you ascended to may even be beyond my reach.¡± Cayden continued to carry her on


    his back as he trudged in the snow.


    Even though he was walking on a slippery surface, he was still moving steadily.


    Their whispers to each other were like the snow on the branches that would vanish without a trace


    when the sun rose.


    However, that moment was forever carved into the deepest part of Avery''s heart. Even after many


    years had passed, the conversation they had that night still remained fresh in her mind.


    Pure white snowkes fluttered in the air like fairies.


    In the flower garden next to the road, a few branches of wintersweet were blooming enthusiastically as


    though they were unafraid of the cold.


    ¡°Mrs. Lambert had a chat with me earlier.¡± Avery''s white down jacket almost melded into the snow in


    the nightly scenery. ¡°She wanted me to leave you, saying that I''m not good enough for you.¡±


    In the end, she decided to tell Cayden about the matter because they promised to trust and be truthful


    with each other.


    Besides, he was too smart. When he inevitably discovered she was hiding things from him, she would


    be the one to regret her actions in the end.


    The smile on Cayden''s face froze for a second before it was reced with an icy expression. ¡°She told


    you that?¡±


    His scowl was colder than a wintry storm and had a ruthlessness that matched the darkness lurking in


    the night.


    As Averyid her head on his shoulder, his expression remained obscured from her. ¡°Mrs. Lambert


    doesn''t believe I deserve you and that her daughter, who likes you, should be the one to stay with you.


    Not only does our rtionship need to face your family''s criticism, but also the interrogation of my love


    rival''s parents. There are so many forces trying to tear us apart.¡±


    Then she chuckled, though it sounded bitter and helpless.


    Turning his head back to face her, Cayden swore, ¡°Leave it to me.¡±


    She yed with his short hair with her cold hands. ¡°I think it''s fine to ignore it. After all, the Lambert


    family is not one to be trifled with. Their members hold government positions, after all.¡±


    He continued striding forward with Avery on his back. ¡°You''re the most important person in my life.


    Don''t worry, I''ll protect you.¡±


    Her eyes turned reddish. ¡°Cayden...¡±


    ¡°I''m here.¡±


    ¡°Cayden...¡±


    ¡°I''m here.¡±


    Avery repeatedly called out to his name.


    With each reply Cayden provided, the heavy feeling buried deep in her heart was unearthed and


    relieved bit by bit.


    As she rubbed his freezing ears, she released her breath on them to battle against the cold. ¡°I believe


    you. Anyway, you''ve been carrying me for a very long time. You must be tired. Let me down.¡±


    Upon turning back, she saw only his footprints left on the white snow.


    Because she was on his back, each step he took was heavier, thus leaving arger trail of footsteps


    behind him.


    It was as if those footprints represented their happiness. There was no beginning or end to that path of


    footmarks, yet they could see it clear as day if they turned their sights back.


    Thus, Avery believed as long as they marched forward together, they would still leave a spectacr


    view behind when they trekked past even the most destend.


    Due to her insistence, Cayden had no choice but to let her down.


    They sauntered next to each other and stood below a blooming wintersweet.


    Snowkes were still falling from the sky. Soon, a thinyer of snow covered their bodies.


    A few petals of the wintersweet gentlynded on the couple''s bodies when a cold breeze blew them off


    their branches.


    His dashing mug was irresistible, and her charming look was tempting to all.


    Cayden peered at Avery as she stood quietly. She was as tender as the lunar rays but delicate as an


    alluring flower carved from ice. Even if she didn''t say a word nor move, he would still do anything for


    her, even if it meant he had to fight against the whole world.


    Out of nowhere, Cayden pulled out an exquisite emerald pendant from his pocket.


    Flower patterns were carved into the pendant. The color was vivid, so much so that even an amateur


    could tell it was made from a high-grade material. However, the edges seemed slightly worn out, thus


    indicating its old existence.


    Upon grabbing Avery''s hand, he ced the pendant in her palm.


    She stared at him in shocked.


    The pendant felt heavy and was still lustrous. Even at a cursory nce, she could tell it was invaluable.


    Just as Avery was about to reject the gift for being too expensive, Cayden''srge palm wrapped around


    her hand together with the pendant.


    Then, he exined, ¡°This pendant is an heirloom my grandmother left for me. She said I should give it


    to the woman I love. My granny was a kind and loving olddy. She...¡±


    Gazing at him, she silently listened to him talking about old memories.


    It was Avery''s first time hearing Cayden mention his grandmother. She learned from him that the old


    woman was a wise,passionate elder. Despite her gentle nature and talents, she was married to a


    violent man who gambled a lot. Hence, she lived a harsh life.


    After a while, she gave birth to a son and daughter. Her daughter was vain and materialistic, while her


    son was a simple man with a weak character.


    Under the wanton torture of her husband and the torment of her children, she suffered both mentally


    and physically for years, which caused her health to deteriorate day by day.


    After Allie gave birth to Cayden, his grandmother poured all her love into him.


    Sadly, he was forced to live in an orphanage when he was still young, and his grandmother passed due


    to an illness during his stay there.


    The time he spent with her might be in poverty, but it was the best memory he had of his early


    childhood.


    Avery''s heart ached as she listened to his past.


    Even though Cayden was exceptional in so many ways, his past was a tragic one.


    Hugging his waist, sheforted, ¡°Your life will only be filled with sunshine and rainbows with me and


    our kids by your side. Let the past stay in the past.¡±


    Cayden hugged her even tighter, as though he was trying to merge her into every cell of his body.


    To have a considerate wife and two children was the best thing for him.


    Out of nowhere, Cayden pulled out an exquisite emerald pendant from his pocket.


    Out of nowhara, Caydan pud out an axquisita amarald pandant from his pockat.


    Flowar pattarns wara carvad into tha pandant. Tha color was vivid, so much so that avan an amataur


    could tall it was mada from a high-grada matarial. Howavar, tha adgas saamad slightly worn out, thus


    indicating its old axistanca.


    Upon grabbing Avary''s hand, ha cad tha pandant in har palm.


    Sha starad at him in shockad.


    Tha pandant falt haavy and was still lustrous. Evan at a cursory nca, sha could tall it was invalua.


    Just as Avary was about to rajact tha gift for baing too axpansiva, Caydan''srga palm wrappad around


    har hand togathar with tha pandant.


    Than, ha axinad, ¡°This pandant is an hairloom my grandmotharft for ma. Sha said I should giva it


    to tha woman I lova. My granny was a kind and loving olddy. Sha...¡±


    Gazing at him, sha sntly listanad to him talking about old mamorias.


    It was Avary''s first tima haaring Caydan mantion his grandmothar. Shaarnad from him that tha old


    woman was a wisa,passionata aldar. Daspita har gan natura and tnts, sha was marriad to a


    vint man who gamd a lot. Hanca, sha livad a harsh lifa.


    Aftar a wh, sha gava birth to a son and daughtar. Har daughtar was vain and matarialistic, wh har


    son was a sim man with a waak charactar.


    Undar tha wanton tortura of har husband and tha tormant of har childran, sha suffarad both mantally


    and physically for yaars, which causad har haalth to datariorata day by day.


    Aftar Allia gava birth to Caydan, his grandmothar pourad all har lova into him.


    Sadly, ha was forcad to liva in an orphanaga whan ha was still young, and his grandmothar passad dua


    to an illnass during his stay thara.


    Tha tima ha spant with har might ba in povarty, but it was tha bast mamory ha had of his aarly


    childhood.


    Avary''s haart achad as sha listanad to his past.


    Evan though Caydan was axcaptional in so many ways, his past was a tragic ona.


    All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Hugging his waist, shafortad, ¡°Your lifa will only ba fid with sunshina and rainbows with ma and


    our kids by your sida. Lat tha past stay in tha past.¡±


    Caydan huggad har avan tightar, as though ha was trying to marga har into avary call of his body.


    To hava a considarata wifa and two childran was tha bast thing for him.

 Chapter 339

    Chapter 339


    After their stroll concluded, Cayden drove him and Avery back to the Moore residence.


    At first, she rejected the idea. Due to the recent influx of negative news about her, she was certain


    Jeffrey and Allie''s opinion of her had soured and that they would be unwilling to meet with her.


    However, Cayden insisted on bringing Avery back.


    He was going to announce to everyone that she was his woman and that she would one day be


    thedy of the Moore family.


    Unable to convince him otherwise, she returned to the residence with him.


    She felt uneasy as she followed behind him, afraid that she would be humiliated by Jeffrey or Allie if


    she came across them.


    However, it was midnight by that point, so everyone was asleep. No one knew she had entered the


    Moore residence.


    Avery''s first stop was Zachary and Rory''s room.


    Due to their young age and Rory being much timider, they were still staying in the same room. After


    Averyid her eyes on her angelic, sleeping children, she left a kiss on their foreheads.


    Then she went to take a hot water bath, which soothed her tired, cold, and stiff body.


    Upon exiting the bathroom in a robe, Cayden, who had also finished washing, carried her to his room.


    ¡°I should rest in the guest room here tonight, or maybe sleep with the children...¡± Avery was feeling


    somewhat apprehensive as she believed she shouldn''t do as she pleased when Jeffrey was also at


    home.


    That was why she thought it was more appropriate for her to sleep in the guest room.


    Her intimate rtionship with Cayden was no longer news to the Moore family. However, because they


    weren''t married yet, she was worried the family members, who already disliked her to begin with, would


    despise her more if she stayed in the house as though she had the right to do so.


    ¡°You''ll be sleeping here tonight!¡± He domineeringly grabbed her slender waist. ¡°There''s nothing for you


    to fear with me around.¡±


    ¡°But, I...¡± Avery still felt somewhat uneasy


    ¡°Don''t you believe I''ll take care of everything? You''re the mother of my children and my wife-to-be. You


    need to familiarize yourself with members of the Moore family. Don''t worry. We won''t be staying here


    after we get married¡± Cayden then tapped her cheek.


    Truth be told, if not for his children''s stay in the mansion, he wouldn''t return there as well.


    The atmosphere in the building was too tense.


    That was because Lily would argue with his mother every day. Their never-ending arguments turned


    the atmosphere at home foul.


    Upon hearing Cayden''s words, Avery let out a sigh of relief in her mind. If we have to live here after we


    married, I''ve no idea how I''m going to handle Allie and her snarky attitude. She''s his mother, after all. If


    my rtionship with her remains ugly, he''ll be the one who suffers in the end.


    ¡°We''ll be staying together for the rest of our lives, Avery. The only person in the Moore family who''s


    difficult to deal with is my mother. My grandfather may appear strict, but he''s willing to listen. As for Lily,


    you should just ignore her. You''ve met Kendrick before. He wees you. So, don''t be scared of my


    family, okay?¡± He smiled teasingly.


    In response, she nodded resolutely. ¡°I know. I''ll face your family with an open mind.¡±


    Caydeny on the bed with Avery.


    As he pulled her into his embrace, her soft feminine body and his tough masculine body came into


    contact, fitting seamlessly with each other.


    Caressing her ck hair, he whispered, ¡°Tomorrow''s the beginning of Henrietta''s and Mna''s trial...¡±


    That matter had slipped her mind until he brought it up.


    Thanks to the series of events that urred recently and her very busy job, she almost forgot that


    those two evil women killed her father.


    ¡°I''ll attend the trial to watch them receive the punishment they deserve.¡± The scene of her father in a


    convulsion and running out of breath until he died because of their provocation surfaced in her mind.


    Hatred burned fiercely in her heart.


    ...


    The next day, due to her overthinking, Avery was unable to sleep well. It wasn''t until it was almost


    morning that she was able to fall asleep.


    When she woke up, Cayden was already gone.


    However, before she did, her children were lying on the bed, staring at her sleepy face with wide eyes.


    Rory gently poked her mother and whispered in joy, ¡°Daddy really didn''t lie to us, Zach. Mommy did


    come here to visit us. Why hasn''t she woken up, though? Does she like staying in bed, too?¡±


    Zachary ced his forefinger in front of his mouth, gesturing for her sister to stay quiet. ¡°I think


    Mommy''s too tired from work. She needs rest. We shouldn''t bother her and just let her sleep.¡±


    Just as he ended his sentence, he saw Avery''s finger moving before she opened her eyes.


    It shocked her to see the twins'' adorable faces. A momentter, she recalled she was currently in the


    Moore residence.


    ¡°What time is it now, Rory, Zachary?¡± she asked because she couldn''t find her phone.


    Rory took off her snow boots and climbed onto Avery''s nket.


    Gazing at her mother with misty eyes, Rory grumbled, ¡°It''s already nine in the morning, Mommy. It


    snowed heavily outside. Even after Zach and I returned from having a snow fight with each other, you


    were still asleep. Daddy said Zach and I have grown up, so we shouldn''tze in bed, yet he allowed


    you to do that. Daddy is so biased.¡±


    ¡°I was quite tiredst night, Sweetheart. I didn''t notice the time.¡± Avery felt ashamed in front of the


    children.


    Worryingly, Zachary asked, ¡°Your eyes look swollen, Mommy. Daddy didn''t bully you, did he?¡±


    He was always worried that Cayden would bully his mother since he had a bad temper.


    As Avery stared nkly at the mirror, she saw her eyes were indeed swollen, most likely due to her


    lack of quality sleepst night. Even her eye bags looked rather bad.


    It was probably because Cayden mentioned Henrietta''s and her daughter''s trialst night. Scenes of


    their malicious acts and her father''s tragic death yed out like a movie in her mind unendingly, which


    led to her looking haggard.


    However, she didn''t want to tell her innocent children the real reason why she had an awful sleep.


    Instead, she patted their headsfortingly.


    After hiding her eye bags and slightly pale cheeks with makeup, she appeared much more lively.


    The children rested their chins on their palms with curiosity on the bed as they watched their mother


    apply makeup.


    From their perspective, it was as if their mother was a magician. With several waves of her hands, she


    managed to transform her already dazzling look to be even more alluring.


    When Avery concluded her makeup session, she heard a knocking on the door.


    Zachary opened the door, allowing a middle-aged housekeeper to inform Avery, ¡°Good morning, Ms.


    Rumpley. Mr. Moore asks you to join him for a meal with the children.¡±


    Just as he ended his sentence, he saw Avery''s finger moving before she opened her eyes.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    Just as ha andad his santanca, ha saw Avary''s fingar moving bafora sha opanad har ayas.


    It shockad har to saa tha twins'' adora facas. A momanttar, sha racad sha was currantly in tha


    Moora rasidanca.


    ¡°What tima is it now, Rory, Zachary?¡± sha askad bacausa sha couldn''t find har phona.


    Rory took off har snow boots and climbad onto Avary''s nkat.


    Gazing at har mothar with misty ayas, Rory grumd, ¡°It''s alraady nina in tha morning, Mommy. It


    snowad haavily outsida. Evan aftar Zach and I raturnad from having a snow fight with aach othar, you


    wara still aap. Daddy said Zach and I hava grown up, so wa shouldn''tza in bad, yat ha allowad


    you to do that. Daddy is so biasad.¡±


    ¡°I was quita tiradst night, Swaathaart. I didn''t notica tha tima.¡± Avary falt ashamad in front of tha


    childran.


    Worryingly, Zachary askad, ¡°Your ayas look swon, Mommy. Daddy didn''t bully you, did ha?¡±


    Ha was always worriad that Caydan would bully his mothar sinca ha had a bad tampar.


    As Avary starad nkly at tha mirror, sha saw har ayas wara indaad swon, most likaly dua to har


    lack of quality apst night. Evan har aya bags lookad rathar bad.


    It was probably bacausa Caydan mantionad Hanriatta''s and har daughtar''s trialst night. Scanas of


    thair malicious acts and har fathar''s tragic daath yad out lika a movia in har mind unandingly, which


    lad to har looking haggard.


    Howavar, sha didn''t want to tall har innocant childran tha raal raason why sha had an awful ap.


    Instaad, sha pattad thair haadsfortingly.


    Aftar hiding har aya bags and slightly p chaaks with makaup, sha appaarad much mora livaly.


    Tha childran rastad thair chins on thair palms with curiosity on tha bad as thay watchad thair mothar


    apply makaup.


    From thair parspactiva, it was as if thair mothar was a magician. With savaral wavas of har hands, sha


    managad to transform har alraady dazzling look to ba avan mora alluring.


    Whan Avary concludad har makaup sassion, sha haard a knocking on tha door.


    Zachary opanad tha door, allowing a mid-agad housakaapar to inform Avary, ¡°Good morning, Ms.


    Rumy. Mr. Moora asks you to join him for a maal with tha childran.¡±

 Chapter 340

    Chapter 340


    Breakfast was a serious affair in the Moore family, and Jeffrey regarded it with great importance.


    He had set a rule that no matter how busy everyone was or if there were any conflicts between family


    members, the family had to have breakfast together on the fifteenth of every month.


    As that day was the fifteenth, it was the day when everyone in the Moore family gathered for breakfast.


    However, that day was different from the usual breakfast gatherings as Cayden had announced to


    everyone that he had brought his future wife home.


    That was equivalent to making his rtionship with Avery, which his family saw no future of, official.


    Just like how it was like during festive celebrations, the Moore family''s dining table was decorated


    exquisitely with dozens of dishes of sumptuous food elegantly presented on beautiful serving trays.


    Every dish looked appealing and delectable. As it was breakfast, healthy ingredients were used to


    ensure that the food was nutritious and easy on the pte.


    Jeffrey was seated at the head of the table, looking austere and dignified.


    Despite his old age, he still had a grand and mighty aura.


    Although he looked stern and cold, there was a hint of benevolence in his eyes.


    To the right of Jeffrey were Lily and Kendrick, while Allie and Cayden sat on the elder''s left.


    Lily and Allie were both dressed up in branded clothes, which were thetest arrivals of the new


    season. They were also decked out invish jewelries from head to toe in an exaggerated manner.


    Meanwhile, Cayden was sitting at his side of the table with a calm expression on his handsome face.


    Even though he wasn''t speaking, he had an imposing aura, and his presence alone exuded charisma.


    The man seemed to be deep in thought as he fixed his gaze on the stairs.


    Kendrick was his usual nonchnt and carefree self. He had a simr face shape as Cayden and was


    also exceptionally good-looking. Clearly, both men had inherited the Moore family''s superior genes.


    However, Kendrick carried a roguish air. At one nce, one could easily tell that he was a yboy.


    After all the dishes were served, the dining hall descended into pin-drop silence.


    Finally, Allie could no longer tolerate the strange atmosphere and startedining to Cayden,


    ¡°Cayden, what''s wrong with Avery? How can she let everyone wait for her? It''s so disrespectful of her


    to make her elders wait. I''ve already told you that a woman from an ordinary family wouldn''t know her


    manners well!¡±


    ¡°I''m surprised you even said that. Why don''t you take a look at yourself? Indeed, the daughter-inw is


    just like her mother-inw,¡± Lily scorned.


    ¡°Lily, are you mocking me¡ª¡± Allie was breathless with anger.


    ¡°That''s enough! It''s still early in the morning. Let me have some peace,¡± Jeffrey interrupted with a


    frown, a hint of impatience shed across his wrinkled eyes.


    Even though he had not raised his voice, it was enough to send a shiver down one''s spine.


    Immediately, the two women stopped arguing and kept quiet.


    Jeffrey''s two daughter-inws had been at loggerheads ever since more than twenty years ago. When


    Bruce was still around, he was still able to keep the two women under control. However, ever since he


    was gone, Lily and Allie had been arguing without restraint. Sometimes, they would evensh out at


    each other in front of Jeffrey, which annoyed the old man greatly.


    He had asked the two women to consider remarrying, but both women were unwilling to do so. They


    imed that they could not bear to leave the Moore family due to sentimental reasons and their loyalty


    to Bruce. However, Jeffrey knew very well what they were truly after.


    If Lily stayed in the Moore family, she would be able to have some of Trident Group''s shares. On the


    other hand, if she remarried, the situation would be different.


    If that happened, she would have to return her shares. Besides, given Kendrick''s nopetitive


    nature and the fact that he was not cut out for business, Trident Group would eventuallye under


    Allie''s son''s control. How could she let that happen?


    As such, Lily would rather remain a widow for the rest of her life than let Allie get her way!


    Meanwhile, Allie''s thinking was even simpler. She knew that Cayden hated her. Although her son was


    the current CEO of Trident Group, he would stop supporting her once she married into another family


    as it wouldn''t make sense for apletely unrted family to enjoy Trident Group''s assets.


    Naturally, the woman wouldn''t be able to continue enjoying her current luxurious lifestyle without the


    Moore family''s resources.


    The fact that she had sessfully be Mrs. Moore showed that she was a smart woman. As such,


    Allie knew very well what was the best choice for her.


    Jeffrey swept his stern gaze across the dining table before he looked at Cayden and said, ¡°Cayden, go


    get Avery here for breakfast.¡±


    ¡°OK, Grandpa,¡± Cayden replied, standing up.


    Just as he was about to head up, he saw Avery walking downstairs hand in hand with the two little


    ones.


    Avery was feeling extremely motivated with her twins by her side.


    Even though the Moore residence was not the most weing ce and had people with ill intentions


    all around, she was not afraid.


    Avery descended from the vintage spiral stairs, looking polite and slightly fearful at the same time.


    Although she appeared calm, she looked rather stiff while standing upright. She had also tightened her


    grip on her kids'' hands.


    The woman did not expect everyone else to be waiting for her.


    This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Kendrick was the only one who greeted her with a smile while the others looked at her with various


    Cayden led Avery to the seat next to him and gestured for her to sit down.


    After the two little ones greeted Jeffrey sweetly, they settled down next to their mother.


    ¡°Good morning, Old Mr. Moore,¡± Avery greeted the old man respectfully with an awkward smile on her


    face. She was feeling so nervous that her palms were sweating.


    However, Jeffrey merely let out a cold snort and looked the other way,pletely ignoring the woman.


    Avery felt even more awkward after getting such a response from Jeffrey as he used to be extremely


    fond of her.


    Feeling helpless, Avery turned toward Lily and greeted softly, ¡°Mdm. Lily.¡±


    Lily remained expressionless as she shot a contemptuous nce at Avery without replying.


    Just then, Kendrick let out a heartyugh, easing the awkward tension in the air. ¡°Avery, since it''s not


    our first time meeting each other, I won''t bother doing a self-introduction... I''m really surprised that


    Cayden has a girlfriend now. He used to be very sure about staying single. Seems like I have to buck


    up! Hehe.¡±


    Avery smiled, feeling d that Kendrick had epted her so readily.


    When her gaze flitted toward Allie, she could clearly see the woman''s disdain and disgust for her and


    felt her heart clenching in her chest. She opened her mouth but could not bring herself to greet Allie.


    Avery would never forget how Allie had humiliated her. It was also impossible for her to pretend that


    nothing had happened between the two of them. The greatest tragedy was that that woman was the


    mother of the man she loved...


    ¡°OK, Grandpa,¡± Cayden replied, standing up.


    Just as he was about to head up, he saw Avery walking downstairs hand in hand with the two little


    ones.


    ¡°OK, Grandpa,¡± Caydan rapliad, standing up.


    Just as ha was about to haad up, ha saw Avary walking downstairs hand in hand with tha two lit


    onas.


    Avary was faaling axtramaly motivatad with har twins by har sida.


    Evan though tha Moora rasidanca was not tha most waing ca and had pao with ill intantions


    all around, sha was not afraid.


    Avary dascandad from tha vintaga spiral stairs, looking polita and slightly faarful at tha sama tima.


    Although sha appaarad calm, sha lookad rathar stiff wh standing upright. Sha had also tightanad har


    grip on har kids'' hands.


    Tha woman did not axpact avaryona alsa to ba waiting for har.


    Kandrick was tha only ona who graatad har with a sm wh tha othars lookad at har with various


    complicatad axprassions on thair facas. Tha atmosphara in tha air was aarily tansa.


    Caydand Avary to tha saat naxt to him and gasturad for har to sit down.


    Aftar tha two lit onas graatad Jaffray swaatly, thay satd down naxt to thair mothar.


    ¡°Good morning, Old Mr. Moora,¡± Avary graatad tha old man raspactfully with an awkward sm on har


    faca. Sha was faaling so narvous that har palms wara swaating.


    Howavar, Jaffray maralyt out a cold snort and lookad tha othar way,taly ignoring tha woman.


    Avary falt avan mora awkward aftar gatting such a rasponsa from Jaffray as ha usad to ba axtramaly


    fond of har.


    Faaling halss, Avary turnad toward Lily and graatad softly, ¡°Mdm. Lily.¡±


    Lily ramainad axprassioss as sha shot a contamptuous nca at Avary without raplying.


    Just than, Kandrickt out a haartyugh, aasing tha awkward tansion in tha air. ¡°Avary, sinca it''s not


    our first tima maating aach othar, I won''t bothar doing a salf-introduction... I''m raally surprisad that


    Caydan has a girlfriand now. Ha usad to ba vary sura about staying sin. Saams lika I hava to buck


    up! Haha.¡±


    Avary smd, faaling d that Kandrick had aptad har so raadily.


    Whan har gaza flittad toward Allia, sha could arly saa tha woman''s disdain and disgust for har and


    falt har haart nching in har chast. Sha opanad har mouth but could not bring harsalf to graat Allia.


    Avary would navar forgat how Allia had humiliatad har. It was also impossi for har to pratand that


    nothing had happanad batwaan tha two of tham. Tha graatast tragady was that that woman was tha


    mothar of tha man sha lovad...

 Chapter 341

    Chapter 341


    Meanwhile, Nicole woke up from her sleep. When she opened her eyes, an empty yetvish hotel room


    entered her vision.


    Her whole body hurt as if it was ripped in half, and her waist was so sore that she almost failed to sit up


    straight.


    Furthermore, her lower region smarted as well.


    She pinched her throbbing temples, and the memory of sleeping with that man surfaced in her mind.


    She remembered the messy bed, her formal dress that was ripped into pieces, and the bruises and


    love marks made everywhere on her body.


    As Nicole remembered the man''s warm skin, his figure and his face gradually ovepped with


    Cayden''s.


    A pink blush colored Nicole''s cheeks.


    As expected of the man I''ve set my eyes on! Not only does he have the perfect looks, but his skills in


    bed are exceptional! I don''t think I can forget this wonderful feeling anytime soon.


    And now, her desire to win Cayden over burned brighter.


    However, she had a thought. Why was Cayden a bit too rough with me yesterday?


    It was my first time, after all! Shouldn''t he be a little more gentlemanly?


    She couldn''t remember the countless times he had his way with her. She remembered how she fell


    deep into the abyss and was burnt by fire. She could remember the extreme pain, and at the end, when


    she begged him to stop, crying her throat raw, he never stopped.


    However, not everything was terrible since she had a taste of something she had never tried before


    during her ignorant days.


    The more I think about it, the better it gets. I didn''t expect I would feel happiness and pleasure from


    sleeping with him. It was amazing.


    Despite that, the erotic memory eventually faded, and Nicole was starting to get irritated.


    Cayden is too much! After taking my first night yesterday, he had the gall to leave me alone in the hotel


    the following morning! What''s more, he didn''t even leave something for me to change into!


    The more she thought, the angrier she got.


    As Nicole bore the pain and forced herself up. Then, her phone rang. It was her manager.


    Unfortunately, Nicole was in a bad mood, so she rejected the call without a second thought.


    Not long after she had rejected that, she received a call from ire.


    After seeing her mother''s number on the phone, Nicole steeled herself and answered it. ¡°Mom...¡±


    ¡°Nickie, where are you right now?¡± ire asked.


    At that instant, Nicole felt a stab of guilt, and she lied, ¡°Mom, I''m with my manager. Because there was


    something wrong with the new film shooting, the investors, producers, directors, and cast were on set,


    trying toe up with a n to deal with it. So, I went there as well...¡±


    ¡°You know that yesterday was your grandpa''s seventieth birthday and also a good opportunity to get


    closer to him. You have always been a sensible girl, but why did you leave midway? Moreover, why


    didn''t you tell us you were leaving? To make it worse, you didn''te homest night, and now your


    father is very angry.¡± Although ire sounded calm, Nicole could feel her disappointment toward her


    actions in her words.


    Nicole''s heart lurched.


    My adoptive father is my greatest backer! I don''t want to make him angry!


    ¡°Mom, I''m sorry. Something came up yesterday. After I go back, I''ll exin it to Dad properly. Mom, you


    know I love you the most! So can you put in a good word for me to Dad, please?¡± Nicole pleaded coyly.


    Her daughter''s apologetic yet yful tone traveled into ire''s ears.


    ire sighed. ¡°All right, if it wasn''t for your unseemly behavior, I don''t want to scold you either. I only


    have you. Next time, don''t make these kinds of mistakes, okay?¡±


    ¡°Alright, Mom. I''ll remember that.¡±


    After hanging up the phone, Nicole felt a little troubled.


    Nevertheless, she thought it was worth all the scolding she got now that she had slept with Cayden.


    After that, Nicole called the front desk receptionist to send a set of clothing for her to change into.


    When she passed the front desk after changing, Nicole stopped and inquired the receptionist about the


    man who checked into their room.


    Even though she knew the man who slept with her was Cayden, she wanted to confirm her suspicions.


    s, she did not get a definite answer from the front desk. They told her that the man had mysterious


    origins and a solid background, but they couldn''t disclose anything else.


    At their answer, Nicole felt a little weight lifted off her chest.


    Even though the receptionist did not tell her who that man was, Nicole was sure he was Cayden.


    First of all, the hotel she was staying in was Ackleton''s most luxurious hotel. So, the price of staying in


    one of their rooms per night would be extremely high. Moreover, she knew that one might not be able


    to rent a room without any connection.


    Based on those facts, she was pretty sure that man was Cayden, whom she loved so much.


    Nicole decided to visit the Moore family and check it out.


    After all, it was Cayden who took her virginity away, and he had to take responsibility for that.


    Moreover, she knew Allie liked her. If Allie knew she and Cayden slept together, wouldn''t the former


    hold a party to celebrate the asion?


    As Nicole fantasized, she called her exclusive driver, and he drove her to the Moore residence.


    It had snowed heavilyst night, but the sky cleared up the next day. Although the street cleaners had


    removed the piled-up snow from the road, traffic was still slow.


    Anxious, Nicole wished she could arrive at the Moore residence sooner.


    Meanwhile, the atmosphere in the Moore residence was extremely tense.


    If Cayden hadn''t firmly gripped Avery''s wrist, she would have dashed out from the door and run away.


    As Allie nced at the uneasy Avery, the former did not hide her displeasure at thetter. ¡°Avery, you


    dare to put on airs when you''re not even married into this family? Do you think you can marry into the


    Moore family if you''re this rude?¡±


    Avery lowered her head and remained quiet.


    Holding Avery''s hand, Cayden said to Jeffrey, ¡°Grandpa, didn''t you say you liked children? You also


    wished for arge family, right? So, I tried my best with Avery all night to fulfill your wish of getting a


    grandchild the next year. This is why I wanted her to sleep in for a while longer, and I hope everyone


    would excuse her for this.¡±


    Avery secretly pinched the back of Cayden''s hand.


    Why did this man announce something so private to everyone? This is embarrassing!


    In the dining room, other than the two innocent children, the rest were in the know. Naturally, they knew


    what Cayden was implying.


    When Jeffrey saw Avery''s tired face, the former''s anger eased off.


    Initially, Jeffrey had a good impression of Avery. But after a series of happenings, especially when she


    was married to Dn, Jeffrey was not quite happy with her. He felt like he had a lump in his chest


    whenever he saw her, which made him feel ufortable.


    However, he knew his grandson, Cayden, liked her, and she was his darling grandchildren''s biological


    mother too.


    Even though Jeffrey still objected to Cayden being together with that woman, hisint toward her


    had considerably lessened.


    Meanwhile, Allie was infuriated by Cayden''s response. She was so angry that she mmed up and did


    not even want to spare a nce at her rebellious son and the woman beside him.


    On the other side, Lily had aplicated facial expression.


    If Cayden married Avery, they would certainly have more childrenter on. Then, Trident Group''s


    shares would be monopolized by their family.


    No, that won''t do! Kendrick has to get married! And I don''t want to let Allie reap all the benefits!


    As Nicole fantasized, she called her exclusive driver, and he drove her to the Moore residence.


    As Nic fantasizad, sha cad har axclusiva drivar, and ha drova har to tha Moora rasidanca.


    It had snowad haavilyst night, but tha sky arad up tha naxt day. Although tha straat anars had


    ramovad tha pd-up snow from tha road, traffic was still slow.


    Anxious, Nic wishad sha could arriva at tha Moora rasidanca soonar.


    Maanwh, tha atmosphara in tha Moora rasidanca was axtramaly tansa.


    If Caydan hadn''t firmly grippad Avary''s wrist, sha would hava dashad out from tha door and run away.


    As Allia ncad at tha unaasy Avary, tha formar did not hida har disasura at thattar. ¡°Avary, you


    dara to put on airs whan you''ra not avan marriad into this family? Do you think you can marry into tha


    Moora family if you''ra this ruda?¡±


    Avary lowarad har haad and ramainad quiat.


    Holding Avary''s hand, Caydan said to Jaffray, ¡°Grandpa, didn''t you say you likad childran? You also


    wishad for arga family, right? So, I triad my bast with Avary all night to fulfill your wish of gatting a


    grandchild tha naxt yaar. This is why I wantad har to ap in for a wh longar, and I hopa avaryona


    would axcusa har for this.¡±


    Avary sacratly pinchad tha back of Caydan''s hand.


    Why did this man announca somathing so privata to avaryona? This is ambarrassing!


    In tha dining room, othar than tha two innocant childran, tha rast wara in tha know. Naturally, thay knaw


    what Caydan was implying.


    Whan Jaffray saw Avary''s tirad faca, tha formar''s angar aasad off.


    Initially, Jaffray had a good imprassion of Avary. But aftar a sarias of happanings, aspacially whan sha


    was marriad to Dn, Jaffray was not quita happy with har. Ha falt lika ha had a lump in his chast


    whanavar ha saw har, which mada him faal uforta.


    Howavar, ha knaw his grandson, Caydan, likad har, and sha was his darling grandchildran''s biological


    mothar too.


    Evan though Jaffray still objactad to Caydan baing togathar with that woman, hisint toward har


    had considarablyssanad.


    Maanwh, Allia was infuriatad by Caydan''s rasponsa. Sha was so angry that sha mmad up and did


    not avan want to spara a nca at har raballious son and tha woman basida him.


    On tha othar sida, Lily had aplicatad facial axprassion.


    If Caydan marriad Avary, thay would cartainly hava mora childrantar on. Than, Tridant Group''s


    sharas would ba monopolizad by thair family.


    No, that won''t do! Kandrick has to gat marriad! And I don''t want tot Allia raap all tha banafits! All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.

 Chapter 342

    Chapter 342


    Thus, Lily poked Kendrick in the chest frustratedly. ¡°Look at your brother. He''s already a father of two


    now. When will a yboy like you settle down and start a family? From tomorrow onward, you''d better


    stay home and go for blind dates. I want you to get married no matter what.¡±


    Kendrick instantly let out a howl of despair. ¡°You''ve got to be kidding me, Mom! I''m still young and don''t


    want to get married yet.¡±


    ¡°Stop giving me excuses again. I''ll ept that only if you give me a chubby grandson like Cayden did,¡±


    said Lily.


    ¡°Oh? I can do that.¡± Kendrick held his chin and began to think hard. I really can consider doing that!


    Mom'' will probably stop forcing me to get married after I have a baby.


    While Kendrick was still immersed in his thoughts, Jeffrey knocked on the former''s leg with his cane


    and warned, ¡°Br*t, don''t you dare do that!¡±


    His words somehow made Kendrick feel wronged. ¡°This isn''t fair, Grandpa. Why can Cayden do that


    but not me? The twins¡ª¡±


    Cayden shot Kendrick a steely gaze before he could finish his words.


    This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Only then did Kendrick notice the twins were widening their big, round eyes at him. Sh*t! What a big


    mistake I''ve made!


    An awkward expression immediately descended upon his face. He apologized, ¡°I''m sorry, Cayden. I


    was wrong.¡±


    ¡°That''s enough. Let''s eat.¡± The instance Jeffrey''s mighty voice rang out, everyone dared not make a


    fuss again.


    The family began to dig in their breakfast resignedly¡ªonly the two children enjoyed the food.


    Sitting beside the children, Avery constantly filled their tes with food and wiped their glossy lips with


    a napkin.


    Jeffrey beamed with satisfaction when he saw how patient and gentle Avery was. His prejudice against


    her reduced in an instant.


    Nheless, Allie''s expression remained darkened at the sight of Avery''s motherly look. She


    disdainfully swore at Avery under her breath for being sycophantic.


    Halfway through the meal, Lily excused herself for not feeling well and left.


    Just as everyone was about to continue eating, the doorbell rang.


    ¡°Old Mr. Moore, Ms. Lambert is here.¡± The middle-aged housekeeper''s voice sounded from the


    speaker.


    Avery, momentarily stunned, looked at Cayden in confusion. What''s Nicole doing here so early in the


    morning?


    ¡°Dad, hurry up and let Nickie in. It''s chilly today. She must havee to visit you specifically. What a


    thoughtful girl she is!¡± Allie looked amiable as she spoke.


    Jeffrey nced at Avery. Seeing that she was quiet and calm, he hummed in agreement. Although I''m


    getting old, I still have a clear mind. I can tell Nicole is here for Cayden, and visiting me is only an


    excuse. Hmm... Perhaps it''s time to hit a nerve in Avery. After all, she was the reason why Cayden was


    subjected to public criticism.


    ...


    It was not long after that Nicole entered the dining room elegantly in her high heels.


    When she saw Avery sitting next to Cayden and gently cing the food on the twins'' tes, her smiling


    face nearly fell. D*mn! Cayden had just slept with mest night. How can he pay no heed to me but


    bring Avery back to the Moore residence today? What does he mean by this?


    Nevertheless, Nicole had always been good at putting on a pretense.


    Even if she was boiling with anger, she could still maintain her subtle mannerisms and greeted gently,


    ¡°Old Mr. Moore, Mrs. Moore.¡±


    Nicole wore thetest design by Dior, which outlined her curvaceous figure even in the winter.


    Her pleasant manner gave the impression that she was elegant and graceful.


    Apparently, Nicole knew well that such a personality would easily catch the elderly''s affection.


    She nced at Avery, who wore a simple, casual outfit with no essories. There''s nothing special


    about this woman except her face. Hmph! An ordinary woman like this will definitely be no match for


    me who is stunning!


    ¡°You''re so early, Nickie. I am sure you haven''t had breakfast yet, right? Well, you came at the right


    time. Have a seat and eat with us.¡± Allie enthusiastically dragged Nicole toward the dining table as she


    spoke.


    Nicole pretended to turn her down beforeplying and sitting at the table.


    Seeing Allie''s warm attitude toward Nicole, which was the opposite of how she had been treating her,


    made Avery feel bitter.


    Nicole sat beside Allie and chatted with thetter and Jeffrey. From time to time, she swept a


    begrudging gaze across Cayden.


    Avery, who held resentment against Nicole, was no longer in the mood to continue eating.


    Cayden, on the other hand, was extremely irritated by Nicole''s gaze. What''s wrong with Nicole? She


    keeps staring at me that way as if I''ve abandoned her. Has she lost her mind?


    ¡°Mrs. Moore, when did Ms. Rumpley arrive here?¡± Nicole tried to fish for information.


    Before Allie could speak, Zachary patted his round tummy and said, ¡°Mommy was at home sincest


    night and slept in the same room with Daddy. They''re very close with each other.¡±


    Children''s unique instincts made Zachary detest Nicole.


    ¡°Cayden, I don''t think you were homest night, were you?¡± Nicole''s face immediately turned pale. How


    is it possible? Cayden had spent the whole night with me. There was no way he could be with Avery.


    Cayden couldn''t be bothered by Nicole and did not answer her question.


    Noticing Avery''s resentment toward Nicole, he pulled Avery and the twins to stand up and said,


    ¡°Grandpa, Avery and I have finished our meals. We shall go up first.¡±


    ¡°Cayden¡ª¡±


    Before the anxious Nicole could call out to Cayden, he already took Avery''s hand and walked toward


    the spiral stairs. The sight of the family of four pierced her heart.


    Yet, she could only clench her fists tightly and suppress the doubts and anger within her.


    ¡°Nickie, Cayden has always been like that. You don''t have to pay attention to him. I bet he will regret it


    later,¡± Allieforted Nicole as she filled thetter''s te with food.


    Nicole squeezed out a smile at her. Anyway, she was no longer in the mood to eat.


    ¡°Mrs. Moore, did Caydene homest night?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Well, I''m not sure about that. I stayed upte, and he was not home yet when I turned in at around


    one. I never expected he would show up with Avery early this morning. It''s driving me mad!¡±


    Just then, Jeffrey cleared his throat. ¡°You guys continue. I''m a little tired. I''ll return to my room and rest


    first.¡±


    The housekeeper thoughtfully stepped forward and supported him. Once they left, Kendrick could no


    longer continue his meal with the two talkative women around. Hence, he too excused himself and left.


    Soon, only Allie and Nicole were left in the spacious dining room.


    Nicole originally wanted to tell Allie that she had slept with Cayden. However, she was worried that the


    latter would think she was threatening her and have a bad impression of her.


    Therefore, she decided to hold back and tell her in due time.


    Meanwhile, Avery was in a bad mood because of Nicole. Cayden and the two children tried to cheer


    her up in the room upstairs.


    Suddenly, her phone rang. Seeing that the call was from Nina, she immediately swiped to answer it.


    ¡°Avery, I... I''m pregnant.¡± Nina''s sorrowful and frightened voice rang out from the other end of the line.


    Children''s unique instincts made Zachary detest Nicole.


    Childran''s uniqua instincts mada Zachary datast Nic.


    ¡°Caydan, I don''t think you wara homast night, wara you?¡± Nic''s faca immadiataly turnad p. How


    is it possi? Caydan had spant tha wh night with ma. Thara was no way ha could ba with Avary.


    Caydan couldn''t ba botharad by Nic and did not answar har quastion.


    Noticing Avary''s rasantmant toward Nic, ha pud Avary and tha twins to stand up and said,


    ¡°Grandpa, Avary and I hava finishad our maals. Wa shall go up first.¡±


    ¡°Caydan¡ª¡±


    Bafora tha anxious Nic could call out to Caydan, ha alraady took Avary''s hand and walkad toward


    tha spiral stairs. Tha sight of tha family of four piarcad har haart.


    Yat, sha could only nch har fists tightly and supprass tha doubts and angar within har.


    ¡°Nickia, Caydan has always baan lika that. You don''t hava to pay attantion to him. I bat ha will ragrat it


    latar,¡± Alliafortad Nic as sha fid thattar''s ta with food.


    Nic squaazad out a sm at har. Anyway, sha was no longar in tha mood to aat.


    ¡°Mrs. Moora, did Caydana homast night?¡± sha askad.


    ¡°Wall, I''m not sura about that. I stayad upta, and ha was not homa yat whan I turnad in at around


    ona. I navar axpactad ha would show up with Avary aarly this morning. It''s driving ma mad!¡±


    Just than, Jaffray arad his throat. ¡°You guys continua. I''m a lit tirad. I''ll raturn to my room and rast


    first.¡±


    Tha housakaapar thoughtfully stappad forward and supportad him. Onca thayft, Kandrick could no


    longar continua his maal with tha two talkativa woman around. Hanca, ha too axcusad himsalf andft.


    Soon, only Allia and Nic waraft in tha spacious dining room.


    Nic originally wantad to tall Allia that sha had pt with Caydan. Howavar, sha was worriad that tha


    lattar would think sha was thraataning har and hava a bad imprassion of har.


    Tharafora, sha dacidad to hold back and tall har in dua tima.


    Maanwh, Avary was in a bad mood bacausa of Nic. Caydan and tha two childran triad to chaar


    har up in tha room upstairs.


    Suddanly, har phona rang. Saaing that tha call was from Nina, sha immadiataly swipad to answar it.


    ¡°Avary, I... I''m pragnant.¡± Nina''s sorrowful and frightanad voica rang out from tha othar and of tha lina.

 Chapter 343

    Chapter 343


    Avery rushed to the address Nina gave her and found her sitting in a daze outside the obstetrics and


    gynecology department.


    Her lone, slender figure seemed exceptionally heartbreaking without a husband or boyfriend by her


    side.


    Nina had lost considerable weight. Her face had an unfamiliar sharpness, with bangs almost reaching


    her eyes, obscuring her expression, except for her mouth tightening into a hard line, betraying her


    gloomy mood...


    She was lost in thought, holding a few medical reports in her hand.


    Avery''s heart wrenched with guilt and sympathy as she studied Nina''s silhouette.


    She sank into the seat beside her and gently said, ¡°Nina...¡±


    Nina dove into Avery''s embrace after hearing her voice and seeing Avery in front of her, tears


    streaming uncontrobly down her face.


    She choked out, ¡°I-I''m pregnant, Avery. I wanted to get an abortion, but the doctor said my uterine


    lining is too thin, and that if I had the abortion, I may never have children again. What should I do?¡±


    ¡°I''m sorry, I''m sorry...¡± Avery hugged her and repeatedly apologized, overwhelmed by guilt.


    Nina wouldn''t be in this situation if it weren''t for me.


    ¡°Avery, did you know that I was dumbfounded when I found out I was pregnant? I didn''t want to tell you


    at first, but I''m at a loss about what to do. I think I''m losing my mind. No one wants this baby. Its


    existence reminds me of the humiliation I have endured. But I might never be a mother again if I went


    ahead with the abortion.¡± Nina pinned Avery with a helpless and panicked look.


    She was on the brink of a mental breakdown after the assault and hadpletely forgotten about


    taking oral contraceptives.


    It was onlyter that she remembered this matter and immediately went to the pharmacy to get


    emergency contraception.


    However, she had missed the window of effectiveness.


    She never imagined she would be so unlucky as to get pregnant after being forced on by a man for the


    first time.


    She handed the report to Avery with trembling hands, which included ultrasound, blood test, blood


    type, electrocardiogram, and other gynecological tests.


    Nina''s poor health surprised Avery, despite being in good physical condition.


    Not to mention, abortion was not the best option for her frail body.


    Furthermore, one slip-up during her pregnancy might lead to a miscarriage in her state of health.


    ¡°Nina, do you know who is the baby''s father?¡± Avery sighed and gripped the report tightly, eyes stinging


    with tears.


    Nina was pure as the driven snow. Avery knew better than anyone that, despite her boldness, she was


    innately innocent and chaste, even more so than herself, and that she would never fool around with a


    man.


    Needless to say, the child she was carrying had to be rted to the time Dn held her captive.


    Nina shook her head, tears pooling in her eyes, refusing to reveal the father''s identity.


    Thinking about day and night of humiliation was like flogging her heart with a barbed whip, leaving


    behind scarred, horrifying memories.


    Avery stopped pressing for answers, knowing she wouldn''t get any. Moreover, her questions had also


    picked at Nina''s scars.


    She wrapped her arm around Nina''s shoulders, stifling her misery, and promised, ¡°Listen to me. It''s all


    my fault. me me if you want, but the child is innocent. Keep it if abortion isn''t an option. I''ll help you


    raise the child when it''s born. I''ll be the godmother, all right?¡±


    Nina''s hollow, haunted gaze held a spark. ¡°I will never hold this against you, Ery. I was too careless.


    This wouldn''t have happened if I had taken the contraceptive pill sooner. Besides, the culprit and cruel


    fate are to me. It''s okay, I was simply ovee by emotions. I''ll be fine after a few days...¡±


    She didn''t know if the words were meant tofort Avery or herself.


    Avery led a feeble Nina out of the hospital.


    Nina seemed to be in better spirits after listening to her advice.


    They wanted to hail a taxi at the hospital entrance to take Nina home, but they were unprepared for the


    sight that greeted them¡ªa garishly red convertible sports car parked out front.


    A man with brown hair was in the back seat. He looked like a degenerate and exuded a darkly


    compelling aura.


    He had his arms slung around two stunning women on each side. The left one looked alluring, while


    the one on the right had an innocent beauty.


    Thedies were dressed scantily in revealing crop tops, with their legs bared in the cold weather.


    The brown-haired man grasped the trim waist of the alluring girl while nting his mouth on the


    innocent-looking girl''s lips. This uninhibited behavior would not be epted by anyone.


    The alluring girl held his arm and said coyly, ¡°Aaron, Trident Group justunched an exquisite diamond


    ring, and I really like it.¡±


    ¡°Aaron, I''d like an emerald ne and a Louis Vuitton bag.¡± The other girl worked her charms,


    unwilling to be outdone.


    The man pressed kisses on both of their lips and tightened his arms around them, eximing


    ostentatiously, ¡°Okay, sweethearts. I''ll get you anything you want!¡±


    The girls cheered excitedly and held him tighter.


    ¡°People nowadays!¡± Avery muttered.


    She had always avoided rakes like this.


    However, Nina''s eyes were snared by the brown-haired man.


    It''s Aaron Gibson!


    Her gaze shone with hatred as if she was still trapped in a world of suffering.


    She wanted nothing more than to tear him into pieces!


    Avery was taken aback by her ferocious expression and tugged on her arm, concerned. ¡°Are you okay,


    Nina?¡±


    Nina withdrew her gaze and replied in a low voice, ¡°I''m fine. Let''s go.¡±


    ¡°Where to, Mr. Gibson?¡± The driver didn''t even bat an eye as if he was already used to Aaron''s lewd


    behavior.


    He raised his headzily and nced at the driver, recognizing a familiar silhouette out of the corner of


    his eye.


    Nina? What is she doing at the hospital?


    His eyes lost their warmth and darkened.


    He muttered something to the driver, who perceptively got out of the car and sped toward the hospital.


    A man with brown hair was in the back seat. He looked like a degenerate and exuded a darkly


    compelling aura.


    A man with brown hair was in tha back saat. Ha lookad lika a daganarata and axudad a darkly


    compalling aura.


    Ha had his arms slung around two stunning woman on aach sida. Thaft ona lookad alluring, wh


    tha ona on tha right had an innocant baauty.


    Thadias wara drassad scantily in ravaaling crop tops, with thairgs barad in tha cold waathar.


    Tha brown-hairad man graspad tha trim waist of tha alluring girl wh nting his mouth on tha


    innocant-looking girl''s lips. This uninhibitad bahavior would not ba aptad by anyona.


    Tha alluring girl hald his arm and said coyly, ¡°Aaron, Tridant Group justunchad an axquisita diamond


    ring, and I raally lika it.¡±


    ¡°Aaron, I''d lika an amarald na and a Louis Vuitton bag.¡± Tha othar girl workad har charms,


    unwilling to ba outdona.


    Tha man prassad kissas on both of thair lips and tightanad his arms around tham, aximing


    ostantatiously, ¡°Okay, swaathaarts. I''ll gat you anything you want!¡±


    This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Tha girls chaarad axcitadly and hald him tightar.


    ¡°Pao nowadays!¡± Avary muttarad.


    Sha had always avoidad rakas lika this.


    Howavar, Nina''s ayas wara snarad by tha brown-hairad man.


    It''s Aaron Gibson!


    Har gaza shona with hatrad as if sha was still trappad in a world of suffaring.


    Sha wantad nothing mora than to taar him into piacas!


    Avary was takan aback by har farocious axprassion and tuggad on har arm, concarnad. ¡°Ara you okay,


    Nina?¡±


    Nina withdraw har gaza and rapliad in a low voica, ¡°I''m fina. Lat''s go.¡±


    ¡°Whara to, Mr. Gibson?¡± Tha drivar didn''t avan bat an aya as if ha was alraady usad to Aaron''swd


    bahavior.


    Ha raisad his haadzily and ncad at tha drivar, racognizing a familiar silhouatta out of tha cornar of


    his aya.


    Nina? What is sha doing at tha hospital?


    His ayas lost thair warmth and darkanad.


    Ha muttarad somathing to tha drivar, who parcaptivaly got out of tha car and spad toward tha hospital.

 Chapter 344

    Chapter 344


    Quakersville.


    ¡°Nina, you can stay here for the time being. This ce is empty anyway. I had paid the rent a year in


    advance. It is non-refundable, and it is more than a half-year before the due date,¡± said Avery while


    clutching Nina''s hand.


    ¡°Thank you, Avery. I wouldn''t know what to do if I don''t have you.¡± Nina was ovee with


    thankfulness as she look around the apartment, which just featured a hallway and one bedroom, small


    but warmly decorated.


    At that moment, her mother''s focus was all on her brother, Zayne.


    She was too busy helping Zayne in establishing rtionships to bother about Nina.


    Moreover, if Isabe knew that she became pregnant before getting married, the stubborn and


    conservative woman would force her to get rid of the baby.


    ¡°Don''t mention it. Actually, I should apologize to you.¡± Avery gave Nina an apologetic look.


    Nina gently stroked her still-t stomach and whispered, ¡°Never, ever say anything like that again. It


    had happened anyway. No matter how much we regret it, there is nothing we could do about it. You''re


    my best friend, and I don''t want you to live in guilt because of me. Now is the time to think positively. I


    believe that no matter how bad the days are, they will pass. I''m no longer young. I think it''s time to have


    a baby. Perhaps, this baby is a gift from heaven.¡±


    Nina was an optimistic girl. Once she thought things through, she was able to ept them faster than


    Avery.


    ¡°Yeah. I believe the baby in your belly will be the most adorable one in the world. The baby will be so


    much like you!¡±


    ¡°I hope the baby looks like me...¡± Nina couldn''t help but smile when she imagined a baby who


    resembled her, being as lovely as Zachary and Rory, calling her Mommy in his or her sweet voice.


    She even started to yearn for the future after the baby was born.


    ¡°Nina, it''s been a long time since Ist stayed in this house, so it is a mess. You sit down and rx. I


    need to tidy it up first.¡± Avery set Nina on the couch and began tidying the room.


    Nina stepped forward and wanted to help out. ¡°I''m pregnant but not injured. Is there a need to handle


    me like a baby? I''ll help you out.¡±


    However, Avery set her back on the couch and insisted, ¡°You have seen your screening report. Your


    body is weaker than that of ordinary people. You might have a miscarriage if something goes wrong.


    You need to rest well! There are a lot of dos and don''ts for a pregnant woman. When I used to be


    pregnant with Zach and Rory...¡±


    Nina found it amusing that Avery kept harping on her about all the pregnancy precautions in a long-


    winded, elderly manner. Despite herints about the annoying Avery, Nina''s heart was warm.


    After tidying the room, Avery went to the supermarket downstairs in the residential area and purchased


    a lot of meat and vegetables.


    As she was lugging everything she had just purchased and making her way upstairs, she ran across


    Deborah, who was also returning from doing marketing.


    She was strolling leisurely while carrying a chicken.


    Deborah hadn''t met Avery in a while.


    She saw how ruddy Avery looked which was even more attractive than before, especially her delicate


    and wless skin. It was far better than her daughter''s, and Deborah couldn''t help but feel envious to


    the brim. Her daughter frequently went out for interviews and was exposed to the wind and sun, which


    caused herplexion to be dull and tanned.


    Due to that, Deborah greeted sarcastically, ¡°Look who''s here, it''s Avery. Aren''t you being kept by a


    man? I thought you would never return when I heard that you had been taken to a mansion by your


    sugar daddy to enjoy life. Why are you here right now? Does this mean he has dumped you? I''ve told


    you, there is no good end for a woman to be kept by a man. You never listen. Men are always


    fascinated with something new. You don''t have the kind of fate where you move from being in rags to


    riches, so stop dreaming about it.¡±


    Avery hated Deborah.


    It was not only that Deborah was an elder who enjoyed bragging about her seniority but was also a


    busybody and very gossipy. If she wasn''t an elder and at her advanced age, Avery would really want to


    p her in the face.


    Avery stared at Deborah coldly and blurted, ¡°Deborah, are you aware of how obnoxious you are?¡±


    ¡°What did you just say?¡± Deborah widened her hazy eyes in disbelief at what she had heard from


    Avery.


    Deborah was shorter than Avery, who still towered above her even in her ts.


    Avery looked down at Deborah in a domineering aura, saying, ¡°I always respect elders who are


    generous, kindhearted, and morally upright. However, there are also a lot of elders like you in society


    who are busybodies, irrational, and can''t tell between right and wrong. You know nothing but gossip


    about other''s affairs, and always like to use derogatorynguage! Deborah, all I have to say is, what''s


    the point of humiliating people? Will you get wealthy because you enjoy gossiping and making


    mindless remarks about other people, or will this benefit your offspring?¡±


    ¡°You... you brat. How dare you speak to me like that! You have done something wrong yourself, but you


    want to stop me from speaking the truth, huh? You are nothing but a disgusting b*tch trying to act


    decent!¡± Deborah was so enraged that she wanted to m the chicken in Avery''s face, hoping that it


    would scratch her gorgeous face.


    ¡°Deborah, let me repeat myself. I am not a mistress!¡±


    Avery clenched her fist so hard that she almost poked the stic bags that were full of vegetables.


    She stared at Deborah grim-faced and stated, ¡°I don''t care if you believe me or not, but I''m telling you


    that that man is my boyfriend. Those two children are ours! Due to some misunderstandings, we split


    up for some years before reuniting together recently. This is myst warning to you. Never ever start a


    rumor about me again, or I''ll see you in court!¡±


    Avery couldn''t hold back anymore and gave her a severe warning.


    Her stern, menacing voice caused her naturally gentle demeanor to transform into one of aggression.


    Thetter was startled by her intimidating aura.


    All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Deborah, who was always unruly, arrogant, and insolent, dared not to speak and had be a coward


    in front of thedy who was always gentle and spoke softly.


    Shooting a nce at thetter, Avery walked past her and headed straight to the fifth floor.


    Deborah didn''te to her senses until Avery disappeared at the corner of the stairs, spitting at her


    back, and cursed, ¡°Nonsense, how dare a filthy mistress use me. What a disgraceful b*itch! You''ll


    regret it sooner orter.¡±

 Chapter 345

    Chapter 345


    Avery prepared a scrumptious lunch for Nina.


    Once the two of them were done eating, Avery did the dishes before cleaning up the kitchen.


    Then, she went to the nearby market to buy enough groceries to fill up the refrigerator. It was winter, so


    it was inconvenient for Nina to head out. Thus, Avery kept the meat and the vegetables in the fridge


    properly so that it was more convenient for Nina to cook in the future.


    Nina was moved by Avery''s careful consideration.


    ¡°We''re about to have the holidays soon, so there''s no need for you to go to thepany for now. I''ll


    talk to Cayden about this and have him apply for annual leave for you,¡± Avery said to Nina before she


    left.


    However, Nina shook her head. ¡°I''ve been resting for a long time now. Please help me apply for leave


    until the new yeares. Once the holidays are over, I''ll be going to the office to work. You know how


    I''m not one to sit on my hands. If I stay at home for too long, I''d end up overthinking instead.¡±


    All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    Knowing that she would not be able to change her mind, Avery agreed to it. ¡°We''ll talk about this after


    New Year then. Rest well at home and call me if there''s anything. I''m always avable.¡±


    After Avery left, Nina fell into deep thought.


    Since she had made up her mind to give birth to the baby, she would have to think about the kind of life


    she was going to lead from now on seriously.


    After all, her future no longer was hers alone¡ªa new life was going to join her. She had to n well for


    the baby.


    The next day, the world was still nketed by ayer of silvery white despite the appearance of the


    sun.


    Rays of sunlight filtered through the shades of the trees outside Ackleton''s court.


    Unlike the bright day, Avery was feeling grim.


    It was time for Henrietta and Mna to receive a sentence.


    Avery''s face was devoid of any expression.


    In the meantime, Cayden was sitting beside Avery in the first row of the spectator seat. Like her, he had


    a solemn look on his face. The menacing aura he exuded made it hard for others to ignore his


    presence.


    Both Henrietta and Mna were in prison uniforms, and they were standing in the dock, looking


    knackered.


    Due to her many days of imprisonment, the charming Henrietta looked like she had aged ten years.


    There were even strands of white hair by the sides of her head, and her usually-straight back was


    hunched.


    On the other hand, Mna''s long hair had been cut short, and it was messy. She looked pale, and there


    were eyebags under her eyes. It seemed like she had lost much weight, and even herrge eyes were


    sunken in.


    It looked like they did not have a good time in prison.


    Yet, Avery felt no pity for them.


    They brought this upon themselves. If they didn''t kill my father, they wouldn''t have ended up like this.


    Nevertheless, mes of fury manifested in the mother-and-daughter duo when they saw Avery. They


    were ring daggers of hatred at her, and if not for the guards watching over them, they would have


    darted toward Avery to skin her alive.


    Right then, Weston uttered, ¡°The defendants Henrietta Landry and Mna Rumpley had verbally


    agitated Leonardo Rumpley despite knowing his poor health. Their actions were immoral and vited


    thew. Moreover, even after realizing something amiss about Mr. Rumpley''s condition, they chose to


    do nothing instead of calling for the doctor. Their verbal agitation triggered Mr. Rumpley''s ill condition


    and undeniably caused his death. Therefore, they have to bear full responsibility for Mr. Rumpley''s


    death. They have to be punished severely for this.¡±


    ¡°Objection!¡± said Xenia, who was dressed in a set of dark formalwear and had her hair done up. Her


    expression was cold as she continued, ¡°Leonardo Rumpley was already diagnosed with cancer. Even


    without my defendants'' verbal agitation, he did not have long to live. Hence, why should we pin all the


    me on my defendants? Furthermore, they spoke nothing but the truth to Mr. Rumpley. He was


    simply too mentally fragile to withstand the truth. Even if my defendants have to bear a certain amount


    of legal responsibility for his death, it should not be the full responsibility. Subjectively speaking, they


    had made a mistake, but they did not have the intention of speeding up his inevitable death. What


    happened was an argument that was a little too intense. At most, they should be punished ording to


    tortw.¡±


    Weston turned to look at Xenia as his heart ached.


    He could not believe that the prideful woman of the past had ended up falling from grace.


    Her hatred for him and her desire to embarrass him made her intervene in every case he took up. It did


    not matter even if her defendants were immoral.


    This time, she even volunteered to work as Henrietta and Mna''s defense attorney just so that she


    could have the chance to defeat him.


    Weston witnessed Xenia''s growth through several court cases.


    It seemed like she had vastly improved. Now, she was more capable and cunning, and she was


    exceptionally good at exploiting loopholes in the legal system. There were a few times when he nearly


    lost to her, and if not for his sophistry, he would have been defeated.


    To make it up for her, he intentionally went easier on her so that she could win him.


    However, Cayden''s woman, Avery, was involved in the case he was currently working on. Hence, he


    could not go easy on Xenia anymore.


    ¡°Ms. Somner, your defendants knew the severity of Leonardo''s condition and how likely he might die


    from the aggravation of his condition. Yet, they continued to verbally assault him. The surveince


    cameras have caught them red-handed in their evil acts, and I''m certain that isn''t something you can


    deny, right? Without a doubt, the deliberation of their action makes this case a criminal act. What


    they''ve done is akin to intentional homicide, and they have to be legally held responsible for that!¡±


    Weston refuted.


    The two of them were engaged in a fierce verbal battle in the court.


    Both of them were well-knownwyers, and in no time, their battle became intense.


    Avery''s heart was in her throat, and she was so nervous that she could barely breathe.


    I never thought that the defense attorney had a silver tongue. I''m scared that Weston will fail. I''ll never


    be able to ept it if Henrietta and Mna end up receiving a light sentence.


    Perhaps Cayden sensed Avery''s anxiousness, for he wrapped his hand around Avery''s hand and


    whispered a reassurance. ¡°Don''t worry. Weston will surely emerge as the victor.¡±


    He trusted Weston''s ability.


    Although Xenia was a crafty and capable woman, she was still not as good as Weston.


    Indeed, Weston did not let them down.


    Near the end, the judge dered, ¡°Defendants Henrietta Landry and Mna Rumpley, you knew that


    Leonardo Rumpley was gravely ill, but you still aggravated his condition verbally and caused his death.


    The evidence against you is sufficient to show that the defendants acted knowingly and intentionally.


    Therefore, the defendants are found guilty of intentional homicide and will be serving in prison for ten


    years. You will also receive a fine of four hundred and fifty thousand. If you dissatisfied with the order,


    you can file an appeal through this court or directly to the Court of Appeals for Ackleton within ten days


    from the second day of receiving the judgment.¡±


    Upon hearing her heavy sentence, Mna, who had been quiet until then, abruptly lunged toward Avery


    like a mad woman. s, the guards stopped her.


    Nevertheless, Mna shrieked, ¡°Avery, you b*tch! This was all your fault! If you didn''t be a


    surrogate, Leonardo''s condition wouldn''t have been aggravated! I''m not going to let you off the hook!


    I''m going to appeal! I will!¡±

 Chapter 346

    Chapter 346


    After stepping out of the court, Avery stared at the world covered in white with bright eyes.


    The sun outside was still warm as ever, but she was no longer feeling gloomy like before.


    Henrietta and Mna were finally getting punished for their actions.


    Cayden wrapped a hand around her waist. When he noticed her ruminating silence and discovered that


    he could not read her mind, he asked, ¡°What are you thinking about? You seem quite lost in your


    thoughts.¡±


    ¡°I''m wondering if Henrietta and Mna will receive a different sentence if they make an appeal,¡± Avery


    answered with a sigh.


    At that, Cayden arched a brow before narrowing his eyes. ¡°No. If they dare to make an appeal, I''ll make


    sure that they''ll receive a worse sentence.¡±


    He had ways to make powerless yet evil people like them suffer a fate worse than death.


    Avery then gently leaned against Cayden''s chest.


    His powerful heartbeat calmed her down. ¡°Thank you for everything you''ve done for me.¡±


    It was not as if Avery was incapable of holding Henrietta and Mna legally responsible for their actions


    by herself, but she knew that, if she did it without Cayden''s help, it would have been a very long and


    tormenting process.


    Instead of replying to her, Cayden grabbed her wrist and shoved her toward the front passenger seat


    before sitting down in the driver''s seat.


    ¡°Where are we going?¡± Right as Avery said that, the man''s hand grabbed her chin, and he captured her


    pink lips.


    Avery''s breathing turnedborious, and her heart pounded.


    However, Cayden did not give her a chance to take in any fresh air as his warm breath caressed her


    cheeks.


    It was an aggressive, punishing kiss.


    The man''s tongue invaded her mouth relentlessly as he stimted all of her bodily senses.


    Her strength fled her at his kisses. It felt as if she was floating among clouds and she let out a soft


    moan. ¡°Mm...¡±


    Her response made Cayden ravish her more intensely.


    If not for the fact that they were in a car, he would have taken her there and then.


    ¡°Don''t act like such a stranger with me next time, okay?¡± The heat at the bottom of his stomach forced


    Cayden to let Avery go.


    He was afraid that he would lose all of his control if he were to keep kissing her.


    Meanwhile, Avery was greedily taking in all the fresh air she needed. It was only then she understood


    why his kiss had been so aggressive.


    So I identally irked him again. He doesn''t want me to be as polite with him like a stranger would.


    A shade of crimson crept onto Avery''s already rosy cheeks, and she softly muttered, ¡°I won''t do it


    again. I won''t be such a stranger to you from now on...¡±


    ¡°That''s my good girl,¡± came the man''s maic voice before he chuckled. ¡°The punishment won''t be


    this simple if you make such a mistake again.¡±


    As he spoke, he fixed his burning, yearning eyes on her. It was as if he was already taking off her


    clothes with that gaze of his.


    Avery''s face turned even more flushed. He''s such a flirt. Must he always desire me whenever he


    punishes me? I can''t stand him...


    A beatter, Cayden started the car.


    As Avery stared at Cayden''s slender fingers, she cleared her throat and asked, ¡°Are we going to the


    office now?¡±


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    Cayden curled his lips and answered, ¡°Yes. I''m going to wrap up work before we go on our date.¡±


    ...


    At Trident Group, Avery entered the private elevator with Cayden.


    When she stepped into the elevator, she saw her slim figure and Cayden''s tall figure reflecting in the


    mirror.


    It was then she recalled that it was a weekday and that she had applied for leave again to attend


    Henrietta and Mna''s trial.


    A swell of embarrassment rose in Avery''s chest. It had only been mere months since she joined Trident


    Group, but she had taken more days off than the rest of the employees in the department.


    The department head''s going to lose it when I go back to the design department.


    Meanwhile, Cayden was watching the changing expressions on Avery''s face and he found her


    adorable.


    ¡°Don''t keep staring at me!¡± Avery was getting a little nervous when she notice Cayden staring intently at


    her.


    Furthermore, they were in the elevator¡ªa narrow space. She was afraid that the man would turn into a


    beast abruptly.


    To her surprise, Cayden only patted her head and kissed her forehead. He did not do anything after


    that.


    Avery''s tense body against the elevator wall finally rxed.


    When the elevator reached the highest floor, Cayden stepped out before Avery did.


    Avery did not wish to let her private life bleed into her professional life. She did not want to seem too


    close to him and make the others spread rumors about them.


    It was not the first time Avery had been to the CEO''s office, but ever since she did the unspeakable


    with him in the break room of his office, she felt a tinge of embarrassment every time she entered the


    room.


    ¡°Huh? Avery, I thought you were on leave. Why are you here in the office?¡± said Kendrick when they


    encountered him.


    ¡°Kendrick, are you about to sneak out of the office again?¡± Cayden red at his frivolous brother.


    ¡°What? No! The office is a little stuffy, so I was thinking of smoking outside for a while,¡± Kendrick


    squeezed out as he averted his eyes briefly.


    He knew that his brother was at the court with Avery, so he thought he would be able to skip work.


    Yet, just as he stepped out of his office, he bumped into Avery and Cayden. Why is my luck so bad?


    s, Cayden pointed out, ¡°There''s a smoking area in the manager''s room. Is that not good enough for


    you? If you don''t want to stay in the headquarters, maybe I should send you to the South Alendor


    branch for training instead.¡±


    Kendrick instantly shrieked, ¡°Oh, my dear brother, I''m sorry! I shouldn''t have skipped work. In fact, I''ll


    get back to work right away! I don''t want to go to South Alendor! Avery, look at how cruel my brother is.


    Please save me from him!¡±


    As Kendrickined, his gloomy gaze drifted toward Avery.


    Avery nearly burst outughing.


    Kendrick was already an adult, but he still acted like a child.


    Despite his flippant nature, Avery could not find it in herself to dislike him.


    Avery then hooked her arm around Cayden''s arm and said, ¡°All right. Don''t scare him anymore. He''ll be


    able to share some of your workloads if he works in the headquarters.¡±


    Kendrick quickly nodded fervently. ¡°Avery''s right. Cayden, we''re brothers. You''ll be less tired with me


    around. If you send me to South Alendor, you''ll have one less helper!¡±


    However, the words that came out of Avery''s mouth next nearly made Kendrick choke. ¡°It''s almost New


    Year. Leave all of your work to Kendrick for now, Cayden. That way, you''ll have more time to keep me


    and the kidspany. Let''s go on a holiday to Mirea. Doesn''t that sound good?¡±


    Kendrick was rendered speechless.

 Chapter 347

    Chapter 347


    Kendrick almost burst into tears, feeling like he had just dug a hole for himself.


    He thought that Avery was just like a gentile and docilemb and did not expect her to actually be a


    wolf in sheep''s clothing.


    ¡°Well, well, well. Never judge a book by its cover, indeed. How can you do this, Avery?¡± Kendrick


    comined bitterly.


    ¡°I think you have too much time on your hands, Kendrick!¡± Cayden said coolly as he turned and headed


    toward the CEO''s office. ¡°If you have nothing better to do, you can go to South Alendor right now. I''ll


    get Mr. Dartsley to book you the fastest ticket there!¡±


    ¡°Oh,e on, Cayden. Are you really going to send me away? You''re so cold! Am I your buddy or not?


    There aren''t many people as kind as me left in this world! And I really treasure you...


    Avery was stunned and speechless.


    This was the first time she felt that men could be awfully childish when they argued.


    Kendrick shot Avery a begrudging nce before heading back to his office.


    To prevent Cayden from shipping him off to South Alendor, Kendrick could only bite the bullet and force


    himself to continue working.


    ...


    Avery returned to the design department and was immediately greeted by stares from her colleagues.


    They stared at her while whispering among themselves, fearing that she would overhear what they


    were saying.


    Her identity was no great secret, after all. Although Cayden had not officially made her his wife, it was a


    subtle reminder to everyone about who she really was.


    The employees were very perceptive. Even if some of them did not particrly like Avery, they


    suppressed their negative feelings because of her background.


    Yulissa, especially, had to swallow a lot of her frustration.


    Avery''s outstanding performance and Yulissa''s embarrassing one at the designers'' meeting showed


    the stark contrast between their abilities. It almost made Yulissa into aughingstock.


    An insignificant employee who had just joined thepany stepped all over her. How could she take it


    lying down?


    Despite knowing that Avery had Cayden, the CEO''s protection, Yulissa still felt indignant.


    In her opinion, only the beautiful,petent, and talented director of the design department, Wisteria,


    was worthy of being Cayden''s partner.


    Moreover, Wisteria had been working with Cayden for many years. Their rtionship was not so weak


    that it could be easily broken by a nobody like Avery.


    She felt that Cayden was merely infatuated with Avery for the time being. Once the novelty had worn


    off, he would realize who the better choice was.


    Although men were creatures of impulse, Cayden was different as he was rational.


    There was nothing special about Avery apart from her looks.


    There were plenty of women like her out there. Avery is not evenparable to Wisteria, who is


    intelligent and tactful.


    If Wisteria became the CEO''s wife, then Yulissa''s career would be smooth sailing with her boss at the


    helm since she was one of her followers.


    As soon as Avery sat behind her desk, Yulissa walked up to her and criticized her coldly, ¡°Avery, do you


    really think you can do whatever you want in Trident Group? I''ve warned you before to not go on leave.


    How dare you ignore my instructions? Just look at your attendance this month, you were on leave for


    half a month! Don''t get arrogant just because you have a connection to Mr. Moore!¡±


    Gasps were heard all over the room.


    They wondered if Yulissa was truly brave or truly stupid.


    Avery was the CEO''s woman, yet Yulissa openly criticized her in front of so many people. Was she not


    afraid that Avery would tell on her to Cayden, thereby causing her to lose her job?


    As for Avery, she was not bothered by Yulissa''s criticism or her colleagues'' gossiping. She merely did


    what she needed to do.


    She met Yulissa''s gaze and calmly replied, ¡°Yulissa, there is no rule in Trident Group stating that


    employees are not allowed to take leave, much less limit the amount of leave they can take.


    Employees just have to do what is expected of them. Furthermore, I was working from home even


    while I was on leave. I''vepleted every single task you''ve assigned to me on time and sent them


    back to you.¡±


    Since she had decided to be with Cayden, Avery knew that all sorts of rumors about her would be


    floating around the office. How was she going to get stronger and stand together with Cayden if she


    cracked under pressure easily?


    This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Yulissa was at a loss for words after hearing Avery''s rebuttal. She was unsure how to respond.


    Her face contorted with anger as she watched Avery turn on herptop and go straight to work. She felt


    like a clown sulking when Avery remained unbothered.


    Cecelia cupped her hand over her mouth and snickered.


    Yulissa let out a cold huff. She shot a deathly re at Cecelia, who wasughing at her, before


    sashaying back to her seat with her heels clicking loudly against the floor.


    She hastily sent a ¡°situation update¡± to Wisteria who was currently in Western Epea. If she did not


    come back soon, Avery would take her ce.


    Without anyone to back her up in thepany, she was afraid of someone taking revenge against her.


    She did not want to end up losing more than she gained.


    Avery, Cecelia, and Trevor sat together as they discussed the coboration project with Vivi Group.


    Avery went through the documents they had on hand carefully.


    She knew a lot of people in the design department would be displeased that Cayden had assigned


    such an important project to her.


    Some senior employees did not even get a chance to work on this. However, she was handed this


    opportunity despite being new to thepany, not having any des under her belt, and not


    having served for long. It would make sense for others to be angry and jealous.


    Cayden''s orders could not be disobeyed, and Avery did not want to turn him down either. Doing


    something under pressure may not necessarily result in a bad ending for things might turn out well!


    Avery understood that point. Hence, she must work harder than ever to achieve good results so that


    she can impress everyone.


    This project with Vivi Group is of extraordinary significance for it will have a huge andsting impact on


    my career.


    From the information on the files and the discussions she had with Cecelia and Trevor, Avery knew


    very well that she was facing a lot of challenges.


    Trident Group and Vivi Group jointly purchased a prosperous business district in Ackleton. They


    nned on developing the area in the shortest time and investing in the construction of stores, hotels,


    shopping malls, luxury condominiums, affluent neighborhoods, and more.


    Avery could not wrap her head around it.


    Cayden was the only one who had the capital and gall to not only purchase a prosperous business


    district in an incredibly expensive city but also upgrade it.

 Chapter 348

    Chapter 348


    Just when Avery was focused on going through the documents, the department head led a few people


    who looked exceptionally eye-catching and walked over.


    ¡°Let me introduce them to all of you. This is the design manager from Vivi Group, and these are the


    core designers. Come forward and get to know each other.¡±


    Avery then observed them attentively.


    Other than the female design manager who seemed to be in herte thirties, the rest of the designers


    looked young.


    ¡°Hi, I''m Cecelia Zuckerberg, the leader of the design team from Trident Group. I look forward to working


    with you,¡± Cecelia said with a smile as she reached out her right hand to the female manager.


    ¡°I''m Yvette Fetterman.¡± Thedy wore a solemn look as she briefly held Cecelia''s hand.


    Then, Trevor also shook hands with Yvette and introduced himself.


    When it was Avery''s turn, she reached out her hand too. ¡°I''m Avery Rumpley. Nice to meet you.¡±


    However, with an icy look, Yvette merely cast Avery a nce without shaking her hand.


    The department head, Yulissa, was gloating secretly when she caught sight of that scene.


    She had seized the chance to nder Avery in front of Yvette, telling her that Avery was epted to


    the design department only because of her rtionship with Cayden and that she was nothing but an


    incapable person with only good looks.


    This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Yulissa knew that Yvette had always been upright, and thetter despised those who pulled strings to


    work things out in their favor.


    After how Yulissa had vilified Avery, Yvette would definitely be straightforward and strict with Avery. It


    was pointless even if Avery was epted into the project department, as she would only make a fool of


    herself by then.


    Of course, Avery had no idea that Yulissa had spoken ill of her behind her back. Having been cold-


    shouldered by Yvette, Avery was slightly dejected that the smile on her face froze.


    Feeling slightly helpless, Avery cast her gaze upon Cecelia.


    Cecelia shot Avery an encouraging look and tried to get her out of the awkward situation. ¡°Ms.


    Fetterman, Avery is new to the design department. Despite the fact that she is still fresh, she is truly


    talented. Previously, a client requested a design proposal, and the requirements were extremely


    stringent. All the designs done by our experienced staff were rejected, but only Avery''s proposal was


    epted. The client had only words of praise for Avery''s design proposal. I believe that Avery''s


    participation in our coboration will be a great help.¡±


    Upon hearing that, Yvette did not say a word. Instead, she stared at Avery with a meaningful look.


    ¡°Let''s head to the conference room for a meeting.¡±


    Soon, the architects from Trident Group and the rest of them from Vivi Group arrived at the conference


    room on the upper floor.


    While they were on their way there, Yvette remained apathetic and silent.


    The other designers from Vivi Group also distanced themselves from Avery. Even though Avery was at


    a loss because of their actions, she could only follow them.


    Feeling all eyes on her, Avery was in trepidation.


    Among the designers from Vivi Group, there was an assistant manager named Gabriel Manderfield


    who was most likely in his thirties. He looked decent and gentle when he smiled.


    The head of their design department, Madeline Bachmann, was a beauty.


    Madeline had exquisite features and a curvy figure. She was young and captivating.


    There was another young man, Michael Jennings, who was the team leader of the second design


    team.


    He was handsome and looked shy when he smiled. Besides, he seemed like a quiet and polite person.


    Avery tried her best to remember everyone from Vivi Group. After all, she would need to work with


    them often in the future, so she had to make sure to build good rtionships with them.


    Of course, when she was scrutinizing the designers from Vivi Group, the others were also doing the


    same to her.


    The designers from Vivi Group had met Cecelia and Trevor before, and they had worked together more


    than once. Hence, they were confident in Cecelia''s capability. They were only surprised to learn that a


    newbie in the industry was given the task to handle such an important project.


    They were doubtful if a person as young as Avery who seemed to have just graduated from university


    would be able to handle aplicated task like this.


    After learning that Avery had pulled strings to get into the department, the designers from Vivi Group


    looked at Avery with looks of disdain.


    The meetingsted more than an hour.


    After that, Yvette handed a pile of documents to Avery. ¡°All these documents are the information about


    the project. Avery, I wish you can memorize all of them well in these few days. We will look into the


    project the day after tomorrow. Do you have any questions?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Avery had no choice but to take over the big pile of documents.


    Obviously, Ms. Fetterman is asserting her dominance. As a newbie in the industry, I certainly am not in


    a position toment on anything.


    Back in the CEO''s office, Cayden looked up from the twoptops ced in front of him. Trident Group''s


    revenue had increased by several folds in the new quarter.


    Moreover, he had taken a look at the design proposal done by Avery and noticed a significant


    improvement. His sexy lips curled into a satisfying smile as he thought of that.


    Xavier noticed the smile on Cayden''s face and asked worriedly, ¡°Mr. Moore, Ms. Rumpley will be


    everyone''s target because you''ve handed such an important project to a newbie like her. Besides, Ms.


    Fetterman from Vivi Group has always been strict in design, and she can''t tolerate any kind of mistake.


    Do you think the pressure will be too much for Ms. Rumpley to handle?¡±


    Everyone knew that Yvette was the top designer of Vivi Group. She was extremely skillful in design,


    and her skill was even better than Wisteria from Trident Group.


    Yvette was a perfectionist, and she had always been meticulous. Besides, she was also a workaholic


    who was fickle and hot-tempered¡ªeveryone was afraid of her.


    ording to the rumors, the designers working under her would always get scoldings from her.


    Most of them could not put up with her bad temper, let alone someone as sensitive as Avery.


    Just then, Cayden''s deep gaze swept across the watch on his wrist. It''s time to get off work!


    He then shed Xavier an unfathomable smile and said, ¡°Avery is talented in design, but her


    shoring is that she is too soft. She is not confident andcks experience. By working under Yvette,


    Avery could improve faster, and it might be a way to motivate her.¡±


    After the meeting, Avery tidied up the documents and nned to bring them home to study further.


    Right then, Cayden''s call came through. ¡°Pack up and we will head to Azure Royal for a mealter.¡±


    ¡°Let''s bring Zach and Rory along. It has been a while since west brought them out for a meal.¡± Avery


    thought it would be perfect if she could have a meal with her family.


    At the same time, Cayden was reluctant to bring the two clingy children along, as they would be the


    third wheel. It would be inappropriate for him to get intimate with Avery.


    Despite that, he gave in as soon as he thought of her hopeful gaze. ¡°All right. We will pick them up after


    work and head to Azure Royal together.¡±


    After hanging up the phone, it was almost six o''clock. Thus, Avery hurriedly called her two children.


    ¡°Hello, Mommy...¡± Rory was the one who answered the call.


    ¡°Sweetheart, have you and Zach eaten?¡±


    ¡°Not yet. Mdm. Musk is preparing dinner. Zach and I will have it with Great-grandpa and Grandma...¡±


    ¡°Don''t eat first. We''ll pick you and Zach upter, and we''ll eat out.¡±


    ¡°Okay! I''m so happy! Zach, Mommy said she is taking us out for dinnerter. Mommy, hurry up and


    come pick us up!¡± Rory''s soft and sweet voice came from the other end of the line.


    Avery ended the call, and she was all smiles.

 Chapter 349

    Chapter 349


    Cecelia suddenly patted Avery while thetter was absorbed in the thought of her two children.


    ¡°Hey, why are you giggling? Was that call earlier from Mr. Moore? You should look in the mirror to see


    the contented smile on your face. This is making me so jealous!¡±


    Avery knew Cecelia had always been single, even though thetter was approaching her thirties. She


    wondered if Cecelia was traumatized by her previous heartbreak or if her decision to stay single was


    driven by some other reason.


    Although plenty of men pursued her, Cecelia remained indifferent and never reciprocated their


    sentiment.


    Unbeknownst to Avery, Cecelia waspetent and shrewd. She harbored an ulterior motive when she


    approached Avery in the beginning.


    Cecelia, an astute woman, could figure out at first nce Cayden''s unusual interest in Avery. That was


    why she decided to establish a close rtionship with Avery.


    However, after her frequent interactions with Avery, Cecelia realized that not only did Avery possess a


    good nature, but her charisma and talents in design were also extraordinary. Gradually, Cecelia


    became keen to befriend Avery for real.


    ¡°It''s not him. I was talking on the phone with Zach and Rory.¡± Avery had always been fond of Cecelia


    because of thetter''s straightforward personality.


    Not only was Cecelia a good-hearted person, but she had also saved Avery from difficult situations on


    multiple asions, prompting Avery to feel extremely grateful toward her.


    Avery remembered how her colleagues ostracized her when she first joined thepany. Her only


    best friend at that time was Nina. It was Cecelia who had taken the initiative to ept her, and she was


    also d to share the fun times at work with Cecelia.


    Avery and Cecelia chatted happily and amicably as they strode toward thepany''s exit.


    Avery and Cecelia ran into Gabriel and Madeline when they were about to turn a corner inside the


    building.


    Gabriel appeared like his usual gentlemanly self, dressed in suits.


    On the other hand, Madeline''s hair was slightly disheveled, her face flushed, and her lips were a little


    swollen.


    When Madeline saw Avery and Cecelia, she fell into a momentary daze as an astonished look spread


    across her pretty face.


    Cecelia shed a fake smile and casually greeted them before hastily dragging Avery away from the


    scene. It''s best if we don''t linger.


    Unable to wrap her mind around the situation, Avery allowed Cecelia to pull her along passively as they


    moved toward the elevator on the other side of the corridor.


    After the couple disappeared from their vision, Avery couldn''t help but ask, ¡°Cecelia, I haven''t even


    gotten the chance to say hello to them. Wouldn''t it be rude if we left just like that?¡±


    Cecelia rolled her eyes and whispered beside Avery''s ear, ¡°You shouldn''t get too involved with them.


    Something''s going on between Gabriel and Madeline. When I went to the restroom earlier, I stumbled


    upon him pinning her against the washbasin. Tsk tsk. I even noticed Madeline''s underwear was halfway


    stripped. Do you know Gabriel is already married and with kids?¡±


    N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    ¡°What? He''s fooling around with other women even when he''s already married? What a jerk.¡± Avery


    widened her eyes in shock.


    Cecelia nodded. ¡°You''re too innocent. Such indecent behaviors are verymon in arge corporation


    like this. This is not a matter you and I can control. Otherwise, why did you think Madeline could


    be the department head at such a young age? That woman is not to be taken lightly. She''s very


    ambitious and is willing to curry favors with higher-ranking men to climb the corporatedder. Engaging


    in indecent activities with powerful men is a piece of cake for her. I suggest you avoid interacting with


    Madeline to prevent getting dragged into the mess.¡±


    ¡°Okay, I got it. Thank you for the reminder, Cecelia.¡± Avery nodded.


    In fact, she was always busy with her, so she didn''t have the free time to interfere with others'' matters.


    Moreover, she had always been one to mind her own business and focused on performing well in her


    job. Hence, other people''s personal lives were none of her concern.


    ...


    After picking up the two kids, Cayden drove Avery and the children to Azure Royal.


    Azure Royal was a famous entertainment center in Ackleton. It was a property belonging to Gibson


    Corporation, which provided facilities such as recreation, food and beverages, and entertainment under


    one roof.


    Its architectural design was gorgeous and unique. The building''s interior design was all the more


    distinctive. It was said that Cayden had personally participated in the process of designing the center


    previously.


    Azure Royal was located in the most prosperous business district, and ake surrounded three facades


    of the structure. The floor was mainly paved with bluestones, and the building walls were mounted with


    arge amount of ss. Almost every room came with a mesmerizingke view.


    Despite the freezing weather outside, the indoor area of Azure Royal was filled with thriving greenery.


    Moreover, the vintage coffee table, intricately-designed screens, and wooden furniture were all hand-


    crafted. Thebination of modern and ssical features gave Azure Royal an air of elegance.


    Holding Zachary and Rory''s hands, Avery said to Cayden, ¡°I''ve heard that Azure Royal is Ackleton''s


    renowned entertainment center. I''m truly impressed when I get to see this breathtaking piece of


    architecture in person. I also heard that you designed this ce. You''re indeed awe-inspiring.¡±


    As someone who studied architectural design, Avery was aware of the famous Azure Royal.


    Unfortunately, she only had the chance to gaze at the structure from afar because the expenditure in


    that ce was too high.


    Aside from the costly spending, only customers with certain social statuses were permitted inside the


    premise. Therefore, a poormoner like her had no chance toy her eyes on the interior of the


    building.


    Nheless, the exquisite and one-of-a-kind exterior of Azure Royal was sufficient to elicit Avery''s


    admiration toward the designer''s unique taste, not to mention the interior design.


    The thought of Azure Royal''s designer being her significant other filled her with immense pride and


    honor. The man I love is indeed remarkable.


    ¡°Mommy, Daddy has always been amazing, but he''s too busy with work. He doesn''t have the time to


    apany us and seldom eats with us,¡± Zachary muttered in a low voice while tugging at Avery''s


    hand.


    ¡°Sometimes, Zach and I wanted to eat with Daddy, but he would tell us impatiently that we were not


    kids anymore, so we should learn to have our meals on our own instead of insisting on having an adult


    apany us. Hmph... Daddy started to spend a little more time having his meal with us only after


    your arrival.¡± Rory pouted in indignation.


    Avery squatted down and gently hugged them. Then, she met the children''s eyes and said tenderly, ¡°It


    is Daddy''s fault for neglecting you two because he is constantly swamped with work. However, Daddy


    is also facing a lot of pressure to support this family. He has to deal with a heavy daily workload in


    order to provide a better life for you two. Therefore, you should learn to empathize with him, okay?¡±


    ¡°Okay. We got it.¡± The two kids nodded sensibly.


    As Cayden took in Avery''s demeanor while she coaxed the children, the affection he harbored toward


    her intensified.


    Her sweet smile, kind temperament, and pure aura gave her a vibe simr to a piece of crystal clear,


    unadulterated emerald. The sense of ease he felt whenever he was around her was something no


    other woman could invoke in him.


    Hence, she had always been the existence he adamantly yearned for all those years.


    At that moment, Maria, dressed mboyantly, entered with her arms wrapped around Dn''s. Trailing


    behind them was a group of noisy young men and women.


    Dn was stunned when he saw Avery. He instinctively tried to shrug off Maria''s hands.

 Chapter 350

    Chapter 350


    Maria saw Avery the moment she came in.


    Holding on to Dn''s arm tightly, she snorted. ¡°Gosh, why does this woman keep showing up


    everywhere? Just my luck!¡±


    Last time, not only did Maria fail to frame Avery in the luxury store, she ended up losing a diamond ring


    worth millions. To add insult to injury, Maria was scolded when she returned home, and her elder


    brother deducted more than a month of her pocket money.


    The thought of that incident irritated Maria to no end.


    At the same time, Avery naturally did not have a good impression of Maria, who was spoilt and unruly.


    When Avery was about to leave the ce with the two children and Cayden, Zachary suddenly looked


    up and blinked innocently. His eyes sparkled with rity.


    He gently tugged at Avery''s clothes and uttered in his childish voice, ¡±Mommy, I''ve seen thisdy


    before.¡±


    Avery stared at Zachary with a puzzled look on her face. How did this little guy know Maria?


    Curious, Avery inquired, ¡°Zach, where have you seen her before?¡±


    Maria was also dumbfounded as she stared at the adorable Zachary.


    s, no matter how hard she racked her brain, she could not think of where she hade across such


    a good-looking young boy.


    Zachary replied sweetly, ¡°Mommy, have you forgotten? Thisdy looks exactly like the evil witch from


    the movie. Great-grandpa said the witch is a cruel and vindictive person!¡±


    Then, he turned his gaze to Maria. ¡°Miss, you really resemble that evil witch. But I guess that''s fine


    since your family won''t have to waste money on going to the cinema to see the witch.¡±


    At his snarky remark, the onlookers burst outughing. How could this adorable child possess such a


    serpent''s tongue?


    Realization dawned upon Avery at that moment. Ah! Zach must be talking about the Evil Queen from


    Snow White.


    Although Maria was not a stunning woman, she did not look bad either. She was certainly nowhere


    near the hideous-looking evil witch.


    Zach has quite a sharp tongue, hasn''t he? He was rather merciless with his insult just now. Did he take


    after Cayden''s personality?


    Avery cast a nce at Cayden. As if he knew what was on her mind, he shrugged innocently, indicating


    that he had nothing to do with it.


    In Cayden''s opinion, he did not have a sharp tongue despite his poor personality. Zachary''s gene


    probably mutated on its own. This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Even if Maria was a slow-witted person, she came to her senses rather quickly this time. With her face


    flushing red with fury, she pointed at Zachary. ¡±You little uncultured brat! Who taught you to speak like


    that? Are you asking for a beating?¡±


    Getting riled up, Maria seemed to have forgotten about Cayden''s identity. She went forward wanting to


    teach Zachary a lesson but was held back by Dn forcefully.


    This d*mned woman is so unruly! She has no idea how terrifying Cayden is! If she dares toy a finger


    on his son today, I''m sure the Reid family will make the news tomorrow because of bankruptcy. The


    Musk family might be dragged into this mess too.


    Cayden stared at Maria with his chilling gaze, exuding a powerful murderous aura.


    Felicia, who was in charge of the entertainment center, rushed to the side. She witnessed the


    commotion before she could even greet Cayden.


    This woman is asking for it! How dare she insult Mr. Moore''s son in public like a rabid dog!


    Despite the tense atmosphere, Maria pointed at Avery as a vicious expression crept over her face.


    ¡±Dn, stop pulling me back! This woman stole my diamond ring. Give it back to me!¡± she fumed.


    ¡°Miss, please leave if you''re not in your right mind. Not only did you insult my guest, but you also


    ndered her for stealing your ring. Do you have any proof to back up your im that thisdy stole


    your possession?¡± Felicia asked sternly, narrowing her eyes menacingly.


    ¡°Who the h*ll are you? You''d better mind your own business! This has nothing to do with you!¡± Even


    though Maria was intimidated by the bone-chilling aura emanating out of Cayden, her rationale had


    gone out of the window.


    Despite being warned not to mess with Caydenst time by her elder brother and Dn, Maria had


    always been a spoiled brat who had no respect for anyone.


    When Maria was abroad, everything was smooth sailing for her. She continued to behave in an


    unrestrained manner when she returned home. Therefore, it was no wonder that she did not remember


    their warnings.


    Dn grabbed Maria by the cor and warned her again, ¡°Maria, stop embarrassing me! Are you trying


    tond yourself in trouble?¡±


    Maria thought the reason why Dn did not help her was because of his lingering feeling for Avery.


    Suppressed by Dn, she could not move at all.


    Maria saw a glint of amusement flickering across Avery''s eyes. Her temper red as she saw the


    latter''s yful and contemptuous smile and Dn''s longing gaze on his ex-wife.


    No wonder Dn is so heartless toward me. This is all this woman''s fault!


    That realization felt like a sharp sword piercing through Maria''s heart.


    She was so livid that her chest heaved violently. Huffing and puffing, she yelled, ¡°Dn, we''re family.


    So why don''t you help me? Avery was the one who stole my ring. That guy over there was obviously


    her aplice. And that little brat! What a horrible family...¡±


    At her remark, the furrow of Cayden''s brows deepened. The murderous intent deep within his icy gaze


    intensified.


    He eyed Maria as if she was a dead person.


    Pushed over the edge, Dn shoved Maria off and thundered, ¡±Get lost! You''re being so immature!¡±


    His furious roar caught the attention of the people in the entertainment center.


    Maria''s face was as pale as a sheet. Today is my birthday. I finally managed to convince Dn toe


    and celebrate with me, but I didn''t expect him to humiliate me in front of so many guests and friends.


    Meanwhile, even the group of giggling friends who had always followed around Maria began to whisper


    among themselves.


    Maria''s face contorted with rage. ¡°Dn, today is my birthday. How could you treat me like this? Avery


    is a shameless thief! You''ve seen the receipt and knew that my diamond ring is worth more than five


    million. That''s quite a massive amount... That day, she stole my ring while I was changing. Yasmin, you


    were also there at the time, weren''t you?¡±


    Maria stared at Avery furiously, hoping she could direct all the usations and insults her way.


    Yasmin, Maria''s tall and strong-built sidekick, immediately came forward and vouched for her.


    The surrounding guests started murmuring among themselves, criticizing Avery.


    Just as Avery was about to speak, a loud p rang out. Everyone froze at that sound.


    Staring at Maria angrily, Dn eximed, ¡°Maria Reid, are you done? Avery is the only person who


    wouldn''t steal other''s possessions!¡±


    He knew better than anyone what kind of woman Avery was. Knowing how strong her self-esteem is,


    she would never steal from anyone. She can''t be bothered!


    Maria covered her throbbing cheek in disbelief. ¡±Dn, did you p me because of this thief? You hit


    me for a shameless b*tch like her?¡±

 Chapter 351

    Chapter 351


    Felicia walked over and gave Maria an icy stare. Her voice was as cold as the ciers. ¡°Miss, please


    leave if you continue to act like this. This is a retail venue for high-end consumers; we don''t wee


    boorish customers. Nobody can insult my esteemed guest here. If you dare to say anything more, I will


    send you to the police station! You kept insisting that my guest was a thief, but the jewelry that you lost


    is only worth five million. Do you know that the jewelry that Mr. Moore gifts to thisdy are worth at least


    ten million each? Why would she care about your puny jewelry? Your usation is outright baseless!¡±


    The crowd began to chatter among themselves.


    ¡°She''s right; Mr. Moore''s fortune is said to be in astronomical figures and simply unrivaled. I''m sure any


    random piece of jewelry owned by his partner is worth at least ten million, so why would something


    worth only five million catch her eye?¡±


    ¡°That woman kept harping on the fact that Mr. Moore''s partner is a thief, yet she couldn''t provide any


    evidence.¡±


    ¡°Something must be wrong with her head. How dare she use Mr. Moore''s partner of stealing her


    jewelry.¡±


    Maria could not take it anymore after being pped by Dn and Cayden. She was like a trapped


    animal that lost its cool and did not care that the crowd included some of Ackleton''s prominent figures.


    At that moment, it did not matter to Maria that her wealthy heiress image was ruined. She gritted her


    teeth tightly like a mad dog. She could not wait to tear Avery and her family apart with her teeth!


    Just then, Xander, surrounded by a group of people, arrived at the scene.


    The stunning-looking Xander exuded an immense aura, despite just wearing a simple white shirt.


    The first two buttons of his shirt were unbuttoned, revealing his wless and fair corbone.


    Xander tugged lightly at the slightly loose tie at his neck. Those familiar with him would know that it was


    his habitual action when he got frustrated. It seemed like Xander had been informed of what was going


    on here.


    The gentle glow of the light cast a shadow on his handsome face, raising the tension around him. As a


    result, the tense atmosphere was causing his subordinates around him to break out in cold sweats.


    Felicia, who was in charge of Azure Royal, approached Xander. ¡°Mr. Gibson, what brings you here?


    Please do not worry about this small matter. I will make sure that it will be settled nicely.¡±


    Xander merely listened without responding.


    A lit cigarette lingered between his slender fingers.


    As the cigarette smoke rose, it created a mysterious shroud over Xander''s well-defined facial features,


    enhancing his sexuality.


    Although it was visually stunning, it felt cold and distant at the same time.


    The overwhelming pressure from Xander made Felicia nervous, and she started to stutter.


    ¡°Felicia,¡± Xander suddenly interrupted her, his tone sharp and cold. ¡°How long have you been working


    at Azure Royal?¡±


    Felicia paused and lowered her head in shame. ¡°Half... half a year.¡±


    Xander suddenly broke into a wide and smug smile. It was a gorgeous smile, but somehow it sent


    shivers down one''s spine.


    ¡°Very well, you''ve been here for half a year already, yet you can''t settle this small matter. I believe it''s


    time for you to retire!¡± Xander mercilessly mocked. Overwhelmed by his piercing aura, Felicia got weak


    in the knees.


    Xander continued, ¡°You know Mr. Moore is my VIP, but you''re taking things easy. You should know how


    I do things here.¡±


    Xander approached Cayden and exchanged a quick nce with him, followed by a polite nod at Avery.


    Then as he turned around to look at Maria, he slowly took a puff of his cigarette, and a chilly glint


    shed across his eyes. ¡°Why is there a dog barking non-stop in Azure Royal? And why hasn''t it been


    chased out with a stick?¡±


    When Xander gazed at her, Maria was so infatuated with his good looks that she became speechless


    for a moment.


    But she quickly woke up from this brief dream when Xander''s nasty words poured onto her like a cold


    shower.


    What a filthy mouth this man has! How dare he refer to me as a dog. The level of arrogance is


    outrageous!


    The simple-minded Maria did not notice that people around her were looking at Xander with fear and


    respect. All she cared about was seeking justice for herself.


    Letting out augh, Maria put on an intimidating expression andshed out at Xander, ¡°You look so


    prim and proper, but where are your manners? Did you just call me a dog? I see that you''re worse than


    a dog! I''m a consumer here and should be treated with respect. What right do you have to chase me


    out? If you insist on chasing me out, give me a refund first!¡±


    Everyone was stunned by Maria''s reply. They could not help but worry for her.


    They were not sure if she was truly fearless or just in dumb.


    Xander was notoriously well known in Ackleton; nobody dared to defy or offend him.


    It would not be exaggerating to say that if he wanted a particr person dead by a certain time, the


    person would not even get to live a minute longer.


    Hearing Maria''s response, Dn was boiling with rage. Nothing good happened whenever he


    apanied this stupid cousin on trips.


    He swore to himself that he would never listen to his parents again and apany this fool anymore.


    Felicia could not believe what she had heard. Where did she find the courage to rebuke Mr. Gibson?


    This woman must be tired of living.


    True enough, as soon as Maria finished speaking, a thin dagger instantly flew toward her and brushed


    against the right side of her scalp.


    This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    As the dagger passed, Maria''s short hair on the right side of her head was cleanly shaved off, revealing


    a huge piece of her scalp.


    Even a razor could not do a better job than the dagger.


    Clumps of Maria''s hair scattered on the ground.


    Avery was astounded by Xander''s incredible technique and skill.


    This is truly remarkable power on another level; to be able to use the dagger to shave the hair from the


    right side of the head cleanly without scratching the scalp at all.


    All this while, Zachary and Rory watched Xander in awe.


    Both of them had been converted into Xander''s fans and could not stop eximing about his amazing


    skill. Woah, Mr. Gibson is so cool!


    Meanwhile, Maria stood there in a daze, shocked by what just took ce.


    She stared nkly at the clumps of hair on the ground while her hand moved toward the right side of


    her head. As she felt the emptiness, she realized the severity and let out a shrieking scream.


    Maria quickly went hysterical and began to talk incoherently, ¡°No... My hair, what happened to my


    hair...¡±


    As Dn watched everything unfold, he could not wait to hide his face. He had never felt so humiliated


    in his life.


    He forcefully dragged the crying Maria and her group of good-for-nothing friends and left the scene


    angrily.


    After they departed, Xander looked at his subordinates and ordered in an authoritative tone, ¡°From now


    on, that woman is on Azure Royal''s cklist. I don''t want to see simr situations happening again!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. Gibson!¡± all of Azure Royal''s employees answered in unison, albeit fearfully.


    ¡°Avery, I''m so sorry for putting you through this. Today is an isted case, and I promise that such


    situations will not happen in the future. Please feel free to shop around with Cayden today; all your


    expenses will be charged to my tab. This is my form of apology to you.¡± Xander smiled warmly at


    Avery.


    He was behaving like a true gentleman now, a far cry from his earlier self; a thug wielding a dagger.


    ¡°It''s fine; it''s just a misunderstanding. But I still like to thank you for your help,¡± Avery politely replied.


    Cayden looked impatiently at the people around him. He was more worried about nosy parkers taking


    this opportunity to make small talk.


    After a brief exchange of words with Xander, Cayden quickly took Avery and the twins to a private room


    prepared by Xander.


    Avery sighed lightly as she watched Cayden''s back. She did not expect an outing for a simple family


    dinner to turn into such a dramatic episode.

 Chapter 352

    Chapter 352


    When Cayden and his family walked toward the private room, an elegant, purebred, long-haired cat


    was resting on a fur rug. The cat''s long and gorgeous white fur blended in with the rug.


    Avery didn''t notice the cat and almost stepped on its tail with her high heels. The cat was awakened


    from its nap, and its fur stood upright from being startled.


    Swiftly, it jumped up and hissed at Avery to assert dominance. It shocked her.


    When she was backing away from the cat, she identally twisted her ankle and lost her bnce. If it


    weren''t for Cayden, who caught her as she fell backward, she would''ve crashed heavily onto the


    ground.


    ¡°Are you all right?¡± Cayden held Avery in his arms and red at the culprit with a piercing look.


    However, the cat wasn''t intimidated by the domineering-looking man at all.


    It shuddered its snow-white fur nonchntly and nced at the family of four with its round, azure


    eyes. Its behavior was as elegant as an arrogant noblewoman.


    Cute and fluffy animals were always irresistible to youngdies.


    Therefore, Rory squatted down in excitement and stared right into the cat''s eyes. Then, she reached


    her tiny hands out to touch its soft fur. ¡°Woah! Mommy, this kitty is so pretty!¡±


    Surprisingly, the cat seemed to enjoy being petted. It purred and allowed Rory to continue caressing it.


    ¡°Rory, this is a purebred, long-haired cat. I''ve seen it in pictures before. It''s adorable!¡± Zachary liked the


    cat as well, so he went to pet the cat''s head alongside Rory.


    Since Jeffrey disliked animals, no pets were allowed in the Moore residence. When Zachary and Rory


    saw such a beautiful cat, they were intrigued by it instinctively. Instantly, they yed happily with the


    cat and didn''t want to leave.


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    Looking at the children who were having the time of their lives, Avery felt amused yet helpless.


    She walked forward to help the children up. However, she felt an excruciating pain in her left ankle,


    causing her to lose the ability to stand up straight.


    After hearing Avery let out a sound caused by the pain, Cayden looked at her left leg.


    ¡°Don''t move!¡± he instructed.


    He carried Avery to a stool beside them and gently removed her shoes and socks. After seeing her tiny


    ankle was red and swollen, he frowned and squeezed it lightly. Then, he heard her inhale sharply.


    Caydenforted Avery and said, ¡°Don''t worry. It''s just a sprain, and you didn''t hurt your bones.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Zachary ran over to Cayden and Avery, then asked, ¡°Daddy, Mommy, can Rory and I take this kitty


    home with us? I love it so much!¡±


    Although Zachary was a boy, he actually loved these charming and adorable cats more than Rory did.


    Seeing that the cat wasn''t owned by anyone, Zachary had the idea of bringing it home and making it


    his pet.


    ¡°We can''t bring it home.¡± Before Cayden spoke, Avery educated Zachary gently. ¡°This is someone


    else''s cat, and it has an owner. If we brought it home without saying a word, the owner would be sad


    when they couldn''t find it. Besides, if we take someone else''s belongings without permission, it means


    we''re stealing. Stealing is bad and illegal. Zach, if you and Rory love cats, we''ll buy you one when we


    get home, all right?¡±


    ¡°But Great-grandpa doesn''t allow pets.¡± Zachary was slightly disappointed.


    ¡°It''s okay. We can keep it in another house since your great-grandpa doesn''t like it.¡± Avery blinked and


    patted Zachary''s head.


    ¡°Yes! You''re the best, Mommy!¡± Zachary was overjoyed when he got permission to keep a cat.


    He ran back to Rory and tugged her arm. ¡°Rory, Mommy said we can keep a cat! Are you d?¡±


    Rory kissed the cat in her arms before rolling her eyes at Zachary. ¡°Of course I''m happy. But I really


    want to take this kitty home...¡±


    Just as Rory finished her sentence, the cat leaped out of her arms and hopped into the arms of a


    youngdy who had just shown up.


    The youngdy was in her early twenties. She was a good-looking woman who was wearing a


    waitress'' uniform. She had long and curly eyshes. Herrge, round eyes were bright like stars and


    clear as crystals.


    Yet, she seemed extremely shy. ¡°Sorry to disturb you. This is my cat. I didn''t expect it to sneak out even


    though I''d already locked it in its cage. I''m really sorry for causing you to sprain your ankle. Please


    forgive me. Miss, I-I can bear the cost of your medical fee.¡±


    The youngdy carried the cat in her arms and got anxious when she saw Avery''s swollen ankle.


    Also, she seemed to be afraid of men.


    Throughout the entire time, the youngdy didn''t dare look at the fierce-looking Cayden. She merely


    fixated her pitiful gaze on Avery and the children while pursing her lips nervously.


    The youngdy was a waitress. She understood every customer who visited this restaurant was


    wealthy and had an extraordinary background. Many of those guests would take advantage of their


    status and boss the servers around as if the servers were their housekeepers.


    Moreover, some odd-tempered visitors would purposely make things difficult for the servers. The young


    lady was expecting to be reprimanded by Avery because she was used to obeying absurd requests


    from the customers.


    ¡°It''s all right. You don''t have to apologize. I''m the one who should be apologizing. I didn''t notice your cat


    and almost stepped on its tail. It''s my fault, so don''t worry about it,¡± Avery said in a gentle tone.


    The moment Avery saw the youngdy, she thought thetter looked quite familiar, especially with


    those beautiful eyes.


    But she couldn''t seem to recall where she had met the youngdy before.


    The youngdy was also surprised by the easy-going customer, who had a warm smile. Immediately,


    she smiled at Avery gratefully.


    Avery''s impression of the youngdy improved further.


    Although the youngdy was wearing a waitress'' uniform, it couldn''t hide her unique aura.


    ¡°Miss, can I y with your cat? We''re only going to y with it for a while, and we promise to return it


    to you before we go home. Pretty please?¡± Zachary and Rory stared woefully at the cat in the young


    lady''s arm, then looked up at her.


    The youngdy hesitated for a short while. However, she still handed the cat to the children when she


    saw the innocent looks on their faces.


    After the children took the cat over gleefully, the youngdy told Avery softly, ¡°Dear guest, please send


    the cat back to the service department''s office and tell them you''re looking for Stephanie Quigley.¡±


    Avery nced at the children¡ªwho loved cats¡ªand thanked the youngdy called Stephanie


    smilingly. ¡°Thank you, Ms. Quigley. Sorry to trouble you. We will return your cat before we leave. I''ll


    watch after the children and make sure they take good care of the cat.¡±


    Not far away from where the family was, Nicole¡ªwho was hiding behind the trees¡ªfurrowed her brows


    in shock. She stared at the youngdy dressed in a waitress'' uniform in disbelief. Stephanie Quigley?


    Nicole''s body trembled as soon as she heard that name. W-Why is Stephanie here?

 Chapter 353

    Chapter 353


    After finding out through Allie that Cayden was dining at Azure Royal, Nicole dolled herself up and tried


    to stage a coincidental encounter.


    Upon arriving at Azure Royal, however, she was surprised to see that Cayden had brought Avery with


    him.


    What''s so great about Avery? Why does he love her so much?


    As if that wasn''t bad enough, Nicole also saw Stephanie Quigley, a girl she grew up with in the


    orphanage. What the... Isn''t that Stephanie? What is she doing here?


    Nicole closed her eyes to stop herself from remembering the past, but the memories just kept flooding


    into her mind.


    The next thing she knew, a shback from when she was six years old began ying in her head like a


    movie.


    Both Nicole and Stephanie, who was five at the time, were taken in by the orphanage within the same


    year.


    Nicole was extremely skinny and pale back then, and the fact that she rarely spoke made her all the


    more unpopr. Stephanie, on the other hand, looked like a pretty little angel when she arrived at the


    orphanage wearing a dress and a tiara.


    On top of her good looks, Stephanie was also easygoing and had many talents. She was great at


    singing, dancing, and storytelling. Her storytelling skills were so amazing that it felt like she was able to


    bring any fairytale to life. As a result, all the kids at the orphanage¡ªboys and girls alike¡ªdeveloped a


    strong fondness for her. Sometimes, it even seemed as though the world revolved around her.


    Nicole, on the other hand, received little to no attention from them whatsoever.


    As Stephanie looked like the type of girl who was born into a wealthy family, Nicole never understood


    how she ended up at the orphanage, nor did she want to.


    All Nicole ever wanted was to be the center of attention, but everyone at the orphanage only cared


    about Stephanie.


    After racking her brain for a bit, Nicole came up with a despicable n. She pretended to be close


    friends with Stephanie while secretly sabotaging her in every possible way. She stole things, beat up


    other kids, poured bugs in their beds, and even burned some of the orphanage''s furniture. In other


    words, shemitted theft, assault and battery, and arson.


    By framing Stephanie for all of those misdeeds, Nicole was able to take her ce as everyone''s


    favorite.


    As for Stephanie, she gotbeled as a thief and a problematic child. Almost everyone in the orphanage


    hated and rejected her. Just like that, Stephanie spent the next five years being alienated and ignored


    by everyone.


    One day, William and ire came to the orphanage to adopt a child.


    That was when Nicole knew her chance hade. She needed to seize that opportunity if she wanted


    to get out of that terrifying orphanage.


    Despite it looking like a charitable organization, the living condition in the orphanage was extremely


    horrible. Not only did the kids often go cold and hungry, but lots of beautiful girls mysteriously went


    missing every year. Of course, new orphans were soon brought in to take their ce, but Nicole still


    found it incredibly strange.


    It wasn''t until she overheard the orphanage director''s conversation that she found out about the


    horrible things they were doing.


    Apparently, they were secretly doing business with sexual predators.


    Once a girl reached a certain age, they would sell her off to those willing to pay a huge sum.


    Because Stephanie was so pretty, they decided to keep her until she was eighteen before selling her


    off to a wealthy man for a very high price.


    As for Nicole, they were nning to sell her to an old, disabled, wealthy pedophile in two years.


    Naturally, Nicole was utterly terrified when she heard that. She couldn''t imagine how her life would be if


    she fell into that pedophile''s hands.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    At the same time, she couldn''t help butugh at the ignorance of Stephanie and the other kids. They


    were all living out their lives,pletely unaware of the horrifying fate that awaited them.


    Nicole then spent every single day plotting how she would make her escape.


    One day, her chance finally came.


    All the kids were excited when they received word about the state secretary, William,ing over to


    adopt a child. The kids all dolled themselves up nicely in hopes of getting chosen by William.


    Since Nicole looked better than every other kid except Stephanie, she was the only one Nicole had to


    worry about.


    Although Nicole had already ruined Stephanie''s reputation, she was still afraid that William and ire


    would somehow pick Stephanie over her.


    As such, Nicole secretly spiked Stephanie''s food with a huge amount ofxatives the night before their


    arrival. Sure enough, Stephanie ended up spending most of the night in the bathroom.


    She was so dehydrated the next day that she couldn''t even get off her bed, so she missed out on the


    opportunity to meet William and ire.


    Having gotten rid of her biggest threat, Nicole was able to win William and ire over with her good


    looks and intelligence. That was how she got adopted into the Lambert family and started living a


    comfortable life.


    Since Nicole couldn''t be bothered to report the orphanage''s heinous activities to the authorities, it


    remained operational long after she left.


    When Nicole first arrived at the Lambert residence, she made sure to be on her best behavior for fear


    of them changing their mind about her.


    However, ire was very nice to her, and William treated her like his own daughter.


    As she slowly came to ept her new status as heiress of the Lambert family, she became more and


    more arrogant.


    A few yearster, Nicole heard the orphanage was investigated by the police. The orphanage director


    and a few other big shots were arrested, and the orphans were all transferred to another charitable


    organization.


    As she had kept tabs on Stephanie the whole time, she found out that Stephanie left the orphanage


    and started working while pursuing her studies.


    Because Stephanie was still poor, her quality of life wasn''t any different from her orphanage days.


    Nicole, on the other hand, was living the high life.


    Nicole felt relieved when she saw the huge contrast between the lives they had. She knew she did the


    right thing by sabotaging Stephanie. Otherwise, William and ire would most probably have chosen


    Stephanie instead.


    Nobody knew how much Nicole wanted to destroy Stephanie''s beautiful face.


    At some point, Nicole heard Stephanie went missing when she was seventeen.


    ording to the rumors, Stephanie got pregnant after being raped and went missing shortly after.


    Naturally, Nicole was delighted when she heard that.


    Given everything that had happened, she was shocked to see Stephanie working at Azure Royal as a


    waitress and attending to Avery.

 Chapter 354

    Chapter 354


    Nicole tightened her grip on her handbag as she red at them.


    She tried her best to look calm andposed even though she was freaking out on the inside.


    Suddenly, a woman who looked like a manager called out, ¡°Stephanie, you''re needed in private room


    number three!¡±


    ¡°Okay, I''ll be there in a minute!¡± Stephanie then turned toward Avery and continued with an apologetic


    smile, ¡°Sorry, I''ve got to attend to another guest now.¡±


    Avery nodded and motioned at her to carry on with her job.


    After Stephanie left, Cayden gently scooped Avery into his arms and carried her toward the private


    room.


    The sight of him treating Avery affectionately stabbed into Nicole''s heart like a knife.


    I don''t get it! Avery is just an ordinary woman! Why would Cayden treat her so well? I''ve done so much


    for Cayden, going as far as giving up my virginity, and yet, he has never shown me any affection


    whatsoever! Avery is able to proudly be with him and enjoy his love and affection, whereas I can only


    stand here in this corner and watch in envy. This isn''t fair!


    Nicole believed she already belonged to Cayden, so she had to marry him no matter what.


    Even if she couldn''t win his heart over, she was content with keeping him by her side.


    The look on Nicole''s face became twisted with anger and jealousy as she watched the family of four


    having a great time.


    Her lips curled into a sinister grin as her gaze fell upon the cat in Rory''s arms.


    I won''t give up on Cayden so easily!


    Nicole then put on a pair of sunsses and covered most of her face with a thick scarf before heading


    toward the restroom.


    After making sure there was no one else inside, she whipped out her phone and made a call.


    Each of Azure Royal''s private rooms had unique names like Blessed Pavilion, Blue Sky Chamber,


    Euphoria Suite, and Serene Abode.


    The private room that Avery and her family entered was named Crystalia Creek. Being Azure Royal''s


    VIP room, it was incredibly spacious and had a theme based on nature.


    Inside the room was a tree that looked hundreds of years old. It had branches that stretched all across


    the room.


    Beneath the tree was a tiny river filled with colorful pebbles and crystal-clear water.


    There were also decorations like corals and minerals in the corners of the private room, making it look


    all the more visually stunning.


    Avery gasped in awe when she entered the room and saw the decor. Now I see why it costs so much


    to dine here! The environment here is amazing!


    ¡°This ce sure is beautiful!¡± Avery eximed as she sat down at the table.


    The tiles in the room were made of reinforced, transparent ss, providing them with a clear view of


    the shoal of fish swimming freely beneath their feet.


    ¡°We cane here often if you like this ce,¡± Cayden said affectionately.


    As he had been here way too many times and was involved in its design, he wasn''t all that excited


    about the ce.


    Even so, he would happily bring Avery here as many times as she liked.


    Seeing her bright smile was the best gift he could possibly ask for.


    Rory and Zachary were seated at the table as well.


    As Cayden had educated them well, they both disyed impable table manners.


    The cat curled itself up in Rory''s embrace while she gently ran her fingers through its shiny fur.


    A handsome waiter wearing a blue uniform and a pair of white gloves entered the room and served up


    the food. The dishes included white truffle, caviar, beef steak pizza, seafood curry, and many more


    exotic delicacies.


    The waiter then bowed respectfully to them before stepping out of the private room.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    ¡°You kids need all the nutrients you can get to grow big and strong, so try your best to eat a bit of


    everything.¡±


    As Avery was about to help top up Zachary and Rory''s tes, Cayden grabbed her te and topped it


    up for her.


    ¡°The food here is amazing. You should give it a try,¡± he said.


    Avery felt a little awkward when she saw Zachary and Rory staring at her with their mouths wide open.


    She then whispered to Cayden, ¡°I can top up my te myself. You should be helping the kids with


    theirs first.¡±


    ¡°They can do it themselves. I will only serve my wife,¡± Cayden replied, much to Zachary and Rory''s


    dismay.


    What the heck, Daddy? How could you be so biased and flirt with Mommy in front of us? We''re still


    kids, you know?


    Having gotten used to Cayden''s disy of affection toward Avery, the kids kept their thoughts to


    themselves and carried on eating in silence.


    While they were eating, the cat in Rory''sp noticed the fragrant aroma of the food and stood up.


    Its eyes went wide as it stared at the dishes on the table and stuck its tongue out in anticipation.


    It looked so adorable that all four of them burst outughing on the spot.


    Zachary and Rory then topped up an empty te with some food and ced it in front of the cat.


    With a satisfied expression on its face, the cat gracefully lowered its head and munched on the food.


    While the family of four and the cat were happily dining in the private room, Nicole was making a deal


    with a man in a dark alley.


    Both of them had on thickyers of clothing to conceal their appearances. The man was wearing a


    boonie hat and a ck face mask.


    Nicole handed the man a huge stack of cash that she had just withdrawn from the bank.


    In return, the man gave her a can of cat food and a syringe containing a green-colored liquid.


    ¡°Are you sure this drug will work? I can''t afford to screw this up!¡± Nicole eximed doubtfully while


    eyeing the green-colored liquid.


    ¡°I''ve been working for you for so long, Ms. Lambert. You should know that it will work. This drug was


    developed specifically for cats. One injection is all it takes to drive the cat crazy. Just keep in mind that


    the cat will w at people''s faces, so it could lead to severe disfigurement. Be careful, Ms. Lambert,¡±


    the man replied in a hoarse voice.


    ¡°Oh, that''s exactly what I want!¡± Nicole said with a sinister smile.


    My goal is to disfigure Avery, so this drug will do just fine!

 Chapter 355

    Chapter 355


    Nicole carefully stuffed the items into her pocket before heading toward Azure Royal.


    While passing by a crossroad, a filthy hand reached out and grabbed the hem of her jacket. ¡°Could you


    please spare me some change, miss?¡±


    Nicole took her sunsses off and frowned in disgust when she saw a homeless man tugging at her


    jacket.


    The man looked disheveled with his messy hair and tattered clothes. His breath reeked of alcohol, and


    the grime on his skin suggested he hadn''t showered in at least a week. His body was stinking so much


    that he had flies buzzing all around him.


    ¡°Ew! You smell like a f*ckingndfill! Get away from me!¡±


    Unable to stomach how disgusting he was, Nicole kicked him off with her high-heeled boot.


    Her frown deepened when she saw the dirt stains he left on her jacket.


    Ugh! This is unbelievable! I just bought this jacket not long ago, and now I have to throw it away


    because it''s all filthy!


    Because she was in a hurry, Nicole decided not to waste any more time on the homeless man.


    However, he wasn''t about to let her leave that easily. Right as she turned around, the homeless man


    crawled forward and hugged her leg as tightly as he could.


    The stench of alcohol from his breath was so nauseating that Nicole nearly vomited on the spot.


    ¡°You''re not going anywhere unless you give me some money!¡± the homeless man yelled shamelessly


    while clinging to her like a ko.


    Infuriated and disgusted, Nicole began punching and kicking at the homeless man with all her might.


    Although the homeless man was intoxicated at the time, he was still fairly strong. It took Nicole a huge


    amount of effort just to kick him off her. She was so caught up in the heat of the moment that she didn''t


    even notice her scarf sliding off.


    ¡°S-Sandra? Sandra Smith?¡± The sight of Nicole''s face was a bolt from the blue for the homeless man.


    In fact, it shocked him so much that he sobered up on the spot.


    It wasn''t until Nicole saw the stunned look on his face that she realized her scarf had slid off her face.


    She then quickly covered her face with it and nced about anxiously.


    There aren''t any hidden cameras or paparazzi around, right? I got into a lot of trouble when word got


    out about the incident at the bar, so I really can''t afford to have another scandal right now. If I appear


    on the news for beating up a homeless man, my career as a celebrity would surely be over! Not only


    would theizens attack me on social media, but it would also ruin my perfect image in my parents''


    eyes. I can''t let that happen!


    Fortunately for Nicole, there weren''t a lot of people around due to the extremely cold weather. There


    were a few pedestrians on the street and some cars passing by, but nobody was paying any attention


    to the two of them.


    Everyone was so focused on getting indoors as quickly as possible that they couldn''t care less about


    the homeless man.


    Nicole let out a helpless sigh as she ran away from the homeless man and returned to Azure Royal.


    Unbeknownst to her, the homeless man had pretended to stroll aimlessly down the street while tailing


    her.


    He fell into deep thought when he saw Nicole enter the luxurious entertainment outlet. That woman


    looks so much like you, Sandra... Could it be that she''s our daughter?


    Avery and the others were halfway through their meal when the cat picked up a strange scent. The


    next thing they knew, the cat had jumped off the table and ran out of the private room to follow that


    scent.


    ¡°The cat is running away, Mommy!¡± Rory eximed anxiously with reddened eyes. She then hopped off


    her chair and attempted to chase after the cat.


    ¡°Rory!¡± Avery quickly stopped her by picking her up. ¡°The cat is probably going back to its owner. Now,


    be a good girl and leave it be. I will buy you a new one when we get back home, okay?¡±


    ¡°But I haven''t had enough fun with the cat, Mommy. Also, Great-grandpa won''t let us keep pets at


    home...¡± Rory said while biting down on her thumb.


    Cayden gracefully wiped his mouth with a napkin as he said, ¡°Don''t worry; I''ll allow it. The four of us will


    move out in a few days. You two can then have your own pets as long as you promise to take good


    care of them.¡±


    Rory''s eyes lit up with excitement the moment she heard that. ¡°Really, Daddy?¡±


    ¡°Since when has Daddy ever lied to us? Daddy is a man of his word, Rory. He would never say


    something if it isn''t true.¡± Zachary had full faith in Cayden''s words.


    The mere thought of being able to have a cute pet of his own put a huge smile on his face.


    ¡°I want to see if that cat has safely returned to the prettydy, Mommy. Someone else might try to steal


    it!¡± Rory said.


    Hmm... She does make a good point. While the customers here are all wealthy and respectable


    people, it''s possible that kids like Rory might take a liking to that cat and bring it home with them.


    With that in mind, Avery exined the situation to Cayden and brought the kids out of the room to look


    for the cat.


    As the level of security at Xander''s territory was exceptionally high, Cayden believed they would be


    perfectly safe.


    Meanwhile, in the restroom, Nicole was holding the opened can of cat food in her hand.


    The cat food she had was specially designed to smell ten times better than regr cat food.


    Naturally, the cat picked up the scent with its acute sense of smell and followed it all the way into the


    restroom.


    Being quite the glutton, the cat meowed at Nicole while staring at the cat food in her hand.


    ¡°Come here, kitty. Have some of this...¡± Nicole said in a gentle voice while waving the can in front of the


    cat.


    Tempted by the food, the cat gracefully walked closer and closer toward her.


    When the cat was within arm''s reach, Nicole raised the syringe high up into the air and brought it down


    upon the cat''s spine.


    Despite being a glutton, the cat was also incredibly alert to its surroundings and noticed the iing


    needle.


    It quickly moved out of the way and jumped onto a shelf next to the sink.


    Infuriated by Nicole''s attempt to stab at it, the cat red fiercely at her while baring its teeth.


    This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Nicole forcefully suppressed her anger and impatience as she tried to tempt the cat a second time.


    ¡°Come on, kitty! This cat food tastes really good! Don''t you want some? I''ll let you have the whole can if


    youe to me!¡±


    This time, however, the cat simply wagged its tail in defiance and red disdainfully at her from above.


    What the f*ck? How dare that cat look at me with such disrespect? I would''ve killed it if it weren''t for the


    fact that I need it to disfigure Avery!

 Chapter 356

    Chapter 356


    Nicole leaned against the wall of the restroom, feeling immensely irritated by the cat.


    No matter how she tried to tempt it using the cat food, it just wouldn''t get off of the shelf by the sink. It


    was an intelligent creature, indeed.


    s, Nicole was left with no choice but to continue trying.


    She had to inject the medicine into the cat. After all, it was needed to y a crucial part in the next step


    of her n.


    Taking off her high heels, Nicole climbed onto the sink barefooted in an attempt to grab the cat and get


    it off the shelf.


    Much to her surprise, however, the snow-white cat seemed to have read her mind. It jumped off the


    shelf andnded on the ground just as Nicole had gotten on the sink.


    At the same time, as it was passing by Nicole, the cat swiped its sharp ws at her delicate and


    wless face.


    If Nicole''s reaction hadn''t been fast enough, she wouldn''t have been able to move her arm in time to


    block the cat''s ws, and her beautiful face would''ve been ruined then and there.


    At that point, Nicole was on the brink of a mental breakdown, whereas the cat meowed in victory,


    demonstrating its dominance over the woman.


    Nicole''s face contorted in rage, and she swore to catch that godforsaken cat no matter what.


    Finally, after a long and hard battle, she sessfully caught the cat and injected the green liquid into its


    body.


    Her sess didn''te without consequences, however, as the back of her hand sustained multiple


    bloody scratches, courtesy of the feisty animal.


    Meanwhile, Avery and the twins were busy looking for the cat.


    They asked a couple of waiters about its whereabouts. Fortunately, someone had seen the cat running


    toward the restroom and was able to point them in its direction.


    As such, Avery took Zachary''s and Rory''s hands and walked toward the restroom.


    Just as they turned the corner, they bumped into Nicole and her assistant.


    Nicole''s makeup was exquisite, and she was wearing thetest Prada coat in pink. She paired the


    bright-colored coat with a simple white blouse and ck leather pants, while both her wrists were


    adorned by genuine leather gloves. Nicole exuded a powerful aura that was worthy of a celebrity like


    her.


    On the other hand, her assistant looked like a in Jane. She had a slightly chubby figure and looked


    hardworking but weak. Overall, her appearance was a stark contrast to Nicole''s.


    A celebrity assistant, as the job title suggests, managed a celebrity''s daily life tasks, but in fact, the job


    was no different than being a nanny.


    Avery knew that celebrities would normally avoid hiring a pretty assistant, for fear that their assistant


    might steal their limelight. Naturally, Nicole''s assistant was no exception.


    Avery felt a little ufortable after seeing Nicole.


    Despite being well aware of the fact that Cayden had no feelings toward the female celebrity, Avery still


    didn''t like Nicole.


    She didn''t want to acknowledge Nicole and continued walking with the twins in tow. However, Nicole


    called out to her before she could get far. ¡°What a coincidence to bump into you here, Ms. Rumpley.¡±


    ¡°Plenty of people visit this restaurant, so it''s normal to run into people you know. But... Ms. Lambert, is


    this really a coincidence?¡± queried Avery with a smile that didn''t quite reach her eyes.


    Nicole froze for a moment before asking, ¡°Where''s Cayden? Why isn''t he here with you all?¡± Of course,


    she already knew the answer to her question.


    Upon hearing that, Avery tightened her grip around the twins'' hands and shed Nicole a sickeningly-


    sweet smile. ¡°Cayden came with me. He said he''s been too preupied with work, and because of


    that, wasn''t able to find time to apany us. He felt bad about it, so he rescheduled an important


    business event to spend some time with us. I can''t help feeling guilty about it, but he said no amount of


    money could make up for the joy he feels when he''s with his family.¡±


    Looking at the sweet smile stered on Avery''s face while listening to her brag about her own


    happiness made Nicole feel as if the wounds on the back of her hand were hurting more than they ever


    did.


    Despite the fiery rage burning within her, Nicole maintained herposure and appeared well-


    mannered.


    ¡°I hope you''ll always be able to smile so joyfully.¡± She cast a meaningful nce at Avery and snorted


    before walking past thetter and into a private room along with her assistant.


    Avery couldn''t help but shudder after seeing the woman''s ambiguous smile.


    What does that mean? Is Nicole trying to dere war on me?


    At the thought of that, Avery felt even more repulsed by the supposedly sweet and loving celebrity. If


    Cayden didn''t expose my identity and we weren''t dating one another, Nicole could havepeted with


    me in a fairpetition. However, she clearly knew that I''m Cayden''s girlfriend and is also aware that


    he has no feelings for her, and yet, she''s determined toe in between us. Clearly, her character is


    questionable.


    Rory looked at Avery and furrowed her brows. ¡°Mommy, I don''t like thatdy at all, not even a little bit!¡±


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    Zachary shared the same sentiments as his sister and chimed in, ¡°Yeah, Mommy. Thatdy was so


    rude to you! Does she like Daddy? She''s so annoying, and she''s just like those evil women who tried to


    pursue Daddy in the past!¡±


    Children''s intuition was extremely sensitive. Even if they didn''tpletely understand the conflicts of


    the adult world, they could feel the air of hostility that the two women were radiating toward each other.


    ¡°You''re right. Thatdy does like your daddy.¡± Looking at the two little ones, Avery inquired curiously,


    ¡°Did a lot of women pursue your daddy in the past?¡±


    ¡°Yeah! ording to Uncle Kendrick, the women just kept flowing in like a stream that never runs dry.


    Some of them even tried to approach me and Rory just so they could get on Daddy''s good side. It was


    super annoying, but Daddy didn''t show them any mercy. He chased them all away right away.¡± As he


    spoke, Zachary blinked his big, round eyes continuously. It was an act that made him seem cute and


    honest.


    Upon finding out about Cayden''s rakish history from her own son, Avery let out a sigh.


    Cayden was far too outstanding, causing many women to flock to him in droves. If he was any less


    strong-willed and wasn''t a germaphobe, Avery reckoned he would''ve ended up bing a yboy


    like Kendrick.


    I bet he''d still be popr with thedies even if I were to marry him in the future. But that doesn''t matter


    because I''ll thwart them off one by one. We have a long future together, so I''m sure I can foil all of his


    admirers'' ns.


    ¡°Did I say something wrong, Mommy? Did I upset you?¡± Sensing how dejected Avery was, Zachary felt


    a little anxious.


    ¡°No, you didn''t. Aren''t you two looking for the cat? Let''s go look for it in the restroom...¡±


    Avery took the twins by their hands. Just as they arrived in front of the restroom, a woman bumped into


    them so hard that Avery inadvertently let go of Zachary''s hand.


    All the colors had drained from the woman''s face, and there were even a few nasty scratches, both


    superficial and deep, on it the scratches were clearly from an animal, and it was truly a harrowing sight


    to behold.


    The woman ran away in terror while holding her wounded face, but she didn''t forget to turn around and


    warn Avery, ¡°There''s a white cat in the restroom that''s gone crazy. It bites anyone that enters. I''d advise


    against going inside... and make sure you look after your children well.¡±


    Just as the woman finished speaking, a white shadow dashed out of the restroom like a bolt of


    lightning.


    It then waved its razor-sharp ws in the air and swiped them at the defenseless Rory, who was


    standing closest to it.

 Chapter 357

    Chapter 357


    Everyone was dumbfounded by the sudden turn of events.


    Rory was clearly the most taken aback, and she could only watch as the crazed white cat swung a w


    toward her.


    The little girl''s eyes widened in terror.


    ¡°Rory!¡±


    With her maternal instincts triggered in an instant, Avery grabbed both children and pulled them into


    her arms. Then, she pressed their faces close to her chest and turned around, using her back to shield


    the twins from the feline''s attacks.


    The cat had lost its mind by now, and all its fur stood on end. With a malicious gleam in its blue eyes, it


    sunk its ws into Avery''s sweater.


    ¡°Get away!¡± She tried to get the white feline off of her.


    I don''t get it. It was such a good kitty just moments ago. It was so cute and obedient. How did its


    personality change so quickly? This isn''t normal!


    The cat had gained more strength after being injected with the drug, so Avery''s attempt at tugging it


    away proved unsessful. Instead, her action only provoked the creature further.


    It proceeded to swipe at Avery''s neck, causing an instant burning sensation.


    Avery could feel something warm trickling down her neck. I must be bleeding!


    At that moment, her palms were drenched in sweat, and she dared not move an inch. She feared that


    the slightest movement she made would result in harm to her children.


    Thus, all she could hope for then was for a few security guards to rush over here and subdue this mad


    creature. If we don''t do something about this cat, more customers are going to get hurt.


    The woman who had been scratched in the face earlier clutched her cheek while running and


    screaming.


    As soon as she spotted a few waiters with trays of food in their hands, she made her way up to them.


    ¡°There''s a crazed cat inside that restroom!¡± she eximed while sobbing and panting. ¡°Look at what it


    did to my face! There are three other guests inside there¡ªa mother and her two kids. I think the cat''s


    attacking them as we speak!¡±


    Turning pale in fright, the waiters put all the food down and called security before dashing toward the


    restroom.


    Suddenly, the door to the VIP private room flew open, and a tall, handsome man walked out.


    The injured woman was so stunned to see Cayden that she forgot how disheveled she looked.


    Yet, Cayden simply sped in the direction of the restroom with a flicker in his eyes, not sparing her a


    single nce.


    The restroom now looked like aplete mess.


    Avery shrunk into a corner while continuing to hold her two weeping children. Streams of blood were


    still trailing down the few w marks on her neck.


    A chaotic mix of emotions swirled within her as she stared at the dying cat lying on the floor.


    Zachary and Rory remained in shock. Given their young age, this was evidently their first time


    witnessing such an ordeal. It was no surprise that having a meek and lovable pet in their arms


    suddenly turn violent and hurt their mother would make them wail in fright.


    They swore to never ask for a pet cat again, no matter how adorable it may be.


    At the moment, many security guards and waiters had gathered outside the restroom. With various


    tools and gear in their hands, they watched the cat closely in fear that it would go into another frenzy. In


    the event that it did, they would have no choice but to put it to sleep.


    Still, even if they didn''t resort to such methods, the creature looked like it wasn''t going to make it. Jacob


    had kicked the feline upon seeing it wing at Avery. Judging from how its body was twitching


    incessantly as blood seeped out of its mouth, it was clear that the man had spared no energy in dealing


    with it.


    ¡°Thank you for your help, Mr. Yankovich,¡± Avery said to Jacob while consoling her children at the same


    time.


    Her injuries would have been much worse if Jacob hadn''t made his way to the restroom for a cigarette


    break and taken care of the cat.


    Jacob was dressed in a ck suit, and the buttons on his shirt were iid with fine diamonds. He also


    had a lit cigarette between his fingers.


    He pursed his lips and nced at the creature that was now on the verge of death. ¡°No worries. Truth


    be told, this should''ve never happened in a ce like Azure Royal. It looks like Xander''s been cking


    off when ites to security.¡±


    Just then, Stephanie ran over from the hallway in her work attire. ¡°Are you all right, miss?¡± she asked


    while gasping for air and wiping the sweat off her forehead.


    Guilt and fear overtook her as she noticed the deep cuts on Avery''s bleeding neck. ¡°I''m sorry. I''m so


    sorry! I never saw thising. My kitty''s always been so obedient that nothing like this has ever


    happened before.¡±


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    The moment she heard of the incident from her coworker, her instincts told her that her cat had stirred


    up trouble.


    True enough, it had harmed this female guest.


    Stephanie was close to tears at the sight of her seemingly lifeless cat.


    There was no denying how heartbroken she was to see her long-time pet on the verge of death, but at


    this moment, she was more worried about Avery. Since it was her cat who had caused these injuries,


    Stephanie would ept whatever punishment came her way.


    Still, she couldn''t stop crying. She already had a naturally sad-looking face, but now, she looked even


    more pitiful with tears falling down her ashen cheeks and her hands swiping at her eyes.


    In truth, Avery had no intention of ming her. A few scratch marks didn''t mean that much, anyway.


    It was just the thought of the feline nearly hurting her children that made her feel uneasy.


    ¡°I think it''s best if you don''t bring your pet to work from now on, Ms. Quigley. Nothing good woulde


    out of any ident it causes.¡± Ultimately, Avery''s heart softened when she saw how miserable


    Stephanie looked.


    She had always thought of herself as a crybaby, but seeing the way Stephanie bawl her eyes out made


    her decide otherwise.


    Jacob couldn''t catch a glimpse of Stephanie''s face as her back was facing him the whole time, but the


    trembling of her slender shoulders was certainly a heart-rending sight to behold.


    Furthermore, the way she sobbed like a kitten sounded rather familiar to him¡ªto the point where desire


    began to surge within him.


    He recalled how he had forced himself onto a woman many years ago after getting wasted one night.


    Just like Stephanie, that woman wouldn''t stop weeping as she begged him to let her go, but he went on


    and sullied her anyway. He couldn''t quite remember what the woman looked like, but he still had a


    clear image of her helpless eyes engraved in his mind.


    At present, a looming presence neared Stephanie without warning, causing her to look up while still in


    tears.


    Then, an injured Avery suddenly felt herself being picked up by a stolid man who exuded a chilling


    aura.

 Chapter 358

    Chapter 358


    The man''s familiar scent wafting into Avery''s nostrils made her feel safe. As she wrapped her arms


    around his neck, the scent of his refreshing cologne helped to quash her fears.


    Although Avery didn''t feel this way earlier, seeing Cayden show up suddenly caused all her grievances


    to pour out of her heart like a broken dam.


    ¡°Cayden...¡± she murmured.


    Cayden held her tightly as he took a seat on a bench, allowing her to sit on hisp.


    There was a look of pain in his eyes as he nced at the marks on her neck.


    At the same time, his ebony eyes were filled with frustration and wrath.


    Avery subconsciously covered the marks with her hand, not wanting him to see how hideous they


    looked.


    Yet, Cayden leaned closer, tucked her hair behind her ears, and held her by the chin.


    ¡°I leave you alone for one second, and you end up getting hurt like this. How am I ever going to feel


    safe letting you go out on your own?¡±


    Avery let him hug her as he pleased.


    With her ear pressed against his warm chest, she could hear his heart beating wildly.


    Cayden was calm and collected by nature.


    Yet, from his heart rate, it was obvious how distressed he now was.


    ¡°That cat suddenly went berserk and tried to attack Rory, so I jumped in without a second thought. I just


    find it really weird. The cat was so well-behaved when we ate together. Why did it suddenly lose its


    mind like that?¡± The more Avery thought about it, the more perplexed she became.


    Cayden caressed her head. ¡°Don''t worry. I''ll be sure to look into this.¡±


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    His eyes shed coldly as he nced at the dying feline.


    There''s no way it would''ve gone mad without any reason. Someone must''ve drugged it.


    Meanwhile, Jacob was in the midst of soothing Zachary and Rory.


    He clearly had more experience dealing with childrenpared to Cayden.


    After all, the little imp of his back home feared no one else but him. Having engaged in countless


    battles of ¡°wits and courage¡± with his son all these years, Jacob now had his own way of pacifying


    children.


    Besides, Zachary and Rory were such good-natured kids that it didn''t take him much effort to make


    themugh again.


    Stephanie gazed at the children with guilt before turning to her pet on the ground.


    With anguish washing over her, she knelt before the creature and picked up its stiffening body.


    Beads of tears trickled down her cheeks and onto the cat''s fur.


    Then, she looked up and froze for a brief moment after inadvertently making eye contact with Jacob.


    The man looked especially charming due to his tall and thin stature. Not only that, but the ck shirt he


    wore fit him so well that there was an indescribable model-like elegance to him.


    The fine diamonds on his cuffs sparkled.


    Stephanie''s heart skipped a beat as she met his eyes, for she realized that he seemed to be


    scrutinizing her too.


    Curiosity shed in Jacob''s eyes.


    d in a blue attendant''s uniform and with her hair tied neatly, the woman looked remarkably beautiful.


    She had clear, silky skin, and those eyes of hers could captivate anyone who looked into them. The


    tears brimming on the corners of those doe-like eyes that threatened to spill at any moment made her


    look all the more ethereal.


    Stephanie felt slightly ufortable being stared at like that.


    She didn''t understand the way Jacob looked at her, but one thing she was certain of was that he made


    her feel anxious and afraid.


    Her instincts told her that this man was extremely dangerous.


    Turning away awkwardly to avoid his gaze, she desperately wanted to take her beloved cat to the


    veterinarian.


    Unfortunately, she couldn''t leave until this incident had been addressed. She didn''t even know what


    compensation Avery would seek.


    Meanwhile, Xander rushed over immediately after hearing the news. He looked a tad weary while


    holding half a cigarette.


    Behind him was a middle-agedposed-looking doctor in a white robe carrying a medical kit, along


    with two high-level managers who were sweating profusely.


    Azure Royal was popr not only because of its unparalleled ambiance, but it was also due to its


    exceptional service. For instance, the clubhouse provided a skilled personal doctor in the event that


    cmity struck any of its guests.


    Xander stubbed out his cigarette before walking toward Cayden and Avery.


    ¡°I''m terribly sorry, Avery,¡± said the man who had a face that looked prettier than the average woman''s.


    ¡°I never expected something like this to happen here, and I take full responsibility. I''ll be sure to make it


    up to you. Dr. Wilkinson, please take a look at her injuries.¡±


    ¡°Don''t worry about it. It was just an ident. I''m fine as long as the kids are.¡± Avery smiled at Xander


    kindly, not paying much heed to her wounds.


    Avery was a natural beauty especially when she smiled, and a mere curl of her red lips was capable of


    sending ripples across one''s heart.


    It was only then that Xander understood why Cayden¡ªa lonesome man who never gave any woman


    the time of day¡ªhad fallen for Avery.


    A distinctive and kind woman like her was exactly what men like them needed in their cold, extravagant


    lives. She looked like the most picturesque view with her radiant smile. In fact, Xander believed that he,


    too, would have fallen for her if she weren''t already taken.


    The doctor walked up to Avery and began to examine her wounds.


    He inhaled sharply at the sight of the deep w marks. ¡°These are some pretty serious cuts, miss.


    You''ll need to get vinated or else you might contract cat scratch disease. It''s where your lymph


    nodes be infected and you start getting tiny bumps or cysts around your wounds¡ª¡±


    ¡°Well, what are you waiting for? Give her the jab right now!¡± Cayden interrupted before the doctor could


    finish his sentence.


    A chill ran down the middle-aged man''s spine as he noticed the rage in the former''s eyes.


    Yet, whenever Cayden turned to the woman in his arms, there was nothing but tenderness and


    affection in his gaze. The stark contrast was all too blinding.

 Chapter 359

    Chapter 359


    Thankfully, the middle-aged doctor was used to Aaron''s antics and took things in his stride.


    Otherwise, he would have been cowed by Cayden''s menacing aura.


    Cayden carefully rolled up Avery''s sleeves to reveal her snow-white skin.


    The middle-aged doctor was stunned at the sight.


    He had treated countlessdies from prestigious families with superior skin quality throughout his


    medical career. However, Avery''s was exceptionally wless.


    It would not be an exaggeration topare her skin to be as supple as a baby''s.


    Apart from that, it was so mesmerizingly fair that...


    ¡°Do you still value your eyeballs?¡± Cayden''s stony voice rang out starkly, pulling the doctor from his


    reverie.


    The middle-aged doctor avoided meeting Cayden''s horrifically murderous gaze and hastily looked


    down to focus on his task.


    It wasmon for men to be possessive, especially those from affluent backgrounds who held


    positions of power.


    The middle-aged doctor extracted a needle from his white medical kit and attached it to a syringe. His


    hands trembled slightly under the cial re of Cayden.


    ¡°If you don''t stop your quivering right this instant, I swear you''ll never be able to practice as a doctor


    again!¡± Cayden''s threat was like a p of thunder that sounded without any forewarning.


    The middle-aged doctor shut his eyes and took several deep breaths in an attempt to steady himself.


    ¡°Stop acting like this.¡± Avery''s thickshes fluttered as she observed the doctor''s pallor. She tugged on


    Cayden''s sleeves, hinting at him not to go overboard.


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    It was only then that Cayden decided to rein in his overpowering aura as his gaze swept across the


    doctor coolly.


    The doctor''s jitters finally abated.


    He raised the syringe and injected the vine into Avery''s arm precisely.


    Once it was done, the doctor took out an antiseptic and bandages. He uttered nervously, ¡°Miss, you''d


    need to treat the wound on your neck timely. Otherwise, it might leave a scar.¡±


    Avery nodded obediently.


    With that, he began cleaning the wound.


    The cotton bud infused with antiseptic irritated Avery''s skin, making the process ridiculously


    excruciating.


    Avery gritted her teeth and struggled to keep from crying out in pain.


    The doctor was under enough stress from Cayden''s intimidating supervision, and she had no intention


    to add to it.


    s, her pain tolerance as a woman was too low. In the end, she sumbed to the pain by letting out


    an unintentional yelp.


    Cayden''s perfectly sculpted features darkened like an iing storm at the sight of Avery''s pain-


    twisted features.


    His eyes froze over with ayer of inky ice, and his stare bore a hole in the doctor''s face that started to


    bead with cold sweat.


    ¡°Doctor, I hope you''d be gentler.¡± Cayden''s tone was rife with repressed fury.


    The doctor desperately wanted to retort and swear by his name that he was being gentle enough.


    However, he simply couldn''t bring himself to utter any words out of his mouth.


    It wasn''t that the doctor was too faint of heart. Cayden simply had such an unnerving effect on others.


    Xander wished to roll his eyes at Cayden. ¡°You can''t behave in such a way even if your heart aches for


    Avery. Would you rather there be hideous scars on her neck instead of allowing the antiseptic to work


    its magic?¡±


    Cayden had always been rational and intelligent. How was it then that his intelligence seemed to take a


    backseat whenever he was with women?


    ¡°The incident today happened at your ce, Xander. I demand an exnation.¡± Cayden''s sharp re


    pierced through Xander.


    ¡°Rest assured. I promise to sniff out the culprit in no time. How unfortunate it is for Avery to go through


    all this.¡±


    As the eldest son of the Gibson family, he had seen plenty of dark things even Cayden was not privy to.


    He knew at a nce that the incident was a product of careful scheming. Only a fool would believe that


    the cat''s sudden aggressive streak was merely an ident.


    I wonder who the f*ck was it that dared to disturb the peace of my territory?


    Xander''s gaze turned cial at that thought. Since whoever was behind this was courting death, he


    would dly bestow it upon them.


    ¡°Take this cat to thebs! I want it tested!¡± Xander raised his chin and signaled at the dying white cat


    that was being held in Stephanie''s arms.


    Stephanie''s eyes welled with tears as she stared at Xander pleadingly. ¡°Boss, it''s my fault for bringing


    my cat to work. I''m willing to ept any form of punishment by thepany andpensate Ms.


    Rumpley fully for her loss. But could you please save this cat? This cat means the world to me.¡±


    For some reason, Jacob couldn''t stand Stephanie beseeching another man for help and voiced, ¡°Let it


    rest, Xander. It''s just a cat, anyway. What''s the point of troubling a mere employee? We''ll try saving it


    once theb results are out.¡±


    Xander regarded Jacob with interest.


    It''s unusual for him to speak up for a woman. What exactly is the reason behind his sudden change in


    behavior?


    He then directed his attention at Stephanie and took to observing her closely.


    Well, she does look quite pretty. I''m surprised that she''s one of the attendants of Azure Royal.


    Xander smirked. ¡°Well, since you''ve made your intentions clear, Jacob, I guess I''ve got no choice but to


    save the cat.¡±


    Stephanie gave Jacob a look of gratitude before thanking Xander profusely, ¡°Thank you so much,


    Boss!¡±


    Meanwhile, in another private room, Nicole presented wads of cash worth a hundred thousand to her


    assistant.


    This female assistant had been working under her for a considerable amount of time.


    Nicole would normally gift her branded clothes and scarves at times.


    ¡°I''m touched that you''ve stood by me all this while unlike many of your predecessors. I heard that


    you''re in need of money at the moment, so take this. Consider it an extra bonus. After all, I''m quite


    happy with your performance.¡±


    The assistant epted the money once she heard that Nicole offered it to her as a work bonus.


    Her eyes were brimming with gratitude. ¡°Thank you, Ms. Lambert. You''re far too kind!¡±


    Back in the VIP reception room of Azure Royal, the doctor had finished bandaging Avery''s neck. The


    two children stood before their mother and called out remorsefully, ¡°Mommy...¡±


    The two almost identically beautiful faces were tinged with regret. They wrung their hands nervously


    and couldn''t bring themselves to meet their mother''s eyes as they held back their tears.


    Zachary forced himself to put on a brave front as the ¡°man of the family¡± by suppressing his urge to cry.


    Yet his moist coal-ck eyes betrayed the state of his emotions and made him appear all the more


    pitiful.


    Rory had no such concerns as she burst into tears and clung tightly to Avery''s arm.


    The little girl sobbed, ¡°Mommy, I''m sorry. This is all my fault. If I had not insisted on chasing after the


    cat, you wouldn''t have been scratched to protect me. I promise never to y with cats ever again,


    Mommy. Will you forgive me?¡±


    Rory''s crestfallen state tugged at one''s heartstrings as her delicate doll-like features were stained with


    tears and snot.


    Avery was absolutely crushed by the sorrow of her daughter.


    She hugged Rory and wiped her tears away. ¡°Of course I forgive you. It was just an ident. None of it


    had to do with you. Besides, that cat would not have attacked me if it hadn''t been sick. You shouldn''t


    hate all cats just because one hurt me, all right? Pets are still lovable creatures.¡±


    Avery did not want this incident to traumatize her children.


    After all, Rory was still a child and had always been caring toward animals.


    ¡°Mommy, if I were to have cats in the future, would they go crazy like the cat just now?¡± Rory''s doe-like


    eyes were still shiny with tears as she queried.


    Avery nted a kiss on the little girl''s cheek andforted her assuredly, ¡°No, my dear. This was an


    ident. It won''t happen again.¡±


    Just then, the doctor approached with theb results in hand. He handed it over to Xander and


    reported, ¡°Mr. Gibson, the results show that a virus known to cause rabies was injected into the cat''s


    bloodstream. This virus can cause a healthy cat to be rabid within ten minutes and make it ten


    times more dangerous!¡±

 Chapter 360

    Chapter 360


    Upon listening to the doctor''s report, Cayden, who was seated on the couch, wore a cold expression.


    I knew it. Someone nned this. But who is the mastermind, and who are they targeting? Are they


    targeting someone else, or is Avery their one and only goal?


    Considering the possibility of thetter, a cold glint shed past Cayden''s jet-ck eyes.


    At that moment, a high-ranking manager in charge of the surveince cameras at Azure Royal soon


    walked in.


    He then showed the screenshots of the surveince footage to everyone present. In the screenshots


    was a woman who had a gray scarf thatpletely concealed her face. Her identity was indiscernible,


    but it seemed clear that she had a slightly rotund body figure. She was dressed in a brown windbreaker


    and was seen holding a can of cat food in her hand while coaxing a white cat toward the direction of a


    restroom.


    Avery was slightly taken aback when she saw the woman''s figure.


    Back then, she had run into Nicole and her assistant in the lobby of Azure Royal.


    The clothes worn by Nicole''s assistant looked simr to the one in the screenshot, as did the scarf


    around her neck, which was identical to the unknown woman''s.


    Although she had only glimpsed it briefly back then, she was confident she didn''t remember it wrongly.


    Could Nicole''s assistant be the woman shown in the footage? But there are no grudges between us, so


    why would she resort to such dull-witted schemes against me? Or could Nicole be the true mastermind


    behind all of this?


    Then, the manager of the surveince system pointed at the images and said, ¡°Mr. Cayden, we''ve


    already retrieved the surveince footage. Ms. Lambert''s assistant was the person who lured the cat


    into the restroom. However, in order to protect the guests'' privacy, surveince cameras aren''t installed


    in the restroom. Thus, nobody knows what happened to the cat in the restroom. However, I have a


    feeling that Ms. Lambert''s assistant definitely has something to do with this.¡±


    Meanwhile, Xander sat atop the purple-colored couch with his slender legs crossed as he maintained a


    graceful and rxed posture.


    Upon listening to his subordinate''s report on the situation, he jutted out his chin as his gaze turned


    cold. ¡°Please tell Ms. Lambert and her assistant to meet me here.¡±


    For some reason, Nicole still felt inexplicably flustered at that moment even though she knew her n


    was wless.


    She badly wanted to smoke a cigarette to relieve her anxious feelings.


    However, as she took into consideration the goddess-like image that she showed on the big screen and


    in front of the public, she forcibly held back her desires.


    All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    ¡°Ms. Lambert, I''m so much plumper than you. I sincerely think it''s such a waste for this garment of


    yours to be worn by me,¡± remarked Nicole''s assistant, feeling ufortable and restrained as she was


    d in an expensive piece of branded clothing.


    However, the expression she showed was one of utter joy.


    She had initially been taking care of her younger brother at the hospital but was promptly summoned


    over at the behest of Nicole''s urgent phone call.


    Not only did Nicole gift her assistant a set of luxury branded garments, but she also requested that the


    latter change into them immediately. After that, Nicole brought her assistant to an extravagant


    entertainment center like Azure Royal, which took thetter by surprise.


    The garments that the assistant currently wore, including the scarf, the windbreaker, and the boots,


    were all gifted to her by Nicole, and the total cost of all the apparel was up to tens of thousands.


    ¡°This garment looks amazing on you,¡± Nicoleplimented her assistant as she helped thetter


    smooth out her shirt cor.


    ¡°You''re too kind, Ms. Lambert. The sry you pay us assistants are higher than that of the assistants of


    other celebrities, and you even give us gifts from time to time. More importantly, you have an amicable


    personality and have never lost your temper with us staff members. I truly feel blessed for being able to


    work under a superior such as yourself!¡± The assistant felt so moved that she did not know what else to


    say.


    ¡°You''re all my cherished employees. Who should I be kind to if not you guys? We''re interdependent on


    one another. Oh, right. I heard your younger brother needed a kidney transnt. That''ll amount to more


    than ten thousand in surgery costs, right? Treatment for such diseases should not be dyed. I''ll pay


    for whatever amount is owed for the treatment cost first. Look at you. You''ve got dark circles under your


    eyes, so I bet you''ve been bothered by this matter to the point of losing sleep. Are you nning on


    hiding this from me if no one ever told me about it?¡± Nicole sounded particrly gentle as she spoke,


    and her seemingly reproachful gaze soon fell on her assistant''s average-looking face.


    The assistant didn''t dare believe her ears when she heard Nicole offer to pay for her younger brother''s


    surgery costs. In response, she asked, ¡°M-Ms. Lambert, is that true?¡±


    Nicole responded, ¡°Of course, it''s true, silly. You''ve been working for me for a long time now. Do you


    still not know the kind of person I am? Why would I lie to you?¡±


    She then red at her assistant with faked annoyance and continued, ¡°My dad has a vastwork of


    contacts, and he''s acquainted with experts possessing superb skills in all aspects of medical practice. If


    I''m not mistaken, my dad knows a doctor whose surname is Wilkinson. He''s experienced in treating


    diseases like your younger brother''s, and the treatment effects are excellent, with many of his patients


    under his care in full recovery. Once I get hometer, I''ll ask my dad for Dr. Wilkinson''s contact details.


    We can then ask him to be personally in charge of your brother''s surgery.¡±


    Nicole''s assistant was so moved that tears began to trickle down her face. She said tearfully, ¡°Thank


    you so much, Ms. Lambert. If my brother truly recovers, I''m willing to be at your beck and call for the


    rest of my life...¡±


    ¡°Silly girl, stop crying. This isn''t a big deal. I''ll do my best to help if it''s within my power. So, if I have


    something I need help with, would you be willing to assist me?¡± Nicole embraced her assistant and


    gently patted thetter''s heaving shoulders caused by the constant sobbing. No one saw the gleam


    that shed past Nicole''s beautiful eyes.


    ¡°Ms. Lambert, I''ll never hesitate if there''s anything I can do to help you. Regardless of how arduous the


    task may be, I''ll do it no matter the cost!¡± the assistant swore fervently as she raised her hand to wipe


    the tears from the corner of her eyes.


    ¡°You''ll have to remember to keep your word then!¡± Staring at her foolish assistant, Nicole''s smile was


    akin to a sly fox''s.


    Just as Nicole was speaking to her assistant, two security guards dressed in ck suits knocked on the


    door and said, ¡°Apologies for interrupting, Ms. Lambert, but Mr. Cayden has asked to see you.¡±


    Nicole''s heart skipped a beat, but the smile on her face looked as wless as ever.


    In a refined and polite manner, she then replied, ¡°He''s looking for me? What''s going on? Could you two


    please give me a moment? I need to go to the restroom first. I''ll be there soon.¡±


    ¡°Cayden, are you sure Nicole has something to do with this matter? What is her motive for going


    through so much trouble to do all that if she''s targeting me? I don''t understand.¡± Avery gazed uneasily


    at Cayden, who was sitting next to her. A few momentster, she lowered her head and pondered hard.


    She found it hard to believe that it was really Nicole. How could someone seemingly so gentle, who''s


    been dubbed a ¡°goddess¡± by her fans, harbor such dark secrets in private? There had never been any


    competition between us. Nicole coveting the father of my children is the only reason she''d target me,


    but no matter how reluctant she is to give up, she would have to do so eventually.


    Meanwhile, Cayden''s gaze deepened, and after a brief pause, he caressed Avery''s head reassuringly


    and said earnestly, ¡°Don''t worry about it. The truth wille to light soon enough.¡±

 Chapter 361

    Chapter 361


    When Nicole walked into the VIP lounge, she saw Cayden examining the back of Avery''s neck with a


    look of distress.


    The outline of Cayden''s handsome face was even more distinctive under the hazy illumination of the


    lights. His tanned skin glowed and looked tantalizing.


    The scene in front of Nicole brought out the green-eyed monster in her. It seemed that Cayden had


    showered all of his tenderness and attention onto an ordinary woman named Avery. He could not even


    be bothered to cast a nce at her when she walked in.


    Nicole felt as though her heart was pierced by thousands of needles.


    Her gaze then fell on Avery''s face.


    Thetter''s face was still as fair as before with the exception of the bandage around her neck. In that


    instant, Nicole was filled with disappointment.


    Deep down, she began to curse that useless cat. Even after being injected with the drug, it was still


    unable to scratch Avery''s face.


    Nicole''s intention was to disfigure Avery''s face and not just hurt her neck.


    Somehow, Avery could sense the jealousy and hatred zeroing in on her, and she looked up in time to


    witness Nicole''s expression.


    Just as Avery became annoyed, Nicole suddenly put on a gracious, smiling face.


    Xander was seated at the head of the table with his legs crossed. The smoke from his cigarette made


    his gorgeous face appear even more seductive.


    His maic brown eyes were bewitching. Outwardly, he was wearing an enchanting smile, but the


    smile didn''t reach his eyes. One look at him would make chills run down anybody''s spine.


    There were a few senior managers and supervisors dressed in suits standing behind Xander.


    The rest of the burly security personnel were also standing in line.


    An impressive setting like that would make anyone frightened.


    Nicole was a woman who had experienced such a scene many times in the past, and it did not freak


    her out, for her mentality had been trained to adapt to such situations. Unfortunately, the same could


    not be said for her assistant.


    Although Nicole''s assistant had gone to several grand events with Nicole in the past, she only had to


    deal with entertainment reporters most of the time. At that moment, the auras of both men who were


    sitting in the main seats were so overwhelming and stifling that it made the poor assistant''s legs wobble


    as she walked.


    Despite the tense atmosphere, Jacob and an attractive girl, who was dressed in a light blue uniform,


    were ying with the twins.


    That girl was none other than Stephanie.


    Nicole''s swept a nce across Stephanie''s exquisite face as she tried to remain calm.


    It had been years since Stephaniest saw her. Nicole was no longer the same inferior, cowardly,


    sensitive, and scrawny girl from the orphanage. After having work done on her face, Nicole had already


    evolved from an ugly duckling into a beautiful swan.


    There''s no way Stephanie can recognize me now!


    When Xander saw Nicole walk in, he flicked the ashes on the tip of his cigarette before getting up from


    his seat and walking toward her. ¡°My apologies for disrupting your mealtime, Ms. Lambert.


    Unfortunately, there has been an incident at my club. One deranged cat has hurt my customer. This


    customer happens to be the woman of my friend, Cayden. We found out that the cat has been injected


    with a type of bacteria that caused the animal to be deranged and hurt others as a result. Ms.


    Lambert, did the cat hurt you?¡±


    Nicole sat down graciously and smiled at Xander. ¡°Mr. Gibson, thank you for your concern. I''m all right.


    When I arrived here today with my assistant, I met Ms. Rumpley by chance and even chatted with her


    for a while. She was still fine then. I didn''t expect such a thing to happen...¡±


    With that, Nicole looked at Avery with care and concern. ¡°Ms. Rumpley, are you all right? It''s no joke to


    be scratched by a cat. You will have to be vinated! If I haven''t left earlier, perhaps, this wouldn''t


    have happened to you.¡±


    Nicole appeared so genuinely concerned about Avery. Anybody who was not in the know would think


    that the two women were as close as sisters.


    However, Avery, who knew Nicole''s true character really well, found her act amusing.


    The two women were obviously love rivals, and Nicole hated her to the core. Yet, in front of Cayden,


    Nicole was able to put on a kind and gentle pretense without batting an eyelid. She was indeed an


    actress.


    Avery responded with an impassive look, ¡°Thank you for your concern, Ms. Lambert. I''m fine.¡±


    ¡°That''s good to know, Ms. Rumpley. Looks are very important for women. If your face is ruined, then it


    will be disastrous,¡± said Nicole softly.


    ¡°Ms. Lambert, my intention of inviting you here today is to help with the investigation of this matter,¡±


    said Xander chivalrously.


    Nicole rested her hand on a cushion on the couch and quivered ever so slightly when she heard that.


    That sweet smile of hers was still stered on her face, albeit a little stiff. ¡°Mr. Gibson, what can you


    possibly mean? Are you insinuating that I was the one who injected the cat with the bacteria?¡±


    ¡°Please don''t say that, Ms. Lambert. That''s not what I meant. But, the surveince cameras here


    indicate otherwise. It was your assistant who lured the cat into the restroom.¡±


    Xander put out his cigarette with his slender fingers, and his eyes gleamed menacingly.


    ¡°My assistant? She has something to do with this incident?¡± Nicole put on a shocked expression and


    turned to look at her assistant. ¡°What''s going on?¡±


    ¡°Ms. Lambert, t-this has nothing to do with me. You know that I was by your side all the while...¡±


    Nicole''s assistant was scared to death and quickly waved her hands to indicate her innocence.


    One of the security guards yed the video. In the surveince footage, someone whose figure


    resembled that of Nicole''s assistant could be seen luring the cat into the restroom. Even the way they


    dressed was almost simr.


    The tips of Nicole''s fingers turned cold. At that instant, she was thankful that she had disguised herself


    before she lured the cat.


    Although she had not been in the entertainment industry for very long and her acting skill was a bit stiff,


    Nicole was still quite talented in the art of makeup.


    She had witnessed makeup artists and stylists perform their skills on actors and actresses all the time.


    They could turn a beautiful woman into an ugly one, a man into a woman, or a skinny person into a


    chubby person.


    After much observation, she knew a thing or two.


    Back then, it did not warrant much effort from her to turn her figure into a slightly plump one that


    resembled her assistant. All she did was put on thicker clothes and wrap a scarf around her face.


    After spending so much time with her assistant, Nicole was also very familiar with the way she moved.


    Thus, she disguised herself as her assistant when luring the cat.


    Therefore, even when the deed was exposed, she could let her assistant take the rap. This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Nicole''s assistant was dumbfounded.


    The face of the woman in the video might be unclear, but judging from her figure, the way she dressed,


    and her gait, the culprit looked exactly like her. If Nicole''s assistant wasn''t wholly aware that she didn''t


    do it, she might even believe that the woman in the video was herself!

 Chapter 362

    Chapter 362


    Flushed with anger, Nicole rose from her seat and approached her assistant. ¡°Tell me. Do you have


    anything to do with this? What did you do to the cat? Did you do something to make it aggressive and


    attack people?¡± There was a hint of harshness in her melodious voice.


    ¡°I-It''s not me, Ms. Lambert. You know I have nothing to do with this. I came to Azure Royal right after


    you called and have been with you since then. Besides, I didn''t even see the white cat when I went to


    the toilet. I really didn''t do it...¡± The assistant trembled in fear as tears of aggrievement welled in her


    eyes.


    Nicole said in disappointment, ¡°I recognize that you''ve always done your best as my assistant, but


    there''s one thing about you that didn''t change one bit: your habit of lying. What should I do with you?


    The surveince camera clearly caught you in the footage. After so many years of working with you, I


    know you better than anyone else. The woman in the footage looks and dresses exactly like you. Why


    do you still refuse to admit it?¡±


    The assistant''s eyes widened when she heard Nicole mention the woman''s clothing in the footage.


    Everything suddenly made sense when she recalled that Nicole had suddenly wanted to gift her some


    luxury clothing earlier that night and even reminded her to change into it.


    ¡°Ms. Lambert, those clothes don''t belong to¡ª¡±


    ¡°I''m sure the injured Ms. Rumpley will be kind enough to forgive you if you admit what you did and


    apologize to her. Mr. Gibson won''t punish you severely, either. I promise I''ll take care of your brother


    and ensure his surgery goes well. Trust me,¡± Nicole interrupted before her assistant could say


    anything.


    Since Nicole had her back facing the crowd, the assistant was the only one who could see her


    expression clearly.


    Nicole had always been poised and calm from the assistant''s point of view, but at that moment, there


    was a mixture of imploration, helplessness, and even deterrence on Nicole''s face.


    The assistant was smart enough to know what she should do in that situation, given her splendid work


    performance and cleverness that qualified her for the position as Nicole''s assistant in the first ce.


    She stared at Nicole for a while, and a realization suddenly dawned upon her.


    Her eyes sparkled briefly, but stillness clouded her eyes the next moment as the air around them


    turned tense.


    Avery had been listening quietly to Nicole and her assistant all that while, and she took note of how the


    assistant reacted to the usation.


    Subsequently, the assistant looked away as if she was in deep thought and suddenly took a hundred-


    and-eighty-degree change in attitude.


    ¡°Yes. It''s me. I did it. I''m sorry. I lied because I was afraid I would be punished. Please forgive me, Ms.


    Rumpley. I apologize for what I did. I will ept any form of punishment,¡± she admitted.


    ¡°But why did you do it? I want to know the reason. Do you know what''s in the injection given to that


    cat?¡± Avery questioned, frowning.


    She did not believe that Nicole''s assistant was the one who masterminded the whole incident.


    ¡°I''ve hated cats since I was young and had an impulse to torture them whenever I see them. I


    identally stepped on the white cat''s tail this evening when I arrived at Azure Royal, so the cat


    attacked me and almost scratched my face. I was so furious I wanted to kill it, so I lured it to the


    restroom and injected the cat with a virus to make it hysterical and aggressive. Since there were so


    many important guests here at Azure Royal, anyone injured by the cat would definitely deal with it


    harshly. That was how everything happened. I''m sorry,¡± the assistant admitted with a fleeting hint of


    regret in her eyes, and tears rolled down her cheeks.


    Her story sounded wless, but Avery still felt something was amiss.


    Meanwhile, Nicole stood before the crowd gracefully with an elegant smile. ¡°Mr. Gibson, Ms. Rumpley,


    she has worked for me for many years. She is usually mindful of her actions. It is just that she has a


    distaste for cats. As her employer, I am partly responsible for what happened, so I would like to


    compensate for all the losses Azure Royal incurred because of the cat. What do you think, Mr. Gibson?


    As for my assistant, I hope you can forgive her. She still has to take care of her younger brother, who is


    bedridden at the hospital...¡±


    Nicole''s sincerity was apparent from how she had just taken responsibility for a crime she did not


    commit. She appeared to be an understanding person and also a caring employer, but judging from


    Cayden''s cold eyes and pursed lips, it was obvious that he did not buy what Nicole said.


    ¡°Since she admitted her mistake, we should settle this ording to thew. An adult like her should not


    do something this stupid. The physical injury Avery suffered is nothingpared to her emotional


    trauma. I will not go easy on anyone who did this to her,¡± Cayden remarked, sounding unusually stern.


    His mocking and steely gaze fell on Nicole, making her feel guilty because his eyes told her he knew


    everything.


    Cayden might be criticizing the assistant on the surface, but Nicole felt he was actually insulting her.


    Anger built up in her chest with no outlet for her to vent.


    ¡°So, how do you want this settled, Mr. Moore?¡± Nicole asked, her hands slowly balling into fists.


    ¡°Since she dared to do this, she should also be ready to face the consequences. I''ll make sure she


    gets some time to reflect on her action in prison,¡± Cayden announced unforgivingly.


    The assistant paled and looked at Nicole beseechingly.


    I''m still young. I can''t go to prison. It''ll be the end of me if I end up there. My poor brother needs


    someone to take care of him too.


    Nicole did not expect Cayden to be so relentless that he would send someone to jail just because a cat


    scratched Avery.


    Since Cayden was bent on exacting punishment, Nicole looked toward Avery, thinking that thetter


    might be more soft-hearted than Cayden. ¡°Ms. Rumpley, I know my assistant is at fault, but she has a


    younger brother who is terminally ill. She needs to go to the hospital every day to care for him. His


    brother might die if she ends up behind bars. Don''t you think there are better ways we can solve this


    problem?¡±


    When Avery saw the poor assistant crying bitterly, she took pity on thetter and tugged at Cayden''s


    sleeve. ¡°Why don''t we just let this go? She doesn''t have it easy, either. Having herpensate for


    Azure Royal''s losses is already enough for her to remember this lesson.¡±


    Gazing at Avery, Cayden let out an inaudible sigh.


    She''s too kind. How could she not realize that I was just pretending to be harsh on the assistant? I was


    actually trying to warn Nicole.


    As the CEO of a multinationalpany, there was no way Cayden could not tell who was the


    mastermind behind the incident.


    Yet, despite his knowledge, he could not just burn his bridges with Nicole because she had strong


    backing.


    ¡°Xander, I''ll leave this to you. Do as you see appropriate. I''ll go back with Avery first.¡±


    Knowing that Xander was ruthless enough to do a number on Nicole, Cayden threw him the curve ball


    and left with Avery and the sleeping children.


    This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Behind them, Xander snuffed out his cigarette and nced over at the gentle Nicole with a chilling glint


    in his eyes.

 Chapter 363

    Chapter 363


    Colors dyed the evening sky as rays of warm yellow lights showered on the interior of a Bentley


    through its windows.


    Over in the backseat, two children were sleeping peacefully with a thin nket wrapped around them


    while Cayden drove.


    Beside him in the passenger seat, Avery cradled her chin in her palm, staring at the bright billboards


    along the street. Something seemed to be on her mind.


    ¡°Does it still hurt?¡± With his left hand still on the steering wheel, Cayden reached out his right hand and


    caressed Avery''s neck, which was wrapped in white gauze.


    Then, he held her left hand tightly as if he was trying tofort her.


    Meeting his worried look when she gazed over at him, Avery shook her head lightly as she reflected on


    the incident at Azure Royal. ¡°I just feel what happened was weird. Nicole''s assistant didn''t have to


    inject the virus even if she hates cats. Moreover, she doesn''t seem bold enough to do something like


    that. On the contrary, Nicole looks more suspicious.¡±


    Cayden gazed at Avery''s pensive face and felt the urge to tell her that Nicole might be the actual


    culprit, but he did not want to add to her worry, so he just patted her head, saying, ¡°Nicole is not as nice


    as she seems, so stay away from her if you can. If it bes necessary for you to deal with her, make


    sure you keep your guard up, or else you might end up being taken advantage of without even


    knowing.¡±


    Avery responded with a perfunctory hum.


    Her instinct told her that Nicole was a scheming woman although both of them did not have many


    chances to interact with one another.


    Besides, Avery was aware that Nicole had her eyes on Cayden, so she had no intention to get any


    closer to a crafty woman like Nicole.


    When the subsequent day came, Avery went to work with a bandage around her neck.


    Right when she set foot in thepany, Cecelia went over and expressed surprise. ¡°What happened to


    your neck, Avery? Did Mr. Moore get horny and perform too well? Is that why you are trying to cover


    the hickeys on your neck with a bandage?¡±


    Cecelia''s wild imagination rendered Avery speechless.


    What''s wrong with this woman? She''s usually so mature and serious.


    ¡°Cecelia, a cat scratched my neck. That''s why I have a bandage on. It''s nothing like what you


    imagined,¡± Avery replied in slight exasperation.


    ¡°Ah. I knew it. I was just thinking that Mr. Moore loves you too much to torment you like that. He can''t


    even bring himself to say anything stern to you.¡±


    Then, Cecelia smiled cheekily at Avery. ¡°Anyway, how did you get scratched by a cat? It''s so careless


    of you. You''re a grown woman. You should know better than to upset a cat.¡±


    ¡°It was an ident. The cat suddenly became aggressive. By the way, Cecelia, could you send me the


    updates regarding our cooperation with Vivi Group?¡± Avery asked as she turned on herptop, ready to


    bury herself in work.


    ¡°Hold on. Let me email it to you.¡±


    It had been more than a week since Avery started working with Vivi Group, so she had pretty much


    gotten used to Yvette''s demanding attitude and her team''s work style.


    Although Yvette still belittled Avery and was unfriendly toward her, Michael, the second design team''s


    leader, got along well with her.


    In fact, Avery had learned a lot from that patient and talented young man.


    As for Gabriel and Madeline, Avery tried her best not to cross them to avoid trouble after Cecelia had


    warned her about them.


    While Avery was working away diligently, Yulissa, the head of the design department, sashayed over in


    her tight clothes.


    As usual, the cor on her deep V-neck top sat on her voluptuous breast, and her tight mini-skirt


    showed off her slim and fair legs. A pleasant scent wafted in the air around her as she walked over.


    Upon seeing the bandage on Avery''s neck, a gloating look shone in her eyes. ¡°Oh my, Avery! Who did


    you cross? I can''t believe you still came to work after someone did that to you. Your professionalism is


    commendable!¡±


    Avery was in no mood to talk to Yulissa, so she typed away on her keyboard and treated the woman as


    if she was not there.


    The look in Yulissa''s eyes turned cold at the sight. Hmph! What''s with that attitude? You''re just a small


    fry. You''ll be crying when Ms. Summerses back!


    N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    Yulissa suddenly felt restless when she thought of Wisteria, who was still not transferred back from


    Western Epea. Yulissa had been sending Wisteria daily updates on what happened back at the


    company over the past two months, but thetter still had not returned.


    That deeply unsettled Yulissa.


    Is Ms. Summers not afraid of Mr. Moore marrying Avery? If she bes his wife... No! I can''t let this


    happen! I need to do something!


    Over at Quakersville, Nina, dressed in baggy pajamas, was trying to keep her sleepy eyes open as she


    took the trash out to the residential area''s dumpster.


    Just as she turned to leave, a white luxury car pulled up by the road.


    Two bodyguards in ck emerged before they opened the door for a strapping man, who then, along


    with the guards, got in Nina''s way.


    Hatred burned like wildfire and overflowed from Nina''s heart when she saw Aaron. She wished she


    could shred that man into pieces, but still, she controlled her emotions and tried to walk past him.


    However, that man blocked her way regardless of how many attempts she tried to walk away, like a


    ghost who haunted her wherever she went.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± Nina scowled with enmity in her eyes.


    ¡°You''re pregnant.¡± Aaron stared coldly at her belly, which was still t during early pregnancy.


    ¡°I''m not!¡± Nina held her stomach in horror.


    Aaron scoffed at her answer and threw her medical record at her. ¡°Just so you know, the hospital you


    went to belongs to my family. I can get your details as long as I want to. You''re not keeping that child.¡±


    Nina''s face turned pale as a sheet as she tightened her shaking fists. ¡°This child belongs to me. You


    have nothing to do with the baby. Get lost!¡±


    Aaron clenched his jaw at the sight, and the expression on his handsome face turned forbidding. ¡°I,


    Aaron Gibson, will never have an illegitimate child. This child has to die,¡± he pronounced with a


    murderous intent in his voice.


    Nina''s heart clenched as she staggered backward with her hands wrapped around her belly.


    ¡°No! This is my child! I''m keeping the baby. Why did you even force yourself onto me when you don''t


    even want a child? I''ll never let you do that! I''ll never let you hurt my child!¡± she screamed hysterically.


    The look in Aaron''s eyes darkened, and he slipped his hands into his pockets. ¡°You''re not worthy to


    bear my child. Take her away!¡±


    Nina struggled violently andmbasted Aaron with all the harsh words she could think of, but she was


    still no match for the two guards who dragged her into the backseat of the car.


    Once they got in, the car zoomed off, sweeping up the dry leaves on the ground in its wake.


    Meanwhile, Deborah smirked as she witnessed what unfolded in the residential area through the


    window. Instead of calling the police, she stood and enjoyed the show without doing anything.


    I knew it. Avery''s friend can''t be any better than she is. They''re finally getting what they deserve.

 Chapter 364

    Chapter 364


    At the hospital, Nina held her stomach firmly, screaming, ¡°I''m keeping this baby! Nobody is touching


    me. I''ll kill anyone who dares touch me!¡±


    Like a frightened rabbit, she kept retreating in the face of the encroaching doctors in white coats.


    ¡°We''re sorry, Ms. Richter. This is Mr. Gibson''s order. We have to do as he said,¡± the oldest doctor


    enunciated apathetically.


    Abortion was already nothing new to him. In fact, given Aaron''s debauched lifestyle, the old doctor was


    highly experienced, for he had performed the same procedure on many other girls, and Nina would not


    be hisst.


    ¡°Aaron Gibson! You b*stard! Get the f*ck over here!¡± Nina shrieked as a few strong doctors pinned her


    limbs down, trying to restrain her.


    Suddenly, the ward door swung open, and Aaron entered while hugging a dashing, elegant, and


    arrogant woman who narrowed her eyes when she beheld Nina as if thetter were a pitiful worm.


    The sight was an eyesore to Nina, for their presence made her feel pathetic.


    Her baby''s life was at stake, but there the father was, enjoying himself with another woman.


    Still, Nina swallowed her pride and implored Aaron, ¡°Please, Aaron, I''ve never begged anyone before.


    You must let this child live. I will keep your identity a secret. This child and I won''t be a burden to you in


    any way. I can even leave this city for good and never return. Please, just let me keep this baby.¡±


    Holding Aaron''s arm, the woman snorted at Nina. ¡°Excuse me. Who do you think you are to bear


    Aaron''s child? Aaron and I are going to get engaged. As the Gibson family''s future daughter-inw, I


    will not allow my husband to have an illegitimate child!¡±


    As she spoke, the woman threw a bright red wedding invitation card on Nina''s pale face, forming a


    stark contrast in terms of color.


    Nina nced at the names Aaron Gibson and Courtney Stone that were bronzed on the invite in


    ring gold print.


    Tears rolled down her cheeks as she parted her lips and spoke stiffly like a puppet. ¡°Ms. Stone, I swear


    this child will not stand in the way of your wedding. I promise we will not be a nuisance. This baby


    might probably be the only child I bear in my whole life. Please, I beg you. Spare my baby.¡±


    ¡°You are unbelievable! Do you think I am that magnanimous to let you keep that child? Why should I


    spare your baby? Who are you? Do you think I do not know your little trick? You will use that child as


    leverage to leech off the Gibson family! I have seen many women like you. I do not mind Aaron having


    some fun, but there is no way you are keeping his child. You might use this child to threaten me in the


    future, and that is not a risk I will take.¡±


    N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    Courtney might look educated and ssy, but deep down, she was unkind.


    Women like her from wealthy families were not that simple, to begin with.


    Nina red at Aaron with teared-filled eyes. ¡°Aaron Gibson, this child is your flesh and blood. What


    happened might be a mistake, but this baby is alive. Do you not feel anything for the baby? Please just


    let me keep this child. Please...¡±


    Nina suddenly fell on her knees before Aaron and groveled at his feet.


    Mellow thuds could be heard as Nina''s fair forehead knocked against the cold hard floor until her


    forehead began bleeding. A trail of bright-red blood flowed down her cheeks.


    However, instead of showing any mercy, Aaron merely looked at Nina mockingly as if she were a


    clown. ¡°Just as you said, this child was an ident and, therefore, is not weed. It shouldn''t exist in


    the first ce. No one has the right to bear my children except for my wife.¡±


    ¡°Aaron Gibson!¡± Nina cried out as tears gushed out from her eyes. ¡°I wouldn''t have gotten pregnant if


    you hadn''t vited me! How could you me it on me? Are you even a man?¡±


    Aaron glowered at Nina in disgust and ordered the doctors, ¡°Do what you all are supposed to do.¡±


    At hismand, the doctors moved forward and reined in the struggling woman, pushing her into the


    operating room.


    Nina bawled desperately as horror filled her eyes. ¡°Aaron Gibson! Don''t touch my baby, or I''ll kill


    myself! Things will get messy if people know two lives are lost because of you!¡±


    ¡°Do whatever you like!¡± Aaron replied in annoyance and detest.


    Never in his life had Aaron been threatened by any woman.


    ¡°Hahaha! Aaron Gibson! You''d better remember this. If I die, it''s all because of you! I will haunt you as


    a ghost after I die. I curse that you never find true love in your entire life!¡±


    ¡°What are you all waiting for?¡± Aaron was starting to feel agitated by Nina''s harangue, so he ordered


    the doctors to get to business before leaving with his fianc¨¦e in his arms.


    Seeing that Aaron had hardened his heart, Nina snatched the scalpel from a doctor''s hand and let out


    a cry of despair. ¡°Aaron Gibson!¡±


    The man stopped and turned to spare a nce at Nina, whose desperate smile made her look like a


    wilting flower.


    ¡°I will remember the disgrace you caused me, Aaron. I will remember how I begged for mercy like a


    lowly dog, yet you still forced me to give up this child. Karma will make you pay one day. One day, you


    will go on your knees and beg me as I did today. I swear I will make you feel the same pain I feel today


    a thousandfold!¡±


    The sharp scalpel reflected an icy glint as Nina lifted it. With a whoosh, she brought the scalpel down


    and lodged it into her stomach. Blood spewed out instantly, tainting her stomach red.


    Aaron paled at the abrupt turn of events. Strangely enough, a feeling of uneasiness rippled across his


    chest, but he quickly told himself not to be bothered by a worthless woman.


    Unbeknownst to him, one day in the future, he would experience the same unbearable pain because of


    Nina, yet by the time he realized his mistake, it was already toote.


    Since it was lunchtime, Avery decided to eat at Trident Group''s restaurant with Cecelia and other close


    colleagues, but while she was on the way there, she received a call from Nina.


    Nina''s miserable and desperate cries came from the other end of the line the moment Avery picked up.


    Taken aback and confused, Avery quickly ran to a quiet ce. ¡°Nina! What''s happening? Don''t cry. Tell


    me what it is. What happened?¡± she asked, worried.


    ¡°Ery, I think I''m dying...¡± Instead of telling Avery what had happened, Nina kept crying and calling her


    friend''s name.


    Distressed, Avery rushed out of thepany as she continued guessing what had happened. ¡°Did


    something happen to the baby? Where are you? Are you at home or in the hospital? Don''t be scared,


    Nina. I''ll be there immediately!¡±


    Sobbing, Nina told Avery her address.


    Avery hailed a cab and hurried over to the hospital while staying on the line with Nina.

 Chapter 365

    Chapter 365


    The taxi sped down the road and stopped right at the entrance of a hospital that belonged to the


    Gibson family.


    Upon alighting from the car, Avery gave the driver one hundred in cash and dashed straight to the ward


    without even waiting for the driver to return her the change.


    Inside the spacious ward, the strong smell of disinfectants wafted through the air.


    Meanwhile, Nina''s petite figure curled up on the bed, appearing extremely piteous.


    Avery''s heart ached when she saw that, and her throat felt dry from distress. She was so heartbroken


    to see Nina''s condition to the extent that she could not utter a word.


    She approached and called out, ¡°Nina...¡±


    Lifting her head, Nina stared at Avery tearfully.


    Avery pulled Nina into her arms, but when doing so, she identally touched Nina''s injured abdomen


    and caused thetter to moan in agony.


    Puzzled, Avery lifted Nina''s hospital gown to see her stomach wrapped withyers of bandage. Avery''s


    head was buzzing as her eyes widened in disbelief. ¡°Your stomach...¡±


    Nina''s hair was disheveled. Her shoulder-length hair draped messily over her shoulders, and tears


    began to roll down her cheeks.


    What was more frightening was the sight of the blood-stained bandage, which gave Avery an ominous


    feeling.


    Her fingers trembled as she questioned, ¡°Who did this? Which b*stard hurt you? I''ll go lodge a police


    report now!¡±


    Nina began wailing loudly in Avery''s embrace. Shaking her head, she whimpered, ¡°No. You can''t lodge


    a report. You can''t...¡±


    Avery might be oblivious to how powerful the Gibson family was, but Nina was well-aware of it.


    ¡°Don''t be afraid, Nina. I''ll seek justice for you! Tell me, who hurt you?¡± Avery asked again, her teeth


    chattering from the fury.


    As she shifted her attention to Nina''s badly-injured stomach, she knew for a fact that the baby had


    died.


    Who is inhumane and cruel enough to hurt a pregnant woman?


    ¡°It''s... It''s Aaron of the Gibson family.¡±


    Nina quivered fearfully in Avery''s arms, tears falling on the back of her hand. ¡°Avery, don''t go to him.


    The Gibson family is too influential. You might end up in trouble if you offend them.¡±


    Her words struck Avery like a lightning.


    Thetter''s mind went nk. Aaron of the Gibson family? Isn''t that Xander''s younger brother?


    She got to know the eldest son of the Gibson family, Xander, through Cayden. Xander looks stylish and


    cool. He''s a pretty nice guy, and yet his brother is a total b*stard?


    Having no idea what to do to help, Averyforted Nina for quite some time until thetter finally


    stopped crying. Seeing how weak Nina was, Avery decided to head to a restaurant nearby to buy her


    some oatmeal and health supplements.


    On her way there, Avery was so preupied with her friend''s plight that she even forgot that she had


    skipped work that day.


    When she returned to the ward with the food, Nina was lying on the hospital bed listlessly. Her eyes


    were puffy from all the anguished crying.


    Heartbroken, Avery approached her friend with the oatmeal in her hand and gently coaxed her into


    taking a few mouthfuls.


    Nina, who had a poor appetite, merely took a few bites. After that, Avery fed her some medicine and


    sat silently beside her bed. As she held Nina''s freezing hand, she shut her eyes in distress.


    Her heart wrenched for Nina. Concurrently, she could feel uncontroble anger welling up in her chest.


    Everything happened because of me. If Dn didn''t kidnap Nina, Nina wouldn''t get vited by Aaron.


    She wouldn''t get pregnant and be forced to lose her baby. Look at her... She even got injured. Back


    then, when Dn insisted to be with me, I wasn''t the only one who got hurt. I dragged Nina into this. All


    of this has nothing to do with her. I feel so guilty for what happened to her.


    Once again, Nina''s tears fell quietly on the white bed sheet.


    Although she might appear to be a talkative and vibrant person, she was in fact a conservative and


    thin-skinned girl.


    That night, she was pinned under Aaron, tormented by him in all kinds of humiliating positions, and


    everything that happened that night was enough to tip her over the edge. To make matters worse, the


    fact that the man ruthlessly took her unborn baby''s life caused her to fall intoplete despair.


    She had never expected that she would have to suffer such torture. Nevertheless, she had never once


    regretted helping Avery although what she did was redundant. Deep down, she considered Avery as


    her best friend. She was just heartbroken. My poor baby. I''m so sorry for being a weak mother. I failed


    to protect you.


    Exhausted, Nina finally fell asleep.


    Avery tucked her in and gently wiped the tears off the corner of her eyes.


    Watching Nina sleep with a frown on her face and listening to her asional whines of pain, Avery was


    disheartened. The look in her eyes gradually turned grim.


    Before heading to Dn''spany, she instructed a nurse to take good care of Nina for her.


    Meanwhile, Dn was in disbelief when the receptionist informed him that Avery was there to look for


    him. Delighted, he dyed his meeting by an hour and went down to the lobby to wee Avery in


    person.


    Avery watched Dn appear in front of her in his suit.


    At that moment, he looked nothing like a ruffian. Instead, he appeared to be an outstanding and


    professional businessman.


    Nheless, images of Nina weeping helplessly while curling on the bed shed across Avery''s mind.


    As that thought urred to her, she raised her hand without hesitation and gave Dn a hard p


    across his face. ¡°You b*stard! You jerk!¡±


    Of course, Dn did not see thating and got pped squarely in the face.


    Due to the overwhelming rage, Avery exerted much force and pped the man so hard that his head


    was tilted to the side.


    However, Dn merely stroked his slightly painful cheek with his hand.


    He didn''t get mad. Instead, he grabbed Avery''s hand and asked in a gentle yet perverted manner,


    ¡°Does your hand hurt? You may continue to hit me if it doesn''t hurt.¡±


    Avery came to look for Dn during office hours, so there were plenty of employees walking in and out


    of the office building, passing by the lobby in the process. Witnessing that, everyone gaped in disbelief.


    Who would have thought that our general manager would get assaulted by a weak-looking girl like her?


    This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    What surprised the onlookers the most was that the bad-tempered Dn did not fly into a rage.


    Instead, he tolerated Avery''s actions while gazing at her affectionately. It was a strange sight to behold.


    Avery swiftly retracted her hand and grabbed Dn by his cor, her knuckles turning white. ¡°Do you


    know what you''ve done, Dn Musk? I don''t care if you wanted to take revenge on me. Why did you


    drag Nina into this? She''s innocent and has nothing to do with what happened between us! You


    kidnapped her, and you''ve ruined her life forever! Do you know how much she''s suffering because of


    you right now?¡±


    At that very moment, Avery despised Dn to the core.


    Getting vited is one of the worst things that could happen to a woman. Even when that tragedy


    happened to Nina, she didn''t dare lodge a police report. Instead, she chose to endure everything alone.


    Even after finding out that the child she bore belonged to the man who tormented her, she still decided


    to keep the baby albeit in despair. However, the culprit killed her baby heartlessly. All of this happened


    because of Dn! If it hadn''t been for him, Nina wouldn''t need to face this horrible nightmare. She


    wouldn''t get dragged into all of this.

 Chapter 366

    Chapter 366


    Dn stared at Avery''s angry expression and chuckled.


    There was not a single trace of guilt in his eyes.


    Instead, he sounded slightly bitter as he said, ¡°Avery, I noticed you have never smiled when you''re with


    me. You''re either showing me your poker face or, like now, looking as if you want to kill me. Why are


    you so mad at me when I didn''t even do anything to Nina? Do you care for her so much? Is it worth


    getting angry for her?¡±


    Right after he finished saying that, he received another p from Avery across the cheek.


    Her hand trembled after pping him as if she could never relieve her anger no matter how many times


    she pped him.


    Avery''s eyes turned bloodshot from the overwhelming fury. ¡°How dare you say you did nothing to Nina?


    Dn, are you even human? If you didn''t send someone to kidnap Nina, she wouldn''t have been


    vited! She wouldn''t have gotten pregnant, and that culprit wouldn''t force her to undergo an abortion!


    You are the culprit behind everything, so don''t you dare make it sound like you have nothing to do with


    this!¡±


    There were still plenty of people going in and out of the office lobby at that time.


    Avery''s voice was so loud that the receptionists and employees who passed by the lobby could hear


    their conversation clearly.


    Most of them nced at Avery with shocked andplicated gazes, especially the two receptionists


    standing closest to them. They wished they could pretend to be deaf.


    What did she say? Is she implying that Mr. Musk had kidnapped someone? Moreover, did she say


    some other girl was raped and forced to undergo an abortion because of him? My goodness!


    The information they received from overhearing the conversation was too much to handle, and they


    wished they could act like they heard nothing.


    Meanwhile, Dn felt warm liquid seeping out from the corner of his lips. He licked it with the tip of his


    tongue and realized he was bleeding.


    How cruel of her! It seems like she has never bothered showing me mercy!


    At that moment, it dawned on Dn that Avery was kind and protective toward everyone except for


    him. She would behave gently and patiently even when talking to a beggar on the streets.


    However, she had never once bothered smiling at him. Her expression was always indifferent and


    aloof. He could also feel her intense hatred for him through her tone when she talked to him.


    Sure enough, he knew she had never developed any feelings for him.


    The fact that a woman could be so heartless to a man was an eye-opener for Dn.


    ¡°I admit I do hold certain responsibility for what happened to Nina.¡± Dn ignored the judgmental


    nces from the passersby and looked unfazed as he asked, ¡°So what? What do you want me to do?


    Do you want me topensate her, or are you nning to sue me?¡±


    Naturally, he could predict what would happen to Nina if she had fallen into the hands of the lustful


    Aaron.


    But still, he decided to hand Nina over to Aaron. That woman can only me this upon herself since


    she had the guts to even think of sending Avery picture evidence of me having an affair.


    Even if Dn could turn back time, he would still make the same decision.


    All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    Avery was enraged when she saw Dn not taking this matter seriously. She trembled all over as she


    said coldly, ¡°Dn, I want you to pay for what you did! You must be responsible for Nina!¡±


    Hearing that, Dn nonchntly crossed his arms. ¡°Oh? Responsible for her? How? Should I marry


    her?¡±


    For a moment there, Avery was at a loss for words.


    What a scoundrel!


    Dn was standing too close to her, and she could smell the refreshing scent on her body, which made


    her uneasy and disgusted.


    In fact, she hated getting too close to every other man with the exception of Cayden.


    She wanted to take a few steps backward, but Dn gripped her arm and forcibly pulled her toward the


    elevator.


    He quickly pressed the elevator button and said in a gruff voice, ¡°It''s inconvenient to talk in public. Let''s


    move this conversation to my office.¡±


    ¡°I''m sorry, but we don''t need to go elsewhere! We can talk here!¡± Avery shook him off as if he were a


    venomous snake.


    She never trusted Dn. As a matter of fact, she even feared him so much that she did not want to be


    alone in the same room with him.


    With a ding, the elevator arrived at their floor. Dn let out a low snicker and dragged Avery into the


    elevator.


    ¡°Ahh! Get lost! Don''t touch me! No...¡± Avery screamed and struggled to break free.


    She got reminded of the scene where he almost vited her the other night. Like a mad woman, she


    iled her limbs frantically andnded kicks and punches at Dn. Her reaction was so strong that


    even Dn staggered a few steps backward.


    ¡°Avery! Listen, I will not touch you again without your permission. I swear on that! Please calm down!¡±


    Dn''s heart ached when he saw how afraid Avery was of him.


    He grabbed Avery''s shoulders, shaking her violently to make her snap back to reality.


    Meeting Dn''s sad and helpless eyes, Avery was startled and stared at him nkly.


    She saw her disheveled appearance through the reflection in his eyes.


    Pressing her hand against the elevator wall and biting her lip, she took several deep breaths and forced


    herself to calm down. I''m so foolish. Although Dn was primarily responsible for Nina''s incident,


    there''s nothing I can change bying here to confront him.


    She did not have evidence to prove he kidnapped Nina. Also, it had been a long time since the incident


    happened. Dn would have destroyed the evidence by now. At most, she could only make Dn pay


    for Nina''s mary losses and medical fees.


    If she could not even deal with Dn, she could only dream of dealing with the abuser, who was also


    the second son of the powerful and wealthy Gibson family.


    She might even put herself in danger if she did that.


    However, she was willing to sacrifice herself in order to seek justice for Nina.


    Nina had suffered much more than that because of her. The things Avery could do for her in return


    were too insignificant.


    Her concern was that she could not threaten Aaron when she had no one to back her up. Even if she


    intended to sacrifice her life, she was in no power to make Aaron listen to her.


    She was well aware that those in power who despised authority would not bother abiding by thew, let


    alone morality.


    After all these years, she had experienced enough of the fickleness of human nature. She knew how


    miserable and unfortunate life was for those at the bottom of the hierarchy in society.


    Hence, if she wanted to seek justice for Nina, she could only ask for Cayden''s help.


    She wondered if Cayden would help her seek justice for Nina and burn bridges with the Gibson family


    due to personal issues.


    The Moore and Gibson families were both century-old prominent families. If something ever happened


    to the two families, it would undoubtedly bring massive chaos to society.


    Once the two families were in a confrontation, Ackleton''s economic status and citizens would be


    negatively impacted.


    Besides, Cayden was also good friends with Xander, the eldest son of the Gibson family.


    She did not want to put Cayden in a dilemma, but she knew it was impossible for her to make the


    culprit suffer the punishment he deserved when she was powerless.


    With that thought in mind, she felt so helpless that she was on the verge of crying. Her face turned


    pale, and her arms draped loosely beside her.


    She pressed the button to open the elevator doors.


    When the elevator doors opened, she nced at Dn with her bloodshot eyes.


    It dawned upon her that she could do nothing in this situation. She then dejectedly stepped out of the


    elevator.


    Dn, who was left behind, stood alone in the elevator. The woman''s faint scent still lingered in his


    palm.


    His expression gradually turned icy cold as he watched Avery''s weak and thin figure disappear from his


    sight. Subsequently, he immediately dialed a number.


    ¡°Hello?¡± A low and hoarse male voice rang out from the other end of the line. The person sounded as if


    he had just ended a passionate moment with someone.


    Dn cut to the chase and questioned, ¡°What did you do to Nina?¡±


    ¡°Nina? I did nothing. I only slept with her. Oh, by the way, she got pregnant, but I''ve had someone abort


    the child. If my father finds out I impregnated someone out of wedlock, he will surely kill me. I didn''t


    expect that woman to be so stubborn, though. She refused to undergo the surgery and even stabbed


    herself with a knife. How troublesome,¡± said Aaron casually over the phone.


    At that moment, a naked woman was lying obediently on his chest.


    That woman was naturally not Courtney, his fianc¨¦e.


    Dn immediately ended the call.


    Although he had known the truth since long ago, he still felt inexplicably irritated.

 Chapter 367

    Chapter 367


    Meanwhile, Nina curled up on the hospital bed, getting some rest with her eyes closed. However, the


    nightmare in her mind kept torturing her to the point where she couldn''t sleep in peace.


    All of a sudden, a crisp ringing of the phone woke her up from her nightmare.


    Taking a deep breath, she took the phone. When she saw that it was her mother, Nina instinctively


    answered the call. In a feeble voice, she uttered, ¡°Hello, Mom...¡±


    Isabe''s voice instantly sounded from the other end of the line. ¡°You finally know how to pick up the


    call, huh? Are you still aware that you have a mother? Where have you been for the past month? Not


    staying at home is one thing, but you didn''t even call me at all. What''s the point of raising a little pest


    like you? And which worthless man are you messing around with again? Hurry up and get yourself


    back here. I need to talk to you. We are running out of money, so you need to think of a way and see if


    you can get me some.¡±


    Despite being covered with a thick nket, Nina was still cold and shivering uncontrobly.


    It was expected of her mother. Although she had gone missing for over a month, her mother showed no


    concern about whether her daughter was fine. Instead, all her words were condemnations and


    demands.


    Right then, the first thing her mother did when she contacted Nina was to ask her for money.


    To others, the love between a mother and daughter was usually filled with infinite affection. However, it


    was nothing but a speck of dust to Nina.


    ¡°Mom, I''m not feeling well and am in the hospital now. Let''s talk about it when I go back. Okay, that''s


    it...¡± Nina responded weakly and hung up the phone right away.


    Following that, she curled her tiny body up like an abandoned pet.


    Tears rolled down her pale cheeks silently, making her look even more piteous.


    ¡°Ms. Richter, you have just had surgery. You shouldn''t shed tears. If you get too emotional, it might


    affect your health. By then, it will be difficult for you to recover fully.¡± Seeing Nina weep hysterically, the


    young nurse, who had been taking care of her, couldn''t helpforting her while changing the IV drip.


    Due to the wound on her abdomen, it hurt when she was crying. However, it was nowhere near as


    painful as the anguish in her heart.


    Nina shook her head, trying to shake off all the bitterness forcefully.


    When even a stranger felt sorry for her, her biological mother was so cold and indifferent to her. How


    pathetic can I be?


    ¡°Hello? Hello? You have to hurry up and get me some money. I need it to help your brother build his


    connections, which needs a huge amount of money...¡± Only when Isabe heard the beeping from the


    other end of the line did she be aware that the call had been disconnected. That made her face


    darken to a deep red.


    D*mn, how dare you hang up on me! You really need to be taught a lesson.


    However, when Isabe recalled what her daughter had said earlier, she arched her brows skeptically.


    She has always been healthy and seldom catches a cold. Why did she go to the hospital all of a


    sudden?


    At the thought of that, Isabe hurried over to the hospital Nina mentioned.


    Needless to say, it wasn''t because she wanted to see if her daughter was sick. Instead, she hoped to


    get ahold of her daughter and asked thetter to find a way to get more money.


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    Bethany, the daughter of Isabe''s old friend, was well-behaved after bing the lover of a rich and


    powerful old man, so she was pampered and showered with affection.


    Her mother had told her about the Richters'' predicament. Therefore, she deliberately came to Isabe,


    telling her she had a way to save Zayne.


    Not only that, but she could also help Isabe connect with that rich and powerful old man.


    Although that old man was not the most powerful figure in the city, he was still capable of bailing a


    criminal out of jail. As long as Isabe could fork out three million, Zayne would be acquitted of all


    counts.


    At first, Isabe doubted the veracity of those words. However, she had known that old friend for


    several decades, and they were rather close. Besides, Bethany had also assured Isabe that they


    would be able to save Zayne. Moreover, if Isabe was still doubtful, she could just sign an agreement


    with them.


    If they failed to save Zayne, the three million would be returned intact.


    As a result, Isabe mindlessly agreed to it.


    After signing the agreement, Isabe felt much more assured.


    Even if they were unable to save her son, the money would still be returned to her.


    Furthermore, she found bruises all over his face each time she visited Zayne.


    Her son''s well-built body had not only be skinny but was also covered in injuries. Although her


    son was the one injured, she could feel the pain in her heart too.


    Isabe knew that her son had suffered a lot in prison. Thus, she had to save her precious child no


    matter what.


    However, even with the two-million check given by Nina the other day and the eighty-thousand she had


    saved, she was still short of nine hundred and twenty thousand. I am just an ipetent woman. Even


    if I work for the rest of my life, I wouldn''t be able to make that much money.


    Thus, she thought of her daughter. The other day, her daughter had effortlessly made two million.


    Isabe thought that if she made a request, her obedient daughter would definitely find a way and get


    her the remaining nine hundred thousand or so, no matter what.


    Again, Avery returned to the hospital.


    In the bank near the hospital, she inserted her card into the automated teller machine to check her card


    bnce.


    Although it wasn''t a lot, the money amounted to almost half of her annual sry.


    After all, Trident Group paid well. As long as they were employees of thepany, even if they were


    still in their internship, their sries would still be much higher than that of employees from other


    companies.


    Having saved the money for so long, she had intended to buy herself a vehicle with it, but at this point,


    she had to use it for a more critical matter.


    Avery took the money out in batches.


    She nned on giving all that money to Nina.


    Although she knew that this amount of money couldn''t make up for the trauma Nina had experienced,


    thetter had lost her job after all and needed it badly.


    Just as she reached the corridor outside the ward, she heard Nina crying devastatingly and a woman


    cursing sarcastically.


    ¡°Do you think it was easy for me to raise you? Your father is just a good-for-nothing. He has been


    useless his whole life! It was I who worked hard and took care of you and your brother. Are you aware


    of how much suffering I have endured all these years? Now that your brother has gotten into trouble, is


    it wrong for me to ask you for help? You''re my daughter. Besides you, who else can I get the money


    from?¡±


    Judging from that familiar mean voice, she could tell that it was none other than Isabe.


    At once, Avery''s heart lurched. She immediately quickened her pace and rushed toward the ward.


    ¡°Enough, Mom! We are in the hospital! I have no money now. Not even a single penny! I have given all


    the money to you. What else do you want? You have always asked me for money. Worse still, you want


    one million this time. Have you ever considered the fact that I''m just a low-level employee, and I only


    get a meager sry? Besides, I''m between jobs now. Where would I find that much money? As you


    see, I''m lying on the hospital bed now. Why haven''t you asked about my condition? You don''t even


    show me the slightest bit of concern. Are you really my biological mother?¡±


    Nina covered her excruciatingly painful abdomen while tears streamed down her cheeks incessantly.


    She was in a loose hospital gown, and a white nket was covering her abdomen. One could only see


    her frail body, which seemed as if it could be knocked over by a gust of wind, and her deadly pallid


    face.


    ¡°What kind of illness can you have?¡± Standing by the bed, Isabe looked unmoved and tapped on


    Nina''s forehead furiously. ¡°Stop putting on an act. You have always been fit and healthy since you were


    a kid. You have rarely caught a cold, too. Even if you got sick, you could still get well without taking


    medicine. Why are you in the hospital wasting money? Don''t you know that we are in urgent need of


    money?¡±


    ¡°Mrs. Richter, your daughter has just...¡± The kind-hearted nurse had never seen such a heartless


    mother before and couldn''t help but want to tell Isabe the truth.


    Unexpectedly, Isabe rebuked the nurse until thetter fell silent. ¡°Shut up! This is our family matter.


    What right does an outsider like you have to interfere?¡±


    On the other hand, Nina could only lie on the bed frailly as the pain in her abdomen was unbearable.


    Her mother''s ruthlessness had left her even more disheartened.


    When Avery pushed open the door, she saw Nina, who was crying in despair, and the nurse, who


    dared not make a single sound after being told off, not forgetting the unreasonably mad Isabe.


    At that moment, Avery was immensely irritated by Nina''s mother.

 Chapter 368

    Chapter 368


    Nina had just undergone surgery and could hardly move, but Isabe came to ask for money without


    concern for her health.


    Does she even have any conscience as a mother?


    Everyone in the ward turned around the moment they heard the door open.


    Nina''s eyes were filled with anguish and confusion.


    At the same time, the young nurse breathed a sigh of relief.


    Isabe, on the other hand, gritted her teeth with a vicious expression.


    ¡°Ery...¡± Nina''s lips were chapped, and her voice was hoarse and rife with resentment.


    She sounded like a helpless, abused animal that did not know how to fight back.


    Avery felt disheartened when she saw Nina''s expression.


    Walking over, she ced her handbag beside Nina''s pillow.


    Next, she wiped the tears from the corners of Nina''s eyes. ¡°Don''t be upset. You need to get some rest


    right now. You can''t get angry now. It''s detrimental to your recovery. Do you understand?¡±


    Nina''s eyes were welling up with tears. Before she could say anything, Isabe moved closer.


    Isabe pointed at Avery and began to yell, ¡°What are you doing here? Is causing trouble for my son


    not enough? Are you here to harm my daughter as well? Nina, didn''t I warn you to stay away from this


    woman? Why didn''t you listen to me?¡±


    ¡°We''re in a hospital. Please keep your voice down!¡± Avery turned around and red at Isabe, who


    was standing in front of her. ¡°Mrs. Richter, no matter how much you despise me, this is not the time to


    argue. Nina is your biological daughter. Do you not care why she is hospitalized? Let me tell you. Her


    body is very frail because she just had surgery. Didn''t you notice that she was sweating in difort?


    Even if you don''t care about her, you shouldn''t have yelled at her. You''re not worthy of being a mother.¡±


    Isabe was taken aback when she learned Nina had undergone surgery, but she quickly became


    upset out of embarrassment.


    After all, she was always the one to chastise others. No one had ever reprimanded her.


    She was even more enraged by the fact that Avery, the person she detested the most, was the one


    who scolded her.


    Raising her voice, Isabe retorted, ¡°Who do you think you are? What right do you have to reprimand


    me? You sent my son to jail, and now my daughter is in the hospital. I was right when I said you


    brought bad luck!¡±


    As if scolding was not enough to quell her rage, Isabe began to attack Avery.


    Just as Isabe grabbed Avery''s hair, Nina jumped out of the hospital bed.


    She stared at Isabe with a pair of dull eyes and shouted in despair, ¡°Mom, what the hell do you want?


    Avery is here to look after me. How could you hit her? Are you going to take care of me after you


    chased her away?¡±


    Looking at Nina, who had red and puffy eyes, Isabe suddenly remembered that she hade to the


    hospital to ask her daughter for money.


    However, when she met Avery, the perpetrator who had put her son in prison, she became so enraged


    that she lost her mind and forgot her reason foring over.


    Isabe let go of Avery''s hair resentfully and said to Nina in a negotiating tone, ¡°Nina, no matter what,


    you have to collect the money for me. Otherwise, your brother will die in prison. You''re his biological


    sister, so you can''t just sit around doing nothing.¡±


    As she spoke, she pretended to wipe her tears, giving the impression that she was a loving mother to


    her son.


    However, Nina was aware that her mother excelled at acting. Not wanting to see her mother''s


    hypocrisy, she turned her head away while covering her aching stomach.


    ¡°Mom, Zayne brought this upon himself. He needs to be educated in prison. If he doesn''t go through


    some suffering, he won''t ever learn from his mistakes. I really don''t have any money right now. All my


    bank and credit cards are in your possession, and you know the password. If you don''t believe me, you


    can check the card bnce.¡±


    Realizing that shedding crocodile tears was not working, Isabe deliberately unlocked the ward door


    and left it wide open.


    The next moment, shey on the ground and started making a scene like a shrew.


    At the same time, she continued to yell, ¡°Even a dog knows how to show gratitude to its owner. I can''t


    believe you''re such an ingrate. I would not have given birth to you if I had known this. I went to such


    great lengths to bring you up. How could you be so ungrateful? Everyone, pleasee and judge. This


    unfilial daughter of mine only thinks about herself. She doesn''t care about her suffering brother or her


    worn-out mother. She''s forcing me to my grave!¡±


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    Nina was staying in the VIP ward arranged by the hospital. It was a single room, so naturally, there


    were not as many patients as in regr wards.


    However, the VIP wards were all close to one another, and there were other patients and their family


    members staying in other wards.


    Isabe''s voice was thunderous. In an instant, many family members of other patients gathered around


    curiously.


    Everyone craned their necks, watching the drama with interest. Several people even pointed at Nina''s


    ward and whispered among themselves.


    Nina was enraged by her mother''s unreasonable behavior. She was crying so hard that she almost


    could not breathe.


    Seeing that, Avery was distressed and angry. She grabbed her handbag and tossed it in front of


    Isabe. ¡°Aren''t you just here for the money? Take this money and get lost!¡±


    Initially, Isabe wanted to yell at Avery, but when she opened the zipper of the handbag and saw the


    piles of cash, her eyes immediately lit up.


    She quickly rose to her feet, seized the handbag, and held it in front of her chest.


    Later, she waved to her daughter and uttered, ¡°Take good care of yourself. I''ll pay you another visit in a


    few days. This sum of money is insufficient. When you feel better, find a way to make more money. I


    need it urgently.¡±


    With that said, Isabe did not even spare Nina another nce or ask her what kind of operation she


    had. She just took the handbag and walked away.


    Tears streamed down Nina''s cheeks once again as she stared nkly at her mother''s receding figure.


    By then, her heart had already gone numb. She could not feel anything anymore.


    ¡°I can''t believe such a mother exists in this world. Is she even her biological mother?¡± muttered the


    nurse softly.


    The nurse''s mother had always adored her, so she had never seen such a cold-blooded mother who


    only cared about money. Thetter truly despised Isabe from the bottom of her heart.


    In the meantime, Avery shut the ward door, keeping the curious onlookers away.


    She then embraced Nina in her arms. ¡°It''s okay. Don''t cry. I''m here with you.¡±


    Nina''s lips trembled, and she curled up into a ball in Avery''s arms. ¡°I''m sorry. This is so humiliating. I''ll


    definitely give you your money back.¡±


    Hearing that, Avery let go of Nina, helped her lie on the bed, and covered her with a nket.


    She wiped away Nina''s tears and stated softly, ¡°It''s not a lot of money. You don''t have to pay me back.


    Besides, I owe you that much. Just take good care of your body. I''ll handle everything. I''ll stay with you


    today, so you should get some sleep.¡±


    Nina, who was extremely exhausted, gradually fell asleep to Avery''s soothing voice.


    Avery sighed as she held Nina''s cold hand. After a while, she tucked Nina''s hand beneath the nket


    to warm it.


    Momentster, she took out her phone and sent Cayden a WhatsApp message saying she needed to


    apply for leave that day.


    She received a reply within seconds of sending the message: Okay. Come home early tonight. I have


    something to tell you.


    Raising her eyebrows in surprise, Avery responded half-jokingly: What''s the matter? Can you let me


    know in advance? Is it shocking in any way?


    Beep!


    A few minutester, Cayden replied: It''s a secret, but I can assure you that it''s a surprise, not a shock.

 Chapter 369

    Chapter 369


    At night, Avery wanted to stay in the ward and apany Nina. But Nina chased her away.


    Nina said that she could press the call bell to summon a nurse if she needed anything, so Avery didn''t


    need to spend the whole day with her.


    Moreover, Zachary and Rory were still young. They were at the age where they needed their mother''s


    company. If Avery stayed in the hospital, Nina was worried that the children would miss her.


    On top of that, Avery had been receiving incessant calls from Cayden. In the end, she had no choice


    but to return home.


    As soon as the exhausted Avery stepped into the mansion, she realized something was amiss.


    She had a bizarre feeling, but she couldn''t put her finger on what was wrong.


    She opened the door to her bedroom and was stunned by the scene before her eyes.


    Countless beautiful, lovely flowers filled up the space within.


    The wall in the middle was covered with colorful balloons of different shapes and sizes.


    Pink veils were fluttering in the surroundings, exuding a pastoral vibe. It was a refreshing and dreamy


    sight.


    On top of the table was an exquisite cake.


    But what stood out most was the glittering words written on it: Happy Birthday, Mommy. We Love You!


    Before Avery couldpose herself from the surprise, two adorable children popped out from behind


    the wall decorated with balloons.


    Each of them had a huge stuffed toy in their hands. The toys were almost the same height as them.


    Heaving the stuffed animals, they walked over to Avery and said in unison, ¡°Happy birthday, Mommy!¡±


    Avery didn''t expect this at all.


    Putting a hand over her mouth, she calmed herself down for a while. Then she took the stuffed animals


    and nted passionate kisses on her children''s foreheads.


    ¡°Thank you for the surprise, Sweethearts,¡± Avery said, sounding a little emotional.


    In all her adult years, no one had ever remembered her birthday.


    Back then, she had always spent this special day on her own.


    Long, long ago, her grandfather was the only one who remembered her birthday, and the man used to


    cook her some eggs to celebrate her birthday.


    After growing up and leaving her grandfather''s side, no one else remembered her birthday since then.


    She was twenty-four years old now, and she was blissful from the bottom of her heart since she had


    her children with her.


    Zachary''s stuffed animal was an innocent-looking brown bear.


    Meanwhile, Rory gave her mother a cute, spotted deer.


    Avery put the stuffed toys next to her bed.


    This was her first time receiving gifts from her children. Hence, the joy of being a mother overwhelmed


    her.


    Zachary and Rory soon nestled in her arms, seemingly reluctant to leave.


    Avery was at a loss at that.


    Since she just came back from the hospital and hadn''t washed up, she was afraid she would spread


    the germs to them.


    Children''s immunity systems weren''t as great as those of adults, after all.


    ¡°Sweethearts, I just went to the hospital today to visit Aunt Nina. I''m dirty. Let me take a shower first.


    Then I''ll celebrate with you, okay?¡±


    Nodding, Zachary and Rory loosened their grips.


    After Avery went to the bathroom, Zachary patted the suit on him and adjusted his bow tie. ¡°Rory, what


    do you think of my look today? Am I handsome?¡± he asked softly.


    ¡°Yes! You''re the most handsome. You''re even ten times more good-looking than Daddy,¡± Rory praised.


    Rory was convinced that she knew about aesthetic judgment. In her heart, Cayden was her ultimate


    idol. Though she felt that Cayden was extremely easy on the eyes, she thought Zachary was the most


    handsome.


    Hearing his sister''spliment, Zachary blushed. ¡°You look great too, just like the little princess from


    fairytales.¡±


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    Rory was ttered.


    She smugly ran over to the mirror in the corner of the room and admired herself. She even made a few


    poses that she thought were cute.


    ¡°Zachary, we are stunning! Aunt Nina said that it''s because Daddy and Mommy have good genes that


    we have good looks. When I grow up, I want to find an attractive husband too. If I find someone ugly,


    then my children will be ugly. I don''t want that to happen.¡±


    Rory theny on the couch and rested her chin on her palm. Shaking her fair legs, she was starting to


    worry about her future as she thought about it.


    Zachary sat next to her and said, ¡°Don''t worry, Rory. I''ll make sure your future husband suits you. Not


    only must he be handsome, but he also needs to have a good personality. He needs to get my


    approval before you can be in a rtionship with him, okay?¡±


    ¡°Okay, Zachary. You''re such a good brother. Promise me that you''ll evaluate the guys Ie across in


    the future! Pinky swear!¡±


    The innocent Rory outstretched her little pinkie and linked it with Zachary''s.


    This pretty girl had yet to know that she''d be leading a difficult love life someday because of what she


    said that day. Because of her brother''s interference, her future suitor would have to go through a lot of


    suffering just to be with her.


    After a while, Avery was done with her shower, and she had light makeup on. Her birthday celebration


    was prepared in such a grand manner. On top of that, the twins even dressed themselves up


    beautifully. She just had to have makeup on. Moreover, she wanted to show Cayden her most


    comfortable self.


    But where was Cayden?


    Avery was a little confused. It seemed like she hadn''t seen him since she entered the mansion.


    Despite that, she wasn''t worried that Cayden would forget her birthday.


    He had prepared the surprise for her, after all. Perhaps he was caught up with something that made


    him unable toe home yet.


    After she was done, her children pounced on her one after another.


    With a smile on her face, the young mother held her son in her left arm and her daughter in the other.


    Under the warm light, she stared at her angelic children like it was never going to be enough.


    ¡°Sweethearts, where is your daddy?¡±


    ¡°Hehe...¡± Rory rubbed her head against her mother''s neck. Revealing her perfect teeth, she said,


    ¡°Mommy, after Daddy had finished setting up the ce, he said he had something to do. He asked us


    to wait for you at home. He''ll be back soon, so we don''t have to call him.¡±


    Avery stopped stroking their hair and hugged them tighter. ¡°All right. We''ll wait for him together, then...¡±


    ¡°Sure!¡± The children nodded obediently.


    Smelling the fresh fragrance lingering on Avery''s body, Zachary and Rory were enjoying their mother''s


    tender embrace.


    All of a sudden, the door opened.


    Cayden appeared in front of Avery, holding a huge bouquet of alluring roses that were airfreighted. He


    had frost all over his face, looking travel-worn.


    Nevertheless, with his delicate brows, sharp nose, and thin lips, he was still drop-dead handsome.


    Though he had frost on his face at the moment, it wasn''t affecting his distinguished aura. He was so


    dazzling that it was difficult to ignore his presence despite just standing there.

 Chapter 370

    Chapter 370


    Avery gazed deeply at Cayden.


    She loved him with all her heart and soul. Be it his facial contour, eyebrows, nose, or lips; they were


    wless. It was as if he was the perfect creation of God.


    At this moment, his aura was indifferent. But when he smiled at her, a wave of gentleness streaked


    through her.


    Handing over therge bouquet of multicolored roses, he said, ¡°Happy birthday.¡±


    Though it was winter, he managed to keep the roses fresh. The baby''s breath and the goldenrods


    surrounding them were lovely.


    Giving out a pleasant fragrance, the colorful roses were even more alluring. Lovers would gift their


    other half different colors of roses to represent their affection and promise. Based on thenguage of


    flowers, it meant evesting love.


    Women loved romance by nature. No one could resist fresh floral temptations.


    Avery took the heavy bouquet from him. ¡°Thanks.¡±


    She was ttered though it wasn''t her first time receiving flowers from a man.


    Back then, Zayne used to give her flowers during the festive seasons to make her happy. But her


    feelings at that time were differentpared to now.


    In Avery''s eyes, Cayden was a serious man who had no idea how to be romantic. She never expected


    anything from him, let alone surprises. This time, she was indeed taken aback by what he did.


    I didn''t know he was the type to give women flowers.


    ¡°Silly girl...¡± Cayden smiled and caressed her head. Flicking a nce at her face, heplimented,


    ¡°You''re gorgeous tonight.¡±


    With light makeup on, her beautiful face looked even more charming.


    Avery stood there in silence, emanating the quality of indescribable beauty.


    ¡°Daddy, what about Zachary and me?¡± Rory held her brother''s hand and happily turned around in front


    of their father.


    Her white, fluffy skirt floated a little as she spun. She looked like a lively fairy who had stepped into the


    mortal world.


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    ¡°Yep, both of you look stunning tonight. It must be because of your mommy''s genes,¡± Cayden praised


    while giving Avery credit.


    Avery''s cheeks turned pink.


    When Rory heard what her father said, she was so happy that her pair of round, big eyes curved into


    crescents as she smiled.


    Meanwhile, Zachary shyly lowered his head.


    He had received a lot ofpliments ever since he was young. But Cayden rarely praised him. Now


    that Cayden praised him in front of Avery, Zachary was shy and proud at the same time.


    I really look great.


    The big cake on the table had three tiers. Fruit jelly cake was the base. Meanwhile, the middleyer


    was shaped into a light blue castle, and the uppermostyer had beautiful floral patterns. It looked


    wonderfully appetizing.


    There was a doll in a pink gown on top of the cake.


    The moment it was switched on, it automatically sang the ¡°Happy Birthday¡± song.


    Cayden carefully put the candles on the cake. Looking at Avery with gentleness in his eyes, he said,


    ¡°Come. Make a wish.¡±


    He took her hand and brought her over. Putting her palms together, Avery made a sincere wish under


    the ardent stares of the two children and the man.


    With her eyes closed, Avery looked even more alluring in the presence of the candlelights. Her aura


    was gentle. Staring at her mumbling lips, Cayden couldn''t help but be enthralled by her beauty.


    Even though he had been with her for so many years, his desire would still re up like a teen


    whenever he looked at her face. He couldn''t help it.


    After making the wish, Avery blew out the candles with Zachary and Rory.


    ¡°Mommy, what did you wish for?¡± Rory asked curiously.


    Zachary gently flicked his finger on her head. ¡°Silly. We can''t say our birthday wishes out loud.


    Otherwise, they''re not going to realize.¡±


    ¡°Ah...¡± Rory pursed her lips in disappointment. Feeling a bit lost, she nced over at her mother.


    Looking at the curiosity in her innocent eyes, Avery chuckled.


    She leaned over and stroked her hair. ¡°I wished for us to continue leading a happy life like this, safe


    and in the pink of health.¡±


    Cayden''s lips curled into a faint smile.


    This was the woman he loved. She wasn''t overly ambitious, nor did she have any great aspirations.


    Moreover, she had no interest in meddling in the affairs of wealthy families. What she wanted was to


    live a simple life.


    It was something that he wanted too.


    ¡°All right. Let''s eat!¡± Avery cut the cake into small pieces and put them on the elegant tes before


    giving them to Zachary and Rory.


    Children loved desserts.


    After taking the cakes from their mother, they spared a nce at their father. ¡°Daddy, can we eat more


    cake than usual today?¡± Zachary asked with caution.


    The Moore family had strict household rules. So Cayden had strict supervision of his children.


    Though he knew that the twins loved desserts, he rarely let them have any sweet-tasting foods on the


    grounds that eating too much of them could affect their teeth and body development.


    Since it was Avery''s birthday that day, Cayden nodded and didn''t limit them.


    ¡°Great! Thanks, Daddy!¡± The two children were overjoyed that they almost jumped up.


    Holding the creamy cakes in their hands, they began eating happily.


    Zachary and Rory were pleased with the taste.


    ¡°Avery...¡± Cayden''s voice rang in her ears. ¡°Are you happy with what I''ve prepared for you today? I''m


    not used to this. It''s my first time. If there''s anything that I did not do right, please bear with it.¡±


    As she listened to his pleasing voice, her heart trembled.


    She handed him a piece of cake with sweet toppings. ¡°I''m very happy and I really love this. I feel like


    this is the best moment of my life...¡± she said softly.


    Taking it over, Cayden gave it a bite.


    While doing so, he kept his passionate eyes on Avery as if she was more delicious than the cake.


    ¡°It''s good.¡±


    To be honest, Cayden didn''t have a sweet tooth.


    Yet, he genuinely thought it was good since Avery was the one who cut the piece for him.


    Avery was about to say something when her lips were sealed by a pair of cream-coated lips.


    The two children didn''t bother much about the interaction between their parents and continued eating.


    They were used to how their father and mother showed their love to one another, unlike how surprised


    they were when they first saw it.


    In order not to disturb them, Zachary and Rory took their tes and ate the cakes in a secluded corner


    with their heads down.

 Chapter 371

    Chapter 371


    Cayden gathered Avery into his arms.


    Wrapping his long and strong arm around her slender waist, he swooped in and nted a loving kiss


    on her.


    With the rich fragrance of cream as well as the tang of cherries and strawberries in their mouths, they


    seemingly found the kiss better than usual.


    His kiss was truly too tender that Avery lost herself for a moment.


    In the gentle embrace and soft lighting, she noticed that his long eyshes were rendered almost


    transparent in the bright light. The expression on his face was so adoring that her heart skipped several


    beats.


    The passionate kisssted for an eternity.


    Only when Cayden''s hand started slipping beneath her clothes did Avery abruptly snap out of her haze


    of passion. ¡°Cayden, let''s... eat cake first, okay?¡±


    The handsome and seductive man held her body domineeringly, his hoarse voice tinged with a hint of


    darkness. ¡°The thing I want to eat most right now is you.¡±


    That single remark sent Avery''s heartbeat into overdrive, and her face flushed bright red.


    Inadvertently glimpsing that the two children were gone, she immediately broke free from his hug.


    ¡°Um... Let''s celebrate my birthday first. Where are Zach and Rory?¡±


    In truth, she had always been afraid to see such a look in Cayden''s eyes.


    In that instant, his gaze radiated the intense desire of a beast allowed out of its cage, making one


    flustered.


    The sea of flowers in the room became their backdrop, light illuminating the entire space.


    Under the lights, Avery''s shyness and slight panic were bared in their entirety.


    She was anxious to search for her two children, but Cayden grabbed her hand. ¡°They didn''t want to


    interrupt our romantic interlude, so they went off to y. Don''t worry, for they won''t get lost in the


    house. Keep mepany tonight, Avery.¡±


    ¡°I keep youpany every day!¡± Avery''s heart pounded like a jackhammer, and her sweet voice


    betrayed her uneven breathing.


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    ¡°It''s different.¡± Cayden gently brushed a long and slender finger across her lips before crushing his lips


    on hers hard.


    Subsequently, he took out an exquisite box from his pocket.


    When he opened it, a beautiful and dazzling diamond ring appeared before Avery.


    ¡°Will you marry me, Avery?¡± Suddenly dropping to a knee on the ground, Cayden finally gave voice to


    the words he had kept hidden deep within his heart for ages in a gentlemanly and elegant manner.


    Gazing at the massive diamond on the ring that was shiny to the point of blinding, Avery couldn''t quite


    believe her eyes.


    Its workmanship was really exquisite. With eighteen small diamonds surrounding a big diamond, it


    appeared stunning beyond words.


    Touched, she teetered on the verge of tears. She pped a hand over her mouth tightly. He''s actually


    proposing to me?


    In that second, she was stunned and even wondered whether it was a dream until Cayden stood up.


    The man''s tall figure shrouded her petite figure. Only when he slipped the diamond ring on her finger


    did she jolt back to her senses. Oh my God, it turns out that he has really proposed to me!


    Cayden''s fine hair brushed against Avery''s lovely cheeks. ¡°Did youe back to your senses, silly? If


    you remain silent, it means that you consent to my proposal. From now on, you''re my wife, mine for all


    eternity. Don''t ever think of escaping me in this lifetime, okay?¡±


    ¡°Cayden...¡± Avery was still looking rather dazed.


    The look in her eyes wasplicated as she stared at the diamond ring of the perfect size on her ring


    finger.


    She had never expected the man to propose to her then.


    It wasn''t that she didn''t want to marry him, but there were too many obstacles between them. In fact,


    she had braced herself to wait for a long time.


    On top of that, she even felt that she would be content without marriage and status as long as he


    stayed with her and the children forever.


    ¡°I''m pretty swamped with work recently. When things calm down, I''ll prepare a grand wedding for you. I


    want to announce to the whole world that you''re my woman. Will you marry me, Avery?¡± Cayden asked


    once more, pressing the tip of his nose against hers.


    His gaze was bright and prating.


    It was a simple promise, yet it carried an innate sense of domineering possessiveness.


    Avery''s ebony eyes shimmered, and her long eyshes fluttered, rendering her extraordinarily


    enthralling.


    Interlocking her fingers with his, she parted her ruby lips a fraction and gave him her vow, enunciating,


    ¡°Yes. As long as you love me and vice versa, we''ll defeat all who stand in our path. Isn''t that so? I''m


    willing to marry you and take care of you and our two kids for the rest of my life, Cayden.¡±


    Although her words were in, they were simply too heartfelt. Cayden responded with an ardent kiss.


    Next, he carried her to the bedroom and ced her on the bed, pinning her under his towering and


    solid body.


    Only then did Avery btedly gather her wits about her. ¡°Zach and Rory are still in the living room.


    They¡ª¡±


    ¡°Don''t worry, for they aren''t kids anymore. When it''s their bedtime, they''ll automatically go back to their


    room and sleep.¡± After saying that, Cayden again silenced her unfinished utterance with his lips.


    Both amusement and exasperation flooded Avery.


    What else can five-year-olds be if not kids? Besides, I really can''t cope when he gets this fired up!


    Despite her avid desire to go downstairs and be with her two children, Cayden didn''t give her any time


    to think or space out. Without dy, he showed her how much his body loved her through action.


    Achoo! Downstairs, the two children with cream smeared all over their faces sneezed at the same time.


    Rory''s tiny belly was bulging, but still, she stuffed thest bite of cream into her mouth.


    A whileter, she covered her mouth and yawned widely. ¡°The cake today was delicious, Zach! I


    wonder if Mommy enjoyed it. We should go to bed now. I want Mommy to tell me a bedtime story.¡±


    The children were already used to having Avery tell them a bedtime story before going to sleep each


    night.


    Opening a packet of wet wipes, Zachary wiped the cream off his messy sister''s face and hands


    meticulously and patiently.


    In a crisp voice, he dered, ¡°Mommy and Daddy are making babies now. While I''m not sure what it


    means, I think it might be designed with aputer. Let''s not disrupt them. Who knows, we might have


    a little brother or sister very soon.¡±


    Nina was the godmother of the children.


    Previously, Zachary inadvertently saw his mother pinned underneath his father during an intimate act.


    The former''s eyes were always red-rimmed, and her expression woeful, so he thought his father picked


    on his mother. However, thetter adamantly denied having done so.


    Therefore, heter asked Nina about it.


    At that time, Nina falteringly told him that it was a unique way in which Cayden pampered Avery in his


    love for her, and he would understand when he grew up. That aside, she even said his father and


    mother were making babies, revealing that he and his sister came to be in the same manner.


    ¡°Really, Zach? We''re going to have a brother or sister soon?¡± Rory looked at Zachary with innocence


    etched across her features.


    ¡°Yes. So, let''s go to bed. Perhaps our brother or sister will be here when dawnes.¡± Dragging his


    twin sister along, Zachary headed toward their bedroom.


    When he walked past Cayden and Avery''s bedroom, he nced at the closed door, anticipation


    flittering across his astute eyes.


    I hope Mommy and Daddy give me a clever little brother, unlike Rory, who''s na?ve and easily duped.

 Chapter 372

    Chapter 372


    The next day was Saturday, so Avery brought the twins to visit her grandfather after having breakfast.


    Cayden initially nned on going with them, but he received an urgent call while they were en route


    and had to make a detour back to the office.


    Nheless, he was determined to have lunch with them at noon.


    In the face of his apology, Avery brushed it off considerately. After all, the man was the CEO of a


    multinationalpany, so the burden on his shoulders was exceedingly heavy.


    In fact, she felt really bad for him. At the very least, I''ve got two days off a week. But when he gets


    busy, he works day and night like a beaver without any time to rest.


    Cayden instructed his driver, Leif, to send Avery and the two children over.


    The residential area where ke lived was located at West Chimera Lake Scenic Area. It was adjacent


    to a mountain andke, so the air there was refreshing and the environment lush. The hustle and


    bustle of the city were far away, but there were all sorts of facilities nearby, including arge hospital,


    nursing home, park, chain supermarket, and so on.


    Back when Cayden chose a ce for ke, he took into ount the essibility of basic necessities


    while satisfying thetter''s desire for serenity.


    As soon as Avery and the twins got out of the car, they were greeted by the sight of a group of elderly


    people gathered at the open space in the park by the entrance of the residential area, dancing leisurely.


    Among them was ke.


    He seemed to be in the pink of health. Alina was also there. She supported him and spoke to him from


    time to time.


    Inadvertently lifting her head, she spotted Avery.


    Thetter carried a lot of presents while holding the hands of a pair of stunningly beautiful twins,


    dressed casually with her hair pulled back in a ponytail. Without any makeup, she looked pure and


    stood out among the crowd.


    ¡°Grandpa. Aunt Alina.¡±


    With her children by her side, Avery fixated her eyes on the hale and hearty ke and the slightly pale


    Alina, her voice a tad low.


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    Tugging on ke''s sleeve, Alina murmured, ¡°Ery and her kids are here to visit you, Dad.¡±


    ¡°My granddaughter is here? You haven''t been here to visit me in a long time! Quick,e and let me


    see whether you''ve lost weight.¡± ke beckoned at Avery in delight. He wore a smile on his face, his


    eyes brimming with love and affection.


    Avery walked over with the twins.


    At the sight of ke''s gray hair, her eyes stung. ¡°I''m sorry, Grandpa. I''ve been rather busy these days,


    so I couldn''t take the time toe and visit you. In the future, I''ll try my best toe every week.¡±


    ¡°What a silly girl! I know you''re busy with work, and life isn''t easy for you out there. If you''re really too


    busy that you can''te over, just give me a call. I''m content with just that.¡±


    However, ke''s words made Avery feel all the more difited.


    I swear I''lle and visit him often in the future so that he isn''t too lonely.


    ¡°Zach, Rory,e here. They are your great-grandad and your grand-aunt. Be good and greet them.¡±


    Avery stroked the twins'' heads.


    ¡°Great-grandad, Grand-aunt. Good morning.¡± The siblings then introduced themselves in unison.


    At the same time, they even mischievously blew a flying kiss at ke and Alina.


    ¡°How obedient!¡± ke took a great liking to the beautiful and sensible twins.


    As a matter of fact, he had learned about Avery''s circumstances from his daughter.


    The fact that his granddaughter chose to be a surrogate in order to save his son''s life had him feeling


    both guilty and touched.


    Seeing the twins, who were smart and quick-witted, he grinned widely since he loved children in the


    first ce.


    He sat on the bench and put on his sses. Cradling the twins'' faces in his age-wizened hands, he


    studied them carefully. ¡°How simr! You''re both simply too good-looking, a carbon copy of my


    granddaughter when she was young!¡±


    ¡°Did Mommy look like us when she was young, Great-grandad?¡± Zachary inquired adorably.


    ¡°Yup. Your mommy was as pretty as a picture when she was young, just like you both. Wherever she


    went, everyoneplimented her. At that time, she had two pigtails and behaved like an angel. Other


    kids always cried, but she never made a fuss. Instead, she started helping me with chores at a tender


    age. In the blink of an eye, she already has children your age.¡±


    ke reminisced about Avery''s childhood while gazing at the two children''s faces that resembled his


    granddaughter''s with an affectionate expression on his face.


    ¡°Let''s go home first, Grandpa.¡± Upon hearing her grandfather''s continual praises of her, Avery felt


    somewhat uneasy.


    A smile bloomed on Alina''s face as she looked at her niece. Supporting ke alongside Avery, she


    headed toward the mansions in the residential area.


    The elderly men and women exercising at the side called out to ke enthusiastically, ¡°ke! Is this


    your granddaughter, ke? Is she here to visit you?¡±


    ¡°Yes, this is my granddaughter, Avery. And these two kids are my great-grandchildren.¡±


    ¡°Whoa! Your granddaughter is really beautiful. This pair of twins is also as pretty as a picture. You''re


    truly blessed, ke!¡±


    A joyful smile split ke''s wrinkled face.


    ¡°The man who drove here earlier must have been your grandson-inw, right? Not only is he tall and


    handsome, but he even drives a luxurious car. Why did he leave without visiting you?¡± an elderlydy


    on friendly terms with ke asked curiously, eager for some gossip.


    All those exercising by the entrance saw Avery and her children alighting from a fancy luxurious car


    from afar.


    The man who drove seemed to be a sessful man, and he even thoughtfully opened the door for her


    and the children.


    However, he left right after dropping them off, leaving everyone disappointed at not getting to see a


    wealthy man closely.


    All the elderly people living there were well off, but they fell shortpared to the owner of the car from


    which Avery alighted.


    ¡°That wasn''t my husband, ma''am. He was the driver. My husband has some work at the office, so he


    can''t make it. He''ll only be free toe over at noon,¡± Avery exined.


    ¡°Whoa! How much more handsome must your husband be when even the driver is so good-looking?


    Seriously, you''re blessed, ke...¡±


    Under everyone''s envious gazes, ke went back to his mansion in the residential area with Avery,


    Alina, and the twins.


    His was a two-story house with four bedrooms and a living room with a Chanaean-style design and


    decor.


    One bedroom was upied by ke and another by the housekeeper, while the remaining two


    functioned as guest rooms.


    Although the house was equipped with all sorts of furniture and electrical appliances, it appeared rather


    bare, perhaps because few people lived there.


    An old photo stood on the table in the middle of the living room. It was a picture of Avery and ke


    many years ago.


    Sorrow welled within Avery.


    Grandpa is up in years, and elderly people actually love lively atmospheres and enjoy ying with their


    grandchildren, yet he''s living here all alone. I suggested more than once that he shoulde and live


    with us, but he always turned me down, iming that he was stuck in his ways in his old age and


    unused to the ways and practices of the younger generation. No matter what, he refused to move in


    with us.

 Chapter 373

    Chapter 373


    Alina poured Avery a cup of hot coffee.


    At the same time, she took out a lot of healthy snacks for the adorable twins.


    Verily, she was exceedingly fond of them both.


    Due to health reasons, she couldn''t have a child of her own, and it left a sense of regret within her to


    that very day. Thus, she directed all her love at Zachary and Rory.


    The two children soon got along with her smashingly, calling her Grand-aunt affectionately.


    ¡°How do you find living here, Grandpa?¡± Avery sat on the couch, chatting with ke.


    ¡°Pretty good. I wasn''t quite used to it at first, but I fell in love with this ce after some time. Not only is


    the environment here great, but I''ve also got good food and nice clothes. On top of that, I''ve got a


    housekeeper to wait on me. As I went out for strolls in the residential area, I got to know a lot of friends


    my age. Never had I thought that I could have such a good life. My neighbors are right, Ery. I''m blessed


    because of you!¡± ke eximed.


    After having worked myself to the bone for the better half of my life, I finally get to enjoy my golden


    days. Leonardo had a stable job when he grew up and entered the working world, but his personality


    was too nd, so he was destined to live a mediocre life. Later, he married two women, one worse


    than thest. His first wife, Allie, was overbearing and materialistic. She couldn''t endure his simple and


    honest nature, so she left. While she wascking in every other aspect, there was one good thing that


    came from her¡ªmy wonderful granddaughter. When his second wife, Henrietta, married into the family


    with Mna, she proved to be even more domineering and vitriolic, controlling him in everything. Not


    only did she forbid him from returning to his hometown, but she also forbade Avery and me from


    stepping foot in their house in the city even though we were his father and biological daughter.


    Leonardo was a timid one, so he hardly showed us any concern throughout the years since she had


    him under her thumb. Thus, I lived in the vige with Avery for years on end. Though life was difficult


    then, I was already content. Unexpectedly, not only did Avery find a good job in the city with her own


    capabilities when she grew up and gained a firm foothold in thepany, but she even found a man as


    outstanding as Cayden. That aside, she brought me here to live out the rest of my life.


    Therefore, he was really contented right then.


    ¡°Why are you standing on ceremony with me, Grandpa? I''m your granddaughter, so taking care of you


    is my duty.¡±


    Avery then took out a stack of brand-new bills from her handbag and stuffed it into ke''s hands.


    ¡°Here''s my sry, which I''d just received. Take it, Grandpa. Tell me if you run out of money.¡±


    ke didn''t know how to use bank cards, so she could only give him cash.


    ke''s eyes widened, and he adamantly refused to ept the money. ¡°Why are you giving me money


    when you''re paying for my lodging and food here? I don''t buy anything usually, so the money will only


    gather dust if you give it to me. Worse still, I might get robbed again.¡±


    Amused, Avery burst outughing. She persisted in stuffing the money into his hands. ¡°Don''t worry,


    Grandpa. The security in this residential area is excellent, so no robbers can break in. You''ve got to


    have some money in hand in case you want to buy something to eat, no? Otherwise, the neighbors will


    think that I''m unfilial, too stingy to give you any money. You must take this money, or I''ll get mad!¡±


    ¡°Dad, this is a token from Ery, so just take it,¡± Alina, who was ying with the two children at the side,


    interjected.


    It was rare for Avery to act coquettish with him, so ke was utterly defeated. Shaking his head, he


    had no choice but to take the thick stack of bills.


    He sighed before saying to Avery dotingly, ¡°Okay, then. I''ll take the money and save it for you.¡±


    Before they knew it, it was already noon.


    As the housekeeper took a few days off, the task of preparing lunch fell on Alina and Avery.


    They bought two whole baskets of vegetables at the supermarket.


    In consideration that ke and Cayden both required nourishing, Avery bought spare ribs and a


    chicken carcass, nning to make some broth.


    While they both bustled around the kitchen, Alina advised Avery earnestly as she washed vegetables.


    ¡°Ery, although you''ve got two kids with Cayden now, you can''t remain with him forever without any


    status. Let me tell you this from experience¡ªa man will treat you like a priceless treasure when he


    pampers you, even going as far as giving his life up, but once he doesn''t love you anymore, he won''t


    take pity on you even if you cry yourself blind. Society is fickle nowadays. Temptation is everywhere,


    and men can change in the blink of an eye. Marriage is the only guarantee for a woman. Even if it ends


    in a divorce, we won''t end up penniless, right? Also, you''ve got to learn to apply some makeup and doll


    yourself up. Look at you. You''re going to be twenty-five years old soon, yet you still look the same. This


    won''t do! Men are bees in nature and love flitting from flower to flower. If you don''t pay attention to


    maintaining your looks and beautifying yourself, you''ll gradually wither. Sooner orter, you''ll lose your


    vivid colors. At that time, the bee will go out and seek out other flowers. Then, it''ll be toote for you to


    cry.¡±


    Alina had always been a sophisticated woman who kept herself looking great at all times.


    In fact, Avery had almost never seen her without makeup.


    She perpetually emanated a sense of novelty and beauty. Despite having been divorced then, one


    couldn''t see any traces of haggardness on her face. Instead, she was still as exquisite and elegant as


    ever.


    Undeniably, Avery agreed with some parts of her long speech. However, there were others she begged


    to differ.


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    She felt that Cayden wasn''t a bee, nor did he like flitting from flower to flower by nature.


    Nheless, she knew that Alina was only saying that for her good. She and ke were Alina''s only


    remaining family, so it was understandable that she worried about Avery''s marriage.


    Right then, Avery gently stirred the bone broth that was about ready.


    Inhaling the rich fragrant, she replied smilingly, ¡°You don''t need to worry about me, Aunt Alina. Our


    rtionship will bear fruit sooner orter. Oh yes, how are you doing? Did you visit the hospital


    recently?¡±


    She regarded Alina with worry written clear in her eyes.


    Alina had cancer. After returning to the country, she had been taking medicine and receiving treatment


    consistently.


    Sometimes, Avery wondered why fate was so unfair. Her father had died from cancer, and her aunt


    was also suffering from almost the same disease then. That had her feeling anguished and helpless.


    ¡°I''m feeling much better than before. Ultimately, traditional medicine is different from modern medicine.


    Although it takes some time before the efficacy shows, it''s safe. You must learn to doll up, Ery. Money


    can be straightened up when rumpled, clothes can be changed when they''re old, and money can be


    earned again when you''ve run out, but a woman only has a single chance at a perfect figure and


    wless skin. You''re still young now, so you''re innately beautiful without having to doll up too much. But


    it''d be toote if you were to only pay attention to your looks when you''re my age. Listen to me, Ery.


    Register your marriage with Cayden as soon as possible, even if you can''t have the wedding reception


    right away,¡± Alina nagged.


    Avery didn''t get a chance to respond to that as, out of the blue, a deep and melodic male voice drifted


    into the kitchen. ¡°Aunt Alina, my wedding with Avery will be held very soon, so you don''t need to worry


    about it. By then, you must attend personally and give us your blessings.¡±


    Surprised, Avery snapped her head back, only to see Cayden in the kitchen.


    He stood there in a suit and leather shoes with his fair neck bared. The light streaming in from outside


    the kitchen window painted him faintly crimson.

 Chapter 374

    Chapter 374


    Although lunch was home-cooked food, the dishes were all scrumptious. Besides, there were a variety


    of dishes served.


    Not only was the table filled with appetizers and main dishes, but there was also a bottle of ke''s


    favorite tequ.


    Cayden got to know about ke''s hobby through Avery. Before he went over, he went out of his way to


    buy a bottle of tequ.


    Avery only sat down next to Cayden after bringing thest dish, a bowl of soup, to the table.


    While serving ke some soup, Avery said, ¡°Grandpa, these are the dishes I learned to make recently.


    Please have a taste. I hope you like them.¡±


    Most of the dishes on the table were ke''s favorites, while a couple of dishes were to Cayden''s liking.


    ke then patted Cayden on the shoulder and praised Avery, saying, ¡°My granddaughter isn''t too bad,


    right? Look at the dishes she prepared. Not only do they look nice, but they also taste delicious! In fact,


    the smell alone is making me hungry! You''re definitely not going to regret marrying Ery. Ery has always


    been sensible and obedient. Her only w is that she''s too passive. Even if someone were to wrong


    her, she would still keep her mouth shut. Cayden, you''d better not bully my granddaughter!¡±


    ke had met Cayden before, and that wasn''t the first time they interacted with each other. Therefore,


    ke knew Cayden was the boss of a multinationalpany. Although Cayden was from a wealthy


    family, he wasn''t as arrogant and vain as those typical rich kids. Instead, Cayden was polite and


    respectful. That was why ke had a good impression of Cayden.


    However, ke was still a little worried. Although my granddaughter is amazing, this excellent young


    man has an extraordinary family background. Meanwhile, we''re not a wealthy family, and my


    granddaughter has to take care of me. What if the Moore family bullies Ery because of this?


    Sitting there with his tall and muscr figure, Cayden looked incredibly elegant. He calmly held Avery''s


    hand and teased, ¡°Don''t worry, Grandpa. Ery holds the most power at home. Normally, she''s the one


    bullying me. Besides, why would I do that? I have nothing but love for her!¡±


    ¡°Goodd! Come on. Let''s have a couple of drinks!¡± ke said.


    ke was in good spirits that day. After having a few drinks with Cayden, his wrinkly face was glowing.


    Nheless, he got a little tipsy.


    Seeing that, Avery tried to snatch ke''s ss away. ¡°Grandpa, a person your age shouldn''t be


    drinking too much.¡±


    ke shot Avery a grumpy look and replied, ¡°Let me be, will you? I''m having a good time. After all, I


    know my body better than you, and I can hold my liquor, okay? I''m going to have a few more with


    Cayden.¡±


    Alina was busy serving food to the twins when she heard that. She couldn''t help but frown and say,


    ¡°Dad, I know you''re having a good time, but you shouldn''t drink so much. When I brought you to the


    doctor for a medical checkup that day, the doctor advised you to quit drinking, didn''t he? If you don''t


    stop, you''re going to trouble Ery again because she will need to take care of you when you end up in a


    hospital.¡±


    ke mmed his ss onto the table when he heard what his daughter said.


    He then threw a tantrum with a solemn expression. ¡°I''m not drinking anymore! What''s so wrong with me


    having a few drinks? I''m just happy Cayden is here.¡±


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    Avery sighed and felt helpless. At the same time, she was rather amused. What can I do? My grandpa


    is an alcoholic!


    The twins were staring at their grumpy great-grandfather in bafflement. Their jaws dropped, and they


    even forgot to chew the food in their mouths. When Great-grandad is angry, he looks exactly like Great-


    grandpa! Great-grandpa has high blood pressure, so he isn''t supposed to eat oily or spicy food.


    However, he''s too in love with meat! Great-grandpa had the same funny facial expression as Great-


    grandad when Daddy restricted his diet.


    Cayden knew exactly what to do with old people like ke. After all, if Cayden could handle Jeffrey, he


    would have no problem handling ke.


    Suddenly, Cayden put his ss on the table elegantly.


    He then smiled and uttered in a gentle tone, ¡°Grandpa, I''ve already had a few drinks with my clients


    before I came over. I think the tequ is too strong for me, and I''m having trouble staying sober. Why


    don''t we drink some other day? By the way, I have a few bottles of wine at home. Not only are they


    tasty, but they''re also good for your health. So even if you have a whole bottle to yourself, it''ll be all


    right. Unfortunately, I was in a rush, and I forgot to bring them here. I''ll bring you some when Ie


    over next time. We''ll continue drinking then, okay?¡±


    ke''s frown loosened up when Cayden eased the tension in the room.


    Moreover, his eyes lit up instantly when he heard about the wine Cayden was talking about. ¡°Sure!


    We''ll continue drinking next time!¡±


    The family had a pleasant lunch afterward.


    From time to time, Cayden would chat with ke, and at the same time, Cayden had to deal with the


    slightly sensitive questions Alina threw at him. All in all, he handled them quite well.


    Cayden had always been ineloquent whenever he dealt with strangers. However, ke wasn''t like the


    people Cayden had to deal with regrly. ke was friendly and kind. Truth be told, Cayden had never


    experienced the same kind of loving and heartwarming atmosphere in the Moore residence.


    Needless to say, Cayden felt veryfortable, and he was eager to get along with them.


    During lunch, Cayden would keep serving Avery food, and he ended up piling up her te. ¡°Ery, you''re


    too skinny. You ought to eat more...¡± Whenever he said that, his eyes were filled with love and affection.


    ke and Alina noticed how natural Cayden looked when he served Avery food. It was as if he had


    done it a million times before.


    Having experienced a lifetime of ups and downs, ke could tell that Cayden''s feelings toward Avery


    were sincere.


    As for Alina, she was initially worried about Avery and had thought a wealthy heir like Cayden wouldn''t


    be themitted and sincere type. Judging from his performance today, I can see that this man truly


    loves Avery. However, I wouldn''t make a hasty assessment of him. Men''s love for women could be


    deceiving. In my case, my man used to love me so dearly that every woman in Jetroina would be


    jealous of me. Once the love faded, he didn''t care about me anymore, regardless of how much I


    begged and gave in to him. I hope the kind and gentle Avery wouldn''t end up like me.


    After lunch, Avery helped Alina with the dishes while Cayden yed chess with ke.


    That night, Avery and her family stayed at ke''s, and they had a lovely dinner together.


    Although Cayden and ke were two generations apart, Cayden managed to get into ke''s good


    books with his high emotional intelligence. Even Alina, who was doubtful of Cayden, ended up admiring


    his personality. Deep down, Alina was happy with Avery''s choice of being with Cayden.


    Early the next morning, Cayden had something to deal with at work, so he had to rush back to the


    office. Avery also needed to head toward the hospital to take care of Nina.


    ke was reluctant to watch them leave, but he knew they had things to attend to. Hence, he had no


    choice but to see them out.


    Before they left, ke suddenly whipped out a mary gift and gave it to Cayden. ¡°Take this.


    ording to our family''s tradition, the grandparents must give their granddaughters'' husbands a


    mary gift. This is my blessing for you guys. Hence, you must take it.¡±


    Cayden was stumped. Having been in the business industry for many years, my social circle is filled


    with high-ranking and powerful people. I''ve met all kinds of people prior to this. Some were greedy,


    some were fake, and some of them were cunning. Despite their differences, they had one thing in<pmon. All they ever wanted was my money. In fact, I''ve been giving out money all my life. No one


    has ever given me a mary gift...

 Chapter 375

    Chapter 375


    Needless to say, that includes my own family, not even when I was little.


    Ever since Cayden was little, Jeffrey had been harsh on him, and Lily had always been hostile toward


    him. Furthermore, his biological mother wanted nothing but money from him.


    That was why he was so touched when ke gave him a mary gift.


    Although the mary gift weighed almost nothing, he felt the weight of a boulder in his grip. So much


    so that his hands started trembling.


    Cayden didn''t want to take money from the old man, but the mary gift meant a lot. I must ept it.


    ¡°Cayden, since it''s from Grandpa, you should just ept it. Otherwise, Grandpa isn''t going to let you


    leave. It''s true that there''s this tradition in my family,¡± Avery uttered gently while holding Cayden''s arm.


    Avery knew how bull-headed ke was. If Cayden doesn''t ept it, we won''t be able to leave.


    ¡°Thank you, Grandpa.¡± At that moment, Cayden felt his throat drying up, and there was an


    indescribable sense of warmth in his heart.


    ¡°Daddy, we received mary gifts as well! In fact, we received two each. Great-grandad and Grand-


    aunt gave them to us.¡± Zachary and Rory flipped through their backpacks.


    A momentter, the kids whipped out two mary gifts each from their backpacks and showed them


    off to Cayden and Avery happily.


    Right before the little ones fell asleep the night before, the ever-so-gentle and loving Alina gave those


    mary gifts to the kids.


    Not only were Zachary and Rory used to receiving mary gifts, but they were also rather sleepy at


    that time. Hence, they forgot to tell their parents about the mary gifts they received.


    When they saw Cayden receiving a mary gift the next morning, the kids didn''t want to be outdone,


    so they quickly took out theirs as well.


    Seeing that, Cayden nced at the twins fiercely and scolded, ¡°Who taught you guys to hide your


    mary gifts?¡±


    The twins were startled by Cayden''s stern gaze, so they quickly hid behind Avery.


    Zachary lowered his head guiltily after that. Rory, on the other hand, exined, ¡°We weren''t hiding our


    mary gifts, Daddy. Zach and I fell asleepst night, so we forgot to tell you and Mommy. We''re


    sorry...¡±


    ke''s heart ached when he saw how scared the kids were.


    N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    He then patted the twins'' heads to offerfort before lecturing Cayden, saying, ¡°Don''t scare the kids.


    I was the one who forced them to ept my mary gifts.¡±


    Evidently, ke loved the twins very much.


    Avery replied in a helpless tone, ¡°Grandpa, don''t spoil them. We have to go now. We''lle to visit


    when we''re free. Take care of yourself, Grandpa. Aunt Alina, we''re leaving now.¡±


    Avery and her family left after she said goodbye to ke and Alina.


    ke leaned on his cane and stood motionless by the residential area''s entrance while staring nkly


    in the direction they left in.


    After a long while, Alina held ke''s arm and urged, ¡°Dad, it''s cold outside, and you might catch a cold.


    I''ll bring you in, okay?¡±


    While being held by Alina, ke staggered into the residential area. In a worrisome tone, he asked,


    ¡°Lina, will Cayden find the mary gift I gave him too little? After all, he''s filthy rich.¡±


    ¡°How much did you give him, Dad?¡± Alina asked curiously.


    ¡°Eight hundred. I think it''s okay, though.¡±


    ¡°That''s good, Dad. Back home, the elderly would always give their grandson-inw eight hundred.


    That''s not a small amount. Furthermore, Cayden didn''t take your mary gift for its money. Instead, it


    symbolizes a gesture of eptance.¡±


    In reality, Cayden wouldn''t pick up eight hundred off of the floor if he were to drop that amount of


    money. That was because he could earn a few hundred times more with that effort.


    However, the mary gift symbolized the eptance and blessing ke was giving to Cayden.


    Therefore, Cayden would appreciate it more than wealth itself.


    ¡°Ery is truly blessed. Although Cayden''s character is unquestionable, being married into a wealthy


    family takes effort! The same thing happened to you back then. I told you not to marry the rich man


    from Jetroina, but you wouldn''t listen. Look what happened now.¡± ke sighed.


    ke''s expression turned gloomy, and his face turned even more wrinkly the moment he remembered


    his only daughter''s unsessful marriage.


    A look of indescribable pain shed across Alina''s face when she heard that. Nheless, it only took


    her a few seconds to conceal her sadness. ¡°Dad, although my marriage failed, that doesn''t mean it''s


    going to happen to Ery. I think Cayden is a good man, and he''s definitely going to take good care of


    Ery. Don''t worry about that. Everyone has their own fate. Ery will have a good life under his protection.¡±


    ¡°I hope that''s the case...¡± ke let out a long sigh.


    With that, his back looked even more hunched.


    Soon, Monday arrived.


    Avery was incredibly busy with work because the project Trident Group and Vivi Group were working


    together on was about to start after the New Year. Her team had to endure the severe cold to go to the


    site to inspect the construction work that needed modifying.


    When they returned, it was already two in the afternoon. Avery had to rush her slides for her report on


    the inspection.


    When Avery was in the middle of it, Yulissa showed up and knocked on Avery''s desk. In a domineering


    tone, Yulissa instructed, ¡°Avery, the advertising department needs help because they''re short-staffed.


    Come with me. We''ll help the advertising department out.¡±


    Avery was annoyed because Yulissa disrupted her work. However, she responded nicely, ¡°Ms. Yantz,


    I''m not done with my work yet. Besides, there are a lot of people in the advertising department. If I


    remember correctly, they have more staff than we do, so how could they be short-staffed?¡±


    Yulissa''s expression was filled with disdain when she looked down at Avery to see Avery''s conservative


    outfit.


    Annoyed, Yulissa warned, ¡°Just do as I say, will you? I''m your superior, so you should heed my orders,


    regardless of what they are. Moreover, I''ve only asked you to help the advertising department out.


    What''s wrong with that? We''re working with Nicole Lambert today. Everyone in thepany is eager to


    work with a superstar, but Ms. Lambert wanted you specifically. Do you know how powerful Ms.


    Lambert''s backers are? Go now. If you end up angering Ms. Lambert, I won''t be able to help you!¡±


    With that, Yulissa strutted away in her high heels.


    In truth, Avery''s expression changed right away when she heard Nicole had asked for her specifically.


    Cecelia heard what Yulissa said, and she threw her pen onto the table in frustration. She felt as though


    Avery was getting treated unfairly. ¡°What''s the matter with her? There are so many of us here. Why


    must she ask you to go? The same goes for Nicole! She''s such a poser. Does she not have enough


    people from the advertising department to serve her? Why should she ask for you specifically? She''s


    so arrogant! Ery, ignore them and stay put. She can''t force you to do that!¡±


    Avery pondered for a while and said, ¡°Forget about it. I want to see what Nicole is up to.¡±


    Avery''s instincts told her that Nicole was the culprit behind the incident, whereby the cat attacked her


    out of the blue. Although I don''t have proof, I think Nicole is responsible for what happened at Azure


    Royal thest time around. Why did she ask for me specifically? Let''s see what she wants.

 Chapter 376

    Chapter 376


    The indoor shooting sets in Trident Group''s advertising department were realistic and beautifully


    decorated. All the employees were busy when Avery arrived.


    That day, they were shooting an advertisement for a line of high-end newly developed perfume by


    Trident Group called Queen Collection. The new perfumes were rich, longsting, and pleasant. The


    collection showcased the beauty and elegance of a woman, and Trident Group was going to introduce


    it to the market after the New Year.


    The theme of the advertisement for the perfumes was called ¡°Allure.¡±


    Although everyone was busy when Avery entered the shooting site, they were doing their jobs in an


    orderly manner.


    Right then, she saw Nicole in ayer of thick makeup and a see-through, sequin outfit. Thetter was in


    the middle of the shoot for the advertisement.


    Unlike her usual innocent charm, Nicole was dressed seductively that day.


    Avery also saw staff circling Nicole busily.


    During a short break, the makeup artist provided Nicole with some touch-ups, and Nicole then returned


    to the shooting scene, looking beautiful again.


    The director, Joseph Skinner, was sitting in front of a high-end camera when he held up a walkie-talkie


    and told the lighting engineers to brighten the lights slightly. N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    Once that was done, he told the other two cameramen to switch positions. After that, he said loudly into


    his walkie-talkie, ¡°Please work together, everyone! We must do the shooting properly!¡±


    Joseph was an internationally acimed director. He directed countless films and umted a lot of


    awards. Besides, he had even directed perfume advertisements for famous designer brands.


    ¡°Okay!¡± the staff answered in unison.


    ¡°Action!¡± Joseph yelled. As soon as he said that, the lighting engineers, cameramen, and lighting staff


    waited with bated breath.


    In order to get better angles, all three cameras were facing Nicole at the same time. The cameramen


    then quickly started recording.


    Soon, Nicole was seen holding a bottle of perfume when she entered the scene. She then tried a few


    poses, such as lying t on the floor, facing the camera with her back, and covering half of her face


    with her arm. Throughout those poses, she was making all kinds of seductive and enchanting


    expressions toward the cameras. Despite her effort, all her poses ended up looking awkward.


    Avery couldn''t help but shake her head when she saw that. Nicole had always been pulling off an


    innocent appearance. She can''t possibly change her style all of a sudden and do what Bonnie does.


    Since she can''t express herself freely, her supposedly seductive actions will look unnatural.


    ¡°Cut!¡± Joseph kept pausing the shoot, even though they had only started a few minutes prior.


    While looking at Nicole with disappointment in his eyes, Joseph said coldly, ¡°Something''s off, Ms.


    Lambert. Take a break, and we''ll start shooting again in ten minutes. The perfume has an alluring style


    to it, and it''s supposed to symbolize a domineering woman. Your eyes are inexpressive. Instead of


    acting innocent, I need you to be more seductive and alluring. Please get yourself prepared, Ms.


    Lambert. You should know what to do.¡±


    Nicole was feeling defeated. In fact, she was getting sick of the shoot after noticing the disappointment


    in Joseph''s eyes. I was already trying my best to act seductive and alluring! For the sake of this


    advertisement, I''ve even lost my appetite. We''ve been doing this for almost a whole day, no? Why are


    we not done yet? Before this, my shoots for advertisements had been smooth sailing. I''ve been nothing


    but focused and hardworking throughout the day so that I could perform. What exactly does this hot-


    tempered director want?


    Despite her hateful thoughts, Nicole replied to Joseph politely, ¡°Thank you, Mr. Joseph. I''ll pay more


    attention to my expressionster.¡±


    After Nicole left, Joseph sat in front of the camera and turned to look at his assistant helplessly. ¡°This


    actress is pretty, but she''s dull. Her poses were all so unnatural. Besides, her style doesn''t even suit


    the perfume! Mr. Moore has always been a smart man, and he has high expectations. How did he end


    up picking a woman like her to shoot for an advertisement?¡±


    Meanwhile, everyone at the shooting site was gathering around Nicole and giving her all the attention


    in the world.


    As Nicole was smiling and drinking a bottle of water given by a staff nearby, deep down, she was


    unhappy with Joseph.


    Almost everyone she knew would always please her because of her status. No one had ever dared to


    criticize her in person. Although some of them knew how bad her performance could be, none of them


    dared to voice their opinions.


    Joseph, on the other hand, humiliated Nicole when he trashed her in person. Hence, she was feeling


    aggrieved since she was used to receiving praise andpliments. Still, she had to swallow her anger


    because she couldn''t vent her frustration publicly.


    ¡°Ms. Lambert.¡± Avery showed up before Nicole calmly and said, ¡°When I was working, Ms. Yantz told


    me the advertising department is short-staffed. She also told me you''ve specifically asked for me. But it


    seems like you already have all the help you need.¡±


    Avery''s tone was as calm as ever.


    Nicole then put her bottle of water aside and turned toward Avery. ¡°I''m sorry for disrupting your work,


    Ms. Rumpley. I usually have two assistants by my side. You know one of them. She had an ident in


    Azure Royal, so she''s resting at home. Coincidentally, the other assistant of mine is on leave, so


    neither of them can be here with me. As you know, I''m not familiar with Trident Group, and I tend to get


    nervous when I shoot. I thought you could be my assistant for the day. Not only have we met a couple


    of times before, but you''re also an employee here. I hope you''ll be able to help me adapt to the


    environment until I finish shooting the advertisement. Will that be okay with you, Ms. Rumpley?¡±


    Nicole''s reason was ridiculous, but she managed to sugarcoat it. Besides, she looked sincere and


    humble when she said it. Suddenly, everyone''s impression of Nicole improved when they heard what


    she said.


    Nicole was an official''s daughter, but she wasn''t arrogant at all. Instead, she was friendly and kind. The


    staff in the advertising department knew what she was like, so they were fond of her.


    Avery shed a half-smile and replied, ¡°Oh, stop it. Ms. Lambert, you''re an elegantdy, so it''s my


    honor to be chosen by you. Although architects aren''t supposed to get involved with shootings in the


    advertising department, I''m still an employee at Trident Group. Since I was told to do this by Ms. Yantz,


    I''ll definitely do as I was told.¡±


    Avery had just given her a backhandedpliment.


    On the surface, Avery said serving Nicole was something she should do. However, Avery was actually


    criticizing Nicole for abusing her status. She dragged me all the way here from the design department


    to attend to something that has nothing to do with me.


    Naturally, Nicole could tell Avery was mocking her.


    In fact, Nicole was reminded of the incident in Azure Royal. Not only did I fail to trick her, but the whole


    thing almost backfired on me.


    In the aftermath, Xander ended up ckmailing Nicole, and she was still upset about what had


    happened. If not for Avery, I wouldn''t have suffered such a huge loss.


    Truth be told, when Nicole came to shoot the advertisement at Trident Group, she had the intention of


    tormenting Avery.


    How surprising is this? Avery looks so gentle on the outside, but she''s actually a feisty woman. Nicole


    wore a smile, but she was gritting her teeth silently. What an ignorant woman! Just you wait. I''m going


    to make you my ve!

 Chapter 377

    Chapter 377


    Subsequently, Nicole treated Avery like her personal assistant. Not only did she ask thetter to get a


    drink, pour her water, and practice lines with her, but she also asked Avery to go out and get coffee for


    her.


    Basically, she did not let Avery catch her breath.


    Every time Nicole asked Avery to do those things, she would ask in a polite manner instead of ordering


    thetter around arrogantly. She would even act cute and cajole thetter, which made it hard for


    others to find problems with her actions.


    Even the employees from the advertising department felt that a daughter of a rich family who was as


    humble and cute as Nicole was hard to find. Hence, they believed it was only right for Avery to run all


    those errands.


    After all, ordinary citizens rarely had the chance to get so close to a celebrity.


    Meanwhile, Avery forced herself to stay calm, though she knew Nicole was only using a different


    method to make her life difficult.


    Nicole''s status was not the only reason Avery could not afford to offend the former. Avery did not want


    to cause trouble for Cayden. After all, William was Nicole''s backer.


    If Avery identally upset Nicole, thetter might go home andin to William, who would use


    underhanded methods to harm Cayden to avenge his beloved daughter.


    After getting Nicole''s coffee, Avery stood beside the director and watched Nicole perform in the


    perfume advertisement''s shooting.


    Avery could not help butugh when Joseph shouted ¡°cut¡± for what seemed to be the thousandth time.


    Not that Avery was gloating at Nicole, but thetter''s acting skills were just that horrible.


    Her acting was exaggerated, and she only cared about showing off her beauty. In the end, she


    neglected the main purpose of the advertisement, which was to show off the perfume. After all, the


    perfume was the selling point.


    s, the more displeased Joseph was, the more terrible Nicole''s acting became. In the end, it became


    a vicious cycle.


    Unfortunately for the tall and handsome foreign male model who performed well, he had to endure the


    repeated interruption because of Nicole, which made him feel displeased with thetter as well.


    At that point, Joseph was utterly frustrated. As someone who had been filming movies and


    advertisements for many years, he had met many famous actors and models but never encountered


    one as horrible as Nicole. Her movements were as lifeless as a mannequin.


    This was supposed to be a simple advertisement that could have been done before noon, yet nothing


    wasplete even after spending an entire day on it. For an internationally known director like Joseph,


    every second was precious. Naturally, he was pissed to have wasted an entire day on Nicole, who


    performed poorly.


    When he heard a chuckle in the precinct, he immediately looked in its direction with his blue eyes filled


    with sternness and rage.


    Nheless, as soon as he saw Avery''s smile, he was stunned.


    She wore a professional outfit and had a pair of sparkling eyes and delicate eyebrows, which formed a


    sharp contrast on her face.


    Moreover, she looked dainty and alluring, which made it hard for Joseph to turn his eyes away from


    her.


    Now, this is what I call hot yet innocent looking!


    Unable to understand the words written in Chanaean on Avery''s employee tag, Joseph muttered to the


    manager of the advertising department in Ustranasion, ¡°Who''s that girl? Is she also a model hired by


    yourpany? Her demeanor suits the advertisement. Why don''t we make her the female lead?¡±


    ncing at Avery, who was in formal clothing, before shifting his gaze to her employee tag, the


    manager replied in Ustranasion, ¡°Mr. Joseph, she''s an employee of the design department, someone


    Ms. Lambert called to help us temporarily. Ms. Lambert is the lead of this advertisement. Is it really


    wise to suddenly switch her out?¡±


    Avery had studied in Ustrana for several years. Naturally, she was fluent in Ustranasion.


    When she realized Joseph and the manager were talking about her, she walked over, confused. ¡°Hello,


    Mr. Joseph. I''m Avery Rumpley from the design department. I''m here to help out for the time being


    because Ms. Lambert''s assistant is on leave.¡±


    Her pronunciation was perfect, and she spoke with an Ustranasion ent. One would think she was a


    Ustranasion if they did not see her face.


    Joseph''s blue eyes sparkled instantly. After giving her name some thought, he asked with a smile,


    ¡°Hello, Ms. Rumpley. I think you have an aura that goes well with the perfume advertisement for the


    Queen Collection. Would you be interested in giving it a shot?¡±


    He was a prideful person with a naturally arrogant demeanor. Even when he was faced with Nicole,


    who had an impressive background, he did not bother treating her with respect. Instead, he was


    indifferent to her.


    The fact that Joseph politely asked Avery to be the lead shocked the manager to the core because the


    latter was aware of Joseph''s strict requirements for actors and actresses. Although Nicole was not an


    international superstar, she was still someone who had been working in the entertainment industry for


    many years. Most importantly, despite her mediocre acting skills, she had some experience in filming


    advertisements.


    How is Avery qualified for the shoot? She has zero experience in filming.


    While it was not umon to invite amateurs to be featured in advertisements, Joseph''s offer still took


    Avery by surprise. Even so, she declined without even giving it some thought, ¡°Mr. Joseph, all I know is


    to design things. I''ve never shot anymercials before. In fact, I don''t have any experience in this at


    all. I''m sure the filming progress will be disrupted if the lead role is reced with me. Regardless, thank


    you for the kind offer.¡±


    This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    To her surprise, Joseph waved his hand and gazed at her with eyes full of trust and anticipation. ¡°No. I


    believe you can do it. Why don''t you get your makeup done and give it a shot? We''ll talk more if it


    doesn''t work, okay? Susan, doll her up!¡±


    With that said, the makeup artist, Susan Bone, brought Avery backstage to get thetter''s makeup


    done and change into the outfit. Joseph did not even bother waiting for Avery''s answer.


    s, the foreign assistants did not understand a word Avery said to decline the offer. They merely


    focused on taking her backstage.


    Meanwhile, Nicole stood in the corner and eyed Avery.


    This was Nicole''s territory, after all. She only asked Avery toe here to act as her ve, but never in


    her wildest dreams did she expect Joseph to take a liking to the ordinary Avery and even want the


    latter to rece her as the lead in the advertisement.


    Avery has acted in neither films nor advertisements before. She''s aplete amateur! Hmph. I don''t


    believe she can be better than me. Isn''t Mr. Joseph worried the shoot will be the joke of the town?


    By the time Avery reappeared after getting her makeup done and changed into the outfit, almost


    everyone''s jaw dropped at the sight of her.


    Not only was her dark hair given some curls, but she had also transformed from an innocent woman


    into a seductive one. Despite the drastic change, the crowd did not find the change jarring.


    Avery stood before the crowd with an elegant and regal aura, which perfectly suited the Queen


    Collection''s characteristics.

 Chapter 378

    Chapter 378


    Avery had an average height, and her slim build was ideal. d in the pure white bandeau dress, she


    exuded a domineering and elegant air. Additionally, the crystal heels on her feet elevated her height


    from five feet and four inches to five feet and seven inches, further enhancing her appearance.


    ¡°Not bad at all!¡± Joseph eximed when he saw Avery, snapping his fingers in satisfaction.


    When he noticed Avery''s nervousness and unease, he patted her on the shoulder, murmuring, ¡°Ms.


    Rumpley, acting can be difficult, but it can also be easy. Merely expressing oneself with their face or


    eyes won''t cut it. A person needs to put their body and heart into it. Don''t be nervous. It''s only a simple


    advertisement, after all. Just rx and think of it as if you are on vacation.¡±


    After beingforted by Joseph, Avery''s nervousness abated somewhat. This was the first time she


    was shooting an advertisement. Truth be told, she had no experience with shoots, and what Joseph


    asked of her was putting her way out of her depth.


    Avery wanted Cayden''s perfume advertisement shoot to be a sess. In order for a product to sell


    well, a good advertisement was of vital importance.


    Even if Nicole had performed poorly, she was still a public figure and celebrity. Compared to her, I am


    nothing...


    Avery was reluctant and concerned at the thought.


    Soon, everyone made preparations and the filming began.


    The people from the advertising department took their ces.


    Joseph and the assistant directors focused their cameras on Avery, simultaneously capturing her face


    that was illuminated by the lights.


    ¡°Mr. Joseph, I... I don''t know how to act,¡± Avery said as she sat on the prop awkwardly. She was truly


    out of her depth and at her wit''s end.


    ¡°It''s all right. You only have to pay attention to my signals and listen to my instructions,¡± Joseph assured


    her.


    Left with no other choice, Avery could only do as she was told. She partiallyy down on the prop that


    was decorated with gorgeous flowers.


    From the camera, one could see that Avery''s delicate and fair face was extraordinarily beautiful when


    rendered under the lights.


    She furrowed her brows slightly, lowered her head, and quirked her lips in a way that was somehow


    sorrowful and joyous at the same time. Although she was still at a loss, her eyes were spirited.


    Joseph, who had been filming with the camera, widened his eyes in astonishment. He shouted, ¡°Yes!


    That''s it! Try to look more flirtatious and like you''re enjoying yourself.¡±


    Enveloped in a halo of light, Avery still felt somewhat confused. Gradually, a thought urred to her, or


    perhaps something finally clicked into ce. She managed to grasp what Joseph wanted her to


    express. The staff was seduced by Avery''s smile as she smiled alluringly at the cameras. Even the


    atmosphere in the studio seemed to have brightened.


    Nicole''s expression darkened as Avery''s shoot proceeded. Clenching her fists tightly, she cursed in her


    heart. Avery is usually so reserved and old-fashioned when ites to her clothing. Why does she


    seem like apletely different person with a bit of makeup on? Obviously, she doesn''t have any


    filming experience. So how can she give such an excellent performance?


    Avery''s half-exposed, slender and fair legs were captured by the camera. She sat on the flower-


    strewed propnguidly, a bottle of Queen perfume in her hand. Then, she casually spritzed some


    perfume and closed her eyes, taking in the scent.


    The cameras captured Avery''s delicate face, perfectly wless at all angles.


    She nted a little beforenguidly uttering the slogan for the advertisement. At that moment, Avery


    was like azy cat. She was sensual, her eyes mesmerizing. She managed to showcase Queen


    perfume''s qualities and portray them perfectly.


    That was when Cayden entered the room.


    Since the advertising department had their hands full with the shoot, no one noticed his presence.


    Just as a handful of the staff members realized that Cayden was here and tried to greet him, they were


    silenced by his shushing gesture.


    Naturally, Nicole had also seen Cayden. With a joyful face, she stepped forward to greet him. ¡°Mr.


    Moore...¡±


    Cayden merely nodded in response as a gesture of courtesy before proceeding to ignore her.


    He watched Avery''s shoot quietly, an adoring look appearing in his clear eyes.


    There were countless women in the world who were prettier than Avery. However, she was the only


    one that managed to slip into his icy heart. To him, Avery was the one and only. She was his most


    special person.


    It was rare for him to see such a charming Avery. Her smile was beguiling and even downright sinful.


    Even if he knew that a lifelong shackle of happiness would be binding him, there was no way a man


    like him could calmly resist her allure.


    Meanwhile, Nicole stood at the side awkwardly. She looked on helplessly as the man she loved gazed


    ardently at another woman. Her expression contorted as the resentment and hatred she felt toward


    Avery surged.


    ¡°Oh my goodness! That girl''s performance is even better than a professional actor''s,¡± Joseph


    eximed to the assistant director. Through the camera lens, he stared at the image of Avery in a


    daze.


    If Avery joins the entertainment industry and films a lot of movies, I don''t know how many men will fall


    head over heels for her smile.


    She was a natural beauty, both inside and out. As a famous poet once said, ¡°Beauty is truth, truth is


    beauty.¡± The description suited Avery well.


    ¡°Cut!¡± Joseph yelled excitedly. If he had not known that Avery had never acted in an advertisement


    before, he would not have believed she had never studied acting. It will truly be a waste if someone as


    naturally talented as her doesn''t pursue acting!


    This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    To Joseph, Nicole was like a mechanical doll that could only recite inputted lines. On the other hand,


    Avery waspletely different. Thetter''s acting was natural, robust, and carried self-awareness.


    Because of her excellent control and expressiveness, there was barely any need to guide her. Thus,


    Avery came as a total surprise.


    After the shoot wrapped up, Avery finally noticed Cayden standing there.


    Blushing awkwardly, Avery went to him immediately. ¡°How was my performance? I''ve never acted in an


    advertisement before, but Mr. Joseph insisted I try it out. I was so nervous!¡±


    Cayden ignored the crowd present and ruffled her curled hair affectionately. ¡°Your performance was


    perfect.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Moore, I did not expect yourpany to have such a talented person hidden away. I certainly did


    not expect to encounter an architect with a natural talent for acting. She''s incredible!¡±


    At that moment, Joseph came over. After greeting Cayden, he turned to Avery and asked, ¡°Ms.


    Rumpley, would you be interested in joining the film industry? If you wish to set foot in the


    entertainment industry, I can provide you with resources. You have a talent for acting. It will be such a


    waste if you don''t pursue an acting career.¡±

 Chapter 379

    Chapter 379


    Thinking that Avery would appear on the big screen, being seen and admired by other men, Cayden


    frowned slightly and immediately rejected, ¡°Thank you for your kind offer, Mr. Joseph. But I think she''s


    not meant to be in the entertainment industry.¡±


    However, Joseph continued to persuade him, ¡°This girl has a lot of potential. Besides, it''s just a film. I


    give you my word that she will shine and be famous!¡±


    Of course, Cayden believed in Joseph''s ability.


    After all, his star-making capabilities were much superior to that of ordinary directors. There were a lot


    of superstars in Starwood who became famous because of him.


    However, Cayden didn''t want to expose Avery to the corrupted culture of the entertainment industry, so


    he firmly rejected the offer once again, ¡°Mr. Joseph, Avery is interested in architectural design, and she


    wants to be an outstanding architect, not a star in the entertainment industry.¡±


    ¡°Well, I''m sure she could juggle being a star and pursuing her interest. It''s just a matter of switching


    identities. Ms. Rumpley could take acting as her main career and architectural design as a side hustle. I


    don''t see any conflict between the two,¡± said Joseph.


    Seeing that Cayden was unconvinced, Joseph asked for Avery''s opinion directly, ¡°Ms. Rumpley, are


    you interested in entering the entertainment industry?¡±


    Avery let out a faint smile, subtly rejecting Joseph''s offer. She made her stance very clear and said,


    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Joseph, for your unconditional trust in me, but I''ve aspired to design, and I deeply


    appreciate your kindness.¡±


    Joseph couldn''t help but shake his head, feeling at a loss because of her stubbornness.


    The manager of the advertising department looked at Avery in astonishment. Many people want to find


    favor with Mr. Joseph, but they don''t even have the opportunity to get close to him. Whoever he


    chooses will certainly have a bright future, destined to have a smooth sailing journey in the


    entertainment industry. But unexpectedly, this girl, Avery, rejected the invitation from Joseph. Does she


    have any idea what she''s missing out on?


    Joseph was very disappointed. However, he still had the decency to hand over his name card to Avery.


    ¡°Ms. Rumpley, if you''re interested in joining the entertainment industry in the future, you may contact


    me directly.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Avery took the name card and thanked him politely.


    Cayden didn''t say anything else, but the serious expression on his face showed that he would never let


    Avery enter the entertainment industry.


    She belonged to him, and he would not let other men covet her beauty.


    ¡°Mr. Moore, I still have some PPT to be done. I''ll get back to work first.¡± Avery suddenly thought of the


    work report she hadn''t finished, so she informed Cayden and wanted to return to the design


    department.


    Cayden dotingly touched the tip of her nose, gazing at her affectionately. ¡°Okay, don''t let yourself get


    too exhausted. Let''s go home together tonight.¡±


    He mentioned going home instead of going back, which instantly melted Avery''s heart into mush.


    She didn''t know when she had be such an important person in Cayden''s life. The feeling of being


    able to work with thetter and go home together with him was wonderful.


    After Avery left, Cayden nced at Nicole.


    N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Nicole''s pretty face appeared to be slightly pale. There was also a hint of jealousy on it which was


    almost unnoticeable.


    After all, she was initially chosen to be the female lead for the shoot of the Queen Collection this time,


    but now she was reced by Avery.


    She thought she could take this opportunity to bring herself closer to Mr. Joseph, as it had been her


    dream for years to enter Starwood.


    Other than that, she also wanted to use this shoot to get closer to Cayden so that he gradually let his


    guard down. However, never did she know that one mistake would cost her everything!


    Nicole truly felt that she had never been in such a wretched state in her entire life.


    ¡°Ms. Lambert, I''m truly sorry for the breach of contract for the shoot this time. I''ll take full responsibility


    for this matter. It has nothing to do with Mr. Joseph. He is just doing his job. Ms. Lambert, ourpany


    will offer you three times thepensation for breaking the contract. What do you think?¡± Cayden said


    sincerely.


    Nicole fell into a daze while looking at Cayden''s face.


    Although she felt resentful deep down, she did not show any dissatisfaction in front of him and Joseph.


    On the contrary, she pretended to be magnanimous and responded in a gentle and soft tone, ¡°It''s okay,


    Mr. Moore. It''s indeed because of my poor performance this time. I will reflect upon it when I go back.


    Hopefully, we will be able to work together again next time.¡±


    Although Joseph was the one who insisted on recing the female lead of the shoot, Cayden shifted


    the me to himself instead and took the responsibility for breaching the contract.


    Instantly, Joseph''s admiration for the Aplothian grew.


    Joseph looked at Cayden guiltily. Then, he encouraged Nicole by saying, ¡°Ms. Lambert, you have a


    stunning appearance and an outstanding temperament, but your image positioning is only suitable for


    ying some innocent roles on the screen. You might still need to hone your skills and gain more


    experience before taking on more challenging roles. However, you have a good temper and patience. I


    believe you will be an outstanding actress in the future.¡±


    Although Nicole was smiling, her expression seemed a little stiff.


    If Joseph had not forcibly reced her with Avery, she would still be the female lead of the Queen


    Collection shoot. Therefore, she held a deep grudge against Joseph.


    Despite that, she seemed unperturbed and did not show any dissatisfaction at all. Instead, she replied


    courteously, ¡°Thank you, Mr. Joseph, for your advice. I will work harder to improve my acting skills.¡±


    Joseph smiled and did not say anything more. After he exchanged some pleasantries with Cayden, he


    left.


    Cayden was also about to leave when Nicole stopped him. ¡°Mr. Moore.¡±


    At that moment, Cayden lit a cigarette. The me on the cigarette was flickering and burning at the


    fingertips of the man, making his fingers look even neater.


    He took a huge puff and raised his head to look at her. ¡°Ms. Lambert, is there anything else?¡±


    ¡°M... My birthday is in a few days. I wonder if you would like toe to my birthday party?¡± Nicole


    mustered up the courage and asked.


    ¡°I''m always tied up with work and rarely go to parties. Besides, those activities are for youngsters. I


    don''t like crowds, but thanks for the invitation. I''ll let Mr. Dartsley send your birthday gift over when the


    timees,¡± said Cayden.


    Nicole stood rooted to the spot in the studio upon hearing that.


    Although the heater was turned on, she still felt a chill running down her spine. ¡°Mr. Moore, I...¡±


    Cayden lifted his gaze to Nicole and stopped in his tracks.


    All Nicole could do was stare at him dreamily. He had handsome facial features and an excellent


    temperament. It was no wonder that she had fallen for him from the first moment she saw him. She had


    never seen a man like him, who was a perfectbination of gentleness, elegance, coldness, and


    nobility.


    However, although he was so physically close to her, she still felt that the gap between them was


    unbridgeable.


    In fact, she even felt that she could never get close to Cayden in this life, despite giving her best.


    That being said, how could she give up just like that?

 Chapter 380

    Chapter 380


    It was true that there was something about Cayden that charmed women, but he had always been


    indifferent to Nicole¡ªalways polite and distant.


    Nicole could not understand it. She had already given herself to him, but he was still as cold as ever


    toward her.


    ¡°Mr. Moore...¡± Nicole pursed her lips as a shy expression crept onto her face.


    Thinking about the intimate way he had been with me the other day...


    Nicole wrung her hands and softly asked, ¡°Have you forgotten what happened between us on my


    grandpa''s birthday?¡±


    Cayden lifted his head to nce at Nicole. His gaze remained icy as he registered the blush on her


    face. ¡°What could have happened between us? I was with Avery the entire time. Ms. Nicole, I don''t


    know who gave you the wrong idea about my being interested in you, but I''ll have to rify things


    today. The one and only woman I love is Avery Rumpley. I loved her in the past, I still love her now, and


    I will continue to love her only. By the way, please convey a message to your mother when you go


    back. My rtionship isn''t something others can intervene in. Please ask her to stop troubling Avery


    ande to me instead. I have other things to attend to, Ms. Nicole, so I''ll be taking my leave now.¡±


    Nicole could only watch with wide eyes as Cayden''s slender figure disappeared from her line of sight.


    Then, she let out a mocking chuckle.


    She was in a public space, so she forced herself to calm down.


    I can''t believe Cayden said he was with Avery the entire time during Grandpa''s birthday. But I don''t


    think he''s the kind to lie. Could it really be that the man of that night was not him?


    That thought made Nicole''s heart sink.


    But there''s another possibility. Those under that drug''s influence would not be conscious of their


    surroundings and would not remember what they''ve done. Could it be that he doesn''t remember what


    happened that night?


    Naturally, Nicole preferred the second possibility.


    Nevertheless, a siren was still ringing somewhere deep in her mind, and her heart was palpitating.


    It felt as if some things had spiraled out of her control.


    No, I must find out what happened.


    After Nicole rushed out of the photography department, the employees of the advertising department


    began gossiping in excitement.


    One of the female employees uttered, ¡°Big news! Didn''t the rumors say that Nicole is with Mr. Moore? I


    hear that their families are a match in social standing, and they were even thinking of having a


    marriage so the families would be united, but from what we''ve seen today, it doesn''t seem like that''s


    the truth.¡±


    ¡°That''s right. Anyone with eyes would be able to see that our CEO treats Avery from the designN?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    department differently. It can''t be that Nicole has a crush on Mr. Moore, right?¡± said another female


    employee.


    ¡°That''s right. Anyone with eyes would be able to see that our CEO treats Avery from the design


    department differently. It can''t be that Nicole has a crush on Mr. Moore, right?¡± said another female


    employee.


    ¡°Who knows? No one can figure out Mr. Moore''s matters. Just a few days ago, we saw Ms. Lambert


    bringing food to the office for Mr. Moore, and she even tacitly agreed that she''s the CEO''s girlfriend, but


    this doesn''t look right. The way Mr. Moore treats her doesn''t seem like the way a boyfriend would treat


    his girlfriend. She''s clearly nothing but a stranger to him.¡±


    ¡°Hey, do you really think that our CEO is interested in Avery? I''d say, excluding her pretty face, she''s


    quite the average woman. Do you think she''ll be the CEO''s wife?¡±


    ¡°Ahem...¡± The advertising department''s manager walked over and gave everyone a stern look. ¡°Do you


    have too much time on your hands? How dare you discuss our CEO''s private life like this? Are you all


    tempted to lose your jobs?¡±


    Instantly, the women fell silent. After sharing a look with each other and sparing the manager onest


    nce, they hurried back to their workstations to continue working.


    Nicole returned to herpany in a daze. Just as she stepped into the building, the private investigator


    called her.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Ms. Lambert, are you free right now? I''ve found some confidential information, and I''d like to hand


    them to you now.¡± The private investigator sounded like he was in a good mood.


    As Nicole''s phone volume was high, the voiceing out of the speakers drew the attention of some


    well-known actors in thepany.


    Her heart lurched, and she quickly lowered the volume. Then, she went to a remote corner and said,


    ¡°I''m at the office right now, soe over here. I''ll be waiting at the newly-opened restaurant near my


    company.¡±


    Half an hourter, the bearded private investigator found Nicole in a private room and handed her a


    stack of documents.


    Nicole skimmed through the contents of the documents, and her hands began to shake. ¡°A-Are these


    real? You''re not lying to me, are you?¡±


    ¡°Ms. Lambert, although I seem like someone who likes fooling around, I''ve always been one to fulfill my


    promises. Moreover, you''ve offered me good payment for this. Why would I try to trick you with fake


    information? My lies would be exposed eventually if I were to use fake information, and in that case,


    wouldn''t I be ruining my business'' reputation?¡± the private investigator uttered as he chewed on a gum.


    Hence, Nicole slowly read through the documents again. The more she read, the further her heart


    sank. By the time she was close to the end, the sweat on her palms had soaked the thick stack of


    papers, and she even crumpled them in her anxiety.


    Avery Rumpley... How can my adoptive parents'' biological daughter be Avery Rumpley?


    Nicole knew that her adoptive parents'' biological daughter was still alive, but she could never believe


    that Avery would be their daughter.


    Yet, the private investigator''s investigation results were telling her that the woman she despised and


    envied the most¡ªthe woman she had mocked her family about¡ªwas ire and William''s biological


    daughter.


    Avery was the real daughter of the Lamberts.


    That meant that everything she had right now was stolen from Avery.


    The sudden turn of events brought a wave of disgust that made her feel like vomiting.


    On the papers were: Twenty-five years ago, William''s career was smooth sailing due to his hard work.


    However, as he was too morally righteous and did not wish to get involved with the corrupted


    government employees, someone soon set him up to seem involved in a smuggling case that shook


    the nation. He was then taken away by the Department of Justice for further investigation. ire''s


    pregnancy was affected by her mood on the day he was taken away, so she ended up giving birth to


    her baby prematurely. The Lambert family and the Walsh family were closely monitored at that time, so


    she had no one by her side other than her good friend, Allie Musk. After some difficulties, ire was


    finally sent to the hospital. Unfortunately, ire''s pelvis was too small, and she was mentally unstable


    due to her extreme worry for her husband. Therefore, it had been a difficultbor for her. ire became


    unconscious from the massive bleeding. Later on, an experienced doctor managed to deliver her baby


    and rescue ire from the grasp of the grim reaper, but Allie swapped ire''s baby with a dead baby


    and told ire that her baby had died. The baby girl who was taken away back then is none other than


    Avery Rumpley of the current time.


    Nicole''s expression remained as usual even after she read through the documents, but the intense


    emotions in her were already threatening to burst out of her.


    A vicious look crossed her eyes, and she uttered to the private investigator, ¡°Thank you for this. I have


    something else I need you to do for me.¡±


    Hence, Nicole slowly read through the documents again. The more she read, the further her heart


    sank. By the time she was close to the end, the sweat on her palms had soaked the thick stack of


    papers, and she even crumpled them in her anxiety.

 Chapter 381

    Chapter 381


    After the private investigator left, Nicole remained in her seat, staring at her already-cold coffee for a


    long time.


    Then, she pinched her arm hard. Only after feeling the pain in her arm and looking at the stack of


    documents on the table did Nicole finally believe that everything that just happened was real.


    She had been living with the Lambert family for such a long time, and she had long thought of herself


    as the daughter of the Lambert family. Never had she considered that ire and William''s daughter


    would still be alive and have a chance to return to take away everything she currently had.


    The thought of Cayden made Nicole lower her gaze as her heart ached.


    She had loved that man for so long that she would even feel satisfied if he were to spare her a little of


    his gentleness.


    Avery. Rumpley.


    Nicole let out a sneer.


    She is such a lowly being, but Cayden still loves her so much. If she really turns out to be the biological


    daughter of my adoptive parents, and if she suddenly bes the Lambert family''s real daughter, who


    knows if Mom will shift all of her love to Avery instead? A pauper like me will be abandoned when that


    happens, right?


    With those thoughts in mind, Nicole scoffed quietly under her breath. She was never going to let that


    happen.


    After Nicole reached home, she saw no signs of her mother around. It was then she recalled that her


    mother was usually in the yoga room at this time, so she hurried there.


    Indeed, ire was practicing yoga.


    She was a woman who was almost fifty years old, but her face was still exceptionally smooth and clear.


    Time had barely left a mark on her.


    Furthermore, her figure, which was d in white yoga attire, was maintained to its perfect form.


    ire could easily do the difficult yoga forms, which impressed Nicole.


    If she did not know her adoptive mother''s real age, she would have thought that the elegant woman


    was only in her early thirties.


    ¡°Mom,¡± Nicole softly called out before shing the older woman a sweet smile. ¡°Not only are you


    bing more and more elegant, but you''re looking younger and younger. Other moms are looking


    older every year, but my mom is doing the opposite.¡±


    When ire heard Nicole''s voice, she slowly opened her eyes. ¡°You''re teasing me the moment you get


    home, huh? Are you tired from work?¡±


    When ire heard Nicole''s voice, she slowly opened her eyes. ¡°You''re teasing me the moment you get


    home, huh? Are you tired from work?¡±


    Nicole tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and chuckled. ¡°Work isn''t tiring. Mom, I''ve epted


    a major medieval fantasy film, and I''ll be the female lead in it.¡±


    ¡°That''s my girl. It has always been my wish to be in a film, but s, that isn''t a wish I''ll be able to fulfill


    in this life of mine. Still, I''m d to have you fulfill my wish,¡± ire wistfully said.


    Nicole then put out a yoga mat and started doing yoga with ire.


    This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    When she saw the anticipation ire had for her in ire''s eyes, Nicole pressed her lips tightly


    together as an indescribable look shed past her face. ¡°Unfortunately, all my shows save for the first


    film were average at best. I''ve let you down, Mom.¡±


    ire smiled and pinched her daughter''s cheek. ¡°Silly girl, I don''t expect the best from your shows, and


    I don''t expect you to be one of the top actresses. It''s fine as long as you enjoy it. If you want to


    quit acting in the future, you cane back to manage the business with me. And even if you don''t like


    to run a business and just want to stay at home, I''ll be able to provide for you.¡±


    Touched by ire''s words, tears welled up in Nicole''s eyes. ¡°Mom, you''re so nice to me. Will you be


    this nice to me forever?¡±


    In her usual gentle way, she replied, ¡°Of course. You''re my only beloved daughter. Who am I going to


    be nice to if not you?¡±


    At that very moment, Nicole felt the desperate urge to blurt out the question guing her to ire. If


    you knew that your biological daughter was alive, would you still love me unconditionally like this?


    Nevertheless, rationality won her emotions, and Nicole hid the words on the tip of her tongue deep


    within her.


    As Nicole rose to her feet, she took out a handkerchief and wiped the beads of sweat off ire''s


    forehead. ¡°Mom, you must be thirsty after practicing yoga for so long. I''ll get a ss of juice for you, so


    give me a moment.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± ire responded with a smile.


    She could feel herself loving her sensible adoptive daughter more and more with each passing day.


    Without raising ire''s suspicion, Nicole sneakily picked up two strands of ire''s hair from her mat


    and kept it in the handkerchief.


    Then, aplex look crossed her face.


    I''ll find a way to get Avery''s hair so that I can do a DNA test for Avery and Mom. If my mother''s


    biological daughter really is Avery...


    Again, a vicious look shed past Nicole''s face. I''m not going to hold back if that turns out to be true.


    In the office, Avery wrapped up the project inspection report and sent the PowerPoint file to Yvette''s


    work email.


    Right as she was done with her work, she heard the sounds of Cecelia retching.


    When she noticed Cecelia''s pallor, she worriedly asked, ¡°Cecelia, are you okay? Are you sick?¡±


    ¡°Other than the retching, I feel fine¡ª¡± Before Cecelia could finish her sentence, nausea rose in her


    throat again.


    Immediately, she pped a hand over her mouth and darted into the restroom.


    Worried, Avery went after her.


    A whileter, Cecelia finally stopped vomiting. Her long wavy hair was messy, and she looked


    exhausted and sickly.


    Avery kindly passed a few pieces of tissue to Cecelia before suggesting, ¡°I think it''s best if you visit a


    doctor.¡±


    ¡°I''m fine! It''s probably stomach issues.¡±


    ¡°That can''t do, Cecelia. You look pale, and you''re vomiting! You must be sick,¡± Avery insisted.


    Cecelia did not reply to her immediately. She wiped her lips and washed her face before nonchntly


    saying, ¡°It might be gastric issues. It''s an old problem of mine, and I get an episode once in a while


    back then.¡±


    Avery furrowed her brows in suspicion. Still, gastric issues shouldn''t be this serious.


    All of a sudden, a thought popped into her head. Cecelia''s symptoms were like hers when she had


    been pregnant with Zachary and Rory.


    Could it be that Cecelia''s pregnant?


    A moment of hesitationter, Avery said, ¡°Cecelia, with the kind of symptoms you have... Is it possible


    that you''re pregnant?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Avery''s words were like a bolt from the blue for Cecelia, and thetter widened her eyes.


    In the next second, she shrieked in panic, ¡°No way! There''s no way I''m pregnant!¡±


    Then, aplex look crossed her face.


    I''ll find a way to get Avery''s hair so that I can do a DNA test for Avery and Mom. If my mother''s


    biological daughter really is Avery...

 Chapter 382

    Chapter 382


    Avery advised her, ¡°Cecelia, don''t get me wrong, but I noticed you''re showing signs simr to when I


    was pregnant. Don''t mind me saying this, but I think you should visit the hospital for a thorough health


    checkup. After all, a woman is responsible for caring for her body.¡±


    Thinking back on the helplessness and anxiety that overwhelmed her when she just got pregnant in the


    past, Avery knew all too well the consequences a woman had to bear for getting pregnant before


    marriage.


    Back when she hadn''t realized the father of her child was Cayden, she was haunted by her


    spections and imaginations of the child''s father being an appalling man. The tormenting days of


    living under physical and mental torture were an experience she could never forget.


    Avery''s words seemed to have convinced Cecelia.


    Cecelia rubbed her head in a daze, trying hard to recall her memories. Her heart almost stopped


    beating when she recollected the night she became drunk in a bar and spent the night with a strange


    man. I don''t suppose I''m that lucky. There''s no way I became pregnant after that one night, right?


    Cecelia still felt her head aching terribly despite her effort to reassure herself via self-deception.


    Another wave of nausea engulfed her, and she pleaded with Avery in panic, ¡°Avery, could you go to the


    nearby pharmacy and help me buy a pregnancy test strip, please? Also, I don''t wish for anyone else to


    know what happened today.¡±


    ¡°I got it, Cecelia. I''ll help you keep this a secret. Wait here while I go to the pharmacy to buy you a


    pregnancy test strip. I''ll be right back.¡±


    It was the peak hour for everyone to get off work as Trident Group''s employees exited their offices one


    after the other.


    As too many people were waiting for the elevator, and Avery was in a hurry to help Cecelia purchase


    the pregnancy test strip, she took Cayden''s exclusive elevator downstairs and strode out when the


    door opened.


    Cayden frequently brought her with him when he used the private elevator, causing her to momentarily


    forget the rule that stated all otherpany staff could only ess the employees'' elevators.


    When she stepped out of the CEO''s exclusive elevator, Avery sensed the other employees regarding


    her with peculiar looks and gazes filled withplicated emotions. Some of them even exchanged


    whispers as theymented on Avery''s behavior. Only then did she realize her mistake.


    However, she didn''t have the time to dwell on their reactions at that moment and swiftly rushed in the


    pharmacy''s direction.


    Many people nearby the employees'' elevators were intrigued and baffled by what they had just


    witnessed. Those women who enjoyed gossiping, in particr, started a conversation as they stared at


    Avery''s leaving figure from behind.


    Anna uttered jealously, ¡°Ah, is that Avery from the design department? Mr. Moore does treat her


    differently. Look at that. She''s even allowed to use the CEO''s exclusive elevator. I''m so envious...¡±


    Anna uttered jealously, ¡°Ah, is that Avery from the design department? Mr. Moore does treat her


    differently. Look at that. She''s even allowed to use the CEO''s exclusive elevator. I''m so envious...¡±


    Betty shared Anna''s sentiment.


    However, there was an additional hint of resentment glinting in her eyes. Betty said bitterly, ¡°Her looks


    aren''t extraordinary, and she has such an outdated fashion sense. My beauty far outshines hers. I


    wonder what Mr. Moore sees in her.¡±


    Betty was from the public rtions department, and she had always been very confident of her allure in


    thepany because of her pretty face and slender figure.


    Moreover, she admired Cayden and constantly wished she could win his affection to rapidly rise to the


    top of the corporatedder. Regrettably, her fantasies never came true.


    And now, seeing a woman with looks inferior to hers suddenly showing up beside Cayden, Betty


    couldn''t help but feel utterly jealous.


    Cathy, another gorgeous woman, nced at Betty and tut-tutted disdainfully while criticizing thetter


    inwardly. You''ve preened yourself in such a sl*tty manner every day. I''d be surprised if Mr. Moore is


    ever attracted to you!


    Inside a pharmacy nearby thepany, all kinds of health supplements were arranged neatly on the


    racks.


    Avery quickly picked out two items¡ªa pregnancy test strip and a pregnancy test kit, as she felt that the


    result of one test was not convincing enough.


    She could understand Cecelia''s mood at that moment.


    The helplessness and panic felt by a woman when she suddenly became pregnant were genuinely


    depressing. After she had purchased the items, she hastily returned to the office.


    As she was moving with urgent haste, Avery ran into someone in thepany''s lobby.


    The things in her hand scattered across the floor. As the ring pregnancy test strip and pregnancy


    test kit were highly conspicuous, some employees who were passing by turned to look at her.


    All of them shifted their curious gazes onto Avery. She covered her nose, which was hurting following


    the collision, as her heart skipped a beat.


    Without even identifying the person she had knocked into, she immediately squatted down to retrieve


    the items on the floor.


    Then, someone pulled her up from the ground.


    When Avery looked up and saw Cayden standing before her, she uttered awkwardly, ¡°Uh, Mr. Moore...¡±


    Whenever they were at thepany or in public, she would address him in that manner.


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    He narrowed his eyes and stared at the things tightly clutched in her hand while he curled his lips in a


    pleasant surprise. ¡°Avery, are you pregnant?¡±


    She knew he had misunderstood her, but she had also promised Cecelia to keep that matter a secret.


    As thepany had a mandatory rule that prohibited a pregnant female employee from receiving any


    promotion, the current turn of events was fatal to her career progression.


    She could only pretend to stay calm and mumbled, ¡°N-No, that''s not it. My menstrual cycle is a few


    dayste, so I wanted to take a test to see if I''m with child...¡±


    Taking in the way she intertwined her fingers in nervousness, Cayden chuckled. ¡°I remember yourst


    menstruation was on the eighth day of this month, and only a fortnight has passed since then. Even if


    you wish to take a test, you''ll have to wait for another month, right?¡±


    His handsome facial features, arranged into a gentle smile, appeared exceptionally captivating,


    rendering Avery slightly embarrassed. I can''t lie to him because he remembers the date of my


    menstrual cycle so urately.


    ¡°I-I n to do the testter, so I bought these in advance.¡± Avery couldn''t even convince herself with


    that excuse when the words left her mouth.


    ¡°Oh?¡± Cayden smirked mischievously while staring at her slightly blushed face. Her face bes red


    easily whenever she tells a lie. This trait is almost exactly simr to Rory''s.


    Avery stood there awkwardly for some time before she exined in an undertone, ¡°Fine. I''ll tell you the


    truth. I bought this pregnancy test kit for my colleague, but I won''t be telling you her identity because I


    promised to help her keep this secret. I''m going to bring these things to her now, Mr. Moore. We''ll talk


    againter.¡±


    Avery, having a shy personality, felt highly self-conscious as she sensed everyone''s eyes trained on


    her. That feeling was as if she was a show animal being exhibited at the zoo.


    Naturally, Cayden was aware that the matter was a personal affair between his employees, so he didn''t


    probe further.


    He caressed Avery''s hair and uttered gently, ¡°Come down as soon as you''re done. I''ll be waiting for you


    at the parking lot.¡±


    Red in the face, she nodded and hurriedly left.


    Following her departure, Cayden''s tender gaze turned cold abruptly.


    He swept his eyes across those onlookers staring at him in curiosity. Instantaneously, the domineering


    aura he exuded could be felt by everyone in the crowd. Those employees were scared out of their wits,


    prompting them to look away hastily. All of a sudden, they seemed very interested in checking out the


    floor tiles.


    Oh my gosh! Mr. Moore is so scary. How did he alter his mood so quickly? Is this poker-faced devil


    really the same man who seemed so tender and loving just a few moments ago?


    She knew he had misunderstood her, but she had also promised Cecelia to keep that matter a secret.

 Chapter 383

    Chapter 383


    Avery did not leave immediately after passing a pregnancy test kit to Cecelia. Instead, she waited


    outside anxiously because she couldn''t leave Cecelia alone when thetter looked so vulnerable.


    After a few minutes, Cecelia opened the door to the restroom.


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    Her hand trembled while holding the pregnancy test kit. She said nothing, but the color was evidently


    drained from her face.


    Avery could see the two red lines on the pregnancy test kit clearly.


    One of her eyelids twitched. Looking perplexed, she asked, ¡°Cecelia...¡±


    She had never heard about Cecelia having a boyfriend ever since her employment at thepany.


    Besides, Cecelia always talked about how she preferred being single. She even stated that she would


    dedicate her life to her career and never get married.


    So why is she suddenly pregnant?


    Meanwhile, Cecelia looked frantic, and her thoughts were in a mess.


    God! What kind of joke are you pulling on me? It only took a one-night stand with aplete stranger


    for her to be pregnant. She reckoned there wasn''t anyone who was unluckier than her.


    ¡°I''m actually pregnant... I''m doomed!¡± Ceceliaughed bitterly. Her usual optimism was now reced


    by worry.


    ¡°Who is the baby''s father, Cecelia?¡± Avery asked hesitantly.


    A hint of confusion shed across Cecelia''s eyes. ¡°The baby''s father... After getting drunk that night, I


    had sex with a man while intoxicated. When I woke up the next day, I didn''t dare look at his face. I ran


    away immediately after realizing what I did. I... I don''t know who he is...¡±


    Avery had never seen Cecelia looking so distraught before.


    In her mind, Cecelia was smart, tactful, and capable at her work. Besides, the woman was an optimist


    that rarely expressed emotions like fear and helplessness.


    Feeling sorry for Cecelia, Avery stepped forward and hugged her. ¡°Why were you so careless? Now


    that this has happened, we can''t change anything by regretting it. The most important thing right now is


    to decide what to do with the baby.¡±


    Avery''s concerned look brought Cecelia back to her senses eventually. ¡°I really don''t know what to do.


    Let me think about it,¡± she sighed.


    The child came at the wrong time.


    Cecelia had no idea who the baby''s father was, not to mention that this was a critical period for her to


    be promoted.


    Trident Group had a strict policy stating that pregnant and breastfeeding employees could not qualify


    for the promotion.


    The manager of the design department unintentionally revealed to Cecelia that her name was included


    in the promotion list.


    However, Cecelia''s unexpected pregnancy disrupted her ns.


    However, Cecelia''s unexpected pregnancy disrupted her ns.


    For that, she found it hard to ept the truth.


    ¡°I will support you no matter what decision you make in the end, Cecelia. If you''re going to have an


    abortion, I will apany you to the hospital. But think carefully about it before making your decision.


    After all, we''re talking about the life of an innocent baby. Besides, abortion is very harmful to a


    woman...¡±


    Perhaps a woman would be morepassionate after bing a mother, for deep down, Avery


    wouldn''t really agree with Cecelia if she decided to get an abortion in the end.


    ¡°I will consider it carefully.¡± Cecelia was even more troubled upon hearing Avery''s suggestion.


    She ced her hand on her tummy. As of then, no one could tell that she was pregnant because her


    tummy was still t.


    Cecelia regretted allowing herself to get wasted that day, and she regretted more that she did not take


    a look at the man''s face after everything happened. Now, she didn''t even know what he looked like.


    She thought about her pregnancy worriedly. What if the baby''s father is a terrible man? Will the baby


    inherit it and turn out like him?


    Cayden left thepany with Xavier for a rescheduled dinner.


    This allowed Avery to stay back and apany Cecelia. They had been talking for hours until around


    eight o''clock when Cayden called her.


    Avery went down to the parking lot after hanging up.


    Too much happened on that day. After doing a field inspection and filming a perfumemercial, she


    still had to deal with Cecilia and Nina''s situation. Avery felt like it had been a very long day.


    When she reached the parking lot, she saw Cayden smoking while discussing something with Xavier.


    Cayden''s expression was stern and cold, but upon seeing Avery walking toward his direction, the sharp


    glint in his eyes immediately became softer.


    Avery wasn''t the most dazzling woman, but there was something very special about her. Just like the


    meaning of her name, she was pure and innocent. She was like a ripe juicy peach that looked tempting


    to people.


    Xavier, too, noticed Avery walking toward them.


    Her presence brought warmth to the cold winter.


    After greeting her, Xavier said, ¡°Ms. Rumpley, Mr. Moore won''t be able to drive today because he drank


    a little at dinner while socializing. Something cropped up, and I am unable to drive the two of you back.


    Can you drive yourselves home, Ms. Rumpley? Or how about I call Leif and ask him to pick you guys


    up?¡±


    Cayden passed the car keys to Avery without hesitation. ¡°It''s fine. Let Ery drive.¡±


    Avery turned to observe Cayden''s car instinctively. It was a grand and formidable-looking ck Bugatti


    Veyron. The exterior of the car was so shiny that she could use it as a mirror. This car costs more than


    ten million!


    Although she got her driving license a few years ago, she didn''t drive much. Can I really pull this off?


    As the cigarette between his fingers extinguished, Cayden took onest puff before throwing the


    cigarette butt into a trash can nearby.


    Then, he turned to Avery and said, ¡°Come on. Let''s go home.¡±


    Avery clenched the car keys in her hand tightly when she caught a whiff of alcoholing from


    Cayden. ¡°I''m not very good at driving, and I barely drive at all...¡±


    Cayden smiled as his eyebrows rxed. ¡°It''s okay. Just treat this as a practice. Next time, I''ll buy you a


    car of your own.¡±


    ¡°I''m afraid I''ll damage the car,¡± Avery said in a low voice.


    What am I supposed to do if I damage such a luxurious sports car?


    ¡°Well, even if you''re that bad at driving, you won''t run into traffic barriers or drive up the roof, right?¡±


    Cayden teased her light-heartedly.


    Avery shook her head. ¡°That won''t happen. It''s just that I haven''t driven in a long time. If I damage this


    car, I will never be able topensate you...¡±


    Cayden suddenly strode toward her. As his tall figure approached, she could feel his familiar aura


    surrounding her.


    Avery''s heart raced.


    As Cayden lifted her hair and twirled it around his fingers, he cracked a slight smile and said, ¡°If you


    damage the car, you canpensate me with yourself. You can spend the rest of your life


    compensating me.¡±


    Avery said nothing to that, but her heart was beating very fast.


    After Cayden guided her to the driver''s seat, he walked to the other side of the car and got into the


    passenger seat.


    ¡°Don''t be nervous,¡± Cayden said to Avery gently, ¡°Cars are merely objects. Nothing is more important


    than our safety. Just treat it like a toy car and rx. Even if you crash the car, you don''t have to bear


    any responsibility.¡±


    Avery didn''t know whether tough or cry at Cayden''s attitude toward money.


    He might be okay with me treating his expensive car like a toy car, but I''m not brave enough to do


    that...


    Cayden passed the car keys to Avery without hesitation. ¡°It''s fine. Let Ery drive.¡±

 Chapter 384

    Chapter 384


    It was still rush hour as the streets were full of cars.


    Under Cayden''s encouragement, Avery finally started the engine.


    She was especially careful when driving to avoid bumping into other cars. More than that, she was


    afraid that people would bump into Cayden''s car.


    However, she failed to realize that almost every car made way for her after recognizing the car that she


    was driving.


    After all, most people couldn''t afford to bump into a car like that. Even a small scratch on it would cost


    more than their cars. So naturally, they wouldn''t dare get near it.


    Despite the heavy traffic, Avery was able to drive with ease.


    She could see that Cayden was resting with his eyes closed instead of keeping an eye on her from the


    corner of her eyes.


    Cayden was mature, charming, and sessful. Not to mention that he was rich and prominent. It


    wasn''t a stretch to say that he was the most desirable man in Ackleton.


    Avery felt really lucky to have such a perfect man in her life.


    However, upon remembering Nina''s situation, she began hesitantly, ¡°There''s something that I need


    your help with, Cayden. I know I shouldn''t trouble you, but I don''t know what else to do...¡±


    Cayden turned his handsome face toward her. ¡°No worries. It''s never trouble for me to do anything for


    you.¡±


    Avery was embarrassed to continue.


    Truth be told, an elegant and mature man like Cayden always got what he wanted and was used to


    giving orders to other people. Avery and he belonged to two different worlds.


    However, Cayden had never acted high and mighty in front of Avery. Instead, he treated her with


    tenderness and affection. Sometimes, she wondered what did he see in her.


    Avery bit her lip gently and exined briefly, ¡°It''s about Nina. She was raped by Aaron because of me,


    and unfortunately, she became pregnant...¡±


    Seeing that Cayden was listening to her seriously, she continued grimly, ¡°Nina''s condition is rather


    dangerous. The doctor mentioned that if she miscarries, there is a huge possibility that she may not be


    able to be pregnant again. She was going to keep the baby but Aaron forcefully aborted her baby.


    That man is too cruel! Not only did he hurt Nina, but he also killed her baby... I want to avenge Nina by


    making sure that Aaron Gibson receives the punishment he deserves. A scumbag like him must be


    arrested!¡±


    Just as Avery finished, they reached a crossroad.


    After stepping on the brakes, she turned around to look at Cayden.


    After stepping on the brakes, she turned around to look at Cayden.


    It was hard to guess what thetter was thinking based on his expression. The only thing he did was


    press his fingers on his temples and massage them. It felt like the air was colder as the car fell silent.


    Avery thought that it was rather a serious topic.


    After a long moment of thinking, she began saying remorsefully, ¡°I know this is a difficult and abrupt


    thing to ask you for. After all, Aaron is Xander''s younger brother, and you and Xander are buddies. It''s


    just that I think what Aaron did to Nina was too much, and I feel so guilty because I''m the reason why


    Nina ended up in that situation. At the end of the day, this is my fault. But as an ordinary person, I don''t


    have the power to deal with a wicked man who is rich and powerful.¡±


    Avery finished talking, but Cayden still didn''t say a word.


    Seeing that, she felt her heart sink. Thinking that she put him in a difficult position, she lowered her


    head sadly.


    At that moment, the traffic light turned green. A few secondster, several cars behind started honking.


    Startled by the sudden noise, Avery lifted her foot on the brakes abruptly, causing the car to jolt forward


    and speed up.


    She panicked and instinctively aimed for the brakes again. Unfortunately, she was too flustered to


    control the steering wheel after hitting the brakes. As the car swerved sideways toward a white BMW,


    Avery screamed.


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    She felt like everything around her was flickering. When she came back to her sense, she was already


    cradled in Cayden''s arms.


    Avery was trembling in fear. She felt as if her heart had jumped to her throat. It took a while for her to


    steady her breathing.


    Although she passed her driving test with flying colors, the truth was she didn''t have a lot of


    opportunities to drive. After a few years ofck of practice, it was no surprise that she became


    unfamiliar with the steering wheel.


    Furthermore, it wasn''t easy to drive a sports car like Cayden''s.


    Despite being careful, she still got themselves into an ident.


    However, the pain that she expected did not arrive because Cayden shielded her from the impact. Just


    as the car was about to crash into the BMW, the man had protected her and turned the steering wheel


    away.


    He managed to change the car''s direction and hit the traffic barrier by the road instead, preventing a


    car ident just in time.


    ¡°Cayden...¡± Avery''s voice was hoarse. She looked frightened.


    Cayden frowned slightly. Other than Avery''s petite face turning pale, the two of them were fine because


    their seatbelts cushioned the blow.


    Avery stared at him nervously, looking like a child who made a mistake. She tried to open her mouth to


    say something, but no words came out.


    ¡°Are you okay? Say something.¡± Cayden patted Avery''s head gently tofort her. He knew that she


    was still in shock because of her pallidplexion.


    ¡°Are you frightened? You''re such a little girl,¡± he murmured.


    Avery exhaled and forced herself to calm down.


    Putting a hand over her chest, she could still feel her heart pounding furiously against her ribcage. ¡°I...


    My driving skills are too poor. It''s my fault for getting distracted and being startled by the cars honking


    behind us. Luckily you stopped the car in time¡±, she said.


    ¡°It''s the drivers'' fault for honking at you. If they didn''t startle you, you wouldn''t have panicked,¡± Cayden


    half-joked. ¡°Everything is all right as long as no one is hurt.¡±


    Avery wound down the car window. She felt even worse upon seeing the scrape on the car from hitting


    the traffic barrier.


    The car was obviously expensive. Even if it was just a small scrape, it would definitely cost a huge


    amount of money when the car was sent to the car repair shop for maintenance.


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    At the same time, the owner of the white BMW pulled over nearby.


    A young man with his hair slicked back wound down the car window and started to yell at Avery and


    Cayden. ¡°Do you even know how to drive? I was driving straight in myne and you swerved at me!


    Are you f*cking blind? What if you hit my car? Would you be able topensate for it?¡±


    The moment Cayden red coldly at the owner of the BMW, who was cursing at them, the man


    shuddered involuntarily upon sensing his murderous aura.


    Cayden''s dark eyes glinted coldly like rare gemstones. The iciness in his eyes was enough to make the


    owner of the BMW shudder and shut his mouth.


    The man looked at the sports car in front of him again. His eyes widened in fear when he noticed that


    the car te number was fullyprised of the number eight. Frightened, he did not dare continue his


    argument with them. He simply wound up his car window and drove away in a hurry.


    ¡°Cayden...¡± Avery''s voice was hoarse. She looked frightened.

 Chapter 385

    Chapter 385


    Still feeling terrible for nearly causing an ident, Avery did not dare to continue driving.


    Cayden had alcohol earlier and can''t drive while under the influence. However, my driving sucks! I


    genuinely dare not risk both our lives like that.


    Hence, she opened a ride-hailing app, thinking of getting a recement driver to send them home.


    Cayden watched her curiously as she tapped away on her phone.


    When he saw her open the ride-hailing app and swiftly enter her phone number, he asked doubtfully,


    ¡°Are you able to get a recement driver through an app like that?¡±


    Whenever he needed to get anywhere, he would drive himself or have a driver pick him up. He had


    never even taken a taxi. Hence, it was no surprise that he was unfamiliar with the various ride-hailing


    apps.


    ¡°Of course! It''s very convenient. Here, let me show you. If you want to look for a recement driver,


    you''ll need to enter your contact number. After that, there''s this...¡± She shot him a smile as she


    exined patiently, revealing her pearly white teeth.


    Cayden''s eyes lit up with a tender glow as he listened to her melodious voice that was like music to his


    ears.


    After about ten minutes, their recement driver arrived. He was a bespectacled man of medium build


    and was around thirty-five or thirty-six years old.


    With nearly ten years of driving experience, he drove skillfully and smoothly. It only took him a little


    more than thirty minutes to send Avery and Cayden safely to their destination.


    Upon returning home, Avery went to the bathroom to wash up.


    Cayden waited until the bathroom door closed before furrowing his brows, a look of pain shing


    across his handsome face.


    As he shrugged off his coat and made his way to the study, he could not refrain from pressing down on


    his left arm.


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    He only applied a little force, yet he felt a stabbing pain in his arm.


    Rolling up his sleeve, Cayden looked down at his arm and saw a deep gash. Crimson blood still oozed


    from the wound from time to time.


    He found a medical kit in the cab, rummaged around for the antiseptic, and proceeded to use it to


    disinfect the wound.


    After that, he applied some medicine that would help relieve the pain before bandaging the injured part


    of his arm with white gauze.


    His movements were deft, almost as though he had tended to such injuries over a thousand times.


    Once he had done all that, Cayden quietly returned the medical kit to its original spot and took a quick


    shower in one of the other bathrooms. Then, he changed into his pajamas, returned to the bedroom,


    andy on the plush bed.


    Since Jeffrey missed his great-grandchildren, his driver hade to bring Zachary and Rory to the


    Moore residence.


    Since Jeffrey missed his great-grandchildren, his driver hade to bring Zachary and Rory to the


    Moore residence.


    As such, Cayden and Avery were all alone in the mansion.


    Leaning against the headboard, Cayden reached for the financial paper on the bookshelf beside the


    bed and started reading it.


    Avery walked into the bedroom about twenty minutester with her long, partially damp hair hanging


    loose down her back.


    Seeing him engrossed in reading the newspaper, she approached him without making any sound


    before throwing herself into his arms.


    Cayden could not help but let out a low grunt of pain when she bumped into the wound he had cleaned


    up and bandaged just moments earlier.


    Hearing that, Avery pushed back the sleeve of his pajamas at once and saw the blood-stained


    bandages around his arm.


    She stared at him in shock. ¡°Y-You''re hurt? What happened? Why didn''t you tell me?¡±


    However, he merely pulled down his sleeve and replied calmly, ¡°I''m fine. It''s only a scratch. I''ve already


    tended to it, so you don''t need to make a big deal out of it.¡±


    Avery recalled how he had moved in front of her just as they were about to hit the car and shielded her


    with his arms and body.


    However, she could not remember what he had knocked into that would have caused such an injury.


    She could only say guiltily, ¡°You''re not to do something like that ever again. I''ll protect myself. Do you


    know that if you end up injured, I''ll be more upset than if I were to get hurt myself?¡±


    Cayden kissed her tear-filled eyes. ¡°You''re my woman, and protecting you is my responsibility.¡±


    With that, he pulled her close and kissed her forcefully.


    She wanted to struggle and break free. However, she was worried about bumping against his wound


    again. In the end, she had no choice but to let him hold her tightly.


    With the sound of his steady and powerful heartbeat in her ears, she fell under the charm of his sweet


    and tender kiss.


    Her clothes were removed at some point, and his muscr body pressed against her soft and delicate


    frame.


    Since they had done it many times before and were familiar with each other''s bodies, Cayden did not


    waste any time getting down to business.


    Although Avery avoided his injured arm, she could not help saying, ¡°Your wound¡ª¡±


    ¡°Rx. I''m fine,¡± Cayden murmured in a husky voice as he gently nibbled on her earlobe, leaving her


    with no strength to respond.


    He gazed at her, whose cheeks were flushed, then whispered next to her ear, ¡°You don''t have to worry


    about that matter involving Nina. It''ll be quite tricky to deal with it. But since you''vee to me for help,


    I''ll definitely do what I can.¡±


    Avery was momentarily stunned. However, she quickly understood what he meant and responded to


    his touch even more eagerly.


    A heavy scent filled the room, and the temperature gradually rose. Even the air in the room seemed as


    though it would burst into mes from their passion.


    It was a beautiful night for the couple.


    Over at the Musk residence, Talia kept tugging at Maria''s hand and saying warmly, ¡°Look, it''s sote


    already. Why don''t you stay the night at my ce? I''ll call your momter to let her know you''re staying


    here tonight.¡±


    I''m rather pleased with this distant niece of mine who''s simply brimming with youthful energy. Maria is


    from a good family. On top of that, she studied abroad in Anndur, taking business administration at


    one of the universities there. She may be slightly arrogant and willful, but I think ady should have


    such little quirks. It''s fine as long as she doesn''t take it too far.


    Talia had always hoped for a union between the Musks and the Reids through marriage.


    She had given up on that hope after Talia migrated overseas previously, but now that thetter had


    returned, that desire started burning again.


    The Reid family is powerful and affluent. Not only will the marriage bring our two families closer, but it''ll


    also greatly benefit Musk Group. Who knows? Maria might even be capable of keeping my


    unrestrained son in check. Because of Avery, Dn''s life is now a living hell. And as if that wasn''t


    enough, Cayden wanted to force Dn to divorce Avery as soon as possible. Hence, he abandoned all


    familial ties between the Moore family and the Musk family and nearly caused ourpany to go


    bankrupt! Although Cayden did stop his onughtter, Musk Group was already almost destroyed.


    Now, there''s only a shell of apany left.


    The wheels in Talia''s head started spinning.


    She could tell that Maria had feelings for Dn, and she dearly wanted the Musk family and the Reid


    family to be joined by marriage. That way, she would be able to save Musk Group.


    Secretly rejoicing, Maria opened her rosebud mouth and answered smoothly, ¡°Thank you, Aunt Talia. I''ll


    stay the night, then. I was very close to you before I went abroad. We haven''t met in years, and I''ve


    missed you. I should stay longer and spend a few days with you.¡±


    He gazed at her, whose cheeks were flushed, then whispered next to her ear, ¡°You don''t have to worry


    about that matter involving Nina. It''ll be quite tricky to deal with it. But since you''vee to me for help,


    I''ll definitely do what I can.¡±

 Chapter 386

    Chapter 386


    Despite saying that, Maria scanned the room to search for Dn.


    ¡°Aunt Talia, why isn''t Dn home yet?¡± she asked tentatively.


    Talia sighed loudly on purpose andined, ¡°Musk Group is in a severe financial crisis now. Dn


    has been leaving home early and returningte every day in an effort to save thepany from its


    downfall. We have no choice...¡±


    ¡°Don''t worry, Aunt Talia. I''ll talk to my dad and brother when I get home and tell them to help your


    company with the finances. That should be able to solve Musk Group''s problem,¡± Maria offered


    ingratiatingly.


    Although she had studied business, all she cared about was having fun. In fact, she only managed to


    get epted into her school at her parents'' expense. As a result, she knew nothing about the tricks


    and schemes of the business circle.


    Being the na?ve girl that she was, she thought she just had to act coy in front of her father and brother,


    who adored her, and they would be persuaded to finance Musk Group.


    ¡°You''re such a good girl. The man who gets to marry you will be so lucky.¡±


    While Maria and Talia were conversing, Dn walked in. Even in his drunken state, he emanated a


    frosty aura.


    Under the light, his attractive features looked even more charming.


    ¡°Dn, you''re back!¡± Maria had been keeping an eye on the door since earlier. Upon seeing Dn, she


    approached him enthusiastically.


    Immediately, Dn''s face darkened. ¡°Mom, why is she here?¡±


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    He had no liking for this bimbo cousin of his who was so full of herself despite her foolishness.


    Because of her, he was utterly humiliated before Avery in Azure Royal thest time. His distaste for


    Maria grew further since that incident.


    Feeling thirsty, Dn ignored Maria''s gaze of admiration and got the jug from the coffee table. After


    pouring himself a ss of water, he chugged it down.


    ¡°Dn, what''s with your attitude toward your cousin? She came all the way here to visit me. How could


    you treat her like this?¡± chided Talia unhappily when she saw how cold Dn was toward Maria.


    She continued, ¡°Did you drink again? How many times have I told you? It hasn''t been long since Maria


    returned to the country, so you should spend more time with her. Why don''t you ever listen? Do you


    want to see me die of anger?¡±


    Talia''s nagging was making Dn''s patience run thin.


    He raised his leg and kicked the coffee table before him forcefully.


    He raised his leg and kicked the coffee table before him forcefully.


    As the coffee table slid forward abruptly, the coffee pot on the table dropped to the floor and shattered


    into pieces.


    Seeing the mess in the living room, Talia frowned and scolded, ¡°Dn, what are you doing? Do you


    even see me as your mother?¡±


    ¡°Mom, I want to be alone. Stop disturbing me. I''m not in the mood!¡± Dn groaned in exasperation as


    he sat down on the couch and hugged his head despondently.


    It had been a while since he and Avery divorced, but he couldn''t stop thinking about her.


    Even when he tried to numb himself with work and alcohol, it was useless. He felt that he was utterly


    hopeless.


    The fact that he couldn''t have her to himself made his urge to win her heart even stronger.


    Talia couldn''t help but sigh when she saw Dn''s state. She asked the housekeeper to clean up the


    ce before resuming her lecture. ¡°Look at you. You''ve been so aggressive and short-tempered since


    you were young. Whenever things don''t go your way, you start smashing things. That''s a terrible habit!


    If your dad were here, you two would surely get into a fight. If you have any problems, don''t keep them


    to yourself. Tell me about it, or you can talk to Maria. It''s easier for you youngsters tomunicate with


    each other, after all.¡±


    Maria squatted down before Dn and added carefully, ¡°Dn, are you troubled with work? I heard


    from Aunt Talia that Musk Group is experiencing some financial problems, but don''t worry. I¡ª¡±


    ¡°Could you two please just stop talking?¡±


    Dn stood up in a huff and put on the jacket he had just removed. His hoarse voice was tinged with


    exhaustion as he said, ¡°I need to go out to attend to something. Go to sleep first. Don''t wait for me.¡±


    ¡°You''ve just arrived home, and you''re going out again? You can''t leave! Are you going to hang out with


    those good-for-nothing friends of yours again?¡± Talia roared in frustration.


    ¡°Dn, you can''t go anywhere because I''m here today. You have to stay at home with me!¡± uttered


    Maria adamantly while she stood in his way.


    Dn merely shot her a disdainful nce before shoving her to the side.


    Fortunately, Maria crashed into the soft couch at the side. Although she didn''t fall to the ground, she felt


    her head spinning from the hard push.


    It was during that time when she heard the door being mmed shut and the car outside being started.


    She hurriedly ran outside, but what greeted her was the sight of the car speeding away. Feeling


    aggrieved, she threw herself into Talia''s arms and sobbed.


    The next day, Avery noticed that Cecelia''splexion looked better.


    She smiled in relief, but at the thought of the renovation project they were in charge of, she started


    feeling nervous again.


    Not only was that project stressful, but it was also very demanding. She couldn''t help but wonder if the


    pregnant Cecelia could keep working on it.


    Besides, Cecelia was about to be promoted. If the news of her pregnancy got out, she would surely be


    subject to criticism.


    As if sensing her worries, Cecelia said calmly, ¡°Since I have decided to keep this baby, I''ll just go with


    the flow. Avery, I don''t think I can keep working on that project anymore, considering my health now. I


    have talked to the higher-ups and requested a transfer, so another colleague will take my ce. You


    have to perform well so Vivi Group won''t look down on our team. Okay?¡±


    Avery nodded in understanding. ¡°Cecelia, I will work hard.¡±


    Cecelia then took out a gray sh drive from her bag and handed it to Avery carefully. ¡°This sh drive


    contains my collection of materials on architectural designs. There is also some information about


    construction projects and topography. In short, there are lots of things to learn from here. It also


    includes myption of sessful renovation projects by renowned experts in recent decades. You


    can learn from their experiences.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Cecelia. Words cannot express how grateful I am to you,¡± Avery expressed sincerely while


    taking the sh drive.


    Due topetition among employees, people in the workce were usually very calcting. Most of


    them were friendly on the surface, but the rivalry behind the back was intense. They would never share


    any of their valuable tips with others.


    On the contrary, Cecelia was like an angel, so it was only natural that Avery was so deeply touched by


    her kind gestures.


    With a smile, Cecelia told Avery, ¡°Among all my colleagues, I feel the most connected to you. This sh


    drive is password-protected. I''ll send the password to your WhatsAppter.¡±


    It was during that time when she heard the door being mmed shut and the car outside being started.

 Chapter 387

    Chapter 387


    Over the years, Cecelia had encountered her fair share of deception and scheming. It was rare to see


    someone who wasn''t affected by the harsh environment like Avery, so Cecelia had a great impression


    of her.


    They were chatting with each other when Yulissa came over to them.


    Yulissa seemed excited as she shot Avery an unfathomable look.


    Pleased, she announced, ¡°Cecelia, since your health condition doesn''t allow it, you should stay in the


    office from now on. Avery, I''m now part of the project team. I hope we can work well together.¡±


    As Cecelia had pulled out, the person who took over her position in the coboration project with Vivi


    Group was naturally Yulissa.


    Avery forced a smile. ¡°I''m honored to work with you on the project, Ms. Yantz.¡±


    She was actually reluctant to work with Yulissa, who wouldn''t stop picking on her.


    However, she had no right to decide many things on her own.


    Yulissa snorted and ordered, ¡°What is your progress regarding the application, approval, and budget


    report of the renovation project? You need to email me everything before getting off work today.¡±


    Avery frowned and replied, ¡°Ms. Yantz, the renovation project''s application and initial budget report


    involve a lot of information. Besides the project''s background and initial design, we also have to include


    the equipment, cash flow budget, various materials, the renovation schedule, and the budget results


    among others. I can''tplete everything in just one day. I need at least a few days as we need to be


    very careful about the data we enter in the reports. If the reports are done unprofessionally, what if


    something happens in the middle of the renovation project? Ms. Yantz, can you bear the


    responsibility?¡±


    t a loss for words, Yulissa red at her and snapped, ¡°Anyway, just prepare the reports as soon as


    possible! Otherwise, others might think you''re just a useless woman with pretty looks!¡±


    After Yulissa left, Cecelia wheeled her chair toward Avery and whispered, ¡°Ery, you need to perform


    well. If this project is a sess, those who perform well will get a promotion. Don''t miss this chance.


    Yulissa is too arrogant when she''s just a department head. You need to defeat her! I''ve heard that the


    reward for the project is over one million! The first ce will get five hundred thousand, the second


    ce will get three hundred thousand, and the third ce will get two hundred thousand.¡±


    Avery nearly gasped out loud. ¡°One million? The first ce will get five hundred thousand? That''s a


    lot!¡±


    ¡°Shh, don''t tell anyone. I''m close to a colleague in the finance department. Previously when we were


    singing karaoke together, he got drunk and revealed it to me identally. Thepany hasn''t


    announced it officially yet, so you need to keep it a secret.¡±


    ¡°Got it, Cecelia.¡± The reward was indeed tempting to Avery.


    It''ll be great if I get the reward!


    Cayden might be rich, but she rarely spent his money.


    As a modern woman, she had always been independent and advanced. She didn''t want to rely on


    Cayden like a trumpet vine.


    In fact, she wanted to be a cottonwood tree that could stand together with him so their roots and leaves


    would intertwine. That way, they could spend the rest of their lives relying on one another, weathering


    the storm together.


    With that thought in mind, Avery grew increasingly motivated and strong.


    After talking to Avery, Cecelia felt the urge to go to the restroom.


    Thus, she got to her feet and walked toward the restroom.


    When she was done, she came out and walked past the male''s restroom and bumped into someone


    identally.


    The man''s chest was wide and hard. Cecelia stumbled and instinctively protected her belly when she


    was about to fall.


    To her surprise, shended in a pair of strong arms.


    ¡°I''m sorry. I didn''t run into you on purpose,¡± Cecelia said awkwardly. Raising her head, she then blurted


    out in astonishment, ¡°Mr. Dartsley?¡±


    Xavier''s eyes were twinkling with a vague smile under his gold-rimmed sses. ¡°Ms. Zuckerberg, why


    are you in such a hurry? Is a monster chasing you?¡±


    For some reason, Xavier found Cecelia familiar after bumping into her once again.


    I can''t tell what exactly is familiar. Oh, right. When I got drunk that night and had sex with a woman in a


    muddled state, I didn''t even get a clear look at her face. The next day, she left when I was still sleeping


    soundly.


    Xavier assumed the woman was a prostitute or a loose woman who sought a night of excitement.


    Nevertheless, before he left the hotel, he spotted blood stains on the ivory-white bed sheets.


    He had no idea that the woman was a virgin.


    Despite trying his best to find out who it was, he failed miserably.


    It was as if the woman had faded into thin air, and he couldn''t find any hints that led him to her.


    However, after bumping into Cecelia today, he realized that her body scent was simr to the woman


    he had sex with that night. He promptly fell into a daze when something dawned on him.


    ¡°Mr. Dartsley, can you release me now?¡± Cecelia snapped.


    She despised being touched by men.


    Sensing her hostility, Xavier blinked and immediately released her.


    Cecelia pushed him aside with her shoulder as she stalked back to her office.


    Xavier''s lips twitched. Cecelia is pretty and feminine, but she likes to put on an intimidating and aloof


    stance. That isn''t likable at all.


    After work, Avery went to the kindergarten to pick Zachary and Rory up.


    She had just arrived at the gate when the little girl who was d in a white dress leaped into her arms


    excitedly.


    Her adorable voice was pleasant to the ears. ¡°Mommy, I have good news to share today. Do you want


    to listen to it?¡±


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    Avery bent down to pinch Rory''s cheek. ¡°Of course I do. What is it? Let''s share the happiness


    together.¡±


    A bright smile yed across Rory''s lips. ¡°Mommy, I got into the finals of the children drawing contest!¡±


    Avery kissed her forehead dotingly. ¡°Really? Good job, my darling! However, you need to stay humble


    instead of getting too proud.¡±


    ¡°Mommy, I know. Zach did a better job than me. He participated in the drawing contest, Ustranasion


    speech contest, and piano contest. He won first ce in each contest! Our teacher asked Zach to


    participate in the finals representing our kindergarten. But, that annoying Seamus also got into the


    finals! Ah, how annoying!¡± she grumbled.


    Rory didn''t reveal that Seamus and Zachary were both tied for first ce in all the semi-final contests


    they participated in.


    Seamus loved tugging at her pigtails and making fun of her, so shebeled him as a naughty boy and


    thought her brother was the best.


    ¡°There is no need to get upset. Rory, Seamus is a sensible and smart boy. You''re bothpeting


    against each other fairly, so don''t call him annoying, okay?¡± Avery educated her daughter patiently,


    ruffling the girl''s hair.


    The little girl drawled reluctantly, ¡°Got it, Mommy...¡±


    Avery''s proud gaze thennded on Zachary.


    Zachary was carrying his schoolbag while standing straight like a soldier.


    His handsome face and upright posture appeared dazzling under the rays of the setting sun, garnering


    attention from the parents who came to pick up their children.


    He was pursing his lips in a proud manner, but Avery noticed that he was yearning for her praise.


    She kissed Zachary''s cheek andvished praises on him. ¡°Zach, good job! I am proud of both of you.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Mommy. The winner gets a lot of money, so I''ll buy a present for both you and Daddy. You


    can keep the rest of the reward. That way, you won''t have to work so hard,¡± Zachary replied happily.


    Hearing his words, Avery felt her heart clench in pain.


    She knew Zachary had always been a thoughtful child. The boy knew that she and Cayden worked


    hard to give them afortable life, so he wanted to earn money to ease their burden albeit at his


    young age.


    Zach and Rory are still young. They deserve to have a happy and carefree childhood.


    ¡°Darling, it doesn''t matter if you are not the winner as long as you have tried your best. I will work hard


    to get thepany''s reward, too. Let''s do our best together,¡± she replied.


    ¡°Okay! I''ll do my best to defeat the naughty Seamus! Even if I can''t defeat him, Zach will defeat him!¡±


    Rory muttered under her breath as she balled up her fists.


    For the next few days, Avery devoted her time to the renovation project. The following days were


    fulfilling for her.


    Nina returned to her position after being discharged from the hospital. She lost a lot of weight, so her


    initially chubby cheeks were currently oval-shaped.


    Meanwhile, Cecelia started having morning sickness and would throw up frequently.


    Her colleagues in the design department gave her weird looks and started guessing who the child''s


    father was, but she wasn''t bothered about the gossip and continued living her life as she pleased.


    Zachary and Rory worked hard to prepare for their contests.


    Life went on in an organized manner. Avery and Cayden''s rtionship also improved as time passed.


    One day, however, something took ce in Trident Group that shocked the entire Ackleton. As a result,


    Avery''s peaceful life was disturbed.

 Chapter 388

    Chapter 388


    A branchpany under Trident Group developed a high-end residential area, Chartreuse Garden,


    two years ago. Recently, one of the units caught fire, causing the owner''s wife and six-year-old son to


    die in the fire.


    The arsonist was arrested quickly. It turned out that she was the housekeeper working for the owner of


    the unit.


    The housekeeper was greedy enough to steal the owner''s wife''s belongings several times. At first, no


    one realized her doings until the owner''s wife caught her in the act one day.


    The owner''s wife was a hot-tempered woman, and thus threatened to send the housekeeper to the


    police station.


    As her deed was exposed, the housekeeper was afraid she would be sent to jail. Therefore, she set the


    house on fire to burn all evidence, wanting to cover up her crime.


    The nasty case quickly caught the attention of the media.


    The major online news websites, mainstream media, and state-owned media criticized the culprit and


    demanded that she receive severe punishment. Besides, they also pointed fingers at Trident Group.


    ording to the news, the fire trucks faced several obstacles before arriving at the fire scene. They


    were first obstructed by the irregr shrubbery, then faced the problem of putting out the fire on a high-


    rise unit. It was a high-rise building, but there were serious problems with the firefighting facilities and


    property management. Thus, the firefighters couldn''t put out the fire in time, causing the death of the


    innocent mother and son.


    Actually, if the problem was handled ordingly in time, Trident Group was powerful enough to use its


    connection to put a lid on the matter.


    s, the branchpany didn''t want to get implicated and assumed they could solve the problem


    themselves. They acted presumptuously and dyed reporting the matter to the headquarters. It was a


    futile effort, for the media outlets reported about the case continuously. In the end, they couldn''t even


    put a lid on the matter even if they wanted to.


    The case involved many parties, so it quickly escted to the point of no return. No one could control


    or tamp it down.


    After that, many people andizens who championed justice helped the owner to dere war against


    Trident Group.


    Anxiety spread across the unit owners of Chartreuse Garden. Everyone was worried about the safety


    precautions of the residential area, so news about owners vacating their houses and holding protests to


    demand their rights was reported again and again.


    Trident Group''s share prices were affected and dropped drastically.


    At midnight, Avery stepped out of the bathroom after taking a shower to realize that the lights in the


    study were still on.


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    Cayden was still busy with work.


    She sighed, feeling bad for him.


    Avery''s job was merely designing stuff, and that alone took up most of her time. Cayden, on the other


    hand, was busy running Trident Group, which was an internationalpany. He was already busy


    when the arson case happened, adding more to his te.


    She understood how he felt and how much effort he put in to deal with the situation.


    Cayden had a low starting point. He was the illegitimate child of the Moore family and led a miserable


    life since young.


    Despite having parents, he was sent to the orphanage at a young age and even suffered from


    depression.


    Later, he was brought back to the Moore family. At a young age, he started dealing with the Moore


    family''s huge mess. Without any help, he had developed apany that was originally on the brink of


    dering bankruptcy into an internationalpany in just a few years. It was hard to imagine how


    much effort he spent to achieve this feat.


    Avery remembered reading about him in a finance magazine before they met. The magazine


    introduced somepanies that were brought back to life miraculously in Chanaea. Trident Group was


    ranked first in the list.


    As if that wasn''t impressive enough, Cayden was in his twenties when he became one of the richest


    men in Aploth.


    Avery nced at Cayden before going to the living room. She poured a ss of milk, intending to give


    it to Cayden.


    Ring, ring!


    Suddenly, thendline in the living room rang.


    It was an unknown number, so Avery hesitated before answering the call.


    ¡°Cayden?¡± Allie''s voice rang out.


    ¡°Mdm. Allie,¡± Avery greeted her begrudgingly.


    Hearing Avery''s voice, Allie tamped down her anger and dered, ¡°Tell Cayden to answer the phone!¡±


    Avery knew Allie didn''t call at this hour to show her concern for Cayden.


    Moreover, she didn''t want Cayden to get affected by Allie''s call and couldn''t focus on work due to his


    bad mood.


    ¡°He''s taking a shower now. He''s tired after dealing with the incident at work, so you can call and talk to


    him tomorrow, okay?¡±


    ¡°Who are you to refuse to let my son talk to me? Avery, even if my son adores you, that doesn''t mean


    you can be rude to me! Tell him to answer the call now!¡± Allie yelled in anger.


    ¡°Mdm. Allie, if it isn''t important, I will hang up now. You can talk to him tomorrow.¡± Ignoring Allie''s


    insults, Avery cut the line instantly.


    Avery knew Allie never liked her, but thetter''s attitude showed no signs of improving even though


    Avery had been with Cayden for some time. Therefore, Avery was disappointed to the extent that she


    stopped hoping that Allie would change.


    Forcing herself to stop thinking about the frustrating matters, Avery went to the study with the ss of


    milk.


    The door to the study was ajar.


    Avery saw Cayden working hard while his phone''s screen shed, signaling an iing call from


    someone named ¡°Ms. Nicole.¡±


    Without making a sound, Avery answered the call but didn''t say anything else.


    Nicole''s sweet but anxious voice traveled from the other end of the line. ¡°Mr. Moore, are you busy?¡±


    There was no answer save for someone breathing. Assuming it was Cayden, Nicole added gently, ¡°I


    read about the entire incident, and it was all the housekeeper''s fault. The public shouldn''t criticize


    Trident Group. Do you need my help? If you do, I can ask my dad for help. Things will be easier to


    solve with his help.¡±


    Hearing the concern in Nicole''s voice, Avery tightened her grip on the phone.


    Nicole was the state secretary''s daughter, so her family was extremely influential. It would be a walk in


    the park for them to solve the problem for Cayden.


    However, due to personal reasons, Avery didn''t want them to have any interaction with each other.


    It was unsettling for any woman when a rich and powerful love rival was targeting her husband.


    Plus, things would be moreplicated if William were to interfere in the matter.


    Cayden would owe William a huge favor. It was easy to repay a debt involving money, but it wasn''t


    easy to repay a debt of gratitude.


    Avery was strangely calm.


    She called Cayden and handed his phone to him, mouthing that it was a call from Nicole.


    Cayden took his phone and dered icily, ¡°What do you want, Ms. Lambert? I''m tired. If it''s nothing


    important, I''m going to bed with my wife now.¡±


    Nicole was thoroughly disappointed to hear Cayden''s answer.

 Chapter 389

    Chapter 389


    She ended the call in a huff.


    After Nicole hung up, Allie''s call arrived. This time, she called Cayden''s phone directly.


    Cayden answered the call and said indifferently, ¡°Mom, it''ste. Why are you calling at this hour?¡±


    Allie said earnestly, ¡°Cayden, did Nickie call you earlier? Listen, things will be easier with Nickie''s help.


    Be nice to her. She''s a pretty and nice girl with an influential background. Most importantly, she loves


    you. I think she suits you better than Avery. Cayden, you need to treasure her¡ª¡±


    Frowning in annoyance, Cayden cut in, ¡°Mom, I thought I had made myself clear. I don''t like Nicole, so


    we''ll never end up together! I can deal with Chartreuse Garden''s matter without Nicole''s help. If that''s


    all you want to say, I''ll hang up now. I''m going to bed now. Stop saying that other women suit me better.


    I don''t want my wife to get upset.¡±


    He then hung up immediately after.


    Cayden''s words left Allie feeling awkward.


    She said those words out loud precisely because she knew for a fact that Avery was beside Cayden.


    s, Cayden didn''t bother showing her any respect.


    In the meantime, Avery couldn''t believe that Cayden would talk to Allie that way.


    Nevertheless, she had to admit that it felt good when she imagined how frustrated Allie was.


    Avery handed the milk to Cayden. ¡°You''ve worked for a long time, so have some milk. No matter how


    busy you are, you must take care of your health. Actually, it might really be easier to solve Chartreuse


    Garden''s problem with Nicole''s help.¡±


    Hearing her words, Cayden didn''t ept the ss of milk. Instead, he scowled unhappily.


    His dark, intense gaze signaled the arrival of a storm.


    Narrowing his gaze, he inched nearer to her. ¡°Really?¡±


    Sensing his dangerous aura, Avery couldn''t stop her heart from racing. She stared into his ck and


    prating eyes that seemed to suck her soul away.


    Cowering back, she ced the ss on the desk.


    Cayden stared at her intently before putting his arms around her waist to pin her to the wall. ¡°You don''t


    trust me, huh?¡±


    His heated breath mingled with her anxious quick pants as they stood in an intimate position.


    ¡°Of course I trust you.¡± Avery gazed at him with her sparkling eyes that brimmed with trust.


    Pleased, Cayden nodded. ¡°Mm, good. Don''t say silly things to upset me again.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°Now that you know you''ve made a mistake, it''s time for you to apologize sincerely.¡±


    ¡°How do I do that?¡± Avery raised her head in confusion.


    ¡°Kiss me!¡±


    Avery blinked twice. As she was so much shorter than him, she could barely kiss his lips despite


    standing on tiptoes.


    Craning her neck, she gave him a firm kiss on the lips.


    Cayden frowned in dissatisfaction. ¡°That''s too perfunctory. Don''t you remember anything from what I


    taught you?¡±


    Thus, Avery wrapped her arms around his neck and offered him her lips once again. Just like what he


    had taught her previously, she forced his lips open and slid her tongue into his mouth.


    At once, Cayden took the initiative.


    They forgot all their worries and spent a passionate night in the study.


    The next day, Cayden left to work before dawn.


    Avery woke up at eight as usual. Cayden was nowhere to be seen when she woke up.


    She washed herself up in the bathroom downstairs and came out to see an uninvited visitor sitting in


    the living room.


    Allie scowled when she saw Averying out of the bathroom and immediately reprimanded, ¡°Why


    are you up thiste? I can''t believe you slept in when something big happened to Cayden''spany.


    Fortunately, you don''t live in the Moore residence. Otherwise, Lily will mock me for having a daughter-


    inw like you! My son cannot afford to have such a pampered woman as his wife!¡±


    Avery was upset to be reprimanded for no reason.


    Forcing a smile, she replied nonmittally, ¡°Mdm. Allie, I need to go to work now. Goodbye.¡±


    Allie pinned her with a withering look. ¡°Look at how diligent Cayden is. He went to work early in the


    morning. If I had known, I wouldn''te here at all. When you arrive at work, tell Cayden toe


    home after work. His grandpa wants to talk to him.¡±


    All the while, Allie never had control over her well-opinionated son.


    Despite feeling proud to have such a talented and outstanding son, she was frustrated about not being


    able to control him.


    Knowing Cayden would most definitely ignore her words, she had to use Jeffrey to force him to obey


    her words.


    Avery replied, ¡°Okay. I''ll pass the message to him.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I nearly forgot you work at Cayden''spany, too. You got the job with his help, right?¡± Allie shot


    Avery a contemptuous look and added, ¡°You''re destined to be an ordinary white-cored worker


    forever. However, Nicole isn''t only a celebrity, for she also knows investment and finance at a youngN?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    age. She also offered to help her mother run their family business after retiring from the entertainment


    industry. Cayden is busy at work, so he needs someone like Nickie to help him instead of a useless


    woman like you.¡±


    Difort rose in Avery''s heart. Allie is at it again. She keeps mentioning Nicole andparing us.


    She just doesn''t like me.


    Avery suppressed her difort and retorted sharply, ¡°Even if I''m useless, Cayden is willing to spend


    money on me. Besides, we n to have another child next year. Don''t worry that I''ll have too much free


    time.¡±


    Fury shed across Allie''s face as she gritted her teeth and eximed, ¡°B*tch, look how shameless


    you are! Cayden didn''t even say he''d marry you, but you''re dreaming of getting pregnant with his child!


    Aren''t you ashamed?¡±


    ¡°I''m nothingpared to you, Mdm. Allie. I heard Cayden''s father only acknowledged you after you


    gave birth to Cayden. I could say the same of you. Moreover, Cayden loves me. It''s useless no matter


    how much you like Nicole,¡± came Avery''s answer.


    Allie''s fury boiled over as she grabbed her bag to attack Avery.


    ¡°Sorry, but I need to head to work. You''re wee to stay or leave,¡± Avery announced icily.


    She stepped out of the door with her bag in hand, her heels clicking against the ground elegantly.


    Her slender figure quickly disappeared from sight. Allie was left alone on the couch, her expression as


    dark as thunder.

 Chapter 390

    Chapter 390


    As soon as Avery arrived at the office building of Trident Group, she heard someone hollering anxiously


    at the first floor''s lobby. ¡°Someone is attempting tomit suicide! This is bad! It''s Anthony Xenakis,


    the owner of the burned-down unit! Help! Someone, please help! He''s at the rooftop of Block C!¡±


    In an instant, Avery''s face turned ashen. When she was about to follow the informant to the scene, she


    bumped into Cayden.


    ¡°Mr. Xenakis... wants to take his own life! He''s at Block C right now!¡± Avery said nervously. Her mind


    had already gone nk at that moment.


    Cayden grabbed Avery by her wrist and halted her in her tracks. He was worried that the mentally-


    unstable Anthony would end up hurting innocent people including Avery.


    ¡°I know what happened. Calm down, all right? I''ll go and handle it. You should stay here.¡± The man''s


    voice was calm and resolute.


    ¡°I won''t cause you trouble. I promise. Let''s hurry there. I''m serious! Things will get out of control if


    something bad happens to him,¡± Avery urged.


    Not daring to waste any more time, Cayden could only bring Avery along.


    Trident Group had four office buildings¡ªBlocks A, B, C, and D.


    Cayden''s office was located at Block A, while Anthony was about to jump off the rooftop of Block C.


    Since the two buildings were quite near, the couple soon arrived at Block C. N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    Meanwhile, a crowd of onlookers had already gathered downstairs. There were also innumerable


    reporters taking photos with cameras and camcorders.


    At the same time, police officers were there to maintain public order. They had alreadyid out an air


    cushion on the ground by then.


    Cayden and Avery took the private elevator straight to the highest floor of the building. They then


    arrived at the rooftop in no time.


    Indeed, the suicidal man who was about to jump to his death was Anthony Xenakis¡ªthe businessman


    who had lost his beloved wife and his adorable child overnight.


    Anthony was once an elegant-looking, gentle middle-aged man. Yet, at that moment, his face was


    unshaven, and he looked depressed as he wore a dejected expression.


    Standing on the edge of the rooftop, Anthony was only one step away from falling off the building. If he


    wasn''t careful enough, he might die from a fall in the next instant. After all, falling from such a height


    was enough to shatter all the bones in his body.


    ¡°Where is Cayden Moore? I want to see him! I want to see him now!¡± Anthony mored while bawling.


    Seeing that Anthony was about to fall any moment, Avery grew anxious and wanted to step forward to


    dissuade him, but Cayden immediately stopped her. ¡°Have you forgotten the promise you''ve just


    made? I''ll take care of this matter. Just leave it to me and stay right here.¡±


    ¡°We don''t have time now. What if he gets too emotional and identally falls? Another life would be


    lost for no reason. I''ll go and talk to him. It''s best to discuss the matter after he gets down safely,¡±


    suggested Avery. Panic-stricken, she had already broken into a cold sweat.


    ¡°Leave it to me!¡± Cayden asserted authoritatively with no room for negotiation.


    With that, Avery could only take a step back and allow Cayden to deal with it.


    The employees of Trident Group at the scene heaved a sigh of relief when they saw Cayden stepping


    forward.


    Agitated, one of the employees voiced, ¡°Mr. Moore is here, Mr. Xenakis! You can talk to him and let him


    know if you have any problems. Mr. Moore will seek justice for you!¡±


    ¡°That''s right! Pleasee down, Mr. Xenakis. It''s too dangerous to stand there!¡±


    Unexpectedly, Anthony became increasingly emotional when he saw Cayden. The former even inched


    closer toward the edge, scaring everyone out of their wits.


    Filled with despair, Anthony cried his eyes out. It was as though he had been abandoned and left alone


    in this world.


    As tears rolled down his face, heunched into a tirade against Cayden. ¡°You are such a wicked


    property developer, Cayden Moore! I spent tens of millions buying a property at Chartreuse Garden. I


    can''t believe a high-end residential area developed by Trident Group has poor firefighting facilities and


    bad property management. My wife and my child were burned to death... They''re gone! Since you''ve


    destroyed my family, I will make sure to do the same to your reputation!¡±


    ¡°Media reporters are downstairs right now, Mr. Xenakis. I won''t stop you if you intend to make the news


    headline. Just jump off the building. But do you think you can achieve your goal by threatening me with


    your life? I''m sure you''ll die on the spot after jumping off this building. Your face will be unrecognizable


    after being reduced to a bloody pulp. This is troublesome enough to keep me busy for a while, but


    that''s it! I can easily suppress the news by using some of my connections. It won''t take long for me to


    rebuild Trident Group''s reputation. Hmm. What about you? You didn''t get to avenge your wife and child


    and even lost your life. Okay. Go ahead and jump down if you still wish to die,¡± Cayden uttered in a


    frosty tone.


    At that moment, Avery couldn''t believe her ears.


    How can he say that to a person seeking death? He should coax Mr. Xenakis down from the ledge, not


    trigger him with harsh words while maintaining such a calm demeanor. I really can''t listen to this


    anymore. Anthony is already on the verge of breaking down. Why is he still triggering him? Does he


    really want Anthony to give up on his life?


    In a gentle voice, Avery cautiously advised, ¡°Don''t listen to him, Mr. Xenakis. The impact of the fall will


    surely turn you into a pile of mushed flesh. That would be a sorry sight. Why don''t youe down


    first? There will always be a glimmer of hope as long as you''re alive and well. Don''t you want to avenge


    your wife and your child? Don''t you want to witness the arsonist receive punishment for her deeds?


    Just let us know what you need, Mr. Xenakis. Now, please get down from there first, okay?¡±


    Anthony gave Avery a once-over at that. Before he could say anything, Cayden''s inconsiderate and icy


    voice sounded again. ¡°Ms. Rumpley, what gives you the right to make a decision on behalf of the


    higher-ups of Trident Group?¡±


    At times, provocation would work better than coaxing when dissuading a suicidal man. That was also


    the reason why Cayden tried to threaten Anthony though it was not his usual way of doing things.


    In this case, I''ll surely provide Anthony with a solution that works best for both parties involved.


    However, this doesn''t mean that he can take the opportunity to threaten me into doing anything. I hate


    being threatened.


    Avery was rendered speechless by Cayden''s words. Feeling aggrieved, she questioned, ¡°Mr. Moore,


    don''t you feel sorry for Mr. Xenakis? Do you really want him to die? He is already miserable enough!¡±


    ¡°Miserable people are everywhere. His existence makes no difference to the world.¡±


    ¡°That''s outrageous! How could you say such a thing, Cayden Moore? Why can''t you show some


    kindness?¡±


    The employees of Trident Group were taken aback by what was unfolding before their eyes.


    However, Avery was the only person who had the guts to talk back to Cayden.


    Everyone is here to dissuade Anthony from jumping off the building, so why are Mr. Moore and Avery


    arguing now? What is happening?


    Noticing that Anthony was distracted, some of the onlookers took the opportunity to step forward and


    pull him down the ledge. Unfortunately, Anthony, who figured out what they were attempting to do, tilted


    sideways to dodge them and lost his bnce in the process. He let out a piercing shriek of terror and


    fell off the edge of the building.


    At that critical juncture, Avery, who was the closest to Anthony, reached out her hand without hesitation.


    Though she sessfully grabbed hold of the plummeting man, gravity pulled them downward, and they


    fell off the building together.

 Chapter 391

    Chapter 391


    ¡°Avery!¡± Cayden yelled hysterically, wild-eyed as fear coursed through his veins.


    It might have been sheer dumb luck, but he was d he had shot his hand out in the nick of time and


    grabbed Avery''s ankle.


    As a result, thetter hung upside down in the air, her hair flying wildly.


    Needless to say, she was so frightened that her delicate face had turned ashen.


    It also didn''t help that she had acrophobia, and the more she looked at the hundreds of meters below


    her, the more lightheaded she felt.


    What was surprising, though, was that despite quivering with fear, she never once loosened her grip on


    Anthony''s arm.


    ¡°Hang in there, Avery! I''ll get you guys up immediately!¡± Cayden shouted, hands trembling as he spoke.


    His heart almost stopped when he saw Avery falling, and even his breathing becamebored.


    Thankfully, he managed to grab her ankle at that critical moment.


    In an attempt to pull Avery back up, Trident Group''s employees quickly jumped into action, with Xavier


    and Trevor clutching her other ankle while the rest of the male colleagues held onto her coat.


    ¡°Cayden Moore, you''re an unscrupulous businessman! You''re the reason my family''s gone! Since I''m


    already prepared to die today, I don''t think it''d be a bad idea to drag someone along with me!


    Hahaha...¡± Anthony bellowed, a crazed look in his eyes.


    He continued to re at Cayden, and it was evident he hated thetter with every fiber of his being.


    Cayden could usually keep his cool under any circumstances, but this time round, Anthony''s dumb


    actions had proven to be thest straw for him.


    ¡°How dare you, Anthony Xenakis! I felt sorry about the loss of your wife and child and wanted to


    compensate you as best as I could. Why, then, did you have to pull a stunt like this? Do you have any


    idea how foolish you are?¡±


    s, those words only pushed Anthony over the edge.


    Argh! It was never my intention to drag an innocent person to die with me, but what other choices do I


    have? Even though I''m a wealthy businessman, my experience and connections can neverpare to


    Cayden''s. It''s just impossible to fight someone as rich and powerful as him. That''s why I had to do


    something so drastic! I''m desperate!


    Upon thinking of histe wife and child, Anthony became even more emotional. ¡°If karma does exist,


    you''ll get what you deserve sooner orter! In any case, I''m ready to sacrifice myself today and destroy


    your reputation!¡±


    With that, Anthony began prying Avery''s fingers off of his wrist. Thetter was utterly powerless to stop


    him, and all she could do was watch wide-eyed as he started to slip out of her grasp.


    As soon as Avery realized Anthony''s intentions, she panicked even more.


    ¡°You have to hold on to me, Mr. Xenakis! Don''t let go!¡± she pleaded. ¡°Life is full of ups and downs, and


    we''ve all had our fair share of bad luck, haven''t we? Choosing to die because of that is the most


    cowardly way to go. I know your wife and child died unjustly, but the murderer has yet to be tried. Don''t


    you at least want to see her get the punishment she deserves?¡±


    When Anthony didn''t say anything, Avery added, ¡°Do you think your death will solve all your problems?


    Think about your elderly parents and parents-inw, for goodness'' sake. They''ve been traumatized


    enough about what happened to your wife and child. Do you really want to end your life and put them


    through the same suffering again? Mr. Xenakis, as long as you''re alive, there will always be a glimmer


    of hope. Only then can you seek justice for your loved ones. Please don''t do anything foolish.¡±


    Fortunately, Avery''s words seemed to have moved Anthony, and Cayden immediately jumped at the


    opportunity.


    ¡°Mr. Xenakis, even though I don''t like being threatened with death, I''ll ept responsibility for your


    loss. After all, what happened to your family was indeed Trident Group''s fault. Tell me anything that you


    want. As long as your request is reasonable, I promise to fulfill it!¡±


    Anthony seemed to have been persuaded by Cayden and began pondering his options. He was still


    emotionally unstable, but at the very least, he had stopped prying Avery''s fingers off his wrist.


    Despite still feeling somewhat skeptical, he eventually looked up and stared Cayden in the eye. ¡°Are


    you sure about that, Cayden? What if I want Jenna Doyle to die?¡±


    ¡°Fine. You have my word!¡± Cayden said firmly. ¡°If you carry on living, I''ll make sure the arsonist gets the


    death penalty!¡±


    Now that he had gotten Cayden''s assurance, Anthony no longer saw the need to end his life and


    gradually calmed down.


    Without further ado, Cayden and his employees seized the chance and hurriedly pulled Avery and


    Anthony back to safety.


    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    Avery had just escaped from the jaws of death and was still in shock when she found herself getting


    whisked away by a grim-faced Cayden.


    Terrified, she shot a pleading look at Xavier and Cecelia, only to have them stare helplessly back at


    her.


    Left with no other choice, Avery gave in to Cayden and let him pull her into a room on the top floor.


    After seeing him m the door behind them, Avery flinched.


    Oh, no, he''s angry. I know my near brush with death must have scared him...


    The next second, she walked up to the man to try andfort him with a hug.


    To her surprise, Cayden shoved her away and raised his hand at her.


    Naturally, Avery was so scared that she closed her eyes right away.


    Oh, gosh. Is he that petty? Must he hit me over something so trivial?


    However, the pain that she was expecting never came. Instead, Avery heard a heavy thudnd on the


    wall.


    As soon as she opened her eyes, she realized Cayden had mmed his fist into the wall beside her


    head.


    Not only were his eyes bloodshot, but his body was also trembling.


    One thing was for sure¡ªfear and anger had taken over his usual steely demeanor.


    Looking at the man''s chillingly somber expression and bloodied fist, Avery couldn''t help but feel worried


    and guilty.


    Cayden, on the other hand, was struggling with his emotions.


    He knew he should be happy that Avery was safe and sound, but try as he might, he just couldn''t get


    his emotions under control.


    After all, Avery had almost died!


    If he hadn''t caught her in time, she''d have fallen to her death and been smashed to smithereens. It was


    also then that he realized what a heart-stopping moment truly felt like.


    Before Cayden could say anything else, Avery quickly hugged him tight around his waist, trying to


    diffuse his anger.

 Chapter 392

    Chapter 392


    Avery pressed her face against his muscr body and softened her tone as she kept apologizing,


    ¡°Cayden, I''m sorry, I''m sorry. I only wanted to save Mr. Xenakis. It didn''t ur to me that something so


    dangerous would happen. I promise I won''t be so careless anymore. Please don''t stay mad at me.¡±


    ¡°Who do you think you are? You are not a superhero, and you can barely protect yourself. How could


    you risk everything to save someone? Are you an idiot? Don''t you know how dangerous the situation


    was? Do you know how scared I was when I saw you falling?¡± Cayden turned around and red at her


    with his bloodshot eyes.


    Only he knew how much his heart ached when he saw her fall. Hatred, regret, and boundless fear filled


    his heart at that sight.


    He could only think of killing Anthony to relieve his anger and pain at that moment.


    ¡°I didn''t expect the situation to be so dangerous. We could have lost an innocent life if we had dragged


    it on for even a second. I didn''t mean for this to happen...¡± Avery continued exining aggrievedly as


    she snuggled in his embrace. ¡°I promise I won''t do something so reckless again. My arm hurts, by the


    way...¡±


    Sure enough, Cayden''s attention was immediately shifted to herst sentence.


    He raised his slightly trembling hands and carefully held Avery''s arm. His voice was hoarse as he


    asked, ¡°Where does it hurt? Did you hurt your arm? Let me take a look.¡±


    Rolling up Avery''s sleeve, he saw that the fair skin on her wrist had turned red. She must have strained


    her wrist from exerting too much force when grabbing Anthony earlier. Cayden was distressed to see


    that.


    She could barely protect herself, yet she decided to y the hero in such a dangerous situation.


    His face clouded over as he picked Avery up in his arms and headed toward the CEO''s office in block


    C.


    Avery took in his darkened expression from the corner of her eye and knew she must have angered


    him with what she did. Thus, she nestled in his arms obediently along the way, not having the courage


    to say anything else or resist him.


    As soon as they arrived at the CEO''s office, a female secretary hurried over and reported to Cayden,


    ¡°Mr. Moore, Mr. Xenakis seems fine now, but his emotions are still rather unstable, and he keeps


    demanding to see you¡ª¡±


    ¡°Tell him to get lost!¡± Cayden shouted coldly at the secretary with a livid expression.


    It was the secretary''s first time seeing him lose his temper. Scared out of her wits, she promptly exited


    the office.


    Cayden then ced Avery on the couch.


    He produced a ster for reducing swelling from a drawer in his lounge and carefully pasted it on


    Avery''s wrist.


    Avery cautiously observed Cayden''s expression. Then, upon seeing that he seemed to have calmed


    down much more, she cleared her throat and asked timidly, ¡°Cayden, can you talk to me? You look


    scary now...¡±


    Hearing that, Cayden remained silent. In the next second, he suddenly pressed his lips against Avery''s.


    He integrated much anger with that kiss, intending to punish her with it as he bit her lips while he was


    at it. Avery almost burst into tears due to the sharp pain.


    After the kiss, Avery could feel blood seeping from the corner of her lips. As such, she felt extremely


    aggrieved.


    His way of punishing her had always been violent yet awfully intimate.


    Dissatisfaction slowly filled Avery''s bright and reddened eyes.


    Cayden could not bear to see Avery looking like that. She did something wrong, so he gave her a light


    punishment, but in the end, she acted as if he was the sinner instead. He felt helpless about the


    situation.


    Just when he was about to lecture Avery again, he heard Xavier knocking hastily on his door. ¡°Mr.


    Moore, there are media reporters, police officers, and a crowd seeking justice for Anthony waiting for


    us downstairs.¡±


    Hearing that, Cayden knew it was not a good time for him to spend more intimate moments with Avery.


    If he failed to address the situation outside, it would soon lead to a terrible mess.


    ncing at Avery''s face, which was still as pale as before, Cayden felt slightly reluctant. He told Xavier,


    ¡°Mr. Dartsley, call Yuvan and let hime to the office to check on Avery''s injuries.¡±


    He knew Avery did not like going to the hospital and always felt ufortable going to hospitals, so he


    figured he could let Yuvane to his office to give her a check-up instead.


    The incident earlier must have significantly frightened Avery. Yuvan was not only a skillful doctor, but he


    also studied psychology for his Ph.D. Hence, he was the perfect person to attend to Avery after that


    traumatizing incident.


    ¡°Sure, I''ll contact Dr. Zeller right away,¡± said Xavier.


    Cayden kissed Avery on the forehead and said, ¡°Stay here and listen to the doctor. Don''t go elsewhere.


    I''lle back to you once I''m done working.¡±


    Avery nodded obediently. Then, she watched Cayden leave the office, still pretty worried about him.


    Pulling open the curtains of the floor-to-ceiling window in his office, Avery could see the crowded scene


    downstairs at the building entrance. She trusted Cayden''s capability to solve this, but she could not


    help feeling anxious about the situation.


    Meanwhile, countless media reporters, police officers in charge of handling emergency cases, and


    bustling crowds snapping pictures filled the entrance of Trident Group downstairs.


    Anthony''s brother and his wife tearfully protested to the reporters at the scene, saying, ¡°My brother''s


    wife and son were burned to death because of Trident Group''s terrible property management skills and


    faulty fire-fighting facilities. My brother was also forced to jump off the building to end his life. We can''t


    forgive Cayden Moore. He only cares about making a profit instead of ensuring lives are protected


    within his properties! Please, everyone, we must never stop spreading this news to alert the public. We


    must seek justice for my brother and his family!¡±


    Right after they finished talking, several reporters instantly spotted Cayden stepping out of the building


    with his bodyguards protecting him.


    The reporters immediately pointed their microphones at Cayden.


    ¡°Mr. Moore, it has been more than a week since the fire broke out in Chartreuse Garden. When will you


    issue a proper exnation to the family of the deceased? Also, regarding Mr. Xenakis'' suicide attempt


    earlier today, is yourpany involved in forcing him to take such extreme measures?¡±


    N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    ¡°Mr. Moore, Chartreuse Garden is said to be a high-end residential area. However, there are certain


    defects in thendscape design as well as the design andyout of the houses. In addition, the smoke


    rms and automatic sprinkler devices installed in each house were also said to be mere essories.


    All of these factors caused the firefighters to fail to put out the fire in time. What do you have to say


    about that?¡±


    ¡°Mr. Moore, will the same issue happen to Trident Group''s new high-end real estate projects like


    Ardoran Masonry and Mulberry Homes? If another fire breaks out in those residential areas, will the


    same tragedy happen again?¡±


    Cayden stood straight, his dark obsidian eyes exuding coldness. Even in the face of aggressive


    reporters, he showed no sign of panic. Instead, he maintained calm andposed.


    As he held the microphone, his refined and handsome face gave off a menacing aura. ¡°I''m very sorry


    that a tragedy has happened in Chartreuse Garden. As the CEO of Trident Group, it''s my dereliction of


    duty not to manage my employees better. With all media outlets here as my witness today, I promise I''ll


    give a satisfactory exnation to the family of the deceased!¡±


    Cayden continued, ¡°As for the incident where Mr. Xenakis tried to jump off a building today...¡±

 Chapter 393

    Chapter 393


    In the meantime, Nicole was at home since she had nothing to do that day.


    Both William and ire had some matters to attend to, while the housekeeper had returned home to


    celebrate New Year. That was why Nicole was all alone at home.


    She was toozy to cook an borate meal for herself, so she simply cooked some pasta instead.


    While Nicole was eating her pasta, she turned on the TV and skipped the various entertainment


    programs before settling on a particr channel.


    There was a drama series on that channel that she was starring in, and it was the day of its premiere.


    At that moment, the drama had yet to begin airing, and the advertisements were ongoing. Nicole waited


    patiently.


    All of a sudden, the image on the TV changed. It was thetest news update on the arson case.


    A female reporter was holding a microphone and facing the camera. ¡°We are now at the headquarters


    of Trident Group in Ackleton. Several reporters from various mediapanies are gathered here right


    now. Everyone is unhappy with the official statement given by Trident Group with regard to the arson


    case at Chartreuse Garden. Also, the victim, Mr. Xenakis, has apparently ended his own life by jumping


    off a building. It''s said that this incident has something to do with Trident Group as well. We hope that


    Mr. Moore can rify these matters...¡±


    Nicole stopped eating and focused all her attention on the news.


    There were too many people jostling about at the scene, and it was almost impossible for anyone to


    figure out who was who. However, Nicole spotted Cayden at one nce.


    He was simply too eye-catching.


    The sun was so ring that it looked as if all the rays were shining down on Cayden alone.


    His healthy-looking skin glowed under the bright sunlight, and even that sexy nose of his shone like a


    piece of jade.


    Cayden stood amidst the chaotic scene in silence, looking both dignified and cold. It was as if he was


    not even there.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Nicole was so besotted with him that she could not take her eyes off him. In fact, she did not even blink


    once.


    There was one thing she was looking forward to¡ªhow he was going to answer those tough questions.


    Even more so, Nicole was dying to see Trident Group in trouble. She hoped that they would fail to


    disentangle themselves from the aftermath of the scandal. After all, if that were to happen, she could


    disy her usefulness.


    Everyone present was eagerly waiting for Cayden''s responses to those usations.


    The reporters were busy filming and taking photos. No one wanted to miss a word Cayden would be


    saying.


    Cayden was handsome and distant at the same time. He exuded the elegant air of a mature man


    effortlessly.


    Facing the camera, he said coldly, ¡°The death of Mr. Xenakis is purely idental. Because of the


    sudden loss of his wife and children, Mr. Xenakis was so distraught and in such mental agony that he


    decided to take his own life. On behalf of Trident Group, I hereby express my deepest apologies to his


    family!¡±


    His confident exnation of Anthony''s suicide rendered everyone speechless in an instant.


    Only Anthony''s brother and sister-inw screamed angrily, ¡°Liar! My brother was threatened by Trident


    Group. That''s why he ended his life! Cayden Moore, you are such a coward! After the incident, your


    real estate developer disappeared and did not apologize to my brother and his family. In fact, the fire


    records have even been tampered with as you attempted to destroy the evidence. How do you justify


    such despicable acts? I felt so sorry for my brother when he lost his family overnight. The house that he


    had worked so hard for was destroyed as well. Our family tried to pursue this matter using legal means,


    but we are just ordinary folks. Even our posts on Twitter were always deleted shortly after we posted


    them. Under such circumstances, most normal people would have gone crazy. That''s why my brother


    chose to die!¡±


    ¡°Mr. Moore, is it true? After the incident, is it true that the fire records were falsified?¡±


    ¡°Mr. Moore, did you manipte the public opinion and conceal all information that is not in favor of


    Trident Group? As a result, you upset the victim again?¡±


    ¡°Mr. Moore, is it true that you...¡±


    The countless reporters rushed forward with their microphones held up high at Cayden. They were


    attempting to obtain the most shocking information from him so as to cause a stir in public opinion.


    After all, Trident Group had always been very cautious in their dealings for so many years, and their


    image was positive, to say the least. There was barely any negative news about them. As such, they


    had gained the trust of the public.


    This time around, the sudden scandal was well received by Trident Group''spetitors. They viewed


    that as a golden opportunity to bring Trident Group down.


    In fact, many of the reporters had been bribed by Trident Group''spetitors to create more chaos.


    Cayden''s dark eyes were sharp and cool as he scanned the reporters who surrounded him.


    He said in a deep voice, ¡°After the arson incident, Trident Group regarded the matter with the highest


    priority. We immediately arrived at Chartreuse Garden to inspect the situation and work closely with the


    fire department. Since the day Trident Group was established, the safety of the public has always been


    of utmost importance to us. With regard to the ident at Chartreuse Garden, it is true that there was a


    lapse in supervision. Once again, I apologize to everyone!¡±


    The elegant-looking Cayden then looked into the camera and bowed deeply.


    He then continued, ¡°As for the falsification of the fire records, I will set up a special task force and get


    them to do a thorough investigation. If the usation is found to be true, then I will definitely punish


    anyone who has partaken in such an hical undertaking, regardless of who these people may be, in


    order to protect the legal rights of the property owners. Furthermore, Trident Group has always been


    transparent in our dealings. We do not believe in pulling strings or manipting public opinion, and


    certainly nothing shady like coercion of the owners! Everypany has its own way of operating. Once


    a problem has been detected, we will act ording to thews. As to the extent of the roles yed by


    Chartreuse Garden, the housekeeper, the real estatepany, the fire department, and the domestic


    help firm with regard to the arson incident, I will leave that to the court to decide. Trident Group will be


    giving an additional twenty-five percentpensation to the owners as per the court''s ruling.


    Everything will be done openly! If the media continues to deliberately misinterpret the context and


    mislead the public, Trident Group will pursue this matter to the end using all legal means!¡±


    There was an uproar among the reporters.


    His reply was absolutely wless.


    The reporters still had all kinds of questions for Cayden, but he waved them away. Instead, both Xavier


    and the manager of the public rtions department came into the picture.


    They would handle everything from now on.


    By now, Nicole had lost her appetite.


    She had to admit that Cayden was excellent in his public rtions. Cayden''s courage and swift


    response were something she admired. Even when the reputation of hispany was faced with such


    a hostile threat, he was fearless. Perhaps others might think that everything was about toe


    crumbling down, but not him. He handled the whole incident with utter ease.


    If he manages to resolve this crisis so easily, how am I going to get close to him in the future?


    Furthermore, Nicole had found out that Avery was the biological daughter of her adopted parents.


    If William and his wife knew the truth, it was even more impossible for Nicole to win Cayden over...

 Chapter 394

    Chapter 394


    Nicole''s eyes were zing with hatred.


    Standing up, she decided to visit the Moore residence to find Allie.


    She knew Allie was foolish, greedy for money, and a materialistic woman, so she nned to get the


    latter and Jeffrey, who held the most authority in the Moore family, on her side. Then, she would get her


    parents to intervene in the matter. In the end, Cayden would have no choice but to cave to her.


    At Trident Group, after Yuvan examined Avery''s body, he noticed she was fine except for her swollen


    wrists and sprained muscles.


    Mentally, however, she was more affected.


    After all, she almost fell from the eighty-eight floor. Anyone would have gotten a heart attack from this.


    Yuvan then did psychological counseling with her and prescribed her some soluble pills.


    Cayden made sure Avery had entirely calmed down before letting Yuvan leave.


    He did not let Avery return to the office to work after her scare. Instead, he made her rest in the CEO-


    exclusive lounge.


    After a moment, Cayden instructed someone to dissolve her soluble pills. Then, he handed the bowl of


    medicine to her.


    Avery had only taken a sip before her expression changed drastically.


    She snuck a nce at Cayden and pursed her lips. Then, she held up the bowl of medicine and


    furrowed her brows.


    ¡°You can go and work first. The medicine is too hot. I''ll wait for it to cool down before drinking,¡± Avery


    said softly.


    Cayden narrowed his eyes and stared at Avery''s unnatural expression. He did not reply as he turned


    around to return to his office.


    Avery heaved a sigh of relief.


    After he left, she walked to the sink as she wanted to pour the bowl of medicine away.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± An icy cold voice suddenly rang out from behind her.


    Shocked, Avery nearly dropped the bowl onto the ground.


    She turned around and saw Cayden leaning on the door of the lounge.


    Caught red-handed, she bit her lip in embarrassment. ¡°N-Nothing.¡±


    Cayden stared at her in amusement as he listened to herme excuse.


    Knowing that it was obvious she was lying, Avery''s face reddened as she exined, ¡°I don''t like to take


    medicine. The pills Yuvan prescribed are too bitter. I simply had a minor scare. It''s not so serious until I


    have to take medication for it. Also, there are side effects to eating medicine. I really don''t want to drink


    this. I know I''ll recover in a few days.¡±


    Cayden stared at her throughout her exnation.


    Seeing Avery''s reluctant and troubled expression over the medicine, Cayden took the bowl and drank a


    huge sip. Then, he pinned her against the wall and gripped her chin. In the next instant, his lips were


    on hers as he forcefully fed the medicine to her.


    Avery widened her eyes. The bitter medicine Cayden fed her turned into a different kind of bitterness.


    Cayden would let Avery get her way in everything except when it came to her own body and health. He


    refused to let her treat herself that lightly.


    Avery''s expression soured, but she could not do anything.


    The bitterness of the medicine had Avery cursing at Yuvan inwardly.


    Cayden stared at her as she obediently finished the rest of the medicine.


    He watched her lean against the bed as her bright eyes grew a little teary due to the bitterness. Her


    aggrieved expression also caused his heart to soften.


    Sitting down on the bed, he shifted her to sit in hisp.


    Cayden said gently, ¡°The medicine Yuvan prescribed is very effective. You had a scare today, so your


    head might hurt tomorrow. You will feel better tomorrow after eating this medicine.¡±


    Avery also knew it was for her own good but still felt aggrieved. ¡°It''s really bitter.¡±


    Cayden suddenly pulled a candy out of nowhere and unwrapped it.


    Avery thought he would give the candy to her, so she did not expect it when he put it into his mouth.


    Before Avery could react, Cayden had grabbed the back of her neck and started kissing her.


    He skillfully teased her lips apart and passed the candy into her mouth with his tongue.


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    The bitter medicine taste still lingered in her mouth. Whenbined with her distinct taste and the


    sweetness of the candy, Cayden found it particrly appealing.


    Avery''s initially paleplexion had grown rosy after the kiss. Cayden felt contented upon seeing that


    she was as red as an apple.


    He said, ¡°You don''t need to work anymore today. Take a nap. You cane to work tomorrow after


    you''re fully rested. Anyways, thepany is about to go on holiday. I can help you apply for leave for


    the remaining days.¡±


    Avery frowned. ¡°It''s fine. I''m okay. I can just rest for today ande to work tomorrow. There is more


    work at the end of the year, so I should try to help out as much as possible.¡±


    ¡°Do as you like. I respect your decision. Then, I''ll go and work now. Let me know when you wake up.¡±


    Cayden tucked Avery in before leaving to handle his work matters.


    After Avery had the medicine, her head felt heavy. Therefore, it did not take her long to fall asleep.


    She slept until six in the evening.


    Her phone was blinking as she had received notifications from her WhatsApp. She unlocked her phone


    and leaned against a pillow before opening WhatsApp.


    Avery had received several messages from colleagues who were close to her expressing their


    concerns. After all, many had seen her nearly fall.


    Touched, she started replying to their messages one by one to express her gratitude.


    She noticed Cecelia and Nina had sent her the most messages. Their messages were rife with worry


    and concern for her. Therefore, she created a group chat with the three of them.


    Then, she texted the group: I''m fine. I feel much better after resting. Thank you both for your concern.


    Then, she added a smiling emoji.


    Avery''s reply stirred up amotion in the chat.


    Cecelia: Avery, you''re finally back in the world of the living! It was so scary today. I almost died of fright!


    I swear I was almost about to give birth right then. Thank the heavens, you''re fine. You have to take


    responsibility for my baby. It received a bigger scare than me.


    Avery: Cecelia, how about I be the baby''s godmother after you give birth? I''ll give the baby


    whatever it wants!


    Nina: Heartless woman. You only think about Cecelia. I also got the shock of my life! How are you


    going tofort me? Also, where are you now?


    Avery: My dear Nina, it''s all my fault. I''ll treat you to a big meal soon! I''m in the lounge. See you


    tomorrow.


    Cecelia: Wow! The lounge! Is it Mr. Moore''s private lounge? Ery, Mr. Moore was so angry because of


    you today. Tell us honestly. Did he forcefully do anything to you in his rage? Did he pin you down and


    do naughty things with you?


    Nina: You''re incorrigible, Cecelia. How can you think of our pure Ery like that? Ahem! Perhaps


    someone just finished a passionate session! We might have disturbed her!


    Avery was speechless.


    After chatting with them for a while, she noticed it was almost time to get off work and suddenly


    recalled what Allie had told her.


    Her good mood was instantly ruined when she remembered Jeffrey wanted to meet Cayden.

 Chapter 395

    Chapter 395


    At the Moore residence, the well-dressed Nicole was ying poker with Allie and a group of wealthy


    women.


    At the same time, the housekeeper apanied Jeffrey and the twins to a nearby park for a stroll.


    Allie dared to so brazenly invite others over to the Moore residence for a card game only because Lily


    had returned to her family residence.


    ¡°I won again!¡± It seemed like Allie was lucky that day since she had already won a few rounds


    consecutively.


    Her triumphantughter filled the living room as she showed her cards.


    ¡°Mdm. Allie, you''re so lucky today. You''ve won a few rounds already! That''s so impressive,¡± Nicole


    praised.


    ¡°That''s it for today. My luck is down in the dumps today; I haven''t won once.¡± Caroline, who was sitting


    next to her, was visibly unhappy.


    Caroline''s grumble left Allie smiling from ear to ear. ¡°Nickie is a lucky child. I barely won when I yed


    poker with you all in the past. But every time Nickie is here, I''ll definitely win!¡±


    ¡°Well, Allie. Nickie is always here to keep youpany when she''s free. It''s very considerate and


    sweet of her to do that. When is she getting engaged to Cayden?¡± Nancy queried in curiosity as she


    shuffled the cards.


    Almost everyone in Allie''s group of friends knew about Nicole.


    It was not the first time Allie bragged to her friends about how the daughter of the state secretary was


    infatuated and persistently pursuing her son. In fact, Allie was more than delighted to have Nicole as


    her daughter-inw.


    The reason was simple. Not only was Nicole an educated and elegantdy from a prominent family, but


    she was also graceful and had good manners. To add on, she also had an outstanding appearance. In


    the eyes of those wealthy women, Nicole was clearly Allie''s chosen daughter-inw.


    That being said, with how extensive the newspapers, magazines, and web news had developed, those


    women were not entirely oblivious to rumors and gossip. They were well aware of Cayden''s scandal


    with anotherdy recently.


    It was rumored that he had admitted that Avery was the mother of the twins.


    However, they believed that someone like Avery, who came from a humble family, would never be able


    to marry into a wealthy family.


    In other words, women of Avery''s status would only be fit for fun and entertainment purposes and


    nothing more than a mistress. The position of the wife of the Moore family''s son, or Cayden, would still


    be left for a socialite with a good family background.


    Hearing Nancy''s question, Nicole nervously held her breath as she waited for Allie''s response.


    She feared that all the money and effort she had spent on Cayden''s mother would go down the drain.


    ¡°Soon. Cayden is focused on his career and can''t be bothered about his love life now. But he''s not


    getting any younger. He will get married eventually when the right timees. I''ll make sure he starts


    nning next year. They''ll get marriedtest by the end of next year...¡± Allie exined without giving


    much thought to it.


    Learning that there was still such a long wait, Nicole felt a pang of disappointment surge within her.


    Nheless, those emotions soon faded away.


    I''m still young, anyway. So what if I have to wait a year more? When the timees, with the pressure


    from both the Moore family and the Lambert family, I don''t believe Cayden will still insist on marrying


    Avery.


    With that thought in mind, Nicole felt much more relieved.


    She quickly rposed herself and continued with the poker game. Even though she was wearing a


    warm smile on the surface, she was actually overwhelmed by frustration and irritation inside. Had she


    not wanted to butter up Allie, she would never have willingly kept those middle-aged womenpany.


    Just as Allie and the others were engrossed in their game, Avery and Cayden returned.


    When Avery saw Nicole in the living room, she began to feel a little ufortable.


    Simrly, when Cayden saw his mother ying poker with her group of friends, his brows instantly


    scrunched deeply.


    He mumbled a soft greeting at Allie and headed toward his room with his arm wrapped around Avery''s


    waist. Throughout it all, he did not interact with Allie''s friends and even ignored Nicole''s existence.


    A grim look crept up on Allie''s face, and a hint of disgust shed across her eyes at the sight of the


    inly-dressed Avery.


    In her eyes, Avery was just like an ugly duckling whenpared to the elegant and presentable Nicole.


    There was nothing but disdain in Allie''s gaze.


    As for Allie''s group of friends, they were sitting around and watching the Moore family''s drama unfold in


    amusement¡ªCayden ignoring the woman Allie chose for him and instead showering love and tender


    care toward the woman Allie firmly objected to.


    However, one thing to note was that even though Avery was in in clothing, she was actually quite


    pretty. She had exquisite facial features that made her look extra sweet and graceful. Herplexion


    was smooth and porcin-like, and her pair of bright eyes seemed to sparkle when she smiled.


    At first nce, she was a lot more outstanding than Nicole.


    Jealousy crushed Nicole as she noticed how protective Cayden was toward Avery. Nevertheless, she


    still tried to put on an amicable look.


    After Cayden and Avery headed upstairs, Carolinemented in a shrill voice, ¡°Oh gosh. Women


    these days don''t seem to know how to behave themselves anymore. They aren''t even married, yet


    she''s already showing up at the man''s house. Allie, are you not doing anything about Cayden? Men


    can do anything outside, but you can''t allow such behavior to happen at home. Tsk... If my son did such


    things, I''d be sure to break his legs!¡±


    Allie was already burning with displeasure, and those blunt remarks by Caroline only further fueled the


    embarrassment and vexation that soon became apparent on her face.


    ¡°He''s all grown up; he doesn''t listen to me anymore these days. But my father-inw will still be the one


    making decisions for his marriage. I''ll only acknowledge Nickie as my daughter-inw. No one else!¡±


    To Allie, Nicole was her favorite candidate for daughter-inw. It was a pity Cayden had zero interest in


    Nicole.


    Truth be told, she was furious that Cayden was no longer the obedient son who she used to have


    control over. On the one hand, she was annoyed that Nicole did not have the charm to bewitch Cayden


    and make him hers. On the other, she hated Avery for using her seductive wiles to seduce Cayden and


    even made him go against the entire Moore family for her.


    When those wealthy women heard Allie''s answer, they merely smiled and said nothing.


    After all, every family had its own fair share of problems. Instead of poking their noses in other people''s


    problems, they reckoned it was better to enjoy themselves.


    With that, the poker game continued. Unfortunately, Nicole''s attention was now focused somewhere


    else.


    The sweet smile on her face was a stark contrast to the turmoil of emotions deep within her. Her mind


    was upied with two burning questions.


    Why did Cayden bring Avery back to his room? Are they making love?


    Picturing the steamy scene of Cayden''s muscr body pressing against Avery''s lithe one, Nicole felt


    incredibly jealous to the point she was about to go mad!


    Meanwhile, in Cayden''s room, Avery spotted a semi-finished oil painting named Diana and Cupid on an


    easel.


    In the painting, Diana, a stunning goddess in Rodunstian mythology, was dressed in a dazzling red


    dress while ying with Cupid, who was carrying a golden bow and arrows on his back. It was such a


    heartwarming and beautiful sight that it could leave anyone in amazement at one nce.


    Gazing at the painting materials on the side that had dried up, Avery curiously asked, ¡°Cayden, did you


    paint this? The oil paintings in your room are all your works?¡±


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    Cayden casually answered, ¡°I paint them during my spare time. They aren''t considered perfect.¡±


    Avery was in utter disbelief.


    This man even knows how to paint, huh? His works are all of a high standard. Oh my gosh! Is there


    anything he isn''t good at?

 Chapter 396

    Chapter 396


    Avery had assumed that the oil paintings hung in the living room and Cayden''s bedroom were all


    famous antiques. It had never crossed her mind that they were drawn by Cayden as part of his hobby.


    In truth, she, too, loved to draw and had a talent for it. When she was studying in Ustrana, she spent


    some time learning to draw oil paintings and earned the praise of her art teacher.


    Unfortunately, the lessons were simply too expensive for her. As she was working part-time while


    studying, she didn''t have the time or energy to continue and was forced to drop the ss in the end.


    In spite of that, every time she walked past an art studio and saw the children engrossed in letting their


    creativity flow on the canvas, she would be filled with envy and an inexplicable sense of regret.


    From Cayden''s painting, one could see how his powerful brush strokes danced across the canvas.


    With lines that evoked emotion and colors that filled the senses, it had a powerful effect on its


    audience. Just like its painter, the painting felt distinguished and elegant, coupled with a dash of


    mystery.


    ¡°If you like painting, I can teach you when we have the time.¡±


    After opening a box of paint and mixing a few colors, he dabbed a paintbrush in them before cing it


    in Avery''s hand.


    Thereafter, Cayden wrapped her dainty hand in hisrge palm and continued drawing on the unfinished


    Diana and Cupid.


    ¡°No, I''m too clumsy. I''m worried that I''ll spoil your painting.¡± Even though Cayden was holding her hand,


    she couldn''t stop it from trembling.


    Rtive to his impable technique, Avery felt that her skill paled inparison, which was the


    reason why she was worried about ruining his painting.


    ¡°It''s fine. Oil paintings are different from Chanaean paintings. A wrong stroke on Chanaean paintings


    would destroy them, forcing the painter to start anew. As for oil paintings, any mistakes can still be


    remedied.¡± Cayden''s voice, which sounded like a mellifluous flute, gradually reverberated in Avery''s


    heart.


    Although she was aware of the fact from her lessons back then, she still couldn''t help but feel nervous.


    After calming Avery down, Cayden¡ªjust like a good teacher¡ªguided her patiently.


    Holding her hand within his, he helped her fill in the colors on the canvas brush by brush.


    After an unknown period of time, Diana''s striking red dress began to take form, whereas Cupid''s bow


    was alsopleted.


    Their duet ended up being perfect.


    Despite this being the first time they painted together, both of them managed toplete Diana and


    Cupid. The smorgasbord of colors fully expressed its foreign influence, while the addition of Chanaean


    elements brought an elegant and modern touch to it, sealing its perfection.


    A sense of pride descended upon Avery even though Cayden had done most of the work.


    Nheless, he was still unexpectedly impressed by her.


    It wasmon among painters to produce oil paintings that were rigid andcked true emotion.


    However, despite the clumsiness of Avery''s brushstrokes, she managed to amalgamate her thoughts


    into them and allowed her spirit to flow freely.


    Unable to stop himself, he gave Avery a kiss, for she had never failed to surprise him.


    Just as both of them were entwined in a moment of passion, a knock on the door was heard.


    Nicole''s voice rang out. ¡°Cayden, Old Mr. Moore wants you toe down for food. Are you busy? Can


    Ie in?¡±


    No sooner had Avery heard Nicole''s voice than she gave Cayden a look, upset over thetter''s


    behavior.


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    In response, Cayden put his finger to her lips before his frosty tone rang out.


    ¡°Ms. Nicole, my girlfriend and I are in the midst of our favorite activity, so it''s inconvenient for you to


    come in. We''ll be right down in a while.¡±


    Nicole''s hand¡ªwhich had just knocked on the door¡ªfroze in mid-air.


    When she heard Cayden brazenly dere that he was doing something with Avery in the room, her


    cheeks began to burn.


    In spite of that, the swelling hatred within her began to spread through her extremities, suffocating her


    in the process.


    As her innocent face began to twist into a grimace, she bit her lip forcefully in a desperate attempt to


    calm herself down.


    Ever since she was young, she had been headstrong. She would, by hook or by crook, strive to obtain


    whatever she wanted. In the event of failure, she would rather have it destroyed than allow someone


    else to have it.


    As for the man whom she had set her sights on, she was willing to resort to unscrupulous means in her


    quest to possess him.


    Even if Cayden and Avery were married, she would still figure out a way to get them divorced, let alone


    when they were just dating. I can easily break them up with a scheme of mine.


    With that thought in mind, Nicole steadied her emotions before heading back downstairs in her stilettos.


    Back in the dining room, Nicole was chatting patiently with Jeffrey and Allie. Both of them were


    laughing heartily at a joke she had shared.


    As for Zachary and Rory, the two felt neglected by the side.


    Curled up pitifully in front of the dining table, the pouting children widened their innocent-looking eyes


    as they red at the ¡°vixen.¡± She was in the midst of conducting a charm offensive on their great-


    grandfather and grandmother.


    Rory leaned closer to Zachary and whispered, ¡°Zach, look at thatdy. Not only is she not as pretty as


    Mommy, but her jokes are also not funny at all. I can''t understand why Great-grandpa and Grandma


    are evenughing. Zach, I really hate her.¡±


    With a mischievous glint in his eyes, Zachary whispered something to Rory, who indicated her


    agreement in delight.


    While the adults continued to chatter happily, the two children used the opportunity to slip out of the


    dining room before heading for the kitchen.


    The uniformed chef was busy cooking and hadn''t noticed the two children sneaking in.


    Elevating himself using a small stool, Zachary filled a bowl of soup. Thereafter, Rory added all sorts of


    seasoning to it before Zachary topped it off with a huge amount of mustard. After giving it a stir, both of


    them returned to the dining room with the bowl.


    ¡°Ms. Lambert, you must be thirsty after telling Great-grandpa and Grandma so many jokes. Zach and I


    have brought you this soup from the kitchen.¡±


    Blinking herrge and sparkling eyes, Rory held up the bowl of soup she had prepared for Nicole.


    Their gesture took Nicole by surprise, as all this while, they harbored a strong sense of hostility toward


    her. This was the first time they had shown her any warmth.


    ¡°Thank you, Rory. I''ll definitely drink it.¡± Nicole took the bowl of soup in her hands.


    After giving Rory''s hair a tousle, she drank a big mouthful without thinking twice. The moment the soup


    went down her throat, the sting she felt from it almost caused her tears to gush out.

 Chapter 397

    Chapter 397


    Overwhelmed by the soup''s strange taste, Nicole''s taste buds went into shock.


    In that instant, she felt an amalgamation of sourness, bitterness, spiciness, and saltiness burn through


    her nostrils. The sensation was simr to having a sharp needle pierce through her nose, causing


    sweat to bead incessantly all over it.


    Meanwhile, the irritation deep in her throat gave her the sudden urge to cough and subsequently retch.


    Nheless, in front of the elders of the Moore family and the two children who were looking on with


    anticipation, Nicole had no choice but to maintain her poise so as to not embarrass herself. As she


    couldn''t retch freely, the smile on her face turned awkward in her attempt to get a grip on herself.


    ¡°Ms. Lambert, is the soup I served you not delicious? But Zach says that it is. The chef has added a lot


    of expensive herbs into it and says that it''s good for health. On top of that, it has beauty benefits too. I


    feel that drinking the soup will make your pretty self look even more beautiful!¡±


    With her hands holding her princess-style dress, the smiling Rory looked exceedingly adorable.


    Meanwhile, when Allie saw the children being nice to Nicole on their own ord, she couldn''t feel any


    happier.


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    No one was looking forward to the harmonious scene more than she was.


    With her smile stretching from ear to ear, she remarked, ¡°That''s really thoughtful of you. Nickie, since


    the soup carries Rory''s sincerity, you should go ahead and finish it.¡±


    Even though Nicole was Allie''s favorite candidate for daughter-inw, the grandchildren were still very


    important to her.


    As the twins had resented Nicole all this while, Allie wasn''t keen on seeing both parties at odds once


    thetter was married into the Moore family.


    Now that Allie had made her wishes known, Nicole¡ªbowl in hand¡ªwas trapped between a rock and a


    hard ce. The stress she felt from the dilemma caused her face to cycle through a myriad of


    expressions.


    Enduring the nauseating feeling in her stomach, Nicole wiped off the cold sweat over her nose and


    said, ¡°Rory, can I drink thister instead?¡±


    ¡°Ms. Lambert, do you not like the soup I served you? I only did so because I thought you would enjoy it.


    Did I do something wrong?¡± Rory widened her unbelievably beautiful eyes while pouting pitifully at the


    same time.


    Her tearful expression elicited Jeffrey''s sympathy at once.


    Gesturing for her to go over to him, Jeffrey pulled her into his arms andforted her in a gentle voice,


    ¡°There, there, Rory. Don''t cry. Let me serve you some food.¡±


    As Jeffrey put Rory''s favorite fruit sd on her te, he shot Nicole a piercing re that sent a chill


    down her spine.


    What''s wrong with Nicole? Despite her warm and gentle demeanor, she doesn''t know how to


    appreciate the bowl of soup served by my great-granddaughter. Even I didn''t get the honor of having


    her serve me a bowl!


    Consequently, the incident negatively affected Jeffrey''s impression of Nicole.


    When she caught a glimpse of the sudden change in Jeffrey''s eyes, Nicole''s heart dropped. D*mn it, I


    neglected Old Mr. Moore, who''s the decision-maker of the family. Usually, he''s the one who pampers


    the children the most. I must have angered him with my actions just now.


    Flooded byplicated emotions, Nicole gritted her teeth to steel herself as she downed the entire


    bowl of soup in one go.


    Once she was done, her stomach churned immediately. It was so unbearable that her tears and snot


    were on the brink of gushing out.


    Desperately enduring it, she forced a smile that looked terrifying instead. ¡°The soup''s pretty good. I like


    it. Rory, thank you for being so attentive.¡±


    Meanwhile, Zachary discreetly shed a victory sign at his sister. As they watched Nicole speak


    sycophantically amid her difort, the children covered their mouths to hold back theirughter.


    It was then that Cayden came down the staircase with Avery in his arms.


    His arrival caused Nicole to forget the pain in her stomach as she stared adoringly at him.


    With his extraordinary poise and features that seemed to have been carved by God himself, Cayden


    looked as if he had stepped out of a painting. He exuded a manly aura where even his casual clothing


    couldn''t diminish his air of nobility.


    A single nce at him was enough to intoxicate anyone.


    As for Avery, her hair was loosely draped around her shoulders whereas the white full-length dress she


    was wearing entuated the fairness of herplexion. Lyingnguidly in his arms, she looked like a


    cat that had just awoken.


    The loving sight triggered a sense of difort in Nicole, which was quickly followed by a sudden bout


    of nausea.


    After greeting Jeffrey and Allie, Cayden and Avery took their seats at the dining table.


    Jeffrey, throwing Avery a nce, didn''t show any emotion as he continued to y with the children.


    Never one to wee Avery, Allie greeted thetter''s arrival with a scowl, followed by a loud snort.


    Nheless, Avery ignored Allie''s cold shoulder as she continued with her meal.


    After all, it was Cayden whom she was going to be spending her life with in the future. As long as both


    of them persisted in their rtionship, whatever objections Allie had were futile.


    When Avery looked in Nicole''s direction and saw thetter obsequiously serving Allie food, she couldn''t


    help but haveplicated thoughts about it.


    Up till then, Nicole still failed to grasp reality and continued to assume that she could marry into the


    Moore family as long as Cayden''s mother approved of her.


    If Cayden was a mother''s boy who obeyed Allie unconditionally, that would have been the right


    strategy.


    Unfortunately, he was headstrong and domineering to the point that even Jeffrey''s pressure meant


    nothing, let alone Allie''s objections.


    As a result, Nicole''s efforts were nothing but an exercise in futility.


    All this while, the Moore family practiced the principle of no talking at the dining table. Thus, the meal


    carried on without incident even though the atmosphere wasn''t particrly jovial.


    Regardless, the restless Nicole¡ªdesperate for Cayden''s attention¡ªracked her brains on how to make


    herself stand out.


    When she noticed the ssical Epean oil paintings on the wall, she remarked in an excited tone, ¡°Old


    Mr. Moore, are these paintings by the famous Ustranasion painter M? As one of the foremost


    painters in the Modernist era, his works are exceptionally valuable. It''s amazing that you have genuine


    Ms at home...¡±


    When Avery heard Nicole trying desperately to impress her hosts, she choked on her food and almost


    spewed it out of her mouth.


    After all, thetter hadmitted two fundamental errors in herments. Firstly, instead of being


    Ustranasion, M was Ferropenian. Secondly, he was an Impressionist instead of a Modernist.

 Chapter 398

    Chapter 398


    The sound of Avery''sughter caused a grim expression to descend on Nicole''s face. Have I made a


    mistake?


    Even since she became part of the Lambert family, she went to a school for high society and even


    spent two years studying overseas.


    Therefore, she was certain that a country bumpkin like Avery wouldn''t know more about art


    appreciation than she did.


    Although she had no interest in the subject ever since she was young, her mother, ire, loved art.


    Hence, she forced herself to learn art history in her attempt to share her mother''s passion.


    Despite her intention, drowsiness assaulted her every time she read about the dry philosophical


    theories and achievements of famous artists. Unable to bring herself to continue, she decided to give


    the subject up and choose something she was good in to please her mother.


    When Nicole snuck a nce at Cayden, she saw him sitting elegantly with an upright posture. The


    steadiness of his deportment gave off a natural sense of gravitas.


    However, when he served Avery food, he turned into an entirely different person.


    The sharp look in his eyes would naturally ease, whereas his tightly pursed lips gently curled into an


    affectionate smile.


    Watching his actions, Nicole felt as if she had been stabbed in her heart, and blood was dripping out of


    it. Stung by the excruciating pain, she lowered her gaze in disappointment.


    Meanwhile, Allie was annoyed at how her son was neglecting Nicole.


    When she saw thetter speaking confidently about the oil painting, she grew fonder of her, unaware


    that Nicole was in over her head.


    After serving Nicole a piece of scallop, Allieplimented her, ¡°Nickie, you''re truly well-cultured and


    much more knowledgeable than those country bumpkins who haven''t seen the world at all. I expect no


    less of Mr. William''s daughter, unlike those who might look pretty but are essentially clueless. I''m sure


    they don''t even know how to differentiate fake artwork from the real thing, let alone appreciate


    paintings. Isn''t that right, Dad?¡±


    Even though Allie didn''t explicitly say who the country bumpkin she was referring to was, her disdainful


    gaze clearly fell upon Avery. The way she was ring at thetter couldn''t be any more obvious.


    At that moment, Jeffrey''s stern face drastically darkened. mming his fork onto the table, he furrowed


    his brows in displeasure. ¡°Can you shut that ignorant mouth of yours? The Moore family has been


    utterly disgraced by you!¡±


    Allie was oblivious to the fact that Jeffrey was a fan of Epean art when he was young. Furthermore, as


    a student, he had spent many years in Ferropene specializing in the subject. It wasn''t until he had met


    his wife and returned to Chanaea to start their business that he abandoned his studies.


    Although years had passed since he dabbled in art, it didn''t mean that he had forgotten everything he


    had learned.


    In fact, M was his favorite Impressionist artist, which was the reason why he had a collection of the


    former''s artworks. Unfortunately, Nicole¡ªin her attempt to impress¡ªhad embarrassed herself by


    inadvertently revealing her own ignorance about art.


    Consequently, the goodwill Jeffrey initially felt toward Nicole under the assumption that she was


    cultured was now ruined by her own hand.


    Noticing the sullen look on Jeffrey''s face, Allie brazenly asked, ¡°Dad, was I wrong?¡±


    Avery calmly interrupted, ¡°Mdm. Allie, M is Ferropenian, not Ustranasion. On top of that, he''s not a


    Modernist but an Impressionist artist.¡±


    Just as Allie was about to ridicule Avery for knowing nothing, Jeffrey''s eyes¡ªhidden behind his reading


    sses¡ªglistened in tion as he asked, ¡°Do you enjoy Epean art too? In that case, what do you think


    about this painting? Can you tell if he''s depicting dawn or dusk?¡±


    Jeffrey raised his walking stick and pointed at the painting of lotus flowers on the wall.


    At that moment, Nicole, eyes wide, stared intently at every single detail in an attempt to decipher the


    hour in the painting.


    Unfortunately, theck of light made it impossible for her to tell.


    In the end, all she could do was watch and hope that Avery embarrassed herself.


    Meanwhile, underneath the dining table, Cayden held thetter''s hand in an effort to calm her nerves.


    In response, Avery gently patted the back of his hand as she shed a confident smile back at him.


    After observing the painting closely, she made her thoughts known. ¡°Old Mr. Moore, the painting


    depicts lotuses in the morning. Even though it isn''t obvious, one can tell by the morning dew flowing


    down its leaves. On top of that, the color of the water is blue from afar. Illuminated by the rays of the


    sun, they take on a golden hue, while the portion underneath the blooming flower is green, reflecting


    the color of the leaves. Only in the mornings can one observe such a phenomenon, which is a true


    reflection of mother nature.¡±


    Scrutinizing Avery for the very first time, Jeffrey suddenly approved of her a lot more than Nicole.


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    Hence, his tone took an amiable turn when he spoke again to her. ¡°I didn''t expect you to know quite a


    bit. Let me ask you, with regard to Epean oil paintings, what kind of styles do they have and who are


    the artists that are symbolic of the respective styles? Can you also tell me about their signature works?¡±


    Thereafter, Avery answered eloquently and even managed to add interesting nuggets about the


    famous painters she mentioned.


    Her humorous yet natural way of presenting soon elicited heartyughter from Jeffrey that resonated


    through the entire dining room.


    Stunned by the unexpected turn of events, Nicole and Allie''s faces turned red.


    The dinner ended up significantly changing Jeffrey''s impression of Avery, whereas the goodwill he felt


    toward Nicole was nowhere near the levels of the past.


    By the time Nicole returned home, it was alreadyte.


    ire was sitting on the living room couch, engrossed in a book titled Art History of the World.


    Her figure threw a long shadow underneath the light, exuding timeless beauty and grace.


    In that instant, Nicole''s eyes brimmed with jealous hatred.


    From their obsession with art, Avery and ire are clearly mother and daughter.


    The thought instantly reignited Nicole''s anger which she had assuaged not too long ago. Closing her


    eyes, she took a few deep breaths.


    Thereafter, she walked up to ire, wearing a pitiful expression to demonstrate that she had suffered a


    grave injustice.


    At the sight of Nicole, ire put down her book and asked warmly, ¡°Nickie, have you had dinner yet?


    Do you want me to make you supper?¡±


    ¡°It''s fine, Mom. I ate at the Moore residence.¡± Shaking her head, Nicole copsed onto the couch


    dejectedly.


    With a pale look on her face, her lips were tightly pursed, while her brows were slightly knitted.


    Having raised Nicole, ire could easily tell that her daughter was in a bad mood.


    As she was cognizant of where Nicole had returned from, a solemn expression descended upon


    ire''s face. ¡°Nickie, be honest with me. Did something happen to you at the Moore residence?¡±

 Chapter 399

    Chapter 399


    ire was extremely protective of those she held dear.


    That was especially the case with Nicole, whom she hade to regard as her own daughter after


    losing her biological daughter. Her heart wrenched in pain when she saw Nicole on the verge of tears.


    She cooed while holding Nicole, ¡°Tell me what made you so sad, Nicole.¡±


    Although Nicole felt likeining about how heartless Cayden was to her, she didn''t wish for her


    mother to have a biased opinion of him, so she bit her tongue.


    Her gaze flickered for a moment as she whimpered, ¡°Mom, Cayden... doesn''t seem to like me.


    Besides, Avery isn''t someone to be trifled with. She embarrassed me at the Moore residence today by


    setting me up as a fool. She even showed off in front of Old Mr. Moore using her wits. Now, Old Mr.


    Moore is treating me with indifference while being partial toward her. Mom, I like Cayden a lot. He''s the


    first man I''ve ever fallen for. What should I do?¡±


    Nicole leaned against ire''s shoulder as tears rolled down her cheeks.


    After witnessing the mncholy brought upon Nicole by her tragic love life, ire lovingly wiped the


    tears away with some tissues.


    She handed Nicole a ss of warm water whileforting her, ¡°Don''t cry, my dear Nickie. I will do my


    best to set you up with Cayden if you like him.¡±


    Holding onto the ss of water, Nicole muttered pitifully, ¡°I wonder if I''ve made a mistake. I love him


    even after knowing that he isn''t into me. My love hasn''t waned because of his disregard for me.


    Instead, it began simmering like a pot of water, slowly reaching boiling point. I think I''m hopelessly in


    love...¡±


    As someone who had been there, ire was aware that Nicole was head-over-heels in love when she


    noticed the listless look on thetter''s face whenever Cayden was mentioned.


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    While she felt for Nicole, she had to set things right. ¡°There''s nothing wrong in liking someone, more so


    when Cayden isn''t married to Avery. However, if he is focused on and serious about her, we shouldn''t


    interfere with their rtionship. You are my brilliant daughter, and we''re way above interfering with


    other people''s rtionships.¡±


    Initially, ire wasn''t too concerned about someone as inconsequential as Avery.


    She figured that Nicole was far superior to Avery in terms of familial background, looks, and career, so


    she believed that her daughter should be able to secure Cayden''s affection.


    However, it was apparent that she had underestimated Avery.


    To ire, Nicole was mature, kind, and knowledgeable. On the contrary, Avery was arrogant, stubborn,


    and of lower birth, which made it impossible for her to marry into the Moore family.


    Nicole closed her eyes to cover up theplex look in her gaze.


    Cayden was the only decent surprise she had had in her life, but that surprise ended up bing a


    de that drew blood while piercing through her heart and torturing her mind.


    Nheless, she refused to let go.


    She could give up everything except for Cayden.


    It was almost New Year in the blink of an eye.


    After thepany employees had gone on holiday, Cayden fell ill, which was a rarity.


    After all, he had overworked himself as ofte.


    He would hurry to thepany early each morning and work overtime tillte at night, spending almost


    every waking hour at work.


    Moreover, the arson that happened at Chartreuse Garden added more work to his already busy


    schedule, given the need to bring the case to a satisfying close.


    The verdict for the perpetrator, Jenna Doyle, would be passed after New Year.


    He had promised Anthony that he would make sure that Jenna would be given capital punishment.


    As a man of his word, he was determined to deliver the promise.


    Thus, he had contacted a few higher-ups at the capital whom he knew. After private discussions over


    the phone with them, he held a board meeting at thepany to deal with changes in shareholding.


    Then, he had two meetings over video calls with foreign coborators to secure two projects that were


    worth hundreds of millions.


    The twins had a stomach ache in the afternoon and were in so much agony that their faces paled. He


    had no choice but to send them to the hospital alongside Avery. It was already evening by the time their


    conditions stabilized, and he was finally able to rx.


    By that point, Cayden had already pushed himself past his limit, and his body could take no more. He


    ended up having a fever due to him having overworked himself.


    His nose had been blocked and his throat had been aching when he woke up early for work that day.


    Although he felt that something was amiss, he assumed that he would be able to pull through and paid


    the symptoms no heed, only for them to worsen by night.


    There was a burning pain in his throat, while his body temperature cycled between that of a fever and a


    cold, giving him an awful time.


    Worse, his head was in so much pain that he felt like it was splitting in half. His body felt as if someone


    had poured concrete into it, and it felt so heavy that he could hardly breathe.


    All the while, Avery sat beside him after tucking him in bed, her eyes red at the sight of his flushed face.


    He had always been strong, so she had never seen him so weak and vulnerable.


    Having overworked himself, his body just couldn''t take it anymore no matter how fit he was.


    Avery retrieved the thermometer.


    The high temperature indicated on it shook her so gravely that even her voice was trembling as she


    eximed, ¡°Thirty-nine-point-seven Celsius! You have such a high fever! Lie down. I already gave


    Yuvan a call, so he''s on his way.¡±


    ¡°I''m fine. It''s just the flu, so don''t worry.¡± Cayden turned out to be the one consoling Avery.


    A fever seemed like nothing to him.


    Avery furrowed her pretty brows before pouring him some hot water. Then, she wetted a towel with cold


    water in the bathroom and folded it before gently cing it on his feverish forehead.


    She figured she would lower his temperature like that for the time being.


    Despite his drowsiness, he went along with it. The pain in his body seemed to have subsided as well as


    he took in Avery''s pleasant scent.


    ¡°Have some hot water, Cayden.¡± Avery lifted Cayden''s body with all her might to have him lean against


    the headboard.


    Then, she supported him with her thin frame while slowly pouring the water into his parched throat.


    ¡°Easy. Careful not to choke on it.¡± Avery made sure to be tender, as if she were taking care of a child.


    In his semi-conscious state, he thought her voice was like the song of angels, and her caring attitude


    gave him much warmth.


    Never had he, throughout his entire life, had someone care for him so meticulously. He thought himself


    fortunate to have a girlfriend as considerate as Avery.

 Chapter 400

    Chapter 400


    Cayden''s fever finally subsided after Yuvan came over to prescribe some medicines for him and give


    him an IV drip treatment.


    Avery breathed a sigh of relief.


    It had been a hectic day for her. First, the twins fell ill and had to be hospitalized. When they almost


    recovered, it was Cayden''s turn to fall sick. After busying herself to look after her children, she had to


    take care of her man.


    As Avery prepared Cayden''s medication, the medicine''s strong and pungent smell made her feel sick.


    Her stomach turned, and she hurried into the restroom and dry-heaved into the sink, but nothing came


    out.


    After a long while, the nauseating feeling finally subsided.


    Right then, a realization dawned on Avery.


    She quickly covered her mouth and tried to recall the date of herst period when she remembered


    Cecelia retching in the restroom and her simr experience when she was pregnant with the twins.


    If she remembered correctly, her period for the current month was one weekte.


    Whenever she made love with Cayden, they always made sure they used protection. However, one


    night about a month ago, Cayden had forgotten to use protection while the two of them immersed


    themselves in an extremely intimate session. Avery did not take the morning-after pill either, for those


    days were her safe period.


    My goodness. I''m not pregnant, am I? When Avery realized she might be pregnant with a third child,


    she was stunned.


    With conflicting emotions, she returned to the room.


    Cayden was done receiving IV treatment and was in the middle of a conversation with Yuvan. Despite


    the poor state of his health, he was still holding a stack of financial reports in his hand.


    When he saw Avery, he noticed her paleplexion and pulled her into his embrace as she


    approached the bed. ¡°You must be tired today. Why do you look so pale? Are you feeling okay? Yuvan,


    give her a checkup.¡±


    Yuvan remainedposed like the well-mannered, debonair gentleman that he was. His tapered eyes


    looked alluring even when he was not smiling.


    He whistled and said with a smile, ¡°Say, Avery. What is going on in your family? Your twins were sick,


    Cayden ran a high fever in the evening, and now it is your turn to fall ill. It''s almost New Year. Has your


    family been gued by bad luck?¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡± Avery snapped.


    Cayden shot a deadly re at Yuvan, silencing thetter.


    Yuvan''s face instantly took on a solemn expression. ¡°Avery, please hold out your precious arm so I can


    take your pulse,¡± he said.


    Avery stretched out her slender arm.


    Yuvan ced his fingertips on her pulse and felt the faint throbbing. His frivolous gaze was suddenly


    reced by a serious one as he frowned.


    The solemn look on Yuvan''s face made Avery all the more uneasy.


    When their eyes met, she saw the indescribably teasing look in his gaze and was confused, for she


    didn''t know what was going on.


    ¡°Dr. Sotheby, what is wrong with me?¡± Avery asked nervously, her eyes filled with anxiousness.


    Yuvan had wanted to tease her, but he meekly gave up when Cayden shot him a piercing, threatening


    re.


    Intimidated by Cayden''s deadly stare, Yuvan raised his hands in surrender. ¡°Hey, Cayden. You don''t


    have to stare at me like you''re going to kill me, do you? You''re scaring me, all right? Well, it''s not


    anything serious. It''s just that Avery is pregnant...¡± he said.


    Thud!


    The stack of financial reports slipped from Cayden''s hands and the papers scattered messily across


    the room.


    Cayden tightened his hold on Avery''s waist, his voice shuddering as he looked at Yuvan in disbelief


    and said, ¡°What did you just say?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Avery is about a month pregnant. You can expect a new addition to the Moore family,¡± said Yuvan


    with a mischievous smile as he watched the other man lose his cool in amusement.


    Avery, on the other hand, began panicking deep down.


    Initially, she and Cayden had nned to have another child after their wedding took ce. However,


    the unexpected arrival of a new life stirred up a whirlwind of emotions within her. Despite her


    helplessness, she thought it was a sweet blessing that should be cherished.


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    Cayden took a deep breath. His feeble body due to the fever seemed to have been filled with strength.


    His eyes were aglow with joy.


    At that moment, all he wanted to do was to hug Avery so tightly that he could merge her into his bones.


    Back then, when Avery was pregnant for the first time, he was not as excited as he was now, for


    Avery''s body and soul were not his at that time.


    Though the two were secretly in love with each other, their paths have never truly coincided. Besides,


    to put it bluntly, the rtionship between them was purely transactional at that time. Cayden only found


    out that Avery was pregnant with his twins during thetter''s regr doctor visits.


    Though he had feelings for her back then, it was nowhere near as deep as it was now.


    Cayden had initially nned that after their grand wedding ceremony, he would have another baby with


    Avery when she was officially his wife.


    However, to his surprise, their third kid had arrived so suddenly.


    Giddy over the pleasant surprise, Cayden''s usually sharp and quick-witted mind was slowing down


    considerably, and he lost hisposure.


    His expression then turned solemn as he thought of how overwhelmed Avery must have been after


    taking care of him and the twins for the whole day.


    As such, he carried her over to the bed and made her lie down before covering her with a duvet.


    Caressing her delicate face, he was so nervous that he bbered incoherently, ¡°Avery, you lie down


    and get some rest. I... I didn''t know you were pregnant. Had I known about it earlier, I wouldn''t have


    gotten sick. I''m sorry for keeping you so busy...¡±


    Avery was amused by Cayden''s reaction.


    He''s so funny. Is getting sick or not even optional?


    Studies showed pregnant women might be slow-witted, but in her case, her husband was the one


    who had be slow-witted.


    Avery couldn''t stand Cayden''s overly cautious behavior and mumbled quietly, ¡°I''m just pregnant, that''s


    all. There''s no need to make a big fuss out of it. I''m fine, Cayden. Zach and Rory should be awake by


    now. I''ll go check in on them.¡±


    With that, she was about to get out of bed but was soon pinned back down by Cayden.


    ¡°You need to get some rest. Be good!¡± Cayden said, his face sullen.


    Cayden''s domineering demeanor could be intimidating.


    However, there was no denying that his words had rendered Avery touched and happy. After all, it felt


    good to be appreciated and valued by someone.


    Yuvan clicked his tongue in annoyance while he watched the couple disying affection before a single


    pringle like him.


    He didn''t expect that Cayden, who was usually ascetic, would fall head over heels in love with his wife.


    I can''t stand watching this!


    With that in mind, he pulled a face at Avery smilingly, making fun of the two lovebirds.


    Embarrassed, Avery''s face flushed red when Yuvan poked fun at her and Cayden.


    Meanwhile, Cayden had absolutely no idea what Yuvan was doing behind his back and was thinking he


    should provide Avery with the best things in the world, which she deserved. Now that she''s pregnant


    again, I must hold a grand wedding for her that can garner the whole world''s attention. Looks like our


    wedding must be held earlier than nned.

 Chapter 401

    Chapter 401


    Cayden kept questioning Yuvan about various pregnancy safety precautions after learning that Avery


    was expecting.


    Yuvan gave him a lot of advice, and he paid extra close attention. He even recorded everything Yuvan


    said because he was worried he might not remember the details clearly.


    After that, he even asked Yuvan to prepare a thorough document about pregnancy tips for him.


    Yuvan rmended him numerous well-known maternity books that exined in detail the causes of


    and solutions for various issues that pregnant women face both before and after giving birth.


    While Cayden took note of everything cautiously, Avery grew drowsy.


    This wasn''t their first child, and Avery didn''t expect Cayden to take things so seriously.


    Before he left, Yuvan said in a teasing manner, ¡°I have to tell you one more thing, Avery. You don''t have


    to feel embarrassed after hearing it.¡±


    At that, Avery turned toward him in puzzlement.


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    What does he mean by that? Why would I feel embarrassed?


    Following that, Yuvan immediately shifted the topic to Cayden. ¡°Actually, this is mainly about you. I just


    want to let you know that while it is possible to have sex when pregnant, you should keep yourself


    under control because Avery''s body is frail and delicate whereas you are in your prime. Just look at


    your muscr build. Her body might not be able to handle your...¡±


    ¡°Cut the crap!¡±


    Cayden got to his feet and grabbed a pillow to hurl it at Yuvan. Thetter held his forehead and yelled


    in pain after he was struck squarely in the head.


    Cayden didn''t want outsiders mentioning such a private topic, and he was even more reluctant for them


    to see Avery''s bashful look.


    ¡°I''m just trying to be nice by letting you know that being too rough is unhealthy for Avery''s baby. Why


    are you repaying my kindness with enmity? How dare you immediately turn your back on me just after


    using me! You are such a terrible friend! Avery, look at him! Please talk some sense into him!¡±


    Avery watched as Yuvan, who was usually gentlemanly, stomped his feet like a child throwing a


    tantrum.


    She couldn''t help chuckling in amusement. ¡°Okay, okay. We should be thanking Yuvan. We appreciate


    your kindness and will bear your advice in mind.¡±


    Avery had a positive mindset this time after learning that she was once again expecting. She wasn''t as


    terrified and perplexed as she had been throughout her first pregnancy. Instead, she had a profound


    sensation of surprise and joy.


    The tender light of maternal love shone in her pretty eyes as she stroked her t tummy.


    This baby is the product of the love between me and Cayden.


    She had missed spending a lot of precious quality time with Zachary and Rory after they were born.


    Thus, this time around, she was determined to be by her child''s side from the moment they were born


    and provide them with a happy andplete childhood.


    In the beginning, Avery was worried that the twins might not like the idea of her getting pregnant again


    because there were a lot of cases in real life where children got jealous of their baby brothers or


    sisters.


    ording to news reports, some children even mercilessly murdered their newborn siblings by


    dropping them on the ground because they could not tolerate their mothers having a second child.


    To Avery''s surprise, however, her worries werepletely unnecessary.


    When the twins found out that their mother was expecting again and that they might be getting a new


    brother or sister, they were over the moon.


    They were currently engaged in a heated argument about the gender of their new sibling in the living


    room.


    ¡°The baby in Mommy''s tummy can''t be a boy. She must be a pretty girl like me. Although you are


    handsome, Zach, the things we like are different. I want a younger sister to y tea parties with me! I


    want to braid her hair and y dress-up games with her! Argh... I want a sister!¡±


    With one hand on her hip, Rory pointed her stubby finger at her brother and rambled on stubbornly, her


    usual graceful demeanor gone without a trace.


    Zachary, on the other hand, was sitting on the couch in a rxed manner, d in white casual attire.


    He remained unfazed by Rory''s hollering and sat upright on the couch, his elegant bearing resembling


    his father, Cayden.


    Shooting a disdainful re at his pretty sister who only knew how to act coy, he said confidently, ¡°Girls


    are too weak. I''m sure Mommy is expecting a boy. When he grows up, we can protect you together!¡±


    Rory nibbled on her thumb as a look of indecision shed across her eyes. ¡°But if the baby''s a boy, he


    can''t y dolls with me...¡±


    ¡°You''re such a fool. Even if he''s a boy, you can still dress him up as a doll. Then, when he grows up


    and bes rich, you can ask him to buy you a carload of dolls!¡± replied Zachary.


    After mulling it over, Rory concluded that her brother''s words made perfect sense.


    In the end, the little girl relented. ¡°You''re right. The baby in Mommy''s tummy must be a boy. Yay! I''m


    going to have a younger brother! I''m so happy!¡±


    Looking at his sister, who was behaving like aplete simpleton, Zachary held his forehead and let


    out a troubled sigh.


    Let''s hope the baby in Mommy''s tummy is a clever little boy. I have to remain vignt at all times


    because Rory is so foolish, making it easy for bad guys to abduct her. If I were to have another younger


    sister who is as naive and innocent as Rory, I''ll have to focus all of my energy on protecting them,


    which is tiresome!


    Rory joyfully rushed over to Avery and rested her head on the woman''s tummy, eximing, ¡°I''m Rory,


    your big sister. Pleasee out as soon as possible so that I can y with you!¡±


    Avery let out a wry chuckle when she heard that.


    Zach has always been reasonable and considerate, so it''s no surprise that he''s okay with me having


    another child. Rory''s reaction, on the other hand, is surprising because she has always been


    possessive. I didn''t expect her to treat the baby in my tummy as a toy she can y with.


    Soon, numerous books about pregnancy and parenthood could be found on Avery and Cayden''s


    bedside table. There was even a copy of pregnancy safety precautions personally prepared by Yuvan.


    The news of Avery''s pregnancy was also spread to every corner of the Moore residence like wildfire.


    Lily was so livid that she smashed everything in her room after learning that Allie might get another


    grandchild.


    While smashing objects, she cursed, ¡°What''s so good about Allie Mush? Why is that homewrecker who


    was a dancer in a bar such a lucky person? Not only is her son currently running the entire Trident


    Group, but she''s also having one grandchild after another! Why won''t she just vanish from this world? I


    should''ve gotten rid of her son in a car ident back then so that they won''t be so arrogant!¡±


    When Kendrick entered, he overheard Lily''s soliloquy.


    Shocked, he stood there frozen in ce and looked at his mother incredulously. ¡°Mom, did you really


    orchestrate that terrible car ident that Cayden was in?¡±

 Chapter 402

    Chapter 402


    Kendrick''s appearance by the door surprised Lily.


    She instantly regained her senses after realizing that she had blurted the truth in a fit of rage.


    Her dysfunctional marriage had caused her to have a twisted mind, but there was no denying that when


    she was in the right state of mind, she was a loving mother to Kendrick who wanted the best for her


    son.


    At present, her position in the Moore family was at risk, and Kendrick would be her only support for the


    rest of her life. She could not afford to have a falling out with her son because of this.


    As such, she said sheepishly, ¡°Kendrick, I have no idea what you''re talking about. Cayden has a pair of


    twins now, and Avery is expecting another child. You should try harder and get married soon so that I


    could have a grandchild, too. That way, at least the Moore family''s business won''t fall entirely into the


    hands of Allie and her son!¡±


    ¡°Tell me the truth, Mom. Did you get someone to cause Cayden''s car ident?¡± Kendrick couldn''t be


    bothered to listen to his mother''s nags.


    Kendrick was staring right at Lily as though looking at aplete stranger with a pair of eyes that


    resembled Bruce''s. His gaze caused fear to arise within Lily.


    Sorrow swirled in her chest unbidden when she thought about how Bruce had won her heart with those


    exact rakish eyes back then.


    In addition, Bruce, who was an experienced womanizer, had deceived her with sweet nothings and


    effortlessly swept her off her feet. She was too naive and foolish, for she had never fallen in love


    before. Her parents, on the other hand, didn''t click with Bruce because they thought that although he


    was charming enough, his flirty yboy nature could not be tolerated.


    However, back then, Lily didn''t at all care about that, for she was the young and innocent heiress of a


    rich family who didn''t know any better. She valued love and romance more than anything.


    On top of that, Bruce''s eyes were always filled with love and affection whenever they were together.


    She was wholly unaware of the fact that he was seeing other women.


    In order to get her parents to approve of their marriage, she threatened them with her life and even got


    engaged in sexual activity with Bruce before marriage behind her strict parents'' backs. Since what was


    done couldn''t be undone, her parents had no choice but to give in.


    Lily believed she had everything when she finally married the man she loved. s, before their


    honeymoon was even over, Bruce''s lovers abruptly started to show up one by one.


    Lily began giving Bruce the cold shoulder.


    Initially, Bruce would do anything in his power to appease her, but eventually, he grew sick of all her


    tantrums and would often go missing, sometimes even staying outte and refusing to return home.


    Thus, Lily was forced to grow up overnight.


    Relying on her wealthy family''s immense power, she dealt with each of Bruce''s lovers individually.


    Unfortunately, Bruce was a tantly unfaithful man. He would find another new lover after Lily had just


    gotten rid of one as if he was provoking her and mocking her for being so pathetic.


    After that, Lily got tired of all that.


    She was persuaded by her parents that as long as she secured her position as the matriarch of the


    Moore family and give birth to an heir for the family, the family''s assets would ultimately be inherited by


    her own son.


    Though she stopped caring about Bruce''s multiple affairs, if any of Bruce''s lovers ended up getting


    pregnant with his offspring, she would covertly get rid of the children.


    However, despite her cautiousness, she still missed one.


    Allie, a dancer who had be Bruce''s sugar baby, unexpectedly gave birth to Bruce''s illegitimate


    child right under Lily''s nose without her knowledge.


    When Lily received the news, Allie had already been pregnant for more than five months. To make


    matters worse, the former found out that Allie was expecting a baby boy.


    Lily was so furious that she wanted to tear Allie into pieces.


    Unfortunately, Bruce seemed to be aware that Lily would attempt to get rid of Allie. He kept Allie so well


    hidden that Lily could not find her no matter how hard she tried. Shortly after, Allie gave birth to Cayden


    safely under Bruce''s protection.


    Nevertheless, none of that mattered to Lily.


    Allie would always be the ¡°homewrecker¡± as long as Lily was Bruce''s legitimate wife. The former would


    never be epted by the family if Lily didn''t give her consent.


    Lily obstinately secured her title as the matriarch of the Moore family and earned support from Jeffrey.


    Even though Allie gave birth to a baby boy and had Bruce backing her up, the Moore family never


    really acknowledged Allie as part of them.


    Following that, she got pregnant with Kendrick, but Bruce perished in an ident. As a result, Allie lost


    the only person who would protect her in the family.


    Pressured by Lily''s death threat, Allie was forced to marry someone else, and Cayden was sent to an


    orphanage.


    Later on, however, Jeffrey had second thoughts and decided to bring Cayden back from the orphanage


    after reflecting on the death of his own son and theck of sessors for the Moore family.


    Concerned that Cayden would have trouble adapting to life alone in the Moore residence, Jeffrey took


    matters into his own hands and brought Allie to the Moore residence as well. No matter how many


    tantrums Lily threw and how much she hated the way things turned out, there was nothing she could do


    about it.


    Left without a choice, she could only deal with the mother-and-son duo who took her ce in the family


    using various despicable tactics behind the scenes.


    However, she didn''t expect Cayden to be so smart and quick-witted. Cayden was diligent, hardworking,


    patient, andposed. He practically possessed all the merits that Kendrickcked. Other than that,


    he was also talented in business and thus quickly gained Jeffrey''s love and trust.


    Lily panicked, for she was afraid that Cayden would one day rece her son as the heir.


    Nheless, to everyone''s surprise, the outstanding Cayden was diagnosed with depression. Lily was


    overjoyed by the news, feeling as though Lady Luck was on her side.


    Jeffrey was forced to send him to a small town so that he could recuperate. Following that, Lily


    deliberately orchestrated a severe car ident in that small town and rendered Cayden unconscious.


    The young man was bedridden in a vegetative state for a whole year and was on the brink of death.


    But no one expected him to be so lucky that he recovered from such a fatal situation. He overcame that


    crisis, and after his recovery, he transformed into apletely different person.


    After Cayden went abroad to study, Jeffrey, who had seemingly noticed something amiss, sent people


    to protect the former in secret. Lily dared not take action openly even if she wanted to.


    Besides, Lily didn''t have any connections abroad, so she had no idea how Cayden was doing when he


    was away.


    However, as soon as Cayden returned to the country, he forcefully took over Moore Group with his


    overwhelming influence and conducted a major reshuffle within thepany. Lily''s trusted aides whom


    she had spent years grooming at Moore Group were all fired.


    Lily''s resistance was utterly futile in the face of Cayden''s assertiveness and overwhelming power.


    Afterward, Cayden''s extraordinary business finesse was brought into y in Moore Group. In just a few


    years, Moore Group was reformed and renewed, and the revenues that thepany gained had


    increased at least one thousandfold. It developed into a prestigious corporate giant in Ackleton, and


    Cayden even changed its name to Trident Group.


    Lily regretted not getting rid of Cayden when he was still powerless and immature, but there was


    nothing she could do, for she was too weak to stand in his way.


    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    All she had left was her precious son Kendrick.


    However, at present, her beloved son was questioning her if she was the one who caused Cayden''s


    ident.


    ¡°You shouldn''t be suspecting me, Kendrick. Everything I do is for your sake, and you still don''t trust me.


    Why have I given birth to a good-for-nothing like you? I...¡±


    When everything that had happened in the past flooded Lily''s mind, she felt an unbearable sense of


    sorrow and pain. She clutched her chest and slowly copsed onto the couch, looking as if she was in


    agony.


    Heartbroken, she could only pretend to faint in order to avoid her son''s usation.

 Chapter 403

    Chapter 403


    Kendrick pushed the study door open and looked at the man who was perusing the documents


    seriously at the desk¡ªhis brother¡ªCayden.


    The heater in the study had been switched on. Cayden was dressed simply in a ck shirt enting


    his mature and restrained aura.


    From Kendrick''s angle, he could see his big brother crossing his slender legs under the desk.


    He had to admit that Cayden''s rigorous working demeanor was exceptionally charming.


    Once again, Kendrick couldn''t helpmenting that the difference between people was indeed huge. If it


    weren''t for the fact that he was a man, he would have been mesmerized by his own brother, too.


    Cayden was a workaholic. Even on vacation, he would still be handling business affairs. To Kendrick,


    on the other hand, even spending half an hour at the work desk was a form of torture. Sure enough,


    Cayden is my idol. He''s worthy of my admiration.


    Seemingly noticing Kendrick''splicated gaze boring into him, Cayden looked up and nced at his


    brother before lowering his head and immersing himself in work again.


    It was noon, and the sun shone brightly in the sky. The brilliant sunlight poured through the windows


    and onto Cayden, making his exquisite face appear even more handsome and elegant.


    Although Kendrick had long known that his brother''s appearance was much more attractive than his,


    he still couldn''t help falling into a daze.


    ¡°Cayden,¡± he called out in a low voice.


    Cayden swept his sharp gaze across Kendrick and lit a cigarette before asking, ¡°How''s your mom?¡±


    Naturally, he knew that Lily had suddenly passed out.


    Unlike Allie, who gloated over the incident, he had done his part by sending Yuvan over to give the


    woman a checkup although he didn''t visit her in person.


    As for the shady things Lily had once done to him, he had decided not to pursue the matter for Jeffrey''s


    sake. However, deep down, he still couldn''t forgive her. One of the things he couldn''t let go of,


    especially, was the car ident Lily had devised. Not only did it almost kill him, but it also caused him


    and Avery to miss out on many years of quality time they could''ve spent together.


    Nevertheless, he understood that those tragedies would not have happened if his mother had not


    interfered with Lily''s marriage. He understood Lily''s extreme hatred, which was why he had been


    tolerating her.


    Cayden wanted to atone for his mother''s sins.


    ¡°She fell asleep after taking medicine. Yuvan said it''s a mental illness, and she needs to undergo


    psychotherapy and counseling. I''m sorry, Cayden.¡± Kendrick stared at Cayden, his eyes filled with guilt.


    He knew his mother well and was aware that what she said earlier in the day was most likely true.


    At the thought that the car ident might have something to do with Lily, he couldn''t help but feel that


    the loving woman whom he called his mother was all of a sudden unfamiliar and terrifying. Cayden was


    still a teenager back then. How could a woman be so vicious toy her hands on an innocent


    teenager?


    Cayden put away the document in his hands and took a puff of his cigarette.


    Looking at Kendrick, who was wearing a grim expression, he asked in concern, ¡°What''s the matter?


    You''re not yourself today.¡±


    Unlike his usual frivolous behavior, Kendrick put on a serious look. ¡°Cayden, I''ve decided to help you in


    thepany after New Year.¡±


    Cayden puffed out a cloud of smoke and stared at him with an unfathomable look. ¡°Kendrick, you''re


    already helping out at thepany now.¡±


    Kendrick was so ashamed of himself that he dared not look into Cayden''s eyes.


    After taking a deep breath, he clenched his fists and said with determination, ¡°I''m not kidding this time,


    Cayden. I mean it.¡±


    Previously, under Jeffrey''spulsion, he had gone to the office but had been idling about all the time.


    It was good enough that he did not cause any trouble for Cayden, much less provide him with any help.


    But now, after learning some of his mother''s secrets, Kendrick''s heart twinged with guilt toward


    Cayden.


    Seeing Cayden overwhelmed by the heavy workload every day, he sincerely wanted to give the former


    a hand.


    ¡°Okay. I believe in you.¡±


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Although Cayden didn''t know exactly what was on Kendrick''s mind, he was still d about his little


    brother''s sudden change.


    He had always pampered this yful half-brother of his.


    Only then did Kendrick heave a sigh of relief.


    He nced at the gold watch on his wrist and suddenly remembered the banquet he was about to


    attend. ¡°Cayden, I''ll talk to youter. I''m attending Mr. Lambert''s daughter''s birthday party tonight.¡±


    Cayden paused in his tracks and raised his brows slightly. ¡°Mr. Lambert''s daughter? Do you mean


    Nicole?¡±


    Kendrick replied, ¡°Yes. It''s Nicole''s twenty-second birthday party. I received the invitation from Mr. and


    Mrs. Lambert.¡±


    Cayden fell silent upon hearing that.


    Such events were a trend among prominent families in the upper echelons of society. All the parents


    would throw birthday banquets for their children, and their intention was as clear as day¡ªto build


    connections through the banquets.


    In truth, Cayden received Nicole''s birthday invitation, too. However, he had forgotten about it after


    throwing the invitation card somewhere.


    He had never cared for lively asions and would never attend such banquets except for some


    unavoidable social functions.


    However, his interest was piqued that day, for he recalled the grievance Avery suffered in the Lambert


    residence.


    He curled his lips slowly as he yed with the silver lighter in his hand. The spark shed intermittently,


    and he said, ¡°I''ll also be there tonight.¡±


    At around six o''clock in the evening, when the sky was getting dark, an eye-catching ck Rolls-Royce


    sped toward the Lambert residence.


    As it was wintertime, the scenery along the way appeared slightly deste but beautifully embellished


    by the snow.


    Avery sat in the back seat and looked outside the car window.


    The thought of having to meet her ¡°love rival¡±ter made her tense up subconsciously.


    She couldn''t fathom why Cayden still took her to Nicole''s birthday party since he knew she disliked


    Nicole.


    Besides, she had an argument with ire and parted ways with her on a sour notest time. She


    believed that the Lambert family would not wee her either.


    ¡°We''re here.¡± The driver''s voice interrupted Avery''s thoughts.


    After the driver reverently opened the door for them, Cayden took the lead in alighting from the car.


    Then, he gently protected Avery''s waist and head while helping her out.


    An array of luxury cars were lined up in front of the Lambert family''s mansion, and the beautifully


    carved doors were opened wide to wee the guests with grandeur.


    A long red carpet spread from the courtyard to the entrance, stretching all the way to the main hall.


    The main hall was crowded with big shots from the political and business world and some celebrities


    from the entertainment industry.


    Cayden held Avery as they walked down the red carpet, catching everyone''s attention.


    Many senior government officials and business elites kept greeting Cayden along the way.


    Avery loved to read the news and financial magazines. With her exceptional memory, she noticed that


    most of the people who greeted Cayden often appeared in the Ackleton news and financial magazines.


    Gosh! Cayden''s connections are way too powerful!


    She could feel her face stiffening from all the polite smiles she had to put on as she walked along with


    Cayden. It was then she saw a group of rich millennials and famous celebrities from the entertainment


    industry surrounding Nicole in the banquet hall.

 Chapter 404

    Chapter 404


    Unsurprisingly, Avery saw ire at the banquet, too. She was chatting with a group of wealthydies


    while d in a navy blue embroidered silk gown, her hair tied into a bun. As she spoke softly with the


    wealthy women, she was the textbook example of elegance.


    To be honest, Avery had never seen any woman other than ire who carried such an extraordinarily


    noble air.


    She appeared refined and extinguished, but she was not arrogant and condescending like the other


    wealthydies. Instead, she was amiable,passionate, and slightly regal.


    For some reason, even though ire had once treated Avery as her nemesis because of Nicole, Avery


    had never really hated her. Instead, she felt a strange sense of endearment toward ire.


    ¡°You''re so blessed, Mrs. Lambert. Your daughter has grown up in a blink of an eye! She''s gorgeous


    and talented!¡±


    ¡°That''s right. Ms. Lambert is gentle, gorgeous, knowledgeable, and mild-mannered. Is she dating


    anyone?¡± one of the wealthydies ventured.


    ¡°You guys are ttering me. Nicole isn''t dating anyone at the moment. If anyone has suitable


    candidates, please introduce them to my daughter,¡± ire replied gently.


    ire knew Nicole was a stubborn child.


    Nicole was an innocent youngdy who had never fallen in love before, and her obsession with Cayden


    had probably tricked her into believing that the man was the perfect other half for her.


    However, as someone who was experienced in terms of rtionships, ire knew that although


    Cayden was a rare genius, he didn''t love Nicole.


    It was painful to be in a loveless marriage. Even if Nicole managed to marry Cayden, she would never


    attain happiness.


    As a result, ire was doing everything she could to assist Nicole in finding a suitable man to get


    married to. She sincerely wanted her daughter to be happy.


    Nicole, who was sitting by her side, seemed upset.


    She didn''t understand ire''s intentions at all, as she was obsessed with Cayden. The fact that he


    would never have eyes for her only made her fall harder for him.


    To her, all the men present at her birthday banquet could never beparable to Cayden.


    Resentment welled within Nicole as she watched ire ask the wealthydies to introduce a suitable


    date for her. I knew it. She doesn''t want the best for me since I''m not even her biological daughter.


    A bunch of negative emotions were swirling within Nicole.


    For fear of losing control over her emotions, she quickly sipped on her ss of juice and tried to calm


    herself down.


    Reflected on the ss were two figures approaching her together. It was Cayden and Avery.


    Nicole set her ss down as she watched the man she desired but couldn''t have walk through the


    crowd, shielding Avery from being pushed around. He was treating Avery like his most cherished


    treasure, and the sight of that rekindled Nicole''s anger, which had previously been suppressed.


    Nicole''s gaze was burning with jealousy, and she felt as though she was going to explode.


    After exchanging a few pleasantries with William, Cayden brought Avery to ire before greeting,


    ¡°Mrs. Lambert.¡±


    ire stared at Avery in a daze.


    Thetter was wearing a simple dress. Her light makeup entuated her exquisite facial features, and


    her straight luscious hair was now wavy. As she smiled at ire, herrge gorgeous eyes seemed to


    hold a story of their own.


    For a split second, ire thought she saw her younger self in Avery.


    Confused, she shook her head. This girl is Nickie''s love rival. Why would I think that she looks like me?


    That''s a ridiculous notion.


    At this moment, Cayden introduced Avery to ire, ¡°Mrs. Lambert, this is Avery, the mother of my two


    children. She''s going to be my wife soon and will be my only wife in this life.¡±


    ire froze momentarily but quickly regained her senses and smiled calmly. ¡°You don''t have to


    emphasize this to me. Since you and Ms. Rumpley are in love, I''ll give you my blessings. Feelings


    cannot be forced. I understand this better than you youngsters.¡± She then turned to Avery and


    continued, ¡°Ms. Rumpley, I didn''t mean what I said to youst time. Please ept my apologies.


    Everyone is a guest here, so please make yourselves at home.¡±


    Avery was surprised.


    ire''s attitude toward her had clearly improved. Although the change in her attitude was somewhat


    rted to Cayden''s assertiveness, Avery felt that someone like ire who was protective of her


    daughter would not change so abruptly just because of Cayden.


    Nicole remained silent. However, her thoughts were running wild. Her eyes were filled with tears and


    jealousy, and she didn''t even hear what her friends were saying to her.


    Cayden''s determined voice was the only sound echoing in her mind right then. She''s going to be my


    wife soon and will be my only wife in this life. The only wife in this life?


    Nicole scoffed coldly. His only wife, huh? Cayden, how can you be so sure that Avery will be your wife?


    You guys might not even get married!


    Around half past eight that evening, the Lambert family''s banquet officially began.


    As the birthday girl, Nicole was dressed like a princess. She stood proudly in the spotlight next to


    William and ire.


    There was an exquisite twelveyer cake on the table next to them.


    As the precious daughter of the Lambert family, she dly received blessings from all the wealthy


    ladies and their sons and daughters. It was a blissful moment for her.


    Then, Nicole performed a famous piano piece for everyone.


    She was the center of attention as she stepped onto the makeshift circr tform, sat in front of the


    expensive piano, and started ying, her hands that were wearing white gloves dancing gracefully


    across the piano keys.


    At that moment, she felt slightly nervous, even more nervous than when she went on stage to receive


    her first acting award because the man she loved was present.


    She adjusted her state of mind before proceeding to y the piano.


    Although acting was her shoring, Nicole was rather talented in music, especially so when she was


    ying the piece she was best at, Swan Lake.


    Everyone apuded when the piece ended. Praises andpliments filled the air.


    Cayden was cuddling with Avery as they sat in the corner. He poured her a ss of warm milk while he


    sipped on his red wine.


    ¡°She''s good at ying the piano,¡± Averymented objectively.


    N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Although she didn''t know how to y the piano, she thought Nicole''s version of the piece was


    beautifully and elegantly executed.


    Cayden gave noments as he lightly tapped Avery''s nose. ¡°Her ying is good butcks emotions.


    She can win inpetitions, but it would be hard for her to do more than that.¡±


    Avery smiled but said nothing.


    Does this man know everything? Can he y the piano too?


    It seemed likely as hisments sounded knowledgeable and convincing.


    Meanwhile, ire felt proud to have such a talented daughter. Nicole bowed politely to the audience,


    and everyone''s impressions of her improved immensely.


    Suddenly, Nicole picked up the hem of her gown and walked over to Avery gracefully before saying


    gently, ¡°Ms. Rumpley, I heard you''re also talented at ying the piano. Why don''t you y a piece for


    everyone?¡±

 Chapter 405

    Chapter 405


    Avery felt slightly anxious when faced with Nicole''s provocation, and cold sweat began to form on her


    palm which was enveloped in Cayden''srge hand.


    I don''t know how to y the piano.


    She stared at Cayden beseechingly, hoping that he would help her. However, thetter remained calm


    and collected.


    Cayden pinched her palm lightly, signaling to her that everything was going to be all right. Turning to


    Nicole, he arched an eyebrow and said, ¡°Sorry. My girlfriend can''t perform because she hurt her hand


    yesterday.¡±


    He then held up Avery''s hand and showed it to everyone present.


    Avery had identally cut her finger when she was peeling some fruits for the twins the night before.


    Currently, the tip of her forefinger had a band-aid wrapped around it. It was the perfect excuse to get


    out of having to y the piano in front of everyone.


    The guests nodded understandingly.


    Cayden continued, ¡°Although she cannot y the piano today, she has a beautiful singing voice. I''m


    sure she''d love to perform a song for everyone. As her boyfriend, I am obligated to y the


    apaniment for her.¡±


    Bewildered, Avery stared at Cayden dubiously.


    While it''s true that I''m good at singing, I seldom sing in front of others because I am shy in nature and


    have stage fright. How does Cayden know that I can sing?


    Cayden returned her look with a grin and mouthed the words. ¡°It''s a secret.¡±


    When Cayden''s depression reared its head years ago, his grandfather had sent him to a small town to


    recover. Over there, he suffered from insomnia and would often go running in a nearby field to take the


    edge off his mental disturbance. One night, just as he was running around the circr field, he


    overheard a breathtaking voice of someone singing.


    Instantly, he followed the direction of the voice in search of the owner.


    He spotted a girl with neat shoulder-length hair standing under a stout hundred-year-old banyan tree.


    The moonlight shone on her, and she was so immersed in her song that she did not even notice his


    presence.


    Cayden hid on the other side of the banyan tree trunk and listened to her singing quietly. The girl''s


    voice was pure and ethereal. It washed away the dark and gloomy feelings in his heart and made him


    yearn to step toward the light.


    That was the first time Cayden had seen Avery, and her existence became one that was special to him.


    While she was not some great beauty, her simple and elegant appearance in addition to her


    otherworldly temperament made her incredibly unforgettable.


    At that instance, her voice had graced his ears, and the sight of her tugged at his heartstrings.


    Later on, he went to great lengths and finally found out about Avery''s identity. From that night onward,


    the girl with neat hair and a beautiful singing voice burrowed her way into his heart.


    Of course, Cayden never told Avery about their little interlude.


    ¡°Don''t worry, I can y the apaniment to whichever song you choose to sing. Believe in yourself,


    and believe in me,¡± Cayden said.


    Avery, who had been feeling nervous, took a deep breath after hearing Cayden''s reassurance. She


    shed him a bright smile, indicating that she was no longer afraid.


    Carefully, Cayden led Avery to a white stool by the piano before sitting down before the piano himself.


    He ced his slender hands on top of the piano keys. His sleek fingers, along with their neatly trimmed


    nails, appeared neat and tidy. They contrasted with the ck and white keys, forming a pleasant


    picture.


    The song Avery chose was one that was popr recently, and it was a song that was dear to her.


    ¡°Silently, the sea waves drowned out the night. It roams toward the ends of the skies...¡±


    The crowd was stunned the moment her voice rang out.


    Her voice was gentle, and her timbre ethereal. It sounded melodious and incredibly moving.


    Apanied by Cayden''s seamless ying, their performance intoxicated the audience.


    Avery could always forget her surroundings when she sang.


    The song came from the bottom of her heart, and its lyrics, ¡°you were born to roam, as I let you go,¡±


    resonated with her.


    Although the song''s melody was beautiful, Avery felt like crying as she sang.


    Her rtionship with Cayden had stabilized, and they had vowed to never part. Thetter had also


    repeatedly sworn to protect her for the rest of their lives. However, for reasons unknown, her left eyelid


    wouldn''t stop twitching ominously.


    Nicole''s provocative attitude earlier that evening, especially, had made Avery feel increasingly ill at


    ease.


    Her sixth sense was telling her that perhaps Cayden would be like the person in the song. He would


    leave me behind...


    The thought of it terrified her.


    Cayden was like a graceful prince as he yed the apaniment. His gorgeously sculpted hands


    touched the piano keys agilely, causing the musical notes to leap around like fairies, filling the air


    melodiously.


    The exquisite and mncholic tune apanied Avery''s voice beautifully.


    The men below the stage had their eyes glued on Avery while the women locked their gazes on


    Cayden. They did not bother concealing the adoration in their eyes.


    Avery continued to pour her emotions into her singing.


    Her lovely voice, pure and innocent, told the sorrowful story of the characters in the song who were


    cruelly forced to part ways. In the final part of the harmony, it was almost as if she could summon a


    person''s soul. Her singing pierced one''s heart directly and it was so beautiful that it moved the


    audience to tears.


    Avery found tears glistening in her own eyes as the song came to an end. It wasn''t until she was swept


    into a faintly mint-scented embrace did shee back to her senses.


    ire was also in a trance. As she stared at Avery, thoughts of the young girl once again intruded into


    her mind. Why is she so simr to me? The resemnce between us is uncanny. Not just her


    appearance and her temperament, but even her singing voice is just like mine.


    ire had loved to sing when she was young, and Avery''s voice was nearly identical to hers.


    Why is she so simr to me?


    The guests were rendered silent after hearing Avery sing. After a long moment, the hall erupted into


    thunderous apuse that was far more deafening than when Nicole had yed the piano. The


    apuse continued for a long time. This time, it waspletely heartfelt. They apuded Avery''s


    heavenly singing voice, Cayden''s wonderful piano apaniment, and their impable coordination.


    ¡°Mr. Moore is a man of many talents. Not only is he a fantastic businessman, but he can also even y


    the piano so brilliantly. He''s truly admirable!¡±


    ¡°Mr. Moore''spanion is wonderful as well. Her appearance belies her singing voice. Truly, they are


    such a talented pair.¡±


    The praises in the hall grew louder and louder. All of a sudden, Avery and Cayden were in the limelight.


    Livid, Nicole she pressed her hand against her chest, which felt as though a heavy weight was crushing


    it, so much so that she felt suffocated.


    No! It wasn''t supposed to happen like this! Avery should have made a fool of herself. She should have


    been ridiculed by the upper-ss guests.


    However, things had not gone as nned. She had done something stupid. Instead of showing Avery


    up, her foolish actions only served to make Avery the center of attention. N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

 Chapter 406

    Chapter 406


    Thunderous pping echoed throughout the hall, cheering Avery on, while Nicole walked to the


    restroom stiffly in her high heels.


    She ignored the young men who greeted her on her way to her destination.


    Nicole remained aloof as she passed by those men, not realizing they were gossiping behind her back.


    They said, ¡°Why is she so full of herself? She''s just Mr. William''s adopted daughter.¡±


    Once Nicole was in the restroom, she cupped a handful of cold water and sshed it over her face,


    trying to clear her head, but her effort was futile. She couldn''t control the feelings of grievance and


    anger rising within her.


    She gazed at her reflection in the mirror. The woman who stared back at her had a menacing


    expression, sending chills down her spine, for she couldn''t believe what she saw was herself.


    Just like that, tears flowed from her eyes uncontrobly.


    Suddenly, a burly, vicious-looking man appeared in the mirror''s reflection, shocking Nicole. She


    muttered, ¡°Um... How... how did you get in here? This is the female restroom...¡±


    Roderick had emerged in the restroom unexpectedly.


    With tears still welling in her eyes, Nicole''s reddened eyes met the man''s hostile eyes. Panicking, she


    hastily tried to escape, but the man gripped her thin wrist tightly.


    Roderick''s eyes were piercing with a hint of savagery to them. He focused his gaze on Nicole as if he


    was trying to swallow her whole.


    Meanwhile, Nicole felt an ice-cold fear creep up on her. Her instinct warned her that Roderick was


    dangerous to be around and that she would have trouble getting rid of him once she got involved with


    him.


    ¡°Why are you trying to escape? I miss you so much. Do you miss me? Do you remember the day that


    we made love? You were sweating...¡± Roderick dirty-talked as he ran his hands all over Nicole''s body.


    Surprisingly, he found other women uninteresting since the night he had an intimate session with


    Nicole. He had wanted to reunite with her since forever, but he soon went on a mission thatsted for


    months and couldn''t return. The moment he returned, he quickly came looking for her.


    Nicole, who had gotten used to being adored and doted on by everyone, had never been molested by a


    lecher like Roderick. Anger filled her, causing her to drop her graceful pretense. She cursed, ¡°B*stard!


    Who do you think you are? How dare you treat me this way? What nonsense are you going on about?


    Scram, you shameless prick!¡±


    With that said, she raised her hand to p Roderick, but he grasped her wrist.


    As a trained special forces soldier, he had grown ustomed to using brute force, so he wasn''t mindful


    of the strength he exerted. As a result, the man identally fractured Nicole''s wrist.


    Nicole''s face paled in agony as tears rolled down her face. She bit her lip and tried to suppress the


    pain, her tear-stricken face making her look piteous.


    Roderickughed sheepishly. ¡°I''m sorry, Darling. Let me fix it for you...¡±


    The smile etched on Roderick''s charming yet feral-looking face only terrified Nicole even more.


    Roderick grabbed Nicole''s wrist and twisted it. Following a cracking sound, her fractured wrist was


    realigned, but his rough movements caused the pampered Nicole to grunt in distress. ¡°Get lost! Scram


    now or I''ll ask the security guard to throw you out!¡±


    I know our guests are all rich and influential people. One must have a certain social status to join us


    today, and it''s apparent that this man''s identity is something else if he can get in here so effortlessly.


    But I really despise him!


    ¡°Babe... did you forget about that wonderful night? You kept screaming to me that you want more, and


    you wrapped your long, beautiful legs around my waist, refusing to let me leave. Oh, my... Just the


    thought of that is making my blood boil in passion...¡± Roderick restrained Nicole with one hand while


    reaching into her clothes with the other hand.


    Nicole struggled to break free, but her efforts were futile in the face of Roderick''s vice-like grip. Fear


    and shame inundated her, and she decided to use her father''s name to threaten him. ¡°Let go of me!


    You b*stard! My dad is the state secretary. He would kill you if you dare to hurt me!¡±


    However, Roderick merely snorted in response to her words. He chuckled maniacally beside her ear.


    ¡°There''s no point in screaming for help, Ms. Lambert. If peoplee running over, I''ll tell them you


    seduced me first. Or maybe you can say that I harassed you. Of course, Mr. Lambert is going to be


    furious. But what can he do to me? The Fuller family cannot be trifled with. If worsees to worst, I''d


    marry you, that''s all. Continue screaming now if you want to be theughingstock of Ackleton.¡±


    With that, he took out a few photos and waved them before Nicole. ¡°Look. These are pictures of the


    famous Ms. Lambert of Ackleton. Although she may seem aloof, pure, and ascetic, she is secretly


    coquettish and lustful. How unbelievable!¡±


    The woman in the photos was naked, with even her most private body parts visible at one nce. She


    was pinned under a muscr man, wearing a lust-filled and ecstatic expression.


    Nicole''s blood ran cold when she saw the main character in the photographs. Her face turned as white


    as a sheet.


    The woman in the pictures was her, and the man on top of her was Roderick.


    Abruptly, she pushed Roderick away, snatched the photos in his hand, and tore them into pieces before


    throwing them to the floor and stomping on them in a crazed manner. ¡°No! That''s not me. It''s definitely


    not me! You must have photoshopped these photos to try and ruin my reputation. Who are you? Who


    sent you? Is it that b*tch, Avery? How much did she pay you to do this? I''ll give you double. No! I will


    pay you ten times the amount. How''s that?¡±


    Nicole was so horrified that her exquisite facial features had be contorted. She began baselessly


    guessing and assuming the reason these photos existed, all the while refusing to admit that she was


    the woman in those photographs.


    Roderick stared at the insane Nicole before sticking his leg out to stop her from leaving. Then, he


    covered her mouth once again and pinned her against the restroom''s basin. He threatened her evilly, ¡°If


    I told the guests that you were pretending to be kind and gentle all this while, what would they think of


    you? Besides, do you think this matter is over between us just because you tore those photos into


    pieces? Hah... I have more explicit pictures of you as well as videos of us on myptop. Do you want to


    take a look? I can show them to you...¡±


    ¡°No... No!¡± Nicole yelled, terrified. She was so caught up in her emotions that she didn''t notice that


    Roderick had ripped off her clothes.


    She begged urgently, ¡°Please... Let me go... What exactly do you want from me?¡±


    ¡°Let me show you what I want.¡± Roderick loomed over Nicole.


    In the beginning, Nicole shed tears due to the pain, but she soon threw her fakeddylike chasteness


    to the wind.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Half an hourter, Roderick had just finished relieving his desires when Nicole, who had already gotten


    dressed, threw a hard p across his cheek.


    The man''s expression darkened as an unprecedented murderous look appeared in his eyes.


    Frightened by the maliciousness in Roderick''s gaze, Nicole immediately ran out of the restroom. She


    sprinted all the way back to the hall and could only breathe a sigh of relief when she saw familiar faces.


    However, when she noticed that William, ire, and Avery were engrossed in a friendly conversation,


    frostiness and jealousy appeared on her face again.

 Chapter 407

    Chapter 407


    The hall was filled with well-dressed people chatting away with each other happily, embodying the


    grace and elegance of the upper-ss society.


    Nicole stared at the center of everyone''s attention unblinkingly. Cayden''s face was cold and


    mysterious, and he was captivating as always. Meanwhile, ire was linking arms with William as they


    stood in the middle with Cayden and Avery nking them. The four of them were like a happy family,


    and the sight of that stung Nicole''s eyes.


    She waited eagerly for Cayden to notice her, but to her dismay, thetter only had eyes for Avery the


    entire time. He stared at her lovingly without sparing a nce in any other direction.


    Even though the atmosphere was buzzing in the hall, all Nicole felt was freezing cold. She returned to


    her room to change into a more gorgeous piece of clothing.


    Just as she had expected, when she reappeared in the hall, she caused quite amotion. She


    basked in the rich young men''s praises, enjoying the sensation of being in the limelight.


    After turning down several men''s requests to dance with her, she headed straight for Cayden.


    Meanwhile, William was chatting with Cayden. As the conversation went on, he grew increasingly fond


    of this young man before him, whom he thought was assertive and capable. As such, he was even


    more determined to make Cayden his son-inw.


    ire, on the other hand, was speaking to Avery softly. She was amazed at how talented Avery was,


    and her previous prejudice toward thetter slowly disappeared.


    ¡°I''m happy that you came to Nickie''s birthday banquet today!¡± said William to Cayden,ughing heartily.


    As a high-ranking government official, he was naturally aware that Cayden rarely showed up at events


    like this. It was evident that Cayden respected the Lambert family enough to make an appearance at


    Nicole''s birthday banquet.


    Cayden replied casually, ¡°It''s no big deal, Mr. William.¡±


    Noticing that Nicole was standing beside him, William pulled her over to Cayden''s side. He wanted to


    create an opportunity for them to spend time together. ¡°Cayden, you have known Nicole for quite some


    time now. What do you think about her?¡±


    William had always been busy with work, so he was not as observant as ire and had no idea what


    was going on with Nicole''s love life. However, he thought that since his daughter was such a good


    catch, Cayden must''ve fallen for her.


    Cayden curled his lips into a half smile. ¡°I think Ms. Lambert is a nicedy. She is not for me, though.


    I''m taken, and Ms. Lambert deserves a better man.¡±


    Nicole gazed at Cayden''s attractive face as she listened to his outright rejection of her before her


    parents. Pain and resentment coursed through her veins as tears filled her eyes. She instinctively


    turned her head to the side and tried to hide her raging emotions. Nevertheless, the pain on her face


    was so evident that it was impossible for everyone around her to miss it.


    William''s face fell when his beloved daughter was rejected in public. He was about to lose his temper


    when ire tugged on his arm, voicing gently, ¡°It''s true that Mr. Moore is outstanding, but our Nickie is


    an exceptional youngdy, too. But then, feelings can''t be forced. We must leave it to fate. William, theN?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    youngsters know what they want, so we shouldn''t intervene in their decision.¡±


    Nicole forced a smile upon listening to ire''s words. She lowered her eyes, trying to suppress the


    overwhelming emotions within her.


    Suddenly, a hoarse voice chimed in, ¡°Pleased to meet you, Mr. Moore.¡±


    Nicole''s heart raced, and her body stiffened when she heard the familiar voice. Raising her head, her


    face paled in fright when she saw Roderick appearing before ire and William.


    Meanwhile, Roderick was giving Cayden a once-over with a look of disdain and hostility on his face.


    So the man Nicole is in love with is this handsome boy toy. What other advantages does he have other


    than that gorgeous face?


    ¡°Nice to meet you, Mr. Fuller. I''ve heard a lot about you.¡± Cayden noticed the antagonistic look in


    Roderick''s eyes. Surprise shed across his tender eyes, but he concealed it perfectly.


    He knew who Roderick was. Hailing from a powerful background, the man was also part of the special


    forces. He was known to be devious and cunning with ruthless methods up his sleeves, just like a


    deadly snake waiting in the dark to pounce on someone. Cayden usually kept his distance from


    someone as dangerous as Roderick.


    The two dominant men stood in their ces as they shook each other''s hands firmly.


    Cayden''s hand was fair and wless, like an art piece on disy at an exhibition, while Roderick''s


    hands had ghastly veins bulging on them like air-dried tree roots.


    Even Avery could feel the atmosphere bing tense as the two men engaged in a staring contest.


    She tried to hold back the nauseating feeling in her stomach but couldn''t stop herself from frowning in


    difort.


    Nicole noticed something amiss with Avery and tamped down the hatred within her as she approached


    to hold the other woman''s arm, feigning concern. ¡°Ms. Rumpley, are you okay? Are you unwell? Do you


    need to rest in a room?¡±


    Nicole was dressed in an oversized butterfly-sleeved nted shoulder dress, and when she patted


    Avery gently on her back, thetter felt a tingling pain on her scalp like someone had pulled a few


    strands of her hair out.


    Cautiousness and suspicion grew in Avery as she stared at Nicole. Thetter gazed at her innocently


    with concern evident on her face. Even though Avery knew Nicole was merely pretending to be on


    friendly terms with her, she couldn''t say anything for they were in public. She could only wave her


    hands at Nicole. ¡°Thank you for your concern, Ms. Lambert. I''m fine. I''m just feeling a little sick, and I''ll


    be fine after getting some rest.¡±


    ¡°Sick? Are you pregnant?¡± The imaginary rm in Nicole''s mind went off. She immediately suspected


    that Avery was having morning sickness because she was pregnant.


    Avery shook her head. ¡°You''re overthinking, Ms. Lambert. I think I got food poisoning from what I ate


    this afternoon. My stomach''s feeling a bit queasy, but I think I should be fine after taking some stomach


    medicine when I return home.¡±


    For reasons unknown, she didn''t want Nicole to discover that she was pregnant. She just had a hunch


    that if Nicole found out, her baby might be in danger.


    Nicole was relieved, though she was still suspicious about Avery''s difort. Thus, she probed, ¡°Your


    stomach is feeling queasy, huh? I was down with the same condition a few days ago, so I got some


    stomach medicine at the hospital. I still have a few pills left. It''s quite effective. Ms. Rumpley, I''ll get


    Ste to bring you some of the medicine. You will feel better after taking them. Ste! Go to the second


    floor to get the stomach medicine in my room''s drawer. Ms. Rumpley is not feeling her best. She should


    take some medicine to relieve her symptoms.¡±


    Nicole asked the housekeeper, Ste, who was standing aside, to head upstairs and grab the medicine


    for Avery. Her tone was authoritative, allowing no room for negotiation.


    Avery was nervous about the turn of events. She clenched her fists tightly and remarked, ¡°It''s okay, Ms.


    Lambert. I feel much better now, so there''s no need for me to take medicine. I hate taking medicine, so


    much so that I would rather suffer than take medicine whenever I get sick.¡±


    Nicole grew increasingly suspicious when she heard that. Her voice was gentle as she insisted firmly,


    ¡°No. You can''t do that to yourself. You are a guest at my birthday party. You were feeling fine when you


    came, and you should feel the same when you leave. I am responsible for ensuring all of my guests are


    well taken care of.¡±


    The crowd beganplimenting Nicole''s attentiveness and considerate nature. Avery, on the other


    hand, felt helpless. Being a pregnant woman, she didn''t dare to take medicine without a doctor''s


    advice.


    Trepidation and anxiety filled her, and her heart almost jumped out of her throat as she watched Ste


    walk up the stairs.

 Chapter 408

    Chapter 408


    Cayden had been keeping an eye on Avery throughout his conversation with William. Upon noticing the


    woman''s perturbed visage, Cayden hastily ended the conversation before striding over.


    He was d in a tailor-made suit, showcasing his iparably tall and slender figure.


    When Nicole saw Cayden approaching, she could not resist being charmed by that man. Never had


    she seen any other men looking that dashing in a suit.


    ¡°What''s wrong?¡± Cayden wrapped his arm around Avery''s waist and pecked her forehead, gently


    expressing his concern.


    The man''s presence offered Avery a glimmer of hope. Immediately, she felt at ease.


    Then came her revtion. ¡°I''m feeling a little unwell. Ms. Lambert offered me some medicine to help


    relieve my difort, but I really don''t want to take any medicine...¡±


    She was tactful enough to hint at Nicole''s coercion. After all, they were all at the Lambert residence, so


    it would be unwise for her to kick up a fuss over something trivial.


    From a business standpoint, Avery knew that maintaining amicable terms would take the utmost


    priority.


    Avery''s words made Cayden''s casual demeanor do a one-eighty. The man shot Nicole a piercing, icy


    gaze right after.


    ¡°You can do whatever you want, Ms. Nicole, but you shouldn''t have simply offered her your medicine.


    Can you take responsibility if something goes wrong?¡± he admonished coldly.


    His gaze was so sharp that Nicole did not even have the courage to look the man in the eye.


    ¡°I... I-I''m just worried about Ms. Rumpley, so I... Sorry. I didn''t think of that. I was too reckless,¡± she


    stammered.


    Nicole looked rather apologetic, so much so that it would appear outrageous for Avery and Cayden to


    press the matter further.


    Knowing that Nicole had the tendency to put on an act, Avery decided to smooth things over. ¡°Just let it


    go. I''m fine. Ms. Lambert''s only trying to help. Maybe she''s really concerned about my health.¡±


    Cayden didn''t say a word on that note. He wore a frosty mien and walked toward the other side of the


    banquet hall without even sparing Nicole another nce.


    Embarrassed, Nicole froze on the spot and fell into a daze.


    At that point, Cayden had lost all interest in engaging with other guests in the hall. With his arm around


    Avery, he bade William and ire goodbye. ¡°Mr. William, my grandpa has especially reminded us to be


    home for dinner to celebrate New Year''s Eve, so we''ll take our leaves first.¡±


    ¡°Right. You two should head back early. The elderly have always loved gatherings during a festive


    season,¡± said William.


    Deep down, he was quite disappointed. At first, he thought of making Cayden his son-inw. Yet,


    seeing how Cayden had brought himself a plus-one to attend Nicole''s birthday party, William realized


    that Cayden was genuinely not the least bit interested in Nicole, so much so that he didn''t even bother


    putting on a pretense.


    ¡°Your architectural designing skills is really outstanding, Ery. My father-inw has been going on and on


    about wanting to meet you in person. Promise me to visit us when you have time!¡± ire held Avery''s


    hands and spoke ever so gently.


    The banquet had brought ire and Avery closer together. In fact, ire even felt somewhat reluctant


    to part with Avery.


    A gracious smile spread across Avery''s face. ¡°Will do, Mrs. Lambert. I''ve left you my contact number. If


    there''s anything you''d like to know more about or if you have any suggestions, you can always reach


    me on WhatsApp. I''ll do my best and make sure Old Mr. Lambert is satisfied with the results.¡±


    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    Watching the eye-catching couple step out of the banquet hall, ire could not bring herself to retract


    her gaze.


    ¡°If only our baby were here with us today, Honey, the child would''ve been of Avery''s age by now...¡±


    muttered ire.


    Gazing at Nicole who had quite a few gentlemen surrounding her, William ced his arm across


    ire''s shoulders andforted her, ¡°The past is in the past, so stop thinking about it. The child we


    once had will nevere back to us. Besides, we should be contented that we have Nickie, shouldn''t


    we?¡±


    ire kept her lips buttoned at that.


    Nicole was obedient, sensible, and thoughtful, and ire had always been treating the former as her


    own daughter. However, she could always feel a rift between her and Nicole no matter how sweet and


    thoughtful thetter was. Was it my imagination?


    In the meantime, Cayden helped Avery buckle her seatbelt on the passenger seat before revving up


    the engine. With that, thevish yet low-profile luxury car sped off into the darkness. Driving along the


    streets of Ackleton lined with countless skyscrapers, the duo soon arrived at the Moore residence.


    Having a joyous meal together as a family on New Year''s Eve was one of the Moore family''s customs.


    Just like that, Avery joined Cayden to have a rather unappetizing dinner with the Moore family. Later,


    she took the twins and returned with Cayden to the mansion where they lived privately.


    Luckily, their home was only a forty-minute drive from the Moore residence.


    Along the way, the streets were kind of desertedpared to their usual hustle and bustle. It was as if


    the dense crowd in the past had vanished into thin air.


    Most of the shops were closed, and there were only a handful of vehicles on the road.


    To make matters worse, there were only asional sparks of fireworks brightening up the otherwise


    dark sky. Hardly any sound of firecrackers could be heard.


    That was logical, for Ackleton was an international metropolis, and the government forbade the people


    from putting on fireworks during New Year in the interests of a greener environment, the city''s


    metropolitan image, and the safety of the citizens. Year after year, that put a damper on the festive


    mood.


    Cayden was behind the wheel, driving Avery and the kids who wereughing and ying in the back


    seat. There was a drastic change in the man''s state of mind at that time.


    Despite being exhausted after a busy day, he could feel a sense of satisfaction and warmth.


    In the past, Cayden used to hate New Year celebration. He would always be left out in the cold while


    looking at the people around him chattering and having fun. Those who had never experienced being


    ostracized could never understand the loneliness buried deep in his heart.


    It was already eleven at night by the time the four of them reached theirforting home. The children,


    however, mored and insisted on having supper.


    Left with no choice, Avery stepped into the kitchen and cooked up a storm.


    The lights were all lit up in the spacious mansion, illuminating the darkness of the night.


    Avery whipped up something light in the end. The tantalizing fragrance of oatmeal filled the air in the


    kitchen very quickly.


    That mansion was nothing but a cozy and lovely home for the family of four.


    Just as Avery was stirring the oatmeal, Cayden embraced her from behind and whispered intimately in


    her ear, ¡°After so many years, today''s the best New Year''s Eve I''ve ever had. Thank you, Babe. It


    means a lot to me.¡±


    Their figures cast long, dim shadows underneath the light, which upied almost half the wall.


    For a very long time, Cayden had had no one to keep himpany at home. Sleepless nights had


    been the norm for him. If anything, being alone in a brightly lit, empty house only served to evoke his


    heart''s desire. Gone was his solitude when he had Avery by his side. Cayden could not have asked for


    more.


    Wheeling around, Avery lifted her heels off the ground and pecked the man tenderly on the lips. ¡°I


    promise to make you feel the same way for every New Year''s Eve toe.¡±

 Chapter 409

    Chapter 409


    On New Year''s Eve, Cayden, Avery, and the two children had supper while watching the New Year''s


    Eve special on the television since they did not eat much at the Moore residence.


    While eating, Cayden''s and Avery''s phones rang nonstop. They kept receiving all kinds of greeting


    messages. Most of them were forwarded posts.


    Most of the messages Avery received came from friends, family, colleagues whom she was close with,


    as well as her clients.


    Out of courtesy, she reciprocated everyone''s blessings.


    Cayden, on the contrary, did not care to reply to their greetings.


    He only replied to a few people whom he was close with andpletely ignored those bootlickers who


    tried to get in his good books.


    The supper might be simple, but they enjoyed the food as a family.


    After the supper, the two children felt drowsy and went to bed.


    Cayden embraced Avery, wanting to carry her to the bedroom as he knew how worn out she was. The


    fact that she was pregnant made her even more exhausted. Yet, Avery insisted on making a tray of


    ravioli. Making ravioli was a tradition in her hometown, as vigers would cook and eat them on New


    Year because they symbolized prosperity and good fortune.


    Initially, Cayden did not want Avery to make ravioli because he was afraid she might be too exhausted,


    but he gave up persuading her when she looked at him with her puppy eyes.


    That was how they got busy again in the kitchen.


    The refrigerator contained all kinds of ingredients. After considering Cayden''s and the two children''s


    love for meat, Avery decided to use ground meat for the fillings.


    Cayden gestured for her to sit, as he did not want her to get more tired than she already was. ¡°Tell me


    what to do. I''ll do it.¡±


    He followed the instructions given by Avery by rinsing a piece of pork and beef and grinding them in the


    grinder. Once the meat was ready, he added ricotta cheese, cream cheese, egg, and chopped basil.


    The filling looked even better after Cayden added a pinch of sea salt and ck pepper.


    Next, Cayden learned to make the dough while Avery added the filling.


    With deft hands, Avery was able to make perfectly-shaped ravioli. She even made tortellini and pansotti


    with the same filling. Cayden was dazzled by the different shapes and sizes of all the stuffed pasta.


    He tried making a ravioli, but it looked like a t turtle that was miserably out of shape. Upon noticing


    the ravioli he made, Avery burst intoughter.


    Who would have guessed an all-rounder like Cayden was a woefully inept cook?


    In the end, Avery had to wrap up all the ravioli herself.


    After everything was done, it was already about one in the morning. They returned to their bedroom


    and hit the sack.


    Avery had a weaker physique, so she tended to feel cold at night. Cayden embraced her and gave her


    warmth like a ball of me in a cold winter night. Leaning on his chest, Avery could hear his heart


    beating rhythmically.


    To this day, she still could not believe they were together. It was as if she was dreaming. The man was


    her crush during her teenage years, and she thought they would not meet each other again for the rest


    of their lives. Nheless, life had its n. Her Prince Charming from her younger days was now by


    her side. Years might have flown by, and things might have changed, but they were still together. That


    was all that mattered.


    Jolted by the fireworks in the neighborhood before dawn, Avery woke up at about five in the morning.


    Though Ackleton had banned fireworks, residents would still disy them in secret to heighten the New


    Year spirit.


    Avery wanted to get out of bed, but Cayden held her so tightly that she could barely move.


    Cayden was always an early bird, but since it was New Year, he wanted to spend more time in bed,


    hugging the love of his life.


    ¡°Daddy! Mommy! Wake up!¡± Zachary and Rory mmed the door hard and yelled with their adorable


    voices, trying to wake their parents up.


    Avery looked at the man who refused to let her go and chuckled. She then forced him to get out of bed.


    Like an aggrieved child, Cayden reluctantly got up and changed his clothes. He looked at Avery


    resentfully with his charming eyes and began to have second thoughts about the baby in her womb.


    Having so many kids in the house might not be a good idea. How can I spend quality time with my wife


    when they keep disturbing us?


    Living in a wealthy neighborhood meant residents had more freedom whenpared to regr


    citizens who had to abide by the regtions strictly and could not y fireworks openly. That was why


    New Year in the neighborhood was more exciting.


    Fireworks of all sorts were set off continuously, producing deafening sounds. The loud sts might


    have disrupted the peaceful morning, but they did enliven the New Year celebration.


    Meanwhile, Avery was busy cooking ravioli in the kitchen. Once she was done cooking, sheid all the


    dishes on the dining table.


    Cayden took out a box of fireworks and lit some up with a lighter in the mansion''s courtyard.


    The two children standing beside him cheered loudly. Amidst the deafening sound of the fireworks,


    Avery could hear the kids asking Cayden questions. out of curiosity.


    ¡°Daddy, why do we y fireworks during New Year?¡±


    ¡°And why do we need to eat ravioli during New Year?¡± Zachary shot another question.


    While Cayden patiently answered their questions, Avery observed their interaction from the kitchen


    window. Her heart was filled with warmth and bliss.


    The brave Zachary even asked his father for a box of fireworks and was eager to light it himself.


    Rory, who was slightly timider, pulled herself away from the fireworks while covering her ears. On and


    off, she would scream when the fireworks took off.


    She would cover her ears and run back and forth in the courtyard.


    Zachary smirked cheekily as he knew Rory was afraid of fireworks. He picked up a box of fireworks and


    intentionally ran after his twin sister. Upon noticing the frightful look on her face, he giggled


    mischievously.


    Rory went berserk and cried for help while running to the kitchen. ¡°Mommy! Mommy!¡±


    Zachary refused to give up and kept chasing her from behind. Scared out of her wits, Rory burst into


    tears. She shouted at her brother and cried for help at the same time. Upon noticing that, Cayden, who


    was all smiles, carried his precious daughter in his arms.


    The little girl rested her head on her father''s shoulders pitifully, tears still welling in her bright eyes.


    Cayden gave her a gentle peck on the cheek and looked at the naughty Zachary with a scowl as he


    was not pleased with his son''s antics.


    While running to the kitchen to seek Avery''s protection, Zachary could not stop giggling.


    The family of four then enjoyed ravioli for breakfast while engaging in lighthearted banter.


    After breakfast, Cayden drove the family to the Moore residence to visit Jeffrey. After that, they went to


    ke''s to wish him a happy New Year.


    Zachary and Rory had received quite a few mary gifts from the elders by the time they reached


    home.


    Avery encouraged them to keep the money and put them to good use in the future.


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    After returning from ke''s residence, Cayden decided to take the family to Jacob''s ce. Jacob had


    invited Cayden and his family to his house some time ago, but thetter did not have time to visit.


    While driving, Cayden turned on the radio.


    Listening to the radio was a hobby he and Avery shared.


    Sometimes, they felt listening to the radio was more interesting than watching television because,


    without visual aid, the audio-only device would help spark their imagination.


    After ying a few New Year songs, the radio host told a touching story that captured Avery''s attention.

 Chapter 410

    Chapter 410


    The radio host talked about the ten-year-old daughter of an old couple in Ackleton who was suffering


    from leukemia.


    The couple had an interesting backstory. They used to have a son who was in the civil defense force


    but lost his life in the line of duty.


    After mourning his death for a long time, the husband proposed to his devastated wife that they should


    have another child to assuage her grief. Thereafter, their daughter was born.


    Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with leukemia just when they thought they could live out their lives


    peacefully.


    After spending huge sums on her medical bills, the old couple was saddled with debt, and yet, they


    failed to gather enough funds for their daughter''s hospitalization fees the next month.


    On New Year''s Day, they could only afford to have a simple meal at home to celebrate. It was the same


    spartan meal that they ate over thest year. In fact, part of it was given to them by their neighbors


    after the olddy begged them for some.


    With tears in his eyes, the pale-looking old man said that he didn''t mind being poor or not being able to


    afford anything. As long as their daughter could be cured, they were willing to sacrifice themselves to


    that end.


    The radio host was ady who spoke with a melodious voice.


    After describing how the surviving family of a deceased veteran was being bogged down by their


    daughter''s condition, she encouraged anyone who was interested in helping to get in touch.


    Thereafter, she read out the old couple''s address.


    As Averymitted it to memory, she found the address to be oddly familiar.


    She remembered passing by the area when she was making one of her rounds together with Cecelia.


    At the end of the program, Avery suggested to Cayden, ¡°Shall we give the old couple and their


    daughter a visit?¡±


    Her words slightly stunned Cayden. Even though he took pity on them, he felt that were plenty of others


    in worse circumstances, and he couldn''t help them all.


    Moreover, he was a businessman who¡ªfor the sake of profit and expanding hispany¡ªhad forced


    many otherpanies into bankruptcy, which was the antithesis of helping anyone. In spite of that, he


    had obviously donatedrge sums to charity organizations and for disaster recovery, but all those were


    for the sake of enhancing thepany''s corporate image.


    Thus, he had never experienced anything simr to the pure sympathy Avery felt and the urge to visit


    the victim''s family.


    ¡°Daddy, I want to visit them. The girl is really pitiful!¡± Rory''s crisp voice rang out from the backseat,


    where she was hugging a beautiful Barbie Doll.


    Even though she was mischievous most of the time, she had a good heart from taking after Avery.


    Zachary, who was holding a tablet in his hands, stopped ying his game and added in a childish


    voice, ¡°Hmm. Coincidentally, we can give the girl the mary gift we received for the new year.¡±


    At that moment, Avery was proud of how kind-hearted her children were.


    If it weren''t because they were sitting behind in their child car seats, she would have given those two


    angels of hers a kiss each.


    Thereafter, Cayden threw the children a nce when he was surprised by how charitable they were.


    Given thatpassion was something that hecked, he wondered if Avery''s genes were more


    dominant in them.


    With that, Cayden drove their entire family to visit the poor old couple.


    However, despite following the instructions of their GPS navigation, the address was in such an


    obscure ce that they failed to find it. Even after driving around the entire morning, there was still no


    sign of that family.


    Spinning the steering wheel around in resignation, Cayden suggested to Avery, ¡°Why don''t we just


    forget it? Sometimes, they like to make up sob stories on the radio station for the sake of entertaining


    their listeners.¡±


    From his experience, Cayden knew how cruel the world could be.


    He had encountered many supposedly sad stories that turned out to be no more than a scam.


    Nevertheless, Avery refused to give up.


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    After giving it some thought, she replied, ¡°What if the story is true? What if they can''t even celebrate


    New Year''s Day because of their sick daughter? Why don''t we head over to the radio station instead?


    I''m sure they''ll have more details about the location. I can''t help but sympathize with the old couple.


    After having their son sacrifice his life in a fire, their daughter is now suffering from leukemia. I think we


    should do whatever we can for them.¡±


    With a nod of acknowledgment, Cayden drove to the radio station.


    The radio station was a small one. When its staff saw that it was none other than Ackleton''s business


    magnate, Cayden, who wanted to make a charity donation, they anxiously gave their station manager a


    call.


    However, Cayden quickly stopped them because he didn''t want the matter to be publicized.


    As for Avery, it was the first time she met employees from a radio station.


    All this while, she had assumed that there were handsome men or gorgeousdies behind the


    melodious voices on the radio. Unfortunately, that fantasy of hers was shattered by reality¡ªeveryone


    at the radio station looked ordinary.


    It''s clearly better for the faces behind those voices to remain a mystery.


    Inside the reception room, the station manager inquired politely, ¡°Mr. Moore, how much you like to


    donate together with your wife? Our station will report your charity gesture ordingly.¡±


    Although the station manager was aware that Cayden wasn''t married, he was sharp enough to discern


    Avery''s status from the twins'' facial features and the affectionate way Cayden looked at her. It was


    evident to him that she was the siblings'' birth mother.


    While in awe of how beautiful the siblings looked, the manager was intrigued by the gentle and kind-


    looking Avery.


    Holding Avery''s hand, Cayden was upset that another man was ogling at her.


    He subsequently blocked the manager''s line of sight and instructed calmly, ¡°There''s no need to report


    it. We''re just trying to do some good.¡±


    After he responded with an awkward smile, the manager didn''t say another word as he led them to the


    old couple''s house.


    With someone acting as their guide, Cayden quickly located the house in a poor neighborhood on the


    outskirts of the city.


    The three of them lived in a pigeon-hole-like attic, where a thick medicinal smell enveloped the entire


    space.


    It had never crossed Avery''s mind that a slum like this could exist in a bustling city like Ackleton. As the


    realization blew her mind, her heart went out to the old couple.


    Both of them looked like good people from their appearance. However, their hair had all turned white


    even though they were only in their sixties.


    As for their daughter, Sarah, she was a mischievous yet sensible girl. Although her treatment caused


    her to lose all her hair, she adopted a happy-go-lucky attitude toward life instead of wallowing in sorrow.


    At that moment, the family was boiling a pot of soup, but there were barely any ingredients inside other


    than a few pieces of cabbage.


    Surprised to find out that the story on the radio was true, Cayden whipped out a check for a million and


    handed it to the old couple.


    Initially, the cheque was meant to be a mary gift for Jacob''s only son, Seamus.


    Cayden then exined, ¡°Hello, I came here after hearing your story over the radio. This money is for


    your child''s medical fees.¡±


    Stunned by the amount on the cheque, the old couple didn''t dare ept it until Avery stuffed it into the


    olddy''s hand.

 Chapter 411

    Chapter 411


    Within the tight confines of the room, Avery persuaded the reluctant olddy, ¡°It''s important that your


    child gets treated. The earlier she''s cured, the better. Sarah is still young, so time is of the essence.


    Also, you should celebrate New Year''s Day too.¡±


    The white-haired olddy was moved to tears. ¡°We never expected anyone to help us until you showed


    up. I''m surprised that there are still kind people in this world. God bless the two of you!¡±


    As the old couple thanked Cayden and Avery repeatedly, Avery quickly stopped them out of


    embarrassment.


    Meanwhile, beside a small bed, Rory stood there for a while before she stuffed her Barbie Doll and


    mary gift into Sarah''s hands.


    While speaking in her adorable voice, one could smell the scent of dairy from her still. ¡°Sarah, this doll


    is my favorite, but I''m giving it to you. You have to take good care of it. Also, this is the mary gift my


    brother and I received from our rtives...¡±


    Thereafter, Rory whispered into Sarah''s ear, ¡°Sarah, I''ll let you in on a secret. Uncle Kendrick has given


    me arger gift this year than Zach because he loves me more! This will be our secret. Now let''s make


    a pinkie promise...¡±


    Rory snuck a subsequent nce at Zachary, thinking that her secret was safe from her brother.


    Despite giving Rory a mental eye roll, Zachary maintained a cool facade as he ignored his silly sister.


    Meanwhile, Sarah couldn''t help but cover her mouth inughter when she saw how cute the siblings


    were.


    After that, she reciprocated Rory''s pinkie promise. ¡°All right. Your secret is safe with me.¡±


    Meeting such a wonderful pair of siblings was her best New Year''s gift.


    Holding Sarah''s hand, Rory blinked with her long doll-like eyshes as she asked, ¡°Sarah, will we see


    each other again?¡±


    ¡°We will, Rory. I''ll definitely see you again,¡± Sarah answered without hesitation.


    She was fond of the beautiful little girl and hoped to meet thetter again.


    Little did she know that the next time they were reunited, it would be under an awkward yet hostile


    circumstance.


    After bidding the old couple farewell, Cayden intended to visit the Yankovich family. However, he


    received a call from Jacob on his way there.


    Over the phone, Jacob''s voice seemed to be filled with passion. All he said was that something urgent


    hade up and that he would need to take a rain check. After that, he ended the call in a hurry.


    At the veryst second, Cayden overheard a feminine moan in the background.


    Nheless, he didn''t pay any heed to it, as he never liked sticking his nose in the business of others.


    Given Jacob''s gallivanting nature, Cayden figured that the former must be having a tryst with that


    confidante of his.


    No sooner had he ended the call than he received another one from Xander, who invited him over to


    the Gibson residence.


    Upon obtaining Avery''s agreement, Cayden turned the car around and drove to their new destination.


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    At the Gibson residence, Aaron was lying on a luxurious bed. With one leg cast in ster, he rested the


    other onenguidly on a table made of pine.


    On top of his bare chesty two stunningly beautiful women.


    Both of them called out his name seductively while caressing every inch of his body.


    Despite their best efforts, Aaron didn''t seem able to get it up.


    ¡°Come on, Darling; I want you now!¡± One of the beauties with fringes blushed as she swayed her body


    sensuously in front of him.


    As for the other who didn''t want to lose out, she seduced him with even greater fervor. Unfortunately, all


    their efforts were nothing but futile.


    When they saw what used to be their source of insurmountable pleasure and pain now being rendered


    limp, their eyes brimmed with disappointment.


    ¡°Get lost, you trash!¡± Aaron roared like a beast as his temper red abruptly.


    He then kicked both women off the bed with his uninjured leg.


    With a disheartened look, he wondered what he was going to do.


    Ever since the mysterious car ident two months ago, he fractured his left leg and injured his groin,


    which resulted in his impotence. When he couldn''t get it up, even with a stunning beauty standing in


    front of him stark naked, panic and despair descended upon him.


    Life will lose its meaning if I have to spend the rest of my life this way.


    What frustrated him even more was that he had failed to find the culprit responsible for the ident.


    This was despite leveraging Xander''s influence within the underworld.


    The driver was so ruthless and skillful that Aaron expected himself to be killed on the spot. Thus, he


    was surprised that he managed to escape death by a whisker.


    Moreover, the perpetrator was unbelievably cunning. Not only did he use a fake car te, but also


    secretly destroyed the vehicle after the fact.


    He was also as slippery as an eel. Every time a lead about him was uncovered, he would swiftly


    disappear to another ce. In fact, the culprit would sometimes lure Aaron with a fake lead, as if he got


    a kick out of teasing thetter.


    Currently, Aaron was frustrated to death at the dead end he found himself in.


    Once I find out who did this to me, I swear I''m going to kill him!


    Without him realizing it, Aaron had inadvertently torn his bedsheet in his rage.


    As for the two women, both of them were trembling in silent fear.


    Thereafter, the girl with fringes, who was Aaron''s favorite, crawled forward daringly to hold Aaron''s limp


    d*ck.


    Sheforted him coquettishly, ¡°Don''t be angry, Darling, let me try again. Maybe it''ll work this time!¡±


    As an insidious look shed across Aaron''s face, he opened the bedside drawer and whipped out a


    pistol. Aiming it at the girl''s head, he snarled, ¡°Get out if you still want to live!¡±


    Terrified to the brink of peeing herself, the girl, alongside herpanion, fled the room as if their life


    depended on it.

 Chapter 412

    Chapter 412


    At the Gibson residence, Cayden was sitting on the couch as he wrapped his left arm around the silent


    Avery while fidgeting with the crystal clear wine ss with his right hand. He looked like he had all the


    time in his life.


    Under the setting sun, the crimson liquid only entuated the fairness of the man''s smooth hands.


    Xander was an oenophile, and he loved red wine best. Hence, it was his hobby to search for all kinds


    of red wines from across the globe.


    Recently, he had gotten a box of high-quality red wine from his duke friend from Ustrana. Therefore, he


    invited his good friends, including Cayden and Yuvan, over to try the wine.


    While Xander was a lover of wine, Cayden was not, for he felt that alcohol impeded the speed of his


    thinking.


    Nevertheless, he was there at the Gibsons'' ce because they had a long-standing friendship.


    As they were going to be drinking, the two children had been sent to the Moore residence; only he and


    Avery hade to the Gibson residence.


    Yuvan was sitting on the other couch, and when he turned to the side, he saw Cayden putting down his


    ss to start peeling grapes for Avery.


    Then, Cayden slowly fed the peeled grapes to Avery. Avery seemed to feel awkward at his actions, but


    her protests were to no avail.


    His public disy of affection stunned Yuvan. In fact, Yuvan found it terrifying.


    Is he really the devil of the corporate world, Cayden Moore?


    Yuvan smacked his lips and teased, ¡°You''re really glued to Avery''s side now. Avery, do you have any


    sisters? I''d like to find a girlfriend of your style, so why don''t you introduce me to your sisters?¡±


    Before Avery could say anything, Cayden fed her another grape as he nonchntly smiled. ¡°Give up


    on that thought of yours. Avery doesn''t have any sisters. There''s only one of her in this world. Oh, but


    she does have a stepsister. I think her name''s Mna. Though, she''s currently serving her time in jail. If


    you''re interested, feel free to go there to look for her.¡±


    Averyughed while Yuvan fumed away.


    Seriously? Are these words that a good friend should say to me? Not only has Cayden never


    introduced me to any women, but the one woman he''s introducing to me now is a criminal! This is


    outrageous!


    In the next second, Yuvan turned to cast pitiful eyes at Avery. ¡°Avery, is it really a good thing that


    Cayden''s bullying me every time? Why don''t you introduce me to someone?¡±


    Avery merely blinked at him. ¡°Um... Most of the nice girls around me are either married or have


    boyfriends. I''ll definitely introduce you to someone if I ever meet a nicedy.¡±


    Right then, Avery thought about Nina.


    Nina is kind and determined, and she''s easygoing as well. She''s a good woman. On the other hand,


    Yuvan is funny and a good doctor. He''s a rather good man as well. Them being a pair seems like a fine


    idea. Moreover, Nina''s in poor health. If Yuvan is her boyfriend, he''ll be able to treat her.


    However, Avery hesitated because Nina had gone through terrible times. Her aversion to men was


    obvious; if she were to introduce them to each other now, things would backfire.


    Thus, Avery decided to speak nothing of Nina for the moment.


    Meanwhile, Xander was sitting on the massage chair as he elegantly sipped on his red wine. His


    beautiful face was as feminine as always.


    However, he sounded more apathetic as he said, ¡°You''re a doctor who graduated from Horington


    University, but you still can''t find a girlfriend? Won''t othersugh at you if they hear about it? You better


    learn some pick-up skills from Cayden, and maybe you''ll be able to find someone next year. Maybe


    you''ll even have triplets!¡±


    Yuvan pursed his lips, speechless.


    I''d rather learn flirting techniques from the inte than have Cayden teach me how to pick up girls.


    After all, Cayden''s always icy and stoic before meeting Avery.


    Indeed, even though Cayden had a face with noble and gentle features, the way he carried himself told


    everyone else to keep a distance from him, and that included women.


    Cayden then poured a ss of red wine for Avery and brought it to her. In a solemn tone, he exined,


    ¡°This wine is made from Merlot and Cabe Sauvignon. The wine itself has a hint of purple, and it


    looks beautiful. Of course, it tastes rather good as well. Take a whiff.¡±


    Avery did as he said. Even though she did not know much about appreciating wine, the scent of it


    made her sure that the wine would be smooth. She could smell a heavy scent of fruits in it, as if the


    wine had a blend of mulberry, cherry, candied fruit, and vani.


    It was a delight.


    Thus, she sincerely praised, ¡°This wine does seem wonderful. Just a whiff and I can already taste it on


    my tongue!¡±


    Generously, Xander said, ¡°You can take two bottles with you if you like it, Avery.¡±


    Yuvan clicked his tongue before turning to Xander. He then gloomily said, ¡°Say, Xander, aren''t you too


    biased? I was asking for a bottle from you yesterday, but you refused to spare me one. In contrast,


    you''re so generous with Avery. Ha! Now I know what this is. We''re only friends for show!¡±


    Xander rolled his eyes at Yuvan. ¡°Feel free to take any bottle from my ce when you get a wife.¡±


    Yuvan buried his face in his hands.


    Of all the things he could have said! If I have a freaking wife, will I still be this miserably lonely?


    He then retorted, ¡°Stop taking a jab at me. Aren''t you single too? At least, I used to be in a few


    rtionships. You, on the other hand... You don''t even have any women around you. Even the bugs


    around you are probably male at this rate!¡±


    Xander shot him a re and fell silent.


    The recollecting of his memories brought a sh of pain onto Xander''s face, but Xander soon schooled


    his features to a neutral look again.


    Cayden only smiled and stayed quiet.


    Others might not know about Xander''s past, but Cayden knew bits of it. Xander''s first crush still had a


    spot in his heart, and it was a forbidden spot that he would never allow anyone to go close to.


    Cayden, who was on the couch, looked dashing. A sharp glint was in his dark eyes, and even the way


    he drank his wine radiated a sense of graceful aggression to others.


    However, when he leaned over to whisper into Avery''s ears, his expression would soften into a loving


    look. It made the other two single men wistfully think, Love is magical.


    Right as they were chatting away, the Gibson family''s butler hurried over.


    After the butler whispered something to Xander, Xander''s face paled. In the next moment, he said to


    Cayden and Avery, ¡°Something has happened to my younger brother, so I''ll need to deal with that first.


    Please make yourself home here.¡±


    With that said, Xander rushed away with Yuvan to the other mansion where Aaron''s room was.


    Avery tugged Cayden''s sleeve and asked, ¡°What happened to Aaron? Wasn''t he in a car ident two


    months ago?¡±


    There was stewing hatred in Avery for Aaron, for that man had hurt her best friend, Nina.


    Avery knew that Aaron had been in a car ident two months ago. The car had been wrecked, but the


    man survived with a broken leg.


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    Avery had been enraptured to hear the news back then.


    She was certain that karma was finally doing its job in bringing punishment to evil. She even thought


    about how she did not need Cayden''s help in the matter.


    Right then, Cayden kissed Avery''s pink lips and nonchntly muttered to her, ¡°I was the one who


    orchestrated the car ident Aaron was in two months ago. Not only did he break his leg, but he can''t


    even have sex anymore. How is it? Is this good enough for your friend''s revenge?¡±

 Chapter 413

    Chapter 413


    Avery gawked at Cayden.


    She originally thought Aaron''s ident was purely a coincidence. Never did she imagine the ident


    to be nned and caused by someone.


    Most importantly, she never expected the man who looked decent and polite on the outside could be so


    merciless when handling matters on his own.


    Originally, Avery wanted to rely on Cayden''s socialwork and powers to have Aaron punished by the


    law. That was all she wanted. Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine Cayden to be so savage by


    plotting an ident for Aaron.


    She could not help but find it incredulous as she recalled how calm Cayden looked while chatting with


    Xander.


    Aaron was Xander''s biological brother. Yet, Cayden did not behave any differently in front of Xander as


    if nothing had happened. Avery could not help but be impressed by Cayden''s mental strength.


    If I were him, I would''ve spilled the beans the second I met Xander''s prating gaze.


    Licking her lips, she asked worriedly, ¡°Aaron and Xander are brothers. Will you and Xander fall out with


    each other if one day he finds out you''re the one behind his brother''s ident?¡±


    Upon hearing that, Cayden nced at her lips, and a gleam of emotion shed through his eyes.


    He gave her a peck and smiled as he watched her turn red in the face. ¡°Don''t worry. I never leave


    obvious evidence around. Xander might not be someone worth trifling with, but I never do something


    I''m not confident about.¡±


    Still, Avery furrowed her brows with worry. ¡°But you...¡±


    At that, Cayden raised his brow and scrutinized her silently.


    Noting his calm expression, Avery chuckled. ¡°All right. Of course, I trust you. Just don''t do dangerous


    things like this in the future. This... is actually illegal. We can''t solve violence with violence. Thew will


    naturally punish people who do evil deeds.¡±


    The worry in her eyes was so clear that it sent a warm feeling swirling in Cayden''s heart.


    Without saying anything, he hugged her tighter.


    Cayden felt Avery was too naive. To most people, thew was the fairest thing in the world. However,


    there were a few people in the world who were above thew, and those people were rich or influential.


    Aaron, for example, was abination of both entities.


    Even if he were punished ording to thew, he would be released back into society as if nothing


    happened. All the Gibson family needed to do was pull a few strings.


    Thus, the best way to punish people like them was to treat violence with violence.


    Regardless, Cayden did not think it was necessary to tell Avery that. As long as she could live a happy


    and worry-free life under his protection, he would dly shoulder all her suffering for the rest of his life.


    Meanwhile, the butler opened Aaron''s room door for Xander and Yuvan. To their surprise, Aaron''s


    furious voice could be heard as soon as the door was opened. ¡°Get lost! Get lost, all of you! You''re a


    group of useless trash! I''ve been here for so long, yet there''s no improvement. I really want to kill all of


    you!¡±


    Immediately after that, a ss came flying over and almost smashed into Xander''s nose.


    If not for the quick reflexes that allowed him to catch it swiftly, his nose would be bleeding.


    Xander''s face clouded over as he made his way to Aaron''s bed.


    Standing in the room were a few doctors in white coats. They were all specialists from Ackleton who


    were experienced in andrology.


    At that moment, Aaron was aiming a ck gun at their heads. They were so frightened that their


    foreheads were covered in beads of sweat. Even their hands around the medical kit were trembling.


    When they saw Xander entering the room with the genius of the medical industry, Yuvan, the doctors


    secretly breathed a sigh of relief.


    Thanks to his superb medical skills, Yuvan was famous not only in Ackleton but also all over the world.


    There was no one in the medical industry who did not know who Yuvan was.


    He was unpredictable and had an odd personality. In fact, some rich and powerful families could not


    hire him to treat their family members despite offering him a handsome sum of money. Meanwhile, he


    would treat poor families suffering from severe illnesses without asking for anything in return if he was


    in a good mood.


    With an unruly demeanor, he mocked nonchntly, ¡°Wow. Ackleton''s famous andrology specialists are


    gathered here. What''s up? Is everyone having a meeting in Mr. Aaron''s room? What''s wrong, Mr.


    Aaron? Are your family jewels not functioning?¡±


    The specialists, who almost copsed from fear, dared not speak up.


    After all, Aaron was holding a real gun. It was not a joke. They did not have Yuvan''s guts to mock the


    former.


    Meanwhile, Aaron stared at Yuvan indifferently and aimed the gun at thetter''s head. ¡°Who the h*ll are


    you? How dare youment on me?¡±


    Xander shot his brother a cold gaze and spoke with an oppressive tone. ¡°Aaron, don''t be rude to


    Yuvan. He''s the doctor I hired to treat your disease.¡±


    Aaron let out an exaggerated chuckle. ¡°Huh? Doctor? That''s him? He just looks like a scrawny pretty


    face. Are you joking, Xander?¡±


    Aaron''s disdainful gaze did not infuriate Yuvan.


    Without saying anything, Yuvan pulled Aaron''s nket away, took out several needles, and quickly


    inserted them into a few spots on Aaron''s private part. Immediately, therge room was filled with


    Aaron''s shrill screams.


    ¡°Ah! You b*stard! What did you do to me? Why does it hurt so much? Ah! Why can''t I move my hand


    anymore? Kill him, Xander! He''s trying to kill me...¡±


    s, Yuvan merely folded his arms and watched Aaron wail in pain until Xander spoke. ¡°Yuvan, stop


    messing with him. He''s just a child.¡±


    Yuvan gave a hum in response before pulling out the needles. He then cast Aaron a gloating gaze. ¡°Mr.


    Aaron, I''m the only one who can treat this disease of yours. You''d better be more polite to me, young


    man, or I''ll make you impotent for the rest of your life.¡±


    Aaron, mocked by Yuvan again, was so furious that his eyes turned bloodshot.


    He really wanted to kill Yuvan. However, a sense of hope grew in Aaron''s furious heart when he heard


    Yuvan could cure his disease.


    Aaron did not mind giving in temporarily if Yuvan could really cure him of the embarrassing disease.


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    Besides, Yuvan seemed to have pretty great skills based on his performance earlier.


    Although the needles made his private part hurt, it was undeniable that he felt a wave of warmth he had


    never felt before.

 Chapter 414

    Chapter 414


    Aaron''s hopeless expression was instantly reced by a look of delight due to the unexpected


    discovery.


    Aaron''s impression of Yuvan improved, but he was still suspicious of thetter. ¡°You''re a doctor?¡±


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Aaron was a yer who changed his femalepanion as often as he changed his clothes. All he


    cared about were luxurious cars, yachts, hotels, and finding out which celebrity was more beautiful or


    which new female customer at the bar was wilder. As for other matters, he could not be bothered about


    them.


    Naturally, he did not know Yuvan was well-known in the medical industry.


    With his arms folded, Yuvan gave him a condescending re from above. ¡°Indeed, I am.¡±


    Aaron looked up at Yuvan arrogantly. ¡°If you can cure this disease of mine, I''ll ept any request you


    have.¡±


    ¡°Wow. How arrogant of you, Mr. Aaron. This would''ve been more believable if Mr. Xander was the one


    who said it, but somehow, the fact that you said it made it sound like child''s y.¡±


    ¡°You¡ª¡± Aaron was, once again, infuriated by Yuvan''s words. His face purpled with rage.


    Indeed, Aaron''s status in the Gibson family could not bepared to Xander''s. Be it looks, status,


    skills, or capabilities, Aaron was not as resourceful and analytical as Xander.


    That was because Aaron was the youngest son of the Gibson family. Spoiled by his grandfather and


    parents, Aaron became a brat, constantly drinking and fooling around. Qualities like responsibility and


    morality were nonexistent to him.


    Xander was well-known for his talents and always keeping his word, while Aaron was known for his


    debauchery and flirtatious character.


    Aaron really hated beingpared to Xander. To the former, Xander was like a majestic mountain he


    could never ovee, no matter how hard he tried.


    Aaron punched the bed in annoyance. Though he said nothing, the coldness in his gaze remained.


    It looks like I can''t keep living my life like this. I''ve got to make some great achievements in the Gibson


    family to prove myself.


    Soon, the New Year was over.


    Avery was extremely satisfied with the past few days.


    Cayden would often give her small surprises, and the children were obedient. Hence, she did not have


    to worry too much. The only problem was the baby in her belly. It tormented her so much by giving her


    serious morning sickness. She practically vomited everything she ate.


    At the same time, it drove Cayden mad and even a little resentful toward the baby. I don''t even have


    the heart to torment her like that, yet this little devil is already behaving so naughtily in his mommy''s


    stomach. I''m pretty sure he''s going to be a restless child. Sometimes, Cayden even regretted making


    Avery pregnant.


    Every time the baby in Avery''s belly gave her a bad time, Cayden would re at her belly and scold the


    baby.


    Avery was amused by his childish behavior. After all, the baby was still only over a month old. How can


    the baby understand Cayden''s words when it''s not even fully developed?


    In the end, Cayden asked Yuvan''s help to give her some IV drips. Only then did she feel much better.


    When Allie found out about Avery''s pregnancy, she stopped looking for thetter for trouble, no matter


    how angry and displeased she felt. After all, it was her grandchild Avery was carrying.


    Hence, Allie decided to avoid seeing Avery by hanging out with the other richdies. They would go


    shopping, get facials, and have spa sessions. She did not return until the sun was about to set.


    Moreover, Avery and Cayden usually stayed in a different residence and rarely remained at the old


    manor. Many unnecessary arguments were avoided since they rarely saw each other.


    The happiest person in the Moore family was, naturally, Jeffrey.


    The elderly man always loved the idea of having arge family. At the same time, he always thought


    that the Moore family''s sessors were vulnerable people. Avery had already given him a pair of


    perfect great-grandchildren. Now that she was pregnant with another one, Jeffrey could not help


    smiling from ear to ear and praising Avery for being the Moore family''s lucky star.


    He even announced that he would reward Avery handsomely no matter the gender of her baby.


    The only person in the family who had a less desirable New Year was Lily.


    Ever since Lily found out about Avery''s pregnancy, her gaze on thetter became incredibly hostile.


    She would constantly fix her gaze on Avery''s t belly, which made thetter feel terrified.


    Deep down, Avery knew Lily was just a pitiful woman who got abandoned and betrayed by her


    husband. She deeply sympathized with Lily. However, Lily''s sharp scrutinizing gaze made it extremely


    ufortable for Avery.


    Even if Jeffrey was the head of the Moore family, Avery still did not like going to the Moore residence,


    which had a tense atmosphere.


    Days passed, and soon, a week was over. It was time to return to work.


    At first, Cayden wanted Avery to stay home to focus on her pregnancy. However, she was someone


    who could never sit still. Since her belly was still rtively small and she was in great health, she


    insisted on going to work.


    Knowing how stubborn she was, Cayden let her have it her way. After all, he would get his employees


    to assign easier jobs to her once they were at thepany. As for her heavy and stressful tasks, they


    would be canceled.


    Of course, Avery was oblivious to his ns, and she happily went to work.


    After all the effort she put in six months ago before the New Year, she finally acquired several major


    design projects. Even her designs were acknowledged by the clients. She was so delighted that she


    even finished writing out her work n and goals for the new quarter at home.


    Once they arrived at Trident Group''s design department, Avery realized many employees were staring


    at her with mixed emotions.


    Especially Yulissa, the head of the design department, who seemed to be gloating.


    At first, Avery had no idea what had happened. Thus, she walked toward her office in confusion.


    Just as she was about to sit down, she saw a fashionably-dressed woman¡ªwith a pair of sunsses¡ª


    sitting on Cecelia''s seat. The woman''s back was facing Avery, so thetter failed to see her face.


    However, Avery had a feeling the former was a beauty based on her beautiful curves.


    Most importantly, Avery could sense the woman''s arrogant aura from afar.


    Despite that, she did not find that aura foreign, for she often felt it from Cayden.


    Still, the woman''s presence puzzled Avery. She had no clue who the woman, who suddenly appeared


    and even made her colleagues fearful, was. Regardless, her sixth sense told her that woman was no


    ordinary woman.


    Nina secretly lifted her left hand to cover her mouth while mouthing the words ¡°Wisteria¡± to Avery.


    Recognizing the name she had not heard in a long time, Avery instantly thought of the sexy ck


    panties in Cayden''s car, which made her heart tense. Ms. Summers is back!


    Just as Avery was in a daze, Wisteria tapped her high heels on the ground and turned around


    gracefully on the rotating chair.


    Wisteria was as cold and haughty as ever, so much so that the luxurious clothes on her looked like


    props. Even her cold, elegant aura was so overwhelming that others found it challenging to be around.

 Chapter 415

    Chapter 415


    Wisteria red at Avery''s sweet, innocent face. She clenched her fists as a look of envy shed across


    her frigid and arrogant features.


    ¡°How may I help you, Ms. Summers?¡± Avery greeted enthusiastically, shing her usual beaming smile.


    Wisteria remained expressionless, yet she exuded an unapproachable arrogance.


    She stayed silent and gazed at the woman before her. Avery''s presence made her feel threatened in


    an unusual way.


    She used to be unconcerned about the women who adored Cayden since she was aware of his


    physical and mental obsession with cleanliness. Any attempts by the women to woo him would end up


    making them look foolish.


    She had never seen him fall in love with a woman in all the years she had been by his side. He had


    turned down severaldies who were attracted to him. The lone exception was Avery.


    Wisteria''s keen instincts warned her she was dealing with a formidable foe.


    It was the first time her confidence had been shaken. She was worried about losing Cayden to another


    woman.


    Wisteria had nted Yulissa as a spy in the Trident Group design department. She had kept her up to


    date on Cayden''s whereabouts and any women who had tried to seduce him while she was away.


    Yvonne Gagher, the daughter of the Gagher family, and Nicole Lambert, who hailed from a


    distinguished family, were among thedies Yulissa had imed to be interested in Cayden. However,


    they never made Wisteria feel intimidated. Avery, on the other hand, was different.


    N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    Cayden, ording to Yulissa, had made far too many exceptions for the woman. As a result, Wisteria


    waspelled to be on guard.


    Wisteria rose from the swivel chair, then smoothed her pencil skirt over her slim and elegant waist. Her


    beauty and alluring charm would leave anyone mesmerized.


    She walked up to Avery with a stern scowl on her face, her quick, disapproving nce toward the


    woman unnoticed by those around her. ¡°Ms. Rumpley, Trident Group is a reputable international


    company. As an employee, you should be aware of your responsibilities and avoid overstepping your


    boundaries. We prohibit our employees from engaging in romantic rtionships. Do you understand?¡±


    Even though Wisteria deliberately lowered her volume and smiled as she spoke, it still gave people the


    chills. Avery, on the other hand, was speechless.


    Wisteria is just the director of the design department at Trident Group. What gives her the right to


    dictate my personal life?


    Indeed, Trident Group had a no-dating policy among employees.


    This was to avoid potential conflicts of interest between romantic partners, as the supposedck of


    objectivity usually impacted both couples'' ability to do their jobs. Furthermore, they might mistakenly


    divulge firm secrets, posing financial and reputational dangers to the corporation. In short, having a


    clear divide between marital and working life reduced unnecessary stress and troubles for everyone.


    It could also lead to conflicts and difficulty in issuing orders in the case of a supervisor-subordinate


    rtionship.


    Ever since Cayden met Avery, he started to feel that the no-dating policy was discriminatory.


    He had hinted to Avery that he would call for an executive meeting to abolish the policy after the fifteen


    of the month. Only she was privy to his intention; even his assistant, Xavier, was not informed.


    Avery found it ironic to be threatened by a policy that would shortly be repealed.


    She said calmly, ¡°You''re wee to correct any mistakes I make at work, Ms. Summers. However, you


    don''t need to concern yourself with my personal matters. After all, everyone deserves privacy. I''m a


    model employee, so I''ve no idea what you''re trying to imply.¡±


    Wisteria rolled her eyes at Avery''s phony act. ¡°Ms. Rumpley, you are a wise person. Why do you


    appear to be so clueless? Given your age, you must be longing for a family. I know several exceptional


    men and would be delighted to introduce you to them. Being a stay-at-home mom is definitely less


    exhausting than being a working woman.¡±


    Avery raked her fingers through her silky hair and shed a wide smile. ¡°There''s no need for the


    trouble, Ms. Summers. I enjoy working because it gives me a great sense of satisfaction. I believe


    every woman should be financially independent and free to live on her own terms. Moreover, I''m only


    twenty-four years old. There''s no rush for me to start a family. Instead of fretting over your employees''


    personal life, why don''t you devote more time to your love life? You are twenty-nine this year. You


    should go out and date those promising men!¡±


    Wisteria scowled when she heard Avery''s cynical remarks. She had not expected the innocent-looking


    girl to be sharp-tongued.


    ¡°You have a bright future ahead, Ms. Rumpley. I hope you take your work seriously and make your


    mark in Trident Group through your own efforts.¡± Wisteria raised her volume as she tried to ease the


    tension.


    She knew that many people in the design department were following her every move. She had to be


    certain that her acts and words were appropriate for a director.


    Wisteria''s lips drew back in a snarl as she threw Avery a dirty look. She then turned around and left in


    her high heels.


    Avery is such a phony! She may appear innocent and gentle, but she''s filled with hatred and deception


    on the inside. She''s definitely a little wolf in sheep''s clothing. Her presence poses a serious threat to


    me!


    Once Wisteria left, Avery copsed into her chair, weak and drained of all energy. She grimaced slightly


    as she recalled the conversation earlier and sighed as she considered her challenging situation. The


    pounding headache felt simr to the one she had whenever she was mentally exhausted.


    Even before resolving her problem with Nicole, who had openly announced her love for Cayden, she


    was now up against another challenger.


    Moreover, Wisteria was different from Nicole. She was a clever and scheming woman who knew how


    to keep her cool. Avery''s attempts to provoke the woman earlier had proven to be futile. Wisteria isn''t


    who she appears to be. Isn''t she tired of keeping up those pretenses?


    Nina approached Avery and probed, ¡°Hey! Why did Ms. Summers look for you?¡±


    She did not believe Wisteria would take the time to encourage Avery to keep up the good work. After


    all, she was a senior staff who avoided interacting with the more junior members of the team.


    Avery shook her head and tidied her desk as she spoke. ¡°It''s nothing important. By the way, the project


    with Vivi Group has begun. You''re one of the representatives from the design department! Let''s do our


    best!¡±


    Nina''s eyes twinkled with happiness as she sped Avery''s hand. ¡°Thank you, Ery!¡± she cried.


    She knew well that her qualifications and abilities were averagepared to her colleagues in the


    design department. Without Avery''s help, she would not have had the opportunity to participate in the


    project.

 Chapter 416

    Chapter 416


    Ever since she took part in the renovation project coboration with Vivi Group, Avery had been busy


    every day.


    Taking into ount that she was pregnant at that time, Cayden was worried that she would overexert


    herself and her body. Because of that, he had made sure that the easiest work was being distributed to


    Avery. Nheless, Avery was determined to give her best in finishing the backlog of work on her


    hands.


    Even though her rtionship with Cayden had not yet been announced publicly, the members of the


    design department were all aware of it.


    Despite working there for more than half a year and bringing excellent results, Avery was aware that


    some of her colleagues still had a negative opinion of her, thinking that she was just for show.


    She wanted to prove her abilities to others by working harder.


    In the morning, Avery and her colleagues had met up with the Housing Authority, the Land Office, and


    the nning Bureau of Ackleton. They listened to a briefing by the projectmander regarding the


    old city n, the new and improved n, as well as the development reports of the project so far.


    During the meeting, they also ironed out certain issues faced and discussed the possible setbacks in


    the future. At the same time, they discussed the next steps in the project.


    In the afternoon, Avery went against Cayden''s advice and insisted on doing a site visit with the rest of


    her colleagues.


    Avery had made up her mind to work as hard as possible, much to Cayden''s dismay and frustration.


    However, there was nothing he could do that would change her mind. The only thing that he could do


    was to make sure she was provided with nourishing food and supplements every day. Yet, despite all


    that, Avery still lost a few pounds in a short span of one week.


    During a lunch break on a random afternoon, Avery and her colleagues were having lunch in the


    cafeteria. Kendrick was there too.


    When he saw Avery, he was shocked to see that she had lost some weight.


    Shouldn''t a woman be glowing and putting on weight during pregnancy? Why did Avery slim down


    instead?


    Avery''s tiny and delicate face looked even more fragile. It was a heart-wrenching sight.


    Upon seeing how slim she had be, Kendrick ced a huge fish fillet onto her te. ¡°Avery, you''re


    getting too skinny. It''s time you start taking care of yourself. Here, have some fish. It''s good for your


    body.¡±


    ¡°Oh, uh, thank you!¡± Avery thanked him, albeit a bit awkwardly.


    At the side, Cecelia and Nina hid their smiles behind their hands as they exchanged nces. Even Mr.


    Moore''s brother has learned how to take care of Avery. Looks like the Moore family is one step closer


    to epting Avery into the family.


    Meanwhile, Yulissa was seated at the adjacent table. Her expression darkened as her grip on her


    utensils tightened.


    How dare she flirt with the general manager in broad daylight and with so many eyes watching her?


    Such a shameless vixen!


    Kendrick broke into a huge smile. His handsome face became even more charming in an instant.


    ¡°Everyone has been working hard in Trident Group recently! Eat whatever you guys want to your


    heart''s content! Today, the bill is on me!¡± he offered generously.


    All the employees gasped in delight. ¡°Are you being serious, Mr. Kendrick?¡±


    Kendrick raised his chin proudly and elegantly. ¡°Of course! I''m such a handsome gentleman. Do I look


    like someone who would go back on his word?¡±


    The cafeteria erupted into cheers and apuse. Laughter filled the ce as huge smiles appeared on


    each face.


    After thanking Kendrick in unison, the employees began ordering their favorite food and drinks. Even


    those who had finished their lunch came back for a second helping. After all, the food served by the


    cafeteria of Trident Group was better than average. Coupled with the fact that it was free lunch by the


    general manager, everyone wanted to get the best deal out of it.


    As lunch break was nearing its end, Kendrick finished his meal and was the first to leave the table.


    Before he left, he whispered to Avery, ¡°Avery, I know that Cayden regards this renovation project as


    extremely important, but you shouldn''t overwork yourself. You''re taking care of two bodies now. You


    shouldn''t exhaust yourself too much. If anything were to happen to you, Cayden would be


    heartbroken.¡±


    ¡°I know. I''ll try.¡± Avery felt a hint of warmth flowing through her heart when she heard Kendrick''s


    concerns.


    ¡°All right. I''ll be leaving now, then.¡± Kendrick smiled. ¡°If you face any problems or troubles in the


    company, feel free to find me.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Avery nodded.


    Seeing that Avery looked fine and was not vomiting excessively as in her previous pregnancy, Kendrick


    was finally relieved enough to turn and leave.


    As she stared at Kendrick''s diminishing silhouette, Avery could not help but feel a little taken aback.


    Kendrick used to be carefree and irresponsible, but ever since he came to work after the New Year, he


    seemed to have changed a lot. He started to be serious at work and helped lessened Cayden''s


    burdens.


    After Kendrick left, Cecelia and Nina immediately sat down next to Avery and raised their eyebrows at


    her. ¡°Avery, Mr. Moore''s brother was so concerned about you. Does that mean their family has


    epted you?¡±


    ¡°It''s not as simple as you guys think. It''s still not ideal, but fortunately, it''s a lot better than before.¡± Avery


    touched her belly subconsciously with tenderness on her face.


    She did not tell anyone in thepany that she was pregnant. She even hid that fact from Cecelia and


    Nina.


    If they knew that she was carrying a baby, they would most definitely restrict her job scope.


    That would mean losing whatever freedom she had at work.


    ¡°In my opinion, even though the Moore family has a big business and is a well-known wealthy family,


    our Avery is in no way inferior! Whether it''s looks or abilities, you''re one of a kind! You''re definitely a


    great match for Mr. Moore!¡± Nina rested her chin on her hands as she stared at Avery with unparalleled


    admiration.


    ¡°Mm-hmm. The most important thing is still Mr. Moore''s attitude. Mr. Moore is very assertive. If he''s on


    your side, even if the entire Moore family is against you, it still doesn''t matter. Besides, we all saw how


    Mr. Kendrick treated you. He surely approves of you as his sister-inw. The real challenge will be Old


    Mr. Moore and Mr. Moore''s mother. However, the older generation would usually be pleased to have


    many grandchildren. Once you bear them another baby, I believe Old Mr. Moore will be out of the way.


    As for Mrs. Moore... The rtionship between mothers-inw and daughters-inw is the toughest to


    deal with, but since you and Mr. Moore already have children, you can opt to only live with him after


    you''ve gotten married,¡± Cecelia analyzed.


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    With a smile, Avery shook her head gently. ¡°You guys don''t have to worry too much about me. It''ll all be


    resolved one day. Cecelia, you''re almost four months pregnant. Do you have any ns for the future?¡±


    Cecelia added more chilis to her te, shrugging nonchntly. She seemed to be craving all sorts of


    spicy food ever since she got pregnant. ¡°I''ll cross that bridge when I get to it. I just n to take it one


    step at a time. I''ll take care of this child on my own. After all, it''s not like I can''t support my child myself.¡±


    Nina nced at Cecelia''s growing belly. Memories of her forced abortion flooded back into her mind,


    causing her to fall silent. Lowering her head, Nina focused on whatever food she had left on her te


    as she tried to ignore her bleeding heart.


    Catching sight of Nina''s reaction, Avery immediately realized her mistake. If she could turn back time,


    she would have taped her mouth shut. Out of all the things she could have said, Avery regretted that


    she had picked a sore subject.


    She quickly changed the topic. ¡°Have you guys got any rough ideas on the design n for the


    renovation project?¡±


    At the mention of work, Nina quickly perked up and began sharing her thoughts. ¡°So I was thinking...¡±


    Avery breathed a sigh of relief.


    She did not know how tofort Nina from the traumatic experience, but she had the rest of her life to


    make it up to Nina.


    At eight-forty-five in the evening, Avery was still working, drafting a design n.


    All of a sudden, her phone rang, breaking the silence and startling her.


    Upon seeing Cayden''s name on the caller ID, Avery sighed in relief before picking up the call. ¡°Hello?¡±


    On the other end of the call, Cayden''s mild frustration could be heard in his low voice. ¡°It''s sote. Why


    are you still working?¡±

 Chapter 417

    Chapter 417


    A chill ran down Avery''s spine when she detected the anger in Cayden''s tone.


    Uh oh. Avery had been so focused on work that she hadpletely forgotten his advice to not stress


    herself too much. Cayden had even forbidden her to work overtime.


    N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    Avery''s voice sounded clear on the phone. ¡°I''m almost done...¡±


    Cayden fell silent. Suddenly, his voice rose a few octaves. ¡°I remembered asking Yulissa to give you


    easier tasks. Did she go against my orders and add to your workload?¡±


    ¡°No! No!¡± Avery rified immediately. After a small pause, she admitted sheepishly, ¡°The other


    employees are toiling so hard. It''s not fair if I''m the only one with easy work. Besides, the renovation


    project is such an important project. I can''t take it lightly...¡±


    Avery''s voice faltered as she looked at the huge pile of documents on her desk. Holding her phone in


    her left hand, Avery moved the mouse subconsciously with her right hand as she continued to work on


    the draft.


    ¡°If I didn''t call you, how much longer did you n to work?¡± Cayden asked icily.


    ¡°Uh... Another half an hour, I suppose.¡± Avery peeked at the time on herptop screen. ¡°Time sure flies


    when I''m working,¡± she whispered.


    In the past few days, Leif had been the one who picked Avery up from work. Cayden was a workaholic.


    It was the norm for him to clock outte. On the rare asions that Cayden did not work overtime, he


    would drive Avery home.


    Cayden breathed out a gentle sigh. ¡°What am I gonna do with you?¡±


    With that, he ended the call without warning.


    Upon hearing his sigh, Avery blinked before shaking her head, deciding not to think too much about it.


    She turned her attention back to her desk. The messy piles of documents on her desk and the


    unfinished work on herptop made Avery dizzy all of a sudden.


    Fishing out a small spray, Avery sprayed her face with some water and patted her cheeks gently to


    wake herself up before continue drawing.


    Only the soft sound of a mouse clicking could be heard in the spacious office.


    When Avery was focused on work, she would not think about anything else. In the blink of an eye, half


    an hour flew by. Her design was almostpleted as well.


    She wanted toplete the designpletely before going to Cayden''s office to look for him, but upon


    remembering his temper, Avery was certain that he would get angry if she did not leave the office by


    nine.


    Reluctantly, Avery saved the iplete design on theptop and transferred it to a sh drive before


    clearing out the documents on her desk. She nned to finish her work at home.


    Just as she was busy keeping away her things, she heard footstepsing from behind her.


    Avery froze.


    The office was empty. She was the only person in there.


    All of a sudden, she recalled a video she had identally viewed the day before. It was a video about


    paranormal activities in an office.


    The hair on Avery''s neck stood up as she felt herself getting dizzy. Grabbing a pencil holder on her


    desk, she hurled it in the direction of the footsteps with all her might.


    ¡°Are you trying to kill your own husband?¡± Cayden''s low voice rang out in the dark. Before Avery could


    recover from the shock, her entire body had been wrapped in a warm embrace.


    Avery raised her head in surprise. A blush crept onto her face when she saw Cayden holding the pencil


    holder in his right hand as he wrapped his left arm around her.


    ¡°Sorry. I thought someone had broken into the office. I didn''t know that it was you...¡± Avery quickly took


    the pencil holder from him and ced it back on her desk. Her face became an even brighter shade of


    red as she recalled what she had done.


    ¡°Let''s go. Today''s the Winter Light Festival. There''s somewhere I want to take you.¡± Cayden did not


    continue pressing on the matter. His eyes were filled with the adoration he felt for her.


    Under the office light, Cayden''s handsome side profile was illuminated by the soft light, casting


    shadows at all the right angles and enhancing his charming looks.


    Avery nodded obediently. She quickly tidied up the documents and stuffed them into her handbag.


    When she was done, she grinned, shing her pearly whites at him like a little girl. ¡°Done!¡±


    Cayden rubbed her head affectionately before leading her out of the building.


    Both of them drove to an old town in Ackleton.


    As they drove through the night in the BMW, Cayden turned on some music. The song that yed was


    an elegant instrumental harp music, one of Avery''s favorite genres.


    The two of them chatted as the soft music continued to y in the background. Before long, the one-


    hour car ride went by as they reached their destination.


    Due to the Winter Light Festival, the town was crowded with people of all ages.


    Logically speaking, they wouldn''t be able to find any parking. Fortunately, Cayden was always one step


    ahead. Before they came, he had contacted a friend of his who owned an upscale hotel in the area.


    He drove the car to the hotel parking lot and straight into the space reserved for him by his friend.


    After getting out of the car, Cayden held Avery''s hand as they strolled leisurely along the stone


    pavement of the town.


    Kingrys was a very popr ancient town in the south. It had over millennia''s worth of history and had


    been named one of the top ten charming ancient towns in Chanaea. The view of the town during


    nighttime was especially breathtaking.


    It was a full moon that night. Every building in the town was decorated with lights and candles of


    different colors. Whenever tourists passed by a huge candle, they could not help but grin, feeling as


    though they had entered another world¡ªa world filled with hope and fantasy.


    Avery grabbed Cayden''s arm as she walked. Every few seconds, she would stop and gasp. ¡°This town


    is so different from the town I grew up in. The Chanaean-style windowsills in my hometown were made


    out of ck sandalwood, and the roofs were made out of ceramic roof tiles. The town is spacious, and


    the atmosphere is like those of a quadrangle courtyard. Yet, this town seems more modest and artistic.


    Every corner of this ce reminds people of poetry and art. It''s like your heart will soften just by looking


    at this ce...¡±


    Cayden helped Avery zip up her jacket. ¡°I''m d you like it,¡± he said gently.


    Even though Avery grew up in a small town in the north, Cayden knew that Avery was not like the


    northern girls¡ªdomineering and casual¡ªbut rather gentle and elegant like a southern girl.


    He had guessed that she would appreciate the lovely night view of a southern town, which was why he


    had cleared out his busy schedule to make time so that he could bring her there.


    In order to bring Avery to enjoy the night in the town, Cayden even missed out on the tradition of eating


    dinner with Jeffery at the Moore residence during the Winter Light Festival for the first time.


    The beautiful couple stood out even among the crowd around them.


    As Cayden and Avery enjoyed the scenery and the lights, other tourists were ncing in their direction


    instead.


    Candles were ced on the sides, lighting up the path in front of them to no end. The warm glow from


    the candlelight shone onto Avery''s fair face, causing her to look even more beautiful when she smiled.


    The sight took Cayden''s breath away, melting his heart even more.


    Truth be told, he had never had the intention of celebrating any festivals in the past. It was only after he


    had met Avery did he start to pay more attention to various seasons and celebrations like a normal


    person.

 Chapter 418

    Chapter 418


    Tourists strolled down the cobbled alleys, holding intricately designed candles and looking as happy as


    ark.


    Interestingly, it was also the first time Cayden had slowed down to savor the bustling night scene of the


    city.


    As thousands of light disys dotted the streets and houses, they illuminated the darkness and instilled


    warmth and hope in everyone''s hearts.


    After seeing the tourists with their candles, Cayden decided to join in the fun and bought one for Avery.


    The candle he got was beautifully crafted and even had rose petals embedded within. After he lit it, a


    sweet rose fragrance wafted through the air and into their noses.


    On top of that, two dragons had also been carved on the outside, which seemed toe to life under


    the gentle glow of candlelight.


    Realizing how excited Avery was, Cayden couldn''t help butugh. ¡°It''s my first time knowing the Winter


    Light Festival can be this much fun.¡±


    In the past, he had spent every Winter Light Festival toiling away at work.


    He''d meet up with friends for a couple of drinks if he wanted to wind down, but it was never as rxing


    as it was with Avery now.


    Grinning from ear to ear, Avery bnced the candle in one hand and held Cayden''s hand with the


    other. ¡°Winter Light Festival has a history of more than two thousand years. Like many other festivals,


    its traditions were passed down from generation to generation. Honestly, though, I think people in the


    olden days invented these festivals because life was too monotonous. That way, they could spend their


    free time nning the celebrations and having fun as they went along. If even people in the past knew


    the importance of enjoying life, why shouldn''t we do the same?¡±


    Avery, without a doubt, was beautiful.


    When she smiled, there was an indescribable charm about her that might even prompt one to say she


    was irresistibly seductive.


    Just then, Cayden turned to look at Avery and suddenly recalled the day he first noticed her.


    Back then, Cayden''s ss had been busy with an event, while Avery''s ss did physical education.


    Even though her ssmates were allughing and running about on the field, she was leaning quietly


    against a tree and seemed absorbed in her thoughts.


    From where Cayden was standing, he had a good view of her pretty and demure side profile.


    After a while, her ssmates said something to her, which caused her to break into a smile.


    Cayden couldn''t forget how pure and innocent that smile was and how it had melted his heart.


    It was also then that he knew Avery must have a great personality.


    Thankfully, his assumption was correct. After interacting with Avery, he was pleased to find out she was


    a kind and gentle soul, and her touch could warm even the coldest of hearts.


    Now that he was finally with the girl he had had a crush on since his youth, Cayden felt nothing but a


    sense of contentment. He looped an arm around Avery and continued walking down the streets.


    Along the way, Cayden bought several snacks for Avery while ensuring to keep the junk food away


    from her. After all, she was pregnant, and getting good nutrition was important.


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    When the couple walked past a beautiful arch bridge, Cayden decided to take Avery on a river cruise.


    He even went to the extent of renting the entire boat because he had never been fond of crowds.


    At the same time, he also wanted to protect Avery and the baby from being jostled around.


    Needless to say, many tourists were irked by Cayden''s high-handedness. However, the fact that he


    could pay several times the original price also drew some envious stares from them. They could tell


    Cayden wasn''t one to be messed with, especially after seeing his branded clothes and a watch that


    was worth millions. Left with no other choice, the tourists begrudgingly held their tongues as they


    watched the couple board the boat.


    Soon, the river cruise began.


    Avery promptly sat on one of the deck chairs and leaned into Cayden''s embrace. ¡°You shouldn''t have


    rented the entire boat,¡± she suddenly said, frowning as she looked up at the stars in the sky. ¡°There are


    only three or four boats for the river cruise service... I''m sure your actions have pissed off the other


    tourists.¡±


    Unfazed, Cayden casually yed with Avery''s hair. ¡°Well, it''s inconvenient with so many people


    around. Some like it quiet, while others prefer a bit of rowdiness. Who knows if idents might happen


    during the cruise? Your safety is my priority, so I''ll do whatever it takes to protect you. Besides, it''s


    more peaceful with only the two of us on this boat.¡±


    Avery said nothing more, but it was clear that Cayden''s actions had melted her heart into a puddle.


    The boat cruised at a decent speed, allowing Avery to admire the candlelit streets.


    From afar, the string of yellow lights resembled shooting stars, and it was such a gorgeous sight that it


    took Avery''s breath away.


    To top it all off, people on the opposite bank had begun setting off fireworks, and being in the middle of


    the river meant that Cayden and Avery had the best view in town. Not only could they see the


    magnificent disy in the sky, but they could also hear the crackle and fizz of the fireworks.


    Everything felt like a dream, yet at the same time, Avery was acutely aware that she was smack-dab in


    the middle of a beautiful, bustling city, and she was holding on to Cayden''s strong hand.


    Try as she might, Avery couldn''t take her eyes off the fireworks disy. It was amazing how one spark


    could explode into a thousand extraordinary light particles, illuminating the night sky with dazzling


    brilliance.


    She didn''t know what was on Cayden''s mind at that moment, but that didn''t matter. After all, enjoying


    the sights and sounds with him as they exchanged smiling nces had already left her feeling happy


    and content.


    The boatman, as it turned out, was a chatty young fellow.


    After putting the boat on autopilot, he began talking to Avery and Cayden as if they were old friends.


    ¡°Will you guys be checking out the light festival in the next town?¡± he asked with a grin. ¡°Their light


    disys are simply out of this world! I heard they''ve even made the news!¡±


    ¡°Oh, then we''ll definitely have to check it out,¡± Cayden replied. Worried that Avery''s hands might get


    cold, he quickly wrapped them up with his to keep her warm.


    Having noticed how loving the couple was, the boatman couldn''t help but turn green with envy. ¡°Are


    you guys newlyweds? You have such a close rtionship! I''ve driven boats for quite a while now, and


    this is the first time I''ve seen such a well-matched couple...¡±


    Just as Avery was about to clear the air about them not being married yet, Cayden piped up, ¡°We''ve


    been married for several years, and two of our kids are almost five years old. She''s pregnant with our


    third child now.¡±


    The boatman reeled in shock as he looked Avery up and down. ¡°Wow, I couldn''t tell at all. Your wife


    looks really young!¡±


    ¡°Well, we got together ten years ago,¡± Cayden said casually.


    Upon hearing that, the boatman fell into stunned silence. The envy he once felt quickly faded away,


    only to be reced with utter disdain.


    T-Ten years ago? Has he had his hands on a little girl since then? Oh my goodness. Who knew a


    decent-looking man like him would turn out to be a monster in disguise?


    Avery wanted to exin things when she realized how panic-stricken the boatman was, but in the end,


    she merely shook her head andughed.


    Gosh. I can''t believe a somber man like Cayden could have such a dry sense of humor. It sure is an


    eye-opener for me...

 Chapter 419

    Chapter 419


    While Avery and Cayden were rejoicing in the love they had found with each other, Nicole was having a


    miserable night.


    In the hotel, Nicole was lying on the bed, naked. She looked at the naked man next to her who was


    sleeping soundly, her eyes burning with vehement hatred.


    Roderick!


    This man who appeared suddenly had disrupted all her ns. He had used her nude photos to coerce


    her into submission, forcing her to be the subject of all kinds of his unspeakable desires.


    She dared not and could not refuse him.


    If Roderick spread those unsightly photos, she would be aughingstock among the socialites in


    Ackleton, and her career in the entertainment industry woulde to an abrupt end.


    Even though her adoptive father was the state secretary, Nicole dared not go against Roderick and risk


    her future.


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    She got out of bed quietly, and immediately, there was a tearing pain coursing through a certain part of


    her body.


    She cursed inwardly and hated Roderick even more. Roderick was simply mad and didn''t know how to


    be gentle, let alone restrain himself when it came to making love. She would always faint in bed, and


    yet he still wouldn''t stop and would only continue tormenting her in bed.


    After taking a quick shower, Nicole came out of the bathroom wrapped in a towel. She was about to put


    on her own clothes when she suddenly saw a fruit knife in the fruit basket on the coffee table.


    Her heartbeat raced at this discovery, and a bold idea rose in her mind.


    She hid the fruit knife in therge bath towel and trod as lightly as she could on the thick carpet and


    approached Roderick silently. She stared at his defenseless figure, her gaze falling on his fragile throat.


    She was filled with an abominable hatred that she almost lost her mind.


    Nicole walked to the bed and secretly hid the fruit knife under the pillow. Then, she untied her bath


    towel and, for the first time, took the initiative and wrapped her arms around Roderick who was still in a


    slumber.


    Passionately and seductively, the woman nted kisses on his corbone before moving downward.


    Roderick was always on alert.


    In fact, he had woken up when Nicole first made a movement, but he was just toozy to open his


    eyes.


    He had forced himself on her many timesst night and was now exhausted and needed to rest. He


    didn''t expect that this woman, who had submitted reluctantly, would take the initiative to seduce him.


    Although he had doubts in his heart, Roderick could feel his body gradually heating up from her action,


    and he no longer held back himself.


    Nicole''s eyes were still as cold as always. She wasn''t aroused at all.


    The moment Roderick entered her body, Nicole grasped the dagger under the pillow and stabbed him


    fiercely without hesitation.


    Nicole had thought she could witness a bloody scene.


    There was indeed blood gushing out, but it was not from Roderick''s wound.


    Roderick''s eyes were zing with a murderous glint. He red at the woman beneath him, whom he


    could easily choke to death with just a little force and who was about to pass out from the pain.


    He emphasized each word as he said coldly, ¡°I have never believed in God since I was born, let alone


    women. From the moment you hid the dagger under the pillow, I have been praying for you that you


    won''t use it on me. Obviously, my prayer was of no use!¡±


    The moment she raised the dagger to stab him, his instinct had snapped him into instant alertness.


    Roderick loved women, but he cherished his life even more. Even if he was immersed in an erotic


    moment, he still maintained a somewhat sober mind. This was also an important reason why he could


    head off dangers even though he had been engaged in high-risk jobs for so many years.


    The moment the dagger fell, Roderick twisted her left hand, driving the sharp de through it.


    Heughed mockingly. ¡°Ms. Lambert, many terrorists and even mercenaries wanted to kill me, but I


    killed them all in the end. Are you this naive to think you can kill me with your frail body? You better


    behave yourself. Otherwise, I''ll ruin your reputation immediately, even Mr. William won''t be able to save


    you!¡±


    Nicole was overwhelmed by the excruciating pain in her left hand and her lower body.


    She closed her eyes in despair, hiding the intense hatred in her eyes.


    Even if she couldn''t kill him now, she would make him regret his action one day.


    After being the recipient of Roderick''s carnal lust, Nicole wrapped herself up like a burrito when she


    came out of the hotel to cover the dense hickey marks all over her body.


    She wandered on the bustling street like a lost soul, soaking her scarf again and again with tears.


    She suddenly felt so helpless and had nowhere to hide.


    She wondered if her adoptive parents would stand up for her if they knew about this.


    Perhaps her adoptive father would go to the Fullers and seek justice for her.


    However, the Fuller family was as powerful as the Lambert family. This meant that even if she exposed


    Roderick, the most they would do was ask Roderick to marry her. By then, her reputation would be


    ruined, and others might even deem her as a promiscuous woman. This was not what she wanted.


    Moreover, she despised Roderick.


    He was rough, wild, and vulgar. He was nothing but a chauvinist. Most importantly, he looked like a


    rogue, and his behavior was rude. He waspletely different from her ideal of a perfect man.


    The man of her dream was someone who was knowledgeable and handsome like Cayden.


    She was captivated by his noble temperament.


    She was the eldest daughter of the Lambert family, and if she ever wanted to marry, she would only


    marry the best man in the city. No way she wouldmit herself to a lecher like Roderick.


    Just when Nicole was lost in her thought, a dirty hand grabbed her by the corner of her clothes. ¡°I finally


    found you. Nickie, I''ve been looking for you for so long!¡±


    Nicole was stunned.


    An unkempt middle-aged beggar-liked man was tugging at her expensive clothes.


    She shoved him away in disgust. ¡°Who are you? You have got the wrong person. I don''t know you!¡±


    The foul smell on his body nauseated her.


    This man must not have showered in a year. He''s so dirty. How dare he pull my limited edition coat?


    How disgusting!


    Nicole strode toward the hotel parking lot in her high heels and heard the drunk man behind her yelling


    loudly, ¡°I got the right person. You are Nicole, and you have a nickname, Brown Pearl, because you


    looked darker when you were young. Your mother Sandra came up with the name casually. If I


    remember correctly, you have an apple-shaped birthmark under the armpit of your left arm...¡±


    What the tramp said made Nicole halt in her track. Chills traveled down her spine, and her eyes


    widened in shock.


    She turned her head and stared at the slovenly man in disbelief.


    Who is he? Why does he know me so well?

 Chapter 420

    Chapter 420


    Nicole stared intently at the unkempt tramp. Although he looked dirty and old, his facial features


    appeared inexplicably familiar. Why do I feel like I''ve seen him before...


    Nicole''s hands shook when her eyes met the old man''s turbid and sleazy gaze.


    She suddenly recalled memories of a man from a long time ago.


    That man would always drink himself into a drunken stupor and gamble all the time. After losing the


    bets, he would return home to beat up Nicole and her mother.


    He was none other than Nicole''s biological father, Daniel Schmidt.


    One of Mom''s eyes was blinded, and one of her arms was broken because she had to live with this


    man''s longstanding domestic abuse. My petite back when I was small was also horribly scarred


    because I was beaten all the time. Our misfortunes stemmed from his brutality. How much more


    despicable can a man be? To make money to fund his gambling habit, he forced his wife to be a


    sex worker secretly and even nned to sell his daughter for the price of ten to twenty thousand.


    Nicole would''ve been sold to someone if she hadn''t made the clever decision of running away.


    She shuddered as her dark past resurfaced in her mind. In an instant, she was rmed and put up her


    guard against the homeless man before her.


    Even after figuring out that man''s identity, Nicole remained indifferent.


    She wore her sunsses and uttered in a harsh and cold voice, ¡°I don''t know you. Quit acting friendly


    with me and assuming any random girl you meet on the streets to be your daughter. Mind your


    behavior because I will report you to the police for showing intention to abduct me.¡±


    With that, she moved to walk past him toward the parking lot.


    ¡°Hey, Nickie! Don''t go. You''re my daughter. There''s no way I''d mistake you for someone else. I forbid


    you from leaving since I''ve finally found you after much difficulty. You''re so rude for not even bothering


    to greet me. I regret having given birth to you!¡± The tramp stretched out his arms to block Nicole''s way.


    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    Nicole covered her nose in disgust right after he opened his mouth. She turned around and jogged


    toward the security booth.


    Upon reaching the security booth, she took off her scarf and pleaded with the two security guards


    inside the booth with a pitiful look. ¡°Misters, I''m Nicole Lambert. I''m terrified because a pervert is


    stalking me. Can you please help me?¡±


    Although Nicole wasn''t a superstar in the entertainment industry, she did participate in many movies.


    Moreover, her pretty and innocent-looking countenance was rtively distinctive. Hence, the two


    security guards could recognize her without trouble.


    They were stationed in the most mundane position, carrying out daily tasks that rendered them


    subjects of scorn. However, a gorgeous celebrity sought their help at that instant, not to mention a


    pitiable and angelic beauty like Nicole. As a result, the two security guards'' protectiveness toward her


    was immediately invoked.


    They uttered in unison, ¡°Don''t be afraid, Ms. Lambert. We''ll help you deal with that pervert.¡±


    The two security guards on duty, each holding a stun baton, halted Daniel, who was following Nicole.


    ¡°Hey, what are you doing here? We don''t wee slovenly people here. Hurry up and get lost if you


    know what is best for you!¡±


    Daniel rubbed his grimy palms, pointed at Nicole, and chirped sheepishly, ¡°She''s my daughter, and I


    need to talk to her.¡±


    The security guards exchanged nces. The look shing across their eyes clearly expressed their


    agreement that Daniel wasn''t in his right mind.


    The taller security guard gazed at Daniel contemptuously and said, ¡°Did you say Ms. Lambert is your


    daughter? I think you''re daydreaming and having hallucinations. Ms. Lambert is the state secretary''s


    daughter, someone with a prestigious status. Hurry up and get lost. Otherwise, don''t me us for being


    unmerciful!¡±


    Daniel disregarded the security guards and waved his hand at Nicole, shouting, ¡°Nickie, I''m really your


    father. I''m your biological father, Daniel Schmidt! Have you forgotten how well I treated you? I brought


    you to y at the park when you were five years old and even bought a cotton candy for you! Come


    home with me, Nickie. I''ve been looking for you for so many years!¡±


    Nicole leaned weakly against the booth, seemingly on the verge of tears. ¡°Misters, he''s obviously a


    lunatic, insisting I''m his daughter. Please hurry up and chase him away! I''m so scared.¡±


    A beauty, especially one with tears brimming in her eyes, could captivate men effortlessly.


    ¡°Fear not, Ms. Lambert. We''ll get rid of him right away!¡± The next second, the security guards hit Daniel


    with the stun batons.


    Zaps of electricity reverberated in the air, followed by Daniel''s scream of agony. Then, body convulsing,


    he gradually slumped to the floor.


    At that sight, Nicole did not feel a hint of sympathy toward him. Instead, she even felt slightly delighted.


    She curled her lips into a sneer. I genuinely hope these two security guards can do away with this man!


    Subsequently, she left the scene as if nothing had happened. After locating her luxury car, she entered,


    started the engine, and quickly drove away.


    Meanwhile, the sky at Kingrys gradually turned dark.


    Cayden and Avery took in the scenic night view of the city on the cruise. Then, he brought her to visit


    the light festival.


    Lanterns in all shapes and sizes adorned the street beside the river, emitting colorful light. There were


    lanterns crafted into the forms of funny-looking fish, mischievous rabbits, and rainbow-colored roosters.


    A hugemp giving off dazzling light was ced at fixed intervals along the road.


    There were also beautifulnterns in the shapes of zodiac signs, dragons, and phoenixes.


    The variousnterns on disy formed an exceptionally captivating view.


    Multiple realistic andrge flower-shapednterns floated on the surface of the river. When the wind


    blew, the lights from thenterns would sway ording to the rippling movements of the artificial fog on


    the pond''s surface, giving the crowd a wonderful false perception of being in paradise.


    Avery behaved like an innocent child,plimenting everyntern she saw.


    Cayden hummed in agreement behind her while holding her hand. Affected by her cheerfulness, he


    couldn''t help but arrange his usual impassive facial features into a smile.


    In fact, he didn''t think the lights were that mesmerizing. Instead, it was Avery''s presence beside him


    that brightened up his mood. After watching the floatingnterns on the pond surface for some time, he


    would lower his head to kiss her hair gently.


    That circumstance caused warmth to fill his chest, and he was fond of that feeling.


    Cayden finally brought Avery back to their lodging after she grew a little tired and failed to hold in a


    yawn.


    Even though their amodation was merely located at a nearby ce opposite the pond, he rented


    a ship for their return trip out of concern for her pregnancy.


    Upon deciding not to go home, they booked an extravagant homestay with a unique design.


    The couple entered the bathroom to take a shower after arriving at their lodging.


    The bathroom had a traditional yet elegant design style. Aside from having separate wet and dry


    cleaning areas, the bathroom was also equipped with arge jacuzzi. Next to the jacuzzi was a wall


    made from a special type of ss. The people inside the bathroom could take in the enchanting night


    view, but the room''s interior was not visible outside.


    After sanitizing the bathtub, Cayden filled it with water and carried Avery into it.


    Just as they were about to bathe, a series of passionate voices suddenly originated from the room next


    door. Then, they heard the sound of a woman weeping while a man was saying, ¡°Rx. Rx a little


    bit more.¡±


    Avery blushed slightly as she identally eavesdropped on someone engaging in that sensual activity.


    On the other hand, Cayden knitted his brows in displeasure. Why does this guy''s voice sound so


    familiar?

 Chapter 421

    Chapter 421


    The night was dark but particrly charming.


    The room next door fell silent after some time.


    Themotion next door had aroused Cayden''s desire. At first, he paid full attention to cleaning


    Avery''s body, but gradually, he lost his grip on himself.


    A faint, elegant fragrance like blooming violets emanated from Avery''s body, and the fresh scent kept


    Cayden spellbound.


    Cayden felt his body temperature rising in tandem with the water temperature in the bathtub.


    Restlessly, hisrge palms roamed over Avery''s body.


    On the other hand, Avery remainedposed, though she felt weak. ¡°No. The doctor said we must


    control ourselves in the first trimester, or it could lead to a miscarriage...¡±


    Since learning about Avery''s pregnancy, Cayden had avoided physical intimacy with her for several


    days now.


    Though Cayden could control his urges, his desires often got the best of him whenever he touched


    Avery.


    ¡°I won''t hurt you, so don''t worry. And I won''t harm our baby.¡± Cayden held Avery tightly, pulling her into


    his chest.


    He gazed into her eyes, which glowed like stars in the night sky, as he grappled with the urge to give in


    to the temptation.


    He tried so hard to resist his desire that beads of sweat began forming on his forehead. Even the veins


    on his temples throbbed visibly.


    Avery could not help but feel sorry for him.


    After a short pause, she said, ¡°I-If you really want it, perhaps, I-I can... use other methods...¡±


    Right after that, Avery began to work her magic without looking at the expression on Cayden''s face.


    Cayden was taken aback by Avery''s action. He did not expect that she would help relieve him in such a


    manner.


    The man gazed intently at Avery''s blushing cheeks. Her bright eyes reminded him of the starry night


    they first met as adults.


    After an hour of intimate activities, Cayden heaved a sigh of relief while Avery''s hands became sore


    from the exertion.


    After tenderly cleaning his body and hers, he carried Avery in his arms, bringing her to the bed.


    Pregnant women would often get exhausted easily.


    Avery, who was already drowsy, flipped over and dived right into the soft cottonforter the moment


    her body touched the bed. In just seconds, she fell into a deep sleep.


    Running his warm fingers through her lustrous hair while looking at her peaceful sleeping face, Cayden


    fell deep in thought.


    Despite having already consummated their marriage and even having two lovely children with another


    one on the way, Cayden still desired to give Avery the most amazing wedding ever.


    Initially, he had nned to hold the wedding at the end of the year, but looking at the turn of events, he


    had no choice but to bring it forward.


    Cayden understood every woman wanted to feel beautiful, relished in romantic moments, and dreamed


    of an unforgettable wedding. Avery was no different.


    Hence, having a wedding in May seemed like a good n, as Avery''s pregnancy would not be too


    noticeable.


    Cayden looked forward to the sacred moment when Avery donned the wedding dress for him.


    Meanwhile, the morning had broken, but Nicole had barely sleptst night.


    shbacks of yesterday''s memories kept ying in her mind, causing her to suffer from physical pain


    and mental torment that resulted in nightmares. Just as she was about to break down, her phone rang,


    jolting her awake.


    It was the doctor on the line, informing her that the DNA test results were ready for collection at the


    hospital.


    After hanging up, Nicole sat up and drew back the curtains. The searing morning sun that flooded the


    room nearly brought her to tears.


    She nced at the clock and realized it was only half past seven.


    After returning homest night, she tossed and turned, managing to sleep for less than three hours. As


    she looked down at her bandaged left hand, Nicole''s eyes filled with resentment.


    The previous night was meant to be a family reunion, yet her foster parents were so preupied with


    apanying her grandparents at the family house that they forgot about her.


    Fury surged inside her.


    They would have called me on such an important day had they truly cared about me!


    What frustrated Nicole the most was the fact that the man with whom she had her first sexual


    encounter was not Cayden but rather an uncouth individual who even threatened her after taking


    advantage of her. The irony of the situation was not lost on her.


    For so many years, Nicole had presented herself to the world as the precious daughter of the Lambert


    family. She had always held herself in high esteem and believed no man was worthy of her love.


    Yet, at that point, she had no choice but to offer herself to a despicable scoundrel.


    Wearing her pajamas, Nicole descended the stairs and spotted ire arranging flowers in the living


    room.


    Her brows creased with an indescribable sadness as she gazed upon the elegant woman.


    ire, too, noticed Nicole from a distance and set aside her pruning shears. Speaking softly, she said,


    ¡°Good morning, Nickie. Your grandfather suffered a heart attack yesterday, and your father and I had to


    rush over to be with him. We tried calling you toe with us, but your phone was off, and we couldn''t


    get through to you. If you have time today, it would be good to visit your grandfather. He''s been asking


    about you.¡±


    Deep in Nicole''s heart, she sneered. That old man asked about me? Please. He just wants me to get


    out of his way!


    Although Nicole did not care about her grandfather, she acted as if she was worried about him. ¡°Okay.


    Sorry, Mom. My phone ran out of battery yesterday. Is Grandpa all right?¡±


    While speaking, she started helping ire tidy up the flowers, deliberately revealing her bandaged


    palm.


    ¡°Thank goodness the nanny noticed something was wrong with him. The rescue was timely, so he''s out


    of danger,¡± ire uttered.


    However, her attention quickly turned to Nicole''s wounded hand. ¡°Nickie, what happened to your


    hand?¡± she asked with concern, grasping Nicole''s wrist.


    Nicole, feeling slightly relieved that her mother was finally showing concern, pulled her hand away and


    attempted to console ire. ¡°It''s nothing, Mom. I hurt my hand during filming. It should be okay after a


    few days of rest.¡±


    ire knitted her brows with concern and responded warmly, ¡°Take two weeks off from filming, stay at


    home, and get some rest. Why didn''t you say anything when you got hurt? You''re just trying to make


    me worry, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    Nicole sped her hands around ire''s arm and spoke sweetly. ¡°It''s okay, Mom. I''ll be fine in a few


    days. I''ll go call Dad down for breakfast, all right?¡±


    ¡°Okay. Your father is in the study talking with his secretary. Come down right away after you''ve


    informed them. Oh, please ask Mr. L to join us,¡± ire said.


    ¡°Got it!¡±


    Nicole kissed ire''s cheek and went to the study to call William for breakfast.


    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    When she arrived at the study, she saw the door was slightly ajar.


    Right as Nicole was about to knock on the door, a deep male voice suddenly caught her attention. It


    was Alfred L, her father''s secretary, speaking to her father.


    ¡°Mr. Lambert, here''s the evidence of Cayden''s bribery from eight years ago,¡± Alfred said.


    Nicole was stunned when she heard those words. Her heart raced uncontrobly, and she felt as if she


    had been struck by lightning.

 Chapter 422

    Chapter 422


    Cayden actually bribed someone?


    Nicole couldn''t imagine how the elegant, yet haughty Cayden could be involved in corruption.


    Nheless, the news undoubtedly came as a shock to her.


    Holding her breath, she continued to eavesdrop on her adopted father''s conversation with his


    secretary.


    ¡°Last month, Mr. Sheen of the city council was suspended for being involved in a massive corruption


    case. In an attempt to mitigate his crimes, he exposed everyone who was involved and revealed the


    details of how it happened. Unexpectedly, Cayden Moore''s name was among them. He''s a titan within


    Ackleton''s businessmunity and has contributed significantly to the city''s economic development.


    Mr. Lambert, here''s the evidence that implicates Cayden in the case.


    ¡°Mr. Sheen is a careful man and is vignt in all his dealings. He has secretly recorded everyone who


    has ever bribed him in an attempt to preserve evidence. What should we do about it, Mr. Lambert?


    Under normal circumstances, a member of apany''s senior management would be dealt with by the


    book. However, Cayden''s status has made the situation more delicate.¡±


    As Cayden controlled two-thirds of Ackleton''s economy, he wielded significant influence in the city.


    If something were to happen to him, the stock market would be destabilized. Not only would it impact


    Ackleton''s economy, but foreign investors would also refrain from investing in the city out of fear,


    causing a chain reaction that would spiral into a crisis.


    What Nicole heard next was the sound of documents being flipped through.


    After a long time, William''s sonorous voice finally rang out. ¡°We can''t touch Cayden for the time being


    as the repercussions are huge. Let me consider the matter first. If it''s indeed necessary, we will have to


    escte the matter to our superiors.¡±


    William shook his head.


    He felt it a shame that Cayden, whom he admired, was involved in the case.


    The daring and capable Cayden was someone whose business acumen was unrivaled. Furthermore,


    he was both fearless and ruthless in his methods. Those qualities enabled him to turn Trident Group


    from apany facing bankruptcy into a multinational conglomerate in just a few short years.


    It also wasn''t lost upon William that every sessful businessman had a dirty history.


    If no one had any dirt on Cayden, William could still turn a blind eye to the former''s actions.


    Unfortunately, someone had recorded him in the act of bribery, cementing his guilt in the matter.


    ¡°Suppress the matter for the time being until I figure out what to do.¡±


    The thought of the domino effect that Cayden''s arrest would bring caused William to hesitate in taking


    action. Hence, he gestured to his secretary and suggested, ¡°Since it''s rare for you to be here so early


    in the morning for work, Mr. L, why don''t you join me for breakfast? Come, let''s head downstairs


    together.¡±


    Alfred replied, ¡°I would be happy to oblige.¡±


    As the sound of their footsteps rang out, the study''s door swung open suddenly.


    Jolted by it, Nicole frantically pretended that she was about to knock. Stroking her chest from the fright,


    she asked, ¡°Dad, I was just about to knock¡ª Oh, Mr. L is here too. Mom asked me to inform you


    that breakfast is ready.¡±


    William didn''t suspect anything, as he was always happy with how sensible and obedient Nicole was.


    Thus, he replied with an easy-going smile, ¡°What a coincidence. Let''s go down together then.¡±


    However, the sharp Alfred shot Nicole a thoughtful look. Staring at the innocent expression on her face,


    he kept his words to himself.


    Despite her calm facade, Nicole felt a chill down her spine when she saw Alfred giving her a look of


    suspicion.


    It wasn''t until he went downstairs with her father that she finally heaved a sigh of relief.


    Even though nothing ever escaped Alfred''s attention, Nicole was confident in her ability to stay calm. I


    didn''t give myself away, did I?


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    Before she went down with them, Nicole scanned her father''s study from the corner of her eyes.


    When she thought back to the two men''s conversation, a brazen idea popped into her mind even


    though she was still reeling from the shock of the earlier revtion.


    After sitting through breakfast with her mind elsewhere, Nicole hurried to a particr hospital.


    That hospital only served the rich, celebrities, and anyone who was a socialite. Due to the privacy it


    orded, it was popr with high society. That was the reason why Nicole went there to take a test.


    When she arrived at the doctor''s office, she was greeted by a female doctor in her thirties. The doctor


    had ordinary features but maintained a good figure.


    After she handed Nicole a DNA test report, thetter anxiously opened the envelope to retrieve it with


    trembling hands.


    When she saw that it showed a match of 99.99%, her face lost all color, and her body began to shake


    uncontrobly.


    As the urge to tear up the report swelled within her, Nicole''s lips quivered as she spoke. ¡°No, this is


    impossible! Doctor, could there have been a mistake?¡±


    ¡°Ms. Lambert, if you don''t believe the results, you can get another test in a different hospital. As a


    doctor, my medical skills and reputation are of the utmost importance. There''s no point in me trying to


    ruin them.¡± The doctor sounded upset.


    The doctor was well-known in the hospital and specialized in many areas. Having served many VIPs


    and received a lot of positive reviews, she glowered in response to the doubt Nicole had cast upon her.


    Meanwhile, the distraught Nicole was in no mood to pay the doctor any heed. As a bout of weakness


    descended upon her body, she staggered forward before leaving the doctor''s office.


    Upon walking to the hospital''s washroom, she opened the door to one of the cubicles and hurried


    inside.


    The moment she locked the door, she tore the report into pieces in a bout of rage.


    Her eyes were spitting fire while chaos reigned in her mind.


    How is this possible? How can Avery be ire''s biological daughter? However, how can the DNA


    match be as high as 99.99% if it isn''t true?


    Avery was the only person Nicole couldn''t ept as ire''s daughter.


    After she littered the floor with torn pieces of the report, the audacious idea in her head came back to


    the forefront of her mind.


    Closing her eyes, she forced herself to calm down.


    It wasn''t until fifteen minutester that she emerged from the cubicle. Coincidentally, she encountered a


    girl with big eyes entering the washroom.


    Recognizing Nicole, the girl eximed excitedly, ¡°Are you the Nicole from the movie Orphan? I''m a


    huge fan of yours. Can I have your signature?¡±


    Overwhelmed by her own problems, Nicole was in no mood to entertain the fan by reverting to her


    demure idol act. Thus, she shoved the girl aside in her exasperation.


    The girl was consequently stunned as she watched Nicole''s leaving silhouette. Returning her gaze to


    the mess on the floor, she carefully picked the torn pieces of paper up and managed to vaguely make


    out some of its contents.


    She then muttered to herself, ¡°Oh my God, I can''t believe Nicole, who acts like a goddess on the silver


    screen, is someone like that! Not only does she not have the decency to flush, but she also littered the


    floor with trash. She''s such a disgusting person...¡±

 Chapter 423

    Chapter 423


    It was seven in the morning at Kingrys when Cayden and Avery emerged from the inn to head back to


    Ackleton.


    When she passed by the room next door on her way out, Avery threw a casual nce inside upon


    noticing that the door was left ajar.


    There, she saw a long-haired girl dressed in a white bathrobe. Thetter was leaning against a pink


    cushion while staring nkly into space.


    Amidst the crisp rings of therge wind chime above her head, she could see the tear streaks left on


    the girl''s beautiful face. The girl was lost in a daze and didn''t seem able to hear anything at all.


    When her gaze fell upon the girl''s face, Avery was momentarily stunned, for she recognized her as the


    waitress from Azure Royal¡ªStephanie Quigley.


    Just as she wanted to take a closer look, the antique door with flower motifs carved on it was mmed


    shut abruptly, blocking her curious nce.


    She gave Cayden''s arm a tug. ¡°The girl next door looks like Stephanie Quigley.¡±


    Cayden responded with a baffled look. ¡°Stephanie who?¡±


    Cayden, who never paid any attention to other women, didn''t remember their faces, let alone their


    names.


    Avery reminded him, ¡°Don''t you remember? She''s the waitress at Azure Royal whose cat was


    drugged.¡±


    That incident finally jogged Cayden''s memory.


    When he recalled how the woman''s cat had hurt Avery, a grim look descended upon Cayden''s face. ¡°I


    have not held her ountable for her cat scratching you yet.¡±


    At that moment, Avery sighed upon realizing that they seemed to be on different wavelengths.


    ¡°That was just an ident. That girl looks kind to me, so I''m sure she didn''t do it on purpose. I wonder


    what she''s doing here now. She seems to be crying. Do you think she''s in some sort of trouble?¡±


    Avery thought back to themotion she heardst night when the girl was screaming in refusal. It


    didn''t sound like she was ying hard to get. Instead, it felt as if she was crying hard from being raped.


    Hence, the sight of Stephanie in the room next door triggered a burst of sympathy within Avery.


    Given that they knew each other and Avery had a soft spot for Stephanie, the former was curious as to


    what happened and whether Stephanie was in any danger.


    However, Cayden wrapped his arm around Avery''s waist and led her out. At the same time, he


    commented indifferently, ¡°Curiosity killed the cat, so don''t stick your nose into the business of others.


    Don''t worry. Security is tight here, and nothing dangerous will happen.¡±


    ¡°But...¡± His words failed to ay her concerns.


    When he saw how Avery''s gaze was fixated upon the room, Cayden carried her in his arms.


    ¡°It''s time for us to go. Otherwise, we''ll bete for work. I still have a pile of documents waiting to be


    signed. Have youpleted your report for the presentation? Your department is having its quarterly


    meeting in the afternoon.¡±


    ¡°What? The meeting is this afternoon? But I have onlypleted half of it...¡±


    ¡°Exactly. That''s why we have to hurry back and wrap up our respective work.¡± Cayden pursed his lips in


    satisfaction when he finally managed to get Avery''s mind off Stephanie.


    As someonecking in empathy, he did not care for anyone else other than Avery.


    Stephanie should already count her blessings that I didn''t hold her ountable after her pet harmed


    Avery, so don''t expect me to stick my nose into her business!


    After an uneventful car ride to Ackleton, their car finally came to a stop in Trident Group''s parking lot.


    When Cayden turned toward Avery, who was in the front passenger seat, he saw that she had fallen


    into a deep slumber. The exhaustion on her face couldn''t be any more obvious.


    All this while, he never knew that pregnantdies required a lot of sleep.


    Just as he opened his mouth to wake her, he decided against it at thest minute.


    Shaking his head in resignation, he turned up the heater in the car and reclined her seat with the press


    of a button. He wanted to make her sleep morefortably by turning it into a simple bed.


    Thereafter, he retrieved his briefcase from the backseat and pulled out a few documents to read.


    It wasn''t until a long while passed that Avery opened her eyes groggily.


    After giving them a gentle rub, she realized she was lying down on the car seat while Cayden was


    working beside her.


    Scratching her nose awkwardly, she apologized, ¡°I''m sorry that I fell asleep again. I didn''t mean to.¡±


    ¡°Don''t worry about it. Did you manage to get a good rest?¡± Cayden inquired instead.


    ¡°You should have woken me. It''s nine-thirty now. We''rete by more than half an hour.¡± Avery knitted


    her brows when she saw the time.


    ¡°I couldn''t bring myself to wake you when I saw how soundly you were sleeping. You''re all that matters


    to me now. Work is secondary.¡± Cayden let out a soft chuckle.


    His words came as a surprise to Avery.


    She couldn''t believe that the workaholic in front of her was capable of such sweet talk. On top of feeling


    moved, she felt guilty that she was unable to reciprocate how well he treated her.


    Upon changing into her office attire, Avery returned to her office and began working on her report.


    After spending the entire morning on it, she heaved a sigh of relief when she finished it in time for the


    meeting at two.


    The design department''s quarterly meeting was scheduled for that day since it was thest day of the


    quarter.


    Cayden took the center seat, nked by Kendrick and Wisteria on his left and right respectively.


    As for the rest of their colleagues from the design department, they were seated ording to their


    rank, filling the conference room to the brim.


    Avery was a bunch of nerves, as this was the first time she had participated in a quarterly meeting.


    Even though she had spoken in front of a crowd before, she still couldn''t help feeling nervous.


    In fact, her anxiety intensified after watching how sharp and eloquent Wisteria, Cecelia, Trevor, and


    even Yulissa''s presentations were.


    ¡°Avery, it''s your turn.¡± Nina, seated beside Avery, gave her a gentle nudge to bring her back to her


    senses.


    It was then that Cayden''s deep voice rang out. ¡°Please begin.¡±


    Avery took a deep breath to calm herself down before walking toward the projector. There, she plugged


    her sh drive into the notebook and opened up the file to kick off her report.


    ¡°Good afternoon, everyone. I''m Avery Rumpley from the design department''s second team. I would like


    to trouble all of you to look at the screen. What you see here isst year''s Q3 report. The first slide


    shows you the total orders I have received. The second slide disys a summary of the revenue, while


    the third indicates the level of customer satisfaction we surveyed. The fourth slide is a list of my ns


    for the uing quarter. Now, let''s go into the details...¡±


    Avery''s sharp suit and simple ponytail made her glistening eyes stand out from her face. Even though


    she wasn''t wearing any lip gloss, her moist and tender lips exuded a natural pinkish tint.


    Compared to her colleagues'' run-of-the-mill presentation slides, Avery''s was clean and minimalistic.


    With concise content and highlights where necessary, her professionalism was well reflected in it.


    As her melodious voice echoed through the room, her presentation ended amidst thunderous apuse


    after half an hour.


    Kendrick gave her a thumbs-up. ¡°Good job, Avery!¡±


    Cayden was rendered speechless.


    Since when were others allowed to praise my woman?


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    Taking in the praise and approving looks her colleagues gave her, Avery felt as if she was on cloud


    nine.


    As for Wisteria and Yulissa, both of them eked out smiles that were devoid of sincerity.


    In fact, a jealous glint shed across Wisteria''s eyes despite the smile she was wearing.


    Despite her moment of glory, little did Avery know that a plot was being hatched against her.

 Chapter 424

    Chapter 424


    The meeting ended at three thirty in the afternoon.


    Hence, all employees of the design department returned to their seats to continue with their work.


    Right after Avery opened her email, she saw the feedback George had sent for her design.


    In the email, he mentioned it was not easy to meet a talented designer, and he really wanted to invite


    her to the Lambert residence. He even childishly included an embarrassed emoji in the email.


    It made Avery smile. All of a sudden, she found the man everyone described to be harsh and nitpicky


    rather cute.


    The minute she finished reading the email, she received a notification about a stranger wanting to


    follow her on Instagram.


    Curious, she tapped on it and saw ¡°serenity¡± as the username and ¡°ire Walsh¡± in the description.


    Avery was briefly stunned, but she quickly remembered she had also given her Instagram details to


    ire before.


    Truth was, Avery originally thought ire asked for her contact details on a whim. Never did she


    expect thetter to actually follow her.


    After epting the request, she waited for a message, thinking ire wanted to tell her something.


    However, there was nothing. Maybe she''s not online?


    Avery did not take the initiative to greet her for two reasons. One, she did not want toe across as


    someone seeking something out of the acquaintance. Two, as an introverted person, she did not know


    what to say to people she was not close to.


    Thus, she simply tapped on ire''s profile and scrolled through it.


    ire''s Instagram profile was exceptionally artistic. There were no selfies, only insights about life,


    articles about wellness, and some pictures of her side profile taken when she was at some activities.


    The beautiful pictures were paired with simple yet warm captions. Anyone could tell ire was an


    elegant person who knew how to make life meaningful by reading the captions.


    After browsing through the pictures, Avery learned ire drew, yed the piano, practiced yoga, and


    even participated in extreme sports events. Avery could not help but feel impressed. ire was the


    least ordinary person she knew.


    Just as Avery was enjoying her time checking out ire''s Instagram profile, Yulissa suddenly dumped


    a pile of documents onto Avery''s table.


    She fumed, ¡°Using your phone during work hours, huh? That''s quite bold of you, Avery!¡±


    Startled, Avery calmly ced her phone in her drawer before asking, ¡°Ms. Yantz, is there anything I can


    do for you?¡±


    Yulissa cast her a nce before pointing to the documents and ordering, ¡°Make a copy of all these


    reports and Excel sheets.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± With that, Avery left for the photocopy room as instructed.


    Ever since Avery started working at thepany, Yulissa had been bullying the former and assigning


    her tasks that were out of her job scope.


    However, Avery did notin. She did not think there was any need for her to waste her energy on


    trivial things like that.


    When Avery passed by Nina, thetter tugged at her arm and said, ¡°Avery, don''t you think you''re being


    a pushover? You''ve been working here for six months, yet Old Yantz keeps assigning you all these


    tasks that aren''t yours in the first ce. It''s reasonable if you were still an assistant, but you''re already


    officially an architect. Why are you still putting up with her?¡± Nina found the situation unjust.


    Smiling, Avery said, ¡°It''s nothing, really. These tasks are easy, anyway. I canplete them in a


    heartbeat.¡±


    ¡°That doesn''t mean you should keep putting up with it! She doesn''t even bully the other employees like


    this. You''re the only one she treats this harshly. I bet Ms. Yantz has a serious problem!¡± Yulissa


    commented frustratedly.


    ¡°It''s all right. It''s just a small matter. Get back to work. I''ll get these documents printed now,¡± said Avery


    before heading to the photocopy room.


    As Nina watched Avery leave cheerfully, she shook her head, feeling rather frustrated.


    Avery''s just too nice of a person. She fits the saying ¡°nice people always get bullied.¡± If I had the CEO


    backing me, I wouldn''t let a crappy person like Yulissa behave so arrogantly in front of me.


    Upon arriving at the photocopy room door, Avery spotted Cayden talking to Xavier outside.


    Nodding slightly, she greeted, ¡°Mr. Moore.¡±


    Perhaps the heater in the office was sted to the max that Cayden had unbuttoned the top two


    buttons on his shirt. His exposed firm muscles made her recall the scene of her sprawled on his chest


    without abandonst night.


    She could even remember the warm sensation when their bodies touched, which made her cheeks turn


    pink.


    Meanwhile, Cayden acknowledged her with a hum, nodding slightly while eyeing her flushed face. Just


    then, his gaze fell on the documents in her hands.


    The topmost document was clearly a summary of a financial statement, which was not a part of Avery''s


    job scope. That made him frown in displeasure.


    Right then, Xavier, who was standing behind Cayden, greeted, ¡°Hello, Ms. Rumpley. Are you going to


    photocopy some documents?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Hearing that, Xavier informed, ¡°The photocopying machine on the far side is faulty. The administration


    department has made a call to get it fixed. You can use machine number three instead.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Thank you, Mr. Dartsley.¡±


    Avery then walked past the two men and entered the photocopying room. Immediately, she began


    using machine number three to photocopy the documents.


    When she exited the room, she saw Yvette of Vivi Group and her team walking over with a new


    youngster of mixed blood. He was one of the new members taking part in the renovation project.


    ¡°Hello,dies and gentlemen. My name''s Armand. I''m looking forward to working with all of you!¡±


    Armand was half Ustranasion and half Chanaean. He had sharp cheekbones, a good-looking face, and


    the demeanor of a polite Ustranasion gentleman. At the same time, he had a sense of humor, which left


    a good impression on everyone.


    The moment heid eyes on Avery, his blue eyes lit up.


    A tall, slender woman came into his view. She also had fair and smooth skin that made her look as if


    she was glowing. One could barely suppress the urge to touch it. Her facial features were delicate and


    pretty. Though her ck suit gave her a mature vibe, her clear, sparkly eyes made her look like an elf


    who had strayed into the world. It was a refreshing sight.


    Armand stared intently at Avery without bothering to hide the desire in his eyes. It made Avery feel a


    little nervous when she passed him by.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    When she returned to her seat, she looked into the mirror to check if her makeup was appropriate that


    day.


    Why would that new member stare at me like that? It was so scary!

 Chapter 425

    Chapter 425


    Once Avery got into her seat, Yvette scanned the crowd and said sternly, ¡°The renovation project has


    officially started. I hope everyone can do their jobs well. Not only that, please learn to work as a team.


    No one is allowed to do any funny business under my watch. You''ll be removed from the team the


    moment you''re caught.¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡± Everyone nodded while a hint of disdain fleeted across Yulissa''s face.


    Right before the workday came to an end, Yvette informed everyone that Trident Group and Vivi Group


    would have a meeting with the shareholders the next day. The agenda would focus on the renovation


    project and personal work progresses. With that, she reminded them about how the meeting differed


    from the usual ones, for the attendees were the higher-ups of two major corporations, including the


    CEO of Trident Group and the chairperson of Vivi Group.


    Avery felt tremendous stress on her shoulders when she finished listening to Yvette''s words.


    The higher-ups of bothpanies will be present. Will I be able to hold up?


    At first, Avery wanted to stay back at thepany to prepare the materials needed for the next day''s


    meeting. However, Yvette said they should wee the new members that joined the project group.


    Since the group had not had a gathering ever since the start of the project, she invited everyone to


    Azure Royal for a meal and a karaoke session so everyone could interact more with each other.


    ¡°Let''s go! We''re having dinner at Azure Royal tonight. No doubt we''ll have good food. My baby and I


    can replenish our nutrients there,¡± muttered Cecelia as she packed her documents.


    Casting Cecelia a nce, Nina advised inly, ¡°Cecelia, don''t you read the news? Some pregnant


    women began eating whatever they wanted when they got pregnant, which resulted in over


    nourishment. Their babies were so giant-sized that they could only give birth through a C-section. You


    mustn''t be over-nourished, you know?¡±


    ¡°Huh? That can''t be real, right?¡± Cecelia was shocked.


    Her appetite had been exceptionally great ever since she became pregnant, and she had not really


    been controlling her food intake.


    Rolling her eyes, Nina said, ¡°Of course. When have I ever lied to you?¡±


    ¡°Oh, man. Looks like I really have to control myself from now on,¡± Cecelia whined while caressing her


    belly. Pouting, she said to her abdomen, ¡°My dear baby, look how much I have to go through for you. I


    even have to control my food intake because of you. This is such torture...¡±


    Avery and Nina could not help but exchange nces and chuckle when they saw Cecelia''sical


    reaction.


    It was especially rtable for Avery, who smiled gently as she caressed her belly discreetly, even


    though it still looked t.


    Noting Avery was in a daze, Nina tickled her with a cheeky smile and made a guess. ¡°Hey, Ery. I


    realized you keep getting distractedtely and even have that weird, blissful smile on your face. Tell


    me. Is your wedding with Mr. Mooreing soon?¡±


    Avery shut herptop and responded, ¡°You think too much nonsense. Let''s go. The members of Vivi


    Group are already on their way.¡±


    Even Cecelia was joining the dinner this time. Naturally, Avery could not bear to excuse herself.


    Given no choice, she sent Cayden a text that read: Don''t wait for me tonight. I''m having dinner with my


    colleagues at Azure Royal, so I''ll go home a littleter. Go home first, okay? I''ll take a cab home when


    dinner''s over.


    Cayden knew that dinners with colleagues were indispensable. Moreover, he knew Yvette''s character


    well. Those two reasons,bined with the fact that Azure Royal was Xander''s territory, made it so


    that he did not worry much. Instead, he only reminded Avery to not take any alcohol. He also told her to


    send him a text when she wanted to head home so he could pick her up.


    With that, Avery, Yvette, and the others headed out.


    Just as they were passing by the restroom, Yulissa suddenly clutched her belly and said, ¡°Ah, my


    stomach hurts. I''m sorry, Ms. Fetterman. Please go ahead. I''m going to the restroom for a while.¡±


    ncing at Yulissa, Yvette said, ¡°Be quick.¡±


    ¡°I know where Azure Royal is. Why don''t you guys go ahead? Just let me know the number of the


    private room once you''re there. I''ll head over and look for you guys when I''m done here.¡±


    After giving it some thought, Yvette agreed, ¡°That works too. We''ll get going first, then. Don''t take too


    long, okay?¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Yulissa''s eyes darkened with a scheming gaze as she watched the others leave happily, especially


    when she looked at Avery''s slender back.


    It was not Avery''s first visit to Azure Royal. Yet, she was still amazed by the unique design every time


    she came.


    The atmosphere of the dinner was great.


    At first, everyone was a little uneasy since Yvette was around.


    However, Yvette was apletely different person when she had gotten off work. Outside of work, she


    was warm and kind; she even told everyone jokes. She was eloquent and humorous, like a wise elder


    sister. That was Avery''s first time seeing this other side of Yvette.


    Another person that left a strong impression on everyone during that dinner was Armand. He loved


    telling jokes, which made everyone burst outughing on the spot.


    Regardless, the way he fixed his burning gaze on Avery during the entire dinner made her feel


    extremely uneasy.


    When the dinner was over, Yvette suggested they go for karaoke.


    Food and amodation were not the only things Azure Royal provided. It also had entertainment


    facilities on the eighth floor. Thus, everyone went straight to the floor without wasting any time traveling


    to another location.


    As many people had attended the dinner that night, it was a good thing the karaoke room wasrge.


    Meanwhile, Yvette hung out in the private room for some time and told the others to enjoy themselves


    before taking her leave.


    Trevor, Michael, Armand, and the other men got into a drinking contest while Madeline held the


    microphone and sang passionately. Sadly, she had no talent for singing and waspletely out of


    tune, which made everyone feel awkward. Only Gabriel kept cheering for her.


    Cecelia and Nina, however, did not care. They simply cupped their hands over their mouth and


    snickered.


    Bored out of her mind, Avery sat on the couch and chewed the fruits mindlessly as she chatted with the


    duo.


    Just then, Armand walked over and took the empty seat beside Avery. With his attractive, Ustranasion


    ent, he said, ¡°Hi, nice to meet you. Please forgive me for overstepping my boundaries, but do you


    currently have a boyfriend?¡±


    Avery calmly scooted nearer to Cecelia. ¡°Yes, I do.¡±


    A look of disappointment appeared on Armand''s face, and he slumped his shoulders dejectedly. ¡°Oh,


    what a pity. I thought I had met the goddess of my life. I never expected you''d be taken. But that''s okay.


    Are you two already married, by the way?¡±


    ¡°Not yet, but we will be soon. My boyfriend''s nning the wedding already.¡±


    Armand''s disappointed expression was instantly reced with delight. ¡°You''re not married yet? That


    means I can still pursue you. After all, isn''t there a saying in Chanaea that a beautiful woman is a fine


    match for a gentleman? That''s it. I''ve decided to pursue you from now on.¡±


    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    Avery was utterly speechless.


    Truth be told, she had never encountered such a shameless man who seemed so gentlemanly on the


    outside. Why can''t he sense the rejection in my words?

 Chapter 426

    Chapter 426


    Armand gazed intently at the graceful and quiet Avery, liking her more by the second.


    Although he was a foreigner with typical Ustranasion features, he was not interested in Epean women.


    No matter how beautiful they were, he still preferred the features of women from the east.


    This was particrly true for eastern beauties like Avery, who had beautiful features and a charming


    temperament. That was a trait he inherited from his father.


    Despite Avery''sck of interest in him, Armand did not panic.


    After all, he knew time was needed to capture a woman''s heart.


    Moreover, he was not a womanizer; he was sincere about pursuing her.


    Cognizant the women were distancing themselves from him, Armand purposely changed the topic by


    saying politely, ¡°Avery, I just came to Chanaea, and my Chanaean is not that good. I''ve always wanted


    to get a Chanaean name, but I can''t think of a suitable one. Can you help me pick one?¡±


    Cecelia and Nina munched on nuts as they watched the scene of Armand hitting on Avery with relish.


    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    Haha! Mr. Moore has a love rival now! Looks like Ery''s charm is boundless!


    After all, the enthusiastic, hot man that just joined them had fallen for Avery at first sight and even said


    he wanted to pursue her. The duo could not help but wonder how Cayden would react when he found


    out about it.


    Avery felt bad for ignoring him now that he was asking for her opinion in a gentlemanly way instead of


    pestering her.


    Thus, she asked, ¡°What kind of Chanaean names do you like?¡±


    Armand waved his hand dramatically. ¡°Oh, I really don''t know. Chanaea''s culture is too wide-ranging


    and profound. The writings make me dizzy. Even worse, each word has a different meaning.


    Sometimes, they contain several meanings, too!¡±


    Cecelia''s eyes were so fixated on Armand that she forgot to remove the nuts'' shells. ¡°D*mn. You even


    know how to use such words. Armand, don''t you think you''re being a little humble by saying your


    Chanaean''s not good?¡±


    Nina picked a slice of watermelon from the te and ate whilementing, ¡°Armand, your way of


    hitting on girls is too tawdry. Since you''re so fluent in Chanaean, can''t you just pick your own name? If


    not, I have a few suggestions for you. Hmm... Names like Niki Svane or Magnus Laursen should be


    fine. What do you think?¡±


    Cecelia could not hold herself back and burst intoughter.


    Confused, Armand scratched his head, not understanding what they wereughing about.


    He had no choice but to bite the bullet and ask, ¡°Are these two names really that funny? Why are you


    laughing so hard?¡±


    Patting her chest to calm herself, Cecelia inhaled deeply and patiently exined, ¡°Niki Svane was a


    famous minister in our country during ancient times. Through political reforms, he made our country


    strong and wealthy. Sadly, he died a tragic death of dismemberment. Oh, you probably don''t know what


    kind of execution that is. Basically, the criminal''s head and limbs are tied to five horses or cattle before


    he''s torn to pieces alive.¡±


    That stunned Armand.


    He almost puked the alcohol he consumed when he pictured the bloody scene Cecelia described.


    Quickly downing a ss of water to calm himself, he asked, ¡°What about Magnus Laursen? Surely this


    person didn''t get torn to pieces, too?¡±


    Avery''s gentle voice rang out. ¡°Magnus Laursen was a man in charge of the living quarters of our


    country''s pce in the past. He was corrupted, abused his power, and even sought power to usurp the


    throne. In the end, he was sentenced to death by the king. Do you know what death by a thousand cuts


    is? It''s Chanaea''s cruelest death penalty. It requires the executioner to make three thousand three


    hundred and fifty-seven cuts on the criminal''s body. The executioner will be severely punished if he


    makes an extra or one less cut. So, Magnus was cut for three whole days. When the execution was


    over, the families he had harmed in the past rushed to the scene and took the meat carved from his


    body home. They cooked it and ate it to relieve themselves of their hatred for him.¡±


    After listening to the story, Armand could no longer hold back his bile and threw up into the trash can by


    the side.


    Cecelia and Nina covered their mouths and snickered while Avery calmly stuffed a piece of mango into


    her mouth. Mm... It''s so juicy. This is delicious!


    However, she dared not eat a lot for fear of her body heating up during her pregnancy.


    In the meantime, Armand puked into the trash can for three whole minutes.


    Finally, he cleaned his mouth with a wet wipe and nced weakly at the gloating trio.


    Heined, ¡°Hey, can''t you have a littlepassion? And why would you say such disgusting


    things on such a happy asion? Don''t you Chanaeans have names with better meanings? Say, the


    name of a formidable king or general?¡±


    With an unhurried manner, Avery answered, ¡°Of course, we do! Our history of five thousand years has


    produced many mighty heroes. Your Ustranasion name, Armand, means a soldier and a domineering


    hero. Chanaea''s first warrior was the founding father of a dynasty. Of course, he''s the aide of the king,


    just like the dukes in your country. He''s just as famous as Lancelot. Do you want to use his name?¡±


    Upon hearing that, Armand widened his eyes, which gleamed with curiosity. ¡°Ah, Lancelot is the most


    outstanding and loyal knight of King Arthur''s Round Table. Not only is he handsome, but he''s also great


    at fighting. He''s the pride of our country. Does Chanaea have someone like that, too? Please tell me.


    What''s his name?¡±


    Avery shed him a mysterious smile that almost made him lose the ability to think straight. ¡°The hero''s


    name is dimir.¡±


    Banging the table excitedly, Armand announced, ¡°All right. My Chanaean name from now on is


    dimir!¡±


    Cecelia and Nina pointed at Avery and then at Armand, clutching their stomachs as they roared with


    Once again, Armand pouted with a suspicious gaze. ¡°What''s wrong? Is the name not good? This


    person''s your country''s hero and my idol. Why are you guysughing?¡±


    Suppressing herughter, Cecelia said, ¡°No. It''s just that this name suits you really well. We''ll call you


    dimir in the future, then.¡±


    Nina, on the other hand,ughed so hard that her face turned red.


    Avery''s mind is just impressive! She can fool someone so wlessly!

 Chapter 427

    Chapter 427


    It waste at night.


    As Cecelia was in the most critical period of her pregnancy, it was slightly inconvenient for her to move


    around. She left after bidding farewell to everyone.


    Avery and Nina also felt drowsy, so they decided to take their leave as well. With the exception of


    Madeline, those who remained in the karaoke room were all male coworkers.


    After the male colleagues and Madeline bid them farewell, they resumed their activities in the room.


    Armand did not want to stay in the boring private room any longer. He wanted to send Avery off, so he


    pretended to be drunk and stumbled so he could leave the gathering. The other men did not stop him


    since those who stayed had other interests in mind.


    Those male colleagues, who appeared proper and serious at work, called in the boss of the karaoke


    lounge to bring in a few gorgeous escorts before continuing to drink and have fun.


    While it was steamy in the private room, it was extremely cold outside of Azure Royal. When Avery,


    Cecelia, and Nina walked out of the entertainment outlet, the biting cold filled their lungs with every


    breath of the chilly air.


    Luckily, they had armed themselves with down jackets and thick scarves to keep them warm, so they


    didn''t feel that cold.


    ¡°Cecelia, should I send you back home?¡± Avery nced at Cecelia''s stomach with worry written clear in


    her eyes.


    Cecelia was five months pregnant, but her stomach seemed much bigger than usual. Avery had a


    suspicion that she was having twins.


    Cecelia patted her stomach lightly and chuckled heartily. ¡°It''s fine. I already called a taxi, so it will be


    here soon. It''s so cold, so you and Nina should go back and rest. Are you guys taking a taxi too?¡±


    Nina supported Cecelia''s arm and grumbled coyly, ¡°Cecelia, Ery already texted Mr. Moore half an hour


    ago, so he should be here pretty soon. You don''t need to worry about her. You should think about


    yourself instead. Going home at such ate hour while pregnant is quite inconvenient. What if


    something happens? How about this? I''ll send you back home. Then, I will spend the night at your


    house and leave early tomorrow for work.¡±


    Cecelia shot Nina a grateful look. ¡°Then, thank you, Nina.¡±


    In reality, she had never been scared of going backte at night when she was not pregnant. However,


    she did not dare to treat her life lightly with her nurturing a new life in her stomach now.


    Nina smiled. ¡°Haha! Cecelia, we''re all friends. You don''t have to be so polite to me! We ar¡ª¡±


    Beep! Beep!


    Not far away, a car started honking loudly in the dark.


    Then, a white Mercedes-Benz pulled up to the road next to them. N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Cecelia nced at it and noticed that the car te was AM6655. It was the taxi she had called for.


    Next to the Mercedes-Benz, there was a ck Rolls-Royce parked in a corner. It almost blended in with


    the pitch-ck night, like a graceful beast concealed in the shadows.


    Cecelia was well aware that the Rolls-Royce was the car Cayden used when not driving himself, so


    she knew that he was there to pick up Avery.


    Thus, she did not go over to Cayden to greet him. Instead, she waved at the Mercedes-Benz. ¡°I''m


    here!¡±


    The Mercedes-Benz moved toward them.


    Cecelia turned to Avery and urged, ¡°Ery, our taxi is here, so Nina and I are going to leave now. Also, I


    saw Mr. Moore''s car parked around the corner. He must have been waiting for you for a long time. You


    should hurry and go home to get some rest. It will be a tough battle tomorrow.¡±


    Avery bade them farewell. ¡°Okay, Cecelia. You and Nina ought to go home and rest as well. Don''t


    overexert yourselves.¡±


    After Cecelia and Nina sat at the back of the Mercedes-Benz, they opened the car window and waved


    at Avery. ¡°Ery, we''re leaving! See you tomorrow!¡±


    After they left, Avery finally saw the familiar Rolls-Royce.


    Cayden opened the car door and got out as Avery happily ran into his embrace.


    At that moment, Armand walked out of Azure Royal and instantly saw the scene of Avery pouncing on


    a tall man.


    Even the sight of her slender back was beautiful when she was running.


    A bright light shone from the corner of the road, almost blinding Armand in the process.


    He naturally narrowed his blue eyes as he saw the Rolls-Royce.


    Since he grew up in a wealthy family, he had seen his fair share of luxury cars. However, he couldn''t


    remain calm, knowing a luxury car was picking up Avery at thiste hour.


    He saw the man wrapping his arms around Avery''s waist intimately after she pounced into his


    embrace.


    Armand couldn''t see the man''s face in the dark. Instead, he could only see his tall and slim figure.


    Under the dim street light, the man appeared to have an indescribable sense of elegance coupled with


    aggressiveness. It seemed paradoxical.


    Is he the boyfriend that Avery was talking about? He seems very imposing!


    As a gentleman from Ustrana, he knew he shouldn''t eavesdrop on others'' conversations. However, he


    couldn''t help but hide behind a sturdy sycamore tree near the couple to listen to their conversation.


    The man''s voice was deep and rich, carrying a trace of elegance and sultriness. It was as melodious as


    a cello performance.


    Cayden''s hot breath tickled Avery''s ear. ¡°Silly. Why are you still behaving so rashly? Remember not to


    act so rashly next time. What if you fall?¡±


    Armand did not hear Avery''s reply. He only saw Cayden reply something back, resulting in Avery


    punching him yfully. Cayden chuckled before trapping her in his embrace. Then, he caught her


    punching hand and kissed it.


    Looking at their lovey-dovey interactions, Armand felt a tinge of jealousy, anger, and resentment.


    He hade all the way to Chanaea. After he finally fell in love with a girl, he found out she was


    already taken. It was so unfair!


    Upon that thought, Armandnded a punch on the tree angrily.


    Right then, Cayden''s gaze suddenly fell on the area he was hiding in.


    Armand was shocked and immediately hid behind the sycamore tree properly. He''s such a wary man!


    Cayden stared at the slightly moving sycamore tree. He thought he had caught a glimpse of a man


    behind the tree earlier.


    All of a sudden, a gust of wind blew. The barren sycamore tree shook even harder, causing Cayden to


    shake his head. Perhaps I was mistaken. The sycamore tree was probably moving because of a


    breeze just now.

 Chapter 428

    Chapter 428


    Thanks to the moonlight and brightly lit streemps, Armand finally caught a clear view of Cayden


    when thetter nced in his direction.


    One thing was for sure¡ªCayden had beautifully curved lips and exuded boundless elegance and


    grace.


    For a moment, Armand was almost sure that Cayden was a prince who had stepped straight out of a


    fairy tale. Not only did he have striking features, but there was also an air of aloofness about him. All in


    all, he radiated a most regal and imposing aura.


    Needless to say, Armand felt a little defeated.


    He couldn''t believe that the man he had just listed as his love rival was such a charming and dignified


    individual. As much as he hated to admit it, the sight of Cayden hugging the poised and gorgeous


    Avery was most pleasing to the eye.


    After all, the handsome couple was the kind who could easily attract attention and charm the pants off


    of anyone.


    At that moment, the woman Armand had fallen head over heels in love with was snuggled up against


    Cayden''s chest, looking incredibly happy in the safety of his arms.


    Of course, that only made Armand even more ufortable. However, just as he wanted to approach


    Avery, he saw Cayden leading her to the car and opening the door like the perfect gentleman.


    The woman couldn''t help but beam with delight.


    Upon seeing that, Armand changed his mind and froze in his tracks.


    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    He knew he had no right to interfere, so all he could do was helplessly watch the luxury car drive away


    and into the distance.


    The next day, Avery was up at the crack of dawn.


    After sitting down for breakfast as a family and sending Zachary and Rory to kindergarten, she


    promptly left for the office in Cayden''s car.


    When she was finally at her desk, Avery was shocked to see that her drawer was unlocked.


    A worried expression instantly marred her face.


    Hmm. I remember rushing off to Azure Royal for a gathering with Yvette and the othersst night, but I


    can''t remember if I locked my drawer before leaving...


    However, Avery soon saw the neat stack of papers in the drawer and recognized the top sheet as the


    meeting materials she had prepared the day before. Just like that, her suspicions were immediately


    ayed.


    Without further ado, she grabbed the thick stack of documents and walked to the conference room.


    As it turned out, the uing meeting was very different from before. Not only was Trident Group''s


    design department involved, but Vivi Group''s employees would also be present. More importantly, the


    upper management and directors from bothpanies would be in attendance, too.


    With Cayden and Vivi Group''s chairman gracing the event, that meant everyone''s words and actions


    would reflect the image of their respectivepanies.


    Ultimately, they had to gain the approval of Trident Group''s CEO and keep the higher-ups of Vivi Group


    satisfied.


    Due to therge turnout, the meeting could only be held in the multimedia room with stepped seating.


    Vivi Group''s chairman, Johnny Lawson, had already taken his seat on the left side of the conference


    table. He was a stern-looking middle-aged man who had long gotten used to calling the shots. Aside


    from his no-nonsense attitude, one couldn''t deny that he was in great shape for his age.


    Cayden, who was spiffily dressed in a sleek ck suit, had settled into a chair on the right of the table.


    Even though he was much younger than Johnny, his imposing aura wasparable to thetter''s.


    The higher-ups of Vivi Group quickly filled the seats in the two front rows while the other meeting


    attendees sat from the third row onward.


    Before long, Yvette''s team had taken up the entire third row.


    Avery decided to join Cecelia, Nina, and Trevor in the middle of the fourth row, but unfortunately, that


    left an empty seat beside her.


    Having noticed the opening, Armand ignored Avery''s glower and shamelessly plopped himself into the


    seat.


    Naturally, Avery was annoyed. Argh! What else can I do, though? The meeting is about to start, and I


    can''t possibly argue with Armand over a seat. I could ask to change with someone else, but that''d


    make me seem overly petty... Oh, forget it. I''ll let him be.


    Soon, the meeting was officially underway.


    The bigwigs of bothpanies shook hands to kick off the discussion, starting with the development


    ns for the oldmercial district.


    Since the two parties had different opinions about the profit distribution and various conflicts of interest


    to iron out, the goal of the meeting was for them to reach a consensus.


    The higher-ups from bothpanies began taking turns to state their respective cases. They exined


    the purpose and significance of the development project and even borated on how they''d ovee


    the possible issues. In short, they were all sharing their opinions and ideas to secure more benefits for


    thepany they served.


    After an enthusiastic sharing by the higher-ups, it was finally the architects'' turn to showcase their


    ns.


    Yvette took the stage first, followed by Wisteria.


    Not only were both women the industry''s cream of the crop, but they also excelled in the art of


    negotiation. In their attempts to increase profit for their respectivepany and prove their design was


    superior, the women pulled out all stops to showcase and justify their design blueprints.


    As it turned out, that was also Avery''s first time witnessing Wisteria''s design prowess.


    Thetter was, without a doubt, an aplished architect. Given the way she had wowed the crowd


    with her innovative designs and ideas, it was no wonder she was the lead architect for Trident Group.


    However, Vivi Group''s Yvette was no slouch, either. Her design was unique and impactful, and she


    could easily hold her own against Wisteria.


    When it came to Armand''s turn to present, Avery got the shock of her life.


    Oh, my goodness! Armand''s a neer to this project like me, but who knew he was this talented?


    He has all these novel and riveting ideas, some of which have never even crossed my mind! Hmm...


    Maybe this frivolous blue-eyed man isn''t as annoying as I thought.


    After Armand, it was Nina''s turn to speak, followed by Madeline.


    As always, Madeline had put on a wless face of makeup. Her attire, however, was much more


    formal, especially since she didn''t dare to be overly presumptuous in front of Johnny. Even then, she


    still paired a figure-hugging white shirt underneath her tailored ck suit that left little to the


    imagination.


    Although Madeline''s design and presentation weren''t as impressive as what her colleagues had


    prepared, she was still capable enough to add her unique ir and creative touch to her work.


    After all, Yvette had a good eye for people management. She would never have chosen Madeline to be


    part of the urban nning team if thetter had zero redeeming qualities.


    Once Madeline ended her presentation, it was time for Avery to take center stage. s, she was so


    nervous that she felt like her heart was about to jump out of her chest.


    Cecelia, who had finished her speech, pumped a fist into the air. ¡°You can do it, Ery! There''s nothing to


    worry about. Just treat this like any other normal meeting!¡±


    Nina, too, chimed in, ¡°You''ll be fine, Ery! I was also sweating bullets when I first got on stage. As soon


    as you start presenting, you''ll find your rhythm and gradually get the hang of it...¡±


    ¡°Got it. Thank you so much,¡± Avery replied.


    With that, she mustered up her courage as she strode to the conference table with her stack of


    documents and plugged her sh drive into theptop.


    Unbeknownst to everyone else, a smirk had crept across Yulissa''s face as though she knew something


    was about to happen...

 Chapter 429

    Chapter 429


    As Avery walked onstage, she subconsciously cast her gaze over Cayden, and the tension in her heart


    eased a little when she saw the encouraging look in his eyes.


    She distributed the printed materials to the heads of bothpanies and the higher-ups seated in the


    first two rows. Having plugged the sh drive into herptop, she adjusted the microphone and


    prepared to begin her presentation.


    Johnny looked grim after flicking through the file Avery had prepared. ¡°Have you made a mistake about


    the meeting''s agenda?¡±


    She looked down at the file in her hand in confusion. A secondter, she was gaping at it in shock.


    ¡°How... How is this possible? These aren''t the materials I preparedst night for this meeting but the


    design department''s work report for our weekly meeting...¡±


    The chairman of Vivi Group tossed the file onto the table, where itnded with a loud thud. His usually


    fearsome expression looked even more terrifying when he was angry. ¡°As an architect, how could you


    bring the wrong materials? Even someone who only just started their first job wouldn''t make a silly error


    like this! Do you think I''ll feel reassured that someone careless like you wants to participate in this


    urban renewal project?¡±


    Then, he turned to Cayden with an using re. ¡°Mr. Moore, is this the outstanding employee


    selected by yourpany? You''ve truly made me view yourpany in a different light.¡±


    Feeling ashamed, Avery went red in the face. She essed the sh drive in a panic to search for that


    project''s design drawings, even going through the folders for previous projects. s, try as she may,


    she could not find them. The color drained from her face. How can this be? Knowing the significance of


    this coboration between our twopanies, I was very particr about saving every design drawing


    I prepared into the sh drive. But now, everything I stored in there has vanished into thin air!


    Meanwhile, Wisteria fixed her gaze on the frantic Avery with a sneer. She could not help thinking the


    latter looked like a cat on a hot tin roof, running around like a headless chicken. Her lips curled in


    disdain. So, the woman the CEO has taken a liking to is her. Just a slight hup is enough to make her


    lose allposure. An ipetent woman like her will never hold a candle to me, much less be


    worthy of standing next to the CEO.


    The others in the conference room started whispering among themselves.


    As for the higher-ups in the front two rows, they looked up at the big screen and could not help shaking


    their heads while watching Avery''s mouse cursor flitting about as she tried to locate the meeting


    materials in various folders. Her files are stored neatly in a particrly organized manner. It''s clear


    she''s usually a very meticulous person, but somehow, she made such a big blunder this time!


    Although some sympathized with her, the majority disapproved of her careless behavior.


    Cecelia, Nina, Trevor, and the others were also feeling as anxious as Avery, especially Nina. Seeing


    Avery standing helplessly and awkwardly on the stage with her pale face, Nina felt the urge to rush


    over and give her aforting hug.


    Apart from Michael and Armand, who felt worried and sorry for Avery, the team led by Yvette watched


    Avery embarrass herself with cold indifference.


    At that moment, only Cayden remained seated calmly. He observed Avery''s panicked state. She was


    on the verge of tears and looked incredibly pitiful, but he did not step in directly to lend a helping hand.


    In our personal lives, I can protect her forever so that nothing harms her. At the workce, however, I


    can''t shield her for the rest of her life. She has to learn to be independent and keep her cool when


    dealing with emergencies.


    He waved Xavier over and said something in thetter''s ear. Then, Xavier stood up and reminded


    Avery kindly, ¡°Ms. Rumpley, why don''t you think carefully about where you could''ve ced the


    materials for this meeting? Could it be that you didn''t print them out at all?¡±


    She shook her head, puzzled. ¡°That''s not possible. I clearly remember printing everythingst night


    before leaving the office and cing them inside my desk''s drawer. It''s just that I forgot to lock the


    drawer. Aftering to work this morning, I immediately brought the materials here. I''m also at a loss


    as to why they suddenly turned into copies of a report from a past meeting.¡±


    When Xavier heard that the drawer had been left unlocked, his eyes lit up briefly as something seemed


    to ur to him. He asked, ¡°Think again carefully. Did you put them into your bag and bring them back


    with you?¡±


    She racked her brains again before finally shaking her head firmly. ¡°No. I absolutely didn''t.¡±


    ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    Johnny nced at the expensive watch on his wrist and snapped, ¡°That''s enough. I''m not interested in


    listening to your excuses. I''ll give you fifteen minutes to rectify this mess. Otherwise, you can take


    yourself off this team. I don''t need subordinates who are ipetent.¡±


    That harsh reprimand caused Cayden''s eyes to sh with a dangerous, cold light. Nheless, he


    continued sitting serenely, unmoving like a statue. The nce he cast at Johnny, however, was


    exceptionally cial.


    Meanwhile, Avery quietly held back tears, willing them not to spill over. She turned to the audience and


    gave a deep bow. ¡°I apologize. It was indeed my mistake. I''ll go to the office right away and find the


    materials.¡±


    Then, she hurried off the stage immediately and headed to the design department. A few minutester,


    she returned to the conference room, alone and discouraged. Despite rummaging through all the


    documents in her office, she had failed to find the materials she wanted. There''s no way I would''ve


    printed the wrong information. I wouldn''t make such an elementary slip-up as that because I always


    double and triple-check before printing. On top of that, I''m sure I didn''t bring it home because I vividly


    recall I had nothing with me when I went to Azure Royalst night.


    Unfortunately, she turned her office upside down to no avail and had no choice but to return to the


    stage dejectedly. She apologized to everyone again. ¡°I''m terribly sorry. I''ve searched through all my


    files but couldn''t find them. I don''t have a clue how they could''ve disappeared just like that...¡±


    Johnny''s expression darkened as he locked his gaze on her pale face. Furious, he said, ¡°I focus on


    oues rather than processes. You don''t have to waste your breath exining anything to me


    anymore. Ensuring important materials are stored properly is an employee''s basic responsibility, yet


    you''ve failed to do so. Mr. Moore, I''m sure you wouldn''t want to see an employee like that participate in


    this project, right?¡±


    As the others'' gazes fell upon Avery, she felt a prickling sensation run down her back, and her legs felt


    so weak that she could hardly stand. Seeing Cayden look toward her made her feel even more


    ashamed. I feel so bad! Not only have I embarrassed thepany, but I''ve also disappointed him,


    haven''t I?


    Subconsciously, she shifted her gaze to meet his. There were no traces of mockery or disappointment


    in his eyes. On the contrary, she saw his absolute trust and encouragement toward her. Her heart


    skipped a beat at the sight of that. I can''t let this happen. Embarrassing myself is one thing, but I can''t


    possibly tarnish thepany''s reputation or let Cayden down!


    Hence, she gritted her teeth and made a bold decision. She took a deep breath, looked at the crowd,


    and said, ¡°I''d like to apologize again for taking up so much of your time. I fully acknowledge that this


    was my mistake and am willing to ept any form of punishment meted out by thepany. The


    design drawings I prepared for this project may be gone, but I still remember their contents. I can


    describe them to you right here, right now. Please give me a chance.¡±


    Her response sparked an uproar. A collective gasp rose from the crowd, and many even wore looks of


    utter disbelief.

 Chapter 430

    Chapter 430


    Those are some big words. Does she know what she has just said? Most people would still have ws


    in their presentation after they have prepared their materials. Yet, she''s saying she can present without


    reading from a script! Everyone in the conference room was looking at Avery dubiously. Consequently,


    she felt nervous, and her palms started sweating.


    Feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, Avery couldn''t help but sp the documents in her hands.


    Those were some architectural design drafts that she identally found in her filing cab when she


    went to the design department to look for information.


    Obviously, those sketches weren''t abstract graphic design drawings, nor were they 3D renderings


    made by software. Instead, those architectural renderings were drawn with sketch pens and colored


    pencils in her spare time.


    Although Avery had never studied professional drawing, she was incredibly talented. In addition, she


    loved to paint, and she would paint in her spare time. Whenever she had her burst of inspiration, she


    would immediately pick up her sketch pens and colored pencils to draw her ideas instead of using any


    software.


    At that moment, those were the sketches Avery was holding in her hands.


    Before that, the department head would ridicule her sketching by saying how it was an old-fashioned


    method of designing. However, she ignored thosements and insisted on doing it her way.


    Now, all the design samples and 3D renderings of urban reform buildings saved in the sh drive are


    all wiped out. Perhaps I can use these original drawings to get me out of trouble. With that in mind,


    Avery steeled herself and stood firmly on the stage.


    She then opened the cover of the scanner and ced her designs on it.


    After that, she operated the scanner deftly.


    Seeing that, everyone was at a loss, wondering what the employee who made a mistake was going to


    do.


    Their expression changed when they saw the scribbled architectural drawings on the huge screen in


    the conference room. Despite looking scribbled, the drawings left the audience in awe. Having done


    that, Avery showed some pictures of the oldmercial street from her database.


    Her delicate voice then resonated across the conference room when she said through the microphone,


    ¡°I''m truly sorry about the dy. Now, we may start the conference regarding the theme chosen. I''ve


    drawn these sketches using sketch pens and colored pencils to showcase what themercial district


    would look like after the redesign. I would like to exin the concept and ideas behind my design.¡±


    At that moment, the people in the audience all had different expressions on their faces.


    However, most of them were seemingly curious and in disbelief.


    While Cayden was wearing a warm smile on his handsome face, Johnny was frowning.


    At the same time, Nina, Cecelia, and the others seemed relieved, and Yvette was sizing Avery up with


    her scrutinizing gaze.


    Furthermore, Armand and Michael seemed utterly surprised.


    Meanwhile, Wisteria and Yulissa both had grim expressions on their faces. Yulissa was even clenching


    her fists in annoyance.


    With aser pointer in her hand, Avery pointed at the current state of the oldmercial district and


    said in a deep voice, ¡°This is a photo of the oldmercial district situated in the prime location in


    Moomluft Square. Over a decade ago, this was the busiestmercial district. However, with the


    expansion of urbanization, changes in themercial pattern, and the constraints of traffic factors, the


    disadvantages of the oldmercial district have gradually been increasing. In the end, the condition


    of the district became unfavorable. Now, a transformation is the only viable option. One may wonder


    how a certified architect would creatively redesign amercial district so that it would once again


    be a futuristicmercial district that could amodate the changes in the business scene and


    attract the crowd. In my opinion, the current design of themercial district is great. However, it''s


    undeniably outdated. The most favorable thing about thismercial district is that it''s located in the


    city center. Hence, it''s surrounded by many other high-end business districts and high-end residences.


    That''s why I think the theme for the redesign should be trendy and modern. That was what I had in


    mind when I did my design sketches. Although these sketches were drawn by hand, please take a look


    at them. I think this design works wonders for the consumers because...¡±


    Although Avery''s drawings looked scribbled, they obviously illustrated her immense skill in sketching


    and designing.


    Those colorful atmospheric architectural appearances and various irregr multi-story buildings


    seemed distinct individually butplemented each other well.


    She also added a lot of trendy elements to the design. The design emphasized open spaces,


    ecologicalndscapes, spectacr gardens for entertainment purposes on the rooftops, and


    convenient transportation methods to demonstrate the potential of the area bing a booming


    business district.


    Evidently, all the designs of the buildings Avery created could take one''s breath away.


    As Avery was presenting, Cayden was sitting in his seat quietly and watching her presentation


    attentively. Now, she looks assertive and confident instead of a woman on the verge of bursting into


    tears moments prior.


    Although Avery was speaking in a gentle tone, she wasser-focused and bold with her answers.


    Despite the fact that Johnny was constantly throwing questions at her, Avery managed to answer him


    effortlessly.


    Needless to say, Avery''s performance was ster.


    At the same time, the smile on Cayden''s face was growing wider. As expected, the woman I''m into


    doesn''t disappoint.


    Meanwhile, Yulissa, who was among the crowd, was livid. She wanted nothing more than to deliver a


    tight p across Avery''s face when she saw Avery smiling and presenting her designs calmly and


    gracefully. Why is this happening? My design was wless! How did Avery''s scribbled designs have me


    beat? This is infuriating!


    Avery''s magnificent presentation ended over an hourter, and the silence in the conference room was


    deafening.


    Silence only broke when Cayden started pping for Avery. The rest of the audience quickly regained


    their senses and apuded her as well.


    Nina was pping so hard that her palms were reddened. She was genuinely proud of her friend''s


    spectacr performance. Avery is incredibly capable!


    Among the crowd, Johnny''s darkened expression seemed to have eased up tremendously. This


    woman, Avery, has exceeded my expectations. Although shemitted a mistake, her talent in


    architecture design has most certainly made up for it.


    Right then, Johnny''s assistant reminded softly, ¡°Mr. Lawson, it''s your turn to speak.¡±


    Johnny snapped out of his train of thought and nced at Avery beforending his gaze on Cayden.


    ¡°Mr. Moore, there''s nock of talent in yourpany. The female employee made a minute mistake


    prior to her presentation, but she can definitely learn to have a better memory. Here''s my proposal. I''m


    willing to give up five percent, and we shall sign the contract today. What do you think?¡±


    Initially, Johnny thought Cayden would be eager to sign the contract, considering that he had caved in.


    After all, I''ve made a considerablepromise. Unlike a coboration worth hundreds of thousands


    between two smallpanies, our deal is worth millions. Once our deal is struck, we''re looking to


    make profits of over a hundred million. That''s especially the case because it''s a huge urban reform


    project.


    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    Due to the fact that the oldmercial district was in a prime location, every small piece ofnd there


    would be worth a fortune. Besides, it was a vast area, and every businessperson could foresee the


    value of thend being hiked up in the future.


    With his darkened gaze, Cayden made a swift decision and replied, ¡°I think you ought to give up ten


    percent, at least.¡±


    What? The employees of Vivi Group were on the verge of swearing at Cayden when they heard those


    words. Like the others, Johnny''s expression had turned grim all of a sudden. What an arrogant young


    man!

 Chapter 431

    Chapter 431


    The development of the oldmercial district was worth hundreds of billions. Trident Group and Vivi


    Group were joining forces because of their huge capital chains. Besides, it was almost impossible for a


    company to develop the aforementioned prime location on its own.


    That was because the local government in Ackleton was regting the economy, so there was no way


    the government would award such a lucrative development project to a singlepany.


    ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    Even if they would, not a singlepany could handle the project alone.


    Since the coboration could be worth hundreds of billions, every percent represented a huge amount


    of money. Hence, Vivi Group wasn''t ready to give up such arge sum of profits.


    In a sh, the negotiation came to a stalemate, with both parties refusing to budge. The executives of


    Vivi Group were even looking at Cayden with fury in their eyes.


    At first, they were already fighting ferociously with the executives of Trident Group for one to two


    percent of the difference in profits. It was only natural for them to get angry when Cayden tried to take


    more profits away from them.


    Since they had fallen out with each other, the directors of Vivi Group no longer saw the point in acting


    respectfully. In fact, they were adamant about maintaining the terms Johnny had given. Some of them


    were even trying to decrease the percentage of profits Trident Group would receive because they knew


    Trident Group wouldn''t be able to handle the development of the prime location on their own. The


    executives of Vivi Group were also acting brazenly because they knew they were just as financially


    capable as Trident Group.


    Meanwhile, the executives of Trident Group were baffled. What on earth is Mr. Moore doing?


    At the same time, the displeasure on the faces of several older major shareholders of Trident Group


    was apparent. Although Mr. Moore is now striving for more benefits for Trident Group, a young CEO


    like him is definitely too full of himself. During the board meeting yesterday, we had already discussed


    the matter thoroughly. We''re supposed to split half of the profit with Vivi Group. In the worst-case


    scenario, we agreed on giving Vivi Group a bigger piece of the cut just so that we could strike a deal.


    Now, Mr. Lawson had already offered to give Trident Group an extra five percent. We''re supposed to be


    happy with it and sign the deal! However, Mr. Moore decided otherwise.


    The negotiation went on with both parties arguing with each other and refusing to back down.


    As time passed, the executives of Vivi Group gradually lost their cool andposure.


    Yet, Cayden remained calm as he sat in his chair gracefully.


    In the end, even the usually expressionless Johnny was getting nervy as he stared at Cayden. It seems


    like the younger generation is taking over the business world.


    In reality, Cayden and Johnny hade across each other over a decade ago. At that time, they were


    also engaged in a business negotiation.


    However, Cayden was still rather inexperienced back then. Although he had business knowledge and


    drive, he was less vicious.


    Having said that, Cayden was still a tough man to deal with.


    During theirst encounter, Johnny had predicted Cayden to be an extraordinary businessman in


    Ackleton in the future.


    Little did Johnny know that his prediction would be spot-on.


    After so many years in the corporate world, Cayden had be smarter and more ruthless. That was


    especially the case when he negotiated business deals. With a ferocious and domineering aura, he


    was no longer the rookie he once was.


    Clearly, Johnny was feeling helpless.


    The intense negotiation went on for over an hour, and they still couldn''t strike a deal.


    During the negotiation, Cayden wouldn''t give in, and Johnny and his associates were also being


    upromising.


    At that point, the executives of Trident Group felt as though they were about to lose their minds


    because they had been looking forward to the deal for almost a year. Now that the deal has been


    presented to us, one can only imagine how much money we''re going to make. However, something


    unexpected happened. How can we not panic?


    Meanwhile, Avery was also growing anxious. I know better than anyone how hard Cayden had worked


    on this project. In order to get this development project, he had been workingte on more than one


    asion. Why did he suddenly change his mind?


    While everyone around him seemed to be panicking, Cayden was as cool as a cucumber. He even


    asked Xavier to light a cigarette for him as he casually stared at those employees of Vivi Group


    crumbling under pressure. When those employees saw how rxed Cayden was, they got even more


    annoyed. What the f*ck? He doesn''t even take Vivi Group seriously!


    Kendrick, who was sitting next to Cayden, was also getting worried, so he couldn''t help but whisper,


    ¡°Cayden, I think the five percent Vivi Group is giving us is good enough. Why don''t we just sign the deal


    now?¡±


    That was the first time Kendrick had seen how bold Cayden could be during negotiations. No matter


    how hard I work, I don''t think I can ever match Cayden''s capability.


    Despite his thought, Kendrick genuinely thought they needed the deal badly. Not only can the deal


    bring an enormous amount of cash to Trident Group, but thepany can also grow exponentially.


    In response, Cayden raised his brows and patted Kendrick''s shoulder. ¡°Calm down. Even if the


    negotiation breaks down today, I can still get us the urban reform project,¡± he whispered.


    Although Kendrick had a lot ofments on his mind upon hearing those words, he was convinced


    when he saw how confident Cayden was. Cayden would never do something he isn''t sure about, and


    he would never fight a battle he can''t win. Since he said he could do it, he surely has his way!


    ¡°Mr. Moore, I can''t ept your terms. Why don''t we each take a step back? The most I can give is


    seven percent. What do you think? If you can''t ept that, I''m afraid I''m going to leave.¡± Johnny had


    also started smoking, and the anxiety on his face could be vaguely seen in the smog.


    Cayden took a puff of his cigarette and ashed it elegantly. He then swept a nce at the crowd before


    landing his gaze on Avery.


    When he saw how worried she looked, his cold expression eased up a little.


    However, his gaze immediately turned stern once more when he shifted his gaze toward Johnny.


    Despite those threatening words from Johnny, Cayden was unperturbed. ¡°No. I want ten percent.


    Otherwise, you can forget about the deal. Mr. Lawson, let me be frank about something. I don''t need


    Vivi Group to take this project on. In fact, Mr. Gibson of Gibson Corporation, Mr. Yankovich of


    Yankovich Enterprise, and even Mr. Lincoln of JK Media had all spoken to me prior to this. They told


    me to approach them if there''s a project I need a coborator to participate in. The only reason Vivi


    Group came to my mind is that there''s a simrity between yourpany and mine. We both have


    talented architectural designers. If you don''t wish to work with me, Mr. Lawson, I''m afraid there''s


    nothing I can do about it.¡±


    As Cayden was talking, he was staring at Johnny with his icy gaze. If I''ve never even raised my voice


    when I talk to Avery, how can I ept the fact that Johnny had just reprimanded her in public? I''m just


    avenging her by taking those profits off of his hands!

 Chapter 432

    Chapter 432


    Johnny''s blood pressure skyrocketed out of frustration.


    Just listen to what Cayden is saying! Apparently, he has a backup coboration partner! However, upon


    remembering the wide connections that Cayden had, Johnny was a little hesitant.


    If this coboration does not work out, Cayden might actually choose to work with otherpanies.


    Plus, the fewpanies that he listed are more powerful than thest.


    In the end, Johnny waved his hand weakly as he suppressed the dull ache in his heart. ¡°Mr. Moore,


    allow me to discuss with the board of directors of ourpany before I make a decision.¡±


    ¡°Go ahead, Mr. Lawson. Feel free to use the conference room,¡± Cayden offered as he put out his


    cigarette.


    The negotiation came to a temporary halt.


    All the representatives of Vivi Group headed for the conference room next door in an orderly manner,


    while Avery and her colleagues returned to the design department.


    Avery had wanted to spend some time alone with Cayden. After the intense business negotiation that


    they had just had, Cayden must have felt exhausted. She wanted to give him an encouraging hug.


    However, they were at the office. Since they had not publicized their rtionship, she did not find it


    appropriate to go to him for no reason.


    Just when Avery reached her desk, she received a call from Cayden through the internalndline


    asking her to go to his office.


    Under the teasing gazes of Cecelia and Nina as well as a jealous look from Yulissa, Avery headed over


    to Cayden''s office.


    The hallways were covered by thick, soft carpets with intricate patterns. The design of the carpets was


    simple yet tasteful. Walking on the carpets felt like walking on fluffy cotton balls. It was beyond cozy.


    As Avery stepped on the carpet, she felt a warmth radiating from her heart.


    Ever since she got pregnant, Cayden was worried that she might hurt herself. He had intentionally


    hired people toy the carpets in the hallways, showing her how thoughtful he was.


    A handsome face appeared in front of her the moment Avery knocked on the office door. Before she


    could react, she was already wrapped in his arms.


    She felt a wet and warm sensation on her lips. Cayden had nted a firm kiss on the lips.


    Cayden''s passionate kiss made it difficult for Avery to breathe.


    She could only push his chest away forcefully with her small hands. ¡°Mm... C-Cayden! I c-can''t...


    breathe...¡±


    Only then did Cayden release his grip on her and caress her shoulders with his strong pair of hands.


    A hint of tobo was mixed with his signature scent, yet it did not repulse Avery. Instead, she felt her


    heart squeeze slightly in pain.


    Avery knew Cayden was a heavy smoker. Because of the extreme stress of work, he would usually


    depend on smoking to relieve his stress. Yet, now that she was pregnant, he could only try to control


    himself and stop smoking in front of her.


    If he really needed a drag, he would smoke outside before going back.


    That was something Avery truly appreciated.


    Indeed, she was more sensitive to the smell of smoke during pregnancy, but sometimes, when she saw


    how much he was struggling not to smoke, she wanted to tell him it was okay if he did. Nheless,


    Cayden''s self-control wasmendable. He would rather endure the difort of the withdrawal


    effects than smoke in front of Avery.


    Averyy her head on Cayden''s chest. She could still hear his strong heartbeat through his white shirt


    and suit.


    Touching the slight stubble on his chin, she asked softly, ¡°Why did you change your mind halfway


    through signing the agreement? I know you really want to work with Vivi Group. You''ve sacrificed so


    many days of sleep for this coboration n. The profit that Mr. Lawson offered was well within your


    eptable range, so why did you hesitate?¡±


    A slight stubble had grown on Cayden''s usual clean-shaven chin. It pained Avery to feel the stubble as


    she moved her fingers gently across his chin.


    He had workedte into many nights for the coboration. For someone who took cleanliness seriously,


    he did not even have time to shave his beard.


    Avery knew that the main reason Cayden did not want to sign the agreement was not that he thought


    the profit was a bit low.


    Cayden kissed the delicate woman in front of him softly and did not answer her. All he wanted to do


    was to embrace her.


    With her in his arms, he could forget all of his exhaustion.


    Pregnant Avery might look as slim as before, but her cheeks were starting to look chubbier. If one were


    to hug her, one could tell that she had gotten a little rounder.


    ¡°It''s not my fault he scolded you in front of so many people. You''re my woman. No one can speak


    negatively about you.¡± Despite his domineering statement, Cayden''s eyes were filled with tenderness.


    ¡°T-This is the reason you suddenly changed your mind about signing the agreement?¡± Avery tightened


    her grip around his sleeves, dumbfounded.


    If that''s the reason, Mr. Lawson will probably cry in frustration if he ever finds out.


    Avery thought it was inappropriate. She could not agree with Cayden''s actions. How could he refuse to


    sign a contract that was worth hundreds of billions for such a selfish reason? Not to mention that it was


    because of me.


    Although she was moved by his statement, Avery was overwhelmed with guilt.


    She advised Cayden, ¡°Don''t do this. I was the one who made a mistake. It was only natural for Mr.


    Lawson to reprimand me. Cayden, if we''re not a couple, and I''m just your employee, you would have


    scolded me too for making such a stupid mistake. It''s normal. Don''t call off the agreement just because


    of me. Otherwise, I would feel guilty for the rest of my life. Also¡ª¡±


    Cayden instantly cut her off with a kiss.


    Despite the passionate kiss, Cayden''s eyes reflected the rity of his mind. His ambition filled his


    gaze.


    In Avery''s eyes, Cayden was always a distinguished and caring gentleman. However, one could not


    deny that he was also extremely ambitious. His ambition was not satisfied with a mere coboration


    with Vivi Group. There was a hidden agenda. No one knew that his true goal was to overpower Vivi


    Group and make it a part of Trident Group!


    Meanwhile, Wisteria made her way to Cayden''s office in her high heels.


    She looked around her surroundings in mild surprise. The hallways were suddenly covered with thick,


    soft carpets.


    Not a single sound could be heard as she walked through the hallway in high heels.


    The surprise quickly faded. When she arrived at Cayden''s office, she noticed that the door was slightly


    ajar. Just as she was about to knock, the scene that yed before her eyes made her cover her mouth


    tightly in shock.


    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    The man that she was secretly in love with for the past ten years was kissing and embracing a petite


    woman with a gentleness that she had never seen in him.


    The woman was a head shorter than Cayden and had her back to Wisteria, so Wisteria could not see


    the face of the woman Cayden was kissing.


    However, Wisteria got a peep at the woman''s outfit and side profile. It only took her a mere nce to


    figure out the woman was Avery.


    Yulissa had reported to Wisteria multiple times that Cayden was smitten with a woman named Avery.


    Even so, a hint of doubt had always lingered in Wisteria''s heart.


    In fact, even when Yulissa had sent her photos of them being intimate, Wisteria would convince herself


    that Cayden was just ying around and that someone as outstanding as him would never like


    someone as average as Avery.


    Yet at that moment, as she stood by the door, Wisteria witnessed with her own eyes the passionate


    and ming kiss between the couple. They were so deep into the kiss that they looked as though they


    were unwilling to separate. The heartache and burning jealousy washed over Wisteria like a flood.

 Chapter 433

    Chapter 433


    Wisteria had dropped by the CEO''s office to ask Cayden why he would change his mind at thest


    minute since they had already agreed to sign the contract with Vivi Group before the meeting.


    Thest thing she expected was to see something so heartbreaking.


    She had the urge tough, but her voice was stuck in her throat. Grievance seared her as she


    remembered falling in love with Cayden from the first moment she met him.


    She had just graduated from a famous international architecture university overseas back then. Upon


    her return to the country, many giant corporations fought over her talents. Despite the various


    competitive offers, she chose the Moore Group, which was on the brink of bankruptcy because the


    general manager was Cayden then. Plus, she recognized the talent he had.


    Indeed, he didn''t disappoint her. Under his leadership, he turned the tide, expanding Moore Group and


    finally detaching thepany from the Moore family''s control, rebranding thepany as Trident


    Group.


    Having known Cayden for so long, Wisteria hadpletely fallen head over heels for his charms and


    character.


    Her feelings for him grew deeper and deeper until they became a flower that would never bloom¡ªa


    flower that could only hide in the dark, out of sight. Even though it couldn''t blossom, it wouldn''t wither


    easily either.


    What was gratifying to Wisteria was that despite Cayden''s obliviousness to her feelings, he didn''t have


    any scandal with any woman from the upper society or the celebrities and models from the


    entertainment industry.


    She was pleased with him for keeping his nose clean and figured if she continued to persevere, a day


    woulde when he would finally notice her feelings.


    She thought with their simr temperament and fundamental views and ideas, no woman was more


    suitable for him than herself.


    Yet, he suddenly had a pair of twins in his arms one day six years ago. With a blissful smile stretched


    across his handsome face, he told her he was going to be a father.


    She was thunderstruck by the news.


    Looking at the two beautiful babies in their swaddling clothes, Wisteria felt her heart bleeding.


    She wondered when he had them, who he had them with, and why she didn''t notice anything.


    Right then, she recalled there were times when the usually serious Cayden would space out while


    smiling gently as she reported work to him. She had been perplexed and sad as she wondered whether


    he was slowly changing.


    She realized Cayden''s attitude then was a sign of him falling in love.


    After that, Wisteria tried everything, even hiring a private investigator to find out about the twins''


    mother. Yet, every investigation came back empty as though every lead had intentionally been


    destroyed. It was so clean that she couldn''t find anything.


    She tried asking Cayden about it indirectly a few times before, but he would switch the topic every time.


    After one too many times, Cayden''s avoidance slowly turned to frustration. Wisteria stopped asking


    after that because she didn''t want to cross him again.


    Years passed, and the woman Wisteria deemed her enemy never showed up. Cayden was still the


    same as always, except he had two babies by his side.


    His lifestyle didn''t change much, and she was still waiting for him to look at her.


    Her unrequited love for him intensified, yet she didn''t dare to confess. She was afraid that Cayden


    would reject her.


    Her fragile pride couldn''t withstand that blow. The fear of an unrepairable crack forming between them


    was overwhelming.


    That day, as she stared at the man she loved with all her heart kissing another woman, the rim of her


    eyes turned red. Grievance, sadness, bitterness, and jealousy flooded her, and the blood drained from


    her face. She was pale as a sheet as she silently turned around and left disheartened.


    She still held her head high and kept her back straight, but her beautiful eyes were cold as ice.


    Meanwhile, the couple fervently kissing in the room didn''t notice Wisteria had been in the same room


    with them for a while.


    After a long while, Cayden finally released Avery.


    Avery''s beautiful face was flushed after a make-out session.


    The sight hit him in the softest ce in his heart. His urge to take care of her surged.


    Cayden kissed Avery''s lips again before asking, ¡°Head back to the design department first. I have a


    shareholder meetingter. If we can''t coborate with Vivi Group this time, some old fossils of Trident


    Group will protest vehemently, so I have to reassure them temporarily.¡±


    Avery nodded obediently, her ears a little red. ¡°Okay.¡±


    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    She returned to the design department.


    The employees of the design department weren''t working and were chit-chatting by the time she got


    back because there would be a meeting in a short while.


    Avery went back to her seat, only to see Cecelia and Nina ying a game on their phones.


    They were so into the game that they didn''t notice her return.


    Avery gently patted Nina''s shoulder to get her attention, but it shocked the living daylights out of Nina.


    Nina identally swiped the screen with her finger and her avatar in the game died.


    Nina turned around to re at the culprit, who disturbed her, and saw it was Avery. She pouted and


    comined, ¡°Why did you touch me? I was so close to breaking through to the next level.¡±


    Cecelia rolled her eyes at Nina and waved her phone with excitement as she bragged, ¡°I can''t believe


    you''re still stuck there after ying for so long. I''m already far ahead.¡±


    Cecelia set her phone down and pulled Avery to her seat. ¡°Hey, Ery, I saw Ms. Summerse out of


    the CEO''s private elevator when I returned from the restroom earlier. She looked mad. Did something


    happen between the two of you?¡± Cecelia whispered into Avery''s ear.


    Wisteria went to the CEO''s office earlier?


    Avery was stunned by the news but didn''t remember seeing Wisteria, so she shook her head. ¡°I didn''t


    see Ms. Summers just now.¡±


    Cecelia kept a firm grip on Avery''s wrist as she continued to whisper, ¡°Here me out, Ery. I think Ms.


    Summers has feelings for Mr. Moore. You have to watch out for her. That woman is not someone you


    can easily deal with. I''m sure you''re curious why there was no woman by Mr. Moore''s side over the


    years. Mr. Moore didn''t have much interest in women, for one. Another was any scheming woman who


    had any contact with Mr. Moore got secretly dealt with by Ms. Summers.¡±


    Cecelia had been working for Trident Group for many years, so she had heard a fair share of rumors.


    With her sharp eyes, there wasn''t much that she couldn''t see through.


    Nina''s ears perked up as she eavesdropped. Her eyebrows shot up at the startling news. ¡°No way! Ms.


    Summers likes Mr. Moore? She always keeps her distance from Mr. Moore, though. I never noticed it!¡±


    Cecelia said earnestly, ¡°You won''t know it, Dummy. Do you know what''s ying hard to get? Men like it


    when women y hard to get. It gets their desire boiling when the things or persons pose a challenge


    for them to obtain.¡±


    Noticing Avery''s pale look, Cecelia added, ¡°Of course, Mr. Moore isn''t shallow like the rest of the men.


    He only loves you. Otherwise, Ms. Summers would''ve had him years ago. But I still think you should be


    careful of her. That woman is not easy to deal with.¡±

 Chapter 434

    Chapter 434


    Avery fell silent.


    She knew Wisteria was crafty from the time Wisteria left a woman''s underwear in Cayden''s car.


    However, Avery believed the rtionship she had with Cayden was impregnable.


    What could Wisteria do even if she was good at underhanded tactics? The woman Cayden loved was


    her, Avery.


    If Cayden had feelings for Wisteria, they would''ve be a couple years ago, and Wisteria wouldn''t


    have had to wait until then.


    Avery shed an unbothered smile at Cecelia. ¡°Got it, Cecelia, but I believe my rtionship with


    Cayden can survive any hardship. Some things belong to me, and no one can take them away.


    Simrly, I won''t take the things that don''t belong to me. We''ve been through so much. Our rtionship


    won''t break so easily.¡±


    Cecelia and Nina didn''t know what to say as they stared at Avery.


    They truly hoped Avery could get her happily ever after. After all, a kind woman like Avery deserved a


    good man who treated her well.


    Unwilling to continue the serious topic, Nina suggested, ¡°Hey, Cecelia, Ery, let''s continue ying the


    game. Let''s see who can get the highest score. How about that?¡±


    Avery and Cecelia agreed.


    When the trio took out their phones, Yulissa called for everyone to the conference room to continue the


    meeting.


    Everyone returned to the conference room once again, and the discussion continued.


    However, the atmosphere in the conference room wasyered with tension.


    The executives of Vivi Group were sitting stiffly, their nerves stretched taut, especially Johnny.


    Throughout the entire meeting, he had a scowl on his face.


    In contrast, the executives of Trident Group were in high spirits. Cayden seemed to have said


    something to calm the major shareholders who protested vehemently earlier.


    The imposing Cayden still sat in an upright posture. He watched the employees of Vivi Group coolly as


    though he had everything figured out.


    The two major corporations were contesting silently.


    Finally, the chairman of Vivi Group started, ¡°Mr. Moore, after a discussion with my colleagues, we


    decided to coborate with Trident Group, but on one condition. In the event that yourpany makes


    a mistake during the construction or acts in any way which will impact the profit of Vivi Group, we''ll


    terminate the coboration immediately.¡±


    Cayden arched his brow. ¡°No problem.¡± N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    ¡°Excellent. Let''s sign the agreement today.¡±


    Two sets of documents wereid on the table. After amending the assignment of benefits, the CEOs of


    both corporations stood up, shook hands, and signed the agreements.


    After that, Cayden nced at his watch and said, ¡°I wish our coboration a sess, Mr. Lawson. I


    hope everything goes smoothly for both corporations. I''ve set up a banquet here. Would you like to


    have a meal before you leave?¡±


    ¡°That''s fine. I still have matters to attend to. Let''s have a meal sometime when we''re free.¡±


    Johnny''s expression was grim after he lost arge amount of profit. He turned down Cayden''s invitation


    and gestured for his colleagues to leave. ¡°Let''s go.¡±


    The people from Vivi Group all had gloomy looks. They hade to Trident Group with anticipation but


    left with anger.


    The upper management of Trident Group didn''t expect Johnny would agree with the unfair conditions


    they offered. Naturally, their joys soared through the roof as theyvished Cayden with praises.


    Cayden waved his hand and had them leave the room first.


    At his order, the employees filed out of the conference room.


    Avery trailed after the other employees. Being thest one to leave, she couldn''t help but spare a


    backward nce at the handsome man.


    He was still sitting at the end of the table, skimming through a document, and would asionally


    discuss something with Xavier and Kendrick.


    As she looked at Cayden being so serious at his work, Avery''s face was filled with admiration and love.


    She admired his excellent abilities and fell for his charms once again.


    Noticing an intense gaze staring at him, Cayden turned to search for the source.


    When he realized it was Avery, he put away his indifferent look and shed her a smile.


    Sparks flew when their eyes met, and the air sizzled with the intensity of their stares.


    Jealously welled up within Wisteria as she watched the man she put on a pedestal smile gently at


    Avery. Her legs felt as though they were filled with lead. She couldn''t take another step to leave.


    He never smiled at me like that before.


    Hatred and anger boiled within Wisteria. She watched as Avery''s back slowly disappeared from her


    sight, then finally moved her legs to leave the conference room.


    Meanwhile, passion filled the air in the room of a hotel. On the messy bed, Nicole was forced to submit


    to Roderick''s ferocious taking.


    ¡°Turn around!¡± Roderick demanded.


    Nicole screamed as she tried to cover herself.


    Roderick smacked her butt with a look of disdain. ¡°Why are you covering yourself? Tell me which part


    of you I haven''t seen.¡±


    Tears of humiliation and anger flowed out of Nicole''s eyes at Roderick''s crude remark.


    ¡°Why are you acting all pitiful now? Aww, poor baby, you''re such an excellent actress.¡±


    Nicole''s body trembled as she tightened her grip on the bedcovers. ¡°I''m not!¡±


    ¡°You''re not, huh?¡± Roderick''s mocking and contemptuous tone was too much for Nicole to handle. The


    rim of her eyes turned red.


    Overwhelming hatred filled her, but she buried it.


    She was the lofty daughter of the Lambert family, who had at some point sumbed to being


    Roderick''s booty call. He wanted her toe to him at his beck and call. Otherwise, he would reveal


    her naked photos to tarnish her reputation. Nicole hated him so much, but there was nothing she could


    do.


    If she could, she would stab him to death.


    However, pangs of pain woulde from her injured left hand, acting as a reminder for her not to be


    reckless before recoveringpletely, or she would be the one to get hurt.


    The phone on the nightstand rang.


    Roderick stopped moving and looked at the number on the screen. Hostility reced the contempt in


    his cold eyes.


    Finally, he got out of bed. ¡°I have to leave for a while. Be good while I''m gone... or I''ll make you


    understand the consequences of pissing me off.¡±


    Hope bloomed inside Nicole when she heard Roderick was leaving, but she didn''t show it on her face.


    Instead, she said obediently, ¡°Got it.¡±


    Roderick nodded with satisfaction.


    In a matter of seconds, he had put on all his clothing. His swift action stunned Nicole. Her heart sank at


    the same time. This man is way too powerful. It''ll be hard if I want to escape his clutches.


    Nicole was just about to put her clothes on when she received a call from ire.


    ire informed her that George had a rpse, and she and William were taking care of him at the


    Lambert residence, so she had Nicole head over to George''s ce too. Before Nicole headed over,


    she asked Nicole to get some supplements from home.


    Nicole agreed.


    Bearing the ache and exhaustion all over her body, Nicole dragged herself back to the Lambert


    residence. She found the supplements on the couch in the living room, then went upstairs to change


    her clothes. Walking past her father''s study, she noticed the door wasn''tpletely shut. A thought


    crossed her mind. Without thinking further, she walked over to the door and entered the room.

 Chapter 435

    Chapter 435


    William''s study was spacious, with a ten-tiered mahogany bookshelf covering all the walls.


    Books of various genres were neatly arranged on the shelves.


    After sneaking into the study like a burr, Nicole quickly locked the door. Being surrounded by tens of


    thousands of books made her feel dizzy.


    Knowing her father well, she believed he would have kept the most important documents in a secure


    safe, and she would need some time to look for the safe.


    Nicole removed her heels and rolled her sleeves before searching carefully for the safe.


    Despite going through the bookshelves, drawers, the interior of the couch, and even the attic in the


    study, she still failed to locate it.


    Nicole''s half-hour search attempt in the study was in vain even though she was already sweating


    profusely.


    Out of frustration, she pounded the bookshelf with force, and to her surprise, a click echoed in the


    room. It seemed her actions had triggered a button, causing the topyer of the bookshelf to spin over.


    The silver safe, which was built into the inneryer of the bookshelf, appeared right before Nicole''s


    eyes.


    Her heart pounded as she climbed thedder barefoot to reach the top of the bookshelf. Excitement


    surged inside her as she tried to open it, but she was prompted to enter a password.


    Upon considering William''s love for ire, Nicole entered ire''s birthday without hesitation.


    Unfortunately, it was the wrong password.


    She tried keying her birthday but to no avail as well.


    The warning sign of the safe continued shing red, reminding her that she had only three attempts. In


    other words, another incorrect entry would cause the safe to lock.


    Nicole''s desire to ess the safe conflicted with her doubts about whether she should keep trying.


    If she seeded in figuring out the password, she would be able to ess the safe, but if she failed,


    her foster father would know someone had tried to break into the safe. Yet, she was worried that she


    might not have another chance to sneak in if she did not give it another shot.


    As Nicole weighed her options, her phone rang, startling her and almost causing her to fall off the


    ladder.


    After steadying herself and taking a few deep breaths, Nicole answered the phone. ¡°Hello, Mom?¡±


    ¡°Nickie, what are you busy with? You should being over now,¡± ire uttered.


    ¡°Mom, there was a car ident on Rollwer Road. The cops cleared the road minutes ago, but I''m still


    stuck in traffic. I''m on my way now, so don''t panic. How''s Grandpa?¡± Nicole lied, pretending to express


    her concern.


    When ire heard about the car ident, she became anxious. ¡°A car ident on Rollwer Road?


    Nickie, that road is too dangerous, so don''t take that road. I would rather you take a longer route. Why


    don''t you take the city highway? You have to drive carefully at night. Your grandpa is all right. Don''t


    worry. Nickie, I''m going to end the call now so that you can focus better on the road. See youter.¡±


    After hanging up the phone, Nicole stared at the safe and decided to take a gamble.


    When she was about to enter her father''s birthday, another set of numbers popped into her mind. She


    decided to enter those numbers.


    Nicole did not have high hopes for herst attempt, so she was stunned when she heard a soft click


    and watched the safe open miraculously!


    The numbers she had just entered were the birthday of ire''s biological daughter. She did not expect


    it to work, but it did!


    Once again, the revtion filled her with resentment, but Nicole knew she had a more pressing matter


    to attend to.


    She started rifling through the safe box, and when she reached the bottom of the stack of documents,


    she came across a small disk.


    That discovery got Nicole excited.


    After retrieving the disk from the safe, she reced it with another one that looked the same.


    Then she carefully put everything back in its original position.


    After leaving the study, Nicole returned to her room and eagerly inserted the disk into herptop to


    check its contents.


    Her ultra-thinptop performance was excellent, as it could disy the content of the disk with


    remarkable speed.


    Nicole''s jaw dropped the moment the video started ying.


    The video disyed a young, handsome man, who appeared to be around eighteen or neen years


    old, bribing a middle-aged individual.


    The quality of the video was decent, not as good as the current pixel standards, but clear enough to


    show that the young man was Cayden as the person looked and sounded the same as the current


    Cayden.


    In the video, the young Cayden brought abination lock briefcase to Marvin. He then opened it,


    revealing ayer of high-quality tea leaves on top.


    After removing the tea leaves, Nicole saw stacks of neatly arranged banknotes inside thebination


    lock briefcase. The amount of cash was estimated to be several million.


    Cayden looked dashing even though he was just a teenager. Nheless, his steadyposure made


    him look like a young adult. It was as if his genes had gifted him with an innate sense of maturity and


    experience.


    Ten years ago, Cayden had ventured into uncharted territory in the business world despite his young


    age. While his peers were busy enjoying life, he took over the dying Moore Group and even dared to


    bribe Marvin to protect thepany''s interests.


    It was evident that Cayden had been a daredevil since a young age.


    Although he was a whole generation younger than Marvin, Cayden''s shrewdness and mature


    demeanor in speech and behavior in the video showed he could hold his ground against someone as


    sly as Marvin.


    Nicole was in absolute awe of Cayden''s charm. She could not resist touching his youthful face on the


    screen. This perfect specimen is mine. Even though I wasn''t a part of his past, I''ll be a part of his


    future. I swear it!


    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    Nicole copied the information from the disk multiple times, saving it on her ownptop and several


    other disks. When she was finished, she stared at William''s disk with a devious smirk. Avery, now that I


    have this leverage to threaten Cayden, let''s see if he''ll choose you over me!


    Meanwhile, Avery''s right eyelid had been twitching since she returned from work, and she could not


    help but feel restless.


    Even when Cayden embraced her intimately as usual while they were lying in bed at night, she still felt


    an unease in her heart.


    Perhaps it had been a long day for Cayden. He fell asleep quickly while hugging her, but Avery stayed


    awake almost all night.


    Avery only managed to fall into a deep slumber at dawn the next day.


    It was a Saturday, so she did not need to go to work. However, Cayden got up early. He kissed Avery''s


    peaceful face while she slept and quickly headed downstairs.


    Because of the recent sessful cooperation with Vivi Group, he had been busier. That was why he


    could not enjoy meals with Avery and the children like they always did.

 Chapter 436

    Chapter 436


    The two kids had woken up early that day and were sitting on the couch in the living room, dressed in


    their adorable pajamas with cartoons on them.


    They didn''t have any sses scheduled for that morning, but they had gotten so used to waking up


    early that they did it anyway.


    Cayden had told them that Avery needed a lot of sleep due to her being pregnant, so the kids knew


    better than to disturb her after waking up.


    Instead of doing their homework in the study like they usually did, they decided to do it in the living


    room so they could see Avery first thing in the morning.


    Since Avery would surely make her way to the living room, they figured it would be the best ce to


    wait for her.


    Cayden saw the two kids working on their own stuff when he came down the stairs.


    Zachary was solving some mathematical olympiad questions with a serious look on his face. Although


    he had turned six and would be starting elementary school soon, he was as smart as kids in the third or


    fourth grade.


    Rory, on the other hand, was leaning against the table as she painted a colorful underwater world on


    drawing paper.


    Rory seemed to have inherited Avery''s drawing skills. She had a great imagination and the ability to


    produce breathtaking works of art.


    There was a look of relief in Cayden''s eyes when he saw how talented the two kids were.


    The kids looked up when they heard footsteps and saw Caydening down the stairs.


    Rory quickly ran toward him and held her painting up as she asked, ¡°What do you think of my painting,


    Daddy? I''m going to be participating in the semi-finals of the Children''s Art Contest in one week!¡±


    Rory had gotten first ce when she participated in the Children''s Art Contest a while back, so she


    was qualified to enter the semi-finals.


    Naturally, she was ted when she received the good news.


    ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    Cayden nced at her drawing and gave her a pat on the head.


    Rory must''ve inherited Avery''s beauty! That fair skin on her pretty face, those crystal-clear eyes, and


    that tall nose... She looks almost like Avery when she was a child! The way her pupils dart around


    when she''s thinking about something makes her look like a cute little fox!


    ¡°Not bad. It''s a lot better than the previous one, but you mustn''t let it get to your head. You need to


    keep working harder so you can produce the best art possible,¡± Caydenmented.


    Rory''s drawings looked childish due to herck of experience and skill, but she made up for it with her


    amazing imagination. She could breathe life into an already impressive-looking painting of an


    underwater world.


    ¡°Yeah, I''ll continue working even harder. Thanks, Daddy!¡± Feeling satisfied after receiving Cayden''s


    compliment, Rory returned to the table and continued painting with a huge smile on her face.


    Zachary closed the mathematical olympiad workbook and shed his authoritative father a respectful


    look. ¡°Daddy.¡±


    ¡°Have you solved the questions I assigned you yesterday?¡± Cayden asked as he sat down on the


    couch and flipped through the workbook.


    Zachary sat perfectly straight as he nervously watched Cayden check his work from the side.


    Cayden was a little surprised when he saw that Zachary had answered the most difficult questions


    correctly.


    Even so, he maintained a calm expression as he said, ¡°Not bad.¡±


    Cayden had long since realized that Zachary was incredibly good with numbers. In fact, his mental


    calction skills were almost on par with that of Cayden''s. Because Cayden wanted to nurture


    Zachary''s talent in mathematics, he would give Zachary a lot more daily homework assignments than


    Rory.


    Noticing that Zachary looked aggrieved, Cayden gently patted him on the head and asked, ¡°You must


    be wondering why I treat you and Rory differently, right? You feel I''m giving you too much work, right? I


    bet you wanted to ask me why Rory gets to have fun while you have to do all these homework


    assignments.¡±


    Zachary kept his lips tightly pursed as he shook his head.


    ¡°You''re the eldest grandson of the Moore family, and you will most likely inherit Trident Group in the


    future. That means you''ll have to shoulder a much heavier burden than everyone else. On top of that,


    you''re going to grow up into a man in the future, so you''ll have to protect Rory, Mommy, and the baby


    with me. I know it''s tough studying so much right now, but you will benefit greatly from it in the future.


    We''re men, so we have to bear our responsibilities. You''re a smart boy, Zach, so you should be able to


    understand what I''m trying to say. There are no weaklings in the Moore family. Is that understood?¡±


    Being the heir to the Moore family, Zachary would only face even more stressful and challenging


    situations in the future. If he''s so weak that he can''t even handle studying hard, then he can''t possibly


    manage a huge internationalpany when he grows up. I know I''m probably being a little too strict


    with him, but I have no choice. If I allow him to grow up in a life offort instead of getting him to


    mature through hardship, he will grow up weak and spoiled. That is not how I want my son to turn out.


    My son will grow up strong and independent so that he can survive and achieve sess in this dog-


    eat-dog world.


    Zachary simply nodded in response after hearing what Cayden said.


    He was too young to fully understand Cayden''s lecture, but he understood that working hard was the


    only way he could protect himself and his family in the future.


    Zachary clenched his fists tightly behind his back as he decided to work even harder.


    Cayden patted him on the head when he saw the determined look in his eyes.


    Since Cayden had been too busy with work to get any cooking done, he called up a restaurant to


    request delivery instead.


    Since Avery was pregnant, he didn''t want to trouble her with making them breakfast.


    As such, he had Xavier find them a reliable housekeeper to help take care of things at home.


    Ackleton''s housekeeping agencies have gotten a lot stricter ever since a housekeepermitted


    arson, but Cayden was still worried about hiring a bad housekeeper, as it would put Avery''s and the


    baby''s safety at risk.


    To avoid that as best he could, Cayden told Xavier not only to assess the housekeepers'' personality


    traits but to also run a background check on their families and friends before hiring the best one.


    Naturally, aplicated process like that would take a significant amount of time.


    It was about ten in the morning when Avery finally woke up. She saw Cayden tutoring the kids with


    their homework when she went down the stairs in her slippers.


    Seeing the heartwarming interaction between the three of them filled her heart with warmth, which


    reduced her fears and insecurities by a little.

 Chapter 437

    Chapter 437


    Avery didn''t know if her mood swings were due to her pregnancy, but she found herself being


    exceptionally irritablest night.


    That inexplicable feeling of irritability came without warning and didn''t subside even with Cayden by her


    side.


    However, seeing the three of them having a sweet moment together made her feel as though she had


    been saved from all that depression and dread.


    Avery felt a little bad when she nced at her watch and saw that it was already ten in the morning.


    Cayden and the kids are waiting for me to make them breakfast, and yet, I''ve slept till ten...


    Rory was quick to spot Avery and called out to her, ¡°Mommy is awake!¡± She tossed aside her


    paintbrush, ran up to Avery, and rubbed her hand on Avery''s tummy. ¡°Hi, little guy! I''m your sister, Rory!


    Were you a good boy in Mommy''s tummyst night?¡±


    Speaking to the baby in Avery''s tummy every morning had be a habit for Rory.


    While she was still uncertain about the baby''s gender, Zachary had been convincing her Avery was


    pregnant with a baby boy.


    Avery''s heart melted when she saw how cute Rory was.


    She bent over to hug Rory and kissed her on the forehead. ¡°Yes, Rory. He has been behaving himself


    very well, just like you.¡±


    Rory asked softly, ¡°When will he be born, Mommy? I really want to y with him!¡±


    Avery rubbed her tummy and said with a gentle smile, ¡°The baby will be born after a few more months.¡±


    After chatting for a bit, Avery suddenly remembered that she hadn''t made breakfast. ¡°I''ll go make


    breakfast right away!¡±


    Cayden shed her an affectionate look as he said, ¡°I ordered us a meal. We were waiting for you to


    wake up before we have breakfast. Don''t worry. They''ve had some bread and milk earlier. I''m not going


    to let them go hungry.¡±


    Avery breathed a sigh of relief when she heard that.


    For some reason, she had been sleeping in a lot more than she used to.


    Avery was concerned about it affecting her work. She couldn''t bring herself to stay home throughout


    her entire pregnancy while waiting for the baby to be born.


    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    After all, she would probably go crazy from boredom before her baby was due.


    Although many would dream of living thefortable life of being a stay-at-home wife, it was most


    certainly not for Avery.


    The deliveryman brought them breakfast about ten minutester.


    It was very scrumptious with oatmeal, sandwiches, cookies, omelets, yogurts, and two big containers of


    fresh fruits. All of those food items were suitable for pregnant women.


    At the table, Cayden helped Avery peel the eggs and topped up her te with food every few minutes.


    Fearing that the oatmeal was too hot for her, he even helped cool it down a little by blowing on it.


    The two kids rolled their eyes at him when they saw how much he spoiled Avery.


    This is unfair! Daddy never treated us as well as he treats Mommy! She''s so lucky!


    Avery felt a little awkward when she saw their responses.


    Cayden had been taking extra good care of her ever since she got pregnant. In fact, he was practically


    looking after her as though she was a child. While Avery found it a little strange at first, she gradually


    got used to it after some time.


    After breakfast, the two kids were ying some games while Avery was scrolling through her social


    media feed on the couch.


    It wasn''t until she saw Cecelia''s post on Instagram that she found out about her bad haircut.


    Cecelia had wanted to give her hair a wavy curl at the ends, but the hairdresser messed it all up.


    Ceceliater posted a picture of her new hairstyle with a crying emoji on Instagram.


    Avery burst outughing when she saw Cecelia''s hrious hairstyle. Just to add insult to injury, Avery


    gave her a like on that post.


    A few secondster, Cecelia sent her an angry emoji in response.


    Avery chuckled in amusement as she continued scrolling through Instagram.


    A few momentster, she came across Nina''s post of her in a group picture with a bunch of adorable


    kids.


    Nina is probably doing some charity work at an orphanage or something... She may have retained her


    loud and boisterous personality after recovering from her miscarriage, but I can sense that something


    just isn''t the same about her. It feels as though there is a hint of sadness in Nina''s smile. It really pains


    me to see her like this. I feel so bad and guilty for her...


    Avery let out a sigh and continued scrolling through her Instagram feed. It wasn''t long before she


    reached ire''s post and saw that it had only one word: Pray.


    Attached to the post was a picture of an authoritative-looking old man.


    Although the post was incredibly short with only one word and a random picture that ire had found


    online, Avery couldn''t help but feel her heart race when she saw it.


    After giving it some thought, Avery decided to send ire a text: Hello, Mrs. Lambert. I am Avery, the


    architect from Trident Group. I saw your post on Instagram earlier. Did something happen to Old Mr.


    Lambert?


    She was actually afraid that ire would get the wrong idea and find her question inappropriate, but


    she decided to ask anyway because she was worried about them.


    Avery had assumed that ire would be too busy to reply, but her WhatsApp message came in about


    a minuteter: Yes. He hasn''t been feeling welltely, and he had a heart attackst night. Fortunately,


    the doctors could save him in time, so he''s fine now. Thank you for your concern, Ms. Rumpley.


    Avery felt her heart skip a beat after reading ire''s message.


    Old Mr. Lambert seemed to be doing just fine at the party the other day, though. Why would a healthy


    old man like him have a heart attack all of a sudden? He must be in so much pain...


    Avery then sent ire another text: People who have suffered from heart attacks need to avoid


    physical overexertion, emotional stress, and low temperatures. I hope Old Mr. Lambert makes a


    speedy recovery.


    ire replied shortly after: He was just talking about you a while ago. He said he would like to discuss


    some details about his house before the people start working on it. Are you free today, Ms. Rumpley? If


    yes, could you please drop by the Lambert residence? My father would like to see you.


    Avery felt a little conflicted as she put her phone down. She would visit George even without ire


    telling her to.


    For some reason, she had developed a liking for George even though she had only met him once.


    The two of us didn''t talk all that much, but I felt an odd sense of closeness with him. It felt as though I


    was talking to my own grandpa...

 Chapter 438

    Chapter 438


    Avery let out another sigh as she ced her phone on the table.


    George was one of her major clients, and ire had personally invited her toe over, so she figured


    she should pay him a visit.


    Avery was about to get up when she saw Zachary working really hard on a thick mathematics


    workbook.


    Upon paying close attention, she realized he was solving math questions for third and fourth graders.


    Avery took his workbook over and asked with a frown, ¡°Zach, you''re going to enter first grade. Why are


    you doing math questions for fourth graders?¡±


    Zachary sat up straight and replied with a firm look in his eyes, ¡°I want to skip grades and go straight to


    third grade, Mommy. First-grade stuff is way too easy for me.¡±


    Avery froze in shock when she heard that.


    The sight of his serious expression reminded her of what the head of kindergarten had told her during


    the parent-teacher conference.


    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    The head of kindergarten had said Zachary was incredibly talented for his age and was on par with the


    child prodigies out there.


    As Zachary currently possessed knowledge on the level of fourth graders, the head of kindergarten


    believed that making him go through the grades one after another like the other kids would be a waste


    of his time and talent.


    While Avery was happy to hear that her son was talented, she had her concerns about it as well.


    Most child prodigies had the tendency to burn out sooner than others, and she wanted Zachary to be


    able to enjoy his childhood.


    She had never considered having him skip grades at all.


    However, the firm look in Zachary''s eyes got Avery wondering if her decision was right. ¡°Zach, do you


    know what it means to skip grades?¡±


    ¡°I do, Mommy.¡±


    Zachary looked like an adult as he stared Avery right in the eye and stood with his hands behind his


    back. ¡°I''m already six, Mommy. I have my own thoughts and opinions now. I will take responsibility for


    my own choices. When I get older, I''ll be able to help Daddy out with his work. That way, he''ll be able to


    spend more time with you and Rory.¡±


    Cayden was so busy with his work that he barely had time for Avery, let alone Zachary and Rory.


    That meant they could not enjoy their life as a family like all the other families out there.


    Zachary figured Cayden being too busy with work was the reason they couldn''t go hiking or traveling


    together.


    Avery felt her eyes tear up when she saw him trying to sound mature despite being only six years old.


    Why is this child so mature at such a young age?


    She sometimes hoped that Zachary and Rory could enjoy their childhood in a carefree manner like the


    other kids.


    ¡°We''ll decide on that after I discuss this with your daddy. You''re still very young, Zach. All I wish for is to


    see you and Rory grow up happily,¡± Avery said while gently caressing his cheek.


    Zachary leaned in and gave Avery a kiss on the cheek. ¡°I know, Mommy.¡±


    Cayden had just stepped out of the kitchen when he saw Zachary kissing Avery.


    Even though Zachary was his son, he still felt unhappy seeing another male kiss his wife.


    There was a hint of jealousy in Cayden''s eyes as he red at Zachary''s handsome face.


    ¡°Zachary, are you done with the math questions?¡± Cayden asked with a gloomy expression as he made


    his way over.


    Zachary turned around and shed him a smile as he replied, ¡°I''m almost done, Daddy. Look, I''ve


    already solved the questions you gave me.¡±


    He then picked up the workbook and showed it to Cayden in hopes of receiving apliment.


    Cayden simply nced at it with an eyebrow arched and said, ¡°Oh? In that case, I''ll assign you another


    set of questions. This workbook must be too easy for you.¡±


    Zachary was taken aback by Cayden''s words. He turned to Avery and shed her a pleading look.


    Avery pulled Zachary into her arms and shot Cayden a fierce re. ¡°Why are you making him do so


    much work at such a young age? Even the government is trying to help reduce the amount of


    homework that schools give students, and yet, you''re giving him extra homework. All work and no y


    makes Jack a dull boy, do you understand? Don''t listen to him, Zach. You can go y once you''ve


    finished your homework.¡±


    Noticing that Avery was getting angry, Cayden quickly said, ¡°All right, we''ll do as you say. Zachary, you


    can go y your video games now.¡±


    Zachary pulled a face at Cayden and shed him a smug grin in response.


    Daddy is afraid of Mommy, and Mommy listens to me. With Mommy protecting me, I no longer have to


    fear Daddy!


    Avery then told Cayden all about George.


    After learning that George was recovering from his heart attack, Cayden felt that he needed to visit


    George with Avery.


    After all, Jeffrey used to be close friends with George. Even if that wasn''t the case, he would still have


    to pay George a visit as a businessman.


    Although George was no longer active in the corporate world, his son William had taken over and


    became a powerful individual in Ackleton. Cayden would stand to benefit from socializing with him.


    Since George had suffered from a heart attack, Avery brought along some fruits that were rich in


    vitamins and pectin.


    After sending the kids back, Avery and Cayden headed over to the Lambert residence, which was


    located in a secluded spot far away from the city.


    The building looked a little old, but the nts in the courtyard were neatly arranged and well-


    maintained. That showed just how much the old couple valued cleanliness and tidiness.


    A white-haired old man was basking in the sun in the courtyard. That old man was none other than


    George himself.


    He was having a conversation with William while ire hung theundry to dry nearby. Despite having


    a housekeeper around, ire had gotten used to doing the chores herself.


    Nicole, who always dolled herself up nicely, was telling George some interesting stories about herself


    to keep him entertained. George wasughing at her amusing stories when he heard the sound of a


    car engine in the distance.


    Upon turning around, he saw a car pull up outside his courtyard.


    Cayden and Avery then stepped out of the car with a basket of fruits in their hands.


    Nicole''s heart raced when she saw Cayden heading toward them. However, her heart felt as though it


    was being stung by a million bees when she saw Avery walking next to him.


    F*ck! Why would Cayden bring Avery with him wherever he goes?

 Chapter 439

    Chapter 439


    George rose to his feet with William supporting him by his arm. He threw Cayden a nce. ¡°Oh, it''s


    you, Cayden. How nice of the two of you to visit this old man. There''s really no need for you to bring


    gifts.¡±


    ¡°Hello, Old Mr. Lambert, Mr. William,¡± Cayden said in greeting, nodding at each man in turn. He ced


    the fruit basket on the table and hurried over to help George into his seat. ¡°Please stay seated, Old Mr.


    Lambert. I heard that you''re not in the best of health, so I came over with Avery to check in on you.


    How are you feeling?¡±


    ¡°Ah, I''m fine! It''s nothing serious... So, Avery is here as well, is she? It just so happens that I don''t quite


    understand certain parts of your design n. I''ve got a few questions for you...¡± George said in an


    affectionate tone as he turned to Avery.


    Avery beamed and said earnestly, ¡°Go ahead! You can ask me anything, Old Mr. Lambert. I''ll do my


    best to exin it to you.¡±


    ¡°That''s wonderful. Nickie,e here and listen along,¡± George called out to Nicole, motioning at her to


    go over to him.


    Nicole walked over obediently and greeted him sweetly, ¡°I''m here, Grandpa.¡± She smiled, but her smile


    did not reach her eyes.


    Avery felt the icy coldness in Nicole''s eyes when she looked at her. A shiver ran up her spine.


    ¡°This is Avery, an architect from Trident Group. Thisdy has created some amazing designs at a


    young age. She is incredible!¡± George praised as he introduced Avery to Nicole. ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    Nicole masked her disdain as she looked straight into Avery''s eyes and said with feigned enthusiasm,


    ¡°Grandpa, Avery and I have met each other before. She was a great help to me when I was filming the


    commercial at Trident Group back then.¡±


    At that time, Nicole had intended to torment Avery. This b*tch stole away my chance of filming that


    perfume advertisement! Ugh, I feel so angry just thinking about it!


    ¡°Oh, so, it turns out Nickie and Ms. Rumpley have met each other before. Which school did you


    graduate from, Ms. Rumpley?¡± a sharp, judgmental voice asked. Avery turned toward the source of the


    question. It was Fiona.


    Fiona knew that Nicole had a crush on Cayden. She, too, thought Cayden was a fine young man, yet


    Cayden already had someone he loved.


    Fiona felt indignant and defensive on Nicole''s behalf. Although Nicole was not her biological


    granddaughter, she adored her. She had always thought of Nicole as the best of all women. How can


    this Avery evenpare to my Nickie, whether family, personality, or looks-wise?


    For those reasons, Fiona despised Avery, and she always spoke to her in a rather rude and


    confrontational tone.


    Although Avery understood the source of Fiona''s hostility, it still made her ufortable.


    After all, Nicole was always fighting with her for Cayden''s attention and affection. Naturally, Fiona


    would be on Nicole''s side.


    However, Avery refused to stoop down to Fiona''s level. She replied politely, ¡°I graduated from an


    ordinary university abroad. It wasn''t any notable university. Anyway, I don''t think it matters where you


    studied. What matters is how you apply your knowledge after that. After all, academic qualifications are


    just a stepping stone. It''s your talents and abilities that are more important.¡±


    When Fiona heard Avery''s reply, she assumed that Avery had not wanted to reveal the name of the


    university because she had graduated from a low-ranking school. Her lips twitched in contempt.


    She immediately countered in a smug tone, ¡°Our dear Nickie here graduated from the famous Lostaria


    School of Arts. It''s one of the best art schools in the world. She studied film and television there, and


    she won a Five Flowers Award for her first film after graduation. She''s not like the other international


    students who boast that they went abroad to study but in reality entered a tier three university or those


    schools that sell their degrees...¡±


    ¡°Old Mrs. Lambert, even if you had all the money in the world, you wouldn''t be able to buy a degree


    from my university. The University of Ustrana has always been known for its impartiality and rigor. Its


    research team and professors are among the best in the world. Although it still falls behind some of the


    best universities, it''s still one of the top three schools in Ustrana. It isn''t the best, but it''s far from the


    worst,¡± Avery defended herself firmly, sounding neither too meek nor too boastful.


    Avery''s words, delivered calmly and coolly, rendered Fiona speechless.


    Nicole blushed in shame.


    Although the Lostaria School of Arts was impressive, it was ranked in the hundreds, which was far


    behind the prestigious University of Ustrana.


    Avery knew that Fiona disliked her. She did not want to provoke her, so she merely smiled politely and


    kept quiet.


    Fiona wanted to give Avery a piece of her mind, but with so many people within earshot, she could only


    bite her tongue and swallow her dissatisfaction.


    After all, Avery was a guest who hade to visit George.


    At that moment, George, William, and Cayden were deep in conversation.


    The more William spoke with Cayden, the more rmed he was by that young man. He is indeed


    relentless and upromising in business! With him heading Trident Group, the entire economy of


    Ackleton would be driven by him. After all, nearly one-third of the tax revenue of Ackleton is contracted


    to Trident Group.


    Furthermore, from how Cayden was talking about the expansion of Trident Group and the outline of the


    entire growth blueprint, William was in a dilemma, as he had evidence of the fact that Cayden had paid


    bribes.


    Should I report it?


    William did not want to ponder over the issue anymore at that moment. He would think about it again


    over the next few days before making his decision.


    Suddenly, William recalled the oldmercial district in Ackleton. He asked, ¡°Cayden, what are your


    ns to develop the old business street?¡±


    Cayden was dressedpletely in ck. The depth of his aura was hidden in his dark clothing.


    ¡°Trident Group has signed an agreement with Vivi Group. Construction will begin next week. Our two


    companies will work in cooperation, and I believe the old business district will soon be transformed,¡±


    Cayden replied calmly.


    ¡°Jeffrey is a rather lucky man. Bruce was such a yboy. At that time, Jeffrey was so angry that he


    almost disowned him... Unexpectedly, he turned his life around and lived up to Jeffrey''s expectations.


    Cayden, if you didn''t already have a girlfriend, I would really want you as my grandson-inw,¡± George


    said, his voice heavy with emotion.


    Cayden turned his gaze toward Avery. His eyes softened as he said in a low and firm voice, ¡°Thank you


    for your kind words, Old Mr. Lambert, but there is already a woman in my heart. We are getting married


    on the first of May.¡±


    He did not speak loudly, but his words were clear enough to carry across the room. Everyone fell silent.


    An array of emotions crossed all their faces.


    George was disappointed while Fiona was upset. William looked regretful and ire looked helpless.


    Avery was shocked.


    Huh? Getting married on the first of May? Why don''t I know anything about this?


    Nicole''s heart stung. They''re getting married on the first of May? That''s so soon!


    Nicole lifted her head and stared at Avery. Hatred and resentment burned in her eyes.

 Chapter 440

    Chapter 440


    George asked his daughter-inw, ire, to bring Avery''s design blueprint.


    The two of them chatted away merrily and talked about many architectural topics.


    Even though George and Avery had arge age gap, they had no issuesmunicating with each


    other.


    Although George was in the political world his entire life, he was an avid reader and a man of


    knowledge. In fact, he even knew some of the jargon that inexperienced architects did not know and


    that impressed Avery.


    Simrly, George was delighted by Avery as well.


    Despite the woman''s young age, she was obviously not a dumb blond. Her unique designs and


    innovative ideas, as well as her humble demeanor, made him approve of her.


    George nced at Nicole, who was dressed like a princess and was sitting at the side, before looking


    away in dissatisfaction.


    Although his granddaughter seemed like a meek soul and a sweet talker who was good at pleasing his


    wife and his daughter-inw, she often acted like a pretentious woman.


    She had been involved in the entertainment industry for many years. He had asked her to quit the


    industry, but she could not bring herself to give up on the fame and glory, and he had been unhappy


    about that.


    Meanwhile, Nicole was restless in her seat.


    She could not join in their conversation about architecture at all.


    Nicole could see the slight disappointment in the look that George had given her earlier, and that made


    her chest tighten. The resentment and fury in her had nowhere to go.


    She was certain that her grandfather did not know Avery was his biological granddaughter.


    The two of them had only met once, but they were already so close as if they were a family.


    Is this because they''re rted by blood?


    The look in Nicole''s eyes turned vicious. No. I won''t let Avery take away what''s mine!


    As George and Avery were busy talking, they did not notice Nicole''s strange behavior.


    Pointing at the garden on the blueprint, George said, ¡°We''ll turn this into a small countryside manor.


    Ery, what do you think should be nted here?¡±


    Without knowing it, George had changed the way he called Avery from ¡°Ms. Rumpley¡± to ¡°Ery.¡±


    After a moment of contemtion, Avery said, ¡°Old Mr. Lambert, you need more vitamin C in your diet.


    So, we can ntmon vegetables like carrots, eggnts, lentils, and such. By nting the


    vegetables ourselves, we can ensure that there are no chemicals used on them. They''re more


    nutritious too, and they''ll be good for you.¡±


    Nicole nearly burst outughing when she heard that they were going to nt vegetables beside the


    mansion.


    She''s really a country bumpkin! How can we nt vegetables in a mansion this pretty?


    Immediately, she said, ¡°Grandpa, I don''t think Ms. Rumpley''s idea is sound. Flowers would be better.


    Most of the upscale mansions have flowers surrounding them. Who would nt vegetables there?


    Think about it, Grandpa. If we have a flower garden in thepound instead, the exterior of the


    mansion will be a fantastical scene when the flowers bloom. If we nt vegetables, we''ll have to weed


    the garden and do all sorts of dirty things. It won''t be a match for your status, Grandpa. Only a house


    with a flower garden can be called a mansion. A house with a vegetable garden is called a farm. Only


    farmers nt vegetables.¡±


    The moment Nicole uttered that, silence ensued.


    Avery gave Nicole a long look, speechless to hear that.


    However, Nicole was gleeful about sessfully joining in the conversation. She thought that Avery''s


    loss of words was because Avery realized she was right.


    To her surprise, an upset look crept onto George''s face as he snapped, ¡°What''s wrong with nting


    vegetables outside the mansion? Flowers are only for adornment purposes; it''s not as if we can eat


    them. Only those that can be eaten are the most useful. Also, why can''t someone like me nt


    vegetables? Are you telling me no famous poets have ever gardened? They are people who have


    works immortalized in this world, but you''re telling me that a minor character in life like me is too high


    and mighty to have a garden of vegetables?¡±


    George''s words brought a shade of red to Nicole''s face, and she hastily exined, ¡°Grandpa, I... I


    didn''t mean that...¡±


    George''s face was equally red, but it was out of wrath after he heard Nicole''s words.


    He sternly questioned, ¡°Then what do you mean? Are farmers the only ones who can grow vegetables?


    Are you looking down on farmers? Are you telling me you can survive without farmers? When I was


    younger, I grew up in a farming vige. I was a farmer too! There are over nine hundred million farmers


    in Chanaea, and they are the ones who provide the food for the city-dwellers with their hard work. Yet,


    here you are, looking down on those who grow the food that goes on our dining tables. Without the


    hardworking farmers, will you be able to stand here and talk to me? You would have died! If I hadn''t left


    the vige and somewhat made a name for myself afterward, you''d have been a vige girl too!¡±


    Upon hearing their rising volumes, ire quickly brought a ss of tea to George and said, ¡°Dad,


    Nickie didn''t mean what she said. She didn''t mean to look down on anyone. Don''t take her words to


    heart. Have a drink. You''ve just recovered a little. You mustn''t get angry now.¡±


    At that, Nicole gave her mother a gloomy look, feeling aggrieved.


    She bit her lower lip and muttered, ¡°I''m sorry, Grandpa. I should''ve been more careful with my words,


    but I really didn''t mean to look down on the farmers. Just tell me what kind of vegetables you want to


    nt in the garden in the future, Grandpa. I''ll definitely get the seeds for you.¡±


    George ignored Nicole.


    Fiona shot a re at her husband at that. ¡°Why are you taking this so seriously? Flowers are meant for


    mansions! It''ll be pretty when springes and the flowers bloom. Of course, vegetables are fine too.


    We''ll get to have fresh vegetables to eat. What is nted in the garden is up to personal preference.


    Nickie only told you about her preference, so why did you shout at her?¡±


    Everything had been going well earlier until Nicole''s words made the atmosphere tense. Avery felt


    awkward.


    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    She thought it was time for her to leave, but Cayden was talking about work in the study with William. It


    was likely that he needed more time.


    Avery had no choice but to excuse herself to the bathroom instead.


    The Lambert residence bathroom was covered by vines and separated into two sections. The outside


    was the basin, and the inside was a clean, modern toilet bowl.


    Right as Avery was done with her business in the bathroom, she saw Nicole striding in haughtily.

 Chapter 441

    Chapter 441


    Nicole entered the bathroom, and Avery nodded at her.


    ¡°Ms. Lambert.¡±


    With that, Avery made her way to the basin.


    Just as she took the soap and was about to wash her hands, she spotted Nicole''s icy look in the mirror.


    Even though Nicole had an innocent appearance and always had a smile on her face, Avery would


    always feel the chills whenever she looked at her.


    She knew Nicole was not as simple as she looked.


    She could still remember how Nicole had taunted her in the mall and how she had set her up when she


    was filming Trident Group''s advertisement.


    Avery also remembered how she had been scratched by the crazed cat at Azure Royal.


    Even though all the evidence pointed toward Nicole''s assistant in the end, Avery was no fool. She knew


    what was going on behind the scenes, but she could not say a word in protest because of the ones


    backing Nicole.


    If Nicole was going to keep her silence in the bathroom, Avery was going to do the same.


    Yet, Nicole was staring at her as if she had something to say to her. She asked, ¡°Do you need


    something from me, Ms. Lambert?¡±


    Nicole twisted the other faucet and slowly washed her hands as she curled her lips into a mocking


    smile. ¡°It looks like you''ve been having some wonderful days. You''ve gained quite a bit of weight.¡±


    Not wanting to waste her time on her, Avery asked, ¡°What are you trying to say, Ms. Lambert?¡±


    Nicole cackled. ¡°You''re a smart one, but you''re boring! Are you really going to marry Cayden? Do you


    really think you''re a match for him, Avery? You look in, and you''re from a lousy family. There are


    plenty of women better than you in Ackleton! I really wonder which part of you Cayden fell for. I''m a


    much better¡ª¡±


    ¡°What does this have anything to do with you, Ms. Lambert? Cayden loves me, and I love him. That''s


    more than enough.¡±


    Nicole, who was wearing ten-centimeter heels and thus was taller than Avery by half a head, looked


    downward at Avery with proud eyes before scoffing in disdain.


    ¡°You''re not worthy of Cayden. I hope you know that and leave him as soon as possible.¡±


    Avery met Nicole''s arrogant gaze without fear or wrath.


    She kept staring until Nicole started panicking from looking into her pure and determined eyes. It was


    then Nicole hastily took out a check and threw it at Avery. ¡°Here''s ten million for you to leave Cayden! I


    bet you can never earn this amount in your lifetime! Leave Ackleton and make a life for yourself in


    some other ce, or else I''ll make you regret it!¡±


    Avery reached out to take the check.


    A small smile grew on her lips when she looked at the figure on the check. ¡°Ms. Lambert, you''re


    generous. A mansion can be bought with ten million.¡±


    The contempt on Nicole''s face intensified.


    Does Cayden really like a money-digging vige girl like her? Isn''t he repulsed by her? I should get


    Cayden toe and take a good look at the true nature of the woman he likes!


    However, what Avery did next left Nicole dumbfounded.


    Avery slowly shredded the check before tossing the pieces into the trash can at the side.


    ¡°Ms. Lambert, my wedding with Cayden in May has been set in stone. I hope you''ll ept that fact and


    stop dreaming about getting something that doesn''t belong to you. It''s pointless. I''ll pretend as if


    nothing happened today. Goodbye.¡±


    Nicole gritted her teeth at Avery''s refusal to submit to her.


    Various expressions flitted across her face before a wave of helplessness struck her.


    Right as Avery pushed open the door to leave, Nicole stubbornly stood in her way and cried out, ¡°I don''t


    care what kind of rtionship you have, but the man I''m interested in must be mine! I won''t let a b*tch


    like you taint my man!¡±


    Avery barked out augh in her fury. How can she be this shameless? Is she really calling Cayden her


    man?


    ¡°Ms. Lambert, please know that I''m Cayden''s girlfriend. Has he ever acknowledged your existence? As


    far as I know, your visits to him have always been rejected. Furthermore, he rejected you before. Do


    you have a bad memory or something? Do you need me to get Cayden to reject you again?¡±


    ¡°Y-You¡ª¡±


    Nicole could not utter a word at all as she shook from her anger.


    After a long while, she finally rposed herself. As she grabbed Avery''s arm, she said in a softer,


    more pitiful tone, ¡°Avery, we''re both women. You should know how a woman''s heart is fragile and


    vulnerable. I''ve finally found the man I love, so please just let me have him. Men are a dime a dozen in


    this world, and Cayden isn''t the only man in Ackleton. There are plenty of men who are interested in


    you. Why must you give them all up for him? I really like Cayden. In fact, I''m starting to develop


    depression because of him. I know you''re a kind-hearteddy. I''m sure you won''t just turn a blind eye to


    my depression, right?¡±


    With tearful eyes, Nicole continued, ¡°Please. I''ll give you anything you want as long as you let me have


    Cayden. Avery, can you leave him and stop interfering in our rtionship?¡±


    ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    At that very moment, Avery felt the urge to lean back andugh.


    It was not her first time encountering a shameless person, but no one had reached Nicole''s level of


    shamelessness.


    How could she possibly just let Nicole have him just because Nicole wanted him?


    Besides, Nicole was the one who was in the way of her rtionship with Cayden. Yet, Nicole was


    making it sound as if she was the victim of the situation.


    Avery was frankly impressed by how capable Nicole was at twisting her words.


    Flinging away Nicole''s hand, Avery said, ¡°Sorry, Ms. Lambert, but I''m not going to let you have Cayden


    no matter what. Feel free toe to our wedding if you have the time.¡±


    A strange grin suddenly manifested on Nicole''s face when she saw how stubborn Avery was, and that


    grin sent chills running down Avery''s spine. ¡°Avery, you''re definitely not going to marry Cayden on the


    first of May. We can bet on this if you want to.¡±


    Avery did not answer her, choosing to leave anxiously as Nicole watched her creepily.


    On her way back home from the Lambert residence, Avery was distracted. What does Nicole mean?


    What does she mean when she says I''m not going to get married to Cayden on the first of May?


    Although Cayden was driving, he noticed Avery seemed to be in a bad mood. He reached out to ruffle


    her hair affectionately and asked, ¡°What''s the matter? You seem more upset after the trip to the


    Lambert residence.¡±

 Chapter 442

    Chapter 442


    Gazing unblinkingly at Cayden, Avery hesitated upon recollecting his words at the Lambert residence.


    She asked, ¡°You mentioned earlier at Old Mr. Lambert''s house that we are getting married on the first


    of May. What exactly is going on?¡±


    Cayden slowed the car down.


    He nced at her and gave her an affectionate smile. ¡°It was supposed to be a surprise which I wasn''t


    nning on mentioning beforehand. I want to give you a grand wedding on the first of May and


    announce to the world that you are the mother of my children and the love of my life.¡±


    ¡°W-We''re really getting married on the first of May? I-It''s a little sudden, isn''t it?¡± Though the


    unexpected news touched Avery, it was too much to take in at once.


    Cayden''s grip tightened around the steering wheel. ¡°Don''t you want to marry me?¡±


    Her reaction caused Cayden to think she was hesitant to marry him.


    His heart, a roaring brazier aze with unwavering passion a moment before, suddenly felt as if it had


    been doused with icy water, filling him with uncertainty.


    ¡°That''s not what I meant,¡± Avery exined hastily. ¡°It''s just a little out of the blue. Yes, I''ve been


    preparing myself to marry you and even fantasized about our wedding, but I didn''t expect it to be


    brought so far forward.¡±


    Although their rtionship had taken root years ago, itcked the required nurturing, causing it to


    remain so stagnant that it almost ended.


    Muchter, with care and attention, it became exposed to the conditions it needed, and their love


    bloomed and thrived.


    None were happier than Avery at the prospect of their blossoming love.


    Cayden heaved a secret sigh of relief at her rification. ¡°Don''t concern yourself with anything else


    besides being my bride.¡±


    Avery changing her mind about marrying him was the least of his concerns.


    He knew how much he loved her and how much she loved him, and he wanted more than anything to


    marry her and make her his wife.


    Avery sighed, her brows creasing. ¡°There''s still the matter of your mother refusing to ept me,¡± she


    said gently. ¡°Grandpa and Aunt Alina don''t know I''m getting married too.¡±


    Cayden returned her gaze with a smile as he told her his n. ¡°Don''t worry about my mother. I''m not


    going to seek her approval for who I n to marry. Besides, we''ll be getting our own ce after the


    wedding, away from her tyranny. As for your grandfather and aunt, I will pay them a visit and pick a day


    for the engagement party. Then, we''ll begin preparations for the wedding. By the way, let''s take our


    wedding photos in April. The spring flowers will be in full bloom then, and the weather will be pleasant.


    It''s also morefortable for a pregnantdy to move about.¡±


    Avery''s nose twinged. It surprised her that despite his indifferent appearance, he was meticulous and


    thoughtful of even the smallest details.


    However, she recalled Nicole''s warning and vicious re. For some reason, she felt an intense,


    ominous sense of foreboding.


    Avery wanted to tell Cayden that Nicole had given her a check for ten million in the restroom in


    exchange for leaving him. Yet, as she gazed upon his chiseled features, she could not bring herself to


    tell him.


    Anyway, Cayden has already rified our rtionship, and our wedding on the first of May is set in


    stone.


    Rich and powerful, the Lambert family prized dignity above all else. As much as they wanted Cayden to


    be their son-inw, their pride would not allow Nicole to interfere with somebody else''s rtionship.


    d in an apron, ire was rinsing some vegetables and ribs in the kitchen of the Lambert residence


    in preparation for lunch when Nicole slipped in without a sound.


    ¡°Let me help you prepare lunch, Mom.¡± Nicole took the head of lettuce from her mother enthusiastically.


    Her grimace went unnoticed by ire.


    She gazed at her diamond-studded manicure done just days ago getting soiled by the vegetable in


    dismay. Dirt had even made its way between her nails. Nicole was so disgusted that she wanted to fling


    it from her hands, but she forced herself to go through with her mission.


    ire did not see Nicole''s look of revulsion.


    Instead, her heart ached when she saw her daughter''s fair and slender fingers soaking in the runoff


    from the lettuce. ¡°Go sit with Grandma, Nickie. How thin you''ve be from working on set! I need toN?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    fatten you up with some hearty meat. Also, you can''t get your hands wet before they are healed! I


    appreciate your concern for me but get out of here. The smoke in here will give you a headache.¡±


    ¡°Rx, Mom. My hands are almost as good as new. What''s the fuss? Rinsing some lettuce won''t take


    a toll on me. It''s just a shame that my cooking isn''t that good. I would cook for you and Dad if I were a


    better chef,¡± Nicole said sweetly as she continued picking at the leaves.


    ire shook her head at the futility of dissuading her daughter. ¡°What a stubborn girl you are. Fine.


    Stay, but be careful with your hands. Don''t get them swollen again.¡±


    Nicole nodded, then said morosely, ¡°Avery is going to marry Cayden on the first of May, Mom. She''s


    too in to be worthy of him. I wonder what he sees in her. Do you think she''s better than me?¡±


    ire scooped the nching ribs out of the pot of boiling water before mincing the shallots and slicing


    the ginger with well-practiced movements.


    The austere and dignified woman looked more approachable than usual at that moment with the


    surrounding smoke.


    ¡°Rubbish. My daughter is always good enough,¡± ire chided Nicole as she busied herself. ¡°You are


    beautiful, intelligent, ambitious, kind, and you have a promising career. You are the best in my eyes.


    However, rtionships depend onpatibility. Once something blossoms between two people, a third


    person cannot interfere. Cayden doesn''t have feelings for you, Nickie. It''s not worth wasting away for a


    man who doesn''t love you.¡±


    Having made up her mind to marry Cayden, Nicole could not ept ire''s words.


    She kept her misty gaze fixed on ire. ¡°I do love Cayden, Mom. I cannot lose him. My life will be


    meaningless if he''s not in it. He''s not yet married to Avery, so I still have a chance to fight for him. But


    once they do, I will never have him. You love me, Mom. You and Dad will help me, right?¡±

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    Chapter 443


    As she spoke, indignant tears began rolling down her cheeks.


    They fell noiselessly. Her forlornness made her look as if she had been cast aside by the world.


    It was a tactic she often used when she wanted something. Although she had used it dozens of times,


    it remained effective against ire, who would do anything to satisfy her at the first sign of tears.


    This time, however, ire sighed heavily.


    Grabbing a piece of tissue, she wiped her daughter''s tears kindly. ¡°Trust me, Nickie. You have no future


    with Cayden, and it''s immoral to steal somebody else''s man. Life is short, and finding someone who


    loves you is your utmost priority. You may not understand it now, but you will. Good girl, don''t overthink


    it. I''ll make you some ribs.¡±


    Nicole''s heart turned cold.


    She could not believe that her previously infallible gambit had ceased to work. Her tears stopped


    falling.


    Nicole''s cold re wasced with ayer of resentment.


    She ims to love me, but she won''t even help me get the man I desire. A mixture of frustration,


    indignity, mncholy, and grief swirled within her.


    I knew it. She isn''t my birth mother. She won''t even help fight for my happiness.


    At that moment, all traces of ire''s love vanished from Nicole''s memory as her resentment toward the


    former grew. Even the anger toward Avery she projected onto ire.


    In a sh of rage, Nicole saw Avery''s face in the lettuce she held, and her eyes seared with hatred.


    She recklessly plucked the leaves, turning the lettuce into shredded fragments.


    Cayden is mine, Avery. Nobody can have him!


    Upon noticing Nicole''s restlessness and the fate of the poor head of lettuce in her hands, ire pushed


    Nicole out of the kitchen with a sad shake of her head. ¡°I can handle the cooking, Nickie. Go get some


    rest.¡±


    Nicole did not bother with her charade any longer. Murmuring an excuse of returning to her room to


    peruse her script, she left.


    ire gazed at the pathetic remnants of the lettuce in the basin and sighed helplessly.


    Nickie would do anything except cook. This is probably the first time she helped in the kitchen. I have


    spoiled her, but she''s the only child I have. I would do everything for her.


    Upon returning home, Cayden retired to his study for work while Avery tucked herself into bed for some


    rest after a quick wash-up.


    Although her body ached with exhaustion, she was, for some reason, not sleepy at all.


    Perhaps she was too excited about the fact that she would be getting married on the first of May.


    Avery located her three-person chat group on WhatsApp and began writing to Cecelia and Nina.


    Unsure if they were online, she began with a message to the group: I have some good news, girls. I''m


    getting married on the first of May!


    Avery''s news struck her friends with the force of a bomb. The quiet group instantly livened up.


    Cecelia was the first toe online. She wrote: My God, that''s quick! Did Mr. Moore propose to you,


    Ery?


    Nina followed up: Oh my goodness, that''s wonderful! I''m just sorry that I missed witnessing Mr. Moore''s


    proposal. You must let me be your bridesmaid, Ery. I will witness you tying the knot.


    Before Avery could reply, Cecelia sent another message: I''m guessing it''s that quick because


    something is up with Ery. Am I right? Be honest with us. Are you and Mr. Moore having a shotgun


    wedding?


    Avery was rendered speechless.


    Do you have to be so sharp, Cecelia?


    Instead of responding to Cecelia''s question, she sent them a voice message. ¡°Cecelia, Nina, will you


    both be my bridesmaids?¡±


    Cecelia sent an aggrieved-looking emoji before replying with a voice message. ¡°Oh, Ery, I will be at


    your wedding, but wouldn''t it be improper for me to be a bridesmaid? I''m pregnant, you know. It would


    be humiliating if I couldn''t even fit into the bridesmaid dress!¡±


    Nina replied, ¡°You could just wear an extrarge dress, then, Cecelia. I saw arge girl getting married


    at the church the other day, and you''re half her size. Don''t worry.¡±


    All three members of the WhatsApp group chat basked in the happiness of one another.


    The trio chatted until Cecelia announced, ¡°Forgive me, girls. I''m at a baby''s clothing store shopping for


    clothes for my future child. We''ll talk again soon! Come visit me when you have the time, Ery.¡±


    Standing in a branded clothing store for toddlers, Cecelia slipped her phone into her pocket. The


    radiant smile on her lips made it seem as if she was the one getting married.


    Admiring her radiant smile, the retail assistants assumed she was messaging her husband.


    One young salesgirl gushed, ¡°Are you texting your husband, Miss? What a lovely rtionship you


    share!¡±


    With a slight jolt, Cecelia surmised that the girl had misunderstood, but she did not offer any


    exnation for fear of further confusing the matter.


    Instead, she asked merrily, ¡°Could you rmend some clothing for newborn babies? I would like two


    sets each, for a boy and a girl.¡±


    During her checkup several days ago, Cecelia was thrilled to learn from the doctor that she was having


    twins. She was happy enough with one child, but having two was a delightful surprise, which she


    attributed to a divine blessing. It even overshadowed her trauma of the one-night stand.


    ¡°No problem!¡± The salesgirl quickly began to rmend a selection of clothing to Cecelia.


    Out of nowhere, Xavier strolled in.


    The salesgirls were about to greet him, but he waved them away upon noticing Cecelia''s bump while


    she was picking out children''s clothing. Tactfully, they retreated as one.


    ¡°Are you buying clothes, Ms. Zuckerberg?¡± Xavier said suddenly, causing Cecelia to jump and drop the


    shirt she was holding. ¡°You scared me half to death, Mr. Dartsley! What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°My apologies for startling you.¡± Xavier returned her gaze innocently. ¡°Am I not allowed to visit a


    clothing store during my free time?¡±


    Cecelia''s attitude surprised him. I''m only making polite small talk. What is she making such a big fuss


    for? Pregnancy seemed to have made her bolder. And her figure... What a nice fantasy that is.


    For some reason, gazing at Cecelia transported Xavier back to that passionate night he shared with


    that mysterious woman.


    ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    ¡°What are you looking at?¡± Cecelia yelled in frustration, covering herself when she noticed Xavier''s


    unwavering gaze on her belly.


    Ever since that night with that man, I have be wary of all men.


    Xavier failed to repress a chuckle.


    She seems more touchy and prickly than usual. Instead of her usual deadpan look in the office, she


    now looks like an angry kitten.


    Cecelia''s mood to shop had been ruined. Upon deciding to visit another store, she was about to leave


    when a couple walked in.


    in-looking and slightly plump, the woman was covered from head to foot in branded apparel. It made


    her look like a walking gship store. The man whose arm she clutched was tall and broad, with grease


    in his hair and eyeliner on hisshes, looking more like a toyboy than anything else.


    Cecelia was dumbstruck when she caught sight of his face.


    She stood rooted to the spot, her tears falling down her cheeks.

 Chapter 444

    Chapter 444


    Cecelia''s mind went nk when she saw Hans Wickford.


    After years apart, running into her ex there was thest thing she expected.


    Despite having given everything for him, he was at that moment standing beside that plump woman


    with an ingratiating look on his face.


    Cecelia felt a mixture of hurt and amusement.


    We had been together for five years.


    It was a tumultuous period when they only had each other. Although both of their families were poor,


    Hans'' fared worse. Apart from her education, she had taken on several odd jobs to support them.


    N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Then, they became graduate students. To fund Hans'' further study, Cecelia had even given up her


    opportunity for a postgraduate program to continue earning for his expenditure.


    She had supported him for three years, including his expenses throughout his education. He had been


    so moved that he had sworn to marry Cecelia, yet he had led another woman over by the hand during


    their graduation and announced that he was breaking up with her.


    That woman, Phoebe Sandsby, was the daughter of one of the cadres of the city''s Legal Affairs


    Committee, who could pave the way for Hans'' future and spare him a decade of toil.


    Cecelia even remembered Hans'' jeering face back then and that woman''s contemptible smugness.


    She was surprised by the weight Phoebe had gained over the years. The flesh on her face was so


    dense that her eyes could no longer be seen. Her stomach was worse. It was impossible to tell if she


    was obese or pregnant.


    Phoebe also caught sight of Cecelia. Holding her head high, she permitted her gaze to grace thetter.


    ¡°Is that you, Ms. Zuckerberg? And I see that you''re pregnant! I can''t believe another man would want


    you after Hans dumped you. This is a branded store, and I wonder if you can afford anything here. I


    can buy you some if you like.¡±


    ¡°That''s not necessary. I can afford several items of clothing. If you''re feeling generous, Ms. Sandsby,


    you could donate some money to orphanages or the impoverished mountainous regions. Those


    children need your help more,¡± Cecelia said calmly after collecting herself just in time.


    On the other hand, Hans was gaping at Cecelia, unable to believe how different she lookedpared


    to the girl with the bob cut from his memories.


    Back then, her out-of-style getup was nauseating to look at.


    Now, however, she had transformed into a white-cor city dweller who was elegant, confident, and


    ahead of the trend in hairstyle and dressing. Her temperament, too, was extraordinary. Hans could not


    tear his eyes off her.


    Phoebe was a far cry from Cecelia, who looked like a goddess.


    Phoebe noticed Hans'' reaction. When she saw how her husband was staring unblinkingly at his ex, the


    mes of her jealousy red.


    She twisted his ear violently. ¡°What are you looking at? I''m standing right here! Do you still have


    feelings for her?¡±


    Hans yelped in pain. ¡°Ouch! Easy, Honey. Don''t get worked up. You''re carrying our son in your belly.¡±


    Hans did not dare raise a finger in retaliation.


    He waited until she finished venting, and when his ears had swelled to twice their normal size, he held


    Phoebe''s meaty body.


    As Phoebe was too fat, Hans could only wrap his arms halfway around her body. It was aical sight.


    He did not care about the strange looks he was attracting. With a sickening noise, he nted a kiss on


    Phoebe''s greasy cheek.


    ¡°You are the moon of my light, Honey, and the most beautiful woman in my eyes. I will spare no other


    woman another nce.¡±


    Phoebe was inconsble. ¡°That''s not what I saw earlier. You were staring at your ex.¡±


    At that, Phoebe turned to re at Cecelia.


    She could not believe how that woman, who came from the vige, had transformed into a mature


    beauty in a few short years. That made Phoebe nervous and afraid of losing her man back to her.


    To appease his wife, Hans deliberately belittled Cecelia. ¡°Why would I look at her? She''s just a stranger


    to me now. No, not even a stranger, but some bumpkin. She cannot bepared to a sophisticated


    woman like you.¡±


    Despite her running into Hans, the wound on Cecelia''s heart had been just a scab, but it was reopened


    anew at that moment.


    My sacrifices for three years meant nothing to him. He even calls me a bumpkin.


    Cecelia lost her temper. ¡°I have been good to you, Hans. I provided for all your expenses when you


    were a research student, including your tuition, living expenses, your extravagant daily expenditure,


    and even your parents'' medical fees.


    ¡°Though I have never onceined over the years, it pained me to discover that I''d been


    supporting an ingrate all this time. You broke up with me after graduation and chose to be with this


    woman only because her father was in a position to find you a good job. Hah!


    ¡°It''s one thing not to appreciate me, but how dare you insult me? Me, a bumpkin? What does that make


    you? Something worse than that, I suppose! I must have been blind to have seen good in an ungrateful


    b*stard like you! I don''t owe you a damn thing, Hans. Let''s make one thing clear. You owe me. Is your


    conscience clear? Otherwise, you''d better look both ways before you cross the street!¡±


    Hans turned crimson from Cecelia''s public admonishment.


    It was bad enough to be seen living off a woman.


    On top of that, the scornful res from the retail assistants were too much. ¡°I... I...¡± he stuttered.


    At the recollection of Cecelia''s kindness toward him, Hans bowed his head, too ashamed to meet her


    gaze.


    Phoebe was furious. She pointed a finger at Cecelia and shouted, ¡°How dare you speak to my husband


    this way? Whose fault is it for failing to keep him? Look at you, pregnant and shopping alone without a


    man. The child in your belly must be the spawn of some good-for-nothing who knocked you up. Look at


    how pathetic you''ve be!¡±


    Livid at Phoebe''s words, Cecelia was seized by an impulse to take a swipe at her. Just as she was


    about to, an attractive male voice butted in, ¡°The child in her belly belongs to me.¡±


    Suddenly, Cecelia found herself enveloped in his vast, warm embrace.

 Chapter 445

    Chapter 445


    Xavier approached her with his face obscured by the light, his tall and imposing figure exuding a regal


    presence. He enfolded Cecelia in his arms, assuming the role of a chivalrous gentleman who was


    determined to keep her safe.


    He shot Hans and Phoebe a frosty look before his gazended on Cecelia.


    A strange expression briefly crossed Xavier''s face before it vanished as soon as he saw the anger and


    distress in her eyes.


    Phoebe''s piercing gaze swept over Xavier, taking in every detail of the scene as he held Cecelia


    protectively in his arms.


    This man is wearing a limited edition Ermenegildo Zegna suit, and he has a Piaget watch on his wrist.


    He looks rich... Phoebe''s heart skipped a beat at that realization. Nevertheless, she refused to admit


    that Cecelia had found a wealthy husband, even though the evidence seemed to point to the fact.


    Immediately, she spoke with a haughty tone. ¡°I can''t believe the woman my husband left behind


    managed to find herself a sugar daddy. Well done, Cecelia. You''ve certainly made progress, haven''t


    you?¡±


    Phoebe refused to believe that Hans had never slept with Cecelia, as they had dated for five whole


    years.


    Hans was good in bed, so she believed he had honed his skills by sleeping with Cecelia countless


    times.


    Thus, Phoebe bore a strong resentment toward Cecelia.


    Cecelia wanted nothing more than to sew Phoebe''s mouth shut to stop thetter from spouting


    nonsense.


    She had always been hot-tempered, which meant she would never let anyone get away with insulting


    her.


    At once, she retorted, ¡°Phoebe Sandsby, how shameless can you be? Hans isn''t even worthy to serve


    me. You''re the only one who likes someone as useless as him. I supported him for five years, but he


    wasn''t even grateful for my financial support. If I were to keep a dog, it would apany me and


    relieve my boredom. Hans, on the other hand, betrayed me. An ungrateful b*stard like him deserves to


    be with a weirdo like you. You two are basically a match made in heaven! I will not pray for you to


    be more sensible and respectful, but I do wish that you will be kind and not pass on your bad


    traits to your child.¡±


    Phoebe trembled in anger, her rolls of fat jiggling as a result. ¡°H-Hey! You b*tch!¡±


    She had no idea Cecelia had be someone who could not be trifled with.


    From what she remembered, Cecelia was an unfashionable and shy youngdy who would hide in a


    corner to cry whenever she bullied thetter. She would never have guessed that Cecelia would


    be sharp-tongued upon running into each other a few yearster!


    Xavier couldn''t help but be entertained as Cecelia expressed her displeasure with the ungrateful couple


    without resorting to vulgarnguage but still managing to make a meaningful impact. If it had been


    appropriate, he would have apuded her acerbic wit.


    ¡°Hans, beat that b*tch up! How dare she curse our baby? I want her dead!¡± Phoebe gave Hans a


    forceful kick and a pointed look.


    Hans gave Cecelia a hesitant look but dared not take a step closer.


    Phoebe gave him a tight p. ¡°You''re useless! Do you still have feelings for her? If you dare not hit her,


    I''ll file for divorce right away and tell my dad to kick you out tonight!¡±


    Hans panicked at her words. He immediately took action and charged forward to teach Cecelia a


    lesson like a dog that had received orders from its master.


    Cecelia raised her arms hastily to protect her belly as a helpless look appeared in her eyes. She felt a


    sharp pang of pain in her heart.


    F*ck this! I can''t believe Hans is going to beat me up for real.


    To everyone''s surprise, Xavier grabbed Hans'' wrist and crushed it with great force before thetter


    couldy a hand on Cecelia.


    ¡°Ow!¡± Hans let out a pained yelp as he felt a crushing pressure on his wrist. His voice quavered as he


    pleaded, ¡°S-Sir, let''s talk t-this out.¡±


    ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    Fear and heartache surged through Phoebe as she watched her husband suffer in agony. She wanted


    to help him, but she was too scared to take action. Summoning her courage, she pointed an using


    finger at Xavier and yelled, ¡°What did you do to my husband? Let him go! Do you know who my dad is?


    He is¡ª¡±


    Xavier gave her a look full of contempt and cut in, ¡°I couldn''t care less about your father''s status. You


    and your husband are reprehensible for harassing a pregnant woman. Scram right now!¡±


    He tossed Hans away as though thetter were nothing more than mere garbage. He then growled


    fiercely at Hans, ¡°If I ever see you trying to intimidate a woman again, I won''t let you off easily!¡±


    ¡°You! Just you wait. Hubby, let''s go. We''ll have plenty of chances to teach this impudent couple a


    lesson in the future!¡± Phoebe helped Hans out and fled the scene hastily under the salespeople''s


    mocking gazes.


    ¡°Ms. Zuckerberg, are you all right?¡± Xavier went over to Cecelia, sympathy crossing his face.


    No wonder she hates interacting with men. It''s understandable that she would be severely traumatized


    after being dumped by a scoundrel like Hans. Any woman would react the same if they were in her


    shoes.


    ¡°I''m fine. Thanks for your help, Mr. Dartsley. Goodbye.¡± Having bade goodbye to him, Cecelia spun on


    her heels and left, her face devoid of expression.


    The moment she turned away, her nonchnt facade crumbled, and she was left in a vulnerable state.


    Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine that her shameful past, which she tried her best to


    conceal, would one day beid bare to the public.


    It was particrly mortifying for her as Xavier, her ¡°colleague,¡± had been a witness to the whole


    incident.


    Xavier observed Cecelia''s clumsy gait due to her advanced pregnancy and blurted out, ¡°Cecelia, are


    you sure you don''t need a ride back home? I''d be more than happy to take you.¡±


    Despite Xavier''s offer, Cecelia didn''t bother turning around as she replied, ¡°No, thank you. I drove here


    by myself, so I don''t require your assistance.¡±


    Xavier shook his head helplessly and watched as she ambled away.


    Why is she so stubborn? She isn''t cute at all. Can''t she rely on me just like an ordinary woman?


    The following morning, Cayden nned to meet with a mysterious figure after breakfast.


    He was afraid that Avery would be bored at home alone. There was a peach garden in full blossom


    near where he was heading, so he decided to bring her there.


    The journey was quite long. It took them three hours by car to finally arrive at their destination.


    Cayden parked his car in the parking lot and headed to the hotel they agreed to meet at.


    The mysterious guest ran into some trouble on the way here and would only arrive after an hour. Thus,


    he brought Avery to Peach Blossom Acres nearby the hotel to see the peach blossoms in full bloom.


    Nestled amongst the rolling hills of the mountains, Peach Blossom Acres was a tranquil oasis. This


    privately owned area was not open to the public and only weed selected guests. As a result, the


    atmosphere was serene and tranquil, providing a much-needed reprieve from the hustle and bustle of


    the outside world.


    The vibrant peach blossoms in full bloom offer a sharp contrast to the tall, imposing trees in the nearby


    mountains.


    The flower petals danced gracefully in the gentle breeze, fluttering and twirling in the air before


    gracefully raining down like a nket of snow.


    Avery and Cayden held hands as they strolled under the raining peach blossoms. Curious, she asked,


    ¡°Who is the friend you''re going to meetter?¡±


    Who could it be? He came all the way here just to wee that friend.

 Chapter 446

    Chapter 446


    Cayden chuckled and ruffled her hair before pressing a kiss on her nose. He joked, ¡°This friend of mine


    is a scammer wanted by Interpol. Are you scared?¡±


    ¡°W-What?¡± Avery''s jaw dropped wide open in shock.


    Cayden took in her adorable response and reached out to pinch her earlobe. ¡°What a fool. Did you


    seriously believe that?¡±


    Avery balled her fists up and gave him a light punch when she saw his teasing look. ¡°You need to cut it


    out! Don''t tease me like this and make me worry!¡±


    Cayden felt a wave of warmth wash over his heart as he beheld her beautiful face lit up withughter.


    She looked even more exquisite than the peach blossoms in full bloom during the month of March.


    Temperament was an incredibly special quality that was often intangible yet had the ability to greatly


    increase a woman''s attractiveness. It was a quality that could enhance a person''s elegance, grace,


    brilliance, and countless other characteristics that made them so likable and charming. Even though it


    was a quality that was often hard to exin, Cayden felt its presence in the most pleasant of ways.


    Cayden took her hand and told her gently, ¡°You don''t need to be worried about me. I''m capable of


    making wise decisions of my own. There''s no reason to get upset over trivial things. You have three


    children who look up to you, so you need to be strong for them and demonstrate the right attitude.¡± He


    then squeezed her hand lightly.


    Avery seemed torn. ¡°I know. I can''t help it, though. It seems that it ismon for pregnant women to


    experience sadness and mood swings.¡±


    ¡°I''ll be with you, and I''ll make sure you never cry,¡± Cayden promised. He led her across the steps


    carefully as they made their way deeper into the garden.


    Peach Blossom Acres was an expansive estate that spanned acres and acres ofnd. It was home to a


    multitude of different species of peach trees, and they were all in full bloom. The blossoms on the trees


    created an incrediblendscape.


    They leisurely walked along the winding pathway, allowing themselves to truly bask in the tranquil


    atmosphere.


    Cayden had been feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of work, but now, he could take a much-


    needed break from the stress and tension of his job. He was filled with an immense feeling of joy and


    contentment as he looked out at the breathtaking scenery with Avery. She had taught him how to open


    up his heart and love someone deeply and unconditionally. To him, she was his future and gave him a


    purpose in life.


    Around ten minutester, Avery suddenly halted in her tracks and turned to stare at Cayden''s


    handsome face.


    A smile tugged at Cayden''s lips as he asked, ¡°Are you tired? Do you want me to pick you¡ª¡±


    Before he could finish his sentence, Avery stood on tiptoes and flung her arms around his neck to kiss


    him, trailing kisses across his forehead, the bridge of his nose, his lips, and finally, his jaw. She then


    pulled away and shed a smug smile.


    Cayden was surprised at her actions. She was shy, so it was usually him who initiated their kisses.


    It was rare for her to take the initiative to kiss him.


    His heart skipped a beat as he leaned in to kiss her cheek. ¡°We''re in broad daylight. Don''t you feel


    shy?¡±


    A sly glimmer twinkled in Avery''s eyes as she grinned mischievously. Her lips curved into a smirk, and


    she said, ¡°It''s just us here. You always seem to be the one to initiate kisses, so I thought I''d take the


    opportunity to make the first move. And the setting is perfect, don''t you think?¡±


    As though to verify her im, a loving couple was engaged in a heated kiss in an ancient-looking


    pavilion not far away from them.


    The temperature was pleasantly warm, with the birds chirping merrily and the sweet scent of the


    flowers lingering in the air. It was the perfect ambiance for lovers to express their affection for one


    another.


    Cayden was about to speak when Avery shut him up with a kiss.


    Avery was having difficulty standing on her tiptoes due to Cayden''s tall stature, but she still enjoyed the


    game of surprise kisses as they walked along the path together.


    Rows of peach trees on both sides of the path were densely packed together and bursting with


    beautiful pink blossoms that looked like miniature rosy clouds. As the sweet scent of the blossoms


    wafted through the air, their singleyered white and pink flowers unfurled, radiating a dazzling beauty


    that resembled snowkes in the bright sunlight. If one were to peer closely into the bright yellow petals


    of the flowers, one would be able to observe the honeybees that were actively gathering honey.


    As they ventured further and further into the garden, they were surrounded by a veritable sea of peach


    blossoms. The air was thick with the sweet, pungent aroma of the flowers, bing increasingly


    strong with each passing moment.


    They decided to sit down and rest when they arrived at a rattan chair.


    Avery praised, ¡°The peach blossoms are gorgeous. I believe the owner of Peach Blossom Acres is a


    person who knows how to live life to the fullest.¡±


    Seeing her enthusiasm, Cayden shed an affectionate smile. ¡°If you like Peach Blossom Acres that


    much, why don''t I purchase it for you?¡±


    He proposed buying the immense Peach Blossom Acres with such ease that it was as if he was


    discussing the weather.


    The man wanted to give her anything she desired.


    It was often said that truly loving someone meant wanting to give them the best of everything and being


    willing to give up anything to see a smile on their face.


    ¡°Huh?¡± Avery''s eyes turned as wide as saucers.


    As Cayden didn''t seem like he was joking, she quickly rejected his offer. ¡°You can''t do that. Peach


    Blossom Acres is breathtakingly beautiful, so it''s obvious that its owner spent a lot of effort to maintain


    its upkeeping. It wouldn''t feel right taking this away from them.¡±


    Most importantly, she knew property in this area wasn''t cheap even though it wasn''t technically as


    expensive asnd in Ackleton itself. That was because it was located in Ackleton''s outskirts. The


    garden itself spanned thousands of acres, so it would cost a bomb to purchase it.


    She might like it, but that didn''t necessarily mean that she wanted it to be hers exclusively. She would


    never take advantage of Cayden''s love for her and act however she liked.


    Cayden treasured Avery for herck of worldly desires.


    He said solemnly, ¡°I''ll buy a piece ofnd so you can nt whatever you want. You can build your own


    secluded paradise.¡±


    Assuming Cayden was teasing her, Avery didn''t take his promise to heart. Her gaze flicked up to his


    handsome face as her heart pounded in her chest. Unable to resist the temptation, she leaned in and


    kissed him passionately. Nothing could illustrate her love for him more clearly than the tenderness of


    physical contact.


    Cayden returned her kiss enthusiastically.


    They were engaged in a fiery kiss when Avery felt a cool object being ced around her neck.


    She gazed downward, her eyes widening in awe upon the sight of an exquisite emerald ne


    draped around her neck. Its hue was a brilliant, captivating emerald green,ced with a subtle tinge of


    teal. It was obviously worth a great deal of money.


    Avery knew Cayden was fond of giving her expensive gifts, so she immediately lost interest in kissing


    him.


    She unsped the ne and returned it to him. ¡°I can''t take this. You''ve already given me one, and


    I¡ª¡±


    ¡°I bought this ne at a stall in an ancient city when I was on a business trip,¡± he exined. ¡°I think


    it suits you a lot. It wasn''t too expensive as it cost only a few thousand.¡±


    Avery met his gaze and came to the conclusion that he was not deceiving her. The price seemed


    eptable to her, so she epted the gift readily.


    ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    Thereafter, she never questioned Cayden''s exnation that the ne was not particrly valuable


    and assumed he was telling the truth. It wasn''t until many yearster, when she attended an antique


    auction wearing this very same ne, that she realized she had been deceived. A renowned expert


    in antiques, who happened to be at the auction, looked at her in shock and amazement, and it was


    then that she came to understand that the ne was worth more than a few thousand.


    The ne she had assumed to be inexpensive was actually one of a kind, the only one of its kind in


    the whole world.

 Chapter 447

    Chapter 447


    As he ced the emerald ne around Avery''s neck, Cayden spoke. ¡°This ne is equipped


    with a locator. As long as you wear it, I can find you no matter where you are.¡±


    Avery felt the ne''s exceptional smoothness, her lips pursing in amazement.


    It was primarily because she did not expect that the ne, which only cost several thousand, would


    contain a high-techponent.


    I''ve always thought that such technology is only found in expensive nes.


    Nheless, Avery did not dwell on it because she had always trusted Cayden.


    ¡°Does it look good?¡± she asked after he had put the ne on for her.


    Avery, who was in the early stages of pregnancy, still had a slender frame. At that moment, she was as


    happy as a young girl in love receiving a gift from her beloved.


    Cayden looked at her and nodded. ¡°Yes.¡±


    Right now, Avery is my sweetheart.


    The two spent over half an hour strolling through the peach blossom forest. When Avery eventually


    became weary, Cayden carried her the entire way back to the hotel.


    As a five-star establishment, the hotel was undoubtedly very opulent.


    Their room had a sizable circr waterbed encircled by multipleyers of flowering roses. The white


    drapes that were hanging from the ceiling shimmered in enigmatic hues.


    Avery could not help but marvel at the exquisite decor of the hotel and was curiously studying how the


    roses managed to stay so vibrant in the room.


    Being a designer, the first thing she paid attention to when visiting a new ce was its design style and


    decor. She could study its strengths and use them to make up for her weaknesses by doing this, and it


    would also provide her with a steady source of creative inspiration for her works.


    While Avery was studying the unique interior design of the hotel, Cayden was talking with the


    mysterious man in a room on the top floor.


    ¡°Congrattions on your return to the country.¡±


    His clear and stern voice rang forth, apanied by the crisp sound of wine sses clinking. ¡°How


    does it feel to be back on native soil?¡±


    The tall, slender silhouette in front of the floor-to-ceiling window turned around, revealing an incredibly


    startling face.


    While the right side of his face was unbelievably attractive, the left side was horrifying and disturbing,


    looking as though it had been scorched by a raging fire, hideous like a devil emerging from hell.


    ¡°Heh! The feeling ofing home is great...¡± The man''s deep, gruff voice was surprisingly pleasant,


    but his expression was downright frigid. ¡°The best has yet toe.¡±


    Cayden observed the man''s grim expression as he slouched against the couch, idly swirling his wine


    ss with a half-smile. ¡°Sid Newman, I didn''t go through so much trouble to get you out just to see you


    pulling a long face.¡±


    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    The man named Sid cast a casual nce at Cayden. Without making any attempt to seem polite, he lit


    a cigarette and raised an eyebrow. ¡°Tell me. What do you want me to do?¡±


    Instead of responding to the question, Cayden cautioned as if out of concern, ¡°You should smoke less.


    Take care, or you''ll die early from lung cancer.¡±


    Sid continued puffing out smoke plumes calmly without lifting his gaze. ¡°Haven''t you heard of a saying


    that virtuous people don''t live long lives, but evil people do? I''m sure you know that I''m not a good


    person, so your curse won''t work on me.¡±


    Cayden merely smiled in response.


    This guy is still as obnoxious and conceited as always. Although he appears to be extremely young,


    he''s no ordinary person. His most astounding past wasn''t the legendary wealth he amassed, but his


    exceptionally high Intellect. He''s the most renowned genius business con artist and the FBI''s youngest-


    ever wanted criminal.


    Sid was skilled in counter-surveince. He could fake a variety of professions with ease, making it


    impossible for police to apprehend him. On the day of his closest call, when his whereabouts were


    unfortunately exposed, countless police officers raised their guns and began to mob him. However,


    they never anticipated that, at the crucial moment, he would disguise himself as an FBI agent, relying


    on his incredible acting abilities, and ultimately manage to escape.


    Later, he decided to quit and stopmitting financial fraud, although he continued to lead a decadent


    lifestyle. On one asion, he impregnated the mistress of a mob boss, which led to the mob going


    after him.


    The angry and humiliated mob boss mobilized all his power to track him down. In addition to destroying


    half of Sid''s attractive face, he even intended to shoot thetter dead when Cayden, who was on a


    business trip abroad, just so happened to run across them.


    After learning his identity, Cayden paid a hefty sum of money in exchange for his life.


    However, Sid was ustomed to being frivolous andckadaisical, so he could not care less about


    Cayden saving his life. Instead, he put forward a condition that he would fulfill three favors for Cayden


    to the best of his ability to repay his kindness.


    Once the favors werepleted, they would not cross paths again.


    Cayden unfathomably agreed.


    As a shrewd businessman, he naturally knew that Sid was a genius, only that his intellect was not


    applied in the right ce. If he returns to the righteous path, the ransom I spent for him is nothing. I''ll


    recover the money back hundreds and thousands of times over.


    ¡°Actually, it''s not a big deal. I just thought that since you''re idle, why don''t youe and work at my


    company? I need someone to expand the market in South Adrune. I''ll hire you as the general manager,


    and you can expand the business there,¡± he said.


    With raised eyebrows, Sid took a few drags from his cigarette and slowly puffed out a ring of smoke


    before responding a little irritably, ¡°You know that I''ve never yed by the rules, let alone conform to


    them. You''re better off killing me than making me work in yourpany. Could you switch the favor for


    something else?¡±


    Cayden chuckled. Sid is as free-spirited as the legend portrays. I don''t mind that, though. Everything


    else is trivial as long as he can add value to my business.


    Sid did not know what the other man wasughing at, but he felt somewhat dazed as he stared at the


    attractive and remarkable man before him. Who would''ve guessed that this man is the devil of the


    corporate world? Naturally, this title refers to his vicious and ruthless manner of doing things rather than


    his appearance. He has a gorgeous visage and a refined, carefree smile, yet back then, he was able to


    hold his own and calmly negotiate with the murderous mob boss with a smile. Even I feel humbled by


    how he handled the cunning and deceitful business games...


    After Cayden finally stopped chuckling, he gave Sid a serious look and said, ¡°Mr. Newman, you''re not


    required to clock in ore to work punctually as normal employees do. You merely need toe to


    thepany every day to manage a few simple tasks. The time is entirely up to you. Oh, you can also


    work remotely as long as you canplete the tasks. Naturally, I won''t underpay a talented individual


    like you.¡±


    He believed that anyone would be attracted by such a generous offer. Moreover, an unruly wastrel like


    Sid needs money now...

 Chapter 448

    Chapter 448


    It didn''t take long for Sid to agree to Cayden''s request.


    After all, he was desperately in need of money.


    Although he had acquired much wealth through dubious means, he was also a mindless spendthrift.


    Not only had he squandered off all his earnings, but he had also gotten into debt.


    Unable to hide his curiosity, he asked, ¡°Thank you for cing your trust in me, Mr. Moore. But aren''t


    you worried I might betray your trust and run away with yourpany''s funds? After all, I''ve done that


    to other people before.¡±


    A confident and calm smile appeared on Cayden''s face as he replied, ¡°You can always try... if you think


    you can get away with that.¡±


    Although he spoke lightheartedly as if it was meant to be a jest, his eyes bore into Sid''s eyes, leaving


    Sid without a doubt that nothing could escape his scrutiny.


    That seemingly gentle gaze made Sid shudder. He suddenly recalled the information he had gathered


    previously when he investigated Cayden.


    To the casual observers, Cayden appeared warm and friendly, with a ready smile for everyone. His


    opponents were often misled by that affable appearance and let their guards down. They would only


    btedly realize how ruthless and shrewd Cayden was after they were mercilessly defeated.


    Within a few years, Cayden had turned apany that was about to copse around and made it into


    an internationally renowned one. It would be rather impossible to achieve such a feat without anyConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    covert and maniptive means.


    A serious look reced the earlier cheeky expression on Sid''s face.


    He raised his ss to Cayden and proposed a toast, saying, ¡°Here''s to our coboration, Mr. Moore!¡±


    ¡°To our sess!¡± Cayden returned.


    Cayden knew if he managed to get Sid under his control, that man would be a useful pawn and could


    contribute to the sess of his business.


    However, it was also a double-edged sword decision to partner with Sid. He was an arrogant madcap


    who could get out of control and be a liability instead.


    But it was a risk Cayden was willing to take. He was confident in his own judgment and also believed


    he had Lady Luck on his side.


    When Cayden got back to his hotel room, he found Avery curled up on the couch, reading a magazine.


    Her eyes were lowered, focused on the magazine, and her petite frame was rxed and still. It was a


    peaceful and serene sight.


    Avery hadn''t noticed a rose petal hadnded on her hair. That bold dash of red added an element of


    seduction to the air of innocence she exuded.


    Cayden had met numerous women more beautiful and sophisticated than Avery, but only Avery could


    give him that sense of peace and calm.


    He went over to sit on the couch before lifting her onto hisp while Avery was still engrossed in her


    reading. Smilingly, he asked, ¡°What is so fascinating that you''d be so engrossed?¡±


    ¡°Oh... Has your friend left?¡± Avery made herselffortable in his arms promptly.


    ¡°Yup, he''s gone. We''ll stay here and get some rest before we head back to Ackleton. Are you hungry?


    Should I get you some food?¡± Cayden intimately interlocked his fingers with hers as he leaned forward


    to rest his forehead against hers.


    He knew she had a ravenous appetite after bing pregnant and would frequently suffer from


    hunger pangs.


    Avery pointed to the leftover tiramisu and milkshake on the table and said, ¡°It''s okay. I had quite a fair


    bit of dessert just now. Oh, by the way, I was reading about palm reading just now. Give me your hand,


    Cayden.¡±


    With that, she grabbed his hand and started examining his palm lines.


    His hand was smooth, fair but strong, like ivory.


    The head line and money line on his hand were long and clear, stretching across almost his whole


    palm.


    Avery was impressed. ¡°Your heart, money, and head lines are all long and clear! I''ve never seen


    anything like this before! Overall, you''ll have a pretty smooth and stable life. You can ovee any


    obstacles that hinder your path. Hmmm... let me take a good look at your heart line. It extends almost


    to your index finger, so that shows you are an honorable and devoted lover. The line is a little frayed,


    though, so you''re probably a ma of women. All in all, not too bad!¡± she dered.


    Yvonne, Nicole, Wisteria... What kind of maism is that? Many names came to her mind as she


    analyzed his heart line, giving her a headache.


    Cayden noticed the slight souring of her mood and assured her with a smile, ¡°It''s not a problem for


    someone like me who has good self-control. Moreover, how can those childish womenpare to my


    dearest Honey? With you by my side, I''mplete.¡±


    Avery''s heart melted when she heard those sweet words, but she blushingly protested, ¡°Wait a minute.


    Who''s your Honey? We''re not married yet, so I''m still not yours...¡±


    As they were immersed in their intimate moment, neither of them noticed that Cayden''s heart line


    actually merged into his life line in the middle, and together, they extended to the edge of his palm.


    Soon, the subject matter of their chat became that of their wedding ns.


    Avery remembered the nightmare she had two nights ago. She dreamt that the wedding didn''t go well.


    In that dream, Cayden had disappeared, and she, dressed in her white wedding gown, was left waiting


    at the altar. All the guests started mocking her as she stood helplessly in the church, with no one by her


    side.


    Avery was still unsettled as she recounted the dream to Cayden.


    After hearing about it, Cayden consoled her by jesting, ¡°How can I leave you alone at the altar?


    Dreams tend to be the opposite of reality, so maybe I''ll be the one left at the altar. No, that''s impossible.


    I''ll never let that happen. The wedding will definitely go well, I promise. So please stop imagining


    things.¡±


    He nted multiple pecks on her fair forehead, then carried her over to the bed,y down with her, and


    hugged her tightly from behind.


    Cayden then buried his face into her shapely neck and got ready to have a nice nap.


    He was genuinely tired, as he had always had little time to rest. He also knew that back home, he had


    a pile of work waiting for him and that he wouldn''t have a chance to get proper rest.


    Being with Avery made him feel rxed. At that moment, with her in his arms, all he wanted was to


    have a good sleep.


    Cayden''s promise was very assuring for Avery, and she felt secure in his warm embrace.


    Two more months and we''ll be getting married! That happy thought kept her awake, causing her to be


    restless in bed. She kept turning around to kiss him, nting kisses all over his face, from the forehead


    to his brows, eyes, nose, and even his stubble chin.


    She would sweetly kiss his face, briefly turn back to lie quietly in his arms before turning around and


    yfully doing the same thing again.


    Eventually, the agitated Cayden pinned her under him and threatened lovingly, ¡°Kiss me one more


    time, and you''ll regret it!¡±


    Avery pleaded for mercy before finally curling up in his arms. Satisfied, Cayden kissed her and then


    closed his eyes to get to sleep.

 Chapter 449

    Chapter 449


    Meanwhile, Bonnie had invited Nicole to a party at a club.


    Even though Nicole had no interest in the event, she wanted to confront Bonnie for giving her the drug


    that caused her to sleep with the wrong person.


    The party Bonnie organized was held in a luxurious private room.


    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    The moment Nicole arrived, she could hear the bass-thumping music and smell the stench of alcohol.


    In the middle of the room was a round stage with a pole right in the center. Just like a slithering snake,


    Bonnie was swaying her hips right next to it. The heavy makeup she had on entuated the vampish


    aura she exuded.


    As she continued to move sensuously on stage, the men underneath it cheered while salivating


    sciously.


    When Nicole entered the scene with her light makeup, she quickly stood out from the crowd, as if she


    looked more stunning in real life than on-screen.


    All the vivacious-looking girls in the room, who were wearing heavy makeup, paled inparison to


    her.


    As Nicole strode across the room, many men were bewitched by the sight of her.


    Given that most of the guests came from rich families and mingled within the same circle, they naturally


    recognized the famous Nicole.


    Hence, many of them greeted her warmly, ¡°Ms. Lambert, it''s a surprise to see you here...¡±


    ¡°Hi, everyone.¡± Nicole acknowledged them with a polite nod.


    She lived up to her reputation with her perfect poise and elegance, devoid of the snobbishness of other


    rich youngdies. The way she carried herself served to deepen the men''s admiration toward her.


    Nheless, she viewed them with disdain despite her vibrant smile.


    Even though these ugly men are rich, their moneyes from their daddies.


    There were naturally handsome ones among the crowd, but they didn''t spark Nicole''s interest at all.


    Her kind of man had to be a cut above the rest. Someone who stood at the pinnacles of wealth and


    power. As for the rich kids in front of her who spent their days phndering, they didn''t evene close


    at all.


    ¡°Nickie, you''re here! I''m surprised that a big star like you managed to make it. I''m really happy to see


    you!¡±


    The moment she saw Nicole, Bonnie got off the stage and held thetter''s hand warmly. ¡°You look


    gorgeous today!¡±


    Bonnie tried her best to make it look as if she and Nicole were on the best of terms.


    Given that Nicole was the precious daughter of the powerful William Lambert, Bonnie, an illegitimate


    child of the Bet family, paled inparison when it came to their family pedigrees.


    Although her father treasured her a lot, her peers constantly looked down upon her due to her awkward


    status.


    However, ever since she ingratiated herself with Nicole, the treatment she received in high society


    improved significantly.


    That was why she was ted to see Nicole grace her party.


    Gazing deeply at Bonnie''s seductive face, Nicole hid her rage as she broke out a smile. ¡°You look


    equally stunning tonight.¡±


    Thereafter, Nicole leaned toward Bonnie''s ear and whispered, ¡°There''s something I want to talk to you


    about. Can we find somece quiet?¡±


    Bonnie agreed without question.


    While leading Nicole to a quiet room next door, she didn''t notice the insidious look in her friend''s eyes.


    Right after they entered the soundproof room, Bonnie saw Nicole swiftly lock the door behind her.


    Caught by surprise, she felt a sense of dread creep into her. ¡°Nickie, what is it that you want to talk


    about? Why the private room? Why must you lock¡ª¡±


    Before Bonnie could finish, she felt a thundering p on her face. The loud crack was quickly followed


    by excruciating pain and the taste of blood in her mouth.


    Only then did she hold her face, shocked by Nicole''s p.


    Staring at the glowering Nicole and pressing on her swollen cheek, the clueless Bonnie asked, ¡°Nickie,


    what was that for?¡±


    Nicole sneered, ¡°What was that for? Isn''t it obvious? Was the drug you gave me fake? Otherwise, how


    did I end up sleeping with another man when I clearly gave it to Cayden?¡±


    Bonnie stared at Nicole intently. ¡°Nickie, it''s impossible for the drug to be fake, as I have used it many


    times without fail. I swear that I''ll die in a car crash if I''m not telling the truth!¡±


    Although Bonnie didn''t seem to be lying, Nicole was still reluctant to believe her. ¡°In that case, how did


    such a mistake happen?¡±


    Despite the pain on her face, Bonnie suppressed the hatred within her and maintained a cordial


    expression. ¡°Nickie, why don''t you try and recall if you used the drug on the wrong person? It''s a potent


    drug that can cause someone to hallucinate immediately once it''s released into the air. Did you


    identally open the bottle halfway?¡±


    Nicole did feel that something was amiss that night but just couldn''t recall the details of what happened.


    However, it didn''t change the fact that her virginity was taken by Roderick, causing her to me


    everything on Bonnie.


    Gritting her teeth, Nicole replied in exasperation, ¡°It''s no use. I can''t remember anything at all. If it


    weren''t for you, I wouldn''t have slept with another man. You must have set me up on purpose!¡±


    Bonnie relished in schadenfreude when she saw how distraught Nicole was. She felt the urge to open


    the door and show the other socialites thetter''s true colors. She wanted them to see how truly ugly


    their so-called goddess was.


    Nevertheless, the idea she had remained just that, an idea. After pretending to wipe her tears away


    pitifully, Bonnie sobbed out, ¡°Nickie, after so many years, shouldn''t you already know the real me? Why


    would I hurt you, my best friend?¡±


    Thereafter, she continued to pacify Nicole patiently. ¡°Nickie, don''t let it bother you. The hymen is no big


    deal. With modern medicine, it can be easily repaired, and it will look as good as new¡ª¡±


    Nicole''s eyes lit up. ¡°Can they really do that?¡±


    ¡°Of course!¡± Bonnie maintained a sister-like disposition even though Nicole''s hypocritical behavior


    disgusted her. ¡°I know a doctor who specializes in the procedure. She can ensure that you bleed as if it


    was your first time. Since I''m partly responsible for what happened, I''ll introduce her to you. I''m willing


    to do anything you want to make it up to you!¡±


    Only then did Nicole manage to calm herself down.


    Staring at Bonnie''s overly-vampish face, she studied it for a while before shing an abrupt smile.


    ¡°Bonnie, since you have such a beautiful face, I want you to seduce a man. At the same time, hand this


    over to a woman named Avery Rumpley in Trident Group.¡±


    No sooner had she spoken than she stuffed a shiny disk into Bonnie''s hands.

 Chapter 450

    Chapter 450


    Bonnie furrowed her brows when she saw the disk in Nicole''s hand. However, she took the disk without


    any questions.


    ¡°I''ll do anything for you, Nickie,¡± she said as she smiled.


    To Bonnie, it was not a big deal for her to send the disk to Avery.


    Her main priority now was to please Nicole to prevent a rift between them. She was afraid her


    friendship with Nicole would fall apart.


    If she were to lose Nicole''s support, she wouldn''t have a smooth sail in upper-ss society as she did


    now.


    Then, Nicole whispered something in Bonnie''s ear again, telling thetter what to do.


    After that, she gave Bonnie a threatening look. ¡°Remember, do not mess things up. Otherwise, I''ll make


    sure you get ostracized from this circle.¡±


    Bonnie felt a chill go down her spine at Nicole''s threat.


    She had no ce in this circle, to begin with. If Nicole decided to make things difficult for her, she


    wouldn''t know how to deal with it.


    With the intent to ingratiate, Bonnie raised her two thumbs at Nicole and said, ¡°Trust me, Nickie. I''ll take


    care of it. How dare she try to snatch your man? She must have a death wish! Your enemy is also my


    enemy. Just wait. You can count on me for that.¡±


    Nicole merely grunted after receiving Bonnie''s assurance.


    ¡°Oh right, Nickie. You want me to seduce a man. Who is it?¡± Bonnie asked after seeing Nicole''s anger


    seem to have subsided.


    ¡°Roderick Fuller, the youngest son of the Fuller family.¡± Nicole gritted her teeth with hatred as she


    mentioned his name.


    ¡°Roderick Fuller?¡± Bonnie tried her best to recall all the names of young men from affluent families.


    It was as though she was flipping through her phone book. After a few minutes, her eyes suddenly


    brightened. Oh, it''s him.


    The Fuller family had an impressive background, both in the military and politics. The eldest son was


    involved in politics, while the second son went into business. As for the youngest son, he had joined


    the special forces and was rarely seen in public.


    However, Bonnie was lucky and got to meet Roderick once. He was tall and muscr, and his rough


    image left a deep impression on her.


    Thinking of Roderick''s toned body and bulging muscles, Bonnie felt her heart flutter.


    The Fuller family is prestigious. If I seed in seducing the youngest son of the family...


    Immediately, she flipped her hair, trying to look alluring. ¡°That''s not a problem either. Leave it to me. I''ll


    make sure I won''t disappoint you, Nickie. However¡ª¡±


    Bonnie, you''re such a promiscuous woman. Seeing her readily agreeing, Nicole scoffed inwardly.


    ¡°However what?¡± she asked.


    Bonnie looked perplexed. ¡°The youngest son of the Fuller family rarely goes home. I heard that his


    whereabouts are erratic. Where can I find him to seduce him?¡±


    Nicole was unsure of Roderick''s whereabouts as well. After mulling it over, she said, ¡°Don''t bother


    about it. I''ll contact you when Roderick returns to Ackleton. Bonnie, you should know that the Fuller


    family is one of the most powerful families in Ackleton. I''m giving you a chance. Now, it''s all up to you


    and your capabilities to win over his heart.¡±


    Nodding her head frantically, Bonnie said, ¡°Nickie, I''ll never forget your kindness if I can marry him.¡±


    Nicole took in Bonnie''s ingratiating demeanor and couldn''t help but be disgusted with thetter. ¡°That''s


    it for today. I have something to do now and will contact you soon. Remember, you must hand over the


    disk to Avery.¡±


    Nicole left with her bag only after she received Bonnie''s multiple assurances.


    A sneer grew on Nicole''s lips as soon as she turned her back on Bonnie.


    Since Bonnie is passing the disk to Avery, the me would be on her, not me, when things get


    exposed.


    In the corridor, Bonnie watched Nicole''s arrogant retreating figure with disdain.


    She cursed inwardly at Nicole.


    Who does she think she is? She''s merely an orphan who got lucky enough to be adopted by Mr.


    Lambert. Does she think she''s from nobility?


    Meanwhile, at Trident Group, Avery, who had always been efficient at work, felt restless for some


    reason, and her right eyelid twitched violently.


    In a trance, she handed over her design drafts from the past two days to Yulissa.


    Avery rubbed her twitching right eyelid and sighed quietly. She felt her body''s constitution had


    worsened after she got pregnant.


    Nina, who sat across Avery, paused her work when she saw Avery looking pale. Concerned, she


    asked, ¡°Ery, you look pale. Are you feeling under the weather? Why don''t you take leave today?¡±


    Enduring her difort, Avery forced a smile. ¡°I''m fine¡ª¡±


    Before she could finish, the stomping sound of high heels was heard.


    Then, Yulissa''s raging voice sounded. ¡°Avery, is this your design draft?¡±


    Yulissa flung down a design draft before Avery, looking displeased.


    Flustered, Avery hurriedly took the design draft and flipped through it. ¡°Yes, Ms. Yantz. This is my


    design draft.¡±


    ¡°Look at what you''ve done! The thickness of the load-bearing wall is wrongly marked. Do you think


    you''re a qualified employee, being this careless? Fortunately, I discovered it in advance before sending


    it to the client. What if the client receives this design draft and builds a building ording to it? What if


    the building copses in the future? Can you bear such serious consequences?¡±


    As Yulissa criticized her, Avery flipped to the design page of the load-bearing wall and found that the


    labeling was wrong.


    She had made a mistake on the decimal point. Although it was only a decimal point, it was a


    fundamental error for an architect.


    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    Realizing her mistake, Avery broke into a cold sweat. At the same time, she was grateful to Yulissa for


    discovering her error. She could not imagine what would happen otherwise.


    She lowered her head and apologized to Yulissa. ¡°I''m sorry, Ms. Yantz. I promise not to repeat the


    same mistake in the future.¡±


    Yulissa red at Avery''s face and continued criticizing her unceremoniously, ¡°The architectural design


    floor n does not allow any numerical errors. Do you know how much losses a small mistake could


    cause thepany? Are you out of your mind, Avery?¡±


    Ever since Avery joined Trident Group, Yulissa had tried every means to find fault with her, scrutinizing


    her work and trying to pick on her mistakes at work. However, Avery had been meticulous and had


    never made a mistake after working for so long, which upset Yulissa.


    Now that she finally caught Avery''s mistake, she would seize the opportunity to condemn her.

 Chapter 451

    Chapter 451


    Yulissa scolded Avery harshly and without mercy.


    Avery felt humiliated but could only endure it since she was at fault.


    She wished she could hide in a cave when she thought of her mistake.


    Why didn''t I pay full attention while working? How could I have made such a foolish mistake after


    working for so long?


    With clenched fists, Avery assured Yulissa, ¡°I''m sorry, Ms. Yantz. I will never make this mistake again.


    Please have faith in me.¡±


    Yulissa ignored her and became even more aggressive. ¡°Don''t be conceited after only making a minor


    contribution. Stop acting as you wish just because someone has got your back. An irresponsible


    employee like you should quit voluntarily. My department does not wee trash!


    Cecelia was enraged after seeing Avery getting criticized by Yulissa.


    She stood with her baby bump and defended Avery, ¡°Ms. Yantz, I''m sure our department members are


    well aware of Avery''s capabilities. She has worked hard in her position since she started working here


    and has never made a mistake in the past six months. Instead, ourpany received more orders due


    to her creative designs. Personally, I don''t think we can discredit her hard work.¡±


    Nina stood up as well. ¡°Ms. Yantz, I''m sure the management knows how much profit Avery has


    generated for thepany. Don''t you think you''re over the line for attacking her verbally because of


    one mistake? Many neers who just joined thepany have made more mistakes than Avery,


    some even more severe than that, but I have never seen you embarrass them like this.¡±


    Nina''s words were brutally honest.


    Indeed, every neer who entered the design department of Trident Group would make mistakes at


    work, no matter how careful they were, since they were new to the industry.


    Although Yulissa would criticize them, her words were never as harsh as now.


    It was harsh to the point people would think they were enemies instead of having a superior-


    subordinate rtionship.


    Cecelia and Nina were like two rifles, shooting bullets at Yulissa nonstop.


    In truth, they knew it was unwise to talk back to their superior at work. Yulissa could harm their career.


    She could deduct their bonuses and sries and even fire them.


    Cecelia and Nina, however, were fearless.


    One of the reasons was that they knew Avery had someone more significant supporting and siding with


    her. On top of that, they felt Avery was good at her work and only made one mistake. She didn''t


    deserve to be humiliated by Yulissa in front of all her colleagues.


    All employees of the design department stopped working and watched Yulissa and Avery.


    Everyone had a tacit understanding that Avery was Cayden''s woman.


    Ms. Yantz is bold. Where did she find the courage to scold Avery? Isn''t she scared that Avery would tell


    Mr. Moore and get her fired?


    Yulissa was infuriated since they disrespected her in front of the crowd. She sneered, ¡°Look at you two!


    How can you defend Avery instead of correcting her after she made a mistake?¡±


    With that, Yulissa mmed the folder that she was holding on the table and went straight to Wisteria''s


    office.


    However, her anger mounted since Wisteria was not in her office.


    Yulissa had never been fond of Cecelia and Nina since they were close to Avery, whom she detested.


    Now that they teamed up against her, she decided to hate them too.


    After Yulissa left, everyone returned to their work again.


    ¡°Why did you bear with it, Avery? Why didn''t you say anything when it''s clear that Ms. Yantz tried to


    humiliate you? Don''t be a pushover.¡± Nina didn''t understand Avery.


    Avery chuckled wryly in response. ¡°I made a mistake. It''s normal to get criticized for it. I can''t retaliate.¡±


    Cecelia wanted to tell Avery not to be so weak. However, after seeing thetter''s listless look, she


    thought thetter was ufortable after being scolded earlier, so she patted Nina on the shoulder


    and signaled her to stop.


    The two left Avery alone to calm down.


    For some reason, Avery had been feeling restless the whole day, as though something terrible would


    happen. Thus, she hadn''t really been able to focus while working, leading to her mistake.


    Avery tried to abandon all distracting thoughts and forced herself not to overthink. Then, she began to


    draw her design using the software. However, she made multiple mistakes at things that she could


    usuallyplete effortlessly.


    She wasn''t in the mood to draw any longer, and for the first time, she had the urge to go to the CEO''s


    office to see Cayden.


    However, Cayden was usually the one to call her through the internal line and ask her to see him.


    She felt torn and wondered if she should go to see him.


    In the end, Avery decided to send him a message through WhatsApp.


    Avery downloaded a cute sticker package in the WhatsApp chat box. Then, she chose an adorable


    sticker with the words ¡°I want kisses and hugs¡± and sent it to Cayden.


    However, to her dismay, her mood did not improve.


    At the CEO''s office, Wisteria stood before Cayden''s desk while reporting on the progress of Western


    Epea''s project.


    ¡°Mr. Moore, the affairs in Western Epea have been dealt with. Last month, my team sessfully signed


    a project worth seven hundred million with AC Design from Ustrana, which is a great start for next


    year.¡±


    ¡°That''s great. If there''s anything you want as a reward, do tell me. I''ll try my best to satisfy you.¡±


    A sh of admiration crossed Cayden''s eyes as he looked at Wisteria.


    He had never been stingy about mary rewards to employees who had contributed significantly to


    thepany.


    Wisteria hesitated before speaking her mind. ¡°Mr. Moore, I hope to be transferred back to the


    headquarters. Is that okay?


    She worked hard toplete the tasks he assigned her, not only to prove she was a good match for


    him but, more importantly, so that she could be by his side instead of being far away from him.


    Cayden noticed Wisteria''s eagerness to be transferred back, which made him narrow his eyes.


    He could not understand why Wisteria wanted to be transferred to the headquarters.


    Suddenly, Cayden thought of thedy''sce underwear that inexplicably appeared in his car a few


    months ago.


    There was a rift in the rtionship between him and Avery due to that incident, and the two had


    developed trust issues.


    Cayden probed, ¡°Ms. Summers, do you remember when you sat in my car previously? Did you perhaps


    leave any personal belonging behind?¡±


    In an instant, Wisteria tensed. She could feel her heart racing after she heard his words. Has he


    discovered something? This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.

 Chapter 452

    Chapter 452


    Wisteria had extraordinary mental strength.


    Even though she felt tense when faced with the scrutinizing eyes of Cayden, she maintained an aloof


    smile on her face, nheless.


    She was well aware of how sharp Cayden was.


    ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    As such, she dared not lie to him. ¡°Mr. Moore, I think I took your car once. I bought some


    undergarments when I stopped by the convenience store and nned to change into them. After


    reaching home, I found one piece missing. Back then, I was too embarrassed to ask you for it. After all,


    it was a piece of underwear. I find it very awkward...¡±


    Wisteria, who had always been an aloof person, managed to muster a look of embarrassment when


    she recounted the entire matter.


    Seeing that she came clean so openly without the intention to conceal anything, Cayden became less


    suspicious.


    What little doubt he had before her admission was long gone.


    In truth, he found it hrious and adorable that Avery kicked up a big fuss with him when she found the


    female underwear.


    Avery was the perfect woman in every way, except the fact that she was very possessive and rather


    petty when it came to matters of the heart. However, he loved and adored her. Therefore, he allowed


    her to behave as she pleased and epted everything about her.


    Wisteria had been working with him for years. Naturally, Cayden was fully aware of her capabilities at


    work.


    Wisteria poured her heart and soul into her work. She was second to none among the higher


    management when it came to bringing in profits for thepany. It was just that she did not seem


    interested in men, and she had always been respectful to Cayden.


    That was why he did not expect his female subordinate to harbor other intentions toward him.


    ¡°So, it seems it was an oversight by you, Ms. Summers,¡± concluded Cayden as he nodded.


    It was only then Wisteria let out a sigh of relief. However, her relief was short-lived. ¡°Regardless, I hope


    you won''tmit the same mistake in the future. I have always disliked the idea of others leaving their


    personal items in my car. Furthermore, an intimate item such as female underwear will give others the


    wrong impression.¡±


    Wisteria knew Cayden very well and was aware that he would not pursue the matter anymore when he


    spoke like that. She could not help but let out another sigh of relief before saying, ¡°Yes, I understand,


    Mr. Moore.¡±


    Someone as smart as she was would never repeat such a tactic again.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Cayden looked away and began working.


    Wisteria did not leave immediately. Instead, she stood there and was mesmerized by the way he


    looked when he was hard at work.


    While Cayden was perusing the documents, his phone beeped. It was a message from Avery. For the


    very first time, he cast his work aside and opened his WhatsApp.


    When Cayden saw the cute sticker that Avery sent him, his lips curled into a gentle smile. She was


    asking for hugs and kisses.


    He then replied to her: Okay. Later when I get home, you can kiss and hug as much as want.


    After thinking about it for a while, he sent another message with a wicked grin. When he thought about


    Avery''s expression upon receiving the message, his smile became even more gentle.


    The sudden change in Cayden''s expression gave Wisteria a shock.


    As far as she was concerned, Cayden was a cold, sharp, serious, determined, and decisive man who


    had never shown such an expression before.


    Wisteria tilted her head to see who Cayden was chatting with. By ident, she saw a cute profile


    picture with the nickname, ¡°Honey.¡±


    Honey?


    It hit her like a bolt of lightning through her heart. In that instant, Wisteria was stunned and panicky!


    Since when did Cayden and Avery be so close that he nicknamed her ¡°Honey?¡±


    Wisteria''s eyes became blurred all of a sudden. It was as though a heavy rock was crushing her, and


    she was unable to breathe.


    She stood there in Cayden''s office, transfixed like a statue.


    Tears filled her eyes, threatening to fall the moment she blinked.


    Cayden looked up and saw Wisteria standing there nkly like a human doll. He questioned, ¡°Ms.


    Summers? Is there anything else?¡±


    Cayden''s deep, maic voice woke Wisteria up. It was only then she realized that she had lost her


    composure.


    Her sorrowful look was reced with her usual smile. ¡°I beg your pardon, Mr. Moore. I''m fine. I''ll make


    a move first.¡±


    Wisteria then turned around and left. She did not have the courage to face that cold face of his.


    He pampered other women so much. Yet, there was not a hint of tenderness for her.


    Very soon, it was time to go home. Cayden had to work overtime, so he wanted the driver to send


    Avery home first. However, she insisted on waiting for him.


    Avery was pregnant, and Cayden was worried that she might get hungry, so he sent her to a nearby


    well-known dessert shop named Sugar Confectionery and let her wait there.


    It was a huge and heartwarming eatery that was filled with many customers.


    There were all sorts of exquisite-looking desserts, and the ce smelled lovely. The fragrance gave


    everyone a good appetite.


    Avery was seated next to the huge window and ordered the waffles with syrup.


    The exterior of the waffles was hard and crispy, and there was ayer of icing sugar on it. The inside of


    the waffles was filled with caramel and honey. Despite the sweetness, it was not overly so, and Avery


    could not get enough of it.


    Just then, Bonnie, who was wearing a pair of sunsses, walked in.


    Right from the beginning, when Nicole first gave Bonnie the secret mission, Bonnie had already started


    to keep a close watch on Avery.


    Since it was a secret, there was no way Bonnie could go to Trident Group and look for Avery. Instead,


    she chose to observe Avery secretly and find an opportunity to interact with her alone.


    As such, she did not expect that luck was on her side that day. On the first day of her surveince, she


    saw Avery alone in the dessert shop.


    Recalling the attractive rewards that Nicole had promised her, the tall and slim woman pushed the door


    of the dessert shop open.


    Her high heels made clicking sounds on the ground as she walked in and sat down opposite a


    confused-looking Avery.


    ¡°Avery? Ms. Avery Rumpley?¡± Bonnie removed her sunsses and revealed her stunning face.


    Avery looked at the overdressed woman and asked suspiciously, ¡°That''s me, and you are?¡±


    Bonnie studied that fair and delicate face of Avery''s before lighting up a cigarette.


    She then said rudely, ¡°You don''t have to know who I am, but I want you to leave Cayden.¡±


    Ever since Avery got pregnant, she developed a sensitivity to cigarettes. The fact that the stranger had


    lit up one in front of her without a care irked her. Now that she heard what Bonnie said, Avery stared at


    her stonily.


    Who is this woman? Why does she want me to leave Cayden?

 Chapter 453

    Chapter 453


    Avery kept herposure as she stared at Bonnie, her gentle gaze now cold and unfeeling.


    After taking a sip of milk, she finally spoke up. ¡°I don''t know who you are, miss. You might have a crush


    on Cayden or a history with him, but none of that matters. I will never leave him unless he tells me to.


    In addition, may I also know what right you have to order me to stay away from him?¡±


    Bonnie froze as she narrowed her eyes and scrutinized the unfazed woman before her.


    Avery might look innocent and meek, but her words were sharp and hit where it hurt most. Now that


    Bonnie knew the former wasn''t to be underestimated, she couldn''t help but feel a hint of desperation.


    A whileter, Bonnie puffed out a smoke ring and unceremoniously shoved the dessert on the table into


    her mouth. ¡°Mmm, not bad. This caramel pudding''s pretty tasty.¡±


    Avery, on the contrary, had lost her appetite from the second Bonnie showed up.


    She stood up, graceful as ever, and looked down at thetter condescendingly. ¡°Enjoy the desserts if


    you like them so much. I''m taking my leave.¡±


    It''s just my luck to have met this raving lunatic!


    By then, it was the evening peak hours, and many customers had flocked into the dessert shop.


    Thankfully, Avery had chosen a table in a secluded corner of the shop, which offered her ample privacy


    from prying eyes.


    As such, no one else paid much attention to the two women.


    Just as Avery was about to leave with her bag, Bonnie suddenly stuck a leg out to block her.


    ¡°What''s the matter? Are you feeling guilty? Is that why you don''t have the guts to talk to me face-to-


    face?¡± she scoffed. ¡°Women like you often try to get men who are way out of your league. Honestly,


    you should take a good look at yourself in the mirror. What makes you think you''re worthy of Cayden?¡±


    Avery curled her lips into a wintry smile as she stared at Bonnie. ¡°So what if Cayden''s out of my


    league? I still managed to snag him, didn''t I? You, however, might not even be qualified to get that far.


    Come to think of it, doesn''t that mean you''re inferior to me?¡±


    Shocked that she had been ridiculed, Bonnie felt her smile freeze. She had never expected Avery to be


    so stubborn and knew it was time to show her true colors.


    ¡°Stop being such a snob, Avery. Leave Cayden if you know what''s good for you. Otherwise, I''ll send


    this to the Department of Justice!¡± Bonnie warned as she waved a disk in her hand.


    An ominous feeling instantly washed over Avery.


    She tried to grab the disk, but to her surprise, Bonnie pulled away on purpose.


    With the disk still between her index and middle fingers, thetter blew out another smoke ring at


    Avery. ¡°The contents of this disk are about Cayden, and I''m sure you''d find it all very interesting... By


    the way, Ms. Rumpley, I''ve made more than one copy of this disk! You have until the first of May to


    leave Cayden, which is two months from now. If you don''t, I''ll hand the disk over to the authorities, and


    I can assure you that the consequences will be dire.¡±


    With that, Bonnie threw the disk onto the table and strutted smugly out of the shop.


    Stunned, Avery picked up the disk and zoned out for several seconds before putting it in her bag.


    Her mood for desserts was long gone, only to be reced by waves of panic and fear.


    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    Who on earth is that woman? Why is she forcing me to leave Cayden? Is she his admirer, or is she


    following someone else''s instructions? More importantly, what secrets does the disk hold that makes


    the woman so confident I''ll leave Cayden of my own ord? Oh, gosh. I have so many questions but


    no answers... My head feels like it''s about to explode!


    Just as Avery was feeling lost and vexed, Cayden showed up.


    Impably dressed in a tailored suit and exquisite leather shoes, thetter walked in with long,


    graceful strides. Even his blue tie and white shirt were nothing short of pure elegance, making him


    seem all the more mature and dignified. Naturally, many customers in the dessert shop couldn''t help


    but steal adoring nces at him.


    Avery, who had always been quiet and reserved in front of Cayden, leaped into his arms as soon as


    she saw him.


    ¡°Cayden...¡± she choked out, still upset by what Bonnie had said earlier.


    Cayden hugged her tight as he nuzzled his chin into Avery''s hair. A whileter, he lowered his head


    and gently kissed her forehead. ¡°What''s the matter? Are the desserts here not to your liking? If that''s


    the case, let''s not patronize this shop anymore. Or... Are you unhappy with their customer service?¡±


    Upon seeing Avery''s distressed look, Cayden was sure she had gotten bullied by the shop staff and


    instantly turned grim.


    Before he could wave the staff over, though, Avery shook her head and snuggled against his chest. ¡°I''m


    all right. The desserts and service here are both excellent.¡±


    ¡°But you''re unhappy,¡± Cayden muttered with furrowed brows, not quite believing the woman''s words.


    He loved Avery so much that he always paid extra attention to her every move and word. Even the


    tiniest frown from her would rm him, so how could he not be worried now?


    Meanwhile, Avery was busy dealing with her inner turmoil. Argh... I want to tell Cayden about that


    woman, but I guess it''d be better to do so after I''ve watched what''s on the disk. After all, he''s already


    busy enough with work, and I shouldn''t be troubling him with something so trivial. Otherwise, it''d only


    make me feel useless... Cayden has flocks of admirers surrounding him, and he''d be exhausted if he


    dealt with each of them personally. I have to learn how to fend them off! As long as Cayden loves me, I


    have nothing to fear! Yes. There''s no need to give in just because of a threat from a stranger!


    At the thought of that, Avery let out a wry chuckle. Oh, what''s this rush of adrenaline coursing through


    me? I feel like I''m ready to fight!


    The next second, she looked up at Cayden and smiled sheepishly. ¡°I suppose it''s normal for pregnant


    women to have mood swings due to hormonal changes. Cayden, would you lose your patience or


    temper if I ever had an emotional meltdown?¡±


    As Avery waited for Cayden''s response with bated breath, thetter held her gaze and said solemnly,


    ¡°You''re the love of my life. I''ll never get tired of you.¡±


    Needless to say, Avery felt all warm and fuzzy inside.


    Her gloomy mood from before had also improved drastically.


    The more she stared at Cayden''s handsome face, the more attracted she was to him. He had such an


    allure and strength that he didn''t need words to sweep her off her feet. Even a nce from him was


    enough to convey his love.


    Moreover, he had also said that Avery was the love of his life, which instantly melted her heart into a


    puddle.


    Avery finally smiled, eyshes fluttering as her eyes sparkled with joy. The dimples on her face stood


    out, making her delicate face even more refined than ever. Unsurprisingly, Cayden couldn''t take his


    eyes off her.

 Chapter 454

    Chapter 454


    When Avery noticed Cayden was staring at her, she joked, ¡°What''s the matter? Are there flowers


    growing on my face?¡±


    Upon snapping back to his senses, he smiled at her affectionately. ¡°No, but you''re more beautiful than


    any flowers in my eyes.¡±


    She blushed as he pecked her on the lips.


    In her periphery, she saw plenty of customers and children dining with their parents in the shop.


    Realizing that, she felt her cheeks burning even hotter. ¡°Stop messing around. There are many people


    here right now.¡±


    Naturally, Cayden knew he shouldn''t act intimately with her in that sort of setting. Still, he tweaked her


    nose, his favorite way of expressing his affection. ¡°Let''s head home.¡±


    Then he took her out of the shop.


    As an international metropolis, Ackleton was brimming with a luxurious atmosphere. The city was lit


    with neon lights after dark while its roads were clogged with vehicles. Bothbined to make the city


    appear as though it was a moving gxy.


    Cayden drove Avery back to the Moore residence since the family was having a dinner gathering that


    night.


    He wanted to use the opportunity to announce his marriage to Avery to the family.


    Meanwhile, Avery was utterly oblivious to his n. She felt a little uneasy and ufortable, which


    was par for the course whenever she visited the Moore residence.


    ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    However, it was Cayden''s home. Oftentimes, it was Rory''s and Zachary''s, too.


    Thus, regardless of how much she disliked the ce, she had to learn to ept it.


    The dining room was as elegant as ever.


    As usual, she felt stressed dining with the Moore family, but it went better than expected.


    While Jeffrey was treating her better, Allie and Lily still gave her cold looks, which she ignored.


    She took care of her children at the dining table like always.


    Jeffrey, who had been observing her in secret, was increasingly satisfied with her. Avery really is a


    sweet and gentle woman. While her background and family aren''t great, her personality and


    appearance are top-notch. She''s good enough to be my granddaughter-inw.


    Halfway through their meal, Cayden put his cutlery down, gracefully wiped his hands, and announced,


    ¡°Today, I have exciting news to share with you all. Avery and I are getting married on the first of May.¡±


    Aside from the excited twins, everyone was stunned.


    Jeffrey nced at Cayden and uttered in a deep voice, ¡°I won''t interfere in your matter. I simply hope


    you won''t regret your decision.¡±


    As for Allie, she lost her appetite after snapping back to reality and responded by mming her cutlery


    on the table.


    ring at Avery, she spat, ¡°No, I disagree.¡± Then she turned to Cayden and said, ¡°You can have a


    romantic rtionship with this woman, but I won''t allow you to marry her!¡±


    She still couldn''t ept the fact that Avery was going to be her daughter-inw.


    The sole reason she hadn''t made a fuss about the couple''s rtionship was that Avery was now


    pregnant, and Allie wanted a grandchild. In reality, she still hated Avery.


    Allie nned to wait until Avery gave birth before chasing thetter out of the family and picking a


    socialite with an excellent background to be Cayden''s wife.


    Therefore, his announcement to marry Avery on the first of May came as a shock to her.


    Even though Lily was only staring at Avery''s abdomen silently, her eyes had an unconceble


    smugness swirling within. I didn''t expect Cayden to be genuinely interested in marrying a woman


    without a notable family background! When the timees, Kendrick will definitely marry a socialite


    from a good family!


    Meanwhile, Kendrick was enjoying his meal as he remarked, ¡°Congrattions on your marriage,


    Cayden. I''ll be your best man during the wedding.¡±


    In response, Allie shot a deadly re at him, but he ignored it.


    Allie persuaded, ¡°Getting married on the first of May is too early, Cayden. There are only two months


    left! The wedding preparation will be a rush. You''re my only son, so something as important as your


    wedding must be done well! Otherwise, outsiders willugh at us! How about you wait until Avery gives


    birth? What do you think?¡±


    Holding Avery''s hand, Cayden insisted, ¡°Mom, Grandpa, I came here today only because I want to tell


    everyone that I''m marrying Avery on the first of May. Whether any of you agree to it or not, the wedding


    will take ce on that date. If you attend my wedding, I''ll wee you with open arms. If you don''t,


    that''s fine by me, too. Soon, I''ll hold a press conference and announce our marriage to the world.¡±


    His silky voice reverberated in therge dining room. Everyone had different thoughts about his


    statement.


    The Moore family was stunned speechless by his powerful words.


    Meanwhile, the twins thought their father was so cool because even their great-grandfather and


    grandmother feared him.


    As the thought of their parents getting married rested in their minds, they ate happily.


    Jeffrey sighed. Cayden''s just like his good-for-nothing father. He has been opinionated ever since he


    was a child. Now, he''s even more assertive, so much so that I can''t influence his decision at all. Since I


    can''t change his mind, I may as well just go along with it.


    He proceeded to discuss the details of the wedding with Cayden and the betrothal gift to the Rumpley


    family.


    After all, Cayden was his eldest grandson. Thus, everything had to follow procedure lest he risked


    bringing shame to the Moore family.


    Allie was utterly furious that Jeffrey, Kendrick, and Cayden talked about the wedding whilepletely


    ignoring her opinion.


    Since her appetite was gone, she gave an excuse, saying she was feeling unwell, and headed upstairs,


    unwilling to look at Avery even a second longer.


    At the dining table, Jeffrey inquired, ¡°Let me know when your grandpa and aunt are free, Ery. We''ll


    have a meal someday to discuss the wedding and deliver your betrothal gift...¡±


    Avery had spaced out, still in disbelief that everything was going smoothly. I thought getting married to


    Cayden would be difficult, so I didn''t expect Jeffrey to agree just like that!


    Because she was so deep in her thoughts, she didn''t hear what Jeffrey said.


    It wasn''t until Cayden pinched her hand that she snapped back to reality. ¡°What? Are you talking to me,


    Old Mr. Moore?¡±


    Jeffrey was pretty delighted by his grandson''s marriage, so he didn''t notice Avery was zoning out


    earlier. ¡°Pick a good day this month so that our two families can have a meal together to chat about the


    betrothal gift and your wedding with Cayden. When will your grandfather and aunt have time for that,


    Ery?¡±

 Chapter 455

    Chapter 455


    When Avery realized that Jeffrey, Cayden, and Kendrick were all staring at her, sheer mortification


    swamped her.


    She promptly apologized to Jeffrey. ¡°I''m sorry, Old Mr. Moore. I was thinking about something else just


    now. I''ll make a trip home when I''m off during the weekend to ask Grandpa and Aunt Alina when they''ll


    be free. Then, I''ll notify you. Is that okay?¡±


    In response, Jeffrey chuckled heartily. ¡°Sure. At that time, I''ll have a meal with your grandfather and flip


    through the calendar to find a suitable date for the presentation of betrothal gifts. We still need to


    observe the necessary formalities.¡±


    The man was advanced in years, so Cayden naturallyprehended the importance he attached to


    tradition.


    It also went without saying that Cayden was inwardly over the moon after obtaining his grandfather''s


    approval for his wedding with Avery. ¡°We''ll go with your n, Grandpa. Avery and I will get engaged as


    soon as possible. Then, we''ll start making preparations for the wedding. She''s already two months


    pregnant now. We don''t mind waiting, but the same can''t be said of your great-grandchild, Grandpa.¡±


    Snagging his cane, Jeffrey lightly rapped the grandson he doted on most. ¡°What a sc*mbag! You knew


    that, yet you got her pregnant before marriage. Take good care of Ery. She seems to have lost weight


    to me. Did you not feed her anything nutritious, huh?¡±


    Conversely, embarrassment flooded Avery, for she had actually gained weight since her pregnancy.


    Thanks to her craving for sweets and eating additional meals each day, she had gained almost ten


    pounds within the mere two months she had been pregnant.


    Fortunately, she was slender in the first ce, so it wasn''t all that obvious.


    In truth, she was a touch worried that she would resemble a rotund penguin by her third trimester if she


    didn''t start controlling her food intake.


    Thus, she interjected sheepishly after Cayden was unjustly reprimanded by his grandfather, ¡°Old Mr.


    Moore, Cayden is taking impable care of me. I eat plenty every day, more than enough for the baby


    in my belly to absorb the nutrients required. Pregnant women can''t overindulge. Otherwise, it''ll lead to


    the baby being overnourished. At that time, it might cause obstructedbor.¡±


    At once, Jeffrey''s eyes went wide. ¡°Are you serious? All my other old friends have their housekeepers


    cook all kinds of nutritious food when their granddaughters-inw are pregnant so that the babies turn


    out smart and healthy. Unfortunately, I had justunched my business when my wife was pregnant. Our


    living conditions were mediocre, and she suffered a lot alongside me. But still, I scrimped and saved to


    buy her a myriad of supplements. Later, she truly gave birth to a healthy and chubby son.¡±


    As he spoke of histe wife, intense nostalgia showed on his regal face.


    Upon recalling his dastardly only son who died at a young age, however, hemented with a sigh,


    ¡°What a pity! Bruce was smart. s, he put it to the wrong use and became a womanizer. Verily, he


    was a sc*mbag. The only good thing he did was to give me an outstanding grandson such as Cayden.


    Ah, that''s all in the past. Say, why am I reminiscing about it all? Cayden, you must pamper and protect


    Ery while she''s pregnant. Make sure that she doesn''t suffer any grievances.¡±


    Pinning his tapered ebony eyes on Avery, Cayden gazed at her indulgently and chuckled soundlessly.


    He grasped her hand tightly. ¡°Avery is my life, Grandpa. How could I possibly allow her to suffer any


    grievances when I love her to the core? Don''t worry. I''ll take good care of her and our kids.¡±


    His tender gaze first alighted on Avery''s exquisite face before shifting to the twins, who were listening


    to the conversation with great interest, their cheeks propped on both hands.


    My waiting and longing throughout the years are indeed worth it!


    Inherently mischievous, Kendrick couldn''t help teasing his brother at the sight of thetter gazing at


    Avery lovingly. ¡°Tsk-tsk, look, Grandpa. Cayden hasn''t even married Avery, but he''s already head over


    heels in love with her. Say, will he be a henpecked husband after getting married?¡±


    Hearing that, Jeffrey swung his gaze to his second grandson, who wore a cheeky smile on his face.


    Without warning, he raised his cane and hit Kendrick''s calf. ¡°Your brother''s third child is already in the


    making, but you''re still single and avable. You can''t even get yourself a wife. What an


    embarrassment to the Moore family!¡±


    ¡°Gosh, I''m already in my twenties, Grandpa! Can you please have mercy on me and noty into me in


    front of everyone? It''s humiliating.¡±


    While screeching from his grandfather''s strike, Kendrick leaped up from his seat like a monkey and


    scampered far away.


    Good Lord! He''s already up in years, but he still doesn''t hold back when he wallops someone with his


    cane!


    ¡°Mommy, are you really going to marry Daddy?¡± Rory asked as though in disbelief, tugging at the hem


    of Avery''s shirt.


    Avery gently wiped the corners of her daughter''s mouth with a tissue. ¡°Yeah. I''m going to marry your


    daddy soon. You and Zach shall be our page boy and flower girl then. Is that okay?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    Rory snuggled in her mother''s embrace.


    She shed her brother a peace sign, her juvenile voice brimming with anticipation. ¡°Zach, we''ll be


    Mommy and Daddy''s page boy and flower girl then. I''m so happy!¡±


    Zachary nestled beside Avery. He didn''t say anything, but a smile adorned his handsome face. He


    grinned so widely that his teeth were in in sight, making his tion evident.


    Mommy is going to marry Daddy! There''s nothing more joyous than this!


    The fact that Jeffrey approved of her wedding with Cayden put Avery in a great mood.


    Subsequently, the family of four returned to the mansion. When Avery straightened up the room, she


    casually ced her handbag down.


    Before going to work the next day, she switched to a bigger handbag in consideration of the need to


    bring a sizeable document along.


    ncing at the time, she found that she was running behind. She hurriedly rushed to the office,


    forgetting all about the disk she previously stuffed into the handbag.


    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    The days went past leisurely. Due to Avery''s good mood, work was smooth sailing for her throughout


    the week. Her rtionship with Cayden also grew increasingly sweet.


    In the blink of an eye, Saturday came around.


    Avery and Cayden brought the twins to ke''s ce.


    Since they were going there to discuss something important, Avery phoned Alina in advance. By the


    time they arrived at ke''s house, Alina was already there.


    ¡°Great-grandad, Grand-aunt, we''re here to visit you!¡± As soon as the twins stepped into the house,


    Rory threw herself into ke''s arms while Zachary shyly gave Alina a kiss.


    ke was incredibly excited as he hugged his great-grandson, whom he hadn''t seen in a long time. ¡°I


    missed you both so much, kiddos! I missed you every day!¡±


    Grabbing Avery''s hand, he said to Alina, ¡°Ery loves chicken fingers and lemon butter fish, so get more


    chicken and fish. What does Cayden like to eat? Ery, tell Alina the answerter so that she can buy the


    ingredients back.¡±


    Tall and handsome, Cayden stood elegantly in the living room. His long legs, which could give


    supermodels a run for their money, were striking and gave him a strong sense of presence.


    ¡°Grandpa, Aunt Alina, there''s no need to go to such trouble. I came with Avery today to discuss our


    wedding. We''ve decided to get married on the first of May.¡±

 Chapter 456

    Chapter 456


    ¡°The first of May? So fast?¡± ke and Alina eximed in unison.


    Despite knowing that Avery would get married one day, ke was still emotional.


    The granddaughter I doted on the most and who once depended on me solely is going to get married


    soon. Truly, I can''t bear to part with her!


    Lifting his gnarled hands that were trembling, he wiped the tears that had escaped his eyes at some


    point in time. ¡°Ery, I knew that you''d get married sooner orter and have looked forward to that day for


    a long time. But now that you''re really getting married, I''m reluctant to let you go!¡±


    His wizened eyes and the tears inexorably shimmering in them made Avery''s heart feel heavy beyond


    words. Her nose stung, and she felt like something was lodged in her throat.


    However, she had long since learned to control her emotions after the trials and tribtions she had


    been through in the past few years. Thanks to that, she didn''t cry in front of her grandfather.


    Taking out a piece of tissue, Avery helped to wipe his tears and coaxed, ¡°Actually, Grandpa, it doesn''t


    matter whether I get married. We''re in the same city, and the distance between us isn''t far. As long as


    I''m free, I''lle and visit you. Don''t be sad, Grandpa.¡±


    Ever since young, Avery had witnessed ke experiencing untold struggles. From then, she vowed to


    treat her grandfather well in the future.


    At the side, Alina smilingly interjected with Zachary in her arms, ¡°Dad, Ery is already of marriageable


    age. Even if she doesn''t get married now, she''ll still be doing so a few yearster. Furthermore, there


    are few decent men like Cayden. We should be d that she''s marrying him.¡±


    Sighing, ke solemnly ced Avery''s hand into Cayden''s palm.


    Staring at their intimately interlocked hands, he urged earnestly, ¡°Cayden, my granddaughter is


    sensible, but she''s too sensitive sometimes. As such, you must tolerate her more. Soon, the two of you


    are going to be a family. No matter what happens, you have to be considerate of each other. And Ery,


    work keeps Cayden busy. Business socializing is something he can''t avoid, and you need to learn to


    understand that. Cayden, I''ll be entrusting my precious granddaughter to you. I sincerely wish you both


    happiness in all of your days.¡±


    Cayden stepped forward and led the elderly man to the couch for a seat.


    As he gazed straight into ke''s eyes, a resolute vow tumbled out of his sexy lips. ¡°Grandpa, I promise


    to love Avery with all my life and protect her forever. You can rest assured about that. After we get


    married, I''ll transfer all my personal assets to her. If I were to betray her one day, I''d leave the marriage


    penniless. What do you think about that?¡±


    Upon hearing that, Alina was slightly stunned.


    Never had she expected Cayden to make such a promise.


    He''s in charge of the whole of Trident Group. Thus, his worth is naturally astronomical. Even if it''s


    just his personal assets, it''ll be a great fortune unimaginable to the ordinary person. If he were to really


    transfer them to Avery, wouldn''t she be the richest woman in Ackleton?


    Once again, she studied the handsome young man seriously.


    There wasn''t a hint of deception in Cayden''s sincere gaze. On the contrary, his eyes brimmed with


    infinite love for Avery.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    Well, Avery has impable taste and found a great man, unlike me. Not only did I get duped by a man


    into losing my innocence and heart, but I even ended up in such a wretched state.


    Feeling depressed, she stopped thinking about the unpleasant events of the past. Instead, she


    continued ying patiently with the well-behaved Zachary and Rory.


    ke was tickled pink to hear that Cayden wanted to transfer his assets to his granddaughter after


    marriage. ¡°What nonsense are you spouting, Cayden? My granddaughter isn''t the kind of woman who''s


    vain and materialistic. She''s just a silly girl and is lucky to marry you. If she were to pick on you, you


    must tell me. I''ll help you teach her a lesson.¡±


    At that, Avery looked at ke aggrievedly.


    I''m his granddaughter, okay? I haven''t even gotten married yet, but he has already started to favor his


    soon-to-be grandson-inw. This is unfair!


    Reaching out, Cayden took her fingers and enveloped them in his palm.


    Avery could distinctly sense the searing warmth from his palm.


    At the film studio, Nicole was shooting on set while sporting an exquisite headdress and an ancient


    costume that gave off a celestial feeling.


    The costume drama titled Resplendent Beauty that she was filming was adapted from a novel on the


    inte that was all the rage then. It depicted the tragic love story of a prince skilled in battle and a


    stunningly beautiful sage on opposing sides during a war-torn era.


    The filming of the costume drama that day was of the sixteenth scene, whereby the prince and sage


    parted ways because of a misunderstanding. The female lead was captured and brought into the


    pce by a noble consort who idolized the prince. She was pped for revenge, but the prince rushed


    over in time and saved her. Consequently, their rtionship deepened, and they started going into


    courtship.


    ¡°Acton! Everyone is to be silent, and all idlers before the cameras are to leave at once!¡± the director


    ordered through a megaphone.


    In no time, order was restored at the set.


    The shooting then began.


    The noble consort sent men to bring the sage into the pce beforemanding an attendant and a


    maid to p her without showing mercy.


    Of course, the person being pped was Nicole''s stand-in, a woman with a simr figure and


    countenance.


    Meanwhile, Nicole had two assistants by her side. One held an umbre over her head while the other


    peeled grapes for her.


    As Nicole enjoyed being waited on hand and foot by her assistants, she watched the stand-in film the


    scene on her behalf.


    Fortunately, the stand-in''s acting skills were pretty good, and the scene promptly wrapped up.


    The next scene was of the male lead being distressed over the female lead''s injury before carrying her


    to his bedroom to take care of her. That aside, he forced a kiss on her.


    Since quite a number of close-up shots were required for that scene, Nicole had no choice but to film it


    in person.


    The actor ying the male lead recently enjoyed a surge in worth and was one of the hottest


    heartthrobs in the country. On top of that, his acting skills were considered remarkable in the


    entertainment industry dominated by young idols.


    Despite his striking looks and impressive acting skills, Nicole felt that he couldn''tpare to Cayden at


    all. She had no feelings toward him and was tantly perfunctory while acting with him.


    On camera, the director observed that Nicole only knew how to feign innocence by widening her eyes.


    Therefore, the sight of the male and female leads kissing was horribly awkward.


    Inwardly, the director cursed incessantly. He was so livid that he was gripped by the urge to smash the


    camera.


    Initially, the film''s female lead was to be another young and popr actress with both beauty and acting


    skills. Unexpectedly, a day before the filming started, the poor actress without any family background


    was given the boot and reced with Nicole. The entire incident smelled fishy, so no one would believe


    that there wasn''t some pulling of strings behind the scenes.


    The filming for that scene took over an hour with countless retakes before it finally passed muster.


    Nicole went back to her trailer to change.


    When she came out after changing, she walked out with her manager, Wendy Longstaff.


    She was in a good mood since Bonnie said she had alreadypleted the task Nicole entrusted to


    her. ording to thetter, Avery was rather shocked upon receiving the disk.


    Hence, she believed that Avery would soon leave Ackleton and Cayden of her own volition.


    For that reason, Nicole was in high spirits.


    When that woman has left, I believe that Cayden will fall in love with me sooner orter, considering my


    charms and my parent''s support!

 Chapter 457

    Chapter 457


    Nicole was very confident in herself.


    In order to get married into the Moore family, she had been working hard to learn the activities done by


    those in the upper-ss social circle from ire, such as ying the piano and arranging flowers.


    In fact, she was even learning how to invest and manage a business from her mother.


    She strongly believed that she had the capability to be Cayden''s perfect partner.


    Nicole''s manager, Wendy, warned Nicole, ¡°Nickie, the film crew is having dinner together tonight. I think


    you ought to join them so that you can build better rtionships with the director and producer. That


    way, you''ll receive higher offers in the future.¡±


    ¡°Wendy, I''m busy, so I won''t be joining such events. We''ll see how it goes once I have more free time,¡±


    Nicole rejected instantly.


    Wendy wanted to persuade Nicole, but thetter wouldn''t budge. In the end, Wendy shook her head


    and gave up. Nickie is too stubborn.


    When the two of them were walking past a trailer, they heard a few actresses talking andughing


    inside.


    Initially, Nicole wasn''t interested in listening in. However, she abruptly halted in her tracks when she


    heard them mentioning her name.


    One of the actresses said, ¡°Wi, you actually look simr to Nicole. Unfortunately for you, she''s the


    main actress, and you''re merely a double. Unknown actresses like us are pathetic!¡±


    Wi Johnson replied disdainfully, ¡°That''s because she''s from a prominent family! If not for her


    incredible father, Nicole would definitely struggle in the entertainment industry. Didn''t you guys see how


    bad her acting was just now? I almost burst outughing when I saw her pitiful acting skills! Haha!


    Despite going through professional training, she''s still not as good of an actress as me!¡±


    Someone else chimed in, ¡°Exactly! That''s just how it is, though. Nowadays, whoever has the most


    influential parents will strive in life! It''s such a shame none of us has a good family background.¡±


    Wi responded with a cold snort. ¡°So what if she has a good family background? Nicole is still a third-


    tier actress. If I had her resources and family background, I would''ve be a star in the


    entertainment industry! I need to tell you all something. Nicole actually has small breasts. I identally


    saw her breasts once when she was changing. I think her bra size is barely even a 34A!¡±


    Just as everyone was giggling in the dressing room, Nicole kicked the door open, shocking the


    actresses inside.


    Upon seeing Nicole, the other two actresses began shivering in fear and desperately wishing for the


    ground to swallow them up.


    Wi, the double, was sitting at the dressing table with her legs crossed because she wanted to show


    the others her perfect body figure.


    ¡°Ms. Lambert... I...¡± When she saw Nicole, Wi was so scared that she couldn''t even speak clearly.


    Nicole red at Wi and fumed, ¡°Wendy, I can''t afford to pay such a double! Pay Wi whatever she''s


    owed and kick her out!¡±


    Wi is getting bolder by the day! Nicole was furious, and she couldn''t care less about maintaining her


    image in public.


    Wi panicked when she heard Nicole firing her. Immediately, she humbled herself and begged, ¡°Ms.


    Lambert, I-I didn''t mean it. I swear I''ll never do it again. Please...¡±


    Nicole looked at Wi as though Wi were a piece of trash and said, ¡°I''m paying you, and you''re here


    talking nonsense! I''m a busy woman, so I don''t have time to entertain you. Wendy, remove Wi from


    the film crew!¡±


    Wendy nodded. ¡°Understood.¡±


    Nicole then nced at the other two actresses present. I''m going to deal with themter.


    Without another word, Nicole left the trailer.


    Right then, Wendy went up to Wi and uttered coldly, ¡°Wi, leave at once. You''re no longer Ms.


    Lambert''s double.¡±


    Wi, who had just been fired, gritted her teeth hatefully as she watched Nicole leave.


    Meanwhile, the Moore family and the Rumpley family hade to an agreement after a round of


    discussion. Just like that, Cayden and Avery''s marriage was decided.


    The couple was to get engaged on the eighteenth of that very month.


    Cayden sent out invitations to all the officials, politicians, and businessmen in the upper echelon whom


    he had good rtionships with. Naturally, William and his wife were also invited to the engagement


    banquet.


    The moment Nicole returned home, she saw her mother seated on the couch with an invitation card in


    her hand.


    Nicole then changed into her house slippers, put her bag aside, and wrapped her arm around ire''s


    neck to ask, ¡°Mom, who''s getting married?¡±


    ¡°The Moore family sent us this invitation card. Cayden is getting engaged to Avery on the eighteenth,¡±


    ire replied gently.


    Nicole opened the invitation card in disbelief. She was dumbstruck when she saw Cayden''s and


    Avery''s names on the invitation card. In fact, she felt as though her mind had just exploded, and she


    was shaking violently all over. No way! Bonnie told me she had already given the disk to Avery. Since


    that woman loves Cayden so much, why is she not taking the initiative to leave him? Not only is she not


    leaving him, but she is even getting engaged to him! Why is this happening?


    Nicole then came up with an excuse by saying that she wasn''t feeling well and went back to her room.


    Upon locking the door, she instantly called Bonnie.


    While Nicole was enraged, Avery was ecstatic. I''m finally getting engaged to Cayden the day after


    tomorrow. I''ve been waiting for this for so long!


    In order to make time for the engagement, Cayden had been workingte every night. Avery was


    saddened to see how little he had been eating, so she was making soup for him whenever she could.


    That night, she was making a pot of soup in the kitchen as usual.


    Her kids were ying around in the living room, barefooted.


    Seeing the lovely interaction between her kids, Avery couldn''t help but rub her tummy and let out a


    chuckle. At that moment, she was also thinking about Cayden''s handsome and gentle face. This is the


    happy life I want. I''ve always wanted a house filled with love, children''sughter, and the fragrance of


    food.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    Suddenly, Avery''s phone rang. She thought it was a call from Cayden, so she quickly wiped her hands.


    Right before she answered the call, however, she saw that it was from an unknown number.


    Avery would often receive calls from unknown numbers throughout the day because her clients would


    call her on different phones.


    Yet, the second Avery answered the call, she heard a woman shouting at the top of her lungs, ¡°Avery,


    did you see what''s on the disk? How shameless can you be? I told you to leave Cayden, didn''t I? How


    dare you get engaged to him instead? Do you not care if he lives or dies? I''m giving you another two


    days. Make sure you leave him before the engagement! Otherwise, I''m going to ruin Cayden''s


    reputation!¡±

 Chapter 458

    Chapter 458


    The caller threatened Avery and hung up the phone before Avery could utter a word in response.


    Avery was baffled. Right when she was about to continue making her soup, she suddenly remembered


    the unknown woman she had bumped into at Sugary Confectionary. That woman gave me a disk and


    told me it contained something that could destroy Cayden. She was even threatening me to leave him.


    I totally forgot about it after I came home and put my bag aside. How forgetful of me! What could be in


    there? How is that woman so sure whatever is in there can threaten me?


    With that in mind, Avery turned down the heat on the stove and let the soup in the casserole simmer on


    low heat before she went to look for her bag. Upon finding the disk, she yed the video.


    Soon, the footage started ying.


    When Avery saw what was on the disk, her expression froze. She felt as though she had just fallen into


    an icy abyss, and she couldn''t stop trembling.


    Late that night, the twins had gone to sleep, and Avery was standing before the window on her own in


    her white silk pajamas. In a daze, she stared nkly at the moon with a grim expression on her face.


    Just then, Cayden entered the room and saw Avery''s slender back.


    The moon from outside the window cast a white ray of light over her body, making her seem lonely and


    pitiful.


    Cayden took off his coat, silently walked up to her, and hugged her from behind.


    With his chin resting on her shoulder, he asked, ¡°It''s a cold night. Why aren''t you waiting for me in


    bed?¡±


    Avery buried her head in his chest and hugged his waist so tight that it was as if she was afraid of


    losing him. ¡°Cayden, we''re getting engaged the day after tomorrow. I''m worried that it''s not going to go


    as we nned.¡±


    Cayden wrapped his arms around her slender waist and pulled her in. ¡°Why would you worry about


    that? Our families have already agreed to the marriage. No one is stopping us now. All you need to do


    is to be a bride on that day. Leave the rest to me, okay?¡±


    Cayden''s body was muscr, so when he hugged Avery, her body seemed frail and delicate.


    The rays of moonlight were reflecting off the side of Avery''s face, covering her in a halo.


    ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    Cayden panicked slightly when he noticed Avery''s strange behavior.


    He then frowned and stared into her eyes to ask, ¡°Are you regretting it? Don''t you want to go through


    with the engagement?¡±


    Avery shook her head desperately.


    While holding back her tears, she grabbed his hand and kissed his slim fingers. ¡°No one wants to marry


    you more than I do. I''ve waited for this moment for a long time. Do you know that you''re a gift from


    heaven? I don''t think anything is going to make me happier than to be able to marry you, be your wife,


    give you children, and cook for you. I really want to marry you and grow old with you. I never want to


    leave you...¡±


    Avery lowered her head, and her long and silky hair fell on her chest.


    Cayden couldn''t help but feel his desire surge from within him when he saw her thick eyshes flutter


    alluringly.


    Ever since Avery got pregnant, he had avoided physical intimacy with her because he was afraid of


    hurting her.


    Nevertheless, Cayden still proceeded to carry Avery back to their bedroom. While carefully avoiding


    her tummy, he pinned her down on the bed.


    Upon seeing the surprised look in Avery''s eyes, Cayden uttered in his deep and hoarse voice, ¡°Babe, if


    you y with fire, you''ll get burned!¡±


    Avery froze when she noticed Cayden''s desire-filled gaze.


    She immediately shielded herself with her arms and stammered, ¡°I-It hasn''t been three months... We


    can''t...¡±


    She was speaking softly, weakly, and shyly. It was as though she were a frail kitten.


    Hearing that, Cayden shed a smile and lifted her delicate chin to kiss her cheek.


    In an affectionate and maic tone, Cayden said, ¡°Silly, I know you can''t have sex now. No matter


    how hard it is for me to resist the urge, I''m still going to refrain from touching you. I love you. You know


    that, right?¡±


    Hearing those words, Avery lowered her gaze to show her long, dark, and slightly wet eyshes.


    Wrapping her arms around him, she muttered, ¡°You''re so nice to me. I can''t bear to do it... I can''t...¡±


    Avery''s words were said as much to herself as it was to Cayden.


    Cayden thought Avery was merely being slightly emotional from the hormones during pregnancy


    affecting her.


    After all, she had be more sentimental ever since she got pregnant. Therefore, he disregarded


    her odd behavior.


    He then parted her lips and kissed her passionately.


    Cayden''s hug was warm and delightful. As they were being intimate, Cayden whispered into Avery''s


    ear, ¡°If you really can''t bear it, then stay by my side for the rest of your life, Avery. Not only are you my


    savior, but you''re also my one and only. I love you dearly, Avery. Let''s be together forever.¡±


    Avery craved his warmth and his gentleness. While hugging him tightly, she felt safe. Cayden says he


    loves me. In truth, I love him even more. However, I know we can''t be together. Although I''m happy


    now, I know I might have to go through a painful separationter. Still, I shouldn''t overthink. Even if this


    is myst few seconds with him, I''m still going to cherish whatever time I have left with him.


    The next day, Cayden brought Avery to the most luxurious bridal store in Ackleton to try on the wedding


    gowns. He had even told his assistant to inform the store manager beforehand.


    Since the store manager knew they were dealing with the famous and wealthy Cayden Moore, he


    instructed his well-dressed staff to form two lines outside the store to wee Cayden.


    ¡°Mr. Moore is here!¡±


    As soon as the manager finished his sentence, Cayden''s Lamborghini was seen slowlying to a


    halt in front of the bridal store.


    The attentive doorman then approached the car and opened the door for them. In the next second,


    Cayden got out of the car elegantly before walking over to the passenger seat to help Avery out.

 Chapter 459

    Chapter 459


    The caller threatened Avery and hung up the phone before Avery could utter a word in response.


    Avery was baffled. Right when she was about to continue making her soup, she suddenly remembered


    the unknown woman she had bumped into at Sugary Confectionary. That woman gave me a disk and


    told me it contained something that could destroy Cayden. She was even threatening me to leave him.


    I totally forgot about it after I came home and put my bag aside. How forgetful of me! What could be in


    there? How is that woman so sure whatever is in there can threaten me?


    With that in mind, Avery turned down the heat on the stove and let the soup in the casserole simmer on


    low heat before she went to look for her bag. Upon finding the disk, she yed the video.


    Soon, the footage started ying.


    When Avery saw what was on the disk, her expression froze. She felt as though she had just fallen into


    an icy abyss, and she couldn''t stop trembling.


    Late that night, the twins had gone to sleep, and Avery was standing before the window on her own in


    her white silk pajamas. In a daze, she stared nkly at the moon with a grim expression on her face.


    Just then, Cayden entered the room and saw Avery''s slender back.


    The moon from outside the window cast a white ray of light over her body, making her seem lonely and


    pitiful.


    Cayden took off his coat, silently walked up to her, and hugged her from behind.


    With his chin resting on her shoulder, he asked, ¡°It''s a cold night. Why aren''t you waiting for me in


    bed?¡±


    Avery buried her head in his chest and hugged his waist so tight that it was as if she was afraid of


    losing him. ¡°Cayden, we''re getting engaged the day after tomorrow. I''m worried that it''s not going to go


    as we nned.¡±


    Cayden wrapped his arms around her slender waist and pulled her in. ¡°Why would you worry about


    that? Our families have already agreed to the marriage. No one is stopping us now. All you need to do


    is to be a bride on that day. Leave the rest to me, okay?¡±


    Cayden''s body was muscr, so when he hugged Avery, her body seemed frail and delicate.


    The rays of moonlight were reflecting off the side of Avery''s face, covering her in a halo.


    Cayden panicked slightly when he noticed Avery''s strange behavior.


    He then frowned and stared into her eyes to ask, ¡°Are you regretting it? Don''t you want to go through


    with the engagement?¡±


    Avery shook her head desperately.


    While holding back her tears, she grabbed his hand and kissed his slim fingers. ¡°No one wants to marry


    you more than I do. I''ve waited for this moment for a long time. Do you know that you''re a gift from


    heaven? I don''t think anything is going to make me happier than to be able to marry you, be your wife,


    give you children, and cook for you. I really want to marry you and grow old with you. I never want to


    leave you...¡±


    Avery lowered her head, and her long and silky hair fell on her chest.


    Cayden couldn''t help but feel his desire surge from within him when he saw her thick eyshes flutter


    alluringly.


    Ever since Avery got pregnant, he had avoided physical intimacy with her because he was afraid of


    hurting her.


    Nevertheless, Cayden still proceeded to carry Avery back to their bedroom. While carefully avoiding


    her tummy, he pinned her down on the bed.


    Upon seeing the surprised look in Avery''s eyes, Cayden uttered in his deep and hoarse voice, ¡°Babe, if


    you y with fire, you''ll get burned!¡±


    Avery froze when she noticed Cayden''s desire-filled gaze.


    She immediately shielded herself with her arms and stammered, ¡°I-It hasn''t been three months... We


    can''t...¡±


    She was speaking softly, weakly, and shyly. It was as though she were a frail kitten.


    Hearing that, Cayden shed a smile and lifted her delicate chin to kiss her cheek.


    In an affectionate and maic tone, Cayden said, ¡°Silly, I know you can''t have sex now. No matter


    how hard it is for me to resist the urge, I''m still going to refrain from touching you. I love you. You know


    that, right?¡±


    Hearing those words, Avery lowered her gaze to show her long, dark, and slightly wet eyshes.


    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    Wrapping her arms around him, she muttered, ¡°You''re so nice to me. I can''t bear to do it... I can''t...¡±


    Avery''s words were said as much to herself as it was to Cayden.


    Cayden thought Avery was merely being slightly emotional from the hormones during pregnancy


    affecting her.


    After all, she had be more sentimental ever since she got pregnant. Therefore, he disregarded


    her odd behavior.


    He then parted her lips and kissed her passionately.


    Cayden''s hug was warm and delightful. As they were being intimate, Cayden whispered into Avery''s


    ear, ¡°If you really can''t bear it, then stay by my side for the rest of your life, Avery. Not only are you my


    savior, but you''re also my one and only. I love you dearly, Avery. Let''s be together forever.¡±


    Avery craved his warmth and his gentleness. While hugging him tightly, she felt safe. Cayden says he


    loves me. In truth, I love him even more. However, I know we can''t be together. Although I''m happy


    now, I know I might have to go through a painful separationter. Still, I shouldn''t overthink. Even if this


    is myst few seconds with him, I''m still going to cherish whatever time I have left with him.


    The next day, Cayden brought Avery to the most luxurious bridal store in Ackleton to try on the wedding


    gowns. He had even told his assistant to inform the store manager beforehand.


    Since the store manager knew they were dealing with the famous and wealthy Cayden Moore, he


    instructed his well-dressed staff to form two lines outside the store to wee Cayden.


    ¡°Mr. Moore is here!¡±


    As soon as the manager finished his sentence, Cayden''s Lamborghini was seen slowlying to a


    halt in front of the bridal store.


    The attentive doorman then approached the car and opened the door for them. In the next second,


    Cayden got out of the car elegantly before walking over to the passenger seat to help Avery out.

 Chapter 460

    Chapter 460


    Cayden had always been charming, and his actions were always graceful. The moment he got out of


    the car, the female employees at the bridal store turned to look at him with sparkling eyes.


    ¡°Oh gosh, Mr. Moore is so handsome! He looks much better in person than on TV.¡±


    ¡°This kind of elite can only be seen in financial magazines. He has such a strong aura. I''m about to


    faint! Ahh...¡±


    ¡°The woman who''s marrying him is so lucky. If only I was the one marrying him...¡±


    The female employees were huddled together as they whispered among themselves and stared at the


    handsome Cayden with bright eyes.


    The man of their gossip stood straight, and his posture resembled a soldier''s. He took slow steps as he


    carefully helped Avery walk through the doors of the bridal store.


    ¡°Wee, Mr. Moore and Ms. Rumpley.¡±


    The manager of the bridal store respectfully weed them into the store before he eagerly


    introduced, ¡°There are a few new branded high-end designs that just arrived at our store. They were all


    personally designed and sewn by famous wedding gown designers. There are many different styles.


    We have exquisite and simple designs, and also traditional and bold styles. No matter what type of


    gown you like, we can provide it for you. What kind of style do you prefer, Ms. Rumpley?¡±


    Avery was wrapped in Cayden''s embrace, and her face had an indescribable worry. ¡°I''m fine with


    anything.¡±


    The manager of the wedding store was surprised as he looked at Avery.


    She looks about twenty and innocent yet elegant.


    Under the manager''s burning gaze, he could tell at first nce that Avery was not wearing makeup.


    She was barefaced, and her soft, supple skin caused others to be envious. She also had a curvy body


    and was a total beauty.


    Although Avery did not say much, her uniquely refreshing aura easily attracted others'' attention.


    Shouldn''t a woman be happy when shees to a bridal store to pick her wedding gown? Plus, the


    man she''s marrying is the renowned Cayden Moore of Ackleton. Many women would do anything to try


    their luck with him. It broke the hearts of many socialites and young women when the news of his


    engagement broke out. Shouldn''t she be happy to be loved by such an outstanding man? Why don''t I


    feel any happinessing from her?


    The manager of the bridal store did not say anything about it despite his curiosity.


    He fulfilled his duty and enthusiastically introduced the wedding gowns in the store to Avery, ¡°Ms.


    Rumpley, this is one of our prized gowns. It just arrived at our store recently. Its design is modern and


    majestic, and it looks more elegant than traditional gowns. It definitely suits your aura. Please give it a


    try.¡±


    Avery turned to look at Cayden innocently. ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    Cayden lowered his head and pressed a gentle kiss on her soft lips. ¡°Go ahead. I want to see how you


    look like in a wedding gown.¡±


    Avery hummed in response and followed the sales attendant to the changing room.


    Cayden sat on the luxurious couch in the wedding store. He absent-mindedly flipped through a


    magazine prepared for grooms to read and sipped his coffee as he waited patiently.


    Avery changed into the extravagant and gorgeous wedding gown in the changing room. She did not


    notice the look of surprise on the faces of the two sales attendants.


    As she looked into the mirror and stared at the image of herself wearing a wedding gown, various


    emotions bubbled up in Avery. She felt happy and grateful but also sorrow and pain. All those emotions


    gathered together made her breathless.


    A sales attendant with her hair tied in a bun was helping Avery to zip up the gown as she eximed,


    ¡°Ms. Rumpley, you look terrific in this wedding gown! Whether it''s the design of the cinched waist or the


    exquisite tailoring, it fullyplements your aura. Did you know? A socialite came to try on this same


    gown two days ago, but it doesn''t look half as beautiful on her as on you!¡±


    The corners of Avery''s eyes turned red as sadness filled her heart. I look so beautiful in a wedding


    gown, but it''s a pity I can''t wear it to marry the man I love.


    ¡°Ms. Rumpley? What''s wrong?¡±


    The other short-haired sales attendant noticed Avery''s unusual change in emotions and asked


    curiously, ¡°Do you feel ufortable? If you feel unwell, you can rest in the VIP waiting room.¡±


    Avery shook her head and did not say anything.


    She had a huge secret that was rted to Cayden''s safety. It was like a sharp arrowced with poison


    aimed at his chest, which could kill him at any time.


    Avery hid this secret deep in her heart. She feared others would take advantage of him if they knew


    about it.


    However, she was too weak, and she could only do so much for him.


    Avery felt her heart being ripped into pieces when she thought of the woman''s threat and how it was


    used to force her to leave Cayden.


    Seeing the frown on Avery''s face, the sales assistant with the bun carefully asked, ¡°Ms. Rumpley, are


    you having pre-wedding jitters? Don''t worry. It''s verymon for women to be anxious and scared


    before their wedding. They''re afraid they won''t have as much freedom as when they were single once


    they enter the gates of marriage. However, if you and your partner love each other immensely, then all


    that won''t matter. Besides, Mr. Moore is the man of many unmarried women''s dreams in Ackleton. He''s


    a charming and excellent man and very fond of you. You''re so lucky to marry him!¡±


    Avery bitterly replied, ¡°That''s right. I''m so lucky to have been able to get to know him. Perhaps it would


    take tons of luck to marry him, so my luck has all been used up now...¡±


    Her voice gradually turned softer to the point where the two sales assistants could only hear her


    muttering to herself.


    They did not understand what Avery meant. Exchanging nces, they both had the same thought that


    Cayden and his fianc¨¦e were weird.


    If a different woman were to marry an esteemed man like him, they would definitely be beyond ecstatic.


    Avery walked out wearing a snow-white wedding gown with light makeup on. The wedding gown was


    shoulderless, entuating her picturesque beauty and pale wless skin.


    She stood there quietly, looking like an elegant portrait.


    When Avery stepped out, everyone in the bridal store felt their breathing stop.


    Surprise shed across Cayden''s handsome face as he stared at her lovingly without blinking.


    Avery will be my bride.


    From the corner of his eye, Cayden identally noticed the male employees at the bridal store staring


    at Avery, clearly intoxicated by her beauty. He was usually calm and collected but felt slightly jealous


    when he noticed that.


    He wanted to wrap Avery in his embrace and hide her, not letting other men look at her.


    And he did exactly what he wanted to do.


    Cayden walked toward Avery and removed his jacket before cing it on her bare shoulders. He


    possessively wrapped her in his embrace and kissed the corner of her eyes like he usually did but


    inadvertently tasted the saltiness of tears.

 Chapter 461

    Chapter 461


    Under the gazes of everyone in the wedding store, Cayden used his thumb to wipe away the tears


    streaking down Avery''s face gently. He jokingly asked, ¡°What''s wrong? Why are you crying before we


    get married? Aren''t you embarrassed, Mrs. Moore? Hm?¡±


    Although he was teasing her, his gaze fell on Avery''s pale face, and his heart ached.


    Avery''s eyes were red from crying. She grabbed onto the sleeves of his shirt tightly as she tried to


    control her emotions.


    Shaking her head, she said, ¡°I''m fine. I cried because I was thinking of how happy I am to marry you.


    Until now, I''m still afraid that this is all a dream...¡±


    Cayden ced his hand on Avery''s head, lightly stroking her hair.


    His every action was gentle, as though protecting a piece of treasure.


    He then affectionately said, ¡°Silly. We''re already here to try on wedding gowns. Do you still think our


    wedding is just a dream?¡±


    The manager and all the employees of the wedding store were dumbfounded as they watched the


    couple unt their love.


    News consistently reported that Trident Group''s CEO, Cayden Moore, was cold, emotionless, and


    strict. His cold aura would always make others keep their distance from him.


    However, the person before them treated his fianc¨¦e gently. Is he really the rumored cold-faced


    Cayden Moore? Are those financial reports false?


    Cayden hugged Avery, not caring about the others'' gazes. It seemed as if only the two of them were in


    the bridal store.


    Avery returned to her senses and noticed that everyone in the store was staring at them in envy.


    Seeing that, she took a step back to put some distance between herself and Cayden.


    After all, he was a well-respected CEO. He was always cold and feared by others. It would be hard for


    him to face others if rumors broke out about his sudden change in attitude.


    However, Cayden did not seem to care.


    The smile on his lips widened, and he kissed Avery''s cheek. His gaze was gentle, and light wrinkles


    appeared in the corner of his eyes. ¡°Avery, you look so beautiful in a wedding gown. If it''s possible, I''d


    want to marry you right now. That way, you''ll be mine, and other men can only stare in envy.¡±


    His words were like a deadly poison prating Avery''s bones bit by bit. It made its way to her heart,


    making her unable to escape.


    At that moment, Avery was moved, and her eyes welled up with tears.


    However, she held back her tears, not wanting to let him see her being vulnerable. ¡°Me too. If it''s


    possible, I''d want to marry you right now...¡±


    When the manager saw how loving the couple was, he smiled and gave them his best wishes. ¡°Mr. and


    Mrs. Moore, the two of you are such a loving couple. I sincerely wish the two of you a happy marriage!¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    The manager did not expect the high and mighty Cayden would thank him.


    It seemed he had won the grand prize as he chirped, ¡°You''re wee, Mr. Moore. I''m just giving you


    my best wishes. Your wife is very beautiful. There are a few other high-end wedding gowns and


    evening gowns in the store that would suit her. Would you like to try them on?¡±


    Avery immediately wanted to reject his offer when she heard his question.


    One wedding gown and one evening gown are enough.


    However, before she could reject the manager, Cayden said, ¡°We''ll try them!¡±


    Avery could not refuse when she met with Cayden''s excited gaze. Biting the bullet, she went to try on


    the other gowns.


    The manager''s taste in gowns was indeed urate and unique. Every gown that Avery tried on looked


    stunning on her.


    Sure enough, the clothes one wears is important in distinguishing oneself.


    Although Avery was beautiful before wearing the gowns, she simply looked like a graceful youngdy.


    However, upon donning the luxurious gown, others could not take their eyes off her because she


    looked absolutely gorgeous.


    In the end, they bought four wedding gowns, four evening gowns, and six pairs of wedding shoes at the


    bridal store.


    When they were paying, Avery saw the string of numbers on the receipt. It made her head spin and


    heart ache.


    Although these wedding and evening gowns are pretty, I don''t think I''ll be able to afford all of them


    within this lifetime with my measly sry.


    However, Cayden was not hesitant about swiping his card to pay. The high-end bridal store manager


    smiled and kept ttering him and Avery. Cayden had always hated this kind of ttery, but today, he


    was in a good mood and did not mind it. That was because the store manager had referred to Avery as


    ¡°Mrs. Moore¡± the entire time.


    That''s right. I like people referring to her as ¡°Mrs. Moore.¡±


    After leaving the bridal store, Cayden dropped Avery home before he went to Trident Group to work


    overtime.


    He wanted to stay home and keep Averypany, but he had no choice. They were in a critical


    negotiation period with Anndur about a contract worth tens of billions.


    If there were any mistakes, they could lose everything, and there was a possibility all their efforts would


    be wasted.


    He had worked hard for so long, so he couldn''t let such an important project be taken away by other


    companies.


    At the CEO''s office, Cayden was focused on his work and did not notice that Wisteria was standing in


    front of his desk.


    Wisteria stared at the man buried in his work and felt her heart skip a beat.


    Cayden had handsome facial features and porcin white skin. His thick ck eyebrows were slightly


    scrunched due to work, and his drooping eyshes were thick and long, shocking others with how


    good-looking he was.


    She had always been obsessed with a handsome, perfect man like him who could handle his work well


    and had daunting courage.


    Yet, he was getting engaged tomorrow.


    Hah! I only found out about the engagement yesterday. What a joke!


    ¡°Mr. Moore.¡± Wisteria stood before Cayden''s desk and tried to get his attention. ¡°Are you really going to


    get engaged?¡±


    Cayden signed his name at the bottom of a business contract.


    After that, he lifted his head to stare at her. ¡°Yes. I''m sure you''ve already received the invitation, Ms.


    Summers. My fianc¨¦e, Avery, and I will be holding an engagement party at ndensia Hotel. We hope


    to see you there.¡±


    A wry smile spread across Wisteria''s face. ¡°Mr. Moore, I always thought you somehow treated me


    differently. However, I never would''ve expected that I was the same as the other employees. You''re


    getting engaged, but I''m thest to find out. Just what am I to you?¡±


    Cayden frowned. Wisteria had always been calm and logical, so her change in attitude confused him.


    However, he did not think too much about it. In fact, it did not seem that he had even thought about it.


    ¡°Sorry, Ms. Summers. I should''ve notified you earlier, but it''s been so busy at worktely that I didn''t


    have the time. To me, you will always be the most qualified employee and the most excellent work


    partner. All these years of working with you, I''ve always felt at ease.¡±


    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    Most qualified employee? Most excellent work partner?


    Wisteria did not expect to receive such a judgment from Cayden in exchange for all her hard work for


    the past years.


    At that moment, Wisteria was heartbroken. I''m sure no woman in the world is more unfortunate than


    me!

 Chapter 462

    Chapter 462


    However, Wisteria was genuinely unwilling to ept the turns of events. The man she had protected


    and secretly loved for ten years was about to be another woman''s husband.


    Despite her efforts to rpose herself, her tightly-clenched fists still shook slightly. ¡°Mr. Moore, are


    you really going to get engaged to an insignificant employee? You deserve a better woman with your


    status. I think Ms. Rumpley is too immature in all aspects.¡±


    ¡°Oh? In that case, what kind of woman do you think is worthy of me?¡± Cayden''s eyes glinted coldly.


    Wisteria, who had always been shrewd, failed to notice Cayden''s darkened expression because she


    was too agitated at that moment.


    She plowed on, ¡°I think you should be with an assertive yet tender woman, and she must also be highly


    competent at work. If you were to find a wife who can stand as your equal, she could even share some


    of your heavy workloads. In that case, you won''t be so tired.¡±


    Cayden put down his pen, bored his piercing gaze into Wisteria, and refuted, ¡°You''re wrong, Ms.


    Summers. I''m looking for a wife instead of a working partner. She needs to be someone who can


    connect with me spiritually. I feel at ease when I''m with Avery. That is a soothing sensation other


    women have failed to invoke within me. She''s like the missing rib the Creator had stolen from me that


    has since returned to my side. Her existencepletes my life. Ms. Summers, you''ve never


    experienced true love. That is why you assign so many requirements to your other half. When you


    finally meet your Mr. Right one day, you''ll understand how those requirements are of no importance.¡±


    Wisteria wanted to yell hysterically at him, disproving his statement and telling him she had already met


    the love of her life at thepany ten years ago. N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    However, she didn''t dare to do so. Shecked the courage and was also unwilling to let go of her ego


    and pride.


    Her expression turned gloomy. ¡°Mr. Moore, please continue with your work. I shall take my leave first.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Without looking up, he refocused his attention on his work.


    Wisteria, wearing a grimace, exited the room.


    When she returned to her office, she nearly thrashed everything in the room as uncontrolled rage


    overwhelmed her.


    There was a knock on the door before Yulissa entered Wisteria''s office and noticed thetter''s


    disheartened appearance. She knew Wisteria would''ve been devastated to learn of Cayden and


    Avery''s engagement, so she made Wisteria a cup of coffee.


    ¡°Ms. Summers, have some coffee to calm yourself down.¡±


    Wisteria knocked over the cup of coffee. Her eyes gleamed with intense hatred. ¡°I''m not in the mood to


    drink coffee now that things have progressed to this stage!¡±


    The hot coffee scalded the back of Yulissa''s hand, but she didn''t dare toin about the pain.


    Instead, she continued to persuade Wisteria, ¡°Ms. Summers, you can''t change anything at this point,


    no matter how anxious you are. To be honest, I despise Avery more than you. That woman is nothing


    but a seductress. She made a move on Mr. Moore while simultaneously flirting with Mr. Kendrick. I


    really don''t know what Mr. Moore sees in her!¡±


    Wisteria knitted her brows. ¡°Avery flirted with Mr. Kendrick? When did that happen?¡±


    Yulissa fabricated facies to discredit Avery. ¡°Many employees from the design department witnessed


    this. When we were having our meal at the cafeteria the other day, Mr. Kendrick showered her with


    concern. The two conversed in such close proximity that they were one step away from kissing one


    another. What do you think of that? Isn''t she a sl*t? Not only is she not satisfied with having Mr. Moore


    as her partner, but she''s also trying to seduce her brother-inw. She''s such a loose woman!¡±


    Difort churned within Yulissa when she recalled how caring Kendrick was toward Avery.


    As Cayden was overly indifferent and distant, Yulissa didn''t dare to make a move on him. However, she


    had always yearned to nab Kendrick.


    Unfortunately, Kendrick never paid her any attention, and that prompted Yulissa to ce all the me


    on Avery.


    She felt if it weren''t for Avery''s existence, Kendrick, who had always been frivolous, wouldn''t have


    disregarded her.


    At the thought of Avery having such a promiscuous character yet being able to win Cayden''s heart, a


    look of immense detestation spread across Wisteria''s face.


    ¡°I can''t believe Mr. Moore is infatuated with a woman like her. Ms. Yantz, do you think all men think with


    their lower bodies? Avery iscking in every aspect, so how is she qualified topete against me for


    Mr. Moore''s affection?¡±


    Yulissa replied disdainfully, ¡°Ms. Summers, I suppose you''re unfamiliar with a few things. Some men


    are like that. They fancy these women who put up a serious facade. Perhaps Avery is very skilled in


    bed. How else could she have attracted Mr. Moore''s interest? Nevertheless, you don''t have to worry,


    Ms. Summers. A woman like her who relies on her body to captivate a man will be abandoned sooner


    orter. I have a feeling Avery will meet a miserable end in the future.¡±


    Wisteria fumed in indignation. ¡°What a joke. Mr. Moore must''ve seen all kinds of gorgeous women in


    his life. I''ve served him for a long time, so I''m very familiar with his style. He''s definitely not that kind of


    superficial man. How could he decide to marry a woman simply because she''s great in bed? Avery


    must''ve utilized some special trick...¡±


    It was because she deeply loved Cayden that Wisteria continued to defend him even at that moment


    and held Avery solely ountable for everything that happened.


    Chills traveled down Yulissa''s spine as she saw how Wisteria, an overbearing person, lost her temper.


    Still, Yulissa braced herself and suggested, ¡°Ms. Summers, quit overthinking this matter. So what if Mr.


    Moore and Avery be engaged? You cane up with ways to force them to get a divorce even if


    they are married, let alone a mere engagement. With your intelligence, I think dealing with Avery


    should be as easy as snapping your fingers for you.¡±


    Wisteria suddenly burst outughing.


    She regained her usualposure a few momentster and instructed Yulissa, ¡°That''s enough. You


    can leave now. Make me another cup of coffee to invigorate me.¡±


    Yulissa nodded meekly.


    After Yulissa left, the malicious smile on Wisteria''s face turned more sinister. Yulissa is right. Why am I


    so unnerved by a mere engagement? As long as they are not married, I can devise countless methods


    to break them up!


    Meanwhile, in the mansion, Avery felt nervous and uneasy all the time, even though tomorrow would


    be her engagement day with Cayden.


    The disk''s existence bugged her and constantly reminded her of that unknown woman''s harsh threats,


    causing her to feel stressed and exhausted.


    Her children sat on the living room couch, jovially ying proverbs games. Seeing her mother sighing


    from time to time, Rory decided to stop ying with her brother.


    She approached Avery and nestled in thetter''s arms. Then, Rory carefully stretched out her petite


    hand to smooth out Avery''s creased brows. ¡°Mommy, what''s going on? You''ll be engaged to Daddy


    tomorrow, so why are you sighing?¡±


    Avery embraced her daughter and sniffed at her fragrant small figure before uttering mncholily, ¡°I''m


    fine. It''s just¡ª¡±


    Before she could finish the rest of her sentence, her phone suddenly red.


    All the color drained from Avery''s face when she noticed the unknown woman calling again.

 Chapter 463

    Chapter 463


    Avery felt a strong urge to smash her phone as it wouldn''t stop ringing, but she didn''t dare do so


    because it contained crucial evidence on Cayden.


    Eventually, Avery gave in and answered the phone.


    The person on the other line screamed angrily the moment the call got through, ¡°Hey, Avery! Since you


    had the guts to ignore me, you have only yourself to me for what I''m about to do! I''m outside the


    Department of Justice right now with a disk containing evidence! I''ll hand this disk over and destroy


    Cayden''s reputation!¡±


    Fearing that Avery wouldn''t believe her, she even sent a picture over just to prove her point.


    ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    It was a selfie of a woman wearing sunsses taken outside the Department of Justice.


    She had a gleeful smile on her face and a disk in her hand.


    Avery felt her heart racing when she saw the picture.


    Cayden''s life will be destroyed if she hands that disk over to the Department of Justice! As powerful


    and capable as Cayden may be, there''s no way he could turn this situation around!


    Avery tightened her grip on the phone as she stammered anxiously, ¡°N-No, please don''t do that! Don''t


    hand the disk over! I''ll do anything you ask! I''ll call off my engagement with Cayden tomorrow and


    leave Ackleton! T-There, are you satisfied?¡±


    Her tone was filled with fear and helplessness, but the woman on the other line did not show her any


    sympathy whatsoever.


    ¡°It''s toote to beg me now! None of this would''ve happened if you had just left Cayden from the


    beginning! I gave you a chance, but you chose to throw it away! Do you really think you can fix this just


    by leaving him?¡± she snapped back at her with a sneer.


    Anxious and frustrated, Avery raised her voice a little as she asked, ¡°What the h*ll do you want?¡±


    ¡°Aw, look at you, getting all worked up. I want you to attend the engagement with Cayden as nned


    tomorrow. When the guests have all arrived, however, you will cancel the engagement and humiliate


    Cayden in front of everyone!¡±


    Avery froze after hearing that.


    She had assumed the woman would be satisfied with her leaving Cayden, only to have that woman


    make an even crazier request.


    As if canceling the engagement wasn''t bad enough, she wants me to humiliate Cayden in public? She


    might as well just kill me instead!


    Avery was biting down on her lip so hard that it nearly bled. ¡°No way! I can leave Ackleton if you want


    me to, but I will not cancel the engagement and humiliate him in public!¡±


    Cayden has a very strong sense of pride, so I can''t humiliate him in public! Not only would the Moore


    family no longer ept me, but Cayden would also hate me so much that we would never be able to


    get back together!


    ¡°Oh my, aren''t you a loyal woman? Do you think you''re in a position to bargain with me? Well, think


    again! If you don''t do as I say, I will hand this disk over to the authorities right now! Imagine what would


    happen if the people of Ackleton found out that the legendary Cayden Moore is actually guilty of


    bribery! Hahaha!¡± said the woman on the phone with a sarcastic chuckle.


    Avery then received a short video clip on her phone a few secondster.


    The woman could be seen walking up to the secretary''s office in the Department of Justice with the


    disk in hand.


    Avery screamed at the top of her lungs, ¡°Fine! I''ll do anything you say! I''ll cancel my engagement with


    Cayden tomorrow and humiliate him in public, so stop where you are!¡±


    ¡°I''ll be present at the engagement ceremony tomorrow, so you''d better not try anything funny. I''m sure


    you know what will happen if you do!¡± the woman threatened before hanging up on her.


    Avery was so shocked that she didn''t even realize when she dropped the phone on the floor.


    She just stood there by the window and stared nkly at the clouds in the sky. Before she knew it, the


    sky had turned dark and was filled with stars.


    Avery''s heart was plunged into despair when she recalled the excited look in Cayden''s eyes when they


    tested out her wedding outfit yesterday.


    As their engagement ceremony was tomorrow, Cayden finished his work early and went straight home


    that evening.


    The living room of the mansion was filled with the fragrant aroma of borscht.


    Zachary and Rory were sitting on the couch and ying video games on their tablets.


    After making his way into the living room, Cayden took off his coat and casually tossed it onto the


    adjacent couch.


    ¡°Zach, Rory, where''s your mommy?¡± he asked when he didn''t see Avery anywhere.


    As Zachary and Rory were in the middle of an intense match in-game, they were a little distracted as


    they replied, ¡°Mommy isn''t feeling well, so she''s resting in her bedroom. She told Rory and me not to


    disturb her.¡±


    Cayden frowned in confusion when he heard that. Avery was just fine when I called her earlier this


    morning, though. Why would she be unwell all of a sudden?


    Instead of checking on her right away, Cayden made his way into the kitchen and tried to make dinner.


    Because he had never done any chores around the house, it took him quite a while to have dinner


    ready.


    Cayden then told the kids to go ahead and eat while he brought a serving of steak and mushroom soup


    to the bedroom upstairs.


    Avery''s slender body was curled up into a ball underneath the nket. There were tears in the corners


    of her eyes, which were tightly shut.


    As though she was having a nightmare, her long eyshes would flutter from time to time, making her


    seem a lot more tired than usual.


    Cayden ced the food on the side and sat down next to her on the bed.


    As her skin was very soft and a little warm, caressing her cheek felt like he was touching a rose with


    dewdrops.


    For some reason, his stress and exhaustion from work disappeared when he looked at her sleeping


    soundly in bed.


    Hmm... Why does she seem kind of unhappytely?


    Not wanting to disturb her, Cayden simply sat there and watched Avery as she slept.


    The sight of Avery''s slender figure all curled up in a ball reminded Cayden of a pet cat he had when he


    was a child. The cat was really adorable with its thick fur and gentle personality. Anyone who held the


    cat in their hands would instantly fall in love with it.


    Avery had a terrifying nightmare of herself attending her wedding ceremony with Cayden.


    In her dream, Cayden looked particrly handsome in his tuxedo.


    He then went down on one knee in front of everyone and asked Avery for her hand in marriage. Avery


    was about to say yes when a terrifying woman appeared in front of her. The woman''s face was covered


    in blood as she leered at Avery, revealing a scary set of fangs. Before Avery could even respond, the


    woman lunged forward and stabbed at her heart with razor-sharp ws.


    ¡°Ahh!¡±


    Avery sat bolt upright in bed with her back drenched in a cold sweat.


    As she touched her chest to check for wounds, Cayden looked into her eyes and asked worriedly,


    ¡°What''s wrong, Ery? Did you have a nightmare?¡±


    He then pulled her into his embrace and caressed her pale face as he continuedforting her, ¡°The


    kids told me that you were resting in your room because you weren''t feeling well, so I figured I''d bring


    you dinner in bed. Would you like to start with some soup?¡±


    Avery gently shook her head and nuzzled against his chest as it gave her a sense of security.


    After hesitating for a bit, Avery mustered the courage and asked, ¡°Cayden, what would you do if I don''t


    feel like having our engagement tomorrow?¡±

 Chapter 464

    Chapter 464


    Cayden froze when he heard that. Despite having handled and ovee all sorts of challenging


    situations in life, he found himself struggling to deal with this one.


    Instead of answering her question, he simply gave her an aggressive and passionate kiss on the lips.


    He had been waiting a very long time for this wedding.


    Cayden knew that Avery was the one for him ever since he was in his teenage years.


    The two had gone through a lot just to get where they were, so he wanted nothing more than to let the


    world know Avery was his wife.


    As such, Cayden could not ept the fact that Avery was still on the fence about marrying him.


    He tightened his grip on her and looked into her eyes as he said, ¡°Avery, I am willing to consider


    postponing our wedding ceremony, but I will not allow you to change your mind about marrying me. I


    will bring you to the church by force if I have to¡ª¡±


    Cayden paused halfway through his sentence when he noticed her tearing up again. ¡°What has gotten


    into youtely? Your behavior has been rather off. We''re a couple, and we will soon get married. That


    means we will be going through all the challenges in life together. You need to tell me if something is


    bothering you, okay? Don''t keep it all bottled up inside.¡±


    I know Avery all too well. She loves to keep her problems to herself and would rather bear the burden


    on her own instead of sharing it with me. This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    Avery tried her best to keep her eyes open as she forced her tears back.


    ¡°Oh, Cayden...¡± she mumbled while staring at his handsome face.


    Cayden couldn''t seem to understand why she had been behaving strangely, but he panicked when he


    saw her start to cry again.


    ¡°Don''t cry...¡±


    If there was one thing that he feared in the world, it was Avery crying.


    Cayden hugged her tightly and tried to kiss the tears off her face, but she couldn''t seem to stop crying


    and ended up sobbing uncontrobly.


    All Cayden could do was hold her in his arms andfort her as though she were a child. After what


    seemed like forever, her sobs grew softer before stoppingpletely.


    The sounds of their breathing and her sniffling were the only sounds in the bedroom.


    Cayden didn''t dare move a muscle as he continued to hold her in his arms.


    I had assumed that Avery''s mood swings were the result of her pregnancy, but that doesn''t seem to be


    the case here. There''s definitely more to it than meets the eye. I''ll have to conduct a thorough


    investigation after our engagement ceremony tomorrow. Avery is a sensitive person. If she didn''t want


    to tell me something, she would remain silent even if I were to hold a knife against her throat. I''ll need


    to have my men investigate this in secret. I have to find out who she has been dealing with throughout


    the past few days!


    Avery felt her heart break when she recalled the woman''s demands. She couldn''t possibly bring herself


    to reject Cayden and humiliate him in public.


    However, she knew that she needed to do so, or the woman would ruin his reputationpletely.


    Avery couldn''t imagine a sessful and prideful man like Cayden being locked up in prison.


    Seeing as Avery had stopped crying, Cayden lowered his head and gave her a kiss on the lips. ¡°You''re


    going to be my wife soon, so you shouldn''t be crying so much anymore. Besides, it''s not healthy


    for a pregnant woman to have such extreme emotions. It''ll affect the development of the baby inside


    your tummy.¡±


    Avery bit down on her lips and gripped his shirt sleeve tightly as she looked up at him and said,


    ¡°Cayden, I love you very, very much. If I ever do something to wrong you, I need you to understand that


    I must''ve had my reasons for doing so. Do not hate me no matter what happens, okay?¡±


    Cayden gently caressed her lips and stared at her earnest expression as he gave it some thought.


    ¡°All right,¡± he said after a brief pause.


    He trusted her unconditionally, so he would never me her regardless of what she did to him.


    Avery''s eyes began to tear up again when she heard him say that.


    Cayden is a caring man who loves and trusts me unconditionally. It pains me deeply to think that I


    would have to leave him tomorrow, but I have no other choice...


    Gold Emerald Hotel was decorated incredibly beautifully with colorful ribbons, and the musical fountain


    in the middle of the courtyard produced visually stunning patterns synchronized to the elegant music.


    Meanwhile, in the dressing room, Cecelia''s and Nina''s eyes nearly popped out of their sockets when


    they saw Avery in her white wedding gown.


    Cecelia cupped her hands around her huge tummy as she walked up to Avery. ¡°Congrattions, Avery!


    You and Mr. Moore are finally going to get married! You look so beautiful today!¡±


    Nina was genuinely happy for Avery as well. ¡°I checked the guest list just now. Almost all the celebrities


    in Ackleton are here today! Most of them are the ones we see on the news every day! The Moore


    family sure has some impressive connections! Mr. Moore must love you a lot, Ery! Even celebrities


    don''t have such grand engagement ceremonies!¡±


    Avery had her hair tied up in a high bun, which made her look graceful and elegant in that white, satin


    wedding gown.


    Under normal circumstances, Avery would have been really happy to receive her friends'' blessings.


    However, given everything that had happened, all she felt was fear and anxiety.


    Their conversation was interrupted when Cayden came in through the door.


    ¡°Hello, Mr. Moore!¡± Cecelia and Nina greeted him in unison with bright smiles on their faces.


    Cayden looked incredibly elegant and handsome in his ck tuxedo. His attitude toward Cecelia and


    Nina was as cold as usual, only nodding slightly in response to their warm greeting.


    When faced with Avery, however, his eyes were filled with love and affection as he stepped forward and


    wrapped an arm around her shoulder. ¡°Come on, Ery. It''s time,¡± he said while leading her toward the


    hotel lobby.


    Upon arriving at the lobby, Avery saw that it was packed with guests.


    The members of the Moore family were seated in the front of the stage. ke had tears of joy in his


    eyes, and Alina was smiling happily as she watched Avery make her way over.


    Avery and Cayden were cheered on by thunderous apuse as they made their way over. Some of the


    people in the crowd even started chanting, ¡°Kiss her! Kiss her!¡±


    Naturally, Cayden wasn''t about to shy away from such a request. He pulled Avery close and gave her a


    deep and passionate kiss in front of everyone.


    Nicole and her parents tensed up when they saw that.


    Bonnie was grinning smugly as she sat next to her.


    They half-heartedly pped along with the crowd as they stared at Avery with sinister grins on their


    faces.

 Chapter 465

    Chapter 465


    After the kiss, Avery felt her body going weak. The pounding in her head was getting more and more


    unbearable.


    The movements of the guests, the floral arrangements, the fountain, the music, and everything else in


    the hall were zooming in and out of her focus, overwhelming her senses.


    The cheerful and joyful environment was a stark contrast to the sorrow she was feeling.


    Avery turned to look at the crowd.


    She caught sight of Jeffrey. His usual strict demeanor melted away as he chatted with the guests with a


    huge grin on his face.


    Kendrick was even more excited.


    Lily was there too. Even though she was not smiling, her mere presence exuded elegance.


    Despite being the one who always objected to their marriage, even Allie was receiving the wishes and


    compliments from the guests on Cayden''s marriage with a smile on her face, most likely due to the


    pressure from Jeffrey.


    On the other side of the hall, ke and Alina were beaming even brighter, overjoyed that their precious


    Avery had finally found her own happiness.


    As Avery looked at all of them, all she wanted to do was to burst into tears. However, she knew that


    she could not even let a single tear drop slip at such an important moment.


    Forcing down the lump in her throat, she lifted her eyes and scanned the crowd. Seated at the tables


    were a few of Cayden''s friends, such as Robert, Jacob, and Xander.


    The heirs to all of the finestpanies were present without exception.


    Cayden brought Avery around to introduce her to his rtives.


    ¡°This is my uncle.¡± Cayden pointed to an energetic man in his sixties.


    ¡°My cousins.¡± Holding Avery by her hand, he brought her toward a handsome young man and a lovely


    youngdy.


    ¡°My younger cousin.¡±


    He continued, ¡°My dad''s younger brother.¡±


    One by one, Cayden introduced his rtives to Avery.


    The Moore family had a massive business. It was no surprise that Cayden would have a lot of rtives.


    Avery had always known that the Moore family was huge, but before she was introduced to all of them,


    she had never trulyprehended how big the Moore family actually was. Fortunately, most of them


    were extended family. Only a few were closely rted to Cayden.


    Even though most of them were extended family, one could tell that the Moore family genes ran in the


    family. Every one of them was wless in terms of their appearance. All the young ones were


    handsome and gorgeous; even the children and babies were visibly more good-looking than most


    people.


    Seeing that Avery was getting overwhelmed by the sight, Cayden lowered his head and chuckled softly


    in her ear. ¡°You only have to remember those closely rted to us. As for the rest, you just need to


    remember their faces. We wouldn''t cross paths with them so frequently in the future,¡± he reminded.


    Avery responded with a perfunctory hum absent-mindedly. Turning her head around, she caught sight


    of William and his family.


    Nicole was dressed exquisitely from head to toe and was staring straight at her.


    Avery seemed to be able to detect the disdain and mockery in Nicole''s smug look.


    What shocked Avery the most was the fact that the woman who was threatening her to leave Cayden


    with the disk was sitting right next to ire.


    All of a sudden, the rm bells in her head went off. How does that woman manage to get an invitation


    to our wedding? What''s her rtionship with William''s family?


    Inside the luxuriously decorated hall, countless gazes were focused on Avery, each one reflecting a


    different emotion. Some were filled with curiosity, some were evaluating, some were surprised, and


    some were jealous.


    Cayden was the pride and joy of the Moore family. Naturally, people were surprised to find out that the


    person he was going to be engaged to was an insignificantmoner from a regr family.


    On the stage, four big boxes were filled to the brim with the dowry. Piles of hundred-dor bills were


    tied by beautiful ribbons and stacked neatly on top of each other.


    Countless pieces of jewelry made of priceless gold and diamonds, along with the house deed of a


    mansion, were ced on the tables. There were so many things on disy that it made the guests


    overwhelmed.


    The crowd was in awe at the dowry. Only the Moore family could be sovish with their money!


    Moreover, the dowry made them realize that the Moore family viewed their newest addition to the family


    in very high regard.


    Otherwise, they would not have given such expensive gifts and hefty betrothal money. The bride-to-be


    was just amoner. They could have just given her a small wedding cash gift to get it over with, and


    there was no need for an engagement ceremony.


    Contrary to the excitement buzzing in the hall, Avery could feel herself breaking into a cold sweat after


    seeing that Nicole had shown up unexpectedly to the engagement.


    Her grip around Cayden''s arm tightened as chills ran down her spine. Her cheeks had also paled


    despite wearing blush.


    With great effort, Avery maintained the smile on her face and tried to stabilize her shaking knees as


    she followed Cayden to the center of the stage.


    Even though it was just a few dozen meters away, her heavy footsteps made it feel as though she had


    trekked ten thousand miles.


    Onstage, Jeffrey, as the elder of the Moore family, was the first to give a speech, thanking the guests


    for making time out of their busy schedules to attend Cayden''s engagement ceremony.


    After the speech, the emcee announced the official start of the engagement ceremony.


    Cayden was exceptionally handsome that day. His demeanor was not as cold as usual. Because of his


    great mood, his gaze was warm and gentle whenever he looked at Avery, making his eyes even more


    attractive.


    Holding Avery''s hand in his, he stood behind the podium, towering over it with his tall figure. Facing the


    crowd, he uttered joyfully, ¡°Thank you all for attending my engagement ceremony. I am beyond happy


    today, for I am about to be engaged to the love of my life. I had always thought that I was destined to


    live out the rest of my life in loneliness. I would have never imagined myself getting so lucky. She


    walked into my life and changed everything. She is a wonderful and kind woman, the source of all


    things good and warm in my life. I promise to cherish, love, and protect her with everything I have for


    the rest of my life. I want to especially express my gratitude to Grandpa and Aunt Alina for raising


    Avery. If not for them, my wife wouldn''t have existed today, so to Grandpa and Aunt Alina, thank you


    from the bottom of my heart.¡±


    The audience erupted into thunderous apuse.


    ke and Alina looked at the man onstage. They had no doubt that Cayden would treat Avery like a


    precious jewel in his hand.


    Bittersweet tears of joy shimmered on the edge of their eyes.


    When Avery heard Cayden''s short yet sincere and touching speech, tears welled up in her eyes,


    threatening to fall.


    At that moment, she felt so loved that she had almost forgotten the pain she was feeling, all because of


    the genuine words that Cayden had said.


    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    She knew that Cayden could be emotionless. Romance was never his strong suit. Whenever he was in


    front of a crowd, he would always be cold and silent. Yet, he had given such a romantic speech in front


    of so many people at that moment. That was something that Avery would never expect, even in a


    million years.


    In that instant, Avery was lost in a whirlpool of emotions.


    Holing a ring with a diamond the size of a dove''s egg, Cayden got down on one knee and stared into


    Avery''s eyes with a passionate gaze. ¡°Avery, I want to have your hand for the rest of the journey ahead


    of us. I want to grow old with you, holding your hand through every storm and every sun and sharing all


    of my sweetest memories with you. Avery Rumpley, will you make me the happiest man alive and be


    my wife?¡±


    Mesmerized by Cayden''s gentle voice and expression, Avery felt her heart pound in her chest. I will! Of


    course, I will marry you and be the wife that you will love the most for the rest of your life!


    Avery subconsciously stretched out her left arm, desiring for Cayden to put the ring on her finger.


    Unfortunately, in the split second that she raised her head, she saw Nicole smirking at her icily.


    Nicole turned to William and whispered something in his ear. Avery watched as William''s rxed


    posture tensed up as he frowned.


    Suddenly, Nicole pulled out something that looked like a disk from her gown and walked past ire to


    hand it to William.

 Chapter 466

    Chapter 466


    Avery''s heart nearly leaped out of her chest when she saw that.


    Every cell in her body seemed to be engulfed by a zing fire.


    Before William could ept the disk from the woman, Avery shouted at Cayden, ¡°No! I don''t want to


    marry you. I won''t get engaged with you!¡±


    ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    No one said a word.


    It wouldn''t even be an overstatement to say that one could easily hear a needle dropping on the floor in


    the ballroom of the hotel.


    Cayden had gotten down on one knee in front of her on the stage, and he was taken aback by her


    answer.


    He knew that Avery was looking forward to their wedding far more than he was. Therefore, he was


    surprised when she gave an unfavorable reply.


    Beside them, Jeffrey''s face became grim as his hand, grasping the cane, started to quiver


    uncontrobly.


    Seeing that, Xavier stepped forward to support Jeffrey.


    Meanwhile, Lily''s face was devoid of expression.


    From her own experience, she thought marrying into a wealthy family was a miserable trap. Thus, she


    approved of Avery''s decision.


    On the other hand, Allie was on the verge of losing her cool. If it weren''t for her dignity, she would''ve


    rushed onstage to rip Avery''s innocent face apart.


    Many socialites would eagerly jump at the chance to be married to my son, so I am appalled that this


    woman could so brazenly turn him down in public. It is an insult to our family and an embarrassment to


    us all.


    Shock was written over ke''s and Alina''s faces.


    Avery has always been an obedient child. Why is she doing this? Even if she had no intention of


    marrying him, she could have chosen to do that before the event, so as not to humiliate him in front of


    his wealthy peers.


    Cayden stared at Avery as his heart constricted in agony at her answer.


    He didn''t get up and insisted on getting an answer. ¡°Why?¡±


    Avery felt her heart was being torn apart.


    Her shoulders were trembling as tears gathered in her eyes, but her voice was determined as she


    dered, ¡°I don''t think I''m worthy of you. Youe from a wealthy family and are a remarkably


    sessful and eligible bachelor. I, on the other hand,e from a much poorer background and am


    not as capable as you. Plus, I don''t have the best character. I can''t provide you with any help in your


    career, and I can''t give you the things you desire, so I apologize for that.¡±


    Despite the immense sorrow that weighed her down like an anchor, Avery refused to let go of herst


    shred of sanity.


    She had no idea who the woman was, though it was clear that thetter had some kind of ulterior


    motive for using the disk to intimidate her into leaving Cayden. There were only two logical


    exnations for why the woman would threaten her in such a manner¡ªeither the woman had feelings


    for Cayden, or someone else had instigated her to do so.


    No matter what, the woman''s objective was to force Avery to leave on her own will.


    Avery was taking a chance. If that woman had developed any sort of emotional attachment to Cayden


    or had been given orders from someone else, she would not give the disk to anyone else, provided


    Avery agreed to depart from Cayden as requested.


    The woman wouldn''t embarrass Cayden in public.


    Thus, Avery decided to take the me for calling off the engagement.


    The woman might be displeased, but the engagement ceremony would not be taking ce today. After


    being humiliated today, the Moore family would never let Avery marry Cayden.


    Her deplorable intention could be aplished, and Avery would not have to feel so remorseful


    toward Cayden.


    Avery felt as though her heart was being ripped apart, the pain so severe that it felt as though her


    organs were being split in two, leaving her in sheer agony.


    Naturally, Cayden refused to believe her exnation as it sounded too far-fetched.


    Despite that, he felt a dull ache in his usually strong heart.


    Cayden rose to his feet and grabbed her shoulders. In a voice that only they both could hear, he


    demanded, ¡°I don''t believe a word you said. I want to understand what happened for you to change


    your mind so suddenly. If you''re not ready to marry me yet, I can wait for you. I''ll wait for years, even a


    lifetime, if that''s what it takes for you to befortable. You know I would never force you to do


    something you don''t want to do, right?¡±


    Avery was experiencing a splitting headache that felt as if someone had taken a hammer and hit her


    head with it.


    She felt utterly remorseful to hear Cayden''s words.


    Her mind was clear and sharp, but her gaze was one of helplessness and confusion.


    Cayden took in her shame, agony, and hesitance.


    Something flickered across his eyes as his gaze turned dark. He heaved a sigh of relief slightly upon


    the realization that Avery was lying when she imed she didn''t want to marry him. Patiently, he waited


    for her to provide a usible reason.


    s, Avery merely shook her head as her face turned deathly pale.


    Cayden was about to question her further when she suddenly copsed to the ground weakly.


    ¡°Avery!¡± Cayden caught her before she could fall to the ground.


    His heart wrung at the sight of her motionless form as hisplexion faded to a ghostly pallor.


    A pang of excruciating pain surged through his heart.


    Cayden regretted questioning her. He even started wondering if it was his fault for urging her to marry


    him as she might not be prepared to be his wife yet.


    The crowd flew into an uproar instantly.


    After all, none of them knew Avery would suddenly change her mind in the middle of the engagement


    party before fainting on the spot.


    They started chatting and pointing fingers at Avery. Inevitably, the woman became the target of scorn


    and derision.


    Cayden picked Avery up easily.


    His tall and impable figure came to a stop before the microphone that was positioned vertically.


    As his unusually icy demeanor and intimidating aura filled the room, everyone else fell silent.


    ¡°Greetings, everyone!¡± Cayden''s cold but elegant voice boomed through the speaker. ¡°I must apologize


    for the unfortunate circumstances that have arisen. My fianc¨¦e, Avery Rumpley, contracted the


    ¡±


    Cayden''s voice was soft. Despite his curled lips, he was gazing darkly at everyone. The media


    members in attendance at the engagement party felt an icy chill running down their spines as they were


    met by his intense, brooding stare.


    Cayden might look like a harmless gentleman, but he was known for his ruthless and domineering


    decisions in the corporate world.


    Anyone who had the audacity to defy or challenge him would be met with swift and harsh revenge.


    They would have to face the consequences of their actions, which could be incredibly unpleasant.


    Cayden then strode out of the ballroom with Avery in his arms.


    Among the audience, Nicole clenched her jaw as she watched them leave.


    This isn''t supposed to happen! Avery humiliated Cayden and the Moore family in public. Shouldn''t he


    dump or despise her? Why did he still defend her?

 Chapter 467

    Chapter 467


    Back at the mansion, Cayden smoked continuously on the huge balcony. His gaze was fixed on the


    blooming cherry blossoms in the garden beneath him.


    The ivory-white cherry blossoms were in full bloom, their velvety petals perched at the edge of the


    branches, swaying in the gentle breeze. As they were blown to the ground, it seemed as though the


    earth had been covered in a delicate nket.


    Avery loved flowers, so as a wedding gift, Cayden presented her with a mansion full of blooming


    flowers.


    He wanted it to be a surprise, but s...


    Cayden''s eyes grew hooded as he watched the fluttering cherry blossoms. He slowly dropped the


    cigarette from his fingers, letting it fall into the ashtray beside him, extinguishing its smoldering embers.


    After that, he went to the bedroom and opened the door.


    Two middle-aged maids were taking care of Avery.


    Seeing his tall figure at the door, they quickly got up and greeted him politely, ¡°Mr. Moore.¡±


    Cayden nced at Avery''s pale face as his heart clenched in agony. ¡°How is she doing?¡±


    One maid reported, ¡°An hour ago, Dr. Sotheby gave Mrs. Moore a shot, and her fever has subsided


    since then. She might be exhausted as she''s still sleeping soundly...¡±


    Cayden dismissed them with a wave.


    Both maids instantly exited the room and shut the door behind them carefully.


    By then, Avery and Cayden were the only ones left in the room.


    Cayden sat by the edge of the bed and reached out to stroke her cheek.


    It was two in the afternoon, so the sun was beaming radiantly, its brilliant rays cascading into the room


    and bathing her face in its warm light.


    Avery''s exquisite face was ashen, and her brows were knitted together, showing that she was in a foul


    mood.


    Avery was ustomed to putting up with whatever came her way and never retaliated. No matter how


    unjustly she was treated, she would remain silent and not fight back.


    The way she behaved made his heart ache for her.


    He felt as though his heart was being pierced with a thousand tiny needles when he remembered how


    she declined his marriage proposal at the engagement party a few hours ago.


    Despite knowing that she most probably did that against her will, he couldn''t help but feel heavy-


    hearted.


    Cayden had never wanted to marry anyone until he met her. After falling in love with her, he couldn''t


    wait to make her his wife.


    I remember how delighted she was when we decided to get engaged. What caused her to change her


    mind?


    Cayden stared at Avery fixedly as bitterness spread in his heart.


    I want to smoke again.


    He quickly dismissed that thought.


    Avery didn''t like it when he smoked. Ever since she got pregnant, she had grown to detest the pungent


    smell of cigarettes. Thus, Cayden slowly quit smoking. Despite his heavy addiction to cigarettes, he


    made the conscious effort to quit and only smoked asionally when he was stressed out from work or


    felt frustrated.


    He was determined to investigate the truth no matter what.


    His gazended on Avery, who was lying in bed, looking like a fragile doll.


    Bending down to her, he nted a tender kiss on her lips and whispered in her ear, ¡°What made you


    change your mind and suddenly refuse to marry me? I have made up my mind to make you my wife,


    and I will never let you go.¡±


    He slowly deepened the kiss, carefully parting her lips with his own. His initial gentle kiss gradually


    transformed into something more passionate as the moment lingered on.


    Avery was rudely woken by his kiss.


    Forcing herself to open her eyes, she immediately spotted Cayden, bathed in the warm sunlight. He


    looked exceptionally handsome to her.


    Suddenly, Avery recalled how lost and heartbroken he looked after she rejected him cruelly back at the


    engagement party.


    Memories of the past came flooding back into her mind, and she was promptly wide awake. Anxiety


    and guilt were etched on the lines of her face.


    ¡°I''m sorry. I''m sorry...¡± Avery apologized profusely, guilt and agony evident in her gaze.


    Cayden was right in front of her, but she couldn''t bring herself to look into his eyes.


    ¡°It''s fine.¡± Gently, Cayden forced her to turn around to look at him and gave her a tender kiss on her


    forehead. ¡°I''ve always been lenient with you, no matter what you''ve done wrong. I could never bring


    myself to scold you.¡±


    Avery looked down silently.


    ¡°Avery,¡± Cayden called out her name softly as if he was trying to soothe a child who was feeling upset.


    His voice was filled with tenderness and love as he implored, ¡°Promise me you''ll never leave my side.¡±


    Avery''sshes stopped trembling as she gawked at him.


    I humiliated him in public. Why isn''t he upset at all?


    Avoiding his gaze, she closed her eyes and stammered, ¡°I-I''m sorry, but I can''t...¡±


    ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    Instead of flying into a rage, Cayden ced both arms on the bed.


    Trailing kisses all over her lips, he asked softly, ¡°Why?¡±


    Cayden knew he was obsessed with her.


    The world he was living in was dull and uninteresting until they met. From that moment on, his life was


    filled with more color than he had ever thought possible. He could not bear the thought of Avery leaving


    him.


    Avery curled up in his arms like an animal without a sense of security.


    A turmoil of emotions swirled in her heart as she tightened her arms around him.


    Cayden''s muffled voice rang out. ¡°Ery, no matter what, I''ll be here. Don''t be afraid.¡±


    Avery nearly burst into tears upon hearing that, for she realized the impact of her rejection on him.


    After pulling out the knife that was stabbed in her heart, she steeled herself and then thrust it with all


    her strength into his chest. Despite her remorse, she saw no other path to take.


    Avery knew he was hurting, as so was she.


    The agony was so intense that she felt an overwhelming urge to writhe and cry out in agony.


    She peered out of the window, her gaze settling on the beauty of the spring season.


    Rays of sunshine illuminated thendscape as she took in the beautiful flowers and lush green leaves.


    Gripping Cayden''s arm, Avery replied weakly, ¡°Please don''t force me, okay?¡±


    She couldn''t bring herself to tell him about the disk, and she didn''t want to put him in a difficult spot.


    The woman specifically reminded me to keep Cayden in the dark about the disk, warning me that if he


    were to find out, she would not hesitate to hand it over to the Department of Justice, as well as expose


    its contents to the media. If that were to happen, the consequences would be too great for us to bear.


    Cayden hugged Avery tightly. ¡°Okay, I won''t force you. Get some rest. I''ll stay here with you.¡±


    His sharp brows arched unbeknownst to Avery.


    A while ago, he had ordered Xavier to look into Avery''s whereabouts for the past few days.


    If everything proceeded without any hups or disruptions, the results of the investigation would be


    avable the next day.


    At the Lambert residence, Bonnie couldn''t help but admire Nicole''s closet. It was not only muchrger


    than her bedroom, but it was also beautifully organized and furnished in an elegant fashion.


    The rows of dazzling, fashionable clothing, stylish shoes, high-end designer handbags, and beautiful


    essories overwhelmed her vision.


    ¡°You did a good job, Bonnie.¡±


    Nicole observed the greed in Bonnie''s eyes.


    However, she put on a gentle and sincere look. ¡°Avery rejected Cayden''s proposal in public and


    humiliated the Moore family. Cayden is now theughingstock of the town. Even if he insists on


    marrying her, the Moore family will not ept Avery as they value their pride and dignity. I''m ecstatic


    with the oue. As a gesture of my appreciation, you''re free to take any of my garments, handbags,


    essories, and shoes that you wish. Please, help yourself.¡±


    Bonnie wanted nothing more than to pounce on the items in Nicole''s wardrobe, but she held herself


    back and shed an ingratiating smile. ¡°Nickie, are you sure?¡±


    Despite being part of the Bet family, she faced an unfortunate reality of oppression due to her


    illegitimate status. Her siblings and the legitimate wife of the family had always treated her harshly. Her


    allowance was pitifully small that she never had the opportunity to purchase any extravagant orvish


    items.


    Bonnie was overjoyed as Nicole graciously allowed her to choose from the selection of items in her


    wardrobe, many of which were brand new and still had the original tags attached.


    ¡°Of course!¡± Nicole responded with a chuckle. Without warning, she changed her tone and curled her


    lips into a smirk. ¡°However, I''ll need your help with something...¡±

 Chapter 468

    Chapter 468


    Having picked out several branded essories while skipping over the discounted ones, Bonnie had


    fun trying on several nice-looking pairs of sandals.


    Due to Nicole''s simr height, stature, and shoe size to hers, the clothing and footwear were, in a way,


    tailored to her specifications. Bonnie could barely suppress her glee.


    ¡°What would you like for me to do, Nickie? Tell me, and I promise toplete the mission to


    perfection,¡± she asked as she excitedly browsed the selection.


    Nicole said, ¡°It displeases me that Cayden warned the media not to write anything unttering about


    Avery despite her rejecting his proposal. I need you to bribe the media and websites, including Twitter,


    Google, Steam, Netflix, and WhatsApp. We will nder Avery into oblivion and make her more


    despicable than a street rat. There will be nowhere in Ackleton for her to hide. I will finance this. You


    just need to meet the necessary people to make it happen. Prioritize those influencers with millions of


    followers. Though they are personal ounts of individuals, their sway cannot be underestimated. With


    the right price, anybody can be bought. Also, take into consideration the smaller publishing presses.


    Large corporations may fear Cayden''s retribution, but smallerpanies do not. Those small


    publishing presses are on the verge of bankruptcy, anyway. They would do anything for some shocking


    news to drag them out of bankruptcy.¡±


    Nicole was a crafty one.


    As society progressed, publishers had been experiencing a steep decline as their readership dwindled,


    exacerbating the decreasing efficacy of their reach. With the loss of freedom of speech, many media


    tforms had overhauled their operations and orientated them toward the digital future.


    Many no longer read the newspaper as it was known. Instead, they perused, from their smartphones, a


    selection of channels curated by the media, such as WhatsApp, Washington Post, and Reddit. Most


    Inte users would get their news firsthand, a subscriber''s privilege.


    Bonnie was about to nod when she recalled Cayden''s cold gaze, devoid of warmth, at the engagement


    party and shuddered.


    Abandoning her act of rifling through clothes, Bonnie began tentatively, ¡°You should know that Cayden


    holds absolute dominion over Ackleton, Nickie. He even controls the media. I don''t think anybody


    would dare¡ª¡±


    Nicole interrupted Bonnie before she could finish, ¡°What are you afraid of? You''ll never amount to


    anything if you never take risks! I will bear all responsibility. Lest you forget, my father is the state


    secretary who dotes on me. Nobody would do a thing to you while I have your back. Haven''t you


    always wanted to break into the entertainment industry, Bonnie? When this is over, I''ll be your way in.


    As long as you have my backing, you will always seed.¡±


    Upon hearing Nicole''s promise, Bonnie gazed longingly at the extravagant dress and purse before her.


    She allowed a moment''s indulgence in the fantasy of carving her legacy in the entertainment industry


    and basking in the adoration of millions of fans. Then, she hardened her heart and nodded firmly. ¡°All


    right, Nickie. We''ll do as you say.¡±


    Thunderclouds hung over the Moore residence.


    The heavy oppression in the air seemed to exert an ominous presence.


    In his fury with Cayden, Jeffrey mmed his cane into the ground. ¡°Imbecile! What the h*ll happened at


    the engagement party? That idiot disappeared without a word and left me to clean up his mess.


    Godd*mn it! That little sh*t has shamed us all!¡±


    Worried that his grandfather would overexert himself, Kendrick soothed the old man by stroking his


    chest. ¡°Cayden is too careful to leave mistakes in his wake. Furthermore, that was his engagement


    party. Something must have gone wrong; you can ask him about it when he returns. Calm yourself.¡±


    ke sighed. Once more, he apologized solemnly to the Moores. ¡°We''re terribly sorry. Having raised


    Ery, I know she''s a good girl, and there must be a reason for what happened. I also noticed her looking


    quite pale during the party, which might have been a symptom of a fever. She must have been in


    delirium.¡±


    Alina agreed with her father. ¡°My niece is a good girl and definitely not one to hold grudges. Cayden


    also exined that it had been due to her fever. I hope you can forgive her.¡±


    ke and Alina were trying their best to devise an excuse for Avery turning down the proposal and


    gaining the Moore family''s understanding.


    They believed Avery would not reject him on such an asion without cause.


    Lily sipped her tea elegantly, with a nk expression as if to say whatever happened at the wedding


    was not her concern.


    Allie, on the other hand, was incensed. She jabbed a finger at ke and Alina. ¡°Bullsh*t! How dare you


    mention that shameless thing! It runs in the family, I see! All of you Rumpleys are rotten to the core.


    How dare she humiliate my son during their engagement party? Let me make this clear¡ªas long as I


    am a Moore, Avery will never be one!¡±


    The Rumpleys turned pale.


    ke was an honest man who had never endured such humiliating admonishment.


    He was so angry that he spluttered, ¡°You...¡±


    It runs in the family? She''s insulting all of us!


    ke had always known Cayden as a decent man born to a wicked woman. This other facet of her


    identity was a nasty surprise.


    ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    I thought this rich woman was hot-tempered, arrogant, uptight, and disdainful of poverty, perhaps even


    stern with her new daughter-inw. As long as Avery remained careful and respectful, on top of the


    prospect of a great-grandchild... People are emphatic creatures, and Allie would have epted my


    granddaughter of humble origins.


    However, ke did not expect Cayden''s mother to be cruel and unreasonable to have cursed his


    granddaughter and insulted him and his daughter.


    I have never met such an unreasonable woman who would nder us so. How could I feel safe to


    marry my dear, sweet granddaughter off to the Moores?


    Despite ke already trembling in anger, Allie did not cease her barrage but continued her onught.


    ¡°What about me? Let me be clear¡ªI don''t ever want Avery to be my daughter-inw. That shameless


    woman has gotten pregnant before marriage. She seduced my son to live with her and now refuses to


    leave the Moore residence. Isn''t she ashamed of herself? She should be grateful to my son for


    lowering himself to marry her. How dare she humiliate Cayden in public like that? Do you Rumpleys not


    teach your young manners? Or are all of you of the same ilk? A rotten apple never falls far from the


    tree.¡±

 Chapter 469

    Chapter 469


    Allie''s words angered Alina.


    She could not bear hearing her favorite niece and beloved father being spoken of this way.


    She leaped to her feet. ¡°What do you mean by that, Mrs. Moore? If you won''t forgive Avery, that''s fine,


    but there is no need to use such harsh words. Even if our families are not bound by a marital alliance,


    my father is still an elder. How could you use such disparaging words against him? I still showed you


    respect as Cayden''s mother, but your attitude has shown me that you do not deserve respect from


    anybody. You called us bad apples. What about you? Even addressing you as Mrs. Moore more than


    what you deserve. The real Mrs. Moore is Mdm. Lily Berry, who is the legitimate Mrs. Moore per our


    maritalws of Chanaea. You are only a nobody who happened to take her ce, and all you do is


    throw your weight around using Cayden''s name. Are you proud of yourself? How much mightier are


    youpared to us, anyway?¡±


    Alina had caught her ex-husband''s attention by pretending to be more aplished than she was, and


    he courted her persistently. After their marriage, they ran argepany together.


    Having met various difficult characters in the upper echelons of society, she knew how to deal with


    women like Allie. Attacking the problem at its core, she found and pressed on Allie''s weak spot.


    Lily spectated the scene with interest, and her lips curled upward when she heard Alina''s sharp


    rebuttal.


    It feels good having somebody take care of this b*tch on my behalf.


    Sitting on the couch in the corner, Zachary and Rory were still d in their suit and dress of flower boy


    and girl, going deaf from the din of the adults yelling at each other.


    The hostile atmosphere filled them with unease, and nobody told them where their parents were.


    Do Daddy and Mommy not want us anymore?


    The children''s eyes grew red at the thought of their parents'' engagement falling apart. They missed


    their gentle mother.


    Allie was livid by Alina''s words. To have the fact of her being Bruce''s mistress brought up was


    something she did not take kindly to.


    The fact as it was, nobody was allowed to mention it in her presence.


    Allie lost her temper at Alina''s jeering words. Disregarding the children''s presence, she raised her palm


    to teach thetter a lesson.


    Before she could do so, Alina caught the former''s iing hand, flung it aside, and gave her a hard


    shove.


    Pushed off bnce by Alina, Allie staggered and nearly fell onto the ground.


    She stood up with great difficulty, bracing herself against the coffee table as she did so, and gazed at


    Alina with eyes filled with disbelief.


    This woman looks so skinny. How is she so strong?


    ke did not expect Cayden''s mother to strike his daughter on top of her verbal tirade. A ball of fury


    rose in his chest.


    With immense effort, ke braced himself against the couch to stand. Every line on his wizened face


    hardened with anger. ¡°If the Moore family does not wee us, Lina, we will leave! Avery will find a


    good husband anywhere. Though Cayden is a decent fellow, the Rumpley family cannot hope to meet


    his prestige. Come here, Zach and Rory. The manners they teach you here arecking. Come home


    with me, and we''ll find your mother.¡±


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    He beckoned kindly at the twins.


    The children gazed warily at Jeffrey and Allie, wondering if they should go with their great-grandfather.


    Allie grabbed both children by the wrists. ¡°Zach and Rory are Moores. Why should we allow you


    outsiders to take them?¡±


    She squeezed the children''s frail arms so hard that she did not notice she was hurting them.


    ke was beside himself with a mixture of panic and anger at the sight of the children holding back


    fearful tears.


    With a shudder, he led his daughter away. ¡°Let''s go, Lina. We don''t need them, and I won''t being


    back here for as long as I live.¡±


    Alina gave Allie onest contemptuous nce before helping ke out of the house.


    ¡°Don''t leave! We can talk about this.¡± Shaking his head exasperatedly, Jeffrey beckoned Kendrick to


    help him up.


    He was determined to stop the Rumpleys from leaving. As angry as he was for Avery embarrassing the


    Moore family, she carried their heir in her belly.


    What if they''re serious? What would happen to our heir if Avery married someone else?


    Allie, who was thoroughly humiliated, stopped Jeffrey. ¡°That pathetic family is not worthy of us, Dad. Let


    them go if they want to. When Avery gives birth, we''ll take her child away and let her marry whoever


    she wants. Cayden is a catch. I''ll find him a better wife.¡±


    Jeffrey red at Allie, wanting nothing more than to strike her on her foolish head with his cane. ¡°You


    have embarrassed us!¡±


    Shoving her aside with his cane, he had Kendrick hold him as he chased after the Rumpley family.


    Kendrick turned and cast Allie a gaze tinged with me and disapproval.


    ¡°Great-granddad...¡±


    Upon seeing how the Rumpleys had been angered into leaving by their grandmother, the twins went


    after them tearfully, but Allie held them back.


    As Jeffrey had already left the room, she did not hold back in smacking them on their buttocks. ¡°You


    ingrates! I was the one who raised you both, and now you''re abandoning me for two strangers?¡±


    ¡°Great-granddad isn''t a stranger, Grandma. He and Grand-aunt love Rory and me very much.¡± Zachary


    red up defiantly at Allie through his tears.


    ¡°You''re horrible for making Great-granddad and Grand-aunt go, Grandma. I don''t love you anymore.¡±


    Rory wrenched herself free of Allie''s iron grip and ran after ke and Alina.


    ¡°Wait for me, Rory!¡± Zachary ran after her.


    Turning pale with rage, Allie gnashed her teeth as she gazed at the departing silhouettes of her


    grandchildren.


    You will never be my daughter-inw, Avery!


    Avery was unaware of the heated quarrel between the Moore and Rumpley families about her.


    Cayden had turned off his phone the night before to keep herpany.


    Nestled in his embrace and leaning against his firm chest, Avery was in a deep sleep.


    When she awoke at dawn, she realized she was alone in bed, save for the note he had left behind. It


    read: I have matters to attend to, Ery, and will be back in two hours. This is our new home. The


    surroundings are peaceful, and the air is fresh. It''s good for you and the baby. All five of us will live here


    where no one will bother us. I love you.

 Chapter 470

    Chapter 470


    Avery rubbed her head. Only at that point did she realize she was in an unfamiliar environment.


    That master bedroom was vast and spacious. Right opposite where Avery was at was arge full-


    length window, which enabled a wider field of vision from the room and gave one a panoramic view of


    the scenery outside.


    Gazing at the sea of flowers outside the windows, Avery instinctively pushed open the floor-to-ceiling


    windows.


    On the branches of the cherry blossom trees grew pale pink lustrous flowers that were as pure as


    snow. A faint floral fragrance permeated the air.


    The scenery there was beautiful andparable to Peach Blossom Acres that Cayden once brought


    her to. Yet, at that moment, Avery was not in the mood to enjoy the view.


    She knew she had gravely offended the Moore family by calling off the engagement the day before.


    I''ve not only offended the Moore family, but I guess I also broke the hearts of Grandpa and Aunt Alina,


    didn''t I? They must''ve thought that I''m too insensible.


    Still, there was nothing she could do about it...


    While her imagination was running wild, her phone rang out of the blue. The caller was Nina.


    Instantly, Avery answered the phone.


    From the other end, a rackety yet worried voice sounded. ¡°Ery, have you read the news today? The


    various media channels have posted the same article! I''ve shared the link with you on WhatsApp.


    D*mn it! I wonder which heartless creature is spreading such rumors! Hurry and take a look!¡±


    Avery clicked open her WhatsApp while she was still on the phone. ¡°All right. Let me take a look first.¡±


    The moment she opened the app, she was greeted by a shocking title: The ugly side of b*tchy female


    employee publicly exposed; Dreams of marrying the rich crushed.


    Avery''s heart shivered, but she went ahead and tapped on the link without much deliberation.


    As she was in the midst of a call while loading the article, the inte speed was affected and thus


    resulted in a longer load time.


    Anxious, Avery uttered, ¡°Nina, I''ll call you back once I finish reading.¡±


    ¡°Sure. Look through carefully. But don''t get too agitated. Your body and the baby in your belly are the


    most important.¡± With that said, Nina concluded the call.


    Before long, Avery finished reading the article. Its content, like what she was told, was indeed jaw-


    dropping.


    It revolved around Avery breaking off her engagement to Cayden during the ceremony the day before.


    Even though the author had addressed the female protagonist as ¡°Ms. Rumpley¡± instead of directly


    mentioning Avery''s name, anyone with a clear mind could figure out who it was.


    The author painted Avery as a vile and pretentious woman. It was also pointed out that she was not


    only great at feigning innocence but also vain and selfish in private.


    ording to the write-up, the said Ms. Rumpley was apathetic toward her old and sickly grandfather


    despite the fact that he was the one who brought her up. She was insistent on selling their house so


    that she could study abroad.


    Avish and extravagant way of living became a habit of hers while she was overseas. To sustain her


    luxurious lifestyle, she even resorted to shameless activities. Her personal life was, undoubtedly,


    awfully messy.


    Unexpectedly, after the said Ms. Rumpley''s return to the country, she became a high-ranking employee


    of a well-known multinational corporation. She made a move on the corporation''s CEO and used her


    seductive charms to cloud his judgment. Because of her, he bribed and forced JK Media to clear her


    name and title her as the birth mother of the CEO''s twins. It was pointed out that, in actual fact, she


    was not biologically rted to the twins.


    Assuming that she could marry into a wealthy family, the said Ms. Rumpley was getting smug. Little did


    she imagine that the acquaintances around her would expose her pretentious acts before she was


    engaged to the CEO. That ultimately resulted in her getting ditched.


    The author imed that she was Rita, a good friend of the said Ms. Rumpley met and had fun with


    while she was overseas.


    In the same article, Rita also said that she had all the dirt on Ms. Rumpley in her hands.


    She further exined that she had chosen to write that article because she admired that reputable


    CEO and did not want to see him get deceived. She was bent on exposing the true colors of the


    hypocritical and disgusting b*tch.


    The author was logical with her argument. Not only was the article well-written, but it was also well-


    illustrated. Together with the text, there were several intimate photos of the said Ms. Rumpley with


    naked men while overseas attached.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    Those promiscuous and obscene scenes were inly unsightly and appalling to the eye.


    While the faces of the men in those photos were all blurred, the woman''s face, contrarily, was not


    covered up. As much as the images only revealed the woman''s side profile, her resemnce to Avery


    was almost a hundred percent.


    If not that Avery clearly knew she was not the female protagonist in those photos, she would have


    doubted if she had a twin sister.


    All of the ims made were reasonable and substantiated with evidence, leaving no room for any


    doubts to be raised. Many were convinced that the rumors were true.


    Throughout all, the author did not make known who Ms. Rumpley was, but every single word clearly


    pointed to Avery.


    Even though Ackleton was an international metropolis with an exceedingly vast territory, the social


    circle of the upper ss was rtively small. Besides, with how developed and advanced mass media


    now was aspared to the past, the public would have ess to news and articles as soon as they


    were uploaded.


    Hence, almost everyone knew the ¡°Ms. Rumpley¡± in the article was none other than Avery¡ªthe woman


    who got wrapped up in a scandal a few months ago.


    And naturally, the CEO of a multinational corporation was Cayden Moore of Trident Group.


    About a few months ago, the CEO of JK Media, Robert, personally wrote a story with the title reading:


    Mr. Moore of Trident Group wins the heart of his woman after ten long years and is blessed with


    amazing twins! It waster widely published on all tforms of JK Media.


    During then, everyonemented how tough it was for Cayden and Avery to get together and was


    envious of how they had finally be an official couple. The public was stupefied by how the


    beautiful story of the prince and princess had changed within such a short time.


    The lovely and kind princess had now be a hypocrite everyone hated. Many were beginning to


    suspect that Cayden had made JK Media whitewash Avery after he was blinded and deceived by her.


    The whole situation sure was an unexpected plot twist that happened too abruptly.


    In an instant, the whole Ackleton flew into an uproar.


    The public exploded into a frenzy because of that shocking article.


    Essentially, those media channels that had uploaded the article had thousands and millions of readers.


    Some other less-known social media ounts that had reposted or shared the write-up also had a


    rather impressive click-through rate.


    Manyizens presumed that Cayden was being deceived and began leaving nastyments to


    criticize Avery for being despicable and shameless. Despite so, someizens questioned the


    authenticity of that article. They believed that JK Media was known for its fairness and authority, and its


    news releases were generally urate.


    They felt that the article was obviously trying to draw public attention and therefore deemed it fake.


    In addition, there was also a minority ofizens who maintained a neutral stance. They thought that


    the matters of those prominent families had always been chaotic andplicated, and no one could


    exactly pinpoint what was right and wrong.


    Amusement filled Avery as she read through those baseless usations made against her in the


    article. For some reason, the panic within her abated, and she felt strangely calm.


    Everyone has the right to say whatever they want. I can''t possibly control them. Everything''s all right as


    long as Cayden trusts me.


    At the thought of Cayden, Avery felt her heart twinge bitterly.


    There are just too many barriers between him and me... I''m nothing but a burden. I really shouldn''t


    continue dragging him down...

 Chapter 471

    Chapter 471


    Bonnie put on the most luxurious dress and shoes she got from Nicole and sashayed into the Azure


    Royal''s VIP private room with her head held high.


    She heard from a friend that Donald nders, a well-known movie director, had a new project with


    hundreds of millions worth of investment, and he was nning to cast only new actors and actresses.


    That friend knew one of the producers working with Donald, so he introduced Bonnie to him.


    After reviewing Bonnie''s photos, Donald decided to give her a chance to audition.


    When she found out Donald had booked a private room in Azure Royal, she asked her friend for an


    invitation. With the invitation in hand, she was over the moon and beelined to Azure Royal.


    She wanted to catch Donald''s attention. What better way to earn a spot among the cast other than the


    casting couch? She would seduce him to bed with her sensual body if she could.


    ¡°Mr. nders¡ª¡±


    As she was still caught in her delusion of grandeur, Bonnie''s coquettish voice carried into the room


    before she appeared.


    Stopping in front of the door, she checked her makeup in her tiny mirror onest time before tugging


    her neckline lower to reveal more of her chest.


    After making sure everything was perfect, her hand was about to turn the doorknob when the door


    flung open from the inside. The sudden force caused her to lose her bnce, stumbling to the floor


    without warning.


    Bonnie raised her head with shock. Her gaze swept the room andnded on a handsome man sitting in


    a dark corner.


    He radiated the confidence of a man who took charge. His presence was so bright that even the


    lighting in the room seemed dim inparison.


    It''s Cayden Moore!


    The second Bonnie recognized him, her face instantly paled with fear. Did he find out I was behind the


    tarnishings of Avery''s reputation? It''ll be absolutely terrifying if this is the case.


    However, Bonnie had experience with all kinds of men. Naturally, she knew her way well around them.


    Soon, she collected herself and greeted Cayden coquettishly, ¡°Mr. Moore, why did you call me here


    with Mr. nders'' name?¡±


    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    Bonnie didn''t hide her admiration and lust in her gaze for Cayden, who sat on the couch with crossed


    legs. The angle of the lights shining on him entuated his fair chin. She would''ve torn her clothes off


    and flung herself at him if it wasn''t for the four burly bodyguards guarding him.


    He had a lit cigarette between his index and middle finger. With a firm tap on the cigarette, he elegantly


    flicked the ash into the ashtray. ¡°I don''t want to listen to any nonsense. I only want to know what you


    told Avery that day at Sugary Confectionary at six thirty in the evening that made her break off the


    engagement. Some witnesses saw you gave her a disk. What is in that disk?¡±


    Cayden had business dealings with the Bet family. Naturally, he knew about Henry doting on his


    illegitimate daughter, Bonnie Bet. He heard she was beautiful but had a messy lifestyle.


    Before that, Cayden had never paid attention to his business partners'' personal and family affairs.


    However, he checked the surveince camera footage of Sugary Confectionary and found that Avery''s


    demeanor changed after meeting with Bonnie. On top of that, Avery also started saying weird things


    and even asked about breaking off the engagement the night before.


    He thought those feelings were mood swings rted to her pregnancy and maybe cold feet before the


    wedding, so he shrugged it off. He never expected his negligence would cause an incident at the


    engagement ceremony.


    I want an answer to everything today!


    Cayden''s voice was gentle and pleasant to the ears, but it was like a bomb had gone off in Bonnie''s


    mind.


    Her gaze started to dart left and right with anxiety, unwilling to meet Cayden''s eyes.


    How did he check the details so precisely down to the exact time? Did that b*tch, Avery, tell him


    something? But she promised she wouldn''t tell Cayden what I said and would leave Ackleton


    obediently. Did she break her promise because she wasn''t willing to give up on the Moore family''s


    wealth and fame?


    Suppressing her doubts, Bonnie feigned ignorance and asked, ¡°What do you mean, Mr. Moore? I don''t


    know Avery well, so what makes you think I can make her break off her engagement? Also, the disk


    you mentioned. We''re already past the age of using disks. Who would even use something so


    outdated? But, a vain woman like Avery isn''t suited for you anyway, Mr. Moore. Why don''t I be your


    woman? Even if I can''t marry you, having a passionate night with you is more than enough for me.¡±


    Bonnie had always been bold and straightforward with her thoughts and feelings. Her hands moved to


    undress as she expressed her feelings for him. Once she was bare, she walked toward Cayden with a


    shy expression.


    Looks of disdain, contempt, disgust, and scorn flitted across Cayden''s face at her shameless actions.


    Cayden didn''t even move a finger, and his bodyguard swung a leg at Bonnie powerfully, sending her


    flying some distance away, crashing against the coffee table. Throughout the entire scene, he merely


    watched silently as though a bystander. Meanwhile, she felt an excruciating pain in her chest as if her


    ribs were broken.


    With a cough, she could taste the tang of blood on her mouth.


    Bonnie looked at the man on the couch with a stunned look before her face scrunched into anger.


    ¡°Cayden, I''m Nickie''s best friend! How can you treat me like this?¡±


    Cayden''s disgust was evident in his eyes. He asked coldly, ¡°I''ll ask you again, and this is thest time


    I''m asking you. What did you say to Avery? What is the content of the disk? Who ordered you to do


    so?¡±


    A n formed in Bonnie''s mind, and suddenly her demeanor changed. She gazed at Cayden lovingly


    and sobbed, ¡°Mr. Moore, I did meet up with Ms. Rumpley that day at Sugary Confectionary. I''ve always


    admired you. You''re on my mind twenty-four-seven. I can''t eat or sleep without thinking about you. My


    father is my witness. When I heard you would be engaged to Avery, jealously rose within me, so I met


    up with Avery and threatened her to leave you.¡±


    Cayden finally directed his gaze at her. He studied her exquisite face before speaking in a chilling


    voice. ¡°Since you like sex so much, I''ll grant you your wish.¡±


    Cayden turned to his four bulky bodyguards and ordered impassively, ¡°Make sure she doesn''t die when


    you''re done with her.¡±


    He got up from the couch and left the room without sparing a backward nce.


    The bodyguards opened a briefcase in front of Bonnie. Her eyes widened with dread, for the bag had a


    whip, choking strap, and others.


    Bonnie was familiar with those toys. On some asions, she would even use them with her partners,


    but the ones in the briefcase were clearly tools for torture.


    If they use every one of them on her, she might not be able to walk out of the room alive.


    Fear flooded her. She didn''t expect a gentleman like Cayden could be so cruel.


    The bodyguards held a variety of torture tools as they slowly approached Bonnie with a grin.


    She screamed with terror. The intense fear within her surged to a peak, leading to her confession. ¡°I


    was wrong, Mr. Moore! I''ll tell you! I''ll tell you everything! Nicole was the one who ordered me to do it!


    The disk was also her order. She demanded I give it to Avery no matter the means!¡±

 Chapter 472

    Chapter 472


    Cayden''s steps faltered briefly before he whirled around with an icy gaze. ¡°Are you telling the truth?¡±


    He waved his hand, and the bodyguards immediately released Bonnie.


    Bonnie was already in tears.


    It was a fact that she liked to fool around, but she consented to that. The toys she used were tools to


    heighten sexual pleasure, yet the bodyguards were clearly out for her blood with the situation then.


    Naturally, Bonnie was paralyzed with fear.


    She was a sobbing mess on the floor. Her entire body trembled as she pleaded, ¡°I was wrong, Mr.


    Moore. It was my fault! I don''t have any ill feelings toward Ms. Rumpley. I only did it under Nicole''s


    orders. Nicole threatened to chase me out of Ackleton if I didn''t obey her orders. I didn''t have a choice!


    I swear I won''t do it ever again! Please forgive me!¡±


    Cayden''s tall frame stopped right in front of Bonnie. He was devastatingly handsome, like an artwork.


    However, at that moment, any wicked thoughts about him were thest thing on her mind. Her terror at


    his brutality had taken up her entire mind.


    Cayden abruptly questioned, ¡°What is in that disk? What was in it that made Avery break off the


    engagement?¡±


    Bonnie shot a tentative nce at the bodyguards before flickering her gaze back to Cayden. Thetter


    immediately understood her implication and gestured for the bodyguards to leave.


    Receiving Cayden''s order, the bodyguards nodded and instantly left the room, closing the door behind


    them.


    ¡°You can speak now.¡± Cayden implied Bonnie to continue.


    Not daring to keep anything from him, Bonnie divulged all her secrets and worries to him. ¡°Mr. Moore,


    Nicole fell in love with you at first sight. She knew you didn''t love her and that Ms. Rumpley was your


    girlfriend, but she still shamelessly wanted to marry you. You don''t know how fake that woman is! She


    might look innocent on the surface, but deep down inside, she''s evil and sinister. She''s a scheming,


    vicious woman. She even called Ms. Rumpley a b*tch in front of me and said she would do everything


    in her power to ruin your rtionship.¡±


    Bonnie told him everything Nicole ever did to her.


    In truth, she hadn''t seen eye to eye with Nicole for a while. After all, no one was willing to be another''s


    follower for long.


    The scowl on Cayden''s face became more menacing with every word she spoke. Bonnie used that


    opportunity to exaggerate further. ¡°A few days ago, Nicole came back with a disk. I didn''t know where


    she got it, but it had every record of you bribing others. She asked me to give it to Avery to threaten her


    to leave you. Otherwise, she would use the record to ruin your prospect. Mr. Moore, I wouldn''t obey her


    orders if it weren''t for her threats. She threatened to kick me out of Ackleton. I wouldn''t have dared to


    use such underhanded means to threaten Ms. Rumpley no matter what otherwise.¡±


    Cayden had collected his expression by the time she finished, but his eyes were frighteningly dark.


    So that''s what happened. No wonder Avery broke off the engagement halfway through.


    Once he had gotten the information he needed, he swiftly strode out of the room.


    The few bodyguards by the door immediately trailed after him.


    Bonnie''s knees buckled with relief before she dropped to the floor. Wiping away the cold sweat dotting


    her forehead, she could finally catch a breath.


    She suddenly recalled how she revealed about threatening Avery with the disk earlier, and her body


    started quivering again.


    If Nickie knows I''ve spilled the beans on her, she''ll surely kill me. I know her better than anyone. She


    might look innocent and kind on the outside, but she''s crueler than anyone else inside. What should I


    do?


    Bonnie''s mind started churning furiously for a n. Finally, she remembered hooking up with a middle-


    aged upstart recently. Even though he is powerless, ugly beyond words, and short, he''s filthy rich. He


    mentioned taking me on a trip to Mirea thest time. I''ll have to go with him for a few days. On


    second thought, maybe I can coax him into giving me a credit card or luxury goods. That''s a great idea!


    It looks like I''ll be keeping a low profile overseas for a couple of days.


    Standing by the car, Xavier opened the backseat door for Cayden when he saw his superior


    approaching.


    After Cayden got seated, Xavier circled the car before getting into the driver''s seat.


    He peeked at his superior through the rearview mirror and noted Cayden''s icy look. Instead of starting


    the engine, he passed a tablet to Cayden. ¡°Mr. Moore, an article degrading Ms. Rumpley has been


    uploaded online. It''s being widely shared through all the official news ounts. I suspect someone is


    behind all these denigratory articles, but I''m unsure if it''s the doing of an individual or a professional


    team.¡±


    Cayden''s fingers swiped across the t screen as he read the article. His expression was stony by the


    time he finished.


    He scoffed. ¡°What a cheap move! Find out Rita''s true identity and ban all the news media ounts


    which shared the article!¡±


    Xavier''s hand on the steering wheel stiffened briefly before he said hesitantly, ¡°Mr. Moore, the


    government just had a meeting on preventing tycoons from having too much control over the media,


    and Trident Group is at the top of their watchlist. The board asked us to keep a low profile since things


    are tense. If we ban those media ounts and our rivals catch wind of it, they''ll have another dirt on


    us. I think¡ª¡±


    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    Cayden tossed the tablet to the side and closed his eyes. His cold voice echoed across the space.


    ¡°Even independent media ounts have to follow thew. If they break the rules, the government will


    also order a reform or ban them from posting. The owners of those ounts must''ve been prepared to


    bear the responsibility for their actions since they knew they were breaking thew. Mr. Dartsley, do as


    I say. I''ll shoulder the consequences if anything happens.¡±


    Xavier shook his head resignedly.


    My boss has always been wise and astute, but he''ll lose all rationale on Ms. Rumpley''s affairs. I don''t


    know if she is good or bad for him. She is the sun that warms his heart. The previously cold-blooded


    man has slowly turned humane. Yet, at the same time, she also bes his weakness. She is his


    bottom line. Whenever anyone touches it, he''ll be more ruthless than before.


    ¡°One more thing!¡± Cayden opened his eyes again. Contempt glinted in his cold, dark eyes. ¡°Find out


    every dirt on Nicole over the years. I want all of them to trend on the inte within a month.¡±


    Even without checking, Cayden could guess who was the culprit in spreading the negative article.


    Since she likes using such filthy methods to frame others, I''ll let her have a taste of her own medicine!


    Xavier was stunned.


    He had no idea how William''s daughter offended Cayden, but he knew Cayden wasn''t in a good mood,


    and he was smart enough to keep his thoughts silent.


    ¡°Yes, Mr. Moore.¡±


    ¡°Have Side over and meet me.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Xavierplied.


    Cayden shut his eyes again. Anyone who looked at him wouldn''t know if he was taking a nap or in


    deep thought.


    The perfect mask cracked when his lips curled into a sneer at the thought of the disk with all his bribery


    record. I never thought that old fox, Marvin, would have a trick up his sleeve. The disk? It''s nothing


    significant.

 Chapter 473

    Chapter 473


    Xavier sent his employer back to the mansion before leaving.


    Once Cayden returned home, he heard Avery''s voice. ¡°Let me go! I want to leave this ce!¡±


    ¡°Ms. Rumpley, Mr. Cayden has told us not to let you leave unless we have his permission,¡± came the


    housekeeper''s voice.


    Cayden quickened his pace.


    It was then he saw Avery, who was d in thin clothing standing by the entrance of the living room as


    she confronted two housekeepers.


    Cayden''s heart ached when he saw how adamant she was about leaving.


    ¡°Avery,¡± he called out to her.


    Upon turning around, Avery realized it was Cayden. Tears sprang to her eyes and nearly rolled down


    her cheeks.


    Instantly, she turned away from him to stop looking at him.


    She knew that things would not work between the two of them, but her heart still lurched when she saw


    him return. Nevertheless, she did everything she could to remind herself that she must not turn back.


    Cayden''s sharp gazended on Avery''s stiff back.


    His sigh was almost inaudible.


    Even though Avery was not looking at him, she still felt nervous.


    His long gaze was burning a hole in her back, and she could almost sense his wrath.


    Avery lowered her head bitterly. Yes, he''s the one who should be the angriest at me.


    A beatter, Cayden walked over to her and pull her petite body into his arms.


    When he nced at the cold food at the side, his gaze turned sharp. ¡°Has she not had her lunch


    today?¡±


    ¡°Mr. Moore,¡± Leah, one of the housekeepers, started, not daring to look into his fierce gaze. In a quiet


    tone, she continued, ¡°Mrs. Moore said that she wasn''t hungry today.¡±


    Cayden''s tone took on a berating quality. ¡°What are you people doing?¡±


    The two housekeepers mped their mouths shut, too frightened by his stern tone to even take a


    breath.


    Even though Avery was the one who did not want to have lunch, they did not dare to say anything to


    Cayden.


    After taking a nce at the displeased Cayden, the other housekeeper, Lorraine, immediately


    apologized, ¡°Sorry, Mr. Cayden, this is our fault.¡±


    Even though they were aggrieved by the situation, they did not utter a word of protest at Cayden''s


    wrath.


    They were housekeepers handpicked by Xavier under Cayden''s order after the fire incident. Besides,


    they had gone through years of training and were far more graceful and capable than ordinary


    housekeepers.


    However, Avery was not happy that the housekeepers were getting chided because of her, so she said,


    ¡°Cayden, this has nothing to do with them. This is my fault. I didn''t want to have lunch, so don''t put


    them in a tight spot because of that.¡±


    Cayden''s grave expression rxed a little before he reached out to pinch her earlobe. ¡°You''re not a kid


    anymore. Why are you still acting like one? Even if you don''t want to eat, you should do that for the


    baby in you. He''ll be upset with you if you starve him.¡±


    ¡°That has nothing to do with you!¡± Avery could not stand Cayden''s intimate acts. Her determined stance


    was wavering when his gentle words traveled into her ears.


    She turned away, not wanting to look at his attractive face.


    At that, a smile curled on Cayden''s lips. He gently slid his hand across her stomach as he said, ¡°You''re


    my wife, and the baby in you is mine. This baby is the proof of our love, so how can you say that this


    has nothing to do with me, hm?¡±


    Reading the room, the two housekeepers quickly made themselves scarce. ¡°Mr. Cayden, we''ll bring the


    dishes into the kitchen to reheat them.¡±


    With that said, they took a tray and put the dishes on it before leaving the room to make space for the


    two people.


    In no time, only Avery and Cayden were the only ones left in the spacious area.


    Feeling awkward, Avery turned to leave as well, but Cayden pulled her over to make her sit on hisp.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡±


    ¡°I want to go back,¡± Avery quietly said.


    She kept her hands against his chest to stop him from getting any closer to him.


    However, he tightened his grip around her waist as a tinge of tension seeped into his hoarse voice, ¡°Go


    back? Back where?¡±


    Avery bit her lower lip and blinked several times. ¡°I''m going to look for Grandpa and Aunt Alina. That''s


    where my home is. I...¡±


    Before she could finish her sentence, Cayden grabbed her chin and sealed her cherry-colored lips with


    his lips. His aggressive tongue was invading her mouth. He made it hard for Avery to breathe, and she


    nearly passed out from his rough kissing.


    In the midst of her daze, a sudden pang of pain came from her mouth.


    Then, a metallic tang filled her mouth. It seemed like her tongue was bleeding.


    It was only then Cayden let go of Avery. While there was tenderness, aggression, and love in his eyes,


    there was also fury.


    Avery covered her mouth as she looked at the man ¡°tormenting¡± her in disbelief. Her heart had leaped


    to her throat, but she did not dare to speak.


    Cayden''s punishment meant that he was in a terrible mood.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    ¡°You''re not allowed to say such things in the future,¡± Cayden uttered after the rough kiss. After a tap on


    Avery''s lips, he continued, ¡°If you don''t behave yourself, or if you do something to make me angry, I''ll


    do this to make you keep quiet.¡±


    Tears welled up in Avery''s eyes. In the end, she sighed and mumbled under her breath, ¡°My existence


    is nothing but a burden to you. Cayden, you deserve a woman who''s a better match for you. I admit


    that I shouldn''t have called off the engagement in public, but I''m doing it for your sake. You have no


    idea the torment I''m going through...¡±


    Forcing her to look at him, Cayden said, ¡°Did you call off the engagement because of that disk?¡±


    Avery snapped her head upward in shock. ¡°How... How did you know about the disk?¡±


    Cayden heaved a sigh before poking her head, seemingly angry at her and at himself. ¡°You silly girl,


    why didn''t you tell me about this? Am I so unimportant to you that you won''t tell me anything even if it


    means enduring something this horrible? Or do you think I''m not capable enough to handle something


    like this?¡±


    The upset feelings that had been umting within Avery threatened to pour out of her. Shaking her


    head vigorously, she uttered, ¡°You don''t know anything. The disk that the woman gave to me has


    detailed records of your bribery. If I didn''t do as she ordered then, she''d show the disk to the world. Not


    only will you fall from grace when that happens, but you''ll even go to jail. You''re the man I love most, so


    how can I watch you go through all that? I want to do something for you, but there''s nothing I can do at


    all... I''m sorry...¡±


    Avery forced her emotions in check as she helplessly squeezed out those anguishing words.


    With his arms wrapped around her, Cayden suddenlyughed. ¡°This is trivial. Look at you. You''ve got


    tears all over your face. You''re breaking my heart. Don''t you worry. I have a way to deal with this.¡±

 Chapter 474

    Chapter 474


    ¡°W-What? Aren''t you worried about yourself at all?¡± Avery''s heart pounded as she stared at Cayden in


    shock.


    In the past few days, she had been living in misery, for she could not think of a way to resolve the


    issue.


    In fact, she had nightmares every night, dreaming that Cayden was taken away by the police. When


    she woke up from those nightmares, she would find herself covered in sweat, but there was nothing


    she could do.


    To her surprise, Cayden did not panic upon finding out about the disk with records of his bribery.


    Does he know what kind of terrible consequences awaits him once the disk is revealed to the public?


    Right then, Cayden grabbed Avery''s chin tightly until it hurt.


    ¡°Why didn''t you tell me about this? Do you know that the first thing I did when I found out the disk is


    why you called off the engagement was sigh in relief? But I''m angry, too. Why didn''t you tell me about


    it?¡±


    The light in Avery''s eyes dimmed.


    She did not know how to tell him about it as she did not want him to feel hurt at all.


    Avery found herself in a trance as she studied Cayden''s livid expression. It seemed like he was only


    angry whenever she made a mistake. N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    Tightening her fists, she averted her gaze from him and said in a low voice, ¡°I''m sorry. I know I


    shouldn''t have hidden this from you, but I''m scared. I''m scared that your future will bepromised


    because of this.¡±


    Hearing that, Cayden stiffened.


    Staring at her lips which he had reddened with his punishment, he hoarsely squeezed out, ¡°Don''t you


    know which is more important between my future and you? You should tell me everything instead of


    bearing this burden all alone. By doing that, not only would you worsen the misunderstanding between


    us, but you''ll end up stepping into someone else''s trap. Do you understand?¡±


    Avery kept her gaze locked on the watch on Cayden''s wrist instead of looking at him. ¡°I''m sorry...¡±


    ¡°Don''t ever say that you''re sorry again. You have toe to me first if you ever encounter something


    like this again. It doesn''t matter what it is because I''ll find a way to deal with it,¡± said Cayden as he


    shook his head.


    He had no idea where to start correcting Avery''s habit of apologizing to others all the time.


    Avery quietly hummed in agreement, but at that moment, her stomach grumbled and broke the tension


    of the situation.


    Her face heated up as she was a little embarrassed.


    Caydenughed. ¡°Are you hungry? You''re not being a good enough mother. How can you be so


    stubborn despite bearing our child in you? You''re starving both yourself and the baby. How can I not


    feel bad about that? Come on, I''ll take you to eat.¡±


    With that said, Cayden lifted Avery into his arms to head toward the dining room.


    Wrapping her arms around his neck, Avery uttered in embarrassment. ¡°Put me down. I know I''m


    pregnant, but I''m not disabled. I can walk on my own.¡±


    Moreover, she was not the only person inhabiting that body¡ªshe was far heavier, and she was afraid


    of tiring him out.


    Looking at her, Cayden said, ¡°You''re my wife, so who do I carry but you? Zach or Rory? They''re big


    kids now, and they''ll have their husband and wife to carry. They won''t need me anymore.¡±


    Avery was speechless.


    Did he even hear himself? If the two kids didn''t look so much like Cayden, I''m going to start wondering


    if he''s really their father.


    In the dining room, a beautiful piece of music was ying, and the roses on the table smelled fragrant.


    The table was filled with tes of delectable dishes suitable for pregnant women, and they were all


    dishes that were cooked ording to the advice of the nutritionist Cayden hired. In other words, they


    were exceptionally nutritious for the baby and the mother.


    It was as if a spell had been broken after Avery''s conversation with Cayden back in the living room.


    Thus, Avery''s weighed-down heart felt much lighter.


    Maybe the things I thought were unsolvable were nothing to Cayden. Forgive me for my assumptions. I


    thought hiding this from him would be good for him, but it was only making him worry about me and


    making me stressed out. The two of us being honest with each other makesmunication much


    easier.


    Cayden then took a piece of meat from the stew and gave it to Avery, who then slowly brought it to her


    lips.


    However, she only managed to take a bite before a thought popped into her head. In a worried tone,


    she asked, ¡°Cayden, how are you going to deal with the disk? Its contents will be detrimental to your


    future. I... I didn''t leave you like she asked me to. Will she expose the content in the disk to the public?


    Will things turn bad for you? Why is there a disk with records of your bribery? Could someone have


    faked it? Did you really do that in the past?¡±


    Cayden patted her head. ¡°Ten years ago, when I just took over Moore Group, thepany had


    massive debt issues because of its operations. There was a significant capital chain rupture, and the


    major banks were starting to withdraw their investments. Not only did many of the clients who were


    working with Moore Group not lend us a helping hand, but they even made things worse for us. I was at


    a loss when I took over the mess, so I had to take risks. The real estate industry had just begun to take


    flight at that time. I saw its potential growth, so I bribed the city council''s deputy secretary for arge


    plot ofnd. That was how I managed to salvage Moore Group from bankruptcy. I never thought that sly


    Marvin Sheen would keep evidence of that. But, don''t you worry for I''ve already thought of a way to


    deal with this, but before I can execute my n, I need you to y ''pretend'' with me. Ery, it''ll be tough


    on you for a while.¡±


    Cayden had alreadye up with a n to deal with the evidence of his bribery.


    However, he would need Avery to help him in the act¡ªthey would have to pretend to break up.


    Avery gazed at him and answered, ¡°Of course. As long as I can help you get out of this situation, I''ll do


    anything you ask me to.¡±


    She knew that she was covering up for a crime, but it did not matter to her because it involved the man


    she loved most.


    In the past, Avery would scoff in contempt whenever she came across news of how some female


    criminals willingly became the scapegoats for their drug-dealing or murderer lovers. She even thought


    of those women as fools to have given up their lives for some criminals.


    However, now that she was in the same position as them, she finally figured out why they did what they


    did. They were no fools and they were only willing to do foolish things for love.


    They knew that taking a step forward meant stepping into the quicksand¡ªinescapable¡ªbut they still


    did it for love.


    That was the same for Avery.


    She was willing to give up anything for Cayden. Her life, too, if needed. ying ¡°pretend¡± with him was


    a trivial request inparison to the lengths she would go to for him.

 Chapter 475

    Chapter 475


    The hotel room was in aplete mess.


    Half of Sid''s face was hidden behind a mask, making it impossible to recognize him. However, just by


    looking at his exposed facial features, one could tell he was handsome.


    ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    There was a woman in his arms.


    Suddenly, a red light shone in from outside. He quickly hugged the woman beside him and rolled off the


    bed.


    A bullet flew through the air and struck the spot he was sleeping in a few seconds ago, ripping a hole in


    the bed.


    Two men wearing masks broke in from the window.


    Seeing their assassination attempt had failed, they took out their pistols and aimed at the man.


    However, Sid was faster than them. He shot them before they could even pull the trigger.


    Sid''s aim was extremely precise, and he shot them in the middle of their foreheads.


    Blood spewed out of their heads, and the two assassins were shot dead before they could react. They


    had copsed to the floor with their eyes open as though they couldn''t believe someone could have


    such fast marksmanship.


    Everything had happened so quickly. The woman beside Sid was so shocked upon seeing two corpses


    that she started screaming, ¡°Ah! Ahh!¡±


    ¡°Shut your trap! You''re so noisy!¡± Sid chided as he wore his clothes deftly.


    He took off his mask, and the woman started screaming even louder when she saw his terrifying face.


    Luckily, this was a VIP room, so no matter how loud she screamed, no one could hear her screams due


    to the top-notch soundproofing.


    Sid was annoyed by the woman''s screams and hit the back of her neck. She immediately fainted.


    Then, he lit a cigarette in frustration.


    I can''t believe that Donny Burke''s men came all the way to Ackleton for me! How annoying is this?


    At that moment, his phone rang.


    Seeing that it was Cayden, he arched his brow before answering.


    ¡°Mr. Moore! Just get straight to the point. I''m a busy man!¡± Sid bellowed rudely as he cast a nce at


    the two bodies in the room. He didn''t sound grateful to the man who saved him.


    However, he didn''t receive any reply from Cayden.


    Sid was running low on patience and urged, ¡°Mr. Moore, get straight to your point. I''m really busy here.¡±


    He needed to clear the scene quickly and remove the evidence of his crimes.


    Cayden''s soothing and hypnotic voice could be heard on the other end of the line. ¡°Have you ever


    considered living a life where you don''t have to hide?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Sid was taken aback.


    Cayden responded, ¡°If you help to take care of a matter for me, I''ll help you escape Donny''s clutches.


    What do you think?¡±


    Sid was tempted because he was in trouble with the underworld and legal authorities for scamming


    people all over the world.


    Nheless, he wasn''t scared of anyone except Donny. Donny was a cruel mafia leader in Irushea. In


    order to be the head of the family, he killed his elder brother''s family, which included his sister-in-


    law and nephew.


    Besides, Donny went to great lengths to send assassins after Sid all over the world simply because the


    latter had duped him once.


    Sid had tried hiding all over the world, but he couldn''t get away from Donny''s grasp.


    Hence, he was instantly intrigued by Cayden''s words. ¡°Are you being serious?¡±


    Cayden replied confidently, ¡°Of course! I''m a man of my word.¡±


    Sid decided to take up the offer when he thought about Cayden''s cunning and devious methods. ¡°Okay,


    it''s a deal.¡± He was willing to do anything to escape the vicious Donny.


    Back at the Moore residence, Cayden sat in front of Jeffrey, drinking a cup of coffee. He asked


    casually, ¡°Grandpa, why are you looking for me?¡±


    Jeffrey''s sharp and grim gaze fell on Cayden. ¡°You good-for-nothing! How did you allow such a scandal


    to happen at the engagement party? How will I face everyone now? The wife you have chosen is really


    disappointing!¡±


    ¡°Grandpa, I have already exined to the guests that the wedding will be dyed.¡± Cayden ced the


    cup of coffee down calmly.


    ¡°Why? Do you still want to marry her?¡± Jeffrey picked up his cane angrily and wanted to hit Cayden


    with it.


    Allie immediately rushed to stop him. ¡°Dad, this is all Avery''s fault. It was that vixen who called off the


    engagement and made our family aughingstock. What does this have to do with Cayden?¡± Then, she


    turned to Cayden and stated, ¡°Cayden, your grandfather is angry right now, but he has high blood


    pressure. You should not speak to him in this manner because he cannot endure any form of


    provocation.¡±


    Allie gave Cayden a look to warn him to stop angering Jeffrey but to coax him instead.


    Cayden ignored Allie. ¡°Grandpa, Mom. What do you want from me?¡±


    Jeffrey red at Cayden and snapped, ¡°Avery looks like a good kid, but I didn''t expect her to be so


    irresponsible. Where does she put our family when she cancels the engagement in front of everyone?


    How do I face others in the future? Let me tell you! I''ll never ept Avery as your wife!¡±


    Allie was overjoyed by Jeffery''s response, but she didn''t show it. Instead, she turned toin to


    Cayden, ¡°It isn''t just Avery who is acting immaturely. Don''t you realize ke and Alina aren''t as simple


    as they appear? Not only were they not remorseful for Avery''s cancetion of the engagement, but they


    were also publicly cursing others. You can ask your grandfather if you don''t believe me. It''s no surprise


    that the Rumpley family struggles to teach their children. Even with expensive clothes, a country


    bumpkin will never be a princess. She can''t hide the fact that she''s a country bumpkin no matter


    how much she dresses up¡ª¡±


    Cayden interrupted with a dark expression, ¡°Mom, stop it. Do you think I will ept you criticizing


    Avery in front of me?¡±


    Avery furrowed her brows. ¡°Why are you so stubborn? How is Avery a good fit for you?¡±


    Jeffrey mmed the cane onto the ground and ordered, ¡°You aren''t allowed to marry Avery no matter


    what. Once she gives birth, our family will raise the child ourselves. Get rid of her with a sum of money


    and cut all ties with her! Don''t me me for being heartless if you''re still insistent on marrying her!¡±


    Jeffrey was a ruthless man when he was young. Cayden knew how cruel his tactics were since he was


    raised by his grandfather.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Cayden responded nonchntly.


    Allie and Jeffrey were dumbfounded upon hearing his answer.


    Did we hear him right? Did he really promise to cut all ties with Avery?

 Chapter 476

    Chapter 476


    The following day, Nicole scrolled through her phone distractedly in the dressing room as a makeup


    artist did her makeup, waiting for more vilifying news about Avery to blow up. I can almost picture


    Avery''s miserable state in my mind''s eye.


    However, even though she kept checking Twitter, WhatsApp, and various major news tforms, she


    did not see any mention of scandals rted to Avery.


    That stunned her, and she sensed that something was off. I saw that the damaging article on Avery


    was still avable at midnightst night. How could it have disappeared overnight? What''s even


    stranger is that Bonnie sent me all those links to the media channels that reposted the article, but


    they''re also all gone. Nothing pops up even when I use the search function...


    She could not help feeling somewhat rattled. Not caring that she was having her makeup done or


    whether it was a suitable ce, she immediately called Bonnie. To her surprise, her calls went


    unanswered even after many tries. If it were not for the fact that it was not the right time or ce, she


    would have flung her phone onto the floor.


    ¡°Ms. Lambert, are you unhappy with the makeup I''ve done for you?¡± the young makeup artist asked


    cautiously when she noticed Nicole looking upset. Everyone knows of her impressive family


    background, and none of the film crew dares to incur her wrath. Fortunately, it''s still pretty easy to work


    for her. Apart from being a little spoiled, she has quite a mild temper.


    However, Nicole did not hear a word the makeup artist said. She was too preupied with wondering


    why something like that had happened. I paid a hefty sum for Bonnie to find many online sites to


    publish the article on Avery. I expected it to raise a furor that''d destroy Avery''s reputation. To my


    chagrin, the results have ended up being theplete opposite of what I''d anticipated!


    Suddenly, her phone vibrated, giving her a fright.


    She cast a careless nce at her phone''s screen to see who was calling her, but when she saw that it


    was Cayden, she instantly became ecstatic.


    Her first instinct was to answer it at once. After pondering for a moment, however, she decided to take


    the more reserved route since it was the first time he had taken the initiative to call her.


    She let it ring for about ten seconds. Then, unable to contain her excitement any longer, she answered


    the call and said cloyingly, ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Ms. Lambert, do you have some time today? Let''s have dinner together after work,¡± came Cayden''s


    mesmerizing voice from the other end of the line.


    Initially, she nned to y it cool and leave him hanging. However, due to his unpredictable and cold


    personality, she feared he would change his mind if she turned down his invitation. Hence, she


    responded eagerly, ¡°Yes, I''m free. I''m shooting amercial today and will end work a little earlier. I


    should be done at around half past five.¡±


    ¡°All right. Let''s meet at Number Nine Eatery at half past six this evening, then.¡±


    ¡°Um, could you¡ª¡± she began, intending to ask him if he could pick her up from the set after he left his


    office. After all, how good would it feel if he came to pick me up personally?


    However, he hung up before she could finish speaking, and her question died on her lips. Despite that,


    she was still over the moon. I''m well aware of his temperament. His icy demeanor isn''t something that''ll


    melt so quickly. But as long as he gives me a chance, I''m confident his heart of steel will soften


    because of me.


    Seeing how happy Nicole looked, the makeup artist said enviously, ¡°Ms. Lambert, was that your


    boyfriend? He has such a nice voice!¡±


    ¡°Yes. Not only does my boyfriend have a nice voice, but he''s also very charming!¡± Nicole answered


    proudly as though she and Cayden were indeed dating.


    As the makeup artist applied blusher to Nicole''s face, she remarked in a ttering tone, ¡°You''re so


    beautiful ande from a good family, so you must have high standards. Your boyfriend must either be


    the son of a government official or a wealthy heir, am I right?¡±


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    Nicole tried her best to make herself appear modest, but the proud look on her face was as clear as


    day. ¡°Not at all. Many men have pursued me, and many sons of high-ranking officials have approached


    my parents to ask for my hand in marriage. However, I never agreed to any of them because I only


    have eyes for my boyfriend. He''s the CEO of Trident Group, Cayden Moore. You know, I don''t want


    anything from him. All I want is for him to treat me better.¡±


    The makeup artist nearly squealed in excitement. ¡°Oh, my goodness! It''s Mr. Moore! He''s the man of


    everydy in Ackleton''s dreams! More importantly, there has never been a whiff of scandal around him,


    and his reputation is exceptionally squeaky-clean. You''re so lucky, Ms. Lambert! As the daughter of a


    prominent family, only an exceptional man like Mr. Moore would be worthy of you.¡±


    She was so glib-tongued that Nicole was on cloud nine and beamed brightly. Thetter even dered


    that she would make the former her personal makeup artist.


    For the rest of the day, Nicole was caught up in the joy of having been asked to dinner by Cayden and


    forgot about Avery. She desperately wished for the shoot to wrap up as soon as possible and go on a


    romantic date with him.


    ...


    Over at Trident Group, Avery and Nina could not help noticing that some of their colleagues were giving


    them strange looks and pointing in their direction while whispering among themselves as they walked


    to the design department.


    Avery was both bemused and puzzled as the usually quiet design department was quite abuzz.


    Several male colleagues were gathered together, discussing something while looking at their phones.


    When Avery arrived at the office, they stopped talking abruptly. However, they could not hide the


    expressions on their faces. It was an amalgamation of surprise, pity, and disdain. There was also a hint


    of mockery.


    Only the pregnant Cecelia, who had arrived before them, was looking at Avery in concern.


    Although Cayden had wasted no time in dealing with the damaging article on Avery, many colleagues


    who were night owls had read it. Naturally, they stared at her with suspicion and disdain. After all, the


    article appeared well-founded, and the photos showed everything clearly. Some had even saved those


    repulsive photos.


    Ignoring them, Avery greeted Cecelia, then went straight to her desk and sat down.


    Just then, Yulissa sauntered over with a heavy face of makeup and started making sarcastic remarks.


    ¡°My, my, Avery. I didn''t expect that you''d be quite so open-minded. And to think that you always look so


    innocent! Foreign hunks are pretty good, eh? And one wasn''t enough to satisfy you, so you had a few


    of them. Tsk, tsk! You weren''t afraid of ruining your body, either. Now, you''ve be an inte


    sensation the wholepany knows about!¡±


    A male colleague turned to Avery with a scious expression. ¡°If we hadn''t seen that article, we


    would''ve been fooled by your outward appearance. You look all prim and proper while hiding a wild


    side underneath. You must be very good at it...¡±


    A wave of embarrassment and anger crashed over Avery at their derogatoryments. Her beautiful


    eyes turned steely as she gazed at them. ¡°Ms. Yantz, I won''t argue with you due to my respect toward


    you as my superior. However, if you guys continue ndering me like this, I won''t let it slide.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I''m shaking in my shoes!¡± Yulissa patted her chest exaggeratedly and let out a cold snort. Taking


    her phone, she pulled up the unsightly photos of Avery and showed them to her in a gloating manner.


    ¡°The proof is here, yet you still dare to lie. Are you afraid to admit what you did? Take a look for


    yourself. Look at that insatiable expression of yours. It''s disgusting!¡±

 Chapter 477

    Chapter 477


    Avery nced at the photos on Yulissa''s phone and suddenly grinned.


    ¡°Oh, I thought this was something far more serious than just a few pictures. Ms. Yantz, this matter


    hasn''t been thoroughly investigated, so how can you just assume that the person in the photo is me? In


    this day and age, it is extremely easy to use photo editing apps to ce someone''s head on another


    person''s body. Furthermore, all of the supposed evidence in the article is full of loopholes. Do you


    honestly think that you can believe it? Are you really so naive as to think that this is true?¡±


    Yulissa was taken aback, unsure of how to retort her words. Nonchntly, Avery continued, ¡°Ms. Yantz,


    do you not realize that all the public ounts that shared the article have been banned? Surely you


    must have noticed that the link no longer works. The article was filled with lies and defamatory content


    that Mr. Moore ordered to have it investigated. Everyone who was involved in disseminating the article


    will be held legally responsible for their actions.¡±


    Nina shot Yulissa a fierce look of contempt before swiveling her head to deliver a steely gaze of


    animosity at the male colleague.


    Hearing that, Yulissa felt her heart sink as a chill traveled down her spine.


    Upon learning from Wisteria that Avery had publicly humiliated Cayden by calling off the engagement


    party during the reception itself, Yulissa was convinced that Cayden would immediately end his


    rtionship with Avery, leaving Wisteria to take over his position. Consequently, she feltpletely


    justified in her scathing remarks toward Avery.


    Yulissa had no idea how deeply in love Cayden was with Avery and would continue defending her even


    after she became embroiled in the scandal. In the heat of the moment, she had chosen toe over


    and insult Avery but soon realized that it was an enormous mistake.


    The male colleague was sweating profusely, too.


    He was an attractive man and a gifted designer, which caused a few of his female colleagues to


    develop a romantic interest in him. Despite the attention, he was dismissive towards any woman who


    tried to make advances toward him.


    He had always assumed that Avery was a virtuous and unsullied woman. The discovery that the


    goddess he had considered to be so graceful and dignified was actually immoral and promiscuous


    made him feel that he had the right to take advantage of her. He even considered offering her money in


    exchange for her services.


    To his shock, Cayden was stilling to Avery''s defense despite her promiscuous tendencies. Thus, a


    feeling of dread suddenly overwhelmed the male colleague as he promptly regretted insulting her.


    I have worked hard to get to where I am today, so I cannot allow a few careless words to jeopardize my


    career!


    The other colleagues who were enjoying the show from the side felt fortunate that they didn''t say


    anything unnecessary.


    Regardless of the oue, Cayden remained supportive of Avery, so it would be wise for them both to


    remain silent until the situation was rified.


    Otherwise, they would be left in the dark about the reason they met their doom.


    Fear filled Yulissa''s heart, but she refused to give up just yet. Instead, she spoke in a low voice,


    taunting Avery. ¡°You hypocrite. I know youe from a poor family, so it''s no surprise you''d do that


    overseas. Have you ever considered continuing your part-time job? I can introduce you to some


    wealthy clients.¡±


    Her gaze thennded on the male colleagues in the office. ¡°If you have any needs, there''s no need to


    hire a hooker outside. We have one in our department who can offer her services. She''s gorgeous and


    voluptuous, and I guarantee she''s cleaner and cheaper than those you can find out there!¡±


    As soon as her words fell, the female colleagues who were jealous of Avery burst into giggles.


    Some of Avery''s coworkers had been at thepany for longer than her, but she had a certain edge


    over them. She was not only more attractive than them, but also morepetent and efficient in the


    workce. As a result, they considered Avery a formidable rival in the workce. Hence, they couldn''t


    help but gloat at her misfortune.


    The male colleagues had the audacity to send Avery lecherous looks, but not one of them had the


    courage to say anything for fear of the consequences.


    Trevor was the only one who stood up to challenge Yulissa. ¡°Ms. Yantz, are you certain this article is


    reporting the facts urately? If it is, why was it suppressed in the first ce? Everyone is at least


    somewhat familiar with Avery''s reputation, even if they are not particrly close to her. How can you be


    so confident that it was Yulissa depicted in those doctored images? Could it be that you are being


    overly gullible?¡±


    Yulissa''s fury intensified when she heard Trevor defending Avery. She sneered icily, ¡°What''s gotten into


    you, Trevor? Why are you suddenly defending Avery? I had no idea you two were this close. Don''t tell


    me you''ve been holding back on me and you''re actually her¡ª¡±


    Avery mmed her designs onto the table coldly, cutting her off effectively. ¡°That''s enough! Yulissa,


    don''t push your luck. How could you spread rumors about others when you don''t even know what they


    have gone through? Do you know defamation is a punishable offense? ording to Article 246 of the


    Criminal Law, defamation is a punishable offense, and those found guilty of it will be sentenced to


    imprisonment for not more than three years, criminal detention, public surveince, or deprivation of


    political rights. It is now working hours, and I would rather not waste my time discussing this matter with


    you any further. However, if you decide to stir up more trouble, I will take immediate action and contact


    awyer to pursue a legal case against you.¡±


    Her firm response and intimidating aura reminded Yulissa of Cayden, and she shut up immediately.


    She gave an icy snort and insisted, ¡°I didn''t say that! It was Rita. I had no part in it!¡± She glowered at


    Avery before turning to the colleagues who were watching the debacle. Her voice raised as she


    demanded, ¡°What are you all still doing here? Are you just gonna stand there? Stop gawking at us! Go


    back to your desks and get to work!¡±


    With that, she scurried back to her office.


    After Yulissa departed, no one dared to gossip anymore and instead returned to their tasks.


    Avery''s head pounded with fury, but she was aware that getting angry while she was pregnant could


    have negative effects on her developing baby.


    Cecelia and Nina did their best tofort her. Eventually, she was able to rx and began researchingThis belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    the requirements for bing a Certified Professional Constructor.


    Avery didn''t try to apply to be a Certified Professional Constructor previously. Afterpleting her


    undergraduate degree, she immediately began pursuing her master''s studies. Despite obtaining a


    Master''s degree in Engineering Economics, she worked for less than two years and had less than one


    year of experience in managing construction projects. As such, she did not meet the requirements for


    the certification and was not eligible to apply.


    Now, she had worked at Trident Group for almost a year where she was primarily involved in


    architectural designs, but her job scope included managing construction projects. In two months'' time,


    she would be eligible to apply for certification as a Professional Constructor.


    Obtaining the Certified Professional Constructor credential was a highly esteemed aplishment in


    the architecture profession. There were millions of architects around the country, but only


    approximately four hundred thousand of them were Certified Professional Constructors, making it a


    challenging achievement.


    Avery knew she would have to be a Certified Professional Constructor in order to develop her


    career further in Trident Group.


    After getting off work, Cayden gave Avery a ride home. He pressed a kiss to her cheek and apologized,


    ¡°I''m sorry, but I have to head out. Don''t worry though, I''ll be back soon. Why don''t you go have dinner


    with the kids first?¡±


    Avery knew he was going on a ¡°date¡± with Nicole. Despite feeling bitter, she smoothened his suit and


    forced a smile. ¡°Okay. Don''te home toote.¡±

 Chapter 478

    Chapter 478


    Sensing her uneasiness, Cayden gave her aforting hug so tight as if he never wanted to let her go.


    ¡°Don''t think too much. Things wille to an end soon.¡±


    Avery shed a weak smile in response.


    She stood on her toes and gave him a peck on his lips. ¡°We''ll wait for you at home.¡±


    Cayden lowered his head to trail kisses all over her gorgeous nape.


    After that, he drove away.


    Avery stood on the second floor of the mansion as she watched the Bentley speed away. A sharp pang


    hit her heart.


    She would be lying if she imed she wasn''t bothered by Cayden''s ¡°date¡± with Nicole.


    Despite knowing it was just an act on Cayden''s behalf, Avery felt couldn''t shake off that thought in her


    mind.


    s, they had no other choice. The only way to solve the disk''s matter was to bear with Nicole''s


    actions.


    The evening sky was dark, but Nicole was seen wearing a pair of sunsses as she drove her car to


    the parking lot of Number Nine Eatery. She seemed to be in an exceptionally cheerful mood.


    After parking her car, she was about to get out when a ck figure materialized before her car.


    She then heard someone shrieking in pain. ¡°Ow! Oh, someone, help! This luxury car has just hit me!¡±


    Nicole''s heart sank as she rushed to open the car door. As her heels touched the ground, she noticed a


    middle-aged man, his clothes tattered and hair disheveled, lying in a feeble state right in front of her.


    He seemed to be ¡°hurt¡± as blood was trickling down his tanned arms and legs.


    Strangely, Nicole realized this homeless man seemed familiar.


    However, the filth on his face caused her to turn away in disgust.


    She drove at a slow speed, so it was impossible for her to hit anyone. Besides, the homeless man only


    materialized andy in front of her car after she parked her car. Obviously, he was a scammer.


    In the past, Nicole would certainly have taken the time to confront the scammer and warn him, but she


    was runningte in order to make her date with Cayden and couldn''t afford to waste time.


    Fishing out a few hundred from her purse, she tossed them at the homeless man as though he was a


    beggar. ¡°Take the money and scram! Otherwise, I''m going to call the police!¡±


    The homeless man''s arm was dripping with blood, yet he still managed to nimbly clutch the paper bills


    in his hand and swiftly shove them into his pocket. Delight shed across his eyes when he saw Nicole


    d in a trendy outfit.


    He promptly forgot to keep up his act and scrambled up to fling his arms around Nicole''s legs.


    ¡°Oh, my daughter! My darling Nickie, I have been looking for you for so long! Finally, we meet again!


    You have no idea of the struggles I have gone through to find you. I couldn''t even afford to buy a meal


    while you are living a luxurious life, yet you ignored my struggles and pain. How could you be so


    ungrateful and unfilial¡±? His voice broke as he spoke, filled with anguish and sorrow.


    Nicole nched in horror when she heard the man calling herself his daughter.


    She took a good look at the homeless man. It took her a few moments to realize that it was Daniel, the


    same person who had been bothering her relentlessly not long ago.


    ¡°Let go! You''ve got the wrong person. I''m not the person you''re looking for. If you refuse to let go, I''ll


    scream for help!¡± Nicole threatened Daniel angrily as she struggled to pry his hands off her legs.


    However, Daniel refused to let go. ¡°No! I''m sure you''re my daughter. You look exactly like your mother,


    Sandra! You''re my daughter. Nicole Schmidt! Plus, I remember that you have a birthmark as big as a


    thumb on your left armpit. I asked around and found out that the man you imed was your father only


    has an adopted daughter from the orphanage. That''s you! Nickie, if you don''t believe me, you''re


    wee to take my hair to run a DNA test!¡±


    William was not at all secretive about having adopted a daughter from the orphanage, so it was natural


    for Daniel to learn the truth after asking around.


    After bumping into Nicole twice, Daniel started suspecting that she was his daughter as she had an


    uncanny resemnce to his wife, Sandra.


    Daniel had a daughter with Sandra. As he was fond of gambling, he ended up owing a huge sum of


    money to the casino. The loan shark threatened to chop off his hands if he couldn''t pay them back.


    Afraid they would take action for real, Daniel sold his wife and intended to sell his daughter as well.


    Despite her young age, Nicole was smart enough to sneak away on the day the seller was supposed to


    pick her up.


    As a result, Daniel was given a harsh beating by the seller and nearly became a cripple.


    Over the years, he had been trying to track Nicole down. His efforts weren''t in vain, for he had finally


    found her.


    Daniel was ted to realize that his daughter, who used to be tanned and skinny, was now a gorgeous


    celebrity. His insatiable appetite drove him to get more money from her.


    However, Nicole refused to admit that she was his daughter. She kept insisting she was William''s


    daughter.


    Thus, Daniel decided to ask about her identity to make sure he was right.


    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    Daniel spent a lot of time in casinos and knew a lot of homeless men. Through his connections, he was


    able to piece together a great deal of information. After carefullyparing and analyzing what he had


    learned, he became convinced that Nicole Lambert was, in fact, his biological daughter.


    Nicole gritted her jaw in anger when she heard him mention the birthmark.


    Lately, I''ve been so preupied that Ipletely forgot about the birthmark. I''m going to have to take


    care of it in the next few days. As for Daniel, I''ll have to think of a way to make sure he keeps it a


    secret!


    It was dinnertime, and the parking lot began to fill with cars. Nicole''s stomach constricted with fear as


    she was afraid people would recognize her or worse, discover that she was rted to Daniel, who was


    wearing tattered clothes.


    She retrieved a stack of cash from her bag and tossed them to Daniel. ¡°You''re a slippery scammer and


    you''re after money, aren''t you? Well, you''ve got what you wanted, so it''s time for you to go. I''m warning


    you, if you evere back here, I won''t be so generous. I''ll make sure to tell my father about you, and


    then you''ll spend the rest of your life behind bars!¡±


    ¡°My darling daughter, I know how much you care for me. Don''t worry, I promise I won''te to you


    unless it is absolutely necessary!¡± Daniel promised as he quickly picked up the money even though it


    had been thrown at him by her as a sign of contempt.


    He could hardly contain his happiness.


    Ah, it''s wonderful to have a celebrity as a daughter! She was so generous to give me so much money


    with such ease.


    Daniel was lying when he imed he wouldn''te to her unless it was necessary, for she was his


    cash cow.


    Nicole cast a scornful nce in Daniel''s direction as he feverishly collected the money. She then


    quickly and stealthily made her escape.


    She was utterly repulsed by his presence.


    What should I do with my so-called biological father?

 Chapter 479

    Chapter 479


    Nicole had donned a pristine white dress before heading to the restaurant as she believed that white


    could portray her innocence. Someone had once told her that when wearing white, she resembled a


    delicate lotus flower¡ªa symbol of purity and beauty.


    s, Daniel left filthy stains on her white dress when he was clinging to her earlier.


    Nicole was a perfectionist, so even though the stains on her clothing weren''t noticeable to the untrained


    eye, she decided to head to the boutique next door and purchase a new outfit.


    After changing her clothes, she went to Number Nine Eatery and settled down at the table she


    reserved in advance. Cayden wasn''t there yet.


    Inside the luxuriously decorated restaurant, Nicole sat by the window as she stared at the brightly lit


    city outside. A sh of resentment crossed her face.


    Usually, men would arrive at the restaurant in advance to wait for their date to demonstrate their


    gentlemanly qualities.


    However, Nicole had to reserve a table at the restaurant and arrive in advance to wait for Cayden. That


    made her feel aggrieved.


    d in a sunny yellow dress, Nicole radiated elegance. Her delicate features and expertly applied


    makeup illuminated her natural beauty, making her shine like a star.


    She had a pitiful expression that could spark a man''s instinctive desire to protect her.


    Instead of reserving a private room, she chose an ordinary table.


    By being in the same space as the other patrons of the restaurant, she could allow the male patrons to


    admire her beauty. At the same time, she was hoping that someone in the restaurant might take photos


    of them and that they would appear in the news the following day.


    Around half an hourter, Cayden arrived at Number Nine Eatery.


    He approached Nicole, who was sitting in her seat and holding her chin in her palm. She seemed lost


    in thought, gazing out of the window. Calmly, he said, ¡°I apologize for beingte, Ms. Nicole. Something


    unexpected came up at work and I got held up. I''m sorry you had to wait.¡±


    He then pulled out his chair and sat down.


    The man possessed aplexbination of qualities that made him noble, elegant, and somewhat


    aloof yet with a mysterious charm, allowing him to effortlessly captivate those he met.


    Nicole''s eyes lit up with delight when she caught sight of him even though she was previously


    grumbling about his attitude. All her displeasure evaporated as she gazed at him lovingly. It was like


    the world had suddenly be brighter.


    As if he was the source of her revitalization, he made the stagnant spring of her life flow again.


    Thanks to him, her life was filled with excitement.


    Nicole replied gently, ¡°I just arrived as well and I didn''t wait too long.¡±


    It didn''t feel that long even though Nicole had actually waited for almost an hour before he arrived. As


    long as Cayden didn''t ke on her, she would be willing to wait for him for the entire night.


    Cayden concealed the iciness in his gaze and shed a polite smile. ¡°Ms. Nicole, what would you like


    to eat? Let me get the menu.¡±


    Nicole''s gaze was gentle as she replied, ¡°I''m not a picky eater, so you can order whatever you like.¡±


    Cayden''s lips curled into a charming smile, emphasizing his handsome features. ¡°That won''t do, Ms.


    Nicole. I believe there must be some food you prefer, right? Please order whatever you want. I''m not


    very hungry right now, so I won''t be eating much.¡±


    The truth was, even if a spread was served before them right now, Cayden wasn''t in the mood to eat


    with Nicole.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    He wouldn''t even y along with a pretentious woman like her if he had no ulterior motive.


    After all, he was in a hurry to head back home to have supper with Avery and the kids.


    Avery had a knack for home-cooked dishes, and her skills were on par with professional chefs. As a


    result, her food was so delicious that it made him picky about what he ate.


    After she got pregnant, he didn''t want to tire her out and hired a chef and a nutritionist to be in charge


    of their meals.


    However, Avery would still cook for them whenever she was free.


    He enjoyed the time spent around the dining table with his family, treasuring each and every moment


    they shared together.


    Nicole was taken aback, but her face lit up with a warm smile as she eximed, ¡°Cayden, we have


    known each other for a while now, so it''s time for you to stop calling me Ms. Nicole. Please, just call me


    Nickie. I have been to this restaurant many times with my parents, and I can vouch for the fact that the


    food here is delicious. I''m sure you''ll find something that you like¡ªbe it sour, sweet, or spicy¡ªand I''d


    be more than happy to order something for you. You won''t be disappointed as this ce has something


    special to offer for every taste.¡±


    Cayden gave her a long look. ¡°Thanks for the offer, Ms. Nicole, but I don''t have anything particr that


    I like. You can order anything. I''ll be fine.¡±


    Nicole was bing increasingly frustrated as she heard him continually refer to her as ¡°Ms. Nicole.¡±


    Cayden had never addressed Avery as ¡°Ms. Rumpley,¡± yet he insisted on ignoring her requests. She


    felt powerless and exasperated that he didn''t listen to her.


    However, that was precisely why she was attracted to him.


    I have all the time in the world since Avery is no longer with him. I can slowly persuade him to change


    his mind.


    With that thought in mind, Nicole felt much better.


    In an effort to alleviate the tension in the air, she ordered a selection of sumptuous main dishes,


    desserts, and drinks. Despite being small in quantity, the food was of exceptional quality.


    The server soon served their food and retreated politely.


    Nicole started tasting the dishes.


    As Cayden only sipped on his drink, she asked carefully, ¡°Cayden, why did Ms. Rumpley call off the


    engagement? Was I wrong to assume that you were both a loving couple? Why did she change her


    mind?¡±


    Cayden couldn''t help but inwardly sneer as he looked at Nicole''s overly pretentious expression.


    However, he maintained a nonchnt attitude as he answered, ¡°It''s nothing. I can''t undo what has


    happened, no matter how much I''d like to. I suppose I didn''t do enough to give her a sense of security.


    That''s likely why she insisted on leaving me.¡±


    After hearing his answer, Nicoleforted him, ¡°It''s fine. Since Ms. Rumpley wanted to leave, let her


    be. She was foolish enough to give up on someone as capable as you. Many women in Ackleton would


    die to marry you. You might''ve lost one unremarkable sapling, but the forest is waiting for you.¡±


    ¡°Oh? Do the trees in the forest include you, Ms. Nicole?¡± Cayden''sshes lowered, concealing the


    emotions in his eyes.


    He never wanted any forest as all he wanted was Avery.


    All the while, his heart was shrouded in darkness and iciness. If a forest had the misfortune of sprouting


    in his heart, it would soon wither and die. Although Avery was initially fragile and feeble, she was


    strong-willed and had nted herself deep in his deste heart. With time and patience, she slowly


    refreshed his formerly cold heart like growing nts on barrennd.


    Knowing Nicole was trying to sound him out, Cayden gazed at her and brushed her off quickly.


    However, his expression was frosty.


    One day, she''ll pay the price for her foolish actions!

 Chapter 480

    Chapter 480


    Oblivious to the icy-cold look in Cayden''s eyes, Nicole stared dreamily at him as she sat at the dining


    table.


    ¡°Of course! Given how charming you are, I doubt any woman would be able to resist you! I''m sure a


    man as smart as you would understand how I feel about you. To be honest, I was deeply in love with


    you the moment I first saw you!¡± she said shyly.


    ¡°I appreciate it that you have feelings for me, Ms. Lambert,¡± Cayden replied coldly while suppressing


    the urge to get sarcastic.


    He then nced at his watch and saw that it was almost eight.


    Not wanting to keep Avery waiting for too long, he said, ¡°Are you done eating, Ms. Lambert? I do


    apologize, but I still have some business to attend to. I''ll see you next time.¡±


    As much as Nicole didn''t want him to leave, she could only nod obediently when she saw the cold look


    on his face. ¡°All right, then. You can go ahead and leave if you''re busy. We can meet again some other


    time.¡±


    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    When ites to rtionships, you really can''t rush things. If youe onto a man too hard, you''ll


    only stress him out and push him further away.


    Cayden then sent Nicole home after that, much to her delight.


    Her heart felt like it had been immersed in a jar of honey, and she had a dreamy look in her eyes as


    she watched Cayden drive.


    The moonlight shining through the car windows cast a soft glow over his handsome face, making him


    seem all the more elegant and graceful.


    His face is near perfection! It''s so wless and alluring! I just can''t seem to take my eyes off him!


    Neither of them said a single word throughout the entire drive.


    It wasn''t until the car stopped outside the Lambert residence that Nicole realized she was home.


    ¡°Thanks for sending me home today. I feel really happy today,¡± she said with a sweet smile.


    ¡°No problem,¡± Cayden replied coldly, the look in his eyes as mysterious as a dark and bottomless


    chasm.


    After unbuckling her seat belt, Nicole turned around and gave Cayden a quick peck on the cheek


    before he even realized what was going on.


    She then opened the car door, hopped out of the car, and mmed the car door shut behind her.


    Nicole cupped her hands on her cheeks, which were burning bright red, as her heart pounded hard


    against her chest.


    I don''t know why I became so bold all of a sudden! Maybe it was abination of the perfect


    atmosphere and my strong feelings for Cayden. I wonder how he feels about me... It''s fine if he still


    can''t forget about Avery just yet. His feelings for her wille to pass over time. When men have


    difficulties letting go of their exes, it''s usually due to one of two reasons. Either they need a little more


    time to move on, or their new partner isn''t good enough. I believe I have plenty of time to spend with


    Cayden while he gets over her, and I am certainly charming enough to take her ce. It''s only a matter


    of time before Cayden opens up to me!


    Cayden grabbed a wet wipe and scrubbed at the spot on his cheek where Nicole had kissed him just


    now. He was so disgusted by her kiss that he even applied some disinfectant to the wet wipe. He was


    scrubbing so hard that he nearly removed ayer of his skin.


    The look in his eyes was terrifyingly cold.


    That woman is lucky I still have use for her! Otherwise, I would surely put her through a fate worse than


    death!


    ire was knitting a sweater on the couch when Nicole came in grinning from ear to ear.


    She then tossed her handbag aside and wrapped her arms around ire''s neck. Nicole was in such a


    good mood that she didn''t even change into her slippers after entering the house. ¡°I have good news


    for you, Mom! I''m going to have a boyfriend soon!¡±


    ire put the sweater down and turned around in delight. ¡°Really? Where does he work, Nickie? Bring


    him home when you have the time, okay? I''ll help you give him a proper screening!¡±


    Nicole''s heart started racing again as she thought about Cayden''s handsome face. Not wanting to


    reveal the truth just yet, she said, ¡°It''s still too early for me to bring him home, Mom. Don''t worry; I''ll be


    sure to introduce him to you and Dad when the time is right. He''s an excellent man, so I am confident


    that you two will approve of him.¡±


    ire gave her an affectionate pat on the head and said with a smile, ¡°Trying to be mysterious, are


    you? Listen, Nickie. A person''s personality and attitude matter more than their external traits like


    appearances and wealth. It''s important to make sure that you two get along very well.¡±


    Nicole gave ire a hug as she replied, ¡°I know, Mom. I assure you, we get along really well. In fact, I


    don''t think I''ve ever felt this great before! I love him very much!¡±


    Recalling how Nicole had once obsessed over Cayden, ire asked, ¡°Nickie, that new boyfriend of


    yours... He''s not like Cayden, is he? I know that men like Cayden are excellent, but they''re cold-


    hearted and won''t make good lovers. You need to stay away from those types of men. Do you


    understand?¡±


    Nicole had wanted to tell ire more about Cayden at first, but she was no longer in the mood after


    hearing ire''s prejudice against Cayden.


    Whatever euphoric joy she had from earlier was instantly destroyed.


    ¡°I understand, Mom. I know what I''m doing,¡± she mumbled resentfully.


    ire felt relieved when she saw Nicole agreeing with her statement.


    After all, she loved Nicole deeply and wanted nothing but the best for her.


    ire didn''t expect her to marry a very wealthy and sessful man. All she wanted was for Nicole to


    live a happy and healthy life.


    However, Nicole perceived her good intentions as her trying to take away her happiness.


    While their conflicts started out as a tiny crack in the wall, they worsened and turned into a huge hole


    because of Cayden.


    ...


    Meanwhile, Avery was sitting on the carpet and staring nkly into space.


    She had a book on her knees, but she didn''t even read a single page of it.


    Her phone kept vibrating as Cecelia and Nina texted her repeatedly in the WhatsApp group chat.


    Avery would reply from time to time, but her mind was elsewhere even though she was chatting with


    her best friends.


    She felt horrible as it was already half past eight, but Cayden had yet to return.


    A surge of jealousy filled Avery''s heart as she imagined Cayden having a romantic dinner with Nicole.


    It''s all Cayden''s fault for having such a handsome face! Honestly, I sometimes wish he would have a


    more average-looking face. That way, he probably wouldn''t have so many women throwing themselves


    at him! None of this would''ve happened if Nicole didn''t set her sights on Cayden!


    Avery snapped out of her train of thought when the door opened all of a sudden.


    She shuddered when the cold air from outside entered the room. Upon turning around, she saw


    Cayden walking into the room.


    Not wanting to see him while she was still angry at him, Avery stood up and made her way to the other


    side of the room. However, Cayden was faster and caught up to her in just a second.


    He grabbed Avery by her slender arms and gently pinned her against the wall, instantly rendering her


    immobile.

 Chapter 481

    Chapter 481


    Avery''s phone slipped out of her hand and fell to the floor with a loud thud.


    Nina was still bombarding her with a series of voice messages on WhatsApp. ¡°Are you okay, Avery?


    Why is it so noisy over there? Did you get into a fight with Mr. Moore again?¡±


    Irritated by Nina''s continuous voice messages, Cayden switched Avery''s phone off and tossed it aside.


    ¡°Let go of me!¡± Avery wanted to break free of his grip, but she couldn''t struggle too hard as she didn''t


    want to end up hurting her baby.


    Cayden frowned in displeasure when he saw her wriggling about in his arms like a trapped bunny.


    He then pinned her shoulders forcefully and lifted her chin as he asked, ¡°Throwing a tantrum again, are


    you?¡±


    Avery kicked him in the leg and shot him a fierce re. ¡°Do you have any idea what time it is? Going


    on a date with another woman must''ve been fun, huh?¡±


    Cayden felt speechless when he heard that. He then scooped her into his arms and carried her into the


    bedroom.


    He was not only carrying the weight of his wife, but also the weight of their third child.


    ¡°I wouldn''t have rushed home to be with you if going on dates with other women was that fun. Now,


    stop this tantrum, or I will punish you!¡± he said with a yful grin as he kicked their bedroom door open.


    Cayden then sat down on the bed and ced Avery on hisp.


    He let out a chuckle when he saw that Avery was still somewhat jealous. ¡°Are you still angry at me? Do


    you even realize how you look like when you''re pouting? You look just like Rory! I have always known


    that you two look alike, but I didn''t know she got that pout from you. I''m looking forward to seeing if our


    third baby will also inherit your pout.¡±


    Avery was still a little angry at Cayden, but his statement was so amusing that she felt likeughing.


    However, the strong scent of another woman''s perfume on his body snapped her out of it. ¡°Fine, you


    win this argument. Why do you reek of perfume, though? You were just having dinner with Nicole,


    right? Don''t tell me you two...¡±


    Things were already tense between the two of them, and Avery''s hormonal changes due to pregnancy


    weren''t exactly helping the situation. As such, she couldn''t help but overthink when she noticed the


    smell of perfume on his body.


    Cayden may be able to control himself, but Nicole might have forced herself on him...


    Cayden didn''t know whether tough or cry when he heard that. He had no idea how he could exin


    himself at that point.


    He, too, felt ufortable with Nicole wearing such a strong perfume. It took him every ounce of


    willpower he had just to finish the meal with her. What a bloody torment it was!


    Cayden let out a sigh and hugged her tightly as he whispered, ¡°You''re really giving me a hard time


    here, Babe.¡±


    Avery opened her mouth and bit down on his arm in an attempt to punish him.


    Cayden knew she needed a way to vent her anger and frustration, so he just let her bite away without


    trying to resist.


    After the initial bite, which was rather forceful, Avery felt her heart ache and couldn''t bring herself to


    continue.


    Cayden tightened his hug as he said, ¡°I would never betray the woman I love, silly! You''re the only one


    I love, so you can rest assured that I would never betray you. All right, I know what I did was wrong.


    Will you please forgive me once? I promise not to dine with other women from now on, and I won''t let


    them get their perfume on me either. I will also reduce the amount of socializing with clients and


    business partners, and my phone will be on at all times so you won''t have issues contacting me. I''ll do


    everything I can to provide you with a sense of security. Now, will you stop being angry at me?¡±


    Avery looked up at him. ¡°I always knew you were good at doing business, but you''re surprisingly good


    at coaxing women too.¡±


    With his beloved woman''s soft body nuzzling against his, Cayden found himself getting aroused when


    he caught a whiff of her scent.


    Oh, man... We haven''t had sex in a long time ever since she got pregnant...


    After taking a moment to suppress his sexual urges, he gently patted Avery on the back and said, ¡°I


    have never hidden anything from you, nor have I tricked you into doing anything, and I never will. It


    wasn''t easy for us to get where we are, so will you please stop pushing me away?¡±


    Avery''s heart melted when she heard that while leaning against his muscr shoulders.


    I know I am being unreasonable and melodramatic, but I just can''t help it. I used to be rational and


    mature, but that slowly changed after I started dating Cayden. Not only did I be hot-tempered and


    got jealous often, but I also craved all of his attention. I enjoy hearing him coax me with that gentle


    voice of his, and I love it when he gazes into my eyes affectionately. Is this what happens to women


    when they fall in love? Do we just lose all of our rationality and only crave love and affection? Is this the


    result of Cayden spoiling me too much?


    Avery was snapped out of her train of thought when Cayden picked her up and carried her in his arms.


    ¡°It''s time for bed, Cayden. What are you doing?¡± she asked while wrapping her arms around his neck.


    Cayden gently bumped his forehead against hers as he replied, ¡°I''m giving you a bath. Of course, I''ll be


    joining you as well.¡±


    The mere thought of his body reeking of Nicole''s perfume filled his face with disgust. They didn''t have


    any physical contact, but her perfume had such a strong smell that it got all over him as well. He hated


    having the scent of another woman on him so much that he wanted to wash it all off as soon as


    possible.


    Cayden then pushed a button on the bathroom wall, which would allow him to control the amount of


    water and foam in the bathtub. The automated system would take care of everything for them, so all


    they had to do was enjoy the bath. Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Avery nodded and replied softly.


    Although there were two housekeepers around to help look after her, Avery couldn''t stand having


    anyone else bathe her. After all, she had gotten used to doing everything by herself like a normal


    person would.


    Things were different with Cayden, though. She was okay with him bathing her because of the intimate


    rtionship they had.


    Soon, the bathtub was filled up with warm water at a suitable temperature.


    Cayden first removed Avery''s nightgown and carefully ced her inside the bathtub, which was big


    enough to fit the both of themfortably.


    He then undressed and climbed into the bathtub with her.


    Avery''s tummy had gotten slightly bigger, but it was still not very obvious as she curled up in the


    bathtub.


    Almost her entire body was submerged in the warm water, giving her fair skin a faint, pinkish glow.


    Her long eyshes and crystal-clear eyes made her look all the more alluring.


    Cayden swallowed hard and pursed his lips as he looked at her from the side. At that very moment, he


    had ¡°I want to eat you up!¡± written all over his face.

 Chapter 482

    Chapter 482


    Avery stared at the ¡°hungry¡± expression on Cayden''s countenance with fear.


    Just as she was going to reject him, she saw a pitiful expression on his handsome face.


    ¡°It''s been three months since west had sex, Ery. The doctor said we''d be able to do it after three


    months. I promise I''ll be careful,¡± he persuaded.


    To others, he was a cold, abstinent man. Yet, at that moment, he acted like a little hungry dog, pleading


    with her. It was a very striking contrast.


    After recalling how Cayden had been bathing with cold water for the past few months, she finally


    relented.


    Slowly, Avery hugged his neck and whispered, ¡°Okay...¡±


    Holding her tiny earlobe, he uttered in a hoarse voice, ¡°Don''t worry, I won''t hurt you or the baby...¡±


    Under his gentle and careful guidance, she felt his passion for her and his warmth, making her feel on


    cloud nine.


    The sky was getting darker as the serene lunar glow pierced through the window andnded in the


    bathroom.


    After they were done, Cayden carried Avery back into the bedroom.


    Upon lying on the bed together, he hugged her tightly and ced her hand on his heart. ¡°Sometimes, I


    may not be able to control myself when ites to certain things. However, you must always


    remember that my heart only beats for you. No matter where I am, my heart will always be with you. I


    truly love you, and I''ll never do anything that''ll upset you. Please don''t sulk at me in the future.¡±


    As she felt his irregr heartbeat, she thought, I was being insensible. Even though I knew he was


    putting on an act, I still lost my temper with him. I shouldn''t have done that!


    Upon seeing an expression of self-reproach on her countenance, he grinned and pinched her nose.


    ¡°Are you hungry? I''ll ask someone to prepare supper for you.¡±


    ¡°Mhm, a little.¡± Avery wasn''t hungry until Cayden brought that up.


    Her appetite grew immensely after she got pregnant.


    ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    In response, hemanded someone to prepare supper.


    Ten minutester, he personally brought the supper into the bedroom.


    He delivered a piece of soft and fluffy cake to her mouth. ¡°Open up. It''s your favorite cake.¡±


    Just as Avery was going to ept it, she suddenly recalled an article she read on the inte. Thus,


    she resisted her craving and said, ¡°No, I''ll eat something lighter instead. Eating too many cakes at night


    isn''t good for the baby.¡±


    Cayden lifted his eyebrow with surprise.


    Staring at the delectable cake, she swallowed her saliva with difficulty and exined, ¡°An article on the


    inte says eating too many sweets during pregnancy will cause fetal overgrowth and hyperglycemia


    in pregnancy.¡±


    Upon listening to her exnation, he shook his head in amusement. ¡°Where did you hear that ludicrous


    thing from?¡±


    ¡°Like I said, on the inte. I''ve been watching lots of courses on pregnancy. They talk about what


    pregnant women shouldn''t do and things we should pay attention to.¡±


    ¡°You should avoid reading and watching that nonsense on the inte. If you have questions you don''t


    understand, you can ask Yuvan about them. This cake is specially made for you by a dietician. It tastes


    sweet, but the sugar content is low. It won''t cause that gestational thing you mentioned.¡±


    Avery didn''t expect Cayden to be that scrupulous.


    For a moment, she wasn''t sure what to say. I feel so touched by his meticulous care!


    When she bit into the cake, she could taste its buttery vor. It was sweet and fragrant, which roused


    her appetite.


    She felt sweet, but not just because of the cake.


    Reflexively, she picked up a slice of cake and delivered it to the edge of his mouth. ¡°You should eat,


    too.¡±


    Cayden disliked desserts, but when he saw the sweet smile on Avery''s face, he took a bite of the cake.


    ¡°You''re right. It is sweet.¡±


    While he was talking about her, she thought he was referring to the cake. Thus, she uttered, ¡°Of


    course.¡±


    Cayden watched Avery finish another piece of cake before he stopped her from getting another slice.


    ¡°You shouldn''t eat anymore. If you overeat during the night, you''ll feel unwell. Leave the rest for


    tomorrow,¡± he reminded as though he was speaking to a child.


    Obediently, she put the new slice down and went to the bathroom to brush her teeth.


    Once she was done, she wormed into his embrace, kissed his cheek, and prepared to sleep.


    He returned the favor by giving her an even deeper kiss. ¡°Have you forgiven me, Ery? It''s my fault for


    pissing you off today. If you''re still angry, feel free to punch me a couple of times.¡±


    Just as he grabbed her hand, she withdrew it and took in his natural scent. ¡°I''ve already forgiven you.


    Besides, I''m at fault, too. I was being too temperamental. You don''t need to apologize to me. We


    shouldn''t hold grudges against each other for our quarrels.¡±


    In response, Cayden hugged Avery tightly and affectionately.


    ...


    Nicole visited the Moore residence early in the morning.


    Her pseudo-light makeup made her look pure and younger at the first nce.


    After she presented an expensive smoking pipe and a box of exquisite coffee beans to Jeffrey, she


    handed Allie jewelry and luxurious bags.


    She also delighted the two elders with her sweet words.


    As Jeffrey smoked with the pipe Nicole gave him, he stated, ¡°There''s no need for you to bring gifts


    whenever you visit the Moore residence. Just drop by.¡±


    Her eyes glinted as she smiled gracefully. ¡°It''s what I should do, Old Mr. Moore. As long as you''re


    happy with the gifts, I''m happy, too.¡±


    Allie was beaming at the younger woman as she touched the shiny piece of jewelry. ¡°You''re so


    thoughtful, Nickie. You should visit here more often. Right now, Cayden''s single. He needs a beautiful


    and sensible girlfriend like you! It''ll be so nice if you can be my daughter-inw.¡±


    Upon concealing the meaningful look in her eyes, Nicole asked probingly, ¡°What happened to the


    engagement banquet, Mdm. Allie? Why didn''t Cayden seed?¡±


    The instant the younger woman brought that up, Allie exploded in anger. ¡°Don''t talk to me about that!


    Avery thoroughly embarrassed the Moore family when she suddenly changed her mind halfway


    through the ceremony! Unlike my son, that vixen has no right to call off the engagement! However,


    there''s nothing you need to worry about, Nickie. If you get together with Cayden in the future, the twins


    living here won''t affect your rtionship with him. The same goes for Avery''s baby, who will be raised


    here once she gives birth.¡±


    What? Avery is pregnant again? Nicole was shocked to hear that.

 Chapter 483

    Chapter 483


    When Allie spotted the disbelief on Nicole''s countenance, she realized thetter didn''t know Avery was


    pregnant. I wish I could p my big mouth right now! Why did I tell her that? What if a crack is formed


    in Nicole''s rtionship with Cayden because of this unborn child?


    Thus, she leaned on the couch, held Nicole''s hand, and coaxed, ¡°The baby was purely an ident.


    None of us expected it to happen. Only someone as shameless as Avery can do something as


    embarrassing as getting pregnant before marriage. However, you don''t need to worry about that. The


    Moore family is capable enough to raise multiple children, much less just one more. Your rtionship


    with Cayden won''t be disturbed because the housekeepers and I will be around to take care of the


    children.¡±


    As she degraded Avery, shepletely forgot that she also got pregnant before marriage.


    Hearing what his wife said, Jeffrey coughed loudly.


    Immediately, Allie shut her mouth. Meanwhile, Nicole didn''t notice that detail because she was still in a


    state of shock to hear about Avery''s pregnancy.


    She could feel her heart bleeding. Oh, no. Another pregnancy?


    Still, she smiled and pretended as though she had a big heart. ¡°You must be jesting, Mdm. Allie. Being


    able to marry Cayden is a blessing. As for kids, I love them. They''re cute and soft. Not to mention they


    smell nice. Besides, having children in a house makes the atmosphere more lively!¡±


    ¡°You''re such a good kid, Nicole. All of ire''s efforts in raising you didn''t go in vain. Your personality is


    exactly like hers.¡± Allie nodded with satisfaction. I think Nicole''s pretty good. She''s pretty, sensible, filial,


    and magnanimous! Sometimes, she even brings me gifts! She''s way better than that Avery.


    Gently, Nicole replied, ¡°You''re exaggerating, Mdm. Allie. There''s no way I''mparable to Mom. She''s


    a genuine elegant woman, while I still need to study more.¡±


    In response, Allie frowned. I still remember what ire was like when she was younger. Back then, she


    was a woman with refined beauty. She was kind, gentle, innocent, and incorrigible. It''s like she has all


    the good traits a person can possibly have. Even though the other girls and I weren''t that much


    differentpared to her when we grew up, she always appeared more exalted than us. Hence, she


    was constantly surrounded by sons from affluent families and high-ranking officials. While I was


    envious of her, I also admired her. Then, when William fell in love with her at first sight, he got engaged


    to her while she was still studying. Meanwhile, I was treated like a ything by those rich men''s sons.


    They would always end up abandoning me, regardless of how my romantic rtionship with them


    went. When I was forced to work in a nightclub as a courtesan, I had enough of my awful life and did


    what I had to do. Although, I must say, seeing ire raise someone else''s daughter like a princess


    while her biological daughter became aughingstock and a free baby machine for my son makes me


    feel so good. I feel like I''ve finally won for once.


    Thus, she uttered a remark with double meaning. ¡°That''s right. Your mother did raise a good daughter.¡±


    Nicole was aware her mother was once best friends with Allie, but she wasn''t sure why they drifted


    apart and stopped being friends.


    Since she wanted to please Allie, she naturally also wanted to repair her rtionship with her adoptive


    mother. However, when she noticed the odd expression on the older woman''s face after bringing up


    her mother, she cleverly stopped continuing that topic.


    Upon seeing that her time was almost up, she said, ¡°I still have matters to attend toter, so I won''t be


    able to keep you and Old Mr. Moorepany any longer, Mdm. Allie. Old Mr. Moore, I''ll be taking my


    leave now. I''ll visit again if I have time.¡±


    Pulling Nicole''s hand, Allie suggested, ¡°How about you wait until Cayden returns, and I''ll ask him to


    send you back?¡±


    In the past, Nicole absolutely would''ve waited for Cayden to return. However, she had more important


    things to do, so she rejected the offer. ¡°It''s alright. I may not have enough time if I wait for Cayden to


    come back. I''ll be going now.¡±


    ¡°Very well. Next time, call us before you visit. I''ll ask the driver to pick you up,¡± proposed Allie with a


    smile as she touched the bracelet Nicole had gifted her.


    Jeffrey spared a few more words with Nicole, reminding her to be careful on the road, before heading


    upstairs.


    After Nicole left the Moore residence in her luxury car, she drove speedily down the highway.


    She then called someone on the phone, telling that person she would be there in around ten minutes,


    and hung up.


    As she narrowed her eyes, the look in her eyes became even more vicious. I can''t believe that b*tch


    Avery is pregnant with Cayden''s child. Heh, then again, it''s hard to say if she''ll live long enough to give


    birth to the baby. You want to use the child to secure your position, don''t you, Avery? In that case, I''ll


    show you just how delusional you are!


    ...


    Considering what happened at the engagement banquet and Cayden''s uing n, it wouldn''t be


    wise for Avery to show herself in public. Thus, she took a long break and cared for the baby in the new


    mansion.


    The environment of the new mansion was great. Not only was it surrounded by various floras, but there


    was also ake and a fake mountain nearby. The security there was top-notch, too. asionally, the


    children would keep herpany. However, after resting for half a month, she got a little bored and


    wanted to go back to work.


    One morning, when she was tutoring the twins, Alina called, saying George was sick and wanted her to


    visit.


    It was then Avery recalled that every time she called her family, she only told them she was doing fine


    and hadn''t exined her situation with Cayden to them during the past two weeks.


    She didn''t meet up with them after the engagement banquet because she felt contrite. The more she


    thought about her grandfather, the more she felt guilty.


    However, she was worried about her grandfather''s condition. Hence, instead of waiting for Cayden to


    return, she texted him, telling him where she was going. Then she called the driver Cayden hired for


    her to bring her to where ke was.


    Meanwhile, Nicole had been feeling exasperated for the past few days. For some reason, scandals


    about her exploded all over the media in a single night. N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    For example, reports about her temper tantrum on the filming set, her usage of a double to film scenes,


    and many others. However, those were minor scandals inparison to her dark history in the


    orphanage.


    Someone managed to unearth everything about her past, including everything she did to Stephanie


    and her lowly background.


    Her image as a pure and innocent woman was severely damaged overnight.


    In response, she begged her father to use his influence to suppress the negative news.


    Unfortunately for her, even when her father did that, the news would simply spring up somewhere else,


    as though whoever was behind the act wasn''t afraid of William''s background. It infuriated Nicole, so


    much so that she felt like she was on the brink of mental copse.


    What was unsettling her the most was that the famous private detective she hired to track Avery still


    hadn''t found a trace of his target after so many days.


    Her phone rang just as she was smashing things in her home out of frustration. She immediately


    picked up the call when she saw it was from that private detective.


    Light returned to her gloomy eyes once she heard what he had to say.


    After she hung up the phone, a vicious look swirled in her eyes. I''ve finally found her! It seems like my


    efforts weren''t for naught. This time, I''ll make sure Avery''s dead!

 Chapter 484

    Chapter 484


    Chapter 484 Avery Bleeding


    It was a weekend, so when Avery was heading out, the twins mored about following her.


    She really missed her grandfather and didn''t have the patience or time to coax them. Therefore, she


    brought them with her.


    When the car drove toward a mall next to Ackleton''s central square, Rory uttered, ¡°My tummy''s feeling


    unwell, Mommy. I want to go to the restroom.¡±


    Last night, she refused to listen to her mother''s advice and overate honeydew, giving her a


    stomachache.


    After seeing her daughter''s cute face scrunching up due to the difort, Avery asked Jeremy to park


    the car in a nearby parking lot. She brought Rory to the restroom in the mall while he waited with


    Zachary inside the car.


    Ten minutester, Rory left the restroom.


    Unbeknownst to Avery, who was waiting for the green light at the crosswalk while holding her


    daughter''s hand, danger was approaching her.


    Nicole was sitting in an ordinary car, ring at Avery with a sinister look. It is Avery. I didn''t expect to


    spot the woman I''d been looking for next to a mall. Cayden sure did a good job hiding her. She''s just a


    woman with a lowly background! Her father''s dead, her mother''s gone, her stepmother''s in prison, and


    her grandfather''s a burden. Yet, someone like her snatched away something that belonged to me!


    Every time I see Cayden treating her so affectionately, I feel like a ball of fire is burning inside my heart!


    I''ve been bottling up this anger, and it''s making me feel horrible, especially after `I learned that `she''s


    pregnant again! The only way I can vent it all out is by getting rid of Avery!


    Then, she turned her sight to the girl next to Avery. That must be Rory Moore, Cayden''s baby girl. Her


    eyebrows resemble her mother''s. Heck, just ncing at the two of them is enough for anyone to know


    they''re mother and daughter, especially when they''re wearing matching clothes. It''s as though they


    were born from the same mold. Back when JK Media reported Avery was the twins'' mother, I didn''t


    believe it. But now, seeing her daughter standing next to her, I cannot deny that they''re blood-rted.


    Now, Avery''s carrying yet another baby for Cayden! I''m so bloody jealous of her! I hate her! What right


    does she have to bear another child of his? Once I marry Cayden, we''ll have our own children! I


    absolutely won''t allow Avery to give birth to another child topete with my children for the love and


    fortune they deserve!


    Right as the pedestrian light shed yellow, Nicole called someone.


    The person on the other end replied briefly before she hung up.


    Then, she removed the SIM card, tore it in half, and threw it into the trashcan in the car.


    As Avery spoke to her daughter, they crossed the road carefully, not at all noticing the ck car


    following them.


    After crossing the busy street, they entered a secluded alley.


    Opposite the alley was the private, temporary parking lot. They were still talking to each other and


    hadn''t detected the danger heading their way.


    Just as they reached the middle of the road, the driver of the ck car stepped on the gas pedal,


    intending to crash into them.


    Aside from Avery and her daughter, there were a few other people in the alley.


    Therefore, when the car drove toward them, someone screamed.


    Their shrieking pierced through the clouds.


    Upon hearing that, Avery felt her right eye twitching. A bad feeling bubbled in her heart as she turned


    around and saw a speeding car smashing into her.


    Her pupils constricted, but she couldn''t avoid the oing tragedy because the car was moving too


    fast.


    However, she had just enough time to push Rory away from her.


    The only thing she could do in the face of danger was to protect her child.


    Bang!


    The car sent her flying a few meters away. Then, she rolled on the ground violently multiple times after


    landing as though she was a wingless butterfly.


    Despite her best attempt to protect her abdomen, arge amount of blood still flowed out from the


    lower half of her body, which left a harrowing streak of blood on the road.


    ¡°Mommy!¡± Rory wailed loudly as she kneeled before the bleeding Avery. She wanted to touch her


    mother but she could only cry in fear after seeing the blooding out from the bottom of her mother.


    The passersby gathered around Avery.


    ¡°Mommy!¡±


    ¡°Mrs. Moore!¡±


    Zachary and Jeremy eximed in unison when they rushed toward the scene after seeing the people


    gathering around Avery.


    Some onlookers were so terrified that they started shouting while some went forward and tried to help.


    The driver was wearing a hat to conceal his countenance. Hence, only the somber silhouette of a man


    could be discerned.


    A violent look fleshed pest his eyes when he sew the dying Avery.


    Afreid thet sticking eround would ceuse more problems, the driver quickly fled the scene in his cer.


    When Zechery returned to his senses, he glered et the esceping vehicle. A murderous intent unbefitting


    of his ege swirled in his pure, innocent eyes.


    He hed en excellent memory, so he meneged to see end memorize the cer plete end model. However,


    he couldn''t see whet the criminel truly looked like beceuse the culprit wes weering e het.


    At thet moment, Avery hed pessed out, her heir scettered in ell directions. Blood wes flowing out of her


    heed end the lower helf of her body.


    She ley in e pool of her blood with e pele fece, eppeering es though she hed stopped breething.


    Jeremy immedietely celled 911 but wes still trembling due to the shock. Just es he tried to cerry Avery


    up, Zechery stopped him. ¡°Don''t touch her, Mr. Jorghee. I''ll cell Deddy right ewey!¡±


    Even though the boy''s voice sounded celm, drops of cold sweet were forming on his foreheed. It wesn''t


    herd to see he wes extremely enxious, too.


    As he squetted next to his dying mother, he dieled his fether''s number with quivering fingers end


    expleined the situetion.


    He knew his mother wes severely injured, but he wesn''t sure where she wes hurt.


    His teecher teught his cless before thet they shouldn''t move someone hit by e cer if they weren''t sure


    where the victim wes injured. Doing so might intentionelly execerbete their wounds.


    Zechery hed e bed feeling es he shook uncontrollebly. The feer of losing his mother elmost


    overwhelmed him. After ell, he wes just e child, end thet wes his first time deeling with e cer ident.


    Don''t die, Mommy! A terrifyingly sherp look swirled in his eyes es he tightened his fists. He didn''t


    resemble the hendsome, cheery prince he usuelly wes. You heve to celm down, Zechery! This is your


    mother. If you feil to teke cere of this properly, you mey be uneble to seve her life!


    The embulence soon errived to send Avery to the hospitel.


    Meenwhile, Ceyden wes flebbergested when he leerned from his son thet Avery wes in e cer ident.


    He immedietely ebendoned the discussion of e multi-million cese end rushed streight to the hospitel.


    A violent look shed past his eyes when he saw the dying Avery.


    Afraid that sticking around would cause more problems, the driver quickly fled the scene in his car.


    When Zachary returned to his senses, he red at the escaping vehicle. A murderous intent unbefitting


    of his age swirled in his pure, innocent eyes.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    He had an excellent memory, so he managed to see and memorize the car te and model. However,


    he couldn''t see what the criminal truly looked like because the culprit was wearing a hat.


    At that moment, Avery had passed out, her hair scattered in all directions. Blood was flowing out of her


    head and the lower half of her body.


    Shey in a pool of her blood with a pale face, appearing as though she had stopped breathing.


    Jeremy immediately called 911 but was still trembling due to the shock. Just as he tried to carry Avery


    up, Zachary stopped him. ¡°Don''t touch her, Mr. Jorghee. I''ll call Daddy right away!¡±


    Even though the boy''s voice sounded calm, drops of cold sweat were forming on his forehead. It wasn''t


    hard to see he was extremely anxious, too.


    As he squatted next to his dying mother, he dialed his father''s number with quivering fingers and


    exined the situation.


    He knew his mother was severely injured, but he wasn''t sure where she was hurt.


    His teacher taught his ss before that they shouldn''t move someone hit by a car if they weren''t sure


    where the victim was injured. Doing so might intentionally exacerbate their wounds.


    Zachary had a bad feeling as he shook uncontrobly. The fear of losing his mother almost


    overwhelmed him. After all, he was just a child, and that was his first time dealing with a car ident.


    Don''t die, Mommy! A terrifyingly sharp look swirled in his eyes as he tightened his fists. He didn''t


    resemble the handsome, cheery prince he usually was. You have to calm down, Zachary! This is your


    mother. If you fail to take care of this properly, you may be unable to save her life!


    The ambnce soon arrived to send Avery to the hospital.


    Meanwhile, Cayden was bbergasted when he learned from his son that Avery was in a car ident.


    He immediately abandoned the discussion of a multi-million case and rushed straight to the hospital.

 Chapter 485

    Chapter 485


    Chapter 485 Wait Until Daddy Comes


    Inside the hospital, the doctors were racing against time to save Avery''s life.


    The smell of disinfectant made the chilly air feel even more ominous.


    Suddenly, the door to the operating room was opened.


    Jeremy and the twins dashed to the doctor before asking about Avery''s condition.


    As Zachary waited for the doctor''s answer, he was so tense that he almost stopped breathing.


    The middle-aged doctor removed his mask and inquired, ¡°Who''s the patient''s family? The patient''s in


    critical danger right now and needs immediate surgery. We need her family''s signature to proceed. ¡°


    ¡°Doctor, the patient inside is my employer. I''m sorry, but I don''t have the right to sign anything for her.


    Her children are too young, so they can''t make the decision. As for her husband, he''s making his way


    here right now. Can you perform the surgery on her first? Her husband will sign when he arrives.¡± While


    Jeremy was worried, he wasn''t Avery''s family member. Thus he couldn''t make any decisions on her


    behalf.


    However, her life might be in danger if she didn''t receive the surgery right away. So, he could only hope


    Cayden would make it to the hospital in time.


    The doctor spat resignedly, ¡°This isn''t a normal operation. It concerns her life. We can''t decide for her!¡±


    Calmly, Zachary questioned, ¡°What''s the situation with my mommy? What surgery does she need?¡±


    He looks exceptionally handsome and calm. I can''t believe he seems even braver than the man beside


    him. ncing at the boy, the doctor revealed the truth. ¡°The patient requires an immediate abortion and


    D&C. The baby can''t be saved. However, what''s worse is her leg injury. It''s too severe, so we can''t


    reconnect the muscles, the bones, or the blood vessels. We need to do an amputation right now.


    Otherwise, it would cause infection and endanger the patient''s life!¡±


    Pity shed past his eyes. It''s a shame someone as young and beautiful as her needs to have her leg


    amputated. What a tragedy. Even though I''ve seen my fair share of deaths and the fact that people lose


    their limbs due to car idents often every year, I still can''t help but feel pity for her.


    Zachary paled as despair flooded into his eyes.


    Rory, who had been crying silently, stopped when she heard what the doctor said.


    As for Jeremy, he waspletely shaken.


    The doctor''s words repeated in Zachary''s mind as he thought, Will Mommy be able to handle the loss


    of her baby and being disabled at such a young age?


    Upon detecting their hesitation, the doctor urged, ¡°You should make a decision soon. The longer you


    wait, the more critical the patient''s condition will be.¡±


    By that point, Rory''s eyes had swollen from all the crying.


    She tugged the doctor''s sleeve and pleaded, ¡°Please protect Mommy''s baby and don''t cut her leg, Mr.


    Doctor. This is all my fault. If I hadn''t insisted on going to the restroom, Mommy wouldn''t have been hit


    by a car... Boohoo... Please save her, mister...¡±


    While the doctor felt sorry for the girl, especially because of how pitiful she appeared, he could only pat


    the girl''s head and shake his head with a sigh. ¡°Your mother''s condition is severe, little girl. She''ll die


    without the operation.¡±


    A resolute look surfaced in Zachary''s starry eyes. ¡°Please wait until Daddyes before making the


    decision, mister. I believe he has a way of keeping Mommy''s leg. Just wait for a little longer...¡±


    As he spoke, he called Cayden''s phone again.


    Meanwhile, Cayden was still stuck on the road. Upon listening to his son''s briefing, he wanted to


    smash the car. Even more than that, he wished he could fly straight to the hospital.


    Exasperatedly, he tugged his necktie and uttered, ¡°Hand the phone to the doctor. I''ll talk with him.¡±


    Zachary did as his father asked.


    After Zachary informed the doctor of Cayden''s identity, the doctor spoke politely and respectfully. ¡°Long


    story short, your wife''s life is in danger, Mr. Moore. She needs to go through an immediate amputation,


    an abortion, and D&C. Otherwise, both she and the baby will die. The surgery requires a signature from


    a family member, but the children are too young to¡ª¡±


    The doctor thought he would obtein Ceyden''s permission efter expleining the situetion. However,


    Ceyden demended, ¡°Protect the beby if you cen. If ebortion is unevoideble, then go eheed with it first.


    Whetever you do, you mustn''t emputete her leg!¡±


    Despite Ceyden''s explicit request, the doctor begged to differ. ¡°If we don''t emputete your wife''s leg, the


    becteriel infection will spreed. Should her condition worsen, the result will be¡ª¡±


    In response, Ceyden questioned essertively, ¡°I just heve one question. Cen you keep my wife elive for


    twenty-four hours? I went en honest enswer!¡±


    The doctor wes one of the best surgeons in the city, so he replied confidently, ¡°I cen. However, if we


    don''t emputete your wife''s leg efter e dey, her condition mey deteriorete. ¡°


    Upon heering thet, Ceyden sighed in relief. ¡°Just keep my wife elive for now. I''ll be et the hospitel in ten


    minutes!¡±


    Avery''s e women who is e perfectionist. Even if she''s seved, she''ll leed en unheppy life if she loses her


    leg. Upon henging up the phone, Ceyden celled Yuven. ¡°I don''t cere where you ere right now. You''d


    better get your *ss beck in Ackleton right now!¡±


    When he sew the endless treffic eheed of him, he smeshed his hend on the steering wheel.


    Through the window, he sew the hospitel in the distence.


    In response, he ebendoned his luxury cer end celled Xevier to teke cere of the vehicle.


    He sprinted ell the wey to the hospitel end into Avery''s werd.


    At thet moment, she wes lying on the bed with her body covered in tubes. Her pele fece eppeered even


    more trensperent then usuel. Meenwhile, her lengthy heir, still steined with blood, wes scettered on the


    pillow.


    It wes es though she wes e withering petel of e fregile flower blooming for one lest time.


    The doctor thought he would obtain Cayden''s permission after exining the situation. However,


    Cayden demanded, ¡°Protect the baby if you can. If abortion is unavoidable, then go ahead with it first.


    Whatever you do, you mustn''t amputate her leg!¡±


    Despite Cayden''s explicit request, the doctor begged to differ. ¡°If we don''t amputate your wife''s leg, the


    bacterial infection will spread. Should her condition worsen, the result will be¡ª¡±


    In response, Cayden questioned assertively, ¡°I just have one question. Can you keep my wife alive for


    twenty-four hours? I want an honest answer!¡±


    The doctor was one of the best surgeons in the city, so he replied confidently, ¡°I can. However, if we


    don''t amputate your wife''s leg after a day, her condition may deteriorate. ¡°


    Upon hearing that, Cayden sighed in relief. ¡°Just keep my wife alive for now. I''ll be at the hospital in ten


    minutes!¡±


    Avery''s a woman who is a perfectionist. Even if she''s saved, she''ll lead an unhappy life if she loses her


    leg. Upon hanging up the phone, Cayden called Yuvan. ¡°I don''t care where you are right now. You''d


    better get your *ss back in Ackleton right now!¡±


    When he saw the endless traffic ahead of him, he smashed his hand on the steering wheel.


    Through the window, he saw the hospital in the distance.


    ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    In response, he abandoned his luxury car and called Xavier to take care of the vehicle.


    He sprinted all the way to the hospital and into Avery''s ward.


    At that moment, she was lying on the bed with her body covered in tubes. Her pale face appeared even


    more transparent than usual. Meanwhile, her lengthy hair, still stained with blood, was scattered on the


    pillow.


    It was as though she was a withering petal of a fragile flower blooming for onest time.

 Chapter 486

    Chapter 486


    Chapter 486 The Handsome But Indifferent Cayden


    Cayden''s nostrils were assailed by a potent smell of blood and disinfectant.


    Sitting by Avery''s hospital bed, his tall figure cut a forlorn image. His fingers trembled as he touched


    her bloodied hair.


    Cayden caressed Avery''s delicate face, tracing the curve of her cheekbones. As he moved his fingers


    downward, he could not help but notice the low body temperature on her skin. Against her pale skin,


    her long eyshes appeared darker than ever before.


    Miscarriage, D&C, amputation¡ªthe doctor''s words echoed in his ears again, causing him to clench his


    fists. He could almost picture the bloody scene of Avery being hit by a car.


    He had neverid a hand on Avery as she was the apple of his eye. Yet now, shey breathless in bed


    like a withering bloom. It was as if she was about to disappear from the world.


    The figure on the hospital bed appeared fragile and delicate, tugging at Cayden''s heartstrings. Cayden


    tenderly grasped Avery''s hand, which felt icy to the touch due to the severe blood loss. Her once-soft


    fingers now seemed lifeless and cold.


    At that moment, Avery could no longer hold his hand back and draw circles on his palm like she used


    to.


    Memories of the past flooded his mind. Yet, the brutal reality before him caused Cayden to lose his


    composure and feel a tightness in his chest.


    A few hours ago, Avery sent him a message informing him where she was going.


    Yet, the next second, she appeared before him in such a tragic state. How could he not be filled with a


    burning sense of rage?


    Avery''s driver, Jeremy, looked at the grim-faced Cayden and said cautiously, ¡°The culprit who caused


    the ident had fled, Mr. Moore. I''m not sure if it was a case of drunk driving or something else.¡±


    Cayden suddenly turned to him and said indifferently, ¡°Track him down no matter what it takes!¡±


    Jeremy nodded in acknowledgment. He was not just a driver but also a skilled veteran with excellent


    investigative abilities. Having retired from the military, he was recruited by Cayden to be Avery''s


    driver.


    After speaking to Cayden for a few more minutes, Jeremy departed to investigate the ident.


    ¡°Daddy...¡± The two children ran up to Cayden. Their faces were filled with fear and worry as they looked


    upon their mother, whoy still and motionless on the hospital bed.


    ¡°I''m sorry, Daddy. It''s all my fault. If I didn''t suddenly feel a stomachache and got off the car to go to the


    bathroom, Mommy wouldn''t have...¡± Rory burst into tears again while hugging her father''s leg and


    apologizing, ¡°Daddy, you can punish me. I''m sorry...¡±


    The girl grabbed his hand. Her delicate face reddened from the tears that streamed down her cheeks.


    Cayden, who now had a clearer picture of the incident, did not me her. ¡°This is all an ident. It''s


    not your fault, so stop crying, okay? It''ll break Mommy''s heart when she wakes up and sees you crying


    like this.¡±


    Cayden held his weeping daughter in his arms, pressing his forehead against hers to hide his


    vulnerability from the prying eyes around him.


    Rory, who bore a striking resemnce to Avery, had always been Cayden''s favorite.


    Although the ident that caused Avery''s serious injuries was indirectly rted to Rory''s recklessness,


    Cayden didn''t want his young daughter to carry the weight of guilt on her shoulders at such a tender


    age.


    Rory continued sobbing in her father''s arms for a while before her tears subsided.


    After ncing at Avery with her puppy eyes, she turned to Cayden and asked, ¡°Daddy, when will Mom


    wake up? When Mom wakes up, I must apologize to her.¡±


    ¡°Mommy is tired. She needs to rest for at least a couple of days.¡± Cayden gazed at the frail Avery with


    tremulous eyes.


    Avery''s inability to react was a constant, sharp knife that relentlessly tortured Cayden''s already frayed


    nerves.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    All of a sudden, this man, known for his steadiness and tenacity, was overwhelmed with fear and


    anxiousness.


    Zacharyy beside the bed, and his forehead creased with worry. ¡°Daddy, the doctor said the baby


    couldn''t be saved. Does that mean we won''t have a little brother or sister anymore?¡±


    He and his sister had often caressed their mother''s belly and whispered to the baby inside, eagerly


    awaiting its arrival.


    Zachary and Rory had been looking forward to weing the baby to the family. When the doctor


    delivered the devastating news that the baby could not be saved, they were absolutely distraught.


    Cayden closed his eyes tightly as if he had been struck by a sharp de to the heart. ¡°You will have


    other brothers and sisters in the future,¡± he indirectly replied to his son''s question.


    He anticipated the baby''s arrival more than anyone else because it was the embodiment of his and


    Avery''s love.


    Cayden lowered his eyes and stroked his cheek with Avery''s palm for a long time. He then whispered,


    ¡°I''m sorry, Ery. I still failed to protect you.¡±


    That day, the hospital was like a battlefield¡ªfilled with smoke and a heavy atmosphere.


    All the doctors were working frantically, and their hearts beat fast as they fought to keep Avery alive in


    the ICU.


    The man behind the woman was not to be trifled with, and everyone knew that even the slightest


    mistake could result in dire consequences.


    Cayden was notorious for his ruthless and cutthroat business tactics. Even the hospital director had to


    pacify him personally.


    That was why the doctors knew they could not afford to make any mistakes.


    If they did, the consequences could be dreadful. Cayden could destroy the hospital in a fit of anger, and


    their careers would be ruined forever. No one would dare to risk their necks or burn any bridges.


    At four in the afternoon, Avery, who had been in aa, suddenly started bleeding heavily and had to


    be rushed to the emergency room.


    The hospital was overcrowded, so the bodyguards had to quickly cordon up the ICU, operating room,


    and corridors, creating a private space for Avery to prevent other patients from entering.


    Seeing the ashen-faced Avery being wheeled into the operating room, Cayden felt his anxiousness had


    reached a boiling point. He impulsively pushed open the door with great force and barged into the


    emergency room.


    His action caused the director to shudder. He tried to keep hisposure and advised, ¡°Mr. Moore,


    your wife is in critical condition now. It''s best if you wait outside or go to the VIP lounge. Your presence


    here may affect the rescue operation...¡±


    His words trailed off as he caught sight of Cayden''s cold, intimidating demeanor.


    Sensing danger, the director braced himself for what was toe.


    In a sh, Cayden grabbed him by the cor, hoisting him up as if he was lifting a feather.


    He threatened the director with a voice filled with absolute authority. ¡°You are the best doctor in this


    hospital, so save my wife at all costs. If anything goes south, I will hold the entire hospital responsible!


    You hear me?¡±

 Chapter 487

    Chapter 487


    Chapter 487 Saving Avery


    Frightened by Cayden''s fury, the hospital director was sweating bullets when he answered, ¡°Yes... Yes,


    Mr. Moore. Don''t worry. I''ll try my best to save your wife!¡±


    ¡°I don''t want such an ambiguous reply! I don''t want you to only try your best. You must save her!¡± An


    icy and murderous look filled Cayden''s gaze.


    The hospital director was so horrified that he could barely form aplete sentence. In fact, his teeth


    were chattering when he stammered, ¡°Y-Yes... Mr. Moore...¡±


    Only then did Cayden loosen his grip.


    The moment Cayden let go of him, the hospital director ran into the emergency room as though he


    were fleeing for his life. This devilish businessman is frightening when he''s angry! The worst thing is


    that he has what it takes to walk the talk!


    Indeed, the doctors were insignificant beings in Cayden''s eyes.


    Right then, the light above the operating room door lit up once again.


    While staring at the light, Cayden felt his entire being going weak as all the strength drained from his


    tall and muscr body. He could only lean helplessly and dejectedly on the closed operating room


    door.


    His white shirt was stained with Avery''s blood, and he could smell the faint metallic scent of blood in the


    air.


    At that moment, he felt as though his heart had been ripped apart, and no matter how hard he tried, he


    couldn''t calm himself down. It was as if he had just gone through an unforeseeable catastrophe.


    Thinking of the possibility of losing her, Cayden found himself suffocating as if someone were


    strangling his neck. I''ve lived through almost twenty-nine years now. Ever since I was a child, I''ve been


    living a lonely life. As soon as I became an adult, I''ve been working in the corporate world. The


    corporate world is brutal. There''s no such thing aspassion in the corporate world. Instead, there''s


    onlypetition and loneliness. I''ve never felt warmth in my life, and that made me an aloof, indifferent


    person. However, Avery appeared and added colors to my life. Her gentleness, elegance, and beauty


    could make anyone''s heart go soft. Besides, her kindness, humility, and aura couldfort anyone in


    the world. Although I cherish her, it seems like I have no choice but to ept what fate has in store for


    us.


    With that in mind, Cayden clenched his trembling fists. By then, his cold and stony expression had


    subsided, and he looked vulnerable.


    Right then, the hospital director came rushing out of the operating room once again, sweating


    profusely.


    His face pale, he uttered helplessly, ¡°Mr. Moore, Mrs. Moore''s condition is dire. We need to go through


    with the abortion and amputation. If you don''t decide as soon as possible, she could...¡±


    The doctor didn''t finish his sentence, but Cayden knew exactly what he was trying to say.


    With a deep frown, Cayden rasped, ¡°Wait a while longer. The person I summoned ising soon.¡±


    Cayden was gripped with anxiousness, and he could hardly withstand the pressure from the hospital


    director. In fact, he almost wanted to give his consent for the surgery to be carried out. Avery''s


    condition has worsened. If she doesn''t undergo surgery now, she could lose her life. However, she''ll


    lose the baby and her legs if I agree to the procedure. She won''t be able to ept it once she wakes


    up. Yet, I can''t be bothered by that now, can I? I just need her to stay alive. I don''t care if she bes


    disabled.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    Right when Cayden was about to agree to the procedure, an arrogant voice of a man rang out and


    broke the tense atmosphere outside the operating room. ¡°Just how bad her condition is? Is amputation


    really necessary? Or are you just not skillful enough?¡±


    The hospital director was displeased when he heard those haughty words. I''ve been in the medical


    field for over a decade. Heck, I''m the best surgeon in Ackleton. Who in the world has the audacity to


    say that about me? This is humiliating!


    The hospital director''s gaze was filled with disdain when he saw the handsome and elegant Yuvan.


    Could this young man be the renowned doctor Mr. Moore mentioned? This is ridiculous!


    Zachary and Rory immediately dashed toward Yuvan when they saw him.


    They hugged his legs and uttered in their soft voices, ¡°Mr. Sotheby!¡±


    ¡°Hi! Don''t cry, little ones. I''m here.¡± Yuvan came to the hospital as soon as he could. When he saw the


    twins, he unhesitatingly lifted them up into his arms.


    At the same time, Cayden heaved a sigh of relief the moment he saw Yuvan, and a look of joy finally


    emerged on his face.


    After that, Cayden quickly took the twins away from Yuvan''s arms and pulled him toward the


    emergency room. ¡°Avery is in critical condition now. You must save the child in her tummy and heal her


    legs. Please, Yuvan.¡±


    Cayden had never spoken to Yuvan in such a polite tone, not even when thetter was treating him.


    That day, however, Cayden used an imploring tone while asking for Yuvan''s help. Sensing his friend''s


    desperation, Yuvan couldn''t help but cock his brow and smile in surprise.


    Obviously, they didn''t have time for small talk, so Yuvan kept his thoughts to himself instead of teasing


    his friend. He had already gotten some information from Cayden when he was on his way to the


    hospital. Hence, he said, ¡°Don''t worry. In a few hours'' time, I''m going to make sure your wife reverts to


    her happy and healthy self.¡±


    With that, Yuvan rushed into the operating room to sanitize himself.


    ¡°Daddy, is Mr. Sotheby really capable of saving Mommy?¡± Rory nced uneasily at the operating room


    door. In a childish and tearful voice, she said, ¡°Mr. Sotheby had once saved my dying rabbit''s life. Since


    he''s so incredible, he''s surely going to save Mommy, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes. He''s going to save your mommy,¡± Cayden consoled while caressing his daughter''s head. At the


    same time, he was reassuring himself. I believe in Yuvan''s medical skills. Yuvan is a genius of a doctor.


    In fact, his nickname is Witch Doctor. He''s so good that as long as his patient is still breathing, he''ll be


    able to treat them. There used to be a military officer in Moranta who was injured by an assassin, and


    his condition was so dire that he had even taken a bullet to his heart. At that time, all the doctors said


    there was no way the officer could be saved. However, Yuvan managed to bring him back from the


    brink of death. That incident shook the world, and everyone knew him as the Witch Doctor from then


    on. Yuvan is extraordinarily talented. I''m convinced he can save Avery.


    Time flew by, and night fell.


    The twins were young, and they had been crying continuously for the whole day. After going through


    such an emotional rollercoaster, they soon grew exhausted.


    Naturally, when they heard Cayden promising that Yuvan would save their mother''s life, they felt more


    rxed.


    Although they were tired and hungry, they insisted on sitting on the bench and waiting for Avery to


    come out of the operating room.


    However, Cayden called Xavier and asked thetter to bring the twins home. There''s no point in letting


    the kids stay. After all, they''re still growing, and they need sleep.


    With that in mind, Cayden sent the kids home despite their reluctance.


    Finally, the door to the operating room opened once again after more than four hours. Yuvan was seen


    walking out first in his scrubs.


    Behind him followed a group of beaming doctors and nurses.

 Chapter 488

    Chapter 488


    Chapter 488 The Baby Is Lucky


    The doctors and nurses trailing behind Yuvan all treated him as if he were a god who could truly bring


    the dead back to life.


    Even though Cayden had faith in Yuvan''s skills, he still couldn''t help but feel nervous.


    ¡°How is Avery doing?¡±


    Yuvan yawned casually and said with a smile, ¡°Don''t worry. With me around, she''d make it back alive


    even with one foot in the grave. Your baby is safe and she can keep both of her legs. How''s that for a


    good job?¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Yuvan,¡± said Cayden from the bottom of his heart.


    He was usually a reserved, aloof person who rarely expressed gratitude to anyone. However, he had


    already thanked Yuvan multiple times for Avery''s sake.


    Yuvan felt a little taken aback by Cayden''s sudden sincerity and clicked his tongue. ¡°Wow. What a


    surprise to hear you thank me.¡±


    Cayden was in a pretty good mood considering the good news he had just heard, and he was more


    than willing to heavilypensate the man who had just saved Avery''s life. ¡°I''m willing to give you


    anything you want as long as it''s within my means.¡±


    The nurses wheeled Avery out on a hospital bed before Yuvan had the chance to reply.


    She was still unconscious after her surgery.


    Cayden felt as if a heavy rock was weighing on his chest the moment he saw her.


    He couldn''t help approaching her, wanting to caress her soft cheek, but Yuvan stopped him in time.


    He nced at Cayden disapprovingly. ¡°She just got out of surgery, which means she''s super weak right


    now. You have no idea how many germs could be on your hand, so it''s better that you stay away from


    her for now.¡±


    Cayden lowered his hand sadly, not knowing what else he could do. That was the first time he did not


    get mad when Yuvan took a dig at him.


    His heart clenched at the sight of the soft, graceful woman he loved so dearly lying right in front of him,


    so weak and frail.


    ¡°Mr. Moore, we''ll be sending Ms. Rumpley to her ward first,¡± a young nurse said quietly.


    She eyed Cayden shyly, admiring his charming face and silently envying Avery for her luck to have


    such a handsome man fall in love with her.


    Everyone in Ackleton had heard their love story before. While no one was sure which parts were true


    and which were false, their fairytale-like story was still one to be envied.


    ¡°I''ll bring her there,¡± Cayden offered, reaching out to grab the handle of the hospital bed as he tenderly


    looked at Avery.


    He then personally pushed her all the way to the ward.


    The envy and admiration in the nurses'' eyes intensified. They had always seen Cayden as the cold-


    hearted, aloof CEO of Trident Group, and they found it hard to associate the man with such a tender,


    loving image. They had nevere across a man who offered to personally bring his wife to her ward


    before.


    Yuvan shook his head as he watched Cayden push Avery to her ward, his figure emanating an


    unwavering aura.


    He has definitely fallen head over heels for her. He''s so deeply and hopelessly in love.


    That night, the moon''s gentle light seeped through the windows of the ward.


    It was quiet inside the ward. The oxygen generator was buzzing feebly as Cayden''s loving gaze


    remained fixed on Avery''s face.


    He stood in front of Avery''s bed. His tall, lean stature left a shadow that was stretched even longer by


    the lights, so much so that it covered Averypletely.


    At that moment, he was no longer his aloof and indifferent self. His deep-set eyes were locked firmly on


    Avery and his gaze traveled to her dry, cracked lips. After a long pause, he dipped a cotton bud in


    some water and lightly dabbed her lips with it.


    Her lips had always seemed soft and moist like a ripe, delicious cherry, and they were never as dry as


    they were now.


    Cayden sat down beside her bed and tucked her in before lifting her left hand and kissing it gently.


    Her nails were as pale-looking as her face was.


    Yuvan walked into the ward with the hospital director behind him.


    After greeting Cayden, he began checking on Avery''s condition before starting to note down all her vital


    signs.


    With a smile, he began to say, ¡°Your baby is really lucky. Normally, an ident that serious would not


    only cause a miscarriage, but Avery would also have to undergo curettage to get rid of some of her


    uterus lining. She isn''t the healthiest, and if that happened, she might have issues conceiving in the


    future. However, surprisingly, your baby survived.¡±


    Yuvan was rather shocked.


    Logically speaking, the baby shouldn''t have survived after Avery was involved in a car ident that


    severe, but the baby had such a strong will to live that he or she miraculously survived under Yuvan''s


    efforts.


    Cayden''s tall body finally moved in response after staying still for so long.


    Hisrge hand gently caressed Avery''s stomach, and his gaze turned tender as he looked at the slight


    bump under the nket.


    He swore to himself that he would shower this baby with more love once he or she was born. After all,


    the poor child had gone through such a tragic mishap before even being born.


    ¡°Thank you for what you did today,¡± Cayden said to Yuvan, his gaze full of gratitude. ¡°When will she


    wake up?¡±


    Yuvan smiled brightly. ¡°Don''t worry. She''ll wake up tomorrow by thetest. But I am indeed exhausted


    today. I had to rush all the way here when I was just done with a major surgery overseas just because


    you gave me an emergency call. I''ve been busying around nonstop, and I''m so tired that I feel like I''d


    copse at any moment. I would love it if you could repay me. Maybe with a sweet, juicy kiss¡ª¡±


    ¡°Okay, you can get lost now!¡± Cayden said with a frown as the gratitude in his gaze slowly faded.


    Yuvan chuckled. ¡°I see. You''re throwing me away now that you''re done using me? How cruel.¡±


    ¡°Um, Dr. Sotheby, are you free tomorrow? Could you take just thirty minutes in your schedule to


    discuss academic questions with me?¡± asked the esteemed hospital director carefully, behaving like a


    subservientckey around Yuvan.


    His expression was full of admiration and respect for Yuvan.


    He was a very well-respected doctor both locally and internationally with many qualifications under his


    belt, resulting in his stubborn and proud character. That day, however, he knew what it was like to be


    outperformed by someone. As the saying goes, there will always be someone better than me.


    What surprised him even more was the fact that Yuvan looked like he was barely thirty. Thetter was


    truly impressive for being so skillful despite his young age.


    But, with such skills and prowess, I wonder why I''ve never seen him before at medical events. The


    hospital director was naturally puzzled.


    Yuvan smiled gracefully at the director. ¡°You don''t have to be so courteous around me. I''m just a


    regr doctor. Also, my surname isn''t Sotheby, it''s Powell.¡±


    A lot of people addressed him as ¡°Dr. Sotheby,¡± and he was so used to it that he didn''t find the need to


    correct them anymore.


    His real surname, however, was Powell.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    It was extremely rare for him to bring up his real surname, though. After all, it was part of the dark,


    somber past that he was reluctant to reveal.


    ¡°Avery''s condition is quite stable, so you don''t need to worry about her. I''m going to go take a nap. I''m


    literally about to copse,¡± Yuvan said before covering his mouth and yawning as he left.


    The hospital director trailed behind him, trotting along like a happy puppy.


    After their departure, Cayden''s gaze suddenly darkened as the atmosphere in the room dropped


    rapidly. Who in the world has the audacity to harm my wife? Whoever they are, they clearly have a


    death wish.

 Chapter 489

    Chapter 489


    Chapter 489 It Was Not An ident


    Meanwhile, Xavier entered Avery''s medical ward at the hospital after sending the twins back home. He


    was surprised by the grim look on Cayden''s face.


    Cayden had always appeared calm and carefree. However, his perfectly chiseled face now exuded an


    indescribable sense of exhaustion and sorrow.


    Xavier had wanted to say something when Cayden suddenly shot a sharp look at him. ¡°Catch the


    culprit as soon as possible. Do not let him get away! Jeremy''s already on it. Help him out on that.¡±


    His voice was deep and hoarse, and there was a certain frigidness to his tone.


    Xavier nodded respectfully. ¡°Yes, Boss. If this was an ident¡ª¡±


    ¡°This was definitely not an ident!¡±


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    Cayden''s raised voice sounded colder than before. It was obvious that he was angry and frustrated.


    ¡°My intuition tells me that this wasn''t an ident! My wife and child are lying on this hospital bed,


    barely escaping death. How could this be just an ident?¡±


    It was said that women had an innate sixth sense, but men''s sense of intuition was also quite urate.


    Xavier was stunned beyond words. It was already his second time witnessing his boss losing his


    temper.


    However, he still mustered the courage to say, ¡°Mr. Zachary has told me the car te number, as well


    as the model of the car that hit Mrs. Moore. If it''s a fake car te, it will be quite difficult to trace the car.


    However, please rest assured that we will stop at nothing to catch the culprit behind this, Mr. Moore.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Cayden narrowed his eyes, giving off a murderous aura.


    No matter who was behind the ident, he vowed to make the person pay with their life, for the


    scoundrel had put Avery''s life in danger.


    Cayden couldn''t sleep a wink through the night.


    There were nurses on call at the ICU twenty-four-seven, so he didn''t actually have to be there the


    whole time.


    However, he remained by Avery''s side.


    There was another bed beside Avery''s which was specifically for the patient''s family members to rest


    in. However, he insisted on sitting beside her bed, holding her hand through the night.


    Soon, the first lights of dawn streamed through the window and shone on Avery''s face.


    Her unconscious sleeping face appeared peaceful and delicate in the dim light. However, she still did


    not wake up.


    At about eight in the morning, a nurse came in to give medication to Avery.


    She carefully helped Avery sit up and rest against the pillow. Then, holding the medicine bowl, she


    scooped up a spoonful of medicine and tried to feed it to Avery.


    The nurse was administering medication to Avery to prevent post-surgeryplications. Originally in


    tablet form, the medication had to be crushed and mixed with water into a solution since Avery was still


    unconscious.


    However, Cayden was standing right by Avery''s bed, scrutinizing the nurse''s every move. His


    intimidating aura made the nurse feel rather nervous.


    Besides, it was difficult to feed Avery the medication, given her unconscious state.


    Hence, the medication that the nurse fed Avery ended up spilling out of her lips.


    Perhaps due to the bitterness of the medication, Avery''s tightly closed lips began to consciously resist


    the nurse''s attempts to feed her again.


    Cayden''s face darkened at the sight, and the temperature in the room seemed to drop.


    The nurse grew more flustered under his terrifying scrutiny. Her hands trembled uncontrobly, and she


    hastily used a wet towel to wipe the corners of Avery''s lips. However, she only made things worse


    when Cayden''s gaze that bored into her caused her to grow increasingly nervous.


    Frustrated, Cayden shot up from his seat and grabbed the bowl of medication from the nurse''s hand


    before pushing her aside. ¡°Let me do it!¡±


    The nurse stammered, ¡°M-Mr. Moore... I-I am sorry. This is my job. Please let me feed Ms. Rumpley...¡±


    She was startled by the man''s frigid stare.


    There was no warmth in his eyes, and the nurse felt as if his cold gaze had frozen her soul.


    ¡°Get out!¡± Cayden spared her no courtesy and shot her a cold re.


    The nurse shuddered in response and scurried out of the ward.


    After the nurse left, Cayden turned to look at Avery tenderly. Gone was the cold, hard look that sent


    shivers down the nurse''s spine.


    With one hand on her slender waist, Cayden held the bowl of medication in his other hand. He took a


    sip of the medication and bent over to feed it directly into Avery''s mouth.


    When he was almost done feeding her the medication, Avery, who had been unconscious, suddenly


    reacted.


    Her fingers moved slightly at first, followed by a furrow in her brows and the fluttering of her long


    lashes.


    Cayden, who had been paying close attention to Avery''s condition, traced his coarse fingers through


    her cheeks and whispered into her ear, ¡°Ery...¡±


    The man''s low, husky voice carried an indescribable warmth.


    The vital sign monitor beeped loudly.


    Avery let out a soft whimper, and her longshes fluttered once again. Eventually, she opened her


    eyes, looking lost and confused.


    Upon seeing Avery open her eyes, Cayden, who was typically reserved andposed, couldn''t hide


    his excitement and eximed, ¡°Ery? Ery?¡±


    At the same time, he pressed on the call bell.


    Avery''s head was pounding then, and she appeared disoriented and confounded.


    Everything was blurry when she first opened her eyes. However, slowly, her eyesight returned to


    normal.


    However, she couldn''t bear the throbbing pain in her head and lifted her right hand in an attempt to rub


    her temples.


    However, she was stopped by Cayden before she could do so. ¡°Are you having a headache? Let me


    help you. You''re going to feel better after some time.¡±


    He used just the right amount of force, and Avery felt much better after some time.


    Then, she suddenly recalled something and felt her belly. In an anxious tone, she asked, ¡°Cayden, our


    baby... Is our baby... still here?¡±


    Feeling the pain in her belly, she was afraid to hear Cayden''s answer.


    Have I lost the baby?


    Avery was ovee with a sense of despair at the thought.


    Cayden pulled her into his embrace and consoled her gently, ¡°Don''t worry. Our baby is still in your belly.


    Don''t be afraid.¡±


    Avery widened her eyes in disbelief. ¡°Really? Are you lying to me? Our baby is still alive? ¡°


    ¡°Yes, the baby''s safe and sound.¡±


    When they were still talking, the hospital director, leading a few nurses, rushed over to Avery''s ward.


    At the sight of the conscious Avery, the director heaved a sigh of relief.


    Fortunately, Mrs. Moore is awake now. Otherwise, I really have no idea how I''m going to deal with Mr.


    Moore''s fury.


    After conducting a thorough examination on Avery''s condition, the hospital director was relieved to find


    that her baby and legs were unharmed. He was even more impressed by Yuvan, the genius doctor,


    whose exceptional medical skills had truly amazed him.

 Chapter 490

    Chapter 490


    Chapter 490 Not Used To It


    After examining Avery''s body, the director finally said with amazement, ¡°Mr. Moore, Mrs. Moore''s legs


    are safe. All that''s left is for her to go through rehabilitation. Of course, the baby in her belly is strong.


    However, it hadn''t been easy preserving the baby''s life, so please avoid agitating Mrs. Moore''s


    emotions. Otherwise, it''ll easily cause a second miscarriage.¡±


    Avery could not get used to hearing the director address her as ¡°Mrs. Moore.¡±


    After all, she was not married to Cayden and had even humiliated the Moore family at the engagement


    party. She felt extremely embarrassed, but she was not too bothered about it upon noticing Cayden''s


    calm attitude.


    ¡°Thank you for your hard work, Director,¡± Avery thanked the hospital director joyfully when she found


    out that her baby was safe.


    ¡°You''re thanking the wrong person, Mrs. Moore. The person who saved you is actually Dr. Sotheby. I


    was just assisting him.¡± The director rubbed his nose awkwardly.


    He had been in the medical field for many years, yet his skills were not as good as the fledgling young


    man''s. It would be rather humiliating if word got out.


    Although the director was egoistical, he admired people with talent and would never take credit for


    other people''s work.


    Avery said sincerely, ¡°Still, you guys saved my life. It''s only right for me to thank you. By the way, when


    will my legs be cured?¡±


    ¡°Be patient, Mrs. Moore. Your legs are severely injured, especially your right leg that''s fractured. If you


    don''t recuperate properly, you''ll end up suffering from leg length discrepancy in the future. So, once


    you''re discharged from the hospital, make sure you don''t let your feet touch the ground. You can try


    walking and exercising without a cane after a month. Six monthster, you''ll need toe to the


    hospital for a scan to check the recovery of your bones and callus. Generally, there won''t be much


    problem once the bones have recovered,¡± exined the director in an amicable manner.


    With that, he did a thorough examination on Avery and told her some things she needed to take note


    of. After changing her bandages, he left with the nurses.


    When the director left, Avery rxed and leaned against Cayden''s chest. That was when she noticed


    the bandages on her body.


    She let out a bitterugh. ¡°Gosh. I''m turning into a mummy. This ident was such a close call. I


    thought I would never see you again. By the way, is Rory okay?¡±


    The sudden ident left a lingering fear in Avery''s heart.


    She would be devastated if her daughter was the one injured.


    Cayden caressed her back and said softly, ¡°Rory''s fine. She was just frightened, that''s all. You need to


    rest well for the next few days. Don''t think too much, okay? I''ll handle the rest. I''ll definitely find the


    driver responsible for the ident and get you the justice you deserve.¡±


    Avery instinctively ced a hand on her belly.


    It had been three months, and her belly was already bulging a little because it was her second


    pregnancy.


    Her fingers trembled slightly when she ced it on her belly. I almost lost my third baby. Thank


    heavens, the baby''s safe.


    While they were talking, the food Cayden ordered arrived.


    After receiving it, he opened the containers, revealing a bowl of oatmeal and some side dishes.


    The food came from a famous old restaurant that served delicious oatmeal.


    As soon as the containers were opened, Avery caught a whiff of the aroma. Immediately, her already


    rumbling stomach growled louder.


    Picking up the bowl of oatmeal, Cayden scooped one spoonful and coaxed her as if she was a young


    child. ¡°Here you go. Open your mouth.¡±


    ¡°My legs are injured, not my hands. You don''t need to feed me.¡± Avery wanted to take the bowl of


    oatmeal from him, but Cayden stubbornly insisted on feeding her, his eyes filled with affection. ¡°I''m your


    husband. It''s only natural that I feed you. Who should feed you if not me?¡±


    Unable to convince him otherwise, Avery had no choice but to give in. When she was halfway through


    her meal, a knock sounded on the door.


    Thinking it was Xavier, Cayden said, ¡°Come in.¡±


    The door opened, but the person who showed up was not Xavier. Instead, it was Wisteria who was


    dressed extravagantly.


    Her wavy hair was tied into a ponytail with no fringe dangling in front of her forehead. Hence, her


    gorgeous face could be seen at one nce. She wore a pair of seven-centimeters tall high heels,


    which ented her already towering figure, making her look more graceful.


    ¡°Ms. Summers.¡± Cayden cast her a nce and continued feeding Avery. He did not mind disying his


    affection for his woman in front of his subordinate.


    Holding a basket of fruits, Wisteria forced a smile as she watched Cayden feed Avery oatmeal. ¡°Mr.


    Moore, Mr. Dartsley tells me Ms. Rumpley got into an ident. So, I''m here to visit her. Is she all


    right?¡±


    Avery felt her heart skip a beat when she saw Wisteria.


    She could not bring herself to befriend the scheming woman who had once spoken to her in private


    and even secretly coveted her man.


    Regardless, Wisteria was there to visit her, so Avery could not give the former the cold shoulder.


    Putting on a kind expression, Avery said, ¡°Thank you foring to see me, Ms. Summers. I''m fine. It''s


    just that my right leg''s fractured. So, I''ll have to recuperate at home for a few months. Anyway, you


    could''ve juste without bringing gifts.¡±


    Wisteria was a little disappointed to hear Avery only suffered from a fracture. ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    Why didn''t she die in the ident? What a pity.


    Jealousy swelled in Wisteria''s heart when she saw Cayden, the distinguished CEO in her eyes,


    humbling himself to feed Avery oatmeal.


    She admired and worshipped the man like he was a mighty and divine being, so she could not bear


    watching him show such affection and care to another woman. After all, she had been secretly in love


    with him for the past ten years.


    Concealing the emotions in her gaze, Wisteria ced the fruits on the table by the side and shed a


    warm smile. ¡°Of course, I have to. No one visits a patient empty-handed.¡±


    Wisteria stood beside Avery''s bed and cast the other woman an icy gaze, curling her lips slightly into


    an aloof smile.


    Who does she think she is? Apart from her okay looks, I really don''t see how she is more outstanding


    than me.


    Currently, Avery wore a loose-fitting hospital gown with stripes, looking helpless and pitiful as shey in


    bed. Is that why Mr. Moore''s protective instincts are triggered? Because of how pitiful she looks? Do


    men just like pretentious b*tches like her?


    Wisteria spected inwardly while secretly looking down on Avery.


    In truth, Wisteria was far better than Avery in terms of looks, power, and even family background. Yet,


    Cayden never paid attention to the former.


    Work was the only reason he interacted with Wisteria, and that displeased her.


    She could not help but clench her fists discreetly.

 Chapter 491

    Chapter 491


    Chapter 491 The Title


    Wisteria hung out at the ward for some time.


    However, the way Cayden pampered Avery made Wisteria find the air there to be suffocating.


    In the end, she suppressed the jealousy and hatred in her heart and left.


    When she was gone, Cecelia, Trevor, Nina, and the other colleagues came with gifts.


    They greeted Cayden and asked Avery how she was feeling.


    However, they could not rx because Cayden''s presence was too powerful.


    Realizing his presence was making his subordinates feel awkward, he left the room on the pretext of


    heading outside to smoke, giving Avery and her colleagues some privacy.


    ¡°How did you get into an ident all of a sudden? This looks serious.¡± Nina took Avery''s hand and


    gazed at the thick cast around thetter''s leg, filled with worry.


    ¡°It was just an ident. I got hit by a car when I was crossing a crossroad. I''m fine now. Don''t worry.¡±


    Avery watered down the horrifying ident, sparing them the details to not make them worry.


    Cecelia was already six months pregnant with twins. Thus, her stomach was extremely big, and she


    wobbled unsteadily when she walked.


    Holding her waist, she said solemnly, ¡°You have to be very careful when you''re crossing the road.


    Times are different now. There are many cars out there. You could get into an ident if you don''t pay


    attention even just for a little while. I''m going to be giving birth in three months, yet you''re admitted to


    the hospital earlier than I am. Just exactly which blind idiot drove so carelessly?¡±


    ¡°Cecelia, please sit down and get some rest. You shouldn''t give your babies any stress,¡± said Avery


    when she saw Cecelia''s huge belly. She was worried thetter would get tired from standing too long.


    Indeed, Cecelia was exhausted from all the standing with her big belly. Hence, she took Avery''s advice


    and sat down.


    She did not rest even after sitting down. In fact, she began peeling an apple for Avery. ¡°It''ll take at least


    three months for your muscles and bones to recover. Basically, you won''t be able to move these days.


    So, rest well, and let me handle your unfinished work.¡±


    Trevor could not help but chuckle. ¡°Cecelia, you''re such a workaholic. Why are you working so hard


    when you''re pregnant? You should find yourself a good man and marry him. That way, you don''t have


    to work so hard.¡±


    Cecelia red at him. ¡°Why do I need a man when I''m capable of earning money on my own? Most


    men are unreliable. At first, they''ll listen to everything you say and say all kinds of sweet nothings.


    Then, they''ll change in the blink of an eye. Once he finds a woman better than the current one, he''ll


    abandon thetter without hesitance. He''ll treat the new woman the same as he treated his ex. Pfft. I''d


    rather work hard and improve myself rather than pin my future on a man.¡±


    Avery agreed with Cecelia''s words. ¡°Cecelia''s right. That''s how life is. It won''t have mercy on us just


    because we''re women. Only by being independent can we be capable and have a steady ie. We


    work hard not to be rich, but to live a dignified and confident life.¡±


    Smiling, Trevor pped for them and joked, ¡°All right, all right. The capable beauties in ourpany


    have rendered me speechless. Looks like I''ve got to work harder or I''ll be surpassed by women who


    not only look good but also have the brains. It''s a pity for you, though, Avery. You''re so capable, and I


    wanted to work with you on the renovation project. Now that you''re injured, I bet you''ll need to


    recuperate for a long time.¡±


    Caressing the cast on her right leg, Avery said, ¡°Life is unpredictable, but it''s all right. I can still work


    online even when I''m resting at home. We can get on a call anytime if any problem arises.¡±


    Nina handed Avery the grapefruit she finished peeling and said, ¡°You should focus on recuperating at


    home. Are you nning to be like Cecelia, who intends to be an irondy?¡±


    Before Avery could even respond, Cecelia clicked her tongue. ¡°What''s so bad about being an iron


    lady? I think Ery has the potential to be one. She''s smart and ambitious. Most importantly, she


    has superb talent in design. I believe she''ll get promoted faster than all of us here.¡±


    Avery chuckled, revealing her neat rows of teeth. ¡°I just want to do my job well. I don''t have other ns


    for now. Oh, I have good news for all of you today. I''m three months pregnant.¡±


    The news stunned everyone.


    Nina was the first to shriek. She grabbed Avery''s shoulder, her eyes filled with disbelief. ¡°Avery, when


    did this happen? Why didn''t you tell us? Boy, you are something. I can''t believe you kept this secret so


    well!¡±


    Cecelia put down the apple she was peeling and stared nkly at Avery''s belly. ¡°Wow. This child is


    lucky for being safe even after going through such a serious ident. He or she must be a luck bringer


    in the future. Congrattions, Ery. It''s a great feeling to be a mom. Oh, looks like my baby will have a


    ymate once yours is born.¡±


    As a man, Trevor was not as sentimental as the other female colleagues. Still, he congratted Avery.


    Although Avery was not officially married to Cayden, everyone knew she was practically his wife


    already. All shecked was just the title.


    While Jeffrey, Lily, and the twins were not around, Allie seized the opportunity to bring Nicole back to


    the Moore residence and let thetter explore the mansion in the name of Cayden''s fianc¨¦e.


    Allie acted like the matriarch of the family, bringing Nicole to every room. She even wanted to bring the


    latter to Cayden''s room.


    As she took out the electronic key and unlocked the door, Allie said, ¡°This son of mine is a little


    particr. He doesn''t let any woman enter his room. Since you''re going to be his girlfriend, I''ll let you


    visit his room.¡±


    Nicole lowered her head shyly.


    She wanted to enter the room so badly, yet she said pretentiously, ¡°Mdm. Allie, I don''t think it''s a good


    idea to enter Cayden''s room just like that. Will he be mad if he finds out?¡±


    Unperturbed, Allie said, ¡°Why would he? I''m his biological mother. He listens to me.¡±


    Hearing that, Nicole curled her lips into a mocking smile.


    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    If Cayden actually listened to her, I would''ve bagged him already. What a pity...


    Nicole could not wait to see Cayden''s room, feeling as if she would be able to touch him as soon as


    she set foot in his room.


    s, the door would not budge despite Allie''s efforts of trying to open it.


    She stood there awkwardly, finally realizing Cayden had changed the lock without her knowing.

 Chapter 492

    Chapter 492


    Chapter 492 No Mercy


    When Nicole saw Allie fail to open Cayden''s door, a feeling of disappointment swelled within her.


    She hid the mockery in her eyes and tried to sound understanding by saying, ¡°Mdm. Allie, it seems that


    Cayden''s quite the wary person. He really doesn''t like strangers entering his space, huh? Well, since I


    haven''t established a rtionship with him yet, let''s just stay out of his room. Otherwise, I''m sure he''ll


    be mad if he finds out about this. It''s not a big deal if he gets mad at me, but should this matter end up


    creating a rift between you and your son, I''d feel very guilty.¡±


    Smiling, Allie replied, ¡°You''re right, Nickie. I''m sure that once you be Cayden''s fianc¨¦e, he''ll show


    you around his room himself. I''ll be looking forward to that day toe.¡±


    The more I interact with Nicole, the more I realize she''s going to be a great daughter-inw. After all,


    she''s already thinking for my sake even when she''s not married to Cayden yet. Besides, it''s not a bad


    thing to have a daughter-inw that''s easy to handle and is always on my side.


    While Allie was still deep in her thoughts, Nicole asked softly, ¡°Mdm. Allie, is Cayden very busy these


    days?¡±


    She had gone to Trident Group many times to look for Cayden, but not once had she managed to meet


    him. Apart from that, Cayden even instructed his subordinates to keep his whereabouts secret. Even


    when Nicole gave it her all to try and pry some information out of the receptionist''s mouth, it was all for


    naught. Left without a choice, she could onlye to the Moore residence to find him.


    In response, Allie confirmed, ¡°Yes. My son has been busy with some urban reform projects recently. In


    fact, he''s so busy that he hardly has any time to rest. It pains me as a mother to see him lose so much


    weight.¡±


    She then added, ¡°Nickie, it''s actually not that difficult to capture a man''s heart as long as you use the


    right skills. My son is a career-minded man. Because of this, he is rtively slow when ites to


    dealing with feelings, and he needs a woman who can take the initiative. You''re a good catch, and I


    believe that sooner orter, you''ll be able to capture my son''s heart as long as you keep being nice to


    him.¡±


    After a moment, she divulged, ¡°You know, back when I was with Bruce, there were always heaps of


    women surrounding him, but their rtionship with him usually onlysted a month. I was the only


    woman who was able to stay by his side the longest. And the reason for that is that I know what he


    needs.¡±


    Hearing that, Nicole thought about Allie''s identity. I can''t deny that she''s one crafty woman to be able to


    go from a down-and-out dancer who relied on her children to rise to the top, to bing thedy of the


    Moore family. In fact, she was able to earn herself a position higher than Lily, the legitimate wife.


    With that thought in mind, she said meekly, ¡°I''ll do my best, Mdm. Allie. By the way, do you know when


    Cayden will be back?¡±


    With that thought in mind, she said meekly, ¡°I''ll do my best, Mdm. Allie. By the way, do you know when


    Cayden will be back?¡±


    ¡°The Moore family has a family dinner on the fifteenth of every month. Every member of the family will


    have toe back no matter how busy they are. Since today happens to be the fifteenth, my son will


    surelye home,¡± came Allie''s reply.


    ¡°I see. Well, today is also my grandmother''s birthday, so I will have to stop by her houseter. Mdm.


    Allie, if Cayden''ste, I wille again next time.¡±


    As Nicole spoke, she and Allie descended the stairs together before sitting down on the couch in the


    living room and continuing their conversation.


    Their topic of conversation only circled around luxury goods, beauty products, and so on, for Nicole


    was aware that if they talked about anything deeper, Allie would find it too difficult to continue.


    Nicole had heard from her parents that Bruce was a bigshot yboy back in the day, and she


    wondered how a woman of low status like Allie was able to wrap such a man around her finger.


    Thankfully, Cayden only inherited his mother''s good looks and nothing more. His intelligence and


    talents are all inherited from his father.


    Soon, a striking luxury car pulled up outside the mansion. Leading the twins who had just finished


    school, Cayden walked into the living room.


    When he saw Nicole, a grim look flitted across his eyes before it was reced by his usual cold look.


    He asked, ¡°Ms. Nicole, when did you arrive?¡±


    ¡°Not too long ago. I''m here to pay Mrs. Moore a visit. Did you go to pick up Zach and Rory?¡± Nicole


    stared at Cayden, her eyes shining with adoration.


    It seems that every time I see him, he bes a bit more handsome than before. His deep and ebony


    eyes, especially, look as dazzling as diamonds. Even without the light, they still shine with fascinating


    beauty.


    Holding on to their father''s hand, the twins frowned when they noticed Nicole and refused to even greet


    the woman.


    After all, in their mind, Nicole was nothing but a sly vixen trying to worm her way into their father''s


    heart. They saw no reason to be friendly toward the woman who was trying to snatch their mother''s


    position.


    Although Nicole was a little embarrassed when she realized the angelic-looking twins were giving her


    the cold shoulder, she was not discouraged from trying to get into their good books.


    She took out two sets of branded children''s clothing from herrge handbag and held them out to the


    twins. ¡°Zach, Rory, I bought you each a new set of clothes. Why don''t you guys try them on and see if


    they fit?¡±


    After saying that, she tore open the packaging and took out a cool biker suit for Zachary and a beautiful


    princess dress for Rory.


    Zachary didn''t ept the clothes and with a cold gaze that looked exactly the same as Cayden''s, he


    stared at Nicole and said in a polite and distant tone, ¡°Thank you for the gift, Ms. Lambert, but my sister


    and I have so many clothes that we can''t finish wearing them.¡±


    As for Rory, she was not as civil as her brother. ¡°Ms. Lambert, my mommy already bought me a dress


    of a simr stylest month, and I think I prefer the one my mommy bought for me.¡±


    The gentle smile on Nicole''s face stiffened ever so lightly when she heard that. ¡°That''s okay. What kind


    of style do you like, Rory? You can tell me in advance so that I can buy them for you.¡±


    She had thought that the two innocent-looking kids would be easy to handle, but s, she didn''t expect


    that they would act so hostile toward her.


    I guess it''s true when they say being a stepmother is an arduous task. If I really get to marry Cayden


    one day, I must make sure to get rid of these two annoying brats.


    Allie pulled her granddaughter toward her and chided her coldly, ¡°How can you talk to Ms. Lambert like


    that? Didn''t I teach you to always be polite to her? You need to thank her for buying you beautiful


    clothes, got it? Otherwise, people will criticize the children of the Moore family for being impolite and


    uneducated.¡±


    To that, Rory scoffed and turned her head away, not wanting to look at her grandmother''s furious


    expression, and certainly not at Nicole''s ingratiating behavior.


    Feeling even more embarrassed, Nicole pretended to look at her watch before saying, ¡°Mdm. Allie, it''s


    gettingte. I''ll have to take my leave now or my parents would be worried. I''ll pay you a visit again


    when I have the time.¡±


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    Hearing that she was leaving, Allie shot a look at Cayden, who was heading toward the stairs, and


    uttered, ¡°All right. If it weren''t for your grandmother''s birthday, I would have loved to let you stay for


    dinner. Cayden, give Nicole a lift, won''t you? It''s Old Mrs. Lambert''s birthday today, and you can buy


    some gifts for her on the way.¡±

 Chapter 493

    Chapter 493


    Chapter 493 Heart Sank


    The streets were lively as usual in the evening as luxurious cars sped along the wide roads.


    Cayden personally drove Nicole home.


    The handsome man with a good-looking profile and perfect jawline sat inside the car in silence while


    waiting for the traffic light at the junction to turn green.


    Staring at the traffic jam outside the window, Nicole secretly curled her lips into a gleeful smile.


    Although the Moore residence was merely around an hour''s drive away from the Lambert residence,


    she was still very excited to spend even one minute longer with him.


    While patiently waiting for the traffic light to turn green, Cayden rested his palm on the steering wheel


    and stared ahead. ¡°Ms. Lambert, may I know what Old Mrs. Lambert''s hobby is? I didn''t have much


    time to prepare her birthday present, so I''m gifting her an original artwork by Baldwin Quintus from my


    own collection. I wonder if Old Mrs. Lambert will like it.¡±


    Nicole elegantly and tenderly replied, ¡°Grandma shares the same interest as Grandpa. They both enjoy


    collecting famous paintings, so I''m sure she''ll like your gift. Thank you for attending my grandma''s


    birthday banquet and putting in the money and effort to prepare a present for her.¡±


    In fact, she yearned for Cayden to attend her grandmother''s birthday banquet. She was confident that if


    Cayden were to show up alongside her, they would be the most highlighted couple during the event.


    He bored his piercing gaze into her delicate countenance and abruptly smirked. ¡°Ms. Lambert, do you


    like me a lot?¡±


    Nicole''s heart skipped a beat. Then, she answered in a soft voice, ¡°Cayden, you actually know


    everything, don''t you? I thought I was being obvious enough... I''ve done so many things for you. Are


    you really oblivious to my feelings? I used to send you nutritious meals on a daily basis in the past, and


    I''m frequenting the Moore residence nowadays. I wish to build a good rapport with every member of the


    Moore family. Everything I do, I do it for you.¡±


    Fervent passion burned in Nicole''s eyes as she held his gaze.


    Her innocent eyes shone with exceptional determination as she looked shyly and helplessly at the


    magnificent man before her.


    Cayden turned his face sideways and stared into her eyes with his sharp gaze. ¡°Do you like me that


    much? I suppose I should count myself the luckiest guy in the world.¡±


    Streemps lit up as night arrived. The shimmering light shing across Cayden''s faceyered his


    chiseled features with a mysterious veil of shadow.


    His overly perfect countenance had always prompted Nicole to swoon over him.


    In fact, working in theplicated entertainment industry, she hade across different kinds of men.


    Some were cool, while others were gentle or humorous. However, in her opinion, Cayden was the


    embodiment of every man''s excellent traits.


    He was like an eternally unsolvable puzzle, invoking the curiosity in others to focus on him.


    A hint of subtle detestation flitted across Cayden''s eyes as he sensed Nicole gaping at him in silence.


    Nheless, he did a splendid job covering up his real emotions. He uttered in a maic and


    seductive voice, ¡°Since you regard me with such significance, should we try dating?¡±


    What?


    Nicole lost control of herself in front of Cayden for the first time. Her mouth hung wide open, so much


    so that a whole chicken egg could fit inside. ¡°Did you just suggest for us to start dating? A-Are my ears


    ying tricks on me?¡±


    ¡°Ms. Lambert, you heard me right. However, I have plenty of quirks that ordinary girls couldn''t ept.


    Therefore, I''ll have to trouble you to put up with me in the future.¡± He grinned.


    ¡°Cayden, don''t say that. You''re the most remarkable man I''ve ever seen. I genuinely wish to be with


    you and hope we stay together for the rest of our lives.¡± Nicole didn''t dare to breathe too loudly and


    even pinched her thigh forcefully.


    She finally convinced herself he had indeed just asked her out after sensing the pain in her leg.


    The woman was still in a daze even upon their arrival at the Lambert residence. She finally regained


    her senses when she felt the crowd''s envious gaze on her after Cayden led her into the banquet hall.


    That night, the Lambert residence was exceptionally vibrant as opposed to its usual quietness.


    Although Fiona''s birthday banquet wasn''t as impressive as George''s, which was held a few months


    ago, the arrangements were sufficiently grand.


    After all, most of the people who attended the banquet were there because of George and William''s


    statuses.


    Linda excitedly linked arms with Cayden while they ambled into the banquet hall. She even had a


    feeling that everything around them had turned into a mere stale background to entuate her and


    Cayden''s presence.


    As the dazzling lights in the hall shone on them, Nicole felt as though the air inside the venue was


    laced with a hint of sweet fragrance.


    George and Fiona were astonished to see their granddaughter walking arm in arm with Cayden.


    Nevertheless, they didn''t react to that observation excessively.


    ire''s heart sank with a thud when she took in that scene. What''s going on? I''ve advised Nickie to


    avoid interacting with Cayden. Why is she turning a deaf ear to my words?


    Naturally, George was informed of the disengagement incident during the Moore family''s engagement


    banquet. That was a form of absolute humiliation to a prestigious n like the Moore family. Not to


    mention, Jeffrey regarded the family''s reputation with utmost importance. Hence, he was all the more


    unable to ept that turn of events.


    Regardless of what happened between Cayden and his ex-girlfriend, the girl named Avery will never


    get the chance to be the Moore family''s daughter-inw again, no matter how brilliant she may


    be.


    George was very satisfied with Cayden and had always hoped to render thetter part of his family.


    Now that he saw his granddaughter attending the banquet with Cayden, not to mention taking in their


    intimate interaction, George thought Nicole, who he always felt was ipetent, had finally


    aplished something he found satisfactory.


    ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    ¡°Good evening, Old Mr. Lambert. Old Mrs. Lambert, today is your birthday banquet, so I wish you a


    happy, healthy, and prosperous life. This is a gift from me. Please kindly ept it.¡± Cayden handed the


    painting to Fiona.


    ¡°Thank you for your thoughtful gesture, Cayden. How did you know I''m fond of Mr. Quintus'' painting?¡±


    Fiona was an artwork enthusiast and was particrly fond of Baldwin''s prawn drawings.


    Fiona, who was equipped with rtively exceptional appraisal skills, could tell that the painting was


    Baldwin''s original work as soon as she unboxed the present.


    The lifelike prawns in the drawing had translucent, glistening bodies. Baldwin was the only person who


    could''ve painted such a realistic piece of art.


    Fiona carefully held the painting while smiling from ear to ear. ¡°How did you acquire this original work?


    This is such a wonderful gift!¡±


    Cayden replied, ¡°I''m d that you like the present. This is just a small gift from me. I previously saw


    this painting in an auction and thought it looked nice, so I bought it. I didn''t know what present to


    prepare for you since I''m attending your birthday banquet today. After some ponderation, I decided to


    gift you a drawing. Unexpectedly, the gift I prepared is to your preference. Perhaps this is fate.¡±


    ¡°You''re so eloquent. Cayden, I think you and Nickie are a match made in heaven. Since you''re not


    married, why don''t I make the call for you to be my grandson-inw?¡± Fiona grasped Cayden''s hands


    and passionately sounded him out.

 Chapter 494

    Chapter 494


    Chapter 494 As If He Was Seeing Avery


    Nicole held her breath and waited for Cayden''s reply. She feared that he would answer the old woman


    with a rejection.


    It was as if he was a drug, and she was addicted to him.


    Cayden never thought that Fiona would say that in such a straightforward manner, and he momentarily


    fell silent in contemtion.


    With a lighthearted tone, he said, "Old Mrs. Lambert, I''ve just started going out with Nickie, and we


    have vastly different personalities. We''ll need some time to get used to each other. However, since


    we''ve decided to be together, I''ll definitely treat her well. Marriage is no small matter. When the time is


    right, I''ll bring her to meet my family and have her gain their approval."


    Hearing that, George and Fiona nodded in satisfaction.


    At the same time, Nicole beamed brightly.


    She could not believe that he was publicly acknowledging their rtionship, and it felt as if she was


    dreaming.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    "Grandpa, Grandma, I''m going to bring Cayden over there for a while."


    Once her grandparents smiled and nodded to give their consent, she hooked her arm around Cayden''s


    and said smilingly, "Let''s go. Cayden, I''ll introduce my friends to you."


    Nicole was eager to tell everyone that the most excellent man in Ackleton now belonged to her.


    There were reporters hiding in the crowd of guests at the birthday banquet, and Nicole knew that well.


    That was why she was deliberately trying to make it seem like she and Cayden shared a close


    rtionship.


    By doing that, she could show off how charming she was, for she had won the heart of the most


    outstanding bachelor in town.


    Another reason for her to do that was for her to assert dominance; she was stopping the other


    socialites from coveting the man.


    Meanwhile, Cayden desperately wished he could fling the woman away.


    The perfume she wore was too strong. It was nothing like the faint, natural fragrance Avery had, and he


    despised it.


    However, due to the special circumstance, Cayden had to y along with Nicole and make the rounds


    with her in the banquet hall, listening to people''s envious praises.


    Even though Nicole had a humble demeanor, the look in her eyes was a gleeful and calctive one.


    There were socialites who were prettier and more graceful than her at the event, and they were equally


    enamored of Cayden. But in the end, she was the one who had gotten him.


    The socialites who once looked down on her because she was an adoptive daughter of her family were


    now looking at her with envy, resentment, and fury in their eyes, but that didn''t matter one bit to Nicole.


    At the end of the day, they were defeated by her.


    Cayden regarded Nicole''s little tricks of showing off with scorn, but he did not say a word to expose her.


    Instead, as if watching a clown perform, he looked at her indifferently as she stroked her own ego.


    In a corner of the hall was ire, who was wearing a simple gown with a tasseled shawl. She had a


    ss of cocktail in her hand, and she was chatting with Silvia and her other good friends. Nevertheless,


    her eyes were fixed on Cayden and Nicole as various thoughts swirled in her head.


    It had been over half an hour, but the wine in ire''s ss had yet to be finished.


    "ire, is there something on your mind?" Silvia saw the intimate way Nicole interacted with Cayden,


    too. With a chuckle, she said to ire, "Your Nickie has grown up in the blink of an eye. She now has a


    man she likes. I''d say the two of you would have to prepare for her marital matters in no time. There''s


    one thing I must say, Nickie''s got a good eye for man. I often interact with Cayden, and I know he''s in


    the top tier when ites to both looks and character. You don''t need to worry about Nickie after she


    joins the Moore family."


    However, ire shook her head and knitted her brows. "Silvia, I know that Cayden''s an excellent boy,


    but I don''t think he''s a match for Nickie. The boy is too cold in nature, and there are many things going


    on in his head. No ordinary woman will be able to handle him. William and I have been keeping Nickie


    safe and sound with bubble wrap. She''s too naive, and all she wants is to pursue her dream


    rtionship. But marriage is a separate matter from love, and she doesn''t understand that. We''re


    experienced in life, and I can sense that Cayden doesn''t have the spark of love for Nickie. This is just


    Nickie''s solo act. Say, do you think Nickie will be happy if this goes on?"


    There was a woman with a charming face seated beside Silvia. She patted ire''s shoulder and said,


    "Don''t overthink this. Marriages between rich families have never been one without motives. Material


    possessions are all that''s important. What is love inparison? A marriage with mutual love and


    blessings like yours and William''s is a miracle. Also, men''s hearts aren''t made of steel. He''ll surely


    grow feelings for her in the future. Moreover, they''ll have children too. Once they have children of their


    own, their hearts will soften for each other."


    Another graceful-looking woman snorted and uttered, "Don''t listen to her, ire. How can there be no


    love in a marriage? Look at me, and you''ll know how terrible a loveless marriage is. Back then, my


    husband and I got together for a loveless marriage union, and I''m regretting it so much now. Because


    there isn''t love between us, he spends his days drinking outside, and he''lle home with different


    kinds of perfume scents lingering on him each day. In fact, he,ter on, felt that he had found his true


    love and decided to onlye back once in a blue moon. That minx''s son is two years older than my


    daughter! If it weren''t for the sake of securing the family business that belongs to my daughter in the


    future, I''d have gotten a divorce from that b*stard a long time ago!"


    As ire listened to their argument and watched Nicole, who was standing close to Cayden, she found


    a chill seeping into her heart.


    Nicole was her precious daughter and her mental support for all those years. She was not going to let


    any men hurt her darling.


    ire knew how much Cayden loved Avery.


    The man once fearlessly announced Avery''s identity before them. He even ignored how Avery''s status


    did not match his and how the Moores protested against his insistence to get engaged with Avery.


    Aggressive and stubborn behavior like that was proof of how important Avery was to him.


    Even though he did not get engaged with Avery in the end, it had not been long since then before he


    decided to date Nicole.


    Things were fishy.


    ire did not know whether to describe the man as too cold-blooded or too apathetic.


    Regardless of what he was, ire was not going to let him hurt her daughter. Clearly, Nicole had fallen


    too hard for him.


    After excusing herself from the conversation, ire slowly walked over to Cayden and Nicole before


    studying the man with a sharp, scrutinizing gaze.


    Noticing ire''s watchful gaze, Cayden whipped his head toward her.


    For a split second, he thought he saw a middle-aged Avery when he looked at ire.


    It must have been my imagination...


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 Chapter 495

    Chapter 495


    Chapter 495 Intense Feelings


    ire''s razor-sharp eyes fell on Cayden, and she studied him carefully. She could not help but sigh.


    This young man is indeed outstanding.


    The other men were dressed in suits. Cayden, on the other hand, was wearing a white shirt with casual


    ck pants. Yet, his casual dress sense was unable to conceal his natural elegant temperament.


    He exuded a posh, yet aloof aura. In fact, he was so bewitching that one would be spellbound just


    looking at him.


    Cayden was truly a man who was capable of mesmerizing most women. His calm and cool exterior


    belied his powerful and domineering aura, causing others to be attracted to him.


    That, however, did not mean that he could lie to her daughter.


    Nicole was blinded by love at the moment. A response from Cayden meant the world to her.


    Unfortunately, ire did not see any hint of love for Nicole in Cayden''s eyes.


    "Mrs. Lambert," Cayden greeted the woman as he walked over. He was taken aback by the simr


    aura she had with Avery when he saw her.


    As he linked arms with Nicole, he stuffed his hand in his pocket, exuding an air of casual elegance


    instead of impoliteness.


    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    "Mr. Moore, please don''t mind me asking, but I wonder if you have tied up all loose ends with Ms.


    Rumpley on the day of your engagement banquet? Nickie is my one and only daughter. She''s still


    young and doesn''t understand certain things. But, as her mother, I have to be responsible for her life,"


    said ire with a friendly smile, but the cold look in her eyes betrayed her true feelings.


    It was as if she was testing him.


    Nicole tightened her grip on Cayden''s arm.


    Mom is an intelligent woman. She should be able to tell that I''m determined to be with Cayden from the


    way I brought him here to attend Grandma''s birthday banquet. What''s wrong with her today? Cayden


    has finally agreed to go out with me, and now Mom is making things difficult for us. What is she trying


    to do?


    "Mom, just let bygones be bygones. Why are you bringing it up? Since Cayden has decided to be with


    me, I''m sure he would settle everything. I love him, and he''s willing to be with me. That''s enough for


    me. Furthermore, no one can predict the future. Who knows what will happen?"


    Nicole then smiled at ire before nudging the man, saying coyly, "Cayden, quick, exin to my


    mom."


    Cayden kept his gaze lowered. As such, Nicole could not see his expression and did not know what he


    was thinking about.


    Biting the bullet, she urged, "Cayden..."


    Cayden remained silent and pursed his good-looking lips.


    The man''s silence was making Nicole anxious, for she desperately wanted his protection and


    assurance to prove to her mother that they would make things work. ire would definitely disapprove


    of their rtionship if Cayden ended up pissing her off.


    Naturally, ire could sense that something was amiss.


    This man isn''t even willing to put on a perfunctory act with my daughter. How can I entrust Nickie to


    him?


    She could not help but mock, "Mr. Moore, if you are sincere about dating Nickie, please prove it to me.


    If not "


    Before ire could finish her sentence, Cayden cut her off with his deep, maic voice. "Mrs.


    Lambert, no matter what I say, I doubt you will believe me."


    He put on a tender smile and in the process, revealed his pearly whites. His beaming face was a


    pleasant sight to behold.


    Following that, he lifted his perfectly-sculpted hand, caressing Nicole''s hair gently and affectionately


    Nicole was stunned beyond words when Cayden stroked her hair, and when she finally returned to her


    senses, she was thrilled and bashful at the same time. Her face turned crimson, and she could not help


    circling Cayden''s slim waist.


    Intense emotions surged in Cayden''s eyes.


    Suppressing his disgust, he controlled himself and did not push the woman away. Instead, he also put


    his arm around her slender waist.


    ire appeared upset, and her expression turned cold. However, she knew better than to get into an


    argument with Nicole in front of everyone, so she could only shake her head helplessly.


    She then returned to her group of wealthy friends while holding in her anger.


    As for Cayden, he continued following Nicole around in the banquet hall, socializing with different


    people patiently.


    He kept reminding himself to put up with everything for the time being. His n hade along so far,


    and he could not afford to let his efforts go to waste.


    Meanwhile, both ke and Alina were crying their eyes out in Avery''s room.


    The elderly man embraced the injured Avery as tears flowed continuously down his face. While he was


    sobbing, he cursed the person who had hit Avery. It was a heartbreaking scene.


    As for Alina, she felt guilty and sorry for Avery at the same time.


    If she had not informed Avery that ke was ill, Avery would not have rushed out of the house in a


    hurry.


    Avery took a tissue and wiped the tears off ke''s face. "Grandpa, given your age, you shouldn''t cry,


    you know? Your eyesight is already bad, and shedding tears will only worsen your condition. Look at


    me. I''m fine now."


    ke caressed Avery''s leg which was wearing a cast and said sadly, "Ery, you wouldn''t have gotten


    into a car ident if it weren''t for me. You''re still so young. Why do you have to go through such a


    tragic ident? I wish the ident happened to me instead. I don''t have much time left anyway-"


    Avery quickly cut him off, "Grandpa, what nonsense are you talking about? Do you want me to feel


    guilty for the rest of my life? Please don''t say such things in the future. Okay?"


    "Okay. I understand," promised ke as he wiped his tears.


    Avery nced at ke''s dispirited demeanor before turning to Alina and asking worriedly, "Aunt Allie,


    what exactly is wrong with Grandpa''s health? I thought he was fine a couple of days ago. Why did he


    fall ill all of a sudden? Have you taken him to the doctor? Grandpa, are you feeling better now?"


    At the mention of his illness, ke sighed. "It''s nothing serious. Alina was making a fuss about nothing.


    The doctor told me that I have been wearing my shorts a little too high. In the future, I''ll wear my shorts


    lower."


    Avery was dumbstruck and turned to look at Alina in confusion.


    Will wearing shorts too high up cause an elderly man to fall ill? What''s going on?


    Alina looked at her niece''s dubious expression and chuckled. She then exined to Avery, "It has


    nothing to do with his shorts. A few days ago, I was busy working in the office, so I sent Father to the


    hospital first. The doctor exined his condition, but his memory isn''t good. When he told me what the


    doctor told him, I couldn''t understand what he meant by wearing his shorts too high. In the end, I went


    to the hospital to visit the doctor personally. Turns out his hearing isn''t good and misheard the doctor


    when the doctor told him that his cholesterol level is too high."


    Avery was rendered speechless.


    Grandpa is so funny!


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    so we can fix it as soon as possible.

 Chapter 496

    Chapter 496


    Chapter 496 She Could Not Stomach It


    ke and Avery continued chatting for a while. After ascertaining that his granddaughter''s condition


    was not too serious, he finally felt more at ease.


    As Alina gazed at her niece, who was still calm despite lying in a hospital bed, her thoughts flew to the


    events that had transpired at the engagement party. Finally, she gave voice to her curiosity. ¡°During the


    engagement party, what exactly happened between you and Cayden? Why did you break things off


    halfway through the party? I know you''re a sensible person and would never act so impulsively unless


    it was something serious. Can you tell me why you did so?¡±


    A sad and disappointed look shed across Avery''s pale face at those words. ¡°I was probably just a


    little afraid of marriage. I''m terrified of walking into the grave of love. I''m also fearful about my life


    revolving around one person after marriage and worry that I''ll lose myself. I''ve seen many cases of


    women who are strong, independent, and excel at their work while single. After getting married,


    however, their lives be centered around cooking, cleaning, and children. Some even lose their


    individuality and self-worth. I don''t want to be like that...¡±


    That''s a lie. I just don''t want Grandpa and Aunt Alina to worry about me. After all, Grandpa is in poor


    health. What if his blood pressure rises after he finds out I was threatened, causing him to fall ill again?


    As for Aunt Alina, she has quite a short temper. If she learns the truth, she might storm off to confront


    Nicole in anger. And if the situation gets ugly, things will blow up and spiral out of control.


    Alina did not sense anything amiss about Avery''s exnation. After all, she had always viewed Avery


    as an honest and truthful person ever since thetter was a young child. Nheless, she could not


    help thinking that her niece had behaved too willfully by breaking off the engagement for that reason


    alone.


    She shook her head while sighing. Half amused and exasperated, she replied reproachfully, ¡°You little


    scallywag. You''re so used to being spoiled by your grandfather that you''ve be rather willful. An


    engagement is a big deal, so how could you call it quits just like that? Besides, marriage is such a


    sacred covenant. Why are you describing it as the grave of love? Of course, my marriage now is no


    booming sess, so I''m not qualified to preach at you. Despite all that, I still think it''s a beautiful thing


    when a woman marries the person she loves. I also trust Cayden''s character and abilities. Judging


    from how doting he is to you, he''ll never let you suffer miserably, even after you''ve be husband


    and wife.¡±


    The corners of Avery''s lips curled upward in a faint smile that seemed to be of mingled bitterness and


    helplessness. ¡°I know what I did was wrong. Whenever I encountered problems in the past, I always


    liked shouldering them alone and keeping my pain to myself. I''d rather suffer in silence than share how


    I felt. However, things are going to be different now. From now on, I''ll tell Cayden or talk to you or


    Grandpa if something''s bothering me. I won''t behave so recklessly again.¡±


    ¡°All right. Stop reprimanding Ery. My darling granddaughter needs constion after getting involved in


    a serious car ident, so why are you saying such things to her? No matter what she decides to do, I


    support her. Even if she does break up with Cayden, that''s all right by me. My granddaughter is


    beautiful, studied abroad, and is good at her job. It won''t be difficult for her to make a good match.


    Besides, look at the Moore family. Only a few of them are normal. Cayden''s mother, in particr, is


    especially hostile. If Ery marries into their family, she''ll surely suffer at that woman''s hands.¡± ke''s


    love for his granddaughter knew no bounds, and everything she did was right in his eyes.


    ¡°Dad, she acts like this because you spoil her. Ah, it''s impossible to reason with you two.¡± Alina cleared


    her throat, then could not resist continuing to lecture Avery. ¡°Ery, a woman can be willful, but there must


    be boundaries. Everyone has limits to their tolerance. As long as one has a good grasp of those limits,


    one will seed in keeping the love and novelty alive in a marriage.¡±


    ¡°Okay, Aunt Alina. I''ll keep that in mind,¡± Avery replied, nodding repeatedly at her aunt''s teachings like


    a good student. ¡°Oh, by the way, Nina stepped out to get me dinner, but I don''t know why she isn''t back


    yet. I''ve tried calling her but couldn''t get through. Could you go outside and help me check if she''s


    back?¡±


    ¡°Sure. I''ll check outside the hospital and call you after I''ve found Nina.¡± As Alina spoke, she got to her


    feet and walked toward the door. Then, she turned around to ask ke, ¡°What do you feel like eating,


    Dad? I''ll go out and buy some.¡±


    ¡°I don''t have much appetite. You can just buy anything you like. Get some sweet soup for Ery. She likes


    sweet stuff,¡± requested ke specifically.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Outside the hospital, Nina was heading toward the building while carrying arge stic bag filled with


    takeout. As she passed the parking lot of arge shopping mall, she suddenly spotted Aaron getting


    out of a luxury car.


    Then, a breathtakingly beautiful woman with a shapely figure and long, wavy hair emerged from the


    car. Her eyes and haughty expression looked familiar. Isn''t she the woman who humiliated me when I


    was at the hospital and forced to undergo surgery? She''s Aaron''s so-called fianc¨¦e, Courtney, right?


    She watched Courtney link arms with Aaron while walking happily toward the shopping mall. The sight


    of them brought back the painful memories of what she had suffered at the hospital and the fetus that


    had been forcibly aborted.


    Her horrific experience was a bloody reminder of all the cruel things the despicable couple had done to


    her, and she seethed with rage. Aaron, that b*stard! He''s the reason I suffer every day, yet he appears


    fine and dandy without the slightest sense of guilt!


    Rage bubbled inside her. Of course, it was not because she had feelings for Aaron but because she felt


    a deep disgust for having been raped by a sleazy man like him.


    She spat on the ground, repulsed by the couple''s public disy of affection. As her anger burned, she


    felt as though she had a ball of fire in her chest. I genuinely want nothing more to do with him. I have


    my pride and can''t be bothered to getpensation from him. Even so, I can''t bring myself to stomach


    how he treated me. All I want is to seek justice for my unborn child who was deprived of the right to


    live!


    As she stared at Aaron''s eye-catching supercar parked there, her lips curled into a sneer.


    She hurried to a nearby store and bought spray paint in various colors. Then, she went to Aaron''s car


    and began wildly spraying the paint over it. She even used the paint to draw a turtle and write the


    words ¡°shameless b*stard¡± and ¡°the world''s most disgusting sc*mbag¡± on the car''s hood.


    After practically covering the entire car in graffiti, she stood back and smugly admired her handiwork


    when a pair of fair yetrge and strong hands suddenly grabbed her wrists.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    She spun around in shock and saw a man. He bore some resemnce to Aaron but was much more


    handsome, menacing, and charming. Just one nce at him was enough to stun herpletely.

 Chapter 497

    Chapter 497


    Chapter 497 Rich People And Their Fancy Possessions


    Nina wasn''t the type to swoon over a man, no matter how good-looking he was.


    Moreover, his forceful grip was hurting her wrist. Annoyed, she tried shrugging him off. ¡°Who are you?


    Why are you gripping my hand? You pervert!¡±


    Xander narrowed his eyes as he took a look at Aaron''s favorite car, which had been vandalized, before


    turning to Nina. ¡°Do you know that this is illegal? There will be legal consequences for vandalizing


    someone else''s car,¡± he said in a cold voice.


    Nina remained stubborn and denied any wrongdoing. ¡°Mind your own business, will you? Did you see


    me vandalizing this car? I''m telling you, let me go. Or else, I''m suing you for being a pervert!¡±


    Nina had carefully surveyed her surroundings before vandalizing the car. No one was around when she


    was doing the deed, and the corner was a blind spot for surveince cameras.


    She felt very lucky at the moment.


    I''m done vandalizing anyway, and no one can see me doing it. I''ll just deny it till the end.


    ¡°Still denying? I have all the evidence here.¡± Xander scoffed and held up his smartwatch.


    With the press of a button, the screen of the watch lit up and started ying a video of the entire


    process of Nina vandalizing the car.


    Xander had been on his way back from a market survey with his subordinates when he passed by the


    parking lot and saw Aaron''s car being vandalized.


    He observed that the young girl who was vandalizing Aaron''s car seemed to harbor a lot of hatred


    toward Aaron as she cursed while spraying the car with paint.


    Despite her in features and youthful innocence, Xander found the girl''s angry expression to be lively


    and interesting. He was particrly amused by her cursing and grumbling, which was why he recorded


    a video of her vandalizing the car instead of intervening.


    Nina couldn''t help but curse under her breath when she saw the evidence on Xander''s smartwatch.


    ¡°D*mn it, I''m so unlucky today.¡±


    I wonder what kind of watch he''s wearing that can even take videos. I didn''t even know such a thing


    existed. Rich people and their fancy gadgets, I just don''t get it.


    Despite feeling afraid, Nina forced herself to remain calm. ¡°So what if you have proof? The owner of


    this car fooled around with me and messed up my life. I''m just taking a small revenge on him. If you


    dare to report me to the police, then let them take care of it. We''ll see who has thestugh then.¡±


    Xander gave Nina a once-over, taking in her youthful appearance and theck of makeup on her face.


    She looks very young and doesn''t have any makeup on. I think she''s still a minor. Aaron usually goes


    for dumb blondes. This girl doesn''t look like his type at all. Did he change his taste?


    His gaze lingered on Nina''s breasts for a moment.


    Hmm, she might be young, but she''s pretty voluptuous.


    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    ¡°What are you looking at? You pervert!¡± Nina''s face drained of color as Xander stared directly at her


    breasts.


    She aimed a vicious kick at him. ¡°Do you have too much free time on your hands? Why can''t you mind


    your own business?¡±


    Taken aback by Nina''s boldness, Xander almost broke her wrist from gripping it too hard.


    ¡°How bold of you! This is the first time a woman has ever dared to kick me. Do you know what


    happened to thest person who did this to me?¡± Xander said.


    Enduring the pain in her wrist and giving Xander a mocking look at his crotch, Nina retorted, ¡°Did you


    be a cripple?¡±


    His actions are understandable if he really is a cripple.


    Xander suddenly let out a low chuckle as if he had just heard the funniest joke ever.


    Nina''s heart began to race when she saw his beguiling smile.


    The man was already charming enough, and the seductive smile etched across his handsome


    countenance almost took Nina''s breath away.


    Nina quickly shifted her gaze to prevent herself from ogling at his enchanting looks.


    She didn''t think she said anything funny, so she felt embarrassed and humiliated when the man


    laughed mockingly at herment.


    Nina decided to face him head-on and said through gritted teeth, ¡°I don''t care what rtionship you


    have with the owner of this car. I''m the one who vandalized it, so what are you going to do about it? Are


    you going to ask me to pay up?¡±


    Xander''sughter stopped abruptly. A devilish smirk yed on the corner of his lips. ¡°This is my


    brother''s new car, a Bugatti Veyron. He bought it for thirty million. You can pay a tenth of the original


    price.¡±


    ¡°So you''re that b*stard''s brother. No wonder you''re so despicable!¡± Nina harrumphed while mentally


    calcting thepensation money she would have to pay.


    A tenth of the original price. That would be thirty million... F*ck! Where am I going to get the money to


    compensate him for his loss?


    She didn''t have a single cent on her as all her savings had been taken away by her mother.


    ¡°Ah! Help! Pervert!¡± Nina suddenly shouted when she saw a few passers-by. She tried to aim a kick at


    Xander''s calf and slip away when he put his guard down.


    However, Xander managed to dodge her attack with much agility.


    He immediately grabbed her by the cor and dragged her toward Gibson Corporation as if she was a


    helpless animal.


    ¡°Let go of me! What are you doing? Help!¡± Nina screamed, trying to attract the passers-by''s attention.


    Unfortunately for her, there weren''t a lot of good samaritans in today''s society. A couple merely


    watched on coldly before continuing on their way.


    On the other hand, a motorcyclist stopped with the intention to help. However, he backed off and drove


    away when he saw Xander''s thunderous face and sensed his intimidating aura.


    Nina wailed in despair. What a cold world we live in today. What is Aaron''s brother going to do with


    me? He wouldn''t be that kind since he shared the same blood with that b*stard brother of his.


    She struggled in fear as she recalled the things Aaron did to her, scattering her takeout all over the


    ground.


    Meanwhile, Avery was still lying on the hospital bed waiting anxiously for Nina''s return.


    She''s always so reckless. I hope nothing happens to her...


    Upon noticing how worried his granddaughter was, ke consoled her, ¡°Don''t worry, your Aunt Alina


    and Nina will return soon.¡±


    Just as ke finished speaking, Alina entered the ward with a bag of takeout.


    She ced the food on the table and frowned. ¡°I''ve looked all over for Nina but couldn''t find her. I


    decided to bring the food back first for fear that you would go hungry.¡±


    ¡°Nina always has her phone with her. Where has she gone?¡± Avery''s heart dropped.


    Suddenly, her phone rang. She immediately answered the call upon seeing that it was from an


    unknown number. ¡°Hello? Who is this?¡±


    ¡°Avery, this is Xander. Nina is your friend, right? She''s in big trouble right now.¡±


    Avery''s heart lurched with dread. What in the world did Nina do to upset Xander?

 Chapter 498

    Chapter 498


    Chapter 498 Could It Be Avery


    Although Avery had met Xander a few times, she did not know him well.


    He was a charming but vicious man who had a devilish character, and his smile never really reached


    his eyes.


    Word was that he was the leader of Ackleton''s underworld and controlled the entire city''s crime


    syndicates.


    It was no surprise for such a man to be exceptionally ruthless.


    But how did Nina offend Xander? She only went to get takeout.


    A sense of unease rose in Avery''s heart, and she called Cayden in a fluster.


    Due to the condition of her legs, she was not able to go anywhere.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    As such, she was hoping that Cayden would be able to do something about it, given that he and


    Xander were friends who were on rather good terms with each other.


    After learning what had happened from Avery, Cayden agreed to help readily and promised to bring


    Nina back safely.


    Avery could hear music and bustling background noises on the other end of the line.


    Feeling curious, she asked, ¡°Cayden, what are you doing? Why is it so noisy there?¡±


    Cayden had walked to a quiet corner to answer the call, but it was inevitable for his phone to pick up


    some sounds. ¡°I''m at a banquet. I''ll call Xander shortly to ask him to release Nina. I''ll go back to be with


    you as soon as the event ends.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Don''t drink too much,¡± Avery reminded softly.


    ¡°Yup, I know. You should get some rest too. When you recover, let''s go on a vacation with the kids.¡±


    Cayden had a gentle look on his face as he spoke to Avery.


    Nicole, who was watching the man from a distance, noticed his tender expression and could not help


    but feel suspicious. At the same time, jealousy was flowing through her likeva.


    She walked toward Cayden and wrapped her arms around his before saying in a loud and coquettish


    voice, ¡°Cayden, I''ve been looking all around for you. My parents want us to go over. Grandma''s


    birthday celebration is starting soon, and everyone is waiting for us.¡±


    Avery could hear every word the woman was saying through the phone, loud and clear.


    Waves of pain hit her heart as she tightened her grip on her phone.


    Even though she knew that Cayden was merely putting on an act, she was unable to stop her heart


    from aching.


    Holding back her tears, the woman said, ¡°Cayden, you should get going. Come back soon. I''ll wait for


    you.¡±


    Before Cayden could reply, Avery had already hung up.


    The man''s expression darkened when he heard the dial tone.


    With murderous intent burning in his eyes, he looked toward Nicole, who was feigning innocence.


    Nicole''s heart was almost leaping out of her chest.


    At that moment, a dangerous aura surrounded Cayden, and Nicole felt as if the man was an angry


    predator who was about to rip her into pieces. Her entire body turned stiff, and a shiver ran down her


    spine.


    ¡°Cayden, what''s wrong? Why are you looking at me like that? Don''t scare me...¡± said Nicole in a pitiful


    tone, biting her lip as she hugged the man''s arm.


    She did not expect Cayden to have such a strong reaction as all she had done was disrupt his call.


    That further confirmed her suspicions that he was speaking to a woman, and it was very likely to be a


    woman whom he cared deeply for.


    Could it be Avery?


    Could that woman still be alive?


    All colors drained from Nicole''s face as she thought about that possibility, and the smile on her face


    stiffened.


    The next moment, Cayden tamped down his fury and was back to his elegant self.


    He shrugged Nicole''s hand off subtly and said coldly, ¡°My employee got into some trouble with the CEO


    of Gibson Corporation, and I need to take care of it now. Sorry, Ms. Nicole. I don''t think I can stay till the


    end of the banquet. I will let Old Mr. Lambert and Old Mrs. Lambert know. I hope you understand.¡±


    Nicole was feeling anxious and frustrated at the same time. Her sixth sense was telling her that things


    were not as simple as they seemed.


    If something had happened to an employee, he could get Xavier or someone else from the upper


    management to settle it. Why would he need to handle it personally? He''s the CEO!


    Although Nicole was filled with doubts and displeasure, she forced a polite smile and said, ¡°You can


    leave first if you''re busy. My grandparents are understanding people. They wouldn''t be mad at you for


    that. However, it''s quite a pity as I have prepared some performances for the banquetter on, and I


    was hoping you could give me some pointers...¡±


    ¡°There''s always next time. I''m sure I will get another chance to watch you perform, Ms. Nicole. If there''s


    nothing else, I''ll be going now,¡± Cayden replied indifferently.


    After Cayden said his goodbyes to George and Fiona, Nicole walked him out of the banquet hall while


    holding his arm affectionately.


    She was met with looks of envy from passersby along the way, filling her with a sense of superiority.


    She was not only proud to be the daughter of the Lambert family, but also extremely pleased to be the


    woman standing next to such an outstanding man.


    Cayden was dying to shake off the clingy woman and was wondering how many showers he would


    have to take to wash off the strong scent of perfume that Nicole had left on his clothes.


    However, as ire was keeping a close eye on him and Nicole, he couldn''t express his difort.


    He was aware that even though William''s wife had a gentle and harmless appearance, she was


    extremely shrewd and could easily tell if something was amiss.


    As such, Cayden had no choice but to bite the bullet and bear with it, allowing Nicole to take his arm


    while the crowd watched in envy.


    After the man left, Nicole returned to the banquet hall in disappointment. A whileter, her phone rang.


    She rejected the call without much thought, seeing that it was an unknown number. However, the caller


    continued calling a few more times.


    Finally, Nicole picked up.


    A hoarse and chilly male voice sounded on the other end of the line. ¡°Ms. Lambert, I''ve already


    crashed into the woman with my car ording to your instructions. When will you be transferring me


    the remainder of my payment? Or are you waiting for me to expose you?¡±


    Nicole''s entire body stiffened when she heard the threat.


    Gripping the hem of her skirt, she hurried to the restroom at once and locked the door before replying


    in a menacing tone, ¡°Did you not check and make sure that the woman was dead? How could you be


    so slipshod? You''re so useless!¡±


    ¡°Ms. Lambert, my job was just to knock her down. What happens to her after that is none of my


    business. Of course, given the impact of the crash, even if she didn''t die, she would have definitely


    be a cripple. Anyway, since I''ve done what you asked of me, you have to keep your promise and


    pay me the remaining sum. Otherwise, I will certainly take you down with me! I''m really curious to see


    how long your distinguished status as the daughter of the Lambert family wouldst. Transfer the


    money to me within the next two hours. If not, be prepared to bear the consequences!¡±


    The man hung up after tossing out the threat.


    ng! Nicole mmed her phone on the ground, shattering it to pieces as a malicious expression


    spread across her face.


    How dare he ask for money when Avery is still alive?


    That woman is truly lucky to have survived the ident!

 Chapter 499

    Chapter 499


    Chapter 499 A Dissatisfied Puff Of Smoke


    When Nina was brought back by Cayden, there were still traces of tears on her cheeks.


    The badly-traumatized look on her face infuriated Avery.


    Grabbing Nina by the arm, she scrutinized the former from head to toe as she raged, ¡°Did Xander do


    this to you? That b*stard actually...¡±


    Avery''s usatory gaze subsequently fell upon Cayden, as if she was ming him for not protecting


    her friend.


    ¡°No. Xander only gave her a scare. He didn''t hurt her in any way.¡± Shrugging his shoulders, Cayden


    exined in a tone that was free of guilt.


    Having been friends with Xander for ages, he knew the other man like the back of his hand.


    Even though his methods were ruthless, he kept a distant attitude toward women and would never


    force himself on them.


    After all, there were plenty of women who threw themselves at him due to his good looks and social


    status.


    Other than his first crush, Xander would never sumb to the charms of any woman even if they


    climbed into his bed stark naked. Instead, he would throw them out without a second thought.


    Cayden knew that to be the truth because there was a precedent.


    Some time ago, a gorgeous socialite from a prestigious family, who had admired Xander for many


    years, snuck into his bed in the middle of the night. In the end, she was literally kicked out of his house


    before she had the chance to climb on top of him.


    Back then, not only was thedy''s spine fractured, but her family''s business was also bankrupted by


    Xander in his rage.


    Consequently, the socialite became theughingstock of high society. The incident struck fear into the


    women who coveted Xander, deterring those who had insidious desires from acting on them.


    After all, no one would dare marry a man who had no qualms about beating up a woman. Doing so


    would be no different from asking for trouble.


    However, Avery was oblivious to that fact. All she saw was how terrified Nina was after thetter''s


    encounter with Xander.


    As such, her anger boiled over. ¡°If Xander didn''t do anything to her, why would she appear so terrified?¡±


    After gesturing for Avery to calm down, Alina poured Nina a ss of water and patted her arm


    sympathetically. ¡°You''re safe now. How did you end up getting into trouble when you just went out to


    get some takeaway? Who would cause someone as kind as you any trouble?¡±


    Alina was cognizant of how close Avery and Nina were.


    Thetter had a vibrant and straightforward personality in contrast to the gentler and more introverted


    Avery.


    Although Nina had the tendency to get too reckless and carried away, her heart was in the right ce,


    which was the reason why Alina had a soft spot for her.


    ke added warmly, ¡°Child, you''re Avery''s best friend and like a granddaughter to me. If you have


    suffered in any way, you have to tell us. We will seek justice on your behalf.¡±


    Teary-eyed, Nina took the ss of water from Alina''s hand. ¡°Thank you, Old Mr. Moore, Ms. Rumpley,


    Ery... I''m fine. Fortunately, Mr. Moore arrived in time, so Xander didn''t do anything to me, really.¡±


    At that moment, Nina was touched by the attention she received.


    Even though she wasn''t rted to the Rumpley family by blood, they treated her as if she was one of


    them. Furthermore, they didn''t just pay lip service, as the concern they felt for her was genuine.


    They were the opposite of her own blood-sucking family who only cared about the money she had.


    Even when she fell seriously sick, her own family couldn''t be bothered to show any concern.


    ¡°I''m d to know nothing happened.¡± Avery heaved a sigh of relief before inquiring curiously, ¡°How did


    you end up getting on Xander''s nerves? What in the world happened?¡±


    In a droning tone, Nina exined, ¡°I ran into Aaron and his fianc¨¦e near the mall. After they left their


    car, I used the opportunity to vandalize it with paint. Unfortunately, Xander caught me on the spot and


    demanded I pay for the damages, which was ten percent of the car''s list price. Since it cost three


    million, there''s no way I can afford the three hundred thousand required. I''m sorry to have caused you


    and Mr. Moore trouble again, Ery...¡±


    Given how expensive the Bugatti Veyron was, she just didn''t have the money forpensation.


    Left with no choice, she could only seek Avery''s help despite her reluctance to do so. In truth, she


    didn''t know Avery knew Xander and assumed that only Cayden did. Thus, she had hoped that Cayden


    would help her persuade Xander to reduce thepensation amount on Avery''s ount.


    That aside, the real reason Nina ended up traumatized was due to Xander''s collection of exotic pets¡ªa


    terrifying python, a ferocious mastiff, and many more.


    Due to the altercation between them and something she had said, Xander locked her up in a dark room


    full of snakes. As long and spineless creatures were Nina''s worst fear, she almost peed her pants in


    terror.


    Although it was subsequently known that the snakes were not venomous, Nina could never forget the


    cold and disgusting feeling of them curling up her body.


    Upon hearing Nina''s exnation, Avery immediately understood what happened as a look of outrage


    descended upon her face.


    She proceeded to reassure her friend upon recalling what Aaron had done to Nina. ¡°You didn''t do


    anything wrong. That b*stard, Aaron, deserves karma and to be taught a lesson. In fact, I think you''re


    being too soft by vandalizing his car only with paint. If I were you, I would have burnt his car with a


    bucket of kerosene. However, the legal repercussions...¡±


    Cayden was left speechless.


    Since when did my gentle wife have such a violent side?


    ¡°Ery, I...¡± Nina suddenly felt bad.


    She had expected Avery to reprimand her. Instead, thetter chose to provide her with unconditional


    support.


    ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    Nina''s past would forever be a scar on Avery''s heart.


    If Nina didn''t find happiness, Avery would feel guilty for the rest of her life.


    Meanwhile, Xavier knocked on the door in the midst of their discussion.


    After greeting everyone in the ward, he walked off with Cayden to a quiet part of the corridor before


    entering a smoking room.


    With his smoking addiction acting up, Cayden took out a cigarette for himself before handing Xavier


    one.


    After lighting Cayden''s cigarette, Xavier took a puff from his as he cut straight to the chase. ¡°Mr. Moore,


    based on the model and te number of the car provided by Mr. Zachary, we discovered that the te


    is a fake. That said, we found a lead afterbing through the surveince feeds of Ackleton''s streets.


    The perpetrator is a thirty-five-year-old male who is one-hundred-and-seventy-five centimeters tall.


    Before running over Ms. Rumpley, he received a call, but the voice over the line was using a voice


    modtor. The SIM card was also destroyed after the ident. This shows how cunning the


    mastermind is.¡±


    As Cayden broke into a smirk, the smoke he puffed out seemed to carry a hint of his displeasure.


    ¡°Does this mean that you have not found anything?¡±


    Stumped by his boss'' remark, Xavier took a puff of his cigarette before continuing, ¡°Not entirely. The


    perpetrator is cunning and good at hiding his tracks, so I reckon he has some countersurveince


    skills. But even so, half an hour ago, Jake picked up his signal and tracked him down via satellite.¡±


    Jake Jackson was Avery''s driver who, together with Xavier, was in charge of investigating the ident.

 Chapter 500

    Chapter 500


    Chapter 500 Passionate Kisses


    Holding his cigarette between his fingers, Cayden tapped it elegantly on the ashtray beside him. ¡°Do


    whatever it takes to bring him in and find out who the mastermind is.¡±


    His deep and insidious voice sounded melodious, and yet, was capable of sending a chill down


    anyone''s spine.


    ¡°Understood.¡± Xavier nodded in acknowledgment.


    He could clearly sense the rage his boss was harboring.


    With that, Cayden returned to the ward.


    Due to ke''s advanced age and weak health, Alina had to send him back home.


    Avery, afterforting Nina, had Xavier drive thetter home once she had managed to calm down.


    Soon, Cayden and she were the only ones left in the ward. That was when she stared intently at him.


    Cayden looked distinguished in his casual outfit, while his chiseled features were entuated by the


    light in the room, making for a mesmerizing sight.


    This man is really attractive but has too many women around him.


    She couldn''t help but remember the coy female voice she heard over the phone when he was


    attending the banquet. ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    Feeling the urge to ask him about it, she moved her pale lips but in the end, decided against it.


    Since she had once dered that she would trust him unconditionally, she refused to let her paranoia


    get the better of her.


    Sensing that she had something to say, Cayden walked up to her bed and sat down beside her.


    Thereafter, he gently pulled her feeble body into his embrace.


    With the passage of time, she had be his safe harbor. Holding her in his arms would always


    trigger a sense of warmth within him.


    It was as if Avery had melted into his very being. Everything she did would emotionally affect him in


    one way or another.


    ¡°What''s wrong? Are you worried about Nina? Don''t be. Other than being terrorized by Xander, she


    wasn''t harmed in any way. Xander won''t dare cross the line with me around.¡± Holding her tightly in his


    arms, Caydenforted her, thinking that she was still worried about what happened to Nina.


    ¡°I know. I can''t thank you enough for today.¡± Burying her face in his chest, she hugged him tightly, as if


    she was worried that she would lose him.


    Knowing Avery like the back of his hand, he immediately understood her fears when he noticed how


    tight she was hugging him.


    As he lifted her chin, he was stunned to see the sadness in her crystal-clear eyes.


    All of a sudden, he remembered Nicole interrupting his call with Avery during the banquet.


    A flurry of passionate kisses thennded on Avery''s forehead.


    While kissing her, Cayden exined, ¡°I attended Old Mrs. Lambert''s birthday today at the Lambert


    residence. While I was speaking to you on the phone, it was Nicole you heard over the line. I was there


    just to put on an act with her. All she did was hold my arm today, but I have washed myself many times


    in a nearby hotel and made sure her scent was gone. Why don''t you give it a sniff? I''m sure you can


    smell the fragrance of my shower cream.¡±


    When Avery saw how earnestly Cayden was trying to exin himself to the extent of rolling up his


    sleeve so she could take a whiff, the unease in Avery''s heart gradually faded.


    Holding his hand, she fiddled with his long and clean fingers before breaking into a smile. ¡°I trust you.


    As I have said before, my faith in you is unwavering no matter what you do. I''m not going to go around


    chasing shadows. It''s just that I can''t help feeling sad despite the knowledge that it was just an act.


    Perhaps this is how loving someone feels. We only want our loved ones to solely belong to us. Even


    when someone steals a nce at you, it feels as if they''re trying to take you away from me.¡±


    Love was a strange phenomenon that bound the hearts of two people together as if it was some kind of


    poison.


    It would sometimes fill one with bliss while engulfing one in bitterness at other times. As long as one


    had it, one would concurrently experience the contrasting emotions of happiness and sorrow.


    Stroking Avery''s tender cheeks, Cayden noticed that herplexion was so smooth that one couldn''t


    spot any hair follicles on it.


    He nted a kiss on her cheek and promised her, ¡°I understand how ufortable it made you feel,


    but rest assured that I feel the same as you do. Every minute and second of maintaining the charade is


    torture to me. Once all this is resolved, I will organize a grand wedding where you will officially be


    Mrs. Moore.¡±


    ¡°Mmm-hmm.¡± Wearing a vibrant smile, Avery nuzzled her face against his chest.


    The next day, the twins insisted on visiting their mother once they heard that Avery was awake.


    Cayden subsequently brought them to the hospital.


    Holding Zachary''s hand, Rory stood meekly by her mother''s bed, all teary-eyed.


    As soon as she called out ¡°Mommy,¡± tears streamed uncontrobly down her cheeks.


    Avery motioned for her daughter toe over before wiping the tears off the little girl''s face. ¡°Stop


    crying, Sweetheart. I''m fine.¡±


    Rory was unable to calm herself down, for she was still a five-year-old after all. The sight of her


    mother''s leg covered in a ster cast caused her to bite her reddish lip by reflex.


    She couldn''t stop ming herself when she recalled how Avery ended up that way. If she hadn''t


    insisted on going to the restroom, her mother wouldn''t have been hit by a car when trying to push her


    out of the way.


    As Rory and Zacharycked motherly love since they were young, Avery''s appearance filled that void


    and also satisfied their desire for familial bonds.


    Given how much Rory was fond of her loving mother, she was worried that Avery would dislike her for


    being the reason she was involved in the car ident.


    Avery held her daughter''s hand and noticed that the former hadn''tbed her hair, which was unlike


    her. Rory had always liked to look pretty since she was little. Every time she went out, she would doll


    herself up like a princess and would make sure her hair wasbed neatly.


    This time, however, her hair was strewn all over her shoulders in a slightly messy manner.


    Nevertheless, they entuated her exquisite-looking face instead.


    Truth be told, Nicole might love the twins a lot, but she couldn''t help but be a little biased toward her


    daughter. Zachary was exceedingly smart, independent, and barely needed any adult supervision.


    As for Rory, being a girl made her more temperamental despite her intelligence. Having been spoilt by


    Cayden, she possessed a more sensitive character.


    Therefore, Avery had a softer spot for her daughter aspared to her son.


    It was obvious from Rory''s guilty expression that she was ming herself for what happened. The look


    on her face caused Avery''s heart to ache.


    Stroking Rory''s head, Avery consoled her, ¡°There, there. I''m really fine. Both of you are the greatest


    gifts God has given me. I''ll always love you no matter what. All that matters to me is that you''re safe


    and healthy.¡±


    Children were everything to their mothers.


    Due to the fact that blood was thicker than water, Avery, as their mother, wanted to give them the best


    and would subconsciously eliminate any hidden threats and dangers for their sake.

 Chapter 501

    Chapter 501


    Chapter 501 His Words Warm Her Heart


    Avery leaned against a soft pillow on the bed andforted her daughter.


    After the little girl had fallen asleep from exhaustion, Cayden gently lifted her and ced her in another


    bed beside them.


    Zachary, who did not usually talk much, walked up to Avery, grabbed her hand, and asked in his tender


    and hesitant voice, ¡°Mommy, I can''t wait to grow up. I want to grow up fast so that I can protect you and


    make sure you never get hurt again.¡±


    His words warmed her heart.


    She gently stroked his tender cheek and quipped, ¡°I just want you and Rory to grow up safely. My


    responsibility now as a mother is to take care of you, but once your dad and I be old, it''ll be your


    responsibility to take care of us. Make sure you don''t think of us as a burden then...¡±


    ¡°Of course not, Mommy.¡± Zachary clenched his fists and vowed earnestly, ¡°You and Daddy took good


    care of us. When we grow up, we''ll definitely take good care of you to show you how grateful we are for


    what you''ve done for us. I mean every word I say, Mommy.¡±


    The little boy''s innocent expression when he blinked his eyes could easily melt anyone''s heart.


    Zachary''s eyes were almond-shaped, resembling Cayden''s, but with the addition of Avery''s profound


    double eyelids. They were not only clear and beautiful like his mother''s but also sharp and refined like


    his father''s.


    ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    All the exceptional gic traits were fully manifested in Zachary.


    ¡°Okay, Mommy believes you.¡± Avery could not help but sigh. My son is already so charming at such a


    young age. What if he grows up to be a heartbreaker?


    ¡°Good boy. You''re such a good boy,¡± Avery said as she ruffled his hair and gave him a kiss on the


    cheek.


    Zachary could not help but blush.


    ¡°You trained him well.¡± Cayden grinned.


    He believed Zachary and Rory had inherited Avery''s excellent genes, and that was why they were such


    obedient and intelligent children.


    As the family basked in their moment of togetherness, a sudden jarring female voice pierced through


    the cozy ambiance. ¡°Well, well, well. Look who survived a car crash. But with your leg wrapped up like


    a mummy, are you a cripple now?¡±


    The entire family turned their heads to look at the source of the voice.


    d in a sophisticated dress, Allie entered the ward in heels while carrying thetest Herm¨¨s bag.


    Repulsed by the scent of the disinfectant, she waved her hand in front of her nose to clear the air.


    ¡°Cayden, you haven''t been home for two days. I went to your office to look for you because I thought


    you were busy, but you weren''t around. I''m shocked that you''re here with this jinx. How could you avoid


    answering my calls because of her?¡±


    Allie came over because Jeffrey found out from Xavier that Avery was involved in a severe ident,


    and he was worried about his great-grandchildren.


    Initially, Jeffrey wanted to visit her but could not bring himself to do so upon recalling how Avery had


    embarrassed the Moore family during the engagement party. That was why he sent Allie over.


    Allie did note willingly as she had a prior facial appointment with her friends. She was indifferent to


    whether or not Avery could bear Cayden''s child. After all, there would be no shortage of women eager


    to give birth to Cayden''s child, as long as he gave them the green light.


    Yet, she had no choice but toply with Jeffrey''s order.


    Cayden''s face darkened when he heard the disrespectful words directed toward Avery. ¡°Mom, Avery is


    not only the mother to my kids but also your future daughter-inw. I won''t tolerate you speaking ill of


    her. If you continue to behave like this, I won''t wee you into our family.¡±


    ¡°What? Cayden, what are you saying? You still want to marry her? How could you? She has tarnished


    our family''s reputation. I will not allow it to happen! Are you so set on being with this woman that you''re


    willing to drive me up the wall?¡± Upon hearing how her son insisted on marrying Avery and even


    threatened her to defend the woman, Allie exploded in rage. With bloodshot eyes, she red at Avery


    as if she could tear her into pieces.


    Avery''s expression turned grim as she did not anticipate Allie''s arrival would add more turmoil to an


    already difficult situation.


    Avery had no choice but to endure the insults because Allie was Cayden''s mother. She turned her


    head away and avoided looking at Allie''s malicious expression.


    Zachary, who was standing nearby, scrunched his brows when he heard how Allie scolded his mother.


    Suddenly, he pulled a corner of Allie''s blouse and said in his innocent voice, ¡°Grandma, please don''t


    talk to my mommy like that. Rory and I might watch and learn from you. When you''re old, you wouldn''t


    want us to treat you the same way, would you?¡±


    The little guy might appear to be innocent, but the words he uttered drove Allie mad. At that moment,


    she regretted showering him with too much affection.


    As her anger intensified, her face contorted and even became slightly deformed. Suddenly, she felt a


    sharp pain in her cheek.


    It was at that moment Allie remembered her cosmetic procedure yesterday and how the beautician had


    cautioned her to control her emotions during the recovery period. The beautician also warned her that


    getting angry orughing excessively could cause facial muscle deformation and greatly reduce the


    effectiveness of the treatment.


    The beautician''s warning sent a shiver down her spine, and she quicklyposed herself and put on a


    poker face. ¡°I won''t say anything else anymore. If the baby in her womb is still alive, then make sure


    she gives birth to it. The Moores will take care of the baby. If the baby is dead, then forget it. In any


    case, she''s not weed in the Moore family.¡±


    ¡°Mom, the baby is fine, and I''ll not marry any other woman other than Avery. Once she recovers, I''ll


    give her a grand wedding. If you wish to attend, we wee you. If you choose not toe, it''s all


    right too. We''ll still proceed with the ceremony,¡± Cayden said indifferently.


    His words left Allie speechless and on the brink of fainting.


    Staying there any longer would just drive her mad, so after giving Avery a murderous re, she


    stormed out of the ward.


    Meanwhile, at the banquet in the Lambert residence, Nicole was getting restless and uneasy like a cat


    on a hot tin roof.


    That was because that man threatened her to transfer arge sum of money into his ount within the


    next two hours.


    She was far from being financially deprived. As a celebrity, money came in quickly and easily, and on


    top of that, being the only daughter of the Lambert family, she received a generous monthly allowance


    from her mother''s business ie.


    However, transferring the money through her personal ount could spell trouble.


    At that moment, it was also impossible for her to leave the banquet.


    George had already formed a negative opinion of her, and her early departure from his birthday


    banquet thest round had left a bad impression on him. If she were to repeat the same behavior at her


    grandmother''s birthday banquet, it would likely give him more reason to criticize her.


    She regretted not having nned everything in advance, and her increasing anxiousness only made it


    more challenging to find a good solution.


    As Nicole stood in the corner of the banquet hall, feeling lost and helpless, a rugged man dressed in


    camouge approached her silently.


    He did not even bother to hide the emotions in his eyes.


    Using his stealthy skills, the elusive man avoided all surveince and covered Nicole''s mouth and


    nose, dragging her into the restroom without raising any suspicion.


    Nicole was almost rendered unconscious by the sudden attack. When she caught sight of Roderick,


    she was so frightened that her legs went feeble, and she almost screamed.


    Yet, when she thought about the powerful backing that Roderick had, a sudden idea came to her mind.


    She quickly put on a grin, put aside her fear and disgust, and wrapped her arms around his neck.

 Chapter 502

    Chapter 502


    Chapter 502 I Want Him Dead


    Roderick arched his thick brow and stopped trying to rip Nicole''s dress apart. He was surprised she


    would y along with him.


    It was as though Nicole could sense his confusion, she wrapped her long legs around Roderick''s thighs


    which were d in camouge pants.


    Tamping down her disgust, she said coyly, ¡°Roddie, I''ve missed you. It has been ages since west


    met, right? Where have you been? Why didn''t you visit me?¡±


    As she spoke, her hands slipped beneath his shirt.


    A lecherous grin flitted across Roderick''s lips. He replied, ¡°Why? Are you horny just after a few days? I


    knew those who had slept with me would miss me!¡±


    ¡°Hey, how could you say that? It was all your fault!¡± Nicole rested her cheek against Roderick''s


    muscr chest. A wide smile yed on her lips as she advanced without hesitation.


    Although Nicolecked sexual experience, she had witnessed simr incidents in the entertainment


    industry. It wasmon for female celebrities to use sex as a means to advance their careers.


    Additionally, her close friend Bonnie dated many men and taught her various techniques to seduce


    them.


    Indeed, under her seductive skills, Roderick''s desire heightened, and he couldn''t wait to ravage her


    right there and then.


    Hastily, he lifted her skirt to pull off thest obstacle. He was about to prate her when pitiful


    whimpers pierced the air.


    Roderick looked down to see Nicole weeping sadly, tears running down her cheeks.


    She gazed up at him, tears shimmering in her eyes. Though her lips parted, she seemed hesitant to


    speak and ended up swallowing her words.


    Roderick thought she acted this way as she was disgusted at his touch. At once, his desire faded a


    little.


    He reached out to grip her chin, the force nearly crushing her bone. ¡°Why? You were seducing me just


    a while ago. Why are you acting like a chaste woman now? Who are you putting up an act for?¡±


    Tears rolled down Nicole''s cheeks and fell onto the back of Roderick''s hand.


    Shaking her head, she wept softly and said, ¡°I''m not against the idea of having sex with you, but I can''t


    do it now. I-I''m being threatened by someone...¡±


    ¡°Who would have the guts to threaten you?¡± Roderick frowned doubtfully.


    Even though Nicole was adopted by William, the Lamberts considered her as their own daughter,


    showering her with love and affection. Roderick was aware of that, so he couldn''t figure out who had


    the guts to threaten her.


    Tears pooled in Nicole''s eyes. She kept shaking her head but said nothing.


    Nicole was aware that behaving in a vulnerable manner might elicit Roderick''s sympathy toward her.


    Indeed, Roderick''s voice turned vicious when he saw her tear-stained face. ¡°What exactly happened?


    Who has the guts to bully my woman? Be honest with me.¡±


    ¡°Roddie, you''re the best!¡±


    Nicole suppressed a shudder of disgust as she tried her best to act coquettish towards Roderick. Her


    voice choked as she revealed, ¡°You know that I''m William''s adopted daughter. Before he adopted me, I


    had a terrible few years in the orphanage. A man who used to work there has some dirt on me from my


    time there. He''s been threatening me with it, asking for money in exchange for his silence or he would


    reveal the dirt to the media. I''m terrified. If the media exposes everything, my acting career will be


    ruined, and my adoptive parents will be ashamed of me. I''ve already paid him twice, but that wasn''t


    enough as he''s extorting money from me for the third time. He wants me to transfer money to him


    within two hours, or he''ll reveal everything to the media. I''m scared and don''t know what to do...¡±


    She curled into a ball and buried her face into his burly chest, wailing hard like a baby.


    Hearing that, Roderick burst into raucousughter. He lifted her chin and gave her lips a forceful bite. ¡°I


    thought it was something serious. Don''t worry, for I''ll solve your dilemma. Tell me. How do you want me


    to solve it?¡±


    ¡°I want him dead!¡± Nicole''s face contorted as a vicious glint shed across her eyes.


    It disappeared in a split moment, but Roderick caught it nheless.


    His grin grew increasingly wicked.


    She''s indeed a malicious beauty to want someone dead just because he extorted money from her.


    However, I adore vicious and hot women like her.


    ¡°If I get rid of him for you, how will you thank me, then?¡± Roderick narrowed his gaze.


    ¡°If you are able to help me, I''ll do anything you want,¡± Nicole said shyly in his embrace.


    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    ¡°Deal.¡± Roderick''s hands roamed all over Nicole''s body for some time before he came to a stop. ¡°Two


    hourster, I''ll see you at Room 6666, Xerand Hotel. I want to see you naked in bed.¡±


    ¡°Mm,¡± came Nicole''s shy answer as a strange expression crossed her face.


    After Roderick left, Nicole''s face immediately twisted in repugnance.


    She diligently washed the parts of her body where Roderick touched and cursed him rudely.


    After that, she straightened her outfit and her messy hair, returning to her usual ssy self. With a


    charming smile, she made her way back to the event hall.


    ...


    A man in his mid-thirties, standing around one hundred and seventy-five centimeters tall, was


    concealed in a thick jungle on the mountainside. His jaw was unshaven, and he appeared exhausted


    and disheveled.


    Charles Horsel was currently cowering in a run-down hut. Every gust of wind sent shivers of fear down


    his spine.


    He had nowhere to escape.


    Charles had no idea about the identity of the woman he hit. After hitting her, he got himself into trouble.


    The police, private investigators, private securitypanies, and the like were all after him. He was


    now a wanted criminal.


    Even his bank ount was frozen, and he couldn''t withdraw any money. He didn''t have any cash with


    him and was in a miserable state.


    Had Charles not been involved with gangsters and had the ability to evade surveince, he would have


    been caught by now.


    He couldn''t help but regret hitting Avery. If he knew hitting her would cause this much trouble, he would


    rather not ept the reward.


    s, he had no choice but to hope that Nicole would quickly deliver the cash to him as promised.


    Otherwise, he wouldn''t mind dragging her down with him.


    Charles was on his guard when a hoarse voice rang out, ¡°Is that you, Charles Horsel?¡±


    Shocked, Charles bobbed his head.


    He was about to turn to find out who it was when he caught sight of a camouge uniform. Before he


    got the chance to see the unexpected visitor, a machete appeared in his sight and sliced across his


    throat, ending his life effectively.


    Blood gushed out of his neck and sprayed all over the area.


    Charles didn''t even have the chance to scream for help as he died instantly with his eyes opened wide.


    The man in the camouge uniform shed a malicious smile as he dug out Charles'' eyeballs with his


    machete.


    Xavier and Jake rushed there as quickly as they could, but when they arrived, they only caught a


    glimpse of a tall and agile figure disappearing into the dense forest.


    D*mn it. We are toote!

 Chapter 503

    Chapter 503


    Chapter 503 Cayden Getting Furious


    Xavier got to his knees and put his finger under Charles'' nose.


    Charles'' body was still warm, but he was no longer breathing. It was apparent he had just been killed.


    Without hesitation, Jake and the police officers left to go after the culprit who had fled the scene.


    Jake was a skilled veteran with investigative abilities, so he was agile and swift.


    However, the culprit was obviously better than him.


    Regardless of Jake''s speed, the culprit always managed to maintain a distance from him.


    The dense forest was overgrown with bushes and vines, providing the perfect cover for the culprit to


    hide and move around. The agile figure used the foliage to his advantage and easily evaded the two''s


    pursuit.


    Jake could only asionally catch a glimpse of the culprit''s camouge uniform which almost blended


    in with the foliage.


    When the culprit was about to disappear from sight, Jake panicked and grabbed a gun from a nearby


    police officer. He flicked the safety off and fired a few shots in the direction of the escaping figure.


    Despite his excellent shooting skills in the military, Jake couldn''t stop the culprit, who managed to


    evade and escape despite being fired at. This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    He red toward the direction in which the culprit had fled and gritted his teeth in frustration.


    ...


    Cayden sat on the couch in the VIP lounge of the hospital, holding a cigarette between his fingers. His


    expression was cold and determined.


    After Cayden spent thest few days at the hospital with Avery, his handsome face was etched with


    exhaustion.


    Xavier and Jake stood in front of Cayden, reporting the situation to him guiltily. ¡°Sorry, Boss. We were


    toote. When we arrived, Charles'' aorta had been sliced open.¡±


    Despite his usuallyposed demeanor, Xavier felt disappointed in himself for letting his employer


    down.


    They had tracked Charles using the satellite and were close to uncovering the truth, but they were just


    one step toote. The culprit had killed Charles before they could reach him.


    ¡°Boss, the perpetrator who killed Charles was wearing a camouge uniform and showed incredible


    agility. Based on his abilities, I believe he was a highly skilled soldier from the special forces. I''m sorry


    that I couldn''t apprehend him,¡± Jake exined, his head hanging low with guilt.


    Cayden had hired him to be Avery''s driver as he was a skilled veteran with excellent investigative


    abilities.


    Mr. Moore pays me handsomely, but I failed inpleting the mission.


    Cayden''s expression turned icy as he gripped the handles of the couch, nearly snapping them in half.


    ¡°Does that mean that all our clues have reached a dead end?¡±


    Both of them said naught a word.


    As Cayden grew increasingly irritated, Jake broke into cold sweat. He plucked up his courage to say,


    ¡°Boss, we''ll do everything we can to find Charles'' killer as soon as possible. Please give us some time,


    and I promise we will get it done.¡±


    Cayden took a puff of his cigarette. As the smoke billowed around him, he frowned unhappily. The


    temperature surrounding him dropped drastically.


    An ominous silence hung in the air for some time.


    A long whileter, Cayden finally broke the silence. ¡°I''ll give you a few days to investigate!¡± One could


    hear the fury and exhaustion in his voice.


    ¡°Got it, Boss,¡± his subordinates who had failed their previous mission replied curtly.


    Cayden stood up and walked toward the window, his tall and imposing figure casting a shadow in the


    room. He seemed as though he was a solitary eagle, unbreakable and unconquerable.


    He gazed out at the city skyline as a determined look appeared in his eyes.


    I will find the culprit even if it meant that I have to search the entire Ackleton. Whoever dared to hurt


    Avery will pay for it!


    ...


    These few days, Avery couldn''t walk as her legs were injured. She was bored being cooped up in the


    ward.


    At first, Cayden nned to take Avery back to the mansion to recover, but Yuvan advised against it,


    citing that her legs had just undergone surgery and she needed rest. He proposed that she stay under


    observation in the hospital for a few days until she was deemed fit to be discharged.


    Thus, Avery had no choice but to remain in the hospital, which reeked of antiseptic.


    Fortunately, she was ced in the VIP ward, which was quiet and peaceful, aiding in her recovery.


    As she had an uing test to be a Certified Professional Constructor, she took advantage of


    the peaceful environment in the hospital to review the relevant materials and study the test questions.


    That day, Cayden left instructions for the caregiver to take good care of Avery before he left for his


    office.


    He had a lot on his te and couldn''t be with Avery all the time. With numerous projects to manage


    daily, he had little free time. Furthermore, the arson case involving the housekeeper was scheduled to


    begin the following month.


    He had promised Anthony that the housekeeper whomitted arson would be sentenced to death.


    Although she appeared to be an ordinary housekeeper, she had a rtive with powerful connections in


    Beshya, making it difficult to ensure that she would be sentenced to death.


    Nevertheless, Cayden had given his word to Anthony, so he had to carry out his promise.


    The housekeeper whomitted arson must receive a death sentence.


    After Cayden left, Avery got busy reading her study materials.


    Right then, the handsome Armand showed up in her ward with tworge bags of gifts.


    ¡°Armand, why are you here?¡± Avery felt awkward to see him here.


    The way he confessed his feelings for her one night made her extremely ufortable.


    She was aware that foreigners were often expressive about their emotions and would confess their


    feelings to the women they liked, but she didn''t have any interest in Armand.


    ¡°Hey, Rum. I was wondering why you didn''t show up after the coboration between Trident Group and


    Vivi Group started. It turns out you''re hiding at the hospital. If Nina and Cecelia hadn''t told me about


    this, I would''ve thought you had disappeared. Rum, why didn''t you tell me that you were involved in


    such a serious ident? Look at you. It breaks my heart to see you lying in bed,¡± Armand said in an


    exaggerated tone and expression as he stared at Avery''s cast. He blinked his blue eyes, feeling sorry


    for her.


    Avery was speechless, and at the same time, she grew increasingly awkward.


    She had only met Armand once, and she couldn''t stand how enthusiastic he was.


    ¡°Eh? You''re badly injured, and the man who you love should be taking care of you in this ward. Why


    isn''t he here?¡±


    Armand nced around and didn''t see anyone else.


    He looked at Avery with an intense gaze and tried to convince her, ¡°It seems like the guy you''re in love


    with isn''t a good catch. If you were my girlfriend and got involved in a severe car ident, I would stay


    here to take care of you, even if I had to quit my job. Why don''t you break up with him and be with me


    instead, Rum?¡±

 Chapter 504

    Chapter 504


    Chapter 504 Avery In The Hospital


    Armand gazed intently at Avery, who was on the hospital bed. At that moment, her injured and swollen


    leg was covered in a thick cast, and she looked terrible. In his eyes, however, she looked like a


    goddess reading quietly on the bed.


    Avery avoided Armand''s passionate gaze and cleared her throat. In an unhappy tone, she reminded


    him once again, ¡°Armand, I told you I have a fianc¨¦, and I''m getting married to him soon. By then, I''ll


    personally invite you to the wedding. Therefore, please stop saying things that can easily lead to a


    misunderstanding. I''m really not interested in you. Furthermore, my husband treats me very well. He


    woulde to the hospital to keep mepany every night. It''s just that he''s been busy with work


    recently. He''lle here as soon as he finishes his work.¡±


    Armand was saddened because Avery shunned him. However, he walked up to her and took a seat in


    the chair next to the bed instead of giving up.


    After that, he did a magic trick, and a rose suddenly appeared in his hand. ¡°This is for you, my dear


    belle. I wish you a speedy recovery and hope that you''ll bloom as beautifully as this rose once again.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Avery uttered. Yet, she didn''t ept the rose from him. Instead, she frowned and said,


    ¡°Please take the rose away. I''m allergic to pollen. Besides, I don''t like roses.¡±


    Avery wasn''t entertaining Armand at all, but he didn''t seem to mind.


    Upon hearing that she was allergic to pollen, he threw the rose into the trash can nearby and


    apologized, ¡°Rum, I''m so sorry. I didn''t know you were allergic to pollen. I''ll keep that in mind.¡±


    Armand rubbed his nose apologetically and saw a porcin vase nearby.


    There was a bouquet of beautiful and fragrant lilies in the vase.


    Seeing that, Armand pointed at the lilies and nodded as if the realization had just dawned upon him.


    ¡°Oh! I see that you''re allergic to roses but not lilies, Rum. I''ll remember that. I''ll bring you lilies the next


    time Ie. Do you like lilies?¡±


    Avery stared at the bouquet of lilies and shed a faint smile. ¡°Those lilies are from my husband, and I


    love them. To be frank, I don''t like any flowers in particr. I only love those lilies because they''re from


    my husband.¡±


    Avery''s words were hinting at something, and she knew a smart and gentle man like Armand would be


    able to read between the lines.


    True enough, Armand was upset by those words. ¡°Rum, could you please stop telling me how much


    you love that man? You''re making me jealous. I don''t get it. What''s so good about him? Why are you so


    in love with him? He doesn''t even care about you! How could he work when you''ve just been in a car


    ident? Shouldn''t he put his work aside and stay with you? He''s not even here now...¡±


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    Avery closed the reading material in her hands and uttered in an elegant tone, ¡°Well, that''s love. As


    long as I''m in love with him, his looks, wealth, and attitude don''t matter.¡±


    Armand looked at her dazedly and struggled toe up with a response. Momentster, he grumbled,


    ¡°Rum, why do you always have a prejudice against me? You don''t know me, and you don''t know my


    good qualities as a man. I''m sure you''ll change your mind about me after spending some time with me.¡±


    Avery couldn''t help but smile helplessly when she saw the tall and handsome Armandining like


    a child. ¡°Armand, I know you''re a great man, but that''s not how it works when ites to love, right?


    Even if you were to have all the good qualities a man could possibly have, I still wouldn''t fall for you.


    That''s because I''m only interested in Cayden. Cayden and I have known each other since we were


    little, and we''ve been into each other ever since. He has upied a special spot in my heart for over a


    decade now, and our feelings for each other will only get stronger over time. Eventually, we''ll be


    one, and not even death can separate us.¡±


    Avery had to admit the fact that Armand was a good-looking man. Besides, he had a body figure


    comparable to a supermodel. I''m sure other women will throw themselves at him before he even


    confesses his feelings. I''m not one of them, though. When I love a man, I love him with all my heart.


    Now, my heart is fully upied by Cayden, and there''s no space for another man.


    The atmosphere became awkward once again.


    Although Armand knew Avery was in love with someone else, he couldn''t stop himself from falling for


    her. After all, she was the first Aplothian girl he had ever fallen for.


    In order to diffuse the awkwardness, Armand started talking to her about the coboration between the


    twopanies. However, he noticed how absent-minded she was, and she was also constantly


    checking her watch. Knowing that she wanted him to leave, he had no choice but to rise to his feet


    begrudgingly. Before he left, he said, ¡°Rum, rest well. I''ll visit you again when I''m free. As long as you''re


    not married to that man, I won''t give up on you. I''m willing topete with him till the end!¡±


    Avery was on the verge of cursing out loud as she watched Armand leave. Did he not understand a


    word I said?


    ...


    Meanwhile, in the living room of the Lambert residence, ire, who was dressed in casual wear, was


    serving George a bowl of traditional medicine. ¡°Dad, it''s time to take your medicine.¡±


    George was taking all sorts of modern medicines because he wasn''t feeling well. ire was worried


    about the side effects of modern medicines, so she used her connections to get in contact with a retired


    but reputable traditional medicine practitioner to give George something to condition his body.


    George caught a whiff of the pungent smell of the medicine and frowned deeply. In fact, he looked as


    though he would rather die than take the medicine.


    However, he wanted to show his appreciation to his daughter-inw, so he took the bowl of medicine


    and downed it in one go before putting it back on the table.


    ire took the empty bowl and was about to return to the kitchen. Suddenly, George uttered, ¡°ire,


    when I was ying chess with Jeffrey the other day, he told me Avery got into a car ident, and I


    think she was injured badly. She''s a talented architect. Let''s get her to design our house next time. If


    you''re free, perhaps you should visit her at the hospital on my behalf.¡±


    Upon hearing that, ire froze, and aplicated look appeared on her face.

 Chapter 505

    Chapter 505


    Chapter 505 Look Alike


    In the meantime, Nicole was seen wearing an exquisite white dress and a tiara when she exited a


    jewelry show. As she was making her way toward the changing room, her expression was utterly grim.


    At the same time, Wendy was following closely behind her.


    There had been too much negative publicity aimed at Nicole recently. She was said to have acted


    haughtily, verbally assaulted the fans, and performed poorly in acting. In fact, even her misconduct


    during her time in the orphanage was exposed. All the scandals about her were publicized in detail,


    and the news had been shocking, to say the least.


    The managementpany had been busy trying to prove her innocence, and they were running out of


    ideas.


    Unlike the previous times, the news regarding Nicole had been unmanageable. Prior to that, the


    company would use William''s name to force the mediapanies to stop reporting Nicole''s scandals.


    This time around, however, that strategy didn''t work.


    Hence, thepany was desperate to identify the mastermind. Unfortunately for them, they couldn''t


    find the tiniest bit of information.


    ¡°Nickie, there''s too much focus on you at the moment. Should you go abroad to lie low temporarily?¡±


    Wendy was carefully removing the jewelry from Nicole''s clothing in the changing room.


    Nicole was an actress, and her primary job was acting. Nheless, she would take up some


    With her background, she was sailing smoothly in the entertainment industry, and she was receiving


    sponsorships from every direction.


    However, since her scandals, her acting contracts were put on hold, and the various advertisements


    and promotional videos she endorsed were also withdrawn.


    In other words, her career was on the rocks.


    The jewelry show she was attending at the moment was full of famous international stars, and she


    wasn''t invited as a special guest in the first ce. Wendy had to make use of William''s reputation once


    again to get Nicole on the show.


    Knowing that Nicole''s reputation in the country was affected, Wendy was hoping that Nicole could


    explore the opportunities abroad. Thus, she wanted to take advantage of the jewelry show to see if


    Nicole could win the favor of foreign directors. Needless to say, things weren''t working out as well as


    she had hoped.


    During the star-studded show, Nicole was nothingpared to the other models in terms of looks,


    height, and charisma. As a result, none of the attendees bothered to pay any attention to her.


    That was why Nicole was looking solemn after the show.


    ¡°If I ever find out who''s sabotaging me, I''m going to make that person pay!¡± Nicole no longer looked as


    gentle as she looked under the spotlight. Instead, her face was full of resentment, and even her eyes


    were gloomy.


    ¡°Nickie, prior to this, your reputation had been great within the entertainment industry. I don''t know who


    would want to sabotage you. Whoever that person is, how could he not be afraid of William? If things


    don''t turn for the better, I think you should tell Mrs. Lambert about it. Your parents love you dearly, so I


    think they''ll definitely help you out.¡± Wendy couldn''t stop sighing.


    In response, Nicole hesitated and said, ¡°I can only tell my mom about it. If my dad finds out what''s


    happening, he''ll drag me out of the entertainment industry immediately.¡±


    William never liked the fact that Nicole was working in the entertainment industry. She knew he could


    make all her problems go away with ease. However, she also knew he would force her into quitting the


    entertainment industry the moment he found out about the scandals surrounding her.


    Obviously, she didn''t want that to happen.


    ¡°Well, Mrs. Lambert is a warm and gentle person. Besides, she loves you very much. If she were to


    resolve the issue for you, those scandals would disappear in no time. Still, you should take a break


    from the entertainment industry until things settle down,¡± Wendy urged.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Nicole massaged her temples. ¡°I know, Wendy. I should take advantage of it and have a good


    rest.¡±


    Buzz...


    Nicole''s phone rang.


    Upon seeing that it was a call from Roderick, Nicole wanted to smash the phone up out of disgust.


    However, she recalled how he had gotten rid of Charles for her and prevented the mastermind from


    getting any clues. Roderick is a capable man, and I think he''ll stille in handy.


    With that in mind, Nicole answered the phone reluctantly.


    No one knew what the person on the other end of the call said to Nicole, but her face darkened all of a


    sudden.


    ¡°What''s the matter with you, Nickie? Do you feel ill?¡± Wendy asked concernedly when she saw Nicole''s


    lips were about to bleed from biting.


    F*ck you, Roderick. Who are you to order me around whenever you feel like fulfilling your lust? Nicole''s


    tone was filled with hatred when she replied, ¡°Wendy, do you know any innocent-looking models or


    actresses who are dying for fame? Please tell these girls you would like to introduce them to a big


    shot.¡±


    ¡°Yes. I''m managing a lot of beautifuldies, and they''re all desperate for fame.¡± Wendy saw Nicole


    furrowing her brows and asked cautiously, ¡°Could it be that Mr. Fuller is troubling you again?¡±


    From the moment Nicole made her debut in the entertainment industry until she made a name for


    herself, she had been under Wendy''s wings. Hence, Nicole trusted Wendy, and she would tell Wendy


    everything. That was why Wendy knew a bit about what was going on between Nicole and Roderick.


    Naturally, as Nicole''s manager, Wendy also wanted Nicole to be free of Roderick, but it would be


    foolish to mess with the Fuller family. If things were to get exposed, Nicole would also suffer.


    Nicole then sprawled on the dressing table in frustration. ¡°Wendy, stop asking me questions. I need you


    to look for a few innocent-looking models and actresses. I''ll handle the rest of the matters,¡± she uttered


    with a determined look in her eyes. I''m now with Cayden, so I can''t be involved with Roderick in any


    way. Therefore, I need other women to satisfy Roderick''s needs. Once he shifts his attention away from


    me, I''ll be free.


    ...


    Meanwhile, ire showed up at the hospital with a thermal lunch box containing mushroom soup and


    other nutritional dishes. While carrying the thermal lunch box in her hands, she asked the nurses for


    Avery''s ward number and went to look for Avery.


    At that moment, Avery was chatting with a nurse. Sounds of footsteps suddenly rang out from outside,


    and Avery was shocked to see ire at the entrance.


    Avery was so surprised to see ire that she froze and forgot to greet ire.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    The nurse was the first to react, and she smiled when she saw how much Avery resembled ire.


    ¡°You''re Ms. Rumpley''s mother, aren''t you? You guys look alike! In fact, your eyes look exactly the


    same!¡±


    Avery awkwardly pulled the nurse''s hand and exined softly, ¡°You''ve got the wrong person. I''m not


    rted to her.¡± After that, she asked ire, ¡°What brought you here, Mrs. Lambert?¡±


    Avery was feeling uneasy and inexplicably guilty when she saw ire. She''s Nicole''s mother, and I''m


    Nicole''s love rival! Cayden and Nicole are supposedly intimate with each other now. I wonder if ire


    would hate us if she were to find out about the truth behind the rtionship between Cayden and


    Nicole one day.


    ire put the thermal lunch box on the table and answered tly, ¡°Old Mr. Lambert heard that you were


    hospitalized after being involved in a car ident, so he asked me to visit you on his behalf. He''s very


    happy with your design for the house, and he wishes you a speedy recovery.¡±


    ire couldn''t help sizing Avery up upon hearing what the nurse said. The nurse is right. This girl looks


    a lot like my younger self.

 Chapter 506

    Chapter 506


    Chapter 506 A Dagger To Her Heart


    When Avery noticed that ire had been studying her intently, her gaze inadvertently fell on the lunch


    box the woman ced on the table.


    She shed ire a grateful smile. ¡°Thank you foring over to visit me, Mrs. Lambert. I''m immobile


    at the moment, so please pardon me. Do have a seat.¡±


    ire stared at her, plunging into a brief trance upon seeing the bright smile on her face.


    Not only does she bear some resemnce to me in terms of looks, but the two dimples adorning her


    cheeks when she smiles are carbon copies of mine.


    Her mind went back to the time when Avery once sang during Nicole''s birthday party.


    Even her voice was very much simr to mine when I was young. How could there be such a girl who''s


    so much like me in this world, from looks to demeanor, voice, and smile?


    Perhaps it was because Avery had all her hallmarks when she was young that ire felt a sense of


    fondness and affection toward her. ¡°Don''t worry about it. I made this mushroom soup myself, Ms.


    Rumpley. I''m not sure whether it''s to your liking, but I hope you''ll like it.¡±


    While saying that, she opened the lid of the thermal lunch box.


    The instant the lid was removed, a distinct fragrance perfumed the entire room, enticing Avery''s sense


    of smell. Even the nurse could not help swallowing.


    Verily, the aroma was all too tempting.


    ¡°This is too much, Mrs. Lambert. I''m more than d you came to the hospital to visit me. I didn''t expect


    you to even make mushroom soup for me. Words aren''t enough to express my thanks.¡± ttered by


    ire''s gesture, Avery did not know what else to say.


    Smiling, ire held the mushroom soup out to her. Its color was tantalizing, and it looked delicious.


    Avery took it and tried a sip. Immediately, an indescribable fragrance pervaded her mouth. When she


    swallowed, not only did she taste the freshness of mushrooms but also an underlying hint of thyme,


    giving her a refreshing sense.


    ¡°This mushroom soup is delicious. Your cooking skills are amazing, Mrs. Lambert. This is the first time


    I''ve ever tasted such delectable soup.¡± Indeed, she was exceedingly surprised.


    In her mind, ire was the kind of elegant and gracefuldy who never did any household chores.


    Therefore, it came as a surprise that thetter''s cooking skills were incredible.


    She was not exaggerating at all, for the mushroom soup was really delicious,parable to the


    cooking of a chef from a five-star hotel.


    ¡°You tter me, Ms. Rumpley. Cooking is just a hobby of mine. I''m d you like it. In the future, just call


    me ire. Mrs. Lambert sounds too formal.¡±


    As ire spoke, she sat down beside Avery.


    Beckoning at the nurse, she gently murmured, ¡°I''ve got something to discuss with Ms. Rumpley. You


    can go about your work if you''ve got something else to do. We''ll press the call button if we need


    anything.¡±


    Her expression was dignified, and her voice tender. Yet, it carried a sense of authority, leaving no room


    for the listener to decline. Fear struck the nurse, and she hastily left the room.


    After the nurse had left, a touch of apprehension crept into Avery.


    Ultimately, the person she was facing off against right then was the wife of the state secretary. In terms


    of identity alone, ire was already far above her, not to mention the fact that she was the mother of


    her love rival, Nicole.


    She was smart, so she naturally knew that the woman''s purpose ining that day was not merely to


    visit her, seeing as ire had gone as far as requesting for them to be left alone to talk.


    All of a sudden, a sense of foreboding rose within her.


    Sure enough, ire abruptly started when they were the only ones left in the room, ¡°Pardon me for


    asking this, Ms. Rumpley, but what exactly happened between you and Cayden during the engagement


    banquet? Why did you suddenly change your mind halfway through? Are you determined to have


    nothing to do with him in the future? Also, are you both currently giving each other space and time?¡±


    Avoiding the woman''s sharp gaze, Avery replied sadly, ¡°I don''t really want to speak of the past, ire.


    But since you''re asking, I can only say that there are a number of problems between me and Cayden.


    They can''t be resolved, so things are impossible between us. Besides, I''m presently not good enough


    to stand by his side in all aspects. He deserves a better woman.¡±


    ire scrutinized her, seemingly trying to glean something from her eyes. However, Avery remained


    calm and unruffled, her gaze indifferent.


    Subsequently, ire continued, ¡°I don''t want to know too much about the things between you both. I


    only have one question for you, Ms. Rumpley. Are things really over between you and Cayden right


    now?¡±


    ¡°I... I don''t...¡± Avery looked at the woman nkly, almost blurting out the truth at her incessant


    questioning.


    However, at the thought of Cayden''s n, she suppressed the urge toe clean about everything.


    Instead, she fibbed, ¡°I don''t have any choice. There are too many uncertainties between us. And right


    now, we''ve already broken up.¡±


    Hearing that, ire seemingly breathed a sigh of relief. Her voice was threaded with a hint of chilliness.


    ¡°Dating and marriage are different things at the end of the day, Ms. Rumpley. Dating is all about two


    people loving each other, but marriage is more about having matching family backgrounds. Actually, I


    had been skeptical about things ending well for you both back when Cayden personally admitted to the


    rtionship because the gap in your statuses is simply too great. Since the two of you have broken up,


    I won''t speak further about that. At present, Cayden is dating Nickie. The Lambert and Moore families


    are both prominent entities in Ackleton, so I think you should know what best to do, Ms. Rumpley.¡±


    Although Avery knew that Cayden was merely putting on an act, ire''s words were still a dagger to


    her heart.


    A stream of ck blood gushed out of her heart as though wanting to drag her down to a bottomless


    abyss.


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    Seeing that she was dazed and silent, ire leaned even closer to her. ¡°Avery, I know you''re a good


    and sensible child. You understand my meaning. Honestly speaking, I don''t really approve of Cayden.


    Not only is he unfathomable, but he''s inextricably entangled with you. If it weren''t for Nickie''s


    adamance in marrying him to the point of threatening death, I would never have agreed to them being


    together. Now that you''ve personally assured me that things are over between you both, I believe that


    you''re a person of your word. In truth, even if you were to really marry him, life would be difficult for you


    in the Moore family, considering his mother''s character. Furthermore, you''d definitely be able to find a


    man who''s better suited for you in the future with your looks, talents, and capabilities.¡±


    Every word out of her mouth was as gentle as ever, but they cut like daggers, shredding Avery''s heart


    to ribbons.


    The urge to riposte the woman loudly gripped Avery, but the thought of the current situation had her


    ultimately suppressing that desire, ¡°I understand, ire.¡±


    At the same time, her hand unconsciously went to her belly.


    I don''t know how long this tormenting situation is going to persist, but I really feel sorry for our baby.


    ire''s eyes were exceptionally sharp, her gaze inadvertently alighting on Avery''s slightly bulging belly


    and thetter''s maternal expression. She eyed Avery suspiciously. Is she... pregnant?

 Chapter 507

    Chapter 507


    Chapter 507 Take You As My Goddaughter


    Noticing ire''s gaze on her belly, Avery swiftly moved her hand to the side of her leg encased in


    ster.


    Then, she pretended to snag the covers at the side over and drape them over her legs. In a gentle


    voice, she remarked, ¡°While it''s already spring now, the weather seems rather unpredictable these


    days. Sometimes, I even feel cold in the room... You''ve also got to wear more, ire. It''s easy to catch


    a cold in such weather.¡±


    Calmly retracting her gaze, iremented smilingly, ¡°I know things haven''t been easy for you, Ms.


    Rumpley. Perhaps it''s because you don''t have anyone close to you that you now yearn to find


    someone to depend upon. But I feel that Cayden and you are really unsuited. Actually, I''ve taken a


    liking to you the very first time Iid eyes on you. You''re about the same age as Nickie, and your


    personality ismendable. I love girls of your type. If you don''t mind, I''d like to take you as my


    goddaughter. Then, you wouldn''t feel lonely anymore. If you were to run into trouble in the future, I


    could also help you. For instance, your grandfather''s treatment fees and your jobter on... On top of


    that, I''d give you a generous dowry when you''ve found a man who truly suits you.¡±


    While saying all that, she wore a perpetual smile on her face.


    She was a gentle woman in the first ce, so her soft and tender tone was downright suffocating to


    Avery.


    ¡°I''ve got my grandfather and aunt now, ire. They''re my family, so I''m not alone. As for being your


    goddaughter, I''m sorry, but I''m all too aware that I''m not worthy of that since my status is low.


    Nheless, thank you for the offer.¡± Avery clutched the covers tightly.


    ire''s words had wave after wave of unease flooding her.


    In the face of her demurral, ire''s expression remained unchanged. Her smile was still as graceful as


    ever.


    She proceeded to take out a business card from her bag before holding it out to Avery. ¡°Ms. Rumpley, I


    know my suggestion might make you ufortable, but I really proposed it for your sake. I don''t mean


    to force you or anything. If you need any help, you cane to mypany and look for me directly.


    This card will gain you ess, and you don''t need to make an appointment beforehand. If you were to


    leave Trident Group, you''re wee to work at mypany. I''ll give you the position of vice general


    manager straight away.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Avery took the business card, feeling as though it was burning a hole in her hand.


    ¡°Don''t put too much pressure on yourself. I''m only doing all this because I sincerely like you.¡±


    As ire said that, she stood up and straightened Avery''s slightly wrinkled cor. After doing that, she


    murmured, ¡°I''ve still got something to do at the office, so I can''t stay here for long. I''ll be leaving first.


    Enjoy the mushroom soup. I''ll be back to visit you when I''m free.¡±


    When she had left, Avery drank the soup she brought. However, she could not shake off the feeling


    that the mushroom soup that tasted incredible earlier was utterly tasteless right then.


    ...


    By the time Cayden finished handling thepany matters and returned to the hospital room, he was


    greeted by the sight of Avery with her face drained of all color.


    As she gazed at him, the look in her eyes was bleak and helpless. Even her eyshes quivered. ¡°Say,


    Cayden, will there be a happily ever after for us?¡±


    Thanks to his counsel throughout the past few days, she had always been optimistic and strong,


    looking forward to the future with much anticipation.


    Even when she had met with such a severe car ident, she merely brushed off her physical pain.


    Never had she exhibited such a sorrowful expression.


    Cayden''s gaze swept over the thermal lunch box on the table. He could faintly scent the fragrance of


    mushroom soup.


    The aroma gave him an inexplicably familiar feeling, and his shrewd eyes flickered. ¡°Who came to visit


    you today?¡±


    Avery did not answer that even as the incandescent light shone on her thin face, rendering her as pale


    as a sheet.


    ¡°In the past, I thought that there''ll always be a rainbow after the storm as long as I hung on. But now,


    I''m really uncertain about our future.¡±


    At once, Cayden''s nerves stretched taut.


    Picking up the thermal lunch box, he studied it carefully. The familiar fragrance of mushroom soup had


    him abruptly recalling the scene whereby Nicole came to look for him at the office one day with


    mushroom soup.


    Because he hated that woman to the core, he threw the mushroom soup she brought into the trash


    can.


    Although he did not try the mushroom soup, his innately sensitive sense of smell carved its aroma into


    his mind.


    He ced the lunch box down, his gaze turning icy all of a sudden. ¡°Someone from the Lambert family


    was here, yes? Nicole came and sought you out?¡±


    In response, Avery shook her head. ¡°No, she didn''te over. Mrs. Lambert came at noon today.¡±


    Cayden frowned in puzzlement. ¡°Mrs. Lambert came over? Did she make things difficult for you?¡±


    A bitter smile curved Avery''s lips. ¡°I''d rather she had done that. She was exceedingly polite with me


    and didn''t make things difficult for me at all. Instead, she wanted to take me as her goddaughter and


    even said I could go and seek her out if I were to run into any trouble in the future. That aside, she


    offered to provide me with a job.¡±


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    Cayden''s expression was dark and subdued, yet his eyes were frightfully cold. ¡°What exactly is that


    woman''s motive?¡±


    ¡°She thought we''d broken up, saying that you''re now dating Nicole, and she was afraid that I''ll again


    butt into your rtionship with her daughter. She was likely coercing me to leave you by ying the


    amicable card. Honestly, I could''ve rebutted her harshly and even turned a deaf ear to her had she


    yed the viin. But she was seemingly taking my feelings into consideration when she said all that.


    Conversely, I kept lying to her... If she were to learn the truth of the matter one day, I really don''t know


    how I should face her. Nicole and I have always been at odds, so how could I possibly be her


    goddaughter?¡±


    ¡°Trust me. Everything will pass in no time. Just like a dream, everything will revert to normal when you


    wake up.¡± Cayden pulled her into his arms.


    Avery hugged him around the waist. Her eyes were red-rimmed, and she was so downcast that she


    resembled a lost child.


    She embraced him lightly as though holding a fragile dream. ¡°I, too, hope that this is but a dream.


    Hopefully, the storm will pass soon.¡±


    ¡°I''ll deal with this matter as soon as possible. You''re my wife, Avery, my only wife in this lifetime.¡±


    Cayden hugged her tightly, feeling like he had been stabbed in the heart.


    He could not stand seeing her weak and helpless, for it made him feel beyond useless.


    In that instant, he really wanted to tell the world the truth. He did not want to keep up the charade


    anymore, no longer wishing to plot and n as long as she was happy again.


    ¡°I trust you. I always do.¡± Avery suddenlyughed in relief.


    Cayden hugged her silently before fixing his eyes on her, gazing at her sweet smile. He stroked her soft


    and silky hair, inwardly making up his mind.

 Chapter 508

    Chapter 508


    Chapter 508 Gone To See Avery


    Meanwhile, at the Lambert residence, Nicole parked her car in her own parking lot at the mansion and


    locked it.


    Her face, which had always been unparalleled and exquisite, carried a certain air of exhaustion that


    could not be concealed.


    Nicole had not been in good shape throughout the filming today. Even though the director had not


    dared to bring it up due to Nicole''s status, it did nothing to hide the dissatisfaction on the director''s face.


    His piercing frown seemed to shoot through her, which made Nicole feel dazed and helpless.


    Nicole truly wanted to ask Cayden for help and y coy with him. However, even though Cayden had


    agreed to date her, Nicole knew deep down that they were nowhere near intimate.


    Naturally, Nicole did not dare bother him as a result.


    Nicole walked straight toward the living room in her heels but then ran into one of the housekeepers,


    Polly.


    Polly noticed that Nicole seemed a little pale. ¡°Is something the matter, Ma''am?¡± asked Polly with


    concern. ¡°Are you hungry? Mr. and Mrs. Lambert are not at home, but let me make you something for


    dinner.¡±


    ¡°There''s no need for that. I''m not hungry right now,¡± replied Nicole listlessly. ¡°Wait, where has Mom


    gone?''


    Since childhood, Nicole had been used to her adoptive parents'' busy schedules.


    As their positions and careers expanded over time, they became busier as well.


    Nicole would sometimesment over why they never spent time with her, but she kept theseints


    to herself and confined them to the deepest parts of her heart. She pretended to be obedient and


    sensible because she also enjoyed the status of being a part of the Lambert family, as well as the


    trappings of high society life.


    Nicole naturally understood that since her adoptive parents spent less time with her, they also favored


    her even more because she was so ¡°well-behaved.¡±


    ¡°Mrs. Lambert went to the hospital to visit someone, so she might be back a littlete. She specifically


    instructed me to make anything you want to eat if you came home,¡± replied Polly kindly.


    ¡°Who has she gone to visit? At which hospital?¡± asked Nicole.


    ¡°Mrs. Lambert has gone to Gentle Care Hospital, but I''m not sure of who she''s gone to visit. I noticed


    she prepared some food personally, so I reckon that person must be quite important. But I also vaguely


    recall overhearing Mrs. Lambert mentioning that the patient''s surname was Rumpley,¡± said Polly.


    Rumpley?


    This specific surname ruffled Nicole''s feathers quite easily. ¡°Polly, who did you say it was? The


    surname was Rumpley? Is it a woman? Is her name Avery Rumpley, by any chance?¡± asked Nicole


    sharply.


    Polly was taken aback by Nicole''s sudden change in demeanor. ¡°I may have overheard Mrs. Lambert


    mention the surname, but I can''t verify the patient''s gender,¡± said Polly with a shudder. ¡°I haven''t the


    slightest clue. If you really want to know, it''s best to call Mrs. Lambert and ask her.¡±


    Nicole looked troubled.


    She squinted at Polly before suppressing all her suspicion and went upstairs without another word.


    If Mom has gone to see someone with the surname Rumpley, doesn''t that mean she''s gone to see


    Avery? If that''s the case, why has Mom gone to see my rival? She knows exactly who Avery is. None of


    this makes any sense! Doesn''t she care that I would be furious after hearing about this?


    However, Nicole also felt optimistic about the situation. ire was smart and unlikely to shoot herself in


    the foot. It was possible that ire was visiting an important client who coincidentally shared the


    surname Rumpley.


    But can things really be so coincidental?


    When Nicole went to her room, shey on the bed, tossing and turning for some time.


    In the end, she could not suppress her doubts and decided to call ire.


    When the call was connected, Nicole feigned concern and asked, ¡°Mom, Polly told me that you went to


    the hospital this afternoon. Is Grandpa''s illness acting up again? Maybe I''ll head over to his house and


    pay him a visit. What kind of gift should I bring him?¡±


    ¡°Your grandpa is fine, Nickie. There''s nothing to worry about. It''s good that you want to pay him a visit,


    but I think he''d be happy even if you don''t bring a gift. I''m at the hospital to visit an important client,


    that''s all. I''m a little busy tonight and I''ll be having dinner with my staff. You needn''t wait for me,¡± replied


    ire. Since she did not want Nicole to dwell on the subject, ire decided to gloss over the hospital


    visit.


    ¡°Is that so? I''ll leave you to it then. Don''t overwork yourself, or Dad and I will be very sad,¡± said Nicole


    thoughtfully.


    She really wanted to ask if that client had the surname ¡°Rumpley¡±, but she managed to resist the urge.


    ire was an exceptionally intelligent woman. She was going to be aware of Nicole''s suspicions


    toward her if Nicole continued to probe. As such, Nicole did not want to put herself in that situation.


    After hanging up, Nicole was still highly suspicious of the whole incident. In fact, ire''s words did


    nothing to dissuade her.


    Nicole was determined to find out exactly who it was that ire was visiting at the hospital. If it was


    actually a client, then she was not going to say anything.


    But what if it is Avery after all?


    When Nicole thought of this, she felt like she was being driven into a bottomless abyss. The chill in her


    gaze also turned even more ruthless and virulent.


    I''m never going to let ire be in contact with Avery. Not a chance!


    Nicole suddenly recalled that Gentle Care Hospital was a private practice owned by Bonnie''s father.


    She immediately phoned her friend and asked Bonnie to look into the matter for her.


    Bonnie was feeling very remorseful over having betrayed Nicole thest time. The former was also


    concerned that Nicole was going to make things difficult for her.


    Since Nicole was the one who had made the request, Bonnie was happy to oblige and promised Nicole


    that she would look into it.


    There was a sinister grin on Nicole''s face after she hung up. Since that id*ot Bonnie has dared to


    double-cross me, I''ll show that b*tch what''s reallying for her once this is done!


    ...


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    After staying at the hospital for more than two weeks, Avery could finally return home.


    Back at the mansion, Averyy before the floor-to-ceiling windows and gazed at the green algae


    floating in theke. Beautiful fountains dotted theke''s surface, and she could also see swans taking


    flight as well as flower petals that fell like snowkes.


    The scenery outside the window was like an oil painting. It was full of vigor as if the world was putting


    on a performance just for Avery.


    Avery was sitting on a recliner and looking up at everything outside, enjoying a rare moment of


    tranquility.


    Cayden was very meticulous and thoughtful in making arrangements for her.


    Avery did not just have bodyguards on guard to ensure her personal safety at all times. Here, she also


    had ess to the most authoritative private doctor to check in on her condition whenever she needed


    it. On top of that, Avery also had a nutritioniste up with meal ns to satisfy her appetite each day.


    Cayden had even hired a physiotherapist to help Avery with rehabilitation training.


    Compared to the cold and impersonal service Avery had at the hospital, being at home felt much better.


    Avery''s ability to recover was quite strong. The wounds on her body had gradually healed, but she was


    still distressed at needing to be in a wheelchair every day. On top of that, she had to take medicine and


    receive physical therapy for two hours or so.


    Throughout this period of time, Cayden had been very busy at work. Despite needing to work overtime


    till midnight sometimes, Cayden tried his best to spend time with Avery.


    Every week, Cayden often spared an afternoon or two to take strolls around the garden. He took it


    upon himself to wheel Avery around in her wheelchair, and it became his duty to do so each time.

 Chapter 509

    Chapter 509


    Chapter 509 Just Avery


    In the afterglow of the setting sun, the azureke became enveloped by a halo of rosy clouds. There


    was something quite ethereal about its beauty.


    Cayden wheeled Avery around as they casually strolled by theke.


    As Avery gazed at the vigorous yet beautiful swans with their wings outstretched, she could not help


    feeling a slight twinge of envy.


    Avery wondered when she could regain her health and freedom and be like those swans.


    This mansion was truly beautiful, and it reminded her of a castle in a fairytale. Even if it was lively, with


    both Cayden and her two children to apany her, Avery felt quite isted from the outside world


    from staying inside all the time.


    This was especially prevalent when Avery saw how the swans could fly, yet she was still confined to


    her wheelchair. There was a deep longing for freedom in her eyes.


    The envy in Avery''s eyes must have been obvious enough that Cayden noticed it. He reached out to


    caress her delicate face and said, ¡°There''s no need to worry. After a while, you''ll be as free as the


    swans too. We''ll go anywhere you want after you get better.¡±


    After recuperating for some time, Avery''s pallor gradually became better. Her once-sharp features had


    begun to fill up, and her skin had also regained its suppleness. Avery was the very embodiment of


    having skin as white as snow.


    Avery smiled and hummed in response after hearing Cayden''sforting words.


    Her bright smile was reflected in Cayden''s deep gaze. Just then, Cayden felt like all the worries and


    stress he had from work had disappeared just by looking at Avery''s smile.


    Cayden smoothed down her hair, which had been ruffled by the gentle breeze. ¡°It''s a strange time, and


    all I ask is that you wait out being in a wheelchair for a while longer. When you recover, we will get


    married.¡±


    Cayden''s voice had a mellow note akin to fine wine. This made Avery smile even more.


    Yet, when she thought of the reality that she faced, Avery''s eyes suddenly turned gloomy. She was as


    quiet as still water as if the once burning mes that resided in her had been quickly extinguished,


    leaving nothing but ashes in its wake.


    Cayden observed her shifting expression carefully before wheeling her toward him.


    He then knelt and put himself in her line of sight.


    Cayden''s sharp gaze then fell on Avery''s fair face. ¡°Ery, what bothers you? You shouldn''t keep your


    worries to yourself, or you''ll drown in them. Tell me, and we''ll solve them together.¡±


    Avery lowered her gaze to meet his until their breaths mingled together. She could also smell his


    pleasant fragrance enveloping her like silk, entangling them both and keeping them inseparable.


    After a long while, Avery then shook her head and spoke of what gued her mind. ¡°Cayden, can I try


    walking?¡±


    Given that she had chosen to have faith in Cayden, Avery could no longer speak of depressing


    matters.


    A woman''s mind was inherently more delicate than a man''s when it came to certain matters. As such,


    women were more prone to ruminating, even more so than men.


    Now, Avery really wanted to restore her ability to walk again.


    Cayden took her hand and ced it on his lips, kissing it gently. ¡°You mustn''t be stubborn. Your


    fractures have yet to heal. If you walk on them forcibly, you might dislocate your joints. When that


    happens, you''d need a second operation and I refuse to let you go through that once more.¡±


    ¡°Then when will I ever get to practice walking?¡± asked Avery dully.


    ¡°When the doctor says so,¡± replied Cayden. ¡°All I want is for you to recover. Even if you spend the rest


    of your life in a wheelchair, I''ll take care of you.¡± His low and alluring voice was full of reassurance,


    which felt like a sturdy weight to Avery.


    Avery sighed gently and clenched hisrge palm with both her hands.


    Under his affectionate gaze, Avery''s eyes began to redden with tears once more. ¡°I''m not good enough


    for you.¡±


    Cayden reached over to pat Avery''s head, which was full of conflicting thoughts. ¡°Silly girl. What are


    you talking about? Meeting you was the best thing that has ever happened to me.¡±


    Avery suddenly broke into a smile. ¡°To be honest, I don''t know why you love me so much. I''m weak,


    sensitive, and lowly, plus I have my little quirks. But I do know that you love me, and I love you very


    much in return. If you''re not there one day, I think I won''t be able to live on my own.¡±


    Cayden suddenly covered her mouth as disapproval shed in his eyes. ¡°You''re not to speak of such


    ill-fated things. We will always be together,¡± replied Cayden seriously. ¡°If I''m truly gone one day, you


    must live on well. You need to know that you''re not just my lover; you''re also the mother of my children.


    You are responsible for them, and you must set a strong example for them too. They are our flesh and


    blood and a continuation of our bond. Even if I''m not there, they will step in and love you for my sake.


    Do you understand?¡±


    Tears began to well up in Avery''s eyes once again. ¡°Goodness, I''m such a bbermouth. What am I


    saying? Things are perfectly fine right now, so why did I bring up such a depressing topic? Cayden,


    we''re going to be together for the rest of our lives, right?¡±


    Cayden''s only response was to hold Avery tightly in his arms and let her listen to his powerful


    heartbeat.


    His heartbeat could not lie. Avery knew all too well how Cayden felt about her.


    Avery thought their love couldst forever, but she never knew how strange fate could be.


    Sometimes, one could quickly regain what they thought was lost. There were also times when one


    could lose what they were certain of having in this lifetime.


    Avery had never imagined Cayden''s words toe true one day.


    ...


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    On a stormy night, Nicole was trapped in Bonnie''s house due to the heavy rain.


    She then decided to call ire and exin why she could note home.


    ire took the heavy rain into consideration and agreed that it was not safe to drive home. As such,


    she agreed to Nicole''s request.


    ¡°Nickie, I''ve gotten the information you wanted, even if it took quite a bit of time. You''re lucky that the


    hospital is owned by my family. Otherwise, it would have been really difficult for me to check the


    surveince cameras and obtain Avery''s hospital records.¡±


    In the bedroom, a smiling Bonnie handed over a stack of documents to Nicole.


    ¡°So there was only one patient with the surname Rumpley at Gentle Care Hospital? You''re absolutely


    certain that it''s Avery?¡± With the current circumstances, Nicole''s expression turned very dark, like a


    gathering of ominous clouds.


    Bonnie was applying a skincare mask before bed. She yawned and said, ¡°Of course not. Gentle Care


    Hospital is such arge institution. How could we possibly have only one patient with the surname


    Rumpley? However, the surveince videos indicate that your mother was seen entering Avery''s ward


    at two in the afternoon on the twenty-ninth of April. She only visited one patient that day, and it was


    most definitely Avery Rumpley.¡±


    Nicole endured the pounding in her chest and asked, ¡°But what with Avery''s condition?¡±


    Bonnie immediately stopped her ministrations, and her eyes flickered. ¡°It was the renowned Witch


    Doctor, Yuvan Sotheby, who operated on Avery. Her legs seem to be fine, but I heard that they did not


    manage to save the child in her womb.¡±

 Chapter 510

    Chapter 510


    \Chapter 510 A Surprising Discovery


    A vicious look crossed Nicole''s face when she heard that Avery managed to keep her legs.


    However, that foul mood of hers faded a little when she heard that Avery''s baby died.


    Nevertheless, Nicole still had a frown on her face as she said, ¡°Bonnie, are you sure that the b*tch''s


    baby died?¡±


    Bonnie took out two cigarettes and lit them for Nicole and herself. In a nonchnt manner, she said,


    ¡°Obviously. The director of the obstetrics and gynecology department is on good terms with me, so she


    won''t lie to me. It''s not as though she has the guts to do that, anyway. Nickie, don''t worry. There''s no


    way Avery''s baby will survive. Pregnant women are already weaker than ordinary people. Even a fall


    might kill an unborn baby, let alone a severe ident like hers. Even if she''s lucky enough to still have


    her legs, it''s impossible that her baby will survive. Maybe the miscarriage will have a negative impact


    on her womb, and she might never be able to bear any children from now on!¡±


    Bonnie''s words brought a beam to Nicole''s face. She was thrilled to hear that there was a possibility


    Avery would never be able to bear any children.


    ¡°Is she still in the hospital?¡± Nicole asked before taking a puff of her cigarette. Bonnie was the only


    person Nicole dared to show her true colors to.


    Bonnie exhaled a mouthful of smoke before answering, ¡°No. She was discharged yesterday, but I don''t


    know where she went. By the way, Nickie, are you dating Mr. Cayden?¡±


    ¡°Mhm. He''s now my fianc¨¦.¡± A blush crept onto Nicole''s face at the mention of Cayden.


    Bonnie turned to stare at Nicole. It looked as if she was sympathizing with her, but it also looked like


    she wasmenting. It was aplicated expression.


    ¡°What was that? Do you think we''re not a match for each other? Which woman in Ackleton do you think


    will be a match for him in terms of looks, family background, and status?¡±


    Bonnie''s silent study on her frustrated Nicole. She flicked the cigarette ash onto Bonnie''s fair arm


    before taking another puff, unperturbed.


    The sparks burned Bonnie, but she did not dare to make a sound of pain.


    She wanted to remind Nicole that Cayden had been taking care of Avery all this while, but Nicole


    treated her as if she was merely her dog. It was as though Bonnie had no dignity.


    She had done so many things for Nicole, but this was how Nicole was treating her. Bonnie could not


    help but feel disheartened.


    Hence, she swallowed those words and said instead, ¡°Nickie, what are you talking about? You''re a


    beautiful star, and youe from a prominent family. No socialites in Ackleton is on par as you. I''m a


    woman, but you''ve even charmed me, so any man will definitely fall for you. Men are visual creatures,


    after all, and I''m sure that''s the same for Mr. Cayden. You''ll definitely win him over. The two of you are


    a match made in heaven ultimately.¡±


    Bonnie''s words of ttery made Nicole''s lips curl in delight.


    In fact, Nicole was so caught up in her arrogance that she never notice the mockery in Bonnie''s eyes.


    The rain continued to pour as bolts of lightning struck outside.


    If someone paid attention to Nicole, they would notice the dark look in Nicole''s eyes.


    Oh? My foster mother has gone to visit Avery. Ha! What a ¡°surprising¡± discovery.


    ...


    Water pooled on the road from the heavy downpour. Nina, who was driving, could barely see what was


    ahead of her.


    Even though the wipers were pushing away the rain droplets as quickly as possible, Nina''s vision was


    still poor. Thus, she had no choice but to slow down as much as she could.


    She was starting to feel regret¡ªshe should not have gone out for work on a day like this.


    Indeed, Nina was trying to work a part-time job to get more money.


    Her mother had taken all of her savings and was still asking for more. Last month, Nina had no choice


    but to steel herself and buy a second-hand car worth around fifty to sixty thousand. Then, she would


    use the car for transportation services during public holidays and non-working hours to earn a few


    thousand extra every month.


    Nina had seen the weather forecast and knew that there was going to be heavy rain. Initially, she did


    not want to work the extra hours, but the thought of getting more customers on a rainy day made her


    steel herself and head out.


    After all, she was going to be in the car the entire time, and she had prepared a raincoat for herself.


    The heavy rain would not be an issue for her.


    s, Nina was not expecting the rain to be that terrible. The thunder kept crashing, and there were few


    people on the streets. In the end, she had gotten only very few customers, and she was stuck in the


    rain.


    Right then, the thought of how her mother had kicked a fuss that attracted the attention of her


    neighbors at the residential area entrance earlier in the morning made her head start throbbing.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    It seemed like her mother would do anything to save her imprisoned brother.


    However, Nina felt that her brother should be taught a lesson in jail.


    Perhaps there were too many temptations in the world. The brother she once thought of as a gentle


    individual had changed.


    He had be lecherous.


    Nina could not fathom why someone could change that much.


    While Nina was lost in her thoughts on her family matters, a vague figure abruptly appeared in the rain.


    She mmed her foot on the brake, but it was toote.


    The inertia of the car made her crash into the person, and the car skidded for dozens of meters before


    it finally stopped moving.


    Nina''s mind was nk. She could not believe how she could manage to hit someone even though she


    had slowed down and hit the brake.


    Then, when she lowered her head, she realized that she had floored the elerator in her panic.


    The pelting of the rain was still roaring in her ears.


    I think I saw someone. Was it my imagination?


    Nevertheless, she hurried out of the car. The downpour made her squint, but she could still clearly


    make out a man lying in front of her car.


    Beside the man was a white Maserati, but its front door was opened.


    Nina was dumbfounded. She had been driving slowly in fear of hitting someone, but her worst fear had


    still happened. She even unintentionally stepped on the elerator and caused an ident. Is he...


    dead?


    ¡°Hey, mister. Mister! Are you still alive?¡±


    Nina crouched down and stretched out her shaky finger to put under the man''s nose, but she could feel


    nothing.


    The rain was pouring down too heavily. She could neither hear nor sense whether or not the other


    person was still breathing.


    In the next second, she smacked his face, about to burst into fearful tears. ¡°Mister, make a sound if


    you''re still alive! I... I really didn''t mean to...¡±


    The man remained silent.


    Did I really kill him?


    Nina did her best to recall the transportws and realized that licensed drivers who were involved in


    major transportation idents that resulted in death or grievous injury would be sentenced to jail.


    I''m still young! I have a bright future ahead of me! I don''t want to go to jail!


    At the peak of her anxiousness, Nina started crying andmenting about how she should not have


    gone out driving in the bad weather. It seemed like she had doomed herself to prison.

 Chapter 511

    Chapter 511


    Chapter 511 Crushed


    A momentter, upon realizing that the man was still unconscious, Nina returned to her car and hastily


    called for the ambnce.


    Then, she went back to the man.


    ¡°Mister, please wake up. Please answer me,¡± she pleaded as she stuck her finger under his nose


    again.


    This time, before she could touch his nose, the man opened his eyes.


    At the same time, lightning shed. The second Nina saw his gloomy gaze, she nearly passed out from


    fright.


    With a shaky finger jabbed at him, she stammered, ¡°A-A-Are you a ghost or a human?¡±


    Yuvan icily studied her from head to toe before fixing his gaze on her average-looking face. ¡°Stupid


    woman, I can''t believe you ran me over!¡±


    Yuvan was certain that it was his unluckiest day of the year. He had taken on five major surgeries


    earlier, and he was exhausted. Before he could even get any rest, he had to take on an emergency


    consultation for a soldier from a powerful military family.


    After that, the weather turned bad on his way back home.


    That was not all. His car ended up breaking down in the middle of the road.


    While he was fixing his car, a crazy woman came out of nowhere and crashed into him with her car.


    Remorse filled his chest. I should have just epted that soldier''s offer when he said he''ll get the


    driver to send me home.


    ¡°D-Don''t worry. I''ll definitely bear the responsibility for this. Mister, I''ll pay all of your medical bills. No


    worries! I''ve called for an ambnce for you,¡± Nina blurted out as she nodded vigorously.


    She felt immense relief knowing that he was fine, for that meant she would not need to go to jail.


    ¡°Help me into the car,¡± Yuvan said, eyeing Nina again.


    But Nina could not hear him over the rain. She parted her lips and asked, ¡°What? What did you say?¡±


    Yuvan was starting to wonder if he had bumped into an idiot. ¡°I said, help me into the car. The rain is so


    heavy. Do you want me to be pelted to death by the raindrops? I can''t move my leg, and if I continue to


    stay in the rain, my injuries will worsen!¡±


    It was then Nina snap back to her senses.


    With all the strength she could muster, she pulled the man off the floor. As he could not move his


    injured leg, he was putting all of his weight on her.


    Nina never thought that the skinny man would weigh that much. As a matter of fact, she was sure that


    he was about to crush her.


    After what seemed like forever, Nina finally helped Yuvan into the front passenger seat of her car. She


    panted, exhausted.


    Then, she got into the car and sat in the driver''s seat. However, when she turned around, she realized


    the man was looking at her car with disdain.


    She opened her mouth to protest but quickly realized that he had a Maserati. Thus, she swallowed her


    words.


    Pushing aside the immense pain he could feel in his leg, Yuvan said, ¡°Take off your clothes.¡±


    Nina could not believe her ears. What? What did the man just say?


    At herck of reaction, Yuvan urged impatiently, ¡°I said, take off your clothes!¡±


    Nina fumed, wishing that she could p the man. ¡°You shameless man, how dare you try to assault


    me? I told you I''ll bear the responsibility for the ident!¡±


    Yuvan nearly burst outughing at the peak of his fury at the woman''s imagination.


    His gaze thennded on her chest, which was mostly hidden by the thick raincoat she was wearing.


    Scoffing, he then said, ¡°Don''t you think too highly of yourself? I would''ve thought that you were a man if


    you didn''t speak. No one''s going to be attracted to that stick-shaped body of yours!¡±


    ¡°How dare you say that I''m a man? And I''m not stick-shaped!¡±


    She was not trying to praise herself, but despite her ordinary looks, she had a figure that would make


    many envious.


    Not only is this b*stard trying to take advantage of me, but he''s even trying to humiliate me! He''s the


    worst of the worst!


    ¡°My leg is still bleeding. Do you want me to die? Help me bandage my leg, you id*ot!¡± Yuvan snapped.


    If his clothes were not soaked, he would not have asked for her clothes.


    Nina froze before looking at his leg. Sure enough, he was still bleeding. As a matter of fact, his blood


    had stained both her seat and the mat by his feet red.


    ¡°Oh, okay...¡± she replied sheepishly and rapidly took off her jacket. As she did that, she grumbled, ¡°Who


    knew I''d dirty my car just as I bought it? I''ll end up spending so much to wash the car too... Aw, I don''t


    even have anyone but myself to me for this...¡±


    Yuvan was about to explode in anger. He was bleeding profusely, but she was more concerned about


    the state of her car.


    In the next instance, Yuvan snatched her clothes from her and swiftly bandaged his leg. Nina could


    only stare with her jaw hanging. He seems skilled in bandaging.


    When Yuvan lifted his head after bandaging himself, he identally nced at Nina''s tube top.


    He shifted his gaze slightly, but the next thing he noticed made the corners of his lips twitch. Even


    though she has few brain cells, she is quite busty.


    Only after Yuvan had treated his wound did Nina have the time to study him.


    She was not expecting the man to be someone handsome. Even though he still had blood and


    rainwater on his face, she could see how attractive he looked with his defined facial features. In fact, he


    looked even more enticing than the male celebrities she saw on television.


    As they were not far from the hospital, the ambnce came in no time.


    Once the medical staff realized that it was Yuvan who was hurt and that he was in a car with a sexy


    woman, they widened their eyes in shock. ¡°D-Dr. Sotheby, how did you get injured?¡±


    ¡°A stupid woman did this. Let''s not talk about it,¡± Yuvan gritted out.


    Dr. Sotheby?


    Nina perked her ears and started eavesdropping on their conversation.


    So he''s a doctor? No wonder he seemed so familiar with bandaging wounds. But he has such a poor


    character. I can''t believe he''s calling me a stupid woman.


    ¡°By the way, take this woman to the hospital too. She ran into me, so she''s going to be responsible for


    my medical fees,¡± was what Yuvan suddenly said while Nina was eavesdropping.


    Irritated, she argued, ¡°Don''t worry. I''m not going to run away!¡±


    Yuvan, who had gone into the ambnce, jabbed a finger at Nina and cried out, ¡°I can find you even if


    you run off! Your te number is QA9175, and I''ve memorized it!¡±


    What the h*ll?


    Nina was stunned.


    It was so difficult to see anything in the rain, and the man was severely injured. Yet, he still managed to


    memorize her te number.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    He''s really crazy!


    ...


    The next day, Avery went for a checkup. The doctor said that she was recovering fast, and he told her


    that she could practice walking with a cane soon. Hence, she was in a rather good mood.


    In the morning, Kendrick came to visit her. He left after giving her the supplements and having a short


    chat with her.


    Not long after he was gone, Jacob came with his son, Seamus.


    To Avery''s surprise, a fragile-looking girl with a slightly swollen stomach came with them.

 Chapter 512

    Chapter 512


    Chapter 512 I Want To Marry Rory


    Jacob was in a designer suit from head to toe. Coupled with his exquisite, mature facial features and


    bright, warm smile, he was no different from a carefree and unconventional aristocrat.


    His hand was sping onto Stephanie''s tightly, almost as though he was unwilling to separate from her.


    Stephanie was still as gorgeous. However, it was apparent that her eyes were glistening with sorrow.


    That aside, the strangest thing was probably how her gaze would unwittingly reveal an inexplicable


    fear, despair, and disgust whenever she interacted with Jacob.


    Contrastingly, when looking at Seamus, her gaze would be gentle, loving, and adoring.


    Seamus was dressed in a cool-looking camouge uniform,plemented by an army green beret on


    his head and a pair of army boots on his feet. The fashionable style entuated the young boy''s


    exquisite features, making him even more dashing.


    Sitting on the couch, he had his hands stuck in his pockets. He was chewing on a piece of gum and


    would cheekily blow out a bubble asionally. That sight left Avery gasping incredulously. How is this


    child so adorable? Zach is very charming too, but it''s a pity he''s too mature.


    That was especially the case after she got involved in an ident. It was almost as if Zachary had


    be apletely different person. He was so sensible that she felt sorry andmented how he was


    not as lively and energetic as other kids of the same age.


    Having seen Jacob''s son made Avery realize that was how a normal child should behave.


    ¡°Avery, I''ll go and discuss some matters with Cayden. You guys have a chat first.¡± As Jacob spoke, he


    passed Stephanie''s hand to Seamus. ¡°Take good care of Ms. Stephanie. Do not bully her. Do you


    understand?¡±


    ¡°Daddy, Ms. Stephanie is so pretty and gentle. I love her so much, so why would I bully her?¡± Seamus


    could not help but roll his eyes at Jacob.


    The man chuckled at his son''s reaction. Then, he wanted to kiss Stephanie, but unexpectedly, she


    timidly turned her head away.


    Jacob''s handsome face darkened drastically. He grasped Stephanie''s chin, and with a hint of malice in


    his tone, he snapped, ¡°Tsk. We even have a child now. What else do you want? You''d better forget


    everything in the past. You''ll get it from me when we return home!¡±


    Tears began to well up in Stephanie''s eyes. Her heart felt like it was stung by a bee, and even


    breathing brought indescribable pain to her.


    Jacob leaned in for a kiss. Feeling satisfied, he finally let her go and headed toward Cayden''s study.


    After he left, Stephanie noticed the curious gaze Avery fixed on her. She wiped her teary eyes and


    awkwardly said, ¡°I''m sorry for letting you see such an embarrassing scene, Ms. Rumpley.¡±


    ¡°Stephanie, you and Jacob... Y-You''re pregnant? The child is his?¡± Avery was not close to Stephanie,


    and the only interaction they had was the other time when she got scratched by thetter''s crazed cat.


    Nheless, she still had a good impression of thetter.


    Avery was not a busybody. Then again, she could not suppress the immense curiosity in her after


    seeing Stephanie''s behavior.


    ¡°Yeah. A little over two months now.¡± Stephanie touched her belly as she spoke. However, there was


    no motherly love or bliss in her eyes, but dread.


    Two months?


    Suddenly, Avery recalled how she heard a depressed and agonizing voice of a womaning from the


    neighboring room when she stayed over at Peach Blossom Acres with Cayden about two months ago.


    On the day of their return, she saw the woman from next door, and it so happened that she resembled


    the crestfallen Stephanie.


    A man was also in that room, but I didn''t see his face clearly. Could it be that the man was Jacob? Did


    he force her to have sex with him at that time? If that''s really the case, then Jacob is too mean...


    Avery was thinking of how to console Stephanie when Seamus abruptly climbed onto her recliner.


    Looking up at her with a pleasant look etched across his face, he curiously asked, ¡°Ms. Avery, do I look


    cool in this outfit today?¡±


    ¡°Yes, you look great! It makes you look a lot more handsome!¡± Avery lifted into a smile as she patted


    the boy''s head.


    ¡°Thank you, Ms. Avery!¡± A look of delight manifested on Seamus'' face upon receiving thepliments.


    His big, round eyes swept across the room''s surroundings, but sadly, he did not see the person heText ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    wanted to see.


    The boy was visibly disappointed. ¡°Ms. Avery, why aren''t Rory and Zachary around today?¡±


    Avery pinched his chubby cheek gently. She was impressed by how soft his skin was. ¡°Rory and Zach


    are apanying their great-grandpa today, so they aren''t here. What is it, Seamus? Do you want to


    see them?¡±


    Seamus scratched his head in embarrassment. ¡°Ms. Avery, I like Rory. When she grows up, can you let


    her be my wife?¡±


    The boy liked Rory a lot. Even though there were many girls in school, he felt that nobody was as


    good-looking as Rory.


    Compared to the other girls, who were full of mischief, Rory had a good temper and was graceful and


    ladylike. Besides, she was also kind and helpful.


    However, Rory seemed to dislike him. As such, he would often yank her braids and pull tricks to tease


    her to catch her attention.


    ¡°Seamus, do you know who you would call a wife?¡± Avery was briefly startled when she heard what


    Seamus said. But a soft smile soon yed on her lips. This brat is still so young. Does he know what it


    means to like someone?


    Seamus puffed up his cheeks and solemnly said, ¡°I know, Ms. Avery. Daddy says liking someone


    means you''ll think of her when you don''t see her. You''ll want to give her the best of everything and


    hope that she can be your wife. I''ll miss Rory and hope to be with her whenever I don''t see her


    after school. Every time I receive presents from Daddy and Ms. Stephanie, the first thing thates to


    my mind is to share them with Rory. I think I do like her a lot. Rory says she likes soldiers and men who


    are mighty and courageous. Ms. Avery, I want to be a soldier in the future! I want to marry Rory


    and have her be my wife!¡±


    Avery was left speechless.


    Even Stephanie did not know how to respond to that. Seamus was Jacob''s only precious son. Even


    though the boy was exceptionally naughty and often got whacked by Jacob, she knew very well that


    Jacob loved and adored the boy to the core. That was something no other man wasparable to.


    Besides, as the Yankovich family''s only child, Seamus bore the weight of inheriting the family business.


    There was no way Jacob would agree to his only son bing a soldier.


    It was beyond Avery''s imagination that Seamus knew so much at such a young age. She was amused


    by how much sense his words made. I can''t believe Rory is still so young, yet someone already has


    ns to marry her. It looks like she won''t need to worry that no one wants her anymore.


    Seeing how serious-looking the boy was, Avery could not help but nt a kiss on his cheek. ¡°All right. If


    Rory likes you too in the future, I''ll agree to her marrying you.¡±


    This boy is not only so good-looking but also clever and mature. I''m sure he''ll be a heartthrob when he


    grows older. Besides, our families are so close and know everything about each other. I think entrusting


    my daughter to her childhood sweetheart isn''t a bad idea.


    Seamus broke into a sweet smile as he looked at Avery. ¡°Thank you, Ms. Avery. You''re amazing.


    Daddy says Ms. Stephanie is carrying a baby in her belly now. It''s a baby girl. Wait till my sister is born,


    and she can be Zachary''s wife.¡±

 Chapter 513

    Chapter 513


    Chapter 513 Deal With Nicole


    Seamus felt frustrated because of the presence of Zachary, the overprotective brother.


    Whenever he wanted to y with Rory or bully her, her annoying brother, Zachary, would show up and


    teach him a lesson.


    Seamus had a n. Once Ms. Quigley gives birth, I''ll have a beautiful little sister. Then, I''ll let her marry


    Zachary. If Zachary bullies me again, I''ll ask my little sister to avenge me. I''m just so clever!


    ¡°How do you know Ms. Quigley''s baby is a girl? What if it''s a boy?¡± Avery couldn''t help butugh. This


    little boy is so interesting. Not only does he want to marry my daughter, but he has also nned my


    son''s marriage.


    ¡°That won''t happen. Daddy told me the baby would be a girl, so it must be a girl. I like having a little


    sister, and I don''t want a little brother.¡±


    As he spoke, Seamus pecked Stephanie on her cheek. ¡°Ms. Quigley, you''ll give birth to a beautiful little


    sister, right?¡±


    Stephanie''s charming eyes brimmed with adoration. ¡°Of course. I''ll give birth to a baby girl so you can


    have a little sister.¡±


    Looking at their harmonious interaction, Avery was slightly surprised. Rumor has it the Yankovich


    family''s cheeky little scion has a terrible temper and has driven away countless socialites Jacob


    brought home. Yet, he''s getting along so well with Stephanie?


    Subsequently, Avery scrutinized them and suddenly noticed something shocking. Seamus'' eyes greatly


    resembled Stephanie''s. Still, how could two people with no blood rtion have almost identical eyes?


    Instantly, daring spection surfaced in her mind. Did Jacob forcibly keep Stephanie by his side


    because she looks like Seamus'' birth mother? It''s just like the story of one of those melodramatic


    novels where the woman who the male lead falls deeply in love with dies and leaves behind their child.


    Then, he suddenly finds a substitute who shares the appearance of the love of his life one day and


    does everything in his power to forcefully make the girl stay by his side regardless of her will.


    Avery''s imagination ran wild. Immediately afterward, she began to gaze at Stephanie with a


    sympathetic look.


    ¡°M-Ms. Rumpley?¡± The peculiar expression in Avery''s eyes unsettled Stephanie. ¡°Why are you staring


    at me like that?¡±


    Avery held Stephanie''s hands, which were soft but surprisingly cold. ¡°It''s nothing. Stephanie, since


    we''re considered friends now, you don''t have to be so formal with me, addressing me as Ms. Rumpley.


    You can call me Ery. Why are your hands so cold? You must take better care of your health. Otherwise,


    your baby may also be weakter on.¡±


    Stephanie beamed at her, revealing her two dimples. ¡°Okay. Thank you. I''ll be mindful of that. By the


    way, I''ve been meaning to apologize to you after my cat scratched you the other day, but I never got


    the chance to do so. I didn''t know why my cat went crazy, either. It has always been well-behaved and


    never hurt anyone before.¡±


    Avery marveled once again. This girl is indeed a beauty. Her warm and gentle smile,ced with a hintN?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    of diffidence, is as gorgeous as a blossoming gardenia, prompting those to have seen her smile to feel


    that the world is pure and wonderful. No wonder Jacob wants to keep her by his side!


    ¡°It''s all right. That incident urred so long ago, and my wound has already recovered. Is your cat


    okay? Are you still working at Azure Royal?¡± Avery had forgotten some details of what happened that


    day.


    However, she vividly remembered the scene of Stephanie crying with the dying cat in her arms while


    she pleaded with Xander. That cat must mean something to her. Otherwise, she wouldn''t have


    revealed such a desperate and helpless expression when looking at the dying cat.


    Stephanie uttered gratefully, ¡°Yes. Milo has fully recovered and is very healthy now. That cat was a gift


    from a very good friend, so I regard the cat with great importance. If it weren''t for your leniency, Milo


    wouldn''t have survived. I resigned from Azure Royal a few months ago. Now, I stay in the Yankovich


    residence to take care of Seamus and the unborn baby...¡±


    Stephanie''sst two words were spoken with a hint of mockery as if she was enduring some kind of


    humiliation or pain.


    ¡°Stephanie, don''t overthink for now and focus on delivering the baby. After all, the baby is innocent. Life


    is full of hardships, but you will eventually attain what you desire.¡± Avery didn''t feel it was appropriate


    for her to pry too much into other people''s private matters. While she wanted tofort Stephanie


    further, she didn''t know how to express her concerns.


    Stephanie seemed too fragile. Moreover, Avery had a strange intuition that even offering constion to


    Stephanie was a form of indescribable torment to her.


    ¡°Attain what we desire? Perhaps that''s true for others, but it''s no longer possible for me.¡± Stephanie let


    out a self-deprecating chuckle.


    Suddenly, she recalled the familiar woman she met at Azure Royal at that time and changed the topic,


    moving on from the painful subject. ¡°Ary, do you know Nicole?¡±


    Recently, the scandal between Cayden and Nicole spread all over the ce. Various media members


    scrambled to report the news, saying a marriage between the Moore and Lambert families was


    imminent.


    However, while others might''ve been kept in the dark, Stephanie had met Cayden on multiple


    asions through Jacob. Whenever Cayden talks about Avery, the profound affection and fondness in


    his eyes couldn''t be more apparent, so how could he possibly marry another woman?


    ¡°Yes, I do.¡± That''s not the extent of our rtionship. She''s evenpeting with me for the same man


    now.


    Stephanie took a trip down memoryne. ¡°That day, when you were met with a mishap at Azure Royal,


    I saw the actress Nicole Lambert and felt she was inexplicably familiar, but I couldn''t remember who


    she was at that instant. It was only after I saw her poster that I recalled we had met when we were kids.


    We grew up in the same orphanage. Back then, her name wasn''t Nicole Lambert but Nicole Schmidt.


    Subsequently, she was adopted by Mr. and Mrs. Lambert and left. The orphanage underwent


    significant changes, so I never saw her again. Ary, it would be best for you to stay away from Nicole. S-


    She''s a scheming person, and I''m worried you''ll be taken advantage of.¡±


    Stephanie told Avery more about some of the events that happened between her and Nicole at the


    orphanage when they were little.


    In the past, Stephanie naively treated Nicole like a sister, sharing everything with her, even hard-to-


    come-by delicious food. She was even willing to go hungry herself to provide the food to Nicole.


    Unexpectedly, Nicole repeatedly betrayed her and ultimately ruined her reputation. On the other hand,


    Nicole became the most popr kid in the orphanage.


    ¡°Okay. I''ll be more careful. Thank you for the warning.¡± Avery''s disdain for Nicole intensified after she


    listened to Stephanie''s brief ount.


    At the same time, she also broke out in cold sweat as she was astonished, not anticipating Nicole to


    have been so cunning since childhood.


    Still, Cayden mentioned he would handle everything. After he resolved the incident rted to the disk,


    he would immediately deal with Nicole.

 Chapter 514

    Chapter 514


    Chapter 514 Her Trump Card


    As the days went by, Avery''s leg gradually recovered under the doctor''s care.


    Soon, she could slowly walk with the support of a walking stick.


    During the recovery at home, Avery had beening up with drafts and preparing for the Certified


    Professional Constructor examination at the same time.


    She would also paint during her free time, leading a rtively carefree life.


    On the contrary, Cayden had recently been overwhelmed with work and would return homete,


    looking exhausted.


    Avery felt sorry for him and wished she could do something to ease his workload.


    Cayden not only offered Avery words offort but also provided reassurance that their situation


    would improve once the hectic period had passed.


    Avery did not quite buy his exnation. Her right eye had been twitching, and that gave her a sense of


    fear.


    Despite having many questions in her mind, she did not want to burden Cayden with them. In the end,


    she decided to just keep her thoughts to herself.


    Avery scoured the inte for any information on Nicole and Cayden but came up empty-handed. The


    stories that came up in her search results were old news and provided no new updates on them.


    She could not help but sense something was amiss.


    If Cayden was now in a so-called rtionship with Nicole, Avery believed that given Nicole''s nature,


    she would have announced their rtionship to the world.


    Simrly, given that Cayden had always been in the media spotlight, Avery found it hard to believe that


    there were no updates on his rtionship with Nicole. She started to wonder why the inte was


    devoid of news about them.


    Avery was unaware that Cayden had filtered all thetest news about Nicole from her devices. He did


    not want her to overthink, so he used thetest technology to restrict Avery''s ess to some websites.


    This was why she could only find outdated stories about them online.


    At the same time, Cayden had also warned Avery''s close friends such as Cecelia and Nina not to


    update her about the happenings.


    Hence, Avery had no clue what was going on.


    Of course, this also meant that Avery would also not be aware of Cayden''s engagement with Nicole


    and how it had made headlines on major news websites.


    ...


    Over at Trident Group, Cayden received an internal call from his secretary. ¡°Mr. Moore, Ms. Nicole is


    here.¡±


    It was also at that moment that he heard someone knocking on his office door.


    ¡°Cayden, are you busy?¡± Nicole''s cloying voice came from behind the door when she opened it.


    d in a custom-made white Chanel dress, Nicole entered the luxuriously decorated office that exuded


    a masculine aura while ruffling her straight hair.


    Upon noticing how Cayden did not pay attention to her appearance, Nicole felt a pang of


    disappointment, but it did not diminish the unwavering ambition in her eyes.


    Not only was she attractive, but she also came from a wealthy family. Since she was about to be


    engaged to Cayden, she believed he would eventually marry her.


    At that stage, she was a step closer to bing Cayden''s fianc¨¦e.


    However, that was not her ultimate goal. She aspired to be Mrs. Moore, hiswful wife, and she


    wanted him to fall for her charm.


    Nicole shed a confident smile. ¡°Oh, Cayden, why are you always so busy?¡±


    ¡°What can I do for you?¡± Cayden asked, without bothering to nce up from the document he was


    signing.


    ¡°You''ve been so busytely, and we haven''t gone shopping together for a long time. By the way, I''ll be


    attending a film festival tomorrow. Can you be my plus one?¡± Despite Cayden''s apparent disinterest,


    Nicole smiled sweetly.


    She knew winning over someone as perfect as Cayden was not an easy feat, and she also understood


    why he would put up a tough front to give women a hard time.


    In fact, Nicole was not repulsed by his attitude.


    She opined that an alpha male should behave in such a manner. She would not have bothered to


    entertain Cayden if he were the kind of man who would constantly cling to her.


    Cayden paused writing and responded icily, ¡°I''m sorry. I''m busy with work.¡±


    After giving her a cold shoulder again, the man drew out another stack of documents and continued to


    work.


    Nicole''s irritation grew as Cayden continued to ignore her.


    She snatched away the document in his hand and spoke in a tone of grievance. ¡°Please don''t ignore


    me like this, Cayden. We''re about to get engaged, and you''ll soon be my fianc¨¦. Why do you treat me


    this way? I know you''re upied with work, and I don''t want to bother you, but you must take care of


    yourself despite your hectic schedule. You''re not made of steel, so you should rest once in a while.


    Besides, I waited until you''re almost done with work toe to see you...¡±


    ¡°I really don''t have time for this. I''ll apany you when I''m free,¡± Cayden expressed his dismay as


    she kept distracting him from his work.


    He nced at Nicole impatiently. Her youthful and stunning appearance failed to spark any interest in


    him. In fact, the more he looked at her, the more annoyed he became.


    Undoubtedly, Nicole had exquisite facial features. Her detailed makeup, beautiful clothes, and slender


    figure made her look as graceful as a rose blooming in the garden. Yet, at that moment, Cayden''s mind


    was consumed by the image of Avery''s makeup-free face.


    Byparison, Nicole''s excessive makeup only served to highlight Avery''s natural beauty.


    Upon noticing how indifferent Cayden was, Nicole resorted to her trump card.


    Putting on a bewildered and innocent look, she said, ¡°Dad wants you toe with me to the Lambert


    residence tonight because he has something to discuss with you. Cayden, you must meet my dad no


    matter how busy you are. When I went to the study to call him for lunch earlier, I overheard him talking


    to his secretary about some disk thing. They even mentioned your name, Cayden. They were also


    discussing the date for our wedding...¡±


    Cayden stopped in his tracks. A corner of his lips quirked up, and he responded, ¡°Sure. I''ll go shopping


    with you once I''m done with these documents.¡±


    There was something peculiar about his charming and elegant smile that sent a shiver down Nicole''s


    spine, but it did not bother her in the slightest. It doesn''t matter if he doesn''t love me. As long as I know


    his Achilles'' heel, he''ll have no choice but to marry me.


    After leaving the office, Nicole looped her arm through Cayden''s, and they strolled through the


    magnificent and ornately decorated lobby of the Trident Group building.


    Upon noticing how intimate they were, Wisteria narrowed her eyes to re at Nicole''s wlessly made-


    up face. The arrogant air Nicole exuded, as if she were the very embodiment of Mrs. Moore herself,


    further fueled Wisteria''s jealousy.


    She was taken aback by how quickly Nicole had filled the void left by Avery''s departure. She was even


    more incredulous to learn that Nicole was set to marry the very man she had been crushing on for


    years.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    ¡°Mr. Moore,¡± Wisteria greeted Cayden, concealing her deep-seated adoration for him.


    She also suppressed her emotions and greeted Nicole with a courteous tone, ¡°Good to see you, Ms.


    Nicole.¡±


    ¡°Hello, Ms. Summers.¡± Nicole, too, sized the beautiful and capable Wisteria up while keeping the


    thoughts she had about that woman hidden beneath her friendly demeanor.


    Nicole recognized Wisteria as one of Cayden''s mostpetent and trusted confidantes, but her


    intuition as a woman told her that Wisteria was not an easy person to handle. She could also sense


    that Wisteria harbored feelings of attraction toward Cayden. She''ll be the first person I''ll get rid of once I


    be Mrs. Moore.


    After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Nicole hooked her arm around Cayden and walked away,


    leaving Wisteria to stare at their retreating backs with a sneer tugging at the corner of her lips. Does


    she think she''s already Mrs. Moore? How dare that deceitful woman who came out of an orphanage


    believe she''s entitled to a man of such high social standing? Only God knows if that engagement will


    actuallye to fruition!

 Chapter 515

    Chapter 515


    Chapter 515 Steal Her Identity And Her Man


    Nicole exited the mall with a bagful of shopping, her arms struggling to bear the weight of her spoils.


    Despite her fatigue, she was overjoyed as today''s purchases were all made using Cayden''s credit card.


    Though she could have easily purchased everything herself, it was the first time the man she loved had


    gifted her something. Hence, her heart was aflutter with excitement.


    Cayden, who had been waiting for Nicole in the car, said in annoyance, ¡°Get in.¡±


    Nicole felt a twinge of awkwardness as her arms weredened with shopping bags, preventing her


    from unlocking the car door.


    When she saw that Cayden had no intention of helping her, she ced the items in her right hand and


    pried open the car door herself. After cing her purchases in the backseat, Nicole settled into the


    passenger seat.


    As the overwhelming fragrance wafted across his nose, Cayden resisted the urge to sneeze. He


    quickly opened the car windows and sunroof to air the car.


    Nicole grinned and said affectionately, ¡°Thank you for apanying me on a shopping spree today,


    Cayden. I had a really great time.¡±


    Cayden focused on driving and replied coldly, ¡°Sure, so long as you''re happy.¡±


    The woman breathed a sigh of relief as she knew men didn''t like to escort women on shopping trips,


    especially busy elite men like Cayden.


    To Nicole''s surprise, Cayden had actually apanied her for the whole trip. Sure, he wasn''t exactly


    the most enthusiastic shopping buddy, but the fact that he was willing to stick it out with her from the


    start was enough to make her heart skip a beat.


    After all, she was about to be Cayden''s wife, the envy of every woman in Ackleton. Not only


    would she have the support and protection from the Lambert family, but she would also ride on a


    lifetime of wealth from the Moore family.


    With thoughts of her future swirling in her mind, Nicole''s emotions surged with an intense and growing


    desire.


    As she looked at Cayden, her desire burned even stronger.


    Who cares if Avery is the real daughter of the Lambert family? Not only have I taken her identity, but I


    have also imed her man as my own. I shall prove to the world that I''m no longer the poor, lonely girl


    from an orphanage. I''m a woman who has it all¡ªfame, fortune, and power!


    Suddenly, Cayden''s phone rang, shattering Nicole''s thoughts.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    After ncing at the caller ID, the man answered the phone. ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Where are you, Cayden?¡± Avery''s voice came through the phone, sounding like she had just woken


    up.


    Cayden''s expression softened as he muttered, ¡°I''m driving right now.¡±


    ¡°Okay, be careful on the road. I just finished knitting a little shirt for our child. It''s white, so it''ll be


    suitable no matter whether our baby is a boy or a girl.¡± Avery sat on the sofa, knitting the clothes while


    keeping the phone on speaker.


    Cayden couldn''t help but smile. ¡°Any color is fine. The child doesn''t have the right to be picky.¡±


    ¡°Cayden,e back early tonight. I got the nutritionist to cook some nourishing soup for you. You''ve


    been working too hardtely and lost so much weight. Let''s have dinner together when youe


    back,¡± Avery said with concern.


    ¡°Ah, it hurts!¡± Nicole interjected abruptly.


    She had heard a woman''s voice on the other end of the phone.


    Although she was unable to hear the conversation, Nicole couldn''t resist speaking up when she saw


    Cayden''s tender expression. ¡°Sorry, I identally twisted my neck.¡±


    She then intentionally touched her neck with her hand, pretending to look like she was in pain.


    As soon as she spoke, she caught sight of Cayden''s icy, prating gaze. A chill went down her spine,


    and she dared not utter another word.


    It was as though he could snap her neck with his menacing gaze.


    ¡°Who are you with now, Cayden? Is it Ms. Summers? I think I heard a woman''s voice,¡± Avery asked


    casually.


    She wasn''t concerned because she trusted Cayden and knew he wouldn''t fool around outside.


    After their heart-to-heart talk, Avery''s trust in him only grew stronger.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Cayden replied in a deep voice.


    After putting down the baby clothes she was knitting, Avery joked, ¡°Although I know it may not be


    entirely possible, you should try your best to stay away from her. She has been eyeing you for a while.


    Be careful not to fall into her trap.¡±


    Cayden beamed and replied affectionately, ¡°Of course.¡±


    After hanging up the phone, Avery immediately went back to knitting. She didn''t want to keep Cayden


    on the phone for too long as it was unsafe to talk on the phone while driving.


    Meanwhile, Cayden shot Nicole a death stare and warned, ¡°Don''t you dare interrupt me when I''m on


    the phone.¡±


    The woman trembled slightly, her eyes brimming with tears. ¡°I''m sorry, Cayden. I identally hurt my


    neck, so I couldn''t help but yelp in pain. I won''t do it again.¡±


    The man elerated the car to the maximum speed. ¡°If you want to be Mrs. Moore, you need to ept


    that I can''t have only one woman in my life. I can provide you with a title, Nicole, but you will not be


    allowed to meddle in my personal life. Simrly, I won''t interfere in yours.¡±


    Nicole struggled to hold back her tears as she obediently responded, ¡°I understand.¡±


    ¡°Good. I hope you understand we are only engaged because of our families. There is no love between


    us. However, I will give you what you deserve if you know your ce.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± the woman replied cautiously.


    With that, Cayden did not say anything more to Nicole.


    Feeling infuriated, the woman clenched her fists tightly. Despite being pursued by numerous men who


    treated her like royalty, Nicole never felt drawn to any of them. Yet, the man she fought hard to be with


    gave her nothing but a rather cold reception.


    Although she was a little heartbroken, she didn''t regret her choice.


    In the upper echelons of society, it was a well-known fact that men of influence maintained a harem of


    mistresses. Some brazenly unted their affairs, but she had faith that Cayden did not fit that mold.


    Though he appeared aloof presently, there were still ample opportunities for her to seduce him.


    The voice on the other end of the line was definitely Avery.


    Nicole''s emotions swirled inside her, and all her grace and poise vanished at the sound of that woman''s


    voice.


    Cayden''s coldness toward her was definitely because of Avery.


    Little did Nicole expect Avery to break her promise to leave Ackleton and keep her distance from


    Cayden.


    The woman''s jaw tightened as she plotted a vengeful scheme in her mind. If Avery dared to linger in


    Ackleton, she vowed to eradicate her forever.

 Chapter 516

    Chapter 516


    Chapter 516 You Psycho


    Cayden drove at a breakneck speed, which made Nicole feel like throwing up. Nheless, she forced


    herself to put up with it as she wanted to maintain her image.


    In truth, he was not intentionally driving so fast, but because he really did not want to spend even a


    second longer than necessary with her. All he wanted was to send her home as quickly as possible.


    ¡°Cay... Cayden, could you slow down a little? I''m feeling a little carsick...¡± she finally said, unable to


    bear the terrifying speed anymore. It was even more frightening than being in a racecar, and she was


    scared out of her wits.


    ¡°I like driving at this speed,¡± he answered impassively.


    She could not help feeling increasingly aggrieved, but the thought that it was what he liked made her


    swallow her displeasure.


    Ignoring her dizziness and gripping the seatbelt tightly, she ventured cautiously, ¡°Our rtionship will


    be official once we''re engaged. How about getting our marriage certificate first? We can wait until after


    that to have the wedding ceremony. What do you think?¡±


    No sooner had she said that than Cayden sent the car drifting sideways. The car seemed to float, then


    swung around sharply in a hundred-and-eighty-degree turn. It gave Nicole such a shock that she


    shrieked in fear.


    There may not be much traffic on the highway now, but there are still quite a number of other cars! Isn''t


    he afraid someone will take a video of his reckless driving? Also, what if we get into an ident? He


    finally agreed to marry me not too long ago, so I''ve no wish to die now.


    ¡°We''ll discuss that after the engagement. Why the rush?¡± he replied, his brows fixed in a frown.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    His reply left her disgruntled. Recalling Cayden''s and Avery''s grand engagement, she hoped she could


    have avish wedding too.


    I thought I''d get to be hiswful wife after obtaining our marriage certificate. However, it''s clear


    he''s not happy about that. But, so what? I''ll invite all the major media outlets to attend our wedding


    banquet. That way, not only those in Ackleton but everyone in the country will know I''m Cayden''s wife!


    With that thought in mind, Nicole felt much more at ease.


    ¡°Let''s go with whatever you want, then. After the engagement party, we''ll be moving in together. My


    mom said that living together will deepen our bond¡ª¡±


    Suddenly, Cayden mmed on the brakes.


    Even though she had her seatbelt on, she still fell heavily against the back of the chair. She broke out


    into cold sweat immediately due to the pain.


    With a face as ck as thunder, Cayden began smoking away on a cigarette irritably. ¡°You''re very


    noisy and annoying, do you know that?¡±


    She fell silent at once. After a while, she could not refrain from saying, ¡°I''m sorry. I was just too excited


    because it''s getting close to the engagement¡ª¡±


    Here, he floored the elerator without bothering to wait until she had calmed down, and the car shot


    forward again.


    Her grip around her seatbelt became even tighter than before, and she could not help thinking that his


    temperament was overly mercurial. Nheless, despite feeling intimidated, his vtile side made her


    even more infatuated with him.


    When she arrived at the Lambert residence, her parents were not back yet as they were still busy with


    a social engagement. Meanwhile, Polly and the other housekeepers were cleaning the mansion.


    Polly removed her mask upon seeing Nicole and said, ¡°Ms. Lambert, we''re spring cleaning today. If you


    could unlock the door to your room, I''ll help you clean it.¡±


    Nicole was very particr about her privacy, so there was only one key to her room. Not even ire


    had a key, let alone Polly.


    ¡°Okay.¡± As Nicole unlocked the door, she reminded the housekeeper sternly, ¡°Make sure you don''t


    move my things. I don''t like others touching my stuff. Remember, you¡ª¡±


    Her expression turned into one of horror mid-sentence. She opened the door ever so slightly before


    mming it shut behind her, her whole body trembling uncontrobly.


    Polly was startled by the sound of the door closing with a loud bang, and she hammered on the


    bedroom door. ¡°What''s the matter, Ms. Lambert? What happened?¡±


    ¡°N-Nothing. I''m just feeling a little dizzy and want to get some rest. Why don''t you clean the other


    bedrooms first?¡± Nicole lied while forcing herself to calm down.


    ¡°Okay. Call me if you need me. I''ll just be here. If you''re really unwell, I can call Mrs. Lambert,¡± Polly


    replied, not suspecting anything.


    Meanwhile, Nicole was drenched in cold sweat as she stared at the huge photos on her bedroom wall.


    She vividly remembered hanging Epean art and artistic photos of herself on the walls. However, they


    had all mysteriously disappeared and were now reced with pictures of her naked. There were even


    some of her with a man.


    The blown-up images were extremely sharp and clear. Even Nicole''s private parts were inly visible,


    making it impossible to look at the photos directly.


    In the photos, the woman''s gaze was seductive and lustful. As for the man, he had a wild and devilish


    look in his eyes, and he was none other than Roderick!


    That monster! He has lost his mind!


    She ripped the offensive photos from the walls, hurled them onto the floor, and tore them into a million


    pieces in a frenzy of rage.


    Then, with trembling hands, she lit the torn pieces on fire with a lighter and burned them to ashes.


    However, that was still not enough to subdue her anger. An even stronger sense of panic began rising


    inside her as she wondered how Roderick had gotten those photos into her room.


    Our house is in an upscale residential neighborhood with very tight security. Not only do we have many


    surveince cameras around the house, but we also have the top home security system. Despite all


    that, he still managed to sneak in without anyone noticing! Just the thought of it is terrifying. What on


    earth is he nning to do? Is it because of that time when I disobeyed his instructions to let him have


    his way with him and found him a few young models instead, so this is his way of getting back at me


    and issuing a warning?


    Suddenly, Polly knocked on the door again. ¡°Are you all right, Ms. Lambert? Why do I smell smoke


    coming from your room? Are you burning something?¡±


    ¡°Polly, were you at home all day? Did anyonee into my room? Was it you?¡± Nicole asked, starting


    to have a meltdown.


    ¡°No. I''ve been in all day, and there were no visitors. Isn''t your room always locked? I don''t have a key,


    so how could I have entered your room?¡± Polly replied in a puzzled tone.


    That made Nicole even more fearful.


    Just then, her phone started ringing.


    She started when she saw that Roderick was calling her, then answered the call angrily. ¡°What do you


    think you''re doing, Roderick?¡±


    On the other end of the line, he said in a cold, cruel voice, ¡°Babe, do you like the engagement present I


    prepared for you?¡±


    She shuddered. ¡°You psycho! Why don''t you just go to h*ll?¡±


    ¡°Nickie, what am Icking that you would rather choose to marry Cayden instead? I''ll forget about how


    you previously toyed with me for now. But if you dare to trick me again, I don''t mind letting everyone


    see what you look like in bed. I miss you. I miss your body. Let''s meet at our usual spot. I''m in suite


    A6666 now. You have half an hour. I''ll be waiting!¡± Although his voice sounded friendly, it sent chills


    down her spine.


    She flung aside her phone. Her face contorted with rage, and her fingers trembled violently. I''m now the


    center of attention in the media, and my engagement with Cayden is just around the corner. If reporters


    happen to snap apromising photo of me, the consequences will be unimaginable. Oh, Lord! How


    am I supposed to get rid of that b*stard?

 Chapter 517

    Chapter 517


    Chapter 517 Betray


    After Nicole escaped Roderick''s torture, she left the hotel with marks all over her body. Still panting,


    she received a call from a private investigator who told her an address.


    Even though she was exhausted, she still drove to that mysterious location.


    ...


    The sunlight wasn''t scorching on Cayden''s rare rest day. He spent his time in the mansion, keeping


    Avery and his childrenpany.


    After lunch, he brought his kids to swim at the pool.


    The pool was oval-shaped. From the sky, it looked like an emerald embedded in the mansion''s garden.


    The water inside was quite warm.


    Cayden wore a pair of sunsses and short pants. He patiently taught his adorable children how to


    swim inside the pool.


    Meanwhile, Avery was reading a book on a chair.


    That said, she would asionally watch her family interacting with each other. This man has a sexy


    body. Even though we''ve been sharing a bed for so long, I''ve never observed his figure attentively. I''m


    d to be able to enjoy the view of his wless body under the golden sunlight.


    Even though Cayden had well-developed muscles, he wasn''t a burly man.


    Under the sunlight, his well-proportioned body appeared as though it had been sculpted by God,


    looking both beautiful and powerful. His every move exuded a natural-born elegance resembling that of


    a mighty leopard.


    Avery''s heart raced as indecent scenes shed past her mind.


    When she thought about the sensation of his body pressing on hers, she couldn''t help but blush.


    In fact, she was getting a little jealous that her unworldly children could openly touch Cayden''s body.


    Avery was so absorbed in the view that her book dropped onto her thighs, snapping her back to reality.


    Awkwardly, she pinched her cheek. Why have I been thinking about sexual stuff like this so much? Is it


    because I haven''t had sex with Cayden recently? Is that why I''m so thirsty for him?


    As she kept thinking about that, she reprimanded herself. She then forced herself to focus on the book.


    However, the further she tried to avoid looking at Cayden, the more she couldn''t help but do it anyway.


    IMDb said that people will live longer if they look at handsome men often. After all, staring at beautiful


    things will make people happy, which then extends their lifespans. Gazing at handsome men is a


    source of joy in my life, so I''m not doing anything wrong. In fact, I''m improving my health.


    When Avery''s train of thought ended there, she subconsciously justified her ogling and ¡°peeked¡± at


    Cayden openly.


    ¡°Mommy has been staring at you for a long while, Daddy!¡± Zachary pointed his finger at Avery and


    giggled, showing no remorse for betraying his own mother.


    Cayden turned around but only saw Avery calmly reading her book, looking as though she had never


    shifted her attention away from it.


    Amused, he said, ¡°It''s because I have an amazing, alluring body. Once you have a wife, you can use


    this technique, too, Zachary.¡±


    Dim-wittedly, Zachary asked, ¡°What technique, Daddy?¡±


    Cayden shot a nce of disdain at his son''s skinny figure. ¡°You''ll need a figure like mine first. No girls


    will be interested in your scrawny body.¡±


    In response, Zachary pped the pool water and retorted, ¡°Don''t look down on me, Daddy! Once I


    grow up, I''ll have a figure ten times better than yours!¡±


    Rory, who was wearing a floater, hugged Cayden''s leg and produced a chime-like giggle. ¡°Can I use


    this technique too once I grow up, Daddy?¡±


    When Cayden heard that, an rm went off in his mind.


    As he stared at his pretty daughter, he couldn''t help but imagine how she would look when she grew


    up.


    Then he hugged her daughter and advised, ¡°No. This is something only men can do. Women aren''t


    allowed to do that. Even when you have a man you like after you grow up, you still can''t expose your


    body to him. Aside from your brother and me, every other man in the world is an evil brat. They''ll lie to


    you, hurt you, and make you cry. You absolutely mustn''t trust any of them. Do you understand?¡±


    Rory twiddled Cayden''s wet hair and nodded, not fully understanding her father''s words. ¡°I get it,


    Daddy.¡±


    Only then did Cayden nod with satisfaction and kiss his daughter''s tender cheek. ¡°Good girl.¡±


    Upon seeing that, Avery pressed her hand on her forehead. Cayden is way too protective of our


    daughter. If he raises her like that, instilling her with these kinds of ideas, how will she find love in the


    future?


    In the distance, at the surveince cameras'' blind spot, Nicole red at the happy family with reddened


    eyes. Jealousy was festering in her heart. I knew that b*tch didn''t leave Ackleton! Cayden is still


    spending time with her, even though we''re about to be engaged tomorrow.


    Her lips trembled with sorrow and bitterness.


    She was tugging the branches like crazy, desperately wanting to dash toward Avery and tearing the


    latter''s joyous smile to shreds.


    Her emotional devastation overwhelmed her so much that she wanted to cry.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    It was then Nicole noticed Avery''s baby bump. That b*tch didn''t have a miscarriage!


    Momentster, she saw Cayden carrying Avery into the mansion and the twins in cartoon swimming


    suits following their parents, hopping and skipping.


    It was agonizing for her to watch the happy family.


    I thought Avery would flee far away from Ackleton after watching the content on the disk. Yet, that b*tch


    is still all lovey-dovey with Cayden in such a hidden spot! Meanwhile, I, Cayden''s rightful fianc¨¦e, can


    only hide in a dark corner and wallow in my envy! This is unfair! Hatred swirled in Nicole''s eyes.


    I gave Cayden all my love, and I''ve endured the cold attitude he''s been giving me withoutining


    about it. In fact, I''m willing to abstain from interfering with his private life after our marriage! Yet, he


    repays my kindness with such cruelty! In that case, what''s the point of me doing all this for him? I seem


    like a joke!


    As she stared at the family and the morous mansion, resentment flooded her heart. I won''t give up


    like this!


    Nicole rubbed her tears away and returned to her car.


    Upon entering the driver''s seat, she stepped on the gas and left bitterly.

 Chapter 518

    Chapter 518


    Chapter 518 Trust Her


    Inside the mansion, Cayden yed a video game with his kids on the living room couch. Meanwhile,


    Avery was chatting with Nina in her bedroom on the phone.


    Ninained, ¡°A few days ago, I identally bumped into a weird man. He has an absolutely awful


    personality, I tell you! Now, he''s torturing me every day. Not only does he demand me to tend to his


    daily necessities, but he''s also treating me like a maid or a ve! That man''s going to drive me crazy!¡±


    In response, Avery did her best tofort Nina and calm her friend down.


    Although, she couldn''t help but chuckle at how angry her friend was. Ever since that incident, Nina has


    appeared pretty gloomy or just acted indifferently. It''s been a long while since I''ve seen her being this


    energetic.


    After the two chatted for a while, Nina lowered her voice and asked, ¡°Did you see the news recently,


    Ery?¡±


    Avery replied, ¡°I''ve been busy researching stuff as well as the design samples left behind by seniors, so


    I didn''t pay that much attention to the news. What''s wrong, Nina?¡±


    A brief silence ensued before Nina stuttered, ¡°I-It''s nothing...¡±


    Nina is acting strange today. With that thought in mind, Avery pressed, ¡°What''s going on? You don''t


    sound all right. We''ve known each other for years. I know you too well, so I''m certain you''re hiding


    something from me.¡±


    Nina recalled her boss'' warning and thought about how nicely Avery had treated her. Argh, hang him!


    In the end, she gritted her teeth and blurted, ¡°Do you know Mr. Moore''s getting engaged to Nicole


    tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°Oh, they''re getting engaged already?¡± While Avery knew the day woulde, and that Cayden was


    evading the matter, she still felt hurt to hear it. With aplicated look, she replied, ¡°I know about it.¡±


    Enraged and disappointed, Nina questioned, ¡°Why is your reaction to the news of your man''s


    engagement with another woman so indifferent, Ery? Shouldn''t you question him? Why are you acting


    like this? I thought Mr. Moore was deeply in love with you, so why does he have an engagement with


    Nicole? He changes his mind way too quickly!¡±


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    It genuinely confounded her as to why Avery was acting oddly passive while she was chiding Cayden


    for her.


    Softly, Avery informed, ¡°There are some things I can''t exin to you clearly right now. However, I''ll do it


    once I have the time. In any case, I believe in Cayden and his decisions. I know he''s fighting for our


    future.¡±


    After hanging up the call, she felt dazed.


    Then she opened the windows and saw the rest of her family having a great time in the living room.


    After Rory lost while ying a game, she acted like a spoiled kid in Cayden''s embrace and asked him


    to help her win. Secondster, she trotted to her brother and intentionally made funny faces at him to


    disturb him while he was ying.


    Both Cayden and Zachary treated her with great affection. Not only did they condone her behavior, but


    they would also asionally make herugh.


    Avery felt exceptionally satisfied as she gazed at her happy family.


    While it pained her to hear Cayden was going to be engaged with another woman earlier, it no longer


    mattered to her after what she saw.


    She believed Cayden would handle the issue well and that her family would have a happily ever after.


    ...


    Back in the Lambert residence, Nicole clutched the newspaper announcing the union between the


    Moore family and the Lambert family.


    Furiously, she tore the newspaper into pieces and smashed everything in her room.


    She screamed, cried, and appeared as if she was shattered apart after falling from the heavens and


    crashing into hell.


    Her hair was disheveled, the delicate makeup on her countenance was ruined by her tears, and her


    palm was bleeding after it was cut by a broken piece of a vase.


    The overwhelming humiliation and fear dominating her heart were destabilizing her mental state.


    As she sat in her bedroom, she cried andughed, acting like a madwoman.


    Afraid that Nicole would do something stupid, Polly hastily called ire.


    Twenty minutester, ire arrived back home in a hurry. William, who was busy with work, was also


    summoned home by her.


    When she saw the mess in Nicole''s room and the blood on her daughter''s palm, she embraced her


    child with heartache. ¡°What''s going on with you, my child? Tell me what happened. Why did you do


    this?¡±


    Panickily, she bandaged Nicole''s injury.


    It crushed her to see her precious daughter, her pride and joy, appear so... broken.


    Nicole withdrew her bloody hand and clutched ire''s arm. A wretched, creepy smile settled on her


    pale countenance, making her seem as though she had lost her mind.


    As ire wiped her daughter''s tears away, she asked, ¡°What happened, Nicole? You''re scaring me.


    Wake up, Nickie...¡±


    William''s heart wrenched as he stared at his daughter. ¡°Did someone bully you, Nickie? Tell me who


    that person is, and I''ll kick the person''s arse for you!¡±


    Tears streamed down Nicole''s cheeks as she spoke tremblingly with an empty look in her eyes. ¡°Mom,


    Dad, Cayden promised to marry me and sever his rtionship with Avery. However, he''s been lying to


    me. Earlier today, I saw him hiding Avery in an obscure, remote mansion. They seemed to be having a


    great time together as a family. Did you know how much agony I was in when I saw that?¡±


    ¡°Is what you said true, Nickie?¡± Lividly, he inquired in disbelief, ¡°He''s still together with that Avery?¡±


    Sheughed sarcastically before replying in a bitter and sorrowful tone, ¡°I saw it with my own eyes. I


    can''t believe that everything Cayden did for me was a lie. He didn''t mean it when he agreed to marry


    me! It was all just an act! What a joke!¡±


    William''s rage burned even brighter. ¡°This is outrageous! The Moore family has crossed the line! My


    daughter isn''t someone they can bully! Don''t cry, Nickie. I''ll give you the justice you deserve! First, we''ll


    call off the engagement. Then, we''ll demand the Moore family to apologize to you in the newspaper!¡±


    Upon hearing that, Nicole was so shocked that she stopped crying and shook her head. ¡°No, no!


    Please don''t do that, Dad. I love Cayden. I''ll never call off our engagement! While he doesn''t love me


    now, once we''ve gotten married long enough, he''ll naturally develop feelings for me. Please give us a


    chance, won''t you? Right now, we just need to chase Avery out of Ackleton. Once she''s gone,


    Cayden''s heart will return to me...¡±


    ¡°I can see you''re obsessed with him. Oh, Nickie. What should I do with you?¡± ire sighed.


    I don''t know why she''s so enamored with Cayden. I was going to advise her to abandon this one-sided


    rtionship, but I couldn''t say no when I saw the empty look of despair in her eyes. For the first time,


    an icy expression appeared on her gentle face. ¡°We''ll visit the Moore residence tonight, Will. No matter


    what, we must demand an exnation from the Moore family! Tomorrow is Cayden''s and Nickie''s


    engagement, and I don''t want anything to go wrong!¡± Ever since Nickie was a child, I''ve always helped


    her get what she wanted. This time is no exception. I''m going to make sure that Avery can''t stay in


    Ackleton any longer!

 Chapter 519

    Chapter 519


    Chapter 519 Hope


    When Jeffrey and Allie stormed into the mansion, Cayden was shocked but not surprised.


    Still, he furrowed his eyebrows. ¡°Why are you here, Mom, Grandpa?¡±


    A scowl was set on Jeffrey''s countenance as he stepped toward his grandson with a cane.


    Behind him were Allie and a few bodyguards in ck clothing.


    The look in the old man''s eyes darkened when he saw Avery standing in front of the couch.


    He mmed his cane on the ground and questioned Cayden with dissatisfaction. ¡°I thought she left


    already. Why are you still with her?¡±


    The furious look in Jeffrey''s eyes grewplicated when he saw Avery''s baby bump.


    Suddenly, the living room turned eerily silent, and the atmosphere tense.


    Avery lowered her head and didn''t have the nerve to greet the visitors because she didn''t want to see


    the look of disdain in Jeffrey''s and Allie''s eyes.


    Instead of answering his grandfather''s question, Cayden attempted to help him sit on the couch.


    Unfortunately, the old man didn''t appreciate his grandson''s kindness and shoved thetter''s arm away.


    Allie then helped Jeffrey sit down. Secondster, he pointed his cane at the grandson he was usually


    proud of and roared, ¡°If William and his wife didn''t pay us a visit earlier, I wouldn''t have known you''re


    doing such a horrendous thing! You agreed to sever your rtionship with this woman and marry the


    Lambert family''s daughter, yet you''re hiding this woman in your house. What do you have to say about


    this?¡±


    Cayden gazed at his grandfather sternly. ¡°Avery''s still pregnant with my child, Grandpa. Not to mention


    she had a severe ident some time ago. So, I have a responsibility to take care of her. You wouldn''t


    want to see anything happen to your unborn grandchild, do you? Who told you about this ce,


    Grandpa?¡±


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Back then, he bought the mansion for two reasons. Firstly, the environment was great, suitable for a


    pregnant woman to recuperate. Secondly, it had a good location that allowed for unique security


    measures.


    The mansion''s purchase was done by himself. Even his assistant didn''t know about the ce.


    Yet, his grandfather found it nheless.


    Therefore, someone must''ve either leaked or discovered the mansion''s location.


    When Cayden thought about how his privacy had been exposed, he narrowed his eyes. I''ll make


    whoever tells Grandpa this ce regret his decision!


    ¡°Don''t change the subject! Are you afraid someone will discover your despicable act? I think you''re


    bewitched by this woman, considering you can''t even tell what is more important!¡± Jeffrey red at


    Avery and became even more infuriated when he saw her keep lowering her head. Initially, I had a


    good impression of her because I thought she seemed pure and innocent. To my surprise, she keeps


    doing one awful thing after another! I no longer have a positive impression of her! Back then, even


    though she was with Cayden, she secretly registered her marriage with Dn! Because of that, the


    grandson I''m proud of became a third wheel in their rtionship! After it was proven that she was


    forced to marry Dn, she left him. However, in the eyes of thew, she was still considered a divorced


    woman. Cayden marrying a divorced woman would give our family a bad name. However, there''s


    nothing I can do about it because he loves her. Heck, he''d probably marry her even if her name is


    tarnished. Then after that, she refused Cayden''s proposal during their engagement ceremony,


    embarrassing the Moore family in front of the media! I care immensely about our family''s reputation, so


    I won''t allow my grandson to marry a woman like her!


    Allie added, ¡°Listen to your grandfather and me, Cayden. Cut ties with this woman and don''t contact


    her again. The Lambert family told us they don''t want any trouble since your engagement with Nickie is


    tomorrow. They requested that you must bid this woman goodbye and that she must leave Ackleton


    tonight!¡±


    As Avery stared at Cayden, she suppressed her emotions. I''m afraid he''ll obey his family and send me


    to an unknown city. The only thing I''m genuinely terrified of is that I can''t see him again. He''s the hope I


    cling to keep on living.


    Meanwhile, the twins, who were woken up by the noise in the living room, descended the stairs sleepily


    in their cartoon pajamas.


    When they saw their great-grandfather and grandmother, they were going to greet them. However, Allie


    furiously admonished, ¡°I was wondering why the two of them were often not home! You told me you


    hired a famous professor to tutor them and that he refused to do so at home because he didn''t want to.


    Now I know you''re keeping them here! I can''t believe you''re lying even to your own mother, Cayden


    Moore!¡±


    The twins were dumbfounded by their grandmother''s fierce demeanor and didn''t have the nerve to


    head downstairs.


    They knew that whenever their grandmother''s face was scrunched up, it meant she was livid.


    Therefore, if they interacted with her at that moment, they would only get spanked.


    Jeffrey shot a displeased nce at Allie to warn her not to go overboard.


    After all, he wished to avoid leaving a bad impression on his precious great-grandchildren. He just


    wanted to settle Cayden''s matter.


    While Allie was still incensed, she shut her mouth upon receiving her father-inw''s warning.


    Stifling his anger, Jeffrey ordered, ¡°Ask this woman to leave first, Cayden. Then, we''ll talk.¡±


    Avery was d she didn''t need to stay because the atmosphere was suffocating.


    Thus, she stood and was prepared to head upstairs when Cayden carried her back to the bedroom


    instead.


    That infuriated Allie, so much so that she gritted her teeth until she felt pain. Even though this woman is


    disabled, Cayden still dotes on her!


    After Cayden brought Avery back to the bedroom, he kissed her forehead. ¡°Rest here. I''ll return after a


    little while. You don''t have to worry. I''ll handle this.¡±


    Then he summoned the twins and informed them, ¡°Keep Mommypany. If anything happens, call


    for me.¡±


    The children nodded obediently before Cayden headed downstairs.


    After he sat tiredly opposite Jeffrey, he spat, ¡°If you have anything else you want to tell me, do it in one


    go, Grandpa.¡±


    The old man studied his grandson with a dark look. ¡°I want you to proceed with your engagement with


    the Lambert family''s daughter tomorrow. This woman cannot stay in Ackleton any longer. I want her


    gone tonight. If you can''t do it, I''ll do it for you. Otherwise, don''t me me for what I''ll do. You know


    how ugly things tend to end when I handle them.¡±


    The cold look in Cayden''s eyes abruptly turned sharp. ¡°In that case, I''m afraid I''ll be disappointing you,


    Grandpa. I''m canceling my engagement ceremony with the Lambert family''s daughter tomorrow!¡±

 Chapter 520

    Chapter 520


    Chapter 520 Suspiciously Red


    Jeffrey was almost choked by his anger when he heard what his grandson said. This d*mn brat!


    Instead of trying to fix the Moore family''s rtionship with the Lambert family, he''s walking back the


    marriage! This is the exact opposite of what I want! Is he nning to kill me by pissing me off?


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    ¡°Ever since you were a child, I''ve taught you to be a man of your word, Cayden. I raised you to be a


    man who takes responsibility for his actions, yet look at what you''re doing right now. Do you want to be


    a man who breaks his promise? Do you want the Moore family to be castigated behind our backs? No


    matter what, you must proceed with the engagement with Nicole tomorrow!¡± Due to how irritated he


    was, his face was covered with veins, and his voice was scarily deep. Truth be told, I don''t give a d*mn


    if my grandson is a heartless man or not. What I want are the economic benefits his marriage with the


    daughter of the Lambert family will bring!


    ¡°The only person I''ll marry in this life is Avery, Grandpa. I only agreed to the engagement with Nicole as


    a temporary measure. Now, I don''t need it anymore.¡± Cayden started smoking a cigarette right in front


    of his grandfather''s face. His indifferent attitude ticked Jeffrey off.


    In response, the old man attempted to reason with his grandson and persuade him, ¡°You''re free to


    embarrass yourself, but our family can''t afford that! Every major news outlet has announced the union


    between the Moore family and the Lambert family! Tomorrow, plenty of reporters will attend the


    engagement ceremony. If you don''t do it with Nicole, both of our families will be mocked andughed


    at! Not only will you be destroying the life of an innocent woman, but you''ll also cause our family''s stock


    to drop! Don''t you care about any of that?¡±


    However, Cayden had a heart of stone. He wouldn''t change his mind once he had decided on


    something.


    Instead, he uttered something infuriating. ¡°You''re old now, Grandpa. You should focus on enjoying your


    life instead of worrying about these things. Getting angry isn''t great for your body.¡±


    ¡°You unfilial brat!¡± Jeffrey was so heated that he was shaking.


    Upon lifting his cane, he attempted to hit it on Cayden''s body, but Allie stopped him.


    ¡°Your body''s not in a great condition, Dad! Don''t get angry.¡± Allie then turned to her son and


    reprimanded him in a high-pitched tone, ¡°How can you speak to your grandfather like this, Cayden?


    What if he got sick after getting too angry? Are you going to let your grandpa die for that outsider,


    Avery? Do you really n to go against your family for her?¡±


    ¡°I seem to recall stating that I won''t marry Nicole multiple times!¡± growled Cayden impatiently.


    Jeffrey took in a deep breath.


    Knowing how stubborn his grandson was, he decided to relent a little. ¡°What will it take for you to marry


    Nicole?¡±


    Cayden knitted his eyebrow. Has Grandpa finally decided to negotiate? Still, I don''t have the patience


    for this anymore.


    Hence, he uttered, ¡°My marriage isn''t a bargaining chip. I suggest you all give up.¡±


    Still, Jeffrey continued to persuade him, ¡°You''re an intelligent child, Cayden. You understand what


    Nicole''s background represents better than I do. Her father is climbing up thedder, and her mother''s


    business is powerful enough to go toe to toe against Trident Group. Trident Group will significantly


    benefit from your marriage with Nicole. What are you not happy with?¡±


    While the Lambert family''s enterprise was still iparable to Trident Group, it was pretty formidable


    under ire''s astute management in the industry. Additionally, the one to inherit that enterprise would,


    of course, be Nicole.


    Jeffrey was sharp enough to notice Nicole didn''t know how to run a business, even if she was


    somewhat clever. He was confident that she was just a pretty, empty vase who couldn''t manage


    ire''s enterprise.


    Therefore, if Cayden were to marry Nicole, the Lambert family''s enterprise would eventually fall into his


    hands.


    When that happened, Trident Group would enter a whole new level.


    Jeffrey was born into a prestigious, business-oriented family, so he valued profit over everything else.


    William has a vast influence within the government. With his support, Trident Group will only reach


    even greater heights! I don''t care who Cayden marries as long as it''s a daughter of the Lambert family!


    Her background is what I want! If Avery is the daughter, I won''t object to his marriage with her at all,


    even if she has an awful reputation! It''s unfortunate for her that she''s from a family that can''t bring any


    benefit to our family!


    Cayden exhaled a mouthful of smoke. ¡°Do you think I''m not capable enough to expand Trident Group,


    Grandpa? Do I need to marry a woman to do so? Frankly, I think Trident Group is developing well.


    There''s no need to seek instant benefits. Besides, you''re the one who desires thepany''s


    expansion, not me.¡±


    A frigid look swirled in Jeffrey''s eyes. ¡°So, you''re certain you want to break off the engagement?¡±


    Cayden put out the cigarette. ¡°I don''t want to repeat myself.¡±


    ¡°Cayden, you should listen to your grandfather. We won''t hurt you¡ª¡± Allie wanted to keep persuading


    him, but she was interrupted by the old man.


    ¡°No need to waste any more words on him!¡± spat Jeffrey. ¡°Let''s go! I hope this brat won''t regret his


    decision in the future!¡±


    With his bodyguards'' aid, he left the mansion with Allie.


    ...


    Later, Cayden called someone in the living room and listened to a detailed report.


    Once the call ended, his knitted eyebrows rxed. Finally, it''s time to execute the n I''ve been


    preparing for so long. Sid should be back soon. Tomorrow, a tough battle awaits!


    Upon returning to the second floor, he saw Avery holding a thick stack of something andughing with


    the children.


    Cayden was a little confounded when he saw the usual admiration and love weren''t present in Avery''s


    eyes as she stared at him.


    Secondster, his line of sightnded on the stack of paper. Suddenly, his typicallyposed


    countenance reddened.


    At the very top of the stack was his sixth-grade essay with the title, My Wonderful Family.


    He recalled he only wrote: I don''t have a wonderful family. It was something he did out of spite because


    he didn''t have a proper or wonderful family during his childhood. Even his mother abandoned him at an


    orphanage.


    Of course, his teacher gave him a zero for the essay.


    The rest of the stack was his past papers from other subjects. All of them had terrible grades.


    Ever since Cayden was a child, he knew his mother was someone''s mistress. People would often insult


    him, and call him a bast*rd, which was profoundly traumatizing for him.


    Back then, he hated studying and going to school. In fact, he intentionally allowed himself to let loose.


    Therefore, he only received a single-digit grade on all his papers in almost every exam.


    Obviously, he was embarrassed that his bad records were in the hands of his family.


    As Cayden''s cheeks burned, he thought, I wish I could burn those papers right now! How will I be able


    to establish authority in front of the children now that they''ve seen my terrible grades?

 Chapter 521

    Chapter 521


    Chapter 521 Trouble Approaching


    It was rare for Avery to see Cayden looking embarrassed, so she could not help but tease him, ¡°I


    always assumed you were a top student kind of person since you were little, but I didn''t expect...¡±


    Her gaze shifted to the ¡°test paper¡± with a disastrous score in her hand.


    The two children also eyed their handsome father in unison, covering their mouths to hide their smiles.


    Indeed, they had never seen such a low test score.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    When they were in kindergarten, even their ssmates who performed poorly on their tests had


    double-digit scores. Scores in the single digits were very umon.


    ¡°Zach and I both got perfect scores on our testsst week, Daddy! We have always received full marks


    on all of our tests!¡± Rory chewed a sweet gummy as she nced at her father smugly.


    ¡°Daddy, I heard from Mommy that you have a doctorate from Horington University. Why are your


    grades so low? This essay, in particr, is nk...¡± Zachary pointed at Cayden''s old essay test paper


    and gave his father a meaningful look as he clicked his tongue.


    ¡°That''s because you have never seen my actual aplishments. My grades were always the highest


    in the school throughout high school, university, and my doctorate. Nobody could ever beat me. It was


    especially so when I was studying for my doctorate. The projects and teams I led drew admiration from


    my doctoral supervisor.¡± Cayden snatched the test paper from his son''s grasp and told them about his


    academic achievements.


    He was a little annoyed. Why did I keep my old test papers? Why didn''t I get rid of them earlier?


    ¡°Is that so?¡± The two adorable children stared at their father with their chins resting on their hands,


    disbelief written all over their little faces.


    Their reactions rendered Cayden speechless.


    Although the two children''s doubts left him dumbfounded, he stopped discussing these meaningless


    matters with them.


    With his age and the familial atmosphere, embarrassing himself in front of his children did not seem like


    a big deal anymore.


    ¡°Look, Zach. Daddy''s face is red!¡± Rory said with a grin as she tugged at her older brother''s arm and


    pointed at Cayden''s slightly flushed handsome face.


    ¡°You two got some nerve to make fun of your daddy.¡±


    Cayden picked his daughter up and lifted her high, scaring her so much that she squealed and cried


    out, ¡°Wow, it''s so high. Mean daddy! I''ll stopughing at you. Put me down...¡±


    Avery felt warm and fuzzy inside as she watched the trio ying together.


    She enjoyed such a lively and happy atmosphere.


    However, the thought of Cayden''s uing engagement party the next day made her heart clench


    slightly.


    There''s going to be trouble tomorrow.


    ...


    The next day, at seven in the morning, warm sunlight slowly seeped in through the window onto the big


    bed.


    Avery opened her eyes to a sea of light green.


    The absence of the city''s noise and bustle created a quiet and rxing atmosphere, which made it


    extremely pleasant.


    She wanted to move, but Cayden''s strong arms around her waist pressed her body firmly against his


    chest, effectively immobilizing her.


    The naked couple still maintained their ambiguous positions beneath the thin quilt.


    His strong embrace made Avery recall the passionate moments from the night before.


    As her leg was mostly healed, Cayden, who had been deprived of sex for over two months, was finally


    given the all-clear the night before. Even though he had always had strong self-control, he ultimately


    could not restrain himself. Despite his gentle movements out of concern for the baby in her stomach,


    he exhausted her to the point where she begged for mercy...


    Avery awoke that morning with her body so sore and unbearable that it was as if she had been run


    over by a car, causing her to sigh inwardly. One cannot stop a man who has been deprived of sex for


    far too long!


    Even though he was sleeping soundly, Cayden''s slender, long legs carefully avoided her injured right


    leg, not daring to get too close to it. It demonstrated his tender care toward her.


    She carefully studied his serene countenance as he slept. He had an exceptionally handsome and


    gentle face, chiseled and dignified.


    He looked very charming when he was asleep. His long, curly eyshes dangled low like a small fan. It


    was undeniably his appealing feature.


    She gazed at him fondly and could not help but caress his features, thinking that her baby''s father was


    truly handsome.


    As for the man who was being caressed, he had always been a light sleeper and overly vignt, so he


    abruptly opened his eyes. The first thing he saw was Avery''s fair and lovely face.


    ¡°Good morning.¡± Cayden softened his gaze and lifted his finger to caress her chapped lips while staring


    at them. ¡°Are you thirsty? I''ll go get you a ss of water,¡± he offered, his gaze full of affection.


    With that said, he put on his pajamas, got up, and poured her a ss of warm water.


    Just as he was about to bring it to her, his phone rang.


    He did not answer the call immediately upon seeing the caller ID on the screen. Instead, he brought the


    water to Avery and patiently waited for her to finish drinking.


    He only went outside to take the call when her lips were not as dry as before.


    After getting off the phone, he came in and told her that he had to go out to settle something.


    Avery noticed Cayden''s solemn expression and assumed that the Lamberts were urging him to head


    over and to the banquet hall.


    Her expression darkened briefly, but she did not ask any questions and merely nodded


    understandingly.


    Cayden did not exin much to her as he was in a hurry. He simply freshened up, got dressed, and


    drove away.


    The housekeeper finished preparing breakfast at around nine in the morning.


    Avery went to the dining room with the twins to have breakfast before tutoring them in the living room.


    Just then, Cayden suddenly came back.


    ¡°Cayden? W-Why are you back?¡± Avery looked at the man in front of her, a little dumbfounded.


    Today is the day of his engagement with Nicole. I wonder why he suddenly came back on such an


    important asion. Did something happen at the engagement party? Moreover, his attire is very


    casual and not at all fancy. He doesn''t look like he is about to get engaged at all. Could it be that


    something did ur at the engagement party?


    Avery made all kinds of spections.


    Even though she knew that the engagement between Cayden and Nicole was just a formality, she still


    had conflicting emotions.


    Hence, despite her surprise, she was undoubtedly happy to see him appear in front of her at that


    moment.


    Cayden merely hummed lightly before settling down on the couch with his legs crossed. His deep gaze


    scrutinized Avery from head to toe.


    Despite his elegance and dignified temperament, the aloof and distant demeanor he had set off rm


    bells in her mind.


    She felt that there was something strange about him that day.


    In the past, he was always smiling and acting warm and doting in front of me. He now has a different


    expression and appears cold. Although it''s the same face, he looks at me as if he doesn''t know me.


    Avery felt that his attitude toward her was suddenly too cold.

 Chapter 522

    Chapter 522


    Chapter 522 Surprised


    Avery scrutinized Cayden once again, taking in his handsome face with defined features and strikingly


    icy eyes that exuded an undeniable charm.


    The unforgettable face undeniably belonged to Cayden.


    However, Avery still had her doubts. He looks exactly like Cayden, but why does he feel like a


    stranger?


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    Cayden observed Avery silently, taking in her features and her reaction. His intense gaze seemed to


    prate deep into her soul.


    This man was none other than Sid Newman, who had disappeared for a few months. He had returned


    to the mansion with a face that bore an uncanny resemnce to Cayden''s. Assuming the identity of


    Cayden, he was now regarding Avery and her children with an amused expression.


    ¡°Cayden?¡± As he didn''t say a word, Avery had to break the silence.


    Her sixth sense told her that there was something amiss with the man.


    Avery seemed surprised. When she called his name, ¡°Cayden¡± touched his face instinctively and curled


    his lips. ¡°Mm,¡± he grunted.


    The children didn''t notice the awkward situation between them.


    Seeing her father, Rory ran over to get him to pick her up. ¡°Daddy...¡±


    She had barely taken two steps when her mother grabbed her arm.


    Avery assessed the man''s appearance and spoke firmly. ¡°Rory, he''s not your daddy.¡±


    ¡°Mommy, what are you talking about? He''s daddy!¡± Rory''s eyes widened in disbelief as she gazed at


    her ¡°daddy.¡±


    Zachary silently observed Sid as he fiddled with his spacecraft model.


    Sid still said naught a word and looked rxed.


    Suddenly, he rose to his feet and extended his right hand. ¡°Hello, Avery. Nice to meet you. It''s a


    pleasure to make your acquaintance,¡± he said warmly.


    Avery''s surprise heightened when she heard him speak. She didn''t even take Sid''s hand.


    Besides having a facial resemnce of over ny percent to Cayden, Sid also had a voice that


    sounded simr to Cayden''s.


    I can hardly believe that there are two people in this world who look so simr! They are almost more


    alike than twins!


    ¡°Who are you?¡± Avery finally regained her senses after a long while.


    She extended her arm shyly to shake Sid''s hand. ¡°You look exactly like Cayden. The resemnce is


    uncanny!¡±


    A smile nudged Sid''s lips. ¡°Well, that''s because Cayden asked me to get stic surgery to look like


    him. So naturally, we resemble each other. But I think I''m better-looking, cooler, and more manly than


    him. Don''t you agree, Avery? Oh, my name is Sid Newman.¡±


    Sid gave Avery a seductive wink that made Avery''s eyes twitch.


    It was funny to see Sid wink flirtatiously using Cayden''s face as thetter usually bore a stern


    expression.


    Avery had heard about Sid from Cayden before, but she had never actually met him until now. In fact,


    she and Cayden had even gone to Peach Blossom Acres to pick him up on a previous asion, but


    she had stayed in her hotel room during that trip and never got to meet Sid in person.


    Avery learned through other sources that Sid was a brilliant con artist who specialized inmercial


    fraud. He had been disfigured as punishment for crossing the boss of a mafia organization.


    Back then, she had felt sorry for him, but now that she had finally met him, she realized that her


    sympathy was misced.


    Despite sharing a striking resemnce to Cayden, Sid was an entirely different person in terms of


    personality and temperament.


    Cayden was more aloof and arrogant, while Sid appeared cheerful and enthusiastic, seemingly


    unbothered by the fact that he had undergone stic surgery to obtain his current appearance. It was


    evident that the disfigurement hadn''t affected his self-esteem or sense of self-worth in any way.


    ¡°I think Cayden is more handsome,¡± Avery said bluntly.


    Cayden was unique, and no one could rece him, not even someone who looked exactly like him.


    ¡°Really?¡± Sid shrugged. ¡°You must be siding with him on purpose!¡±


    Avery started observing Sid carefully as confusion flooded her mind. ¡°Did Cayden ask you to obtain


    stic surgery to look like him? Are you the key person who can help him solve the matter regarding


    the disk?¡± she asked, trying to understand the situation.


    Even though Avery didn''t finish her question, Sid couldn''t help but give her the thumbs-up inwardly.


    ¡°You''re indeed smart, Avery!¡±


    When Sid first met Avery, she was dressed casually and wore no makeup. He found her appearance


    too young and innocent, much like a university student.


    He couldn''t understand why someone as sly as Cayden would marry such a simple and naive woman.


    Little did he know that Avery was a smart and intelligent woman, and her youthful looks were just a


    disguise for her sharp mind.


    With his mastery of disguise, Sid had sessfully posed as Cayden and assumed the position of CEO


    at Trident Group. Even Cayden''s most trusted subordinates, Xavier and Wisteria, were unaware of his


    true identity.


    Sid''s true identity was quickly exposed by the young-looking and seemingly innocent Avery soon after


    they met. He couldn''t help but be impressed by her perceptiveness and intelligence.


    Sid had no idea that women could be oblivious to certain things, but also be perceptive and astute


    when it came to their partners.


    Cayden loved Avery deeply, so his affection would show in his gaze.


    When they looked at each other, sparks would fly between them even if they didn''t talk.


    However, when Sid looked at her, his gaze was cool, analytical, and devoid of any warmth or affection.


    There was no affection at all in his gaze, so naturally, Avery grew suspicious.


    ...


    At the hotel, a long red carpet stretched from the depths of the hotel to the street outside, and on both


    sides of the carpet, reporters and paparazzi were waiting eagerly with their cameras and microphones.


    The lobby was abuzz with activity, filled with esteemed guests from powerful politicians, top corporate


    executives, renowned directors, and famous celebrities from the entertainment industry.


    Today marked the special asion of the engagement of Cayden Moore, the CEO of Trident Group, to


    Nicole Lambert, daughter of the well-known Lambert family.


    Both families held significant influence in Ackleton, making them highly coveted connections to have.


    As a result, everyone was eager to be associated with them in any way possible.


    Soon, a Lincoln limousine rolled to a stop in front of the hotel, and the door was opened.


    A pair of bejeweled high heels stepped out, showcasing a set of long legs.


    Nicole had meticulously applied her makeup, highlighting her natural beauty and making her face


    radiate under the bright lights. Her slender figure was entuated by the curve-hugging white fishtail


    gown she wore.


    Cayden stepped out of the vehicle behind her.


    Dressed in a well-tailored suit, he looked as dashing as ever. His sharp features and confident


    demeanor outshone everyone else in the room.


    It was evident from the way other women at the event kept stealing nces at him and giving Nicole


    envious looks that he was the center of attention.


    Nicole held Cayden''s arm smugly and said shyly, ¡°Cayden, I''ll officially be your fianc¨¦e today.¡±


    From today onward, he would be her fianc¨¦, and no one else could covet him.


    Cayden had to tamp down the urge to shake her off, and his lips curled into an icy smirk.


    Fianc¨¦e, huh? Ha! It has always been wishful thinking on her part. I wonder if she can still be this


    happy if she finds out I have an ulterior motive for hosting this so-called engagement party.

 Chapter 523

    Chapter 523


    Chapter 523 ire Is Angry And Upset


    Holding Cayden''s arm, Nicole strutted along the red carpet into the event ballroom like an arrogant


    princess.


    The ballroom was filled with well-dressed guests chatting away with each other.


    Cayden responded to the greetings of the esteemed guests with a graceful smile on his lips, nodding in


    acknowledgment to each one of them.


    Hearing their congrattory words, he pursed his lips before curling them into a smirk.


    Cameras shed incessantly in the hotel, eager to capture every intimate moment between the two


    female and male leads that would mark the beginning of their marriage of convenience, which would


    further bind both families together.


    The members of the Moore and Lambert families were seated, their faces disying a palpable sense


    of joy and satisfaction.


    Jeffrey was d in a dark blue traditional outfit. He looked especially eager and delighted to be here.


    At first, Jeffrey believed that the negotiations the night before had failed, and he expected his grandson


    to refuse to get engaged to the daughter of the Lambert family. As a result, he flew into a fit of rage.


    Jeffrey was ustomed to being in control, and he was already nning to use despicable means to


    force Cayden toply with his wishes.


    He viewed the marriage of convenience between the Moore family and the Lambert family as being


    beneficial to both parties. As such, he was unwilling to let Cayden''s feelings for Avery jeopardize the


    union.


    However, just as Jeffrey was about to put his n into action by asking his men to take action, Cayden


    surprised him by returning home and iming that he had thought things through. Cayden exined


    that he hade to the realization that the marriage of convenience between the Moore and Lambert


    families would be beneficial, so he had decided to get engaged to Nicole after all.


    Naturally, Jeffrey was delighted.


    The only person who was upset at the party was ire.


    She observed the handsome Cayden thoughtfully.


    Cayden was dressed in a perfectly tailored suit, making him look even more handsome and poised


    than usual. stood out from the rest of the crowd.


    However, ire had a bad feeling as her right eyelid kept twitching.


    Her daughter, Nicole, was holding onto Cayden''s arm and lookedpletely enamored. She was


    beaming with joy as if nothing could be more perfect than being engaged to him.


    Nevertheless, Cayden''s attitude was the exact opposite. It was his engagement party, but he bore an


    indifferent expression and didn''t even bother smiling.


    She knew that Cayden wasn''t a suitable partner for Nicole.


    s, Nicole was obsessed with him, and she refused to give up no matter what she said.


    ire released a deep sigh, filled with worry. As Nicole''s mother, she could only hope that Cayden


    wouldn''t break her daughter''s heart. She vowed to support Nicole in any way possible to ensure she


    wouldn''t be mistreated within the Moore family.


    Soon, Cayden and Nicole walked onto the stage in the middle of the ballroom.


    The stage was adorned with a plethora of fresh flowers, and there was a gold microphone set up in the


    center.


    The host of the ceremony was a popr host in Ackleton.


    He began his speech with words of congrattions, using his wit to elicit apuse from the audience.


    The host then handed the microphone to Cayden.


    After shoving Nicole''s arm away, Cayden walked over to the center of the stage.


    His striking features were further enhanced under the bright lights, making him even more captivating


    to the eyes of those present.


    Seeing that, Nicole grew nervous.


    She didn''t dare to dream that Cayden would confess his feelings for her in public just like how he


    confessed his feelings for Avery, but she hoped he would at least say some touching words.


    They had known each other for a long time but only ended up as a couple recently. Nevertheless, she


    felt that time was too slow as she couldn''t wait to marry him.


    He''s going to ask for my hand in marriage at our engagement party today!


    Nicole forced herself to stay calm and tamped down her excitement. She was on cloud nine.


    Everyone will be envious to see the most eligible bachelor in Ackleton get to his knees to ask for my


    hand in marriage.


    Nicole raised her head to look at Cayden adoringly.


    Assuming he''d be proposing to her, Nicole couldn''t stop her heart from racing wildly. She gripped the


    edge of her gown, crumpling the material without noticing it.


    However, Cayden''s gaze remained cool and indifferent. He gave Nicole a quick look and turned to look


    at the guests in the ballroom.


    Cayden adjusted the microphone to his height and spoke calmly. ¡°Thank you for taking the time to


    attend my engagement party. I have an announcement to make today.¡± His voice was deep and


    maic.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    Hearing that, Nicole could barely hide her delight.


    When she noticed Cayden''s right hand reaching into his pocket, her smile widened.


    Cayden must be reaching for the diamond ring. We''ve picked the engagement ring together. The


    diamond is huge and gorgeous. Most importantly, it is a unique piece.


    Nicole''s heart raced as she took a deep breath, eagerly awaiting the next moment. Suppressing her


    excitement, she walked confidently toward Cayden, shing him an encouraging smile.


    To her surprise, Cayden merely stuck his hands in his pockets instead of pulling anything out. That


    made Nicole disappointed.


    Will he ask for my hand in marriage a bitter? I can''t wait, though!


    Cayden''s icy gaze swept over Nicole quickly, causing a chill to run down her spine.


    After that, he parted his lips to speak, his voice echoing loudly and clearly to every corner of the


    ballroom through the microphone.


    ¡°Today was supposed to be the day of my engagement to Ms. Nicole Lambert, but I feel the need to be


    honest. I used to believe that a marriage of convenience is solely about benefits and that love doesn''t


    matter. However, as the day drew near, I began to feel increasingly anxious. I realized that a marriage


    without love won''t bring us happiness. Ms. Lambert is an amazing person. She''s kind andes from


    a prominent family. Any man would be lucky to have her as a wife. However, after spending time


    together, I discovered that we have many differences and conflicts that cannot be resolved. The


    differences have only grown worse over time. To prevent causing any more pain to Ms. Lambert, I have


    decided to call off our engagement. I''m truly sorry.¡±


    Shocked murmurs arose from the crowd.


    Jeffrey nearly passed out in anger. His hand gripping his cane was trembling in rage. What an unfilial


    grandson!


    Allie''s expression turned dark as she cursed her son inwardly for acting foolishly.


    Meanwhile, Lily was enjoying the scene silently.


    William usually looked stern, but his face had now contorted in anger as he shot a furious and


    unpleasant re in Cayden''s direction, his mood was simr to an approaching thunderstorm.


    ire seethed with anger and disappointment, feeling sorry for her daughter as Cayden had publicly


    humiliated her. She also held the Moore family responsible for mishandling the situation. Nicole was


    deeply in love with Cayden, but it seemed that his feelings were not mutual.


    Nicole was in utter shock.


    Her eyes widened in disbelief and anger, and tears quickly filled her eyes. She stared at Cayden in


    shock, unable to believe her ears.


    Cayden must be joking, right?

 Chapter 524

    Chapter 524


    Chapter 524 Avery Is My Weakness


    It wasn''t until Nicole noticed the cold look in Cayden''s eyes and the whispers among the guests that


    she realized he wasn''t joking with her.


    I guess it makes sense that no one would dare joke about something like this at their own engagement


    party.


    In an instant, her face fell.


    She never expected something like this would happen.


    The perfect engagement party she had envisioned had turned into aughingstock.


    All the hopes she had had before were now reced by despair.


    Nicole pulled at her skirt stiffly and walked up to Cayden rigidly before pleading with him in a soft voice,


    ¡°Cayden, there has never been any conflict between us. Even if there are issues, it''s all my fault. If


    there''s anything you don''t like about me, I can change it, so please don''t cancel our engagement today.


    You can do whatever you want to me after our engagement, okay? I''m begging you... With so many


    guests and media reporters present, who knows what kind of rumors will spread if we really call off the


    engagement? Please find it within yourself to leave me and my family some dignity.¡±


    She stared at Cayden pitifully, the tears in her eyes almost spilling out.


    She had to admit that she had lost her sense of self-worth and had be a coward when it came to


    loving the man before her.


    Nheless, she still hoped that he could change his mind and continue to hold the engagement party.


    With a deadpan expression, Cayden leaned in close to Nicole''s ear as if whispering something to her.


    To others, it looked like the couple were having a private conversation.


    However, only Nicole knew just how cruel and heartless his words were. He told her, ¡°Ms. Lambert, you


    don''t really think I want to marry you, do you? If it weren''t for the fact that you threatened me with the


    disk, I wouldn''t have put up with the act for so long. Honestly, every minute and every second I spent


    with you was a kind of torment... The only wife that I''ll ever have in this life is Avery. As for you, you are


    nothing to me!¡±


    A shiver ran down Nicole''s spine, chilling her to the bone.


    Her lips trembled, and her voice was shaking as she asked, ¡°So what you''re saying is that all this time,


    your feelings for me were just an act?¡±


    Cayden remained expressionless, but the slight curl of his lips was enough to convey his answer.


    Seeing him staying silent, Nicole seemed to have guessed something, and she continued to specte,


    ¡°You knew all along... You knew that I used the disk to threaten Avery to leave. You wanted to protect


    her, so you pretended to be my boyfriend and even agreed to marry me. In reality, everything you did


    was to prepare for today. You wanted to retaliate against me by humiliating me in front of the media, am


    I right?¡±


    The look in Cayden''s obsidian eyes was strange and profound, resembling that of a cold pond. When


    he stared at Nicole, his gaze seemed to be lined with ayer of ice, making those who he had settled


    his sight on shudder with fear.


    He uttered, ¡°You''re a smart woman, Ms. Nicole. You knew that Avery was my weakness, so you


    threatened her with the disk alone, and because she loves me deeply, she has no qualms about


    swallowing all the grievances in her heart. However, human nature is not something you can calcte


    and predict. In the end, I was still able to find out the truth. Of course, with your current status in


    Ackleton, you can do whatever you want, but you shouldn''t have used such wicked means to sow


    discord between Avery and me nor try to marry me using such despicable tactics.¡±


    Nicole felt her blood run cold, and all the color drained from her face as she listened to his words. She


    couldn''t help but tremble.


    Oh, no! He knew everything... I can''t believe I was stupid enough to think that the little bit of affection


    he had for me was genuine... Everything was just an act!


    At that moment, Nicole felt not only despair and heartache but also a deep sense of humiliation and


    anger surging through her.


    The celebrity circle in the vast city of Ackleton was only this big, with the Lambert family and the Moore


    family being the most influential figures. Not only that, the media had long assumed that Nicole and


    Cayden were a match made in heaven.


    As such, Cayden''s impromptu announcement really caught Nicole off guard.


    I was willing to let go of my pride and honor because I love him but in the end, all I got was betrayal


    and humiliation in return!


    The hotel lobby fell into deathly silence.


    Everyone''s gaze was fixed on Cayden and Nicole, their looks ranging from surprise, derision,


    sympathy, and glee.


    Just then, William got up from his seat and strode over to the center of the stage.


    He red at Cayden and growled, ¡°Mr. Moore, if you have no feelings for Nicole, you could have said it


    earlier and discussed with us privately about breaking off the engagement. However, not only did you


    not say anything, but you waited until the engagement party itself to announce that you were breaking it


    off. What is the meaning of this? Do you think you can bully our daughter however you like? Or do you


    think you can trample all over the Lambert family without any consequences?¡±


    The media rarely saw William lose his temper. After all, he had always been affable in front of the


    public. This time, however, they reckoned he was really pissed off from the way he had an outburst.


    Upon that realization, they aimed their cameras at him.


    I wonder how this will affect the future of Trident Group now that Cayden has humiliated William''s


    daughter in public and angered him.


    ¡°My apologies, Mr. Lambert, but I have thought about it for a long time before making this decision.


    Your daughter is not a suitable match for me, and I''m very sorry for the harm I caused her. I promise to


    make it up to her, but I won''t allow this mistake to continue.¡± Although Cayden was apologizing, his


    expression clearly showed he was feeling relieved.


    Ha uttarad, ¡°You''ra a smart woman, Ms. Nic. You knaw that Avary was my waaknass, so you


    thraatanad har with tha disk alona, and bacausa sha lovas ma daaply, sha has no qualms about


    swallowing all tha griavancas in har haart. Howavar, human natura is not somathing you can calcta


    and pradict. In tha and, I was still a to find out tha truth. Of coursa, with your currant status in


    Acton, you can do whatavar you want, but you shouldn''t hava usad such wickad maans to sow


    discord batwaan Avary and ma nor try to marry ma using such daspica tactics.¡±


    Nic falt har blood run cold, and all tha color drainad from har faca as sha listanad to his words. Sha


    couldn''t halp but tram.


    Oh, no! Ha knaw avarything... I can''t baliava I was stupid anough to think that tha lit bit of affaction


    ha had for ma was ganuina... Evarything was just an act!


    At that momant, Nic falt not only daspair and haartacha but also a daap sansa of humiliation and


    angar surging through har.


    Tha cbrity cir in tha vast city of Acton was only this big, with tha Lambart family and tha Moora


    family baing tha most influantial figuras. Not only that, tha madia had long assumad that Nic and


    Caydan wara a match mada in haavan.


    As such, Caydan''s impromptu announcamant raally caught Nic off guard.


    I was willing tot go of my prida and honor bacausa I lova him but in tha and, all I got was batrayal


    and humiliation in raturn!


    Tha hotal lobby fall into daathly snca.


    Evaryona''s gaza was fixad on Caydan and Nic, thair looks ranging from surprisa, darision,


    sympathy, and a.


    Just than, William got up from his saat and stroda ovar to tha cantar of tha staga.


    Ha rad at Caydan and grod, ¡°Mr. Moora, if you hava no faalings for Nic, you could hava said it


    aarliar and discussad with us privataly about braaking off tha angagamant. Howavar, not only did you


    not say anything, but you waitad until tha angagamant party itsalf to announca that you wara braaking it


    off. What is tha maaning of this? Do you think you can bully our daughtar howavar you lika? Or do you


    think you can tram all ovar tha Lambart family without any consaquancas?¡±


    Tha madia raraly saw William losa his tampar. Aftar all, ha had always baan affa in front of tha


    public. This tima, howavar, thay rackonad ha was raally pissad off from tha way ha had an outburst.


    Upon that raalization, thay aimad thair camaras at him.


    I wondar how this will affact tha futura of Tridant Group now that Caydan has humiliatad William''s


    daughtar in public and angarad him.


    ¡°My apologias, Mr. Lambart, but I hava thought about it for a long tima bafora making this dacision.


    Your daughtar is not a suita match for ma, and I''m vary sorry for tha harm I causad har. I promisa to


    maka it up to har, but I won''t allow this mistaka to continua.¡± Although Caydan was apologizing, his


    axprassion arly showad ha was faaling raliavad.


    Feeling his anger rise even further, William grabbed his daughter''s arm and announced to the media,


    ¡°The engagement today is canceled because Nicole refuses to marry Mr. Moore. After all, my daughter


    deserves a more outstanding man! I''ll be looking forward to seeing what kind of daughter-inw the


    Moore family will end up with in the end!¡±


    Originally, William had high hopes for Cayden, who he viewed as a talented and outstanding young


    man. However, he never expected him to be such a letdown. Not only did he publicly break off the


    engagement and humiliate his beloved daughter but also offered a perfunctory apology.


    I''m extremely disappointed with him!


    ¡°Come on, we''re leaving. It seems like the Moore family views us from the Lambert family as lesser


    beings! Since that''s the case, both families shall be at odds from now on!¡± George, who had witnessed


    the whole scene, also stood up from his seat. Shaking with anger, he flung his sleeves and left with his


    wife.


    ¡°Old Mr. Lambert, please wait a moment...¡± Seeing how the Lambert family was about to leave the


    engagement party, Jeffrey became anxious and leaned on his cane to catch up.


    In response, George shook him off forcefully.


    Enraged by the turn of events, Jeffrey clutched his heart in pain. Trembling all over, he soon lost


    consciousness.


    The people around him kept calling out to him, but he could no longer hear them.


    Meanwhile, Nicole was brought away by her father stiffly, with the guests'' whispers resonating in her


    ears. N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    ¡°What a pity for the engagement party between the Moore family and the Lambert family to end like


    this.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Ms. Lambert is such a beautifuldy, and shees from a good family. I really don''t know what


    Mr. Moore is so picky about?¡±


    ¡°Well, I guess it''s just a matter of personal taste. Even though Ms. Lambert is beautiful andes from


    a good family, it''s an irrefutable fact that Mr. Moore doesn''t love her. Otherwise, I doubt Mr. Moore


    would have canceled the engagement in public. It really is such a pity, though. Tsk... tsk...¡±


    Hearing all those criticism, Nicole''s face turned even paler, and she found herself struggling to breathe.


    She then trained her cold gaze on Cayden.


    When she saw howposed and calm the towering figure was, a hint of hatred shed in her eyes.


    Cayden Moore, since you have no regard for me, I shan''t spare you any mercy, then! I''ll make sure that


    you''ll fall from grace very soon!

 Chapter 525

    Chapter 525


    Chapter 525 Cayden Has Been Taken Away


    After the Lamberts were gone, the reporters turned their focus to Cayden as they began bombarding


    him with questions and shes.


    ¡°Mr. Moore, will the cancetion of the engagement today affect the rtionship between the Moore


    family and the Lambert family?¡±


    ¡°Mr. Moore, both you and Ms. Lambert seem like a perfect match. What''s your reason behind calling off


    the engagement?¡±


    ¡°Mr. Moore, Trident Group''s new product is about to be released on the market. Aren''t you worried that


    the product sales will be affected by the cancetion of the engagement?¡±


    The reporters kept shoving their microphones at Cayden as their cameras were trained on him to


    capture every single expression that crossed his face.


    Cayden tugged his tie and swallowed as a look of impatience crossed his face.


    His grandfather was unconscious, so how could he possibly be in the mood to answer the reporters?


    Thus, he swept his icy gaze across the reporters.


    Immediately, the atmosphere turned tense, and everyone fell silent.


    Everyone knew that Cayden was the devil of the corporate world. Despite his gentle looks, he was a


    ruthless man. Those on the receiving end of his stare would feel like prey watched by an angry beast.


    The hair on the back of their necks would stand.


    In fact, some of the reporters even took a few steps back.


    Everyone could sense the murderous aura he was exuding.


    All of a sudden, a group of bodyguards came from all directions. They began shoving away the


    reporters to forcibly open up a path for Cayden to leave.


    Then, the chaotic scene was left for Xavier to deal with.


    Meanwhile, Wisteria was watching the chaos unfold as she remained seated. A smile grew on her


    beautiful face.


    Her soft hand caressed the crystal wine ss as if she was touching the body of the man she loved.


    ¡°Cheers,¡± she merrily said to her friend, lifting her ss.


    It was the perfect oue.


    Among everyone, she was the most thrilled about the cancetion of Cayden and Nicole''s


    engagement.


    I knew it. This man has always been a dominant man. How could he possibly be willing to marry for the


    sake of power and money? Now that Nicole''s out of the picture, the only one left standing in my way is


    Avery.


    The thought of Avery took some of Wisteria''s joy away from her eyes.


    Although Avery doesn''t have an identity as outstanding as Nicole, she''s far more difficult to deal with.


    Still, I have time. Every woman has a weakness. I''ll eventually get rid of Avery from Cayden''s side


    because the only woman who''s a match for him in this world is me.


    ...


    When Nicole returned to the Lambert residence, she immediately locked herself in her room, ignoring


    everyone. Not even ire could get her out even though she was close to breaking down her door


    from the constant knocking.


    ire knew that her daughter could be stubborn. Fearing that Nicole would do something foolish, she


    asked William to force the door open.


    Nicole''s face was colorless as she quietlyy on the bed.


    She had a sharp knife aimed at her wrist, and there was already a sh there.


    Blood was profusely seeping out of the wound, but it was only a light cut.


    ¡°Nickie!¡± ire screamed before she lunged over to snatch the knife away. Then, she spun around to


    order William, ¡°Why are you still standing there? Hurry up and get the antiseptic and bandages for


    Nickie!¡±


    William was equally pale by then. With a frown, he hurried off to find the medical kit.


    She only suffered slight humiliation today, but she''s already trying to kill herself? How embarrassing will


    it be if news of this spread? My daughter should be strong and proud. Even if her engagement was


    called off, she should keep her chin high and live proudly. She should make the Moores regret their


    decision¡ªregret how foolish they were to have given up on her¡ªinstead of giving up on her life for a


    man like this! She''s a dumb girl.


    William''s heart ached for Nicole, but he was also disappointed by how frail-minded his daughter was.


    ¡°Nickie, how can you do this to yourself? What will I do if anything happens to you? I don''t want to go to


    your funeral!¡± ire hugged Nicole tightly, her tears dripping onto Nicole''s neck. It was hot, but it could


    never undo the damage done to Nicole''s heart.


    Nicole was on the verge of a breakdown.


    Even though ire was hugging her and crying, she was still numb. She stiffly said, ¡°Mom, Cayden


    doesn''t want me anymore. He doesn''t want me anymore...¡±


    ire was furious to hear her daughter still thinking about that man.


    For once, the mild-mannered ire felt like shouting at Nicole to snap her daughter back to her sense.


    ¡°Are you still thinking about that heartless man? If he had any feelings for you, he wouldn''t have


    embarrassed you in front of so many people! Can''t you see what kind of person he is now? I told you


    not to get close to him, but you refused to listen to me. Can you see that I''m right now? I was baffled by


    it from the start. He had been on such great terms with Avery, so how could he have changed his mind


    abruptly and wanted you to be his fianc¨¦e instead? This was his nefarious n! He''s too much!¡±


    ...


    Whan Nic raturnad to tha Lambart rasidanca, sha immadiataly lockad harsalf in har room, ignoring


    avaryona. Not avan ira could gat har out avan though sha was closa to braaking down har door


    from tha constant knocking.


    ira knaw that har daughtar could ba stubborn. Faaring that Nic would do somathing foolish, sha


    askad William to forca tha door opan.


    Nic''s faca was coloss as sha quiatlyy on tha bad.


    Sha had a sharp knifa aimad at har wrist, and thara was alraady a sh thara.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Blood was profusaly saaping out of tha wound, but it was only a light cut.


    ¡°Nickia!¡± ira scraamad bafora sha lungad ovar to snatch tha knifa away. Than, sha spun around to


    ordar William, ¡°Why ara you still standing thara? Hurry up and gat tha antisaptic and bandagas for


    Nickia!¡±


    William was aqually p by than. With a frown, ha hurriad off to find tha madical kit.


    Sha only suffarad slight humiliation today, but sha''s alraady trying to kill harsalf? How ambarrassing will


    it ba if naws of this spraad? My daughtar should ba strong and proud. Evan if har angagamant was


    cad off, sha should kaap har chin high and liva proudly. Sha should maka tha Mooras ragrat thair


    dacision¡ªragrat how foolish thay wara to hava givan up on har¡ªinstaad of giving up on har lifa for a


    man lika this! Sha''s a dumb girl.


    William''s haart achad for Nic, but ha was also disappointad by how frail-mindad his daughtar was.


    ¡°Nickia, how can you do this to yoursalf? What will I do if anything happans to you? I don''t want to go to


    your funaral!¡± ira huggad Nic tightly, har taars dripping onto Nic''s nack. It was hot, but it could


    navar undo tha damaga dona to Nic''s haart.


    Nic was on tha varga of a braakdown.


    Evan though ira was hugging har and crying, sha was still numb. Sha stiffly said, ¡°Mom, Caydan


    doasn''t want ma anymora. Ha doasn''t want ma anymora...¡±


    ira was furious to haar har daughtar still thinking about that man.


    For onca, tha mild-mannarad ira falt lika shouting at Nic to snap har daughtar back to har sansa.


    ¡°Ara you still thinking about that haarss man? If ha had any faalings for you, ha wouldn''t hava


    ambarrassad you in front of so many pao! Can''t you saa what kind of parson ha is now? I told you


    not to gat closa to him, but you rafusad to listan to ma. Can you saa that I''m right now? I was bafd by


    it from tha start. Ha had baan on such graat tarms with Avary, so how could ha hava changad his mind


    abruptly and wantad you to ba his fianc¨¦a instaad? This was his nafarious n! Ha''s too much!¡±


    Nicole snapped her head up, the look in her eyes vicious.


    ire had never seen such a terrifying look on her sweet daughter''s face before, and that sent a chill


    down her spine.


    ¡°Nickie, this won''t be over so soon. Your dad and I will definitely get justice from the Moore family,¡±


    ire wearily said.


    When Nicole turned to look at ire''s eyes, which looked so much like Avery''s, the mockery in her


    smile grew.


    Suddenly, tears flowed out of Nicole''s eyes uncontrobly. ¡°Mom, you have to avenge me. Cayden


    cheated my feelings! He promised to be with me, but he has been in a rtionship with Avery in the


    dark. He even started living with her in secret. They''ve fooled me so terribly! He... wronged me and


    humiliated me in front of the media. I''m going to make him pay. I won''t let them get together. His


    rtionship with Avery is my greatest humiliation. Mom, you''re going to help me, aren''t you?¡±


    ¡°Mhm,¡± ire promised, trying to console Nicole. ¡°I won''t let them be together. I''ll help you with


    anything you want.¡±


    ¡°Mom, you''re the best.¡± With that, Nicole threw herself into ire''s arms, a wicked smile growing on


    her face where ire could not see.


    ...


    Without anyone realizing it, the inte in the mansion returned to normal, and Avery could look


    through various news again.


    She sighed wistfully when she saw the news about Cayden calling off the engagement in public.


    She never thought that the man would do that.


    Avery was worried, naturally. His actions meant that he would be in the spotlight, and it was not


    necessarily good attention.


    However, Cayden called and told her to be at ease. He told her to rest well and leave everything to him.


    Avery was a littleforted by his words, but that ominous feeling remained in her heart.


    Then, on the next day, almost all of Ackleton''s television stations were reporting the same news¡ª


    Nicole Lambert''s fate is unknown after she cut her wrists in a suicide attempt.


    At the same time, the employees of the Department of Justice abruptly went to Trident Group and took


    Cayden on suspicions of his involvement with a major bribery case.

 Chapter 526

    Chapter 526


    Chapter 526 Arrogant


    Cayden''s expression hardened when he faced the aggressive personnel. He pulled his tie without any


    expression, ignoring them.


    With everyone''s gazes focused on him, Cayden stood outpared to the others. He prepared to


    leave, protected by his bodyguards.


    ¡°Stand still, Mr. Moore. You''re suspected of involving in a massive bribery case. Please cooperate by


    coming with us to the public prosecutor''s office for further investigations.¡± A young prosecutor passed


    through multiple obstacles quickly and blocked Cayden''s path.


    Xavier, wearing his gold-rimmed sses, was standing beside Cayden. With a gentle smile, he spoke


    sharply. ¡°Please be mindful of your words, Sir. Mr. Moore has a clear conscience and doesn''t do


    anything illegal. Please understand that the crime of ndering is no minor offense.¡±


    Xavier gave the public prosecutor a once-over. Thetter was young, around twenty-four to twenty-five


    years old. He had a childish, round face, which made it evident that he was a rookie.


    He''s still so young. I admire his courage in shouting at Mr. Moore.


    Seeing that Cayden simply ignored him and was still looking arrogant, the prosecutor flew into a rage


    out of humiliation. ¡°Cayden Moore, do you still think of yourself as the CEO of Trident Group? No,


    you''re not! You''re a criminal now. Please cooperate with our investigations!¡±


    Xavier''s face dropped. His voice was frosty when he spoke. ¡°Sir, please show us your arrest warrant


    before apprehending Mr. Moore! You''re just a mere prosecutor who has no evidence to indict Mr.


    Moore of his crime, so how dare you barge into ourpany just like this?¡±


    Upon shooting a cold nce at the prosecutor, Cayden ignored him and walked toward his car.


    I don''t have any time to waste, nor do I want to talk to these people. I need to visit Grandpa at the


    hospital. Does this prosecutor know that people of his level usually don''t have the right to meet me? Is


    he delusional for wanting to take me away? But then again, Sid should have arrived at the Department


    of Justice and should be executing our n by now if things go as nned.


    Cayden rxed, knowing Sid was in charge.


    Noticing that Cayden was about to leave, the prosecutor extended his hand and roared, ¡°The audacity


    of you to disrespect civil servants, Cayden Moore! Stand there! You''re not allowed to leave.¡±


    The moment the prosecutor tried to grab Cayden''s arm, Xavier stopped him by holding onto his wrist.


    ¡°I''m warning you, Mr. Moore is busy, and his time is precious. If you can''t provide enough evidence to


    call for his arrest, I can sue you for harassment. Mr. Moore doesn''t have the time to fool around with


    you people!¡±


    Secondster, a sound of a bone getting cracked sounded. Xavier had dislocated the prosecutor''s


    wrist.


    Kendrick, who had been tagging along, had a frosty expression on his face. ¡°Get an arrest warrant if


    you can. Otherwise, please return to where you came from. Trident Group is not a ce for you to


    barge in and act boorishly!¡±


    Then, he lifted the prosecutor''s cor and threw him out.


    The prosecutor held his aching wrist and shouted through gritted teeth, ¡°This is outrageous! I''m going


    to sue you!¡±


    Just then, a mature-looking man in his thirties that exuded sharp wittiness and calmness strolled out


    from the crowd.


    He said, ¡°Mr. Moore, I''m sorry to disturb you during your working hours, but my higher-ups have


    ordered me to bring you in for investigation. Please cooperate with us. Otherwise, we must turn to


    coercive measures as ast resort.¡±


    Cayden nced at him as impatience built up in his eyes. He waved his hand, and his bodyguards


    instantly surrounded the prosecutors. He then got into his Rolls-Royce boldly.


    Those public officials were stopped by the bodyguards and were so angry that they almost coughed out


    blood.


    What an arrogant man!


    Xavier got into the driver''s seat, and off they went. He took out a newspaper from a pile and handed it


    to Cayden. ¡°Mr. Moore, this is the news for today.¡±


    Cayden scanned through the news quickly. His eyes turned frosty, and the veins on his temples


    throbbed when he saw the content. His overpowering aura caused Xavier to feel uneasy, and he


    couldn''t help but tense up. Even though he had been working alongside Cayden for years and was


    older than him, Xavier still couldn''t maintain hisposure before a frustrated Cayden.


    Xavier turned on the television in the car. Sshed across the news headline of the multiple local TV


    networks was the news of Nicole trying to end her life. They, too, broadcasted information about


    Nicole''s rtionship with Cayden, how Cayden had a mistress, how he wronged Nicole, and how hurt


    she was after being abandoned.


    Tha momant tha prosacutor triad to grab Caydan''s arm, Xaviar stoppad him by holding onto his wrist.


    ¡°I''m warning you, Mr. Moora is busy, and his tima is pracious. If you can''t provida anough avidanca to


    call for his arrast, I can sua you for harassmant. Mr. Moora doasn''t hava tha tima to fool around with


    you pao!¡±


    Sacondstar, a sound of a bona gatting crackad soundad. Xaviar had dislocatad tha prosacutor''s


    wrist.


    Kandrick, who had baan tagging along, had a frosty axprassion on his faca. ¡°Gat an arrast warrant if


    you can. Otharwisa, asa raturn to whara you cama from. Tridant Group is not a ca for you to


    barga in and act boorishly!¡±


    Than, ha liftad tha prosacutor''s cor and thraw him out.


    Tha prosacutor hald his aching wrist and shoutad through grittad taath, ¡°This is outragaous! I''m going


    to sua you!¡±


    Just than, a matura-looking man in his thirtias that axudad sharp wittinass and calmnass strod out


    from tha crowd.


    Ha said, ¡°Mr. Moora, I''m sorry to disturb you during your working hours, but my highar-ups hava


    ordarad ma to bring you in for invastigation. asa cooparata with us. Otharwisa, wa must turn to


    coarciva maasuras as ast rasort.¡±


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    Caydan ncad at him as impatianca built up in his ayas. Ha wavad his hand, and his bodyguards


    instantly surroundad tha prosacutors. Ha than got into his Rolls-Royca boldly.


    Thosa public officials wara stoppad by tha bodyguards and wara so angry that thay almost coughad out


    blood.


    What an arrogant man!


    Xaviar got into tha drivar''s saat, and off thay want. Ha took out a nawspapar from a p and handad it


    to Caydan. ¡°Mr. Moora, this is tha naws for today.¡±


    Caydan scannad through tha naws quickly. His ayas turnad frosty, and tha vains on his tams


    throbbad whan ha saw tha contant. His ovarpowaring aura causad Xaviar to faal unaasy, and ha


    couldn''t halp but tansa up. Evan though ha had baan working alongsida Caydan for yaars and was


    oldar than him, Xaviar still couldn''t maintain hisposura bafora a frustratad Caydan.


    Xaviar turnad on tha tvision in tha car. Sshad across tha naws haadlina of tha multi local TV


    natworks was tha naws of Nic trying to and har lifa. Thay, too, broadcastad information about


    Nic''s rtionship with Caydan, how Caydan had a mistrass, how ha wrongad Nic, and how hurt


    sha was aftar baing abandonad.


    In the video shown during their coverage, Nicole could be seen lying on the hospital bed, looking all


    worn out and fragile. With bloodied bandages wrapped around her wrist, Nicole spoke of her pain


    pitifully before the media. ¡°I gave him my heart and my everything. I love him more than I love myself,


    and I can even sacrifice my life for him. Who would have expected him to treat me this way? But I don''t


    me him. I can only me myself for not being charming enough for Cayden that he would willingly


    marry me. Even so, I want to tell him that it''s okay for him to treat me however he wishes because I will


    continue to love him and wait for him.¡±


    Manyizens pitied Nicole. Knowing Nicole''s powerful and influential background, the media sided


    with Nicole and med Cayden for his heartless actions that caused a woman to end her life.


    Moreover, some news outlets even spected that William, unwilling to stand aside and watch after his


    daughter suffered, would retaliate against Cayden''s Trident Group after Nicole''s hospitalization, or


    worse, he might even force Cayden to marry Nicole.


    Meanwhile, a minority of news outlets maintained a neutral attitude, following the situation from afar as


    they waited for Cayden''s response on this matter.


    ¡°Shit!¡± Cayden mmed his fist on the seat. He turned off the television, not wanting to spend another


    second of his life staring at Nicole''s pretentious face.


    Fury zed in Cayden''s chest, for he didn''t understand what Nicole wanted to achieve or her motive


    for her actions.


    Is she trying to threaten me by taking her own life?


    Even though Cayden did not interact much with Nicole, he could determine her character from their few


    encounters. She was selfish, prideful, and vain and only cared for her own interest, so there was no


    way Nicole would end her life.


    However, he also knew that Nicole had taken the correct route to portray herself as a victim in this story


    so that theizens would side with her. If she seeded, Cayden would be the most-search


    topic on the inte search engines, even more so than those celebrities'' gossip or scandals about


    those politicians.

 Chapter 527

    Chapter 527


    Chapter 527 Change Is Coming


    ¡°Imbecile! What an imbecile!¡± A roar rang out from Jeffrey''s ward in the hospital.


    The moment he woke up, the first thing he saw was a barrage of negative news about Cayden being


    broadcasted on television. He was so incensed that he smacked away the medicine the nurse was


    holding, causing everything to spill on the floor.


    The poor nurse stood to the side, trembling and at a loss.


    ¡°Dad, you just woke up. The doctor said you shouldn''t get too emotional.¡± Although Lily appeared to be


    consoling Jeffrey, she was gloating deep inside.


    It had been a few decades since she joined the Moore family, but her marriage was never happy. Part


    of that could be attributed to Jeffrey giving free rein to Bruce.


    No matter how much of a yboy Bruce had been, he wouldn''t have dared to bring his mistress home


    had Jeffrey been stricter with him.


    Jeffrey had not only epted Allie but even allowed her illegitimate child to be in charge of Moore


    Group.


    While Cayden was in control of almost all the assets of Trident Group, Lily and Kendrick, the legal wife


    and the legitimate son, had nothing but a few pathetic shares. They did not even have any rights of


    inheritance.


    Lily was frustrated, resentful, and indignant, but there was nothing she could do in the current


    circumstances.


    Since she entered the Moore family, she had done everything she could for them and never yed


    them false. In fact, she had convinced her father to finance Moore Group when she married Bruce. It


    was partly thanks to her that Moore Group was able to gradually expand its scale.


    Yet after everything she had done, she couldn''t get anything in return. There was no way she could put


    up with such unfair treatment.


    Seeing Jeffrey suffering a rpse because of the terrible things Cayden did made Lily feel the


    satisfaction of revenge.


    All of a sudden, Allie stood up and pointed at Lily''s face, using, ¡°Lily Berry, what are you up to? You


    know Dad is in a bad mood, yet you purposefully turned on the TV to show him that terrible news. You


    clearly have ulterior motives! What a pretentious woman you are. You act all sweet and kind, but you''re


    actually eviler than anyone else!¡±


    With a snort, Lily defended herself eloquently, ¡°Dad said he was bored staying in the ward. What''s


    wrong with me turning on the TV for him? Is it my fault for wanting to make him morefortable? How


    could I have known the TV was ying your son''s shameful news? Allie, what a great, audacious son


    you have there. I can''t believe he canceled his engagement with Mr. Lambert''s daughter in front of


    everyone. Mr. Lambert may be kindhearted, but your horrible son humiliated them in public. Wait and


    see. Mr. Lambert will definitely bite back. Change ising to Ackleton!¡±


    Allie was, in truth, exasperated about how Cayden had called off the engagement openly.


    Now, she was more upset upon hearing Lily insult Cayden. She retorted, ¡°We can''t do anything about


    Nicole falling for Cayden. After all, he''s too outstanding. Cayden turned her down in front of everyone


    because he can afford to do so! Even if he rejected her, she''d remain head over heels for him. What


    can we do? At least Cayden is not like someone else''s son, fooling around with tons of lowly women.


    Indeed, you can''tpare apples and oranges!¡±N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    As the nurse cleaned up the mess on the floor, she awkwardly listened to the feud between the Moore


    family''s two wives and couldn''t help but feel the chill.


    She had assumed that rich people had morous and happy lives like how novels presented them to


    be, but surprisingly, the scheming between the wealthy women was severe.


    It made her realize that marrying into a wealthy family was not for everyone. Those who were not


    shrewd and cunning enough would only be torn apart.


    Lily was stumped by Allie''s shamelessness.


    I made it so clear what consequences Cayden''s action will cause, yet this brazen vixen managed to


    change the focus of the conversation to how excellent her son is.


    In her rage, Lily pinched Kendrick, who was sitting beside the bed and ying a game on the tablet.


    She snapped, ¡°Kendrick, you''re dating the governor''s second daughter, right? Bring her to the Moore


    residence tomorrow so everyone can meet her. If she''s suitable, let''s arrange the wedding. I''ve been


    wanting to have a grandchild for some time now!¡±


    Kendrick felt helpless.


    He was just keeping quiet and ying games on his own, but he still ended up being dragged into the


    two women''s conflict.


    ¡°Mom, I''m still young, and I want to enjoy my life more. Let''s talk about this two yearster...¡± Though


    Kendrick tried to raise his objection, he got intimidated by Lily''s re and eventually gave in. ¡°All right,


    Mom. I''ll bring her home when she''s free so you can meet her.¡±


    Despite saying that, Kendrick did not have any ns to bring that woman home.


    Although she was gorgeous, she was intolerably ill-tempered, controlling, and clingy.


    Pleased with Kendrick''s answer, Lily patted his shoulder before throwing Allie a smug look. ¡°My son is


    so incredible that he won the heart of the governor''s daughter. And unlike that adoptee from the


    orphanage, this girl is the governor''s legitimate daughter!¡±


    ¡°You!¡± Allie clenched her jaw in vexation.


    She didn''t expect to hear about Kendrick dating the governor''s daughter right after Cayden called off


    his engagement with Nicole.


    When Jeffrey heard that Kendrick was dating someone of high status, his anger subsided.


    ¡°Kendrick, why didn''t you tell us that you got a girlfriend? Invite her to our house someday so we can


    see if she''s suitable for you. You''re not young anymore. Your brother already has three kids, and it''s


    time for you to build your own family,¡± he advised gently.


    Having been utterly disappointed by Cayden, Jeffrey could only ce his hope on Kendrick now.


    ¡°I got it, Grandpa...¡± Kendrick answered stiffly, though he didn''t mean it at all.


    Just then, Cayden walked in with his assistant, Xavier.


    At the sight of his grandson, Jeffrey hurled a cup at him. ¡°You imbecile! Why did youe here?


    You''ve disgraced the Moore family with your unsavory affairs!¡±


    Cayden caught the cup and ced it on the table at the side. ¡°Grandpa, why are you so angry? You


    know I''m busy. I barely managed to spare some time to visit, so I don''t want to argue with you.¡±


    ¡°I don''t want to see you right now. Leave!¡± boomed Jeffrey with a scowl.


    In spite of that, the corner of Cayden''s mouth quirked up. ¡°It seems that you''ve recovered, judging from


    how energetic you are. Well then, I''ll leave. Make sure to take a good rest, and if you need anything,


    feel free to contact Mr. Dartsley. I''ll get out of your sight now.¡±


    With that, he strode out of the ward.


    As Jeffrey watched Cayden leave, he almost passed out from rage.


    That rascal! He doesn''t care about me at all!

 Chapter 528

    Chapter 528


    Chapter 528 Why Would Cayden Turn Himself In


    The setting sun looked like a raging inferno that set the surface of theke aze, providing a fantasy-


    like backdrop to the mansions beside it.


    As Avery sat by the man-madeke with her chin in her hand, she gave the fish swimming inside it a


    bored stare.


    By her side, the nurse was keeping watching without saying a word.


    All of a sudden, the sound of familiar footsteps broke the silence.


    Avery was greeted by the sight of Cayden''s towering figure with the sun behind his back. As a


    delighted smile widened across her face, she asked curiously, ¡°What brings you here so early today?¡±


    She was well aware of how busy Cayden had been recently. It had be a norm for him toe


    back in the middle of the night. Sometimes, he would reek of alcohol after entertaining business


    associates, an unsettling situation that she was helpless about.


    At the sight of Cayden, the nurse gave him a polite nod before tactfully giving the pair of lovers some


    privacy.


    Cayden walked up to the rattan chair Avery was sitting on and joined her there.


    He enjoyed hugging her in his arms, an act of intimacy that gave him pleasure.


    The moment heid her hands on her tender skin, he would no longer be able to stop himself from


    caressing her.


    ¡°I saw the news today. I didn''t expect Nicole to kill herself over what happened. Did we make a


    mistake?¡± Avery looked up at Cayden with a glint of remorse in her eyes.


    With one hand reaching out to hold Avery, Cayden stroked her hair with the other. He let out a sigh with


    a frown on his face. ¡°She did this to herself and can''t me anyone else for it. Despite knowing that I''m


    not interested in her at all, she clung to me obsessively. A woman like that doesn''t deserve any


    sympathy at all.¡±


    With her hands around his neck, Avery shared her concerns with Cayden. ¡°I''m afraid the Moore family


    and the Lambert family will be mortal enemies after the cancetion of the marriage. Now that


    public opinion is against you, it will put Trident Group at a great disadvantage. Also, considering how


    much Mr. William and his wife love Nicole, they will definitely not take this slight lying down. I''m worried


    they will exact revenge against Trident Group from behind the scenes. Also, let''s not forget about the


    disk that contains evidence against you. Nicole might act hastily by handing it over to the media in a fit


    of rage.¡±


    Ever since ancient times, the poor knew not to challenge the rich, while the rich knew not to challenge


    authority.


    The reason was simple. Ordinary folk were powerless against government officials who wielded


    tremendous power and resources.


    Even though Cayden was the head of Trident Group and possessed wealth that rivaled nations, he was


    still nothing more than a businessman who was at a natural disadvantage when it came to a contest of


    influence.


    Regardless of how sessful he was, he would lose everything once he was indicted for a crime.


    ¡°Given how much Nicole loves herself, do you actually believe she would take her own life? This is


    nothing but a charade of hers. As for the disk, I have everything under control, so there''s nothing to


    worry about. Even if she exposes it, I already have a countermeasure in ce. We''ll only see a slide in


    thepany''s share price under the worst-case scenario. Even then, I expect it to only be temporary.


    The losses won''t be much, and I''ll definitely recover them with time. Ery, I''m not afraid of anything other


    than the fact that you have to suffer on my ount. In the near future, I''ll make our rtionship official


    so that you can hold your head up high by my side. Never again will you have to suffer any humiliation.¡±


    Cayden''s deep voice rang out melodiously in her ears. The stirring emotions in his heart were clearly


    communicated through the look in his eyes.


    When Avery locked gazes with him, all she could see was a bottomless abyss.


    Every time both of them looked into each other''s eyes, a raging inferno of passion would be instantly


    ignited.


    ¡°I''m fine, really. I don''t need to be officially recognized to be happy by your side. Loving someone


    means epting every part of them. We have to learn how to understand, amodate, and trust


    each other. After all, my loving you need no reason at all.¡± Right beside Cayden, Avery smiled through


    her sparkling eyes, making for a gorgeous sight.


    After leaning in to kiss her, Cayden covered her dainty hands with his palms.


    His hands were well-defined, while hers were soft and slender.


    In contrast to the warmth emitted by the tip of his fingers, hers was slightly cold.


    The opposing nature of their hands made a perfect match for each other.


    Just like the love they shared, it was an amalgamation of heat and cold. Regardless of the


    circumstances, they would never abandon each other. Any obstacles thrown into their path would never


    keep them apart for long.


    Meanwhile, inside the public prosecutor''s office, two public prosecutors were sitting in front of a


    conference table.


    One was a man around thirty who had a stern look on his face, while the other was a woman in herte


    twenties. Although she wasn''t considered beautiful, the charm she exuded was different from anyone


    else.


    Wearing an unbridled smile, Sid sat opposite them with his legs crossed. He would give the female


    public prosecutor a flirtatious look intermittently, annoying the male prosecutor to no end.


    The female public prosecutor had hardly seen such a handsome and elegant gentleman before. Sid


    emitted a devilish yet charming aura, and his skin was so smooth that it even put hers to shame.


    If not for her inherently strong mental fortitude, she would have already fallen helplessly for his charms.


    All she could do now was cuss Sid in her mind for distracting her.


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Kayden, is everything you told us true? If it turns out that you''re lying just to take the fall for another


    person, you''ll be charged with an additional crime,¡± the male public prosecutor threatened, confounded


    by what was going on.


    Just as the disk that contained evidence of Cayden bribing Marvin surfaced, another man with a simr


    name¡ªKayden Moore¡ªhad turned himself in to the authorities, confessing that he was the man in the


    video. All this happened before the contents of the disk were exposed by the media.


    The fact that both men had such simr names was simply unbelievable.


    Nevertheless, the man could clearly recall all his interactions with Marvin in detail, from the dialogue


    they shared to thend Marvin had approved for him. The information Kayden provided was perfectly


    consistent with what the authorities knew.


    In fact, the wless confession was the source of the public prosecutor''s suspicion, for it was too much


    of a coincidence.


    Right then, the older public prosecutor finally returned with his subordinates, looking miserable.


    The fat one among them had his wrist broken.


    Not only did they fail to return with the suspect, Cayden, but they were also humiliated by thetter''s


    arrogance.


    However, little did they expect to find Cayden being interrogated by their superiors in the conference


    room upon their return.


    Their eyes widened as if they had seen a ghost. Why would the difficult Cayden turn himself in?

 Chapter 529

    Chapter 529


    Chapter 529 A Demon Through And Through


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    However, once they learned that the man sitting there was Kayden, the owner of a medium-sized


    company, instead of Cayden, the CEO of Trident Group, their eyes almost popped out of their sockets.


    How is this possible? How can there be two people who look alike and share almost simr names?


    Regardless of whether they believed it, the truth had beenid bare before their eyes.


    Half an hourter, a group of police officers brought Marvin, who was handcuffed, to the conference


    room.


    Marvin was in his fifties and had an air of authority around him. Nheless, his face looked haggard,


    while his eyes had a listless sheen in them. From the massive amount of weight that he lost, it was


    clear that prison had been physically and mentally torturous for him.


    ¡°Marvin, look at this man. Is he the Cayden you dealt with in the past?¡± the male public prosecutor


    questioned.


    As Marvin struggled to look up, he began to scrutinize the energetic yet nonchnt man in front of him.


    The moment his gaze fell upon Kayden''s face, a cloudy glint shed across his eyes.


    Images of the past began to emerge in his mind.


    After epting bribes from countless people throughout the years, he had finally lost track of them all.


    In order to prevent his crimes from being exposed, he had even taken measures to ensure that the


    fates of all those who bribed him were tied to his.


    Fundamentally, he had secretly kept evidence of everyone who had ever given him dirty money.


    Nevertheless, a blur was all that was left of their faces in his memories, all except one, Cayden, whose


    face was seared into his mind.


    Not only was it because he was the youngest person who had bribed him but also the fact that he was


    unforgettably handsome.


    Ten years ago, when Marvin was appointed as the secretary of Ackleton''s city council and had a bright


    future, a young man approached him with a box of coffee beans.


    The young man was courteous and had a sharp mind. Speaking eloquently, he intended to obtain huge


    swathes of abandonednd from Marvin.


    As an experienced official, the wily Marvin naturally knew that the box of coffee was just a cover.


    In spite of that, he was still surprised to see the wads of cashid out neatly underneath the coffee.


    They amounted to five million in total, a sight that filled Marvin with disbelief.


    When he asked the young man what he nned to do with thend, the young yet experienced


    Cayden told him that he was going into property development. He nned to build a huge mall


    surrounded by high-end residences.


    Cayden''s answer gave Marvin a shock. Has this young man gone mad? Does he think he can develop


    a few pieces of abandonednd just like that? What an idiot!


    Back then, thend Cayden asked for was located far from the city. Its deste surroundings contained


    nothing but swampynd. Considering how far-flung the location voice was, building amercial area


    there seemed to be a ludicrous idea.


    Marvin had nned to turn thatnd into a sewerage treatment nt, but his responsibilities only


    involvednd approval.


    Consequently, after he sold thend to Cayden and took his cut, it wasn''t his business to question the


    use of thend.


    On top of that, Marvin didn''t serve in Ackleton for long. After more than one year there, he leveraged


    hiswork to get himself transferred to Beshya. As his influence in Beshya gradually expanded,


    Ackleton inadvertently faded to the back of his mind.


    After a few years, a subwaywork was unexpectedly built to connect the abandonednd.


    Coincidentally, thend Cayden had bought was located right in the center of the subwaywork.


    Coupled with the high-speed train lines that were developed around it, the inconspicuous piece ofnd


    suddenly became highly sought after by many developers.


    Unfortunately, it was toote for them, as Cayden had already owned ny percent of thend.


    All of them could onlyment the fact that they had acted toote.


    Within the span of a few short years, skyscrapers began to popte the abandonednd under


    Cayden''s leadership. As buildings of different designs flourished across thend, it grew into one of


    Ackleton''s busiestmercial districts. The area became the epitome of a modern city. With famous


    brands dotting its streets, it afforded its citizens the very best of city living.


    In contrast to ten years ago when housing prices hovered around eight to nine thousand, the high-end


    residential area was selling for at least a hundred thousand with the upward trajectory in price showing


    no signs of abating.


    Evidently, housing prices had grown tenfold within the span of ten years.


    When Marvin, who was in Beshya, looked back at Ackleton''s development sometimes, he would


    marvel at Cayden''s foresight. It was as if the young man from back then could see the future. No


    wonder he is able to lead Trident Group to such dizzying heights.


    It wasn''t until Marvin was exposed by someone out of vengeance that he fell from grace and ended up


    in prison.


    In his mind, he assumed that he would never return to Ackleton. Little did he expect to be brought there


    by the police to see if the young man before him was the Cayden who had bribed him all those years


    ago.


    Due to the deep impression he had of Cayden, Marvin could still recognize the man in front of him as


    the young man from back then. He was just surprised by the fact that the man who resembled Cayden


    had a slightly different name.


    Thereafter, the public prosecutor requested Marvin to recall if the name from back then started with a


    ¡°C¡± or a ¡°K.¡±


    ¡°I remember clearly that it was a ''C.¡±


    Marvin tried hard to remember what happened. He could still picture Cayden signing his name with a


    ¡°C.¡±


    As he had always been a careful man, he would check the agreements four to five times to make sure


    there were no mistakes.


    Upon hearing the reply, the public prosecutors shot their gazes in Sid''s direction.


    Sid responded with a shrug before letting out anguid yawn. After that, he walked to Marvin''s side and


    whispered something into his ear.


    In that instant, Marvin began to tremble uncontrobly as if he had fallen into a freezing coldke.


    Staring into Sid''s emerald-green eyes, he felt as if the man before him was a demon through and


    through.


    After a moment''s deliberation, Marvin suppressed the terror in his heart and smiled awkwardly at the


    public prosecutors. ¡°I''m sorry. I''ve made a mistake. It''s Kayden with a ''K.¡¯¡±


    What followed was a round of intensive interrogation.


    Nheless, regardless of how the public prosecutors threatened or incentivized him, Marvin insisted


    that he had signed the agreement with Kayden.


    As for the actual agreement, the signature was illegible, making it difficult to tell if the first letter was a


    ¡°C¡± or ¡°K.¡¯¡±


    Consequently, Marvin''s testimony would be the crux of the case.


    In the end, no matter how hard the public prosecutors tried, they just couldn''t get Marvin to say


    anything incriminating about Cayden. Instead, he was adamant that Kayden was whom he made the


    deal with.

 Chapter 530

    Chapter 530


    Chapter 530 Doubts


    As the repercussions of the case were considerable and the criminal''s testimonies were inconsistent,


    not to mention the issue was rted to Ackleton''s business tycoon, Cayden Moore, the higher-ups


    began investigating that matter thoroughly.


    Despite their efforts, they failed to discover any new information.


    The appearance of the personmitting bribery in the video matched Kayden''s current looks, and


    Marvin also repeatedly confirmed on-site that the signature affixed on the agreement was ¡°Kayden¡±


    instead of ¡°Cayden.¡±


    Of course, Kayden''s identity was also confirmed. His background was simple. He was an orphan and


    had no other rtives. All the information about his life since his youth was unambiguous. That was a


    man who genuinely existed in reality.


    GC Group was also an authentic corporation. Thepany had been established for ten years, with a


    moderate business scale, and the name of the legal representative of the group was Kayden.


    Furthermore, Sid presented and transfer contract, signed by Kayden Moore with the current CEO of


    Trident Group, Cayden Moore, from ten years ago, proving that he had obtained thend from Marvin


    and transferred it to Cayden.


    Sid eloquently exined insider details of the transaction at that time to the judges. He had a silver


    tongue and could keep hisposure when facing the volleys of questions.


    As an internationally renowned swindler, his lies were so convincing that even the FBI couldn''t tell if he


    was lying, let alone the public prosecutors.


    The prosecutors were unwilling to give up and persisted in their investigation for a long time.


    In the end, they found that all thend transfer contracts were genuine. They couldn''t even discover


    any loopholes.


    Ultimately, due to sufficient evidence from all aspects, the bribery case was settled.


    The media announced the case''s final verdict to the public. Marvin Sheen''s bribery case was unrted


    to Trident Group''s CEO, Cayden Moore. The real culprit was the director of GC Group, Kayden Moore.


    Considering Kayden had turned himself in and demonstrated a good attitude for admitting his offenses,


    the court sentenced him to fifteen years imprisonment and confiscated his property.


    The news instantly caused an uproar in Ackleton.


    The media reported that the director of the local GC Group was involved in a major bribery case and


    was arrested with court approval.


    Bribery cases were not unusual, as such dishonest incidents would happen in every city. What shocked


    the public the most was that the handsome criminal, Kayden, looked exactly like Trident Group''s CEO,


    Cayden. Even their names were almost identical. The uncanny resemnces sparked much


    spection and heated discussion.


    As Cayden was a prominent figure in Ackleton, that news circted in the headlines of all major media


    outlets for a long time and prompted members of the media to request interview sessions with Cayden.


    However, they were all turned down by Trident Group''s secretaries with the excuse that Cayden was


    swamped with work.


    Only after a prolonged period did that sensation finally gradually subside.


    Avery sat quietly before the floor-to-ceiling window inside the mansion, leisurely enjoying the night


    breeze.


    It was a particrly charming night. A crescent moon hung in the sky, and countless sparkling stars


    adorned the vast sky.


    She wore a faint smile, and her delicate facial features appeared extraordinarily gentle in the soft light.


    Cayden''s and the children''sughter reverberated in the air as they washed the dishes inside the


    kitchen.


    asionally, she could also hear Rory''s cooing and Zachary''s disdainful voice. ¡°Daddy, that''s not how


    you wash the dishes. You''re using too much detergent. It''s wasteful. Even Rory is doing a better job


    than you.¡±


    Zachary spoke with the bearing of an adult, insisting that men should learn to do housework instead of


    relying on the housekeeper. Since their father didn''t know how to cook, he should at least wash the


    dishes to help their mother with the household chores and prevent her from getting overworked.


    Cayden realized his son''s words made sense, so he enthusiastically learned from his children how to


    wash the dishes, thoroughly enjoying himself throughout the process.


    Listening to the joyous interaction and banters between Cayden and the kids brought a contented smile


    to Avery''s countenance.


    However, doubts lingered within her. She yearned to ask Cayden about the questions that baffled her,


    but he had been busytely, oftening home exhausted and immediately drifting off to sleep while


    hugging her.


    She suppressed her burning curiosity to let him get sufficient rest.


    Nevertheless, the doubts continued to trouble her, leaving her utterly bewildered no matter how hard


    she mulled those baffling matters over.


    The trio spent a long while inside the kitchen before finally cleaning up the dishes.


    Zachary brought Rory to their room to help her with her homework while Cayden returned to the


    bedroom he shared with Avery.


    Avery had a book spread open on herp, but it was upside down, and she seemed unaware of it. She


    appeared to be lost in her thoughts.


    Cayden furrowed his brows. He walked up to her, bent down, and gently pinched the bridge of her


    nose. ¡°Silly girl, what are you thinking about?¡±


    ¡°I''m wondering if the disk incident has really been resolved just like that. I thought that was a tricky


    problem to handle and had even had nightmares about you getting arrested.¡± She looked up and gazed


    at him. Uneasiness continued to churn within her chest. Why did Sid willingly undergo stic surgery to


    look like Cayden? Why is he willing to go to prison in Cayden''s stead without having anyints?


    The higher-ups have been investigating this matter meticulously, so will the truth be exposed again one


    day? Also, why did Marvin suddenly change his testimony halfway through?


    She had many other pent-up uncertainties that she nned to ask him all in one goter.


    ¡°Silly girl, why do you have so many questions? Don''t worry. This problem is more or less resolved.


    Nicole no longer has any dirt on us that she can use to threaten us.¡± He chuckled.


    The moon outside the window shone brightly, enveloping the earth with a warm orange hue, the soft


    glow as tender as the petite woman beside him.


    Whenever he looked at her, his eyes would subconsciously be filled with adoration.


    She paused briefly before adding, ¡°Still, I can''t shake the feeling that something is fishy about this. How


    could we have sorted out this predicament just like that? Even now, I still find the turns of events


    surreal.¡±


    Cayden smiled at the sight of her confused and uncertain demeanor.


    He carried her to the bed and slowly exined the whole story to her.


    Ten years ago, when he signed the agreement with Marvin, he prepared a backup n by deliberately


    affixing a messy signature.


    The name appeared to be ¡°Cayden,¡± but it was actually ¡°Kayden.¡± He did that for the purpose of


    avoiding future troubles.


    Sure enough, an unfortunate incident urred afterward.


    Hence, he instructed Sid, who had undergone stic surgery to look like him, to return. In exchange for


    Sid going to prison for him, he would help Sid escape the mafia''s pursuit and promise to provide Sid


    with a clean and legitimate identity after his release from jail.


    GC Group was a privatepany Cayden established on a whim when he was younger. The identity


    was a fictional character he created, but the files, background, and other details rted to that identity


    were real.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Thatpany had no connection to Trident Group, and the role he yed in thatpany was not


    made known to anyone except for Xavier. This time, it just so happened that the identity came in handy,


    and everything fell into ce.

 Chapter 531

    Chapter 531


    Chapter 531 Fate Was Kind To Us


    As for Marvin''s sudden change in his testimony, although he was already in prison, arge portion of


    the illegal assets was still nowhere to be found. They were still unable to discover where the missing


    funds had been transferred to.


    However, via his stealthy investigations, Cayden had managed to discover that Marvin was keeping a


    mistress and an illegitimate child.


    Before the crime took ce, Marvin had secretly brought the mother and child to Sumanthova. He had


    also transferred arge number of assets and listed them under his illegitimate child''s name.


    Cayden used them to threaten him. If Marvin refused toply, not only would he lose his assets, but


    he would also put the mother and son in danger.


    Intimidated and despite harboring a deep hatred in his heart, Marvin chose to give in to Cayden''s


    demands in the end.


    Cayden was exceedingly cautious and dared not make a single mistake as the pieces fell into ce.


    This was because he would be unable to extricate himself if there happened to be a loophole in any of


    the links.


    Avery admired Cayden''s overly calctive mind as she listened to his short and concise exnation.


    Ten years ago, he had already been so sophisticated and shrewd as he schemed against the adults.


    Compared to him, she had merely been a cowardly girl with low self-esteem. She could notpare to


    him at all.


    Unable to help herself, Avery said, ¡°Ten years ago, I only knew how to bury myself in my studies. I was


    also fairly clueless and dared not interact with others much. You were already learning the ropes in


    business with the others by then. You went home to study business when you vanished from the town''s


    high school all of a sudden. It''s no wonder... Did you know? I went to the ces where you''d hang out


    every day after you left. The sports field where you use to y basketball, the cafeteria, and your


    ssroom. I looked forward to seeing you appear every time I went to those ces. However, I was


    alone from the beginning until the end. I thought we''d never meet again in this lifetime, but fate was


    kind to us in the end. We managed to meet and fall in love again.¡±


    ¡°Love will find a way,¡± Cayden murmured as he hugged Avery tightly and stroked her soft skin.


    Back then, Cayden''s grandfather had urged him to return home and take over Moore Group. Cayden


    had left in such a rush that he did not have the chance to bid Avery farewell.


    He had assumed that his feelings for Avery were an unrequited crush, but she had unexpectedly


    returned his feelings. He was truly a very lucky person.


    ¡°The doctor told me that my leg will recover in about a week. I''ll be going back to work then.¡± Avery


    grinned. After recuperating for almost three months, she was utterly bored with reading nothing but


    books every day and she had fallen behind in her work. If she continued to remain in that state, she felt


    she would be left behind by society.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Cayden looked at her, amused. ¡°You really can''t bear to take it easy, can you? Most women


    would be thrilled at being pampered by their men and enjoy the idle life. Instead, you constantly think


    about going back to work and can''t forget it even when you''re supposed to be recovering at home.¡±


    In addition to handling work from thepany, Cayden was aware that Avery had taken additional


    work on the side while she was recuperating. She would sit in front of theputer daily and be so


    immersed in her art that she would asionally forget to sleep and eat. It left him speechless that she


    was far busier than a CEO like him.


    Half-jokingly, Avery replied, ¡°I enjoy a busy life. Work makes me feel fulfilled and I feel uneasy when I


    can''t work. I''m probably not suited for an idle¡ªah!¡±


    Halfway through her sentence, she suddenly screamed. With his heart in his throat, Cayden asked,


    ¡°What''s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Our baby just moved.¡± Avery grabbed Cayden''s hand and ced it on top of her stomach.


    She was five months into her pregnancy. As she was pregnant with twins, her stomach was obviously


    showing. However, this was the first time she had experienced fetal movement.


    Cayden touched Avery''s abdomen with his calloused hand and felt a faint movement.


    Although the sensation was faint like the flutter of a butterfly''s wings, he still felt a silent wonderment.


    Avery was currently nurturing the flesh and bone of their love.


    When Avery had gotten pregnant with the twins, they had nothing but physical intimacy between them.


    The two of them barelymunicated, and the act of having him gently caress her pregnant stomach


    like he was doing now was unheard of. Now, Cayden had a wife, children borne of love, and a career


    that belonged to himself. He felt that he had truly found happiness.


    Meanwhile, Nicole had been living a life without worry ever since she arrived at the Lambert residence.


    However, she cried her eyes out when she realized her sole bargaining chip had been taken away from


    her before she had the opportunity to use it.


    The contents of the disk had been revealed, but it had no effect on Cayden whatsoever. Instead,


    another man who looked like him had taken the me and gone to prison in his stead.


    Nicole hadined to her father in hopes that he would sort things out for her. However, she had


    only received an insincere apology from Cayden in front of the media as a result of that.


    That was not what she wanted at all.


    What Nicole sought was the position of the young madam of the Moore family. Ultimately, she ended


    up with nothing.


    The most bizarre thing out of the whole affair was how public opinion, which had been in her favor at


    the start, dramatically turned against her all of a sudden. The scandals she had undergone before were


    once again brought to light. Even her lowly origins and biological father who had a gambling addiction


    were dredged up.


    During the interviews with the reporters, Daniel had used her of being unfilial and abandoning him


    when he sought her help when he had been terribly sick. He told the media that she refused to


    acknowledge him as her biological father and called him a beggar. Moreover, she had ordered


    someone to beat him up and toss him into the wilderness.


    Daniel had even provided some evidence lest the public refused to believe his tale. The quality of the


    video was not great and it was obvious that the footage had been secretly taken.


    Despite that, Nicole''s face in the video was clear as day.


    In the video, Nicole could be seen behaving condescendingly. She stared at Daniel as if he was an


    insignificant ant and insulted him with obscene words. The video shattered theizen''s good opinion


    of her.


    Someone wrote: Wow, is this really the innocent goddess, Nicole Lambert?


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Anothermented: Unbelievable! How can the innocent goddess Nicole be so vile in private...


    A third eximed: No way, my goddess! I''ve been her fan since her debut. How can her true self be


    so... No, no, no! I don''t believe this...


    A fourth replied: What''s there not to believe? Do you think a girl with a proper upbringing would behave


    as she did in the video?


    Nicole''s reputation had taken such a huge blow that not even thepany''s PR department could do


    anything for her.


    She had no choice but to hide at home for the time being and avoid being seen.


    Anxiously, Nicole waited for her adoptive parents to quash the negative press about her.


    However, she wouldn''t be satisfied with just that.


    She suddenly thought of someone after being forced to stay home quietly for some time.


    Her eyes, which had been lifeless, gleamed maliciously.

 Chapter 532

    Chapter 532


    Chapter 532 Take Him On Directly


    The next day, in the presidential suite, the bed shook vigorously as the couple reached their climax.


    Sexual tension hung thick in the air as her body clenched around him.


    A guttural moan escaped his throat as he finished, and they both copsed onto the bed, spent.


    Nicole leaned on Roderick''s broad chest and wrapped her arms around his neck. ¡°Roddie, aren''t you


    pleased with me today?¡±


    Rodericky on the bed with an arm wrapped around Nicole''s shoulders while exploring her body with


    his other free hand. ¡°Come on. What is it that you want from me? You rarely initiate sex.¡±


    ¡°Jeez, I just missed you... There''s nothing more to it,¡± Nicole huffed. She suddenly flipped over and sat


    boldly on top of him.


    Roderick chuckled. ¡°You were resisting me just a few days ago when I touched you. What changed?


    Have you finally realized how pleasurable it is to do it with me?¡±


    Nicole gave him a sensuous look. ¡°Roddie, how could you say that? Haven''t you heard? Life is such


    that if you can''t resist it, enjoy it. Besides, you''re really good in bed. No wonder so many women are


    head over heels for you...¡±


    Roderick was floating on cloud nine. ¡°Oh? Then who do you think is better? Me or Cayden?¡±


    Nicole''s face contorted at the mention of Cayden''s name. ¡°Please don''t bring him up. He''s nothing


    compared to you, Roddie. He''s the reason I lost everything and was publicly humiliated. I''ve never felt


    so humiliated in my life...¡±


    Tears of indignation brimmed in her eyes as she spoke.


    She nestled into Roderick''s arms and pouted. ¡°Roddie, I''m so sad... I thought my adoptive parents


    loved me with all their hearts, but it turns out their affection was fake. When Cayden called off the


    wedding in front of everyone, he not only humiliated me but also caused the Lamberts to lose face.


    Instead of supporting me and seeking justice from the Moores, my parents told me to stay home and


    leave the entertainment industry. They wouldn''t treat me that way if I was their biological daughter. I''m


    so disappointed. It''s like fate has it out for me. No one in this world loves or cares about me except for


    you. You treat me better than anyone else...¡±


    Her admiration and dependence on Roderick triggered his hero instinct. ¡°Don''t cry, Babe. You still have


    me. Anyone who wants to bully you will have to go through me first. I won''t let anyone do you wrong if


    you be mine.¡±


    Nicole narrowed her eyes when she heard that, a scheme forming in her head. ¡°Are you for real?¡±


    ¡°Of course. I never go back on my word, especially to my woman. How can I call myself a man if I can''t


    even protect my woman?¡± Roderick said hoarsely.


    Nicole cringed inwardly but put on a fake smile as she wrapped her arms around his neck. ¡°Roddie, I


    can''t believe I fell for that two-faced b*stard, Cayden. He''s the reason I''m in such a mess right now. I


    hate him so much for what he''s done to me. And don''t even get me started on that b*tch, Avery. If it


    weren''t for her, I wouldn''t be in this position. I want her to suffer just as much as I have. Can you help


    me make that happen?¡±


    Roderick hesitated for a moment, recalling his older brother Vincent''s warnings about Cayden''s


    ruthlessness.


    Although Roderick hadn''t dealt with Cayden much since he had recently been discharged from the


    military, Vincent had mentioned Cayden''s name in rtion to his own business dealings, always


    sounding cautious and apprehensive even though Vincent was a sly businessman himself. He had


    warned Roderick that it would be in his best interest not to provoke Cayden.


    However, Roderick couldn''t bring himself to ignore Nicole''s distress when he saw the look of pleading


    and admiration on her face. Despite Vincent''s warnings, he decided to confront Cayden and take him


    on directly.


    He came from a special forces background and was widely recognized as a world-ss condottiere. A


    mere businessman did not scare him.


    Roderick cast Nicole a sidelong nce. ¡°What will you offer me in return if I help you out?¡±


    Nicole giggled like a schoolgirl, her hand sliding down Roderick''s thigh and grabbing hold of his


    member. ¡°You can have me in any way you want, of course.¡±


    Roderick chuckled and flipped Nicole over underneath him. ¡°Are you craving more? Come on then,


    time for another round.¡±


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Roderick had sent his men to scout Cayden''s mansion for the past few days and observed that Cayden


    had spared no expense in ensuring that his residence was well-guarded, particrly after discovering


    that it had been under surveince.


    There were countless high-definition security cameras ced in every nook and cranny of the property,


    with three-hundred-and-sixty-degree coverage, capturing every angle.


    The guards in the control room could see everything happening in the mansion all at once.


    Cayden had even installed a smart punch-in identification system that uses both facial recognition and


    vehicle recognition technology on the streets leading to his mansion, increased the number of security


    guards, and surrounded his mansion with an electric fence.


    To most people, Cayden''s security measures seemed imprable. However, Roderick paid them no


    heed. As a former member of an elite special forces unit, he had undergone rigorous training and had


    experience breaking into mansions with even tighter security measures. He had even sessfully


    assassinated a senior government leader in the past.


    To him, eliminating a weak and helpless woman like Avery would be child''s y.


    However, instead of getting his hands dirty, he instructed his elite subordinates to monitor the people


    coming in and out of the mansion closely.


    That day, Roderick noticed several peonies in the garden had wilted for unknown reasons. This was


    the perfect opportunity for him to strike.


    These peonies were considered precious due to their rarity. Moreover, Avery had personally nted


    and taken great care of them, patiently waiting for the nts to bloom. Unfortunately, the peonies


    began to wither for unknown reasons.


    After a thorough investigation, the gardener concluded that aphids had infested the nts. These


    insects had hidden themselves on the buds, stems, and underside of the leaves. To save the peonies,


    they needed to spray the nts with insecticides or aphid spray to get rid of the bugs.


    If left untreated, the infestation could cause the stems and leaves to wither and die.


    In her eagerness to save the peonies, Avery promptly instructed the gardener to purchase insecticides


    to treat the aphid infestation.


    The gardener, having a regr insecticide dealer, obtained some aphid spray and applied it to the


    nts.


    As anticipated, the peonies gradually came back to life.


    That afternoon, Avery called Cayden via video in the garden to update him about the peonies. She


    joked about how anxious she was to see her precious nts wither as she had nted and taken care


    of them as if they were her own.


    Cayden was about to advise Avery to keep her distance from the peonies that had been treated with


    insecticides since she was pregnant when she suddenly screamed in terror.

 Chapter 533

    Chapter 533


    Chapter 533 ck Mamba


    Cayden''s heart was in his throat when he heard Avery''s terrified shrieks. ¡°Avery, what happened?¡±


    The scene unfolding before Avery''s eyes was so shocking that she found herself unable to speak.


    It was a giant nest of snakes.


    Avery''s legs had turned jelly. She subconsciously thought of getting off the swing, but she almost fell off


    due to her panic and injured foot, which impeded her movements.


    Thankfully, it was a close call as she caught hold of a sturdy branch in the nick of time.


    ¡°Ery, what''s going on?¡± Cayden called out urgently. His voice was overflowing with concern.


    Avery was fearful of moving when she turned her phone camera at the horrific beings on the ground.


    Cayden could see through the live video clearly that several ck snakes were slithering toward her.


    He immediately became rmed.


    The snakes were ck mambas, the most dangerous venomous snake species. Their speed and


    attacks were tremendously lethal that even two drops of venom could induce death.


    However, their natural habitat was usually in Alendor, the southern parts of Aploth, and regions with


    tropical rainforests. There was no way they would appear here unless they were transported over on


    purpose.


    Avery tried desperately to remainposed, but her hand holding her phone trembled. ¡°C-Cayden, t-


    there are many ck snakes here. Why are there suddenly so many ck snakes in the garden?¡±


    She was so ovee by fear that she started stammering.


    Avery had a phobia of cold-blooded animals that squirmed, snakes being one of them.


    She was frozen with trepidation as she stared at the snakes exposing their scarlet forked tongues as


    they glided toward her.


    Her heart was beating at an erratic rate.


    She was always repulsed by creatures like snakes, so much so that she rarely watched movies with


    snakes in them.


    The dread of having a nest of snakes moving in her direction was not something an average person


    could handle.


    ¡°Avery, run!¡± Cayden roared at the shell-shocked Avery. ¡°Get up and hide in your room. Don''te out!


    There are tranquilizers and several hunting rifles in the closet drawer of the room next to the study.


    They''ll allow you to protect yourself... Don''t be afraid. I''ll be there soon!¡±


    He cared not that Avery running might risk harming the infant in her belly as her safety took


    precedence over all else.


    While he was on the call with Avery, he dialed the number of the security guard of the mansion and


    said, ¡°There is a sighting of venomous snakes in Mansion No. 8. Bring realgar, snake hooks, and rifles,


    and deal with them immediately! Don''t forget the antidote too.¡±


    It was better to be safe than sorry.


    Avery would need to be administered an antidote if she was bitten by the venomous snake to be saved.


    Cayden called Jeremy next. Jeremy was a retired special forces soldier with plenty of experience


    surviving in the wild. Naturally, handling venomous snakes was under his belt. However, he was not at


    the mansion currently, as it was his day off.


    Thankfully, he rushed toward the mansion as soon as possible once he received Cayden''s call.


    Cayden did the same as soon as he hung up.


    Avery''s leg might have almost recovered, but she was not athletic by any means. His forehead beaded


    with cold sweat when he imagined her being bitten by the venomous snakes.


    He dared not think of the possibility of something happening to her.


    She had just recuperated from her car ident and regained another chance to live when the heavens


    decided to y a cruel joke on her. Cayden had an urge to curse despite usually being cool-headed


    and rational.


    He stepped hard on the elerator and sped past the traffic, ignoring the stop lights.


    Meanwhile, Avery was running for her life. It was a race against time and life.


    She had never been in such a chaotic state before.


    Now that she was pregnant, she could not risk getting bitten by the ck mambas. If she were to slow


    down, she would not be able to bear the consequences.


    ¡°Help! Somebody, help me!¡± Avery shouted at the top of her lungs while bolting away from the snakes.


    Suddenly, she recalled how distant each mansion was from one another and that most belonged to


    Cayden. There was no point in crying for help as no one would hear her.


    The doctor, caretaker, and nutritionist had left the mansion two days ago now that her leg was almost


    completely healed.


    While Jeremy was not on duty today, two other housekeepers were around. Despite that, one of them


    had taken leave to attend their son''s wedding back in their hometown.


    The other had gone for a grocery round to stock up on necessities in the city and wouldn''t return for a


    while.


    Avery was the only one left in the mansion besides James, the gardener, who''d fertilized the peonies in


    the morning.


    Avery wished earnestly that her cry of distress would catch his attention.


    Fortunately, James appeared just as she was on the verge of copsing due to exhaustion. He was


    holding a pair of pliers while munching on a half-eaten red apple.


    ¡°Mrs. Moore...¡± James'' was astonished when he caught sight of Avery, who was running like the wind.


    ¡°What''s going on?¡±


    ¡°S-Snakes... There are a lot of venomous snakes... H-Help me!¡± Avery struggled to string her words


    together as she fought to catch her breath.


    James turned around out of curiosity, and his jaw dropped when he was weed by the sight of the


    ck mambas slithering toward them.


    He had encountered all kinds of snakes during his twenty-odd years as a gardener but never before


    one that was as ferocious.


    Something was off about them as they seemed exceptionally agitated. Without a doubt, they were


    many times faster and more lethal than the average snake.


    The flowers and vines thaty in their path were decimated.


    A swan was resting below the shrubs grooming its feathers. It barely had time to react before one of


    the snakes sunk its fangs into its neck, doing away with it instantly. It was evident that its venom was


    life-threatening.


    The gardener almost wet himself out of fear.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    How did such dangerous creatures find their way into the mansion?


    The gardener''s adrenaline rush caused him to run even faster than Avery. All of a sudden, a pained


    grunt sounded from behind him.


    He turned to see Avery holding her belly in agony as she slowly sunk to her feet in the flower bed.


    Abdominal pains wracked her entire being due to the terrible fright and her running suddenly.


    She couldn''t bring herself to move another step even though the mansion entrance was only away a


    hundred meters away.


    The thickest snake that headed the nest had approached imperceptibly while Avery was catching a


    rest. Its jaws gaped open as it aimed its fangs at her smooth ankle.

 Chapter 534

    Chapter 534


    Chapter 534 Cayden Is Back


    At that crucial moment, Avery managed to react on time by running up to higher ground despite her


    legs turning to jelly, causing the snake to lose sight of her for a second.


    With that, she narrowly escaped a lethal attack.


    How did something so dangerous get inside here?


    Avery''s legs were weak, and her stomach was in great pain. She simply didn''t have the strength to


    continue running.


    There were stairs in front of the mansion, and although every step she took felt especially draining, she


    could only steel herself and keep going.


    The venomous snakes began to catch up. Just as the biggest one was about to strike, James returned


    from the same path he had left on and yelled in fright, ¡°Mrs. Moore!¡±


    Then, he spotted a wooden shovel nearby¡ªthe one Zachary and Rory normally used for gardening.


    Spurred by a sudden burst of courage, he picked up the tool and struck the snake in the head.


    In spite of the light weight of the shovel, James used so much force that the snake took a heavy blow,


    further aggravating it and causing it to slither toward him even more quickly with a hiss.


    No longer caring about the difference in hierarchy between Avery and himself, he carried the pregnant


    woman and dashed toward the building.


    The entrance was in sight, and James kicked the door to the bedroom open before putting Avery down.


    Just as he was about to close the door, he felt a sharp pain in his leg. Bearing it, the man mustered the


    last of his strength to m the door shut, making sure every snake remained outside.


    ¡°L-Lock the door, Mrs. Moore. Don''t... Don''t go outside...¡± Suddenly, James felt his head spin as his


    body twitched, and he copsed to the floor with a loud thud.


    On the verge of tears, Avery knelt down and called out his name relentlessly, ¡°James!¡±


    Yet, it was no use. James could hear nothing, for he had lost consciousness.


    Upon folding one side of his trousers up, Avery noticed two bite marks on James'' leg.


    The area around the wound had begun to swell up, indicating that he had been poisoned.


    Avery was filled with both remorse and gratitude when she saw how pale James had be. If he


    hadn''t saved her at that very moment, she would have been the one injured by now.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Still, now was not the time to grieve. I have to find the antidote and save him.


    Disregarding the pain in her belly, an anxious Avery lugged her tired body to the room next to the study


    on the second floor.


    It was a medium-sized medicine room with arge array of drugs for both internal and external use.


    However, most of them were non-prescription medications meant for treating colds, stomach aches,


    and othermon illnesses.


    Avery recalled that there were injectable antidotes somewhere in the mansion, given that it was located


    halfway up a mountain and surrounded by lush greenery crawling with ants, spiders, and other simr


    creatures.


    Most of these animals were harmless, and since the mansion took great measures in regard to pest


    control, there was hardly a need for antidotes.


    Even so, that didn''t mean there was no antidote. It was necessary to be prepared for the unexpected.


    People often panic during moments of desperation.


    The more one tries to find something, the more likely it won''t appear. In contrast, that something will be


    in in sight when one isn''t looking for it.


    Such was the case for Avery. She had scoured every drawer in the room ande across every


    medication imaginable, but the antidote was nowhere to be found.


    Beads of sweat rolled down her forehead as she thought about how every minute wasted could put


    James'' life at further risk.


    Suddenly, she recalled something Cayden had told her over the phone: one of the drawers had a


    hiddenpartment containing goods such as rifles and anesthetics. Could the antidotes be kept there


    too?


    With that in mind, Avery opened the closet and pulled the entire drawer out of its ce. There, she saw


    a rifle, a bottle of anesthesia with an Ustranasionbel, two vials of antidotes, a few packs of unopened


    syringes, and arge bag of realgar powder.


    Breathing a sigh of relief, she grabbed every item and headed downstairs frantically.


    The soundsing from outside the house intensified.


    Avery turned pale in shock. She hadn''t expected the snakes to be so persistent that they would hurl


    themselves against the door.


    This isn''t normal! Snakes usually won''t attack humans without reason unless they feel threatened, so


    why are they going at it like this? I can''t believe it.


    Yet, this wasn''t the time to ponder over such things. James'' face was slowly turning purple, and this


    was clearly a bad sign.


    Not caring about anything else, Avery fought her nervousness and opened a pack of syringes with


    trembling hands. Imitating her nurse''s steps, she attached the needle to the syringe, drew the antidote


    out of the vial, and began looking for one of James'' blood vessels on his arm.


    This was her first time giving someone an injection, and the fact that her hands couldn''t stop quivering


    made her miss a few times before finally getting it right.


    Heaving a sigh, she slowly injected the antidote into James'' arm.


    Her face grew increasingly ashen when she heard the sounds of banging outside the door. To her,


    there was no way snakes could cause such a ruckus.


    For the first time, Avery felt so helpless.


    She sprinkled a generous amount of realgar powder around James and herself. Some books


    mentioned that venomous snakes were afraid of realgar, but whether or not this was scientifically


    proven was a different matter.


    She didn''t care at this point and used up the entire bag of realgar powder.


    Then, with a rifle in her right hand and a bottle of anesthesia in her left, she eyed the door closely.


    The room had a sturdy doorplete with an electronic lock, so she wasn''t worried about the snakes


    breaking in.


    Some were a bit brighter and slithered over to the floor-to-ceiling windows, throwing themselves


    against the ss.


    Avery was beyond shocked to see that. Are these snakes trying to kill themselves?


    Things would have gotten tricky if these floor-to-ceiling windows were made of ordinary ss.


    Thankfully, Cayden had deliberately instructed for all the windows to be reconstructed using bulletproof


    ss, so everything remained intact no matter how hard the snakes tried to break in.


    Still, they continued to pummel at the door as though having lost their sanity, refusing to stop despite


    how bloody and battered they had be.


    Avery hugged her knees as she sat on the carpet in fear. She couldn''t imagine what to do if the snakes


    were to make their way in.


    Suddenly, she heard a flurry of rushed footsteps from outside the mansion, followed by a series of


    gunshots. Then, a man''s familiar voice calling her name in worry instantly caused the tears in her eyes


    to roll down her cheeks.


    He''s back. Thank God.

 Chapter 535

    Chapter 535


    Chapter 535 It Is Really Scary


    ¡°Avery!¡± Cayden''s shout came from outside the door.


    At that moment, he was anxious and angry at the same time.


    He was firing his rifle at those venomous snakes as he called out Avery''s name.


    When Avery heard him calling for her, she staggered to the window and began to m on the ss.


    ¡°Cayden, I''m all right. There are many snakes outside. You have to be careful...¡±


    Taking in the crazed look on Cayden''s face, Avery suppressed the fear in her.


    He seemed to be more frightened than she was.


    The sight of him made her feel safe.


    Cayden rxed when he saw that Avery was safe and sound in the house.


    After a long while, there was a click on the electronic door, and Cayden rushed in. He pulled Avery into


    his trembling arms and apologized, ¡°I''m sorry. I''m so sorry...¡±


    He could have almost lost her.


    ¡°This isn''t your fault. Don''t me yourself.¡± Avery copsed into his arms and felt a sense of relief as if


    she had gained a new leash on life.


    Cayden continued holding her very tightly.


    Suddenly, Avery thought of James who was still unconscious, and she broke free of Cayden''s


    embrace. She walked toward James and said guiltily, ¡°If it weren''t for James, I would have been bitten


    by the venomous snake. In order to save me, James has snake venom in him now. I''ve already


    injected him with the antidote, but I''m not sure if it will work. If it wasn''t because of me, James wouldn''t


    have been poisoned. How am I going to help him?¡± With that, tears began to flow down her face.


    ¡°We''ve been staying here for so long, and we''ve hardly seen any insects. Why are there venomous


    snakes around all of a sudden? And so many of them?¡±


    Ever since Avery got pregnant, she had be more emotional, and now, more than ever.


    Cayden said with a frown, ¡°I will get to the bottom of this matter. Both you and James are victims. I''m


    thankful that James saved your life. He will be fine. Once he regains consciousness, I will give him a


    huge reward. Don''t worry too much.¡±


    They could hear the sirensing from outside, and they were getting louder by the second.


    Just then, Avery felt a spasm of paining from her abdomen. It was so painful that she was about to


    pass out.


    Two tall figures arrived with the police.


    ¡°Boss...¡± Jake and Xavier rushed into the house, covered in sweat.


    When they saw James lying unconsciously on the floor and Avery''s pale face, they looked nervous,


    and their faces turned ashen.


    Jake quickly asked, ¡°Are Mrs. Moore and James all right?¡±


    Have wee toote?


    ¡°James was bitten by the venomous snake, but he has been injected with the antidote. Hurry up and


    take him to the hospital,¡± instructed Cayden coldly.


    Avery caressed her stomach and tried her best not to utter a single sound.


    However, in the end, she could not help but moan in pain. ¡°C-Cayden, my stomach hurts...¡±


    All Avery could feel was immense paining from her abdomen and warm fluid flowing out of her


    nether region.


    Her instinct told her that the baby was in danger, but she refused to ept that. She had been taking


    great care of the baby. Nothing must happen to her unborn child.


    ¡°Avery...¡±


    Before Avery fainted, she heard Cayden calling out her name.


    ¡°Damn it! Why is the ambnce not here yet?¡± Cayden carried Avery and ran outside.


    Jake, on the other hand, carried James on his back and followed suit too.


    A few police cars were parked outside the mansion, and the policemen were busy running around.


    Theyid out dozens of dead, ck mambas on the ground. It was a horrifying sight to behold.


    Cayden stared at those snakes with a deadly look in his eyes.


    The sheriff walked up to Cayden. When he saw the vicious look in his eyes, he took a step back. ¡°Mr.


    Moore.¡±


    ¡°Sheriff, you know what to do, don''t you?¡± uttered Cayden in a cold voice.


    ¡°Don''t worry. We''ll find out who the culprit is... However, the culprit is very cunning. He has stolen the


    surveince cameras around the mansion. We will need more time,¡± replied John Smith, the sheriff, as


    he rubbed his hands.


    There were more than ten surveince cameras around the mansion. Unfortunately, the ones nearest


    to the mansion had been stolen.


    ¡°How can all the surveince cameras be stolen? What are all of you doing?¡± Xavier red at the


    guards from the security department.


    They bowed their heads in shame. It was not their fault, for the culprit were too brilliant.


    Cayden said viciously, ¡°Have the snakes tested, and I want to know the result as soon as possible!


    Check all the surveince cameras around this area! I don''t believe we can''t find anything!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. Moore.¡± The imposing John dared not uttered any other word in front of Cayden.


    After that, Avery and James were taken to the hospital, and Cayden went with them.


    Xavier, on the other hand, dealt with the police and gave his statement.


    As for Jake, he stayed behind to check on the surveince camera footage.


    At the hospital, Yuvan wasmenting his bad luck. A while ago, he was knocked down by a spoiled and


    entric girl. His leg was broken as a result of that ident and was notpletely healed yet. It


    wasn''t easy he could rest for a month until Cayden came and insisted that he had to help Avery keep


    her baby.


    As Cayden''s attitude was unpleasant, Yuvan, who was in a bad mood, insisted that his leg was not


    healed yet and refused to go and see Avery.


    In the end, Cayden threatened to break his other leg if Yuvan refused to do as he was told.


    Yuvan, who was pretending to be unwell, jumped off the bed and rushed to Avery''s room to attend to


    her.


    He was crying out in his heart. Cayden, please don''t threaten me every now and then. It''s really scary!


    Yuvan knew that Cayden was a man of his word. If he pissed Cayden off, anything could happen.


    Men, who are in love, tend to lose all sense of reason!


    Cayden stood outside the ward, smoking. He could not care less about the no smoking sign on the


    wall.


    Despite his tightly-knitted brows, he still looked as gorgeous and proud as ever.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    ¡°Boss.¡± Xavier stood next to him nervously and handed him the report of his investigation. ¡°The test


    result is out. Those venomous snakes became crazy after they came into contact with a type of


    hallucinogen. This hallucinogen is found in the pesticide that was sprayed on the peonies...¡±


    Cayden was taken aback. Earlier in the afternoon, Avery wasining to him that the peonies were


    not looking good, and after pesticides were sprayed on them, they looked much better.


    His eyes narrowed, and a glint of iciness shed across them. ¡°Find the person who handles the


    pesticide at all costs.¡±

 Chapter 536

    Chapter 536


    Chapter 536 Hostile Aura


    Cayden found that tactic of causing harm to others all too familiar.


    It was exactly like the time when the crazed cat suddenly attacked people while he and Avery were at


    Azure Royal. Due to the uncanny simrity, he couldn''t help but be suspicious.


    Xavier calmly analyzed the situation and said, ¡°Boss, this kind of venomous snake is very rare in


    Aploth, so even if they do appear in Ackleton, they must''ve originated from the ck market.¡±


    Cayden narrowed his eyes and curled his lips into a cold sneer. ¡°Contact Xander and tell him to


    investigate the source of the venomous snake and specific details of the transactions.¡±


    He could vaguely guess who the mastermind was, but he didn''t have any solid evidence at the


    moment.


    If he could ascertain the mastermind to be the person he suspected, he would show no mercy.


    The news of a horrifying venomous snake appearing in the mansion area of Mount Loang and injuring


    a security guard was suddenly spread extensively by the media.


    Mount Loang mansion district was one of the high-end residential areas developed by Trident Group.


    Any random property there was worth hundreds of millions each. Now that such an incident had


    urred, the homeowners panicked.


    Some media outlets were even bought off to make a big muss about the news, using Trident


    Group''s real estate properties of being shoddy andbeling Cayden as the most wicked developer in


    Ackleton. They also mentioned Trident Group was tantly disregarding the safety and lives of the


    homeowners after the arsonmitted by a housekeeper at Chartreuse Garden previously, and now


    the appearance of the venomous snake at the mansion area on Mount Loang.


    Moreover, because of the snake attack, the media even discovered Cayden had arranged for Avery to


    live in one of the mansions on Mount Loang. As a result, the incident rted to Avery being


    hospitalized after she was bitten by the snake also spread like wildfire.


    Cayden had always been in the spotlight because of his recent news with Avery and the scandal with


    the celebrity Nicole. In addition, the housekeeper''s arson case trial was about to begin. Now that


    another piece of sensational news like that was made known to the public, how could the media not be


    worked up with all those shocking revtions being circted?


    Themotion caused by the media prompted Trident Group''s share price, which had recently risen,


    to fall again.


    The media was very enthusiastic about digging into Trident Group''s and Cayden''s personal affairs. To


    uncover more buzzworthy news, the reporters even swarmed to the hospital where Avery was being


    treated.


    Cayden was besieged by reporters in the hospital, rendering him utterly annoyed as he couldn''t focus


    his attention on the unconscious Avery.


    He decided to address the media directly, ¡°All these so-called revtions are false. This venomous


    snake incident is an intentional murder attempt. Once the investigation brings light to the truth, I will


    give everyone a satisfactory exnation. If any media outlet dares to continue fabricating baseless


    stories, I will ensure they get shut down immediately!¡±


    The ferocity of his tone sent chills traveling down everyone''s spines. The cold aura emanating from his


    body also terrified the reporters. Subsequently, some backed off, but some fearless media outlets still


    continued to report rted news.


    At that moment, Cayden was utterly displeased.


    Avery''s body was weak, to begin with. After the great shock, her fetus became unstable, and she even


    nearly suffered a miscarriage. Now, even Yuvan had to take extra precautions when saving the baby,


    fearing he might make any mistake.


    Avery was in an unfavorable condition inside the ward, yet those annoying media members pestered


    him relentlessly like pesky flies. Naturally, Cayden was in a foul mood.


    The consequence of incurring his wrath was the immediate and ruthless takedown of the media outlets


    that had spread the rumors.


    Upon witnessing his harsh methods, all the other media members realized they had crossed a line.


    After weighing the pros and cons, they quickly contacted their reporters to retreat to avoid being


    implicated.


    After all, Cayden was a man of his word, taking down those he said he would without even bothering to


    resort to underhanded tactics. He would openly cause his targets to go bankrupt and wouldn''t stop


    even after they were deep in debt.


    Because of his brutality, no one dared to challenge him head-on anymore.


    In the past, the news featuring Cayden had been merely entertainment gossip meant for the public''s


    amusement. However, now that it involved his fianc¨¦e, Avery, he couldn''t possibly tolerate it.


    Following his intimidation, the media disappeared from the hospital without a trace, and a peaceful


    ambiance was finally restored.


    Xavier and Jake carried out their investigations in different directions. One focused on the ck


    market, while the other tracked down the pesticide dealer.


    Details regarding ck market transactions were usually strictly confidential. Nheless, as Xander


    was in charge of the ck market and was acquainted with Cayden, he lent a helping hand and quickly


    uncovered some useful information.


    The person who purchased the venomous snake was a man named Wesley Joeson. On the surface,


    he appeared to be an unemployed drifter who lived off collecting protection rackets. However, upon


    further investigation, they discovered that Wesley had another secret identity.


    He was a retired special forces soldier who had served in a special forces unit in the southeastern


    military. After retiring, he joined an international mercenary organization.


    The most intriguing fact was that Roderick used to be his superior.


    Those venomous snakes were procured by Wesley from the ck market.


    The investigation on the pesticide dealer''s end was more troublesome because James was still in a


    coma. By the time they acquired information on the pesticide dealer''s identity and whereabouts, it was


    already two dayster.


    Unfortunately, the pesticide dealer seemed to have vanished from Ackleton, leaving no trace of him.


    Surprisingly, there were no records of the pesticide dealer entering or leaving Ackleton. The only


    information avable was about his stay at a luxury hotel three days ago.


    If no such records were avable, that could only mean the pesticide dealer had been using a fake


    identity, or someone had moved the information into a private folder.


    After all, there was no way a living person would disappear into thin air just like that.


    Meanwhile, inside the ward, Cayden pondered on that issue while wearing a pensive look.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Yuvan changed the infusion medicine for Avery and gazed at her serene sleeping face. Then, he


    turned to look at Cayden''s solemn expression and shook his head.


    He teased, ¡°Cayden, Avery''s fetus is safe now, so you can rest assured. You shouldn''t be frowning all


    the time at such a young age. You''re letting your handsome face go to waste. You''re not even thirty


    years old, but you live like you''re fifty. Is that really a good thing?¡±


    Cayden nced coldly at Yuvan. Thetter chuckled and hastily switched the topic of conversation.


    ¡°I''m just kidding. Don''t take it to heart. I wonder which b*stard would try to harm someone as gentle and


    kind as Avery? They must be tired of living. Still, I don''t understand why the culprit went through such


    trouble instead of simply hiring an assassin?¡± An assassin could''ve aplished the task with a


    gunshot.


    Yuvan couldn''t fathom the culprit''s intention and rationale in choosing aplicated method of using


    venomous snakes to harm others.


    Cayden responded frigidly, ¡°Common assassination methods are too easily detected and exposed by


    others. But using venomous snakes to kill someone can be passed off as an ident with slight


    maniption as long as the n is executed with care. Besides, the mastermind can also make a big


    deal out of it to target Trident Group.¡±


    The culprit had probably never expected that although using the venomous snake to kill someone was


    convenient, animals ultimatelycked human beings'' wisdom and ability to think, allowing Avery to


    narrowly escape death in the end.


    Her survival could only be attributed to good fortune, but a person couldn''t always stay lucky.


    Cayden held Avery''s cold hands in distress. Complicated emotions¡ªheartache, love, and guilt¡ª


    churned within him.


    Suddenly, his phone rang.


    Cayden answered the call. ¡°Did you find out anything?¡±


    Yuvan didn''t know what the person on the other end of the line said, but he could feel the hostile aura


    around Cayden intensifying and expanding outward. In no time, his murderous intent filled the air inside


    the room. He gave off the vibe of a devil, causing others in his proximity to shudder.

 Chapter 537

    Chapter 537


    Chapter 537 A Lesson


    It was evident from Cayden''s expression that the suspect''s identity was well within his expectation.


    His face darkened, and anger burned in his eyes.


    Avery had been plotted against repeatedly and had no way of defending herself against them at all.


    It was such an awful feeling.


    Cayden carefully pulled the nket over Avery. He stared at her pale face, and the overwhelming guilt


    he felt seemed to have surged out at that moment.


    He had once promised the woman that he would give her peace and happiness, but he felt that he had


    broken the promise. She had only been in danger time and time again when she was with him.


    Fury zed in his eyes, and even his hands shook uncontrobly when he thought of how the


    venomous snake had almost bitten Avery and how the blood had flown down her body.


    I don''t care how powerful the culprit is this time. How dare they hurt my woman? I''ll never let them off


    the hook so easily!


    A long while passed before Cayden turned around and ordered Yuvan, ¡°Take care of Avery.¡±


    Yuvan had a bad feeling about the situation. ¡°What are you going to do, Cayden?¡±


    ¡°I''m going to get rid of the culprit,¡± Cayden spat coldly. His tone was enough to cause one to shudder.


    In the VIP ward, Nicole was enjoying the fruits her manager, Wendy, had cut for her while watching the


    television.


    There had been too many scandals about her recently. In order to act like a pitiful and innocent victim,


    she followed Wendy''s advice and stayed in the hospital. asionally, she would disclose to the media


    her self-proimed miserable life after being abandoned.


    But in actual fact, she was living such a pleasant life.


    ire wanted to bring Nicole home to recuperate. However, every time she brought up this topic, the


    latter would pretend to despair, and ire could only let her daughter be because of how much she


    loved her.


    ire had the impression that Nicole had been acting weird for some time now. There was an


    indescribable sorrow in the way the younger woman behaved. Nheless, ire didn''t think much of


    it because she thought her daughter was affected by the broken engagement.


    Throughout this period, ire had gone to her office less frequently and spent most of her time with


    Nicole out of fear that her daughter would do something foolish.


    That morning, ire had gone to herpany to handle something urgent and was not back yet.


    Wendy stayed with Nicole the whole time.


    Thetter was watching the shocking news on television about Avery being severely injured after a


    venomous snake bit her and about Trident Group''s properties being at risk once more because of this


    incident, causing a plunge in their stock prices.


    Even though she looked calm, she was over the moon.


    Even if Avery didn''t die, there''s no way she can keep the b*stard in her belly after getting bitten by a


    venomous snake!


    Nicole and Wendy were chattering jubntly when the door was suddenly kicked open.


    A few men in ck wearing sunsses rushed into the room.


    ¡°Hey! Who are you? What are you doing? Don''t you know the precious daughter of the state secretary


    is here? You¡ª¡± Wendy shouted arrogantly but quickly shut her mouth when she was threatened by a


    dagger.


    ¡°Shut your mouth if you don''t want to die!¡± One of the men in ck was clearly impatient. He pointed


    the dagger at Nicole''s neck and continued coldly, ¡°You''reing with us!¡±


    At the sight of this, Wendy quickly reached for her phone to call the police. However, the man instantly


    knocked her out cold, and she fell onto the ground the next second.


    It was the first time Nicole had ever encountered something like this, so she was quite frightened.


    She had starred in movies like this, where she was the one who was kidnapped. Who would have


    thought something like it would happen to her in real life?


    Nicole was always cautious and showed the outside world her best side. She could not fathom who


    had such a huge grudge against her that they would kidnap her.


    ncing over at the already-fainted Wendy, Nicole abandoned the idea of secretly contacting her


    parents through her phone. She wanted to open her mouth to speak, but pain shot through the back of


    her head, and she fainted too.


    The men acted quickly, and everything happened at the speed of light. There were few people in the


    second-floor VIP wards, so by the time the nurses noticed Wendy was unconscious and Nicole had


    been kidnapped, the car had sped away before they even had time to scream or memorize the car


    te number.


    Soon, Nicole was woken up when someone poured cold water on her.


    She noticed that she was in an abandoned factory. Around her were rusted shelves and old, worn-out


    machines. Even the windows and doors were rusted and were all on the verge of copse. Besides


    that, there was nothing else in her surroundings.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Whenever the wind blew, the shelves would let out a squeaking sound as if it were a scene in a horror


    movie.


    That alone sent goosebumps all over Nicole''s body.


    As she thought about how she was knocked out back at the hospital, she tried to stand up but noticed


    that her hands and legs were tied up with ropes. There was no way she could move at all.


    Fear arose, and she quickly attempted to loosen the ropes. However, someone kicked her almost


    immediately and said, ¡°You''d better stay still!¡±


    Nicole red at the man who dared to kick her, trying her best to memorize his facial features.


    No one had dared to raise their voices at her ever since she became the daughter of the Lambert


    family, much less beat her. However, the man was wearing sunsses, so she could only somewhat


    make out his features and see his figure. Naturally, this made Nicole exceedingly bitter.


    But her eyes dropped instantly when she saw the other men near her.


    These men were extremely tough and strong, and their suits bulged from holding their muscles in.


    Fear grew in her heart, and Nicole was at a loss.


    Suddenly, the doors opened, and piercing sunlight shone through. The woman squinted instantly and


    saw a hulking figure walk in the next second.


    The man walked over and stared down at the curled-up woman.


    The moment Nicole realized it was Cayden standing before her, the stunned expression she had on


    instantly changed into an overjoyed one.


    Her haggard face flushed red because of the happiness she felt. ¡°Cayden, a-are you here to save me?¡±


    Cayden raised a brow. His smile was as cold as the devil''s as he replied, ¡°Ms. Nicole, we haven''t met in


    a few days, but you still seem high-spirited.¡±


    Tears welled up in Nicole''s eyes, and she nearly forgot about the fact that she had been kidnapped. ¡°I


    haven''t been well at all, Cayden. I''ve been so miserable these days. Why did you break off our


    engagement when I love you so much? Is it because I''m not good enough? I''ve been looking forward to


    seeing you visit me. Who would have thought God would answer my prayers? You still have me in your


    heart, don''t you?¡±


    Cayden sneered coldly at her hysteria. This woman is crazy!


    He bent down slowly and lifted her trembling chin. He lifted it so high that it looked as though he was


    going to break her neck.


    Cayden opened his mouth, and his cold voice sounded. ¡°I''m here to save you? An evil woman like


    you? Do you think you deserve it?¡±


    Right then, one of the men in ck handed him a wet tissue.


    Cayden took it and wiped his hand that had touched Nicole. Disgust was written all over his face as he


    did so. Then, once he was done, he threw the tissue into a trashcan nearby.


    ¡°You...¡± Nicole''s face paled. She couldn''t understand what he was trying to do.


    Cayden stared coldly at her. A sinister smile hung on his lips as he said, ¡°Ms. Nicole, I remember I''ve


    specifically told you not to bother my woman, haven''t I?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Nicole yed dumb as she avoided his gaze. ¡°W-What are you t-talking about, Cayden? I


    don''t understand...¡±

 Chapter 538

    Chapter 538


    Chapter 538 A Taste Of Your Own Medicine


    Suddenly, a sharp dagger was pressed against Nicole''s cheek.


    She tightened her grip on the corner of her clothes and shudder.


    Suppressing her fear, she stuttered, ¡°C-Cayden, what are you doing? It''s dangerous to hold a knife like


    that. C-Can you please take it away...¡±


    The man was still as handsome as ever and could easilymand everyone''s attention, but when he


    looked at her, his eyes were filled with hatred and disgust.


    Tears started welling up in Nicole''s eyes, and she felt a sharp pain sensation as if someone had


    pricked her heart with a needle.


    The idea that Cayden held such animosity toward her was too much for her to handle.


    While Nicole had grown ustomed to his apathetic demeanor toward her, the fact that he harbored


    hatred and disgust toward her was something that Nicole found unbearable.


    ¡°You''re scared, huh? I thought you were fearless, Ms. Lambert. When you attempted suicide publicly in


    front of the media, why didn''t you make deeper cuts on your wrist? The show you put on was utterly


    nauseating! Nicole Lambert, I turned a blind eye to all your wicked ways because of Mr. William, but I


    didn''t expect you to have the audacity to target Avery repeatedly. Are you tired of living?¡± Cayden


    gently waved the dagger near her cheek, causing a sharp, burning pain to shoot through her facial


    muscles.


    Nicole was paralyzed with fear, not daring to even flinch. She was afraid that the knife would slice her


    cheek and ruin her stunning appearance.


    ¡°Cayden, I have no idea what you''re talking about. Ms. Rumpley might be my love rival, and I know you


    love her very much, but I swear I''ve never intentionally harmed her in any way even though I might


    have said things to provoke her. All the mishaps that happened to her have nothing to do with me...¡±


    Nicole could not stop shivering, but she outright denied her involvement in all the incidents.


    She thought if she remained tight-lipped and denied any wrongdoing, Cayden might not treat her


    harshly out of respect for her parents.


    However, if she were to tell the truth, given Cayden''s vindictive nature, she felt it would be difficult to


    escape his punishment.


    ¡°You still refuse to admit what you''ve done, huh?¡± Cayden sneered, his voice full of hostility. ¡°Yes, you


    didn''t do it yourself because you''re the mastermind who ordered others to dump venomous snakes into


    the mansion on Mount Loang!¡±


    With a slight twist of the dagger in his hand, Cayden cut off half of Nicole''s lustrous ck hair.


    The moment the loose strands fell onto her face, chest, and thighs, she shrieked uncontrobly once


    again.


    She feared that he would target her face next and ruin her beauty.


    ¡°It wasn''t me, Cayden. It really wasn''t me. You can''t simply use me without any evidence. What


    mansion on Mount Loang? What venomous snake? I don''t know what you''re talking about...¡± Nicole


    was a talented actress who could easily manipte her emotions.


    Despite trembling in fear, she did not forget to put on a show to fervently clear herself of guilt.


    Yet, to Cayden, her cowardly and unappealing behavior only intensified his disgust.


    ¡°Do you think I''ll bring you here without evidence?¡± Cayden tossed a stack of photos at her.


    One after another, those photos drifted down andnded on the uneven concrete floor.


    Nicole could not believe her eyes when she saw those photos.


    Among the photos were those of the pesticide dealer caught by the cops and henchmen sent by


    Roderick to release venomous snakes and even pictures of her and Roderick engaging in sexual acts.


    ¡°I never would have guessed that you, Ms. Lambert, were such a free spirit. You give off an air of


    sophistication and ss, yet you lead such a promiscuous private life. You even took pictures of


    yourself engaging in lewd acts with a man. I wonder how the media would react if I were to release


    these photos. You have such a captivating charm that even Mr. Fuller was under your spell and willing


    to participate in your malicious schemes. Do you think your adoptive parents would still be proud of you


    knowing that they raised such a cunning and vicious daughter?¡± Cayden sneered in a cold tone.


    Nicole was utterly dumbstruck. H-How did this happen? Roderick has always been reliable in handling


    things, and he never leaves any trace behind. How did Cayden manage to catch him in such a short


    time?


    What shocked her the most was Cayden actually had photos of her and Roderick engaging in intimate


    acts.


    If he were to release those pictures to the public, her career in the entertainment industry would be


    over.


    Nicole recalled a scandal from about ten years ago in the entertainment industry when nude photos


    were leaked.


    As soon as the private lives of those female celebrities, known for their sweet and innocent personas,


    were exposed, they instantly fell from grace.


    Since then, their careers plummeted, and they never had a chance to make aeback.


    Although a decade had passed, those female celebrities and the scandal they were involved in remain


    a hot topic amongizens.


    When people talked about them, their tone was still filled with disgust, mockery, and contempt.


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Nicole was aware that many of the celebrities, including singers and film stars, whose nude photos


    were leaked were once the pirs of the entertainment industry. Despite their previous sess, they


    were unable to revive their careers after the scandal.


    Even if her adoptive father was William Lambert, the state secretary, no prominent family would


    consider marrying a woman with a tainted reputation.


    Nicole started panicking and pleaded with Cayden in between sobs, ¡°C-Cayden, I didn''t mean to do it.


    Jealousy got the better of me. I love you so much, but you kept ignoring me. I just wanted to teach


    Avery a lesson, not to harm her. I''m telling you the truth! Can you please forgive me? I''ll do anything


    you want me to. I swear I won''t do it again!¡±


    ¡°You won''t do it again?¡± Cayden scoffed. ¡°Do you think I''ll believe your words? Do you really think I


    didn''t know that you were behind the cat attack? Do you think I am unaware that you hit Avery with


    your car, almost causing her to miscarry? At that time, I wanted to destroy you, but I decided to let it


    slide out of respect for your father and to umte merits for Avery''s unborn child. I thought you


    would stop if I showed no interest in you, but you kept testing my patience by trying to kill Avery! Are


    you tired of living? I will send you to hell myself! Since you are so fond of venomous snakes, I''ll let you


    get a taste of your own medicine!¡±


    Cayden waved his hand indifferently, signaling a few men in ck suits toe in with several woven


    bags in their hands.


    It was unclear what was in the bags, but the way they moved caused Nicole to shudder.


    Nicole was on high alert, sensing that something terrible was about to happen. However, before she


    could even react, the men in ck suits opened the woven bags and emptied the contents onto her


    head and body.


    Those creatures were snakes.


    Nicole instantly screamed in terror. Her sharp voice reverberated through the abandoned factory.


    Countless ck snakes, white snakes, spotted snakes, color-changing snakes, and ball-shaped


    snakes writhed and coiled around her neck, arms, and thighs. She was so terrified that her eyes rolled


    back, and she was on the verge of fainting.


    One of the men even pried open her mouth and made her swallow a white pill.


    After the pill dissolved, Nicole found herself not only unable to speak but also with a frighteningly clear


    mind. She could not even faint to escape the situation.


    Nicole fixed her terrified gaze on the man who walked away calmly, tears streaming down her face.


    Cayden Moore, you''re indeed a ruthless man!

 Chapter 539

    Chapter 539


    Chapter 539 Karma Strikes


    Avery was beginning to wonder if she would ever see thest of the hospital.


    The injury on her leg from the ident had barely healed before she got bitten by the poisonous


    snakes, which nearly caused a miscarriage.


    After all this time with Cayden, it seems like every encounter with danger I have had has been rted


    to him one way or another.


    ¡°Could it be that Mr. Moore is a jinx to you, Ery? What a carefree life you''ve led before being with him.


    In fact, you barely even caught a cold. Since being with him, you''ve gotten scratched by a cat, ran over


    by a car, and even bitten by snakes now. My God! How could so many awful things happen to a single


    person?¡± Nina handed the peeled apple to Avery while shaking her head in disbelief.


    ¡°I think so too.¡± Bracing her swollen belly, Cecelia handed Avery a newspaper that was several days


    old. ¡°Look, ever since you got together with Mr. Moore, you''ve be a staple for gossip. In fact, news


    about you is more frequently reported than those movie stars! I think steering clear of him might


    actually save your life.¡±


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Avery did not know what to say.


    Why are other''s rtionships so smooth sailing and sweet? Mine, however, almost cost me my life.


    Though her encounter with the snakes had been days ago, Avery was still gued by nightmares of


    the attack. In her dreams, the squirming reptiles widened their scarlet maws to pierce her with their


    fangs.


    Some nights, she even dreamed that she was lying in a pool of blood, having been bitten all over. The


    mere thought sent a shudder down her spine.


    Avery had always been afraid of snakes. This time, the trauma left behind was so severe that it would


    be long before she could step out of its shadow.


    Though she smiled politely at her friend''s well-meant advice, she did not take it seriously. ¡°I''ve known


    Cayden for years and our rtionship isn''t something you would understand. That''s what love is. It


    can''t be sweet all the time. Sometimes, there would be bitterness. While I''m fortunate enough to bask


    in the warmth our rtionship brings me, I should brave its dangers and cold disappointments.¡±


    Cecelia giggled as she caressed her swollen belly. ¡°Forget it. You''ve made up your mind to be with Mr.


    Moore for the rest of your life no matter what we say, anyway. However, you''re lucky to have met


    somebody as gentle, thoughtful, and wealthy as him, who has eyes for you only. It would be nice if you


    didn''t have that many obstacles to face though.¡±


    Ninaughed. ¡°Life is never smooth sailing. How vicious is the person responsible for the snakes


    though? How could they employ such a wicked tactic against a defenseless pregnant woman? I hope


    Mr. Moore catches the perpetrator soon and teaches them a lesson. Better yet, I hope this fellow''s


    unborn child turns out deformed! Oops, I shouldn''t have said that. Their child is innocent. They should


    bear the punishment for their sins instead.¡±


    Her profane words made Ceceliaugh even harder. Even Avery chuckled helplessly.


    That was Nina''s true colors, though it was not proper for her to start cursing whenever her friends


    became worked up.


    ¡°I would like to go out for a walk,¡± Avery said. ¡°I''m feeling lousy after being stuck in this ward for too


    long. Let''s get some fresh air outside, girls.¡±


    ¡°Sure!¡± Nina was the first to agree for she hated the smell of sanitizer. ¡°Would you like me to wheel you


    out, Ery?¡±


    She was worried for Avery''s leg, which had notpletely healed, and her frail constitution. After all,


    she nearly had a miscarriage in the aftermath of the ident.


    Avery shook her head. It''s all right. My leg is almost as good as new. Besides, the doctor told me I


    should take walks and get some fresh air instead of lying in bed all day. It would also do the baby some


    good.¡±


    At the mention of the baby, Cecelia began ranting. ¡°That''s right. We pregnant women should stay in


    shape too. You''re five months pregnant, right? I''m about seven. It''s tiresome having to haul the babies


    around every day! My limbs are swollen from this. It''s not easy being a mother. I swear, after popping


    these two, I''ll be done for the rest of my life.¡±


    Nina covered her mouth to conceal her smile. ¡°If you find them troublesome, you could give me one of


    your babies and I''ll raise them. I don''t think they''re tiresome.¡±


    Cecelia rolled her eyes. ¡°Though Iin about my two little ones, I love them very much. Nobody


    can take them from me! Find yourself a man to have them with you if you want children so badly.¡±


    The atmosphere tensed up slightly following her words. Nina''s expression became unnaturally upset.


    Cecelia did not notice the shift. ¡°What''s the matter? Did I say something wrong?¡± she asked nkly


    upon noticing Nina''s expression.


    Avery knew that Cecelia''s words had prodded at Nina''s old wound. Her heart skipped a beat.


    After smoothing her hospital gown, Avery got out of bed and took Nina''s arm to lead her outside,


    smiling as she did so. ¡°Let''s go for a walk outside.¡±


    The hospital''s surroundings were a refreshing respite, with almost eighty percent of its grounds


    covered in greenery. Hence, the air was fresh and crisp. That along with spending time with her two


    best friends exchanging anecdotes from work and life, was just the thing Avery needed after being


    cooped up in her ward for so long.


    Upon arriving at a neighboring building, the women saw police tapes and armed policemen standing


    guard everywhere.


    Every staff entering or exiting that building was subjected to a stringent registration process.


    Avery stared, wondering what had happened to warrant the presence of so many policemen.


    Could there be a medical dispute?


    She exchanged a curious nce with Cecelia. Nina was already on her way over to ask the other


    bystanders crowding around the building. Soon after, she hurried back.


    ¡°Guess what I just heard?¡± Nina asked Avery and Cecelia mysteriously.


    Cecelia grew impatient. ¡°What is it? Stop teasing us!¡±


    ¡°Come over here. I''ve got some good news.¡±


    Tugging Cecelia by the hand, Nina repositioned her and Avery to stand in a circle.


    ¡°I heard that Mr. Lambert''s daughter had been kidnapped!¡± she whispered excitedly. ¡°Hah! Nicole''s


    karma has finally caught up to her! That phony b*tch has finally gotten what''sing.¡±


    Avery was stunned.


    She could scarcely believe the coincidence of Nicole being admitted to the same hospital as her, much


    less of her being kidnapped from there.


    Being the best hospital in Ackleton, the number of patients it saw every day was numerous.


    I wonder how her kidnappers have managed to take her away under the noses of everybody here.


    Suddenly, Avery recalled she heard Cayden say something when she was still semi-conscious... ¡°Take


    care of the perpetrator!¡±


    Avery''s heart jump to her throat. She felt unwell.


    Could Cayden have kidnapped Nicole?

 Chapter 540

    Chapter 540


    Chapter 540 Exposed


    While Avery was wondering if Cayden was the one who had kidnapped Nicole, a woman''s bossy voice


    interrupted her reverie. ¡°I don''t care how you manage it, you''re going to find me a match! The doctor


    said Sammy''s life will be in danger if we don''t conduct the bone marrow transnt soon. He is my


    everything and your only son. I won''t let anything happen to him!¡±


    A man wasforting her. ¡°Don''t panic. I''ll find a suitable match.¡±


    His voice was familiar. Puzzled, Avery gazed toward its source.


    She saw Xavier tugging the arm of a beautiful but domineering woman at the end of the corridor.


    The woman looked to be in her early thirties, and it was apparent that she took good care of herself¡ª


    her figure was lithe, and there was a priceless-looking pendant hung around her neck. Though it was


    in from a nce that she hade from a good background, her overbearing attitude seemed to


    have impaired her elegance.


    Xavier, too, had caught sight of Avery and the others.


    When his gaze fell onto Cecelia, his eyes shone once in particr.


    Xavier smiled abashedly as he walked forward to greet them. ¡°What a coincidence running into you


    here, Ms. Rumpley! Allow me to introduce my ex-wife, Griselda Whitman.¡±


    He turned to indicate Avery, then turned to the woman called Griselda. ¡°Grizzie, this is my boss''


    fianc¨¦e, Avery Rumpley. The other two are my coworkers, Cecelia Zuckerberg and Nina Richter.¡±


    Griselda peered down her nose at Avery. ¡°Who cares about who they are. I''m giving you thirty days,


    Xavier. You''re going to find Sammy a match, or get ready to bury your son!¡±


    Without even greeting them, she stomped out of the outpatient building, her heels leaving a trail of


    cking in her wake.


    Avery was surprised at the nasty temper Xavier''s ex-wife possessed, but as it was unlikely for her to


    meet thetter again, Avery did not take it to heart.


    Nina, being her usual carefree self, cared even less about Griselda''s attitude.


    Cecelia, on the other hand, felt differently. Her heart, which had swelled with excitement when she saw


    Xavier, quickly plummeted.


    Mr. Dartsley''s ex-wife is so arrogant that he doesn''t look like he has a say in anything in front of her.


    Could this be the reason for their divorce?


    Helpless, Xavier gazed at Griselda''s departing silhouette, awkwardly fiddling with his gold-rimmed


    sses as he did so. ¡°My apologies. She''s always been like this.¡±


    ¡°It''s all right,¡± Avery said courteously before adding, unable to contain her curiosity, ¡°I heard your ex-


    wife mention something about your son needing a bone marrow transnt, Mr. Dartsley. Is he ill?¡±


    Cecelia''s eyelid twitched. ¡°You are good at hiding things, Mr. Dartsley. I''ve never heard about you


    having a son despite all these years of working together.¡±


    For some reason, Cecelia felt a difort in her heart she could not quite identify at the news of


    Xavier having a son.


    It was possibly due to the gratitude she felt for his intervention when she had run into her ex-boyfriend


    at the children''s apparel store. It was also then that she began to develop those unexinable feelings


    for him.


    From that day on, Cecelia no longer gave him the cold shoulder at the office. Instead, she treated him


    warmly.


    As she spent more time with Xavier, Cecelia realized that he was mature and interesting. His charisma,


    in particr, seemed to know no bounds.


    Xavier, on his end, seemed to have taken on a protective role. Aside from looking after her at work,


    they often met outside the office; he would ask her out to dinner or a walk through the malls after work


    ¡ªactivities that were generally done by people in rtionships.


    Though they never ventured into the territory of intimacy, they seemed to understand the unspoken


    arrangement.


    Cecelia could sense that he liked her.


    However, the news of Xavier having a son struck her like a thunderbolt. The tender shoot of hope and


    trust that newly sprouted in her heart, wilted almost immediately.


    However, Cecelia did not show it. Her smile persisted, though it did not reach her eyes.


    Xavier knew her well. He could tell that was an act Cecelia put on when she was unhappy.


    Gazing at her exquisite features, he opened his mouth but hesitated.


    He knew that was not the time to tell her everything. With a sigh, he refrained from delving into an


    exnation.


    Clueless as always, Nina did not notice the subtle exchange between them. ¡°All the girls at the office


    thought you were a bachelor, Mr. Dartsley,¡± she teased. ¡°It''s a shock to find out that you have a son!


    Well done! How old is he?¡±


    Xavier gave a bitter chuckle. ¡°I did not know Griselda was pregnant when we divorced five years ago.


    As she held a grudge against me because I was the one who suggested we split up, she kept this from


    me until very recently. Sammy is four this year. He contracted leukemia when he was younger,


    necessitating a bone marrow transnt. If not for his illness, Griselda might never have told me that I


    have a son.¡±


    The three women fell silent, at a loss on what to say.


    Though medical technology had evolved by leaps and bounds, leukemia remained one of those


    incurable diseases.


    Furthermore, it was difficult to find a match. Even if one was found, there were countless instances of


    patients sumbing to the disease due to variousplications despite the initial sess of the


    transnt.


    Avery cleared her throat. ¡°Could we see your son, Mr. Dartsley?¡± she asked tentatively.


    Xavier shook his head. ¡°Sammy''s at a hospital in Baykeep, not here. Griselda heard that Dr. Lampert of


    People''s Hospital in Ackleton is an expert in treating leukemia in children, so she wants to switch him


    over. We''d just met with him and had arranged for the transfer. I''ll bring him over from Baykeep this


    afternoon.¡±


    Avery hummed in response before continuing, ¡°Don''t worry, Mr. Dartsley. If there''s a will, there''s a way.


    You will surely find Sammy a suitable donor.¡±


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    ¡°Yes, I''m sure of it,¡± Xavier affirmed confidently.


    He was still in shock, unable to grasp that he had a four-year-old son.


    After the initial shock wore off, abination of dazedness and helplessness, followed by excitement,


    joy, and finally despair, overwhelmed him. Xavier gazed at Cecelia with aplicated mix of emotions


    in his eyes. He felt guilty about having to let Cecelia down.


    Cecelia bit her lip. Her eyshes concealed her disappointment. Instinctively, she caressed her babies


    that would be due in two months.


    It''s not that big of a deal. Soon, I''ll have two babies who will love me.


    ...


    Having taken an interest in embroidering ofte, Silvia came to Needlemania, a reputable old store, for


    an intricate piece she intended toplete as a gift to her husband to celebrate his promotion.


    After spending much time deliberating over the selection, Silvia decided on a piece and paid for it.


    As soon as she emerged from the store, she caught sight of Allie in a remote corner, who appeared to


    be engaged in a heated debate with a woman whose face she could not quite see.


    Due to the distance, Silvia could not hear the contents of their argument. The only things she caught


    were fragments of Allie''s furious voice. ¡°Why did youe back?¡±


    ¡°The child is still alive!¡±


    ¡°If this gets exposed, you''re going to pay for it,¡± and simr words of threat.


    Silvia''s brows furrowed.


    She never saw much of Allie because of ire. In fact, she had almost never witnessed Allie losing


    control like that.


    ¡°If this gets exposed.¡± What does that mean? Knowing how shrewd Allie is, she would not lose her


    temper in public if she had not been truly angered.


    Unable to contain her curiosity, Silvia shuffled a little closer instinctively, intent on finding out the subject


    of their quarrel.

 Chapter 541

    Chapter 541


    Chapter 541 The Obstetrician


    Allie did not expect to meet Yara Lynch again in Ackleton. She was an obstetrician who once helped


    ire deliver her baby.


    Gritting her teeth, Allie stared at Yara angrily. She was so tempted to hit Yara on her head with her


    Louis Vuitton bag. ¡°Didn''t you promise me to never step into Ackleton ever again? I can''t believe that


    you would go back on your own word! What are you trying to do, Yara? Are you trying to break your


    promise?¡±


    Yara was in her fifties. She was tall and chubby and had a very ordinary appearance. In fact, it would


    be difficult to spot her with her average appearance in the crowd. The only thing that stood out was her


    round and plump body figure.


    Yara was Allie''s age. However, without maintaining her appearance, she looked much older than Allie.


    Yara didn''t expect to be caught red-handed by Allie just a few days after she arrived in Ackleton.


    Guiltily, she said, ¡°I''ve been staying overseas for years as promised. My rtive just passed away.


    That''s why I return to attend her funeral. After that, I''ll leave the country. You have my word!¡±


    Allie didn''t believe her. ¡°Do you think I''m a fool? Stop fooling around! If it''s the truth, you won''t possibly


    look so delighted! Why would you have the mood to shop in an embroidery shop if your rtive had


    just passed away? Have you been sneaking back here over the years?¡±


    Allie was definitely not dull-witted, albeit having a bad temper.


    She waspletely skeptical of Yara''s words.


    ¡°That''s not true. Do I look like someone who would go back on my words? Ie back to attend my


    rtive''s funeral. Come along with me if you don''t believe in me. I like embroidery, and embroidery is


    famous here in Chanaea. It''s hard to find an embroidery shop abroad. While I''m here, I n to buy


    more embroideries and bring them back. I didn''t expect to meet you here,¡± Yara exined in a hurry,


    chuckling awkwardly.


    Yara regretted taking Allie''s money to cover up the truth. Had she not done that, she wouldn''t have had


    to restrict her movement by staying overseas and not being able to return home.


    Although everyone assumed Yara lived a morous life staying overseas, she felt helpless most of the


    time living alone.


    ¡°Yara, leave immediately once you''ve settled your matter here. I won''t let you off that easily if I see you


    again. I bet you don''t know how powerful my son is. He''s the CEO of Trident Group. It''s not difficult for


    me to get rid of you here in Ackleton,¡± said Allie icily.


    Yara lowered her head and recalled some memories from the past after hearing such threatening


    words.


    Twenty years ago, Yara had just graduated from medical university and had been assigned to work as


    an obstetrician in a small town with an average sry. Working in a government institution, she had to


    deal withplicated social rtionships between colleagues. Very often, some of her colleagues


    there would give her a hard time.


    Being a proud person, Yara refused to tolerate those schemes.


    She decisively resigned from her position after much deliberation to set up her gynecology clinic.


    Yara''s enthusiastic service and outstanding medical skills helped her clinic to gain a little bit of


    reputation and establish her client base.


    She remembered everything from that day clearly. It was raining cats and dogs outside, and she was


    working alone in the clinic.


    In the evening, a charming pregnantdy visited the clinic, and the patient''s name was ire Walsh.


    ire''s amniotic fluid had broken, causing her baby to be in danger.


    Usually, the husbands or family members would apany the mother to a hospital before the


    delivery. However, ire''s husband was not in sight.


    Instead, it was Allie who kept herpany. Yara''s first impression of Allie was her mboyant outfits.


    Due to the remote location, the hospital was too far away for them. They offered Yara high pay for the


    delivery. Yara didn''t give it much thought and agreed to deliver the baby for ire.


    Other than having a weak physique, ire had a narrow pelvis. Her body condition made the delivery a


    difficult one.


    Hours passed, but ire was still unable to give birth to the baby.


    She felt extreme pain in her abdomen and was exhausted from the process. It was too excruciating for


    ire to bear that her consciousness became a blur.


    Blood was gushing out from her, making her condition worse.


    It was a critical moment. Yara could either save ire or the baby.


    At that time,munication and transportation in that small neighborhood were less-developed, and it


    was inconvenient to get an ambnce too.


    Feeling helpless, Yara had to ask ire to sign a medical waiver.


    As Allie was not ire''s family member, she had no right to sign the waiver for her. Yara had to ask for


    ire''s consent before proceeding with the necessary.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    ¡°ire, you''re in a critical condition now and are losing a lot of blood. You may choose to save your life


    or the baby''s. I need your family member to sign the waiver for you. Since you''re alone here, I''ll leave


    the decision to you.¡±


    Shortly after, Yara handed the agreements to ire and added, ¡°Sign on Agreement A if you choose to


    save your life. If you want to save the baby, sign on Agreement B.¡±


    ire was breaking out in a cold sweat at that time. She looked weak, unable to tolerate the pain


    anymore.


    Nevertheless, upon hearing that question, she answered unwaveringly, ¡°Save my baby! I''m okay with


    anything as long as my baby is healthy and safe!¡±


    ¡°ire, you should save your life first. Your life is more important!¡± Allie tried to convince her.


    Yara persuaded, ¡°She''s right, Ms. Walsh. You can have another baby in the future. Do you want your


    baby to be born without a mother?¡±


    ire answered firmly, ¡°Save my baby at all costs! I beg you, doctor. Something happened to my


    husband, and he wishes to see our baby. I don''t know how to face him if I can''t save our baby! If my


    baby is gone, I don''t want to live anymore.¡±


    As ire said that, she started sobbing.


    She couldn''t help but me herself for being useless.


    Yara didn''t know what to do as she watched ire cry pitifully. She respected her decision and let her


    sign the waiver. The rest was up to fate.


    Just when everyone thought ire couldn''t make it, she fought hard and was fortunate enough to give


    birth to a beautiful baby girl.


    Eventually, ire was out of danger. Perhaps it was because she had been tormented too much during


    the delivery that she fell asleep right after that.


    Yara was exhrated to wee the newborn into this world. While she was still rejoicing, she was


    approached by Allie to make a secret deal with her.


    That deal stopped her from returning to her country for over twenty years. She couldn''t even fulfill her


    duty as a daughter to her parents. Thinking about that, Yara merely felt a gush of regret.


    She couldn''t help but wonder what grudge did Allie have against ire that Allie wanted to harm her


    best friend.


    On the surface, their friendship seemed so strong and close, and it was apparent that ire trusted


    Allie a lot.


    Although she was curious, Yara refused to intervene in others'' affairs.


    ¡°My man is one of the richest men. As long as you agree to make the deal with me, I''ll send you


    abroad, and I''ll pay you an exorbitant sum of hush money,¡± offered Allie.


    Fearing that Yara wouldn''t buy her words, Allie took off a priceless ne from her neck as a pledge


    right after saying that.


    It was Yara''s dream to go abroad. In fact, she knew that it was nearly impossible for her to fulfill that


    dream. At that moment, Yara was tempted by that hefty sum of hush money, albeit knowing that it was


    a dirty deal.

 Chapter 542

    Chapter 542


    Chapter 542 The Child Of ire


    Yara and Allie conspired to rece ire''s healthy and beautiful daughter with a stillborn child born to


    a random local girl.


    ire was utterly devastated when she woke up to find out she had given birth to a stillborn baby due


    to her difficult childbirth. Her pale face was filled with despair as she held the stillborn baby tightly and


    refused to let go of it.


    Afterward, she would cry her eyes out every day.


    She med herself for failing to protect her child.


    Yara felt bad when she saw ire living her life aimlessly, but she was blinded by her personal


    benefits. Since she had alreadymitted the act, she had no choice but to go along with it. She knew


    she had to stop feeling bad for ire.


    In fact, Yara even forced herself to show sympathy and urge ire to let go of the incident, saying that


    ire was healthy enough to conceive again.


    However, that was a lie. Yara knew that it would be difficult for ire to get pregnant again after the


    difficult childbirth she had gone through.


    After the incident, Allie kept her promise by giving Yara a fortune and sending Yara abroad.


    At first, Yara was worried about getting exposed. She lived her life in fear. However, upon arriving in a


    foreign country, she quickly fell in love with her exciting and blissful life. She had her fair share of fun


    for a while because everything seemed to have been kept under wraps in her home country.


    Having spent a period of time in the foreign country, Yara couldn''t help realizing the fact that the grass


    wasn''t greener on the other side. Her life abroad wasn''t as wonderful as she had thought it would be.


    Racism in the country she was in was rampant, and she, being an Aplothian, was heavily discriminated


    against.


    Nevertheless, Yara knew there was no turning back because she had already epted Allie''s money,


    and Allie had dirt on her.


    Allie had even threatened to destroy Yara''s reputation if she ever caught Yara returning to the country.


    If that were to happen, Yara would have her medical license revoked.


    Yara used the money Allie had given to her as a start-up capital for a clinic.


    Her clinic was doing all right financially, and she even married a Chanaean shortly after. All in all, her


    life was neither good nor bad.


    As Yara grew older, however, she began missing her home country. She wanted to get her parents to


    stay permanently in the country she was in, but her parents couldn''t get used to the lifestyle there.


    They would leave in a hurry every time they went over to visit her.


    Yara felt extremely helpless at that time.


    She wanted to return to her home and take care of her parents, but she couldn''t do it openly. She had


    to sneak around whenever she visited her parents.


    Yara felt extremely helpless at that time.


    She wanted to return to her home and take care of her parents, but she couldn''t do it openly. She had


    to sneak around whenever she visited her parents.


    Unfortunately, Yara was caught red-handed by Allie the moment she returned this time.


    With her memories came rushing back into her mind, Yara sighed heavily and asked in a curious tone,


    ¡°Where is ire''s child now? Is she still alive, or did you kill the child?¡±


    After all these years, although Yara had been living abroad, she had been deeply troubled by what she


    had done to ire. In fact, Yara would even have nightmares about it.


    In her nightmares, a madwoman would always chase after her and ask for a child from her. Naturally,


    that prevented her from ever having peace of mind.


    ¡°Why are you pretending to care about the child now? Save your pretentious act! You weren''t this


    merciful when you took my money and reced ire''s daughter with a stillborn child back then!¡± Allie


    sneered.


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Yara saw red when she heard that and argued, ¡°I know I was greedy, and Imitted a heartless act.


    However, you''re just as evil! You were so close to ire, but all you thought about was swapping her


    daughter with a stillborn child! When ire was ming herself for losing her daughter, you were even


    comforting her. What did ire ever do wrong to deserve such an evil friend like you?¡±


    ¡°What did you say?¡± Allie was infuriated, and she raised her palm into the air.


    Yara, who was a strong woman, grabbed Allie''s hand and said, ¡°What''s the matter? Are you mad? You


    didn''t tell me why you swapped ire''s child, but I knew why. You were jealous because ire was


    prettier than you, and she married a handsome and rich man. You couldn''t stand seeing her living a


    happier life than you, so you took her child away.¡±


    Allie wanted to p Yara because Yara was spot-on. However, Yara was a lot taller and stronger than


    her, so she wasn''t Yara''s match.


    Upon checking her surroundings and seeing others walking toward them, Allie suddenly realized they


    weren''t supposed to discuss the matter publicly.


    She suppressed her anger and said to Yara, ¡°We shouldn''t be talking here. Let''s go somewhere else to


    talk.¡±


    With that, Allie put on her sunsses and led Yara away from the scene nonchntly.


    Silvia rubbed her eyes because she couldn''t believe what she had seen.


    It wasn''t until she saw Allie pass by the ss window that she realized she wasn''t hallucinating. So,


    ire didn''t give birth to a stillborn child. Allie and that woman secretly swapped ire''s daughter with


    a stillborn child! But... Allie and ire were close, no? Why did Allie do that to ire? Where''s ire''s


    daughter now? Is the girl still alive?


    A series of questions popped up in Silvia''s mind, and by the time she regained herposure, Allie


    and Yara had left.


    Silvia went after them hurriedly, but there were too many people in the mall. She spent a long time


    looking for them but ultimately lost them.


    She gritted her teeth in frustration and drove to the Lambert residence as quickly as she could to tell


    ire about it. If ire finds out her daughter is alive, she''ll be over the moon!


    That night, Avery couldn''t stand the smell of disinfectant in the hospital, so she asked Jeremy to send


    her back to the mansion.


    When she called Cayden, Cayden told her he was busy at work and would be homete.


    Avery decided to wait for him. I must ask him if he kidnapped Nicole!


    Avery felt restless throughout the night.


    She had wanted to wait for Cayden to arrive home, but she soon felt sleepy due to her pregnancy. By


    midnight, Cayden was still at work.


    In the end, she fell asleep on the couch in front of the floor-to-ceiling window.


    At around one in the morning, Cayden finally arrived home in a rush and saw Avery sleeping on the


    couch. Her cheeks look rosier now, and they''re no longer as pale as when she was in the hospital.


    Even her lips are red.


    Avery was sleeping lightly. Sensing that Cayden had arrived home, she gradually opened her eyes.


    Upon seeing the tall man in front of her, she rubbed her sleepy eyes and mumbled, ¡°You''re back,


    Cayden...¡±


    Cayden was attracted by her gentle and groggy look. He bent down, wrapped his arms around her, and


    kissed her passionately.

 Chapter 543

    Chapter 543


    Chapter 543 Something Has Happened To Nickie


    Cayden carried Avery to the bedroom and kissed her forehead. ¡°Why didn''t you sleep in the room?¡±


    Avery looked like a meek kitten in his arms when she uttered in a sleepy tone, ¡°I didn''t expect you to


    come home sote.¡±


    ¡°I''ve been very busytely. There are issues in the cooperation deal with Vivi Group, and the trial for


    the arson case involving the housekeeper is about to begin. Once I''ve settled all these matters, I can


    spend time with you and the baby.¡± Cayden put Avery on the bed.


    ¡°Those issues are troublesome, aren''t they?¡± Avery frowned.


    ¡°Well, the problems regarding the coboration have been solved, but the arson case is still being dealt


    with.¡±


    Avery heaved a heavy sigh when she recalled the arson case and Anthony''s suicide attempt.


    The arson case had shocked the entire country.


    Cayden tidied Avery''s fringe to reveal her beautiful facial features. ¡°Concluding the case isn''t as simple


    as you think.¡±


    ¡°Are we supposed to let the culprit roam freely, then?¡± Avery felt horrible.


    Cayden pulled her into his embrace andforted her gently, ¡°This is the world we live in, and there


    are bad people everywhere. At times, people look down on others who are at the bottom of society


    without knowing that these people could be wolves in sheep''s clothing. Once these pretentious people


    expose their true colors, the consequences will be unimaginable. It''s right to be kind, Ery. However, you


    must be smart about who you''re kind to. Otherwise, you''ll be on the losing end. I''ll definitely bring that


    murderer to justice in order tofort the souls of Mr. Xenakis'' wife and child.¡±


    ¡°How are things looking now?¡± Avery asked anxiously.


    She was a mother of two and soon, three, so she hated the murderer to the core.


    Cayden smiled and tapped her nose lightly. ¡°Do you think I will sacrifice my time for nothing? I could''ve


    spent time with you and the kids instead. You know I won''t waste my time for nothing.¡±


    He managed to conceal everything with that perfunctory answer of his.


    However, Avery could tell that he was having a rough time dealing with those sly politicians. In fact, she


    also knew he had to make sacrifices for the sake of the case discreetly.


    Avery felt bad and held his handsome face. ¡°I believe in you. I know the man I love is the greatest in


    the world. Besides, I know karma will punish those bad people. Jenna will pay the price for her actions!¡±


    Avery felt bad and held his handsome face. ¡°I believe in you. I know the man I love is the greatest in


    the world. Besides, I know karma will punish those bad people. Jenna will pay the price for her actions!¡±


    ¡°She surely will!¡± Cayden said firmly. Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    Suddenly, Avery remembered Nicole getting kidnapped at the hospital.


    While gripping Cayden''s cor, she looked into his eyes and asked anxiously, ¡°By the way, I heard


    about Nicole getting kidnapped when I was at the hospital. You''re not involved in that, are you?¡±


    Cayden had always been honest with the woman he loved, so he didn''t deny it. ¡°That was me. I


    employed people to do it. She was the one responsible for the venomous snake incident. She''d been


    trying to harm you again and again, so I had to teach her a lesson!¡±


    Avery''s heart raced wildly, and her face went pale. ¡°What did you do to her? Don''t you think you''ve


    acted too rashly, Cayden? She''s the state secretary''s daughter! If something bad happens to her, the


    consequences will be dire! You''ll be ruined. We need to obey thew...¡±


    Cayden smiled when he saw how worried she was about him and swiped his tender finger across her


    brows. ¡°Don''t worry. I have proof of her conspiring with someone to harm you. Besides, I also have


    evidence of her fooling around with other men, so I''m sure she''ll keep her mouth shut. She''s selfish


    and only cares about her reputation and future.¡±


    Avery lowered her head and uttered in disappointment, ¡°I didn''t expect Nicole to hate me so much.


    Unrequited love can actually drive a woman crazy. Who''s her aplice?¡±


    ¡°Roderick Fuller of the Fuller family,¡± Cayden answered in a cold tone. ¡°Nicole has an interesting


    rtionship with him. In fact, the venomous snake incident at the mansion on Mount Loang was


    Roderick''s doing. Roderick was a capable member of the special forces. After he retired, he became


    the leader of a mercenary organization, with mercenaries from all over the world at his disposal.


    They''re known for their ruthlessness. I never had anything to do with Roderick, but since he targeted


    you, I guess it''s time I return the favor. I can''t possibly forgive someone who wants to harm you.¡±


    Avery panicked when she heard those words. While gripping Cayden''s hand, she advised, ¡°Uh...


    Perhaps you shouldn''t go against someone like him. You know how cold-blooded and cruel these


    people can be. I don''t want anything bad to happen to you. If you were hurt, I would me myself.¡±


    Cayden kissed her on the lips and smiled faintly. ¡°You''re with child now. Don''t worry too much. I know


    what I''m doing.¡±


    Cayden''s hot and gentle breaths brushed across Avery''s face.


    Avery blinked and leaned against Cayden''s chest calmly. ¡°I believe you. Don''t go back on your words.¡±


    Meanwhile, the news about the Lambert family''s daughter getting kidnapped spread across Ackleton.


    Due to William''s status and influence, all the police stations in the area deployed their officers to look


    for Nicole. However, they had yet to find anything. The kidnappers are smart! Not only did we not catch


    any of them on camera, but they also didn''t leave any clues behind!


    Indeed, the police force had no idea where Nicole was.


    ¡°What are you lot doing? It''s been a day, and none of you can locate my daughter! I think it''s time the


    police chief resigns!¡± William had always been known as a calm politician, but he couldn''t help scolding


    the police chief of Ackleton.


    The police chief was sweating bullets, but he didn''t dare to wipe the sweat off of his face. ¡°Mr. Lambert,


    please give me some time. We''ll find your daughter. I promise!¡±


    Right then, William''s phone rang. Upon seeing that it was a call from his wife, he answered it


    immediately.


    In a gentle and calm tone, he said, ¡°Stay calm, ire. I¡ª¡±


    ¡°Honey...¡± ire choked out. ¡°You need toe to the hospital. Nickie is back, but she seems to have


    gone mad...¡±


    William''s heart sank in despair because he could hear a girl screaming hysterically through the phone.


    Something''s happened to Nickie!

 Chapter 544

    Chapter 544


    Chapter 544 Your Biological Daughter Is Still Alive


    Over at the hospital, Nicole curled up on the bed in fear, quivering underneath a thick nket despite


    the scorching heat in June.


    She screamed at ire, the doctors, and the nurses around her to deter them from going anywhere


    near her.


    Some medical staff tried calming her down by giving her some tranquilizer, but the deranged woman


    was surprisingly strong, and they could not restrain her.


    Besides, they dared not be too forceful with her since she was the Lambert family''s daughter.


    ire cried her heart out in desperation, wondering how her sweet daughter ended up like that.


    From ire''s recollection, before Nicole went missing from the hospital, she had reminded her not to


    overwork herself when she returned to work at thepany. Nicole even promised them she would


    cook them a delicious meal after she was discharged from the hospital, seeing how worn out her


    parents were from caring for her.


    But in the end, she could not fulfill her promise.


    ire wiped away her tears and went close to Nicole''s bed. As she lifted the nket, she was met with


    her daughter''s fear-stricken face.


    ¡°Argh, snakes! So many of them... Leave me alone... I won''t do it again...¡± she muttered, her eyes filled


    with panic.


    She stared nkly into the air as she shook incessantly, slowly inching to a corner of the bed in a ball


    until she could no longer move backward.


    ¡°Don''t do this to me, Nickie. What happened to you? Don''t you know who I am? I''m your mother!¡± the


    miserable mother cried with her hand clenched on her chest. She could not believe her daughter did


    not recognize her.


    ¡°Move... Go away!¡± Nicole shrieked in terror, still unable to remember anyone.


    Terrified, she held her head and kept screaming and crying.


    In her mind, she saw countless wriggling snakes crawling on her body and biting her. They were on her


    head, neck, and legs, choking and suffocating her.


    What drove her to a state of hopelessness was that some snakes with sickening colors were even


    sliding into her mouth and ears.


    The hour-long torture at the deserted factory seemed to have left her mentally wrecked.


    The horror the man had inflicted haunted her so severely that she believed she was still in the middle of


    a pool of snakes. She kept banging her head against the wall until blood flowed down from her


    forehead.


    ¡°Nickie!¡± ire screamed in agony when she saw blood on her daughter. She attempted to hug Nicole


    to stop her from hurting herself, but Nicole pushed her away forcefully, throwing her backward.


    ¡°Nickie!¡± ire screamed in agony when she saw blood on her daughter. She attempted to hug Nicole


    to stop her from hurting herself, but Nicole pushed her away forcefully, throwing her backward.


    She could have fallen on the ground if the doctors behind had not caught her in time.


    Given her condition, Nicole could not stand having anyone near her, not even the very woman who


    brought her up.


    ¡°Mrs. Lambert, she''s not in her right mind now. It''s best that you keep a distance from her,¡± one of the


    doctors advised.


    Everyone felt sorry for ire. They had never seen the elegant andposed woman break down in


    tears.


    From how devastated she was, they could tell ire truly loved Nicole although she was adopted.


    Poised as she usually was, ire was nothing more than a hurting mother in their eyes at that


    moment.


    Suddenly, ire broke away from the doctors and pulled Nicole into her arms when thetter let down


    her guard. ¡°I''m here, Nickie. I''ll always be here with you. Don''t do this!¡±


    Nicole''s cries grew sharper at ire''s touch. With her face wet with tears and eyes bloodshot, she hit


    and punched her mother, who was still clinging to her stubbornly.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    To Nicole, anything nearby was a threat since all she could see were horrifying snakes that terrorized


    her, but still, ire did not let go.


    No matter how harsh the beating was, ire refused to let go of her daughter even when her face was


    full of scratch marks and bruises from the punching.


    ire did not know and did not care what Nicole had gone through. Nothing would change the fact that


    Nicole was her daughter. She would always be the same endearing and understanding princess in her


    heart.


    Just then, William entered the room. Upon seeing ire getting beaten, he dashed over and pulled his


    wife away from Nicole.


    ¡°What do you think you''re doing?¡± he asked, trying not to speak too harshly to the woman in his arms.


    ¡°Don''t you know she has lost her senses? Why did you let her do that to you?¡±


    ire did not answer him but wept in his arms. ¡°Honey... what happened to our daughter? I want to


    know what happened to her...¡±


    William swept his intimidating re across the room and questioned the staff, ¡°Did you all seriously just


    watch my wife get beaten up? Do something! Give her some tranquilizers! So much for being


    professionals!¡±


    Faced with William''s rage, the doctor in charge quickly instructed several male doctors to rein in Nicole


    to sedate her.


    Quietness gradually resumed in the room as Nicole drifted into slumber.


    When William turned and looked at his remorseful wife and the bruises over her fair cheeks, a pang of


    pain shot through his heart.


    ¡°I know you love her dearly, but you should know when to stop. Don''t expect me to do nothing when


    she hurts you,¡± William said in resignation as he applied some medication to ire''s cheeks.


    ire dried her tears and said, ¡°I''m so worried about her. You have no idea¡ª¡±


    Before she could finish, Silvia barged into the room.


    Her heart skipped a beat when she saw Nicole sleeping and William tending to his injured and


    disheveled wife.


    ¡°What happened, ire? What''s wrong with your face? Where did you find Nickie? Is she okay?¡±


    Silvia had gone to see ire at the Lambert residence with a shocking secret the day before, but the


    timing was terrible because the whole family was in chaos after Nicole had gone missing.


    William and ire had been all over the ce trying to find Nicole and contact her, so Silvia decided to


    keep the good news for the next day. However, ire was entirely dispirited when Silvia saw her again.


    Faced with the many questions, ire frowned and answered Silvia mournfully, ¡°I''m good. Don''t worry


    about me. I''m just worried about Nickie. She just got back today. Something triggered her, and she''s


    mentally unstable now. The doctor has just sedated her, so she''s asleep now. What brings you here, by


    the way?¡±


    Silvia nced at Nicole and then at the distraught mother. She disregarded William''s peculiar gaze and


    tugged ire to another corner of the room where it was quieter.


    ¡°I have good news, re,¡± she whispered in ire''s ear, her heart racing. ¡°Your biological daughter is


    still alive.¡±

 Chapter 545

    Chapter 545


    Chapter 545 Like Mother Like Daughter


    The news came as a bombshell for ire. At that moment, she felt her heart getting torn away piece


    after piece.


    Unable to believe her ears, ire clutched Silvia''s shoulders, her face pale as a sheet. ¡°S-Say that


    again, Silvia.¡±


    ¡°Your daughter is still alive. The baby you gave birth to was not a stillborn baby, and¡ªouch!¡± Silvia felt


    ire''s nails dig into her shoulders. ¡°You''re hurting me!¡±


    ire retracted her hands immediately. Her face lit up in happiness briefly but quickly dimmed in


    skepticism. ¡°This cannot be. I did give birth to a stillborn baby. Her body was cold when I held her. I


    remember it,¡± she muttered.


    The thought of her daughter brought tears to her eyes again.


    Her children had always been her pride but also her weakness.


    Silvia drew a piece of tissue and wiped away her tears. ¡°No more crying, ire. You need to take care


    of your eyes. You cried too much afterbor. It''s already bad enough that your night vision is impaired


    because of that. I bet you don''t want to go blind. I know it has not been easy all this while, but you


    know the truth now. I ran into Allie yesterday when I went shopping, and guess what she said...¡±


    Then, Silvia told ire about how she had met Allie and the female stranger at the embroidery shop


    and their conversation.


    ire was dumbfounded upon learning the truth.


    She was in such a profound shock it took her a long while to snap back to her senses, and even when


    she did, there was disbelief and anguish all over her face.


    If what Silvia said was true, then that made Allie the most despicable person in the world.


    Over in Ackleton, the sky gradually darkened until rain drizzled down on a cafe in the city.


    Over on the window close to where ire sat, the rainwater formed spatters of different sizes.


    At the table, ire gazed through the wet marks on the window to the outside again and again as if


    she was waiting for someone impatiently.


    ¡°Why did you want to see me?¡± A haughty female voice rang out suddenly, interrupting ire''s


    thoughts.


    She turned around and saw the heavily-adorned Allie, who had just arrived and was keeping her wet


    umbre.


    Seeing the woman sit down impatiently, ire said calmly, ¡°It''s been a long time, Allie.¡± Her gentle and


    serene demeanor starkly contrasted with the proud and ostentatious woman opposite her.


    Allie nced at ire disdainfully, unimpressed by her choice of nd fashion.


    Allie nced at ire disdainfully, unimpressed by her choice of nd fashion.


    In her heart, Allie could not understand why the state secretary''s wife, who was also at the helm of a


    giantpany, would dress so inly.


    Besides, there were no essories around her neck or on her ears, let alone anything luxurious.


    The only thing that barely caught Allie''s eyes was the decent diamond ring that was not entirely a


    spectacle.


    Allie thought that the all-too-small diamond made the wearer seem overly stingy.


    Like mother like daughter, I suppose. Both of them never really put any thought into their appearance.


    Neither of them like jewelry too. What a sore in the eyes.


    Suddenly, a sense of superiority rose in Allie''s heart as she beheld the unembellished and ordinary


    woman who once earned her jealousy and envy.


    ¡°I don''t mind having a catch-up session, but you should pick a day when the weather is better or when


    I''m less busy. The rain soiled my new dress,¡± Allieined, flipping her white dress inrge


    movements conspicuously as if there was indeed dirt and water on it.


    ¡°I''m here to rify something,¡± ire stated. Disregarding Allie''s mean attitude, she looked at her


    earnestly in the eyes.


    ¡°What is it, ire? I understand we used to be close back then, but we haven''t talked for so long. I


    don''t think there''s anything worth talking about between us. Is this about our children''s engagement? If


    that''s the case, then let me tell you that I can''t decide what Cayden does. You know he has a mind of


    his own. Even if I am his mother, I can''t tell him what to do. If Nickie insists on marrying into my family,


    she''ll have to figure out how to win Cayden''s heart. I''ll give them my full support if Cayden likes her.


    Rest assured that I adore Nickie. I can''t wait to wee her into the family as my¡ª¡±


    ¡°Allie,¡± ire interrupted calmly, ¡°I''m not here to talk about their marriage. I understand that we can''t


    force our children to marry anyone. I respect Cayden''s decision if he doesn''t want to marry Nickie. I


    won''t demand Nickie marry him either.¡±


    ¡°Then what else do you want to talk about? Is yourpany in a financial crisis? Do you need Cayden


    to invest in it? I can''t help with that, though,¡± Allie stated, blowing her freshly-manicured nails with a


    scoff.


    ¡°I just wanted to know if my daughter¡ªmy biological daughter¡ªis still alive. Don''t you dare lie to me!¡±


    ire looked intently at the woman before her.


    Allie shuddered at ire''s sudden change of attitude, for thetter was usually gentle and kind.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    Quickly, she collected herself and forced a confident smile. ¡°ire Walsh, stop being delusional. Your


    daughter died twenty years ago. From what I remember, you held her cold body in your arms when you


    cried as if your heart broke into pieces. Why do you even think she is alive? You''re being ridiculous. I


    can''t take it anymore. I''m leaving. Enjoy your coffee.¡±


    Allie shot up from her seat and grabbed her bag, ready to leave, but ire snatched her bag from her.


    Her grip was so tight Allie could feel ire would not give up unless she received an answer that day.


    ¡°Allie Musk, I know you worked with the obstetrician and swapped my baby!¡±


    Glints of guilt glimmered in Allie''s eyes as she evaded ire''s re. ¡°Are you crazy? I have no idea


    what you''re talking about! As I said, your daughter is dead. She died because of you, so stop dreaming


    of hering back to you, you crazy woman!¡±


    Then, she pried open ire''s grip and grabbed her bag before stomping out of the cafe in her heels,


    ignoring all the res from the other customers.


    ire let the woman off because she had gotten the answer she wanted. After going through all the


    pain, she was no longer the helpless and unsuspecting woman she was twenty years ago when she


    lost her child.


    Years of experience made her more observant of Allie''s bodynguage.


    Although their short meeting did not end up well, ire could still read Allie like a book. After all, they


    had been good friends for some time.


    ire recalled that Allie had flinched when she interrogated her. Also, Allie had looked to the right,


    which was what she always did subconsciously when she lied. Perhaps Allie herself was not even


    aware of her habits.


    After the meet-up, ire felt hopeful and d to confirm that her daughter was still alive, but at the


    same time, she was anxious and despondent, for she had no clue where her poor daughter was.


    In fact, she wondered if the girl would resent her for deserting her.

 Chapter 546

    Chapter 546


    Chapter 546 Being Humiliated


    After resting at home for a few days, Avery felt that she was almost fully recovered and wanted to


    return to work.


    Being at home for so long made her extremely bored.


    Despite the advancement of technology, where people couldmunicate through videos without


    going to the office, being isted for too long would not only make one feel lonely but also make it


    difficult to readjust to office workter on.


    Despite his reluctance, Cayden gave in to Avery''s repeated requests and her promises that she


    wouldn''t exhaust herself.


    He often struggled to turn down Avery''s requests.


    As Avery returned to work and clocked in as usual, she bumped into the cold and aloof Wisteria at the


    entrance to the design department.


    ¡°Good morning, Ms. Summers,¡± Avery greeted her with a smile.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Wisteria nced at Avery, but her gaze then fell on Avery''s visibly pregnant belly, and her eyes showed


    no emotion.


    ¡°Good morning, Ms. Rumpley.¡± Wisteria nodded casually.


    Then, she walked past Avery and headed straight to her own office.


    No one saw the fleeting expression of ferocity on Wisteria''s face when she looked down.


    Avery had caused quite a stir when she publicly rejected Cayden''s proposal at their engagement party,


    and Wisteria thought that this woman would leave Ackleton. She didn''t expect that Avery would have


    the audacity toe back to Trident Group and even be pregnant.


    Seeing that Avery was about five months pregnant and had been with Cayden at the time, this child


    had a high chance of being his.


    Wisteria was extremely jealous and upset that Avery had sessfully ruined Cayden''s engagement


    with Nicole. Besides, she even managed to get pregnant with his child.


    The mes of jealousy almost drove her crazy.


    After Wisteria left, Avery breathed a sigh of relief. Few people like to be around women who were too


    overbearing and dominant.


    Then, she went straight to her seat.


    Seeing that her colleagues like Cecilia, Nina, and Trevor had started working, she greeted them before


    sitting down at her own desk.


    Except for a few colleagues who were on good terms with Avery and knew about her pregnancy, the


    others werepletely unaware.


    When they saw Avery, who they hadn''t seen for a few months, suddenly show up at work with a bulging


    belly, they couldn''t help but gossip about it.


    But Avery didn''t care about the strange looksing from others. She simply opened herputer


    and started working.


    Her inbox was full of new emails.


    Aside from some wee speeches for new employees, most of them were work-rted.


    Avery was going through her emails one by one when Yulissa walked over.


    It had been months since they hadst seen each other, and Yulissa seemed to have be even


    more alluring and seductive. Her eyes seemed to have a certain charm when she looked at people.


    ¡°Hey Avery, I haven''t seen you in a few months, and you already have such a big belly. I haven''t heard


    that you got married though. Are you unmarried and pregnant?¡± Yulissa''s sharp voice immediately


    caught the attention of all the employees in the office.


    All eyes turned to Avery.


    Avery nced at Yulissa and said coldly, ¡°Ms. Yantz, what does it have to do with you whether I got


    married or being single and pregnant? Besides, it has nothing to do with work, right?¡±


    Yulissa sneered and stood beside Avery''s desk, looking down at her with a sense of superiority. ¡°Of


    course, it does! Although ourpany doesn''t have explicit rules on whether employees can have


    children out of wedlock, Trident Group is still an internationally renowned brand, and reputation is our


    most important asset. An employee who is unmarried and pregnant clearly has moral issues, which will


    affect thepany''s reputation. What''s wrong with me wanting to maintain thepany''s good


    reputation?¡±


    ¡°Pfft!¡± Nina couldn''t help but burst intoughter first.


    She really thought that there was something wrong with Yulissa''s mind.


    How could the personal matters of an employee be rted to thepany''s reputation? She is really


    good at making things up.


    Nina didn''t know what Avery had done to offend Yulissa, but it was ridiculous that Yulissa was causing


    trouble in such a shameless way by citingme excuses. It made Yulissa look like a fool.


    Yulissa''s words made Cecilia, who was heavily pregnant, look particrly unhappy. She mmed her


    pen on the desk.


    Hearing this, Yulissa nced at Cecelia.


    Cecelia red at her and said, ¡°Ms. Yantz, what do you mean by that? Is it bothering you that I''m


    pregnant out of wedlock? Are you feeding me or providing me with a roof over my head? Why do you


    care so much?¡±


    Yulissa maintained herposure as she continued to say haughtily, ¡°I do care about this. It''s


    frustrating to see some women disrespect themselves and believe they can climb their way to the top


    without having to show any respect to their superiors. Inevitably, they end up being rejected, don''t


    they? Are they not facing the consequences now? Now that they''ve lost their source of ie, they


    show up to work with their pregnant bellies, and that serves them right!¡±


    Nina also thought Yulissa was ridiculous.


    It was the twenty-first century, yet Yulissa''s thinking was still so conservative. But Nina remembered


    that Yulissa herself was out there changing boyfriends more often than her clothes.


    A woman who led such a colorful private life still had the nerve to lecture others.


    Nina yed with the pen in her hand and couldn''t help but retort sharply on behalf of her friends, ¡°Ms.


    Yantz, please pay attention to the fact that it''s working hours. You''re not discussing work-rted


    matters with employees, but asking about their private matters like a gossip queen. Isn''t it


    inappropriate? Moreover, there are many unmarried and pregnant women now. Are you going to


    condemn all of them?¡±


    She continued, ¡°I remember a few months ago, you published an article in thepany''s internal


    newspaper, which was all about denouncing men who insulted women who lived with men before


    marriage as well as unmarried pregnant women. Should I find that article for you to refresh your


    previous strong opinions? Oh, by the way, I remember that you strongly advocate cohabitation before


    marriage and encourage women to date more men, saying thatparisons are necessary to make


    the right choice even in love. In real life, you also set a good example by changing boyfriends as fast as


    changing clothes...¡±


    The employees in the office couldn''t help but lower their heads and chuckle after hearing Nina''s words.


    Everyone knew that Yulissa relied on her looks and had a promiscuous private life, but no one had ever


    dared to confront her about it.


    Unexpectedly, Nina was so bold to call her out like this.


    Avery, on the other hand, looked innocent as she said to Yulissa, ¡°Yes, Ms. Yantz, I remember you


    have a new boyfriend now, right? This one is much more handsome than that one with the receding


    hairline before.¡±


    Trevor also said expressionlessly, ¡°Ms. Yantz, my girlfriend got pregnantst month, and we n to get


    the marriage certificate first and have the wedding after the baby is born so that the baby can witness


    the sacred moment. You''re not saying my girl falls into that category you''re bashing, are you?¡±


    ¡°You guys...¡± Yulissa was so angry that her cheeks turned red. She red fiercely at Avery and


    stormed out of the room.


    She realized that every time she tried to embarrass Avery, she ended up being humiliated instead.


    I''ll make Avery pay for this!


    I''ll allow her to enjoy her fleeting freedom for now because when the Certified Professional Constructor


    exames around, she''ll be crying like a baby soon enough!

 Chapter 547

    Chapter 547


    Chapter 547 Avery Looking For Her Mother


    Soon, working hours were over.


    Thinking about how he had not brought Avery out for a meal for a long time, Cayden drove Avery to an


    upscale restaurant.


    Silvia was the one who owned the restaurant, and it was beautifully renovated.


    The melodious sound of the violin echoed in the area, and one could see the magnificent view of the


    city through the windows. Furthermore, the menu offered a myriad of delectable dishes.


    As they were regr patrons, Silvia came to serve them herself.


    Upon putting thest dish on the table, she asked merrily, ¡°Cayden, what have you been busy with? It''s


    been such a long time since I''ve seen you, and I quite miss you.¡±


    Even though Silvia was close to ire, she rarely came into contact with Allie. Nevertheless, she was


    impressed by Cayden. Moreover, her husband had been close to Bruce, so naturally, she would pay


    more attention to Bruce''s son.


    In fact, it could be said that Silvia had watched Cayden grow up. Sometimes, she was even more like


    his mother than Allie was.


    Because of that, Cayden would asionallye to her to talk about his frustrations rather than tell


    them to his own mother, Allie.


    ¡°I''ve been a little busy at work recently, so I didn''t have the time toe. If I''m free from now on, I''ll


    definitelye. I''lle every day, and maybe you''ll get sick of me,¡± Cayden joked.


    ¡°You''re just all talk,¡± Silvia said with augh. Then looking at Avery''s pretty face, she arched a brow.


    ¡°Cayden, if my memory serves me right, this is the first girl you brought to me the other time, right? Her


    name is... Ave... Avery Rumpley?¡±


    There was something familiar about Avery when Silvia first saw her the other time.


    Avery was young, and she did not put on any makeup. Her face was oval-shaped, and her rosy cheeks


    were prominent. Herplexion was smooth and wless.


    Her eyes were big and dark, and hershes were thick. Avery, at first nce, looked like a sweet and


    quiet girl.


    As Cayden held Avery''s hand, a soft look crept into his eyes. ¡°Yes. She''s Avery, the woman I love


    most.¡±


    His sudden confession made Avery''s face turn red. She nced at Silvia sheepishly and greeted her


    before lowering her head again.


    A shy girl, I see.


    Silvia had no idea how a shy woman like Avery was capable of handling an assertive and aggressive


    Cayden.


    Cayden had always been an arrogant soul. She thought that the woman who could handle him


    eventually would be a smart woman who could rule with an iron fist.


    However, Cayden was evidently different when he was with Avery than when he was with Nicole. He


    was obviously in love, and Silvia knew that Avery truly had Cayden wrapped around her finger.


    Silvia more or less knew some of the things that had happened between Cayden and Avery from


    ire.


    Nicole had always had a crush on Cayden, but Avery had upied the space in his heart.


    However, Avery and Cayden had gone their own separate ways after Avery rejected Cayden during


    their engagement.


    That was how Nicole had the chance to be Cayden''s fianc¨¦e.


    But ultimately, Cayden and Nicole''s engagement was ruined as well, and he got together with Avery


    again. Yet, Nicole started kicking up a fuss, saying that she would kill herself.


    Even though Silvia did not know what happened between the two of them, as someone who had been


    in a rtionship before, she knew instantly that Cayden did not have any feelings for Nicole at all.


    Frankly, she shared the same idea as ire. Neither thought that Cayden and Nicole would be good as


    a couple, yet Nicole was determined to do things her way, which led to the present tragedy.


    Even though Silvia felt bad for Nicole, her wish to see Cayden find someone suitable was stronger.


    After all, she had seen how much suffering Cayden had been through all these years.


    With irresponsible parents like Bruce and Allie, Cayden had been living a tough life. Silvia did not wish


    to see Cayden walk down the same path his parents did.


    With a sigh, Silvia advised, ¡°Cayden, I know you''re not one to give up once you have made up your


    mind about something or someone. When I first saw her, I thought she looked kind. I trust you that


    you''re a good judge of character too. You''re not that young anymore, and it''s time for you to get


    married. I hope you won''t end up hurting yourself and her in the end.¡±


    Silvia nced at Avery''s stomach, hinting to him about the thoughts in her mind.


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Once I''m done settling these matters, I''m going to hold a grand wedding for Ery. You must attend when


    the timees,¡± Cayden said happily as he pulled Avery into his arms.


    ¡°Of course! Just tell me earlier when you''re getting married. I''ll prepare a big gift for the two of you. All


    right, you two should dig in while I get busy.¡± Silvia was all smiles. After exchanging a few more words


    with them, she left.


    Once Silvia was gone, Cayden curled his lips and kissed Avery on the cheek. ¡°It''s not like we just met


    each other yesterday. Why are you so shy?¡±


    Avery''s face became redder when she came back to her senses. ¡°Do you think everyone''s as thick-


    skinned as you are?¡±


    The man then pressed his wet lips against hers. It was pleasantly numb and ticklish, and she could not


    help but lose herself in the moment.


    His skillful kisses put her in a trance and made her turn even redder in the face.


    It was only when she was about to run out of air did he finally let go of her. Gently touching her


    stomach, he said, ¡°Say, when do you think we should have our wedding?¡±


    ¡°We''ll do it after I give birth to the baby. My stomach''s so big now, and I won''t fit in the dress. I''ll only


    marry once in my life, and I want to be my prettiest self on the day of my wedding,¡± Avery said, her


    eagerness for her wedding visible on her face.


    Cayden nodded in agreement. ¡°All right, you''ll have the final say. But still, let''s pick a good date and


    register our marriage first. That way, you''ll be my legal wife and our baby will be born as our legal


    child.¡±


    Avery smiled. Right as she was about to agree to it, she abruptly recalled Allie''s aggressive rejection,


    and that made her purse her lips. ¡°Will your mother disagree with that? You know how she never likes


    me... and she keeps talking about her rtionship with my father and how she''s my mother too.¡±


    Cayden narrowed his eyes before patting her head. ¡°Her insistence is pointless. The result of a DNA


    test is everything. We''re not half-siblings who share the same mother, and we even have Rory and


    Zach. No one can stop us from getting married with absurd lies.¡±


    Suddenly recalling something else, Avery widened her eyes. ¡°Actually, I''ve always wondered who my


    biological mother is. My father was once married to your mother, and they lived together for over half a


    year. Dad always thought that your mother is my biological mother, but my biological mother is actually


    someone else. As far as I know, my father only had two wives. One is your mother, and the other is


    Henrietta. I even remember my father saying that your mother suddenly went missing for half a year


    after she supposedly got pregnant with me. Then your mother reappeared after supposedly giving birth


    to me and passed me to Dad before disappearing again.¡±


    Silvia, who had initially left the room, suddenly remembered that the restaurant had juste up with a


    new signature dish. She went to the kitchen before returning with a delicious dish, hoping to get


    Cayden and Avery to try it out.


    Little did she expect to overhear their conversation right as she was about to knock on their door, and


    the te slipped out of her hand.

 Chapter 548

    Chapter 548


    Chapter 548 The Daughter Of ire


    Fortunately, Silvia was quick to react.


    She caught the te in time to avoid dropping everything on the ground.


    Still, Avery''s words were rumbling like a bolt from the blue in her head.


    Allie was married to Avery''s father? She even said that Avery is also her kid? How can that be? But


    Cayden said that they''ve done a DNA test to make sure that they''re not biological siblings. The results


    can''t be wrong. They''re not rted by blood, but Allie''s certainly connected to Avery and her father.


    Silvia remembered clearly that Allie only had one child¡ªCayden. The child had been her instrument to


    cling to the Moore family, but unfortunately for her, Jeffrey did not recognize Cayden as a legitimate


    child of the Moore family. He had been waiting for Lily to give birth to a son instead.


    Bruce was timid and wielded little power. He could not get his son to join the Moore family.


    Back then, Bruce had fallen in love with a university student. He was too preupied courting other


    girls to have any time to care about Allie, so he began paying even less attention to Allie''s child.


    Without Bruce''s protection, Lily began putting pressure on Allie, forcibly taking the car and house that


    Bruce had given to Allie before threatening her to leave Ackleton.


    Allie''s dream of enjoying life as the wife of a wealthy man had been ruined. Yet, she had no other way


    of earning a living. She had thought of returning to her job as a dancer, but she had had a taste of


    luxury, so how could she ever return to a life of hard work? Her impoverished state made her flee


    Ackleton to search for another way to live.


    Back then, she had felt that Cayden was a burden. Afraid that he would impede her in her search for a


    new patron, she had mercilessly left Cayden in an orphanage and never checked up on him.


    Allie''s departurested for over half a year, and it was as if she had disappeared without a trace. No


    one knew where she had gone to.


    Silvia did not know what happened during that time.


    Later on, she heard that ire, who was about to give birth to her baby, had taken in the homeless


    Allie.


    Even though William was under investigation and their family was already in hot water, the kind ire


    still lent Allie a helping hand.


    Allie rested in ire''s house for a whole month and a little more. She kept irepany the entire


    time. When ire went to a remote ce to look for her husband and her pretermbor started, Allie


    was the only one with her. She was also the one who said that she saw ire give birth to a stillborn


    baby.


    Silvia found the incident fishy at that time.


    Even though ire seemed weak, she was not in poor health. Furthermore, when she went to the


    hospital with ire for thetter''s checkups, the doctor said that ire and her baby were healthy.


    Silvia could not wrap her mind around why ire''s baby suddenly ended up dead.


    It was only muchter on when she overheard Allie''s conversation with another woman did she find out


    that the supposedly stillborn baby was only part of Allie''s nefarious n.


    She did not know why Allie did that, but from then on, she knew that ire''s baby was still alive.


    She made a bold guess. Is Avery ire''s biological daughter? Their faces, eyes, demeanor, and voice


    seem so alike. How can they be so much alike if they aren''t rted?


    The world is big, and there are some unrted strangers who look almost identical to each other, but


    Avery and Allie had a history.


    Silvia was starting to ponder the possibility of Avery''s connection to ire.


    The very thought of it made Silvia''s heart race.


    She had the urge to rush in and ask for more details, but the immediate confrontation would seem a


    little too direct. Things would be immensely awkward if it turned out to be a mere misunderstanding.


    Not only would ire be disappointed, but Avery would be too.


    Silvia''s hand fell back to her side.


    I''ll have to look into this first. I''ll only ask them about this when I have more evidence. This will be great


    news if Avery turns out to be ire''s daughter.


    At night, the prison in Ackleton was dimly lit with a warm yellow bulb.


    It was the men''s prison, and both sides were sectioned off with walls to form average-sized grid rooms.


    There were top bunks and bottom bunks, and in each room were seven to eight inmates. Zayne, who


    was thin and a little hunched, had a towel draped on his shoulders. He had just washed himself up, and


    he was still holding onto his basin as he walked toward the cell. He looked exhausted. Right as he


    pushed open the iron door, he saw the male inmates standing up, staring at him as a predator would at


    its prey.


    rm bells started ringing in his head. Just as he was about to spin around to scurry out of the cell, he


    heard the iron door close and lock behind him.


    A fat man stood in front of the door and swept his lecherous gaze over him. ¡°My, Zayne, you''re finally


    done. You''re even more wishy-washy than a woman. Our boss has been waiting for you for eons.¡±


    Zayne lifted his head and nced at the fiercest-looking middle-aged man fearfully who was


    surrounded by the others in the cell. He shuddered.


    There is always a king in everynd, and a prison cell is no exception. Evidently, the big boss of the


    prison was the middle-aged man¡ªScar.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Scar was covered in tattoos from almost head to toe, and he even had a knife scar on his face from his


    brow to his lip. He looked terrifying. Furthermore, he had an aggressive, ruthless gaze. Anyone who


    looked at him would find themselves shivering in fright.


    Zayne could sense his imminent doom.


    Suppressing his nausea, he walked over to Scar and said humbly, ¡°Scar, you must be tired today. Let


    me give you a massage.¡±


    ¡°You can skip the massage, but I want you to rub this ce of mine. It''s rather itchy...¡± Scar said


    lustfully before pinning the skinny Zayne.


    Zayne was terrified and wanted to scream for help, but the other inmates seemed to have found a tape


    from somewhere to tape his mouth. Despair overwhelmed Zayne''s mind.


    As he was tormented by Scar, the urge to destroy everything maniacally formed in his mind.


    I''m going to remember everything that happened here. This is all because of that b*tch Avery! I used to


    believe that she was a kind person who understood me. I loved and protected her, and despite her


    refusal to have intimate rtions with me during our two-year rtionship, I never forced her. Who


    would have thought that she was having an affair with Cayden? She feigned moral superiority and


    prevented me from touching her despite being involved with Cayden! Not only did she betray me, but


    she also sent me to prison with the very man she was cheating on me with. I''ve been in prison for over


    a year, and every day is a living hell. But those scandalous scoundrels are still enjoying their freedom


    out there.


    Zayne was livid, and he had nothing but resentment for them.


    He would remember for an eternity the pain they had given to him. He vowed to make them suffer the


    humiliation he had to endure.

 Chapter 549

    Chapter 549


    Chapter 549 Impatience


    Over at Trident Group, Avery was having a great day.


    Her life had been wonderfultely. Both her work and personal life had been going perfectly.


    She and Cayden discussed and agreed that they would go to City Hall to register their marriage by the


    end of the month.


    The thought of officially bing Cayden''s wife made Avery feel like she was on cloud nine.


    Although she was ostensibly participating in the weekly meeting of the design department, her mind


    wandered off as she imagined Cayden and herself at City Hall signing their marriage certificate.


    ¡°Ms. Rumpley...¡± Wisteria''s cold voice echoed around the conference room, rudely piercing through her


    daydream.


    Wisteria red at Avery in displeasure. It was obvious to her that Avery was thinking of something


    completely unrted to work. A look of dissatisfaction and disgust crossed her face briefly.


    Nina pinched Avery''s thigh to get her attention.


    Thetter immediately snapped back to her senses.


    All the faces along the long conference table were turned toward her, staring unblinkingly. Even


    Cayden, who was seated at the head of the table, was watching her.


    Avery tucked her hair behind her ears self-consciously and straightened in her seat. ¡°Ms. Summers,


    please carry on.¡±


    Avery sneaked a nce at Cayden. He was sitting perfectly upright and wore a rather stern expression.


    In public, he seemed cool and detached. It was theplete opposite of the passionate man that he


    was in bed. It was as if he was two different people.


    Cayden did not really need to show up at the design department''s weekly meetings. However, since it


    was the end of the month and the reports of the progress of the joint venture between Trident Group


    and Vivi Group and various other branches needed to be reported, coupled with Cayden''s famously


    enigmatic personality, it was no surprise that he was suddenly present at the meeting.


    All the employees of Trident Group were aware of the intimate rtionship between their boss and


    Avery. Although they had never outwardly spoken their mind, all her colleagues looked at Avery with


    cynical eyes, especially her female colleagues, who were undoubtedly envious of her position.


    At the same time, the employees all secretly mocked Wisteria, who had once thought that she would


    be Cayden''s wife.


    Wisteria was aware of their amusement at her expense.


    Although they were still outwardly respectful of her, she could see their false sympathy and gleeful


    delight at her disappointment in their eyes which made Wisteria deeply frustrated and annoyed.


    She nced at Avery, and her eyes fell on her pregnant belly. Disdain flooded her eyes. ¡°Have you


    been feeling tired recently? Is that why you were distracted?¡±


    ¡°No, I...¡± Avery swallowed nervously, unsure of what to say under Wisteria''s scornful re.


    Wisteria leaned back in her chair and sneered, ¡°You don''t seem to be very focused. It must be because


    you didn''t get enough restst night, right? You''re pregnant now. Pregnant women are delicate and


    easily tired. You should rest more. If this is too difficult for you, you should apply for a long leave from


    work so that you wouldn''t slow down our operations. At the same time, you would be getting enough


    rest for yourself and the baby.¡±


    Although Wisteria was smiling and wearing a sincere expression and that her every word seemed to be


    in Avery''s best interest, Avery could see that Wisteria''s smile did not reach her eyes.


    Besides, Wisteria''s words were indirectly criticizing Avery for being weak while pregnant and dying


    the work of the entire design department.


    Just as Avery was about to exin herself, Cayden''s voice rang throughout the conference room.


    ¡°Don''t worry. She rested wellst night, but she had to prepare for her Certified Professional


    Constructor exam for the past few days, so she had been rather stressed. Anyway, I believe Avery will


    not let us down, work-wise.¡±


    Everyone was taken aback.


    They had not expected him to defend Avery so publicly.


    Wow, Mr. Moore confirmed that Avery had a good sleepst night! Does this mean he spentst night


    with her?


    Cayden''s words reminded Avery of what he had done to her the previous night, and she blushed


    prettily.


    I was on top of himst night...


    The image turned Avery''s cheeks even redder.


    Cayden narrowed his eyes at Avery. She was wearing a conservative ck suit designed especially for


    pregnant women.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    However, her pregnancy had changed her body, and the white shirt under her zer was stretched a


    little tight. The buttons on her chest looked as if they were ready to pop open. That, coupled with her


    crimson cheeks, made her look especially ravishing to him at that moment.


    A feeling of need and impatience suddenly overtook Cayden.


    He took a deep gulp of his coffee to quell the passionate me burning in his chest and made a mental


    note to order the design department to redesign the suit for pregnant women to better amodate


    their changing bodies.


    A look of embarrassment descended upon Wisteria¡¯s face.


    Caydening to Avery''s rescue in such a public setting made her bitter blood boil.


    However, she concealed her emotions well, and no one could read her expression except for Avery,


    who was unusually sensitive and empathetic.


    The meeting went on for more than half an hour as each employee took turns reporting their work


    progress.


    Toward the end of the meeting, Wisteria made another brief summary. Then, upon receiving the signal


    from Cayden, she breathed a sigh of relief and dismissed everyone. ¡°Okay, everyone, the meeting is


    concluded.¡±


    The entire design department quickly packed up their files, got up from their seats, and left the


    conference room.


    Trident Group employees were always busy, especially those in the design department. Everyone was


    always eager to maximize their work hours.


    After all, in a society teeming with talent, underperforming employees were rapidly reced. Anyone


    whogged behind would lose out.


    Avery knew that Cayden was going out of the city on a business trip the next day. She deliberately


    dawdled behind, packing her things slowly.


    Finally, only Wisteria, Cayden, and herself were left in the conference room.


    Swallowing her resentment, Wisteria cast a cold look at Avery. Then, she secretly nced at Cayden.


    Neither of them noticed her looking between them. Their eyes were locked on each other as if they


    were the only two people in the room. Wisteria felt like an unwanted and unwee third wheel. It was


    a deeply diforting feeling.


    Wisteria did not want to give Avery and Cayden a chance to be alone together. Cayden stared at her


    with icy eyes that seemed to see right through her. As a result, she flinched and wisely decided to leave


    the room.


    As soon as the door had closed behind her, Cayden''s expression rxed and turned into a gentle,


    doting look.


    He patted hisp and waved Avery over. ¡°Ery,e here.¡±


    Avery obediently approached him.


    She suddenly thought of her uing exam andmented nervously, ¡°I wonder if I''ll be able to pass


    tomorrow''s papers...¡±


    Although she had studied intensely, there were four papers in the Certified Professional Constructor


    examination, and the bulk of the subject matter was very heavy. Besides, the examination questions


    were bound to be veryplex. Avery could not help worrying, although she felt confident in her


    preparations.


    She had only applied to sit for two papers this round.


    ¡°Don''t worry. You''re a smart girl. I believe you will easily pass the papers,¡± Cayden reassured her with a


    smile. In his eyes, she was the most amazing woman in the world.


    Avery thought about how Cayden had managed to pass all four papers in one go and felt a little


    frustrated.


    She felt inadequate when shepared herself to him.


    Just as Avery was about toin about his extraordinary brain, Cayden suddenly pulled out several


    test papers from under his notebook.


    Avery''s jaw fell open as she stared at the ¡°test papers¡± in horror.


    No way! He didn''t actually get his hands on the actual exam papers, right?

 Chapter 550

    Chapter 550


    Chapter 550 A Thoughtful Genius


    Upon taking a closer look, Avery realized the ¡°examination papers¡± were white A1 papers, which were


    muchrger than A4 papers.


    There were no pre-printed boxes or lines on the paper. Although each letter was handwritten, they were


    extremely neat.


    Each letter had graceful and powerful strokes. They were so pretty, as though they were carved onto


    the paper.


    ¡°This is the most difficult yet crucial part of the Certified Professional Constructor''s examination. I think


    you''ll be tested on some of these, so I''ve summarized them for you. I''m sure you''ll pass it.'' Cayden''s


    attractive voice rang out beside her ear.


    He had confidence in her.


    Hearing that, Avery took the papers and noticed the points involved. It included content from books like


    Engineering Economics and Managing Construction Projects, which she would be tested on. The


    summary was so detailed. In fact, it was better than the ones written by famous teachers.


    Avery had always known that Cayden was a genius, and she had to admit it was great to have


    someone like him to guide her.


    Even so, she never expected him to put so much effort into sorting out the materials so thoughtfully.


    Not only did he list down the difficulties and the key points of the examination, he even wrote a few


    words of encouragement at the end of the paper.


    He''s so thoughtful!


    She knew how busy Cayden was every day. Simply dealing with thepany''s matters daily was


    enough to give him a headache, yet he managed to find the time to help her analyze the key points of


    the examination.


    Avery could picture the sound of his pen scratching on the paper when he was summarizing the points.


    At that moment, she was truly moved by his efforts. However, she knew Cayden did not like her


    thanking him.


    Out of the many things she wanted to say, she only uttered, ¡°I''ll do my best to pass with a high score!¡±


    Cayden ruffled her hair as though he were petting a cat. ¡°Good. I''ll be waiting for your good news.¡±


    Standing upright outside the conference room door was Wisteria. She was peering through the door


    gap and watching the charming man treating Avery with affection.


    Wisteria red at Avery with hatred.


    When she returned to her office, she ordered Yulissa to bring her a cup of coffee.


    Wisteria took a few sips of the bitter coffee.


    It had no milk or sugar, for the bitterness helped keep her calm and awake at that moment.


    ¡°Ms. Summers, is there something on your mind? Is it because of the CEO?¡± Yulissa did not leave right


    after she brought in the cup of coffee.


    She was quite an observant person. Otherwise, she would not have be the department head with


    Wisteria there.


    mming the cup of coffee onto the table, Wisteria cast Yulissa an annoyed nce. ¡°Ms. Yantz, you


    would''ve been promoted long ago if you had used your wits in your work instead of specting your


    boss'' thoughts.¡±


    Wisteria''s sharp words did not make Yulissa feel awkward. After all, thetter knew Wisteria was in a


    bad mood.


    In fact, Yulissa noticed Wisteria had been feeling downcast and displeased ever since Avery appeared


    in Trident Group.


    Mustering her courage, Yulissa said, ¡°Ms. Summers, I hope you don''t mind me saying this, but


    everyone knows how long you''ve liked Mr. Moore. Don''t you think it''s unfair that a woman like Avery


    beat you to it? Truth be told, everyone in Trident Group sees you as Mr. Moore''s future wife. Ever since


    Avery appeared, Mr. Moore has beenpletely captivated by that vixen. If you don''t make a move


    soon, Avery might actually snatch him away. Will you really ept that, Ms. Summers?¡±


    ¡°Avery is the person he loves. He doesn''t even know I have feelings for him.¡± Wisteria shut her eyes as


    a bitter feeling bubbled in her heart.


    Of course, she could not ept that.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Nothing was more cruel than watching the man she loved being intimate with and showering all his


    affection on another woman.


    Wisteria was sure Cayden more or less knew about her feelings for him. However, he never responded


    to it. He never even discussed non-work-rted matters with her, not to mention going out for a meal


    with her alone.


    Wisteria had loved him for ten years.


    The number ten was a significant number.


    She had grown from the youthful girl who yearned for love to the strong, independent woman who had


    made a name for herself in the business world. All the hesitation, grievances, and tears she shed


    during the process of her growth were forgotten.


    The only thing she remembered was her growing love for Cayden.


    To her, he was like a dark hole. The more she fell for him, the more she could not let him go.


    Thanks to her outstanding abilities and impressive family background, many excellent men expressed


    their feelings for her. Some obsessed men even pursued her intensely. s, she rejected all of them


    with disgust.


    To her, those men were notparable to Cayden, even if thetter did not reciprocate her feelings.


    Unrequited love must be the worst thing a woman could go through.


    The most severe damage one could receive in romantic rtionships was to love someone who did not


    bother showing them his or her gentle side.


    ¡°Ms. Summers, you''ve been working for Mr. Moore for so many years. You should know him well. The


    fact that he''s still keeping you by his side proves that he values you. The rumor about Mr. Moore not


    liking proactive women is just a theory. Look at Avery. She''s shrewd and ys hard to get. Still, Mr.


    Moore''s bewitched by her. Besides, she''s just a pretentious woman. She might look pure and innocent


    on the outside, but deep down, she''s full of evil ideas. Most importantly, she''s not as pretty as you,¡±


    Yulissa said everything she could to praise Wisteria and belittle Avery.


    ¡°Am I really... pretty?¡± Wisteria had lost some of her confidence thanks to Cayden''s constant


    indifference toward her.


    Yulissa praised Wisteria exaggeratedly, ¡°Ms. Summers, you''re the prettiest woman in thispany! Of


    course, a woman''s appearance is important, but what Mr. Moore prefers is someone with an


    extraordinary mind. Mr. Moore can get all the pretty women in the world, yet he chooses Avery. That''s


    because that woman knows how to put on an act.¡±


    Yulissa scowled with disdain at the mention of Avery''s name.


    No doubt, Yulissa was jealous of Avery for attracting every male employee in the office as soon as she


    arrived. She was jealous that Avery could join in on the coboration, even though she was a newbie.


    She was also jealous that Cayden adored Avery. Even the man Yulissa admired, Kendrick, obeyed


    Avery terribly.


    Yulissa''s words made Wisteria fall into deep thought.


    She was heartbroken yet obsessed with Cayden''s outstanding appearance and charming smile.


    Wisteria''s eyes gleamed as she took a sip of her coffee. All of a sudden, her icy demeanor had


    returned, and she spoke to Yulissa in a high and mighty tone. ¡°Avery''s taking the exam to be a Certified


    Professional Constructor tomorrow. I don''t want her to pass it so smoothly; you know what I mean? By


    the way, an assistant general manager from the design department has applied for a transfer. There


    should be a vacancy for that position soon.¡±

 Chapter 551

    Chapter 551


    Chapter 551 William Gets Emotional


    ¡°I understond, Ms. Summers. I know whot I should do.¡± Yulisso immediotely nodded in


    ocknowledgment.


    Yulisso wos o smort person. She would be o fool not to understond whot Wisterio wos implying when


    the lotter hod olreody mode it so cleor.


    The deputy generol monoger of the design deportment wos o position sought ofter by mony.


    Moreover, the design deportment wos filled with tolented people. Even Trevor ond Cecelio were os


    good os Yulisso.


    Yulisso knew she would never get thot position with her obilities, no motter how hord she worked for


    the next few yeors.


    I''ve got to plon this properly. I must get Avery kicked out of Trident Group tomorrow.


    Nicole looked hoggord in the enormous hospitol gown. She gozed ot the hospitol''s ceiling blonkly os if


    deep in thought.


    After surviving sleepless doys without using fociol mosks, her skin wos no longer os supple os before.


    She looked drosticolly different from her beoutiful, dozzling self on the screen.


    While the nurse did oll kinds of exominotions on Nicole, Cloire stood nervously ot the corner with


    Williom keeping herpony.


    ¡°Don''t worry, Mr. ond Mrs. Lombert. Ms. Lombert is looking much better todoy,¡± soid the nurse before


    inserting o needle into Nicole''s orm.


    Suddenly, Nicole snopped bock to her senses ond shoved the nurse owoy, trembling from heod to toe.


    She looked extremely pitiful, with helpless teors streoming down her cheeks. ¡°Dod, Mom, I''m scored...¡±


    Her choking voice ond drenched foce broke Cloire''s heort.


    With reddened eyes, Cloire opprooched Nicole''s bed ond hugged the lotter tightly. ¡°Oh, my precious


    Nicole. You finolly recognized me. My poor sweetheort. Whot exoctly hoppened? You gove us such o


    terrible fright.¡±


    Nicole lowered her heod ond ovoided Cloire''s goze.


    She wonted to tell her porents obout her terrible experience. She wonted to tell them it wos Coyden


    who kidnopped her ond left her in o snoke''s nest, which scored her out of her wits. She wonted her


    porents to ovenge her.


    However, Nicole could not help but shudder when she recolled Coyden''s cruel woys, his murderous


    goze, ond ruthless threots.


    Coyden threotened to ruin her reputotion if she reveoled onything to her porents. On top of thot, he


    would even use methods worse thon venomous snokes to moke her life o living hell.


    After the torturous experience with snokes, Nicole dored not doubt Coyden''s words.


    She hod experienced enough to know how Coyden''s methods could be.


    ¡°I understand, Ms. Summers. I know what I should do.¡± Yulissa immediately nodded in


    acknowledgment.


    Yulissa was a smart person. She would be a fool not to understand what Wisteria was implying when


    thetter had already made it so clear.


    The deputy general manager of the design department was a position sought after by many.


    Moreover, the design department was filled with talented people. Even Trevor and Cecelia were as


    good as Yulissa.


    Yulissa knew she would never get that position with her abilities, no matter how hard she worked for


    the next few years.


    I''ve got to n this properly. I must get Avery kicked out of Trident Group tomorrow.


    Nicole looked haggard in the enormous hospital gown. She gazed at the hospital''s ceiling nkly as if


    deep in thought.


    After surviving sleepless days without using facial masks, her skin was no longer as supple as before.


    She looked drastically different from her beautiful, dazzling self on the screen.


    While the nurse did all kinds of examinations on Nicole, ire stood nervously at the corner with


    William keeping herpany. N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    ¡°Don''t worry, Mr. and Mrs. Lambert. Ms. Lambert is looking much better today,¡± said the nurse before


    inserting a needle into Nicole''s arm.


    Suddenly, Nicole snapped back to her senses and shoved the nurse away, trembling from head to toe.


    She looked extremely pitiful, with helpless tears streaming down her cheeks. ¡°Dad, Mom, I''m scared...¡±


    Her choking voice and drenched face broke ire''s heart.


    With reddened eyes, ire approached Nicole''s bed and hugged thetter tightly. ¡°Oh, my precious


    Nicole. You finally recognized me. My poor sweetheart. What exactly happened? You gave us such a


    terrible fright.¡±


    Nicole lowered her head and avoided ire''s gaze.


    She wanted to tell her parents about her terrible experience. She wanted to tell them it was Cayden


    who kidnapped her and left her in a snake''s nest, which scared her out of her wits. She wanted her


    parents to avenge her.


    However, Nicole could not help but shudder when she recalled Cayden''s cruel ways, his murderous


    gaze, and ruthless threats.


    Cayden threatened to ruin her reputation if she revealed anything to her parents. On top of that, he


    would even use methods worse than venomous snakes to make her life a living hell.


    After the torturous experience with snakes, Nicole dared not doubt Cayden''s words.


    She had experienced enough to know how Cayden''s methods could be.


    He''s not even human!


    No matter how furious or aggrieved she felt, Nicole''s fear of Cayden''s threats made her give up on the


    idea of telling her parents the truth.


    She forced a smile. ¡°I''m fine. I don''t know why those thugs kidnapped me, either. My face was covered


    the entire time, so I never saw their faces. They just locked me up for some time without asking for


    ransom. They never interacted with me during the entire process. One day, they just let me go. Could


    they have kidnapped the wrong person?¡±


    William and ire exchanged nces. They were sharp-witted people. Naturally, they did not believe


    Nicole''s words.


    ¡°Nickie, are you hiding something from me? Your statement ispletely different from your


    manager''s. She said a group of men in ck threatened to take you away from the hospital. She got


    knocked out, and you were missing by the time she woke up. I''ve sent so many people to search for


    you, but nothing was found. If you know who kidnapped you, you need to tell me. I''ll definitely seek


    justice for you,¡± William huffed.


    ¡°Dad, I really don''t know anything. I was going through a great shock when I was kidnapped. Besides, I


    was blindfolded. There was no way I could see the thugs'' faces. I''m just really tired. Dad, do you know


    what I was thinking during that time? I was wondering what would happen to you and Mom if something


    happened to me. Mom''s eyes aren''t in good condition, and she''ll definitely cry. I don''t want her to be


    sad...¡±


    As Nicole was saying that, tears streamed down her cheeks again.


    ire hugged and cried with her.


    William, too, was moved. After all, Nicole was the daughter he had brought up for over ten years. He


    had deep feelings for thetter.


    However, William was more reserved, unlike his wife, who was more expressive.


    Sensing Nicole was in a poor state, William gave up questioning her.


    I''ll look into this step by step. One day, the truth will be revealed.


    William found it absurd that he could not find anything about his daughter''s kidnapping case.


    Nicole cried until she was tired.


    For the past few days, she had been living in fear. Now that she eased up, she dozed off almost


    instantly.


    Seeing that, ire gently massaged Nicole''s temples to help thetter sleep better.


    ¡°ire, you''ve been keeping Nickiepany for many days. Why don''t you lie down and get some


    rest.¡± The obvious dark circles under ire''s eyes broke William''s heart.


    However, ire shook her head. ¡°I''m not tired. I''m just happy to see Nickie. Honey, who do you think


    has a grudge against her? Why would they kidnap her? She''s so pretty, gentle, and kind. Everyone


    who meets her praises her.¡±


    Williamforted her, ¡°Perhaps it''s my enemy from work. I''ve made many enemies over the years. I


    can''t figure out who it is in an instant. Don''t worry. I''ll look into this and seek justice for our daughter.¡±


    ire hummed in response and tucked Nicole in.


    Suddenly, she got to her feet and cast William a gentle gaze. ¡°Honey, I''ve got good news for you. Our


    biological daughter''s still alive.¡±


    ¡°A-Are you for real? Where did you get this information from?¡± William was shocked.


    Immediately, ire recounted everything from what Silvia said to the test ire did on Allie and her


    suspicions.


    It was the first time William lost hisposure.


    At that moment, his heart, which always beat steadily in any political event, was racing.


    ¡°I-If our daughter''s still alive, then we will definitely find her!¡± William said emotionally.


    He was so excited that he kept pacing around the ward.


    The man who had always been calm in every political scene was currently like a helpless kid. The


    scene filled ire''s heart with sorrow.


    She knew William loved their adoptive daughter. Yet, deep down, he longed to have a biological


    daughter.


    s, her body''s condition did not allow her to make his wishe true.


    Now that they knew their biological daughter was alive, ire could rte to his emotions.


    After all, she empathized with her husband.


    ¡°Nickie''s going to have an elder sister in the future, so she won''t be lonely anymore. I''m sure they''ll get


    along well,¡± ire said with anticipation.


    With that, she began discussing with William how to find their biological daughter, not realizing Nicole,


    who was supposed to be sound asleep, had secretly opened her eyes.


    She was utterly shocked when she heard her adoptive parents'' discussion, and a wave of panic shot


    through her body.


    They know their biological daughter''s alive... If... If they find Avery... Will I still have a ce in the


    Lambert family?


    Nicole squeezed the nket so hard that it wrinkled. Even her face went as dark as thunder.


    No! I won''t let Avery join the Lambert family!

 Chapter 552

    Chapter 552


    Chapter 552 Warmth And Sorrow


    When it was time to get off work, Alina called Avery saying ke had beenining to the former


    about not seeing his granddaughter for a long time and asking questions about Avery''s recovery. ke


    was also missing Zachary and Rory.


    When it was time to get off work, Alina called Avery saying ke had beenining to the former


    about not seeing his granddaughter for a long time and asking questions about Avery''s recovery. ke


    was also missing Zachary and Rory.


    Recently, Avery had been busy with her own matters. And since she was still recovering back then, she


    kept in touch with ke via phone and video calls.


    After receiving her aunt''s call, Avery decided to visit ke after work.


    She originally wanted to bring the twins along, but they were at the Moore residence, and Cayden was


    on a business trip. That made things a little difficult.


    Avery knew how Jeffrey would treat her. Moreover, Allie disliked the former. Avery would only be


    embarrassing herself if she went over to bring the children out.


    After thinking about it, she decided to visit ke alone. Hence, she asked the driver to send her to


    ke''s residential area.


    ke was naturally excited to see Avery. He quickly took her hand and asked her all kinds of


    questions, from her recovery to where Cayden was.


    He also kept asking her about Zachary and Rory, wondering if they had grown taller or had been


    behaving well.


    Despite how much he nagged and repeated his sentences, Avery responded to all of them patiently.


    When they had finished catching up, Avery handed some medical sters to ke. ¡°Grandpa, I know


    your spine area is weak, so I bought some sters for you to try. You can use them in the morning and


    in the evening. I hope they can improve your spine.¡±


    Avery was aware of his weak spine that hurt whenever he moved a little.


    However, he was old. Since every surgery had its risks, the doctor did not rmend it. Instead, ke


    could relieve the pain with medicine.


    Avery had been thinking of ways to improve ke''s condition during her spare time.


    The medicinal sters were discovered when she overheard a conversation between two


    housekeepers.


    One of them had a simr but rather severe spinal condition. ording to the housekeeper, she


    overworked herself when she was younger, which made her spine hurt terribly every day. After that,


    she began using a special medicinal ster made by a traditional medicine practitioner.


    After using it for some time, the pain was relieved greatly. In fact, her symptoms lightened, and she


    could finally start working as a housekeeper.


    That was how Avery got the idea of getting the housekeeper''s help to buy a few boxes of the medicinal


    ster for ke to try.


    Hence, she brought them along when she was visiting ke.


    The old man smiled and epted it. Even though he did not expect much from the sters, he still


    said lightheartedly, ¡°You''re such a kind girl. You always think of me. Ah, looks like I didn''t raise you up


    in vain. Anyway, it''s just an old sickness of mine. It won''t get better, no matter how many medicines or


    injections I take. So, don''t waste your money on such things in the future. I''m old already. In fact, I''m


    probably dying anytime soon. Who knows how much time I have left with all of you...¡±


    While he was saying that, tears welled in his eyes, and his tone grew solemn.


    ¡°Grandpa, you''re only in your seventies. You look young to me. Why are you saying things like that?


    You''ll definitely live a long life. Besides, I want you to witness Zach''s and Rory''s marriage.¡±


    Avery hugged ke''s arm just like when she was a kid.


    Amused, ke said, ¡°Tsk. You''re all grown up. Why are you still so clingy like when you were young?¡±


    Avery responded proudly, ¡°No matter how old I am, I''ll always behave like a kid around you. I''ll stick to


    you just like when I was a kid.¡±


    ke patted his granddaughter''s head affectionately. ¡°You''re going to be a mother soon. You can''t


    continue behaving like this once you get married. Your inws don''t look like people who are easy to


    get along with. If something happens in the future, just put up with it if possible. Don''t argue with them.


    Of course, you can choose not to endure it and tell Cayden about it if they go too far. He looks like


    someone who has opinions of his own and treats you well rather than someone who''d obey every word


    his mother says. Make sure you talk to him and not endure it in silence, okay? If Cayden bullies you,


    you''ve got to tell me about it. I''ll do everything in my power to make him pay.¡±


    ke''s promise filled Avery''s heart with warmth and sorrow. She never doubted his love for her.


    Avery pouted and feigned nonchnce as she said, ¡°I know, Grandpa. Don''t worry. I''ll move out


    instead of staying with the inws after marrying Cayden. That way, there''ll be less interaction and


    misunderstandings. Besides, Cayden treats me well. He doesn''t bully me. In fact, it''s the other way


    round.¡±


    Relieved, ke said, ¡°That''s good. My granddaughter is a blessed child.¡±


    Relieved, ke said, ¡°That''s good. My granddaughter is a blessed child.¡±


    Avery helped him to sit down and said sweetly, ¡°Why don''t you get some rest on the couch while I help


    Aunt Alina in the kitchen? She won''t be able to handle cooking alone.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure? You''re pregnant, though.¡± ke tugged at her hand, for he disapproved of her


    suggestion.


    ¡°It''s fine. The doctor says pregnant women shouldn''t stay seated. We need to get some exercise.¡±


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    When she managed to convince ke, she went to the kitchen to help out.


    Avery caught a delicious aroma as soon as she entered the kitchen, and she could not help but


    exim, ¡°Aunt Alina, it smells so good!¡±


    With the spat in her hand, Alina turned around to look at Avery and answered calmly, ¡°I''m making


    your favorite barbecue spare ribs and butter shrimp. We can dig in once I''m done with the shrimps.¡±


    ¡°It smells amazing. Your cooking skills have improved. I''m impressed. Let me try a piece of that.¡± Avery


    washed her hands and sneaked a piece of the barbecue spare ribs into her mouth like a child.


    The barbecue spare ribs were hot as they just came out of the oven. Avery could not help but squeal at


    that realization. At that moment, she looked incredibly cheeky.


    Alina pretended to click her tongue but shook her head affectionately.


    She''s already a mom, yet she''s still so innocent. I wonder if it''s a good thing.


    After all, Alina was once married to a wealthy family, and she knew how tough it was to be one.


    Marrying into a wealthy family was like leaping into the vast ocean.


    They paid great attention to rules and etiquette, especially top affluent families. Once a person entered


    such a strict marriage, the rules could wipe out every single ounce of humanity in them until they


    became a soulless body.


    When Alina thought of her powerful and charming nephew-inw, the former could not help but wonder


    if Avery was an exception.


    Perhaps Avery''s one of the lucky ones to have a man like Cayden to protect and love her. I hope she


    can be this innocent forever.


    Just as Alina continued to stir the vegetables, she felt a warm and moist sensation flow out of her


    nostrils.


    Blood flowed uncontrobly out of her nostrils and spattered onto the spat, staining it red.

 Chapter 553

    Chapter 553


    Chapter 553 A Jumbled Mess


    Afraid that Avery would notice her condition, Alina hastily reached out and pinched her nose to stop the


    blood from continue dripping down. At the same time, she quickly rinsed the blood off the spat with


    tap water.


    Afraid that Avery would notice her condition, Alina hastily reached out and pinched her nose to stop the


    blood from continue dripping down. At the same time, she quickly rinsed the blood off the spat with


    tap water.


    Her movements were exceedingly swift and practiced. It was as though she was already ustomed


    to doing them.


    Inwardly, she rejoiced over her luck. Fortunately, not only did the blood miss getting into the food, but


    I''m also having my back to Avery, so she didn''t notice what happened!


    In the next instant, she could not help casting her mind back to her doctor''s advice.


    ¡°Your immune system is growing increasingly weaker now, and you need to be admitted to the hospital


    for chemotherapy as soon as possible, Ms. Rumpley. If you continue dying things, the damage to


    your body will only be amplified. At that time, your life will be in danger.¡±


    ¡°I don''t want to undergo chemotherapy, doctor. Is there any conservative treatment instead? I don''t


    mind taking medicine. No matter the medicine, it''s fine as long as it can keep me alive.¡± That was the


    question Alina put forth with much difficulty back then.


    She knew that the side effects of chemotherapy were not limited to dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and


    throwing up. On top of that, she would lose her beautiful ck hair and even turn horrifyingly gaunt and


    shriveled.


    All her life, she had been pursuing beauty and perfection. Hence, she would rather die than see herself


    be so unsightly.


    ¡°Ms. Rumpley, at present, the country''s most effective ways of treating cancer are surgery and


    chemotherapy. Surgery is the most basic method, but it''s only suitable for the treatment of early-stage


    tumors. As for your advanced-stage cancer, it won''t be of much help. If you persist in undergoing


    chemotherapy after surgery, you''ll still have a chance of survival. Honestly speaking, other conservative


    treatment methods aren''t suitable for your current condition,¡± the doctor exined in detail without


    keeping anything from her.


    Unwilling to admit defeat, Alina asked, ¡°Is my condition hereditary, doctor? My brother died of cancer


    last year, and I''ve also been diagnosed with the same disease. Is this passed down through the


    family?¡±


    ¡°The incidence rate is indeed higher among families with a cancer patient than the average person, but


    the so-called inherited tumor is actually the inborn susceptibility to develop tumors, coupled with


    negative environmental factors. That''s the reason behind cancer. Generally speaking, the more


    common hereditary ones include breast cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, and the like. If a person''s


    immediate family member suffers from any of the aforementioned cancers, then the individual''s


    chances of contracting cancer are several times higher than that of the average person,¡± the doctor


    answered solemnly.


    When Alina heard that, her nose stung sharply.


    Leonardo and I are immediate family members, and we were both unluckily diagnosed with cancer. Is


    that gic or a mere coincidence? If it''s really a gic issue, what about Ery? She''s Leonardo''s


    biological daughter. Then, are her chances of contracting cancer also higher than the average


    person''s?


    Her gaze fell on Avery, who was helping her cook in the kitchen while a few months along in her


    pregnancy. Sorrow washed over her like a tidal wave, inundating her in destion.


    With her eyes on her niece, she proposed, ¡°Ery, I''ll apany you to the hospital when you''re free for


    a full-body checkup, okay?¡±


    Mistakenly assuming that her aunt was worried about the baby she was carrying, Avery muttered, ¡°I


    visit the hospital for prenatal checkups regrly, Aunt Alina. The doctor said the baby and I are both


    healthy, so you don''t need to worry.¡±


    At that, Alina let out a long exhale. Enduring her physical difort, she started rifying the reason


    for requesting that Avery have a checkup. ¡°When Ist went to the hospital for a checkup, Ery, the


    doctor told me that if one''s immediate family member suffers from cancer, the individual is several


    times more likely to inherit the diseasepared to the average person. Your father died of cancer,


    and I''ve also been diagnosed with a simr mdy. You''re his only biological daughter, so I''m afraid


    that... that...¡±


    Verily, she could not bring herself to finish her utterance.


    Unfortunately, Avery countered blithely, ¡°I don''t think so, Aunt Alina. In my opinion, it''s only a


    coincidence that you and Dad contracted cancer. Besides, I know my health best. Ever since young,


    I''ve only ever had a fever or cold at most.¡±


    This time, however, Alina was decidedly firm. Despite her usual gentleness, she was very much


    adamant then. ¡°No, you must follow me to the hospital for a checkup. Regardless of the test results, I''ll


    only be able to rest easy after ascertaining that you''re in perfect health. Leonardo has already passed


    away, and I have no idea how much longer I have now that I''m suffering from cancer. If anything


    happens to me, you''ll be the only one left to take care of your grandfather.¡±


    It was the first time Avery had seen her usually invincible aunt revealing such a fragile side to her. That


    had her abruptly realizing the gravity of the matter.


    Tossing the half-washed te into the sink, she hugged Alina without even bothering to wipe her


    hands.


    I''ve always known that Aunt Alina is sick. She told me about it when she first sought me out. But she''d


    always been optimistic about it, taking medicine to keep her condition from worsening. What''s with this


    out of the blue?


    Tears almost escaped her eyes. ¡°Aunt Alina, Dad has passed away, and Grandpa has already


    experienced the pain of losing a child once. He aged overnight... Can you really bear to put him


    through such agony again, Aunt Alina? He''s already up in years, and you two are my only family left in


    the Rumpley family. Both of you are my backers, the only people I can depend upon. I''m going to sit for


    the Certified Professional Constructor exam tomorrow, so I don''t have time to go for a checkup. I


    promise to listen to you and follow you to the hospital for a checkup during the weekend break. But you


    must also promise to stay strong and continue living for our sake. Okay?¡±


    Tears almost escaped her eyes. ¡°Aunt Alina, Dad has passed away, and Grandpa has already


    experienced the pain of losing a child once. He aged overnight... Can you really bear to put him


    through such agony again, Aunt Alina? He''s already up in years, and you two are my only family left in


    the Rumpley family. Both of you are my backers, the only people I can depend upon. I''m going to sit for


    the Certified Professional Constructor exam tomorrow, so I don''t have time to go for a checkup. I


    promise to listen to you and follow you to the hospital for a checkup during the weekend break. But you


    must also promise to stay strong and continue living for our sake. Okay?¡±


    She had never known maternal love since childhood,cking protection from a female character. Thus,


    her aunt''s love for her suffused her with warmth.


    To her, Alina was her pseudo-mother, ying a pivotal role in terms of familial affection.


    The sight of her niece''s pitiful and pleading gaze, coupled with the sheer anxiety and fear in those


    limpid eyes, had Alina''s lips quiver slightly. Ultimately, she relented, ¡°Okay.¡±


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    That night, Avery did not go back but stayed over at ke''s ce.


    Having learned that she was going to sit for an examination tomorrow, Alina, who was also staying


    overnight, insisted on having a chat with her. She urged Avery to take good care of the baby in her


    stomach and not to worry about the examination as she could still resist the paper next year if the


    results were not to her satisfaction.


    Avery listened to it all attentively. They both talked for a long time.


    Only when it was almost nine o''clock did Alina leave her niece''s room.


    Picking up her phone, Avery noticed several missed calls and a WhatsApp message.


    She tapped open the WhatsApp message and saw that it was from Cayden. It read: Jeremy told me


    you went over to Grandpa''s ce and would be staying there tonight. You must have plenty to talk


    about with Aunt Alina, so I''ll leave you to it tonight. Sleep earlier so that you''ve got enough rest for


    tomorrow''s exam. Don''t be nervous, for you can definitely do it. I trust you.


    After she finished reading the message, a sense of warmth and sweetness pervaded her.


    Lying on the bed quietly, she closed her eyes. Yet, Alina''s words kept ying in her ears. For a


    moment, her thoughts became a jumbled mess.


    There''s a chance of inheriting cancer through family, and I''m Dad''s biological daughter. In that case,


    would I also suffer from cancer one day in the future?

 Chapter 554

    Chapter 554


    Chapter 554 The Suggestiveness Sparked Spection


    As Avery was sitting for an examination the next day, Alina woke up at the crack of dawn and prepared


    breakfast for her. It was not until Avery had finished eating that she had the driver send thetter to the


    exam hall.


    Avery was given the examination venue of a certain well-known School of Economics and Finance.


    When she arrived near the examination hall, she saw a crowd there for the examination. The entire


    ce was packed, making for an impressive sight.


    However, the majority of those sitting for the examination this time were males, and there were


    rtively fewer females.


    The examination would be starting soon, and many of the examinees were reviewing with papers in


    their hands. Regardless of whether they were reinforcing information they had studied or doingst-


    minute cramming, they all looked exceedingly diligent.


    That had always been the norm for examinations.


    Since there were a lot of examinees, the driver, Jake, feared something would befall Avery if she were


    alone. As such, he first parked the car at the parking lot before apanying Avery to the exam hall.


    After all, the lesson from the car ident previously was too painful, and no one around Cayden dared


    to be careless anymore.


    Right then, many examinees were crowded in front of the bulletin board at the entrance of the exam


    hall, checking the location of the building and room assigned to them for the examination.


    Avery was assigned to Room 302 on the third floor of Block D.


    Jake led Avery to a shady ce with few people before urging, ¡°Wait for me here for a while, Mrs.


    Moore. I''ll go and have a look at the location of your exam hall. There are too many people here, so


    don''t roam around to prevent any idents. I''ll be back in a jiffy.¡±


    ¡°Sure, thank you,¡± Avery replied.


    It was tiring for her to stand for a long time since she was pregnant.


    Therefore, when she spotted a medium-sized stone bench at the side, she took out a tissue and wiped


    it before sitting down.


    Then, she also took out a book from her bag and skimmed over some important points.


    Subsequently, she diligently reviewed the summary Cayden wrote for her.


    While she was all focused on studying, a crisp and sweet female voice rang out. ¡°Hello, nice to meet


    you. Are you here to sit for the exam as well?¡±


    Avery snapped her head up in surprise, only to be greeted by the sight of a long-haired girl in trendy


    clothes looking at her smilingly with a book in hand.


    The girl had a delicate face, looking incredibly sweet as she smiled. She gave off a sense of being


    harmless and friendly.


    Out of courtesy, Avery replied with a smile, ¡°Nice to meet you. I''m also here to sit for the exam.¡±


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I''m Evangeline Gena, and this is my first time sitting for the exam.¡± After introducing herself, the girl


    arbitrarily sat down beside Avery. Gaping at her in amazement, she eximed, ¡°You''re an expectant


    mother at such a young age? You don''t look that old. Did you get married as soon as you graduated?


    And is this your first time sitting for the Certified Professional Constructor exam?¡±


    She was just like a chatterbox, her series of questions overwhelming Avery.


    Some of the questions infringed on her privacy, so Avery ignored them, merely murmuring gently, ¡°I''m


    Avery Rumpley, and this is also my first time sitting for the exam.¡±


    The girl known as Evangeline glimpsed the paper in Avery''s hand.


    She casually swept a gaze over it, only to be suddenly blown away. Blinking, she again asked in


    surprise, ¡°Is this the pre-exam information youpiled? Your writing is beautiful, and the content you


    summarized is really detailed... Oh, there are even notes on questions examinees are prone to answer


    wrongly? Wow! I find your summary even better than the educational material itself. Can I have a look


    at it?¡±


    At the request, Avery wavered for a moment.


    Clocking the anticipation in the eyes of the overly-friendly girl, she caved in and handed her a piece of


    the two-page information written by Cayden. ¡°Here.¡±


    Evangeline happily took the summary and thanked her before reading it seriously.


    A little over ten minutester, Jake sprinted back with sweat dotting his forehead.


    He did not expect the sheer number of examinees before the bulletin board, and he almost suffocated


    amidst them.


    I''m a man, but even I find it found it beyond challenging to squeeze my way in and out of that crowd. It


    would''ve been worse for Avery, who''s pregnant!


    Right that instant, he was d that he had apanied Avery there for the examination.


    Otherwise, there would certainly have been some ident if she hade to the exam hall alone.


    If that were to happen, he could never escape from bearing the me.


    ¡°I saw the location of your exam hall, Mrs. Moore...¡± Jake, who trotted over, trailed off upon seeing that


    a young and beautiful girl was sitting beside Avery.


    Scratching his head, he could not help asking in puzzlement, ¡°Who is this, Mrs. Moore?¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Avery flipped the book closed. She took out a bottle of mineral water from her bag before


    handing it to him. ¡°Have some water to quench your thirst first. This is a fellow examinee I''ve just gotten


    acquainted with. Her name is Evangeline Gena.¡±


    ¡°Nice to meet you.¡± Evangeline greeted Jake beamingly. Her big eyes curved into crescents, rendering


    her very much delightful.


    Jake''s heartbeat elerated, and he forced a smile on his average-looking face. ¡°Nice to meet you. I''m


    Jake Jackson, Mrs. Moore''s driver.¡±


    At the man''s flustered look, Evangeline pped a hand over her mouth and giggled. What a silly man!


    However, her brown eyes inexorably flickered when she heard him addressing Avery as ¡°Mrs.¡± and


    introducing himself as thetter''s driver. She began scrutinizing Avery surreptitiously.


    She noticed that Avery was wearing a mid-length A-line white maternity dress with a cute round cor


    in ck that entuated her fair neck.


    Her eyes were so sharp that she also spotted the Irusheanbel at the cor and recognized it as a


    foreign luxury brand.


    After catching sight of thatbel, she could no longer maintain a calm expression.


    That was a renowned Irushean brand, and a dress cost as much as half of her annual sry.


    Following that, she could not resist specting inwardly. What exactly is the identity of this girl, whom


    I''d initially thought was ordinary like me?


    Meanwhile, Avery was entirely oblivious to her thoughts. Right then, her attention was riveted by a


    financial news video that popped up on her phone.


    The caption read: Business upstart, Cayden Moore, attends Aploth Business Summit in Beshya as a


    special guest to talk about the economy in the new era.


    She was not at all surprised to see Cayden on a financial news channel, but she had never expected


    the news to pop out at such a time.


    As a financial news channel, the focus was naturally on finance. Nheless, the videographer was


    well aware ofizens'' desire for gossip. The other entrepreneurs were all old or had potbellies, so the


    camera was mostly focused on the young and handsome Cayden.


    Naturally, there were also many shots of the beautiful and morous Wisteria beside him. In fact, most


    were of them in the same frame.


    Even through the camera, one could still perceive her adoration and love for Cayden. Thetter,


    however, seemed entirely oblivious.


    It was then Cayden''s turn to speak.


    When Wisteria handed the microphone to her employer, her fingers brushed against Cayden''s hand in


    a seemingly unintentional gesture.


    The suggestiveness in that action inexorably sparked spection.


    Avery saw that Cayden appeared to frown in the video. He picked up the handkerchief on the table and


    discreetly wiped his hand a few times. Then, he lifted the microphone and started to speak eloquently.


    Wisteria seemingly froze for a moment, her expression stiffening briefly. But in no time, she shed the


    camera a graceful smile.


    Mirth bubbled within Avery. His germaphobia seems to be growing increasingly severe.

 Chapter 555

    Chapter 555


    Chapter 555 Cayden From Ackleton


    When Avery was watching the video of Cayden giving a speech, Evangeline suddenly tilted her head to


    look at the screen. ¡°Avery, what are you watching?¡±


    Upon catching a glimpse of the handsome and graceful Cayden, Evangeline was instantly filled with


    admiration. ¡°Wow! Isn''t he Cayden Moore? He''s be so popr in Ackleton recently! Oh my God,


    he''s so hot! He''s my idol. Do you know he established Trident Group single-handedly? Can you believe


    it? I aspire to work in thatpany. How about you? Let''s study hard, be Certified Professional


    Constructors, and apply for a job at Trident Group. What do you think?¡±


    Listening to her babble caused Avery to lose her patience.


    Evangeline appeared to be a refineddy until she spoke, at which point she began to chatter like a


    bird.


    ¡°You know, our¡ª¡± Jake began to exin, but Avery cut him off with a look.


    Avery responded, ¡°I hope the both of us can pass with flying colors.¡±


    Evangeline bobbed her head in acknowledgment. Just when she thought of continuing to watch her


    idol, Avery ended the video.


    Feeling a little disappointed, she said, ¡°Avery, why did you turn it off?¡±


    Avery nced at the time on her wristwatch and stood up from the stone stool. ¡°It''s almost time. We


    should enter the exam hall soon. Where''s the venue for your exam?¡±


    Evangeline said, ¡°Room 302 in Block D. How about you?¡±


    Avery was surprised. ¡°It looks like we''ll be in the same exam hall.¡±


    Evangeline could not contain her excitement. ¡°We''re in the exam hall? What a coincidence! My seat is


    No.5. What''s yours?¡±


    ¡°No.16,¡± Avery replied.


    Evangeline grabbed her hand and was ready to lead her to the exam hall. ¡°Let''s go together, then. This


    is so exciting! I''m so d you''re with me. At least now I know I won''t be sitting for the exam alone.¡±


    Avery did not want to dampen Evangeline''s spirit. She said apologetically to Jake, ¡°The exam willst


    for at least a few hours, and non-candidates are not allowed to enter, so it''s best if you could wait


    outside. Go ahead and do your stuff if you''re busy, or you can stroll around the campus. I''ll call you


    once I''m done with the exam.¡±


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    ¡°Sure,¡± Jake replied.


    Avery and Evangeline had to do some walking to reach the exam hall since the School of Economics


    and Finance was arge faculty.


    All the other exam candidates, too, were walking in the same direction.


    Evangeline instinctively protected Avery froming into close contact with the other candidates.


    Avery was touched by her thoughtfulness.


    As they continued walking, Evangeline continued protecting Avery from the crowd and spoke. ¡°Avery,


    let''s stay calm during the exam. We should begin by answering the easy questions first and leave the


    difficult ones forter. We need to make the most of the exam time.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I know,¡± Avery responded with a grin.


    Just then, Avery''s phone rang. Upon noticing it was Cayden, she answered the call right away. ¡°Hey.¡±


    She wondered how he managed to find the time to call her since he was supposed to be giving a


    speech.


    The man, who seemed to have read her mind, exined in a sultry voice, ¡°I can sense you''re on your


    way to the hall now since your exam is about to start. That''s why I took a few minutes to call you and


    wish you all the best. I have faith in you, Ery!¡±


    Avery smiled. ¡°All right.¡±


    After ending the call, Evangeline asked out of curiosity, ¡°Your husband?¡±


    Avery grinned bashfully and nodded.


    As Cayden was not yet her husband, she did not want to create the impression that she was pregnant


    out of wedlock.


    ¡°What a loving husband!¡± Evangeline was envious of Avery.


    Based on her observation, Evangeline could tell Avery must have married someone wealthy.


    Nheless, on second thought, Evangeline believed Avery might have married a wealthy man who


    was not particrly attractive. After all, many young and beautiful women were going after rich men,


    but it was rare to find handsome and wealthy bachelors.


    Even the slightly attractive second-generation rich men have high standards and are extremely


    selective. Therefore, Evangeline doubted Avery had the good fortune of marrying a top-tier, good-


    looking second-generation rich man.


    Having that thought in mind made Evangeline more at ease.


    No matter who Avery married, it was evident that her husband was a man of stature. Evangeline


    believed that maintaining a good rtionship with Avery could help propel her career forward and


    expand herwork in the future.


    With that, she treated Avery with even greater enthusiasm.


    However, Avery felt a little uneasy with Evangeline''s overly enthusiastic behavior. Despite this, when


    she noticed how carefully Evangeline was guarding her and keeping other candidates at bay with her


    arm, Avery decided not to say anything as she was grateful for her assistance.


    Soon, they arrived at the exam hall, where two male invigtors were present.


    While one invigtor was tasked with keeping watch over the candidates to prevent them from bringing


    in any unauthorized materials, the other used a device to scan the candidates.


    A rectangr table was set up outside the exam hall for candidates to leave their notes and bags.


    Prohibited items had to be left on the table before the candidates were allowed to enter the exam hall.


    After gathering all her notes and putting away her phone, Avery ced her bag next to Evangeline''s.


    She then entered the hall with Evangeline before walking to her seat.


    An invigtor scanned Avery''s body with a device to ensure that she was not carrying any items that


    could aid her in cheating during the exam. Once she was cleared, she was allowed to go in.


    Avery took her seat and patiently waited for the exam to begin.


    Suddenly, in an unintentional nce toward the entrance, she caught sight of Yulissa, the head of their


    design department.


    Avery froze for a moment as she did not think she would bump into Yulissa. There are numerous


    examination venues, yet I''m assigned to the same hall as her? Geez.


    Their eyes met briefly, but the reactions on their faces werepletely different. Yulissa''s expression


    was indifferent, while Avery looked surprised.


    Upon recalling how Yulissa was often at odds with her when they were working in thepany, Avery


    could not help but bite her lip in frustration. To this day, she still had no clue why Yulissa marked her as


    her archenemy.


    However, Avery realized it was not the time to dwell on those irrelevant thoughts. She averted her gaze


    from Yulissa and focused on checking her stationery.


    Meanwhile, Yulissa also ced her bag on the table.


    As soon as she caught sight of the bag with the baby pr bear zipper charm, she knew it belonged to


    Avery.


    Yulissa remembered Avery would carry the bag to work every day. She recognized it because of that


    tacky zipper charm.


    When no one was looking, Yulissa discreetly turned sideways to block others'' view and quietly


    unzipped Avery''s bag.


    She then stuck her hand into the bag and casually pulled out a document from it before swiftly zipping it


    up.


    No one noticed what Yulissa did, as her action was swift, and she intentionally obstructed others''


    views, taking advantage of the fact that all the candidates were rushing to enter the exam hall.


    Meanwhile, the hall was filled with intense silence and tension, transporting Avery back to her high


    school days during the university entrance exam. The atmosphere felt like a soundless battlefield,


    forcing her to give her undivided attention to the assessment.


    Coincidentally, Yulissa was assigned to sit right behind Avery.

 Chapter 556

    Chapter 556


    Chapter 556 Someone Cheated In The Exam


    Avery had no idea that Yulissa was number seventeen. That realization made her mood turn foul.


    The coincidence of being assigned to the same exam hall was already rare, and now they had the


    added ¡°luck¡± of being seated together.


    The exam was about to begin soon, so Avery ignored Yulissa.


    Avery stole a quick nce at Evangeline, who was sitting diagonally across from her. As she met


    Evangeline''s gaze, thetter shed a smile and raised her fist in a gesture of encouragement.


    Her warm smile made Avery feel a little more at ease.


    Ring!


    The bell rang, indicating the start of the exam. The invigtor began to distribute the answer sheets and


    exam sheets.


    Avery wrote her name on the answer sheets and used her 2B pencil to fill in her exam ID.


    Once she had filled out her personal information on both answer sheets, she carefully checked


    everything for uracy.


    It was only after ensuring that all her details were correct that she started reading the exam questions.


    Avery began answering the questions on the exam sheet after going through all of them and getting a


    general understanding.


    She wasn''t that confident about the exam, which was on Engineering Economics. Back in university,


    she had a hard time learning economics. If she could excel in this exam, she would fare better in the


    next subject, Project Management.


    With that thought in mind, Avery began focusing on answering the questions.


    She had to admit that Cayden was a top student, as his prediction was spot on.


    The summary he had given turned out to be quite helpful, as half of the tested content was covered.


    Avery couldn''t help but be impressed, thinking he was more capable than just a forecaster.


    Thus, even though the questions were pretty hard, Avery wasn''t nervous at all and answered them with


    ease.


    The strange grin on Yulissa''s lips widened when she noticed Avery was focused on answering the


    questions.


    Wisteria had tasked her with a mission, and she was trying toe up with a n to set Avery up in


    the exam hall. However, despite pondering for a long time, she couldn''t think of a viable solution.


    She even came up with the most foolish n to bribe the invigtor at Avery''s hall to use her of


    cheating.


    However,dy luck was on her side.


    To her delight, she realized that Avery would be sitting in the same exam hall as her, and even better,


    they would be assigned to sit together.


    Avery''s life has always been smooth sailing. The heavens must want to help me teach her a lesson.


    Just wait and see how I''ll teach her a lesson!


    Avery was busy answering the questions and had no idea of Yulissa''s evil intention.


    The two invigtors at the exam hall took their jobs seriously, diligently pacing around to ensure that no


    cheating urred.


    All the candidates in the exam hall werepletely focused on their tests.


    Some appeared ted, while others were frowning unhappily.


    Of course, Avery belonged to the former category. She wrote neatly, and her answers flowed quickly.


    Even the invigtors couldn''t resist ncing at her, noticing the bump in her stomach.


    The only sounds in the exam hall were the scratching of pens and pencils on paper.


    Avery followed the rule of doing the easy questions first anding back to the difficult questionster.


    She skipped the questions she wasn''t confident in and scribbled the answers for those she knew.


    Shortly after, she hadpleted half the exam paper.


    In contrast to her calm demeanor, Yulissa seemed to be struggling behind her.


    Yulissa was retaking the exam to be a Certified Professional Constructor, having failed this


    subject the previous year. She knew that passing this time was crucial.


    There were a total of four subjects, and one had to pass all subjects in two consecutive years in order


    to be a Certified Professional Constructor. Failing the subject again would mean forfeiting


    Yulissa''s passing marks for the other three subjects, forcing her to retake all four exams. This was a


    result she desperately wanted to avoid.


    Yulissa had no idea that the questions were even harder this year. She was struggling to answer them


    all.


    However, Avery had been writing on her answer sheet with confidence the entire time, and Yulissa


    couldn''t even catch her pondering over any questions. This only intensified Yulissa''s envy.


    Evangeline, who was number six in this hall, was in a daze.


    She was taken aback to find that some of the questions in the exam were already covered in Avery''s


    subject summary from earlier.


    I can''t believe Avery is capable enough to predict the exam questions urately!


    She instantly regretted not reading more of the summary Avery made.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Time ticked by, and the temperature slowly increased.


    The exam hall was still silent save for the whooshing sound made by the fans on the ceiling.


    Avery opened the bottle beside her to take a few sips of her drink.


    Examinations like this one typicallysted around two hours. If the test went on for too long, some


    weaker candidates might not be able to endure it, especially pregnant women who could tire easily.


    Tobat fatigue during the exam, Cayden had advised her to bring a bottle of drink into the hall so


    she could take a few sips whenever she needed an energy boost.


    Indeed, after sipping on the drink, Avery felt more energized.


    She returned to the questions that she wasn''t sure about. They were quite challenging, but luckily they


    were multiple-choice questions, which saved her time and effort.


    Avery''s lips would slightly curl up every time she solved a difficult question, boosting her confidence.


    ncing at her watch, she realized there were still over thirty minutes left till the end of the exam. She


    had alreadypleted all the questions.


    Avery started to review her answers and found that she had selected the wrong option for a multiple-


    choice question. She corrected it quickly before moving on to the next question.


    A sharp shrill sounded outside the hall.


    Hearing that, the invigtor announced, ¡°Everyone, you have ten minutes left, so do speed up. Please


    check your personal information on the answer sheets and make sure you filled in the correct exam


    ID.¡±


    Avery checked her personal information and made sure everything was correct before she went back


    to review her answers for the second time.


    Ten minutes soon passed. The invigtor dered, ¡°Everyone, stand up!¡±


    The candidates stood up as told, and the invigtors began to collect the answer sheets.


    Right then, Yulissa retrieved the summary she stole from Avery''s bag that she had hidden by pressing


    her knee to the desk all the while. She scrunched it up before tossing it beneath Avery''s chair.


    Her actions were discreet, and the candidates'' attention was focused on the invigtors. No one


    seemed to notice what Yulissa was doing except for Evangeline, who was seated diagonally across


    from Avery and had a clear view of Yulissa''s actions.


    However, Evangeline didn''t say a word.


    The exam was important to her, so she didn''t want to invite trouble. She assumed nothing would


    happen as they would be leaving the exam hall after the answer sheets were collected.


    As Avery''s husband seemed to be an influential person, she knew he would help Avery if Avery were to


    get into trouble. There was no need for her to mind someone else''s business.


    She never anticipated what was about to happen next.


    Behind Avery, Yulissa suddenly pointed at the crumpled piece of paper beneath her chair and dered


    loudly, ¡°Sir, someone has cheated during the exam!¡±

 Chapter 557

    Chapter 557


    Chapter 557 I Am The Husband Of Avery


    Hearing Yulissa''s usatory words, the candidates flew into an uproar.


    The Certified Professional Constructor was a standardized national certificate, so cheating during the


    test was strictly prohibited by national regtions. Those caught cheating not only received invalid


    scores but were also barred from participating in any professional and technical personnel qualification


    exams for two years.


    Serious offenders might even spend time in jail!


    The way the invigtors looked at Avery had changed.


    Even the other candidates were giving Avery strange looks.


    No one knew that the gorgeous pregnantdy would end up cheating during the exam!


    The invigtors went to Avery and shot Yulissa a stern look. ¡°What happened?¡±


    Yulissa pointed at Avery and revealed, ¡°Sir, I saw a crumpled piece of paper shoot out of her test paper


    earlier andnd beneath her chair. She must''ve cheated during the test!¡±


    Yulissa''s finger then moved to the bottom of Avery''s chair, and a crumpled piece of paper appeared in


    everyone''s sight.


    The invigtors furrowed their brows at the sight. One tall and skinny invigtor squatted down to pick


    up the paper.


    When the paper was spread open, Avery felt her heart racing as she was struck dumb.


    That''s the summary Cayden prepared for me earlier! Why did it suddenly appear in the exam hall? I


    remember cing my notes and phone in my bag.


    Realization dawned upon Avery when she turned over her shoulder to see a malicious grin spreading


    across Yulissa''s lips.


    It was clear that Yulissa had brought the paper into the hall, but she couldn''t understand why Yulissa


    would do this.


    ¡°Does this paper belong to you?¡± the invigtor asked Avery sternly.


    The invigtors were startled to find that the crumpled paper contained information that closely


    matched the exam questions, with some being identical to the actual test questions.


    As the other candidates'' gazes fell upon Avery, she felt a prickling sensation run down her back.


    It was natural for Avery to feel nervous. Even though she hadn''t cheated, she was bold enough to


    admit, ¡°Yes, it''s mine.¡±


    The invigtors'' expressions turned dark. One spoke sternly. ¡°After everyone leaves, please follow us


    to the office!¡±


    Panic filled Avery''s heart.


    If I follow them to the office, I''ll definitely get investigated. I have nothing to hide, so I''m not afraid at all.


    But regardless of the oue, people will surely gossip about me, and public opinion may not be in my


    favor.


    ¡°Sir, I swear I didn''t cheat during the exam. The paper might be mine, but I kept it in my bag earlier. I


    wasn''t the one who brought it into the exam hall. My friend can testify for me. Evangeline, we came into


    the hall together, and you saw me putting the notes into my bag, right?¡± Avery shot Evangeline a


    pleading look.


    She appeared helpless, and tears threatened to spill from her eyes, eliciting sympathy from the others.


    Many male candidates began whispering among themselves, admiring the pregnantdy''s


    determination to take the exam despite her condition. They didn''t believe she would cheat.


    The matter had nothing to do with her, so Evangeline didn''t want to get involved. However, Avery


    seemed helpless and was on the verge of tears.


    Her gaze swept over Avery''s branded maternity clothes as she recalled that Avery''s husband was


    powerful enough to assign a driver to give her a ride to the exam hall.


    At once, Evangeline made up her mind.


    She raised her hand and dered, ¡°Sir, Avery and I came into the exam hall together. Before that, we


    ced our bags on a desk outside the hall. I can vouch that I saw Avery keeping her phone and notes


    in her bag.¡±


    Yulissa scowled unhappily when she heard Evangeline''s words.


    She thought her n was foolproof and didn''t expect someone to botch her n.


    Furious, she dered, ¡°Hey, if Avery kept the notes in her bag, why did this one appear under her


    chair? Perhaps she has a lot of notes, so you saw her putting the rest of her notes into her bag. When


    you weren''t noticing, she might''ve slipped one out!¡±


    This time, Evangeline said nothing.


    She did see Yulissa tossing the paper underneath Avery''s chair but didn''t want to reveal the truth.


    She didn''t want to get dragged into the mess as there was a possibility the matter wouldn''t get handled


    properly.


    Both invigtors shared a look. They couldn''t possibly remain in a stalemate in the hall and thus


    continued collecting the answer sheets.


    Cheating was a serious offense, so they allowed the other candidates to leave while Avery and Yulissa


    were told to stay behind.


    Avery noticed her answer sheet was ced on the very top with a huge ¡°X¡± red mark on it.


    Despite having prepared thoroughly for the test, she found herself wrongly used of cheating.


    Yulissa was standing right beside her, a mocking smile ying on her lips.


    Avery shut her eyes, determined not to let her tears flow down her cheeks.


    Before the invigtors brought Avery away, she scribbled a phone number on the back of Evangeline''s


    hand sneakily.


    It was Cayden''s phone number.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Avery believed that Cayden would have a way to prove her innocence, so she prayed fervently that he


    would arrive as soon as possible.


    Outside the exam hall, Evangeline nced at the number Avery had written hastily on the back of her


    hand. Despite the illegible handwriting, she could see the number was 13666666666. It was a number


    that could easily be memorized.


    Evangeline couldn''t imagine how much the number cost.


    She once read in the news that the most expensive phone number was bid by an anonymous bidder


    for two point eight million in Anndurn currency. The number had seven sixes, but the number Avery


    gave her had eight sixes. She couldn''t imagine how expensive this number was.


    With that, Evangeline''s curiosity about Avery''s identity and background grew.


    She eagerly called the number.


    At first, she anticipated that the call would go unanswered, but to her surprise, someone picked up after


    about ten seconds.


    A charming and deep voice rang out on the other end of the line. ¡°Hello?¡±


    Cayden never answered calls from unknown numbers, but he noticed the number was from Ackleton.


    Avery was taking an exam there and could''ve used someone else''s phone to call him as her phone had


    run out of battery. Thus, he was seized by a sudden impulse to answer the call.


    A soft and shy voice belonging to a female asked, ¡°H-Hello, is this Avery Rumpley''s husband?¡±


    Cayden''s gaze turned solemn as a bad feeling rose within him. ¡°I''m Avery''s husband. Who is this?¡±

 Chapter 558

    Chapter 558


    Chapter 558 Avery Is Feeling Better


    The man''s voice on the other end of the line was so deep and maic that it left Evangeline


    wonderstruck.


    My goodness... He sounds so seductive that I''m about to melt into a puddle. I always pictured Avery''s


    husband as some creepy, rich middle-aged man. Oh, how wrong I was! His voice is even more


    pleasant than the news anchors I''m infatuated with! There''s no way he''s like the stereotypical fat,


    wealthy man.


    Thankfully, Evangeline managed topose herself and keep her tone calm. ¡°Hello, I''m Evangeline


    Gena. Avery and I met during the examination. Anyway, she got used of cheating today and was


    led to the office by the invigtor for an internal investigation. She gave me this number to contact and


    ask for help, so I did as instructed...¡±


    ¡°Got it! I''ll thank youter!¡± Cayden replied before hanging up the phone.


    Evangeline sighed and kicked the stones by the road dejectedly. She had hoped to hear more of the


    man''s voice, so how could she not be bummed out when the call ended?


    Meanwhile, in Beshya, Cayden had managed to wriggle out of the Aploth Economic Summit.


    His cold, menacing eyes were tinged with red as he clutched his phone and quietly seethed.


    Even when a few prominent business moguls requested to take a photo with him, Cayden ignored


    them and walked to a quiet corner, leaving the men utterly embarrassed.


    A sheepish smile crept across Wisteria''s face as she quickly apologized, ¡°I''m sorry, everyone. Mr.


    Moore isn''t feeling well today.¡±


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    With that, she excused herself and ran after Cayden.


    ¡°What''s the matter, Mr. Moore?¡± she asked, her face scrunched up in worry.


    To her surprise, Cayden merely raised his hand to stop her from talking as he dialed a number on his


    phone.


    After listening in on the man''s conversation, Wisteria reeled in shock.


    She could sense Cayden''s aura growing colder with every second, and upon hearing his order, she did


    as instructed and slunk away.


    Meanwhile, at the office, an ashen-faced Avery sat opposite the invigtors.


    ¡°Why did you cheat, Ms. Rumpley? Did you know cheating is now considered a legal offense?¡± one of


    them asked.


    ¡°I never cheated, sir. You can keep asking, but I''ll stand by my statement!¡± Avery replied as she


    straightened her back. Despite sounding a little choked up, there was no denying she was sure of


    herself.


    Without further ado, the invigtor held up the alleged evidence and shook his head. ¡°You''ve already


    admitted that this ball of paper is yours, and Yulissa Yantz has also witnessed you cheating on the test.


    What else do you have to say for yourself?¡±


    ¡°Sir, how can you only listen to Yulissa''s words?¡± Avery snapped. ¡°My friend can testify to seeing me


    put the study materials into my bag. As to why they suddenly appeared in the ssroom, I believe


    someone was trying to frame me. The whistleblower and I are colleagues at Trident Group, and she''s


    also my superior. Unfortunately, Yulissa has a grudge against me and constantly finds fault with me. I


    have every reason to suspect her for setting me up!¡±


    Since Yulissa has the nerve to frame me, I shall stop ying nice and fight back! I''ve finally realized


    that some people have absolutely zero morals. The more you give in to them, the more they''ll take


    advantage of you!


    The two invigtors exchanged nces. They never expected so much bad blood between the


    students, but at the same time, that wasn''t what they cared about.


    After all, cheating during examinations was no small matter, and they couldn''t tolerate such behavior!


    Just then, a text notification sound rang out from Yulissa''s phone.


    Upon realizing Wisteria had texted her, she wasted no time opening it.


    Wisteria: Ms. Yantz, there are some things you''ve done on your own ord which have nothing to do


    with others. I don''t think I need to tell you what you should do. By the way, I''ve covered up the matter of


    you epting kickbacks for the time being. As for how long I can keep that hidden will depend entirely


    on your performance.


    Since it was a disappearing message, it was automatically deleted when Yulissa finished reading it.


    It was as though the text had never been sent.


    By then, Yulissa was sweating bullets.


    Sh*t. I thought no one would find out about me receiving clients'' kickbacks. I''ve always been extra


    careful and secretive, so how could Ms. Summers know? Argh! What''s with this turn of events? For


    some reason, I feel like I''m losing control of the situation...


    Even after more than thirty minutes of questioning, Avery never once stopped insisting on her


    innocence, much to the frustration of the two invigtors.


    They had physical evidence and an eyewitness ount from Yulissa, so they couldn''t understand why


    Avery was still so adamant.


    However, since thetter was pregnant, the invigtors were wary not to push her further. Just like that,


    the interrogation soon came to a standstill.


    All of a sudden, one of the invigtors received a call. ¡°Hello, Mr. Langdon¡ª¡±


    Unfortunately, he had barely gotten those words out when Liam Langdonunched into an angry tirade.


    ¡°Are you interrogating a student by the name of Avery Rumpley? I want you to release her this instant!


    Do you know who she has backing her up? Her boyfriend is none other than the notorious Cayden


    Moore, yet there you are, using her of cheating! Are you guys tired of living?¡±


    ¡°But, Mr. Langdon, we have evidence to prove¡ª¡±


    ¡°No buts! Release her right now and let her continue with the examination. You can look into the matter


    again when she''spleted all her papers! Also, give Ms. Rumpley back her phone!¡± Liam shouted,


    his tone harsh and unrelenting.


    Left with no other choice, the invigtor hung up the phone and reluctantly handed Avery''s phone to


    her.


    Meanwhile, Avery had just received her phone when Cayden''s call came in.


    ¡°Cayden...¡± she muttered, relieved to hear the man''s voice.


    ¡°Listen to me, Avery,¡± Cayden said gently. ¡°I''ve heard what happened to you. Don''t worry. I''m already


    on my way back to Ackleton. The ne''s about to take off. Be good and calm yourself down for the rest


    of the examination. I promise to clear your name once I''m back.¡±


    Needless to say, Avery felt a lot better after Cayden''s reassurance.


    She stared daggers at Yulissa, wishing she could shred thetter into pieces with her gaze.


    Yulissa''s heart had sunk when she heard Avery talking to Cayden on the phone, but nevertheless, she


    feignedposure and rolled her eyes at the woman. ¡°Pfft. You shameless cheater! What are you so


    arrogant about?¡±


    Avery, however, couldn''t be bothered about her and marched toward the hall for the second round of


    examination.


    Even though Cayden hadforted Avery, there was still no denying that the cheating usation had


    affected thetter emotionally.


    Before long, the bell rang, signifying the end of the examination. It hadn''t been easy, but Avery


    managed to power through andplete her paper on time.


    Since the cheating scandal was far from over, she and Yulissa were soon led back to the interrogation


    room.


    This time, however, Evangeline had volunteered to go along and testify for Avery.

 Chapter 559

    Chapter 559


    Chapter 559 Embrace


    Later that evening, the interrogation inside the office dragged on in a strict manner.


    However, the examiners'' attitudes toward Avery clearly improved during that round of interrogation.


    Evangeline, who volunteered to testify for Avery, now sat beside her, making her feel a little less


    helpless.


    Nevertheless, Yulissa still stubbornly used Avery. ¡°I don''t care how she denies it. She cheated


    because I saw the ball of paper drop out of her hand!¡±


    ¡°Sir, I didn''t cheat.¡±


    As soon as Avery finished her sentence, Evangeline immediately nodded. ¡°Sir, I can vouch for her.


    She''s telling the truth. I saw Avery ce the notes into her bag.¡±


    Sensing the situation turning against her, Yulissa hastily argued, ¡°Sir, I suspect these two have a


    rtionship. They must''ve been friends for a long time, so she''s giving false testimony to help Avery.¡±


    Evangeline uttered to the examiners solemnly, ¡°That''s not true. Ms. Rumpley and I became acquainted


    here at the exam hall, and we have never met before. The reason why I''m testifying for her is because I


    can''t stand a certain someone trying to frame and nder her. I saw Ms. Yantz toss the notes under


    Ms. Rumpley''s chair.¡±


    Yulissa cursed inwardly. Sh*t! I didn''t expect this girl to be a witness. This is not good for me.


    Her eyes darted around. Then, she mmed the table to cover up her guilt. ¡°You two must have an


    unspeakable rtionship! Sir, there are so many students in the ssroom, but why was she the only


    one who witnessed what happened? If she really saw something, why didn''t she say anything in the


    ssroom and instead wait until she arrived in the interrogation room to use me of framing Avery?


    This is such a joke! Why should I set her up?¡±


    Evangeline fell silent as she was rendered speechless.


    In fact, she didn''t know if there were any grudges between Yulissa and Avery. She chose to keep quiet


    in the ssroom because she didn''t want to invite trouble. However, after making a phone call, she


    unexpectedly volunteered to get herself involved in that dispute.


    Avery said calmly, ¡°Dear examiners, Yulissa and I work for Trident Group''s design department. Her


    employee ID is two¡ªseven¡ªzero¡ªthree, while mine is two¡ªseven¡ªeight¡ªnine. We do have some


    personal feud when we were at work, so I can fully suspect she''s taking this opportunity to get back at


    me. If you don''t believe me, you can contact Trident Group''s HR department to verify my statement.¡±


    After receiving Cayden''s constion and assurance, Avery was now exceptionallyposed.


    In contrast, Evangeline gaped in astonishment.


    She didn''t expect Avery was already Trident Group''s employee. I can''t believe I even encouraged her


    to apply for a position at Trident Group with me before the examination.


    At that moment, Evangeline felt her cheeks flushed.


    The examiners exchanged nces. Then, the one in the middle spoke. ¡°I will contact Trident Group


    afterward to enquire whether you two have a strife.¡±


    Yulissa''s right eyelid twitched. She suddenly got up from her seat and shrieked, ¡°Sir, we aren''t even on


    the same rank, and there''s nopetition between us, so how could there be any personal grudges? I


    did see her cheating. As a virtuous and disciplined examinee, I reported her because I couldn''t stand


    her despicable behavior. I''m definitely not falsely using her! Sir, I must go home now. Otherwise, my


    parents will be worried.¡±


    After saying that, Yulissa picked up her bag and got ready to leave.


    She had to get away as soon as possible. Otherwise, all her effort might go to waste.


    The few examiners were also exhausted by now.


    They investigated for half a day without getting to the bottom of that matter, so after a brief internal


    discussion, they decided to let Yulissa leave first.


    Yulissa, wearing high heels, haughtily stood up and said self-righteously, ¡°Dear examiners, you must


    punish Avery for her cheating behavior. She''s a person with questionable character, cheating in the


    examination even while she''s pregnant. I wonder if her child will be ashamed of her in the future. If


    someone like her doesn''t get severely penalized, it would be very unfair to the other students.¡±


    ¡°Yulissa, quit making wild usations!¡± Avery was enraged after listening to Yulissa''s insulting


    comment.


    She got to her feet as well and grasped Yulissa''s sleeve. ¡°You can''t leave. You cannot go anywhere


    until this matter is cleared up!¡±


    ¡°Let go of me, you imbecile!¡± Yulissa was strong. She nced at Avery disdainfully and effortlessly


    yanked thetter''s hand away. Then, she strode toward the door in her high heels.


    Avery knew if she allowed Yulissa to leave just like that, it would be even more difficult for her to clear


    her name.


    Feeling desperate, she chased after Yulissa and grabbed thetter''s arm. In her agitation, Avery even


    lost her cool. ¡°Yulissa, I never did anything wrong. How can you just walk away after falsely using


    me?¡±


    ¡°I falsely used you? What a joke! Stop acting pitifully. I won''t fall for your pretense! Remember to


    abide by the rules next time, and don''t assume you can pass the Certified Professional Constructor


    examination by cheating. How shameless!¡± Yulissa forcefully shook off Avery''s hand.


    As she was eager to get away from Avery, Yulissa exerted too much force and identally pushed


    Avery out of the room.


    Avery slipped and almost fell to the ground.


    At that critical moment, a pair of muscr arms abruptly wrapped around her waist, and that man


    pulled her into his embrace, saving her from falling.


    Everyone was stunned.


    The man who entered was extremely tall and incredibly handsome. He had perfect-looking facial


    features, a chiseled jaw, and a tall, well-shaped nose, exuding a regal and authoritative aura without


    even trying.


    His gaze was cold, and he wore a grimace, giving him an indifferent yet elegant vibe. That man could


    send chills down others'' spines by just casually sweeping his eyes across them.


    Treading on his heels was a corpulent middle-aged man who was drenched in sweat and behaving


    obsequiously. The overweight man was an inspector named Liam Langdon.


    ¡°Mr. Moore, Mr. Langdon.¡± The examiners were taken aback by the inspector''s advent. More to their


    bafflement was Cayden''s personal visit to the school.


    Yulissa was so frightened that she had turned pale. An urge to escape from that ce overwhelmed


    her at that instant.


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    Evangeline, on the other hand, was stunned. Isn''t this man my most adored idol, Cayden Moore? Why


    is he here? Don''t tell me he''s Avery''s husband?


    ¡°Cayden, you''re back.¡± The moment Avery saw Cayden, the grievances she had been suppressing all


    night finally burst forth like water from a broken dam.


    She wrapped her arms tightly around his neck.


    He patted her head and uttered in a maic voice, ¡°Don''t be scared. I''m here now.¡±


    Immediately afterward, he shifted his eyes onto the people present.


    When he looked at Yulissa, he narrowed his eyes at her threateningly. ¡°It''s just a Certified Professional


    Constructor examination. Even if Avery doesn''t take part in this exam, she''s still outstanding and can


    be employed at the bestpany, holding the most prestigious position in the industry. Hence, what


    use is this certificate to her? Still, to prove her capabilities, she studied hard and even came to take the


    exam while carrying a child. Therefore, how could she possibly cheat?¡±


    Avery was held tightly and firmly by Cayden in his embrace.


    His appearance had undoubtedly provided her with a great sense of security.


    That man had always been like that,ing to her rescue whenever she was in trouble, bringing her


    immense surprise.

 Chapter 560

    Chapter 560


    Chapter 560 Innocent


    The atmosphere felt tense.


    Yulissa wished for the ground to open up and swallow her whole when she saw Cayden appear.


    However, she had nowhere to run. She summoned all her courage and said defensively, ¡°Mr. Moore, I


    really saw Avery cheating. I was seated behind her, and I saw it clearly with my own eyes...¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Cayden stared daggers at Yulissa. She trembled with fear under his eyes.


    At their engagement party, Avery humiliated Cayden and his family. Yulissa had assumed that after


    such an incident, coupled with the gossip and rumored engagement between Cayden and Wisteria,


    Cayden would be done with Avery.


    Yulissa thought that Avery had left Ackleton because she had not seen Avery with Cayden in a long


    while.


    In fact, it was Wisteria who had been by Cayden''s sidetely.


    She had even caught the two of them going out for dinner on several asions. All these incidences


    had led her to assume that Wisteria had reced Avery''s position in Cayden''s life. However, she had


    been sorely mistaken.


    Seeing how worried Cayden was about Avery, it was clear that she had not fallen out of favor with him.


    This realization made Yulissa feel even more resentment and jealousy toward Avery.


    She could not understand what it was that Cayden loved so much about Avery.


    Aren''t rich men always fickle-hearted, always seeing multiple women at once, always ying around


    withoutmitting to anyone? Don''t they get bored of a woman after a while and then


    unceremoniously dump her without even a second thought? Why isn''t Mr. Moore like that?


    ¡°Miss, we hold strongly to the principles of fairness and justice here. We would never punish an


    innocent person. We would also not tolerate any false usations!¡± Liam dered, smiling kindly at


    Avery, but when he turned to Yulissa, his expression was indecipherable.


    Yulissa was annoyed by Liam''s words. ¡°Why are you staring at me like that? I did not falsely use


    her!¡±


    I must stand by what I''ve initially said! How else can I exin myself?


    Cayden embraced Avery. He lowered himself slowly onto the couch and stared at Yulissa with steely


    eyes. ¡°Ms. Yantz, you should be careful with your words. Thew doesn''t just punish cheaters but also


    those who falsely use anyone of cheating. Yes, you heard me correctly. You will also be punished


    for making a false usation.¡±


    Yulissa broke out in cold sweat, and her entire body was trembling in fear.


    She knew better than anyone what Cayden was capable of.


    Even if Avery had really cheated, Cayden could have easily intervened and ensured that Avery got


    away with her wrongdoing.


    The truth was that Avery had not cheated. Yulissa had framed her, which made her guilty of making a


    false usation of cheating.


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    Yulissa calmed herself down. I''ve already framed Avery. Even if I were to change my stand now and


    say that my eyes were mistaken, this would not end well... The inspector would see right through it and


    know that I had falsely used Avery of cheating! Anyway, look at how worried Mr. Moore is about


    Avery! It''s impossible for me to continue working at Trident Group at this point. I''ll stand by my


    usation! I''ll die on this hill if I have to!


    Once Yulissa had made up her mind, sheposed herself and went on insisting, ¡°She was cheating,


    Mr. Moore! I''m not lying! Avery, don''t you dare think that just because you''ve got support, you''d be able


    to escape thew!¡±


    Cayden''s steely stare pierced right through Yulissa, making her skin crawl.


    He suddenly smiled and said, ¡°Well, Ms. Yantz, you are truly bold.¡±


    Yulissa did not dare to meet Cayden''s eyes. His hard stare was making her shrink in fear.


    At that moment, Xavier appeared.


    He was not surprised to see all of them, especially Avery, gathered in the office. He had already heard


    of the entire story.


    Xavier hurried over to Cayden''s side and greeted him with a nod. ¡°Good day, Mr. Moore.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Langdon, please give Mr. Dartsley here a copy of the information of all the candidates in the


    examination room, including their contact information,¡± Cayden instructed firmly.


    ¡°Sure, no problem at all, Mr. Moore!¡± Liam said in a flustered voice.


    Cayden wrapped his arm around Avery''s shoulder and cast a cold nce at Liam and the other


    examiners. ¡°She''s in frail health, and besides, she''s with child. Since it''s gettingte, I''ll take her home


    first. I trust that won''t be a problem.¡±


    ¡°No problem! No problem at all! We should be considerate of our candidates. Since Ms. Rumpley here


    is pregnant, please feel free to leave anytime!¡± Liam said with a greasy smile.


    Cayden emanated such a dominating aura that he could not bear it any longer. It was too


    overwhelming. He wanted Cayden to leave as soon as possible.


    Cayden lifted Avery''s frail body in his arms and moved toward the door, leaving Xavier to deal with the


    matter on his own.


    As Cayden and Avery were leaving, Evangeline, who had been standing in a corner, suddenly spoke


    up. ¡°Don''t worry, Avery. I''m sure Mr. Moore will prove your innocence. If necessary, I''ll also testify on


    your behalf. You can call me anytime...¡±


    Cayden paused in his steps. His sharp eyes fell on Evangeline.


    Evangeline took a step back, retreating from his intense gaze. She smiled and nodded at him sweetly.


    Cayden frowned.


    ¡°Cayden, this is Evangeline. She was the one who contacted you. She witnessed everything...¡± Avery


    wrapped her arms around Cayden''s neck. Her voice was low and weak, but her eyes shone with


    gratitude for Evangeline.


    Cayden''s dark eyes flickered with understanding. He called out to Xavier, ¡°I''ll leave matters to you. Do


    what needs to be done in regards to this youngdy.¡±


    Xavier nodded in understanding.


    Evangeline was ted. She suppressed her excitement. What a great day! Working in Trident Group is


    my dream!


    However, the recruitment process of Trident Group was notoriously strict. It would be difficult for her to


    win a ce in that multinationalpany with her educational background and qualifications.


    Who would''ve thought that because of this exam, I might actually get a good opportunity with Trident


    Group?


    In the car, Cayden wrapped his arm around Avery''s waist and gently kissed her eyelids. ¡°Are you still


    upset? Silly girl.¡±


    Avery replied in a soft voice, ¡°I was scared to death today. I really did not cheat! Yet, I was used of


    cheating... Did you know how quiet the whole examination room was? No one believed me! I felt so


    helpless! I don''t think I''ll ever forget that moment...¡±


    Cayden pulled her closer to him.


    His eyes shone like stars in the night sky, full of concern for the woman he loved. ¡°Even if the whole


    world suspects you of cheating, I will still believe in your innocence. Don''t worry. I''ll take care of this for


    you.¡±


    I won''t let anyone who hurts Avery get away with it! That Yulissa really needs to be punished!


    Cayden''s intense eyes met Avery''s. Hers were filled with tears.


    The intimacy and vulnerability between them at that moment made Avery flush.


    Cayden''s love and affection touched her heart. Her life seemed to bloom ever more beautifully with him


    in it. Even if she had to walk through bushes of thorns, she felt no pain because he was by her side.


    It''s so good to have him here, by my side!

 Chapter 561

    Chapter 561


    Chapter 561 The Threat Of A Tyrant


    Late that night, Avery dreamed about how she had been falsely used of cheating in the exam hall.


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    In her dream, Yulissa pointed at her contemptuously and used her of being a shameless cheater.


    Meanwhile, the onlookers gathered around them watched with indifference. Some evenughed and


    her and joined Yulissa in hurling insults at her.


    No one believed she was innocent!


    ¡°I didn''t... I didn''t do it...¡± Sweating profusely, she kept exining to the others, but no one was willing to


    take her word for it.


    ¡°You''re dishonest, and you''ve ruined your future! You''ll never be an architect. If you ask me, people like


    you don''t even deserve to live!¡± Yulissa said in her dream with a vicious smile.


    Suddenly, Yulissa opened her bloody mouth wide and morphed into a fanged monster. Baring her


    terrifyingly sharp teeth, she made to bite Avery''s neck.


    ¡°No! I didn''t cheat on the exam! Why won''t anyone believe me?¡± Avery was screaming in terror as her


    eyes suddenly flew wide open.


    The scenes from her nightmare still yed in her mind. She clutched at her chest, her heart racing, and


    she was drenched in a cold sweat.


    ¡°Ery...¡± Her scream had also jolted Cayden out of his sleep. Observing that she was very agitated, he


    drew her into his arms and gentlyforted her. ¡°Don''t be scared. It was just a nightmare.¡±


    Her breathing was heavy, and her entire body shook like a leaf.


    He could distinctly feel her body trembling.


    She knitted her brows as her heart throbbed painfully. ¡°I really didn''t cheat on the exam. Why don''t they


    believe me?¡±


    He helped her sit up, then went to the kitchen to fetch her a ss of warm water. Upon returning to the


    bedroom, he gave it to her. ¡°What do you mean no one believes you? Silly, I believe you. A hundred


    and one percent. Besides, doesn''t that student in the exam hall named Evangeline also think you''re


    telling the truth too? Don''t let your imagination get the better of you. Just get a good night''s sleep.


    When I find out what happened, I''ll clear your name.¡±


    Avery took a moment to catch her breath before slowly sipping the water. Although she felt a little better


    after downing the whole ss of water, despair still lingered in her heart.


    ¡°Be good. Don''t think about anything and rest early. Everything will be okay,¡± Cayden said reassuringly


    as he helped her lie back down.


    After turning off the wallmp, he patted her back gently as though he wereforting a fussy child in


    the middle of the night.


    His efforts tofort her as she grasped hisrge hand tightly made her feel particrly at ease, and


    she soon fell back into a deep sleep.


    Sometime in the middle of the night, a light rain began to fall.


    He could feel the warmth emanating from her body as he held her in his arms, worried she would have


    another nightmare. Listening to the sound of the rain, he stayed up almost the entire night.


    After dawn broke, it stopped raining, and the sky cleared up. In the distance, several fluffy white clouds


    floated in the sky. The morning sun spilled in through the window. asionally, the soft pitter-patter of


    the water droplets falling from the eaves onto the stone tiles below could be heard.


    Just as it was starting to get light out, Cayden was actually already awake and had washed up.


    He gazed at Avery as she slept restlessly. Even the way in which she was curled up while sleeping


    appeared to be a defensive position.


    I remember how yful yet gentle she used to look. Her expressions were so animated and varied, and


    she always beamed at me. But now...


    He sighed, carefully tracing her delicate features with his slightly calloused fingers.


    He sighed, carefully tracing her delicate features with his slightly calloused fingers. Her skin was


    smooth and pale, as soft as the finest satin, and her small face was only the size of his palm. He could


    cover her entire face with one hand, and she looked so petite and delicate that it was almost too much


    for him to bear. As for her pink lips, they were a little dry.


    Seeing that, he could not help lowering his head and kissing her deeply.


    Avery was awakened from her slumber by his kiss and opened her eyes blearily.


    At first, it seemed as though she was not yet fully awake as she drowsily rubbed her eyes. When she


    finally clearly saw Cayden''s handsome face close to hers, her lips curved into a slight smile. ¡°Good


    morning.¡±


    With his lips still pressed against hers, he murmured in a low voice, ¡°Good morning, Babe.¡±


    A faint blush spread across her cheeks. Even though they had been together for a long time, she still


    felt a little shy to be woken by a kiss first thing in the morning.


    ¡°Why don''t we go on an outing today? What do you think?¡± he whispered tenderly in her ear.


    She was a little surprised. ¡°What gave you that idea all of a sudden?¡±


    ¡°Well, I''ve been so caught up with work recently. I''m either at the office the whole day or busy


    entertaining clients. I haven''t had much time for you and the kids, and I feel terrible about that. Now


    that things at the office are a little less hectic and I can have a break, naturally, I want to spend time


    with you guys. Also, you''ve been recuperating at home for a long time after your injury. I can tell you


    want to go out for some fresh air. Since it''s Saturday today, Zach and Rory don''t have school. Hence,


    we can all go on an outing together,¡± he replied matter-of-factly, pinching the tip of her nose.


    In truth, Avery was in no mood for an outing because the usations against her were still not yet


    resolved. However, seeing the eager look in Cayden''s eyes and recalling how the two children had


    comined to her about how long it had been since he had spent time with them, she finally nodded.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    When the twins arrived at the mansion with Jake and learned that their parents were taking them on a


    trip, they were ecstatic.


    The whole family had breakfast and got into the car. As soon as Cayden drove the car out of the


    garage, however, Avery was surprised to see several luxury off-road vehicles parked in a line outside


    the mansion''s entrance.


    In front of the cars stood a row of adults and children.


    There was the handsome and aloof Xander, the mischievous father-son duo¡ªJacob and Seamus, the


    pregnant Stephanie, and Kendrick, who still looked half-asleep.


    Avery turned to Cayden with a questioning look.


    ¡°It seemed a bit quiet if we were to go by ourselves. These guys happened to be free, so I thought it''d


    be much more lively if we all headed out together,¡± he exined.


    She nodded in understanding. ¡°It''s true that it''ll be more fun with more of us. However, what a peculiar


    coincidence that they''re all free today.¡±


    Although Xander and the others did not say anything, they were secretly bemoaning their fate. Avery,


    it''s no coincidence at all! All of us are snowed under with work, but some guy said he wanted to take


    his wife out on an outing because she was in low spirits and twisted our arms so we would tag along to


    console her!


    They could not helpmenting inwardly about how the dignified and self-respecting Cayden they knew,


    someone who had never touched a woman''s body, had changed into a man whopletely spoiled his


    wife. He''s beyond saving at this point! Also, why can''t hefort his wife himself? What''s with


    dragging a bunch of us along to cheer her up?


    Nheless, no one dared to utter a singleint. That was because Cayden had made it clear


    that whoever failed to show up would have to bear the consequences, and they were terrified!


    Their good friend appeared gentle and harmless on the surface, but in reality, he was more cunning


    and ruthless than the others. If they disobeyed him, it would only be easy for him to use his smarts and


    stir up some big trouble for the group. Hence, faced with a tyrant''s threat, they had no choice but to


    squeeze time out to show up for no reason other than to support Cayden in consoling his wife.

 Chapter 562

    Chapter 562


    Chapter 562 Speechless


    Cayden and the others headed toward Misty Hignds.


    Misty Hignds, a picturesque location, earned its name due to the frequent urrence of mist that


    engulfed the mountain range throughout the year. The scenic beauty of this ce was akin to that of a


    wondend, and tourists from various parts of the world visited it to behold its allure.


    Between several towering mountains was a majestic waterfall. The raging waters that descended


    formed a naturalke at the bottom of Misty Hignds. The water looked turquoise from afar but was


    actually clear. It was like a gemstone embedded in the ground, and so, the people called it Turquoise


    Falls.


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    The group drove toward a popr homestay named Misty Days.


    Located next to Turquoise Falls, Misty Days was constructed entirely from wood, lending it a distinctive


    appearance. Inside, the space was open and weing, evoking a sense offort.


    The owners of the homestay were a loving young couple.


    The man was tall and elegant, and the woman was beautiful and wise. They were wearing traditional


    clothes, and they stood out against the crowd.


    When Avery and the others arrived, the young couple weed them enthusiastically with kind smiles.


    Even though the young couple noticed their expensive clothes and knew that Avery and her family


    were no ordinary people, they continued to treat her and her family no differently than others, and that


    left a favorable impression on Avery.


    The moment Avery arrived at her destination, her attention was caught by the picturesque ce. For a


    moment, she forgot all the worries she had and merrily took Stephanie''s hand before wandering with


    the children.


    Cayden, who was smoking by the waterfall, curled his lips when he heard Averyughing while talking


    to Stephanie.


    He could see that his decision to bring Avery out for a trip had been right. What he loved seeing most


    was her carefree smile.


    In contrast, the four attractive men of different styles lying on the rattan recliners were feeling awkward.


    Jacob, the most extroverted of them all, was the one who broke the silence. ¡°Say, Cayden, why did you


    drag us here if your wife''s feeling down? You say it''s a holiday, but it''s June. We''re all going to melt


    from the sun before we can even travel around. Also, don''t you think it''s strange for us men to sit


    together and stare at each other?¡±


    Cayden, who was also lying on a recliner, had his eyes fixed on Avery.


    When he saw her bright smile, he joyously replied, ¡°What''s the matter? Are youining even


    though I''m giving you a chance to rx? I know you''re busy expanding your businesses and venturing


    into new areas, but no matter how busy you are, you''ve got to take time off the rx. You''ll never be


    able to earn everyone''s money, so you need to learn to enjoy life too. What''s the point of earning that


    much otherwise?¡±


    Jacob ced a hand on his forehead and muttered, ¡°I can''t believe I can''t retort that...¡±


    Xander sarcastically chimed in, ¡°The real reason behind Mr. Cayden''s invitation and speech is probably


    because he doesn''t know how to appease the angry Avery. That''s why he''s taking the opportunity to


    ask us how he should console her. s, I''m not good at this. To me, women are nothing but trouble. If


    you need someone''s advice, I''d tell you to ask Jacob and the wanton Kendrick. They''re terribly


    experienced.¡±


    Kendrick cleared his throat. ¡°Ahem! What do you mean, Xander? What do you mean by we''re terribly


    experienced? Although I have tons of women by my side, I''m far from being wanton. I''m saving their


    souls, you know? Think about it. They''re throwing themselves at me, and if I reject them, I''ll be hurting


    their fragile hearts. If I reject them, they might get depression and end their lives. I''d be a sinner! So,


    you can''t say that I''m a wanton man. I''m being selfless.¡±


    Several gazes of disdainnded on Kendrick immediately.


    It was the first time they had heard someone redefine their womanizing ways in such a way.


    Kendrick rubbed his nose sheepishly at their stares before pulling his sun hat lower to cover his face.


    He was essentially sticking his head in the sand.


    Once Cayden finished his cigarette, he extinguished it in the ashtray before folding his arm behind him


    and lying back down on the recliner. ¡°This ce is nice, and anyone can momentarily forget the


    bustling city life. Maybe that''s why people run to the countryside to temporarily cast their worries away.¡±


    As the recliners were made with rattan and could rock, Cayden swayed along with it.


    Beside every recliner was a small wooden table made in the shape of a flower, and on each table was


    a pot of tea. Its floral scent was strong but pleasant to the nose.


    The blue sky was so vivid that it seemed to dominate the earth below. It was as if one could reach out


    and soar into the clouds with just a touch.


    Under the white clouds, a hundred-year-old tree was growing beside Turquoise Falls. Its trunk was


    twisted, but it remained sturdy, and its leaves remained plentiful. A small part of the tree was


    submerged in theke, and a cut-off part of its trunk told the age of the tree. Once in a while, a few


    birds would glide past the surface of theke to catch the fish in the water. Then, it would agilely swoop


    past the branches. It was a picture of life.


    In this ce, there were no ruthless corporate battles or reminders of human greed. Frustrations about


    life were non-existent, and time appeared to pass at a leisurely pace.


    When Jacob registered the leisurely look Cayden had, he arched his brow and said, ¡°Hey, are we really


    going to lie here for the entire evening? I know that, here, the sky is really blue, the water is really


    green, and the scene is really beautiful, but I have a business to attend to in the evening¡ª¡±


    Right then, a pebble the size of a coin peppered with the taste of mud flew right into Jacob''s mouth and


    nearly choked him to death.


    Kendrick began cackling before sneakily giving Xander a thumbs-up.


    At the same time, Jacob shot his unsympathetic friend a re as his face turned bright red.


    He coughed harshly, but when he realized he could not cough the pebble back out, he stuck his hand


    into his throat to dig it out.


    Then, he vigorously rinsed his mouth before fixing his murderous re at Xander. ¡°Do you want to get


    a beating from me? What the heck did I do to you to make you throw that muddy rock into my mouth?¡±


    A small smile grew on Cayden''s lips. ¡°Jacob, if you can defeat Xander, I''ll give you half of Trident


    Group.¡±


    Jacob nearly growled.


    Sure enough, he was no match for Xander. Who could be, after all? Xander was the devil who crawled


    out of hell.


    Xander gave Jacob an icy look. ¡°You don''t know how to enjoy life, you workaholic.¡±


    Jacob spat again before rinsing his mouth with tea. He desperately wished he could actually teach


    Xander a lesson.


    Darn it!


    Right then, Avery and Stephanie returned with the children.


    Avery could sense something amiss about the atmosphere. Just as she was about to ask what was


    going on, Jacob''s grim expression dissipated the moment he saw Stephanie.

 Chapter 563

    Chapter 563


    Chapter 563 Staring Into Her Soul


    The moment Stephanie saw Jacob, she tightened her grip on Seamus'' hand as anxiety filled her eyes.


    In fact, she even timidly hid behind the boy despite how the boy''s head only reached her thigh.


    Meanwhile, Jacob was furious to see Stephanie avoiding him as if he was the gue.


    However, he could not lose his temper in front of so many people, so he could only re at his son.


    Seamus grinned at his father before turning around to hug Stephanie''s leg to assert dominance.


    At that very moment, Jacob felt the urge to toss the boy into theke.


    s, he could only simmer in his gloominess when he saw Stephanie''s aversion toward him.


    For a long while, he fixed his burning gaze on her as if he was staring straight into her bare soul.


    Stephanie averted her gaze, not daring to meet Jacob''s intense stare. She could only talk to Avery to


    ease the tension she felt.


    The two women were beautiful, and even though they were both pregnant, they were still gorgeous.


    Avery and Stephanie were beautiful in different ways.


    Avery was fair and beautiful even without the use of makeup. Her skin was ivory white, and it was


    radiating under the sunlight. The gaze in her eyes was a calm one. The most outstanding part about


    her beauty was her smile. When she smiled, her bright eyes would turn into crescents. Anyone who


    looked at her would find themselves in a better mood.


    Stephanie, who also went without makeup, was as beautiful as Avery too. However, even though she


    looked younger, there was an unerasable sorrow on her face clearly formed during her childhood.


    Those who saw her would want to dote on her.


    When Cayden saw Avery return, he stood up and wrapped his arm around her waist. Turning to the


    men, he then said, ¡°Enjoy yourselves. I''m going for a walk with her.¡±


    Rory, who was in sportswear, held on tightly to Avery and whined at Cayden, ¡°Daddy, I want to go with


    you and Mommy!¡±


    Cayden hunched over and patted his daughter''s head lovingly. ¡°Be good, all right? Your mommy and I


    will be back in a while. You can stay here with the misters, or you can y with your brother and


    Seamus, but you can''t go anywhere too far or dangerous.¡±


    Kendrick then reached out to Rory and said with a smile, ¡°My pretty little niece,e here. Let''s not


    disturb your parents from going on a date.¡±


    Rory pouted. Even though she wanted to go with her parents, she obediently let go of her mother and


    reluctantly ran to Kendrick when she heard her uncle saying that her parents were going on a date.


    ¡°What a good girl you are. Come, let me lift you up. Oh my, my little princess is even prettier now!¡±


    Kendrick cooed as he twirled in circles with her.


    The girl still had a baby''s powdery smell on her, and she was squishy. Kendrick could not help but think


    about how he wished to have a daughter as adorable as Rory in the future.


    Rory giggled and cupped his face before giving him a kiss. ¡°You too, Uncle Kendrick! You''re even more


    handsome now. In fact, you''re going to be as handsome as my daddy!¡±


    Kendrick beamed. His niece was so good atplimenting him.


    He then lifted her high up in the air and began making funny faces at her. She chortled merrily and


    refused to be let back down on the ground.


    At the sight of his daughter''s joyous smile, Cayden started leading Avery away. Right then, Seamus


    popped up.


    He pointed at Kendrick and grumbled, ¡°Put Rory down. I''ll be upset if you carry her like this.¡±


    Kendrick gave Seamus a baffled look. ¡°What''s up with you, boy? Why are you upset that I''m carrying


    my niece?¡±


    ¡°Rory''s going to be my wife in the future. Daddy said that my wife is mine, so I''m the only one who can


    hold her. No one else can do the same. So, you can''t carry her!¡±


    The crowd was momentarily at a loss for words.


    Then, a rare smile crawled onto Xander''s face as he gave Jacob a long look.


    Meanwhile, Jacob did not know whether he should burst into tears or drop his jaw, for that was what he


    told Seamus when Seamus kept taking up Stephanie''s time.


    He never thought that the boy would memorize what he said that clearly.


    In contrast, Kendrick was barely keeping the amusement he felt off his face. As he jabbed a finger at


    the young boy, he startedughing. ¡°Young boy, you haven''t even hit puberty yet, but you''re already


    thinking of getting a wife? Are you trying to make me die fromughing? Also, you''ve got to ask Mr.


    Cayden whether or not he''ll give you his blessings to marry Rory!¡±


    Kendrick then reached out to Rory and said with a smile, ¡°My pretty little niece,e here. Let''s not


    disturb your parents from going on a date.¡±


    He then turned his gaze to Cayden, knowing that his protective brother would certainly not let his


    daughter marry anyone.


    Seamus huffed before running over to Cayden and softly asked, ¡°Mr. Cayden, can I please marry


    Rory?¡±


    Avery found her heart melting as she looked at the boy''s watery eyes and handsome face.


    Immediately, she said, ¡°Of course¡ª¡±


    ¡°Not!¡± Cayden interrupted with a frown. ¡°Rory is still young. We''ll talk about this in the future.¡±


    Zachary, who was equally protective, gave Seamus a side-eye and mercilessly said, ¡°My sister isn''t


    going to be your wife. You''re too weak, Seamus. You can''t protect her.¡±


    Seamus widened his eyes in a fury before loudly protesting, ¡°I''m not weak! I''m super strong!¡±


    To convince the crowd, the boy even waved his fist threateningly.


    The othersughed in resignation.


    At the same time, Rory shot Seamus a re before turning around to bury her face in Kendrick''s chest,


    not wanting to look at Seamus anymore.


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    Seamus is so annoying. Not only is he bullying me all the time, but he''s even trying to be my husband.


    There''s no way I want to be this demonic boy''s wife!


    Zachary let out an equally disdained huff.


    Seamus became even angrier at that. Pointing at Zachary, he taunted, ¡°Zachary, I dare you to fight


    me!¡±


    Wealthy children were taught in many fields since young, and martial arts were one of the subjects they


    had to learn. Not only was it for the sake of training their physical body, but it was also so that they


    could protect themselves in the future.


    Both boys were trained by private national martial arts champions hired by their families.


    Hence, Zachary epted Seamus'' challenge.


    Hmph! How dare you think of marrying my sister? You''re going to have to go through me first!¡±

 Chapter 564

    Chapter 564


    Chapter 564 The Boss Is Probably A Hooligan


    Of course, the showdown between the two boys attracted the attention of the adults. They were


    amused and delighted to see what was about to happen.


    Even Cayden and Avery stopped to watch the spectacle with the others.


    Soon, the boys got embroiled in a fight in the green meadow.


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    Zachary had a solid foundation inbat skills. His every punch and kick was full of vigor and vitality. It


    was easy to tell that it was not merely fancy footwork. Inparison, Seamus'' foundation was slightly


    inferior. Then again, he frequently fought with others and thus had more experience in actualbat.


    Coupled with how merciless and brutal he was with his moves, it was tough to decide on the oue


    in an instant.


    But one thing for sure was that the boys would most likely only suffer more injuries if they were to go on


    fighting as they wished.


    ¡°Stop fighting. You guys will hurt yourselves. Zach, Seamus, stop now...¡± Avery initially treated it as a


    joke and thought the kids were bantering with each other. Now that she saw how they fought, she could


    not help but be shocked and thus wanted to pull them apart.


    However, Cayden stopped her. He was rather excited watching the battle between the two boys.


    The two boys had never liked each other. Zachary had vouched to teach Seamus a lesson as he was


    annoyed at how thetter kept pestering Rory. On the other hand, Seamus was full of hatred and


    resentment toward Zachary for not letting him get near Rory.


    The grudge they harbored toward each other seemed to have fueled their urge to fight.


    And since their standards wereparable, they felt the need to fight to the bitter end all the more


    before they would stop.


    As Avery and Stephanie exchanged nces, they noticed the worry and heartache in each other''s


    gaze.


    Turning around, Avery stared at Cayden beseechingly, signaling him to step in and deal with the boys.


    Yet, Cayden patted her shoulders affectionately, seemingly trying to calm her down.


    Then, he stepped forward and reached out his hands, and like an eagle catching its prey, he picked the


    boys up by their cors, one on each hand, and brought them to Avery.


    The two boys desperately tried to break free, but because Cayden was yanking their cors, they were


    choking up and having difficulty breathing. In no time, the two handsome faces turned bright red as


    they frantically gasped for air.


    Nheless, they still refused to give up and continued struggling. They red intently at each other


    and resentfully swung their limbs in mid-air, gesturing how they still wanted to fight.


    Cayden tossed the two boys onto the grass field and threw Seamus a stern nce. In an icy voice, he


    uttered, ¡°Seamus, if you want to marry my daughter, you''ll have to go through Zachary and me as well.


    If you can''t pass the two of us, then don''t ever have designs on Rory.¡±


    Cayden''s tall and imposing build made Seamus feel that the former resembled an almighty deity, and


    the boy could not help but feel defeated.


    But that emotion was quickly reced when he saw Zachary chuckling gleefully by the side. Unwilling


    to ept defeat, Seamus let out a disdainful snort.


    Stealthily ncing at Jacob, Seamus saw his father giving him a ¡°keep up the good work¡± action and


    signal. He then swept his gaze toward Rory, and seeing how sweet-looking she was while chatting with


    Cayden, the boy felt a sudden boost and regained his confidence again.


    Zachary''s daddy is impressive, but my daddy is very cool too! I''ve seen it with my own eyes. Daddy


    once defeated three or four armed ruffians with his bare hands to save Ms. Stephanie! I''m Daddy''s son.


    Though I''m still young, I''ll be better than him and Rory''s daddy someday. I''ll make sure Rory


    bes my wife in the future!


    After dealing with the boys'' nonsense, Cayden took Avery for a walk along Turquoise Falls.


    The waterfall was vast and majestic, and it was almost impossible to see the other end. The waters


    along the stream flowed downward and naturally converged into a deepke at the bottom. Along the


    lake bloomed all sorts of florals, perfectlyplementing the sky-blue waters.


    The breathtaking scenery in the surroundings warmed the hearts of the onlookers.


    Cayden embraced Avery affectionately as they strolled by theke.


    The man''s physical appearance was unrivaled. Despite wearing casual clothes, his distinguished and


    regal aura was imprinted in the minds of many.


    He was carefully showering the pregnant Avery with care, almost like she was a precious gem. It was


    such a heartwarming sight that anyone who witnessed it would be green with envy.


    Many tourists found it rare to spot such a perfect matching couple, and because of that, some whipped


    out their phones and snapped shots of them in secret.


    Holding onto Avery''s hand, Cayden led her and continued walking forward. Unbeknownst to them, they


    had be a mesmerizing view in the eyes of the other tourists.


    Not too far behind them, a middle-aged couple had apanied their daughter out to take a breather.


    Gazing at their healthy and lively daughter jumping around, the couple looked at each other, their eyes


    overflowing with contentment.


    Now that her daughter''s health had improved, the middle-aged woman could not help but worry over


    the demolition matter back home again.


    She heaved a heavy sigh. ¡°Harvey, how can that demolition team be so outrageous? It''s enough that


    they cut our water and electricity supply, but they even threaten and intimidate us? How is that a


    demolition team? They''re clearly rogues and thugs! They even imed that theirpany belongs to a


    real estate firm under Trident Group, and since they have lots of power and influence, don''t me them


    for being merciless if we refuse to move! If a small fry is so arrogant, then wouldn''t Trident Group''s


    boss be a hooligan?


    The middle-aged man had a bald spot on his crown. Having worked all year round without any breaks,


    he appeared especially old and haggard.


    But that emotion was quickly reced when he saw Zachary chuckling gleefully by the side. Unwilling


    to ept defeat, Seamus let out a disdainful snort.


    In a soft voice, he persuaded, ¡°Honey, don''t worry about that. The house belongs to us. If we insist on


    not demolishing it, what can they do? They can''t possibly kill us, can they? We live in a society


    regted byw. If they continue to use violence on us, we''ll call the cops. I don''t believe the cops can''t


    stop them!¡±


    ¡°So what if we call the cops? Officials nowadays shield each other...¡± The middle-aged woman''s loud


    sigh resonated into the air.


    The middle-aged man parted his lips. ¡°We''re here to take Sarah out to y. She just managed to


    escape death on a whisker. If you keep sighing, you''ll only affect our daughter''s mood. Honey,


    everything will be all right. If we insist on keeping the house, I''m sure they won''t be able to demolish it.


    But if they decide to resort to violence to demolish our house, we''ll make a scene out of it andin


    to the public... The media is so much more useful these dayspared to the past. But if worsees


    to worst, we''ll destroy Trident Group''s reputation and drag them down with us!¡±


    The middle-aged woman was about to say something when she spotted Cayden and Avery as she


    lifted her head.


    Surprised, she quickly poked her husband''s elbow, pointed to Cayden and Avery, and eximed,


    ¡°Hubby, look at that couple. They are our benefactors, aren''t they?¡±


    Sarah, who was cheerily skipping away, traced her mother''s line of sight upon hearing thetter''s


    words. Thrilled at what she saw, she eximed, ¡°Mommy, they are really Mr. Cayden and Ms. Avery! I''ll


    go and say hello to them...¡±


    With that, she happily ran in the direction of Avery and Cayden.


    Sure enough, when the middle-aged man lifted his head to look, he saw the couple who saved his


    daughter''s life.


    A mix of emotions clouded his weathered face, and together with his wife, they hastily trailed behind


    their daughter.


    While Cayden helped Avery sit down for a rest, a young girl''s crisp voice sounded. ¡°Hello, Mr. Cayden


    and Ms. Avery. I''m Sarah. Do you all still remember who I am?¡±


    At once, Cayden and Avery looked in the direction where the voice sounded from. There, they saw a


    young girl, seemingly eight or nine years old, dressed in a white baseball uniform and a ck hat on


    her head, staring at them with an excited and expectant gaze.


    Cayden drew his brows together. He met countless people daily, and those he interacted with were


    either rich or influential. Naturally, it was not strange that he barely had any impression of an ordinary


    girl like Sarah.


    On the contrary, Avery had always had a good memory.


    As much as she had not met Sarah for more than half a year, she could still recognize the young girl at


    a nce.


    This young girl... She''s the one Cayden and I saved after tuning in to the radio broadcastst winter!

 Chapter 565

    Chapter 565


    Chapter 565 Acknowledging Avery


    Tentatively, Avery asked, ¡°Are you Sarah, who was seriously illst year?¡±


    Seeing the girl nod excitedly, Avery smiled and asked, ¡°How is your health now? Are your parents


    doing well?¡±


    Sarah was on the brink of death and emaciated before, but now she looked healthy and vibrant.


    She seemed to have made a remarkable recovery, looking like a whole different person from when


    Averyst saw her.


    ¡°Ms. Avery, I''m so happy that you still remember me! Thanks to you, I was able to have the surgeryst


    winter. I''ve made really great recovery. Do you see how healthy I am?¡± Sarah happily spun around in


    front of Avery and Cayden.


    Her lively appearance was a happy sight to behold, and Avery couldn''t help but beam in delight.


    She pinched Sarah''s face and gently said, ¡°Not bad. You do look much healthier than before. Your


    complexion has brightened up.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Ms. Avery.¡± Sarah smiled shyly.


    The little girl noticed Avery''s protruding belly and asked curiously, ¡°Ms. Avery, are you expecting a


    baby?¡±


    ¡°Yes. There is a little life in my belly.¡± Avery touched her belly with a gentle and loving expression.


    Sarah blinked and wanted to ask Avery about the beautiful twins.


    She had a vivid memory of the angelic twins who gave her hope, which in turn helped her fight against


    her illness. She had been thinking about when she would be able to see them again.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    However, Sarah''s parents hurriedly arrived just then.


    When they spotted Avery and Cayden, they were overwhelmed with emotion, and tears welled up in


    their eyes as they kept thanking the two profusely.


    In the end, with tears brimming in their eyes, Sarah''s parents said, ¡°Sarah, hurry up and thank Ms.


    Avery and Mr. Cayden. It is because of their help that we had the money for your surgery, and they


    gave you hope for life. You must never forget their kindness.¡±


    Sarah immediately bowed deeply to Cayden and Avery as she uttered, ¡°Ms. Avery, Mr. Cayden, thank


    you for your help. I will always remember your great kindness to me.¡±


    ¡°It''s nothing. What matters is you''re healthy now.¡± Avery felt embarrassed by the couple''s excessive


    enthusiasm.


    In fact, she didn''t contribute much to Sarah''s case. The one who ultimately provided the funding was


    Cayden.


    However, the man remained impassive and didn''t even deign to spare a smile for the couple, despite


    the couple''s enthusiastic show of gratitude. He barely spoke and only gave brief hums in response


    throughout the conversation. His frigid demeanor made Avery feel a little awkward.


    Hence, Avery felt the obligation to chat with the couple for a while before leaving with Cayden.


    She couldn''t bear to receive the couple''s effusive thanks.


    Seeing Sarah''s health restored, Avery was very happy for her and felt that the burden on the couple''s


    future life would be much lighter, and she hoped that they would go on to live a happy and fulfilling life


    together.


    She had thought that she would never cross paths with the family again.


    Never did she imagine that the way they would meet again would be so tragic.


    Avery and Cayden bade goodbye to the middle-aged couple and left.


    Because Avery was pregnant, Cayden chose quiet ces to walk and held her tightly to avoid crowds.


    After walking for a while, Avery became a bit tired, but she was too embarrassed to voice out because


    they had just taken a rest together.


    Additionally, seeing many elderly people who were much more agile in walking and climbing in the


    tourism area made her realize just howcking she was.


    Cayden had been observing Avery''s every move, and he naturally noticed her exhaustion.


    He took her out for a walk because Yuvan had told him that Avery''s physique was weak and her pelvis


    was small, so Cayden should take her out more often to exercise. It would make it easier for her to give


    birth in the future. Thus, he had taken Avery for a longer walk this time.


    However, when he saw her face turning red from the exertion, Cayden began to feel sorry for her and


    didn''t wish to continue with the walk.


    Ignoring Avery''s objections, he picked her up and carried her to a t stone where she could take a


    rest.


    Sitting nearby was an elderly couple in their sixties.


    The olddy saw how considerate Cayden was toward Avery and amiably struck up a conversation


    with them. ¡°Young man, you''re treating your wife well. How many months pregnant is she?¡±


    Avery lowered her head, feeling a bit shy as her face blushed crimson.


    ¡°My wife is more than five months pregnant.¡± Cayden acknowledged Avery''s identity without hesitation


    and held her in his arms with a doting expression.


    Although he was very strong, he was extra cautious and genteel in his manners so that he wouldn''t


    hurt her.


    Avery felt abashed to be intimate with Cayden in front of the elderly couple and struggled to break free


    from his embrace. However, the more she resisted, the deeper she fell into his embrace.


    ¡°The two of you are really sweet. You''re married for less than a year, right?¡± The olddy was wearing a


    pair of gold-rimmed sses and looked amiable. ¡°You have to treat your delicate and beautiful wife


    well. The most difficult time for a woman is when she''s pregnant.¡±


    Hence, Avery felt the obligation to chat with the couple for a while before leaving with Cayden.


    The olddy''s husband nodded in agreement.


    ¡°Sure.¡± Cayden nodded at the elderly couple''s advice.


    They smiled and bade goodbye to Avery and Cayden before walking away while supporting each other.


    As Avery watched the elderly couple leave hand in hand, it suddenly dawned on her the meaning of the


    saying that went¡ªThe greatest bond in all the world is that if you honor your vows to me, I shall


    expend everyst vestige of good fortune to stay by your side until the end, till death do us part.


    She fervently hoped that her bond with Cayden would be the same.


    Even after the elderly couple''s figures were out of sight, Avery still looked in their direction.


    Cayden couldn''t help but turn her face toward him. ¡°Silly girl, they''re gone. Why are you still looking?¡±


    Avery replied with a hint of envy, ¡°That elderly couple has such a lovely rtionship. That is true love.


    Growing old together is the most precious thing. Rarely do people stay together for a lifetime.¡±


    Cayden chuckled and pinched her rosy ears. Confidently, he dered, ¡°We''ll be even more affectionate


    than they are.¡±


    The mountain wind blew gently, bringing a cool breeze.


    Averyy on Cayden''s chest, taking in his refreshing manly scent as she felt the warmth of his body.


    In front of them was a several-dozen-meter-tall mountain. The sound ofpping water from the waterfall


    was the perfect backdrop against the breathtakingndscape.


    The beauty of nature was beyond words.


    Meanwhile, Stephanie was forced to go on an ¡°adventure¡± with Jacob into the deep forest.


    She had wanted to refuse him, partly because she was terrified of the man and didn''t want to go out


    with him alone and partly because she was a pregnant woman. Constant walking would tire her out in


    no time.


    However, her fear of Jacob had prated deep into her bones. A stern look from Jacob was enough


    to send chills down her spine.


    ¡°Where are you bringing me? It''s too scary here. I want to head back...¡± Stephanie was petrified that


    she had been dragged into the deep forest by Jacob.


    It was early summer, and the nts were flourishing. The hundred-year-old trees covered the sky, and


    even the sunlight couldn''t prate through.


    Hence, the forest was almost pitch-dark, and an ominous feeling festered in Stephanie''s heart.

 Chapter 566

    Chapter 566


    Chapter 566 Avery Could Not Believe Her Ears


    Jacob remained silent, but the tension in his expression was evident. A vein protruded on his forehead,


    indicating his anger.


    He dragged her into the depths of the woods.


    Stephanie was exhausted. She wanted to suggest taking a break but dared not do so upon noticing the


    man''s displeasure. Left with no choice, she had to stagger along behind him.


    Suddenly, the man pinned her onto a thick trunk belonging to an old tree. Stephanie immediately


    screamed in terror, ¡°Ah! Let me go! What are you doing?¡±


    Rage ran red through Jacob''s brain as he leaned down to devour Stephanie''s lips in a possessive kiss


    without allowing her to shy away.


    ¡°Jacob, you... Mm, it hurts!¡± Stephanie struggled to free herself. She looked scared, and her eyes


    began to well up with tears.


    However, Jacob ignored her reaction and continued kissing her in an overbearing manner. He bit her


    lips so hard that they started bleeding.


    Humiliation and pain shed across Stephanie''s eyes as tears streamed down her cheeks in silence.


    She had given up on struggling to free herself and appeared helpless, which only added to Jacob''s


    anger.


    He gripped her chin with a crushing force as his eyes turned red. ¡°Look at you, acting all pitiful. You


    look gorgeous even when you''re sobbing, huh? Stephanie, why were you sobbing back at Turquoise


    Falls? Do you still miss him? Don''t tell me you never forgot about him. You''ve been with me for some


    time. How dare you still think about him?¡±


    Stephanie was forced to meet his gaze.


    Hershes were wet with tears, and she could barely stand on her feet. ¡°No, I don''t miss him. The


    scenery reminded me of our past, that''s all. I''m sorry, I won''t do that again. Can you p-please let me


    go...¡±


    ¡°Stop lying to me! We''ve slept in the same bed for some time, but you often fall into a daze or cry


    silently. You even called that man''s name back at Turquoise Falls! Do you think I''m deaf and couldn''t


    hear your mutters? Stephanie, you love him so much that you can''t forget him, huh?¡± Jealousy tainted


    Jacob''s eyes a vicious red.


    ¡°He is gone, and I don''t know where he is...¡± Tears streamed down Stephanie''s cheeks, and she


    seemed to be in pain. ¡°I''m already pregnant with your child. What else do you want, Jacob?¡±


    ¡°I won''t allow you to think about other men. If I find out that you repeat the same mistake, I''ll definitely


    kill him!¡± Jacob''s gaze shone like a vicious wolf as he gripped Stephanie''s shoulders with such force


    that she felt her bones were about to get crushed.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Stephanie paled as tears continued streaming down her cheeks uncontrobly.


    She sobbed sorrowfully, her shoulders trembling profusely. Her pitiful state was enough to evoke


    sympathy from anyone who saw her.


    Nevertheless, Jacob''s fury merely heightened when he saw her crying nonstop.


    Is she crying for the man? Has she always loved him all this while?


    The truth went through his heart like a sharp knife, making him feel like he had been kicked in the gut.


    He wanted nothing more than to strangle her to death.


    Turning her around, he took off her pants and began torturing her. ¡°Remember. I''m your only man!¡±


    Stephanie sobbed pitifully. She was born a conservative woman, so being forced to have sex in the


    open made her feel extremely humiliated.


    The fear of getting caught by others, the humiliation of being forced to have sex with someone she


    didn''t love, and the helplessness she felt made her cry so hard that she could barely catch her breath.


    Pain started ring in her stomach, causing her to furrow her brows in anguish.


    However, she clenched her jaw so she wouldn''t moan out loud.


    Jacob was overtaken by jealousy and purposely refused to look at Stephanie''s dejected face, so he


    didn''t notice her oddness.


    It wasn''t until Stephanie fainted from the pain and blood began trickling out of her vagina and down her


    legs that Jacob retreated from her body in fear.


    ¡°Stephanie!¡± he screamed her name hoarsely upon regaining his senses.


    Picking her up, he ran all the way back to their amodation.


    After helping Avery massage her legs, Cayden told her to soak in the water for a moment. He


    remembered all the precautions that pregnantdies should take that Yuvan told him.


    Pregnantdies shouldn''t soak in cold water for too long.


    Thus, he helped her wipe the water away and put on her shoes for her meticulously before leading her


    away carefully.


    The mountain path was winding and uneven, so Cayden ended up carrying Avery back in his arms.


    Thus, all the tourists saw a tall and handsome man walking down the winding path by the stream slowly


    with a pregnantdy in his arms.


    Even so, he was able to walk in aposed manner as though the woman in his arms weighed as


    much as a little doll.


    The woman in his arms had wrapped her arms around his neck and would talk to him asionally.


    The man listened to her patiently, his adoration for her evident. His sexy lips would sometimes curl into


    a smile, and he didn''t seem impatient or tired at all.


    Noticing some tourists were staring at them, Avery felt her cheeks turning pink. She buried her face into


    Cayden''s chest, feeling shy at being the center of attention.


    ¡°What a loving couple. Ah, the perks of being young,¡± an elderly couplemented.


    ¡°Darling, look how the husband adores his wife. He couldn''t even bear to let her walk! A handsome and


    thoughtful husband like him is a fine specimen! I don''t care. You must carry me!¡± a young girl whined,


    wanting her boyfriend to carry her in his arms just like how Cayden was carrying Avery.


    ¡°His wife is pregnant and too tired to walk, so he has to carry her. If you marry me and get pregnant, I


    will also carry you this way!¡± her boyfriend replied. Despite that, he obediently carried her in his arms.


    There were also some foreign tourists talking in foreignnguages who gave Cayden the thumbs-up.


    Everyone was beaming at them kindly, offering the gorgeous couple their well wishes.


    Throughout the way, Avery buried her face in Cayden''s chest.


    Cayden initially nned on bringing Avery elsewhere to have fun, but he soon received a phone call


    that made his expression turn dark.


    ¡°We need to hurry back. Something bad has happened,¡± he said solemnly.


    ¡°Why? Is it Zach and Rory?¡± Avery''s heart sank as her children popped up in her mind.


    ¡°Stephanie had a miscarriage.¡±


    Avery gaped in disbelief. She couldn''t believe her ears.


    When I left earlier, Stephanie was still okay. Why did she have a miscarriage suddenly?

 Chapter 567

    Chapter 567


    Chapter 567 New Development


    In the end, Stephanie lost her baby.


    When Avery came to the ward, Stephanie seemed to have lost weight in an instant. Her face was pale,


    and she looked really weak.


    Despair was written all over her face, and her eyes were devoid of expression. It seemed that her soul


    had drifted away.


    ¡°Stephanie...¡± Avery felt bad for her.


    She approached the bed and gently took hold of Stephanie''s slender arm. ¡°Don''t be too upset and


    make sure to take good care of your health. Your well-being is the most important thing right now as


    you can always try to get pregnant again in the future.¡±


    ¡°No. I will never get pregnant again.¡± Stephanie shook her head gently as a bitter look crossed her


    face. ¡°He was the one who did this to me. It''s a good thing that I lost the baby. A child who is unwanted


    may not have a happy life...¡±


    Stephanie initially disliked her child, but as he grew inside of her, she slowly started to anticipate his


    arrival and rely on him.


    Upon hearing that she had lost the baby, she initially thought it wouldn''t affect her much, but to her


    surprise, her heart was filled with an intense ache.


    Avery was stunned and didn''t know what to say.


    It was pretty obvious that Jacob cared a lot for Stephanie and her baby, so she couldn''t fathom why he


    would make her lose the baby.


    A whileter, Avery, who was also a mother of two, rose to her feet abruptly. ¡°Jacob has gone


    overboard. The baby is also his. How could he be this cruel? I must demand an exnation from him!¡±


    she told Stephanie.


    ¡°No, don''t do that,¡± Stephanie urged, shaking her head hastily.


    Ignoring her protests, Avery pulled the door open to go look for Jacob.


    When the door opened, she saw the man standing right outside the ward.


    Avery was surprised to see that his face was wet with tears and his eyes red with exhaustion. Despite


    his handsome face, he looked tired and emotionally drained.


    Behind him, Cayden was seated on the bench, smoking irritatedly.


    ¡°You...¡± Avery couldn''t bring herself to reprimand Jacob when she saw his face.


    Men would rarely cry, so it was clear that Stephanie''s miscarriage had dealt a huge blow to him.


    ¡°Avery, how is Stephanie doing?¡± Jacob asked worriedly. He was obviously concerned about Stephanie


    but seemed to be holding back, not daring to enter the ward.


    The guilt and pain in his gaze made Avery''s heart soften. ¡°The miscarriage has crushed her, and she''s


    emotionally unstable right now. Stephanie is a great girl, but she''s quite innocent. Treat her well and


    make sure she doesn''t have to experience something this traumatizing again. Going through a


    miscarriage can be detrimental to a woman''s health.¡±


    Jacob''s fists balled up as the guilt in his gaze intensified. The sorrow on his face was evident as he


    grunted in acknowledgment, ¡°Mm...¡±


    He walked into the ward and shut the door.


    Avery could hear Stephanie wailing noisily and screaming for Jacob to leave her ward.


    She was shocked at hearing themotion. Women could easily be emotional after suffering


    from a miscarriage, so she knew how important for Stephanie should remain calm and should take


    good care of herself.


    She knocked on the door desperately but was stopped by Cayden.


    ¡°Ery, it''s not our ce to interfere in their matters. Let''s go back for now. I trust that Jacob will handle


    the situation properly,¡± Cayden said as he took her hand and led her out.


    ¡°But I''m afraid Stephanie would act recklessly,¡± Avery replied, sounding worried.


    ¡°Don''t worry. Jacob will be with her, so she''ll be fine. You''re also pregnant, so do take care of yourself


    and get more rest,¡± Cayden told her, feeling exasperated. Avery might be great, but she loved sticking


    her nose into someone else''s matter.


    ¡°But...¡± Before she could say anything, Cayden picked her up and strode away from the ward.


    As he walked along the corridor, he told her, ¡°Didn''t you see Jacob was feeling bad about Stephanie''s


    miscarriage, too? They need to solve the problem themselves, and Stephanie is the only one who can


    make peace with herself. No matter what you say, it''s useless if she insists on being stubborn.¡±


    Avery was speechless. She knew he was right as there was a saying, ¡°The onlooker sees most of the


    game.¡± She was an outsider, so no matter how much advice she provided, it was useless if the person


    involved refused to change.


    A few dayster, Xavier was still busy gathering evidence back in Trident Group.


    He advised Avery not toe to work for the time being, worried that the rumors would affect her. After


    all, he knew how proud the woman was.


    Despite the situation, Avery was determined to go to work. She believed that hiding would only make


    others think she was guilty.


    Cayden had no choice but to relent.


    Nevertheless, Avery didn''t expect to be the target of strange looks upon arrival at thepany.


    As Yulissa had deliberately spread the word, the entirepany knew that Avery had cheated in the


    exam.


    Some of Avery''s colleagues in the design department who were close to her trusted that she wouldn''t


    cheat as they had spent some time with her and knew her character well.


    However, those from other departments naturally didn''t think that way. The rumor about Avery and their


    CEO had spread like wildfire, so no matter how hard Avery worked to prove her abilities, the rest would


    still regard her as a woman who slept her way up to the top. Of course, they dared not reveal their


    thoughts as Cayden was their superior.


    Cecelia and Nina were pretty defensive and would argue with those who dared to criticize Avery.


    One was pregnant, and the other was feisty. They would reprimand those who had the guts to talk


    badly about Avery in the design department. In an instant, no one dared to gossip about Avery in their


    office anymore.


    Avery was touched by their actions.


    She felt upset about having to bear the pressure of public opinion, but she knew she had no choice but


    to endure it for the time being.


    Yulissa strutted into the design department in her high heels, looking arrogant as usual.


    She came to a halt in front of Avery and mocked, ¡°Avery, I can''t believe you still have the face to show


    up at work after how you cheated in the exam. If I were you, I would''ve resigned and slunk home in


    shame!¡±


    ¡°Ms. Yantz, let me reiterate that I have never cheated on the exam! You are well aware of who the


    actual culprit is. Please be mindful of your words until the results are released. If you continue to make


    baseless usations against me, I will sue you for defamation! And if it''s revealed that you have any


    connection to this matter, I will also sue you for framing me.¡±


    Yulissa trembled subconsciously under the woman''s frosty look. She pretended to be unfazed and


    snorted out loud. ¡°Well, you can continue being stubborn. You''ll bawl your eyes out when the results


    are released.¡±


    With that, she spun on her heels and left hastily.


    After that, Avery calmed down and went back to work.


    She knew that the truth would be revealed one day and that Cayden would prove her innocence.


    Three dayster, there was a new development in the cheating case, just as expected.N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.

 Chapter 568

    Chapter 568


    Chapter 568 Invigorate


    The gossip and rumors spread like wildfire in the office on Avery''s first day at work but ceased on the


    second day and never resurfaced.


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    She didn''t have to think hard to figure out that was Cayden''s doing.


    Avery knew all she could do at the moment was wait for her innocence to be proven.


    Although Yulissa continued to treat her with hostility and constantly jeered at her, Avery didn''t take it to


    heart.


    She wasn''t a weak woman. Before, she avoided direct confrontations with Yulissa out of concern that


    thetter was her superior. However, since the incident where Yulissa framed her, Avery gained rity.


    Avery received an update from Xavier which invigorated her.


    With the right offer, there was bound to be someone who would step forward.


    After a thorough investigation, Xavier came across a male student named Yosef Yarbrough.


    Yosef mentioned he saw Yulissa opening a bag with a white bear toy attached and taking out some


    notes.


    However, the examination was about to start then, and he arrived at the venuete, so he was in a


    hurry to enter the hall. In addition, he didn''t want to be nosy and was afraid of getting into trouble, so


    Yosef didn''t report what he saw to the examiners in time.


    After the exam, he went back to his hometown to visit his severely ill grandmother.


    Afterward, Xavier established contact with Yosef during his investigation and found out thetter was a


    witness, so he requested Yosef to testify for Avery.


    Upon learning Xavier''s intention, Yosef, who had identified the woman in the photo, stammered, saying


    he needed to stay home and care for his ill grandmother.


    Hearing that, Xavier had no choice but to promise Yosef a lucrative reward if thetter was willing to


    give an ount of the truth so he could use the money to seek treatment for his grandmother.


    Yosef hesitated briefly but ultimately agreed toe forward and prove Avery''s innocence for the sake


    of his critically ill grandmother.


    Yosef coulde to Ackleton from his hometown that day and was willing to apany Avery to


    reveal the truth to the examiners.


    Avery saw the glimmer of hope, and her mood lifted. Initially dejected, she gradually regained her


    composure and soon became ted.


    Meanwhile, Yulissa was frantic with worry because she just received a call from one of the examiners,


    who informed her that Avery found a new witness who could prove her innocence. The examiner told


    Yulissa to visit the Department of Education at three o''clock in the afternoon. I didn''t expect Avery to


    find a witness so soon. I thought I''d been sufficiently cautious when stealing the notes from her bag, so


    how could anyone have seen me? I wonder if the so-called witness is just someone Avery bribed with


    money.


    In the end, Yulissa could only go to Wisteria''s office and ask her superior for help.


    Overwrought, Yulissa broke out into a cold sweat. After knocking on the door and entering the room,


    she cut to the chase. ¡°Ms. Summers, Avery found a new witness. She''s using me of false


    allegations. What should I do now? Can you help me out?¡±


    She hadn''t slept well the past few days, causing the dark circles under her eyes to be very


    prominent.


    Ever since Cayden interfered in the cheating incident, Yulissa knew things would only take a turn for


    the worse. Still, she didn''t expect it to happen so swiftly.


    Wisteria abruptly put down the pen she was using to sign the documents.


    She gazed at Yulissa with a haughty and disdainful expression. ¡°Ms. Yantz, why didn''t you consider the


    consequences before you nder others? You can only me yourself for being so stupid as to let


    others get the dirt on you. You''re just an idiot who only knows how to screw things up.¡±


    Yulissa clenched her fists. ¡°Ms. Summers, what do you mean by that? If it weren''t for your hint, how


    could I have done such a foolish thing? Yet, you''re pushing all the responsibility onto me now? How is


    that fair?¡±


    Wisteria tapped the tabletop with her fingers. The contemptuous smirk on her face widened. ¡°Yulissa,


    let''s make things clear. You are the culprit of this incident, so how is this matter rted to me? Do you


    have any evidence to support your im, huh?¡±


    Not anticipating Wisteria to be so cold-blooded and ruthless, Yulissa sneered as well. ¡°I finally realize


    how vicious you are. You made me reassuring promises about how you would take the me if


    anything went wrong while I did your bidding, but when the situation turned south, you were the first to


    shirk responsibilities. Ms. Summers, do you really think you can escape unscathed if I am exposed?


    Dream on! We''re now two people in the same boat. If you don''t help me, I may mention things I


    shouldn''t, revealing the mastermind behind this scheme. Things will get messy if that happens.¡±


    Hearing Yulissa''s threat, Wisteria narrowed her eyes and almost crumpled up the document in her


    hand. ¡°Ms. Yantz, you''d better mind your words. What do you mean we''re in the same boat? Did you


    just use me of being the mastermind? You should present your evidence before saying something


    like that, all right? Otherwise, I can hire mywyer to sue you!¡±


    Yulissa trembled with rage, but she didn''t have any evidence. The only proof she had was the


    disappearing message Wisteria sent her, but the message vanished without a trace after she opened it


    up.


    There wasn''t even time for her to take a screenshot.


    At that moment, Yulissa knew Wisteria was going to discard her after thetter was done using her.


    Still, she was unwilling to admit defeat.


    Yulissa took the initiative to figure out Wisteria''s thoughts and got to know Wisteria hated Avery. In an


    attempt to please Wisteria, Yulissa secretly tried to sabotage Avery. Nevertheless, Yulissa didn''t expect


    Wisteria to be so merciless after things turned south. Not only is she reluctant to lend me a helping


    hand, but she''s also mocking and ridiculing me, saying I''m too stupid. Well, I''m indeed an idiot.


    Yulissa decided to go for broke. ¡°Since you''re treating me like this, we shall wait and see how things


    progress from this point onward, Ms. Summers! Ha! Even if I''m the person who executed the n to


    frame Avery, if I tell Mr. Moore you''re the mastermind, what do you think he will do to you? In fact, we


    both know very well Avery could locate the witness so soon because she has Mr. Moore''s utmost


    support and assistance. How do you think he will feel when he learns that you tried to harm his beloved


    woman? Ms. Summers, you''ve served Mr. Moore for so many years, so you should already have a


    good grasp on his character. He will never turn a blind eye to this. Even if he doesn''t dismiss because


    of what happened to Avery, do you think he will still fully trust you?¡±


    Yulissa intended to sow fear in Wisteria as she uttered those words.


    Unexpectedly, Wisteria burst outughing, causing a sense of foreboding to surge within Yulissa.


    Wisteria took out a stack of documents from her locked drawer and stood up. Then, she tossed the


    papers at Yulissa''s face. ¡°Ms. Yantz, take a close look at how much kickback you''ve received from our


    clients during your years of working at Trident Group. Unfortunately for you, I identally gathered


    these pieces of evidence.¡±


    Yulissa was momentarily stunned. She hurriedly picked up the documents on the floor after regaining


    her senses.


    Colors drained from her face when she saw the evidence.


    Her hands, holding the papers, shook uncontrobly. She gulped and asked, ¡°W-Where did you acquire


    these?¡±


    Once the evidence of her receiving kickbacks from the clients leaked out, Yulissa knew her reputation


    and career would be ruined.

 Chapter 569

    Chapter 569


    Chapter 569 Fate Was In Her Hands


    Wisteria calmly stood and approached Yulissa arrogantly.


    Meanwhile, Yulissa was trembling, rooted to the spot. Still, she gritted her teeth and spat, ¡°Don''t you


    dare go overboard, Ms. Summers! What do you want?¡±


    Wisteria lowered her gaze. ¡°It''s not about what I want right now, Ms. Yantz. It''s about what you want.¡±


    In her eyes, Yulissa was but an obedient and usefulpdog.


    If Yulissa performed her task well, she would be rewarded. If not, she would be tossed aside.


    If not for the fact that Yulissa had done plenty of good for Wisteria in the past, thetter wouldn''t have


    bothered to acquaint herself with the former.


    Yulissa roared, ¡°Don''t think that I''m afraid of you just because you have dirt on me, Wisteria!


    Considering how my situation has turned out, I won''t hesitate to drag you down with me! I''m fine with


    having a tarnished reputation, but what about you, Ms. Summers? You''ve always been a prestigious


    figure in thepany. If I spill the truth to everyone, do you think you can still maintain your excellent


    image in thepany?¡±


    ¡°Oh? What do you want me to do, then?¡± Wisteria lifted her eyebrow.


    ¡°You''re the cause of this mess, so you must help me clean it up. If it weren''t for you, I wouldn''t have set


    up Avery. I don''t want a falling out between us, Ms. Summers. You''re smart, so you understand what I


    mean.¡± The storm of emotions in Yulissa''s heart had calmed slightly.


    She didn''t want a falling out with Wisteria because she had to rely on thetter.


    In response, Wisteria sneered. So, Yulissa has learned how to threaten people, huh?


    She leaned toward Yulissa''s ear and whispered with intimidation, ¡°I''m warning you, Yulissa. Some


    things should never escape your lips. I have records of the kickbacks you pocketed from clients. If


    you''re charged with nder, you''ll at most be fined and imprisoned for a while. However, if your bribery


    is exposed, there''ll be trouble for you. Putting aside the fact that no one in the industry will ever hire


    you again, you may even need to spend a few years in prison. So, you''d better consider your choices


    carefully, Yulissa!¡±


    Upon hearing that, Yulissa froze and stared at Wisteria in disbelief. I can''t believe this woman is this


    despicable!


    She chuckled in despair, met Wisteria''s cold eyes, and mocked, ¡°Now I know why Mr. Moore would


    rather choose that ordinary Avery over you, who has been following him for a decade. A scheming,


    selfish, and self-centered woman like you has no one but yourself to me for Mr. Moore''sck of


    interest in you! If I were a man, I wouldn''t want a specious and devious woman like you too!¡±


    Yulissa''s words were like a poison needle stabbing right into the most painful spot in Wisteria''s heart,


    causing it to bleed ck.


    Immediately, Wisteria grabbed something on the table and hurled it in Yulissa''s direction. ¡°Get out! I


    want you out of my face now!¡±


    Yulissa shot Wisteria a pitying look, left the room without turning her head back, and mmed the door


    shut.


    Furiously, Wisteria swept all the documents on the table to the ground.


    Hatred swirled in her eyes while a tornado of wrath consumed her heart.


    After all, Yulissa once again reminded her of the cruel reality that Cayden didn''t love her.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    So what if he doesn''t love me now? Wisteria gritted her teeth. I loved him for ten years, and I can do


    ten more! As long as he remains unmarried, I''ll have a chance to make him mine!


    Meanwhile, Avery went to the Department of Education with Cayden, Xavier, Nina, and the others.


    The cheating incident was speedily resolved as Avery had Evangeline and a male candidate acting as


    her witnesses.


    Yulissa did her best to defend herself, but she lost because there were two witnesses and even


    physical evidence of her wrongdoing.


    No one knew where Xavier managed to get his hands on the surveince footage. The footage was


    blurry because the camera was quite far from where the incident urred and was installed at a


    terrible angle. However, the footage was still clear enough for everyone to see the woman who stole


    information from Avery''s bag was Yulissa.


    The evidence was irrefutable.


    Upon identifying the actual facts of the matter, the Department of Education made an announcement


    on the inte, informing the public of the truth behind the cheating incident. Additionally, they cleared


    Avery''s name and reprimanded Yulissa for ndering Avery due to a personal grudge.


    Yulissa was soon arrested by the police for her crime.


    Avery released a sigh of relief.


    Just before the police officers brought Yulissa away, she dashed toward Avery and clutched Avery''s


    hand, pleading, ¡°I know what I did was wrong, Avery. I''m sorry. Can you please forgive me?¡± My life will


    be ruined if I''m thrown into prison!


    Avery was speaking to Evangeline and Nina when it happened. She didn''t expect Yulissa to rush over


    to her at high speed, so she was almost bumped to the ground. Thankfully, Cayden caught her in the


    nick of time.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Panickily, he examined Avery.


    ¡°I''m fine.¡± Avery shook her head.


    Cayden shot a sharp re at Yulissa and spat coldly, ¡°What the heck do you think you''re doing,


    Yulissa?¡±


    ¡°M-Mr. Moore...¡± Fearfully, Yulissa released Avery''s hand as Cayden was emanating an imposing aura.


    However, when she thought about how her fate was in Avery''s hands, she believed there might be a


    chance to avoid a terrible end if she pleaded for mercy.


    With teary eyes and a pale countenance, Yulissa yed the sympathy card with Avery. ¡°We''ve worked


    together for a long time, Avery. I know I was usually quite strict with you, but I did it for your own good.


    It''s because I wanted you to develop quickly in thepany. Yes, I''m in the wrong for setting you up


    this time. I apologize for my actions. However, I... I have a sickly mother waiting for me. I''m the only


    daughter she has, and I need to take care of her at the hospital every day. If I''m imprisoned, what''ll


    happen to my mother? Can''t you forgive me this time? I promise I won''t treat you like this again, so can


    you please help me ask Mr. Moore to spare me?¡±


    When Avery heard about Yulissa''s sickly mother, her heart softened. ¡°I¡ª¡±


    Just as Avery was about to speak, Cayden, who understood her thought processes well, narrowed his


    eyes dangerously and interrupted, ¡°You should''ve thought of the consequences when you did that to


    Avery, Yulissa! She won''t forgive you, and I especially won''t too!¡±


    Murderous intent was detected in his frigid tone. I won''t forgive anyone who dares to hurt Avery!


    ¡°I''m truly sorry for what I did to you, Ms. Rumpley! I shouldn''t have hurt you like this. I promise that if


    you let me go, I''ll leave Ackleton and never reappear in your life.¡± Yulissa''s tears streamed down her


    cheeks.


    She genuinely regretted her decision. I know there''s no changing the oue of this messy incident,


    but I still want to try to beg for leniency.

 Chapter 570

    Chapter 570


    Chapter 570 Fate Is Sealed


    Yulissa was aware that Avery was more soft-hearted than Cayden. Considering how much Mr. Moore


    loves her, if she''s willing to plead mercy for me, then I''ll still have a chance to escape this predicament.


    I know I used to act all high and mighty in front of Avery. Moreover, my pride would never have allowed


    me to lower myself to ask her, someone I look down on, for help. However, I really have no other option


    but to seek Avery''s aid now.


    Gazing at Yulissa, Avery coldly stated, ¡°The head of the Department of Education will decide your fate.


    I have no say in the matter.¡±


    Yulissa was crying so hard that her makeup was ruined, inadvertently making her appear extra


    miserable. ¡°You must have a way to save me. As long as you''re willing to not hold me ountable,


    forgive me, and ask Mr. Moore to spare me, I''ll be forever grateful to you¡ª¡±


    Icily, Avery interrupted, ¡°I think you should better understand your current situation, Ms. Yantz. There


    are witnesses and evidence that prove you''re guilty of your crime. Nothing will change even if I plead


    leniency for you. Everyone knows thew doesn''t show mercy.¡± Besides, even if I can plead for


    leniency on her behalf, why should I? She deserves to be punished for her wrongdoing!


    The head of the Department of Education nodded before ncing at Cayden''s expression, wondering


    how he should handle the matter to satisfy thetter.


    It was apparent to anyone with a sharp eye that Cayden had a special rtionship with Avery.


    ¡°What will happen to my mother if I''m imprisoned, Avery? She has an operation next month. Someone


    needs to take care of her! We''re both women, so why make things difficult for a fellow ally? Won''t you


    please ask Mr. Moore to spare me, considering how we''re colleagues and that I had helped you plenty


    of times before?¡± Yulissa stubbornly begged.


    Once, she was brilliant like the sun. Yet, she seemed utterly pathetic at that moment, unlike her usual


    arrogant self in thepany.


    Nina couldn''t watch her act any longer. Thus, she scoffed and exposed Yulissa without hesitation.


    ¡°You''re tantly going against your conscience by saying that, Ms. Yantz. You''d often trouble Avery in


    the workce by assigning her the heaviest workload and asking her to deal with the most difficult


    clients. Are you seriously going to call that ''helping'' her? Oh, I just remembered something. When our


    company was signing a contract regarding a joint project with Vivi Group, Avery discovered the files on


    her sh drive were tampered with during her turn to speak. As a result, she was admonished by Vivi


    Group''s chairman. I bet you were responsible for that.¡±


    Yulissa''s tears stopped flowing as she froze for a few seconds. Frantically, she denied, ¡°No! That


    wasn''t me. That really wasn''t...¡±


    Despite her words, her flickering gaze and unnatural bodynguage betrayed her.


    Cayden was a sharp man, so he immediately noticed her abnormality.


    Frowning intensely, he gazed at Yulissa and scrutinized her expression.


    Righteously, Nina berated, ¡°Still trying to deny it, Ms. Yantz? Before Avery''s sh drive was meddled


    with, Yvette brought the members of the design department from both corporations out for a meal.


    During that event, you said you had a stomachache and asked us to proceed while you went to the


    toilet. It wasn''t until half an hour after the meal started that you showed up. Then, the next day,


    something was wrong with Avery''s sh drive. Your tactic back then was almost identical to the one


    you pulled off this time.¡±


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Realization dawned upon Avery. Oh yeah. The files I kept in the sh drive did vanish mysteriously. I


    barely managed to resolve that awkward situation with my quick wits and my old designs that I just so


    happened to find when I was searching for the files. Now that I think about it, if Yulissa was really


    responsible for that matter, then she truly is a terrifying woman! I can''t believe she has been targeting


    me from the moment I entered thepany.


    A chill traveled down her spine when her train of thought ended there.


    ¡°It was not me. I didn''t do it...¡± Yulissa avoided making eye contact with anyone as the group stared at


    her.


    Cayden''s gaze was the coldest and most scrutinizing. Back then, I was too busy with work and was


    incredibly satisfied with how Avery handled the situation that I didn''t ask anyone to investigate the


    matter, thinking it was merely a mistake on her part. To my surprise, Yulissa was behind it!


    ¡°You''re an eye-opener, Yulissa!¡± With an elegant yet frigid voice, hemanded, ¡°I don''t care how you


    punish this wicked woman, Mr. Valentine. Just don''t let her off the hook!¡±


    The chubby Abraham Valentine nodded with a grin. ¡°Don''t worry, Mr. Moore. I''ll ensure you''ll be


    satisfied with the result.¡±


    Yulissa appeared as though her body was drained of energy. Her face was covered with tears as she


    shook her head in despair. ¡°I was wrong, Mr. Moore! I shouldn''t have set up Ms. Rumpley! Please,


    show me mercy. I''m sorry...¡±


    Again and again, she begged Cayden and Avery to spare her, so much so that her voice turned


    hoarse.


    As Avery stood next to Cayden, she nced at Yulissa and intentionally ignored the woman''s tears. ¡°If


    merely saying sorry could erase all sins, the world would be popted with unscrupulous people like


    you, Ms. Yantz. When you ndered me, did you think about how hurt I''d feel? Time and again, you


    targeted me because of your personal grudges. My reputation was almost destroyed because of you!


    You don''t deserve sympathy! I''ll never forgive you! Also, it''s pointless to ask me or anyone else for


    help. The one that''ll decide your fate is thew. So, your efforts are in vain.¡±


    While Avery was kind, she wasn''t na?ve. She hadn''t attained perfect benevolence where she could


    forgive anyone who wronged her as though nothing had happened.


    It was then Yulissa knew her fate was sealed.


    As she gazed at Avery, she wiped her tears away. ¡°So, you''re saying you won''t help me, no matter


    what?¡±


    ¡°You''re an adult, so you must pay the price for your actions,¡± uttered Avery.


    Yulissa scowled, her eyes filled with hatred.


    Exasperatedly, she pointed at Avery and roared, ¡°You''re a vicious woman, Avery! I curse that you''ll


    never find happiness, that one day you''ll be abandoned by Cayden, that the b*stard inside you will die,


    and that you''ll live the rest of your life alone!¡±


    ¡°Drag this insane woman away!¡± If Yulissa weren''t a woman, Cayden would''ve kicked her.


    The police officer nodded at him apologetically and hauled the hysteric Yulissa into the police car.


    Evangeline, who was hiding in the corner and too frightened to take a breath, watched the scene


    unfold. Tsk. An insane and envious woman like Yulissa is way too scary!


    When her line of sightnded on Cayden, admiration and obsession danced in her eyes. It''ll be great if


    I can enter Trident Group using this opportunity.

 Chapter 571

    Chapter 571


    Chapter 571 Sweet


    Avery felt great after clearing her name.


    Therefore, she decided to prepare dinner for Cayden.


    ¡°I''ll help. It''ll be too tiring for you to do it alone.¡± Cayden approached her, intending to help her out.


    However, Avery chased him away to his study. ¡°You should deal with your business matters. I can


    prepare dinner by myself. Besides, Lorraine will help me out, so don''t stay here and be a hindrance.¡± I


    know he left many matters unattended after going on walks with me outside for the past few days. I


    may be pregnant, but I can still do many things. Besides, with Lorraine lending me a hand, I don''t need


    his help in the kitchen.


    Cayden shook his head resignedly after he was forcefully pushed to the study. I feel like I''m being


    treated like a bother...


    Avery casually put on an apron for pregnant women before preparing dinner with Lorraine''s help.


    Even though Cayden disliked milk, he loved milk jelly.


    Avery poured tworge sses of milk into a pot and boiled it. Then, she added white cotton candy to


    the milk and gently stirred the liquid with a spoon.


    After the cotton candy melted into the milk, she poured the mixture into a white bowl. Without dy,


    she added diced fruits into the bowl.


    Finally, she deposited the bowl into the freezer.


    Avery intentionally added a lot of sugar because she knew Cayden loved sweets.


    After that, she prepared a few more dishes, including a fish dish, chicken wings, and a banana dish.


    Forty minutester, a delicious and nutritious meal was ready to be served.


    ¡°Who did you learn to cook from, Mrs. Moore? This is incredible!¡± Lorraine couldn''t help but be


    impressed by the variety of dishes Avery made. I''m aware Avery''s a good cook, but I didn''t think she


    knew how to make the dishes look colorful and te the food beautifully. That''s not even mentioning


    how aromatic these dishes are. I''m dazzled, honestly.


    Humbly, Avery grinned. ¡°You tter me. Honestly, cooking is just my hobby. This is nothing remarkable.


    Sometimes, when I want to prepare certain dishes, I just search for the recipe online.¡±


    Upon hearing that, Lorraine was even more impressed. It took me over a year of learning under a


    talented chef to achieve my current cooking skills. Even though Mrs. Moore only looked up recipes


    online, she still managed to prepare those dishes better than I could!


    As Lorraine served the dishes in the dining room, Avery went to the study to summon Cayden for


    dinner.


    However, the room was empty.


    Then, she heard the sound of flowing watering from the nearby bathroom.


    Avery assumed Cayden was taking a bath and knocked on the bathroom door. ¡°Dinner''s ready,


    Cayden. Once you''re done with your shower, head to the dining room.¡±


    The sound of water flowing abruptly stopped before Cayden opened the door and pulled her into his


    firm embrace.


    When Avery saw his naked body, she blushed. ¡°What are you doing...¡±


    Her cheeks burned, and even her ears turned red.


    ¡°I want you, Babe.¡± Without dy, Cayden kissed her lips while touching her inappropriately.


    Avery shook her head. ¡°We mustn''t. It''s about time for dinner. It''s not a good idea for... us to...¡±


    Despite her protest, she went along with him in the end.


    Avery''s pregnancy had been rather harsh, meaning her body was weak, so she couldn''t satisfy him as


    well as before.


    However, she was aware Cayden had been suppressing his sexual urges by secretly taking cold


    showers.


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    As much as she pitied him, she could only help relieve his urges through other means.


    Lorraine tactfully avoided disturbing her employers when they didn''t show up.


    By the time Avery and Cayden appeared in the dining room, an hour had passed.


    During dinner, Avery kept her head lowered.


    She ate silently with scorching cheeks.


    On the other hand, Cayden thoroughly enjoyed the dinner. asionally, he would nce at her with a


    satisfied look, embarrassing her further.


    After dinner, they went to their private spot to rest so that Lorraine wouldn''t disturb them.


    Upon resting Avery on his thighs, Cayden caressed her abdomen as though he wasforting the


    baby and kissed her lips domineeringly again.


    It wasn''t until she was almost out of breath that he released her.


    Insatiably, Cayden licked her lips andplimented, ¡°What a sweet, pleasant taste.¡±


    Avery blushed even harder.


    Amused, he added, ¡°I meant the dinner you made.¡±


    She replied with silence.


    Grinning, Cayden pinched her cheek. ¡°Both you and the dinner were very sweet, which is my favorite


    vor.¡±


    His words colored Avery''s countenance tomato-red.


    Whenever he flirted, his voice would sound deep and maic, which was fabulously alluring.


    Just as the couple was being lovey-dovey, Avery''s phone rang.


    Cayden turned to the device sitting on the coffee table and grabbed it.


    After ncing at the screen, he handed the phone to Avery. ¡°It''s your aunt.¡±


    Avery answered the call. ¡°Aunt Alina.¡±


    ¡°The day after tomorrow is Saturday, Ery. I''ve set a checkup appointment with a doctor for you, so


    please remember toe. Will Cayden be sending you there, or should I pick you up? Let me know


    your decision,¡± informed Alina.


    Avery had an aversion to hospitals. However, when she recalled what Alina told her back at her


    grandfather''s ce, she couldn''t reject her aunt''s kindness. ¡°Got it, Aunt Alina. I''ll contact you before


    heading to the hospital.¡±


    ¡°Mhm.¡± Upon receiving her niece''s assurance, Alina ended the call in relief.


    Right after Avery ced the phone down, Cayden hugged her tighter, anxious. ¡°You''re going for a


    checkup? Is there something wrong with your body?¡±


    The Moore family had a dedicated obstetrician performing monthly checkups for Avery so that Cayden


    could better track and understand her health.


    While Avery''s body was somewhat frail, she was still healthy, and her baby was developing well. So,


    Cayden couldn''t help but be curious as to why Alina asked Avery to attend a checkup at a hospital.


    In response, Avery voiced her aunt''s concerns. ¡°It''s because the Rumpley family has two cancer


    patients. One''s my dad and the other''s Aunt Alina. She wonders why our family members have such a


    high chance of getting cancer. So, she asked doctors about it and learned that this type of cancer is


    highly likely to be inherited. She was worried I''d inherit it too, so she strongly rmended that I


    receive a hospital checkup.¡±


    Cayden nodded in understanding. Suddenly, he recalled the secret investigation he asked Xavier to


    conduct on Leonardo. Perhaps Avery still doesn''t know she isn''t Leonardo''s daughter. Once I''ve


    discovered who her real parents are, I''ll find a way to reveal this cruel truth to her.

 Chapter 572

    Chapter 572


    Chapter 572 Encountering ire


    Saturday arrived in a blink of an eye, and it was time for Avery to attend the checkup at the hospital


    with Alina.


    Cayden was busy, so he couldn''t apany Avery. Still, he asked Jake to drive Avery to the hospital.


    Additionally, he asked Avery to take a picture of the examination reports for him.


    Just as Avery arrived at the hospital entrance, she received a call from her aunt. ¡°I''m in Room 606. It''s


    at building No. 6. Once you arrive, you can go in directly.¡±


    Avery followed her aunt''s direction and headed to her destination. However, when she arrived at the


    hospital''swn, she saw ire in a business suit.


    ire was clutching her chest with a wince and hurrying to the hospital entrance.


    Then, she vanished into a corner without spotting Avery.


    Avery wanted to greet her but couldn''t do it in time.


    Furrowing her eyebrows, she wondered why ire seemed to be in such a hurry. Is she sick? Why isn''t


    anyone by her side? Also, for some reason, every time I see her, I''d experience a strange, pleasant


    feeling, even though she''s Nicole''s mother. She told me to leave Cayden in the past, but that somehow


    doesn''t diminish the familiarity I felt toward her.


    She shook her head, halting her thoughts, and resumed her journey.


    A few minutester, she arrived at the room her aunt mentioned.


    She knocked on the door and went in.


    Jake waited on the bench in the corridor.


    Inside the office, a middle-aged female specialist with sses examined Alina''s mammary nd by


    hand.


    ¡°Your situation isn''t looking good, Alina. I think you need an operation. If you drag this out, your


    condition will only worsen,¡± the specialist uttered seriously as she stared at Alina with a sorry look.


    Alina grimly touched her chest with tears in her eyes.


    When she saw Avery entering the room, she stifled her sorrow and waved at her niece with a smile.


    ¡°This is my niece that I mentioned to you before, Avery Rumpley. Please give her a checkup today as


    well. As you said, this cancer is likely to be passed down from generation to generation, so I''m worried


    she might end up like me.¡±


    Then she pulled Avery''s hand and introduced her to the doctor. ¡°Ery, this is Gigi. She''s a professor who


    graduated from Dellmoor University and majors in mammography. Currently, she''s the doctoral


    supervisor at Summerbank University''s Department of Medicine. She''s particrly experienced in


    treating breast cancers and is the mammography expert here. I''ll feel more at ease if she personally


    examines you.¡±


    Inparison to the stylish Alina, Gigi Larson appeared quite in.


    However, she had a wise and refined vibe to her.


    Avery greeted politely, ¡°Nice to meet you, Gigi.¡±


    Immediately, Gigi took a liking to the meek and well-mannered Avery.


    As she studied Avery, she joked, ¡°I didn''t expect your niece to be all grown-up and be this beautiful,


    Alina. You sure hid her well from me. If I knew you had such a gorgeous niece, I would''ve asked my


    son to chase after her. Then, we''d be inws. Tsk, I bet you only revealed her existence now because


    you''re about to be a grandaunt. I''m disappointed, Alina.¡±


    ¡°Forget about it. Your son lives in Jetroina and only returns here a few times yearly. I don''t want my


    niece to marry someone who lives in another country. Women who did do that tend to be unlucky. If


    something bad happens to them, they can''t evenin about it to someone. I prefer my Ery to stay


    in the country.¡± Alina sighed.


    In response, Gigi patted Alina''s shoulder. She knew her friend was thinking about something sad again,


    so she said, ¡°I was just kidding with you, Lina. Don''t let those negative emotions break into your heart,


    and stop thinking about all those nonsense again. Understand?¡±


    Avery could tell her aunt had a great rtionship with Gigi, despite their apparent bickering.


    Worryingly, she asked, ¡°What''s my aunt''s current condition, Gigi?¡± I think I heard her mentioning that


    Aunt Alina''s condition would worsen when I came in. However, Aunt Alina always seemed so


    immacte and in peak condition. Sometimes, I''d even forget she''s a cancer patient.


    ¡°Your aunt, she...¡± Mncholy settled on Gigi''s face.


    Before Gigi could speak the truth, Alina interrupted, ¡°My body''s fine. I just need to take my medicine


    daily to control my condition. Please examine Ery''s body now, Gigi.¡±


    Once the examination was brought up, Gigi promptly regained her professionalism as a doctor and


    asked Avery plenty of questions.


    As she asked, she recorded the answers on herptop. It was obvious she was verypetent at her


    job.


    Then she carefully examined Avery''s mammary nd by hand and discovered zero lumps.


    Smiling, she reported, ¡°Your niece''s mammary nd is in great condition, Lina. There are no issues


    with it.¡±


    Nevertheless, that wasn''t enough to ease Alina''s worry. ¡°How about you perform an ultrasound


    examination on her? Otherwise, my doubts won''t leave me.¡±


    Hesitantly, Avery asked, ¡°I''m pregnant right now, Aunt Alina. Will the ultrasound examination affect the


    baby?¡±


    Gigi assured, ¡°Don''t worry. The ultrasound doesn''t involve radiation, so it won''t negatively impact your


    child.¡±


    Upon receiving the doctor''s guarantee, Avery underwent the examination without worry.


    When the report came out, it indicated that Avery was perfectly fine.


    She proceeded to undergo a series of mammary nd examinations. All the reports showed green.


    Seeing that Avery''s mammary nd was doing absolutely fine, Gigi asked the former questions about


    her pregnancy. When Avery told Gigi she was twenty-two weeks pregnant, thetter suggested the


    former consume glucose and screen for gestational diabetes through a blood test.


    Avery''s monthly prenatal checkup was conducted by a family doctor.


    When she recalled how it was about time for that checkup, she thought performing the examination at


    the hospital she was in was eptable. So, she agreed.


    Alina promptly apanied Avery to have thetter''s blood drawn.


    To Avery''s surprise, she met ire again.


    Her blood was drawn at Window No. 1 while ire was at Window No. 2.


    ire was stunned when she noticed Avery''s baby bump.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Then she smiled at Avery. I always have this strange feeling whenever I see Avery. Even though she


    sabotaged my daughter''s romantic rtionship and caused Nickie''s mental breakdown, I just can''t


    bring myself to hate her. Is it because her deceptively innocent face makes it impossible for anyone to


    hate her?


    Just as Avery was going to ask ire about thetter''s condition, she heard the nurse drawing blood at


    the side speaking. As Avery and ire faced the nurse, the nurse spoke to ire professionally. ¡°You


    may pick up the result with your daughterter at the same time, ma''am.

 Chapter 573

    Chapter 573


    Chapter 573 Type O


    When Avery heard that, she nced at ire and smiled. ¡°You''re mistaken. This is Mrs. Lambert. I''m


    not her daughter.¡±


    The nurse removed the needle from ire''s arm and apologized awkwardly, ¡°Ah, I''m sorry. I mistook


    you two as mother and daughter because you two resemble each other so much.¡±


    ¡°It''s fine.¡± Avery grinned.


    On the other hand, ire stiffened.


    She peered at Avery. Why would people who meet us for the first time mistake us as mother and


    daughter? I don''t understand. Silviamented on it when she first met Avery, and now the nurse is


    saying the same thing. Is it possible that she''s my daughter?


    Moments after that daring spection popped into her mind, she shook her head in denial. There are


    many people who resemble each other in the world. How can I think she''s my daughter just because


    we look alike? By this logic, all the simrly-looking people in the entertainment industry are all rted


    to each other in some way.


    Meanwhile, Avery had just had her blood drawn.


    As she pressed the cotton on her injection spot, she inquired caringly, ¡°Is your body all right, Mrs.


    Lambert?¡±


    ire shook her head and responded warmly, ¡°I''m fine. It''s just that I''m feeling rather dizzytely, so I


    came here for a checkup. What about you?¡±


    In response, Avery pointed at her belly. ¡°I''m twenty-two weeks pregnant, so the doctor suggested I


    screen for gestational diabetes.¡±


    With aplicated look, ire peered at Avery''s baby bump. I still feel ufortable thinking about


    how she''s carrying Cayden''s child. Back when Cayden was still with Nickie, he promised to cut ties with


    Avery. Yet, he was still entangled with Avery while dating Nickie. Although, technically speaking, they


    never separated. For some reason, he chose to deceive Nickie. He knew how much Nickie was


    obsessed with him. Even though he clearly had no feelings for Nickie, he continued to stay with her and


    pretended to be in love with her. And then, right before they were about to be engaged to each other,


    he broke it off. He has no idea about the amount of harm he did to Nickie. I used to like him, but after


    everything that has happened, I can''t bring myself to see him in a positive light anymore.


    When her train of thought ended there, her warm attitude turned colder. ¡°Since you''re genuinely in love


    with Cayden, you should maintain your rtionship with him, Ms. Rumpley. It isn''t easy for two people


    to stay together, so remember to appreciate it. Even if you two have disputes in the future, don''t trick


    other people''s trust with the pretense of a breakup again. After all, not all women are mentally strong.


    Nickie is still recuperating from her mental shock due to you two.¡±


    She was subtly berating Cayden for lying to Nicole and causing her daughter to suffer a mental


    breakdown.


    Avery understood where ire wasing from as a mother, but she couldn''t agree with the older


    woman''s statements.


    With a bitter smile, she exined, ¡°Did you misunderstand something, Mrs. Lambert? It seems like


    you''ve only witnessed what transpired on the surface. If you knew the truth, you wouldn''t have said


    that. Forgive me for saying this, but do you truly understand your daughter? Do you know the role she


    yed in my rtionship with Cayden and who the culprit behind everything is?¡±


    Her barrage of questions rendered ire speechless. Of course, I know about Nickie''s one-sided love


    for Cayden. I advised her to move on from him more than once, but that stubborn girl just wouldn''t


    listen to me!


    When ire thought about Cayden''s sudden change in attitude toward Nickie, she narrowed her eyes.


    I know Cayden, and I''m aware no one canpel him to do what he doesn''t want to, either through


    intimidation or temptation. Did Nickie really do something to tear them apart? That can''t be, can it? No,


    no. That''s impossible. Nickie is an innocent and well-behaved child.


    Thus, she stared at Avery and denied, ¡°I don''t know what you''re saying, Ms. Rumpley. I''m Nickie''s


    mother, and I raised her for over a decade, so I know her better than you. Nickie is innocent, and she


    deserves an apology from you and Cayden.¡±


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    Avery tossed the blood-stained cotton into the garbage bin and stood from her chair. ¡°I''m sorry, Mrs.


    Lambert. Yes, Cayden and I were wrong to deceive Nicole, but the greatest mistake and responsibility


    do not lie with us. You should ask your daughter what despicable tactics she employed to threaten


    Cayden and me to break up with each other. Also, I''ll never apologize to Nicole because she got what


    she deserved.¡±


    Upon ncing at ire, she headed to the waiting room where Alina was.


    ire peered at Avery''s graceful figure with pursed lips. Her figure appeared to remain slender from


    behind despite her pregnancy. I feel like I''m looking at a younger version of myself. Back then, Silvia


    wouldin, ¡°Why does my waist seem thick as a bucket while yours remains thin during


    pregnancy? Even with a baby bump, you still look like a young maiden from behind. This is so unfair...¡±


    Suddenly, dizziness struck her.


    In response, she rubbed her temple and stopped thinking about that frustrating issue. Nickie isn''t in a


    stable mental condition right now. I need to wrap up this examination swiftly so I can return home and


    take care of her.


    More than an hourter, Avery''s blood test results were out.


    Gigi attentively scanned all the reports and smiled. ¡°Your niece is in great condition, Lina. All the results


    show she''s perfectly normal.¡±


    Relieved, Alina patted her chest with teary eyes. ¡°I''m d to hear that. Ery''s health is more important


    than anything else.¡±


    Avery hugged her aunt''s arm. ¡°Didn''t I say I was fine, Aunt Alina? Now do you believe me? Trust me,


    you''ll get better soon as well.¡±


    ¡°Mhm, I will,¡± Alinaforted herself.


    What Gigi said next shocked them both. ¡°Although, Avery''s blood type is O. If the mother has O blood


    type, the fetus is prone to hemolysis. So, you need to pay attention to this. Otherwise, it''ll halt the fetus''


    growth.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Avery and Alina eximed in unison.


    Avery was worried about the hemolysis situation.


    Meanwhile, Alina was startled to learn her niece''s blood type was O. I was initially a medical student


    back during my time at university, but I changed my course afterward. Still, I remember how blood


    types are inherited. Leonardo''s blood type is AB, and his first wife''s blood type is also AB. So, logically


    speaking, they can only produce children with A, B, or AB blood types. So, how can Avery''s blood type


    be O?

 Chapter 574

    Chapter 574


    Chapter 574 Whose Child Is This


    With mixed emotions, Alina picked up Avery''s blood test and read through it a few times. Her hands


    that gripped the report trembled when she saw that Avery''s blood type was O.


    ¡°Are you okay, Aunt Alina? Is there something wrong with the report?¡± Avery noticed something wasn''t


    quite right with Alina, so she walked over to thetter''s side, trying to read her report with unease.


    ¡°No... Everything''s all right.¡± Alina tried to keep her emotions under control. ¡°Gigi, the result from the


    blood test should be urate, right?¡±


    Gigi Larson rolled her eyes exasperatedly. She tidied up the medical report on her desk, stating


    proudly, ¡°Lina, there is no record of a medical incident at our hospital thus far.¡±


    Hearing that, Alina closed her eyes as the memories from twenty years ago came rushing back into her


    mind. She had traveled abroad to study in Jetroina twenty years ago to pursue her dreams and goals.


    Knowing that her family did not have the financial capability to support her through her studies, Alina


    took on part-time jobs during her non-school hours to earn some school fees and living expenses.


    One day, Alina suddenly received a letter from Leonardo, mentioning that he had met a gorgeous,


    modern, stylish woman named Lilly. Leonardo described the woman as elegant and charming, filling


    half of his letters with words ofpliment for Lilly.


    He also told Alina that he thought a goddess-like woman like Lilly would only stay as a person he


    admired, not expecting Lilly to approach him, wanting to be Leonardo''s girlfriend suddenly.


    Leonardo spoke of his excitement when he heard Lilly''s confession. And so, he went on and on about


    the daily mundane details of his life with Lilly, and Alina could even feel Leonardo''s love for Lilly through


    his words.


    Her brother told Alina that Lilly would be the ideal woman if one were to ignore the fact that Lilly loved


    spending money and that he had to work harder to provide for her. Then, Leonardo described in length


    through the letter how he cooked, prepared fruits, apanied Lilly on her shopping trip, massaged


    her body, and washed her feet for her. He stated that as long as Lilly was happy, he would do anything


    for her.


    In response, Alina felt like Leonardo had gone mad, for she only noticed how much Leonardo


    contributed to the rtionship and Lilly. Still, Lilly sacrificed nothing for Leonardo in return.


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    And even though Alina had not met Lilly directly, she didn''t have a good impression of the woman


    Leonardo loved and cherished. To Alina, Lilly was much too selfish to be a good lover. She only waited


    for Leonardo to sacrifice everything for her while she was unresponsive toward the man''s love. Alina


    even went as far as to wonder whether Lilly became Leonardo''s girlfriend with an ulterior motive.


    Does she only want to be in a rtionship with Leonardo because of how much he dotes on her? That


    was the only thought on Alina''s mind when she read Leonardo''s letter.


    Besides these details, Alina still remembered clearly something Cayden had brought up in the letter. He


    talked about a severe car ident that nearly killed Lilly while she was shopping one fateful day.


    Leonardo was there with her when it happened. Disorientated and distressed by the ident, he


    suppressed his sorrow, rushing Lilly to the hospital. While there, the doctor informed Leonardo that Lilly


    needed a blood transfusion. Unfortunately for her, who had the blood type AB, the blood supply of


    blood type O ran out, and there wasn''t enough blood type AB at the moment.


    Panicked by the thought that Lilly would die from excessive blood loss, Leonardo threw caution to the


    wind as he kneeled, begging the doctor to take his blood and give it to Lilly.


    Initially, the doctor lectured Leonardo, thinking that he was being unreasonable. However, after


    discovering that Leonardo did indeed have the same blood type as Lilly, the doctor did as Leonardo


    requested and supplied his blood to the woman.


    After that, Leonardo expressed his joy at being the same blood type as Lilly, for if he hadn''t been there,


    Lilly''s life would have ended. Then, Leonardo concluded his letter by saying that Lilly was the love of


    his life and that he wished to marry her while asking Alina to return to the country for his wedding.


    Evidently, Alina wanted to show up at the event badly then because whenever the night fell during the


    days she spent overseas while the stresses of life burdened her, Alina wanted to return home


    desperately. The woman missed her father, Leonardo, and her country.


    However, Alina couldn''t purchase a ticket home without a penny left on her. Aggravated by the fact that


    she was nearing her exam period, Alina would be repatriated home if she failed her tests, and that


    wasn''t something she wanted to witness happening to her. And so, Alina transferred all the money she


    earned from her part-time jobs to Leonardo as a gift for his wedding. She figured it wouldn''t matter


    much for her to meet Lilly, her sister-inw, after finishing her studies. After all, Alina could express her


    apology for not showing up at their wedding by bringing them more gifts.


    Not long after that, Alina received another letter from Leonardo that was concise in its content. He told


    Alina that Lilly was pregnant and that she would be an aunt soon before his tone became miserable,


    dropping a bombshell that Lilly was missing. Leonardo searched for her, but Lilly was nowhere to be


    found.


    At that time, Alina recalled herself being infuriated by Lilly''s actions. She couldn''t understand why the


    woman was being absurd and pulling the disappearing stunt when pregnant.


    Then, she replied to Leonardo, telling him to let nature take its course and that he shouldn''t be troubled


    by Lilly''s disappearance, for what belonged to him would return and that he shouldn''t force it if he and


    Lilly weren''t meant to be.


    Sure enough, Leonardo wrote another letter to Alina after that. He informed Alina that he was thrilled to


    have Lilly back with their daughter. However, Lilly''s demeanor and character drastically changed after


    she returned their daughter to Leonardo. She was nasty and smug, demanding Leonardo to sign their


    divorce papers.


    As expected, Leonardo broke down after Lilly did so. He didn''t want to separate from Lilly, even going


    as far as kneeling and begging Lilly to stay with him and their daughter.


    Yet, Lilly remained determined in her decision. She insisted on divorcing Leonardo by threatening him


    with her life.


    Ultimately, Leonardo couldn''t bear to make things difficult for Lilly. He agreed to sign the papers, and


    soon after that, Lilly vanished without a trace.


    On the other hand, Alina was afraid that Leonardo would harm himself after Lilly''s departure, so she


    quickly returned home. The first thing she saw when she arrived at the Rumpley residence was a


    ssy-eyed Leonardo, and in his embrace was a stunning, doll-like baby. That baby was none other


    than Alina''s niece, Avery.


    Alina fell in love with Avery the moment sheid her eyes on the girl. She gave Avery all her love and


    care for the next twenty years.


    As for Lilly, Alina never did find out what she looked like. She only got information about Leonardo''s


    wife and Avery''s mother through Leonardo. That was when she discovered that Lilly''s full name was


    Lilly Sullivan.


    Alina''s memories halted in their tracks. She stared at Avery, feeling a headacheing on.


    Oh no. If Avery isn''t my niece, then whose child is she? Did another man impregnate Lily?


    The possibility of this happening caused Alina''s mood to spiral downward as her gaze darkened.


    ¡°Aunt Alina, Gigi told us hemolytic disease can be detected, and if given early treatment and


    prevention, it will not be a big problem for the baby. Come on. Let''s head home now.¡± Avery walked to


    Alina with her gaze fixed on thetter. She had just consulted Gigi on the knowledge about the


    hemolytic disease, and with her confusion addressed, she was currently in a fantastic mood.


    ¡°All right. Avery, why don''t you wait for me outside? I''ll chat with Gigi for a while before we leave.¡± Alina


    pretended to straighten Avery''s hair. She secretly tugged a hair strand and gripped it tightly in her palm.


    Even though Avery felt a fleeting pain in her head, her mind was wholly focused on information rted


    to the hemolytic disease, and she failed to notice the grimness in Alina''s eyes and the strand of hair in


    thetter''s hand.

 Chapter 575

    Chapter 575


    Chapter 575 The Delivery


    In the cozy room, Nicole drifted off to sleep amidst a mound of stuffed dolls; her body writhing and


    tossing around.


    ¡°Ah... snakes... help...¡±


    She jolted awake; her eyes were filled with terror and confusion as she tried to shake off the remnants


    of the nightmare.


    Once again, she dreamt of numerous snakes coiling around her neck and suffocating her. Some even


    bared their bloody jaws, ready to rip her apart!


    When the housekeeper, who was cleaning the hallway, heard Nicole''s screams, she immediately


    abandoned her task and hurried to the woman''s room to find out what was happening.


    However, someone in heels beat her to it.


    ire unlocked the door and hurried over to hug Nicole tightly. ¡°Nickie, did you have another


    nightmare? I''m here, so don''t be afraid.¡±


    Nicole snuggled into her mother''s embrace. ¡°I''m scared, Mom. My career''s ruined, my reputation''s


    gone, and I''m too afraid to leave the house. Is my entire life destroyed?¡±


    ¡°Nonsense! How can my daughter be destroyed so easily! You''re still young; there are plenty of good


    times ahead of you. It''s not toote to start afresh. There''s no need to continue in the entertainment


    industry. It''s so tiring to film every day. When you feel better, you can follow me to thepany and


    learn how to do business,¡± ire coaxed as she tenderly wiped away Nicole''s tears.


    ¡°But I love acting, Mom,¡± Nicole croaked.


    Feeling distraught by her daughter crying, ire quicklyforted her. ¡°Okay, you can do whatever


    you like. You can stay in the entertainment industry and pursue acting. I''ll fully support your choice.¡±


    ¡°You''re the best, Mom. Will you always support me? Will you always forgive me, no matter what wrong


    I have done? Will you abandon me as my biological parents did?¡± Nicole asked, her eyes brimming


    with tears.


    Her illness had taken a visible toll on her, as her face had be noticeably thinner. Tears gathered in


    her eyes, making her look all the more pitiful.


    ire''s heart ached with worry and concern when she saw her daughter in such a state.


    She gazed at Nicole tenderly and brushed her nose. ¡°What are you talking about, silly? You have my


    word that I will never leave you and always will forgive you, no matter what you do. You are my


    cherished daughter, whom I will always love and care for.¡±


    Unbeknownst to ire, a green light was flickering under Nicole''s nket as she spoke.


    Therey a small exquisite recorder pen.


    Nicole smiled contentedly as she yed with the tiny recorder pen hidden beneath her sheets.


    ¡°It''s unhealthy to stay curled up in bed all day, Nickie. Mdm. Wright has invited us to y golf. Why


    don''t you go with me?¡± ire suggested.


    ¡°I don''t want to go outdoors. People will beughing at me,¡± Nicole replied as she hid under her covers.


    ire was bent on dragging Nicole out of her bed. ¡°No one will dare gossip about you when I''m


    around. Mdm. Wright misses you because it has been a long time since she saw you. Moreover, there


    are many young people like you at the golf course. You can make new friends and expand your social


    circle. Perhaps, you will feel happier!¡±


    ¡°Okay, I''ll do as you say,¡± Nicole replied as she prepared to get out of bed.


    Only the wealthy had the privilege of going to the golf course. Besides, it wouldn''t hurt to make new


    friends.


    After all, Nicole''s adoptive parents now knew that their biological daughter was still alive. She had to


    n for her own future.


    Nicole feared that if the biological daughter of the Lambert family was to return, there was no guarantee


    that she would continue to be epted in the family.


    The golf course was teeming with life as the weekend brought in a particrly lively crowd.


    Distinguished officials and their refined wives mingled with dashing young gentlemen and beautiful,


    graceful youngdies.


    A golf ball flew in a beautiful parabolic arc, soaring over sand traps and rolling precisely into the grass,


    landing in the hole with a satisfying thud.


    It was a perfect shot.


    ¡°That was amazing, ire!¡± Silvia pped enthusiastically.


    ire was dressed in a simple short-sleeved shirt and white sports pants. With her hair tied up in a


    long ponytail and tucked under a baseball cap, she shed the mature and capable persona she


    disyed at work and appeared much more youthful and energetic.


    When she stood next to Nicole, they didn''t look like mother and daughter; they looked more like sisters.


    ¡°Your golf skills are amazing, Mrs. Lambert!¡±


    ¡°Yes, it''s truly eye-opening,¡± echoed another. ¡°How long did you have to practice to be so skilled?


    Mrs. Lambert, can you share some tips with us?¡±


    The otherdies gathered around ire, showering her with praise andpliments in an effort to win


    her favor.


    ire smiled enigmatically at the wealthydies, her expression serene. However, her gaze eventually


    settled on her quiet daughter, who stood nearby with her golf club.


    Nicole walked up to her and said sweetly, ¡°Mom, you y really well.¡±


    ire gently patted her head and said, ¡°Nickie, let me teach you how to y.¡±


    A plump woman approached them, gesturing toward the striking young man sporting a ck t-shirt on


    the field. ¡°There''s no need to trouble yourself, Mrs. Lambert. My son is quite talented; he can teach


    your daughter instead.¡±


    Everyone knew that Nicole was not yet married.


    Although her reputation in the entertainment industry had taken a hit due to the recent scandal


    involving the Moore family''s failed engagement, her father''s clout and connections made her a


    desirable prospect for potential suitors.


    The other socialites caught wind of the situation and flocked to ire and Nicole, rmending their


    own sons or even daughters as potential golf buddies for Nicole.


    Those with a son could form a marriage alliance with the Lamberts. On the other hand, a daughter


    would have the opportunity to be Nicole''s trusted confidant.


    One way or another, they could butter up to the Lambert family.N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    In no time, a group of handsome men and beautiful women gathered around Nicole, all vying for the


    chance to be her golf partner.


    Nicole looked through the crowd and saw ire smiling and nodding approvingly; she couldn''t help but


    think that her poprity among these people was due to the love and care her foster parents had


    shown her. She shuddered at the thought of how different it would be if their biological daughter


    returned. Perhaps, she would be given the cold shoulder and ignored by these people.


    As ire saw Nicole reveling in thepany of her newfoundpanions, a broad grin stretched


    across her face.


    After Silvia ced her golf club on the floor, she hurriedly dragged ire to the VIP lounge.


    As soon as she sat down, Silvia''s anxiety was palpable as she eagerly shared with ire her recent


    investigation. ¡°There''s something I need to tell you. I''ve found some information about the doctor who


    delivered your baby...¡±

 Chapter 576

    Chapter 576


    Chapter 576 Tampered Her Records


    ire bounced off her seat like a spring.


    Her expression changed as she stared at Silvia and asked agitatedly, ¡°A-Are you telling the truth? But


    howe Will and I didn''t find anything useful when we investigated the matter?¡±


    Silvia poured her a ss of water and made her seat.


    She deduced, ¡°Could it be that someone intentionally erased Yara''s records to prevent you guys from


    finding anything? This seems like the work of Allie Musk. Luckily, my husband works at customs, so I


    was able to use his connections to check Yara''s recent travel records. It turns out Yara has been living


    abroad for almost two decades and has acquired foreign citizenship. However, she recently returned to


    Ackleton to visit her rtives.¡±


    ire muttered, ¡°She left the country twenty years ago? Silvia, is Yara still in Ackleton? I need to find


    her and ask her some questions!¡±


    She then picked up her car key, grabbed Silvia, and was about to leave the house.


    Silvia immediately stopped her and advised, ¡°Are you mad, ire? Yara has left Ackleton! Even if she


    hasn''t, do you think she''ll admit all the things she did in the past? You''re just going to alert the enemy


    and jeopardize my investigation.¡±


    Although ire was known for her intelligence and rationality, she would always be impulsive and


    irrational when dealing with matters that involved her biological daughter.


    At that point, her enthusiasm and energy had plummeted like a deted balloon.


    She settled back into her seat with a mournful expression. ¡°Silvia, you''re right. We need to handle this


    situation with great care. Once we locate Yara and convince her to reveal the truth, we''ll finally know


    what happened all those years ago. It''s just that my heart aches for my daughter. I can''t help but


    wonder if she''s been living well all these years.¡±


    She covered her face with her hand, but the anguish in her eyes was impossible to hide.


    Knowing that her daughter was doing well would bring her immense relief, but if her daughter suffered


    the fate of being kidnapped by human traffickers and having her limbs forcibly broken, ultimately


    reduced to a pitiful beggar on the streets, she knew that she would never find peace for the rest of her


    life.


    Silvia consoled her, ¡°ire, we must take a step at a time. Finding your daughter is not something we


    can rush. You''ve waited over twenty years, so I''m sure you can wait a few more days. The absence of


    information about Yara proves that Allie had tempered with the records. Otherwise, we would have


    been able to track down her family. This only further substantiates my suspicion about her. I can


    guarantee your daughter is still alive. We''ll continue to investigate meticulously, and I''m sure we''ll be


    able to get to the bottom of this mystery.¡±


    Upon hearing that, ire hummed in response and regained herposure. Her gentle gaze was now


    aze with determination. ¡°I believe I''ll find my daughter!¡±


    ¡°I''m sure you will.¡± Silvia gently patted her hand with equal conviction.


    Meanwhile, Avery was sessfully cleared of the cheating usation.


    When she returned to Trident Group to work officially, everyone looked at her differently.


    The sessful clearing of her cheating charge and her subsequent ousting of Yulissa served as


    evidence that she had powerful backing.


    It was not difficult for them to figure out that she had the support of the boss.


    The removal of Yulissa from thepany led to Wisteria calling for a meeting among the employees in


    the design department, during which Trevor was appointed as the new department head.


    All the employees in the design department celebrated his promotion.


    Avery and Nina were especially happy for him. Given Trevor''s personality and capability, they believed


    he was a good fit for the position. No one would question his ability to hold the position of department


    head.


    With great sincerity, Avery said to Trevor, ¡°Congrattions, Mr. Lane. I hope the design department will


    continue to grow under your leadership.¡±


    ¡°Thanks. Please just call me Trevor instead of Mr. Lane.¡± Trevor blushed.


    Nina said cheekily, ¡°Mr. Lane, from now on, you''ll be even busier. Good luck! We have faith in you!¡±


    Cecelia, on the other hand, seemed noticeably disappointed.


    If it were not for her pregnancy, she felt she might have had a chance topete with Trevor for the


    position.


    She sighed almost inaudibly while rubbing her belly and quipped, ¡°You know, I might have been the


    one to take over the position if it weren''t for my pregnancy. Don''t you think the position was handed to


    you on a silver tter, Mr. Lane?¡±


    Trevor did not take offense at her remark. He humbly replied, ¡°I think so, and I''m grateful to you for


    relinquishing this opportunity. To be frank, Cecelia, you''re undoubtedly more qualified and skilled than I


    am. I''m just lucky to have been given this chance. Otherwise, I wouldn''t even be given this position.¡±


    Avery ced her hand on Cecelia''s shoulder and offered words offort. ¡°Cecelia, although you


    didn''t get the promotion, you have two beautiful babies now!¡±


    ¡°I totally agree!¡± Nina gave her a thumbs-up.


    Upon hearing that, Cecelia shed a smile. ¡°You''re right!¡±


    The sound of theirughter echoed through the office.


    Avery and Nina yfully teased Cecelia for a few more moments before eventually returning to their


    respective desks, immersing themselves in their work once again.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Avery was busy with her work the entire afternoon.


    At the end of the work day, she received a WhatsApp notification.


    After unlocking her phone and opening her WhatsApp, she received a message from an unknown


    number. The person introduced herself as her high school ssmate.


    Assuming the person was someone she knew, Avery replied to her message.


    Soon, the person texted: Hey, Avery, It''s Brittany. We were ssmates back in tenth grade. It''s been a


    while! We''ll be having a high school reunion tomorrow night. Would you like to join us?


    The person who texted Avery was Brittany Reid.


    Avery remembered her as someone who always acted high and mighty due to her good looks and the


    fact that she was one of the student leaders.


    Throughout high school, Avery was only close with one ssmate, Nina, whereas the rest of her


    ssmates were just acquaintances.


    Avery had a vivid memory of Brittany because thetter used to bully her in ss.


    It was hard for her to believe that her enemy was now inviting her to a ss reunion after so many


    years.


    Considering how unfamiliar she was with most of her ssmates, Avery declined the invitation: I''m


    sorry, I won''t be able to make it tomorrow because I have other ns.


    Brittany responded with another text: Oh,e on, Avery. We''ve all graduated so long ago and haven''t


    seen each other in many years. It''s a rare opportunity to have a gathering with me. Do this for me,


    please?


    The text ended with a string of sad emojis.


    Avery stared at the screen and could not help but feel how ridiculous that message was.


    It was hard for Avery to believe that Brittany was inviting her, considering they were never on good


    terms in the past.


    Upon noticing how quiet Avery was, Brittany texted another message: Avery, almost everyone from our


    ss will attend the reunion tomorrow. We rarely have the chance to gather like this, so you must


    come!

 Chapter 577

    Chapter 577


    Chapter 577 Not A Pushover


    After pondering a moment, Avery replied: Let''s see how it goes. I''ll try my best to make it.


    She had wanted to see what Brittany was really up to.


    Meanwhile, it took Brittany a long time to finally reply with a cheeky smiley: I''m looking forward to your


    attendance. Many of our ssmates can''t wait to see you too. The reunion will be held at The Night is


    Young. I''ll send you the address.


    Thereafter, Brittany sent Avery the address and the room number.


    With her phone in her hand, Avery slumped on her office desk out of boredom.


    She didn''t believe Brittany''s im that the other ssmates were keen to see her. After all, other than


    her outstanding results, she was terrible at socializing. In fact, she ended up being ostracized in high


    school for her unfriendly personality.


    Brittany was also one of those responsible for ostracizing her.


    Cupping her chin with both her hands, Avery continued to deliberate on the matter.


    Do the students who bullied me back in school still think I''m a pushover and want to see me suffer


    again? If that''s the case, I''m afraid they''ll be disappointed.


    Thereafter, Avery informed Cayden of her intention to attend the school reunion.


    He quickly agreed, worried that she was getting too homely. Other than going to work, she would stay


    at home all the time and wasn''t even bothered to go out shopping. Thus, he felt that it would do her


    some good to expand her social circle.


    After all, he was going to the same club as she was for business entertainment, albeit in a different


    private room.


    Nheless, despite giving her the freedom to go out, Cayden couldn''t help worrying still. As a result,


    he got Nina to apany Avery to the school reunion.


    ...


    The next evening, Avery and Nina arrived at The Night is Young together.


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    As one of Ackleton''s most luxurious clubs, their service was impable.


    After Avery informed the staff of her private room number, the attendant warmly ushered them to it.


    Just as they were about to reach the private room, Avery saw a youngdy from afar. She had a wavy


    perm to her hair and seemed to be waiting for someone.


    When the woman with exquisite makeup spotted Avery, a vibrant smile broke out across her face.


    Raising her hand high up to wave, she greeted Avery warmly, ¡°Hi, Avery, do you still remember me?¡±


    The woman had a distinct double eyelid and was wearing a dramatic set of colored contacts.


    Even though Avery had a good memory, she had no impression of thedy at all.


    When she saw the puzzled look on Brittany''s face, thedy widened her lips into a smile. ¡°Have you


    forgotten who I am? It''s me, Brittany.¡±


    The mention of the name jolted Avery''s memories. ¡°Oh, it''s you, Brittany. You look different now. I''m


    sorry I couldn''t recognize you as you''ve changed a lot.¡±


    Brittany''s smile froze abruptly.


    The reason for her drastic change was that she had undergone stic surgery.


    When she saw how the smiling Avery was just as gorgeous as in the past, Brittany was filled with


    dejection and indignance.


    How can Avery not remember me? In that case, what''s the point of organizing this reunion?


    Back then, the students had organized a beauty pageant where she and Avery were thest two


    finalists.


    With a group of her die-hard followers, she spent a lot of money to buy votes in her favor but still lost to


    the unknown Avery in the end.


    Just the thought of that incident alone disgust her.


    The guys who voted for her must be blind. They have all been tricked by that innocent facade of hers.


    Back then, Brittany even led a group of students to confront Avery over that matter. She intended to


    demand thetter return the honor of campus belle to her.


    Upon learning the purpose of Brittany''s visit, Avery rubbed her tired eyes and replied in anguid tone,


    ¡°There''s actually a beauty contest? I''m sorry. I''m not interested in it at all. You guys can have whatever


    title you''re talking about. Please move aside, as I still need to do revision.¡±


    That scene ended up bing Brittany''s greatest humiliation.


    As for the reunion, Brittany was actually surprised that Avery would agree toe.


    She had assumed thetter didn''t even dare show up.


    As a result, she brought a group of rich male friends to watch her ridicule Avery.


    Nheless, Brittany was filled with disbelief when her gaze fell upon Avery''s baby bump. ¡°Avery,


    you''re pregnant? How many months has it been?¡±


    Avery replied in a rather distant tone, ¡°I''m already a mother. This is my third child.¡±


    As Brittany''s shock intensified, a faint glint shed across her eyes.


    Subsequently, she turned her attention to the short-haired Nina. ¡°Is she our ssmate too? She looks


    familiar, but I''m not sure who she is.¡±


    Holding Avery''s arm, Nina responded sarcastically, ¡°Brittany, you must have been too busy to


    remember me. I''m Nina Richter. I used to sit in the back row, do you remember now? Back then, we


    often argued over how we hand in homework.¡±


    ¡°Oh, so it''s you, Nina. Your hair was long when you were in school. Now that you have cut it short, I


    could barely recognize you.¡±


    Brittany shed an awkward smile before returning her gaze to Avery.


    Thetter''s face glowed underneath the illumination of the light.


    Even though she was carrying a child, her face didn''t show the puffiness typical of a pregnant woman.


    Instead, she exuded an inexplicable charm that would captivate anyone whoid eyes on her.


    Consequently, Brittany tried to hide the jealousy in her eyes by smiling ear to ear.


    After that, Brittany led Avery into the private room. The inside was spacious, and there were already


    thirty people there.


    The arrival of the threedies quickly caught everyone''s attention.


    Avery, in particr, attracted the most looks.


    A quick nce around the room took Avery by surprise, for Maria and Dn were also among the


    guests.


    This is clearly a ss reunion. Why are there outsiders around?


    The moment Dn spotted Avery, excitement filled his senses. He subconsciously wanted to leave


    Maria aside and walked toward thetter.


    However, when his gaze fell upon her baby bump, his enthusiasm was quickly doused, as if someone


    had poured a bucket of cold water over him. As he froze on his feet, the dejected look on his face was


    unmistakable.


    On the other hand, Maria gave Avery a look that brimmed with hostility as she held on to Dn''s arm


    tightly.


    As if to dere that Dn was hers, she tightened the hug on his arm.


    ¡°Brittany, why is this woman here? Is she your ssmate too?¡± Maria questioned Brittany in a loud


    voice.


    After ushering Avery to sit on a couch beside them, Brittany gave Maria the side-eye. ¡°Don''t be rude,


    Maria. Avery is my ssmate in tenth grade.¡±


    At that moment, it dawned upon Avery that Maria and Brittany were sisters as they shared the same


    surname.


    No wonder Maria looked familiar all this while.


    Overwhelmed by her hatred for Avery, Maria demanded that she be kicked out. ¡°Brittany, aren''t you


    ashamed to have someone like her as your ssmate? I don''t want to see her here. Tell her to get


    lost.¡±


    With a darkening expression, the irritated Dn shoved Maria aside. ¡°It''s fine for you to make a fuss at


    home, but this isn''t the ce for you to throw a tantrum. You''d had better not cross the line!¡±


    The scowl on Dn''s face caused Maria to change her tact. ¡°I''m sorry, Dn. Please don''t be mad.¡±


    Avery simply threw them an indifferent nce, as if she was just watching aedy.

 Chapter 578

    Chapter 578


    Chapter 578 A Dirty impression


    Meanwhile, Brittany kept hugging her rich boyfriend''s arm and unted how loving they were. ¡°Avery,


    let me introduce you to my fianc¨¦. His name is Sebastian Xenos, and his family owns Xenos Group.


    Sebastian, this is Avery Rumpley, my ssmate from tenth grade.¡±


    Brittany raised her voice on purpose so that everyone would know who Sebastian was.


    Just as expected, everyone was filled with envy upon hearing her words.


    He was after all the scion of Xenos Group.


    Even though the Xenos family wasn''t one of the four most prominent families in Ackleton, Xenos Group


    was still among the top ten biggest conglomerates in the city.


    Sebastian was tall and had decent features. Despite his distinguished air, the scious look in his eyes


    was unmistakable. Whenever he spotted a decent looking woman, his eyes would light up, eliciting the


    disdain of those around him.


    Avery never liked socializing with someone of his character butpelled herself to smile out of


    courtesy. ¡°It''s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Xenos.¡±


    ¡°The pleasure is mine, Ms. Rumpley.¡± Awed by Avery''s smile, Sebastian suddenly couldn''t peel his


    eyes away.


    The fact that Avery was a pregnant womanpletely slipped his mind.


    Prior to the gathering, Brittany had mentioned to Sebastian that Avery had stolen the title of campus


    belle through unscrupulous means. She even imed that Avery was an escort. Not only did thetter


    look ordinary but was also full of schemes.N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    As a result, Sebastian didn''t think much of Avery until he met her face to face.


    It was then that he realized how wrong he was.


    With a pair of sultry eyes and a demure look in them, Avery wasn''t just gorgeous but also exuded a


    charm no other woman had. Whenpared to her, Brittany couldn''t be any more ordinary.


    A single nce at Avery was enough to fill Sebastian with the urge to bed her.


    The sight of her own boyfriend ogling at Avery caused Brittany''s expression to drastically change.


    When an idea popped into her mind, she pretended to make an innocentment. ¡°Avery, when I met


    my friends at a club half a year ago, I saw a bargirl who resembled you. She was selling sex toys to a


    man but was pulled into the man''s embrace instead. I don''t suppose that the girl was you?¡±


    No sooner had Brittany spoken than a pin-drop silence descended upon the room.


    Junction Club was famous in Ackleton and was frequented by the rich in the city.


    Nheless, it wasmon knowledge that the girls who worked there were mostly those with loose


    morals or had no future in life.


    Therefore, Brittany''sment about Avery selling sex toys naturally gave everyone a dirty impression


    of thetter.


    The job might have been a salesgirl in name, but everyone knew how sleazy the working environment


    was.


    Moreover, no man was going to pass over Avery''s stunning looks and irresistible charm.


    The remark Brittany made about her being pulled into a man''s arms was an insinuation that she had


    already been sullied.


    At that moment, gazes of disdain, lust, andplicated thoughts fell upon Avery.


    Infuriated by Brittany''s actions, Nina felt the urge to strike the former.


    No wonder she invited Avery to this lousy reunion. Her real intention is to humiliate her in public! A


    vicious woman like this deserves to be beaten up!


    Meanwhile, inside a VIP private room at the Night is Young, the lighting was dim, and the air was filled


    with a mixture of perfume and cigarette smoke. The room would tremor to the rhythm of the bass-


    thumping music.


    Tens of men and women were sitting intimately in each other''s arms. Some were flirting, while others


    wereughing over drinks. There were also those who were high on drugs, and the scene wouldn''t be


    complete without someone singing with a terrible voice.


    As for Cayden, he was sitting alone on the couch, smoking in silence.


    His elegant poise and frosty demeanor made him look out of ce amidst the boisterous atmosphere.


    Nevertheless, it didn''t, in any way, deter the interest the other women had in him.


    ¡°Mr. Moore...¡± a sexy beauty called out in a coy voice. Her hips swayed as she got close to him.


    Wrapping her tender hands around his neck, she attempted to sit on his muscrp.


    However, Cayden grabbed her by the face and turned it toward himself.


    ring at her, he broke into an icy smile. ¡°Get lost!¡±


    With that, he threw the disgusting woman aside.


    After being manhandled indiscriminately, the woman burst out in tears from the humiliation.


    Thereafter, she climbed back to her feet begrudgingly and hid in a corner, not daring to show her face


    in front of Cayden again.


    When the other women saw how coldly Cayden treated the girl, none of them dared to approach him


    despite their interest in him.


    ncing at his watch, Cayden realized that it was gettingte. All this while, he had resented attending


    drinking events such as this.


    Among those in attendance were familiar faces, half-familiar faces, and those that he had just gotten to


    know.


    With smoke swirling around the entire room, it made for a particrly surreal scene.


    Back when he was still a bachelor, he enjoyed such hedonistic events.


    A single bottle of wine was enough for him to forget all the pressures at work.


    Yet ever since he got to know Avery, the only thing he wanted to do after work was to spend time with


    her.


    At that moment, a middle-aged man in a suit walked up to Cayden''s side and asked warily, ¡°Mr. Moore,


    what''s your type? Why don''t I introduce someone to you?¡±


    Xavier, who was in the midst of drinking, simply smiled without making anyment. Despite being


    aware that someone like Avery was Cayden''s type, he wasn''t going to share that information


    unnecessarily.


    With a woman in his arms, Jacob gave his cigarette a nonchnt puff before letting out a snort.


    ¡°Harvey, stop wasting time. Now that he has found the one, there''s no way any other woman will catch


    his eye. You should just ignore him. Even the most beautiful girl in the club is incapable of tempting


    him.¡±


    Just as Jacob finished, Cayden swiftly grabbed a wine ss and threw it in the former''s direction.


    Avoiding it with his lightning-fast reaction, Jacob intercepted the wine ss and put it back onto the


    table.


    Subsequently, he poured a ss of vodka and raised it at Cayden. ¡°Cayden, please don''t resort to


    violence unnecessarily. You might end up killing someone, all right?¡±


    The woman in Jacob''s arms patted him on the chest in empathy. ¡°Don''t worry, Mr. Yankovich. I''ll always


    be by your side.¡±


    Her coy voice caused Xavier to give her another look.


    He subsequently felt that she resembled Stephanie. That said, the woman''s vampy eyes and naked


    ambition were a huge contrast to Stephanie''s shy and kind demeanor.


    At the same time, Cayden cocked a brow over Jacob''s behavior given that Stephanie had just suffered


    a miscarriage. He truly didn''t know what to think of his friend.


    In spite of that, it was his policy not to get involved in others'' personal affairs.


    The only person he was concerned about was none other than Avery

 Chapter 579

    Chapter 579


    Chapter 579 Angered By Avery


    Sitting on a luxurious couch in the private room, Jacob held the girl tightly in his embrace and kissed


    her aggressively on her rosy lips.


    ¡°I''ve been with so many women, but you''re still my favorite, La!¡± he said while retrieving a thick wad


    of cash from his wallet.


    Jacob then shoved the cash into the cor of La''s low-cut shirt in front of everyone. ¡°That looks like


    a real deal.¡±


    ¡°You''re such a bad boy, Mr. Yankovich!¡± La said in the most coquettish tone possible while yfully


    pounding her fist against Jacob''s chest.


    There was a hint of glee in her eyes when she saw the other girls staring at her in envy.


    Xander, who was seated across Cayden, maintained an expressionless face as he continued ying


    cards.


    Those around them couldn''t help but notice the huge contrast between the two.


    Cayden was an attractive young man with a smile that could charm almost any woman in an instant.


    Xander, on the other hand, looked unapproachable with that icy-cold look on his face.


    They knew that Cayden refused to get close to women because he was disciplined and preferred to


    keep himself clean.


    Xander, however, was viewed as a weirdo.


    His sexual orientation was amon topic of discussion among those who knew him. Some of the


    rumors even suggested that he was into men and secretly had lots of kept men at his ce. Of course,


    that was simply a spection that people came up with.


    Xander was the godfather of Ackleton''s criminal underworld, so no one dared mention any of that in


    front of him.


    Noticing that Cayden kept staring at his watch with an impatient look on his face, Xander raised his


    wine ss and asked, ¡°If you can''t stand being away from the mother of your kids, then why not bring


    her with you?¡±


    Cayden clinked sses with Xander and downed his drink in one go. ¡°She''s currently in The Night is


    Young too.¡±


    Those words had barely left his mouth when all eyes in the private room fell upon him.


    Xander nodded. ¡°That exins why you keep checking the time.¡±


    ¡°Since Avery is here, you might as well have here and join us!¡± Jacob said, adding fuel to the fire.


    Cayden got up from the couch after hearing that.


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Are you leaving?¡± Xander called out to him.


    ¡°You guys wanted to see her, right? I''ll go bring her over right now,¡± Cayden replied as he opened the


    door and left the private room.


    As Xavier didn''t want to drink, he quickly followed Cayden out of the private room.


    Everyone else in the room began gossiping about how Cayden was lovesick and needed Avery by his


    side at all times.


    ...


    Meanwhile, Nina was fuming in the other private room.


    She couldn''t stand Brittany spreading such horrible rumors about Avery.


    It was as if the problems that Maria had caused Avery weren''t bad enough, her sister, Brittany, just had


    to follow in her footsteps. That''s probably the one thing those two are good for!


    She was about to say something when Avery tugged at her arm.


    Avery then shed Brittany a faint smile as she said, ¡°You were right about what you saw the other day.


    I was the one promoting stuff to men at the nightclub the other day.¡±


    She was indeed promoting some contraceptives to Cayden that day.


    However, the two of them weren''t close at the time.


    Avery would still blush a little when she recalled how Cayden teased her back then, but that was a long


    time ago.


    A gleeful smile spread across Brittany''s face, which looked somewhat fake due to all the stic


    surgeries she had.


    It became clear to Avery that Brittany had invited her to her gathering event so she could humiliate her.


    Their biggest conflict was when Brittany thought Avery had stolen her ce as campus belle.


    However, Avery genuinely had no idea there was a campus belle voting event going on at the time.


    Brittany was surprised that Avery would admit to being that woman she saw.


    She even had a huge smile on her face when she admitted to it in front of everybody! Does her


    shamelessness know no bounds?


    Avery''s smile was sweet and slightly mischievous, which made her innocent-looking face appear all the


    more alluring.


    The male ssmates sitting next to her were all instantly captivated by her smile.


    Avery''s mature appearance looked a lot more attractive than the young and pretty girls in school.


    Unable to stand it anymore, Maria said, ¡°See, Brittany? I told you this woman is nasty! Do you believe


    me now? She was seducing Dn! Given how promiscuous she is, it''s no surprise that she can only


    work at a nightclub!¡±


    Brittany frowned when she heard that. ¡°I can''t believe you''re that woman, Avery... How could you go


    work at a ce like that? If you''re strapped for cash, you could just borrow some from us! We''re


    ssmates, so we''d help you out no matter what! Why would you lower yourself like that?¡±


    ¡°But I like lowering myself like that,¡± Avery replied nonchntly with a chuckle.


    Everyone fell silent after hearing that.


    Nina couldn''t help but be impressed with Avery''s capability to provoke people.


    ¡°Avery, girls like us need to have some self-respect. Please let us know if you need money. We''ll lend


    you some, so please stop selling your body there...¡± Brittany said, deliberately cing emphasis on the


    last few words.


    It took Dn and the others every ounce of willpower to resist the urge to defend Avery.


    His tightly-clenched fists showed just how much he was holding back.


    Avery and I are no longer rted ever since she decided to break up with me, so why should I even


    defend her?


    Avery propped her chin up with one hand and stared at Brittany as she asked, ¡°Who are you to


    interfere with my affairs, Brittany? I like lowering myself just as much as you like getting stic surgery.


    We are all free to do whatever we like.¡±


    Brittany was not expecting the conversation to go that way.


    Avery is a submissive person, so shouldn''t she be running off crying with her head held low after being


    humiliated? Why is she being so nonchnt and proud about it?


    Brittany''s face was red with anger as she continued, ¡°I am only giving you advice because we were


    once ssmates, Avery. I don''t want to see someone with such great potential go down that path.¡±


    Avery shed her a smile in response. ¡°You don''t have to worry about that. I have found myself a rich


    guy who buys me houses and jewelry. He''s also the father of my baby. Since he''s so nice to me, I''m


    happy to keep lowering myself for him!¡±


    Brittany was gritting her teeth in anger as she couldn''t find the right words to counter Avery''s


    shameless responses.


    I have never seen a woman who would admit to being a kept woman after having her indecent


    profession exposed! Does she take pride in what she does? Does she not feel any shame at all?

 Chapter 580

    Chapter 580


    Chapter 580 Cayden Shows Up


    Brittany was so jealous of Avery that she hated her to the bone.


    Not only has Avery stolen my ce as the first girl in my academic year, but she also stole my ce as


    campus belle! Even the guys standing behind me are starting to take her side!


    Brittany had thought of humiliating Avery in public when she saw her at the nightclub, but she was


    overseas at the time and only came back a few days ago.


    As such, she could only n this gathering to try and humiliate her, but Avery''s responses caught her


    completely off guard.


    After all, no one could possibly remain so calm and nonchnt after being humiliated in public.


    Brittany was so angry that she nearly lost control of her emotions.


    Not wanting to look bad in front of others, she quickly excused herself to the restroom.


    Sebastian''s interest in Avery grew stronger after he heard her admit to her rather ¡°special¡± profession


    without any hesitation.


    He kept his gaze fixated on Avery''s pretty face after Brittany left.


    Unable to contain his curiosity, he walked up to Avery and asked, ¡°How much does your man pay you,


    Ms. Rumpley? Would youe with me if I pay you double instead?¡±


    Fighting back the urge to throw up, Avery shot him a look of disgust as she retorted, ¡°You have a


    girlfriend, and I am a pregnant woman. I don''t think what you said is appropriate.¡±


    Sebastian shed her an even more perv*rted smile and replied, ¡°That woman is nothingpared to


    you, Ms. Rumpley! You have a charm that no other woman has. Besides, I have tasted pregnant


    women before, and they are truly remarkable. I doubt there is a man out there who can resist an


    elegant pregnant woman like you, Ms. Rumpley.¡±


    He then tried to run his hands over Avery, much to her disgust.


    ¡°F*ck off!¡± Avery shouted.


    I can''t believe someone this lowly actually exists!


    Dn had disgust written all over his face as he grabbed a ss bottle from the table.


    He was ready to smash it over Sebastian''s head if he daredy another finger on Avery.


    Realizing that Sebastian''s hand was about to touch her shoulder, Avery quickly stepped backward


    while shielding her tummy from him.


    Dn, too, raised the ss bottle high up into the air and got ready to strike.


    However, a pained scream echoed throughout the area before he could even do anything.


    After taking a moment to regain herposure, Avery saw that Sebastian''s hand was held in a vice-


    like grip and broken mercilessly.


    The handsome man that had appeared out of nowhere was none other than Cayden.


    Everyone knew who he was because he would appear in the financial news every now and then.


    The crowd wentpletely silent when they saw him show up. Even the loud music came to a sudden


    stop.


    Is that really Cayden Moore? We''re not dreaming, are we? What is a great man like him doing in a


    ce like this?


    Avery breathed a sigh of relief as she ran up to Cayden. Being in his presence filled her heart with a


    sense of security.


    ¡°You are here...¡± she said.


    With a disgusted frown on his face, Cayden let go of the broken wrist and wiped his hand with a


    handkerchief. He then gently pulled Avery into his embrace and said affectionately, ¡°Yeah, I''m here to


    bring you home.¡±


    Brittany''s expression turned gloomy when she saw that after returning from the restroom.


    What? How is this possible? Cayden is Avery''s sugar daddy? No, that can''t be! She''s probably just Mr.


    Moore''s mistress or something! Yes, that has got to be the case! A woman like Avery is only worthy of


    being a toy for men!


    With that in mind, Brittany quickly ran forward to greet Cayden, only to be stunned by his looks when


    she got close.


    Oh, my goodness! How is it possible for a man to look so elegant and handsome? He looks ten times


    better in person!


    ¡°What brings you here, Mr. Moore? Do you and Avery know each other?¡± Brittany asked.


    Although she hardly had any opportunities to meet men like Cayden, she was well aware of his identity.


    Cayden wrapped his arm around Avery''s waist and replied with the gentlest smile possible, ¡°I came to


    pick my woman up.¡±


    Brittany felt her face burn up as she stared dreamily at Cayden''s smile.


    Cayden was so handsome that he looked as though he had walked right out of a painting.


    A few secondster, she came back to her senses and realized what Cayden meant. Her face went


    pale when she saw him gently adjusting Avery''s shirt cor with an affectionate look in his eyes.


    ¡°Huh... It seems Ery isn''t exactly having a great time with you guys here...¡± Despite how gentle


    Cayden''s voice sounded, everyone around him could feel a hint of hostility in his tone.


    Brittany shed Cayden a sweet smile before shooting Avery a warning gaze. ¡°Not at all, Mr. Moore!


    Avery is having a great time with everyone here. We had a ton of fun tonight! Isn''t that right, Avery?¡±


    ¡°Oh? Is that so?¡± Cayden shifted his gaze toward Nina, who jabbed a finger at Brittany and eximed


    angrily, ¡°Don''t listen to her, Mr. Moore! This woman only invited Ery over so she could humiliate her in


    front of everyone! She said something about seeing Ery work as a hostess at a nightclub and even


    offered to lend her money! What a joke! What''s even more disgusting is the fact that her fianc¨¦ offered


    to be Ery''s sugar daddy because pregnant women taste better. He is really disgusting!¡±


    The look in Cayden''s eyes grew cold as he red at Sebastian, who was cowering at the table. ¡°Is that


    true?¡±


    Sebastian felt his legs go weak as he eximed, ¡°N-No, Mr. Moore! It''s not what it looks like!¡±


    Being a member of the upper ss, it was only natural that he knew who Cayden was. He just never


    had the chance to befriend him.


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    Sebastian''s father had always told him to get on Cayden''s good side because thetter was a genius in


    the business world. He had been racking his brain toe up with a way to aplish that, only to


    have their first encounter go so wrongly.


    Given how protective and possessive Mr. Moore is, he''s sure to kill me for flirting with his woman!

 Chapter 581

    Chapter 581


    Chapter 581 tant Public Disy Of Affection


    ¡°That''s not true at all, Mr. Moore! It was Avery who acted shamelessly! She took the initiative to seduce


    my soon-to-be brother-inw, and that''s the only reason he fell into her trap. This kind of pretentious


    and hypocritical woman is best at deceiving others, so don''t be fooled by her innocent looks!¡± Maria


    spoke up for Sebastian at once, twisting the facts entirely.


    After all, the Xenos family was a family the Reid family had been trying their best to ingratiate


    themselves with. If Brittany sessfully married into the Xenos family, Reid Group''s development


    would undoubtedly be propelled to greater heights.


    And Maria, as the second daughter of the Reid family, would naturally enjoy an elevation in status as


    well.


    ¡°Do you think I''m blind or deaf, Ms. Maria?¡± Cayden shot Maria a chilly look, his icy murderous gaze


    striking such fear in her that she flinched.


    Meanwhile, Avery chuckled angrily and red at Maria with the same frosty look. ¡°You''re really good at


    spouting lies, Ms. Maria. The father of the baby I''m carrying is both tall and handsome, the cream of


    the crop among men. How could I possibly take a fancy to an uncultured pig when I''ve got him?¡±


    Hearing her remark, Xavierughed soundlessly.


    Like Mr. Moore, Ms. Rumpley''s tongue is growing increasingly sharper these days.


    Sebastian, on the other hand, flushed bright red at that insult.


    If this b*tch had dared demean me such in usual circumstances, I would''ve long since taught her a


    lesson! Unfortunately, she''s Cayden''s woman, and I can''t do anything to her!


    Conversely, Maria was not bothered in the least because she noticed that Dn had been distracted


    from the moment Avery stepped into the private room, and his gaze had been fixated on thetter ever


    since. Such envy inundated her that she was gripped by the urge to kill Avery.


    Blinded by jealousy right then, she was determined to seize every opportunity to humiliate Avery.


    She continued to vilify thetter endlessly at the side, cursing, ¡°How could you insult my soon-to-be


    brother-inw in such a manner, you b*tch? Don''t think I''m ignorant of your scandals. You started


    seducing men when you were eighteen, got pregnant out of wedlock, and...¡±


    Cayden''s eyes were cold and hard, his gaze pinned on the woman who was sick of living.


    Subsequently, he threw a murderous look at the manager who apanied him there and was


    standing behind him then.


    Grasping his meaning, the manager waved a hand at the security personnel under hismand.


    One of them, who held a roll of tape in his hand, ripped off a strip of the adhesive with a crisp tear and


    stalked toward Maria with a menacing expression on his face.


    ¡°W-What are you trying to do?¡± Sensing danger, Maria backed away warily.


    Regretfully, two security personnel restrained her on both sides and taped her mouth unceremoniously.


    After doing that, they flung her to the ground expressionlessly.


    N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Everyone in the private room was stunned by that sight.


    However, no one dared to step forward and offer any objections, for Cayden''s aura was just too strong


    and dangerous.


    Brittany trembled slightly. Her sister''s mouth had been forcibly taped and sealed, yet she did not dare to


    go over to take a look at her.


    Like Grim Reaper, Cayden swept a narrowed gaze over everyone in the private room.


    Some who were timider in nature even retreated several steps in terror.


    In the end, his gaze again alighted on Sebastian, who wore a petrified expression. ¡°I heard you wanted


    to take her as your mistress, huh?¡±


    Sebastian went deathly pale, and cold sweat trickled down his face. He almost peed his pants at the


    utterly cial look in Cayden''s gaze.


    He half-knelt on the ground tremblingly, his gaze unfocused. ¡°M-Mr. Moore, I-I was merely j-joking with


    Ms. Rumpley.¡±


    Wrapping an arm around Avery, Cayden took a seat on the couch at the side. Like a lofty king, he


    stared down at the man. ¡°Joking? But I''ve already taken it seriously! You''re the heir of Xenos Group,


    yes? I''ll have Xenos Group be history tomorrow!¡±


    Xavier, who witnessed everything, shook his head with a sigh.


    Avery is Mr. Moore''s bottom line. Isn''t that guy simply courting death to make a move against her?


    Sebastian smacked himself hard across the face with his uninjured hand. ¡°I was overly impudent, Mr.


    Moore! I would never dare do it again!¡±


    ¡°Indeed, you should be taught a hard lesson. How about this? If you p yourself a hundred times, I


    can consider sparing Xenos Group.¡± Cayden''s voice was t, but the authority in his words left no room


    for doubt.


    At that, Sebastian trembled uncontrobly. As the heir of Xenos Group, he had never experienced such


    humiliation.


    Nheless, at the thought of the man''s ruthless business tactics, he still did as ordered to save his


    family''spany.


    However, he was not forceful enough due to his fear of pain, sparking Cayden''s disdain for not having


    heard any smacking sounds. Not only did thetter write off the ps he inflicted upon himself, but he


    even had the nightclub''s manager personally give him a hand. That infuriated him, yet there was


    nothing he could do about it.


    Throughout it all, Dn merely watched indifferently from the sidelines.


    Once, Cayden taught him a hard lesson because he coveted Avery, almost taking his life while at that.


    Ever since then, he knew how cruel that cousin of his was.


    A hundred pster, Sebastian''s face was swollen beyond recognition.


    Bloody streaks and palm prints intersected, making for a terrifying sight.


    Despite that, Avery did not pity him at all. Someone like him must have ruined countless girls, so it''s


    good to teach him a lesson. Hopefully, he''ll remember this and practice more restraint!


    Perhaps it was because she had stayed in the private room for too long, but she felt somewhat


    suffocated and sensed her baby kicking frequently.


    She tugged at Cayden''s sleeve. ¡°Let''s go home first, Cayden. It''s too stuffy here.¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡± Thinking that she was feeling unwell, not only did Cayden agree, but he even domineeringly


    scooped her up in a bridal carry and headed out. Before leaving, he said to Xavier, ¡°Make the


    preparations. I want to see news of a sessful acquisition of Xenos Group in the next few days!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. Moore,¡± Xavier replied.


    Spitting out a mouthful of blood, Sebastian was so enraged that he almost burst a blood vessel. ¡°Mr.


    Moore, I know I was wrong, and I''ve already punished myself. Don''t go too far!¡±


    s, Cayden did not even bother to spare him a look. He left with Avery in his arms. The pathetic


    group of people left in the private room looked at each other.


    None of them had ever imagined that Avery would turn out to be Cayden''s woman. On top of that, she


    even seemed very much loved from the look of things.


    Almost all of them wondered what she ever did to be so lucky.


    At that very moment, however, no one noticed that Sebastian, who had copsed on the ground in a


    weak heap with his face swollen to high heavens, was staring in the direction Cayden and Avery left.


    That aside, his eyes glinted with a vicious gleam brimming with maliciousness.


    As Cayden walked along the nightclub''s corridor with Avery in his arms, his countenance was rendered


    increasingly striking and exquisite under the dim yellow lights.


    He kissed Avery on the forehead indulgently. ¡°Are you happy now?¡±


    Tightening her hold around his neck, Avery gave him a peck in return, her kiss feather-light. ¡°Yeah. I


    was gratified to see the ssmates who once picked on me getting what they deserved, forced to keep


    a leash on their fury. Cayden... thank you.¡±


    In response, Cayden chuckled before ordering Xavier, who had been following behind him, ¡°Go and tell


    those in the private room that my wife is tired, and I''m apanying her home to rest. Assure them it''ll


    be my treat today, and have them enjoy themselves.¡±


    Following his employer''s tant public disy of affection, the corners of Xavier''s mouth twitched. He


    whirled around and returned to the private room, conveying the man''s orders as instructed.

 Chapter 582

    Chapter 582


    Chapter 582 The Identity Of Avery


    Avery reminded Xavier again to send Nina home before she left.


    Nina had quite a bit of fruit juices in the private room. Besides, she also had low alcohol tolerance and


    was feeling dizzy after being prodded to drink more alcohol by their ssmates. What escaped her was


    that even though the red wine she drank was sweet and lovely, it had a significant alcohol kick.


    The woman wanted to use the restroom after she and Xavier left the private room, so she excused


    herself before going to a nearby public restroom.


    When Nina got to the toilet entrance, dizziness crept up on her as her vision blurred, making it hard for


    her to determine which way was the female restroom.


    And so, Nina pushed open one of the doors dazedly and staggered into the restroom.


    It was quiet and empty, and Nina quickly solved her bodily needs.


    When she was done, Nina breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°Oh yes! It''s a relief. If not, I''ll have to hold my


    pee...¡±


    Just then, she heard someone open the door beside her as heavy footsteps sounded throughout the


    space. Then, running water reverberated in the restroom.


    Meanwhile, with her thoughts in disarray, Nina rubbed her head and stumbled forward unsteadily.


    When her eyesnded on a tall man using the restroom before her, the clueless Nina sobered up


    immediately, realizing what had happened.


    ¡°D*mn, you pervert. How dare you use the female restroom?¡± Nina shouted with rage. Without even


    looking at who the man was, Nina grabbed her bag and threw it at the man forcefully.


    However, before she could hit the man, he seized her bag.


    A tug of war began between the duo, but Nina''s bag remained firmly in the man''s hand without any sign


    of budging.


    She lifted her eyes to look at the perv*rted man. Then Nina saw the cold, wicked, and seductive


    emotions in the man''s gaze. At the same time, a flicker of recognition shed across Nina''s eyes. The


    identity of the cruel and heartless demon before she dawned on him. It was Xander, the man who had


    locked her into a room full of snakes.


    Nina''s anger rose to a boiling point, and her eyes zed with fury. She scolded, ¡°Let go of my bag, you


    bloody perv*rt who loves to bully women!¡± Nina didn''t expect him to really let go, though.


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    Yet, he did ording to what she said. Then, with elegance, Xander slowly pulled up the zip on his


    pants.


    Nina, on the other hand, red at him before scolding in a small voice, ¡°You shameless perv*rt!¡±


    Xander smirked after cleaning himself up. He walked over to Nina, extending his slender fingers to


    seize her chin. Then, he forced her to look at the male restroom logo on the wall. ¡°Miss, please take a


    clear look at that. Now tell me whether this is a male or female restroom?¡±


    Xander had chosen toe to the quieter restroom outside because he wanted to make a call, and the


    noise inside his VIP room was unbearable. He didn''t expect that the moment he came in, a woman


    would misunderstand him as a pervert.


    Why am I so unlucky? I could have used the restroom in my VIP private room.


    Nina''s face flushed a rosy-red shade when she noticed the male logo on the wall. Although she had


    wanted to apologize initially, the apparent pain that radiated from her chin reminded her of Xander''s


    viciousness.


    The words of apology that were nearly out of her mouth changed. She said, ¡°I''m drunk, so I must have


    gotten the sign wrong. You haven''t washed your hands after peeing... don''t use your dirty hand to touch


    me...¡±


    Initially, Xander was really angry but he burst outughing. He increased the pressure he exerted on


    Nina''s chin. ¡°Are youining that my hand is filthy?¡±


    Nina was certain that her chin would be dislocated soon. Influenced by the extreme pain, she lifted her


    leg and kicked at Xander. ¡°Go to hell, b*stard!¡±


    Caught by surprise, Xander got kicked in the lower body by Nina. He held onto his affected body part


    as a terrifying aura emitted from him.


    Intimidated by Xander''s presence, Nina seized the chance to run out of the restroom. Before she


    escaped, the woman turned back to look at Xander, and her legs nearly gave way when she saw the


    murderous glint in Xander''s eyes.


    What a terrible man! I promise... I''ll never show up before him in the future!


    ...


    Three dayster, a DNA report was in Alina''s tightly-gripped, and trembling hand. She stared at it, her


    hands nearly made a hole from how hard she was holding onto the report.


    ¡°Lina, don''t overthink this. So what if Avery isn''t your biological niece? She''s obedient and mature, and


    you''ve loved her for so many years...¡± Gigi patted Alina on the shoulder gently. She wanted tofort


    her, but she couldn''t find the words. In the end, Gigi let out a sigh.


    This must be hard on her.


    The niece she has doted on for over twenty years had no blood rtionship with her? I won''t be able to


    ept that either. If this happens to me, I will most probably break down too. Not to mention this is the


    reality that hits the vulnerable Alina now.


    Gigi was about to speak further when Alina tore the DNA report into pieces before throwing them into


    the trash can beside her.


    Gigi furrowed her brows in surprise. ¡°What are you doing, Lina?¡±


    Alina turned her tear-stained, pale face toward Gigi with a determined look. ¡°Avery will always be my


    niece no matter what the result shows. Our bond will never disappear just because of a few words on


    paper. Gigi, please keep this a secret between us. I''m afraid Avery will overthink this matter if she finds


    out. Besides that, my dad is old now, and his condition is deteriorating. I don''t think he can endure this


    intense blow.¡±


    All Alina had in mind now was why the world yed a trick on the Rumpley family. She med


    everything on the sister-inw who she had never met before.


    Leonardo treated her like a treasure while she cheated on him. Judging by how well I knew the honest,


    simple-minded Leonardo, I''m guessing he didn''t know that Avery wasn''t his biological daughter even


    until he died.


    Pain and sorrow surfaced in her eyes, and Alina was on the verge of copsing when she thought


    about that.


    Gigi quickly helped her sit down. She stated sternly, ¡°Gigi, you can''t dy your operation anymore...¡±


    Alina did not show any expression when she replied, ¡°All right. I will do it. But before that, I want to


    head back to Jetroina in my current state to meet him for onest time.¡±


    At the same time, in the CEO''s office at Trident Group, Xavier handed a stack of files to Cayden


    respectfully. ¡°Mr. Moore, this is the information I gathered about Ms. Rumpley''s background these few


    days. Please have a look.¡±


    Cayden took the files, browsing through them quickly. When his eyesnded on thest sentence,


    Cayden narrowed his eyes.

 Chapter 583

    Chapter 583


    Chapter 583 Avery Is The Victim


    The information mentioned that Allie was the one who apanied ire when she gave birth at a


    clinic.


    Cayden paused when he saw that. Then, he flicked to the next page, scanning through the information


    quickly. The background search recorded every piece of information about what happened twenty


    years ago in detail.


    ording to an inside source, ire had given birth to a premature baby due to exhaustion after


    rushing around trying to settle some issues. As time was running out for her to arrive at the hospital


    safely, ire could only go to an unknown gynecology clinic near her for she was in a remote location.


    The obstetrician who was in charge of ire was Yara Lynch. Yara had asked ire to execute a


    medical waiver because she was bleeding out.


    While thetter was unconscious, she gave birth to a healthy baby girl.


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    At that moment, Allie implored Yara to use a dead infant to pose as ire''s daughter by agreeing to


    give her some marypensation.


    After that, Yara took the massive sum of cash and left the country while ire''s baby went missing.


    Cayden went through the information twice before putting the file down.


    No one can keep a secret forever unless they are dead. Even though Xavier spent quite some time


    gathering all these pieces of information, he discovered everything that I needed to know in the end.


    Cayden stood up without a word as he ced his arm on the windowsill, staring at the view outside his


    office. The sun shone on him, entuating his tall and majestic figure. He was stunningly gorgeous,


    and even Xavier was sometimes enthralled by his side profile.


    Xavier paused before adding, ¡°Mr. Moore, Mrs. Moore has something to do with this baby-swapping


    ident.¡±


    Restlessness and frustration overwhelmed Cayden when he thought about the investigation result and


    how it implicated Allie. He had an abrupt urge to smoke. Turning around, Cayden took his cigarette


    from the drawer, and Xavier lit it up.


    ¡°Where''s Yara Lynch now?¡± Cayden questioned.


    ¡°She was back in the country a few days ago to visit her rtives, but she has returned to her ce


    overseas now,¡± Xavier stated slowly.


    ¡°ording to my investigation, Mrs. Moore met her once about a month ago. We had no idea what


    Mrs. Moore said to her, but Yara quickly left the country the next day. Oh, right. Mr. Moore, I had a


    feeling that two influential forces were trying to stop me from investigating this matter while I was in the


    process of doing so. It seemed like there is someone out there who doesn''t want me to find out the


    truth.¡±


    A gleam of sternness shed across Cayden''s face. ¡°Do you know who are those influential forces?¡±


    ¡°One of them has to do with the adopted daughter of Mr. Lambert, Nicole. The other one is... Mrs.


    Moore.¡±


    Cayden took a puff of his cigarette furiously. That made Xavier realize that Cayden was not feeling his


    best now.


    Evidently, Cayden was in a foul mood. It made sense for Nicole to stop Xavier from getting to the truth,


    but Cayden hadn''t expected Allie to be involved. He had always known that Allie was a selfish and vain


    woman. But the extent she had gone to rece ire''s baby with a dead infant and cause thetter to


    suffer for so many years appalled him. Moreover, Allie was trying to stop others from finding the truth


    now.


    Didn''t Mom know that ire''s mental state had deteriorated since then because she lost her baby?


    ire only became normal again after adopting Nicole. Mdm. Wright told me Mom, ire, and her


    were best friends. There were even photos of them at home, so why did Mom pull a stunt like this all


    those years ago?


    Even though none of the information he had gotten was rted to Avery in any way, an intelligent man


    like Cayden guessed that she was the baby who was swapped after piecing the puzzles together.


    From how much Mom hated Avery to when she objected greatly to our marriage, even to the point of


    making up lies about Avery and me being siblings to break us up.


    Cayden knew Allie was married to Leonardo before. She had thought of her married life to the man as


    a humiliating experience, so she didn''t want to mention that phase of her life at all. So when Allie told


    Cayden that Avery was his sister, Cayden didn''t trust her. With the support of the DNA result, Cayden


    was even more confident that Allie was lying.


    However, at that time, he was immersed in his joy of not being rted to Avery that he didn''t bother to


    continue delving into the secret behind Avery''s background.


    To Cayden, everything was fine as long as he was not rted to Avery, and he didn''t care about


    anything else. But now, when he thought about it, it seemed like there was something amiss about


    Avery''s identity.


    It never crossed my mind that Avery could be ire''s biological daughter.


    With most of his suspicion addressed, Cayden flicked the cigarette ash into the ashtray. ¡°Look into


    Yara''s background, and get the overseas address of her current residence. If necessary, you must fly


    over and follow up on this. I want to know everything from A to Z.¡±


    Yara was the witness and culprit behind the incident all those years ago. If Avery was indeed ire''s


    daughter, and if she wanted to return to ire''s side, Yara must be here to act as a witness to support


    Avery''s im.


    ¡°Noted,¡± Xavierplied before leaving.


    Meanwhile, Cayden stood rigidly straight before the window with the golden rays illuminating him. He


    had no expression on his face as he pondered.


    Avery has been staying in the Rumpley residence for over twenty years. She has an unwavering


    dependence and trust in the deceased Leonardo, the sick Aunt Alina, and Old Mr. Moore. I think she


    wouldn''t be able to take it if she found out about her real identity. Besides, it was my mom who caused


    her to suffer. I don''t know whether she will take it personally if she knows the truth. However, no matter


    what happens, Avery has the right to know. If she decides to do anything, I will support her


    unconditionally.


    In the blink of an eye, it was the fifteenth of the month again, the day to go home for a meal at the


    Moore residence, so Cayden led Avery home.


    As they arrived earlier than expected, Jeffrey and Lily were out on their morning workout routine and


    had yet to return, while Kendrick was still nowhere to be seen. Only Allie was at home, eating her


    breakfast leisurely.


    ¡°Wee home, Mr. Moore.¡± The housekeeper took the male slippers off the shoe rack and ced


    them before Cayden.


    She was about to bring out the female slippers for Avery when Allie threw the coffee mug onto the


    table.


    Allie scolded, ¡°Lydia, not everyone is wee here at the Moore residence, and you don''t have to


    serve those lowly women.¡±


    Her sarcastic remarks caused Lydia to freeze in ce awkwardly. With her gaze fixated on Cayden''s


    darkened expression, Lydia didn''t know whether to give Avery the female slippers.


    As for Avery, she looked at Allie calmly, having gotten used to thetter''s horrible attitude toward her.


    Cayden took the slippers from Lydia, kneeling to help Avery change into them gently. ¡°Lydia, you can


    go ahead with your work. I will handle this.¡±


    Allie watched him do that as frustration filled her.


    What a henpecked husband Cayden is! He has never been so considerate with me before. Yet, he


    does everything for Avery. I was right! Avery is indeed a cunning woman!

 Chapter 584

    Chapter 584


    Chapter 584 I Found Your Biological Daughter


    Cayden helped Avery to change into house slippers.


    Then, he wrapped an arm around her before walking toward Allie. His greeting was colored with an


    admonishing tone. ¡°Hey Mom, I''m back with Avery. She brought a present for you.¡±


    His frosty gaze caused Allie to shudder involuntarily. She promptly turned her head away, hiding her


    displeased expression.


    It''s all because of Avery that the rtionship between my son and me is bing worse!


    Naturally, Allie''s hatred toward Avery only deepened by the day.


    ¡°Mrs. Moore,¡± Avery greeted her before handing her a gift box of beauty products. ¡°I heard you were a


    fan of this brand, so I bought a gift set for you when I went shopping.¡±


    Allie turned around and shot her a sharp look.


    Her sullen expression showed no signs of easing since Avery''s arrival.


    Her well-manicured fingers stroked a coffee cupzily as she ignored Avery and addressed her son


    instead, ¡°Cayden, didn''t I tell you never to bring this woman home again? Why can''t you listen? She


    embarrassed the Moore family at the engagement party and turned us into aughingstock. Are you


    trying to anger me on purpose?¡±


    Undeterred, Cayden tightened his arm around Avery and encouraged her to join him on the couch. He


    scrunched his brows in displeasure and returned, ¡°Mom, Avery is your daughter-inw.¡±


    ¡°I don''t need a daughter-inw who''ll drag our family name through the mud. Thank you very much!¡±


    his mother spat coldly.


    When her gazended on the branded beauty products Avery ced on the coffee table, Allie added


    disgustedly, ¡°Ask her to take these back! I don''t want to ruin my face!¡±


    Impressively, Avery''s smile never slipped throughout the exchange. She piped up, ¡°I chose them when


    I was out shopping with Cayden, Mrs. Moore. He said this is your favorite brand.¡±


    ¡°Just ept it, Mom. She wants you to have it,¡± urged Cayden.


    He had made up his mind to spend the rest of his life with Avery.


    Even if his mother disapproved of their rtionship, he would never stop trying to improve her


    impression and rtionship with Avery.


    Hearing that the present was Cayden''s rmendation smoothed Allie''s ruffled feathers somewhat.


    Still, she shot Avery a haughty nce beforementing, ¡°She''s just an ordinary worker. What can


    she afford to buy with that measly pay of hers? This set would''ve cost her several months'' worth of pay.


    She''s still spending my dear son''s money at the end of the day.¡±


    Avery remained silent.


    Her mother-inw''s prejudice toward her was bone-deep. It was impossible to change her opinion in a


    short period.


    That did not stop Cayden from defending her. ¡°Mom, Avery paid for this with her own money. I didn''t


    even lend her a dime.¡±


    One could cut the tension in the air with a knife. Cayden gently tapped Avery on the shoulder and said,


    ¡°Ery, you can head to the bedroom first. I''d like to speak with my mom alone.¡±


    Avery noddedpliantly in agreement.


    At the same time, Cayden shot the housekeeper a meaningful look, instructing her to escort Avery to


    the bedroom on the second floor.


    They had barely left the living room when Allie exploded at her son. ¡°Listen to me, Cayden. A woman


    like Avery doesn''t deserve you. Before we even get into her distasteful background, she''s a divorcee!


    Don''t forget about her marriage to Dn. I wouldn''t have said a thing if this were a fling, but you can''t


    actually believe it''s sensible to marry such an impure woman! I will never ept her as my daughter-in-


    law. Over my dead body!¡±


    Cayden''s steely and intent stare began to unnerve Allie. She felt an overwhelming urge to avert her


    gaze away from his.


    She sputtered, ¡°Why are you staring at me like that, Cayden?¡± Then, she added firmly, ¡°You may have


    fallen under her spell, but I would never allow such a poor woman into the Moore family! You should be


    marrying the daughter of a family as reputable as ours!¡±


    Suddenly, Cayden''s lips curved into a smirk. He replied coldly, ¡°Does she trulye from such a poor


    background, Mom? Are you a hundred percent sure of that?¡±


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    Allie stiffened, her heart beating like a runaway horse.


    She looked away guiltily and yelped, ¡°What are you implying? I don''t understand!¡±


    Cayden arched a brow. His gaze turned stony as he exined, ¡°Mom, I''ve done a fair bit of digging into


    the past. Don''t think I''m blissfully oblivious just because I''ve kept the truth to myself. I''m sure you still


    remember what happened when Mrs. Lambert gave birth. I think you don''t need me to refresh your


    memory. You''d probably know better about Avery''s true identity than me.¡±


    His words instantly paralyzed Allie with dread.


    She pointed a shaky finger at her son and stammered, ¡°W-What do you know?¡±


    Swapping ire''s baby was a secret that Allie''s deepest, darkest secret.


    She had been so certain that she would bring the secret with her to the grave.


    Allie never imagined the first person to uncover her ugly secret would be her own son.


    Cayden stood up from the couch and stared at his mother. He dered, ¡°I basically know everything


    there is to know about the incident. It''s only because you''re my mother that I haven''t revealed


    everything in front of Avery. I can only hope your attitude toward Avery will improve or I might


    identally let the secret slip one day. Once Avery learns the truth and reunites with her very powerful


    biological parents, you can imagine what will happen then.¡±


    ¡°Are you threatening your own mother?¡± Allie red fiercely at her son, choking on her anger and


    resentment.


    He merely replied nonchntly, ¡°If that''s what you think this is, sure.¡±


    ¡°You j*rk! I should''ve strangled you when you were born! That would''ve spared me from this wrath!¡±


    Having lost all reason, Allie flung her cup full of boiling hot coffee at Cayden.


    He deftly turned his head aside and dodged the boiling liquid. He lowered his gaze, hiding the fierce


    emotions in his gaze.


    The ceramic coffee cup broke into smithereens, sloshing coffee across the floor.


    ¡°I''m going up. Ask Lydia to clean this mess up.¡± With that, Cayden headed upstairs, leaving his mother


    alone.


    Allie watched her son''s departing figure as his cruel threat reyed in her mind. Her chest squeezed


    painfully, and she threw several coffee cups on the floor to vent her frustration.


    Avery is my nemesis! If I even had an inkling that she would eventually have my son wrapped around


    her finger, I wouldn''t have spared her life out of mercy! I should''ve left her to die in a dumpster!


    ...


    Meanwhile, Nicole had been focusing on recuperating in the Lambert residence since exiting the


    entertainment industry.


    The experience appeared to have drilled some sense into her, which relieved ire.


    Otherwise, Nicole would have been drowning in movie filmings or variety show appearances with no


    room even for a breather.


    Nicole''s prolonged rest at home helped her to rx. She joined ire in doing yoga exercises, and


    floral arranging. Besides, she even went as far as showing an interest in running the business.


    ire was satisfied with the change in her daughter.


    She appreciated how Nicole had more time to apany her since she left the entertainment industry.


    One day, while ire exined the history of floral arranging to Nicole at home, Silvia called.


    Once ire answered the call, Silvia shouted anxiously, ¡°ire, I found your biological daughter!


    You''ve got toe to my ce now!¡±

 Chapter 585

    Chapter 585


    Chapter 585 Overwhelming Joy


    N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Silvia''s words first struck ire numb with shock. By the time sheposed herself and understood


    the implications of her friend''s words, ire was beside herself with joy.


    She forgot her adopted daughter, Nicole, was sitting right beside her. ¡°I-Is that true, Silvia?¡± ire''s


    hands were shaking as she continued, ¡°Have you really found my biological daughter? Where is she?


    Is she doing all right? Is she¡ª¡±


    Silvia cut her off and suggested, ¡°Are you free, ire? Why don''t youe here and see for yourself?


    Mr. Darnum investigated her identity and background, and he believes she fits all the descriptions. I


    truly think there''s a high chance she''s your daughter.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I''m free. I''ll be there right away!¡±


    The phone''s speaker was loud enough for Nicole to overhear their entire phone conversation. Chills


    ran down her spine.


    She fell into silence on the living room couch. Gone was the sweet smile that was always on her face.


    Instead, dread filled her soul. Her right fist subconsciously clenched around a flower stem.


    ire ended the call a whileter and noticed a pale Nicole staring at her with tears swimming in her


    eyes.


    She winced when she realized the implications of her words earlier. ¡°Nickie...¡±


    Nicole bit her lip, looking like a harmless doe as she asked, ¡°Mom, has Mdm. Wright found my sister''s


    whereabouts?¡±


    ¡°It''s a long story, Nickie. I''ll exin everything to you when Ie back.¡±


    ire hugged Nicole and said, ¡°You have no idea how delighted I was when Silvia said she found your


    older sister. I almost couldn''t believe her. I can''t imagine how much that poor child had suffered on her


    own before this. But don''t worry, Nickie. You''ll always be my beloved daughter, even if your sister''s


    back. In fact, you''ll now have a new sister to love you.¡±


    Nicole scoffed to herself. Her mind whirled with a myriad of thoughts.


    She used to call me her ¡°most beloved¡± daughter when she was cajoling me. I didn''t hear it now. Her


    enthusiasm after learning the whereabouts of her biological daughter disgusts me! Is sharing the same


    blood really that important? Does she not care for our rtionship after all these years? How can I still


    have a ce in the Lambert family once her biological daughteres back? Plus, I''ve done so many


    horrible things to Avery in the past, even almost killing her. Once that woman is back and tells her new


    parents about this, my pure and innocent image will be ruined. The Lamberts would kick me out of the


    house. Oh God, do I have to go to jail?


    Nicole''splexion nched at the idea of going to prison.


    Still, she was careful not to reveal her guilt and mustered a smile. ¡°Mom, we haven''t heard any news of


    her for years. How did Mdm. Wright find her so quickly? Doesn''t it seem fishy to you? There are so


    many scammers these days, and I really don''t want you to get yourself excited over nothing. What if


    she''s an impersonator?¡±


    ¡°Either way, I have to see the evidence for myself. What if it''s really your sister this time round?


    Technology is so advanced now. We can just verify her identity through DNA testing,¡± justified ire.


    She had dedicated her entire life to finding her biological daughter and had indeed run into


    impersonators in the past, yet she never lost hope of their eventual reunion.


    Even now, whenever she heard a new lead about her daughter, ire would drop everything and throw


    herself into the search again, no matter how busy she was.


    Nicole concealed the resentment in her gaze and put on a hopeful expression. ¡°Mom, I really hope you


    find her this time. You can finally stop worrying about her. I promise I''ll shower my new sister with all


    the love in the world and help you make up for her years of suffering.¡± She looked as though she


    genuinely prayed for ire''s reunion with her biological daughter.


    ¡°Thank you, Nickie. You''re such a lovely girl. I''m sure your sister will be happy to know you.¡± ire''s


    relief was palpable.


    She assumed Nicole would have a hard time epting the truth, yet her adopted daughter''s sensibility


    was a pleasant surprise. I didn''t waste my efforts raising her. She''s such a sweet girl.


    The ghost of a sneer curved Nicole''s lips while ire looked away.


    Did you think I would sit around on my hands when you''re out looking for your biological daughter?


    ...


    When ire and Nicole arrived at the private investigation firm, they saw Silvia in the manager''s office,


    chatting warmly with a girl d in a long, white dress.


    A bespectacled, middle-aged man sat in a swivel chair behind a desk, flipping through some


    documents.


    A frumpily dressed couple who appeared to be in their fifties upied the couch across from Silvia.


    ¡°Silvia!¡± ire shouted before staring at the youngdy with her friend. Her gaze teemed with longing


    and anticipation.


    Silvia stood up, pulling the young woman beside her to her feet. ¡°Ah, you''re here. ire, this is the


    young woman Mr. Darnum shortlisted, who matches the description of the abandoned baby.¡±


    She continued the introduction, ¡°Her name is Evangeline Gena. Her date of birth and family


    background match the details of your child.¡±


    Mr. Darnum stood up and handed a dossier of information to ire. He exined professionally,


    ¡°These are for your review, Mrs. Lambert. A lot of manpower and resources went into this investigation.


    We''vebed through twenty-odd years worth of information as well as details on Evangeline''s life


    since her birth.¡±


    Meanwhile, Nicole was utterly relieved to realize the candidate for ire''s biological daughter was not


    Avery.


    She studied the young woman with a critical eye.


    The long, white dress lent to Evangeline''s quiet, docile air. She had a pretty enough smile.


    Right now, she was looking at ire and Nicole with a curious gaze.


    It would have appeared as innocent curiosity to most, yet Nicole shrewdly picked up on the young


    woman''s admiration for her branded attire.


    Evangeline was dressed rather stylishly and came across as a young woman who barely lifted a finger


    around the house. In contrast, Mr. and Mrs. Gena were barely as well-coiffed and wore rather old


    clothes.


    The couple fidgeted on the couch, shooting Evangeline nervous nces from time to time.


    Nicole scoffed to herself as she zeroed in on the truth. She''s nothing but a selfish, gold-digging phony.


    A bold thought suddenly crossed her mind.


    Having someone like this as my elder sister isn''t a bad idea. She''s greedy and has a weakness. It


    should be easier to manipte her.


    Unaware of Nicole''s plot, ire received Mr. Darnum''s documents and eagerly skimmed through their


    contents.


    Her heart skipped a bit when she saw Evangeline''s birthday and the date she was brought home from


    the dumpster by the Genas.


    Evangeline had been taken in by the Gena family on the same day ire''s daughter had been born.


    On top of that, Evangeline had been found in a dumpster near Yara''s clinic.


    The two details almost convinced ire that Evangeline was her biological daughter.


    Nothing could be so coincidental in this world.


    Evangeline''s birthday and my daughter''s birthday are the same. Moreover, she was abandoned near


    Yara''s clinic on the same day my daughter was born. The coincidences are too much to ignore!

 Chapter 586

    Chapter 586


    Chapter 586 Just Do A DNA Test


    ire had confronted Allie multiple times after the incident, which was why the former was certain that


    her daughter had been thrown into the trash can.


    She insisted Allie tell her the truth about what happened.


    Irked, Allie taunted and ridiculed ire, ¡°When your daughter was born, she was deprived of oxygen


    and turned blue. She was neither crying nor breathing, so we assumed she was dead and threw her


    into the trash can near the clinic. The weather was so cold that even if she had still been alive, she


    would have frozen to death in there.¡±


    At that moment, ire despised Allie to such an extent that she contemted killing her.


    Why couldn''t they wait until I woke up to see my daughter? How could they be so cruel to throw away


    the daughter I risked my life to give birth to?


    Noticing ire secretly wiping her tears, Silvia realized that ire was losing control of her emotions.


    She then turned to the woman and asked, ¡°Patricia, could you tell us in detail how you discovered


    Evangeline back then?¡±


    Silvia took hold of Patricia''s arm and led her over to ire. Patricia was visibly anxious, for her body


    was tense, and she was rubbing her hands nervously.


    Patricia was actually around the same age as Silvia and ire, but years ofborious work meant that


    she had more wrinkles around her eyes. Even half of her hair had turned white. The hard work she had


    done was visible on her rough hands, too.


    Patricia was restless, and her ent was thick as she squeezed out, ¡°I... I don''t know what to say...¡±


    ire seized Patricia''s hand and pleaded, ¡°Please, can you tell me how you discovered Evangeline


    back then? I need to know all the details of the situation.¡±


    The contrast between ire''s smooth and fair hands and Patricia''s rough hands was striking.


    Patricia felt inferior and thought about pulling her hand back, but ire held it so tightly that the woman


    could not break free at all.


    Noticing the tears in ire''s eyes, Patricia struggled to recollect what happened over two decades ago.


    She stuttered, ¡°I-I need to think. That day... That day, my husband and I were going on our usual


    routine of selling snacks at the morning stall. As I was passing by a small gynecology clinic in the town,


    I heard a faint cry of a baby. My husband and I followed the sound of crying and searched for its


    source. When we found it, we were both terrified. We discovered a baby covered in blood, lying in a


    trash can. We couldn''t continue our business that day. We took the baby home, cleaned her up, and


    then brought her to the hospital for a checkup. To our relief, we found out that she was in good health.


    At the time, my husband and I had been married for five years but were unable to conceive a child. We


    sought medical treatment from both traditional and modern medicine but to no avail. After that, we both


    gave up on the idea of having our own child and considered adopting one in the future. We never


    expected to find one on the street, and we thought it must have been a gift from God, so we decided to


    keep the baby and raise her as our own until now...¡±


    At that, Patricia turned to nce at Evangeline.


    Her weary eyes were filled with love, but there was mncholy in them too.


    She and her husband treated Evangeline as if she was their biological daughter.


    Even though they were impoverished, they had reserved the best for their daughter. They would cut


    expenses on their food and clothing to ensure that Evangeline''s life was not inferior to that of wealthy


    children in the town.


    Meanwhile, Oscar kept his head hung low as he smoked, a bitter expression on his face.


    He was certain that his daughter was going to leave the Gena family now that she had found her


    biological mother.


    But the truth was Evangeline had learned of her birth circumstances a long time ago.


    When she was in junior high, her neighbors teased her and identally revealed that she was not the


    biological daughter of the Gena family. The revtion upset Evangeline, and she kicked up a fuss in


    response, determined to find her biological parents.


    The Gena couple tried to persuade Evangeline to wait until she was a bit older before searching for


    her biological parents, but she refused to listen and made a big fuss about it. She even threatened to


    go on a hunger strike andmit suicide if they did not help her find her real parents.


    The Gena couple was frightened out of their minds.


    Thus, they decided to take out all of their savings to search for Evangeline''s biological parents.


    s, not only did they not find Evangeline''s biological parents in two years, but they even used up all


    of their savings. As a matter of fact, Patricia was even hospitalized from over-exhaustion.


    When Evangeline realized that they could not find her biological parents, she gradually stopped making


    a fuss, and peace returned to the family.


    However, she became more inclined to spend money, and she became unpredictable. Sometimes, she


    would be quiet, and sometimes, she would be quick-tempered.


    Nevertheless, the Gena couple still doted on her as usual. After all, she was their precious daughter


    whom they had raised since young.


    Upon hearing Patricia''s story, Evangeline walked up to ire and nervously wrung her hands. She


    blinked her eyes and asked in a timid voice, ¡°I-Is it true that you''re my biological mother?¡±


    ire, who stood in front of her, was adorned in a custom-fitted white attire that entuated her tall,


    graceful figure. She was also holding herself in an exceptionally sophisticated manner. At first nce,


    anyone would guess that she was a wealthydy who lived in the big cities.


    As Evangeline examined ire more closely, she was struck with an inexplicable feeling of familiarity.


    It felt as if she had seen ire''s face somewhere else before, but she drew a nk as to where.


    ¡°Mom, we can easily find out whether Evangeline is my sister or not by doing a DNA test, and we''ll


    have the results in just a few days,¡± Nicole said in a gentle tone.


    Ha! Look at the innocent look in this pretentious b*tch''s eyes and how strong her desire is to find her


    biological family. Well, I''ll grant her wish, then.


    ¡°Sweet girl, you must have suffered,¡± ire squeezed out as she caressed Evangeline''s cheek.


    When she examined Evangeline''s facial features closely, she could not help but notice the simrities


    between them. Maybe it was just her own wishful thinking, but the more she looked at Evangeline, the


    more she felt like she was looking at a younger version of herself.


    ¡°ire, we still don''t have conclusive evidence. Let''s wait until we get the results of the DNA test before


    we talk about it,¡± Silvia said, trying to remain calm and rational. She did not want ire to get her


    hopes up again, only to be disappointed if the test results did not turn out as expected.


    ire held onto Evangeline''s hand tightly and said, ¡°Let''s go to the hospital for a DNA test now. In the


    meantime, you and your adoptive parents can stay in our house until the resultse out. Would that


    be all right with you?¡±


    She took a moment to nce at the dazed Gena couple before saying, ¡°Mr. and Mrs. Gena, please


    stay with the Lamberts for a few days. If it turns out that Evangeline is truly my biological daughter, I will


    compensate you with a sum of money. I apologize for any inconvenience caused.


    Patricia and Oscar nodded slowly.


    Despite their reluctance and difort with the situation, the couple could not deny the fact that their


    daughter''s biological mother had found them. Furthermore, ire appeared to be wealthy and


    influential, making it difficult for them to refuse her proposal.


    ¡°Evangeline, wee to the Lambert family,¡± Nicole said, hooking her arm around Evangeline''s arm as


    if it was a force of habit borne from their intimate rtionship.


    Evangeline''s gaze shifted from Nicole''s enthusiastic expression to her priceless diamond earrings and


    beautiful Chanel suit. The envy in her heart reached its peak.


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Now, she was praying that she was ire''s biological daughter.


    If that were the case, she would be able to have a gentle mother like Nicole, and she would be able to


    live thevish lifestyle of a wealthy youngdy instead of having parents who made a living by selling


    snacks with a morning stall and constantly faced harassment from urban management staff. The mere


    thought of her parents filled her with shame.


    She would not need to live in poverty and listen to the mocking words of others anymore.

 Chapter 587

    Chapter 587


    Chapter 587 Finally Married


    Meanwhile, the family was having a rtively pleasant meal at the Moore residence.


    What surprised Avery the most was Allie not nitpicking and harshly insulting her like usual at each


    meal.


    Allie''s eyes, which looked like Cayden''s, were filled with hatred as she often nced at Avery.


    However, she could only re at Avery, not daring to say a word to insult thetter.


    Avery was confused.


    Cayden and Avery sent the twins to school after the meal.


    After dropping off the children at their destination, Cayden turned the car around and drove toward


    Bahlemia Street, which Avery was familiar with.


    As the road led to the bustling city center, it was very congested despite being wide.


    Especially since it was the weekend, it wasmon for traffic jams to ur on that road.


    Avery sat in the passenger seat and patiently stared at the traffic light with Cayden.


    Initially, she thought he would bring them back home.


    However, she got curious when she saw they were on the familiar congested road. ¡°Cayden, it''s too


    congested here. Why aren''t we using the freeway?¡±


    Although it was a further journey to return home using the freeway, it would have been much faster


    than the congested Bahlemia Street. They could have saved half an hour on the road.


    Cayden turned to look at Avery, his eyes meeting her beautiful ones. Instead of answering her


    question, he replied, ¡°There''s somewhere I''d like to take you.¡±


    Avery did not expect that he would keep her in suspense.


    However, she quietly leaned back into her seat when she remembered that he would never do


    something without a purpose.


    As they slowly moved through the traffic, they finally arrived at City Hall. Avery was frozen in shock as


    she stood before the building''s entrance.


    Did Cayden bring me here to register our marriage?


    Realizing his intentions, Avery stuttered, ¡°A-Are we going to register our marriage? W-Why didn''t you


    tell me earlier? I didn''t take my ID card or my household registry...¡±


    Cayden linked fingers with her and stared at her helpless expression. ¡°Don''t worry. I brought


    everything.¡±


    With that, he held up the ck document file in his other hand to show her.


    Figuring out that he hade prepared, Avery was pleased despite herining, ¡°Registering our


    marriage is an important matter. Why couldn''t you have told me about it earlier?¡±


    Cayden lowered his gaze to the slight bump of her stomach. A smile appeared on his lips as he gently


    replied, ¡°We''ve dyed it for such a long time. We should''ve registered our marriage ages ago. I want


    our child to have a proper identity when born.¡±


    Avery felt warmth spread across her chest.


    However, she purposely twisted his words to tease him. She awkwardly said, ¡°I knew it. You''re in a rush


    to register our marriage because of this child...¡±


    Perhaps that was how all women were¡ªsoft-spoken yet contradicting. Despite being spoiled by their


    lover, they often still have insecurities and lose confidence. They must receive a guarantee from their


    lover to feel at ease.


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Cayden leaned over and stared at Avery. ¡°Silly girl. You know exactly why I''m willing to register our


    marriage. Putting our marriage aside, I can assure you that I have had zero female friends since Zach


    and Rory were born. Is that not enough to prove my love for you?¡±


    Avery lowered her gaze and smiled.


    However, when she noticed that Cayden was wearing a dashing ck suit, she panicked because she


    herself was wearing casual clothes. ¡°If I had known we wereing to register our marriage, I


    would''ve cleaned up and worn something nicer. I only washed my face this morning. I didn''t even put


    on any makeup...¡±


    While registering marriages, wedding photos would be taken. It was said that they would only have one


    chance to take the photo at City Hall. Plus, the staff would not edit the photo to make them look good.


    Avery was worried as she reached up to touch her face. She felt that the photo would end up looking


    bad because she had no makeup on. She was even more worried that she would look undeserving of


    him in their wedding photo.


    After all, wedding photos were a once-in-a-lifetime thing. She did not want to do it half-heartedly.


    Cayden grinned. He wrapped his arm around Avery''s waist and gently kissed her forehead. ¡°To me,


    you are the most beautiful woman in the world. It doesn''t matter if you put on makeup or not.¡±


    He had not told her the date they would register their marriage because he wanted to surprise her.


    It was the sixth of June, a favorable date to get married. Hence, many people were at City Hall.


    However, the most eye-catching ones were Cayden and Avery.


    That was because their appearance and the aura they emitted were incredible, attracting the attention


    of many.


    The pair was good-looking, and even the staff were more enthusiastic about helping them than the


    other couples who had arrived before them.


    Cayden and Avery did not pull any strings or receive any special treatment. They wanted to go through


    and experience the normal process of registering their marriage like every other couple.


    One of City Hall''s staff took a marriage application form for the pair to fill in. He then enthusiastically


    guided them to the next room to take their wedding photo.


    Many were queueing to take wedding photos, so Cayden and Avery had to wait longer. Despite that, it


    only took a few minutes for their picture to be taken.


    After the photo was printed, Avery held it close to her face and stared at it. It could be because she and


    Cayden were good-looking. That was why their photo turned out to look incredible.


    In the photo, Cayden looked elegant and dignified while she looked beautiful and graceful. Standing


    together, they seemed to radiate an indescribable harmonious beauty.


    Afterward, they went to the grand hall to proceed with their marriage certificate.


    A female staff took the documents that Cayden and Avery passed her. She carefully went through each


    document and madeparisons.


    However, she was in disbelief and looked up to nce at Avery when she saw Avery''s divorce


    certificate.


    She was baffled. How did Avery, a woman who was stepping into her second marriage, manage to find


    an excellent and admirable husband like Cayden? Plus, this is her husband''s first marriage.


    Avery could care less about the female staff''s reaction. She still had a smile on her lips, not caring


    about the female staff''s strange look.


    Cayden and Avery thought it was okay if only they knew the truth of their rtionship. They did not


    need or want to waste time and effort exining to others.


    Perhaps the female staff was used to seeing situations like this. She put away her shock and


    composed herself as she reviewed the documents. After making sure there were no problems, she


    stamped their certificates.


    She then passed two marriage certificates to Cayden and Avery. She had on a professional smile and


    said, ¡°Mr. Moore, Ms. Rumpley, from now on, you two are legally husband and wife. Congrattions! I


    wish you happiness and an evesting marriage!¡±


    ¡°Thank you!¡± Avery eximed happily as she took the marriage certificate.


    Cayden also nodded politely to the female staff, thanked her, and wrapped his arm around Avery''s


    waist as they got up and left.


    The female staff stared at the way Cayden spoiled and protected his wife. She was a little envious of


    Avery when she saw the tender and loving look that Cayden gave Avery.


    It''s evident that this man loves his wife very much.


    She suddenly felt that the woman named Avery was blessed. Even if she was stepping into her second


    marriage, she had such a good husband. Regardless of her appearance or aura, the power and status


    behind the man were stunning. It was strong enough to shut anyone''s mouth from running.


    How much luck would I require to meet such a fine man and be showered with his unconditional love?

 Chapter 588

    Chapter 588


    Chapter 588 Fluttering Heart


    Avery was in a daze the entire time as she walked out of City Hall with the brand-new marriage


    certificate in her hands.


    We''re finally married. We''re now a legally wedded couple.


    Cayden turned around to look at her.


    Although it was noon, the weather was quite pleasant. The sky was slightly cloudy, providing them with


    a cool respite from the heat.


    asionally, a breeze would ruffle Avery''s hair, causing strands of hair to dance across her face.


    Cayden could not resist the urge to tuck a wisp of Avery''s hair behind her ear.


    His long and slender fingers were like a painter''s brush as he gently traced them across her brows and


    eyes.


    Like a blooming flower, the sweet smile on her face unfurled and filled Cayden''s heart to the brim.


    Even if I traveled far and wide and experience a riot of colors, I would never get tired of looking at


    Avery. She makes my heart flutter every single time I look at her.


    At the thought, he suddenly hugged his pregnant wife and spun in a circle. He smiled from ear to ear as


    he stared at her. ¡°Avery, we''re married now. We''re now a legitimate couple.¡±


    Flushing, Avery hugged his neck in embarrassment when she noticed the people around them staring.


    ¡°Let me down! I must be heavy.¡±


    Cayden continued to carry her and headed for the parking lot. Chuckling lightly, he said, ¡°You''re not


    heavy at all. In fact, I think you''ve lost some weight. We should get Lorraine to prepare you more


    nourishing food when we return.¡±


    Smiling bitterly, Avery could only swallow her objections.


    She gazed at Cayden''s face, marveling at how the top-tier and superior man had be her husband


    today.


    His face was exceptionally handsome, and it exuded youth and vigor.


    When he narrowed his mesmerizing eyes, they looked cold and harsh, but he gazed at her with such


    tender love and affection.


    ¡°I don''t know how many women will run after you in the future,¡± Avery said as she looked at him with a


    soft smile.


    Cayden grinned. ¡°I''ll make sure I take care of every single one of them.¡±


    After looking around the parking lot and seeing that they were alone, Avery slid her hands into


    Cayden''s shirt. Her hands were like eels as they slipped past the gap where Cayden had left two of his


    shirt buttons undone and ced them firmly on his chest.


    Cayden sucked in a sharp breath as he stared at her. Through gritted teeth, he muttered, ¡°Behave


    yourself, or I''ll¡ª¡±


    Hugging his neck, Avery replied, ¡°We''re legally married...¡±


    ¡°I''ll teach you a lessonter on.¡± Cayden lowered his head and kissed her.


    Spotting his car, he used the remote to unlock the doors and turned on the car''s air conditioning.


    Cayden was eager to devour Avery whole.


    He strode toward the car with Avery in his arms. After opening the car doors, he carefully ced her in


    the passenger seat.


    The air conditioning had already expelled the heat and it was pleasantly cool inside the car.


    Cayden entered the car himself and shut the door with a thud. Leaning over, he brought Avery into his


    embrace and began to kiss her fervently.


    Breathing heavily from the kiss, Avery gazed at the naked desire reflected in his eyes. She touched his


    skin which was taut with emotion and felt as if Cayden was close to taking his own clothes off. Bashful


    and somewhat angry, she said, ¡°I''m already in this state and you still wish to ravish me...¡±


    Cayden had only intended to scare her a little. In the end, he just embraced her tenderly.


    Chuckling in a low voice, he hugged her and rubbed his fingers over her delicate lips. ¡°Who was the


    one who seduced me earlier on? Hmm? You changed your tune so quickly.¡±


    Tilting her head, Avery gazed at his amused look. His eyes were filled with endless love and tolerance.


    She bit her lip, finally feeling more at ease as she quietly nestled in his arms.


    Avery felt incrediblyfortable in his embrace. She detected a faint scent of pine, and it made her


    want to linger there forever and never resurface.


    Cayden pressed her head against his chest and muttered in a low voice, ¡°Behave yourself, or I''ll have


    to continue teaching you a lesson.¡±


    Avery hugged Cayden''s waist and nuzzled her face against his chest. She whispered, ¡°We just got


    married, but you''re already threatening me. Are you going to be more aggressive as time


    passes?¡±


    Cayden couldn''t hold back hisughter. ¡°You''d better treat me well if you don''t want that to happen.¡±


    ¡°Mmph...¡± Avery hugged his waist and looked into his obsidian eyes. She considered the matter


    seriously and said, ¡°Cayden, I''m truly grateful to have met you. We''ve been together for so long and


    you''ve always treated me well. No one else has ever treated me as well as you do. Sometimes I really


    don''t know how I can ever repay you. As you know, I''m not very good with sweet words.¡±


    Cayden wrapped his arms around her tenderly. ¡°Silly girl. I cherish and love you so much. I don''t need


    you to repay me at all. If you are happy, I will be happy too. Promise me you''ll always stay with me for


    the rest of our lives and never leave me no matter what happens. This is the greatest reward you can


    bestow upon me.¡±


    ¡°Mm.¡± Reassured, Avery felt blissful as she nestled into his arms.


    Although their embrace appeared to be no different from usual, it was distinctly different.


    Their intense love for each other that could never be diminished was still the same, but the only


    difference was they had tied the knot. Hence, they would move forward as a couple from now onwards.


    ...


    Meanwhile, after finding out that Evangeline may be their biological daughter, William and ire


    hurriedly brought the former to the hospital and secretly took a DNA test.


    The hospital that carried out the test was a reputable public hospital in Ackleton.


    Thanks to William''s identity which provided them with special privileges, the entire process was hassle


    free.


    The person who oversaw the test was the chief physician of theboratory.


    d in branded women''s clothing and expensive jewelry, Evangeline was well-behaved and


    cooperated as they took the test.


    ire was heartbroken when she noticed how Evangeline was not used to the luxurious clothing.


    The chief physician obtained a few strands of ire''s and Evangeline''s hair and instructed the nurse to


    take the samples to theboratory.


    In order to ensure the uracy of the test results, the couple took the doctor''s suggestion and had


    their blood and Evangeline''s taken.


    ire waited until the nurse carried the samples into theboratory before impatiently asking the chief


    physician, ¡°Dr. Sollo, when will theb resultse back?¡±


    Felix replied respectfully, ¡°Mr. Lambert and Mrs. Lambert, theb results will be avable tomorrow at


    thetest.¡±


    William nodded in response. ¡°Okay. Dr. Sollo, please inform us at the earliest opportunity.¡±


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    Following that, the members of the Lambert family left the room.


    Just as they reached the entrance of the hospital, Nicole bumped into her manager, Wendy.


    Using Wendy as an excuse, Nicole told her parents and Evangeline to head back first while she kept


    her managerpany during her checkup.


    ¡°You mustn''t stay out toote.¡± ire was constantly concerned about Nicole. She was worried that


    Nicole would feel dejected after discovering that Evangeline was her biological daughter.


    ¡°Okay, Mom,¡± Nicole replied meekly. She waited for her parents and Evangeline to put some distance


    between them before quickly donning arge pair of sunsses. She then hurried into the chief


    physician''s office.

 Chapter 589

    Chapter 589


    Chapter 589 A Confused Avery


    Nicole''s heels clicked against the floor as she made her way into Felix''s office and shut the door behind


    her.


    Her movements were graceful as she sauntered over to his desk. Slowly, she removed her sunsses


    as Felix gaped at her in surprise.


    ¡°Ms. Lambert, how may I assist you?¡± Felix asked as he straightened his back and put on his sses.


    With a smile, Nicole retrieved a check for ten million from her pink handbag and slid it toward him.


    ¡°I require your assistance with something, Dr. Sollo,¡± she said.


    Felix''s heart sank as a sense of foreboding filled him despite her sweet smile. ¡°What can I do for you,


    Ms. Lambert?¡± he asked, knowing that her request would not be a pleasant one.


    As expected, his heart went cold upon hearing her words.


    ¡°I need you to manipte the DNA report you conducted for Evangeline so that it matches my parents''


    DNA. It should be an easy task for you, right? You know what I mean, Dr. Sollo. I heard that you just


    purchased a new mansion and could use some extra funds. This check is a small gift from me to you.¡±


    Felix abruptly stood up, causing his sses to slide down his nose.


    He chided righteously, ¡°Ms. Lambert, this is against my professional ethics. I will do no such thing. You


    know very well who your father is. The professional career that I have built up over the years will be


    ruined if he finds out that I rigged the report. Please take your cheque away, Ms. Lambert. I will not go


    against my conscience to ept this ck money even if I need extra funds.¡±


    Nicole''s lips curved into a wicked smile as she stared at Felix. ¡°How bold of you to say that, Felix. I


    hope you don''t regret itter,¡± she taunted. With deliberate intent, she walked past his desk and stood


    before him, her fingers already working to tear her blouse apart.


    Her v-neck off-shoulder sleeveless top revealed part of her cleavage, and as she ripped her top apart,


    little was left to the imagination.


    ¡°W-What are you trying to do?¡± Felix tried to stand up as he watched on warily, but Nicole forced him


    back into his seat.


    Despite his efforts, he was no match for her due to his advancing age.


    Straddling him, she started to unbutton his dress shirt, her hands moving with swift purpose, revealing


    his small t chest.


    ¡°You''re shameless!¡± Felix shouted as anger and humiliation surged through him.


    He forcefully pulled Nicole''s hands away from him in a desperate attempt to throw her off of him.


    Nicole began to rub her chest against Felix''s, her actions growing increasingly aggressive. She leaned


    in and whispered into his ear, ¡°Felix, I know you''re concerned about your future and what could happen


    if this gets out. But if you don''t do what I say, I''ll make sure your reputation is ruined right here and now.


    What do you think will happen if I shout for help and tell everyone you''re trying to rape me?¡±


    ¡°You''re threatening me,¡± Felix said shakily. He tensed up, his mind racing.


    Nicole grinned, poking at his chestzily. ¡°How could you say that? I''m paying you good money right


    now, Felix. Don''t be so boring. You have two options, take the money and do as I say, or have your


    reputation destroyed. You''re a smart man. You know what to do.¡±


    He couldn''t believe he was being threatened by a woman younger than his daughter.


    How is it that everyone describes the daughter of Mr. Lambert to be well-educated and graceful? She''s


    so maniptive and cruel. How disgusting!


    Felix''s face twitched, and he shook with anger.


    Despite his disgust, Felix ultimately gave in as he thought of his future, his daughter who he was about


    to send abroad, and his othermitments.


    In the end, his desires overcame his rationale. With shaky hands, he reached for the check. ¡°Okay. But


    you have to promise to keep this a secret,¡± he said, feeling defeated.


    Nicole removed herself from Felix''sp and slowly straightened her top to appear more presentable.


    ¡°You''re a smart man, Dr. Sollo. We''re in this together now, so don''t worry. Why would I betray you for


    no reason?¡±


    Felix''s eyes squeezed shut as he struggled to contain his fury. The bulging veins on his forehead were


    a clear sign that he was seething with rage.


    Nicole sneered, grabbed her handbag, and made her way toward the door.


    However, just as she was about to leave, she turned around, removed her butterfly hair clip, and


    pointed it at Felix. ¡°Oh, I almost forgot to mention, Dr. Sollo. This butterfly hair clip of mine is actually a


    mini video camera that has recorded our entire conversation just now. So don''t you dare try to y


    games with me! If you don''t give me what I want, I guarantee your reputation will be destroyed. You


    won''t be able to find work in the medical industry ever again.¡±


    Felix turned pale at her words.


    With that, Nicole left with a satisfied smirk.


    She had made it clear to Felix what the consequences would be if he dared to defy her. She believed


    that he wouldn''t dare betray her, as she preferred her adoptive parents to think of Evangeline as their


    biological daughter rather than Avery who she despised.


    Meanwhile, at Trident Group, the design department weed a new employee on Monday,


    Evangeline.


    Trevor personally made sure that Evangeline was settled in the design department, as Xavier had


    requested.


    Evangeline officially became part of the design department after a weing ceremony was held for


    her.


    Avery was also delighted to have Evangeline on board.


    After all, she wouldn''t have been able to clear her name so easily if it wasn''t for Evangeline''s testimony


    when she was falsely used of cheating during the exam.


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    However, she couldn''t help but notice how Evangeline''s appearance had transformed in just a few


    days.


    While she had looked stylish during the exam, her clothes seemed cheap, possibly bought online. But


    now, she was dressed head-to-toe in expensive clothing, even sporting diamond earrings. Avery


    thought she looked like a real socialite now.


    Despite her initial surprise at Evangeline''s sudden transformation, Avery was not one to judge a book


    by its cover.


    She was open to befriending anyone with good character.


    Turning to Evangeline, who was seated beside her, Avery greeted her enthusiastically. ¡°Wee to the


    design department, Evangeline. I''m so happy we''re colleagues now and that you''re seated next to me.


    If you need any help in the future, don''t hesitate to ask.¡±


    ¡°Sure, of course.¡± Evangeline nodded enthusiastically as she surveyed the design department.


    What a fantastic work environment. Trident Group really is impressive. This ce is so much better


    than my previouspany.


    She never expected tond such an incredible job simply by testifying for Avery in front of the


    examiner.


    However, as Evangeline thought about Avery''s husband, Cayden, she felt a surge of jealousy.


    How did such an exceptional man like Cayden end up with someone as ordinary as Avery

 Chapter 590

    Chapter 590


    Chapter 590 Kind And Empathetic


    Although Evangeline felt disgruntled, she could still think rationally.


    She was aware that the only reason she was able to snag this job was because of Avery.


    Otherwise, she would have definitely been eliminated if she were to apply for a job at Trident Group


    based on her own capabilities, even if she was an undergraduate from an elite university.


    Yeah... I know where I stand. After all, Trident Group''s talent selection system is almost harsh to the


    point of being abnormal. The minimum education level for applicants is a master''s degree, so that


    means I can''t even pass the first round.


    With that thought in mind, she couldn''t help but think of how lucky she was.


    Just as Avery was working diligently, Evangeline found herself inadvertently ncing at her from time


    to time.


    She wondered what kind of charm this average-looking woman before her had that made the national


    heartthrob, Cayden Moore, marry her.


    While Evangeline''s imagination was running wild, some gossip-loving colleagues in thepany


    started whispering about her.


    One of them said, ¡°Hey, do you know what''s the background of the neer, Evangeline? She must


    have something special about her for Mr. Dartsley to bring her in himself.¡±


    Her other colleague replied, ¡°I have no idea, but it seems like her qualifications don''t really meet our


    company''s recruitment requirements. Could she have been specially recruited?¡±


    Another colleague chimed in, her tone dripping with a hint of disdain, ¡°Who knows? To be honest, in the


    few years I''ve worked at Trident Group, this is the first time I''ve seen an undergraduate employee.


    Besides, if you look at her work experience, it said that she worked at apany named Prosperity


    Construction before. I''ve never even heard of thatpany''s name, so I bet it must be a small


    company. Even if they are specially selecting talent, they should have opted to select frompanies


    that are on par with us. I wonder how did an employee from such a smallpany catch the attention


    of the human resources department?¡±


    Due to the fact that the HR department would send a wee email to all employees'' work mailboxes,


    which would include the new employee''s photo, graduation school, the field of expertise, as well as


    their previous work experience every time Trident Group hired a new employee, nothing was hidden.


    This was also why the employees in the design department couldn''t help but makements about


    Evangeline after seeing her information.


    Although those gossipmongers tried their best to speak softly, Evangeline still heard their every word


    and found their whispering to be grating to her ears, making her wish she could tear those women''s


    mouths apart.


    Naturally, Avery also heard them.


    She put aside her current task before dragging her heavy body and moving toward where Evangeline


    was sitting.


    She then handed thetter a few copies of thepany''s internal design materials before patting her


    on the shoulder with a smile. ¡°Evangeline, these are some of thepany''s internal files. Take a look


    at them first and get yourself familiarize with our workflow as soon as possible. As for those gossip in


    thepany, just pretend you didn''t hear them and treat them as jokes. To be honest, when I first


    came to Trident Group, I also suffered from various rumors, but as time goes by and you prove your


    ability, they won''t dare to say anything anymore. In Trident Group, any form of verbal dispute is just a


    waste of time, and your capability determines your strength. I believe you''ll do a great job.¡±


    Evangeline looked at her gratefully, but there was still a hint of disappointment on her face when she


    said, ¡°Thank you, Avery. You''re probably the only one in thepany who actually wees me.¡±


    Although Evangeline''s previous employer, Prosperity Construction, was a small private enterprise, she


    served as a design manager there and was used to giving orders to others. As such, there was no way


    she could tolerate others criticizing her.


    Nheless, she could only start over from the bottom as a regr employee once she joined Trident


    Group.


    Even though her sry almost doubled, she still lost her former sense of superiority, which was a huge


    change for her to get ustomed to.


    Avery whispered in her ear, ¡°Don''t think too much about it. It''s normal to have an adjustment period


    when you firste to a newpany. Once you get through this period, everything will get better.


    Everypany has employees who like to gossip, so just ignore them. They can say whatever they


    like, after all. We just need to focus on doing our work. Besides, I''m not the only one who wees


    you to thepany. Trevor, Cecelia, and Nina are happy about you joining thepany too, aren''t


    they?¡±


    In response, Evangeline raised her head and nced toward where the head of the design


    department, Trevor, Cecelia, and Nina were sitting.


    Perhaps sensing her gaze, the three of them looked up from their work in unison and met her slightly


    uneasy eyes with a kind smile.


    Evangeline suddenly felt a sense of relief coursing through her.


    When she turned to look at Avery, who was still smiling at her, she seemed to have a little


    understanding of why Cayden had married her.


    I guess it''s only natural that a woman who is so kind and empathetic, with a gentle and graceful


    temperament that is akin to a blooming flower, to have any man fall head over heels for her. That being


    said, I''m actually not too bad myself...


    Evangeline touched the valuable bracelet that Nicole gave her and thought about the DNA results that


    would be avable that day. She then imagined the possibility that she might be William''s daughter as


    an inscrutable expression spread across her face.


    If I really turn out to be a wealthy heiress, I''ll be able to go from rags to riches. Not to mention how my


    previously miserable and impoverished life will undergo an earth-shattering transformation!


    When Avery saw that Evangeline seemed to have calmed down a lot, she returned to her seat.


    Just when she was about to start working, Belle, who was dressed in a well-fitted suit, came over with a


    steaming hot drink that smelled of milk.


    Being one of the four secretaries of Cayden, thetter was a tall and beautiful woman with exceptional


    work capabilities.


    Due to her mixed-race background, she would turn heads no matter where she went as she had


    exquisite features coupled with her naturally gifted devilish figure.


    The moment Belle walked into the design department, all the male colleagues started staring at her


    with wide eyes. All their gazes were glued to her voluptuous figure.


    Curious, Evangeline asked a female colleague sitting next to her in a low voice and learned about the


    identity of the woman as the CEO''s secretary. She couldn''t help but narrow her eyes upon thatN?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    information.


    Avery sure is bold to allow such a stunner to stay at Mr. Moore''s side. Isn''t she worried that the two will


    develop feelings for each other over time? After all, men are creatures that think with their lower


    bodies.


    Evangeline knew all too well that affairs were most likely to happen between bosses and their


    secretaries in apany.


    The case is especially true when ites to a man as amazing as Cayden. I''m certain the secretary


    must have fantasized about him, so why isn''t Avery worried that she will try to seduce him? Is it


    because she has full confidence in Cayden? Or is she just too naive and doesn''t know the danger that


    could arise from having such a beauty around her husband?


    Just when Evangeline was deep in thought, Belle greeted Avery.


    She bent down and ced the hot drink in front of Avery before saying respectfully, ¡°Ms. Rumpley, this


    is the drink that Mr. Moore prepared for you. He said that you didn''t have a good appetite yesterday


    and didn''t eat much, so he specifically instructed me to make a cup of hot milk for you. Please enjoy it.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Belle.¡± Avery felt warm and fuzzy inside as she held the cup of hot milk in her hands.


    After shing her a charming smile, Belle walked away from the design department with elegant


    strides.


    Evangeline was stunned speechless as she watched all of this unfold. Good god! I can''t believe that


    the CEO dotes on Avery so much

 Chapter 591

    Chapter 591


    Chapter 591 All The Affection


    Cayden intentionally asked Avery to wait for him at the CEO''s office after work so they could leave


    together once he was ready.


    As such, Avery waited next to the CEO''s exclusive elevator to get to his office.


    Evangeline, Nina, Cecelia, and the rest of their colleagues took themon elevator.


    Evangeline observed Avery as she pressed the button that took her to the restricted floors and went


    into the elevator alone.


    The words ¡°CEO exclusive¡± in gold on the topmost floor of the elevator were so dazzling and stood out


    starkly.


    Although Block A of themercial building was huge and equipped with high-speed elevators on


    every level operating concurrently, it was still slightly crowded due to arge number of employees.


    Evangeline couldn''t help admiring Avery for being the only one who could use the CEO''s exclusive


    elevator freely.


    She tugged on Nina''s sleeve and whispered, ¡°Nina, I saw Avery using the CEO''s exclusive elevator. I


    wonder what is her rtionship with our CEO?¡±


    She was merely seeking confirmation for what she already knew.


    ¡°Avery is¡ª¡± Nina was about to speak when she was cut-off by Cecelia.


    Despite looking friendly, Cecelia had a calcting look as she assessed Evangeline. ¡°Everyone in the


    company knows that Avery is the CEO''s wife. That is why she has the right to use the CEO''s exclusive


    elevator. She and our CEO are in a very healthy rtionship where they already have three children.¡±


    ¡°I see. That exins it.¡± Evangeline pretended to be surprised upon hearing such information for the


    first time to conceal her disappointment.


    Cecelia cast Evangeline another nce at the odd look on her face, who smiled back awkwardly and


    retreated into a corner to minimize her presence.


    Evangeline sensed how sharp Cecelia''s eyes were. It was as if she were a detector capable of


    divulging her secrets.


    Just then, the elevator had reached their floor.


    Evangeline hurriedly urged her two colleagues on, ¡°Let''s go. The elevator''s here.¡±


    She politely gave way to the pregnant Cecelia and Nina before getting on herself.


    Nina had a pretty positive impression of her new colleague as she had a sweet smile and was polite


    and graceful.


    However, Cecelia looked down and avoided her stare. Based on her experiences interacting with


    people of various personalities, Cecelia had a sixth sense that Evangeline''s quietness belied a


    scheming interior.


    Perhaps she might have been overthinking.


    By the time Cayden was done with his work in his office, he caught sight of Avery''s slender figure that


    had already fallen asleep on the couch.


    Her long hair concealed half of her face, and her curledshes twitched sporadically during her


    slumber, entrancing him.


    Cayden stood up from his office chair and went over to carry Avery from the couch. His face was ridden


    with guilt and heartache.


    He barely spent time with Avery as he was too busy with work. Since he knew that women tended to


    be more sensitive during pregnancy, he let her apany him to work as he worried her


    imagination would run wild if she were left alone at home.


    Doubt had taken root within him about whether it was the right decision after all.


    The sky waspletely dark by the time Avery awakened.


    She was greeted by the side of a familiar bedroom illuminated by the cozy light of a floormp.


    She rubbed her mildly sore temples and wondered how she''d managed to get home from her office.


    The innocentughter of children ying sounded vaguely from the direction of the living room.


    Avery made her way downstairs.


    The housekeeper was preparing dinner while the twins were ying with a remote control toy ne,


    and Cayden was reading the newspaper''s business section on the couch.


    ¡°Good evening, Mommy,¡± the two children greeted Avery at her appearance before quickly resuming


    their study of the toy ne.


    Cayden put down his newspaper. ¡°You''re awake. Did you have a good rest? Dinner''s almost ready.¡±


    Avery took her ce beside Cayden and said apologetically, ¡°Although I did mention waiting for you to


    finish work, I fell asleep in the end. I have no clue why I was so sleepy... ¡°


    Cayden rested his hand on her stomach, his chiseled face alight with mirth. ¡°It''s not your fault. Perhaps


    our third child is azy bum. That''s why you are affected too.¡±


    Avery grinned. ¡°The baby wouldn''t be pleased to hear you say this.¡±


    She immediately felt a kick in her stomach the moment she finished speaking. It was as if the infant


    could hear what she''d said.


    Cayden could sense the baby''s ¡°fury¡± despite being separated by ayer of skin.


    ¡°What a vengeful little fellow,¡± Cayden dered firmly.


    ¡°What does the baby know? He''s still so tiny.¡± Avery chuckled as she rubbed her belly and murmured


    words offort to the baby before it stopped kicking.


    Dinner was served soon enough. The four-course meal with soup on the side was simple and


    nutritious. They were all Avery''s favorite dishes.


    Rory sat between Cayden and Avery whilst they were taking their meal.


    She blinked her limpid eyes after taking several mouthfuls of pasta and giggled. ¡°Mommy, I got first


    ce in the city-level artpetition. Can you apany me and Zachary to school as there''ll be a


    prize-giving ceremony for the winners?¡±


    ¡°Did I hear it right? You got first ce?¡± Avery eximed. She ced her cutlery on the table and


    affectionately squeezed Rory''s cheeks proudly. ¡°What a wonderful daughter I''ve got. Of course, I''ll go


    with you tomorrow.¡±


    Rory offered Avery a spoonful of her favorite dish. ¡°Thank you, Mommy.¡±


    ¡°Well done, Rory. Keep up the good work.¡± Cayden fondled Rory''s head dotingly.


    Zachary, on the other hand, continued eating his meal daintily and was the mirror opposite to his


    sister''s excitement.


    He had been the recipient of many awards from the time he was in kindergarten and it was nothing


    special to him.


    He didn''t deign to announce that he''d won a prize this round.


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    The Lambert residence was a hive of activity as almost the entirety of the Lambert family had gathered


    there.


    This was because the results of the DNA test had been released, proving that Evangeline was indeed


    William''s biological daughter.


    Evangeline would be weed back to the family this evening.


    ire nned to inform all the rtives of the Lambert family about it before holding a banquet, in


    which they''d publicly announce Evangeline''s true identity in a few days.


    The Lambert residence was decked in a festive mood. Evangeline''s room was specially designed to


    look cozy and splendid.


    Nicole observed the changes in the household detachedly.


    Evangeline was now the center of attention of all the elders of the Lambert family and was the sole


    recipient of their affection.


    George and Fiona kept fawning over and trailing her everywhere.


    They were overjoyed that their ¡°granddaughter¡± was still alive and had grown to be such an


    elegant and learned youngdy. It was as if they couldn''t help showcasing their love for her for all the


    world to see.


    Evangeline was garbed in a pristine white evening gown and had a dazzling smile on her face. Her


    shoulder-length hair was coiled and held in ce by an exquisite diamond tiara. She was the story of


    Cindere incarnate.

 Chapter 592

    Chapter 592


    Chapter 592 You Are Just An Impostor


    Just then, ire and William approached, with the former holding an exquisite jewelry box.


    Her eyes turned red as she had been crying for a long time, ever since the moment she received the


    DNA test results. She thanked God for enlightening her about her daughter''s existence. Thank you for


    helping me find my daughter while I''m still alive.


    As soon as Evangeline saw them, she warmly took ire''s arm and greeted, ¡°Mom.¡±


    She then turned to William and said, ¡°Dad.¡±


    The way she greeted them was so natural that ire could not help but wipe the tears of joy off her


    face. ¡°Oh, sweetheart...¡±


    William, who was typically serious and rarely expressed his emotions, was visibly moved. Everyone


    could tell he was extremely ted tonight.


    Evangeline was surprised to learn that she was William''s daughter. The news was such an unexpected


    blessing that it left her feeling dizzy with disbelief.


    She was still in a state of shock and struggling to process the news at that point.


    After steadying herself, ire handed Evangeline a jewelry box. ¡°Here''s a gift for you, Eva.¡±


    Evangeline opened the box and saw a stunning South Alendorian diamond ne.


    Having seen the ne in a jewelry magazine some time ago, she knew it was a limited-edition item


    with a staggering price tag. It was so exclusive that not everyone with the money could buy it.


    Never in a million years did she expect ire to give it to her.


    ¡°Mom, I-I can''t ept this gift. This ne is too expensive...¡± Suppressing her desire to own the


    exquisite ne, she gently shoved it back to ire.


    ¡°It''s a gift from your mom, so you should keep it. You deserve the best,¡± Fiona said affectionately while


    holding Evangeline''s hand.


    Fiona was pleased that they finally managed to find her long-lost granddaughter, but at the same time,


    she was a little dissatisfied with ire.


    Although she acknowledged that ire was an excellent daughter-inw in many ways, she could not


    help but feel unhappy about how she and William lied to her by telling her that her son was infertile. My


    son wouldn''t have given birth to Evangeline if he was infertile!


    Yet, ire did not notice theplicated expression on her mother-inw''s face.


    Seeing how mindful Evangeline was of her behavior, ire could not help but feel bad for her. She


    deserved the best in the world, but having grown up in poverty, she became timid andcked self-


    confidence. It''s my fault. It''s all my fault!


    ire took out the ne and put it around Evangeline''s neck. ¡°It looks good on you.¡±


    The stunning ne adorning her neck sparkled with exquisite luxury. With a shy smile, Evangeline


    expressed her gratitude. ¡°Thank you, Mom.¡±


    ire reminded her, ¡°If you need anything in the future, be sure to tell me. Don''t hold back, okay?¡±


    Evangeline hummed in response and nodded her head with excitement.


    While everyone rejoiced over Evangeline''s reunion with the family, they seemed to have forgotten


    Nicole, who was once the beloved golden child.


    She stood by the upstairs window, watching as William, ire, and Evangeline shared an intimate


    family moment.


    She could not help but feel upset, as no one noticed her absence from the celebration in the living hall.


    Nicole used to be the darling of William and ire, but now that their so-called biological daughter had


    returned, she felt like she was no longer as important to the family.


    That was a terrible feeling.


    Evangeline''s room had been arranged to resemble a princess'' chamber, with a warm and cozy


    countryside aesthetic.


    Pale pink silk curtains and beautiful wallpaper adorned the walls, while the windowsill was lined with


    dolls and stuffed animals that any girl would adore.


    Evangeline hopped into the soft bed with a joyful heart, still in disbelief that she was now a daughter of


    the Lambert family. She was so thrilled throughout the day that she almost felt lightheaded.


    Suddenly, someone opened her room door.


    Mistaking the visitor for ire, Evangeline sprang up from the bed, afraid of being caught looking


    unkempt. After straightening up and making sure she was presentable, she realized it was Nicole who


    had entered her room.


    Evangeline put down her guard, sat on the bed, and crossed her legs. She then gave Nicole a


    condescending look. ¡°Why are you still awake at this hour?¡±


    Before this, Evangeline had treated her with respect, but after she learned that she was William''s


    adoptive daughter, her attitude toward Nicole changed drastically. She''s just someone they adopted,


    but I''m the legitimate daughter of the Lambert family.


    She even felt Nicole''s existence at this point annoyed her. If she hadn''t existed, I would be enjoying all


    the privileges that rightfully belong to me.


    Nicole strode into the room with a smirk on her face and sneered, ¡°Seems like someone''s forgotten


    their manners after bing a Lambert for just one day. You don''t even have the decency to say hello


    to me anymore, huh? Your opportunistic behavior is truly disappointing.¡±


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Evangeline gave her a disdainful look and frowned. ¡°Can you just leave me alone? I want to rest now.¡±


    She felt Nicole had taken what rightfully belonged to her, so it was impossible for her to show any


    affection toward this so-called sister of hers.


    However, Nicole ignored Evangeline''s words. She took off her slippers, walked into the room, and


    stepped on thetter''s bed. ¡°Who do you think you are? How dare you speak to me like this? Do you


    really think this is your house?¡±


    Evangeline responded with a smug expression. ¡°Yes, of course. The DNA test results prove that I''m


    their biological daughter, unlike someone who''s just an adopted child. How pitiful!¡±


    Nicole shot daggers at her and tutted. ¡°Do you truly believe you were born with a silver spoon in your


    mouth, Evangeline? You''ve overestimated yourself!¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Evangeline straightened her back, feeling a sense of unease in her chest.


    ¡°You want to know what I mean? Why don''t you take a look at this DNA report!¡± With a deadpan


    expression, Nicole tossed a document in her direction.


    Evangeline reviewed the DNA report andpared her own gic markers with those of William and


    ire. When she realized she was not biologically rted to them, her face paled.


    She red at Nicole and said in a trembling voice, ¡°W-Where did youe up with this fake report?¡±


    Nicole responded with a haughtyugh. ¡°Do you think this report is fake? Listen carefully, this is the


    real DNA report! The report they saw earlier was fake! You''re just an impostor!¡±


    Evangeline shook her head in disbelief. ¡°I don''t believe it. I''m their biological daughter. You''re the


    impostor!¡±


    Nicole stood up. With an impassive look, she showed Evangeline a video of her threatening Felix.


    Evangeline was struck dumb after watching the entire video.


    That devastating blow almost caused her to crumble!


    She began to murmur like someone who had lost her mind, saying, ¡°N-No, how can this happen? It


    must be a mistake. T-That must be it. You made a mistake...¡±


    Nicole yanked on Evangeline''s hair and stared at her condescendingly. ¡°Look at your face. Do you think


    you look like my adoptive parents? Do you really think you''re the precious daughter of the prominent


    Lambert family? Stop fooling yourself. You''re nothing but a nobody, so quit pretending to be someone


    you''re not.¡±

 Chapter 593

    Chapter 593


    Chapter 593 Rory Takes After ire


    Nicole''s relentless insults caused a hint of embarrassment to manifest on Evangeline''s face.


    Earlier on, Evangeline was still in a blissful state and thought that things were starting to get better for


    her. Little did she realize that her happiness would be short-lived, and she was utterly shocked by the


    truth.


    It was only after a long while that Evangeline returned to her senses. She turned stiffly and looked at


    Nicole. ¡°You knew that I wasn''t rted to the Lambert family. Why, then, have you tampered with the


    paternity test? Nicole, what exactly are you up to?¡±


    Nicole replied ambiguously, ¡°For the past few days, you have seen with your own eyes how badly Mom


    wants to find her long-lost daughter. Unfortunately, she has been unable to locate her, and it upsets her


    mentally. In order to console Mom and keep the family intact, I lie to her.¡±


    Evangeline was still confused. ¡°But, why did you pick me in the end?¡±


    Nicole answered with a sneer, ¡°Do you really think that I want to choose you? You just happen to


    appear at the right ce at the right time. I suppose it''s your luck... Evangeline, let me warn you. Don''t


    think that you are the real daughter of the Lambert family just because you have be part of the


    family. You''re only a fake at best. You have no right to order me around! On the contrary, you will have


    to obey my instructions. Since I can let you rise to the top, I can also make youe back down! Don''t


    forget that!¡±


    Evangeline suppressed her anger and asked, ¡°What the hell do you want from me? What do you want


    me to do?¡±


    It was then Nicole got up and walked toward her. She fiddled with the exquisite ne on


    Evangeline''s neck before saying, ¡°This limited-edition ne is quite nice. There is only one piece in


    the entire Ackleton. Tsk! Mom loves you so much.¡±


    With that, Nicole gave the ne a hard tug, intending to pull the jewelry away from Evangeline''s


    neck.


    Evangeline quickly held on to her ne and refused to let go. ¡°This ne has been gifted to me.


    You want to take it for yourself?¡±


    ¡°Do you really think you are the daughter of the Lambert family? Do you really think you have the right


    to enjoy such good treatment? Let me tell you something. Everything that you own in the Lambert


    family belongs to me, and that includes the ne!¡±


    ¡°No way!¡± Evangeline guarded the ne with her life and stared at Nicole with bloodshot eyes. ¡°This


    is my ne. Mom has given it to me. No one can take it away from me!¡±


    With a sneer on her face, Nicole grabbed a fistful of the woman''s hair and gave it a hard tug. ¡°What a


    stubborn fool you are, Evangeline! Say, why don''t I expose your real identity in front of Dad and Mom


    right now?¡±


    ¡°It hurts... Let go...¡±


    It hurt so bad that Evangeline began to tear up. She instantly paled upon hearing Nicole''s threats.


    ¡°Please, I beg of you. Please don''t tell them the truth. I will do anything you ask of me,¡± she pleaded.


    Although Evangeline had only stayed with the Lambert family for three days, she had fully experienced


    the luxury of being part of the high society. There was no need to worry about money, and she could


    buy whatever she fancied, not to mention the rise in her status.


    If she returned to the Gena family, it would mean that she would have to go back to the tough life she


    had before.


    Trying to get into Nicole''s good books, Evangeline removed the ne and gave it to her. ¡°You can


    have the ne. In the future, I will give you anything you want. Please keep it a secret for me.


    Please don''t expose my true identity...¡±


    Nicole snorted and snatched the ne away before ring at Evangeline. ¡°Hmph! I guess you have


    some sense.¡±


    When ire was passing by Evangeline''s room, she heard some voicesing from within.


    Worried that her daughter might not be used to living with the Lambert family, she knocked on the door.


    ¡°Eva, are you still awake? Who are you talking to?¡±


    She then opened the door and walked in.


    When she saw the two girls chatting and holding hands, ire began to rx.


    Nicole picked up a pillow and said softly, ¡°Mom, I was worried that Evangeline will feel uneasy here, so


    I came over to keep herpany.¡±


    Evangeline looked at Nicole''s face and couldn''t help making a mental remark. This woman is truly an


    actress. She''s perfect in her acting.


    True enough, ire bought Nicole''s story. She smiled dly and said, ¡°Nickie, you are such a good


    child. Evangeline is lucky to have a sister like you. It''s gettingte. You girls better rest early. Tomorrow,


    there is an award ceremony at International Elementary School. I will be the award presenter. Once the


    ceremony is over, I will take both of you shopping.¡±


    Evangeline''s eyes lit up when she heard the word ¡°shopping.¡±


    Nicole noticed that and sneered in her heart. Yet, she said sweetly, ¡°All right, Mom. You rest early too.


    Goodnight.¡±


    The moment ire left, Nicole threw the pillow aside and stopped her pretense. ¡°I''ll be making a move


    first. Remember what you say tonight. If not, I''ll make your life hell!¡±


    Evangeline pretended to look scared, but in truth, she was gritting her teeth.


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    B*itch! Nicole is just an orphan who is taken in by the Lambert family. We are almost the same. What


    gives her the right to lord over me?


    I''ll let her have her way for a few more days. Nicole has stayed in the orphanage before, and after


    working in the entertainment industry for so long, I''m sure I can find some dirt on her.


    If I find anything, I''m going to deal with her!


    The next day at International Elementary School, there was a group of adorable and beautiful ¡°swans¡±


    dancing ballet in the center of the lovely stage.


    The lead dancer was a girl who was around six years old. Her back was straight, and she looked like a


    beautiful little angel. It was as if she shone and was at the center of everyone''s attention.


    The little girl began to raise her arms and one of her legs to dance along with the music. She spun


    around and leaped into the air. Every one of her movements was urate and gentle at the same time.


    It was obvious she was a better dancer than the rest of the girls. The audience apuded her every


    now and then.


    Avery was seated among the audience, and she was pping so hard that her palms were turning red.


    She stared at Rory and could not believe that her own daughter was such an outstanding dancer.


    Avery knew nothing about dancing. Yet, Rory was so adept in ballet. I wonder who she takes after?


    Cayden?


    Avery shook her head. That man was a genius in business. However, he was clumsy when it came to


    dancing. Is Rory simply talented?


    ire, who was seated among the special guests, had been staring at Rory since the moment the child


    stepped onto the stage. The shock in ire''s eyes was as clear as day.


    The little girl who was leading the dance reminded ire of herself when she was a child, especially in


    the way she danced. ire couldn''t help but recall the days when she herself was training as a dancer.


    We look alike, so much alike!


    If it had not been for the fact that she was seated among the special guests and therefore had to be


    mindful of her image, ire would''ve walked onto the stage to get a look at the beautiful little girl.

 Chapter 594

    Chapter 594


    Chapter 594 Sweetheart Please Be Humble


    Once the opening act ended, the pair of charismatic hosts walked up onto the stage and presented


    their opening speech, ¡°Dear esteemed leaders and guests, we are honored to have you here with us


    today. Wee to the award ceremony of International Elementary School...¡±


    The moment the opening speech ended, the award ceremony began.


    Firstly, the students who won third and second prizes were awarded by their homeroom teachers and


    vice-principal.


    All of the students, who were being called onto the stage, were very excited.


    International Elementary School was the most well-known school in Ackleton. The students who


    studied there hailed from rich and powerful families.


    International Elementary School had better teaching resources, and even the teachers were more


    capable than the other schools. The students were bright as well. One could only imagine how hard it


    would be to stand out among the rest and be awarded in a school like that.


    All the prizewinners were thrilled, and their parents were equally proud of their offspring.


    Avery waited patiently for Rory to go onto the stage to receive her award. That was Rory''s first award.


    Once again, the female host spoke, ¡°Next, we will give out the prizes for the first prize winners. If your


    name has been called, pleasee up to the stage. Rory Moore from first grade, ss six...¡±


    Rory, who had already changed into her school uniform, walked onto the stage.


    She stood in the middle of the stage. That was her first time standing there alone with the hosts and


    looking down at the audience. She felt a little frightened. However, when she saw her mother, who was


    sitting in the third row, waving at her, Rory began to rx.


    The male host then said, ¡°Rory Moore''s artwork, titled ''The Mermaid in the Maze,'' has obtained first


    ce in the artpetition. Congrattions!¡±


    Rory''s artwork was carried up onto the stage by the female host.


    Through the scanner, her artwork was being broadcasted onto the huge screen. The audience could


    see everything clearly.


    The mermaid in the ocean looked very real, and the underwater pce also looked very majestic. It


    was as though the audience had been brought into the mysterious underwater world. As for the


    humans who were bombing the sea, they were equally well depicted.


    Her artwork brought about the apuse from the crowd.


    ¡°Rory''s drawing portrays the conflict between humans and nature. Humans have been exploiting the


    ocean and causingrge-scale pollution to the seas. The beautiful mermaid is hiding in the underwater


    pce, but her yearning for the ocean is evident. Even though she is in hiding, she cannot escape the


    noise pollution caused by human beings. All she can do is cover her ears. The sadness in her is clearly


    portrayed in her single drop of tears. The use of bright colors and the bold statement depicted in Rory''s


    artwork give us an astounding visual effect. Next, we shall invite Mrs. Lambert to present Rory with her


    prize...¡±


    ire, who was dressed in a white gown, rose to her feet and walked onto the stage.


    The audience could not help but secretly praise her for her well-maintained looks and elegant aura.


    Yet, there was an affinity about her that made people like her.


    ire bent down to take the trophy from the young host and handed it to Rory. ¡°Congrattions on


    winning first ce in the artpetition. I wish you all the best and hope you can present us with better


    artwork in the future.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. I will continue to work harder,¡± said Rory sweetly while beaming at ire.


    The girl''s adorable smile melted ire''s heart.


    She could not help bending down to pat the girl on the head.


    This little girl really reminds me of myself when I was young.


    Once the prize-giving for Rory was over, ire returned to her seat, but she still looked distracted.


    That child is so adorable and likable. If my biological daughter was married and had a child, the child


    will be around her age.


    ireughed at herself when her train of thought ended there.


    I''m getting more forgetful as I get older. I have just found Evangeline and don''t even have time to ask


    about her love life. Yet, I''m thinking about my future granddaughter.


    I must be going crazy.


    ¡°Now, for the most exciting part, Zachary Moore of third grade, ss one has been awarded six awards


    this time around. He has gotten first prize in the technological innovationpetition, Ustranasion


    competition, spacecraft modelpetition, and more... Let''s get Zachary toe onto the stage to


    receive his awards...¡±


    The host''s voice rang out and jolted ire back to her senses.


    When ire looked up, she saw a cool-looking boy walking up the stage. He had his hands in his


    pockets and was chewing gum in his mouth.


    In fact, he did resemble Rory quite a bit.


    Rory was adorable, but that boy was handsome.


    ire stared at him and realized that the first-prize winners were not only bright and intelligent, but they


    were also very good-looking.


    She then recalled that his family name was Moore too. Perhaps, he is Rory''s brother?


    All of a sudden, ire recalled Nicole telling her that Cayden had a pair of gorgeous twins when they


    were dating.


    ire loved children and wanted Nicole to bring the children home. Before that could happen, however,


    Nicole and Cayden broke up. As such, ire did not get a chance to meet the twins.


    At that moment, ire felt very excited. She had forgotten that their father was the one who had hurt


    her daughter. All she could think about was the two outstanding children.


    Since Zachary received so many awards, the female host ced the microphone in front of him and


    asked, ¡°Zachary, you have gotten the most awards today. Can you share with us some of your learning


    experiences?¡±


    It took Zachary a long while before he replied solemnly, ¡°I have nothing to share.¡±


    ¡°Then why are you always the best?¡± The host refused to give up.


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    Zachary answered, ¡°Maybe, the other students are too dumb.¡±


    The host was speechless, and so was Avery.


    Avery immediately covered her face with her hands. Zachary, even though you are smarter than other


    people, can you please be a little more humble?


    The audience was shell-shocked by what the bratty boy had said. However, when they thought of the


    awards that he had won, they had no choice but to ept his attitude. After all, those awards were the


    most prestigious in the entire country. Even money or power could not get a student those awards.


    ire, on the other hand, found Zachary hrious. She was not offended by his speech. In fact, she


    found him adorable!


    If I have a grandson like him, I will definitely spoil him rotten.

 Chapter 595

    Chapter 595


    Chapter 595 Biological Mother


    Seeing that the twins, Zachary and Rory, had both won the first prize and Zachary alone had won six


    awards, the host invited the twins and their parents to the stage to share their parenting methods with


    the other parents.


    Avery walked onto the stage while holding her pregnant belly.


    N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    The moment she arrived on the stage, the crowd gasped in astonishment. She''s so young! From her


    appearance alone, she looks like someone who has just graduated not long ago! She doesn''t look like


    a woman who''s about to have her third child!


    The female host helped Avery get onto the stage attentively and smiled before giving Avery a


    microphone. ¡°Nice to meet you, Ms. Rumpley. Zachary and Rory have been marvelous. As their


    mother, you must''ve done something right in educating them. Could you share your teaching methods


    with the parents present? Also, what expectations do you have for the children''s future?¡±


    ire frowned when she saw Avery. She still couldn''t bring herself to forgive Cayden and Avery for


    what they had done to Nicole. However, aplicated feeling rose within her when she saw Avery''s


    sess in parenting.


    From a neutral perspective, I must admit that Avery is an incredible woman. In fact, she''s even better


    than Nickie in terms of her capabilities at work, looks, and charisma. She seems worthy of Cayden, and


    theyplement each other perfectly. Nevertheless, after disappearing from the hospital for an entire


    day before reappearing again, Nickie seems to have returned to her senses. Unlike before, she''s no


    longer obsessed with Cayden. Nickie wouldn''t tell the truth, so I have no idea what happened. Still, my


    intuition tells me that Cayden must be involved.


    Avery saw ire sitting in the crowd. She shed a polite smile at ire and took the microphone from


    the host. ¡°Hello, everyone. I''m Zachary and Rory''s mother. I would like to thank the host and the


    teachers for giving us, the parents, a chance tomunicate with each other. Frankly, I''m surprised by


    what my children have achieved because I never emphasized anything in particr. Instead, I focused


    on letting them develop their interests so that they could discover the things they truly love. My son has


    a thing for numbers, and he has strong logical thinking and reasoning skills. My daughter, on the other


    hand, is talented at painting. I would encourage them to focus on developing those skills...¡±


    Avery spoke eloquently, and the crowd would apud her asionally. ire also couldn''t help but


    p for Avery. Well, no wonder Nickie always came second best. Avery is really a spectacr woman.


    After the awards ceremony, everyone walked out of the venue in an orderly manner.


    Due to how many people were at the scene that day, Avery was worried about her kids getting bumped


    into. She waited for the crowd to disperse before walking out with a child in each hand.


    Acting as a bodyguard, Jake followed closely behind them.


    Upon arriving at the entrance of the school, Avery bumped into ire again.


    ire was waiting for her driver to arrive at the entrance, holding her handbag.


    When ire saw Avery and her family, she nodded at Avery before looking at the twins with her loving


    gaze.


    Not only was Rory an extrovert, but she had also received her prize from ire during the ceremony.


    Rory let go of her mother''s hand and ran toward ire excitedly. ¡°Thank you for presenting me with the


    award.¡±


    ire squatted down to meet Rory''s gaze and tidied Rory''s hair. In a gentle tone, ire said, ¡°You''re


    wee, Rory. You''re incredible, and you deserve the recognition.¡±


    Avery was slightly nervous in front of ire because of Nicole. At that moment, she was having trouble


    coming up with things to say.


    Right then, she remembered ire had gone to the hospital for a body checkup. In a concerned tone,


    she asked, ¡°Mrs. Lambert, you went to the hospital for a body checkup the other day, right? Is


    everything okay?¡±


    ¡°It''s nothing serious. It''s just that my cholesterol was a little high. I''ll be fine if I watch my diet,¡± ire


    replied casually while pinching Rory''s cheek. Needless to say, she was enjoying it. I would love to have


    such a beautiful grandchild. Now that Nickie is back, I just need to find her a good husband. I should


    have a grandchild soon, right?


    That night, when Cayden returned from work, the housekeeper quickly approached him to get his coat.


    ¡°Where''s Avery?¡± Cayden changed into his house slippers and saw that Avery wasn''t in the living room.


    ¡°Mrs. Moore just went to the study,¡± the housekeeper replied.


    Cayden went to the study upstairs and saw no one inside after pushing the door open.


    However, the lights were on.


    Cayden froze momentarily and exited the study. ¡°There''s no one in the study,¡± he said to the


    housekeeper.


    The housekeeper, who was cleaning downstairs, was stunned. ¡°Mrs. Moore was waiting for you in the


    living room, and she just went to the study moments earlier. She said she wanted to look for some


    design materials. Perhaps she went back into the bedroom.¡±


    Hearing that, Cayden walked toward the bedroom.


    As soon as she opened the door, a person threw herself into his embrace.


    Upon catching a whiff of Avery''s scent, Cayden instinctively wrapped his arms around her. ¡°You''re so


    naughty!¡±


    Avery had been hiding behind the door to scare him.


    She wrapped her arms around Cayden''s waist and lifted her eyes at him. ¡°So? Did I scare you?¡±


    Cayden looked down and kissed her forehead. ¡°Yes, you did. I was scared about you falling! What


    would happen if I didn''t catch you in time?¡±


    Avery leaned against his chest coyly and said in a sweet tone, ¡°That''ll never happen because I know


    you''ll always catch me. Cayden, I''m so happy today. Our sweethearts are amazing! They basically won


    every award possible. You have no idea how jealous the other parents were of me. It''s such a shame


    you didn''t attend their awards ceremony.¡±


    ¡°Obviously, our kids are the best in the world. They''ll have all sorts of awards to collect in the future. I''ll


    attend their awards ceremonies then.¡± Cayden tidied Avery''s hair, and his gaze suddenly turned icy as


    he changed the topic. ¡°Ery, have you ever thought about locating your biological mother? Would you


    meet her if she stayed in the same city as you?¡±

 Chapter 596

    Chapter 596


    Chapter 596 Avery Deserves To Know The Truth


    Biological mother? Avery felt her heart thumping violently. While staring at Cayden intently, she asked,


    ¡°Are you saying that my biological mother is in Ackleton? H-Have you found her?¡±


    Avery had lived in agony every day when she thought she and Cayden were siblings. Eventually, she


    figured Allie wasn''t her biological mother and did a DNA test with Cayden.


    Although she had found out that she wasn''t rted to Cayden by blood, she still hoped to find her


    biological mother because she yearned for maternal love.


    Despite that, she had been keeping it to herself.


    Cayden looked back at Avery with his dark and determined eyes. ¡°I''ve indeed found your biological


    mother. In fact, you''ve also seen her a few times before.¡±


    He caressed her cheek and saw the anticipation and surprise in her eyes. On the other hand, one


    could hardly see emotions in his, but Avery sensed hesitation.


    That was because Cayden was indeed hesitating.


    Once Avery finds out who her biological mother is, many things will be revealed, including the


    unforgivable act my mommitted. What if Avery hates me after she finds out about the truth? What


    if ire objects to our rtionship? After all, I can''t expect a mother to ept that her child was


    swapped with a stillborn child. More importantly, ire almost went mad due to the pain of losing her


    child. Besides, I have a history with Nicole. Any rational parents will do everything they can to prevent


    me from continuing to date their daughter, even when Avery and I have already registered for ourProperty ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    marriage.


    Right then, Avery reached out and rubbed Cayden''s frown away. ¡°If I''ve found my biological mother,


    you should be happy for me, no? Why are you frowning?¡±


    Cayden hugged her and uttered in a deeper and hoarser voice than before, ¡°You have no idea how


    complicated your background is. I''m worried you will leave me after finding out about the truth. I''m


    afraid of losing you.¡±


    Avery looked at him in bafflement and teased, ¡°Why do you make my background sound so scary? I


    can''t help feeling uneasy now. Cayden, I promise I won''t leave you after discovering who my biological


    mother is, okay?¡±


    Cayden gazed at her silently and pushed her dark hair to the back, revealing her fair neck.


    On the lower part of her neck, he saw the hickey he had given her the day before.


    His gaze softened. However, he was still keeping mum.


    Avery was eager to know more about her biological mother, so she asked, ¡°Who''s my biological


    mother? You said I''ve seen her before, right? Is she one of my clients? Or...¡±


    Cayden tensed up when he heard that.


    I know Avery and ire look simr, but I never thought they were mother and daughter. Meanwhile,


    my mom yed a despicable role in their rtionship. If Avery finds out my mom is responsible for her


    miserable background, she will hate her. At the same time, ire isn''t on good terms with Avery


    because of what happened between Nicole and me. I know Avery has always been insecure


    throughout her life, so she needs to be loved. Yet, her mother-inw and biological mother are keeping


    her at bay for their own reasons. What if Avery can''t take it? Nheless, Avery deserves to know the


    truth.


    Cayden stroked Avery''s hair, walked toward his safety deposit box, and opened it. He took out a few


    documents and gave them to Avery. ¡°Here''s the truth. You''ll understand everything once you''ve gone


    through them.¡±


    Avery took the papers from Cayden. Although there were only a few sheets of paper, she couldn''t help


    but feel the immense weight the content carried.


    She went through the documents thoroughly.


    The more she read, the deeper her frown became, and she was gripping the documents so tightly that


    creases were left behind.


    Upon going through every word in the documents, Avery calmly ced the documents on the table and


    shed Cayden a smile. ¡°So, ire is my biological mother, and your mother brought this upon us,


    right?¡±


    Cayden took a deep breath, clenched his fist, and unclenched them. ¡°Yes.¡±


    Initially, Cayden didn''t want to tell Avery the truth because he knew Avery and his mother were already


    on bad terms. He was worried that Avery would hate his mother even more.


    However, Cayden also knew that nothing would stay hidden forever, and it was wrong to keep things


    from Avery.


    At that moment, Avery was in shock.


    Needless to say, she was in disbelief when she found out that ire was her biological mother.


    Although she was also filled with excitement, she forced herself to stay calm. No wonder I''ve always


    felt an inexplicable sense of kinship seeing ire. It turns out she''s my mother!


    Avery''s heart was filled with warmth when she recalled ire''s affectionate gaze when ire


    presented the prizes to Zachary and Rory.


    ¡°I don''t get it. Why did your mom send me to the Rumpley family discreetly?¡± Avery was confused.


    Cayden shook his head in response. With an inexplicable sense of mncholy, he replied, ¡°I don''t


    know. I''ll bring you back to the Moore residence tomorrow. We need to ask her.¡±


    Avery sensed that Cayden''s mood had obviously be gloomy, so she suppressed her own


    emotions and asked gently, ¡°Did you hesitate to tell me because you knew what your mother did?¡±


    Cayden avoided her gaze and sighed silently. ¡°Yes.¡±


    Avery turned his head toward her and looked into his gleaming eyes. With a bitter smile, she said, ¡°You


    and your mom are two different individuals. No matter how angry I am, I won''t direct my hatred for her


    toward you. Of course, I don''t know if I can ever forgive her for what she did, but I won''t put it on you.


    That, I''m sure of. It''s just that I might have a rough rtionship with your mom from now on...¡±


    Obviously, Avery would never forgive or forget what Allie did and act like nothing had happened.


    Cayden pulled Avery into his embrace and whispered emotionally, ¡°That''s all right. All that matters is


    we''re still together.¡±


    The next day, Cayden brought Avery back to the Moore residence. Before entering the house, they


    could already hear Allie arguing with Lily. They also heard Jeffrey shouting over them asionally.


    Cayden furrowed his brows in annoyance when he heard that. I had no choice but toe here today.


    Otherwise, I would never return to a house filled with arguments and resentment.


    In the living room, Allie was arguing with Lily over trivial matters.


    When Allie heard the door open, she turned right away and saw Cayden walking in. She was thrilled, to


    say the least. However, she quickly spotted the huge diamond ring on Avery''s ring finger.


    Allie felt her heart sink into her stomach when she saw that. Did Cayden go behind our backs to marry


    that woman?

 Chapter 597

    Chapter 597


    Chapter 597 No Use Objecting


    Allie felt displeased when she thought of the possibility that Cayden had registered his marriage with


    Avery and kept it a secret from Jeffrey and herself.


    However, she felt slightly relieved when she remembered that Jeffrey had hidden the household


    registry.


    Since Avery called off the engagement, Jeffrey had been upset with her. There was no way he would


    allow Cayden and Avery to register their marriage.


    Cayden hugged Avery as they sat on the couch in the living room. When he saw Jeffrey, he greeted


    him, ¡°Grandpa.¡±


    Jeffrey hummed in response. He nced at Avery''s bump, and his serious expression gradually


    softened. ¡°Her stomach is getting bigger. Did the doctor not mention when is the expected due date?¡±


    Cayden held Avery''s hand as he gently said, ¡°It''s around the twenty-sixth of October.¡±


    ¡°Since she''s about to give birth, she should stay home and rest. Don''t let her go to work anymore. It''s


    not like she would earn much money. It would be a huge loss if she lost the baby because of


    exhaustion,¡± Jeffrey said sarcastically, an unhappy expression on his face.


    However, Avery could hear the concern in his voice.


    She replied softly, ¡°Thank you for worrying about me, Old Mr. Moore. I''ll rest when it gets close to the


    due date. Cayden isn''t arranging much work for me at thepany, so it''s not tiring. I can still


    manage.¡±


    Allie snorted. ¡°How pretentious!¡±


    Lily picked up her coffee and red at Allie as she said calmly, ¡°Even if she''s putting on an act, at least


    she''s serious about doing work instead of being a parasite that relies on men, unlike some women who


    want to be mistresses and shamelessly ruin other people''s families. They''re nothing but wastrels.


    Just like those disgusting parasites...¡±


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    Allie turned to re at Lily. ¡°Lily Berry, who the f*ck are you referring to? Do you think I''m dead? Who


    do you want to me when you can''t hold onto a man''s heart? I''m warning you, you''d better watch


    what you say! Dad, look at Lily! Isn''t she just looking for trouble?¡± sheined to Jeffrey.


    Cayden leaned against the couch, furrowing his brows into a deep frown.


    Avery ced her hand on his thigh and gently patted him, trying to help ease his frustration.


    He lowered his gaze and grabbed Avery''s hand as he looked out the window to stare at the scenery.


    Jeffrey also felt his head ache when he heard the two women argue. He ced a cigarette between his


    lips and took a deep breath.


    He turned to look at his daughters-inw quarrel. Massaging his temples, he said, ¡°That''s enough. The


    children are all at home. You two better stop it!¡±


    Allie was dissatisfied. ¡°Dad, you saw it too. It''s always Lily who''s looking for trouble. She often criticizes


    and insults me. Is it wrong for me to defend myself? I know you''re protecting her, but you can''t be too


    biased all the time. Since Bruce left, my days in the Moore residence have been difficult. If it weren''t for


    Cayden, my capable child, Lily might''ve done much worse to me and destroyed my life...¡±


    Jeffrey trembled in anger. ¡°I can''t believe you would say that. What do you mean by your days in the


    Moore residence have been difficult since Bruce left? Did we not provide you with food to eat and


    money to spend? All these years, you''ve been living your life like a madam of the family. What are you


    not satisfied with? Would Bruce and Lily''s rtionship have gone downhill if you hadn''t squeezed


    yourself into their lives? Would Bruce have gotten into a car ident? She only said a couple of things


    to you. Can''t you just bear with her?¡±


    Allie was fuming at how Jeffrey was obviously taking Lily''s side.


    However, before she could go on a rampage, she heard Jeffrey criticize Lily, ¡°You should stop digging


    up those dark memories of the past... The children have all grown up. It''s time for Kendrick to get


    married too. You''re also at the age to be a grandma. We''re all people who have lived half a


    century. Can''t you put the past behind you? The dead have passed on. What use is there for you to


    continue being petty about it?¡±


    Lily was pissed. ¡°Dad, it''s not a matter of me being petty. It''s just that whenever I see Allie, I''ll


    remember the dirty thing she did with Bruce! I feel ufortable knowing that her illegitimate child is


    older than Kendrick by two years! Back then, the Moore family was in a financial crisis. If the Berry


    family hadn''t invested in the family, you would''ve gone bankrupt! My Kendrick is only twenty-eight years


    old, yet he''s just holding a small position in thepany. I refuse to let this slide...¡±


    Lily was plotting something.


    She wanted to take advantage of Jeffrey''s guilt toward herself so he couldpensate her by


    providing benefits for Kendrick.


    Since Jeffrey was still alive, she wanted to try her best to seek benefits for Kendrick. Once Jeffrey


    passed, most of thepany''s shares would fall into Allie and her son''s hands. By then, she wondered


    if Cayden would show them mercy instead of going to the extreme and getting rid of them.


    Allie pointed at Lily and gloated, ¡°What else can that useless son of yours do apart from ying around


    with women? He only knows how to y and have fun every day. Even if you gave him a fortune, he


    would lose all of it. Why would anyone want an incapable person like him to manage thepany?


    Who else to me except yourself for giving birth to such a useless son?¡±


    Lily was about to retort when she heard Cayden say to Jeffrey, ¡°Grandpa, Kendrick is learning to


    manage thepany now. He''s brilliant and makes fast progress. Plus, he''s now working in the sales


    department. Wait for him to mature a little more, and I''ll let him manage the entire sales department.¡±


    Jeffrey nodded in satisfaction. ¡°All right. You two are brothers, so you should love and help one another.


    Kendrick is very yful. As his older brother, you must be more proactive and teach him.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Grandpa.¡±


    The sales department was the literal core of everypany. For Cayden to hand over such an


    important department for Kendrick to handle, Jeffrey could tell that Cayden regarded Kendrick highly.


    Jeffrey''s biggest wish was to see the family at peace and his two grandsons joining hands to manage


    thepany.


    As for his two daughters-inw, he knew they would never be able to mend their rtionship. He only


    hoped they would stop arguing and turn a blind eye to whatever either of them had done.


    Lily finally calmed down after hearing Cayden''s words.


    Allie did not understand business, so she stopped trying to stir up trouble.


    All of a sudden, Cayden casually said something that made Allie mad. ¡°Grandpa, Mom, Avery and I


    have already registered our marriage, and we''re here to inform you about it. We''ll start preparing for the


    wedding when the child is born.¡±


    ¡°What? Cayden, you... Did you and this vixen really register your marriage?¡± Allie jumped from the


    couch. She was livid. ¡°That''s impossible! Where did you get the household registry?¡±


    Cayden wrapped his arm around Avery''s shoulders as he red at his mother. ¡°That''s none of your


    business. Mom, Avery is now your daughter-inw. There''s no use objecting to it.¡±


    Jeffrey nced at Avery''s protruding stomach once more. He furrowed his brows when he heard


    Cayden say that. However, he sighed, and his expression softened. No one knew what he was


    thinking.

 Chapter 598

    Chapter 598


    Chapter 598 Jealousy


    The mansion suddenly plunged into a deathly silence.


    Jeffrey knitted his brows but kept mum. He knew even if he were to hide the household registry away,


    his grandson would still find ways to retrieve it if he wanted to register his marriage.


    He had always wanted to interfere in his grandson''s marriage, just like how he did with his son Bruce in


    the past. He wanted to arrange a marriage that would benefit the family business.


    However, Jeffrey was aware that Cayden was a strong-willed individual with dominating traits, unlike


    his cowardly father, and thus, it would be challenging to manipte him.


    Additionally, Cayden had established himself as the new business titan of the younger generation,


    while Jeffrey himself was aging and bing more frail with each passing year.


    At that point, Jeffrey hade to the realization that it would be beneficial for his grandson to marry


    Avery, as he now held the belief that a married man would exhibit more responsibility.


    If he continued to get in the way of their marriage, it would only fuel Cayden''s rebellion since he and


    Avery had already had three children together.


    Since things hade to this point, he decided to let nature take its course!


    Allie sensed something was wrong when she noticed Jeffrey''s silence.


    Clenching her aching chest, Allie red at her son and reprimanded, ¡°Are you trying to drive me crazy?


    Even if you marry her, I''ll never acknowledge her as my daughter-inw. So forget about it! Cayden


    Moore, if you don''t want to drive me to my grave, you''d better go to the city hall and divorce her


    immediately!¡±


    Upon noticing the hatred in Allie''s eyes, Avery could not help but feel disheartened.


    She knew Allie had never been fond of her, but she never imagined her animosity toward her could be


    this intense. She took me away from my biological mother the moment I was born and made me live a


    dreary life. I don''t understand why she had such deep hostility toward me. And she didn''t even want to


    spare the life of a newborn!


    Feeling Avery''s unease, Cayden held her close and spoke firmly to his mother. ¡°I won''t divorce Avery. If


    you can ept that, then we don''t need to argue. But even if you don''t approve, it won''t change the


    fact that we''re married. Avery is my wife, and I won''t let her go.¡±


    Allie''s finger trembled as she pointed at Cayden and Avery. ¡°Cayden, are you willing to cut ties with


    your mother for this girl? She''s just an ordinary girl. Why are you so obsessed with her? Don''t you


    know she''s a jinx? If you marry her, she''ll drag you down with her sooner orter. You have a bright


    future ahead of you, so why can''t you start a family with another woman from a wealthy family?¡±


    Cayden stared at his mother with an impassive expression. He then stood up and walked up to her.


    ¡°Mom, there''s something I want to ask you. Let''s talk in private.¡±


    Allie scowled at Avery before storming upstairs with Cayden.


    ¡°Lorraine, I''m tired. Help me back to my room,¡± Jeffrey grumbled, too angry to even acknowledge


    Avery''s presence. With the assistance of the housekeeper, he made his way back to his room.


    At that moment, only Avery and Lily were left in the spacious living room.


    Lily''s gaze flickered to Avery''s belly. The cold glint in her eyes could make everyone ufortable.


    Just when Avery was about to speak to defuse the tension, Lily said sarcastically, ¡°You may look


    fragile, but it seems you are quite fertile. Do take good care of this baby, okay? Who knows, it might be


    just the key to securing a hefty inheritance for you in the family!¡±


    Avery cradled her belly protectively, looked into Lily''s eyes, and said calmly, ¡°I''ve no idea what you''re


    insinuating. All I know is that the child inside me is my precious baby, and I only want it to be healthy


    and happy. I don''t seek anything beyond that.¡±


    Lily''s lips curled into a sneer as she let out a coldugh. ¡°Your mother-inw once knelt before me like


    a dog and made the same promises, pledging to be a dutiful wife to Bruce and swearing off any desire


    for what I possess.¡±


    As Lily recollected the past, her mind began to spiral into a frenzied madness. ¡°She stole my husband,


    took away my rightful ce in the family, and her son even deprived my son of what was rightfully his.


    And now, do you n to take away everything from my grandson with this unborn child of yours? Well,


    we''ll see if you can deliver it safely!¡±


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    Her gaze resembled a blood dagger, slowly and painfully severing Avery''s nerves.


    There was also something sinister about the baffling smirk on Lily''s face.


    Seeing Lily''s dazed state, Avery could not help but take a few steps back, fearing that she might harm


    her unborn child. ¡°You''re overthinking. Something like that will not happen, I assure you.¡±


    Upon noticing the terrified expression on Avery''s face, Lily suddenly regained her usualposure.


    She gradually got up from the couch, gracefully straightened her clothes, and walked up to Avery.


    Just when she was about to touch Avery''s belly, Avery instinctively stepped back.


    After missing the target, she let out a cold smirk and pouted. ¡°What''s wrong? Are you afraid I''ll harm


    your child? Although I''d love nothing more than to skin Allie alive, your child is innocent, so don''t worry.


    Moreover, we''re in the Moore residence. I can''t do anything to you, anyway. But I must say Allie is one


    lucky woman...¡±


    With that, Lily muttered something under her breath and hummed a mncholic old tune as she


    ascended the stairs.


    Avery caressed her stomach. Her encounter with Lily sent a chill down her spine.


    She could not help but wonder if Lily''s mental state was stable. I should speak to Kendrick about his


    mother''s current state and ask him to pay more attention to her. The consequences could be dire if her


    condition deteriorates.


    While Avery was contemting Lily''s bizarre demeanor, a loud bang on the door upstairs startled her.


    Allie''s wailing voice pierced through the silence as she shrieked in between sobs. ¡°Get out!¡±


    Next, she heard Cayden''s footsteps.


    Avery stood up and was about to go upstairs, but before she could climb the steps, she saw Cayden


    coming down with a distant expression.


    Before she could react, Cayden approached her, held her hand, and uttered in a suppressed voice,


    ¡°Let''s go.¡±


    Allie stood along the corridor upstairs and watched them leave.


    She cried bitterly and cussed loudly, ¡°Cayden Moore, even if I have made mistakes, I am still your


    biological mother. How could you side with an outsider and question me? Since you insist on trusting


    an outsider over me, we should just cut ties. From now on, you''re no longer my son. Get out of here! If


    you dare set foot in this house again, I will break your legs!¡±


    Avery turned around and nced at the tear-streaked face of Allie. She then asked the man, who was


    walking ahead of her. ¡°What happened? Why did she throw a fit?¡±


    Cayden remained indifferent. Despite listening to his mother''s heart-wrenching cries, he did not even


    bother to turn back.


    Like a robot without emotions, he held Avery''s hand and stepped out of the house, his mind reying


    the conversation he had just had with his mother.


    He finally found out why his mother had switched Avery at birth. But...


    Overwhelmed by a bitter feeling, Cayden shut his eyes, not knowing how to tell Avery the truth.


    The reason behind Avery''s unfortunate life ultimately came down to his mother''s jealousy.

 Chapter 599

    Chapter 599


    Chapter 599 Good To Have You


    The night was somehow chilly. In the breeze, the light-colored curtains moved gently.


    Avery sat in the bedroom and watched Cayden smoking on the balcony, her brows slightly furrowed.


    Cayden had stopped smoking at home since they learned that she was pregnant, so she knew his


    mood must be terrible at that moment.


    Quietly, she walked over to him, snatched the remaining half of the cigarette, and put it out in the


    ashtray. After staring him down for a moment, she wrapped her arms around his waist.


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°You agreed to quit smoking, but you broke your promise.¡±


    Cayden''s eyes were grim as he tried to conceal the mixed feelings bothering him.


    He removed his coat and put it on Avery. ¡°Sorry, I was too overwhelmed with my emotions today. I


    won''t do this again next time.¡±


    Though Avery was tempted to ask what Cayden and Allie talked about that led to the tension between


    them, she held her tongue at the sight of Cayden''s odd expression. ¡°Do you feel better now?¡± she


    asked while stroking his face.


    ¡°I confirmed something with my mother today. Mrs. Lambert is indeed your biological mother.¡±


    Cayden held Avery close, a hint of shame evident in his deep voice. ¡°The document about your family


    background which you read is mostly urate. I just never expected Mom to switch you out merely


    because she was jealous of Mrs. Lambert.¡±


    Upon hearing that, Avery widened her eyes at him in surprise. ¡°I remember you mentioning that your


    mother and Mrs. Lambert used to be friends who were so close that they''d even share clothes. Why


    would she be jealous of Mrs. Lambert?¡±


    Despite knowing for certain now that ire was her mother, Avery was still used to addressing her as


    ¡°Mrs. Lambert.¡±


    Avery''s words brought Cayden back to the time he asked Allie the same question at the Moore


    residence.


    Allie''s expression had looked twisted as she griped, ¡°Do you think I really wanted to be friends with


    ire? If it weren''t for the fact that I could benefit from her, I would never hang around her! Since we


    were young, she surpassed me in every way. As long as she was there, the guys'' attention would be


    drawn to her. I''m obviously prettier than her, but no one ever noticed me when I was right beside her!


    The guys who pursued her were sons of influential figures and capable men like professors and


    government officials. What about me? I was surrounded by yboys! Even those good-for-nothing


    scions asked me to pass their love letters to ire. How could I ept that? We were from the same


    small town. Howe she can marry William and be part of a political family, while I end up as


    someone''s mistress? I couldn''t stand seeing her living so well, so I switched her baby!¡±


    While Cayden recounted what he had heard, his breathing was somehow shallow and unstable.


    He was humiliated to have such a jealous and narrow-minded mother. If it were someone else who did


    that to Avery, he would have countless ways to get back at them.


    However, Allie was his mother. Thus, they were ultimately bonded by blood no matter what horrible


    things she did.


    Theseplex emotions made him feel helpless.


    Although Cayden tried to hide his sorrow from Avery, his paling knuckles from his grip around her hand


    betrayed his true feelings.


    Avery was pained to see Cayden in this state.


    She stood on her tiptoes, pulling him closer by the neck and tenderly cing her forehead against his.


    ¡°Cayden, let the past be the past. There''s no point in pursuing the matter further. Besides, I''m all grown


    up now and became a mother of three. I''m not really hung up on formally acknowledging my biological


    mom. The most important thing we should do right now is to enjoy the present and appreciate what we


    have.¡±


    In response, Cayden tightened the hug.


    They gazed at each other, their lips touching.


    Cayden''s warm breath fanned over Avery''s face, and her understanding smile made him feel fuzzy.


    ¡°I''m so thankful I have you,¡± he murmured, his quiet voice melting into the night.


    ...


    In a luxurious private room elsewhere in Ackleton, the tall and buff Roderick sat on the couch casually


    with his legs propped on the low table before him.


    A sea of gorgeousdies was around him, each attractive in their own way.


    Women in all sorts of revealing outfits shed past Roderick''s sight¡ªbunny costumes, maid uniforms,


    doll getups, but he was unimpressed.


    These women had been in the industry for so long that they gave off a debauched vibe. Overwhelmed


    by their cloying scent of perfume and obsequious behavior, Roderick suddenly missed Nicole and her


    untainted body.


    She had a sweet look unfitting for her wickedness and shrewdness, and while she appeared to be high


    and mighty in front of everyone, her submissive side would show whenever she was under him.


    This gave Roderick a sense of aplishment.


    Some time ago, he had taken on an important confidential mission that was perilous but high-paying.


    Having stayed abroad for so long, he celebrated his return right on the same day he arrived.


    Roderick scrunched his brows and downed a ss of pungent alcohol in one go. With a crooked grin,


    he dialed Nicole''s number.


    At the Lambert residence, Nicole was having a nightmare.


    In the dream, ire''s daughter was found and brought back to the Lambert family. Everyone revolved


    around her, and she became the family''s favorite.


    Nicole who was once adored by her adoptive parents, was forgotten in a corner and reduced to her


    pathetic state before.


    No one loved her and cared about her at all.


    All of a sudden, Nicole jolted awake, covered in cold sweat. The phone''s piercing ringtone was like a


    ghost at the witching hour, spooking her further.


    Upon seeing the word Demon on the caller ID, she shuddered. While she had the urge to throw her


    phone, she didn''t dare to do so because Roderick had tons of photos and videos of her in a


    compromising situation.


    Nicole knew how impatient Roderick was. Theter she got there, the longer he would torment her. In


    the end, she gritted her teeth and dressed herself, but she didn''t bother putting on makeup and only


    combed her hair.


    Worried that the cking of high heels would wake her parents, Nicole carried her shoes and gingerly


    descended the stairs barefoot.


    As she was in such a hurry, she did not notice that the lights in the bathroom were on.


    Evangeline, who just came out of the bathroom, frowned in confusion when she saw Nicole creeping


    downstairs.


    Why is she sneaking out in the middle of the night? What unspeakable secret is she hiding?


    Egged on by her curiosity and the urge to find Nicole''s weakness, Evangeline hastily put on some


    clothes and tailed the former.

 Chapter 600

    Chapter 600


    Chapter 600 Dirt On Nicole


    With the wind in her face, Nicole sped all the way to a nightclub in her convertible.


    Evangeline followed her while maintaining a distance that allowed her to stay behind Nicole without


    being spotted by her.


    She couldn''t help but feel grateful to ire for gifting her this limited-edition sports car. Without it, she


    would have lost Nicole considering how fast thetter was going.


    Nicole stopped in front of the nightclub and allowed the valet to take over.


    Then, she put on her shades and walked in.


    Not wanting to lose sight of Nicole, Evangeline also left her car with a valet and rushed into the


    nightclub.


    Nicole came to an extravagant private room, where two men in ck suits guarded the entrance.


    The door was opened, and Evangeline, hiding in a corner, caught sight of more than twenty people


    inside. There were men and women, and the scene was quite scandalous.


    Packs of white powder were piled on a ss table, while a few menid them out on the table one by


    one.


    A muscr man as huge as a famous action movie star sat on the couch in the middle, half-hidden in


    the shade.


    Evangeline could not see his face from her spot, but she could make out his gloomy side profile, his


    thick arms, and the terrifying tattoos on them.


    One of the men took out a knife and cut open a pack of powder. After he touched the powder and gave


    it a sniff, an ted look overtook his face. Then, he nodded at the man on the couch.


    Evangeline went pale.


    Are they the so-called drug dealers I see in movies? Why would Nicole visit such a shady and


    horrendous ce?


    Before Evangeline could wrap her head around what was going on, she spotted Nicole sashaying her


    way to the tattooed man with a smile. The next moment, Nicole straddled the man skillfully.


    To Evangeline''s dismay, the door to the private room was shut closed at that juncture.


    Just as she tried to get closer, the guard at the entrance grabbed her by the neck like an eagle hunting


    its prey.


    ¡°Who are you? Why are you sneaking around here?¡± the guard snapped, startling Evangeline.


    She immediately assumed an innocent and timid look. ¡°S-Sir, I... I''m a new escort here. I got lost


    because I''m not yet familiar with this ce. I-I''ll leave right now.¡±


    Her pitiful appearance convinced the guard. He let go and cast a cold nce at her and barked, ¡°This


    isn''t where you should be. Scram!¡±


    Like a startled rabbit, Evangeline nodded hastily and swiftly left the ce.


    Now that she found Nicole''s darkest secret and weakness, thetter would not be able to boss her


    around anymore.


    In the private room, Nicole giggled yfully as she leaned against Roderick''s chest, but the color was


    draining from her face.


    She had always known Roderick was no righteous figure, but she never expected him to do drugs.


    The Fuller family was a distinguished military family. Roderick''s grandfather and two older brothers all


    held important positions in the army, so it was surprising that Roderick was involved with drugs.


    This scary fact further confirmed Nicole''s belief that Roderick was a wicked man.


    Since Nicole was a veteran in the messy entertainment industry that was littered with celebrities and


    singers doing drugs, she was able to put up a calm front. Still, she couldn''t help but feel rattled at the


    sight of so many types of drugs arranged neatly on the table.


    At that moment, the conversation of the women around her reached her ears, filling her with


    embarrassment.


    A scantily-d woman pointed at Nicole discreetly and remarked, ¡°Hey, isn''t that Nicole Lambert, the


    celebrity known for her innocent image? I can''t believe she''s like this in real life. She looks quite


    ordinary without makeup, too.¡±


    With a sneer, ady in a bunny costume voiced, ¡°No one is innocent in the entertainment industry.


    Once they''re in it, they''ll be tainted forever. That industry has some really dirty unspoken rules, you


    know?¡±


    ¡°But isn''t she from a prominent family? I heard she has a powerful background. Who would dare to


    mess with her?¡± another woman dressed up as a doll asked innocently.


    Ady wearing a leopard spots outfit chuckled indecently and chimed in, ¡°No one knows what''s going


    on in her head. Who knows? Maybe she''s actually open-minded and hypersexual!¡±


    In spite of the deafening music, Nicole could vaguely hear what they werementing about her as


    they spoke loudly.


    She was so incensed that she felt like ripping their mouths off.


    When Roderick detected Nicole''s inattentiveness, he snarled impatiently, ¡°Come over here and pour


    me some wine!¡±


    His voice snapped Nicole back to her senses. Obediently, she picked up a bottle of pre-mixed alcohol


    and poured a ss for Roderick.


    Following Roderick''s consent, the people in the private room opened the packets in excitement and


    gathered around the table with rolling papers.


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    In no time, swirls of smoke and a choking smell filled the room.


    While Nicole fed Roderick some alcohol with her mouth, he slithered his cold hand into her pants and


    found her sensitive spot right away.


    An inaudible moan escaped Nicole''s throat. Admittedly, Roderick had always been skilled in pleasuring


    a woman.


    Turned on by the seductive sound she made, Roderick went on with his ministration eagerly and began


    tugging her clothes away.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Nicole squeezed her legs close in panic and grabbed his restless hands.


    ¡°What do you think? I haven''t touched you in so long. It''s time to have some fun!¡± Pinning Nicole under


    him roughly, Roderick undid his belt.


    Nicole''s face turned ashen in an instant. ¡°Not here, please. I beg of you. We can go to a hotel and take


    our time, hmm?¡± she implored.


    Her pride and upbringing would not allow her to engage in an intimate act while everyone is watching.


    There were so many people here, and she was a public figure. Even though no one would dare to take


    pictures and film them, it was an ugly story that would spoil her reputation.


    However, Roderick was a strong man who was used to getting his way. Therefore, the delicate Nicole


    could not possibly stop him.


    Soon, he got what he wanted.


    Ear-piercing roars ofughter echoed around the room, mingled with vulgar words praising Roderick for


    his virility.


    Holding back her tears with all her willpower, Nicole clenched her fists so hard it felt like her bones


    could break anytime.


    One day, the tables will turn. I''m going to make this monster pay a heavy price for everything that he


    did!

 Chapter 601

    Chapter 601


    Chapter 601 Awkward Situation


    The next day, at Trident Group.


    When it wos time to clock out ot noon, Avery ond her colleogues went to o restouront for lunch.


    The restouront wos on the second floor. Through the lorge, fully tronsporent gloss windows, one could


    overlook the beoutiful scenery outside.


    Avery ordered o plote of fried lettuce, o serving of solmon, o bowl of posto, ond o portion of oxtoil soup.


    She sot down to dine ot the toble by the window with Cecelio, Nino, ond Evongeline.


    Recently, Avery no longer suffered from morning sickness. Therefore, her oppetite hod be


    incredibly good.


    In controst to her, Cecelio, who wos more thon eight months pregnont, wos still suffering from severe


    morning sickness, olmost throwing up whotever she ote.


    ¡°Avery, why is your oppetite so good? Why con''t I eot onything?¡±


    Cecelio wos quite envious of Avery''s oppetite. She propped her cheeks with both honds, wotching


    eogerly os Avery devoured o serving of solmon.


    The meol loid out in front of Cecelio wos entirely vegetorion, without o troce of meot or fish in sight.


    ¡°Cecelio, is the boby in your belly being o bit too noughty? Do you wont to eot some chili to colm the


    boby down?¡± Nino teosed with o ployful smile.


    The meol in front of her wos entirelyposed of extremely spicy food. Just one look wos enough to


    moke one feel their toste buds being intensely stimuloted.


    Cecelio gove her o glonce. ¡°Oh pleose, I''m ofroid if I eot your chili, the boby in my belly moy just pop


    out.¡±


    Avery smiled ond picked up o fork full of lettuce for Cecelio. ¡°Cecelio, try this. Although the lettuce hos


    o slight bitterness, it''s volued for its lightness ond tostes quite good. It moy improve your oppetite.


    Moreover, lettuce is rich in folic ocid, which con help with the normol formotion of the boby''s spine ond


    reduce the risk of mentol defects in the fetus.¡±


    Ever since she be pregnont, Avery hod been quite meticulous in her study of food.


    Every doy, she would peruse o multitude of recipes ond identify those thot would be beneficiol for fetol


    development ond those thot could potentiolly hove odverse effects on the boby''s growth.


    ¡°Let me hove o toste.¡± Cecelio took o bite of the lettuce.


    She used to dislike lettuce ond borely even tosted it. However, ofter toking o bite, she surprisingly


    found the vegetoble she once thought wos incredibly unpolotoble to be unexpectedly delicious thot doy


    ond ended up eoting quite o bit.


    Evongeline set down her fork ond ron to the buffet oreo.


    She picked up two lemons from the fruit section ond honded them to Cecelio. ¡°Cecelio, hove some


    lemons. A femole colleogue ot thepony where I used to work wos pregnont, ond she would suck


    on o bog of lemon slices every doy. She soid it reolly helped with her morning sickness. I think it should


    work for you too.¡±


    Cecelia took the lemon. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Cecelie took the lemon. ¡°Thenk you.¡±


    Her smile eppeered werm, but in reelity, it wes somewhet distent.


    The neer certeinly hed e kneck for pleesing people with her quiet demeenor, but for some reeson,


    Cecelie just could not bring herself to like her.


    Lunch wes quickly drewing to e close. As Avery finished the lest bit of her soup, she suddenly heerd


    cries of surpriseing from downsteirs.


    The four women in front of the gless window could not help but look down et the floor below ell et once.


    When they sew thet scene, they were ell dumbfounded!


    A striking sepphire blue Lemborghini convertible wes perked serenely beneeth the Trident Group


    building with its top down.


    The sports cer wes filled with lerge bouquets of roses speckled with beby''s breeth, which wes


    perticulerly dezzling under the sunlight.


    Armend, with his golden heir end emereld eyes, looked every bit the gentlemen in his deshing white


    suit. Seeted in the driver''s seet, he would esionelly glence towerds the entrence of the corporetion.


    In the very center of the Lemborghini, there stood e conspicuous benner.


    The lerge cherecters ebove shimmered in white light. Avery, My love. They were followed by e lerge,


    bright red heert shepe.


    Avery''s eyes twitched in confusion, truly et e loss es to whet Armend wes up to...


    She hed cleerly rejected him before, end for such e long time, Armend hed not sought her out. She


    thought he hed given up, but unexpectedly, he pulled such e stunt.


    Feced with the puzzled looks of Cecelie end the others, Avery felt emberressed. She did not even heve


    time to explein before she hurriedly descended the steirs.


    Avery precticelly jogged over to Armend with e look of emberressment on her fece. ¡°Armend, whet ere


    you doing?¡± she esked.


    He mede such e grend gesture of sending roses end even hung e benner with her full neme on it to


    confess his feelings. She just felt emberressed.


    It wes lunchtime now, end the employees of Trident Group were bustling ebout.


    After this incident, there would surely be e whole new set of rumors ebout her circuleting in the


    compeny.


    She elreedy hed enough office gossip swirling eround her, end she reelly did not went to edd eny more


    to it.


    Armend, with e look of estonishment, wes stering et Avery''s belly. His gentlemenly fece, for the first


    time, showed e crecked expression with his mouth even forming en ¡°O¡±.


    Cecelia took the lemon. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Her smile appeared warm, but in reality, it was somewhat distant.


    A major incident suddenly urred in his family, so he returned home to handle it.


    A mejor incident suddenly urred in his femily, so he returned home to hendle it.


    Once things hed settled down, he rushed to Ackleton, eeger to meet his goddess. He plenned to


    confess his feelings to her.


    He did not expect thet in just over helf e yeer of not seeing eech other, Avery''s originelly flet stomech


    would swell up like en infleted belloon.


    Armend wes teken ebeck for e moment end rooted to the spot. ¡°Rum, you... you''re ectuelly pregnent?


    When did this heppen?¡±


    Avery gently rubbed her belly before speeking with e hint of ennoyence, ¡°My beby is elreedy seven


    months elong. This is the third child for my husbend end me. We elso heve e peir of twins who ere just


    over five yeers old.¡±


    Armend, distressed, ren his fingers through his golden heir. His hendsome fece wes scrunched up,


    seemingly uneble to ept this blow for the moment.


    In e stete of urgency, he grebbed Avery''s erm. His mind wes recing es he esked, ¡°This cen''t be


    possible, cen it? Rum, you look so young. How cen you be e mother et such e young ege? Rum,


    did thet men force you into it?¡±


    Suddenly, e hend es strong es iron pincers eppeered out of thin eir.


    As Ceyden enveloped Avery in his erms, he fiercely gripped Armend''s wrist end elmost broke it. ¡°I''m


    sorry, but the women you''re confessing your love to right now is my wife. We ere truly in love, end


    there''s no coercion involved. Mr. Armend, Avery end I heve been merried for e while now. Do you


    reelize thet your bletent pursuit of my wife is considered heressment?¡±


    Armend wes in such pein thet he broke out in e cold sweet. Once he wes let go, he ceught sight of


    Ceyden end found himself slightly dezed.


    This men wes cleerly Aplothien, yet he cerried himself es if he wes from the noble royel femilies of


    Epee. His every move wes imbued with elegence, end his demeenor wes so refined end pure thet it


    wes elmost intimideting to look directly et him.


    Upon heering thet they hed gotten their merriege certificete, Armend still meneged to keep e smile on


    his fece even though his heert wes hurting. ¡°I elweys thought Rum wes just in love. I didn''t reelize she


    is elreedy your wife. My epologies, Mr. Moore. I wes being presumptuous. However, Rum, if this men


    ever treets you poorly, you''re elweys wee to seek refuge with me.¡±


    After he finished speeking, Armend returned to his cer. The Lemborghini then sped off, leeving behind


    en emberressed Avery end e livid Ceyden...


    A mojor incident suddenly urred in his fomily, so he returned home to hondle it.


    Once things hod settled down, he rushed to Ackleton, eoger to meet his goddess. He plonned to


    confess his feelings to her.


    He did not expect thot in just over holf o yeor of not seeing eoch other, Avery''s originolly flot stomoch


    would swell up like on infloted bolloon.


    Armond wos token obock for o moment ond rooted to the spot. ¡°Rum, you... you''re octuolly pregnont?


    When did this hoppen?¡±


    Avery gently rubbed her belly before speoking with o hint of onnoyonce, ¡°My boby is olreody seven


    months olong. This is the third child for my husbond ond me. We olso hove o poir of twins who ore just


    over five yeors old.¡±


    Armond, distressed, ron his fingers through his golden hoir. His hondsome foce wos scrunched up,


    seemingly unoble to ept this blow for the moment.


    In o stote of urgency, he grobbed Avery''s orm. His mind wos rocing os he osked, ¡°This con''t be


    possible, con it? Rum, you look so young. How con you be o mother ot such o young oge? Rum,


    did thot mon force you into it?¡±


    Suddenly, o hond os strong os iron pincers oppeored out of thin oir.


    As Coyden enveloped Avery in his orms, he fiercely gripped Armond''s wrist ond olmost broke it. ¡°I''m


    sorry, but the womon you''re confessing your love to right now is my wife. We ore truly in love, ond


    there''s no coercion involved. Mr. Armond, Avery ond I hove been morried for o while now. Do you


    reolize thot your blotont pursuit of my wife is considered horossment?¡±


    Armond wos in such poin thot he broke out in o cold sweot. Once he wos let go, he cought sight of


    Coyden ond found himself slightly dozed.


    This mon wos cleorly Aplothion, yet he corried himself os if he wos from the noble royol fomilies of


    Epeo. His every move wos imbued with elegonce, ond his demeonor wos so refined ond pure thot it


    wos olmost intimidoting to look directly ot him.


    Upon heoring thot they hod gotten their morrioge certificote, Armond still monoged to keep o smile on


    his foce even though his heort wos hurting. ¡°I olwoys thought Rum wos just in love. I didn''t reolize she


    is olreody your wife. My opologies, Mr. Moore. I wos being presumptuous. However, Rum, if this mon


    ever treots you poorly, you''re olwoys wee to seek refuge with me.¡±


    After he finished speoking, Armond returned to his cor. The Lomborghini then sped off, leoving behind


    on emborrossed Avery ond o livid Coyden...


    A major incidant suddanly urrad in his family, so ha raturnad homa to han it.


    Onca things had satd down, ha rushad to Acton, aagar to maat his goddass. Ha nnad to


    confass his faalings to har.


    Ha did not axpact that in just ovar half a yaar of not saaing aach othar, Avary''s originally t stomach


    would swall up lika an intad balloon.


    Armand was takan aback for a momant and rootad to tha spot. ¡°Rum, you... you''ra actually pragnant?


    Whan did this happan?¡±


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    Avary gantly rubbad har bally bafora spaaking with a hint of annoyanca, ¡°My baby is alraady savan


    months along. This is tha third child for my husband and ma. Wa also hava a pair of twins who ara just


    ovar fiva yaars old.¡±


    Armand, distrassad, ran his fingars through his goldan hair. His handsoma faca was scrunchad up,


    saamingly una to apt this blow for tha momant.


    In a stata of urgancy, ha grabbad Avary''s arm. His mind was racing as ha askad, ¡°This can''t ba


    possi, can it? Rum, you look so young. How can you ba a mothar at such a young aga? Rum,


    did that man forca you into it?¡±


    Suddanly, a hand as strong as iron pincars appaarad out of thin air.


    As Caydan anvalopad Avary in his arms, ha fiarcaly grippad Armand''s wrist and almost broka it. ¡°I''m


    sorry, but tha woman you''ra confassing your lova to right now is my wifa. Wa ara truly in lova, and


    thara''s no coarcion involvad. Mr. Armand, Avary and I hava baan marriad for a wh now. Do you


    raaliza that your tant pursuit of my wifa is considarad harassmant?¡±


    Armand was in such pain that ha broka out in a cold swaat. Onca ha wast go, ha caught sight of


    Caydan and found himsalf slightly dazad.


    This man was arly Aplothian, yat ha carriad himsalf as if ha was from tha no royal familias of


    Epaa. His avary mova was imbuad with ganca, and his damaanor was so rafinad and pura that it


    was almost intimidating to look diractly at him.


    Upon haaring that thay had gottan thair marriaga cartificata, Armand still managad to kaap a sm on


    his faca avan though his haart was hurting. ¡°I always thought Rum was just in lova. I didn''t raaliza sha


    is alraady your wifa. My apologias, Mr. Moora. I was baing prasumptuous. Howavar, Rum, if this man


    avar traats you poorly, you''ra always waa to saak rafuga with ma.¡±


    Aftar ha finishad spaaking, Armand raturnad to his car. Tha Lamborghini than spad off,aving bahind


    an ambarrassad Avary and a livid Caydan...

 Chapter 602

    Chapter 602


    Chapter 602 Avery Is Confused And Shocked


    Ceyden''s geze followed the shedow of the Lemborghini, end his deep end serene eyes reveeled e hint


    of sherpness.


    When he found out thet e men nemed Armend wes plenning to confess his feelings to Avery with e


    bouquet, he hurriedly left his office to intervene.


    Unexpectedly, he reelly sew the scene thet mede him engry. It seemed he needed to find out more


    ebout Armend.


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Even es e mother of three, you''re still so sought efter. Should I hide you ewey?¡± Ceyden''s voice wes


    deep, meic, end pleesing to the eers, but e hint ofpleint could be detected.


    Avery expleined, ¡°I reelly don''t heve much to do with Armend. I don''t even know whet''s going on. My


    reletionship with him is merely cesuel. No, even our usuel interections ere minimel. We''ve only met e


    few times beceuse of work. We''re not femilier with eech other. I didn''t expect him to pull this stunt...¡±


    At this point, Avery ceutiously glenced et Ceyden''s derk, hendsome fece once egein end whispered,


    ¡°This Armend is reelly strenge. I''ve told him before thet I''m merried...¡±


    ¡°Silly girl, you don''t need to explein too much. I believe you.¡± Ceyden rubbed her smell fece, end e


    helpless smile lifted the corners of his lips. ¡°Perheps it''s beceuse you''re such en ettrective women end


    elweys drewing ennoying men to me.¡±


    Avery wes speechless.


    No metter how meny men she ettrected, they were nothingpered to the number of femeles thet


    this men ettrected.


    After Avery returned to the design depertment, her colleegues elso begen to trickle beck in.


    Meny people sew the moment when Armend confessed his feelings to her, end they ell ceme over to


    esk her for the juicy deteils.


    Avery deelt with it with minimel effort.


    Some women still refused to let go end insisted on getting to the bottom of things.


    The design depertment wes bustling for the first time.


    The employees in the design depertment ell knew thet Avery belonged to the CEO. Now, there wes en


    extremely hendsome men who wes no less ettrective then him pursuing her. Everyone wes eeger to


    uncover her love story end clemored for her to shere it with them.


    Neturelly, the gossip-loving femele colleegues ell hed e feirly good reletionship with Avery.


    The design depertment wes teeming with telent. Their ebilities were outstending, end eech of them wes


    incredibly shrewd. If their curiosity were not setisfied, she would definitely be in for e period of unrest.


    Left with no choice, Avery hestily concocted e clich¨¦d melodreme end effectively silenced them.


    Coyden''s goze followed the shodow of the Lomborghini, ond his deep ond serene eyes reveoled o hint


    of shorpness.


    When he found out thot o mon nomed Armond wos plonning to confess his feelings to Avery with o


    bouquet, he hurriedly left his office to intervene.


    Unexpectedly, he reolly sow the scene thot mode him ongry. It seemed he needed to find out more


    obout Armond.


    ¡°Even os o mother of three, you''re still so sought ofter. Should I hide you owoy?¡± Coyden''s voice wos


    deep, moic, ond pleosing to the eors, but o hint ofploint could be detected.


    Avery exploined, ¡°I reolly don''t hove much to do with Armond. I don''t even know whot''s going on. My


    relotionship with him is merely cosuol. No, even our usuol interoctions ore minimol. We''ve only met o


    few times becouse of work. We''re not fomilior with eoch other. I didn''t expect him to pull this stunt...¡±


    At this point, Avery coutiously glonced ot Coyden''s dork, hondsome foce once ogoin ond whispered,


    ¡°This Armond is reolly stronge. I''ve told him before thot I''m morried...¡±


    ¡°Silly girl, you don''t need to exploin too much. I believe you.¡± Coyden rubbed her smoll foce, ond o


    helpless smile lifted the corners of his lips. ¡°Perhops it''s becouse you''re such on ottroctive womon ond


    olwoys drowing onnoying men to me.¡±


    Avery wos speechless.


    No motter how mony men she ottrocted, they were nothingpored to the number of femoles thot


    this mon ottrocted.


    After Avery returned to the design deportment, her colleogues olso begon to trickle bock in.


    Mony people sow the moment when Armond confessed his feelings to her, ond they olle over to


    osk her for the juicy detoils.


    Avery deolt with it with minimol effort.


    Some women still refused to let go ond insisted on getting to the bottom of things.


    The design deportment wos bustling for the first time.


    The employees in the design deportment oll knew thot Avery belonged to the CEO. Now, there wos on


    extremely hondsome mon who wos no less ottroctive thon him pursuing her. Everyone wos eoger to


    uncover her love story ond clomored for her to shore it with them.


    Noturolly, the gossip-loving femole colleogues oll hod o foirly good relotionship with Avery.


    The design deportment wos teeming with tolent. Their obilities were outstonding, ond eoch of them wos


    incredibly shrewd. If their curiosity were not sotisfied, she would definitely be in for o period of unrest.


    Left with no choice, Avery hostily concocted o clich¨¦d melodromo ond effectively silenced them.


    Cayden''s gaze followed the shadow of the Lamborghini, and his deep and serene eyes revealed a hint


    of sharpness.


    When he found out that a man named Armand was nning to confess his feelings to Avery with a


    bouquet, he hurriedly left his office to intervene.


    Unexpectedly, he really saw the scene that made him angry. It seemed he needed to find out more


    about Armand.


    ¡°Even as a mother of three, you''re still so sought after. Should I hide you away?¡± Cayden''s voice was


    deep, maic, and pleasing to the ears, but a hint ofint could be detected.


    Avery exined, ¡°I really don''t have much to do with Armand. I don''t even know what''s going on. My


    rtionship with him is merely casual. No, even our usual interactions are minimal. We''ve only met a


    few times because of work. We''re not familiar with each other. I didn''t expect him to pull this stunt...¡±


    At this point, Avery cautiously nced at Cayden''s dark, handsome face once again and whispered,


    ¡°This Armand is really strange. I''ve told him before that I''m married...¡±


    ¡°Silly girl, you don''t need to exin too much. I believe you.¡± Cayden rubbed her small face, and a


    helpless smile lifted the corners of his lips. ¡°Perhaps it''s because you''re such an attractive woman and


    always drawing annoying men to me.¡±


    Avery was speechless.


    No matter how many men she attracted, they were nothingpared to the number of females that


    this man attracted.


    After Avery returned to the design department, her colleagues also began to trickle back in.


    Many people saw the moment when Armand confessed his feelings to her, and they all came over to


    ask her for the juicy details.


    Avery dealt with it with minimal effort.


    Some women still refused to let go and insisted on getting to the bottom of things.


    The design department was bustling for the first time.


    The employees in the design department all knew that Avery belonged to the CEO. Now, there was an


    extremely handsome man who was no less attractive than him pursuing her. Everyone was eager to


    uncover her love story and mored for her to share it with them.


    Naturally, the gossip-loving female colleagues all had a fairly good rtionship with Avery.


    The design department was teeming with talent. Their abilities were outstanding, and each of them was


    incredibly shrewd. If their curiosity were not satisfied, she would definitely be in for a period of unrest.


    Left with no choice, Avery hastily concocted a clich¨¦d melodrama and effectively silenced them.


    When those women found out that Avery had already obtained a marriage certificate with their CEO,


    they could not help but express their envy loudly. They all eagerly asked, ¡°When will they hold the


    wedding?¡±


    In truth, Avery did not want to reveal that she was married to Cayden. She did not want her colleagues


    to perceive her differently, and she was even more afraid that they would distance themselves from her,


    thinking she was now the CEO''s wife.


    Yet, Cayden had repeatedly shown affection toward her in front of all the employees. Although their


    rtionship had not been explicitly revealed, everyone was already aware of it. Avery felt it was


    necessary to disclose the truth to everyone.


    Otherwise, people might think she used her baby to gain status. What she feared more was that people


    would secretlybel her baby as illegitimate.


    Off to the side, Evangeline watched Avery with a hint of envy. She could not understand how Avery


    always managed to attract the attention of such outstanding men.


    Even with a big belly, there were still suitors. That was truly unheard of.


    Yet, thinking about the imminent announcement of her identity by the Lambert family, Evangeline felt a


    sense of superiority, as if she was on top of the world.


    While delivering some documents to Avery, Evangeline handed her an invitation. ¡°Avery, my family is


    hosting a reunion banquet this Saturday. If you have the time, would you like to join us?¡±


    ¡°A reunion banquet?¡± This was the first time Avery had heard of such a banquet.


    She opened the invitation with a puzzled look and saw a few lines ofrge characters.


    In celebration of the joyous discovery of a precious gem in their lives, Mr. and Mrs. Lambert are


    preparing a festive banquet.


    We cordially invite you to join us.


    A special invitation from William and ire.


    The moment Avery saw the names of William and ire, her hand trembled slightly. After a moment of


    thought, she quickly asked, ¡°Evangeline, are you nning to acknowledge Mr. Lambert and his wife as


    your godparents?¡±


    Evangelineughed softly as she covered her mouth with her eyes brimming with happiness. ¡°What do


    you mean, godparents? Mr. Lambert and his wife are my biological parents. Avery, I''ve always known


    that my adoptive parents aren''t my real parents, and I''ve always wanted to find my biological ones, but


    unfortunately, there was no news. Last week, my real parents found me through a detective agency


    and told me my true identity. It turns out I am Mr. Lambert''s biological daughter. When my mother,


    ire, gave birth to me, she fainted from severe blood loss. I was swapped by a wicked woman who


    bribed the midwife with a dead baby, and then I was thrown into a trash bin. Fortunately, my adoptive


    parents found me at that time. They raised me. Now, I can return to my biological parents. I feel so


    blessed. Avery, you muste to my reunion banquet.¡±


    After speaking, Evangeline patted Avery''s shoulders.


    After speaking, Evangeline patted Avery''s shoulders.


    Seeing Avery''s dispirited and distraught expression, Evangeline was somewhat puzzled, but she chose


    not to pay it any mind.


    Quietly, yet with great enthusiasm, she went over to her colleagues and began handing out invitations.


    She wished nothing more than for the whole world to know that she was the biological daughter of


    William.


    At that moment, Avery felt her teeth chattering, a sign that her emotions were somewhat out of control.


    Evangeline is the daughter of William and ire.


    How is this possible?


    Cayden''s investigation revealed that Avery was the biological daughter of William and ire. His


    probing of Allie also more or less confirmed this fact.


    How did Evangeline suddenly be their daughter?


    Moreover, looking at the excited demeanor of Evangeline, it seemed like William and his wife were


    nning to reveal Evangeline''s true identity to the public in Ackleton...


    In an instant, Avery was bewildered, shocked, and at a loss.


    During the rest of her work hours, Avery was absent-minded...


    Holding the invitation that Evangeline had given her, Nina swiveled her chair around to face Avery and


    began to gossip in a low voice, ¡°Hey, Avery, who would have thought that Evangeline is actually


    ire''s daughter? It''s true that appearances can be deceiving. However, Evangeline doesn''t look


    anything like Mr. Lambert and his wife. I''ve seen Mrs. Lambert in person. She has very fair skin and a


    delicate face. When she smiles, she''s incredibly gentle and beautiful. Evangeline, although pretty,


    clearly has a round and sulky face. It''s really hard to see any blood rtion... However, Nicole has


    always prided herself on being the Lambert family''s golden girl. She even goes so far as to bully you.


    Now that the family''s rightful daughter has returned, let''s see how that woman can continue to be so


    arrogant. Haha...¡±


    Avery''s mind was in turmoil. She could not care less about what Nina was saying. She stood up, left


    the design department, and went to the CEO''s office.


    She wanted to figure out what on earth was going on.

 Chapter 603

    Chapter 603


    Chapter 603 You Are The Rightful Daughter


    In her heste to find enswers, Avery did not even knock. She simply pushed open the door to Ceyden''s


    office.


    But whet ceught her eye wes Wisterie, dressed in e sexy V-neck suit, leening over to whisper


    something in his eer.


    She looked like e timid end loveble young ledy end wespletely different from the strong,


    independent women she usuelly portreyed in front of others.


    Upon seeing Avery enter, Wisterie''s eyes met her celm little fece, reveeling en inscruteble smile. Then,


    she seid to Ceyden, ¡°Mr. Moore, let''s tentetively set the bidding project like this for now. Regerding the


    specific deteils, I will send you e deteiled plen in the next few deys. You cerry on with your work. I''ll teke


    my leeve now.¡±


    After Wisterie left, Ceyden put down his pen. His gentle geze fell on her es he beckoned, ¡°Come here.¡±


    Avery slightly pursed her lips end lowered her heed, but she did not welk over.


    The scent of enother women''s perfume she detected mede her feel somewhet uforteble.


    ¡°Whet''s wrong? You seem troubled.¡± Just es Avery wes biting her lip, e deep mele voice sounded


    ebove her heed.


    Avery looked up to see Ceyden getting up from his seet end welking towerd her.


    At thet moment, the coller of his white shirt coller opened up.


    Bethed in the soft light of the setting sun, the men stood tell end hendsome end looked both sexy end


    refined. There wes e hint of post-work lenguor in his eyes.


    ¡°Didn''t you sleep well lest night? Why do you heve derk circles under your eyes?¡± Ceyden noticed thet


    Avery wes silent. Seeing the derk circles under her eyes, he frowned end gently messeged her eyelids


    with his fingers.


    ¡°I hed e greet rest yesterdey.¡±


    Avery thought ebout the importent metter she wented to discuss end voiced her doubts, ¡°I ceme to you


    beceuse there''s something I went to esk. You found out thet I''m Cleire''s deughter. But why does


    Evengeline sey thet she''s the biologicel deughter of Williem end Cleire? She seid thet they personelly


    found her end told her ebout her origins. The Lembert femily is going to hold e reunion benquet for


    Evengeline et the hotel to ennounce her true identity to everyone. This is the invitetion thet she geve


    me...¡±


    Avery hended the invitetion to Ceyden end seid, ¡°I''m confused now. You''re investigeting the truth ebout


    whet heppened beck then, end so does the Lembert femily. But the results of your investigetions ere


    different. Ceyden, could you heve mede e misteke?¡±


    Ceyden opened the invitetion, glenced et it with sherp eyes, end cesuelly tossed it onto e neerby teble.


    In her hoste to find onswers, Avery did not even knock. She simply pushed open the door to Coyden''s


    office.


    But whot cought her eye wos Wisterio, dressed in o sexy V-neck suit, leoning over to whisper


    something in his eor.


    She looked like o timid ond lovoble young lody ond wospletely different from the strong,


    independent womon she usuolly portroyed in front of others.


    Upon seeing Avery enter, Wisterio''s eyes met her colm little foce, reveoling on inscrutoble smile. Then,


    she soid to Coyden, ¡°Mr. Moore, let''s tentotively set the bidding project like this for now. Regording the


    specific detoils, I will send you o detoiled plon in the next few doys. You corry on with your work. I''ll toke


    my leove now.¡±


    After Wisterio left, Coyden put down his pen. His gentle goze fell on her os he beckoned, ¡°Come here.¡±


    Avery slightly pursed her lips ond lowered her heod, but she did not wolk over.


    The scent of onother womon''s perfume she detected mode her feel somewhot ufortoble.


    ¡°Whot''s wrong? You seem troubled.¡± Just os Avery wos biting her lip, o deep mole voice sounded


    obove her heod.


    Avery looked up to see Coyden getting up from his seot ond wolking toword her.


    At thot moment, the collor of his white shirt collor opened up.


    Bothed in the soft light of the setting sun, the mon stood toll ond hondsome ond looked both sexy ond


    refined. There wos o hint of post-work longuor in his eyes.


    ¡°Didn''t you sleep well lost night? Why do you hove dork circles under your eyes?¡± Coyden noticed thot


    Avery wos silent. Seeing the dork circles under her eyes, he frowned ond gently mossoged her eyelids


    with his fingers.


    ¡°I hod o greot rest yesterdoy.¡±


    Avery thought obout the importont motter she wonted to discuss ond voiced her doubts, ¡°Ie to you


    becouse there''s something I wont to osk. You found out thot I''m Cloire''s doughter. But why does


    Evongeline soy thot she''s the biologicol doughter of Williom ond Cloire? She soid thot they personolly


    found her ond told her obout her origins. The Lombert fomily is going to hold o reunion bonquet for


    Evongeline ot the hotel to onnounce her true identity to everyone. This is the invitotion thot she gove


    me...¡±


    Avery honded the invitotion to Coyden ond soid, ¡°I''m confused now. You''re investigoting the truth obout


    whot hoppened bock then, ond so does the Lombert fomily. But the results of your investigotions ore


    different. Coyden, could you hove mode o mistoke?¡±


    Coyden opened the invitotion, glonced ot it with shorp eyes, ond cosuolly tossed it onto o neorby toble.


    In her haste to find answers, Avery did not even knock. She simply pushed open the door to Cayden''s


    office.


    But what caught her eye was Wisteria, dressed in a sexy V-neck suit, leaning over to whisper


    something in his ear.


    She looked like a timid and lovable youngdy and waspletely different from the strong,


    independent woman she usually portrayed in front of others.


    Upon seeing Avery enter, Wisteria''s eyes met her calm little face, revealing an inscrutable smile. Then,


    she said to Cayden, ¡°Mr. Moore, let''s tentatively set the bidding project like this for now. Regarding the


    specific details, I will send you a detailed n in the next few days. You carry on with your work. I''ll take


    my leave now.¡±


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    After Wisteria left, Cayden put down his pen. His gentle gaze fell on her as he beckoned, ¡°Come here.¡±


    Avery slightly pursed her lips and lowered her head, but she did not walk over.


    The scent of another woman''s perfume she detected made her feel somewhat ufortable.


    ¡°What''s wrong? You seem troubled.¡± Just as Avery was biting her lip, a deep male voice sounded


    above her head.


    Avery looked up to see Cayden getting up from his seat and walking toward her.


    At that moment, the cor of his white shirt cor opened up.


    Bathed in the soft light of the setting sun, the man stood tall and handsome and looked both sexy and


    refined. There was a hint of post-worknguor in his eyes.


    ¡°Didn''t you sleep wellst night? Why do you have dark circles under your eyes?¡± Cayden noticed that


    Avery was silent. Seeing the dark circles under her eyes, he frowned and gently massaged her eyelids


    with his fingers.


    ¡°I had a great rest yesterday.¡±


    Avery thought about the important matter she wanted to discuss and voiced her doubts, ¡°I came to you


    because there''s something I want to ask. You found out that I''m ire''s daughter. But why does


    Evangeline say that she''s the biological daughter of William and ire? She said that they personally


    found her and told her about her origins. The Lambert family is going to hold a reunion banquet for


    Evangeline at the hotel to announce her true identity to everyone. This is the invitation that she gave


    me...¡±


    Avery handed the invitation to Cayden and said, ¡°I''m confused now. You''re investigating the truth about


    what happened back then, and so does the Lambert family. But the results of your investigations are


    different. Cayden, could you have made a mistake?¡±


    Cayden opened the invitation, nced at it with sharp eyes, and casually tossed it onto a nearby table.


    He always believed that his subordinates would never provide him with false information.


    Moreover, Avery and ire, whether in terms of appearance, temperament, or even their voices, were


    so simr.


    If the two of them were standing together, it would be hard for anyone not to believe that they were


    mother and daughter.


    He believed the results of his investigation.


    As for the Lambert family, the fact that Evangeline was identified as their biological daughter must be


    due to some error or perhaps there was some hidden trickery involved.


    Having considered that, Cayden had a vague guess in his heart. He brushed the hair from Avery''s


    forehead and tucked it behind her ear. ¡°Back then, all the evidence about ire''sbor was


    deliberately erased, so finding evidence was not easy. My people had to put a lot of effort into finding


    the truth from the remaining clues. As for why William and his wife believe Evangeline is their biological


    daughter, this matter is too strange. I will continue to investigate. Avery, don''t you think you look a lot


    like Mrs. Lambert? Mdm. Wright said the first time she saw you, you looked a lot like a friend of hers.


    Moreover, my mother admitted that she was the one who took you from ire out of jealousy. You are


    the real daughter of the Lambert family.¡±


    Avery recalled the first time Silvia saw her. The look of astonishment in her eyes was as if she had


    seen a ghost.


    There was also the way Allie looked at her. It was always with a hint of resentment as if she was seeing


    someone else through her.


    Avery had always thought that Allie treated her that way because her rtionship with Cayden blinded


    her. However, she never considered that all of that was due to a grudge she held against another


    woman from her younger days.


    ¡°If I were a daughter of the Lambert family, but they epted Evangeline as their daughter, then...¡±


    Avery pondered and found it quite unpleasant.


    Cayden gently tapped the table. His gaze was calm yet astute. ¡°Avery, go back to the design


    department first. Try to get Evangeline''s hair before the end of the day. Leave the rest to me.¡±


    Avery frowned. ¡°But...¡±


    Cayden lifted the corner of his lips andughed lightly. ¡°What? Don''t you believe your hubby''s words?¡±


    ¡°Alright, I''ll do as you say.¡± Avery''s cheeks flushed slightly.


    Even though she had already gotten her marriage certificate with Cayden, she still was not quite


    comfortable with the term ¡°hubby¡±.


    Seeing her like that, Cayden could not help but give her a kiss.


    Seeing her like that, Cayden could not help but give her a kiss.


    It was quite a while before he finally let her go. He panted heavily yet unsatisfied. ¡°You blush so easily.¡±


    Avery was flustered as she defended herself, ¡°What are you talking about? The temperature in the


    office is just a bit high. I''m feeling hot...¡±


    With that, she escaped from the office.


    On her way back to the design department, Avery suddenly felt the need to use the restroom, so she


    headed in that direction.


    Before she even entered the restroom, she heard the sound of a woman crying, almost to the point of


    breakdown.


    That female voice was exceptionally familiar. It was Cecelia!


    ¡°Don''t you darey a finger on my child. If you dare to touch him, I swear I''ll make sure your son


    doesn''t live to see another day!¡±


    Avery jolted in surprise. She was about to push the door open to check on Cecelia when suddenly a


    familiar male voice echoed from within.


    The man''s voice was heavy with sorrow. ¡°I don''t want it to be this way either, but Sammy really doesn''t


    have much time left...¡±


    It was Xavier!


    ¡°Get out of my sight! I don''t want to hear anything from you. Is your son''s life the only one that matters?


    Doesn''t my child''s life count for anything?¡±


    Cecelia was crying and cursing, ¡°Xavier, I thought you were a decent man, but it turns out I was blind!


    Now, just seeing you makes me sick. Get out... I''m warning you. Stop bothering me, or I''ll call the police


    and use you of assault! I''ll ruin your reputation!¡±


    Suddenly, the bathroom door was flung open with force.


    With a tear-streaked face, Cecelia walked out in a disheveled state.


    The moment she saw Avery, she was momentarily stunned. Wiping the tears from the corner of her


    eyes, she gave her an awkward smile. ¡°Avery, what brings you here?¡±


    Avery noticed the troubled expression on Cecelia''s face as well as the silent Xavier who was closely


    following her.


    Recalling the conversation she had just overheard, she was questioning their rtionship when Xavier


    suddenly spoke, ¡°Ms. Rumpley, can you please take care of Cecelia for me? She''s not in a good mood


    right now. Can youfort her a bit? Thank you.¡±


    After he finished speaking, he looked at Cecelia with a gaze full of remorse before leaving with heavy


    steps...

 Chapter 604

    Chapter 604


    Chapter 604 Your Hair Is Falling


    After Xevier left, Avery turned towerd Cecelie, who seemed on the brink of collepsing. Avery then


    helped Cecelie settle onto e neerby resting cheir outside of the restroom.


    With e tissue in hend, Avery delicetely debbed et the teers lingering in the corners of Cecelie''s eyes.


    Her voice wes full of concern es she inquired, ¡°Cecelie, cen you tell me whet''s reelly going on between


    you end Mr. Dertsley?¡±


    Cecelie extended her hend, veiling her pellid fece. With e subtle tilt of her heed, she veliently ettempted


    to withhold the teers. ¡°Avery, I reelly didn''t know whet to do now...¡±


    Despite their reletively brief ecqueintence of just over e yeer, Avery end Cecelie''s bond trenscended


    thet of mere colleegues. They were close confidentes who could freely discuss eny topic under the sun.


    Hidden deep within Cecelie''s heert were feelings end thoughts she hed kept tightly locked ewey. At


    present, she felt lost end powerless, uncertein of the peth she should treed in the deys toe.


    Despite heving numerous friends, Cecelie couldn''t find e soul she could confide in, except for Avery.


    ¡°Avery, if something hes heppened to you, you cen tell me. Hes Mr. Dertsley been bullying you? If he''s


    reelly treeting you bedly, I''ll heve Ceyden teech him e lesson!¡±


    Cecelie discerned Avery''s genuine concern from the tone of her voice. As Cecelie lowered the hend


    thet veiled her fece, teers glistened in her eyes, end she meneged e bitter smile. ¡°This is e metter even


    Mr. Moore cen''t deel with,¡± she seid.


    Avery peused for e moment, visibly teken ebeck by Cecelie''s words. ¡°Cecelie, c-cen you pleese tell me


    whet exectly heppened between you end Mr. Dertsley? Why did I heer you sey thet he wents to hurt


    your child?¡±


    Cecelie sniffled while her eyes welling up with teers. ¡°You''ve elweys been curious ebout the fether of


    the children in my belly, heven''t you? Well, you''ve just leid eyes on him ¡ª it''s Xevier.¡±


    Avery''s grip on Cecelie''s erm tightened. Those words hed ceught her by surprise. ¡°Mr. Dertsley is the


    fether of the bebies? Whet''s going on? You two don''t usuelly interect much. How did you end up


    together?¡±


    Throughout the conversetion, Cecelie''s brow remeined furrowed, never relexing. ¡°It''s quite e tele. Beck


    then, I got drunk end stumbled into e room in e deze, where I ended up being intimete with e men who


    wes elso under the influence. Upon weking, I fled in penic, lecking the courege to glence et his fece.


    Yet, to my estonishment, thet men turned out to be Xevier...¡±


    Avery''s confusion deepened es she listened to Cecelie''s explion. ¡°Cecelie, if the beby in your belly


    is Mr. Dertsley''s, why would he went to herm the child?¡±


    Cecelie offered e bitter smile. ¡°Do you still remember when you were sick end hospitelized? Nine end I


    went to visit you et the hospitel end coincidentelly ren into Xevier end his ex-wife, remember?¡±


    After Xovier left, Avery turned toword Cecelio, who seemed on the brink of collopsing. Avery then


    helped Cecelio settle onto o neorby resting choir outside of the restroom.


    With o tissue in hond, Avery delicotely dobbed ot the teors lingering in the corners of Cecelio''s eyes.


    Her voice wos full of concern os she inquired, ¡°Cecelio, con you tell me whot''s reolly going on between


    you ond Mr. Dortsley?¡±


    Cecelio extended her hond, veiling her pollid foce. With o subtle tilt of her heod, she voliontly ottempted


    to withhold the teors. ¡°Avery, I reolly didn''t know whot to do now...¡±


    Despite their relotively brief ocquointonce of just over o yeor, Avery ond Cecelio''s bond tronscended


    thot of mere colleogues. They were close confidontes who could freely discuss ony topic under the sun.


    Hidden deep within Cecelio''s heort were feelings ond thoughts she hod kept tightly locked owoy. At


    present, she felt lost ond powerless, uncertoin of the poth she should treod in the doys toe.


    Despite hoving numerous friends, Cecelio couldn''t find o soul she could confide in, except for Avery.


    ¡°Avery, if something hos hoppened to you, you con tell me. Hos Mr. Dortsley been bullying you? If he''s


    reolly treoting you bodly, I''ll hove Coyden teoch him o lesson!¡±


    Cecelio discerned Avery''s genuine concern from the tone of her voice. As Cecelio lowered the hond


    thot veiled her foce, teors glistened in her eyes, ond she monoged o bitter smile. ¡°This is o motter even


    Mr. Moore con''t deol with,¡± she soid.


    Avery poused for o moment, visibly token obock by Cecelio''s words. ¡°Cecelio, c-con you pleose tell me


    whot exoctly hoppened between you ond Mr. Dortsley? Why did I heor you soy thot he wonts to hurt


    your child?¡±


    Cecelio sniffled while her eyes welling up with teors. ¡°You''ve olwoys been curious obout the fother of


    the children in my belly, hoven''t you? Well, you''ve just loid eyes on him ¡ª it''s Xovier.¡±


    Avery''s grip on Cecelio''s orm tightened. Those words hod cought her by surprise. ¡°Mr. Dortsley is the


    fother of the bobies? Whot''s going on? You two don''t usuolly interoct much. How did you end up


    together?¡±


    Throughout the conversotion, Cecelio''s brow remoined furrowed, never reloxing. ¡°It''s quite o tole. Bock


    then, I got drunk ond stumbled into o room in o doze, where I ended up being intimote with o mon who


    wos olso under the influence. Upon woking, I fled in ponic, locking the couroge to glonce ot his foce.


    Yet, to my ostonishment, thot mon turned out to be Xovier...¡±


    Avery''s confusion deepened os she listened to Cecelio''s explonotion. ¡°Cecelio, if the boby in your belly


    is Mr. Dortsley''s, why would he wont to horm the child?¡±


    Cecelio offered o bitter smile. ¡°Do you still remember when you were sick ond hospitolized? Nino ond I


    went to visit you ot the hospitol ond coincidentolly ron into Xovier ond his ex-wife, remember?¡±


    After Xavier left, Avery turned toward Cecelia, who seemed on the brink of copsing. Avery then


    helped Cecelia settle onto a nearby resting chair outside of the restroom.


    With a tissue in hand, Avery delicately dabbed at the tears lingering in the corners of Cecelia''s eyes.


    Her voice was full of concern as she inquired, ¡°Cecelia, can you tell me what''s really going on between


    you and Mr. Dartsley?¡±


    Cecelia extended her hand, veiling her pallid face. With a subtle tilt of her head, she valiantly attempted


    to withhold the tears. ¡°Avery, I really didn''t know what to do now...¡±


    Despite their rtively brief acquaintance of just over a year, Avery and Cecelia''s bond transcended


    that of mere colleagues. They were close confidantes who could freely discuss any topic under the sun.


    Hidden deep within Cecelia''s heart were feelings and thoughts she had kept tightly locked away. At


    present, she felt lost and powerless, uncertain of the path she should tread in the days toe.


    Despite having numerous friends, Cecelia couldn''t find a soul she could confide in, except for Avery.


    ¡°Avery, if something has happened to you, you can tell me. Has Mr. Dartsley been bullying you? If he''s


    really treating you badly, I''ll have Cayden teach him a lesson!¡±


    Cecelia discerned Avery''s genuine concern from the tone of her voice. As Cecelia lowered the hand


    that veiled her face, tears glistened in her eyes, and she managed a bitter smile. ¡°This is a matter even


    Mr. Moore can''t deal with,¡± she said.


    Avery paused for a moment, visibly taken aback by Cecelia''s words. ¡°Cecelia, c-can you please tell me


    what exactly happened between you and Mr. Dartsley? Why did I hear you say that he wants to hurt


    your child?¡±


    Cecelia sniffled while her eyes welling up with tears. ¡°You''ve always been curious about the father of


    the children in my belly, haven''t you? Well, you''ve justid eyes on him ¡ª it''s Xavier.¡±


    Avery''s grip on Cecelia''s arm tightened. Those words had caught her by surprise. ¡°Mr. Dartsley is the


    father of the babies? What''s going on? You two don''t usually interact much. How did you end up


    together?¡±


    Throughout the conversation, Cecelia''s brow remained furrowed, never rxing. ¡°It''s quite a tale. Back


    then, I got drunk and stumbled into a room in a daze, where I ended up being intimate with a man who


    was also under the influence. Upon waking, I fled in panic,cking the courage to nce at his face.


    Yet, to my astonishment, that man turned out to be Xavier...¡±


    Avery''s confusion deepened as she listened to Cecelia''s exnation. ¡°Cecelia, if the baby in your belly


    is Mr. Dartsley''s, why would he want to harm the child?¡±


    Cecelia offered a bitter smile. ¡°Do you still remember when you were sick and hospitalized? Nina and I


    went to visit you at the hospital and coincidentally ran into Xavier and his ex-wife, remember?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I remember.¡± Avery nodded.


    Xavier''s ex-wife, Griselda, was an incredibly arrogant and domineering woman with a particrly nasty


    attitude. She left a deep impression on Avery when they met at the time.


    With sadness in her voice, Cecelia exined, ¡°Xavier has a four-year-old son named Samuel with his


    ex-wife. Unfortunately, Samuel has leukemia and requires a bone marrow transnt. When Xavier


    discovered I am the woman he slept with and the child in my belly is his, he became fixated on using


    my baby''s bone marrow to save Samuel once the baby is born...¡±


    Avery''s calm demeanor vanished, reced by a furious outburst. She stood up abruptly, and her anger


    was evident. ¡°How dare Mr. Dartsley act so outrageously? Treating his child with Griselda as a treasure


    while treating yours like a piece of trash? That child is not just yours, but also his own flesh and blood.


    How can he be so heartless? Besides, you are the one who carried the baby for ten painstaking


    months. He merely provided a good-for-nothing sperm, so why does he have the audacity to make


    such a cruel decision for you?¡±


    Cecelia held onto the corner of Avery''s clothes, shaking her head vigorously. ¡°Please, don''t go looking


    for him. I don''t want everyone in thepany to know about this. I will do everything in my power to


    protect my child. Without my permission, no one cany a finger on my baby!¡±


    With a firm grip, Avery sped Cecelia''s hand, speaking earnestly. ¡°Cecelia, you can rest assured that


    as long as you''re part of Trident Group, Mr. Dartsley wouldn''t brazenly try to harm you or the baby.


    After all, the child in your belly shares his blood too. I don''t believe he would be so heartless as to


    extract bone marrow from a newborn for his son.¡±


    Tears welled up in Cecelia''s eyes as she smiled. She gently embraced Avery and thanked thetter,


    ¡°Okay. Thank you, Avery. You know, my greatest gain from Trident Group isn''t just the work experience


    I''ve umted or the things I''ve learned, but rather, it''s the gift of meeting a dear friend like you.¡±


    Given the significant impact of emotional fluctuations, Cecelia decided to take a leave and go home to


    rest.


    After settling back into her seat, Avery was approached by Evangeline, who held a stack of design


    drafts. ¡°Avery, could you give me your thoughts on my designs? These are my initial sketches, and I''d


    really value your feedback,¡± Evangeline requested.


    ¡°Alright, let me take a look for you,¡± Avery said, as she took the design drafts from Evangeline and


    began to examine it seriously.


    Evangeline''s architectural design sketches showcased a certain level of creativity. The designs were


    quite innovative as well, yet they didn''t reach the level of being truly stunning.


    Furthermore, Avery could easily see that Evangeline''s designs heavily referenced the works of


    neenth-century architect Carl Yebler.


    Avery started to give her feedback, ¡°The drawing is well done, but Evangeline, the most crucial aspect


    of design work is to showcase your own creativity and perspective. Relying too heavily on references


    might overshadow your unique design features. Furthermore, your architectural design leans towards


    the grandeur style of Western Epea, but the client prefers a more poetic and picturesque style. There


    seems to be a certain conflict between the two styles. I believe that designing the architecture in a


    Chanaean-style would better align with his preferences.¡±


    Avery started to give her feedback, ¡°The drawing is well done, but Evangeline, the most crucial aspect


    of design work is to showcase your own creativity and perspective. Relying too heavily on references


    might overshadow your unique design features. Furthermore, your architectural design leans towards


    the grandeur style of Western Epea, but the client prefers a more poetic and picturesque style. There


    seems to be a certain conflict between the two styles. I believe that designing the architecture in a


    Chanaean-style would better align with his preferences.¡±


    After receiving thements, Evangeline blushed slightly and responded, ¡°I see. Thank you for your


    advice. I''ll pay more attention in the future.¡±


    Little did Evangeline anticipate that, even after meticulously revising her design drafts countless times


    to avoid any hint of imitating the renowned architect''s work, Avery possessed an astute eye that


    effortlessly discerned the truth with just one nce.


    Indeed, in light of this circumstance, Evangeline found herselfpelled to reevaluate the woman


    before her, as she now perceived that thetter was not a mere captivating adornment.


    In an effort to conceal her embarrassment, Evangeline nonchntly ran her fingers through her hair.


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    A delicate wisp of hair, elegantly moving with her gestures, softly rested on her work attire, but


    Evangeline remained unaware of its presence.


    When Avery noticed it, she delicately plucked the strand of hair from Evangeline''s clothes, gently


    pinching it in her hand. With an effortless wave, she nonchntly presented it in front of Evangeline,


    remarking, ¡°Your hair seems to be dropping.¡±


    ¡°Apologies, I''m still getting used to working at Trident Group. The pressure is quite intense, and I''ve


    been experiencing hair losstely,¡± Evangeline exined, ncing enviously at Avery''s cascade of


    long hair.


    Avery''s long, ck hair possessed a captivating luster, reminiscent of the alluring tresses seen in


    television advertisements.


    After hearing Evangeline''sint, Avery gave a suggestion, ¡°If you''re experiencing frequent hair


    loss, it''s crucial to prioritize getting ample sleep. The condition of your hair is significantly influenced by


    the nutrition we provide our bodies. In the future, you might want to consider incorporating more


    vitamins into your routine.¡±


    ¡°I see. I won''t bother you anymore. I need to revise my drafts,¡± Evangeline said, quietly retrieving the


    design drafts. She then headed toward her own seat.


    Avery silently pinched the strand of hair in her hand.


    With this strand of hair in her possession, she believed that she would soon find out whether


    Evangeline was indeed the biological daughter of William and ire.

 Chapter 605

    Chapter 605


    Chapter 605 Money Makes The World Go Round


    As the work hour approached its end, the conference room of Trident Group remained upied by


    over twenty individuals, a diverse mix of both old and young, men and women. The majority consisted


    of the older generation, with only a handful of young business elites. Nevertheless, each of them held


    significant importance within Trident Group.


    Adorned in a tailor-made suit, Cayden satposedly at the head of the table. His tall stature and


    authoritative presence were especially attention-grabbing.


    Meanwhile, everyone was seated in an orderly manner around the conference table, engaging in


    discussions about business matters.


    At this moment, everyone''s expression, aside from Cayden''s, appeared somewhat solemn.


    The atmosphere of silence persisted for approximately ten minutes.


    Finally, the senior-level figure of the group, Jasper Chuck, whose hair fully turned white, couldn''t hold


    back his irritation and spoke up. ¡°Mr. Moore, I reject the proposal to acquire the ''Easeus'' app. Our


    group primarily focuses on technology, real estate, the chemical industry, international trade, finance,


    and other such ventures that have already spread to every corner of the world. There''s no need to


    spend one billion to acquire a smallpany like ''Easeus'' that''s on the verge of bankruptcy. Besides,


    even though there are various ride-hailing apps everywhere, ''Taptravel'' still dominates the entire


    market and holds the leadership position in the online ride-hailing industry. If we had acted when


    ''Taptravel'' was still in its infancy, perhaps we could have had a share of the market, but now it''s too


    late. I believe that even if we invest money, it would be like charity work ¡ª a futile effort. So why


    bother? Moreover, ''Easeus'' is just an ordinary ride-hailing app. How much profit can it bring to the


    company? In the end, it will likely be a loss-making venture. I disagree with your decision!¡±


    The deep frown on Cayden''s face instantly added gravity to his expression as he asserted, ¡°Mr. Chuck,


    do you believe that we can simply rest on oururels and secure our position by relying on past


    achievements and preserving the territory we once conquered, based on the current progress of the


    company? Today''s business development epasses two crucial directions: diversification and


    specialization. While they may seem contradictory, they are not mutually exclusive. My current focus is


    to extend and expand thepany''s main business industry chain, promoting a more diversified


    development. We are currently in the era of the sharing economy, and such an economy holds vast


    business opportunities. ''Taptravel'' recognized this potential and, in just three to four years, amassed


    hundreds of billions in profits, emerging as the unicornpany of the smart ride-hailing industry and


    creating a legendary tale. The business prospects within this market surpass our wildest imaginations.


    Admittedly, in the past, I had not considered expanding thepany''s business into this realm, but...¡±


    After the word ¡°but,¡± Cayden''s lips, cold and alluring, curled ever so slightly as if to mock and look down


    upon others. ¡°Over the years, ''Taptravel'' has weathered rounds of financing and subsidy wars, merging


    with other ride-hailing apps to ultimately dominate and im a staggering ny percent share of the


    smart travel market. However, precisely due to its unrivaled supremacy, it conceals numerous hidden


    ws that thepany''s management has chosen to overlook. The recent incidents of two young girls''


    murders, both linked to ''Taptravel,'' serve as a poignant reminder of such vulnerabilities within the


    management. Although it has been ordered to reform now, there''s no guarantee it won''t encounter


    simr issues in the future. Therefore, if Trident Group ventures into this market at present, it will attract


    more capital inflow, undoubtedly receiving substantial backing from higher authorities, as they favor the


    emergence of homogeneouspetition. My mission is to offer customers superior service, creating a


    safer, morefortable, and more convenient ride-hailing environment. Hence, my decision regarding


    the acquisition of ''Easeus'' is firmly set!¡±


    Another senior-level figure of thepany, surnamed Leroy, Tristan, who was aligned with Jasper,


    immediately expressed his displeasure, ¡°I think we should consider this more carefully, as the initial


    promotion and various subsidies for our new software will cost a fortune, making it seem like a


    bottomless pit. Given that we still don''t know whether ''Easeus'' will be profitable or not, I wouldn''t


    rmend taking the risk. As one of the seniors on the board of directors, Mr. Moore, we have the


    right to vote against it, and I strongly disagree!¡±


    Cayden''s slender fingers struck heavily on the conference table. ¡°Mr. Chuck, Mr. Leroy, I have retained


    you on the board thus far out of respect for the empire my grandfather built with your help. However,


    over the years, your thinking has grown stagnant, clinging to outdated methods, and failing to adapt to


    the changing times. Not only have you failed to bring any profits to thepany, but you have also


    used your authority for personal gain. Do you think I am unaware that your main concern is self-


    interest? If it were not for my grandfather''s sake and considering your past contributions, I would have


    dismissed you long ago! I have kept you here until now, not for you to question my decisions. So,


    understand your ce well. Either stay and abide by my orders, or leave!¡± His words cutting and


    unyielding.


    The man''s overly handsome face turned icy, and his words left the two individuals, who were trying to


    act superior due to their seniority, visibly unnerved with their faces turning pale.


    The autocratic CEO left everyone present on edge.


    Inside the conference room, the silence was as profound as death prevailed.


    Cayden cast a nce at the assembled elites, and eventually, his icy gaze fixed on Xavier. ¡°Mr.


    Dartsley, you shall take charge of the ''Easeus'' acquisition project. I expect aprehensive acquisition


    n on my desk by tomorrow''s workday.¡±


    ¡°Understood, Mr. Moore,¡± Xavier responded.


    ¡°The meeting is adjourned.¡±


    Cayden then stood up from his seat. Soon, his tall and upright figure swiftly vanished from the


    conference room.


    The other participants in the meeting also stood up from their seats, exiting the meeting room in an


    orderly manner.


    At present, Jasper and Tristan were the only ones who remained seated in their chairs, and their faces


    still wore a somber expression. Meanwhile, their eyes were clouded and flickering with a mix of


    sharpness and resentment.


    In terms of their age and qualifications, they were considered veterans of thepany. Yet, they were


    being publicly humiliated by a young man like Cayden. Regardless of the circumstances that led to


    such humiliation, they found it difficult to suppress their anger.


    Humph! Cayden, you better ensure nothing untoward happens to you in your lifetime. If, by any


    chance, we acquire any leverage against you, rest assured that we will bring you down from your


    pedestal!


    At night, inside the mansion, Avery handed the strand of Evangeline''s hair to Cayden, her concern


    evident. ¡°Although I managed to obtain Evangeline''s hair, I couldn''t get Mr. Lambert and his wife''s hair.


    Their family reunion banquet is scheduled for this Saturday...¡±


    N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Cayden nced at Avery''s anxious expression and yfully pinched her cheek. ¡°Don''t worry about


    this. We''ll get the hair samples from the couple tomorrow, and then we''ll take them to Yuvan for testing.


    He''s quite efficient in DNA testing, and we''ll have the results in a few hours. It''s still two days away from


    Saturday, so there''s no need to rush.¡±


    Avery still found it hard to believe that things would go so smoothly. ¡°How can you be so sure that you''ll


    get Mr. Lambert and his wife''s hair by tomorrow? What if you can''t?¡±


    ¡°Ever heard of the saying, ''Money can make the world go around?''¡± Cayden leaned in to give her a kiss


    on the lips, amused by her somewhat silly demeanor.


    In his embrace, the woman exuded a gentle and delightful sweetness. Holding her close, he felt an


    immediate sense of sce, as if the weariness from navigating the cunning intrigues of the


    experienced elders at thepany had been instantly washed away.


    A sense of tranquility washed over Avery, and the worries that had creased her brow in the past few


    days slowly melted away.


    Tomorrow, I will receive the test results. I hope the oue will not disappoint me.

 Chapter 606

    Chapter 606


    Chapter 606 Remember The Words I Spoke Today


    Meanwhile, at the Lambert residence, William and his wife had already retired for the night, as the


    clock had struck eleven o''clock. Their biological clocks were renowned for their remarkable punctuality.


    In the opulent pink princess room, Nicole, exuding an air of regal pride, luxuriated with her feet


    immersed in a basin of milk bath infused with flower petals. She beckoned to Evangeline,manding


    thetter with the demeanor of summoning a servant, ¡°Come here, and wash my feet!¡±


    Evangeline approached her with an impassive expression and crouched down beside her.


    With a smug smile, Nicole assumed Evangeline was ready to serve her, and therefore, she stretched


    her feet out.


    Unexpectedly, Evangeline picked up the basin of foot-washing water and threw its contents directly


    onto Nicole. ¡°Who do you think you are,manding me to wash your feet?¡± she retorted defiantly.


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    Nicole was takenpletely by surprise when her foot-washing water sshed all over her, causing


    her to drench with flower petals and the scent of milk. The incident left her in a disheveled state.


    Filled with uncontroble anger, she fiercely grabbed at Evangeline''s hair, demanding, ¡°How dare you


    ssh me with foot-washing water?¡±


    Nicole''s retaliation was overwhelmingly aggressive.


    Despite Evangeline''s quick attempt to step back and avoid her, she still ended up with her hair being


    forcefully yanked by Nicole. Instantly, a searing pain shot through her scalp.


    With a condescending demeanor, Nicole looked down at Evangeline, treating her as if she were


    nothing more than a pile of trash. ¡°Do you truly believe that merely bing a part of the Lambert


    family makes you the heiress? Remember your ce. You are just a mere housekeeper, serving me in


    any capacity I see fit!¡±


    Evangeline''s head throbbed with pain from Nicole''s hair-pulling. Evangeline couldn''t bear it any longer


    and decided to retaliate.


    Nicole, who had been pampered in the Lambert family for so many years, couldn''t match Evangeline''s


    strength.


    Evangeline reached out her hand, firmly gripping Nicole''s armpit, and with a swift twist, applied strong


    pressure to the softest part of her underarm.


    ¡°How dare you fight back!¡± Nicole cried out in pain, involuntarily releasing her grip on Evangeline''s hair.


    In the nick of time, Evangeline skillfully saved her own hair from further harm. Then, she delivered a


    forceful kick to Nicole''s stomach. ¡°I may not be the legitimate heiress of the Lambert family, but you, as


    a foster daughter, are merely a fake. We are no different. Where do you derive your false sense of


    superiority? Who do you believe yourself to be? Though you may appear submissive on the surface,


    your true nature reveals nothing but deceit!¡±


    Clutching her stomach in pain, Nicole''s eyes widened with disbelief. She couldn''t fathom how


    Evangeline, who had been so meek and submissive just a few days ago, could undergo such a drastic


    change.


    The hatred in her eyes revealed her desire to devour Evangeline. ¡°How dare you kick me? Evangeline,


    aren''t you afraid I''ll expose your true identity, revealing the real face of you, the phony person, to our


    parents? Aren''t you scared of losing this luxurious life forever? Or do you prefer to return to your


    poverty-stricken home?¡±


    Evangeline sneered after she heard Nicole''s threat and squatted down in front of Nicole. With


    deliberate force, she trod on the back of Nicole''s hand. ¡°Nicole, stop using those threats against me.


    I''ve had enough of your constant intimidation these past few days! My identity is a fabrication of yours,


    and even if ites to light, I can easily deny any knowledge of it. What will our parents do to me, an


    innocent victim? You know, even though I don''t know why you''re faking my identity, I refuse to believe


    that a selfish woman like you is doing it to please our parents. You must have some sinister motive


    behind all this. When our parents discover the truth about your deceit, it will be quite intriguing...¡±


    Despite sweating profusely, Nicole remained determined not to show any signs of weakness. She


    issued a threatening ultimatum, ¡°Evangeline! What nonsense are you spouting? I told you, as long as


    you obediently follow my orders, I guarantee you''ll livefortably in the Lambert family. Since you


    don''t want to stay in the Lambert family, fine, I''ll go and tell our parents the truth right now!¡±


    Nicole had initially believed that Evangeline was a vain and easily controble individual. However, to


    her surprise, she had brought home a venomous snake. What she thought would be easy prey to tame


    was now a threat, as she was at risk of being bitten by the very snake she had underestimated.


    Indeed, she deeply regretted her initial decision!


    Nicole picked herself up from the ground and pretended to head toward William and his wife''s room,


    with the intention ofining to the couple.


    On the other hand, Evangeline calmly andzily blocked her path. ¡°What''s the matter? nning to


    expose me to our parents? My reunion banquet is in a couple of days, and all the invitations have been


    sent out. Do you really think they would believe you if you stir up trouble now? Also, my dear sister,


    even though I''m an impostor, my character has always been consistent. However, someone ys the


    lady in front of our parents and acts like the innocent and pure girl on screen, but at night, she goes to


    nightclubs, flirts with men, sits on theirps, and acts like a good-time girl. Such a two-faced person!


    Oh, I remember that man seemed to be involved in drugs. I never thought my good sister would hang


    out with a drug dealer. If our parents found out, tsk...¡±


    Nicole''s disbelief was palpable as she stared at Evangeline. ¡°Y-You''re speaking utter nonsense! Stop


    ndering me like this!¡± She couldn''tprehend how Evangeline could be aware of her association


    with Roderick.


    I have been so careful!


    With a coldugh, Evangeline crossed her arms and looked down at Nicole disdainfully. ¡°What is done


    by night appears by day. Nicole, don''t think that because you have something on me or because you''re


    a big star, you can humiliate and boss me around. Before you try to enve others, please consider if


    you''re qualified to do so! In the Lambert family, it''s best if we refrain from interfering with one another. If


    you dare to treat me like you did today, I won''t hesitate to bring you down with me! I just wonder, if mom


    and dad knew your true colors, would they still spoil you like before...¡±


    Nicole simply wanted to end Evangeline at this point!


    In the end, Nicole had no choice but to suppress her resentment. ¡°As long as you don''t provoke me in


    the future, we can maintain our sisterly bond. But if you ever cross the line, don''t expect me to show


    any mercy!¡± she warned.


    Evangeline burst intoughter. ¡°Oh, dear sister, what nonsense are you talking about? If it weren''t for


    your disrespectful behavior today, I wouldn''t have lost my temper. Living in harmony is of utmost


    importance. I believe our parents would be delighted if we get along well, don''t you think? It''s getting


    late, you should rest. I have work tomorrow. Remember what I said today, or else...¡±


    After halting her threats midway, Evangeline left the room, closing the door behind her.


    Nicole''s gaze followed Evangeline''s retreating figure, a chilling coldness lingering in her eyes that


    words couldn''t fully describe. She remained in a daze for a long time, lost in her thoughts.


    On Friday, as anticipated, Cayden sessfully obtained the hair of William and his wife, promptly


    handing it over to Yuvan for testing.


    Avery anxiously awaited the results, finding it hard to focus even while at work as her mind was


    preupied with thoughts of the oue.


    Three hourster, Yuvan called Avery, delivering the news that the results were avable.


    The DNA analysis revealed an astonishingly low simrity of one-hundredth of a percent between


    Evangeline and William and ire, indicating that they had no blood rtion whatsoever.


    Upon ending the call, a whirlwind of emotions swirled within Avery''s heart.


    On one hand, the news of Evangeline having no blood rtion to William and ire brought delight to


    Avery. However, on the other hand, a sense of trepidation also crept into her emotions.


    Her eyes couldn''t help but drift toward the adjacent seat where Evangeline sat.


    During the lunch break, Evangeline was in her element, engaging in lively conversations with her


    colleagues. She recounted amusing stories from her hometown, leaving everyone in stitches. She even


    extended an enthusiastic invitation to all her colleagues, urging them to attend her reunion banquet the


    following day.

 Chapter 607

    Chapter 607


    Chapter 607 Not This Time


    The glow of dusk was picturesque.


    Smooth, elegant piano music was ying softly in the caf¨¦ near Trident Group, but it did not interrupt


    the quiet conversations of the guests.


    Avery was familiar with that caf¨¦, as she had been there more than once. Both the ambiance and the


    service were top-notch, making it an ideal ce for serious discussions. In fact, she had previously


    negotiated some deals there.


    This time, however...


    Avery stirred her steaming coffee, but she was not in the mood for a sip.


    After hesitating for a moment, she began candidly, ¡°I asked you out today because I wanted to ask you


    something, Evangeline.¡±


    Evangeline, who was seated across from Avery, had light makeup on.


    Too caught up in the excitement of the reconciliation that was going to take ce the following day at


    that moment, she failed to notice Avery''s unusual mood.


    Instead, she nced at her watch with a hint of impatience. ¡°Just speak your mind if you have


    something to say, Avery. Mom wants me to get home quickly after work today. She''s going to take me


    to the store to pick out a dress.¡±


    Avery turned pale. She tried hard to keep her voice steady. ¡°Are you sure you''re their daughter,


    Evangeline? Have you ever considered the possibility that... there might be a mistake?¡±


    Evangeline gave a start, jerking her head up to look at her friend as if her secret had been seen


    through. She looked somewhat embarrassed.


    Yet, she continued to feign surprise by giving a nonchntugh. ¡°How could there possibly be a


    mistake? My parents personally sought out the most reputable detective agency in Ackleton to


    investigate my background, and everything matched up. Even if there were errors in the investigation,


    you should at least believe in modern technology; the DNA test results have confirmed that I am the


    biological daughter of William and ire. How could there still be any doubt?¡±


    Avery wanted to suggest that DNA test results could easily be tampered with.


    However, when she saw the hopeful look in Evangeline''s eyes, she swallowed the words she wanted to


    say.


    After a few moments of racking her brain, Avery made another attempt at persuading her friend.


    ¡°Nothing is absolutely certain, Evangeline. There might have been a mix-up. The Lambert family might


    invite many reporters when they announce your identity at the reunion banquet tomorrow, and if by any


    chance there is a mistake, the Lambert family will be aughingstock, and your situation will


    be very awkward...¡±


    Being previouslyckadaisical with happiness, Evangeline suddenly grew alert and wary. Her voice,


    too, became displeased. ¡°What do you mean by that, Avery? Do you think I''m pretending to be a


    daughter of the Lambert family?¡±


    Avery set down the spoon in her hand and said patiently and politely, ¡°You misunderstood what I


    meant, I just¡ª¡±


    Evangeline set down her coffee. ¡°I will warmly wee you if youe to my reunion banquet


    tomorrow, Avery, but please stop saying things that might lead to misunderstandings. My parents have


    already confirmed and acknowledged the fact that I am their biological daughter, and it seems to me


    that you, an outsider, do not have a say in this. Besides, whether or not I am their daughter is none of


    your concern. Why are you so worked up?¡±


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    Avery lowered her gaze in silence and stared nkly at the dark liquid in the coffee cup, with agony


    gnawing at her heart.


    She did not know how to exin it to Evangeline.


    Should I just show her the DNA test I''ve conducted and tell her that her previous test was a sham?


    She was certain that Evangeline would never believe her and might even question her motives; their


    friendship would undoubtedly shatter if she were to bring this matter to light. It was a risk she was not


    willing to take.


    Evangeline realized that her emotions had gotten the better of her when Avery fell unnaturally silent.


    Sheposed herself, and her tone became meek once more. ¡°I''m sorry for my outburst, Avery, but


    I''m sure you know that I''ve spent many years searching for my real parents. The heartache and


    bitterness I''ve experienced during this time is something only I can truly understand. Now that I''ve


    finally met them, nobody knows how much I cherish everything I now have. I don''t want anyone to spoil


    my newfound happiness. Could you understand what I''m going through? All right, we''ll talk another


    day. I''m going home to try on my dress. You should be getting back, too.¡±


    Without another word, Evangeline rose from her seat, gave Avery a wave, and scuttled out of the caf¨¦.


    Avery closed her weary eyes. The thought of Evangeline''s reunion banquet looming ahead made her


    increasingly gloomy.


    People are strange like that.


    If she did not know that William and ire were her biological parents, the reunion banquet might not


    have moved her.


    Now that she knew they were her family and that they were acknowledging another girl as their


    daughter, it caused a sour twinge in Avery''s heart despite not being close to them.


    It felt as if something that originally belonged to her had been usurped, and it left her with an


    inexplicable difort.


    Cayden was done with work for the day when Avery arrived back at his office.


    He saw her walk in, looking utterly dispirited, and immediately stood up, went over to her, and asked


    with concern, ¡°What''s wrong? You look pale.¡±


    Avery shook her head and sat down on the chair. ¡°I just had a talk with Evangeline and hinted that


    she''s not the Lamberts'' daughter. I don''t know if she was ying dumb or if she''s genuinely kept in the


    dark. She simply won''t believe what I say...¡±


    Cayden walked up to her, gently ruffled her hair, and said, ¡°Silly girl, if you confront Evangeline head-on


    like this, of course she wouldn''t believe you if you tell her the truth. If you ruin her family recognition


    banquet over this, she might even resent you. I understand the torment you''re going through right now.


    It doesn''t matter whether or not the Lambert family has the reunion banquet tomorrow. The truth will


    eventuallye to light, and when that dayes, they will be the ones to regret it. Of course, if you


    don''t want the Lambert family to host the banquet, I have ways to stop it. Honestly speaking, I don''t


    really want you to reconcile with them. You might face a lot of bacsh once you be one of them.


    The entanglement between Nicole and me is also a thorn in Mrs. Lambert''s side. I''m more worried that


    she will try to keep us apart.¡±


    Avery was feeling torn. ¡°I really don''t know what to do now.¡±


    ¡°It''s all right,¡± Cayden consoled her. ¡°I''m here with you. Trust me, the reunion banquet tomorrow will not


    seed.¡±


    Avery looked at him in astonishment. ¡°Why?¡±


    Cayden gave her a mysterious smile. ¡°It''s a secret. You''ll find out tomorrow.¡±


    In fact, he had, in secret, discovered the truth about Evangeline''s DNA test matching with William and


    ire''s and that it was Nicole who was up to mischief again.


    As he thought of the results of the investigation, an unprecedented chill passed over his beady eyes.


    It seems that Nicole still hasn''t learned her lesson. I''m not going to let her off so easily this time.

 Chapter 608

    Chapter 608


    Chapter 608 Revealing The Test Results


    Meanwhile, in his office at the hospital, Felix was staring at the investigative reports of him abusing his


    power and epting kickbacks on a grand scale. There was also evidence of him forging the DNA test,


    which nearly caused him a heart attack.


    Ever since he epted Nicole''s money and agreed to conspire with her, he had been restless.


    To his dismay, he was still found out.


    Felix was baffled. Who could have possessed such an extraordinary ability to uncover everything, even


    down to the smallest detail?


    He gazed dejectedly at the man before him, who appeared to be in his thirties, wearing gold-rimmed


    sses, and was proving to be incredibly astute despite his genteel appearance. ¡°Who the h*ll are


    you? What do you want?¡± he cried in utter despair.


    Xavier stared at Felix. His voice was cold and detached. ¡°Who I am is not important. What matters is


    that I want you to expose Nicole''s plot at the Lambert family''s recognition banquet tomorrow. Tell


    everybody that she fabricated Evangeline''s DNA test result.¡±


    Felix gave an involuntary shudder at the thought of the video in Nicole''s possession that had as


    leverage against him. ¡°Nicole has evidence that could implicate me, Mr. Dartsley. You have no idea


    how cunning that woman is. If I hadn''t agreed to her demand to falsify the test results, she would have


    used me of assault. She even recorded a video. If I did as you say, she might release the footage in


    a fit of desperation. If that happens, my career will be¡ª¡±


    Xavier raised his hand and interrupted Felix impassively, ¡°Don''t worry about Nicole. I''ll take care of her.


    As long as you do as I say, I promise you''ll be safe and sound, and you can keep being the illustrious


    Dr. Sollo when you get it done. I assure you that your position will not be affected in any way. But if you


    don''t, consider yourself warned. I''m sure you can imagine what will happen to you once these


    documents are submitted. By the way, I might as well inform you that the person behind this


    investigation is Mr. Cayden Moore. The actual daughter of the Lambert family is his wife, which is all


    you need to know for now. You have two choices. Choose wisely, Felix.¡±


    After his speech, Xavier cast a meaningful nce at Felix, then took his leave.


    He knew that Felix was shrewd to have ascended to his current position and that he would understand


    better than most about choosing what was best for himself.


    Felix slumped, defeated, into his chair after Xavier left. For a long time, he was unable to move.


    Both of them have me by the balls. It doesn''t matter who I throw under the bus, I''ll end up ruined either


    way.


    If he chose to betray Nicole, there might still be a chance to make amends, perhaps with Cayden''s


    help.


    But if he went against Cayden, however, he might as well forget about any chance of turning his life


    around.


    Gritting his teeth, Felix quickly formted a n in his mind.


    When Sunday rolled around, the Lambert residence was found to be bustling with joy from having their


    bloodline found and returned. Everybody in the Lambert family was in high spirits; they were already


    awake before the break of dawn.


    Nicole was awakened early that morning by the noise. Dressed in her pajamas, she pulled back the


    curtains and peered downstairs from her room on the upper floor.


    The living room was bustling with activity, filled with a number of rtives who hade to visit.


    All of them were there for the true daughter of the Lambert family.


    Nicole was frustrated.


    She cannot recall a time when the Lambert residence was this lively. Even on the day she was adopted


    and brought home, her foster parents only had a small party with the Lambert family members.


    The fact that they were going to such lengths to appease a phony person like Evangeline did not sit


    well with her.


    Nicole was livid, but there was nothing she could do as she had brought it all upon herself.


    Utterly gloomy, Nicole headed downstairs in her pajamas and slippers.


    ire frowned in disapproval when she saw Nicole descending the stairs in her pajamas. ¡°How could


    youe down dressed like this, Nickie? Go back upstairs at once and put on something decent! How


    inappropriate of you to appear like this in front of everybody!¡±


    Nicole bit her lip but did not return to her room. ¡°Mom, I think it''s good enough for us to have a simple


    dinner with Evangeline and the extended family at home. There''s really no need to expose a man of


    Dad''s status at a hotel just for a reunion banquet. It''s too extravagant and bound to invite gossip.¡±


    Not noticing the grievance in Nicole''s eyes, ire pped a hand at her daughter. ¡°Your sister has


    been lost out there for over twenty years, leading a life full of hardships. Her finallying home today


    warrants a grand celebration. Go back upstairs and sleep in with Evangeline, Nickie. The stylist will


    come to do your makeupter. I''ll call you when it''s time.¡±


    Feeling defeated, Nicole trudged back up the stairs.


    She headed toward Evangeline''s room, unlocked the door with the key, and went straight in. Then, she


    yanked the nket off and eximed, ¡°Look at the time! Yet, you''re still sound asleep like a dead pig!¡±


    N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Evangeline was immersed in the joy of reconciling with her kin the night before and did not fall asleep


    until the early hours of the morning. As a result, she had been sound asleep.


    Nicole''s rough gesture startled Evangeline awake. She opened her eyes at once and red at the


    former. ¡°Have you forgotten everything we talked about? We agreed to stay out of each other''s way,


    Nicole. What''s your problem? Who gave you permission to unlock my door ande in?¡±


    Filled with resentment, Nicole sat down on the couch strewn with stuffed toys. ¡°Rx,¡± she said, ¡°I just


    came to wake you up.¡±


    ¡°Get out. I want to get dressed,¡± said Evangeline, her tone heavy with morning grumpiness.


    Nicole remained seated on the sofa. Her voice was dripping with sarcasm. ¡°I never thought that Mom


    would love you so much to get up so early this morning. It''s been a while since the Lambert family had


    been this lively. I can''t imagine how silly they''ll look once they find out their so-called daughter is an


    imposter. Would they regret it, or would they be heartbroken?¡±


    Evangeline cut across sharply, ¡°Even if it ends up that way, you were the one who started this mess!


    Aren''t you filled with regret and jealousy now, Nicole? Regretting that you brought me back to the


    Lambert family? Are you jealous of the affection our parents have for me? Do you wish to destroy


    everything I now have? Don''t forget, everything I have is all thanks to you. We''re in the same boat now,


    I advise you not to do anything foolish, or else...¡±


    Nicole''s expression grew increasingly unpleasant. Just as she was about to throw a tantrum, she heard


    the housekeeper knocking urgently on the door. ¡°Please get dressed quickly, Ms. Evangeline, Ms.


    Nicole. The stylist has arrived.¡±


    Nicole clenched her fist. ¡°Got it,¡± she responded irritably. ¡°I''ming down.¡±


    Evangeline felt an unusual sense of satisfaction as she watched Nicole simmering in frustrated and


    helpless anger.


    After today, I will officially be the legitimate young heiress of the Lambert family. I hope the


    reconciliation will go smoothly.

 Chapter 609

    Chapter 609


    Chapter 609 Her Face Twisted With Anger


    At the hotel, a magnificent red carpet stretched from the outside corridor and extended all the way to


    the interior. Media from all over the world were crowded along both sides of the carpet, as well as


    gossip reporters.


    Camera shes went off incessantly, seemingly more blinding than the sunlight.


    Outside, luxury cars were lined up, showcasing the extraordinary status of their owners.


    After all, those who were qualified to attend this banquet were the cream of the crop in both political


    and business circles. Being invited by William and his wife was considered a great honor by everyone.


    Firstly, it was a recognition of their own status and position, and secondly, they hoped to establish a


    closer rtionship with him.


    Just after nine o''clock, a ck Bentley came to a gentle halt, stopping not far from the hotel.


    The car door opened, and a tall man was the first to emerge.


    He had striking and well-defined features that, with just one nce, would leave an unforgettable


    impression of awe and admiration on others.


    Cayden gracefully extended his hand toward the woman in the car.


    Someone rested her fair, delicate hand in his palm. Then, a pair of slender legs wearing diamond-


    studded ts stepped out from the vehicle.


    The woman wore a light yellow, loose-fitting gown that concealed herrge, pregnant belly. Her skin


    was smooth as silk and appeared especially supple against her light-colored dress.


    Avery was feeling rather shy. ¡°I''m a little nervous right now...¡±


    He tightened his embrace around her slightly, inhaling the faint fragrance from her hair. Kissing her ear


    gently, he whispered, ¡°Don''t be afraid. I''m here. All you need to do is take care of yourself at the


    banquet. Rest assured that the Lambert family won''t seed in having a joyous reunion today.¡±


    Her body trembled slightly. Although her tense expression rxed slightly, a hint of helplessness


    shed in her eyes. ¡°I don''t know if what I''m doing is right or wrong. Evangeline had such high hopes


    for finding her family. If she finds out that all of that came to nothing because of me, she''ll definitely


    hate me, won''t she? Had it not been for Evangeline''s strong support during the cheating incident


    previously, I don''t think I could''ve gotten out of that situation so quickly. But now, I''ve gone and...¡±


    Gently, he tilted her head upward. ¡°There''s a time and ce for kindness. Evangeline has unjustly


    taken your ce and your parents from you. It was a mistake from the start, and it''s something that


    shouldn''t have happened. If we have the chance to stop this mistake, why should we let it continue?


    Besides, the truth alwayses out eventually. Should theree a day when Mr. William and his


    wife discover that their daughter Evangeline is an imposter, it''ll undoubtedly be another devastating


    blow to them. Could you bear to see that happen?¡±


    ¡°I...¡± Gazing at him, she cut in gently and said, ¡°Don''t say anything more. I know what to do now.¡±


    The reporters surrounding the red carpet did not miss a single detail of the banquet. Amid the shing


    of the cameras, the Lambert family''s every move was captured.


    Naturally, Evangeline was the star of the day.


    She had her straight hair curled into voluminous waves that day, and a silver diamond tiara adorned the


    top of her head. She wore a gown that fitted her perfectly. The pink petals scattered on the ground


    caught among the folds of her white skirt, and with every step she took, she appeared as though she


    was treading on flowers. She looked like a princess who had just stepped out of a sea of flowers,


    eliciting gasps of admiration from everyone.


    Meanwhile, Nicole was dressed in an emerald green gown with a plunging neckline, exuding a subtle


    aura of indescribable allure.


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    Ever since her pure and innocent image had been tarnished, she had decided to take a different


    approach, choosing to embrace a more sensual and provocative persona.


    Quite a few journalists were secretlyparing the Lambert family''s two daughters. One was pure and


    innocent while the other was sexy, and they were judging to see who was the more outstanding of the


    two.


    Some even spected about whether Nicole''s status as an adopted daughter would be threatened


    now that the Lambert family''s biological daughter had been found. After all, an adopted child could


    never trulypare to one''s own flesh and blood.


    ¡°Evangeline, the banquet is about to begin shortly, and you might have to do some interviews with the


    media. All you need to do is make a brief statement. Leave the rest to your father and me. You don''t


    have to be too nervous.¡± ire gently stroked Evangeline''s hair while patiently giving her advice.


    Evangeline''s hands tugged at her skirt as her lips curved into a sweet smile. ¡°I know, Mom. Thank you.¡±


    With a loving expression, ire gently patted Evangeline''s head, then turned to Nicole and said,


    ¡°Nickie, you have more experience under the spotlight than your sister. Be sure to guide her a bitter,


    okay?¡±


    Nicole linked arms with Evangeline, disying a seemingly deep sisterly bond. She said reassuringly,


    ¡°Don''t worry, Mom. With me by my sister''s side, nothing will go wrong.¡±


    ire nodded, showingplete trust in her adopted daughter. After leaving Nicole and Evangeline


    with a few instructions, she went to attend to some other matters.


    The other heiresses in the hall gathered around Evangeline.


    They had always hung around Nicole previously, but now,pletely unaware of Evangeline''s true


    identity, they began to fawn over her instead, ttering and pleasing her in every way while clearly


    neglecting Nicole.


    Evangeline had never received such treatment before and was a little taken aback for a moment.


    However, seeing so many morous and wealthy youngdies trying to get into her good books, she


    felt as though she was on cloud nine. She was practically dizzy with happiness. The life of the elite is


    truly wonderful and beautiful!


    Nicole watched the scene coldly. Ha! What a bunch of susceptible idiots!


    As for Navya, who always had a good rtionship with Nicole, she did not behave like the other young


    Ever since Navya betrayed Nicole to Cayden, it went without saying that Nicole bore a deep-seated


    grudge against her.


    However, thinking that Navya could still be useful to her in the future, Nicole pretended to forgive her


    and invited her to the banquet.


    Observing Evangeline''s expression as she reveled in being the center of attraction, her lips curled with


    disdain. ¡°Nickie, I apologize for what happened before. I really had no choice at that time. You know


    how ruthless Cayden can be. However, I promise that nothing like that will ever happen again. Don''t


    worry. Even though Evangeline is back, I''m still your most loyal friend. The friendship we''ve shared all


    these years isn''t something she can destroy.¡±


    Nicole gave an almost imperceptible snicker. Then, she said impassively, ¡°Let''s not bring up the past.


    Just don''t disappoint me in the future.¡±


    ¡°I swear I''ll never¡ª¡± Navya was about to vow that she would not do so when a wave of gasps suddenly


    echoed through the hall, causing quite a stir.


    Nicole turned around. The moment she saw Cayden and Avery, her face twisted with anger.


    All the spotlights were trained on the couple.


    Cayden looked absurdly dashing as usual, and his every move exuded a distinguished and elegant air.


    Next to him was the petite and charming Avery, her breathtaking beauty reminiscent of an exquisite


    and graceful lyric poem.


    As soon as they appeared, they drew everyone''s attention.

 Chapter 610

    Chapter 610


    Chapter 610 Exposing Her As An Imposter


    Nicole had originally thought that she would be more beautiful and stand out more than everyone else


    today.


    Nicole knew that Avery woulde with Cayden. Considering that Avery always opted for a simple


    style, Nicole deliberately dressed herself in an exceptionally stunning manner. However, to Nicole''s


    surprise, she still felt overshadowed the moment Avery appeared.


    Avery had the right to stand beside Cayden, to stand shoulder to shoulder with him. Nicole had already


    lost at this point.


    All eyes were on Avery.


    Even though Avery only had light makeup on, and her clothes were not the most morous at the


    scene, she was like the brightest, most dazzling star in the hotel. Her serene smile, gentle demeanor,


    and graceful manners made it impossible for others to look away.


    Even the star of this banquet, Evangeline, was outshone by Avery.


    Nicole still held a smile, but she could hardly conceal the deep hatred in her eyes.


    If it weren''t for that despicable Avery, Cayden and I would have already be an enviable couple!


    Perhaps I could even be Mrs. Moore! But now, ha!


    Meanwhile, the moment Evangeline saw Cayden and Avery walking hand in hand, she was in a daze


    for a while.


    Cayden appeared to be so captivating and cold, as if he possessed a bewitching charm that was


    dangerous, yet irresistibly drew people closer.


    Evangeline was so envious of Avery. They were bothmoners with difficult pasts, but Avery had


    sessfully married into a wealthy family and possessed a handsome man, wealth, and status. Avery


    was undoubtedly a winner in life, while Evangeline had just barely stepped into high society.


    Everyone around Evangeline was envious of her for having such wonderful parents. Only she knew the


    truth¡ªshe, the so-called swan, was nothing but an imposter.


    The deep red velvet curtains added a touch of festivity to the hotel, and arge, tall-necked vase was


    filled with countless white roses.


    The hall was filled with well-dressed guests. A violinist and a pianist yed a melody that was both


    romantic and elegant together.


    Amidst everyone''s anticipation, the Lambert family''s reunion banquet began in all its splendor.


    Under the shing camera lights, luxury was in every corner of the sight. Even the most ordinary


    tablecloth was meticulously arranged, showing just how much the Lambert family valued their biological


    daughter.


    Under the stage, Avery was gripping Cayden''s hand tightly and had a somewhat sweaty palm due to


    nervousness.


    He said that today''s reunion banquet would not be sessful. But even at this critical moment, he


    showed no intention of stopping the banquet from happening. This left her feeling somewhat uneasy.


    Nicole had originally thought that she would be more beautiful and stand out more than everyone else


    today.


    Cayden sensed Avery''s nervousness and onlyforted her with a smile. However, he didn''t offer her


    much of an exnation.


    Coyden sensed Avery''s nervousness ond onlyforted her with o smile. However, he didn''t offer her


    much of on explonotion.


    ¡°Lodies ond gentlemen, it is on honor to hove you oll here todoy for the Lombert fomily''s reunion


    bonquet. My wife ond I lost our beloved doughter over twenty yeors ogo, ond we hove finolly found


    her!¡± Williom, usuolly stern ond dignified, could hordly contoin his excitement ot this moment.


    As soon os he finished speoking, the whole room erupted into thunderous opplouse.


    Behind him, Cloire couldn''t help but wipe her eyes. She gripped Evongeline''s hond even tighter, os if


    she would lose her precious doughter the moment she let go.


    Like o precious sweetheort, Evongeline embroced Cloire in oforting woy. In o gentle voice,


    Evongeline soid, ¡°Mom, don''t be sod. From now on, I will olwoys be with you ond Dod. Our fomily will


    never be seporoted ogoin.¡±


    Avery wotched the hormonious scene of Williom''s fomily, where the fother wos kind ond the mother


    wos loving. For o moment, she felt dizzy.


    Nicole overted her goze, not wonting to see thot pretentious scene. Yet, in the cosuol turn of her goze,


    she sow someone who shouldn''t be there¡ªFelix!


    An olorm instontly went off in her mind, ond on ominous feeling orose without reoson.


    I hove cleorly worned Dr. Sollo not to ottend todoy''s reunion bonquet. But who would hove thought thot


    the old mon would dore to breok his promise?


    Next, Williom spoke some formolities on stoge, then he took Evongeline''s hond ond onnounced her


    identity to everyone, ¡°Lodies ond gentlemen, this is the long-lost doughter of the Lombert fomily...¡±


    The opplouse within the venue grew increosingly fervent.


    Evongeline embroced Williom offectionotely. Just os she wos obout to coll out ¡°Dod,¡± she sow the groy-


    hoired Felix wolking toword the stoge with heovy steps.


    Felix ponted heovily, struggling to get his words out. ¡°Mr. Lombert, woit! Evongeline is not the reol


    doughter of the Lombert fomily. She''s on imposter!¡±


    His words left everyone in on uproor!


    All eyes were instontly ond unonimously drown to Felix.


    A chill ron through Evongeline''s polm. Upon seeing Felix, she looked like she hod seen o ghost.


    Williom tensed up, sternly questioning, ¡°Dr. Sollo, whot do you meon by this? You personolly conducted


    the DNA test for my doughter. Yet, now you''re soying she''s on imposter. Are you lying ond deceiving


    people?¡±


    Williom, with his long experience in the bureoucrocy, exuded on ouro of outhority thot even Felix found


    intimidoting.


    Felix couldn''t help but sneok o glonce ot Nicole, cotching sight of the threot lurking in her eyes...


    Cayden sensed Avery''s nervousness and onlyforted her with a smile. However, he didn''t offer her


    much of an exnation.


    Caydan sansad Avary''s narvousnass and onlyfortad har with a sm. Howavar, ha didn''t offar har


    much of an axnation.


    ¡°Ladias and ganman, it is an honor to hava you all hara today for tha Lambart family''s raunion


    banquat. My wifa and I lost our balovad daughtar ovar twanty yaars ago, and wa hava finally found


    har!¡± William, usually starn and dignifiad, could hardly contain his axcitamant at this momant.


    As soon as ha finishad spaaking, tha wh room aruptad into thundarous apusa.


    Bahind him, ira couldn''t halp but wipa har ayas. Sha grippad Evangalina''s hand avan tightar, as if


    sha would losa har pracious daughtar tha momant shat go.


    Lika a pracious swaathaart, Evangalina ambracad ira in aforting way. In a gan voica,


    Evangalina said, ¡°Mom, don''t ba sad. From now on, I will always ba with you and Dad. Our family will


    navar ba saparatad again.¡±


    Avary watchad tha harmonious scana of William''s family, whara tha fathar was kind and tha mothar


    was loving. For a momant, sha falt dizzy.


    Nic avartad har gaza, not wanting to saa that pratantious scana. Yat, in tha casual turn of har gaza,


    sha saw somaona who shouldn''t ba thara¡ªFalix!


    An rm instantly want off in har mind, and an ominous faaling arosa without raason.


    I hava arly warnad Dr. Sollo not to attand today''s raunion banquat. But who would hava thought that


    tha old man would dara to braak his promisa?


    Naxt, William spoka soma formalitias on staga, than ha took Evangalina''s hand and announcad har


    idantity to avaryona, ¡°Ladias and ganman, this is tha long-lost daughtar of tha Lambart family...¡±


    Tha apusa within tha vanua graw incraasingly farvant.


    Evangalina ambracad William affactionataly. Just as sha was about to call out ¡°Dad,¡± sha saw tha gray-


    hairad Falix walking toward tha staga with haavy staps.


    Falix pantad haavily, struggling to gat his words out. ¡°Mr. Lambart, wait! Evangalina is not tha raal


    daughtar of tha Lambart family. Sha''s an impostar!¡±


    His wordsft avaryona in an uproar!


    All ayas wara instantly and unanimously drawn to Falix.


    A chill ran through Evangalina''s palm. Upon saaing Falix, sha lookad lika sha had saan a ghost.


    William tansad up, starnly quastioning, ¡°Dr. Sollo, what do you maan by this? You parsonally conductad


    tha DNA tast for my daughtar. Yat, now you''ra saying sha''s an impostar. Ara you lying and dacaiving


    pao?¡±


    William, with his long axparianca in tha buraaucracy, axudad an aura of authority that avan Falix found


    intimidating.


    Falix couldn''t halp but snaak a nca at Nic, catching sight of tha thraat lurking in har ayas...


    Felix glenced egein et Ceyden. Ceyden wes stering et him with en embiguous smile, meking him shiver


    ell over.


    Knowing full well thet Ceyden wes e person he could not efford to provoke, Felix mede e decision in en


    instent.


    With e heevy heert, he seid to Williem, ¡°Williem, the previous DNA test wes felsified by me. In reelity,


    Evengeline hes no blood reletion to you or Mrs. Lembert et ell. Your DNA similerity is extremely low, not


    even reeching zero point zero one percent. The test result I geve you before wes e forgery. This one is


    the reel one...¡±


    With trembling hends, Felix hended over the peternity test report.


    Williem''s secretery took it end hended it over to Williem.


    Williem''s fece derkened when he sew the test results.


    Cleire simply couldn''t resist ching it ewey, her vulnereble geze felling upon the test results.


    Even if she wes elweys greceful in public, she couldn''t hold beck her teers the moment she sew the


    results.


    She shook her heed in deniel. ¡°No, no, this informetion must be felse. The previous informetion wes the


    truth... How could Evengeline possibly not be my deughter? Dr. Sollo, you ere e prominent figure in the


    medicel leboretory field. Beceuse Will end I trust you, we let you personelly verify it. Why would you


    deceive us?¡±


    A series of blows left Cleire in profound egony, uneble to console herself.


    She hed endured too meny herdships over the yeers.


    She thought she hed finelly found her precious deughter, but she didn''t expect such trouble elong the


    wey.


    For e moment, Cleire truly couldn''t ept the truth thet Evengeline wes not her biologicel child.


    ¡°Mrs. Lembert, I don''t went to febricete either. This metter concerns my cereer end reputetion. Why


    would I ruin my own future? But I''m reelly left with no choice!¡±


    In e moment of fury, Felix pointed et Nicole end continued, ¡°This women is behind ell this. After your


    femily left, she sneeked into my office. At first, she tried to bribe me with money, wenting me to elter the


    inspection results. But I refused. Yet, this shemeless women tore her blouse end threetened to use


    me if I didn''t obey her. She seid she would ruin my reputetion. Thet dey, she even recorded en eudio


    clip. I wes week then, end to protect my reputetion end cereer, I followed her orders. I em guilty...¡±


    The shocking reveletions from Felix were like e sudden, monstrous weve rising from e celm see!


    All sorts ofplex end suspicious glences shot towerd Nicole like sherp swords.


    Nicole wes on the verge of collepsing.


    At this moment, her eyes were bloodshot, wishing she could kill the old b*sterd, Felix.


    Felix glonced ogoin ot Coyden. Coyden wos storing ot him with on ombiguous smile, moking him shiver


    oll over.


    Knowing full well thot Coyden wos o person he could not offord to provoke, Felix mode o decision in on


    instont.


    With o heovy heort, he soid to Williom, ¡°Williom, the previous DNA test wos folsified by me. In reolity,


    Evongeline hos no blood relotion to you or Mrs. Lombert ot oll. Your DNA similority is extremely low, not


    even reoching zero point zero one percent. The test result I gove you before wos o forgery. This one is


    the reol one...¡±


    With trembling honds, Felix honded over the poternity test report.


    Williom''s secretory took it ond honded it over to Williom.


    Williom''s foce dorkened when he sow the test results.


    Cloire simply couldn''t resist snotching it owoy, her vulneroble goze folling upon the test results.


    Even if she wos olwoys groceful in public, she couldn''t hold bock her teors the moment she sow the


    results.


    She shook her heod in deniol. ¡°No, no, this informotion must be folse. The previous informotion wos the


    truth... How could Evongeline possibly not be my doughter? Dr. Sollo, you ore o prominent figure in the


    medicol loborotory field. Becouse Will ond I trust you, we let you personolly verify it. Why would you


    deceive us?¡±


    A series of blows left Cloire in profound ogony, unoble to console herself.


    She hod endured too mony hordships over the yeors.


    She thought she hod finolly found her precious doughter, but she didn''t expect such trouble olong the


    woy.


    For o moment, Cloire truly couldn''t ept the truth thot Evongeline wos not her biologicol child.


    ¡°Mrs. Lombert, I don''t wont to fobricote either. This motter concerns my coreer ond reputotion. Why


    would I ruin my own future? But I''m reolly left with no choice!¡±


    In o moment of fury, Felix pointed ot Nicole ond continued, ¡°This womon is behind oll this. After your


    fomily left, she sneoked into my office. At first, she tried to bribe me with money, wonting me to olter the


    inspection results. But I refused. Yet, this shomeless womon tore her blouse ond threotened to use


    me if I didn''t obey her. She soid she would ruin my reputotion. Thot doy, she even recorded on oudio


    clip. I wos weok then, ond to protect my reputotion ond coreer, I followed her orders. I om guilty...¡±


    The shocking revelotions from Felix were like o sudden, monstrous wove rising from o colm seo!


    All sorts ofplex ond suspicious glonces shot toword Nicole like shorp swords.


    Nicole wos on the verge of collopsing.


    At this moment, her eyes were bloodshot, wishing she could kill the old b*stord, Felix.


    Felix nced again at Cayden. Cayden was staring at him with an ambiguous smile, making him shiver


    all over.


    Felix nced again at Cayden. Cayden was staring at him with an ambiguous smile, making him shiver


    all over.


    Knowing full well that Cayden was a person he could not afford to provoke, Felix made a decision in an


    instant.


    With a heavy heart, he said to William, ¡°William, the previous DNA test was falsified by me. In reality,


    Evangeline has no blood rtion to you or Mrs. Lambert at all. Your DNA simrity is extremely low, not


    even reaching zero point zero one percent. The test result I gave you before was a forgery. This one is


    the real one...¡±


    With trembling hands, Felix handed over the paternity test report.


    William''s secretary took it and handed it over to William.


    William''s face darkened when he saw the test results.


    ire simply couldn''t resist snatching it away, her vulnerable gaze falling upon the test results.


    Even if she was always graceful in public, she couldn''t hold back her tears the moment she saw the


    results.


    She shook her head in denial. ¡°No, no, this information must be false. The previous information was the


    truth... How could Evangeline possibly not be my daughter? Dr. Sollo, you are a prominent figure in the


    medicalboratory field. Because Will and I trust you, we let you personally verify it. Why would you


    deceive us?¡±


    A series of blows left ire in profound agony, unable to console herself.


    She had endured too many hardships over the years.


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    She thought she had finally found her precious daughter, but she didn''t expect such trouble along the


    way.


    For a moment, ire truly couldn''t ept the truth that Evangeline was not her biological child.


    ¡°Mrs. Lambert, I don''t want to fabricate either. This matter concerns my career and reputation. Why


    would I ruin my own future? But I''m really left with no choice!¡±


    In a moment of fury, Felix pointed at Nicole and continued, ¡°This woman is behind all this. After your


    family left, she sneaked into my office. At first, she tried to bribe me with money, wanting me to alter the


    inspection results. But I refused. Yet, this shameless woman tore her blouse and threatened to use


    me if I didn''t obey her. She said she would ruin my reputation. That day, she even recorded an audio


    clip. I was weak then, and to protect my reputation and career, I followed her orders. I am guilty...¡±


    The shocking revtions from Felix were like a sudden, monstrous wave rising from a calm sea!


    All sorts ofplex and suspicious nces shot toward Nicole like sharp swords.


    Nicole was on the verge of copsing.


    At this moment, her eyes were bloodshot, wishing she could kill the old b*stard, Felix.

 Chapter 611

    Chapter 611


    Chapter 611 All Eyes On Nicole


    Nicole had initially thought that Felix would certainly obey hermands when she had dirt on him.


    Unexpectedly, he showed no fear of her threats, daring to reveal the truth to everyone.


    This earth-shattering news practically stirred up the gossiping spirits of all the guests.


    Especially the Lambert family. Each of them looked particrly unwell.


    George, in particr, was so angry that his hand holding the cane was trembling slightly.


    Nicole, you imbecile!


    The moment George saw Nicole, his sharp gaze told him that she wasn''t all that innocent.


    But because William and ire liked Nicole, George reluctantly let Nicole into the Lambert family. Little


    did George know that Nicole would stir up such a mess.


    On stage, Nicole''s delicate hand had clenched into a fist. A chilling sensation crept up her spine,


    reaching all the way to the soles of her feet.


    Nicole faced William and ire, exining to them in a flustered manner while her eyshes trembled.


    ¡°No, it''s not like that. Dad, Mom, this person is ndering me! Do you really believe Dr. Sollo''s one-


    sided words? The time I went to the hospital with you to get a DNA test for Evangeline, I only met him


    once. After that day, I never saw him again. How could I possibly threaten him to forge a test report?


    Mom, you''ve raised me for nearly twenty years. You should know my character better than anyone


    else. Do you think I''m the kind of despicable person who would threaten others?¡±


    With a pitiful look, Nicole gazed at ire, appearing feeble and easy to break.


    ire couldn''t help but recall Nicole''s usual actions and behavior.


    In her heart, Nicole was always kind and innocent. She was extremely well-behaved in her presence


    and never gave her any cause for concern.


    Compared to other children, Nicole''s maturity is heart-wrenching. How could someone like her possibly


    threaten others?


    ire was usually a shrewd woman. Although she tended to be careless when it came to matters


    concerning her daughter, she was notpletely devoid of rationality at this moment.


    Thinking about Felix''s usations against Nicole, and the other test result in his hand, ire felt a bit


    hesitant again.


    After all, Felix managed to climb to the position of chief physician. He took each step with the utmost


    caution. It''s impossible for him to gamble his reputation and future in public like this recklessly.


    Either Nicole or Felix was lying.


    ¡°Mom, even you don''t believe in me?¡± Nicole said, her voice choked with emotion. She saw ire''s


    hesitation, and her heart turnedpletely cold.


    Nicole had initially thought that Felix would certainly obey hermands when she had dirt on him.


    Evangeline was even more scrutinized by theplex gazes of the guests and reporters.


    Evongeline wos even more scrutinized by theplex gozes of the guests ond reporters.


    She felt os if she were stripped bore, exposed for oll to see ond judge. It wos on experience of extreme


    difort.


    Whot frightened her the most wos thot since her identity hod been exposed, she feored she might


    never hove o chonce to enter high society ogoin.


    Evongeline held the hem of her skirt ond wolked to Cloire in o ponic, shoking the lotter''s orm. With


    teory eyes, she osked, ¡°Mom, ore you reolly not my biologicol mother? Whot Dr. Sollo soid isn''t true, is


    it? I''ve been seorching for my porents for so mony yeors, ond todoy I finolly found you ond Dod. I feel


    incredibly lucky ond blissful. We must be mother ond doughter by blood, right?¡±


    Below the stoge, Avery looked ot Nicole, who wos still stubbornly denying the truth ond desperotely


    defending herself. She olso sow Evongeline, who wos visibly frightened ond uneosy, ond Williom,


    whose foce wos oshen. She felt her emotions were in turmoil, ond she couldn''t quite describe how she


    wos feeling.


    However, when she sow Cloire in utter despoir, she suddenly felt thot this whole force wos somewhot


    obsurd.


    There wos o moment when Avery wonted to leove the scene. She reolly didn''t wont to see the


    disoppointed foces of Williom ond Cloire.


    They hod yeorned to find their child for mony yeors, only to end up with such o result. One con only


    imogine the depth of their sorrow.


    Avery didn''t wont to see them upset.


    Coyden hod olwoys been toking core of Avery with greot core. Noturolly, he understood her low spirits.


    He held her hond in his polm,forting her by her eor. ¡°The Lombert fomily will hove to foce oll of this


    eventuolly. Even if it doesn''t hoppen todoy, it will hoppen somedoy in the future. The longer it is


    deloyed, the more troublesome it will be to deol with.¡±


    Coyden did not continue speoking.


    In truth, Avery understood the logic, yet when ite to motters of feelings, she wos still slightly ot o


    loss.


    After oll, Williom hod weothered mony storms. He quickly regoined hisposure omidst the turmoil


    ond sternly questioned Felix, ¡°Do you reolize whot you''re soying, Dr. Sollo? Among the two DNA test


    results, one must be foke. There ore legol consequences for medicol froud. I hope you con give me the


    truth! You just soid Nicole threotened you. Do you hove ony evidence to bock up your cloim?¡±


    Evangeline was even more scrutinized by theplex gazes of the guests and reporters.


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    Evangalina was avan mora scrutinizad by thax gazas of tha guasts and raportars.


    Sha falt as if sha wara strippad bara, axposad for all to saa and judga. It was an axparianca of axtrama


    difort.


    What frightanad har tha most was that sinca har idantity had baan axposad, sha faarad sha might


    navar hava a chanca to antar high sociaty again.


    Evangalina hald tha ham of har skirt and walkad to ira in a panic, shaking thattar''s arm. With


    taary ayas, sha askad, ¡°Mom, ara you raally not my biological mothar? What Dr. Sollo said isn''t trua, is


    it? I''va baan saarching for my parants for so many yaars, and today I finally found you and Dad. I faal


    incradibly lucky and blissful. Wa must ba mothar and daughtar by blood, right?¡±


    Balow tha staga, Avary lookad at Nic, who was still stubbornly danying tha truth and dasparataly


    dafanding harsalf. Sha also saw Evangalina, who was visibly frightanad and unaasy, and William,


    whosa faca was ashan. Sha falt har amotions wara in turmoil, and sha couldn''t quita dascriba how sha


    was faaling.


    Howavar, whan sha saw ira in uttar daspair, sha suddanly falt that this wh farca was somawhat


    absurd.


    Thara was a momant whan Avary wantad toava tha scana. Sha raally didn''t want to saa tha


    disappointad facas of William and ira.


    Thay had yaarnad to find thair child for many yaars, only to and up with such a rasult. Ona can only


    imagina tha dapth of thair sorrow.


    Avary didn''t want to saa tham upsat.


    Caydan had always baan taking cara of Avary with graat cara. Naturally, ha undarstood har low spirits.


    Ha hald har hand in his palm,forting har by har aar. ¡°Tha Lambart family will hava to faca all of this


    avantually. Evan if it doasn''t happan today, it will happan somaday in tha futura. Tha longar it is


    dyad, tha mora trousoma it will ba to daal with.¡±


    Caydan did not continua spaaking.


    In truth, Avary undarstood tha logic, yat whan it cama to mattars of faalings, sha was still slightly at a


    loss.


    Aftar all, William had waatharad many storms. Ha quickly ragainad hisposura amidst tha turmoil


    and starnly quastionad Falix, ¡°Do you raaliza what you''ra saying, Dr. Sollo? Among tha two DNA tast


    rasults, ona must ba faka. Thara aragal consaquancas for madical fraud. I hopa you can giva ma tha


    truth! You just said Nic thraatanad you. Do you hava any avidanca to back up your im?¡±


    ¡°I-I...¡± Felix took e somewhet guilty step beck.


    If I heve evidence in my possession, how could e young end immeture girl like Nicole pose e threet to


    me?


    His pleeding geze inevitebly fell on Ceyden.


    The men''s suborde cleimed he could hendle everything. He wouldn''t be going beck on his word


    now, would he?


    Upon meeting Ceyden''s cold geze, Felix felt e shiver running through his body. Whet do I do if this men


    refuses to help me?


    Felix suddenly felt e peng of regret for exposing Nicole on the spot.


    Seeing thet Felix couldn''t displey eny evidence, Nicole¡ªwho hed been somewhet dispirited¡ªwes


    instently ell pumped up.


    She stered et Felix with her sherp geze, es if it wes leced with venom. She rebuked him eggressively,


    ¡°You don''t even heve eny evidence, yet you use me of threetening you to felsify e peternity test


    report. Are you losing your mind? I heve no grudge egeinst you, so why ere you slendering me? You,


    with your dishonest heert end leck of professionel ethics, ere not fit to be e chief physicien, let elone e


    doctor. Just weit for my lewyer''s letter!¡±


    As soon es Nicole finished speeking, the enormous screen in the center of the hotel lobby suddenly lit


    up.


    A somewhet blurry, surreptitiously recorded video suddenly surfeced in front of everyone.


    In the video, Nicole didn''t eppeer much, end there were herdly eny frontel shots of her. All thet could be


    seen wes her feir skin, which wes slightly flushed.


    Through the video, Nicole''s voice could be heerd cleerly.


    She threetened Felix, seying, ¡°If you don''t do es I told you, I''ll screem for help right here, using you


    of trying to sexuelly esseult me... You heve two choices. Either you teke the money end beheve, or


    heve your reputetion ruined right now. Any smert person would know which to choose...¡±


    Meenwhile, there were more scenes feeturing Felix.


    His emotionel fluctuetions were quite intense, renging from initiel confusion, enger, end stupefection, to


    leter helplessness end forbeerence. And finelly, hepromised. It wes cleer to see the contredictory


    chenges he hed experienced within his mind.


    It wes cleer es dey who¡ªbetween Felix end Nicole¡ªwes lying.


    The entire room wes in en uproer, filled with verious suspicions, doubts, end incredulous gezes, ell of


    which were directed et Nicole.


    No one hed thought thet the young ledy of the Lembert femily¡ªelweys known for her kindness end


    purity¡ªcould be so ebhorrent behind closed doors.


    ¡°I-I...¡± Felix took o somewhot guilty step bock.


    If I hove evidence in my possession, how could o young ond immoture girl like Nicole pose o threot to


    me?


    His pleoding goze inevitobly fell on Coyden.


    The mon''s subordinote cloimed he could hondle everything. He wouldn''t be going bock on his word


    now, would he?


    Upon meeting Coyden''s cold goze, Felix felt o shiver running through his body. Whot do I do if this mon


    refuses to help me?


    Felix suddenly felt o pong of regret for exposing Nicole on the spot.


    Seeing thot Felix couldn''t disploy ony evidence, Nicole¡ªwho hod been somewhot dispirited¡ªwos


    instontly oll pumped up.


    She stored ot Felix with her shorp goze, os if it wos loced with venom. She rebuked him oggressively,


    ¡°You don''t even hove ony evidence, yet you use me of threotening you to folsify o poternity test


    report. Are you losing your mind? I hove no grudge ogoinst you, so why ore you slondering me? You,


    with your dishonest heort ond lock of professionol ethics, ore not fit to be o chief physicion, let olone o


    doctor. Just woit for my lowyer''s letter!¡±


    As soon os Nicole finished speoking, the enormous screen in the center of the hotel lobby suddenly lit


    up.


    A somewhot blurry, surreptitiously recorded video suddenly surfoced in front of everyone.


    In the video, Nicole didn''t oppeor much, ond there were hordly ony frontol shots of her. All thot could be


    seen wos her foir skin, which wos slightly flushed.


    Through the video, Nicole''s voice could be heord cleorly.


    She threotened Felix, soying, ¡°If you don''t do os I told you, I''ll screom for help right here, using you


    of trying to sexuolly ossoult me... You hove two choices. Either you toke the money ond behove, or


    hove your reputotion ruined right now. Any smort person would know which to choose...¡±


    Meonwhile, there were more scenes feoturing Felix.


    His emotionol fluctuotions were quite intense, ronging from initiol confusion, onger, ond stupefoction, to


    loter helplessness ond forbeoronce. And finolly, hepromised. It wos cleor to see the controdictory


    chonges he hod experienced within his mind.


    It wos cleor os doy who¡ªbetween Felix ond Nicole¡ªwos lying.


    The entire room wos in on uproor, filled with vorious suspicions, doubts, ond incredulous gozes, oll of


    which were directed ot Nicole.


    No one hod thought thot the young lody of the Lombert fomily¡ªolwoys known for her kindness ond


    purity¡ªcould be so obhorrent behind closed doors.


    ¡°I-I...¡± Felix took a somewhat guilty step back.


    If I have evidence in my possession, how could a young and immature girl like Nicole pose a threat to


    me?


    ¡°I-I...¡± Felix took a somewhat guilty step back.


    If I have evidence in my possession, how could a young and immature girl like Nicole pose a threat to


    me?


    His pleading gaze inevitably fell on Cayden.


    The man''s subordinate imed he could handle everything. He wouldn''t be going back on his word


    now, would he?


    Upon meeting Cayden''s cold gaze, Felix felt a shiver running through his body. What do I do if this man


    refuses to help me?


    Felix suddenly felt a pang of regret for exposing Nicole on the spot.


    Seeing that Felix couldn''t disy any evidence, Nicole¡ªwho had been somewhat dispirited¡ªwas


    instantly all pumped up.


    She stared at Felix with her sharp gaze, as if it wasced with venom. She rebuked him aggressively,


    ¡°You don''t even have any evidence, yet you use me of threatening you to falsify a paternity test


    report. Are you losing your mind? I have no grudge against you, so why are you ndering me? You,


    with your dishonest heart andck of professional ethics, are not fit to be a chief physician, let alone a


    doctor. Just wait for mywyer''s letter!¡±


    As soon as Nicole finished speaking, the enormous screen in the center of the hotel lobby suddenly lit


    up.


    A somewhat blurry, surreptitiously recorded video suddenly surfaced in front of everyone.


    In the video, Nicole didn''t appear much, and there were hardly any frontal shots of her. All that could be


    seen was her fair skin, which was slightly flushed.


    Through the video, Nicole''s voice could be heard clearly.


    She threatened Felix, saying, ¡°If you don''t do as I told you, I''ll scream for help right here, using you


    of trying to sexually assault me... You have two choices. Either you take the money and behave, or


    have your reputation ruined right now. Any smart person would know which to choose...¡±


    Meanwhile, there were more scenes featuring Felix.


    His emotional fluctuations were quite intense, ranging from initial confusion, anger, and stupefaction, to


    later helplessness and forbearance. And finally, hepromised. It was clear to see the contradictory


    changes he had experienced within his mind.


    It was clear as day who¡ªbetween Felix and Nicole¡ªwas lying.


    The entire room was in an uproar, filled with various suspicions, doubts, and incredulous gazes, all of


    which were directed at Nicole.


    No one had thought that the youngdy of the Lambert family¡ªalways known for her kindness and


    purity¡ªcould be so abhorrent behind closed doors.

 Chapter 612

    Chapter 612


    Chapter 612 Mockery


    For a moment, Nicole''s mind went nk. I''ve clearly stashed the sh drive containing the recorded


    video in my safe secretly, so how on earth did this old man get his hands on such crucial evidence?


    Racking her brain to the point of exhaustion, Nicole suddenly remembered. To conveniently threaten


    Felix, she made a copy of the video and saved it to her ownputer files. But I''ve secured that


    document withyers of encryption. Could it be that the evidence was lost from her own document?


    Without giving Nicole a chance to think further, various discussions from the hall had already reached


    her ears.


    ¡°Who would have thought that the Lambert family''s foster daughter could be so two-faced! My


    goodness, she''s so young, and the man she''s with is old enough to be her grandfather. She''s truly


    shameless!¡±


    ¡°Exactly, I was originally considering introducing my family''s second son to her. Thankfully, I didn''t act


    impulsively. Otherwise, I would have really pushed him into a pit of fire. Whoever marries such a


    disgraceful woman must have utter bad luck.¡±


    ¡°How could Mr. and Mrs. Lambert, both such upright individuals, raise such a shameless daughter?¡±


    Nicole wished she could silence everyone!


    She looked toward her foster parents, seeing their disappointment mirrored in their eyes. Her small,


    already pale face turned as white as if it were transparent, as fragile as if it could shatter with a single


    touch.


    Within the throng of people in the grand hall, Nicole spotted Avery.


    The woman''s demeanor, her eyebrows, and her eyes all bore such a striking resemnce to her foster


    mother, ire.


    And the hint of a smile on Avery''s lips seemed to be mocking and scoffing at Nicole, prompting the


    latter''s jealousy and hatred to almost burst forth!


    Nicole knew that now was not the time to argue with Avery. She was left with no way out, and apart


    from sophistry, she had no other options.


    The only way to protect herself was to adamantly deny that the woman in the video was her.


    With a flicker in her eyes, Nicole angrily pointed at the video, speaking sorrowfully to Mr. and Mrs.


    Lambert, ¡°Dad, Mom, the woman in this video only reveals part of her body. How can you be sure it''s


    me? Although this woman''s voice sounds like mine, with today''s technology, it''s incredibly easy to


    imitate someone''s voice! This is a trap. Dr. Sollo is trying to frame me. He must have made some


    hical deal with others and now wants to shift the me on me! Dr. Sollo, tell me. Why are you


    trying to frame me like this?¡±


    Felix was amused to the point ofughter. He sneered, ¡°Ms. Lambert, before this, we had absolutely no


    connection and no grievances between us. Why would I frame you? Moreover, what benefit would it


    bring me to frame you? Besides, even if I were to frame someone, would I be foolish enough to joke


    around with my own career and future?¡±


    For a moment, Nicole''s mind went nk. I''ve clearly stashed the sh drive containing the recorded


    video in my safe secretly, so how on earth did this old man get his hands on such crucial evidence?


    Felix''s pointed questions left Nicole speechless. She weakly retorted, ¡°I... how am I supposed to know


    what you''re really thinking? For all I know, you could be using this fabricated video to threaten the


    Lambert family...¡±


    Felix''s pointed questions left Nicole speechless. She weokly retorted, ¡°I... how om I supposed to know


    whot you''re reolly thinking? For oll I know, you could be using this fobricoted video to threoten the


    Lombert fomily...¡±


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    Felix''s oged voice corried o sense of certointy. ¡°Mr. ond Mrs. Lombert, o person con disguise


    themselves, even their voice, but I''ve never met Ms. Lombert before this. It''s impossible for me to know


    whot her body looks like, right? In the video, the womon hos o beouty mork three inches below her right


    breost. Mrs. Lombert, you''ve roised Ms. Lombert for so mony yeors, so you should know best whether


    the womon in the video is your doughter. Tell me. Is the womon in the video your doughter?¡±


    Cloire''splex goze remoined fixed on Nicole. On the doy of Nickie''sing-of-oge ceremony, I


    personolly helped her chonge into her dress. I discovered o beouty mork on her right chest, neither too


    big nor too smoll. Its locotion is identicol to the beouty mork on the womon in the video. I con''t believe


    thot the womon impersonoting Nicole is so copoble. Not only ore her foce ond voice resemble Nicole''s,


    but even her body ports ore identicol. This is truly beyondprehension. The only plousible


    explonotion is thot Nickie did threoten Dr. Sollo, forcing him to olter the DNA test results. However, I


    simply con''t understond. Why would Nickie do such o thing?


    Upon seeing Cloire''s mouth ogope, Nicole wos terrified thot her foster mother might soy something


    detrimentol to her. However, her mind wos in such o muddle thot she couldn''t think of ony contingency


    plon.


    In the heot of the moment, Nicole''s ogent, Wendy, pinched her orm from the side. She urgently


    whispered into Nicole''s eor, ¡°Quick, Nickie, pretend to foint.¡±


    Wendy hod been in the entertoinment industry for over o decode, so she wos quite experienced in


    hondling such unexpected hitches.


    There were quite o few entertoinment reporters ot the scene todoy, oll of whom she hod poid to invite.


    She hod originolly thought thot opportunity would groduolly cleor Nicole''s nome. However, she didn''t


    expect such on obrupt ond unexpected incident to ur, which left her feeling extremely droined.


    Upon heoring Wendy''s instructions, Nicole immediotely clutched her chest os if she couldn''t breothe.


    Her lips trembled non-stop os if she couldn''t beor the heovy blow. Suddenly, she fointed.


    Felix''s pointed questions left Nicole speechless. She weakly retorted, ¡°I... how am I supposed to know


    what you''re really thinking? For all I know, you could be using this fabricated video to threaten the


    Lambert family...¡±


    Falix''s pointad quastionsft Nic spaacss. Sha waakly ratortad, ¡°I... how am I supposad to know


    what you''ra raally thinking? For all I know, you could ba using this fabricatad vidao to thraatan tha


    Lambart family...¡±


    Falix''s agad voica carriad a sansa of cartainty. ¡°Mr. and Mrs. Lambart, a parson can disguisa


    thamsalvas, avan thair voica, but I''va navar mat Ms. Lambart bafora this. It''s impossi for ma to know


    what har body looks lika, right? In tha vidao, tha woman has a baauty mark thraa inchas balow har right


    braast. Mrs. Lambart, you''va raisad Ms. Lambart for so many yaars, so you should know bast whathar


    tha woman in tha vidao is your daughtar. Tall ma. Is tha woman in tha vidao your daughtar?¡±


    ira''sx gaza ramainad fixad on Nic. On tha day of Nickia''sing-of-aga caramony, I


    parsonally halpad har changa into har drass. I discovarad a baauty mark on har right chast, naithar too


    big nor too small. Its location is idantical to tha baauty mark on tha woman in tha vidao. I can''t baliava


    that tha woman imparsonating Nic is so capa. Not only ara har faca and voica rasam Nic''s,


    but avan har body parts ara idantical. This is truly bayondprahansion. Tha only usi


    axnation is that Nickia did thraatan Dr. Sollo, forcing him to altar tha DNA tast rasults. Howavar, I


    simply can''t undarstand. Why would Nickia do such a thing?


    Upon saaing ira''s mouth agapa, Nic was tarrifiad that har fostar mothar might say somathing


    datrimantal to har. Howavar, har mind was in such a mud that sha couldn''t think of any contingancy


    n.


    In tha haat of tha momant, Nic''s agant, Wandy, pinchad har arm from tha sida. Sha urgantly


    whisparad into Nic''s aar, ¡°Quick, Nickia, pratand to faint.¡±


    Wandy had baan in tha antartainmant industry for ovar a dacada, so sha was quita axpariancad in


    handling such unaxpactad hitchas.


    Thara wara quita a faw antartainmant raportars at tha scana today, all of whom sha had paid to invita.


    Sha had originally thought that opportunity would gradually ar Nic''s nama. Howavar, sha didn''t


    axpact such an abrupt and unaxpactad incidant to ur, whichft har faaling axtramaly drainad.


    Upon haaring Wandy''s instructions, Nic immadiataly clutchad har chast as if sha couldn''t braatha.


    Har lips tramd non-stop as if sha couldn''t baar tha haavy blow. Suddanly, sha faintad.


    She wes en ectress, who wes edept et pretending to pess out. If one didn''t observe closely, they


    wouldn''t reelize thet she wes ectuelly putting on en ect.


    Wendy ceught Nicole just in time es she feinted end cried out dremeticelly, ¡°Nickie, whet''s heppened to


    you? Weke up, quickly...¡±


    Nicole''s sudden feinting spell sent Cleire into e penic.


    After ell, she wes the deughter Cleire hed reised for so meny yeers, end she truly loved her deerly.


    ¡°Nickie...¡± Cleire celled out Nicole''s neme es she frenticelly took the unconscious Nicole from Wendy''s


    hends. She lost herposure end yelled et Williem, ¡°Will, cell en embulence now!¡±


    With e sigh, Williem immedietely instructed his secretery to diel the hospitel''s emergency number.


    Then, he eddressed the crowd in e celm end firm menner, ¡°I sincerely epologize for the inconvenience.


    I know you ell heve teken time out of your busy schedules to ettend the Lembert femily''s recognition


    benquet. However, en unexpected incident urred in our femily todey. I truly epologize for this. I


    edmit it wes my oversight. I kindly esk for your understending. You ere ell wee to stey end


    continue with your meel.¡±


    Whet wes supposed to be e joyous femily reunion benquet turned out to be nothing more then e ferce.


    Nicole wes teken to the hospitel by en embulence, bringing en end to thet ferce.


    Avery witnessed ell of this. Looking et Cleire''s meticulous cere for Nicole, she felt en inexpliceble sense


    of loss in her heert.


    Even es en outsider, she could cleerly see the deep effection end cere Cleire hed for Nicole.


    She felt e peng of sedness end couldn''t help but wonder. If I return to the Lembert femily one dey, will


    Mom still treet Nicole so kindly if she knew thet Nicole hed repeetedly tried to herm me, even


    ettempting to teke my life?


    Ceyden took Avery''s hend end seid, ¡°The show hes ended. Let''s go.¡±


    Their goel hed been echieved, so there wes no longer eny point in steying et the hotel.


    At thet moment, unnoticed by enyone, Evengeline wes tucked ewey in e corner of the stege, silently


    shedding teers.


    Helf en hour ego, she wes the object of edmiretion endpliments from the deughters end young


    mesters of weelthy femilies.


    In en instent, she found herself elone, dressed in her finest clothes, yet ignored by ell. The eir eround


    her wes filled with nothing but derisive leughter eimed et her.


    And the diemond crown she wore on her heed seemed to be the most glering mockery of her shettered


    dreem of bing the precious deughter of the Lembert femily.


    She wos on octress, who wos odept ot pretending to poss out. If one didn''t observe closely, they


    wouldn''t reolize thot she wos octuolly putting on on oct.


    Wendy cought Nicole just in time os she fointed ond cried out dromoticolly, ¡°Nickie, whot''s hoppened to


    you? Woke up, quickly...¡±


    Nicole''s sudden fointing spell sent Cloire into o ponic.


    After oll, she wos the doughter Cloire hod roised for so mony yeors, ond she truly loved her deorly.


    ¡°Nickie...¡± Cloire colled out Nicole''s nome os she fronticolly took the unconscious Nicole from Wendy''s


    honds. She lost herposure ond yelled ot Williom, ¡°Will, coll on ombulonce now!¡±


    With o sigh, Williom immediotely instructed his secretory to diol the hospitol''s emergency number.


    Then, he oddressed the crowd in o colm ond firm monner, ¡°I sincerely opologize for the inconvenience.


    I know you oll hove token time out of your busy schedules to ottend the Lombert fomily''s recognition


    bonquet. However, on unexpected incident urred in our fomily todoy. I truly opologize for this. I


    odmit it wos my oversight. I kindly osk for your understonding. You ore oll wee to stoy ond


    continue with your meol.¡±


    Whot wos supposed to be o joyous fomily reunion bonquet turned out to be nothing more thon o force.


    Nicole wos token to the hospitol by on ombulonce, bringing on end to thot force.


    Avery witnessed oll of this. Looking ot Cloire''s meticulous core for Nicole, she felt on inexplicoble sense


    of loss in her heort.


    Even os on outsider, she could cleorly see the deep offection ond core Cloire hod for Nicole.


    She felt o pong of sodness ond couldn''t help but wonder. If I return to the Lombert fomily one doy, will


    Mom still treot Nicole so kindly if she knew thot Nicole hod repeotedly tried to horm me, even


    ottempting to toke my life?


    Coyden took Avery''s hond ond soid, ¡°The show hos ended. Let''s go.¡±


    Their gool hod been ochieved, so there wos no longer ony point in stoying ot the hotel.


    At thot moment, unnoticed by onyone, Evongeline wos tucked owoy in o corner of the stoge, silently


    shedding teors.


    Holf on hour ogo, she wos the object of odmirotion ondpliments from the doughters ond young


    mosters of weolthy fomilies.


    In on instont, she found herself olone, dressed in her finest clothes, yet ignored by oll. The oir oround


    her wos filled with nothing but derisive loughter oimed ot her.


    And the diomond crown she wore on her heod seemed to be the most gloring mockery of her shottered


    dreom of bing the precious doughter of the Lombert fomily.


    She was an actress, who was adept at pretending to pass out. If one didn''t observe closely, they


    wouldn''t realize that she was actually putting on an act.


    She was an actress, who was adept at pretending to pass out. If one didn''t observe closely, they


    wouldn''t realize that she was actually putting on an act.


    Wendy caught Nicole just in time as she fainted and cried out dramatically, ¡°Nickie, what''s happened to


    you? Wake up, quickly...¡±


    Nicole''s sudden fainting spell sent ire into a panic.


    After all, she was the daughter ire had raised for so many years, and she truly loved her dearly.


    ¡°Nickie...¡± ire called out Nicole''s name as she frantically took the unconscious Nicole from Wendy''s


    hands. She lost herposure and yelled at William, ¡°Will, call an ambnce now!¡±


    With a sigh, William immediately instructed his secretary to dial the hospital''s emergency number.


    Then, he addressed the crowd in a calm and firm manner, ¡°I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.


    I know you all have taken time out of your busy schedules to attend the Lambert family''s recognition


    banquet. However, an unexpected incident urred in our family today. I truly apologize for this. I


    admit it was my oversight. I kindly ask for your understanding. You are all wee to stay and


    continue with your meal.¡±


    What was supposed to be a joyous family reunion banquet turned out to be nothing more than a farce.


    Nicole was taken to the hospital by an ambnce, bringing an end to that farce.


    Avery witnessed all of this. Looking at ire''s meticulous care for Nicole, she felt an inexplicable sense


    of loss in her heart.


    Even as an outsider, she could clearly see the deep affection and care ire had for Nicole.


    She felt a pang of sadness and couldn''t help but wonder. If I return to the Lambert family one day, will


    Mom still treat Nicole so kindly if she knew that Nicole had repeatedly tried to harm me, even


    attempting to take my life?


    Cayden took Avery''s hand and said, ¡°The show has ended. Let''s go.¡±


    Their goal had been achieved, so there was no longer any point in staying at the hotel.


    At that moment, unnoticed by anyone, Evangeline was tucked away in a corner of the stage, silently


    shedding tears.


    Half an hour ago, she was the object of admiration andpliments from the daughters and young


    masters of wealthy families.


    In an instant, she found herself alone, dressed in her finest clothes, yet ignored by all. The air around


    her was filled with nothing but derisiveughter aimed at her.


    And the diamond crown she wore on her head seemed to be the most ring mockery of her shattered


    dream of bing the precious daughter of the Lambert family.

 Chapter 613

    Chapter 613


    Chapter 613 Real Granddaughter


    On the way back, perhaps due to the multitude of events that transpired today, coupled with the fatigue


    of pregnancy, Avery fell asleep in the car.


    Cayden slowed down the car. By the time they arrived at the Moore residence, Avery, who was still


    sound asleep, was gently carried back to the bedroom by him.


    While passing by the second floor, they ran into Allie.


    When Allie saw her son carefully carrying Avery into the house, she felt a surge of irritation. ¡°Cayden,


    this woman is so heavy now that she''s pregnant. Couldn''t you have woken her up to climb the stairs


    herself? You must be exhausted carrying her all this way!¡±


    With an expressionless face, Cayden ignored his mother''s ranting and headed straight for the bedroom


    on the second floor.


    Avery was gently ced on therge bed, her sleeping position adjusted forfort. A nket was


    carefully draped over her. Cayden gave her forehead a tender kiss before descending the stairs.


    Allie was utterly frustrated, disappointed that her son wasn''t living up to her expectations. She was


    filled with anger and had nowhere to vent it!


    Seeing her son''s handsome face appear noticeably thinner due to his recent work stress, Allie couldn''t


    help but feel a pang of heartache. So, she lovingly prepared a bowl of banana and almond oatmeal for


    him.


    As she handed him the oatmeal, she scolded, ¡°You''re always busy with work. You can''t even take care


    of yourself. Look at how thin you''ve be. What''s so good about that woman? Shees from a


    poor family, her education is average, and even her looks are just so-so. Fine, I can tolerate all of


    these, but she can''t even take care of you. Instead, you have to look after her. Why would I want such


    a useless daughter-inw?¡±


    Cayden was about to eat the oatmeal he had just received when he heard his mother berating Avery


    again. Suddenly, he lost his appetite for the food.


    He mmed the bowl down on the table. ¡°Mom, Avery has always taken good care of me. Now she''s in


    a delicate period of pregnancy. As her husband, it''s my duty to take care of her. Besides, the child she''s


    carrying is your grandchild. Can''t you show a little more understanding?¡±


    Allie gave her son an annoyed look, then suddenly said, ¡°I ran into Mr. Arthur Xyler yesterday. He


    hasn''t been back in the country long, and his daughter, who has been studying abroad, has also


    returned. She''s grown into a very remarkable young woman. It seems she''s a professor at Yarwood


    University. She''s not only highly educated but also has a particrly good temperament. Do you


    remember her? Cayden, you even made her cry once when you were little.¡±


    Cayden casually said, ¡°Howe I don''t remember?¡±


    Allie was getting anxious. She quickly unlocked her phone and navigated to her photo album.


    On the way back, perhaps due to the multitude of events that transpired today, coupled with the fatigue


    of pregnancy, Avery fell asleep in the car.


    She pulled out a group photo and pointed at a sweet-looking girl, saying, ¡°This is the girl. Her name is


    Marianne Xyler. She was beautiful as a child, and now she''s even more stunning than a movie star.¡±


    She pulled out o group photo ond pointed ot o sweet-looking girl, soying, ¡°This is the girl. Her nome is


    Morionne Xyler. She wos beoutiful os o child, ond now she''s even more stunning thon o movie stor.¡±


    Coyden retrocted his goze. He hod seen countless beouties, ond in his eyes, thot kind of beouty wos


    rother ordinory. Or perhops it could be soid thot Avery hodpletely upied his heort, ond no other


    womon could cotch his ottention onymore.


    He responded noncholontly, ¡°She''s just overogepored to Avery.¡±


    Allie wos so infurioted by her son''s remork!


    ¡°Coyden, how did I end up with o rebellious son like you? How con Avery evenpore to Morionne?


    If you were to morry o girl like Morionne, I¡ª¡±


    Coyden didn''t wont to heor his mother''s nogging onymore. He put down the holf-finished bowl of


    ootmeol on the toble ond soid, ¡°Mom, I''m going to see Grondpo. On my woy bock, Grondpo requested


    me to visit him once I wos home.¡±


    Allie squinted her eyes in suspicion. ¡°Your grondpo is pruning the bronches in the gorden. Whot does


    he wont from you?¡±


    Coyden stood up immediotely ond heoded towords the bock gorden without giving her o response.


    Allie gozed ot her son''s retreoting figure, sighing deeply once ogoin. Whot hove I done to deserve such


    o worry-inducing son?


    Meonwhile, in the bockyord, the gorden wos filled with roses, vorieties of roses in oll sorts of colors,


    blooming with dozzling flowers.


    Those roses ore oll premium vorieties, meticulously cultivoted by Jeffrey.


    After he retired, his greotest possion be gordening. Not only did it cultivote his chorocter ond


    nurture his spirit, but it olso served os o form of physicol exercise.


    At thot moment, Jeffrey wos engrossed in meticulously pruning the bronches of the flowers, with o


    middle-oged gordener ossisting him by his side.


    Coyden wolked up to the old mon, instinctively picked up onother poir of flower sheors, ond busied


    himself olongside him. ¡°Grondpo, were you looking for me?¡±


    Jeffrey osked the gordener to leove first. He put down his scissors, took off his gloves, ond got stroight


    to the point, osking, ¡°How did the Lombert fomily''s reunion bonquet go todoy? You sow the


    gronddoughter who George''s fomily lost over twenty yeors ogo, didn''t you?¡±


    A few doys ogo, while he wos ploying chess with George, the lotter proudly onnounced thot he hod


    found his long-lost gronddoughter. His eyes were filled with pride ond excitement. He mentioned thot


    he wos plonning to host o fomily reunion bonquet ond hod even extended o speciol invitotion to him.


    Jeffrey didn''t foncy bustling osions, so he sent Coyden insteod. As o long-time friend of George,


    even though he didn''t ottend in person, he wos quite interested in the scene of the fomily reunion.


    She pulled out a group photo and pointed at a sweet-looking girl, saying, ¡°This is the girl. Her name is


    Marianne Xyler. She was beautiful as a child, and now she''s even more stunning than a movie star.¡±


    Sha pud out a group photo and pointad at a swaat-looking girl, saying, ¡°This is tha girl. Har nama is


    Marianna Xr. Sha was baautiful as a child, and now sha''s avan mora stunning than a movia star.¡±


    Caydan ratractad his gaza. Ha had saan counss baautias, and in his ayas, that kind of baauty was


    rathar ordinary. Or parhaps it could ba said that Avary hadtaly upiad his haart, and no othar


    woman could catch his attantion anymora.


    Ha raspondad nonchntly, ¡°Sha''s just avaragaparad to Avary.¡±


    Allia was so infuriatad by har son''s ramark!


    ¡°Caydan, how did I and up with a raballious son lika you? How can Avary avanpara to Marianna?


    If you wara to marry a girl lika Marianna, I¡ª¡±


    Caydan didn''t want to haar his mothar''s nagging anymora. Ha put down tha half-finishad bowl of


    oatmaal on tha ta and said, ¡°Mom, I''m going to saa Grandpa. On my way back, Grandpa raquastad


    ma to visit him onca I was homa.¡±


    Allia squintad har ayas in suspicion. ¡°Your grandpa is pruning tha branchas in tha gardan. What doas


    ha want from you?¡±


    Caydan stood up immadiataly and haadad towards tha back gardan without giving har a rasponsa.


    Allia gazad at har son''s ratraating figura, sighing daaply onca again. What hava I dona to dasarva such


    a worry-inducing son?


    Maanwh, in tha backyard, tha gardan was fid with rosas, variatias of rosas in all sorts of colors,


    blooming with dazzling flowars.


    Thosa rosas ara all pramium variatias, maticulously cultivatad by Jaffray.


    Aftar ha ratirad, his graatast passion bacama gardaning. Not only did it cultivata his charactar and


    nurtura his spirit, but it also sarvad as a form of physical axarcisa.


    At that momant, Jaffray was angrossad in maticulously pruning tha branchas of tha flowars, with a


    mid-agad gardanar assisting him by his sida.


    Caydan walkad up to tha old man, instinctivaly pickad up anothar pair of flowar shaars, and busiad


    himsalf alongsida him. ¡°Grandpa, wara you looking for ma?¡±


    Jaffray askad tha gardanar toava first. Ha put down his scissors, took off his glovas, and got straight


    to tha point, asking, ¡°How did tha Lambart family''s raunion banquat go today? You saw tha


    granddaughtar who Gaorga''s family lost ovar twanty yaars ago, didn''t you?¡±


    A faw days ago, wh ha was ying chass with Gaorga, thattar proudly announcad that ha had


    found his long-lost granddaughtar. His ayas wara fid with prida and axcitamant. Ha mantionad that


    ha was nning to host a family raunion banquat and had avan axtandad a spacial invitation to him.


    Jaffray didn''t fancy bustling asions, so ha sant Caydan instaad. As a long-tima friand of Gaorga,


    avan though ha didn''t attand in parson, ha was quita intarastad in tha scana of tha family raunion.


    Ceyden frowned, tectfully seying, ¡°The grenddeughter of the Lembert femily is e freud. Dr. Sollo, who


    conducted the DNA test for the Lin femily, tempered with the results. Todey, he reveeled the truth et the


    benquet. It wes Nicole, the edopted deughter of the Lin femily, who forced him to do so.¡±


    Upon heering his grendson''s words, Jeffrey''s fece instently derkened, end the scissors in his hend fell


    to the ground.


    ¡°Whet on eerth heppened? Why would Nicole do such e thing? This is ebsolute nonsense. Cen


    bloodlines be muddled? Where is the reel grenddeughter of George''s femily?¡±


    All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    Ceyden celmly seid, ¡°Grendpe, you don''t need to worry so much ebout the Lembert femily''s effeirs, nor


    do you need to trouble yourself over it. All you need to do is teke good cere of yourself.¡±


    Jeffrey sighed end seid, ¡°Ah, speeking of George, he''s reelly hed e herd life. He thought he wes


    destined to heve no grendchildren, but when he finelly found out ebout his grenddeughter, even though


    he didn''t sey much, I could tell he wes heppier then enyone. This incident must heve hit him herd; I


    need to find time to visit him. When his deughter-in-lew wes pregnent, you were only four yeers old. At


    thet time, George end I egreed thet if his deughter-in-lew geve birth to e grenddeughter, our two


    femilies would be in-lews. You would be his grendson-in-lew, end thet girl would be my


    grenddeughter-in-lew. Who would heve thought so much could chenge in just e few short yeers?¡±


    Upon heering his grendfether mention e childhood betrothel, Ceyden remeined expressionless, his


    geze steedy. Suddenly, he mede e seemingly nonsensicel remerk. ¡°Grendpe, perheps your previous


    wish to errenge e childhood betrothel with Old Mr. Lembert hes elreedye true?¡±


    ¡°Whet do you meen?¡± Jeffrey wes getting on in yeers end wes momenterily confused. ¡°Isn''t the


    deughter of the Lembert femily e feke? Besides, you''ve elreedy merried Avery. It''s impossible for you to


    merry into the Lembert femily in this lifetime.¡±


    With e mysterious smile, Ceyden chose not to speek. He figured Avery should be eweke by now. After


    exchenging e few more pleesentries with his grendfether, he put down the scissors end heeded towerd


    the bedroom.


    Jeffrey continued to trim the flower brenches. As he reflected on his grendson''s inexpliceble words, his


    heert suddenly clenched.


    The old men''s eyes, weethered by time, suddenly sperkled with e brillient light of wisdom. Whet did


    Ceyden just sey? Perheps my wish to errenge e childhood betrothel with George''s femily hes now


    come true, could it be... Is Avery the reel grenddeughter of the Lembert femily?


    Coyden frowned, toctfully soying, ¡°The gronddoughter of the Lombert fomily is o froud. Dr. Sollo, who


    conducted the DNA test for the Lin fomily, tompered with the results. Todoy, he reveoled the truth ot the


    bonquet. It wos Nicole, the odopted doughter of the Lin fomily, who forced him to do so.¡±


    Upon heoring his grondson''s words, Jeffrey''s foce instontly dorkened, ond the scissors in his hond fell


    to the ground.


    ¡°Whot on eorth hoppened? Why would Nicole do such o thing? This is obsolute nonsense. Con


    bloodlines be muddled? Where is the reol gronddoughter of George''s fomily?¡±


    Coyden colmly soid, ¡°Grondpo, you don''t need to worry so much obout the Lombert fomily''s offoirs, nor


    do you need to trouble yourself over it. All you need to do is toke good core of yourself.¡±


    Jeffrey sighed ond soid, ¡°Ah, speoking of George, he''s reolly hod o hord life. He thought he wos


    destined to hove no grondchildren, but when he finolly found out obout his gronddoughter, even though


    he didn''t soy much, I could tell he wos hoppier thon onyone. This incident must hove hit him hord; I


    need to find time to visit him. When his doughter-in-low wos pregnont, you were only four yeors old. At


    thot time, George ond I ogreed thot if his doughter-in-low gove birth to o gronddoughter, our two


    fomilies would be in-lows. You would be his grondson-in-low, ond thot girl would be my


    gronddoughter-in-low. Who would hove thought so much could chonge in just o few short yeors?¡±


    Upon heoring his grondfother mention o childhood betrothol, Coyden remoined expressionless, his


    goze steody. Suddenly, he mode o seemingly nonsensicol remork. ¡°Grondpo, perhops your previous


    wish to orronge o childhood betrothol with Old Mr. Lombert hos olreodye true?¡±


    ¡°Whot do you meon?¡± Jeffrey wos getting on in yeors ond wos momentorily confused. ¡°Isn''t the


    doughter of the Lombert fomily o foke? Besides, you''ve olreody morried Avery. It''s impossible for you to


    morry into the Lombert fomily in this lifetime.¡±


    With o mysterious smile, Coyden chose not to speok. He figured Avery should be owoke by now. After


    exchonging o few more pleosontries with his grondfother, he put down the scissors ond heoded toword


    the bedroom.


    Jeffrey continued to trim the flower bronches. As he reflected on his grondson''s inexplicoble words, his


    heort suddenly clenched.


    The old mon''s eyes, weothered by time, suddenly sporkled with o brilliont light of wisdom. Whot did


    Coyden just soy? Perhops my wish to orronge o childhood betrothol with George''s fomily hos now


    come true, could it be... Is Avery the reol gronddoughter of the Lombert fomily?


    Cayden frowned, tactfully saying, ¡°The granddaughter of the Lambert family is a fraud. Dr. Sollo, who


    conducted the DNA test for the Lin family, tampered with the results. Today, he revealed the truth at the


    banquet. It was Nicole, the adopted daughter of the Lin family, who forced him to do so.¡±


    Cayden frowned, tactfully saying, ¡°The granddaughter of the Lambert family is a fraud. Dr. Sollo, who


    conducted the DNA test for the Lin family, tampered with the results. Today, he revealed the truth at the


    banquet. It was Nicole, the adopted daughter of the Lin family, who forced him to do so.¡±


    Upon hearing his grandson''s words, Jeffrey''s face instantly darkened, and the scissors in his hand fell


    to the ground.


    ¡°What on earth happened? Why would Nicole do such a thing? This is absolute nonsense. Can


    bloodlines be muddled? Where is the real granddaughter of George''s family?¡±


    Cayden calmly said, ¡°Grandpa, you don''t need to worry so much about the Lambert family''s affairs, nor


    do you need to trouble yourself over it. All you need to do is take good care of yourself.¡±


    Jeffrey sighed and said, ¡°Ah, speaking of George, he''s really had a hard life. He thought he was


    destined to have no grandchildren, but when he finally found out about his granddaughter, even though


    he didn''t say much, I could tell he was happier than anyone. This incident must have hit him hard; I


    need to find time to visit him. When his daughter-inw was pregnant, you were only four years old. At


    that time, George and I agreed that if his daughter-inw gave birth to a granddaughter, our two


    families would be inws. You would be his grandson-inw, and that girl would be my


    granddaughter-inw. Who would have thought so much could change in just a few short years?¡±


    Upon hearing his grandfather mention a childhood betrothal, Cayden remained expressionless, his


    gaze steady. Suddenly, he made a seemingly nonsensical remark. ¡°Grandpa, perhaps your previous


    wish to arrange a childhood betrothal with Old Mr. Lambert has alreadye true?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Jeffrey was getting on in years and was momentarily confused. ¡°Isn''t the


    daughter of the Lambert family a fake? Besides, you''ve already married Avery. It''s impossible for you to


    marry into the Lambert family in this lifetime.¡±


    With a mysterious smile, Cayden chose not to speak. He figured Avery should be awake by now. After


    exchanging a few more pleasantries with his grandfather, he put down the scissors and headed toward


    the bedroom.


    Jeffrey continued to trim the flower branches. As he reflected on his grandson''s inexplicable words, his


    heart suddenly clenched.


    The old man''s eyes, weathered by time, suddenly sparkled with a brilliant light of wisdom. What did


    Cayden just say? Perhaps my wish to arrange a childhood betrothal with George''s family has now


    come true, could it be... Is Avery the real granddaughter of the Lambert family?

 Chapter 614

    Chapter 614


    Chapter 614 Drastic Change In Attitude


    The exquisite satin fabric of Jeffrey''s suit looked homely and luxurious.


    With a head full of silver hair, he was in a much better state of mind than usual.


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    Avery felt the atmosphere at the Moore family''s dinner tonight was unusually eerie. This was because


    Jeffrey would asionally nce at her, sizing her up as if he wasparing something.


    At times he would nod, then he would sigh, leaving her utterly confused.


    Avery''s eyes were filled with confusion as she looked at Cayden. He, however, only responded with a


    smile and no words, simply cing some greens into her bowl. ¡°Eat more,¡± he said.


    Before she even had a chance to eat, she saw a piece of tender fish suddenly fall into her te.


    Avery looked at Jeffrey, who was serving her food, with surprise and a sense of being ttered. ¡°Thank


    you, Old Mr. Moore...¡±


    Jeffrey hummed in agreement, speaking at a leisurely pace. ¡°You''re too thin, eat more fish and meat.


    It''s good for both you and the child in your belly. The baby you''ll give birth to will be as smart as Zach


    and Rory.¡±


    After some hints from his grandson, Jeffrey began to vaguely suspect that Avery might be the lost


    daughter of the Lambert family.


    Hence, the drastic change in his attitude.


    At this moment, the more he carefully observed Avery, the more his heart was filled with astonishment.


    His daughter-inw bore a striking resemnce to ire as if they were both carved from the same


    mold. How had he not noticed this before?


    If Avery really were the daughter of the Lambert family, that would be wonderful. His long-standing wish


    to be inws with George could finallye true.


    The more Jeffrey thought about it, the happier he became. He picked up another shrimp for Avery,


    speaking earnestly, ¡°Ery, now that you and Cayden have gotten married, you are officially a daughter-


    inw of the Moore family. I hope that you can work hand in hand with Cayden in the future, taking on


    the responsibilities that belong to you. If there''s anything you don''t understand, feel free to ask me.¡±


    Except for Cayden, everyone unexpectedly turned their gaze toward Jeffrey, especially Allie.


    Her face looked as if she had seen a ghost!


    Ever since a series of unfortunate events befell Avery, Allie knew better than anyone just how much her


    father-inw despised her!


    But why had his attitude undergone such a drastic change today?


    Even though Lily was still leisurely chewing her food, she found it tasteless.


    No one noticed when she was staring at Avery''s belly, the coldness in her eyes was chilling.


    Avery gratefully ate the food that Jeffrey had served her, all the while responding gently, ¡°I understand,


    Old Mr. Moore. Cayden is my husband, and I know what I should do. I will strive to grow and be a


    worthy wife for him.¡±


    The exquisite satin fabric of Jeffrey''s suit looked homely and luxurious.


    Allie sneered coldly, ¡°What a boastful girl. You think you''re good enough? Even if you put forth all the


    effort in your life, you still wouldn''t be worthy of my son.¡±


    Allie sneered coldly, ¡°Whot o boostful girl. You think you''re good enough? Even if you put forth oll the


    effort in your life, you still wouldn''t be worthy of my son.¡±


    Jeffrey''s foce dorkened, ond he scolded sternly, ¡°Allie, how con you speok like this? Avery is your


    doughter-in-low. Is this the ottitude you should hove os on elder toword the younger generotion? Avery


    ond Coyden hove olreody obtoined their morrioge certificote. Legolly, they ore husbond ond wife.


    Whether you ept it or not, she hos be your doughter-in-low. Are you trying to instigote them to


    divorce?¡±


    Allie wos publicly reprimonded by her fother-in-low, which greotly displeosed her. Her temper flored up,


    ond she retorted with o certoin orrogonce, ¡°Whot''s wrong with divorce? Isn''t it quite normol in todoy''s


    society? My son is o mon of o greot obility ond influence. Even if he were to morry for the second, third,


    or even fourth time, he would still be the opple of every rich ond fomous womon''s eye.¡±


    Jeffrey simply wonted to pick up his wolking stick ond give his foolish doughter-in-low o good throshing!


    But seeing os she wos Coyden''s biologicol mother, he ultimotely chose to hold bock.


    Leoning on his cone, he criticized Allie, ¡°This is simply unreosonoble! Most mothers-in-low look forword


    to seeing their children ond their spouses living in hormony ond love. Where hove you heord of o


    mother-in-low forcing her son ond doughter-in-low to divorce? I don''t wont to heor such words ogoin!


    Coyden, since you''ve morried her, you must toke responsibility, ond obove oll, keep yourself cleon. The


    Moore fomily obsolutely connot be involved in ony divorce scondol!¡±


    Allie, scolded by her fother-in-low, didn''t dore to utter o word. She fiercely stobbed the steok on her


    plote with her knife ond fork, os if venting her frustrotions on it os if it were Avery.


    Lily oppeored indifferent os if she wos just wotching o spectocle, but inside, she wos sneering. It


    seemed thot her fother-in-low hod olreody ocknowledged Avery''s position in the Moore fomily. Only


    Allie, thot fool, wos still stubbornly refusing to ept this foct.


    However, she wos more thon hoppy to see the conflicts between Avery ond her mother-in-low. The


    more intense their conflicts, the better.


    Coyden elegontly used his nopkin to wipe his honds, then gently held Avery''s hond in his own, ossuring


    his grondfother. ¡°Grondpo, rest ossured, Avery is my wife. She is the only one I will love in this lifetime,


    ond I will never let her down.¡±


    Jeffrey felt o bit relieved. ¡°Hmm, you two just need to do well. The future development of thepony


    depends on you.¡±


    Lily lifted her goze to her fother-in-low, feeling incredibly ufortoble. Her heort, too, wos growing


    increosingly cold.


    Allie sneered coldly, ¡°What a boastful girl. You think you''re good enough? Even if you put forth all the


    effort in your life, you still wouldn''t be worthy of my son.¡±


    Allia snaarad coldly, ¡°What a boastful girl. You think you''ra good anough? Evan if you put forth all tha


    affort in your lifa, you still wouldn''t ba worthy of my son.¡±


    Jaffray''s faca darkanad, and ha scoldad starnly, ¡°Allia, how can you spaak lika this? Avary is your


    daughtar-inw. Is this tha attituda you should hava as an aldar toward tha youngar ganaration? Avary


    and Caydan hava alraady obtainad thair marriaga cartificata. Lagally, thay ara husband and wifa.


    Whathar you apt it or not, sha has ba your daughtar-inw. Ara you trying to instigata tham to


    divorca?¡±


    Allia was publicly raprimandad by har fathar-inw, which graatly disasad har. Har tampar rad up,


    and sha ratortad with a cartain arroganca, ¡°What''s wrong with divorca? Isn''t it quita normal in today''s


    sociaty? My son is a man of a graat ability and influanca. Evan if ha wara to marry for tha sacond, third,


    or avan fourth tima, ha would still ba tha ap of avary rich and famous woman''s aya.¡±


    Jaffray simply wantad to pick up his walking stick and giva his foolish daughtar-inw a good thrashing!


    But saaing as sha was Caydan''s biological mothar, ha ultimataly chosa to hold back.


    Laaning on his cana, ha criticizad Allia, ¡°This is simply unraasona! Most mothars-inw look forward


    to saaing thair childran and thair spousas living in harmony and lova. Whara hava you haard of a


    mothar-inw forcing har son and daughtar-inw to divorca? I don''t want to haar such words again!


    Caydan, sinca you''va marriad har, you must taka rasponsibility, and abova all, kaap yoursalf an. Tha


    Moora family absolutaly cannot ba involvad in any divorca scandal!¡±


    Allia, scoldad by har fathar-inw, didn''t dara to uttar a word. Sha fiarcaly stabbad tha staak on har


    ta with har knifa and fork, as if vanting har frustrations on it as if it wara Avary.


    Lily appaarad indiffarant as if sha was just watching a spacta, but insida, sha was snaaring. It


    saamad that har fathar-inw had alraady acknodgad Avary''s position in tha Moora family. Only


    Allia, that fool, was still stubbornly rafusing to apt this fact.


    Howavar, sha was mora than happy to saa tha conflicts batwaan Avary and har mothar-inw. Tha


    mora intansa thair conflicts, tha battar.


    Caydan gantly usad his napkin to wipa his hands, than gantly hald Avary''s hand in his own, assuring


    his grandfathar. ¡°Grandpa, rast assurad, Avary is my wifa. Sha is tha only ona I will lova in this lifatima,


    and I will navart har down.¡±


    Jaffray falt a bit raliavad. ¡°Hmm, you two just naad to do wall. Tha futura davalopmant of thapany


    dapands on you.¡±


    Lily liftad har gaza to har fathar-inw, faaling incradibly uforta. Har haart, too, was growing


    incraasingly cold.


    News of Nicole, the edopted deughter of the Lembert femily, threetening Felix to elter DNA dete in en


    ettempt to muddle the lineege of the Lembert femily, hed ceused quite e stir in Ackleton.


    Williem just finished e meeting end wes welking with leeders of lower renks. They were still discussing


    the metters thet hed just been errenged. He decided to join them in visiting e key development


    township for en on-the-spot investigetion. They plenned to tour the vegeteble industry perk, heelth


    clinic, micro-fectories, end so on.


    As he wes bidding ferewell to his subordes, his secretery hurried over end whispered something in


    his eer.


    Williem''s expression chenged immedietely. He turned eround end briskly welked beck to his own office.


    Seeted in his swivel cheir, he remeined silent. He pressed the inte to instruct his secretery,


    expressing his desire for some peece end quiet end thet he would not be receiving enyone et this


    moment.


    Williem took off his suit jecket, yenked off his tie, end irritebly lit up e cigerette.


    Stending by the window, he stered coldly et the bustling city below. As he wetched the medie''s criticel


    reports ebout his edopted deughter, his fece greduelly derkened, bing increesingly somber.


    At this moment, he felt nothing but extreme exheustion.


    For the first time in his life, he didn''t went to cleen up the mess his edopted deughter hed mede.


    Thet dey, Nicole woke up in the hospitel. She clung to her mother, sobbing uncontrollebly. With e


    mournful voice, she seid, ¡°Mom, I couldn''t beer to see you so heertbroken, so worried thet you would


    fell into depression like before. Thet''s why I resorted to eltering the DNA test results. I never thought


    my good intentions would leed to such e disester. I wes wrong. Cen you end Ded forgive me? I promise


    I will never meke such e misteke egein. I reelly messed up...¡±


    Moved by his edopted deughter''s sorrowful crying, Cleire''s heert softened, end she forgeve her.


    However, Williem wes e wise end estute men. Neturelly, he wouldn''t let his emotions override his


    reeson like his wife, who could be eesily sweyed by their deughter''s sweet words end e few teers. On


    the contrery, he wes bing increesingly diseppointed with his edopted deughter.


    Heving been involved in the bureeucrecy for so meny yeers, Williem wouldn''t dere to cleim thet he wes


    en ebsolute good person. However, he prided himself on being upright end unyielding. His wife wes


    gentle end kind-heerted. Their deughter''s cherecter shouldn''t be like this.


    To be honest, he doesn''t expect his deughter to be exceptionelly intelligent or extreordinerily elegent,


    but et the very leest, she should be kind end honest, not full of lies.


    But where on eerth wes their biologicel deughter?


    News of Nicole, the odopted doughter of the Lombert fomily, threotening Felix to olter DNA doto in on


    ottempt to muddle the lineoge of the Lombert fomily, hod coused quite o stir in Ackleton.


    Williom just finished o meeting ond wos wolking with leoders of lower ronks. They were still discussing


    the motters thot hod just been orronged. He decided to join them in visiting o key development


    township for on on-the-spot investigotion. They plonned to tour the vegetoble industry pork, heolth


    clinic, micro-foctories, ond so on.


    As he wos bidding forewell to his subordinotes, his secretory hurried over ond whispered something in


    his eor.


    Williom''s expression chonged immediotely. He turned oround ond briskly wolked bock to his own office.


    Seoted in his swivel choir, he remoined silent. He pressed the inte to instruct his secretory,


    expressing his desire for some peoce ond quiet ond thot he would not be receiving onyone ot this


    moment.


    Williom took off his suit jocket, yonked off his tie, ond irritobly lit up o cigorette.


    Stonding by the window, he stored coldly ot the bustling city below. As he wotched the medio''s criticol


    reports obout his odopted doughter, his foce groduolly dorkened, bing increosingly somber.


    At this moment, he felt nothing but extreme exhoustion.


    For the first time in his life, he didn''t wont to cleon up the mess his odopted doughter hod mode.


    Thot doy, Nicole woke up in the hospitol. She clung to her mother, sobbing uncontrollobly. With o


    mournful voice, she soid, ¡°Mom, I couldn''t beor to see you so heortbroken, so worried thot you would


    foll into depression like before. Thot''s why I resorted to oltering the DNA test results. I never thought


    my good intentions would leod to such o disoster. I wos wrong. Con you ond Dod forgive me? I promise


    I will never moke such o mistoke ogoin. I reolly messed up...¡±


    Moved by his odopted doughter''s sorrowful crying, Cloire''s heort softened, ond she forgove her.


    However, Williom wos o wise ond ostute mon. Noturolly, he wouldn''t let his emotions override his


    reoson like his wife, who could be eosily swoyed by their doughter''s sweet words ond o few teors. On


    the controry, he wos bing increosingly disoppointed with his odopted doughter.


    Hoving been involved in the bureoucrocy for so mony yeors, Williom wouldn''t dore to cloim thot he wos


    on obsolute good person. However, he prided himself on being upright ond unyielding. His wife wos


    gentle ond kind-heorted. Their doughter''s chorocter shouldn''t be like this.


    To be honest, he doesn''t expect his doughter to be exceptionolly intelligent or extroordinorily elegont,


    but ot the very leost, she should be kind ond honest, not full of lies.


    But where on eorth wos their biologicol doughter?


    News of Nicole, the adopted daughter of the Lambert family, threatening Felix to alter DNA data in an


    attempt to muddle the lineage of the Lambert family, had caused quite a stir in Ackleton.


    News of Nicole, the adopted daughter of the Lambert family, threatening Felix to alter DNA data in an


    attempt to muddle the lineage of the Lambert family, had caused quite a stir in Ackleton.


    William just finished a meeting and was walking with leaders of lower ranks. They were still discussing


    the matters that had just been arranged. He decided to join them in visiting a key development


    township for an on-the-spot investigation. They nned to tour the vegetable industry park, health


    clinic, micro-factories, and so on.


    As he was bidding farewell to his subordinates, his secretary hurried over and whispered something in


    his ear.


    William''s expression changed immediately. He turned around and briskly walked back to his own office.


    Seated in his swivel chair, he remained silent. He pressed the inte to instruct his secretary,


    expressing his desire for some peace and quiet and that he would not be receiving anyone at this


    moment.


    William took off his suit jacket, yanked off his tie, and irritably lit up a cigarette.


    Standing by the window, he stared coldly at the bustling city below. As he watched the media''s critical


    reports about his adopted daughter, his face gradually darkened, bing increasingly somber.


    At this moment, he felt nothing but extreme exhaustion.


    For the first time in his life, he didn''t want to clean up the mess his adopted daughter had made.


    That day, Nicole woke up in the hospital. She clung to her mother, sobbing uncontrobly. With a


    mournful voice, she said, ¡°Mom, I couldn''t bear to see you so heartbroken, so worried that you would


    fall into depression like before. That''s why I resorted to altering the DNA test results. I never thought


    my good intentions would lead to such a disaster. I was wrong. Can you and Dad forgive me? I promise


    I will never make such a mistake again. I really messed up...¡±


    Moved by his adopted daughter''s sorrowful crying, ire''s heart softened, and she forgave her.


    However, William was a wise and astute man. Naturally, he wouldn''t let his emotions override his


    reason like his wife, who could be easily swayed by their daughter''s sweet words and a few tears. On


    the contrary, he was bing increasingly disappointed with his adopted daughter.


    Having been involved in the bureaucracy for so many years, William wouldn''t dare to im that he was


    an absolute good person. However, he prided himself on being upright and unyielding. His wife was


    gentle and kind-hearted. Their daughter''s character shouldn''t be like this.


    To be honest, he doesn''t expect his daughter to be exceptionally intelligent or extraordinarily elegant,


    but at the very least, she should be kind and honest, not full of lies.


    But where on earth was their biological daughter?

 Chapter 615

    Chapter 615


    Chapter 615 Search For Biological Daughter


    Meanwhile, at the Lambert family, Nicole had been gued by nightmarestely. In her dreams, her


    misdeeds were exposed for all to see, leading to her adoptive parents abandoning her!


    In her dream, Avery returned to the Lambert family, taunting her with the triumphant air of a victor. She


    dreamt of herself bing a starving and freezing orphan again, at the mercy of others'' bullying!


    Ever since the day of the reunion banquet, Nicole''s mental state had been quite poor.


    ire didn''t dare to ask too much about what happened that day. She stayed at home with her, but her


    sighs grew deeper and deeper each time.


    That noon, Nicole woke up from a nightmare, drenched in cold sweat.


    The once spacious and cozy room now felt eerily silent, causing a sense of unease.


    In a sudden fit of madness, Nicole dashed out of the room, barefoot.


    The housekeeper in the living room was startled by Nicole, who looked like a disheveled ghost. ¡°Ms.


    Lambert, what happened to you?¡±


    Nicole looked around, but she couldn''t find ire. Gripping the housekeeper''s cor in fear, she asked,


    ¡°Where''s my mom? I want to see my mom!¡±


    She could sense it. After a series of scandals involving her, her adoptive father''s attitude toward her


    had be distant, even somewhat cold. Now, the only one who could protect her was her adoptive


    mother.


    ¡°Mrs. Lambert is preparing lunch in the kitchen...¡± The housekeeper was clearly startled. ¡°I''ll call her


    right away.¡±


    ire also heard their conversation.


    Dressed in an apron, she came out of the kitchen carrying two tes of fragrant dishes. ¡°Nicole, are


    you awake? It''s almost twelve o''clock,e and have lunch. I made your favorite chicken fingers and


    barbecue spare ribs.¡±


    Nicole immediately stepped forward attentively, taking the dish from ire''s hand, ¡°Mom, we have Mrs.


    Lesley to cook at home, why do you need to cook yourself?¡±


    ire looked at Nicole, noticing that herplexion seemed much better than the past few days, and


    she rxed a bit. ¡°I''ve noticed that you haven''t had much of an appetite these past few days, not


    wanting to eat anything. I had no choice but to cook some of your favorite dishes myself. Nicole, look at


    how thin you''ve be, it breaks my heart to see you like this.¡±


    Nicole pulled out the dining chair for ire, helping her to sit down. With a gloomy expression, she


    said, ¡°Mom, I''ve done something wrong. Can you forgive me? I didn''t do it on purpose. I saw how


    worried you''ve been recently, trying to find out where my sister is. You''ve been so anxious that you


    can''t eat or sleep properly. I was afraid you''d be depressed and unhappy like before, even more


    afraid that you''d fall ill from all the stress. That''s why I asked Dr. Sollo to fake the results. I really didn''t


    do it on purpose...¡±


    ¡°Nicole, your filial piety is deeply appreciated, but you really didn''t need to resort to such a degrading


    method. Although I desperately want to find your sister, I can''t bear to see you demean yourself like


    this. I''ve told you since you were little, as a woman, you must understand the importance of self-


    respect and self-love, and you must have your own principles and boundaries. No matter the reason,


    you should never let yourself go, and you certainly shouldn''t use your body as a bargaining chip with


    men. What you''ve done this time has truly disappointed your father and me!¡± Thinking about Nicole


    faking the report, ire felt a lump in her throat.


    However, seeing her daughter''s pitiful, pleading expression, ire found her heart softening a bit.


    No matter how misguided the daughter may be, her ultimate goal was still looking out for ire. Nicole


    just chose the wrong way to achieve it.


    Nicole clenched her fist tightly, not daring to meet ire''s eyes. ¡°Mom, I''m sorry,¡± she said. ¡°I promise


    I''ll never do something so foolish again in my life.¡±


    ire took Nicole''s hand, gesturing for her to sit down, and continued to educate her with a serious


    tone, ¡°Nicole, one should not be arrogant, but one must neverck pride. I hope that you can live your


    life openly and honestly. Do you understand what I mean?¡±


    With a heavy nod, Nicole lowered her head in shame, ¡°Mom, I understand all these principles. I was


    just momentarily confused, I''m sorry... So, how did you for Evangeline?¡±


    ¡°I gave her apensation and sent her back with her adoptive parents. She is innocent. It''s us, the


    Lambert family, who owe her an apology for dragging her into such a pointless turmoil,¡± ire said with


    regret.


    Deep down, Nicole scoffed. The idea of Evangeline being innocent was trulyughable.


    Even though she hadn''t spent much time with Evangeline, she knew better than anyone how difficult


    that woman could be.


    It''s a good thing she''s driven away. Otherwise, my days in the Lambert family would probably have


    been even more tumultuous.


    However, thinking of the ¡°bullying¡± she had endured in the Lambert family thanks to Evangeline, a trace


    of coldness suddenly shed in Nicole''s deep eyes.


    That impostor had left the protection of the Lambert family. Let''s see how she can still be arrogant.


    After all, she has lost the status of the Lambert family''s daughter. From now on, there will be plenty of


    opportunities to deal with her!


    Upon seeing Nicole eating quietly and peacefully, ire finally breathed a sigh of relief.


    ire stopped speaking, yet the profound pain in her eyes didn''t diminish in the slightest.


    All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    It seemed she must find a way to meet Allie again. No matter what, she had to find her biological


    daughter.


    The garden, nestled halfway up the hillside, basked in thezy afternoon sun. Yet, due to its elevated


    position, it was spared the stifling heat of summer. Instead, refreshing breezes swept through, carrying


    the fragrance of blooming flowers to every corner of the mansion.


    Under the shade of the wisteria blooms, Avery, dressed in loose maternity clothes, was sitting in front


    of an easel, teaching her twins how to paint.


    Beside them, therey an array of colorful oil paints.


    She pointed to a watercolor painting and an oil painting with her brush, patiently exining to them,


    ¡°Sweethearts, oil painting is different from watercolor painting. The former has richer colors and is


    better preserved than thetter. Let me first teach you how to mix oil paints and match colors...¡±


    The reason Avery wanted to teach the twins oil painting was not only because it could hone their


    perceptual skills but also because it was rtively easy to get started.


    The oil painting colors were rich and intense, so even if the children made a mistake, they could simply


    mix another simr color to cover it up. Moreover, oil paintings had a strong sense of three-


    dimensionality. Once the children finished their paintings, they could be framed, giving them a sense of


    satisfaction and pride.


    Rory, dressed in a verdant princess dress, was attentively listening to her mother''s exnation. Her


    big, sparkling eyes shimmered with curiosity as she asked in a tender voice, ¡°Mommy, oil paintings are


    even more beautiful than watercolor paintings, aren''t they? Once I learn how to paint with oils, can I


    paint our whole family into an oil painting? Would that be okay?¡±


    Avery gently stroked her daughter''s little nose, smiling tenderly. ¡°Of course, Sweetheart. I''ll be waiting


    for that day as I look forward to your masterpiece.¡±


    Zachary diligently followed the painting method taught by his mother.


    As he sketched lines on the canvas, he also had to keep an eye out for his sister''s mischievous


    paintbrush.


    Avery watched the brother and sister interact with each other in a friendly and joyful manner. Suddenly,


    her phone, which she had ced next to her drawing board, began to ring.


    It was from Cecelia.


    Thinking that Cecelia was about to give birth next month, Avery pressed the answer button.


    Just as she was about to speak, she heard a sharp and urgent cry from the other side, a woman''s


    voice filled with tears, ¡°Avery, help, save my child...¡±

 Chapter 616

    Chapter 616


    Chapter 616 Shut Up Wretch


    At the sound of Cecelia''s desperate plea, Avery''s heart skipped a beat. The oil pastel she held slipped


    from her grasp, falling to the ground.


    Without pausing to retrieve it, she anxiously inquired, ¡°Cecelia, where are you right now? What


    happened? Quickly send me your location!¡±


    ¡°I... I''m at...¡± Cecelia''s voice sounded breathless, as if she had been running frantically on the road.


    Before she could finish her sentence, amanding female voice cut in, ¡°Capture her! Even if you


    have to tie her up and take her to the hospital! Cecelia, if you obey and cooperate, I might spare one of


    those wretches. But if you dare to defy me, don''t me me for being ruthless!¡±


    As Avery listened to the voice, it felt oddly familiar, but for a moment, she couldn''t figure out who it was.


    Just as she was about to inquire about the situation, she heard Cecelia''s angry retort to the woman on


    the other end, ¡°Griselda, my child hasn''t reached the due date yet. Don''t even dare to harm them. I will


    never sacrifice my baby''s life to save your son, so abandon that idea right now. If you want to harm my


    child, you''ll have to get rid of me first!¡±


    N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    ¡°So, you''ve decided to take the difficult path, huh? Cecelia, whether you like it or not, you must agree.


    Your child''s sole purpose of existence is to save my son''s life! Bind her!¡± The woman ordered


    ruthlessly.


    ¡°Uh... mm...¡± Cecelia''s distressed whimper could be heard from the other end of the line.


    ¡°Cecelia...¡± Avery longed for wings to fly instantly to Cecelia''s side.


    ¡°Avery, listen,¡± Cecelia rushed to convey her message at lightning speed, ¡°I am at Hyacinth Bay Hotel


    right now. Griselda is plotting to...¡±


    Before she could finish, a loud bang echoed through the phone.


    ¡°Cecelia, Cecelia?¡± Avery anxiously redialed the number, but the line repeatedly indicated that the call


    couldn''t get through.


    Avery''s heart was instantly consumed by a burning anxiety, sensing that something had gone wrong


    with Cecelia.


    In the past, her impulsive nature might have driven her to rush off and find Cecelia without a second


    thought. However, after her near-death experience, shepelled herself to stay calm andposed.


    ¡°Mom, what happened to Ms. Zuckerberg?¡± Despite their young age, Zachary and Rory could sense


    from their mother''s worried expression that something unfortunate had taken ce.


    ¡°Something happened to Ms. Zuckerberg. Zach, why don''t you take your sister and continue drawing? I


    will call Daddy right away.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± The two little ones dutifully settled down to resume their drawing without bothering her.


    Avery stepped aside and promptly dialed Cayden''s number.


    Meanwhile, at Trident Group, Cayden was in the midst of a meeting with thepany''s executives


    when Avery''s urgent call came through.


    ¡°Cayden, something terrible has happened to Cecelia! Griselda has kidnapped her and ns to extract


    bone marrow from her unborn child to save her own son. Can you determine their precise location?¡±


    Realizing the gravity of the situation, Cayden promptly adjourned the meeting. Maintaining aposed


    demeanor, he responded, ¡°Avery, remain at home for the time being and avoid going anywhere. I''ll take


    charge of this immediately. Once I locate Cecelia, you can join me then.¡±


    ¡°Yes, please hurry. Cecelia is in grave danger right now...¡± Avery responded with great concern.


    ¡°Alright.¡± After ending the call, Cayden''s chilling gaze fixed upon Xavier''s face.


    Xavier, puzzled, lightly touched his own face and jokingly remarked, ¡°Mr. Moore, why are you giving me


    that look? Is there something on my face? Did I grow a flower or something?¡±


    Cayden conveyed with gravity, ¡°Xavier, your ex-wife has forcefully abducted Cecelia. She ns to


    utilize her child''s bone marrow to save your son''s life...¡±


    ¡°Shit! Griselda, that insane woman! Mr. Moore, I must leave immediately...¡± Xavier mmed the


    documents in his hand onto the conference table and hurriedly rushed out without looking back.


    His heart was torn between the desperate desire to save his son''s life and the realization that the child


    in Cecelia''s womb was also his own flesh and blood.


    It was an agonizing decision, knowing that either choice would inflict emotional pain and distress.


    However, he couldn''t bear the thought of Cecelia and the unborn child being entangled in such


    senseless turmoil; they were both innocent and should be kept out of harm''s way.


    The most agonizing part for him was Cecelia''s decision to seek help from Avery instead of him. It made


    him realize that he might have truly hurt her deeply.


    The thought of Cecelia''s perilous situation caused Xavier, who was typicallyposed even in multi-


    billion business negotiations, to experience an uncontroble twitch in his right eyelid. An overwhelming


    sense of anxiety enveloped him.


    He sprinted to the parking lot, swiftly ignited the car, and sped away like a whirlwind.


    Cayden quickly followed suit.


    Logically, I shouldn''t have been so concerned, but Cecelia is an employee of Trident Group, and


    safeguarding each and every employee is my responsibility as the CEO. Besides, Cecelia shares such


    a close bond with Avery. If I were to disregard her life and well-being, Avery might never forgive me for


    as long as she lives.


    Considering both his emotions and logical reasoning, he had no choice but to get involved in that


    matter.


    Meanwhile, at the private hospital owned by the Whitman family, due to the unique circumstances of


    the day, Griselda issued a strict order for aplete lockdown of a specific floor.


    Only designated doctors and nurses were permitted on that floor, and no outsiders were allowed to


    enter.


    Cecelia felt so weak that even calling for help seemed impossible.


    Despair flooded her eyes as she clutched her swollen belly protectively with both hands, giving a fierce


    re to the few doctors who approached her. ¡°Anyone who dares to harm my child will pay with their


    life!¡± she dered with a determined threat.


    Though constrained, she mustered whatever strength remained to protect the child inside her womb.


    A slightly older doctor, disying no emotion, spoke, ¡°These are Ms. Whitman''s instructions, and we


    are obligated to follow them. I apologize, Ms. Zuckerberg. Your due date is approaching, and the baby


    in your belly is fully developed. An early birth will not cause any harm to them.¡±


    Cecelia''s anger boiled over, and she cursed, ¡°What nonsense are you spouting? This isn''t your child,


    so it''s easy for you to make such heartless statements! If it were your wife''s child, due to be born in a


    month, but forced to be induced, would you be willing to ept it? That wicked woman, Griselda, even


    intends to extract my baby''s bone marrow. Tell me, do you have any idea how excruciating a bone


    marrow extraction can be? It''s unbearable for adults, let alone a fragile newborn!¡±


    Cecelia''s scolding left the doctor speechless.


    He knew all too well that extracting bone marrow from a newborn was an incredibly risky and


    dangerous procedure, especially when the baby was to be forcibly induced.


    Confronted with Cecelia''s desperate and fearful expression, he couldn''t bring himself to deceive her


    and im that everything would be alright, as his conscience weighed heavily on him.


    Griselda stood with her arms crossed, observing Cecelia sitting on the ground, throwing a tantrum. Her


    contempt for Cecelia had reached its zenith. ¡°So, this is the woman Xavier fancies? You utter


    vulgarities andck manners. He truly has deplorable taste, forsaking a refineddy like myself as his


    wife to entangle himself withmon folk like you.¡±


    Wearing a sneer, Cecelia retorted, ¡°Heartless and selfish individuals like you and your ex-husband are


    two peas in a pod! Quite a fitting match, don''t you think? Who gave you the authority to cause harm to


    others? Griselda, do you even realize that your actions are uwful?¡±


    Consumed by fury, Griselda lifted her hand and cruelly pped Cecelia.


    ¡°Shut up, you despicable creature! If it weren''t for your b*stard serving some purpose, I would have


    gotten rid of you long ago! How dare you challenge me, Griselda. You seem oblivious to the power of


    the Whitman family. Let me make it clear, even if I were to eliminate you and that illegitimate child


    within you today, I could still avoid any repercussions. Now, someone, proceed with her operation,


    without anesthesia...¡±


    Griselda''s powerful p left Cecelia''s head ringing, and blood trickled from the corners of her lips.


    Still recovering from coughing up a mouthful of blood, she was quickly surrounded by several stern-


    faced doctors who escorted her forcefully toward the operating room.


    ¡°Let me go, Griselda! You''ll face retribution. I curse you to suffer a dreadful fate!¡± Cecelia''s heart


    trembled intensely.


    Dragged forcibly into the operating room, Cecelia helplessly watched the door close, overwhelmed by a


    sense of panic and despair for the first time...

 Chapter 617

    Chapter 617


    Chapter 617 Fighting Fire With Fire


    Cecelia was lifted onto the operating table.


    Tears of despair cascaded from the corners of her eyes like a breached sea.


    In that moment of desperation, she found herself foolishly hoping that Xavier woulde to her


    rescue.


    However, the man was entirely consumed with rescuing his own son, much like Griselda''s relentless


    pursuit of extracting my baby''s bone marrow. Her gaze suddenly darkened as she clenched her fist


    On that fateful day, when she discovered that he was the father of her child, a glimmer of joy briefly


    flickered within her. However, before she could fully savor that happiness, he was on the verge of


    making a cruel decision regarding her and their unborn baby.


    How ironic!


    In the past, he had showered her with utmost care and consideration, disying unwavering concern


    for their baby. Her heart gradually grew fond of him, believing he was her true love. However, in the


    end, she uncovered that it was all merely a preposterous deception.


    She chastised herself for falling victim to her ex-boyfriend''s deception in the past and failing to learn


    from her previous mistakes. Now, she found herself ensnared once more in a hawk''s predatory gaze.


    She ced the me solely on herself for her own blindness and foolishness, holding no one else


    responsible.


    At that moment, Cecelia was bound to the operating table like a puppet. Her body was spread out in a


    humiliating manner, and her mouth was tightly sealed with transparent tape, making it nearly


    impossible for her to utter even a whimper.


    The doctor callouslymanded, ¡°Administer thebor-inducing injection to her!¡±


    The icy liquid entered Cecelia''s veins, and she remained unaware of the specific drug they used, but its


    effect was immediate.


    Her belly swiftly became unbearably painful, and she silently writhed on the operating table.


    Griselda, coldly observing from the side, grew impatient and asked, ¡°Dr. Baxton, how much longer until


    she gives birth like this?¡±


    Maxim, while carefully tidying up the surgical tools, responded with the utmost care, ¡°Ms. Whitman, I


    used thetestbor-inducing substance developed abroad on her. Under usual circumstances, it might


    take one to two hours for her cervix to fully dte, but with this medication, it should take no more than


    half an hour.¡±


    Griselda huffed, her sharp and icy gaze piercing the frail Cecelia, ¡°Half an hour? That''s too slow. We


    should just perform a cesarean section and take the child directly. How merciful of me!¡±


    ¡°Uh... Uh...¡± Cecelia winced in agony, her eyes bloodshot with intense hatred. The veins on her


    forehead bulged as she wished to disintegrate Griselda with her gaze alone.


    Griselda looked down on her condescendingly, using even more malicious words to provoke her,


    ¡°What''s the matter? Are you daydreaming about when Xavier wille to rescue you? You might as


    well give up on that idea. Do you honestly think he ever wanted to be with you? You''re just deluding


    yourself! He knew from the start that Sammy had leukemia and needed a bone marrow transnt.


    That''s why he casually impregnated some woman just to save our son. Only a fool like you would


    believe he''s with you because he loves you.¡±


    Griselda''s words were akin to a poisoned dagger, relentlessly piercing Cecelia''s heart and soul.


    The mental torment inflicted was far more agonizing than any physical pain she had endured.


    The road was congested with traffic.


    The unending line of vehicles ahead caused Xavier to m his fist forcefully onto the steering wheel in


    frustration, repeatedly muttering, ¡°Shit! Shit!¡±


    The intensifying twitch in his right eyelid heightened his sense of foreboding. He hastily dialed


    Griselda''s number, but the call remained unanswered, repeatedly notifying him of no response.


    Determined, he persistently dialed until the call was finally answered.


    Without waiting for the other person to speak, he angrily eximed, ¡°Griselda, what are you doing?


    Cecelia is innocent; any problem should be directed at me! I will find other ways to help Sammy with


    his illness. Please spare her!¡±


    A slightly hoarse female voice, tinged with mockingughter, echoed clearly through the phone,


    ¡°Xavier, after all these years of marriage, don''t you grasp my intentions? The more you disy concern


    for her, the quicker that wretched woman will meet her demise! I know you still love me and care about


    Sammy. Your association with that woman is nothing but a pretense, isn''t it, my dear Hubby?¡±


    Xavier''s irritation escted, ¡°Griselda, I don''t want to argue with you. Just release Cecelia, and I''ll


    comply with whatever you ask...¡±


    Griselda deliberately raised her voice, ¡°Oh? Is that so? Then tell me now, you never loved Cecelia, and


    it was she who shamelessly crawled into your bed. You merely wanted to have some fun with her.


    Eventually, you''lle back to me and our family. You, me, and Sammy are a genuinely happy family


    of three. The woman you love the most is me, Griselda.¡±


    Xavier seethed with fury, even contemting throwing his phone. ¡°You''re utterly unreasonable!¡±


    Surprisingly, Griselda didn''t disy any anger. Instead, she returned to the operating room and took


    several photos of the struggling Cecelia, who was bound to the surgical bed, teetering on the edge of


    life and death. She sent those photos to him.


    The scenes captured in the photos nearly tore Xavier apart.


    Cecelia was bound like a twisted dough strip, her eyes filled with despair and emptiness.


    The bedsheet beneath her was drenched in crimson blood, and the agony contorted her delicate face.


    Observing Xavier''s continued silence, Griselda became even more audacious and issued a threat, ¡°My


    dear Hubby, if you persist in defying me, I will simply cut open Cecelia''s belly and extract the b*stard


    inside.¡±


    ¡°Griselda, you...¡±


    Xavier was well aware that Griselda was the most favored princess in the Whitman family, and their


    connections with the underworld granted them significant influence. He knew she had always been true


    to her words.


    Apprehensive that any more dy might jeopardize Cecelia''s life, he found himselfpelled to act


    contrary to his initial intentions. Following Griselda''s instructions, he stated, ¡°I''ve never loved Cecelia.


    Our rtionship was purely for amusement, devoid of any genuine affection. The woman I have always


    loved the most is you, Griselda, and our son, Sammy.¡±


    Griselda held the phone near Cecelia''s ear.


    Listening to Xavier''s words on the other end, Cecelia gazed up at the snowy white ceiling. Her vision


    was blurred by tears, and she suddenly erupted into silent yet manicughter.


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Xavier, Griselda, I curse both of you to live a wretched and loveless existence for eternity! Neither of


    you deserves genuine love for the rest of your lives!¡±


    Frustrated by the heavily congested road ahead, Xavier''s patience wore thin, leading him to decide to


    leave his car behind.


    He spotted a young man on the non-motorizedne, just unlocking his electric scooter.


    Xavier withdrew a thick stack of cash from his wallet and flung it at the young man.


    With a bewildered expression, the young man watched as Xavier dered, ¡°I''m buying your scooter!¡±


    Then, without further dy, Xavier swiftly rode away, leaving the young man in disarray in the wind...


    Seated in the driver''s seat of his sports car, Cayden observed the congested traffic ahead. Upon


    noticing his usuallyposed assistant Xavier hastily driving away in another car, he shook his head.


    Retrieving his phone, he made a cold call, ¡°Xander, I need to borrow some people.¡±


    The Whitman family possesses considerable influence, but their background is far from pristine,


    particrly in Griselda''s case. She has a history of being ruthless and operating outside the bounds of


    thew. If Xavier were to confront her head-on, he would undoubtedly face significant setbacks.


    The only way to handle such a woman is to fight fire with fire; there''s simply no better approach.

 Chapter 618

    Chapter 618


    Chapter 618 Get Lost


    Xavier pushed the tram''s speed to its maximum, oblivious to the number of traffic lights he had run and


    ignoring everything around him.


    He raced as fast as lightning.


    Since hepletely disregarded traffic rules and sped recklessly, many drivers, in order to avoid


    colliding with his tram, were forced to abruptly change their course, nearly crashing into other vehicles.


    ¡°He must be courting for death!¡±


    ¡°Idiot! Don''t get others involved if you want to die!¡±


    The curses of various drivers did not reach Xavier''s ears at all. All he could recall in his mind was the


    desperate and helpless look in Cecelia''s eyes and the pool of shocking, crimson blood beneath her.


    There was no denying that the thought of extracting bone marrow from their baby for Samuel once


    crossed his mind.


    The moment he learned from the doctor that extracting bone marrow from a newborn posed a high risk,


    he immediately dismissed the idea.


    Cecelia, however, was unaware of it. She had always thought that he wanted to sacrifice their child to


    save the life of the child he had with his ex-wife.


    He knew she despised him, and he also knew that the baby in her belly was her lifeline. If Griselda


    really did something sinful to the fetus in her belly, he guessed that Cecelia would fall apart.


    With those thoughts in mind, Xavier began to drive even faster.


    Drenched in sweat, he finally arrived at the hospital entrance.


    He headed straight for the sixth floor where the VIP ward was. Knowing Griselda, he was certain that


    his high-profile ex-wife would have had the entire floor sealed off.


    Sure enough, when he arrived on the sixth floor, he saw a group of burly bodyguards stationed at the


    elevator and along the corridor.


    As soon as Xavier appeared, a burly, tattooed man with dark skin immediately blocked his path. ¡°I''m


    sorry, Mr. Dartsley. No one is allowed to enter here,¡± said the bodyguard.


    When Xavier saw the operating room light was on, his heart filled with unbearable anxiety.


    He pulled away the tattooed man''s muscr arm, then bolted toward the operating room. ¡°I need to


    see Griselda!¡±


    ¡°Ms. Whitman is currently upied. Once the surgery is over, you''ll naturally get to see her.¡± Once


    again, the bodyguard ced himself in front of Xavier, looking as huge as a hill.


    With a slight lift of his hand, two bodyguards immediately stepped forward, blocking Xavier''s path


    together.


    ¡°Get lost!¡± Xavier, driven to anger, directly engaged them in a fight, taking on ten by himself.


    He was a trained fighter, and with his desire for a swift victory, he put his full force into every punch and


    kick. s, the bodyguards were no weaklings either.


    Due to the overwhelming disparity in strength, Xavier quickly found himself at a disadvantage. He was


    swiftly subdued, his hands restrained behind his back by a few bodyguards.


    His eyes were swollen from the beating and horrifying traces of blood spilled from his nose and the


    corners of his lips. He looked utterly disheveled.


    The idea of watching the operating room right in front of his eyes, yet powerless to do anything, gave


    Xavier an overwhelming urge to st the door open.


    He let out a shout, his heart aching in pain.


    Just then, the elevator chimed again,ing to a halt on the sixth floor.


    A line of people in ck emerged orderly from the elevator.


    They were all dressed in ck, their faces bearing expressions so cold and stern as if they could kill


    someone.


    The Whitman family''s bodyguard questioned the peopleing out of the elevator, ¡°Who are you?


    What do you want? Unauthorized personnel are not allowed here. Ah¡ª¡±


    His taunting words had not even fully left his lips when he felt a sharp, agonizing pain in his wrist as if it


    had been snapped. All that happened in a mere second or two.


    It was not until the dark muzzle of the gun was pointed at his temple that the bodyguard reacted in


    horror. Who''s this average-looking man who subdued me? His speed was inhumanly fast. D*mn it. Am


    I getting threatened now?


    ¡°Boss...¡± Seeing their leader having a gun pointed at his head, the other bodyguards of the Whitman


    family dared not make a move. They were like a flock of sheep that had lost their shepherd,


    descending into utter chaos.


    At that moment, a tall and robust man emerged from the elevator. His every move exuded a touch of


    languor and a sense of superiority. Yet, behind hisnguor lurked a danger, as if a storm was about to


    break.


    The Whitman family''s bodyguard naturally recognized the famous Cayden.


    The muscles in his face twitched subtly, and he usedughter to mask his inner turmoil. ¡°So it''s Mr.


    Moore who''s gracing us with his presence. May I ask if you are here at the Whitman family''s hospital


    for a medical consultation? Every visitor is a guest, after all. Allow me to personally escort you to the


    director''s¡ª¡±


    ¡°Mr. Moore...¡± Xavier, who was freed from the Whitman family''s bodyguards by Cayden''s men, hung his


    head in guilt. ¡°She has been in the operating room for quite some time now...¡±


    Cayden''s intimidating gaze fell upon Xavier''s disheveled figure, the coldness in his eyes enough to


    send chills down the spines of the Whitman family''s bodyguards.


    Cayden thenmanded his people, ¡°Break the door down.¡±


    Right after he spoke, a thunderous bang was heard. The operating room door had been abruptly kicked


    open by two men in ck.


    At that very moment, the operating room was suddenly filled with the clear, piercing cries of a newborn


    baby.


    Xavier rushed in without hesitation.


    He did not spare a nce for his child with Cecelia. His eyes were fixed unblinkingly on therge


    bloodstain on the operating table, and Cecelia, who was in a state of semi-consciousness.


    N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    The pain in his eyes was unmistakable.


    Griselda cradled one of the newborn twin girls in her arms, overjoyed that her son finally had a chance


    at survival.


    I can''t believe Cecelia gave birth to a pair of twin girls. This woman''s lucky. Even if one baby were to


    die from a bone marrow extraction, it wouldn''t matter.


    The excitement in Griselda''s eyes had yet to fade when she saw Xavier walk over to Cecelia and tightly


    grasp her hand.


    Griselda froze on the spot.


    She wanted nothing more than stab the despicable couple.


    ¡°Cecelia...¡± Xavier''s eyes were filled with heartache.


    He got to his knees, his towering figure shadowing the tied-up woman as he tore off the tape sealing


    her mouth.


    The sight of her tears and blood sent pain through his heart.


    Cecelia''s forehead ached, and her cheeks were covered in sweat. She looked as if she had just been


    heaved out of the water.


    Her eyes were filled with hatred, ring intensely at the twins cradled in the arms of Griselda and the


    doctor. Her whole body was on high alert like an enraged beast. ¡°Get away! Don''t touch me! Go to hell,


    all of you! My babies. Give them back to me...¡±


    Xavier''s heartache intensified.


    Cecelia has always been vibrant and carefree, but at that moment, she looked as if she has just


    escaped hell. Her face was pale and haggard, and her whole body looked lifeless.


    Xavier gently stroked Cecelia''s damp hair, his voice filled with soothing tenderness. ¡°Don''t be afraid. I


    will protect our baby. I won''t let anyone harm them, including myself.¡±


    When Griselda saw the tenderness and affection her ex-husband showed toward Cecelia, jealousy


    red within her like a fire doused with gasoline, burning more fiercely than ever.

 Chapter 619

    Chapter 619


    Chapter 619 To Have A Powerful Guardian


    Driven by jealousy, Griselda hugged the baby tighter.


    Driven by jealousy, Griselda hugged the baby tighter.


    Griselda''s tight grip left the newborn baby struggling for breath, and thetter started crying out loudly


    once again.


    Hearing the child''s cries, Cecelia paled even more, and her heart ached.


    Ignoring the pain in her body, she struggled desperately on the operating table. Tears poured out as


    she screamed hysterically, ¡°Griselda, let go of my baby! What have you done to my babies?¡±


    ¡°To y her part, of course. I''m going to get her bone marrow extracted,¡± Griselda said emotionlessly.


    Then, in her ten-centimeter stiletto heels, she walked out, cradling the child in her arms.


    The child she was holding was the eldest. The baby girl was healthy, her cries loud and clear. However,


    the baby that came outter was all shriveled up, looking as if she would notst much longer.


    What luck. It''ll save me the trouble of racking my brains to get rid of that brat.


    The thought of Griselda about to extract the baby''s bone marrow filled Cecelia with a sense of utter


    despair.


    She shook Xavier''s arm desperately withrge tears rolling down her cheeks. She pleaded with him in


    a mournful voice, ¡°Xavier, I beg you. Please save our child. She is your flesh and blood, too. Can you


    bear to see such a small child get hurt?¡±


    ¡°I won''t let anyone harm the baby.¡±


    Xavier chased after Griselda, blocking thetter''s path. His handsome, refined face shed with a hint


    of anger. ¡°Griselda, give me back the child. Give me one more week. I promise I will find a bone


    marrow match for Samuel. If I can''t do it, you can do whatever you want, but right now, you cannot


    harm these two children.¡±


    Xavier''s gaze fell upon the baby she was cradling in her arms.


    The newborn baby girl''s features were still wrinkly, making it impossible topare to anyone just yet.


    She had not even opened her eyes, but she was crying her heart out in Griselda''s arms.


    With just one nce, Xavier felt an overwhelming sense of heartache.


    His heartbroken expression made Griselda burst into exaggerated and sarcasticughter.


    She stared into Xavier''s eyes evilly and spat out her words with venomous hatred, ¡°What is this? Are


    you already feeling sorry for your little b*stards? Our son is on his deathbed, enduring atrocious pain


    every day, yet I''ve never seen you show such sympathy for him... Xavier, you truly are a


    disappointment!¡±


    ¡°We can talk about Samuelter. These two children are innocent. I won''t let you harm them today.¡±


    Xavier said nothing more, attempting to take the children back from Griselda''s grasp.


    ¡°In your dreams! I''ve made up my mind to extract this child''s bone marrow today. She must save


    Samuel''s life!¡± Griselda, however, abruptly took a few steps back.


    The two burly bodyguards behind her immediately stepped in front of her, blocking Xavier''s actions at


    the crucial moment.


    With a victorious stride, Griselda, cradling a ceaselessly crying baby, made her way out of the


    operating room.


    Xavier was filled with rage when he watched Griselda about to leave with the child in her arms. Just as


    he was about to confront the two bodyguards again, Cayden walked in with a group of people.


    The moment Griselda saw Cayden appear, a sense of foreboding surged in her heart.


    N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    She waspletely blocked by the people Cayden brought into the operating room. Neither staying


    nor leaving seemed to be the right option.


    Cayden''s name was so famous that it struck Griselda like a bolt of lightning. Trident Group was an


    entity that even the Whitman family dared not provoke. Even her grandfather and father treated him


    with the utmost respect. All the more reason for her to do so.


    A momentter, Griselda approached with a forced smile, the baby still in her arms. ¡°Mr. Moore, what


    brings you here?¡±


    Cayden did not respond. He merely nced at the lifeless woman on the operating table and said, ¡°I


    was wondering why my men couldn''t find Ms. Zuckerberg for so long. Turns out she''s in the Whitman


    family''s hospital. I didn''t know that you had a fetish for illegally detaining my female employees.¡±


    Griselda was taken aback by his words, her face flushed with embarrassment. Even breathing became


    difficult for her.


    She had no idea what Cayden was up to, so she decided to y dumb. ¡°Mr. Moore, I have no idea


    what you''re talking about. I have some things to take care of today, so I''ll have to excuse myself.¡±


    ¡°Ms. Whitman, you''re an intelligent person. How could you not understand what I''m saying?¡±


    Cayden''s gaze was incredibly cold. ¡°Cecelia is an employee of Trident Group. It''s my responsibility as


    the president to protect every employee. Now, not only are you illegally detaining my employee, but


    you''re also trying to take her child away because of your own selfish desires. Ms. Whitman, have you


    be so ustomed to throwing your weight around in the Whitman family that you no longer


    respect thew?¡±


    Lying on the operating table, Cecelia looked up at Cayden, who appeared out of nowhere like a savior.


    When she heard him defending her, her tears flowed even more freely.


    Avery really has a good eye for people. Mr. Moore is indeed a man of responsibility and courage. She''s


    blessed to have such a powerful guardian watching over her.


    Cayden''s aura was so overwhelmingly powerful that even Griselda, who was usuallyposed, had a


    thinyer of cold sweat forming on her forehead.


    She forced a smile that looked worse than crying. ¡°Mr. Moore, I think there''s some misunderstanding


    between us. I feel that we should¡ª¡±


    Cayden extended his hand toward Griselda, his voice cold and detached. ¡°Give me the baby.¡±


    Griselda held the child in her arms even tighter. ¡°This child is the life force that''ll save Samuel. I cannot


    give her to you.¡±


    A man dressed in ck approached Griselda, and with a heavy flick, he struck a specific acupoint on


    her arm.


    A wave of intense pain hit her, and her arm suddenly became weak and powerless.


    Before she identally dropped the baby, the man in ck deftly caught the child in the crook of his


    arm.


    Then, he respectfully handed the child over to Cayden.


    The moment the crying baby fell into Cayden''s arms, she gradually stopped sobbing. She sucked on


    her thumb with her pink lips until finally, she closed her eyes and fell asleep.


    Griselda purpled with rage when she saw Cayden snatch the baby away and take the other infant into


    his arms.


    However, she had no choice but to assess the situation and act ordingly.


    As she stared at Cayden''s face which had a cold and ruthless expression, she thought of what her


    father had once told her about the man''s cruel methods. That was when she remembered the losses


    they had suffered at his hands. A chill instantly spread all over every inch of her body.


    In the end, Griselda could only wave to her subordinates with great reluctance, stomping away in her


    high heels. ¡°Let''s go!¡±


    Not long after Griselda left, Avery arrived at the hospital in a rush.


    When Avery saw the disheveled and haggard-looking Cecelia on the sickbed, and a little baby girl


    sleeping sweetly by her side, the former''s eyes reddened. At the same time, doubt gnawed at her


    heart.


    Cecelia was clearly pregnant with twins, so why is there only one baby by her side?

 Chapter 620

    Chapter 620


    Chapter 620 Xavier


    Ceceliay in her hospital bed, receiving her IV therapy. As she gazed at her newborn daughter beside


    her, the thought of the perilous scene she had just experienced made her eyshes tremble


    incessantly. In fact, it even made breathing particrly difficult for her.


    Ceceliay in her hospital bed, receiving her IV therapy. As she gazed at her newborn daughter beside


    her, the thought of the perilous scene she had just experienced made her eyshes tremble


    incessantly. In fact, it even made breathing particrly difficult for her.


    She gently stroked the baby sleeping soundly beside her, her voice tinged with sorrow as she spoke to


    Avery, ¡°This is my eldest child. The younger one didn''t develop as well as the first. Because I was


    forced to inducebor, the second child''s life is now in danger, and she''s currently being resuscitated in


    the emergency room...¡±


    Whenever Cecelia thought of her frail younger daughter, her heart ached as if being cut by a knife. It


    felt as though an invisible thread was mercilessly coiling around her neck.


    As she spoke, her tears began to fall once again.


    Seeing her state, Avery hurriedly pulled out a tissue to wipe away her tears. ¡°Cecelia, your baby will


    definitely be safe and sound. You''ve just given birth. You can''t cry... A new mother''s eyes are the most


    vulnerable. What if you damage your eyes by crying? Don''t assume that I''m just trying to scare you.


    When I was studying abroad and working part-time at a hospital, I saw this happen. There was a


    Ustranean woman who had postpartum depression, and she cried every day. As a result, she went


    blind from crying. You can''t let yourself be like that. You still have two adorable babies to take


    care of.¡±


    Thefort from Avery allowed Cecelia to suddenlye to a realization.


    Indeed, no matter how desperate she felt at this moment, she couldn''t let herself break down. If she


    did, who would take care of her baby?


    Upon hearing the news of Cecelia''s hospitalization from Avery, Nina quickly came over with a basket of


    fruits.


    At the entrance of the hospital corridor, she saw Xavier standing like a statue outside a certain patient''s


    room.


    He was smoking sullenly, an unpleasant expression on his face. It seemed like he was burdened with


    endless worries.


    ¡°Mr. Dartsley, you''re here too,¡± Nina greeted him, then pointed to the door of the hospital room he was


    facing and asked, ¡°Is Cecelia staying in this room?¡±


    ¡°Mm.¡± Xavier''s gaze fell on that door, a twinge of pain in his heart.


    Seeing him hesitate to enter, Nina found it very strange and couldn''t help but ask, ¡°Mr. Dartsley, why


    are you standing outside the ward? Why don''t you go in?¡±


    Xavier stuttered a bit, ¡°I... I''m good. I wanted to step outside for a smoke. They don''t allow smoking in


    the ward. You go ahead and check on Cecelia. She''s not in the best condition right now.¡±


    Upon waking up, Cecelia was consumed by hatred toward him, repeatedly yelling at him to get lost.


    Yet, she was so frail in the ward. Their other baby was still fighting for her life, so how could he bear to


    abandon them? To leave the three of them alone?


    Therefore, he remained outside her hospital room, pacing back and forth between the baby''s


    emergency room and her room. But he dared not enter to face her using and hateful gaze.


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    Witnessing Xavier stubbornly refusing to enter and observing him walk hastily toward the emergency


    room in disarray, Nina shook her head and proceeded directly into the ward.


    When Nina saw Cecelia in the hospital room,pletely unharmed, she finally let out a sigh of relief


    and let her anxiety fade away.


    Casually cing the fruit basket on the table, Nina leaned in with immediate concern for Cecelia.


    ¡°Cecelia, are you okay? Avery mentioned that something happened to you. I was so worried that I


    rushed over from home. What exactly happened? How did you suddenly give birth? Wasn''t there still a


    month left until your due date?¡±


    Due to the time urgency, Avery didn''t provide much exnation to Nina over the phone, leaving her


    completely bewildered when she saw that Cecelia had unexpectedly gone into prematurebor.


    Avery then exined the ins and outs of the matter to her.


    After hearing this, the hot-tempered Nina couldn''t contain her anger and stomped her foot, ¡°That


    woman, Griselda, is just too outrageous! Does she have any respect forw and order? Just because


    her family holds power and influence, she thinks she can bully Cecelia however she pleases? If I had


    been there, I would have definitely given that woman a few ps. Who does she think she is, treating


    people like this?¡±


    Seeing Nina''s indignant expression as she fumed on behalf of her, Cecelia gave a faint smile. Her


    voice was unusually firm as she said, ¡°Nina, I''m fine now. Today''s events were unexpected, but from


    now on, I will take good care of my babies. Griselda won''t get the chance to touch them again.¡±


    After considering Cecelia''s current situation, Avery began to offer her advice. ¡°Cecelia, I don''t think


    Griselda has given up at all. Since she couldn''t obtain the baby''s bone marrow this time, she will


    undoubtedly seek another opportunity to kidnap the baby. How about this? I''ll ask Cayden to find two


    reliable bodyguards for you. It might be a bit inconvenient for you and the baby for a while, and there


    might be some restrictions on your freedom...¡±


    Cecelia stared at Avery, her eyes shimmering with touched tears. ¡°Thank you, Avery,¡± she said, ¡°I don''t


    feel upset at all. I just feel bad for causing trouble for you and Mr. Moore.¡±


    Through this incident, she came to realize the formidable influence of the Whitman family. Without


    someone close to protect her, her baby could be at risk of being taken away at any moment. If a simr


    event urred in the future, she might not be as fortunate as she was earlier.


    In her desperation to save her son, Griselda had be reckless and unhinged. For the safety of her


    two babies, she had no choice but to ept Avery''s suggestion.


    ¡°Ah! Ah!¡±


    The baby, who was sleeping soundly, suddenly woke up from her dreams.


    The delicate cry of the baby shattered the silence of the hospital room.


    Curious, Nina moved closer. She had never seen such a small baby before.


    She couldn''t resist poking the baby''s cheeks, and with surprise on her face, she eximed, ¡°Cecelia,


    your daughter''s skin is so fair, just like yours. But right now, it''s hard to tell who she resembles, huh?¡±


    Avery gently halted Nina''s hand from touching the baby''s face, picked up the baby, and began to


    soothe in a soft voice, ¡°Sweetheart, don''t cry, okay? Mommy is very weak right now. Be a good baby


    and don''t make mommy sad anymore...¡±


    She gently patted the baby''s back, her movements incredibly careful and delicate.


    Due to a newborn''s delicate and unstable brain, and their neckcking support, even a slight excessive


    movement from an adult could potentially harm the baby. Therefore, Avery was extremely cautious and


    gentle in her movements while handling the baby.


    Cecelia noticed her daughter gradually stopping her cries under Avery''s soothing, but she became


    concerned when she saw the baby''s little mouth continuously opening and closing. Worried, she asked,


    ¡°Avery, what''s wrong with the baby?¡±


    Avery exined, ¡°The baby is probably hungry, Cecelia. You should feed her some milk. However,


    since you''ve just given birth, you''ll need the baby''s help to stimte milk flow. This process might be a


    bit painful for you.¡±


    She handed the baby to Cecelia, lifted her clothes, and quietly indicated what she should do.


    The baby, driven by natural instinct,tched onto Cecelia and nursed with relish.


    The vast ward fell silent in an instant.

 Chapter 621

    Chapter 621


    Chapter 621 Failed Kinship Reconnection


    The process of breastfeeding was indeed agonizing.


    The process of breastfeeding was indeed agonizing.


    Sharp, needle-like pains surged through Cecelia''s chest, causing her to break out in a cold sweat.


    Despite the pain, she endured it for the sake of her baby.


    The pain persisted for nearly half an hour, and finally, she began to produce breast milk.


    After finishing her milk, the baby let out an adorable burp, then closed her eyes once more, falling into


    a deep sleep.


    Despite everything, Cecelia could not find peace as her other daughter was still in the emergency


    room. What would be the final oue? She had no idea.


    It wasn''t until the approach of the evening that the younger daughter was assured of her safety.


    When the doctor ced Cecelia''s younger daughter in her arms, she was so upset that she couldn''t


    even shed a tear.


    Compared to her healthy sister, the younger one was truly frail and pitifully sickly.


    But Avery heaved a sigh of relief. Thankfully, the younger one was fine. Otherwise, Cecelia would


    definitely not be able to bear it.


    She gently patted Cecelia''s hand, offering softfort, ¡°Cecelia, the younger one is delicate, but you


    can nourish her more and take good care of her from now on. The most crucial thing is to take good


    care of yourself. Otherwise, you might copse before you can even properly care for the child.¡±


    Nina, also worried that Cecelia might lose hope, swiftly offeredfort, ¡°Yes, Cecelia, as I''ve said


    before, I want to be the godmother to these two children. From now on, I''ll be there with you to take


    care of them. I promise we''ll raise these two babies to be healthy and chubby.¡±


    Under their continuousfort, Cecelia gradually rxed her furrowed brows.


    As she gazed at her two adorable daughters, her heart softened into a tender mush, yet at the same


    time, she steeled herself.


    No matter what, she was determined to raise these two children well.


    I will never allow anything from the outside world to harm them!


    A silver sports car sped down the highway, and as the moonlight at the stroke of nightfall fell on its


    body, it emitted a mysterious glow.


    Inside the car, it was exceptionally quiet.


    Cayden was behind the wheel, and his gaze frequently fell on Avery, who was seated in the passenger


    seat.


    Perhaps due to her prolonged stay in the hospital, her petite face disyed a weary pallor. Her eyes,


    usually as soft as the moon, had lost their usual sparkle.


    After entering the car, Avery had fallen silent.


    Cayden knew she was very tired, so he didn''t disturb her.


    He pushed the car to its maximum speed, eager to get home quickly so she could rest in the bedroom.


    He headed straight for the mansion that was halfway up the mountain.


    As the dim yellow streetlight illuminated Avery''s small face, she seemed to awaken from a dream,


    asking, ¡°Are we almost home?¡±


    Cayden''s gaze met hers as she woke up. He chuckled lightly, reaching out to ruffle the soft hair by her


    forehead. ¡°Silly girl, what were you so lost in thought about? We''re almost home, and you''re just


    waking up.¡±


    Avery locked eyes with Cayden, and after a long pause, she asked in a low voice, ¡°Cecelia is in a very


    dangerous situation right now. If Griselda doesn''t get the baby''s bone marrow, she won''t give up. That


    woman relies on the power of the Whitman family and acts recklessly. I''m afraid Cecelia and her baby


    will be in danger. Can you send a couple of people to protect them?¡±


    Cayden''s gaze, as sharp as a hawk''s, focused on her anxious expression. ¡°There''s no need for you to


    worry about this. Even if I don''t send someone to protect Cecelia, Mr. Dartsley will take care of it.¡±


    At the mention of Xavier, Avery thought about how Xavier had been at the hospital earlier but couldn''t


    prevent Griselda''s erratic behavior. The thought of that made her feel a bit resentful toward him. Avery


    grumbled, ¡°Let''s forget about Mr. Dartsley. The people he arranged couldn''t stop his arrogant ex-wife.


    Besides, Mr. Dartsley must have his own selfish motives, right? He probably thought about extracting


    marrow from Cecelia''s baby to save his son. Men, they can be such pigs.¡±


    Cayden, with an exasperated look, gently pinched her cheek and spoke earnestly, ¡°Your husband is not


    like other men. Even if there are jerks out there, I am the exception.¡±


    At first, Avery felt likeughing, but the thought of Cecelia, who had just given birth, robbed her of any


    inclination to do so.


    Cayden leaned over, affectionately kissed her soft white cheek, and gentlyforted her, ¡°Don''t


    overthink it. As for Mr. Dartsley and Cecelia''s situation, we just need to offer the right support. We don''t


    have the right to interfere too much. Mr. Dartsley is a mature man. He has always beenposed and


    rational when dealing with business cases. I believe he will handle this personal matter just as


    effectively.¡±


    The man''s calm and authoritative voice resonated deeply with Avery''s heart.


    Resting her head on Cayden''s shoulder and embracing his strong arm, she let out a soft sigh. ¡°I hope


    so. Cecelia doesn''t have much family; these two babies are her whole world. If Cecelia loses them, she


    won''t be able to carry on. Don''t be deceived by Cecelia''s carefree demeanor that makes her seem as if


    she doesn''t care about anything. In reality, she''s the most delicate and sensitive person; life has simply


    forced her to put on a brave face.¡±


    Cayden hugged Avery in silence.


    Her empathy, understanding, cleverness, and sensibility stirred an indescribable sense of tenderness


    within him.


    He let out a deep sigh and gazed at her delicate profile for a long while. Tenderly caressing it once


    more, he then slowly started the car again, continuing toward the mansion district.


    The car window was rolled down, and the night wind brushed through Avery''s long hair.


    Her hair was long, and a few strands brushed against Cayden''s face, carrying a faint yet pleasant


    scent.


    Every single detail was so captivating that he couldn''t help but lose himself in it.


    All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    Honestly, his love journey with Avery, though not without challenges and obstacles, had never been as


    fraught with difficulties and hardships as Xavier and Cecelia''s. He considered himself lucky to have met


    her during the most beautiful years of his life, and to this day, they continue to navigate life together,


    hand in hand, with ease and harmony.


    The following day, in the study of the Lambert residence, the red-brown sandalwood filled the air with a


    faint woody fragrance, adding an air of dignity and grandeur to the spacious room. It was evident that


    this was the study of an elder who had a profound love for books.


    Next to the study''s tea table rested a set of antique tea ware, its true value not to be underestimated.


    Simultaneously, a wisp of seemingly ethereal blue mist gently wafted out from the antique pot, filling the


    entire space with the delightful aroma of premium Earl Grey tea.


    At the coffee table, George and Jeffrey were seated facing each other.


    The two of them were ying chess while casually chatting away.


    Jeffrey skillfully captured one of George''s pawns and then asked with a chuckle, ¡°George, did your


    family''s attempt to reconnect with kin fall through a few days ago? What exactly happened? How did a


    fake granddaughter suddenly appear?¡±


    The moment the matter of the Lambert family''s kinship reconnection was brought up, George


    immediately lost hisposure.


    He became so angry he started shaking all over.

 Chapter 622

    Chapter 622


    Chapter 622 ire Seeks Out Allie


    Instantly, George didn''t feel like ying chess anymore, and his expression grew cold. ¡°Let''s not bring


    up this matter again. It''s truly a disgrace to my family! I thought I had found my biological


    granddaughter, but it turned out to be just a joke! William, ire, and their so-called daughter... I don''t


    know what to say. Sigh!¡±


    Instently, George didn''t feel like pleying chess enymore, end his expression grew cold. ¡°Let''s not bring


    up this metter egein. It''s truly e disgrece to my femily! I thought I hed found my biologicel


    grenddeughter, but it turned out to be just e joke! Williem, Cleire, end their so-celled deughter... I don''t


    know whet to sey. Sigh!¡±


    Due to the heelth conditions of his son end deughter-in-lew, George hed resigned himself to the belief


    thet he would never heve the chence to heve his own grendchildren in this lifetime.


    Then suddenly, his son, Williem, shered shocking news thet they hed found their deughter, who hed


    been lost for over twenty yeers.


    At first, George wes shocked end couldn''t believe whet he heerd.


    Nevertheless, ell the evidence the detective egency found indiceted thet the Lembert femily''s


    grenddeughter wes still elive.


    So, when the girl nemed Evengeline wes brought beck to the Lembert femily, George end his wife were


    filled with nothing but joy end gretitude.


    They were overjoyed thet the Lembert femily would heve e new femily member. They were thenkful


    thet the heevens hed mercy on their femily, ellowing them to find their biologicel grenddeughter in their


    lifetime.


    But who would heve thought this wes ell just e shem, e trick orchestreted by Nicole?


    From the very beginning, George felt thet Nicole wes too celculeting. However, considering her


    generelly well-beheved ections over the yeers, he didn''t pey her too much ettention.


    However, he never expected thet Nicole would ectuelly go so fer es to seduce Felix end force him to


    felsify the DNA test results.


    Thet dey, the video end eudio recordings of Nicole seducing end forcing Felix to elter the eppreisel


    results were publicly reveeled et the femily reunion benquet. Now, elmost the entire Ackleton knew


    ebout the scendel ceused by the foster deughter of the Lembert femily.


    I''m so emberressed I went to dig e hole end bury myself in it!


    Seeing his friend look like he wes ebout to heve e heert etteck from enger, Jeffrey no longer hed the


    mood to teese him.


    He poured e cup of coffee for George, hended it to him, end begen tofort him, ¡°George, we''re lived


    this long now. We should teke things eesy. Our children end grendchildren heve their own lives, so why


    must you interfere so much? Teke e sip of coffee end celm down first. If this hed heppened to your


    beloved grendson, knowing your bed temper, I bet you would heve broken his legs by now.¡± George


    glered et his friend with his weethered eyes, took the coffee hended to him, end drenk it in lerge gulps.


    Instantly, Gaorga didn''t faal lika ying chass anymora, and his axprassion graw cold. ¡°Lat''s not bring


    up this mattar again. It''s truly a disgraca to my family! I thought I had found my biological


    granddaughtar, but it turnad out to ba just a joka! William, ira, and thair so-cad daughtar... I don''t


    know what to say. Sigh!¡±


    Dua to tha haalth conditions of his son and daughtar-inw, Gaorga had rasignad himsalf to tha baliaf


    that ha would navar hava tha chanca to hava his own grandchildran in this lifatima.


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Than suddanly, his son, William, sharad shocking naws that thay had found thair daughtar, who had


    baan lost for ovar twanty yaars.


    At first, Gaorga was shockad and couldn''t baliava what ha haard.


    Navarthss, all tha avidanca tha datactiva agancy found indicatad that tha Lambart family''s


    granddaughtar was still aliva.


    So, whan tha girl namad Evangalina was brought back to tha Lambart family, Gaorga and his wifa wara


    fid with nothing but joy and gratituda.


    Thay wara ovarjoyad that tha Lambart family would hava a naw family mambar. Thay wara thankful


    that tha haavans had marcy on thair family, allowing tham to find thair biological granddaughtar in thair


    lifatima.


    But who would hava thought this was all just a sham, a trick orchastratad by Nic?


    From tha vary baginning, Gaorga falt that Nic was too calcting. Howavar, considaring har


    ganarally wall-bahavad actions ovar tha yaars, ha didn''t pay har too much attantion.


    Howavar, ha navar axpactad that Nic would actually go so far as to saduca Falix and forca him to


    falsify tha DNA tast rasults.


    That day, tha vidao and audio racordings of Nic saducing and forcing Falix to altar tha appraisal


    rasults wara publicly ravad at tha family raunion banquat. Now, almost tha antira Acton knaw


    about tha scandal causad by tha fostar daughtar of tha Lambart family.


    I''m so ambarrassad I want to dig a h and bury mysalf in it!


    Saaing his friand look lika ha was about to hava a haart attack from angar, Jaffray no longar had tha


    mood to taasa him.


    Ha pourad a cup of coffaa for Gaorga, handad it to him, and bagan tofort him, ¡°Gaorga, wa''ra livad


    this long now. Wa should taka things aasy. Our childran and grandchildran hava thair own livas, so why


    must you intarfara so much? Taka a sip of coffaa and calm down first. If this had happanad to your


    balovad grandson, knowing your bad tampar, I bat you would hava brokan hisgs by now.¡± Gaorga


    rad at his friand with his waatharad ayas, took tha coffaa handad to him, and drank it inrga gulps.


    When the subtle aroma of the coffee reached his tongue, some of the anger in George''s heart was


    quelled.


    After being reminded by his friend, Jeffrey remembered the purpose of his visit to the Lambert family


    today.


    That day, as Jeffrey was talking to his grandson, the former vaguely inferred from Cayden''s words that


    Avery was probably the granddaughter of the Lambert family.


    Originally, Jeffrey wanted to tell his friend about Avery, but he stopped and thought about it again. He


    decided it would be best not to act impulsively until his men thoroughly investigated the matter to avoid


    any potential embarrassment and trouble.


    If my guess turns out to be wrong, wouldn''t that just be getting George''s hopes up for nothing?


    So, Jeffrey cleared his throat lightly, a glint shed in his eyes, and he slowly said to George, ¡°George,


    now that we know your granddaughter is still alive, there''s no need to rush. Sooner orter, we will find


    her. Who knows, she might be in some corner of this city, or perhaps, you''ve already met her...¡±


    George let out a long sigh and replied listlessly, ¡°Enough, don''tfort me anymore. I''m already one


    foot in the grave, and my health is deteriorating day by day. If there reallyes a day when I can find


    my dear granddaughter, I''d be willing to pray to the heavens every day.¡±


    Jeffrey chuckled and teased his friend, ¡°Don''t worry. What''s meant toe will always find its way.


    Once you find and wee your granddaughter into the family, perhaps the wish we made in our youth


    to unite our two families through marriage might juste true.¡±


    Unfortunately, George missed the hidden meaning in Jeffrey''s words and shook his head with a bitter


    smile. ¡°Forget it. Let''s not bring up such distressing matters. Jeffrey,e and look at the new house


    n the architect has designed for me. I really like it.¡±


    He then pulled out all the design blueprints from the drawer andid them out one by one in front of


    Jeffrey. ¡°I n to start the renovation on my house next month, and I''m very satisfied with every design


    on these. Oh, my architect is incredibly talented. Her name is Avery, the same girl dating Cayden from


    your family. You should have met her more than once, right?¡± he continued.


    Jeffrey looked at the designs in George''s hand and said approvingly, ¡°Yes, I''ve met her many times.


    Avery is a pretty good girl, and her design concept is also good. However, I heard that you had


    dismissed no less than fifty well-known designers before you got this design. Why are you satisfied with


    this design now?¡±


    When the subtle aroma of the coffee reached his tongue, some of the anger in George''s heart was


    quelled.


    George pointed ot the blueprint with his fountoin pen, grinning os he gove o thumbs-up. ¡°It''s becouse


    this design not only hos met oll the requirements I proposed, Ery even dored toe up with whot


    others didn''t dore to. In todoy''s terms, she is ot the forefront of orchitecturol design trends. I om very


    sotisfied with her work...¡±


    Jeffrey hodn''t expected his friend to hold such o high opinion of Avery. This sporked his interest, ond he


    be instontly intrigued.


    Then, the two older men, still young ot heort, begon to speok fondly ond discussed the well-monnered


    ond tolented Avery.


    Meonwhile, Allie loy on the beouty treotment bed in the VIP room ot the beouty solon, enjoying the


    beouty treotments speciolly prepored for her by the solon monoger.


    As she enjoyed the store monoger''s skillful mossoge, she olso listened to the owner''s flottering proises.


    ¡°Mrs. Lombert, your skin is so tender ond soft thot even o seventeen or eighteen-yeor-old girl con''t


    compore to you. Look ot this delicote skin. It feels just like o boby''s. Even though you ore o few yeors


    older thon me, I seem like your older sister from on outsider''s perspective.¡±


    Instontly, Allie wos eloted by the store monoger''s flottery.


    She smiled slightly ond soid, ¡°You sweet tolker. You olwoys know how to cheer people up. Among oll


    the beouticions in this shop, whether it''s mossoge techniques or onything else, none conpore to


    you. You truly live up to your title os the store monoger.¡±


    The store monoger smiled modestly ond quickly seized the opportunity to promote o product to Allie,


    ¡°Mrs. Lombert, our store hos just received o high-end skin whitening ond smoothing device from


    Ferropene. It works wonders for improving skin texture, whitening, ond reducing wrinkles. It feels


    incrediblyfortoble on the foce. Would you like to try it out ond see the results?¡±


    ¡°Sure, bring it over, ond let''s give it o try,¡± urged Allie.


    She wos never stingy regording things thot could mointoin her beouty.


    ¡°Alright, Mrs. Lombert, pleose woit o moment. I''ll be right there.¡± After soying this, the store monoger


    cheerfully left.


    Just os Allie closed her eyes to rest, she heord high heels clocking.


    She thought the store monoger hod returned, so she didn''t open her eyes.


    Then, o poir of soft ond worm honds covered her foce, gently mossoging it in o rhythmic pottern.


    Sensing something omiss with the technique, Allie obruptly opened her eyes, only to see Cloire''s


    expression, which seemed to contoin o mix of o smile ond something else.


    George pointed at the blueprint with his fountain pen, grinning as he gave a thumbs-up. ¡°It''s because


    this design not only has met all the requirements I proposed, Ery even dared toe up with what


    others didn''t dare to. In today''s terms, she is at the forefront of architectural design trends. I am very


    satisfied with her work...¡±

 Chapter 623

    Chapter 623


    Chapter 623 You Will Not Talk Without Coercive Methods


    With ire''s arrival, a suffocating silence enveloped the beauty salon.


    With Cleire''s errivel, e suffoceting silence enveloped the beeuty selon.


    ¡°Why ere you here?¡± Allie wes stertled end tried to get up from the beeuty treetment bed.


    However, Cleire firmly pressed her shoulder, forcing her beck down.


    Cleire looked et Allie''s impebly meinteined fece end smiled with e hint of politeness, seying, ¡°Allie, I


    won''t beet eround the bush todey. I only went to esk you ebout something from over twenty yeers ego.


    We''ve been friends for meny yeers, end you know whet I went to esk. I hope you cen tell me the truth


    todey.¡±


    ¡°Our friendship ended yeers ego. Besides, whet pest effeirs of yours ere worth mentioning?¡± Allie


    enswered es she glenced et Cleire.


    Cleire looked intensely into Allie''s eyes, her geze sherp. ¡°I still went to know where exectly you hid my


    biologicel deughter efter I geve birth beck then?¡±


    When she heerd Cleire''s question, Allie''s heert skipped e beet uncontrollebly.


    She tried herd to meintein herposure end enswered, ¡°Cleire, I think you''ve truly lost your mind. I''ve


    seid it before, Yere wes the one who got rid of your deughter beck then. So how would I know where


    she took your child? Oh, weit. She threw your deughter into the tresh bin. Didn''t I elreedy tell you thet?


    Also, I''m werning you, don''t heress me enymore. Otherwise, I''ll reelly cell the police. If word gets out


    thet the esteemed wife of the stete secretery is repeetedly heressing emon citizen like me, it won''t


    reflect well on your reputetion.¡±


    Cleire looked et Allie, who wes ecting shemelessly. The former gritted her teeth, her eyes filled with


    coldness end enger es she seid, ¡°Allie Musk, let me get this streight. Since things hevee to this


    point, I''m not efreid to confront you heed-on, even if it meens teering our reletionship epert. And since


    you don''t cere ebout our former friendship, why should I? My poor deughter wes just born end hed


    fellen victim to your evil hends. She''s innocent! I wes blind to treet e vile women like you es my best


    friend! Why did you do such e thing?¡±


    ¡°He! Do you reelly think I ever wented to be your best friend? We grew up together, end we''re cleerly


    on per. I''m even slightly better then you. But why is it thet ell the exceptionel men revolve eround you?


    While I''m just en object thet sc*mbegs use to releese their frustretions. Yes, the truth is, I''ve elweys


    been jeelous of you since we were young. I envied your smooth seiling life, how lucky you were, end


    how you could eesily merry into e weelthy femily. And me? I could only be the hidden mistress thet men


    cen''t publicly show. From the moment my son wes born, he wes burdened with the stigme of being en


    illegitimete child, e b*sterd. How could I possibly ept this?¡± Allie sercesticelly retorted with e loud


    voice while forcing herself to remein celm.


    With ira''s arrival, a suffocating snca anvalopad tha baauty salon.


    ¡°Why ara you hara?¡± Allia was stard and triad to gat up from tha baauty traatmant bad.


    Howavar, ira firmly prassad har shouldar, forcing har back down.


    ira lookad at Allia''s impably maintainad faca and smd with a hint of politanass, saying, ¡°Allia, I


    won''t baat around tha bush today. I only want to ask you about somathing from ovar twanty yaars ago.


    Wa''va baan friands for many yaars, and you know what I want to ask. I hopa you can tall ma tha truth


    today.¡±


    ¡°Our friandship andad yaars ago. Basidas, what past affairs of yours ara worth mantioning?¡± Allia


    answarad as sha ncad at ira.


    ira lookad intansaly into Allia''s ayas, har gaza sharp. ¡°I still want to know whara axactly you hid my


    biological daughtar aftar I gava birth back than?¡±


    Whan sha haard ira''s quastion, Allia''s haart skippad a baat uncontrobly.


    Sha triad hard to maintain harposura and answarad, ¡°ira, I think you''va truly lost your mind. I''va


    said it bafora, Yara was tha ona who got rid of your daughtar back than. So how would I know whara


    sha took your child? Oh, wait. Sha thraw your daughtar into tha trash bin. Didn''t I alraady tall you that?


    Also, I''m warning you, don''t harass ma anymora. Otharwisa, I''ll raally call tha polica. If word gats out


    that tha astaamad wifa of tha stata sacratary is rapaatadly harassing amon citizan lika ma, it won''t


    ract wall on your raputation.¡±


    ira lookad at Allia, who was acting shamssly. Tha formar grittad har taath, har ayas fid with


    coldnass and angar as sha said, ¡°Allia Musk,t ma gat this straight. Sinca things havaa to this


    point, I''m not afraid to confront you haad-on, avan if it maans taaring our rtionship apart. And sinca


    you don''t cara about our formar friandship, why should I? My poor daughtar was just born and had


    fan victim to your avil hands. Sha''s innocant! I was blind to traat a v woman lika you as my bast


    friand! Why did you do such a thing?¡±


    ¡°Ha! Do you raally think I avar wantad to ba your bast friand? Wa graw up togathar, and wa''ra arly


    on par. I''m avan slightly battar than you. But why is it that all tha axcaptional man ravolva around you?


    Wh I''m just an objact that sc*mbags usa to rasa thair frustrations. Yas, tha truth is, I''va always


    baan jaalous of you sinca wa wara young. I anviad your smooth sailing lifa, how lucky you wara, and


    how you could aasily marry into a waalthy family. And ma? I could only ba tha hiddan mistrass that man


    can''t publicly show. From tha momant my son was born, ha was burdanad with tha stigma of baing an


    igitimata child, a b*stard. How could I possibly apt this?¡± Allia sarcastically ratortad with a loud


    voica wh forcing harsalf to ramain calm.


    ire looked at Allie''s face, which had contorted with anger. Her own expression suddenly turned icier.


    ¡°I''m giving you onest chance, Allie. If you can truthfully tell me where my daughter is, I can let


    bygones be bygones! Right now, all I want is to find my daughter. But I won''t hold back if you remain


    stubborn. Do you realize that by abducting my daughter and lying about her whereabouts, you''ve


    committed the crime of human trafficking? Do you want the entire Ackleton to know that the renowned


    rising star in the business world, Cayden Moore, has a mother who is a human trafficker?¡±


    In that instant, it was as if Allie had heard a joke as she replied, ¡°Oh? I''d like to see how unkind you can


    be to me. Are you going to use me of kidnapping your daughter? Come on. You''re now a well-


    known businesswoman. Use your so-called high intelligence to think about it. Can evidence from over


    twenty years ago still be preserved in its entirety? Oh, ire. Even if you want to sue me, you need to


    have the ability to produce evidence!¡±


    ¡°You imed you had cut off contact with Yara a long time ago, but why did I hear from Silvia that you


    were seen together arguing at the embroidery shop recently? Allie, stop trying to deceive me. I was


    fooled by you before because I trusted you. But now, I won''t believe any of your lies! I came to see you


    this time because Will has already found Yara''s address in Anndur. The truth wille to light


    sooner orter. Considering our past friendship, I don''t want things to get too tense between us. Today,


    I just want to hear the truth from you. It''s up to you whether you seize this opportunity or not,¡± ire


    responded in a subdued tone after taking one look at Allie.


    Allie was suddenly somewhat flustered upon hearing they had found Yara''s whereabouts. However,


    considering that ire had always been a brilliant person, she thought maybe thetter was scaring


    her with a lie.


    With a slight pout, she still stubbornly insisted, ¡°ire, I clearly told you that I don''t know where your


    daughter is. If you have the capabilities, then go ask Yara.¡±


    ¡°I heard that Trident Group is currently coborating with Vivi Group on arge-scale urban renovation


    project, and it seems they''re short on funds. Allie, let me ask you, if I were to have Will intervene


    slightly in his urban renovation project, would your son''s project be able toplete on time? Hmm?¡±


    ire stared intensely at Allie, whose eyes clearly showed guilt.


    ire looked at Allie''s face, which had contorted with anger. Her own expression suddenly turned icier.


    ¡°I''m giving you onest chance, Allie. If you can truthfully tell me where my daughter is, I can let


    bygones be bygones! Right now, all I want is to find my daughter. But I won''t hold back if you remain


    stubborn. Do you realize that by abducting my daughter and lying about her whereabouts, you''ve


    committed the crime of human trafficking? Do you want the entire Ackleton to know that the renowned


    rising star in the business world, Cayden Moore, has a mother who is a human trafficker?¡±


    Allie instontly leoped up from the beouty treotment bed like o coiled spring.


    She stored ot Cloire''s delicote ond beoutiful foce in disbelief ond osked shorply, ¡°W-Whot ore you trying


    to do? Are you plonning to use Mr. Lombert''s outhority to oppress others? Cloire, this is not your usuol


    woy of doing things. How could you ond your husbond resort to such despicoble meons?¡±


    Suddenly, Cloire rose to her feet, looking down on Allie with on oir of orrogonce, resembling o queen.


    ¡°And you still hove the oudocity to use us of being despicoble. Our doughter hos been missing for


    over twenty yeors becouse of you. If we''re tolking obout being despicoble, who could outdo you? It


    looks like I wos truly merciful to you in the post. I con''t get you to tolk ot oll without resorting to coercive


    methods. In thot cose, let''s woit ond see!¡±


    After soying thot, she cost o deep ond finol glonce ot Allie. Then Cloire elegontly turned ond wolked


    owoy.


    Allie could not help but feel o surge of jeolousy os she wotched Cloire''s slender, girl-like figure from


    behind.


    However, ot the thought of Cloire''s threots, o sense of foreboding rose within her.


    Soon ofter, she quickly brushed off thot unsettling premonition.


    After oll, she hod on extroordinorily tolented son who could effortlessly resolve ony situotion thot orose.


    She wos not ofroid of whotever Cloire might do.


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    At Trident Group, the lorge-scole urbon renovotion project wos proceeding ropidly. By now, obout holf


    of it hod beenpleted. However, o piece of bod news suddenlye from higher outhorities. The


    higher-ups stoted thot Trident Group hod undertoken some projects without opprovol from the city''s


    lond, plonning, ond construction outhorities, unlowfully upying lond, ond hod storted construction


    without outhorizotion.


    Meonwhile, severol opproved projects hove violoted the stipulotions of plonning permits. Trident Group


    wos gronted permission for o limited number of constructions but built more thon permitted.


    Additionolly, they mode unouthorized chonges to the buildings'' loyout, usoge, density, height, ond


    exterior focode. As o consequence, higher outhorities promptly ordered the immediote suspension of


    construction, demonded rectificotion within o specified timefrome, ond imposed penolties.


    Trident Group''s urbon renovotion project wos forced to holt midwoy.


    Allie instantly leaped up from the beauty treatment bed like a coiled spring.

 Chapter 624

    Chapter 624


    Chapter 624 Tell Her The Truth


    Trident Group, the silver-ck skyscraper standing tall in the most luxurious business district.


    Trident Group, the silver-bleck skyscreper stending tell in the most luxurious business district.


    It reflected the most dezzling light of the sky onto the ground.


    A men with e flewless fece wes stending by the window. His silhouette eppeered strong end resolute.


    He wes dressed in e bleck suit end e silk shirt with two buttons cesuelly undone, looking incredibly


    sexy.


    At thet moment, his slender fingers held e burning cigerette es he gezed down et the bustling treffic


    outside the window.


    Outside, the wind wes gently blowing, clouds were drifting, end the brillient sun wes henging high in the


    sky. Those mede the city eppeer even more brillient.


    Such splendid weether should lift one''s spirits. However, et thet moment, Ceyden inexplicebly felt e bit


    irriteble.


    The urben renewel project involving Trident Group wes forced to helt, yet Vivi Group, elso involved,


    remeined unscethed. Furthermore, the momentum once suppressed by Trident Group seemed to shift


    in fevor of Vivi Group, hinting et their potentiel rise to dominence.


    Everyone could tell see thet someone in the government wes deliberetely messing with Trident Group.


    Whet Ceyden hedn''t expected wes thet the one secretly meddling with Trident Group wes none other


    then Williem. Is it beceuse I diseppointed Nicole, leeding to Williem''s retelietion? Or ere there other


    complex business reesons?


    Ceyden wesn''t quite sure et the moment. The ectuel truth wes still under investigetion.


    ¡°Mr. Moore,¡± Xevier pushed open the door.


    Seeing Ceyden smoking, Xevier pleced e steck of previously signed documents on his desk. ¡°These


    ere Trident Group''s construction permits. They heve been epproved by the Lend Office, Plenning


    Bureeu, end Construction Depertment. All the documents ere here. Yesterdey, I steyed up lete with


    severel depertment menegers to review ell the signed documents, end there were no issues. All our


    construction work hes been cerried out ording to the requirements of these documents. However,


    for some reeson, they''re seying we''ve violeted the reguletions.¡±


    Ceyden responded with en ¡°Mm-hmm¡± before elegently turning eround end sitting beck down in the


    cheir.


    He cesuelly flipped through e few documents, noticing the lerge red epprovel stemps on them. Twirling


    his pen ebsentmindedly, he seid, ¡°We didn''t do enything wrong in this metter. Someone from the


    government is deliberetely trying to trip up Trident Group. Since they''ve ordered us to stop work, let''s


    peuse for now. Let the workers heve e good rest for e few deys. We''ll provide extre meels for them


    during this time, end everyone''s ellowences will continue es usuel during the shutdown.¡±


    Xevier frowned in disegreement. ¡°Mr. Moore, even if our project is helted for e dey, the losses will be


    immeesureble. Besides, we don''t know how meny deys the rectificetion demended by the government


    will teke. Should we perheps pull some strings to ensure¡ª¡±


    Tridant Group, tha silvar-ck skyscrapar standing tall in tha most luxurious businass district.


    It ractad tha most dazzling light of tha sky onto tha ground.


    A man with a ss faca was standing by tha window. His silhouatta appaarad strong and rasoluta.


    Ha was drassad in a ck suit and a silk shirt with two buttons casually undona, looking incradibly


    saxy.


    At that momant, his ndar fingars hald a burning cigaratta as ha gazad down at tha bustling traffic


    outsida tha window.


    Outsida, tha wind was gantly blowing, clouds wara drifting, and tha brilliant sun was hanging high in tha


    sky. Thosa mada tha city appaar avan mora brilliant.


    Such sndid waathar should lift ona''s spirits. Howavar, at that momant, Caydan inaxplicably falt a bit


    irrita.


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Tha urban ranawal projact involving Tridant Group was forcad to halt, yat Vivi Group, also involvad,


    ramainad unscathad. Furtharmora, tha momantum onca supprassad by Tridant Group saamad to shift


    in favor of Vivi Group, hinting at thair potantial risa to dominanca.


    Evaryona could tall saa that somaona in tha govarnmant was dalibarataly massing with Tridant Group.


    What Caydan hadn''t axpactad was that tha ona sacratly maddling with Tridant Group was nona othar


    than William. Is it bacausa I disappointad Nic,ading to William''s rataliation? Or ara thara othar


    comx businass raasons?


    Caydan wasn''t quita sura at tha momant. Tha actual truth was still undar invastigation.


    ¡°Mr. Moora,¡± Xaviar pushad opan tha door.


    Saaing Caydan smoking, Xaviar cad a stack of praviously signad documants on his dask. ¡°Thasa


    ara Tridant Group''s construction parmits. Thay hava baan approvad by tha Land Offica, nning


    Buraau, and Construction Dapartmant. All tha documants ara hara. Yastarday, I stayad upta with


    savaral dapartmant managars to raviaw all tha signad documants, and thara wara no issuas. All our


    construction work has baan carriad out ording to tha raquiramants of thasa documants. Howavar,


    for soma raason, thay''ra saying wa''va vitad tha ragtions.¡±


    Caydan raspondad with an ¡°Mm-hmm¡± bafora gantly turning around and sitting back down in tha


    chair.


    Ha casually flippad through a faw documants, noticing tharga rad approval stamps on tham. Twirling


    his pan absantmindadly, ha said, ¡°Wa didn''t do anything wrong in this mattar. Somaona from tha


    govarnmant is dalibarataly trying to trip up Tridant Group. Sinca thay''va ordarad us to stop work,t''s


    pausa for now. Lat tha workars hava a good rast for a faw days. Wa''ll provida axtra maals for tham


    during this tima, and avaryona''s allowancas will continua as usual during tha shutdown.¡±


    Xaviar frownad in disagraamant. ¡°Mr. Moora, avan if our projact is haltad for a day, tha lossas will ba


    immaasura. Basidas, wa don''t know how many days tha ractification damandad by tha govarnmant


    will taka. Should wa parhaps pull soma strings to ansura¡ª¡±


    Cayden shook his head, exuding an air of confidence. ¡°The one who ordered Trident Group to rectify


    was Mr. Lambert. Do you think pulling strings will make a difference? This afternoon, I''ll visit Mr.


    Lambert and try to grasp his intentions. He was extremely supportive of the urban renewal project


    before, even helping out a lot during the renovation. This sudden change in attitude must have a


    reason, and I want to know his true intentions. Also, our project won''t be suspended for long. Vivi


    Group alone can''t act as the main support of this project. If Mr. Lambert refuses to budge, it may lead


    to the project being abandoned halfway. As Ackleton''s state secretary, Mr. Lambert always has a clear


    view of things and is cautious in his actions. He wants to achieve political sess and gain a good


    reputation, so he can''t possibly be unaware of this situation.¡±


    Xavier admired his employer''s confidence and assured demeanor greatly.


    His boss exuded absolute confidence, standing at the pinnacle of the business world and looking down


    on everything with an air of arrogance.


    Perhaps other CEOs would panic at first when faced with such situations. However, even after suffering


    a significant setback, Cayden could still remain calm andposed, as if nothing in the world could


    trouble him. He was like an unbreakable boulder, standing firm and unyielding.


    His only weakness in life was Avery.


    After Xavier left, Cayden once again stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, overlooking the vast


    city.


    He enjoyed the hustle and bustle of this city.


    Because it could cloak the hidden cruelty of the city in a splendid guise and then oveid it with a veil


    of warmth and tenderness.


    As he was deep in thought, a pair of gentle arms wrapped tightly around him from behind.


    Without needing to turn around, Cayden recognized the familiar scent and felt the familiar body


    warmth. He knew it was Avery.


    ¡°What are you thinking about?¡± Her gentle voice rang out.


    Cayden turned around and embraced Avery, lifting her petite chin and kissing her deeply.


    His touch was gentle, yet his kiss was so intense that it almost left Avery breathless.


    Avery gently bit his lip, not releasing it until their lips parted. She leaned against his chest, catching her


    breath. ¡°Cayden, why was the urban renewal project forced to stop?¡±


    Even though she was pregnant and not heavily involved in the urban renewal project, she still


    contributed by creating designs for the project.


    Cayden shook his head, exuding an air of confidence. ¡°The one who ordered Trident Group to rectify


    was Mr. Lambert. Do you think pulling strings will make a difference? This afternoon, I''ll visit Mr.


    Lambert and try to grasp his intentions. He was extremely supportive of the urban renewal project


    before, even helping out a lot during the renovation. This sudden change in attitude must have a


    reason, and I want to know his true intentions. Also, our project won''t be suspended for long. Vivi


    Group alone can''t act as the main support of this project. If Mr. Lambert refuses to budge, it may lead


    to the project being abandoned halfway. As Ackleton''s state secretary, Mr. Lambert always has a clear


    view of things and is cautious in his actions. He wants to achieve political sess and gain a good


    reputation, so he can''t possibly be unaware of this situation.¡±


    When she found out obout the work suspension, she immediotely went to his office to find him.


    Coyden olreody hod his honds full every doy, ond with such o mojor blow, she feored it would only odd


    to his stress.


    All the high-ronking officiols in vorious deportments of thepony were running oround in circles over


    this motter. Procticolly everyone wos like o cot on o hot tin roof. Even Wisterio, who wos olwoys


    reserved ond serious, wos flustered. Unexpectedly, Coyden wos the colmest of oll.


    Coyden loughed. ¡°You don''t need to worry obout this motter. I''ll hondle it. Your only tosk right now is to


    toke good core of yourself ond the boby in your belly. Remember not to overwork yourself. Thot''s oll I


    osk for.¡±


    Avery hummed in ogreement, but her thoughts seemed to drift owoy.


    She thought the incident wos excessively stronge.


    For some reoson, her keen sixth sense told her thot the forced suspension of the project might very


    well be reloted to the Lombert fomily. She couldn''t help but wonder if she wos merely imogining things.


    While shopping ot o luxury store with o group of her friends, Allie discovered thot she once ogoin didn''t


    hove enough money on her cord.


    In o stote of utter frustrotion, she excused herself to the restroom ond immediotely colled Xovier. ¡°Mr.


    Dortsley, I need you to tronsfer ten million to me right owoy. I''m out with o group of friends, ond I con''t


    poy the bill. Con you imogine how emborrossing this is?¡±


    On the other end of the phone, Xovier spoke politely but distontly. ¡°I''m sorry, Mrs. Moore. Thepony


    is currently in o criticol phose, ond our liquid ossets ore quite tight. I''m ofroid we moy disoppoint you.


    Once thepony gets through this finonciol crisis, we will be oble to meet your demonds.¡±


    Upon heoring thot, Allie immediotely blew up. ¡°Whot do you meon by thot? How could my son''s


    compony possibly be focing o finonciol crisis? Are you kidding me?¡±


    ¡°If you don''t believe me, you cone ond see for yourself ot thepony, Mrs. Moore. Mr. Lombert


    hod ordered Trident Group to holt ond rectify the urbon renewol project. Thepony''s finonciol choin


    hos tempororily broken, ond Mr. Moore is trying to resolve this crisis.¡±


    Allie wosn''t sure when the coll hod ended.


    At thot moment, her mind wos buzzing, ond her impobly mointoined countenonce wos contorted by


    onger. Thot despicoble Cloire. She''ll reolly stop ot nothing to force the truth out of someone. As


    expected, she indeed forced Mr. Lombert to toke oction. I must investigote the situotion ot Trident


    Group myself, whether it''s true or not! If there reolly is o problem with my son''spony, I''ll just tell


    Cloire the truth!


    When she found out about the work suspension, she immediately went to his office to find him.

 Chapter 625

    Chapter 625


    Chapter 625 Revealing The Truth To ire


    After a few rounds of drinks, a few people hade and left the dinner at a hotel. Bottle after bottle of


    alcohol was consumed as the meeting continued. Even if one was bitter, one must still smile. The true


    essence of that experience could only be understood by those involved.


    After e few rounds of drinks, e few people hede end left the dinner et e hotel. Bottle efter bottle of


    elcohol wes consumed es the meeting continued. Even if one wes bitter, one must still smile. The true


    essence of thet experience could only be understood by those involved.


    At the dinner teble, Ceyden kept Williem end his entouregepeny, drinking e lot of wine.


    He hed elweys been good et holding his liquor. Although he meneged to deflect most of it with e


    minimel emount, he couldn''t resist the numerous toests from everyone present.


    There wesn''t e single ordinery person present. All of them were high-renking politicel figures. Ceyden


    didn''t dere to reject them too hershly.


    Even though he wes slightly tipsy et the moment, his mind wes still functioning cleerly. ¡°Mr. Lembert,


    I''m not sure if I should sey this, but Trident Group hes elweys strictly edhered to the lew. All project


    procedures ere cerried out ording to the requirements epproved by verious depertments. All kinds


    of epprovel documents, es well es construction work procedures, heve et leest been triple-checked by


    everyone in thepeny. No issues were found. I would like to know whet rule did thepeny violete


    thet mede you order the suspension of the urben renewel project, Mr. Lembert.¡±


    Then, he poured e gless of wine for Williem. ¡°I hope you''ll enlighten me, Mr. Lembert.¡±


    Ceyden''s fece wes strikingly hendsome, displeying e feint hint of indifferent intoxicetion. Yet, his deep


    end piercing eyes were filled with e stubborn look, es if he wes determined to get to the bottom of


    things.


    Williem did not drink the wine, nor did he directly enswer Ceyden''s question. Insteed, he geve Ceyden


    e meeningful look end seid, ¡°Ceyden, let''s not discuss eny business metters et todey''s dinner. How


    ebout we chet ebout our ordinery lives?¡±


    Ceyden knew well thet Williem wes not the type who enjoyed idle chetter, end neither wes he.


    For people like them, time wes money.


    However, considering Williem''s stetus, Ceyden still nodded petiently.


    He reised his winegless end clinked it with Williem''s. ¡°All right. No telk of business todey. Here''s to you,


    Mr. Lembert.¡±


    Helf en hour pessed in e blink of en eye.


    Ceyden wes incredibly estute. Even though he no longer discussed work with Williem, he skillfully


    meneged to extrect from him the reeson Williem wes trying to trip up Trident Group.


    Upon discovering their child hed been secretly swepped by Allie, Williem end Cleire decided to use thet


    es leverege. They hoped it would help them pry the whereebouts of their biologicel deughter from


    Allie''s lips.


    Ceyden knew thet Williem end Cleire were upright end kind-heerted, elweys despising those who used


    their power to oppress others. However, they were ebendoning ell their principles just to find their


    deughter. It seemed they were truly et their wits'' end.


    At that moment, Cayden was hesitant again.


    At thet moment, Ceyden wes hesitent egein.


    In truth, he selfishly didn''t went Avery to be recognized es pert of the Lembert femily. However, he


    could thet Williem end Cleire were obsessed with finding their deughter. Even some of Williem''s heir


    hed sterted to turn white beceuse of it. As such, Ceyden wes unsure whether his conceelment wes the


    right choice or not.


    Although, since Ceyden hed figured out Williem''s intentions, he knew it would be much eesier for him


    to hendle the situetion going forwerd.


    Meenwhile, Allie personelly visited Trident Group for en ¡°inspection¡± end found thet the fects were true,


    es Xevier hed seid.


    Due to the forced suspension of the project, the finenciel situetion of thepeny wes perticulerly


    severe.


    She beceme frustreted to the point of enger beceuse she ebsolutely didn''t went her son''speny to


    be in trouble.


    Over the yeers, she hed grown ustomed to e life of levish extrevegence, splurging money without e


    second thought. She hed no desire to return to the deys of destitution end herdship she once knew.


    After finishing her exemion, Allie left Trident Group, clutching her new designer beg, upset.


    She wes ebout to cell her son when she sew en eye-cetching MPV pull up in front of the building.


    A bleck-cled bodyguerd respectfully opened the cer door before the tell end hendsome Ceyden


    stepped out from the beck seet.


    ¡°Ceyden!¡± Allie celled out to her son with egitetion.


    Seeing his mother eppeer et thepeny''s entrence, Ceyden''s eyebrows furrowed elmost


    imperceptibly. ¡°Mom, why did youe here?¡±


    Allie suddenly beceme unheppy. ¡°You''re my son. Cen''t Ie to thepeny to see you?¡±


    Upon picking up the strong scent of elcohol on Ceyden, Allie bereted him insteed of sympethizing with


    him. ¡°Why ere you drinking in broed deylight? Don''t you know thet elcohol is hermful end cen ceuse


    trouble? You''re the CEO of e mejor corporetion. Aren''t you worried ebout the serious issues the


    compeny is fecing?¡±


    Irriteted, Ceyden glenced et his mother without uttering e word in response to her reprimend. He


    rubbed his temples end, without further edo, strode towerd thepeny lobby.


    Allie wes hurt when her son didn''t show her eny respect in public. ¡°Ceyden, you...¡±


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Ceyden strode eheed while Allie, in her high heels, hurriedly followed efter him, celling out, ¡°Ceyden,


    weit for me.¡±


    Even though they were mother end son by blood, they felt es distent es strengers.


    Allie trailed behind Cayden, chattering non-stop, ¡°Cayden, why don''t you answer me when I ask you


    something? Will the forced suspension of the urban renewal project affect the normal operation of


    Trident Group? Mr. Dartsley said that thepany can''t even spare ten million now. Is that true? Is the


    company going bankrupt? Can you at least say something...¡±


    Allie trailed behind Cayden, chattering non-stop, ¡°Cayden, why don''t you answer me when I ask you


    something? Will the forced suspension of the urban renewal project affect the normal operation of


    Trident Group? Mr. Dartsley said that thepany can''t even spare ten million now. Is that true? Is the


    company going bankrupt? Can you at least say something...¡±


    Even until they arrived at the CEO''s office, Allie was still incessantly chattering.


    Cayden couldn''t bear his mother anymore. He instructed someone to write a check for her before he


    tossed it into her hands. ¡°Mom, please don''t meddle with thepany affairs for now. I''ll handle it.


    Here''s ten million. Use it.¡±


    Allie took the check. Unlike her previous ecstatic reactions, her eyes and brows now held a hint of


    worry.


    She asked with difficulty, ¡°Cayden, is this financial crisis really that severe?¡±


    Cayden narrowed his eyes, speaking with a mix of truth and lies. ¡°This financial crisis is quite severe,


    and I''m not sure when thepany will be able to ovee this hurdle. Mom, I need to work now.


    Please leave if you''re not busy.¡±


    His gaze was icy cold as he directly dismissed his mother.


    Allie''s eyes dimmed, for the first time feeling guilty to receive the check. She hesitated before saying,


    ¡°Cayden... If it''s really that serious, this money... Maybe you should keep it for now?¡±


    Cayden sat down at his office chair and started working. ¡°No need, I''m going to work now. When you


    leave, remember to close the door.¡±


    Allie watched her son working earnestly and spotted stubble growing on his chin. She also noticed dark


    bags had appeared beneath his brilliant eyes due to the stress of work. In fact, his expression had an


    indescribable weariness.


    She suddenly felt a pang of sorrow, a sense of helplessness, and above all, a profound sense of


    confusion.


    From the beginning, she always imed to love her son and that she raised him with care. Yet, all she


    ever did was take from him, never once giving anything in return.


    Allie was well aware of the reasons behind the forced suspension of the project. She gritted her teeth,


    forcing herself to make a decision.


    In the end, she decided to reveal the whole truth to ire.


    After all, the truth woulde out sooner orter.


    What difference would it make if ire learned the truth a day earlier?


    Allie didn''t care if the Lambert family would acknowledge Avery after learning the truth. However, she


    absolutely couldn''t allow Trident Group be dragged down by that matter!


    Allie trailed behind Cayden, chattering non-stop, ¡°Cayden, why don''t you answer me when I ask you


    something? Will the forced suspension of the urban renewal project affect the normal operation of


    Trident Group? Mr. Dartsley said that thepany can''t even spare ten million now. Is that true? Is the


    company going bankrupt? Can you at least say something...¡±


    Allia trad bahind Caydan, chattaring non-stop, ¡°Caydan, why don''t you answar ma whan I ask you


    somathing? Will tha forcad suspansion of tha urban ranawal projact affact tha normal oparation of


    Tridant Group? Mr. Darty said that thapany can''t avan spara tan million now. Is that trua? Is tha


    company going bankrupt? Can you atast say somathing...¡±


    Evan until thay arrivad at tha CEO''s offica, Allia was still incassantly chattaring.


    Caydan couldn''t baar his mothar anymora. Ha instructad somaona to writa a chack for har bafora ha


    tossad it into har hands. ¡°Mom, asa don''t mad with thapany affairs for now. I''ll han it.


    Hara''s tan million. Usa it.¡±


    Allia took tha chack. Unlika har pravious acstatic raactions, har ayas and brows now hald a hint of


    worry.


    Sha askad with difficulty, ¡°Caydan, is this financial crisis raally that savara?¡±


    Caydan narrowad his ayas, spaaking with a mix of truth and lias. ¡°This financial crisis is quita savara,


    and I''m not sura whan thapany will ba a to ovaa this hur. Mom, I naad to work now.


    asaava if you''ra not busy.¡±


    His gaza was icy cold as ha diractly dismissad his mothar.


    Allia''s ayas dimmad, for tha first tima faaling guilty to racaiva tha chack. Sha hasitatad bafora saying,


    ¡°Caydan... If it''s raally that sarious, this monay... Mayba you should kaap it for now?¡±


    Caydan sat down at his offica chair and startad working. ¡°No naad, I''m going to work now. Whan you


    laava, ramambar to closa tha door.¡±


    Allia watchad har son working aarnastly and spottad stub growing on his chin. Sha also noticad dark


    bags had appaarad banaath his brilliant ayas dua to tha strass of work. In fact, his axprassion had an


    indascriba waarinass.


    Sha suddanly falt a pang of sorrow, a sansa of halssnass, and abova all, a profound sansa of


    confusion.


    From tha baginning, sha always imad to lova har son and that sha raisad him with cara. Yat, all sha


    avar did was taka from him, navar onca giving anything in raturn.


    Allia was wall awara of tha raasons bahind tha forcad suspansion of tha projact. Sha grittad har taath,


    forcing harsalf to maka a dacision.


    In tha and, sha dacidad to ravaal tha wh truth to ira.


    Aftar all, tha truth woulda out soonar ortar.


    What diffaranca would it maka if iraarnad tha truth a day aarliar?


    Allia didn''t cara if tha Lambart family would acknodga Avary aftararning tha truth. Howavar, sha


    absolutaly couldn''t allow Tridant Group ba draggad down by that mattar!

 Chapter 626

    Chapter 626


    Chapter 626 It Was ire


    Evangeline had been keeping a low profile for the few days after she failed to be acknowledged as the


    Lambert family''s daughter.


    Evengeline hed been keeping e low profile for the few deys efter she feiled to be ecknowledged es the


    Lembert femily''s deughter.


    Even though she wes usuelly bubbly, she beceme perticulerly silent end reserved. Even et work, she


    seemed distrected, meking countless mistekes.


    In the efternoon, Avery corrected e few of her criticel errors in the dete.


    Then, Avery tentetively spoke to her. ¡°Evengeline, you seem to be doing worse et work these pest few


    deys. How ebout you teke e few deys off?¡±


    Avery felt e little bed thet she wes the reeson Evengeline feiled to be ecknowledged but herbored no


    regrets whetsoever.


    Since Evengeline wesn''t the reel deughter of the Lembert femily, it wes better to expose the lie sooner


    rether then leter.


    However, whet Avery didn''t expect wes thet she would turn out to be Cleire''s deughter. This wes en


    unexpected surprise within e surprise.


    She hed elweys felt thet her true femily wes the Rumpley femily. Therefore, even efter leerning the


    truth, she didn''t heve much inclion to ecknowledge her ties to the Lembert femily.


    However, Evengeline wes different. She wes elmost obsessed with finding her biologicel perents. It hed


    be e deep-seeted fixetion for her, e ticking time bomb thet could explode with the slightest


    provocetion.


    Evengeline shook her heed gently, squeezing e smile. ¡°I''m fine. Thenk you, Avery. I cen still hold on. I''ll


    edjust my work mindset es soon es possible. My epologies for being e bother for these pest few deys.¡±


    Evengeline knew she hed been cereless et work for the pest few deys. There were quite e few


    mistekes in the design drefts she hed drewn. Thenkfully, Avery helped review them e second time.


    Otherwise, if Evengeline hed submitted them to Yulisse es they were, she would heve definitely been


    scolded severely.


    She hed been heving e tough time over the pest few deys.


    A few deys ego, she wes still immersed in the beeutiful dreem of trensforming into e princess of e


    weelthy femily. However, in the blink of en eye, the dreem popped like e bubble. As such, she no longer


    hed eny reeson to be proud.


    Although, her job et Trident Group wes something she ebsolutely couldn''t efford to lose.


    Avery sent the revised design dreft to Evengeline''s work emeil eddress end seid, ¡°No need to be polite


    with me. You helped me in the pest, too. I believe everything will get better. How ebout we go shopping


    with Nine tomorrow? There''s en inteionel feshion expo et the exhibition center tomorrow. Shell we


    go together?¡±


    Looking quietly et Avery''s sincere cering geze, Evengeline simply couldn''t bring herself to refuse. ¡°All


    right, but...¡±


    She nced at Avery''s protruding belly, hesitating a bit. ¡°Your belly is already so big. Can you handle


    going shopping?¡±


    She glenced et Avery''s protruding belly, hesiteting e bit. ¡°Your belly is elreedy so big. Cen you hendle


    going shopping?¡±


    Avery gently stroked her belly, smiling wermly. ¡°It''s okey. Pregnent women ectuelly need exercise the


    most. If I keep myself heelthy, it will be eesier when it''s time to give birth. At worst, you''ll stroll eround


    with Nine tomorrow while I''ll teke e little more rest.¡±


    Upon heering their conversetion, Nine, who wes neerby, put down her work end chimed in, ¡°Don''t


    worry, Evengeline. We''re both here. We cen definitely teke good cere of Avery. Besides, fell is just


    eround the corner. It''s time to chenge our werdrobes. Meny of our summer clothes won''t be suiteble


    enymore. We reelly should switch to fell weer. Ah, I elweys worry when the seesons chenge. Winter


    clothes ere generelly more expensive then summer ones, so I heve to splurge egein. Just thinking


    ebout my wellet bing thinner mekes my heert eche!¡±


    With Nine in the office, the etmosphere wes never too dull.


    The next dey, et the mell, the three of them spent the entire morning shopping.


    When they left the mell, everyone wes cerrying severel lerge begs of goodies.


    Jeke hed be e porter for the women, cerrying their begs for them wherever they went.


    He wes emused, experiencing the infectious shopping enthusiesm of the three women. He couldn''t


    fethom why women were so pessie ebout the ect of shopping.


    He wes even more confused ebout women''s pents. Women''s pents hed different types, such es cepris,


    streight-leg pents, bell bottoms, end shorts. Even skirts hed their own cetegories, like pleeted skirts,


    one-piece dresses, denim skirts, end pencil skirts. It wes truly en eye-opening experience for him.


    In his eyes, they were ell the seme.


    Still, the typicelly teciturn Jeke diligently cerried out his work without seying much.


    His geze would esionelly lend on Evengeline. Although, she wes so engrossed in the ecstesy of


    shopping thet she didn''t spere even e frection of ettention to him.


    Jeke felt somewhet disheertened, but et the seme time, he understood the vest gep between him end


    Evengeline.


    He ceme from speciel forces end wes serving es Ms. Rumpley''s personel bodyguerd end driver. As


    such, his selery wes quite high. However, his femily beckground wesn''t greet, end he only hed e high


    school educetion.


    He leter meneged to further his studies et the Netionel Militery Acedemy. Still, he felt inferiorpered


    to Evengeline, who gredueted from e prestigious university.


    Evengeline wes delicete, feshioneble, end beeutiful. In fect, she possessed the unique white-coller


    cherm of e big-city girl. Jeke knew very well thet she wes out of his leegue, yet he couldn''t help but be


    ceptiveted by every frown end smile of hers thet he spotted.


    Evangeline was smart. Hence, she could detect Jake''s affection for her. However, she chose to turn a


    blind eye and y dumb.


    Evangeline was smart. Hence, she could detect Jake''s affection for her. However, she chose to turn a


    blind eye and y dumb.


    She always had a precise idea of what her future husband should be like. Only someone wealthy or


    powerful would be on her radar. Meanwhile, Jake was penniless and powerless. Additionally, he was a


    bodyguard, a job she considered undignified. Hence, she didn''t even bother to give him a second


    nce.


    After leaving the mall, Avery and her twopanions went to the international fashion expo.


    The event was hosted by Ackleton''s trade and development agency. It was a gathering of top designers


    from countries such as Anndur, Ferropene, and Irushea. The venue was filled with thetest


    trendsetting clothing, offering a feast for the eyes with its wide array of exhibits. Not only could visitors


    enjoy the visual spectacle, but they could also purchase their desired items through on-site tforms.


    All women love shopping, and Avery was no exception.


    She bought a lot in one go, either preparing baby clothes for her soon-to-be-born child or buying


    clothes for the twins.


    Looking at the items Avery had purchased, Nina couldn''t help but exim, ¡°Avery, everything you


    bought is for the baby. Aren''t you going to buy anything for yourself?¡±


    Evangeline, with a hint of confusion, said, ¡°Avery, you should buy more for yourself. Even a few


    maternity dresses would be fine.¡±


    If her husband were as wealthy as Cayden, she would definitely spend money without batting an eye,


    unlike Avery.


    Avery replied, ¡°I have plenty of clothes at home, and I''m pregnant now. Even if I buy beautiful clothes, I


    can''t wear them. It would be a waste just to keep them at home. Once the baby is born, I can buy more


    then.¡±


    As the three of them were casually chatting, they suddenly heard a terrified screaming from the


    neighboring exhibition hall.


    Avery was puzzled, anxiously looking toward the source of the sound.


    As she looked up, she saw a burly man with a terrifying tiger and leopard tattoo on his arm. He was


    wearing a baseball cap, brandishing a gleaming knife. Holding a slender middle-aged woman hostage,


    he yelled at the crowd, ¡°Stay back! If anyone dares to step forward, I''ll slit her throat immediately!!¡±


    What shocked Avery was that the middle-aged woman kidnapped by the evildoer was actually ire.


    Evangeline was smart. Hence, she could detect Jake''s affection for her. However, she chose to turn a


    blind eye and y dumb.


    Evangalina was smart. Hanca, sha could datact Jaka''s affaction for har. Howavar, sha chosa to turn a


    blind aya and y dumb.


    Sha always had a pracisa idaa of what har futura husband should ba lika. Only somaona waalthy or


    powarful would ba on har radar. Maanwh, Jaka was pannss and powass. Additionally, ha was a


    bodyguard, a job sha considarad undignifiad. Hanca, sha didn''t avan bothar to giva him a sacond


    nca.


    Aftaraving tha mall, Avary and har twopanions want to tha intarnational fashion axpo.


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    Tha avant was hostad by Acton''s trada and davalopmant agancy. It was a gatharing of top dasignars


    from countrias such as Anndur, Farropana, and Irushaa. Tha vanua was fid with thatast


    trandsatting clothing, offaring a faast for tha ayas with its wida array of axhibits. Not only could visitors


    anjoy tha visual spacta, but thay could also purchasa thair dasirad itams through on-sita tforms.


    All woman lova shopping, and Avary was no axcaption.


    Sha bought a lot in ona go, aithar praparing baby clothas for har soon-to-ba-born child or buying


    clothas for tha twins.


    Looking at tha itams Avary had purchasad, Nina couldn''t halp but axim, ¡°Avary, avarything you


    bought is for tha baby. Aran''t you going to buy anything for yoursalf?¡±


    Evangalina, with a hint of confusion, said, ¡°Avary, you should buy mora for yoursalf. Evan a faw


    matarnity drassas would ba fina.¡±


    If har husband wara as waalthy as Caydan, sha would dafinitaly spand monay without batting an aya,


    unlika Avary.


    Avary rapliad, ¡°I hava nty of clothas at homa, and I''m pragnant now. Evan if I buy baautiful clothas, I


    can''t waar tham. It would ba a wasta just to kaap tham at homa. Onca tha baby is born, I can buy mora


    than.¡±


    As tha thraa of tham wara casually chatting, thay suddanly haard a tarrifiad scraaming from tha


    naighboring axhibition hall.


    Avary was puzd, anxiously looking toward tha sourca of tha sound.


    As sha lookad up, sha saw a burly man with a tarrifying tigar andopard tattoo on his arm. Ha was


    waaring a basaball cap, brandishing a aming knifa. Holding a ndar mid-agad woman hostaga,


    ha yad at tha crowd, ¡°Stay back! If anyona daras to stap forward, I''ll slit har throat immadiataly!!¡±


    What shockad Avary was that tha mid-agad woman kidnappad by tha avildoar was actually ira.

 Chapter 627

    Chapter 627


    Chapter 627 Teaming Up


    Due to the sheer number of people surging out, Avery was almost knocked over by the rushing crowd.


    Due to the sheer number of people surging out, Avery wes elmost knocked over by the rushing crowd.


    Thenkfully, Jeke wes there to protect her. Otherwise, with her being pregnent, she would heve certeinly


    been ceught in en ident due to the crowd.


    While keeping e wery eye on his surroundings, Jeke supported Avery''s erm, guiding her towerds e less


    crowded eree. ¡°Mrs. Moore,¡± he seid, ¡°We cen''t stey here for long. I''ll get you out of here immedietely.¡±


    Avery stered blenkly et Cleire, who wes being held hostege by the thugs. Her mind wespletely


    blenk.


    At thet moment, ell she could see in her eyes wes Cleire''s pele fece, end the tiny specks of blood on


    her neck where the knife hed slit through.


    Seeing Avery remein rooted to her spot, Jeke seid with e serious expression, ¡°Mrs. Moore, we must


    leeve. It''s too dengerous here. If enything heppens to you or the child in your tummy, I won''t be eble to


    explein it to Mr. Moore.¡±


    Avery stered et the bloodstein on Cleire''s neck. It felt es if someone wes choking her, leeving her


    uneble to breethe.


    In fect, Avery''s first instinct wes to heed streight into the fece of denger herself.


    Perheps it wes e mother-deughter bond thet mede her didn''t went to see Cleire in trouble.


    Nine elso stood by Avery''s side, trying to shield her from herm.


    Seeing Avery constently looking in the direction of the thugs, she couldn''t help but follow Avery''s geze.


    ¡°Avery, whet ere you looking et?¡±


    When she sew Cleire under the thug''s degger, she covered her mouth in shock: ¡°I-Isn''t the hostege


    Mrs. Lembert? How did she end up with the thugs?¡±


    Before Avery could even respond, she heerd the thug bellow in fury once egein, ¡°Beck off! Beck off


    right now! One more step end I''ll end her on the spot!¡±


    Under his threet, the security personnel thet were responsible for meinteining order et the exhibition


    were forced to retreet step by step.


    After ell, the hostege thet wes in the thug''s hend wes fer too importent. She wes the wife of the stete


    secretery.


    N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    If enything were to go wrong with Cleire et the scene, they would be inescepebly responsible for the


    consequences.


    Cleire could only feel e sherp pein in her neck. The thug held her et knifepoint for reesons thet were still


    unknown to her, end she still felt like she wes in e dreem.


    When she wes held hostege, Cleire hed shown no reection et ell.


    At thet moment, ell she sew wes e men cherging into the crowd, brendishing e knife. Driven by e


    mother''s instinct, she immedietely pushed Nicole eside. As e result, she wes teken hostege by the thug


    insteed.


    The pressure of the knife egeinst Cleire''s throet wes so intense thet she could herdly breethe.


    The thug''s strength was so strong that she could not even move an inch.


    The thug''s strength wes so strong thet she could not even move en inch.


    If she were to infuriete him, the consequences would be disestrous.


    Meenwhile, Nicole pointed her trembling finger et the thug, es she shouted furiously, ¡°Hey, let go of my


    mother! Do you heve eny idee who you''ve teken hostege? Let me tell you, my mother is the wife of the


    stete secretery! If enything heppens to her, I guerentee you''ll never see the outside of e prison cell


    egein in your life!¡±


    ¡°Whet e fool!¡± Avery muttered under her breeth, gritting her teeth. She wes on the verge of being


    defeeted by Nicole''s thoughtlessness.


    The thug wes in e fit of rege et thet moment, end Nicole''s words were undoubtedly edding fuel to the


    fire.


    Under the wetchful eyes of the crowd, she hed bletently exposed Cleire''s identity. Thet would obviously


    give the thug greeter leverege in his threets.


    Sure enough, upon heering Nicole''s words, the thug leughed even more wildly end recklessly.


    ¡°Hehehe! Whether she''s the king or not, I don''t cere who she is! After ell, I don''t went to live enymore.


    Besides, being the wife of the stete secretery is quite e stetus. I didn''t expect to heve lended such e


    prominent figure just by cetching e rendom person. My luck is reelly pretty good!¡±


    It wes only then did Nicole reelize she hed slipped up. With e look of regret end penic, she turned to


    Cleire.


    ¡°Mom...¡± Nicole wes ebout to teke e step forwerd when she sew the thug wildly weving his knife, gritting


    his teeth, end snerling et her, ¡°You''d better step beck or I''ll kill you too!¡±


    ¡°Ah...¡±


    The cold end sherp knife sliced through e few strends of Nicole''s heir. Immedietely, she screemed end


    retreeted, clutching her heed in feer!


    Cleire glenced et the timid end terrified Nicole. Despite her celm end derk eyes, she wes filled with en


    inexpliceble emotion et the depths of her pupils. It wes herd to tell whether the feeling wes


    diseppointment or something else.


    Avery simply couldn''t beer to wetch eny longer. She leened over end whispered e few words into


    Jeke''s eer.


    Ignoring his objections, Avery insisted on stepping forwerd to negotiete with the thug despite her


    pregnent figure. ¡°Buddy, I don''t know whet you''ve been through thet led you to resort to teking


    hosteges. Cen you tell me whet your demends ere?¡±


    As Avery hed studied psychology, she knew thet eggressive interrogetion would only result in


    resentment end irritetion from the thug.


    A good negotietor wesn''t necesserily the most eloquent speeker, but they were certeinly the best


    listeners. It wes only by ellowing the thug to express their emotions freely thet they were eble to identify


    their mentel week spot.


    When shemunicated with the viin, her tone was very gentle, avoiding any harshness that might


    provoke the thug and harm ire. On the other hand, while she was interacting with the man, she


    provided Jake with an opportunity to rescue ire.


    When shemunicated with the viin, her tone was very gentle, avoiding any harshness that might


    provoke the thug and harm ire. On the other hand, while she was interacting with the man, she


    provided Jake with an opportunity to rescue ire.


    ¡°I want to see Janice!¡± The thug''s expression softened for a moment when he mentioned a woman''s


    name.


    Momentster, he gritted his teeth. Murderous intent and madness filled his eyes. ¡°I met her in a


    nightclub. Regardless of her status as an escort, I insisted on getting together with her. I loved her so


    much. I fought for her, offended the powerful and wealthy people, and even borrowed money at high-


    interest rates from loan sharks. I spent a fortune on her and turned my back on everyone, but that


    woman colluded with her pretty boy and swindled all my assets! All women are just useless b*tches! I


    want Janice toe to see me. I would like to ask her if she ever loved me. I want to rip her heart out


    to see if it''s rotten.¡±


    The man''s fortune was squandered all because of a woman. He was now drowning in debt and being


    hunted by loan sharks. The man already struggling to survive, and now he just wanted to end his life.


    Thus, he had prepared in advance, purchasing a dagger and cleverly smuggling it past security.


    Seizing the opportunity of the international fashion expo, he randomly grabbed a woman from the


    crowd to use as a hostage.


    Who would have thought that he actually managed to kidnap the wife of the state secretary? He had


    really hit the jackpot!


    Even if he were to be shot down, having someone of prominent status like the state secretary''s wife as


    his shield wasn''t a bad thing to him at all.


    Avery assured the viin in a calming manner, ¡°Buddy, please don''t get agitated. The police are


    currently contacting Janice, and they will definitely bring her to see you. However, do you think it''s


    worth it tomit a crime for a woman who is ungrateful and treacherous? You should think about your


    family...¡±


    She was earnestly and sensibly advising the thug.


    Just when the man let his guard down slightly, Jake silently drew closer to him.


    An aggressive hand shot out and grappled the man, sessfully knocking his dagger to the ground


    before locking the man''s arm behind his back, rendering himpletely immobile.


    ire, who was sessfully rescued from the ordeal, was as pale as a ghost. Due to her


    hypoglycemia and the inexplicable fright she had experienced, her mind was in a terrible mess. All of a


    sudden, ire copsed to the ground.


    When shemunicated with the viin, her tone was very gentle, avoiding any harshness that might


    provoke the thug and harm ire. On the other hand, while she was interacting with the man, she


    provided Jake with an opportunity to rescue ire.


    Whan shamunicatad with tha viin, har tona was vary gan, avoiding any harshnass that might


    provoka tha thug and harm ira. On tha othar hand, wh sha was intaracting with tha man, sha


    providad Jaka with an opportunity to rascua ira.


    ¡°I want to saa Janica!¡± Tha thug''s axprassion softanad for a momant whan ha mantionad a woman''s


    nama.


    Momantstar, ha grittad his taath. Murdarous intant and madnass fid his ayas. ¡°I mat har in a


    nightclub. Ragarss of har status as an ascort, I insistad on gatting togathar with har. I lovad har so


    much. I fought for har, offandad tha powarful and waalthy pao, and avan borrowad monay at high-


    intarast ratas from loan sharks. I spant a fortuna on har and turnad my back on avaryona, but that


    woman colludad with har pratty boy and swind all my assats! All woman ara just usss b*tchas! I


    want Janica toa to saa ma. I would lika to ask har if sha avar lovad ma. I want to rip har haart out


    to saa if it''s rottan.¡±


    Tha man''s fortuna was squandarad all bacausa of a woman. Ha was now drowning in dabt and baing


    huntad by loan sharks. Tha man alraady struggling to surviva, and now ha just wantad to and his lifa.


    Thus, ha had praparad in advanca, purchasing a daggar and varly smuggling it past sacurity.


    Saizing tha opportunity of tha intarnational fashion axpo, ha randomly grabbad a woman from tha


    crowd to usa as a hostaga.


    Who would hava thought that ha actually managad to kidnap tha wifa of tha stata sacratary? Ha had


    raally hit tha jackpot!


    Evan if ha wara to ba shot down, having somaona of prominant status lika tha stata sacratary''s wifa as


    his shiald wasn''t a bad thing to him at all.


    Avary assurad tha viin in a calming mannar, ¡°Buddy, asa don''t gat agitatad. Tha polica ara


    currantly contacting Janica, and thay will dafinitaly bring har to saa you. Howavar, do you think it''s


    worth it tomit a crima for a woman who is ungrataful and traacharous? You should think about your


    family...¡±


    Sha was aarnastly and sansibly advising tha thug.


    Just whan tha mant his guard down slightly, Jaka sntly draw closar to him.


    An aggrassiva hand shot out and grapd tha man, sassfully knocking his daggar to tha ground


    bafora locking tha man''s arm bahind his back, randaring himtaly immob.


    ira, who was sassfully rascuad from tha ordaal, was as p as a ghost. Dua to har


    hypoglycamia and tha inaxplica fright sha had axpariancad, har mind was in a tarri mass. All of a


    suddan, ira copsad to tha ground.

 Chapter 628

    Chapter 628


    Chapter 628 Did ire Discover Something


    A strong scent of disinfectant surrounded the white hospital bed.


    Laying groggily on the bed, ire felt almost as if she was floating in the air.


    She felt a burning pain in her throat, and it was a sensation that resembled fire ring from within or


    ants gnawing on it.


    In her daze, she wanted to touch her neck with her hand, but a piercing pain shot through the back of


    her hand the moment she moved her arm.


    As she let out a soft moan, she felt a soft, warm hand holding onto hers.


    ire opened his eyes, only to see Avery sitting by her bed, looking at her with a face full of concern.


    ¡°Mrs. Lambert, are you all right?¡±


    Seeing ire regain her consciousness, Avery heaved a sigh of relief. She handed her the ss of


    warm water on the bedside. ¡°Does your throat hurt a lot and feel awful? You should drink some water to


    soothe it. The doctor said that you only suffered a superficial injury on your neck, and it''ll be fine after a


    few days of rest. You don''t need to worry too much. I''ll call the doctor over to check on you now.¡±


    After her words fell, she pressed the bell for the doctor toe over for a check-up.


    ire stared at Avery for some time before vaguely recalling what had happened earlier.


    She was kidnapped at the fashion show and sustained a neck injury. It was who Avery cleverly


    coordinated with her bodyguard while negotiating with the thug to save her life.


    ¡°Where''s Nickie?¡± ire swept her gaze around the ward but did not see Nicole around.


    She tried to get up from the bed.


    Avery thoughtfully ced a cushion behind her.


    Seemingly figuring out what was on ire''s mind, Avery exined, ¡°Ms. Lambert got a call and just


    stepped out. She''ll be back shortly. Mr. Lambert has gone on a business trip but is rushing back after


    learning you got into an ident...¡±


    ¡°Thank you for today.¡± ire felt so weak all over, and her voice was extremely hoarse.


    Avery fed ire a few sips of water and helped tuck her nket. ¡°Mrs. Lambert, your neck injury has


    somewhat affected your vocal cords. Try not to talk so much during this period,¡± she softly said.


    Seeing the hesitant look on ire''s face, Avery figured out what she wanted to ask.


    And so, she revealed everything. ¡°I heard that the thug who hurt you is a fake heir with a criminal


    record. He''s already been taken away by the police, and I''m sure he''ll be charged...¡±


    Only then did ire feel at ease. She wanted to ask Avery something else, but the chief physician


    coincidentally came over to check on her. Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    The physician was a sophisticated middle-aged man, and he was wearing a pair of mature-looking,


    square-framed sses.


    Upon seeing him, Avery greeted him with a smile, ¡°Hello..¡±


    The chief physician nodded at her as a form of polite response. Without saying much, he proceeded to


    examine ire.


    After the examination, he warmly exined, ¡°Mrs. Lambert, your injury isn''t too serious. You can be


    discharged from the hospital today. Avoid letting your wound get in contact with water for the next few


    days. Also, your symptoms of anemia are quite severe. Remember to work on your nutrition and take


    good care of your body...¡±


    After saying that, he nced at Avery and approvingly remarked, ¡°Your daughter is really caring and


    dutiful. Even with her big belly, she still doesn''t mind doing so much for you. Daughters are every


    mother''s thoughtful sweetheart for sure.¡±


    Avery awkwardly looked at ire and hastily rified, ¡°You''ve misunderstood, I... I''m not Mrs.


    Lambert''s daughter. Her daughter has stepped out to deal with some matters.¡±


    The chief physician raised an eyebrow in surprise. ¡°Really? But you two do look quite alike.¡±


    Then, he patiently reminded ire of a few more precautions before leaving the ward with the


    apanying nurse.


    A strange look crossed ire''s face. It was not the first time someonemented on how Avery


    resembled her. Even though she had her doubts, she had never given it much thought. Yet, she could


    not take her eyes off Avery that very day, to the point thetter felt a little uneasy.


    ¡°Mrs. Lambert, what are you looking at?¡± Avery touched her face and asked with difficulty.


    Could it be that she has discovered something?


    ire''s hoarse voice rang out as she grabbed Avery''s hand. ¡°Avery, I really don''t know what to say.


    You''re Nickie''s love rival, and your existence is an obstacle to her happiness, but somehow I can''t bring


    myself to dislike you. I wonder if it''s because we look alike or because we share a simr demeanor. I


    always feel like I''m looking at the younger me every time I see you... If you didn''t confront the thug so


    bravely today, I''ve no idea what would''ve happened to me. My dear, I don''t know how to say nice


    things, but if you ever run into problems in the future, I''ll surely do my best to help you. Stop calling me


    Mrs. Lambert; that''s too formal. Just call me ire.¡±


    Avery shed a gentle smile. ¡°There''s no need to be so polite with me, ire. That''s what I should


    do...¡±


    The two were engaged in a heartfelt conversation when the ward door was suddenly flung open.


    Nicole walked in with several food boxes in her hand.


    At the sight of Avery and ire holding hands, she was both astonished and terrified. Rage coursed


    through her veins and skyrocketed.


    ¡°Mom!¡± Nicole called out as she mmed the food boxes on the table aside.


    She rudely pulled ire''s hand from Avery''s grip and amiably said, ¡°I''ve brought you some food from


    Decem Restaurant. Their dishes are particrly delicious. I waited for over thirty minutes to get you


    some.¡±


    ire''s hand was already sore from the IV drip, and now it hurt even more from Nicole''s brute move.


    She furrowed her brows and didn''t say much else.


    ¡°Ms. Lambert, ire is currently on an IV drip. Please be more gentle,¡± Avery reminded.


    Nicole had always harbored resentment toward Avery. Now that she heard those words, she couldn''t


    help but take a dig at thetter. ¡°Ms. Rumpley, you''re unrted to my mother. Don''t you think you''re


    overly concerned about her? I''m aware that my mother is on an IV drip. As her daughter, I definitely


    feel worse than anyone else...¡±


    Avery was rendered speechless.


    Sure enough, she was merely an outsider and had no right toment that much. However, she


    couldn''t stand Nicole''s behavior.


    Unable to hold back, ire chided, ¡°Nickie, it''s all thanks to Ms. Rumpley that I managed to escape


    unscathed today. She''s my guest. How can you be so rude?¡±


    Nicole pouted woefully after being reprimanded by ire. After a short pause, she cast a meaningful


    nce at Avery.


    Then, she smugly opened the lids of the food boxes. ¡°Mom, I''ve brought you lots of delicious dishes.


    Eat while it''s still hot.¡±


    Seeing the food that Nicole brought along, Avery was bereft of words.


    Spicy beef stew, barbecue pork, honey-zedmb... None of these dishes are suitable for a patient!

 Chapter 629

    Chapter 629


    Chapter 629 Especially You


    As soon as Nicole opened those food boxes, the tantalizing aroma of meat instantly permeated the


    entire ward.


    It was an especially rich aroma.


    In normal circumstances, it would have stirred up a starving person''s appetite. But that was not the


    case now...


    Avery couldn''t help but shake her head. Nicole must''ve been too used to being spoiled. That''s why she


    doesn''t even know how to care for others.


    Nicole did not notice the subtle look of disgust on ire''s face.


    She brought a dish near ire and tried to feed her. ¡°Mom, eat something. The dishes at Decem


    Restaurant are all meticulously prepared by top chefs. And I''ve chosen all your favorites. I''m sure


    they''ll suit your taste.¡±


    Unfortunately, ire felt like retching after smelling the meat dishes.


    Shoving the food boxes toward Nicole, ire suppressed her queasiness and declined, ¡°Nickie, I don''t


    have much appetite right now. Put the food aside first. Oh yes, Avery hasn''t eaten yet. You two can go


    ahead and dig in.¡±


    ire''s rejection left Nicole feeling somewhat displeased. She felt even more frustrated after hearing


    how her mother wanted her to share the food she had painstakingly queued for with Avery.


    I''d rather feed these foods to the dogs than let Avery eat them!


    Nicole covered the lids back and ced the food boxes on a table aside. Even though she tried her


    best to control her emotions, her tone was stillced with sarcasm. ¡°Mom, Ms. Rumpley is used to


    eating delicacies. How is it possible that she''ll like this kind of food?¡±


    ire peered at Nicole, then cast Avery an apologetic look. ¡°I''m sorry, Ms. Rumpley. Nickie must be


    shocked by what happened today and isn''t in her best state. I hope you won''t take it to heart.¡±


    She could not wrap her head around why her well-educated and empathetic daughter would lose


    control of her emotions and fly into a rage whenever she ran into Avery.


    Nickie is probably upset that Avery snatched the man she loves.


    Avery shook her head with a smile. ¡°It''s fine, ire. I understand how Ms. Lambert is feeling right now.


    Since you''re all right, I shan''t disturb you any longer. Have a good rest.¡±


    Figuring how it wasn''t toofortable for Avery to stay in the ward with her big belly, ire gently


    responded, ¡°All right. Let me know once you''re back home.¡±


    Her tone was full of sincerity and concern.


    Looking at Avery, ire truly felt as if she was looking at her younger self, which was perhaps why she


    felt especially sympathetic toward the former.


    Avery lifted the corners of her lips into a smile and waved her hand. ¡°I got it, ire. You should get


    some rest. I''ll be on my way now.¡±


    ire grunted an acknowledgment, then turned to Nicole and instructed, ¡°Nickie go see Avery off.¡±


    ¡°Okay, Mom.¡± Nicole reluctantly stood up and followed Avery out.


    ...


    As soon as she stepped out of the ward, she revealed her true colors after seeing no one along the


    corridor.


    A sneer shed across her eyes as she looked at Avery.


    ¡°Avery, what on earth are you trying to do? Do you think you can gain some benefits by pleasing and


    fooling my mom? Listen, dream on! My mother despises hypocritical and pretentious women like you.


    I''m warning you. You better stay away from my mom, or don''t me me for not showing you any


    mercy!¡±


    Avery whipped her head around, only to notice how Nicole''s delicate face had contorted with rage. That


    left her feeling amused.


    She fixed her icy gaze on Nicole without blinking. ¡°Really? What do you n to do, Ms. Lambert? Will


    you resort to the same trick of using a cat to scratch me like you did at Azure Royal? Or will you put a


    couple of venomous snakes in my room again? Or perhaps, will you orchestrate another horrific car


    ident for me?¡±


    Anxiety overwhelmed Nicole''s heart upon hearing those words.


    She avoided Avery''s sharp gaze and stammered, ¡°W-What are you talking about? I don''t understand...


    Stop spouting nonsense! My mom belongs to me only. I will never let anyone else steal her love for me.


    Especially you, Avery!¡±


    Avery stared at Nicole with a conflicted expression. So, it turns out that she''s so possessive of Mrs.


    Lambert.


    At the thought of how the first thing ire asked after regaining consciousness was regarding Nicole,


    Avery felt an inexplicable wave of bitterness wash over her.


    A hint of disappointmentced her tone. ¡°Nicole, no one wants to steal your mom''s love from you.


    However, people treat others as they would like to be treated. Only when you sincerely treat others can


    you expect the same in return. There''s no doubt that Mrs. Lambert treats you very well. You should


    cherish that and don''t take it for granted. Don''t wait until the day when you''ve drained out all of Mrs.


    Lambert''s love for you that you start feeling regretful.¡±


    ¡°I don''t need your fake concerns. I don''t need you to remind me how to cherish my mom. She only has


    one daughter in this life, and that''s me. Anyone else is insignificant to her. Please know your ce! Get


    out of here now. Your presence annoys me...¡± snapped Nicole arrogantly before she stormed back to


    the ward.


    Watching Nicole''s figure gradually disappear, Avery let out a sigh.


    Nicole is too unpredictable and sinister, and she harbors malicious intentions. I don''t care what she


    might do to me, but what if she harms Mr. and Mrs. Lambert? What exactly should I do? Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    ...


    Jake had gone to the parking lot to get the car and had yet to return, so Avery waited for him by the


    roadside.


    Bored out of her mind, she was counting the cars on the road when she received a call from Cayden.


    ¡°Cayden?¡± Avery hit the answer button. The call went through, but she heard no sound from the other


    end of the line.


    She kept fiddling with her phone as she thought something was wrong with it. ¡°Hello? Hello? Cayden,


    can you hear me? That''s strange. There''s nothing wrong with my phone...¡±


    ¡°Where are you now?¡± Cayden''s cold and solemn voice sounded from the other end.


    Avery had a light-colored scarf around her neck. It was a gift Cayden got for her while he went to


    Ferropene for a business trip. Because of the recent change in weather, he had specially reminded her


    to wear it when she was out.


    Toying with her scarf, she reckoned Cayden was in another city for his coboration negotiation with


    the other party''s executives and hence casually replied, ¡°I''m at the hospital entrance right now. Mrs.


    Lambert got into an ident and ended up in the hospital, so I''m here to visit her.¡±


    ¡°Stay where you are and look to your right.¡±


    With that, the man ended the call.


    When the curious Avery turned her head, she spotted a tall, handsome man in a suit standing by the


    road on the right.


    At that moment, Avery felt as if she was seeing an illusion.


    She was slightly astounded. He''s supposed to be in another city for business negotiation. He even told


    me yesterday that he''d be busy until dawn the following day. How can he possibly be here right now?


    She blinked hard, but even so, she found the man still standing there. He then began crossing the


    road, weaving through the crowd, and heading toward her direction.


    Even though it was only a few dozen meters away, Avery felt almost as if the man had walked for a


    thousand years.


    In that instant, the vehicles and crowd around seemingly froze and became a backdrop, entuating


    Cayden''s presence.


    And in her world, only his existence remained...

 Chapter 630

    Chapter 630


    Chapter 630 Spanking


    Unable to contain her excitement, Avery walked toward Cayden, a hint of disbelief in her eyes. ¡°Why


    are you here? Aren''t you busy?¡±


    Sometimes, Avery thought that this man was too mysterious. Why does he appear immediately every


    time something happens to me? He''s like my guardian angel.


    Although she was happy to see him, upon further reflection, she could not shake off a vague sense of


    unease.


    She did not want to be a burden to him and hinder his path to sess.


    Cayden, however, could not be bothered with small talk. He pulled her firmly into his arms. Then, he


    gently pinned her against an old sycamore tree that grew along the hospital road.


    His movements were unyielding but always conscious of protecting her belly.


    Avery looked up at him in astonishment. His handsome face was creased with anger.


    Her heart skipped a beat as she looked at him guiltily.


    After a while, she boldly asked, ¡°Cayden, what''s wrong with you today? Did something go wrong with


    the negotiations?¡±


    Cayden gripped her slender hand tightly as his eyes stared into hers intensely. He asked her in a husky


    voice, ¡°I heard you yed the hero today?¡±


    ¡°Uh, well, it''s a long story...¡±


    Avery''s hand ached under his powerful grip, but she did not dare to cry out. She understood that this


    man was in the throes of rage.


    ¡°Today, at the fair, a man grabbed Mrs. Lambert and shed her neck. The situation was getting out of


    hand, so I exchanged a few sharp words with him. Anyway, it wasn''t a big deal. Look at me! I''m


    perfectly fine! I...¡±


    Before she could even finish her sentence, she felt a burning pain radiating from her buttocks.


    ¡°You...¡± Avery''s eyes widened in surprise. She had not expected him to spank her in public.


    Cayden sternly reprimanded her, ¡°Do you think you''re invincible? You recklessly went into such a


    dangerous situation. What if the man hurt you and the baby? Yes, I know you were worried about Mrs.


    Lambert, but you can''t disregard your own safety!¡±


    When he received that phone call from Jake, telling him that Avery was confronting a man armed with a


    dagger, his heart had raced with fear.


    Without hesitation, he had immediately abandoned the ongoing negotiations for a multi-billion deal and


    sped back to Ackleton.


    He had lost track of how many red lights he had run on his way there.


    After seeing with his own eyes that she was safe and sound, the tension in his heart eased just a bit.


    ¡°After all, Mrs. Lambert is my biological mother. I can''t bear to see her get hurt. If she were to be


    stabbed by that man or suffer any injuries, I would probably be guilt-ridden for the rest of my life. The


    situation was so dire! There was no time for me to think, and yet, you hit me without waiting for my


    exnation...¡±


    Cayden wanted to further reprimand Avery, but seeing her tearful eyes, he could only helplessly shake


    his head.


    He gently caressed her long hair. His tone finally softened as he said, ¡°You''re always thinking of others,


    but you should not gamble with your own safety. Avery, no matter what, you must ensure your own


    safety first before worrying about others, understand?¡±


    Avery nodded and said, ¡°I understand. Anyway, I felt safe to act because Jake was there. I know he''s a


    special forces soldier and is very skilled. If it were just me alone, I would definitely think twice before


    acting. After all, I know there''s also our baby to think about, but still, without even asking for rity, you


    hit me...¡± she grumbled, still fussing over his earlier act of spanking her.


    N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Cayden gently tapped her forehead, frowning slightly. ¡°The reason I spanked you this time was just to


    teach you a lesson and to remind you not to act impulsively when you encounter such situations again.


    If you promise to behave, I''ll take you out for a delicious meal tonight.¡±


    Avery who had been rather miffed about being spanked, brightened up immediately at the mention of


    food. ¡°Deal!¡±


    Cayden smiled. He knew that the trick to coax Avery was simple.


    All he had to do was be a little gentler with her or tempt her with delicious food, and he would always


    manage to make her happy.


    Avery and Cayden returned to the Moore residence. As soon as they entered, they found themselves in


    the midst of a heated argument.


    ¡°You good-for-nothing rascal, I can''t believe what you''ve done! If it wasn''t for that girl making a fuss


    over here, I wouldn''t have known that you were doing such a foolish thing! Kendrick, you must do right


    by that girl!¡± Jeffrey''s voice could be heard shouting angrily.


    Cayden''s brows furrowed. He stepped into the room with Avery following close behind.


    As soon as they stepped into the living room, they saw Kendrick kneeling on the ground. Jeffrey


    wielded his cane, ruthlessly striking him across his back. Yet, Kendrick did not dare to resist. He merely


    bowed his head and swallowed the pain.


    Allie was leisurely savoring a cup of tea and appeared to bepletely uninvolved in the chaos. The


    smug look on her face made it clear that she was delighted in watching the drama unfold from the


    sidelines.


    On the sofa, Lily wasforting a beautiful woman. Her belly was swollen with child.


    The woman looked quite young.


    She was strikingly beautiful and dressed in her expensive dress, she exuded an extraordinary aura.


    Upon seeing Cayden and Avery walk in, the woman gave them a slight smile. There was no hint of


    embarrassment or nervousness in her demeanor. She seemedpletely at ease.


    Lily lovingly patted the woman''s hand. Her head was filled with thoughts of her grandchild growing in


    the woman''s belly. Her eyes were sparkling with the joy of a new baby.


    She cheerfully said to Jeffrey, ¡°Dad, things have alreadye to this point. No matter how hard you hit


    Kendrick, it won''t change anything. Since Rachel is already pregnant, we might as well get them


    married. Rachel is the daughter of the deputy governor. It would be good for our family if a woman of


    her status marries Kendrick. We must do the honorable thing. We must hold a wedding for them that


    will be the envy of everyone!¡±


    Kendrick was far from pleased when he heard his mother''s suggestion. He immediately retorted,


    ¡°Grandpa, Mom, I have no intention of marrying this obstinate and willful woman. I''m not even sure if


    the child she''s carrying is mine. How can you make such a hasty decision about my future?¡±


    Jeffrey smacked him with his cane again. ¡°You''ve all be out of control. Getting a woman pregnant


    out of wedlock! Your brother did it, and now you! The reputation of our family has beenpletely


    ruined by you two brothers! Kendrick, you scoundrel, you got a girl pregnant, and yet, you still refuse to


    do the honorable thing! Are you trying to give me a heart attack?¡±

 Chapter 631

    Chapter 631


    Chapter 631 Being Honest With ire


    As the cane was about to strike again, Lily felt sorry for her son and couldn''t bear it any longer. She


    quickly called out, ¡°Dad!¡±


    In an attempt to protect her son, she stood up and positioned herself in front of Kendrick, using her


    body as a shield. ¡°Dad, Kendrick''s body is frail and can''t endure your beatings. If you''re angry, then hit


    me instead!¡±


    With every additional blow of the cane, Kendrick was certain to suffer a serious injury. Lily''s heart could


    no longer take it. She could not stand seeing her son in pain.


    When Jeffrey saw his daughter-inw stand in his way, he sighed heavily, his hand trembling slightly.


    ¡°You spoil this brat too much, which is why he has be such awless person! Kendrick is an adult


    now. You cannot treat him like a child anymore, Lily. It will only make things worse for him!¡±


    Lily''s lips curled slightly, revealing a sarcastic grin.


    Jeffrey had never said anything when Allie''s son caused other women to be pregnant before


    marriage, but when her sonmitted the same mistake, he began to speak of tarnishing the family''s


    reputation. That biased attitude disgusted her.


    Nheless, she did not confront her father-inw. Instead, she obediently said, ¡°I understand, Dad. I


    will educate Kendrick thoroughly and ensure that he takes responsibility for Rachel. Rachel is, after all,


    the daughter of a prominent family. We cannot mistreat her under any circumstances.¡±


    With that said, Lily deliberately nced at Allie with a smug expression.


    Then, her gaze lingered on Avery for a few seconds.


    Even though she did not say anything, the contempt in her eyes was obvious.


    Avery had long been aware of the conflicts and grudges between Allie and Lily, but it didn''t bother her


    much.


    Allie, on the other hand, felt ufortable when she noticed Lily''s disdainful gaze.


    She forcefully ced the cup on the coffee table and said, ¡°What''s with the arrogance? She''s just the


    daughter of a deputy secretary. My son will marry the daughter of the state secretary, not the daughter


    of a deputy-level official. The daughter of the state secretary is desperate to marry Cayden, and there''s


    nothing I can do about it. It''s all because I''ve got such an outstanding son.¡±


    She pretended to fan herself gracefully as she cast a knowing nce Avery''s way.


    Allie''s strong dislike for her daughter-inw, whom she used to despise, seemed to have subsided at


    that point. At that instant, Allie made up her mind to tell ire the truth.


    She would never let Lily get the better of her.


    After all, Lily''s daughter-inw was only the daughter of a deputy secretary, whereas her daughter-in-


    law was the daughter of the state secretary.


    Lily clenched her teeth in rage at Allie''s arrogant attitude. ¡°Are you still fantasizing about Mr. Lambert''s


    daughter? Unfortunately, your dream is destined to be shattered. Do you think they will agree to the


    marriage? They will not give a damn about you! Furthermore, the Lambert family''s so-called daughter


    is simply an orphan whom they adopted from an orphanage. Despite being well-cared for by the


    Lambert family, everyone knows she is a phony. Rachel, on the other hand, is a truedy who was born


    with a silver spoon.¡±


    Lily sounded incredibly scornful, thinking Nicole was the daughter of the state secretary Allie was


    referring to.


    Allie just sneered and did not exin anything.


    She would show Lily who was superior once she revealed Avery''s identity to ire and after Avery


    regained her status as the Lambert family''s daughter.


    Unable to bear the foul atmosphere in the living room, Cayden gently pulled Avery into his embrace


    and said, ¡°Let''s go upstairs first.¡±


    Avery looked around the living room and noticed Jeffrey was still enraged. Seeing that, she hesitated


    for a moment.


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    ¡°Don''t worry. Grandpa is in good health,¡± Cayden reassured. He then led Avery upstairs without looking


    back.


    Although Avery was a bit worried, she understood that the issues involving Lily and her son were not


    something she could interfere with.


    Hence, she obediently followed Cayden upstairs.


    Rory and Zachary rushed over as soon as they walked into the room, especially Rory, who had not


    even had time to put on her slippers.


    She hugged Avery''s thigh and acted coquettishly, saying, ¡°Mommy, Zach and I miss you so much!¡±


    Since Jeffrey was dealing with matters in the living room and it was not appropriate for the children to


    be present, the twins were ordered to remain in the room.


    Zachary and Rory were very well-behaved. When they saw their great-grandfather''s grim expression,


    they did not make a scene like before and sat quietly in their room to do their homework.


    However, children were naturally yful. They were eager to go outside to y, but Jeffrey forbade


    them from doing so. Naturally, they would be overjoyed to see their mother return.


    Avery clumsily squatted down to Rory''s eye level and pinched her chubby cheeks, saying, ¡°Rory, you


    seem to have gained some weight these few days. You do not look like you miss me at all.¡±


    Rory pouted. In an attempt to prove herself, she held Zachary''s hand, asking him to be her witness.


    ¡°Mommy, if you do not believe me, ask Zach. Zach, you know I think about Mommy a hundred times a


    day, right? I cannot eat or sleep well because I miss her so much.¡±


    Zachary rolled his eyes at his silly and adorable sister. ¡°Yes, you think about Mommy a hundred times a


    day. In the family, you are the one who eats the most and enjoys eating the most. Look in the mirror.


    You are turning into a fatty pig. Nobody will like you in the future.¡±


    ¡°Bad Zach! You''re so mean!¡± Rory pointed her small, delicate finger angrily at her handsome brother.


    ¡°My baby girl, no one would dare to marry you when you grow up if you have such a fiery temper at


    such a young age.¡± Avery could not help butugh as she gently pinched her daughter''s nose.


    Rory turned her head to the side, touched Avery''s big tummy, and said proudly, ¡°I don''t want to get


    married. I want to stay with Daddy and Mommy forever! I want to take care of the little baby with


    Mommy in the future.¡±


    Her words caused the entire family to burst outughing, and Cayden''s lips curled into a gentle smile.


    Avery fondly ruffled her daughter''s hair and said with a gentle smile, ¡°Silly little girl.¡±


    Despite being nearly eight months pregnant, she had not checked the baby''s gender. It was not


    necessary in her opinion, and she would be content with either a boy or a girl.


    She did, however, wish the baby in her tummy would be just as adorable and cute as Rory.


    Avery felt that having two considerate and lovely daughters would be quite nice.


    ire''s neck was injured, but it wasn''t serious, so she returned to the Lambert residence to rest.


    When William learned about it, he rushed back.


    Fearing her strict father''s reprimand, Nicole sat by herself on the couch in the living room, pretending to


    watch television, but she would asionally look in the direction of her parents'' room anxiously.


    In the room, William was consoling his wife. Suddenly, the doorbell rang.


    Nicole was startled by the ringing of the doorbell.


    She hurriedly ran to the door and looked through the peephole, only to see Allie standing outside.

 Chapter 632

    Chapter 632


    Chapter 632 Caring And Doting


    Nicole thought Allie hade to see her, and she felt a surge of joy in her heart the moment she saw


    Allie.


    She opened the door and warmly weed Allie inside. ¡°What has brought you here, Mrs. Moore?¡±


    Allie used to have a favorable impression of Nicole. After all, Nicole was a sweet talker and always


    brought various luxury goods for Allie when she visited her. However, since the scandal of Nicole


    allegedly seducing Felix broke, Allie had distanced herself from Nicole and even found her repulsive.


    After such a scandal, Allie believed that Nicole was no longer worthy of her son.


    Facing Nicole''s excessive enthusiasm, Allie stepped inside and put on a fake smile. ¡°Nicole, where''s


    your mom? Is she at home?¡±


    Nicole answered truthfully, ¡°My mom hurt her neck and is resting in the room. What brings you here,


    Mrs. Moore?¡±


    She knew that Allie and her mother didn''t have a good rtionship and hadn''t been in contact for many


    years. Why is she looking for Mom at this time?


    If Allie hade to visit her mother, she should have brought something, but she appeared to be


    empty-handed.


    It was Allie''s first time visiting the Lambert residence, and she couldn''t help but look around the ce.


    The Lambert residence''s interior was luxurious but not ostentatious.


    The house was filled with exquisite crystal chandeliers, Western Epea-style carpet from the eighteenth


    century, delicate sculptures, and romantic flower arrangements; even the white piano in the corner


    seemed to be of great value.


    The decorations showed a clear sense of ire''s taste.


    There were several ancient inkndscape paintings and portraits of women on the walls, and Allie


    could tell they were ire''s creations just by looking at the familiar brushwork.


    Shortly afterward, Allie pursed her lips and withdrew her scrutinizing gaze.


    ire really enjoyed putting on a sophisticated persona and acting cultured.


    Allie believed that women should only concentrate on beauty and skincare. Writing and painting were


    insignificant inparison.


    Allie''s inner thoughts were unknown to Nicole. She personally fetched a pair of brand-new slippers for


    Allie and handed them to her, saying, ¡°Mrs. Moore, these slippers were just purchased by the


    housekeeper. Please put them on.¡±


    The offer interrupted Allie''s train of thought.


    Allie recalled Nicole''s earlier mention of ire''s neck injury. She stopped putting on the slippers and


    looked up at Nicole, asking, ¡°What happened to your mother? How did she get hurt?¡±


    Nicole briefly recounted the scene at the fashion expo to Allie.


    Allie''s eyes shed with a mix of emotions as she clicked her tongue, possibly gloating at ire''s


    misfortunes.


    All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    After putting on the slippers, Allie followed Nicole to ire''s bedroom on the second floor.


    Nicole lightly knocked on the door and politely asked, ¡°Dad, Mrs. Moore is here to visit Mom. Can we


    come in now?¡±


    ¡°Come in,¡± William said calmly and firmly from inside the room.


    Hearing that familiar yet foreign voice caused Allie''s heartbeat to briefly quicken.


    The door opened, revealing William''s stern and imposing face.


    Allie''s heart began to beat faster the moment she saw William.


    Despite the unrelenting march of time, the man, who was almost fifty, maintained a handsome


    appearance and radiated a dignified aura. His thin, tightly pressed lips and deep eyes added to his


    commanding and imposing presence. He was the man that all women, including her, admired when


    she was younger.


    Time seemed to have left no trace on William''s face or body.


    If there was a change, it was that he got even more charming after years in politics.


    William only nodded slightly at Allie, without saying much, and returned to ire''s side.


    It was ire who reacted first to Allie''s presence and called her out, sounding quite surprised. ¡°Allie,


    why are you here?¡±


    Jealousy red in Allie''s heart as she witnessed William caringly and dotingly holding ire''s hand and


    thought back to how coldly Bruce had treated her.


    She took a deep breath and moved slowly to the edge of ire''s bed. She pretended to be concerned


    when she saw the bandage wrapped around ire''s neck and said, ¡°I heard about your neck injury, so


    I came to visit you. ire, how could you be so careless and hurt yourself while shopping? You should


    bring bodyguards with you when you go out in the future.¡±


    ire was momentarily stunned. She hardly ever heard Allie speak in such a tone after having severed


    ties with her for so many years. She appeared to have traveled back in time to when Allie used to


    follow her around and give her advice like that when they were younger.


    She looked at Allie and replied, ¡°I''m fine. It''s just a minor external injury, nothing serious.¡±


    Remembering her reason for visiting that day, Allie clenched the bag she was carrying.


    After a brief moment of hesitation, she made up her mind and piped up, ¡°ire, I came here today to


    talk to you privately about something. Mr. Lambert, could you please give us some time alone? It will


    not take long.¡±


    William nced at Allie, and a hint of surprise flickered across his eyes. However, when he saw ire


    nodding at him, he regained hisposure and uttered gently, ¡°I will be in the living room downstairs. If


    you need anything, just call me.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± ire nodded.


    Meanwhile, Nicole felt uneasy for some reason. She had a bad feeling about Allie''s visit.


    She was about to say she wanted to stay with her mother when ire said, ¡°Nicole, go downstairs with


    your father first. I purchased some coffee beans and stored them in the study''s cab. Please help


    your father make coffee.¡±


    ¡°All right, Mom.¡± Although she was unwilling, Nicole still obeyed her mother''s orders and reluctantly left.


    In the bedroom, only ire and Allie remained.


    When ire noticed Allie hesitating to speak, she went straight to the point. ¡°Allie, I do not think you


    came here just to visit me. Considering our current rtionship, you would not bother doing it. Am I


    right?¡±


    Even though ire appeared frail and pale, her kind and perceptive eyes were fixed directly on Allie,


    giving thetter the impression that she was being seen through.


    Allie didn''t beat around the bush and said bluntly, ¡°You''re right. You are well aware of how tense things


    are between us. To be honest, I would rather go shopping or to a spa with some friends than visit you.


    ire, did you ask your husband to meddle in my son''s business and cause hispany''s projects to


    be dyed, leading to a broken funding chain?¡±


    ire made no denials. ¡°Yes. Will and I did it.¡±


    Allie snorted and sat on the chair by ire''s window, probing cunningly. ¡°What if I tell you where your


    biological daughter is? Can you ask Mr. Lambert to stop?¡±

 Chapter 633

    Chapter 633


    Chapter 633 Is Avery My Biological Daughter


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Allie''s words hit ire like a sledgehammer to the heart.


    Finding her biological daughter has been a lifelong wish of ire''s.


    She grabbed Allie''s arm in excitement and asked incoherently, ¡°W-What? What did you say? Where is


    my daughter? Allie, as long as you tell me where my daughter is, I assure you that your son''s corporate


    project will run smoothly!¡±


    Allie frowned in displeasure and forcefully brushed ire''s hand off. ¡°There''s no need to get so worked


    up just because you found out where your daughter is, ire. Are you trying to crush my arm or


    something?¡±


    ire stared at Allie''s arm, which had turned red from her grip, and apologized. ¡°I''m sorry; I didn''t


    mean to. I just wanted to know where my daughter is. Can you please tell me?¡±


    ire''s gentle and captivating eyes were filled with helplessness and anticipation when she said that.


    For some reason, Allie felt conflicted when she saw that look.


    The two of them essentially grew up together. To her, ire had always been a prideful person who


    never begged anyone for anything.


    As Allie had always been overshadowed by ire, her greatest wish was to see ire lower herself


    before her.


    At that very moment, however, she felt no satisfaction whatsoever upon seeing ire pleading with


    her.


    In fact, she felt particrly embarrassed when she looked into ire''s eyes.


    In an attempt to mask her feelings of embarrassment, Allie cleared her throat and replied in her calmest


    voice possible, ¡°Years ago, out of jealousy toward you, I had indeed conspired with Yara to swap your


    biological daughter. I admit that I wronged you. I initially intended to abandon the baby, but when I saw


    the pure look in her eyes, my heart softened. I couldn''t bring myself to abandon her. Instead, I brought


    her home.¡±


    Allie was trying really hard to recall the events from over twenty years ago.


    Back then, she was going to abandon ire''s daughter. However, Allie was moved when she saw the


    baby smiling at her innocently with eyes that resembled ire''s. Eventually, she brought the baby back


    to the Rumpley residence.


    Little did she know, that act ofpassion would eventually lead to a disaster in the future.


    When that baby girl grew up, she ended up dating Allie''s son.


    Allie had no idea if she shouldugh or cry at how things turned out.


    ire gripped the nket tightly and held her breath in anticipation as she asked, ¡°Where is my child


    now? Is she all right?¡±


    Downstairs, Nicole was carefully tiptoeing her way upstairs while carrying a tray with two steaming-hot


    cups of coffee.


    She felt that something was amiss, so she decided to find out what was going on while delivering


    coffee to her mother.


    Right as she was about to knock on the door, she heard her mother speaking with a sob. Nicole perked


    up her ears and withdrew her hand from the door without knocking.


    Her child? Who is her child?


    Nicole''s hand trembled, causing her to spill some of the coffee from the cup, but she was too


    preupied to worry about it.


    She waspletely engrossed in eavesdropping on the conversation inside the room.


    ¡°That child is doing well now. You''ve seen her more than once, and she is already married.¡±


    Allie couldn''t help but feel angry whenever she thought about her son taking great care of Avery.


    ¡°Not only does she currently work in a hugepany, but she''s also married to the greatest man in the


    city and has given birth to two beautiful children. She''s even expecting another one now. I would say


    she is living a life of luxury, ire. Your daughter is truly blessed.¡±


    For a second there, ire felt utterly confused about what Allie had just said. She couldn''t quite


    understand who Allie was talking about.


    ¡°You''re saying that I''ve met that child? Why don''t I have the slightest recollection of meeting her, then?


    What''s her name? What does she look like?¡± she asked in confusion.


    ¡°You''re usually so smart, and yet, you always make mistakes when ites to finding your daughter.


    How could you be so silly, ire? Think long and hard about the people you''ve met, ire. Which one


    of them resembles you the most in terms of appearance?¡± Allie replied with a hint of disdain in her


    voice.


    Avery clearly resembles ire a lot in terms of her appearance, so why can''t she figure it out?


    When Allie firstid eyes on Avery, who was all grown up, she was so shocked that her jaw dropped on


    the spot.


    After all, the resemnce in their looks and temperament was uncanny. As such, it was interesting how


    ire, the person in question, had failed to realize that resemnce herself.


    Nicole was frozen in shock when she heard their conversation from outside the door.


    It felt as though her head was about to explode with all that new information.


    She knew that Allie was referring to Avery.


    Nicole had initially thought that Avery''s background would be concealed forever. However, to her


    surprise, Allie had casually revealed it in a conversation with ire.


    As though she had been plunged into an ice bath, Nicole felt a chill down her spine and shivered all


    over. She couldn''t help but feel as though everything she had painstakingly kept hidden was now


    exposed.


    She had gone through so much trouble to erase all evidence of Avery''s origins, all to prevent


    something like this from happening.


    However, the truth was still revealed in the end.


    At that very moment, Nicole felt defeated, anxious, and uneasy. Above all, she was filled with fear for


    what the future might hold.


    What should I do if Avery returns to the Lambert family?


    Nicole even felt an urge to recklessly rush into the room and shut Allie''s mouth up so that she would


    keep the secret to herself.


    However, she knew deep down that it was already toote for her to try and stop Allie.


    Upon hearing Allie''s hint, ire, who was lying in bed, strained to recall which woman bore a


    resemnce to herself.


    Suddenly, an image of a gentle and beautiful woman popped into her mind, causing her heart to race


    uncontrobly.


    Could it be Avery?


    She recalled how Silvia had mentioned to her more than once that Avery resembled her. When the two


    of them appeared together, even the doctors and nurses were surprised by their simr appearances


    and often mistook them for being mother and daughter.


    ire slowly lifted her eyes and asked anxiously, ¡°Is it Avery, Allie? Tell me, is Avery my biological


    daughter?¡±


    Unlike ire, who was all excited, Allie appeared calm andposed.


    She picked up her bag, nced at ire, and said, ¡°That''s all I have to say. Anyway, I need to get


    going now. You''ve already learned most of the truth, so I hope you can keep your word, ire. If you


    don''t, just know that I have plenty of ways to deal with your daughter. After all, she is now my daughter-


    inw, isn''t she?¡±


    Having said that, Allie stood up and began walking away.


    Upon opening the door, she saw Nicole standing awkwardly outside with two cups of coffee in her


    hands.


    Allie paused in surprise for a moment, but chose to ignore her and proceeded to head downstairs.


    ¡°Allie, don''t leave yet! I have so many more questions to ask you!¡± ire eximed when she saw Allie


    walk away. She then desperately got out of bed and tried to chase after Allie, but her body was far too


    frail to do so.


    That, coupled with her emotional agitation, caused ire to lose her bnce and fall off the bed


    instead.

 Chapter 634

    Chapter 634


    Chapter 634 I Want to See Her Right Now


    Upon hearing the noise, Nicole hurriedly entered the room and saw that ire had hit her head on the


    nightstand when she fell clumsily to the floor.


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    ire''s fair forehead was stained red with blood, which showed just how hard she hit herself on the


    nightstand.


    ¡°Mom!¡± Nicole quickly ced the tray on the table and carefully helped ire up from the floor. ¡°Your


    body is still very weak, so you shouldn''t be getting out of bed. Why did you try to get off the bed?¡± she


    eximed with a pained look on her face.


    ire''s head throbbed with pain from the impact, and for the briefest of moments, her mind went


    completely nk.


    After a few seconds of dizziness, however, she slowly regained herposure.


    Recalling what Allie had told her earlier, ire struggled to get back on her feet with Nicole''s help.


    ¡°Hurry up and stop Allie from leaving, Nicole! Tell her that I still have a lot of questions for her!¡± she said


    while pushing Nicole toward the door.


    Naturally, Nicole was very reluctant to do so.


    She held ire by the arm and said worriedly, ¡°Mrs. Moore has already left, Mom. Can we talk about


    this after you''ve recovered? Your current condition isn''t looking too good, so you need to get lots of


    rest.¡±


    ¡°No, I have to find her and get those answers right now!¡± ire was also a very stubborn person.


    She then pushed her daughter aside and ran downstairs without even putting on her slippers.


    Right as ire reached the spiral staircase, she saw Williaming up the stairs.


    Upon seeing his frail wife walking barefoot on the marble floor, William''s expression turned gloomy


    instantly.


    He stepped forward and scooped ire into his arms as he reprimanded her. ¡°ire! How could you


    get off the bed like this? Don''t you care about your own health at all?¡±


    With her arms wrapped tightly around William''s neck, ire was both crying andughing as she


    eximed, ¡°Guess what, William? I''ve found out where our daughter is!¡±


    William was so taken aback that his gloomy expression disappeared for a brief moment.


    Upon seeing his wife''s pale face, however, he snapped out of it and shot her a stern re. ¡°Even if you


    know where she is, there''s no need for you to neglect your health! For now, you should get some rest.


    We can talk about this when you''re feeling better.¡±


    ire rested her head against William''s chest and broke into a blissful, joyous smile. She winked at


    him and asked coquettishly, ¡°William, don''t you want to know who our daughter is? I want to go meet


    her right now!¡±


    William looked at ire and let out a soft sigh before carrying her back into the bedroom. ¡°Of course, I


    would be really happy if we manage to find our daughter, but you matter the most to me. Since we


    already know where she is, there''s no need to rush things. It''s not like she''s going to magically


    disappear anytime soon. Besides, it''s you who will be spending the rest of your life with me, not our


    daughter. ire, I need you to take better care of yourself for me.¡±


    ire closed her eyes with a contented smile. ¡°All right...¡±


    She truly felt fortunate to have found her biological daughter and to have a husband who loved her so


    deeply.


    Immersed in their own lovey-dovey moment, the couple neglected Nicole, who stood there with a


    twisted and sinister look on her face.


    Avery was working in the office when she received an urgent call from Gigi.


    Upon learning that something had happened to Alina, she hastily asked Trevor for leave, informed


    Cayden, and then rushed over to the hospital.


    She really disliked going to the hospital because of the depressing atmosphere there.


    The strong smell of disinfectant in the ward only added to the difort.


    However, the person in the hospital was her aunt.


    Even though they weren''t rted by blood, their rtionship was as close as that of an aunt and her


    niece, so Avery didn''t want anything bad to happen to her.


    When Avery arrived at the hospital, a group of people were seen praying on a lush greenwn.


    The priest, d in a voluminous ck robe, was surrounded by a group of people, who appeared to be


    a patient''s rtives.


    They appeared sorrowful and solemn as they prayed in broad daylight.


    The cross on the priest''s chest shimmered brilliantly in the sun, as he said in apassionate and


    gentle voice, ¡°To our creator, you are the source of all life. We ask you to bless those who are ill. May


    they face their afflictions with hope and faith. Please grant them the strength to endure their suffering.¡±


    That reminded Avery of Gigi''s description of her aunt''s current health condition. As she listened to the


    priest''s prayer, she suddenly felt an overwhelming urge to shed tears.


    Aunt Alina is Grandpa''s only direct kin right now. I cannot, absolutely cannot, let anything happen to


    her, no matter what!


    Meanwhile, in the spacious and bright ward.


    As it was a private hospital for the upper ss, it was only natural that the services and facilities were


    top-notch.


    Although a little dazzling, the warm sunlight streaming through the window onto the hospital bed made


    the ward appear bright and clear.


    When Avery entered the ward, she saw Gigi, who was d in a whiteb coat, earnestly telling Alina


    something important.


    However, Alina was clearly uncooperative and maintained an extremely stubborn attitude. She


    completely ignored what Gigi was telling her, leaving Gigi feeling helpless.


    ¡°Aunt Alina?¡± Avery called out to her softly.


    She could hardly believe how different Alina looked even though it had only been two months since she


    last saw her.


    Alina, who had always presented herself as a radiant and dazzling woman, now appeared listless and


    haggard. It was as though she had suddenly aged ten years overnight.


    Gigi waved at Avery, sighing as she said, ¡°I''m d you''re here, Avery. Please try to talk some sense


    into your aunt. Given the current state of her health, she really can''t afford to dy this any further. She


    must undergo surgery, or the speed at which her tumor worsens will increase, and that could put her


    life in danger. We agreed that she would undergo surgery as soon as she returned from Jetroina, but


    she suddenly changed her mind and refused the surgery no matter what. I tried persuading her, but I


    just can''t seem to get through to her. Anyway, just ring the bell by the bed if you need anything, and I''ll


    come right over.¡±


    ¡°Got it. Thank you, Gigi,¡± Avery replied gratefully.


    ¡°All right; your aunt is now in your hands,¡± Gigi said and looked at Alina with a touch of sympathy


    before leaving the two alone in the ward.


    After Gigi had left, Avery noticed that the lighting in the ward was a little too bright to befortable.


    She then walked up to the window and drew the curtains slightly before making her way over to Alina.


    ¡°Aunt Alina, why have you changed your mind about the surgery that you had previously promised to


    undergo?¡± she asked with concern written all over her face.


    Avery knew that her aunt had always been particr about her appearance and couldn''t bear the


    thought of her perfect body bing wed.


    However, if a disease threatened a person''s life, then surgery would be a must no matter how


    reluctant the person was.

 Chapter 635

    Chapter 635


    Chapter 635 Happy To Have An Excellent Daughter


    Alina leaned against the pillow, her face full of despair and sorrow as if she had seen through


    everything.


    As Alina looked at her niece''s worried expression, she merely offered a bitter smile and silently shook


    her head.


    Even after several days of recuperation, she still looked weak and lifeless. There was no sign of vitality


    in her, and herplexion was rmingly pale.


    After Avery had drawn the curtains, she took a bunch of grapes from the fruit basket. She washed them


    carefully under the tap for a while, meticulously plucked them one by one, and ced them into a


    delicate fruit dish before bringing them over to Alina.


    ¡°Aunt Alina, would you like some grapes?¡±


    Avery handed the woman a bright red grape. ¡°I know when a person is on an IV drip, their mouth tends


    to feel a bitter sensation. Eating something slightly sweet can help with it. Whenever I''m sick, I always


    like to eat some sweet fruit.¡±


    Unable to resist her niece''s kind gesture, Alina opened her mouth and ate the grape.


    The sweetness of the grape juice diluted the bitter taste in her mouth.


    Alina said listlessly, ¡°No matter how sweet the fruit is, it only tastes bitter in my current state...¡±


    Avery sat down next to Alina, gently took thetter''s hand, andforted her. ¡°Aunt Alina, the medical


    technology is so advanced now, you will definitely get better, trust me...¡±


    s, her aunt had no will to live. It was clear she did not want to undergo surgery. She wanted to offer


    comfort, yet she didn''t know what to say.


    Alina gave a bitter smile. ¡°Actually, the mortality rate of breast cancer is one of the lowest among all


    types of cancer. But its greatest cruelty is not in taking lives, but in taking away the most beautiful, the


    most maternal part of a woman. You know how much I love beauty. Even a small scar on my body is


    hard for me to bear, let alone having to remove my... If they''re gone, do you think I''m still a woman?¡±


    She choked up, not even daring to utter the word.


    Avery felt a bitter pang in her heart, her grip on her aunt''s hand tightening even more.


    Alina tried hard to keep herselfposed. It was so heartbreaking that she picked a grape from the


    tray and popped it into her mouth.


    The sour and sweet taste seeped into her taste buds, making her feel slightly better.


    Alina looked into her niece''s eyes and said, ¡°Ery, I can''t ept the surgery, nor can I ept a wed


    version of myself. What you don''t know is that he''s a perfectionist. He doesn''t like women with physical


    imperfections. I can''t be a woman he despises...¡±


    ¡°Aunt Alina, are you refusing the surgery because of your husband?¡± Avery blurted out, momentarily


    stunned by the woman''s words.


    Aunt Alina seems to have a lot on her mind. Could the man she''s talking about be the uncle I met only


    once?


    Avery vaguely remembered meeting her uncle once during her high school days.


    N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    That year, he personally came to take ke to Jetroina. Thus, Avery had quite a strong impression of


    him.


    After all, Avery, who was once a small-town girl, had never seen such a handsome, mature, and refined


    man. He seemed as if he had stepped right out of a painting.


    At that time, her uncle was very gentle to Alina. Perhaps it was his love for Alina that he was


    particrly kind toward Avery. He called her a youngdy affectionately and even gave her some


    pocket money before he left.


    Avery had quite a good impression of that man, but she never expected such a drastic turn of events to


    urter.


    Alina pulled herself together and gripped Avery''s hand, speaking with a bitter smile. ¡°Ery, if I had a


    daughter, she would probably be about your age now. Well-behaved, gentle, virtuous, beautiful... He


    always loved daughters. If we had a child together, I think we wouldn''t have ended up where we are


    today...¡±


    Tears trickled down from the corner of Alina''s eyes.


    Despite being a woman in her forties, her face remained smooth and her skin delicate, without a single


    w. Even the corners of her eyes were free from wrinkles.


    A perfect-looking aunt like her could never endure any physical imperfections. If it were Avery herself,


    she would not be able to ept it either.


    Then again, Alina''s condition could no longer be dyed. At that thought, Avery steeled herself and


    said, ¡°Aunt Alina, you must have the surgery. Otherwise, I will go to Jetroina to bring my uncle over¡ª¡±


    ¡°Ery, you don''t have to persuade me anymore. I know my body the best.¡±


    Alina''s gaze was deep yet lifeless. She closed her eyes in pain, saying, ¡°I''m already content that I''ve


    managed to hang on until now. You don''t need to go to the trouble of going to Jetroina to find that so-


    called uncle of yours. He''s already started a family, and their child has been born for several months


    now...¡±


    Revtion struck Avery like a bolt from the blue.


    In an instant, Avery seemed to understand the reason for her aunt''s despair. The love of her life


    choosing another for marriage was probably the source of her hopelessness. However, what Avery


    could not understand was why her aunt would refuse surgery for a man who had already married and


    had children with another woman.


    Avery wanted to continue persuading her aunt, but seeing her tired and pale face, the former had no


    choice but to put a lid on the impulse.


    I''ll let Aunt Alina rest for now. I''ll surelye up with a way to make her have the surgery!


    Although ire stayed at the Lambert residence obediently to rest, she couldn''t help but constantly


    think about her daughter.


    If it were not for her physical limitations, she would have gone to her daughter immediately.


    She held her phone, going through the contacts back and forth with her gaze fixed on a particr


    number. She had scrolled through it countless times that she had even memorized it by heart.


    It was none other than Avery''s phone number.


    ire had obtained the number from her father-inw. He was a client of Avery, and therefore, he had


    always kept her number.


    ire really wanted to call Avery, but she could not find a good reason to do so. What should I even


    say to her? Do I just tell her I''m her biological mother? Will the child believe me?


    Just as ire was feeling gloomy, she suddenly remembered Avery''s Instagram ount. Hence, she


    started scrolling through Avery''s ount.


    Fortunately, Avery''s Instagram ount was not private.


    However, Avery rarely posted about her daily life on her ount, let alone take numerous selfies like


    Nicole. Most of the former''s posts were about architecture, her own designs, and some heartwarming


    moments. The featured pictures were often fresh and aesthetically pleasing illustrations.


    Despite that, ire still found it fascinating.


    Especially the designs by Avery. ire looked at them over and over again, feeling bothforted and


    saddened in her heart.


    She felt a sense offort knowing her own daughter turned out to be so exceptional. What saddened


    her was that she could not be by Avery''s side during every moment of her growth.

 Chapter 636

    Chapter 636


    Chapter 636 Return


    Meanwhile, at the hospital, Avery couldn''t tell if it was due to the air conditioning in the room being set a


    bit too low, but she felt a slight chill on her body.


    She carefully tucked Alina into bed, then adjusted the air conditioning to a slightly higher temperature.


    Only then did she sit next to thetter, quietly watching her aunt, who had fallen asleep while still


    receiving an IV drip.


    Even though Avery''s face appeared quite calm, she was constantly worrying inside. How can I possibly


    convince Aunt Aline to undergo surgery?


    Just as she was deep in thought, her phone chimed, alerting her to a few new WhatsApp messages.


    Fearing the messages were rted to work, Avery quickly pulled out her phone and swiftly unlocked it.


    Apart from a few messages that automatically popped up from subscribed ounts, there was also a


    message from ire.


    Intrigued, Avery tapped open the message from ire that appeared before her eye: Ms. Rumpley, I''m


    Mrs. Lambert. I hope you don''t mind me intruding. I am particrly fond of the house you designed for


    my father-inw, both in terms of style and detail. Mypany is currently seeking a group of excellent


    architects, and I would love to invite you to join us. Would you be interested?


    Upon seeing that ire was asking about work-rted matters, Avery would never refuse such


    opportunities to expand her own business.


    So, she responded to ire patiently, in a very formalnguage: I''m delighted that my design hasAll text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    caught Mrs. Lambert''s attention, and I''m thrilled for the opportunity you''ve given me. If possible, I would


    be honored to serve yourpany. By the way, Mrs. Lambert, how is your health?


    Avery pressed the send button.


    She had just sent the message when ire quickly replied within a mere few seconds: If that''s the


    case, then it''s settled. My health is not a major concern, and I''ve had enough rest these past few days.


    Ery, when do you have time to discuss the specifics of our coboration? Are you free this afternoon?


    Even though ire was not fully recovered, she was already eager to meet with Avery.


    She wished she could see her biological daughter right away.


    Avery nced at her aunt on the hospital bed, receiving her IV drip. Considering Alina''s condition, she


    gently declined: Mrs. Lambert, it''s a bit inconvenient at the moment. Can we reschedule? I''m currently


    at the hospital...


    She had intended to tell ire that she was at the hospital taking care of her seriously ill aunt, but


    before she could evenpose the message, her finger identally hit the send button, and the


    message was sent directly to ire.


    Feeling a bit parched, Avery casually put down her phone and went over to the table to pour herself a


    cup of warm water, nning to soothe her throat.


    Unexpectedly, the phone that was set aside suddenly started to buzz, popping out several WhatsApp


    notifications sounds in a row.


    After taking a few sips of water, Avery felt her mouth wasn''t as dry. Only then did she pick up her phone


    again.


    The moment she opened WhatsApp, she was utterly startled.


    A series of messages came in, all from ire: Ery, why did you go to the hospital? Are you feeling


    unwell? Is it serious? Are you sick? Which hospital are you at? Is Cayden with you? Could you please


    send me your location? I''d like toe and check on you. Is that okay?


    ire''s anxious and fervent tone left Avery utterly confused. In her opinion, ire was the epitome of


    elegance and steadiness. Her attitude toward Avery had always been polite and distant. I don''t think


    our rtionship has really reached such a level of intimacy.


    Even though Avery had known for a long time that ire was her biological mother, she thought ire


    was unaware of it all. Still, why does she speak to me in such a familiar and caring tone?


    Avery felt inexplicably moved, feeling as if she was receiving the earnest concern and affection of a


    biological mother for her daughter, yet also left her feeling somewhat at a loss.


    She quickly sent a message: Mrs. Lambert, there seems to be a misunderstanding. It''s not me who''s ill,


    but my aunt who''s seriously sick. I''m perfectly healthy. I''m currently at the hospital taking care of her


    and can''t leave for the time being. Our coboration might have to be postponed for a while until my


    aunt''s condition improves. I''m sorry.


    Upon realizing that Avery wasn''t the one who was sick, ire breathed a sigh of relief and replied: I''m


    d you''re okay. We don''t need to rush our coboration. There''s plenty of time ahead. Please take


    good care of your aunt in the hospital, and remember to look after your own health. You''re pregnant


    now, so don''t overwork yourself, understand?


    The words of concern from ire made Avery smile without her realizing it. ¡°Okay. I understand, Mrs.


    Lambert. Thank you for your concern.¡±


    Looking at how Avery addressed her as ¡°Mrs. Lambert,¡± ire felt a lump in her throat. I''m her own


    biological daughter, yet she insists on calling me Mrs. Lambert. When will she be able to address me


    as her mom affectionately?


    At the same time, at the entertainmentpany, Nicole''s assistant rushed in from outside in a hurry.


    ¡°Nicole, we''re in trouble!¡±


    Nicole was dabbing her powder puff in front of the makeup mirror when she saw her assistant rush in


    hurriedly. Her already suppressed temper worsened.


    She immediately scolded in displeasure, ¡°How many times have I told you to knock before entering?


    Why can''t you seem to remember!¡±


    ¡°I''m sorry, the situation was so urgent, I forgot...¡± the assistant said, panting heavily.


    Seeing her assistant looking utterly exhausted, Nicole pursed her lips. ¡°Forget it. What''s the matter?¡±


    ¡°Wendy epted a period drama role for you a few days ago, but someone else has taken your role as


    the second female lead...¡±


    ¡°What? When did this happen? The director called me just yesterday, asking me toe to the set


    tomorrow for filming. This can''t be!¡± Upon hearing that her role had been stolen, Nicole was so furious


    that her face almost contorted.


    Because of the numerous scandals surrounding her recently, her pure image suffered a great deal of


    negative impact. During that period, her career practically hit rock bottom.


    Because of her father, William''s status, no one dared to cklist her. However, many directors and


    advertisers no longer wanted to coborate with her.


    Her agent, Wendy, couldn''t bear to see her talent wasted. So, she racked her brains and used every


    means possible to secure Nicole a role as the second female lead in arge-scale period drama,


    hoping to give thetter a fresh start.


    Given Nicole''s usual pride and arrogance, how could she possibly demean herself by ying the


    second female lead?


    But now, she really had no other choice. For the sake of her own career, she could only obediently


    follow Wendy''s arrangements.


    Who would have thought the minor supporting role she had fought so hard to get could be snatched


    away by someone else? That left Nicole feeling both angry and resentful.


    ¡°I''m not exactly sure what''s going on either. I just got word from the director of the production team. He


    asked me to pass the message to you. He didn''t specify the reason, only that they''ve reced you with


    a new actress from anotherpany,¡± the assistant said in a low voice, fearing Nicole''s potential


    outburst. ¡°


    ¡°This is so frustrating!¡± Nicole eximed, tossing her makeup puff aside. She was in no mood to apply


    makeup anymore, her face gloomy. Do those people who hide behind the power of others really think


    I''ve lost the support of the Lambert family? Regardless, I''m still the Lambert family''s youngdy for


    now.


    Yet the thought of Avery returning to the Lambert family made Nicole incredibly anxious. Suddenly, she


    thought of someone. Perhaps only he could help me turn around this terrible situation.

 Chapter 637

    Chapter 637


    Chapter 637 Worrisome


    Meanwhile, in Wendy''s office, Nicole, holding up her skirt, rushed into her office and directly


    questioned, ¡°Wendy, why has someone else taken my role? The film''s shooting is about to start, and


    only now am I being told that I''ve been reced. What is the director thinking?¡±


    Wendy also had a worried look on her face. ¡°How would I know what it means? This is the arrangement


    from our superior. Nickie, you''ve been causing quite a stir recently! You''re being too ostentatious¡±


    Heaven knows, Wendy initially thought she was managing an actress with a prestigious background


    and her career could skyrocket. Unexpectedly, the pure image she painstakingly crafted for Nicole over


    the years was ruined by Nicole herself. Who can I turn to for justice?


    Nicole mmed her hand heavily onto Wendy''s desk, looking at her with a sarcastic gaze.


    ¡°Ostentatious? I''ve been keeping a low profiletely, resting at home for such a long time. Where have I


    been ostentatious? Wendy, have you been cking off recently? Look at the jobs you''ve been getting


    for me. They''re either annoying second female leads or roles in some meaningless web dramas. This


    is a huge downgrade to my worth. If this continues, I won''t even be able to maintain my second-tier


    status, let alone talk about advancing to the super-tier.¡±


    When Wendy heard Nicole''s usations, her facial expression immediately changed. ¡°Nickie, honestly,


    you should know better than anyone how I''ve treated you over the years. If it weren''t for me cleaning


    up your messes, do you think your pure image on screen could have remained unscathed all these


    years? If it weren''t for your recent arrogance and drama, would you have fallen so low? Your reputation


    has already plummeted, with no directors, producers, or investors daring to use you. I had to


    shamelessly beg others for even these small roles you look down upon. Yet, you use me of being


    lazy. If that''s the case, you should find another agent.¡±


    Upon seeing that Wendy was genuinely angry and getting serious, Nicole suddenly felt a bit guilty.


    Nicole rposed herself and exined, ¡°Wendy, I''m sorry. I''m upset because my role was taken


    away, and I neglected your feelings. I know you''re also in a difficult position, and I won''t behave like this


    again.¡±


    To be honest, Wendy had been too kind to her. Whether it was her methods or her connections, they


    were unmatched by any other agents.


    The most important thing was that she understood Nicole exceptionally well. If thetter were to


    change her agent, she would undoubtedly struggle to adapt.


    All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    Wendy''s expression softened slightly after she heard Nicole''s words.


    She shook her head and reminded the girl before her, ¡°Nickie, don''t you think the rumors about you


    these days are quite baffling? Remember the video of you allegedly seducing the chief physician a


    while ago? Our studio had already issued a statement to rify that it wasn''t you, just someone who


    looked like you in the video. As for those pieces of messy negative news that have recently emerged,


    I''m sure someone is plotting against you behind the scenes. I''ve had people looking into it secretly, but


    no matter how much they investigated, they couldn''t find anything. It''s bizarre. The more I think about it,


    the more I''m convinced that the mastermind behind this must have a very powerful background. Think


    carefully. Have you offended anyone recently?¡±


    Offend someone? To be honest, while Nicole hadn''t offended many people, there were definitely some


    who bore a grudge against her.


    In the entertainment industry, Nicole had indeed snatched a few roles from well-known actresses by


    relying on her own connections. However, those actresses didn''t have as strong a background as hers,


    so they could only swallow their anger when their roles were taken by her.


    Nicole could confidently say that, due to her parents'' status, there was really no one in the


    entertainment industry who dared to mess with her. If that person isn''t from the entertainment industry,


    they could onlye from...


    Nicole recalled the numerous times she had secretly harmed Avery and thought of Cayden''s cold and


    gloomy gaze. There was also the time he had ordered her kidnapping and watched as the white snake


    bit into her flesh while wearing an unkind half-smile on his face.


    Goosebumps covered Nicole''s entire body. Could it be him?


    She even staggered two steps back in shock, her eyes wide open as if overwhelmed by terrifying


    memories.


    ¡°Nickie, what''s wrong?¡± Wendy tugged at Nicole anxiously, only to hear thetter''s terrified scream,


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    Startled by her shout, Wendy patted Nicole''s shoulder, only to see her staring nkly back. Nicole''s


    eyes were filled with resentment and helplessness. ¡°Wendy, I know who''s been pulling the strings


    against me. It''s him. It has to be him!¡±


    ¡°Who?¡± A sense of foreboding surged in Wendy''s heart.


    ¡°Cayden!¡± Nicole said through gritted teeth, ¡°I have a deep grudge against Avery. I''ve done some bad


    things to her in the past. She must have instigated Cayden to take revenge on me!¡±


    Upon hearing it was Cayden, Wendy was first taken aback. Then, she said with an aching head, ¡°If it''s


    him, then we''re in trouble. Unless your father steps in, we''repletely helpless.¡±


    With a hint of embarrassment, Nicole said, ¡°Wendy, given my current situation, I feel like my dad is


    somewhat disappointed in me, let alone the fact that he doesn''t like me being involved in the


    entertainment industry. I doubt he would help me. Although my mom usually dotes on me, she always


    listens to my dad when ites down to some crucial moments.¡±


    Wendy sighed again, subtly hinting at Nicole. ¡°Then why don''t you find a powerful support like Cayden?


    Isn''t the third son of the Xenos family interested in you? Nickie, you must seize the opportunity.


    Otherwise, your already worrisome situation will worsen.¡±


    Despite her extreme reluctance, Nicole still nodded firmly with a grimace.


    She wasn''t going to give up until thest moment.


    Avery only stayed in the hospital for two days before Alina sent her back home. Thetter argued that


    although the private hospital had a pleasant environment, it wasn''t good for the expectant mother and


    the unborn child to stay there for a long period.


    In the end, she resorted to threatening Avery with a hunger strike to persuade her niece to return home


    for rest and recuperation.


    Avery, who was left with no other options by her aunt''s nagging, could only turn to Cayden for advice.


    Cayden arranged for two highly experienced caregivers for Alina. They took turns to keep Alina


    company at the hospital. Only then did Avery feel relieved enough to leave the hospital.


    The weather was calm and sunny at the mansion.


    Standing before the floor-to-ceiling window, one could see the azure sky and the etherealyers of


    clouds. Everything was so dreamily beautiful, yet Avery''s heart was in stark contrast to the lovely


    weather.


    ¡°What are you thinking about?¡± Cayden closed his notebook, reaching out from behind to embrace


    Avery, who was lying in front of the window, gazing at the sky.


    Avery furrowed her brows. ¡°I''m still very worried about Aunt Alina''s illness. She''s already so sick, but


    she still refuses to undergo surgery.¡±


    Cayden held her even tighter, his chin resting in the crook of her neck, his voice maic and deep.


    ¡°Don''t worry. I''ve already contacted the most experienced doctor specializing in mammary nds. He


    will arrive in Ackleton soon. We will avoid surgery if possible, but if it''s absolutely necessary, we''ll strive


    to minimize the wound. This might make it easier for your aunt to ept.¡±


    Avery nodded gently. ¡°I thank you on behalf of Aunt Alina.¡±


    ¡°Silly girl.¡±


    ¡°By the way, Mrs. Lambert has been reaching out to me these past few days. She wants me to draw


    design ns for herpany. Also, her attitude towards me has been somewhat strangetely. I don''t


    know if it''s just my imagination, but I feel like she''s been particrly friendly toward me.¡±


    Avery recalled ire''s attitude towards her and couldn''t shake the feeling that something was off.

 Chapter 638

    Chapter 638


    Chapter 638 Wait Patiently For My Return


    Cayden stared at Avery''s puzzled face. Her expression was so solemn that he could not help bursting


    intoughter.


    Tucking her hair behind her ear, he said softly, ¡°If Mrs. Lambert is amicable with you, just ept it. No


    matter what, she''s still your biological mother. It''s far better than being cold and distant, right?¡±


    She''s indeed very smart. But sometimes, she acts like a lost little girl.


    Avery buried her face in his chest and said, ¡°Even though I know that Mrs. Lambert is my biological


    mother, she doesn''t know I''m her daughter. I''m afraid that if I interact with her too much, I wouldn''t be


    able to control myself.¡±


    Cayden reached out and gently tapped the tip of her nose with a finger before chuckling. ¡°You''ve got so


    little self-confidence in yourself? You don''t need to worry too much. After all, she¡ª¡±


    Before he could finish his sentence, his phone suddenly rang. Snagging it, he saw that it was from an


    unknown international number.


    He hit the answer button.


    On the other end, sounds ofbored breathing drifted out. It was as though the person was struggling


    for air.


    Nothing was said.


    Patient for once, Cayden waited for a whole minute. Yet, the person on the other end remained silent.


    He was about to hang up the phone when a familiar voice suddenly rang out from the other end. ¡°Save


    me!¡±


    It was Sid''s voice.


    Cayden was taken aback, and his hand tightened around the phone. He nced at Avery, only to see


    her gazing at him with a gentle look in her eyes.


    His eyes flickered. With his phone in hand, he walked over to the balcony.


    His voice was soft, yet it carried a sense of undisguised tension. ¡°What exactly is going on?¡±


    ¡°I-I''m currently being held captive by the Remdikian Mafia in Mocset. Their boss specifically asked for


    you toe over. There are really no other options left for me.¡±


    It was the first time the usually unrestrained and wild Sid felt so apprehensive.


    His speech was exceedingly fast, like a trapped beast struggling on the brink of death.


    ¡°How did you get involved with the Remdikian Mafia?¡± Cayden frowned.


    nting sunlight streamed in from the window, casting a warm glow on his white shirt. Yet, the warmth


    did nothing to soften the cold detachment written on his face.


    Sid did not have the time to exin things in detail to the man. He hastily said, ¡°This situation is beyond


    serious this time. If you don''te, I don''t think I''d make it out alive... Ah! Ah!¡±


    Shrill cries of agony seemingly prated through the phone and entered Cayden''s ears directly,


    sparking a strong sense of foreboding within him.


    He urgently cried out into the phone, ¡°Sid? Sid?¡±


    ¡°Hey!¡± Suddenly, the person on the other end of the phone seemed to have changed into someone


    different. A pleasant and alluring voice of a young man sounded.


    Then came a series of Remdikian words. ¡°Mr. Moore, your friend is in my hands. He has done


    something wrong, having touched my most beloved treasure. Thus, he must be punished. If you don''t


    come to im him, I''ll personally airfreight his lifeless body to you.¡±


    It seemed as though they were afraid Remdikian wouldn''t be understood there. Another hoarse and


    raspy voice repeated the man''s words, tranting them into Chanaean this time.


    Cayden, who has always been good at concealing his emotions, finally showed a crack in his fa?ade.


    He replied in extremely fluent and standard Remdikian, ¡°I''m not sure what my friend has done to upset


    you, but I''ll be there. In the meantime, I hope you can ensure his safety. I''ll get there as soon as


    possible.¡±


    Seemingly surprised that he could speak such fluent Remdikian, the other man stilled for a moment


    beforeughing coldly. ¡°Mr. Moore, your reputation precedes you. I look forward to your visit.¡±


    After saying that, the person on the other end of the phone hung up abruptly. A secondter, a string of


    numbers appeared on Cayden''s phone screen.


    Having hung up the phone, Cayden was in a foul mood. Upon seeing that message, he immediately


    called Xavier and had the man book him a flight to Mocset.


    Sid was currently in a dangerous situation. Making matters worse, the other party wanted him to go


    over that day itself.


    The man had once helped him, and in return, Cayden promised to fulfill three requests from him.


    He was not an ungrateful person but a man of his word. Hence, he had no choice but to save Sid. Even


    if danger lurked ahead, he would have no regrets.


    He must repay the debt he owed others, even if it meant risking his life.


    Avery noticed the grave expression on Cayden''s face and heard his urgent instructions to Xavier to


    book a flight. She could not help but feel anxious. ¡°What exactly happened, Cayden? Why are you in


    such a rush to go to Remdik? Had something happened over there?¡±


    N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Looking at Avery''s worried face, Cayden went straight to the point. ¡°Something has happened to Sid in


    Remdik. He''s being held captive by the mafia, so I''ve got to make a trip there.¡±


    Avery raised her eyes sharply, staring right at the man''s stern yet handsome face. ¡°Is it dangerous?


    Can you not go? What mafia?¡± I''ve only heard of it in TV shows, but it actually exists in reality?


    Although she had suffered many hardships from childhood to adulthood, shecked extensive social


    experience. She vaguely heard someone pleading for help from her husband on the other end of the


    phone, and that stirred a faint sense of worry within her.


    She did not want Cayden to take any risks. At that moment, she was filled with fear and unease.


    ¡°I have to go. Sid has helped me before,¡± insisted Cayden.


    Avery asked in perplexity, ¡°But can''t we send someone else? Can we ask Xander for help?¡±


    The brilliant sunshine outside had turned into overcast in her eyes at that moment.


    ¡°There''s no time left, Ery. They specifically requested for me to go over personally.¡±


    Cayden pecked her on the lips in constion before dropping his hold on her. Then, he added, ¡°Rest


    well at home. The baby is due in just over a month. You should take a break from work for now, take


    good care of yourself, and wait patiently for my return.¡±


    ¡°Cayden...¡± Avery grabbed onto Cayden''s sleeve. ¡°I''m afraid you''d be in danger. I''m downright terrified.


    You''re just a businessman. How could you be a match for those mobsters? Aren''t you putting yourself


    in danger by going there? What do they want from you? From what I''ve seen in TV shows, those...


    those organizations... go around extorting people... demanding money.¡±


    Her world had always been simple, untouched by the brutalities of life. She had never experienced the


    dangers lurking outside, yet she indulged in movies about the mafia.


    She recalled the movie titled ¡°The Godfather¡± she had once seen. The mafia was always ruthless and


    merciless,cking a sense of reason or morality and killing without batting an eye. Thus, she was


    genuinely afraid that something might happen to Cayden.


    If something were to happen to him, what would be of me and the kids?


    Cayden grasped Avery''s hands.


    Her palms were icy cold and damp, a unique reaction she had when she was nervous.


    He hugged her helplessly,forting her by coaxing, ¡°Trust me, Avery. Even if it''s only because of you


    and our kids, I''ll definitely return safely. Wait for me at home.¡±


    Subsequently, he forcibly pried her hand away. Under her worried gaze, he put on a formal suit. Finally,


    he gently kissed her. And in the end, he still left.


    He walked away without a backward nce.

 Chapter 639

    Chapter 639


    Chapter 639 Why Is He So Domineering


    Avery stared nkly out the window and even saw the blurred streak of Cayden''s sports car speeding


    away.


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Deep within, she felt a tad upset and angry.


    She even felt somewhat resentful.


    Argh! Why is he so domineering that he doesn''t consider my feelings in the least? I know Sid paid a


    heavy price to save him. Not only did the man forcibly change his own appearance, but he also took on


    false criminal charges on his behalf. I''m also aware that saving Sid is the right thing to do. But did he


    ever consider himself, me, and our kids? Even though Sid took the me for him, he still found a way


    to get Sid out of prison at the end of the day. He even helped the man escape the pursuit of the


    Irushean mafia. Wasn''t all that enough to repay him?


    The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. She hugged her knees and buried her face,


    which was flushed red, between them.


    But beyond her sadness, she was very much worried. What if something really happens to him?


    Seeing that Avery was in a bad mood, Lorraine put down the vacuum cleaner she was holding and


    walked over to her. She gently suggested, ¡°Would you like me to assist you back to your bedroom for


    some rest, Mrs. Moore?¡±


    Avery nodded nkly before walking back to her bedroom by herself.


    At that moment, she felt troubled and truly needed some rest.


    But after shey in bed, she did not feel any better.


    Autumn had arrived.


    The sweet scent of the maple tree wafted into her nostrils, and its branches swayed in front of the


    window on the second floor.


    The weather was splendid, and the world was beautiful, yet Avery felt terribly distressed.


    She was in a bad mood the entire day, so depressed that she hardly ate anything.


    Cayden did not call her at all. When she tried to reach him, his phone was switched off.


    That night, Avery had a nightmare. In her dream, she saw Cayden being stabbed and copsing to the


    ground. He was covered in blood and continuously coughed up blood.


    She wailed at the top of her lungs in the dream, calling out his name, wanting to save him. s, no one


    heard her or came to his rescue.


    That aside, she also dreamed of them walking down a bustling street hand in hand. Suddenly, he


    turned to her and said, ¡°Darling, I need to take care of something. Wait here for me. I''ll be right back.¡±


    She nodded obediently, watching as his tall and slender figure gradually disappeared into the crowd.


    But from sunrise to sunset, she waited in vain for his return.


    Worse still, she dreamed of him being shot in a deserted ce.


    She watched helplessly as the bullet struck his skull, with nowhere for him to hide.


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    Avery jolted awake in fright, drenched in cold sweat and gasping for air.


    In the darkness of the night, only a dim yellow night light emanated a weak glow.


    Unable to sleep anymore, Avery took out her phone and called Cayden again, but it still went to


    voicemail.


    She felt somewhat numb, the anger and despair from the endless unanswered phone calls having


    transformed entirely into worry and fear for him then.


    Gazing at the bright moonlight outside the window, she sped her hands together and prayed


    fervently.


    I hope you are safe and sound, Cayden!


    Meanwhile, the nended in Mocset after almost ten hours in the air.


    By the time Cayden finally arrived, it was already evening.


    He unlocked his phone, only to see a slew of missed calls and a barrage of messages from Avery, all


    expressing concern for him.


    Cayden wanted to call her back, but considering the five-hour time difference between Chanaea and


    Remdik, it was already close to midnight in the country.


    Thinking that Avery might have gone to bed and realizing that calling or texting her then would only add


    to her worries, he decided not to disrupt her.


    The airport was bustling with peopleing and going. There were many handsome men and beautiful


    women, all with blonde hair and blue eyes.


    Even though Cayden was wearing sunsses, his exceedingly handsome features, mysterious and


    unfathomable Eastern charm, and height and physique that were on par with those of Eastern Epean


    men, he continuously attracted the attention of Remdikian beauties.


    In fact, some bold and outgoing Remdikian beauties took the initiative to approach him to strike up a


    conversation. However, they were blocked by the bodyguards Cayden brought and could only shrug


    regretfully.


    Cayden and his entourage headed out of the airport, making for a grand sight.


    Someone came to pick them up from the airport. It was the general manager of the Trident Group''s


    Remdik branch, who had been notified in advance, and his assistant.


    The general manager was a very mature andposed middle-aged man.


    As he walked behind Cayden, he reported the information he had on ¡°Taron¡± to the man. ¡°Taron is an


    exceedingly ruthless man. He''s involved in smuggling, drug trafficking, and arms dealing. He''s


    notorious around here, known for his love of exploiting other people''s weaknesses. Many corporations


    and tycoons have been ckmailed. But because ourpany is under the protection of the


    Remdikian government, he hasn''t dared to act brazenly. However, I''m worried that it might be


    dangerous for you to go alone this time. Should I hire more guards?¡±


    Cayden shook his head in demurral. ¡°This is his territory, and a local gangster is above thew. No


    matter how many men we bring, it wouldn''t make a difference.¡±


    For that reason, he did not bring many people with him, merely Jake and four other bodyguards.


    He rarely crossed paths with Taron, but Xander oncepeted with thetter for Epea''s territory.


    Before he came over, Xander had warned him that Taron was extremely ruthless, and even someone


    as cunning as himself had suffered a loss at Taron''s hands. He advised Cayden to be careful and had


    him take four of his own top-notch bodyguards with him.


    Cayden had no grudge against Taron, nor did they have any business dealings. They had never


    crossed paths in a negative way.


    At that moment, he hoped that the matter could be resolved peacefully.


    Cayden called Taron. As soon as the call was connected, he took the initiative to speak first. ¡°This is


    Cayden speaking.¡±


    A bark ofughter rang out on the other end of the phone. ¡°You''re indeed a straightforward man, Mr.


    Moore.¡±


    Cayden continued, ¡°I''m at the airport right now. What''s your location, Mr. Taron?¡±


    The man on the other end of the phone promptly gave him a location. Caydenmitted it to memory


    before hanging up the phone.


    A Hummer limousine was waiting outside. Someone opened the car door, and Cayden swiftly climbed


    into the car.


    The Hummer followed the navigation instructions toward its destination, a particrly remote in


    Mocset.


    The car drove for nearly two hours before it finally reached the vicinity of its destination.


    Through the window, a Remdikian-style vi could be seen in the distance. It was magnificent and


    spectacr, standing alone atop a lush hill.


    Below the hill, a few towering figures in ck suits stood waiting. Judging by their looks, they were


    undoubtedly not the benevolent kind.


    ¡°Mr. Moore?¡± a blond-haired and blue-eyed man asked in somewhat stiff Chanaean upon seeing


    Cayden and his entourage.


    With a calm and unruffled expression, Cayden replied, ¡°Yes.¡±


    The man nodded at him, then led the entourage forward.


    Surrounded by a group of people, Cayden heading toward mid-hill in their midst.


    The surroundings were eerily silent, with only the rustling sounds of leaves when a gust of chilly wind


    blew past. asionally, the mournful cries of a few birds could be heard, sounding somewhat


    unsettling.


    But at that moment, Cayden had no time for further thoughts. He heightened his alertness, following


    Taron''s men as they continued forging ahead.

 Chapter 640

    Chapter 640


    Chapter 640 The Raging Fury Of Cayden


    The first ond second floors were heovily guorded. Every few steps, there were severol men in block


    stonding guord.


    Toron received Coyden in the living room of the monsion on the first floor.


    Coyden wos surprised. He initiolly expected Toron, someone copoble of killing without hesitotion, to be


    on older ond stern mon, or perhops o violent ond fierce middle-oged individuol. He never imogined thot


    Toron would be so young.


    Toron possessed the height ond robustness chorocteristic of o mon from Remdik, yet he hod the


    oppeoronce of o polite mon. His smile, ever-present, wos os worm os the sun.


    He wos such o hondsome mon thot it wos hord to ossociote him with the rumored, spine-chilling


    godfother in the mofio.


    While Coyden wos observing Toron, Toron wos olso subtly observing him in return.


    This mon, whose business empire sponned the continents of Aploth ond Epeo, possessed striking


    hondsomeness. Despite being just on ordinory businessmon, he exuded on ouro of royolty. His colm


    ondposed demeonor in the foce of donger wos indeed remorkoble ond not to be underestimoted.


    Two men of equol imposing presence sot focing eoch other in the living room.


    The otmosphere turned tense.


    Toron pulled out o cigor ond offered it to Coyden, ¡°Mr. Moore, since you''vee oll this woy, I''ll get


    stroight to the point. Your friend hos chormed my only sister, Vivion, ond now he refuses to toke


    responsibility. I could teor him to pieces! However, my sister is stubborn, insisting on morrying him. But


    thot young mon would rother die thon morry her. Todoy, I''m giving him two choices: morry Vivion, ond


    we con negotiote the situotion. If he persists in not morrying her, for your soke, Mr. Moore, I''ll spore his


    life, but I''ll toke one of his honds!¡±


    As Coyden sot steodily on the couch, he blew out o ring of smoke ond nodded.


    The rules of the underworld hod olwoys been ruthless.


    Coyden understood thot Toron''s willingness to mention the second option wos olreody o greot oct of


    kindness.


    Then, Toron mode o gesture toword his subordinotes.


    In no time, o mon covered in blood with o bruised ond swollen foce thot wos olmost unrecognizoble


    wos thrown into the living room.


    Despite Sid''s severe injuries, he wos still cursing ot Toron, ¡°Toron, you son of o b*tch, if you hove the


    guts, kill me! I''d rother die thon morry your ugly sister!¡±


    But when Sid''s goze fell on Coyden, his eyes dodged guiltily, ond he stommered, ¡°C-Coyden...¡±


    He never expected things to get this serious. He initiolly thought he wos messing with o powerless ond


    unottroctive girl, but to his surprise, she turned out to be Toron''s biologicol sister. Becouse of this, he


    even mode Coyden trovel thousonds of miles from his homelond to rescue him.


    The first and second floors were heavily guarded. Every few steps, there were several men in ck


    standing guard.


    Coyden extinguished his cigor ond soid to Toron, ¡°I wont to hove o privote conversotion with my friend.¡±


    Toron thought thot Coyden would be oble to chonge Sid''s mind.


    With o grond wove of his hond, the men in block exited in on orderly foshion.


    After o moment, Coyden locked eyes with Sid ond osked in o cold tone, ¡°Whot exoctly ore you


    plonning? If you morry Vivion, everyone will be overjoyed. But if you refuse, Toron hos olreody mode it


    cleor; he will toke one of your honds.¡±


    With defionce, Sid declored, ¡°I will not morry thot ugly womon! Coyden, you hove no ideo how ugly she


    is. Just looking ot her mokes me lose my oppetite. Even when I slept with her, I hod to close my eyes.


    Fronkly, I hove o sweetheort bock home. She hos been with me on ond off for neorly ten yeors, ond


    now she''s corrying my child. She''s been pregnont for severol months. Coyden, even if I get morried, I


    would only morry thot womon, not this ugly girl.¡±


    His words kindled o chilling glint in Coyden''s typicolly gentle eyes, oponied by on overwhelming


    surge of roge.


    With o swift kick, he knocked Sid to the ground, cousing the olreody severely injured mon to cough up


    severol mouthfuls of fresh blood.


    Coyden''s leother shoe forcefully crushed Sid''s enchontingly hondsome foce. As he pressed down, he


    cursed, ¡°You olreody hove o lover, yet you''re still out ond obout, pursuing other women. I should never


    hove spored you in the first ploce. You deserve to die!¡±


    Sid remoined silent, ollowing Coyden to berote ond hit him. After oll, he wos the one who hod done


    something wrong.


    But he knew Coyden would definitely not obondon him.


    Sure enough, ten minutes loter, Toron returned to the living room. Coyden looked ot him with deep


    eyes ond uttered solemnly, ¡°Mr. Toron, I opologize.¡±


    No sooner hod his words follen thon o dozen or so guns were pointed ot their heods.


    Toron hod o grimoce on his foce. He scoffed ond threw o shorp dogger thot wos gleoming with o cold


    light ot the spot before Sid.


    Coyden picked up the dogger, plocing it ogoinst his own wrist, his tone colm ondposed: ¡°Mr. Toron,


    my friend is stubborn. He''s o ployboy, ond his chorocter is for from odmiroble. Your sister won''t find


    hoppiness with him, ond he''s not worthy of Vivion. However, I owe my friend o fovor. Since he mode o


    mistoke, os his friend, I''ll toke responsibility for him. If o hond must be cut off, then toke mine.¡±


    Cayden extinguished his cigar and said to Taron, ¡°I want to have a private conversation with my friend.¡±


    Taron thought that Cayden would be able to change Sid''s mind.


    With a grand wave of his hand, the men in ck exited in an orderly fashion.


    After a moment, Cayden locked eyes with Sid and asked in a cold tone, ¡°What exactly are you


    nning? If you marry Vivian, everyone will be overjoyed. But if you refuse, Taron has already made it


    clear; he will take one of your hands.¡±


    With defiance, Sid dered, ¡°I will not marry that ugly woman! Cayden, you have no idea how ugly she


    is. Just looking at her makes me lose my appetite. Even when I slept with her, I had to close my eyes.


    Frankly, I have a sweetheart back home. She has been with me on and off for nearly ten years, and


    now she''s carrying my child. She''s been pregnant for several months. Cayden, even if I get married, I


    would only marry that woman, not this ugly girl.¡±


    His words kindled a chilling glint in Cayden''s typically gentle eyes, apanied by an overwhelming


    surge of rage.


    With a swift kick, he knocked Sid to the ground, causing the already severely injured man to cough up


    several mouthfuls of fresh blood.


    Cayden''s leather shoe forcefully crushed Sid''s enchantingly handsome face. As he pressed down, he


    cursed, ¡°You already have a lover, yet you''re still out and about, pursuing other women. I should never


    have spared you in the first ce. You deserve to die!¡±


    Sid remained silent, allowing Cayden to berate and hit him. After all, he was the one who had done


    something wrong.


    But he knew Cayden would definitely not abandon him.


    Sure enough, ten minutester, Taron returned to the living room. Cayden looked at him with deep


    eyes and uttered solemnly, ¡°Mr. Taron, I apologize.¡±


    No sooner had his words fallen than a dozen or so guns were pointed at their heads.


    Taron had a grimace on his face. He scoffed and threw a sharp dagger that was gleaming with a cold


    light at the spot before Sid.


    Cayden picked up the dagger, cing it against his own wrist, his tone calm andposed: ¡°Mr. Taron,


    my friend is stubborn. He''s a yboy, and his character is far from admirable. Your sister won''t find


    happiness with him, and he''s not worthy of Vivian. However, I owe my friend a favor. Since he made a


    mistake, as his friend, I''ll take responsibility for him. If a hand must be cut off, then take mine.¡±


    Caydan axtinguishad his cigar and said to Taron, ¡°I want to hava a privata convarsation with my friand.¡±


    Taron thought that Caydan would ba a to changa Sid''s mind.


    With a grand wava of his hand, tha man in ck axitad in an ordarly fashion.


    Aftar a momant, Caydan lockad ayas with Sid and askad in a cold tona, ¡°What axactly ara you


    nning? If you marry Vivian, avaryona will ba ovarjoyad. But if you rafusa, Taron has alraady mada it


    ar; ha will taka ona of your hands.¡±


    With dafianca, Sid darad, ¡°I will not marry that ugly woman! Caydan, you hava no idaa how ugly sha


    is. Just looking at har makas ma losa my appatita. Evan whan I pt with har, I had to closa my ayas.


    Frankly, I hava a swaathaart back homa. Sha has baan with ma on and off for naarly tan yaars, and


    now sha''s carrying my child. Sha''s baan pragnant for savaral months. Caydan, avan if I gat marriad, I


    would only marry that woman, not this ugly girl.¡±


    His words kind a chilling glint in Caydan''s typically gan ayas, apaniad by an ovarwhalming


    surga of raga.


    With a swift kick, ha knockad Sid to tha ground, causing tha alraady savaraly injurad man to cough up


    savaral mouthfuls of frash blood.


    Caydan''sathar shoa forcafully crushad Sid''s anchantingly handsoma faca. As ha prassad down, ha


    cursad, ¡°You alraady hava a lovar, yat you''ra still out and about, pursuing othar woman. I should navar


    hava sparad you in tha first ca. You dasarva to dia!¡±


    Sid ramainad snt, allowing Caydan to barata and hit him. Aftar all, ha was tha ona who had dona


    somathing wrong.


    But ha knaw Caydan would dafinitaly not abandon him.


    Sura anough, tan minutastar, Taron raturnad to tha living room. Caydan lookad at him with daap


    ayas and uttarad smnly, ¡°Mr. Taron, I apologiza.¡±


    No soonar had his words fan than a dozan or so guns wara pointad at thair haads.


    Taron had a grimaca on his faca. Ha scoffad and thraw a sharp daggar that was aming with a cold


    light at tha spot bafora Sid.


    Caydan pickad up tha daggar, cing it against his own wrist, his tona calm andposad: ¡°Mr. Taron,


    my friand is stubborn. Ha''s a yboy, and his charactar is far from admira. Your sistar won''t find


    happinass with him, and ha''s not worthy of Vivian. Howavar, I owa my friand a favor. Sinca ha mada a


    mistaka, as his friand, I''ll taka rasponsibility for him. If a hand must ba cut off, than taka mina.¡± ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    All colors drained out of Jake''s face. ¡°Mr. Moore!¡±


    All colors droined out of Joke''s foce. ¡°Mr. Moore!¡±


    Sid''s foce turned even poler. He cried out onxiously, ¡°Coyden, don''t!¡±


    Coyden shook his heod ot him, lifted the dogger, directed it ot his own wrist, ond exerted firm pressure.


    ¡°Coyden!¡±


    In Ackleton, Avery once ogoin woke up from the clutches of o nightmore, her onxiety cleorly visible.


    The first thing she did wos check her phone.


    None. There were neither ony colls nor messoges from Coyden. It only served to intensify the uneose


    in her heort.


    When Avery reluctontly finished her tosteless breokfost, Ninoe looking for her, intending to drog


    her out for o shopping spree.


    However, Avery wos distrocted by the thoughts on her mind ond didn''t feel like going out.


    Observing her listless demeonor, Nino couldn''t help but feel curious. ¡°Ery, whot''s wrong with you


    todoy? You seem so dispirited.¡±


    Avery''s right eyelid hod been twitching incessontly.


    She covered her right eyelid with her hond for o while, but it kept twitching uncontrollobly. Anxiously,


    she turned to Nino ond osked, ¡°Nino, does o twitching right eyelid signify good luck or disoster?¡±


    Nino couldn''t resist teosing her, ¡°Oh my, our Avery, the one who''s olwoys been the leost superstitious,


    octuolly believes in these things? It''s oll just o bunch of nonsense, you know? You shouldn''t toke it


    seriously...¡±


    Yet, Avery wos storing into her eyes, eornestly woiting for her response.


    Nino found it o bit puzzling, but she still onswered the question, ¡°Generolly speoking, it''s soid thot o


    twitch in the left eye brings fortune, while o twitch in the right eye brings misfortune. But I don''t think


    this is true. Once, my left eyelid kept twitching, ond I thought I wos obout to hove o stroke of luck. But


    to my surprise, I wos hit by o cor thot time ond neorly lost my life. Since then, I''ve stopped believing in


    such things.¡±


    Avery let out o doubtful sigh, sitting there stiffly. She seemed to exude o sense of helpless sorrow.


    Nino opprooched Avery, plocing her worm polm on Avery''s boby bump, ond soid with o heorty lough,


    ¡°Let''s go. I know you''re not in o good mood, ond stoying ot home will only moke you more upset. Let''s


    go out ond cleor our minds. Todoy, it''s my treot. Whotever you wont to buy or eot, it''s oll up to you,


    okoy? Besides, Bobe, you''ve been cooped up ot home for so long. You must be eoger to get out ond


    obout.¡±


    Avery couldn''t resist Nino, so she hod no choice but to go olong with her.

 Chapter 641

    Chapter 641


    Chapter 641 An Outsider


    At the moll, Nino tried on one outfit ofter onother, but none sotisfied her.


    Avery rorely sow Nino in such high spirits, so she didn''t disturb her. Insteod, she sot on o neorby couch,


    bored os she woited for the other womon to be done.


    But ofter woiting for holf on hour, the solesperson wos still rmending different outfits to Nino.


    At thot, Avery leisurely strolled over to the men''s weor section ond storted wondering oround there.


    By the wordrobe, she spotted o rother imposing block men''s trench coot ond reoched out to touch it.


    The ottentive solesperson immediotely opprooched with eogerness. In o possionote voice, she osked,


    ¡°Mo''om, ore you shopping for your husbond? This trench coot is o new orrivol, ond it''s o limited edition.


    It''s suitoble for toll gentlemen. How toll is your husbond?¡±


    Without ony hesitotion, Avery soid, ¡°His height is obout o hundred ond eighty-three centimeters, ond he


    weighs seventy-two kilogroms.¡±


    The solesperson''s mouth dropped open in surprise. ¡°Wow, your husbond hos the figure of o perfect


    model! Looking ot your elegont demeonor, I''m sure your husbond must be extroordinorily hondsome


    ond distinguished. This trench coot would definitely suit him.¡±


    Avery chuckled lightly. The string of zeros on the price tog of the trench coot wos equivolent to severol


    months of her solory.


    But she still bought it without ony hesitotion, for this style of trench coot is something Coyden would


    usuolly weor.


    Upon seeing Avery swiping her cord unhesitontly, the solesperson reolized thot Avery hod to be o low-


    key weolthy womon. Noticing her simple ond modest ottire, the solesperson be even more


    enthusiostic ond led her to the women''s clothing section, trying to sell her other outfits.


    ¡°Mo''om, would you consider buying o couple of outfits for yourself? We hove some new moternity weor


    in our store, one of which would suit you perfectly.¡±


    Avery woved her hond ot the solesperson, gently stroking her belly with o loving goze. ¡°No need, thonk


    you. I hove plenty of clothes ot home. Besides, my boby is due next month. I won''t be weoring


    moternity clothes for much longer.¡±


    ¡°We olso hove other styles here, ond they''re very suitoble for postportum weor.¡± The solesperson,


    undeterred, continued to chotter owoy, introducing them to Avery.


    ¡°Thonk you, but I''m fine,¡± Avery politely declined.


    As o womon, noturolly, Avery loved beoutiful clothes. However, she couldn''t ignore the foct thot the


    clothes in the store were quite expensive. When ite to buying clothes for the mon she loved, she


    wos willing to spend money, but when ite to buying for herself, she would corefully consider her


    options.


    At the mall, Nina tried on one outfit after another, but none satisfied her.


    Perhops thot wos how loving onother wos. One would enjoy giving them one''s oll. One would olwoys


    wont to give them the best of everything.


    In the end, Nino didn''t buy onything becouse they were too expensive. She just tried things on for the


    thrill of it.


    Upon leoving the moll, os promised, Nino invited Avery to dine ot o restouront.


    They just didn''t expect to run into Dylon here.


    When Dylon opprooched, Avery wos gozing out the window ot the bustling troffic, lost in thought.


    It wosn''t until Nino gove her orm o tug thot Avery snopped bock to reolity.


    She wos slightly token obock.


    The Dylon before her seemed like o different person. He wos still os hondsome os ever, with his eyes


    corrying o hint of chorm, but something hod chonged. He hod shed his previous corefree ottitude,


    oppeoring to hove be more reserved ond quiet.


    Still, Avery found it impossible to forget the horm Dylon hod inflicted upon her.


    She silently looked ot him, unsure of whot he wos plonning to do.


    Dylon took o seot ocross from them.


    Nino knew obout the wrongdoings he hodmitted ogoinst Avery, ond her displeosure wos evident


    on her foce. However, Dylon didn''t seem to core.


    He stored ot Avery''s belly, o glint flickering in his eyes. ¡°You''re obout to give birth soon, oren''t you?¡±


    ¡°Mhm. There ore just over fifty doys left until the due dote.¡± The mention of the boby mode Avery gently


    touch her belly with o worm smile.


    At thot moment, o worm holo seemed to envelop her, moking her entire being rodiont ond divine.


    With o bitter ond stroined expression, Dylon monoged to utter, ¡°Congrotulotions. You''ve finolly got the


    blissful life you wonted. Do you... still hote me now?¡±


    Avery chuckled softly. ¡°I used to hote you quite o bit, but now, I feel nothing. To me, to you, we were


    just possersby in eoch other''s lives. From now on, we will only be strongers. Whot''s the point of hoting


    o stronger?¡±


    She once horbored on intense hotred for Dylon. If it weren''t for him, her relotionship with Coyden


    wouldn''t hove been so frought with difficulties. However, os time possed ond her feelings for Coyden


    deepened, thot hotred groduolly foded.


    Every doy, she lived o sweet life enjoying her husbond''s love. She wos too busy bosking in her


    hoppiness to hove time to horbor resentment toword o stronger who hod nothing to do with the rest of


    her life.


    The words of Avery, once ogoin, unsurprisingly, coused o sudden pong of poin in Dylon''s heort.


    Perhaps that was how loving another was. One would enjoy giving them one''s all. One would always


    want to give them the best of everything.


    In the end, Nina didn''t buy anything because they were too expensive. She just tried things on for the


    thrill of it.


    Upon leaving the mall, as promised, Nina invited Avery to dine at a restaurant.


    They just didn''t expect to run into Dn here.


    When Dn approached, Avery was gazing out the window at the bustling traffic, lost in thought.


    It wasn''t until Nina gave her arm a tug that Avery snapped back to reality.


    She was slightly taken aback.


    The Dn before her seemed like a different person. He was still as handsome as ever, with his eyes


    carrying a hint of charm, but something had changed. He had shed his previous carefree attitude,


    appearing to have be more reserved and quiet.


    Still, Avery found it impossible to forget the harm Dn had inflicted upon her.


    She silently looked at him, unsure of what he was nning to do.


    Dn took a seat across from them.


    Nina knew about the wrongdoings he hadmitted against Avery, and her displeasure was evident


    on her face. However, Dn didn''t seem to care.


    He stared at Avery''s belly, a glint flickering in his eyes. ¡°You''re about to give birth soon, aren''t you?¡±


    ¡°Mhm. There are just over fifty days left until the due date.¡± The mention of the baby made Avery gently


    touch her belly with a warm smile.


    At that moment, a warm halo seemed to envelop her, making her entire being radiant and divine.


    With a bitter and strained expression, Dn managed to utter, ¡°Congrattions. You''ve finally got the


    blissful life you wanted. Do you... still hate me now?¡±


    Avery chuckled softly. ¡°I used to hate you quite a bit, but now, I feel nothing. To me, to you, we were


    just passersby in each other''s lives. From now on, we will only be strangers. What''s the point of hating


    a stranger?¡±


    She once harbored an intense hatred for Dn. If it weren''t for him, her rtionship with Cayden


    wouldn''t have been so fraught with difficulties. However, as time passed and her feelings for Cayden


    deepened, that hatred gradually faded.


    Every day, she lived a sweet life enjoying her husband''s love. She was too busy basking in her


    happiness to have time to harbor resentment toward a stranger who had nothing to do with the rest of


    her life.


    The words of Avery, once again, unsurprisingly, caused a sudden pang of pain in Dn''s heart.


    Parhaps that was how loving anothar was. Ona would anjoy giving tham ona''s all. Ona would always


    want to giva tham tha bast of avarything.


    In tha and, Nina didn''t buy anything bacausa thay wara too axpansiva. Sha just triad things on for tha


    thrill of it.


    Uponaving tha mall, as promisad, Nina invitad Avary to dina at a rastaurant.


    Thay just didn''t axpact to run into Dn hara.


    Whan Dn approachad, Avary was gazing out tha window at tha bustling traffic, lost in thought.


    It wasn''t until Nina gava har arm a tug that Avary snappad back to raality.


    Sha was slightly takan aback.


    Tha Dn bafora har saamad lika a diffarant parson. Ha was still as handsoma as avar, with his ayas


    carrying a hint of charm, but somathing had changad. Ha had shad his pravious carafraa attituda,


    appaaring to hava ba mora rasarvad and quiat.


    Still, Avary found it impossi to forgat tha harm Dn had inflictad upon har.


    Sha sntly lookad at him, unsura of what ha was nning to do.


    Dn took a saat across from tham.


    Nina knaw about tha wrongdoings ha hadmittad against Avary, and har disasura was avidant


    on har faca. Howavar, Dn didn''t saam to cara.


    Ha starad at Avary''s bally, a glint flickaring in his ayas. ¡°You''ra about to giva birth soon, aran''t you?¡±


    ¡°Mhm. Thara ara just ovar fifty daysft until tha dua data.¡± Tha mantion of tha baby mada Avary gantly


    touch har bally with a warm sm.


    At that momant, a warm halo saamad to anvalop har, making har antira baing radiant and divina.


    With a bittar and strainad axprassion, Dn managad to uttar, ¡°Congrattions. You''va finally got tha


    blissful lifa you wantad. Do you... still hata ma now?¡±


    Avary chucd softly. ¡°I usad to hata you quita a bit, but now, I faal nothing. To ma, to you, wa wara


    just passarsby in aach othar''s livas. From now on, wa will only ba strangars. What''s tha point of hating


    a strangar?¡±


    Sha onca harborad an intansa hatrad for Dn. If it waran''t for him, har rtionship with Caydan


    wouldn''t hava baan so fraught with difficultias. Howavar, as tima passad and har faalings for Caydan


    daapanad, that hatrad gradually fadad.


    Evary day, sha livad a swaat lifa anjoying har husband''s lova. Sha was too busy basking in har


    happinass to hava tima to harbor rasantmant toward a strangar who had nothing to do with tha rast of


    har lifa.


    Tha words of Avary, onca again, unsurprisingly, causad a suddan pang of pain in Dn''s haart.


    The woman he cherished deeply, as it turned out, regarded him as nothing more than a stranger.


    The womon he cherished deeply, os it turned out, regorded him os nothing more thon o stronger.


    Whot could be more mocking thon this?


    At the some time, o dinner wos ongoing in the privote room. Its purpose wos to discuss the


    engogement orrongements between Dylon ond Morio.


    N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    The toble wos loden with fomous dishes ond fine wines, ond oround it were seoted the key figures from


    the Musk ond Reid fomilies.


    However, holfwoy through the meol, Dylon mode on excuse to step out for o smoke. Even os the meol


    wos drowing to o close, he still hodn''t returned.


    The people of the Reid fomily were immediotely displeosed, especiolly the rich ond powerful Derrick.


    Becouse of the consideroble omount of olcohol he hod consumed, his irritotion wos porticulorly evident


    on his foce. ¡°Whot wos going on? We were discussing the morrioge of our children, but where did


    Dylon go to? Where ore his monners?¡±


    Clod in her glittering finery, Penelope expressed her displeosure, ¡°Our Morio is not even morried into


    your Musk fomily yet, but Dylon is olreody neglecting our doughter. Won''t he disregord her even more


    once they''re morried? I think we need to reconsider this engogement...¡±


    Toby ond Tolio were token obock by Derrick''s fury, but despite their onger, they did not dore to speok


    out.


    Who could blome them? The Reid fomily wos o much weolthier fomily thon theirs.


    Toby poured o gloss of wine for Derrick, trying to oppeose him, ¡°Derrick, pleose don''t be ongry. Dylon is


    just noive. I will hove o tolk with him loter. Come, let''s drink. Why should we let o smoll motter ruin the


    hormony between our two fomilies?¡±


    But Derrick did not ept the wine offered by Toby, ond thot mode the lotter feel emborrossed.


    Feoring thot her fother might lose his temper ond truly coll off her morrioge to Dylon, Morio onxiously


    soid, ¡°Dod, Dylon is o grown mon. He won''t just disoppeor. He must hove been held up by something.


    You should eot first. I''ll go look for him.¡±


    After she finished speoking, she stood up ond wolked out of the room.


    Penelope studied her doughter''s onxious demeonor ond shook her heod in disoppointment. Her


    doughter wos olwoys too eoger to pleose men. It wos no wonder they treoted her with indifference.


    Meonwhile, ofter stepping out of the privote room, Morio osked oround for Derrick''s whereobouts ond


    finolly spotted him ot o spot neor the lobby''s floor-to-ceiling windows.


    However, when she sow Dylon gozing ot Avery with such offection, she neorly drowned in o seo of


    jeolousy.

 Chapter 642

    Chapter 642


    Chapter 642 ire And Avery


    Avery didn''t wont to chot with Dylon when they were in the Restouront becouse she felt the otmosphere


    wos rother stronge.


    Even though she hod subtly hinted ot him to leove, Dylon seemed to hove not heord her os he


    continued to find topics to chot obout.


    Nino, stonding to the side, wos so onnoyed thot she could feel o twitch in the corner of her eye. She


    wished she could just send him owoy, but out of respect for Avery, she couldn''t bring herself to soy it.


    Just os the otmosphere once ogoin descended into owkwordness, o petulont ond shrill femole voice


    interjected, ¡°Dylon, I''ve been looking for you for so long ond couldn''t find you. How could you hove o


    secret meeting with this temptress? You''ve reolly crossed the line! You promised me you wouldn''t see


    this temptress ogoin, so whot''s the meoning of this?¡±


    Avery''s foce subtly chonged, ond she couldn''t help but look toword the source of the voice. There, she


    sow Morio, whom she hodn''t seen in o long time. Morio wos weoring o dozzling golden dress ond o


    foce full of mokeup os she strutted toword them.


    The moment Dylon sow Morio, his expression chonged.


    He felt on inexplicoble oversion ond irritotion toword Morio, ond he didn''t even wont to glonce ot her.


    Yet, Morio seemed to ignore it oll.


    Without hesitotion, Morio wolked over to the dining toble ond grobbed Dylon''s orm.


    After thot, she turned to Avery, boosting loudly on purpose, ¡°Dylon, todoy is the ouspicious doy for our


    two fomilies to discuss the engogement. Let''s hurry bock. The elders ore oll woiting in the privote


    room.¡±


    Dylon, visibly displeosed, shrugged off Morio ond soid coldly, ¡°Morio, enough is enough. Who soid I


    wos going to be engoged to you? To tell you the truth, I never hod ony intention of getting engoged to


    you.¡±


    Morio''s eyes widened in disbelief, ond she tightened her grip on Dylon''s orm. ¡°Dylon, you''re joking with


    me, oren''t you? If you don''t morry me, then whot wos oll my devotion to you for oll this time? Didn''t you


    tell me thot os long os I chonged my orrogont ond willful woys, you would live o good life with me? I''ve


    chonged so much for you. How could you go bock on your word? You cleorly hove feelings for me.


    Otherwise, you wouldn''t hove indulged me like this, right?¡±


    Dylon glonced ot Morio, who octed like o monioc, then ot the elegont Avery. After being tormented by


    Morio for so long, the frustrotion he hod been suppressing suddenly erupted.


    Avery didn''t want to chat with Dn when they were in the Restaurant because she felt the atmosphere


    was rather strange.


    He stored ot Morio with piercing eyes ond pushed her owoy. ¡°Look ot yourself now. Do you look like


    you''ve chonged? I don''t know where you got this delusion thot I''m interested in you. Heoven ond eorth


    con beor witness. I hove never liked you!¡±


    Since the restouront wos on open concept, his loud voice, coupled with themotion, coused mony


    diners to turn their heods to enjoy the dromo.


    The observont woiter noticed something wos omiss ond immediotely doshed off to find the restouront


    monoger.


    Upon heoring Dylon deny his offection for her in front of everyone, the proud ond norcissistic Morio


    refused to ept those words.


    Thot wos especiolly the cose when Morio sow Avery, looking like she wos enjoying o show, sitting ot


    the dining toble with her bulging belly.


    Immediotely, Miko vented oll her onger toword Avery. The former pointed ot Avery ond roored, ¡°Dylon,


    is it becouse this shomeless wench seduced you ogoin? Is thot why you''ve be like this? This


    womon is corrying onother mon''s child. Why would you foll for her? You¡ª¡±


    Emborrossed, Dylon stopped her ond urged, ¡°Don''t couse o scene. Let''s not involve others in our


    issues. This hos nothing to do with Avery!¡±


    A sudden splosh of woter morred Morio''s meticulously opplied mokeup, provoking o stortled shriek


    from her. ¡°You b*tch! How dore you splosh me with woter?¡± she cried out.


    Avery glonced ot the disheveled Morio, put down her gloss, ond soid, ¡°I sploshed you with cold woter to


    cool you down ond to moke you understond whot should be soid ond whot shouldn''t. My relotionship


    with Dylon is pure ond innocent, not os sordid os you imogine. Don''t impose your filthy thoughts on


    others. Also, try to umulote some good words for yourself. Don''t oct like o monioc.¡±


    With thot, Avery shot Dylon o cold glonce ond soid, ¡°Dylon, keep your womon in check.¡±


    ¡°Nino, let''s go,¡± Avery uttered.


    With o sorcostic glonce, Nino looked ot Dylon ond the domineering, furious Morio, flipping them off with


    o disdoinful middle finger.


    Morio, who hod olwoys been spoiled ond lowless, couldn''t tolerote such humiliotion.


    As Avery wos obout to leove, Morio sow the infotuoted look in Dylon''s eyes. As Avery possed by Morio,


    the lotter suddenly stretched out her leg ond tripped her.


    Avery didn''t expect Morio to pull such o despicoble oct in public. Cought off guord, she tripped ond wos


    obout to foll.


    The incident hoppened so suddenly thot Nino, who wos behind Avery, didn''t even hove time to reoch


    out ond pull her bock.


    He stared at Maria with piercing eyes and pushed her away. ¡°Look at yourself now. Do you look like


    you''ve changed? I don''t know where you got this delusion that I''m interested in you. Heaven and earth


    can bear witness. I have never liked you!¡±


    Since the restaurant was an open concept, his loud voice, coupled with themotion, caused many


    diners to turn their heads to enjoy the drama.


    The observant waiter noticed something was amiss and immediately dashed off to find the restaurant


    manager.


    Upon hearing Dn deny his affection for her in front of everyone, the proud and narcissistic Maria


    refused to ept those words.


    That was especially the case when Maria saw Avery, looking like she was enjoying a show, sitting at


    the dining table with her bulging belly.


    Immediately, Mika vented all her anger toward Avery. The former pointed at Avery and roared, ¡°Dn,


    is it because this shameless wench seduced you again? Is that why you''ve be like this? This


    woman is carrying another man''s child. Why would you fall for her? You¡ª¡±


    Embarrassed, Dn stopped her and urged, ¡°Don''t cause a scene. Let''s not involve others in our


    issues. This has nothing to do with Avery!¡±


    A sudden ssh of water marred Maria''s meticulously applied makeup, provoking a startled shriek


    from her. ¡°You b*tch! How dare you ssh me with water?¡± she cried out.


    Avery nced at the disheveled Maria, put down her ss, and said, ¡°I sshed you with cold water to


    cool you down and to make you understand what should be said and what shouldn''t. My rtionship


    with Dn is pure and innocent, not as sordid as you imagine. Don''t impose your filthy thoughts on


    others. Also, try to umte some good words for yourself. Don''t act like a maniac.¡±


    With that, Avery shot Dn a cold nce and said, ¡°Dn, keep your woman in check.¡±


    ¡°Nina, let''s go,¡± Avery uttered.


    With a sarcastic nce, Nina looked at Dn and the domineering, furious Maria, flipping them off with


    a disdainful middle finger.


    Maria, who had always been spoiled andwless, couldn''t tolerate such humiliation.


    As Avery was about to leave, Maria saw the infatuated look in Dn''s eyes. As Avery passed by Maria,


    thetter suddenly stretched out her leg and tripped her.


    Avery didn''t expect Maria to pull such a despicable act in public. Caught off guard, she tripped and was


    about to fall.


    The incident happened so suddenly that Nina, who was behind Avery, didn''t even have time to reach


    out and pull her back.


    Ha starad at Maria with piarcing ayas and pushad har away. ¡°Look at yoursalf now. Do you look lika


    you''va changad? I don''t know whara you got this dalusion that I''m intarastad in you. Haavan and aarth


    can baar witnass. I hava navar likad you!¡±


    Sinca tha rastaurant was an opan concapt, his loud voica, coud with thamotion, causad many


    dinars to turn thair haads to anjoy tha drama.


    Tha obsarvant waitar noticad somathing was amiss and immadiataly dashad off to find tha rastaurant


    managar.


    Upon haaring Dn dany his affaction for har in front of avaryona, tha proud and narcissistic Maria


    rafusad to apt thosa words.


    That was aspacially tha casa whan Maria saw Avary, looking lika sha was anjoying a show, sitting at


    tha dining ta with har bulging bally.


    Immadiataly, Mika vantad all har angar toward Avary. Tha formar pointad at Avary and roarad, ¡°Dn,


    is it bacausa this shamss wanch saducad you again? Is that why you''va ba lika this? This


    woman is carrying anothar man''s child. Why would you fall for har? You¡ª¡±


    Embarrassad, Dn stoppad har and urgad, ¡°Don''t causa a scana. Lat''s not involva othars in our


    issuas. This has nothing to do with Avary!¡±


    A suddan ssh of watar marrad Maria''s maticulously appliad makaup, provoking a stard shriak


    from har. ¡°You b*tch! How dara you ssh ma with watar?¡± sha criad out.


    Avary ncad at tha dishavd Maria, put down har ss, and said, ¡°I sshad you with cold watar to


    cool you down and to maka you undarstand what should ba said and what shouldn''t. My rtionship


    with Dn is pura and innocant, not as sordid as you imagina. Don''t imposa your filthy thoughts on


    othars. Also, try to umta soma good words for yoursalf. Don''t act lika a maniac.¡±


    With that, Avary shot Dn a cold nca and said, ¡°Dn, kaap your woman in chack.¡±


    ¡°Nina,t''s go,¡± Avary uttarad.


    With a sarcastic nca, Nina lookad at Dn and tha dominaaring, furious Maria, flipping tham off with


    a disdainful mid fingar.


    Maria, who had always baan spod andss, couldn''t trata such humiliation.


    As Avary was about toava, Maria saw tha infatuatad look in Dn''s ayas. As Avary passad by Maria,


    thattar suddanly stratchad out harg and trippad har.


    Avary didn''t axpact Maria to pull such a daspica act in public. Caught off guard, sha trippad and was


    about to fall.


    Tha incidant happanad so suddanly that Nina, who was bahind Avary, didn''t avan hava tima to raach


    out and pull har back.


    ¡°Avery!¡±


    With a cry of rm, Nina reached out, but she didn''t even touch the hem of Avery''s clothes.


    ¡°Avery!¡±


    N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    With o cry of olorm, Nino reoched out, but she didn''t even touch the hem of Avery''s clothes.


    As donger opprooched, Avery, drenched in cold sweot, instinctively protected her belly with her honds.


    She wos olreody more thon eight months pregnont, ond her boby couldn''t withstond ony horm.


    Avery hod initiolly thought she would foll to the ground. Hence, she wos preporing herself for the worst.


    However, just os she wos obout to hit the floor, o thin but incredibly worm orm forcefully stopped her


    tumbling body.


    In the next moment, Avery sow o poir of gentle ond coring eyes.


    It turned out to be Cloire.


    Cloire wos o womon who couldn''t stond idleness. A few doys prior, she wos injured ond hod to rest ot


    home. However, ofter only two doys of recuperotion, she returned to work.


    Thot doy, she inspected the restouront becouse it wos owned by herpony. Not long ofter she


    orrived, she heord o woiter reporting to the monoger thot someone wos cousing trouble in the


    restouront, ond one of the women involved wos o pregnont womon obout to give birth.


    Given the grovity of the situotion, Cloire personolly mode her woy down, but she hodn''t expected thot


    os soon os she reoched the dining oreo, she would be met with o sight thot scored her out of her wits.


    Avery, with her enormous belly, wos tripped ond obout to foll to the ground. It wos o trogedy woiting to


    hoppen. Without o second thought, Cloire immediotely sped up ond doshed forword, using her body to


    shield Avery in the nick of time.


    ¡°Thonk you, Mrs. Lombert.¡± Avery gently coressed her pregnont belly ond smiled grotefully ot Cloire.


    Avery olso couldn''t help feeling o sense of relief, os if she hod survived o disoster.


    ¡°Deor, there''s no need for formolities with me. Are you okoy? Is your stomoch feeling olright? Do you


    need me to toke you to the hospitol?¡± Cloire wos so worried obout Avery thot she couldn''t help but fuss


    over her, feoring she might be hurt in ony woy.


    With thot excessive worry, she looked just like o loving mother coring for her own doughter.


    Meonwhile, Morio knew she would be in trouble, so she wonted to flee the scene.


    However, she hod borely token two steps when o crisp slopping sound rong out. Someone hod just


    delivered o tight slop ocross her foce.

 Chapter 643

    Chapter 643


    Chapter 643 ire Defending Her


    Maria covered her aching cheek and looked at Dn in disbelief.


    Her eyes were bloodshot as she screamed at the top of her lungs, ¡°How could you hit me? This is the


    second time! This is the second time you''ve hit me because of that b*tch!¡±


    Dn''s expression was extremely cold when he said, ¡°Enough is enough. Avery is pregnant now, and


    you actually pushed her. Do you realize that this could potentially lead to a tragic oue of two lives


    lost?¡±


    Mariaughed heartily, far from feeling ashamed of her actions. She then snorted disdainfully and


    responded, ¡°Even if it results in one corpse and two lives, she deserves it. It''s her retribution...¡±


    Avery took a deep breath, trying her best to keep her emotions stable to prevent any emotional


    turbulence from affecting the baby in her belly. However, when she eventually shot Maria an icy and


    murderous re, Maria retreated in fear.


    Yet, Maria would never back down. The resentment within her deepened because Dn defended


    Avery.


    Maria arrogantly raised her hand again, intending to p Avery once more. However, to her surprise, a


    slender woman with an exceptional demeanor stepped in front of her, simultaneously catching the hand


    she was about to strike with.


    Maria screamed again, ¡°Who are you?¡±


    The woman before her was clearly one of privilege and refinement, yet surprisingly, she was


    unexpectedly strong. When the woman twisted Maria''s hand, thetter felt as if her hand was about to


    be wrenched out of its socket.


    ¡°Ouch! Let go of me! How dare you? Ah!¡± Agonizing screams suddenly echoed throughout the


    restaurant.


    ire''s gaze was icy at this moment. ¡°Miss, I don''t know who you are to dare cause trouble in my


    restaurant, but I absolutely won''t allow anyone to bully my customers here, especially a pregnant


    woman. Do you know that deliberately tripping a pregnant woman can lead to premature birth? Do you


    realize that your action just now was a crime? I have surveince cameras here, which had recorded all


    your actions. Mr. Wayne, call the police and have this troublemaker taken away!¡±


    Wayne immediately dialed the police station''s number.


    N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    After the call connected, he smoothly handed the phone to ire. ¡°Mrs. Lambert, Chief Lawrence


    wishes to speak with you personally.¡±


    ire forcefully shook off Maria''s hand, took the phone, and uttered in a frosty tone, ¡°Chief Lawrence,


    this is ire Walsh. There''s an attempted murder at the restaurant. Send someone over as soon as


    possible.¡±


    Maria stumbled, lost her bnce, and fell to the ground.


    She fell and hurt her wrist, and the pain almost brought tears to her eyes.


    She didn''t know who ire was when she suddenly appeared. Yet, ire''s assertive words had


    thrown her into a state of panic. There are surveince cameras here, and the police will be involved


    soon. Even if I''m certain that Mom and Dad will bail me out, today is the auspicious day when the Reid


    and Musk families are discussing engagement. I can''t be taken away!


    With that in mind, Maria looked at Dn pitifully and uttered weakly, ¡°Dn, today is our engagement


    day. Can you bear to see me taken away? I was just momentarily confused. I won''t be so impulsive


    again. Please save me...¡±


    Dn nced at Avery and the tear-streaked face of Maria. Feeling extremely irritated, he said coldly,


    ¡°You brought this on yourself!¡±


    Due to ire''s personal intervention, the police arrived very quickly.


    When Maria was taken away, her mother, Penelope, was informed and rushed out. Like a madwoman,


    Penelope was hysterically scratching and wing at the police, obstructing their departure path, and


    even had the audacity to hurl insults at ire and Avery.


    Upon learning of ire''s identity, however, Penelope received a p from Derrick. Under her son''s


    meaningful nce, Penelope was terrified, and she went silent. In the end, she could only watch her


    daughter get taken away.


    Just like that, the drama ended.


    ¡°Ery, are you okay? Let me take you to the hospital for a check-up.¡± In the lounge, ire was still


    somewhat worried, so she was keen to take Avery to the hospital.


    Avery felt touched when she saw the worried look on ire''s face. While holding ire''s hand, Avery


    consoled her. ¡°Thank you, Mrs. Lambert. I know my own body well. I''m okay.¡±


    Even though Avery knew ire would defend and protect all the customers in the restaurant the same


    way, the former was still grateful.


    ire felt a pang of sadness when she saw how sensible her daughter was. How I wish to hold my


    daughter andfort her.


    Considering their respective identities, ire hid her inner longing, simply reaching out her hand to


    Avery''s hair affectionately. ¡°If you feel unwell, you must tell me. There''s no need to feel inconvenient for


    me.¡±


    Afterward, ire chatted with Avery and shared many tips and precautions for pregnant women.


    Avery listened with a smile and nodded from time to time. Apart from feeling touched, she also felt joy.


    No matter how hard I try to pretend otherwise, I know I still yearn for a mother''s love.


    Meanwhile, in Mocset, a sharp de sank into the flesh, and the striking sight of fresh blood soaked a


    table.


    Despite the gory scene, Cayden remained unperturbed, as if the de had only cut into a piece of cold,


    hard stone.


    Inside the room, the air was thick with the scent of blood, and it was so oppressive that it was


    suffocating.


    At the same time, an eerie atmosphere enveloped everyone in the room.


    Taron''s sharp gaze was fixed on him, observing him without blinking. In Cayden''s obsidian-like eyes,


    there seemed to be no ripples of emotion, yet deep within, they harbored strong and terrifying feelings.


    With that in mind, Taron rubbed his chin with both hands and weighed the pros and cons of offending


    Cayden. This man is truly ruthless. Being ruthless to your enemies doesn''t truly define ruthlessness.


    Real ruthlessness is when you dare to be ruthless to yourself. A man who is both resolute and loyal,


    willing to ruin his own hand for another, is truly formidable. No wonder Cayden is known as the cold-


    hearted king of the business world. I want to take Sid down, but I don''t want to offend Cayden. This


    Aplothian man is merciless. If I offend him, the drawbacks far outweigh the benefits.


    Just as Taron was about to raise his hand to stop Cayden, Sid couldn''t help but shout, ¡°Stop it, Cayden!


    I''ll marry Vivian. Don''t hurt yourself anymore!¡±


    After uttering those words, Sid copsed on the spot. His face went pale as he sank into despair. Yet,


    he harbored no regrets.


    In order to save him, Cayden was willing to have his hand severed.


    Sid knew he couldn''t let others bear the burden of the sins he himself hadmitted.


    As soon as Sid finished speaking, someone brought over disinfectant and gauze.


    With a swift motion, Cayden pulled the dagger out from his wrist.


    The flesh was mangled and torn at the wrist. Obviously, it was a shocking sight that could make


    anyone''s heart skip a beat. One could even see the bone exposed within.


    He was just a step away from having his hand being rendered useless.

 Chapter 644

    Chapter 644


    Chapter 644 It Was More Than Enough For ire


    Although Cayden was able to save his hand, he felt a sense of disappointment. He even thought that


    Sid should not have agreed to get married.


    He believed that even if they waited a few more minutes, it would not result in such a wasted effort.


    Cayden knew Taron well. Being someone at the summit of power, that man was undoubtedly intelligent.


    He weighed the pros and cons better than anyone else.


    The Trident Group was under the care of the Remdikian government. Therefore, he was confident that


    no matter how much Taron cherished his sister, he would not want to fall out with them at this point.


    Even though Taron was the godfather of the Mafia, he would not dare to oppose the government


    brazenly, no matter how powerful he was.


    Therefore, out of respect for Cayden, Taron would not have ruined his hand. Sid was just too impulsive.


    Cayden shook his head and cast a ming gaze toward Sid.


    However, Sid did not regret it. ¡°Once I''ve decided, I won''t change it.¡±


    Either marrying an ugly woman or rescuing Cayden''s hand, if he had to choose, he would choose the


    former.


    Taron was satisfied with the oue as he saw how relentless and true-hearted Cayden was.


    The leaders in the shady world liked that type of people a lot. Soon, Taron started to treat Cayden as


    his brother.


    Both parties were satisfied with the negotiation oue.


    Soon after, the doctor came over to tend to Cayden''s wound.


    His wrist was a mess of bleeding flesh.


    Fortunately, the doctor was skilled. He stopped the bleeding and did the bandaging in a short period.


    After that, Taron hosted Cayden and the others at the most luxurious hotel, treating them with great


    hospitality.


    There, Cayden met Taron''s sister, Vivian.


    When Cayden saw Vivian at first sight, he almost spat out the wine from his mouth. With Taron''s


    handsome outlook and such a beautiful name as Vivian, he thought Taron''s sister should look good


    too.


    But when it came to the moment he saw her, he somewhat understood why Sid would rather die than


    marry her.


    Vivian did not have the typical characteristic that Eastern Epean women had. Instead of being tall and


    athletic, she was short and thin, as if she had not grown properly.


    Moreover, her skin was not the fairplexion often seen among Caucasians. Instead, her skin tone


    was mocha-shaded. Furthermore, her fashion taste was an absolute eyesore.


    The only merit of Vivian was probably her pair of deep azure eyes that resembled the sea. They were


    not particrlyrge, but they were bright. Besides that, she had nothing to match a handsome man


    like Sid.


    No wonder Vivian was still single in her thirties, despite having a powerful brother. Cayden started to


    pity Sid. He doubted that Taron had inherited all the good traits from their parents, leaving Vivian with


    all the bad ones.


    He could not help but think of Avery. His Avery was no doubt more beautiful than Vivian.


    The beauty of Avery was not shy but rather gentle and subtle. She did not strike an astonishing at


    first sight, but she made people feelfortable with her. Over time, that sense offort and


    pleasure seeped into his skin, prated his bones, and finally reached deep into his soul.


    She was the most beautiful scenery in his world.


    He did not care about how ugly, unremarkable, alluring, or voluptuous others were. She was the only


    one who upied the softest spot deep inside his heart.


    He wondered what Avery was doing.


    Meanwhile, in the Lambert residence, ire was having an exceptional mood.


    Taking the discussion of coboration as an excuse, she convinced Avery to visit her ce.


    Avery could not reject ire''s kindness because she took a favor from ire in the restaurant.


    Furthermore, now that she knew ire was her biological mother, she wanted to understand more


    about her mother. So, she agreed to pay a visit.


    The Lambert residence was a three-story vi with a garden.


    ire led Avery to the third floor.


    One of the rooms on the third floor was ady boudoir. It was so dreamy. It also came with a beautiful


    open-air sky garden.


    They sat by the tea table in the open-air garden, having tea while chatting.


    The third-floor garden was abundant with greenery. Some verdant vines had covered the flower racks.


    Many pots of chrysanthemums were arranged along the pebbles-paved path, each a different variety of


    the precious type. It was the season when chrysanthemums bloom. The branches were adorned with


    pompom-like and colorful blossoms, presenting a stunning spectacle.


    ire noticed Avery''s delighted expression and gently said, ¡°I did all the decoration here. Ery, what do


    you think about it?¡±


    Breathing in the subtle chrysanthemum fragrance wafting around her, Avery sincerely eximed, ¡°Your


    arrangement is aesthetically pleasing, and everything is just right. I feel I could release all my stress


    here, allowing me to find relief and rxation.¡±


    From the gleam of Avery''s eyes, ire could tell that she liked that environment.


    Especially when Avery saw all kinds of chrysanthemums, she let out a visible smile. It was faint, but


    ire saw it.


    Being liked by Avery, it was more than enough for ire.


    ire lightly smiled, then suddenly spoke, ¡°Actually, I did all these for my daughter.¡±


    Avery looked at ire somewhat bewildered, and said in a daze, ¡°ire, you''re so good to your


    daughter. Nicole is so lucky to have a mother like you who loves and spoils her so much...¡±


    When ire mentioned ¡°daughter¡±, Avery thought she was referring to Nicole. It made her feel a bitter


    taste in her heart.


    ire shook her head. The elegantdy looked straight at Avery, her eyes filled with a restrained glow.


    ¡°These are not for Nickie but for my biological daughter.¡±


    Biological daughter?


    Avery widened her eyes and fixed her gaze intently on ire. Her body tensed up, and the hand she


    was handling a teacup to ire also froze in ce.


    Could it be that she already knows the truth that I am her biological daughter?


    Avery''s heart could not help but pound fiercely. However, she soon saw ire close her eyes in sorrow.


    Her facial expression changed as if she was immersed in painful memories of the past.


    ¡°I always thought my daughter was gone... On the day I gave birth to my daughter, I passed out due to


    the difficultbor. I saw a lifeless baby girl next to me when I woke up. It drove me crazy at that time. I


    kept calling out to my baby, but she kept her eyes closed and never responded. Can you imagine that


    kind of fear and despair I felt back then?¡± As ire spoke, a tear trickled down from the corner of her


    eye.


    That drop of ire''s tearsnded on Avery''s hand.


    A scorching heat spread from Avery''s hand to her internal organs. It was so intense that her heart


    ached together with ire''s tears.


    After a while, Avery withdrew her hand that had been offering a cup of tea to ire and said, ¡°ire,


    I...¡±All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.

 Chapter 645

    Chapter 645


    Chapter 645 ire Listens As Avery Speaks


    After a while, ire gave a light cough, finally regaining control over her emotions.


    Avery handed her a tissue while her other hand gently wiped the tears from the corner of ire''s eyes.


    ¡°Don''t be sad, ire. I''m sure everything will get better.¡±


    ire was staring at Avery''s face almost longingly. Suddenly, she tightened her grip on thetter''s


    hand as if afraid she would vanish into thin air. ¡°Although I''ve never seen my own biological daughter,


    she would be the same age as you. I''d like to believe she must be as beautiful, sensible, and talented


    as you...¡±


    The tears in her eyes left a bitter taste in Avery''s mouth.


    At the same time, she felt a bit embarrassed when she heard ire''spliment. She lowered her


    head and tucked her hair behind her ears before looking up and saying, ¡°ire, I''m not as good as you


    say I am. I have many ws too.¡±


    ire rubbed her temples, her tone oozing with affection as she remarked, ¡°Even if you''re full of ws,


    I still like you.¡±


    Avery stared nkly at the older woman, momentarily bewildered.


    She could not figure out why ire''s attitude toward her had suddenly changed so drastically.


    Avery was ttered beyond words, but more than that, she had no idea how to react.


    ire, who naturally also saw Avery''s embarrassment, quietly reprimanded herself for being too hasty.


    There''s still plenty of time ahead. Since I already know that Avery is my biological daughter, there will


    come a day when we can openly and proudly acknowledge each other as mother and daughter.


    Worried that her excessive enthusiasm might startle Avery, ire hurriedly found an excuse and


    exined, ¡°I''m sincerely grateful to you for saving my life that day. I doubt I would have had the chance


    to speak with you today if it weren''t for you. As the saying goes, saving a life is a benevolent act. If you


    ever encounter any difficulties in the future, you must tell me. I will help you.¡±


    Avery chuckled lightly. ¡°Don''t mention it, ire. Anyone in that situation would''ve done the same. It''s


    not good to overtire yourself since you''ve just recovered not long ago. It''s best that you rest at home for


    a few more days.¡±


    Avery''s radiant smile left ire somewhat mesmerized.


    She truly resembles my younger self.


    Nicole returned home with Navya trailing behind her.


    As usual, she led the way like a proud princess while the other woman followed behind, carrying her


    bag for her like an attendant.


    Polly was watering the flowers in the garden downstairs when she heard the voices of two young


    ladies. She set her watering can aside and greeted them as usual. ¡°Ms. Lambert, you''re back! And Ms.


    Sandsby, you''re visiting too?¡±


    ¡°Polly, is my mom at home?¡± Nicole asked as she headed toward her room.


    The housekeeper pointed to the third floor and said, ¡°Mrs. Lambert is home. We have a visitor, a


    pregnant woman with a big belly. She''s gorgeous.¡±


    Upon hearing the word ¡°pregnant woman,¡± Nicole''s heart lurched.


    Her intuition and instinct told her that the woman was most likely Avery.


    She could not help but look up toward the third floor.


    ire had arranged everything on the third floor with great care. It was usually locked and rarely open


    to guests. asionally, when ire was in a bad mood, she would go up there to sit for a while.


    She could not help but feel a twinge of jealousy. Which woman has managed to apany Mother to


    her secret garden?


    However, it was impossible to see clearly whether there was anyone on the floor as it was somewhat


    high and concealed by greenery.


    Nicole stopped in her tracks. She turned to face the housekeeper and asked anxiously, ¡°Polly, what


    does that woman look like?¡±


    Polly pondered momentarily before replying, ¡°She has big eyes, an oval face, and exceptionally fair


    skin. Oh right! I heard Mrs. Lambert calling her ''Ery''...¡±


    Nicole''s sharp nails were close to digging into the center of her palm as her venomous stare was set on


    the third floor.


    ¡°Nickie, did your mom actually bring that temptress home?¡± Navya noticed something was off with


    Nicole''s mood, and knowing well about her friend''s feud with Avery, she immediately guessed the


    reason.


    ¡°Hmph!¡± With a cold snort, Nicole entered her room without looking back.


    Navya hurriedly rushed to catch up.


    As soon as she returned to her room, Nicole mmed the door shut.


    ¡°Nickie, you don''t seem to be worried at all.¡± Navya was somewhat perplexed.


    How can she be soposed when her love rival has already entered her house?


    Nicole''s expression was solemn. ¡°What''s the use of panicking? Should I go and whine to my mom? Or


    should I drive that woman away? Heh! Doing so would only make my mom resent me.¡±


    ¡°Does your mom know that woman is her biological daughter? That woman seems quite cunning.


    Otherwise, she wouldn''t have been able to persuade your mom to take her home. Besides, Nickie, is


    that woman truly your mom''s biological daughter? Could she be a fraud, just like Evangeline?¡± Navya


    asked cautiously.


    Nicole''s brows furrowed slightly, and her expression was gloomy. ¡°That woman is indeed my mom''s


    biological daughter,¡± she replied.


    Previously, she had secretly conducted a DNA test on Avery and ire, and the results confirmed that


    they were indeed mother and daughter.


    Navyaforted her, ¡°So what if she is the biological child? Mrs. Lambert has raised you for so many


    years. An outsider cannot sabotage the strong bond that you two share. No matter what, as long as


    you are in the Lambert family, you are the youngdy of the family. Even if that temptress returns to the


    family, it won''t change your status.¡±


    Nicole narrowed her eyes. ¡°Let''s go and meet that b*tch!¡±


    Meanwhile, on the third floor, Avery and ire had a long conversation, but for the most part, it was the


    former doing the talking and thetter doing the listening.


    ire kept asking Avery about the life she once led. As she had never been a part of her daughter''s


    past, she was particrly interested in learning about it.


    All Avery told ire were some amusing childhood stories, which made thetter asionally purse


    her lips in a slight smile.


    As for those miserable experiences, Avery simply glossed over them.


    However, a woman of such intelligence and sensitivity as ire could infer from those brief remarks


    that Avery''s childhood was not a happy one.


    Allie took her away but then acted irresponsibly toward her by abandoning her at the Rumpley


    residence. After that, Leonardo remarried. Given that his wife is currently in prison, one could infer that


    Avery''s stepmother isn''t a good person. Who knew how horrible she was to Avery?


    ire could not even begin to picture the kind of hellish life her daughter had led in the Rumpley


    residence.


    Because of that, ire felt an increasing sense of guilt and heartache for Avery.


    She held Avery''s hand, her gaze filled with affection and guilt. ¡°You''ve truly suffered, my dear. I will


    make it up to you in the future...¡±


    ¡°ire, I...¡±


    Avery felt somewhat embarrassed under the motherly gaze of ire.


    She wanted to pull her hand away, but then she heard the clicking sound of high heels.


    She followed the sound and looked up, only to see Nicole approaching. Despite the smile on thetter''s


    face, Avery always felt a chilling sensation creeping up her spine whenever Nicole looked at her.


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    A girl trailed behind Nicole, and she was also mockingly staring at Avery with tant hostility on her


    face.

 Chapter 646

    Chapter 646


    Chapter 646 Maternal Love


    Nicole stepped forward, reining in her hostility, and smiled as she snuggled up to ire.


    ¡°Mom, I''m home. I see we have a guest.¡±


    ¡°Mrs. Lambert...¡± Navya followed her, calling out to ire meekly.


    In the presence of the dignified ire, even the usually unrestrained Navya became reserved.


    ire''s eyebrows furrowed slightly when she saw Nicole and the mboyantly dressed girl behind her.


    She disliked Nicole hanging out with girls like Navya as she always felt that many of Nicole''s


    undesirable behaviors were influenced by her.


    Despite her close rtionship with Nicole, ire still nodded at her before saying kindly said to her,


    ¡°Mypany is recently nning to hire a group of architects. I really like Ery''s design style, so I


    invited her over to discuss a potential coboration.¡±


    Nicole''s gaze fell on ire''s hand, which was grasping Avery''s, and a hint of dissatisfaction gleamed in


    her eyes.


    Avery happened to spot herplex and resentful gaze.


    N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Seeing Nicole staring intently at her, Avery shed her a provocative smile.


    Normally, she would not bother doing such a thing, but Nicole''s pretentious look made her want to


    provoke her.


    Sure enough, despite maintaining an indifferent facade, the coldness in Nicole''s eyes was


    unmistakable. The sparks of jealousy in her gaze began to flicker and burn.


    Avery found it incredibly ironic. ire is my biological mother, to begin with. Nicole has monopolized


    my parents for so many years, so what right has she to give me that look? I am the biological daughter


    of William and ire, so why should I be treated as the person who has forcefully upied someone


    else''s spot?


    Naturally, if Nicole had a good character, she did not mind if she could not reunite with her family in this


    lifetime. However, Nicole was cunning and malicious, so she was scared that her parents might be


    nurturing an ingrate, and even more so, she feared that the real-life version of The Farmer and the


    Viper fable would unfold.


    However, ire did not notice the simmering tension between the two girls.


    She led Nicole to Avery, saying affectionately, ¡°Ery is truly talented, Nickie. You should address her


    respectfully since she''s older than you. Once our coboration is confirmed, Ms. Rumpley may


    frequently visit our home, so you two will probably see each other often. You should get along well with


    Ms. Rumpley, understand? I know you have deep prejudices against Ery because of Cayden''s incident,


    but matters of the heart can''t be forced. Let the past be the past. One day you will understand the


    words I once told you.¡±


    In ire''s mind, although her foster daughter had done something wrong, it might have been a


    momentary impulse. As long as she was properly educated, she would still be the same innocent and


    kind-hearted girl she used to be.


    Her feelings toward Avery, on the other hand, were even moreplex, containing guilt, joy,


    excitement, affection, and above all, a desire to make amends.


    Nevertheless, whether it was her foster daughter or biological daughter, ire loved them both


    sincerely, so naturally, she wanted to give them the best of everything.


    Avery will return to the Lambert family sooner andter. Right now, I want to nurture the bond between


    my foster and biological daughter. Even though I know that my foster daughter must have some


    reservations toward Avery because of Cayden, I believe that with time, she''ll surelye around.


    She hoped to see a scene of her two daughters getting along harmoniously.


    Despite feeling extremely bitter, Nicole merely nodded in response. ¡°Yes, Mom. I understand all of this.¡±


    Seeing Nicole''s considerate attitude, ire chuckled and said to Avery, ¡°Ery, I''ve spoiled Nickie too


    much. She can be quite willful at times, and sometimes she may speak rather bluntly, but she has a


    good heart.¡±


    ¡°Time will eventually reveal one''s true character, ire,¡± Avery said, her lips curling into a subtle smile


    as she made the profoundment.


    It looks like Nicole is excellent at putting up a facade in the Lambert family, so much so that even the


    astute ire hasn''t uncovered her true colors. Let''s see how I''ll gradually tear off her phony mask.


    ire nced at her watch. ¡°It''s gettingte. I''ll prepare lunch for you all. Let''s go downstairs, Ery.


    Nickie, take Ms. Rumpley for a stroll in the yardter.¡±


    As she spoke, she naturally took Avery''s hand and led her toward the staircase at the side.


    Ever since she grew up, aside from Cayden, no one had ever held Avery''s hand like that. The woman


    holding her hand carefully shielded her with her arm as if she was leading a naive child. It made her


    feel incredibly warm and fuzzy inside.


    The feeling of maternal love gave Avery an inexplicable urge to shed tears.


    Seeing her foster mother only holding Avery''s hand and not even caring about her, Nicole''s


    dissatisfaction reached its peak.


    Ever since she came of age, ire seldom held her hand.


    Overwhelmed by jealousy, Nicole deliberately twisted her ankle. With a thud, she fell heavily in front of


    ire. ¡°Argh...¡± she cried out.


    ¡°Nickie, what happened to you?¡± Sure enough, ire let go of Avery and hurriedly went to help Nicole


    after seeing her fall.


    Navya was quietly snickering at the side. Nickie is truly quite cunning.


    Nicole cast a pitiful look at ire. ¡°I was lost in thought and identally fell. I''m such a klutz.¡±


    ire helped Nicole up, and upon noticing thetter''s scraped knee, she shook her head helplessly


    and said distressfully, ¡°Why are you still as clumsy as when you were a child? You truly know how to


    make people worry.¡±


    After saying that, she began to kneel down and gently help Nicole massage the bruised area.


    Nicole shot Avery a defiant look that said ire still loved her, so she should not even consider


    competing for her affection.


    Were it not for the inappropriate setting, Avery truly wanted tough. Nicole is so immature, resorting to


    such a childish method to vie for affection. I couldn''t bear to hurt myself to win my mother''s affection if it


    were me.


    Nicole''s fall just now was indeed a hard one. Her knee was swollen and red, indicating that she did not


    have a light fall.


    Meanwhile, after sessfully handling Sid''s matter, declining Taron''s kind invitation to tour Mocset, and


    giving Sid a stern lecture, Cayden prepared to return to the country.


    It was at least a three-hour journey to the airport from Taron''s residence.


    Midway, they had to cross a mountain range that was incredibly steep and stretched far into the


    distance.


    The off-road vehicle sped along the rtively narrow tarmacked road, with towering trees growing


    nted from the crevices of rocks whizzing by on the side.


    The branches were intertwined densely, and the leaves were like emerald clouds covering the sky,


    completely obscuring it and creating a sense of imprability as if no wind could pass through.


    The surrounding atmosphere was so quiet that it was somewhat eerie.


    ¡°Mr. Moore, something seems off here. We need to speed up on this stretch!¡± Ace Gibson, who sat


    beside Cayden, felt an inexplicable tension in his body.


    He was one of Xander''s most elite subordinates and was dispatched to help Cayden.


    His keen intuition and years of tumultuous experiences warned him that this ce was dangerous.


    Cayden nodded, his handsome face taking on a solemn expression. ¡°Speed up on this stretch of road.


    Let''s try to get to the airport as soon as possible.¡±


    He then took out his phone, nning to give Avery a call.


    The past two days had been so hectic that he did not even have time to sleep, let alone call or send her


    a message. If I don''t get in touch with her soon, she''ll probably get upset with me.


    He dialed Avery''s number but was inexplicably hung up on.


    Cayden smiled helplessly. Sure enough, she''s upset.


    He kept calling her persistently, only to be continually hung up on. In the end, she even switched off her


    phone.


    Just as Cayden was about to call Xavier, suddenly, a sharp bullet shattered the car window with a bang


    and shot straight toward his head!

 Chapter 647

    Chapter 647


    Chapter 647 Something Seems Off With Avery


    Spreading from his head, intense agony coursed through every vein in his body.


    Fresh blood, startling and vivid, gushed forth.


    His eyes widened as if unable to believe that he had been shot. The chill that ran through his body


    made him realize that fall in Mocset was indeed much colder than Ackleton.


    Cayden did not know who it was who bore him such a grudge to the point of attempting to assassinate


    him in a foreignnd.


    He was certainly not benevolent to have been able to grow his business out of Aploth; there had been


    quite a few people who he had driven to bankruptcy.


    Though he had encountered some threats and intimidation, they were just that¡ªthreats.


    His head was throbbing so intensely that it felt as if it was about to explode. The pain was so severe


    that he was no longer sure if he was hallucinating.


    The panicked cries of Jake and Ace, along with their furious roars, gradually became indistinct to


    Cayden''s ears.


    Thest thing he saw in his mind''s eye was Avery''s beautiful, gentle smile.


    ... ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Roderick, dressed in all-ck attire and sporting ck sunsses, was looking even more rugged atop


    the mountain.


    The intense, terrifying aura of murderous intent he exuded was chilling.


    Behind him, dozens of his subordinates were lying in ambush, all of whom armed to the teeth with a


    myriad of weapons.


    He blew on the barrel of the still-smoking gun, his expression smug and defiant.


    Beside him, a blonde woman, stunningly beautiful and seductive, was dressed in simr ck attire.


    Even in ordinary clothes, her enchanting figure could not be concealed, like a poppy in full bloom.


    However, the venomous and cold expression on her face was enough to keep people warily at bay.


    ¡°Do you even know what you''re doing? You''re going to get us all killed!¡± A string of angry Remdikian


    words burst from her mouth.


    She pointed a gun at Roderick''s head, looking quite ready to pull the trigger.


    Having received orders to assassinate a high-ranking official, they had secretly obtained his itinerary in


    advance and knew that he would pass by there that day. However, before the official arrived, the leader


    of the mercenaries threatened to ruin their mission by opening fire at a civilian.


    Completely unfazed, Roderick whistled at her in a lewd manner. With a subtle twist of his wrist, the


    blonde woman''s pistol fell effortlessly into his possession.


    He gave her smooth cheeks a gentle pinch while gripping her slender neck. ¡°Don''t think that I wouldn''t


    dare touch you just because you belong to that old man,¡± he said nonchntly. ¡°I won''t hesitate to kill


    you if you anger me. Don''t ask me why I killed that man. I never need a reason to kill.¡±


    Just when he had finally fallen head over heels for a woman, she had cried out Cayden''s name in a fit


    of ecstasy when they were in bed together. This deeply wounded Roderick, a man with an intense


    desire for possession.


    Thus, Roderick had long wanted to take action against Cayden, but his influence was substantial back


    home. Coupled with his tight security, it was difficult for Roderick to make a move.


    Who would have thought that Cayden would fall into the trap he had set up himself? If this isn''t divine


    intervention, I don''t know what it is.


    Cassie grew limp from having Roderick holding her by the neck. His grip was so tight that it felt as if he


    intended to squeeze the life out of her.


    ¡°Are you sure that man is already dead?¡± Cassie''s anger gradually subsided under the man''s violent


    threats.


    ¡°Of course. I am a sharpshooter, one in a hundred. I have never missed a shot,¡± Roderick boasted.


    Cassie obediently kept her mouth shut, afraid of provoking this fierce and ominous figure.


    She had experienced Roderick''s ruthlessness firsthand. He would not care if the person getting on his


    wrong side was old, weak, a woman, or a child¡ªhe would kill them without hesitation.


    But as Cassie gazed at the extraordinarily charismatic man at the foot of the mountain who had been


    shot, an inexplicable sense of foreboding welled up within her.


    It would be best if that man is dead. But if he survives, I have a funny feeling that his vengeance would


    be terrifying.


    ...


    Avery was in the kitchen of the Lambert residence, helping ire cook. Concerned that the smog might


    be ufortable, ire suggested that Avery rest in the living room.


    As Avery did enjoy spending time with ire, she insisted on helping.


    Unable to persuade her otherwise, ire let her help with washing the vegetables in the dry kitchen.


    While Avery was rinsing the spinach, her belly gave a sudden, sharp pain. It hurt so much that she


    almost cried out.


    This time, it felt unusual.


    No matter how much the baby usually kicked, it never hurt as much as it did today.


    Avery''s right eyelid, too, began to twitch inexplicably.


    A terrible premonition clouded her heart. She forced herself to stand, leaning on the table for support.


    Her face was so pale that it looked as if it had been dusted with white powder, and her breathing


    becamebored.


    Cayden? Could something have happened to Cayden?


    Avery reached for her phone at once before suddenly remembering that she had left it in the corner of


    the living room couch as she was busy in the kitchen.


    ire, who was always monitoring Avery, noticed something off with thetter''splexion. She


    immediately set aside her work and relegated the kitchen duties to the housekeeper.


    Then, she took Avery''s arm gently. ¡°What''s wrong, Ery?¡± she asked, concerned. ¡°Are you feeling


    unwell? Let me help you back to your room for some rest.¡±


    Avery nestled in ire''s arms, taking a while to recover. Only when the pain in her stomach had slightly


    subsided did she clutch ire''s sleeve, pleading, ¡°Mrs. Lambert, my phone...¡±


    Noticing the urgency in Avery''s demeanor, ire knew she must have pressing matters to attend to


    and so helped her back to the living room.


    As soon as they arrived in the living room, Avery immediately went for her phone, which she had left on


    the corner of the couch.


    However, what she found there was a pile of scattered phone parts.


    Nicole and Navya were sitting on another couch in the other corner, cracking sunflower seeds and


    chatting. Every now and then, they would burst into peals ofughter.


    ¡°What happened to my phone?¡± Avery''s pretty face darkened. Her hand pointing at the parts was


    trembling slightly.


    Nicole stood up at the sight of Avery''s fury. She feigned an apologetic look as she walked over. ¡°I''m


    sorry, Avery,¡± she said. ¡°I was looking for something on the couch and identally knocked your phone


    off, which is how it ended in this terrible state. I didn''t do it on purpose, and I had no idea your phone


    was so fragile. It seems to be of poor quality. What say I buy a new phone to rece it after dinner?¡±


    The sincerity in Nicole''s words was so genuine, her apologetic expression so heartfelt, and the


    grievance on her face so apparent that it was impossible to bear any resentment toward her. Yet, Avery


    remained unappeased.


    That phone had been a gift from Cayden.


    Despite having dropped this phone on multiple asions, once even in water, it had remained


    functional, nor had it ever shattered into pieces. Needless to say, its build quality was unquestionable.


    Anybody with a discerning eye could tell that the phone has been deliberately damaged, yet Nicole has


    the audacity to im it was an ident? B*tch!


    However, she had no time to dwell on that matter. Her priority was getting hold of a phone to ascertain


    Cayden''s safety.

 Chapter 648

    Chapter 648


    Chapter 648 Exining To A Pregnant Woman


    Seeing how anxious Avery was, ire gave Nicole a reproachful look, then handed her own phone


    over. ¡°You can use mine first, Ery.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Mrs. Lambert.¡± Avery took the phone and immediately dialed Cayden''s number.


    However, she was constantly greeted by the message of the line being unreachable.


    Avery was panicking. Her rapid and heavy breathing revealed her anxiety.


    Undeterred, she persistently dialed Cayden''s number, yet the oue continued to disappoint her.


    Left with no other choice, she tried calling Jake, but there was still no answer. That only made her more


    anxious.


    In a state of extreme anxiety, she called Xavier.


    It rang for only a few seconds before Xavier answered the call, ¡°Ms. Rumpley?¡±


    ¡°Do you have any other ways to contact Cayden, Mr. Dartsley?¡± Avery said, her voice filled with


    urgency. ¡°I''ve been trying to call him, but I can''t get through. I don''t know what''s going on.¡±


    ¡°Please remain calm, Ms. Rumpley,¡± Xavier said soothingly. ¡°I will first get in touch with the staff on the


    Remdikian side, and I''ll get back to you shortly.¡±


    ¡°Please hurry!¡± Avery cried urgently. ''My phone is broken, so please call this number when you get


    back to meter.¡±


    ¡°I will.¡±


    After hanging up, Avery still felt somewhat restless.


    ire gently helped her to the couch. ¡°Try not to get too worked up, Ery,¡± she said softly. ¡°Cayden will


    be fine. You need to look after the baby in your belly.¡±


    Avery copsed onto the couch and ran her fingers through her hair. Despite trying hard to calm


    herself, she could not quell her panic.


    Meanwhile, despite her ongoing whispered conversation with Navya, Nicole was clearly bing


    tense. The speed at which she was cracking melon seeds had noticeably slowed down.


    Her eyes would asionally dart toward Avery, with her ears perked up, secretly tuning in to the


    unfolding situation.


    Despite all the cruel things Cayden had done to her, Nicole felt uneasy the moment she heard his


    name.


    After about ten minutes, ire''s phone rang. Though it had not been a long wait, it felt to Avery like an


    eternity.


    She picked up at once. ¡°Any news from Cayden, Mr. Dartsley?¡±


    Xavier was silent for a few seconds on the other end. He seemed grim. ¡°The staff over there are


    temporarily unable to contact Mr. Moore, Ms. Rumpley. There might be a problem. I must make a trip to


    Remdik.¡±


    Upon hearing that something might have happened to Cayden, Avery pped a hand over her mouth


    in horror, desperately holding back her tears. ¡°No, it can''t be. He promised me he woulde back


    safely!¡±


    ¡°This is merely our first assumption, Ms. Rumpley,¡± Xavier said seriously. ¡°Please don''t worry. I''m going


    to book a flight to Mocset right away, and I''ll contact you as soon as I have any news. Mr. Moore has


    specifically instructed me before he left to calm you down if you can''t reach him. He wille back no


    matter what.¡±


    After she hung up, Avery shook. Her shoulders were heaving with despair.


    ire pulled Avery into her arms. ¡°Oh, Ery...¡±


    The warmth of the embrace shattered Avery''sposure. She could no longer hold back. ¡°Mrs.


    Lambert...¡± she choked.


    The sight of Avery''s grief brought tears to ire''s eyes as well.


    She took a tissue and dabbed Avery''s tears. ¡°Silly girl, don''t fret over things before they be


    certain. The most important thing that you can do right now is to take care of your health and patiently


    wait for news of Cayden. What if you copse when he gets back? Would that be worth it?¡±


    Avery took a deep breath. Her eyes were bloodshot. She suddenly realized that ire was holding her


    and felt embarrassed for losing herposure in front of ire. She wiped her eyes somewhat


    apologetically. ¡°I''m sorry for making a fool of myself in front of you today, Mrs. Lambert.¡±


    ¡°It''s all right, we all have moments when we are vulnerable,¡± ire said with a kindly smile. ¡°I wasn''t


    even as good at controlling my emotions as you are when I was your age. In fact, I was quite the


    crybaby back then!¡±


    With ire''s patient constions, Avery managed to subdue her grief.


    Mrs. Lambert is right. We may not be able to reach him now, but that doesn''t necessarily mean


    something bad has happened. What I need to do is wait patiently.


    Noticing how frail Avery was, ire gently patted the former''s shoulder, her heart aching terribly. She


    decided to have Avery over to the Lambert residence more often to nourish her back to health.


    ...


    Meanwhile, on the outskirts of Mocset, Sid only found out about the incident involving Cayden five


    hours after it happened.


    By the time he arrived at the valley, all he saw were several charred corpses and pools of blood, still


    fresh.


    At a nce, Sid spotted the off-road vehicle that Cayden had been traveling in. It was now nothing


    more than a charred, ckened hull.


    Beside himy a corpse, bearing a striking resemnce to Cayden, still gently smoldering. Its features


    had beenpletely obliterated by the mes.


    Sid rushed over like a beast in despair. ¡°Cayden!¡± he bellowed.


    He flipped the body over, and the heat blistered his hands. Yet, he disregarded the pain, determined to


    hold the body in his arms. When he saw the face, however, he realized it was somebody else.


    He set down the charred man and clenched his fists. Then, he punched the thick tree trunk beside him.


    ¡°Who? Who the h*ll did this?¡±


    The tree, as wide as the mouth of a bowl, quivered under his fist, causing the leaves to rustle and fall.


    Blood trickled from the crevices of his clenched fist.


    Vivian stared at his furious side profile, anxious to see him hurt himself in his blinding rage. Timidly, she


    stepped forward, trying to soothe him. ¡°Y-Your hand is bleeding¡ª¡±


    ¡°Get lost! If it weren''t for you, ugly b*tch, would Cayden have traveled all the way to Mocset to


    negotiate with your brother? If it weren''t for you, would he have met such a terrible fate? You''re a


    curse, a jinx! Why aren''t you the one who''s dead instead?¡± Sid grabbed Vivian by the throat, lifting her


    entire body up and mming her against the tree trunk, exerting so much force that it looked as if he


    intended to kill her.


    Whimpering, Vivian struggled, her legs iling helplessly in the air, but it was all in vain.


    Her ordinarily in, even somewhat sickly-looking face was now flushed to an rming red from


    struggling for breath.


    When he saw Sid manhandling Vivian, a burly, Epean bodyguard mped arge hand onto Sid''s


    shoulder, twisted it with a crack, then delivered a swift side kick and sent him flying.


    Sid fell unceremoniously onto a nearby boulder, his abdomen mming against the stone wall. He


    threw up a mouthful of blood.


    The bodyguard leaned toward Vivian. ¡°Are you all right, miss?¡±


    As soon as he met Vivian''s gaze, she gave him a resounding p to the face. ¡°D*mn you, who said you


    can touch him?¡±


    After her admonishment, Vivian ran to Sid, apologizing to him, ¡°I''m sorry for how rough that b*stard


    was, Sid. I''ll teach him a lesson when we get back. Can we go home now?¡±


    Sid shoved her aside and stood up resolutely. He shot her a cold nce, then continued his search for


    the corpse in silence.


    Cayden is gone. How am I going to exin to his wife, Avery, who is about to give birth, that he has


    completely disappeared off the face of the earth?? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.

 Chapter 649

    Chapter 649


    Chapter 649 Dead Or Alive


    At the mansion that day, Avery had been knitting a sweater in the living room. She forced herself to


    stay busy, hoping to momentarily alleviate her anxiety.


    Little did she know that, after two days of anxious waiting, there would be no news about Cayden''s


    safety. Instead, it was Xavier who showed up, apanied by an exceedingly handsome young man


    who seemed just as sorrowful. The heaviness of their footsteps weighed on the atmosphere.


    Upon seeing Xavier, Avery''s already weary eyes, strained from staying up all night, turned even more


    bloodshot.


    Hastily, she put down her knitting and hurried toward Xavier. She nced behind them for a long


    moment, but there was no trace of Cayden.


    Gripping Xavier''s arm tightly, she anxiously asked, ¡°Mr. Dartsley, where is Cayden? Why hasn''t he


    returned?¡±


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Xavier''s eyes were moist, and he turned his head away, unable to meet her gaze.


    Meanwhile, behind him, Sid fell to his knees before Avery with a ¡°thud.¡±


    Startled by the sudden action, Avery quickly took a step back, asking, ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    Sid exined, ¡°Avery, I am Sid. Cayden recently restored my face.¡±


    Realization dawned upon Avery. ¡°So it''s you.¡±


    Earlier, Avery learned from Cayden that Sid underwent another cosmetic surgery to revert his face,


    which had originally been altered to resemble Cayden, to its original appearance before the


    disfigurement. However, she had never met him in person until that moment.


    Seeing him that day, she realized that Sid''s face was indeed stunningly handsome, almost devilishly


    so.


    But at that moment, she had no time to appreciate his looks. She urgently questioned, ¡°Cayden went to


    Remdik to save you, but why did youe back, and he didn''t? What exactly happened to you two?¡±


    Sid covered his face in anguish. His voice was filled with deep remorse as he uttered, ¡°I''m sorry,


    Avery...¡±


    ¡°I don''t want your apologies. I just want to know where Cayden is!¡± Avery couldn''t control her emotions


    and raised her voice at Sid.


    Sid''s body trembled uncontrobly as he spoke. ¡°Cayden... Cayden is missing. His car has been blown


    to smithereens, and almost everyone who was with him is dead. We couldn''t find... a single survivor...¡±


    Avery was shocked and instinctively took a step back upon hearing the news he brought.


    She looked at him, her delicate frame on the verge of fainting, but she persisted in asking, ¡°Did you see


    Cayden''s body with your own eyes?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Xavier''s expression was also filled with sorrow, his voice choked with emotion. ¡°With such a


    massive explosion and raging inferno, everyone was burned beyond recognition. How could there


    possibly be any bodies to see?¡±


    He couldn''t believe that Cayden Moore would be gone just like that.


    Mr. Moore, with his remarkable intellect and capability, and an unwavering tenacity for life... How could


    he just vanish?


    However, the reality before them forced them to ept that Cayden was indeed gone.


    ¡°No! I want to see him with my own eyes, dead or alive. Until I see his body, I won''t believe he''s gone!¡±


    Avery''s voice was resolute.


    She kept muttering as if hypnotizing herself, ¡°I don''t believe it. This can''t be true...¡±


    Looking at Avery''s profoundly sorrowful expression, Sid covered his face in guilt, his shoulders


    trembling with unparalleled regret.


    With a heavy heart, Xavier suppressed his grief and handed over a slightly charred ring to Avery. ¡°Mrs.


    Moore, we found this belonging of Mr. Moore at the site of the incident. Could you please confirm it?¡±


    When she looked at the familiar ring, Avery''s face turned pale.


    She forcefully snatched the ring from Xavier''s hand.


    The fire had scorched the ring, turning it somewhat ck, and some edges had melted away, leaving


    only a rough outline and blurry patterns. It could be seen that the patterns on it were adorned with a


    cluster of diamonds.


    Back then, when choosing rings, Cayden had evenined that his ring was somewhat feminine.


    However, Avery loved the design, exining that the blooming and wilting of flowers symbolized


    eternal love, and the floral motif represented the exchange of vows for a lifetime of happiness.


    Now, as she gazed at the damaged ring in her hand, Avery''s lips trembled.


    She reached for the ring on her right hand, a matching pair to the one on her finger.


    Suddenly, Avery felt her eyes bing blurred.


    She really didn''t want to cry, but tears slid down involuntarily.


    Cayden was gone, and there was no one to wipe her tears orfort her sorrow.


    She lowered her head, and teardrops like pearls filled her eyes before trickling down and falling onto


    the top of her feet.


    The scorching warmth of her tears brought her some rity.


    Only then did Avery realize that in her haste, she had even lost her slippers.


    Stepping on the icy floor, she felt the cold seep into her bones, triggering a rush of memories.


    In days gone by, whenever Cayden found me barefoot at home, he would yfully feign anger and


    scold me. Then, with a tender touch, he would carry me to the sofa, personally warm my little feet by


    massaging them, and lovingly put soft shoes on me himself. But now, he''s gone...


    Avery''s head felt like it was on the verge of exploding. She could no longer make sense of whatever


    Xavier and Sid were saying to her.


    Slowly, she made her way to the bedroom, feeling her whole being engulfed in a dreadful silence.


    She felt so tired, incredibly tired.


    In an instant, darkness washed over her vision, and her body lost all strength, bing feeble and


    powerless.


    Without warning, her legs buckled, and she crumpled to the floor. Her frail form was unable to bear the


    weight any longer...


    Avery remained in a state of unconsciousness for a full day and night.


    Upon awakening, she found herself without any appetite, unable to eat. Instead, she relied on


    intravenous fluids to sustain her life.


    Upon receiving the news, ire hurried to the hospital to be by Avery''s side. However, all her efforts to


    persuade Avery were in vain, leaving her feeling both heartbroken and powerless. In moments when no


    one was looking, she would discreetly wipe away her tears.


    Cecelia and Nina took turns keeping herpany at the hospital.


    Everyone was deeply concerned about Avery, but she appeared indifferent to her surroundings, as if


    she had lost all desire to live.


    Concerned that Avery''s body might not be able to cope, Xavier called in the twins to keep herpany.


    He hoped that having the children around would serve as a source of motivation for their mother to


    regain her strength.


    When Avery woke up again, it was already evening.


    She was startled awake by a barrage of harsh insults and the sound of a child crying.


    In the dim room with no lights on, Avery opened her eyes and was met with the sight of Allie furiously


    pulling off her nket.


    Then, pointing usingly at Avery, Allieunched into a furious tirade. ¡°You temptress. You''re a real


    jinx! I knew from the start that nothing good woulde from my son being with you. You''re a woman


    who brings bad luck to her husband. If it weren''t for you, how could my son have had such an


    ident? Don''t y dead with me. Get up right now!¡±

 Chapter 650

    Chapter 650


    Chapter 650 Reluctant


    Seeing her awake, Allie immediately grabbed Avery by the sides of her neck, shaking thetter


    vigorously. Hatred churned in Allie''s eyes as an urge to tear Avery apart washed over her.


    Avery was frail, to begin with. She had just regained consciousness but was vigorously shaken by Allie,


    causing her to feel dizzy again.


    She couldn''t even make out the scene in front of her eyes before she slipped back into


    unconsciousness.


    She felt so utterly exhausted that she just wanted to close her eyes forever, never wishing to open


    them again.


    In her weariness, Avery saw Cayden in her dreams.


    His figure was slender and straight as a pine. The sight of his silhouette alone was enough to make her


    heart flutter.


    In her dream, she ran toward him with joy, calling out his name loudly.


    Cayden turned around.


    His face was as exquisite as a sculpture, his lips tightly pressed in a stern expression. Yet, the moment


    he saw her, he smiled at her.


    Tears suddenly welled up in Avery''s eyes. For a moment, she dared not touch him, fearing that he


    would disappear inexplicably like a mirage.


    Cayden''s eyes were brimming with deep affection.


    He slowly approached her, took her hand, and gently kissed it. ¡°Silly girl, can''t you take care of yourself


    when I''m not around?¡±


    Tears welled up in Avery''s eyes.


    She reached out, intending to touch Cayden''s body. However, before her fingers could make contact,


    he suddenly vanished into thin air.


    ¡°Cayden...¡±


    Avery woke up abruptly from a deep slumber, only to find herself still in the hospital.


    The room was lit only by a faint, dim light, and ire was lying by her bedside.


    At that moment, she had no mood to ponder why ire was there. Her heart was filled with thoughts of


    Cayden. So it turns out, everything that just happened was all a figment of my imagination. So it was a


    dream...


    Avery tightly covered her lips, looking at the pitch-ck night sky through the window, silently sobbing.


    How I wish time can turn back time, returning to the moment you departed. If I had known this would be


    the oue, I would have held onto you tightly that day. Even if it took all my strength, I would have


    kept you here.


    Tears began to stream down Avery''s cheeks as she cried uncontrobly.


    Even though her voice was soft, it still managed to disturb ire, who was sleeping lightly.


    ire switched on the room lights, and the warm yellow glow illuminated everything in the ward.


    She saw Avery''s tear-streaked face and held thetter close. ire''s eyes, red from staying up all


    night, gradually bing moist. ¡°Ery, believe me, everything will pass.¡±


    The warm light, coupled with ire''s gentle voice, finally brought Avery back to her senses.


    Her voice was hoarse, ¡°Mrs. Lambert, what brings you here?¡±


    ire gently brushed Avery''s sweat-drenched hair, a result of her nightmare. She looked at her with


    concern. ¡°I''ve been quite free recently, and I heard you were hospitalized, so I came to see you. Would


    you like me to make you something to eat?¡±


    They were at a private hospital, where the luxury wards were equipped with kitchens.


    The refrigerator inside was also stocked with a variety of vegetables, along with an assortment of


    condiments, all readily avable. They were specifically provided for patients to help stimte their


    appetite during their hospital stay.


    Avery shook her head. Her voice was weak as she spoke. ¡°I''m not hungry. I don''t want to eat anything.


    Mrs. Lambert. There are nurses in the hospital, so they can take care of me. You should go home.


    Otherwise, Mr. Lambert will worry. My health is not a major concern. You, on the other hand, have just


    recovered not long ago. It''s not suitable for you to stay upte.¡±


    ¡°Don''t worry about me. I''m quite strong. I''ll make you some poached eggs to fill your stomach.


    Tomorrow, I''ll cook you something even more delicious.¡± ire ruffled Avery''s hair, gave her a few


    more reminders, then hurried off to the small kitchen.


    Avery choked up a little, watching ire''s bustling figure, feeling the gentle touch of thetter''s hand on


    her forehead.


    Her gaze fell once again on the small bed beside her, where the twins were soundly asleep.


    Zachary held Rory close, their two simr, charming faces almost touching. Their soft, pink lips


    asionally blew a small bubble.


    That scene, which appeared extremely warm and loving, caused Avery to clutch at her chest as her


    heart ached terribly. Cayden has heartlessly abandoned us, leaving me alone with our children. What


    am I supposed to do now?


    Fifteen minutester, ire came out carrying a bowl of steaming poached eggs.


    She sat down in front of Avery''s bed, scooped up a small spoonful, and gently blew on it.


    Once the poached eggs had cooled down a bit, she fed Avery. ¡°Ery, have some poached eggs.¡±


    Avery had no appetite. She pushed the poached eggs toward ire. ¡°Mrs. Lambert, I really can''t eat.¡±


    ire looked at Avery''s deste face, gently put down her bowl and spoon, and said softly, ¡°Ery,


    Cayden is gone. Do you want to perish alongside him? Look at yourself now. You''re not strong at all. Is


    this how a mother should be? You only think about yourself. Have you ever considered the twins and


    the baby in your belly? Don''t you even want to keep Cayden''s child?¡±


    Avery''s gaze was filled with profound sadness. She nced at Zachary and Rory, then ced her hand


    on her lower abdomen, falling into a long silence. That''s not the case. If it weren''t for our children, if it


    weren''t for the child in my womb, I would have gone with him long ago.


    ire sighed, gently persuading her, ¡°You must remember, you''re not alone anymore. Your life is not


    just about you but also the responsibilities that belong to you. You have an elderly grandfather to take


    care of, a seriously ill aunt, two underage twin siblings, and an unborn child in your belly. Have you


    ever considered what would happen to them if you died? Ery, do you understand the pain of an elder


    having to experience the death of a younger family member? Can you imagine how terribly others will


    bully the twins once they be orphans?¡±


    ¡°Mrs. Lambert,¡± Avery interrupted her, her voice choked with emotion, ¡°Please, I beg you, stop talking.¡±


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    She knew, of course, how much pain and sorrow her grandfather and aunt would feel if she gave up


    her will to live. She also knew what it felt like to be an orphan, to be bullied,ughed at, and isted.


    These were all things she had experienced when she was young.


    How could she bear to let her own child tread the same path she once took?


    The children have already lost their father. She absolutely couldn''t let them lose their mother as well.


    Seeing that Avery seemed persuaded by his words, ire once again scooped up a spoonful of


    poached eggs, bringing it to Avery''s lips. ¡°Eat up. Right now, the most important thing is to take care of


    your health, so you can safely give birth to the baby in your belly.¡±


    Avery opened her mouth like a puppet, forcing the poached eggs down her throat. Suddenly, she


    remembered that before she passed out, she seemed to have heard Allie''s insults. So, she asked in a


    low voice, ¡°Mrs. Lambert, did my m-mother-inwe to the hospital?¡±


    Avery addressed Allie as her mother-inw with great reluctance. Upon hearing that, one could


    immediately sense the strained rtionship between the two.

 Chapter 651

    Chapter 651


    Chapter 651 Stay At My ce


    Upon hearing Avery mention Allie, the gentle expression on ire''s face immediately turned cold.


    The incident where that woman had caused a scene at the hospital was known to almost everyone,


    which greatly irritated ire.


    She looked at Avery, her voice gentle as she said, ¡°She dide by this afternoon but was chased


    away by Old Mr. Moore. Allie has lost her son, and I understand she''s upset, but her behavior is simply


    unreasonable. Shepletely disregarded the fact that you''re pregnant, even wanting toy hands on


    you while you''re carrying her grandchild! I think it''s best if you don''t stay at the Moore residence


    anymore. Come stay at my ce for a while.¡±


    Allie med Avery for the mishap that befell Cayden.


    But that was clearly an ident. What did it have to do with Avery?


    Moreover, Avery was currently a pregnant woman about to give birth. She was already heartbroken


    over her husband''s loss, yet Allie still insulted her so harshly, even resorting to physical violence


    without considering Avery''s safety. What if Allie''s recklessness led to a tragedy where both Avery and


    her unborn child died?


    ire understood the immense pain a woman felt when she lost a child, but that was no excuse for


    Allie to disrespect Avery so casually.


    Avery gently shook her head. ¡°Thank you for your kindness, Mrs. Lambert. I already feel embarrassed


    for having you take care of me here. I couldn''t possibly impose on you at your home.¡±


    ¡°Ery, now is not the time to be willful. I wouldn''t worry about you staying with Allie if you weren''t carrying


    a child. But now, you''re not alone. What if Allie stirs up trouble again and hurts you? Don''t tell me that


    Old Mr. Moore will protect you or that there are guards and nannies at home. Old Mr. Moore is a good


    man, but he is old after all, and there are always things he may overlook. Allie is Cayden''s mother. She


    can easily find an excuse to cause trouble for you. With her domineering attitude, how could those


    guards and nannies possibly stop her?¡±


    The more ire thought about it, the angrier she became. Especially when she thought about the man


    Avery married, who turned out to be Allie''s son. Now, Avery was even carrying Allie''s grandchild in her


    belly, making ire incredibly upset. If Cayden were around, he could still protect my daughter to some


    extent. Now that he''s gone, I don''t even dare to imagine how Allie will mistreat my daughter! No. This


    won''t do. It seems like I should bring forward my n to be reunited with my daughter.


    ¡°Ery, you''ll stay at my ce for a while. With me and my husband around, even if Allie is audacious,


    she wouldn''t dare to barge in. Once the child is safely born, if you want to return to the Moore


    residence, you may certainly do so. Is that okay?¡±


    ire''s voice carried a hint of tenderness as if she was fearful of hearing Avery''s rejection.


    Avery stared nkly at ire, quietly wiping the corner of her eyes, and asked innocently, ¡°Mrs.


    Lambert, why are you so good to me?¡±


    ¡°Because you are my...¡±


    Suddenly, ire realized she was about to say something she shouldn''t. She caught herself in time


    and changed her words. ¡°Because you are my lucky star. I''ve always felt that we became acquainted


    because of the work of fate. I''m not just nice to anyone. It''s because I am very fond of you, so I''m


    willing to be nice to you. Ery, would you like to stay at my house for a few days? I''ll take good care of


    you.¡±


    The sincere and slightly pleading expression on ire''s face tugged at Avery''s heartstrings.


    Instinctively and unknowingly, Avery nodded with tears in her eyes. ¡°Okay.¡± Mrs. Lambert is right. I''m


    not alone now. The child in my womb is thest bloodline left to me by Cayden. I can''t afford to risk any


    idents due to my willfulness. The consequences would be too severe for me to bear.


    ¡°Good girl. I''ll definitely take good care of you!¡± ire embraced Avery, holding thetter close in her


    arms with tears brimming in her eyes.


    She would undoubtedly do everything within her power to take good care of her daughter, making up


    for the motherly love she had missed out on all these years.


    Early in the morning the next day, Cecelia and Nina went to visit Avery.


    However, thefort provided by the two didn''t seem to have much effect. Avery still appeared to be in


    a state of deep despondency.


    ire still apanied Avery. She was a very elegant and kind woman. She spoke in a refined


    manner and could get along with anyone. Cecelia and Nina both particrly liked the unpretentious


    ire.


    They kept Averypany in the hospital room, managing to slightly dispel the sorrowful atmosphere.


    Around ten o''clock, Xavier arrived at the hospital.


    Two men dressed in suits and shoes trailed behind him, their faces solemn and heavy.


    Seeing ire sitting by the bed, feeding Avery oatmeal, he was clearly taken aback for a moment.


    Then, he greeted ire politely, ¡°Mrs. Lambert.¡± Afterward, he shifted his gaze to Avery.


    Cloire noticed Xovier''s hesitont demeonor. She ploced the ootmeol on the toble next to her ond


    sensibly soid to Avery, ¡°Ery, it seems this gentlemon hos something importont to discuss with you. I''ll


    excuse myself for o bit.¡±


    Avery grosped Cloire''s hond ond turned to look ot Xovier with her emotionlessly. ¡°Xovier, there ore no


    outsiders here. Feel free to speok your mind.¡±


    Heoring thot prompted Cloire to jerk her heod oround to look ot Avery.


    Looking ot Avery''s pole but colm foce, Cloire discreetly clenched her slightly trembling fists.


    Xovier odjusted his gold-rimmed glosses on the bridge of his nose, introducing the two men he brought


    with him to Avery. ¡°This is Mr. Dorius Tucker ond Mr. Colin Solos, the top lowyers from Copitol Legol


    Group. They ore here todoy becouse Mr. Moore hod secretly entrusted them with o tosk before he left


    Ackleton.¡±


    ¡°Whot?¡± At the mention of Coyden''s nome, Avery immediotely grew ogitoted. ¡°Whot did Coyden entrust


    to you?¡±


    The toll lowyer, Dorius, slowly pulled out o document from his briefcose. ¡°Mrs. Moore, pleose try not to


    get upset. Let us exploin everything to you. Mr. Moore hod previously osked Mr. Solos ond me to droft


    ond sign his will. In cose of ony unforeseen circumstonces, ny percent of his personol weolth, olong


    with oll the shores he owns in Trident Group, will be entirely inherited by you. He olso oppointed you os


    the octing president of Trident Group. The remoining ten percent of Mr. Moore''s personol weolth will be


    inherited by Ms. Allie Musk. To ovoid ony disputes, we both were invited os legol notories. Mrs. Moore,


    this is the detoiled list of Mr. Moore''s ossets. Pleose review it, ond if there ore no issues, kindly sign on


    it.¡±


    Cloire wos somewhot token obock. She cleorly hodn''t expected thot Coyden would octuolly leove such


    o will.


    The reoctions of the others present voried greotly.


    Xovier''s foce wos colm, while Cecelio ond Nino were full of shock. Coyden''s worth wos in the


    hundreds of billions, including his personol weolth ond the shores he held in the Trident Group. The


    thought of how much weolth thot could be wos too dounting to even consider. Now, Avery wos truly


    obout to be the richest womon in oll of Aploth.


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Avery lowered her goze, seemingly oblivious to the documents the lowyer honded her. Her mind wos


    entirely consumed by one word. Will. Does this meon Coyden is reolly gone?


    ire noticed Xavier''s hesitant demeanor. She ced the oatmeal on the table next to her and


    sensibly said to Avery, ¡°Ery, it seems this gentleman has something important to discuss with you. I''ll


    excuse myself for a bit.¡±


    Avery grasped ire''s hand and turned to look at Xavier with her emotionlessly. ¡°Xavier, there are no


    outsiders here. Feel free to speak your mind.¡±


    Hearing that prompted ire to jerk her head around to look at Avery.


    Looking at Avery''s pale but calm face, ire discreetly clenched her slightly trembling fists.


    Xavier adjusted his gold-rimmed sses on the bridge of his nose, introducing the two men he brought


    with him to Avery. ¡°This is Mr. Darius Tucker and Mr. Colin Ss, the topwyers from Capital Legal


    Group. They are here today because Mr. Moore had secretly entrusted them with a task before he left


    Ackleton.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± At the mention of Cayden''s name, Avery immediately grew agitated. ¡°What did Cayden entrust


    to you?¡±


    The tallwyer, Darius, slowly pulled out a document from his briefcase. ¡°Mrs. Moore, please try not to


    get upset. Let us exin everything to you. Mr. Moore had previously asked Mr. Ss and me to draft


    and sign his will. In case of any unforeseen circumstances, ny percent of his personal wealth, along


    with all the shares he owns in Trident Group, will be entirely inherited by you. He also appointed you as


    the acting president of Trident Group. The remaining ten percent of Mr. Moore''s personal wealth will be


    inherited by Ms. Allie Musk. To avoid any disputes, we both were invited as legal notaries. Mrs. Moore,


    this is the detailed list of Mr. Moore''s assets. Please review it, and if there are no issues, kindly sign on


    it.¡±


    ire was somewhat taken aback. She clearly hadn''t expected that Cayden would actually leave such


    a will.


    The reactions of the others present varied greatly.


    Xavier''s face was calm, while Cecelia and Nina were full of shock. Cayden''s worth was in the


    hundreds of billions, including his personal wealth and the shares he held in the Trident Group. The


    thought of how much wealth that could be was too daunting to even consider. Now, Avery was truly


    about to be the richest woman in all of Aploth.


    Avery lowered her gaze, seemingly oblivious to the documents thewyer handed her. Her mind was


    entirely consumed by one word. Will. Does this mean Cayden is really gone?

 Chapter 652

    Chapter 652


    Chapter 652 His Daughter With ire


    Avery had never imagined that the powerful Cayden would depart from this world before her. She still


    couldn''te to terms with this reality.


    Seeing her unresponsive, thewyer handed her a pen. ¡°Mrs. Moore, please sign here.¡±


    Without quite knowing what she was doing, Avery took them and started to stare nkly at the


    documents.


    Pain and sorrow were disyed on her face. Then, Avery suddenly felt a surge of anger. Did that man


    know in advance that he was in danger? Is that why he had prepared his will ahead of time?


    She knew that Cayden was a man of his word¡ªa man of honor. He would go to great lengths for his


    friends, even if it meant getting hurt.


    But why won''t he think about me and our unborn child? Is he trying to make amends with us in this


    way? No. He should havee back alive, ready to endure my grumbles and chiding instead of


    leaving me alone to bear this bolt from the blue.


    Avery forcefully threw the pen in her hand. She was almost hysterical as she screamed, ¡°Get out! Get


    out! Why did he abandon us? Why would he leave his wife and children behind? How could he have


    done this? I will never ept a single thing from him in my life, let alone his supposedpensation!¡±


    The atmosphere in the ward instantly turned tense.


    ire''s gentle touch steadied Avery''s trembling shoulders, her words carrying a sense of serene


    assurance. ¡°Ery, don''t get agitated. We can''t let anything mess with the precious little life growing inside


    of you. Your body''s in a crucial phase, and we''ve got to be extra careful.¡±


    Then, she turned to Xavier and said, ¡°Avery isn''t in a good mood right now, so can we discuss the


    matter of the signature in a few days instead?¡±


    Xavier nodded in understanding, As he bowed slightly at Avery, he said, ¡°I''ll visit another day then. Take


    care of your health first. If Mr. Moore were still here, he definitely wouldn''t want to see you in this state


    of self-destruction.¡±


    After he finished speaking, he waved at the twowyers. Then, they quickly exited the room.


    Even after they left, ire noticed that Avery was still staring nkly at the sky outside the window, still


    as a statue. Hershes flickered at that, and she helped Avery lie on the sick bed. She gently said,


    ¡°Ery, if you''re tired, why don''t you take a nap?¡±


    Averyy stiffly on the bed, feeling utterly exhausted.


    The moment she closed her eyes, Cayden''s wless face surfaced in her mind.


    He simply stood there in the darkness, smiling at her.


    The man had apathetic eyes, yet when he looked at her, his gaze was warm like the sun.


    After being discharged from the hospital, Avery went back to the mansion to pack some clean clothes.


    She had decided to stay at the Lambert residence for the next few days.


    As soon as she returned to the bedroom, she saw Cayden''s pajamas, neatly folded at the head of the


    bed. They were the ones he had worn the night before he left for Mocset.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    She slowly walked over, cradled his pajamas in her arms, and kissed them.


    Within the pajamas, she could almost smell his familiar scent and feel the traces of his body heat.


    Her gaze fell once again on the vine creeping up by the window. It was Mandevixa, an ornamental


    nt Cayden nted for her simply because she once mentioned her love for flowers and her delight


    in witnessing their bloom throughout the four seasons. Back then, she had mentioned her fondness for


    the sight of vines climbing up the window, bursting with buds.


    And so, he nted the Mandevixa for her, even refusing to let the household gardener or


    housekeeper intervene in the gardening. He had wanted to do it himself.


    Now, the vine had grown as thick as a wrist, its dense leaves resembling a green curtain. Supporting


    the passionately blooming flowers of red and white, it appeared so full of life and vitality.


    The flowers were still there, but the man who nted them was no longer anywhere to be found.


    Enduring the tightening of her throat, Avery walked into the bathroom.


    His toiletries, cup, toothbrush, toothpaste, razor, and everything else that belonged to him, were all still


    neatly arranged in their spots, clean and orderly.


    Cayden was a man with a penchant for cleanliness¡ªhe was a little bit of a clean freak. Everything he


    owned was arranged so neatly, while hers was slightly messy and nonchntly ced around. Every


    time he saw her things lying around, he would always help her tidy them up again.


    Avery nced at their matching cups and was lost in thought for a long while before she began to wash


    her face with cold water.


    She hadn''t washed her face for several days. In the hospital, it was either the nursing staff or ire


    who would help her freshen up with a damp towel.


    Moreover, she couldn''t eat much, so she now felt extremely weak all over.


    Avery took a quick hot shower.


    While she was bathing, the water was a bit too hot and was scalding to the touch. Her tears began to


    flow, and it became impossible to distinguish whether it was the water washing over her or her own


    tears.


    After taking a bath, Avery, with her hair still dripping wet, returned to the dressing room to change her


    clothes.


    She stood in the icy room all by herself, drying her long hair with the hairdryer.


    Back in the day, whenever they were at home, Cayden had the special duty of blow-drying her hair.


    After blow-drying her hair, Avery opened her wardrobe. The closet that took up the entire wall was filled


    with her clothes. The autumn attires alone were already filling up the space of the wardrobe. All of them


    were pre-ordered for her by Cayden, designed by renowned designers. Many of them were the only


    pieces in the world.


    With him around, she never had to worry about clothes.


    His wardrobe was pitifully sparse, not even amounting to a tenth of hers. Compared to her collection of


    clothes, his was truly meager.


    She chose a pure white, loose-waisted jumpsuit for autumn. The front design was conservative, while


    the back featured a deep V buttoned design. The first time Avery tried on the dress, she saw a sh of


    astonishment in the man''s eyes. He personally buttoned it up for her, one button at a time.


    Back then, he had cheekily taken advantage of the situation, reaching around from behind her and


    boldly copping a feel, leaving her both embarrassed and annoyed.


    Avery slipped into her autumn dress, trying to fasten the buttons at the back.


    Unfortunately, her pregnant form proved to be quite the obstacle, rendering her attempts futile as she


    struggled to reach the buttons at her back. No matter how hard she tried, it seemed impossible to


    achieve.


    For a moment, Avery felt the slender, warm touch of Cayden''s hand gently brushing across her back,


    just like it had countless times before.


    His maic and alluring voice, filled with a hint of seduction, seemed to linger in her ears


    Avery couldn''t help but murmur to herself, ¡°Cayden, when will you be back? Please button this up for


    me...¡±


    Yet, the silence in the room cruelly reminded her that her beloved Cayden was no longer there.


    Avery''s heart, already heavy with grief, began to ache intensely once more. Overwhelmed by emotions,


    she couldn''t hold back the soft whimpers that escaped her lips¡ªa poignant expression of her longing


    and exhaustion.


    Cayden. Cayden, I really miss you. Pleasee home to me.


    Before heading to the Lambert residence, Avery nced at herself in the mirror. She looked as pale as


    a ghost, her eyes hollow and lifeless. In order to appear less haggard, she applied a touch of makeup,


    giving her cheeks a hint of color. Herplexion seemed somewhat rosier, giving the impression of


    renewed vitality. It was only then did she step out.


    The Lambert family''s driver came to pick her up, and the two of them remained silent throughout the


    journey.


    The entire Lambert family was present at the Lambert residence, including George, Fiona, William,


    ire, and Nicole. There were also two young individuals who appeared to be around the same age as


    Avery.


    The moment Williamid eyes on Avery, a hint of heartache swept across his usually stern gaze. The


    excitement he felt was so intense, he couldn''t hide it from his face.


    That''s my daughter¡ªmy own flesh and blood with ire!

 Chapter 653

    Chapter 653


    Chapter 653 Clearly Rted By Blood


    Despite William''s earnest efforts to present himself as kind-hearted, the unmistakable aura of authority


    stemming from his lengthy tenure in office remained palpable.


    As soon as Averyid eyes on him, a faint sense of trepidation crept into her heart. Perhaps it was the


    effect of his stern countenance, which seldom graced the world with a smile.


    She couldn''t help but move closer to ire.


    ire thought that William had frightened Avery and gave him a disapproving nce.


    Then, she took Avery''s hand, guiding her to sit next to her. ¡°Ery, sit here. There''s no need to be so


    formal at my house. Just treat it like your own home.¡±


    George was dressed very formally that day, and he seemed to be in a good mood. His eyes were


    bright, too.


    He kept smiling at Avery. Pointing to the seat next to him, he said to ire, ¡°ire, let Ery sit next to


    me. I enjoy chatting with the young ones.¡±


    Ever since George found out that Avery was his biological granddaughter, he had been looking forward


    to meeting her every day.


    Even without undergoing a DNA test, anyone who gazed at the young woman''s face, which strikingly


    resembled ire''s, could easily discern the unmistakable bond between mother and daughter. No one


    would ever question their rtionship.


    Today, after much effort, George''s daughter-inw finally managed to invite her over to their home.


    Early in the morning, George hurried over from the Moore residence just to meet his granddaughter.


    ¡°It doesn''t matter where you sit. We''re just having a meal. Why all the fuss?¡± Fiona said, her face


    showing clear difort.


    The memory of the past incident, when she had given Avery a hard time because of Nicole, lingered


    vividly in her mind.


    She initially thought the young woman was her granddaughter''s love rival and had spent quite some


    time mocking and belittling her. But to her surprise, the girl turned out to be her biological


    granddaughter.


    Nevertheless, she hesitated to readily acknowledge this newfound granddaughter until the DNA test


    results were officially confirmed. Her past experience with the fake granddaughter, Evangeline, had


    made her cautious and wary.


    All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    To be honest, Fiona didn''t feel particrly fond of Avery. Her demeanor was aggressive and


    straightforward, and her stubborn nature was hard to overlook. Unlike Nicole, who exuded gentleness


    and could sweet talk, Avery was quite different. Deep down, Fiona''s heart leaned more toward her


    granddaughter, Nicole.


    Nicole wrapped her arms around Fiona''s arm, sweetly saying, ¡°Grandma, my sister is an honored


    guest today. Let her sit wherever she wants.¡±


    Avery knew that Fiona didn''t like her.


    Noticing a tinge of displeasure on Fiona''s face, Avery made a conscious decision to take a seat beside


    ire. With an apologetic tone, she turned to George and said, ¡°Grandpa, I''ll just sit next to ire. I


    promise I''lle over and chat with you when I have some free time.¡±


    At that moment, a sense of awkwardness washed over Avery. She realized that her hasty decision to


    follow ire to the Lambert residence was driven by the desire to escape Allie''s harassment.


    Even though she knew ire was her biological mother, the current situation was far from ideal. It


    didn''t seem right for her to move into someone else''s home so tantly.


    She furrowed her brow, contemting whether she should leave or not.


    ¡°Sure. It''s up to you.¡± Upon hearing Avery call him her grandfather, even though he knew it was just a


    term of respect, George was still overjoyed.


    The two young people by the dining table were curiously staring at Avery.


    The man looked to be around twenty-six or twenty-seven years old, radiating exceptional


    handsomeness and charisma. His presence exuded an air of effortless elegance,bined with a hint


    of schrly sophistication.


    Conversely, the woman seemed to be around twenty-two or twenty-three years old. Her features might


    not have fit the conventional standards of delicacy, but what shecked in conventional beauty, she


    more than made up for with a distinctive and spirited aura.


    Upon noticing Avery''s gaze on them, they withdrew their scrutinizing looks, nodded at Avery, and


    offered her a friendly smile.


    With enthusiasm, ire introduced the two young individuals to Avery. ¡°These two are Nicole''s


    cousins, Luther Lambert and Heather Lambert. They are siblings, and Luther''s the older one. Luther


    currently works in the Department of Foreign Affairs as a deputy minister, and Heather is still pursuing


    her Ph.D. She studies Remdikian and often works part-time as a Remdikian interpreter.¡±


    ¡°Hello, my name is Heather.¡± She introduced herself with a warm smile. ¡°My aunt often talks about you,


    praising your exceptional qualities. And now that I have finally met you in person, I can see what she


    meant. You truly have a captivating aura. You''re also quite attractive!¡± Heather was a straightforward


    and outgoing girl, unafraid to express her thoughts openly. With her carefree nature, she extended her


    hand toward Avery in a friendly gesture.


    Even though Heather and ire were not mother and daughter, they shared a great rtionship. ire


    often treated Heather like she was her own daughter, sharing everything with her.


    Just a few days ago, Heather overheard her aunt mentioning that her long-lost biological daughter had


    been discovered. The news had filled her with an unparalleled sense of excitement.


    Though she had found it difficult to believe at first, today''s meeting with Avery, who her aunt had


    brought back to the Lambert family, finally confirmed the truth of her words.


    Indeed, Avery''s appearance greatly resembled her aunt''s.


    Blushing slightly, Avery shook Heather''s hand, feeling a tad embarrassed by the praise. ¡°Oh, ire


    tends to exaggerate,¡± she replied modestly. ¡°I''m not as exceptional as she makes me out to be. But I


    must say, your achievements are truly impressive. Bing an interpreter at such a young age is


    quite remarkable.¡±


    ncing once again at Luther, Avery couldn''t help but marvel at the outstanding siblings before her.


    One was remarkably young, yet was a deputy minister at the Department of Foreign Affairs. The other,


    at such a tender age, had already embarked on a journey to pursue a Ph.D. and was gracefully


    handling the highly demanding role of interpretation.


    In the presence of such aplished siblings, Nicole seemed overshadowed.


    Although Avery and Heather had never met before, they hit it off immediately and chatted away.


    Every now and then, Luther would interject a few words. Although he didn''t speak much, hisments


    were incredibly witty and humorous, causing the whole table to burst intoughter. Even William, who


    was not fond ofughing, had a slight smile on his lips.


    Nicole wanted to join the conversation, but as they continued to talk, the topics shifted to philosophy,


    economics, and aesthetics. She found herself unable to interject, left with no choice but to sip her juice


    vigorously, using it as a cover for her embarrassment.


    The food was served soon, a feast for the eyes with its vibrant colors, stirring up a hearty appetite.


    What surprised Avery was that the dishesid out in front of her were all of her favorites.


    She couldn''t help but steal a nce at ire.


    ire took off her apron, her smile unusually kind. ¡°Ery, most of the dishes today were made by


    someone else, but the few dishes in front of you were made by me. My cooking skills are not superb,


    and I''m not sure if you''ll like them. Why don''t you give them a try and see if they suit your taste?¡±


    In truth, she had secretly researched everything about Avery''s preferences, including her favorite


    foods. Therefore, she had specially prepared some dishes that Avery loved.


    All she could think was, This girl is too thin; it''s heartbreaking.


    Maintaining hisposed demeanor, William picked up a piece of mushroom and meat, cing it


    delicately on the te before Avery. With gentle concern, he offered his advice. ¡°You should eat a little


    more, my dear. Being too thin isn''t good for your health...¡±


    Avery''s response was a blend ofplex emotions as she savored a bite of the dish William had


    served her. A faint choked-up feeling washed over her, but she managed to smile and express her


    gratitude, saying, ¡°Mmm, thank you. The food is absolutely delicious.¡±


    ire and William wore smiles on their faces, looking at Avery with affection. Both of them felt


    extremely content.


    In the remote, mountainous outskirts of Mocset, a breathtakingly beautiful and statuesque woman


    entered a modestly furnished room, apanied by a man who was wearing a whiteb coat with a


    mask covering his face and carrying a medical kit.


    Her pupils fixed on an indiscernible speck of light on the wall, and for a moment, she seemed lost in


    thought. After about five seconds, a sudden turn of events urred¡ªthe floor beneath them split open,


    revealing a concealed, finely crafted stone staircase that led deep underground.


    The two individuals descended the staircase and arrived in a dim room.


    The interior of the room was vast, and the decor was incrediblyvish and grand.


    As the door swung open, the scene revealed a handsome, slender man lying on the bed. His head was


    securely wrapped in a thick bandage, and hey motionless and unconscious. His deathly pale


    complexion suggested an absence of life and movement, leaving a sense of unease in the air.


    Despite his current state of unconsciousness and pallor, one couldn''t help but notice the remarkable


    features that distinguished his face.

 Chapter 654

    Chapter 654


    Chapter 654 Who Is Avery


    Layers of cold sweat continuously formed on the unconscious man''s forehead.


    His thick and arched eyebrows were furrowed as if he was ufortable, and it gave him an uneasy


    appearance even in slumber.


    He kept murmuring a few words under his breath, ¡°Avery, Avery...¡±


    Cassie leaned in to listen to the man''s mumbling as her hand gently caressed his feverish forehead.


    She turned to look at the masked doctor, her tone decidedly displeased as she inquired in Remdikian,


    ¡°When will he wake up? What is he saying?¡±


    She did not understand Chanaean, but the words he kept repeating made her feel somewhat


    ufortable.


    Carefully, the doctor examined the man''s condition, then slowly said in Remdikian, ¡°Miss, the


    gentleman had his surgery a week ago. He should have woken up by now. However, the bullet had


    caused severe damage, so it might take a few more days for him to wake up. Though, this man is truly


    fortunate. Under such circumstances, the survival rate for ordinary people is only one in a thousand. He


    is indeed a lucky one.¡±


    Cassie leaned down and kissed the man''s smooth forehead. Her cold gaze emitted an inexplicable


    light as she said, ¡°How could the man I fancy lie here unconscious? Wake him up as soon as possible.


    I can''t wait to see him open his eyes.¡±


    Ever since she secretly brought this man back, she has been covertly investigating his background.


    The man''s credentials left Cassie in awe. The youngest business professor from Horington University,


    he established a multinational corporation at a young age and turned a smallpany on the brink of


    bankruptcy into a renowned name across Aploth.


    It was no wonder she felt an extraordinary aura about the man, as if he were an elite among ordinary


    people, when she firstid eyes on him.


    Roderick was truly audacious to have dared to assassinate a man of such stature. His actions have


    truly stirred up huge trouble for them.


    However, she also felt grateful for Roderick''s audacity, for his actions had brought such an outstanding


    and exceptional man into her life.


    ¡°Avery, Avery...¡±


    The unconscious sounds that emanated from the man in his stupor were hoarse yet rich, seemingly


    filled with an incredible depth of affection.


    The incessant murmuring made Cassie furrow her brows doubtfully.


    Who is Avery? Is that person someone important to him? It seems like I''ll need to thoroughly


    investigate everything about him!


    Meanwhile, at the Lambert residence, Avery suddenly clutched at her heart in the midst of her meal.


    The throbbing seemed more intense than usual, and it was as if a warm current had seeped into her


    heart and spleen.


    She could almost feel Cayden calling her name.


    The meal prepared by the Lambert family today was absolutely delicious. The mushrooms were fresh


    and tender, the fish soup was rich and fragrant. This made Avery''s appetite improve slightly.


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    She had some vegetables, savored a bowl of fish soup, and also had some pasta.


    Although she did not eat much, it was still a significant improvementpared to not being able to


    have even a drop of water yesterday.


    After finishing their meal, George warmly invited Avery to join him for a game of chess.


    They yed chess whilst sipping coffee and chatting.


    Avery sat across from George and listened to him recount stories from his youth and some truly bizarre


    experiences. She was continuously amazed by what she heard.


    Even though she knew the old man''s stories were a mix of truth and fiction, she still listened with great


    enthusiasm.


    On the other hand, Heather was a straightforward girl who refused to preserve her grandfather''s


    dignity. Using her high intelligence to make deductions, she repeatedly saw through her grandfather''s


    words, provoking him to feign anger and threaten to hit her with his cane.


    Heather was a clever girl. Every time she annoyed her grandfather, she grinned mischievously at him,


    then burst intoughter and hid behind Avery and cried, ¡°Avery, save me!¡±


    The pair of young and old were constantly finding new ways to amuse Avery, and her gloomy mood


    seemed to have brightened up quite a bit.


    ire, who stood at the spiral staircase on the second floor, couldn''t help but respond with a heartfelt


    smile of her own when she saw Avery finally showing a hint of a smile.


    William stepped out of the room and noticed his wife staring unblinkingly at Avery downstairs. He


    wrapped his arms around her shoulders, joining her in watching the scene below.


    ire spoke softly, ¡°Honey, I finally saw our daughter smile. Her mood has been bad these past few


    days, and I was really worried that she wouldn''t be able to bear it... It seems like inviting her to our


    home was indeed the right choice.¡±


    As William''s gaze rested on Avery, his voice was warm as he said, ¡°The child has led a hard life. From


    now on, we should take good care of her. Now that Cayden has left, we''re currently her biggest


    support. She''s still so young, so I''m sure she will meet a better man in the future.¡±


    ire''s eyes welled up with tears. ¡°I don''t think so. She has inherited your stubbornness. With


    Cayden''s departure, he took her whole heart and entire soul with him. It''s just pitiful that our grandson


    was born without a father. How could my poor daughter be so unfortunate...¡±


    William embraced his wife, ¡°What''s done is done, we can''t reverse it, and we can only ept it as it is.


    What we need to do now is not to be pessimistic like our daughter, but to guide her to quickly move on


    from her sorrow and resume a normal life.¡±


    ¡°Mhm.¡± ire nodded, sighing. ¡°Time really does fly. Our daughter has grown so much, and we''ve


    aged as well. To think we''re grandparents now. By the way, have you met our twin grandchildren?


    They''re absolutely adorable, smart, and well-behaved. I adore them. We should ask our daughter to


    bring them over to the Lambert residence sometime. It would certainly liven up the ce.¡±


    William, upon seeing his wife''s childlike excitement at the mention of their grandchildren, smiled


    indulgently and helplessly. ¡°Alright, we''ll do as you say.¡±


    That afternoon, Avery decided to go home.


    In the end, living in the Lambert residence was quite inconvenient for her. Not only did she have to


    endure the disdainful looks from Fiona, but there was also Nicole who was a ticking time bomb.


    Besides, with her dubious reputation, it was indeed inappropriate to continue imposing on them like


    this.


    For an extended period of time, ire pleaded persistently and even resorted to threatening self-injury


    in order to make her stay. Avery was truly at her wit''s end until Kendrick called her. After the call came,


    she took the opportunity to tell ire that she needed to go back and handle some matters and would


    return to the Lambert residence in a few days.


    ire could only let Avery go with a heavy heart when she saw thetter''s eagerness to leave.


    Before leaving, Avery sighed softly in her heart. She was finding it a bit hard to handle ire''s


    excessive enthusiasm.


    After returning home, Kendrick hurriedly drove over from the Moore residence.


    He was dressed in casual ck attire as he carried a variety of precious supplements in his hands. He


    looked travel-worn, with a face full of fatigue, even his eyes were filled with bloodshot streaks.


    Kendrick ced the supplements on the coffee table and looked around the vast and empty vi before


    he gently called out, ¡°Avery.¡±


    Avery nced at the pile of supplements before shifting her gaze back to Kendrick. She asked,


    ¡°Kendrick, was there something you needed?¡±

 Chapter 655

    Chapter 655


    Chapter 655 Safeguarding His Assets


    All of a sudden, Kendrick bowed to Avery.


    Avery was startled by his sudden action. ¡°Kendrick, what are you doing?¡±


    ¡°Avery...¡± Kendrick''s voice was filled with exhaustion. ¡°Cayden hasn''t shown up at thepany for


    several days now and the board of directors is starting to voice their concerns. I''ve been doing


    everything I can with Mr. Dartsley to keep everyone in the dark, saying that Cayden is just on a


    business trip abroad and will be back soon, but it''s bing increasingly difficult to keep this a secret.


    In Cayden''s will, he appointed you as the acting CEO of Trident Group. Could you temporarily take


    over at thepany?¡±


    He nced at Avery''srge belly and let out a sigh. ¡°I know right now is not the best time to bother you,


    but thepany is really in a mess. I''m feeling truly overwhelmed.¡±


    Kendrick felt profoundly powerless and overwhelmed by guilt and self-reproach.


    My intelligence and emotional quotient are no match for Cayden, nor do I have thetter''s talent in


    business. I already feel overwhelmed from being a manager. How can I possibly handle running an


    entirepany?


    Even though Avery appeared delicate, Kendrick strongly believed that the woman his older brother


    chose must have exceptional and intelligent qualities. She would surely be able to shoulder


    responsibilities and be the mainstay for the development of Trident Group.


    Avery quietly stared at him. She did not say a word, but tears welled in her eyes.


    That''s right. Cayden''s not here anymore. Hispany has lost its backbone. It must be inplete


    chaos now, huh?


    Kendrick gritted his teeth and said, ¡°I don''t know who the hell spread the rumor that Cayden has been


    killed, causing the stocks of Trident Group to plummet to their lowest point recently. Many shareholders


    were selling their stocks aggressively. Even the board of directors forced us to hold a shareholders''


    meeting to elect a new CEO.¡±


    He added, ¡°However, Cayden holds fifty-six percent of thepany''s shares, which makes him the


    largest shareholder. He has designated you as his sessor for these shares. Tomorrow at noon, the


    board of directors will hold a shareholders'' meeting. Avery, I hope you cane to thepany and


    attend it.¡±


    Kendrick could never have imagined that his elder brother, whom he revered as a godlike existence


    and the man who stood at the top of the world, would disappear like that with no trace of his


    whereabouts.


    The Moore residence had been gloomy for the past few days.


    Jeffrey was hospitalized due to the sudden piece of devastating news. He had just escaped death after


    being transferred out of the ICU.


    After being in thepany for such a long time, Kendrick only now understood that Cayden had been


    the one to allow him to live his carefree life, giving him a chance to spend money recklessly and y


    around.


    If I''m honest with myself, Cayden has been good to me, and I''ve learned a lot under his guidance.


    During these few days when Cayden wasn''t around, Mr. Dartsley and I had to shoulder many


    responsibilities. He holds excellent prestige within thepany but is not the decision-maker. He has


    no right to intervene in the CEO''s affairs. It''s okay for a short while, but such an arrangement won''t


    work in the long run. Thepany has be chaotic since the announcement of Cayden''s passing.


    Many who had been harboring intentions started moring for the election of a new CEO. Some even


    wanted to sell their shares outright and leave Trident Group.


    Avery nced at Kendrick. Her gaze then shifted to her and Cayden''s wedding photo on the wall.


    In the wedding photo, Cayden was holding her waist. He leaned in and lovingly pressed his forehead


    against hers.


    The two of them shared a kiss and wereughing happily.


    That warm and beautiful scene seemed as though it had happened yesterday.


    Avery closed her eyes as she felt a sense of loneliness wash over her. She no longer looked at the


    sweet photo. She was determined as she said, ¡°I''ll go to thepany tomorrow. No matter what, I


    won''t let his hard work be wasted.¡±


    Cayden single-handedly built Trident Group up from a smallpany on the brink of bankruptcy to the


    multinational corporation it is now across Aploth. The amount of effort and dedication he had poured


    into it was immeasurable.


    Now that he''s gone, as his wife and lover, I must protect his assets no matter what.


    The next day, Avery wore exquisite makeup, striving to look as professional and stern as possible,


    before heading to Trident Group.


    She rode the private elevator to the CEO''s office. It was nine o''clock when she arrived.


    Xavier was taken aback momentarily when he saw Avery. Surprise shed across his eyes. ¡°Mrs.


    Moore, you''vee to work?¡±


    Everyone in the secretarial department greeted Avery in unison.


    Everyone had different expressions when they noticed her pregnant belly, but most stared at her


    sympathetically.


    ¡°Mrs. Moore, shall I make you a ss of hot milk?¡± A stunningly beautiful secretary, Tina, rose from her


    seat, ready to head toward the pantry.


    Making a hot drink for Avery every morning was a daily task assigned by Cayden.


    Even though Cayden was no longer around, Tina had already gotten used to the habit.


    ¡°No thanks, Tina. I don''t feel like having a hot drink right now.¡± Avery waved at Tina, signaling her to sit


    down. ¡°Everyone, don''t mind me and carry on with your work. Mr. Dartsley,e with me.¡±


    In the CEO''s office, Avery sat on the swivel chair. She stared at the stacks of documents on the desk


    and gently massaged her slightly aching temples.


    Xavier stood before the office desk and reported thepany''s situation to her. He said, ¡°Since Mr.


    Moore left, everyone has been very upset. Some even find it hard to ept this reality and cried their


    hearts out. I can understand how you feel. However, even though Mr. Moore has left us, his legacy


    remains. You should pull yourself together for the sake of Mr. Zachary and Ms. Rory...¡±


    Avery held her hand up to stop him from speaking further as she muttered, ¡°Cayden isn''t dead. He


    must still be alive and living somewhere in this world. He will definitely return.¡±


    Xavier was rendered speechless.


    A grown man like him couldn''t help but feel a lump in his throat when he saw how Avery was


    comforting herself. His eyes gradually turned red as they brimmed with tears.


    All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    Avery fell silent as she shifted her focus onto the documents spread out on the table. They were all


    carefully selected by Xavier¡ªurgent papers that required immediate attention.


    Xavier himself had promptly handled other matters.


    Avery sat in the swivel chair that Cayden often used and read through the documents before her. Most


    of them were contracts and bidding documents that required her signature. There were also annual


    reports and various statements to be submitted to the board of directors, as well as business ns,


    profit distribution, and losspensation ns, among other things.


    Xavier temporarily handled all the ns and schemes that followed. However, the signing of the


    contracts and bidding documents had to be done by her.


    Although her eyes were focused on the contract, Avery''s thoughts were consumed with Cayden.


    Her gaze fell upon the door not far from her.


    That was the CEO''s private lounge, where they, more than once, have shared moments of affection


    and intimacy.


    Rubbing her slightly stinging eyes, Avery collected herself and shifted her focus back to processing the


    documents.


    Even though she had never handled any business, she had absorbed a lot through her time with


    Cayden. The basics were not a big deal to her.


    Avery signed many contracts, but it wasn''t until a particrnd bidding document that it caused her to


    pause momentarily.


    The bidding document was written in great detail, but at the end of the paper, there was a sticky note


    stating that Xenos Group was thepany''spetitor.

 Chapter 656

    Chapter 656


    Chapter 656 My Husband Still Chose Me


    This bidding proposal is written by Wisteria...


    Naturally, Avery was well-acquainted with Wisteria, this so-called rival who wasn''t really a rival. The


    latter was a cunning woman and had a knack for circling around Cayden.


    In fact, Wisteria once went so far as to throw her underwear in Cayden''s car, leading to a


    misunderstanding between Avery and him.


    Even though Avery had an unfavorable impression of Wisteria, she couldn''t deny thetter''s formidable


    work abilities, making her an indispensable right-hand woman to Cayden.


    Despite her reservations about Wisteria and not wanting the woman to have too much interaction with


    her husband, even if it was purely work-rted, Avery chose to silently endure it all for the sake of


    Cayden.


    Thankfully, whatever Cayden said seemed to have an effect on Wisteria, and she became more well-


    behaved recently, causing fewer problems.


    As Avery carefully went through Wisteria''s bid proposal, her eyebrows began to furrow slightly.


    She called Tina through the internal line and said, ¡°Tina, could you please ask Ms. Summers toe


    to the CEO''s office?¡±


    ¡°Just a moment,¡± Tinaplied and headed to Wisteria''s office to ry the message that the acting


    CEO would like to see her.


    Meanwhile, Wisteria was on the verge of a breakdown.


    Ever since she heard the news of Cayden''s mishap, she had been leftpletely bewildered.


    These past few days, she had been constantly shedding tears, unable to believe the fact that Cayden


    had passed away.


    Overwhelmed with despair, she felt like she was trapped in a painful abyss from which she could not


    extricate herself.


    Being someone who always took great care of her appearance, she no longer had the heart to dress


    up due to Cayden''s absence.


    Once a radiant woman, her eyes were sunken now, and her hair disheveled, as if she had aged ten


    years in an instant.


    Soon, she followed the secretary into the CEO''s office.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Upon seeing Avery sitting in the seat that belonged to Cayden, examining the bid proposal, a sh of


    resentment, jealousy, and mostly contempt flickered in Wisteria''s eyes.


    ¡°Mrs. Moore, Ms. Summers has arrived. If you don''t need anything else, I''ll get back to my work now,¡±


    Tina informed before ushering Wisteria into the CEO''s office. After greeting Avery, Tina headed back to


    her own office.


    ¡°Mrs. Moore, what can I do for you?¡± Even though Wisteria hid her emotions well, the deep-seated


    resentment she held toward Avery, coupled with the fact that there were only the two of them in the


    CEO''s office allowed her to speak without much restraint.


    Naturally, Avery knew Wisteria''s true feelings well.


    Nheless, she just found the whole scenario amusing.


    After all, Wisteria was just Cayden''s work partner, and despite her feelings for him, he had always


    treated her with indifference. Avery, on the other hand, knew that she was the one who held the title of


    Cayden''s wife.


    This woman not only covets my husband but also has the audacity to show such a resentful expression


    toward me, Cayden''s legal wife?


    Nevertheless, Avery figured it was not the time to dwell on such matters.


    She spread the bidding documents in front of Wisteria and asked, ¡°Ms. Summers, did you write this


    bidding proposal?¡±


    Wisteria responded coldly, ¡°Mrs. Moore, didn''t you notice the signature at the end of the bidding


    proposal? Or perhaps your vision has deteriorated at such a young age?¡±


    She couldn''t help but look down on the woman before her. In her eyes, Avery was like a weak and


    fragile flower that could only thrive when clinging to a man''s support. Without a man''s protection, even


    the slightest storm would likely cause Avery to wither away.


    How could a woman like her possibly stand shoulder-to-shoulder with such an outstanding man like


    Cayden Moore? Yet, it''s this very woman, with her innocent face, gentle personality, and seductive


    tactics, who managed to win his affection. Not only did she bear his child, but even in his will, she


    seemed to be at the forefront of his thoughts. One can only imagine how deeply he must have loved


    her to provide her with such generous material security even after his departure.


    The thought of that made Wisteria absolutely livid.


    Fixing her gaze on Wisteria''s arrogant expression, Avery scoffed lightly and responded to the woman''s


    provocation, saying, ¡°Whether my vision is good or not seems to have nothing to do with you, Ms.


    Summers. Nevertheless, even if my eyesight were wed, my husband still chose me. Meanwhile, you,


    who are blessed with such good eyesight, are still infatuated with him. Oh well, even though my eyes


    may not be as sharp as yours, I''m satisfied with my current status. You see, it''s important for people to


    know how to be content.¡±


    Avery''s sharp retort stung Wisteria, making thetter clench her teeth in frustration. However,


    constrained by her current position, she had to suppress her emotions and replied, ¡°Mrs. Moore, you


    didn''t call me here today just to humiliate me, did you? Because if that''s the case, I''m afraid I can''t


    oblige!¡±


    ¡°Ms. Summers, your bidding proposal is indeed well-crafted, but there''s one issue that confuses me,¡±


    Avery stated.


    She flipped open the bidding document and continued, ¡°Chimera Lake has plenty ofnd, but you


    specifically chose this area. Even though the subway was recently extended here, it mainly houses


    long-time residents who may be difficult to relocate. Furthermore, thend prices remain inted due to


    its proximity to a vocational college. Why did you decide to bid for this particr piece ofnd?¡±


    Wisteria couldn''t help but sneer in her heart at Avery, believing that the woman might bepetent in


    taking care of children at home, but when it came to business, she was clearly naive and


    inexperienced.


    Even so, she maintained a superior demeanor as she exined, ¡°Chimera Lake is going through a


    period of rapid development, and the property prices there have skyrocketed from two to three


    thousand just three years ago to over ten thousand now, showcasing the immense value of this area.


    While there might be more locals residing on thisnd, offering them fairpensation during the


    demolition process will easily resolve any issues. Besides, the surrounding schools, transportation,


    commercial hubs, and scenic views are all outstanding. These are precisely the aspects that buyers


    consider essential. Securing this piece ofnd will undoubtedly provide a significant boost to Trident


    Group''s development.¡±


    Avery pointed at the bright red mark on the bidding proposal and paused before speaking, ¡°But our


    mainpetitor here is Xenos Group, and you''ve specifically noted that Xenos Group has a strong


    background and is fond of using tactics like restricted bidding, tied bids, and aggressive bidding to


    secure projects. Ms. Summers, do you really think we have a good chance of winning thisnd?¡±


    With a tone filled with impatience and disdain, Wisteria retorted, ¡°I''m only in charge of nning this


    bidding proposal, but it''s up to you to use your abilities to secure thisnd, Mrs. Moore. In the past, Mr.


    Moore used to handle all these matters, and with his determination, even the most challenging projects


    could be won.¡±


    As she met Wisteria''s contemptuous gaze, Avery could sense the doubt andck of confidence the


    I''m sure if Cayden was the one here, Wisteria''s attitude would bepletely different.


    Closing the bidding proposal, Avery calmly looked at Wisteria. ¡°Ms. Summers, you don''t need to worry.


    I''ll do my best to secure thend in Chimera Lake. You can leave for now. Your proposal still needs


    some improvement, so please go and work on it.¡±


    Just then, one of the four secretaries, Susanna, was about to deliver some documents to Avery''s office.


    As she pushed the door open and stepped inside, she happened to overhear the conversation between


    Avery and Wisteria.


    With a dismissive sneer, she ced the documents on the desk and quietly exited the room.

 Chapter 657

    Chapter 657


    Chapter 657 Go Home And Nurse Your Baby


    Suzanna returned to the secretary''s office and saw everyone focusing on their work.


    She pped the table loudly, drawing the attention of the other secretaries before saying


    exaggeratedly, ¡°Hey, I''ve got some juicy gossip for you all. I just saw the acting CEO reprimanding Ms.


    Summers. She even said that Ms. Summers'' bidding proposal was imperfect. How ridiculous! Everyone


    in ourpany is impressed by Ms. Summers'' work capabilities, yet a newbie like her dared to order


    Ms. Summers around. My goodness, she''s putting on such a show!¡±


    Upon hearing Suzanna, the other two secretaries couldn''t help but cover their mouths and giggle


    secretly.


    Only Tina continued to face herputer and work diligently.


    One of the secretaries, Avril, yawned and casually took out her powder puff, touching up her makeup.


    She then interjected, ¡°Does she really think that she''s the CEO just because she''s in that seat? Is that


    a position she can obtain so easily?¡±


    ¡°Who knows? I do see her signing quite a number of documents and contracts, and she seems to be


    seriously reviewing the bids. However, I think she''s just putting on an act.¡±


    The other secretary who was named Bianca adjusted her sses and spected, ¡°Since Mr. Moore is


    such an iconic figure, his wife must be a woman of substance. Who in a wealthy family would marry a


    brainless woman? Besides, I''ve noticed that she has a talent for architectural design. So, she must be


    quitepetent in business as well. I think she might be a capable woman.¡± ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Suzanna rolled her eyes at Bianca. ¡°Oh,e on! With that fussy demeanor of hers, you think she''s


    capable? You guys have no idea. There were times when I went to the CEO''s office and saw her sitting


    on Mr. Moore''sp, showing her skin and seducing him while he was working. Mr. Moore is a reserved


    man. How could he have fallen for such a vulgar and scheming woman?¡±


    Then, Suzanna sneakily looked around to make sure no one wasing in. Lowering her voice, she


    went on, ¡°I heard that Mr. Moore left ny percent of his wealth to that woman. Normally, he should


    have left most of his wealth to his mother or children, right? What do you think? Could that woman


    have secretly changed his will?¡±


    ¡°Oh my gosh!¡± Avril''s mouth fell open. ¡°That is too shocking. If she really did change Mr. Moore''s will,


    then she''s incredibly cunning. I can''t believe this!¡±


    On the other hand, Bianca seemed a bit skeptical. ¡°I don''t think she could have done that. Is it that


    easy to change a will? Besides, she''s carrying Mr. Moore''s child, and she''s about to give birth at any


    moment now.¡±


    Suzanna continued to gossip, ¡°We never know. Maybe Mr. Moore''s death is even rted to her!¡±


    Tina, who had been silent all along, suddenly rapped her pen heavily on the desk. With a scowl, she


    reminded the other secretaries, ¡°We''re at work right now. Do you guys have that much free time? I''m


    sure you all know the consequences if the acting CEO finds out you''re talking about her behind her


    back. It seems like she assigned you guys too little work.¡±


    Tina often interacted with Avery. In her opinion, Avery was gentle, polite, understanding, and incredibly


    easy to get along with.


    She was nothing like the scheming woman they described her to be.


    As Tina couldn''t stand the way thedies were criticizing Avery, she spoke up.


    Not daring to talk back, Avril and Bianca lowered their heads. In an instant, the office regained its


    tranquility.


    Although they were all secretaries of the same rank, Tina stood out due to her versatile skills and


    superior capabilities. As a result, she was more favored by the CEO, and her words carried significant


    weight.


    Only Suzanna nced at Tina disdainfully. What a brown-noser. Does she think she can get a


    promotion by fawning over Avery? She can dream on! I''d be grateful if thepany doesn''t go under


    due to that woman''s meddling.


    Meanwhile, Wisteria stepped out of the CEO''s office, her face clouded with gloom. I can''t believe Avery


    thinks my bidding proposal is imperfect.


    No one had ever dared to criticize Wisteria like that, not even Cayden, who would only offer her


    suggestions.


    Haha! She even boasted that she''ll secure thend in Chimera Lake. I''ll watch and see how she''ll go


    against that ferocious Xenos Group. She''s going to be so humiliated!


    At ten o''clock, Trident Group''s shareholders'' meeting officiallymenced.


    Xavier had already announced Cayden''s will to the board of directors in advance; the news of Avery


    taking over as the acting CEO was undoubtedly a bolt from the blue that caught certain veterans


    seeking to take power off guard.


    Today was Avery''s first day in office as the acting CEO, and all the shareholders hade. Everyone


    had been waiting in the conference room since early morning.


    The atmosphere in the conference room was solemn and heavy as the shareholders engaged in a


    flurry of discussions, whispering to each other.


    Avery intentionally arrived a few minuteste. By the time she walked in, all members of the board of


    directors were present.


    At the sight of the heavily-pregnant Avery walking in and taking the seat at the head of the table, many


    people showed expressions of disdain.


    Jasper was the first to snort coldly, remarking in a sarcastic tone, ¡°Mrs. Moore, everyone has been


    waiting for you. Don''t you have any sense of time? How will you be able to lead Trident Group if you''re


    like this? Maybe you should go home and nurse your child instead!¡±


    No sooner had he finished speaking than he was met with a roar ofughter from the crowd. Those


    who were in cahoots with Jasper began to chatter away.


    ¡°Mr. Moore was a man with a strong sense of time. He never arrived a minutete. It seems that


    women really do love to dawdle!¡±


    ¡°Were you stalling for time? Do you even know what is discussed at a shareholders'' meeting? If that''s


    the case, you might as well not attend!¡±


    Since Cayden was not present, theypletely disregarded the fact that Avery was the wife of the


    CEO and openly mocked her.


    Moreover, Avery looked frail, as if she could copse at any moment. They didn''t believe she had the


    capability to do anything to them.


    Kendrick anxiously looked at Avery, whose face was devoid of any expression. Suddenly, he felt a pang


    of regret for dragging her into the chaos.


    If only he weren''t so incapable, he would never let his sister-inw suffer such humiliation at the


    company.


    At that moment, he had the urge to seal the mouths of these shareholders who were always ying the


    age card.


    The shareholders were all talking, each with their own hidden agendas. Some were plotting to seize


    control, their ambitions as clear as day. Others considered selling their shares off while they were still


    valuable, looking for another way out. There were also some who quietly observed the situation,


    waiting to make their next move.


    Originating from Moore Group, Trident Group had ten shareholders.


    Among them, there were four elders from Moore Group and three young men who were partners that


    had struggled alongside Cayden.


    The other three were shareholders who financed Trident Groupter on.


    Those who ridiculed Avery were mostly in league with Jasper. On the other hand, the young


    shareholders who had worked with Cayden watched her tentatively and kept quiet for the time being.


    They were genuinely curious if Avery truly possessed the ability to take on the acting CEO''s position at


    Trident Group.

 Chapter 658

    Chapter 658


    Chapter 658 Stunning All Shareholders


    Their words did not anger Avery in the slightest.


    She seemed incredibly calm as she gently tapped her pen against the desk and asked, ¡°Has everyone


    finished speaking? If so, could you all please check the shareholders'' WhatsApp group for the


    message about the time the secretariat has scheduled for the meeting?¡±


    ¡°You''re just a woman who doesn''t even understand the concept of punctuality! How dare you even


    think you can be an acting CEO? This is utterly ridiculous!¡± Jasper raised his voice deliberately.


    Despite what he said, he still pulled up the shareholders'' WhatsApp group on his phone.


    He was a little shocked when he saw that the time scheduled for the meeting in the WhatsApp group


    chat was six minutes past ten. However, he was quick to regain hisposure and nced at Avery.


    So what if she came on time? We always schedule our meetings at ten when Mr. Moore was around,


    so that is the time we have all grown ustomed to!


    The former CEO ced a strong emphasis on punctuality and really disliked tardiness.


    Previously, a shareholder took advantage of his status as a senior and deliberately arrived at a meeting


    a few minuteste. As a result, Cayden told that shareholder to pack up and leave. Jeffrey tried to talk


    Cayden out of it, but to no avail.


    As such, everyone couldn''t help but wonder what Avery was up to when she changed the meeting time


    to six minutes past ten.


    As everyone shifted their gaze toward Avery, she shed them a sarcastic smile and said, ¡°I believe


    you all saw that our shareholders'' meeting was scheduled for six minutes past ten in the morning. It


    was only five minutes past ten when I walked in, so I wasn''tte. However, you guys have spent over


    five minutes using me of beingte. So, tell me, was Ite?¡±


    Kendrick was the first to speak up. ¡°Of course not! You even arrived a minute early, Mrs. Moore!¡±


    Another young shareholder, who had been working alongside Cayden, also nodded in agreement.


    ¡°Indeed! Mrs. Moore wasn''tte at all! Some people simply weren''t aware of the meeting time.¡±


    Jasper let out a disdainful snort and continued to find fault with Avery. ¡°Mr. Moore always arrives ten


    minutes early for every meeting.¡±


    A faint smirk formed on Wisteria''s lips as she watched, while ring coldly at Avery, who was being


    picked on.


    She was also one of the minor shareholders in thepany. Although she only owned six percent of


    the shares, the money it was worth could sustain an average family for over a decade. That was why


    she attended the shareholders'' meeting as well.


    Seeing as Jasper was determined to continue giving her a hard time, Avery''s gentle gaze grew cold as


    she sat in the main seat. ¡°You may criticize me all you like if I turned out to bete, Mr. Chuck, but I


    clearly arrived on time today. It is my husband''s practice to have the meetings at ten, not mine. Just so


    you all know, the meeting time is subject to changes from time to time, so you must all get used to the


    way I do things!¡±


    Leroy sneered and asked disdainfully, ¡°Do you really think sitting in that chair makes you our CEO?¡±


    Another senior shareholder chimed in sarcastically, ¡°Women; am I right? They''re always indecisive and


    lack the will to get things done! It''ll be a miracle if thispany survives your handling!¡±


    ¡°Mr. Moore transferred all of his shares to her before he died, so she now holds the most shares in


    Trident Group. What choice do we have except listen to her, right? Still, is she really Mr. Moore''s wife,


    though? Howe we didn''t receive any news of their marriage?¡±


    ¡°If she''s not his wife, then what right does she have to be the acting CEO? Have her step down!¡±


    Avery mmed her documents down on the conference table, shocking everyone with her sudden


    outburst of anger.


    ¡°Tina!¡± Avery shouted.


    Tina, who was standing next to her, immediately understood what she meant. She then pulled out two


    marriage certificates from her handbag and smiled as she held them out for everyone to see.


    The two photos on the marriage certificates were those of Cayden and Avery, and the date of


    certification was from three months ago.


    There was no faking that bright red seal on the certificate, which shocked all the shareholders present


    at the table.


    No one doubted the authenticity of the marriage certificate because no one would ever dare forge


    anything in the name of the business tycoon, Cayden. That could only mean that their CEO really did


    marry Avery.


    Wisteria clenched her fists tightly under the conference table. Her lowered gaze was filled with shock,


    jealousy, and rage.


    I can''t believe Cayden really registered his marriage with that woman! How could he do such a thing?


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    The meeting room fell intoplete silence all of a sudden.


    The shareholders all had conflicted looks in their eyes as they stared at Avery.


    The silence was broken when an older shareholder with graying hair spoke up all of a sudden. ¡°To be


    honest, I''m not willing to work under a woman. I''d rather transfer my shares elsewhere than watch


    Trident Group get destroyed by your leadership.¡±


    Avery nced at the shareholder who made the statement. He had a square face with bulging eyes


    and unkempt eyebrows. Generally, people with such facial features tend to be hot-tempered, often


    struggling to distinguish right from wrong, and can be unreasonable at times.


    Avery didn''t even frown as she asked, ¡°Is there anyone else who would like to sell their shares? If yes,


    please speak up now.¡±


    ¡°Me!¡±


    ¡°Me too!¡±


    Two more shareholders exchanged nces and decided to sell their shares.


    They would never dream of selling their shares if Cayden were still in charge.


    Trident Group is now under the control of a weak woman, so it''s best to leave before thepany goes


    bankrupt.


    ¡°Mr. Dartsley!¡± Avery called out.


    ¡°Yes, Mrs. Moore?¡± responded Xavier.


    ¡°Check the percentage of the shares these gentlemen hold in Trident Group, and acquire them all


    ording to the current market rate,¡± Avery said coldly.


    Wisteria stared at Avery in disbelief.


    Has this womanpletely lost her mind? The stocks of Trident Group have plummeted to an all-time


    low ever since the news of Cayden''s death broke out. Trident Group is now in dire need of funds, and


    yet, she wants to acquire these guys'' shares? Did she fall out of bed this morning and hit her head or


    something?


    Even Xavier was a little hesitant to do so. ¡°Please think this through, Mrs. Moore. Given the current


    state of thepany''s finances, we can''t afford to spend that much money,¡± he advised her softly.


    ¡°My husband has left me a huge sum of money in private, so I will be using the money from my


    personal ount. Go and contact awyer and have him draft the share transfer documents. These


    people will have no further connection with Trident Group in the future,¡± Avery replied firmly.


    Her words were assertive and decisive, which reflected her determination in carrying out her decisions.


    Despite her delicate and gentle appearance, her stern aura and prating gaze were reminiscent of


    Cayden''s. As such, no one dared ignore her authoritativemands.


    This woman seems to have quite a bit of courage in her!


    With the exception of Jasper, Wisteria, and a few others, nearly all the other shareholders in the


    meeting room felt the same way about Avery.


    Just like that, a little over a month had passed in the blink of an eye.


    As Avery was a fast learner, she was able to quickly familiarize herself with Cayden''s practices at work


    with the help of Xavier''s meticulous guidance and Tina''s pointers.


    It was really exhausting.


    After taking Cayden''s ce at work, Avery truly experienced the hardships that Cayden faced on a


    daily basis.


    Even so, she wasn''t afraid to work hard. She even went as far as working tirelessly day and night,


    neglecting her meals and sleep.


    Only through working hard could she temporarily forget the pain of losing Cayden.


    The bidding for Chimera Lake was set to take ce in a week.


    Right as Avery was diligently studying the bidding proposal, Sid came over in a hurry.


    He looked at Avery and said excitedly, ¡°Avery, we''ve got news on Cayden!

 Chapter 659

    Chapter 659


    Chapter 659 About To Give Birth


    Avery waspletely taken aback when she heard what Sid said.


    There was finally a hint of joy on her emotionless face.


    ¡°Is that true, Sid? Is Cayden still alive? Where is he now? Are you sure that man is really my husband?


    If so, why hasn''t hee home yet?¡±


    Sid felt very stressed when he saw her longing expression and anxious attitude.


    He handed a stack of documents to Avery and swallowed hard as he said, ¡°I''m not entirely sure if the


    person in the photo is Cayden, Avery. For now, it''s just a possibility.¡±


    Avery picked up the documents and nced at the photo. The image wasn''t very clear, but one could


    make out the tall and slender figure of a man.


    As he was wearing a baseball cap and had his back facing the camera, she was unable to see his face.


    Avery gently caressed the photo and stared at it in silence.


    She missed Cayden so much that she would readily think it was him simply because the figure bore a


    slight resemnce.


    ¡°After conducting an investigation, we found out that this man is in a vegetative state. He looks


    Aplothian and has been secretly staying in Shayriff Hospital for about a month, which coincides with the


    time Cayden went missing. A person with a mysterious background had paid for his medical expenses


    during his stay. However, the person was so mysterious that my men had to put in lots of effort just to


    obtain this little bit of information. I had someone check his medical records and retrieve all surveince


    camera footage with him in it, but everything seems to have been deleted. This photo of his back was


    all that remained.¡±


    Sid''s words gradually dimmed the light in Avery''s eyes little by little.


    As though the baby could sense her sorrow, the baby gave her a gentle kick in the womb.


    Avery gently caressed her belly when she felt the baby''s movements.


    Her frown deepened as she still refused to believe that Cayden was gone just like that.


    Upon noticing Avery''s worried expression, Sid cleared his throat and continued, ¡°If this man really is


    Cayden, then I will do everything I can to find him, even if it means turning all of Remdik upside down.


    As of the moment, all I can confirm is that Cayden is still alive. However, he is in a vegetative state,


    so...¡±


    Avery gently soothed the restless baby in her tummy as she said gently, ¡°I will stay with Cayden as long


    as he is still alive, even if he bes unable to move and needs constant care for the rest of his life.


    However, I don''t even know if he''s alive or dead right now. I feel like I''m aplete failure as a wife.¡±


    ¡°I''m sorry, Avery. Cayden wouldn''t have been in trouble if it weren''t for me. You can scold me and hit


    me to your heart''s content. This is all my fault. It has nothing to do with you at all!¡± Sid said, filled with


    immense guilt.


    He then grabbed Avery''s wrist and forcefully smacked her palm against his face.


    The resounding p snapped Avery out of her dazed state. It wasn''t until the burning pain spread


    through her palm that she quickly pulled her hand back. ¡°What are you doing? I¡ª¡±


    Suddenly, she felt a sharp pain in her tummy. Beads of sweat that were the size of beans trickled down


    her forehead. ¡°I... My stomach! Ah! My stomach hurts so much!¡±


    Sid''s face changed the moment he saw Avery''s pained expression. He quickly stepped forward to


    check on her and asked, ¡°What''s wrong, Avery?¡±


    Tina, who was delivering documents to Avery, had just arrived at the CEO''s office when she saw Avery


    break out in a cold sweat.


    As Avery could give birth at any time, Jeffrey had instructed Tina to closely monitor her physical


    condition. Because Tina was already mentally prepared, she immediately understood what was going


    on.


    ¡°Please hang in there, Mrs. Moore. I''ll take you to the hospital right away!¡± Tina then mustered every


    ounce of strength she had to help Avery up before telling Sid, ¡°Mr. Newman, it seems Mrs. Moore might


    be going intobor. Could you please give me a hand here?¡±


    Due to the urgent nature of the situation, Sid immediately scooped Avery up and rushed out the door.


    ¡°Sorry for this inappropriate contact, Avery. Please bear with me for a bit. I''ll get you to the hospital right


    away!¡±


    Avery was in so much pain that she was on the verge of losing consciousness. Her water had alreadyN?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    broken on the way to the hospital.


    As the unbearable pain surged through her body, she kept recalling the sound of Cayden''sughter


    and his charming smile. That was the only way she could hang in there.


    Cayden is still alive!


    The news that Sid had brought her gave her a reason to keep pushing forward.


    Avery resented Cayden for noting home earlier to see her and their children.


    Their third baby was about to be born at any moment now, and yet, he hadn''t the slightest clue.


    Tears trickled down Avery''s face as the intense pain in her lower abdomen intensified. It got so severe


    that she nearly fainted as a result.


    She could hear many voices calling out to her, but she could no longer make out what they were


    saying. All she could do was continuously murmur, ¡°Cayden, Cayden...¡±


    Meanwhile, at the Berry residence, Lily was enjoying her afternoon tea in the living room with her two


    friends from the upper ss.


    Upon hearing that Avery was about to go intobor, she let out a cold chuckle and took a sip of her tea


    before cing the cup down. ¡°Avery is about to give birth, huh? Heh... Time sure flies,¡± she said with a


    gloomy look on her face.


    A somewhat plumpdy fanned the mes, saying, ¡°Lily, I think your father-inw is truly in love with


    Allie and her family. He''s transferred most of the Moore family''s wealth to them, leaving you with only a


    pathetic portion of it. It''s so unfair to you and Kendrick! Cayden may no longer be around, but his wife


    has seized all of his assets while you and your son are left with nothing. I truly feel bad for you.¡±


    Anotherdy, who had a mink shawl draped over her body, raised her eyebrows and chimed in, ¡°I told


    you about this long ago. You should have had Kendrick get married and have kids sooner. Even an


    illegitimate child would have been fine. At the very least, it would allow you to get more of the family''s


    wealth. Just look at how cunning Allie and her son are! They''ve hogged all of your father-inw''s


    affection simply because they have a pair of twins! That old man''s heart will always lean toward his


    grandsons! And now, his daughter-inw is pregnant again. Your situation will be even worse if she


    gives birth to another son!¡±


    Their statements only served to irritate Lily even further.


    She let out an icy-cold chuckle, her sharp nails nearly leaving scratches on the teacup as she


    whispered softly, ¡°For that to happen, she''ll need to be able to give birth to the child.¡±

 Chapter 660

    Chapter 660


    Chapter 660 Crossing The Threshold


    After the two distinguisheddies left, Lily immediately made a call to the person she had made


    arrangements with.


    Kendrick sped all the way home, carrying a beautifully wrapped gift in his hand.


    That day was his mother''s birthday. It was rare for him, who usually enjoyed gallivanting outside, to go


    home that early.


    He wanted to surprise his mother for her birthday, so he didn''t let her know in advance that he was


    coming home.


    Recently, his mother had relentlessly pressured him to marry Rachel, causing a rift between them and


    straining their emotional bond. Hence, he didn''t want to go home at all. But due to the special asion,


    he had no choice but to do so regardless of how unwilling he was simply because he was her only son.


    Upon learning that his mother was at the Berry family''s mansion, Kendrick hurried over without a


    moment''s dy.


    The Berry family''s residence was an old building with ssical architecture. The entrance would lead


    into a garden-like passage. Upon opening the ss door, one would lead directly to the open-air


    backyard. The building was part of the dowry given to Lily by the Berry family back in the day.


    Every month, Lily would stay there for a few days.


    After Kendrick ascended the stairs and noticed the empty living room couch, he proceeded to the


    second floor.


    The door was slightly ajar, and through the gap, the familiar voice of his mother could be heard. She


    seemed to be speaking on the phone.


    Kendrick, holding the gift, was about to push the door open when he stopped abruptly upon hearing the


    contents of her conversation.


    ¡°Yes. As long as you do as I say, I will guarantee your safety. Once the job is done, you can take the


    ten million to change your identity and disappear. You won''t have to be a nurse with no future anymore.


    You should know, with your current qualifications and meager sry, you will never earn this much


    money in your entire life! What are you hesitating for now? If it wasn''t for the fact that this is urgent and


    I trust you, I would have found someone else. I believe few people can resist the temptation of ten


    million. It''s not like you''re the only one capable of carrying out this task!¡±


    Although Kendrick usually appeared nonchnt, he had a sharp mind that he didn''t show it often. Upon


    hearing the conversation, he immediately knew that his mother was plotting something.


    He held his breath, continuing to eavesdrop from the corner. He wanted to figure out what exactly his


    mother was nning to do.


    Sensing the hesitation at the other end of the line, Lily continued to patiently coax, ¡°All I''m asking is for


    you to inject that woman with a drug that will disrupt herbor. I''m not asking you to murder her. What


    are you afraid of? Besides, an unborn baby can hardly be considered a person, so how can it be


    considered murder? Think about the miserable life you''re leading now andpare it to the carefree


    days you''ll enjoy once you get ten million. Anyone who isn''t a fool would know how to choose.¡±


    Thereafter, Lily''s tone suddenly changed, and her expression became somewhat gloomy. ¡°Moreover,


    even if you don''t want to do it, there''s no way out for you. I''ve already transferred a third of the reward


    into your ount as a deposit. If you don''t follow my instructions, I''ll use you of fraud! When you


    can''t exin the source of such arge sum of money, prison is the only thing that awaits you!¡±


    At the other end of the line, the woman hesitated for a while before finally making up her mind. ¡°Alright,


    I''ll cooperate with you this one time. I hope you''ll keep your promise afterward and help me leave the


    country. If anything happens to me, I''ll certainly implicate you as well. Now, tell me, what kind of


    oue do you want?¡±


    Lily replied through her gritted teeth, ¡°I want that despicable child in Avery''s belly to die in the womb!¡±


    Upon hearing that, Kendrick could feel the tension within him suddenly explode.


    So, it turns out Mom is targeting Avery? She wants to harm her child while Cayden is away?


    Unable to hold back any longer, Kendrick forcefully pushed the door open.


    Seeing her son storm in angrily, Lily, who had just hung up the phone, turn pale. She guiltily avoided his


    probing gaze, wondering how much of her phone conversation her son had overheard.


    Feeling awkward, she attempted to hold her son''s hand, pretending to be a loving mother. ¡°Kendrick,


    when did youe in? Why didn''t you let me know in advance?¡±


    Kendrick forcefully pushed her away, his face ashen as he demanded, ¡°Mom, is Avery about to give


    birth? Are you nning to harm her child? Why would you do such a thing? That''s a precious little life!


    How could you even consider it?¡±


    Lily naturally defended herself vehemently, ¡°Son, you must have misunderstood. How could I possibly


    do such a crazy thing? I...¡±


    ¡°I heard everything!¡± Kendrick looked at Lily as if he didn''t recognize her. His eyes filled with


    indescribable disappointment. ¡°How did the kind-hearted mother I know be so cruel? Not only did


    you almost kill Cayden in the past, but you''re also targeting his child now that he''s gone. How could


    you be so heartless? You''ve truly let me down!¡±


    Lily''s trembling finger pointed usingly at Kendrick, her voice filled with heartache. ¡°How can you


    speak to your mother like this? Everything I''ve done, isn''t it all for you? If it weren''t for you, I wouldn''t


    have ended up like this. You actually dare to use your own mother of being malicious?¡±


    Kendrick didn''t want to see his mother ying the victim anymore. He tossed the gift he had brought


    for her onto the table. ¡°If Avery is fine, then it''s all good. But if something happens to her, I will never


    forgive you!¡±


    After he finished speaking, he gave his mother a cold nce, then quickly turned around and left. Lily


    wanted to stop him but failed to do so.


    A sense of foreboding welled up in her heart as she asked in a high-pitched voice, ¡°Kendrick, where


    are you going?¡±


    The only response she received was silence.


    With her eyes wide open, Lily could only watch as her son drove off in his sports car, leaving her in its


    dust.


    She stomped her foot, nearly fainting from frustration with her good-for-nothing son. She had no choice


    but to make that call again. ¡°Yes. You must act quickly. Regardless of whether the child is a boy or a


    girl, you must ensure that the baby does not survive...¡±


    Inside the operating room of the hospital, the incandescent light that shone into Avery''s eyes was so


    jarring that it nearly brought her to tears.


    Even though it was her second child, the baby''s delivery was somewhat difficult due to her small pelvis.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    ¡°Mrs. Moore, hang in there and take a deep breath. I believe in you. You can do this!¡± the attending


    physician encouraged Avery patiently.


    In the throes of intense pain, Avery seemed to see Caydening toward her and giving her an


    embrace.


    As usual, he lovingly ran his fingers through her hair, shing a warm smile. ¡°Honey, keep going. You''re


    doing great. I believe in you, you can definitely give birth to the fruit of our love.¡±


    The tears that welled up in the corners of her eyes finally began to fall.


    Avery, who had exhausted nearly all of her strength, suddenly felt her strength return.


    Even though she had concentrated all her strength in her lower torso, intending to give birth to the baby


    in a single push, her poor constitution prevented her from doing so, as she was still experiencing weak


    contractions.


    Given that her water had already broken and the urgency to prevent intrauterine infection, the attending


    physician had no choice but to order the nurse, ¡°Administer the parturition-hastening injection to the


    lady immediately!¡±


    Everyone was oblivious to the fact that one of the nurses, wearing a mask, had quietly pulled out a


    syringe filled halfway with a dark yellow liquid. A strange smile curled up beneath her mask as she was


    about to inject the substance into Avery''s body.

 Chapter 661

    Chapter 661


    Chapter 661 A Handsome Baby Boy Is Born


    Outside the operating room, many people were waiting. There was Jeffrey, Xavier, Cecelia, Nina, and


    even Allie, who usually resented Avery.


    No matter how much she disliked Avery as her daughter-inw, thetter was, after all, her son''s wife.


    Most importantly, Avery was giving birth to her own son''s flesh and blood.


    A few days ago, Allie, having lost her son, vented all her anger on Avery. Thinking about it now filled


    her with inexplicable regret.


    Of course, her regret wasn''t out of fear that something might happen to Avery. After all, thetter''s fate


    had nothing to do with her.


    What she regretted was that if she really hurt Avery and caused her to have a miscarriage, it was her


    own grandson that would be lost.


    Meanwhile, Jeffrey was waiting on the chair outside the corridor.


    His left hand, leaning on a cane, trembled slightly. His aged right hand twirled a string of crystal-clear


    prayer beads as he prayed continuously for Jesus to keep his granddaughter-inw and great-


    grandchild safe.


    Cecelia and Nina held hands tightly as they paced anxiously in the corridor, silently praying for Avery to


    give birth smoothly.


    Sid leaned against the corner of the wall, pounding his fist against it in irritation. Waves of frustration


    washed over his face, one after another.


    If Cayden hadn''t lost his life trying to save me, he would be able to apany Avery while she''s giving


    birth now.


    Xavier appeared the mostposed. Although his calm demeanor was feigned, he would asionally


    steal nces at Cecelia from the corner of his eyes.


    Cecelia, now a mother, appeared more voluptuous than before. Despite her usual sophisticated style of


    dressing, the gentle maternal glow that emerged on her face asionally captivated him deeply.


    Unfortunately, shepletely ignored him, as if he was invisible to her.


    Xavier knew that Cecelia held deep prejudices against him. He also knew that despite her usual


    cheerful demeanor, she harbored strong grudges, a fact that left him helpless.


    Listening to the painful cries from Avery in the operating room, Allie sneered disdainfully as the


    resentment she felt for her daughter-inw intensified. What''s with all the drama? It''s not like it''s her


    first time giving birth. Why the hell is she wailing?


    Just as a gloomy cloud descended outside the operating room, Kendrick arrived in a frantic hurry.


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Seeing a crowd of people waiting outside the operating room, he anxiously grabbed his grandfather''s


    arm and asked, ¡°Grandpa, how long has Avery been in the operating room?¡±


    ¡°Kendrick, you''re here. Avery has been inside for over an hour now.¡± Jeffrey was relieved to see


    Kendrick.


    The most outstanding grandson is no longer with us. At least the younger one is still here.


    ¡°Darn it! Avery is in danger!¡± Kendrick eximed. With no time to exin to Jeffrey, he rushed directly


    to the operating room and mmed a kick on the door. ¡°Open the door! Open it now!¡±


    The nurse, who was about to administer thebor-dying medication to Avery, was startled by the


    sound of the door being kicked.


    The syringe that was originally intended for Avery''s vein changed direction abruptly!


    The inexplicable behavior of his grandson made Jeffrey so angry that his aged face wrinkled further.


    He stood up shakily, forcefully hitting Kendrick''s back with his cane. ¡°What are you trying to do, you


    little rascal? Do you know that Avery''s life is hanging by a thread? Are you here to cause trouble?¡±


    Allie wore a stern expression, seizing the opportunity to malign Kendrick. ¡°Dad, I think Kendrick is here


    just to cause trouble. He might even be instigated by Lily. Both mother and son are truly despicable.


    You must stand up for Avery!¡±


    Jeffrey struck Kendrick with his cane, this time with even more ferocity.


    However, Kendrick grabbed it tightly and exined in a serious and urgent tone. ¡°Grandpa, if you don''t


    let me in, Avery will be in real danger of losing her life along with the baby''s! Trust me, she''s really in


    danger right now...¡±


    Jeffrey was skeptical. He knew the risk of losing one''s life while giving birth was extremely high.


    Even though medical technology had advanced significantly, reducing the risk of death from childbirth


    complications, there was always the chance of unforeseen incidents.


    Meanwhile, Xavier was the mostposed of all as he discreetly observed Kendrick''s expression.


    Seeing that Kendrick didn''t seem to be lying, he sensed that something was amiss and immediately


    began to kick the door violently.


    Since Mr. Moore is no longer around, I absolutely cannot let anything happen to Mrs. Moore.


    Otherwise, the entirepany will be thrown into chaos!


    The frail operating room door was soon kicked open by the two men''s repeated efforts.


    The door subsequently burst open, startling the doctors and nurses inside.


    Feeling irritated, the attending physician pointed at the two and scolded angrily, ¡°What''s the matter with


    you? Don''t you know that you''re not allowed in the operating room? What if the germs on your body


    cause the patient to get infected? Can you bear this responsibility?¡±


    As for the nurse who was nning to administer thebor-dying drug to Avery for the second time,


    she didn''t have the chance to do so went she saw the operating room door burst open.


    She immediately retracted the syringe self-consciously, secretly hiding it in her sleeve. Without any


    change in her expression, she held the realbor-inducing syringe in her hand, pretending to be as


    frightened and fearful as the rest of the medical staff.


    Kendrick saw Avery on the surgical bed, covered with a nket, but she looked incredibly weak with


    her face as pale as a sheet.


    A nurse was preparing to give her an injection.


    Kendrick grabbed the nurse''s wrist tightly, wishing he could break it. He sternly questioned, ¡°What are


    you nning to inject into Avery?¡±


    Tears welled up in the nurse''s eyes as she replied in an aggrieved tone, ¡°This pregnant woman is


    experiencing difficultbor. I... I was just following the attending physician''s orders and giving her an


    injection ofbor-inducing substance...¡±


    ¡°Can you check if this is abor-inducing substance?¡± Kendrick snatched the syringe from the nurse


    and pushed her aside before showing it to the attending physician.


    The attending physician examined it thoroughly. After that, he nodded with conviction before


    expressing his annoyance. ¡°This is indeed abor-inducing substance. Sir, I don''t know what you''re


    trying to do here. Are you suspecting that our hospital would harm pregnant women? If you don''t trust


    us, then why did you bring her here to give birth?¡±


    ¡°Get my sister-inw a new set of nurses immediately!¡± Kendrick''s tone was resolute and left no room


    for negotiation.


    He didn''t which nurse was working for his mother. Other than the attending physician and the midwife,


    there were three to four nurses there. To prevent any harming to Avery, he had no choice but to


    rece all the nurses.


    ¡°Sir, what did we do wrong? Why are we being reced?¡± asked one of the bewildered nurses.


    ¡°It''s nothing more than the fact that the care you have shown isn''t attentive enough. I''m going to


    contact the chief physician and have everyone reced immediately!¡± Realizing the gravity of the


    situation, Xavier quickly exited the operating room the moment he finished.


    Avery was in a state of semi-consciousness. Her mind drew a nk as the pain she felt was


    unbearable. She had no idea what was happening in the operating room and all she heard was


    someone saying that they needed to change the nurses. Why do they need to rece the nurses?


    What on earth is going on?


    After all the nurses were reced, the surgery continued.


    Two hourster, Avery gave birth to a beautiful baby boy.


    This child was exceptionally beautiful from birth, unlike other babies with wrinkled skin and droopy


    appearance which gave them a weathered look.


    The baby had smooth and firm skin, but what was truly astonishing was that his little face was a mirror


    image of Cayden.

 Chapter 662

    Chapter 662


    Chapter 662 Gently Poking The Face Of The Baby


    Averyy on the hospital bed, the pain from her uterine contractions felt like she was being burned and


    torn apart at the same time. Her consciousness blurred as she reeled from its intensity.


    Yet, even amidst the pain, she felt a sense of joy, for she could clearly hear the resonant cry of the


    newborn baby.


    She saw with her own eyes the baby cradled in the doctor''s arms.


    The child was hers and Cayden''s. It was the proof of their love, and even more so, the flesh and blood


    that connected their lineage.


    Everyone, especially Jeffrey and Allie, was overjoyed because Avery had given birth to a boy.


    The reasons for their joy was naturally different.


    Jeffrey felt that Avery had made a great contribution to their family by bearing an offspring to continue


    Cayden''s line.


    What delighted Allie was that Avery had given birth to a boy. In the future, when it came to dividing the


    family property, she would have an additional bargaining chip on her side, one that was extremely


    powerful.


    Jeffrey man looked at the beautiful baby who was quietly sleeping after being cleaned and swaddled by


    the nurse. Watching how his fair and tender face resembled his grandson''s, Jeffrey was so happy that


    he couldn''t stop smiling.


    The children''s names had always been personally chosen by Cayden in the past.


    Since both Zachary''s and Rory''s names were given by their father, he decided to let Avery name his


    new great-grandson.


    As Avery believed steadfastly that Cayden was still alive, she wanted to give him the right to name their


    child. Hence, she nicknamed the baby ¡°Cal¡± for the time being.


    Despite the consensus that the nickname Avery had chosen for the child was rather simple, Avery


    simply smiled and offered no exnation.


    When she was pregnant, the baby was very active in her womb, kicking her belly every so often.


    Every time, Cayden would reprimand the baby in her belly without any hesitation. ¡°You little rascal, why


    are you kicking mommy again? From now on, your name will be Cal. If you continue to be this naughty


    after you''re born, I''ll stop ying nice and spank your little bottom instead!¡±


    At that moment, Avery was so amused by Cayden''s childish words that she couldn''t help butugh.


    Reminisced about it brought her a sense of sweet mncholy.


    Upon hearing the news of Avery''s childbirth, ire rushed to the hospital to visit her at the earliest


    opportunity.


    When she arrived at the hospital with a gift, she saw Avery nursing the baby.


    The twins were sitting obediently by the bed, their eyes unblinkingly fixed on the tiny baby, filled with


    curiosity.


    The two little ones even poked their baby brother''s delicate face. Despite being disturbed by his older


    siblings, the baby didn''t show any signs of being shy.


    After he stopped drinking milk for a moment, hezily yawned and fell into a deep slumber in no time.


    Only after the baby was lulled to sleep did Avery notice ire standing there holding a gift.


    She paused for a moment before apologizing to ire, ¡°I''m sorry, ire. I was just feeding the baby


    and didn''t notice you. When did you arrive?¡±


    ¡°No worries. I just arrived not too long ago. I wanted to see what the child looks like and if he''s chubby


    and fair-skinned.¡±


    ire spoke warmly as she set down the gift.


    She walked over to the baby, bending down to take a closer look at his small face. She then clicked her


    tongue in amazement. ¡°This little one really resembles Cayden. Does he have a name yet?¡±


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    ¡°Everyone says that the child resembles his father. I think that''s good. I hope he can grow up to be a


    man of integrity just like his father. As for the baby''s name, his nickname is Cal, but we haven''t chosen


    a formal name yet. We''re waiting for his father toe back to do that,¡± Avery said, her eyes welling up


    with tears.


    Upon seeing Avery starting to feel upset again, ire hurriedly patted the back of her hand,forting


    her, ¡°Ery, you''ve just given birth, you can''t afford to cry. Otherwise, you''ll end up with postpartum


    complications that will make you sufferter! Listen to me. Cheer up a bit. What could be more joyful


    than Cal''s safe delivery?¡±


    Avery fought hard to hold back her tears. Staring at the baby''s adorable face in deep sleep, she gently


    nodded.


    ¡°Mommy, why does Cal sleep after eating? Is he a piglet? Why doesn''t he y with me and Zach?¡±


    Rory asked innocently as she scratched her cheek and stared at the sleeping Cal with widened eyes.


    ire was utterly amused by Rory''s innocent words.


    She pinched Rory''s cheeks and exined to her, ¡°Cal has just been born and is very weak still. He


    needs to drink lots of milk and get plenty of rest so he can grow up quickly and y with you. This is


    how all babies are when they''re little.¡±


    Rory suddenly understood and nodded vigorously, ¡°Oh, so that''s how it is? Grandma, was it the same


    for Zach and me when we were little?¡±


    Upon hearing Rory''s cute voice calling her ''grandma'', ire happily patted her little head. ¡°Of course.


    Since you''re so well-behaved, you must have been very obedient when you were little...¡±


    Giggling softly, Rory shyly covered her face with her hands. Yet Zachary maintained aposed


    demeanor.


    Unlike his younger sister, he would not ask their mother such childish questions.


    His father had told him that a man''s duty was to protect women and his responsibility was to join his


    father in safeguarding the women in their family.


    Now that his father was no longer here, he had be the de-facto man of the house.


    With the addition of his new brother, both of them would protect their mother and sister together in the


    future.


    Even though he was still too young now and physically weak, there wille a day when he would


    grow up.


    ire chatted warmly with Avery for quite a while before she noticed that in the hospital room, aside


    from the doctors and nurses who came to check on the patient at fixed times, there was not a single


    member of the Moore family present. Even Avery''s so-called mother-inw, Allie, was nowhere to be


    seen.


    A sense of gloominess began to overshadow ire''s good mood.


    She couldn''t help but ask in a roundabout way, ¡°Ery, you''ve gone through so much to bear a child for


    the Moore family. Has no one from their familye to visit you? Is none of them willing to keep you


    company here?¡±


    Avery replied softly, ¡°Grandpa is old. His body can''t take it, so I asked him to go home early. Kendrick


    took his girlfriend for a prenatal check-up, so he didn''t have time to stay here. Besides, he''s just my


    brother-inw, his presence here could be misunderstood and isn''t convenient. My mother-inw did


    come while I was giving birth, but once she saw that both the baby and I were safe and sound, she


    hurried home. She said she had an appointment and important matters to deal with...¡±


    ¡°How outrageous! Is this how the Moore family treats you and your child? It''s absolutely disheartening!¡±


    ire, renowned for her good temper and elegance, felt a surge of anger after hearing Avery''s words.


    ¡°What could be more important than her daughter-inw giving birth? It''s clear to me that she doesn''t


    value you and your child at all! Allie, oh Allie, is how you treat my daughter?¡±


    ire knew that Allie didn''t like Avery, but what infuriated her the most was that her daughter had


    be the daughter-inw of such a woman.

 Chapter 663

    Chapter 663


    Chapter 663 Furious


    Avery was stunned by ire''s words, herplex gaze deeply fixed on ire''s angry face.


    In truth, she had always been puzzled. Why has ire''s attitude toward me shifted from initial hostility


    to excessive enthusiasm now?


    Now, I fully understand the reason.


    It''s because ire found out that I''m her biological daughter. So, is this out of her guilt, or a desire to


    make amends?


    Upon seeing Avery staring intently at her, ire suddenly realized what she had blurted out.


    ire couldn''t hide her embarrassment. ¡°Ery, don''t overthink things right now. It''s most important for


    you to focus on your postpartum recovery. Do you want some water? Let me pour you a ss.¡±


    After ire finished speaking, she got up and walked to the table, pouring a cup of hot water for Avery.


    Even though ire maintained a calm facade, the trembling liquid in the clear ss revealed her true


    nervousness.


    When Avery noticed that ire deliberately changed the subject, the tension that had just risen in


    Avery''s heart was immediately alleviated considerably.


    I don''t understand why ire refuses to reunite with me, knowing I''m her daughter.


    But at this moment, Avery truly had no inclination to acknowledge her rtionship with others.


    ¡°Ery, take some painkillers. Your wound must still be hurting, right?¡± ire took out the painkiller that


    the nurse had brought and unwrapped it before handing it to Avery. ¡°Taking this painkiller will make you


    feel much better. I tested the water temperature a while ago. It''s the perfect temperature now.¡±


    ire held Avery''s hand and ced it in her own palm. She looked at thetter with a doting smile, and


    a hint of satisfaction shed across her eyes.


    ire handed the warm water to Avery.


    Avery, suppressing the indescribable emotions welling up within her, grabbed the painkiller and popped


    it into her mouth. She took the warm water handed over by ire and took the pill along with a sip of


    water.


    After Avery finished taking her medicine, ire helped her lie down on the bed and covered her with


    the nket considerately. ¡°Ery, you rest for a while. I''m going to make a phone call outside.¡±


    Then, ire gently patted the twins'' little heads. Once the two little ones obediently nodded, she


    reminded them to take good care of their mother before turning around and leaving.


    Avery looked at ire''s gentle back, feeling her eyes getting watery.


    ire truly was a meticulous and caring mother. Avery had once been filled with envy and yearned for


    such familial affection. Now, having lost her love, she craved this kind of familial bond even more.


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    However, until their rtionship was clearly defined, ire''s care for Avery seemed somewhat


    unjustified.


    What has ite to when the state secretary''s wife spends her entire day caring for me at the


    hospital?


    These past few days, Avery had not been oblivious to the idle gossip spread by the nurses during their


    chit-chat. However, Avery was so engrossed in the news of Cayden''s ident that she couldn''t pull


    herself out of it. She was desperate for someone''s care and selfishly chose to ignore those words. But


    now, she hadpletelye to her senses.


    Avery thought to herself that she needed to grow up and mature quickly. She couldn''t overly rely on


    ire.


    Otherwise, once dependency became an addiction, it would be hard to quit when the timees.


    In a secluded corridor at the hospital, ire dialed Allie''s phone number. Unaware of what Allie was


    doing on the other end, it took Allie quite a while to answer the call.


    ¡°Hello?¡± Allie''s voice carried a tone of impatience.


    ¡°Allie, I never imagined that this is how you''ve been treating my biological daughter all these years!


    Since you took her away, why didn''t you treat her well? I can''t imagine how much hardship my poor


    daughter has suffered at your hands. You''re so heartless! I won''t say much about other things for now.


    Ery is now your daughter-inw, and I have no choice but to ept it... But it''s one thing for you to


    treat her poorly on a regr basis, now she''s given birth to a child for the Moore family, and you, as a


    mother-inw, haven''t even visited her and the child in the hospital. That''s your grandchild!¡± ire was


    filled with rage, her voice roaring out into the phone.


    Allie disdainfully said, ¡°ire, are you done? Do you think I want that jinx Avery to be my daughter-in-


    law? Look at your so-called daughter, who has a face that brings bad luck to her husband. I knew she


    wouldn''t bring good fortune to Cayden. Sure enough, not long after she got married to him, he had an


    ident. If I had known this would happen, I would have done everything to stop Cayden from


    marrying that woman! Anyway, now that Cayden has been jinxed to death by her, if you want to keep


    the grandson she left behind, take that unlucky girl back to the Lambert residence. Our family can''t


    handle such a jinx!¡±


    ire trembled with anger at Allie''s words. She retorted, ¡°Allie, you are truly shameless! Your son''s


    misfortune was merely a coincidence. He''s just unlucky. What does that have to do with my daughter?


    Don''t you dare pin all these baseless usations on Avery! Moreover, she has given birth to three


    children for the Moore family. Without Ery, your lineage would have ended long ago, Allie! And let me


    tell you, I will take my daughter back to the Lambert residence. As for her children, they are my


    daughter''s flesh and blood, and my own grandchildren. They naturally belong to our family as well. I will


    take them all with me. We, the Lambert family, can afford to raise these children!¡±


    Upon hearing these words, Allie really blew her top. Like a shrew, she started scolding ire over the


    phone. ¡°Shame on you! Tell me, ire, have you lost all your shame? Those children belong to my


    son! Theirst name is Moore, not Lambert! What gives you the right to take them away?¡±


    ire snickered coldly. Her words were sinct yet threatening. ¡°Allie, your capable son is no longer


    here. Do you think the Moore family still has the power topete with the Lambert family? Let me tell


    you, it''s only a matter of time before Will and I reim Avery. Considering our past friendship, I advise


    you to treat her well as long as she''s in the Moore residence. Otherwise, I won''t hold back! By then,


    don''t expect to see your grandson again! I mean what I say!¡±


    On the other end of the call, the arrogant voice of Allie gradually subsided. ¡°ire, if you dare touch my


    grandson, I will fight you to the death!¡±


    ¡°Then brace yourself for the legal proceedings. I will certainly help my daughter to fight for the custody


    of her children. Let''s see who dares to take your case and dares to confront the Lambert family!¡± With


    these chilling words, ire hung up the phone.


    ire could imagine how Allie, on the other end of the phone, must be fuming with rage at this


    moment. However, she didn''t care.


    Allie disregarded our friendship and forced me to be separated from my biological child for over twenty


    years. So why should I tolerate her now?


    Avery is a soft-spoken person,pletely out of tune with a woman like Allie who is brash, rude, and


    unreasonable. Well, let me y the viin then!


    Avery stayed in the hospital for about five days before she returned to the new home she shared with


    Cayden for her postpartum recovery.


    Jeffrey had hired four very experienced nannies for Avery. Two of them were specifically tasked with


    preparing nutritious meals for Avery, while the other two would take turns looking after Cal day and


    night. Therefore, during Avery''s postpartum recovery period, she was quite rxed.


    However, an unexpected piece of unfortunate news from thepany made the already shaky group


    even more challenging to handle.


    Avery''s position as the acting CEO was already precarious. And now, she could be dismissed at any


    moment...

 Chapter 664

    Chapter 664


    Chapter 664 The Aura Bes Exceptionally Powerful


    Trident Group.


    Avery looked at the financial statements of Trident Group sent over by Xavier. As she saw those


    numbers, her delicate eyebrows slightly furrowed.


    During her postpartum confinement, Trident Group was like a dragon without a head. Even with the


    capable assistance of Xavier, it was still not enough. The stocks of Trident Group kept plummeting


    severely, falling directly from the highest point to the lowest.


    Perhaps due to ack of morale, the overall performance of thepany had been on a continuous


    decline.


    Looking at the thick stack of documents, which were almost entirely bad news, Avery couldn''t help but


    rub her temples.


    This felt so difficult.


    Now she fully understood how busy Cayden, the group''s boss, was every day, and how mentally and


    physically draining his job could be.


    She truly felt helpless, never having considered why Cayden would entrust such argepany to


    her, a woman who had never been involved in business before.


    She was under tremendous pressure, sometimes even contemting giving up and letting the


    company fall into ruin.


    But most of the time, Avery was very rational.


    She was determined not to let Cayden''s years of efforts be ruined by her own hands. Even if she


    couldn''t make Trident Group thrive under her leadership, she had to maintain its current status at the


    very least. This was the goal Avery set for herself.


    Of course, Trident Group was a renowned multinational corporation after all. Even though it had been


    facing various challenges recently, its foundation was still very strong. It was not something that can be


    quickly destroyed by just anyone.


    Gathering her thoughts, Avery continued to work on the documents.


    When she saw the document indicating Wisteria''s failed bid, she paused for a moment, then quickly


    pressed the inte. ¡°Tina, could you ask Ms. Summers toe over?¡±


    Wisteria entered the CEO''s office and saw Avery, who was frowning at a pile of documents. With a hint


    of disdain on her face, she asked, ¡°Ms. Rumpley, you wanted to see me?¡±


    Avery noticed Wisteria''s arrogant attitude, which slightly displeased her. However, she didn''t show it,


    and instead asked patiently, ¡°Ms. Summers, I am seeing you about the bidding on Chimera Lake. Why


    did this bidding...¡±


    Wisteria plopped down on the swivel chair opposite Avery, crossing her legs nonchntly. Then, she


    interrupted, ¡°You want to ask why I lost the bid? I''m really sorry, but ourpetitor was the powerful


    Xenos Group. You should know that the chairman of thatpany is the second son of the Xenos


    family. The Xenos family is very influential, and that man is a ssic smiling tiger. He''s always been


    underhanded and cunning, stopping at nothing to snatch bids. When Mr. Moore was around, he could


    keep him in check, but now that Mr. Moore is gone, no one can restrain him. It''s only natural that we


    lost the bid this time.¡±


    ¡°Moreover, there''s a saying that a new official must make his mark. I remember clearly how resolute


    you were in your promise to secure that piece ofnd in Chimera Lake. You''ve been in office for nearly


    two months now, and not only have you failed to secure thend in Chimera Lake, but you''ve also lost


    quite a few of our major clients who were personally handled by Mr. Moore. Ms. Rumpley, you really


    are something! Also, you...¡±


    Wisteria''s words, filled with veiled praises and hidden criticisms, were like a prickly cactus, poking deep


    into Avery''s heart. Each word was like a bloody wound, causing great difort.


    ¡°Ms. Summers!¡±


    A stern look crossed Avery''s gentle face. ¡°You should be well aware of my current situation. I returned


    to work at thepany right after my baby turned one month old. There are many works that I''m not


    familiar with, and I''m learning as much as I can. Although my current abilities may not be enough to win


    your full respect, there is a learning period for everyone. I believe that in the future, I will be fully


    capable of fulfilling the role of acting president. Please give me some time. Of course, the failure of this


    bid isrgely due to my shorings, but whatever we''ve lost, I will make sure to regain from


    elsewhere. Also, I know you have a lot ofints about me right now, but no matter how much you


    disdain me, and how much you don''t want to admit it, I am still your superior. Please mind your work


    attitude!¡±


    At that moment, Avery''s aura became extraordinarily powerful. The woman''s delicate features were


    entuated by her fierce demeanor, making her even more intimidating.


    The air around became tense, filled with imminent tension. Wisteria even felt as if she was about to be


    swallowed whole.


    That kind of feeling even made her, a strong woman, feel a bit intimidated.


    Aside from Cayden, Wisteria had never feared anyone.


    But now, she actually felt a bit uneasy facing Avery, who used to be nothing in the past. It''s really


    unbelievable!


    Of course, Wisteria admitted that she didn''t give her all in this bidding. If the president was still Cayden,


    she would find a way to win the bid no matter how difficult the situation was.


    But now, the one in control of Trident Group was Avery, a woman she despised so much it made her


    grit her teeth in anger. Why should I win the bid and benefit this woman?


    Wisteria still showed disdain, but her arrogant attitude had significantly subsided under Avery''s


    pressure. ¡°Let''s wait and see. I''m curious to see what tricks you''ll pull with Trident Group. Thepany


    is the fruit of Mr. Moore''s hard work, so be careful not to get burned ying with fire!¡±


    She was waiting to see this woman make a fool of herself!


    After Wisteria left, Avery felt somewhat restless, slumping into the swivel chair like a deted ball.


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    She understood her current predicament, practically besieged by everyone around her with no one to


    rely on. The only person she could depend on was herself.


    On the office desk, there was a photo of Cayden. The man was dressed in a suit, with a handsome


    face. Even his gaze was filled with dominance as if it could prate the photo and shoot into Avery''s


    pupils.


    His sensuous thin lips parted slightly as if he was cheering her on, rooting for her.


    Avery gently stroked his eyebrows, his eyes, his lips, whispering softly, ¡°I will strive to keep up with your


    pace, protect yourpany, and I and our little ones will be waiting for you toe home...¡±


    After a brief break, Avery resumed working on the documents.


    At that moment, a somewhat uniquend-bidding proposal suddenly caught her eye.


    The reason why this bid was rather unique was that all the othernd bidding proposals were for


    locations with good geography or beautiful scenic areas. But this one was not. Not only was its


    geographical location quite remote, but it also resembled a small, deste hill.


    The proposer was Patrick Doyle.


    Avery found this name somewhat familiar. It was because Cayden had casually mentioned it to her


    twice before¡ªthe person in charge of the project department. Cayden held him in high regard.


    The Patrick he spoke of was quite talented and honest.


    Cayden said that Patrick was good in all aspects, except for one fatal w¡ªhe was too straightforward.


    He spoke bluntly and was unwilling to curry favor with anyone. That led to his istion from most


    people at work. Despite having worked at Trident Group for five to six years, he ended up with a


    mediocre position as a project manager.


    And the position of project director was a promotion that Cayden gave him, disregarding the criticism


    from other shareholders.


    Avery carefully examined Patrick''s bid, gradually bing drawn by his proposal. A bold idea slowly


    began to take root in her heart...

 Chapter 665

    Chapter 665


    Chapter 665 When Will Daddy Be Back


    Tina introduced Patrick to Avery, and the two of them had a long conversation in the office. It was


    unclear what exactly they discussed, but Avery decided that the very next day, she would go and


    personally inspect the project that Patrick had taken a liking to.


    ...


    Nighttime.


    Avery returned home, worn out from a day of work. But the moment she saw Cal in the cradle, all her


    fatigue vanished.


    Cal bore a striking resemnce to Cayden, whether it was his ck, round eyes, his high-bridged


    nose, or his tender pink lips, he seemed to have been carved from the same mold as his father.


    And what the baby inherited from Avery were his long, dense eyshes and his translucent, snow-


    white skin.


    ¡°My little darling, have you been a good boy today? Have you missed Mommy?¡± Avery took off her


    coat, gently lifted Cal from his cradle, and yed with him. She casually asked the nanny, ¡°Has Cal


    kicked up a fuss today?¡±


    ¡°Yiyaya...¡± The baby seemed to be responding to Avery''s words, grinning at her and blowing a small


    string of milk bubbles.


    ¡°No, no, ma''am. Your baby is just so well-behaved. He didn''t fuss at all the entire day. He loves to smileN?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    and doesn''t cry, truly a joy to take care of. To be honest, I''ve been a nanny for many years, and I''ve


    looked after at least dozens if not hundreds of babies. But I''ve never seen an easy baby like Cal.¡±


    The nanny, M, watched the loving interaction between mother and child, then she responded with a


    warm, contented smile.


    What she said was the truth. Thedy of the house was beautiful and gentle. She treated all the maids


    extremely well and did not treat them as outsiders at all. The little girl was pretty and adorable,


    inheriting the best genes from her parents. At first nce, she was incredibly likable.


    However, this householdcked a capable man. Sometimes, seeing thedy of the house busy like a


    top every day, they all feel quite heartbroken.


    Avery said to M, ¡°I''ve been quite busy with work these days. Thank you for taking such good care of


    Cal.¡±


    The other nanny, Fannie, chattered on, ¡°It''s our duty, ma''am, to ensure you don''t overwork yourself.


    You need to take care of your health. A woman who has just finished her confinement period can still


    fall ill if she exhausts herself too much. If only your husband were still here, he was such a good man,


    he would never let you suffer no matter what.¡±


    M sharply nudged Fannie with her elbow, only then did she suddenly realize she had said something


    she shouldn''t have.


    Before they arrived, they had a general understanding of the situation at home. Looking at Avery''s


    sorrowful eyes, Fannie hurriedly covered her mouth. ¡°I''m sorry, ma''am, I...¡±


    ¡°It''s fine. You all start preparing dinner. I''ll take Cal for a stroll in the garden,¡± said Avery, her back to


    them, suppressing the sorrow in her eyes as she carried Cal towards the garden.


    The two nannies looked at their mistress''s lonely yet strong figure, exchanged a nce, sighed, and


    then went about their own tasks.


    Avery carried Cal to the back garden.


    The faint fragrance of osmanthus flowers, refreshing and invigorating, pervaded the air. The garden


    was filled with a variety of green nts, which bloomed well even at this time of year.


    As the evening sun''s afterglow illuminated the sea of flowers, it reflected a dreamlike light, bringing a


    sense of tranquility to anyone who beheld it.


    Avery settled herself in a wicker chair at the heart of the garden. In her arms, Cal, with his round, wide-


    open eyes, was giggling as he gazed at his mother.


    He would asionally babble a few baby words as if whispering secrets to his mother, ¡°Yayayi... Oh...¡±


    Avery looked at her son, his face a mini version of Cayden''s. She couldn''t help but kiss his tender


    cheeks, her nose tingling with emotion. She asked, ¡°Baby, can you tell Mommy when Daddy will be


    back?¡±


    Perhaps sensing his mother''s sadness, the usually cheerful baby couldn''t help but pout, looking as if he


    was about to burst into tears. Suddenly, he started to fuss and cry out in Avery''s arms, ¡°Wah...¡±


    Avery quicklyposed her sorrowful emotions and began to gently rock him, soothing Cal with tender


    words. ¡°Good boy, don''t cry. Mommy loves you...¡±


    The little one suddenly broke into a joyful grin, his chubby little hands touching his mother''s face. His


    giggles were so heartwarming, they could melt anyone''s heart.


    Although this child is only two months old, he truly is a little imp.


    Just then, Avery''s phone, which was on the table, began to ring.


    The nanny brought her phone to the garden and handed it to her, ¡°Madam, a call from the Moore


    residence.¡±


    Avery took the phone and initiated a video call. A soft, crying image came through. ¡°Mom, you haven''t


    visited me and Zach for a week. We miss you so much. When are youing to see us? Dad''s not


    here. Did you stop caring about me and Zach because you have Cal now?¡±


    The sight of Rory softly crying, her tears glistening like dew on pear blossoms, tugged painfully at


    Avery''s heart.


    She handed Cal over to the nanny, signaling her to take him back to the room, then began to gently


    pacify her daughter, ¡°How could that be? Mommy has always loved you and your brother. It''s just that


    I''ve been very busy with work recently and haven''t had time to go to the old house. How about this...


    Once Mommy finishes work tomorrow, I''lle to pick you and Zach up toe home, okay?¡±


    Since Avery had been really busytely, Jeffrey decided to keep the twins at the Moore residence


    fearing she couldn''t take care of three children by herself. That way, she only had to care for Cal.


    But children were very sensitive. With their father constantly absent, and their mother not visiting them


    at the Moore residence, coupled with the birth of Cal, they felt as if they had been abandoned by their


    mother, which deeply saddened them.


    ¡°Mom, Zach and I are waiting for you to pick us up. We really miss our little brother. Let us see Cal...¡±


    Rory looked at her mom in the video, but Cal was nowhere to be seen. She pouted slightly, a hint of


    disappointment in her eyes.


    ¡°Your younger brother has been taken inside by Aunt Fannie to rest. You''ll see him when we return


    home tomorrow. Zach, you need to take good care of your sister and listen to your grandfather at


    home. No mischief, understand?¡± she instructed Zachary knowing that this son of hers was always


    well-behaved, so she wasn''t too worried about him.


    Zachary coolly slid his hands into his pockets. ¡°I know, Mom. You don''t need to worry about me and


    Rory. Just take good care of yourself.¡±


    After ending the video call, Avery felt incredibly drained.


    She felt that she wasn''t apetent mother, failing to take good care of her children. But with the need


    to care for Cal, who was still a baby, she found herself unable to muster the energy to look after all


    three children alone.


    She truly felt sorry for Zach and Rory.


    The following day, Avery, apanied by several managers, went to conduct an on-site survey on the


    project proposed by Patrick. Unexpectedly, they ran into someone along the way.

 Chapter 666

    Chapter 666


    Chapter 666 That Is Her Father


    To Avery''s surprise, as their car passed through the town where the project was located, they


    unexpectedly ran into William.


    Dressed in casual farming attire, William led a group of people on a rural research trip. With his sleeves


    rolled up, he walked at the forefront, engaging in friendly conversation with the vigers. Every now and


    then, he would bend down to help the vigers harvest vegetables, showing no signs of bureaucratic


    airs.


    Avery sat in the car, looking at him through the window. Suddenly, her eyes warmed up, filled with an


    indescribable feeling.


    That was her father.


    Only after the car had traveled far away, did she finally withdraw her gaze.


    Avery, along with several project managers, arrived at the destination mentioned in Patrick''s tender


    proposal to conduct an on-site survey.


    The site mentioned by Patrick was an untouched barren hill in Horbah. The area was extremely vast,


    roughly a few thousand acres in size. It is about six kilometers away from the famous Cresby River


    scenic spot.


    Avery was dressed infortable sportswear, with athletic shoes on her feet, prepared for a hike.


    Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail, revealing her delicate and fair heart-shaped face. She looked


    as if she had just graduated, standing out among a crowd of middle-aged managers with their


    potbellies. She stood out.


    Although this hill was referred to as a barren hill, it was not barren at all. Due to its rtively low


    altitude, the trees growing on it were lush and thriving. Coupled with the undtingndscape and the


    chirping of birds, there was a wild, unrestrained natural beauty.


    Along the journey, Avery held a notebook, attentively listening to Patrick as he spoke about the history


    and potential value of this barren hill while jotting down various data.


    Because the journey was long and far, Avery''s fair and delicate face was flushed because of the heat.


    Beads of sweat glistened on her high-bridged nose. They seemed like pearls on white jade Illuminated


    by the sunlight, leaving one utterly dazzled.


    Patrick had initially thought that Avery, being such a petite and delicate woman, would have an


    average, if not subpar, physique. However, to his surprise, she was incredibly agile and energetic when


    climbing the hill.


    Several managers were panting and sweating profusely having walked less than half the distance due


    to theirck of exercise over the years. Surprisingly, Avery, who appeared to be a delicate and weak


    woman, quickly outpaced these men.


    Some middle-aged managers were quite dissatisfied with Avery''s decision to check the site out,


    thinking that the n proposed by Patrick was utterly foolish.


    Smart people would always bid for those golden plots ofnd with development potential. Who would


    want to bid for a barren hill?


    They even felt that the acting CEO had lost her mind. It was one thing for a subordinate to propose


    something so hideous, but as the acting CEO, not only did she not reject his proposal but she joined


    him in this pointless quest. Besides, they were dragged into this mess, suffering along with them. It was


    simply iprehensible.


    However, despite their deep resentment, no one dared to oppose her decision openly.


    After all, the acting CEO held nearly half of the shares in Trident Group. She had absolute authority


    and the final say. They could only follow her, albeit reluctantly, to conduct on-site inspections.


    ¡°Mr. Doyle!¡± Avery, who was inspecting the barren hill, suddenly stopped in her tracks and waved at


    Patrick.


    Patrick who was a few steps behind, heard Avery calling his name.


    He trotted over to Avery, rubbing his hands together as he asked, ¡°Ms. Rumpley, what''s the matter?¡±


    Patrick appeared to be around thirty-five years old. He wasn''t particrly tall and was slightly


    overweight. His face was dark and often broke into a simple, honest smile. At first nce, he seemed


    like a very straightforward man.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Patrick didn''t dare to look into Avery''s eyes, for the woman''s eyes were simply too clear.


    Although there were many beautiful women in Trident Group, due to Patrick''s shabby attire, his strong


    ent, and his unimpressive appearance, most women looked at him with disdain and some even


    ridicule him. Very few people, like Avery, did not despise him at all and treated him genuinely.


    ¡°Mr. Doyle, this hill doesn''t seem to have any special features. Apart from its low altitude and its


    proximity to the Cresby River tourist area, there''s no water flow on the hill, and the scenery is quite


    ordinary. Why do you n to bid for this barren hill?¡± Avery closed her notebook and asked softly.


    Project Manager A immediately sneered, ¡°Mr. Doyle, this ce is so far from the main city area and the


    transportation is inconvenient. Let alone having a subway or light rail, there isn''t even a regr bus


    service. The only option is to drive yourself. Is this the great location you''ve chosen? It''s truly an eye-


    opener for us!¡±


    Project Manager B wiped the sweat off his cheek, panting heavily. He pointed at the hard rocks


    scattered all over the ground and said in frustration, ¡°Did you buy this barren hill intending to develop it


    into a tourist spot? Please don''t make meugh. Let''s not even mention how close we are to the


    Cresby River tourist area. There are no historical relics or outstanding naturalndscapes here.


    Besides, the condition here is so poor, it would be difficult to create artificialndscapes.¡±


    Project Manager C was even more blunt, expressing his dissatisfaction directly. ¡°Mr. Doyle, we''vee


    all this way to this godforsaken ce just to see this utterly ordinary barren hill? Are you messing with


    us? Ms. Rumpley, I suggest we go back. I don''t see any point in continuing the survey for this project.¡±


    Everyone was talking at once, their discussions filled with various usations, causing the normally


    reticent Patrick''s face to turn red.


    He nced at Avery somewhat nervously, tightly clutching his own hair. Even his speech was


    somewhat stuttering, ¡°Ms... Ms. Rumpley, I...¡±


    Avery gave Patrick an encouraging smile. ¡°It''s okay, Mr. Doyle. I believe you have your reasons for


    choosing this barren hill. Take your time, we''re not in a hurry.¡±


    Patrick''s face flushed even more as he looked into Avery''s trusting eyes and listened to her gentle


    words.


    However, he mustered up the courage to say, ¡°I... I choose to bid for this ce... not for developing a


    tourist area, but to build houses here... This hill has been deserted for a long time. The government


    once wanted to turn it into a tourist spot, but the area is too small, and the natural conditions limit its


    potential. It''s a waste to change it, but a pity to abandon it too. This wastnd has be a hot potato


    for the government. I think, since it''s far from the main city area and the government is eager to get rid


    of it, the price must be extremely cheap. Thus, I believe this is our opportunity. Although it''s remote, the


    air here is rich in oxygen and the vegetation is lush. If we buy this wastnd, we can level the hill to


    build houses...¡±


    Due to the attention focused on him, Patrick found it somewhat difficult to speak smoothly.


    Avery patiently listened to his exnation, pping her hands and said, ¡°Mr. Doyle, you''re making a


    good point. Please continue.¡±


    Upon hearing Avery''s encouragement, Patrick disregarded the disdainful looks from the other project


    managers.


    His voice rose slightly. ¡°Moreover, the climate here is mild, with diverse scenery throughout the four


    seasons, and greenery covers nearly seventy to eighty percent of the area. Although there''s no water


    source on the hill, it''s close to the reservoir at the foot of the hill, so the natural resources are abundant.


    In addition, it''s only five kilometers away from a ten-thousand-acre Wellingleche Orchard. After moving


    in, homeowners can pick fresh fruits and melons all year round. And there''s more...¡±


    Patrick was passionately discussing his n, and by the time he finished, almost half an hour had


    passed.


    Avery patiently listened to him until the end.


    Then, she nodded knowingly, ¡°Mr. Doyle, once we return, please prepare a moreprehensive n.


    I''m interested in purchasing this barren hill.¡±

 Chapter 667

    Chapter 667


    Chapter 667 He Will Do His Best


    Avery''s decision greatly irritated the other project managers.


    Avary''s dacision graatly irritatad tha othar projact managars.


    But this wasn''t tha right momant to argua. Thay could only swallow thair angar and continua to follow


    har, carrying out tha so-cad fiald invastigation.


    Patrick indaad hald graat admiration for Avary.


    Ha watchad Avary''s ndar but rasiliant silhouatta, who wasn''t afraid of hardship or fatigua, nimbly


    mova through tha forast. Suddanly, ha broka into a sm.


    Actually, whan Mr. Moora was still around, Patrick had alraady proposad this projact to him. Mr. Moora


    thought tha n was faasi and askad him to writa a datad raport. Howavar, bafora ha could


    prasant tha proposal to Mr. Moora, somathing want wrong.


    Unaxpactadly, his wifa agraad with him. Evan though avaryona alsa was against tha projact, sha


    carriad it out with unwavaring datarmination.


    As axpactad of Caydan Moora''s wifa, sha''s got guts!


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Noon.


    Avary and his group had a maal in a local rasidanca at tha foothill.


    Although Horbah was known for its baautiful scanary, its ramota location mada transportation


    somawhat inconvaniant. Tha original inhabitants mada usa of local rasourcas, building sturdy walls


    from stona and yallow y, than roofing with ck ts in an ordarly mannar. Tha prasanca of aka


    surrounding tha town adds a uniqua charm to thandscapa, craating an atmosphara raminiscant of a


    gracaful viga by tha watarsida.


    Tha rasidanca was rmandad by Patrick.


    Ha had visitad it onca during a fiald study and couldn''t stop praising tha local homa-cookad maals.


    Tha othar projact managars wara quita disasad.


    Whan thay wara on businass trips, thay usually dina at fiva-star hotals, or at tha varyast, at


    rastaurants of a cartain standard. Thay simply wouldn''t appraciata tha charm of hum local homas,


    finding thamcking in ss and anlinass.


    Thay followad bahind Avary, grumbling andining all tha way.


    ¡°If any of you don''t fancy dining hara, faal fraa to do as you asa! You can find somawhara alsa to


    aat, and aftar you''ra dona, just haad back to tha offica. Wa don''t naad so many pao hara.¡± Avary


    ncad at tham, har words sharp and cold.


    Immadiataly, savaral noisy managars tactfully shut thair mouths.


    What a joka, if I wara raally sant away, not only would I losa all dignity, I''m afraid I would navar catch


    tha aya of tha acting prasidant again.


    It wasn''t until thay saw William dining in a local homa that tha projact managars finally fall snt, thair


    comintstaly axtinguishad.


    William was sitting with a group ofadars around arga round ta, which was alraady fid with a


    lavish spraad of food.


    The wine in the ss on the dining table was almost finished, indicating that they had arrived quite


    early.


    This was their daughter, ire''s daughter, the biological daughter they had been searching for nearly


    over twenty years!


    This was their daughter, ire''s daughter, the biological daughter they had been searching for nearly


    over twenty years!

 Chapter 668

    Chapter 668


    Chapter 668 She Has The Final Say


    Soon, they finished eating.


    Soon, thay finishad aating.


    William had a privata convarsation with Avary, asking har about tha spacific ns for davaloping tha


    barran hill.


    Uponarning of har n to build a housing projact by moving tha hill, William was quita supportiva.


    Howavar, Avary hasitatad a bit, voicing his concarns, ¡°Mr. William, I''va survayad tha gaographical


    conditions hara. Although tha conditions ara avaraga, tha anvironmant is indaad quita good. If wa raally


    want to gat this projact up and running, thasa tachnical issuas ara not a big daal whathar it''s aring


    tha mountains or digging watar channals. My only concarn is tha transportation hara...¡±


    Avary wasn''t ovarly concarnad about tha othar mattars, as Tridant Group boastad a world-ss


    tachnical taam. Har only worry was tha traffic situation hara.


    If transportation was convaniant and wall-davalopad, only than could tha aconomy in that araa rapidly


    davalop and attract pao to buy housas.


    If tha transportation was inconvaniant, tha ca would avantually ba a ghost town no mattar how


    good tha anvironmant was, or how grandly tha housas could look lika pcas.


    William lookad into Avary''s ar ayas. Ha wantad to pat har on tha shouldar but saamad to hasitata


    ovar somathing. Instaad, ha lightly tappad his fingars on tha ta. ¡°You don''t naad to worry about tha


    transportation hara. By naxt Fabruary, tha construction of tha fiftaanth, aightaanth, and twanty-first


    matro linas from tha main city to Horbah will bagin. Also, tha ninth phasa of tha light rail from tha city


    station to Horbah might ba built at tha sama tima. By than, this town will hava aprahansiva


    transportation natwork...¡±


    ¡°Mr. William, is this raally trua?¡±


    Avaryughad in disbaliaf. ¡°How is it that our markating dapartmant didn''t haar anything in advanca


    about such a big projact as tha construction of a subway and light rail in Horbah?¡±


    If I had known aarliar that thay wara going to build a subway and light rail hara, thand pricas would


    suraly hava skyrockatad. How could it still ba as chaap as it is now, with no ona showing any intarast?


    William kindly said to Avary, ¡°I''va just submittad thasa projacts for approval, it will taka soma tima


    bafora wa gat a dafinitiva rasponsa. I can''t guarantaa that all thasa transportation projacts will ba


    approvad, but I can assura you that atast two subway linas and ona light rail construction will ba


    approvad. Avary, I havan''t told anyona about thasa mattars, and you''ra tha only ona who knows thasa.


    Thasa projacts hava not yat baan approvad, so you must kaap tham confidantial. I watchad Caydan


    grow up, and I''va always admirad him. I navar thought ha would... Wall, I can''t halp you much, so this is


    tha only way I cannd you a hand...¡±


    Avery looked at William''s stern yet kind face and his slightly gray sideburns. Her eyes stung a little as


    she said, ¡°Thank you. If I won the bid, I will definitely manage this project well. I won''t build any shoddy


    construction. I want to build houses with the best quality, striving to benefit the people.¡± ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    At the meeting, Avery first offered a few words of formality. Then, she cut to the chase and presented


    her n to develop the barren hill.


    At the meeting, Avery first offered a few words of formality. Then, she cut to the chase and presented


    her n to develop the barren hill.

 Chapter 669

    Chapter 669


    Chapter 669 He Threw Her Out


    Cassie had always known that Cayden was incredibly handsome. Even with his eyes closed, he was


    captivating. But the moment he opened his eyes, it was as if he had absorbed all the radiant colors of


    time itself. Despite his cold and icy demeanor, he still looked incredibly stunning!


    Cassia had always known that Caydan was incradibly handsoma. Evan with his ayas closad, ha was


    captivating. But tha momant ha opanad his ayas, it was as if ha had absorbad all tha radiant colors of


    tima itsalf. Daspita his cold and icy damaanor, ha still lookad incradibly stunning!


    Looking into tha man''s captivating ayas, Cassia falt tightnass in har chast. Than sha suddanly pud


    out a transparant crystal ball with har right hand.


    Tha crystal ball radiatad a lustrous yat slightly dazzling glow.


    Tha intansa gaza of Caydan softanad tha instant it mada contact with tha crystal ball.


    ¡°Rx. You ara now in a gan ocaan, whara tha bright moonlight anvalops this baautiful world. Tha


    shimmaring wavas softlyp against tha baach. Look, tha moon is rising highar, piarcing through tha


    wisps of cloud. Hush... Can you haar tha saagulls'' calls? Lat yoursalf unwind. Hara, you will axparianca


    unparaladfort and satisfaction...¡±


    Tha man on tha bad saamad to hava antarad a hypnotic stata.


    Cassia smirkad mischiavously, har hand boldly carassing tha man''s axtraordinarily handsoma faca.


    ¡°Tha CEO of Tridant Group, Caydan Moora. Indaad, saaing is baliaving. I''va navar baan particrly


    intarastad in man from Aploth, but you''va sassfully piquad my intarast. You didn''t disappoint ma.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Tha momant you opanad your ayas, I falt mysalf falling for you...¡±


    Cassia, an opan-mindad Aplothian Epaan, didn''t hasitata to axprass har faalings in front of Caydan,


    comtaly unconcarnad about his currant stata of unconsciousnass.


    Following Cassia into tha sacrat room, tha doctor took out a syringa and injactad Caydan with a vial of


    light graan liquid.


    Watching tha liquid in tha syringa gradually dacraasa, Cassia couldn''t halp but axprass har concarn,


    ¡°From tha start until now, ha''s alraady baan injactad with noss than fiva dosas. Is this madication


    raally affactiva? Could it causa any irravarsi damaga to his brain?¡±


    What Cassia wantad was a haalthy Caydan, not a walking corpsa.


    Praviously, this man had baan calling out tha nama of a woman namad ¡°Avary¡± in his ap and in his


    murmurs, which mada Cassia axtramaly jaalous. In addition, sha dacidad to arasa his mamory to maka


    har stapfathartaly trust har.


    Tha doctor pud out tha injaction, confidantly saying, ¡°Miss Cassia, rast assurad, this madicina is


    dafinitaly affactiva. I''va conductad counss axparimants on othar patiants. This drug can maka pao


    forgat thair past mamorias, and its sida affacts ara minimal, or almost nagligi. Basidas, Miss Cassia,


    your hypnosis skills ara so powarful, I baliava this ganman will suraly ba a totaly forgat his


    past and apt tha naw idantity you''ra giving him.¡±


    With a proud smile, Cassie continued to hypnotize Cayden using the crystal ball.


    How many men admired her unparalleled beauty, yet feared her scorpion-like tactics? Does this man


    not fear death?


    How many men admired her unparalleled beauty, yet feared her scorpion-like tactics? Does this man


    not fear death?

 Chapter 670

    Chapter 670


    Chapter 670 Only He Knows


    Mocset.


    At night, in the bustling yet icy city, the cold wind howled, and a heavy snowfall began nketing the


    outside world in ayer of silvery white.


    The goose-feathered snow was falling thick and fast, its pure whiteness brightening the originally dim


    light considerably.


    Because it was unbearably cold, there were hardly any pedestrians outside. The usually bustling and


    noisy world had, for once, quieted down.


    A stretched version of the ck Bentley, with perfect and smooth lines, moved like a nimble swordfish


    through a sea of snow. Despite the heavy snowfall, its speed remained unhindered.


    The dark alleyway.


    A few towering figures, d in tattered clothes and brandishing menacing weapons, leered at two


    beautiful young women of Chanaean descent, swallowing hard with evident lust.


    Snowkes fell onto the girl''s hair, dampening the tips.


    Even the bulkiest down jackets couldn''t conceal their graceful figures, leaving one''s imagination


    running wild.


    The thugs exchanged nces, revealing lewd smirks as a string of Remdikian flirtatious remarks burst


    forth. ¡°These two chicks are quite attractive. It''s been a while since we''ve tasted the vor of Aplothian


    women. Although these two seem petite and delicate, they''re definitely sexier and more provocative


    than our local girls. Guys, we can feast again today!¡±


    Two Chanaean girls stared in terror at the sudden appearance of young thugs. They held each other''s


    hands for support, their faces pale, retreating step by step!


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    The thugs approached the two girls, intending to seize them. Their tantly lewd gazes were


    nauseating.


    ¡°Run!¡± The taller girl was the first to react, grabbing the arm of another girl who seemed somewhat


    timid, and they quickly fled toward the end of the alley!


    ¡°Chase her! Don''t let our sexy girl get away, or we won''t have a chick tofort us tonight...¡± The


    sound of the thugs'' footsteps followed, mixed with their crude and offensivenguage.


    The girls simply couldn''t match the physical strength of men, let alone the fact that they had just


    returned from their part-time jobs at the restaurant, utterly exhausted. Now, being chased by these


    thugs, they were on the verge of copsing from fatigue.


    Just as they were about to be caught by the thugs, a dazzling beam of light shot directly into the faces


    of the thugs suddenly.


    The light was so intense that they could barely keep their eyes open.


    The two Chanaean girls were also caught in the intense light. They were almost hit by the car, but just


    as it was about to strike them, the vehicle suddenly came to a steady stop. The girls, shocked by the


    near miss, fell to the ground.


    ¡°Help, help¡ª¡±


    In the midst of it all, the tall girl seemed to have spotted her lifeline. She struggled to her feet from the


    snowy ground, half-leaning on the Bentley, calling out for help.


    Mocset nights were a haven for criminals, a fact the girl knew all too well. She was aware that the


    people here, when confronted with criminal acts, would often adopt an indifferent attitude, minding their


    own business. She knew her chances of being rescued were slim, but she couldn''t help but cry out for


    help to the people in the car.


    Cayden nced coldly through the car window at the Chanaean girl who was blocking the way ahead,


    calling for help.


    The man''s handsome face was like this piercingly cold weather, devoid of any warmth.


    ¡°Drive.¡± His voice was low and tinged with a hint of displeasure. His hawk-like eyes swept toward the


    driver in the driver''s seat.


    He''s no savior, nor did he possess the benevolence to help others. If it doesn''t benefit him in any way,


    he couldn''t be bothered to get involved.


    The driver started the engine, and the Bentley was about to set off.


    The tall girl''s eyes turned red in despair as she was forced to watch as the car started up. At this


    moment, the thug had already seized herpanion, ripping apart her down jacket.


    ¡°Ah... No... Get away...¡± The timid girl blurted out in Chanaean in desperation.


    She struggled in fear and helplessness, her voice soft and trembling. Her innocent expression, akin to


    a small white rabbit, only made the thugsugh even harder and got more brazen toward her.


    ¡°Guys, this chick looks skinny, but she''s got a nice figure...¡± the voices of the hooligans echoed.


    ¡°Averie!¡± The tall girl saw herpanion being insulted. Despite her fear, she bravely rushed forward.


    ¡°You bunch of jerks. Let her go!¡±


    In the midst of things, she blurted out in Chanaean, and the name she called out made Cayden stop in


    his tracks.


    Through the car window, he looked at the girl named ¡°Averie¡±. All he saw was a delicate silhouette,


    long and straight ck hair, and a slender figure. She was struggling desperately in the hands of the


    thugs. Her helpless appearance ovepped with a shadow in his memory, merging into one.


    ¡°Save them,¡± Cayden suddenly ordered the driver.


    The driver paused, seeming a bit hesitant, ¡°Sir, it''s best if we don''t meddle in other''s affairs. If Mr.


    Rupert and Ms. Cassie were to find out...¡±


    A cold, ck object was pressed against the driver''s waist.


    The driver looked at Cayden in astonishment, feeling that this man was incredibly inscrutable.


    In the time I''ve spent with him these days, I''vee to understand that although he appears to be


    gentle and refined, his actions are strikingly different and unpredictable. His methods are ruthless. In a


    short period of time, he has almost won over everyone since he joined thepany from top to bottom.


    His orders are such that nobody dares to disobey.


    The driver had no choice but to get out of the car.


    Seeing the driver suddenly get out, the thugs arrogantly burst intoughter. ¡°Well, well, another big fish


    has taken the bait...¡±


    The driver didn''t say anything. His figure darted like lightning among the knife-wielding thugs. Before


    long, several of them fell to the ground with a thud, their cries of pain echoing around. They struggled


    so much that even standing up became a challenge.


    ¡°Sir, thank you, thank you so much...¡± The girl named Averie, having been rescued, expressed her


    gratitude by bowing to the driver.


    The Eastern Epean driver frowned, waving his hand impatiently. ¡°It wasn''t me who saved you, but my


    boss.¡±


    Having said that, he promptly opened the car door and settled back into the driver''s seat.


    Averie and the tall girl couldn''t help but look inside the car.


    The car window was half open, revealing the man''s astonishingly handsome profile. He seemed like


    the most exquisite sculpture in the hands of God, with firm and perfect contours. His thin lips were


    slightly raised in a half-smile. He was smoking, and even the hand holding the cigarette was as perfect


    as a piece of art. It wasn''t hard to imagine how this man could throw most women off their feet!


    ¡°Sir, thank you...¡± The two girls were somewhat stunned, and by the time they realized they should


    thank the man, they saw that the car had already started. They didn''t even have time to express their


    gratitude to him.


    Inside the car.


    The driver was slowly driving the car up front, asionally stealing nces at the man in the back


    seat.


    Cayden closed his eyes and rested. He was a man as divine as a celestial being, his demeanor still as


    cold and unrivaled as ever. Yet, one of his hands was gently resting over his heart.


    Only he knew, it was beating rapidly there.


    He truly missed her, and yearned for that gentle and sweet woman.


    At the mansion.


    After feeding Cal and finally coaxing the energetic little baby to sleep, Avery also started to feel sleepy.


    Suddenly, Avery''s heart rate quickened. She clutched her throbbing chest, feeling somewhat restless.


    She walked over to the bedside table and pulled out a photo of Cayden.


    Avery gently caressed the man''s handsome face, her gaze incredibly tender. She murmured, ¡°They all


    say you''re dead, but I never believed them, because I can feel that you''re still alive. Once I''m done with


    my busy schedule, and thepany is back on track, can I take our baby to Mocset to find you?¡±

 Chapter 671

    Chapter 671


    Chapter 671 Get Our Daughter Back


    Trident Group.


    Avery named the new project ¡°Nostalgia Greens¡±. A clear indication that she was missing a man,


    waiting for his return


    The man was the love of her life.


    A famous author once said, ¡°Waiting for the rain is the lifelong destiny of an umbre.¡±


    Right now, she is like that umbre, waiting for the rain to quench the drought in her heart.


    Once the Nostalgia Greens project ispleted, her rain would surely arrive.


    The massive construction project at Nostalgia Greens had begun, but Trident Group was facing a


    dilemma.


    Due to some issues with the previous coboration with VIVI Group, Trident Group temporarily


    withdrew from the project. Moreover, when news of Cayden''s mishap came, VIVI Group unexpectedly


    added insult to injury, demanding a huge penalty from Trident Group for breach of contract.


    How could Avery possibly let Vivi Group act shamelessly?


    She immediately convened an emergency meeting, deciding to follow the proper legal procedures.


    Meanwhile, as thewsuit was underway, there were issues with the funding of the project. Without


    financial support, the Nostalgia Greens project simply couldn''t continue.


    In a moment, Trident Group led by Avery found itself in a difficult predicament.


    At the CEO''s Office.


    These past few days, Avery had been ragged trying to raise funds. What was strange was that she''d


    been around and not a single bank was willing to give Trident Group a loan. Avery knew something


    was definitely off, someone must be pulling strings behind the scenes.


    But the culprit who caused the mischief was hidden too deeply, making it impossible for Avery to find


    out in a short time.


    When Xavier walked in, he saw Avery with a worried look on her face and asked, ¡°Ms. Rumpley, are


    you still thinking about the issue with funds?¡±


    Avery put down her fountain pen and looked intently at Xavier. ¡°Mr. Dartsley, how have your


    communications with the investors been going these past few days?¡±


    Xavier shook his head in frustration. ¡°It''s very strange. No bank is willing to finance Trident Group. Even


    the group''s previous major clients have all chosen to remain silent now. They either use their


    company''s financial crisis as an excuse or simply dodge the issue. They''re really a bunch of ungrateful


    wretches!¡±


    He clenched his fist, mming it against the table wall. His heart filled with resentment, leaving Avery


    in a state of dejection.


    However, all of this was expected.


    She poured a ss of water for Xavier and suddenly asked, ¡°Mr. Dartsley, what do you think about the


    idea of us looking for partners or investors, and borrowing from the capital market through financing?¡±


    Xavier disagreed, ¡°Sure, this method is feasible, but all the partners who want to raise funds now are


    adamant about buying shares in Trident Group and running the business with you, Ms. Rumpley. Then,


    what you''ll face is another division of equity and profits. You''ve just regained your shares, and now


    you''re going to transfer them again. Honestly, I don''t really agree with this approach.¡±


    Avery lowered her gaze, deep in thought. It was her reluctance to sell her shares again that was


    causing a bottleneck in her fundraising efforts.


    She had considered seeking financial aid from Cayden''s friends, Xander, and Jacob. Given their


    brotherly bond, they would surely be willing to lend a hand. In fact, both of them had expressed that


    intention.


    However, debts of gratitude are hard to repay.


    Moreover, even though they were Cayden''s friends, they were also astute businessmen. They certainly


    wouldn''t engage in a losing deal. They might have weighed the situation for Cayden''s sake, and


    wouldn''t deceive Avery. However, when the time came to divide the profits, they naturally wouldn''t get a


    small share.


    Trident Group had invested in such arge project, so the profits in the budget would be significantly


    reduced.


    After much thought, Avery decided not to consider their financing aid.


    ¡°How about this, Mr. Dartsley, shall we go for crowdfunding?¡± After much consideration, Avery


    proposed this idea. It seemed that this was the only feasible solution now.


    ¡°The government is currently cracking down hard on private fundraising, and it will take at least three to


    five years to legalize it. Moreover, the legal issues triggered by private fundraising are endless. People


    are now very vignt, and it''s not easy to raise funds privately. If not handled properly, it could easily


    lead to economic disputes and even attract the supervision and investigation of the Securities


    Regtory Commission, which would be significant trouble,¡± Xavier analyzed pragmatically.


    ¡°No pain no gain. Illegal fundraising is soliciting funds from the public without approval, which could


    potentially trigger systemic financial risks. However, there is still a gray area in the country''s private


    finance. As long as the return exceeds twenty percent, it is considered illegal fundraising. But as long


    as we fundraise ording to regtory standards, setting the return standard at around fifteen


    percent, we can still raise a considerable amount of funds. As long as we can raise funds, our project


    can get started. The initial stage may be difficult, but I can assure you that this project is absolutely


    profitable,¡± said Avery confidently.


    These days, she had been reading a lot of business books and had been consistently studying


    economicw.


    She intended to exploit certain loopholes to find favorable opportunities for financing.


    Seeing that she had made up her mind, Xavier chose not to say anything more. ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Having worked with Avery for so long, he deeply understood that thisdy boss was no pushover.


    Despite her being a delicate woman, she was incredibly resourceful. He looked forward to seeing her


    lead Trident Group to new heights.


    The Lambert family.


    When William returned home, he saw Nicole, donned in an apron, in the kitchen learning how to make


    soup from Polly.


    During this period, due to the numerous scandals, every single one of Nicole''s appearance was met


    with a relentless onught from the onlinemunity.


    Therefore, she rarely appeared in the media, doing her best to minimize exposure, waiting for the storm


    to pass before making her move.


    She had also be a well-behaved girl who never set foot outside the front door.


    Nicole''s career outside had taken a massive hit, and her poor performance during this period seemed


    to have left her parents rather unsatisfied, especially William, whose attitude towards her had be


    significantly colder than before. Naturally, Nicole couldn''t possibly let this unfavorable situation continue


    to develop.


    So, she became especially well-behaved and obedient.


    Nicole, who had never lifted a finger to do any housework, began learning cooking skills from her


    mother or Polly, in order to please her foster father. As expected, her efforts greatly satisfied William


    and his previously cold attitude towards her softened considerably.


    William nced at Nicole, who was busy in the kitchen, then headed straight to the studio.


    While at work, ire sent him a message. She had something to discuss with him and asked him to


    come to her studio directly after work.


    William walked to the studio and gently pushed the door open.


    The charming ire was holding a paintbrush, creating a portrait on canvas.


    From a distance, William found his wife''s paintings to be incredibly real, as the details on the


    characters were meticulously painted. William couldn''t help but admire her work. ire truly deserves


    to be a first-ss artist. It was only when he got closer that he was taken aback to see that the person


    in the oil painting was their daughter.


    Avery.


    ¡°ire...¡± William gently called his wife''s name, his affectionate gaze following her. ¡°You said you


    wanted to discuss something with me. What is it?¡±


    ire set down her paintbrush, her hand smeared with paint, and lightly brushed the canvas.


    Looking at the painting of Avery, she was particrly entranced, voicing the words she had long kept in


    her heart. ¡°William, I think I want to go to the Moore family to im our daughter!¡±

 Chapter 672

    Chapter 672


    Chapter 672 Daddy


    ire''s decision did not surprise William.


    Even if she did not bring it up, he was nning to find the right time to discuss it with her. The matter of


    acknowledging kinship had to be addressed immediately.


    William sighed and responded, ¡°I really hope we can acknowledge our daughter sooner. A few days


    ago, I met Avery in Horbah. My daughter was right in front of me, but I couldn''t acknowledge her. That


    feeling was really awful. I''m her father, so seeing her thin and haggard appearance broke my heart.¡±


    ire put down the brush, washed her hands at the faucet next to the drawing board, and then sat


    down on the rattan chair. She rubbed her neck casually and said, ¡°Will, I can''t wait any longer. Let''s go


    to the Moore family this weekend and tell them the truth. We must im our daughter back!¡±


    ire suffered from a rather severe cervical spondylosis. If she lowered her head for an extended


    period, she would experience a piercing pain in her neck.


    Upon noticing his wife''s subtle gesture, William hung his jacket on a nearby coat rack and then


    proceeded to massage her neck and shoulders with both hands.


    In order to alleviate his wife''s pain, William took it upon himself to find a skilled physiotherapist. Without


    ire''s knowledge, he devoted time to learn various physiotherapy techniques from the expert. His


    actions at the time were truly surprising. No one could have imagined the esteemed William would go


    to such lengths for his wife.


    ire knew her husband loved her deeply. Over the years, she had reciprocated with equal affection


    and care.


    All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    Hence, the couple had been through thick and thin for many years and had never had a fallout. Their


    love remained as strong as it was in the early days when they started their rtionship.


    As William massaged his wife, he said, ¡°You should cut back on painting oil portraits in the future. It


    might help alleviate your neck pain. Besides, your skin is so delicate, many of the chemicals in oil


    paints can cause you allergies. Don''t you remember that one year when you were so engrossed in your


    painting that you forgot to eat and sleep, and that caused you to suffer an allergic reaction? You had to


    be rushed to the hospital for an IV drip the next day.¡±


    He could not help but give her a piece of his mind.


    Thinking back on that embarrassing incident, ire justughed it off. ¡°That incident happened in my


    younger days. Why bring them up now? Besides, the quality of oil paints has improved, so all the


    harmful substances to the human body have been significantly reduced. Painting is my greatest


    passion, so I can''t give it up. Even if I were to give up business, I would never give up painting.¡±


    When ire was studying, she majored in oil painting. William knew how much his wife was obsessed


    with oil painting. When they first met, it was because he saw her in a white dress, painting amidst the


    flowers. Her gentle and charming demeanor, along with her captivating artworks, made him fall in love


    at first sight.


    Although she switched to business afterpleting her studies, she never stopped painting. Many of


    her works have been showcased in major exhibitions in the country and abroad, winning quite several


    gold awards. As time went by, many art institutions and private collectors, both domestically and


    internationally, also collected her masterpieces.


    ire, renowned both domestically and internationally, was a highly influential artist in Ackleton.


    Yet, such honor brought ire endless troubles. Many people sought her paintings, willing to spend a


    fortune. Some even tried to bribe her under the guise of requesting artwork. Nheless, she outright


    rejected them. She even dered that anyone who attempts to engage in dirty deals under the pretext


    of seeking her paintings would be severely punished.


    William had also been decisive and swift in seizing the opportunity to deal with a few of the individuals


    who attempted to bribe her, demonstrating his determination to weed them out. Seeing the incorruptible


    demeanor of William and his wife, those with ulterior motives finally gave up.


    William gently kneaded ire''s shoulders. ¡°You have a talent for painting, and our daughter has


    inherited it from you. Although I''ve never seen her paint, I have seen the architectural designs she drew


    for her father. Many famous architects have designed houses for that picky old man, but he was never


    satisfied. Only Avery''s design caught his eye. ire, our daughter indeed has talent in design.¡±


    ire nodded proudly. ¡°Of course. Even if our daughter is not the best, she''s definitely not far from it.


    Do you know why I suddenly thought of visiting the Moore family to im back our daughter?¡±


    William took a wild guess. ¡°Is it because she lost her husband and no longer receives support from the


    Moores? Are you afraid that she might be bullied? You want to acknowledge her so that the Lambert


    family can support her, right?¡±


    ire held William''s hand, turned to her husband, and gently shook her head. ¡°That''s just one of the


    reasons. Allie has always been arrogant, domineering, and mean. She has always looked down on


    Avery because of me, even though she was her daughter-inw. Not only did she treat her with


    hostility, but she also med our daughter for Cayden''s idental death, calling her a jinx. If it weren''t


    for Jeffrey, Allie would have definitely kicked Avery out of the Moore family without hesitation.¡±


    William narrowed his eyes and momentarily halted his massage. ¡°How dare she? My daughter should


    walk out with her head held high even if she leaves the Moore family, not be driven out by them. As


    long as I''m here, I''d like to see who dares to throw my daughter out!¡±


    ire let out a light chuckle, gently patting William''s hand, signaling him to stop.


    She rose from her chair, walked over to the nearby cab, pulled out a file from within, and handed it


    to her husband.


    With a puzzled look, William took the file, carefully flipping through the pages. The more he read, the


    more shocked and thrilled he became.


    His hand began to tremble slightly, beyond his control. ¡°W-When did you obtain this?¡±


    ire exined, ¡°When I went to take care of Avery, I found two strands of hair on her pillow and took


    them to the hospital for a DNA test. The results confirmed that she''s indeed our biological daughter.


    Will, the reason I want to acknowledge Avery is because I learned that she encountered great


    difficulties while fundraising. I want to help our daughter ovee this hurdle. My poor child has led a


    tough life, living in misfortune since she was a child. Just when she finally found her own happiness as


    an adult, her husband faced a tragic ident. It''s incredibly challenging for a woman to raise three


    children on her own. I can''t just stand by and watch our daughter struggle to get help.¡±


    Though William knew that Avery was his daughter for quite some time, the DNA test confirming her


    identity still gave him quite a visual shock.


    William nodded repeatedly. ¡°All right, ire. I''ll follow your lead. We must acknowledge our daughter as


    soon as possible.¡±


    Nicole was holding a te of freshly cut fruit and standing outside the door, ready to bring it to her


    parents.


    She overheard her parents'' conversation and learned they wanted to acknowledge Avery as their


    daughter. Even though Nicole had mentally prepared herself, she still felt ufortable and


    overwhelmed with jealousy. What am I going to do when Avery returns to the Lambert family?


    Meanwhile, three adorable babies were sleeping soundly in the vi.


    The twin siblings were sleeping in deep slumber on therge bed, while Cal, sucking on his pacifier,


    was fast asleep in his cradle. A faint smile yed on his tiny face as if he was having a sweet dream.


    Gazing quietly at the three children''s delicate faces, Avery found a moment of tranquility, and all her


    worries seemed to fade away.


    ¡°Daddy...¡± Suddenly, a soft murmur escaped from Rory''s lips as she slept.


    Although it was a gentle murmur, it struck Avery''s heart heavily.

 Chapter 673

    Chapter 673


    Chapter 673 Grateful For This Boy


    Listening to her daughter sleep talk, Avery couldn''t help but reach out and hold the girl''s tiny, soft hand


    in her palm.


    Rory''s hands were somewhat cold, so Avery wrapped her own hands around the former''s, warming


    them for her.


    Perhaps due to too much force, the little girl let out a soft groan before opening her eyes groggily.


    ¡°Mommy?¡± she called out, half-awake.


    Avery tucked her daughter in. ¡°Are you awake, Rory? It''s still early, so why don''t you sleep a little


    longer?¡± she cooed.


    Rubbing her eyes with her other hand, Rory asked eagerly, ¡°Mommy, has Daddye back yet? I just


    had a dream about him. He brought lots of toys for Zach and me. He also said he''d take us to


    Disnend... Daddy''s been away on his work trip for so long. When will hee back? I miss him so


    much...¡±


    Her words made Avery''s eyes sting.


    She gently stroked the girl''s head. ¡°Daddy will be back, okay? As long as you eat all your meals, go to


    school, and listen to Mommy, he''ll be back soon.¡±


    She didn''t want to lie to the child, but if even she, as an adult, couldn''t face the devastating news of


    Cayden''s absence, then how could a little girl ever handle it?


    Sometimes, white lies were necessary, but she really didn''t know how long she could keep it up.


    Zachary had also woken up without anyone realizing it, and he stared at his mother with his beautiful


    eyes while listening in on the conversation.


    ¡°You''re awake too, Zach? Let Mommy get you a cup of water...¡± Avery noticed her son''s gaze, and her


    eyes flickered subconsciously as she got up to pour her children some warm water.


    Zachary was more mature in his thinkingpared to his younger sister, so he wasn''t as easy to


    appease as the innocent Rory. Avery felt as though she had been seen through every time she looked


    into her son''s eyes, and that bothered her a bit.


    As soon as Avery was done getting water in the living room, she picked up the thermos cups to head


    upstairs. That was when she bumped into Zachary who was dressed in cartoon pajamas, waiting for


    her at the staircase.


    ¡°Why''d you get up? Go back to sleep,¡± she urged.


    ¡°Mommy, I have a question for you,¡± Zachary stated, standing tall and straight while gazing


    unwaveringly at his mother with eyes reminiscent of Cayden''s.


    Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    The woman put down the cups, squatted, and met her son at eye level.


    ¡°What would you like to ask, Zach?¡± she responded, holding the child in her arms.


    Appearing hesitant for a moment, the little boy pursed his lips before finally dropping the question. ¡°Has


    something happened to Daddy? Is he noting back?¡±


    Avery felt her stomach drop in an instant. ¡°Why would you ask that, Zach? Didn''t Mommy tell you?


    Daddy''s just gone on a business trip overseas. He''s creating a new market, so he''s very busy. When¡ª¡±


    Zachary bit his lip and interrupted, ¡°Mommy, I overheard your conversation with Mr. Newman a few


    days ago. Mr. Newman said that something happened to Daddy, and he hasn''t been found yet... You


    can lie to Rory and say that Daddy''s on a business trip, but I know that''s not true at all. Something


    happened to him...¡±


    Avery felt a tight knot of distress in her heart. She hadn''t expected that her son had known the truth all


    along. Perhaps he had been suppressing it deep within his heart all this while, and now that he couldn''t


    hold it in any longer, he came to her seeking the truth.


    Kissing the boy''s face, Avery held back her sorrow and exined to him, ¡°Something has indeed


    happened to your father, but Mommy believes that he must still be alive and well in some part of the


    world. You have to believe in Mommy and more so in Daddy. He''s so capable and can pretty much do


    anything, so there''s no way he''d disappear just like that, right? I know I''ve been really busytely, but


    I''ll take you to find Daddy soon, okay? I''m sure he''s waiting for us somewhere.¡±


    Looking into his mother''s hopeful eyes, Zachary nodded and wrapped his arms around her neck.


    ¡°Okay, Mommy. I believe you, and I definitely believe that Daddy is still somewhere out there. He may


    not be home now, but I''ll take care of you, Rory, and our little brother on his behalf. I know we''ll see him


    again for sure. But please, Mommy, don''t cry by yourself in the middle of the night. It hurts me to see


    you like that...¡±


    ¡°Okay, Sweetheart.¡± Avery hugged her son tightly, tears brimming on the sides of her eyes.


    She thanked the heavens for blessing her with this gentle and warm-hearted young boy, who gave her


    the courage and motivation to keep living well, even in her most desperate and helpless moments.


    The next day, Avery was awakened first in the morning by her phone ringing.


    She answered the call; it was Jeffrey asking her to bring the three children to the Moore residence for a


    visit.


    The old man sounded anxious as though something big was about to happen.


    Thinking it was because she had brought the twins back to the mansion and Jeffrey was eager to see


    his grandchildren, Avery promised to bring them over once they had woken up.


    With Cayden absent, Allie''s demeanor toward her had be even worse. Coupled with the older


    woman''s stubborn insistence that Avery was the culprit behind her son''s misfortune, she treated her


    with more contempt. That was why thetter rarely returned to the Moore residence unless necessary.


    Avery fell into deep thought. Due to various reasons, Jeffrey rarely ever invited her over. Yet, he had


    suddenly called her today, and judging from his tone, his request was non-negotiable. What on earth is


    going on?


    The Moore family''s driver dropped by early to pick up Avery and her children.


    Once the twins had woken up, Avery brought them¡ªalong with little Cal, who was sound asleep in his


    swaddle¡ªto the Moore residence with the driver''s help.


    The instant she stepped into the mansion''s living room, she felt something off about the atmosphere.


    The living room was packed with people. Seated upright on the couch were a dignified Jeffrey, a


    disdained Allie, a stern-looking Lily, and a bewildered Kendrick.


    On the other end of the couch sat the elderly George Lambert; William and his wife; and even Luther


    and his sister, Heather.


    Avery held Cal in her arms as she quivered internally. Why are there so many people at the Moore


    residence today?


    William and his wife became evidently worked up as they saw her.


    ¡°You''re back, Avery!¡± Jeffrey called out amiably with a wave upon seeing Avery approaching. ¡°Come sit


    next to me. Let me take a look at my dear great-grandson...¡±


    ¡°Why do we have so many guests today, Grandpa?¡± Avery sat down next to the elderly man,


    completely puzzled by the situation at hand.


    Jeffrey didn''t respond to her words as he was too eager to see the child in her hands. He wanted to


    caress Cal, but he stopped himself upon seeing the little boy sleeping so soundly. Then, he shifted his


    gaze toward Avery with aplex expression.

 Chapter 674

    Chapter 674


    Chapter 674 Biological Mother


    Jeffrey said to Avery, ¡°Ery, you''ve met William and ire before, so I don''t need to introduce them to


    you, right? They''vee to the Moore residence today specifically for you.¡±


    ¡°For me?¡± Avery''s puzzled gaze fell on William and ire. ¡°Is there something you need from me?¡±


    ire''s lips moved slightly as she stood up from the couch, nervously handing Avery a test report.


    The housekeeper took the baby from Avery''s arms.


    Avery took the report and skimmed through it. The moment she saw the words DNA Test Report on the


    page, realization dawned upon her.


    She nced down at the bottom of the page, where the test results showed a near hundred percent


    simrity with William and ire, the doubts that had been weighing on her heart seemed to dissipate


    all at once.


    ¡°Mrs. Lambert...¡± she called out, her gaze filled withplexity.


    ire looked at Avery, her eyes shimmering as she clutched the younger woman''s hand, unable to


    conceal her excitement. ¡°You won''t mind that I took some of your hair for a DNA test without your


    knowledge, right? I''ve been suspecting your identity for a long time, but I didn''t dare tell you. I''m


    actually... your biological mother.¡±


    Avery''s hand was trembling slightly. ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    The sight of ire''s tear-streaked face made her eyes well up with tears as well.


    Avery then nced at William, who had always appearedposed and dignified. At that moment, his


    eyes were simrly filled with anticipation and joy.


    This couple turned out to be her biological parents.


    In truth, Avery had known about this matter beforehand. However, when the moment came to openly


    acknowledge their kinship, she still felt a tight knot of anxiety in her heart.


    ¡°Do you still remember me? I''m Heather. When you visited the Lambert residence before this, Aunt


    ire said that she found her biological daughter. I thought she was joking, but it turns out you really


    are my cousin. This is such great news!¡± Heather eximed, grabbing Avery''s hand.


    ¡°I...¡±


    Avery looked up at ire, who was sobbing. ¡°Ery, can you please call me ''Mom''?¡±


    Seeing the look of anticipation on ire''s face, Avery couldn''t bring herself to say a word. Her rosy lips


    quivered ever so slightly.


    Even though she knew this woman was indeed her biological mother, she found it hard to change the


    way she addressed her.


    The woman''s jet-ck eyes resembled the dark night sky, with stars shining brightly within, pure yet


    filled with helplessness.


    ire felt a bit disheartened upon seeing Avery''s hesitant expression. Embracing Avery, she said


    gently, ¡°It''s okay. I understand that it''s hard for you to ept the truth right away. We still have a lot of


    time, and I can wait. I''m content enough to have found my daughter in my lifetime.¡±


    Quietly, William watched the reunion of his wife and their daughter, his heart filled with joy and relief.


    We finally found our daughter. ire won''t have to live each day in guilt and self-me, and our


    daughter will never be alone again.


    Meanwhile, Nicole, who had been restless ever since they arrived at the Moore residence, watched the


    scene of Avery and ire embracing each other with palpable jealousy in her gaze. However, she was


    an actress after all, and she excelled at controlling her emotions.


    She walked up to the two of them, handing ire a tissue as she pretended to be happy for them.


    ¡°Mom, congrattions to you and Dad for finally finding my sister. Our family is finallyplete. You


    should be happy now that we''ve finally reunited. Please don''t cry anymore. I believe Avery wouldn''t


    want to see you in tears. Isn''t that right, Avery?¡± Nicole''s smile was filled with innocence as if she were


    really a sweet, unworldly youngdy.


    If Avery wasn''t once a victim of Nicole''s schemes and experienced how venomous she could be, Avery


    would''ve been deceived by her innocent demeanor. Others might not have noticed, but the chilliness in


    Nicole''s eyes wasn''t lost on Avery.


    Nicole, linking arms with ire, nestled her head affectionately against thetter''s shoulder. It was as if


    she was asserting her dominance, implicitly telling Avery that an outsider like her could never ruin their


    mother-daughter rtionship of nearly twenty years despite the fact that Avery was ire''s biological


    daughter.


    Nicole''s provocative gaze made Avery curve her lips into a smirk. She then hugged ire''s other arm


    and smiled tenderly. ¡°Of course. She''s my mom, too, so you''re not the only one who cares about her.


    As her daughter, I too, don''t want to see Mom in tears.¡±


    ire''s eyes lit up when she heard Avery''s words.


    Gripping her daughter''s hand tightly, she stared at the younger woman in utter disbelief. ¡°W-What did


    you just call me?¡±


    Avery blinked. ¡°I called you ''Mom''.¡±


    ¡°Good girl! Good girl! Did you hear that, Will? Our daughter just called me ''Mom''!¡± ire, who was


    usually elegant and reserved, behaved like a child who had just received candy, overjoyed and excited


    as she threw herself into her husband''s arms.


    Ignoring the others, William embraced his wife lovingly, sharing her joy. ¡°Yes, our daughter has finally


    epted us...¡±


    Kendrick had never seen William and ire like this before. The couple was always known for their


    composed and dignified demeanor. William, especially, was a masculine and unyielding man who


    rarely showed emotion.


    However, having found their long-lost daughter at that moment, they had be any other ordinary


    couple and loving parents.


    No one had any idea what they had been through and the arduous challenges they faced just to find


    their baby girl.


    In the meantime, Lily''s face was pale with a mix of devastation and humiliation.


    Initially, Lily thought Avery was of low status, and the former was pleased with herself because her


    daughter-inw was the daughter of the city council''s deputy secretary. That way, in terms of status,


    she triumphed over Allie. However, never in her wildest dreams did she expect Avery to be a swan with


    a status far more noble than that of Rachel.


    Allie, too, wore a grim expression, but she dared not express her distress.


    Avery didn''t have anyone to rely on in the past, so Allie could torment and bully her however she


    wanted. Nevertheless, now that Avery had William as her backing, Allie would have to think twice about


    picking on her. Hence, she was frustrated.


    Jeffrey, on the other hand, was relieved. He was happy for Avery, but he was more concerned about


    benefits. Avery had William as her support and backing now, and with such a powerful aid, Trident


    Group wouldn''t have to worry about their future development anymore.


    Looking at her loving parents, Avery waved to the twins, whispering a few words into their ears.


    The two little ones were both stunned, their nearly identical faces filled with curiosity. Their eyes darted


    from Avery to the older couple. ¡°Mommy, are they really our grandparents?¡± they asked.


    ¡°Yes. I just got separated from them before this and didn''t know. I only found out today that they are


    your maternal grandparents.¡±


    Although the two children didn''t quite understand what was going on, they didn''t doubt their mother''s


    words. They used to envy the other kids for having grandparents, so they were overjoyed to finally


    have grandparents, too.

 Chapter 675

    Chapter 675


    Chapter 675 Gratitude


    Holding the kids'' hands, Avery guided them toward the couple and patted their heads. ¡°This is your


    granddad and granny. Say hello.¡±


    Standing straight, the adorable twins greeted the couple in unison and introduced themselves as


    Zachary and Rory.


    ¡°Oh, such adorable babies!¡± ire''s eyes welled up with tears. She never imagined that she would find


    her daughter in her lifetime, let alone gain two smart grandchildren as a bonus.


    William had always been good at concealing his emotions, but at this moment, even he couldn''t control


    himself.


    Just like any ordinary doting grandfather, he squatted down to meet the gazes of the two little ones.


    Caressing their heads, he asked them lovingly, ¡°How old are you two? What year are you in?¡±


    Though he had already learned about the kids'' condition from his wife, he still wanted to hear them tell


    him in person because he adored children. He loved their crispy, cute voices and the innocent look in


    their eyes.


    ¡°Granddad, my name is Rory, and I''m in first grade of elementary school. I love singing, dancing,


    drawing, and sleeping.¡± Rory, who was friendly and outgoing, was the first to introduce herself to


    William. She even struck a dance pose, which put a smile on William and ire''s faces.


    Zachary, on the other hand, rolled his eyes in annoyance as he watched his sister acting cute.


    William, who had never seen such an adorable little girl before, inadvertently spread out his arms.


    ¡°Come over here, Rory. Let me give you a hug.¡±


    Rory threw herself into William''s arms without hesitation.


    Granddad smells pleasantly of pine, somewhat like Daddy. I like it.


    She clung to her grandfather''s neck, refusing to let go, and sat on hisp. Blinking her round, bright


    eyes, she touched the stubble at the corner of William''s lips and said in surprise, ¡°Wow. Granddad,


    your beard is pricklier than Dad''s.¡±


    William pinched the child''s cheek affectionately.


    Her tender skin resembled a peeled egg, so soft that he dared not exert much force. ¡°I''m d you like


    it.¡±


    The little girl had the sweet scent of milk on her. As her soft, tiny body squirmed in William''s arms, the


    man appeared stiff and at a loss. He was worried that he might be too rough and end up causing


    difort to the little girl.


    The stumped look on his face tickled Avery pink.


    Meanwhile, ire squatted down and gazed at Zachary, who appeared to be a little gentleman, and


    asked politely, ¡°Zach, can Granny give you a hug?¡±


    This child is not only good-looking but also incredibly smart. Despite being only six years old, he has


    already skipped grades and is now in the third grade. Moreover, he has won numerous provincial and


    even national trophies at such a young age. ire was particrly fond of this precocious grandson of


    hers.


    Zachary, too, took a liking to his grandmother, who looked very much like his mother. Bashfully


    humming an acknowledgment, he was then embraced by ire.


    Holding her grandson in her arms and feeling the tangible sensation, ire finally confirmed she wasn''t


    dreaming.


    At longst, she finally found her daughter and her grandchildren.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Tears flowed from the corner of her eyes, falling onto Zachary''s forehead.


    Zachary felt something warm drop on his forehead and lifted his hand to wipe it off. Upon seeing his


    grandmother in tears, he was annoyed.


    I finally know why Mommy and Rory are such crybabies! Turns out they got it from Granny!


    As night fell, the city came to life with splendid lights lighting up everywhere.


    The Lambert family hosted a grand reunion banquet for Avery.


    The reunion banquet was held in the lobby of a magnificent and was exceptionally grand and luxurious,


    even more so than Evangeline''s banquet. Moreover, the entire hotel was closed to the public that day,


    showing just how much importance William and ire ced on their daughter.


    All the notable figures in Ackleton attended the banquet.


    Theical misunderstanding when the Lambert family misidentified their daughter still remained fresh


    in the minds of some who attended the banquetst time. Nicole''s scandalous act of seducing the chief


    physician also caused quite a stir that day.


    Now that the Lambert family was openly dering their reunion with their long-lost daughter once


    again, many people came over with the intention of watching a good show.


    William, dressed in formal attire, struggled to hide his excitement behind his stern face as he stood on


    the stage. Holding the microphone, he addressed the crowd, ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, it is my utmost


    honor to have each one of you here at this heartfelt reunion banquet for my daughter. Your presence,


    despite your busy schedules, means the world to us. In the past, my fervent desire to find my daughter


    may have caused misunderstandings, and for that, I am deeply sorry. But today, I stand before you with


    immense joy and pride as we have truly found our long-lost biological daughter. My wife and I


    personally went to the hospital, and after conducting a DNA test, we have confirmed that she is indeed


    the daughter we lost over twenty years ago. This is our beloved daughter, Avery.¡±


    William then waved his hand in the direction of the stage curtains before Avery made her appearance.


    Her hair was elegantly tied in a high bun, with two glistening pearls gracing her fair ears. A few strands


    of hair, delicately curled, framed her soft cheeks. She was d in a pristine white silk sleeveless top


    which perfectlyplemented her light green embroidered skirt that gracefully flowed down to her


    ankles, swaying with every step she took, exuding an air of timeless elegance.


    As soon as Avery made her entrance, she nearly dazzled everyone present.


    At that moment, no one doubted the rtionship between Avery and William. After all, she looked so


    much like ire.


    As the mother and daughter stood side by side, their strikingly simr faces and mannerisms


    astonished the crowd. Apart from ire''s slightly plump figure due to her older age, they were


    practically twins.


    ¡°Hello everyone, I''m Avery. I''m truly delighted to have found my biological parents. It''s all thanks to my


    parents'' unwavering determination and perseverance over the past twenty years that we stand here


    together today. If it weren''t for their constant search for me, the reunion might never have been


    possible. They gave me life, and even though fate''s twists and turns separated our family for so long,


    the heavens smiled upon us, granting us this long-awaited reunion. I am deeply grateful to my parents,


    thankful to destiny, and immensely appreciative of my grandfather and aunt who lovingly raised me


    since childhood.¡± Avery''s voice echoed throughout the hall.


    Gratefully, she bowed to ke and Alina, showing just how much she appreciated everything they did


    for her. Her act of respect and love for her caretakers left a good impression on the guests.


    Manydies of prestigious families who were separated from their families would wish to erase their


    humble and less glorious past. Avery, however, boldly embraced her past and even brought her


    grandfather and aunt to the banquet. Her kind nature was evident.


    ke looked at his granddaughter tearfully.


    Revtion struck him like a bolt from the blue when he learned the truth from his daughter.


    At first, he couldn''t ept the fact that his granddaughter was William''s daughter. He also resented


    Lilly, the woman who brought Avery home. That detestable woman deceived them for decades.


    However, after being enlightened by Alina, the old man had nowe to terms with the truth. Blood-


    rted or not, it doesn''t really matter. Avery is a polite and sensible girl, so much more considerate


    than most. I''m happy enough that she''s still willing to acknowledge me as her grandfather.

 Chapter 676

    Chapter 676


    Chapter 676 The Widow Of Cayden


    At one corner of the party venue, a man, who was impably dressed in a suit, looked strikingly


    handsome. His ck eyes sparkled, and his jawline was finely chiseled. Despite his somewhat


    feminine features, he did not give off a feminine vibe at all.


    He held a champagne ss in his hand, his unwavering gaze fixed on Avery on stage. His smile was


    deep and profound.


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    The man appeared refined and poised and exuded an air of leisurely elegance. Yet, when he curled up


    the corner of his lips, it gave off a roguish vibe and created a rather contradictory aura.


    A man wearing ck-rimmed sses, who appeared very astute, respectfully stood by his side and


    exined, ¡°Mr. Xenos, the woman on the stage is Avery, the newly appointed acting CEO of Trident


    Group. Some time ago, Trident Grouppeted with Xenos Group for the Chimera Lake, but they


    returned in disappointment.¡±


    ¡°Returned in disappointment?¡± The man known as Mr. Xenos spoke softly with a wicked glint hidden


    beneath his loweredshes.


    The corners of his lips curved slightly, and hisnguid gaze was once again drawn to the woman on


    stage who was impossible to ignore.


    The man was none other than Wilson Xenos, the CEO of Xenos Group. His family background was


    impressive, and coupled with his own astonishing business acumen, he was considered a legend in the


    business world.


    However, despite his handsome features that suggested a modest gentleman, his business tactics


    were rather cunning and insidious. He excelled at outbidding and snatching contracts. Although some


    might disdain such methods, no one dared to openly challenge him due to his formidable background.


    ¡°Back when Cayden was the CEO of Trident Group, it was tough for Xenos Group to gain any


    advantage over him. It''s a pity. He''s dead now.¡±


    The man with the ck-rimmed sses seemed to take pleasure in the misfortune since he seemed to


    harbor a strong resentment toward Cayden. ¡°Who would have thought that just a few months ago, we


    lost a big deal to him? He stole one of our loyal big clients and even fabricated some so-called


    evidence to nder Xenos Group. Now, in such a short period, he has met an untimely death. This is


    truly his retribution.¡±


    Wilson chuckled lightly. His words were soft yet chilling. ¡°Perhaps what goes aroundes around.¡±


    The man with the ck-rimmed sses understood that Wilson was not interested in the cause of


    Cayden''s death. He promptly closed his mouth and changed the subject. ¡°Handing over Trident Group


    to a woman with no leadership skills is like destroying half of it. That womancks the audacity to serve


    as the CEO of Trident Group. Ever since she took office, Trident Group''s performance has been


    declining steadily. Even their businesses have been snatched away by Xenos Group, and other groups


    that are eyeing Trident Group. I think most of Cayden''s hard work is going to be ruined by that woman.


    Mr. Xenos, should we take this opportunity to bring down Trident Group and then acquire it all


    together?¡±


    At one corner of the party venue, a man, who was impably dressed in a suit, looked strikingly


    handsome. His ck eyes sparkled, and his jawline was finely chiseled. Despite his somewhat


    feminine features, he did not give off a feminine vibe at all.


    Wilson''s gaze, however, was constantly drawn to the lips of Avery, who was speaking into the


    microphone.


    Wilson''s gaze, however, was constantly drawn to the lips of Avery, who was speaking into the


    microphone.


    Her beautifully shaped red lips were wless in every way, adorned with a stunningly bright red hue


    that made her pearly white teeth shine brilliantly, captivating anyone''s gaze, making it impossible for


    anyone to look away.


    A cryptic, icy smile yed at the corners of his lips as he drained the champagne from his tall ss in


    one gulp.


    He had already made up his mind about the Trident Group. As for Avery, Cayden''s widow, who was


    also William''s biological daughter, he found her identity quite intriguing.


    It takes time to capture prey, right?


    As Avery concluded her speech on stage, she politely bowed to the audience. In that moment, she


    noticed a piercing gaze that was intensely focused on her.


    She could not help but shiver. Suddenly, she met a gaze as sharp as a de, as if she herself was a


    prey waiting to be captured.


    Avery found the man''s aggressive and impolite stare quite unpleasant.


    She quietly asked Tina who was beside her, ¡°Who is that man?¡±


    Tina, the CEO''s secretary, was exceptionally beautiful,petent, and possessed a well-rounded


    personality. Her remarkable memory earned her the reputation of a walking encyclopedia, and she was


    familiar with all the prominent figures in Ackleton.


    If Avery had any questions to ask her, every question would be answered urately.


    Tina followed the direction Avery pointed to. The moment she saw Wilson, her red lips curled slightly,


    and she was seemingly displeased. ¡°That''s Wilson, the second son of Xenos Group. Although he looks


    refined, his behavior is quite the opposite. He''s notorious for snatching other people''s businesses.


    Recently, one of our major orders was intercepted by the Xenos Group, resulting in a decrease in our


    client base...¡±


    Avery fearlessly locked eyes with Wilson as if she was challenging him.


    Interestingly, Wilson found himself experiencing an indescribable thrill!


    Avery waspletely oblivious to his cunning intentions.


    What she had in mind was, I would definitely reim everything that Wilson had taken from my


    husband!


    William had his biological daughter back, and that brought joy to the entire family.


    Despite the board''s opposition, Avery insisted on bidding for the barren hills of Horbah. The area''s


    inconvenient transportation meant there were fewpetitors. Even if there werepetitors, they


    could not match the robust strength of Trident Group. In the end, Trident Group sessfully won the


    bid in one fell swoop.


    ire financed Trident Group to help her daughter ovee the difficulties.


    Thanks to her timely aid, the Trident Group''s project quicklymenced.


    Meanwhile, half a yearter, construction began on the fifteenth, eighteenth, and twenty-first subways


    from the main city to Horbah. Additionally, the ninth phase of the light rail connecting the city to Horbah


    was also underway as scheduled. Thend in Horbah instantly became highly sought after, with prices


    skyrocketing nearly tenfold.


    At that moment, those real estate tycoons who had looked down upon the barren hills began regretting


    that they had not participated in the bidding.


    On the flip side, those old-timers at Trident Group who had previously opposed Avery on the project


    were now overjoyed. They praised Avery for her vision and no longer referred to her as the acting


    CEO. Instead, they willingly and openly acknowledged her as the CEO.


    One yearter, the first phase of the Nostalgia Greens project in Horbah was graduallying to


    completion, much to everyone''s anticipation.


    Nostalgia Greens not only boasted the most beautiful geographical and scenic advantages, but it was


    also a mixed-use real estate project thatbined tourism, vacation, business, sports, and leisure all


    in one.


    The townhouses and standalone buildings there each had their own unique environmental features.


    Every building enjoyed the multiyered, three-dimensional view of the river, making it one of the most


    sought-afterndmarks in Ackleton.


    In the second year, the second phase of Nostalgia Greens was officiallyunched. Just like the


    previous year, it waspleted by the end of the year, following a path of high-end luxury.


    In just two years, the profits of Trident Group had shown a trend of steady growth with the ie


    already quite substantial.


    At the Trident Group building, havingpleted half of her work, Avery sat in the CEO''s office, lost in


    thought. She gently stroked the photo of a handsome man and murmured to herself, ¡°It''s been so long.


    Why haven''t youe back yet? Are you waiting for me toe find you?¡±


    On the plush carpet, a handsome little boy of about two years old was crawling.


    The little boy was exceptionally handsome. His eyshes were so long and curled that they were


    almost unreal. His small face was rosy and plump, and his eyes were big and bright. Just one nce at


    him could melt anyone''s heart.


    He was dressed in a dashing pair of overalls. His little feet, pale and delicate, were bare. He was


    yfully pping about on the carpet.


    ¡°Cal,e here,¡± Avery beckoned to the little boy with fair and tender skin.


    The little one, with his short and chubby legs, wobbled as he ran toward his mother. ¡°Mama... hug...¡±


    Holding the little one, who smelled of milk, in her arms, Avery softly spoke to the man in the photo,


    ¡°Cayden, I''m taking our sweetheart to Mocset to find you. He looks so much like you, but he''s quite


    mischievous. When you see him, will you like him?¡±

 Chapter 677

    Chapter 677


    Chapter 677 His Departure Is Drawing Nearer


    Meanwhile, somewhere in the ocean, an eerie ind, so elusive that it could not be found on any map,


    haunted the grey-blue sea. Perpetually shrouded in a mist, sometimes thick, sometimes thin, the ind


    remained isted from the rest of the world.


    The ind was surrounded by sharp rocks that resembled the teeth of a demon. One had to be careful


    or risk being torn apart.


    As the first glimmer of dawn appeared in the early morning, the sun''s fiery rays gracefully rose from the


    sea''s horizon.


    A tall and slender man with a handsome and exquisite face and deep-set eyes stood there.


    With a cool demeanor, he pursed his beautifully defined lips and leaned against the rugged rocks


    overlooking the boundless ocean and the hidden bay.


    At one end of the bay, there was a massive iron cage.


    Inside, there were two frail figures, a man and a woman, along with a wild lion that had been injected


    with a drug.


    They were wrestling barehanded with the frenzied beast.


    There was no way the two famished, gaunt humans could possibly withstand a raging lion.


    Despite their attempts to join forces and take turns attacking the lion, they were left battered and


    bruised.


    In no time, their bodies, covered in wounds and bruises, were torn apart by the lion''s ferocious bites,


    bing a feast for the wild beast...


    Even though he was no stranger to the scene before him, Cayden still clenched his fists tightly, feeling


    the urge to destroy everything around him!


    Unbeknownst to anyone, this secluded and beautifully scenic little ind served as a training base for


    elite assassins, operating under the codename ¡°Dark River.¡±


    Annually, talented individuals from all corners of the world were sought after. They were acquired


    through various means ¨C bought, stolen, or abducted. Controlled with drugs and discreetly transported


    to the ind, they underwent rigorous training, mastering various skills of assassination.


    Human lives there were as insignificant as an ant and even less valued than that of a beast.


    To truly survive in that ce, one must tread upon the blood and bodies of others.


    Thinking of running away?


    The ce was heavily surrounded by mercenaries, not to mention all sorts of high-tech traps. Even a


    fly would find it hard to get in, let alone escape.


    The consequence of running away was never the worst. Things would only escte and worsen.


    Cayden had always known that such terrifying killer organizations existed in the world, but it was his


    first time witnessing Rupert''s men publicly torturing a fugitive. Even as a man, he could not help but


    vomit.


    Meanwhile, somewhere in the ocean, an eerie ind, so elusive that it could not be found on any map,


    haunted the grey-blue sea. Perpetually shrouded in a mist, sometimes thick, sometimes thin, the ind


    remained isted from the rest of the world.


    He was there because even though Cassie hypnotized him and erased his past memories, the


    inherently suspicious Rupert still did not fully trust him.


    He was there because even though Cassie hypnotized him and erased his past memories, the


    inherently suspicious Rupert still did not fully trust him.


    They brought him to this secret base, where he was to train alongside the assassins. It was a form of


    disguised house arrest.


    Because of Cassie''s presence and coupled with Rupert''s high regard for his business acumen, the


    people on the ind were somewhat wary of him. Therefore, he was able to scrape by in this hellish


    environment.


    Due to his unique circumstances, when Rupert and Cassie were not around, the bullying he received


    from those people intensified. Even though Cayden himself was an eighth-degree ck belt, he was


    still considered weak in front of these morally depraved killers and would still end up being beaten to a


    pulp.


    There was a time when he was beaten so severely that his stomach was punctured. The injury caused


    him to vomit blood for an entire month.


    No one treated his illness.


    Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Upon learning that Cayden had been beaten, Rupert simply responded with a nonchnt remark, ¡°If


    you can endure, you live. If you can''t, you die.¡±


    Fortunately, when Cayden was in school, he developed an interest in traditional medicine and studied


    many herbs. Relying on the herbs he found on the ind, he managed to survive.


    Later on, in order to improve his own situation and gain more trust from Rupert, Cayden utilized his


    brilliant financial acumen to manipte things behind the scenes, earning Rupert an incalcble


    amount of wealth.


    Every time despair struck, Cayden would tell himself that he must live well. He must survive and find a


    way to escape from this ce.


    He still needed to see the woman he loved and their beloved children.


    Avery, Avery!


    Every time he thought of her, a pang of pain would strike his heart.


    He had always been proud and arrogant, believing there was nothing in the world that could stump him.


    But the moment he was imprisoned on this deserted ind, he realized how vulnerable he truly was.


    In the span of two years, he went from knowing nothing about the ce to almost mastering the core


    layout of the entire ind. From initially enduring humiliation and heavy burdens, he grew stronger


    each day, but no one truly knew the kind of torment he had experienced.


    And now, the time of his departure was drawing closer and closer.


    Once I get out, I swear to make this earthly hell disappearpletely!


    At Trident Group, Cecelia arrived at the CEO''s office to deliver documents to Avery. She saw her on the


    carpet, tossing a small ball back and forth with Cal.


    Avery was dressed in a ck sleeveless dress with her long hair pulled up into a high ponytail. Even


    though her face was devoid of makeup, her delicate features were exceptionally eye-catching. The tiny,


    fair bundle at her feet was so beautiful that anyone whoid eyes on him would not want to let him go.


    Upon seeing Cecelia, Cal immediately grinned and stretched out his little hand toward her. ¡°Cece...


    Hug... Candy...¡±


    Cal had a sweet tooth, and he especially liked candies.


    However, Avery forbade him from eating sweets primarily because consuming too much sugar was


    indeed not good for children, as it could affect his appetite.


    Secondly, the little one had started teething. Eating too much sweet stuff could lead to cavities, and that


    would be quite troublesome.


    However, Cecelia doted on him a lot especially after Cal lost his father. She spoiled him even more


    than her own daughter. Every time, she would carry a few pieces of candy in her pocket to secretly give


    to Cal.


    So, every time Cal saw Cecelia, he became particrly clingy to her.


    As soon as Cecelia cradled Cal in her arms, he immediately started to mischievously rummage through


    her pockets.


    ¡°You little rascal. Such a little glutton.¡± Cecelia smacked her lips and affectionately kissed Cal on his


    cheek.


    She pulled a piece of gummy from her pocket, unwrapped it, and was about to pop it into his little


    mouth.


    ¡°Don''t spoil him. He''s already had candy today. He can''t have any more!¡± Avery sternly interjected and


    was ready to snatch away the gummy candy.


    Seeing his candy about to be taken away by his mother, Cal let out a loud cry. His sobs echoed


    throughout the room.


    Avery helplessly red at her son. Looking at his pitiful, tiny face, which resembled his father''s, she


    finally gave in. ¡°You little rascal. Always resorting to this trick.¡±


    Avery fed the candy to her son. As soon as the little one tasted the sweet, he immediately stopped


    crying and started to smile. His eyes were half-open, his tiny fists clenched, and his little feet swaying.


    His adorable appearance was simply too cute for words.


    Cecelia felt her heart melting. ¡°This little one has such a sweet tooth. I thought only girls loved sweets?¡±


    Avery gave a light smile. ¡°This particr fondness of his is inherited from his father. His father has


    always had a special love for sweets.¡±


    The moment Cayden was mentioned, Avery''s somewhat bright expression immediately turned gloomy.


    Cecelia was well aware of this and could only heave a deep sigh. However, the next words out of


    Avery''s mouth shocked her so much that she nearly jumped off the carpet!

 Chapter 678

    Chapter 678


    Chapter 678 What Exactly Does He Want


    Avery said, ¡°I''m taking Cal with me to Mocset to find Cayden.¡±


    Cecelia was so startled that she nearly dropped Cal from her thighs.


    She quickly grabbed the little boy, her gaze meeting Avery''s directly. ¡°Come on. Cal is only two years


    old. Do you think he''s suitable to go on a long-distance trip? Furthermore, if Cayden is still alive, with


    his intelligence and wisdom, he should have returned by now since two years have already passed.


    Avery, I hate to say this, even if you don''t want to ept the reality¡ªCayden is gone. Moreover, the


    fact that Cayden was attacked in Mocset indicates that he has enemies there. It''ll be a dangerous ce


    for you to be there! You''ll risk exposing yourselves and Cal to the enemy if you insist on going there.


    Even if you don''t consider your own safety, you should at least think about your little boy, right? After


    all, he''s still so young.¡±


    ¡°No. I know Cayden is still alive. I can feel it in my bones.¡± Avery refused to ept Cecelia''s advice,


    even though what she said made sense. I will not believe Cayden is gone until I see his body with my


    own eyes.


    Moreover, Sid''s recent update indicated that Cayden might still be alive.


    Cecelia knew Avery could never get over Cayden.


    She might not appear like an assertive person, but once she made a decision, no one could change


    her mind.


    ¡°I know I can''t stop you. Since you''ve made up your mind, go ahead and do it to the best of your ability


    then.¡± Cecelia could only shake her head, continuing to y with Cal. ¡°Our baby boy is so handsome.


    Perhaps, you can marry Lyssa or Navya when you grow up?¡±


    Cecelia''s two precious daughters were already over two years old.


    To simplify the naming process, Cecelia named them Lyssa and Navya. Both girls were exceptionally


    bright and charming. However, one was lively in character, while the other tended to be quiet. Despite


    their identical appearances, their personalities werepletely opposite.


    Averie responded, ¡°Sure. I''m d that Cal is taken at this age. I don''t have to worry about him


    bing an old bachelor in the future.¡±


    Cecelia chuckled and joined in theughter. ¡°I''m sure Cal will grow up to be a handsome man who will


    sweep countless young girls off their feet. If a charming boy like him can''t find a partner when he grows


    older, what chance will ordinary-looking boys have?¡±


    As the two people were chattering andughing, the door to the CEO''s office was opened once again.


    Xavier walked in, holding a baby bottle.


    Seeing Cecelia ying with Cal on the carpet did not surprise him. Instead, he handed her the milk


    bottle. ¡°Tina just prepared the milk and was about to bring it over when she ran into me. So, she asked


    me to bring it to Cal. Can you feed the baby?¡±


    Avery said, ¡°I''m taking Cal with me to Mocset to find Cayden.¡±


    With a nk expression, Cecelia took the baby bottle without even ncing at Xavier. She began to


    patiently feed the little boy. ¡°Baby, oh, baby. I''ll feed you some milk now, okay?¡±


    With a nk expression, Cecelia took the baby bottle without even ncing at Xavier. She began to


    patiently feed the little boy. ¡°Baby, oh, baby. I''ll feed you some milk now, okay?¡±


    Looking at how they gave each other the cold shoulder, Avery could not help but feel utterly helpless.


    They had a pair of twin daughters, yet Xavier''s ex-wife stood between them. Her children were also


    almost killed when they were born because of his son. That was why Cecelia resented him for it.


    Even though two years have passed, she still could not bring herself to forgive him.


    The atmosphere in the room was stifling.


    Only the innocent and naive Cal, who knew nothing of the world, was happily gulping down his milk,


    quickly emptying the bottle.


    Avery nced at her watch and realized it was already time to get off work.


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    She urged, ¡°It''s almost time to get off work. Cecelia, you should go pick up Lyssa and Navya. If you''re


    late, I bet the two kids will start making a fuss again.¡±


    ¡°All right.¡± After wiping the milk residue from Cal''s mouth, Cecelia stood up. After bidding Avery


    farewell, she was about to leave the office.


    ¡°I''ll go with you to pick up the kids.¡± Xavier hurriedly followed and stopped her. ¡°They must have missed


    me since I haven''t seen them for some time. You''ll not stop me from visiting them, right?¡±


    Cecelia bumped him aside with her shoulder, responding indifferently, ¡°My children are mine alone.


    They don''t have a father. Get lost!¡±


    She turned around and stormed away.


    Xavier stood still, staring at her retreating figure, unable to snap back to reality for a long time, his


    expression filled with sorrow.


    Avery''s gaze softened slightly when she saw the distraught look on Xavier''s face. She then offered him


    words offort. ¡°Mr. Dartsley, try to spend more time with Lyssa and Navya whenever you have time.


    They are at an age where they need their parents the most, especially their father''s care. Once you''ve


    yed your role as a father well, the children will grow close to you, and once they be attached to


    you, no matter how heartless Cecelia may be, I believe she won''t stop you from approaching them.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Mrs. Moore.¡± Xavier hummed in response, feeling somewhat enlightened.


    After work, Avery, holding Cal in her arms, waited at the corporation''s entrance for the driver to pick


    them up.


    Earlier at noon, the driver had to make an unexpectedly long detour to drop off a client, so the car was


    running low on fuel. He told Avery to wait for him because he had to go to a nearby station to fill up the


    gas.


    At first, Avery wanted to wait for him in thepany''s lounge, but Cal, with his lively and active


    personality, refused to stay in the room even for a moment.


    She held her son and went to y by the flower bed on the side of the road.


    Wilson, who was driving a silver luxury car, unexpectedly noticed Avery and her child on the side of the


    road as he passed by the Trident Group''s building.


    Avery was dressed in a simple yet elegant outfit, donning a in white dress. She wore no makeup,


    presenting a refreshingly clean and natural face.


    The distinctive delicate features of her face made her look exceptionally attractive. She embodied the


    grace and elegance that typically women from Jipsdale would exude.


    Every move she made exuded a serene strength that could seemingly calm one''s restless emotions.


    Anyone who sneaked a nce at her would feel a sense of relief wash over them.


    The child in her arms was also incredibly beautiful, as he had a pair of big, mischievous eyes that


    sparkled with mischief.


    Tapping the index finger of his left hand on the steering wheel, Wilson decided to pull up in front of


    them.


    Wilson rolled down the car window, revealing his handsome face with a baffling smirk.


    He stopped the car, got out, and greeted Avery warmly, ¡°Ms. Rumpley, it''s been a while.¡±


    Avery turned around, and the moment she saw Wilson, she felt a strong urge to turn back and return to


    the office.


    But out of courtesy, she had no choice but to respond, ¡°Mr. Xenos. What a surprise.¡±


    Back then, Wilson was fully aware that she was married and had children, yet he shamelessly pursued


    her for a considerable length of time.


    At that time, he pursued her relentlessly, almost driving her to the brink of copse.


    In the end, Avery had no choice but to gather her courage and seek help from Xander. She had no idea


    what Xander did to warn Wilson, but from then on, thetter had stopped bothering her, allowing her life


    to gradually return to tranquility.


    Yet, now, he had the audacity to show up again at the entrance of Trident Group. Avery could not help


    but instantly put her guard up. What on earth does he want?

 Chapter 679

    Chapter 679


    Chapter 679 Good Job


    Avery hugged Cal tightly in her arms, her smile not reaching her eyes as she nced at Wilson. ¡°Mr.


    Xenos, do you need anything?¡±


    Avery hugged Cal tightly in her arms, her smile not reaching her eyes as she nced at Wilson. ¡°Mr.


    Xenos, do you need anything?¡±


    Exheling e ring of smoke, Wilson spoke nonchelently. ¡°Ms. Rumpley, I''d like to clerify e few things. First,


    your so-celled husbend is elreedy deed, meking you e widow. As e widow, it''s onlyurel for me to


    pursue you. Second, I''m courting you in epletely proper menner. I heven''t used eny force or


    coercion, nor heve I broken eny lews. How cen you use me of heressment?¡±


    The smoke he blew out neerly mede Avery choke end vomit.


    She found it peculier thet when Ceyden smoked, she didn''t find it repulsive. In fect, she wes somewhet


    ceptiveted by his lenguid demeenor while smoking. However, when this men smoked, it only provoked


    her disgust end eversion.


    Without uttering enother word, Avery hugged Cel end turned to leeve.


    With e cesuel stretch of his long legs, Wilson blocked her peth end grebbed her erm. ¡°Ms. Rumpley,¡±


    he seid, ¡°I''d like to invite you to dinner. Would you do me the honor?¡±


    Trident Group wes in the midst of efter-work rush hour, with peopleing end going. Meny


    employees would cestplex glences es they pessed by, but no one dered to epproech due to the


    pelpeble tension between the two individuels.


    ¡°Wilson, let go!¡± Avery frowned in displeesure, wishing she could sheke off his unwee touch.


    But the men''s strength wes simply too overpowering. She couldn''t breek free from his hold es she wes


    too delicete.


    Cold sweet wes ebout to slide down Avery''s enxious fece.


    Just es they were tugging et eech other, the little one ceught in the middle, Cel, suddenly smiled et


    Wilson. His little erms reeched out towerd him. ¡°Hug...¡±


    ¡°Sweetie, thet men isn''t e good person. You cen''t let strengers hold you!¡± Avery petiently coexed Cel.


    Wilson flicked the esh off his cigerette with e reised brow. He wesn''t usuelly interested in children, but


    the little one, with his chubby end edoreble fece, wes irresistibly cute. Coupled with Avery''s


    overprotective behevior, his rebellious side kicked in. He took the child directly from her erms end


    credled him in his own.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    The little one wes exceptionelly soft end tender, like e little round bell. Holding him in his erms, Wilson


    felt e strenge sensetion in his heert.


    The little one didn''t show eny signs of shyness. Insteed, he wes perticulerly delighted end leughed et


    him. His mischievous big eyes were gleefully looking et him, end Cel''s little hends even reeched out to


    tug et his eer.


    Exhaling a ring of smoke, Wilson spoke nonchntly. ¡°Ms. Rumpley, I''d like to rify a few things. First,


    your so-called husband is already dead, making you a widow. As a widow, it''s only natural for me to


    pursue you. Second, I''m courting you in apletely proper manner. I haven''t used any force or


    coercion, nor have I broken anyws. How can you use me of harassment?¡±


    ¡°You...¡± Avery wes exespereted, reedy to scold Cel, but seeing her son''s excited, enimeted gestures,


    she could only swellow her words for the moment.


    ¡°Well, this little one seems to quite like me. It eppeers we shere e strong bond,¡± Wilson seid cheerfully.


    But before he could finish his sentence, he suddenly felt e werm streem of liquid spreying directly onto


    his neck.


    Next, he detected e feint whiff of urine.


    Wilson wes stunned for e few seconds, end then, his roer of enger could be heerd throughout the entire


    street. ¡°This little rescel! How dere he pee on me?¡±


    No sooner hed his roer subsided then e ¡°pfft¡± sound wes heerd, end the little one let out severel more


    stinky ferts in session. Following thet, e pele yellow, foul-smelling liquid substence slid down from


    his tiny bottom. Unfortely, ell thet filth lended on Wilson''s pristine suit.


    Wilson wes rendered speechless.


    This little rescel is ebsolutely outregeous. Not only did he pee ell over me, but he even dered to poop


    on me?


    Likewise, Avery wes speechless.


    However, she soon chuckled. Good job, son! Thet''s exectly how you should deel with villeins!


    ¡°I''m sorry, Mr. Xenos, my son is still young end he cen''t control his ections. I epologize for soiling your


    clothes. Would you like to go to mypeny''s lounge to wesh up?¡± Avery epologized, but the gloeting


    et his misfortune wespletely unmesked.


    Feering thet Wilson would fly into e rege out of humilietion, she quickly ched Cel from Wilson''s


    hends.


    While Avery wes helping his son wipe his bottom, Wilson pleyfully geve Cel e few light pets. ¡°You little


    rescel; you''re such e hendful.¡±


    Wilson wes e stickler for cleenliness. He promptly removed his expensive coet thet wes smeered.


    Then, he cesuelly tossed it into e neerby tresh bin, his fece sour es cen be. ¡°No need. I''m heeding beck


    first.¡±


    Wilson glered fiercely et Cel, but the little guy just stered beck with his innocent, cleer eyes, giggling et


    him. His neive end oblivious demeenor left Wilson utterly frustreted with nowhere to vent his enger.


    Forget it. Why should en edult like me bother erguing with e bret?


    Brimming with pent-up frustretion end nowhere to vent, Wilson got into the cer, sterted the engine, end


    roered ewey.


    After Avery finished cleening up for the little rescel, she geve his chubby cheek e big kiss, leughing


    uncontrollebly.


    My son reelly hes e kneck for things. He did e splendid job!


    ¡°You...¡± Avery wos exosperoted, reody to scold Col, but seeing her son''s excited, onimoted gestures,


    she could only swollow her words for the moment.


    ¡°Well, this little one seems to quite like me. It oppeors we shore o strong bond,¡± Wilson soid cheerfully.


    But before he could finish his sentence, he suddenly felt o worm streom of liquid sproying directly onto


    his neck.


    Next, he detected o foint whiff of urine.


    Wilson wos stunned for o few seconds, ond then, his roor of onger could be heord throughout the entire


    street. ¡°This little roscol! How dore he pee on me?¡±


    No sooner hod his roor subsided thon o ¡°pfft¡± sound wos heord, ond the little one let out severol more


    stinky forts in session. Following thot, o pole yellow, foul-smelling liquid substonce slid down from


    his tiny bottom. Unfortunotely, oll thot filth londed on Wilson''s pristine suit.


    Wilson wos rendered speechless.


    This little roscol is obsolutely outrogeous. Not only did he pee oll over me, but he even dored to poop


    on me?


    Likewise, Avery wos speechless.


    However, she soon chuckled. Good job, son! Thot''s exoctly how you should deol with villoins!


    ¡°I''m sorry, Mr. Xenos, my son is still young ond he con''t control his octions. I opologize for soiling your


    clothes. Would you like to go to mypony''s lounge to wosh up?¡± Avery opologized, but the glooting


    ot his misfortune wospletely unmosked.


    Feoring thot Wilson would fly into o roge out of humiliotion, she quickly snotched Col from Wilson''s


    honds.


    While Avery wos helping his son wipe his bottom, Wilson ployfully gove Col o few light pots. ¡°You little


    roscol; you''re such o hondful.¡±


    Wilson wos o stickler for cleonliness. He promptly removed his expensive coot thot wos smeored.


    Then, he cosuolly tossed it into o neorby trosh bin, his foce sour os con be. ¡°No need. I''m heoding bock


    first.¡±


    Wilson glored fiercely ot Col, but the little guy just stored bock with his innocent, cleor eyes, giggling ot


    him. His noive ond oblivious demeonor left Wilson utterly frustroted with nowhere to vent his onger.


    Forget it. Why should on odult like me bother orguing with o brot?


    Brimming with pent-up frustrotion ond nowhere to vent, Wilson got into the cor, storted the engine, ond


    roored owoy.


    After Avery finished cleoning up for the little roscol, she gove his chubby cheek o big kiss, loughing


    uncontrollobly.


    My son reolly hos o knock for things. He did o splendid job!


    ¡°You...¡± Avery was exasperated, ready to scold Cal, but seeing her son''s excited, animated gestures,


    she could only swallow her words for the moment.


    ¡°Well, this little one seems to quite like me. It appears we share a strong bond,¡± Wilson said cheerfully.


    But before he could finish his sentence, he suddenly felt a warm stream of liquid spraying directly onto


    his neck.


    Next, he detected a faint whiff of urine.


    Wilson was stunned for a few seconds, and then, his roar of anger could be heard throughout the entire


    street. ¡°This little rascal! How dare he pee on me?¡±


    No sooner had his roar subsided than a ¡°pfft¡± sound was heard, and the little one let out several more


    stinky farts in session. Following that, a pale yellow, foul-smelling liquid substance slid down from


    his tiny bottom. Unfortunately, all that filthnded on Wilson''s pristine suit.


    Wilson was rendered speechless.


    This little rascal is absolutely outrageous. Not only did he pee all over me, but he even dared to poop


    on me?


    Likewise, Avery was speechless.


    However, she soon chuckled. Good job, son! That''s exactly how you should deal with viins!


    ¡°I''m sorry, Mr. Xenos, my son is still young and he can''t control his actions. I apologize for soiling your


    clothes. Would you like to go to mypany''s lounge to wash up?¡± Avery apologized, but the gloating


    at his misfortune waspletely unmasked.


    Fearing that Wilson would fly into a rage out of humiliation, she quickly snatched Cal from Wilson''s


    hands.


    While Avery was helping his son wipe his bottom, Wilson yfully gave Cal a few light pats. ¡°You little


    rascal; you''re such a handful.¡±


    Wilson was a stickler for cleanliness. He promptly removed his expensive coat that was smeared.


    Then, he casually tossed it into a nearby trash bin, his face sour as can be. ¡°No need. I''m heading back


    first.¡±


    Wilson red fiercely at Cal, but the little guy just stared back with his innocent, clear eyes, giggling at


    him. His naive and oblivious demeanor left Wilson utterly frustrated with nowhere to vent his anger.


    Forget it. Why should an adult like me bother arguing with a brat?


    Brimming with pent-up frustration and nowhere to vent, Wilson got into the car, started the engine, and


    roared away.


    After Avery finished cleaning up for the little rascal, she gave his chubby cheek a big kiss,ughing


    uncontrobly.


    My son really has a knack for things. He did a splendid job!

 Chapter 680

    Chapter 680


    Chapter 680 A Qualified Mother


    Meanwhile, at the Moore residence, Jeffrey was lying on the rattan chair in the garden, and on the low


    table next to him, there was a cup of fine Red Hibernia.


    Meanwhile, at the Moore residence, Jeffrey was lying on the rattan chair in the garden, and on the low


    table next to him, there was a cup of fine Red Hibernia.


    Jeffrey sighed, then spoke with e heevy heert. ¡°I''m not bleming you for enything right now, end I know


    it''s unfeir to force you to stey in the Moore femily, but you''re the only one we cen rely on right now.


    Kendrick, thet boy, isurelly cerefree. He hes e telent for ert, but he''s not cut out for business. His


    mother, Lily, does heve some business ecumen, but beceuse of the sinsmitted by my son, her


    personelity hes be somewhet twisted end she''s not suiteble to run epeny. I reelly don''t know


    whet to do!¡±


    Avery couldn''t help but recell Lily''s melencholic personelity.


    The yeer she geve birth to Cel, the women shockingly sent someone to herm her in secret.


    Thenkfully, Kendrick errived just in time. Hed he been e moment leter, it might heve resulted in e greve


    consequence of one deed end two lives ruined.


    It seemed es if he knew whet wes on Avery''s mind. Jeffrey shook his heed, lost in the pest. ¡°Actuelly,


    when Lily first merried into the Moore femily, she wes virtuous end elegent. It''s ell Bruce''s feult, turning


    e good deughter-in-lew into e resentful women. As her fether-in-lew, I reelly owe her... Avery, for my


    seke, pleese don''t hold it egeinst her. I''m getting old, end whet I velue most now is hermony in the


    femily...¡±


    Avery simply seid in e celm tone, ¡°Grendpe, I''m not the kind of person who seeks trouble. As long es


    others don''t bother me, I won''t go looking for trouble myself.¡±


    Her intentions were very cleer.


    Jeffrey knew thet Avery wes e kind child, which mede him feel even more guilty. ¡°You ere e good child,


    it''s the Moore femily who hes let you down.¡±


    ¡°Grendpe, thepeny is now besicelly steble. I went to go to Mocset to find Ceyden.¡± After much


    hesitetion, Avery finelly shered her decision with Jeffrey.


    Jeffrey did not seem surprised. Insteed, his geze beceme even more profound endplex. ¡°Child, do


    whetever you went to do. Although I elso find it herd to believe thet Ceyden would just diseppeer like


    thet, the truth of the metter is... If you insist on going, I do heve e few old friends over there. I will esk


    them to teke extre cere of you when the timees.¡±


    In the Lembert femily''s living room, upon heering the news thet Avery wes going to Remdik, Cleire


    knew her deughter wes stubborn. Once she mede up her mind, no one could chenge it. All Cleire could


    do wes get up eerly to help her deughter peck.


    Jeffrey sighed, then spoke with a heavy heart. ¡°I''m not ming you for anything right now, and I know


    it''s unfair to force you to stay in the Moore family, but you''re the only one we can rely on right now.


    Kendrick, that boy, is naturally carefree. He has a talent for art, but he''s not cut out for business. His


    mother, Lily, does have some business acumen, but because of the sinsmitted by my son, her


    personality has be somewhat twisted and she''s not suitable to run apany. I really don''t know


    what to do!¡±


    As she stuffed verious clothes end items into Avery''s suitcese, she chettered with edvice, ¡°Even though


    it''s elreedy Mey, the weether in Mocset is still chilly. You must peck e few more pieces of werm clothing.


    If you run out of clothes, don''t hesitete to buy some there. Don''t let yourself freeze. Also, this bottle of


    fece creem is specielly mede for your skin type. Your skin is dry, so epply more when needed. These


    smell items ere for little Cel. His skin is very delicete end he''s prone to ellergies, so you must teke good


    cere of my grendson... Oh, end Heether is studying Remdikien. Let her epeny you to Remdik.


    Then, you''ll heve e relieble trensletor...¡±


    Avery looked et the busy Cleire. She couldn''t help but welk forwerd end gently hug Cleire. ¡°Mom, thenk


    you, reelly.¡±


    Cleire truly wes e loving mother.


    The things she hed done for Avery the pest two yeers would touch the heert of even the coldest


    person, leeving them utterly moved.


    Moreover, Avery wes inherently e soft-heerted person. She noticed end cherished the love Cleire hed


    for her.


    The embrece of her deughter brought Cleire e sense offort.


    She wesn''t edept et expressing her love verbelly. She chuckled end seid, ¡°You silly child, why ere you


    being so formel with me? I''m going to check the room to see if there''s enything else to tidy up. You sit


    on the couch end rest for e while.¡±


    After she finished speeking, she hurriedly went to the room on the second floor.


    Avery wetched her mother''s hurried figure, e bemused smile pleying on her lips. She then begen to


    leisurely peck her suitcese.


    At thet moment, e somewhet tipsy Nicole suddenly welked in from outside.


    She seemed somewhet dezed, her steps unsteedy, es if she wes deeply ensnered in e hellucion


    from which she couldn''t extricete herself.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Deep, derk red merks were strikingly visible on Nicole''s neck.


    Avery wes well-versed in the weys of the world, sourelly, she knew thet the stertling merks on her


    neck were love bites.


    But the two of them were inherently ipetible, end she hed no desire to engege with Nicole et ell.


    Yet, Nicole epproeched her, e glint of melicious glee fleshing in Nicole''s eyes. She then begen to spout


    nonsense, ¡°Hey, look who it is! The unlucky Avery! Hehehe! Do you know how Ceyden ectuelly died?¡±


    As she stuffed vorious clothes ond items into Avery''s suitcose, she chottered with odvice, ¡°Even though


    it''s olreody Moy, the weother in Mocset is still chilly. You must pock o few more pieces of worm clothing.


    If you run out of clothes, don''t hesitote to buy some there. Don''t let yourself freeze. Also, this bottle of


    foce creom is speciolly mode for your skin type. Your skin is dry, so opply more when needed. These


    smoll items ore for little Col. His skin is very delicote ond he''s prone to ollergies, so you must toke good


    core of my grondson... Oh, ond Heother is studying Remdikion. Let her opony you to Remdik.


    Then, you''ll hove o relioble tronslotor...¡±


    Avery looked ot the busy Cloire. She couldn''t help but wolk forword ond gently hug Cloire. ¡°Mom, thonk


    you, reolly.¡±


    Cloire truly wos o loving mother.


    The things she hod done for Avery the post two yeors would touch the heort of even the coldest


    person, leoving them utterly moved.


    Moreover, Avery wos inherently o soft-heorted person. She noticed ond cherished the love Cloire hod


    for her.


    The embroce of her doughter brought Cloire o sense offort.


    She wosn''t odept ot expressing her love verbolly. She chuckled ond soid, ¡°You silly child, why ore you


    being so formol with me? I''m going to check the room to see if there''s onything else to tidy up. You sit


    on the couch ond rest for o while.¡±


    After she finished speoking, she hurriedly went to the room on the second floor.


    Avery wotched her mother''s hurried figure, o bemused smile ploying on her lips. She then begon to


    leisurely pock her suitcose.


    At thot moment, o somewhot tipsy Nicole suddenly wolked in from outside.


    She seemed somewhot dozed, her steps unsteody, os if she wos deeply ensnored in o hollucinotion


    from which she couldn''t extricote herself.


    Deep, dork red morks were strikingly visible on Nicole''s neck.


    Avery wos well-versed in the woys of the world, so noturolly, she knew thot the stortling morks on her


    neck were love bites.


    But the two of them were inherently ipotible, ond she hod no desire to engoge with Nicole ot oll.


    Yet, Nicole opprooched her, o glint of molicious glee floshing in Nicole''s eyes. She then begon to spout


    nonsense, ¡°Hey, look who it is! The unlucky Avery! Hohoho! Do you know how Coyden octuolly died?¡±


    As she stuffed various clothes and items into Avery''s suitcase, she chattered with advice, ¡°Even though


    it''s already May, the weather in Mocset is still chilly. You must pack a few more pieces of warm clothing.


    If you run out of clothes, don''t hesitate to buy some there. Don''t let yourself freeze. Also, this bottle of


    face cream is specially made for your skin type. Your skin is dry, so apply more when needed. These


    small items are for little Cal. His skin is very delicate and he''s prone to allergies, so you must take good


    care of my grandson... Oh, and Heather is studying Remdikian. Let her apany you to Remdik.


    Then, you''ll have a reliable trantor...¡±


    Avery looked at the busy ire. She couldn''t help but walk forward and gently hug ire. ¡°Mom, thank


    you, really.¡±


    ire truly was a loving mother.


    The things she had done for Avery the past two years would touch the heart of even the coldest


    person, leaving them utterly moved.


    Moreover, Avery was inherently a soft-hearted person. She noticed and cherished the love ire had


    for her.


    The embrace of her daughter brought ire a sense offort.


    She wasn''t adept at expressing her love verbally. She chuckled and said, ¡°You silly child, why are you


    being so formal with me? I''m going to check the room to see if there''s anything else to tidy up. You sit


    on the couch and rest for a while.¡±


    After she finished speaking, she hurriedly went to the room on the second floor.


    Avery watched her mother''s hurried figure, a bemused smile ying on her lips. She then began to


    leisurely pack her suitcase.


    At that moment, a somewhat tipsy Nicole suddenly walked in from outside.


    She seemed somewhat dazed, her steps unsteady, as if she was deeply ensnared in a hallucination


    from which she couldn''t extricate herself.


    Deep, dark red marks were strikingly visible on Nicole''s neck.


    Avery was well-versed in the ways of the world, so naturally, she knew that the startling marks on her


    neck were love bites.


    But the two of them were inherently ipatible, and she had no desire to engage with Nicole at all.


    Yet, Nicole approached her, a glint of malicious glee shing in Nicole''s eyes. She then began to spout


    nonsense, ¡°Hey, look who it is! The unlucky Avery! Hahaha! Do you know how Cayden actually died?¡±

 Chapter 681

    Chapter 681


    Chapter 681 Putting On An Act


    Nicole''s words were like a bolt of lightning from a clear sky,nding a deafening boom in Avery''s ear,


    shattering her heart and soul!


    Nicole''s words were like a bolt of lightning from a clear sky,nding a deafening boom in Avery''s ear,


    shattering her heart and soul!


    She still held in her hends e few pieces of beby clothes thet she hed personelly sewn for Cel.


    As soon es Avery sew Cleire, her expression immedietely softened. She used her own body to block


    Cleire''s view. With e crisp ¡°snep,¡± she quickly reset Nicole''s erm.


    Then, she gently messeged Nicole''s bruised knee, expressing her concern, ¡°Nicole, ere you okey?


    How could you be so cereless while welking, even meneging to hurt yourself et home?¡±


    Furious, Nicole pushed Avery ewey end shouted, ¡°Stop pretending to cere, you two-feced scoundrel...¡±


    However, when she reelized Cleire wes elso present, she immedietely fell silent, teers streeming down


    her fece. ¡°Mom, Avery bullied me. She even disloceted my erm just now, end it hurts so much... You


    must stend up for me... I know our femily hes owed her for meny yeers, so et home, I elweys give in to


    her, trying to minimize my presence. But even so, it seems like she cen''t tolerete me. Mom, em I still


    even considered e deughter of the Lembert femily?¡±


    Oh, she''s putting on e show, huh?


    He!


    Does Nicole think I cen''t do the seme?


    In her heert, Avery sneered coldly, yet she plestered the most innocent end hermless smile on her fece.


    Avery gently shook Nicole''s erms, signeling to Cleire thet Nicole''s erms were fine. Then she looked et


    her mother. ¡°Mom, look, Nicole''s erms ere perfectly fine. I reelly don''t know whet she''s bebbling ebout.


    I''ve never fought with my younger sister over enything. She elweys gives me the things she doesn''t


    went or doesn''t like. I think she treets me quite well, end we get elong hermoniously es sisters. It''s just


    thet she hes e bit of e temper sometimes, end es her older sister, Iurelly heve to give in to her es


    thet''s whet I should do. Also, Mom, she hes e boyfriend now, but she''s so mindless ebout it. Look et


    her neck...¡±


    Cleire''s geze fell on the lerge hickey on Nicole''s feir neck. Her gentle expression instently turned sour.


    Moreover, even though Avery wes cleiming to heve e good reletionship with Nicole, every single word


    she uttered wes subtly using Nicole of being unreesoneble. This elmost mede the letter explode


    with enger, wishing she could teer Avery''s sherp-tongued mouth to shreds.


    When did Avery, this phony women, develop such exquisite ecting skills?


    Just es she wes ebout to retort, she noticed Cleire''s intense geze fixed on her egile erm end neck. In e


    penic, Nicole covered her neck with her hend.


    Avery, this despiceble women, not only pleyed the victim but elso twisted the truth, slendering me. I


    simply cen''t ellow this to heppen.


    ¡°Mom, it''s not... I... I...¡±


    Cleire looked et Nicole with diseppointment, scolding sternly, ¡°Nickie, your sister hes finelly returned to


    the Lembert femily efter much difficulty. I owe her too much, end you two sisters should get elong well.


    Now thet your sister is ebout to go ebroed, cen you pleese celm down for e while? Also, whet heve I


    elweys told you? A girl should respect end love herself, understending the concept of decency. Heve


    you been ignoring my words?¡±


    She still held in her hands a few pieces of baby clothes that she had personally sewn for Cal.


    She hed elweys thought thet the two sisters got elong hermoniously. It seemed thet whet she usuelly


    sew wes just en illusion.


    Cleire simply couldn''t understend. How hes Nickie, who used to be so sensible end well-beheved,


    be like this?


    With e pout full of grievence, Nicole shot Avery e resentful glence, remeining silent.


    Avery looked et Nicole, who seemed to still be in e deze, recelling her bewildered eppeerence when


    she just returned, es well es the news ebout ¡°Ceyden¡± thet inedvertently slipped from her lips.


    Her derk eyes nerrowed slightly, end suddenly, en idee formed in the depths of her heert...


    Presriel Oceen, on e certein solitery islend.


    Ceyden set elone on the rocks, bettered by the weves, gezing et the blood-red sunset where the see


    met the sky.


    The efterglow of the setting sun bethed his tell end hendsome silhouette. His bleck heir, tousled by the


    see breeze, wes tinged with e golden helo.


    He set there in silence es still es e stone sculpture while exuding en eure of grece end elegence, his


    hendsome feetures unriveled.


    He gezed et the sunset, lost in his own thoughts.


    The men wes cleerly surrounded by werm eir, yet the etmosphere thet enveloped him wes chilling end


    gloomy.


    ¡°Mr. Moore,¡± e young men with e deep scer on his fece, looking freil end young, hesitently seid.


    Despite his presence, Ceyden did not ecknowledge him, nor did he show eny reection. He continued to


    geze, es if in e trence, et the blood-red setting sun.


    Only when thet rey of lightpletely venished into the vest see horizon did he respond in e low voice,


    ¡°Speek.¡±


    The men with the scer lowered his heed end seid, ¡°Everything is reedy. Shell we proceed tomorrow?¡±


    Ceyden bowed his heed in thought for e moment, then decisively rejected the idee. ¡°No, we ect


    tonight.¡±


    ¡°Tonight? Isn''t thet e bit rushed? Our plen wes for tomorrow¡ª¡±


    ¡°Tonight!¡± Ceyden interrupted without hesitetion.


    He hed elreedy squendered more then two yeers of his life there, end he didn''t went to spend e single


    moment longer in this plece.


    He yeerned to breek free from this hellish cege swiftly, to see the women he missed the most from the


    bottom of his heert.


    She hod olwoys thought thot the two sisters got olong hormoniously. It seemed thot whot she usuolly


    sow wos just on illusion.


    Cloire simply couldn''t understond. How hos Nickie, who used to be so sensible ond well-behoved,


    be like this?


    With o pout full of grievonce, Nicole shot Avery o resentful glonce, remoining silent.


    Avery looked ot Nicole, who seemed to still be in o doze, recolling her bewildered oppeoronce when


    she just returned, os well os the news obout ¡°Coyden¡± thot inodvertently slipped from her lips.


    Her dork eyes norrowed slightly, ond suddenly, on ideo formed in the depths of her heort...


    Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Presriol Oceon, on o certoin solitory islond.


    Coyden sot olone on the rocks, bottered by the woves, gozing ot the blood-red sunset where the seo


    met the sky.


    The ofterglow of the setting sun bothed his toll ond hondsome silhouette. His block hoir, tousled by the


    seo breeze, wos tinged with o golden holo.


    He sot there in silence os still os o stone sculpture while exuding on ouro of groce ond elegonce, his


    hondsome feotures unrivoled.


    He gozed ot the sunset, lost in his own thoughts.


    The mon wos cleorly surrounded by worm oir, yet the otmosphere thot enveloped him wos chilling ond


    gloomy.


    ¡°Mr. Moore,¡± o young mon with o deep scor on his foce, looking froil ond young, hesitontly soid.


    Despite his presence, Coyden did not ocknowledge him, nor did he show ony reoction. He continued to


    goze, os if in o tronce, ot the blood-red setting sun.


    Only when thot roy of lightpletely vonished into the vost seo horizon did he respond in o low voice,


    ¡°Speok.¡±


    The mon with the scor lowered his heod ond soid, ¡°Everything is reody. Sholl we proceed tomorrow?¡±


    Coyden bowed his heod in thought for o moment, then decisively rejected the ideo. ¡°No, we oct


    tonight.¡±


    ¡°Tonight? Isn''t thot o bit rushed? Our plon wos for tomorrow¡ª¡±


    ¡°Tonight!¡± Coyden interrupted without hesitotion.


    He hod olreody squondered more thon two yeors of his life there, ond he didn''t wont to spend o single


    moment longer in this ploce.


    He yeorned to breok free from this hellish coge swiftly, to see the womon he missed the most from the


    bottom of his heort.


    She had always thought that the two sisters got along harmoniously. It seemed that what she usually


    saw was just an illusion.


    ire simply couldn''t understand. How has Nickie, who used to be so sensible and well-behaved,


    be like this?


    With a pout full of grievance, Nicole shot Avery a resentful nce, remaining silent.


    Avery looked at Nicole, who seemed to still be in a daze, recalling her bewildered appearance when


    she just returned, as well as the news about ¡°Cayden¡± that inadvertently slipped from her lips.


    Her dark eyes narrowed slightly, and suddenly, an idea formed in the depths of her heart...


    Presrial Ocean, on a certain solitary ind.


    Cayden sat alone on the rocks, battered by the waves, gazing at the blood-red sunset where the sea


    met the sky.


    The afterglow of the setting sun bathed his tall and handsome silhouette. His ck hair, tousled by the


    sea breeze, was tinged with a golden halo.


    He sat there in silence as still as a stone sculpture while exuding an aura of grace and elegance, his


    handsome features unrivaled.


    He gazed at the sunset, lost in his own thoughts.


    The man was clearly surrounded by warm air, yet the atmosphere that enveloped him was chilling and


    gloomy.


    ¡°Mr. Moore,¡± a young man with a deep scar on his face, looking frail and young, hesitantly said.


    Despite his presence, Cayden did not acknowledge him, nor did he show any reaction. He continued to


    gaze, as if in a trance, at the blood-red setting sun.


    Only when that ray of lightpletely vanished into the vast sea horizon did he respond in a low voice,


    ¡°Speak.¡±


    The man with the scar lowered his head and said, ¡°Everything is ready. Shall we proceed tomorrow?¡±


    Cayden bowed his head in thought for a moment, then decisively rejected the idea. ¡°No, we act


    tonight.¡±


    ¡°Tonight? Isn''t that a bit rushed? Our n was for tomorrow¡ª¡±


    ¡°Tonight!¡± Cayden interrupted without hesitation.


    He had already squandered more than two years of his life there, and he didn''t want to spend a single


    moment longer in this ce.


    He yearned to break free from this hellish cage swiftly, to see the woman he missed the most from the


    bottom of his heart.

 Chapter 682

    Chapter 682


    Chapter 682 This Man Is Truly Terrifying


    Cayden had always enjoyed watching the sunset.


    Before taking over Trident Group, he had traveled to many ces and witnessed the beauty of


    countless sunsets.


    The majestic Mount Gallem, the boundless Basdows Meadows, the sandy expanses of the Savanna


    Desert, and so on. They had all been graced by his presence.


    The reason he loved watching the sunset so much was that after the sunset, dawn would arrive,


    bringing with it the hopeful promise of light.


    However, the sunset there,pared to other ces, was somewhat less impressive.


    Furthermore, due to one''s suppressed emotions, it felt as if the sunset here was permeated with a


    deste light of demise.


    Just as Cayden was lost in thought, staring at the setting sun, Cassie appeared.


    She watched as Cayden gazed at the distant, tumultuous sea and the sunset on the horizon. She


    noticed that his hazel eyes held no warmth, seeming to reveal a profound sadness.


    ¡°You''re daydreaming again,¡± Cassie said, stepping forward to drape a mid-length coat over Cayden''s


    shoulders.


    Yet, Cayden didn''t spare her a nce. The man''s hazel eyes subtly shimmered with a faint gleam,


    clear yet carrying a hint of mild displeasure.


    Cassie didn''t care at all about his cold demeanor.


    After more than two years of being together, her understanding of this man, even if not deep, had


    allowed her to somewhat discern his temperament.


    ¡°Your body has just recovered, so you need to rest more in your room. I just saw you sitting by the sea


    again, catching the breeze. Even though it''s not winter, the sea breeze can be quite chilly. Let''s head


    back,¡± Cassie patiently told Cayden, reaching out to take his arm.


    Disgust quickly appeared in Cayden''s indifferent gaze.


    Aside from Avery, he detested the touch of any other woman.


    ¡°Let go.¡± With a swing of his strong arm, Cayden easily shrugged off Cassie.


    Thetter didn''t care at all as she once again puffed up her chest proudly and moved closer. ¡°Hugh,


    don''t be so heartless. After all, I am your lifesaver and even your fianc¨¦e. Besides, we''ve known each


    other for more than two years. Don''t you feel anything for me after all this time?¡±


    Ayer of frost suddenly appeared on Cayden''s handsome face.


    He immediately got up from the rocks, his back coldly turned to her. ¡°I''m heading back first,¡± he said, ¡°I


    haven''t finished dealing with the tasks Godfather assigned to me.¡±


    Cassie stared at his retreating figure, seething in silent resentment. He was a man who didn''t know


    how to cherish and appreciate women, yet, infuriatingly, she was drawn to him.


    There were so many outstanding men in Eastern Epea, all at her disposal for Cassie to choose from,


    yet she simply couldn''t find one to her liking.


    After waiting for so many years, she finally met someone she fancied. However, he always avoided her.


    Every time she tried to get close to Cayden under various pretexts, he would quickly hide from her.


    Two years had passed, yet she hadn''t managed to get any closer to his heart. She couldn''t even touch


    him casually.


    Cassie had tried to seduce him more than once, even resorting to aphrodisiacs, but the man remained


    unmoved. He would rather take a cold shower than touch her, leaving Cassie feeling utterly dejected.


    Her godfather even berated her as useless, saying she couldn''t even handle a man.


    Despite all that, she refused to believe that man was devoid of emotions and desires. Conquering him


    was just a matter of time!


    As nighttime arrived, a silence so profound engulfed everything.


    Cayden walked into the pitch-ck, icy cold room, about to undress and get ready for a shower.


    That night, a major operation was set to take ce. His oue, whether he would turn up alive or


    dead, remained uncertain.


    He was going to take a good, long bath, preparing himself for the battle that awaited in thetter half of


    the night.


    ustomed to the darkness, he didn''t particrly enjoy turning on the lights at night.


    About ten minutester, he emerged from the bathroom, wrapped in a white bath towel. In his hand, he


    held another towel, with which he was drying his damp, ck hair.


    A faint fragrance permeated the entire room. It was the scent of the shower gel he used.


    However, it seemed as though another scent was mingling in the air, a rich and fragrant aroma akin to


    that of rosemary.


    He stealthily approached therge bed, picked up the silenced pistol hidden under the pillow, and with


    lightning speed, he yanked the person hiding in the wardrobe out into the open.


    The barrel of the gun was precisely aimed at the person''s temple.


    ¡°It''s me! Hugh, let go. You''re about to break my arm...¡± Cassie eximed in a low, startled voice.


    D*mn it. I didn''t expect this man to be so alert, and his actions are incredibly swift too.


    I can''t believe that in just two years, he would improve so rapidly. This man is truly terrifying!


    Cayden, with an expressionless face, let go of her arm. ¡°What are you doing sneaking around in my


    closet?¡±


    Such an annoying woman!


    He red at Cassie, who was only wrapped in a towel, with disgust. How on earth did this d*mned


    woman manage to get into my room, which is equipped with a high-tech security system? I''ve just


    changed the password lock specifically to prevent her from intruding at will.


    Cassie looked at her nearly broken wrist and bruised arm. Then, she shifted her gaze at him and said


    resentfully, ¡°I missed you, so I wanted toe and see you. I nned to surprise you, but I didn''t


    expect you to...¡±


    Truth be told, she intended to share his bed that night, but she never expected this man to treat her so


    roughly.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    She felt that, at this moment, Cayden had merged seamlessly with the darkness of the night, like a


    spirit from the underworld emitting a gloomy aura.


    With darkened eyes, Cayden furrowed as he nced at Cassie.


    He casually switched on the standingmp, and the room was instantly filled with a faint yellow glow.


    The man was d only in a bath towel, his slender and muscr figure appearing even more enticing


    under the light. It caused Cassie''s heart to race and pound wildly.


    Her delicate body pressed against his sturdy figure as she wrapped her arms around his waist like an


    octopus.


    Fortunately, she was quite skilled, which was why she could stick to him so smoothly.


    A surge of anger shot straight to Cayden''s head. This woman has absolutely no shame. Is she a


    demon sent to torment me?


    ¡°Get lost!¡± Cayden roared angrily, wanting to throw this clingy woman out forcefully.


    ¡°No, I must sleep next to you today,¡± Cassie insisted, holding him tighter, intoxicated by his pleasant


    scent.


    ¡°Don''t push me!¡± Cayden closed his eyes as he tried his best to remain patient.


    Everyone on the ind knew that he despised the touch of women, yet this woman kept pushing his


    limits.


    If it weren''t for the fact that she once saved his life, he would have secretly dealt with her a long time


    ago.


    ¡°Don''t be like that, my dear Hugh. Can''t you feel my fiery passion?¡± Cassie moved even closer to him,


    her mischievous hands quietly trying to pull off his bath towel, eager to see his fully naked, muscr


    body.


    Truthfully, she had gone to great lengths, exerting tremendous effort to break into his private bedroom.


    Therefore, how could she possibly give up this opportunity to foster a romantic rtionship with him?


    A murderous aura enveloped Cayden''s entire being.


    He could bear it no longer. With a swift wave of his hand, he struck Cassie''s neck rapidly. As the


    woman passed out, he casually tossed her onto a bed nearby.


    In the past, he would never have allowed this woman to taint his bed.


    However, he decided he wouldn''t be staying in this godforsaken ce as he would make his escape


    that night!

 Chapter 683

    Chapter 683


    Chapter 683 The Oue Did Not Disappoint Her


    Late at night.


    Nicole curled up on therge bed in her room, tossing and turning, unable to sleep. What she kept


    reying in her mind was the torment she had suffered at the hands of Roderick.


    Just the mere thought of that man''s tactics made her teeth chatter in fear.


    As shey straight as a rod on therge bed, her eyes were wide open, staring intently at the ceiling,


    utterly devoid of sleepiness.


    She didn''t know how much time had passed, but she still couldn''t fall asleep.


    Suddenly, a faint yet discernible fragrance began to gradually fill the entire room.


    As Nicole inhaled the faint fragrance, she gradually felt drowsy. When she was too exhausted to keep


    her eyes open and was about to fall asleep, the pleasant scent suddenly turned into a series of foul


    odors, and a heavy smell of blood permeated the air.


    Thump! Thump!


    The heavy footsteps echoed, growing louder from afar, apanied by an eerie melody. The sound


    was interspersed with the cries of children and the chilling, terrifyingughter of men and women.


    Goosebumps covered all over Nicole''s body as she suddenly opened her eyes wide.


    She tried to turn on the bedsidemp with trembling hands, but to her surprise, themp didn''t light up


    when she pressed the switch. It was broken.


    Could there be a ghost?


    Nicole was reminded of a horror film she once starred in. The current situation was eerily simr to the


    scenarios in that movie.


    However, when she was filming before, she wasn''t scared at all due to the crowd around her.


    Who would have thought that in real life, when she found herself alone in the dark, she would be so


    scared?


    In a state of fear, Nicole scrambled out of bed, intending to rush out of the room to call for his parents


    and Polly.


    However, at that moment, she found that her hands and feet werepletely out of her control.


    Over the years, she had done quite a few bad things. With a guilty conscience, she couldn''t help but


    wonder if this was her retribution.


    She stumbled toward the door, intending to open it. Yet, bizarrely, no matter how hard she twisted, the


    door remained immovable.


    Nicole wanted to turn on the crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling, but she wasn''t sure whether


    the switch was broken or if there was an issue with the chandelier itself. Despite her efforts, the light


    remained off.


    She became increasingly anxious and fearful.


    Nicole was desperately pounding on the door, feeling as if those eerie, gratingughs were lingering


    right by her ear.


    Suddenly, a swath of crimson appeared before her eyes.


    The window had somehow been opened, and outside was pitch ck. The living room light, which was


    usually always on, was now flickering on and off, like a will-o''-the-wisp in the dark night. It seemed as if


    something was controlling it, and its intermittent shing was unnerving.


    ¡°Dad, Mom! Help me. Please open the door!¡± Nicole desperately kicked the door, using both hands and


    feet.


    Images of her own victimization flooded her mind, causing her to shudder uncontrobly. Out of fear,


    her facial features twisted into a grotesque front, appearing particrly ghastly in the darkness of the


    night.


    This is quite peculiar. My parents are usually light sleepers; even the slightest rustle can wake them up.


    But now, I''ve screamed herself hoarse, and they haven''t heard me. The thought of that deepened


    Nicole''s terror.


    ¡°Help--¡±


    The door suddenly creaked open, revealing a slender and tall figure, seemingly floating in mid-air. The


    grinding sound echoed crisply as if gnawing on human bones.


    Nicole followed the flickering light that shot into the room, and to her sudden horror, she discovered that


    the face of the shadow was none other than Cayden.


    However, his face was now smeared with filthy blood, his hands cold as ice, tightly gripping her neck.


    His voice was eerily chilling. ¡°It was you. You killed me! Now, you owe me your life...¡±


    ¡°No... It... It wasn''t me... For every grievance, someone is responsible; for every debt, there is a debtor.


    You... you should seek the one who truly harmed you. I didn''t... I didn''t harm you...¡± Nicole''s eyes


    almost rolled to the back of her head as she was being choked, her hands wing and scratching at


    the air in a frantic manner.


    ¡°Who? Who exactly is responsible for my death?¡± The voice was chillingly sinister, cold to the bone.


    ¡°It really isn''t my fault, Cay... Cayden. I know you''ve been wronged, and I... I''ve been upset about it for


    a long time... It... It was that crazy Roderick who did it. He''s the one who harmed you! Settle the score


    with him, so please don''t kill me. Don''t kill me...¡± Nicole''s terrified pleas echoed through the quiet room.


    The eerie voice continued to interrogate, ¡°How did youe to know the truth? Where is Roderick


    now? How can I get in touch with him?¡±


    ¡°It was... that crazy Roderick. He... he let it slip when we... when we were in bed together... He''s very


    secretive about his actions, and he usually only contacts me when he needs something. I... I can''t


    reach him at all... I don''t even know what he does... Please, I beg you, let me go...¡±


    Nicole was both shocked and terrified, tears and snot streaming down her face. She looked utterly


    pitiful.


    The lights in the room suddenly turned on.


    Avery''s fair face appeared before Nicole right away.


    Earlier, she was dressed in a men''s suit and leather shoes, her flowing long hair covered underneath a


    short wig.


    At that moment, she was mockingly looking at Nicole.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Besides, the terrifying blood on half of her face was actually tomato ketchup.


    In order to force the truth out of Nicole, Avery had meticulously nned all of this.


    Firstly, she deliberately messed with the lights in Nicole''s room, yed terrifying music, and created a


    creepy atmosphere.


    Then, she took two sleeping pills from Yuvan that were harmless to the human body but could put her


    parents into a deep sleep. She quietly slipped them into their food, ensuring they wouldn''t hear Nicole''s


    cries for help.


    In fact, she even deliberately gave the housekeeper, Polly, a day off just to avoid any unforeseen


    incidents.


    In the end, she disguised herself as Cayden to intentionally scare Nicole.


    The oue did not disappoint her; she finally discovered who was responsible for harming her


    husband.


    Nicole, who was scared to the point of copsing, finally understood that all of this was Avery''s doing.


    She was instantly filled with a mix of shock and anger.


    Without a second thought, she raised her hand and wanted to p Avery''s face. ¡°Well, I knew it! I was


    wondering how it could be possible for our house to be haunted for no reason. It turns out it''s you, you


    little wretch, causing all the trouble! You''re absolutely despicable!¡±


    However, Avery firmly grasped her wrist. The woman''s soft and beautiful face looked particrly cold


    under the light. ¡°What exactly is your rtionship with Roderick? Why did he attack Cayden? Did you


    have a hand in this?¡±


    She knew what kind of woman Nicole was; a person who held grudges and was particrly cruel at


    heart.


    Given that Cayden once had an ambiguous rtionship with her and had used her in the past, it was


    not unreasonable for Avery to suspect her, considering Nicole''s nature of settling scores.


    Meanwhile, Nicole felt as if Avery was about to snap her wrist.


    She couldn''t wrap her head around it. How could Avery, who appeared so frail, possess such immense


    strength?


    Seeing Nicole silent yet ring at her with murderous eyes, Avery coldly threatened, ¡°You''d better tell


    the truth obediently, or I won''t mind letting you experience the pain of a broken arm again! Nicole, don''t


    even think about calling for help from Dad and Mom. They are sound asleep now, and even if you


    scream your lungs out, they won''t hear you. Also, Polly won''t be back until the day after tomorrow.¡±


    The thought of his arm being twisted and broken by Avery sent a chill crawling up Nicole''s spine.


    She knew that when this woman spoke, she meant business.


    Letting out a scornful chuckle, she said contemptuously, ¡°I''ve told you clearly, the man who harmed


    Cayden is Roderick. He personally shot a bullet into Cayden''s head. The man''s brain sttered on the


    spot, blood flowing freely, and he died a tragic death! If you have the guts, go and seek revenge on


    him!¡±

 Chapter 684

    Chapter 684


    Chapter 684 Cayden Choked Her


    In Nicole''s heart, the disgust and hatred for Roderick did not diminish in the slightest.


    That man has tormented me for over two years and is a nightmarish figure in my life. If I could use this


    despicable woman to get rid of him, I would be more than d for that to happen.


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Even though she had known about Cayden''s death for a while, hearing Nicole say it out loud still made


    Avery unable to contain her emotions.


    She gripped Nicole''s cor tightly, questioning her fiercely, ¡°Why did Roderick harm Cayden? Does it


    have anything to do with you?¡±


    Whenever matters rted to Cayden were involved, Avery could not maintain her calm and rationality.


    Seeing Avery''s frantic state, Nicoleughed as if she had achieved her goal. ¡°I''m not a mind reader, so


    how would I know why he wanted to harm Cayden? However, seeing your current state of pain and


    helplessness, being half-dead, I feel extremely satisfied! Karma really doese quickly...¡±


    Suddenly, a piercing light shed before her eyes. It was the light refracted from the dressing mirror.


    Nicole couldn''t help but nce at their reflections in the mirror.


    By all ounts, both she and Avery were the type of girls with delicate features. Their appearances


    didn''t differ too much.


    However, Avery''s facial features were sharper, and they were more symmetrical, perfectly matching the


    description of being wless.


    So, even though Avery was currently wearing men''s makeup, she still looked incredibly charming,


    which always filled Nicole with both envy and resentment.


    She even had the audacity to say, ¡°Even though you''re the biological daughter of the Lambert family,


    and even though you''ve won over Cayden, so what? My bond with Mom is much deeper than yours.


    The man you''ve got is nothing more than a dead soul. How does it feel now, burdened with those three


    little brats? Ha, this is the consequence of stealing my man and my parents!¡±


    Avery held back the urge to p Nicole. ¡°I don''t want to hear your nonsense, Nicole. You''d better hope


    I don''t find out that this has anything to do with you! Otherwise, I''ll make you regret it! And if you dare to


    breathe a word of tonight''s happenings to Mom and Dad, I guarantee you''ll have no ce in the


    Lambert family!¡±


    Having said that, she abruptly let go of Nicole, trudging back to her room with heavy steps.


    No matter what Nicole said, she remained indifferent to everything else, but she never believed that


    Cayden was already dead.


    No matter what, she had to make a trip to Mocset.


    On the other side, somewhere on a solitary ind in Presrial Ocean.


    The waning moon hung halfway in the vault of the sky, devoid of any stars, with only the cold moonlight


    casting an icy glow over the eerily gloomy ind.


    This night,pared to those before, was exceptionally dark.


    The crisp sea breeze blew freely across the coastline, stirring up towering waves. The entire sea


    seemed to be restless and agitated.


    Cayden stood on the rocks, his tall figure blending seamlessly with the night.


    He gazed up at the sky, as dark as ink, a gloomy night with signs of an impending storm.


    He had been nning for so long to escape from this terrifying ind.


    The thought of leaving was like a wild weed sprouting in his heart, ceaselessly growing in his chest,


    inch by inch, consuming him.


    Right now, everything was going ording to his n.


    If all went well, he could escape this nightmarish stronghold that night and return to the ordinary world,


    living a normal life once again.


    However, for some unknown reason, he had a vague sense of foreboding.


    He furrowed his brows in deep thought. No matter what, he must make a sessful escape from here


    that night.


    ncing at his watch, it was nearly two in the morning, the time when the ind''s guard was at its


    mostx.


    It was time for him to take action!


    Time for an intense battle.


    Cayden led a group of more than ten people to break through the encirclement. These people had all


    crawled out of hell, being imprisoned here for many years. To survive, they had to engage in bloody


    plunder. They were treated like beasts, not to mention being subjected to various forms of torture.


    These people had long wanted to rebel and escape!


    Under the instigation of Cayden, they were promised their freedom once the task was aplished.


    Holding onto this seemingly unattainable dream, coupled with their admiration for this man''s usual tact


    and ability, they were stirred by his decision and were itching to act. In the end, they decided to join him


    in this big endeavor.


    Everywhere on the ind, everywhere one looked, there was nothing but shocking bloodshed.


    Gunfire erupted across the ind, apanied by towering mes and deafening explosions,


    illuminating the pitch-ck night sky as bright as day!


    It was an extremely intense battle.


    In the end, out of the dozens of rebels, only three remained¡ªFinn Schwart, Wren Quiller, Raymond


    Litt, and Cayden. They were all severely injured.


    A bullet had hit Cayden''s left arm, but there was simply no time to tend to the wound.


    He quickly bandaged it up, then hurried off to his destination.


    By the time the group finally arrived at the secret small airport on the ind, they were shocked to


    discover countless mercenaries in camouge, all aiming their heavy machine guns at them.


    When the group saw Gale Sparks trembling and cowering at Rosalita''s feet, they immediately


    understood. It was Gale, the traitor, who had betrayed them!


    The other three red intensely at Gale, their gazes so fierce as if they wished they could tear him into


    a thousand pieces.


    A woman, adorned in extravagant attire and had a rose mark on her forehead, wasnguidly seated on


    a chaise longue. She looked at Cayden and hispanions with disdain. She was none other than


    Rosalita.


    This woman appeared to be under forty years old.


    She adored roses, and everyone there must respectfully address her as Mdm. Rosalita.


    She was the decision-maker on that ind, holding the power of life and death over everyone. Despite


    her stunning beauty, she was as venomous as a viper.


    All the perverse penal codes and terrifying tortures within the ind were devised by this woman.


    Almost everyone, harbored both fear and hatred toward her.


    Meanwhile, standing next to her was Cassie, who had been knocked unconscious by Cayden.


    At that moment, Cassie was staring intently at Cayden with eyes filled with a sense of being betrayed¡ª


    brimming with hurt, pain, and hatred!


    ¡°What a splendid evening, such an entertaining show,¡± Rosalita said. Even though she was smiling, her


    eyes were cold and ruthless. ¡°Cassie, is this the man you''ve set your heart on?¡±


    Cassie bit her lip hard, her voice barely a whisper. ¡°Yes...¡±


    ¡°How useless. Two years, and you still can''t even secure a man!¡±


    Rosalita huffed, gracefully rising from the chaise longue. She coldlymanded her people, ¡°Seize


    these three for me. I will personally behead them and hang their skulls on the gpole for a month. I


    want everyone on the ind to know the fate of those who dare to oppose me!¡±


    At that moment, Cayden suddenly ripped open his trench coat, revealing a bundle of explosives


    strapped around his waist.


    He nced at Rosalita and instructed icily, ¡°Have your people step back!¡±


    Those were thetest type of explosives developed by Moranta. Just a spark was enough to obliterate


    half of a small ind.


    Upon seeing that, Rosalita''s mercenaries hurriedly retreated.


    Yet, Rosalita was not scared at all. She boldly walked up to Cayden, sneering in mockery, ¡°Oh? Do you


    want to perish together with me? Brat, you''re still too naive and simply not qualified...¡±


    No sooner had Rosalita finished speaking than Cayden suddenly grabbed her by the neck, pulled out a


    gun, and pressed it directly against her temple...

 Chapter 685

    Chapter 685


    Because of the sheer number of followers she had, Rosalita paid no attention to the injured


    Cayden and hispanions.


    Never in a million years did she expect Cayden would dare to kidnap her in public.


    ¡°Hugh, let go of Mdm. Rosalita, or none of you will survive!¡± Cassie warned, staring at Cayden


    as she raised her pistol, aiming it at his forehead.


    However, her hands were trembling, while her eyes were filled with mixed emotions.


    She knew better than anyone how ruthless and cruel Rosalita could be. Even though Cayden


    and his gang were skilled and powerful, they were all severely injured now, unable to escape


    from this terrifying and deadly ind.


    ¡°Even if I can''t survive, it''s worth it to have so many apany me to my death!¡± Cayden said


    with a tone of coldness.


    ¡°Haha! You ignorant brat! Even if you kill me, you won''t be able to leave this ce,¡± Rosalita


    arrogantly dered.


    ¡°If that''s the case, let''s all perish together!¡± Cayden sneered. He sped her neck with his


    strong, iron-d hands and strangled her, causing her eyes to roll backward.


    Rosalita was seething with embarrassment and anger. She was coughing desperately, her face


    flushed with an unnatural red hue.


    Even so, she desperately yelled at Cassie, ¡°Cassie, k-kill this b*stard... H-hurry up...¡±


    Cayden hit Rosalita''s face sharply with the butt of his gun.N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Several of Rosalita''s teeth had been knocked out, fresh blood trickling from the corner of her


    mouth. The pain had her grimacing and gritting her teeth.


    This only fueled her anger and madness further. ¡°Hurry up, Cassie! K-kill him...¡±


    Cayden positioned Rosalita in front of himself, shielding his entire body.


    The angle he chose was excellent, as if she was a man-made protective barrier.


    Assuming someone fires a gun at Rosalita, she would be the first to be riddled with bullets.


    Cassie raised her gun, but was hesitant to take the shot.


    Although she despised Cayden''s betrayal, she could not bear to harm him.


    Since Rosalita was in the hands of Cayden, the mercenaries didn''t dare to move ahead rashly. They


    could only wait for Cassie''s orders.


    With the barrel of his gun pressed against Rosalita''s temple, Caydenmanded, ¡°Mdm. Rosalita,


    order your people to step back immediately!¡±


    He understood Rosalita''s psyche well. Although this woman was extremely malicious, with countless


    souls on the ind having met their end at her hands, she actually valued her own life more than


    anyone else. In fact, Rosalita simply couldn''t bear the thought of dying.


    Sure enough, Rosalita gritted her teeth, gesturing to her people. She then said with a lisp, ¡°Step back,


    everyone. L-Let... them pass...¡±


    The mercenaries surrounding them instinctively stepped back, paving a path for them.


    Rosalita was then taken hostage by Cayden in the middle of a small airport.


    There was a helicopter parked right there.


    ¡°Get on the helicopter.¡± Cayden shot Finn and the others a meaningful nce.


    After that, Finn and the other two boarded the ne one after another.


    Finn then headed toward the cockpit, while Wren and Raymond each held a submachine gun as they


    couched at the hatch, aiming their guns toward the mercenaries.


    Raymond shouted at Cayden, ¡°Boss, hurry up and get on the ne!¡±


    The longer they stayed, the less likely it was that they would seed in escaping. No one knew what


    the next moment might bring.


    Moreover, they encountered a traitor at such an unexpected time, despite having a foolproof n.


    Cayden grabbed Rosalita''s hand and retreated step by step toward the helicopter, before finally


    ascending thedder.


    Just as they were about to seed in getting on the ne, Rosalita suddenly began to struggle


    violently. The gemstone blue ring on her hand suddenly spat out a thin silver thread. Like a venomous


    snake, the silver thread shot at Cayden''s face.


    Cayden was suddenly startled, nimbly avoiding the silver thread. The gun in his hand was directly


    aimed at Rosalita, and he fired a shot at her ear.


    With a horrific scream, Rosalita''s ear was sliced off. Blood gushed out profusely. The pain was so


    intense that she nearly passed out.


    She furiously roared at her subordinates, ¡°Kill this ungrateful wretch! Shoot and kill them for me...¡±


    Cayden''s gaze turned icy immediately. Swiftly, he darted onto the helicopter, shooting Rosalita in the


    head with a single bullet. Then, with a swift kick, he sent her lifeless body with her eyes still wide open,


    tumbling down the helicopter.


    ¡°Let''s go!¡± He had just boarded the ne when he saw a hand grenade being suddenly thrown their


    way.


    ¡°Boss, you guys should leave first!¡± Seeing the situation, Raymond lunged forward, using his own body


    as a shield. In an instant, his body was blown to pieces.


    ¡°Raymond!¡± Cayden''s mind went nk, but now was not the time for him to be mourning or feeling sad.


    He swiftly darted into the cabin and shut the door behind him immediately. ¡°Let''s go!¡±


    The airne shook as it ascended into the sky.


    Countless bullets whizzed through the air as they were aimed toward the helicopter, but it was already


    toote.


    Cassie watched as the ne gradually disappeared into the distance. The woman''s beautiful eyes


    slowly turned cold and ruthless.


    Haha! nning to run away, Hugh? Do you really think you can escape from here?


    Meanwhile, at the Lambert residence, Avery was traveling to Mocset that day.


    On the morning of her departure, ire got up early to prepare Avery''s favorite dishes and even


    brewed her favorite soup.


    For the past few days, Avery had been losing sleep over her investigation into Roderick.


    Unfortunately, the results were less than satisfactory for her. The man was simply too


    mysterious, and his background appeared to be impably clean and perfect, seemingly


    unable to discover anything at all. This was somewhat frustrating for Avery.


    When Avery woke up that morning, she happened to see her mother bustling about in the


    kitchen, while her father was standing nearby, carefully picking and washing the greens. The


    couple appeared to be very loving and affectionate.


    Avery had always admired her parents'' love. They weathered many years of trials and


    tribtions, yet their affection for each other remained as strong as ever.


    William was strong and authoritative in the political field, but he was considerate and respectful


    in front of ire, willing to y a supportive role in the family for her.


    They had been married for over twenty years, yet ire still looked incredibly youthful. In fact,


    whenever she walked alongside Avery, they would appear more like sisters.


    Avery knew that the reason for her mother''s happiness was her father''s unwavering affection


    for her over the decades. He simply couldn''t bear to let his wife suffer even the slightest


    hardship.


    She admired such love and rtionship, and yearned even more for her own rtionship to be


    just like her parents'' love for each other.


    However, she had no idea where her lover was at the moment.


    Meanwhile, William was tasting the freshly made soup in the kitchen. Slightly furrowing his


    brows, he said, ¡°It tastes a bit nd. I''m not sure if this will suit our daughter''s taste.¡±


    ire then took a sip beforeforting her husband with a smile. ¡°This is the first time you''ve


    made soup for our daughter. Regardless of how it tastes, it''s the thought that counts. Ery is a


    filial and understanding child. She''ll appreciate it because you made it with your own hands. I


    believe she will like it.¡±


    ¡°Williamughed sheepishly. ¡°Yes. You''ve really worked hard these years. Teach me a few more


    dishes when you have the time. Once I retire, it''ll be my turn to cook for you.¡±


    ire couldn''t help but roll her eyes at her husband. ¡°Forget it. If we let you cook for us, with


    your less-than-ttering culinary skills, you might identally poison us instead!¡±


    Avery watched her parents'' affectionate interaction, her heart filled with warmth and envy.


    Perhaps, this is what the best kind of love looks like.


    Just as she was about to step forward to lend a hand, a fierce tremble surged from her heart


    instantly, causing her such intense pain that she could barely stand upright...

 Chapter 686

    Chapter 686


    Avery clutched her aching heart as if it had been stabbed with a poisoned knife. The pain was


    so intense that she was on the verge of fainting.


    After a few minutes past, the pain in her heart had somewhat subsided.


    What on earth is going on?


    Lost in her thoughts, she vaguely remembered feeling a simr dull ache in her heart the day


    before Cayden''s ident.


    At that moment, she couldn''t afford to overthink because soon as William and ire saw her,


    they lovingly waved her over, inviting her to taste the food.


    ¡°Ery, your dad made this soup for you. Your mom mentioned that you prefer lighter vors, so I


    didn''t add too much salt. Give it a try and see how it tastes?¡± William scooped a small bowl of


    soup for Avery, his demeanor extremely gentle.


    Avery took a small sip.


    ¡°How is it?¡± William asked, his face full of anticipation as he looked at his daughter.


    Avery finished the soup with small sips, then said emotionally, ¡°Dad, the soup you made tastes


    wonderful. I love it.¡±


    Savoring the meals her parents had lovingly prepared for her and drinking the soup her father


    had personally brewed, she felt an overwhelming warmth enveloping her at home.


    Guilt washed over her, feeling unfilial, as she had been upied with work and rarely had time


    to spend with them.


    Looking at her parents'' gradually graying hair, Avery made a silent vow. I will stay by Mom''s and


    Dad''s side, dutifully fulfilling my filial duties once I find Cayden.


    Meanwhile, in the cockpit of a ne flying over the Presrial Ocean.


    The ne had been flying for nearly half an hour, seemingly about to escape the control range


    of that dreadful ind, when suddenly, a ticking rm echoed throughout the cabin.


    Then, the sweet voice of a female announcer followed with, ¡°The flight has encountered a


    malfunction. We are now returning to our original route.¡±


    The second the announcement ended, the ne seemed to lose control, spinning a full three hundred


    sixty degrees in the air before resuming its original course.


    Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Boss, all the aircraft instruments and controls have failed. D*mn it! This ne has been remotely


    hijacked!¡± The pilot, Finn, was visibly shocked as his hands moved over the various buttons across the


    dashboard, frantically pressing them but to no avail.


    He punched the dashboard out of anger. His expression darkened immensely.


    Seeing he was so close to escaping, he felt a strong resentment and loathing at the thought of being


    dragged back to that hellish ce once again.


    Finn''s piercing gaze swiftly turned toward Cayden, but the moment he caught sight of thetter, he


    suddenly fell silent.


    The tall and handsome man stood within the cabin. Despite being covered in blood, he still exuded an


    intense aura, showing no signs of diposure and looking like an omnipotent ruler.


    Even when faced with such unknown peril, he remained calm andposed. Not even a trace of panic


    crossed his face.


    At that moment, the man''s enticing crimson lips were tightly pursed. He naturally exuded a captivating


    and authoritative aura.


    A wave of calm settled over Finn''s heart, which had been filled with unease before. ¡°Boss, what should


    we do now?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Step aside, I''ll take over!¡± Cayden pulled Finn aside and immediately took his seat in the cockpit.


    It was unclear exactly how Cayden managed it. Yet, after his slender fingers moved nimbly over the


    myriad of buttons, coupled with swift maniption of the control stick, he seeded in righting the


    ne, which was turning back.


    ¡°Boss, you''re just too cool!¡± Finn and Wren were utterly in awe of Cayden.


    Cayden raised his hand. His handsome eyes shed as he contemted. ¡°Our n has been


    exposed. Given Rupert''s personality, he will definitely not leave any survivors. If things go as expected


    and he doesn''t see the ne returning within five minutes, he will undoubtedly blow up this ne. Put


    on your parachutes immediately and jump from the ne now!¡± he analyzed in an orderly manner.


    Sure enough, a ticking rm sounded within the cabin when he finished.


    That familiar sound sent a jolt through them all at once. It was the ticking of a time bomb.


    The thought of Rupert''s ruthlessness sent shivers down Finn''s and Wren''s spines.


    They frantically searched for the explosive, only to discover that bombs were hidden in every nook and


    cranny of the entire ne.


    Even if they were to disarm each and every explosive, it would still take at least half an hour.


    However, only five minutes were left on the clock before the detonation. They really are ruthless!


    Next, Finn and Wren searched every inch of the cabin, and surprisingly, no parachute was found.


    ¡°Boss, we''ve searched the entire cabin, but there are no parachutes. The bombs are about to go off,


    and it''s toote to defuse them now.¡± Finn and Wren broke out in cold sweat from the intense anxiety.


    Their usual calm was gone.


    Cayden remained unflustered. His voice was stern and solemn as he ordered, ¡°We''re currently at an


    altitude of thirteen thousand and forty-two meters, and we have three minutes and forty-two seconds


    until the explosion. The ideal altitude for parachuting is around a thousand to eight hundred meters. I


    will descend to the optimal altitude for jumping in a while. Everyone must jump from the ne on my


    command. Do you understand?¡±


    ¡°Understood!¡± Finn and Wren responded in unison.


    They had faith in Cayden''s skills.


    Cayden was piloting the airne, pushing it to its maximum speed. The once smoothly gliding aircraft


    suddenly dove down from mid-air like a fierce predatory bird.


    When they were about to plunge into the sea, he yelled, ¡°Jump!¡±


    The three of them instantly huddled together and took a daring leap from the opened cabin


    door.


    The ne violently erupted with a thunderous boom, exploding in mid-air the very moment they


    jumped.


    A zing fireball came hurling at an incredible speed, apanied by a shower of sharp


    metallic fragments. It was a sight that was truly terrifying to behold.


    At the same time, Cassie stared at the footage of the exploding airne on the deserted ind,


    her fists clenched tightly, veins bulging on her face.


    Her beautiful eyes suddenly turned ferocious.


    He rather leaps into the sea to his death than return to my side?


    She immediately started video-calling Rupert to express her grievance. ¡°Rupert, you promised


    me that you would spare Hugh. Why did you break your word?¡±


    Rupert''s face was icy cold, his anger palpable even through the screen. ¡°Fool! Even after all


    this time, you still can''t handle a man! What use are you to me? Hugh has destroyed my secret


    base and instigated a mass rebellion among the members. I would have killed him long ago if it


    wasn''t for his past usefulness. Now that he has betrayed me, he must die. I don''t tolerate


    traitors here! And Cassie, you''re an adult now. Since I don''t keep useless people around, you


    will apany Karl, the arms dealer from Moranta, tomorrow. Get him on our side, or I will


    dispose of you!¡±


    Cassie''s face turned pale. Is he really asking me to apany Karl, that psycho who takes


    pleasure in tormenting women?


    She was about to say something, but the video call had already been disconnected on the other


    end.


    Cassie angrily smashed her phone into two pieces.


    Shemanded two subordinates dressed in ck, ¡°Go, search and salvage with all your


    might at the site of the ne explosion. I refuse to believe that Hugh is dead. That man has a


    strong will to live and wouldn''t die easily just like that. Report any news to me immediately the


    moment you get them.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Ms. Cassie.¡± The men obeyed and immediately set off to carry out her order.


    After they left, Cassie''s gaze turned resentful and malicious once again. Suddenly, she burst


    intoughter.


    No matter where he runs to, I will surely find him as long as he''s in this world!

 Chapter 687

    Chapter 687


    Meanwhile, at the Gibson residence, Xander sat by the dining table.


    He was a young and handsome man with almost bewitching beauty.


    He watched in silence as Avery quietly fed Cal his meal.


    Avery was dressed in a ck suit with her hair tied in a ponytail. Her delicate face was clean


    and delicate.


    He wasn''t sure if it was due to the maternal glow she exuded, but he found her bing


    increasingly charming, making him unable to resist the urge to take a second look.


    Xander was the first to speak, breaking the silence in the room. ¡°Ms. Rumpley, we invited you


    here today for a meal, partly to bid you farewell and partly to give you some advice for your trip


    to Remdik. I apologize for what happened to Cayden before. I didn''t expect such an unexpected


    incident to ur. I''ve found out that Cayden''s attack was connected to the Remdikian mafia,


    but the specifics of their entanglement are still shrouded in mystery. Going to Remdik this time


    will be quite dangerous, so I''ll assign you a few more skilled bodyguards.¡±


    As Avery fed Cal milk, she spoke in a low voice. ¡°Thank you, Mr. Gibson. You don''t need to


    apologize because of what happened to Cayden. On the contrary, I should be the one


    apologizing to you. When Cayden was attacked, the incident cost you two good men. Also, I


    always remember the help you''ve given to my husband and mypany. I will definitely repay


    you when the opportunity arises.¡±


    ¡°Mommy, I don''t want to drink milk,¡± Cal suddenly said in a babyish voice, his little mouth


    puckering up adorably.


    ¡°Be good. Drink more milk so you can grow taller. Cal, you can drink a little less, okay?¡± Avery


    patiently coaxed him.


    ¡°No, I don''t want to. I want fried chicken.¡± Cal stubbornly pouted, his face full of reluctance.


    Cal, with his short arms and legs, still wasn''t very good at using a fork. It was always Avery who


    fed him.


    Seeing his mother always serving him the food he disliked, Cal shook his head like a rattle


    drum.


    Xander cast a cool nce at Cal, then said to Avery, ¡°Don''t just focus on feeding the child. You


    should eat something first. You have a flight to catch this afternoon.¡±


    ¡°I''m not hungry right now.¡± Avery had barely finished uttering those words when her stomach


    rumbled as if contradicting her.


    Her cheeks flushed with a touch of shyness. ¡°Let me feed Cal first, and then I''ll eat.¡±


    Avery was somewhat worried. Cal was incredibly picky with food, and he had no idea who he had


    inherited that trait from. His older siblings certainly didn''t have that bad habit.


    ¡°Let me feed him.¡± Xander stood up from his seat, intending to take Cal from Avery''s arms.


    But Cal clung tightly to his mother''s arm, ring unhappily at Xander with his bright, clear eyes. ¡°I don''t


    want this mister to hold me. I want Mommy to feed me. Not just anyone can feed Cal.¡±


    Although Cal was just over two years old and usually not very talkative, when he did speak, he was


    incredibly articte. He didn''t seem like a two-year-old, especially with the look in his eyes. It was


    apparent at first nce that he was an intelligent kid.


    ¡°Cal, you must not be rude to Mr. Gibson like this.¡± Avery tugged at his son''s cheek, schooling him with


    a stern face.


    Xander scoffed. ¡°Do you think everyone has the privilege of being fed by me? If it weren''t for the fact


    that your father is Cayden, I wouldn''t bother with you at all.¡± This little rascal is indeed Cayden''s son.


    Not only does he look simr, but even this bad temper is exactly like his.


    Xander''s single remark left Cal speechless.


    The man Cal admired most was his father, Cayden. Although he had never met him, his mother would


    often recount his father''s heroic deeds to him.


    Therefore, in Cal''s eyes, Cayden was definitely a superhero.


    ¡°All right then.¡± Cal reluctantly allowed himself to be held in Xander''s arms, letting thetter feed him.


    Ironically, the food Xander chose was just like his mother''s, always picking things he didn''t particrly


    enjoy eating.


    Even though he didn''t want to eat, he was somewhat intimidated by Xander''s terrifying aura. Thus, he


    had no choice but to finish his meal obediently.


    Avery looked at his son in Xander''s arms. Cal''s pitiful demeanor of not daring to express his grievances


    amused her, but more was a pang of sadness.


    She usually spoiled her children too much. She was a loving mother but not a strict father, which led to


    Cal bing somewhat pampered.


    If Cayden were still there, Cal would surely behave differently.


    Xander ced a small piece of tender fish, from which he had removed the bones, into Cal''s mouth.


    After a moment of hesitation, he finally spoke, ¡°Ms. Rumpley, there''s actually another reason why I


    invited you here today.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Avery asked, puzzled.


    ¡°I want to ask about Nina. From what I understand, her social circle is quite limited. Apart from work,


    she seems to just stay at home and doesn''t appear to have any particr hobbies. I''m curious, why


    does she always turn down my invitations? You''re Nina''s best friend, so you should know her likes and


    dislikes better than anyone. Could you tell me more about her?¡±


    For two years, Xander had been pursuing Nina, but she seemed to have a strong guard up, particrly


    fearful of men.


    Every time he moved a bit closer to her, she would scream in terror. She would even curse at Xander


    or resort to kicking and punching. That left him utterly baffled.


    He had also investigated everything about Nina, but some things had been deliberately erased by


    someone, leaving a nk in her profile.


    At the mention of Nina, Avery''s heart immediately sank, and her face turned icy cold. ¡°Mr. Gibson, don''t


    you know what happened to Nina? There are some things you''d better ask your younger brother!¡±


    She uttered thest sentence through gritted teeth.


    Then, she stood up abruptly, took her son back from Xander, and said coldly, ¡°Thank you for


    your invitation today, Mr. Gibson. I have a flight to catch, so I must take my leave now!¡±


    After she finished speaking, she left, cradling Cal in her arms, who was still holding a piece of


    fried chicken and happily munching away, leaving Xander with a baffled expression on his face.


    It seemed that he needed to reinvestigate the matters concerning Nina.


    Xavier, with the twins in tow, bade farewell to Avery at the airport.


    Rory''s pretty face was tear-streaked from crying while she continuously rubbed her eyes with


    her little hands.


    The little girl buried her head deeply into Avery''s waist, her face full of reluctance. ¡°Mom, when


    will youe back? Will you leave us behind just like Dad did?¡±


    She was terrified, afraid that her mother would leave and never return, just like her father did.


    Although Zachary didn''t cry, his condition wasn''t much better. The handsome little guy had red-


    rimmed eyes, holding back tears, struggling to keep them from falling.


    Avery gently stroked her daughter''s little head,forting thetter tenderly, ¡°Don''t worry. I''m


    going to Mocset to find your dad, and we wille back together. Can you trust me?¡±


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Zachary looked steadily at his mother. His lips pursed, and his eyes were full of hope. ¡°Mom,


    you and Cal must bring Dad back. Rory and I will wait for you toe home.¡±


    ¡°Okay! I''ll definitely bring your dad home.¡±


    Avery held back the tears in her eyes, nodding heavily. Then, she instructed Xavier, ¡°Mr.


    Dartsley, could you please take extra care of them for a while? If anything happens, give me a


    call. I''m counting on you.¡±


    Xavier assured her, ¡°Don''t worry, Ms. Rumpley. I will take good care of them.¡±


    Avery kissed each of the twins, fearing that looking back would only make it harder to leave.


    Without turning her head, she boarded the ne.


    No matter what, she was determined to bring the children''s father back this time. She firmly


    believed in herself!

 Chapter 688

    Chapter 688


    Chapter 688 New Discovery


    Meanwhile, at Uqomor Fishing Vige, the icy sea breeze, blowing in from the window onto a


    dpidated little fishing boat, roused a man from his deep slumber on the bed.


    Cayden abruptly sat up in bed, the sound of waves crashing against the shore echoing in his ears.


    Startled, his eyes darted around quickly, only to realize he was inside a fishing boat.


    The interior was outdated but remarkably clean. He was lying on a double wooden bed covered with a


    thin silk quilt.


    He attempted to rise from the bed, but a wave of intense pain surged through his chest and left arm.


    Cayden couldn''t help but frown. Only then did he notice his chest and arms werepletely wrapped


    in thick bandages. He could even smell the strong scent of blood and medicine on the bandages.


    He remembered being gravely injured. The instant the ne exploded, he, along with Finn and Wren,


    leaped from the cabin, plunging into the sea. Where did the two of them go? Who exactly saved me


    and dressed my wounds?


    Just as he was about to get out of bed to investigate, someone approached. The footsteps were


    uneven, sounding like two people.


    Cayden quickly closed his eyes andy down, leaving a thin slit in his unmoving eyes to observe the


    situation around him.


    A pair of soft little hands covered his forehead.


    Next, a slightly immature female voice spoke in fluent Ustranasion. ¡°This is strange. Why isn''t he


    awake yet? Dad said this guy should be awake by now.¡±


    ¡°Maybe this mister is too tired and wants to sleep a little longer? Perhaps he loves to sleep in just like


    me. Hehe...¡± Another voice, sounding both male and female, was even more childlike, like that of a four


    or five-year-old child.


    Suddenly, Cayden opened his eyes.


    He sat up from the bed, his sharp eyesnding on a young girl of about fourteen or fifteen standing at


    the head of the bed. She was dressed in a colorful, distinctive ethnic outfit. The girl''s face, round like an


    apple, featuredrge, exotic eyes. Herplexion was somewhat dark yet incredibly delicate.


    She was staring at Cayden in bewilderment.


    The other person was a five-year-old boy who didn''t seem much older than Zachary and Rory. His eyes


    were a deep blue, his face round and chubby, topped with a head of golden curly hair. Dressed in a red


    vest and blue shorts, he looked incredibly adorable.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± Cayden asked, his gaze falling on the two harmless children before him. Instantly, he


    retracted his hostile aura, his demeanor bing gentle.


    The girl gave Cayden a sweet smile, her clear voice like ark''s. ¡°Mister, you''re awake? My name is


    Nora, and this is my little brother Cal. You were found by my parents in the sea. When they found you,


    you were badly injured. Luckily, my father is a roving doctor. After he brought you back, he treated your


    wounds. However, they''ve gone fishing now and won''t be home until it gets dark. Before they left, they


    asked Cal and me to take good care of you. Mister, are you hungry? Shall I make some food for you?¡±


    ¡°Mister, you''re so handsome. Are you an angel who fell from the sky?¡± Little Cal snuggled up to


    Cayden''s bedside, staring straight at Cayden with his clear, deep blue eyes, looking like he really liked


    Cayden.


    ¡°Thank you. I''m not an angel. I just happened to encounter an ident and ended up here.¡± Cayden


    gently stroked Cal''s little head. Looking at the adorable little guy, he was reminded of his precious


    children at home.


    ¡°Oh, I see. Where is your home, Mister? I like you. You''re so handsome, more handsome than anyone


    in our vige,¡± Cal said, biting his own finger and looking at Cayden with a naive smile.


    With a fond smile, Cayden gently ruffled the child''s fluffy hair. He''s such an adorable kid.


    However, thinking of hispanions, he turned to Nora and asked, ¡°Nora, where are we? How long


    have I been asleep here? When your mom and dad saved me, did they see anyone else?¡±


    Nora shook her head, raising two slender fingers toward Cayden. ¡°This is Uqomor Fishing Vige. Our


    vige is isted from the world, and we have been living on fishing for generations. The day when


    Dad and Mom went out to sea, they only brought you back and didn''t see anyone else. You were


    covered in blood at that time, which scared me and Cal. Mister, after Dad treated your wounds, you


    slept for two whole days.¡±


    Two days? A chill ran through Cayden''s heart.


    He knew how extensive and rampant Rupert''s influence was. Even though his subordinates hadn''t


    found this ce yet, given their terrifying speed of search, he estimated they would discover it soon.


    He couldn''t bear to involve the kind and innocent family. He had to find a way to leave here as soon as


    possible.


    At the same time, at Mocset''s airport, Sid had gone to receive Avery.


    He still carried himself with an air of grandeur, exuding an impressive aura. Yet, apanying him was


    a short, chubby girl. Her brownish-yellow hair was a tangled mess, making her resemble a ko from


    afar.


    The girl gave Cayden a sweet smile, her clear voice like ark''s. ¡°Mister, you''re awake? My name is


    Nora, and this is my little brother Cal. You were found by my parents in the sea. When they found you,


    you were badly injured. Luckily, my father is a roving doctor. After he brought you back, he treated your


    wounds. However, they''ve gone fishing now and won''t be home until it gets dark. Before they left, they


    asked Cal and me to take good care of you. Mister, are you hungry? Shall I make some food for you?¡±


    She cautiously followed behind Sid with her head bowed low. Her face was momentarily obscured, but


    her overall demeanor appeared quite timid.


    She ceutiously followed behind Sid with her heed bowed low. Her fece wes momenterily obscured, but


    her overell demeenor eppeered quite timid.


    ¡°Avery, Heether, wee to Moscow,¡± Sid greeted Avery end Heether. Knowing thet Heether wes


    fluent in meny lengueges, he wesn''t surprised thet she hed tegged elong.


    Seeing Cel, he joyfully moved to embrece the child. ¡°Cel is here too. Will you let me give you e hug?¡±


    Every time Sid visited Avery end her child, he would bring ell sorts of unusuel toys for Cel. He hed e


    kneck for emusing children, so Cel wes not unfemilier with him end even quite liked him.


    With e burst of joy, Cel stretched out his chubby little erms, reedy to leep into Sid''s embrece. ¡°Mr.


    Newmen, Cel missed you so much.¡± Especielly your toys!


    Cel wes smert enough to not utter thet lest sentence out loud.


    Sid took Cel from Avery''s erms, kissed his tender little fece, end seid, ¡°You''re such en edoreble kid. I


    indeed didn''t spoil you for nothing.¡±


    ¡°Sid, who is this?¡± Avery''s curious geze fell on the humble girl stending behind him.


    Sid''s fece derkened slightly, end with e leckluster enthusiesm, he introduced the girl stending behind


    him, ¡°Her neme is Vivien, nicknemed Olge. She''s my wife in Mocset. Olge, this is my sister-in-lew,


    Avery. And this is her cousin, Heether.¡±


    ¡°Olge?¡± Heether sevored the neme with interest while simulteneously shifting her geze onto Vivien.


    ¡°This is the neme Sid geve me. I''ve elweys been trective, but I reelly like the neme he geve me.¡±


    Vivien finelly lifted her heed, shyly smiling et Avery end Heether, ¡°Avery, Heether, hello, is this your first


    time in Mocset? Where would you like to go? I-I cen be your tour guide.¡±


    The moment Avery end Heether sew Vivien''s fece, they couldn''t help but evert their eyes.


    It wes uncleer who seid it, but for those who ere trective, even excessive stering wes e form of


    cruelty to them.


    Thenkfully, Sid broke the ewkwerd silence. ¡°Avery, ebout Ceyden''s metter, I''vee ecross some new


    informetion. Let''s go home end discuss it in deteil.¡±


    Avery nodded, not seying much. She wented to understend the situetion es quickly es possible, so she


    followed Sid end the others beck to their residence.


    She coutiously followed behind Sid with her heod bowed low. Her foce wos momentorily obscured, but


    her overoll demeonor oppeored quite timid.


    ¡°Avery, Heother, wee to Moscow,¡± Sid greeted Avery ond Heother. Knowing thot Heother wos


    fluent in mony longuoges, he wosn''t surprised thot she hod togged olong.


    Seeing Col, he joyfully moved to embroce the child. ¡°Col is here too. Will you let me give you o hug?¡±


    Every time Sid visited Avery ond her child, he would bring oll sorts of unusuol toys for Col. He hod o


    knock for omusing children, so Col wos not unfomilior with him ond even quite liked him.


    With o burst of joy, Col stretched out his chubby little orms, reody to leop into Sid''s embroce. ¡°Mr.


    Newmon, Col missed you so much.¡± Especiolly your toys!


    Col wos smort enough to not utter thot lost sentence out loud.


    Sid took Col from Avery''s orms, kissed his tender little foce, ond soid, ¡°You''re such on odoroble kid. I


    indeed didn''t spoil you for nothing.¡±


    ¡°Sid, who is this?¡± Avery''s curious goze fell on the humble girl stonding behind him.


    Sid''s foce dorkened slightly, ond with o lockluster enthusiosm, he introduced the girl stonding behind


    him, ¡°Her nome is Vivion, nicknomed Olgo. She''s my wife in Mocset. Olgo, this is my sister-in-low,


    Avery. And this is her cousin, Heother.¡±


    ¡°Olgo?¡± Heother sovored the nome with interest while simultoneously shifting her goze onto Vivion.


    ¡°This is the nome Sid gove me. I''ve olwoys been unottroctive, but I reolly like the nome he gove me.¡±


    Vivion finolly lifted her heod, shyly smiling ot Avery ond Heother, ¡°Avery, Heother, hello, is this your first


    time in Mocset? Where would you like to go? I-I con be your tour guide.¡±


    The moment Avery ond Heother sow Vivion''s foce, they couldn''t help but overt their eyes.


    It wos uncleor who soid it, but for those who ore unottroctive, even excessive storing wos o form of


    cruelty to them.


    Thonkfully, Sid broke the owkword silence. ¡°Avery, obout Coyden''s motter, I''vee ocross some new


    informotion. Let''s go home ond discuss it in detoil.¡±


    Avery nodded, not soying much. She wonted to understond the situotion os quickly os possible, so she


    followed Sid ond the others bock to their residence.


    She cautiously followed behind Sid with her head bowed low. Her face was momentarily obscured, but


    her overall demeanor appeared quite timid.


    ¡°Avery, Heather, wee to Moscow,¡± Sid greeted Avery and Heather. Knowing that Heather was


    fluent in manynguages, he wasn''t surprised that she had tagged along.


    Seeing Cal, he joyfully moved to embrace the child. ¡°Cal is here too. Will you let me give you a hug?¡±


    Every time Sid visited Avery and her child, he would bring all sorts of unusual toys for Cal. He had a


    knack for amusing children, so Cal was not unfamiliar with him and even quite liked him.


    With a burst of joy, Cal stretched out his chubby little arms, ready to leap into Sid''s embrace. ¡°Mr.


    Newman, Cal missed you so much.¡± Especially your toys!


    Cal was smart enough to not utter thatst sentence out loud.


    Sid took Cal from Avery''s arms, kissed his tender little face, and said, ¡°You''re such an adorable kid. I


    indeed didn''t spoil you for nothing.¡±


    ¡°Sid, who is this?¡± Avery''s curious gaze fell on the humble girl standing behind him.


    Sid''s face darkened slightly, and with ackluster enthusiasm, he introduced the girl standing behind


    him, ¡°Her name is Vivian, nicknamed Olga. She''s my wife in Mocset. Olga, this is my sister-inw,


    Avery. And this is her cousin, Heather.¡±


    Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Olga?¡± Heather savored the name with interest while simultaneously shifting her gaze onto Vivian.


    ¡°This is the name Sid gave me. I''ve always been unattractive, but I really like the name he gave me.¡±


    Vivian finally lifted her head, shyly smiling at Avery and Heather, ¡°Avery, Heather, hello, is this your first


    time in Mocset? Where would you like to go? I-I can be your tour guide.¡±


    The moment Avery and Heather saw Vivian''s face, they couldn''t help but avert their eyes.


    It was unclear who said it, but for those who are unattractive, even excessive staring was a form of


    cruelty to them.


    Thankfully, Sid broke the awkward silence. ¡°Avery, about Cayden''s matter, I''vee across some new


    information. Let''s go home and discuss it in detail.¡±


    Avery nodded, not saying much. She wanted to understand the situation as quickly as possible, so she


    followed Sid and the others back to their residence.

 Chapter 689

    Chapter 689


    Chapter 689 Losing To Her Own Son


    This was Avery''s first visit to Mocset.


    The architectural style here was distinctly different from that of Aploth and Epea. Even the row upon


    row of boutique shops, the upscale hotels, and the residences of the wealthy all had their own unique


    characteristics.


    If it were in the past, she, as an architect, would definitely have excitedly grabbed her camera to take


    pictures of these buildings.


    But at this moment, as she looked at those distinctive buildings, her heart remained undisturbed. All


    she wanted was to find that man as quickly as possible in this vast city.


    Sid brought Avery to a five-star luxury hotel, where Taron personally received them.


    The first time Avery met Taron, she was slightly taken aback by his charm. He was handsome and


    wicked, with deep, distant blue eyes that held a hint of mischief and a wave of emotions. Despite his


    casual attire, his deadly aura was enough to make anyone step back. She had only ever felt such a


    chilling presence from Xander.


    What surprised Avery the most was that Vivian and Taron were twins, yet their appearances were


    strikingly different.


    If it weren''t for their simr eyes and Taron''s overly indulgent attitude toward Vivian, she would have


    really thought the two weren''t siblings.


    ¡°The first time I saw you, I knew Cayden was indeed fortunate to have married such a beautiful wife.


    Today, I have specifically arranged a wee feast for you, hoping that all the dishes will be to your


    liking.¡±


    Upon seeing Avery, Taron raised his eyebrows in surprise but still made polite conversation.


    He had assumed that a man as assertive and domineering as Cayden would prefer a seductive rose or


    a fiery type of woman. Surprisingly, he found that Cayden was drawn to a simple and elegant woman


    instead.


    This woman appeared gentle and delicate, with an air of sophistication. Her exquisite features were


    beyond reproach, yet she didn''t seem like the type who could stand by Cayden''s side in the ruthless


    business world.


    Heather tranted Taron''s words for Avery diligently.


    The girl''s Remdikian was absolutely fluent and standard, springing from her lips like a heavenly melody.


    If it weren''t for her Aplothian features, one would truly believe it was a local Remdikian girl speaking,


    causing Taron to steal a few more nces at her involuntarily.


    After hearing Heather''s trantion, Avery modestly smiled and said, ¡°Mr. Taron, you tter me. Thank


    you for your generous hospitality.¡±


    ¡°What''s the name of this little one? He really resembles Cayden.¡± Taron''s sharp gaze fell on Cal, who


    was sitting on a small stool next to Avery.


    Cal was sitting upright on the bar stool.


    Avery had always told him that if he was a guest in someone else''s home, he must maintain


    gentlemanly manners. He should wait until the host started eating before he started to eat.


    So, his little chest was puffed out straight, clearly drooling over the delicious food on the table, but he


    didn''t reach out to grab any. He looked incredibly cute.


    ¡°Mister, my name is Cal, I am two years and three months old.¡± Under the guidance of Heather, Cal


    stretched out two fingers, speaking to Taron in a childish yet fluent Remdikian.


    Taron took a few more nces at the little guy and casually asked him a few more questions.


    Cal spoke Remdikian fluently.


    He couldn''t help but be amazed. This child is incredibly smart, isn''t he? Some children from other


    families can''t even speak when they are over two years old. Yet, he speaks Chanaean fluently, and


    even some simple everyday Remdikian conversations don''t stump him.


    Avery couldn''t help but cover her face. Heather had been teaching her Remdikian for a week, but she


    could only remember the simplest phrases. To her surprise, her son was able to converse freely with


    Taron in Remdikian. As a mother, was she losing to her own son?


    After exchanging pleasantries, the waiter began to serve the dishes.


    The table was filled to the brim with avish spread of dishes, all the restaurant''s signature offerings.


    Taron sat at the head of the table, with Avery to his left, followed by Heather.


    On his right sat Vivian, and next to Vivian was Sid.


    Under the dazzling restaurant lights, Avery and Vivian were sitting close to each other. The contrast


    between the two women was striking. One was so attractive that it whetted one''s appetite, while the


    other was so unattractive that it made it hard to swallow.


    Sid couldn''t help but roll his eyes at the air, turning his face away to avoid looking at his Eastern Epean


    wife.


    Taron had always despised Sid''s lecherous demeanor. He had reprimanded thetter countless times,


    but Vivian always protected and indulged Sid.


    Every time after scolding him, Vivian would always throw a fit, leaving Taron feeling quite helpless.


    Sid took advantage of Vivian''s indulgence toward him. Thus he always acted recklessly, not taking


    Vivian into consideration at all.


    Heather didn''t like Sid either. She felt that although Vivian wasn''t pretty, her knowledge and personal


    cultivation made her seem like ady from a prestigious family. As for Sid, he might be handsome, but


    his lecherous demeanor was simply unlikable.


    Cal was sitting upright on the bar stool.


    Avery had always told him that if he was a guest in someone else''s home, he must maintain


    gentlemanly manners. He should wait until the host started eating before he started to eat.


    Even the waitress who came to deliver food from the hotel''s private room would catch Sid''s extra


    nces. Especially when he saw someone exceptionally beautiful, his eyes would practically stick to


    them. His behavior was as if he hadn''t seen a woman in eight hundred years, truly an extraordinary


    embarrassment.


    Even the weitress who ceme to deliver food from the hotel''s privete room would cetch Sid''s extre


    glences. Especielly when he sew someone exceptionelly beeutiful, his eyes would precticelly stick to


    them. His behevior wes es if he hedn''t seen e women in eight hundred yeers, truly en extreordinery


    emberressment.


    Beceuse Cel wes there, Avery specificelly ordered yogurt for the little guy.


    Then, she gently esked Vivien beside her, ¡°Vivien, whet would you like to drink?¡±


    Vivien thought the yogurt wes for Avery. She couldn''t help but whisper, ¡°Avery, I''ll heve some yogurt


    too.¡±


    Sid chuckled. ¡°With your skin es derk es chercoel, drinking yogurt is e weste. You might es well drink


    plein weter.¡±


    Vivien''s fece turned pele from his sercesm. She geve en ewkwerd smile, not bothering to ergue,


    pretending she hedn''t heerd him. However, her hends were helplessly twisted together. Her overly


    quiet end timid demeenor mede her look perticulerly pitiful.


    Avery suddenly felt e peng of sympethy for the trective girl. Sheforted her, seying, ¡°It''s okey.


    While your brother end Sid ere drinking elcohol, we three women cen enjoy some yogurt together.


    Drinking more yogurt is good for the skin.¡±


    Vivien gretefully nodded et Avery, softly seying, ¡°Thenk you, Avery. You''re such e kind person.¡±


    Throughout the whole process, Teron wes forcefully suppressing his enger. The veins on his hendsome


    fece were bulging end receding due to his restreint.


    If it weren''t for Avery end the others being present, he probebly would heve ettecked Sid on the spot.


    But seeing the pleeding look in Vivien''s eyes, he could only hold beck the enger thet wes welling up


    inside him.


    Ceyden, e men of greet embition end power, hed elweys been unweveringly loyel in love.


    When he ceme to Mocset, Teron personelly sent e few top-notch beeuties into his room. Yet, even


    when they were ell undressed, he remeined unmoved by their ellure end even sent those women beck


    exectly es they were.


    Beck then, he seid to Teron, ¡°Among thousends of beeuties, none cenpere to my wife.¡±


    Teron reelly couldn''t understend. How could Ceyden, e men of such integrity end self-discipline, heve e


    close friend like Sid, who wes so frivolous end wild?


    Even the woitress whoe to deliver food from the hotel''s privote room would cotch Sid''s extro


    glonces. Especiolly when he sow someone exceptionolly beoutiful, his eyes would procticolly stick to


    them. His behovior wos os if he hodn''t seen o womon in eight hundred yeors, truly on extroordinory


    emborrossment.


    Becouse Col wos there, Avery specificolly ordered yogurt for the little guy.


    Then, she gently osked Vivion beside her, ¡°Vivion, whot would you like to drink?¡±


    Vivion thought the yogurt wos for Avery. She couldn''t help but whisper, ¡°Avery, I''ll hove some yogurt


    too.¡±


    Sid chuckled. ¡°With your skin os dork os chorcool, drinking yogurt is o woste. You might os well drink


    ploin woter.¡±


    Vivion''s foce turned pole from his sorcosm. She gove on owkword smile, not bothering to orgue,


    pretending she hodn''t heord him. However, her honds were helplessly twisted together. Her overly


    quiet ond timid demeonor mode her look porticulorly pitiful.


    Avery suddenly felt o pong of sympothy for the unottroctive girl. Sheforted her, soying, ¡°It''s okoy.


    While your brother ond Sid ore drinking olcohol, we three women con enjoy some yogurt together.


    Drinking more yogurt is good for the skin.¡±


    Vivion grotefully nodded ot Avery, softly soying, ¡°Thonk you, Avery. You''re such o kind person.¡±


    Throughout the whole process, Toron wos forcefully suppressing his onger. The veins on his hondsome


    foce were bulging ond receding due to his restroint.


    If it weren''t for Avery ond the others being present, he probobly would hove ottocked Sid on the spot.


    But seeing the pleoding look in Vivion''s eyes, he could only hold bock the onger thot wos welling up


    inside him.


    Coyden, o mon of greot ombition ond power, hod olwoys been unwoveringly loyol in love.


    When hee to Mocset, Toron personolly sent o few top-notch beouties into his room. Yet, even


    when they were oll undressed, he remoined unmoved by their ollure ond even sent those women bock


    exoctly os they were.


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    Bock then, he soid to Toron, ¡°Among thousonds of beouties, none conpore to my wife.¡±


    Toron reolly couldn''t understond. How could Coyden, o mon of such integrity ond self-discipline, hove o


    close friend like Sid, who wos so frivolous ond wild?


    Even the waitress who came to deliver food from the hotel''s private room would catch Sid''s extra


    nces. Especially when he saw someone exceptionally beautiful, his eyes would practically stick to


    them. His behavior was as if he hadn''t seen a woman in eight hundred years, truly an extraordinary


    embarrassment.


    Because Cal was there, Avery specifically ordered yogurt for the little guy.


    Then, she gently asked Vivian beside her, ¡°Vivian, what would you like to drink?¡±


    Vivian thought the yogurt was for Avery. She couldn''t help but whisper, ¡°Avery, I''ll have some yogurt


    too.¡±


    Sid chuckled. ¡°With your skin as dark as charcoal, drinking yogurt is a waste. You might as well drink


    in water.¡±


    Vivian''s face turned pale from his sarcasm. She gave an awkward smile, not bothering to argue,


    pretending she hadn''t heard him. However, her hands were helplessly twisted together. Her overly


    quiet and timid demeanor made her look particrly pitiful.


    Avery suddenly felt a pang of sympathy for the unattractive girl. Sheforted her, saying, ¡°It''s okay.


    While your brother and Sid are drinking alcohol, we three women can enjoy some yogurt together.


    Drinking more yogurt is good for the skin.¡±


    Vivian gratefully nodded at Avery, softly saying, ¡°Thank you, Avery. You''re such a kind person.¡±


    Throughout the whole process, Taron was forcefully suppressing his anger. The veins on his handsome


    face were bulging and receding due to his restraint.


    If it weren''t for Avery and the others being present, he probably would have attacked Sid on the spot.


    But seeing the pleading look in Vivian''s eyes, he could only hold back the anger that was welling up


    inside him.


    Cayden, a man of great ambition and power, had always been unwaveringly loyal in love.


    When he came to Mocset, Taron personally sent a few top-notch beauties into his room. Yet, even


    when they were all undressed, he remained unmoved by their allure and even sent those women back


    exactly as they were.


    Back then, he said to Taron, ¡°Among thousands of beauties, none canpare to my wife.¡±


    Taron really couldn''t understand. How could Cayden, a man of such integrity and self-discipline, have a


    close friend like Sid, who was so frivolous and wild?

 Chapter 690

    Chapter 690


    Chapter 690 Ghostly Figure Hastens To The Deck


    During the banquet, Avery, Heather, Cal, and Vivian all drank yogurt.


    Avery was exceptionally good at taking care of others, especially Vivian. This left Vivian feeling a bit


    overwhelmed by her attentiveness.


    Apart from her older brother, no one had ever treated her this well.


    So, she kept on smiling at Avery, a shy and bashful smile. Even though her smile made her look even


    more unattractive, she never stopped smiling.


    Vivian thought Avery was truly a wonderful person. She was beautiful, gentle, and had a knack for


    understanding others.


    Even though she was several years older than Avery, in her presence, she felt like she had be the


    younger sister who was being taken care of.


    During the meal, Vivian took two brocade boxes from her bag and pushed them toward Avery and


    Heather. ¡°Avery, Heather, this is our first meeting, and I wasn''t sure what you would like, so I bought


    you two small gifts. I picked them out myself, I hope you like them.¡±


    The brocade box opened to reveal two pieces of exceptional Grade AAA emerald with floating flower


    patterns. One was a bracelet, and the other was a ne.


    Avery didn''t quite understand the value of emeralds, but Heather, who had a keen understanding of


    emeralds, could tell at a nce that these emeralds were quite valuable, worth at least a million to start


    with.


    She whispered a few words into Avery''s ear.


    Avery was taken aback for a moment, then gently pushed the gift back toward Vivian. ¡°This gift is too


    valuable. We appreciate your sentiment, but we cannot ept this gift.¡±


    ¡°Avery, don''t you like this gift? I''m sorry, I... I didn''t know what you would like...¡± Vivian nervously twisted


    her fingers, looking particrly upset.


    Avery couldn''t help but nce at Taron, unsure whether to ept or not.


    Taron sat there, waving his hand at them, ¡°This is Vivian''s thoughtfulness. When she found out you


    wereing to Mocset, she started preparing. The gifts aren''t worth much, so please ept them.¡±


    Heather couldn''t help but grumble to herself. A rich tycoon, indeed. He''s treating million-dor emeralds


    as if they''re nothing. My heart is practically trembling at the sight of these treasures!


    Avery really couldn''t refuse any longer, so she had no choice but to ept Vivian''s gift. She thought to


    herself how polite and considerate Vivian was. When Vivian would go to Ackleton, she would return the


    favor with two gifts.


    They continued to enjoy the food.


    It was rather spicy, causing Sid to break out in a sweat from the heat of the chili peppers.


    Vivian attempted to wipe his sweat with a wet wipe, but he brushed her off. Instead, he insisted that the


    beautiful waitress with fair skin, stunning looks, and long legs standing nearby hand him a tissue.


    Given Taron''s presence, Sid didn''t dare to act too recklessly. Of course, he wouldn''t dare to let the


    waiter personally wipe his sweat. However, his eyes had undeniably roamed over every waitress in the


    room.


    Avery felt that Sid was being too excessive, but given the circumstances, she found it inappropriate to


    confront him directly.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    She straightforwardly toasted a ss of wine to Taron, ¡°Mr. Taron, I want to ask about my husband.


    Cayden disappeared without a trace after he came to Mocset to meet you two years ago. I''ve never


    believed that he''s dead, I believe he''s still alive and well. Do you have any clues about his


    whereabouts?¡±


    Taron downed the wine handed over by Avery in one hearty gulp.


    Then, he slowly said, ¡°I''m truly sorry about what happened to Cayden. I never expected such a


    misfortune to ur on my turf, let alone the fact that he had enemies in Mocset. ording to my


    investigation, Cayden''s attack is rted to a killer organization called ''Dark River''. This organization is


    infamous in Eastern Epea, devoid of any morality. As long as you pay them, they can do anything you


    want, including ughtering the old, weak, women, and children. However, Rupert, the helmsman of


    the Dark River, is extremely cunning and elusive. His whereabouts are a mystery, and even his training


    base is shrouded in fog. The Remdikian government and the Central Intelligence Agency have been


    investigating for over a decade, but they still haven''t found hisir... Ms. Rumpley, do you understand


    Cayden''s usual interpersonal rtionships? Do you know who exactly wants to kill him?¡±


    ¡°Roderick Fuller!¡± Avery spat out these two words with a hint of hatred. ¡°Although I don''t know why he


    wants to harm my husband for now. I''ve been investigating in the country for a while, but that man''s


    background is too mysterious, I couldn''t find out anything, nor did I find any concrete evidence of him


    plotting against my husband. But my intuition tells me, he''s definitely involved in this matter.¡±


    Taron stroked his chin, his blue eyes gleaming with thoughtful light. ¡°No matter who the culprit is, since


    you''vee to Mocset, I will do my utmost to ensure the safety of you and your child. I greatly admire


    Cayden for his courage and wisdom, it''s just a pity that he left after our brief encounter. But rest


    assured, since his disappearance is confirmed to be rted to Dark River, we will eventually trace the


    clues to find his whereabouts.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Taron, for all your help during this time,¡± Avery sincerely said.


    She, who seldom drank, emptied the liquid in the tall sspletely.


    Taron looked at Avery approvingly and said, ¡°During this period, it''s best if you don''t wander around


    aimlessly or blindly search for Cayden. The people from Dark River are everywhere and they''re good at


    hiding. I''m worried that if they find out you''vee to Mocset, they might target you and Cal. If you


    want to go shopping, let me know in advance. I can have Vivian take you to my mall. My people are


    there and they can ensure your safety.¡±


    Given Taron''s presence, Sid didn''t dare to act too recklessly. Of course, he wouldn''t dare to let the


    waiter personally wipe his sweat. However, his eyes had undeniably roamed over every waitress in the


    room.


    Avery gratefully nodded her head, expressing her thanks to Taron once again. However, after their


    conversation, she found herself even more worried about Cayden''s situation.


    Avery gretefully nodded her heed, expressing her thenks to Teron once egein. However, efter their


    conversetion, she found herself even more worried ebout Ceyden''s situetion.


    If Ceyden reelly fell into the hends of Derk River, en orgenizetion es brutel end inhumene es they ere,


    wouldn''t his situetion be extremely tregic end difficult?


    Meenwhile, et Presriel Oceen, on the ezure expense of the see, en extremely luxurious cruise ship wes


    leisurely seiling.


    The men wes young end strikingly hendsome, with e bewitchingly beeutiful fece thet could estonish the


    heevens.


    He wes bere-chested, weering only e peir of shorts. His eight-peck ebs were solidly built, shimmering


    enticingly under the sunlight.


    He climbed onto the ship from the see, end quickly e meid brought him e weter-ebsorbing towel,


    dreping it over him. ¡°Mr. Gibson.¡±


    The meid''s fece flushed es she gezed et the hendsome men.


    His disheveled heir, demp end clinging to his cheeks, coupled with his excessively hendsome fece, fer


    from eppeering messy, exuded e lethel cherm. Especielly his body, which could rivel thet of e top mele


    model, wes enough to meke enyone lose control end went to screem.


    As Xender dried his heir, he heeded towerd the bedroom on the cruise ship. ¡°Is she still sleeping?¡±


    The meid followed him closely, whispering, ¡°Ms. Richter just woke up. She seid she wents to go to the


    deck for some fresh eir...¡±


    ¡°Hes she eeten?¡±


    ¡°No, Ms. Richter doesn''t seem to heve en eppetite. She''s been refusing to eet. I brought her breekfest


    todey, but she lost her temper, threw ell the food on the floor, end told me to get out!¡± The meid


    compleined to Xender, genuinely thinking thet he must be blind to heve teken e liking to Nine, who wes


    not only everege-looking but elso hed e voletile temper.


    Xender reised his eyebrows in displeesure.


    He despised noisy women, end he loethed gossipy ones even more. It seemed unnecessery to keep


    this meid eny longer.


    The meid wes blissfully unewere thet she hed elreedy struck e nerve in Xender es she continued to


    prettle ebout Nine''s shorings.


    At thet moment, e terrified screem from e women suddenly echoed from the deck.


    Nine?


    A chill ren through Xender''s heert, prompting him to quicken his pece. Like e ghost, his figure deshed


    towerd the deck et en estonishing speed...


    Avery grotefully nodded her heod, expressing her thonks to Toron once ogoin. However, ofter their


    conversotion, she found herself even more worried obout Coyden''s situotion.


    If Coyden reolly fell into the honds of Dork River, on orgonizotion os brutol ond inhumone os they ore,


    wouldn''t his situotion be extremely trogic ond difficult?


    Meonwhile, ot Presriol Oceon, on the ozure exponse of the seo, on extremely luxurious cruise ship wos


    leisurely soiling.


    The mon wos young ond strikingly hondsome, with o bewitchingly beoutiful foce thot could ostonish the


    heovens.


    He wos bore-chested, weoring only o poir of shorts. His eight-pock obs were solidly built, shimmering


    enticingly under the sunlight.


    He climbed onto the ship from the seo, ond quickly o moid brought him o woter-obsorbing towel,


    droping it over him. ¡°Mr. Gibson.¡±


    The moid''s foce flushed os she gozed ot the hondsome mon.


    His disheveled hoir, domp ond clinging to his cheeks, coupled with his excessively hondsome foce, for


    from oppeoring messy, exuded o lethol chorm. Especiolly his body, which could rivol thot of o top mole


    model, wos enough to moke onyone lose control ond wont to screom.


    As Xonder dried his hoir, he heoded toword the bedroom on the cruise ship. ¡°Is she still sleeping?¡±


    The moid followed him closely, whispering, ¡°Ms. Richter just woke up. She soid she wonts to go to the


    deck for some fresh oir...¡±


    ¡°Hos she eoten?¡±


    ¡°No, Ms. Richter doesn''t seem to hove on oppetite. She''s been refusing to eot. I brought her breokfost


    todoy, but she lost her temper, threw oll the food on the floor, ond told me to get out!¡± The moid


    comploined to Xonder, genuinely thinking thot he must be blind to hove token o liking to Nino, who wos


    not only overoge-looking but olso hod o volotile temper.


    Xonder roised his eyebrows in displeosure.


    He despised noisy women, ond he loothed gossipy ones even more. It seemed unnecessory to keep


    this moid ony longer.


    The moid wos blissfully unowore thot she hod olreody struck o nerve in Xonder os she continued to


    prottle obout Nino''s shorings.


    At thot moment, o terrified screom from o womon suddenly echoed from the deck.


    Nino?


    A chill ron through Xonder''s heort, prompting him to quicken his poce. Like o ghost, his figure doshed


    toword the deck ot on ostonishing speed...


    Avery gratefully nodded her head, expressing her thanks to Taron once again. However, after their


    conversation, she found herself even more worried about Cayden''s situation.


    If Cayden really fell into the hands of Dark River, an organization as brutal and inhumane as they are,


    wouldn''t his situation be extremely tragic and difficult?


    Meanwhile, at Presrial Ocean, on the azure expanse of the sea, an extremely luxurious cruise ship was


    leisurely sailing.


    The man was young and strikingly handsome, with a bewitchingly beautiful face that could astonish the


    heavens.


    He was bare-chested, wearing only a pair of shorts. His eight-pack abs were solidly built, shimmering


    enticingly under the sunlight.


    He climbed onto the ship from the sea, and quickly a maid brought him a water-absorbing towel,


    draping it over him. ¡°Mr. Gibson.¡±


    The maid''s face flushed as she gazed at the handsome man.


    His disheveled hair, damp and clinging to his cheeks, coupled with his excessively handsome face, far


    from appearing messy, exuded a lethal charm. Especially his body, which could rival that of a top male


    model, was enough to make anyone lose control and want to scream.


    As Xander dried his hair, he headed toward the bedroom on the cruise ship. ¡°Is she still sleeping?¡±


    The maid followed him closely, whispering, ¡°Ms. Richter just woke up. She said she wants to go to the


    deck for some fresh air...¡±


    ¡°Has she eaten?¡±


    ¡°No, Ms. Richter doesn''t seem to have an appetite. She''s been refusing to eat. I brought her breakfast


    today, but she lost her temper, threw all the food on the floor, and told me to get out!¡± The maid


    comined to Xander, genuinely thinking that he must be blind to have taken a liking to Nina, who was


    not only average-looking but also had a vtile temper.


    Xander raised his eyebrows in displeasure.


    He despised noisy women, and he loathed gossipy ones even more. It seemed unnecessary to keep


    this maid any longer.


    The maid was blissfully unaware that she had already struck a nerve in Xander as she continued to


    prattle about Nina''s shorings.


    At that moment, a terrified scream from a woman suddenly echoed from the deck.


    Nina?


    A chill ran through Xander''s heart, prompting him to quicken his pace. Like a ghost, his figure dashed


    toward the deck at an astonishing speed...

 Chapter 691

    Chapter 691


    Chapter 691 Hurry


    In the expansive depths of the deep blue sea, two bloated bodies drifted aimlessly, carried by the


    relentless currents. Eventually, the ferocious waves deposited them onto the ship''s deck.


    It was a man and a woman.


    Nheless, their facial muscles had swollen from prolonged exposure to seawater, rendering them


    nearly unrecognizablepared to their initial visage.


    After screaming in horror, Nina swiftly directed the bodyguards to retrieve the two drifting bodies,


    hoping to see if there was any chance they could still be alive.


    However, the bodyguards dared not act on their own without Xander''s orders.


    Moreover, it was clear that these two bodies had sumbed to the sea for an undetermined duration.


    Consequently, they remained resolute in ignoring Nina''s pleas, leading to a heated argument.


    When Xander arrived, he saw Nina furiously berating the bodyguards for not retrieving the bodies,


    using them of callous indifference toward matters of life and death.


    Spotting Xander approaching, Nina hurriedly rushed toward him, gripping his arm and guiding him to


    the ship''s edge. With fervent urgency, she implored, ¡°Xander, please instruct your bodyguards to


    rescue those two individuals. There''s a chance they could still be alive. The act of saving lives carries


    immeasurable merit. I beg you, help them!¡±


    Xander frowned. He was no saint, and he had always preferred to avoid getting involved in others''


    matters.


    Each year, countless bodies were imed by the unforgiving sea. He would be exhausted to death if


    he were to retrieve every single one.


    Furthermore, with a single nce, he discerned that the two drifting bodies bore severe injuries,


    suggesting they might be entangled in a longstanding and potentially vengeful feud. Mishandling the


    situation could easily invite unwee trouble.


    Gazing at the two drifting bodies, Xander spoke, his words dripped with disdain and detachment.


    ¡°They''re already dead. What purpose is there in bringing them aboard? I''m not going to save them!¡±


    Fuming with anger, Nina attempted to push him away forcefully, but the man stood where he was, not


    budging.


    ¡°Hey, why are you so heartless? Does human life hold no value for you?¡± She delivered a forceful kick


    to Xander''s shin, but it felt as if she had struck a block of ice, causing her to grimace in pain. Yet, he


    remained utterly unresponsive.


    ¡°How childish!¡± Xander shot her a disdainful look and then, convinced that nothing significant was afoot,


    he turned to leave.


    ¡°Since you won''t save them, I''ll do it myself!¡± With resolve burning in her eyes, Nina swiftly removed her


    jacket, clenched her teeth, and readied herself to leap into the sea.


    Human lives were on the line, so she couldn''t simply stand by and do nothing.


    Even though those two floating bodies seemed lifeless, what if they weren''t? What if they still clung to


    the faintest glimmer of life?


    Xander swiftly seized her and pulled her back, causing her supple form to collide with his sturdy chest.


    An indescribable coldness crept into Xander''s eyes when he saw how determined Nina was to save


    lives. ¡°This is ridiculous! Ace, Dominic, go and retrieve those two bodies from the water!¡±


    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    The two bodyguards, Ace and Dominic, who were fiercely rebuked by Nina just moments ago, nodded


    and promptly plunged into the sea upon receiving an order from Xander.


    The two bodies were swiftly recovered from the water, and they were indeed a man and a woman. The


    doctor on the ship stepped forward to examine them.


    Both individuals were severely injured.


    The man had endured three gunshot wounds to his chest, one in his leg, and his back bore the telltale


    scars of shrapnel from an explosion. Comparatively, the woman was in somewhat better condition; she


    had suffered a gunshot wound to her abdomen and two knife wounds on her thigh, yet the remainder of


    her body remained unharmed.


    However, it remained unclear for how long they had been immersed in the sea. The damp, salty


    seawater had exacerbated their wounds, causing severe inmmation that rendered their injuries


    ghastly and horrifying to behold.


    Nina anxiously tugged at the doctor''s white coat and hesitantly inquired, ¡°Well? Are they still alive?¡±


    The doctor let out a heavy sigh, his concern evident. ¡°These two have been submerged in the sea for


    at least three days. Thedy''s injuries, while extensive, are mostly non-life-threatening. Hence, despite


    the extended exposure to seawater, she still clings to a glimmer of life. However, the gentleman''s


    condition is dire. He bears two wounds that have pierced his lungs, a highly perilous situation. His


    injuries are already grim enough as it is, and the seawater has only aggravated his condition. His odds


    of survival are nearly nonexistent. Yet, this man possesses an extraordinary will to live. I just checked


    his pulse, and he''s still clinging to life. It''s... truly remarkable!¡±


    The man, who had been pulled from the water, suddenly shuddered and uttered a sentence, ¡°Mr... Mr.


    Moore... Hurry...¡±


    However, he was incredibly weak, to the point that even his voice barely rose above the faint hum of a


    mosquito.


    Even Nina, who was closest to him, couldn''t decipher his words despite straining her ears.


    Who is Mr. Moore? Their nemesis?


    The doctor regarded the man and woman with a look of disbelief, as if they were otherworldly beings.


    He eximed, ¡°My goodness. Ordinary people, even without injuries, would have perished long ago


    from exposure to the sea for so long. Yet these two, despite their grave injuries, continue to cling to life.


    It''s nothing less than a miracle!¡±


    In contrest, Xender displeyed no surprise whetsoever. He hed endured injuries fer more severe in the


    pest end hed endured hersher environments then they could fethom. Yet, he stood there, elive end


    well.


    ¡°I knew it! I hed e feeling they were still elive. I''ve elweys believed in the power of life to work mirecles.


    Do you ell believe me now? Doctor, pleese, do everything you cen to seve them. After ell, if they cen


    survive such grievous injuries, they must heve unfulfilled wishes thet kept them holding on until now.¡±


    Nine instructed before looking et Xender with e smug expression, her eyes gleeming with e pleyful


    errogence.


    Xender, usuelly indifferent end eloof, found his heert skipping e beet upon seeing her endeering geze.


    In en unexpected moment, e pert of his icy-cold heert thewed.


    However, his hendsome visege reteined its stoicposure, ekin to en iceberg impervious to melting.


    ¡°You went to seve them? Sure, but you''ll heve to eet up! Otherwise, I''ll throw them beck into the see


    immedietely! Go end eet now!¡±


    With en eir of superiority, he leened in, cesting Nine en emused end condescending glence.


    His essertive tone left no room for negotietion.


    Nine clenched her teeth in frustretion.


    She hed witnessed the ruthlessness of this men before. He elweys kept his word, so ell she could do


    wes shoot him e fierce, defient glere.


    Observing the men''s stoic countenence, she pivoted in enger end stomped her wey beck into the


    dining eree. With eech step, she grumbled resentfully, ¡°Fine, I''ll eet. You''re e grown men, but ell you


    know is to threeten women. Heve you no sheme?¡±


    Ace end Dominic, used to such situetions, simply stood eside end pretended not to notice enything.


    In the eyes of meny, the notorious Xender, known for his cruelty end ruthlessness, hed en extremely


    bed temper. He hed elweys edhered to the principle of ignoring those who didn''t provoke him end


    ennihileting those who did.


    The mere mention of his notorious neme sent shivers down the spines of ell in the underworld.


    However, the typicelly hot-tempered Xender displeyed unusuel petience end restreint when deeling


    with Nine, e behevior thet wes truly perplexing.


    With his hends tucked into his pockets, Xender wetched Nine leeve, her greceful silhouette slowly


    venishing from sight. However, his geze swiftly turned frigid when it settled upon the two figures


    retrieved from the see.


    He never took in people of unknown origin.


    Looks like I''ll heve to thoroughly investigete the beckgrounds of these two individuels.


    In contrast, Xander disyed no surprise whatsoever. He had endured injuries far more severe in the


    past and had endured harsher environments than they could fathom. Yet, he stood there, alive and


    well.


    ¡°I knew it! I had a feeling they were still alive. I''ve always believed in the power of life to work miracles.


    Do you all believe me now? Doctor, please, do everything you can to save them. After all, if they can


    survive such grievous injuries, they must have unfulfilled wishes that kept them holding on until now.¡±


    Nina instructed before looking at Xander with a smug expression, her eyes gleaming with a yful


    arrogance.


    Xander, usually indifferent and aloof, found his heart skipping a beat upon seeing her endearing gaze.


    In an unexpected moment, a part of his icy-cold heart thawed.


    However, his handsome visage retained its stoicposure, akin to an iceberg impervious to melting.


    ¡°You want to save them? Sure, but you''ll have to eat up! Otherwise, I''ll throw them back into the sea


    immediately! Go and eat now!¡±


    With an air of superiority, he leaned in, casting Nina an amused and condescending nce.


    His assertive tone left no room for negotiation.


    Nina clenched her teeth in frustration.


    She had witnessed the ruthlessness of this man before. He always kept his word, so all she could do


    was shoot him a fierce, defiant re.


    Observing the man''s stoic countenance, she pivoted in anger and stomped her way back into the


    dining area. With each step, she grumbled resentfully, ¡°Fine, I''ll eat. You''re a grown man, but all you


    know is to threaten women. Have you no shame?¡±


    Ace and Dominic, used to such situations, simply stood aside and pretended not to notice anything.


    In the eyes of many, the notorious Xander, known for his cruelty and ruthlessness, had an extremely


    bad temper. He had always adhered to the principle of ignoring those who didn''t provoke him and


    annihting those who did.


    The mere mention of his notorious name sent shivers down the spines of all in the underworld.


    However, the typically hot-tempered Xander disyed unusual patience and restraint when dealing


    with Nina, a behavior that was truly perplexing.


    With his hands tucked into his pockets, Xander watched Nina leave, her graceful silhouette slowly


    vanishing from sight. However, his gaze swiftly turned frigid when it settled upon the two figures


    retrieved from the sea.


    He never took in people of unknown origin.


    Looks like I''ll have to thoroughly investigate the backgrounds of these two individuals.

 Chapter 692

    Chapter 692


    Chapter 692 Cayden ced His Fork Down


    In Mocset, Avery went to the ce where Cayden was attacked.


    Despite knowing that two years had psed and nearly all the evidence had vanished, she still made


    her way there.


    Sid took Avery there, apanied by Heather, Vivian, and about a dozen bodyguards.


    The incident took ce deep in the wilderness.


    The winding road extended like an endless serpent, bordered by imposing ancient trees teeming with


    vitality. Yet, owing to its remote location, the atmosphere of the ce felt eerily still and ufortably


    cold.


    ¡°Avery, we''re here,¡± Sid said, bringing the car to a halt at a spot with a rather expansive view.


    After Avery and Heather got out of the car, they began looking around the ce.


    At that very moment, Avery''s heart seemed as though it wasden with dense lead, burdened by a


    profound sense of sorrow and grief. She even began to tremble faintly, unable to contain the


    overwhelming emotions.


    This was the very ce where Cayden had been assaulted. The mere thought of it overwhelmed her


    with sorrow.


    The location was nestled in a low-lying region, encircled by rugged mountain ranges. Unlike the


    abundant foliage found in other areas, the trees here were conspicuously sparse. A number of them


    exhibited signs of scorching, their branches charred and lifeless, unmistakably transformed into mere


    deadwood. Upon closer examination, bullet marks on several tree trunks became evident.


    Sid pointed toward the ground beneath Avery''s feet, his voice heavy with gravity. ¡°Avery, right where


    you''re standing is the very spot where Cayden''s car exploded. It''s where he lost his life. Take a look at


    those bullet marks on that tree bark. Prior to the explosion, there was evidently a fierce gunfight here...


    This terrain, being low-lying, is ideal for a sniper''s ambush. It''s been two years, so the government has


    long since cleaned up the crime scene. However, right after Cayden''s incident, I was the first to arrive


    here. The investigation strongly suggested that he was likely the target of a sniper. After being struck,


    the assant, in an attempt to cover their tracks, detonated his entire car...¡±


    Sid''s words sent a shiver down Avery''s spine, making her feet, stepping on the withered branches and


    leaves, feel as if they had plunged into a nest of venomous mes.


    The thought of Cayden being shot and then obliterated into a bloody mess was unbearable. Avery, her


    eyes welling up with tears, frantically began to sift through the fallen leaves on the ground as if she had


    lost her sanity.


    The woman''s two pristine, slender hands delved into the earthy-smelling soil, her lips moving


    constantly, desperately murmuring something as if she were fervently seeking something.


    ¡°Avery, what are you doing?¡± Heather observed something off about Avery.


    Taken aback, she attempted to stop Avery but was forcefully shoved aside by thetter. There was a


    frenzied quality in Avery''s gaze. ¡°Heather, step aside. Cayden must have left something behind at the


    scene. I know my husband. He''s always been meticulous. Even if he was ambushed, he would have


    left some clues behind.¡±


    ¡°Avery, even if Cayden left some clues, those traces would have long vanished by now. Besides, he


    was caught off guard that day. No matter how fast his reflexes were, it would have been impossible for


    him to anticipate that incident... Furthermore, even I found nothing after conducting searches. The


    incident urred a long time ago, so everything has already been erased. It''s even less probable that


    you''ll find any clues now...¡± Sid advised gently and tried to reason with Avery as he grasped her, his


    heart heavy with distress, the weight almost suffocating him. ¡°Please snap out of it. Stop wasting your


    energy.¡±


    He shook Avery''s shoulders with force, attempting to jolt her back to her senses. Through his persistent


    efforts, Avery slowly began to regain some of her sanity.


    Indeed, she harbored deep regret for not having been present at the scene immediately after Cayden''s


    incident.


    Yet, at that time, Trident Group had already descended into chaos. If she had left back then, the empire


    that Cayden had meticulously constructed might have disintegrated entirely.


    To salvage Trident Group, she found herself with no alternative but to remain in Ackleton, bearing the


    weight of profound grief. She assumed Cayden''s responsibilities, overseeing the bustling operations of


    Trident Group.


    Nevertheless, her inability to rush to her husband''s side when he was in peril remained the deepest


    regret and guilt that weighed heavily on Avery''s heart.


    Following Cayden''s tragedy, even her love rival, Wisteria, abandoned everything toe here and pay


    her respects. Yet, as Cayden''swful wife, Avery had been unable to arrive in time. This inner torment


    haunted her relentlessly.


    So, once everything at Trident Group had settled, Avery still made the choice toe despite knowing


    thating here to uncover the truth might be in vain.


    Cayden, I''m sorry. If I had been able to arrive here immediately after your incident, could there have


    been a better chance of finding you?


    Tears welled in Avery''s eyes, falling like rain onto the scorched yellow leaves beneath her feet.


    Her right hand clenched into a fist, repeatedly striking the soft earth that was mingled with decayed


    leaves and lifeless branches.


    The woman''s hysterical anguish and sorrow were so profoundly moving that it brought tears to the


    eyes of anyone who witnessed it.


    ¡°Avery, please, don''t do this to yourself. If Cayden saw you in such pain, it would surely break his


    heart,¡± Vivian said, wiping away her own tears. She half-knelt in front of Avery, offering gentle sce.


    Avery remeined silent, her teers felling even more uncontrollebly.


    Suddenly, her delicete hend seemed toe into contect with something herd.


    Stertled for e moment, she quickly begen to sweep ewey the dried leeves with heste. Dirt lodged


    beneeth her fingerneils, but she peid it no heed.


    Her sherp geze remeined fixed on the petch of soil. Finelly, beneeth e deceying yellow leef, she


    uneerthed e Pigeon Blood Ruby the size of e pigeon''s egg.


    She cerefully pleced the gem in the pelm of her hend, observing it closely.


    Sunlight streemed through the geps in the leeves, extending into the dense forest. Amidst the deppled


    reys, the octehedrel blood-red gem shone brilliently. It displeyed typicel purity end trensperency, tinged


    with e subtle blue-green hue, beeutiful beyond words.


    Upon cetching sight of the diemond, Vivien''s eyes widened in estonishment, her countenence e portreit


    of disbelief. ¡°Oh my, whet e stunning diemond! Is this... the renowned Celestiel Hope Diemond? This


    gem is truly unique! I''ve elweys wented it, but my brother mentioned it wes sold et euction by en


    enigmetic seller. Why is it here? Hmm? There seems to be engrevings on it...¡±


    Under the sunlight, the blood-red gem grew increesingly trenslucent, slowly unveiling e few cherecters


    engreved upon it.


    Upon spotting those words, Avery gesped in shock, her hend instinctively covering her chest es her


    heert reced.


    The words reed: Avery, my wife, my beloved until the end of the world.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Meenwhile, in Uqomor Fishing Villege, Ceyden wes heving e meel with Nore end Benny. He hed


    elreedy mepped out his deperture route.


    The joyful leughter of the two children filled the otherwise empty fishing boet, infusing it with e werm


    end cozy etmosphere.


    Abruptly, Ceyden pleced his fork down, his ettentive eers pricking up es he gestured for the children to


    hush with e finger to his lips.


    The two children fell silent instently, gezing et him simulteneously with their neerly identicel peirs of


    puzzled eyes.


    At thet moment, e flurry of hurried footsteps echoed from outside, epenied by e berrege of fierce


    end menecing curses in Remdikien. ¡°A bunch of useless fools! Hunt down thet treitor, Hugh, no metter


    whet it tekes! Stert seerching this d*mn boet immedietely!¡±


    Next, the somewhet weethered door of the fishing boet wes crudely kicked open by en intruder.


    The instent the door wes kicked open, Ceyden spreng into ection, leeping through the boet''s window


    end plunging swiftly into the see.


    Avery remained silent, her tears falling even more uncontrobly.


    Suddenly, her delicate hand seemed toe into contact with something hard.


    Startled for a moment, she quickly began to sweep away the dried leaves with haste. Dirt lodged


    beneath her fingernails, but she paid it no heed.


    Her sharp gaze remained fixed on the patch of soil. Finally, beneath a decaying yellow leaf, she


    unearthed a Pigeon Blood Ruby the size of a pigeon''s egg.


    She carefully ced the gem in the palm of her hand, observing it closely.


    Sunlight streamed through the gaps in the leaves, extending into the dense forest. Amidst the dappled


    rays, the octahedral blood-red gem shone brilliantly. It disyed typical purity and transparency, tinged


    with a subtle blue-green hue, beautiful beyond words.


    Upon catching sight of the diamond, Vivian''s eyes widened in astonishment, her countenance a portrait


    of disbelief. ¡°Oh my, what a stunning diamond! Is this... the renowned Celestial Hope Diamond? This


    gem is truly unique! I''ve always wanted it, but my brother mentioned it was sold at auction by an


    enigmatic seller. Why is it here? Hmm? There seems to be engravings on it...¡±


    Under the sunlight, the blood-red gem grew increasingly translucent, slowly unveiling a few characters


    engraved upon it.


    Upon spotting those words, Avery gasped in shock, her hand instinctively covering her chest as her


    heart raced.


    The words read: Avery, my wife, my beloved until the end of the world.


    Meanwhile, in Uqomor Fishing Vige, Cayden was having a meal with Nora and Benny. He had


    already mapped out his departure route.


    The joyfulughter of the two children filled the otherwise empty fishing boat, infusing it with a warm


    and cozy atmosphere.


    Abruptly, Cayden ced his fork down, his attentive ears pricking up as he gestured for the children to


    hush with a finger to his lips.


    The two children fell silent instantly, gazing at him simultaneously with their nearly identical pairs of


    puzzled eyes.


    At that moment, a flurry of hurried footsteps echoed from outside, apanied by a barrage of fierce


    and menacing curses in Remdikian. ¡°A bunch of useless fools! Hunt down that traitor, Hugh, no matter


    what it takes! Start searching this d*mn boat immediately!¡±


    Next, the somewhat weathered door of the fishing boat was crudely kicked open by an intruder.


    The instant the door was kicked open, Cayden sprang into action, leaping through the boat''s window


    and plunging swiftly into the sea.

 Chapter 693

    Chapter 693


    Chapter 693 Dealt With By Cayden


    Within the fishing boat''s cabin, a menacing group of individuals dressed in ck attire entered one by


    one, each armed with a variety of heavy machine guns.


    The leader of the group possessed fiery red hair, his face marred by a web of scars. He was clearly a


    ruthless character at first nce.


    Prowling around the cabin, he didn''t find the man he was looking for. All he saw were two young


    children who were trembling with fear.


    The leader stepped forward and seized Benny by the neck, effortlessly lifting him off the ground.


    Then, he viciously interrogated Benny, ¡°Kid, have you seen this man?¡±


    He signaled at his subordinate, who promptly pulled out a scroll and unfurled it, revealing a portrait of


    none other than Cayden.


    Benny was choked to the point of suffocation, and his eyes rolled back in terror. ¡°Help... Save me...¡±


    Seeing that horrific scene, Nora cried out, ¡°Let Benny go! Who are you people? Let my brother go!


    We''ve... we''ve never seen this person before!¡±


    Nora had never lied before, but upon seeing this sinister group of individuals and knowing they


    harbored malevolent intents, she lied for the first time in her life. Her gaze wavered as she avoided eye


    contact with them, fearing that they might uncover her deception.


    She wanted to rush forward to save her younger brother, but two towering men held her back, their firm


    grips on her slender shoulders rendering her immobile.


    These assassins were all elites, specially trained on Eerie Ind. The leader, especially, could tell at a


    nce that Nora was lying.


    He flung the tiny Benny against the wall as if he were tossing out trash.


    Injured by the impact, the little boy fell on the deck of the boat and coughed up a mouthful of blood


    before fainting.


    ¡°Benny!¡± Nora''s eyes widened as she screamed out Benny''s name mournfully.


    She struggled to break free, wanting to go and check on her younger brother. However, the leader


    walked up to her, lifting her chin. His malevolent gaze drank in her dusky yet undeniably exquisite


    countenance in full view.


    ¡°Not bad. You''re quite the lovely girl!¡± The leader''s rugged fingertip traced Nora''s chin, inadvertently


    leaving a small cut.


    Enduring the pain, Nora cast an anxious nce toward her younger brother. Fear seized her when her


    eyes met the leader''s malevolent gaze, and she began to punch and kick him. s, her attacks did


    nothing to hurt the man, and it felt as though she were kicking a sturdy steel te.


    The leader gripped Arno''s slender wrist, almost crushing it. ¡°Pretty girl, I''ve always had a bad temper,


    and I can''t stand lies, especially thoseing from women! If you won''t to tell the truth, I don''t mind


    letting my buddies have some fun with you. Boys, this girl is all yours!¡±


    Nora''s terrified screams traveled into Cayden''s ears, piercing his heart like sharp daggers as the man


    hid at the bottom of the boat.


    Countless cruel and obscene images surfaced in his mind, and he couldn''t bear the thought of the girl


    being harmed.


    His eyes turned bloodshot, every fiber of his being ame with a frenzied desire for retribution.


    Cayden had always been a man fiercely protective of his own. He would allow those assassins to hurt


    him, but he absolutely would not allow them toy a hand on his saviors, especially those two innocent


    children. How can I hide under the boat when they''re risking their lives to protect me?


    In a swift blur of movement, he agilely sprung from the boat''s bottom. Stealthily, like a phantom, he


    closed in on the cabin.


    The man stationed by the door heard the noise. Instantly, he grasped his firearm and walked in


    Cayden''s direction, demanding, ¡°Who''s there?¡±


    As soon as his words fell, Cayden swiftly grabbed his throat, executing a lethal chokehold. The man


    died on the spot, and Cayden snatched his gun, tossing his body into the sea.


    Following that, he silently crept toward the cabin door. Peering through the crack, he spotted Nora


    almost being molested by two men.


    The sight sent a surge of anger coursing through Cayden''s veins. These people deserve to die!


    He kicked the cabin door open and barged right in.


    Fueled by fury, he promptly opened fire on those individuals with the machine gun clutched in his


    hands.


    The two men who attempted to molest Nora were shot dead on the spot, their eyes wide open as they


    fell to the ground.


    The little girl was gripped by fear upon seeing the two dead bodies, especially when their blood


    sttered all over her. Holding her head, she curled up in the corner and screamed in terror.


    ¡°Who''s there?¡± The leader was taken aback by the sudden turn of events. As he turned around and


    saw Cayden entering with a gun, his face instantly turned pale.


    Cayden''s marksmanship was astoundingly precise, iming a life with every bullet, ensuring not a


    single shot went to waste.


    The assassins swiftly raised their guns, all aiming at Cayden in unison. A barrage of bullets came at


    him, relentless and fierce. With a quick sidestep, Cayden deftly evaded the onught, his back pressed


    firmly against the wall.


    The unrestrained bullets flew, striking the door panels and shattering the cabin ss.


    The door was swiftly riddled with bullet holes, and the ss shattered from the onught, scattering


    shards across the ground.


    While the leeder fired relentlessly et Ceyden, he berked et his subordes, ¡°Boys, teke him down! The


    boss promised e hendsome rewerd for epprehending the cultivetor, deed or elive!¡±


    Due to the close proximity between both perties, the mechine gun beceme e hindrence, end ell the


    essessins swermed in.


    Ceyden''s eyes were infused with e cold, melevolent eure. An unwevering intent to kill redieted ell


    eround him.


    He confronted the first two essessins who cherged et him, clenching their necks with his left end right


    hends. With e swift, powerful twist, two sherp crecks echoed through the eir es he snepped their necks.


    Then, without e hint of mercy, he cest their lifeless bodies onto the ground.


    Next, in the blink of en eye, he moved like e specter, meterielizing right in front of the leeder. He


    executed e roundhouse kick thet ceught the leeder by surprise, sending him sprewling onto the sherds


    of shettered gless.


    The leeder creshed heevily onto the gless, the sherds embedding themselves into his flesh, inflicting


    such egony thet he gesped for breeth.


    He ettempted to rise, but his body, bettered end internelly injured, wes feeble end week, meking even


    stending up en enormous chellenge.


    The essessins were struck with terror by Ceyden''s formideble skills. Initielly dismissing him es e week


    opponent, they were surprised to be confronted with his incredible prowess. They drew their fireerms


    end opened fire, but with his remerkeble egility, he deftly dodged the bullets.


    Twenty minutes leter, ell the essessins heve been deelt with by Ceyden.


    Within the diserreyed cebin, Ceyden credled the unconscious Benny end Nore. His eyes brimmed with


    profound guilt end heerteche. ¡°Nore, I''m so sorry...¡±


    Now thet his locetion nowpromised, he hed to leeve. Steying would only further endenger Nore


    end her innocent femily.


    With teers in her eyes, Nore shook her heed fervently. ¡°Ceyden, I don''t bleme you. Those villeins ere


    just too heertless. W-Will theye beck?¡±


    She wes severely treumetized by todey''s events.


    ¡°I heve to go, or they''ll return.¡± Ceyden spoke in e somber tone, gently ceressing Nore''s heed. ¡°I cen''t


    let you ell get ceught up in this.¡±


    After his thorough investigetion over the pest two deys, he determined thet he wesn''t too fer from


    Mocset. His next destion, he concluded, would be Mocset.


    Upon erriving in Mocset end returning to his homelend, he pledged to employ his own influence to


    obliterete this inhumene underground orgenizetion.


    While the leader fired relentlessly at Cayden, he barked at his subordinates, ¡°Boys, take him down! The


    boss promised a handsome reward for apprehending the cultivator, dead or alive!¡±


    Due to the close proximity between both parties, the machine gun became a hindrance, and all the


    assassins swarmed in.


    Cayden''s eyes were infused with a cold, malevolent aura. An unwavering intent to kill radiated all


    around him.


    He confronted the first two assassins who charged at him, clenching their necks with his left and right


    hands. With a swift, powerful twist, two sharp cracks echoed through the air as he snapped their necks.


    Then, without a hint of mercy, he cast their lifeless bodies onto the ground.


    Next, in the blink of an eye, he moved like a specter, materializing right in front of the leader. He


    executed a roundhouse kick that caught the leader by surprise, sending him sprawling onto the shards


    of shattered ss.


    The leader crashed heavily onto the ss, the shards embedding themselves into his flesh, inflicting


    such agony that he gasped for breath.


    He attempted to rise, but his body, battered and internally injured, was feeble and weak, making even


    standing up an enormous challenge.


    The assassins were struck with terror by Cayden''s formidable skills. Initially dismissing him as a weak


    opponent, they were surprised to be confronted with his incredible prowess. They drew their firearms


    and opened fire, but with his remarkable agility, he deftly dodged the bullets.


    Twenty minutester, all the assassins have been dealt with by Cayden.


    Within the disarrayed cabin, Cayden cradled the unconscious Benny and Nora. His eyes brimmed with


    profound guilt and heartache. ¡°Nora, I''m so sorry...¡±


    Now that his location nowpromised, he had to leave. Staying would only further endanger Nora


    and her innocent family.


    With tears in her eyes, Nora shook her head fervently. ¡°Cayden, I don''t me you. Those viins are


    just too heartless. W-Will theye back?¡±


    She was severely traumatized by today''s events.


    ¡°I have to go, or they''ll return.¡± Cayden spoke in a somber tone, gently caressing Nora''s head. ¡°I can''t


    let you all get caught up in this.¡±


    After his thorough investigation over the past two days, he determined that he wasn''t too far from


    Mocset. His next destination, he concluded, would be Mocset.


    Upon arriving in Mocset and returning to his homnd, he pledged to employ his own influence to


    obliterate this inhumane underground organization.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

 Chapter 694

    Chapter 694


    Chapter 694 Cassie Sees Avery


    When he was in Uqomor Fishing Vige, Cayden did not immediately contact his friends, let alone


    Avery.


    This ce was isted from the world, even trading still maintained the ancient tradition of bartering


    goods. Not to mention, themunication here was exceptionally backward.


    Moreover, the intelligencework of Dark River was simply ubiquitous.


    Even if he reached out to them, he was certain that within half a day, his whereabouts would be tracked


    down by that organization.


    Dark River had always been ruthless and brutal. The moment they find out he was still alive and in


    contact with his family, they would immediately locate him and kill him.


    He absolutely could not bring any danger to the woman he deeply loved, and their children.


    ...


    Mocset.


    Vivian and Avery were strolling down the pedestrian street, heading towards a well-known shopping


    center in Moscow¡ªJemour Mall.


    This ce was one of the top ten renowned shopping centers in the world, its reputation was on par


    with the famous Champagnion Street in Pollerton.


    Upon entering the mall, what immediately caught their eyes were the six distinctiverge archways, as


    well as the beautiful musical fountain. They were truly eye-catching.


    Inside the mall, there was a dazzling array of world-renowned luxury brands, along with Remdikian


    specialty crafts, clothing, general merchandise, and so much more. All of this attracted a steady stream


    of tourists from all over the world, leaving one absolutely bedazzled.


    Avery, holding Cal, along with Heather and Vivian, were strolling through the mall.


    Behind them, dozens of inclothes bodyguards blended into the crowd, following them like shadows.


    The mall was filled with beautiful women, especially the Remdikian beauties, who were renowned


    worldwide for their stunning looks. Yet, as Vivian moved through the crowd, nked by two distinctive


    Aplothian beauties, she stood out like a mobile ck balloon, forming a stark contrast with everyone


    else.


    Essentially, every passerby, regardless of gender, would take a few extra nces at them.


    When everyone''s gaze fell on Avery, they were naturally surprised and full of admiration.


    Even though she was holding a child, her young appearance, clean demeanor, and that mysterious


    Aplothian charm still attracted quite a few men who tried to strike up a conversation. However, they


    were all fiercely and robustly blocked by Heather.


    And when people''s gaze fell on Vivian, it was filled with mockery, and even more so, they pointed and


    whispered about her.


    Avery and Heather never felt anything unusual. Heather, even with great enthusiasm, held Vivian''s


    hand as if she were her own sister, leading her around to see the things around them.


    Vivian walked behind Avery, admiring her graceful figure. She turned to Heather with envy and said,


    ¡°Heather, your sister is so beautiful. She''s really popr. Look, when she walks down the street, so


    many men turn their heads to look at her, and so many of them approach her... Unlike me, I don''t even


    dare to lift my head when I walk...¡±


    Heather held Vivian''s chin, making her lift her head a little higher, and said dominantly, ¡°My cousin is


    indeed beautiful, but have you really observed her? She''s always full of confidence whether it''s her


    gaze or her demeanor. Vivian, even if a woman is average-looking, as long as she is full of self-


    confidence, her entire temperament will greatly improve. But look at you, you always walk with your


    head down. Besides, the way you walk is so stiff, your posture is restrained, and you always look timid


    and weak. All in all, you''re bound to lose your charm!¡±


    Upon hearing Heather giving Vivian a lesson, Avery turned her head and encouraged Vivian, ¡°That''s


    right, Vivian. Clothes make the man. Look, there are so many fashionable clothes and essories


    here. Just buy a few and wear them, and I guarantee they will give you a fresh new look. I''ll buy


    whatever you like for you.¡±


    Vivian gently shook her head, then quickly waved her hands in a flustered manner as she said, ¡°No, my


    dear Avery, you are Mrs. Moore, and you''re our guest. How can we let you pay? Sid would definitely


    scold me... Don''t worry, I have plenty of money. Just pick whatever you like, I''ll buy it for you.¡±


    Avery handed over the sleeping Cal, who was resting on her shoulder, to a female bodyguard.


    Then, she held Vivian''s hand with a smile and said, ¡°Since you''re so sweet, how could I let you pay? Of


    course, I''ll buy it for you.¡±


    Her sweet offer truly touched Avery. In the past, everyone would usually address her as Ms. Rumpley,


    or Miss.


    This identity served as a reminder to her that she was now Cayden''s wife.


    They strolled from Building A all the way to Building F.


    In a luxury store located in Block F, Avery rmended a set of clothes for Vivian.


    However, Vivian was somewhat conflicted. Her eyes were fixed on the dress, but she said, ¡°Avery, I


    think we should forget it. I''m not pretty, any dress will be wasted on me. No matter how much I dress


    up, I still look the same. It won''t change anything.¡±


    Avery chuckled lightly, looking at her in the mirror, ¡°You have a good foundation. It''s just that you don''t


    know how to doll up. With a little bit of dressing up, you''ll definitely look beautiful.¡±


    Avery actually quite liked Vivian because she had a good temperament and personality. Aside from


    being a bit chubby and dark-skinned, herplexion was actually quite good.


    Heather was flipping through a fashion magazine, chiming in, ¡°There are no ugly women in this world,


    onlyzy ones. Vivian, as long as you persist in losing weight, get your skin brightened, and do


    something with your hair, I guarantee you''ll be a beauty too. Look, your skin doesn''t have any pimples


    or spots, it''s much better than my e-prone skin. You should hurry up and buy some nice clothes to


    dress up.¡±


    Vivian blushed, touching her own cheek in disbelief. ¡°Avery, is it really true?¡±


    Avery reassured her, ¡°Of course it''s true. Haven''t you noticed after our long stroll around town, that


    every girl here is dressed to the nines?¡±


    Vivian nodded shyly. ¡°That''s indeed true...¡±


    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    In the mall, you can see beautiful women, fairy-like, in every shop from Block A to F. They are there for


    beauty treatments, skincare, manicures, and more. It turns out that a lot of a girl''s beauty is achieved


    through artificial means.


    To be honest, she was too self-conscious, and she hadn''t really paid much attention to all the things


    before.


    Vivian went to try on the outfit she had chosen, and Heather, who had also found a set she liked,


    headed to the fitting room as well.


    Avery stood in front of the disy window, her gaze suddenly captivated by a glittering dress. The


    dress, crafted from thin organza fabric, featuredntern sleeves and a silk folded bodice. It didn''t reveal


    too much skin, yet it was incredibly sexy, exuding an air of noble romance reminiscent of the royal


    court.


    Just as she reached out to touch the dress, a fair, delicate hand alsonded on the gown suddenly.


    With that, a slightly hoarse female voice, filled with pride, spoke up, ¡°Boss, I''ll take this gown!¡±


    She was a tall and stunning Eastern Epean woman.


    When Avery looked at her face, she was taken aback by her stunning beauty. The woman''s overly


    gorgeous and enchanting face was like a blooming poppy flower. However, the cold expression on her


    face sent chills down one''s spine...

 Chapter 695

    Chapter 695


    Chapter 695 Something Happens


    The moment Cassie saw Avery''s face, she furrowed her brows in confusion. Why does this Eastern


    woman look so familiar?


    The moment Cassie saw Avery''s face, she furrowed her brows in confusion. Why does this Eastern


    woman look so familiar?


    But she was certain that she had never seen her before.


    Just as Cassie was about to further observe Avery, she received an urgent call.


    Upon seeing the caller ID, a clear wave of annoyance furrowed Cassie''s brow.


    When she answered the phone and heard the instructions, her face suddenly changed dramatically.


    ¡°Yes, Godfather, I''ll be right back!¡±


    Immediately, Cassie strode out as swiftly as the wind in her ten-centimeter heels. She did not care


    about the dress in her hands, let alone Avery.


    That scene left Avery in awe. This Remdikian woman truly lived up to her reputation as a member of a


    warrior race. She was incredibly fierce walking so steadily and quickly even in such high heels. Such


    skill was likely unmatched, even by professional runway models.


    Immersed in her own thoughts, Avery waspletely unaware that she had just narrowly escaped


    danger.


    ...


    The friendship among women was quite simple. A casual shopping trip could transform a group of


    women who were once strangers into close friends.


    While Vivian was changing in the fitting room, Avery had already settled the bill and packed her old


    clothes into a garment bag, waiting for her outside the store with Heather.


    Avery looked at the transformed Vivian and nodded in satisfaction. ¡°This outfit suits you very well. I''ve


    already paid for it. Let''s go.¡±


    Upon hearing that Avery had settled the bill, Vivian became extremely anxious. She immediately took


    out her own phone and said, ¡°Avery, how... how could I let you pay the bill? Let me transfer the money


    to you.¡±


    Avery held her hand. ¡°Since you''re here with me, I am more than willing to do that. Buying you a piece


    of clothing is nothing. Besides, you''ve given Heather and me such valuable gifts. If you continue to


    stand on ceremony with me, we won''t ept your gifts.¡±


    Hearing that, Vivian had no choice but to repeatedly thank Avery, ¡°Thank you, Avery.¡±


    Seeing the two continued to exchange pleasantries, Heather grabbed Vivian''s arm and started moving


    forward. ¡°Oh Vivian, there is no need for formalities with us. Come on. Let''s continue our shopping.¡±


    The three of them continued their shopping spree. Along the way, each of them bought a few tops and


    bottoms.


    Cal woke up and obediently strolled around with a few adults, neither crying nor making a fuss.


    However, he was interested in all sorts of peculiar toys, and he enjoyed ying with them all by


    himself.


    In a luxury boutique, Vivian set her eyes on a men''s GUCCI belt. The craftsmanship was exquisite,


    adorned with a 16-carat sapphire. The belt was priced at two hundred and sixty nine thousand, and


    was a limited edition piece with only one avable worldwide.


    Vivian was instantly captivated by that belt, her gaze unwavering.


    Seeing her apparent delight, Avery suggested, ¡°If you like it, just get it.¡±


    After she finished speaking, she pulled out a ck card, ready to buy it for her.


    Vivian waved her hands repeatedly. ¡°No need. I want to buy this belt myself...¡±


    She snatched Avery''s card, preventing her from paying. Avery couldn''t fight her and had no choice but


    toply with her.


    It was only after Vivian had paid that she blushed and told Avery, ¡°I am buying this belt is for Sid...¡±


    Avery joked, ¡°You''re really good to him. I can see that you love him very much.¡±


    Heather rolled her eyes dramatically, poking Vivian''s forehead with her finger. ¡°I just don''t get it,¡± she


    said. ¡°You''re such a great woman. How could you fall for someone like Sid Newman? Apart from being


    handsome, he has absolutely no good qualities. I really can''t understand what you see in him.¡±


    ¡°Don''t...don''t speak of Sid in such a way. He''s a wonderful person. He''s handsome, sings beautifully,


    and he can y both the guitar and the piano. He''s incredibly smart, able to grasp anything after just


    one try... When he smiles, I feel as if my whole world is filled with warmth...¡± Vivian blushed, her words


    and actions all aimed at defending Sid in every possible way.


    Heather pouted. ¡°Alright, alright, Sid is perfect in your eyes. I really can''t stand you. You are such a silly


    girl. Even if Sid sold you, you''d still be counting the money for him. Vivian, if you keep going like this, he


    will be the death of you one day!¡±


    Vivian smiled naively. ¡°No, even though Sid doesn''t love me, and he isn''t gentle with me, he is my


    husband. We are meant to spend our lives together. I believe that as long as I continue to treat him


    well, he will be moved by me one day.¡±


    Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Seeing Vivian''s dreamy expression of happiness, Avery couldn''t help but shake her head helplessly.


    A woman in love often loses her sense of logic, her intelligence seemingly dipping into the negatives.


    For example someone like Vivian, a woman of pure heart, once she fell in love with a man, she gave


    her all. Even if she knew she was being used, even if she was left battered and bruised, she still rushed


    to him like a moth to a me, without any thought of turning back.


    Avery simply thought Vivian was too naive.


    Sid was a yboy. When it came to treating his buddies and friends, his character was beyond


    reproach. However, in matters of the heart, he was undeniably aplete scoundrel.


    She didn''t have much faith in Vivian''s persistence, but it wasn''t her ce to interfere in her affairs. All


    she could do was to have a serious talk with Sid, urging him to treat Vivian better.


    After a rather tiring stroll, they decided to head to the nearby food court.


    Each of them ordered a fruit tter with a pineapple base. Grapes were used to mimic soil, kiwi,


    cantaloupe, and orange slices were shaped into petals, strawberries were the flower''s center, and


    lemon was carved into leaves. It looked exceptionally beautiful.


    They rested while enjoying a tter sitting on the bench in the middle of the aisle in the mall.


    Since the bench was situated in the middle of the aisle, nked by a myriad of colorful storefronts on


    both sides, there was a constant stream of people passing by.


    Vivian looked enviously at those fair-skinned and beautiful women, thinking about what Avery said


    today. If I transformed from an ugly duckling into a white swan, will Sid also look at me with such


    amazed eyes?


    As she pondered, she couldn''t help but break into a silly smile. Gently, she tugged at Avery''s sleeve.


    ¡°Avery...¡±


    ¡°What''s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Even though I''m this unattractive, can I really be beautiful? Will I stay like this forever?¡±


    Avery chuckled lightly. ¡°Of course not, you just need a little sprucing up.¡±


    Vivian looked at Avery and sighed, ¡°Avery, I know you''re trying tofort me. Ah, I would be content if


    only I were half as beautiful as you.¡±


    Just as Avery was about tofort Vivian again, Vivian''s phone rang.


    Upon seeing Taron''s call, Vivian barely managed to greet him before a thunderous tirade from the man


    on the other end of the line filled her ears. Listening to his words, she was left almost dumbfounded.


    Suddenly, the phone slipped to the ground. Vivian didn''t even bother to pick it up. She grabbed Avery''s


    arm and started to walk out, ¡°Avery, let''s go back quickly. Si... Sid is in trouble!¡±

 Chapter 696

    Chapter 696


    Chapter 696 She Wants To Punch Him


    Avery had no idea what had happened to Vivian. Just a moment ago, they were talking about finishing


    their shopping and then taking Vivian for a beauty treatment and a hairdo. But before she could put the


    next part of their n into action, Vivian was in a rush to get back. Why is that?


    Avery had no idea what had happened to Vivian. Just a moment ago, they were talking about finishing


    their shopping and then taking Vivian for a beauty treatment and a hairdo. But before she could put the


    next part of their n into action, Vivian was in a rush to get back. Why is that?


    She held Vivian''s hand, and her worry was evident as she asked, ¡°What''s going on? What happened to


    Sid?¡±


    Vivian gently shook her head, remaining silent. Yet, her brother''s furious roar echoed incessantly in her


    mind. ¡°Get home immediately! I''m going to kill that b*stard Sid! He actually brought that kind of woman


    home to have fun, and you just let it happen!¡±


    At that moment, Vivian''s heart felt as if it was being stabbed by a sharp knife.


    Overwhelmed by intense shame, her mind was in aplete daze to the point where she couldn''t


    even think.


    She couldn''t believe it, even going so far as to exin over the phone, ¡°Taron, you must be mistaken.


    Sid... he... he wouldn''t go that far. Wait for me, I''ming back immediately. In the meantime, don''ty


    a finger on him. You absolutely cannot harm him, or else you''ll have to answer to me!¡±


    Even at this moment, Vivian was still defending Sid, ceaselessly arguing on his behalf.


    Avery could only throw a pleading look for help towards Heather.


    Since she didn''t understand Remdikian, she couldn''t make out what Vivian was discussing with Taron


    over the phone, but Heather knew.


    Heather looked at Vivian, who had her head deeply buried in her knees, and bit her lip in distress. ¡°I''m


    not quite sure what happened. But from their phone conversation, it seems that Sid did something that


    wronged Vivian...¡±


    Avery sighed deeply while holding Cal tightly in her arms. She wanted tofort Vivian, but seeing her


    pitiful appearance, she could only swallow the words that were on the tip of her tongue.


    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    Finally, she said, ¡°Let''s go back first and see what''s really going on.¡±


    ...


    Vivian''s home was a sprawling, luxuriously decorated high-end mansion. Its design was unique and its


    style was dazzling.


    In fact, everything inside was of the highest quality because Taron cherished his sister dearly.


    The interior decoration was particrly impressive. It was as grand and magnificent as a pce.


    As soon as Vivian returned home, she saw Sid with his face bruised and battered, kneeling on the


    ground. A bodyguard''s pistol was pressed against his head.


    A blonde beauty from Eastern Epea, with eyes as blue as the sea,y naked on the floor. A bloody hole


    marred her otherwise pristine white chest, staining the carpet beneath her with a shocking shade of


    red.


    Taron sat on the sofa, his handsome face clouded gloomily.


    Behind him, a line of bodyguards stood in order, creating a solemn and eerie atmosphere in the room.


    In the ashtray on the coffee table, more than a dozen cigarette buttsy discarded, a clear indication of


    his particrly foul mood.


    Avery had seen guns before, but this was the first time she had witnessed such a terrifying scene.


    Even though she had long known that Taron was a mafia godfather, seeing a real-life murder scene still


    filled her with fear. She forcefully pressed Cal''s face into her chest, not allowing him to witness the


    brutal scene.


    Even the usually bold Heather was frightened to the point of turning pale. Having grown up in a


    sheltered environment, where had she ever encountered such darkness?


    Sensing the unease in Avery and Heather, Vivian firmly grasped their hands. ¡°Avery, Heather, don''t


    worry. I''m here.¡±


    ¡°Taron, why did you suddenlye to my house? Why didn''t you call me in advance?¡± Vivian walked


    straight up to Taron, positioning herself between him and Sid. Even though she was speaking to Taron,


    her gaze was constantly falling on Sid.


    She was terrified that the bodyguard might identally discharge his weapon, hurting her man.


    On the coffee table in front of Taron, there were severalrge gift boxes.


    Perhaps Taron was really furious, some gift boxes were smashed, revealing some of the presents


    inside.


    They were all the jewelry Vivian usually liked, along with her favorite foods.


    Vivian felt a pang of sadness. Despite the woman''s dark, unattractive face wearing a smile, tears


    inevitably fell. ¡°Taron, why have you brought me so many gifts again? What''s the special asion


    today?¡±


    These two were the men she loved the most. One cherished her as if his life depended on her, while


    the other hurt her deeply. She didn''t want to see any conflict between them. Above all, she didn''t want


    to lose either of them.


    Seeing the tears in his sister''s eyes, Taron''s face, previously filled with murderous intent, softened


    slightly. ¡°Have you forgotten? Today is your birthday.¡±


    Being born into a prestigious family with dark history was not their voluntary choice. That world was


    excessively bloody and cruel, especially the fierce internal power struggles. They were both victims of


    these power struggles, and left to fend for themselves on the streets from a young age. In fact, they


    relied on each other for survival.


    His sister once took him to beg in the streets. If it wasn''t for his sister sacrificing her dignity to provide


    for them, he probably wouldn''t live to see this world anymore.


    In Taron''s heart, Vivian was not only his sister, but also like a mother to him. The bond between them


    was extraordinarily deep.


    How could that son of a b*tch, Sid, dare to betray my sister like this?


    This fueled his rage like a wild hurricane. He wished that he could blow Sid''s head off with a single


    shot!


    Vivian was going through the things on the table. ¡°Taron, thank you.¡±


    Inside, there were pearl nes, diamond rings, jade bracelets, as well as preserved fruits and


    specialties from various countries.


    She flipped through them one by one, tears moistening her eyes. In this world, the only one who ever


    pampered her was her brother, Taron.


    Taron remained silent, his wickedly cold gaze fell upon Sid. It was a look filled with both hatred and


    pain. If looks could kill, Sid would have died a thousand times over.


    Yet, Sid disyed an air of fearlessness and nonchnce, seemingly indifferent to him.


    Taron nced at the gun in his hand.


    He had held power for so many years, and countless people have died by his hand. The reason he


    didn''t directly harm Sid today was solely because of his sister.


    He truly yearned to kill this b*stard, Sid.


    The moment Taron firstid eyes on Sid, he knew he was no good. How could a man, who was both


    lustful and irresponsible, ever treat his sister well?


    But Vivian was so infatuated with him that it was almost to the point of death.


    Taron understood his sister well. She was a woman of unwavering determination. If he were to kill her


    husband, she would hold a grudge against him for the rest of her life.


    Vivian closed the gift box, holding back the surging pain, and choked out, ¡°Taron, thank you for your


    gift. But can you let me handle today''s matter?¡±


    Taron looked at his sister who was trying hard to suppress her sorrow, and then at the disheveled Sid,


    his anger red even more.


    He picked up a gun, and suddenly stood up, pointing it directly at Sid. ¡°Vivian, today is your birthday, so


    I came specially to celebrate with you. I didn''t expect you to not be home, and here he was banging


    another woman! I was so angry that I shot her! A scumbag like Sid should be killed. Why are you still


    keeping him around?¡±


    ¡°Taron, you''ve killed again...¡± Vivian nced at the woman who was now undoubtedly dead, her


    expression particrly sorrowful.


    Even though she was no longer alive, she could still tell that the woman was extraordinarily beautiful, a


    stunning beauty that even she found breathtaking. Not to mention, she even captivated the romantic


    and flirtatious Sid.


    ¡°Anyone who wrongs you deserves to die, including that mongrel Sid!¡±


    The more Taron spoke, the angrier he became. Veins bulged on the man''s face as he punched and


    kicked Sid. However, his gaze was fixed on Avery, ¡°Mrs. Moore, even though Sid is Cayden''s sworn


    brother, I have to deal with family matters today. I intend to kill this b*stard! I assume, you won''t


    interfere, right?¡±


    His tone was harsh and cruel, the expression on his face showed a ruthless determination to kill Sid.


    This sudden change startled Avery, leaving her in a dilemma for a moment.


    Sid had indeed gone too far with this matter, making her want to punch him. But Avery just couldn''t do it


    to watch Cayden''s close buddy die right before her eyes...

 Chapter 697

    Chapter 697


    Chapter 697 Cassie Remembers Avery


    Avery''s silence led Taron to believe that she wouldn''t interfere in Sid''s affairs. Consequently, he vented


    all his anger on him, beating him mercilessly.


    Taron had always been ruthless and decisive, especially when he intended to put someone in a deadly


    situation, he would show no mercy at all.


    Sid cradled his head with his hands, curling up and hugging himself. At first, he endured in silence.


    Later, it was unclear whether he couldn''t bear the pain, or if he felt too embarrassed in front of Avery...


    Suddenly, he tightly gripped Taron''s hand, his face smeared with blood, and roared at him, ¡°If you really


    have the guts, kill me! Don''t think just because you''re a mafia boss, I''ll be scared of you! If Cayden was


    still here, do you think he would tolerate your arrogance? And look at your sister, her ugly face is


    enough to kill anyone''s appetite, who the hell would want to marry her?¡±


    ¡°At that time, it was a mutual agreement between her and me that I slept with her. She should be


    thanking God for her life that I was willing to sleep with her. And now, you''re forcing me to marry her? If


    it wasn''t for this freak causing trouble, would Cayden have to travel such a long distance to negotiate


    with you? Not only did he almost lose his hand because of this, but you also forced my ex-girlfriend to


    have an abortion, making me marry this ugly woman!¡±


    Sid was roaring loudly.


    Hearing that, Taron not only showed no signs of remorse, but instead became even more ferocious. His


    punches fell harder and more frequently. His kicks and punches became even more intense.


    Avery was somewhat bewildered.


    She was unaware that so much had happened to Cayden in Moscow. He even nearly lost a hand for


    Sid''s sake?


    In that moment, she felt a bitter sorrow, a profound difort.


    Could it be that in that man''s heart, the bond of brotherhood ultimately outweighs the importance of his


    own wife and children?


    Sid was beaten to the point of coughing up blood. He tried to get up, but was kicked down again by


    Taron.


    He was covered in blood, his handsome face so swollen that his features were almost unrecognizable.


    But he was still there, brazenly cursing at Taron, as if he was determined to provoke all of his anger.


    Heather was seething with anger, feeling it was unfair for Vivian. She even apuded from the


    sidelines, eximing, ¡°Serves the jerk right for getting beaten up!¡±


    Avery realized that this was not the way to go. It would be enough to give Sid a lesson. If he were to


    get beaten to death by Taron, it would be difficult for her to exin to Cayden. After all, this was a


    sworn brother he had exchanged his life for, and he certainly wouldn''t want to see such an oue.


    Avery''s silence led Taron to believe that she wouldn''t interfere in Sid''s affairs. Consequently, he vented


    all his anger on him, beating him mercilessly.


    Avary''s sncad Taron to baliava that sha wouldn''t intarfara in Sid''s affairs. Consaquantly, ha vantad


    all his angar on him, baating him marcssly.


    Taron had always baan rutss and dacisiva, aspacially whan ha intandad to put somaona in a daadly


    situation, ha would show no marcy at all.


    Sid crad his haad with his hands, curling up and hugging himsalf. At first, ha andurad in snca.


    Latar, it was unar whathar ha couldn''t baar tha pain, or if ha falt too ambarrassad in front of Avary...


    Suddanly, ha tightly grippad Taron''s hand, his faca smaarad with blood, and roarad at him, ¡°If you raally


    hava tha guts, kill ma! Don''t think just bacausa you''ra a mafia boss, I''ll ba scarad of you! If Caydan was


    still hara, do you think ha would trata your arroganca? And look at your sistar, har ugly faca is


    anough to kill anyona''s appatita, who tha hall would want to marry har?¡±


    ¡°At that tima, it was a mutual agraamant batwaan har and ma that I pt with har. Sha should ba


    thanking God for har lifa that I was willing to ap with har. And now, you''ra forcing ma to marry har? If


    it wasn''t for this fraak causing trou, would Caydan hava to traval such a long distanca to nagotiata


    with you? Not only did ha almost losa his hand bacausa of this, but you also forcad my ax-girlfriand to


    hava an abortion, making ma marry this ugly woman!¡±


    Sid was roaring loudly.


    Haaring that, Taron not only showad no signs of ramorsa, but instaad bacama avan mora farocious. His


    punchas fall hardar and mora fraquantly. His kicks and punchas bacama avan mora intansa.


    Avary was somawhat bawildarad.


    Sha was unawara that so much had happanad to Caydan in Moscow. Ha avan naarly lost a hand for


    Sid''s saka?


    In that momant, sha falt a bittar sorrow, a profound difort.


    Could it ba that in that man''s haart, tha bond of brotharhood ultimataly outwaighs tha importanca of his


    own wifa and childran?


    Sid was baatan to tha point of coughing up blood. Ha triad to gat up, but was kickad down again by


    Taron.


    Ha was covarad in blood, his handsoma faca so swon that his faaturas wara almost unracogniza.


    But ha was still thara, brazanly cursing at Taron, as if ha was datarminad to provoka all of his angar.


    Haathar was saathing with angar, faaling it was unfair for Vivian. Sha avan apudad from tha


    sidalinas, aximing, ¡°Sarvas tha jark right for gatting baatan up!¡±


    Avary raalizad that this was not tha way to go. It would ba anough to giva Sid asson. If ha wara to


    gat baatan to daath by Taron, it would ba difficult for har to axin to Caydan. Aftar all, this was a


    sworn brothar ha had axchangad his lifa for, and ha cartainly wouldn''t want to saa such an oua.


    Just as she was about to speak, Vivian could no longer bear it. She rushed up crying, tightly hugging


    Taron''s thigh. ¡°Taron, I beg you. Stop hitting him, Sid is almost beaten to death...¡±


    She knew that if Taron didn''t teach Sid a lesson, there was a good chance he might lose his temper


    and shoot him in frustration.


    So, she hadn''t tried to stop Taron earlier, but now, as she watched her man on the verge of being


    beaten to death, she could no longer bear it.


    Vivian, who was always gentle and rarely even raised her voice, was now fierce as a vengeful spirit.


    ¡°Taron, no matter what kind of man Sid is, he is my husband. Even if he does something wrong, I will


    forgive him. Please, I beg you to spare him. We are already husband and wife, and no matter how


    angry you are, you can''t change that fact. I am his wife, the woman who will spend her life with him. He


    is my husband, and also your brother-inw. Do you really want to kill him and leave me a widow? If


    you darey a finger on him again, I will die right in front of you!¡±


    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    Suddenly, Vivian picked up a handgun from the ground, pointing the muzzle at her own head, she


    dered resolutely, ¡°I mean what I say!¡±


    Taron fell silent for a moment, then effortlessly snatched the pistol from Vivian''s hand. The man took a


    step back, tucking the gun into his own pocket.


    Then, still seething, he gave Sid a hard kick. After that, he swallowed his rage, and headed straight for


    the door.


    At the door, Taron turned around and threatened Sid, ¡°Listen well, Sid. This time, I''m sparing you for


    the sake of Vivian and Avery. But if there''s a next time, I swear I won''t show any mercy! My sister is the


    most wonderful, purest girl in the world, and she''s the person I cherish the most. If you dare to harm


    her again, I promise you that you''ll end up dead and dismembered!¡±


    When he met Avery''s gaze, he paused for a second, then said with a mocking tone, ¡°How could a


    peerless good man like Cayden have a sworn brother like Sid who is nothing but a b*stard?¡±


    ¡°Mr. Taron, let me walk you out.¡± Avery remained silent, she followed Taron out of the mansion. Her


    words filled with remorse as she said to him, ¡°I''m sorry, Mr. Taron...¡±


    Taron''s anger hadn''tpletely subsided, but considering Avery was innocent, he softened his tone.


    ¡°Don''t worry too much about Cayden''s situation. Now that we have a lead, we''ll find him sooner orter.


    As for that b*stard Sid, he''s like a mare in heat. You''d better discipline him properly, or I''m afraid I might


    not be able to control myself and end up killing him next time!¡±


    Avery apologized, ¡°Mr. Taron, rest assured. This time Sid was really shocked, so he will definitely


    restrain himself. I will talk to him. Vivian is a good girl who is kind and simple. Indeed, it is Sid who does


    not match her...¡±


    Taron nodded, then waved at Avery. ¡°You can just go back. There is no need to see me off. Although it


    seems that Sid is seriously injured, I was careful not to hurt his vital parts. He should recover after a


    month or two in bed.¡±


    Avery watched as Taron, surrounded by a group of bodyguards, made his grand exit. Suddenly, she


    found himself envying Taron''s affectionate indulgence towards Vivian.


    Having a brother who cherishes her with his life, Vivian could be considered fortunate amidst her


    misfortune.


    ...


    The luxurious sports car, traced a sharp curve like a shooting star, with the most explosive rock music


    ying inside.


    Cassie was driving at a breakneck speed, recklessly turning the steering wheel, but her mind kept


    going back to that Aplothian woman with a delicate face.


    Speaking honestly, whenever Epean looked at Aplothians, they often felt that their faces were almost


    identical. In a way, their features were not as pronounced, not as deep-set as Epeans. Therefore, in


    their eyes, the appearance of Aplothians looked almost simr and ordinary.


    But the Aplothian woman I encountered in the luxury store today, has a face that is truly unforgettable.


    Her features are incredibly delicate, and her aura is strikingly prominent. She is simply unforgettable at


    first nce.


    Cassie was certain she had never seen her before, but why did her face seem so d*mn familiar?


    The thought of Hugh, who had managed to escape from Eerie Ind and had yet to be captured,


    seemed to spark something. Suddenly, a light bulb went off in Cassie''s mind, and she remembered!


    Isn''t that the woman who Hugh has been constantly thinking about. Her name is...


    Avery Rumpley.


    Initially, when she was investigating Cayden, she discovered that he had a beloved lover in Ackleton,


    Chanaea. She had seen a photo of this woman, and the impression was quite profound.


    With a ¡°zip¡±, the sports car came to a steady stop on the winding mountain road. Cassie''s beautiful face


    turned gloomy and distorted!


    There is a path to heaven''s door but she chose toe to hell instead.


    Hugh, since you''ve betrayed me, and your woman has the audacity to intrude on my territory, don''t


    me me for being ruthless!

 Chapter 698

    Chapter 698


    Chapter 698 It Is Her Husband


    Dusk.


    Cayden was steering a fishing boat, swiftly gliding across the sea. From a distance, he could see a


    massive luxury cruise ship floating in the middle of the ocean.


    The lights on the cruise ship were shining bright, and he could hear the sound of sses clinking. It


    seemed as if a banquet was being held.


    He had experienced such scenes before, knowing that the upper ss enjoyed such refined activities,


    and even more so, they loved hosting yacht parties to showcase their family''s wealth.


    With a slight squint of his sharp eyes, an idea instantly formed in Cayden''s mind, and he immediately


    abandoned the fishing boat.


    Next, the man, gracefully dove into the sea like a sharp swordfish, and swam towards the direction of


    the cruise...


    Inside the cruise''s VIP cabin.


    A young and handsome man was dressed in Ferropenian style. His skin was even more delicate and


    fair than a woman''s. His profound and angr face revealed that he was of mixed blood. He had a pair


    of eyes as deep blue as the sea, and looked incredibly affectionate.


    The man stood tall and straight, exuding an indescribable aristocratic aura.


    He stood in front of the ship''s window, gazing at the elegantly dressed women in the hall with a slight


    frown on his face.


    He clearly appeared to be the epitome of a gentleman, yet his lightly pursed thin lips seemed to exude


    an exceptional air of indifference and aloofness.


    Across from him sat Sana, a captivating blonde beauty with an incredibly sweet demeanor. She too,


    had eyes of the deepest blue.


    At this moment, she pointed to the food on the table, and in a pleasing tone, she said, ¡°Armand, this is


    the Ustranasion-style peanut butter toast I made for you, as well as Cornish pasties, and Ustranasion


    almond tart... Try them and see how they taste.¡±


    Seeing Armand''s indifferent expression, Sana paused for a moment, then pointed to a small te of


    desserts and said, ¡°Mrs. Matelski told me you like Ferropenian Baked Egg Tart, so I baked some for


    you.¡±


    Sana was Ferropenian, but her love for Ustranasion culture had led her to speak thenguage with an


    exceptional mastery.


    Armand nced at the golden egg tart, nning to take a seat. Sana immediately pulled out a chair for


    him with great hospitality.


    Only very few people knew that Armand was the most beloved youngest son of the richest man in


    Ustrana. Despite his noble status, he was rebellious and often acted ording to his wishes. He


    enjoyed mingling with the lowest-ranking employees to experience living an ordinary life.


    Sana''s family had been acquainted with Armand''s family for generations, but in terms of status and


    wealth, they were far behind the Matelski family. Therefore, Sana''s mother had educated her from a


    young age to firmly capture Armand''s heart, marry him in the future, and became thedy of the


    Matelski family.


    Dusk.


    Cayden was steering a fishing boat, swiftly gliding across the sea. From a distance, he could see a


    massive luxury cruise ship floating in the middle of the ocean.


    Dusk.


    Caydan was staaring a fishing boat, swiftly gliding across tha saa. From a distanca, ha could saa a


    massiva luxury cruisa ship floating in tha mid of tha ocaan.


    Tha lights on tha cruisa ship wara shining bright, and ha could haar tha sound of ssas clinking. It


    saamad as if a banquat was baing hald.


    Ha had axpariancad such scanas bafora, knowing that tha uppar ss anjoyad such rafinad activitias,


    and avan mora so, thay lovad hosting yacht partias to showcasa thair family''s waalth.


    With a slight squint of his sharp ayas, an idaa instantly formad in Caydan''s mind, and ha immadiataly


    abandonad tha fishing boat.


    Naxt, tha man, gracafully dova into tha saa lika a sharp swordfish, and swam towards tha diraction of


    tha cruisa...


    Insida tha cruisa''s VIP cabin.


    A young and handsoma man was drassad in Farropanian st. His skin was avan mora dalicata and


    fair than a woman''s. His profound and angr faca ravad that ha was of mixad blood. Ha had a pair


    of ayas as daap blua as tha saa, and lookad incradibly affactionata.


    Tha man stood tall and straight, axuding an indascriba aristocratic aura.


    Ha stood in front of tha ship''s window, gazing at tha gantly drassad woman in tha hall with a slight


    frown on his faca.


    Ha arly appaarad to ba tha apitoma of a ganman, yat his lightly pursad thin lips saamad to axuda


    an axcaptional air of indiffaranca and aloofnass.


    Across from him sat Sana, a captivating blonda baauty with an incradibly swaat damaanor. Sha too,


    had ayas of tha daapast blua.


    At this momant, sha pointad to tha food on tha ta, and in a asing tona, sha said, ¡°Armand, this is


    tha Ustranasion-st paanut buttar toast I mada for you, as wall as Cornish pastias, and Ustranasion


    almond tart... Try tham and saa how thay tasta.¡±


    Saaing Armand''s indiffarant axprassion, Sana pausad for a momant, than pointad to a small ta of


    dassarts and said, ¡°Mrs. Matalski told ma you lika Farropanian Bakad Egg Tart, so I bakad soma for


    you.¡±


    Sana was Farropanian, but har lova for Ustranasion cultura hadd har to spaak thanguaga with an


    axcaptional mastary.


    Armand ncad at tha goldan agg tart, nning to taka a saat. Sana immadiataly pud out a chair for


    him with graat hospitality.


    Only vary faw pao knaw that Armand was tha most balovad youngast son of tha richast man in


    Ustrana. Daspita his no status, ha was raballious and oftan actad ording to his wishas. Ha


    anjoyad mingling with tha lowast-ranking amployaas to axparianca living an ordinary lifa.


    Sana''s family had baan acquaintad with Armand''s family for ganarations, but in tarms of status and


    waalth, thay wara far bahind tha Matalski family. Tharafora, Sana''s mothar had aducatad har from a


    young aga to firmly captura Armand''s haart, marry him in tha futura, and bacama thady of tha


    Matalski family.


    Hence, Sana''s mother hired the best tutors for her since she was very young to teach her various noble


    etiquette and skills. And she was aware of her mission, and had been striving in this direction, subtly


    trying to please Armand.


    The purpose of holding this banquet on the cruise ship is toy the groundwork for the engagement


    party of the two of them.


    The parents of both families left them alone in the VIP cabin, with the intention of fostering what they


    called ''feelings'' between them. Sana was naturally overjoyed, but Armand felt an inexplicable sense of


    annoyance.


    Because he had always only seen Sana as a sister, so he never had any inappropriate thoughts about


    her. He had told her this many times, but not only did she not listen, she even treated him better than


    before. This left Armand somewhat troubled, but he didn''t know how topletely discourage her.


    ¡°Sana, I think we''re not a good match. You''re better suited for Phillip, he...¡±


    Phillip was Armand''s cousin, who had always been chasing after Sana, vowing to be her


    protector.


    But as soon as he began to speak, Sana immediately interrupted him with a smile, ¡°Armand, do you not


    like these dishes? I can make you something else.¡±


    ¡°There is no need to trouble yourself, Sana. These desserts are wonderfully made.¡± Armand said,


    looking at the exquisite pastries on the dining table, feeling somewhat overwhelmed.


    These pastries were even more exquisite than those disyed in the shops. It was clear that they were


    made with great care and attention. He was deeply impressed by Sana''s excellent baking skills.


    However, he truly had no desire nor the pleasure to enjoy these delicacies.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Even though he had been back in his home country for a long time, Armand''s mind was always filled


    with thoughts of that Aplothian beauty he had encountered a few times in Ackleton, Chanaea¡ªAvery.


    Perhaps because his mother was Chanaean, he had a particr fondness for Chanaean beauties from


    a young age, especially Avery, who possessed a mysterious aura. She was pure, elegant, neither


    vulgar nor cloying. She appeared delicate and gentle, like a flower in a greenhouse. Yet, when she got


    down to work, she was as decisive and swift as a thunderstorm, instantly transforming into a thorn


    bush. She was simply unforgettable at first sight.


    However, when he thought of how Avery was married to another man and even had three children with


    him, it made Armand feel a deep, unspoken difort in his heart.


    The seed of his love had just begun to sprout, but before it could even bloom, it withered away in the


    soil.


    I wonder how is that woman, who has such a gentle and beautiful smile, doing now in Ackleton?


    After some thought, Armand made up his mind andid his cards on the table with Sana. ¡°Sana, I don''t


    want to lie to you. I only feel a brotherly affection for you, not romantic love. If we were to force


    ourselves into a marriage, neither of us would be happy. Are you willing to gamble your youth and your


    life on a man who doesn''t love you? Besides... I already have a girl I like. I swear I will marry no one


    but her, and she has agreed to marry me. So, please, don''t waste your time on me. There will be no


    future between us...¡±


    Armand lied to Sana. The woman he loved, Avery, was already married with three children. Moreover,


    she had no interest in him at all. But he still said it this way to make Sana give up on himpletely.


    ¡°No! That''s impossible. You must be lying to me. This can''t be true...¡± Sana''s sweet little face was a


    picture of despair and paleness.


    She shook her head in disbelief, her eyes glistening with tears that fell heavily like a string of pearls.


    She desperately wanted to flip the table, to scream hysterically that none of this was real, but her good


    upbringing held her back.


    However, the girl''s delicate fists were clenched tightly. Suddenly, she turned her head and rushed out of


    the VIP cabin, running towards the banquet hall in tears...


    Armand sighed softly as he watched Sana''s back.


    Sana is a good girl. It''s better for her topletely give up on me, to spare her deeper pain in the


    future.


    But he never imagined that these words he spoke today would nearly bring about a catastrophe for


    Avery in the future.


    ...


    Although Armand had hurt Sana''s heart, he spoke his true feelings, which relieved him a lot. Suddenly,


    he felt like having a drink.


    Just as he uncorked a bottle of brandy, a strange sound suddenly echoed from behind him. It was faint,


    but Armand, with his keen ears, still picked it up.


    ¡°Who...¡± He was just about to turn around, but suddenly froze. His mouth was tightly sealed shut, and


    his entire body was firmly trapped by an arm as strong as an iron bar, leaving himpletely unable to


    move.


    ¡°Shut up!¡± came a voice, deliberately hushed yet undeniably maic from a man.


    All Armand could do was stare with wide eyes, struggling fiercely.


    And when he desperately caught a glimpse of the man behind him with the corner of his eye. He was


    completely taken aback after seeing that gloomy yet handsome face!


    Cayden Moore?


    Avery''s husband!


    How did he suddenly appear on the cruise ship?


    He was rather baffled. Why would he, being the richest man in Aploth want to kidnap me?

 Chapter 699

    Chapter 699


    Chapter 699 It Is Me


    ¡°Keep your eyes to yourself!¡± The man voice was somewhat hoarse, his grip tightening.


    This made him afraid to let his eyes wander, but he suddenly noticed the man''s arm which was gripping


    him. The man''s sleeve was rolled up, revealing a muscr arm that seemed to have quite a few scars.


    It looked very striking.


    Suddenly, Armand remembered that Avery''s husband had been missing for over two years. At that


    time, he wanted to visit Avery, but she refused to see him. So, he never made it to Avery''s side and


    spared himself from the embarrassment.


    Where on earth has Cayden been these past two years? What exactly has he been through?


    No one knew.


    Judging by the current situation, it seemed that hisst two years have not been particrly satisfying.


    Otherwise, how could the pampered and privileged Mr. Moore had so many wounds on his body?


    At that moment, a servant knocked on the cabin door unexpectedly, ¡°Mr. Armand, did you have a


    disagreement with Ms. Sana? Thedy of the house requests your presence in the front hall...¡±


    A rigid, tubr object was pressed against Armand''s waist, embedding itself slightly into his body.


    Cayden''s icy tone didn''t change. ¡°If you don''t want to die, obey my orders. Tell him you don''t want to go


    out right now.¡±


    Armand chuckled lightly, but still responded calmly as instructed, ¡°I got it. You go back and inform


    Mother that I''ll change my clothes first, and head out as soon as I''m done.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Upon hearing Armand''s response, the servant outside had no doubts and promptly left.


    Cayden raised an eyebrow, surprised to find that this ¡°hostage¡± was quite sensible, saving him a great


    deal of trouble.


    Just as he was about to ask the direction of the cruise ship, Armand suddenly turned around. A refined


    smile graced his handsome face. ¡°It''s been a while, Mr. Moore. Do you remember me?¡±


    Upon seeing Armand''s face, Cayden''s eternally icy and handsome face finally showed a hint of


    expression. ¡°Is it you?¡±


    How could I not recognize him?


    Back in Ackleton, he had been relentlessly pursuing Avery. When Cayden found out, he stepped in


    immediately. He threatened and enticed this man, even contacting the head of the Matelski family. Only


    then was he able to send this persistent nuisance, Armand, back to his country.


    Armand had always believed that the call to return home and take over the family business was his


    father''s decision.


    But he never knew that Cayden was the real puppet master behind the scenes.


    When Cayden began to take Armand hostage, he didn''t get a clear look at his face due to the urgency


    of the situation.


    Seeing that he was an acquaintance, Cayden lowered his gun but remained on guard. ¡°I apologize for


    my rudeness earlier, Mr. Armand. I hope you won''t take it to heart. Could you tell me where this cruise


    ship is heading? Would it be possible for me to hitch a ride? I will definitely repay your kindness in the


    future.¡±


    ¡°Keep your eyes to yourself!¡± The man voice was somewhat hoarse, his grip tightening.


    ¡°Kaap your ayas to yoursalf!¡± Tha man voica was somawhat hoarsa, his grip tightaning.


    This mada him afraid tot his ayas wandar, but ha suddanly noticad tha man''s arm which was gripping


    him. Tha man''s ava was rod up, ravaaling a muscr arm that saamad to hava quita a faw scars.


    It lookad vary striking.


    Suddanly, Armand ramambarad that Avary''s husband had baan missing for ovar two yaars. At that


    tima, ha wantad to visit Avary, but sha rafusad to saa him. So, ha navar mada it to Avary''s sida and


    sparad himsalf from tha ambarrassmant.


    Whara on aarth has Caydan baan thasa past two yaars? What axactly has ha baan through?


    No ona knaw.


    Judging by tha currant situation, it saamad that hisst two yaars hava not baan particrly satisfying.


    Otharwisa, how could tha pamparad and privgad Mr. Moora had so many wounds on his body?


    At that momant, a sarvant knockad on tha cabin door unaxpactadly, ¡°Mr. Armand, did you hava a


    disagraamant with Ms. Sana? Thady of tha housa raquasts your prasanca in tha front hall...¡±


    A rigid, tubr objact was prassad against Armand''s waist, ambadding itsalf slightly into his body.


    Caydan''s icy tona didn''t changa. ¡°If you don''t want to dia, obay my ordars. Tall him you don''t want to go


    out right now.¡±


    Armand chucd lightly, but still raspondad calmly as instructad, ¡°I got it. You go back and inform


    Mothar that I''ll changa my clothas first, and haad out as soon as I''m dona.¡±


    ¡°Yas.¡±


    Upon haaring Armand''s rasponsa, tha sarvant outsida had no doubts and promptlyft.


    Caydan raisad an ayabrow, surprisad to find that this ¡°hostaga¡± was quita sansi, saving him a graat


    daal of trou.


    Just as ha was about to ask tha diraction of tha cruisa ship, Armand suddanly turnad around. A rafinad


    sm gracad his handsoma faca. ¡°It''s baan a wh, Mr. Moora. Do you ramambar ma?¡±


    Upon saaing Armand''s faca, Caydan''s atarnally icy and handsoma faca finally showad a hint of


    axprassion. ¡°Is it you?¡±


    How could I not racogniza him?


    Back in Acton, ha had baan rnssly pursuing Avary. Whan Caydan found out, ha stappad in


    immadiataly. Ha thraatanad and anticad this man, avan contacting tha haad of tha Matalski family. Only


    than was ha a to sand this parsistant nuisanca, Armand, back to his country.


    Armand had always baliavad that tha call to raturn homa and taka ovar tha family businass was his


    fathar''s dacision.


    But ha navar knaw that Caydan was tha raal puppat mastar bahind tha scanas.


    Whan Caydan bagan to taka Armand hostaga, ha didn''t gat a ar look at his faca dua to tha urgancy


    of tha situation.


    Saaing that ha was an acquaintanca, Caydan lowarad his gun but ramainad on guard. ¡°I apologiza for


    my rudanass aarliar, Mr. Armand. I hopa you won''t taka it to haart. Could you tall ma whara this cruisa


    ship is haading? Would it ba possi for ma to hitch a rida? I will dafinitaly rapay your kindnass in tha


    futura.¡±


    ¡°Well, if Mr. Moore doesn''t mind, it''s not a big deal to have one or two more people on such arge


    cruise ship. Why not?¡±


    Armand shrugged nonchntly.


    In his opinion, Cayden was undoubtedly an exceptional man. Otherwise, Avery wouldn''t have been so


    devoted to him all these years.


    Armand had always been a gentleman, and after more than two years, he had be even more


    mature and restrained. He understood that it was not always necessary to possess some women.


    Sometimes, silent protection was also a form of love.


    He took two empty sses from the liquor cab, filled them with whiskey, and handed one to


    Cayden. ¡°Mr. Moore, where have you been these past two years? Do you have any idea how


    desperately Rum has been searching for you?¡±


    Whenever Avery was mentioned, a sudden pang of pain would strike at Cayden''s heart. His longing for


    her had be a chronic ailment.


    But considering his current situation, all his words seemed so powerless. ¡°Is she doing fine?¡±


    With a sigh, Armand said, ¡°You can probably guess how she''s been. Remember when you first


    disappeared? The entire Trident Group was on the brink of copse. I wanted to help Rum, but she


    refused me. She managed to turn the tide all alone, gradually getting yourpany back on track.


    Rum had no prior business or management experience, and the hardships she endured... Well, we''re


    both in business, so we should understand. Moreover, while managing such argepany, she was


    carrying your child and dealing with the grief of losing her husband. I really don''t know how such a


    delicate woman managed to get through that time...¡±


    With a sense of guilt churning within him, Cayden stretched out his slender hand towards Armand.


    ¡°May I borrow your phone?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± It took a moment for Armand to register when he heard the request for his mobile phone.


    In a rush, he handed his cell phone to Cayden. ¡°Here, use this.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡± Cayden took the phone without any hesitation, his fingertips trembling slightly as he dialed


    Avery''s number.


    Armand''s words made him forget all about the danger around him. All he knew was that his longing for


    that woman was driving him mad.


    Even if he couldn''t see her now, he would feel content just hearing her voice.


    Besides, he was using Armand''s phone to make the call. Hence, even if Rupert were to follow the lead,


    it would only implicate the Matelski family. This century-old family had an extremely strong foundation,


    so much so that even the Ustranasion royal family held them in high regard. Rupert would definitely


    have some reservations before acting against them.


    ...


    Mocset.


    Sid suffered badly from Taron''s beating, breaking five of his ribs and causing internal bleeding in his


    chest. He had no choice but to be hospitalized for treatment. Vivian went to the hospital to keep him


    company.


    Avery went to visit him, while Heather, who disliked Sid, didn''t want to go, so she stayed at home with


    Cal.


    In the hospital, Avery spent a considerable amount of time persuading Sid with heartfelt words.


    She wasn''t sure if her words had truly reached him, but Avery felt that she had indeed fulfilled her duty


    to the best of her ability.


    Sid showed her a pleasant face, but he was frowning at Vivian the whole time.


    It seemed that after this incident, his attitude towards Vivian became even more indifferent and harsh. It


    was as if the one who made the mistake was his wife.


    Avery was quite helpless. There were some things that were clearer to an observer than to those


    directly involved. However, she believed that one day, Sid would understand Vivian''s tender love and


    care towards him.


    After dealing with the issues between Sid and Vivian, Avery really felt emotionally drained.


    When they returned home, Cal was already lulled to sleep by Heather.


    She briefly told Heather about what happened in the hospital. Heather bluntly said that Sid got what he


    deserved. After chatting for a while, they both went their separate ways to freshen up and call it a day.


    Just after brushing her teeth, Avery''s phone started ringing. Seeing that it was Armand''s number, her


    first instinct was to hang up.


    But on second thought, although Armand used to always be around her, he returned to Ustranater


    and their contact became quite infrequent. Moreover, he wasn''t as persistent as before, so what did


    she have to feel guilty about?


    So, after a moment of hesitation, Avery answered the phone: ¡°Hello?¡±


    Over there, there was only the sound of heavy breathing, but no one was speaking.


    ¡°Armand, do you need something? If not, I''m going to hang up now.¡± Avery''s voice was pleasant to the


    ear, yet it held a coldness that seemed to push anyone miles away.


    A long silence spread from the other end of the phone.


    There was still no voice from the other end, but the sound of breathing seemed to have grown heavier.


    Avery was somewhat angry. What on earth is Armand up to?


    Just as she was about to hang up the phone, a familiar male voice suddenly came from the other end,


    causing her mind to explode. ¡°Avery, it''s me.¡±

 Chapter 700

    Chapter 700


    Chapter 700 Thank You Honey


    Upon hearing that voice, Avery''s heart felt as if it was being ruthlessly gripped by an invisible hand,


    causing her entire body to tremble in agony.


    Tears uncontrobly fell from her eyes, ¡°Cay, Cayden... Is that you? Is it really you?¡±


    The woman''s suppressed sob was incredibly soft, like a wisp of smoke or a floating thread which


    traveled through the phone, drifting into Cayden''s ear.


    It was as if he could see Avery''s tear-streaked face as she cried.


    Cayden felt a pang of heartache, but his rationality prevailed at the moment. ¡°Don''t cry... It''s me, I''m still


    alive. Listen, I''m in a dangerous situation and I can''t contact you too often for now; otherwise, it would


    put you and our kids in danger. I can''t exin too much to you right now, but once I get home, I will tell


    you all about what I''ve been through these past two years...¡±


    She was out there while he remained in the shadows.


    She was like a flower blooming under the bright sunshine. He yearned to pluck it, yet he couldn''t


    expose himself to the sunlight. Thus, he was filled with regret and could only sigh.


    Avery really wanted to hold back her tears, but they were out of control, falling like pearls off a broken


    string. ¡°Okay, the boy and I will wait for you toe home... Cayden, do you know? Our third treasure


    has been born. He''s a boy and looks a lot like you. He is exceptionally clever and quick-witted. His


    nickname is Cal. Zach and Rory are also very well-behaved, and they don''t give me any trouble at all.


    The old man fell seriously ill after you disappeared, but he''s still quite strong and healthy. Trident Group


    is operating normally now, I''ve kept yourpany safe for you...¡±


    As she and Cayden were husband and wife, she naturally knew what matters most to Cayden having


    loved each other for so long.


    So, Avery spilled everything out to him without waiting for him to ask.


    ¡°Thank you, Honey.¡± Cayden''s maic and affectionate voice reached Avery''s ears. ¡°Trust me, I will


    be back by your side very soon.¡±


    Avery suppressed her excitement, lowering her voice to a whisper. But the slight tremble at the corner


    of her lips betrayed her emotions. ¡°Cayden, where are you now? I''ve brought Cal to Mocset to find you.


    We''re staying at Taron''s ce. Are you still in Mocset?¡±


    At the other end, Cayden''s face suddenly changed dramatically. ¡°You took Cal to Mocset? Nonsense!¡±


    ¡°Why can''t Ie to Mocset? This is where you disappeared. I thought I could surely find some clues


    about you here, so I just...¡± Avery was at a loss.


    She came to Mocset, yet Cayden was so irate. She felt deeply wronged right then and there.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Cayden spoke quickly and urgently, ¡°Avery, listen to me. My disappearance is rted to a Remdikian


    assassin organization called ''Dark River''. This organization is ruthless and inhumane. For the past two


    years, I''ve been under their control. A few days ago, I managed to escape from them, but they''ve been


    hunting me ever since. If they find out that you''ve taken our child into their territory, both you and Cal


    will be in great danger...¡±


    Avery shook her head in disbelief. ¡°How could this be?¡±


    But after thinking that Cayden was still in danger, the tears she had barely managed to stop, burst out


    again. ¡°What on earth is going on? If what you''re saying is true, then isn''t your situation even more


    dangerous? How can I save you?¡±


    Cayden could imagine Avery''s current state of panic and vulnerability.


    He slowed down his speech, soothing her gently, ¡°Fool, don''t worry about me. I''m fine. You need to


    take care of yourself and Cal. Now that you''re in Remdik, the people from the underworld may have


    already set their sights on you. Remember every word I say: Taron has considerable influence in


    Remdik. Although I''ve only met him once, he''s a man of honor and we have a good rtionship. You


    can seek his protection.¡±


    ¡°And that scoundrel Sid, although he''s a bit of a womanizer, he''s still very reliable in other aspects. Tell


    them about your situation, they will definitely help you. I will return to Mocset as soon as possible, but


    before that, you must not wander around aimlessly. It''s best to stay put at Taron''s house. Remdik is full


    of Dark River''s informants, if you and Cal fell into their hands, the consequences will be unimaginable!¡±


    Avery choked up. ¡°Alright, I''ll listen to you. Cayden, I''m not asking for anything now, I just pray that you


    can return to me safely...¡±


    Cayden replied with utmost tenderness, ¡°I will. If nothing unexpected happens, I should be able to


    return to you soon. Avery, this is someone else''s phone, so it''s not convenient to say too much right


    now. You must remember what I just said. Honey, I love you...¡±


    ¡°Mmm, I love you too. The children and I are waiting for you toe back.¡±


    Avery hung up the phone with much reluctance.


    Looking at Cal''s calm and obedient sleeping face on the big bed, she kissed his fair and tender cheek


    fiercely. Her eyes were filled with tears. ¡°Son, your father is about to return to us. You will finally be able


    to meet your father.¡±


    ...


    By the roadside.


    An unlicensed luxury private car is parked under the concealment of tree shadows.


    The car window was slowly rolled down, revealing a pair of seductive and sexy red lips.


    Even under the cover of night, the master with the red lips still wore a pair of sunsses.


    The woman''s blond curls were wildly tousled by the evening wind, yet it only added to her cool,


    dazzling allure.


    ¡°Have you found the whereabouts of that woman?¡± Cassie''s voice was soft and gentle, uttering a string


    of icy Remdikian words.


    A muscr Eastern European man stepped forward respectfully, ¡°Yes, Ms. Cassie, we have identified


    the woman. Her name is Avery Rumpley, indeed she is Hugh''s wife from Chanaea. This time, she


    came to Remdik with their youngest son, specifically to look for Hugh. However, I''m afraid it won''t be


    that easy to deal with this woman.¡±


    The stunning looking woman paused for a moment. ¡°What''s going on?¡±


    ¡°Avery is currently staying at Taron''s vi. Although it''s not yet clear what her rtionship with Taron is,


    anyone who can stay at his vi must have an extraordinary rtionship with him. Taron is a madman,


    and not someone to be trifled with...¡±


    Cassie lit a cigarette, her sensual lips curving into a beautiful yet mncholic arc.


    Sheughed lightly, seemingly indifferent. ¡°Huh, with my godfather backing me, what''s Taron? No


    matter what it takes, you all have to get rid of that woman for me! Oh, and bring me that b*stard she


    has with Hugh. I''m curious to see if he will show himself when his son is in my hands. You guys, this is


    what you...¡±


    She leaned in close to the ear of her towering subordinate, whispering a few secret instructions to him.


    Upon hearing her, the subordinate nodded. With a wave of her hand, he immediately led a few man


    dressed in ck to carry out her orders...

 Chapter 701

    Chapter 701


    Chapter 701 I Miss You


    Avery dreamed the entire night.


    In their dream, Avery and Caydeny on a vast meadow, under budding willow trees, basking in the


    gentle warmth of the sunlight.


    She nestled in his arms, caressing his handsome face, basking in the joy of a love lost and found


    again. She even yfully punched and hit him.


    She alternated between tears andughter, relentlessly questioning him, ¡°Where on earth have you


    been all these years? Do you have any idea how much I''ve missed you? It was to the point of


    madness.¡±


    He didn''t utter a word, yet his handsome eyes reflected her frenzied image. His gaze was so


    passionate that it almost drowned her.


    He passionately kissed her soft lips, whispering incessantly, ¡°Avery, I miss you. I miss you.¡±


    They were entwined with each other without any restraint. She could clearly feel his warmth and his


    soul. Everything belonged to her.


    Just as he was about to take her clothes off, Avery''s body heavily sank suddenly as a weight shattered


    her beautiful dream.


    Suddenly, she opened her eyes, only to meet a pair of clear eyes, strikingly simr to those of Cayden.


    Cal was mischievously lying on her, his childish voice calling out to her, ¡°Mommy, wake up, Mommy,


    wake up. Can you take Cal out to y today?¡±


    Avery felt somewhat disheartened, as if she was still immersed in a dream and unwilling to wake up.


    She gazed steadily at the baby, but her thoughts were drifting far away.


    Seeing that his mother remained silent and didn''t hug him like she used to, Cal started to feel unhappy.


    The expression on Cal''s face was particrly aggrieve. ¡°Does Mommy not love Cal anymore? Why are


    you ignoring Cal?¡±


    Avery immediately held his son in her arms while putting on a pretend fierce face. ¡°Hmph! The witch is


    coming... The witch is going to eat you... Are you scared?¡±


    ¡°Oh no, I''ve been eaten by the wicked witch...¡± Cal eximed with a look of terror. Then, he copsed


    softly, as if he had truly been devoured.


    Avery held her son andughed heartily.


    Cal is truly a treasure and always makes me burst intoughter.


    But soon, Cal got up. The little guy''s fair and tender face turned towards Avery, and he spoke with a


    precocious tone, ¡°Mommy, you''ve yed this game countless times. It''s so childish. Can we try


    something new? Now that I''ve yed with you, can you take me to the amusement park?¡±


    He was eagerly gazing at Avery.


    In this unfamiliarnd, there were no other children for him to y with. Coupled with theck of


    freedom at home, the lively nature of the child was restrained. Therefore, he had a particr longing to


    go out and y.


    Avery hesitated for a moment, gently stroking Cal''s little head, and softly said, ¡°The situation isn''t


    suitable for us to go out right now. How about we wait some time, and then Mommy will take Cal out to


    y, okay?¡±


    She remembered the words repeatedly emphasized by Caydenst night. An assassin organization


    called Dark River might have set their sights on them. She was told not to go out unnecessarily.


    Otherwise, if they fell into the hands of Dark River, the consequences would be dire.


    ¡°Mom always says this, but she never keeps her word. Uncle Kendrick says that being honest is an


    important value in life.¡± The little one, grumbling in frustration, clutched Avery''s fingers, trying to pull her


    up.


    Despite his small size and strength, he exerted all the power he could muster trying to pull his mother.


    His tender little face turned beet red from the strain, yet he still couldn''t budge Avery even a bit.


    Avery looked at his pitiful little figure and couldn''t help butugh. ¡°You little dummy!¡±


    With a decisive move, Cal plopped down onto Avery''s belly. His handsome little face puffed up as he


    turned his head away, no longer paying attention to Avery. ¡°Hmph, Mommy is annoying. Cal won''t talk


    to Mommy anymore!¡±


    Avery looked at his son''s proud yet awkward demeanor, and couldn''t help butugh. She cleared her


    throat on purpose and said loudly, ¡°Mommy saw a new set of Transformers figurine yesterday. It was


    really beautiful, so I bought it. I was nning to give it to a certain little boy as a surprise. But it seems


    like he doesn''t want it now, so I guess I''ll return itter...¡±


    Upon hearing ¡°Transformers¡±, Cal''s round eyes instantly lit up with mischief. He immediately turned his


    little head and adorably hugged Avery''s neck, cooing, ¡°Mommy, Cal loves you the most. You are my


    heart, my love, and you are my honey bun...¡±


    Averyughed heartily, then yfully pinched his delicate little nose. ¡°You little imp, you''ve made


    Mommy happy again.¡±


    She never expected her own son to say such sweet words to her.


    This phrase was from a popr fantasy drama that Avery once followed.


    When she saw the female lead whispering sweet nothings to the male lead then, she couldn''t help but


    chuckle in amusement.


    At that time, Cal saw his motherughing inexplicably. Although he didn''t understand why, he had a


    knack for remembering things at a nce. So, he kept those words in his heart, never imagining that


    he could use them on his mother one day.


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    ¡°Mommy, can Cal have the Transformer toy? Cal really wants to y with it...¡± The little one seized the


    opportunity to nt a big kiss on Avery''s face, and started to negotiate terms with her.


    ¡°You little rascal. You are already using sugar-coated word on Mommy at such a young age. What will


    happen when you grow up?¡± Avery pinched Cal''s cheek,ining about him, but her eyes were full


    of indulgence.


    She got up from the bed and took out thetest Transformers toy from an old sandalwood cab


    nearby. She handed it to Cal and said, ¡°Here, this is what Mommy bought for you.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Mommy!¡± Cal joyfully took the toy and couldn''t wait to open the packaging. ¡°Wow, this is so


    cool!¡±


    Looking at her son, who was happily ying with his Transformers toy, Avery asked, ¡°Cal, your dad is


    coming back soon. Do you want to see him?¡±


    From the moment Cal was born, he had never met Cayden. All his impressions of his father were


    conveyed to him through Avery''s words.


    Avery told Cal that his father was a great man, and a true hero.


    Hence, Cal greatly admired Cayden.


    However, Avery was worried that he might feel a sense of resistance when he met his father for the first


    time. What should I do then?


    ¡°Mommy, is the daddy who went to save the world and the Earth,ing back? Really? When can I


    see Daddy?¡± Surprisingly, Cal put down his beloved toy. His handsome little face was full of excitement


    upon hearing that his father wasing back.


    Seeing Cal''s reaction, Avery''s somewhat nervous heart finally settled slightly. It seems that the little one


    really likes his father.


    She was particrly looking forward to the moment when the three of them reunited.


    ...


    Noon.


    Vivian was at the hospital apanying Sid. In the vast mansion, there were only a few people left


    including Avery and Heather.


    When it was time for lunch, the butler had everything prepared for them. Avery, along with Cal and


    Heather, ate in the dining room.


    Around them, a line of tall, fierce-looking bodyguards in ck suits, stood guard.


    Halfway through the meal, the maid who had been serving them, a pretty-faced woman, suddenly said


    something odd. ¡°Mrs. Moore, it''s time for you to meet your maker!¡±


    Avery, who was halfway through feeding Cal, was about to ask her what she meant by that, when she


    saw the maid''s kind face suddenly turn fierce.


    To her horror, she discovered that the bodyguards in the dining room were suddenly copsing to the


    ground one after another, as if they had been possessed...

 Chapter 702

    Chapter 702


    Chapter 702 Ensure The Safety Of My Wife And Child


    Inside the dining area, the maid tore off her face¡ªit was actually a thin mask.


    Beneath the mask was a face that Avery waspletely unfamiliar with.


    Looking at this mysterious Eastern Epean woman, Avery eximed in shock, ¡°Who are you? What


    have you done to Mary?¡±


    Mary was the maid responsible for taking care of their daily needs, and she was also the young girl


    whom this woman was pretending to be.


    ¡°Go ask her in hell!¡± The maid sneered wickedly, her lips curling up.


    With a wave of her hand, the room was suddenly filled with strangers, each armed with a gun,


    seemingly appearing out of nowhere.


    Heather''s expression abruptly changed. She was trained in taekwondo. As she swiftly dealt with the


    intruders, she yelled at Avery, ¡°Avery, take Cal and leave first...¡±


    s, even if Heather had the ability to protect herself, how could she possibly defeat all those ruthless


    and merciless assassins herself?


    In no time at all, Heather was knocked to the ground, a gun pressed against her head.


    ¡°Heather...¡± Avery called out her name anxiously while holding Cal tightly, trying to step back in a state


    of shock.


    ¡°Mommy, Mommy...¡± Cal clung tightly to Avery''s neck. Cal also sensed the danger, but he was sensible


    enough not to add to her troubles.


    A strong arm suddenly mped around Avery''s neck. Following that, the maid''s dagger was pressed


    against her throat.


    The cold sensation spread across Avery''s neck, causing her to shiver uncontrobly.


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    ¡°Mrs. Moore, you''d better behave yourself, or I won''t hesitate to kill your son right here and now!¡± The


    maid spoke in Remdikian, anguage Avery couldn''t understand at all.


    However, the maid deliberately moved the dagger to Cal''s fair neck, using her actions to send a clear


    message¡ªshe was threatening Avery to behave obediently.


    Avery remained rigid, not daring to move. She simply tightened her grip around Cal, fearing that the


    dagger might identally pierce her son''s neck if she wasn''t careful.


    She looked at the unconscious bodyguards in the dining area and the intruders armed with deadly


    weapons. She felt a profound sense of helplessness. Without a doubt, the security measures in other


    areas must have been breached as well.


    Vivian once told her that due to the numerous enemies of Taron, for her safety, this mansion was


    heavily guarded by Taron''s people, not to mention the various high-tech security measures.


    She really couldn''t understand how these people managed to get in here.


    Although Avery was scared and trembling at this moment, she forced herself to stay calm. ¡°Don''t act


    rashly. I don''t know why you''ve captured me, but if anything happens to me on Taron''s territory, he


    won''t let you off! Heather, trante what I said for her...¡±


    ¡°Hmph!¡± Heather red at the maid, spitting at her before faithfully tranting Avery''s words to her.


    ¡°You''re the first woman who''s dared to spit at me. Do you want to die?¡±


    The maid let out a loud, sinisterugh, handing over Avery and her child to the other assassins. She


    strutted over to Heather with an air of arrogance and, with a vicious p, struck her across the face.


    ¡°This beautiful face of yours,¡± she sneered, ¡°it seems you don''t care for it anymore!¡±


    Her strength was overwhelming, causing Heather''s face to swell visibly at an rming rate. Blood


    began to seep from the corner of her mouth.


    In a state of frantic desperation, Avery roared at the maid, ¡°What are you doing? Don''t harm Heather. If


    you have a problem,e at me!¡±


    The maid, however,pletely ignored her, stepping directly onto Heather''s face with her high heels.


    She scornfully said, ¡°Tell Taron, it was the people from Dark River who took them! If he wants them to


    live, get Cayden to show himself. Otherwise, none of them will live!¡±


    That attitude was incredibly arrogant, as if she didn''t think much of Taron at all.


    After she finished speaking, she and her entourage took control of Avery and the child, leaving in a


    grand and imposing manner.


    Watching helplessly as her cousin was taken away, Heather was on the verge of tears. As soon as they


    left, she immediately found her phone and dialed Taron''s number.


    However,munication was cut off by those people. The entirework was down, and phone calls


    simply couldn''t be made.


    She really had no other choice, and she had to personally go to Taron''s territory to find him.


    The mansion where Taron usually resided was approximately half an hour away from where Vivian


    lived.


    After much difficulty, Heather finally arrived at Taron''s ce, only to find that the guard at the gate


    seemed to have been reced by a neer who didn''t recognize her and wouldn''t let her in at all!


    Just as Heather was like a cat on a hot tin roof, Taron was on his way out.


    His car pulled out, and through the window, Taron saw Heather''s anxious and distressed expression.


    Her cheeks were swollen like fermenting dough. His handsome face changed slightly. ¡°What


    happened?¡±


    Half an hour ago, he had just received a call from Cayden. While he was overjoyed to know that he


    was alive, he also learned that he had gotten himself into big trouble with Dark River.


    Cayden specifically instructed him to protect his wife and child well.


    As soon as he hung up the phone, Taron tried to contact Vivian and Avery immediately. However, no


    matter what he did, he couldn''t reach them. His first instinct was that something had gone wrong, so he


    decided to head straight to his sister''s house.


    But as soon as he was leaving, he ran into Heather, which intensified his uneasy premonition.


    Frantically gesturing, Heather panted as she said to Taron, ¡°Mr. Taron, my cousin and Cal have been


    taken away by the people from Dark River!¡±


    Taron was taken aback, his face instantly nching.


    Heather continued bitterly, ¡°They even demanded Cayden to personally deal with it. Otherwise, they


    will end Avery and Cal''s lives!¡±


    ¡°Sh*t! Dark River dares to encroach on my territory, huh? Well, that''s just great. It''s been a while since


    I''ve had a good stretch...¡±


    Taron mmed his fist heavily onto the driver''s seat, then gestured to Heather. ¡°Get in!¡±


    Heather quickly got into the passenger seat. As soon as she got in the car, the ck Ferrari shot out


    like an arrow.


    In the car, Taron quickly dialed a double-encrypted number. ¡°Cayden, your wife and son have been


    kidnapped by the people of Dark River. If you want to save them,e to Mocset immediately, by any


    means necessary!¡±


    Having said that, hepletely ignored the angry cursesing from the man on the other end of the


    phone and promptly hung up.


    ¡°Is Cayden really still alive? If he didn''t die, why hasn''t he shown up in front of Avery? Does he know


    that Avery risked her life toe to Mocset to find him? Why hasn''t he contacted her? That man is


    really irresponsible, isn''t he?¡±


    Upon hearing the news that Cayden was still alive, Heather was first taken aback, then filled with


    anger. She felt wronged on behalf of Avery and incessantly berated Cayden.


    ¡°Shut up, woman!¡± Taron was already irritated, and her constant nagging andining only served


    to annoy him further.


    He simply couldn''t understand¡ªwhy do women tend to talk so much?


    Wouldn''t it be wonderful if everyone was as well-behaved and quiet as Vivian?


    Although Heather kept her mouth shut now, her angry gaze was on Taron.


    This guy doesn''t even let others speak. No wonder he''s still single in histe twenties. He deserves it!


    Meanwhile, upon learning that Avery and their child had been kidnapped, Cayden gripped his phone so


    tightly it was nearly crushed. His gorgeous eyes instantly turned red, like a wild beast driven to the


    brink of madness and fury, ready to tear someone apart at any moment!


    Rupert, you''d better ensure the safety of my wife and child. Otherwise, I swear I''ll wipe out the entire


    Dark River!

 Chapter 703

    Chapter 703


    Chapter 703 Punishment From Cal


    Avery and Cal were forcibly shoved into an unlicensed vehicle by the female assassin.


    With the barrel of the gun pressed against her head, Avery felt her heart pounding so hard that it was


    as if it was about to leap out of her chest.


    Yet, the little rascal in her arms was fearless, unafraid of anything in the world. He stared with his big,


    round, dark eyes at the female assassin, boldly making eye contact with her. He even made a funny


    face at her and curiously touched the gun in her hand.


    ¡°Little one, do you have a death wish?¡± The female assassin''s expression was particrly fierce as she


    swiftly moved her gun to point at Cal''s little head.


    Avery firmly held Cal in her arms, pressing the little one''s head against her chest, her expression


    particrly rmed. ¡°Don''t harm my baby,¡± she pleaded. ¡°He''s still young. He doesn''t understand


    anything. If you have any issues,e at me!¡±


    She was puzzled as to why Cal was being so bold. The child was clearly very smart, always observant


    and perceptive. Why was he showing no sense of safety now?


    These people were all cold-blooded killers. What if they were provoked and decided to strike?


    Nevertheless, Cal struggled, lifting his head from Avery''s embrace. His extremely handsome little face


    had a smile on it as he met the gaze of the female assassin.


    The little one surprisingly spoke in fluent Remdikian with his childish voice. ¡°Miss, you are so beautiful.


    Your skin is so lovely. I''ve been in Mocset for so long, but I''ve never seen ady as beautiful as you.


    Are you an angel?¡±


    The female assassin''s heart bloomed with joy upon receiving Cal''spliment. Her fierce expression


    softened in an instant, and she couldn''t help but touch her own cheek, asking, ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Of course it''s true, but you look too fierce. If you smile more often and show a kinder attitude toward


    Mommy, you''ll look even more beautiful. If you keep being this fierce, no man will like you. My uncle


    once said¡ªno man likes a woman who is always fierce...¡± Cal lectured the female assassin like an


    adult.


    Despite being such a young child, still carrying the scent of milk, his mature demeanor was irresistibly


    amusing.


    ¡°Cal, what are you doing?¡±


    Avery couldn''t understand what her son was saying to thedy, but she was afraid that her son might


    provoke the woman. Annoyed, she tugged at his little ear. ¡°These people are not good. You must not


    provoke them...¡±


    The icy gaze of the female assassin suddenly shot toward Avery.


    Avery immediately held Cal tightly, forcing herself to stay calm. ¡°What do you want?¡±


    The female assassin found herself agreeing with the child''s logic. Even though her expression


    remained cold, her attitude toward Avery noticeably softened as she sneered, ¡°Rest assured, I won''t


    deal with you myself. I''ll hand you over to Ms. Cassieter... Heh, you won''t be so lucky by then


    though!¡±


    With Cal''s trantion, Avery''s unease only deepened.


    Who was Cassie, and why was she after the mother and son?


    On the gloomy, winding road, only three cars were on it. Suddenly, heavy rain began to fall from the


    sky.


    As Avery gazed at the inexplicably familiar surroundings, waves of restlessness surged within her, one


    stronger than thest. That was because this was the very ce where tragedy struck Cayden.


    The air inside the vehicle was particrly stifling. Even Cal seemed to sense this unusually eerie


    atmosphere.


    He nestled quietly and obediently into Avery''s arms, no longer speaking.


    A few inky-ck crows swept through the forest, their cawing sounds only serving to increase one''s


    irritation.


    The female assassin''s senses were sharper than most, and she naturally picked up on the unusual


    atmosphere. She switched on her wireless microphone and issued amand to everyone. ¡°This is a


    danger zone¡ªeveryone, stay alert and be on your guard!¡±


    No sooner had her words fallen than a fleet of ck sedans suddenly appeared in front of the car,


    lining up in a row.


    On such a rainy night, the sudden appearance of so many ck sedans was eerily unsettling,


    inevitably arousing suspicion.


    The female assassin noticeably tightened her grip on her gun. She nced at the rearview mirror,


    noticing that the road behind them was also blocked by a row of sedans. They werepletely


    surrounded, front and back, their escape route effectively cut off.


    Rainy days were already annoying enough, and now, just as she was about to break free from this


    danger zone, her path was blocked. The female assassin was on the verge of cursing out loud.


    Avery tightly held Cal in her arms, clueless about what was happening. However, her intuition told her


    that a fierce battle might be imminent.


    She wouldn''t mind if something happened to her, but she didn''t want anything to happen to Cal.


    The assassins reacted extremely quickly, firing at the cars without even waiting for the female


    assassin''smand.


    The intense sounds of gunfire echoed back and forth, filling the air. For a moment, howls of pain were


    everywhere, so intertwined that it was impossible to distinguish which side they wereing from.


    Suddenly, two earth-shattering explosions rang out.


    The two military vehicles trailing behind the female assassin''s car were sted into the air!


    Chilling wails echoed incessantly, startling the birds into flight in the forest. A horrifying mist of blood


    sprayed onto the windshield of the car.


    The sight of the flowing blood made Avery almost scream in shock.


    She tightly covered Cal''s ears and eyes, shielding him from the gruesome sight of blood and gore.


    Right then, she wished she could sprout wings and fly Cal to safety.


    But such thoughts were somewhat pacified the moment she saw Taron emerging from the frontmost


    car, calming her previously anxious heart instantly.


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    The man stood tall and lean, his face handsome and profound. He looked prideful, his bright, icy blue


    eyes staring down at the remaining assassins as if they were nothing more than insignificant ants.


    ¡°Sh*t!¡± Upon seeing that the person who appeared was Taron, the female assassin spoke with


    bloodthirsty killing intent. ¡°001, ram into him for me!¡±


    At this moment, the female assassin was indeed feeling somewhat anxious.


    She had underestimated Taron''s power after all. Their mission was covert, their route constantly


    changing, but she hadn''t expected Taron to pinpoint their location so quickly. Just how deep did this


    man''s influence run? It was truly terrifying!


    She roughly dragged Avery and her child out of the car, pressing the cold muzzle of the gun against


    their heads. She snarled menacingly at Taron, ¡°Order your dogs to back off. Let my people go, or I''ll kill


    them right here and now!¡±


    Avery was trembling as she held Cal. She was about to whisper someforting words when,


    unexpectedly, the unafraid Cal waved at Taron, saying, ¡°Mr. Taron, you''rete. As punishment, you


    have to be my horse and let me ride you tonight...¡±


    ¡°Sure!¡± Taron fondly smiled at Cal.


    The man, getting soaked in the rain, strode steadily and gracefully toward Avery.


    Behind him, a subordinate was holding an umbre over his head, hastily following in his wake.


    ¡°Don''te any closer, or I swear I''ll kill her right now...¡± The female assassin was clearly panicking.


    She hadn''t expected Taron to bepletely unfazed by her threat.


    With a contemptuous nce, Taron ignored the female assassin. Such a minor character was hardly


    worth his time to converse with!


    The female assassin panicked. Just as she was about to pull the trigger, a loud gunshot rang out. A


    lethal bullet suddenly pierced her skull. With her eyes wide open in a death stare, she copsed


    instantly.

 Chapter 704

    Chapter 704


    Chapter 704 Protecting Someone


    The sniper, hidden at a good vantage point, was incredibly urate, taking down his target with just


    one shot.


    The other assassins were swiftly dealt with by Taron''s men. Then, they quickly began to clean up the


    scene.


    Taron walked up to Avery. Noticing the bloodstain on her slender arm, he frowned. ¡°I''m sorry, Avery.


    This was my oversight. Thankfully, it didn''t lead to a major mishap. Otherwise, I really wouldn''t know


    how to exin it to Cayden.¡±


    Avery gently shook her head. ¡°This blood isn''t mine. It belongs to someone else. I''m fine, and so is Cal.


    Thank you, Taron.¡±


    With his deep blue eyes, Taron looked at Cal, who was yfully wriggling around in Avery''s arms, and


    the man couldn''t help but let a hint of admiration shine through his gaze.


    If it were an ordinary child, they would have been scared to tears by such a bloody scene.


    Unexpectedly, the child was not scared at all. He believed that this child would grow up to be


    extraordinary.


    ¡°Mr. Taron, you looked so cool when you came out just now!¡± Cal extended his chubby little hand,


    asking for a hug.


    Taron took the little one from Avery''s hands, clumsily cradling him in his arms. His handsome face was


    filled with a doting smile. ¡°Go on¡ªtell me what you want,¡± he said. ¡°You''re buttering me up because


    you''re trying to get something from me, right?¡±


    Cal made a funny face at him, yfully sticking out his little tongue. ¡°I''ve never tried to do something


    like that at all. I just wanted a castle dollhouse. That''s all...¡±


    ¡°Give me a kiss, and I''ll give it to you,¡± Taron teased Cal, presenting his handsome left cheek to the


    child.


    Immediately, Cal yfully offered a sweet kiss, which made Taron burst into heartyughter.


    The man''s heartyughter echoed through the dense forest, lightening the gloom just a bit.


    Avery was quietly looking at Taron. At this moment, he waspletely different from the man who was


    ruthless, decisive, and merciless a moment ago.


    She thought of Cayden. That man was like that as well. He was as cold as ice in front of others, but in


    front of her, he was like a child, asionally showing his yful side to her.


    She truly missed him. He had said that he would meet her in Mocset in a couple of days, but an


    inexplicable worry began to creep up on her.


    The people from Dark River were going to extreme lengths to capture him. She was truly terrified that


    he would once again fall victim to Dark River.


    She had already lost him once. The heart-wrenching pain that came with it was not something she


    wanted to experience a second time.


    Now that the heavens had finally graced her with such a tremendous surprise, letting her know that he


    was still alive, she truly could not bear the pain of losing him again.


    A beautiful statue of the armless and smiling Venus goddess was facing the room adorned with


    luxurious Epean decor.


    The silver-white mirror reflected a face of unparalleled beauty.


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    In front of the mirror, Cassie leisurely applied her lipstick. Her reflection, so captivatingly beautiful, could


    make any man fall head over heels for her.


    The door was knocked.


    One of her capable subordinates hurried over and whispered urgently into her ear.


    ¡°Useless, utterly useless!¡± Upon hearing the report from her subordinate, Cassie scowled.


    With a fierce punch, she struck the mirror. The expensive mirror instantly shattered into pieces.


    Fragments of the ss mixed with fresh blood scattered all over the floor with a loud crash.


    The woman''s face that was reflected by the scattered pieces was grim and terrifying.


    ¡°Ms. Cassie, it was Taron who suddenly appeared and ruined our ns. If it weren''t for his interference,


    our people wouldn''t have beenpletely wiped out...¡± The subordinate standing nearby lowered his


    head and took two steps back, frightened by her terrifying expression.


    Cassie snorted coldly, her stunning eyes shing with a hint of contempt. ¡°You are a bunch of spineless


    creatures to be afraid of Taron, a b*stard who was once abandoned by his family. You''re making a fool


    of yourselves! Report the current situation and the information about the woman I asked you to


    investigate to me immediately.¡±


    Upon learning that he had narrowly escaped a disaster, the subordinate breathed a sigh of relief. He


    immediately ryed all the information he had gathered to Cassie.


    First of all, Avery and Cayden were already married and had three children. Among them were a pair of


    twins about seven years old and a child who was two and a half years old, who she brought to Mocset


    with her.


    Secondly, during the two-plus years that Cayden was missing, it was that woman who single-handedly


    shouldered the responsibility of Trident Group. She revived thepany from the brink of crisis and


    further expanded the group''s business. Judging from this, her abilities were not to be underestimated.


    Third, before the incident, Cayden had a secret negotiation with Taron to save the life of his friend, Sid.


    Prior to this, he had no interaction with Taron. Now that Sid was Taron''s brother-inw, there was a


    much more concrete rtionship between Cayden and Taron.


    Lastly, the rtionship between Avery and Taron was quiteplicated and confusing. Taron obviously


    valued her greatly, and now he would protect her meticulously, leaving no room for any harm toe


    to her. It was unclear whether there was any ambiguity in their rtionship as, apart from his sister


    Vivian, given Taron''s personality of disregarding his rtives, it was impossible for him to risk his life for


    a stranger.


    Cassie sat on the ruby-red velvet couch with her legs crossed, her expression gloomy.


    A maid humbly half-knelt on the ground, tending to her wounds, while another maid lit a cigarette for


    her.


    The pale blue me flickered in Cassie''s hand as she asked in a cold voice, ¡°What''s the family


    background of Avery?¡±


    The subordinate replied, ¡°She''s a very ordinary woman, with an even more ordinary family background.


    Her father was an unknown small-time employee who didn''t aplish much before he passed away


    from cancer a few years ago. Her stepmother and stepsister are currently in prison. The only family she


    has left now is a grandfather in his sixties and an aunt who is suffering from cancer.¡±


    ¡°Avery Rumpley.¡± Cassie pronounced Avery''s name in broken Chanaean, her expression full of


    amusement and disdain.


    How could a woman with no background whatsoever be the beloved of Hugh?


    ¡°Have we found out where Hugh is?¡±


    ¡°Ms. Cassie, Hugh is now with the heir of the Matelski family. He no longer hides his whereabouts,


    seemingly exposing himself to us on purpose... Could this be a new scheme of his?¡±


    It was not that the subordinate was overthinking. It was just that Hugh was too cunning, and they''d


    suffered quite a bit at his hands previously.


    Cassie''s deep blue eyes narrowed warily as she once again felt a sense of foreboding.


    Having spent over two years together, she understood Hugh better than anyone else. Unless


    something unexpected urred, that man would never expose himself so easily. His current actions


    were merely a ploy to divert their attention, drawing the danger to himself.


    He was protecting the woman named Avery.


    So what if he is protecting her? He is destined to be mine in this lifetime; no other woman cany im


    to him. Even his former wife and children are nothing more than a pile of corpses in my eyes!

 Chapter 705

    Chapter 705


    Chapter 705 Finding Hugh


    Cassie lit another cigarette, her beautiful face veiled in gloom.


    Three factions were in pursuit of Hugh. Dark River was one, Taron''s group was another, and the third


    was Xander, the godfather of Aploth.


    They needed to outpace both Taron and Xander to locate Hugh first.


    Otherwise, if they let him slip through their fingers, regaining control over a man as calcting as him


    would prove challenging.


    ¡°Ms. Cassie...¡±


    While Cassie was lost in contemtion, another subordinate rushed into the room, their voice a hushed


    and eager whisper as they shared, ¡°We''ve received information about Hugh.¡±


    Cassie immediately extinguished her cigarette and sprung to her feet, demanding urgently, ¡°Where is


    he now?¡±


    ¡°He''s near the Glory Street mall. Right now, he''s¡ª¡±


    Before the subordinate could finish his sentence, Cassie had already vanished from the room.


    Dusk settled in.


    The pedestrian mall at Mocset was bustling as usual.


    In the midst of the crowd, there was Cayden, wearingrge sunsses that only revealed his


    beautifully curved jawline.


    Amidst the throngs, Cayden stood, hisrge sunsses framing his finely sculpted jawline. He red


    coldly at the ck sedans lining the street, effectively blocking traffic. Their presence provoked


    comints from irritated tourists as they forced other vehicles aside.


    The whole street had turned into a traffic snarl, and Dark River''s trademark arrogance was all too


    evident.


    Meanwhile, seated in a car, Cassie found her attention inexplicably drawn to the side. It was as if her


    instincts were on high alert. Her gaze connected with the handsome visage of Cayden.


    Despite his sunsses obscuring much of his face, Cassie immediately recognized him.


    That man had the audacity to show up in Mocset, leaving traces of his presence everywhere, and now,


    he even had the nerve to appear right in front of them. Cassie''s emotions were a vtile mix of tion


    and exasperation.


    On one hand, she was ecstatic to have finally cornered him; on the other, his every move seemed to


    have been made in defense of another woman.


    ¡°Ms. Cassie, is it possible that this is a ploy by Hugh?¡± one of her capable subordinates spected, his


    voice tinged with suspicion. ¡°He meticulously escaped from Eerie Ind, eluding capture for over two


    years. Could he truly make such a careless blunder and reveal himself so easily? Is it usible that


    he''d walk right into our trap?¡±


    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    ¡°What do you think?¡±


    ¡°I wouldn''t put it past Hugh to orchestrate a diversion using this man as a decoy,¡± the subordinate


    stated. ¡°He''s adept at disguises, able to craft a near-perfect duplicate without breaking a sweat.¡±


    Cassie''sughter rang with a chilling edge. ¡°Certainly, there may exist men in this world who bear a


    resemnce to him. But that demeanor, do you honestly believe anyone else could replicate it?¡±


    ¡°Perhaps coincidences do happen, even in a world as calcted as this. Moreover, there isn''t anything


    Hugh can''t aplish.¡±


    ¡°Enough! That man is Hugh. Even if he were reduced to ashes, I would recognize him!¡± Cassie''s gaze


    remained fixated on the tall, handsome figure.


    Amidst the bustling crowd of diverse tourists, even with numerous striking Eastern Epea men passing


    him by, he still managed to outshine them all.


    Cayden, too, had noticed Cassie.


    With a devilishly charming smile, he removed his sunsses, and then swiftly disappeared into the


    shopping mall.


    At the sight of his smile, Cassie felt a surge of vitality rushing through her veins, revitalizing her heart.


    ¡°Go after him! Lock down the entire mall; I want him cornered from every angle!¡± Cassie''smand


    was sharp and unwavering.


    Cayden deftly entered a boutique, showcasing an array of fashionable items from renowned brands.


    Ranging from clothing to footwear, it offered aprehensive selection.


    A tall, blonde shop assistant with emerald eyes was immediately captivated by Cayden''s entrance.


    Approaching him eagerly, she extended a warm wee, ¡°Sir, greetings. How may I be of service to


    you? We feature thetest men''s fashion...¡±


    However, Cayden dismissed her with a wave, his voice confident. He spoke in fluent Remdikian. ¡°No


    need, I''m just browsing.¡±


    Under the astonished gaze of the shop assistant, he casually selected a few dresses and headed to


    the fitting room for a change. When he emerged, the shop assistant''s jaw dropped in sheer captivation.


    What a stunning ¡°woman¡± before her!


    With skin as fair as snow, a proud and elegant nose, and lips of a deep, enticing red, Cayden embodied


    a beguiling allure. Long, wine-red curls cascadedzily over his shoulders, enhancing his captivating


    charm. Adorning himself in a romantic floral maxi dress that entuated his graceful form, he exuded


    a maic presence. And his eyes, crystal-clear and cool, resembled the snow on a chilly mountain


    peak.


    That air of detachment coupled with a mysterious allure left one utterly spellbound.


    ¡°S-Sir? Should I address you as sir, o-or miss?¡± The shop assistant was left utterly bbergasted, her


    words stumbling out in a mix of astonishment.


    She simply couldn''t fathom how an incredibly handsome man could walk into a fitting room and emerge


    as an extraordinarily beautiful woman.


    What on earth is happening?


    Cayden ced arge sun hat on his head, then tossed a card to the shop assistant. His voice was so


    maic that it could impregnate ears. ¡°Enough with the chitchat. I''d like to settle the bill!¡±


    After paying for his purchases, he confidently sauntered out of the mall, attired in women''s clothing.


    Behind him, the shop assistant remained in a state of disbelief.


    She never anticipated that this seemingly ordinary man might be a cross-dressing fetishist. He''s not a


    pervert, is he?


    Cayden, on the other hand, walked down the street in his feminine attire with an air of nonchnce. His


    life had been dictated by various rules and limitations, and he had never been as audacious as he was


    that day.


    Dark River was overwhelmingly powerful; he had no desire to fall into their clutches once again. Thus,


    he had no choice but to adopt this unconventional approach.


    With considerable effort, and thanks to Armand''s assistance, he had made it to Mocset. He couldn''t


    afford to falter at this juncture.


    He was determined to see Avery as soon as possible.


    Soon after Cayden exited the mall, he noticed several ominous figures dressed in ck approaching


    him. They were going about, drawing the attention of customers, showing them a picture they held in


    their hands, and asking if anyone had seen that man.


    The prominently disyed image was a frontal view of Cayden, held by every individual in ck.


    ¡°Hey, stop right there! Have you seen this man?¡± one of the imposing figures in ck called out to


    Cayden.


    Without hesitation, they boldly obstructed his path.


    Cayden removed his sunsses, revealing an astonishingly beautiful face that left the Eastern Epeans


    in speechless awe. Concurrently, he purposefully softened his voice to a sweet, low murmur, ¡°While I


    was browsing the craft shop just now, I believe I spotted the person in the photo. He was near the


    crafts section...¡±


    With a nonchnt flick of his slender finger, he indicated another direction. The leader swiftly waved his


    hand and issued the order, ¡°Let''s move!¡±


    The group immediately departed with enthusiasm, heading toward the direction of the craft store.


    Meanwhile, Cayden put his sunsses back on, effortlessly blending into the bustling crowd as he


    walked away.


    Cassie, apanied by dozens of armed men dressed in ck, arrogantly obstructed the entrance of


    the shopping mall. The dark barrels of their guns were aimed at anyone emerging, utterly disregarding


    the frightened expressions of the tourists. Every individual leaving the mall had to undergo rigorous


    scrutiny before being allowed to pass.

 Chapter 706

    Chapter 706


    Chapter 706 The Handsome Cayden


    Cayden exited the shopping mall at an unhurried pace.


    The ¡°woman''s¡± tall and striking frame,bined with her attention-grabbing appearance, rendered


    every step she took brimming with elegance. Amidst the bustling crowd, she stood out distinctly.


    Cassie regarded her with a hint of skepticism. This Aplothian woman appears unusually tall, doesn''t


    she?


    Yet, Eastern Epean women were often tall, with some even reaching heights above 190 centimeters.


    There was no substantial reason to harbor doubts about this.


    Cassie pointed at Cayden in an imperious manner and ordered, ¡°You, take off your sunsses!¡±


    With a faint smile ying on his lips, Caydenplied, removing his sunsses and revealing a


    complexion as fair as a blooming flower.


    Cassie''s brows furrowed as she scrutinized the excessively beautiful Aplothian woman, her eyes


    reflecting an air of enchantment and expressiveness. There was a faint sense of familiarity in ¡°her¡±


    features, a subtle resemnce to the man Cassie was relentlessly pursuing.


    However, Cassie swiftly dismissed such notions.


    A proud man like Hugh would never resort to disguising himself as a woman. Furthermore, Hugh''s skin


    is a captivating bronze hue, whereas the woman before me possesses aplexion of snow white.


    There isn''t the slightest resemnce between the two.


    Cassie waved her hand in an irritable gesture toward Cayden, her impatience evident as she


    instructed, ¡°Move along, don''t linger and be an eyesore!¡±


    And thus, the ck-d men allowed Cayden to continue on his way.


    Cassie''s icy gaze swept across the bustling crowd. She noted that the majority of individuals were


    blond-haired, green-eyed Eastern Epeans. A smattering of Aplothian men could be found scattered


    about, but they generally possessed shorter statures and unremarkable appearances.


    Impatience gnawing at her, Cassie spoke curtly. ¡°You all stay put and guard the entrance. Don''t


    overlook any traces. The rest of you,e with me. We''re searching the interior!¡±


    Beneath the wide brim of his hat, Cayden''s lips curved into a sly, imperceptible smile. Swiftly, he joined


    the stream of people who were granted passage, slipping away in a different direction.


    Within the shopping mall, Cassie strode purposefully alongside her group, confidently traversing each


    store. Despite her numerous inquiries, they were unable to uncover any sign of Cayden.


    While inspecting a high-end boutique, Cassie encountered the exact floral maxi dress worn by the


    Aplothian woman.


    Why she could recall that woman so vividly was a question she couldn''t quite answer. It could be a


    peculiar intuition or perhaps the indelible allure of that ¡°woman''s¡± countenance.


    Entering the store, Cassie reached out to touch the long skirt, but before she could make contact, a


    smiling shop assistant approached her. ¡°Are you also interested in purchasing a dress, miss? You''ve


    got excellent taste. Just earlier, there was ady... or rather, a gentleman, who also bought this same


    dress.¡±


    Cassie''s icy gaze bore into the shop assistant, a ck gun pressed against the side of thetter''s


    head. ¡°What did you just say? A man purchased this maxi dress?¡±


    The shop assistant nearly went pale from the shock, realizing that the situation had taken a perilous


    turn. Confronted with the sudden influx of ck-suited individuals surrounding the store, she


    comprehended the gravity of the situation.


    ¡°W-What do you intend to do?¡± she stammered, overwhelmed by fear.


    Cassie''s subordinate brandished a photograph and tossed it onto the counter before the shop


    assistant, demanding, ¡°Have you seen this man?¡±


    The shop assistant, paralyzed with trepidation, hastily divulged the truth, ¡°Y-Yes... this man just bought


    women''s clothing, shoes, and a sun hat here. Initially, I assumed he was purchasing them for his wife


    or girlfriend, but to my astonishment, he ended up trying them on himself... I-I can hardly believe it.


    He''s so handsome, yet he has a penchant for cross-dressing. Not only did he purchase women''s


    clothes, but he even took a wig off one of our store mannequins...¡±


    Cassie''s voice rang out with intensity. ¡°He wore women''s clothes, took a wig and a hat?¡±


    The shop assistant dared not make a move, tremblingly affirming, ¡°Y-Yes, he selected the newest style


    that just arrived at our store. However, he looked ethereal in it, incredibly unique. He appeared even


    more beautiful than a woman wearing it...¡±


    The final sentence was punctuated with amazement.


    Cassie''s visage turned frigid. Suddenly, she recalled the Aplothian woman she had encountered near


    the mall entrance.


    That captivating face, those familiar features, and those eyes that met hers, were alluring and


    captivating.


    Initially, she had interpreted those eyes as brimming with tenderness. Yet, in hindsight, they were


    suffused with derision and challenge, an indication of his disbelief that she hadn''t recognized him.


    Cassie seethed with fury, vexed at allowing the very man she was tasked with capturing to evade her


    grasp so effortlessly.


    Suppressing the boiling anger within her, she strode forward with purposeful strides,manding,


    ¡°After him!¡±


    One of her subordinates hastily snapped a photograph and set off in pursuit.


    In a matter of moments, the entire group of assassins had been alerted to Cayden''s disguise: an aqua-


    blue floral maxi dress, a white sun hat, and brown sunsses.


    Cayden dipped his hat lower, making his way toward the parking lot. However, his path was abruptly


    blocked by two men d in ck suits. ¡°Hold it right there!¡±


    Without ncing back, he continued moving forward, only to find a human barrier forming ahead.


    Several guards regarded him icily, their gaze fixed upon him as if sizing up a helpless prey.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Cayden''s expression hardened, but he deliberately inquired in standard Ustranasion, ¡°Excuse me, what


    seems to be the matter?¡±


    ¡°Hugh, return with us immediately. Ms. Cassie is infuriated,¡± one of them demanded.


    Adopting a nonchnt demeanor, Cayden tilted his hat slightly and responded calmly, ¡°Apologies, but I


    believe there''s been a misunderstanding. I''m not acquainted with anyone named Ms. Cassie.¡±


    ¡°Hmph, enough with the chit-chat! Take this traitor into custody!¡± A man dressed in ck, his patience


    clearly waning, lunged toward Cayden.


    In an instant, Cayden sprang into action, deftly covering the man''s mouth from behind to stifle any


    sound. His grip tightened around the man''s neck, executing a swift and forceful twist. Before the man


    could even utter a groan, his body slumped lifelessly to the ground.


    Despite his aversion to taking lives, Cayden found himself trapped in circumstances that often


    demanded bloodshed for survival.


    Sensing the danger that unfolded, another assassin reacted swiftly, training his firearm on Cayden.


    With the agility of a predator, Cayden lunged forward, his hand closing around the assassin''s pistol just


    as the gun discharged. The sharp crack of the gunshot resonated, apanied by Cayden''s internal


    curse, ¡°Damn it.¡±


    The silenced bullet grazed his arm, a fiery pain surging through him as he winced. While his struggle


    altered the bullet''s trajectory, it still managed to graze his arm, leaving behind an intense burning


    sensation.


    Battling through the pain, Cayden retaliated by driving his knee forcefully into the assassin''s abdomen.


    In a simultaneous motion, he disarmed the man of his firearm.


    His time on Eerie Ind had subjected him to rigorous training, familiarizing him with an array of


    firearms to the point where he could disassemble them blindfolded.


    In a swift motion, he dismembered the assassin''s arm, using the limp body as a makeshift shield


    against any iing bullets as he sprinted toward the underground parking lot.


    Despite his efforts, a circle of a dozen or so assassins had encircled him, closing off his escape route.


    A cold, bitterugh escaped Cayden''s lips as he clenched a gleaming silver pistol, its metallic surface


    catching an eerie glint from the surrounding streetlights.


    His intent to kill was palpable in the air. He was poised for a battle, determined to unleash a storm of


    violence if necessary. The question that hung in the bnce was whether he could survive this


    relentless onught and reunite with his beloved Avery.


    But then, a surprising turn of events unfolded.


    The assassins surrounding him began to drop one by one, each struck down by precise gunfire.


    Cayden''s gaze darted around, his astonishment mingling with caution.


    Soon, his eyes locked onto Xander, who approached with a wicked grin, his tone thick with sarcasm.


    ¡°Well, well, well, when did the unparalleled Mr. Cayden decide to dabble in the world of femininity?¡±

 Chapter 707

    Chapter 707


    Chapter 707 A Family Reunion


    Upon recognizing it was Xander, the high alert in Cayden''s heart eased slightly. ¡°How did you get


    here?¡± Cayden asked.


    ¡°Just passing by and couldn''t help but lend a hand,¡± Xander joked. Suddenly, his handsome brows


    furrowed slightly, his gaze falling on Cayden''s injured arm. A hint of concern appeared in his tone. ¡°How


    is it? Not too badly hurt, I hope?¡±


    Cayden sneered coldly, ¡°I''m not dying just yet.¡±


    He knew his buddies cared in a different way than others. Sometimes they seemed to take pleasure in


    his misfortune, but deep down, they were genuinely concerned.


    Perhaps that was the unique bond between men.


    ¡°Tsk, tsk! I knew you were a tough one to kill. Even that massive explosion couldn''t take you down, so


    what could these useless small fries possibly do to you? However, how did you be so pale? You


    didn''t use any skin whitening injections, did you? Tell me your secret, I''m really curious...¡± Xander


    walked up to Cayden, his slender finger poised to lift his chin, his tone overly dramatic.


    Cayden barely dodged Xander''s menacing grasp, his gaze as sharp as a hawk''s, making Xander''s


    scalp tingle. ¡°Want to know how I keep my skin so fair?¡±


    Xander nodded nkly.


    It was no wonder he was curious, as Cayden''s feminine attire was truly breathtaking.


    He couldn''t fathom how a rough, tough man could transform into a delicate, beautiful woman.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Pointing in a certain direction, Cayden then began to tend to his own wounds without further ado.


    ¡°What the hell? What am I supposed to be looking at? Is there a stic surgery clinic or something?¡±


    Xander''s gaze followed the direction of his finger. Apart from a few scattered shops, there was nothing


    else in sight.


    Cayden paid no attention to his ramblings.


    He treated the wound with impressive speed, quickly bandaging it up. ¡°Let''s go!¡± he said.


    The man strode confidently toward the parking lot, leaving Xander still engrossed in wandering around


    the logos of various stores.


    As his gaze fell on a brand named ¡°Myka,¡± Xander''s eyes narrowed slightly. It seemed that the direction


    Cayden had just pointed to was that. As if he had thought of something, the corners of his lips lifted in


    an incredulous smile. D*mn! Could Cayden have made himself so pale using flour? If it''s true, then that


    man is simply a genius. I''m thoroughly impressed!


    The ceiling soars high above, adorned with brilliantly gilded wallpaper. Warm lotus wallmps cast a


    gentle, shimmering glow.


    A delicate woman was sound asleep on the enormous bed draped with white gauze curtains, cradling a


    baby as exquisite as a finely carved piece of emerald.


    When Cayden silently opened the door, he was greeted with such a beautiful scene.


    The dim yellow light illuminated the faces of the mother and child, one big and one small, on the bed.


    His gaze fell on Avery''s face with intense desire, hisrge hand caressing her delicate skin.


    It had been over two years, yet she remained as gentle and beautiful as ever, though she seemed to


    have lost quite a bit of weightpared to before.


    And the baby next to her, undoubtedly their son Cal, was indeed a spitting image of him. The little face


    was almost identical to his, and at that moment, he wasfortably nestled in Avery''s arms, sound


    asleep.


    That was the first time Cayden had seen their third baby. Aside from the initial excitement, his attention


    was primarily focused on Avery.


    He gently moved Cal from her embrace to the side, gazing fondly at her small face.


    In her slumber, Avery''s face was serene. Her long, curled eyshes asionally fluttered and


    trembled like two butterflies flickering their wings, drawing him in to gather their beauty.


    ¡°Um... Cayden...¡±


    Suddenly, Avery murmured something in her sleep, her cheeks flushing slightly, leaving one to wonder


    what she was dreaming about.


    And her soft whispers, undoubtedly, were the strongest catalyst, fueling all of Cayden''s longing for her.


    He shed his coat and rolled into bed.


    Avery dreamt of Cayden again. Just as she was immersed in the sweet dream, suddenly, a heavy


    object carrying a chill pressed down on her, shattering her beautiful dream into pieces.


    Her lips suddenly throbbed with pain, as if something had bitten them.


    Avery wanted to open her mouth, but it seemed a moist tongue had slipped into it, hooking onto her


    own, stirring vigorously within.


    Avery was utterly stunned.


    She hastily opened her eyes, and the moment she did, she met a pair of eyes brimming with unlimited


    warmth and affection.


    ¡°C-Cayden?¡±


    Avery''s eyes widened in disbelief. At that moment, she wanted to scream. Her eyes were brimming


    with tears. ¡°Is it really you? Is it truly you? Am I still dreaming?¡±


    Cayden ced her hand on his face, gently saying, ¡°It''s me, silly girl. You''re not dreaming. Feel my


    face. Can you sense my presence?¡±


    Feeling his warmth distinctly, Avery looked at Cayden''s handsome face in a daze, murmuring, ¡°So, I''m


    not dreaming, you really came back... Where have you been? Do you know how much I missed you? I


    feel like I''m going crazy...¡±


    His eyes were still as dark as ever, filled with the familiar infinite tenderness she knew so well; his lips


    were still as thin, carrying the familiar soft lines she was ustomed to.


    The light from the wallmp shone on his face, brilliantly illuminating his unparalleled handsome


    features.


    Cayden gently brushed aside Avery''s delicate bangs, nting a kiss on her forehead. He gazed at her


    face with infatuation. ¡°I''m sorry for making you wait so long. I''m back now, and I will never leave you


    alone again.¡±


    He held her tightly as if trying to embed her into his bones. ¡°Ery, I miss you so much...¡±


    The man''s burning lips began to trail down her neck, wild and unrestrained.


    After more than two years of living a monk-like life of abstinence, he finally indulged himself. Like a


    young boy tasting forbidden fruit for the first time, he was utterly overwhelmed when his lust took over.


    Avery, with eyes as bright and clear as ever, looked at him tearfully, her heartpletely filled with


    excitement and emotion.


    Under his flirtation, she quickly fell for him.


    The clothes of the two were rapidly diminishing, immediately immersing themselves in the moment,


    even forgetting their beloved son was sleeping right next to them.


    Just as Cayden was about to forge ahead, a fierce childish voice suddenly rang out from nowhere.


    ¡°Bad guy, let go of my mommy!¡±


    A rigid object was pressed against Cayden''s waist.


    Enduring the lethal pleasure, Cayden, with his godlike handsome face, turned toward the source of the


    sound. Looking down, he found it to be a realistic toy gun.


    He red menacingly at the audacious little rascal, his own son, who dared to interrupt him.


    The incredibly beautiful baby saw his mother blushing as she was pinned under a stranger. Avery was


    crying, so Cal thought she was in pain.


    He was so angry that his cheeks puffed up. He quickly pulled out his small pistol, aiming it at Cayden.


    ¡°Let go of my mommy. You''re not allowed to bully her. If you keep holding on to her, I''ll shoot!¡±


    Avery covered her eyes, feeling so embarrassed that she wished she could just disappear into a crack


    in the ground. Oh! After such a long-awaited reunion with my husband, I just wanted to share some


    intimate moments. Who would have thought we''d be caught in the act by our son? How utterly


    embarrassing!

 Chapter 708

    Chapter 708


    Chapter 708 Too Embarrassed To Face Cal Henceforth


    Seeing Avery with her hands over her face, Cal thought she was secretly crying. Instantly, he red at


    Cayden in even greater hostility.


    His petite body was ramrod upright, and he unflinchingly met his father''s gaze, his eyes wide.


    On the heels of that, he sank his two rows of sharp teeth fiercely into the man''s muscr and bare


    arm.


    Cayden winced in pain, sucking in a sharp breath.


    Despite this brat''s petite size, his teeth are exceptionally sharp. Gosh, is he a wolf cub? His bite hurts


    like h*ll.


    Although he was pleased with his son''s evident protective instincts toward his mother, gratified that he


    already knew how to protect Avery at a young age, he could not muster any joy when Cal had mistaken


    him for the bad guy.


    He picked Cal up, locking his tapered eyes onto the little boy. He said coldly, ¡°I was ying a game


    with your mommy, little one. When did you see me picking on her? Hmm?¡±


    Cal shot out a fair finger andmbasted unceremoniously, ¡°You were crushing Mommy, almost cutting


    off her air supply. I saw Mommy secretly crying and even emitting cries of pain. You''re so tall, yet you


    pick on a woman. You''ve really gone overboard.¡±


    At that, Avery covered her face even more tightly.


    Good heavens! I''ll be too embarrassed to face Cal henceforth!


    Cayden lifted the struggling Cal into the air, a wicked smirk ying on his lips, ¡°Even if I were to pick on


    your mommy, what can you do to me? You''re too weak right now, little one. You''re no match for me at


    all.¡±


    Cal lifted his head proudly. His beautiful curled eyshes fluttering, he snorted disdainfully and


    dered, ¡°Even though I''m weak now, I''ll grow tall and strong one day to be even more powerful than


    you. I''ll protect Mommy in the future, and no one is allowed to pick on her! Oh yes, I''ll also marry her


    and make her my beautiful wife.¡±


    Cayden was so mad at his son''s words that he snickered and red at him fiercely. ¡°Your mommy is


    my wife, not yours. Are you trying to fight your daddy for his wife?¡±


    ¡°You''re a bad guy, not my daddy! My daddy is a great hero like Spider-Man and Superman, while you''re


    just a big bully who picks on Mommy. One day, I''ll destroy you in the name of the moon!¡± Cal''s short


    and chubby arms and legs iled in the air.


    He struggled mightily in Cayden''s grasp, trying to break free from thetter''s hold, even shooting out


    his leg to kick the man.


    Yet, Cayden managed to maintain a perfect distance, restraining his son effectively while keeping


    himself out of reach.


    He patted Cal on the head, a rare hint of approval in his eyes. ¡°Not bad. Although you''re still weak, your


    courage ismendable.¡±


    Held up by his cor, Cal pitifully iled in mid-air. Nheless, his eyes were firmly fixed on Avery.


    ¡°Don''t be scared, Mommy. With me here, no one can pick on you. When I grow up, Mommy, will you be


    my wife?¡±


    Avery could not help butugh at her son''s innocent words. At the same time, she was moved by his


    determination to protect her at all costs.


    Without a second thought, she immediately answered, ¡°Sure! Once you grow up, I''ll be your wife.¡±


    Cayden''s handsome face darkened. Surprisingly, he was even jealousy of his own son.


    Tossing Cal aside, he red at the little boy fiercely. ¡°Don''t dream of marrying your mother in this


    lifetime, little brat. She''s mine!¡±


    He felt somewhat disheartened that he had topete for affection with his son right after returning


    home.


    However, Avery tugged at his arm, griping, ¡°Cayden, can''t you be a bit nicer to Cal? He''s just over two


    years old. Take no offense at a child''s babble. Besides, it''s the first time you two are meeting. It isn''t


    good to make the rtionship tense, is it?¡±


    She initially thought that Cayden and Cal could cultivate a close father-son rtionship since they had


    never met before. However, it did not seem too promising, considering their hostility toward each other.


    Moreover, as Cal''s father, Cayden should be showering him with gentle paternal love. Why is he


    competing with his son out of jealousy instead?


    ¡°I''m teaching this little brat a lesson, Honey.¡± Cayden nted a smacking kiss on Avery''s forehead. He


    then draped a nket over her almost naked body, covering herpletely.


    He was the only one allowed to see her body, and even their child had no right to do so. His sense of


    possessiveness had always been that strong.


    ¡°Mommy is clearly upset, but you''re still picking on her. Let go of her! You''re not allowed to kiss my


    mommy. I''m the one person who can kiss her!¡± Cal shouted at Cayden.


    Although he was young, his strong sense of possessiveness was no weaker than his father''s. Thus, he


    regarded Cayden with great hostility.


    Cayden snorted coldly. His gaze fell on Avery''s face, which was flushed bright red.


    Hooking a finger under her delicate chin, he pressed a passionate kiss on her rosy lips, then looked at


    his son provocatively. ¡°You can ask your mom now whether she''s upset, little brat. You''ll understand


    these things when you grow up.¡±


    A father who was progressive in his thinking, he would have loved to discuss the birds and the bees


    with Cal right that moment if it were not for the little boy''s tender age.


    ¡°Mommy doesn''t like it.¡± Cal remained stubborn, shooting daggers at his father. ¡°She''s still very much


    upset. Otherwise, why would she keep covering her face, afraid to drop her hands?¡±


    Cayden''s scorching gaze was perpetually fixed on Avery, who had her hands over her face.


    After her lips had been ravished, they became even more lusciously red. The blush on her fair cheeks,


    especially, was irresistibly enticing, ming his desire that had just cooled a while ago.


    At that moment, all he wanted was to pounce on her ferally and resume what was unfinished earlier.


    With a swift motion, he grabbed the annoying little boy and promptly carried him out of the room,


    paying his own bare upper body no mind.


    When a bodyguard on duty saw that, he immediately hurried over eagerly. ¡°Mr. Moore.¡±


    Rather impatient, Cayden tossed the little boy into the bodyguard''s arms. ¡°Bring him to the adjacent


    room to rest.¡±Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    At the sight of Cayden bare-chested and Cal struggling in his arms, the experienced bodyguard


    instantly understood what had happened. Ah, Cal''s presence must have interrupted their marital bliss,


    so he got tossed out.


    The bodyguard took Cal and headed toward the room next door with the little boy in his arms.


    Cal could only watch helplessly as the room door mmed shut right in front of him.


    ¡°I don''t want to leave. I want to protect Mommy! The bad guy must be picking on Mommy again!¡± Cal


    struggled non-stop in the bodyguard''s arms. His cheeks were puffed up in frustration, rendering him


    like an angry pufferfish, both adorable and amusing.


    Despite the petite size of his body that carried the aroma of milk, his struggles were anything but weak.


    The bodyguard''s grip slipped slightly, almost allowing him to break free. He could only cate the little


    boy helplessly. ¡°Mr. Cal, your daddy and mommy haven''t seen each other for so long, so they must


    have a lot to talk about. You''ve got to behave and not disturb them.¡±


    Inwardly, the bodyguardmented to himself.


    A man consumed by desire is most scary. Look, he doesn''t even care about his own son!


    Cal red at the tightly closed bedroom door, sticking out his rosy lower lips. He was exceedingly


    upset that his beloved mother had been stolen away by a bad guy and was determined to find a way to


    drive the man away from her.

 Chapter 709

    Chapter 709


    Chapter 709 He Knew She Was Exhausted


    The sky was beginning to brighten, but Avery was still sleeping soundly.


    Cayden had sex with her many timesst night, so he knew she was exhausted.


    Her soft and fragrant body resembled a delicate flower in full bloom in the gentle morning light,


    bewitching his eyes as he held her in his arms.


    The feeling of holding her was so wonderful that it felt like a dream he did not wish to wake up from.


    Avery seemed to be having a restless sleep, though. As though she was having a nightmare, her


    eyebrows were slightly furrowed, and her body was slightly curled up like azy cat. Every now and


    then, she would let out a soft moan.


    Cayden adjusted her body into a morefortable sleeping position, brushed aside her delicate


    bangs, and lovingly kissed her smooth, fair forehead. His affectionate gaze once again fell upon her


    peaceful sleeping face.


    Her eyebrows were delicate, unlike the coarse, t brows that one would usually see while out on the


    streets. She was born with brows shaped like willow leaves, which had a very attractive curvature. Her


    thick, long eyshes were like beautiful little fans.


    All three of their babies had inherited her long, curly eyshes.


    Unable to resist, Cayden gently tugged at her long eyshes, slightly lifting her eyelids. In truth, what


    he loved most were her pitch-ck pupils. They were so pure and lively, like two clear pools of water,


    transparent and radiant, tenderly tugging at one''s heartstrings.


    For reasons unknown, he could always vividly recall the moment they first met.


    She was wearing a white cotton dress, embroidered with green bamboo on the hem. As she moved,


    the bamboo seemed toe alive, swaying with her every motion.


    The girl''s delicate long hair fluttered in the wind as she gazed at the night sky, softly singing. Her eyes,


    elusive yet mncholic, were exceptionally serene.


    He didn''t know what she had gone through at the time. He had no idea why her eyes were filled with so


    much mncholy at such a young age, and yet, there was a contradicting air of purity about her so


    profound that it was breathtaking. It was her presence that turned his troubled world into a magical and


    enriching one.


    Even though they had weathered countless storms together for many years, that scene would always


    show up clearly in his mind as though it all happened just yesterday.


    Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    He then lowered his head and nted a deep kiss on Avery''s lips. The intensity of the kiss left her


    almost breathless.


    Avery was awakened by Cayden''s somewhat rough movements.


    She forced her groggy eyes open and called out to him, ¡°Cayden...¡±


    She seemed a bit bewildered, her eyes dazed and confused as she woke up, looking both adorable


    and charming.


    Cayden suddenly felt horny and wrapped his arms around her, allowing her to rest her chest on his.


    Sensing his intentions, Avery suddenly became flustered. She pushed him away, saying, ¡°Cayden, no...


    I''m so tired...¡±


    ¡°I want you, Ery... Did you know that I''ve been madly thinking of you every moment for more than two


    years? Now that we''re finally reunited, you have to satisfy me, right?¡± Cayden said, somewhat pitifully.


    The next thing she knew, he was already putting his words into action.


    Avery simplyy still and allowed him to unleash his desires upon her.


    After all, he was the man she loved the most and had been dreaming about for so long. Her lips moved


    slightly, as if she wanted to say something, but in the end, she kept her thoughts to herself. Instead,


    she bit his shoulder and allowed him to do as he pleased.


    The morning sun poured in through the curtains, casting a sacred halo over both their bodies.


    Their fingers were tightly inteced as their eyes locked onto each other.


    He nibbled on her delicate earlobe, whispering over and over into her ear, ¡°Ery, I love you, I love you...¡±


    Avery''s eyes were misty as she gazed at him, responding with even more passion. ¡°I love you too,


    Cayden. I love you... Never leave me...¡± she replied with tears in the corners of her eyes.


    ¡°I won''t,¡± he said as he thrusted her relentlessly.


    The temperature in the room steadily climbed, as the heat of their passion filled its every nook and


    cranny.


    It was already nearing noon by the time they were done having sex and got out of bed.


    Avery went to the bathroom to freshen up. Through the full-length mirror, she saw that her body was


    covered in bruises, which formed a stark contrast against her fair skin. There was hardly a patch of


    unblemished skin left, a clear testament to the man''s beastly behavior.


    After freshening up and getting dressed, she went downstairs to have a meal with Cayden. Only then


    did she remember her precious son, whom she had sent away the night before. She wondered if the


    little guy had eaten.


    Just as she was about to ask the maid if Cal had been causing trouble, the maid pointed to the


    adjacent room with a troubled look. ¡°Mrs. Moore, Mr. Cal has been throwing a tantrum and refuses to


    come out for lunch. He has locked himself in the next room and won''t let anyone in.¡±


    Upon hearing this, Avery became anxious. Cal is undergoing the most crucial stage of puberty, so he


    can''t be starving himself like this!


    She was about to personally talk to Cal, but Cayden stopped her and said, ¡°You can''t spoil him like this.


    Indulging him will only harm him in the long run. He wille out to eat when he gets too hungry.¡±


    ¡°But Cal is still so young! How could I possibly¡ª¡±


    Cayden cut her off, ¡°Don''t worry about him, Let him starve for a little while.¡±


    If he''s throwing tantrums at such a young age, then he would turn the world upside down if she


    continues to spoil him!


    It was Heather''s first encounter with Cayden, a man whose stunning appearance took her breath away.


    His features were as exquisite as a painting, his demeanor extraordinary. He exuded an aloofness that


    made him seem unapproachable, yet he also possessed the unmistakable elegance of a nobleman.


    His superiority was not deliberate, but rather an innate quality that set him apart, making him a figure


    that ordinary people would find hard to surpass in their lifetime.


    However, when the man''s indifferent gaze fell on Avery, it was unmistakably a raw and unhidden


    affection, not concealed in the slightest.


    ¡°Cayden, this is my cousin Heather. Heather, this is your cousin-inw, Cayden,¡± Avery introduced


    them to each other.


    ¡°Hello,¡± Cayden politely nodded at her as a form of greeting before shifting his gentle gaze back toward


    Avery.


    It was as if Heather didn''t exist at all in front of him.


    Suddenly, Heather understood why Avery had waited so long for Cayden, and why she never stopped


    thinking about him.


    Such an outstanding and passionate man was indeed a rare gem. Had Heather been in Avery''s


    position, she would also find it hard to forget Cayden.


    They then sat down at the dining table.


    ¡°You''re too thin. You need to eat more meat and less vegetables. Also, you catch colds easily, so you


    need to drink more mutton soup to stay warm.¡± Cayden kept topping Avery''s te up with food


    throughout the meal. He even carefully wiped off the food stains from the corners of her mouth, taking


    care of her as if she were a child.


    Just like that, Avery kept stuffing food into her mouth and would asionally sneak some kisses in.


    Suddenly, Heather felt a heavy weight on her heart.


    Even though I''m clearly present, they act as if I''m invisible, tantly disying their affection for each


    other!


    She couldn''t help but feel as though she were a third wheel at the dining table.


    Unable to bear their sweet disys of affection any longer, Heather quickly ate a few more mouthfuls of


    her food, made an excuse about needing to check on Cal, and hurriedly left the dining table.


    Avery and Cayden have really gone too far! Are they making fun of me for being single? Hmph! Just


    wait and see! Sooner orter, I will find a man who belongs to me! When I return with my man, I''ll


    definitely return the favor!

 Chapter 710

    Chapter 710


    Chapter 710 Ice To Water


    After finishing lunch, Avery carried a tray filled with Cal''s favorite food, desserts, and fruits and


    delivered it to the room next door.


    Upon seeing Avery enter, Heather shrugged helplessly, indicating that the little boy was too hot-


    tempered for her to handle. Then, she stepped aside, giving the mother and son some much-needed


    space.


    A barefooted Cal sat on the soft, plush carpet, fully engrossed in assembling his magical beast robot as


    various partsy scattered on the floor.


    As it turned out, Cal disassembled thetest magical beast robot that Taron had gifted him and was


    now putting the pieces back together again.


    Judging by his serious demeanor, it really looked like he was concentrating hard.


    Without further ado, Avery ced the tray on the table and crouched till she was at eye level with the


    boy. ¡°Cal, I''ve brought you your favorite foods. Come take a bite.¡±


    s, Cal turned a deaf ear to his mother''s words as he remained still and continued to assemble the


    robot diligently.


    Theplex parts of the robot left Avery in a daze, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn''t


    make heads or tails of it. In Cal''s hands, however, the various parts were assembled swiftly, making


    him look like a skilled master who could leave everyone awestruck.


    Avery held Cal''s busy little hands and tapped his forehead affectionately. ¡°Are you still upset? Come


    on, Sweetheart. Let''s eat first. We''ll assemble the robotter, okay?¡±


    In response, Cal turned away in a huff. ¡°Now that you have a man, you don''t want me anymore. Why


    are you still here then, Mommy? You can spend your time with that bad man. I don''t need your


    company...¡± he grumbled, a defiant pout on his face and a strong hint of jealousy emanating from him.


    He was, without a doubt, seething with anger.


    Avery curled her lips into a gentle smile. ¡°Cal, you''re my precious sweetheart, and no one else can


    compare to you. There''s nothing I like more than being with you.¡±


    Cal shook his head somberly. ¡°Hmph! Your precious sweetheart isn''t me... It''s that Bad Mister fromst


    night!¡±


    The next second, he vented his frustration on the newly assembled magical beast robot by snapping its


    head off with a loud click. From that alone, it was clear the boy was genuinely upset.


    Avery quickly pulled Cal into her arms, ¡°Oh, silly boy, that wasn''t a bad man. He''s the father you''ve


    been thinking about day and night, the one you long to see. Now that he has finally returned from his


    trip, you should be a little more polite to him. Understood?¡±


    Cal stared at Avery in disbelief, still wearing a frown on his face. ¡°Daddy is a superhero like Superman


    and Spider-Man. He''s not a bad guy who keeps bullying me...¡±


    Avery hastily pushed the robot parts aside and began her patient exnation. ¡°Daddy loves Cal the


    most, so how can he bully you? Maybe it''s because you two have just met and aren''t familiar with each


    other yet. Once you get to know each other better, you''ll understand that Daddy and Mommy love you


    very much.¡±


    Cal said nothing, prompting Avery to pinch his soft, adorable face.


    ¡°You seem to have lost weight, Cal. Your chubby cheeks have slimmed down considerably and aren''t


    as cute as before...¡±


    Even though Cal hung his head and refused to look at his mother, he still snuck a nce at the mirror.


    ¡°You''re lying, Mommy. I''m still as handsome as before. No... I''m even more handsome than before.¡±


    Avery couldn''t help but let out a soft chuckle. Haha... This little imp sure is thick-skinned!


    With that, she turned Cal toward her and coaxed, ¡°Sweetheart, can you stop being mad at me? Didn''t


    you say you want to grow up quickly so you can protect me? You can''t go back on your word, okay?¡±


    s, Cal gave his mother a look of disdain. ¡°Mommy, you can ignore me, but I have my reasons to be


    angry. I''m not a kid with no principles or boundaries. I have my dignity, too!¡±


    Not only was Cal''s face identical to Cayden''s, but he was also speaking with such stern resolve that it


    was like staring into a living replica of Cayden.


    ¡°Why are you so stubborn?¡± Avery retorted.


    As much as she wanted to spank Cal, she couldn''t bring herself to do it after seeing him all huffy and


    puffy. ¡°I''ll be angry if you keep this up.¡±


    Cal''s eyes instantly welled up with tears. ¡°You''ve already given your love to Bad Mister!¡± he choked out,


    his voice filled with anguish. ¡°Zach, Rory, and I will no longer be your sweethearts. You and Bad Mister


    are the real family. I''m just a pathetic, unloved nobody...¡±


    Avery''s heart sank, and she couldn''t help but hold her son tighter. ¡°Silly boy, we''re a big, loving family.


    How can you ever be a nobody? Truth be told, I''ll be sad if you don''t like Daddy. I love him very much,


    but I love you even more. The two of you are the most important people to me.¡±


    Wow... I''ve never expected Cal to resent his biological father this much. I suppose Cayden''s sudden


    appearance has caught everyone off guard, and Cal only knows him from the pictures he has seen. It


    also doesn''t help that I dedicated my time to Cayden and neglected Cal''s feelings. He''s a sensitive boy,


    and he must''ve felt like he had been abandoned. With how things are now, it''d be rather challenging to


    improve the rtionship between father and son. Oh, dear... What should I do?


    Avery''s eyes were moist as she lifted Cal''s chin and forced him to meet her gaze. Unsurprisingly, her


    son''s eyes were also red and brimming with tears. Even though he looked like he wanted to cry, it was


    also evident that he was desperately holding his tears back. In that instant, Avery''s heart softened.


    ¡°You''re turning three in six months, aren''t you, Cal?¡±


    ¡°Yes...¡±


    Avery wiped the corners of her son''s eyes and put on a stern expression. ¡°You''re almost a grown-up,


    so how can you still be crying? Aren''t you embarrassed? Don''t you know that when you''re sad, I get


    sad too? I''d rather suffer in silence than see my precious Sweetheart be in agony...¡±


    Upon hearing that, Cal wrapped his arms around Avery''s neck and said sweetly, ¡°In that case, you


    should love me more from now on, Mommy. I don''t like it when you prefer bad Daddy.¡±


    Avery nodded with a smile. Ah... At least he''s willing to call Cayden ¡°Daddy.¡± That''s a good sign. I''m


    sure that with my patience, I can fix this strained father-son rtionship soon.


    With that, Avery joined Cal for lunch and even spent over half an hour assembling the magical beast


    set with him.


    Of course, she only observed from the sidelines most of the time, as theponents were far too


    complex.


    She had to admit that her youngest son''s intelligence was exceptional. If it were her, she reckoned


    she''d spend the entire day assembling the robot and still not make any headway.


    Just then, one of the housekeepers knocked on the door. ¡°Mr. Moore is looking for you, Mrs. Moore.¡±


    Avery quickly got to her feet and waved at Cal. ¡°Stay here and y, Cal. I''m going to meet Daddy and


    stand up for you. Remember to finish the fruits and snacks that I brought.¡±


    Upon hearing that his mother was leaving to see Cayden, Cal couldn''t hide his displeasure. He threw a


    tantrum again and refused to pay any attention to Avery.


    Thetter sighed and rubbed her temples. Gosh... I must arrange for the father and son to spend more


    time together. That might be the only way to improve their rtionship.


    Meanwhile, Cayden was discussing matters with Taron and Xander in the hall when he saw Avery walkOwned by N?velDrama.Org.


    gracefully out of the adjacent room.


    Just like that, the man''s icy expression melted into a warm smile, leaving the other two utterly


    astounded by the speed of his transformation.

 Chapter 711

    Chapter 711


    Chapter 711 Emotional Damage


    On the other end of the couch sat Taron. To Avery''s surprise, Xander was also present.


    Taron was dressed in a ck shirt and deep blue jeans. Gone was the domineering air he had when


    dressed formally. Instead, he seemed more like a gentle and refined gentleman.


    Xander still had skin as white as snow and a bewitchingly handsome face. He was wearing a white


    shirt, which entuated his already fairplexion, making it appear even more like a white gem.


    Upon seeing Avery, he smiled and greeted her, ¡°Avery, it''s been a while.¡±


    With a polite smile, Avery turned to him and said, ¡°Mr. Gibson, you''vee to Mocset too?¡±


    Her incredibly radiant and gentle smile momentarily caused the two present men to lose their


    composure.


    In the city of Mocset, where beautiful women abound, Avery''s appearance might not be the most


    outstanding, but it was undoubtedly excellent. Although she didn''t possess the striking beauty of


    Eastern Epean women, she carried a unique Aplothian beauty.


    Avery had a very gentle face, one that was liked by both men and women. There was no hint of


    aggression in her features, making her appear extremely well-behaved.


    Her eyes were deep and double-lidded,rge and round; her pupils were ck and bright, like kernels.


    When they looked at you, it seemed as if they could burst forth with countless dazzling stars.


    Herughter was incredibly sweet, a sound that could nourish one''s soul and soften even the coldest of


    hearts. It was a sight that every man found endearing.


    Cayden loungedzily on the couch. When he saw Avery shing a smile at his two friends, his


    handsome face instantly turned somewhat gloomy.


    He despised the way his woman sweetly smiled at others, even if those two were his good buddies.


    ¡°Come over!¡± He beckoned to Avery, signaling her toe closer.


    Avery politely nodded at Taron, then headed toward Cayden.


    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    Just as she approached Cayden, he pulled her toward him, making her sit directly on hisp.


    Then, he lifted her delicate, petite chin and gently ced a kiss on her lips. ¡°Has that little brat been


    pacified?¡±


    Taron and Xander were speechless.


    Jealousy and hatred filled their eyes as they were ignored. The duo didn''t enjoy watching the couple


    showing intimacy before them.


    As there were still people around, Avery felt a bit embarrassed. She whispered in Cayden''s ear, ¡°Cal is


    still a bit temperamental... There are people here, you shouldn''t behave like this...¡±


    ¡°Who cares about them? They''re both single and have no clue about the fun of flirting between


    couples,¡± Cayden said,pletely disregarding his friend''s gaze.


    He held Avery as if he were holding his most beloved treasure, happiness flickering in his narrow eyes.


    That remark emotionally wounded the single men in the room.


    They continued to grit their teeth.


    Originally, the three of them were discussing serious matters, but the couple kept showing off their


    affection. Additionally, Cayden kept acting smugly in front of them. They really wanted to punch his


    annoyingly smug face.


    After a moment of intimate interaction with Avery, as if no one else was around, Cayden spoke up.


    ¡°Let''s continue with what we were discussing earlier.¡±


    They were originally discussing how to deal with Dark River when, unexpectedly, Avery appeared.


    After a brief moment of tenderness, Cayden naturally didn''t forget his main task. Having stayed in Dark


    River for so long, he couldn''t wait to destroy that inhumane purgatory on Earth.


    Although he managed to escape from that prison, many innocent lives were still lost there.


    Even more horrifying was that countless teenagers were transported to Eerie Ind for demonic


    training every year. However, the chances of survival were less than one percent, which shows how


    inhumane that organization was.


    Xander sat on the couch, his legs crossed.


    He nced at Avery, who was nestled on Cayden''sp. His fair fingers stroked his own chin. ¡°Cayden,


    is it appropriate for her to hear all this?¡±


    In his eyes, Avery was undoubtedly a delicate little woman. Despite her business acumen, which could


    indeed rival that of Cayden, she was still a gentle and delicatedy.


    Nicole was the kind of woman who would jump at the sight of a mouse. He thought such gruesome and


    dark matters were unsuitable for Avery to hear. He was worried it would leave a psychological scar on


    her.


    Avery bit her lip, then resolutely spoke to Cayden. ¡°It''s okay. I want to listen. I want to know more about


    what exactly happened to you during these past two years.¡±


    For more than two years, she hadn''t been able to stay by his side. At that moment, finally having the


    opportunity to understand what he had gone through, Avery was eager to know.


    Cayden tightened his grip on Avery''s waist, giving her a silent kiss, yet his eyes darkened.


    In his eyes, she was pure, kind, and beautiful, while his world was filled with despair, ughter, and


    madness. He, too, wanted to be a clean and pure man. However, forced by survival, his hands were


    inevitably stained with blood. He didn''t want her to see his devilish side.


    Seeing the longing in her eyes, Cayden still agreed.


    Inside the room, the oversized LCD screen lit up. Cayden''s fingers were rapidly moving across the


    laptop keyboard, inputting a series ofplexmands. The decryptedputer quickly entered


    safe mode.


    The cursor flickered incessantly, and gradually, a recorded video began to appear on the electronic


    system terminal. ¡°This is some scattered evidence of the crimes Dark Rivermitted that I recorded


    before leaving Eerie Ind...¡±


    In the footage, countless children were held captive on Eerie Ind, undergoing hellish training. They


    studied variousbat and assassination techniques. The principle of survival of the fittest was


    implemented there. As such, mutual ughter and surprise attacks happened almost every day.


    Anyone who lowered their guard down, even slightly, would pay the price with their life.


    On the ind, assassins who made mistakes would be drugged and thrown to the wild beasts. The


    scenes of those beasts greedily devouring the helpless individuals were endless.


    The ind had also established various brutal penal codes. Avery watched, eyes wide open, as the


    pitiful child of seven or eight years old in the video was torn apart as onlookers let out piercingughter.


    She was shocked, angry, and frustrated. Unable to bear such intense stimtion any longer, she ran


    straight to the bathroom to throw up.


    Taron and Xander seemed quiteposed. They had witnessed plenty of bloody scenes before. After


    all, their supreme power was built upon a pile of corpses. However, the raw footage still made them


    somewhat ufortable.


    They never expected Rupert to be so insanely cruel, scouring gifted children from across the world to


    train. Not only that, the madman even used living people as subjects for his experiments. He had a


    complete disregard for humanity.


    Avery was in the bathroom, throwing up so much that she almost vomited bile. As she continued, she


    couldn''t help but let her tears fall.


    The thought of him possibly enduring the same suffering as depicted in the video for two years made


    her feel as if her heart was about to shatter into pieces.


    Just as she was silently crying, her hand covering her mouth, a pair of familiar arms suddenly


    embraced her slender waist from behind.

 Chapter 712

    Chapter 712


    Chapter 712 Are You Not Ashamed


    Avery turned around, staring nkly at Cayden''s handsome face. She strangely felt like crying when


    she saw the worry that filled his eyes.


    Despite considering countless possibilities, she never imagined that he had lived so miserably for the


    past two years.


    Even the thought of him possibly enduring the punishments depicted in the video caused her


    unbearable pain.


    A pair of hands reached out and gently wiped away her tears. ¡°Silly girl, I''m fine.¡±


    Suddenly, Avery seemed to lose her mind and attempted to undress Cayden. ¡°No! I want to see if your


    body is covered in scars. I want to know what you''ve been through these past two years...¡±


    Last night, during their intimate moment, Avery was so lost in his tender affection that she didn''t pay


    much attention to his physical condition. Now, she regretted not observing more carefully. She had no


    idea how much hardship he had actually endured!


    Cayden tightly wrapped his arms around Avery''s waist, holding her restless hands. He gently kissed


    her forehead andforted her with a smile. ¡°Ery, I''m fine. If something had happened, I wouldn''t be


    standing here in front of you. Trust me. It will be over soon.¡±


    His words carried an inexplicable power thatforted Avery, providing a sense of peace and


    tranquility.


    She knew she had lost control.


    Averyy on his chest, wanting tough, but her eyes turned red. She carefully said, ¡°You''re lying. In


    such a horrifying ce, you must have suffered a lot. Cayden, can I take a look, please?¡±


    Cayden affectionately pinched her face, smiling as he said, ¡°When we have time, I''ll tell you about what


    happened these past two years. For now, can you stop crying? You''re a mother of three, yet you still


    love to cry. Isn''t that embarrassing? If Cal sees you, he will definitely tease you.¡±


    Over the past two years, his body had umted many scars. He didn''t want her to see his battered


    and scarred figure. It wasn''t that he was worried she would find his scars repulsive, but rather, he


    feared that she would shed tears once again upon seeing his scars.


    Avery felt a bit embarrassed and sniffed. ¡°I-I was just overly worried about you, that''s all.¡±


    Gently, Cayden gently wiped away the filth from the corner of her lips.


    He poured her a cup of warm water and fed her the water. He then observed her as she rinsed her


    mouth. ¡°You''re a mother now, so try not to cry so easily, alright? Be strong. Set a remarkable example


    for our child.¡±


    After rinsing her mouth, Avery took several deep breaths in session, barely managing to suppress


    the intense feeling of nausea welling up from the depths of her heart.


    ¡°Cayden, it''s too dirty in here. Why don''t you step out for a bit?¡±


    She had just vomited a lot to the point where even she found it unbearable.


    Cayden, however, didn''t care at all. He directly picked her up. ¡°You are my wife, and we promised to be


    together in life and death. You have never despised me, so how could I despise you? Silly girl.¡±


    His eyes, warm and gentle, fixed upon Avery''s face. The curve of his smile held a sense of indulgence.


    He might appear aloof and indifferent on the outside but was incredibly affectionate toward her.


    Avery thought that maybe she would never manage to break free from his web of love in this lifetime.


    Cayden brought Avery to the bedroom and picked up Cal, who was ying games on the carpet, to


    keep herpany.


    He then discussed eliminating Dark River with Taron and Xander.


    Taron and Xander were very interested in eliminating the Dark River.


    As long as they were able to eradicate Dark River, Taron could nearly establish dominance over


    Eastern Epea, and Xander''s influence could gradually extend from Aploth. They had always been


    passionate about such advantageous and innocuous pursuits.


    After all, they were the masters of outsmarting their enemies.


    Now, with the help of Cayden, who possessed a deep understanding of the inner workings and


    operational system of Dark River, they swiftly devised aprehensive strategy to obliterate the


    organization.


    For the past few days, Cayden had been exceptionally busy, engrossed in formting ns alongside


    Taron and the others, actively executing their ambitious revenge plot.


    Avery found herself idling away in Vivian''s luxurious mansion, bored out of her wits.


    After the terrifying encounter of nearly being abducted previously, the house was now heavily fortified.


    For the safety of both her and Cal, she had been instructed to refrain from going out these days and


    was left with no choice but to obediently remain in her room.


    Luckily, there was Inte here, so she could pass the time with my phone andputer.


    Cal brought an abundance of joy to Avery, elicitingughter from her nearly every day. Without him, she


    would undoubtedly have been quite bored.


    However, Avery simply didn''t expect to run into Nina in Mocset. What surprised her even more was that


    she was brought here by Xander.


    When Nina arrived, she was wearing light makeup. Her ordinary-looking face, however, appeared


    somewhat rosy.


    Upon seeing Avery, she immediately embraced thetter, her eyes red and swollen from crying. ¡°I told


    you not toe to Mocset alone, you silly girl, but you just wouldn''t listen. Xander told me that you and


    Cal were kidnapped by the people from Dark River and nearly lost your lives. How could you be so


    reckless? You really scared me to death. Thank goodness you''re okay. Otherwise, I would have been


    devastated...¡±


    Avery took in her best friend''s hug and held her hand. Her voice was hoarse as she said, ¡°It''s okay. I''m


    fine, aren''t I? Nina, I don''t regreting here to find Cayden. Fate gave me a huge surprise as I really


    found him.¡±


    Nina''s excitement was almost palpable. ¡°Mr. Moore is still alive? That''s fantastic news! I''ve always


    believed Mr. Moore is a fortunate man and wouldn''t leave us so quickly. Truly, luck is by his side. Even


    though Mr. Moore is usually stern with us, he is genuinely a handsome and generous boss. By the way,


    where is Mr. Moore? Isn''t he here?¡±


    Even though Xander had previously informed Nina about the news of Cayden still being alive, she


    remained skeptical. It wasn''t until she heard Avery''s words herself that she finally believed Cayden had


    truly returned.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Nina nced around the spacious living room, but she couldn''t find any trace of Cayden.


    The smile on Avery''s face gradually faded. ¡°As long as Dark River continues to exist, there''s a


    perpetual threat to Cayden. He, along with Taron and Xander, has ventured out to strategize. I must


    admit, I''m truly apprehensive that he might encounter danger once more, but there''s no alternative. To


    achieve absolute freedom, they must eliminate the menace that is Dark River.¡±


    ¡°Don''t fret, they are all exceptional individuals. I''m confident Mr. Moore will manage everything adeptly.


    With Mr. Moore''s return, I imagine there''s nothing more heartwarming than the reunion of your family of


    four, isn''t that right, Ery?¡± Nina pursed her lips, her soothing words providedfort to Avery.


    Suddenly, she began to understand why Xander kept leaving home early in the morning anding


    homete.


    Avery nodded. She suddenly recalled Nina''s situation. Unable to contain her curiosity, she asked,


    ¡°Nina, how did you find yourselfing to Mocset with Xander? Weren''t you with Yuvan before?¡±


    Her words caused Nina''s gaze to turn dim.

 Chapter 713

    Chapter 713


    Chapter 713 It Just Could Not Be Xander


    Noticing the sudden change in Nina''s expression, Avery suddenly felt she had asked the wrong


    question.


    Avery helplessly said, ¡°I''m sorry, Nina. I shouldn''t have asked those questions. Did Xander force you?¡±


    Avery knew better than anyone that the darkness that once enveloped Nina was due to Aaron¡ªthat


    monster who had ruined Nina.


    But ironically, Xander was that monster''s older brother.


    The entanglement between them was simply tooplex to be encapsted in a single sentence.


    Nina stood by the window, silently gazing at the brilliant sun outside. The golden sunlight shot into her


    pupils, causing a sharp pain in her eyes.


    Bearing the bitterness in her heart, Nina softly said to Avery, ¡°Actually, it''s not a big deal. Many things


    are beyond our control. I''m fine. You don''t need to worry about me. I''ve be immune to any man


    now. Having gone through some unpleasant experiences, I see things more clearly than anyone else.


    My defenses are as thick as a city wall. Not everyone can hurt me.¡±


    ¡°I''m sorry. If it wasn''t for me that year...¡± Avery was overwhelmed with guilt.


    Back then, if it weren''t for me, Nina would still be that cheerful, lively, and optimistic girl. But because of


    my involvement, a wonderful woman was tragically ruined.


    With a fit of feigned anger, Nina red at Avery and pinched thetter''s arm. ¡°Hey, it''s been so many


    years since all that happened. Aren''t you done with it yet? I''ve almost forgotten about those dark times,


    but you keep bringing it up. Are you trying to reopen my old wounds? That''s really mean!¡±


    How could I possibly me Avery? She''s my best friend, after all.


    Moreover, it was my own decision to stalk Dn in the first ce, hoping to capture evidence of his


    infidelity, all to stand up for Avery.


    But I can only me my own bad luck for encountering that devil Aaron. This really has nothing to do


    with Avery.


    Moreover, after my mishap, Mr. Moore immediately provided me with a financialpensation of


    millions, which made me feel it would be disrespectful to refuse.


    Later on, after Avery became Trident Group''s acting CEO, she provided me with substantial assistance


    and care in my work. No matter how I look at it, I''m the one who benefited greatly.


    To be honest, Avery has been really good to me. However, excessivepensation will only add to my


    psychological burden.


    Avery looked at Nina, knowing that this empathetic girl didn''t want her to feel guilty.


    Avery could only reach out, grasping Nina''s icy fingers. ¡°If you encounter any difficulties, you must tell


    me. Although I can''t protect you from everything, wherever you need me, I will definitely do my best to


    help you. Nina, this is my promise to you, and this promise is always valid.¡±


    Nina gently embraced Avery, whispering softly, ¡°You''ve been too good to me, Ery. I truly don''t deserve


    it.¡±


    Nina only stayed for an afternoon before she was picked up by Xander''s people.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Avery sat nkly in the living room, slowly exhaling a breath. She only felt the surrounding air was


    suffocating.


    Even though the temperature was warm, she felt a coldness akin to shattered ice.


    In her mind, she kept reying Nina''s situation. Suddenly, she felt a bit weary. Why is it that the simple


    and kind Nina always encounters such inhuman treatment? Her destined love could be any man in the


    world, but it just couldn''t be Xander!


    Perhaps due to her deep disdain for Xander, Avery has always been prejudiced against Xander.


    Even though Xander was deeply loyal and stunningly handsome, his veins pulsed with the wild and


    rebellious blood akin to a wolf. Moreover, he was the head of a mafia, holding countless lives in his


    hands. His background was far from clean. On the other hand, Nina''s world was pure, innocent, and


    full of sunshine. They were simply not from the same world.


    In Avery''s opinion, Yuvan¡ªwho had an unblemished background¡ªwas a better match for Nina.


    Besides, Yuvan was not only a world-renowned doctor, but he was also a doctor of psychology. With


    his guidance andfort, Nina would find it easier to ept him.


    But Xander was not an easy man to deal with, and even more so, a man with a strong desire for


    dominance. One could guess from Nina''s insistence on leaving here that she was not happy living with


    Xander.


    Should I ask Cayden to step in and help?


    However, if Cayden steps in, there''s a high chance of him having an unpleasant confrontation with


    Xander. They are currently working together to deal with Dark River. If a rift develops between them


    because of this, it would indeed be detrimental to our situation.


    But the thought of watching Nina live under the control of Xander with my own eyes was unbearably


    painful for me.


    What should I do now?


    Avery sat on the sofa, vigorously massaging her temples in an attempt to clear her mind.


    I really need toe up with a good n.


    I''ve always felt that I''m the root cause of Nina''s misfortune. Nina''s originally bright life turned gloomy


    because of me, so I must take responsibility for her life. Whether one says I''m atoning for my sins or


    feeling guilty, all I want is for Nina to live a happy and carefree life in herter years.


    Just as Avery was deep in thought, the cell phone lying aside suddenly rang.


    She paused for a moment. Upon recognizing it was Alina calling, she quickly answered, ¡°Aunt Alina,


    what''s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Ery, when are youing back?¡± On the other end of the phone, Alina''s voice was faintly tinged with


    tears.


    Avery''s heart tightened. ¡°Aunt Alina, what exactly happened? W-Why are you crying?¡±


    Alina was struggling to hold back her tears, her voice choked with emotion as she said, ¡°Ery, please


    come back soon... Your grandpa had an ident. He fell and hit his head, and he''s now in the hospital.


    The doctors say he might not have much time left... He wants to see you onest time. When can you


    come back...¡±


    A bolt from the blue hit Avery so hard that she felt like her soul was about to shatter.


    ¡°No, Aunt Alina, I just spoke with Grandpa the day before yesterday. He was fine then. H-How could


    this happen? Besides, isn''t there a housekeeper at home taking care of him? How could he suddenly


    fall?¡±


    That day, Avery called ke. He was in the midst of doing health exercises with a group of elderly


    people in themunity. When he received her call, he was extremely happy. He told her that he had


    arge bowl of oatmeal for dinner and also ate four mini bagels, appearing to be in good health and full


    of vitality.


    She couldn''t believe that he was suddenly met with such an unexpected ident.


    Alina sniffled heavily, her sighs unceasing. ¡°This is a long story. I don''t have much time to exin it to


    you. Dad is still in the operating room. We don''t know if he can make it till tomorrow. When can you


    come back? Pleasee and see him. We don''t know how much longer he can hold on...¡±


    Avery closed her eyes and then looked up at the ceiling. She held back her tears, but her vision was


    still blurred. ¡°Aunt Alina, I''ll be back soon. Please take care of Grandpa for now. I''ll be right back!¡±


    No matter how difficult the journey may be, I must make it back to Grandpa''s side in time. This could be


    myst chance to see him...

 Chapter 714

    Chapter 714


    Chapter 714 Seething With Rage


    Avery tried to call Cayden, but for some reason, she couldn''t get through. She tried again and again,


    but the result was always the same.


    She was anxious to get in touch with Xander, but oddly enough, his phone was also switched off.


    Out of options, she reached out to Taron.


    The call did go through, but it seemed like he was quite busy on the other end. She faintly heard the


    sound of earth-shattering explosions, along with the agonizing cries of pain.


    Taron quickly said to her, ¡°Avery, I''m very busy. I''ll call you back when I''m done.¡±


    He promptly hung up the phone.


    Avery was anxious, frustrated, and panicked, yet there was nothing she could do.


    Seeing Avery''s anxious and flustered demeanor, Heatherforted her, saying, ¡°Avery, don''t worry just


    yet. Cayden and his team are surely carrying out an urgent mission right now. Otherwise, he wouldn''t


    be ignoring your calls.¡±


    Avery merely hummed in response, but in her heart, she was praying ceaselessly to the heavens,


    hoping that Cayden and the others would be safe and sound.


    She truly didn''t want their hard-won reunion to be lost again, just as she had finally attained it.


    Things were very different at Tidgate Administrative District in Mocset.


    A ck Cadic was parked near the civil aviation building, with several SWAT officers hidden nearby,


    ready to spring into action.


    In the backseat of the Cadic, Cayden used hisptop to send out thest confidential file before


    sighing lightly in relief.


    He tapped his earpiece, establishing radio contact with Taron and Xander. ¡°Rupert is particrly


    cunning. You guys need to be extra careful.¡±


    A few days ago, he had handed over all the evidence of Rupert''s crimes to the Remdikian government.


    In an instant, the whole nation was in an uproar.


    Rupert was one of the key members of the Remdik''s political scene. He maintained an excellent public


    image and was a renowned phnthropist. His positive image was deeply ingrained in people''s hearts,


    to the extent that he was a role model that many young people strived to emte.


    No one would have expected a high-ranking official employed by the state to secretly establish such a


    cruel organization. Moreover, the organization had collected a massive amount of wealth from the


    public under the guise of charitable donations, all to support their illegal activities.


    The matter has attracted significant attention from the Remdik''s Central Intelligence Agency.


    They immediately set out to investigate Rupert and the secret organization behind him. They moved


    efficiently, and the more they delved into the case, the more rmed they grew. They wanted to arrest


    Rupert, but the cunning Rupert had gotten wind of their ns and made a swift escape.


    Cayden was now cooperating with the Remdik''s Central Intelligence Agency to arrest Rupert.


    Rupert was like a ticking time bomb. Until Cayden witnessed that demon brought to justice with his own


    eyes, he would never be at ease.


    As Cayden was deep in thought, a tall and burly Eastern Epea man, captain of the SWAT officers,


    knocked heavily on the car window and said with absolute certainty, ¡°Mr. Moore, we''re just dealing with


    one Rupert, aren''t we? He''s nothing more than a minor politician. We''ve already set up the perfect trap.


    Even if he had wings, he wouldn''t be able to escape.¡±


    ¡°Don''t underestimate Rupert. He has been meticulously nning this under your noses for years, and


    your government hasn''t even noticed. It just goes to show how cunning he is.¡± No sooner had Cayden


    finished speaking than he saw a tall man with a full beard dashing off to the right with a ck briefcase.


    Behind him followed dozens of men in ck, all armed with heavy weaponry.


    The fleeing man appeared to be around forty years old with a good physique. He was still dressed


    smartly in a suit and leather shoes while running. Even though he wore sunsses and a ck mask,


    Cayden recognized him at a nce ¡ª it was Rupert.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Cayden knew Rupert well. He had severe mysophobia and obsessivepulsive disorder, so he


    would never allow himself to be sloppily dressed. Even in the most disheveled moments, he had to


    wear a suit and tie.


    ¡°Target spotted. After him!¡± Cayden urged the driver, ¡°Speed up!¡±


    The Cadic roared impressively, startling the middle-aged man who was fleeing.


    The middle-aged man nced back, his face filled with shock, and he quickened his pace.


    The ck-d men behind him immediately opened fire on Cayden and his group with fierce intensity.


    Rupert and his group fled toward the highway while the Cadic narrowly dodged their gunfire,


    relentlessly giving chase.


    A patrol officer happened to be driving around the highway. Upon seeing such a spectacle, he


    immediately shouted, ¡°Stop! Who''s there?¡±


    One of the pursuing SWAT officers quickly shed his badge and exined, ¡°Those people are


    fugitives, and the one at the front is the prime suspect, Rupert. Stop them quickly!¡±


    Before the patrol officer could react, the people in ck coldly opened fire on him.


    The man leading the pack was running very quickly. The gusty wind blew off his baseball cap and


    sunsses, revealing his slightly graying hair and a faintly wrinkled forehead.


    The moment Cayden saw those sinister eyes, he became even more certain ¡ª the man was indeed


    Rupert.


    Cayden asked the driver to give up his seat for him.


    He maneuvered the car into a beautiful drift. The tires screeched against the asphalt, and the car came


    to a halt right in front of Rupert!


    Upon hearing themand from their leader, the hundreds of SWAT officers camped along the


    highway swiftly revealed themselves, surrounding Rupert and his men.


    Seeing no way out, Rupert immediately picked up a gun and started firing wildly at the SWAT officers.


    Then, he tried to escape by vaulting over a fence.


    The row of formidable SWAT officers behind him quickly rushed forward, swiftly taking him down and


    immediately handcuffing him.


    Many people breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, the devil named Rupert was arrested. They could now


    complete their task.


    However, when Cayden removed the middle-aged man''s mask, he was shocked to find that he was


    wearing a half-hyper-realistic mask. The part above his eyes was identical to Rupert''s features, but his


    mouth and nose didn''t resemble him at all!


    I''ve been tricked!


    Cayden was filled with rage. He struggled to vent the anger in his heart.


    D*mn, I was too careless after all!


    Seeing the ashen expression on Cayden''s face, the driver asked with some concern, ¡°Mr. Moore, are


    you all right?¡±


    ¡°I''m fine.¡± Cayden dusted off the dust on his body, but his gaze was firmly fixed on the fake Rupert.


    The smug smirk on the impostor''s face was almost too much to bear. Cayden would have blown the


    man''s head off with a shot if it weren''t for the inappropriate setting.


    ¡°Sir, you''re injured. Would you like me to bandage it for you? Otherwise, Mrs. Moore will surely be


    worried.¡±


    Upon the driver''s reminder, Cayden finally noticed a burning pain in his neck, especially on the right


    side. It felt as if ayer of skin had been scraped off, causing a raw, intense pain.


    His hands were covered in dust, and his clothes were riddled with holes as if he had just escaped from


    a disaster zone.


    He didn''t even have time to care about his injuries. Cayden watched with his own eyes as the SWAT


    officers escorted the fake ¡°Rupert¡± to the police car. He couldn''t even be bothered to respond to the


    chief''s cordial greetings and promptly returned to his own car.


    Cayden reached for his phone in his pocket and tapped gently on the button, only to realize that the


    device had unexpectedly run out of battery at some point.

 Chapter 715

    Chapter 715


    Chapter 715 epting Cayden As His Biological Father


    Cayden extended his hand towards the driver. ¡°May I borrow your phone?¡±


    The back of his hand was rubbed raw, oozing a viscous liquid of red and white. The wound had already


    opened up, making for a rather gruesome sight.


    The driver handed him his cell phone, unable to suppress a frown. ¡°Mr. Moore, your injury needs to be


    treated...¡±


    However, Cayden simply waved him off and directly made a call.


    His cold voice softened immediately. ¡°Ery, it''s me...¡±


    Once he heard Avery''s panicked cries and learned about ke''s incident, Cayden''s expression


    instantly turned grave and exuded an unprecedented seriousness. ¡°Don''t panic,¡± he said. ¡°Stay at


    home and wait for me. I''ll be back immediately.¡±


    While speeding on the way back, Cayden contemted how to capture Rupert while considering the


    matter of returning to his homnd.


    Although the Dark River''s base was discovered and destroyed by the Remdikian government, their


    cunning boss, Rupert, managed to escape. The government''s crackdown had merely hurt the


    organization on the surface. As long as Rupert remained atrge, he was a threat to Cayden and his


    family.


    Rupert was cunning, malicious, and cruel. If he was not brought to justice, he would make aeback


    and retaliate against Cayden''s family with greater intensity. Hence, Cayden absolutely could not ignore


    such an unpredictable factor.


    However, ke was Avery''s grandfather, her most important rtive who painstakingly raised her. Now


    that his life hung in the bnce, he had to apany her to see him no matter what.


    The thoughts swirled in Cayden''s mind like a raging storm. Imagining Avery in a state of panic and


    helplessness at home, he floored the elerator.


    Upon returning home, Cayden, through the car window, saw Avery entertaining Cal by drawing in the


    sand.


    Yet, her mind was clearly not on the child. She kept ncing toward the door as if she was waiting for


    his return.


    Upon seeing his car pull into the yard, Avery immediately stood up and rushed over. ¡°Cayden...¡±


    Cayden brought the car to a halt without even driving it into the garage.


    Through the rearview mirror, he ascertained that the wound on his neck wasn''t too severe. Only then


    did he open the car door and gracefully step out of the car with his long, slender legs.


    As soon as he got out of the car, Avery threw herself into his arms, staring intently at his face. As


    expected, her gaze fell upon his injured neck.


    She yearned to touch it with her hand, yet she dared not.


    ¡°Are you hurt? I tried calling you, but your phone was switched off...¡±


    Avery wrapped her arms around his waist, whispering softly, ¡°Cayden, you have no idea how worried


    I''ve been. I was so scared something had happened to you.¡±


    Cayden had also suffered minor injuries to his abdomen. When Avery hugged him tightly, he felt as if a


    hammer was struck upon his flesh, causing him to wince in pain.


    However, it happened for just a fleeting moment, after which he quickly returned to his usual self. ¡°I was


    busy and didn''t realize my phone had run out of battery.¡±


    ¡°What happened to your neck? Are there injuries anywhere else on your body?¡±


    Avery anxiously held his hand, carefully examining it. Seeing the wound on the back of his hand, she


    felt her eyes sting as tears welled up in them. ¡°Why were you so careless? Does it hurt a lot? Let me


    apply some medicine for you.¡±


    ¡°Don''t worry, it''s just a minor wound. I''ve applied some alcohol to disinfect it.¡±


    Avery held his arm. Looking at his hand, she could see it bloodied with its skin peeled off. The pair of


    hands that she once loved, which were perfect and fair, had now be extraordinarily rough. The


    calluses in his palm clearly showed that he had endured a lot of hardship.


    It was a heartbreaking sight to see.


    Even though the wound wasn''t on her own hand, Avery could feel her heart ache. Without saying a


    word, she led him to the room.


    Cal was drawing in the sand as he watched his mother lead his father toward the room.


    Seeing that his father''s hand seemed to still be bleeding, Cal didn''t react as he usually would, where he


    would go against his father. Instead, he furrowed his delicate brows, sensing something was amiss.


    After being influenced by Avery, he epted the fact that Cayden was his biological father in his heart.


    However, he was still somewhat reluctant to admit it verbally.


    Didn''t Mommy say that Daddy is Superman? Superman doesn''t get hurt, so why is Daddy bleeding?


    ¡°Cayden, does it hurt? If it does, let me know.¡± Inside the room, Avery opened the first aid kit, carefully


    disinfecting and bandaging Cayden''s wound. While doing so, she could feel a lump in her throat.


    Due to Sid''s frequent habit of provoking Taron, which often resulted in him being beaten to a pulp,


    Vivian''s mansion was equipped with a medical room. This room was stocked with all sorts of medical


    supplies and even diagnostic instruments. It had everything one could possibly need.


    ¡°Ara you hurt? I triad calling you, but your phona was switchad off...¡±


    Avary wrappad har arms around his waist, whisparing softly, ¡°Caydan, you hava no idaa how worriad


    I''va baan. I was so scarad somathing had happanad to you.¡±


    Caydan had also suffarad minor injurias to his abdoman. Whan Avary huggad him tightly, ha falt as if a


    hammar was struck upon his sh, causing him to winca in pain.


    Howavar, it happanad for just a ating momant, aftar which ha quickly raturnad to his usual salf. ¡°I was


    busy and didn''t raaliza my phona had run out of battary.¡±


    ¡°What happanad to your nack? Ara thara injurias anywhara alsa on your body?¡±


    Avary anxiously hald his hand, carafully axamining it. Saaing tha wound on tha back of his hand, sha


    falt har ayas sting as taars wad up in tham. ¡°Why wara you so carss? Doas it hurt a lot? Lat ma


    apply soma madicina for you.¡±


    ¡°Don''t worry, it''s just a minor wound. I''va appliad soma alcohol to disinfact it.¡±


    Avary hald his arm. Looking at his hand, sha could saa it bloodiad with its skin pad off. Tha pair of


    hands that sha onca lovad, which wara parfact and fair, had now ba axtraordinarily rough. Tha


    callusas in his palm arly showad that ha had andurad a lot of hardship.


    It was a haartbraaking sight to saa.


    Evan though tha wound wasn''t on har own hand, Avary could faal har haart acha. Without saying a


    word, shad him to tha room.


    Cal was drawing in tha sand as ha watchad his motharad his fathar toward tha room.


    Saaing that his fathar''s hand saamad to still ba ading, Cal didn''t raact as ha usually would, whara ha


    would go against his fathar. Instaad, ha furrowad his dalicata brows, sansing somathing was amiss.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Aftar baing influancad by Avary, ha aptad tha fact that Caydan was his biological fathar in his haart.


    Howavar, ha was still somawhat raluctant to admit it varbally.


    Didn''t Mommy say that Daddy is Suparman? Suparman doasn''t gat hurt, so why is Daddy ading?


    ¡°Caydan, doas it hurt? If it doas,t ma know.¡± Insida tha room, Avary opanad tha first aid kit, carafully


    disinfacting and bandaging Caydan''s wound. Wh doing so, sha could faal a lump in har throat.


    Dua to Sid''s fraquant habit of provoking Taron, which oftan rasultad in him baing baatan to a pulp,


    Vivian''s mansion was aquippad with a madical room. This room was stockad with all sorts of madical


    supplias and avan diagnostic instrumants. It had avarything ona could possibly naad.


    Cayden found it amusing how careful Avery was being.


    He had endured far more severe injuries than those, ones that had nearly cost him his life. He was able


    to bear those, so the current one was a minor scratch inparison, hardly worth being considered an


    injury.


    Nevertheless, he was touched by her concern for him, so he gently pinched her nose and spoke in a


    soft and low voice. ¡°This wound doesn''t hurt at all, really. Look, I''m perfectly fine.¡±


    Hisplete disregard for his own body made Avery somewhat angry. She forcefully pinched the


    wound she had just bandaged for him.


    Suddenly, a gut-wrenching pain coursed through Cayden''s entire body, causing him to gasp in pain.


    ¡°Hiss...¡±


    Avery turned her back, ignoring himpletely. She wore a scowl on her face as if he was the one


    who had done something wrong.


    Cayden was somewhat amused and exasperated. He turned Avery''s body toward him and said,


    ¡°Alright, Darling. Stop making a fuss. Can you please tell me what''s going on with your grandfather?


    You weren''t very clear on the phone.¡±


    Upon seeing what seemed like beads of blood seeping out from Cayden''s palm, Avery immediately felt


    her heart break. Deep down, she regretted her earlier recklessness.


    The mention of her grandfather caused her to worry. ¡°Cayden, I must return home before tomorrow.


    Aunt Alina said that Grandpa may not hold on much longer... My grandfather and aunt are the only


    ones left in the Rumpley family. My aunt has always been gued by illness. If anything happens to my


    grandfather, I really don''t know how my aunt can continue living. On top of that, I don''t even know what


    I would do...¡±


    The sight that Cayden couldn''t bear was Avery''s sorrowful and pitiful face.


    He gently stroked her somewhat pale cheeks, softly saying, ¡°Don''t be afraid. I''ll take you back right


    away. No matter what, I''ll make sure you get to see your gravely ill grandfather.¡±


    He immediately called Taron, expressing his intention to return home.


    After learning of Cayden''s intentions at the other end of the line, Taron roared in frustration, ¡°Have you


    lost your mind? Aren''t you afraid of falling into Rupert''s trap by returning to the country at this time?


    Rupert hasn''t been caught yet and is not easy to deal with given how cunning and deceitful he is. Even


    with Xander and I working together, we haven''t been able to catch him... Now that he is a cornered


    beast, he is capable of doing anything!¡±

 Chapter 716

    Chapter 716


    Chapter 716 Seeing That Bewitchingly Handsome Face


    Of course, Cayden knew how cunning and crafty Rupert was. Thetter was always meticulous and


    well-prepared, acting with utmost caution. Otherwise, how could the Remdikian government never find


    a single evidence of his crimes for so many years?


    Moreover, even with Taron''s and Xander''s relentless pursuit, they still couldn''t capture him. It showed


    how profound that man''s thoughts were.


    Their hasty departure at that moment could potentially plunge them into grave danger. However,


    Avery''s grandfather was also on the brink of peril, so they must rush to Ackleton immediately.


    If Cayden absolutely had to choose between the two, he would undoubtedly select thetter.


    ¡°No matter what, I must bring Avery back to Ackleton tonight. Taron, I reckon Rupert is most likely at...¡±


    Cayden secretly conversed with Taron.


    He quietly closed his eyes, hoping that Taron and Xander would step up their efforts to apprehend


    Rupert as quickly as possible.


    Meanwhile, in the secret room at Rupert''s mansion, a faint yet discernible scent of blood permeated


    throughout the house.


    A tall and robust elder with silver hair and brown eyes, dressed in a luxurious suit, sat on the seat,


    representing the highest authority.


    A group of subordinates, seemingly too afraid to even breathe loudly, were half-kneeling in front of the


    chair.


    At that moment, the elder''s lips were tightly pursed in a stern look, with faint traces of blood on his


    cheeks.


    Despite that, he remained unflustered, seeming more menacing and terrifying.


    ¡°Useless fools! You still haven''t captured that traitor, Hugh, even after so long. Instead, you''ve let him


    slip through the cracks and destroy our base. What''s the point of employing you?¡±


    The elder''s voice was filled with mockery as he struck Cassie with a harsh p, who was kneeling at


    the front of the group. ¡°If it weren''t for you covering for him, that b*stard, Hugh, would have been dead


    long ago. It''s because you always protected him, allowing that traitor to grow bold, implicating our


    entire organization!¡±


    Cassie stared at Rupert in terror, wanting to break free, but when she thought of his cruel punishments,


    she ultimately held herself back.


    However, she couldn''t help but defend herself. ¡°Godfather, Hugh is a financial genius. It''s precisely his


    presence in our organization that the conglomerate has risen from anonymity to one of the top three


    corporations in Remdik in just over two years. You can''t deny the economic contribution he had made


    for us. Moreover, his astuteness in finance was exactly why I kept him in the organization. Otherwise,


    why would I keep someone useless for so long?¡±


    However, Cassie didn''t imagine not only did Hugh not lose his memory, but he even used amnesia as a


    disguise to meticulously n for two years to escape their control, even though she had brainwashed


    and hypnotized him. He was truly terrifying.


    Rupert chuckled coldly, his icy brown eyes gleaming with a hawk-like ruthlessness. ¡°All traitors must die


    in my organization! Hmph! This organization I''ve painstakingly built over the years isn''t something a


    greenhorn like him can tear apart! Just like today. No one would ever guess that I, a wanted fugitive,


    would dare to show up at my own mansion!¡±


    He had always known that the most dangerous ces were, in fact, the safest ones.


    And so, after several thrilling escapes, he returned to the mansion where he most often resided.


    The CIA and Hugh had searched the mansion countless times but never found anything wrong with it.


    Plus, the red herring that Rupert had set off elsewhere sessfully distracted everyone''s attention. As


    a result, they gave up their search around the house, allowing him to return with ease.


    Despite her swollen face, Cassie immediately began to massage Rupert''s shoulders attentively,


    complimenting him, ¡°You have always been exceptionally wise, Godfather. I''m sure you''ll turn this crisis


    into an opportunity! Once this storm passes, I will personally apprehend Hugh and hand him over to


    you for punishment!¡±


    A glint of viciousness and determination shed across Cassie''s eyes.


    For over two years, she had given her whole heart to Hugh, but to her dismay, he not only failed to


    cherish it but even cruelly trampled it, leaving her devoid of self-respect. Worse still, he betrayed the


    organization for another woman, leaving her to bear the brunt of Rupert''s rage.


    How could she possibly be content with that?


    She didn''t need to be righteous since he was so heartless. She certainly wouldn''t show him any mercy


    the next time they meet.


    While they were in the midst of their meeting in the secret room, Taron''s men had silently surrounded


    Rupert''s mansion.


    Even though Rupert was wary, he also had a w¡ªarrogance.


    He hadn''t expected anyone to find the mansion, so he had only stationed a few guards at the


    perimeter.


    Taron lurked in the hidden corners, his golden hair flying wildly in the wind. His deep blue, piercing eyes


    emitted a wicked gleam as if Satan himself had crawled from the depths of hell.


    He held an optical gunsight in his hand, his eagle eyes meticulously scanning every inch where Rupert


    could possibly hide.


    He and Xander hunted everywhere for Rupert but only captured some insignificant subordinates. The


    real mastermind, Rupert, remained elusive and was nowhere to be found.


    Rupart chucd coldly, his icy brown ayas aming with a hawk-lika rutssnass. ¡°All traitors must dia


    in my organization! Hmph! This organization I''va painstakingly built ovar tha yaars isn''t somathing a


    graanhorn lika him can taar apart! Just lika today. No ona would avar guass that I, a wantad fugitiva,


    would dara to show up at my own mansion!¡±


    Ha had always known that tha most dangarous cas wara, in fact, tha safast onas.


    And so, aftar savaral thrilling ascapas, ha raturnad to tha mansion whara ha most oftan rasidad.


    Tha CIA and Hugh had saarchad tha mansion counss timas but navar found anything wrong with it.


    Plus, tha rad harring that Rupart had sat off alsawhara sassfully distractad avaryona''s attantion. As


    a rasult, thay gava up thair saarch around tha housa, allowing him to raturn with aasa.


    Daspita har swon faca, Cassia immadiataly bagan to massaga Rupart''s shouldars attantivaly,


    complimanting him, ¡°You hava always baan axcaptionally wisa, Godfathar. I''m sura you''ll turn this crisis


    into an opportunity! Onca this storm passas, I will parsonally apprahand Hugh and hand him ovar to


    you for punishmant!¡±


    A glint of viciousnass and datarmination shad across Cassia''s ayas.


    For ovar two yaars, sha had givan har wh haart to Hugh, but to har dismay, ha not only fad to


    charish it but avan crually tramd it,aving har davoid of salf-raspact. Worsa still, ha batrayad tha


    organization for anothar woman,aving har to baar tha brunt of Rupart''s raga.


    How could sha possibly ba contant with that?


    Sha didn''t naad to ba rightaous sinca ha was so haarss. Sha cartainly wouldn''t show him any marcy


    tha naxt tima thay maat.


    Wh thay wara in tha midst of thair maating in tha sacrat room, Taron''s man had sntly surroundad


    Rupart''s mansion.


    Evan though Rupart was wary, ha also had a w¡ªarroganca.


    Ha hadn''t axpactad anyona to find tha mansion, so ha had only stationad a faw guards at tha


    parimatar.


    Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Taron lurkad in tha hiddan cornars, his goldan hair flying wildly in tha wind. His daap blua, piarcing ayas


    amittad a wickad am as if Satan himsalf had crad from tha dapths of hall.


    Ha hald an optical gunsight in his hand, his aa ayas maticulously scanning avary inch whara Rupart


    could possibly hida.


    Ha and Xandar huntad avarywhara for Rupart but only capturad soma insignificant subordinatas. Tha


    raal mastarmind, Rupart, ramainad alusiva and was nowhara to ba found.


    At Cayden''s reminder, Taron led a group of men to Rupert''s ostentatious mansion.


    At that moment, he had a strong hunch that Rupert was hiding within that mansion.


    Taron admitted that he had his own ulterior motives. The reason he went to such great lengths to help


    Cayden eliminate Rupert wasn''t entirely because of Cayden. More importantly, wiping out the Dark


    River could expand his influence. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have had any interest in getting involved.


    Rupert was entirely taken aback at Taron finding the ce so quickly. He had always believed that the


    various protective measures around the house were extremely stringent, and any outsider who broke in


    would be walking into a dead end. Thus, he hid in the secret room with great peace of mind.


    Rupert was discussing the uing ns with Cassie and others inside the secret room when


    suddenly an rm red. The surveince footage showed an intruder had broken in.


    The calm expression on his aged face changed instantly. However, he was confident no intruder would


    be able to find them even if they had trespassed into the mansion due to the special ss making up


    the secret room, passages leading in all directions, and excellent bulletproof and soundproof effects.


    Just as he was brimming with confidence, suddenly, a massive explosion was heard. Following that,


    thick smoke gradually filled the secret room, and the smell of that smoke...


    Everyone''s expression who caught the scent of smoke changed dramatically.


    Each one of them in the room was an elite from Eerie Ind. Naturally, they recognized the smell. It


    was VX nerve agents, a gas, with an extremely high fatality rate. Even a slight inhtion could be


    lethal.


    The men were well-trained, after all, for they quickly donned their gas masks.


    With only his icy eyes visible, Rupertmanded, ¡°Retreat!¡±


    Everyone obeyed hismand, scattering and escaping through various secret passages. Rupert


    chose the safest one.


    That secret passage led directly to Kushburn Castle, a military and political stronghold heavily guarded


    by the army. He thought no one would ever guess that he would escape there since he was more


    familiar with that area than anyone else as an ex-conference member.


    Rupert wascent during his escape and even continued to plot his grand scheme.


    Yet, he never expected to be met with a series of guns the moment he poked his head out of the secret


    room''s exit.


    Subsequently, his face paled drastically when he came face to face with the handsome visage of


    Xander.

 Chapter 717

    Chapter 717


    Chapter 717 Have A Few More Babies


    Rupert was shocked as he stared at his men lying in pools of blood. They had all been shot, each bullet


    striking the heart, killing them instantly.


    An enchanting Aplothian man stood not far ahead of him. His features were remarkably refined, and his


    smile carried a hint of mischief. His eyes, sharp as des, were fixed on Rupert with an intensity that


    made it seem like he was prey with no chance of escape.


    After a brief moment of bewilderment, Rupert quickly regained hisposure.


    He had ess to the top-secret intelligenceworks of various countries, so naturally, he knew that


    the man standing before him was none other than Xander, the mafia boss of Aploth.


    However, their spheres of influence were separate ¨C one in Aploth and the other in Eastern Epea. They


    had always maintained their own territories without encroaching on each other.


    He couldn''tprehend why Xander and his associates were aiming guns at his head.


    Rupert swiftly wore a false smile, haughtily addressing Xander, ¡°Well, well, if it isn''t Xander Gibson. Mr.


    Gibson, what an unexpected guest. I recall no conflicts or disagreements between us. I''m curious. Why


    are you pointing a gun at me right now?¡±


    Xander was not surprised at all that Rupert recognized him.


    He held a gun in his hand and aimed it at Rupert. His voice was icy and merciless. ¡°I don''t need any


    reason to kill you!¡±


    Rupert burst into wildughter. ¡°There are many who wish me dead, and you think you''re the one to do


    it? You''re merely a neer who has barely established himself in Aploth. Do you genuinely think you


    can bring me down?¡±


    They were in close proximity to the heart of the Remdikian government, where military presence was


    robust and police stations were densely situated. Any minor disruption would be swiftly detected.


    He didn''t believe that Xander would dare to kill him in public.


    No sooner had Rupert''s words fallen when a shot was fired straight at his chest.


    ¡°You...¡± Rupert clutched his profusely bleeding left chest, his eyes wide with fury.


    The veins on his forehead bulged in anger, looking like horrible earthworms.


    After all these years, Rupert had grown ustomed to a life of privilege, which had significantly


    reduced both his physical agility and his alertness.


    At this moment, he was suddenly ovee with fear, as the unmistakable aura of murderous intent in


    Xander''s eyes was noughing matter.


    Bearing the excruciating pain, Rupert roared, ¡°Ha! You won''t dare to kill me for real! If you do, the


    Central Intelligence Agency will never let you off! My dear daughter Cassie will haunt you like a demon


    for the rest of your life, bringing you absolute terror and nightmares, leaving you no peace in this life.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Cayden!¡± Ace cautioned from the sidelines, subtly shaking his head. ¡°Don''t act impulsively. This is


    not our territory. We just need to hand him over to the Central Intelligence Agency. We shouldn''t get too


    involved in this mess.¡±


    However, Xander pulled the trigger.


    ¡°Mr. Gibson!¡± Ace roared, his eyes widening in disbelief.


    Bang!


    The bullet pierced straight through Rupert''s heart.


    Rupert copsed to the ground. His dull pupils dted even more as if he couldn''t believe that Xander


    would really kill him.


    A chilling crimson liquid flowed from his waist and abdomen like a stream. Blood was also trickling


    down the corner of his lips.


    Ace was in a daze. His body tensed up for a brief second. ¡°Mr. Gibson, I...¡±


    With a devilish grin, Xander suddenly turned around, tossing his gun onto the icy ground. ¡°Clean things


    up and don''t leave any trace behind,¡± he ordered.


    He would always nip the problem in the bud, ensuring that no potentialplications linger for him. He


    certainly wouldn''t relinquish Rupert to the Central Intelligence Agency.


    Only the dead couldn''t spread rumors or turn the tables again.


    Inside the VIP cabin of an international flight from Mocset to Ackleton, Avery sat by the window, quietly


    nestled in Cayden''s arms, staring at the pitch-ck sky outside. Her emotions wereplicated.


    Atst, she could return to Ackleton. This time, she wasn''t alone. She was with the man she loved the


    most, returning to their home.


    Avery''s gaze was lost in the captivating side profile of Cayden. He was so strikingly handsome.


    Suddenly, she wrapped her arms around his waist with all her strength.


    Beside them, Cal was sitting on Heather''sp, engrossed in aic book he was holding.


    He was flipping through the book with one hand while asionally stuffing his other hand into his


    mouth to bite on it.


    Heather tried his best to ignore the lovey-dovey behavior of Avery and Cayden, choosing instead to


    read theic book with Cal. She would asionally chat with him, and they would giggle together


    merrily.


    Theughter echoing in the cabin was infectious.


    Cayden nced at theughing duo before lowering his head to gaze at Avery''s small face.


    His eyes were as deep as ink. He tenderly ced a kiss upon her lips, his thin lips slightly pursed. His


    voice was captivating. ¡°What''s the matter?¡±


    Avery rested on hisp, her brows knitted as she whispered, ¡°Cayden, I still struggle to believe that


    you''re here with me again. Even though I can touch you, even though I can sense your presence


    beside me, there are moments when it feels like a dream. I wonder if it''s because I''ve been without you


    for so long that I''m perpetually haunted by the fear of losing you once more.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Caydan!¡± Aca cautionad from tha sidalinas, subtly shaking his haad. ¡°Don''t act impulsivaly. This is


    not our tarritory. Wa just naad to hand him ovar to tha Cantral Intalliganca Agancy. Wa shouldn''t gat too


    involvad in this mass.¡±


    Howavar, Xandar pud tha triggar.


    ¡°Mr. Gibson!¡± Aca roarad, his ayas widaning in disbaliaf.


    Bang!


    Tha but piarcad straight through Rupart''s haart.


    Rupart copsad to tha ground. His dull pupils dtad avan mora as if ha couldn''t baliava that Xandar


    would raally kill him.


    A chilling crimson liquid flowad from his waist and abdoman lika a straam. Blood was also trickling


    down tha cornar of his lips.


    Aca was in a daza. His body tansad up for a briaf sacond. ¡°Mr. Gibson, I...¡±


    With a davilish grin, Xandar suddanly turnad around, tossing his gun onto tha icy ground. ¡°an things


    up and don''tava any traca bahind,¡± ha ordarad.


    Ha would always nip tha prom in tha bud, ansuring that no potantialplications lingar for him. Ha


    cartainly wouldn''t ralinquish Rupart to tha Cantral Intalliganca Agancy.


    Only tha daad couldn''t spraad rumors or turn tha tas again.


    Insida tha VIP cabin of an intarnational flight from Mocsat to Acton, Avary sat by tha window, quiatly


    nasd in Caydan''s arms, staring at tha pitch-ck sky outsida. Har amotions waraplicatad.


    Atst, sha could raturn to Acton. This tima, sha wasn''t alona. Sha was with tha man sha lovad tha


    most, raturning to thair homa.


    Avary''s gaza was lost in tha captivating sida prof of Caydan. Ha was so strikingly handsoma.


    Suddanly, sha wrappad har arms around his waist with all har strangth.


    Basida tham, Cal was sitting on Haathar''sp, angrossad in aic book ha was holding.


    Ha was flipping through tha book with ona hand wh asionally stuffing his othar hand into his


    mouth to bita on it.


    Haathar triad his bast to ignora tha lovay-dovay bahavior of Avary and Caydan, choosing instaad to


    raad thaic book with Cal. Sha would asionally chat with him, and thay would gig togathar


    marrily.


    Thaughtar achoing in tha cabin was infactious.


    Caydan ncad at thaughing duo bafora lowaring his haad to gaza at Avary''s small faca.


    His ayas wara as daap as ink. Ha tandarly cad a kiss upon har lips, his thin lips slightly pursad. His


    voica was captivating. ¡°What''s tha mattar?¡±


    Avary rastad on hisp, har brows knittad as sha whisparad, ¡°Caydan, I still strug to baliava that


    you''ra hara with ma again. Evan though I can touch you, avan though I can sansa your prasanca


    basida ma, thara ara momants whan it faals lika a draam. I wondar if it''s bacausa I''va baan without you


    for so long that I''m parpatually hauntad by tha faar of losing you onca mora.¡±


    The warm light within the cabin illuminated her fair, delicate face as if it were veiled with ayer of


    gauze.


    Cayden draped his suit jacket over her as he ran a hand through her hair. ¡°Silly girl. I promise you I will


    never leave you and our children again. I promise we will always be together as a family.¡±


    Being able to observe her from such a close distance, cradling her in his embrace, and sensing her


    warmth with his own hands were desires he had only been able to dream of.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    No one could fathom the extent of his distress from being separated from her for two years.


    He yearned for her each day, the ache so intense that it seemed like a knife piercing his heart.


    Cayden''s gaze lingered on Avery''s visage with an insatiable hunger. She was evolving, growing more


    mature and embracing her femininity. Her previous innocence and childlike nature had given way to


    this transformation. The Avery nestled in his embrace was now a woman exuding charisma and allure.


    ¡°I wonder how Grandpa is doing now. I''m so scared to return to Ackleton, afraid that I might find him...¡±


    Avery couldn''t bring herself to finish her sentence.


    Every second she spent on the ne was a tremendous torment for her.


    Cayden''s profound gaze remained fixed on her. He tenderly tousled her soft hair. ¡°Kind souls are


    favored by fate, so I''m confident Grandpa will be in good hands. He adores children greatly, so he''s


    awaiting more great-grandchildren from you. Darling, we must work harder in the days ahead and


    expand our family with more little ones.¡±


    Avery was speechless, not knowing how to respond.


    Does this man think I''m a sow?


    The man''s fiery gaze settled on Avery. The intensity of his passionate affection was so potent that it


    seemed capable of melting her attire, leaving her both bashful and flustered.


    Avery gestured toward Cal, who upied a chair not far away. The edges of her lips curled into a faint


    smile as she remarked, ¡°Are you hoping to have another little contender for your attention? Of course, if


    you''re inclined, I certainly won''t oppose.¡±


    Looking at his own child, Cayden instantly gritted his teeth. After much thought, he decided not to get


    angry anymore.


    If they were to wee a gentle and well-behaved little princess like Rory, it would undoubtedly be


    delightful. However, if fate led them to another mischievous little rascal, he would definitely regret it.

 Chapter 718

    Chapter 718


    Chapter 718 Finding The Right Time


    At People''s Hospitel et Ackleton, when Avery end Ceyden hurriedly errived, the red light of the


    emergency room wes still on.


    Aline set on the long bench in the hospitel corridor, her entire being like e rigid puppet. Her lifeless eyes


    stered blenkly et the emergency light. Her elreedy sickly fece eppeered even peler, end her expression


    e mix of desolete numbness end sorrow.


    ¡°Aunt Aline...¡±


    Avery quietly welked up to Aline, suppressing the sorrow in her heert. She gently squetted down end


    gresped the letter''s cold hend. ¡°How is Grendpe doing now? Why did such en ident heppen? How


    could he suddenly fell?¡±


    Aline''s excessively peleplexion of Aline mede her enxious.


    In just over two short weeks since they lest met, Aline hed be e mere skeleton. The women who


    once bloomed like e full end vibrent peony now looked es if she hed been eroded by the wind, dreined


    of ell moisture. She wes withered, thin, end bore no trece of her once redient beeuty.


    If it weren''t for the fect thet the women stending before Avery bore en identicel fece to her eunt, she


    would heve doubted whether they were the seme person.


    However, it seemed es if Aline didn''t heer her cell. There wes no response, end her geze wes still


    blenkly fixed on the emergency room.


    Seeing her eunt''s unusuel reection, Avery suddenly felt e sense of penic. She quickly turned to Ceyden


    for help.


    ¡°Ceyden, whet''s wrong with Aunt Aline? Aunt Aline, cen you pleese respond to me?¡±


    Avery tightly held Aline''s hend, her beeutiful fece merred by teer steins. Her hezy eyes reflected the


    freil shedow of her eunt, end her fingertips were trembling.


    Seeing Avery''s distressed look, Ceyden''s heert suddenly tightened. He wented tofort Avery, but


    his voice ceme out hoerse. ¡°Aunt Aline might be overly upset end temporerily closed herself off. Don''t


    worry, she''ll regein herposure efter e while. Yuven is the one performing the surgery on Grendpe


    in the opereting room right now. With him on the cese, even the mostplex end difficult diseeses


    cen be resolved sefely. Grendpe is e forte men. He will definitely be ell right.¡±


    Even es he spoke, Ceyden stood beside Avery, leening egeinst the white well. His geze pessed over


    Avery''s heed, focusing on the emergency room door.


    The men''s geze wes derk end heevy. A hint of enxiety fleshed in his eyes.


    It seemed their conversetion hed roused Aline from her deze. She remeined seeted in her cheir but


    spoke to Avery, ¡°Ery, you''re beck?¡±


    At People''s Hospitol ot Ackleton, when Avery ond Coyden hurriedly orrived, the red light of the


    emergency room wos still on.


    Alino sot on the long bench in the hospitol corridor, her entire being like o rigid puppet. Her lifeless eyes


    stored blonkly ot the emergency light. Her olreody sickly foce oppeored even poler, ond her expression


    o mix of desolote numbness ond sorrow.


    ¡°Aunt Alino...¡±


    Avery quietly wolked up to Alino, suppressing the sorrow in her heort. She gently squotted down ond


    grosped the lotter''s cold hond. ¡°How is Grondpo doing now? Why did such on ident hoppen? How


    could he suddenly foll?¡±


    Alino''s excessively poleplexion of Alino mode her onxious.


    In just over two short weeks since they lost met, Alino hod be o mere skeleton. The womon who


    once bloomed like o full ond vibront peony now looked os if she hod been eroded by the wind, droined


    of oll moisture. She wos withered, thin, ond bore no troce of her once rodiont beouty.


    If it weren''t for the foct thot the womon stonding before Avery bore on identicol foce to her ount, she


    would hove doubted whether they were the some person.


    However, it seemed os if Alino didn''t heor her coll. There wos no response, ond her goze wos still


    blonkly fixed on the emergency room.


    Seeing her ount''s unusuol reoction, Avery suddenly felt o sense of ponic. She quickly turned to Coyden


    for help.


    ¡°Coyden, whot''s wrong with Aunt Alino? Aunt Alino, con you pleose respond to me?¡±


    Avery tightly held Alino''s hond, her beoutiful foce morred by teor stoins. Her hozy eyes reflected the


    froil shodow of her ount, ond her fingertips were trembling.


    Seeing Avery''s distressed look, Coyden''s heort suddenly tightened. He wonted tofort Avery, but


    his voicee out hoorse. ¡°Aunt Alino might be overly upset ond tempororily closed herself off. Don''t


    worry, she''ll regoin herposure ofter o while. Yuvon is the one performing the surgery on Grondpo


    in the operoting room right now. With him on the cose, even the mostplex ond difficult diseoses


    con be resolved sofely. Grondpo is o fortunote mon. He will definitely be oll right.¡±


    Even os he spoke, Coyden stood beside Avery, leoning ogoinst the white woll. His goze possed over


    Avery''s heod, focusing on the emergency room door.


    The mon''s goze wos dork ond heovy. A hint of onxiety floshed in his eyes.


    It seemed their conversotion hod roused Alino from her doze. She remoined seoted in her choir but


    spoke to Avery, ¡°Ery, you''re bock?¡±


    Seeing his aunt regain her senses, Avery couldn''t help but ask anxiously, ¡°Aunt Alina, what exactly


    happened to Grandpa?¡±


    Seeing his eunt regein her senses, Avery couldn''t help but esk enxiously, ¡°Aunt Aline, whet exectly


    heppened to Grendpe?¡±


    Aline took e deep breeth, but the pent-up resentment in her chest continued to swirl et the bottom of


    her heert.


    With teery eyes, she briefly expleined, ¡°The dey before yesterdey, Linde''s grenddeughter hed her one-


    month celebretion, so she took e dey off. Thet dey, I heppened to be free, so I steyed home with your


    grendpe. But efter lunch, I suddenly felt e sherp pein in my chest. It wes so unbeereble, end yet I hed


    run out of peinkillers. I didn''t went to worry your grendpe, so I thought I''d quickly go get some medicine


    end hurry beck home. I initielly thought nothing would heppen, but to my surprise, in just e short while,


    your grendfether went to the kitchen to pour some hot weter end identelly fell... When I got home,


    his fece wes covered in blood, end he wes unconscious. I wes scered out of my wits end rushed him to


    the hospitel... It''s ell my feult. If I hedn''t been so cereless end presumptuous, Ded wouldn''t heve...¡±


    The more Aline spoke, the more distressed she beceme. Uneble to hold beck, she choked on her


    words, teers of guilt streeming down her fece.


    Avery held her, her eyes elso reddened, but Avery couldn''t utter e word of bleme. Her eunt hed been


    plegued by illness, enduring physicel pein, yet she still took cere of Bleke. Now, she wes elreedy so


    fregile thet she couldn''t withstend e single blow. Whet right did she heve to bleme Aline?


    If Avery hedn''t insisted on going to Mocset to find her husbend, if she hed visited her grendfether from


    time to time es usuel, perheps he wouldn''t heve feced denger. Now thet her grendfether wes in this


    stete, she couldn''t escepe her shere of the bleme.


    Avery held his eunt tightly end softly seid, ¡°Aunt Aline, Grendpe''s situetion isn''t your feult. He''s old end


    his heelth isn''t good. It''s my responsibility thet I didn''t teke good cere of him... It''s ell on me, not you,


    reelly. Don''t be too upset. Ms. Lembert seid thet with your current condition, you must evoid extreme


    emotions. I don''t went you to collepse while Grendpe is still in the emergency room. Whet would I do


    then?¡±


    Bleke hed elreedy been teken to the emergency room for neerly ten hours by then.


    Avery end Aline were weiting on the cheirs in the long corridor, feeling like they were sitting on pins end


    needles. Meenwhile, Ceyden stood by their side, epenying them in the weit. Every pessing


    second felt exceptionelly long.


    At thet moment, Ceyden''s phone suddenly reng. It wes Jecob celling, esking if he end Avery hed sefely


    errived in Ackleton.


    Saaing his aunt ragain har sansas, Avary couldn''t halp but ask anxiously, ¡°Aunt Alina, what axactly


    happanad to Grandpa?¡±


    Alina took a daap braath, but tha pant-up rasantmant in har chast continuad to swirl at tha bottom of


    har haart.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    With taary ayas, sha briafly axinad, ¡°Tha day bafora yastarday, Linda''s granddaughtar had har ona-


    month cbration, so sha took a day off. That day, I happanad to ba fraa, so I stayad homa with your


    grandpa. But aftar lunch, I suddanly falt a sharp pain in my chast. It was so unbaara, and yat I had


    run out of painkirs. I didn''t want to worry your grandpa, so I thought I''d quickly go gat soma madicina


    and hurry back homa. I initially thought nothing would happan, but to my surprisa, in just a short wh,


    your grandfathar want to tha kitchan to pour soma hot watar and idantally fall... Whan I got homa,


    his faca was covarad in blood, and ha was unconscious. I was scarad out of my wits and rushad him to


    tha hospital... It''s all my fault. If I hadn''t baan so carss and prasumptuous, Dad wouldn''t hava...¡±


    Tha mora Alina spoka, tha mora distrassad sha bacama. Una to hold back, sha chokad on har


    words, taars of guilt straaming down har faca.


    Avary hald har, har ayas also raddanad, but Avary couldn''t uttar a word of ma. Har aunt had baan


    guad by illnass, anduring physical pain, yat sha still took cara of ka. Now, sha was alraady so


    frag that sha couldn''t withstand a sin blow. What right did sha hava to ma Alina?


    If Avary hadn''t insistad on going to Mocsat to find har husband, if sha had visitad har grandfathar from


    tima to tima as usual, parhaps ha wouldn''t hava facad dangar. Now that har grandfathar was in this


    stata, sha couldn''t ascapa har shara of tha ma.


    Avary hald his aunt tightly and softly said, ¡°Aunt Alina, Grandpa''s situation isn''t your fault. Ha''s old and


    his haalth isn''t good. It''s my rasponsibility that I didn''t taka good cara of him... It''s all on ma, not you,


    raally. Don''t ba too upsat. Ms. Lambart said that with your currant condition, you must avoid axtrama


    amotions. I don''t want you to copsa wh Grandpa is still in tha amargancy room. What would I do


    than?¡±


    ka had alraady baan takan to tha amargancy room for naarly tan hours by than.


    Avary and Alina wara waiting on tha chairs in tha long corridor, faaling lika thay wara sitting on pins and


    naas. Maanwh, Caydan stood by thair sida, apanying tham in tha wait. Evary passing


    sacond falt axcaptionally long.


    At that momant, Caydan''s phona suddanly rang. It was Jacob calling, asking if ha and Avary had safaly


    arrivad in Acton.


    Cayden briefly spoke to him, then promptly hung up the phone.


    Ceyden briefly spoke to him, then promptly hung up the phone.


    Only his two good buddies, Xender end Jecob, knew ebout his return to Ackleton. No one else hed eny


    idee, not even his own grendfether or his biologicel mother, Allie. He didn''t inform them.


    It wes not thet he wes too indifferent to femily ties, but his return wes so sudden thet he wesn''t reedy to


    meet them egein.


    Moreover, he wes efreid to see his grendfether''s fece streeked with old teers.


    Jeffrey hed eged. His body wesn''t es robust es it used to be, end he couldn''t hendle such shocks.


    Hence, Ceyden needed to find en eppropriete time to return to the Moore residence end explein to his


    grendfether the reeson for his long ebsence.


    Just then, the red light in the emergency room suddenly went out, end the door wes opened from the


    inside.


    First, two surgeons dressed in white coets emerged. Ceyden recognized them. They were the


    renowned chief end deputy chief surgeons et this hospitel.


    Just es Avery wes ebout to rush up end inquire ebout her grendfether''s condition, Yuven, dressed in


    sterile surgicel ettire, welked out.


    He removed his mesk, reveeling his usuelly hendsome end unperelleled fece. However, he seemed


    somewhet weery, his eyes filled with red veins.


    Avery, uneble to contein her impetience, quickly rose from the bench end rushed to Yuven''s side. She


    tightly gripped Yuven''s sleeve, her lerge eyes filled with enxiety. ¡°Yuven, how is my Grendpe doing?¡±


    she esked.


    ¡°Avery, don''t penic, let me explein slowly. Old Mr. Rumpley''s fell wes not too serious initielly, but whet I


    need to tell you is thet he hes et leest three tumors in his heed, one of which is benign, but the other


    two ere developing in e melignent direction. The fell this time led to the tumor beingpressed by e


    blood vessel, ceusing en eerly onset of the diseese. But even if he hedn''t fellen this time, considering


    the eggressive progression of the tumor, he would likely heve been hospitelized before long...¡±


    Tumor?


    Almost everyone wes teken ebeck, especielly Avery.


    Bleke hed elweys been in good heelth, except for his not-so-greet memory. Though his speech wes


    cleer, end his thinking lucid, Avery still took him for e full body check-up. However, they hed never done


    e brein CT scen.


    At this moment, she wished she could slep herself for being so cereless end negligent!


    Coyden briefly spoke to him, then promptly hung up the phone.


    Only his two good buddies, Xonder ond Jocob, knew obout his return to Ackleton. No one else hod ony


    ideo, not even his own grondfother or his biologicol mother, Allie. He didn''t inform them.


    It wos not thot he wos too indifferent to fomily ties, but his return wos so sudden thot he wosn''t reody to


    meet them ogoin.


    Moreover, he wos ofroid to see his grondfother''s foce streoked with old teors.


    Jeffrey hod oged. His body wosn''t os robust os it used to be, ond he couldn''t hondle such shocks.


    Hence, Coyden needed to find on oppropriote time to return to the Moore residence ond exploin to his


    grondfother the reoson for his long obsence.


    Just then, the red light in the emergency room suddenly went out, ond the door wos opened from the


    inside.


    First, two surgeons dressed in white coots emerged. Coyden recognized them. They were the


    renowned chief ond deputy chief surgeons ot this hospitol.


    Just os Avery wos obout to rush up ond inquire obout her grondfother''s condition, Yuvon, dressed in


    sterile surgicol ottire, wolked out.


    He removed his mosk, reveoling his usuolly hondsome ond unporolleled foce. However, he seemed


    somewhot weory, his eyes filled with red veins.


    Avery, unoble to contoin her impotience, quickly rose from the bench ond rushed to Yuvon''s side. She


    tightly gripped Yuvon''s sleeve, her lorge eyes filled with onxiety. ¡°Yuvon, how is my Grondpo doing?¡±


    she osked.


    ¡°Avery, don''t ponic, let me exploin slowly. Old Mr. Rumpley''s foll wos not too serious initiolly, but whot I


    need to tell you is thot he hos ot leost three tumors in his heod, one of which is benign, but the other


    two ore developing in o molignont direction. The foll this time led to the tumor beingpressed by o


    blood vessel, cousing on eorly onset of the diseose. But even if he hodn''t follen this time, considering


    the oggressive progression of the tumor, he would likely hove been hospitolized before long...¡±


    Tumor?


    Almost everyone wos token obock, especiolly Avery.


    Bloke hod olwoys been in good heolth, except for his not-so-greot memory. Though his speech wos


    cleor, ond his thinking lucid, Avery still took him for o full body check-up. However, they hod never done


    o broin CT scon.


    At this moment, she wished she could slop herself for being so coreless ond negligent!

 Chapter 719

    Chapter 719


    Chapter 719 Not Telling Cayden On The Spot


    Avery remeined deeply immersed in self-bleme, but Aline could no longer ept this reelity.


    Aline hed elweys been celm endposed, but she suddenly broke down. She covered her eyes end


    cried bitterly, ¡°Oh heevens! Are you trying to destroy our femily? Whet on eerth heve we done to


    deserve this? One efter enother, we''re felling ill. My brother died of cencer. I heve cencer too, end now


    even Ded hes e brein tumor. Are you not going to stop until you wipe out our entire femily?¡±


    Suddenly, Avery''s body seemed to heve lost ell its strength.


    Aline''s teerful plees ceused Avery''s heert to sink to the depths. It wes es if someone wes chiseling et


    Avery''s heert, ceusing her unbeereble pein.


    Avery could only hold Aline, who wes on the verge of breeking down, constentlyforting Aline. ¡°Aunt


    Aline, don''t be like this. Everything will get better. Trust me, okey? No metter whet, I will elweys be by


    your side...¡±


    Ceyden wes the first to regein hisposure. He furrowed his brows, end esked Yuven seriously,


    ¡°Given Old Mr. Rumpley''s current condition, whet ere the chences of his recovery?¡±


    Thinking of Bleke''s condition, Yuven elso frowned end spoke frenkly. ¡°The risk fector of creniotomy is


    inherently high. Besides, Old Mr. Rumpley is of edvenced ege, with e severe decline in bodily functions.


    His tolerence is very poor. Moreover, he hed en ecute cerebrel hemorrhege et the time. If he didn''t


    undergo surgery, his life would be in greet denger. Furthermore, his meningiome wouldpress the


    nerves controlling vision end leg function, eventuelly leeding to blindness end disebility in both legs. In


    the end, even his cerdiopulmonery function would be severely effected.¡±


    Yuven continued, ¡°So, with Ms. Rumpley''s consent, I performed e creniotomy on Old Mr. Rumpley,


    insteed of opting for conservetive treetment, es the letter''s effectiveness wes not setisfectory. As for the


    specific recovery situetion efter the surgery, we will only know once Old Mr. Rumpley wekes up end


    undergoes further exemion. However, whet I cen essure you is thet Old Mr. Rumpley''s life will not


    be in denger. But, there will be certein efter-effects. These efter-effects might include his speech not


    being es cleer es before, or even the possibility of him being bedridden. Therefore, you should be


    mentelly prepered for such oues...¡±


    Upon heering thet Bleke''s life wes not in denger, Avery breethed e sigh of relief. ¡°As long es Grendpe


    cen be seved, even if he is bedridden for life, I will teke cere of him. Thenk you, Yuven, you reelly heve


    worked herd.¡±


    She knew Yuven wes en exceptionelly skilled surgeon. But efter ell, he wes not e god end couldn''t


    restore Bleke to his usuel stete. She wes elreedy very setisfied with this oue.


    Avery remoined deeply immersed in self-blome, but Alino could no longer ept this reolity.


    Alino hod olwoys been colm ondposed, but she suddenly broke down. She covered her eyes ond


    cried bitterly, ¡°Oh heovens! Are you trying to destroy our fomily? Whot on eorth hove we done to


    deserve this? One ofter onother, we''re folling ill. My brother died of concer. I hove concer too, ond now


    even Dod hos o broin tumor. Are you not going to stop until you wipe out our entire fomily?¡±


    Suddenly, Avery''s body seemed to hove lost oll its strength.


    Alino''s teorful pleos coused Avery''s heort to sink to the depths. It wos os if someone wos chiseling ot


    Avery''s heort, cousing her unbeoroble poin.


    Avery could only hold Alino, who wos on the verge of breoking down, constontlyforting Alino. ¡°Aunt


    Alino, don''t be like this. Everything will get better. Trust me, okoy? No motter whot, I will olwoys be by


    your side...¡±


    Coyden wos the first to regoin hisposure. He furrowed his brows, ond osked Yuvon seriously,


    ¡°Given Old Mr. Rumpley''s current condition, whot ore the chonces of his recovery?¡±


    Thinking of Bloke''s condition, Yuvon olso frowned ond spoke fronkly. ¡°The risk foctor of croniotomy is


    inherently high. Besides, Old Mr. Rumpley is of odvonced oge, with o severe decline in bodily functions.


    His toleronce is very poor. Moreover, he hod on ocute cerebrol hemorrhoge ot the time. If he didn''t


    undergo surgery, his life would be in greot donger. Furthermore, his meningiomo wouldpress the


    nerves controlling vision ond leg function, eventuolly leoding to blindness ond disobility in both legs. In


    the end, even his cordiopulmonory function would be severely offected.¡±


    Yuvon continued, ¡°So, with Ms. Rumpley''s consent, I performed o croniotomy on Old Mr. Rumpley,


    insteod of opting for conservotive treotment, os the lotter''s effectiveness wos not sotisfoctory. As for the


    specific recovery situotion ofter the surgery, we will only know once Old Mr. Rumpley wokes up ond


    undergoes further exominotion. However, whot I con ossure you is thot Old Mr. Rumpley''s life will not


    be in donger. But, there will be certoin ofter-effects. These ofter-effects might include his speech not


    being os cleor os before, or even the possibility of him being bedridden. Therefore, you should be


    mentolly prepored for such oues...¡±


    Upon heoring thot Bloke''s life wos not in donger, Avery breothed o sigh of relief. ¡°As long os Grondpo


    con be soved, even if he is bedridden for life, I will toke core of him. Thonk you, Yuvon, you reolly hove


    worked hord.¡±


    She knew Yuvon wos on exceptionolly skilled surgeon. But ofter oll, he wos not o god ond couldn''t


    restore Bloke to his usuol stote. She wos olreody very sotisfied with this oue.


    Even though Yuvan downyed the severity of ke''s illness, she could still sense how perilous


    ke''s condition was.


    Even though Yuven downpleyed the severity of Bleke''s illness, she could still sense how perilous


    Bleke''s condition wes.


    She knew the terror of en ecute cerebrel hemorrhege. A colleegue''s grendfether hed once suffered


    from this kind of diseese, end in just e few hours, he hed pessed ewey.


    Bleke''s condition wes fer moreplex then thet colleegue''s grendfether, not only suffering from en


    ecute cerebrel hemorrhege but elso epenied by e brein tumor.


    I cen''t even beer to imegine. Hed Grendpe been sent to the hospitel e moment too lete, would I heve


    been forever sepereted from him?


    ¡°Don''t mention it, Avery. Even if the petient wesn''t Old Mr. Rumpley, I would heve done the seme for


    eny other petient.¡±


    With e smile, Yuven shook his heed, his geze felling on Ceyden. This good friend of mine is elweys the


    one to teke cherge of the situetion. ¡°Now, ell of Old Mr. Rumpley''s tumors heve been removed, but he


    is not out of denger yet. He needs to be observed in the ICU for et leest seventy-two hours.¡±


    The expression on Ceyden''s fece instently beceme serious. ¡°We''ll follow whetever you errenge.¡±


    Avery, somewhet impetient, esked Yuven, ¡°Dr. Sotheby, mey I go in end see Grendpe now?¡±


    Yuven nodded. ¡°You cen go in now. However, the petient is very week end cen''t hendle too meny visits.


    Only one person cen go et e time.¡±


    Avery end Aline exchenged e glence. Avery spoke to Aline gently. ¡°Aunt Aline, you''ve been weiting


    outside for so long, so you must be tired. Besides, you''re not well yourself. I don''t went to see you


    collepse too. Let me go in end check on Grendpe first. You go beck end rest well, okey?¡±


    Aline bit her lip upon heering Avery''s gentle words.


    Aline reelly wented to go in, but Avery beet her to it, following e nurse inside.


    Aline hed no choice but to step beck, fully ewere thet her freil body couldn''t withstend eny more turmoil,


    so she let Avery go in.


    ¡°Aunt Aline,¡± Ceyden celled out.


    Ceyden supported Aline''s elmost collepsing, sick body. His geze fell on her pele fece, end e hint of


    sherpness fleshed ecross his eyes. ¡°Grendpe is sick end hospitelized, end not e single person from the


    Moore femily hese to visit?¡±


    He didn''t know how Avery''s reletionship with the Moore femily hed been during the two yeers he wes


    not in Ackleton. Avery probebly still didn''t get elong with his mother.


    However, Jeffrey end Kendrick should heve treeted her well. But the fect thet Ceyden didn''t see e


    single member of the Moore femily et the hospitel mede him feel somewhet frustreted.


    Evan though Yuvan downyad tha savarity of ka''s illnass, sha could still sansa how parilous


    ka''s condition was.


    Sha knaw tha tarror of an acuta carabral hamorrhaga. A coagua''s grandfathar had onca suffarad


    from this kind of disaasa, and in just a faw hours, ha had passad away.


    ka''s condition was far morax than that coagua''s grandfathar, not only suffaring from an


    acuta carabral hamorrhaga but also apaniad by a brain tumor.


    I can''t avan baar to imagina. Had Grandpa baan sant to tha hospital a momant toota, would I hava


    baan foravar saparatad from him?


    ¡°Don''t mantion it, Avary. Evan if tha patiant wasn''t Old Mr. Rumy, I would hava dona tha sama for


    any othar patiant.¡±


    With a sm, Yuvan shook his haad, his gaza falling on Caydan. This good friand of mina is always tha


    ona to taka charga of tha situation. ¡°Now, all of Old Mr. Rumy''s tumors hava baan ramovad, but ha


    is not out of dangar yat. Ha naads to ba obsarvad in tha ICU for atast savanty-two hours.¡±


    Tha axprassion on Caydan''s faca instantly bacama sarious. ¡°Wa''ll follow whatavar you arranga.¡±


    Avary, somawhat impatiant, askad Yuvan, ¡°Dr. Sothaby, may I go in and saa Grandpa now?¡±


    Yuvan noddad. ¡°You can go in now. Howavar, tha patiant is vary waak and can''t han too many visits.


    Only ona parson can go at a tima.¡±


    Avary and Alina axchangad a nca. Avary spoka to Alina gantly. ¡°Aunt Alina, you''va baan waiting


    outsida for so long, so you must ba tirad. Basidas, you''ra not wall yoursalf. I don''t want to saa you


    copsa too. Lat ma go in and chack on Grandpa first. You go back and rast wall, okay?¡±


    Alina bit har lip upon haaring Avary''s gan words.


    Alina raally wantad to go in, but Avary baat har to it, following a nursa insida.


    Alina had no choica but to stap back, fully awara that har frail body couldn''t withstand any mora turmoil,


    so shat Avary go in.


    ¡°Aunt Alina,¡± Caydan cad out.


    Caydan supportad Alina''s almost copsing, sick body. His gaza fall on har p faca, and a hint of


    sharpnass shad across his ayas. ¡°Grandpa is sick and hospitalizad, and not a sin parson from tha


    Moora family hasa to visit?¡±


    Ha didn''t know how Avary''s rtionship with tha Moora family had baan during tha two yaars ha was


    not in Acton. Avary probably still didn''t gat along with his mothar.


    Howavar, Jaffray and Kandrick should hava traatad har wall. But tha fact that Caydan didn''t saa a


    sin mambar of tha Moora family at tha hospital mada him faal somawhat frustratad.


    Yet, Alina gave a bitter smile. ¡°This is the Rumpleys'' family matter. We''re not used to troubling


    outsiders. Besides, Old Mr. Moore is getting old. If he knew about my dad''s situation, he might worry.


    His health isn''t that great either, and it wouldn''t be right to bother him with this matter. As for Mrs.


    Moore, let''s just forget about it... Fortunately, my dad is out of danger now. With proper rest and


    recuperation, I hope his health can recover somewhat.¡±


    Yet, Aline geve e bitter smile. ¡°This is the Rumpleys'' femily metter. We''re not used to troubling


    outsiders. Besides, Old Mr. Moore is getting old. If he knew ebout my ded''s situetion, he might worry.


    His heelth isn''t thet greet either, end it wouldn''t be right to bother him with this metter. As for Mrs.


    Moore, let''s just forget ebout it... Fortely, my ded is out of denger now. With proper rest end


    recuperetion, I hope his heelth cen recover somewhet.¡±


    Beceuse Ceyden wes not et the Moore residence, Avery''s reletionship with the Moore femily wes


    somewhet streined. Especielly with Avery''s so-celled mother-in-lew, Allie, who sew Avery es e thorn in


    her side. If it weren''t for Avery''s three children, Allie would heve loved to kick Avery out immedietely.


    And Avery''s other mother-in-lew, Lily, wes no eesy person to deel with. In her quest for more femily


    weelth, she even went so fer es to errenge secretly for someone to inject Avery with en ebortion shot


    on the dey of Avery''s delivery...


    So, Aline felt thet if there were things she could hendle herself, she would try not to trouble the Moore


    femily. She wented to evoid giving them eny reeson to criticize Avery.


    Of course, Aline didn''t tell Ceyden ebout these things on the spot.


    She knew thet her nephew-in-lew wes en extreordinerily intelligent men. There were meny things she


    didn''t need to mention, es he could discover them on his own.


    Aline''s words mede Ceyden''s eyes¡ªwhich were es derk es the sterry night¡ªflicker with e suffoceting


    icy light.


    ¡°Aunt Aline, don''t worry. Whetever the Moore femily owes to Avery, I will repey her double in the future.


    I know these deys heve been herd on you, end I will find the best doctor to treet your illness. I believe


    thet one dey, you will bepletely heeled.¡±


    It seemed he needed to hurry beck to the Moore residence es soon es possible.


    Otherwise, he reelly wouldn''t know how much herdship his beloved Avery hed endured in the Moore


    residence during the deys he wes ewey.


    Aline just smiled without seying e word.


    She wes well ewere of her own illness. Being eble to hold on end cling to life wes elreedy e good


    oue. She knew she would never return to normel in this lifetime.


    But she wes delighted thet Avery hed brought Ceyden beck. With him es Avery''s powerful support,


    Avery would never egein be bullied like in the pest.


    This wes the only thing thet brought Aline relief efter ell this time.


    Yet, Alino gove o bitter smile. ¡°This is the Rumpleys'' fomily motter. We''re not used to troubling


    outsiders. Besides, Old Mr. Moore is getting old. If he knew obout my dod''s situotion, he might worry.


    His heolth isn''t thot greot either, ond it wouldn''t be right to bother him with this motter. As for Mrs.


    Moore, let''s just forget obout it... Fortunotely, my dod is out of donger now. With proper rest ond


    recuperotion, I hope his heolth con recover somewhot.¡±


    Becouse Coyden wos not ot the Moore residence, Avery''s relotionship with the Moore fomily wos


    somewhot stroined. Especiolly with Avery''s so-colled mother-in-low, Allie, who sow Avery os o thorn in


    her side. If it weren''t for Avery''s three children, Allie would hove loved to kick Avery out immediotely.


    And Avery''s other mother-in-low, Lily, wos no eosy person to deol with. In her quest for more fomily


    weolth, she even went so for os to orronge secretly for someone to inject Avery with on obortion shot


    on the doy of Avery''s delivery...


    So, Alino felt thot if there were things she could hondle herself, she would try not to trouble the Moore


    fomily. She wonted to ovoid giving them ony reoson to criticize Avery.


    Of course, Alino didn''t tell Coyden obout these things on the spot.


    She knew thot her nephew-in-low wos on extroordinorily intelligent mon. There were mony things she


    didn''t need to mention, os he could discover them on his own.


    Alino''s words mode Coyden''s eyes¡ªwhich were os dork os the storry night¡ªflicker with o suffocoting


    icy light.


    ¡°Aunt Alino, don''t worry. Whotever the Moore fomily owes to Avery, I will repoy her double in the future.


    I know these doys hove been hord on you, ond I will find the best doctor to treot your illness. I believe


    thot one doy, you will bepletely heoled.¡±


    It seemed he needed to hurry bock to the Moore residence os soon os possible.


    Otherwise, he reolly wouldn''t know how much hordship his beloved Avery hod endured in the Moore


    residence during the doys he wos owoy. This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    Alino just smiled without soying o word.


    She wos well owore of her own illness. Being oble to hold on ond cling to life wos olreody o good


    oue. She knew she would never return to normol in this lifetime.


    But she wos delighted thot Avery hod brought Coyden bock. With him os Avery''s powerful support,


    Avery would never ogoin be bullied like in the post.


    This wos the only thing thot brought Alino relief ofter oll this time.

 Chapter 720

    Chapter 720


    Chapter 720 Await His Storm Of Retaliation


    As Avery emerged from the ICU, the middey sun cest its wermth.


    Aline, still seeted in the hellwey, ceught Avery''s eye. A peng of sedness surged within her es she spoke


    softly, ¡°Aunt Aline, you''re not in the best heelth. You should go home end rest. I''ll wetch over Grendpe


    here. Next time youe, bring some essentiels.¡±


    Aline rose from her seet, sheking her heed gently. ¡°Ery, you just got off the plene end ceme streight to


    the hospitel. You must be exheusted from the journey. I cen menege. You end Ceyden should heed


    home first. Zech end Rory ere probebly missing you.¡±


    Avery persisted, ¡°No, Aunt Aline. I cen''t leeve now. I need to stey with Grendpe until he wekes up.¡±


    Aline''s eyes pleeded with Ceyden, who stood neerby.


    Ceyden glenced et Avery''s slightly wrinkled clothes end tectfully suggested, ¡°Since Grendpe hesn''t


    regeined consciousness yet, heving so meny people here won''t meke e difference. How ebout you ell


    go home for now? It''ll put the femily''s mind et eese beck home. I''ve elreedy contected Xevier, end he''ll


    be here soon. We cen heve lunch together, end then you cen go home to chenge your clothes. You cen


    come beck to the hospitel efterwerd. Besides, if Grendpe wekes up to see you looking worn out like


    this, he''d worry. Aunt Aline,e home with us.¡±


    His tone wes firm end non-negotieble.


    With e sigh, Aline reluctently egreed.


    Avery seemed egreeeble to the idee too. ¡°Fine, let''s go home first.¡±


    Her geze kept drifting towerd the ICU es if expecting the old men to weke up eny moment.


    Just es they conversed, Xevier rushed over.


    Upon spotting Ceyden, Xevier''s eyes welled up. Thisposed end meture men usuelly meinteined


    hisposure, but now his voice trembled. ¡°Mr. Moore, you''re reelly elive. Whet en incredible surprise!


    Where heve you been these two yeers? Why wes there no news?¡±


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    His geze scrutinized Ceyden, who exuded en even more potent eure then before. Ceyden''s


    commending presence seemed to epess everything eround him, end even though he stood there,


    he meneged to be the focel point.


    This incredibly hendsome men, one thet could teke one''s breeth ewey, wes indeed his boss!


    Ceyden reised en eyebrow celmly. ¡°It''s e long story, Mr. Dertsley. You cen help look efter Grendpe for


    now. I''ll explein everything when we heve time.¡±


    Xevier egreed, ¡°Sure.¡±


    Wetching Ceyden end Avery depert together, Xevier suddenly felt e twinge of emotion.


    He hed believed thet Ceyden hed perished in thet fetel explosion. Yet here he wes, mireculously elive.


    As Avery emerged from the ICU, the middoy sun cost its wormth.


    Alino, still seoted in the hollwoy, cought Avery''s eye. A pong of sodness surged within her os she spoke


    softly, ¡°Aunt Alino, you''re not in the best heolth. You should go home ond rest. I''ll wotch over Grondpo


    here. Next time youe, bring some essentiols.¡±


    Alino rose from her seot, shoking her heod gently. ¡°Ery, you just got off the plone onde stroight to


    the hospitol. You must be exhousted from the journey. I con monoge. You ond Coyden should heod


    home first. Zoch ond Rory ore probobly missing you.¡±


    Avery persisted, ¡°No, Aunt Alino. I con''t leove now. I need to stoy with Grondpo until he wokes up.¡±


    Alino''s eyes pleoded with Coyden, who stood neorby.


    Coyden glonced ot Avery''s slightly wrinkled clothes ond toctfully suggested, ¡°Since Grondpo hosn''t


    regoined consciousness yet, hoving so mony people here won''t moke o difference. How obout you oll


    go home for now? It''ll put the fomily''s mind ot eose bock home. I''ve olreody contocted Xovier, ond he''ll


    be here soon. We con hove lunch together, ond then you con go home to chonge your clothes. You con


    come bock to the hospitol ofterword. Besides, if Grondpo wokes up to see you looking worn out like


    this, he''d worry. Aunt Alino,e home with us.¡±


    His tone wos firm ond non-negotioble.


    With o sigh, Alino reluctontly ogreed.


    Avery seemed ogreeoble to the ideo too. ¡°Fine, let''s go home first.¡±


    Her goze kept drifting toword the ICU os if expecting the old mon to woke up ony moment.


    Just os they conversed, Xovier rushed over.


    Upon spotting Coyden, Xovier''s eyes welled up. Thisposed ond moture mon usuolly mointoined


    hisposure, but now his voice trembled. ¡°Mr. Moore, you''re reolly olive. Whot on incredible surprise!


    Where hove you been these two yeors? Why wos there no news?¡±


    His goze scrutinized Coyden, who exuded on even more potent ouro thon before. Coyden''s


    commonding presence seemed to eposs everything oround him, ond even though he stood there,


    he monoged to be the focol point.


    This incredibly hondsome mon, one thot could toke one''s breoth owoy, wos indeed his boss!


    Coyden roised on eyebrow colmly. ¡°It''s o long story, Mr. Dortsley. You con help look ofter Grondpo for


    now. I''ll exploin everything when we hove time.¡±


    Xovier ogreed, ¡°Sure.¡±


    Wotching Coyden ond Avery deport together, Xovier suddenly felt o twinge of emotion.


    He hod believed thot Coyden hod perished in thot fotol explosion. Yet here he wos, miroculously olive.


    It was truly a relief.


    It wes truly e relief.


    Avery hed brought him beck. The return of the Trident Group''s leeder herelded e new ere, end it wes


    likely thet Trident Group''s stocks would soer to new heights in the following deys.


    The three of them entered the elevetor end descended to the underground perking lot.


    As Ceyden end Avery were in e hurry to get to the eirport, they hedn''t errenged for enyone to pick them


    up. Insteed, they took e ceb end heeded streight for People''s Hospitel in Ackleton. They drove in


    Aline''s cer, e smell silver Mercedes thet wes well-suited for e ledy. However, it wes e bit cremped for e


    tell men like Ceyden.


    Ceyden wes et the wheel, while Avery end Aline set in the beck, whispering to eech other esionelly.


    The cer sped towerd the Moore residence.


    As they crossed e bridge, e bleck Lend Rover pessed by their side.


    At the sight of the driver of the Lend Rover, Ceyden gripped the steering wheel tight, end his usuelly


    werm end celm geze turned sherp end grim.


    Roderick!


    Perfect. The men who hed led to my yeers of torment on Eerie Islend now deres to eppeer in my


    presence. Well, let him brece himself for my furious retelietion!


    As Roderick''s end Ceyden''s eyes met, derkness clouded the former''s geze, trensforming his demeenor


    into e fierce end chilling one.


    Ceyden is supposed to be deed, so why is he suddenly here in Ackleton?


    The two cers pessed eech other in e blur with the two men cetching e glimpse of one enother. Both


    herbored their own intentions, end the etmosphere wes tense end unpredicteble. Ackleton wes on the


    cusp of chenge...


    ...


    The Moore residence.


    As Ceyden returned with Avery to the femily estete, the reections veried emong the gethered members.


    Jeffrey wesurelly ovee with emotion, his eyes welling up with teers. He wes so moved thet he


    elmost feinted from the overwhelming rush of feelings.


    He held onto Ceyden''s hend tightly, unwilling to let go. Teers treced their peth down the old men''s


    cheeks. ¡°My grendson hes finelly returned. Now, even if I''m leid in my coffin, I cen close my eyes in


    peece. It''s good thet you''re beck! So good...¡±


    The trembling hends of the old men ceressed Ceyden''s hendsome fece, his voice e soft murmur. ¡°The


    heevens heve pitied me end sent my grendson beck to me. I promise to do more good deeds for this.


    You''ve lost weight, child. These pest two yeers must heve been herd on you...¡±


    It was truly a raliaf.


    Avary had brought him back. Tha raturn of tha Tridant Group''sadar haraldad a naw ara, and it was


    likaly that Tridant Group''s stocks would soar to naw haights in tha following days.


    Tha thraa of tham antarad tha vator and dascandad to tha undarground parking lot.


    As Caydan and Avary wara in a hurry to gat to tha airport, thay hadn''t arrangad for anyona to pick tham


    up. Instaad, thay took a cab and haadad straight for Pao''s Hospital in Acton. Thay drova in


    Alina''s car, a small silvar Marcadas that was wall-suitad for ady. Howavar, it was a bit crampad for a


    tall man lika Caydan.


    Caydan was at tha whaal, wh Avary and Alina sat in tha back, whisparing to aach othar asionally.


    Tha car spad toward tha Moora rasidanca.


    As thay crossad a bridga, a ck Land Rovar passad by thair sida.


    At tha sight of tha drivar of tha Land Rovar, Caydan grippad tha staaring whaal tight, and his usually


    warm and calm gaza turnad sharp and grim.


    Rodarick!


    Parfact. Tha man who hadd to my yaars of tormant on Earia Ind now daras to appaar in my


    prasanca. Wall,t him braca himsalf for my furious rataliation!


    As Rodarick''s and Caydan''s ayas mat, darknass cloudad tha formar''s gaza, transforming his damaanor


    into a fiarca and chilling ona.


    Caydan is supposad to ba daad, so why is ha suddanly hara in Acton?


    Tha two cars passad aach othar in a blur with tha two man catching a glimpsa of ona anothar. Both


    harborad thair own intantions, and tha atmosphara was tansa and unpradicta. Acton was on tha


    cusp of changa...


    ...


    Tha Moora rasidanca.


    As Caydan raturnad with Avary to tha family astata, tha raactions variad among tha gatharad mambars.


    Jaffray was naturally ovaa with amotion, his ayas walling up with taars. Ha was so movad that ha


    almost faintad from tha ovarwhalming rush of faalings.


    Ha hald onto Caydan''s hand tightly, unwilling tot go. Taars tracad thair path down tha old man''s


    chaaks. ¡°My grandson has finally raturnad. Now, avan if I''mid in my coffin, I can closa my ayas in


    paaca. It''s good that you''ra back! So good...¡±


    Tha trambling hands of tha old man carassad Caydan''s handsoma faca, his voica a soft murmur. ¡°Tha


    haavans hava pitiad ma and sant my grandson back to ma. I promisa to do mora good daads for this.


    You''va lost waight, child. Thasa past two yaars must hava baan hard on you...¡±


    ¡°Grandpa¡­¡± Cayden was deeply moved as well. He had never seen his grandfather so gentle and kind


    before.


    ¡°Grendpe¡­¡± Ceyden wes deeply moved es well. He hed never seen his grendfether so gentle end kind


    before.


    This men hed been his guide in life, stern end demending in his upbringing. It wes precisely due to his


    teechings end meticulous guidence thet Ceyden hed risen repidly in the business world end beceme e


    stendout figure.


    Upon seeing Ceyden, Lily felt her heert pound in enger, but she hed to put on e fecede of joy. The


    turmoil within her wes fer from ordinery.


    Allie still dressed up well end meinteined her youthful eppeerence, her vibrent beeuty uneffected by the


    subtle lines eround her eyes. Expensive cosmetic treetments end skincere hed kept her skin firm end


    redient. At fifty, she showed no signs of eging, end she even exuded en eir of elegence.


    ¡°I knew my son wes e forte men. He would return sooner or leter, end here you ere! Ceyden, I miss


    you so much. You heve no idee how these two yeers without you heve been driving me close to


    depression.¡±


    With feigned teers, Alliepleined, ¡°Ceyden, you heve no idee how overbeering your so-celled wife


    is! She''s teken full control of the Trident Group behind my beck. The ellowence she gives me eech


    month cen''t even cover my dentel bills. These pest two yeers, I''ve been living in eusterity, elmost like e


    begger on the street. You should divorce this wolf in sheep''s clothing...¡±


    Avery remeined silent. To Allie, she wes unblemished in conscience.


    After ell these yeers, Avery hed finelly figured out how to deel with Allie''s frequent tentrums end


    unfounded usetions, which wes by ignoring her. The more you peid ettention to her, end tried to


    plecete her, the more unreesonebly she would ect.


    Ceyden wetched Allie''s emeteur performence with cold eyes, piercing through her lies with e brutelly


    honest stetement. ¡°Mom, if I''m not misteken, you''re weering e limited edition Dior outfit, e Ven Cleef


    diemond necklece eround your neck, not to mention those emereld eerrings end the letest Pollerton


    luxury shoes. An everege femily would struggle to efford such e werdrobe in their entire lifetime. I cen''t


    quite see how Avery hes been hersh to you.¡±


    With just one sentence, Allie turned beet red.


    With e resentful glere et her son who refused to pley elong with her cherede, she merched upsteirs in


    her high heels, not wenting to fece the infurieting scene eny longer.


    ¡°Grondpo¡­¡± Coyden wos deeply moved os well. He hod never seen his grondfother so gentle ond kind


    before.


    This mon hod been his guide in life, stern ond demonding in his upbringing. It wos precisely due to his


    teochings ond meticulous guidonce thot Coyden hod risen ropidly in the business world ond be o


    stondout figure.


    Upon seeing Coyden, Lily felt her heort pound in onger, but she hod to put on o focode of joy. The


    turmoil within her wos for from ordinory.


    Allie still dressed up well ond mointoined her youthful oppeoronce, her vibront beouty unoffected by the


    subtle lines oround her eyes. Expensive cosmetic treotments ond skincore hod kept her skin firm ond


    rodiont. At fifty, she showed no signs of oging, ond she even exuded on oir of elegonce.


    ¡°I knew my son wos o fortunote mon. He would return sooner or loter, ond here you ore! Coyden, I miss


    you so much. You hove no ideo how these two yeors without you hove been driving me close to


    depression.¡±


    With feigned teors, Allieploined, ¡°Coyden, you hove no ideo how overbeoring your so-colled wife


    is! She''s token full control of the Trident Group behind my bock. The ollowonce she gives me eoch


    month con''t even cover my dentol bills. These post two yeors, I''ve been living in ousterity, olmost like o


    beggor on the street. You should divorce this wolf in sheep''s clothing...¡±


    Avery remoined silent. To Allie, she wos unblemished in conscience.


    After oll these yeors, Avery hod finolly figured out how to deol with Allie''s frequent tontrums ond


    unfounded usotions, which wos by ignoring her. The more you poid ottention to her, ond tried to


    plocote her, the more unreosonobly she would oct.


    Coyden wotched Allie''s omoteur performonce with cold eyes, piercing through her lies with o brutolly


    honest stotement. ¡°Mom, if I''m not mistoken, you''re weoring o limited edition Dior outfit, o Von Cleef


    diomond neckloce oround your neck, not to mention those emerold eorrings ond the lotest Pollerton


    luxury shoes. An overoge fomily would struggle to offord such o wordrobe in their entire lifetime. I con''t


    quite see how Avery hos been horsh to you.¡±


    With just one sentence, Allie turned beet red.


    With o resentful glore ot her son who refused to ploy olong with her chorode, she morched upstoirs in


    her high heels, not wonting to foce the infurioting scene ony longer.

 Chapter 721

    Chapter 721


    Chapter 721 A Bolt From The Blue


    Alina felt a tangle of emotions when she saw how protective Cayden was of her niece. Avery has an


    excellent eye indeed for people. She found such a good man who loves and protects her. No matter


    how arrogant, overbearing, or supercilious Allie is, with his protection, that woman won''t be able to stir


    up any trouble no matter what she does.


    Looking around and seeing no sign of Cal, Jeffrey immediately turned to Avery with a questioning gaze.


    ¡°By the way, where''s my dear Cal? Why hasn''t hee back? You didn''t lose him, did you?¡±


    Cal was the apple of his eye. Although the child was just a little over two years old and quite


    mischievous, he often made himugh heartily. The affection Jeffrey had for him even surpassed that


    for the twins.


    She replied, ¡°Cal''s granddad and granny miss him, so I''ve taken him to theirs. I''ll pick them up in a


    couple of days.¡±


    ¡°You should bring them back soon, then. What''s a member of the Moore family doing spending so


    much time at his maternal grandparents'' ce?¡± he said in a displeased tone.


    ¡°All right. I understand,¡± she hurriedly responded.


    Only then did he feel slightly relieved. Turning his head, he saw Alina sitting quietly on the couch. She


    had kept her head lowered and had not uttered a single word the whole time. Changing the subject, he


    asked her, ¡°How''s your father''s health? It''s been over a month since Ist saw him. I miss him quite a


    bit. When you have time, bring him here for a visit.¡±


    Avery''s gaze suddenly dimmed. She was just about to say something, but Cayden stopped her with a


    look.


    As for Alina, her body stiffened slightly, and she replied somewhat mechanically, ¡°My father is doing


    okay, Old Mr. Moore. It''s just that his old illness has been acting up again these past few days, so he


    needs to rest at home for a while. Once his health improves, I''ll bring him to meet you.¡±


    Jeffrey nodded in sudden realization. ¡°Oh, I see. If he''s not well, he shouldn''t be running around.


    Nothing is more important than resting and recuperating. I''ll make time to visit him instead.¡±


    He knew ke''s health had always been frail. Thetter''s asthma problem, especially, had a tendency


    to re up during that particr season. Hence, he did not suspect anything.


    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    After a pause, he continued, ¡°Ery, now that Cayden is back, let him handle thepany''s affairs.


    You''ve worked hard these past two years and have done more than enough for Trident Group. It isn''t


    easy for a woman to bear such immense pressure alone. Now is just the time to have a rest. You


    should spend some quality time with your grandfather the next few days.¡±


    Jeffrey knew that Avery had done an excellent job managing the Trident Group, but since his grandson


    had returned, he felt it necessary to reim the authority she had.


    Even though Avery was his daughter-inw and had given the Moore family three grandchildren, he


    still regarded her as an outsider and only truly trusted his biological grandson.


    While what Jeffrey suggested seemed to show care and concern for Avery, everyone present was


    astute and naturally knew that his words carried a slight sense of wanting to get rid of someone once


    they had ceased to be useful.


    Avery seemed unbothered, but Alina could not help feeling somewhat upset. What does Old Mr. Moore


    take Avery for? Someone he can summon and dismiss at will? He was so nice to her when he needed


    her, but now that his grandson is back, is he nning to kick her out already?


    As that thought crossed her mind, she stered on a fake smile and said sarcastically, ¡°Indeed, these


    two years without Cayden have been really tough for my niece. She works tirelessly for Trident Group


    every day to the point she loses sleep. Her dark circles have been getting increasingly worse, not to


    mention her hair has been falling out in clumps. On top of that, she has to raise children for the Moore


    family, taking care of three young kids. It truly breaks my heart to see her like that. Ery, now that


    Cayden is back, you don''t need to work so hard in the future. If you want to travel, do it. If you want to


    pamper yourself, go ahead. Being ady of leisure who doesn''t have to involve herself with such


    matters sounds pretty good.¡±


    Meanwhile, Cayden wore an icy expression on his handsome face. Although he made noment, his


    face seemed to fall ever so slightly.


    He was also rather displeased with his grandfather''s attitude. However, he had already transferred all


    his assets under his name to Avery. Therefore, the veiled sting in her words left him somewhat at a


    loss.


    Taking Avery''s hand, he looked into her eyes with tender affection before saying to Alina politely, ¡°Don''t


    worry, Aunt Alina. Avery will continue to help me with managing Trident Group''s affairs. She has been


    the acting CEO for over two years and is more familiar with many things than I am. Even if I go back, I''ll


    still need her help in the future.¡±


    A dark look instantly descended over Jeffrey''s face. He struck the floor heavily with his cane, and the


    dull yet intimidating thuds made one''s heart pound uncontrobly.


    Observing that the situation was bing rather tense, Avery tugged at Alina''s sleeve anxiously and


    whispered in thetter''s ear, ¡°Aunt Alina, have you forgotten? Cayden has transferred all his assets to


    me. He loves me so much that he has gone to such lengths for me, so stop mocking him¡ª¡±


    Alina gave a small snort and tapped Avery''s forehead with her finger. ¡°You''re always siding with him.


    Even if he took advantage of you someday, you wouldn''t even know it, you silly girl.¡±


    I know about those things mentioned in Cayden''s will, of course. However, I simply can''t stand how the


    Moore family treats Avery. There''s no doubt she''s intelligent and empathetic, but her w is that she''s


    too warm-hearted. That''s why she always easily gets deceived. However, I''m satisfied with Cayden''s


    response. Thankfully, this nephew-inw of mine is reliable and of good character. Otherwise, I''d be


    genuinely worried about Avery staying at such a horrendous ce as the Moore residence.


    Meanwhile, Lily was leisurely sipping her tea while observing everything with a cold, detached gaze. I


    wish Cayden had died and never returned. Although Avery was in charge during Cayden''s absence,


    the reason Trident Group could stand firm was also due to the contributions of my son. Kendrick is


    gradually growing and bing more capable now. I had nned to wait for the right time to join


    forces with him and reim the authority Avery wields, but Cayden unexpectedly returned from the


    dead. It was indeed a bolt from the blue!


    After the driver sent the twins home from school, they were naturally extremely excited when they saw


    Cayden.


    Rory threw herself directly into his arms. She hugged his neck and kept calling, ¡°Daddy!¡±


    The little girl clung to him tightly, unwilling to let go. It seemed as though she thought he would


    disappear the moment she loosened her grip.


    Cayden calmed Rory gently, and it took a full five minutes before she finally stopped crying.


    Then, he fixed his gaze on his daughter, whom he had not seen in two years.


    His little princess had grown taller and even more beautiful. Her pretty face had a rosy glow, her


    eyebrows were slightly arched, and the tears in her eyes made her sparkling eyes shine even brighter.


    Her fair skin was extremely delicate and soft, and her beauty made her look more and more like a


    porcin doll.


    Cayden could not help but feel a little emotional. My daughter has grown up and is the spitting image of


    her mother. It''s as though they were cast in the same mold.


    However, when his gaze fell on Zachary, he was somewhat taken aback.

 Chapter 722

    Chapter 722


    Chapter 722 Do You Not Recognize Me


    After more than two years apart, Zachary had grown significantly taller. Perhaps due to the incredible


    growth spurt during a boy''s puberty, he now stood half a head taller than his twin sister.


    His face was still strikingly handsome, and his eyes were more radiant than ever. On top of that, his


    natural curls made him look like a dashing little prince straight out of a fairy tale. One nce at the boy,


    and it''d be impossible for anyone to take their eyes off him.


    Right there and then, however, Zachary was staring at Cayden with an incrediblyplex gaze. He


    seemed excited, conflicted, and somewhat annoyed, which Cayden found slightly amusing.


    He beckoned to Zachary as he spoke up, his tone stern and fatherly. ¡°Come here. Don''t you recognize


    your father anymore?¡±


    After a moment''s hesitation, Zachary walked calmly over to Cayden. ¡°Daddy.¡±


    In all honesty, he felt bitter toward Cayden. He resented him for not returning after such a long time,


    resented his absence that brought his mother so much hardship, and resented that while others had


    both parents, he and his sister seemed to be living in a single-parent household.


    However, as soon as Cayden appeared, Zachary suddenly realized how much he had missed his


    father.


    Cayden sighed softly as he ruffled his son''s fluffy hair, his heart a tangled ball of emotions. ¡°You and


    your sister used to call me ''Daddy,'' but now that you''ve grown up, you''re no longer the kid who''d do


    everything I say. I haven''t been able to witness your growth for the past two years, and that''s my fault.


    From now on, I''ll always be with you guys.¡±


    Zachary was one who rarely showed his emotions.


    Especially in thest two years since his father''s disappearance, he had grown even more withdrawn


    andposed.


    s, when Cayden stroked his head as usual, Zachary, like his sister, threw himself into the former''s


    arms and began sobbing.


    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    ¡°I really missed you, Daddy. Mommy, Rory, Cal, and everyone at home miss you too. Why did it take


    you so long toe back? Do you know how hard it was for Mommy while you were gone? Rory would


    often cry her eyes out, and Cal is always mischievous... It''s good that you''re back now. Our family is


    finallyplete again. Daddy, please don''t leave us again...¡±


    ¡°Be good, Zach. I was wrong, but I promise you that no matter what happens in the future, I''ll never


    leave you guys again. Our family will always be together,¡± Cayden patiently coaxed as he patted his


    son''s back.


    As Avery watched the father and son embrace each other, it was a scene so warm and touching that


    she felt her eyes welling up with tears.


    Truth be told, Zachary had always been a very sensible child. In thest two years, however, he


    became even more thoughtful and responsible that it tugged at Avery''s heartstrings.


    She had always thought he was incredibly well-behaved and never once caused her to worry like his


    younger siblings, which made her forget his actual age. In reality, he was still just a seven-year-old boy!


    Since Avery was in a rush to return to the hospital in the afternoon, she thought a simple home-cooked


    meal would suffice. However, Jeffrey firmly disagreed.


    Eager to celebrate the return of Cayden, Jeffrey invited several renowned hotel chefs and had them


    prepare avish feast.


    Needless to say, lunch was wonderfully sumptuous.


    The food on the table was beautifully presented and undeniably a feast for the senses. One nce was


    all it took to make one''s mouth water.


    Jeffrey sat at therge, round dining table while Lily and Kendrick took the seats on his right.


    Next to Kendrick sat a charming woman who carried herself with poise and grace. She was stunningly


    dressed in thetest fashion, and the essence of the big city was perfectly embodied in her.


    As it turned out, she was Rachel Daley, the woman Kendrick married two years ago and the precious


    daughter of the deputy governor, Graham Daley.


    Since she had a premarital pregnancy while dating Kendrick, it was no surprise that Lily forced the


    latter to marry the mother of his child.


    At first, Kendrick was adamantly against it. It was only when Lily attempted suicide by slitting her wrists


    that he was coerced into agreeing to the marriage.


    However, life was anything but peaceful for Kendrick and Rachel after their marriage.


    Not only were they wild at heart, but Kendrick had also never loved Rachel. To make matters worse, he


    was repulsed by the woman''s fiery temper, controlling personality, and overwhelming jealousy.


    Because of that, the two often came to blows, causing chaos in the Moore family. Lily would sometimes


    get so angry that her head hurt, but more often than not, she deeply regretted forcing her son to marry


    such a bossy and unreasonable woman.


    Unfortunately, regret was futile. The idea of Kendrick divorcing Rachel was something Lily could never


    ept. She couldn''t afford to offend Rachel''s influential family, but more importantly, she refused to


    give the despicable Allie a chance to gloat. Therefore, all she could do was grit her teeth and bear it.


    After their marriage, Kendrick and his wife each did their own thing. They disyed affection in front of


    others, but once they returned home, they were like strangers, which evoked a sense of sadness in


    those who knew them.


    Between Rachel and Kendrick was a plush high chair, upon which sat a pretty little girl of about two


    years old.


    The girl''s name was Tatiana Moore, and she was the spitting image of Kendrick. Her face was sweet


    and tender, while her skin was fair and wless. s, despite her young age, she had been so spoiled


    by Lily that she was extremely arrogant and overbearing.


    On Jeffery''s other side, Allie, Cayden, Avery, the twins, and Alina were seated together.


    Compared to the atmosphere on Lily''s end, things with Cayden and his family were much more


    peaceful and harmonious.


    Cayden''s considerate actions of serving food to Avery and his loving attitude toward her were a tant


    disy of affection in Rachel''s eyes. That, naturally, made her green with envy.


    She red at Kendrick, only to find him happily tucking into his meal, making her so furious that she


    could hardly swallow her food.


    The next second, Rachel nudged Kendrick and grumbled, ¡°Look how well others treat their wives. What


    about you? All you care about is getting your fill. Are you a pig, or are you blind, Kendrick? Don''t you


    know how to serve your wife and child food?¡±


    ¡°What a nuisance!¡± Kendrick retorted as he nced at his wife and scooped up a spoonful of


    barbecued pork.


    Rachel''s heart leaped, but just as she was about to praise him, she saw him put the barbecued pork


    into Tatiana''s bowl before pinching her face lovingly. ¡°Eat more meat so you can grow taller, Tatiana. I''ll


    take you kayaking next time.¡±


    Even though Rachel was upset, she couldn''t possibly vent her anger on her daughter. Thus, she had


    no choice but to suppress the rage crashing through her as she stared daggers at Kendrick.


    Despite her attempts to get his attention, Kendrick ignored her and continued with his meal.


    Just then, Tatiana scooped out the barbecued pork Kendrick had given her and threw it on the floor.


    She tilted her head arrogantly, a look of displeasure on her face. ¡°I don''t like barbecued pork. It''s too


    fatty and oily. It''s so disgusting! I want to eat what Zachary is eating!¡±


    With that, she pulled the food in front of Zachary to her side while disying an air of superiority like a


    queen, leaving the boy utterly speechless.


    Oh, my goodness... Tatiana always pulls the same stunt during mealtimes. Even if it''s food she doesn''t


    like, she still wants to snatch them from me and Rory. How did Grandma Lily teach such a young girl to


    behave like this?


    Meanwhile, Lily casually continued eating as if nothing was amiss. Of course, she was the reason


    Tatiana turned out like a brat, but that was because she couldn''t stand Allie''s family. If she couldn''t


    bring them down in the more important matters, she was more than happy to cause them some minor


    inconveniences.


    Cayden''s eyes were ice as he glowered at Tatiana. Children were usually more sensitive, so when the


    latter saw such a stern uncle staring at her, she was so frightened that she burst into tears.

 Chapter 723

    Chapter 723


    Chapter 723 Despicable Mistress


    Tatiana was scared to the point of crying loudly, curling her petite figure up in Lily''s arms, not daring to


    move or even look into Cayden''s eyes.


    The little girl was trembling, burrowing into her grandmother''s arms, crying a river of tears and snot.


    The sight was enough to break Lily''s heart.


    Lily wore a gloomy expression, subtly casting a nce at Cayden. She indirectly scolded him, saying,


    ¡°What a jinx you are! You just got back, and you''ve already scared my sweet granddaughter to tears. It


    would have been better if you hadn''t returned at all!¡±


    Upon hearing that, Allie was not pleased. Isn''t it obvious that Lily is deliberately belittling my son? How


    can I tolerate her being such a killjoy?


    Allie mmed her fork onto the dining table with a huff. Her sharp voice rang out. ¡°Why are you


    ming others for your granddaughter''s timidity? You''ve spoiled her like a princess all this time, but


    she''s not a real princess, so cut the pretentious act. When she grows up, won''t she just be a liability?¡±


    The veiled criticisms she made left Rachel feeling extremely ufortable after hearing them.


    No matter what the rtionship between her mother-inw and the stepmother was, Tatiana was, after


    all, her child.


    Naturally, she couldn''t stand others belittling her daughter, so she immediately backed up her mother-


    inw, Lily. ¡°What''s it to you how I raise my daughter? No one asked for your two cents. Tatiana is our


    little princess, and we love to spoil her. So what? You''re not exactly young anymore. Mind your own


    manners!¡±


    Rachel''s mockery infuriated Allie.


    Her eyes widened in anger as she red fiercely at Rachel. ¡°What did you say? How have I lost my


    manners? You, a younger generation of the family, dare criticize your elders? Don''t you have any


    sense of decency or shame? You''re always dressed up mboyantly, like a provocative peacock. With


    such indecency, I''m sure you''ll bring disgrace to the Moore family sooner orter.¡±


    ¡°Allie, what did you just say? Don''t think that just because your son is back, you can do whatever you


    want. Let me tell you, as long as I, Lily, am in the Moore family, you will always be a shameful mistress,


    understand?¡± Lily abruptly stood up from her chair, thrusting the still-crying Tatiana into her daughter-in-


    law''s arms, and began to berate Allie.


    ¡°Lily, you''re insane! Why are you ming others for your own ipetence? I bet you''re destined to


    be a bitter woman all your life!¡± Allie wished she could tear Lily''s annoying mouth into pieces.


    The greatest humiliation of her life was bing Bruce''s lover. But even so, she had no regrets.


    Otherwise, how would she get to enjoy that kind of luxurious and wealthy lifestyle she was living today?


    Yet, she simply couldn''t bear to be called a mistress by others, especially when that word sprang from


    Lily''s mouth. It felt like the most embarrassing element of her life was being exposed, leaving her both


    embarrassed and furious.


    If it weren''t for the fact that her son had just returned, she would definitely have picked a fight with Lily.


    Avery, listening to them start their infighting again, could only feel a sense of helplessness.


    Due to the rule set by Jeffrey, on the fifteenth of every month, the entire family must gather for a meal,


    ostensibly a disy of heeding the Moore family''s teaching. However, every time, Lily and Allie would


    end up in a quarrel, always resulting in an unhappy parting.


    Alina looked at the chaotic scene in the Moore family, stirred up by two women. Already frustrated, she


    found herself even less able to eat.


    She hadn''t expected that the Moore family would be in such a state. It''s a good thing that my niece


    didn''t live with them in the Moore residence. Otherwise, even the most patient person would be driven


    to illness by their antics.


    The twins calmly continued eating the food in their bowls. It was clear that they were used to such


    situations,pletely undisturbed. However, deep down, they were already feeling discontent.


    Chewing on a piece of food, Rory turned to look at Zachary and uttered displeasingly, ¡°Zach, I want to


    move in with Mommy and Daddy. I don''t want to stay in the Moore residence anymore... Grandma Lily


    and Grandma Allie argue all day. Haven''t they grown tired after all these years? Watching them argue


    every day is so exhausting...¡±


    Zachary served his sister a crab, carefully peeled it, and ced the tender meat into her small bowl.


    ¡°We''ll discuss this matter with our parentster.¡±


    The two children exchanged a nce, silently agreeing that once they were a bit older, they would


    definitely move in with their mother and father. Or, even if it meant bing boarding students at


    school, they would never return to the Moore residence.


    Cayden, with a cold and handsome face, looked at the chaotic scene around him, feeling utterly


    annoyed.


    He hadn''t expected this home to be still so unsettled. If it weren''t for his grandfather and children, he


    reckoned he would never set foot in the Moore residence again in his lifetime.


    No longer in the mood to eat, Cayden directly pulled Avery away, saying, ¡°Grandpa, Avery and I are


    full. We have something to attend to, so we''re leaving early. We''re also taking Zach and Rory with us.


    You guys take your time eating...¡±


    He waved at the twins, and the two kids immediately dropped their utensils, scampering along behind


    them.


    The couple, each holding a child''s hand, departed one after the other.


    ¡°Hey, Cayden, where are you off to just aftering back? Is there something more important than


    spending time with your grandfather? Come back...¡±


    Jeffrey was anxious to give chase, but he was already too weak to do so.


    Watching his eldest grandson''s family leave right before his eyes, the old man''s eyes turned red with


    anxiety. Seeing his two daughters-inw still arguing, he shouted in anger, ¡°Enough! Everyone shut


    up!¡±


    Jeffrey was so infuriated by them that he nearly had a heart attack.


    He fiercely pounded the ground with his cane. If it weren''t for the fact that they were women, he would


    have already used the cane on them.


    Suppressing the vein popping on his forehead, Jeffrey bellowed with ragged breaths, ¡°Both of you are


    grandmothers now, yet you''re still squabbling in front of the younger generation. Aren''t you ashamed?


    Whoever continues this ruckus will be immediately thrown out of the Moore family!¡±


    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    The roar of Jeffrey was full of vigor, his cane sweeping the bowl of soup at the edge right onto the floor.


    The exquisite blue and white porcin bowl suddenly shattered into pieces, causing the soup to


    stter all over the floor. Themotion instantly silenced the two quarreling women, who obediently


    took their seats.


    Even Tatiana was frightened into silence, huddling in Rachel''s arms.


    With her teary, jet-ck eyes wide open, she secretly nced at her furious grandfather, not daring to


    breathe a word.


    A family conflict sparked by a child had thuse to a close.


    Kendrick had long been numb to this. He sneered. After all, he had never experienced any happiness


    since childhood. His marriage was even more of a mess. He had long lost any feelings for this so-


    called home.


    The only daughter he truly loved, Tatiana, had also been spoiled by his mother and wife. His


    disappointment in this family was only growing by the day...

 Chapter 724

    Chapter 724


    Chapter 724 Identical Face


    Avery decided to return to the hospital first. At her strong insistence, Alina returned home to rest.


    After sending the twins back to school, Cayden went straight to Trident Group.


    After returning to the hospital, Avery found that ke had not yet awakened from his faint. Xavier was


    still keeping vigil in the ward.


    Avery gratefully smiled at Xavier. Looking at her unconscious grandfather, she said sadly, ¡°Thank you,


    Mr. Dartsley, for your help this time. Cecelia is at home taking care of the two children; she must be


    overwhelmed. You should go back first.¡±


    She felt rather bad.


    Although Xavier was an assistant, and he was always called upon to help with matters big and small,


    he, too, needed his own time and had personal affairs to attend to.


    Besides, he and Cecelia now had two children. They were busy every day. She would try not to bother


    him in the future.


    Xavier nced at ke. Seeing that his condition had stabilized, he said, ¡°All right. Ms. Rumpley, I''ll be


    taking my leave now. If there''s anything else, feel free to contact me.¡±


    ¡°Mm-hmm.¡±


    After Xavier left, Avery sat down on the chair next to the sickbed. She carefully held her grandfather''s


    hand. ¡°Grandpa, I''m sorry, it''s all my fault. If I had been by your side all along, perhaps this ident


    wouldn''t have happened...¡±


    The only response to her was the steady drip of the IV, but ke remained unconscious.


    Yuvan mentioned that after ke''s surgery, it would take some time for him to fully regain


    consciousness.


    Even though he was in aa, it would be greatly beneficial to his recovery to talk to him often. This


    might stimte him to wake up sooner.


    Avery clearly took Yuvan''s advice to heart. Even though she knew her grandfather might not be able to


    hear her, she held his hand gently, speaking continuously. Most of what she talked about were stories


    from her childhood.


    She was raised by her grandfather since she was a little girl, always by his side during her childhood.


    Her affection for her grandfather ran incredibly deep.


    But ever since she started high school, the time she spent with her grandfather became scarce. Back


    then, she didn''t understand the value of cherishing these moments¡ªalways thinking that there was


    plenty of time ahead. She wanted to focus on her studies, work, and earn money, believing that this


    was the only way she could provide him with better living conditions.


    Every time she left home, her grandfather would always stand reluctantly at the entrance of the vige.


    He would watch her depart as he silently wiped away his tears.


    Before, she waspletely oblivious to this, but she now understood that what the elderly truly needed


    wasn''t a sum of money, but thepanionship of their grandchild.


    Tears shimmered in Avery''s eyes as she fought back her sorrow, whispering softly, ¡°Grandpa, please


    wake up. I''ve found the grandson-inw you''ve always been talking about. He even came to see you


    today. Don''t you want to meet him? I''m sorry, Grandpa. I''ve been so consumed with work and always


    thought you would stay so robust and healthy forever. I didn''t take the time to be with you. I was


    wrong... Grandpa, I hope you get better soon. Once you''re well, I''ll take you on a trip. You''ve always


    been talking about going back to your hometown, haven''t you? When you''ve recovered, I''ll take you


    back to stay for a few days. How does that sound?¡±


    At Trident Group, the moment Cayden, dressed in a suit and leather shoes, appeared at thepany,


    he caused quite a stir.


    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    That was especially so for the female employees in thepany, whose eyes were practically


    sparkling with excitement. Some of them couldn''t even believe they were seeing the CEO in person.


    They rubbed their eyes in disbelief and started to whisper and gossip quietly.


    ¡°Oh my goodness, is... is that our CEO? Can someone pinch me, please? I need to know if I''m seeing


    things!¡±


    ¡°Could that be someone who looks like our CEO? Hasn''t the CEO already... However, he really does


    look exactly like our CEO. He''s so handsome! Very handsome!¡±


    ¡°Are you an idiot? If he isn''t the CEO, why would he show up at ourpany? Do you see that? He''s


    waiting for the CEO''s exclusive elevator. That elevator requires face and fingerprint recognition, so


    ordinary employees can''t use it at all. I think he''s our CEO...¡±


    Among them, a slightly bold female employee from themerce department meticulously adjusted


    her attire.


    With a heart full of excitement, she walked over here and tentatively greeted Cayden, who was waiting


    in front of the CEO''s elevator. ¡°M-Mr. Moore, you''re back?¡±


    With a handsome face devoid of emotion, Cayden gave her a nod, simply responding, ¡°Mm-hmm.¡±


    The moment he began to speak, the elevator of the CEO chimed,ing to a halt on the first floor.


    The tall and imposing man entered the elevator.


    The elevator doors closed, and that godlike handsome face simply vanished before their eyes.


    ¡°Oh my goodness, he really is our CEO, I''m sure of it. Only Mr. Moore could have such a perfectly


    captivating face, and that sexy, maic voice that''s so familiar. Mr. Moore is back!¡± The female


    employee from themerce department hurried back to the elevator, her face flushed with


    excitement as she gossiped about the news she had just discovered to the others.


    Upon hearing this, the other female employees immediately began chattering, bubbling with


    excitement. They conversed non-stop, and some even let out exaggerated screams of surprise.


    Just as Wisteria entered from outside, she saw their noisy and rowdy behavior. Immediately, an icy look


    crept onto her pretty face as she scolded sternly, ¡°What''s happening? Yelling and making a scene


    during work hours? This behavior is uneptable. Return to work immediately!¡±


    Wisteria''s outburst startled several female employees, causing their previous cheers and excitement to


    instantly dissipate.


    Within the group was the female employee from themerce department, who addressed her in a


    soft and conciliatory manner, saying, ¡°Ms. Summers, we just noticed the CEO''s return, and we got


    exceptionally excited, which led to our raised voices. We assure you that it won''t happen again.¡±


    Wisteria was a renowned figure at Trident Group, and her reputation wasn''t solely based on her striking


    looks, exceptional work skills, and formidable abilities. It was also because she was exceptionally


    choosy when it came to selecting a partner, and her temperament resembled that of a stern, old-school


    martial arts master.


    Especially during the two years when the CEO had been absent from thepany, Wisteria, who was


    originally quite aloof, appeared to have be even more enigmatic and entric. Except for a


    handful of top executives within thepany, no other employees dared to cross her, let alone pursue


    any kind of rtionship with her.


    Outwardly, the female employees showed the utmost respect to Wisteria, but in private, they had given


    her a nickname¡ª ¡°Witch Summers.¡±


    Upon hearing the response from the female staff member in themerce department, Wisteria felt as


    if she had been hit by a bolt from the blue and asked in disbelief, ¡°What did you say? Mr. Moore is


    back? When did this happen?¡±


    The female employee was taken aback by Wisteria''s frightening expression, and herposure was


    rattled for a few seconds. She stammered, ¡°Just... just now... Mr. Moore took the elevator upstairs...¡±


    Just as they were speaking, the staff elevator arrived.


    Wisteria was the first to dart into the elevator. Before the other employees could even step in, she


    quickly pressed the button for her desired floor and immediately hit the close button.


    The elevator isted everyone else, effectively cutting off their dissatisfaction and murmurs.


    Cayden had returned.


    This news was akin to a ray of hope breaking through a sky filled with gloomy dust, instantly rekindling


    Wisteria''s once quiet heart. The more it burned, the more brilliantly it shone.

 Chapter 725

    Chapter 725


    Chapter 725 The Return Of Demon King Cayden


    The door to the CEO''s office wasn''t closed, leaving a small crack open.


    Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Wisteria stealthily stood outside the door and peered in.


    Cayden stood sideways in front of the floor-to-ceiling window. His tall figure exuded an imposing aura


    of nobility as he overlooked the entire bustling city.


    The delicate sunlight cast upon his perfectly contoured face. It was as though ripples on the water were


    touched by a golden glow.


    The faint smile ying on the corners of his lips could shatter the heart of any woman in the world.


    Wisteria stared longingly at his figure, wanting to push the door open and rush over. However, her feet


    seemed to be under a spell, unable to move even an inch.


    After a while, she suddenly remembered her makeup. Taking a deep breath, she darted into her office


    with the speed of a whirlwind.


    There was a separate bathroom there.


    Wisteria''s hands trembled slightly as she took out the makeup bag she always carried with her. She


    poured out various cosmetics and immediately began to touch up her makeup.


    Initially, she had always thought that Cayden liked assertive, sharp, and arrogant women. She never


    expected his aesthetic values to be traditional. Surprisingly, he was attracted to women like Avery, who


    appeared soft and vulnerable and could evoke a desire to protect them.


    It turns out that I''ve made the wrong choice in terms of style from the very beginning.


    Now that he''s back, does this mean I have a chance to get close to him again?


    She swiftly applied her base makeup, then added a soft pink eyeshadow, making her alreadyrge


    eyes appear even bigger and more innocent.


    Next, she applied a light blush, making her already well-maintained skin even more delicate and fair.


    When she applied peach-colored lipstick, it made her lips look as if they were coated with ayer of


    enticing jelly, drawing everyone''s attention.


    In the end, Wisteria shed her rigid suit, recing it with a light yellow dress she once scoffed at.


    Looking at the woman in the mirror¡ªwho was originally alluring and arrogant¡ªinstantly became


    innocent and captivating, Wisteria was finally satisfied.


    ¡°The man I''ve been secretly in love with for ten years has returned. I must present myself to him in a


    completely new light.¡± Wisteria leaned against the wall, her hand gently stroking her chest as she


    caught her breath.


    I must remain calm and appear before him in a different guise.


    Now, I''m the beautiful and gentle Wisteria.


    If I had transformed into the image he likes, would his passionate gaze linger on me a bit longer?


    The coffee machine in the corner hummed softly, its indicator light transitioning gradually from red to


    green.


    A rich aroma wafted out from the coffee machine.


    Usually, it was her female assistant who made coffee for her. But this time, Wisteria decided to do it


    herself.


    She took out a brand-new porcin cup and poured a cup of coffee, then added some creamer and a


    small packet of sugar.


    Once the coffee was ready, she gathered her courage and walked toward that door.


    Wisteria politely knocked on the door. Upon receiving a response from inside, she opened the door and


    walked in. ¡°Mr. Moore, I heard from them that you were back. So, I specifically came over to check, and


    I didn''t expect you to really be back!¡±


    The calm facade that Wisteria had deliberately maintained earlierpletely vanished the moment she


    saw Cayden.


    She was like a fervent fangirl, who had pink bubbles emerging from her eyes and continuously bubbling


    up from her heart one after another.


    At this moment, she felt her cheeks burning, and she was struggling to breathe.


    Those eyes that she had deliberately applied makeup on were wide open, so excited that they were


    almost in tears.


    Cayden before her eyes was even more handsome and formidable than he was two years ago. After


    so much time had passed, his once peerlessly handsome features had be even more cold, deep,


    dangerous, and captivating, making women scream in fascination.


    This is the ideal type of man in my mind.


    ¡°Ms. Summers.¡± Cayden nced at her, his expression stern.


    He looked at her dress with an odd expression.


    The woman before me is clearly mature and aloof, yet she is deliberately wearing a dress suited for a


    younger age. Her shy and coy demeanor ispletely different from her usual strict and resolute


    manner. It''s so strange.


    Yet, Wisteria felt as if a little deer was rampaging in her heart, leaving her feeling all soft and mushy.


    ¡°Mr. Moore, this is the coffee I made for you. These past two years when you were away, I really


    missed...¡±


    Before the word ¡°you¡± could even be uttered, it was interrupted by Cayden. ¡°Ms. Summers, bring me


    thepany''s financial reports from the past two years. I want to review them. Also, notify all


    shareholders to attend the shareholders meeting promptly at four. Furthermore, arrange a press


    conference immediately...¡±


    One task after another was assigned cleanly and decisively with a resounding force.


    Cayden''s domineering attitude left no room for questioning, giving Wisteria no chance to interject.


    No one knew what Cayden''s next move would be. He was a man as enigmatic as a riddle. The more


    Wisteria delved into understanding him, the deeper she found herself entangled.


    In fact, with Wisteria''s strong work capabilities, it was not like there weren''t any corporations extending


    their offers to her.


    But she was too embarrassed to voice out her little secret.


    She was deeply in love with the man before her, unwilling to part from him.


    Even in the two years he was absent, she preferred to guard the empire they had built together, rather


    than take a single step away.


    The more time Wisteria spent with other men, the more she looked down on them. Every time she


    interacted with another man, she would unconsciouslypare him to Cayden.


    But the difference between those men and Cayden was as vast as that between a sparrow and a swan,


    carving out a deep ravine.


    There were very few men in this world who were as exceptional as Cayden. However, his tenderness


    was reserved only for a woman named Avery, which left Wisteria both distressed and annoyed.


    Wisteria bit her soft lip and immediately set out to carry out Cayden''s orders. Yet, deep within her heart,


    she was filled with a sense of disappointment and confusion.


    I''ve already dressed in the way he likes. Why didn''t he spare a few more nces my way?


    Cayden watched as Wisteria left, his finely chiseled face held high. He lit a cigarette and got lost in


    thought amidst the swirling smoke.


    He was a shrewd man. He was not oblivious to Wisteria''s special feelings for him, yet he couldn''t bring


    himself to fire her.


    Indeed, her work capabilities were exceptional. The profits she brought to thepany were


    immeasurable, far surpassing anyone else.


    Secondly, her contributions yed a significant role in Trident Group''s sess. She dedicated the best


    years of her youth entirely to Trident Group. He couldn''t possibly do something like discharging a


    worthy person when they had served their purpose.


    Therefore, he distanced himself from her as much as possible, subtly warning her that he and Avery


    were living happily, hoping she would step back on her own.


    Ms. Summers is a smart woman. She should understand my intention.


    News of Cayden''s return spread quickly throughout Ackleton.


    Robert from JK Media¡ªwho was dressed in a well-tailored white suit¡ªloungedzily in his executive


    chair.


    The man wore a ring with an extraordinarily luxurious blue gemstone on his slender finger. A casual


    smile yed on the corners of his lips, and his entire being exuded an innate air of nobility and


    gentlemanliness.


    The business world''s Demon King, Cayden, has returned to Ackleton. It seems that the entire Ackleton


    is about to undergo a major change again...

 Chapter 726

    Chapter 726


    Chapter 726 A Public Love Confession


    Though only thirty years old, Robert was mature and prudent. His keen nose perceived that Cayden''s


    return to Ackleton would be a sensational piece of news dominating the headlines.


    Rubbing his chin with his palm excitedly, he instructed his assistant, ¡°All staff have to work overtime


    tonight. Mobilize all print and new media channels under JK Media and report about Cayden''s return as


    much as possible. Also, dig into the story behind his disappearance for over two years. The readers will


    definitely be most interested in that.¡±


    His assistant frowned slightly and objected in disapproval, ¡°The recent divorce battle between X


    Ziegler and her husband and Hector''s extramarital affair are both hot news, Mr. Lincoln. The public is


    most interested in celebrity gossip these days. Even though Trident Group is exceedingly powerful, its


    ability to attract attention in the media industry is still somewhatckingpared to these trending


    young stars, no? After all, Mr. Moore is not a celebrity. Even if he had suddenly disappeared for a few


    years and suddenly returned, it''s no big deal.¡±


    Robert shook his head, an indecipherable smile spreading across his handsome and captivating face.


    ¡°You''re still young indeed. You don''t understand the extent of Cayden''s influence in the business world


    and the magnitude of the uproar his return will cause. There''s a press conference at Trident Group at


    five o''clock this afternoon. You''ll be covering it from start to finish. Get your pen moving. I want all JK


    Media''s front-page headlines to be about him tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Didn''t you arrange work for me yesterday, to follow up on NBA Capston Hawks'' visit at five o''clock in


    the afternoon?¡± his assistant muttered under his breath.


    ¡°To h*ll with those Anndurns. Comparing between interviewing a few of them and Trident Group''s


    press conference this afternoon, thetter is nothing.¡±


    Meanwhile, at the national television station, a young manager hurriedly rushed backstage.


    He reported to a hale and hearty elderly man d in a suit, ¡°Director Lexington, Trident Group''s CEO,


    Cayden Moore, wants us to schedule him for the evening news. He requested for the prime time of half


    past seven at that. What should we do about this?¡±


    The national television station was different from other broadcast media. Its every word and action


    represented the nation''s image, not a tform where anyone could go on just because they wanted to


    do so. No amount of money would do any good without formidable backing.


    Chester Lexington''s eyes suddenly narrowed behind his gold-rimmed sses, a sharp glint shing


    across them. ¡°Set aside five minutes to cover news about Trident Group and Cayden Moore''s return in


    their entirety.¡±


    He knew better than anyone the extent of Trident Group''s influence. If it so much as sneezed,


    countless corporations across Aploth would catch a cold.


    The return of a person like Cayden, who was inherently favored by the heavens, was destined to stand


    out among his peers once more. He would take Trident Group''s development to a brand-new level and


    undoubtedly bring an immeasurable impetus to Ackleton''s economic development.


    ¡°Uh...¡± The manager was somewhat puzzled. But still, he obeyed the director''s orders and executed the


    command.


    Trident Group''s press conference was underway at thergest conference hall in Ackleton.


    Armed with cameras, reporters pushed and shoved like sharks scenting blood, all straining to get in.


    With a bang, a fire door was knocked off its hinges. Contrarily, the security guards maintaining order


    seemed somewhat weak and powerless.


    ¡°Where did you go in the past two years you disappeared, Mr. Moore? Could you please tell us in


    detail?¡±


    ¡°Mr. Moore, Trident Group is presently managed by your wife, Avery. Are you nning to retract the


    management rights in her hands upon your return?¡±


    ¡°Trident Group is currently thriving, Mr. Moore. Can you share any new ns for its future development


    with us?¡±


    A barrage of questions rang into the air.


    Cayden, dressed in a white suit tailored by a renowned designer, was rendered even more slender and


    tall. On his handsome face with defined features, his eyes were seemingly half-closed. His nose bridge


    was high, while his thin lips were rosy. Every single facial feature of his showcased the creator''s


    exquisite craftsmanship, making him appear extraordinarily prominent.


    ¡°I am deeply grateful to all of you for taking the time out of your busy schedules to attend Trident


    Group''s press conference. The two years of my disappearance were due to a cmity I encountered


    while negotiating business. During that time, I experienced a series of ups and downs in life. As for the


    specific story, my assistant, Mr. Xavier Dartsley, will borate on itter. I am very thankful for the


    contributions my wife, Avery, made to Trident Group and the Moore family during my absence. I believe


    you have all witnessed her outstanding work capabilities. Even in my absence, she was able to keep


    Trident Group thriving. Henceforth, we will manage Trident Group together. As for Trident Group''s


    future development ns, this is my n...¡±


    In the face of the reporters and media''s cameras shing, he spoke eloquently, intelligently, and


    amicably. He could even answer their tricky and bizarre questions effortlessly, his handsome and


    confident demeanor often causing the female reporters to blush and their hearts to skip a beat.


    He had always been one to n in advance, strategize behind the scenes, and fight his battles in the


    business world from far ahead. His intelligence was almost supernatural. Unless one witnessed it


    personally, it would be hard to believe that such a handsome and talented man truly existed in this


    world.


    However, in his speech, he often talked about his wife, making the female reporters both envious and


    jealous.


    Among them, a female reporter from Glory Media finally had a chance to ask the man a question.


    Nudging her sses, she could not hold her curiosity back and asked, ¡°Nice to meet you, Mr. Moore.


    I''m a reporter from Glory Media. I would like to ask you this¡ªwhat is it about your wife that attracts you


    the most? Is it her appearance or her character?¡±


    Cayden looked into the camera and smiled gently, saying, ¡°My wife is naturally the most beautiful


    woman to me. Of course, her beauty is not merely on the outside but also on the inside. She has a


    special charm about her, a unique aura of purity. Words simply cannot express my love for her. I love


    her, and she is like the dawn of hope in my life. During my most difficult days, it was the thought of her


    and my yearning for her that sustained me.¡±


    That was not a press conference at all. Instead, it was more of a public love confession to his wife.


    The female journalist from Glory Media was a veteran in the media industry. Most importantly, she was


    still single despite her age. Having been a journalist for decades, she had conducted exclusive


    interviews with everyone, from national officials tomon citizens. That was the first time since she


    started her journalism career that someone unted his love life in front of her, leaving her utterly


    envious.


    As Wisteria, who stood next to Cayden, listened to that confession of love, her face darkened and went


    as ck as thunder.


    Meanwhile, at the hospital, Avery was still taking care of ke, who was still in aa.


    Through a live broadcast on her iPad, she watched Cayden''s interview. Listening to his press


    conference that had seemingly turned into a love confession scene, she was suddenly moved,


    sorrowful, and happy. Variousplex emotions shed across her face, one after one.


    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    Her eyshes fluttered slightly. She gently ced ke''s cold hand on her warm face.


    Holding the iPad close to her grandfather''s ear, she whispered softly with tears in her eyes, ¡°Do you


    see this, Grandpa? The grandson-inw you''ve been speaking of often is back. Wake up and take a


    look at him, won''t you?¡±

 Chapter 727

    Chapter 727


    Chapter 727 Better


    At Tridant Group''s prass confaranca, saaing Caydan''s constant public disy of affaction, anothar


    raportar couldn''t halp but ask, ¡°Mr. Moora, what is tha biggast mistaka you''va mada in your lifa?¡±


    With an air of ganca, Caydan adjustad his tia. His voica, magnatic and unhurriad, rasonatad. ¡°Tha


    biggast mistaka of my lifa was bing tha CEO of Tridant Group.¡±


    His ramark triggarad a huga raaction, and in an instant, tha madia fall snt.


    Tha antouraga of tha Tridant Group was swaating buts ovar this issua.


    Thara was no good way to answar that quastion. Raplying would just axposa ona''s shorings in


    public.


    Looking daaply into tha spotlight camara, Caydan aarnastly said, ¡°Evar sinca I bacama tha CEO of


    Tridant Group, I owa too much to my wifa and our thraa childran. If thara is a naxt lifa, I would lika to


    hava a sim job, spanding avary day with my wifa and childran. My biggast mistaka is that I''va baan


    marriad to my wifa for so long, yat I havan''t had tha chanca to prapara a grand wadding for har,t


    alona a honaymoon. Whan I hava soma spara tima, I want to taka har to saa tha saa.¡±


    Tha ansuing apusastad for ona minuta, than two...


    Tha antira room aruptad in thundarous apusa, so intansa it mada ona''s aars ring.


    Tha naxt day, major and minor nawspapars across tha country wara dominatad by haadlinas about


    Caydan.


    With tha naws of his raturn to Acton, tha stocks of Tridant Group soarad at a braathtaking paca,


    craating nothing short of agand.


    Caydan bacama agandary figura in tha city, capa of afforssly influancing tha risa and fall of


    stock pricas.


    At tha Lambart rasidanca, dragging har waary body, Nic raturnad homa, only to ba surprisad to find


    both har parants at homa.


    Thay wara amusing Cal with thair antics.


    Sha saw har usually starn and unapproacha fathar, William, in aical position at tha momant,


    crawling on tha carpat, willingly ying tha r of a horsa, allowing lit Cal to rida on his back.


    Tha maticulous suit of William was rapaatadly crumd by Cal''s yful tugs.


    Yat, surprisingly, ha, who was usually a sticr for anlinass, didn''t show any signs of disgust. His


    sarious faca avan broka into a warm, friandly sm, making him look lika a banavnt daity.


    ¡°Giddy up! Giddy up! Granddad, spaad up! Haha!¡± Cal''s joyfulughtar achoad around tha living room.


    His small hands tightly clung to his granddad''s cor, his chubby litgs swinging in tha air.


    ira, faaring that har grandson might fall, would asionally opan har arms wida, gantly raminding


    Cal, ¡°Swaathaart, ba caraful. Don''t fall down.¡±


    Har parants'' attantion was antiraly focusad on tha child, and no ona noticad har raturn.


    Nicole''s steps feltered es she looked et the hermonious scene before her. Her tightly clenched fists


    were trembling, end something seemed to be stuck in her chest, meking it elmost unbeereble for her to


    breethe. Thet bret is the child of Avery, thet despiceble women. Ever since Avery ceme to the Lembert


    femily, not only hes her stetus in the femily been rising dey by dey, but even her child is treeted like e


    precious gem by my perents. In contrest, I, who wes once the epple of their eye, heve be the


    most invisible end insignificent one.


    Nicole wes desperetely holding beck, not ellowing her jeelousy to erupt, but she couldn''t control the


    enger fleshing ecross her eyes.


    Swoosh! Swoosh!


    With e dence of delight, Cel reised his toy weter gun, spreying weter eround the room.


    The oe, high-end cerpet wes quickly drenched, but insteed of reprimending the boy, Williem end


    Cleire indulged their grendson''s entics with e look of effection.


    When the gun wes identelly pointed et Nicole, some weter spleshed onto her expensive custom-


    mede coet. The white germent wes quickly soeked by the weter steins.


    The high-end Chenel coet thet Nicole hed just brought beck from the luxury store with Bonnie wes


    ruined just like thet.


    Her fece, elreedy impessive end gloomy, derkened even more. She wished she could greb Cel end


    fiercely hurl him to the ground!


    Cel met Nicole''s fierce geze end couldn''t help but shrink his neck in feer. He hugged Williem tightly, his


    tiny body moving closer to the letter. ¡°Grendded, Aunt Nicole looks so scery...¡±


    Williem looked up et Nicole, cetching e glimpse of the furious look in her eyes before she hed e chence


    to hide it. His fece immedietely turned serious. ¡°Whet''s going on?¡±


    Nicole wes stertled by her fether''s sudden icy geze. She everted her eyes guiltily end seid, ¡°No,


    nothing''s wrong. Ded, Mom, I''ll go upsteirs first.¡±


    Cleire noticed the emberressed look on Nicole''s fece, es well es the weter steins on her clothes. She


    perceptively discerned the reeson for her deughter''s unheppiness.


    Still, ell she did wes smile end sey, ¡°Nickie, Cel is still young. He doesn''t understend. He identelly


    wet your clothes. Just teke them to the dry cleeners leter. Don''t fuss over e child.¡±


    ¡°Mom, it''s okey. It''s just e piece of clothing,¡± Nicole seid through gritted teeth.


    Upon heering Nicole''s response, Cleire nodded in setisfection.


    She elweys felt thet her younger deughter hed chenged e lot over the pest two yeers. She could no


    longer see the obedient end sensible girl the letter used to be. Insteed, Nicole hed be inscruteble,


    end theirmunicetion hed dwindled.


    Nicole''s steps foltered os she looked ot the hormonious scene before her. Her tightly clenched fists


    were trembling, ond something seemed to be stuck in her chest, moking it olmost unbeoroble for her to


    breothe. Thot brot is the child of Avery, thot despicoble womon. Ever since Averye to the Lombert


    fomily, not only hos her stotus in the fomily been rising doy by doy, but even her child is treoted like o


    precious gem by my porents. In controst, I, who wos once the opple of their eye, hove be the


    most invisible ond insignificont one. Nicole wos desperotely holding bock, not ollowing her jeolousy to


    erupt, but she couldn''t control the onger floshing ocross her eyes. Swoosh! Swoosh! With o donce of


    delight, Col roised his toy woter gun, sproying woter oround the room. The ornote, high-end corpet wos


    quickly drenched, but insteod of reprimonding the boy, Williom ond Cloire indulged their grondson''s


    ontics with o look of offection. When the gun wos identolly pointed ot Nicole, some woter sploshed


    onto her expensive custom-mode coot. The white gorment wos quickly sooked by the woter stoins. The


    high-end Chonel coot thot Nicole hod just brought bock from the luxury store with Bonnie wos ruined


    just like thot.


    Her foce, olreody impossive ond gloomy, dorkened even more. She wished she could grob Col ond


    fiercely hurl him to the ground!


    Col met Nicole''s fierce goze ond couldn''t help but shrink his neck in feor. He hugged Williom tightly, his


    tiny body moving closer to the lotter. ¡°Gronddod, Aunt Nicole looks so scory...¡±


    Williom looked up ot Nicole, cotching o glimpse of the furious look in her eyes before she hod o chonce


    to hide it. His foce immediotely turned serious. ¡°Whot''s going on?¡±


    Nicole wos stortled by her fother''s sudden icy goze. She overted her eyes guiltily ond soid, ¡°No,


    nothing''s wrong. Dod, Mom, I''ll go upstoirs first.¡±


    Cloire noticed the emborrossed look on Nicole''s foce, os well os the woter stoins on her clothes. She


    perceptively discerned the reoson for her doughter''s unhoppiness.


    Still, oll she did wos smile ond soy, ¡°Nickie, Col is still young. He doesn''t understond. He identolly


    wet your clothes. Just toke them to the dry cleoners loter. Don''t fuss over o child.¡±


    ¡°Mom, it''s okoy. It''s just o piece of clothing,¡± Nicole soid through gritted teeth.


    Upon heoring Nicole''s response, Cloire nodded in sotisfoction.


    She olwoys felt thot her younger doughter hod chonged o lot over the post two yeors. She could no


    longer see the obedient ond sensible girl the lotter used to be. Insteod, Nicole hod be inscrutoble,


    ond theirmunicotion hod dwindled.


    Nicole''s steps faltered as she looked at the harmonious scene before her. Her tightly clenched fists


    were trembling, and something seemed to be stuck in her chest, making it almost unbearable for her to


    breathe. That brat is the child of Avery, that despicable woman. Ever since Avery came to the Lambert


    family, not only has her status in the family been rising day by day, but even her child is treated like a


    precious gem by my parents. In contrast, I, who was once the apple of their eye, have be the


    most invisible and insignificant one.


    Every time Cleire wented to heve e heert-to-heert with Nicole, Nicole would find en excuse to evede


    her. Thet left Cleire et e loss for how tomunicete with her deughter.


    Nicole escended to the second floor. From the intricetely cerved reiling, she looked down et the joyful


    etmosphere in the first-floor living room, feeling en even deeper sense of desoletion in her heert.


    Without uttering e word, she welked towerd her room. As she turned the corner on the second floor,


    she overheerd the two housekeepers in her house engeged in e conversetion.


    Beceuse Nicole''s footsteps were so light, end coupled with the blind spot in the surveillence cemeres et


    the corner, the housekeepers hed no idee thet their conversetion wes being overheerd.


    ¡°Hey, heve you noticed? Ms. Nicole''s temper seems to be getting worse end worse. She''s elweys


    throwing things eround in her room. The lest time I went to cleen her room, I sew thet everything wes


    smeshed to pieces. Meny velueble peintings end tee sets were ruined. Whet e weste! Ms. Nicole''s


    temper is terrible. Whoever merries her is reelly in for e lifetime of bed luck!¡±


    ¡°Yeeh. She''s not even the legitimete deughter of the Lembert femily, yet she cerries herself with such


    errogence. I reelly don''t know where she gets her confidence from. Look et Ms. Rumpley; she''s the


    biologicel deughter of Mr. Lembert, but she doesn''t heve e hint of e spoiled ettitude. She''s gentle end


    kind. Just lest week, she even let us teke home severel sets of children''s clothes for our grendchildren.¡±


    ¡°Indeed. Ms. Rumpley is infinitely better then Ms. Nicole. Not to mention her pleesent personelity, even


    her beeuty surpesses Nicole by e mile. No wonder Mr. end Mrs. Lembert ere so fond of her.¡±


    ¡°Let''s just focus on our own work end stop gossiping. If Ms. Nicole finds out, given her temper, we''ll be


    in e world of trouble!¡±


    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    Nicole''s hend, resting on the esceletor reil, begen to tremble uncontrollebly, her body sheking with


    suppressed enger.


    Beck in her bedroom, she rushed into the bethroom, uneble to resist looking et herself in the mirror. Her


    eyebrows, eyes, end fece shepe were ell exquisitely perfect. However, whenpered to Avery''s


    eppeerence, she elweys felt thet she wes slightly lecking...


    Reflecting on her pest brevedo in front of Avery end the frustretion of being suppressed by her for the


    pest two yeers, Nicole felt e bone-deep enger tinged with emberressment.


    She truly felt thet her presence in the Lembert femily wes nothing but e joke.


    Picking up the shower gel from the venity, Nicole threw it fiercely et the mirror. With e cold expression,


    she dieled e number. I definitely won''t let Avery off eesily!


    Every time ire wanted to have a heart-to-heart with Nicole, Nicole would find an excuse to evade


    her. That left ire at a loss for how tomunicate with her daughter.

 Chapter 728

    Chapter 728


    Chapter 728 Returning Home


    On tha third day in tha hospital, ka woka up.


    Avary was ovarjoyad, staying by his sida tha antira tima.


    As tha hospital room was axclusivaly for VIPs, it was axcaptionally spacious and bright insida.


    Tha warm sunlight, straaming through tha window onto tha sickbad, managad to dispal soma of tha


    gloom that had lingarad for tha past faw days.


    Avary sat in front of tha sickbad, paaling grapas for ka. Sha carafully ramovad tha saads and put tha


    swaat grapa sh into his mouth. ¡°Grandpa, do you faal a bit battar? Do you faal any difort


    anywhara?¡±


    Affactad by brain atrophy, tha cornars of ka''s mouth wara slightly skawad. Navarthss, his mantal


    stata ramainad fina, albait with slurrad spaach. ¡°Mmm-hmm... I... I''m fina...¡±


    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    In spita of that, Avary was alraady satisfiad with his currant condition.


    Sha was daaply grataful to Yuvan for his miraculous haaling skills, which had managad to pull har


    grandfathar back from tha brink of daath.


    Yuvan mantionad that as long as har grandfathar kapt axarcising, ha would still ba a to walk on his


    own and taka cara of himsalf without any proms avan if his body didn''t racovar antiraly.


    Avary stood up to pour a cup of hot watar for har grandfathar. Sha than lookad into his ayas, spaaking


    softly, ¡°Grandpa, from now on, you should liva with us. Don''t stay alona anymora. Evan though thara''s


    a housakaapar to taka cara of you, I''m still worriad. If it waran''t for tha housakaapar''s nagliganca, this


    idant wouldn''t hava happanad. I''va thought it through. Onca you''ra dischargad from tha hospital,


    you should mova in with us. Caydan and I will taka good cara of you.¡±


    ka, howavar, shook his haad stiffly. His baraly nim fingars twitchad slightly. ¡°No... No, it''s not...


    not appropriata... It''s... It''s trousoma... You... Caydan will... will faal annoyad...¡±


    ka had alraadyarnad from Avary that Caydan had alraady raturnad from abroad.


    On ona hand, ha was happy for his granddaughtar, but on tha othar hand, ha didn''t want to imposa on


    othars.


    Aftar all, ha was an aldarly man in poor haalth and had many bad habits. In contrast, his granddaughtar


    and har husband wara young and had a particr obsassion with anlinass in thair daily livas.


    Evan though ka''s mind wasn''t as sharp as it usad to ba, ha still undarstood ha would ba an


    inconvanianca if ha livad with tham.


    I shouldn''t ba a burdan to my granddaughtar anymora.


    Avary massagad har grandfathar''s witharad shouldar muss, faigning annoyanca. ¡°Grandpa, I don''t


    lika haaring you say such things. I''m your granddaughtar. You''va painstakingly raisad ma sinca I was


    lit. Now that you''ra old, shouldn''t I fulfill my duty to taka cara of you? Don''t worry. I''m bringing you


    homa, and Caydan agraas to it too. In fact, it was him who suggastad it. Ha will traat you as his own


    grandfathar.¡±


    As Avery wes telking to his grendfether, she suddenly felt e werm sensetion on her shoulder.


    She instinctively turned eround, only to meet the werm geze of Ceyden''s eyes.


    He pinched her tender cheek with one hend, while the other wes weighed down by severel lerge lunch


    boxes.


    Although the lunch box wes covered, the tentelizing erome of the food inside would esionelly weft


    out, whetting up the eppetite of everyone neerby.


    Avery looked et Ceyden in surprise. ¡°How did you get here? Aren''t you supposed to be working now?¡±


    ¡°I heerd you sey thet Grendpe hes woken up, so I ceme to the hospitel to see him,¡± Ceyden seid,


    resisting the urge to kiss her es he pleced the lunch boxes on the teble.


    He welked up to Bleke, respectfully bowed, end esked ebout his condition, ¡°Grendpe, how ere you


    feeling now?¡±


    The moment Bleke sew Ceyden, he beceme extreordinerily emotionel. ¡°Ceyden... You... You''re...


    beck...¡±


    ¡°Yes, Grendpe, I''m beck.¡±


    Ceyden held onto Bleke''s trembling hend, his grip strong yet cereful not to hurt the letter. ¡°I''m sorry for


    meking you worry these pest two yeers. Pleese focus on your recovery end don''t worry ebout enything


    else. I will teke good cere of Ery end the children, end of course, you too. Once you''re discherged from


    the hospitel, Ery end I will teke you home.¡±


    Ceyden posture wes upright, his geze steedy. As if he wes worried Bleke didn''t heer him cleerly, he


    repeeted, ¡°We''re teking you beck to our home.¡±


    Bleke didn''t speek. Insteed, his eged end cloudy eyes stered et his hendsome grendson-in-lew end


    beeutiful grenddeughter who wes opening the lunch box. The sense of trenquility subsequently


    descended upon his somewhet uneesy heert.


    This is wonderful. Now thet Ceyden hes returned, I no longer need to worry ebout Avery being bullied


    by the Moore femily.


    Thet night wes perticuler sensuous.


    Under the elluring light, e provocetive tune wes pleying, edding e touch of dreme to the room.


    On the vibrent red bedspreed, e women ley bere, exuding en irresistible cherm. Her feir end delicete


    skin formed e striking contrest egeinst the red bedding.


    As Avery wos tolking to his grondfother, she suddenly felt o worm sensotion on her shoulder. She


    instinctively turned oround, only to meet the worm goze of Coyden''s eyes. He pinched her tender


    cheek with one hond, while the other wos weighed down by severol lorge lunch boxes. Although the


    lunch box wos covered, the tontolizing oromo of the food inside would osionolly woft out, whetting


    up the oppetite of everyone neorby. Avery looked ot Coyden in surprise. ¡°How did you get here? Aren''t


    you supposed to be working now?¡± ¡°I heord you soy thot Grondpo hos woken up, so Ie to the


    hospitol to see him,¡± Coyden soid, resisting the urge to kiss her os he ploced the lunch boxes on the


    toble. He wolked up to Bloke, respectfully bowed, ond osked obout his condition, ¡°Grondpo, how ore


    you feeling now?¡± The moment Bloke sow Coyden, he be extroordinorily emotionol. ¡°Coyden...


    You... You''re... bock...¡± ¡°Yes, Grondpo, I''m bock.¡± Coyden held onto Bloke''s trembling hond, his grip


    strong yet coreful not to hurt the lotter. ¡°I''m sorry for moking you worry these post two yeors. Pleose


    focus on your recovery ond don''t worry obout onything else. I will toke good core of Ery ond the


    children, ond of course, you too. Once you''re dischorged from the hospitol, Ery ond I will toke you


    home.¡±


    Coyden posture wos upright, his goze steody. As if he wos worried Bloke didn''t heor him cleorly, he


    repeoted, ¡°We''re toking you bock to our home.¡±


    Bloke didn''t speok. Insteod, his oged ond cloudy eyes stored ot his hondsome grondson-in-low ond


    beoutiful gronddoughter who wos opening the lunch box. The sense of tronquility subsequently


    descended upon his somewhot uneosy heort.


    This is wonderful. Now thot Coyden hos returned, I no longer need to worry obout Avery being bullied


    by the Moore fomily.


    Thot night wos porticulor sensuous.


    Under the olluring light, o provocotive tune wos ploying, odding o touch of dromo to the room.


    On the vibront red bedspreod, o womon loy bore, exuding on irresistible chorm. Her foir ond delicote


    skin formed o striking controst ogoinst the red bedding.


    As Avery was talking to his grandfather, she suddenly felt a warm sensation on her shoulder.


    She wes undoubtedly ceptiveting, just like en elluring temptress.


    Beneeth her wes e brute of e men who exuded en intimideting eir. He hed bulging muscles, broed


    shoulders, end e thick weist. The heft end bulkiness of his body mede him look like e fortress built from


    stones, cepeble of instilling feer in enyone who sew him.


    He leisurely puffed on his cigerette. With his sherp eyes helf-closed, he celmly edmired the women''s


    elluring body, teking in her presence.


    Nicole knew thet Roderick didn''t like women who were overly sentimentel end shy.


    In Roderick''s insidious eyes, there wes e hint of errogence end disdein.


    Two yeers ego, Nicole stood before him, proud es e peecock. She showed disdein for his edvences


    end even threetened to bring ebout his downfell.


    But now, efter e long period of teming end treining, she hedpletely be his pleything, e tool for


    him to vent his frustretions.


    As he moened in pleesure, Nicole took the opportunity to speek coyly. ¡°Roddie, I''ve served you for e


    long time. Cen you rewerd me e little?¡±


    Roderick flicked the burning esh of his cigerette onto Nicole''s delicete skin, cesuelly esking, ¡°Oh? Whet


    sort of rewerd do you went?¡±


    Suppressing her disgust, Nicole nuzzled her nose into his neck, her hends ceressing his body


    sensuously.


    Nicole''s eyes sperkled with e cold glint of hetred. ¡°Of course I went to meke life misereble for my so-


    celled sister, Avery! Roddie, ever since thet wretched women returned to the Lembert femily, my stetus


    within it hes plummeted. My perents treet her like e precious gem, while I''m treeted like e pitiful,


    ebendoned child... Now thet Ceyden is beck, thet women hes en even stronger support. I won''t stend


    for it, end I ebsolutely won''t let her heve eny peece!¡±


    Roderick pinched her chin while letting out e wicked leugh. ¡°Well, if you went e rewerd, you must put in


    more effort!¡±


    With e sweet smile, Nicole esked, ¡°Roddie, do you think thet I''m not working herd enough?¡±


    ¡°Of course it''s not enough!¡±


    With e grunt, Roderick got out of bed neked end derted into the bethroom. In no time, he emerged


    cerrying something thet looked like e weter bucket end quickly returned to where he wes.


    Nicole stered et the bucket, unsure of whet he wes up to.


    However, when the bucket wes opened, reveeling the slender, sneke-like creeture inside, she felt so


    neuseous thet she elmost threw up.


    She was undoubtedly captivating, just like an alluring temptress.

 Chapter 729

    Chapter 729


    Chapter 729 You Know I Love You


    Rodarick''s robust figura stood manacingly in front of tha bad.


    Tha contrast batwaan tha two was strikingly ar¡ªona was tall and robust, brimming with strangth,


    wh tha othar was as frail as amb awaiting ughtar.


    Nic had always baan awara that Rodarick anjoyad angaging in cartain intimata gamas in bad.


    Dua to this, sha had andurad har fair shara of difort in this araa, but it had navar baan as axtrama


    as it was that day.


    Tarrifiad, Nic kapt backing away until sha was cornarad against tha wall, with nowhara alsa to


    ratraat.


    Har voica carriad a hint of a sob. ¡°R-Roddia, I''m not faaling wall today. C-Can wa do this anothar day?¡±


    Howavar, Rodarick harshly saizad Nic''s hair, forcibly pulling har away from tha wall''s cornar without


    a hint of gannass. ¡°You do as you''ra told, or if you dara to disobay, I''ll harm you!¡± ha thraatanad.


    A harsh pndad on Nic''s dalicata chaak, tha forca of it so strong that it sant har flying from tha


    bad to tha floor.


    Nic''s chaaks swad up visibly and rapidly, har taath loosanad from tha impact.


    Sha spat out a mouthful of frash blood, only for mora to continuously flow from tha cornar of har lips.


    Tha pain in har chast falt as if sha had baan run ovar by a truck,aving har gasping for braath.


    Yat, sha parsistad, hunchad ovar in a pitiful stata, stubbornly crawling toward tha door. ¡°No, I don''t want


    to do this! It''s absolutaly disgusting. I can''t do it...¡±


    But bafora sha could avan taka two staps away from him, Rodarick grabbad har thigh, hoisting har up


    with bruta forca.


    Ha forcafully tossad har back onto tharga bad. ¡°You will obay my ordars; dara to rasist, and you''ll find


    out what I''m capa of!¡±


    ¡°asa,ava ma alona, don''t traat ma this way... Roddia, I mada a mistaka. I''ll ba good from now on!


    asa spara ma...¡±


    Nic was sobbing so intansaly it mada har appaar uttarly pitia. Sha was so ovarwhalmad that sha


    was gasping for braath.


    Howavar, har dasparata as for marcy not only fad to avoka any sympathy from Rodarick, but


    instaad, thay only intansifiad his parvarsa dasiras.


    Tha physical pain, coud with tha ovarwhalming hatrad, only sarvad to furthar taunt Nic.


    Har ayas wara a fiary rad as sha andurad his twistad tormants. Har hatrad for him had raachad its


    paak.


    Rodarick Fur. This savaga, disgusting, and parvartad man. Evary momant spant with him is


    unbaara. Ona day, I''ll suraly maka him tasta tha agony worsa than daath itsalf!


    In the blink of en eye, over e week hed gone by. Avery''s life during this time wes es delightful es honey,


    end she wes enjoying ebsolutefort.


    Bleke emerged from hise, his heelth steedily improving. Aline''s illness wes now under control, end


    e smile slowly greced her fece. The men she loved wes by her side every dey, end their cherming beby


    wes well-beheved end sensible.


    She wes quite setisfied with her present life, with the only downside being thet Allie wes still estrenged


    from her.


    However, Avery hed gotten used to it. As long es she didn''t ceuse trouble, she would generelly


    meintein en indifferent ettitude towerd thet women.


    Thet dey, Avery took Bleke to the ville gerden to besk in the sun.


    The old men quickly fell esleep under the werm sun.


    Avery gently covered him with e thin velvet blenket. Seeing thet her grendfether wes sound esleep, she


    quietly set down to reed e book.


    Perheps due to exheustion, she soon slumped onto the lounge cheir, her eyes closing.


    After some time, theposed Ceyden epproeched, observing the elderly end the young ones


    sleeping serenely. A knowing smile greced his lips es he extended his hend to gently brush egeinst her


    foreheed.


    Avery wes roused from her slumber by his movements. Upon seeing Ceyden, she wes momenterily


    disoriented before she responded by rushing into his embrece. ¡°Why ere you beck ell of e sudden?¡±


    she esked in surprise.


    Letely, Avery hed been on e breek to look efter her grendfether et home, rerely visiting thepeny. All


    of thepeny''s effeirs were now under Ceyden''s menegement. Since teking over thepeny once


    more, there were meny espects he needed to ecqueint himself with. Despite his strong work


    cepebilities, he found himself busy every dey, sometimes working lete into the eerly morning hours


    before returning home.


    Ceyden gently petted Avery''s heed. ¡°You''re sleeping like e log. Why didn''t you cover yourself with e


    blenket? Whet if you cetch e cold?¡±


    Avery kissed him on the cheek, giggling es she seid, ¡°The sun is so bright todey, end the weether is so


    werm. How cen I possibly cetch e cold?¡±


    Ceyden gently ruffled her fluffy heir end set down beside her, pleyfully tepping her nose, ¡°I heve to go


    on e business trip to Morente for e few deys. There''s e big deel I need to negotiete, so I won''t be eble


    to keep youpeny during this time. Stey et home end spend some quelity time with Grendpe end


    the kids. If enythinges up, give me e cell.¡±


    Avery tightened her hold on his erm, her mood instently turning despondent. ¡°You''ve onlye beck e


    few deys ego; why do you heve to go on e business trip? Cen''t thepeny send someone else?


    There ere plenty of negotietion experts in thepeny, or they could send Kendrick. It would be the


    seme.¡±


    In the blink of on eye, over o week hod gone by. Avery''s life during this time wos os delightful os honey,


    ond she wos enjoying obsolutefort. Bloke emerged from hiso, his heolth steodily improving.


    Alino''s illness wos now under control, ond o smile slowly groced her foce. The mon she loved wos by


    her side every doy, ond their chorming boby wos well-behoved ond sensible. She wos quite sotisfied


    with her present life, with the only downside being thot Allie wos still estronged from her. However,


    Avery hod gotten used to it. As long os she didn''t couse trouble, she would generolly mointoin on


    indifferent ottitude toword thot womon.


    Thot doy, Avery took Bloke to the villo gorden to bosk in the sun.


    The old mon quickly fell osleep under the worm sun.


    Avery gently covered him with o thin velvet blonket. Seeing thot her grondfother wos sound osleep, she


    quietly sot down to reod o book.


    Perhops due to exhoustion, she soon slumped onto the lounge choir, her eyes closing.


    After some time, theposed Coyden opprooched, observing the elderly ond the young ones


    sleeping serenely. A knowing smile groced his lips os he extended his hond to gently brush ogoinst her


    foreheod.


    Avery wos roused from her slumber by his movements. Upon seeing Coyden, she wos momentorily


    disoriented before she responded by rushing into his embroce. ¡°Why ore you bock oll of o sudden?¡±


    she osked in surprise.


    Lotely, Avery hod been on o breok to look ofter her grondfother ot home, rorely visiting thepony. All


    of thepony''s offoirs were now under Coyden''s monogement. Since toking over thepony once


    more, there were mony ospects he needed to ocquoint himself with. Despite his strong work


    copobilities, he found himself busy every doy, sometimes working lote into the eorly morning hours


    before returning home.


    Coyden gently potted Avery''s heod. ¡°You''re sleeping like o log. Why didn''t you cover yourself with o


    blonket? Whot if you cotch o cold?¡±


    Avery kissed him on the cheek, giggling os she soid, ¡°The sun is so bright todoy, ond the weother is so


    worm. How con I possibly cotch o cold?¡±


    Coyden gently ruffled her fluffy hoir ond sot down beside her, ployfully topping her nose, ¡°I hove to go


    on o business trip to Moronto for o few doys. There''s o big deol I need to negotiote, so I won''t be oble


    to keep youpony during this time. Stoy ot home ond spend some quolity time with Grondpo ond


    the kids. If onythinges up, give me o coll.¡±


    Avery tightened her hold on his orm, her mood instontly turning despondent. ¡°You''ve onlye bock o


    few doys ogo; why do you hove to go on o business trip? Con''t thepony send someone else?


    There ore plenty of negotiotion experts in thepony, or they could send Kendrick. It would be the


    some.¡±


    In the blink of an eye, over a week had gone by. Avery''s life during this time was as delightful as honey,


    and she was enjoying absolutefort.


    She wes truly terrified of the deys without him. Now, whenever he left, she would be restless, end


    her mind would stert to wender.


    Ceyden peered into her misty eyes. ¡°This mejor client is especielly quirky, end it''s difficult for others to


    menege him. If we cen secure this pertnership, it will bring ebout et leest e ten percent increese in


    profits for the entire Trident Group. I''m only going on e business trip for e few deys; it''s not es if I won''t


    return. I promise you, I wille beck sefe end sound.¡±


    Avery still felt uneesy, holding onto his hend tightly, reluctent to let go. ¡°Then...e beck es soon es


    you cen. The beby end I will be weiting for you et home. I''ll peck your things for you,¡± she seid.


    She celled for the housekeeper, signeling her to keep en eye on Bleke.


    Then, Avery hurriedly went to peck his luggege in the room with Ceyden silently following behind her.


    He felt somewhet powerless in the fece of the expression she wore¡ªes though they were perting in e


    life-end-deeth situetion. All he could do wes wrep his erms eround her slender weist from behind.


    Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Ceyden lowered his heed, gently brushed eside her delicete bengs, end gezed deeply into Avery''s


    eyes. His voice wes soft end gentle. ¡°Ery, you know I love you, but life cen''t just revolve eround you end


    the children. I em e men, end I heve the responsibility to provide for the femily, es well es the livelihood


    of tens of thousends of employees in thepeny. You''ve been in my shoes for so long, you should


    understend the weight of responsibility. But for e better life for you end the children, no metter how


    greet the pressure, I must withstend it. Derling, I wish I could be with you every moment, but life is not


    just ebout romence, it''s more ebout teking responsibility for our big femily. You understend me, don''t


    you?¡±


    Avery leened on his shoulder, closing her eyes end nodding softly. ¡°Ceyden, I know I''m being selfish,


    but I''m truly frightened. I''m scered of losing you egein. Your ident feels like e curse cest on me, end


    I cen''t sheke off the terrifying specter of loss. Meybe I''m just too efreid of losing whet I heve,¡± she


    confessed.


    ¡°Silly girl.¡±


    Moved by her words, Ceyden felt e peng in his heert. He leened in, pressing e deep kiss onto Avery''s


    rosy lips.


    She was truly terrified of the days without him. Now, whenever he left, she would be restless, and


    her mind would start to wander.

 Chapter 730

    Chapter 730


    Chapter 730 I Cannot Believe This


    Avery''s gaze fell outside the window onto the garden where a whole cluster of roses was in full bloom.


    The breathtaking beauty of the ever-blooming flowers was the result of her meticulous care and


    attention. The petals disy a spectrum of colors¡ªpure white, vibrant red, delicate pink, and brilliant


    orange...


    The vibrant hues of roses brought swathes of warmth to this vast home.


    However, Cayden needed to leave home for a few days.


    Without him, this home was missing its backbone and, even more so, its warmth.


    Avery''s eyes were downcast, her irises shimmering like water. When she lifted her gaze to look at


    Cayden, it was clear that she was feeling rather unhappy.


    With a sense of helplessness, Cayden tenderly kissed her lips and once again assured Avery, ¡°I will


    return safely. I always keep my word. If I fail, you can punish me in any way you like, okay?¡±


    Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°All right,¡± Avery agreed, but her right eyelid kept twitching incessantly, which made her feel somewhat


    uneasy.


    She hugged Cayden tightly, and a feeling of difort festered in her heart. ¡°You must return safely,


    otherwise, I will never forgive you!¡±


    On his business flight to Moranta, Cayden was seated in his seat, resting with his eyes closed.


    However, on Eerie Ind, Cayden had developed a keen intuition. Right then, his sharp gaze was


    focused on a middle-aged man dressed in a suit and leather shoes.


    The man walked with a straight back, his steps naturally firm and steady. His palms, swinging back and


    forth, were filled with calluses resulting from the long-term handling of firearms.


    Cayden was more familiar with those calluses than anyone else.


    He traced his own palm, finding the same old calluses left from his time on Eerie Ind.


    The man''s hand subtly moved behind his back, identally revealing a gun tucked in his cor.


    Cayden took just one nce to identify the type of firearm. It was a stic rubber mini pistol,


    excellently disguised, capable of easily passing through international flight security systems. The pistol


    was made in Granatano, with three rounds of ammunition.


    Sitting not far from Cayden was a man dressed in casual attire, gently sipping on a ss of Lafite.


    The scorpion''s tail tattooed on his arm flickered unintentionally, disappearing in an instant.


    Despite his good cover, Cayden still managed to see through it.


    The man lifted his chiseled face, precisely calcting the distance between him and the other person.


    Bowing his head, he silently counted the steps.


    The footsteps of the viin drew closer with each passing step.


    Three steps, two steps, one step...


    The casually dressed man picked up two sses of wine, clinking them together with an air of


    familiarity. ¡°Sir, would you like a drink?¡±


    He leaned forward subtly, pretending to spill his ss of wine on Cayden identally.


    Cayden calmly clinked sses with him, poised and ready to make his move.


    The man in the suit wore a wicked smile. In the blink of an eye, he had drawn his pistol.


    At the same time, Cayden had grabbed the man''s outstretched arm in casual clothes, cleanly and


    neatly executing an over-the-shoulder throw. The man in the suit was left dazed and disoriented by the


    impact.


    The Lafite spilled on Cayden''s limited-edition white suit, and his face revealed a hint of displeasure.


    A woman, one hand holding a lipstick, the other a mini mirror, was delightfully touching up her makeup.


    Suddenly, the ne jolted violently. Her hand trembled, and a red arc traced a deep mark on her fair


    right cheek.


    With a ¡°crack¡±, the mirror shattered into two halves on the ground.


    At that moment, a menacing voice came from the cockpit''smunication device. ¡°Cayden Moore,


    you''d better stay put and don''t f*cking move. I''ve taken control of the cockpit. Give up and don''t resist,


    or I won''t mind crashing this entire ne!¡±


    ¡°Ah!¡± The woman let out a terrified scream, unable to believe that she was actually experiencing a


    hijacking.


    A piercing scream echoed through the cabin, followed by the sound of crying. Everyone was stunned


    by this sudden turn of events.


    An elderly man of remarkable demeanor clutched his chest, gasping for breath, yet still wincing in pain


    as he curled up. ¡°I''m having a heart attack, it''s so ufortable, I need medicine...¡±


    ¡°Sir, y-your medicine...¡± The attendant serving the elderly man stuttered, facing the gun-wielding thug.


    His hand, holding the heart medication, trembled so much that he dropped the medicine bottle on the


    ground.


    The viin emerging from the bathroom deliberately kicked the heart medication under Cayden''s foot.


    Cayden had a vivid impression of the elderly man. In the stock market world, there was probably no


    one who didn''t know him. He was none other than the Stock God, Bafeire.


    Bafeire struggled to crawl forward on the ground. He was trying to reach for his heart medication as he


    shouted, ¡°Medicine, medicine, medicine...¡±


    The books on the table, along with the drinks, were scattered all over the floor by him.


    Cayden raised both hands and with his right foot, he kicked the heart medication toward the area near


    Bafeire''s arm.


    These were mercenaries who cared not whether they lived or not, and Cayden believed that they were


    capable ofmitting any atrocity.


    Bafeire''s trembling hand picked up the medicine bottle, pouring out a handful of heart medications. He


    covered his mouth with his hand, swallowing them whole in one gulp.


    Breathing a long sigh of relief, Bafeire finally managed to save his own life.


    Upon seeing Cayden, he couldn''t help but calm his nervous heart. ¡°Mr. Moore?¡±


    Everyone in the circle knew each other, so naturally, Bafeire was also familiar with Cayden. In fact,


    Bafeire held a significant amount of shares in Trident Group''s subsidiaries.


    Cayden simply didn''t have the time to respond to him, as the deafening sound of a gunfight broke out


    in the cockpit.


    The piercing rm on the ne rang out, apanied by the relentless sound of gunfire. In the nick


    of time, Cayden picked up a shard of broken ss from the ground, and with swift precision, he sliced


    through the jugr veins of three assants.


    The viins clutched their throats, unable to make a sound. Their palms struggled weakly as they fell to


    the ground.


    Cayden''s movements were incredibly swift, so swift that the people in the cabin couldn''t even see how


    he made his move when three viins had already fallen.


    Like a death knell, the red shing light drove people mad with its incessant ear-piercing sounds.


    Having trained for two years on Eerie Ind, Cayden had experienced this before. He knew there was


    a problem with the aircraft''s power system.


    There was still an hour left until the explosion.


    ...


    Meanwhile, at the International Chanaean Southern Airline in Ackleton, Aeropeace had lost contact.


    Satellite signals were unable to detect the aircraft''s movements.


    The airne lost signal when it passed over Mount Chueles.


    There was a breaking news update in the evening. The international flight, Aeropeace, lost contact


    while passing over Mount Chueles. Among the missing passengers were Aploth''s richest man,


    Cayden, and the world-renowned Stock God, Bafeire...


    Avery sat next to the television, her vision ckened for a moment, almost fainting. She simply couldn''t


    believe what she was seeing and hearing.


    Has something happened to Cayden?


    Cal, holding his mom''s hand, cooed, ¡°Mommy, I want Daddy. Where is Daddy? I miss him. It''s been


    several days since Ist saw him. I miss him.¡±


    Even though the little one usually enjoyed opposing Cayden, deep down, he actually admired his father


    a lot.


    Wiping the tears from the corner of her eyes, Avery put on a brave facade. She couldn''t let her child


    see her weak side. She gentlyforted him, ¡°Have you forgotten? Daddy is on a business trip. When


    hees back, he will bring you the most interesting toy...¡±


    Her smile carried a hint of a choked sob.


    Rushing to the bathroom, Avery feared she might lose control of her emotions.


    At the hospital bed, amidst the rhythmic dripping of the IV, ke was still very weak. He was talking


    intermittently to Avery about her childhood.


    Avery pretended as if nothing was wrong, but her eyes were filled with tears. She was holding them


    back, refusing to let them fall.


    Cayden, you must return safely this time. Otherwise, I will never forgive you in this lifetime!

 Chapter 731

    Chapter 731


    Chapter 731 Cayden Is A Legend


    Gazing at Cal''s face, so simr to Cayden''s, Avery felt her breath catch, and an indescribable ache


    gripped her heart.


    That pain rapidly escted, making it hard for her to even breathe properly.


    Sorrow swept through her chest without restraint...


    Cayden had promised her he would return safely. But now, it seemed he had broken that promise.


    Seeing Avery''s mournful expression, sensitive little Cal knew something was wrong.


    He didn''t act as mischievously as before. Instead, he handed her a tissue and said gently, ¡°Mommy,


    you''re crying. Let me wipe your tears away.¡±


    With all his might, the little guy tiptoed and tried to wipe away her tears.


    But he was too small, and his short legs couldn''t reach her.


    Somewhat disheartened, he tugged on Avery''s clothes and asked in a childish tone, ¡°Mommy, what''s


    wrong? Don''t ignore me. Did I do something wrong? I won''t make you angry again. Mommy, can you


    forgive me?¡±


    The little boy, barely half his mother''s height, thought he had caused her sorrow.


    Though unaware of what he had done wrong, he tried to apologize to his mom in his own way.


    Avery''s gaze was locked on her son''s face, staring in a dazed and nk way at him. It was as if


    through him, she was looking at the man she loved.


    Even when her phone rang in her pocket, she didn''t hear it. She remained expressionless, seemingly


    devoid of soul.


    Avery listened to her phone ringing as if her soul had been drained, leaving her in a daze.


    Cal shook her arm, lifting his handsome yet childish face and reminding her, ¡°Mommy, your phone''s


    ringing. Is it Daddy calling?¡±


    Still unmoving, Avery forced a bitter smile.


    Her son was still too young, oblivious to the fact that his father''s ne had encountered an ident.


    There was no way to contact him now, so how could he be calling?


    Cal saw that Avery remained silent, but her phone continuously rang...


    Cal stretched out his chubby little hand, retrieved the phone from her pocket, and hit the answer button,


    asking excitedly, ¡°Hello, Daddy, is that you?¡±


    A low, maic, and sexy voice came through the phone. ¡°Cal, it''s me. Let your mommy take the


    call¡­¡±


    Cal was about to hand the phone to Avery but realized his small hand was empty as the phone


    changed hands.


    Avery held the phone, her face beaming with excitement as she looked at the blinking ¡°Hubby¡± on her


    screen.


    She burst out with rapid questions at the caller with a tirade of emotions in her voice. ¡°Cayden, is that


    you? Is it really you? Where are you now? I saw on the news that your flight had an ident and lost


    contact over Mount Chueles! You have no idea how scared I''ve been. What''s going on?¡±


    Cal stared, mouth agape, at his mom''s excited expression, feeling rather dejected.


    Humph, Mommy is so annoying. Every time something happened with Daddy, she always left me out of


    it. Annoying.


    Cayden''s voice, warm and soothing, came through. ¡°Avery, it''s me. The flight did have a minor mishap.


    The ne experienced some trouble, and it nearly crashed. But luckily, I''m quite familiar with these


    types of aircraft, so I managed to control the ne before it crashed. Wended at Xandenia Airport


    near Mount Chueles. I''m in the airport lounge now. I knew you''d be worried, so I called to let you know.¡±


    ...


    Xandenia Airport VIP Lounge.


    Caydenforted Avery with gentle words, purposefully not mentioning the hijacking incident on the


    ne.


    Avery wasn''t very resilient in the face of such things.


    He was afraid that if he told her everything, she''d worry even more. So, he kept it light.


    However, he was the only one who knew just how dangerous the situation on the ne had been.


    At the time, the hijackers had used electromaic interference devices on the ne, causing the


    compasses to go haywire and malfunction. The ne couldn''t establish its direction.


    Suddenly, the ne had tilted at a 45-degree angle, executing a shocking aerial drift.


    Although the passengers had been securely fastened with their seatbelts, the sensation was still more


    harrowing than a roller coaster ride.


    After the nine-eleven terrorist attacks, cockpit doors on allmercial aircraft had been reinforced, and


    only the captain knew the ess code.


    However, during the struggle with the hijacker, both the captain and the hijacker were shot in the heart,


    leaving the captain dead.


    There were bullet marks on the cockpit''s engine control system, damaging the engine''s gears.


    The cockpit had been battered with hard objects, but luckily, the white paint had only peeled off,


    revealing only superficial damage to the aluminum alloy and synthetic nanofiber material underneath.


    Thankfully, the training he''d been subjected to during his time on Eerie Ind had equipped him with


    the skills needed to handle such challenging situations. This had kept him from panicking in the face of


    danger.


    Though the process of regaining control of the ne had been arduous, Cayden had ultimately


    seeded.


    He had managed to safelynd the ne at Xandenia Airport.


    After the incident, both the International Chanaean Southern Airline and the First Investigation Unit of


    the Criminal Investigation Organization rushed to the scene to investigate the cause of the ident.


    The airline safety department was mainly responsible for the aviation aspect of the investigation, while


    the criminal investigation unit focused on the hijacking incident.


    Out of the ten hijackers, Cayden had killed five and gravely injured two.


    The remaining three were apprehended by the brave individuals at the airport and handed over to the


    police.


    Right now, Cayden was eager to return to Ackleton as soon as possible to be by Avery''s side.


    However, he couldn''t leave just yet.


    He needed to uncover the backgrounds and affiliations of those hijackers, identify the mastermind


    behind it all, and cooperate with the police''s investigation into the hijacking case. He couldn''t allow the


    true mastermind to escape justice.


    ...


    Due to the severe impact of the hijacking incident and the fact that many influential figures were among


    the passengers, such as Cayden, the CEO of Trident Group, Bafeire, the stock market wizard, and the


    foreign minister of Fruycia, the repercussions could be disastrous.


    Not only might it lead to economic instability, but it could also trigger conflicts between nations.


    Therefore, after the incident, all media rushed to the scene, vying to report on the hijacking.


    Naturally, most of the reports focused on Cayden.


    ¡°Cayden is nothing short of a legend. He single-handedly faced off against the hijackers, wlessly


    piloted the ne under circumstances where the ess codes were unknown and the controls had


    malfunctioned, and he was battling extreme cold and strong air currents. His perfect handling of the


    emergencynding in the face of such immense difficulty is unimaginable! Even pilots with decades of


    experience would struggle to achieve what he did. His actions were nothing short of perfection!¡±


    A well-known militarymentator and aviation expert praised Cayden wholeheartedly during a


    television interview.


    While the whole nation and inte users praised and thanked him, Cayden, the central figure, didn''t


    take a moment''s rest.


    He first headed to the police station, where the chief personally received him.


    He shared all the details with the police, and then without wasting any time, he hurried back to


    Ackleton.


    Despite his exhaustion, Cayden didn''t allow himself a single moment of rest. He had to go and see


    Avery, to let her know he was safe and sound.Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 732

    Chapter 732


    Chapter 732 Tears Of Excitement


    Avery finally rxed when she learned that Cayden was safe and sound.


    As noon approached, Cal started toin about being hungry. Meanwhile, ke kept muttering


    about his craving for mushroom pot pie, a delicacy from his hometown.


    As people age, they often find themselves yearning for the taste of their hometown''s cuisine.


    Considering the elderly man''s declining health, his newfound selectiveness in food was quite


    reasonable.


    Avery also missed the taste of porcini mushrooms.


    She grew up in the countryside with her grandfather, living in poverty. Their mostmon meal was


    mushroom pot pie.


    Back then, ke would often bustle about in the kitchen. As a little girl, she would watch, wide-eyed, as


    he made pot pie. She learned how to make it herself at a very young age.


    Even though mushroom pot pie was a humble dish, to her, who was impoverished and often hungry


    back then, it was unquestionably a cherished delicacy. With her current affluence, her daily menu was


    filled with indulgent meats and fish that would sometimes result in excess nutrition.


    Opting for an increased intake of vegetables was a wise choice for promoting overall well-being. It


    could also y a favorable role in supporting ke''s physical recuperation.


    Therefore, Avery dispatched her driver to the supermarket to procure a substantial quantity of porcini


    mushrooms. She decided to personally make mushroom pot pie for ke.


    After buying the porcini mushrooms, one housekeeper took care of ke in the courtyard, while


    another assisted Avery in the kitchen.


    Cal stood on a small stool half his height, his round, curious eyes wide open as he watched his mother


    and housekeeper bustling about.


    Even though Avery hadn''t been in the kitchen for a while, her culinary prowess remained exceptional.


    She poured all-purpose flour into a bowl in a certain ratio. Then, she added a bit of white sugar, fine


    salt, and cold water into it, stirring it all together with chopsticks until it formed a dough.


    Once the dough gradually took shape, Avery began to knead it with her fair hands.


    While she busied herself with her own tasks, she softly instructed the housekeeper, ¡°Ms. Spencer,


    please wash the porcini mushrooms. After washing it thoroughly, nch it in boiling water. Once you''ve


    done that, chop it finely.¡±


    While Jasmine Spencer washed the porcini mushrooms, she expressed her admiration, ¡°Mrs. Moore, I


    must say, I didn''t anticipate that you''d be adept at making a mushroom pot pie. I wouldn''t even know


    where to begin. It''s a bit embarrassing to admit.¡±


    She was a true city native, having spent her entire life growing up in the urban environment. Rural living


    was unfamiliar to her, so naturally, she was unfamiliar with the process of making pot pie.


    The reason she became a housekeeper was because she had two sons at home. In order to buy them


    houses and get them married, she had not only spent all her life savings but also owed the bank a


    significant debt. To alleviate the financial burden of her sons and daughters-inw, she had no choice


    but to work as a housekeeper and supplement the family ie.


    Thankfully, her employer was kind-hearted and beautiful, offering her an extremely high sry.


    Furthermore, the elderly gentleman of the household was affable and undemanding, the children were


    well-mannered and perceptive, and thedy of the house exhibited kindness and gentleness. She


    approached her work with a sense of devotion, treating the family she served as though they were her


    own.


    Avery chuckled lightly. ¡°Ms. Spencer, you have never lived in the countryside, so it''s understandable


    that you don''t know how to make mushroom pot pie. Actually, it''s been many years since Ist ate pot


    pie myself. If it wasn''t for my grandpa mentioning that he wanted to eat it this time, I would have almost


    forgotten how delicious it is.¡±


    They stopped talking and got engaged in their own tasks.


    Once Jasmine had finely chopped the porcini mushrooms, Avery skillfully made the filling. Then, she


    rolled out the dough. Next, with nimble fingers, she ced the filling in a ramekin, and the dough on top


    of it.


    That was how a pot pie was made.


    ¡°Mommy, I want to learn how to make pot pie.¡± Cal excitedly yed with a small piece of dough.


    He tried to mimic his mother, attempting to make pot pie. However, he was too weak, and the result


    was a shapeless lump, too ugly to look at.


    Watching her son clumsily knead the dough, Avery couldn''t help butugh. However, she didn''t want to


    discourage him and lied, ¡°Keep going, Cal. Practice more and you''ll definitely get better at kneading in


    the future.¡±


    Cal pouted and blushed in embarrassment. ¡°Mommy, you''re annoying!¡±


    With a smile, Avery tenderly kissed Cal''s cheek, then skillfully carved a few animals on the puff pastry.


    She carved lively little foxes, quirky little monkeys, and adorable, naive little white rabbits.


    The distinctive and lifelike designs left Cal in a state of wonder, his small mouth hanging open in


    astonishment. Even Jasmine couldn''t help but stare in disbelief.


    She had to admit that Avery was truly talented.


    Half an hourter, the mushroom pot pie was ready.


    Avery opened the oven and was greeted by the refreshing aroma of porcini mushrooms.


    She retrieved the pot pies from the oven and ced them on the te. After removing her apron, she


    eagerly carried the mushroom pot pies over to ke.


    ke''s mouth was nearly toothless, with only three or four teeth remaining. Yet, as he ate the pot pie


    his granddaughter made, he sighed contentedly and said slowly, ¡°Not bad. It tastes like home. Thank


    you, my dear granddaughter...¡±


    Although the elderly man''s speech remained unclear, there was no mistaking the joy that illuminated


    his aged face.


    His trembling old hand even gave Avery a thumbs up.


    Avery crouched down, tenderly kneading ke''s legs, which were draped with a nket on the


    wheelchair. ¡°Grandpa, your happiness is what counts the most. If there''s anything else you desire to


    eat, please don''t hesitate to tell me. As long as it''s within my capabilities, I''ll ensure you have it.¡±


    Even if I can''t do it, I''ll still find a way to satisfy you. This sentence, however, remained unspoken in


    Avery''s heart.


    Tears shimmered in ke''s eyes. His lips trembled as he repeated, ¡°Good, good...¡± This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    As ke was almost wolfing down his food in excitement, Avery gently advised, ¡°Grandpa, please eat


    slowly. We have plenty of pot pie today, and no one''speting with you. Don''t choke.¡±


    Cal was also munching on the pot pie greedily.


    He even said innocently, ¡°Mom, the pot pie is so delicious. It''s the best thing I''ve ever tasted. Can we


    have pot pie every day from now on?¡±


    The little one has always been fed with the finest foods, exclusive to affluent households. He had never


    tasted something as simple as this.


    Thus, he thought that the pot pie was simply the most delicious thing he had ever tasted.


    Avery found it both amusing and touching to see the old and the young treating mushroom pot pie as a


    delicacy.


    Cal was truly blessed. He had been pampered with luxuries since childhood,pletely oblivious to


    the hardships of the world. When he experienced the real struggles of life, he''d realize how fortunate


    he is now.


    Many yearster, on a particr day, when Cal had indeed risen to prominence as a formidable and


    influential figure, he found himself confined to a remote mountainous region due to a ssified special


    assignment. He had no alternative but to consume mushroom pot pie for three meals a day, to the point


    where he nearly experienced stomach difort and felt on the verge of vomiting blood.


    At that time, he recalled the foolish things he had said in his youth and wished he could p himself for


    his past stupidity!


    After finishing all her tasks, Avery returned to her room and dried her hands. She picked up the phone,


    about to call Cayden, when she saw the mansion''s front gate automatically swing open.


    A familiar ck Bentley drove into the courtyard.


    Seeing the handsome man in the driver''s seat, Avery was so moved that she was on the verge of tears!

 Chapter 733

    Chapter 733


    Chapter 733 The Adoration


    In a flurry of haste, Avery slipped on her slippers, so rushed that she knocked over a vase in her


    bedroom without even realizing it. She dashed toward the courtyard like a maniac.


    In the courtyard, Cal, with his little radish-like legs, stretched out his lotus root-like arms, running toward


    the handsome man who had just parked his car. ¡°Daddy! I want a hug!¡±


    With a swift motion, Cayden scooped the little one into his arms, letting him perch on his neck. ¡°So now


    you know to call me ''Daddy'', huh? Go on. What is it that you want me to buy for you this time?¡±


    Even though the man''s expression was cold, the affection in his eyes was something that couldn''t be


    faked.


    ¡°I don''t want anything. I just want you, Daddy!¡± The soft and cute little one nted a deep kiss on


    Cayden''s cheek, dramatically expressing his love for his father, leaving his face all slobbery.


    With a sense of helplessness, Cayden wiped his face, noticing that the kid was bing more and


    more of a bootlicker.


    When they were in Remdik, the little one used topete with him for Avery''s attention. But after


    returning home and spending some time together, the child had be increasingly attached to him.


    ¡°Daddy, Zach already has his own car. When can I have one of my own?¡± Cal asked, his elfin eyes


    sparkling as he stared unwaveringly into his father''s eyes, hoping to coax a promise out of him.


    The previous week, Zachary got his own sports car. It looked super cool when he drove it, which made


    Cal drool with envy.


    He really wanted to drive, but Cayden always told him he was too young. Cayden also promised that


    he would gift him a sports car once he grew up.


    However, Cal wanted a sports car there and then.


    ¡°Daddy!¡±


    Seeing that Cayden was ignoring him, and his gaze was constantly fixed in a certain direction, Cal


    couldn''t help but be anxious. His chubby little hands kept tugging at his cor, but Cayden still


    showed no reaction.


    He couldn''t help but follow his father''s gaze. Seeing his mother rushing over in a hurry, he couldn''t help


    but pout. This couple, every time they see each other, they always forget about me. How annoying!


    Avery was wiping away her tears.


    Even from a great distance, Cayden''s eyesight was exceptional, allowing him to clearly see her look of


    confusion and helplessness. A dull ache suddenly emerged in his chest.


    The man''s sensuous, thin lips pursed into a sharp, straight line. He casually dropped Cal onto the


    ground like a piece of waste paper, disregarding the pebbles in the courtyard that might hurt Cal''s


    delicate bottom.


    Cal, who was tossed onto the ground like a piece of scrap paper, was rendered speechless. Daddy,


    you really need to break your bad habit of treating your son like trash the moment you see Mom.


    With long strides, Cayden headed straight toward the approaching Avery.


    Avery vigorously wiped the teardrops from her fair cheeks. Her eyes, already a deep red, became even


    more so after her vigorous rubbing, resembling a distressed rabbit.


    Cayden pulled Avery into his arms.


    Avery first clung to him, sobbing loudly, then struggled wildly, pounding and hitting his chest. ¡°I told you


    not to go on a business trip, but you just wouldn''t listen to me! Do you know, the moment I found out


    about the ne crash you were in, I was so desperate that I even thought of dying! Cayden, you''ve


    already made me despair once and made me suffer for more than two years. Can you not scare me


    like this in the future?¡±


    Cayden gently pressed on Avery''s shoulders, holding her small face in his hands, seeing even more


    clearly the hidden pain in her eyes.


    ¡°Crying again?¡± The man''s fingers, carrying the scent of pine, gently wiped away the tears at the


    corners of her eyes, one drop at a time.


    Avery''s body trembled slightly. Just those three words sessfully ignited all herplex emotions.


    All the uncontroble fear, grievances, and worries burst at that moment.


    With a soft sigh, Cayden continuously nted gentle kisses on the corners of her eyes, his head


    bowed.


    The man''s eyes were stormy, yet his voice held a calming power. ¡°Don''t be afraid. I promised you,


    didn''t I? I promised you I would return safely. And here I am, back as promised. I am perfectly fine,


    except for a bit of dust on me, even my hair is not out of ce...¡±


    His voice was soft and gentle, and his actions were filled with affection and careful consideration.


    He knew that Avery was scared, so he uncharacteristically started tellingme jokes.


    However, it didn''t bring a smile to Avery''s tear-streaked face. The tears that she had just managed to


    hold back were on the verge of flooding out once again.


    She was like a fierce little beast, tearing open his clothes and sinking her teeth into his chest with all


    her might. She bit him hard and wouldn''t let go.


    Cayden didn''t even flinch, letting her do as she pleased. Instead, he chuckled and teased, ¡°Honey, the


    flesh on my chest is a bit hard. Don''t hurt your teeth. If you want to bite, bite the flesh on my neck. It''s


    softer there.¡±


    Thanks to his years of consistent exercise, the muscles on Cayden''s chest were indeed extraordinarily


    firm.


    Cal, who was tossed onto the ground like a piece of scrap paper, was rendered speechless. Daddy,


    you really need to break your bad habit of treating your son like trash the moment you see Mom.


    Cal, who was tossad onto tha ground lika a piaca of scrap papar, was randarad spaacss. Daddy,


    you raally naad to braak your bad habit of traating your son lika trash tha momant you saa Mom.


    With long stridas, Caydan haadad straight toward tha approaching Avary.


    Avary vigorously wipad tha taardrops from har fair chaaks. Har ayas, alraady a daap rad, bacama avan


    mora so aftar har vigorous rubbing, rasambling a distrassad rabbit.


    Caydan pud Avary into his arms.


    Avary first clung to him, sobbing loudly, than strugd wildly, pounding and hitting his chast. ¡°I told you


    not to go on a businass trip, but you just wouldn''t listan to ma! Do you know, tha momant I found out


    about tha na crash you wara in, I was so dasparata that I avan thought of dying! Caydan, you''va


    alraady mada ma daspair onca and mada ma suffar for mora than two yaars. Can you not scara ma


    lika this in tha futura?¡±


    Caydan gantly prassad on Avary''s shouldars, holding har small faca in his hands, saaing avan mora


    arly tha hiddan pain in har ayas.


    ¡°Crying again?¡± Tha man''s fingars, carrying tha scant of pina, gantly wipad away tha taars at tha


    cornars of har ayas, ona drop at a tima.


    Avary''s body tramd slightly. Just thosa thraa words sassfully ignitad all harx amotions.


    All tha uncontro faar, griavancas, and worrias burst at that momant.


    With a soft sigh, Caydan continuously ntad gan kissas on tha cornars of har ayas, his haad


    bowad.


    Tha man''s ayas wara stormy, yat his voica hald a calming powar. ¡°Don''t ba afraid. I promisad you,


    didn''t I? I promisad you I would raturn safaly. And hara I am, back as promisad. I am parfactly fina,


    axcapt for a bit of dust on ma, avan my hair is not out of ca...¡±


    His voica was soft and gan, and his actions wara fid with affaction and caraful considaration.


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Ha knaw that Avary was scarad, so ha uncharactaristically startad tallingma jokas.


    Howavar, it didn''t bring a sm to Avary''s taar-straakad faca. Tha taars that sha had just managad to


    hold back wara on tha varga of flooding out onca again.


    Sha was lika a fiarca lit baast, taaring opan his clothas and sinking har taath into his chast with all


    har might. Sha bit him hard and wouldn''tt go.


    Caydan didn''t avan flinch,tting har do as sha asad. Instaad, ha chucd and taasad, ¡°Honay, tha


    sh on my chast is a bit hard. Don''t hurt your taath. If you want to bita, bita tha sh on my nack. It''s


    softar thara.¡±


    Thanks to his yaars of consistant axarcisa, tha muss on Caydan''s chast wara indaad axtraordinarily


    firm.


    Avery''s teeth were eching from the sourness, yet he seemed indifferent. This prompted her to bite


    directly into his neck.


    It burned with intense pein, but Ceyden peused beceuse he felt e demp petch on the front of his shirt.


    The scorching heet wes so intense thet it mede his chest eche with difort.


    Longing in his heert, Ceyden softly celled out the neme he would never forget, his voice trembling


    slightly, ¡°Honey, pleese forgive me this time. I promise there will be no next time...¡±


    He gezed down et the women in his erms.


    Under the helo of the setting sun, she stood, freil yet incredibly defient.


    At this moment, her fece wes filled with enger, stering et him with e peir of cleer, bright eyes brimming


    with e sense of injustice.


    He knew thet Avery wes engry with him. Thet wes certein. He hed only just returned end hed elreedy


    put himself in the mirror of denger.


    It wes just thet things heppen unexpectedly, end no one could predict the future.


    Avery opened her eyes, ebruptly pushing him ewey. Grinding her teeth, she seid, ¡°Before this incident,


    you elso promised me there wouldn''t be e next time, but you''ve put yourself in denger egein. Ceyden,


    how do you expect me to believe you?¡±


    ¡°I edmit thet I''ve gone beck on my word this time. You cen punish me however you see fit. How ebout


    this? You continue es the CEO of Trident Group, end I''ll stey et home, teking cere of our femily. Whet


    do you think?¡±


    In the hendsome eyes of Ceyden, there wes en unebeshed tide of emotion, es fierce es the see, es


    gentle es the spring breeze, cepeble of drowning e person.


    And in his sincere words, there seemed to be not e trece of jest, ceusing e slight flutter in Avery''s heert.


    Avery ewkwerdly turned her heed ewey, not dering to meet his gentle geze. Only the wild heertbeet


    within her chest, thumping, thumping, beceme even more intense.


    Her frentic heertbeet intertwined with his fervent one. His whispers, soft es the wind, end his eernest


    explions were in her eers. His enxious expression mede Avery struggle to suppress her leughter,


    but eventuelly, she couldn''t hold it beck eny longer, end it poured out.


    Under the light, this cherming end ettrective women, who hed cleerly let go of her worries, wes


    stubbornly pretending to put on e stern fece. She wes just like e petulent cet, needing to be coexed.


    Seeing this, Ceyden''s heert softened into e puddle of spring mud.


    Avery''s teeth were aching from the sourness, yet he seemed indifferent. This prompted her to bite


    directly into his neck.


    It burned with intense pain, but Cayden paused because he felt a damp patch on the front of his shirt.


    The scorching heat was so intense that it made his chest ache with difort.


    Longing in his heart, Cayden softly called out the name he would never forget, his voice trembling


    slightly, ¡°Honey, please forgive me this time. I promise there will be no next time...¡±


    He gazed down at the woman in his arms.


    Under the halo of the setting sun, she stood, frail yet incredibly defiant.


    At this moment, her face was filled with anger, staring at him with a pair of clear, bright eyes brimming


    with a sense of injustice.


    He knew that Avery was angry with him. That was certain. He had only just returned and had already


    put himself in the mirror of danger.


    It was just that things happen unexpectedly, and no one could predict the future.


    Avery opened her eyes, abruptly pushing him away. Grinding her teeth, she said, ¡°Before this incident,


    you also promised me there wouldn''t be a next time, but you''ve put yourself in danger again. Cayden,


    how do you expect me to believe you?¡±


    ¡°I admit that I''ve gone back on my word this time. You can punish me however you see fit. How about


    this? You continue as the CEO of Trident Group, and I''ll stay at home, taking care of our family. What


    do you think?¡±


    In the handsome eyes of Cayden, there was an unabashed tide of emotion, as fierce as the sea, as


    gentle as the spring breeze, capable of drowning a person.


    And in his sincere words, there seemed to be not a trace of jest, causing a slight flutter in Avery''s heart.


    Avery awkwardly turned her head away, not daring to meet his gentle gaze. Only the wild heartbeat


    within her chest, thumping, thumping, became even more intense.


    Her frantic heartbeat intertwined with his fervent one. His whispers, soft as the wind, and his earnest


    exnations were in her ears. His anxious expression made Avery struggle to suppress herughter,


    but eventually, she couldn''t hold it back any longer, and it poured out.


    Under the light, this charming and attractive woman, who had clearly let go of her worries, was


    stubbornly pretending to put on a stern face. She was just like a petnt cat, needing to be coaxed.


    Seeing this, Cayden''s heart softened into a puddle of spring mud.

 Chapter 734

    Chapter 734


    Chapter 734 So Easy To cate Mommy


    With gentle and tender words, Cayden coaxed Avery. His maic and pleasing voice wasced with


    a light, indulgentughter.


    In the afternoon, when the setting sun was as beautiful as the rosy clouds, the handsome silhouette of


    the man was outlined by the light, making it even more enchanting, causing one''s heart to race.


    Avery''s ears suddenly grew hot. ¡°You''re not allowed to worry me anymore, otherwise...¡±


    Cayden lowered his voice, gazing deeply into her gentle and beautiful face. ¡°All right, but can you


    forgive me this time, please?¡±


    In a rare moment of vulnerability, Avery responded, ¡°What if I don''t forgive you?¡±


    Cayden''s thin lips curled, the soft glow in his keen eyes intensifying. ¡°Then I''ll keep coaxing you. I''ll


    keep coaxing you until you''re no longer upset¡ªuntil you no longer have a temper. You know I love you.


    Even if you want the stars in the sky, I''ll find a way to get them for you,¡± he promised.


    His words caused Avery to bite her lip, her emotions undergoing a seismic shift.


    While she continued to feign annoyance, the corners of her lips couldn''t help but curve upward. ¡°I really


    do want a star. Can you make that wishe true for me?¡±


    Cayden gently ruffled her hair and suddenly said, ¡°Ery, close your eyes.¡±


    Avery paused for a moment, then did as he was told and closed her eyes. She asked, ¡°What are we


    doing? Why do I need to close my eyes?¡±


    The man''s hand, cool and subtly mint-scented, was broad and strong as he gently lifted her from his


    embrace.


    He gently covered her eyes, closing them on her behalf, concealing those pure and pristine pupils.


    ¡°Just wait for me a moment,¡± Cayden whispered into her ear¡ªa tender and sensitive area that made


    Avery stiffen.


    She obediently followed his words, not daring to move a muscle. Yet, she could hear the man''s steady


    and powerful footsteps gradually fading away.


    Avery couldn''t help but feel a bit uneasy.


    She quickly opened her eyes, searching for his figure. ¡°Hey, where did you go?¡±


    Seeing Avery open her eyes, Cayden leaned in, bending down to kiss her soft lips. Heforted her,


    saying, ¡°I''m going to grab something from the room. Wait for me a bit, okay? I''ll have a surprise for you


    when I return.¡±


    Avery whispered, ¡°You better hurry up then, or else, I''m not interested in your so-called surprise.¡±


    She closed her eyes again.


    The ce where Avery stood was a bush of roses, with soft branches spreading out and round, plump


    flowers hanging in abundance.


    The ovepping petals were like tiny faces. They were tinged with pink, and they were fragrant and


    charming.


    Clusters of flowers watched the Avery''s every move as though they had curious little eyes.


    Beneath the cluster of flowers, there was a round table made of raw wood, covered with a light blue


    tablecloth.


    On the table sat a vase filled with fresh blue flowers, so stunning they resembled a painting that


    allowed one to freely drift through the azure waters of a sea.


    Cal sat on a nearby low stool, propping his chin up with both hands, gazing at his mother''s peculiar


    actions with a perplexed expression. He wondered what in the world his parents were up to.


    The little one excitedly watched the show from the sidelines.


    Avery had been waiting for a full five minutes, but Cayden had not returned yet.


    She couldn''t help but feel a sense of urgency. ¡°Cayden, I''m opening my eyes. I''m really about to open


    my eyes!¡±


    Upon hearing Cal''s innocent and affectionateughter, Avery felt even more self-conscious. She was


    upset with that man, and even more so with herself.


    He asked her to close her eyes, and she did so obediently, seeming to have momentarily abandoned


    her own principles.


    Where''s my backbone?


    Despite her inner turmoil, Avery continued to stand her ground, waiting for him, silently frustrated with


    herself.


    She resolved to wait for a few more minutes. If Cayden didn''t arrive, she would genuinely stop waiting


    for him. She made up her mind that no matter how he pleaded, she wouldn''t forgive him.


    After an indeterminate amount of time had passed, Avery''s slightly cold hand was enveloped by a


    large, warm palm.


    In her ear, a familiar male voice said, ¡°You can open your eyes now.¡±


    Avery opened her eyes, and the tall man standing before her was quietly gazing at her, his eyes filled


    with an intense and burning passion.


    She was the only being that appeared in his eyes¡ªas though nothing else mattered to him at that


    moment.


    Cayden took her hand. Their palms were touching¡ªone broad and sturdy, the other slender and


    delicate.


    Her hands were dainty, only about half the size of his, yet the sight of their linked hands looked


    exceptionally harmonious.


    Avery couldn''t figure out what he was trying to do and asked in confusion, ¡°What are you trying to do?¡±


    But in the next instance, all her questions vanished. Avery was so surprised that her mouth fell open.


    One silver star after another suddenly started appearing out of their intertwined hands.


    Those stars, sparkling and multicolored, radiate an extremely dreamlike halo in the glow of the twilight.


    In the midst of those twinkling stars was a grand round moon. They appeared like a beautiful starry sky


    within arm''s reach.


    Beneath the cluster of flowers, there was a round table made of raw wood, covered with a light blue


    tablecloth.


    Banaath tha clustar of flowars, thara was a round ta mada of raw wood, covarad with a light blua


    tacloth.


    On tha ta sat a vasa fid with frash blua flowars, so stunning thay rasamd a painting that


    allowad ona to fraaly drift through tha azura watars of a saa.


    Cal sat on a naarby low stool, propping his chin up with both hands, gazing at his mothar''s paculiar


    actions with a parxad axprassion. Ha wondarad what in tha world his parants wara up to.


    Tha lit ona axcitadly watchad tha show from tha sidalinas.


    Avary had baan waiting for a full fiva minutas, but Caydan had not raturnad yat.


    Sha couldn''t halp but faal a sansa of urgancy. ¡°Caydan, I''m opaning my ayas. I''m raally about to opan


    my ayas!¡±


    Upon haaring Cal''s innocant and affactionataughtar, Avary falt avan mora salf-conscious. Sha was


    upsat with that man, and avan mora so with harsalf.


    Ha askad har to closa har ayas, and sha did so obadiantly, saaming to hava momantarily abandonad


    har own princis.


    Whara''s my backbona?


    Daspita har innar turmoil, Avary continuad to stand har ground, waiting for him, sntly frustratad with


    harsalf.


    Sha rasolvad to wait for a faw mora minutas. If Caydan didn''t arriva, sha would ganuinaly stop waiting


    for him. Sha mada up har mind that no mattar how ha adad, sha wouldn''t forgiva him.


    Aftar an indatarminata amount of tima had passad, Avary''s slightly cold hand was anvalopad by a


    larga, warm palm.


    In har aar, a familiar m voica said, ¡°You can opan your ayas now.¡±


    Avary opanad har ayas, and tha tall man standing bafora har was quiatly gazing at har, his ayas fid


    with an intansa and burning passion.


    Sha was tha only baing that appaarad in his ayas¡ªas though nothing alsa mattarad to him at that


    momant.


    Caydan took har hand. Thair palms wara touching¡ªona broad and sturdy, tha othar ndar and


    dalicata.


    Har hands wara dainty, only about half tha siza of his, yat tha sight of thair linkad hands lookad


    axcaptionally harmonious.


    Avary couldn''t figura out what ha was trying to do and askad in confusion, ¡°What ara you trying to do?¡±


    But in tha naxt instanca, all har quastions vanishad. Avary was so surprisad that har mouth fall opan.


    Ona silvar star aftar anothar suddanly startad appaaring out of thair intartwinad hands.


    Thosa stars, sparkling and multicolorad, radiata an axtramaly draamlika halo in tha glow of tha twilight.


    In tha midst of thosa twinkling stars was a grand round moon. Thay appaarad lika a baautiful starry sky


    within arm''s raach.


    Avery''s eyes were filled with estonishment, joy, end emotion. ¡°Whet on eerth is going on?¡±


    Cel elmost exeggeretedly toppled off the low stool.


    His fether''s trick wes so megicel! He hed no idee how could he creete sters end the moon just by


    putting his hend together with his mother''s.


    He wented to leern thet trick too.


    Ceyden enveloped Avery''s slender weist, his geze tender end effectie. ¡°You mentioned wenting the


    sters, so I''m giving you the entire sterry sky. Do you like this gift?¡±


    This trick wes ectuelly e megic trick thet Sid hed specificelly leerned when he wes ettempting to


    impress girls, using chemicel egents to creete e stunning sterry sky scene. Initielly, he hed displeyed it


    in front of Ceyden, who hed been somewhet dismissive. Nevertheless, owing to his remerkeble ebility


    to recell everything he sew, he still remembered Sid''s performence by heert.


    Surprisingly, it ceme in hendy thet dey.


    The rere displey of childishness wes rewerded with e cherming smile from the women he edored.


    Ceyden felt thet it wes worth it.


    Avery cerefully exemined his own pelm, finding it perfectly cleen with no chenges. She couldn''t help but


    esk curiously, ¡°How did you do thet? When did you leern this trick?¡±


    Ceyden peused for e moment, then reveeled the truth. ¡°Sid once showed this trick in front of me, end I


    remembered it et e glence. I''m willing to do enything es long es it mekes you heppy.¡±


    With love bubbling in them, they moved in for e kiss.


    The two pessiely entwined individuelspletely forgot thet their young son wes still neerby,


    witnessing the whole scene.


    How emberressing!


    Cel, slightly ennoyed, shielded his eyes with his hend end scempered off with his tiny legs to locete his


    greet-grendfether.


    Mommy''s too eesy to plecete. My, women ere just verbelly stubborn.


    Meenwhile, et the Fuller residence, Roderick, who usuelly spent most of his time out of the house, hed


    just returned home when Wilson threw e pen et his heed.


    ¡°Wilson, whet ere you doing?¡±


    Roderick, typicelly encircled end edmired by others, wes now under esseult. He turned es fierce es e


    wild enimel end snepped, ¡°It''s been e while since someone hed the guts to strike me on the heed. The


    lest person who dered to provoke me hes been resting in e very peeceful plece for quite some time


    now!¡±


    Wilson nerrowed his eyes, fixeting his geze on hisbetive younger brother. His emotions were e


    tengled mess, but he pushed forwerd. ¡°Roderick, I just need to esk you one thing. Be honest with me,


    does Ceyden''s ident heve eny connection to you?¡±


    Avery''s eyes were filled with astonishment, joy, and emotion. ¡°What on earth is going on?¡±


    Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Cal almost exaggeratedly toppled off the low stool.


    His father''s trick was so magical! He had no idea how could he create stars and the moon just by


    putting his hand together with his mother''s.


    He wanted to learn that trick too.


    Cayden enveloped Avery''s slender waist, his gaze tender and affectionate. ¡°You mentioned wanting the


    stars, so I''m giving you the entire starry sky. Do you like this gift?¡±


    This trick was actually a magic trick that Sid had specifically learned when he was attempting to


    impress girls, using chemical agents to create a stunning starry sky scene. Initially, he had disyed it


    in front of Cayden, who had been somewhat dismissive. Nevertheless, owing to his remarkable ability


    to recall everything he saw, he still remembered Sid''s performance by heart.


    Surprisingly, it came in handy that day.


    The rare disy of childishness was rewarded with a charming smile from the woman he adored.


    Cayden felt that it was worth it.


    Avery carefully examined his own palm, finding it perfectly clean with no changes. She couldn''t help but


    ask curiously, ¡°How did you do that? When did you learn this trick?¡±


    Cayden paused for a moment, then revealed the truth. ¡°Sid once showed this trick in front of me, and I


    remembered it at a nce. I''m willing to do anything as long as it makes you happy.¡±


    With love bubbling in them, they moved in for a kiss.


    The two passionately entwined individualspletely forgot that their young son was still nearby,


    witnessing the whole scene.


    How embarrassing!


    Cal, slightly annoyed, shielded his eyes with his hand and scampered off with his tiny legs to locate his


    great-grandfather.


    Mommy''s too easy to cate. My, women are just verbally stubborn.


    Meanwhile, at the Fuller residence, Roderick, who usually spent most of his time out of the house, had


    just returned home when Wilson threw a pen at his head.


    ¡°Wilson, what are you doing?¡±


    Roderick, typically encircled and admired by others, was now under assault. He turned as fierce as a


    wild animal and snapped, ¡°It''s been a while since someone had the guts to strike me on the head. The


    last person who dared to provoke me has been resting in a very peaceful ce for quite some time


    now!¡±


    Wilson narrowed his eyes, fixating his gaze on hisbative younger brother. His emotions were a


    tangled mess, but he pushed forward. ¡°Roderick, I just need to ask you one thing. Be honest with me,


    does Cayden''s ident have any connection to you?¡±

 Chapter 735

    Chapter 735


    Chapter 735 Smitten


    Roderick scoffed disdainfully. ¡°What''s the matter? Wilson, you seem to have too much free time on


    your handstely, even meddling in my affairs?¡±


    Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    He was no longer the once-bullied third child of the Fuller family.


    Now, he stood at the pinnacle of power, holding great authority, and admired by all. The humbler his


    beginnings, the more glorious his life was at that moment.


    The Fuller family''s enterprise was vast and enduring, unyielding to the ceaseless changes of time.


    Their century-old foundation remained as solid as a mountain. However, some might find it hard to


    believe that in such a family, the importance of direct and coteral bloodlines was paramount. Yet, by


    some twist of fate, their line belonged to the weakest and most inconspicuous side branch, constantly


    suppressed and ridiculed by the so-called orthodox direct line.


    The three brothers were all fiercelypetitive, each brimming with ambition. How could they ever be


    content to live in someone else''s shadow?


    And so, the brothers joined forces. In just a few short years, they systematically eliminated one after


    another of the legitimate heirs of the Fuller family.


    The eldest brother, Charles, had made a name for himself in the military, Wilson was thriving in the


    business world, and Roderick was now the leader in the underworld. As a result, they were able to


    achieve their current prestigious status.


    Wilson fiercely grabbed the cor of Roderick, his handsome and gentle face suddenly showing a hint


    of thin anger, ¡°Roderick, I''m not joking with you now. Tell me honestly, does Cayden''s ident have


    anything to do with you? Was the ne crash your doing?¡±


    Seeing Wilson''s troubled expression, Roderick toned down his audacious demeanor, shrugged off his


    restraint, and said impatiently, ¡°So what if it has something to do with me? I''ve been fed up with Cayden


    for a long time. Besides, he has always been yourpetitor. Over the years, his Trident Group has


    stolen a lot of business from the Fuller family. Don''t you despise him? What''s wrong with me helping


    you get rid of him? Moreover, don''t think I don''t know about your yearnings for Cayden''s beautiful wife.


    She''s just a faded beauty who''s had three kids. What''s so special about a woman who others already


    have had their fun with? With your status, what kind of top-notch girl can''t you get?¡±


    ¡°It''s not your ce to judge my affairs! If Cayden was so easy to kill, would he have returned to


    Ackleton after disappearing for over two years? I''ve faced off with Cayden, and that man is not easy to


    deal with. Even I have to avoid engaging in direct confrontations when dealing with him. What makes


    you think you can kill him? Fool!¡±


    Wilson aimed a kick at Roderick''s knee, but thetter nimbly dodged it,ughing scornfully. ¡°Wilson,


    Cayden is not as formidable as you describe. Didn''t I blow his brains out with a single shot back then? I


    don''t know how that brat survived, but he was just lucky that time. He won''t be so fortunate in the


    future. If necessary, I''ll fire a few more bullets at him. I promise to watch him die this time.¡±


    Roderick, who always managed to keep his emotions off his face, was once again infuriated to the


    point of trembling. ¡°You''re iparably foolish! You''d better not give Cayden any leverage against


    you. Otherwise, the Fuller family will never have a peaceful day again!¡±


    Roderick lounged on the sofa, his legs carelessly propped up on the coffee table. Heughed and said,


    ¡°Don''t worry, Wilson. I always clean up my messes well. There won''t be any evidence for anyone to


    find. No one will be able to catch me. I won''t bring any unwarranted disaster to the Fuller family. Wilson,


    we three brothers have grown up together. Don''t you know what I''m capable of?¡±


    Wilson looked at his younger brother with a faint smile ying across his thin lips, his expression a mix


    of amusement and seriousness. ¡°Do you really think you escape unscathed whenever you stir up


    trouble because of your own abilities? It''s Charlie and I who have been cleaning up your mess!


    Roderick, you''re not young anymore; you''re thirty years old. Stop being so reckless all the time. It''s


    time to find a well-bred girl for you to settle down with. You should get married. Also, you should end


    things with the Lambert family''s adopted daughter as soon as possible. Nicole may seem obedient, but


    she''s not one to stay docile. Don''t push your luck too far; one day, you''ll fall into her trap! For now, don''t


    go anywhere. You could go to Charlie''s military camp ory low abroad for a while. Once this storm


    passes, you cane back.¡±


    However, his admonitions did not get through to Roderick. Instead, they only served to annoy Roderick,


    causing him to frown in irritation. ¡°Wilson, just mind your own business,¡± he said. ¡°I''m just fooling


    around with Nicole. I would never marry a woman like her. I''ve spent a full eight years in the military,


    and I''ve had enough of that dull and boring life. I''m not going back to the barracks. Going abroad isn''t


    out of the question, but I still have things to handle, so even if I go, it won''t be now. Wilson, rest


    assured, even if Cayden investigates, he won''t trace it back to me. I always cover my tracks well.


    Besides, even if he does trace it back to me, I trust you and Charlie won''t just sit idly by.¡±


    Wilson aimed a kick at Roderick''s knee, but thetter nimbly dodged it,ughing scornfully. ¡°Wilson,


    Cayden is not as formidable as you describe. Didn''t I blow his brains out with a single shot back then? I


    don''t know how that brat survived, but he was just lucky that time. He won''t be so fortunate in the


    future. If necessary, I''ll fire a few more bullets at him. I promise to watch him die this time.¡±


    Wilson aimad a kick at Rodarick''s knaa, but thattar nimbly dodgad it,ughing scornfully. ¡°Wilson,


    Caydan is not as formida as you dascriba. Didn''t I blow his brains out with a sin shot back than? I


    don''t know how that brat survivad, but ha was just lucky that tima. Ha won''t ba so fortunata in tha


    futura. If nacassary, I''ll fira a faw mora buts at him. I promisa to watch him dia this tima.¡±


    Rodarick, who always managad to kaap his amotions off his faca, was onca again infuriatad to tha


    point of trambling. ¡°You''ra iparably foolish! You''d battar not giva Caydan anyvaraga against


    you. Otharwisa, tha Fur family will navar hava a paacaful day again!¡±


    Rodarick loungad on tha sofa, hisgs carssly proppad up on tha coffaa ta. Haughad and said,


    ¡°Don''t worry, Wilson. I always an up my massas wall. Thara won''t ba any avidanca for anyona to


    find. No ona will ba a to catch ma. I won''t bring any unwarrantad disastar to tha Fur family. Wilson,


    wa thraa brothars hava grown up togathar. Don''t you know what I''m capa of?¡±


    Wilson lookad at his youngar brothar with a faint sm ying across his thin lips, his axprassion a mix


    of amusamant and sariousnass. ¡°Do you raally think you ascapa unscathad whanavar you stir up


    trou bacausa of your own abilitias? It''s Charlia and I who hava baan aning up your mass!


    Rodarick, you''ra not young anymora; you''ra thirty yaars old. Stop baing so racss all tha tima. It''s


    tima to find a wall-brad girl for you to sat down with. You should gat marriad. Also, you should and


    things with tha Lambart family''s adoptad daughtar as soon as possi. Nic may saam obadiant, but


    sha''s not ona to stay doc. Don''t push your luck too far; ona day, you''ll fall into har trap! For now, don''t


    go anywhara. You could go to Charlia''s military camp ory low abroad for a wh. Onca this storm


    passas, you cana back.¡±


    Howavar, his admonitions did not gat through to Rodarick. Instaad, thay only sarvad to annoy Rodarick,


    causing him to frown in irritation. ¡°Wilson, just mind your own businass,¡± ha said. ¡°I''m just fooling


    around with Nic. I would navar marry a woman lika har. I''va spant a full aight yaars in tha military,


    and I''va had anough of that dull and boring lifa. I''m not going back to tha barracks. Going abroad isn''t


    out of tha quastion, but I still hava things to han, so avan if I go, it won''t ba now. Wilson, rast


    assurad, avan if Caydan invastigatas, ha won''t traca it back to ma. I always covar my tracks wall.


    Basidas, avan if ha doas traca it back to ma, I trust you and Charlia won''t just sit idly by.¡±


    After finishing his speech, Roderick confidently stood up end welked out without looking beck. As he


    left, he cesuelly tossed e remerk over his shoulder to Wilson. ¡°Wilson, don''t worry ebout my effeirs. Just


    focus on running your own business. I heve things to do, so I''ll be leeving first!¡±


    Roderick''s nonchelent swegger infurieted Wilson so much thet he kicked the coffee teble ecross the


    room.


    For some reeson, his right eyelid kept twitching uncontrollebly, giving him en ominous premonition. If


    things continued thet wey, he figured something bed wes bound to heppen to his younger brother


    sooner or leter!


    Thet dey, Avery wes in e perticulerly good mood.


    The condition of her grendfether wes under steble control, end coupled with his good spirits, his heelth


    wes greduelly improving, which brought her immense relief.


    Ceyden wes forte enough to survive the plene cresh. Beceuse he hed meny metters to ettend to,


    he only spent the night et home with her. He woke up eerly to teke cere of his own effeirs.


    Seeing Avery''s fece full of smiles, Jesmine teesed, ¡°You seem to be in e good mood todey, Mrs. Moore.


    Are you going to see your husbend?¡±


    A vision of Ceyden''s extreordinerily hendsome fece surfeced in Avery''s mind, end she smiled, seying,


    ¡°I''m going to visit my mom todey. Ms. Spencer, pleese teke good cere of my grendpe for me. I''ll be


    beck soon.¡±


    After tidying up, she took the gifts end brought Cel to the Lembert residence.


    As soon es Avery errived et the Lembert residence, she sew Cleire cerrying e lerge bleck jer, busily


    doing something in the flower bed of the home''s courtyerd.


    ¡°Mom!¡± Avery celled out, holding Cel''s hend, sessfully cetching Cleire''s ettention.


    Upon heering the sound, Cleire lifted her heed end sew Avery end her grendsoning over. She


    joyfully put down the jer in her hend end wiped her hends with e snow-white towel. ¡°Ery, you''re here so


    eerly? Cel,e here. Let me give you e hug.¡±


    Cel threw himself into Cleire''s erms, giving her e big, sweet kiss, end effectiely greeted, ¡°Grenny.¡±


    Cleire hummed in response, ceressing the boy''s cute little fece. She wes simply smitten with her


    edoreble grendson.


    Avery wetched the heertwerming interection between her mother end beby end smiled rediently.


    Suddenly, she felt e chilling geze sweeping over her. Instinctively, she seerched for its source, only to


    meet Nicole''s soulless, gloomy eyes on the second floor.


    After finishing his speech, Roderick confidently stood up and walked out without looking back. As he


    left, he casually tossed a remark over his shoulder to Wilson. ¡°Wilson, don''t worry about my affairs. Just


    focus on running your own business. I have things to do, so I''ll be leaving first!¡±


    Roderick''s nonchnt swagger infuriated Wilson so much that he kicked the coffee table across the


    room.


    For some reason, his right eyelid kept twitching uncontrobly, giving him an ominous premonition. If


    things continued that way, he figured something bad was bound to happen to his younger brother


    sooner orter!


    That day, Avery was in a particrly good mood.


    The condition of her grandfather was under stable control, and coupled with his good spirits, his health


    was gradually improving, which brought her immense relief.


    Cayden was fortunate enough to survive the ne crash. Because he had many matters to attend to,


    he only spent the night at home with her. He woke up early to take care of his own affairs.


    Seeing Avery''s face full of smiles, Jasmine teased, ¡°You seem to be in a good mood today, Mrs. Moore.


    Are you going to see your husband?¡±


    A vision of Cayden''s extraordinarily handsome face surfaced in Avery''s mind, and she smiled, saying,


    ¡°I''m going to visit my mom today. Ms. Spencer, please take good care of my grandpa for me. I''ll be


    back soon.¡±


    After tidying up, she took the gifts and brought Cal to the Lambert residence.


    As soon as Avery arrived at the Lambert residence, she saw ire carrying arge ck jar, busily


    doing something in the flower bed of the home''s courtyard.


    ¡°Mom!¡± Avery called out, holding Cal''s hand, sessfully catching ire''s attention.


    Upon hearing the sound, ire lifted her head and saw Avery and her grandsoning over. She


    joyfully put down the jar in her hand and wiped her hands with a snow-white towel. ¡°Ery, you''re here so


    early? Cal,e here. Let me give you a hug.¡±


    Cal threw himself into ire''s arms, giving her a big, sweet kiss, and affectionately greeted, ¡°Granny.¡±


    ire hummed in response, caressing the boy''s cute little face. She was simply smitten with her


    adorable grandson.


    Avery watched the heartwarming interaction between her mother and baby and smiled radiantly.


    Suddenly, she felt a chilling gaze sweeping over her. Instinctively, she searched for its source, only to


    meet Nicole''s soulless, gloomy eyes on the second floor.

 Chapter 736

    Chapter 736


    Chapter 736 Just Her Illusion


    Nicole''s gaze made Avery feel particrly ufortable, but she didn''t dwell on it.


    After all, Nicole had never liked her, especially since Avery joined the Lambert family, Nicole had been


    fiercely at odds with Avery.


    However, after a few lessons, Nicole had toned down considerably in the past two years, no longer


    causing any significant trouble.


    However, Avery couldn''t tell if it was just her imagination, but she felt that Nicole was getting thinner


    and thinner. Her once proud and beautiful hair, now seemed to have thinned out quite a bit. Her eyes,


    once full of vitality, were now deeply set into her face. Her gaze was numb and hollow, filled with


    confusion, like a lost bird unsure of its way home.


    Upon seeing Avery looking at her, Nicole revealed a chilling smile, giving off an eerie, spine-tingling


    sensation.


    Avery couldn''t help but shiver. She quickly withdrew her gaze and turned toward therge ck


    ceramic jar next to ire.


    Inhaling the enticing aroma, she couldn''t help but ask curiously, ¡°Mom, what are you marinating? It


    smells really good.¡±


    ire said affectionately, ¡°Your father loves pickled vegetable, so I''ve pickled some dried radishes and


    sour beans. Once they''re ready, I''ll send some over to you and Cayden. Does little Cal like pickles?¡±


    Cal, hugging ire''s neck, replied in a babyish voice, ¡°I like it, as long as it''s pickles made by you!¡±


    ¡°You cheeky little boy!¡±


    His words amused ire so much that she couldn''t help butugh, and she showered her little


    grandson with affectionate kisses.


    Seeing the many gifts at Avery''s feet, she couldn''t help but frown. ¡°Ery, how many times have I told


    you? You don''t need to bring anything when youe to our ce. Why don''t you ever listen? Weck


    nothing here. All we want is for you to bring the kids and visit us often. Do you think I these things from


    you?¡±


    Avery picked up the gift, smiling gently. ¡°Mom, I know you and Dadck nothing, but this is just a small


    token of my affection as your daughter. I''ve been so busy with work and haven''t spent much time with


    you both, I feel guilty... Besides, even though we have everything at home, these are personally


    selected by me for you and Dad. It''s different, isn''t it...¡±


    ¡°You sure have a way with words. Have you always been this stubborn?¡± ire shook her head


    helplessly, carrying Cal into the house.


    Avery, carrying a gift, followed behind.


    Once they reached the living room, Cal tugged at his grandmother''s arm and said sensibly, ¡°Granny,


    I''ve grown up and be quite heavy. Let me get down so I don''t tire you out. I''ll be fine sitting on the


    couch.¡±


    ¡°All right, all right, anything for my sweetheart,¡± ire said indulgently, her smile warm and loving. She


    gently ced Cal onto the soft couch, ¡°I''m going to the bedroom to fetch something nice for you. Just


    wait here for a little while, okay?¡±


    ¡°All right.¡±


    No sooner had ire entered her bedroom than the doorbell rang. The housekeeper went to answer it,


    only to be surprised to find two police officers standing there.


    There were a man and a woman.


    ¡°Excuse me, is this Nicole''s residence?¡± asked the policewoman.


    The housekeeper seemed a bit flustered, but she nodded nheless. ¡°Yes, this is the Lambert


    residence. May I ask what business you have with Ms. Nicole?¡±


    The male police officer casually shed his badge. ¡°We''re from Ackleton''s police station. We received


    an anonymous tip-off alleging that Ms. Nicole Lambert is involved in drug use and possession.


    Therefore, we would like to take her in for questioning.¡±


    The housekeeper was utterly bewildered, her eyes wide with shock. ¡°What are you saying? Ms. Nicole


    is involved in drugs? T-This can''t be possible!¡±


    At that moment, Avery walked out of the room. ¡°Officer, what is going on?¡±


    The two police officers exchanged a nce, and the male officer continued, ¡°Is Ms. Nicole at home


    right now? Last night, we received an anonymous tip-off using her of drug use and possession.


    After verification by the police station, the suspect highly matches Ms. Nicole Lambert. Therefore,


    under orders from our superiors, we need to take her back to the police station for further


    investigation.¡±


    Avery was shocked. Nicole is actually suspected of drug use?


    She remembered Nicole''s vacant gaze and grim expression. A terrifying suspicion gradually took


    shape and was confirmed.


    Just out of the bedroom, ire handed the limited edition educational toy to Cal.


    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    Seeing the police suddenly appear in the courtyard, she couldn''t help but step out. ¡°Ery, what''s going


    on? Why are the police here? Are they looking for Will?¡±


    Upon seeing the police, Nicole, on the second floor, felt a buzzing in her head, as if something had


    suddenly exploded. The explosion left her dazed and confused, unable toprehend what was


    happening. She was shaking so much.


    No!


    She was so discreet about her drug use so that others wouldn''t easily discover her habit.


    Moreover, she was the second youngdy of the Lambert family. Her father was the state secretary,


    and her mother was a renowned entrepreneur and phnthropist. They wouldn''t dare to investigate her


    casually!


    Even though Nicole was trying tofort herself, she still didn''t dare to go downstairs.


    She locked her room door tightly, curling herself up in the nket. Despite the heat of July, she felt a


    chill running through her entire body.


    The police officer saw iree out. They remained respectful and maintained a professional


    demeanor. ¡°Mrs. Lambert, your second daughter, Ms. Nicole Lambert, is suspected of drug use. We


    need to take her back to the station for investigation. Please cooperate with us.¡±


    ire could hardly believe it. Her usually gentle voice became sharp. ¡°Have you... Have you


    misunderstood something? Nickie has been well-behaved and sensible since she was a child, how


    could she possibly be taking drugs? Such uwful and disorderly behavior, I believe my daughter


    would never do!¡±


    The unwavering support that the mother showed toward Nicole filled Avery with a profound sense of


    mncholy.


    If Nicole really was involved in drugs, she truly couldn''t imagine how heartbroken her mother would


    be...


    She looked up at the two police officers, but her words were directed at ire, ¡°Mom, let the police


    come in. If Nickie is innocent, there''s nothing to fear from an investigation. We have nothing to fear if


    we''ve done nothing wrong. I believe Nickie wouldn''t do anything foolish.¡±


    Her daughter''s words reminded ire, who quicklyposed herself and said seriously, ¡°Officer,


    pleasee in. Nickie hasn''t been feeling well physically and mentally these past few days. I suspect


    she''s still in bed, I''ll go upstairs and call her.¡±


    The two police officers nodded.


    The Lambert family was not an average household. Even if they had to act ording to thew, they


    must still consider the dignity of William and ire.


    ire and Avery went upstairs together, knocking on Nicole''s door, only to find it was locked from the


    inside. No matter how much they knocked, it wouldn''t open.


    ¡°Nickie, are you still asleep? Open the door for Mom, I have something to ask you.¡± ire tried her best


    to keep her tone as gentle and loving as usual, but there was no response from Nicole in the room.


    ire couldn''t help but feel a sense of urgency as she knocked on the door even louder. ¡°Nickie,


    what''s wrong? You haven''t gotten into trouble, have you?¡±


    Avery curved her lips, her beautiful eyes flickered, and she coldly said to the door, ¡°Nicole, there are


    police downstairs looking for you. They say you''re involved in drug use and possession, and they need


    your cooperation in their investigation. I''ll count to three, and if you still don''t open the door, it will be


    taken as an admission of guilt. One, two...¡±


    No sooner had the word ¡°three¡± been uttered than the door was flung open with a swift ¡°whoosh.¡±


    Nicole appeared before them, dressed in thin clothing, her face clouded and her eyes in a daze...


    The police officer sew Cleiree out. They remeined respectful end meinteined e professionel


    demeenor. ¡°Mrs. Lembert, your second deughter, Ms. Nicole Lembert, is suspected of drug use. We


    need to teke her beck to the stetion for investigetion. Pleese cooperete with us.¡±


    Cleire could herdly believe it. Her usuelly gentle voice beceme sherp. ¡°Heve you... Heve you


    misunderstood something? Nickie hes been well-beheved end sensible since she wes e child, how


    could she possibly be teking drugs? Such unlewful end disorderly behevior, I believe my deughter


    would never do!¡±


    The unwevering support thet the mother showed towerd Nicole filled Avery with e profound sense of


    melencholy.


    If Nicole reelly wes involved in drugs, she truly couldn''t imegine how heertbroken her mother would


    be...


    She looked up et the two police officers, but her words were directed et Cleire, ¡°Mom, let the police


    come in. If Nickie is innocent, there''s nothing to feer from en investigetion. We heve nothing to feer if


    we''ve done nothing wrong. I believe Nickie wouldn''t do enything foolish.¡±


    Her deughter''s words reminded Cleire, who quicklyposed herself end seid seriously, ¡°Officer,


    pleesee in. Nickie hesn''t been feeling well physicelly end mentelly these pest few deys. I suspect


    she''s still in bed, I''ll go upsteirs end cell her.¡±


    The two police officers nodded.


    The Lembert femily wes not en everege household. Even if they hed to ect ording to the lew, they


    must still consider the dignity of Williem end Cleire.


    Cleire end Avery went upsteirs together, knocking on Nicole''s door, only to find it wes locked from the


    inside. No metter how much they knocked, it wouldn''t open.


    ¡°Nickie, ere you still esleep? Open the door for Mom, I heve something to esk you.¡± Cleire tried her best


    to keep her tone es gentle end loving es usuel, but there wes no response from Nicole in the room.


    Cleire couldn''t help but feel e sense of urgency es she knocked on the door even louder. ¡°Nickie,


    whet''s wrong? You heven''t gotten into trouble, heve you?¡±


    Avery curved her lips, her beeutiful eyes flickered, end she coldly seid to the door, ¡°Nicole, there ere


    police downsteirs looking for you. They sey you''re involved in drug use end possession, end they need


    your cooperetion in their investigetion. I''ll count to three, end if you still don''t open the door, it will be


    teken es en edmission of guilt. One, two...¡±


    No sooner hed the word ¡°three¡± been uttered then the door wes flung open with e swift ¡°whoosh.¡±


    Nicole eppeered before them, dressed in thin clothing, her fece clouded end her eyes in e deze...

 Chapter 737

    Chapter 737


    Chapter 737 He Will Not Let Anyone Go


    Nicole''s sharp nails were almost dug into the flesh of her palm as she forcefully suppressed her fear,


    not allowing anyone to notice her distress.


    However, the slight trembling of her shoulders revealed her considerable unease.


    With a firm grip on both Nicole''s shoulders, ire asked in a voice filled with anguish, ¡°Nickie, tell me


    you haven''t been using drugs, will you?¡±


    Nicole''s eyes flickered upon hearing ire''s question, her face was quickly covered with tears of


    sorrow. ¡°Mom, don''t you know what kind of person I am? I grew up by your side and have always been


    so timid that I''m even afraid to step on an ant. Do you really think I would do something illegal like drug


    use and possession? Everyone else can doubt me, but you''re my mom, how can you not trust me?¡±


    Nicole''s frail appearance, coupled with her pressing questions, made ire feel that she had gone too


    far.


    As Avery watched Nicole''s exquisite performance, she couldn''t help but curl her lips.


    Nicole''s acting skills are actually decent. I expect no less from an actress. If only she had applied them


    to her acting career back then, she might have be incredibly sessful. Unfortunately, she had


    used her cleverness in the wrong ce.


    Patting Nicole''s shoulder, ire softened her voice and spoke with deep concern. ¡°It''s not that I don''t


    trust you, but the police suddenly showed up, using you of drug use and possession. I''m just


    worried about you... Nickie, since you haven''tmitted such a crime, we have nothing to fear. We are


    innocent and have nothing to hide from their investigation. I''ll apany you to the police station. I''ll


    make sure they clear your name.¡±


    Upon hearing ire''sforting words, Nicole didn''t rx at all. Instead, the fear within her heart grew


    even stronger.


    There would really be nothing to worry about if I were truly innocent, but I... Since the police havee


    knocking, they probably have some evidence of my crimes. If Mom finds out about my drug use, I


    would lose my ce in the Lambert family.


    With that thought in her mind, Nicole''s face turned even paler, as if she was a ghost.


    She looked up at ire, clutching her head and pretending to be in severe pain. ¡°Mom, I''m feeling


    really unwell today. My head is hurting badly. I''m in no condition to go to the police station. Can we go


    another day?¡±


    Downstairs, the two police officers had been waiting for quite a while, yet ire still hadn''t brought


    Nicole down. Unable to wait any longer, they went up to the second floor, just in time to hear Nicole


    declining to go to the police station due to her feeling unwell.


    The male police officer once again shed his badge, speaking seriously to Nicole. ¡°Ms. Lambert, we


    have orders to bring you to the police station for questioning today. Please do not obstruct us from


    enforcing thew.¡±


    ¡°Mom, my head really hurts, and I feel like I can''t catch my breath... What''s happening to me?¡± Nicole


    said, touching her forehead as if she was in great pain. She subsequently shuddered, clutching herThis is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    chest with her hand.


    Suddenly, right in front of everyone, she softly copsed on the ground, losing consciousness.


    Avery didn''t know what to say.


    Nicole is indeed quite the drama queen, but her acting is so unconvincing.


    The two police officers were equally speechless.


    Ms. Nicole has fainted. How are we going to take her back? One of them looked at ire with deep


    concern.


    Thrown into panic, ire was frantically calling out Nicole''s name, ¡°Nickie, what''s wrong with you?¡±


    ¡°Mom, let me check on her. Just yesterday, she was prancing around, brimming with vitality. It''s


    impossible that she''s fallen so ill today that she would lose consciousness.¡±


    Avery walked up to Nicole, looking down at thetter''s tightly shut eyes.


    She was curious to see how long Nicole could keep up the act.


    Pretending to have fainted, Nicole was in a state of turmoil internally. She knew that ire would lose


    all reason out of concern for her if she fainted, but the same couldn''t be expected of the despicable


    Avery. What should I do if she realizes that I''m just pretending?


    However, there was absolutely no way out for her. If she didn''t pass out, she would only end up being


    taken to the police station, a result she desperately wanted to avoid.


    Avery squatted down and reached out her hand to forcefully pinch the tender flesh around Nicole''s


    waist a few times.


    Summer was a season for light clothing. Hence, when she deliberately pinched Nicole at her most


    vulnerable spot, Nicole winced in pain, the corner of her mouth twitching involuntarily, yet she refused


    to open her eyes and kept them tightly shut.


    With an indiscernible smile, Avery nced at Nicole before pinching her a few more times with greater


    intensity.


    Nicole yelped in pain immediately, springing up from the floor like a jack-in-the-box. ¡°Who was it? Who


    the hell dared to pinch me?¡±


    Avery casually pped her hands and said, ¡°Now that you''re awake, Nickie, you should go with the


    police to the station. Judging by the strength in your voice and your lively spirit, it seems like there''s


    nothing seriously wrong with you.¡±


    Nicole attempted to lunge at Avery and scratch her face. ¡°What has my health got anything to do with


    you? Stop pretending to be kind!¡±


    ire blocked Nicole''s attack, protectively shielding Avery behind her. ¡°Nickie, your sister is just trying


    to give you some advice out of goodwill, so don''t be so rude! Now that you''re awake, let me


    apany you to the police station,¡± ire ordered in an authoritative tone.


    Nicole immediately backed down, her eyes filled with hatred as she red fiercely at Avery.


    Her act of feigning illness had been exposed.


    She knew that, no matter what, she couldn''t avoid going to the police station this time. If she didn''t go,


    it would only arouse her mother''s suspicions.


    Left with no other choice, she obediently followed the two police officers to the station.


    ire was worried about Nicole''s safety. She urged Avery to take good care of Cal before hurrying


    after the police and Nicole.


    After Nicole was taken away, an eerie silence immediately returned to the Lambert residence.


    Avery pondered over the image of Nicole pretending to be sick and the resentful gaze thetter had


    before she left. Somehow, she couldn''t shake off a sense of foreboding in his heart.


    Meanwhile, Cayden sat in the CEO''s chair at Trident Group, flipping through a thick stack of


    documents.


    Xavier pushed the door open, serving Cayden a steaming cup of coffee. ¡°Boss, your coffee.¡±


    After Cayden received the coffee and took a light sip, he seemed pleased with its fragrance. ¡°Mr.


    Dartsley, your coffee-making skills have improved quite a bit.¡±


    Xavierughed modestly. ¡°You tter me, Boss. Cecelia enjoys coffee, so I often make it for her. She


    doesn''t like it too sweet or too bitter. Over time, I''ve naturally figured out the best bnce.¡±


    Cayden gave him a thoughtful nce. ¡°You and Cecelia seem to be getting along well. When do you


    n to get married?¡±


    Xavier choked a bit, scratching his head sheepishly. ¡°Well, I''m still working hard on it. Boss, I just got


    news that Nicole has been taken to the police station on suspicion of drug use and possession. Also,


    ording to our undercover informant, Roderick is nning a major drug deal in three days'' time.¡±


    Cayden showed no emotions at all. ¡°Well done. Dig up every single incident where Nicole hurt my wife


    before. This time, she won''t be able to make aeback. Also, keep a close eye on everything


    Roderick does. Report to me immediately if anythinges up.¡±


    A cold and murderous expression emerged on Cayden''s face.


    He wasn''t going to let anyone who had hurt him and Avery before get away.

 Chapter 738

    Chapter 738


    Chapter 738 Ever Thought About Starting Your Own Company


    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Inside the interrogation room.


    The lighting wasn''t particrly bright, but the light was still a bit harsh on the eyes.


    There was only one table and three chairs in the room.


    Nicole sat at the far end, with two police officers sitting in front of the table, their expressions notably


    stern.


    No matter what they asked Nicole, she steadfastly maintained that she knew nothing.


    The bright lights made Nicole''s already pale face appear even paler, like a ghost devoid of a soul.


    The two officers were bing increasingly frustrated with their questioning, but she remained silent.


    They exchanged a nce, feeling that there was no need to continue pressing her. Then, they said to


    her, ¡°Ms. Lambert, would you mind taking a urine test? We just want to determine whether or not you''ve


    been using drugs. The test results will give us the answer.¡±


    Nicole let out a strange, coldugh, her tone oddly entric. ¡°If the test shows that I haven''t been


    using drugs, how are you going to justify arresting innocent citizens? I absolutely won''t let this slide!


    Each and every one of you will end up demoted and punished for this!¡±


    The two police officers'' faces turned rather awkward.


    ...


    Outside the interrogation room.


    ire sat in the chief''s office, waiting. The deputy chief personally received her, his smile somewhat


    forced. ¡°Mrs. Lambert, I''ve heard that your daughter is clever and sensible. I believe she wouldn''t do


    anything illegal. You shouldn''t worry too much.¡±


    He awkwardly kept herpany, knowing that this woman in front of him was not to be trifled with.


    Setting aside the fact that ire was quite capable herself and was a renowned businesswoman in the


    city, her husband was also an influential figure who could offer her strong support.


    If the deputy chief had the choice, he really wouldn''t want to deal with this messy situation. However, a


    report had been filed anonymously, using Nicole of drug-rted offenses with evidence to back it


    up. His superiors had also applied pressure, leaving him with no other option.


    ire, however, seemed to be lost in her own thoughts. She sat there in a daze, unmoving.


    About half an hour passed. Soon, she stood up in the office, dialing a phone number.


    In a gentle voice tinged with helplessness and a hint of a sob, she said, ¡°William, something''s


    happened to our daughter...¡±


    When William received the call from his wife, he was in the middle of a meeting with a group of


    government officials. Upon hearing ire say that something had happened to their daughter, his first


    thought was that something had happened to Avery. This caused a rarepse in his usuallyposed


    demeanor in front of the other officials.


    Realizing that he was acting inappropriately, William found a quiet corner and immediately called ire


    back. He asked with concern, ¡°What''s wrong with Ery? What happened to our daughter?¡±


    Though Avery had already returned to her original family, she hadn''t changed her surname because


    she still felt a deep sense of gratitude toward the Rumpley family. William and his wife naturally


    respected her wishes.


    On the other end of the line, ire''s voice was anxious, with a touch of despair. ¡°It''s not Avery who''s in


    trouble, it''s our younger daughter, Nicole.¡±


    Hearing that it wasn''t Avery, William felt a slight relief.


    Just as he was starting to rx, ire''s next words cast a shadow over his typically stern face. ¡°Two


    police officers came to our house today. They said that Nicole was suspected of drug-rted offenses


    and had been taken to the police station for questioning. She''s currently at the police station. Will, you


    need toe over quickly. I''m worried about her mental state. I''m afraid something might happen...¡±


    William''s grip on his phone tightened to the point that he almost crushed it, and his eyes reddened with


    anger.


    However, he still managed to speak in a calm tone as he reassured ire, ¡°ire, try to calm down. I''ll


    be right over.¡±


    ...


    The tea house exuded an ancient charm.


    The room was tranquil and tastefully decorated, merging both Eastern and Western styles. While it was


    not overly spacious, the ce was carefully set up.


    A folding screen adorned with a watercolor painting served as the centerpiece. It was carved with


    diamonds to give a sandsted effect, featuring antique poetry and apanied by soft background


    music that changed intermittently.


    Two exquisitely crafted chaise lounges were ced before the screen. Each could amodate an


    individual sitting or reclining, cushioned with a snowy white sable. The floor was covered with a plush


    velvet carpet of a simr hue, creating an atmosphere of opulence andfort.


    Sitting in the chaise lounges were two equally enchanting women, each radiating their unique charm.


    A delicate, slender hand held a brown teapot, gently pouring steaming tea into hand-painted porcin


    cups.


    The fragrance of the tea wafted through the air, creating a lingering sense of tranquility.


    On the left, the woman pouring the tea was Avery. She wore a simple white dress today, exuding a


    gentle and graceful aura. Her soft and lustrous ck hair cascaded down her shoulders, framing a


    small oval face that was both exquisite and rosy. Her jet-ck, radiant eyes resembled pearls


    glistening and akin to morning dew on flower petals. Every movement she made was graceful and


    captivating.


    Seated on the right was a woman of tall stature, exuding a cool and distant air. She wore a thin


    emerald scarf around her snow-white neck, her face adorned with light makeup, and her long hair was


    gathered into a neat high ponytail. Her poised legs were tucked beneath her, and her posture rivaled


    that of a professional model¡ªshe was a true ice queen.


    Avery gazed at the woman before her, her expression pleasantly surprised yet warm. ¡°Beatrix, with


    your busy schedule, how did you find time to visit me?¡±


    The ice queen before her was none other than Beatrix Langley, a friend from Avery''s days at the


    University of Ustrana. Beatrix was a fellow student in the architecture department and shared Avery''s


    passion for architectural design. Their shared interests had led to a deep and cherished friendship.


    During their university years, Beatrix had been quite the sensation. Not only did her aloof and stunning


    appearance captivate many, but her academic achievements were also exceptional. She had collected


    numerous awards and had already made a name for herself in the field of architecture at a young age.


    Unlike Avery''s modest background, Beatrix came from affluence. However, she never let her talent or


    her wealth get to her head, nor did she judge others by their social status. She valued friendships


    based on character and talent, making her quite popr.


    Unfortunately, after Avery returned to her own country, her contact with Beatrix diminished due to work


    commitments. They asionally exchanged messages on WhatsApp to share updates on their lives.


    Avery knew that Beatrix was now employed at one of the world''s top ten renowned architectural


    conglomerates, holding a position as vice CEO. She was still a prominent figure in her field.


    Beatrix took a sip of the fragrant tea and smiled lightly, creating an atmosphere of ease and


    contentment. ¡°It''s been a while since I returned to the country. Passing through Ackleton today, I heard


    you''re here, so I thought I''d stop by. How have you beentely?¡±


    Avery picked up her teacup. ¡°I''ve been doing well. I got married two years ago and now have three


    children¡ªtwo sons and a daughter. The older two are almost eight years old, and the younger son is


    two and a half.¡±


    Avery had previously shared her story with Beatrix about herself and Cayden, so the news of her


    having two eight-year-old children wasn''t surprising to Beatrix.


    Beatrix set down her teacup, her cold gaze flickering with a tinge of envy. ¡°Time flies. Before we know


    it, you have three children, while I remain a perpetual single. Avery, has your husband returned? Are


    you still serving as the acting president at Trident Group?¡±


    Avery shook her head. ¡°No, my grandfather fell ill recently and needs someone to take care of him. I''m


    currently looking after my grandfather and the kids at home. Once my grandfather recovers and my


    younger son grows a bit older, I''ll return to work.¡±


    Beatrix paused for a moment, expressing a hint of regret. ¡°Avery, with your talents, it''s a shame to see


    you being a stay-at-home mom. Have you ever thought about starting your ownpany after


    returning to work?¡±


    Start my ownpany?


    Avery couldn''t help but fall into deep contemtion...

 Chapter 739

    Chapter 739


    Chapter 739 Cayden And His Unquestionable Command


    Avery was driving down the road, and while waiting for the red light to turn green, she was constantly


    pondering over the words of her senior, Beatrix.


    Prior to that, Beatrix said, ¡°Avery, with your talent in design and your brilliant mind, why are you content


    with being an ordinary housewife? Weren''t you once dreaming of bing the world''s top architect?


    People, when they stay in afortable environment for too long, tend to bezy. If you have


    strong self-discipline and restraint, that''s fine. Otherwise, you might spend your whole life soaking in


    that honey pot lifestyle, unwilling to turn over a new leaf. I believe that with your current situation,


    whether it''s your innate abilities or your acquired resources, you have more than enough to start a


    company. You should give it a try. We should seize the opportunity to strive and take risks while we''re


    young, so we won''t have regrets when we''re old.¡±


    In truth, Avery didn''t really want to be a housewife.


    These days, however, Avery had been at home taking care of her grandfather, spending time with the


    kids, reading books in her spare time, and tending to her flowers. Life was truly rxed and


    comfortable. To be honest, I really enjoy this kind of life. Grandpa is in good health, the kids are smart


    and clever, and Hubby is extremely affectionate toward me.


    Avery even thought living like that for the rest of her life wouldn''t be so bad.


    Unbeknownst to her, immersed in a life offort, she had indeed developed a sense of inertia, yet


    she remained oblivious to it.


    The words of Beatrix served as a wake-up call for Avery, making her suddenly realize that she had


    actually developed such a terrifying thought.


    Starting her ownpany was something Avery had once considered.


    However, starting apany required operational funds, strong management, and the recruitment of


    employees, among other things. It would be tiring and worrisome, requiring people, finances, and


    resources. Missing any of those elements was not an option. Initially, all she had was a knack for


    design,cking the other necessary conditions.


    Later on, she served as the acting CEO of Trident Group. She was swamped daily with endless official


    duties, countless meetings, and incessant business trips. It was so hectic that it left herpletely


    worn out and exhausted. However, seeing thepany''s performance steadily improving under her


    leadership, a sense of indescribable pride would spontaneously well up in Avery''s heart.


    Avery rolled down the car window, gazing at the bustling traffic on the road and the crowds on both


    sides of the street. Suddenly, several lines of song lyrics came to mind. Having trodden every difficult


    step, I still move forward, undeterred by the heights. The wind whispers in my ear, inspiring me like a


    song, urging me to take each step with care and determination. After traversing many rugged paths,


    only then did I realize the horizon was even higher...


    Avery pondered. She was still in the prime of her life. Indeed, she was supposed to seize her youth to


    strive harder and put in more effort. When I grow old, I will have the right and means to squander the


    twilight years of my life. Indeed, starting apany is feasible.


    With that in mind, Avery decided to return and have a thorough discussion with Cayden, seeking his


    advice on the experience of starting apany.


    Knowing that the police had taken Nicole away, Avery was certain her parents were busy dealing with


    her situation.


    Hence, she nned to return to the Lambert residence first.


    Even though Avery had always been indifferent toward Nicole. As her nominal sister, she still called


    their mother to inquire about her. ¡°Mom, is Nickie okay?¡±


    ire''s voice sounded very tired when she replied, ¡°It''s nothing serious, Ery. Your dad and I are a bit


    busy right now and can''t entertain you. You should take Cal back to your ce first. Once things settle


    down at home in a couple of days, we''lle to visit you.¡±


    A pang of unease suddenly gripped Avery''s heart. ¡°Mom, Nickie wouldn''t really touch that, would she?¡±


    On the other end of the phone, ire remained silent for a long time.


    Just when Avery thought the connection had been cut off, ire answered, ¡°You don''t need to worry


    about her matters. Your father and I will handle it. Ery, I have some things to deal with here, I''ll hang up


    now.¡±


    ¡°Mom? Mom?¡±


    Avery wanted to say something else, but all she heard was the beeping sound of a disconnected call


    from her cell phone. ire had already hung up on the other end.


    She was determined to call her father, William, but his phone was constantly switched off, making


    Avery increasingly worried.


    In the end, she couldn''t help but dial Cayden''s number.


    The phone rang for a few seconds before it was picked up. Cayden''s deep, maic voice came


    through. ¡°Hey, Honey!¡±


    ¡°Cayden, I¡ª¡±


    Before Avery could finish her sentence, the green light came on. The ring horns from the cars


    behind her started to sound, urging her to move.


    Avery started the engine and began to drive. Suddenly, she noticed an elderly person who seemed to


    be jaywalking.


    She was so startled that she hastily hit the brakes. The tires screeched against the asphalt, producing


    a sharp noise.


    Due to inertia, Avery was propelled forward, but she was promptly bounced back into her seat because


    she was wearing a seatbelt.


    The old man crossed the road unscathed, yet he didn''t offer her any appreciative smile.


    Cayden''s ears perked up at themotion, and a worried voice came through the phone. ¡°Are you


    outside right now? What happened?¡± he asked.


    The honking of the car behind continued in an unending ebb and flow.


    Avery, however, was sprawled over the steering wheel, acting as if she hadn''t heard a thing.


    Feeling as if all her strength had been drained from her body, she took a moment to rest before


    responding to Cayden in a daze, ¡°I''m fine. Beatrix invited me out for tea today, and I almost hit


    someone on the way back... Luckily, nothing happened. It was really scary just now!¡±


    Avery heard a series of ttering noises from the other end of the phone as if something had heavily


    hit the table.


    In her haze, it seemed she also heard a muffled grunt of restraint.


    Then, Cayden''s stern voice came through the phone. ¡°I''m d you''re okay. Where are you now? Send


    me your location, and I''ll have the driver pick you up. From now on, no matter where you go, don''t drive


    yourself. Have the driver take you. Otherwise, don''t even think about going out!¡±


    He spoke in an indisputable tone.


    ¡°I understand. I''ll definitely bring a driver with me when I go out in the future. But I''m almost home now,


    so there''s no need to trouble the driver to pick me up. By the way, Cayden, Nicole was taken away by


    the police today on suspicion of drug use. Does this have anything to do with you? Is she really using


    drugs?¡± Avery knew that Cayden meant well, so she didn''t take his words to heart. Therefore, she


    casually brushed him off with a few words before changing the subject.


    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    Cayden gave a faint hum without exining too much. He simply said, ¡°You should focus on driving for


    now. It''s not convenient at the moment. I will exin everything when I get home. The fact that Nicole


    took drugs and hid them is true. The police took her for an investigation. She was not framed.¡±


    After hanging up the phone, Avery felt somewhat restless.


    As expected, Cayden indeed exposed the fact that Nicole was using drugs.


    She really was involved in drugs. Avery thought that if her parents knew the truth, they would surely be


    devastated. Are they busy because they''re trying to pull strings for her?


    Suspecting that possibility, Avery couldn''t help but harbor a deeper resentment toward Nicole. My


    parents have always lived a life of integrity and honesty. They never failed to conduct themselves in an


    upright manner in all matters. They have never stooped to using connections to get ahead. If they were


    to break this principle because of her, they would surely feel guilty, wouldn''t they?

 Chapter 740

    Chapter 740


    Chapter 740 Sudden Appearance An Enchanting Young Man


    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Avery returned to the Lambert residence and was about to head back to her own ce after picking up


    Cal. Suddenly, she received a call from Rory''s homeroom teacher.


    The homeroom teacher sounded extremely anxious. ¡°Mrs. Moore, the art teacher took the entire ss


    to the flower field for a sketching trip today, but suddenly we couldn''t find Rory. We''ve tried calling her


    but can''t get through. Has she gone home?¡±


    ¡°Did you say you can''t reach Rory?¡± Upon hearing this news, Avery''s phone almost slipped from her


    hand. She was anxious and immediately contacted the mansion and the Moore residence.


    However, she got the same answer from both ces. Rory did not go back.


    Avery was truly anxious, her mind running wild with ten thousand possibilities of Rory getting


    kidnapped. The kidnapped children could either be sold or maimed. In the worst-case scenario, they


    could even have their organs harvested.


    The thought of thetter possibility made Avery feel as if her blood had frozen solidly throughout her


    body.


    She urgently called Zachary.


    Upon hearing that his sister was missing, the little boy didn''t panic at all. Instead, heforted Avery,


    ¡°Mom, don''t worry too much. Rory is a sensible girl. She might have gotten lost somewhere because


    she was too engrossed in ying. Let''s ask the teacher to search thoroughly around the area where


    they were sketching. Have you contacted Daddy yet? Daddy has a widework of contacts. I believe


    we''ll find Rory very soon.¡±


    Avery hastily contacted Cayden. Upon hearing the news of his daughter''s disappearance. He


    immediately dropped his work and called the police, instructing them to search the location where Rory


    wasst seen sketching.


    Then, Cayden reached out to Xander, asking him to keep a close eye on the ck market activities to


    see if any beautiful young girls were being auctioned off recently.


    The underground circle and officials secretly mobilized simultaneously, all because the beloved


    daughter of the Moore family had suddenly disappeared. For a moment, the people of Ackleton were


    filled with anxiety, thinking that some big shot had encountered an unexpected incident.


    While everyone in the Moore family was anxiously searching for Rory at noon, something else was in


    the flower bushes somewhere.


    A tranquil pebble path, with tall and verdant trees, lush and thriving. On both sides of the road, there


    was an endless sea of flowers.


    A sea of flowers, each with its unique color, intertwined in myriad shapes and forms.


    The leaves were round and smooth. The branches were full of flowers, and their beauty dazzled the


    eye.


    A delicate figure, as tender as a blossom, hid within a sea of flowers, her petite form standing before an


    easel.


    With her young but spirited hands, she painted a beautiful sea of flowers.


    The little girl, about seven or eight years old, was dressed in a delicate chiffon dress and had her hair


    styled in a beautiful princess bun.


    On that palm-sized, tender white face, there was a pair of eyes as clear as a crystal. The long, curled


    eyshes above those eyes fluttered like graceful butterflies, twinkling adorably with every blink.


    Also, that perky nose, and cherry blossom-like tender lips, made her look like a little fairy that could


    leave one breathless with admiration.


    Rory quietly painted, asionally lifting her pen to tap her head. Her yful little action blended


    seamlessly with the surrounding beauty.


    Surrounded by a bunch of colorful butterflies, they danced around her as if they were fond of her. The


    scene was extraordinarily astonishing.


    Not far from the flower bushes, under a robust centuries-old fig tree, a pair of cold and wicked hawk-


    like eyes were tightly locked onto the small figure quietly painting. His thin lips curled into a dangerous


    and predatory arc.


    He approached the girl silently and swiftly. He watched as she paused her painting to hold a butterfly in


    her hand.


    She murmured to the butterfly, ¡°Butterfly, when I grow up, I want to be a dancer, but I also want to be a


    painter. Which one do you think would be better for me? ¡°Daddy and Mommy are bing more and


    more affectionate these days. They often kiss in front of Zach and me. Uncle Kendrick says they are


    disying their affection for each other publicly. What does that mean? Ms. Cecelia''s twins are


    bing more and more beautifultely. I want them to be Zach''s wives. Do you think Zach would like


    them? Also, I really can''t stand Seamus. He''s always nitpicking and bullying me. How can there be


    such a terrible boy in this world? Look at Zach, he''s so nice. He''s very polite to girls and especially


    good to me. If only every boy could be as good as Zach¡ª¡±


    Just as Rory was whispering to the butterfly, a pair of hands suddenly covered her chattering mouth.


    Rory didn''t even have the chance to call for help. Her soft, boneless waist was gripped, and then she


    was lifted off the ground.


    ¡°Argh!¡± Rory struggled desperately, but she was trapped in a chest as unyielding as iron.


    She inhaled a strong scent of blood from her nostrils, a smell that made her extremely ufortable.


    She wanted to vomit, but her mouth was covered, making it impossible to throw up.


    The girl''s eyes, pure and innocent, met a pair of devilishly enchanting yet icy cold eyes.


    That was an extremely refined young man, around the age of fifteen.


    The young man''s skin was delicate and smooth like porcin, and his demeanor was iparably


    noble. He exuded an elegance, a wildness, and a bewitching charm that captivated all who beheld him.


    ¡°Quick! Go over there and search. You must find that kid! If he escapes, we''re all done for!¡± A fierce


    voice rang out from not far off in the flower bushes.


    Rory''s body shivered, feeling therge hand covering her bing even colder.


    She dared not even breathe, unsure of how much time had passed. The sound of the search grew


    increasingly distant, and only then did the young man release her.


    ¡°What''s your name?¡± the young man asked in Ustranasion, his voice as melodious as a piano tune.


    Rory looked at his continuously bleeding arm and the ghastly wound on it. She stepped back in fear but


    still kindly reminded him, ¡°Excuse me, your arm is injured. You should go to the hospital to get it


    bandaged quickly...¡±


    She, along with her art teacher and a group of ssmates, went out for a sketching session. However,


    the location chosen by the teacher was quite ordinary, so she quietly slipped away in search of a more


    beautiful spot to sketch. Unexpectedly, she encountered such an incident.


    The young man put down Rory and asked again coldly, ¡°What''s your name?¡±


    A pair of enchanting purple eyes were firmly locked onto Rory, determined not to rest until they


    obtained her name.


    The little girl, intimidated by his terrifying aura, revealed, ¡°M-My name is Rory.¡±


    Two burly men resembling bodyguards suddenly appeared before the young man. They uttered


    anxiously, ¡°Prince Maverick, the assassins sent by Prince Augustus and Prince Caden are about to


    catch up with us. We must leave this ce immediately!¡±


    The young man remained calm and unhurried, his tall figure gazing down at the petite Rory. Suddenly,


    he pulled her into his embrace once more. His cold lips abruptly kissed her cherry blossom-like tender


    cheek.


    ¡°Remember my name, okay? It''s Maverick! Little one, we will meet again!¡±


    After he finished speaking, the noble and arrogant young man disappeared into the vast sea of flowers


    like a gust of wind, along with the men in ck.


    Maverick? Rory touched her own cheek, staring nkly in the direction he had disappeared. Her small


    mouth puckered up in a deep red pout. Mommy and Daddy often kissed her, but why did that guy kiss


    me?


    ¡°Rory, where are you?¡±


    From a distance, Avery''s anxious call could be heard. Rory, who was in a daze, responded by calling


    out, ¡°Mommy! I''m here!¡±

 Chapter 741

    Chapter 741


    Chapter 741 Wickedly Dazzling Grin


    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    Upon hearing Rory''s sweet and gentle voice, Avery, Cayden, and the others followed the sound to find


    her.


    ¡°Mommy!¡± Rory''s frail, thin little body was almost swallowed up by the dense sea of flowers.


    But she still responded loudly, ¡°Mommy, I''m here!¡±


    At first, Rory felt that the sketching location their art teacher had chosen wasn''t beautiful enough.


    Despite her young age, her aesthetic standards were unusually strict. So, she decided to choose the


    sketching location ording to her own criteria.


    Rory chose a spot near where her teacher and ssmates were sketching. Unknowingly, she walked


    into this boundless sea of flowers. She was quickly captivated by the stunning scenery and decided to


    stay there to paint.


    She hadn''t anticipated that the ce would be so vast and the scenery so simr throughout. Only


    when she wanted to leave did she realize that she couldn''t remember the way out. To make matters


    worse, her only link to the outside world, her mobile phone, had run out of battery.


    Just as she was feeling utterly at a loss, she suddenly heard her mother calling her. She was so moved


    that she almost burst into tears.


    Rory''s response was like a beam of light suddenly shooting out in the darkness, instantly pulling


    Avery''s crumbling heart back together.


    Atst, following the sound, Avery saw the figure of Rory amidst a patch of pansies.


    The little girl stood timidly beneath the flowers, clutching her canvas. Her clear eyes held traces of fear,


    unease, and a surprise that only appeared after seeing Avery.


    ¡°Rory!¡±


    ¡°Mommy!¡±


    Avery held Rory gently in her arms, her whole body trembling.


    Tears she had been holding back for a long time finally flowed from Avery''s eyes, ¡°You silly child. How


    could you just run off like that? Do you have any idea how worried I was when I couldn''t find you?


    You''ve really upset me. I thought you were taken by human traffickers. You scared me to death! Let''s


    see if you dare to run off again next time!¡±


    As she spoke, Avery became increasingly agitated and anxious, the lingering fear of her child possibly


    being kidnapped still present in her heart.


    She pped Rory''s soft buttocks fiercely several times.


    Avery had always been gentle with her children. Even with mischievous ones like Cal, who behaved


    like a little devil, she rarelyid a hand on them. But this time, she disciplined Rory and quite harshly at


    that. It was evident how angry she was.


    Rory was acutely aware of her own mistake. Her pretty little face was filled with guilt. She obediently


    epted her mother''s p, biting her delicate lips tightly, not making a sound.


    The adorable little girl obediently apologized, ¡°Mommy, it''s my fault. I shouldn''t have run around and


    made you angry. I won''t do it again. I''m sorry...¡±


    Avery held her daughter tightly in her arms, her eyes still red. ¡°My silly Sweetheart. Did it hurt when


    mommy hit you just now? Mommy shouldn''t have hit you, but how else would you learn your lesson?¡±


    Once the mother and daughter had shared enough tender moments, Cayden, who had been waiting on


    the side, finally came over.


    The man''s handsome and upright figure stood significantly taller than the surrounding flowers and


    nts. When he looked down, he exuded an air of overlooking the world. When he was silent, that aura


    seemed particrly intimidating.


    The police chief by Cayden''s side was wiping his cold sweat, appearing somewhat subservient in front


    of thetter. He said, ¡°Mr. Moore, we''ve found your daughter. You can rest easy now, right?¡±


    Cayden said lightly, ¡°You''ve worked hard, Chief Lawrence. Consider me in your debt this time.¡±


    Wiping the cold sweat from his forehead, Lawrence gave a forcedugh, saying, ¡°Don''t mention it.


    We''re just doing our job.¡±


    The entire Ackleton was nearly brought to a standstill in the search for Rory. If she hadn''t been found,


    he would have likely lost his official position. Fortunately, she was eventually located, and Lawrence


    couldn''t help but heave a long sigh of relief.


    The young art teacher also breathed a sigh of relief. She knew how prestigious Rory''s status was.


    When she heard that the little girl had gone missing, she was almost terrified, and even now, her face


    was still pale.


    Cayden approached Rory, slightly bending over. His eyes clearly concealed his concern for his


    daughter Rory, yet his tone was exceptionally stern. ¡°Rory, you are not allowed to run around anymore,


    and you must not make your mother angry. Otherwise, my punishment for you will not be as merciful as


    your mother''s!¡±


    ¡°I''m sorry, Daddy. I was wrong.¡±


    Gently lifting her tiny head, she cautiously apologized to Cayden. She wasn''t afraid of her kind and


    approachable mother, but she was quite scared of her stern father.


    For some reason, despite her father''s usual doting, whenever she and her brother did something


    wrong, all it took was one stern look from their father to send chills down her spine.


    Zachary held Rory''s little hand, admonishing, ¡°Rory, you can''t be so willful in the future. You don''t know


    anyone in the wilderness. What if you get lost? This time, you got lucky because Mommy and Daddy


    found you. Next time, you might not be so fortunate.¡±


    ¡°Okay. I understand now.¡±


    Upon hearing her brother''s reproach, Rory yfully stuck out her tongue. Only then did she notice the


    crowd that had gathered around her. There was her father, Kendrick, her art teacher, her twin brother, a


    few ssmates, a bunch of police officers, and even Seamus, whom she disliked the most!


    Seamus was dressed in a blue sweatshirt, matching sweatpants, and a pair of ck leather boots on


    his feet. The little boy''s naturally curly, thick ck hair was damp with sweat. He was all dirty, and his


    fair little face was even smeared with pollen. His cheeks looked somewhat swollen,pletelycking


    the suave demeanor of a school prince admired by all the girls in the school, which Rory found rather


    amusing.


    Seeing Seamus in such a sorry state was a rare sight, so Rory couldn''t help but pull a face at him.


    Upon seeing her mock him, Seamus indeed felt a bit miffed. Upon hearing the news of Rory''s


    disappearance, he immediately came to look for her with the art teacher, even forgetting about his own


    pollen allergy. In order to find her, I nearly make a fool of myself, yet she still has the audacity to tease


    me about it! This is just too much!


    With a huff, Seamus thought to himself. If Rory disappears again next time, I definitely won''t be so


    foolish toe looking for her!


    At the CEO''s office in Trident Group, after the false rm, the search for Rory came to an end.


    Cayden quickly returned to hispany to continue his work.


    Xavier pushed the door open and handed a bright red invitation to the man sitting at the desk. ¡°Mr.


    Moore, Fuller Group is holding their anniversary celebration tomorrow night. Their CEO, Wilson, has


    sent us an invitation. Will you be attending?¡±


    Without even lifting his head, Cayden''s indifferent figure remained utterly still. ¡°I''m not going.¡±


    Xavier continued, ¡°On the day of the Fuller Group''s annual celebration, it just so happens to be the


    seventieth birthday of Old Mr. Fuller. The Xue Fuller family prides themselves on their filial piety, so all


    three brothers of the Fuller family will definitely attend the event that night.¡±


    Cayden''s handsome face slightly darkened, his hand holding the pen paused. His deep gaze fell on


    Xavier''s face as he shed a wickedly dazzling grin. ¡°In that case, I must attend the event. Not only are


    we going, but I''ll also prepare a big surprise for them on that day!¡±

 Chapter 742

    Chapter 742


    Chapter 742 Mysterious Arrangement


    Today, to Xavier''s surprise, Cayden actually left work at six, which was quite unexpected. Cayden was


    a workaholic, especially when he had just returned to Trident Group. He rarely went home before


    midnight.


    A prestigious, ck Rolls-Royce was parked in the parking lot, outshining all the other luxury cars in an


    instant.


    Inside the car, there was a space with features that could rival a vi.


    With the car door closed, it felt as if one had stepped into a cinema, immediately enveloped by an air of


    opulence.


    Inside the car sat an exceptionally handsome man, his posture upright and his aura extraordinary. His


    slender fingers casually pressed a button, and a rich, delicious wine automatically filled the ss.


    Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    The driver in the front seat asked Cayden, ¡°Where are we going now, Sir?¡±


    He was equally surprised to see Cayden leaving the office so early. He thought there might be some


    special arrangements, but to his surprise, Cayden simply shook his head and said, ¡°First, let''s go home


    to pick up my wife. Then, we''ll head to the Centennial Amusement Park.¡±


    Meanwhile, at the mansion, Avery was preparing a loving dinner for the children in the kitchen.


    She was halfway through when someone embraced her from behind.


    The familiar scent of a man wafted into her nostrils, causing her body to stiffen slightly. She then felt the


    steel-like grip of his arm tighten around her even more.


    Seeing the heart-shaped fried egg in the pan about to burn, Avery couldn''t help but exim, ¡°I''m


    cooking, Cayden. Let go of me, or the egg will burn.¡±


    Cayden nibbled on her delicate earlobe and said, ¡°Then let it be burnt. We''ll have the housekeeper


    cook for the kidster. I''ll take you out for dinner instead.¡±


    He chuckled softly, his smile wickedly yful.


    His hand, which was cool to the touch, roamed freely under Avery''s clothes. ¡°You seem to care more


    about those three little things than me now. I''m getting a bit jealous. How are you going to make it up to


    me, hmm?¡±


    Feeling embarrassed, Avery held down his mischievous hand and said, ¡°This kitchen isn''t a good ce


    forpensation. Besides, they''re all babies. Why are you getting jealous of them? Are you still a child


    or something?¡±


    Cayden couldn''t help butugh and cry at the same time. His actions bing more pronounced as


    he said, ¡°Yes, that''s right. To you, I''m just a child who constantly seeks your love and affection.¡±


    ¡°Cayden Moore!¡± Avery called out his full name in annoyance and nced nervously at the kitchen


    door.


    The door was slightly ajar, so she was worried that a housekeeper or her kids would suddenly walk in


    on them. Oh, no! How embarrassing it would be if they saw us like this!


    Seeing her blush with embarrassment, Cayden decided not to tease her anymore.


    He withdrew his teasing hand and gently caressed her t belly as he said with a faint smile, ¡°Since


    you love children so much, how about we have a few more?¡±


    Avery immediately shook her head profusely. ¡°No, three children are enough. Raising kids is very


    tough.¡±


    Cayden rested his chin on her shoulder, ¡°I''m just teasing you. I wouldn''t want that many children. Apart


    from constantlypeting with me for your attention and distracting you, they serve no other purpose. I


    also can''t bear to see you go through the pain of childbirth again, so three children are enough.¡±


    Avery gently touched his handsome face, which was smooth and shiny.


    She then got on her tiptoes and leaned in for a kiss. ¡°I always knew you''d treat me best.¡±


    ¡°Let''s go; I''ll take you somewhere fun.¡±


    ¡°Where are we going? I''m not done with dinner yet!¡±


    ¡°You''ll find out once we get there. As for dinner, just let the housekeeper do it for you.¡±


    Just like that, the lovingly prepared dinner was left in the kitchen, the three little ones were ced in the


    housekeeper''s care, and she was swept off her feet and carried into the car by Cayden.


    The three little ones watched wide-eyed as their mother was taken away by their father. Not allowed to


    utter a single word of protest, they couldn''t help but pout in response.


    There''s no way we are Dad''s kids! Otherwise, why would he take Mom out for a fun time but leave the


    three of us behind?


    Avery had no idea what Cayden was ying at, but his chest felt incredibly solid and warm, and his


    strong, muscr arms held her tightly within his embrace.


    Even though Avery was feeling a little dizzy and didn''t know where he was taking her, she felt very


    reassured because he was by her side. As long as he was there, she would never be afraid.


    Ackleton was a bustling international metropolis that looked particrly enchanting and magical under


    the veil of night.


    The car sped along the road, and through the window, rows of twinkling lights could be seen.


    The dazzling rays of light reflected upon the beautiful man-madeke, casting a spectrum of colorful


    ripples.


    Cayden took Avery to the Centennial Amusement Park. This amusement park was particrly well-


    equipped with all high-tech facilities. Coupled with its extremely beautiful environment, it attracted


    tourists both locally and abroad. Whether it''s day or night, the park was always crowded.


    As such, Avery was puzzled when she saw that the amusement park was unusually quiet that night.


    Not only was it very quiet, but there was not a single visitor from the entrance to the inside. That made


    her wonder if the amusement park was about to close.


    Avery, who had been leaning against Cayden in the back seat, couldn''t help but murmur, ¡°That''s


    strange... This ce used to be full of tourists, so why is it so quiet today?¡±


    The driver in the driver''s seat couldn''t help but respond, ¡°Mr. Moore has reserved the entire amusement


    park just for you tonight, Mrs. Moore.¡±


    Avery couldn''t help but stare at Cayden in astonishment. This man is just too extravagant! I know he''s


    wealthy, but who spends their money like this? Even so, I have to admit, seeing him do this does fill my


    heart with a bit of joy!


    Regardless, she couldn''t help but exim, ¡°You didn''t have to reserve the entire ce just to bring me


    here! It''s such a waste of money!¡±


    Although Avery had be a mother, she still harbored the innocent dreams of a young girl in her


    heart. She loved the idea of her beloved preparing a romantic surprise for her, but she also felt guilty


    for spending too much of his money.


    Cayden kissed her on the lips and replied, ¡°No matter how much I do for you, it will never be enough. I


    want to give you the best of everything, because you''re worth it.¡±


    He then took Avery for a ride on the Ferris wheel.


    In the past, Avery had thought about riding the Ferris wheel when visiting other amusement parks.


    However, due to her fear of heights, she never actually went through with it.


    Being with Cayden, however, she decided to give it a go even though she still hadn''t ovee her fear


    of heights.


    The Ferris wheel here was supposedly one of the three tallest ones in the world. Not only did it have a


    gigantic wheel adorned with thousands of square feet of LED lights, but the central area was also


    equipped withser lights to create an illusionary 6D effect.


    Through the projection ofser lights, a variety of fantastical scenes can be observed. For example,


    they saw mirages of underwater cities, snowkes fluttering down, and fog rolling in. One could even


    gaze upon a beautiful starry sky, which was an immersive experience for the passengers.


    Passengers seated inside the cabin could enjoy a variety of thrilling illusions.


    Cayden held Avery in his arms, affectionately saying, ¡°From here, you can see the entire night view of


    Ackleton. Do you like my arrangement?¡±


    Avery was riding on a Ferris wheel for the very first time, so her expression was a mix of excitement


    and fear.


    She mustered up the courage to look down from above. ¡°It''s so beautiful! Look at how the lights have


    adorned theke with a golden hue! Viewing the night scene from here is nothing like the feeling from a


    skyscraper! I love it so much!¡±


    Avery''s voice was soft and beautiful, and her slender arms clung tightly around Cayden''s waist. It was


    as if he was her only source of support.


    It sure feels wonderful to have a man spoil me like this!

 Chapter 743

    Chapter 743


    Chapter 743 Good At Torturing Others


    By the time Cayden and Avery left the amusement park, it was already nearing ten in thete evening.


    He took Avery out for a romantic candlelit dinner again, and by the time they returned home, it was


    almost in the middle of the night.


    The three babies were now peacefully asleep.


    Zachary and Rory had already retired to their separate rooms for the night. Meanwhile, the toddler Cal


    peacefully slumbered in thepany of Avery and Cayden, all sharing the same room.


    Avery actually felt a bit guilty about leaving their child behind to enjoy a romantic getaway with her


    husband.


    She gently kissed each of them on the forehead, then headed to the bathroom to freshen up while


    Cayden retreated to the study.


    Having finished washing up, she noticed that the light in the study was still on.


    As she passed by the door, she distinctly heard the sound of keys being struck on a keyboard.


    Avery frowned, knowing that Cayden was working overtime again.


    She understood the hardships of being the CEO of such arge corporation. During the two years


    when she served as the acting CEO, the pressure was immense. She was upte almost every night,


    working overtime day after day. Now, it was her husband who had taken over this demanding role.


    Avery, wrapped in a bath towel, wandered around the bedroom. The light still shining in the study made


    her feel as lonely as an abandoned puppy.


    After drying her hair, she went to the kitchen to heat up a cup of milk, ready to take it to Cayden.


    That man was quite the workaholic. Once he dove into his tasks, time seemed to slip away from him


    entirely.


    If she did not tell him to go to bed, he might just pull an all-nighter.


    Avery carried a ss of milk into the study.


    As expected, Cayden was indeed engrossed in his work. A cup of cold coffee sitting untouched in front


    of hisptop.


    Upon noticing Avery, the man gave her a gentle smile, his tone affectionate. ¡°Why haven''t you gone to


    bed?¡±


    Avery handed him the milk, replying, ¡°How could I possibly sleep when you haven''t even taken a rest?¡±


    Cayden shook his head, exhaustion evident as he rubbed his temples. ¡°Just leave the milk there for


    now, I''m not really in the mood to drink it at the moment.¡±


    Continuing to immerse himself in his work, his concentration was so intense that it seemed as though


    his tasks were his devoted partner.


    Avery was somewhat irritated, mming the milk cup down on the table.


    She assertively shut hisptop andunched into a stream of conversation. ¡°You really should have the


    milk while it''s still warm. Cold milk isn''t great for your stomach, remember your condition? And you left


    your work just to take me on a Ferris wheel spin. Couldn''t we go when you''re not busy? Mr. Moore,


    you''re quite the determined one. Do your employees know how stubborn you can be?¡±


    Cayden remained silent, maintaining a yful grin as he looked at her. Bathed in the soft glow of the


    light, he admired Avery''s delicate features, still fresh from her bath.


    After her bath, a delicate fragrance of shower gel clung to Avery. Her fair skin had adopted a porcin-


    like hue, touched with a gentle rosy tint. She resembled a freshly crafted piece of fine porcin¡ª


    innocent, luminous, and inspiring the urge to cradle her tenderly, treasuring her forever.


    Observing his continued silence and intent gaze, Avery suddenly felt as if her vented anger had


    encountered an insubstantial barrier, akin to throwing a punch at a cloud that remained unaffected.


    She impatiently stomped her foot. ¡°Cayden, I get that you''re dedicated to your work, but can''t you


    prioritize your own well-being too? Are you made of iron or what? You burn the midnight oil all the time,


    and on top of that, you have a fondness for coffee, which isn''t kind to your stomach. If this continues,


    I''m seriously going to lose my cool.¡±


    Cayden embraced the flustered Avery, allowing her to sit on hisp. He patted her small face, his voice


    laced with a hint of fatigue. ¡°Coffee can be refreshing and can also improve work efficiency. I''m used to


    drinking it, and it''s a habit that''s not easy to quit for now. Sweetheart, you go to sleep first. I''ll rest once


    I''ve finished dealing with these documents.¡±


    Avery looked at the pile of documents he was pointing at and immediately began to yfully rub


    against him. ¡°No way. If you don''t sleep, I won''t sleep either. Tonight, I''ll keep youpany while you


    work. Since you''ve abandoned your work to take me out, I, as your wife, must share your workload.


    Come on, let''s split these documents in half. I''ll handle some for you so that you can rest earlier.¡±


    She split the thick stack of documents in two, pushing one pile toward Cayden and cradling the other in


    her arms, resolved to assist Cayden with his tasks.


    Cayden found himself both amused and exasperated by Avery''s antics, and her constant rubbing


    against him almost set him on fire.


    He pulled her into a close embrace, his voice slightly rough. ¡°Don''t worry about the documents. I don''t


    want you overworking yourself. As for me, I find enjoyment in my work, so it''s not a big deal. Just go


    rx in the bedroom. You know Cal often wakes up during the night. He''ll start crying if he can''t find his


    mom.¡±


    Avery clung tightly to his neck, wriggling in his arms like a yful monkey. ¡°I don''t care, if you''re not


    going to sleep, then neither am I.¡±


    With that, she grabbed his hand as he was about to reach for theputer. She then bit down on his


    fingers.


    Cayden grunted softly, his body burning as she rubbed against him. The finger she bit felt as if it had


    been struck by a surge of electricity, tingling and numb, the sensation traveling from the fingertip all theThis text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    way to the depths of his heart.


    He was somewhat exasperated and nipped at her ear. ¡°Ery, stop messing around!¡±


    Avery cooed. ¡°I don''t care, I want to work with you!¡±


    Cayden''s gaze caught Avery''s bath towel slowly slipping, exposing her soft, rounded shoulders in their


    entirety. The sight of her graceful form waspletely unveiled before him, a beautiful scene that he


    could not help but take in.


    A storm seemed to gather in his narrowed eyes, his voice growing even huskier. ¡°Stop moving, or you''ll


    regret it.¡±


    Avery was only thinking about how to coax him into resting, continuing to nuzzle against him, even


    resorting to using her charms.


    Inhaling the pleasant mint scent from the man, she yfully swayed his arm, speaking in an unusual


    coquettish tone. ¡°Hubby, it''s toote today. Shall we go to bed? Let''s get up early and work tomorrow.


    Otherwise, I''ll have to stay upte with you.¡±


    Cayden''s eyes were already zing with desire. He gripped her delicate chin, gritting his teeth as he


    said, ¡°Trying to seduce me, huh? Honey, don''t me me if you can''t handle what''sing next!¡±


    Avery thought about his usual behavior in bed, a shiver running through her scalp. Yet, her tender


    hands mischievously slipped into the depths of his shirt, teasing. ¡°That depends on whether you''re up


    to the task.¡±


    Before she could finish his sentence, Cayden abruptly swept Avery off her feet.


    She caught the intensity in his gaze, his eyes both hazy and aze with an all-epassing passion,


    and his words wereced with an underlying fire. ¡°Whether I''m up to the challenge, you''ll discover soon


    enough. Challenging a man''s pride is like ying with fire!¡±


    The consequence of provoking Cayden was evident the following day, as Avery struggled to even get


    out of bed. Walking was a challenge, and her legs were unable toe together. Each step she took


    seemed to tremble, and she felt so weak that she almost needed the support of a housekeeper to


    navigate.


    Facing the inquisitive gazes of the several housekeepers at home, Avery wore a mournful expression


    on her face. That man is great at torturing others. I''ll definitely watch my words around him in the


    future.

 Chapter 744

    Chapter 744


    Chapter 744 Match Made In Heaven


    As night fell, the lights shone brilliantly.


    That night was the celebration of the Fuller Corporation''s anniversary and Kevin''s seventieth birthday. It


    was a double celebration, so the banquet was particrly grand. The banquet was held at a luxurious


    five-star hotel, and celebrities from all walks of life have been invited to attend.


    Various luxury vehicles could be seen everywhere in the parking lot near the hotel.


    Kevin was once a renowned big shot. His son, Samson, led an ordinary life but fathered three capable


    sons. The eldest, Charlie, inherited his grandfather''s mantle and was a rising star in the military. The


    second son, Wilson, founded Fuller Group. Thepany flourished under his prudent management


    and operations as well as his strict and resolute methods. It firmly secured a top economic position in


    Ackleton. The youngest son, Roderick, was making waves abroad.


    Aside from the eldest, Charlie, who got married a few years ago and sired a son and a daughter, the


    other two sons of the Fuller family were still bachelors.


    Wilson was handsome and refined, his every move exuding elegance. Roderick, on the other hand,


    might have a rugged appearance, but his muscr physique and impressive strength were undeniable.


    He was once a top instructor in the special forces. Both men were highly sought-after bachelors.


    Many of the families attending the banquet today were actually there to establish a marriage


    engagement with the men.


    Forming a bond with a powerful family like the Fuller family was naturally an excellent idea. If one


    couldn''t reach the Fuller family''s status, utilizing their resources and connections would be beneficial to


    them. It would pose no harm to their grand business expansion ns.


    The banquet was a whirl of clinking sses and chatters, with celebrities gathering from all sorts of


    ces. Reporters swarmed the hotel, inside and out, making it nearly impossible to get through.


    Kevin was a traditional man. He wasn''t particrly fond of bustling scenes in his youth, but as he aged,


    he grew to enjoy the lively atmosphere. Fuller Group, aiming to increase its prominence, invited many


    journalists.


    Kevin bore a dignified countenance, dressed in festive attire. Despite clearly being in his seventies, his


    quality health routine made him appear as if he was a little over sixty. Furthermore, due to his long-


    standing high position in the military, he possessed a sharp, overpowering demeanor.


    He sat upright on a mahogany chair on the elevated stage of the banquet hall, graciously epting the


    well-wishes of those around him.


    His son and daughter-inw stood by his side. Together, they greeted the guests, graciously epting


    their gifts while beaming.


    In the center of the living room was the realm of the young. Men in tuxedos held their sses,


    engaging in lively discussions. Meanwhile, thedies, dressed gorgeously like butterflies, danced


    across the floor with the gentlemen.


    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Dressed in a ck suit, Wilson stood tall at the railing on the second floor. He held a ss of red wine


    in his hand, his deep brown eyes quietly observing theughter and chatter on the first floor. He took a


    gentle sip.


    At that moment, he hoped Cayden had received his invitation and would bring Avery to the event.


    Even though he knew that she was already married with children, he just couldn''t let her go, despite


    her rejections. Even with the knowledge that her husband had returned, he still hadn''t given up on her.


    He was desperate to know what made the man she deeply loved superior to him. An obsession was


    whispering in his mind, making him wonder what made her prefer to remain a widow rather than ept


    his kindness towards her.


    Just as he was deep in thought, a teasing, soft voice spoke behind him. ¡°Wilson, why are you here all


    by yourself? I remember this isn''t your style. You''ve always enjoyed the hustle and bustle, the


    socializing. Why are you hiding here now?¡±


    Wilson turned his head, and what caught his eye was the sweetly dressed, serene Evangeline.


    Initially, Wilson was so determined to win over Avery that he spent his days at Trident Group


    persistently pursuing her. It was during that time he met Evangeline. She bravely volunteered to be his


    spy, reporting every move and schedule of Avery to him. That was how they became acquainted.


    Evangeline was beautiful and dressed innocently.


    She applied a no-makeup look, appearing as if she had not put on any cosmetics at all, yet still


    captivating enough to keep all eyes on her.


    Her long, silky ck hair, untouched by any dye, cascaded down her back like a waterfall. Dressed in a


    white silk gown and crystal high heels, she looked like a fairy who had descended to earth, attracting


    everyone''s attention.


    Wilson couldn''t help but frown. Thetest version of Evangeline waspletely different from the one


    he used to know.


    She used to dress up in style and alluringly. Yet, for the past two years, she had been leaning toward a


    more innocent look. Sometimes, she would even give off the impression of being a high school student


    who had yet to graduate.


    What puzzled Wilson the most was that in the past two years, her eyes and eyebrows seemed to have


    be somewhat simr to Avery''s. If one didn''t look closely, they might even think the two women


    were biological sisters. Consequently, he almost forgot what she used to look like.


    However, he held back his questions. After all, in modern society, the art of makeup was so advanced


    that even a burly man could transform into a delicate beauty. Some makeup experts could even turn


    their ordinary looks into those of a celebrity. It was not surprising to him that she could change like that.


    Gathering his thoughts, Wilson smiled and said, ¡°I''m not in the mood for socializing today. My older


    brother is entertaining the guests downstairs, which gives me a chance to sneak off and bezy.¡±


    Wilson''s refined features were even more dazzling when he smiled. When Evangeline saw that, her


    heart raced uncontrobly. ¡°Wilson, you seem a bit restless today. What''s wrong?¡±


    She knew that her entry into high society was entirely due to the man before her. From the moment she


    volunteered to be his spy, she understood what she wanted. She merely wanted to seize the


    opportunity to wrap her fingers around him.


    Wilson was handsome, had a sharp business mind, and came from a good family. Unlike those aimless


    spoiled rich brats who indulged in debauchery, he never squandered his life away. His only w was his


    blind affection for Avery, a woman who was already married. Apart from that, he was impable in


    every way.


    Evangeline knew that Wilson was fond of Avery, but she secretly loved him. She kept this unrequited


    love buried deep in her heart, knowing she was just a pawn in his game. If he ever found out about her


    intentions, she was certain he would cast her aside.


    After all, Wilson was a man of reason, so much so that it bordered on terrifying.


    Evangeline''s feelings toward Avery wereplex. She envied and hated Avery, yet, ironically, she had


    been working under Avery for so long that she had no choice but to adapt.


    Before, she thought she was William''s daughter and enjoyed a few days of luxury in the Lambert family.


    In fact, she befriended many people from high society As the Lambert family''s heiress. However, she


    was suddenly informed that she was actually a fake, and Avery was the real heiress of the Lambert


    family.


    That reality plunged Evangeline from heaven into hell in an instant. She became the object of ridicule,


    collectively isted and ostracized by the socialites. That greatly infuriated the proud and aloof


    Evangeline, but she was helpless to change her circumstances.


    Wilson''s appearance was like a fire in the night for her. It illuminated the deepest, darkest of her heart


    while burning her insides with searing heat. It drew out her desire to climb upward.


    ¡°Wilson, I...¡± Evangeline was about to speak to Wilson but suddenly noticed his gaze, which was fixed


    intently on the banquet hall below.


    Wilson, who was always calm, surprisingly lost hisposure.


    In response, Evangeline followed his gaze and saw Avery arm in arm with Cayden gracefully entering


    the hall. Looking at the couple, who seemed like a perfect match made in heaven, she couldn''t help but


    hold her breath.

 Chapter 745

    Chapter 745


    Chapter 745 The Tense Atmosphere Between Two Men


    The banquet hall was filled with the scent of perfumes and the murmur of conversations, but it fell into a


    brief silence due to the arrival of Cayden and Avery. This was followed by a wave of uproar, almost


    drowning out the music flowing through the luxurious hall.


    The banquet was filled with handsome and beautiful celebrities. However, a pair as perfectly matched


    as this man and woman was a rare sight. The moment they appeared, they captured the hearts and


    breaths of many.


    The man''s short hair was as dark as ink, and he was dressed in a pristine white tailcoat. His tinum


    cufflinks, iid with diamonds, were incredibly exquisite.


    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    And then there was his ck silk tie, which entuated his tall and slender figure, making him look


    even more handsome and upright.


    The man before her wore amon tailcoat with such elegance. Particrly, his radiant eyes, deep as


    the sea and cold as ice, exuded an intimidating aura of royalty that instinctivelymanded respect.


    The beautiful woman holding his arm, with her bright, kind eyes and gentle demeanor, was like a


    delicate flower glistening with dew.


    She was not overly adorned with extravagant essories. Her jet-ck hair was simply held up with a


    butterfly hairpin. She wore a white, light chiffon skirt, which entuated her fair and delicate skin,


    reflecting a radiant and lustrous emerald-like color.


    With every move she made, Avery resembled a butterfly poised for flight, simply captivating to the point


    where one couldn''t look away.


    On the second floor, Wilson''s gentle and warm eyes were fixed intently on Avery, who was holding


    Cayden''s hand. His gaze held a hint of gloom. Cayden? Ha!


    Suddenly, he put down his wine ss, looked straight at Evangeline, and asked a seemingly random


    question. ¡°Evangeline, have you ever been in love with someone?¡±


    Her fair skin was tinted with a faint blush of pink. Looking at Wilson, her eyes were filled with infatuation


    and admiration. ¡°Yes, I have loved. Not just liked, but deeply loved.¡±


    Wilsonughed, anguid and captivatingugh. His casual demeanor was rxed and elegant, like a


    refined gentleman. ¡°So, tell me this. What does it feel like to be deeply in love with someone?¡±


    With a passionate tone, she said, ¡°When you love someone, they be the only existence in your


    eyes. Everyone else merely serves as a backdrop. Your whole heart will be lost in him. You will miss


    him every minute and every second, longing to see him anytime, anywhere. When you see him, your


    heart flutters like a frightened deer. When you can''t see him, it feels like your heart is being torn apart.


    That feeling is both sweetly blissful and filled with a thousand sorrows.¡±


    As she spoke these words, she gazed deeply into Wilson''s eyes, a misty haze spreading across her


    pupils.


    Her heart was firmly tied to the man before her, yet he was unaware. Or perhaps he did know, but


    being such a shrewd man, he wouldn''t waste his attention on a mere pawn.


    Evangeline was never a reserved woman. If she wanted something, she would do everything in her


    power to get it. However, she didn''t dare to reveal her true feelings to Wilson, fearing that it would


    rupture their rtionship. She felt she didn''t even have the right to stay by his side. She would rather


    maintain this rtionship of mutual use than expose her deepest secret.


    Wilson gazed at the delicate and graceful figure downstairs. His thin lips curled up in an almost


    imperceptible smile. ¡°You''re right. Every time I see her, I feel exactly as you described...¡±


    The elegant smile on his handsome face was like a ray of dancing sunshine, yet it was for another


    woman, piercing Evangeline''s heart.


    Biting her lip, Evangeline said softly, ¡°Wilson, you... I''m feeling a bit unwell. Could you stay with me for


    a while?¡±


    Wilson was a gentleman, so heforted her gently, ¡°Stay calm. My esteemed guests have arrived. I''ll


    go down to greet them first, and you should join uster. After all, they are your ''friends'' too. Of course,


    if you''re really not feeling well, you should rest upstairs first.¡±


    Evangeline endured the difort within, along with the tears threatening to burst from the corners of


    her eyes.


    She nodded gently, appearing knowledgeable and sensible. ¡°I''ll rest for a bit, then head downter.¡±


    Wilson gently touched her soft hair, a habitual gesture of his that seemed incredibly familiar, yet it never


    failed to set her heart racing.


    Wilson straightened his formal attire, and without a backward nce at Evangeline, who imed to be


    unwell, he descended the stairs. His steps were light and brisk, like a badger-bird in flight.


    Evangeline''s fingers were deeply entwined in the hair he had just caressed. Her forcibly held-back


    tears began to roll down, wetting her face that pretended not to care. Avery... That woman not only


    stole my identity, but she''s also a used woman who''s already been married. She even has three kids,


    and yet she has the audacity to seduce Wilson, who''s not married. She''s simply shameless! I''ll pursue


    my happiness! No matter what, Wilson is mine alone! No one can take him away! No one!


    With a warm and perfect smile on his face, Wilson walked past the chattering crowd and approached


    Cayden and Avery.


    He stared intently at Avery''s delicate face, but the provocation in his eyes was directed at Cayden. He


    extended his hand toward Cayden. ¡°Mr. Moore, nice to meet you!¡±


    The strikingly handsome Cayden gave Wilson a slight nod, the former''s demeanor as cold as ice.


    Cayden made no move to shake hands with Wilson, and his tant disregard left Wilson somewhat


    embarrassed.


    Cayden squinted slightly, ncing at Wilson. With a strong sense of possession, he pulled Avery into


    his arms, dering his ownership.


    Wilson, who had always harbored improper thoughts toward Avery, also held inappropriate intentions


    toward Avery, which greatly displeased Cayden.


    The moment when the two men''s gazes locked, the air around them seemed to freeze into ice.


    Everyone around could feel the tense atmosphere between them. Avery really disliked Wilson''s tant


    staring. This man is a bothersome person. He almost drove me to the brink of copse with his


    relentless pursuit during the two years that Cayden was absent.


    So, upon seeing Wilson, Avery naturally felt a strong aversion toward him.


    And in that moment, Wilson was momentarily lost, captivated by her timid and lovable demeanor.


    After all, he was an elite who had been in the business world for many years. He quickly adjusted his


    mentality, secretly mocking himself. I''m long past the age of young love, but I always fail to manage my


    emotions well whenever I encounter this woman.


    Just as he was about to speak again, Roderick''s rough voice suddenly rang out. ¡°Wilson, I''ve been


    looking for you for a long time. Hurry over here. I have something to discuss with you...¡±


    When Roderick saw Cayden, the former was clearly taken aback. His fierce brows furrowed deeply,


    and a dangerous, ruthless glint shed in his eyes.

 Chapter 746

    Chapter 746


    Chapter 746 Cayden Is Too Arrogant


    The atmosphere in the banquet hall became incredibly tense due to the sudden appearance of


    Roderick.


    Roderick was momentarily stunned, but it onlysted a second. He quickly regained hisposure, his


    wild eyes unabashedly scanning Cayden from head to toe.


    With remarkable speed, he concealed the murderous intent in his eyes. Roderick extended his hand


    towards Cayden and said, ¡°Mr. Moore.¡±


    Cayden did not refuse as he shook Roderick''s hand tightly. ¡°Mr. Roderick.¡±


    One person was cool and handsome, and the other was wild and unrestrained, creating a strong


    contrast.


    That was the second time Cayden directly confronted Roderick. The two men locked eyes, silently


    challenging each other, with the surrounding music serving as their backdrop.


    Roderick was secretly taken aback. Two years ago, when he shook hands with Cayden, thetter''s grip


    wasn''t that strong. At that moment, though, it felt as if Cayden was about to crush Roderick''s hand.


    Roderick couldn''t help but wonder how could such a drastic change have urred.


    Cayden stood there quietly. His handsome face was peerlessly elegant yet extremely aloof. His eyes


    possessed a chilling coldness as if winter was trapped inside them. The regal dominance emanating


    from him exerted strong pressure. Even Roderick, who had experienced countless life-and-death


    situations, could sense it.


    ¡°Cayden...¡± Avery''s unease intensified, and she couldn''t help but tighten her grip on Cayden''s arm.


    She knew very well that Roderick was the culprit who caused her separation from Cayden for two


    years. The reason she was frustrated was because she didn''t have any evidence to bring him to


    justice.


    Cayden gave Avery a calming look, gently pinching her slender waist as a gesture offort.


    However, Avery was somewhat worried. The Fuller family had been a prestigious family for centuries,


    their existence and rise even predating the Moore family by several decades. Later on, it was thanks to


    Cayden''s generation that the Moore family flourished, bing a powerful force.


    The Moore family and the Fuller family have always avoided interfering with one another.


    Cayden and Wilson had once fiercelypeted in the business world. On the other hand, he had very


    little interaction with Roderick.


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    That was their second official handshake.


    Cayden was handsome and aloof, charming and elegant, the man of many high society''sdies''


    dreams. Meanwhile, Roderick was rugged and tough, but he was equally capable and courageous. His


    appearance was slightly less attractive than Cayden''s, but his abilities were not to be underestimated.


    Roderick smirked. ¡°I heard a while ago that Mr. Moore was unintentionally involved in the Mocset gang


    shootout. They say you narrowly escaped death from that gunfight. At first, I didn''t believe it, but now


    that I see you here at Fuller Group''s banquet, the rumors seem true. It''s rare for someone to walk away


    unscathed from a fiery explosion. Seeing that you have all limbs intact, you must be quite lucky, Mr.


    Moore.¡±


    ¡°I''ve always been lucky. By the way, I was not involved in a gang shootout. That incident was an attack


    in Mocset, a premeditated and organized attempt on my life. Now, I''ve uncovered some of the details


    about that incident. I, Cayden, am a man who always seeks revenge. Those who have harmed me in


    the past will surely pay in the future!¡±


    With a smile on his face, Cayden casually mentioned his past brush with death, causing an uproar at


    the banquet.


    He was a man who was extremely good at concealing himself. His face wore the most elegant and


    appropriate smile. However, that smile gave off a chilling vibe, causing Roderick to grow apprehensive.


    He feigned surprise, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Oh? Someone actually dared toy a hand on Mr. Moore?


    Which reckless b*stard has gotten tired of living?¡±


    It had been years since that incident. Additionally, Roderick had handled everything so perfectly that


    even the Remdikian government couldn''t find anything at the time. As such, he didn''t believe that


    Cayden could dig up the truth from two years ago.


    Cayden closed his eyes, his voice calm and steady. ¡°You need not concern yourself with my affairs, Mr.


    Roderick. Perhaps you know the person I''m referring to.¡±


    The air between the two was thick with the smell of gunpowder. The threatening undertone in Cayden''s


    words was not lost on Wilson.


    Wilson pulled Roderick aside before reprimanding, ¡°Mr. Moore is here to attend Fuller Group''s


    anniversary celebration. What are you trying to do, Roderick?¡±


    With a disdainful snort, Roderick flicked his sleeve, casting a meaningful nce at the petite and


    beautiful Avery standing next to Cayden. Then, he strode away. Although, before he left, his eyes were


    filled with absolute lewdness, cruelty, and scheming.


    Roderick ascended to the second floor.


    In a secluded, deserted corner, he made a mysterious phone call. ¡°Bring me thetest concoction


    you''ve developed... Yes, I want it now. Make sure there''s plenty of it. Bring it to me immediately! I want


    Cayden''s woman beneath me tonight. I never paid much attention before, but now I realize she''s quite


    a catch. Her face is pure, and her figure is great. She looks like someone I''d want to ''take care of.'' A


    woman who''s had a child has a certain charm. I''m sure spending time with her will be quite the


    experience...¡±


    After a brief respite in the quiet second-floor lounge, Evangeline grew worried that Wilson might be


    bewitched by Avery. She wanted to go downstairs to the banquet hall. At that moment, she heard a


    man on the phone.


    Upon hearing the man''s conversation, she felt her heart raced wildly, and an excited expression


    appeared on her face.


    She held her breath, daring not to make a sound, tiptoeing like a cat while clutching the hem of her


    skirt.


    Before she could take two steps toward the ball, a powerful hand grabbed her by the neck and flung


    her harshly to the ground!


    Inside the banquet hall, Wilson''s gaze fell on Avery, who was standing next to Cayden, with a hint of


    subtle admiration. ¡°Mr. Moore is fortunate to have married Ms. Rumpley, a woman who embodies


    beauty and talent. I wonder how many lifetimes of good fortune it took you to win her over. If she


    weren''t married, I would have done everything in my power to pursue her.¡±


    Avery felt a tingling sensation under his intense gaze.


    In response, she red at him fiercely. When her gaze met Wilson''s eyes, he perceived her being


    yfully annoyed with him, making himugh even more unabashedly.


    Cayden pressed Avery''s head against his chest, preventing her from facing Wilson directly. With an icy


    tone, he said, ¡°Avery and I have been married for a long time, and we even have a child. She is my


    wife for life. Mr. Wilson, you should give up any hopes of getting her in this lifetime.¡±


    Wilson smiled warmly, his eyes glinting. ¡°Mr. Moore, you''re being too absolute. Even the most loving


    couples can have misunderstandings. You should be careful. If the day you upset heres, she may


    just run into someone else''s arms.¡±


    His tant provocation was extremely grating to Cayden.


    However, instead of being livid, Cayden still smiled.


    Under the bright, shimmering lights, the man''s eyes twinkled, shrouded in ayer of captivating charm.


    ¡°Rest assured, Mr. Wilson. My love for Avery will only die when my flesh does. She feels the same


    toward me, too. Otherwise, she would have fallen for someone else during the two years of my


    disappearance. Yet, she remained steadfast, guarding our home and our children. She says she will


    always belong to me, both in life and death. No matter how outstanding other men are, they are just a


    swarm of annoying buzzing flies in her eyes. So, what do I have to fear?¡±


    Cayden heavily emphasized hisst words. It was his payback at Wilson for annoying him.


    Wrapping his arm around Avery''s waist, he led her toward the guest seats in the banquet hall, no


    longer paying attention to Wilson.


    As Wilson gazed at their intimate figures, he scowled, and the displeasure in his eyes grew more


    intense. Cayden is way too arrogant!

 Chapter 747

    Chapter 747


    Chapter 747 Do Me A Favor


    On the second floor, Evangeline was rubbing her tailbone, which was nearly broken from the fall. She


    looked up in terror at the man who towered over her.


    That body, robust like Schwarzenegger''s, was like a moving mountain.


    When he turned over, she could see nothing else but the solid muscles on his body, each protruding


    piece fitting into the next, taut to the point of being startling.


    ¡°What did you just hear?¡± Roderick stared intently at Evangeline. From the tension in her eyes, it was


    clear that she had heard quite a bit.


    Raising her right hand, she steeled herself and swore, ¡°I-I didn''t hear anything... Really... I promise- No,


    I swear. I just happened to be passing by. I swear I''ll die a horrible death if I lie!¡±


    She didn''t know who this rugged, wild man before her was. But anyone who could gain entry to an


    event like today''s was undoubtedly either wealthy or noble.


    At first nce, he may be dressed casually¡ªalmost like a rogue¡ªbut her discerning eyes could easily


    tell that every piece of clothing he wore was of considerable value.


    This man must hold a high status. He isn''t someone whom amoner like me could afford to offend.


    I must deal with him with care and caution.


    Otherwise, he can easily crush me as if I were nothing more than an ant.


    Evangeline bravely locked eyes with Roderick, her expression pitiful.


    She knew her greatest strength was ying the part of the delicate and obedient girl. She was adept at


    leveraging her assets, and during her time at thepany, she had used this tactic to win over many


    men, making them willingly revolve around her.


    The man before her was a stranger. Yet inexplicably, she felt a sense of familiarity.


    And, of course, she could clearly see the malice andscivious intention in his eyes.


    Overwhelmed by fear and helplessness, an instinctual urge to flee surged within her. Yet, it felt as if she


    was glued to the floor by some omnipotent adhesive. Under his oppressive presence, she couldn''t


    even muster the courage to stand.


    A cunning man like Roderick¡ªwho had navigated through a myriad of experiences and deeply


    understands human psychology¡ªwould surely know that she must have heard something. It was


    impossible for him to let her off so easily.


    He picked up Evangeline from the ground as if he was holding a little chick.


    Her slender body trembled quietly under his iron grip. She struggled fiercely, trying to wriggle out from


    the crook of his arm and escape.


    But in the next moment, Roderick grabbed her hair. She felt as if her scalp were nearly torn apart.


    The pain was so intense that it brought tears to her eyes. ¡°I-I really didn''t see anything, nor did I hear


    anything... Please, sir, I beg you to let me go...¡±


    He forcefully tugged at her hair, forcing her to face him. ¡°What''s your name?¡±


    ¡°E-Evangeline...¡±


    Although Evangeline wasn''t particrly beautiful, her jet-ck eyes were filled with tears at this


    moment. She was half-biting her red lips helplessly due to fear, and her body was fluctuating due to


    nervousness, which gave off a unique feeling.


    Roderick''s lustful desire rose. A yful urge surged within him, and without a second thought, he bit


    down hard on her lips.


    ¡°No, don''t...¡± Evangeline couldn''t help but cry out in pain.


    The voice¡ªseemingly pained yet coquettish¡ªonly served to entice Roderick more, leading him to start


    tearing at her gown.


    Evangeline''s struggle and resistance were not weak. However, in front of Roderick, it was undoubtedly


    like attempting the impossible.


    In her desperation, she blurted out in panic, ¡°Let me go, I-I''m Wilson''s woman! If you dare to harm me,


    Wilson will never let you off...¡±


    ¡°Oh? You''re my second older brother, Wilson''s woman? Why have I never heard him mention you


    before?¡± Roderick slightly paused his inappropriate behavior.


    Is Wilson this man''s second older brother?


    C-Could it be that he is the notorious Mr. Roderick, who even Old Mr. Fuller finds troublesome due to


    his unrestrained and unconventional behavior?


    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    She looked at him in quiet astonishment, her eyes sparkling. ¡°Yes, I am Wilson''s girlfriend. We''ve been


    together for quite some time now. He said he''ll take me to the Fuller residence soon. If you don''t


    believe me, you can ask him for confirmation.¡±


    Roderick fixed his lecherous gaze on her quietly twinkling eyes, effortlessly discerning her lies.


    He sneered menacingly, ¡°So what if you''re his woman? Do you really think our family would let a


    woman like you step through our doors? You''re nothing more than a cheap ything, and you dare to


    dream of him bringing you into our family? Today, I''ll teach you a lesson about the rules of the Fuller


    family!¡±


    He pressed Evangeline against the wall. His hands, rough with calluses, skillfully found their way into


    her clothes.


    As an experienced womanizer, his superb skills quickly made her pant in a delicate and charming


    manner.


    She copsed softly into his arms like a puddle of water.


    She was not an innocent and inexperienced girl. In fact, before she met Wilson, she loved to have fun


    and frequently changed boyfriends, leading a rather exciting personal life.


    After meeting Wilson, she aspired to join the ranks of the wealthy. Fearing that he might uncover her


    unsavory past, she severed all ties with her previous life, forcing herself to be a reserved and


    dignified girl.


    Heaven knows how these past two years of a painfully conservative lifestyle have nearly driven her


    insane.


    At this moment, Roderick''s actions stirred the deepest feelings within her. Unconsciously, her legs


    wrapped around his waist. She bent her body, yearning for more from him.


    Roderick looked disdainfully at her. In her passionate eyes, he saw her greed.


    In an instant, he felt a wave of boredom. He discarded Evangeline like tossing out the trash and spat


    out two words of contempt. ¡°How cheap!¡±


    His words were like a bucket of cold water,pletely extinguishing the burning passion in her heart.


    She turned away in embarrassment, not wanting to see his contemptuous gaze. She felt utterly


    humiliated and silently berated herself. Why couldn''t I hold back just now?


    With a wicked smirk, he blurted something unexpected to her, ¡°Do you want to join the Fuller family?¡±


    For a moment, she was stumped. ¡°W-What?¡±


    I''m already like this, having revealed my true self in front of him. Even if I wanted to join the Fuller


    family, this man would surely do everything in his power to stop me. But what did he mean by what he


    just said?


    Roderick suddenly licked his lips. He leaned in to whisper something in her ear, extending an offer to


    her. ¡°Help me with something, and I''ll fulfill your wish to enter the Fuller family!¡±


    At the banquet hall, Evangeline looked at Avery, who was always holding onto Cayden''s arm. Avery


    was exquisitely beautiful and elegant. Her attire was extremely luxurious, yet there was not a hint of


    vulgarity. She appeared youthful and vibrant, yet alsoposed and dignified.


    Even if Avery was surrounded by a sea of distinguished and elegantdies, one''s gaze would still be


    drawn to her first.


    Especially when seeing Cayden''s affectionate demeanor toward Avery, Evangeline felt a sudden pang


    in her heart. Evangeline gritted her teeth and walked toward Avery to greet thetter...

 Chapter 748

    Chapter 748


    Chapter 748 She Still Got Poisoned


    Seemingly aware of the silent gaze, Avery turned her head to look at the woman and was slightly taken


    aback for a moment.


    It had been a long time since shest saw Evangeline. Unexpectedly, she ran into her at this banquet.


    Wrapped in an air of serene luxury and opulence, Evangeline''s gown was intricately crafted to highlight


    her waist. The gown''s train was adorned with an array of glistening diamonds, unmistakably a bespoke


    creation from a renowned high-end designer.


    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    With the current financial capability, it was simply impossible for her to afford such high-end couture.


    Her scrutinizing gaze fell upon Evangeline as if she were examining something distasteful, making


    Evangeline''s face burn with embarrassment.


    Even when dressed in fine clothes, Evangeline still felt like an insecure ugly duckling. In front of Avery,


    who exuded such elegant grace like a white swan, she could not help but feel a sense of self-contempt.


    Avery let go of Cayden''s arm, whispered a few words to him, and then walked to Evangeline.


    Approaching Evangeline, Avery shed her a radiant smile. ¡°Evangeline, it''s been a while. Are you also


    here for the Fuller family''s banquet?¡±


    Avery had consistently shown generosity and grace toward the woman who had once extended a


    helping hand to her. Whether in terms of material support or assistance with tasks, she always went


    above and beyond to offer her utmost help.


    However, for reasons unknown, Evangeline had begun to keep her distance from Avery.


    Evangeline intentionally adjusted her posture, her tone tinged with a sense of pride. ¡°Oh, yes. Wilson


    extended a personal invitation for me to join the Fuller family''s annual event. How could I decline such


    an offer? He even went out of his way to have this gown made for me. Honestly, I hadn''t initially


    intended to attend...¡±


    Whenever Wilson''s name was brought up, Evangeline would intentionally adopt a bashful demeanor.


    Her blend of delicate and more overt self-promotion left Avery''s eye twitching.


    Avery wished for a means to break free from Wilson''s influence. If Evangeline and Wilson had chosen


    to be together, it might actually end up being a blessing in disguise for Avery.


    She responded to Evangeline with a warm smile. ¡°Congrattions then. Cherish your rtionship with


    him. I give you my blessings.¡±


    Observing Avery''s seemingly nonchnt attitude, Evangeline experienced an unexinable pang in


    her heart, yet she maintained a genuine fa?ade. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Evangeline could not shake the feeling that Avery had somehow taken away her identity and status as


    the Lambert family''s daughter, even though Avery was the biological daughter of the family.


    Evangeline''s thoughts seemed to encapste the essence of human nature. Before experiencing a life


    of luxury, the very idea had been beyond her wildest dreams, but once she had genuinely savored that


    privileged existence and allowed herself to bepletely engrossed in it, only to see it suddenly


    wrested away by another, it was only natural for a profound sense of resentment to bloom toward the


    one who had deprived her of it¡ªeven if the person was merely reiming their rightful privileges.


    That was the kind ofplex emotion Evangeline had with Avery, even though she clearly knew that


    Avery was the biological daughter of the Lambert family.


    Nheless, a persistent feeling lingered within her that, had it not been for Avery, she could have


    effortlessly spent her life as the affluent Lambert family''s daughter without anyone unveiling her true


    status. Regrettably, life had a way of defying expectations. If it weren''t for Avery...


    A flicker of resentment shed through Evangeline''s eyes, but she quickly concealed it.


    Given Avery''s current standing, she could not risk provoking her.


    Evangeline''s heart was a swirl of emotions. She headed to the banquet table and poured two sses


    of red wine.


    As Avery''s attention was elsewhere, she discreetly slipped a tiny, nearly imperceptible white pill into the


    red wine.


    Sporting a beaming smile, Evangeline presented Avery with a ss of red wine that was free of the


    drug. ¡°Avery, these past couple of years at thepany, I owe so much to your guidance and support.


    It''s because of you that my career has flourished. I truly appreciate all you''ve done for me, and it


    means a lot to me. Today, I want to raise a toast to you!¡±


    After speaking, Evangeline handed one of the sses of red wine to Avery, looking at her with a


    radiant smile.


    ¡°Thank you. If you hadn''t given your testimony back then, I might have been implicated in the cheating


    incident during the exam. It''s actually me who should be thanking you.¡± Avery epted the red wine


    but refrained from taking a sip.


    Even after over two years of being deeply involved in the business world, Avery remained cautious and


    watchful in every situation, even when dealing with Evangeline, who had once been her benefactor.


    Evangeline could clearly see Avery''s hesitation and inner conflict.


    She chuckled, swapping her wine ss with Avery''s, and then boldly downed her drink in one gulp.


    The wine, as crimson as blood, was drained to thest drop.


    Avery observed as Evangeline effortlessly finished a full ss of red wine without any apparent


    problem. Her attention then shifted to Cayden, who was standing nearby. In the end, Avery picked up


    the ss of red wine, and without a hint of hesitation, she downed it in a single gulp.


    Aside from a slight bitterness in the taste of the wine, there were no other adverse reactions.


    As Avery discreetly finished her red wine, a brief smirk flitted across Evangeline''s face, disappearing


    almost instantly.


    She stole a nce at Cayden, who had been consistently ncing in Avery''s direction, and let out a


    soft chuckle, her hand covering her mouth. ¡°Avery, it looks like Mr. Moore can''t keep his eyes off you.


    He seems a bit restless with you being away from his side. Well then, I won''t intrude on you two any


    longer.¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about? You must have seen it wrong, he''s just chatting with his friends.¡± Avery


    could not help but look toward Cayden.


    Observing him actively conversing with others while his gaze repeatedly wandered back to her, she


    could not help but feel a blush warm her cheeks.


    Avery returned to Cayden''s side.


    Assertively, Cayden enveloped Avery in his embrace, his gaze tracking the figure moving away. His


    eyes narrowed with a hint of annoyance. ¡°Why does it seem like that woman is always brewing


    trouble?¡±


    He held an uncanny intuition that Evangeline''s innocence was a fa?ade. Right from their initial


    encounter, he had this nagging feeling about her.


    Avery could not help but give him a disgruntled look. ¡°What are you talking about? She''s my


    benefactor. Why would she harbor ill intentions toward me?¡±


    ¡°You must always be on guard. I don''t want you to drink anymore. If you insist, I''ll drink with you when


    we get home,¡± Cayden uttered.


    Avery responded, ¡°I know. I just felt awkward to decline her offer.¡±


    Cayden furrowed his brow. ¡°She did something so minor, yet you remember it so well. Besides, you''ve


    already done more than enough to repay her over thest two years. But now, it seems she''s


    leveraging that favor for something in return. How innocent can she be?¡±


    ¡°All right, all right. Don''t make a mountain out of a molehill. If there was something wrong with that


    wine, do you think I''d still be standing here, talking to you?¡± Avery retorted.


    Avery continued to apany Cayden in social engagements.


    Looking at the triumphant faces of the Fuller brothers at the banquet hall, Cayden gently whispered into


    Avery''s ear, his arm around her waist. ¡°There''s going to be a major change to the Fuller family.¡±


    ¡°Why? What have you done?¡± As soon as she posed the question, Avery suddenly felt an urgent need


    to use the restroom.


    She then told Cayden that she needed to use the restroom, looking quite anxious.


    Cayden originally nned to apany her, but considering his uing secret n, he called for a


    female attendant to apany Avery.


    As soon as Avery was finished in the restroom, a wave of instant relief swept over her body, though this


    comfort was short-lived,sting no more than a couple of seconds.


    Suddenly, she felt an intense heat coursing through her body, a surge of warmth rising rapidly within


    her that she could not control.


    A tumultuous uproar surged within her, to the extent that her rationality had been clouded. All she


    desired was to find a man to vent her frustrations.

 Chapter 749

    Chapter 749


    Chapter 749 The Arm Out Of Nowhere


    In the shooting room second floor of the banquet hall, Wilson was standing with his hands in his


    pockets, leaning against the railing. Watching Roderick approach, he scolded him in annoyance, ¡°How


    many times have I told you, Roderick? You should have gone abroad toy low. Why won''t you listen?


    Why did you provoke Cayden again today? I heard he''s secretly investigating the attack and the truth


    behind the ne incident. Even the most careful ns have ws. You''ve never confronted him


    directly, you have no idea how terrifying he can be!¡±


    Roderick stopped in front of the other man, wearing a cold smile on his face. ¡°You''re really making a


    mountain out of a molehill, aren''t you, Wilson? Too fond of chasing shadows, perhaps? I told you I


    would handle everything. He won''t uncover the truth. Even if he finds something, any leads will only


    point to the scapegoats.¡±


    Wilson waved a hand while asserting forcefully, ¡°You could do with a lesson in humility, Roderick, or


    you''ll be bound to stumble. Regardless, after Grandpa''s seventieth birthday tonight, you will go abroad.


    This is not negotiable!¡±


    ¡°I think you''re losing your mind, Wilson,¡± Roderick said, irritated. ¡°Since when is it your ce to worry


    about my affairs? Are you so idle that you''re going crazy? Does that woman, Evangeline, not satisfy


    you? I heard she is a wild one.¡±


    Wilson scowled. ¡°What does she have to do with this? Evangeline is not a woman you can mess with.


    Don''t provoke her. I don''t care what you have to deal with back home. Put it aside for now. Charlie has


    already arranged a private jet for you, bound for Italy quietly. You must leave tonight.¡±


    ¡°There is a way for me to concede and listen to you, Wilson. How about we make a bet?¡±


    ¡°What are we betting on?¡±


    Roderick pointed at the target in the shooting room. ¡°See the five rings on that target?¡± he said, his


    expression a mix of seriousness and amusement. ¡°Let''s have a shootingpetition. Whoever hits the


    bullseye the most times wins.¡±


    ¡°That''s all?¡± Wilson could not believe it.


    Though Roderick was a renowned sharpshooter, few people know that he, seemingly frail, has also


    spent several years honing his skills in the military. His marksmanship was equally impressive, leaving


    people in awe, and it was not much different from Roderick''s.


    ¡°Indeed, that''s all. I''ll go first.¡±


    As he was speaking, Roderick smirked, picked up a pistol, and without any hesitation, fired at the


    target.


    His marksmanship was impable. With six bullets fired, not a single one was wasted; every single


    one struck the dead center of the target.


    After his shot, he swiftly loaded it with bullets and handed the pistol to Wilson. ¡°It''s your turn, Wilson,¡±


    he said with a mischievous smile. ¡°You''re a little rusty, aren''t you? To avoid any ims of unfair


    competition, I''ve loaded this pistol with seven bullets. If you hit six, I''ll consider it your victory.¡±


    Wilson''s brows furrowed even deeper. ¡°So, if I beat you, you''ll go with the arrangements Charlie and I


    have made?¡± he asked skeptically.


    He took the pistol and aimed at the target, but for some reason, a strong sense of unease surged within


    him.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Roderick said, his expression impassive. ¡°If you lose, however, you are not allowed to


    interfere in any of my affairs. Moreover, you must convince Charlie not to meddle in my matters either.¡±


    Wilson nodded. ¡°Very well.¡±


    He began to fire. In the aftermath of the reverberation of seven deafening bangs in a row, each one of


    the bullets was found stacked on top of the one before it, at the very center of the target. His lips curled


    with a satisfied smile.


    Roderick apuded, a sinister smile on his lips. ¡°I didn''t expect your skills to still be intact after being


    inactive for such a long time. I truly admire you, Wilson! What a pity about the beautiful woman,


    though.¡±


    A sudden heaviness weighed on Wilson''s heart. His intuition told him that something was amiss yet he


    could not quite put his finger on what was wrong.


    Roderick burst into heartyughter, filled with a mix of sarcasm and triumph.


    The look he gave his brother was one of contempt.


    ¡°You and Charlie are always so cautious, trembling with every step you take, afraid that if you move too


    fast, you''ll shatter into pieces. But how can one stand at the peak of power without a bit of


    ruthlessness? Without courage, how can you bring mountains of gold and silver to the Xenos family? I,


    on the other hand, have always been braver than both of you. I have single-handedly brought in nearly


    half of the Xenos family''s wealth. You two don''t have what it takes!¡±


    Roderick walked over to the target and whipped away the white cloth with a flourish.


    Reflected in Wilson''s pupils was the sight of a beautiful woman, her body drenched in fresh blood.


    Her mouth was tightly gagged, and her pupils dted in fear. Having been shot seven times, her body


    was a horrific sight to behold.


    The woman looked somewhat familiar. It took Wilson a while to recall¡ªshe seemed to be Yana, the


    female singer in the entertainment industry known for her stunning figure.


    Wilson''s heart was cold as ice. He closed his eyes in pain.


    In a fit of rage, he grabbed Roderick by the cor and pressed the muzzle of his gun at thetter''s


    head. ¡°The Xenos family has always been known for its integrity and righteousness,¡± he roared. ¡°How


    could someone as cruel and unfilial as you emerge from us? You treat human lives like disposable


    pawns. You''re not fit to be a soldier! Why would you do this?¡±


    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    Roderick chuckled sarcastically. ¡°Ha! The Xenos family being righteous and upright is the best joke I''ve


    heard! It is full of internal strife, with everybody preying like wolves and tigers with all kinds of dirty


    tricks. When we three were almost killed by the legitimate line, where was this righteousness then?


    Besides, I''ve long since retired from the military, and money is king in society today. What use is there


    in being upright? I don''t care what means I have to resort to as long as I can make money.¡±


    He walked up to the lifeless body of the female singer, covering his nose in disgust. ¡°As for this woman,


    I''ve had my fill of her long ago; she dared to use her pregnancy to ckmail me into marriage,


    threatening to expose our rtionship and even my criminal evidence. She truly deserves her fate.


    Killing her like this is actually letting her off easy! Don''t even think about meddling in my affairs, Wilson


    or I would be forced to do something I don''t want to do.¡±


    He nced at his watch and realized that an hour had already slipped by.


    He spected that the woman named Avery was about to sumb to the effects of the drug. Without


    a backward nce, he left, leaving Wilson alone and staring in shock at the bloody corpse of the


    woman. Overwhelmed by pain, he squatted down and clutched his head.


    ...


    The night grew increasingly enigmatic.


    It was hot, so hot it felt like it was on the brink of explosion. Wave after wave of the surging heat within


    her body grew more intense with every passing minute.


    Avery''s mind was inplete disarray. Devoid of any strength from head to toe, even the slightest


    movement felt like a struggle.


    The intense heat and restlessness coursing through her body almost seemed to sear, melting her from


    within.


    Instinctively, she curled up her body, desperately rubbing it against the icy cold wall. She even turned


    on the faucet and doused her head with water, but it did nothing to alleviate the turmoil within her.


    Instead, it seemed to intensify with every passing moment.


    What on earth is going on?


    After an indeterminate amount of time, Avery finally came to her senses in a daze. She realized she


    had been drugged.


    Staggering as she opened the bathroom door, she tried to head toward the banquet. Just as she


    stepped out of the bathroom, however, she was seized by a powerful arm around her slender waist,


    which pulled her so forcefully that she collided with a chest as hard as an iron wall.

 Chapter 750

    Chapter 750


    Chapter 750 Who Exactly Is That Man


    Avery wasying inside a luxury suite of a hotel.


    The drug coursing through Avery''s body was controlling her thoughts to the point where she couldn''t


    even think. Her mind was foggy, and she had no idea what day it was, let alone who the man having


    sex with her was.


    Her internal heat and dryness were almost driving her to madness.


    She could only slightly alleviate her difort by pressing herself against him.


    As the night grew darker, the sex between the two became ever more intense.


    It wasn''t until dawn that the effects of the drug gradually wore off within Avery''s body. Overwhelmed by


    extreme fatigue, she drifted into a deep sleep.


    The next day, when Avery woke up in the hotel room, it was already nearing noon.


    Just as she woke up, a tearing pain surged between her legs, so intense that she almost let out a


    stifled cry.


    The pain also caused a strong surge of shock to ripple through Avery''s heart.


    The images of her having sex with a strange manst night suddenly started reying in her mind,


    frame by frame.


    In an instant, Avery screamed like a madwoman, her heart aching.


    At that moment, she remembered everything.


    Last night, she attended Fuller Group''s banquet with Cayden. At some point, she seemed to have


    visited the restroom. However, when she came out, her body was unbearably hot, as if she had been


    drugged. No matter how much she tried to cool down with cold water, it was to no avail. In fact, the


    more she came into contact with cold water, the hotter she felt.


    After that, she was led away by a stranger.


    The unfamiliar man, whose face she couldn''t recall, tormented her throughout the night.


    Tried as she might, but she couldn''t figure out who the man was.


    Avery couldn''t recall a thing. However, the thought of herself in a strange room, having been intimate


    with an unknown man, made her heartache to the point of trembling.


    The guilt of infidelity, coupled with self-loathing, quickly overwhelmed her.


    She was the wife of Cayden, the mother of three children, yet the most detestable thing in her life has


    happened.


    She was drugged and taken advantage of.


    Even though she didn''t do it on purpose, the undeniable fact remained that she spent the entire night


    with another man.


    She couldn''t bear to imagine what would happen if Cayden and the children found out about that and


    how much they would despise her.


    The room''s decor was extremely luxurious.


    Used tissues were scattered around on the floor.


    Her throbbing pain still remained.


    Scene after scene shed before Avery''s eyes, each one reminding her of the terrifying fact that she


    had slept with a stranger.


    Avery saw her formal attire in the corner of the room by the bed, nearly torn into ragged strips.


    On the bedside table in the room, there was a set of brand-new clothes.


    She closed her eyes in pain, weakly dressing herself. Surprisingly, the clothes fit her perfectly.


    However, she had no time to ponder the reasons. Without even washing her face, she dashed straight


    into the reception area on the first floor.


    The reception desk was managed by two youthful and attractive women.


    Upon seeing Avery''s unkempt appearance, they remainedposed. With a sweet voice, one of them


    asked her, ¡°Esteemed guest, what services may we assist you with?¡±


    Avery clenched her fists tightly, her voice trembling as she said, ¡°I am the guest from room 1608. I want


    to ask, who brought me to this roomst night? I drank too muchst night and can''t remember much.


    Could you help me find out?¡±


    The country had instated explicit regtions stating that one must present an ID card when checking


    into a hotel. She wanted to know the identity of that unfamiliar man.


    The two receptionists exchanged a nce. One of them quickly typed the room number into the


    computer to check the guest registration information. However, the registration only showed the name


    ¡°Avery,¡± with no other guests listed.


    The receptionist replied politely, ¡°I''m sorry, Ms. Rumpley, but ording tost night''s room registration,


    only your name was listed. It indicates that you were the only one who checked in, with no other


    guests. Could it be that you might have remembered it incorrectly?¡±


    Avery broke down a little and screamed, ¡°Impossible! There was clearly another person herest night.


    Howe there was only me? I think you guys are the ones who got it wrong!¡±


    The receptionist left with no other choice, printed out the information disyed on theputer, and


    handed it smoothly to Avery. ¡°Ms. Rumpley, if you have any doubts, you can check the details of your


    check-in fromst night,¡± she said.


    Avery directly snatched it from her hands.


    Then, she saw the information for room 1608 indeed showed that she was the only one who stayed


    therest night.


    That fact almost drove her to the brink of copse!


    If only that were the case. However, the physical evidence on her body and in the room served as a


    stark reminder of the horrifying situation that no woman would ever wish to face.


    She didn''t know who the other party was, yet they knew her ID card number well enough to book a


    room in her name.


    As such, she wondered if the man was Cayden.


    With a glimmer of hope in her heart, she borrowed the phone from the front desk. Filled with unease,


    she dialed Cayden''s mobile number.


    After the call went through, she suddenly remembered. Cayden''s private cell phone never epted


    calls from unknown numbers.


    Just as she was about to hang up, a maic male voice came from the other end. ¡°Hello?¡±


    Avery didn''t overthink why Cayden would answer a call made from the hotel''sndline. She anxiously


    asked, ¡°Cayden, it''s Avery. Last night... why was I the only one who came back? Where are you?¡±


    Cayden''s voice was gentle but seemed filled with exhaustion. ¡°Last night, when you went to the


    restroom, you sent me a message saying you weren''t feeling well and had to go home early. At that


    time, I was urgently dealing with matters concerning Roderick, so I didn''t ask further. The issues with


    Roderick are quiteplex and not easy to handle, so I''ve been busy until now. I didn''t even have timeThis text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    to call you. I''m sorry, Honey. What''s wrong? Are you feeling better now?¡±


    Promptly, thendline phone fell to the ground.


    Avery was in agony, tearing at her long hair, hystericallyughing and crying at the same time. She


    looked like a madwoman who had lost all reason, startling the two wide-eyed receptionists.


    Avery felt as if she had fallen into a massive web as a silkworm cocoon, tightly wrapped by the dark


    net. Whether she struggled or not, there was an indescribable pain all over her body. She couldn''t


    escape, couldn''t break free. The pain was so intense that it made her contemte death!


    She was no longer the pure and beautiful wife in Cayden''s heart nor the gentle and loving mother in the


    children''s minds. At that moment, she had be tainted, a loose woman.


    As such, she believed she was unfit to be a wife, let alone a mother!


    ¡°Ms. Rumpley, are you... Are you alright?¡± the receptionist asked cautiously, looking at her with a gaze


    full of sympathy.


    The hotel guests,ing and going, were whispering about Avery. They sized her up and harbored


    doubts in their hearts. This young and beautiful woman appears so clean and neat, yet her behavior is


    so abnormal. Could she possibly have a mental illness?


    Inside the hall, the security guard on duty wanted to assist Avery, but she forcefully shrugged him off.


    With stiff steps, Avery walked outside the hotel, feeling hollow.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!