《Awake for Love: My Coma Bridegroom》


 Chapter 1

    Chapter 1


    Today was the wedding of A City socialite, Violette Dennis.


    There was no groom at her wedding.


    That was because her groom-to-be, Elijah Bourne, was in a car ident half a year ago. He had been


    in a vegetative state ever since. Docs said he wouldn''t make it past Christmas.


    In the face of such grim news, Grace Bourne, Elijah''s mother, decided to give her son a wedding before


    he kicked the bucket.


    The Bourne family was one of the wealthiest in A City, but nody of high society wanted to marry a


    man on his deathbed.


    Violette had all dressed up in front of the vanity mirror.


    She was in a white wedding dress, and her skin was smooth as silk. Her make-up was on point,


    making her look stunning, like a blooming red rose.


    But there was a knot in her eyes and showed her insecure.


    The ceremony was in twenty minutes, and she kept checking her phone, waiting for a reply.


    Before she was forced to marry Elijah, she had a boyfriend.


    Her boyfriend, ironically, was Elijah''s nephew, Kaleb Bourne.


    Their rtionship was a secret, though.


    She texted Kalebst night, hoping he would elope with her and get out of A City. But she hadn¡¯t heard


    back from him all night. She couldn''t wait any longer.


    She got up from the chair, tightly clutching her phone, and found an excuse to leave the room.


    As she walked past a lounge, she stopped immediately.


    The door was ajar, and she heard her sister, Sabrina Dennis, giggling.


    ¡°Kaleb, my clueless sister is probably still waiting for you to find her! Why don''t you go and soothe her?


    What if she changes her mind and decides to bolt?¡± Sabrina said.


    Kaleb, holding Sabrina in his arms, nted a kiss on her neck, ¡°With all the fuss today, she won''t back


    out. Even if she does, our Bourne family bodyguards will force her to go through with it!¡±


    Sabrina''sughter was like a dagger, ¡°If Violette knew you spend every night with me, she would go


    ballistic, ha!¡±


    Violette¡¯s mind was a whirlwind!


    She stumbled backward, nearly losing her bnce.


    Violette clutched the hem of her wedding dress, holding back her tears.


    Her father''spany was in a financial crisis, and he was recently hospitalized.


    Her stepmother, Alexa, was marrying her off to the Bourne family for a hefty dowry. Alexa always said it


    was for the good of the Dennis family, but Violette knew it was just an excuse to kick her out!


    What was worse, her boyfriend, who imed to love her, had betrayed her!


    No wonder Kaleb encouraged her to marry Elijah, nning to marry her himself once Elijah died.


    It was all a scam!


    She was suffocating, all the peace and beauty shattered.


    The voices in the room got louder, and she clenched her fists. Her eyes were glinting with cold fury.


    In the past, she was too naive, enduring the bullying from her stepmother and sister for her father''s


    sake, tolerating all the injustices for the sake of the Dennis family.


    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    Now, she wouldn''t be yed for a fool anymore!


    She would reim what was hers!


    Soon, the wedding ceremony began.


    Violette, in her white wedding dress, carried a bouquet and walked down the aisle to the romantic


    music.


    She said her vows alone, put the ring on her finger.


    She couldn¡¯t care less about the odd looks she got.


    From this moment on, she was Mrs. Bourne, and no one dared to mess with her.


    Her newlywed husband, once a big shot in A City, was on his deathbed.


    ......


    The night deepened.


    Violette was taken to Elijah''s mansion.


    The mansion was in the heart of the city, the richest area, worth a billion.


    Before she had a chance to get a good look at the ce, she was ushered into the main bedroom by a


    woman named Lacey.


    Her eyes were immediately drawn to the man lying on the bed. She stepped closer and got a good look


    at his face.


    He had got chiseled features, with a natural noble aura.


    His skin was unnaturally pale due to being bedridden, but even so, he was incredibly handsome.


    If he wasn''t ill, she probably wouldn''t have be his wife.


    Before the ident, he was a big shot, the head of the Bourne Group, one of the top ten corporations


    in A Country.


    Rumors said he was cold and ruthless, had a violent temper, and even got involved in the underworld.


    Anyone who crossed him would meet a grim end.


    She never thought she would marry a man like this.


    Lost in thought, she was interrupted when the bedroom door suddenly swang open.


    It was Kaleb!


    ¡°Violette, I''m sorry! I was really busy today, I only just now had a chance toe see you.¡± Kaleb,


    pretending to be sorry, strode over to her to apologize.


    Coldly, Violette sneers, ¡°I''m married to your uncle now. Do you know what you should call me?¡±


    ¡°Violette, I know you''re mad at me. I didn''t elope with you because I didn''t want you to struggle. My


    uncle''s practically a vegetable. Marry him and you don''t have to do anything. When he dies, I''ll get a


    hotshotwyer to help you get his massive inheritance!¡±Kaleb excitedly gripped her hand, ¡°Then,


    everything that was my uncle''s will be ours!¡±


    Suddenly, Violette remembered the intimate scene between him and Sabrina, and a wave of nausea


    washed over her.


    ¡°Let go!¡± Sheughed coldly and shook off his hand.


    Her harsh tone stunned Kaleb. Was this the Violette he knew?


    The Violette he knew was gentle and obedient, she never yelled at him.


    Could it be that she knew something?


    Kaleb, feeling a bit guilty, stepped closer to exin. But the next second, he looked over Violette''s


    shoulder, his eyes widened and his face paled as a ghost.


    ¡°He..." Kaleb said.


    On the bed, Elijah suddenly opened his eyes.

 Chapter 2

    Chapter 2


    Under the dazzling crystal chandelier, Elijah''s eyes sparkled like gems, filled with a touch of mystery


    and danger.


    As usual, it was a sight that sent chills down people¡¯s spine.


    Kaleb looked absolutely petrified, and hastily backed away, "Violette...err, I mean...auntie, it''s getting


    Sweat was pouring down Kaleb''s face as he stumbled and bolted out of the master bedroom.


    Seeing him leave in such haste made Violette''s heart skip a beat, her body trembling involuntarily.


    Was Elijah awake?!


    Wasn''t he supposed to be a goner?


    She wanted to speak to him, but words failed her. She wanted to get closer, but her feet felt glued to


    the floor.


    Fear of the unknown crept in and she retreated, running downstairs and shouting, "Lacey, Elijah''s


    awake! He opened his eyes!"


    Hearing this, Lacey rushed upstairs.


    "Ma''am, the master opens his eyes every day. But that doesn''t mean he''s awake. See, we''re talking in


    front of him and he''s not responding," Lacey sighed, "Doctors say the chances of a vegetative person


    regaining consciousness are slim."


    Violette was still frightened, "Can I sleep with the lights on tonight? I''m a bit scared."


    "Sure. You should get some rest. You still have to go to Old Manor in the morning. I''ll wake you up."


    Lacey said.


    "Okay." Violette said.


    After Lacey left, Violette changed into her pajamas, and climbed into bed.


    She sat by his side, looking at Elijah''s handsome face, waving her hand in front of him. She asked,


    "Elijah, what are you thinking?"


    But there was no response.


    Her heart sank. Her pain seemed trivialpared to his condition.


    "Elijah, I hope you can wake up. You have so much wealth. You wouldn''t want that bastard Kaleb to get


    his hands on it." Violette said.


    As soon as she finished speaking, he slowly closed his eyes.


    She stared at him, her heart pounding. Some vegetative patients were conscious, so, did he hear her?


    Violette felt uneasy, lying next to him. After what felt like an eternity, she heard herself sighing.


    She was Mrs. Bourne now, no one dared to mess with her. But what would the Bourne family do to her


    if he died?


    She was nervous.


    She had to reim everything she lost while she was still Mrs. Bourne! Make those who bullied her pay


    the price!


    ...


    The next day.


    Eight in the morning.


    Lacey took Violette to Old Manor to visit Grace.


    All members of the Bourne family were present. Violette greeted each elder as she entered the living


    room.


    The olddy looked at Violette, feeling more pleased by the minute. An obedient girl like her was easier


    to control.


    "Violette, how did you sleepst night?" Grace asked.


    Violette blushed slightly, "Good."


    "How''s Elijah? Did he disturb you?" Grace asked.


    Violette thought of Elijah''s handsome yet lifeless face, and felt a pang of regret, "He didn''t move at all."


    He was immobile, but his body was still warm. She used him as a pillow in her sleep and woke up in


    the middle of the night hugging him, which gave her quite a scare.


    "Violette, I have a gift for you," the olddy said, opening a purple box and handing it to her, "This


    bracelet shouldplement your skin tone, do you like it?"


    Violette didn''t dare to refuse the olddy''s kindness in front of everyone and immediately epted it, "I


    love it, thank you."


    "Violette, I know you might be ufortable. Given Elijah''s condition, he can''t take care of you. But, I


    have a way for you to benefit," the olddy revealed her n, "Elijah might not have much time left. He


    was always busy with work, never had time for rtionships or even a child."


    Hearing this, Violette''s heart raced.


    A child?


    Did the olddy want her to have Elijah''s baby?


    "I hope you can have a child for Elijah, to carry on his lineage." Grace said.


    As soon as the olddy''s words fell, Violette was dumbfounded, and the others also showed surprised


    expressions.


    "Mom, Elijah has been sick for so long, he probably can''t have children anymore, right?" Elijah''s older


    brother, Travis Bourne, raised a doubt.


    Even though Elijah was still alive, everyone had already started thinking about his inheritance.


    The olddy smiled, "I''m saying this because I''ve already had the doctor prepare. Elijah''s fortune is so


    vast, how can there be no one to inherit it? I hope Violette can have a child for Elijah."


    All eyes were suddenly on Violette.N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

 Chapter 3

    Chapter 3


    She was sweating bullets.


    "Violette, you''re still in school, right? If you get pregnant now, it will definitely mess with your studies..."


    started Travis''s wife.-


    Travis chimed in, "Yeah, Violette is still so young, she might not be ready to ditch school and stay home


    popping out babies."


    The olddy understood her eldest son and daughter-inw¡¯s thinking, which was why she was hell-


    bent on getting Elijah some offspring.


    "Violette, are you willing to have a child for Elijah?" the olddy bluntly asked. "You need to understand,


    your child with Elijah can inherit Elijah¡¯s fortune, which is plenty for you and the child to live a cushy


    life."


    Violette quickly replied, "I want to have his baby."


    As long as she could stop Kaleb from grabbing Elijah''s property, she was willing to give it a shot.


    Besides, even if she wasn''t willing, the Bourne family, with their attitude, would definitely coerce her into


    having a child.


    Upon hearing her answer, the olddy broke into a satisfied smile, "Good, I knew you''re not like those


    dimwitted women. They think Elijah is on hisst leg, so they can''t see any benefits from him...Ha!"


    After her visit at the Old Manor, Violette was ready to head back to Elijah''s vi.


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Kaleb intercepted her on the way.


    The sun was zing, cicadas singing loudly.


    Seeing Kaleb''s face, Violette felt extremely ufortable.


    "Lacey, please take the gifts back first," she directed.


    Lacey nodded, grabbing the gifts and walking ahead.


    With no one around, Kaleb spoke, "Violette, you''ve really broken my heart! We dated for so long, and


    you never let me touch you...yet now you''re willing to have a child for my uncle."


    "As long as I can get his property, I''m willing to bear his child," she said deliberately, to provoke him.


    Sure enough, he was riled up.


    "Violette, that''s a brilliant idea! But you could just have my baby and im it''s my uncle''s. After all, it''s


    still a Bourne baby. My grandma would be mad, but she wouldn''t make you abort it." Kaleb said.


    Violette''s smile vanished instantly.


    "Kaleb, ambition is great, but ambition without cunning is dangerous," Violette warned him, "I hear


    Elijah''s people are ruthless. As long as he''s still breathing, they''d want him to recover. If they knew the


    baby was yours, do you think they''d let you off?"


    Violette''s words hit Kaleb like a bucket of cold water.


    He knew better than anyone that his uncle''s guys were hardcore.


    They''d kept a low profile since his uncle''s mishap.


    But that didn''t mean they''d disappeared.


    "I was just joking! Whether the child is mine or my uncle''s, it''s still a Bourne baby. After my uncle


    passes, I''ll treat his child as my own..." Kaleb hastily exined.


    Violette sighed in her heart, reminding him, "Your uncle''s child would be your cousin."


    Kaleb''s face turned sour.


    "Violette, let''s not talk about this now; let''s wait till my uncle passes." Kaleb said.


    Violette retorted, "What if he doesn''t die? Can you stay loyal and wait for me?"


    This left Kaleb speechless.


    Seeing his inability to respond, Violetteughed sarcastically, "I''m heading back, your grandma sent a


    doctor to wait for me at your uncle''s."


    ...


    When Violette returned to the Bourne family, she was immediately whisked off by two doctors for a


    physical examination.


    If they found her egg mature, they would extract it; if it was not yet mature, they would give her


    hormone injections.


    "Mrs. Bourne, there''s no need to panic. It might hurt a bit, but once you''ve had Mr. Bourne''s child, your


    position in the Bourne family will be solid," the female doctor reassured her.


    Lying on the bed, Violette''s heart pounded, "How long will it take to seed?"

 Chapter 4

    Chapter 4


    The doctor said, "It''s hard to predict. It could just take a few months, or it could take longer." She


    paused for a moment, then added, "But you''re so young, you should be fine."


    Time flew by, a rain sshed and A city officially stepped into the fall season.-


    In the evening, Violette stepped out of the bathroom after her shower.


    She went over to the bed, opened up the new moisturizer she bought today, and started to slowly rub it


    onto her skin.


    "Elijah, want me to put some on for you too? The weather is so darn drytely," she said as she


    approached Elijah.


    She sat by the bed, dipped her fingers into the moisturizer, and gently applied it to his face.


    His eyes suddenly shot open, deep and amber like gemstones.


    The glint in his eyes caught her breath off guard.


    Even though she saw him open his eyes every day, every time it happened, she was taken aback.


    "Did I startle you? I didn''t put much force though," she continued to massage his face gently.


    Meanwhile, she muttered under her breath---


    "Elijah, I saw on the inte that you don''t have a girlfriend, is it because of your body. But your body


    looks pretty good to me! Those muscr arms... those sturdy thighs..."


    After she finished applying the moisturizer, she gently patted his arms and legs.


    Her moves were light, not causing any difort.


    But his reaction shocked her---


    Because... she thought she heard his voice.


    "Elijah, was that you? Did you just speak?" Violette jumped up from the bed. Her eyes were widely


    open, staring at his face.


    He was also looking at her---


    Unlike before, his gaze was not vacant. Now, he was looking at her, filled with emotions!


    Although those emotions were anger, hatred, and some confusion.


    "Lacey!" Violette, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, rushed out of the room and sprinted


    downstairs, "Lacey, Elijah woke up! He spoke, he really woke up!"


    Her face turned bright red and her heart raced incessantly. Violette¡¯s chest was heaving rapidly.


    Elijah woke up.


    She was certain he was awake because not only did he open his eyes, he also spoke to her.


    Even though his voice was hoarse, and he spoke slowly, his words were intimidating.


    He asked her ''who are you''.


    In an instant, her mind went nk.


    Everyone around her had told her he''d pass away soon, so she never imagined what he would be like


    when he woke up.


    After her outburst, Lacey, the doctor, and the bodyguards all hurried over.


    Half an hourter, the vi was filled with people.


    No one could believe that Elijah would wake up.


    "Elijah, mom knew you would wake up!" Grace burst into tears out of the excitement.


    Travis said, "Elijah, we''re d you woke up. You have no idea how worried we were, especially mom,


    her hair has gone gray from the sorrow."


    After a thorough examination of Elijah''s condition, the doctor told Elijah''s mother, "This is truly


    astonishing! There were no signs of improvement in his condition during thest check-up. Now that


    Mr. Bourne can speak, as long as he continues to undergo rehabilitation, his condition can return to


    normal."


    The good news was so sudden that Grace couldn''t handle the surprise. She felt weak in her feet and


    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    fainted.


    Travis Bourne helped Grace out of the room.


    In the room, there were only the doctor, Lacey, the bodyguards, and Violette standing at the door,


    bewildered, afraid toe in.


    Elijah''s aura since waking up was chilling and frightening. He was sitting up in bed, with sharp, hawk-


    like eyes. They were shing with a cold light, and staring at her.


    "Who is she?" His voice was low and strong, instilling fear.


    The doctor was so scared that she didn''t dare to breathe.


    Lacey, with her head low, exined, "Sir, she''s your wife, whom your mother married for you when you


    were ill. Her name is..."


    Elijah''s thin lips parted, his voice cold and ruthless, "Get her out!"

 Chapter 5

    Chapter 5


    Violette was scared stiff and backed away repeatedly.


    Elijah was like a beast just awakened from slumber. When he was asleep, you couldn''t sense the


    danger from him. But the moment he opened his eyes, that danger became apparent.


    Lacey came out of the room, shutting the door behind her.


    Seeing Violette looking like a frightened deer, she reassured her, "Ma''am, there''s no need to be scared.


    The master just woke up and might need some time to adjust. You can sleep in the guest room for


    tonight, and we can deal with the rest tomorrow. I reckon the olddy is quite fond of you, she''ll


    probably back you up."


    Violette''s mind was in a whirl. She had considered the possibility of Elijah passing away someday, but


    she had never imagined that he would suddenly wake up.


    "Lacey, my stuff is still in his room." Violette nced at the master bedroom, intending to go in and grab


    all her belongings.


    Seeing the ruthless and cold look in Elijah''s eyes earlier, she had a strong hunch that he might not


    ept her as his wife.


    She needed to be prepared to leave the Bourne family at any time.


    Lacey let out a soft sigh, "If your stuff isn''t that important, just leave it there for now. I''ll help you get it


    tomorrow."


    Violette said, "Alright. Are you a bit scared of him too?"


    Lacey answered, "I''ve been serving him for a long time. He may seem tough, but he''s never given me


    a hard time."


    Violette didn''t say anything further and just responded with an acknowledgement.


    Although she was his wife, strictly speaking, this was their first meeting, and it was understandable that


    he had some hostility towards her.


    That night, she had a restless sleep, and her thoughts were a jumbled mess.


    Elijah''s awakening had thrown her life out of whack.


    ...


    The next day.


    At 8 am, Lacey took Violette''s belongings from the master bedroom and put them in the guest room for


    her.


    "Ma''am, it''s time for breakfast. The master is already in the dining room. You should go too, chat with


    him, and get to know each other better," suggested Lacey.


    Violette hesitated, "He might not want to get to know me."


    Lacey said, "Well, you still need to eat breakfast. Let''s go! I mentioned earlier that the olddy really


    likes you, and he didn''t get mad. Maybe he''ll be a bit nicer to you today."


    Violette walked into the dining room and saw Elijah sitting in a wheelchair.


    Thanks to his regr muscle training, he could move his arms now.


    Though he was seated in a wheelchair, his posture was upright. If he were standing, he''d probably be


    quite tall.


    With a nervous heart, she sat down at the table.


    Lacey handed her a bowl and utensils.


    Elijah remained silent until she picked up her utensils.


    She couldn''t help but sneak a peek at him.


    This nce caught his attention.


    His deep eyes, like a ck hole, seemed capable of swallowing a person whole.


    "Um... my name is Violette..." she said nervously.


    Elijah picked up his coffee cup, took a slow sip, and said indifferently, "I heard you might be carrying my


    child."


    Violette was extremely nervous, and her appetite waspletely gone.


    "Would you prefer a surgical or medical abortion?" he asked calmly, uttering such cruel words.


    Violette''s face turned pale, her mind going nk.


    Perhaps Lacey found this topic too shocking, so she hurriedly interjected, "Sir, the idea of having a


    baby was the olddy''s wish, not the madam''s."


    Elijah''s gaze swept over Lacey, "Don''t use my mother to threaten me."


    Lacey lowered her head, stopping her exnation.


    Violette said, "Elijah..."


    Elijah replied, "Who gave you permission to call me by my name?"


    Violette was taken aback, "Then how should I address you? Should I call you hubby?"


    Elijah didn''t respond.


    She saw his lips tightly sealed, as if rage was about to burst from his eyes.


    Before he could explode, she hurriedly said, "I''m not pregnant. I got my period. If you don''t believe me,


    you can ask the maid whom I borrowed sanitary pads from this morning."


    Elijah didn''t say anything, but he picked up his coffee cup and took a sip.


    Violette was quite hungry and didn''t care about anything else. She started to eat her breakfast.


    After hastily finishing her breakfast, she nned to return to her room to grab her bag and then leave.


    Living under the same roof with him made her feel extremely ufortable.


    "Violette, get your documents ready. We''re getting a divorce soon," his cold voice rang out.


    Violette paused, not too surprised, "Are we going to do it now?"


    "In a couple of days," he replied.


    Grace had a hypertensive crisis from excitementst night and was hospitalized.


    Elijah nned to deal with the divorce after his mother was discharged.


    "Alright, just let me know when it''s time," she quickly returned to her room.


    About five minutester, she came out of the room with her bag.


    Unexpectedly, she saw a familiar figure in the living room.


    It was Kaleb.


    He was standing next to Elijah''s wheelchair like a dog with its tail between its legs.


    "Uncle, my parents went to the hospital to see grandma. Dad asked me toe and check on you,"


    Kaleb put the health supplements he brought on the coffee table.


    Elijah signaled to the bodyguard next to him.


    The bodyguard immediately understood, picked up the gifts Kaleb brought, and threw them out.


    Kaleb was flustered, "Uncle! I brought you top-quality health supplements. If you don''t like them, I can


    make changes... please don''t be angry!"


    Before he could finish speaking, another bodyguard came over and kicked him in the knee, forcing him


    to kneel.


    Violette was so scared that she dared not even breathe.


    She didn''t know what had happened, but Elijah was being incredibly violent towards his own nephew.


    "My dear nephew, are you disappointed that I woke up?" Elijah asked, as a cigarette appeared in his


    hand.


    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    A bodyguard lit the cigarette for him.


    The me was blinding!


    He had just woken upst night, and this morning he was already drinking coffee and smoking. Did he


    think his body was in perfect shape?


    Kaleb was kneeling on the ground, crying from the sharp pain in his knee, "Uncle, of course I''m happy


    that you woke up... I''ve always hoped you''d wake up..."


    "You are doubting me?" Elijah''s gaze was sharp, his words crystal clear. He seemed nonchnt on the


    surface, but underneath it was a veiled threat. "You bribe mywyer and then don''t have the guts to


    admit it?¡±


    He flicked his cigarette ash in Kaleb''s face on purpose and said coldly, ¡°Get out of my sight or I¡¯ll feed


    you to the dogs!¡±


    Kaleb was scared out of his wits and left in a hurry.


    Violette watched the scene, her heart pounding for quite some time.


    She was scared.


    She was scared of Elijah.


    Compared to Elijah, Kaleb seemed like aplete loser.


    She didn''t dare cross him, nor did she want to attract his attention


    , so she just grabbed her bag and bolted out of the living room.


    Violette had a doctor''s appointment for a physical checkup today.


    Her period was a bitte, and the flow was unusually light


    , which was a first for her.


    At the hospital, she told the doctor about her symptoms, who then gave her an ultrasound order.


    About an hourter, she hadpleted the ultrasound and received the results.


    The results showed no bleeding in her uterus.


    Moreover, the scan revealed a gestational sac...she was pregnant!

 Chapter 6

    Chapter 6


    Due to her bleeding, Violette had to consider the possibility of keeping the baby.


    The news freaked her out big time.


    "Doc, what if I don''t want the baby?" Violette asked.


    With a pending divorce from Elijah, having a baby was thest thing she wanted.


    The doctor gave her a look and said, "Why don''t you want the kid? Do you know how many people


    want children but can''t have them?"


    She fell silent.


    "Where''s your husband? Even if you don''t want the baby, you should discuss it with him," the doctor


    said.


    Violette''s brows furrowed.


    Seeing her like this, the doctor picked up her medical record, "You''re only 21! You''re not married, are


    you?"


    Violette said, "I am...!" After all, divorce was just around the corner.


    "Abortion is a procedure, even if you''re sure, I don''t have time for it today. Go home and think it over.


    Regardless of your rtionship with your boyfriend, the baby is innocent." The doctor said.


    Handing her the medical record, the doctor continued, "You''re currently bleeding. If you don''t take


    measures to keep the baby now, you may not be able to in the future."


    Violette softened a bit, "Doc, what should I do to keep the baby?"


    The doctor looked at her, "I thought you wanted an abortion? Changed your mind already? You''re so


    beautiful, and your baby will be too. If you want to keep it, I can prescribe some medication, and you


    can rest for a week, thene back for a check-up."


    Leaving the hospital, the sun was so bright she had to squint, her back was sweaty and her steps


    heavy.


    She felt lost, not knowing where to go or who to talk to.


    But one thing she was sure of, she couldn''t tell Elijah, he''d force her onto the operating table.


    She hadn''t decided to have the baby, she was just too upset and needed to calm down before making


    a decision.


    She hailed a cab and directed the driver to her uncle''s house.


    Since her parents'' divorce, her mom had moved back in with her brother.


    While they weren''t as wealthy as the Dennis family, they were doing okay.


    "Violette, you came alone?" Aunt Norene''s face darkened when she saw Violette arrive empty-handed,


    "I heard when you visited your dad''s house you brought lots of fancy gifts! Clearly, you don''t consider


    this your home, so you don''t care about manners?"


    Aunt Norene, who initially nned to treat Violette well, felt her heart sunk at the sight.


    Violette was startled, "Aunt Norene, I''m sorry, I didn''t mean to, I''ll bring gifts next time."


    "Forget it! You look like you were kicked out by the Bourne family. I heard Elijah woke up, if he really


    loved you, why are you here, crying to your mom?" Norene said.


    Violette''s cheeks burned.


    Seeing her daughter being bullied, Albina Palmer immediately retorted, "Even if my daughter was


    kicked out by the Bourne family, it''s not your ce to mock her."


    "Albina, I just told the truth, did that hurt your feelings? Look whose house this is... If you''re so capable,


    move out!" Norene said.


    Albina was furious, she wanted to argue, but she couldn''t.


    Violette watched this unfold, her feelings wereplicated and she was unsettled.


    She always thought her mom was doing okay living with her uncle, not as well as with the Dennis


    family, but not too bad either.


    She didn''t expect her mom and Aunt Norene to have such a bad rtionship.


    "Mom, why don''t you move out and rent a ce? I have some money..." Violette said reluctantly.


    Albina nodded, "Okay, I''ll pack my things now."


    Half an hourter, they left and hailed a cab.


    "Violette, don''t worry about me, I''ve saved some money over the years. The reason I didn''t move out


    was because your grandma wasn''t well, and she wanted me to stay with her. If it wasn''t for her, I


    would''ve moved out a long time ago." Albina tried to smile.


    Violette thought for a second then said, "Actually, Aunt Norene was right, I''m divorcing Elijah soon."


    Albina was taken aback, thenforted her, "It''s okay, you haven''t graduated yet, a divorce might be


    better for you to focus on your study."


    "Yeah, mom, once I divorce, I won''t go back to the Dennis family, I''ll live with you!" Violette rested her


    head on her mom''s shoulder, deciding not to tell her about the pregnancy.


    She knew her mom would be worried.


    That night, Violette returned to the Bourne family.


    The living room was very quiet.


    "Madam, have you eaten? I saved some food for you. I also bought some sanitary pads." Lacey


    suddenly appeared, startling Violette.


    "Lacey, I''ve eaten, thank you! Why is it so quiet? Is he not home?" Violette asked casually before


    heading to her room.


    "The master hasn''t returned. Despite the doctor''s advice to rest at home, he doesn''t want to listen."


    Lacey sighed, "The master always does what he wants, no one can tell him otherwise."


    Violette nodded, her brief encounter with him had left a deep impression.


    He was wild, brutal, arrogant...


    Any sympathy she had for him as a patient hadpletely disappeared after he woke up.


    At night, Violette couldn''t sleep. Thinking about the baby in her belly, she wasn''t any calmer than at the


    hospital, she was even more conflicted and upset.


    The next morning.


    She didn''t want to see Elijah, so she stayed in her room.


    At 9:30 am, Lacey knocked on her door, "Madam, the master has left, you cane out for breakfast


    now."


    Violette didn''t expect Lacey to understand her feelings so well, her cheeks turned red instantly.


    After breakfast, Violette received a call.


    It was from her senior schoolmate, he had a trantion job for her. He said, "Violette, I know you''re up


    to your dissertation right now, but this manuscript should be a piece of cake for you. On top of that, the


    client is paying a lot, with the stiption that it''s done before noon."


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Violette was strapped for cash at the moment, so after a short pondering, she decided to bite the bullet


    and take it on.


    At half past eleven, she finished the trantion work and checked it twice carefully. After confirming


    that there were no issues, she prepared to send the document to her schoolmate.


    Just at that moment, herptop suddenly broke down!


    Luckily, her document was saved on a USB drive. She took a deep breath and unplugged the USB


    from herptop.


    She needed to find anotherputer so she could send the file to her schoolmate.


    "Lacey, myputer''s broken down, I''m in dire need of another one. Do we have any spare at home? I


    just need to send a document." Violette asked.


    "We do, but it''s Elijah¡¯s." Lacy said.


    Violette''s heart sank.


    She wouldn''t dare to touch Elijah''sputer with a ten-foot pole.


    "You''re just sending a document, it won''t take long, right?" Lacey, seeing the panic on her face, wanted


    to lend a hand. "Although the boss is a tough cookie, he''s not heartless. If it''s really urgent, I don''t think


    he''d chew you out for using hisputer."


    Violette checked the time.


    It was already ten to twelve.


    She had to send the document before the clock struck twelve.


    Elijah''s study was on the second floor.


    During his illness, no one had been in there except for the cleaners.


    Violette was scared stiff of Elijah finding out, but she also desperately needed the easy money this job


    would bring in.


    She needed the dough.


    If she needed surgery, she had to start saving up. This kid wasn''t just hers, it was Elijah''s too. She


    thought to herself, ¡®using hisputer is like having him chip in for her surgery.''


    Violette stepped into the study, approached the desk, and turned on theputer.

 Chapter 7

    Chapter 7


    He didn''t have a password lock and hisputer booted up real quick. Her heart was racing in no


    time.


    She took a deep breath, plugged in the USB into theputer and logged into her social media


    ount.


    After a sessful login, she quickly sent the document over to her schoolmate.


    Everything went surprisingly smooth, and t


    he document was sessfully sent out before twelve.


    Every extra second she stayed, she felt panic. Her fingers, gripping the mouse, shook uncontrobly


    when she was shutting down theputer and identally clicked on a random folder. The folder


    popped open out of the blue.


    Her eyes widened, taking a curious look at the content of the folder.


    Five minutester, she walked out of the study.


    Lacey breathed a sigh of relief, "See, I told you. The boss isn''ting back that soon, right?"


    Violette was feeling all sorts of emotions, feeling like she had stumbled upon Elijah''s secret.


    She was somewhat regretful for using hisputer, "Lacey, is there a camera in his study?"


    "No. But there''s one outside the study." Lacey said.


    Violette went pale, "Then he''ll definitely know I went into his study."


    "Just exin to him when he gets back. I checked the time, you only used less than ten minutes. He


    shouldn''t be that mad." Lacey tried tofort her.


    Meanwhile, her phone dinged.


    Violette picked up her phone and saw a notification for a money transfer.


    Her ssmate had transferred five hundred to her. She didn''t expect the reward to be that high. She


    made five hundred dors in just two hours!


    The money eased her anxiety for a bit.


    She didn''t mean to use hisputer or to look into his files.


    When he got back, she would exin everything to him, hoping he wouldn''t get mad.


    After all, she had agreed to divorce him. Once they were divorced, they would never see each other


    again.


    His secrets had nothing to do with her anymore.


    After lunch, Violette went back to her room and closed the door.


    She sat in front of her vanity, looking down at her belly, whispering, "Baby, mommy doesn''t want to let


    you go either. But if you were born, your life might be harder than mine right now..."


    Maybe it was because of her pregnancy, she fell asleep on her desk in no time.


    In the afternoon, there were hurried footsteps outside her room.


    Violette woke up in a start.


    Before she could fully regain her consciousness, the door to her room was pushed open.


    "Madam, did you touch any of the files in the boss''sputer?" Lacey asked her with a shocked


    expression.


    Violette''s heart started to race, "He... Is he back? Did he find out?"


    The urgency in Lacey''s voice was palpable, "Weren''t you just sending a document? The boss just said


    you touched his other files. He''s in the study right now, furious. Madam, I really can''t help you this


    time."


    Violette''s heart was pounding.


    There was only one thought in her mind: she was screwed!


    Now she might not even need to think about the divorce, because he might justsh out at her directly.


    Her eyes started to turn red from the tears, "Lacey, I''m sorry. I didn''t mean to look through his personal


    stuff. My hand was a bit shaky when I was shutting down theputer and I identally clicked on it. I


    promise, I only took a nce and closed it right away..."


    Lacey believed her, but she was helpless, "He justshed out at me. I might lose my job soon."


    Violette was feeling extremely suffocated. She could ept the punishment, but she couldn''t let Lacey


    be involved.


    She walked out of her room, deciding to exin to Elijah.


    Just then, the elevator door on the first floor slowly opened. The bodyguard was pushing Elijah out of


    the elevator.


    Even though the vi only had three floors, it was equipped with an elevator.


    She saw him sitting in the wheelchair with a menacing look on his face, his eyes full of anger.


    She had anticipated he would be mad when he found out, but she didn''t expect him to be this mad.


    "Elijah, I''m sorry." Her voice was stuck in her throat, full of anxiety, "Myputer broke down this


    morning so I used yourputer without your permission. This has nothing to do with Lacey. She tried


    to stop me but I didn''t listen."


    She took all the me upon herself.


    The bodyguard was holding his wheelchair while she looked at him.


    His eyes were slightly red, it seemed like she had really upset him.


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    She spoke again, her voice full of tears, "I''m sorry."


    "You''ve seen everything, haven''t you?" Elijah''s voice was low and cold.


    His hands were clenched tightly, seemingly at ease, but his fingers were red from the force.


    If he wasn''t sitting in the wheelchair right now, he might have strangled her with his bare hands.


    This audacious and ignorant woman! Did she really think she was thedy of the house? Daring to go


    into his study and touch his stuff!


    She nodded her head and then quickly shook it, "I can''t remember clearly now. I only took a nce and


    closed it right away! I didn''t mean to look into your privacy. I was too nervous and identally clicked


    on that folder..."


    "Shut up!" Seeing her making excuses, he felt even more disgusted, "Go back to your room! You''re not


    allowed to step out of your room until we get a divorce!"


    Violette wanted to exin but was cut off by his words


    , so she turned around and quickly went back to her room.


    She could clearly feel his disdain towards her.


    After she closed her door, Elijah gave the order, "No meals for her."


    Was he trying to confine her and starve her to death?


    Lacey felt sorry for Violette but dared not to voice any objections.


    In the Bourne family, Elijah was the one who called the shots.


    Two dayster.


    Grace''s blood pressure stabilized and she was allowed to be discharged from the hospital.


    As soon as she was discharged, Grace visited Elijah''s mansion right away.


    "Elijah, how are you feeling? What did the doctor say? When do you think you''ll be able to stand up


    again?" Grace looked at her son full of energy, her face full of smiles.


    Elijah said, "The doctor said I''m recovering well. Mom, there''s something I want to discuss with you."


    The smile on Grace''s face faded a bit, "You want to talk about your marriage, right? I nned the


    wedding for you. Violette is a nice girl, I''m very satisfied with her... Wait, where is she? You didn''t drive


    her away, did you?"


    "No." As soon as Elijah finished his sentence, he signaled Lacey.


    Lacey immediately walked towards Violette''s room.


    These past two days, she hadn''t had a bite to eat or even a sip of water. No clue how she was holding


    up now.

 Chapter 8

    Chapter 8


    The door flung open and Grace stood at the entrance, peering inside.


    Violette was curled up against the wall, hugging her knees. Her hair was a chaotic mess draped over


    her shoulders.


    At the sound of the door, she turned her lifeless eyes towards the noise¡ª


    "Violette! What happened to you?" Grace was startled to see Violette¡¯s pale face. "How did you get like


    this? Did...did Elijah do this to you?"


    Grace''s voice quivered as she spoke.


    Violette had lost a significant amount of weight. Her face was pale and her lips had faint cracks.


    Her chest heaved as if she wanted to say something, but no words came out.


    Lacey came over with a cup of warm tea, "Ma''am, have some tea first. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m here. You won¡¯t


    starve."


    Grace frowned, "What the hell happened? Isn''t Elijah feeding Violette? She''s all skin and bones! Is he


    trying to starve her to death?"


    She waspletely taken aback by this.


    Storming off to the living room, she found her son, and confronted him, "Elijah, Violette is the wife I


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    found for you. How could you treat her like this? I can¡¯t stand this."


    "Punishment must be served for mistakes. Do you think I would keep her around if it weren''t for you?"


    His voice was cold and indifferent.


    To him, starving her for a couple of days was a light punishmentpared to breaking her hand.


    She had crossed a line she shouldn''t have. How could he possibly forgive her so easily?


    "Mistake? What mistake did Violette make?" Grace saw Violette as a girl who was easy to get along


    with. She wouldn¡¯t have done anything to piss off Elijah.


    Elijah mped his mouth shut, offering no response to his mother.


    "I know... I know why you''re reluctant to get married and have kids. Elijah, because I know you too well,


    I can''t tolerate what you''re doing. Violette is a nice girl. It¡¯s okay if you don''t love her. I just want you two


    to be together, even if it''s just a marriage in name." As she spoke, tears of pain welled up in Grace''s


    eyes.


    Her voice grew louder, her eyes bloodshot.


    Just as Elijah was about to retort, he noticed his mother''s condition worsening and immediately


    signaled the bodyguards to steady her.


    "As long as I''m around, you can''t kick Violette out! You can get a divorce if you want... find a woman


    you like, but I can''t allow you to be alone anymore!" Grace was helped to the sofa, her head spinning.


    She felt her breath growing erratic as she spoke.


    Thirty secondster, Grace passed out on the sofa.


    Fresh from her recent discharge, Grace was rushed back to the hospital.


    Elijah hadn''t expected his mother to be so adamant, let alone her anger.


    He originally thought he could easily resolve the issue with Violette, but now it seemed more


    He didn''t just dislike Violette; he had an aversion to all women.


    Therefore, he couldn''t possibly divorce Violette to find another woman.


    In the room, Violette felt slightly better after finishing the cup of tea.


    She heard what had transpired outside.


    Although Elijah had only spoken a few words, it was enough to make his mother pass out from anger.


    Lacey brought her a bowl of oatmeal andbed her messy hair.


    "Ma''am, did you hear? With Grace around, Mr. Bourne won''t kick you out." Laceyforted her.


    Violette was weak because she hadn''t eaten for two days, but she was very determined about getting a


    divorce.


    "I want a divorce." Her voice was hoarse, but each word was clear. "Whether he wants to divorce me or


    not, I have to divorce him."


    She couldn''t stand to be in this ce for one more second!


    Elijah was a devil, and she didn''t want to see him anymore!


    Lacey awkwardly said, "Ma''am, don''t get upset. Eat your food first. I''m going to check on things."


    As Lacey reached the door, she saw the bodyguard wheeling Elijah over and quickly warned, "Sir,


    Violette is not in a good mood right now."


    Elijah''s face was as indifferent as ever, his eyes frosty.


    After Lacey left, the bodyguard wheeled him to the door. Violette looked up, her gaze meeting his.


    The air seemed to crackle with tension.


    "Let''s get a divorce, Elijah!" Violette put down her oatmeal, picked up her suitcase, and walked up to


    him.


    She had packed her bags two nights ago, ready to leave at any moment.


    "Go marry the woman you like!" she said, her voice growing harder.


    Elijah squinted, each word dripping with ice, "You hate me so much, do you think you did nothing


    wrong?"


    "I did wrong. I shouldn''t have used yourputer." Violette tried to control her breathing, "I''ve been


    punished, and we''re even now. Do you have a divorce agreement here? If you don¡¯t, I can have it


    drafted...¡±


    Seeing her eagerness to cut ties with him, Elijah said leisurely, "Did I say your punishment was over?"


    Violette froze at his words.


    "Since you find it so painful to be with me, then continue being Mrs. Bourne!" His tone was


    With that, his bodyguard pushed his wheelchair away.


    Violette watched his departing figure, her heart filled with hatred.


    Why did his word have to be themand?


    She suddenly felt a wave of dizziness, her legs weakened, and it seemed like all the strength had been


    drained from her body.


    She quickly retreated back to bed, and


    as shey there, her emotions gradually cooled down.


    Elijah didn''t say he wouldn''t divorce her. It was just that his mother was currently unwell, so he was


    putting off the divorce for now.


    In that case, all she needed to do was wait patiently.


    A weekter, her health had mostly recovered.


    After breakfast, she went to the hospital for a check-up all by herself. She had a gut feeling: her baby


    might be gone.


    She had been starved by Elijah for two days, not a bite of food, just tap water.


    In this case, she could only hang in there, but the baby in her belly must have starved to death already.


    When she arrived at the hospital, the doctor asked her to have an ultrasound


    , during which Violette felt especially awful.


    "Doctor, is my baby gone?" she asked.


    "Why do you say that?" the doctor asked.


    "I starved for two days. I didn''t eat anything. And the baby was already not in a good condition..."


    Violette said.


    The doctor replied, "Oh, just two days without food, that''s no biggie. Some pregnant women have


    severe nausea and can''t eat much for a month."


    Violette was anxious, "So my baby..."


    "Congrattions!" the doctor said. "There are two gestational sacs in your uterus. You are carrying


    twins."

 Chapter 9

    Chapter 9


    Last time she got checked, there were no signs of two babies. But who would''ve thought that just a


    weekter, she''d be carrying twins in her belly?


    Violette was sitting on a bench in the hallway, holding her ultrasound results, zoning out.


    The doctor told her that the chances of having twins were very low.


    If she were to abort this pregnancy, she might never have twins again.


    Violette couldn''t help but bitterlyugh. All of this was caused by the Bourne family''s private doctor.


    They never told her they wanted her to have twins when they imnted the fertilized eggs.


    Maybe in their eyes, she had always been just a baby-making machine for the Bourne family.


    Last week, she suddenly started bleeding, and thought she got her period. After exining, the Bourne


    family''s doctor thought it was because the egg imntation failed. Then Elijah woke up, nning to


    divorce her, so the Bourne family''s doctor never contacted her again.


    Now, it was up to her to decide whether to have the baby or not.


    After sitting in the hospital for over an hour, her phone rang.


    She took out her phone, got up, and walked out of the hospital.


    "Violette, your dad is dying! Hurry home now!" Her mom''s anxious voice came through the phone.


    Violette froze. Her dad was in trouble? How could this happen?


    She knew that her dad had been hospitalized after fainting due to work stress, and he couldn''t even


    attend her wedding.


    But she never expected his condition to worsen so much.


    Violette''s mind was a mess.


    She didn''t have a good rtionship with her dad because of his infidelity, and she would never forgive


    him.


    But hearing the news of his critical condition still hurt.


    When she arrived at the Dennis family''s home, she found the living room in chaos.


    Albina took her inside the master bedroom.


    ke was lying on the bed, barely breathing, his eyes slightly squinted. Seeing Violette, he weakly


    lifted his arm.


    "Dad, why didn''t you go to the hospital when you got sick?" Violette held her dad''s cold hand, her eyes


    instantly welling up with tears.


    Alexa sneered, "Easier said than done! We don''t have the money to treat your dad!"


    Violette looked up at her, "Didn''t you get some money from the Bourne family?! Why didn''t you use it to


    treat my dad?!"


    Alexa snorted, "That money was used to pay off debts! Do you know how much your dad''spany


    owes? Violette, don''t think I''m taking advantage of you! Besides, your dad''s beyond help! It''s better for


    him to die sooner rather than suffer more!"


    After saying these words, Alexa left the bedroom cold-heartedly.


    Sabrina didn''t follow her.


    After all, ke was her biological father, and he had always taken care of her. She didn''t want to lose


    him either.


    "Dad, don''t be mad at mom. She doesn''t want to treat you because we don''t have enough money."


    Sabrina stood by the bed, her eyes filled with tears. "Dad, I wish you could get better..."


    ke didn''t seem to hear Sabrina''s words.


    His eyes were full of tears. He looked at Violette and trembled, speaking softly, "Violette...my good


    girl...Dad''s sorry, for you and your mom...In the next life, I''ll make it up to you..."


    Suddenly, his grip on her hand loosened.


    The room filled with the sound of sobbing.


    Violette''s heart ached.


    In just one night, her world had turned upside down.


    She was married, pregnant, and her father had died.


    Even though she still felt like a child inside, life had pushed her to the edge.


    On the day of the funeral, it was drizzling.


    The Dennis family was in a bad state, and not many people attended the funeral.


    After the funeral, Alexa invited rtives to the hotel.


    The crowd dispersed, and


    in an instant, only Albina and Violette were left in the cemetery.


    "Mom, do you hate dad?" Violette looked at her dad''s tombstone, her eyes stinging.


    Albina replied softly, "Yes, I hate him. Even if he''s dead, I''ll never forgive him."


    Violette asked, puzzled, "Then why were you crying?"


    Albina sighed, "Because I once loved him. Violette, emotions areplicated. It''s not just love or hate;


    sometimes it''s a mix of both."


    That night, Violette dragged her tired body back to Elijah''s mansion.


    It had only been three days since ke''s death and the funeral.


    She hadn''t returned to the Bourne family during those days.


    Nobody from the Bourne family contacted her either.


    She didn''t tell anyone from the Bourne family about her father''s death, and h


    er rtionship with Elijah was as cold as ice.


    As she stepped into the front yard, she saw the mansion brightly lit, with the living room full of people.


    Everyone was dressed up, holding wine sses, and chatting happily.


    She hesitated for a moment.


    "Madam!" Lacey saw her and immediately came out to greet her.


    Probably because her face was so cold and miserablepared to the lively atmosphere in the living


    room, Lacey''s smile froze, and she didn''t know what to say.


    "It''s raining outside;e in first!" Lacey took her arm and led her into the living room.


    Violette was wearing a ck trench coat, revealing her slender, fair legs. She wore ck low-heeled


    leather shoes.


    Her aura was cold and distant,pletely different from her usual style.


    Lacey handed her a pair of pink fluffy slippers.


    She changed her shoes and nced at the living room unintentionally.


    Elijah''s guests were openly staring at her with meaningful gazes, like tourists in a zoo looking at the


    animals in cages.


    Their eyes were bold and rude.


    Violette looked at Elijah, who sat in the middle of the sofa, with the same gaze.


    He held a lit cigarette between his fingers, smoke swirling around his indifferent face, making it seem


    unreal.


    The reason she looked at him was that a woman was sitting beside him.


    This woman had beautiful long dark hair, wore a tight white dress, and had a delicate makeup on her


    face.


    Her body was pressed tightly against Elijah, her fingers pinching ady''s cigarette.


    It was obvious that she and Elijah had a special rtionship.


    Violette''s gaze lingered on the woman for a few seconds and then frowned slightly.


    "Are you Violette?" The woman stood up from the sofa and walked gracefully to Violette''s side. "I heard


    that you are the wife that Grace found for Elijah. Grace has good taste, you look pretty good, just a little


    bit small... Oh, I don''t mean you''re young, I mean your figure..."


    Violette smiled slightly, "You''re beautiful, curvy, and better than me in every aspect... When will Elijah


    marry you?"


    Her in words immediately made the woman tremble with anger.


    "Violette! Where did you get the nerve to talk to me like that? Do you know how many years I''ve been


    with Elijah? Even if you''re his wife, I can p you now and he won''t help you!" With that, the woman


    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    raised her arm.


    There was a crisp sound in the living room!


    Violette picked up a bottle of high-end red wine from the table and smashed it on the coffee table!


    The bright red liquid sshed all over, flowing down the edge of the table and onto the carpet.


    Violette''s eyes were filled with ruthlessness, her fingers tightly gripping the wine bottle, pointing the


    sharp broken bottle at the arrogant woman.


    "You want to hit me, huh? Come on! If you dare to touch me, I''ll kill you!" She approached the woman


    with the wine bottle in hand.


    Everyone present was stunned.


    They had originally thought that the youngdy of the Dennis family was low-key and introverted, but


    they didn''t expect her to have such a fierce side!


    Elijah''s eyes were sharp, and his thin lips exhaled a smoke ring.


    His gaze was fixed on Violette''s hurt but determined face.

 Chapter 10

    Chapter 10


    In an instant, the living room became super quiet, like a pin drop could be heard.


    Violette stormed back to her room, mming the door behind her.


    BAM!


    The whole vi seemed to shake.


    Dang, this woman really didnn''t give a crap, mming doors in Elijah''s house.


    Everyone sneakily checked Elijah''s expression, but he seemed calm and not angry at all.


    Usually, if someone made noise in front of him, he would definitely frown.


    Violette''s door-mming was deafening. Howe he wasn''t mad?


    More importantly, the wine bottle Violette smashed just now was worth almost 300 grand, and they


    hadn''t even had a chance to drink it.


    She smashed it just like that, with no hesitation at all.


    "I heard Ms. Dennis''s father passed away a couple of days ago. She was wearing all ck today, so


    she probably just got back from his funeral," someone bravely broke the silence.


    The woman in the white dress was Melinda Marcia, a senior manager of the PR department at the


    Bourne Group.


    It was her birthday today, and she had invited Elijah''s friends to celebrate his awakening at the Bourne


    family home.


    Her confrontation with Violette earlier had left her feeling humiliated.


    Seeing Elijah''s calm expression, but knowing him well enough to realize he could turn on her at any


    moment, Melinda cautiously apologized, "Elijah, I''m sorry. I didn''t know Violette''s father had passed


    away."


    Elijah crushed his cigarette in the ashtray. His slender fingers picked up the wine ss, and he downed


    the contents in one go. As the ss hit the table, his sexy, deep voice said, "Happy birthday."


    Melinda''s ears turned red, "Thank you."


    "Also, Violette is not someone you can just p around." Elijah''s slender fingers adjusted his shirt


    cor, his voice containing a warning, "Even if she''s just a servant in the Bourne family, only I can mess


    with her."


    Melinda felt suffocated, "But you''re going to divorce her soon, and then she''ll be even worse off than


    your servant!"


    Elijah''s gaze instantly turned colder, "Even if I don''t want her, I won''t let others trample on her dignity."


    At this point, Lacey came over and cleaned up the broken wine bottle and stained nket.


    Elijah''s wine ss was refilled.


    "Elijah, don''t be mad. Melinda didn''t mean it, and she wouldn''t really hurt Violette," said someone sitting


    on the other side of Elijah, trying to smooth things over.


    "Yeah! Melinda, you better apologize quickly! Even though it''s your birthday, you really went too far just


    now!"


    Melinda raised her wine ss, downed the whole thing, and apologized to Elijah again.


    Elijah nced at his bodyguard


    , who immediately came over and helped him up.


    "You guys keep drinking!" After saying this, he went back to his room.


    Melinda watched his determined retreating figure, her eyes turned red. She downed the rest of the wine


    bottle and left.


    "Wow! The two main characters of the birthday party are gone. Are we still going to drink?"


    "Of course! It''s good for Melinda to give up. Otherwise, she''ll always think she''ll be Mrs. Bourne!"


    "Tonight''s events might not necessarily make her give up! After all, Elijah ns to divorce Violette."


    "Speaking of Violette, she''s really good-looking. But her temper is so explosive, how can Elijah stand


    her?"


    In the guest room.


    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    Violette hugged her knees, tears silently streaming down her face.


    The tears she had been holding back for three days finally burst out at this moment.


    Her father''s apology before his death echoed in her mind.


    Her resentment towards him during his life vanished in an instant. She cried, and eventually falling


    asleep with tears on her face.


    The next morning when she woke up, her eyes were swollen and painful.


    After taking a shower and changing into a clean nightgown, she came out of her room.


    She hadn''t eaten properly in the past few days, and now her stomach was hurting from hunger.


    She walked to the dining room entrance and saw Elijah''s back, immediately stopping in her tracks.


    Lacey, seeing her arrival, quickly greeted her, "Ma''am, breakfast is ready! Come and eat!"


    In the past, she would avoid him at all costs, fearing that angering him would lead to punishment.


    But now, knowing that he was dragging out their divorce, she felt more courageous.


    She chose a seat farthest from him and sat down. Lacey brought her breakfast, and she picked up her


    fork, ready to eat.


    "The wine fromst night, 400 grand," his voice was low and indifferent.


    Violette''s hand holding the fork tightened, and her mind went nk.


    A wine bottle was 400 grand?


    What kind of wine was that expensive? Did he want her to pay for it?


    Did she look like she could transfer that much money out of her bank ount?


    Her stomach suddenly cramped, and she broke out in a cold sweat, losing her appetite.


    Elijah nced at her pale, haggard face and sternly said, "This is a warning. If you smash anything in


    my house again, you''ll pay for it!"


    Upon hearing this, her stomach stopped hurting, and her appetite returned.


    Most women had morning sickness early in pregnancy, with mild symptoms being non-stop vomiting,


    and severe cases requiring bed rest.


    She hadn''t thrown up yet, just asionally felt a bit nauseous.


    However, looking at the meat in her bowl, she felt sick to her stomach and removed it.


    "Ma''am, is this dish not to your taste?" Lacey asked nervously, seeing her pick out the meat.


    Violette shook her head, "I just want to have more veggiestely."


    Lacey quickly replied, "Alright, I''ll keep that in mind."


    After breakfast, Violette returned to her room to change clothes.


    ke''swyer had scheduled a meeting with her today. Although he hadn''t explicitly said what it was


    for, she could guess.


    After changing, she grabbed her bag and left her room.


    Coincidentally, Elijah was also preparing to go out.


    He had bodyguards to serve him and a driver to chauffeur him.


    Violette nced at the time. She had a 10 o''clock appointment with thewyer, and it was almost 9


    now.


    She walked briskly outside. It would take nearly ten minutes to walk out of the vi area and get a cab.


    A cold front hade in after yesterday''s autumn rain.


    She didn''t know if it was due to the cold wind, but after walking for a short while, she felt nauseous.


    The silver Bentley rolled out of the neighborhood, and just as the driver was about to step on the gas,


    he caught a glimpse of Violette not too far away.


    "Looks like thatdy over there is Ms. Violette," the driver bbered, slowing down the car at the same


    time.


    He had seen Violetteing out of the house and even remembered what she was wearing today.


    Elijah, who had his eyes closed, immediately opened them after hearing the driver''s words.


    "Mr. Bourne, it seems like she is barfing her guts out," said the driver, who had a clearer view from the


    front seat.


    During breakfast, Violette had secretly congratted herself on not having severe pregnancy reactions.


    But now, she was puking uncontrobly.


    Holding a trash can, she nned to go back home and wash her face after throwing up.


    As she turned around, she saw Elijah''s fancy car.


    Under the sunlight, his car was all shiny and sparkly. The driver had parked the car beside her, and the


    window was rolled down.


    She saw Elijah''s cold and deep eyes staring at her, and her face instantly turned red. He wouldn''t


    suspect her, would he?


    Furrowing her delicate eyebrows, she walked over to the back of the car and stopped, forcing out an


    exnation, "I think I might''ve eaten too much for breakfast."

 Chapter 11

    Chapter 11


    His arm reached out from the car window, handing over a pack of tissues.


    She hesitated for a moment, wanting to refuse, but still took them, "Thanks."


    The tissues still carried the warmth of his palm.


    His gaze quickly withdrew from her face, the car window closed, and the car sped away.


    10 AM.


    The Dennis Group.


    The employees were still holding on to their positions.


    Thepany hadn''t paid their sries for over a month, but because The Dennis Group was a well-


    established business, despite all the negative news circting online, the employees were not willing to


    give up.


    If Violette didn''t know thepany was deep in debt, she would never have guessed the calm


    atmosphere was actually all a facade.


    Violette entered the conference room apanied by Reaves.


    Thewyer saw Violette and said bluntly, "Ms. Dennis, I''m sorry for your loss. Your father entrusted me


    to announce his will."


    Violette nodded.


    Thewyer opened the file and began to state, "Your father has a total of six properties, located in...


    Here''s the file, please check it."


    Violette took the file and carefully checked it.


    "Your father also has three parking spaces." Thewyer handed her another file, "As well as eight


    shops and twelve cars."


    Violette never really knew much about her family''s wealth.


    On the one hand, she wasn''t interested.


    On the other hand, her father had never told her in detail.


    Now that thewyer was telling her what her father owned, her heart couldn''t calm down for a long


    time.


    She didn''t expect her father to be so rich.


    With so many fixed assets, why didn''t he sell them to pay for his treatment?


    "Besides these assets, there is also thispany we are in now." Thewyer paused, "Your father


    nned to leave thispany to you. However, thepany is currently operating at a loss."


    Violette looked at thewyer, "How much is the loss?"


    Reaves adjusted his sses and continued, "The current loss is 800 million. If you want to take over


    your father''spany, you''ll also have to ept his debts. The houses and cars I mentioned earlier


    may have to be liquidated to cover thepany''s losses."


    Violette froze.


    800 million!


    Even if she sold all those houses and cars, it wouldn''t be worth 800 million!


    "Violette, you can choose not to ept. That way, your father''s debts won''t fall on you."


    Reaves looked a bit disappointed, "But I hope you''ll think about it. Thepany is your father''s life''s


    work, can you bear to see it go bankrupt?"


    "What about Alexa and Sabrina?" Violette took a deep breath and asked.


    "Don''t get me started on your stepmother! Thepany''s current state is half her responsibility. In the


    past few years, she let her brother work as the financial officer, and he embezzled a lot of money from


    thepany. Now he''s nowhere to be found." Reaves sighed.


    Violette held her forehead with both hands, her voice trembling, "I don''t want my father''spany to go


    bankrupt either, but where am I supposed to get so much money?"


    "Then borrow it!" Reaves said, "Thepany''s new product development is almostplete. As long


    as we can borrow the money, our financial difficulties will be greatly alleviated once the new product


    hits the market."


    Violette looked up incredulously, "Who would lend me that much money?"


    Reaves said, "Banks. If banks don''t lend, look for other investors. Let''s try first, and if it doesn''t work,


    then you can give up. How about that?"


    ......


    The Bourne Group.


    Top floor, CEO''s office.


    The huge floor-to-ceiling windows were spotless.


    Elijah sat with his back to the light, holding a file that his assistant Joey Lamont had just brought.


    "Mr. Bourne, The Dennis Group is facing almost ten billion in debt this time, and ke''s wife and


    youngest daughter left on an early morning flight today, probably not nning to return until the issue is


    resolved. I think Violette is likely to give up taking over thepany. Ten billion is astronomical to her."


    Joey analyzed.


    Since Elijah asked for The Dennis Group''s information, she thought her boss was interested in the


    matter.


    "Joey, let''s make a bet!" The Bourne Group''s CFO Brandon Fleming squinted, gently shaking his coffee


    cup, "I bet Violette wille to Elijah for a loan. If she asks Elijah for money, I bet he''ll lend her some."


    Joey shook his head, "She wouldn''t dare, would she?"


    Brandon took a sip of coffee andughed, "You didn''t seest night, she smashed a bottle of high-end


    wine right in front of us, ready to fight Melinda. She may look gentle, but she''s actually even more


    ruthless than Melinda."


    "Alright, let''s bet!" Joey said.


    "What are we betting?" Brandon asked.


    "If I lose, I''ll treat you to a month of coffee. If you lose, you treat everyone in the office to a month of


    coffee, how about that?" Joey suggested.


    "Deal!" Brandon said.


    ......


    In the afternoon, Violette called several major banks.


    The situation wasn''t as optimistic as Reaves had said.


    Out of the eight banks, thepany still owed loans to six of them.


    As for the other two banks, of course, they wouldn''t dare lend her money either.


    "Violette, this is a detailed introduction to our new product. Our product has development prospects. I''ll


    find a way to get the presidents of the other two banks to meet with you. Dress upter and have a


    good talk with them." Reaves handed Violette a thick stack of product introductions.


    Violette said, "Why do I have to dress up? I don¡¯t look appropriate now?"


    Reaves said, "You haven''t put on makeup, and you look pale. It''s impolite in the workce."


    Violette said, "I''ll check out the product introduction first."


    Reaves said, "Alright, I''ll contact the two bank presidents. I''ll let you know when I''ve made an


    appointment."


    6 PM.


    Joey got urate news.


    "Mr. Fleming, we both lost," Joey said. "I''m surprised Violette didn''t give up the Dennis Group. Plus,


    she''s having dinner with the heads of two banks tonight."


    Brandon was very disappointed, "She''s like amb to the ughter! She hasn''t even graduated from


    college yet and doesn''t understand theplexities of society. But I really can''t figure out why she


    didn''t go to Elijah. After all, he''s her husband in name, isn''t he? Are two yboy bank presidents better


    than him?"


    Joey sneaked a nce at Elijah''s face, which


    was so dark.


    No matter what, Violette was still his wife in name.


    If she really went to apany those two old men tonight, how would Elijah feel?


    Thinking about the boss''s way of handling things, Joey felt a little suffocated.


    With Elijah''s character, if Violette really betrayed him, she might end up in a terrible situation.


    "Mr. Bourne, should I give Ms. Dennis a call as a reminder?" Joey carefully suggested.


    Elijah''s voice was a bit hoarse, "Don''t contact her!"


    Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    He wanted to see if she really dared to mess around behind his back.


    Brandon coughed lightly, "How about we go for a drink? My treat!"


    Elijah''s expression was gloomy. He closed hisptop and started his wheelchair.


    The bodyguard immediately stepped forward, protecting him as he left.

 Chapter 12

    Chapter 12


    9 PM.


    The autumn wind swayed, rustling the fallen leaves on the ground.


    Violette got out of the taxi, feeling a chill that made her shiver.


    She carried her bag, quickly heading towards the Bourne family''s house.


    Under the dim night sky, she wore a red strapless long dress, sexy and enchanting.


    In the morning, she had just worn a regr shirt and casual pants.


    Thinking that she dressed like this to please other men, Elijah couldn''t help but clench his fingers.


    Violette changed her shoes at the entrance, only then noticing Elijah sitting on the sofa in the living


    room.


    He was wearing a ck shirt today, making his temperament even colder and gloomier.


    His expression was as indifferent as ever, and she didn''t dare to look more.


    After changing her shoes, she hesitated whether to greet him or not.


    After all, he handed her a pack of tissues in the morning.


    She nervously walked into the living room, ncing at him.


    Tonight''s atmosphere was a bit different. Usually, when she came back, Lacey woulde out to greet


    her.


    Could it be that Lacey wasn''t home today?


    She took a deep breath secretly and finally decided not to greet him.


    "Come here." His cold voice came.


    Knowing that there was no one else in the living room but them, she couldn''t y dumb.


    "What for?" She stopped in her tracks, looking at him.


    "I told you toe here." His tone was oppressively terrifying.


    She tensed up, involuntarily walking towards him.


    She didn''t dare to disobey hismand, even though he was in a wheelchair now and didn''t pose as


    much of a threat to her.


    Violette stood by his side, looking at his handsome and solemn face, taking a breath, "What do you


    want from me? Can we divorce now?"


    As her voice fell, his brows furrowed.


    He smelled a faint scent of alcoholing from her.


    She had been drinking.


    His eyes suddenly looked up, the disgust in his eyes no longer concealed.


    His big palm gripped her slender wrist, interrogating, "Did you go out to drink with someone? Did you


    have fun?"


    Violette felt as if her wrist was about to be crushed by him. She tried to pull her hand back but couldn''t


    move at all.


    "Elijah, let go! You''re hurting me!" Violette''s eyes turned red, and the more she struggled, the harder he


    gripped.


    It seemed like he deliberately wanted to hurt her and make her cry.


    "I asked if you had fun, answer!" He looked at her face, which was wrinkled in pain, and became


    angrier.


    "What? I don''t know what you''re talking about!" Violette gave up struggling, tears streaming down her


    face, "Elijah, I didn''t go out to drink, I didn''t!"


    Her eyes were filled with tears and fear.


    His Adam''s apple bobbed up and down, and the next second, he pulled her body into his arms.


    She said she didn''t go out to drink, but he could distinctly smell alcohol on her.


    His nose fell on her neck


    , where her skin was delicate and soft, with a warm milky scent.


    Strange. Her body didn''t smell of alcohol.


    Violette didn''t dare to move. His nose touched her, slightly ticklish, as if deliberately teasing her.


    She leaned against his broad chest, so nervous that she forgot to breathe and her heart seemed to


    skip a beat.


    Fortunately, he didn''t continue to treat her rudely.


    Her wrist was released, but the pain didn''t subside much. Being treated like this made Violette very


    angry.


    She knew his leg hadn''t healed yet and might not have normal sensations, so she quietly put her hand


    on his pants and pinched hard.


    She dared to do this, having already prepared to bear the consequences.


    However, it seemed like he didn''t notice her pinching his thigh just now.


    His face lifted from her neck, and his deep eyes were hard to read.


    "Your clothes smell like another man''s alcohol. Do you take them off now, or should I help you?" His


    hoarse voice left no room for argument.


    Violette was stunned.


    Her clothes smelled of another man''s alcohol?


    Wait...


    Did he want her to take off her clothes?


    Right now?


    She came to her senses, pushing against his chest, trying to escape.


    He didn''t give her any chance to escape, holding her tightly in his arms.


    With a hiss, her clothes were savagely torn off!


    "Ah!" Without the protection of her clothes, her back felt a chill, her blood boiling with anger. "Elijah, you


    maniac!"


    He threw her onto the nearby sofa, his cold eyes staring at her exposed shoulders and back.


    "Remember who you are now, Mrs. Bourne!"


    Violette hugged the high-end dress he had torn, holding back her tears.


    Tonight''s social event was arranged by Reaves


    , and the dress was also arranged by him.


    Indeed, those two bank managers wanted to get her drunk, and she couldn''t find an excuse to refuse.


    So she simply get displeased and left the dinner.


    She was pregnant now and couldn''t have alcohol, so she


    couldn''t possibly go out to drink with others.


    "Elijah, I don''t care about being Mrs. Bourne at all, don''t use your standards to demand me!" She


    brushed her messy hair behind her ears, holding her clothes, and stood up from the sofa, "You''re so


    annoying!"


    Under normal circumstances, she wouldn''t argue with people.


    It was because Elijah treated her horribly again and again that she couldn''t control her emotions.


    She went back to her room and mmed the door shut.


    Elijah''s cold face shed with a brief emotional fluctuation.


    Just now, he lost control of his emotions.


    He had waited all afternoon, thinking she woulde to him.


    But she didn''t.


    Not only did she note to him, but she also went to be with other men.


    The anger that had umted all day erupted.


    Even if she didn''t say she hated him, he knew that in her heart, he was definitely more terrifying than


    the devil.


    His phone screen lit up.


    He picked it up and saw Joey''s message: [Mr. Bourne, has Ms. Dennis arrived home safely? I went out


    for a drink with Mr. Fleming and happened to run into Ms. Dennis. She argued with those two bank


    managers and left the private room without even eating.]


    Elijah''s face darkened a bit more.


    Even if she didn''t drink with those two old men, in his eyes, her going to the appointment was wrong.


    She shouldn''t have dressed so revealingly for the appointment either.


    ...


    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    The door was knocked.


    Violette walked to the door and opened it.


    "Ma''am, the master asked me to bring you some food. I didn''t know what you wanted to eat, so I made


    you some oatmeal." Lacey ced the bowl on the table.


    Violette had just taken a shower and had forced herself to forget about Elijah''s actions tonight.


    "What''s he up to?" she asked suspiciously, eyeing the bowl.


    Though starving, she didn''t dare to eat.


    "He probably feels a bit bad for being so mean to you earlier. I noticed he wasn''t in a great mood after


    you went back to your room," Lacey said, picking up the red dress from the bed. "Should I fix it up for


    you?"


    Violette said, "No need to fix it. The dress is borrowed. You can give the price tag to him."


    Lacey said, "Oh..."


    Violette took a deep breath, sat down in the chair, her voice a little hoarse, "I can''t afford to pay for it."


    Lacey said, "Alright. You should eat the oatmeal and get some sleep. Tomorrow the olddy is


    discharged from the hospital, and the boss will probably take you to Old Manor."

 Chapter 13

    Chapter 13


    In the bathroom in the Master bedroom, t


    he nurse was carefully wiping the water droplets off Elijah''s body with a dry towel.


    He couldn''t use his legs yet and needed help from the nurse to stand steadily.


    This nurse, who was a cautious and meticulous man in his forties, had been with him since his


    ident, taking care of him.


    "Mr. Bourne, you have a bruise on your leg." The nurse helped him put on a bathrobe and supported


    him out of the bathroom. "I''ll get some ointment to rub on it."


    Elijah sat on the edge of the bed. After the nurse left, he lifted the hem of his bathrobe and saw a blue


    bruise.


    It was pinched by Violette.


    His legs weren''tpletely numb


    , so he held back his reaction when she pinched him.


    For some reason, Violette''s crying face kept appearing in his mind.


    And...


    Her unique body scent lingered in his heart.


    He had never been moved by any woman in all these years.


    But Violette stirred up endless impulses in him tonight.


    Was it really necessary for a woman who was about to divorce him?


    He felt strange and absurd.


    But if he had another chance, he would still be angry and still tear her clothes.


    ...


    The next day, 7 am.


    Violette got up early on purpose to avoid having breakfast with Elijah.


    She walked out of her room and headed straight to the dining room.


    Lacey greeted her with a smile, "Ma''am, you''re up early too! But breakfast is ready."


    The implication was that Elijah was also there, so she''d better go back to her room.


    "Ma''am, I made pasta today. I made it especially for you. I don''t know if it suits your taste." Lacey


    enthusiastically said, pulling Violette to sit down at the dining table.


    Violette felt like she was sitting on pins and needles, her face uneasy.


    Although Elijah didn''t look at her directly, he could feel her resistance.


    "We eat breakfast and then go see my mom. You better know what to say and what not to say," Elijah''s


    cold voice came.


    "When do you n to pay me for that dressst night?" Violette negotiated with him.


    She could cooperate, but only if he paid her first.


    "We don''t have that much cash at home." He sipped his milk. "If you''re in a hurry, I can transfer the


    money to you through my phone."


    "Alright, you can transfer it to me!" Violette said.


    "How much?" He put down his milk cup, took out his phone, and asked.


    Violette said, "Thirty thousand."


    Elijah nced at her who was not feeling guilty at all, "Wasn''t the price tag twenty-eight thousand?"


    Violette raised her right hand, "The extra two thousand is for medical expenses."


    Her wrist, which he had grippedst night, was bruised. She nned to go to the pharmacy to buy


    some medicer.


    She didn''t think it was too much to ask for two thousand in medical expenses.


    He nced at her wrist and his thin lips slightly pressed. He transferred her thirty thousand.


    After receiving the money, Violette''s anger subsided by half, "Don''t think that giving me money will


    make me forgive you. Even if you give me another thirty thousand, I won''t forgive you."


    After she said this, he didn''t respond, just silently pushed his wheelchair away.


    Because he didn''t refute, her anger subsided a bit.


    ...


    9 am.


    Bourne Estate.


    Grace was discharged from the hospital today, and all her friends and rtives came to visit.


    This time, she was in the ICU, which was much more dangerous than her previous hospitalization for


    high blood pressure.


    "Elijah, how''s your body?" Grace couldn''t bear to me her son when she saw him. Instead, she was


    more worried about his physical condition.


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    "Pretty good." Elijah looked at his mother''s aged face, and some words got stuck in his heart.


    "That''s good." Grace''s gaze fell on Violette. "Violette, how about you? Has Elijah been treating you


    bad? If so, you must tell me."


    Violette shook her head, "He didn''t bully me. Instead, you must take care of your health."


    "As long as you and Elijah are fine, I''m fine. Violette, Elijah has never been in love, nor has he ever


    chased after girls. He might not understand tenderness, nor romance, so I hope you can be more


    understanding. After all, for a man, career is the most important thing. Don''t you agree?"


    Grace was trying to reason with Violette.


    Violette felt strange.


    Elijah had never been in love?


    Never pursued a girl?


    How was that possible!


    It seemed that Grace didn''t know her son very well.


    "Violette, I heard that your dad''spany is in trouble and is on the verge of bankruptcy," Grace just


    got discharged from the hospital and began to worry about various trivial matters. "I asked thewyer,


    and it has nothing to do with you. Your dad''s debts won''t fall on your head. All you have to do is stay


    with Elijah and be his good wife."


    Violette knew very well that Grace had always treated her as a tool.


    But she couldn''t live entirely ording to Grace''s wishes.


    "My dad is gone now, and if he were still here, he wouldn''t want to see thepany go bankrupt. So, I


    will try my best to see if I can turn the tide," Violette said calmly and confidently.


    "Violette, when your dad''spany was making money, he didn''t spend much on you, did he? Now


    that your dad is dead, you''re still clinging to this brokenpany. Do you want Elijah to pay to help


    you?" Elijah''s sister-inw spoke up bluntly.


    "I heard your dad''spany owes ten billion! That''s not a small amount. Ordinary people wouldn''t lend


    you that much, and ordinary people can''te up with that much money... are you trying to get it from


    the Bourne family?" Elijah''s brother, Travis, spoke up.


    Violette had never thought about borrowing money from Elijah, so she was very unhappy with the


    Bourne family''sments.


    Everyone''s eyes were on her, waiting for her to make a statement.


    "You overestimate me. Even if I went to Elijah for a loan, he wouldn''t lend it to me," Violette said self-


    mockingly.


    Hearing her say this, the Bourne family felt relieved.


    She was right. Since Elijah woke up, he had been wanting to divorce her. How could he possibly lend


    her money?


    Grace grabbed Violette''s hand and came up with an idea, "Violette, there''s still a way for you to help


    your dad''spany. As long as you can have a baby for Elijah, he''ll definitely fork out the cash to help


    you."


    Violette reached out to touch her belly and took a nce at Elijah.


    He looked calm andposed, as if he hadn''t heard his mom''s promise to her.


    After lunch, they left the Old Manor.


    On the way back, the two sat in the back seat, him deep in thought, while she gazed out the window.


    The atmosphere in the car was eerily quiet.


    "Violette, even if you get pregnant with my child, I''ll strangle them with my own hands," his voice


    suddenly rang out, dark and cold.


    She couldn''t help but shiver, her lips parting as if wanting to say something, but for a moment, she


    couldn''t make a sound.

 Chapter 14

    Chapter 14


    His face turned into a devilish figure in her eyes, stretching out sharp fangs.


    "Why?" Violette struggled to speak, "Elijah, even if you don''t want the baby, you don''t have to be so


    cruel!"


    Elijah''s words were full of meaning, "What if you''re hoping for a miracle?"


    Violette took a deep breath secretly and looked away from his face.


    She was scared, feeling like she was about to step into an irreversible inferno.


    Her reaction piqued his curiosity.


    His thin lips curled into a smirk, "Violette, you''re not seriously thinking about having my baby, are you?"


    Violette''s eyes widened.


    "You better take my warning seriously. You know what kind of person I am, and my actions will be even


    worse than my words. Don''t cross my line." He finished and looked out the window.


    Violette clenched her fingers tightly and angrily said, "Don''t worry, I won''t have your child. I''m sure you


    know how much I hate you. I just want to get a divorce as soon as possible!"


    A child doesn''t belong to just one person.


    If she gave birth to a child, it would also be for herself.


    When the child grew up, she would tell them that their father had passed away!


    "It''s not the right time yet. Let''s wait until my mom''s health gets better." Elijah''s tone was much calmer,


    probably because her words had an effect.


    He realized that he was not the man she wanted.


    "We can''t wait too long." She frowned, looking anxious.


    If they drag it out, her belly will get bigger.


    By then, she wouldn''t be able to hide it, and she would definitely be forced to have an abortion.


    "What''s the hurry to get a divorce? Do you have something urgent?" Elijah''s gaze fell on her face,


    trying to see through her.


    Violette panicked, "No! I just... I just don''t want to be with you. Hasn''t anyone ever told you that being


    around you is suffocating?"


    Elijah chuckled, "Even if people think that way, they wouldn''t dare say it out loud."


    Violette pouted, "Oh... No wonder you always have a problem with me. But if I don''t speak my mind, I''ll


    feel very ufortable."


    Elijah analyzed her words and finally concluded that she misunderstood, "No man can tolerate his wife


    dressing up all fancy and apanying other men."


    "What''s wrong with wearing a strap dress? In your eyes, socializing is just apanying other men?"


    Violette retorted, "I didn''t do anything wrongst night."


    Their perspectives werepletely different.


    "So, you''re saying you''d do it again?" Elijah''s mouth curled up slightly, with a creepy smile.


    Violette pursed her lips and instinctively shrank back, "I don''t even drink, so how could I apany


    others to drink?"


    She wouldn''t joke about the two children in her belly.


    Even if her father''spany went bankrupt, she wouldn''t apany people for drinks for money.


    Her answer extinguished the anger in his heart.


    The driver drove to Bourne Mansion.


    As soon as the car stopped, Violette got out quickly.


    Elijah watched her frail figure and instructed the driver, "Go to thepany."


    ......


    When the car left, Violette finally breathed a sigh of relief.


    After taking a nap, she arrived at the Dennis Group at 2:30 pm.


    She decided to sell her father''s house, cars, and shops to pay off the debts.


    She would liquidate whatever she could, pay off the debts, and then slowly look for investments.


    There was no hope for help from the bank.


    Last night, shepletely offended two bank presidents, who said they would never lend her money


    again.


    "Violette, you don''t have to me yourself. If you had drunkst night, they would have done even


    worse things." Reaves frowned, "You''re not that kind of woman. So I can''t force you to do that."


    Violette nodded, "Even if you forced me, I wouldn''t do it."


    Reaves'' face turned slightly red, and he nodded, "I sorted out a list of A city''s wealthiest peoplest


    night. They all have the ability to invest in ourpany. You just need to convince one, and our


    Violette took the list and quickly nced through it.


    The first line on the list was the name, followed by gender,pany, their current worth, and the


    contact telephone number.


    Some had phone numbers, while others didn¡¯t.


    ¡°How can I contact those who didn''t leave any contact information?" Violette asked.


    Reaves said, ¡°For those who did not provide contact information, you can only arrange a meeting at


    their office."


    Violette looked at the list again.


    This time, she noticed a key point.


    The second name on the list was unmistakably ''Elijah''.


    ¡°Elijah, male, the Bourne Group, worth over 100 billion, Contact: None.¡±


    Violette''s face flushed a little, and she said awkwardly, "Is Elijah really that rich?"


    To cover her panic, she picked up the water ss on the table and took a sip.


    "That''s just a conservative estimate. His worth can only be higher than this number." Reaves said


    with certainty, "He founded the Bourne Group when the inte was just starting to boom. Now the


    inte is so hot, so is his worth."


    "Oh..." Violette said.


    "It''s a pity that we didn''t get his contact information. You can only go to the Bourne Group to find him. If


    you decide to go one day, I''ll go with you." Reaves said.


    Violette shook her head vigorously, "I''m not looking for him."


    Saying that, she took a pen and crossed out his name from the list.


    He would never lend her money, and if she went to ask him, it would just be humiliating.


    In the evening, on her way home, she passed by a pharmacy.


    She went in, nning to buy some medicine for her bruise.


    After the clerk rmended several options, she suddenly remembered a question, "Can I use this


    medicine if I''m pregnant?"


    Clerk said, "It''s best not to. Are you pregnant?"


    Violette nodded.


    The clerk immediately put away the medicine and picked up a few other bottles, "How many months


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    are you? You don''t look obviously pregnant yet, so you need calcium supplements. This calcium tablet


    is especially good!"


    Half an hourter, she returned to the Bourne family with the calcium tablets.


    It was past dinner time, but Lacey had saved some food for her.


    "Ma¡¯am, what kinda meds did you get?" Lacey asked since there was a pharmacy logo on the bag.


    Violette hid the bag behind her back, "Uh... some stuff for my bruise."


    "We''ve got that at home. We keep all the usual stuff around. Next time you need something, just let me


    know. I''ll get it for you," Lacey said with a smile.


    "Alright, I''m going back to my room," Violette said, and turned around, ready to leave.


    But, what would she know, she bumped into Elijah.


    He hade over while she was chatting with Lacey.


    He had also clearly seen the meds in her bag when she hid it behind her back.


    "Why''re you lying?" His gaze fell on her calcium tablets, and his eyes were full of danger.

 Chapter 15

    Chapter 15


    The calcium tablets that pregnant women took were the same as those taken by the elderly or those


    So, the bottle just said calcium tablets.


    "Do you tell everyone every single pill you take?" Violette''s face was red as a beet, but her tone was


    quite calm.


    After saying that, she immediately fled the scene.


    She took the calcium tablets back to her room, tucked them into a drawer, and then went to the


    bathroom to wash her face.


    She had to act fast. If she didn''t leave ASAP, her secret would eventually be exposed.


    Her prenatal check-up reports were all in the room. If Elijah decided to snoop around her room, he''d


    know the truth.


    Of course, she knew that while Elijah was a bit nutty, he wasn''t a creep who would search her room.


    And if he didn''t file for divorce, she couldn''t divorce him either.


    After all, she had epted the Bourne family''s generous wedding gifts.


    She sat on the edge of the bed, her mind buzzing with chaotic thoughts, even forgetting her hunger.


    Soon, there was a knock on the door.


    Snapping back to reality, she walked to the door and opened it.


    "Madam, the master is back. You should have something to eat," Lacey said kindly.


    Her nerves slightly eased. Everyone in the mansion, except for Elijah, was kind to her.


    Perhaps because she was young, they all looked after her.


    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    She followed Lacey to the dining room where the food was already on the table.


    "Lacey, I can''t eat all this. Come join me!"


    Laceyughed, "Madam, you eat as much as you want. There are rules in this house, I can''t cross the


    line."


    "Do you have kids?" Violette felt more rxed without Elijah around.


    "Yes, my child is in college now, about your age. Madam, why do you ask?"


    Violette smiled coyly, her cheeks flushed, "I heard pregnancy changes your figure, but you look great!"


    "Indeed, I didn''t have much appetite when I was pregnant, and I didn''t weigh more than 120 pounds


    even when I gave birth, so my figure didn''t change much."


    "So, your belly didn''t look that big when you were pregnant, right?"


    "Exactly! When I was seven or eight months pregnant, I looked like I was only five or six months


    pregnant. With slightly loose clothes, no one could tell I was pregnant."


    Hearing this, Violette got an idea.


    She only ate a small bowl of rice and then stopped.


    She needed to keep her figure and make her belly as inconspicuous as possible.


    "Madam, why aren''t you eating?" Lacey noticed she stopped eating after a little and felt something was


    off.


    Violette said, "I''m not hungry. From now on, just leave a little for me at dinner. I''m afraid of gaining


    weight."


    "You''re not fat at all."


    "I don''t like to exercise much, so I prefer to control my diet."


    After leaving the dining room, she went back to her room and took out herst prenatal check-up


    report.


    The doctor had written the time for the next prenatal check-up on the report, which was due when she


    was three months pregnant, and she needed to establish a file at the hospital.


    Looking at the date written on the report, she realized it was tomorrow.


    Shey in bed, gently stroking her abdomen, trying to feel the baby''s presence, but she felt no


    changes.


    Although she didn''t experience frequent vomiting after bing pregnant, her appetite was not as


    good as before.


    She had lost some weight recently, and sometimes her abdomen even looked tter when she hadn''t


    eaten.


    ...


    The next day, she got up early and went to the hospital.


    Due to the many tests that needed to be done that day, it was already noon when she finished.


    Some test results would not be avable until 2 pm, so she nned to find a nearby restaurant for


    lunch.


    As she walked out of the hospital, someone gently tapped her shoulder from behind.


    She turned around and saw a somewhat unfamiliar face.


    "It really is you." Melinda was wearing a white dress with a ck zer, her makeup was exquisite, her


    hair was slicked back, she looked both capable and charming, "Are you sick?"


    "Just for a routine check-up." Violette didn''t want to chat too much with her.


    But Melinda didn''t n to let her off the hook.


    "Violette, you haven''t had lunch, right? Let me treat you! I was wrongst time. I apologize."


    "I''m not mad."


    "Oh... I just want to chat with you, I mean no harm." Melinda put on an innocent face.


    It seemed like declining her invitation was an unforgivable act, s


    o Violette agreed to have lunch with her.


    Because she needed to fast for the blood draw in the morning, she hadn''t eaten anything since


    morning.


    She was so hungry that she felt dizzy and weak.


    The two found a nearby restaurant and sat down.


    Violette ordered two dishes of stir-fried vegetables.


    Melinda was more conservative, only ordering a fruitssi and a vegetable sd, then handed the


    menu to the waiter.


    "I don''t eat carbs at lunch to keep my figure." Melinda saw Violette''s surprise and exined, "Tell me


    about you and Elijah! I heard the olddy likes you a lot, so she doesn''t agree with Elijah divorcing you,


    what a sticky wicket!"


    Violette took a sip of water and countered, "Why didn''t you volunteer yourself back then?"


    Melinda gave a bitter smile, "I was on vacation and didn''t know about it. By the time I came back, you


    two were already married."


    Violette: "Oh, what a pity!"


    Melinda''s eyes flickered, "Are you doubting me? Violette, no one can question my love for Elijah.


    Because he doesn''t like children, I had surgery to remove my uterus. Would you do that?"


    Violette was stunned.


    "I''m no longer aplete woman, I can never have children, but I don''t regret it. For him, I''m willing to


    do anything." Melinda raised her chin proudly, a


    s if waiting for others to praise her bravery and uniqueness.


    Violette struggled to speak, "Elijah is a madman, and so are you. He hurts others when he''s crazy, you


    hurt yourself when you''re crazy. Hurting yourself for him, that''s just in dumb."


    Melinda''s face changed in an instant, her tone turning frosty: "What do you know? Elijah doesn''t mingle


    with any women, yet he''s willing to spend time with me..."


    "You''ve got it all wrong, Melinda. He''s already got someone he likes. You shouldn''t be doing foolish


    things for him." Violette''s emotions got the best of her, and she blurted out without thinking.


    The moment the words left her lips, she instantly regretted it.


    What the hell did Melinda''s actions have to do with her?


    If Elijah found out she''d spilled his secret, he''d give her hell.


    Melinda seemed to have heard a hrious joke. After her face froze for a few seconds, she burst into


    Violette exhaled: "I didn''t say he liked me. I said he liked another woman."


    Melinda shot back fiercely: "That''s even more impossible! Apart from me, there are no other women


    around Elijah. I''ve been by his side for ten years, and my brother has known him for nearly twenty


    years. I know him better than anyone else!"


    Violette''s mind was in a whirl.


    For a moment, she couldn''t tell what was real and what was not.


    Melinda had no reason to lie to her.


    But if Melinda wasn''t lying, then what about the things she saw on Elijah''sputer... what was that all


    about?

 Chapter 16

    Chapter 16


    "Violette, who told you he''s into another woman? Where did you get that from? Do you know what''s the


    woman''s name?" Melinda started to feel uneasy inside.


    She still believed that there would be no other woman beside Elijah, but her.


    Violette shook her head: "Melinda, it was just my two cents... You know Elijah better than I do."


    After calming down a bit, she changed her tune.


    She noticed that Elijah''s situation was far from simple, and she didn''t want to get involved.


    She just wanted to live a chill life, had her kid, and that was it.


    "I thought you saw Elijah with another woman with your own eyes! You scared the hell out of me."


    Melinda epted Violette''s exnation, and her mood rxed, "Elijah is not the guy you think he is.


    He doesn''t like women, or kids."


    Violette casually asked: "Do you know why he doesn''t like kids?"


    "To be honest, I don''t know. I''m not interested in knowing why, if he doesn''t like it, I won''t do it, it''s that


    simple." Melinda''s eyebrows furrowed slightly as if talking to herself, "He''s not that bad to me, actually."


    "As long as you''re happy." Violette had given up on changing her mind.


    Everyone had their own choices, as long as they can bear the consequences of that choice.


    Violette thought Melinda was a bit silly, but she decided to have a child with Elijah, which might also


    seem silly to others.


    Then, their food came.


    Violette was really hungry, so she picked up her utensils and started eating.


    Melinda was in a funk, with no appetite: "Violette, are you sure you''re not in love with Elijah?"


    Violette nodded, "Sure."


    Melinda was confused: "Why? He''s so great, so attractive."


    Violette looked at her: "If I had to choose between you and him, I''d rather choose you." At least this


    way, she won''t get hurt.


    Melinda was shocked by her words, "Violette, you..."


    Violette waved her hand: "I''m just giving an example. As long as you get what I mean."


    Melinda rxedpletely, and found Violette much more agreeable.


    Thinking about Violette''s father''s death, the bankruptcy of her family''spany, and now she was all


    alone in the Dennis family, Melinda couldn''t help feeling sorry for her.


    "Violette, you haven''t graduated from college yet, right?"


    "Graduating next year." Violette took a sip of water.


    "Ah, I heard about your dad''spany. Your dad is dead, his debts have nothing to do with you. You


    just need to take care of your studies and life." Melinda gave her a piece of advice, "Your dad owed so


    much debt, where are you going to get that much money? Don''t kill yourself over it."


    Violette lowered her head, without saying a word.


    Almost everyone advised her to give up the Dennis Group.


    Close to a billion in debt, it was no small sum.


    Including her mom, who also advised her to give up.


    But, the deputy always whispered in her ear about how great thepany''s new products were, that


    as long as they could get through this hard time, things would only get better.


    She was torn every day.


    At the end of lunch, Melinda picked up the tab early.


    Because they ordered all vegetables, it didn''t cost much, and Violette didn''t fight for the bill.


    "Violette, can I have your contact?" After paying, Melinda walked up to Violette and made the proposal.


    Violette refused: "I don''t think it''s necessary. I will be divorcing Elijah soon, and we won''t have anything


    to do with each other in the future."


    Melinda was disappointed to be rejected.


    But thinking that she won''t have anything to do with her in the future, it gave her a sense of relief.


    "Yes, the person who will be with Elijah in the future will be me, only me." Melinda''s eyes briefly swept


    over her face, and after saying this, she left in her high heels.


    ......


    Two thirty in the afternoon.


    Violette got all her test results and found the doctor.


    The doctor looked at her results and adjusted his sses.


    "Good, all the results are normal. But... it seems like you''re having twins!"


    Violette was stunned.


    "Do you still want to terminate the pregnancy now?" The doctor asked with a smile, "The chances of


    having twins are as low as winning the lottery. You''ve hit the jackpot!"


    Violette''s emotions were in a whirl, she felt extremely excited yet overwhelmed at the same time.


    Twins!


    She had only heard about twins, but had never seen them in real life.


    "I should remind you, if you want to terminate the pregnancy, it''s best to do it within three months, the


    bigger the fetuses are bing, the greater the risk is. It''s very cruel for not only you, but also the


    children. For instance, now the children have already taken shape in your belly..." The doctor reminded


    her.


    "Doctor, I''m not aborting. I''ll have them." At that moment, Violette made her decision.


    "Okay, just fill out these information cards."


    ......


    When she left the hospital, it was already four in the afternoon.


    Maybe it was because she got up early today and didn''t take a nap, so she was feeling drowsy now.


    The scenery, people, and cars in front of her seemed blurry, and she couldn''t see clearly.


    She hailed a taxi on the street, went home, and went straight to her room to have a good sleep.


    By the time she woke up, it was already night.


    She sat nkly on the bed, her mind was empty, and so was her stomach.


    She knew she was hungry, but her body was sluggish.


    Her phone rang suddenly, and she picked it up.


    "Violette, have you contacted the clients on the list I gave you?" Reaves'' voice came from the other end


    of the phone.


    Violette lowered her eyes and took a deep breath: "Not yet. I''ll do it tomorrow!"


    Reaves: "It''s the weekend tomorrow! It''s better not to bother people on the weekend. It''s better to call


    tonight!"


    Violette: "Okay."


    Reaves: "Should I send you the list again?"


    Violette: "No need, I''ve got it."


    Reaves: "Then remember to contact them tonight, act sincerely, you must..."


    "Alright, I got it. I''m gonna grab a bite first."


    Reaves: "Where are you living now? I heard your house is up for sale."


    Violette nced at the guest room she was living in and replied, "I''m renting. Don''t worry about me, I''m


    doing fine."


    Reaves: "Alright, Violette, I''m looking forward to hearing good news from you."


    After a dinner with no appetite, Violette returned to her room. She started calling one by one ording


    to the contact information on the list.


    As soon as most people heard her name, they rejected her outright without waiting for her to finish,


    then hung up the phone.


    So, she finished making all the calls in just twenty minutes.


    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    All rejected.


    No one had hope for the new product of the Dennis Group.


    A sense of failure surged before she even started to try.


    Was she really going to give up?


    If she gave up, then the Dennis Group might disappearpletely.


    But if she didn''t, what measures could she take?


    Suddenly, she felt stifled in the room, almost unbearable.


    She grabbed a long coat and left the room.


    The living room was empty, the whole vi was as silent as if someone had hit the pause button.


    She wrapped herself in the coat and walked out of the vi.


    The night wind blew her hair wildly.


    It was cold.


    Bone-chilling cold.


    She walked aimlessly towards the streetlight, and suddenly, memories came flooding back.


    In others'' eyes, she was the rich girl of the Dennis Group, free from all material worries.


    But no one knew how many times she had been caught in the rain, how many cold meals she had


    eaten, how many sick nights she had spent uncared for.


    A ck Rolls-Royce drove into the neighbourhood


    , and slowed down until it stopped.


    Elijah slowly opened his eyes and saw that,


    outside the car window, under the dim streetlight, a small figure crouched by the road, hugging her


    knees. Her shoulders were shaking slightly from crying.

 Chapter 17

    Chapter 17


    A car zoomed past her, the wind it kicked up made her shiver.


    Violette looked up, the tail lights of the Rolls Royce fading in the night.


    Could that be Elijah''s car?


    She wiped the tears off her face, quicklyposed herself and headed towards Elijah''s ce.


    As she reached the front yard, she spotted the car parked in the yard.


    She decided to wait outside until Elijah went in.


    Feeling a slight fatigue in her eyes, she looked up at the night sky filled with twinkling stars, beautiful


    and dazzling.


    It was truly lovely


    , and it would be a sunny day tomorrow.


    She stood outside, and unbeknownst to her, an hour had passed.


    The car in the yard was now parked in the garage by the driver.


    The lights in the living room were still on, empty and quiet.


    Violette had regained herposure and slowly walked towards the living room.


    On the second floor balcony, Elijah sat in his wheelchair, dressed in a grey robe, holding a wine ss


    that was nearly empty.


    Violette had stood outside for an hour, he had watched her for an hour from the balcony.


    He had no idea what she was thinking, standing still for so long. Violette stood for so long that he


    almost thought she had merged with the tree shadow.


    She knew Elijah always keptpany with smart people because only smart people would stay.


    But she, Violette, was an exception.


    Violette was not smart; she knew Elijah was tough, yet she kept pushing his buttons.


    What a silly woman she was.


    Yet, when he saw Violette upset, his mood was affected too.


    That was emotional leverage.


    This feeling, was a first for him.


    ...


    Back in her room, Violette felt light-headed.


    It must be the cold wind she caught earlier.


    She pulled out a thick quilt from the wardrobe, wrapped herself in it and fell asleep.


    She sweated through the night, driving out the cold.


    The next day she woke up, other than feeling sticky, she was in good spirits.


    She took a shower, changed clothes and left her room.


    Following the smell of food to the dining room, Lacey immediately served her breakfast.


    "Has he eaten yet?" Violette asked.


    "No, sir hasn''te down yet." Lacey answered.


    Upon hearing this, Violette picked up her milk and toast and started eating heartily.


    In less than five minutes, she finished her breakfast.


    "Ma''am, are you afraid of him?" Lacey asked with a chuckle.


    "Not afraid... just don''t want to see him." Violette tilted her chin slightly, thought for a few seconds, "I


    feel ufortable around him."


    "You''ll get used to it if you spend more time together. Will you be back for lunch?"


    "No, I have activities at school today. Don''t keep dinner for me either."


    "Alright. I''ll call the driver to take you." Lacey said as she prepared to call the driver.


    Violette immediately stopped her, "No need. I''ll take a cab. Leave the driver for him."


    Lacey replied, "We have two drivers at home. One for shopping, one for Elijah. I''ll ask the shopping


    driver to take you."


    Violette couldn''t convince Lacey.


    After being dropped off at school, she thanked the driver, "You can go back now. I''ll take a cab home


    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    tonight."


    Once the driver left, a schoolmate walked up to Violette, "Violette! Who was that guy in the Porsche?"


    Violette didn''t expect to run into her schoolmate and good friend Odette Farrar at the school gate.


    "Just an uncle." Violette walked into the school with her, "Odette, I probably won''t be applying for


    postgraduate with you."


    Odette was taken aback, "Is it because of your family? I heard from my dad, I''m really sorry for you."


    Violette smiled, "Actually, I wasn''t that keen on studying for a postgraduate program."


    Odette, "I know, you wanted to get married to your boyfriend after graduation, right? Can you tell me


    who your boyfriend is?"


    Violette was stunned, as s


    he had only told her mom about her rtionship with Kaleb.


    Odette and her closest schoolmates only knew Violette was dating, but not who her boyfriend was.


    "We broke up." Violette took a deep breath, "Have you ever felt betrayed? I thought he was the best


    man in the world, but turns out he''s a jerk."


    Odette put her arm around her waist, looked at her slightly red eyes, andforted, "Violette, it''s not


    the end of the world. We''re still young, consider this a trial and error. You''ll meet a better man in the


    future."


    Violetteughed, "Better to rely on myself than any man."


    Odette sighed, "People do need to experience setbacks to grow quickly. Look at you, before summer


    you thought love was the most important thing in the world, now you''ve matured!"


    Violette shook her head, "I just want to be able to support myself after graduation."


    Odette said, "You definitely can! You''re a double major and ranked top three in both. You''re so talented,


    you''ll surely achieve great things!"


    Violette blushed from thepliment.


    At five in the afternoon,


    Violette and Odette left school, they decided to have dinner together.


    As soon as they stepped out of the school gate, Odette pointed at a Porsche parked at the gate.


    "Violette! Isn''t that the guy who drove you here in the Porsche?! Is he here to pick you up?" Odette


    remembered the car.


    Because a luxury car, like hot guys and girls, was very attractive.


    Violette looked at the Porsche, the window was down, she saw the driver who also saw her.


    Violette was taken aback. Didn''t they agree not to pick her up at night?


    What was going on?


    Violette quickly walked towards the car.


    The driver opened the back door for her to get in.


    "What happened?" Violette asked in a low voice.


    Because Odette was there, the driver answered carefully, "I''ll tell you once you''re in the car."


    Violette''s heart started pounding.


    "Violette, if you''ve got stuff to do, you can head out first! We can catch up some other time." Odette


    offered.


    Violette nodded: "Next time, it''s on me."


    Odette waved her off: "Don''t mention it. Give me a ring if anythinges up!"


    As soon as Violette got into the car, it zoomed off.


    The driver asked, "Ma''am, did you ruffle the master''s feathers again?"


    Violette was taken aback, her eyebrows knitted together, "I didn''t. Did he send you to pick me up?"


    Driver: "Yes. You''d better brace yourself!"


    Violette''s heart began to race


    , her brain whirring too.


    Something was fishy!


    She had been at school all day. She hadn''t even seen him, let alone ticked him off.


    She mentally went over everything that had happened recently but still couldn''t make heads or tails of


    it.


    Finally, when a headache started to creep in, she stopped trying to figure it out.


    At 5:40 in the evening, the car reached its destination.


    After the car parked, Violette got out.


    As she was changing her shoes at the door, she noticed that Elijah was the only one in the living room.


    Today he was wearing a dark navy shirt. His sleeves were rolled up to the elbows, revealing lean and


    muscr arms.


    The cufflinks on his shirt were iid with a deep blue gemstone that sparkled brilliantly, it was quite a


    sight.


    He was lounging on the couch, radiating an air of arrogance.

 Chapter 18

    Chapter 18


    "Take a seat." His gaze swept over her body subtly.


    "Alright." She walked over and sat down on the couch across from him.


    On the small table, there was aptop.


    Theptop screen was facing her, disying a CCTV footage.


    Upon close examination, it could be discerned that it was a CCTV footage of his bedroom.


    The angle of the footage was centered on the bed


    , where there were him and her.


    Upon recognizing what was on the screen, Violette''s heart pounded in her chest!


    She abruptly stood up, pointing at theptop, and rebuked, "Elijah! Are you a freakin'' perv?! Installing


    cameras in your bedroom?!"


    She was so pissed she couldn''t contain herself!


    She had almost forgotten that she had shared a bed with him for three months.


    Those three months, he was in a vegetative state, so she didn''t consider him a man.


    No matter how incredible a person might be, they always had some weird habits in their private lives.


    She couldn''t digest the fact that she had been spied on for three months!


    When she first moved into his room, no one told her there were cameras.


    Seeing her trembling with rage, Elijah felt an odd sense of calm.


    "Why do you think I installed the cameras?"


    He too only found out today that during his illness, his room had been bugged.


    The cameras were installed by his mother, and t


    he purpose was to prevent any mistreatment from the caregivers.


    Who would be afraid of him now that he was a patient, no matter how intimidating he used to be?


    Elijah wasn''t angry with his mother because he knew she meant well.


    He got all the footage from his mother


    , and had roughly gone through the videos today.


    After watching them, his blood pressure skyrocketed from anger.


    He couldn''t believe that Violette was that kind of woman.


    "Oh...so your mom installed them?" Violette seemed a bit nervous, feeling like she was on fire, "She


    should have at least told me! I...I..."


    "Violette, you never thought I''d wake up, did you?" His eyes were aze with anger, "While I was sick,


    you were toying with my body, having a great time, weren''t you?"


    Violette blushed and sat back down: "No! I wasn''t toying! I was just massaging you! To prevent muscle


    atrophy!"


    After marrying into the Bourne family, she had seen the caregivers performing muscle exercises on


    Elijah a few times, then she took over, b


    ecause she felt awkward being in the room when the caregivers were performing the exercises.


    Violette''s firm tone made him doubt if he had misunderstood her.


    However, the CCTV footage told the whole story.


    "Watch the videos." He didn''t want to hear her excuses.


    She reluctantly pressed the y button, her fingers trembling.


    Of course, she knew what she had done.


    But she couldn''t admit that she was toying with his body.


    She was just...touching...a little...


    If she knew he would wake up, she wouldn''t have dared to do that.


    If she knew there were cameras in the room, she would rather cut off her own hand than touch him!


    Oh God!


    She slightly turned her head away, not wanting to watch the video on the screen.


    Even though she really, really didn''t want to look, she still caught a glimpse out of the corner of her eye.


    Elijah didn''t disappoint her, the CCTV footage in theptop was all the proof needed.


    The video clearly documented her ''exploitation'' of his body.


    "Elijah, let me exin." Violette took a deep breath, deciding to make an excuse for her actions, "The


    doctor said you were on the brink of death, so I never thought you would wake up. And...I was really


    trying to help you with your physical rehab, you can''t just see me cking off and ignore the times I


    was working...you''re doing so well now, at least half of that is thanks to me."


    Hearing her excuses, Elijah felt a slight headacheing on.


    "Let me find the parts where I was massaging you..." Violette refused to back down, her finger sliding


    on the touch screen.


    A minuteter¡ª


    "Oh my God!" Violette, clutching theptop, abruptly stood up.


    Her cheeks were red as if they were bleeding.


    "You''ve seen all of it, haven''t you?! You''ve seen all the footage in here, right?!" She verified repeatedly,


    her mind in a whirl.


    Elijah knew why she was reacting so hugely.


    He calmly replied in a concise manner, "Of course."


    "Ahhh! Elijah! You bastard! Who gave you the right to watch me?! You pervert!" Violette was so angry


    her teeth chattered.


    She had just seen herself without clothes on in the video!


    She would sometimes forget to bring her clothes into the bathroom and then just walk out naked.


    After all, he was in a vegetative state, so she had no reservations!


    She couldn''t have dreamed...that there were cameras in the room!


    "You''re ming me for your nudity?" Elijah found her line of thought peculiar, after a swallow, he coldly


    said in a low voice, "Apart from your skin that seems to glow, I don''t see anything special."


    "You¡ª" Violette''s eyes welled up with tears, she was so angry she was about to lose it, "Who asked


    you toment on my body?! If you can''t say anything nice then don''t say anything at all! I''m going to


    delete all the footage!"


    She took hisptop and briskly walked back to her room.


    The door was mmed shut.


    The driver was smoking outside.


    Hearing Violette''s intermittent shrieks and the sound of her mming the door, he sighed at hisck of


    imagination.


    He never thought he''d see a woman being so disrespectful to Elijah.


    ......


    Seven in the evening.


    Violette deleted all the footage and put theptop back on the table in the living room.


    She was so angry, and felt drained.


    She was so hungry that she braced herself and went into the dining room.


    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    Elijah wasn''t there


    , but she still felt ufortable.


    She felt like there might be cameras everywhere in the house, watching her every move.


    "Madam, I didn''t know there were cameras in the master''s bedroom." Lacey exined andforted


    her, "It really wasn''t the master''s doing. He values his privacy more than anyone."


    Violette said, "It''s okay, I''ve deleted everything."


    She only ate a little before losing her appetite.


    Putting down her utensils, she asked Lacey, "Was I very aggressive just now?"


    Lacey answered, "A little."


    Violette said, "No biggie, what''s the worst he can do to me?" She got it, since there was no privacy in


    front of him, might as well face it head-on.


    She left the dinning room, nning to carry on with her own stuff as usual.


    But things didn''t go as nned.


    Just as she left the dining room, she bumped into Elijah.


    He didn''t say a word, didn''t do anything, just stared at her deeply.


    His eyes seemed to have some sort of magic, deep and meaningful, as if he saw right through her with


    just one look.


    Violette¡¯s heart was racing, rhythm totally out of whack.


    "Move." His voice was deep and maic.


    She froze for a moment, then quickly stepped aside.


    As she watched him enter the dining room, her face turned red because of guilt.


    So, he was just here for a meal, she thought he was here to give her a hard time.


    Violette lightly smacked her forehead, sighing deeply within.


    So what if he saw her naked?


    No big deal.


    When she gave him a massage before, she practically saw him naked too, right?

 Chapter 19

    Chapter 19


    The next day was Sunday, she didn''t roll out of bed until ten thirty in the morning.


    This was her firstzy morning at the Bourne family .


    As she stepped out of her room, all the men in the living room turned to look at her.


    She was in an oversized nightgown, hair all messy and draped over her shoulders, face clean and


    fresh.


    She hadn''t expected Elijah to have guests today.


    He and his guests stared at her with serious expressions, seeming caught off guard by her unexpected


    appearance.


    Violette''s brain short-circuited!


    Realizing her awkward situation, she quickly turned around, intending to hide back in her room.


    Just then, Lacey came over and led her to the dining table.


    "Ma''am, you haven''t had breakfast, you must be hungry? I checked on you this morning and you were


    sound asleep, so I didn''t wake you up."


    Violette stuttered, "Who... who are those people?"


    Lacey replied, "They''re the Elijah''s friends. They came to visit him. If you''re scared, it''s okay not to


    greet them."


    Violette responded, "Hmm." She didn''t even greet Elijah, let alone his friends?


    But if she''d known he had friends over, she would have got up early and spent the whole day out.


    In the living room.


    Elijah''s friends showed a great interest in Violette.


    "Elijah, who''s that young girl living in your house? Is she a nanny? Or..."


    "Come on, we''re all adults here, and Elijah is a normal guy. It''s totally normal to have a young woman


    in the house, hahaha!"


    As Elijah didn''t respond to this question, everyone understood it was not a topic to be continued.


    "Do you guys know Violette from the Dennis Group? I heard she''s ke''s daughter..."


    "Yeah, she called mest Friday night, trying to get me to invest in herpany. I hung up before she


    finished."


    "This Violette is kinda interesting. What has her dad''s debt got to do with her? Is she crazy jumping into


    this fire pit?"


    "Young people are always impulsive! I''ve researched their product, it''s not going to work! Autonomous


    driving sounds cool, but the road conditions areplex and unpredictable. Whoever invests in this


    project is a fool!"


    ......


    Violette was in the dining room, and listening to their discussions, she felt a mix of emotions.


    After breakfast, she grabbed herptop and found a nearby coffee shop to write her thesis.


    Her abilities were limited, she had to take care of her own academics and life first.


    Around four in the afternoon, she received a new email.


    She held her coffee cup in her left hand, took a sip, and clicked on the email with her right hand.


    Once she read the content of the email, she set her coffee cup down.


    She read it again.


    The email was from someone signed as Mr. E.


    The content of the email was about his interest in the new product of the Dennis Group, wanting to


    know more about it in detail. If the discussion went well, he could invest.


    After reading it, her mind was filled with question marks.


    Apart from the signature Mr. E, there was no other information.


    If he really wanted to cooperate with the Dennis Group, he could go directly to the Dennis Group for a


    face-to-face talk.


    After careful consideration, Violette replied to his email: Is this a new type of scam?


    Mr. E quickly replied: Ms. Dennis, you''re quite funny. Here is my proof of assets.


    Attachment: Proof of Assets.jpg


    Violette opened the picture he sent, zoomed in to check¡ª


    She couldn''t believe her eyes.


    The picture was a bank deposit slip, showing his bank current deposit was over 50 million dors.


    Because the amount was so huge, Violette looked at the numbers on the picture several times before


    she was sure it was 50 million.


    Violette flushed, her heart raced, her fingers trembling on the keyboard as she typed: Your photo


    editing skills are pretty good, but you''re quite bold. Who would keep that much money in a bank current


    ount?


    Mr. E: What do I need to do to make you believe me? How about you send me your bank card number,


    and I''ll transfer you some earnest money.


    Violette: Has scamming technology advanced to this level?! Just knowing someone''s ount number,


    you can transfer all the money in their card?! [Shocked]


    Mr. E: ......


    Violette hesitated for a while, then sent a screenshot of her own QR code to Mr. E.


    This QR code can only receive payments, not make them.


    Even if the other party was a scammer, it wouldn''t matter.


    After replying to the email, Violette waited for his response.


    Soon... her phone notified her of a transfer.


    She opened the message and saw the one million dors Mr. E had transferred.


    ......


    Half an hourter, Reaves rushed to the coffee shop where Violette was.


    "Violette, what''s going on? Did this Mr. E really transfer you five hundred thousand dors?"


    Violette showed her phone screen to the vice president: "The money in my ount came from him."


    Reaves was both excited and thrilled: "Whichpany is this Mr. E from? Set up a meeting with him,


    let''s talk face to face!"


    Violette hesitated a bit: "He only sent me an address, said to meet and talk there this Friday night."


    Reaves: "Okay! Send me the address, I''ll go with you then."


    Violette: "Okay."


    Due to the emergence of Mr. E, the crisis facing the Dennis Group was temporarily put on hold by


    Violette.


    But every day, she couldn''t help but wonder who this Mr. E really was.


    They hadn''t even met yet, and he had already transferred her a million dors, was he just too rich and


    didn''t care about the money, or did he really see the potential in the Dennis Group''s project?


    Either way, Violette found it hard toprehend.


    Time flew by, and before long it was Friday.


    At breakfast, Elijah asked Violette, "Are you free to have dinner at the Old Manor tonight?"


    Violette thought for a few seconds, then found an excuse, "I have something at school tonight, I might


    be backte."


    Elijah frowned but didn''t say anything.


    She breathed a sigh of relief, as s


    he and Mr. E had arranged to meet at six o''clock that evening.


    Whether the Dennis Group can turn the tables depended on tonight.


    "Violette, you''re still my wife." Elijah put down his coffee cup, his deep eyes fixed on her, his voice was


    calm and indifferent. "If you lie or deceive me, and I find out, you''ll pay the price."


    Violette''s body tensed up instantly.


    Over the past few days, they hardlymunicated.


    She thought this peaceful coexistence was good, but why would he suddenly say such things?


    Just as she was about to respond, he left the dining room.


    Watching his figure, she murmured: "What the hell..."


    ......


    Late afternoon, five forty.


    At a certain bar.


    Violette arrived first.


    Upon arrival, she called Reaves, who anxiously said on the phone:


    "Violette, I''m stuck in traffic, not sure when I''ll get there. You go to the private room first! I''ll be there as


    soon as I can."


    Violette was taken aback, suddenly feeling anxious.


    This meeting was arranged a week ago, and the room was booked by Mr. E in advance.


    Under the guidance of the waiter, she arrived at the door of room V606.


    Taking deep breath, she pushed open the door.


    To her surprise, Mr. E was already there.


    In the dim room, the man sat in a wheelchair.


    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    Violette''s eyes widened instantly, he... he was Elijah!


    What was he doing here?!


    Could it be, he...

 Chapter 20

    Chapter 20


    Violette felt as if someone had just strangled her at the thought.


    She was hit with a dizzying wave of suffocation.


    How could he possibly be Mr. E?!


    Mr. E transferred a million to her and was nning to invest in the Dennis Group. How could Elijah be


    so good to her?


    But if he wasn''t Mr. E, why was he here?


    As her mind spun in confusion, his wheelchair, his dark attire, and his unusually pale skin all served as


    reminders that the man before her could be no one else but Elijah.


    She gasped and instinctively backed away.


    But somehow the door to the private room had been closed.


    "Leaving without saying goodbye?" Elijah eyed her frantic state and softly asked, "What are you doing


    in a ce like this?"


    Violette brushed her long hair behind her ears, forcing herself to calm down: "I...I came to have dinner


    with some ssmates."


    "This is a ce for drinking."


    "Oh¡­" Violette nced around the spacious and luxurious private room. It felt like she was in hell,


    agitated and uneasy, "I...I must have gotten the wrong ce. I''ll go find my ssmates."


    "Violette," His voice sent chills down her spine as he said her name syble by syble, "Have you


    forgotten what I told you this morning?"


    Violette: "I remember, but I don''t have to take your words as my standard for doing things."


    Thest incident was still fresh in her mind.


    He used her of dressing like an escort and apanying others to drink, even though she didn''t.


    His eyebrows furrowed at her response.


    He knew she was different from other women. She had her own opinions, never bowed to power, and


    most importantly, no matter how harshly he warned her, she wouldn''t take his words to heart.


    It was as if she didn''t value him.


    He picked up a ss of wine and took a sip.


    Violette took a deep breath and tentatively asked, "Elijah, why are you here? Didn''t you say you were


    going to the Old Manor for dinner tonight?"


    She wanted to ask, this private room was reserved by Mr. E, howe you''re here?


    Or, Elijah, were you Mr. E?


    But she didn''t dare to be so direct


    , because she had no clue what his answer would be.


    If he was Mr. E, how were they going to discuss business matters?


    If he wasn''t Mr. E, how could she make up for the lie she told him this morning?


    "Come here, drink with me." He lifted his reddened eyes andmanded.


    She arched her eyebrows.


    What did he mean?


    "I can''t drink, I told you that." Violette couldn''t read his eyes nor his mind. All she wanted was to leave,


    "You drink. I''m leaving!"


    She tried to open the door, but found it locked from the outside.


    No matter how hard she tried, she couldn''t open the door.


    "What''s going on? Elijah! Let me out!" Sheined, her face turning red.


    "Did you not understand when I asked you to drink with me, or are you pretending not to understand?"


    His eyes held a threatening tone, his words harsher.


    Violette broke out in a cold sweat, her ankles trembling slightly.


    If she could drink, she would''ve just bit the bullet and apanied him.


    But she couldn''t drink now!


    Even if he strangled her, she couldn''t.


    The door was blocked, she couldn''t get out, so s


    he had no choice but to approach him.


    She wanted to reconcile with him.


    "I lied to you this morning," She walked over to him, eyes downcast as she exined, "I had something


    to do tonight, but it wasn''t school-rted. I had a meeting with someone who expressed interest in


    investing in my dad''spany."


    "Who?" He looked up, casually gazing at her flushed face.


    "I don''t know his name."


    "You dare toe without even knowing his name?"


    "Reaves came with me."


    "Where is the vice president?"


    "He''s stuck in traffic." She took a deep breath, looking him straight in the eye, "Elijah, I''m not a child


    anymore. Even though I''m your wife, I have my own social life and space, you have no right to


    interfere."


    As she spoke, he lifted his ss and took another sip.


    Watching his sexy Adam''s apple bob up and down, she got a little distracted.


    He wouldn''t get drunk drinking like this, would he?


    How would they get home if he got drunk?


    Just as she was getting lost in her thoughts, she caught a glimpse of arge figure from the corner of


    her eye, suddenly blocking all the light in front of her.


    He got up!


    He stood up from his wheelchair...!


    Violette stared at him in shock, her mind going nk.


    She forgot her anger, and forgot what she was going to do next.


    Her lips moved slightly, wanting to say something, but no words came out of her mouth.


    The next second, his body was on top of hers, pinning her down.


    "When a man invites a woman to a ce like this, he''s definitely going to make her drink. If you don''t


    drink, what are you doing here?!" Elijah''s long fingers gripped her chin tightly.


    Her lips were forced to part slightly.


    His other hand held a tall ss, the liquid inside gently swaying.


    Fear overtook her senses.


    Tears welled up in her eyes. She wanted to resist, but his body was pressing down on her, and she


    couldn''t move.


    "Violette, you dare toe when a strange man invites you... You won''t learn your lesson unless you


    suffer." He poured the wine from the ss into her mouth.


    Violette''s hands grabbed his arms, trying to push him off, but no matter how much strength she used,


    Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    she couldn''t budge him.


    He had just recovered from a long illness, but he was frighteningly strong.


    The image of him standing up from the wheelchair shed through her mind.


    He was taller and scarier than she had imagined.


    The red wine was poured into her mouth, she didn''t swallow, but the bitter taste of alcohol made her


    cough violently.


    She felt like she was drowning.


    In desperation, the body sent out instinctive signals for help.


    She grabbed his cor in panic


    , and pulled so hard that the buttons on his shirt popped off.


    With a crisp ''pop'', they rolled onto the floor.


    A chill ran down his chest.


    He looked at her pained, flushed face, and his tightly clenched heart suddenly softened.


    He let go of her chin.


    She immediately turned her head, spitting out all the wine in her mouth.


    "Elijah, I hate you!" she said, her eyes teary, and her hands clenched tightly.


    "You''re throwing a fit over one drink?" The pity in his eyes faded, his slender fingers fell to her cor,


    unbuttoning it to reveal her beautiful corbone. "If it wasn''t me, it would be another man treating you


    like this! Violette, this is the price you pay for lying!"

 Chapter 21

    Chapter 21


    The night was full of pain and seemed especially long.


    When everything calmed down, she was so beat she just passed out.


    The next day


    at the Bourne Group.


    Elijah, as usual, arrived at thepany around 10 in the morning.


    When he walked into the office, Brandon came in too.


    "I went to the barst night to look for you, but you were nowhere to be found. Did you and Violette


    leave early?"


    Elijah frowned, "Did youe here just to talk about this?"


    Brandon gave a bitter smile and ced a file on Elijah''s desk.


    "This is the financial report of the Dennis Group for the past few years. I had a look when I was free


    and the problems are quite serious." He paused, "The CFO of the Dennis Group, stole at least 2 billion.


    Heard he''s ke''s wife''s younger brother."


    Elijah''s eyes flickered slightly.


    If what Brandon said was true, then the bankruptcy of the Dennis Group was not entirely due to the


    development of new products.


    "This tells us that we need to think twice when choosing a partner." Brandon sighed, "If ke hadn''t


    betrayed Alexa, the Dennis family wouldn''t be in this situation."


    Elijah was indifferent, "This shows that women are stumbling blocks on the road to sess."


    Brandon, "So...you''ve decided to divorce Violette! When are you nning to do it? Do you need me to


    Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    throw you a back-to-single party?"


    Elijah raised an eyebrow, his gaze was icy, "Don''t you have work to do? Got a lot of free time?"


    Brandon immediately stood up, cleared his throat lightly, "I''ll be leaving now... But just a friendly


    reminder, you might want to put some ointment on those scratch marks on your neck. If someone who


    doesn''t know sees it, they might think you got scratched by a cat. I bet you two had a wild night!"


    Elijah swallowed, his voice was hoarse, "Get lost!"


    Brandon left right away.


    Less than fifteen minutes after Brandon left, Melinda knocked on Elijah''s office door.


    "Elijah, are you busy right now? I have something non-work rted to discuss with you." Melinda came


    in and closed the door.


    Elijah nced at the emails in his inbox, "I''m busy now, we can talk about non-work rted matters


    after work."


    Melinda paused, walked firmly to his desk, "Let''s talk now! This is more important than work."


    She handed the file bag she brought to Elijah.


    "Elijah, open it and see. The content inside will definitely shock you."


    After saying this, she sat in the chair opposite him, her eyesnding on the scratch marks on his neck.


    She didn''t need to guess what it was.


    A sour feeling welled up in her heart.


    "Did you sleep with Violettest night?" Her voice trembled, "Elijah, Violette is not worth your love!"


    "Shut up!" Elijah frowned, looking impatient, "You''re not qualified toment on my rtionship with


    Violette!"


    As he spoke, he opened the file bag and pulled out the documents.


    --Maternal Health Record


    Name: Violette


    Gender: Female


    Pregnant: 12 weeks


    When Elijah saw this, the veins on his forehead were about to pop.


    The chill in his eyes was enough to invoke a fear of death.


    He suppressed his anger, and continued reading--


    Child''s Father: Kaleb


    He mmed the file heavily on the table.


    Violette was pregnant, and the father of the child was Kaleb!

 Chapter 22

    Chapter 22


    Seeing Elijah fuming, Melinda decided to add fuel to the fire.


    "Elijah, Violette had a thing with your nephew Kaleb before she married you. That''s okay, as many


    people have a past. But she even messed around with your nephew after you two get married. You


    know what that means, right? She cheated on you. I guess they thought you were gonna kick the


    bucket, that''s why they did all these behind your back!"


    Elijah clenched his fists, his face pale.


    He looked livid, his icy eyes staring hard at the pregnancy medical record!


    "I suspect they did all these to get their hands on your dough. When the doctor issued you a critical


    condition notice, everyone thought you were a goner. Violette married you, got pregnant with ''your''


    baby, so your money would naturally fall into herp. T


    heir n was he genius! Just that you woke up and their n went up in smoke."


    "Get out!" Elijah barked at Melinda.


    Regardless of whether things were as Melinda described, the exposure of these disgusting affairs


    made him sick to his stomach.


    Melinda felt hurt, but shepletely understood his current mood.


    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    She quietly left, carefully closing the door behind her.


    Elijah swallowed hard, his breathing became rapid, he loosened his cor, picked up the medical


    record again, his sharp eyes quickly scanning the contents.


    Finally, his gazended on ''Kaleb'', a murderous intent shed in his eyes.


    He always knew that Travis and his families coveted his wealth, but he never expected Violette to be


    their pawn!


    And he almost fell into their trap.


    Thinking of the intimate night with Violettest night, his anger surged uncontrobly.


    ......


    Elijah''s residence.


    Master bedroom.


    Violette was sound asleep on the bed.


    The door was pushed open forcefully, making a harsh sound.


    Before she could open her eyes, she was roughly pulled up.


    "Ms. Dennis, excuse me!" one of the Bourne''s bodyguards hoisted her from the bed.


    She suddenly screamed, "What are you doing? Where are you taking me?"


    "Hospital, for an abortion." After the bodyguard answered, she felt like she was thrown into a cold


    inferno.


    Did Elijah know she was pregnant?


    How did he know?


    Who told him?


    "Where''s Elijah? I want to see him!" Violette cried out in fear, "I don''t want to have the surgery, I don''t


    want to!"


    She tried to break free from the bodyguard''s grip, but her strength was depleted from the previous night


    with Elijah.


    The bodyguard hoisted her into the car and tossed her into the back seat like trash.


    In the back seat, Elijah sat elegantly, looking at her coldly.


    He threw a piece of paper on her face.


    "Violette, you had so many chances to get rid of the baby, why didn''t you? Do you love Kaleb that


    much? Do you know I can kill him with my own hands?"


    His face was pale, his voice cold and distant.


    Violette picked up the paper and saw her previously filled information, she closed her eyes in despair.


    She had thought about telling the truth when filling in the father''s information of the baby.


    But Elijah had threatened her that if she got pregnant with his child, he would personally end the baby''s


    life,


    so she wrote Kaleb''s name on the form.


    Yet, the truth was still exposed!


    "Elijah, I beg you... please don''t make me abort the baby!" Violette''s eyes were filled with tears, her


    small hand clinging onto his sleeve, pleading tearfully, "They are not illegitimate children..."

 Chapter 23

    Chapter 23


    He shook her hand off with a disgusted look on his face and said coldly, "Violette, leaving you alone is


    already me being nice. Shut your mouth and don''t piss me off!"


    Violette stared at his indifferent face, holding back all her pain.


    No matter what she said or did now, she couldn''t change his decision.


    She curled up in her seat, tears welling up in her eyes as she stared out the window.


    Hospital.


    After the car stopped, Violette was forcibly dragged out by the bodyguard and taken to the gynecology


    clinic.


    Elijah didn''t get out of the car; he just sat there smoking.


    As Violette was taken away, tears shimmered in her eyes, and she looked at him angrily. The scene


    kept ying in his mind.


    He would never feel sorry for her!


    Those who betrayed him never had a good ending.


    Violette was pushed into the cold operating room, and the door slowly closed behind her.


    About half an hourter, the door to the operating room was opened.


    The doctor came out and said to the bodyguard, "The operation is done. However, the patient needs to


    be observed for at least an hour."


    The bodyguard''s mission was to take Violette for an abortion. Now his mission was aplished.


    After he left, the doctor returned to the operating room.


    When Albina received the call and rushed to the hospital, Violette was sitting on a bench, her eyes red


    from crying.


    "Mom, I''m so sad..."


    Albina patted her back and said, "Violette, don''t cry. Let''s go home. When he finds out the truth, he will


    regret it!"


    "No, Mom, he will never regret it." Violette wiped the tears from the corner of her eyes. "His heart is


    harder than a stone."


    After Albina helped Violette out of the hospital


    , they hailed a taxi on the side of the road.


    After they left, Elijah''s car sped away from the hospital.


    Elijah''s house.


    Kaleb received a notice that Elijah wanted to see him, so he went to his mansion.


    But when Kaleb arrived, he didn''t see Elijah.


    "What''s going on with Elijah? I thought he didn''t want me toe to his house?" Kaleb asked Lacey


    after taking a sip of tea.


    Lacey looked scared and shook her head vigorously: "I don''t know, don''t ask me."


    When Violette was forcibly taken away, Lacey hid in the corner and watched, not daring to say or do


    anything.


    She couldn''t believe Violette was pregnant, let alone that Elijah would force her to have an abortion.


    Justst night they were together.


    Soon, Elijah''s car entered the yard.


    Kaleb heard the sound and immediately stood up from the sofa to greet him.


    Elijah got out of the car, his face cold in the sunlight.


    Kaleb had a bad feeling, but still smiled and said, "Uncle, you wanted to see me..."


    Before he could finish, Elijah''s bodyguard kicked him to the ground.


    "You dare to show your face! You little rascal, trying to y tricks on your Uncle Elijah? You really don''t


    know your ce!" The bodyguard stepped on Kaleb''s neck and spat in his face. "Since you are Mr.


    This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    Bourne''s nephew, I''ll let you choose your preferred way to die. How about that?"


    Kaleb was horrified: "Uncle! What did I do wrong? Just tell me what I did to offend you! I really don''t


    know!"


    Elijah sat in his wheelchair, looking down at his nephew, and said word by word, harshly, "I killed your


    child with Violette."


    Kaleb''s mind went nk, stunned!


    "Uncle, how is that possible? How could Violette and I have a child? We never had sex, how could she


    be pregnant with my child?!" Kaleb anxiously blushed and then paused. "Uncle, you said Violette is


    pregnant? Isn''t the child yours?!"

 Chapter 24

    Chapter 24


    Elijah frowned.


    If he hadn''t seen the form Violette filled out with his own eyes, he would''ve almost believed Kaleb''s


    words.


    "Violette said the kid is yours, so it''s yours!" the bodyguard angrily scolded, "You''re so screwed for


    doing such a thing, man!"


    Kaleb burst into tears: "Violette is lying! Uncle, the reason I broke up with her is that she wouldn''t let me


    touch her. I dumped her, so she hates me! She''s deliberately saying the baby is mine! To get back at


    me! Uncle, you have to believe me! No matter whose kid it is, it can''t be mine!"


    Elijah looked at the man lying on the ground, his face was full of fear, and suddenly felt bored.


    This was the man Violette liked


    , this cowardly man who could easily betray her when something went wrong!


    "Drag him out!" Elijah''s voice was emotionless, "But don''t kill him."


    How could he let Kaleb die so easily?


    He wanted to destroy Kaleb bit by bit in front of Violette.


    ...


    Albina took Violette back to her rented house.


    Once inside, Albina helped her lie down on the bed.


    "Violette, don''t cry anymore. You can''t cry now. You need to rest after an abortion..."


    Violette looked at the ceiling and spoke with difficulty: "Mom, my baby is still with me. They didn''t leave


    me."


    Albina was stunned: "Violette, what''s going on? Didn''t you say Elijah forced you to abort the baby?"


    "I told the doctor if she dared to touch me, I wouldn''t walk out of the operating room alive. And I


    wouldn''t let her walk out alive either."


    Violette''s voice was unusually cold.


    Although the baby was still there, her heart felt dead, as if she had died once.


    She managed to escape this time, but what about next time?


    As long as she was with Elijah, the baby''s crisis could never be resolved.


    Her phone rang, breaking the sad atmosphere.


    She picked up the phone and saw that it was Reaves calling.


    After answering, Reaves'' voice came through: "Violette, I got drunkst night and just woke up! Did that


    Mr. E contact you today?"


    Violette was stunned: "No. Who did you drink withst night?"


    "Mr. E! His name is Ramsey, I couldn''t find any information about him online, he''s a very young man.


    His family must be pretty rich, he said he''s been looking for suitable investment projects... I talked a lot


    with himst night, not sure how he''s considering it now."


    "Does he know Elijah?" Violette asked cautiously.


    "Well... I''m not sure! But he knows Brandon. He said Brandon is his senior. And Brandon is the CFO of


    the Bourne Group, Elijah''s assistant." Reaves quickly sorted out their rtionships, "So Ramsey should


    know Elijah."


    "Violette, why did you suddenly mention Elijah? Do you know him?" the deputy general manager asked


    curiously.


    "I don''t know him." Violette''s tone was cold.


    Now, every time she heard his name, she felt sad.


    After hanging up, she put down her phone.


    Albina sat down by the bed.


    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    "Violette, I found a job," Albina said, "I wasn''t sure if I could do it well, so I didn''t tell you before."


    "What kind of job is it?" Violette tried to suppress her sadness and asked.

 Chapter 25

    Chapter 25


    "I had a friend who needed a nanny to take care of her grandkid... and the pay was really good. I


    thought, well, it''s still a job, so I gave it a try. Today''s my third day, and it''s not bad. I can make ten


    grand a month!"


    "Your dad''s gone, and he didn''t leave you much. I can''t hold you back." Albina added.


    Tears streamed down Violette''s face.


    "Your old friend, they''re pretty rich, huh?" Her voice was already a bit hoarse, and it became even more


    so as she cried, "Being a nanny for an old friend... must be really hard, right?"


    "Not really! As long as I can make money, I''m happy. Pride does not bring you money, right? Besides,


    rich people aren''t always rich, and poor people aren''t always poor. Maybe I''m not as rich as my friend


    now, but who knows, maybe my daughter will make big money in the future?"


    Albina handed her a few tissues to wipe her tears.


    "Mom... you don''t have to work. I can work part-time... I can start working next year..." Violette sobbed.


    "How can you work now that you''re pregnant? Violette, if you really want to have this baby, this isn''t the


    way. Albina frowned, puzzled, "Why doesn''t Elijah want the baby? That''s his flesh and blood!"


    "He''s got someone he likes."


    "Really? Then why doesn''t he marry her?" Albina''s face turned pale, her heart aching for her daughter.


    "I don''t know."


    "It''s alright, don''t be scared. If necessary, we''ll hide and have the baby without him knowing."


    Albina hugged her and gently patted her shoulder.


    ...


    Three dayster.


    Violette got a call from Kaleb


    , who asked her to meet up.


    After a few seconds of thought, she agreed.


    He must be looking for her because of the baby.


    At the caf¨¦.


    Violette stared at Kaleb''s face for several moments.


    Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    His face was covered with several bandaids, and even with them,rge areas of bruising were visible.


    "Stop staring. These were all from Elijah. If you hadn''t said the baby was mine, Elijah wouldn''t have hit


    me." Kaleb grumbled, resigned, "Consider this mypensation for not having the courage to elope


    with you back then!"


    "Kaleb, the problem isn''t that you didn''t elope with me. Are you nning to hide your affair with Sabrina


    forever if I don''t talk about it now?" Violette took a sip of water.


    "When did you find out?" Kaleb looked at her in surprise, "No wonder you never replied to my


    messages or answered my calls."


    Violette took a deep breath and asked, "Do you know where Sabrina is now? Her uncle stole my dad''s


    "She''s traveling the world... There''s no use in finding her for what her uncle did."


    "Isn''t she using my dad''spany''s money to travel right now?"


    "That''s her dad too. Violette, I know you''re angry, but please calm down. Leave your dad''s mess


    alone." Kaleb reached out to hold her hand.


    But she quickly dodged it.


    "Violette, I''m sorry. It''s not what you think between me and Sabrina. I''ve never loved Sabrina. I was with


    her because she seduced me. Men sometimes can''t control their desires... But the woman I''ve always


    loved in my heart is you."


    Violette felt sick.


    "You may not know, but I have more injuries, and I don''t me you." Kaleb pleaded, "I stayed in the


    hospital for a few days, and I haven''t been discharged yet. I''m in such a hurry to find you because I


    want to ask, whose child is it in your belly?"


    "The baby''s already gone. What''s the point in asking now?" Sabrina replied.


    "Oh... Violette, let''s work together!" Kaleb revealed his true intention, "You still have a chance to get


    close to Elijah. Find a way to kill him, and once he''s dead, no one can bully us anymore."

 Chapter 26

    Chapter 26


    Kill him?


    Violette frowned.


    She hated Elijah, but she had never thought about killing him.


    Even when she lost the baby, she never had that idea.


    Besides, could she really kill him?


    Seeing Violette''s hesitation, Kaleb said, "My uncle is on a business trip now. You can go back and think


    about it. Violette, as long as you can kill Elijah, I can marry you right away. I can give you everything


    you want. I''ve already talked to my parents about us, and they fully support me."


    Kaleb was sincere and his eyes were earnest.


    When she was dating him before, she had always hoped to be recognized by his parents, b


    ut he never wanted to make their rtionship public.


    Now, she didn''t need anyone''s approval anymore.


    "What if it fails?" Violette asked him, "If he finds out I''m trying to kill him, do you think he''ll let me live?


    Kaleb, you never were a real man, and you still aren''t. If you want to kill him, do it yourself. If you can''t


    bear the consequences of a failed n, don''t do something illegal!"


    Kaleb''s expression froze, not expecting her to refuse.


    "It won''t fail. We''ll poison him. You just need to feed him the poison, and there won''t be any trouble


    afterward. My grandma will definitely be devastated, and my dad will take care of it..."


    "If it''s so foolproof, do it yourself! He goes back to Old Manor once a week. You can poison him when


    he''s there." Violette suggested.


    Kaleb was stunned.


    "Kaleb, I don''t think you''ve been beaten enough." Violette looked at him and bluntly said, "Elijah is your


    uncle, how can you even think about hurting your own family?"


    "Ha, Violette, I treat him as my uncle, but he never treated me like a nephew."


    "Isn''t it because you tried to bribe hiswyer when he was sick, and he found out, that he treated you


    like this?" Violette said, "Although I hate him for being heartless, I haven''t lost my sanity."


    With that, Violette got up and decided to leave.


    Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Violette! Don''t go! Let''s have lunch together! It''s okay if you don''t stand with me." Kaleb pleaded, "Our


    family and my uncle''s rtionship are now irreconcble. Even if I don''t take action against him, he will


    definitely shut me out."


    Violette sensed a hint of conspiracy in his words.


    "Are you really nning to poison your uncle?" Violette sat back down.


    Kaleb: "If you don''t help me, I might not use poison. I might think of other methods that are less likely to


    be discovered."


    Violette: "When are you nning to do it?"


    Seeing her ask so many questions, Kaleb suspected, "Violette, you''re not going to rat me out to my


    uncle, are you? Are you trying to get me killed?"


    "You tter me. Do you think Elijah would even listen to me?"


    "Ah... I haven''t decided when to do it yet. After all, he hasn''te back yet. We''ll talk about it when he


    returns." Kaleb said.


    After lunch, Kaleb was picked up by his driver.


    Violette went to the hospital where she had her records


    , which was responsible for leaking her information.


    Besides, she wanted to know who had checked her information at the hospital.


    "Ms. Dennis, your information was not leaked by me. No one came to me to check your information.


    Why don''t you ask someone else?" The doctor who had taken Violette''s records before denied


    responsibility.


    Violette: "If you don''t help me find out who did this, I''ll sue you and your hospital. We''re living in a


    society governed byw now, and I believe thew will give me an answer. I''ll go to the media and


    expose it as well if you want..."


    "Hey! Don''t be so impulsive!"

 Chapter 27

    Chapter 27


    "Of course you are not impulsive, it wasn''t your baby that got aborted!"


    The doctor saw how upset Violette was and realized it was a serious matter, so he changed his tone:


    "Ms. Dennis, I''m sorry for my poor choice of words just now. Please have a seat and drink some water,


    and I''ll go find out what''s going on for you."


    After pouring her a ss of water, the doctor immediately went to find his superior.


    About half an hourter, the doctor returned.


    "Ms. Dennis, do you know Melinda? She''s the one who snooped into your records."


    Upon hearing the answer, Violette left the hospital.


    She couldn''t believe Melinda would stab her in the back like that!


    But she wasn''t gonna take it lying down.


    She''d find a way to make Melinda pay!


    The Dennis Group.


    Violette entered her father''s office.


    Reaves had already been waiting inside for a long time.


    This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    "Violette, I asked you toe today because there are two things I need to tell you," Reaves poured


    her a ss of warm water, "Regarding Ramsey, he originally wanted to invest in ourpany, but


    today he suddenly changed his mind and wants to acquire ourpany for 2 billion."


    Seeing Reaves'' unhappy expression, Violette guessed, "Is the price too low?"


    "If thepany was operating normally, we wouldn''t even consider the 2 billion offer. But the


    acquisition price isn''t the most painful part. What''s worse is that after Ramsey acquires ourpany,


    the core business will change. He doesn''t believe in self-driving cars and won''t continue to develop the


    project..."


    "Then why does he want to acquire us?" Violette asked in confusion.


    "He''s interested in our SuperBrain System, which is basically artificial intelligence. With it, you don''t


    need drivers anymore. Plus, the system can be applied to other fields, such as robots, drones, etc..."


    "Is the system really worth that much?" Violette asked.


    Reaves said with a bitter smile, "Do you know how much money your dad spent on developing it? Way


    more than 10 billion. When your dad left thepany to you, he didn''t want you to inherit his debt. He


    hoped you could revive thepany and lead the Dennis Group to a more glorious future."


    Violette''s eyes dimmed.


    She probably didn''t have that ability yet.


    "There''s one more thing, I don''t know if your dad ever mentioned it to you," Reaves said. "The


    development of the new system has reached its final stage, but it stopped after your dad got sick. Since


    the key technology is in his hands, without his permission, no one else can ess the core content."


    Reaves walked over to the bookshelf wall and pressed a button.


    Suddenly, the bookshelf wall moved, revealing an entrance.


    "We''ve tried many locksmiths to open your dad''s safe, but none have seeded. Violette, do you know


    thebination to your dad''s safe? He must have said something to you before he passed away,


    right?"


    Violette''s heart was greatly shaken.


    She walked into the hidden room and saw a huge safe.


    In this small space, she saw a family portrait hanging on the wall


    , which showed her dad, mom, and her.


    Her eyes instantly turned red.


    She thought her dad had forgotten that the three of them were a family.


    "Violette, since we can''t keep the Dennis Group alive, let''s let it go bankrupt! We''ll secretly sell the


    system and split the money. That way, we''ll all have money," Reaves pushed up his sses, his


    ambition obvious. "If the Dennis Group doesn''t go bankrupt, the money paid by Ramsey will be eyed by


    many."


    Violette looked at his greedy, sinister face and became wary.

 Chapter 28

    Chapter 28


    "I don''t know the password. My dad didn''t tell me the password before he passed away." Violette


    frowned and shook her head.


    She wasn''t lying.


    Before ke passed away, he indeed didn''t talk to her about thepany, let alone mention any


    password-rtedst words.


    There were many people in the room at that time; if ke had said it, it wouldn''t be possible for only


    her to know.


    "Uncle Reaves, maybe I should go ask my mom?" Violette discussed with Reaves, "When I saw my


    dad for thest time, he didn''t get to say much to me. My mom might know more."


    Reaves didn''t doubt her: "Alright. Don''t talk about this with anyone else for now. It''s ourpany''s top


    secret. I''m only telling you because you''re the heir designated by President Dennis."


    Violette nced at the safe, and a clear voice in her heart reminded her.


    They only revealed the secret to her because they couldn''t find anyone to open it.


    If they had opened the safe privately, they would have definitely kept the contents for themselves and


    never let her know about it.


    "Yeah, I won''t tell anyone about this. Uncle Reaves, who else knows about this besides you?" Violette


    chatted with Reaves as they walked towards the door.


    Reaves walked alongside her.


    "Two other technicians. They''re both people your dad trusted a lot and have been with him for many


    years. When we sell this for money, we can split it equally among us. What do you think?" Reaves said.


    Violette nodded: "I''ll try to figure out the password first, then."


    "Okay. Violette, it''s not that I don''t want to be firm, but no one cares about your dad''spany and our


    team. They just want the system we developed. We''ll definitely be kicked out eventually. It is very


    difficult for me to make this decision."


    "Uncle Reaves, what if I can''t think of the right password?" Violette lifted her eyes to look at Reaves.


    She was genuinely worried


    , as she had absolutely no clue right now.


    Reaves frowned: "Your dad left thepany to you; he must have left some signals for you. Go back


    and look carefully. Give it some thought."


    "Alright."


    After leaving thepany, Violette took a taxi back to her mom''s house.


    Albina was preparing dinner.


    "What did Kaleb want from you? Didn''t you two break up?"


    Violette picked up a ss of water, took a sip, and replied, "He got beaten up by Elijah and wants to


    Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    fight back. He wants to use me to kill Elijah."


    Albina''s face changed: "Violette, you didn''t agree, did you?!"


    "How could I? How could I possibly kill someone? Mom, what kind of person do you think I am?"


    Albina sighed in relief: "You''ve grown up, and you don''t tell me many things. Like your pregnancy... If it


    wasn''t for Elijah forcing you to have an abortion, when were you nning to tell me?"


    Violette walked over to her mom and hugged her: "Mom, I didn''t know about the pregnancy until very


    A stiff expression appeared on Albina''s face, and she awkwardly said, "Violette, your dad and I have


    been divorced for a long time. After he passed away, it wasn''t my job to deal with his belongings. What


    do you want his things for?"


    She told her mom what had happened.


    "It''s a six-digit password. What kind of password would dad set? Did he ever mention it to you?" She


    tried hard to think.


    Albina shook her head: "He never told me about the password. At that time, he kept saying sorry to me


    and crying. To be honest, I used to hate him a lot, but every time I think of him before he passed away,


    I can''t help but feel soft. Sigh, he''s already gone, what''s the point of hating him anymore?"


    "Mom, Reaves told me that dad left thepany to me not to make me inherit debt. He said that the


    system dad developed could be sold for a lot of money." Violette felt teary and emotional

 Chapter 29

    Chapter 29


    Albina gently patted Violette''s shoulder and said, "You''re his daughter, of course he will look after you.


    When I was with him, hispany was just a start-up. I didn''t ask for a dime when we married, even


    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    poured in a ton of money to help him get it off the ground. If he dares to screw you over, I wouldn''t let


    him off, even if I were a ghost."


    Monday.


    Violette took a cab to the Bourne Group.


    This was her first time visiting Elijah''spany.


    The Bourne Group building towered high into the sky, imposing and majestic.


    She got out of the cab and headed towards the lobby on the first floor.


    "Miss, do you have an appointment?" The receptionist asked.


    Violette replied, "No. Could you please contact Melinda and tell her Violette''s here to see her? She''ll


    definitelye down once she hears my name."


    The receptionist gave Violette a once over, figured her dress was decent enough, and ced a call to


    the PR department for her.


    Before long, Melinda came down.


    Melinda stepped out of the elevator, walked up to Violette, and shot a haughty nce at her.


    "Didn''t you just have an abortion? Shouldn''t you be resting?" Melinda taunted.


    Violette had on light make-up today and looked rather spirited, "Melinda, after all the trouble you''ve


    gone through, did Elijah agree to marry you?"


    Melinda didn''t get angry. Instead, she wore a triumphant smile, "Even if he doesn''t marry me, he won''t


    be with you again. Violette, he''s already been generous enough by letting you have an abortion. If I


    were him, I''d be even harsher."


    "Oh, so you''re ustomed to doing illegal things."


    "You think you can provoke me with a few words? You''re really a joke right now." Melinda replied coldly,


    "Loser!"


    Unfazed, Violette abruptly changed the subject, "Melinda, have you ever worn a princess dress in front


    of Elijah?"


    Arrogantly, Melinda said, "Childish! I''ve never worn a princess dress! Why are you asking me this?"


    "I finally understand why Elijah doesn''t like you." Violette smirked, leaning in to whisper in her ear,


    "Elijah likes cute girls. He likes seeing girls in princess dresses."


    Melindaughed awkwardly as if she''d heard a hrious joke.


    "I''ve slept with Elijah before, what about you? Not only does he enjoy seeing girls in princess dresses,


    but he also likes shorter hairstyle. Oh, and the dress should ideally be pink. If you dress up like this,


    he''ll definitely like you more." Violette continued.


    Melinda''s smile froze.


    She had known Elijah for over a decade and he had never showed any intention to sleep with her.


    Yet, Violette had known him for less than three months and they had been so intimate.


    Melinda couldn''t deny the truth in Violette''s words.


    "Why would you tell me all this? Why would you help me?" Melinda questioned.


    "I want to divorce Elijah. I''mpletely disappointed in him, and I just want to regain my freedom as


    soon as possible. Is that enough?" A cold glint shed in Violette''s eyes.


    The feature of the woman in Elijah''sputer was a pink princess dress and a short hairstyle.


    If Melinda appeared before Elijah dressed like that, she was certain he would lose his mind.


    He might evensh out and hurt Melinda in his rage.

 Chapter 30

    Chapter 30


    On a Friday afternoon, Violette got a call from Lacey.


    "Ma''am, the Mister will be home tonight, pleasee back too."


    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    Ever since Elijah forced Violette to get an abortion, she had been staying at her mom''s ce.


    "Alright, we should settle our issues anyway." Violette hung up and packed her stuff for the Bourne


    family''s ce.


    By seven in the evening,


    Elijah''s nended at the airport.


    Surrounded by bodyguards, he hopped into a ck Rolls Royce.


    Once he got in, he found Melinda in the car too.


    "Elijah, how do you like my new hairstyle?" Melinda, wearing a pink princess dress, gently fingered her


    hair and gave him a charming smile.


    Melinda had been waiting in the car to surprise him.


    Once Elijah quickly scanned Melinda with his deep eyes, his calm expression vanished.


    His muscles tensed up, his face cold as ice, the car filled with a tense atmosphere.


    Melinda sensed his mood shift and started to feel anxious.


    "Elijah, is it my hairstyle you don''t like, or my dress..." Melinda''s eyes were full of fear, her voice shaky.


    Suddenly, she got pped so hard in the face, that h


    er body was thrown against the car door.


    "Go buy scissors!" Elijah ordered, clenching his fists.


    The bodyguard outside received themand and rushed to buy scissors.


    Melinda curled up in the seat, hand over her burning cheek, blood trickling from her mouth.


    She was shocked.


    She had been with Elijah for ten years. Never in that decade had she seen him so angry.


    It must be Violette!


    Violette must have caused all this!


    "Elijah! Let me exin! Violette made me wear this dress, cut this hairstyle! It was her wanting to piss


    you off, not me!" Melinda grabbed Elijah''s arm, crying, trying to exin.


    The bodyguard came back with scissors.


    Elijah coldly said, "Cut her hair! And the dress!"


    Melinda''s body shook violently, the light in her eyes slowly fading...


    How could this hairstyle and princess dress enrage him?


    She didn''t understand.


    But why could Violette?


    The bodyguard dragged Melinda out of the car and closed the door.


    Elijah spoke softly, "Drive."


    After dinner, Violette had been waiting in the living room.


    She had her luggage ready, j


    ust waiting for Elijah toe home and discuss the divorce.


    Around eight, the Rolls Royce slowly pulled into the front yard.


    Lacey went out to greet them.


    Violette nced anxiously outside.


    The autumn night wind added ayer of destion to the scenery.


    Elijah, still in his ck shirt and casual pants, was pushed into the living room in his wheelchair, his


    demeanor aloof as ever.


    "Elijah, when are we getting a divorce?" Violette gathered her courage and asked him.


    Elijah lifted his head, looking at her, "Divorce?"

 Chapter 31

    Chapter 31


    "Tomorrow and the day after are the weekend; let''s handle the divorce proceedings next Monday!"


    Violette continued.


    Seeing her eagerness, he leisurely pulled out a cigarette and lit it.


    Violette frowned, not understanding what he was thinking.


    Was he not nning on divorcing her?


    If he wanted to divorce her, he definitely wouldn''t be this absent-minded.


    To force him to divorce, she took a deep breath and said, "I betrayed you, can you ept that? If I


    were you, I wouldn''t want to see this person ever again. We must divorce!"


    Elijah exhaled a smoke ring calmly, his deep eyes watching her, and her performance.


    "You met Melinda, didn''t you? You must be pissed, right? You should be, it was all my advice! I did it


    just to piss you off!"


    Violette added fuel to the fire.


    Lacey on the side, was trembling while listening.


    Why was Violette stirring up trouble?


    Was it because the miscarriage caused her to be disoriented?


    If she continued like this, she was afraid Elijah would take action against her.


    Thinking about this, Lacey walked over: "Sir, these things the madam said, it¡¯s not what she meant...


    She''s just too upset, so she''s saying some nonsense... Since she married, she has been staying at


    home. I can guarantee she has always loyal as a wife, she didn''t have an inappropriate rtionship


    This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    with Kaleb."


    Violette blushed with urgency: "Lacey, you go rest! The issues are between him and me, and we''ll solve


    it ourselves. You don''t need to worry about me."


    Lacey: "Don''t piss the master off! Pissing him off won''t do you any good! Listen to me, madam,


    apologize to the master properly... maybe he will forgive you."


    Violette: "I don''t need his forgiveness, I just want to divorce him."


    ......


    Elijah looked at Violette''s thin back with eagle-like eyes.


    Was she deliberately giving way and feigning weakness, or did she really want to divorce him?


    After his judgment, he felt that thetter was more likely.


    Her plot with Kaleb was exposed, she miscarried, and she could never get any benefits from him in the


    future, so she was eager to divorce him and return to Kaleb.


    "Violette, don''t get your hopes up!" Elijah arrogantly flicked the ash into the ashtray, his tone cold as


    ice, "Unless I''m dead, don''t even think about divorcing."


    Violette felt like she was hit hard: "...why?"


    "Staying by my side will cause you so much pain. I¡¯d rather we keep it that way." He said cruelly.


    In an instant, she felt like she fell into an ice cave.


    What to do?


    He''s not ying by the rules!


    How can she leave him?


    Her mind was in chaos as she walked towards her room.


    When she got back to her room, Elijah''s phone rang.


    It was Brandon calling.


    "Elijah, Melinda ispletely broken down now, she''s clinging to the streets and refuses to go home


    no matter how much I persuade her." Brandon was at a loss, so he called him.


    "You call her brother."


    "Alright...are you home yet? Is Violette there too? Have you asked her if it was her idea to make


    Melinda do this?" Brandon looked at Melinda''s miserable appearance and felt pity.


    "Do you really think it''s someone else''s fault that Melinda is like this? If she does everything Violette


    tells her to do, would she end her life when Violette told her to do that?" Elijah countered, "Are you


    stupid?"


    Brandon was scolded, but he didn''t refute.


    However, he had some thoughts about Violette''s situation.


    "Elijah, I think you''re too lenient with Violette, it''s not your style. She betrayed you, and you just let her


    had an abortion, is that it? I thought you would be harsher on her."


    "Do you think abortion is a simple matter?"


    "Huh?"


    "She hates me to the bone now. Seeing her hate me so much but unable to do anything, it feels more


    like revenge than killing her."


    "Oh...so do you n to divorce? Aren''t you afraid of the risk she might bring if she stays by your side?


    What if she wants to harm you?" Brandon was a little worried.


    "If she can kill me, then I¡¯ll ept it."


    He said, then extinguished the cigarette in the ashtray between his fingers.

 Chapter 32

    Chapter 32


    It was the weekend.


    Violette and Reaves had arranged to meet at thepany.


    "Violette, we need to crack this safe as soon as possible. Ramsey has been pushing us for a response.


    Right now, I don''t dare tell him the truth, nor do I dare to lie... Without anything substantial, I''m really


    out of steam!"


    Violette nodded, "I wrote down some numbersst night, I think my father would''ve used these


    numbers for the password. The key is how hebined them."


    Reaves took the paper from her and nced at the numbers, "Well, we better give it a shot then!"


    The two of them entered the dark room, went to the front of the safe, and began to trybinations.


    However, things didn''t go as smoothly as they expected.


    After countless failures, Violette frowned and sighed.


    "Do you think Alexa would know?" she asked. "The password for my house is abination of my


    father and Alexa''s birthdays. Before my father fell ill, he was always very attentive to Alexa."


    Reaves shook his head, "If Alexa knew the value of our new system, she would definitely take the stuff


    and leave first."


    Violette had to change her approach, "Do you think there''s a chance that whatever''s in this safe has


    already been taken?"


    Reaves paled, "Impossible! There''s dedicated surveince here. I check it every day, nobody other


    than us has been here."


    Violette, "Oh... So without the password, we really can''t open this safe? Apart from the numbers on the


    paper, I really can''t think of any other passwords."


    Reaves paced back and forth in the room with a grim expression, "Well, it''s not that we can''t open the


    safe. We can break it, if we really don''t have the password. But destroying the safe may also damage


    the stuff inside. It''s still a big risk."


    Violette didn''t respond.


    Reaves, "Let me think about it some more. If we really can''t open it, we might have to break the safe."


    Violette nodded thoughtfully, "Yes."


    "Violette, do you know Elijah?" Reaves asked curiously.


    Without hesitation, Violette shook her head, "No. If I knew him, I would''ve asked him for a loan a long


    time ago."


    "Oh... A friend of mine said he saw you entering a luxury vi area yesterday. Elijah lives there too."


    Violette''s cheeks flushed, "Oh... I did go to a luxury vi area yesterday. I have a ssmate who lives


    there. She needed me for something, so I went over."


    "Oh, you have such a wealthy ssmate?" Reaves asked in disbelief.


    "Her family used to do well in business, but then they hit some hard times."


    "Oh... Since we can''t guess the password, why don''t you head back first? I''ll think about it some more."


    "Alright, goodbye" Violette left the darkroom and thepany.


    After Violette left, Reaves stared at the paper she''d left behind for a while.


    As the heir to the Dennis Group, could Violette really not know the password?


    Reaves began to doubt her more and more.


    After a while, he sent a message to Alexa.


    Upon seeing the message, Alexa immediately called Reaves back, "You''re saying Mr. Dennis has been


    holding out on us? What do you mean?"


    Reaves replied, "Mr. Dennis left thepany to Violette. You really think Mr. Dennis would want to hurt


    his own daughter? Alexa, I thought you were pretty clever, but you''re a bit clueless on this one."


    Hearing Reaves'' hint, Alexa understood, "What did Mr. Dennis leave for Violette?!"


    Reaves said, "A safe, a big one, with something very valuable inside. But he forgot to tell Violette the


    password." Then Reaves decided to team up with Alexa, "Alexa, if you can tell me the password, I


    promise to give you a cut after we get the goods."


    "How much of a cut? If it''s too small, I''m not in."


    This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    Reaves replied, "Haha, 20% max. Take it or leave it, it''s not your stuff anyway."


    "Alright! I''ll work with you. How many digits is the password?"


    "Six digits. I''ll send you a pictureter with the numbers Violette wrote down that are important to ke,


    along with the passwords we tried this afternoon that weren''t correct. See if you can get any ideas from


    it."

 Chapter 33

    Chapter 33


    After Reaves sent the photo to Alexa, he decided to stick around here today, waiting to see if Alexa


    could surprise him.


    If Alexa can crack the correct password, then Violette will have to bow out of the game, a


    nd she won''t get a single penny out of it.


    About half an hourter, Alexa called: "We''ve tried so many passwords and none of them are right. I


    can''t think of any better numberbination... But I noticed that Albina''s birthday on the note is based


    on her ID. But in reality, Albina''s real birthday isn''t what''s on the ID, we should change Albina''s birthday


    to the real one and try again."


    Reaves: "Sounds good!"


    Two hourster, t


    he safe was sessfully unlocked.


    Just as Alexa had guessed, Albina''s birthday couldn''t be the one on her ID, it had to be her real one.


    The password that ke set for the safe, the first three digits were Albina''s birthday, and thest three


    digits were Violette''s birthday.


    The correct password matched perfectly with the only family photo in this hiddenpartment.


    This could be seen as ke''s specialmemoration andpensation for his wife and daughter.


    Reaves and Alexa were video chatting, and w


    hen Alexa saw that the safe was unlocked, her eyes were filled with fury.


    "That bastard ke! After all these years with him, he set the safe''s password to Albina''s and Violette''s


    birthdays! If he wasn''t dead, I''d definitely have a big fight with him!"


    When Reaves opened the safe, his muscles tightened with excitement, his eyes shining with


    anticipation.


    Hepletely ignored Alexa''sints.


    The safe had twoyers.


    The firstyer was a password lock, and t


    he second could be opened with a key or face recognition.


    The key was in the hiddenpartment, and both Reaves and the other two technicians knew where it


    was.


    Reaves held the key, carefully opening the secondyer¡ª


    But...


    The giant safe waspletely empty.


    There was nothing inside!


    "Damn it! Where''s the stuff?!" Reaves mmed his fist on the safe, his eyes turning red from the pain.


    Alexa: "It must be Violette who took it! It has to be her! Who else could it be! The note she gave you


    must be wrong! She must have tried Albina''s real birthday, and then opened the safe!"


    Reaves gritted his teeth: "Is she trying to hog all the stuff?!"


    "That''s too much! I can''t believe she''s so ambitious! Reaves, you can''t let her get away with this!" Alexa


    was looking forward to their conflict,


    excited to watch the drama.


    Reaves hung up the video call.


    Violette''s no saint, and Alexa''s even worse!


    If it weren''t for the potential gain, Reaves wouldn''t waste his time on them!


    After kicking the safe door, Reaves started thinking about when the stuff inside was taken.


    Whether ke had moved it before he died or it was taken after ke''s death, Violette was the prime


    suspect.


    Was she trying to hog all the stuff?


    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    Didn''t she fear they''lle after her?!

 Chapter 34

    Chapter 34


    Violette walked into the living room, and Lacey immediately ushered her to sit on the couch.


    "Violette, the sir has prepared a gift for you."


    Lacey opened the white gift box on the table, revealing a beautiful white gown.


    "Are you sure this is for me?" Violette looked surprised as she eyed the dress.


    "Yes. There is probably some event tonight that he wants to take you to. And there are shoes too!"


    Lacey picked up another box which revealed a pair of stunning high heels.


    Violette picked up a shoe, looking at the heel with a hint of nervousness.


    "Where is he taking me? I barely know anyone in his social circle, isn''t he afraid I''ll embarrass myself?"


    "Well, if he decided to take you, he must have thought it through. Violette, let the past be the past. You


    should focus on your future with him," Lacey advised.


    Violette looked up at Lacey, "Do you really think he''s let go of the past? I''m not even sure what he''s up


    to with this outing tonight!"


    Lacey asked, "Violette, was the child you were carrying really Kaleb''s? You don''t seem like the type to


    mess around."


    Violette looked down, "Let the past be the past."


    She then pulled out the dress from the box.


    "I''ll go try it on."


    "Sure."


    At dusk.


    Oakwood Manor.


    Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Violette made her appearance in the banquet hall dressed in the white gown.


    Under the grand crystal chandelier, she looked like a fairy who had mistakenly wandered into the


    mortal world.


    All eyes were on her.


    "Who is she? She''s gorgeous, why haven''t I seen her before?"


    "I think she''s Violette from the Dennis family. The one from the nearly bankrupt Dennis Group!"


    "Oh, now that you mention it, I remember! What is she doing here? Who invited her? That dress she''s


    wearing looks like thetest design, can she afford that?"


    They all stared at Violette, discussing fervently.


    Violette scanned the hall but didn''t see Elijah anywhere.


    The high heels were making her feet ache.


    So, she found a chair and sat down.


    Once she did, someone came over to chat.


    "Ms. Dennis, that dress you''re wearing is haute couture, isn''t it?"


    Violette looked down at her dress. She thought it¡¯s just a normal dress!


    "What do you want?" Violette shot back.


    "Your family''s going under, you can''t afford haute couture, can you? I''m just saying, wearing fakes is


    pretty embarrassing."


    Violette replied, "Even if it is, how is that your business?"


    Two women nearby startedughing at her response.


    Wearing a fake with such confidence, that was a first!


    "Violette, do you have an invitation? I bet you don''t. How did you sneak in?"


    Violette gave them a cool nce, "I got in on my own merits."


    Soon, everyone''s attention shifted to her shoes.


    The high heels she was wearing were a rare design


    , and they looked a lot like Herm¨¨s limited edition.


    "Violette, did someone sponsor you?"


    True rich folks can spot the real deal from fakes in a heartbeat.


    Violette''s dress and shoes were obviously genuine.


    Her outfit was worth more than two million.


    "Yes! How else would I crash a party full of rich people like this?" Violette joked about herself.


    The way people looked at her shifted instantly.


    "Who''s your patron then? They must be really generous and wealthy!"

 Chapter 35

    Chapter 35


    Violette chimed in, "Yeah, he''s loaded. But he''s old, unattractive, and in poor health."


    Everyone was stunned.


    So, who could this old, ugly, and unhealthy rich man be?


    "Miss Dennis, you may proceed to the second floor now," a server informed her.


    Violette quickly looked up.


    The house had an open courtyard design.


    From the first floor living room, one could see the railing on the second floor.


    Elijah''s bodyguard was standing by the railing, looking down at her from above.


    After Violette followed the waiter upstairs, t


    he people who had been mocking Violette just a moment ago suddenly changed their expressions.


    The banquet tonight was attended by all wealthy or noble individuals.


    But even among the rich, there were different levels.


    For instance, tonight, the average rich people were arranged on the first floor banquet hall.


    While those with great social influence were arranged on the second floor.


    "Violette was assigned to the second floor. Who the heck is her sponsor?"


    "I have no clue! We can''t get to the second floor. All I can say is, Violette sure has some tricks up her


    sleeve! Even if her sponsor is old and ugly, she''s scored!"


    "As far as I know, there are no old guests tonight!"


    "Was Violette lying to us earlier?"


    Everyone turned their gaze to the second floor, b


    ut they couldn''t see anything.


    Second floor.


    Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    There weren''t many people here; less than ten men sat around a round table.


    Violette sat down next to Elijah.


    The table wasden with delicious dishes.


    Violette looked at him, "You didn''t invite me here just to have a meal, did you?"


    Elijah saw her frown and said in a deep voice, "Kaleb will be here too. You two met secretly while I was


    away, didn''t you? I brought you here tonight to make that meeting public."


    Violette didn''t expect that to be his intention.


    He thought she and Kaleb had rekindled their old me and couldn''t bear to be apart for a day?


    What a joke!


    She hadn''t eaten dinner and was now starving, so she didn''t have time to argue with him.


    "Mr. Bourne, your nephew Kaleb still owes me twenty million! Normally, I wouldn''t care about this


    amount, but I heard you two are not on good terms, so I''m going to ask him for the money."


    "Kaleb sent my underage daughter a suggestive messagest time, and I found out. I gave him a piece


    of my mind over the phone! He can''t scam any investments from me, so he tried to scam my daughter!


    Disgusting!"


    "Mr. Bourne''s nephew is infamous in the investment world. Whatever he invests in fails. Such a fool is


    pitiful. If not for his father''s support, he would have been done for!"


    ...


    As everyone was mocking Kaleb, Elijah''s gaze unintentionally met hers.


    "Do you want to see if I can''t eat?" Violette looked at him, "The food is good. I''m full."


    She put down her cutlery.


    "I''m not interested in your conversation, so I''ll be leaving now!"


    When she got up from her chair,


    Elijah reached out and grabbed her arm, stopping her from leaving.


    She forcefully shook off his hand, her eyes shing with slight anger, "Elijah, you''re so annoying. I need


    to go back and write my paper! If you won''t let me leave, I''ll send my paper to your email and you can


    finish it for me."


    Seeing her angry, Elijah let go of her.


    As she descended from the second floor and reached the first, she saw Kaleb ttering a group of


    people.


    She had long lost her feelings for Kaleb, so she quickly averted her gaze and strode out of the


    mansion.


    10 o''clock at night.


    A ck Rolls-Royce drove into the Bourne family estate.


    When Lacey saw Elijah return, she curiously asked, "Sir, didn''t the madame back with you?"


    Elijah lifted his wrist, nced at his watch, and frowned slightly, "She left at eight, didn''t shee


    back?"

 Chapter 36

    Chapter 36


    Lacey: "No, I''ve been in the living room all the time, Violette hasn''te back."


    Elijah felt a sinking feeling in his heart.


    Where could she have gone if she didn''te back?


    She said she wasing back to write her thesis. Was she lying to him?


    "Sir, I will give her a call." Lacey said and quickly walked towards the living room.


    Meanwhile, on the other side.


    Violette was kidnapped after leaving Oakwood Manor.


    She was forcibly pulled into a car, where they blindfolded her and tied her hands.


    After driving on the road for nearly an hour, the car finally stopped.


    She was taken to a room, and was forcibly made to sit on a chair.


    When the blindfold was removed, a strange man''s voice sounded, "Ms. Dennis, we''re sorry. We


    brought you here on behalf of someone else. As long as you cooperate with us, we won''t hurt you."


    Violette scanned the pure white room, finally locking her gaze onto the stranger''s face.


    He was wearing a mask, so his face was obscured


    , and she didn''t recognize his voice as well.


    "As long as you guys don''t hurt me, I will do my best to cooperate. But, I''ve never done anything illegal,


    so forcing me won''t work." Violette negotiated with him.


    The strange man sneered, "With your delicate look, what kind of illegal things could you possibly do?"


    With that, he untied Violette''s hands, then connected the lie detector electrodes to her body.


    "This is a lie detector. I will be asking you some questions next, you must answer truthfully. If you lie,


    you can''t fool the lie detector. If the lie detector shows that you''re lying, don''t think about leaving here


    safely tonight. Got it?"


    Violette nced at the detector, remained silent for a moment, then nodded her head.


    "Don''t worry, I won''t lie."


    "Good to know you understand the rules." The man seemed satisfied with her attitude, then started the


    interrogation, "What''s your name?"


    "Violette."


    "Did your father tell you the safe''s password before he passed away?"


    Violette: "No."


    After she answered, the man nced at the monitor.


    Her physiological data were all within the normal range, indicating that she wasn''t lying.


    "What were you doing at Oakwood Manor tonight? Who invited you?"


    Violette didn''t answer.


    "Do you want to lie?" The man urged, "Just answer me directly!"


    "Okay... I just didn''t want to scare you." Violette said calmly, "Do you know the Bourne family?"This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    "Which Bourne family?"


    "Do you know Elijah?" Violette continued.


    Man: "Of course I know Elijah! He''s so rich, who doesn''t know him! Why are you mentioning him? Did


    he invite you?"


    Violette shook her head: "Then do you know his nephew Kaleb?"


    "What''s the point of telling me all this? Am I the one asking you questions, or are you asking me? Just


    answer my questions! Don''t waste my time!"


    The man started to get agitated.


    Violette: "Kaleb is the one I brought."


    "What''s your rtionship with him?"


    "My rtionship with him is very special. You''re an adult, I believe you understand what I''m saying."


    "Okay, I get it! Did you open your father''s safe? This question is critical, you better not lie! Because the


    client I represent already knows the truth! This lie detector, it''s just a tool!"


    Facing the stranger''s stern look, Violette pondered for a while, then answered: "I opened it. But the


    stuff is not with me anymore."


    "Who did you give the stuff to?"


    "I''ve already mentioned his name before." Violette looked at him innocently.


    "Elijah?"


    Violette shook her head.


    "Oh, so it''s your boyfriend Kaleb?"


    Violette nodded.

 Chapter 37

    Chapter 37


    Kaleb, I''m really sorry!


    Someone''s gotta take the me for this.


    Reaves had already noticed that the stuff in the safe was gone.


    If she didn¡¯t get Reaves'' attention off her, her life would be in danger.


    Suddenly, her phone rang.


    The guy opened her bag and took out her phone.


    The screen showed ''the Bourne familyndline''.


    "You ain''t lying! Since you''re with the Bourne family now, I won''t make things difficult for you. Just go!"


    The guy didn¡¯t wanna mess with the Bourne family.


    Besides, he already did what he was supposed to.


    After Violette got her freedom, she called Lacey back.


    "Mrs. Bourne, why did you hang up? It''s sote and you''re not home yet, what happened?" Lacey''s


    voice came through.


    Violette looked around.


    It was deste here, the streetlights were dim, and there were dense woods on both sides. It was


    kinda creepy.


    "Lacey, is the driver at home resting? I can''t get a ride back." Violette was just wearing a dress, and a


    gust of autumn wind made her teeth chatter.N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    "The driver just brought Mr. Bourne back. I''ll have hime pick you up. Send me your location."


    "Okay."


    Violette sent her location to Lacey''s phone.


    After receiving Violette''s location, Lacey forwarded it to the driver.


    After the driver went to pick her up, Lacey went to Elijah and exined for Violette: "Mrs. Bourne must


    have run into some trouble. She''s in the suburbs now. There''s no way she''d go there at night."


    Elijah took Lacey''s phone and looked at Violette''s location.


    It was a very remote ce, hardly anyone goes there even during the day, let alone at night.


    Elijah ordered the bodyguard: "Take some people over there right now and find out what happened."


    About three hourster, Violette was picked up.


    The driver parked the car in the yard and got out alone.


    Lacey, puzzled, walked quickly towards the driver.


    "Mrs. Bourne fell asleep in the car." The driver said to Lacey, "I couldn''t bear to wake her up, and it''s


    not appropriate for me to touch her."


    Lacey immediately opened the passenger door and woke Violette up.


    Violette rubbed her eyes.


    "Mrs. Bourne, you''re safe at home now! Go to your room and sleep!" Lacey helped Violette out of the


    car, "Mr. Bourne has been waiting for you. He''s really worried about you."


    Elijah had been in the living room the whole time.


    He didn¡¯t say anything, but Lacey could tell he had some feelings for Violette.


    He wanted Violette to abort the baby so they could continue their life together.


    "He''s waiting for me?" Violette suddenly woke up, "He''s not gonna me me, is he?"


    Lacey: "No way. He''s really worried about your safety since you went to the suburbs sote."


    "Oh, I''m fine now."


    Violette went to the door to change her shoes and saw Elijah''s tall figure walking towards the elevator.


    He was not using a wheelchair.


    He can walk now?!


    "His legs..." Violette asked Lacey.


    "Mr. Bourne can walk now, but he can''t exercise for long periods. That''s why he sometimes still needs


    a wheelchair."


    "He should be recovering soon."


    "Yes! Mrs. Bourne, you want your husband to recover soon, right?"


    Violette blushed and looked at his retreating back.


    He seemed to have slowed down.


    "Of course I want him to recover soon." Violette said, "That way he can work more and not always be


    stuck at home."


    She saw his back muscles suddenly tense up, and then, he turned around.


    He was pissed off.

 Chapter 38

    Chapter 38


    "I mean, if you don''t make more money, how can you afford to buy me such expensive skirts and


    heels?" Violette put on her slippers, walked up to him, and added, "I''ve never worn anything this pricey


    before I grew up."


    Elijah said, "That''s just sad."


    He said that and got into the elevator.


    She stared in disbelief as the elevator doors closed.


    She actually had more to say.


    She wanted to tell him he was too extravagant and wasteful.


    Back in her room, she took off the custom-made dress and went into the bathroom to turn on the


    shower.


    Warm water poured down from above.


    All her senses became dull and blurred.


    The next day,


    Violette came to the Dennis Group early in the morning.


    At 10 am, the conference room was packed.


    "Good morning, everyone. I''m Violette, and I called this meeting because I was kidnappedst night."


    Violette''s gaze swept over everyone''s faces.


    "Really? Violette, are you okay?" someone asked in surprise.


    "I''m fine. I gathered everyone here today to have an honest talk," Violette said slowly, "Ourpany is


    in a terrible state, and the investors don''t think our projects are worth much, so they only want to buy us


    out at a low price. Ourpany''s debt is high, and the acquisition price might only cover the debt."


    "Our SuperBrain System, which ourpany has developed, can actually be released! All we need to


    do is hold a press conference and show them how powerful our new system is, and we''ll definitely find


    investors!"


    Someone suggested.


    Others chimed in.


    "First, my dad doesn''t want to sell thepany, as I''m sure you all know. Second, the new system isn''t


    really finished yet. It''s probably not as valuable as you all think."


    "What should we do then? Let thepany go bankrupt?"


    "If there''s no capital injection, I''m afraid that''s the only option," Violette said.


    Reaves couldn''t stand it any longer and mmed the table, yelling, "Violette! You just want to swallow


    the SuperBrain System all by yourself! It''s not like your dad developed it alone!"


    Violette looked coldly at Reaves, "Uncle Reaves, since you keep emphasizing that my dad didn''t


    develop the system alone, why don''t you take the development team and replicate the SuperBrain


    System? When it''s done, you can sell it or use it to start a newpany, and I won''t object!"


    Reaves'' face turned red at Violette''s words.


    ke was the chief engineer, and without him, the new system couldn''t be developed.


    "You say everything is for your dad, but you secretly give your dad''s stuff to outsiders..."


    Violette: "So, were you the one who kidnapped me yesterday, Uncle Reaves?"


    Reaves'' eyes widened.


    "If you''re staying in thepany for big rewards, I suggest you look elsewhere. Thepany''s debts


    Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    are not yet paid off, how can there be any profits to share with you?" Violette said, looking at the others,


    "Those who share Reaves'' thoughts, you can go settle your sry today."


    Reaves and two core members of the R&D department left the conference room.


    "Who would''ve thought that Violette is so fierce? She looks so gentle."


    "She said she gave the stuff to Kaleb... I don''t think so! Maybe she still has it!"


    "Let''s find a way to test Kaleb first!"


    At noon,


    Violette left thepany and went to meet her bestie Odette.


    They agreed to meet at a restaurant.


    "Violette, you''re so hard to get a hold of these days! Just count how many times I''ve tried to make ns


    with you!" Odetteined, "Your dad''spany is having a hard time with financing, huh?"

 Chapter 39

    Chapter 39


    Violette: "Ugh, I think it''s nearly impossible to bring self-driving systems into reality. Can even the most


    advancedputer system beat the human brain? I doubt this project myself, let alone investors."


    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    "Don''t be so pessimistic! Many rich people invest in projects for their creativity, not their practicality.


    There''s a party tonight with a bunch of rich kids. Why don''t youe with me? Maybe you''ll bump into


    someone willing to invest in your idea?"


    Violette couldn''t help butugh: "Forget it! Luck neveres to me!"


    "Just give it a shot!" Odette said and then confessed, "Actually, I don''t want to go either. My dad is


    forcing me to go on a blind date. Will youe with me tonight, please?"


    Violette gave in: "Fine."


    At 7 pm that night, Odette drove Violette to a five-star hotel in the city.


    "Violette, when we go in, let''s split up. It''ll be easier for you to find investors that way," Odette


    suggested.


    Violette nodded: "I haven''t forgotten you''re here for a blind date. I don''t want to be a third wheel."


    "Haha, remember to check your phone. If I can''t take it anymore, I''ll text you."


    "Alright."


    The two entered the hotel and headed into the banquet hall one after the other.


    Violette went to the drinks area, grabbed a ss of juice, and found a spot in the corner.


    She nned to check out Odette''s blind date first.


    Odette''s family owned a department storepany. Although it wasn''t listed, it had a small reputation


    in the country and was quite wealthy.


    The blind date her family arranged for her must be someone from a simr background.


    It all depended on his looks, age, and character.


    In no time, a handsome and somewhat familiar face appeared before Violette.


    Odette''s blind date... why did he look so familiar?!


    Wasn''t that Ramsey?!


    Violette had met him once before when Ramsey visited the Dennis Group.


    The negotiation didn''tst long and ended on a sour note.


    Violette put down her juice and texted Odette: What''s that man''s name? He looks familiar.


    After greeting Ramsey, Odette saw her phone light up and replied: His name is Ramsey, do you know


    him?


    Violette: YES!!


    Odette: Why are you so excited? Do you have some dramatic love story with him?! I can step aside!


    Violette: No! I don''t know him well! But I do know he has 1.2 billion in his bank ount!


    Odette: What?! He''s that rich? No way! He just graduated not long ago, how could he have so much


    money!


    Violette: ...He ns to spend a billion to buy my dad''spany.


    Odette: Oh my god! Give me a moment to process this!


    Violette: Odette, don''t mention that we know each other for now! I find this guy really weird! But I


    haven''t had a chance to learn more about him.


    Odette: Don''t worry, leave it to me! I''ll help you figure out what''s going on!


    Because Odette kept texting, Ramsey''s gaze wandered around the room.


    Suddenly, he spotted Violette in the corner of the banquet hall.


    Why on earth was Violette here?


    The party was a singles mixer, but wasn''t Violette already married?


    Ramsey''s mouth curled into a slight smile as he took out his phone to text Elijah: Elijah, your wife is at


    a singles mixer right now, and there are several guys checking her out... Did you allow her toe


    here?

 Chapter 40

    Chapter 40


    Ten minutester, Violette''s phone rang.


    After answering the call, she sent a message to Odette and rushed towards the exit.


    Ramsey watched her hurriedly leave with a smile on his face.


    Where did Violette get the guts?


    How dared she sneak out and y behind Elijah''s back.


    Isn''t it good to be with Elijah?


    Which guy couldpare to Elijah?


    He really didn¡¯t know what this woman was thinking.


    Odette replied with a frown: What''s the emergency? Why the rush?


    Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Violette: Super urgent. Let''s talk next time we meet!


    The caller was one of Elijah''s bodyguards.


    He told her to wait at the hotel entrance.


    If Violette dare not obey, he would break her legs.


    Violette had a psychological shadow on Elijah''s bodyguards.


    They were particrly ruthless.


    Although she knew the bodyguards'' power came from Elijah, she still feared them.


    Coming out of the hotel, she waited for around ten minutes, and a ck Bentley stopped in front of her.


    The car window rolled down, and the bodyguard''s serious face appeared.


    Violette immediately opened the back seat door and got in.


    With a ''boom'', the car sped away.


    "Ms. Dennis, if our boss keeps a dog for a few months, it would know who its family is. Why are you still


    so disloyal after being with him for so long?" the bodyguard mocked.


    "Are you saying I''m worse than a dog?" Violette frowned.


    "Yes, you''re worse than a dog. What else can you do at the Bourne family besides eating and drinking


    for free and annoying our boss?" The bodyguard spoke with strong disgust.


    "Do you think I want to freeload at his house? If you dislike me so much, why not convince him to


    divorce me?" Violette suggested.


    "You dumbass!" the bodyguard cursed, "Why does my boss have to like a stupid woman like you?!"


    "I think you''re the dumb one since you believe he likes me."


    "Gosh! If he didn''t like you, he would''ve kicked you out long ago!" The bodyguard was so angry he hit


    the steering wheel.


    Violette tensed up, wanting to hold back from provoking him but couldn''t help but argue.


    "If he liked me, would he force me to have an abortion?"


    "You''re pregnant with someone else''s child, and you want to give birth right under his nose?!"


    "What if it wasn''t someone else''s child?" Violette countered, "He wouldn''t let me give birth either."


    "Then don''t! If you were half as smart as Melinda, you two wouldn''t be fighting every day!"


    Violette looked out the window: "You think Melinda is smart, that''s your business. I like kids, I want to


    have kids, if he doesn''t let me have them, how can he say he likes me?"


    The bodyguard was speechless.


    After a short silence, Violette suddenly asked, "How can you tell he likes me? I can''t see it."


    The bodyguard gritted his teeth, "He slept with you, isn''t that liking you?!"


    Violette: "Oh, just that?"


    Bodyguard: "He asked me to investigate what happened to you in the suburbsst night, which shows


    he cares about you! But what did you do in return?"


    Violette was somewhat surprised.


    She hadn''t expected him to send someone to investigate.


    "What did I do?" Violette wasn''t particrly moved.


    Seeing the bodyguard so angry, she figured there must be some harsh wordsing up.


    "You saidst night Kaleb took you to Oakwood Manor, and that you''re very close with Kaleb, and you


    gave your stuff to Kaleb... You disloyal and foolish woman!"


    Violette didn''t get angry butughed instead, "Is he mad again?"


    "How can you stillugh? Aren¡¯t you worried that he¡¯ll get angry at you?" The bodyguard warned her.


    "I just wanted to test the functionality of the lie detector. Turns out it''s really useless." With that, she


    said quietly, "I didn''t mean for him to hear. I didn''t expect him to investigate."


    "I told you he likes you! You still don''t believe me?" The bodyguard''s voice rose.

 Chapter 41

    Chapter 41


    Elijah was always indifferent to others in his life. So, whenever he showed a little bit of care for


    someone, everyone around assumed he''s fallen for that person.


    But the kind of love she longed for should be about mutual respect, not one person having total control


    over the other.


    When the car arrived at the Bourne family''s ce, the bodyguard walked over to Elijah first.


    He was probably worried about Elijah getting pissed, so he exined, "Ms. Dennis told me in the car


    just now that what she saidst night was all to test the lie detector."


    Violette was changing her shoes slowly at the door, also eavesdroping.


    "She also said she didn''t mean to make you angry," the bodyguard continued.


    Elijah: "Can''t she say it herself? Why did she have to ask you to tell me?"


    The bodyguard backed off immediately, giving her a fierce warning look.


    It''s as if he''s saying, if you don''t make my boss happy, I won''t let you off the hook!


    Violette took one step at a time towards Elijah.


    After sitting down across from the sofa, she gathered her courage, ready to speak.


    "Did you go to the singles party?" he asked first.


    Violette: "Huh? Was that a singles party? I didn''t know. I just knew there were rich people there. I was


    looking for investors."


    Elijah frowned, "Did you find any investors?"


    "No. I was there for less than ten minutes before your bodyguard called me out."


    Elijah: "Are you ming me?"


    Violette was kind of hungry, so she took an apple from the fruit te and bit it: "If I me you, can you


    give me money?"


    "In your dreams."


    "So I won''t ruin my good mood because of you."


    "Is your good mood because you fired your deputy general manager and the backbone of the R&D


    department today?" Elijah said.


    Violette''s apple-biting motion paused, and she stared at him, "Elijah, do you like me?"


    Why else would he investigate her every move?


    As soon as the words came out, the atmosphere became awkward.


    Awkwardness spreaded between them.


    Violette stuffed the apple back into her mouth.


    Elijah looked at her with deep eyes.


    After a moment, his voice came, "What about you?"


    Was he asking if she likes him?


    Her heartbeat became erratic, her face turned red, and her speech became a little stuttered: "...I don''t


    dare say I like you, nor do I dare say I don''t like you... I just don''t dare to like you..."


    She sounded like she was saying a tongue twister.


    She was a bit confused herself after saying that.


    Hopefully, he could understand.


    "Violette, I''m not as bad as you think," his eyes were sharp, but his voice was very calm, "You don''t


    have to understand me, but don''t go against me."


    "I''m not against you," Violette cleared her throat, "I just want to live my own life."


    Her life?


    Her life definitely didn¡¯t include him.


    He picked up the coffee cup and took a sip.


    "Ten billion is not a low price. With this selling price, after paying off the debt, you can still get a


    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    considerable amount of ie." He suddenly changed the topic.


    It took her a few seconds to realize he was talking about thepany.


    "My father doesn''t want to sell thepany to anyone else."


    "Bankruptcy liquidation is also a sale. And it''s a low-priced sale."


    Violette thought for a moment and replied, "Thank you for your advice. But I have my own thoughts."


    As soon as her words fell, hisughter came through.


    This was the first time she had seen himugh in real life.


    He looked very charming when heughed.


    Thest time she saw his smile was on hisputer.


    At that time, he was holding that woman, smiling so tenderly.

 Chapter 42

    Chapter 42


    Violette was mulling over in her mind. If that woman wasn''t dead, would she be considered the other


    woman right now?


    If that woman was dead, would she just be a recement for her?


    Either way, it was pretty sad.


    As Violette''s thoughts wandered, Elijah''s mind also drifted elsewhere.


    "Violette, tell me what you liked about Kaleb!" He pulled out a cigarette pack, his expression hard to


    read.


    "I don''t like him anymore." Violette''s voice was a bit muffled.


    If she hadn''t just cleared things up with him, she might have continued to use Kaleb to annoy him.


    Even though that behavior was childish,


    Elijah always lost his temper with her over little things.


    If she didn''t do something to fight back, she''d go crazy.


    "So you stopped liking him because you realized he''s a loser?" He held the cigarette between his


    fingers, not lighting it.


    "Is there anything in your eyes besides money?" Violette asked him back. "When Kaleb was pursuing


    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    me, he wrote me love poems every day. Every weekend, he would take me to art exhibitions and


    concerts. We talked about beautiful things..."


    "Beautiful things? I think it''s foolish and ridiculous! It''s because his mind was full of how to pick up girls


    that his career went downhill." Elijah interrupted her in a deep voice. "This kind of beauty is foolish and


    ridiculous!"


    Violette: "Elijah, were you born this mature and sessful? When I was fifteen, I only liked handsome


    boys. At sixteen, I liked boys with good grades. At seventeen, I liked boys who were good at basketball,


    and at eighteen, I liked talented boys..."


    "I liked Kaleb before, and even if I hate him now, I can''t pretend that what happened before never


    happened."


    "Shut up!" Elijah snapped the cigarette in half between his fingers. "Get back to your room!"


    Violette pursed her lips and got up from the couch.


    She didn''t go back to her room because she was hungry.


    She headed straight to the dining room.


    "Lacey, is there any food?"


    Her casual demeanor made it seem as if someone else had just argued with Elijah.


    Lacey immediately prepared dinner for her.


    As she sat down in the dining room and unlocked her phone, she saw a message from Odette.


    There were three messages in total¡ª


    The first one: The date is over! I''m not really interested in him. I feel he''s not very masculine. He


    doesn''t seem to be interested in me either. But because of his family pressure, he said that if I don''t


    mind, we can go out for dinner next time.


    The second one: He told me his parents don''t give him much pocket money! How could he possibly


    have 1.2 billion! Is there some misunderstanding between you two?


    The third one: I decided to go on a date with him this weekend! I have to get to the bottom of this! And,


    what was your emergency?


    Violette replied to her message: It''s hard to exin. I''ll tell you when I''ve organized my thoughts.


    After receiving her reply, Odette called her directly.


    Violette held her phone and nced over at the living room.


    Elijah was still there.


    If she answered the phone, he would definitely hear it.


    After hanging up the phone, she replied to Odette: I can''t talk right now. Let''s meet at school tomorrow


    and talk!


    At 10:30 pm, Elijah finished taking a shower, wearing a grey silk robe, pacing back and forth in his


    room.


    His tired legs were now full of energy.


    He had been pondering a question.


    The question made him frown, and he couldn''t get it out of his mind.


    After a while, he picked up his phone and called Joey.


    "Joey, help me find out if there are any art exhibitions or concerts tomorrow, preferably in the afternoon


    or evening."


    Joey: "Sure, Mr. Bourne. What type of art exhibition or concert would you like to see?"


    This question made him feel embarrassed.


    He never went to art exhibitions and concerts.


    Even now, he had no interest in them.


    "Pick something that girls like to watch." He said.


    "Alright, Mr. Bourne. However, different age groups of girls prefer different types..." Joey continued to


    probe.


    Elijah had never made such a strange request before.

 Chapter 43

    Chapter 43


    Art exhibition? Concert?


    What on earth happened to him?


    Elijah: "Pick something that girls in their twenties would like."


    Joey took the task: "Sure thing, Mr. Bourne, I''ve got the tickets booked and I''ll send you the details."


    Next morning.


    The Bourne Group.


    Elijah had some stuff to do and didn''t show up at the office today.


    So Brandon and Joey got to gossiping about their boss.


    This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    "Mr. Bourne pretty much said he''s taking Violette to an art exhibition or a concert." Joey giggled, "I have


    no clue what''s going on between them, it''s all moving so fast. I was worried they''d get a divorce!"


    Brandon coolly analyzes, "They might have patched things up. Elijah is a stubborn guy, but he''s


    hooked on Violette. Even if he hates her guts, he can''t help himself."


    Joey said, "If Melinda finds out, she''ll go nuts."


    "Let''s not tell Melinda. She''s been getting sloshed every day, thinking Elijah would feel sorry for her..."


    Brandon sighs, "Didn''t think she''d lose out to Violette."


    "Fate''s a funny thing. And, Mr. Bourne called off all his appointments today, don¡¯t know what he is up


    to."


    Brandon says, "Don''t go snooping around his personal business."


    Joey shook his head quickly, "Wouldn''t dream of it."


    The University of A.


    Medical School.


    A lecture today by the internationally renowned neurologist, Dr. Mitchel.


    Violette got to the auditorium bright and early to grab a seat.


    Even though she got there early, she still ended up in the back.


    The lecture started at ten in the morning and ended at half past eleven.


    When the lecture was over, Violette quickly headed for the exit.


    She''s a huge fan of Professor Dr. Mitchel.


    Now that she has a chance to meet him, she''s got a question for him.


    She followed the professor''s team all the way to the administrative building.


    When she got to the entrance, she spotted a ck Bentley in the parking lot.


    A luxury car like that always catches the eye.


    Elijah has one just like it.


    But she didn''t memorize the license te, so she''s not sure if it''s his.


    "Why would hee to our school?" she murmured, and walked into the administrative building.


    Dean''s office.


    Violette was about to walk up when she notices the bodyguard standing outside the office.


    Isn''t that Elijah''s bodyguard?


    Oh my god!


    Is that ck Bentley really Elijah''s?


    Hold on...


    Why would Elijah be here?


    What''s he doing at the medical school?


    She was so curious she couldn¡¯t help herself and walked straight up to the office.


    "Ms. Dennis?" The bodyguard stopped Violette, recognizing her, "What are you doing here?"


    Violette: "That''s what I should be asking you. This is my school. Is Elijah here?"


    As she spoke, she brushed past the bodyguard''s arm and peeked into the office¡ª


    There were three people in the office.


    Professor Dr. Mitchel, his assistant, and Elijah.


    Did Elijahe to see Professor Dr. Mitchel?


    Why would he want to see Dr. Mitchel?


    Is he feeling unwell?

 Chapter 44

    Chapter 44


    When the bodyguard tried to stop Violette, it caused quite amotion.


    Everyone in the office looked up at the door--


    Upon seeing Violette''s slender figure, Elijah immediately stood up, "Violette, why are you here?"


    Violette quickly shrugged off the bodyguard''s hand, straightened her clothes, and walked into the office.


    "I¡¯m here to see Dr. Mitchel," she walked up to Elijah, looking at him curiously, "Are you also here to


    see Dr. Mitchel?"


    Dr. Mitchel nced at them, pushing up his sses, "Do you two know each other?"


    Violette wanted to say ''we''re not close'', but Elijah spoke first: "Dr. Mitchel, I hope you can keep my


    matters confidential."


    Dr. Mitchel: "Don''t worry, I understand doctor-patient confidentiality."


    Elijah: "Then I''ll leave first."


    Dr. Mitchel nodded.


    Elijah quickly left, passing by Violette without saying a word.


    She was a bit puzzled.


    Why didn''t he answer her question?


    And the conversation between him and Dr. Mitchel seemed mysterious, was he hiding something?


    "Excuse me, are you here to see me?" Dr. Mitchel interrupted Violette''s thoughts, "I have to leave in ten


    minutes, do you have any questions?"


    Violette immediately took out her prepared papers: "Dr. Mitchel, sorry to bother you. I''m a fourth-year


    student at the University of A medical school, Violette. This is a paper I wrote based on your clinical


    cases. Because I couldn''t findplete information online, a lot of it is my own spection. I''m worried


    I might have made mistakes that might offend you, so I wanted to ask if you could take a look."


    Dr. Mitchel took the paper from her.


    After getting in the car, Elijah looked back at the administrative building.


    Violette is studying medical?


    He thought she was an art student, did he get the wrong information?


    He called Joey.


    "Joey, the information you gave me says Violette is studying art, but why does it seem like she''s a


    medical student?"


    Joey: "She is indeed studying art. I confirmed this with the University of A."


    Elijah: "But I saw her in the medical department."


    Joey: "Was it at the University of A''s medical department?"


    Elijah: "Yes."


    Joey: "I''ll check right away." He paused, then said, "I''ve sent you the concert ticket information, it''s at


    4:30 in the afternoon."


    Elijah: "Got it."


    After a while, Joey found information rted to Violette and called Elijah.


    "Mr. Bourne, Violette is double majoring. She''s majoring in art and minoring in medicine."


    Elijah: "I see."


    Joey: "I didn''t expect her to be so talented."


    Elijah hung up.


    At noon.


    Odette invited Violette to have lunch together.


    They met at a restaurant near the school.


    After they sat down, Odette handed her the menu, letting her order.


    "Violette, I feel like you''re not treating me as a friend anymore. I used to ask you out and you would


    always join me. I managed to get you outst night, but then you bailed... What''s up with that?"


    Violette: "Wasst night''s party a singles party?"


    "Yes! What''s wrong with that?"


    "Don''t invite me to these types of parties anymore. I''m not single now."


    Odette was shocked: "Didn''t you just break up? Do you already have a new boyfriend?"This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.

 Chapter 45

    Chapter 45


    Violette felt a mix of amusement and helplessness: "I was forced into this. Previously, my family


    needed money, and for the sake of money, my stepmother married me off. I haven''t even divorced yet!"


    Odette: "Oh my God! Is your stepmother even human?! Violette, why didn''t you tell me sooner! We


    should report this to the police!"


    Violetteforted her: "It''s not as serious as you think. There''s a big difference between him and me,


    we might divorce at any time."


    Odette was still very agitated: "Tell me in secret, who is he? Your husband... oh God! Why does it feel


    so weird!"


    "It''s definitely weird. I¡¯ll tell you who he is after I divorce him."


    "No way! Tell me now! I''ll help you vent!"


    Violette knew Odette''s fiery temper all too well.


    If she told her, she would definitely go find Elijah.


    The rtionship between Violette and Elijah was already tense, wouldn''t this just add fuel to the fire?


    "Odette, first help me investigate Ramsey! Then I''ll definitely tell you who my husband is." Violette


    negotiated with her amicably.


    "Hmph! You''re so used to calling him ''husband''. You must call him that often in private, right?" Odette


    joked.


    Violette blushed and sighed: "Even if I call him ''husband'', would he dare to respond? He was also


    forced into this."


    Odette: "sounds miserable. I thought it was some bad guy who took a fancy to you, then insisted on


    marrying you, tricking you over..."


    Violette: "Stop! Have you been reading too many online novels?! It''s not like that!"


    Odette shook her head and said regretfully: "It seems there''s no chance for the senior. He''s interested


    in you, you know?"


    Violette''s facial expression froze, stunned.


    "Come on! Don''t look at me like that... I know you don''t like him. I''ll talk to himter... Let''s go to the


    concert this afternoon! It''s a master concert!" Odette changed the subject.


    Violette''s phone beeped.


    A new message appeared.


    She picked up her phone and clicked.


    It was from an unfamiliar number.


    But the content felt familiar.


    - Four in the afternoon, the bodyguard will pick you up at school.


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    This unfamiliar number is Elijah''s?


    Why is he sending a bodyguard to pick her up?


    "Violette, did you hear what I said? The concert in the afternoon..." Odette pinched her cheek


    discontentedly.


    "What time is the concert in the afternoon?" Violette put down her phone. She felt a little hot, so she


    picked up her water cup and took a gulp.


    "Four thirty in the afternoon." Odette said, "It''s your favorite piano master!"


    Violette said: "I really want to go! Really! But I have something at four in the afternoon!"


    "What''s the matter? Can''t you cancel it?"


    "I can''t."


    Odette''s eyes rolled: "I know! Your husband is looking for you! Right?!"


    Violette covered her face with her hands, stayed silent, as if admitting.


    "Why are you so concerned about what your husband is doing? Is he that important? More important


    than me? Can''t you refuse him and go to the concert with me?" Odette seemed very unhappy.


    Violette replied: "Indeed, you are more important. But I''m a bit scared of him."


    "What are you afraid of him doing? Will he be violent just because you don¡¯t obey him?"


    Violette continued drinking her water.


    "You are so weak! I asked you to tell me who he is, but you won''t say it! You deserve to be bullied by


    him!" Odette looked at Violette, feeling both heartbroken and angry.


    Four in the afternoon.


    The bodyguard picked Violette up from school.


    Twenty minutester.


    The car stopped in the parking lot.


    When the bodyguard led her towards the concert hall, she was suddenly shocked: "Elijah is taking me


    to a concert?"

 Chapter 46

    Chapter 46


    Bodyguard: "I have no idea."


    Violette took a deep breath and started to look around.


    If her memory served her right, Odette had invited her to a concert here at noon!


    But she had turned it down.


    Yet somehow, she ended up here!


    Only this time, she was here with Elijah.


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    If she bumped into Odette in the hall, it would be super awkward!


    Her palms started to sweat and she prayed silently, hoping not to run into Odette.


    The concert hall was huge, their seats wouldn''t be too close.


    Joey had booked a whole row of seats for Elijah.


    Moreover, they were right up front.


    When Violette walked in, she saw Elijah.


    On the whole row of seats, he was the only one sitting there.


    He was sitting there, aloof.


    As the concert hadn¡¯t started, he was on his phone.


    Violette felt like her feet were glued to the floor, unable to move.


    This was way too conspicuous!


    What the hell was he thinking, inviting her to a concert?


    Had he forgotten his sarcastic remarks to her and Kaleb the night before?


    She said art was beautiful, but he called that beauty stupid.


    "What are you doing? Get over there!" The bodyguard frowned at her standing still.


    "I''m a bit cold... could I borrow your coat?" Violette asked politely, eyeing the ck coat on the


    bodyguard.


    The bodyguard gave her a cold look and opened his coat to show her.


    It was full of weapons!


    Scared stiff, Violette quickly headed over to Elijah.


    When she got to him, she hesitated for a moment, then sat down next to him.


    Elijah looked at the empty space between them and frowned.


    What the hell did that mean?


    Was she disgusted by him?


    "I''m a bit hot..." Violette exined.


    The bodyguard on the other side of Elijah barked, "What are you doing? Didn''t you just say you were


    cold?!"


    Violette took a deep breath in embarrassment, "Why are you so chatty? The bodyguards I see on TV


    hardly talk. Can''t you just focus on protecting your boss?"


    Bodyguard thought: "WTF?"


    Elijah nced at the bodyguard, "Stay away from me."


    The bodyguard immediately moved a few seats away.


    Violette felt like she could breathe a lot easier.


    She took another deep breath to calm herself down.


    Suddenly, she had an idea.


    She took off her trench coat, folded it neatly, and put it on the chair in the middle.


    Then she covered her face as much as possible with her hair.


    This way, as long as Odette didn''te over, she couldn''t see her face.


    Elijah watched her series of actions with a cold eye, trying to interpret what she was doing.


    Taking off her coat to show off her figure?


    Letting down her hair to add to her feminine charm?


    Clearly, she was trying to impress him.


    "Violette..." Elijah started.


    "Don''t talk!" Violette covered her face with her long hair, trying to hide herself as much as possible, "My


    ssmates are here, I don''t want them to see me!"


    Elijah mped his mouth shut.


    His eyes had lost their calmness.

 Chapter 47

    Chapter 47


    He felt like aplete joke.


    Why didn''t she want her ssmates to see her?


    Was it because being seen with him was too embarrassing?


    Soon, the performance began.


    Violette''s nerves gradually eased.


    Luckily, Odette hadn''t noticed her.


    She had no idea where Odette was sitting.


    She really wanted to look back, but reason told her not to.


    Odette was sitting in the fifth row, with another friend.


    "Who are those people in the front row? So many seats and only three people sitting, talk about a


    waste!" Odette whispered to her friend.


    Her friend replied, "They must be loaded! Our seats in the fifth row cost over a thousand bucks each,


    the front row must be even pricier! Look at that guy, you can tell he''s rich just from the back of his head.


    The woman next to him is either his daughter or his mistress, and the burly guy on his right must be his


    bodyguard."


    Odette thought her friend''s analysis made a lot of sense.


    "That woman, she looks a lot like a friend of mine!" Odette stared at the back of Violette''s head,


    whispering.


    Her friend: "You can recognize someone just by the back of their head?"


    "That''s because she''s my friend! I''m super familiar with her from behind!" The more Odette looked, the


    more she thought the woman looked like Violette.


    She took out her phone and sneakily took a picture of the front row.


    "Stop taking pictures! You can''t do that in the concert hall!" Odette''s friend sighed, "You might as well


    just go up to the front row and look!"


    "Forget it, the show''s about to start." Odette said, sending the photo to Violette.


    Violette''s phone vibrated in her pocket.


    The message from Odette read: Violette, the woman in the photo looks a lot like you from behind!


    Violette''s heart nearly stopped.


    She was so nervous, she shrunk into her chair...


    Seeing her like this, Elijah nced back.


    When Odette saw his face, she could hardly breathe.


    "Oh my god! He''s so hot!"


    "Wait, isn''t that Elijah?!"


    "That''s Elijah?!"


    "Yep! You forgot I''m an economics major? I know all about him! That''s definitely Elijah!"


    Still in shock, Odette sighed, "Then the woman next to him can''t be my silly friend! How could my silly


    friend possibly be sitting next to Elijah?"


    After saying this, she sent another message to Violette: Nah, it''s not you. Because the man next to the


    woman is Elijah! Do you know Elijah? Super rich and super handsome! He just looked back at me, he''s


    so hot!


    Violette nced at Elijah after reading this message.


    He''s hot?


    She hadn''t noticed.


    Not long after, Odette sent another message: My friend is nning to get a picture with Elijahter, do


    you think I should try to get one too? Not sure if he''ll agree.


    Violette felt her phone heating up in her hand, almost too hot to hold.


    "Elijah..." Violette called him quietly, "I suddenly feel very hungry...how about we grab something to


    eat?"


    If they didn''t leave soon, they might get trapped there.


    Just the thought of that scenario was terrifying to her.


    She didn''t wait for his response, grabbed her coat with one hand, his arm with the other, crouched


    down, and dragged him out.


    The concert had been quite good, but Violette only got to enjoy it in less than ten minutes.


    This was the first time Elijah had invited a woman to a concert.


    He wouldn''t normally do such a thing, but he had convinced himself for her sake.


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    Given his current status, wherever he went, he was the center of attention.


    Not only did Violette not cherish this chance to be alone with him, she was afraid of being seen


    together by people she knew.


    It was like a p in the face to his pride.


    After they left the hall, he shook off her arm, didn''t look back, and walked away quickly.


    Watching his tall, determined figure leaving, she suddenly realized, did he take her out as a real date?


    But... aren''t dates supposed to be agreed upon in advance?


    Was he trying to surprise her?

 Chapter 48

    Chapter 48


    After some deep thinking, Violette started to pant heavily.


    Did Elijah really like her?


    Otherwise, why would he do something he himself thought was stupid?


    She suddenly felt very scared!


    Without realizing, her hand swept over her belly.


    The baby was over three months old now. Because she had been controlling her diet, she was on the


    skinny side, so much that her pregnancy wasn''t noticeable yet.


    At five or six months, she could still hide her belly by controlling her diet and wearing loose clothes.


    But what about when she''s pregnant seven, eight, nine months along?


    Even the skinniest pregnant woman would be visibly pregnant in thete stages.


    If she was still around Elijah then, her secret would surely be discovered.


    She walked aimlessly onto the street.


    Her coat was in her hand and she was only wearing a thin T-shirt. Despite the cool breeze, she didn''t


    feel cold.


    Her feelings for Elijah wereplicated.


    Just like her response to himst night.


    She didn''t dare to say she liked him, because his past dominance and assertiveness annoyed her.


    But she also didn''t dare to say she didn''t like him because she did have feelings for him!


    She was just too shy to admit it, and too scared to admit it.


    The baby in her belly was making their rtionship confrontational.


    To keep the baby, she had to leave him.


    But people aren''t machines, they can''t just act ording to the brain''smands.


    When did she start liking him? She couldn''t find the answer.


    He had once forced her to have an abortion, and she hated him to the core then.


    In the evening.


    Violette returned to the Bourne family,


    holding a gift box.


    She ced the gift box on the coffee table in the living room.


    "Lacey, this is for Elijah. When hees back, make sure to tell him."


    With a smile, Lacey said, "Mrs. Bourne, you''re doing it right! If you make him happy, you''ll be more


    own sake."


    Lacey was right, but Violette said absentmindedly, "I''m a bit hungry."


    "Dinner is ready. Why don''t you eat a bit first and have dinner with him when he gets back?" Lacey


    suggested.


    Without hesitation, Violette shook her head, "I upset him this afternoon. For the sake of a pleasant


    meal, I better not dine with him."


    Lacey was speechless.


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    How did Mrs. Bourne upset Mr. Bourne again?


    Although Mr. Bourne''s temper wasn''t the best, as long as things went his way, he wouldn''t lose his


    temper for no reason.


    At the Bourne Group.


    It was already time to get off work, but in the CEO''s office, Elijah showed no intention of stopping work.


    He came at around five in the afternoon, looking gloomy, and nobody dared to talk to him.


    He didn''t look for anybody either.


    He just worked from five until six-thirty.


    Joey called Brandon toe and help.


    If Elijah didn''t leave, Joey didn''t dare to either.


    Apart from that, seeing the boss so unhappy, Joey also felt nervous.


    Weren''t they supposed to go to a concert?


    Howe the concert hadn''t ended yet but he was already back at work?


    Did Violette not show up, or did they have a fallout during the concert?


    Brandon, who received the call, came right away to handle the situation.


    Outside the office door, Joey exined the situation to Brandon, "I''m sure Violette upset the boss. I


    need to have a good talk with Violette at some point. I suspect she''s being irrational because she


    keeps provoking our boss."


    Brandon said, "Maybe that''s Violette''s strategy. Sometimes, not thinking like a normal person might


    bring unexpected results. Nobody around Elijah dares to upset him, but now there''s someone who


    keeps making him angry, he might find it refreshing."


    Joey disagreed, "Brandon, nobody likes people who make them angry, unless the boss is a masochist."


    Just as their conversation ended, the office door opened.


    Elijah walked out from inside.


    Brandon and Joey reacted quickly, immediately moving to Elijah''s side to support him.

 Chapter 49

    Chapter 49


    "Boss, I noticed that you didn''t use your wheelchair today. Are your legs aching?" Joey asked with


    concern.


    She knew that he had ditched the wheelchair for the sake of a smoother date with Violette.


    Otherwise, dating Violette in a wheelchair might give her a less than pleasant experience.


    What a shame that Violette doesn''t know how to appreciate such a considerate man.


    Elijah brushed off Joey and Brandon''s arms, saying nonchntly, "I''m good."


    "Elijah, let''s grab a drink!" Brandon grabbed his arm again, "Derek Marcia is still around, I''ll call him


    over and we can all get together."


    Seeing Elijah''s expression, Brandon became a bit worried.


    Derek was Melinda''s brother.


    After Melinda pissed off Elijah, Brandon called Derek over.


    The Marcia family''s business was in R City.


    And as the heir to the Marcia family, Derek was pretty much a permanent resident of R City.


    After a brief silence, Elijah said, "I''m not going drinking with you guys."


    He headed straight for the elevator, his pace slow but steady.


    Despite his emotional setback, his legs seemed to be recovering well.


    At half past seven in the evening, Elijah returned home.


    Lacey immediately handed him a gift prepared by Violette.


    "Sir, this is a gift from the missus."


    Elijah took the gift, it was quite heavy, he had no idea what was inside.


    "Isn''t she at home?" he asked.


    Lacey: "She''s home. She went back to her room after dinner, said she had to write a paper."


    Elijah carefully examined the gift.


    She gave him a gift, probably realizing that she had been out of line with him in the afternoon.


    Everyone deserves a second chance.


    Seeing that she took the initiative to give him a gift, his anger subsided a bit.


    He slowly opened the gift box¡ª


    A book, clearly presented before his eyes.


    The title of the book was very prominent.


    The title was How to Keep Your Cool.


    Elijah''s brows furrowed tighter.


    Is this Violette''s apology gift?!


    Is she genuinely apologizing, or does she think he''s narrow-minded and wants to keep pushing his


    boundaries?!


    Even Lacey, seeing this gift, her smile disappeared.


    She wanted to take back all her previous praises of Violette.


    "...Sir, I''ll call the missus to exin the meaning of this gift. I think she didn''t mean any harm." Lacey


    tried to defend Violette.


    Elijah gritted out a few words, "No need!"


    With a ''bang'', the book was thrown on the table.


    In the guest room, Violette''s heart started pounding when she heard the noise.


    She had sent him this book on purpose.


    This book was rmended by her teacher.


    She had already bought and read the entire book herself.


    And she felt that the content of the book was very healthy and beneficial to the mind and body, and


    could open up one''s mind.


    Being open-minded can improve one''s mood.


    Less anger might not prolong one''s life, but it can certainly help avoid illness.


    How great is that!


    Why is he angry again?


    Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Does he think the gift she gave him was too cheap?


    But right now, she really doesn''t have the extra money to buy him expensive gifts.


    Her heart was filled with unease and anxiety, wondering whether she should go out and have a good


    talk with him.


    Just at this moment, her bedroom door was suddenly pushed open.


    His tall figure appeared in her line of sight.

 Chapter 50

    Chapter 50


    Cold sweat trickled down her back.


    Almost like a reflex, she quickly closed herptop.


    She never would''ve done that if she was writing her dissertation.


    But she was distracted and started a new document to text a n.


    A n to get divorced within three months.


    She hoped to finalize the divorce with Elijah before she hit seven months pregnant.


    Only then can she peacefully go through her pregnancy and wee the arrival of her twins.


    If the divorce doesn''t go smoothly, she''ll have to resort to thest resort-v


    anish.


    That''s the worst-case scenario.


    She wanted to live and work in A Country, where her home was, and hoped her children can be born


    and grow up here.


    Her actions just now pissed off Elijah.


    Was he interested in her dissertation?


    Or did he suspect that she wasn''t working on her dissertation but something else?


    Seeing his face turn stern, she quickly stood up and headed for the door.


    "Are you not interested in the book I gave you?" She carefully asked, then quickly made her way to the


    living room. "Don''t underestimate this book. It''s not just theoretical, it also has a lot of tips on how to


    take care of your body. The author is my mentor''s professor, a very distinguished one."


    As she was talking, she picked up the book that was tossed on the table.


    Elijah was so engrossed in her exnation that he forgot to cut her off.


    "You can read it when you''re bored. You can start from any chapter." She added.


    Lacey: "Is the book really that good? You''ve piqued my interest. I might just buy one myself."


    "I''ll buy you one tomorrow." Violette answered with a smile.


    Lacey: "Oh no, I couldn''t possibly. I can buy one myself."


    "YThis book is very affordable. There''s a sale at the bookstore, it''s only eight dors." Violette said,


    causing Lacey''s smile to stiffen a bit.


    Lacey wasn''t looking down on the cheap book, but she felt somewhat embarrassed.


    She pissed Elijah off and her peace offering was a book that cost less than ten dors?


    There''s nothing wrong with giving him a discounted book, but could she not mention the words ''sale''


    and ''eight dors'' in front of him?


    Violette noticed the awkward atmosphere.


    She took a deep breath, picked up the gift box on the table, and said: "This gift box isn''t cheap, you


    know! It costs more than the book!"


    Even if the gift box was more expensive than the book, it couldn''t be by much.


    Lacey: "Thank you, ma''am! I''ll go prepare dinner for the you."


    Violette turned to look at Elijah''s face.


    He wasn''t as stern as before.


    This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    It''s not that he''s not angry anymore, but he felt that being angry with her was pointless.


    She gave him a gift that cost eight dors, the absurdity of it all gave him such a headache that he


    couldn''t feel the pain anymore.


    Seeing his calm face, she let down her guard.


    "Elijah, why did you go to my school to see Dr. Mitchel this afternoon? Are you not feeling well?"


    Violette asked out of concern.


    The calm on Elijah''s face was gone.


    Before he couldsh out at her, she quickly picked up a banana and handed it to him.


    "Here''s a banana, I''ll be in my room."


    She stuffed the banana into his hand.


    She identally brushed against him and the skin contact felt like an electric shock.


    She quickly pulled back her hand, her cheeks flushed.


    Before she could leave, he put down the banana, grabbed her arm and pulled her back.


    "You haven''t exined what happened this afternoon." His voice was low and intense.


    Whether she gave him a cheap book or an expensive one tonight, she owed him an exnation.

 Chapter 51

    Chapter 51


    Violette was flustered under his intense and stern gaze.


    "You mean about leaving early?" She pondered for a moment before exining to him, "A ssmate


    texted me, saying they wanted a picture with you after the show. I figured you wouldn''t want to take a


    picture with a stranger, and I didn''t want to exin to my ssmate why I was with you."


    "Why?" His tone was icy cold.


    "If I were to exin, a few simple sentences wouldn''t do it justice...and besides, there''s a huge gap


    between us, not just in terms of our status, but also...our age. Would you even want to chat with my


    friends? We''re so immature...What if my friends keep bothering you because of our rtionship?


    Wouldn''t that be annoying? Isn''t it better to avoid unnecessary trouble?"


    The most crucial point was that their divorce could happen at any time, it''s not like they were definitely


    going to stay together forever.


    Imagine if she told her friends about their rtionship today, and they get divorced tomorrow...how


    awkward would that be?


    It''s better to wait until everything is over.


    Her detailed and patient answer calmed him down a lot.


    Her concerns were not entirely unreasonable.


    He really didn''t want to meet her friends.


    Besides her, he didn''t want to know any other young, immature people.


    "You can go back to your room now," he said indifferently.


    She breathed a sigh of relief.


    She peeled a banana and insistently handed it to him, "This is a red banana I bought, I love it. I think


    it''s much tastier than regr bananas, you should try it."


    Her face was full of anticipation as she looked at him.


    Seeing the banana peel was a bit ck, he was a bit disgusted in his heart, but he didn''t want to reject


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    her kindness.


    He took a bite of the peeled red banana she handed him.


    The banana was a bit sour as soon as it entered his mouth.


    After chewing it, it had a hint of sweetness.


    Overall, it was sour-sweet and mushy, different from regr bananas.


    "Don''t mind its ck peel, the inside is still good," she said, her eyes sparkling like a gxy of stars,


    "Thank you for inviting me to the concert this afternoon, even though we couldn''t make it because of an


    ident, I still want to thank you."


    She finished nervously, and before he could respond, she quickly retreated to her room and closed the


    door.


    Elijah thought:


    Is this how she says thank me?


    Although he could feel her sincerity, she could at least wait for him to finish eating!


    The next day.


    Seeing that Violette hadn''te out for breakfast, and Elijah was stubbornly waiting in the living room.


    Although he didn''t say why he was waiting, Lacey guessed he was waiting for Violette toe out and


    eat together.


    Lacey walked to the bedroom door, knocked, and when there was no response, she opened the door.


    After seeing the scene in the room, Lacey immediately went to the living room and said to Elijah, "she


    is asleep on the table. I suspect she might have stayed up all night. Sir, why don''t you..." why don''t you


    have breakfast first!


    Before she could finish her sentence, Elijah had already risen from the sofa and was striding towards


    the bedroom.


    He picked her up from the chair and put her on the bed.


    She was sleeping soundly.


    Despite the big movement, she didn''t notice at all.


    Maybe she had just fallen asleep.


    Was she working so hard on her paper?


    He looked at herptop on the table.


    Herptop was a bit old, a model from a few years ago, and the brand wasn''t very popr anymore.


    No wonder when herptop broke, she went to his study to use hisputer.


    He walked to her desk and then pressed the power button.


    After a while, the screen lit up.


    There weren''t many icons on theputer screen.


    There was her paper, and a file named "n".


    He opened the "n" file without hesitation.


    The title of the file was erged and bolded, very conspicuous.


    The title was - Divorce n Within Three Months!

 Chapter 52

    Chapter 52


    The text below the title was short.


    She''d been racking her brain on how to execute her n.


    The only thing she wrote was: I must divorce Elijah before the end of the year.


    His face darkened like a thunderstorm.


    He had made changes andpromises, yet all she was thinking about was leaving him.


    The ''n'' document was createdst night.


    What a hypocritical woman!


    On one hand, she was ying nice, giving him gifts and thanking him, while she was cooking up a


    divorce n in her room!


    He thought she was different from other women, but it turned out her biggest difference was - she''s a


    two-faced backstabber!


    He mmed her notebook shut and stormed out of the room.


    A top-level meeting was underway at the Bourne Group.


    Elijah was obviously not in a good mood today.


    From the moment he walked into the conference room, he was frowning with a cold expression.


    The signals his face was sending made people shudder.


    Department managers were sitting stiffly, not even daring to breathe too loudly.


    That¡¯s weird.


    Thepany had overachieved its Q3 targets and the performance was encouraging, why was the


    boss so angry?


    Throughout the meeting, Elijah didn''t say a word, just listened coldly to the managers'' reports.


    At the end of the meeting, he only said one word: "Dismissed."


    Elijah was the first to leave the conference room.


    Joey was about to follow him out when a manager stopped him.


    "Joey, what''s with the boss? Is he unhappy with our Q3 performance? If he''s not satisfied, he can give


    This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    us requirements...we will definitely strive to meet them!"


    "Yeah! He didn''t say a word today, which is really unusual. Does he have any new ideas or ns?"


    Everyone surrounded Joey, hoping to get the scoop from him.


    Joey pushed up his sses and guessed, "Everyone did well in Q3. The boss should be quite satisfied.


    His bad mood might be due to personal matters, not work. You guys go back to your work!"


    After that, Joey quickly headed to the CEO''s office.


    Upon opening the office door, Joey didn''t expect to see a visitor.


    "Mr. Marcia, long time no see."


    "Joey, I need to borrow your boss for a bit." Derek Marcia smiled politely.


    Joey got the hint and immediately left, closing the office door behind him.


    The office went quiet again.


    Derek''s smile disappeared: "I''m here because my parents asked me to bring Melinda Marcia home. But


    Melinda refuses to go back with me. Elijah, you''re the only one who can convince her."


    Elijah grabbed his phone and dialed Melinda''s number right in front of Derek.


    The call was picked up instantly: "Elijah, you called?" Melinda sounded excited on the other end.


    Elijah: "Resign and go home with your brother."


    Derek was taken aback by his directness, and furrowed his brows.


    After a moment of hesitation, Melinda said excitedly, "Did my brother go to see you? Don''t listen to him!


    I won''t go back with him!"


    She then hung up the phone.


    Elijah put down his phone, looked at Derek with a cold stare, "I''ve tried to persuade her countless times


    over the years. Today is thest. Don''t bother me with the Marcia family''s issues anymore!"


    Seeing Elijah''s bad mood, Derek quickly got up: "I''ll leave then!" As he left the office, he ran into Joey


    and asked, "Did something happen to yourpany? Your boss was quite fierce today."


    Joey: "Thepany is fine. It''s probably that my boss is having some love problems."


    Derek raised his eyebrows: "Who''s he dating? Howe I didn''t hear about it?"


    "It¡¯s his wife."


    Derek: "Violette?"


    "Mr. Marcia, you''re always in the know."


    "Melinda told me about her. Every time I chat with her, she talks about Elijah, my ears are almost


    calloused." Derek smiled knowingly, "I didn''t expect Elijah to fall for a girl who hasn''t even graduated


    from college yet."

 Chapter 53

    Chapter 53


    "Maybe it''s just destiny knocking on the door!"


    "My poor sis."


    Joey said, "Mr. Marcia, no offense, but Melinda, as great a woman as she is, didn''t manage to win my


    boss''s heart in ten years. Even if she sticks around for another twenty, or thirty years... my boss just


    won''t fall for her."


    A cold glint flickered in Derek''s eyes, "Thanks for the heads up."


    That night.


    Elijah treated thepany executives to dinner.


    Brandon dragged him out for drinks.


    Everyone noticed that he was in a bad mood, but no one knew why.


    So everyone teamed up to get him drunk.


    Once he started to look tipsy, Brandon took away the ss in front of him.


    "Elijah, you''ve been awfully quiet today, everything alright?" Brandon got him a ss of juice.


    Elijah lifted his slender fingers, rubbing his temples, his voice hoarse, "Violette wants a divorce. Am I


    really that bad?"


    Everyone present was shocked. Someone was rejecting their boss?!


    Was Violette''s mind wired differently from normal people?


    Their boss was not only handsome but also a genius in the business world.


    Women who admired him could form a line all the way to Antarctica.


    How dare Violette hurt their boss?!


    "Brandon, what do you think of Violette?" Joey asked.


    Brandon answered, "She¡¯s just an ordinary college student. Well, not exactly ordinary since she''s


    pretty. If Melinda''s looks are a bit aggressively beautiful, then Violette has that girl-next-door vibe that


    warms your heart."


    "I''ve never met Violette! Should we call her over?" someone suggested.


    Brandon nced at Elijah, who was grimacing as he rubbed his temples. He reached into Elijah''s


    pocket to get his phone.


    "Elijah, should I have Violettee pick you up?" Brandon asked.


    Elijah''s breathing was slightly heavy.


    He didn''t answer.


    Brandon took it as a yes.


    At Bourne Estate.


    Violette was currently at her desk, revising her thesis.


    Her phone rang, seeing it was Elijah, she was surprised.


    After picking up, the voice on the other end wasn''t Elijah''s.


    "Ms. Dennis, are you free right now?"


    "I am, what''s up?" Violette asked nervously.


    "Elijah''s drunk, could youe pick him up?"


    Violette responded, "Why me? Doesn''t he have bodyguards? They''re not drunk, are they?"


    Brandon exined, "His bodyguard isn''t with him tonight. Are youing?"


    Violette got up from her chair, walked to the closet, grabbed her coat, "Send me the address, I''ll head


    over now."


    Brandon hung up and sent her the address.


    About forty minutester, Violette and her driver arrived at the restaurant where they were gathering.


    As Violette got out of the car, she saw a dozen men standing at the entrance of the restaurant.


    Their gaze all fell on her in unison.


    Her face turned beet red and she shrunk her neck into her cor.


    Brandon, supporting Elijah, walked up to her, handed Elijah over, and said: "Ms. Dennis, even if you


    don''t like him, please don''t hurt him."


    Violette almost couldn''t hold Elijah up.


    "Hurt him?" Violette looked puzzled, "I wish I could hurt him! But I have no idea how to."


    Her voice seemed to trigger something inside Elijah.


    Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    He suddenly turned around and pressed her against the car.

 Chapter 54

    Chapter 54


    Violette could smell the alcohol on him, mixed with a faint scent of tobo.


    Suddenly, she noticed a crowd of people behind Brandon, one after another taking out their phones


    and snapping pictures in her direction.


    They were probably with Brandon.


    She shoved Elijah away forcefully.


    But she was afraid he would fall, so she quickly grabbed his arm.


    The driver noticed and came over to help.


    Together, they helped Elijah onto the back seat.


    After Violette buckled him in, the driver handed her a bottle of water.


    Violette was sweating bullets, took the water, and had a sip.


    Driver: "The water''s for Mr. Bourne."


    Violette blushed, immediately handed the water to Elijah and asked, "Do you want some water?"


    He closed his eyes, his brows furrowed as if he was ufortable.


    He didn''t respond to her question.


    Either he didn''t hear her or he didn''t want to answer.


    The driver gave Violette a suggestion: "You should feed him."


    Violette frowned in difort.


    She ced her hand on the back of his neck, trying to lift his head.


    But as soon as her fingers touched his skin, his eyes flew open.


    She quickly withdrew her hand, picked up the water bottle, tilted her head back, and started drinking.


    Elijah watched her profile, remembering the divorce n on herputer.


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    He wondered how she nned to implement it.


    The car moved smoothly, and an eerie atmosphere started to spread between them.


    Violette noticed Elijah''s gaze fixed on her from the corner of her eye and instantly felt nervous.


    She quickly finished the bottle of water.


    He snatched the empty bottle from her hand and threw it aside.


    With a ''ng'', the silence was broken.


    "Because I asked you to abort the child, you want to divorce me," his voice came coldly.


    She couldn''t avoid it and could only respond, "Elijah, it''s your right not wanting a child, but you can''t


    deprive me of my right to be a mother. I want my own child, I want to be a mother. You tell me, how can


    I have my own child without divorcing you?"


    This question loomed between them, an unresolved issue that would always prick at their hearts.


    "Why do you have to have a child? Do you just love having children that much?!" He growled, his eyes


    burning with rage.


    Violette clenched her teeth, her emotions ignited.


    If she wasn''t pregnant now, she could be okay without having a child.


    But she was pregnant, she had to be responsible for her child.


    "Why are you so against having children? You don''t have to give birth to them or take care of them!


    Can''t you even stand them?!" Violette''s voice was louder than his.


    The driver was stunned.


    Where did Violette get the guts to argue with Elijah?


    Did she really think that Elijah could tolerate her indefinitely?


    Just when the driver thought Elijah would react, nothing happened in the back seat.


    After a moment, Violette calmed down a bit.


    She blinked back tears and broke the silence, "Everyone has their own secrets, it''s okay as long as


    there are no regrets. There''s no point in arguing."


    "Violette, don''t think I can''t live without you." His voice was icy, making him seem heartless.


    Violette: "Elijah, you and I are from two different worlds, one in the sky and one the ground. I never


    thought I could stand by your side as an equal."


    "Who''s in the sky and who''s the ground?" He asked seriously.


    This question left Violette a bit stunned.


    She didn''t answer his question.


    The car was filled with the scent of alcohol.


    Enduring the difort, she rolled down the window.

 Chapter 55

    Chapter 55


    The cold wind sted in, messing up her hair.


    It also helped to calm her down quite a bit.


    He just said that he didn''t necessarily want to be with her.


    Maybe, just maybe, if she insisted on the divorce, he might agree one day...


    This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    Thinking this, a sense of sce seeped into her anxious heart.


    Once home, Lacey and the driver helped Elijah out of the car.


    Seeing that he was taken care of, Violette silently retreated to her room.


    Not long after, Lacey knocked on her door: "Mrs. Bourne, the boss won''t let us touch him. Could you


    Clean his face and change his pajamas?


    If he was in a vegetative state right now, she would undoubtedly take care of him without hesitation.


    But he wasn''t!


    Yes, he was drunk, but he didn''t pass out.


    She still remembered the fight they had in the car on the way back.


    "Why don''t we just let him sleep it off?" Violette suggested, "When he wakes up tomorrow morning, he''ll


    naturally go take a shower and change his clothes. We don''t have to bother."


    Lacey looked at her in shock: "Mrs. Bourne, how could we do that? Pleasee with me and give it a


    try! Maybe if you''re the one to change his clothes, he won''t resist as much."


    Upstairs, in the bedroom.


    The door was wide open.


    Elijah was lying on the bed, quiet as if he had fallen asleep.


    Lacey nudged Violette towards the bed.


    "Mre. Bourne, the boss is drunk. He might get up a lot during the night, and he might vomit. So, it would


    be best if someone was there to take care of him." By the time Lacey had finished, Violette already


    knew what she was getting at.


    Just as she was about to refuse, Lacey continued, "His leg is at a critical recovery stage. The doctor


    says he can''t get injured now, or it will affect hister rehabilitation. So, why don''t you sleep with him


    tonight?"


    Violette frowned.


    The refusal she was about to voice was gradually swallowed back down.


    Both emotionally and logically, she couldn''t refuse.


    "Ma''am, you can wait until the boss falls asleep then wipe his face. If it''s difficult to change his clothes,


    just help him take off the dirty ones, then let him sleep." Lacey said, standing at the door, leaving


    Violette with herst instructions.


    Violette felt a headacheing on.


    After Lacey left, Violette begrudgingly walked over to the bed.


    His eyes were tightly shut, his breathing a bit heavy. His face flushed an abnormal red, no telling how


    much he had drunk.


    She went to the bathroom, filled a basin with warm water.


    After cing the basin on the nightstand, she sat down by the bed, reaching to unbutton his shirt.


    As soon as her fingers touched his shirt, he detected the movement, quickly grabbing her hand, his


    eyes flying open, filled with a dangerous and vignt look.


    "Let go." Violette stared at his eyes, "Either you do it yourself or let me go."


    Obviously, he didn''t want to do it himself.


    He had a terrible headache.


    Even though his mind hadn''tpletely copsed, his body was already paralyzed by alcohol.


    He let go of her hand.


    She sessfully took off his shirt, unbuckled his belt...


    Just as she was about to pull down his trousers, he suddenly grabbed her hand tightly, v


    ery tightly.


    "Who let you into my room?!" His chest heaved, his breathing heavy, "Who allowed you to take off my


    clothes?! Violette, have you always been such a casual woman?!"


    Was this the effect of alcohol?


    Maybe when he woke up tomorrow morning, he wouldn''t remember anything that happened tonight.


    At this thought, she let go of her burden.


    Pushing his hand away, she grabbed the waistband of his trousers, pulling down forcefully... quickly, his


    trousers were off.


    Elijah frowned deeply, his gaze on her growing more and more fierce.


    She ignored him.


    After throwing the dirty clothes into theundry basket, she lifted a towel from the basin, wringing it dry.


    Then, she applied the warm towel to his angry face.

 Chapter 56

    Chapter 56


    "Boy, you really have a temper when you''re drunk." She murmured as she wiped his face. "You think I


    enjoy catering to you? You reek of alcohol... Aren''t you supposed to be a neat freak? If it weren''t for


    your leg still healing, I wouldn''t bother helping you."


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    As he listened to herints, his breathing gradually steadied and he started to feel sleepy. Her


    voice seemed to have a hypnotic effect.


    After she cleaned him up, she pulled up the covers for him.


    By the time she returned from the bathroom, where she''d left the basin and towel, he was already


    asleep.


    Finally, she could breathe easy.


    She sat down next to the bed and looked around the room.


    The thought of being filmed all day along during her first three months living there gave her the creeps.


    There shouldn''t be any cameras left in the room, right?


    Although Elijah had a temper, he wasn''t a sicko.


    She got up and fetched her own pillow and nket from her room.


    Elijah woke up several times during the night but was too groggy to notice the extra person in the bed.


    So they both passed the night without incident.


    The next morning, sunlight gently streamed in through the window.


    On the bed, Violette''s arm was resting on Elijah''s chest, and her leg was draped over his thigh. She


    was sleeping peacefully.


    Elijah woke up with a headache, and when he opened his eyes, he saw Violette''s face close to his.


    As if sensing his gaze, she opened her eyes less than a minute after he did.


    They locked eyes, and the atmosphere immediately became awkward.


    His eyes were clearer thanst night, but still bloodshot.


    She quickly realized that her hand and leg were on him.


    Seeing that he didn''t react or mention it, she decided to subtly y it off.


    She carefully lifted her leg...


    "Violette, you look well-rested. Did you sleep wellst night?" His voice was a bit hoarse.


    Her leg stopped mid-air in embarrassment.


    "...Not bad." She blushed, quickly withdrew her limbs, and changed the subject. "You didn''t showerst


    night. Don''t you want to take one now?"


    He got out of bed and went into the bathroom.


    As soon as he was gone, she grabbed her pillow and nket and hightailed it out of the master


    bedroom.


    That was a close call!


    Thank goodness nothing happened.


    Hopefully, he''d forget everything aboutst night! Including the fight in the car.


    Otherwise, the days ahead would be full of conflicts.


    But then again, conflicts could lead to an easier divorce.


    On the weekend, Odette and Ramsey had lunch together.


    Since it was their second meeting, they were both more rxed.


    Odette was wearing a hoodie with sweatpants and sneakers, her makeup was light, and her hair was


    simply tied into a ponytail.


    Coincidentally, Ramsey was also wearing a hoodie, with jeans and casual shoes.


    When they saw each other, they shared a smile.


    "I saw you at the banquetst time, you were dressed pretty sexy. I thought that was your daily style!"


    Ramsey said with augh.

 Chapter 57

    Chapter 57


    Odette was ncing at the menu when she threw him a nce, "You were dressed so feminine thest


    time, I thought you were gay. Not that there''s anything wrong with being gay, I respect everyone''s


    sexual orientation."


    Ramsey was drinking water and almost choked.


    "Ms. Farrar, you''ve got me all wrong. I''m straight."


    "I don''t like dressing too provocatively either."


    "Alright then! Let''s get to know each other again today." Ramsey said.


    To help Violette figure out the mystery behind Ramsey, Odette shook his hand.


    After ordering the food, they started chatting.


    An hourter-


    "I have a friend who got married all of a sudden. He has feelings for his wife, but he finds it hard to


    express them. Recently, his wife ran into some trouble and he asked me to help her." After a sip of red


    wine, Ramsey started bbering, "The funniest thing is, his wife doesn''t know I''m friends with her


    husband. When she first met me, she was really pissed. She thought it was inappropriate to meet a


    strange man so casually... Do you find this amusing?"


    Odette was taken aback, "I also have a friend who suddenly told me she got married! But she wouldn''t


    tell me who her husband is! She''s been wanting to get a divorce, and I''m not sure if she''ll be able to get


    out smoothly."


    Ramsey, "The world is indeed vast, full of all sorts of things."


    Odette, "Yeah! I definitely wouldn''t rush into marriage."


    Ramsey, "Same here."


    At this point, Odette decided to probe to see if he really had 1.2 billion in his bank ount.


    "Do you use mobile payments or cards for shopping?" Odette asked casually.


    "Mobile payments. They''re really convenient these days."


    "But aren''t there transaction limits for mobile payments?"


    Ramsey said: "I rarely buy anything too expensive. After all, I only graduated not too long ago, I don''t


    want to spend too much of my parents'' money."


    Odette nodded, gathered her courage and asked directly, "So how much savings do you have?"


    Ramsey didn''t expect Odette would ask such a private question.


    "Do you think I look poor?" Ramsey guessed and answered candidly, "I only have a few hundred


    thousand in my ount."


    Odette pursed her lips and shook her head out of politeness.


    Should she believe Ramsey, or should she believe Violette?


    Judging by Ramsey''s expressions and tone, he didn''t seem to be lying, but Violette was her good


    friend and she trusted her unconditionally.


    "Do you have any important responsibilities at your family''s business?" Odette changed her strategy.


    Who knows, the 1.2 billion in Ramsey''s card might belong to his father.


    His purchase of the Dennis Group might have been his father''s idea, right?


    "No! I''m not interested in my family''s business, even though my father hopes I could take over."


    Ramsey''s response left Odette more confused.


    She really wanted to ask directly, but she wasn''t that close with Ramsey yet.


    If she asked now, he definitely wouldn''t tell the truth.


    It seemed she had to take a more aggressive approach.


    "Ramsey, what do you think of me?" Odette showed a sweet smile, "I think you''re quite nice and I''d like


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    to take things further, what do you think?"


    Ramsey was clearly surprised: "So soon?"


    Odette''s smile faded a little.


    "Ms. Farrar, I didn''t mean that... I just thought we could meet a few more times, get to know each other,


    and then decide whether to take things further..." Ramsey hastily exined.


    The more he exined, the more dejected Odette looked.


    "Alright! Ms. Farrar, I apologize. I didn''t realize you were so satisfied with me. Since you''re willing to


    take things further, I''m surely willing..."


    "Ramsey, don''t call me Ms. Farrar in the future, call me Odette." Odette''s smile bloomed again, she


    made a decision in her heart that she must uncover Ramsey''s secret within half a month.


    Ramsey was lost in her sweet and charming smile, feeling like he was dreaming.


    Things were happening too fast!


    He got a girlfriend so quickly!


    When Violette found out that Odette had a boyfriend, she was almost stunned.


    Wasn''t this too risky?


    As she was replying to Odette''s message, an unknown call came through.


    She identally hit the answer button, and a strange male voice came through ¡ª

 Chapter 58

    Chapter 58


    "Is this Miss Violette?" The voice was deep and polite.


    Violette responded, "Yes, and you are?"


    "Hi, this is Derek Marcia from SwiftStream Capital. I got your contact from your HR department


    because I''m interested in coborating with you guys," Derek said.


    Violette asked, "SwiftStream Capital?"


    Derek replied, "Yes, I was wondering if you are avable to meet today? I''m actually near your office


    right now." His tone was sincere.


    After a brief thought, Violette agreed to his request.


    Having set the meeting ce, Violette called thepany''s HR manager.


    She asked, "Do you know this Derek from SwiftStream Capital?"


    The HR manager replied, "He''s a hell of an investor. SwiftStream Capital ranks in the top ten in the


    domestic investment banking industry. So, when he asked for your contact, I gave it to him straight


    away."


    Violette said, "Okay, got it."


    The HR manager asked, "Violette, do you want me to apany you to meet him? I''m worried you


    might be nervous."


    Since Reaves left, thepany''s morale has taken a hit and many employees have opted to quit.


    If they couldn''t find more investment, thepany might not be able to hang on.


    Violette replied, "I¡¯ll be fine, it''s the weekend, you should take a break."


    On her way to the meeting, Violette looked up some information about Derek online.


    When she saw Derek''s photo, she paused slightly.


    She didn''t expect him to look so young.


    After checking his age, she found out he was indeed quite young.


    She wondered why Elijah, who is the same age as Derek, seemed so old to her?


    After ncing at Derek''s photo again, she understood why.


    Derek in the photo was all smiles, whereas Elijah, no matter when she saw him, he always had a poker


    face.


    Violette arrived at the agreed caf¨¦.


    Upon entering, Derek immediately waved at her.


    Violette sat across from him and said, "Hello, Mr. Marcia."


    Derekughed and said, "please, call me Derek." Then he handed her the menu.


    Violette slightly embarrassed waved it off, "I don''t drink coffee." She paused, making up an excuse,


    "I''ve been having trouble sleeping recently, and my doctor advised me to quit caffeine."


    Derek immediately took back the menu, "Sorry, I didn''t know. Let''s go somewhere else."


    Violette shyly said, "No, it''s fine, I''ll just have some water. Mr. Marcia, you mentioned the intention to


    coborate, could you borate on why you want to work with us?"


    Derek ordered a coffee and a pastry, then handed the menu to the waiter.


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    "I want to coborate because I see potential in the Dennis Group."


    Violette looked at him and asked, "You see potential in our autonomous driving system?"


    Derek''s expression wasplex, after a moment of contemtion he said, "Your father wanted to


    apply the system to family cars, but I think we could look at it from another angle. We could consider


    applying it to exploration, rescue or even military... What do you think?"


    Upon hearing this, Violette''s mind suddenly broadened.


    "In the family car sector, this advancement might be too radical. If there was an ident, even a small


    number of casualties would rapidly tarnish thepany''s reputation," Derek said.


    Violette nodded, "Mr. Marcia, I think your view is practical. I wanted to ask, in what way do you want to


    coborate?"


    Derek pushed up his sses, smiling, "I understand that someone is willing to buy the Dennis Group."


    "Yes, he wants to buy us out."

 Chapter 59

    Chapter 59


    "I heard you don''t wanna sell. So, I won''t bother asking to buy." Derek shifted gears, "But I could


    consider investing."


    Violette''s eyes lit up instantly, "Mr. Marcia, are you serious?"


    "Of course I''m serious. But before we sign any contracts, there are a couple of things I need to discuss


    with you," Derek pulled out a document, "This is a proposal my team and I have been working on these


    past couple of days. The Dennis Group, in its current trajectory, won''t get far. In business, profit is key.


    Only by making a profit can we ensure long-term growth."


    Violette took the document and skimmed through it.


    "Mr. Marcia, can I take your proposal back, I need a few days talking to my team."


    "Of course."


    "Alright, and what''s the other thing?" Violette took a sip of water and looked at him seriously.


    Before the meeting, she didn''t expect the conversation to go so smoothly.


    Now the most crucial part had been settled, so she felt relieved.


    "I''m Melinda''s brother," Derek candidly said, "We''re half-siblings, with the same father but different


    mothers."


    As soon as he finished speaking, the calm on Violette''s face vanished.


    Melinda... Derek.


    No wonder she felt a sense of familiarity with Derek.


    He was Melinda''s brother!


    Violette''s rtionship with Melinda was terrible, yet her brother wanted to invest in herpany...


    It was just so absurd!


    She couldn''t help but doubt Derek''s real motive for investing.


    "My rtionship with Melinda isn''t like typical siblings. We have different mothers, and my father gave


    me the inheritance rights..." Derek exined.


    "Mr. Marcia, are you exining this to me because you know I don''t get along with Melinda? Did she


    tell you?" Violette asked cautiously.


    Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "She''s smitten with Elijah, and I know about your rtionship with him. Even if she didn''t tell me, I


    could guess she''s given you a hard time."


    "Yes, our rtionship is terrible. So my cooperation with you... I need to think it over carefully." Violette


    told the truth.


    Derek didn''t expect her reaction to be so aggressive.


    "Ms. Dennis, you''re the heir of the Dennis Group. As the heir, you should put thepany''s interests


    first. You have many employees relying on you. Your issues with Melinda have nothing to do with me,


    so you shouldn''t misunderstand me because of your feelings towards her. I''m innocent."


    Derek''s tone was gentle, making it hard to get angry at him regardless of what he said.


    "Mr. Marcia, I''m not a professional leader, and the grievances between me and Melinda are not as


    simple as you think. You''re her brother, so my concerns are only natural." Violette said.


    "Then go back and think it over. I''ll be waiting for your reply." Derek showed a confident smile.


    Violette nodded and left.


    The news of SwiftStream Capital preparing to invest in the Dennis Group spread quickly in the industry.


    Upon hearing this, Elijah''s brows furrowed.


    Derek was a cunning egoist.


    His investment in the Dennis Group might have other motives.


    Although they had known each other for a long time, their rtionship was not that good.


    If it weren''t for Melinda between them, they might have cut ties long ago.


    "Elijah, I just called the Dennis Group, and they said Violette met with Derek today and confirmed their


    partnership... Derek ns to invest $200 million, and it''s hard for Violette to refuse. He''s only investing


    and won''t interfere with thepany''s internal affairs," Ramsey reported.


    Elijah''s eyes were sharp, and his voice cold, "I think he wants to use the $200 million to buy Violette!"

 Chapter 60

    Chapter 60


    "Is Violette worth that much?" Ramsey was a bit surprised.


    "Well, she''s my wife now, so she''s worth a lot. If she wasn''t my wife, you think Derek would invest in


    herpany?" Elijah''s eyes flickered with a cold light.


    Ramsey was even more confused, "If Derek''s willing to invest that much in Violette¡¯spany, just let


    him do it! Isn''t it like giving her free money?"


    Elijah reminded him: "She''s my wife!"


    Ramsey: "Oh, alright... I get it. So, what do you n to do about this? Raise the investment amount? If


    you don''t, Violette will definitely choose Derek."


    Elijah: "Not necessarily."


    "Then why do you look so unhappy?" Ramsey could clearly sense the mood swings in his tone.


    Elijah wanted to buy Violette''spany for 200 million dors to help her break free from the Dennis


    Group.


    She hasn''t even graduated yet and has no understanding or experience in running apany.


    Might as well sell thepany, pay off the debts, and get a huge sum of money to make life easier for


    her and her mother.


    He made this choice after thorough consideration.


    But she wasn''t grateful.


    This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    If she epted Derek''s offer, thepany would eventually be run by Derek.


    "Ramsey, I envy you ¨C you don¡¯t love anybody and nobody needs your love, so you don''t suffer," Elijah


    teased him.


    Ramsey proudly said, "I ended my single life today! Met my girlfriend through a blind date. Our dads


    know each other, so it''s like we know each other''s roots."


    Elijah: "Sounds good. Bring her over when things are stable."


    "Sure! About Violette, I think you can have a good talk with her. She might has her own idea."


    "Just get lost, have a date or something!" Just hearing the word ''Violette'' gave Elijah a headache.


    How could he not know that Violette was opinionated?


    It''s precisely because she''s too opinionated that she never listens to him.


    On the other side.


    Violette wasining to Odette on the phone.


    "Mr. E, Ramsey, and Derek from SwiftStream Capital... I feel like they''re all a bit weird," Violette sat in a


    tea restaurant and said leisurely. "This Ramsey, he suddenly appears and tells you he has no money,


    but he''s a billionaire when he¡¯s with me. And this Derek, he knows I don''t get along with his sister, but


    he insists on investing in my dad''spany. If my dad''spany had a lot of people wanting to invest,


    I wouldn''t find his actions strange, but no one believes in my dad''spany!"


    Odette sipped her coffee whileining with her, "Leave Ramsey to me. As for Derek, why don''t


    you get along with his sister?"


    Violette didn''t answer.


    She spoke too fast and said too much earlier.


    "Violette, if you think Derek is unreliable, don''t work with him! Otherwise, you''ll be used by him and


    won''t even realize it. He''s bound to be very smart; you don''t have the power to fight him."


    Odette didn''t dwell on this issue too much.


    "But thepany''s management group will definitely want to ept SwiftStream Capital''s investment,"


    Violette said.


    "You''re thepany''s owner! Who cares what they think?"


    "Strictly speaking, I''m not the owner yet. I haven''t signed any agreements!"


    "Yourpany''s vice president left, who else would dare challenge you? Violette, just make your own


    decision and don''t overthink it... Ramsey''s here, gotta go!"


    In the evening, Violette returned to the Bourne family.


    There were guests at home.


    "Ms. Dennis, it''s the weekend, did you hang out with friends? Have you eaten? If not, let''s eat


    together!" Brandon stood up from the sofa with a smile.


    Seeing Brandon, Violette immediately recalled the night Elijah was drunk.


    "I''m not very hungry... You guys go ahead! I''ll eatter." Violette didn''t want to eat with them.


    As soon as she finished speaking, the aroma from the kitchen made her stomach growl.


    Brandonughed, "Hahaha! Ms. Dennis,e join us for dinner! I heard you found an investment


    today, but howe you don''t look too happy?"


    Brandon pulled Violette towards the dining room.


    "Do you know Derek? He''s Melinda''s brother." Violette asked, seeing Brandon mention this matter.

 Chapter 61

    Chapter 61


    "Of course I know him! We used to get wasted together all the time! Derek and Melinda are super


    close, didn''t he tell you?" Brandon emphasized.


    Violette''s eyes widened in surprise, "He said they''re just friends."


    "He''s pulling the wool over your eyes, Ms. Dennis. You gotta think hard about why he suddenly wants


    to invest in you. Is he trying to scam you?"


    Violette: "You mean, this is some kind of trap?"


    Brandon shook his head, "All I''m saying is you gotta look at the whole picture. There ain''t no such thing


    as a free lunch. You just had a sh with Melinda not long ago, and now Derek wants to invest in you,


    aren''t you scared?"


    Violette: "I am scared."


    Brandon nodded, "You gotta think this through... Let''s eat first. Elijah, I''m done talking to your wife, you


    cane over now."


    Violette felt awkward hearing the word ''wife''.


    After sitting down, Elijah went to the other side to sit.


    Brandon brought over the drinks that were already prepared at the bar.


    "Ms. Dennis, would you like a drink?" Brandon put down the bottle and brought out three wine sses.


    Violette shook her head, "I don''t drink. I have to write a paper tonight."


    "Oh, in that case, I''ll drink with Elijah..." After pouring drinks for himself and Elijah, Brandon said to


    Violette, "Elijah got wasted a few days ago, lucky you were there."


    Violette choked, "I didn''t take care of him, he just slept it off."


    "True, Elijah can hold his liquor and he''s quiet when he''s drunk." Brandon said, "He doesn''t like


    expressing his feelings much..."


    Violette: "I think he''s pretty expressive! He gets angry when he''s unhappy. I''ve never seen anyone who


    loves expressing their feelings more."


    Brandon didn''t know how to respond.


    Elijah''s face turned dark instantly.


    "Let''s eat." She noticed his change in expression, quickly picked up her bowl, and stuffed her mouth


    with food.


    In less than five minutes, she put down her utensils and left.


    Watching her leave, Brandon sighed, "Does she always eat this fast?"


    Elijah: "Mhm."


    Brandon: "Is she anorexic? She eats so little."


    Elijah: "A person who really doesn''t want to eat wouldn''t even take a bite."


    Brandon: "Oh... It seems she''s trying to stay in shape to catch your eye."


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    Elijah raised an eyebrow, tauntingly, "You think she cares about my feelings?"


    If Violette cared about his feelings, she wouldn''t have embarrassed him just now.


    At first, he was often enraged by her words, but now his patience had improved a lot.


    Brandon: "It seems she doesn''t care. But it''s her straightforward and genuine nature that you like about


    her."


    "When did I say I liked her?"


    "Stop pretending, there''s no one else here. Besides, liking a woman isn''t something to be ashamed of.


    Violette is better than many women..."


    "Really? All she thinks about is having kids."


    Brandon was speechless.


    In her room.


    Violette turned on herputer, but her mind couldn''t calm down.


    A deep sense of unease lingered in her heart, as if something was about to happen.


    Suddenly, her phone rang.


    Violette''s heart raced!


    She picked up the phone and saw Sabrina Dennis'' name on the screen.


    Sabrina was actually calling!


    There must be some trouble!

 Chapter 62

    Chapter 62


    Could it be that she spent all the money they scammed?!


    But they took so much money, how could it be spent so fast?


    Violette took a deep breath and answered the phone.


    Before she could speak, Sabrina screamed from the other side, "Violette! Is Dad''s SuperBrain System


    with you?! Bring it to me now!"


    Sabrina''s voice was shaky and sounded like she was scared.


    Violette''s anger ignited, "Sabrina, how dare you call me?! Your uncle took my dad''s money, do you


    know that''s a crime?! The police are already investigating!"


    "What''s it got to do with me?! I didn''t take the money! I just want Dad''s SuperBrain System! Violette,


    bring it to me now! You have to give it to me tonight!" Sabrina''s voice became more and more shrill.


    Violette frowned as she listened to the noise on the other end of the phone.


    "Sabrina, where are you?!"


    Sabrina burst into tears, "Violette! Help! I''m at a casino with Kaleb Bourne... he''s being held captive... if


    you don''t bring Dad''s new system, they''ll chop off his fingers!"


    "A casino?! You guys are gambling?" Violette''s face turned pale.


    She never knew that Kaleb gambled!


    "What''s the point of saying that?! I told you to bring Dad''s new system to save his life, didn''t you hear


    me? Do you want Kaleb''s fingers chopped off?! Don''t you love him anymore?" Sabrina used.


    Violette was already at the door when she suddenly heard Sabrina say this, and she stopped in her


    tracks.


    "Have some shame, you two! Even if all the men in the world were dead, I wouldn''t give Kaleb a


    second nce! He gambled and lost, that''s why he''s being held, right? So just help him pay back the


    money! Your uncle took billions from my dad, it''s not like Kaleb could lose that much, right?!"


    Violette spoke as she walked to the bathroom.


    Feeling a bit dizzy, she needed to wash her face and wake up.


    Sabrina yelled frantically, "The money my uncle took didn''t go to me! And they just want Dad''s new


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    system! Wasn''t it you who told them you gave the new system to Kaleb?! You never actually gave it to


    him, why did you tell them you did? You did it on purpose, didn''t you?!"


    She hadn''t expected Reaves to act so quickly.


    Although Kaleb was a good-for-nothing, he was at least Elijah''s nephew.


    Reaves was too arrogant!


    "He''s being held because of gambling, right? Let me guess... someone approached him, asked if he


    had the new system, he said yes, then they gave him money to gamble, and he fell into their trap..."


    Violette could already figure out what had happened.


    If Kaleb hadn''t admitted to having the new system, how could they have lent him money to gamble?


    If he hadn''t gambled, how could they set him up?


    Whose fault is it? His own!


    "So it''s was you! Violette, you''re so cruel! He was so good to you back then! What a waste of his


    sincerity!" Sabrina scolded her.


    "Yeah! He was so good to me. Dating me on one hand and doing shady things with you on the other...


    Now it''s just chopping off a few fingers, not killing him, so why are you so worked up?!" Violette coldly


    replied and hung up the phone.


    In less than a minute, the phone rang again.


    This time, it was Kaleb''s number.


    Violette gritted her teeth and answered.


    It wasn''t that she softened up, but she wanted to hear his wailing.


    "Violette... Violette! Save me! If you don''t save me... I''ll really be disabled! You never really gave me


    that new system... you didn''t give it to me!" Kaleb sounded panicked, as if he was being held down.


    "If I didn''t give it to you, why did you admit it? Kaleb, you brought this upon yourself! I can''t save you!"


    Violette said, ready to hang up.


    "Violette! It''s my uncle! My uncle wants to harm me!" Kaleb suddenly cried out in despair, "No one


    outside would dare to touch me except my uncle! Please, go beg my uncle for me... I beg you!"


    Violette froze.


    Could it be that it wasn''t Reaves?


    She suddenly remembered that on the night she was kidnapped, Elijah had sent bodyguards to


    investigate the suburbs.

 Chapter 63

    Chapter 63


    She knew that Elijah was aware of everything she said on the lie detector.


    Could he really be Elijah?


    Did Elijah really want the Dennis Group''s new system?


    At this thought, she started to sweat on her back.


    After hanging up the phone, she walked out of the room.


    Elijah and Brandon had finished their dinner, and they were smoking in the living room.


    Brandon saw hering and immediately snuffed out his cigarette in the ashtray.


    "Ms. Dennis, wannae over and chat?"


    Violette nodded and walked towards Brandon.


    When she approached Brandon, she said, "I want to talk to Elijah alone."


    Brandon choked.


    Did she mean for him to leave?


    Awkwardly, he stood up, "I''ll leave you two alone. You can go for a walk outside, the weather is great."


    With that, he left.


    Violette sat in Brandon''s spot, thinking of how Kaleb might get hurt and blurted out, "Kaleb just called


    me, saying he''s at the casino and being detained. They want to hurt him."


    Elijah was aware of this.


    He had received a message from the casino.


    They said Kaleb had been gambling big tonight.


    "Do you care about him?" Elijah''s mood turned heavy when he heard Violette mention ''Kaleb.''


    "The people detaining him thought the Dennis Group''s new system was in his hands, so they gave him


    money to gamble. Now they want him to hand over the new system," Violette said word by word,


    "Other than you, who else knows the new system is in his hands?"


    "You suspect me?" A cold light shed in Elijah''s eyes, and ash fell from his cigarette.


    "I just came to ask you, if it''s not you..."


    "It''s me." Elijah sneered, "Do you want to beg me to spare him?"


    Violette frowned, "beg you? Do you think I¡¯ve lost my mind?"


    Elijah''s body tensed, gritting his teeth, "I can have him hurt right now!"


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    Violette: "Hurry up. If you don''t hurt him, you''re a coward."


    Elijah didn''t know what else to say.


    Violette: "He even told mest time that I was his favorite woman, but tonight he''s messing around with


    my sister. If you hurt him, I can light your cigarette for you, how about that?"


    Elijah suddenly calmed down.


    Looking at her, it seemed like she didn''t care about Kaleb anymore!


    That''s right, Kaleb, the prodigal son, couldn''t give her anything now.


    After a while, his phone rang.


    He nced at it and then turned it off.


    After he turned it off, Violette''s phone rang.


    Violette looked at the caller ID and turned her phone off too.


    Suddenly, it was very quiet around them, all there left was the sound of their heartbeats.


    Violette hesitated for a moment and then warned Elijah, "Elijah, you''d better not try to get anything from


    me. Otherwise, I''ll drag you down with me."

 Chapter 64

    Chapter 64


    She ain''t gonna hand over the stuff her dad gave her to anyone.


    No one''s gonna take it from her, either.


    Although her words were harsh, Elijah wasn''t scared at all. Instead, he found it kinda funny.


    "What are youughing at?" Violette looked at the slight smile on his lips, feeling uneasy.


    "I''mughing at you," he mocked. "You think you''re all that, so clever, but you''re just asking for trouble."


    She could take the first two judgments, but what did "asking for trouble" mean?


    "Go back to your room! Just seeing you gives me a headache," Elijah''s face suddenly darkened, and


    his voice got serious.


    "I haven''t done anything. Your headache must be because you''re sick," Violette retorted seriously.


    "Don''t you have a personal doctor? Want me to call them for you?"


    Elijah gritted his teeth.


    Violette went back to her room, her mood totally ruined.


    She closed herptop, walked to the bedside, andy down.


    Truth is, she didn''t love Kaleb anymore.


    If it hadn''t been for Sabrina calling tonight, neither of them would''ve crossed her mind or heart.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    Learning that Kaleb was a gambler and in danger made her feelings veryplicated.


    All the memories they had shared seemed to have been an illusion.


    These memories even made her feel kinda sick.


    Everything seemed fake, like she was Truman in "The Truman Show".


    She had never touched the real world, always living in a lie.


    Lost in her thoughts, she dozed off.


    At 2 a.m., a car stopped in front of the Bourne family''s house.


    Lacey was woken up by the night shift bodyguard.


    Lacey hurried out of her room and saw Grace Bourne''s angry face.


    "Go get Violette!" Gracemanded as she sat on the sofa.


    Lacey immediately walked quickly to Violette''s room.


    Five minutester, a sleepy Violette walked into the living room.


    "Mom..." She sensed the dangerous atmosphere and sobered up quite a bit.


    "Violette, I thought you were a simple girl, but you''ve been deceiving me for so long!" Grace''s body


    trembled slightly. "I never knew you and Kaleb had been in love! Why didn''t you tell me?! If I''d known


    this, I never would''ve let you be Elijah''s wife! This is absurd!"


    Violette: "You never asked me, never cared about my feelings. You just saw me as a pawn. Now you


    think I''m a problem, so that only means your judgment is wed."


    Grace stood up angrily, staggered over to Violette.


    "Fine, I admit my judgment was wed! But how do you exin setting Kaleb up?!"


    Violette: "Me, setting him up? Are you talking about him gambling and getting into debt tonight?"


    Her rebuttal left Grace speechless.


    Violette''s eyes reddened slightly, her emotions stirring as she retorted, "You''re fully aware that if he


    hadn''t engaged in gambling, no one would have dared to harm him. Instead of imparting a lesson to


    him, youy the me on me, implying that I am the root of all evil in the Bourne family."


    Grace couldn''t take it and gave her a hard p.


    The crisp sound echoed throughout the living room.


    Violette''s cheek burned, her eyes filled with resentment.


    "I did it on purpose to hurt Kaleb. He betrayed me, so I took my revenge," Violette''s voice was even


    clearer and stronger than before. "And as for Elijah, as long as I''m by his side, you can forget about


    having a grandson."


    Grace raised her hand, wanting to p her again!


    But her body suddenly weakened, and she fell onto the sofa.


    Violette watched her copse from anger, not offering any help.


    Lacey was the first to rush over.


    Then Elijah slowly walked down the stairs.


    He was wearing a gray silk robe, his face stern and cold throughout.


    She didn''t want to see him, not even for a nce.

 Chapter 65

    Chapter 65


    Before he had a chance to step down the stairs, she bolted back to her room.


    Grace, already feeling choked, felt as if she was going to suffocate. But upon seeing Elijah, she felt a


    lot better all of a sudden.


    "Elijah...my son..." Grace extended her weak arms towards Elijah.


    Elijah rushed to her side and held her.


    "Divorce Violette Dennis...do it tomorrow...get a divorce..." Tears welled up in Grace''s eyes. "I''m


    sorry...dear, I''m sorry...I was careless...I picked such a dirty woman for you..."


    Elijah gently reached out to wipe away the tears from his mother''s eyes, his voice soothing, "Mom, you


    don''t have to interfere in my rtionship with Violette. And please, stop worrying about Kaleb as well."


    "Kaleb''s finger got chopped off...It must''ve hurt! He mes you, but I know it''s not your fault...How


    could you be so ruthless towards your own kin? You''re not that kind of person..."


    "Mom, if you bring this up again, I''ll have the driver take you home right away," Elijah''s face darkened,


    "I''m not divorcing Violette. No one can force me unless I want to."


    Grace took a desperate breath, "Are you in love with her? Is she the reason why you turned against


    your brother''s family?"


    Elijah let go of his mother and looked at the driver, "Take my mom back to rest."


    With that, he turned around and headed upstairs.


    Grace watched her son''s decisive back, tears streaming down her face.


    He was so heartless!


    It''s all Violette''s fault!


    He wasn''t like this before!


    Everything started when Violette showed up and stirred up trouble between them, causing unrest in the


    Bourne family.


    Violette sat on the bed, leaning against the wall, her head tilted slightly upwards.


    Her face hurt,


    so did her heart.


    The wounds on her face would heal in a few days, but the ones in her heart, never.


    Even if she thought they healed, a sudden touch would still bring sadness.


    At eight in the morning,


    Elijah was having breakfast in the dining room.


    Suddenly, he instructed Lacey, "Go call Violette."


    Lacey immediately headed to the guest room.


    Momentster, she hurried back to the dining room.


    "Sir, Mrs. Bourne isn''t in the room, she may have gone out. I''ll go ask the gatekeeper." After reporting


    to Elijah, Lacey strode towards the courtyard gate.


    Shortly after, Lacey returned.


    "Mrs. Bourne left at six this morning. Should I call her?" Lacey was a bit worried about her.


    Grace''s p had not been light.


    Violette seemed quiet and gentle, but she had a strong sense of self-esteem.


    Lacey dialed her number, only to be met with the chilling automated response.


    "The madam has turned off her phone." Lacey''s voice lowered a few notches.


    Violette left at six in the morning, her phone turned off.


    She wouldn''t be thinking of doing something stupid, would she?


    While he didn''t believe that a p would push her to the brink of suicide, he recognized that people


    could act impulsively when overwhelmed by emotions.


    Elijah''s expression was cold. He put down his coffee cup and left the dining room without saying a


    word.


    After hesitating in the living room for a moment, he finally picked up his phone and dialed his assistant.


    "Joey, help me find the number for Violette''s mother."


    Joey: "Alright, I''ll send it to you immediately."


    After getting Albina Palmer''s phone number, Elijah dialed it with a furrowed brow---


    This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    ---Sorry, the number you have dialed is switched off. Please try againter.


    What''s going on?


    Violette and her mother both switched off their phones?!

 Chapter 66

    Chapter 66


    In a certain hospital.


    Violettey on the ultrasound bed.


    "The baby''s development is normal... when you''re five months pregnant, you need toe back for a


    thorough anomaly scan." The doctor said.


    "Alright, thank you." Violette breathed a sigh of relief.


    "Thank you for understanding. Your mom and I were inseparable back in school," the doctor said with a


    nostalgic smile, proceeding to print the ultrasound report and handed it to her. "Your mom informed me


    that the baby''s father doesn''t want to be involved, so you''ve beening to this small hospital for


    prenatal check-ups... Violette, you''re expecting twins, and raising them will undoubtedly present a real


    challenge for you!"


    Violette took the report, smiling and said, "No worries. I''ll take it one day at a time!"


    "If you''re prepared for it, that''s good."


    Violette: "Doctor, I won''t keep you any longer. I''ll contact you when Ie next time."


    After saying goodbye to the doctor, Violette left the ultrasound room.


    "How''s the baby? Everything okay?" Albina walked over to her immediately when she saw here


    out.


    "Yeah, the baby is fine. Mom, are you tired? I''m so sleepy!" Violette yawned.


    She didn''t sleepst night.


    She left the Bourne family at six in the morning, met with her mom, and took a long-distance bus here.


    The journey took over three hours, and i


    t was a bumpy ride all the way.


    Violette almost fell asleep several times on the bus, but she kept herself awake.


    Now that the check-up results were normal, her worries were ayed.


    She just wanted to get some good sleep.


    "Why don''t we find a hotel and rest for a while?" Albina looked at her weary face, heart aching.


    Violette shook her head: "It takes over three hours to go back! We better head back first!"


    "Let''s eat something first. You haven''t eaten since morning, aren''t you hungry now?" Albina held her


    hand, leading her outside.


    "I am a bit hungry." Violette touched her stomach, "It feels different than before. Even though I don''t


    look pregnant, my stomach feels kind of hard."


    As she spoke, she guided her mom''s hand to feel her stomach.


    "Wait till your belly really bulges out, when you''re in theter stages of pregnancy, that''s when it''s really


    hard... time flies, the baby is already four months old." Albina sighed.


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    "Yeah! In no time, the baby will be born." A mix of anticipation and worry pooled in Violette''s eyes.


    "How''s the divorce with Elijah going?"


    Violette shook her head in resignation. "He''s incredibly stubborn. The more I express my desire for a


    divorce, the more he opposes it. So, I''ve decided not to bring up the topic of divorce again."


    "Speaking of which, I''ve never had a formal meeting with him!" Albina sighed.


    "Why meet him? He''s cold to everyone. If you meet him, it''ll just upset you." Violette whispered.


    Albina had a different opinion: "He''s so young and wealthy, of course, he''s arrogant. He''s not like us


    ordinary people, so we can''t judge him by our standards."


    Violette: "Mom, do you remember why we''re here? How can you still defend him?"


    Albina showed a helpless smile: "Let''s go eat. After the meal, we''ll head home."


    On the way home, Violette fell asleep on Albina''sp.


    Albina gently stroked her head. When her finger identally touched Violette left cheek, Violette


    winced in pain, murmuring, "It hurts... it''s so painful..."


    Albina took a closer look at her cheek, a


    nd found that she had a thickyer of foundation on her cheek.


    "Violette, what happened to your face?" Albina woke her daughter up.


    Violette opened her eyes and asked, "Mom, what''s the matter?"


    Albina lightly touched her left cheek, a


    nd she immediately gasped in pain.


    "What happened to your face? Who hit you? Was it Elijah?" Albina asked worriedly.


    In a casual tone, Violette added, "Oh, and by the way... I had a disagreement with his motherst night.


    I had hoped to initiate the divorce process through her, but it didn''t go well."


    "You''re so silly! Even if you want to divorce, you don''t need to resort to such foolish methods!" Albina


    sighed. "Why didn''t you get some medicine from the hospital this morning?"

 Chapter 67

    Chapter 67


    "I''m pregnant now, can''t just be popping pills," Violette said, "I''ll be recovering in a few days. I can just


    use some makeup to cover it up for now."


    "Oh...just go back to sleep!" Albina patted her own thigh, gesturing for her to lie down.


    Violette shook her head, "I''m not sleepy. I just wanna mess around with my phone for a bit."


    She unlocked her phone, seeing a missed call from Lacey.


    She meant to call back, but the car was too loud and crowded. She decided to put it off until she got


    home.


    Suddenly, a news app notification popped up with a headline.


    -- Kaleb, the Bourne family''s golden boy, carried out from a casinote at night, suspected of being


    attacked due to massive gambling debts!


    She took a deep breath and clicked on the link.


    Then, she saw the rted images.


    There were photos of Kaleb being carried out, and also him being taken to the hospital.


    Beside him, there''s a familiar face, it''s Sabrina.


    Sabrina, whom she hadn''t seen in a while, had be even more mature and seductive.


    If Kaleb hadn''t racked up those debts at the casinost night, she probably would be sharing a hotel


    room bed with him right now!


    Violette closed the news and opened up Whatsapp.


    She saw a message from Odette: Violette! I almost slept with Ramseyst night! OMG! Halfway


    through, my period came!


    Violette was shocked: Aren''t you guys moving a bit too fast??


    Odette: We had a few drinksst night... Ah! You should have seen his face when he saw I got my


    period... He was so frustrated, but he still went to get me some sanitary pads.


    Violette: Don''t they have any in the hotel room?!


    Odette voiced her frustration, "We spent the night at his apartment. While I agreed to date him in order


    to uncover his secrets, I cannot tolerate his sexual inadequacy!"


    Violette: Oh.


    Odette: Hehe, how''s your hubby?


    Violette blushed and changed the subject: My phone''s about to die. I need to charge it!


    Odette: Seems like you''ve slept with your hubby! Otherwise, you would''ve just said you didn''t know!


    Hahaha!


    Violette awkwardly shoved her phone into her bag.


    Three hourster, t


    heir car arrives in A City.


    Violette took her mom home first.


    Albina''s carrying a bag of vegetables and a bag of fresh fruit, so she handed the keys to Violette to


    open the door.


    Violette opened the door to find


    a tall figure sitting on the couch!


    She jumped back in surprise,


    and Albina is also stunned.


    If they hadn''t seen Elijah''s photo and known what he looked like, they might''ve immediately called the


    police.


    Seeing the mother and daughter duo terrified, the bodyguard quickly stepped outside, gave Violette a


    little push into the house,


    then took the groceries from Albina and carries them in for her.


    Albina''s lips quivered, unsure whether she should thank the bodyguard.


    "How did you manage to enter this ce?" Violette swiftlyposed herself and approached him.


    Firmly, she questioned, "This is my mother''s residence. What is the reason for your presence here?"


    A chill ran down her spine.


    It''s a little creepy.


    He can easily find out her and her mother''s information, even their exact address.


    In his eyes, she has no privacy.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    Seeing her scared expression, Elijah opened his mouth and said, "I came to see you."

 Chapter 68

    Chapter 68


    Just a single sentence easily shattered her defenses.


    She left at six in the morning and turned off her phone, so he couldn''t reach her and ended up here.


    Does this mean he was worried about her?


    "You must be Elijah, right?" Albina quickly broke the awkward silence. "Violette was feeling a bit off


    today, so I took her out for a breather. She''s okay now. I''ll go fetch you a ss of water!"


    Violette: "Mom!"


    Elijah: "No need."


    They both spoke at the same time.


    The atmosphere got even more awkward.


    "Mom, he''s leaving soon. You don''t have to fuss over him. Just sit down and rest." Violette guided her


    mother to the couch.


    Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    She was subtly trying to kick him out.


    Taking the hint, he stood up, saying to Albina, "I''ll be leaving now, I''ll visit you another day."


    As Albina tried to see him off, Violette stopped her.


    "Mom, I''ll be off too. You rest well at home today."


    With that said, Violette followed Elijah out.


    Once they left, Violette told him, "Don''te here again."


    His face turned colder as if he was at his limit.


    "I don''t need your pretentious concern," she continued. "If you truly care about me, divorce me."


    With that, she stormed off.


    Elijah watched her frail figure with an increasingly icy gaze.


    Despite their physical proximity, their hearts were miles apart.


    Kaleb was rushed to the hospital at dawn and immediately underwent finger reattachment surgery.


    If the severed finger is well preserved, surgery within several hours after injury could result in a good


    chance of recovery.


    Even if it doesn''t fully restore to normal, at least it wouldn''t end up disabled.


    After the surgery, Kaleb didn''t wake up until two in the afternoon.


    When he woke up, he looked terrified as if he had lost his mind.


    "Kaleb! Don''t be scared! You''re in the hospital! You''re safe! Nobody can hurt you anymore!" His mother,


    Melina, consoled him in tears. "Your dad has already paid your debt."


    Travis''s face wasn''t looking too good, having coughed up a lot for his son''s debt.


    He had always known that his son was a screw-up,


    butst night, Kaleb lost way too much!


    Losing a few hundred thousand in the past was something that Travis could tolerate, butst night,


    Kaleb had lost over fifty million, which was far beyond his threshold.


    Of course, Travis didn''t pay the full amount.


    They chopped off Kaleb''s finger, so he only had to pay half.

 Chapter 69

    Chapter 69


    "If you ever dare to gamble again, I''ll personally chop off your hands!" Travis gritted his teeth in fury.


    "Why are you scaring him now that he''s just woken up? There''s no way he could have lost that much


    money all by himself! It must have been that bitch Sabrina!" Melina shouted before marching towards


    the hospital room door and calling Sabrina in.


    After ncing at Kaleb, Sabrina lowered her head in guilt, unable to answer Melina''s question.


    "Mom... don''t me Rina... Someone was targeting mest night, it''s the only reason we lost so much


    money!" Kaleb''s voice was weak, but his mind was clear, "It was Elijah... It has to be him! He''s been


    holding a grudge since I dated Violette, he hates me!"


    "I know it was your uncle who did this! He''s been holding a grudge against you! He doesn''t respect


    your father at all!" Melina eximed, "He has a big problem with his personality! He''s not normal! We


    shouldn''t have messed with him!"


    Travis forcefully shoved his wife, "What are you talking nonsense for in front of others!


    If your son were more driven and ambitious, Elijah wouldn''t have been able to harm him so effortlessly!


    Look within yourself to find the root of the issue! The two of you give me a headache!


    With that, Travis stormed off in a huff.


    Melina broke down in tears.


    "Mom! Stop crying! It''s all my fault! I''m such a loser! Why did you guys even save me? I might as well


    be dead!" Kaleb shouted.


    "Kaleb! Don''t say that... Even though you''re not as sessful as your uncle, you''re still much better in


    my eyes!" Sabrinaforted him, "You just need to recover. Once you''re better, we''ll find a way to get


    back at your uncle! If he''s gone, your dad won''tpare you to him anymore."


    Kaleb''s mood suddenly calmed down.


    Melina''s crying abruptly stopped.


    "Kaleb, you''ve seen Violette''s true colors, haven''t you? She''s in cahoots with Elijah! Don''t hold any


    feelings for her anymore! We should get rid of them both! If they''re gone, your uncle''s fortune will be


    ours." Sabrina revealed her ambitions.


    Melina walked over, giving Sabrina a cold stare.


    "What can you bring to the table? I heard your mom swindled a lot of money from the Dennis family,


    why isn''t she helping you pay off the debt fromst night?!"


    Sabrina pleaded, "Auntie, my mom does have a lot of money, but she''s currently overseas doing


    business. Once her business takes off, we might be wealthier than Elijah. The overseas market is


    muchrger..."


    "Don''t feed me such unrealistic stories! With the way you two gambledst night, no matter how much


    money you have, you''ll end up losing it all!" Melina rebuked.


    "We won''t gamble again! I promise!" Sabrina raised her hand, teary-eyed, "We were just curious and


    wanted to try it out. We won''t dare to do it again!"


    "Kaleb is the only heir of the Bourne family, since Elijah won''t have any descendants."


    "Auntie, why is that? Does he have health issues?" Sabrina asked in confusion.


    This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    "You''re not my daughter-inw yet! I won''t tell you anything!" Melina coldly replied, "I''ll only forgive you


    if you can help Kaleb in the future!"


    "I will definitely find a way to help Kaleb. Auntie, trust me."


    Later that evening, at a high-end restaurant.


    Melinda had no appetite, holding a ss of red wine and scowling, "Derek, have you lost your mind?


    Giving Violette a billion, are you trying to make me suffer more? If you feel like you have too much


    money, just transfer it to my bank ount, okay?"


    Derek shook his head, "Melinda, if you need money, I can provide it. However, you''re mistaken. Elijah


    hurt you deeply, but it wasn''t about money. He deceived your emotions. That''s why I must respond in


    kind."


    "Heh... are you nning on pursuing Violette? Do you think Elijah will let you seed? He''s in love


    with Violette." Melinda thought the whole thing was crazy, "Derek, don''t get yourself involved. If you fall


    out with Elijah, I''ll be in a tough spot."


    "I haven''t had any dealings with him for a long time." Derek said nonchntly, "Actually, my decision to


    invest in the Dennis Group is also because the Dennis Group isn''t as bad as it seems. As long as I step


    in, I can turn the tide."


    "I''m at odds with Violette, and yet you''re helping her make money, are you trying to piss me off?"


    Melinda red at her brother.


    "Think of it this way, if I help her like this, will she fall for me?"


    "And if she doesn''t? Brother, although you''re also excellent, I think Elijah is more charming." Melinda


    said, smitten, "He''s obsessive, indifferent, restrained..."


    "Heh, Melinda, do you know how his father died?" Derek swirled his ss of wine, saying each word


    clearly, "His father was killed by him."

 Chapter 70

    Chapter 70


    Melinda''s infatuation vanished from her face in a snap.


    "Though I can''t be absolutely sure, it''s likely true," Derek continued, "I haven''t told you before because


    we were on good terms and I thought his virtues could make up for this w."


    Melinda''s body felt a bit cold. After a while, she took a shaky sip of her red wine.


    "Melinda, there''s no denying that he has remarkable qualities, but he also possesses a significant w.


    You don''t need to idolize him to such an extent. If you do end up marrying him, I''ll genuinely be


    concerned for your safety," Derek stated calmly while skillfully cutting into his steak.


    "He must have his reasons... I believe he''s not a bad guy..." Melinda murmured after a pause, "If he''s


    that bad, I would have known. I''ve been around him for years, enough to see his true colors."


    Derekughed at her naivety: "Not long ago a serial killer was caught. He''d been on the run for over a


    decade, during which he''d been working a regr job and his colleagues thought he was honest and


    kind..."


    "Derek! You''re crossing the line!" Melinda snapped, "I can make my own judgments, you don''t need to


    butt in!"


    "I knew you''d be upset if I badmouthed him, that''s why I''ve never told you before." Derek shrugged his


    shoulders innocently, "Keep dreaming! If you ever want out, our home''s doors will always be open for


    you."


    Melinda: "No thanks! I''ve got my own house!"


    "Seems like Elijah pays you quite generously," Derek teased.


    Ever since Melinda started working, she hadn''t asked for a dime from the Marcia family, to which Derek


    was the heir.


    "Regardless, he''s definitely a good boss. Even if I can''t have him, I''m willing to stay by his side."


    Melinda said faintly, raising her ss, "Here''s to you winning over Violette. I remember you''ve never


    failed to woo a woman, hope this time''s no different!"


    "I have confidence in myself," Derek clinked sses with her.


    A weekter, in the president''s office of the Bourne Group.


    Brandon came to share some gossip about SwiftStream Capital with Elijah.


    "Wasn''t Derek nning to invest in the Dennis Group? Apparently, Violette still hasn''t given him a clear


    response." Brandon grinned ear to ear, "I also heard that Derek has been asking her out frequently this


    week, for meals, hiking, exhibitions... He''s pulling out all the stops, but Violette ispletely indifferent,


    Joey said, "Mr. Marcia''s hit a brick wall! He''s quite the Casanova, his ex-girlfriends were all top-notch,


    each one head over heels for him, but he always managed to slip away unscathed and remain friends


    with them. Who would''ve thought Ms. Dennis isn''t falling for his tricks."


    Elijah looked grim, he didn''t find this amusing.


    Derek, using work as an excuse to ask out his wife, was shameless, despicable, worse than an animal.


    "Violette''s face was injured, she hasn''t left the house in a week," said Elijah.


    Brandon and Joey were shocked.


    "How did she hurt her face?"


    Elijah hesitated for a moment, then said quietly, "My mom pped her."


    "Oh my God! Is it because of Kaleb?"


    "Mm-hmm." Elijah''s gaze drifted from hisptop screen. He picked up his coffee cup and took a sip,


    "She hasn''t spoken to me for a week."


    Brandon: "Did youfort her after your mom hit her?"


    Elijah shook his head.


    Joey: "Did you try to cheer her up with gifts?"


    Elijah shook his head again.


    Brandon and Joey took a deep breath.


    Even a fool would know why Violette hadn''t spoken to him for a week!


    "She wants a divorce. If I ask her what gift she wants, she''d definitely say, a divorce agreement." Elijah


    uttered each word, "If I try tofort her, she''d say, don''t fake concern, if you really care about me,


    divorce me."


    Elijah couldn''t say or do anything because Violette only wanted a divorce.


    Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Brandon and Joey suddenly felt sorry for him.


    He was so much better than Derek, why didn''t Violette like him?


    In the end, it''s all because hecks experience.


    Practice makes perfect in everything.

 Chapter 71

    Chapter 71


    "If you can nail the first challenge, it''ll be smooth sailing from then on."


    "You should just drop the idea of asking her opinion and just give her a gift," Brandon advised. "You


    could give her some jewelry. Women usually fall for that stuff."


    Elijah responded, "She isn''t into jewelry. I''ve never seen her wear any."


    "Then give her skincare products. Most chicks dig that," Joey suggested.


    Elijah said, "She doesn''t use skincare products either. I''ve been to her room. Apart from a bottle of


    facial cleanser, there''s nothing."


    He can''t possibly gift her facial cleanser, can he?


    Brandon had not expected Violette to be such a woman.


    And he certainly hadn''t expected Elijah, the CEO of the Bourne Group, to be snooping around a girl''s


    room!


    "Just give her facial cleanser then!" Brandon said.


    Elijah said, "Her facial cleanser is all dusty. I guess she hardly ever uses it."


    "Clothes, shoes, handbags! She needs new ones every day, doesn''t she? And of course, she must


    have an endless collection of handbags," Brandon chimed in. Then he proposed, "Your mothershed


    out at her. She must be feeling awful and wounded. If you don''t offer herfort, she might start


    ignoring you."


    Joey said, "I think Ms. Dennis is different from most women. She hasn''t graduated yet and might not be


    so materialistic. Gift-giving might not make much of an impact."


    Brandon suddenly got it, "I see where you''reing from. Gifts are only a means to an end. The most


    important part is what a man does personally."


    Elijah asked, "Like what?"


    Joey suggested, "Like kisses and hugs?"


    Brandon said, "Exactly!"


    Elijah''s face turned grim.


    "If you don''t want to, we can help you!" Seeing his expression, Brandon generously offered.


    Elijah''s voice suddenly sharpened, "You want to kiss and hug her?!"


    Brandonughed, "We''re just helping with the gifts! The rest, you''ve got to do yourself."


    "No need." Elijah wasn''t keen on courting through intermediaries. He said coldly, "I don''t necessarily


    need to be with her."


    Brandon asked, "Then why did you sneak into her room and notice her dusty facial cleanser?"


    Joey said, "Brandon, let''s not push it. Let''s just cut him some ck, okay?"


    Elijah said, "Both of you, get out!"


    Joey, dragging Brandon, went to the door.


    Elijah''s voice came again, "Joey, set up a meeting with Derek."


    "Sure boss, what time?"


    "Tonight."


    "Alright."


    In the evening.


    After dinner, Violette decided to take a walk.


    She hadn''t been out for a week and was feeling cooped up.


    The day after her prenatal checkup, she used foundation and her facial injuries got worse, so she didn''t


    This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    dare to use it again.


    She hadn''t applied ointment either, so her wounds were healing slowly.


    Now, the injuries on her face weren''t so bad, but if you looked closely, you could still see the yellowish-


    purple bruises.


    She put on a mask and left theplex.


    After walking about a hundred meters, a motorcycle sped past...


    Suddenly, her phone was gone!

 Chapter 72

    Chapter 72


    Violette froze in her tracks.


    The moment she realized her phone had been stolen, she was ready to give chase.


    But after a couple of steps, she remembered she was pregnant and abruptly stopped. She quickly


    turned around and headed back into her apartmentplex.


    About an hourter, Lacey made a call to Elijah.


    "Sir, Ms. Dennis'' phone got swiped while she was out walking. I went with her to report it to the police,


    but they said it might be a tough job to get it back. Ms. Dennis came back with red eyes, said there


    were a whole bunch of important files on her phone. She seems pretty cut up about it all and is in her


    room now."


    Observing the situation, Lacey felt disheartened and considered that if she informed Elijah, he might be


    able to leverage his influence and assist in retrieving the phone.


    In reality, Lacey wasn''t certain if Violette was actually crying in her room, she just said that hoping to


    stir up some sympathy from Elijah.


    Elijah had a dinner date with Derek that night.


    He was already at the restaurant they''d agreed on and Derek would be arriving soon.


    After taking Lacey''s call, he didn''t even take a minute to make a decision.


    When Derek arrived at the restaurant and saw Joey, he frowned, "Where''s your boss?"


    "Mr. Marcia, I''m really sorry. He had to leave due to a family emergency. So he asked me to wait for


    you and exin." Joey said apologetically.


    Derek chuckled, "What are the odds? He didn''t just cook up an excuse because he didn''t want to see


    N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    me, did he?"


    Joey: "Even if my boss didn''t want to see you, he wouldn''t run away. He''s not scared of anybody."


    Derek lounged in his chair, looking at Joey leisurely, "But as far as I know, he doesn''t get along with his


    family. Who in his family could have an emergency that would make him ditch me?"


    Joey: "His wife."


    Derek didn¡¯t know how to reply.


    Joey: "I guess my boss wanted to meet with you possibly because of something about Violette. Mr.


    Marcia, even though it might not be my ce to say, but I have to remind you, my boss is really into


    Violette. You''d do well to keep a respectable distance from her."


    After a moment of thought, Derek said, "Joey, have you ever thought about changing jobs? I can offer


    you better pay."


    Joey responded with sincerity, "Mr. Marcia, I genuinely appreciate your offer, but changing jobs does


    not align with my career goals. As long as Mr. Bourne doesn''t terminate my employment, I have no


    intentions of leaving."


    "Why not?" Derek was puzzled.


    "You could ask Melinda why she doesn''t want to leave the Bourne Group."


    "Melinda doesn''t want to leave because she''s into Elijah, are you into him too?" Derekughed.


    "You could call my respect for him a kind of liking." Joey answered honestly, "People always say he''s


    got a bad temper, but people are multifaceted. A stern-faced person isn''t necessarily a bad person, a


    person with a smiling face could be full of schemes."


    Derek: "Are you talking about me?"


    Joey: "No, I wasn''t hinting at you. You''re actually pretty nice, but I don''t want to betray my boss."


    Joey understood that Derek offering her more money to switch sides was an attempt to use her against


    Elijah.


    As Elijah''s right-hand, she knew more about him than anyone else.


    "If I betray Mr. Bourne today, there mighte a day when I would betray you for a better offer. I don''t


    think you would trust someone like that." Joey said.


    At the police station.


    Elijah''s arrival made the atmosphere in the entire police station tense.


    The police chief, having received a call, rushed over.


    "Your phone got stolen? That thief''s got some nerve! I''ll have people check the CCTV footage right


    away! I guarantee we''ll find your phone within 24 hours!" The chief assured Elijah, beating his chest.


    Elijah: "It wasn''t my phone that got stolen."


    "Oh, you scared me! I thought it was your phone that got..."


    "My wife''s phone was stolen." Elijah said, "Can you get it back within 24 hours?"


    The police chief was taken aback, but continued to assure, "Yes! Of course! With CCTV coverage all


    over the city, we''ll definitely find it! I''ll have the police on it right away!"


    Elijah nodded, "Much appreciated."


    "No trouble at all! It''s what we''re here for!" The chief checked the incident report for the night and said,


    "Your wife is named Violette?"

 Chapter 73

    Chapter 73


    Elijah replied, "Yes."


    "Got it! I''ve memorized her name!"


    This happened at the Bourne family.


    Violette sat at her desk, logged onto her social media ount on herputer, and posted a message


    about her phone being stolen.


    Then, she just sat there in the chair, staring nkly, hoping that the thief would just reset the phone and


    sell it. She was most afraid of the thief seeing her private information inside the phone.


    She gently patted her groggy head and sighed deeply.


    If she had foreseen this turn of events, she would have refrained from leaving the residential area.


    Instead, she could have simply taken a stroll within its confines.


    She got up, grabbed her pajamas, and went to the bathroom to take a shower.


    After the shower, she crawled into bed.


    Tomorrow, she needed to buy a new phone and get a recement SIM card.


    After lying down, she tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep.


    Outside the door, there was a rush of footsteps and a knock on the door.


    "Ms. Dennis, are you asleep? Mr. Bourne just called and said he found your phone. You need to go to


    the police station to sign some papers. If you don''t want to go, you can let Mr. Bourne sign on your


    behalf..."


    Hearing Lacey''s voice, Violette immediately came out of her room.


    "My phone has been found?"


    "Yes! Mr. Bourne found it for you." Lacey emphasized, "I was the one who told him about it. Are you


    mad?"


    Violette quickly shook her head.


    She was too happy to have her phone back, how could she be mad?


    Half an hourter.


    Violette, apanied by Lacey, arrived at the police station.


    Violette saw her phone in Elijah''s hand, and she broke out in a cold sweat.


    "Give me my phone!" she said, reaching out to snatch it back.


    Elijah raised his hand, keeping the phone out of her reach.


    "Are you scared I looked at your phone?" he teased.


    "Did you?" Violette''s eyes instantly turned red, "Who let you look at my phone? Do you know what


    respect is?! I''m not your toy! You always do this! You never respect me!"


    Everyone around was stunned.


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    Elijah had been waiting at the police station to pressure the staff to find the phone faster.


    Despite the phone being swiftly returned, Violette did not express gratitude. Instead, she engaged in an


    argument with him.


    This was the intimidating Elijah!


    Violette was really bold!


    A thief nearby, seeing them argue, couldn''t help but chime in: "The phone is full of belly pictures!"


    This statement made Violette''s eyes turn red with anger, and her body tremble slightly.


    It felt like she was stripped naked and exposed in front of everyone.


    After being pregnant for three months, she would take a picture of her belly every day when she took a


    shower to see if it was getting bigger.


    As a matter of fact, Elijah had not even opened Violette''s phone. Thus, when he heard the thief''s


    statement, he cast a surprised gaze towards Violette.

 Chapter 74

    Chapter 74


    Violette choked back her tears and angrily turned around, storming towards the police station''s


    entrance.


    N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    She didn''t sign any papers nor took her phone from Elijah''s hands.


    After Elijah signed for her, he left the police station too.


    On the way home, Elijah handed her the phone, saying in a low voice, "I didn''t look through your


    phone."


    Violette took the phone, breathing heavily, "But now you know what''s in it."


    Elijah: "Is that important? The photo of your belly."


    Violette clenched her teeth, telling herself not to be mad at him.


    After all, he was the one who got her phone back.


    "Elijah, if I told you that the baby you made me abort wasn''t Kaleb''s but yours, would you feel guilty?"


    Violette asked, gripping her phone.


    Elijah turned his head, looking at her.


    Her expression was serious, not a hint of joking.


    "Was it from the in vitro fertilization?" he asked nervously, his voice a bit hoarse.


    "Yes," Violette stared at him, speaking earnestly, "You ended your child''s life with your own hands. Do


    you regret it?"


    She wanted to see him feel remorse, so she''d feel a little better.


    She wished he was an emotional man, rather than a money-making machine.


    Elijah regarded her with aplex blend of emotions, but despite knowing that his words would shatter


    her, he spoke with a calm demeanor, "I don''t regret it. That child should never havee into


    existence."


    She scoffed, "If your parents said that to you, could you still be so calm?"


    Elijah: "If they hadn''t brought me into this world, I''d thank them. Violette, not everyone likes this world."


    She frowned.


    He didn''t like this world?


    Why?


    His mother loved him so much, his career was so sessful, and he had so many people revolving


    around him...


    Why was he so negative?


    What had he been through?


    "Do you have depression?" She couldn''t help but analyze his words from a medical perspective,


    "Depression can be treated with medication. If you''re sick, make sure to seek treatment."


    Elijah''s expression eased a bit.


    "If me being sick would make you less troubled, then let''s say I am."


    When they got home, it was almost midnight.


    Violette returned to her room, her mind in chaos, unable to think about anything.


    She copsed on her bed and quickly fell asleep.


    In the dead of night, she had a dream.


    She dreamt of the reason behind Elijah''s depression.


    In the dream, she saw a young Elijah and his father.


    His father was a very strict man, with no patience for his mischievous little son.


    Young Elijah was beaten with a whip by his father, covered in wounds...


    His cries were mournful and miserable.


    When she woke up, she was shaking all over.


    It was already dawn outside.


    Violette sat up, supporting herself with her arms.


    "How could his father have possibly harmed him? Even if his father was capable of such cruelty, his


    mother would have intervened... Dreams often represent the opposite of reality; he must not have


    suffered abuse," Violette murmured, attempting to find sce in her own reassurances.


    However, she knew clearly¡ªElijah''s hatred for this world must havee from experiencing


    something particrly dark.


    He not only despised this world but also didn''t want to leave a legacy.


    No one is born evil.


    She suddenly didn''t hate him as much.


    It wasn''t his fault, nor was it hers¡ªit was fate that tied them together.

 Chapter 75

    Chapter 75


    Breakfast time.


    They sat at opposite ends of the table, her slurping down pasta and milk while he munched on cereal


    and milk.


    "Thanks for finding my phonest night," she said, breaking the silence.


    "I''m sorry my mom hit you," he finally apologized.


    A blush crept onto Violette''s face. "You didn''t hit me, so why apologize?"


    "I''m sorry. It was wrong for her to hit you," his voice was stiff. "I won''t let anyone hurt my friends."


    Violette raised her hand and lightly brushed his cheek, not waiting for him to finish.


    His skin was smooth and delicate, nice to touch.


    Elijah froze


    , and his gaze was a bit stern, his throat moved, and the milk cup in his hand shook slightly.


    "Alright, we''re even now," she lowered her head to drink her milk, her heart pounding.


    Her hand felt as if it had been burned, growing hotter and hotter.


    She hurriedly finished her breakfast and rushed back to her room.


    Today, the scar on her cheek was lighter than yesterday, not as painful.


    She applied a thinyer of foundation to cover the scar on her face.


    She couldn''t stay home any longer.


    Herpany had called her several times.


    People from SwiftStream Capital also messaged her from time to time.


    By the time she finished getting ready and came out of her room, Elijah had already left.


    "Ms. Dennis, are you going to thepany? I''ll have the driver take you," Lacey said and went to call


    the driver.


    Violette waited at the door.


    At that moment, her phone rang.


    She took out her phone and answered the call.


    "Ms. Dennis, are you free avable? I need a favor," it was Brandon.


    Violette asked, puzzled, "What''s up? Are you sure I can help?"


    Brandon was sure. "Absolutely. Are you at home? I''ll pick you up, and we can talk more when we


    meet."


    Violette: "Alright."


    Half an hourter, Brandon arrived at the Bourne family''s front door in a sleek white Bentley.


    His car and Elijah''s car were the same model, just different colors.


    "Mr. Fleming, aren''t you working today?" Violette got in the car and fastened her seatbelt.


    "I don''t have a fixed schedule," Brandonughed. "I need your help picking out a gift."


    "Helping you? Who else is there besides you?"


    "The other executives at thepany. Elijah''s birthday ising up, and we have to get him a gift, but


    we don''t know what to buy. So we thought you could help."


    Violette was embarrassed. "When''s his birthday?"


    "Haha, are you that indifferent to your husband?" Brandon felt sorry for Elijah.


    Melinda treated him like a treasure, while Violette didn''t seem to care, yet he chose Violette.


    Violette''s face turned red, and she made an excuse, "I''ve been pretty busy."


    "Mhm, I know. Your family''spany isplicated, and you have to write a thesis. You''re definitely


    busier than Elijah," Brandon said.


    "Are you mocking me?" Violette sensed his insinuation but didn''t get angry. "I''m not familiar with his


    preferences, so I''m afraid I can''t help."


    "I''m sure you can help." Brandon drove onto the main road. "First, let''s go to the mall."


    N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    Soon, the car stopped at thergest mall in the city center.


    On a weekday morning, there were few visitors.


    Brandon took her straight to the jewelry section on the first floor.


    Violette furrowed her brow, appearing perplexed as she nced at Brandon. "He likes jewelry? But I''ve


    never seen him wearing any..."


    Aren''t jewelry meant for women?


    Brandon had to be honest with her. "He never epts our gifts. But now that you''re here, we can use


    this opportunity to give him the birthday gifts we owe him - by giving them to you."

 Chapter 76

    Chapter 76


    If Brandon had said that right in front of the Bourne family''s house, Violette wouldn''t have gotten in his


    car.


    "Mr. Fleming, I know you guys wanna please him..." Violette said.


    "Is that what you call pleasing him? Haven''t you ever bought a gift for your friend?" Brandon corrected


    her with augh. "He always sends us gifts on our birthdays."


    "Oh... so he doesn''t allow you guys to send gifts, so you just don''t? That means you don''t see him as a


    friend, but as a boss," Violette said. "You better not drag me into this. Haven''t you ever heard that


    epting someone''s favor makes you susceptible to their control? If I ept the gift you guys send


    him, it''s like I''m epting his gift, and if he pisses me offter, I''ll be too embarrassed to yell at him."


    Brandon was stunned.


    Is this how she usually interacts with him?


    Brandon began to wonder if his boss had a masochistic streak.


    "Think of something else! I''m leaving," Violette said, ready to go.


    Brandon immediately grabbed her arm.


    "Ms. Dennis, this year''s birthday holds immense significance for Elijah," Brandon delivered his lines


    with calcted precision, his acting wlessly executed. Violette grew silent, captivated by his words.


    "After his birthdayst year, he was involved in a severe car ident that left him in a vegetative state.


    The doctors had predicted that he wouldn''t survive for long... We never expected him to wake up, but


    he defied the odds. It is truly a blessing that he regained consciousness, allowing him to celebrate this


    year''s birthday..."


    Violette''s heart softened instantly.


    How painful it would be if she had been in a car ident and be a vegetable!


    Brandon just wanted to give Elijah a birthday and send him a gift to cheer him up. What''s wrong with


    that?


    "Ms. Dennis, don''t worry, we won''t send you anything too expensive. Just feel at ease and ept it,"


    Brandon added.


    Violette pointed to the jewelry counter: "Everything here is too expensive. Let''s go somewhere else."


    So, she agreed to ept the gift!


    "Ms. Dennis, do you need to buy a facial cleanser? I see you''ve put on foundation; do you need new


    foundation? You''ll need to remove your makeup after using foundation, so buy a bottle of makeup


    remover," Brandon enthusiastically suggested.


    "Ms. Dennis, your wrists are so thin, a bracelet would look great on you! Let''s buy a bracelet; they''re


    reasonably priced!"


    "Ms. Dennis, what do you think of the bags in this store? Let''s buy a ssic one; the style is timeless,


    has arge capacity, and can hold a lot of stuff! It''s both good-looking and practical!"


    "Ms. Dennis... your shoe soles are worn out badly; let''s buy new shoes! I know a store where the ts


    arefortable and won''t hurt your feet; I''ll take you there!"


    Violette had a whole new understanding of Brandon.


    He seemed to have endless energy,


    And he seemed to know everything, e


    ven which sanitary napkin is good to use, which brand of underwear is morefortable, he can easily


    tell you.


    He''s like women''s favorite guy.


    If he wasn''t Elijah''s CFO, she might lower her guard against him.


    After shopping all morning, Violette was exhausted.


    Seeing a restaurant, she immediately went in and sat down, unwilling to continue shopping.


    "Ms. Dennis, order whatever you like," Brandon said, handing her the menu with both hands.


    Violette felt tired and not very hungry.


    This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    "Mr. Fleming, if there''s ever something like this again, don''te to me. I''m only helping you this


    once."


    They bought about 20 to 30 gifts in the morning,


    And she was anxious and uneasy.


    If she had known, she wouldn''t have agreed so easily.


    epting someone''s favor makes it harder to refuse them.


    Now, when she thinks of Elijah, she doesn''t hate him as much.


    Annoyed.


    She doesn''t even know how to face him anymore.


    Brandon took a sip of water, maintaining aposed demeanor as he continued, "Alright, Ms. Dennis.


    I genuinely appreciate your assistance today! By the way, have you responded to Derek''s message


    yet?"


    "No," Violette said, "He emailed mest night, saying he optimized the n and asked me to take a


    look. I haven''t seen it yet."


    "This Derek is really doing everything he can to work with you!" Brandon reminded her. "The more


    proactive he is, the more careful you should be."

 Chapter 77

    Chapter 77


    Violette suddenly remembered something and asked, "Could it be Elijah who got Kaleb into trouble?"


    Brandon was startled, "Why would you think it''s him? Wasn''t Kaleb''s problem caused by his own


    gambling? What does Elijah have to do with it?"


    Violette picked up a ss of water and took a sip, "He admitted it and made me beg him."


    Brandon was speechless.


    He followed suit, picking up a ss of water and taking a sip. "What on earth are you two doing? I''ve


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    always wondered why some couples seem to constantly bicker even while dating, and it appears that


    you two are deliberately doing it. Do you actually derive pleasure from arguing or something?"


    Violette naturally wouldn''t admit it, "I don''t have that kind of fetish, it''s just that he always pisses me


    off."


    "Yeah! He probably thinks the same about you."


    "That''s why we don''t get along." Violette took another sip of water.


    "Arguing is normal among couples. Some people even develop feelings for each other through


    arguments."


    "But more couples break up because of arguments." Violette said, "Don''t you think Melinda is a better


    match for him? They''ve been together for ten years without any problems..."


    Brandon: "It''s because there''s no love between them, so there are no problems. Elijah has no feelings


    for Melinda."


    "Oh... I almost forgot..." He likes that princess-like girl.


    After lunch, Violette took a taxi to the Dennis Group.


    Brandon sent the gifts back to the Bourne family and then drove to the Bourne Group.


    Of course, he wouldn''t forget to show off to Elijah.


    "I bought her thirty-one gifts this morning." Brandon said, "She was very happy."


    Elijah looked up at Brandon, "Did you force her?"


    Brandon was shocked, "You could guess that?"


    Elijah raised an eyebrow and watched him silently.


    "When I allowed her to choose a bracelet, she gazed at a ne for quite a while. So after she


    departed, I returned and purchased the ne," Brandon revealed. He reached into his pocket,


    retrieved a box, and upon opening it, revealed a diamond ne nestled inside.


    The diamonds were small, and the ne wasn''t expensive.


    "Give it to her when you go home tonight." Brandon handed the box to Elijah.


    Elijah took the box and looked sharply at him, "How did you make her ept the gifts?"


    "I said your first birthday after the car ident ising up..."


    Elijah frowned, "My birthday is still far away!"


    Brandon: "I was just trying to cheer her up. Although she didn''t seem particrly happy on the surface


    today, I believe she must be happy inside."


    Elijah said in a deep voice, "You''re not helping."


    Brandon turned silent.


    Elijah: "Give me the bill."


    Brandon: "Don''t worry about it! Consider it my birthday gift to you."


    Elijah''s voice grew heavier, "Give me the bill!"


    In the evening.


    Violette returned home.


    Lacey said, "Ms. Dennis, I''ve taken the gifts to your room."


    Violette''s face turned slightly red, "Oh... Has Elijah returned?"


    Lacey said, "He came back at four o''clock."


    Violette''s heartbeat instantly quickened, "Let him eat first... I need to go to my room."


    After returning to her room, she took out the gifts one by one from the bag.


    Suddenly, she saw a red square box.


    "I didn''t buy this this morning!" She muttered to herself, and then opened the box.


    It turned out to be a ne.


    It was the beautifully designed ne she had seen in the jewelry store earlier.

 Chapter 78

    Chapter 78


    She was sure she didn''t buy this ne.


    But why was it here?


    She walked out of the room and bumped into Elijahing downstairs.


    Trying to stay cool, she asked him, "Elijah, what''s the deal with this ne?"


    Although it seemed like it had nothing to do with him, her gut told her he knew something.


    Brandon must''ve told him.


    Elijah looked a bit awkward: "This is from Brandon." He paused, then said, "It was so cheap nobody


    wanted it, so I brought it back for you."


    Violette had been nning in her head how to give the ne back to him, but after he said that, her


    mind went nk.


    It was cheap and unwanted, so he gave it to her.


    Fine, she''ll take it then!


    "Violette, dinner is ready," Elijah called her.


    She wanted to refuse, but still walked towards the dining room.


    Maybe it was because she epted the gift?


    The two sat down in the dining room.


    Lacey served their dinner, filled their tes, and then left.


    Violette held her bowl and ate slowly.


    Did he invite her to dinner tonight because he had something to say?


    And after all the gifts Brandon bought her today, he must''ve agreed, right?


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    She was lost in thought, so she didn''t start eating.


    Observing Violette''s absent-mindedness, Elijah inquired, "What''s on your mind? Did Derek reach out to


    you?"


    Violette, while chewing a mouthful of rice, inquired, "Are you acquainted with him?"


    "We used to be ssmates." Elijah''s tone was calm, but his next words surprised her, "Do you want to


    see his ex-girlfriends?"


    Violette suddenly started coughing.


    She put down her utensils, picked up a ss of water and took a sip.


    Elijah pulled out a stack of photos from somewhere and handed them to her.


    Violette nced at the photos he handed over, then looked at him.


    His actions made her feel really weird.


    She and Derek were just business partners.


    Why would he want her to see Derek''s ex-girlfriends,


    and even go to the trouble of printing out their photos... she just couldn''t understand.


    Elijah didn''t expect her to stare so directly at him.


    "Derek wants to pursue you, don''t you know?" Elijah said bluntly.


    Violette was startled: "Am I not your wife? Doesn''t he know?"


    "He knows. But marriages can end, and love can fade." Elijah looked at her surprised face, making


    sure she hadn''t thought about Derek in any other way before.


    "Oh..." Violette picked up the photos and flipped through them, "All his ex-girlfriends are so sexy! Hot


    figures, full lips... You guys must all like this type of woman, right?"


    Elijah''s lips tightened.


    He showed her these photos to make her realize she wasn''t Derek''s type,


    not to discuss his ideal type with her.


    "You said Derek is interested in me, and I''m not his ideal type, so why would he be interested in me?"


    Violette asked, then realized the answer, "Is it for revenge on Melinda?"


    "As long as you''re not stupid," he teased.


    Violette''s gaze turned sharp as she retorted, "But won''t your rtionship with him be irreparably


    damaged like this? Given your personality, even if someone merely takes something from you, you


    hold grudges."


    Elijah''s face darkened, "I haven''t been friends with him for a long time."


    "Oh..." She put the documents down, picked up her bowl and started eating.


    "So do you know what to do next?" Elijah was expecting her answer.


    "I had a meeting at thepany this afternoon, and the entire management team wants to work with


    SwiftStream Capital."

 Chapter 79

    Chapter 79


    "You''ve got a say in this."


    Violette: "Elijah, let''s eat! Just because I''m working with Derek doesn''t mean I dig him! Why do you


    guys think I''d automatically say yes if he chases me? Do you think I''m some sort of easy catch?"


    Elijah was speechless.


    After dinner, Violette went back to her room and thoroughly read the email Derek sentst night.


    Her heart was heavy after reading it.


    She didn''t know the first thing about managementpanies, b


    ut she understood Derek''s n.


    She felt his n could revive the Dennis Group from the brink of disaster.


    If Derek weren''t Melinda''s biological brother, she would eagerly seize the opportunity to coborate


    with him. With a sigh, she closed herptop and stretched out on her bed.


    Holding her phone, she saw Odette''s message: Violette! I slept with Ramsey! What do I do? I think I


    might have fallen for him!


    Violette didn''t see that oneing.


    But, even though Ramsey is a bit peculiar, he''s definitely a looker.


    Violette replied: If you''re into him, then just go for it. It''s fate!


    Odette: He says he''s taking me to meet someone important tomorrow. He wouldn''t say who. This jerk


    is making me all nervous!


    Violette: Maybe he''s nning a surprise.


    Odette: I''ll take a surprise any day, just not a shock. Tell me about your hubby! Are you guys sharing a


    room?


    Violette blushed uncontrobly: I''m in the guest room. There''s nothing to tell, stop asking.


    Odette: Is he hot?


    Violette didn''t want to answer, but the image of Elijah''s handsome face popped into her head and she


    couldn''t help but type one word: Yes.


    Odette: Wow! Violette, you''re living the dream! How old is your husband?


    Violette: Pretty old. An old man, in our terms.


    Odette: No worries, old men have their perks. They''re gentle, considerate, and caring.


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    Violette: Get a grip! You''ve been watching too many dramas.


    Odette: You said he''s hot, right? As long as he''s hot, that''s all that matters! Good looks can make up for


    everything!


    The next morning, over breakfast.


    Violette found herself studying Elijah''s face a little more than usual.


    His eyebrows were impably shaped, his eyes held depth and expressiveness, his nose boasted a


    straight form, and his lips... were irresistibly enticing. The longer she gazed, the more captivated she


    became, falling deeper under his spell.


    She recalled what Odette had saidst night.


    Looks really can offset some ws.


    "Do you have ns tonight?" He ignored her tant ogling and asked.


    Her heart was racing.


    Was he asking her out?


    "I think I''m avable." She mumbled, taking a sip of water.


    "I''ll have the chauffeur pick you up this afternoon."


    "Oh, where are we going?" She asked, curiosity piqued.


    Elijah: "You''ll find out."


    He was improving.


    Last time, for the concert, he didn''t inform her beforehand.


    This time, at least he gave her a heads up.


    At five in the afternoon.


    Ramsey brought Odette to an upscale restaurant.


    "Sweetheart, remember that friend I mentioned before?" Ramsey held Odette''s hand tightly, unwilling to


    let go even for a second, "The one who got hitched all of a sudden."


    Odette thought for a second: "Oh, I know. The one who got married out of the blue! His wife was in a


    pickle, but instead of helping, he asked you to step in. However, he got mad after his wife met you."

 Chapter 80

    Chapter 80


    Ramsey nodded, "Absolutely! I met him abroad, he''s eight years older than me. We were neighbors


    when he was in college there and I would always hang out with him."


    Odette nodded, "You guys have such a huge age gap, are you still in touch?"


    Ramsey, "Totally! Every time I feel lost, he gives me advice."


    Odette looked at him and joked, "You''re so young, why so many worries, dear?"


    Ramsey responded with a hint of awkwardness, "I have aspirations of starting my own business, but


    my parents are strongly opposed to the idea. He has achieved remarkable sess in his career, and


    my father greatly admires him. Therefore, I need his assistance in persuading my dad."


    Odette perked up, "What''s his name? If his career is so sessful, I must have heard of him."


    "You should know his name, his name is Elijah." Ramsey said, taking a sip from his cup.


    Odette''s eyes widened, she let go of Ramsey''s hand, gasped, "You''re saying he married? Oh my God!


    I have a friend who is totally obsessed with him... She would be crushed if she heard this news!"


    Ramsey, "He''s got a ton of fans, your friend is just one of many. With his wealth and status, he''s not


    going tock for women. However, his wife is nowhere near his level."


    "Oh? Who is his wife? I''m so jealous!" Odette''s face was sour.


    Ramsey deliberately didn''t tell the truth, "His wife is just an average person, you wouldn''t know her


    even if I told you. You''ll see when they arrive. Sweetie, I tried to help her before, it was actually Elijah


    who wanted to help her, don''t let this slip."


    Odette nodded.


    She was very curious, how an ordinary person could marry the famous billionaire Elijah.


    Violette was wearing a new dress today,


    Feeling it was too formal, she put an old trench coat over it.


    When the chauffeur came to pick her up at the Dennis Group, heplimented, "Ms. Dennis, you look


    very beautiful today."


    Violette blushed.


    She just put on some foundation and lipstick.


    Is there such a big difference from her usual bare face?


    Once she got in the car, she took out a mirror from her bag and looked at her face.


    Probably because she was in a good mood, her cheeks were rosy and she looked healthy.


    At six in the afternoon.


    Elijah and Violette arrived at the restaurant.


    As soon as they stepped onto the second floor, Odette instantly recognized... Violette next to Elijah!


    Odette experienced a sensation as if her soul were departing her body. The world around her


    inexplicably fell into silence, while everything before her eyes momentarily distorted and then resumed


    its usual appearance.


    Elijah''s wife, who he eloped with, turned out to be her best friend Violette!


    Odette was so excited she was about to cry.


    Upon seeing Odette and Ramsey, Violette frowned at Elijah, "You know Ramsey?"


    She had a strong feeling...


    Elijah noticed her mood swing, "He was my neighbor when I was studying abroad."


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    With that, they walked to the dining table.


    A waiter came to serve them.


    Violette lowered her eyes, her heart pounding in her chest.


    She had no idea that Ramsey and Elijah knew each other.


    And judging from their interaction, they seemed to be quite close, o


    therwise, they wouldn''t have met privately.


    Elijah brought her to meet Ramsey today, what was he up to?

 Chapter 81

    Chapter 81


    Odette was frantically winking at Violette, but she was too caught up in her thoughts about Ramsey and


    Elijah to get the hint.


    "Ms. Dennis, I never told you that I knew Elijah because I was worried it might upset you. After all, you


    had some beef with him before. I wasn''t trying to hide it on purpose...The truth is, I really wanted to buy


    out your father''spany," Ramsey exined with a smile.


    N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    Odette sneakily slipped her phone under the table to text Violette: Violette! Don''t listen to his BS! It''s


    Elijah who wants to buy yourpany! It''s Elijah!


    Violette casually opened the text on the table.


    Upon reading the message, she shot Ramsey an icy re: "Have you discussed your intentions to buy


    my family''spany with Elijah?"


    Ramsey still wearing a gentle smile responded, "Yes, I did. I asked for his advice, and he suggested I


    give it a shot. I''ve been looking for investment opportunities since I graduated, as I''ve mentioned to you


    before."


    Odette''s text came through again on Violette''s phone: Violette! He''s lying! He''s just a pawn in Elijah''s


    game!


    Violette felt colder as she read the message.


    She continued questioning Ramsey, "Did your dad really give you the money? Is he avable


    tomorrow? I''d like to have a chat with him."


    Ramsey went pale with fear, "The money...I borrowed it! I didn''t tell you the truth at first because it felt


    embarrassing to borrow money for investment."


    "Who did you borrow it from?" Violette pressed on.


    The silent Elijah finally spoke, "He borrowed it from me."


    Odette continued texting Violette: They''re both lying! Mr. E is Elijah! Ramsey told me himself! Violette,


    expose their secret!


    Violette''s grip tightened on her phone and the ss of water.


    Her face was as pale as a ghost. She pursed her lips tight, making her face look even more ghostly.


    Elijah was Mr. E.


    He was using Ramsey''s name to buy the Dennis Group. Regardless of his intentions, the whole thing


    disgusted herpletely.


    Why didn''t hee forward himself?


    Did he think the Dennis Group wasn''t worthy?


    Or was he doing it just to humiliate her?


    Her mind shed back to the night she first met Mr. E.


    She had been punished by Elijah all night for meeting Mr. E.


    Did he find it amusing to toy with her, thinking she''s a fool?


    If they were alone, she would have pped him.


    But what difference would that make?


    She released her grip on the ss, stood up, and walked away with determined steps.


    "Violette! Wait for me!" Odette immediately grabbed her bag and ran after her.


    Ramsey was left dumbstruck.


    Holy crap! They knew each other?


    "Elijah...I''m sorry...I had no idea they knew each other!" Ramsey''s mind started racing, his face flushing


    red instantly!


    Elijah was emotionless as he responded, "When you sent me your girlfriend''s picture yesterday, I


    thought she looked familiar. Then I remembered, I''ve seen her with Violette at a concert before. That''s


    when Violette told me her ssmate was there too."


    "Oh...so you knew they were ssmates, and that''s why you brought Violette to meet me!" Realization


    dawned on Ramsey, "I was wondering why you''d risk being discovered by Violette and still bring her


    here!"


    "Did you tell your girlfriend everything?" Elijah asked.


    Ramsey scratched his head, expressing genuine honesty in his response, "I did mention it to her


    before you all arrived. I wanted her to have a better understanding of you... But I don''t understand why


    Violette got so angry. Even if she was aware of your intentions to acquire thepany, her reaction


    seemed exaggerated. Two billion is a significant sum! No one else was willing to offer such a price for


    the Dennis Group prior to your involvement."


    Elijah''s Adam''s apple bobbed as he huskily said, "She can''t ept the fact that I''m Mr. E."

 Chapter 82

    Chapter 82


    Given the chance to do it all over again, he''d still go for it.


    He was never Mr. Perfect.


    Violette''s entry into his life made him reflect on his actions and strive to correct them.


    Without those misunderstandings and fights, his feelings for her would never have taken root.


    Odette chased after Violette out of the restaurant and grabbed her arm.


    "Violette, I can''t believe you got hitched with Elijah! That''s some hot gossip right there!" Odette was


    dizzy with excitement.


    Violette choked up, "As you can see, he''s been making a fool out of me."


    "Ramsey wanted to help you, but he was too shy to step in. That''s why all this happened." Odette


    thought things didn''t have to blow up this much, "Violette, let''s go back in! Hear him out..."


    Violette let go of Odette''s hand, her voice firm and cold, "You go back! I need some alone time."


    She hailed a cab and left without a backward nce.


    Odette turned to go back to the restaurant and bumped into Elijahing out.


    He was moving fast, probably in a rush to chase Violette.


    Odette pointed him in the right direction, "She took a cab that way."


    Elijah nodded and strode off towards the parking lot.


    Once Elijah was gone, Ramsey stepped out.


    He walked up to Odette, giving her a reproachful look, "Traitor!"


    Odette''s cheeks flushed, but she lifted her chin defiantly, "We''ve known each other for what, a few


    days? Of course I''d side with my bestie."


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    Ramsey sneered, "I''m suspecting that you''re with me to sniff out info!"


    Odette didn''t blink, "Yep! Now that the info-gathering''s done, if you still want to date me, go ahead. If


    not, let''s call it quits! We''ve only known each other for a few days anyway. If you want to break up,


    better do it now, while we''re still not too attached."


    Ramsey took a deep breath, wanting to say something but holding back.


    He didn''t really want to break up. But he didn''t want her to see how much he cared for her either.


    "You can''t break up with me until Elijah and Violette make up! You have to help them patch things up."


    Ramsey made his demand, "This is a mess you created!"


    Odette denied it outright, "What''s that got to do with me? I wasn''t the one who lied to her!"


    "Didn''t you notice she was wearing lipstick today? I''ve met her a few times and she never dresses up.


    Women dress to please. She must have put on that lipstick today to impress Elijah." Ramsey


    spected, "If it weren''t for you ying secret agent, the two of them would be getting along just fine


    by now!"


    Odette was almost swayed by his twisted logic.


    "Elijah really treats her well. A man pays off your two-billion-dor debt, wouldn''t you be moved?"


    Ramsey asked.


    Odette nodded, "Yes, that''s moving. But Violette is not unreasonable. If she''s mad, she has her


    reasons. I still support Violette."


    Ramsey facepalmed.


    Odette pulled his hand down, reminding him, "Ramsey, you''re my boyfriend, you have to back me up!


    As for Violette and Elijah, it''s like an egg against a rock. What''s there to pity about Elijah the rock?"


    Ramsey was at a loss for words.


    "I''m hungry, let''s go eat!" Odette pulled him towards the restaurant.


    Violette took a cab to her mom''s ce.


    Other than her mom''s, she had nowhere else to go.


    Albina saw her daughter''s ashen face and icy demeanour, and immediately pulled her to sit on the


    sofa.


    "What happened? Did you fight with Elijah?"


    If Violette wasn''t engaged in a disagreement with Elijah, and assuming she was upset about


    something, it would make more sense for her to address it directly with the Bourne family instead of


    seeking sce elsewhere.

 Chapter 83

    Chapter 83


    "Mom, I really wish I could go back to the past." Violette mumbled, "Even if life was tougher then, I


    wouldn''t mind."


    "Violette, no matter what''s going on, running away isn''t the answer," Albina said, sitting beside her, "If


    your dad''spany can''t hang on, let it go bankrupt. There''s always another chance to make money,


    but you can''t put your education on hold."


    Violette looked at her mom, gently touching the wrinkles on her face, "Mom, I''m not running away, I''m


    just a bit tired."


    "If you''re tired, rest up. Have you had dinner?"


    Violette shook her head.


    "I''ll go make something," Albina said, getting up to head to the kitchen.


    8 PM.


    Violette went back to her room to rest. After cleaning up the kitchen, Albina took out the trash.


    To her surprise, it was raining outside. Though it wasn''t pouring, it was persistent. Albina couldn''t


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    bother to go back upstairs for an umbre, so she braved the rain.


    After quickly dumping the trash, she turned around and noticed a figure standing in the doorway. She


    hadn''t noticed him when she''d firste out.


    She hurried back to the entrance and gave the figure a second look.


    Upon recognizing him, she was in shock.


    His handsome face was wet from the rain, his usual arrogant demeanor washed away by the


    downpour.


    "Elijah?!" Albina eximed in surprise, "What are you doing here? Why are you standing out in the


    rain?"


    Albina grabbed his arm, trying to pull him inside.


    But he shook her off, "I''m not going inside."


    Violette warned himst time he was here not toe back.


    If he went inside, she''d be even angrier.


    "Why won''t youe in?" Albina asked, "You''re here to see Violette, aren''t you? She didn''t tell me why


    she''s upset, but I know it must be because you two had a fight."


    Elijah wiped the rain off his face, his voice cold, "I want to apologize to her."


    "Thene inside with me! How can you apologize if you don''te in? She''s upstairs, she doesn''t


    even know you''re out here in the rain!" Albina said anxiously.


    Elijah gestured for Albina to go inside, "She might not want to see me in your house."


    "You two are both incredibly stubborn. How do you expect to resolve things if you don''tmunicate?


    I''ll go and inform Violette!" Albina eximed, realizing that she couldn''t persuade him and deciding to


    inform her daughter herself.


    Albina quickly returned to their apartment and went into the room.


    Violette noticed her drenched clothes and immediately got up from the bed.


    "Mom, is it raining outside? Why didn''t you use an umbre? You''re soaked, you''ll catch a cold."


    Violette led her mother to the bathroom, "Go take a shower..."


    "Violette, Elijah is downstairs," Albina said, gripping her hand, "He''s standing out there in the rain. I


    don''t know how long he''s been there, he''spletely soaked... Did you turn off your phone? Are you


    not letting hime up?"


    Violette froze.


    "He said he wants to apologize, but he doesn''t want toe up to see you, so I came to let you know."


    Albina sighed, "Why don''t you go down and let hime up to talk things out?"


    Violette felt a headacheing on.


    "Mom, I don''t want to see him. If he wants to stand in the rain, let him! I''ll make you some soup."


    Violette said, changing the subject.


    After Albina finished her shower, she came out to find a bowl of steaming vegetable soup on the table.


    Violette was sitting next to it, seeming lost in thought.


    "I think he might need this soup more than I do," Albina said.


    "If you''re not drinking it, I''ll pour it out." Violette picked up the soup, ready to dump it.


    "Violette, I don''t think he''s as bad as you think." Albina followed her, grabbing her arm, "The rain is


    getting worse, don''t you feel sorry for him at all?"

 Chapter 84

    Chapter 84


    "I empathize with his situation, but who empathizes with me?" Violette ced the soup on the stove


    and made her way towards her room. "Mom, he has never shown me any respect, not even for a single


    day."


    Albina: "There''s a huge gap between you two, it''s understandable if he''s a bit snooty towards you.


    Don''t just focus on his past, you should see the changes in him now..."


    Violette raised her eyebrows, puzzled: "Why are you always taking his side? Do you think he''ll change


    and agree to let me have our two kids?"


    Albina fell silent.


    "Even a tiger, fierce as it is, doesn''t eat its own cubs. If he doesn''t want the kids, there must be a


    reason." After a moment, Albina said, "I think the fact that he swallowed his pride toe here and


    apologize means he does care about you, at least a little."


    Violette covered her ears: "Mom, I''m going to bed. My head hurts."


    Seeing her resistance, Albina didn''t say more.


    Albina left the room, nning to go downstairs to persuade Elijah to leave.


    After she left, Violette let out a long breath...


    Her head was hurting so bad, it was hard to think straight.


    Just thinking about his name, his face, felt like something was choking her.


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    About twenty minutester, Albina came back from downstairs.


    She entered the room, saw Violette''s sleeping face, and sighed.


    Elijah was still downstairs.


    No matter what Albina said, he wouldn''t leave.


    She was considering letting her daughter convince him to leave, but since she was asleep, it''s best to


    let her rest.


    As for Elijah... all she could do now was pray for the rain to stop.


    But the rain continued all night. And in the second half of the night, it increased, turning into a


    downpour.


    Albina was awakened by the rain in the middle of the night, she wanted to go downstairs to check, but


    she was afraid of seeing something she didn''t want to see, so she forced herself to stay in bed.


    At six in the morning, Albina put on a sports jacket and went downstairs.


    The neighborhood was old, the heavy rain had left puddles everywhere.


    Elijah was gone, only then did Albina breathe a sigh of relief.


    If only they could get a divorce this time.


    But she was afraid, even after all thismotion, life would still go on as usual.


    Eleven o''clock at noon.


    The Bourne Group.


    Ramsey ran all the way to the CEO''s office on the top floor.


    "Bro Joey, I couldn''t get through to Elijah''s phone, so I came to check." Ramsey lived closer to the ST


    building, so he came directly.


    Joey: "I can''t reach him either."


    Ramsey frowned: "It must be because ofst night. Violette had a fight with Elijahst night. I bet they


    had another big fight when they got home."


    Joey had gradually gotten used to their fights.


    "I heard Violette visited SwiftStream Capital this morning."


    Ramsey replied, "Yes, that''s why I''m here. Violette, along with her management team, went to


    SwiftStream Capital. After the argumentst night, there''s no chance she''ll sell thepany to Elijah."


    Joey poured Ramsey a ss of water, and after pondering for a moment, he spoke slowly, "There are


    certain things that are beyond our control. If Violette truly chooses to coborate with Derek, there''s


    nothing we can do about it."


    "I just think Violette is going too far!" Ramsey still firmly supported Elijah, "What did Elijah do wrong? All


    he did was tell her a white lie! Isn''t the reason he had me step in because he was afraid she was too


    proud to ept his goodwill..."


    Joey: "Ramsey, you''re still too young. The boss''s willingness to acquire the Dennis Group is not entirely


    for charity. The Dennis Group is not as hopeless as you think. It does have some value."


    Ramsey: "What?"


    Joey: "Violette is a woman, she tends to be more emotional. She''s not angry about the money. She


    feels her feelings were toyed with."

 Chapter 85

    Chapter 85


    Ramsey had an epiphany, "What should we do then? Should we have Elijah beg her?"


    Joey: "I''ll check on them after work."


    Ramsey: "Maybe I can get my girlfriend to talk to Violette?"


    Joey: "Who''s your girlfriend?"


    Ramsey cleared his throat: "A good friend of Violette... she''s the one who told Violette about it. I really...


    I would have dumped herst night if it wasn''t for my feelings for her!"


    Joey sighed: "You sure know how to pick ''em!"


    Ramsey: "I feel like I''m being toyed with by them. How could I know they were so crafty."


    Joey: "Guess I can''t share anything with you anymore. You''re not one of us now."


    Ramsey felt wronged: "Joey, I''ll stick to my principles! Elijah is my bottom line."


    By evening.


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    Brandon and Joey came to the Bourne family to visit Elijah.


    "The boss came home at 5 am... The bodyguard said he stayed over at his mother-inw''s. He passed


    out around 4 am, that''s when they brought him back," Lacey said. "He''s in his room now, he had a


    fever in the afternoon, it broke, but now it''s back."


    Brandon and Joey were speechless.


    When has Elijah ever been so pathetic? To think he stayed out all night for Violette!


    "I remember it was pouringst night!" Brandon furrowed his brows.


    Joey: "The rain was especially heavy after midnight. The artificialke in my neighborhood even


    overflowed."


    Brandon: "With such heavy rain, even the strongest body can''t hold up!"


    Joey looked at Lacey: "Where''s Violette? She didn''te back?"


    Lacey shook her head in dismay: "I called her, but she didn''t answer. She usually picks up when I call.


    Their fight must have been really bad this time."


    At that moment, the doctor came downstairs.


    Brandon asked, "Doctor, how''s Elijah doing?"


    Doctor: "The fever won''t break. If it continues like this, he''ll definitely get pneumonia, I''m afraid it''s


    already spread to his lungs. I suggested he go to the hospital, but he refuses."


    "How can this be?" Lacey was frantic. "I''ll call Mrs. Bourne. The boss won''t listen to anyone else, but


    he''ll listen to her."


    Brandon walked out, looking worried.


    Joey followed, "What if Violette doesn''t answer?"


    Brandon: "I''ll go find her."


    Joey: "Do you know where she is?"


    Brandon: "She should be with Derek. He seemed pretty smug in his tweet earlier."


    Joey: "You go then, I''ll stay here. If all else fails, I''ll have to force him to the hospital."


    Brandon nodded.


    Fusion vours is one of the oldest restaurants in A City, with an average cost per person of a big sum


    of money.


    Violette didn''t want toe, but after being persuaded by severalpany executives for half an hour,


    she finally agreed.


    While their persuasion yed a role in her decision, it wasn''t the sole factor. Violette also considered


    her mother''s well-being, not wanting her to experience any negative emotions as a result of the


    situation.


    Derek poured her a ss of juice and handed it to her.


    However, she chose to drink water instead. She took a sip of water from the ss.


    Suddenly, the door was pushed open¡ª


    Melinda, with a cold face, appeared in everyone''s sight.


    She walked confidently towards Violette.


    "Violette, do you enjoy having two men chase after you?" Melinda said through gritted teeth, quickly


    grabbed a ss of water from the table, and threw it at Violette''s face.

 Chapter 86

    Chapter 86


    Violette got a face full of water.


    She felt a chill.


    "What the hell, Melinda!" Derek immediately rose, grabbing Melinda''s arm and pulling her aside.


    "Bro! Don''t get in my way! I''m going to teach her a lesson tonight!" Melinda''s eyes were bloodshot, her


    sharp voice echoing through the private room.


    "Have you lost your mind?!" Derek chastised her harshly.


    Melinda had never been treated this way by her brother in public.


    She was filled with rage.


    She jerked her arm away from Derek, ready tosh out at Violette again.


    Wham! A cup of juice sshed across her face.


    Violette put the empty cup down forcefully on the table, her icy gaze on juice-drenched Melinda. "If you


    want to bully me, you better have the chops."


    The room immediately fell silent.


    All eyes were on Violette and Melinda.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    Violette''s face was wet from the water, but her features remained clear.


    Melinda, on the other hand, was covered in red watermelon juice, her once delicate features now


    ridiculous.


    "Keep eating! I''m out of here." Violette wiped her face with a napkin.


    With that, she left the room in long strides.


    Melinda tried to follow, but Derek held her back.


    "Do you want to look even more pathetic, Melinda?!"


    "Ha, you think I''ve embarrassed you? Let me go!" Melinda struggled out of his grip, tears streaming


    down her face.


    She had just learned that Elijah had stood in the rain all night outside Violette''s mom''s apartment,


    caught a fever that wouldn''t subside, and refused to go to the hospital.


    Her beloved man was infatuated with another woman.


    She was in so much pain, she just couldn''t take it.


    She had to vent on Violette.


    "Cool it, Melinda. Are you the Melinda I know?" Derek''s rhetorical question made Melinda stop crying.


    Elijah didn''t like her, and now even her brother looked down on her. She felt rejected by the world.


    "I don''t think you''ve embarrassed yourself, I just don''t want you to regret it. Fight your enemies with


    wisdom, remember?" Derek held her hand tightly, leading her to the bathroom.


    Once they left for the restroom, the management staff of the Dennis Group and SwiftStream Capital


    exchanged meaningful nces, silently acknowledging the weightiness of the situation at hand.


    "Why are Melinda and Ms. Dennis fighting?" a SwiftStream Capital employee asked.


    "We have no idea! We know nothing about her personal life!" a Dennis Group employee responded.


    "Oh... Seemsplicated."


    "Yeah! I wonder if this will affect our cooperation."


    "It shouldn''t. The cooperation n was personally designed by Mr. Marcia, he really wants it to be


    sessful." a SwiftStream Capital staff reassured.


    The Dennis Group staffer sighed in relief: "That''s good."


    Violette walked out of the restaurant, abruptly stopping.


    She felt the deep chill of early winter.


    Her hair was still damp, and a gust of wind made her shiver.


    This time yesterday, it had already started to rain. The rain got heavier and heavier,sting the whole


    night.


    She took a deep breath.

 Chapter 87

    Chapter 87


    Elijah must be freezing out there on this icy cold winter night, huh?


    Just then, a car pulled up smoothly in front of the restaurant.


    The car door was pushed open, and Ramsey and Odette got out.


    As they got out of the car, another car pulled up in front of them.


    The driver was Brandon.


    "Brandon," Ramsey greeted.


    Brandon asked, "What are you guys doing here?"


    Ramsey replied, "My girlfriend and I are here to find Violette..."


    As they talked, Odette had already walked up to Violette and tightly hugged her.


    Brandon squinted at Violette in the distance and said, "I''m here for her too. Can you guys take her to


    the Bourne family?"


    Ramsey responded, "Sure, my girlfriend will help."


    Brandon chuckled coldly, "If it weren''t for your girlfriend, those two wouldn''t have gotten together."


    Ramsey''s face turned awkward, "My girlfriend just exposed the lies sooner..."


    Brandon said, "There''s no point in talking about that now. I need to go."


    Ramsey nodded.


    After Brandon left, Odette held Violette''s hand and led her onto Ramsey''s car.


    "Ramsey, drive to my house."


    Ramsey made an OK gesture with his hand.


    In the rearview mirror, he saw Violette''s wet hair and cold face.


    He didn''t know what had happened, but she seemed to be in a bad mood.


    No one was a winner in their argumentst night.


    After the car stopped in front of the Odette¡¯s house, Odette led Violette out of the car.


    Odette signaled Ramsey to leave with her eyes, and he got the message and drove off.


    After taking Violette home, Odetteughed and said, "My parentse homete every day. I''ll take


    you to my room! My bed is big, and we can sleep together."


    Violette then followed Odette upstairs.


    This was her first time at Odette''s house.


    She agreed toe because she didn''t want her mother to see her in such a mess.


    "Violette, you can wear my clothes! Our body shapes are simr, so you can wear my clothes." After


    bringing Violette into her room, Odette opened her wardrobe and let her choose clothes.


    Violette looked at the dazzling array of clothes, bags, shoes, and watches in the closet... Instantly, her


    mood calmed down a lot.


    "I can''t let myself wallow in pain." Violette walked out of the closet, looking dazed.


    Odette asked beside her, "Violette, what''s wrong?"


    Violette shook her head.


    She needed to cheer up; she wanted her mother and the two children in her belly to have a good life.


    If she continued to be depressed, she would gain nothing but failure.


    Odette guessed her mood from Violette''s pained expression on her face.


    "Violette, you''ve shown tremendous strength! If I were in your shoes, I don''t know if I could have


    endured it," Odette said, gripping Violette''s hands tightly. She spoke with heartfelt honesty, "Even


    though your life might have been morefortable with Elijah, if being with him brings you such


    unhappiness, it''s better to live on your own terms!"


    "My paines from myself," Violette said softly, "if I hadn''t fallen for him, I wouldn''t be in pain."


    "Not many people can resist his charm. He''s too amazing! Like sunshine. It''s not your fault at all."


    Odette led her to the bathroom, "Stop overthinking, go take a bath and rest."


    "Melinda came to find me tonight." Violette stood at the bathroom door, stopped, and finally asked, "Is


    something wrong with Elijah?"


    Seeing Violette''s red eyes, Odette took a deep breath and said:


    "Even thoughst night''s downpour was the heaviest in the past decade, and the temperature dropped,


    N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    a normal person who got soaked in the rain all night wouldn''t have gotten sick like he did. I guess it''s


    because he just recovered, and his body is still weak."

 Chapter 88

    Chapter 88


    Violette didn''t go back to the Bourne family.


    And she didn''t visit the sick Elijah either.


    This time, her decision was a real shocker.


    Aside from Violette''s decision, there was another person who was cold and heartless towards Elijah.


    That person was Brandon.


    Since Violette never returned to the Bourne family nor showed any concern for Elijah, who was


    bedridden, Brandon woulde to Elijah''s bedside every day and tell him about Violette''s daily


    whereabouts.


    For example, today Violette went to SwiftStream Capital and had a great time with Derek in the


    morning.


    Or, today Derek took Violette to an art exhibition and they had lunch together.


    Whether they really went to the art exhibition or had lunch together didn''t matter.


    What mattered was to make Elijah angry, and only when he was angry would he cooperate with the


    treatment.


    Because illness prevented him from taking revenge.


    Brandon used his knowledge of Elijah to make him suffer every day.


    Finally, under the control of the medication, his condition began to improve.


    Although his face was still pale, he was still coughing, and his body was still weak, he was determined


    to go out.


    The reason was that Brandon had just told him that today Derek would take Violette to an AI


    technology event.


    These days, Elijah had been lying in bed, thinking about a lot of things.


    His memory of Derek had actually be blurred.


    This illness made him remember everything about this person''s past.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    Derek was a person who only considered his own interests. He made friends or did things all after


    careful calction, only doing things that were beneficial to him.


    Besides, he was good at disguising himself.


    Even when facing an enemy, he would smile, and when you let your guard down, he would crush you.


    The reason why Elijah and Derek became more and more distant was not only because of their


    ipatible personalities but also their different investment philosophies.


    Derek would do anything for money. He was good at winning over the powerful and turning illegal


    money into his own.


    Although Elijah would also do anything for the sake of interests, he had his own bottom line.


    He would not take illegal money.


    Violette getting so close to Derek would sooner orter be dragged into the abyss by him.


    "Elijah, the doctor said you need to rest for at least a week before you can go out," Brandon advised


    him. "It''s cold outside today, and there''s a strong wind. If you go out, your condition will definitely get


    worse."


    The doctor nodded frantically.


    Elijah walked to the wardrobe, took out a gray coat, and put it on.


    Brandon shook his head at the doctor.


    Meaning, he had to go out.


    Today''s AI technology exhibition was for high-end audiences.


    There were only fifty seats at the exhibition site.


    But the stage was huge. There would be a grand and eye-opening AI technology exhibition.


    Derek got two tickets and invited Violette to go with him.


    Violette agreed without much thought.


    She hadn''t known much about this field in the past, but now she had a strong interest in it.


    The exhibition would start at two in the afternoon.


    At noon, Derek invited Violette to have lunch at a nearby upscale restaurant.


    Lately, she would ept almost every time Derek invited her out.


    Whether it was to hang out or have a meal together.


    Every time they met, they would have a great time chatting, but Derek could feel that her heart was not


    entirely devoted to him.


    Her eyescked vitality.


    If she really liked him, her eyes should be shining with light.

 Chapter 89

    Chapter 89


    Derek didn''t feel bummed out. He was willing to give her more time.


    After they ordered, they chatted casually for a bit. Then Violette picked up her phone, busying herself


    with something.


    "Violette, do you have any concerns about our coboration?" Derek asked casually while sipping his


    wine.


    Violette was browsing the news when she heard him. She looked up at him and said, "No problem with


    your proposal. It''s just that there are some different opinions within ourpany."


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    Derekughed, "What kind of different opinions? Maybe I can help."


    Violette: "No need, I can handle it."


    In reality, the problem came from her.


    The management of the Dennis Group really wanted to ept SwiftStream Capital''s investment. But


    she was still hesitating.


    She agreed to meet with Derek these past few days, hoping to get a better understanding of him


    through interaction.


    No matter how well Derek behaved, he was still Melinda''s brother after all.


    It was difficult for Violette topletely set aside her prejudice against him. While she desired to


    benefit from the situation, she also carefully contemted the potential consequences of failure.


    Only when she thought she could ept the worst oue would she agree.


    In no time, it was already 2 pm.


    Derek and Violette entered the exhibition hall and sat in the front row.


    Soon, the host came on stage, weing everyone.


    "Today, we have a mysterious guest at our event. This mysterious guest has made a request to our


    robot, Nexa." As the host spoke, robot Nexa appeared.


    Robot Nexa was made very lifelike.


    She had a female appearance, with long brown hair, and wore a blue and white uniform.


    The host''s voice continued, "Let''s see if Nexa can fulfill the mysterious guest''s request!"


    Apuse erupted from the audience.


    Nexa scanned the crowd, then stepped down from the stage.


    Everyone''s eyes were on Nexa.


    At the same time, everyone was guessing who the mysterious guest was and what their request was.


    Soon, Nexa walked towards the front row.


    Violette watched Nexa approach, feeling very curious.


    She hadn''t expected that robot could be made so realistic, even able to walk like humans. It was truly


    amazing!


    Just as she marveled at the power of modern technology, Nexa stopped in front of her.


    She thought Nexa malfunctioned, so she reached out and touched her arm.


    Nexa extended her hand to her, and a sweet voice sounded, "Pretty girl, would you like to go with me?"


    Violette was speechless.


    Laughter broke out around her.


    Violette, red-faced, asked, "Nexa, where are you taking me?"


    Nexa: "A handsome guy wants to ask you out. He''s so handsome! Come with me and see!"


    Nexa''s voice was so sweet, it was hard to refuse.


    Violette pointed at Derek and joked, "I already have a handsome guy right beside me."


    Nexa nced at Derek and waved to Violette, "His looks can''tpare to that guy. That guy is really


    handsome! I want to marry him! If you see him, you''ll definitely want to marry him too!"


    Nexa''s response causedughter throughout the venue.


    Observing the impasse between Violette and Nexa, the host decided to step in, suggesting, "Miss, why


    don''t you apany Nexa to take a look? Once the event concludes, we''ll present you with a


    delightful gift!" Violette found herself torn, caught between conflicting choices.


    Ignoring robot Nexa''s feelings was one thing, but she couldn''t disregard the organizers!


    She stood up from her seat and followed Nexa, step by step, towards the backstage.


    Upon entering, she unexpectedly saw a familiar face¡ª

 Chapter 90

    Chapter 90


    Elijah seemed to have lost quite a bit of weight.


    His already chiseled features now looked even more defined.


    Why would he be here?


    Could it be that the mysterious guest was him?


    Afterpleting her task, Nexa left the backstage.


    It was only after watching Nexa leave that she realized the mysterious guest was indeed Elijah.


    Wasn''t he supposed to be sick in bed?


    Had he already recovered?


    She stood there quietly, not saying anything, nor approaching him.


    "Mr. Bourne, is this thedy you''re looking for?" The event organizer asked Elijah.


    Elijah nodded, "Thank you."


    "You''re wee," the organizer replied respectfully.


    Elijah walked up to Violette, his pale eyes looking down at her, "Let''s talk."


    "What''s there to talk about?" She asked coldly, not looking up.


    Elijah was patient, grabbing her arm and leading her away from the backstage.


    With so many people backstage, there could be gossip about them.


    After leaving the backstage, Elijah led her through the lobby and into a VIP lounge.


    They both entered the room and closed the door.


    Elijah''s voice was deep and powerful, "Violette, stay away from Derek. No matter what his intentions


    are , being close to him is no good for you."


    Violette looked him in the eye and bluntly said, "Do you want me to stop working with him so I can sell


    mypany to you?"


    Elijah was angered by her words.


    Before he could refute, she continued, "Don''t you think your offer is too low? No wonder you''re too


    embarrassed to handle it personally. If I were you, I wouldn''t admit to offering only 200 million dors."


    Listening to her mockery, a flush of anger appeared on his pale face.


    She knew how to push his buttons.


    "You make an offer," he said, his breathing getting heavier and his voice getting hoarser.


    "Ha, did youe all this way just to talk about coboration?" Violette sarcastically said, "We can talk


    about coboration, but I''m busy now. How about tomorrow?"


    As she tried to leave, Elijah grabbed her arm again.


    "Violette, I''ll say it onest time," he said, coughing slightly, his voice even hoarser, "You''re no match


    for Derek... If you think 200 million is too low, name your price."


    Violette faced the cold door, her facadepletely exposed.


    His illness obviously hadn''t fully recovered. He came here to find her, clearly not because of something


    important.


    Why did he have toe?


    Couldn''t he wait until he was getting better?


    This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and threw out a number, "500 million dors. I want to invest,


    not be acquired!"


    She didn''t really want 500 million dors; she just wanted to see his reaction.


    He was the one who forced her to make an offer.


    "Deal," Elijah agreed without hesitation, "Now go reject Derek..."


    "Have you lost your mind?" Violette suddenly turned and interrupted him, her chest heaving rapidly,


    "You''re still sick, I don''t want to discuss this with you, go back and rest!"


    "I''ve recovered a lot," his voice was even lower than before, but his eyes seemed redder.


    Violette felt something was off and touched his forehead.


    It was a bit warm.


    She withdrew her hand, speaking firmly, "Are you going back on your own, or should I call your


    bodyguard to take you?"


    "You have to reject Derek," he seemed not to have heard her, stubbornly repeating his thoughts.


    "I won''t reject him! Stop forcing me to do things!" Violette''s tears were about to fall, she gritted her teeth


    and said, "Elijah, I won''t let you control me anymore!"


    She saw the disappointment in his haggard face


    . Still, she looked away, opened the door, and quickly left the room.


    As she stepped out, cold wind hit her face.

 Chapter 91

    Chapter 91


    Just now in the room, Violette felt like there was fire burning in her heart.


    As soon as she left him, her heart was no longer restless.


    Violette went to the restroom, washed her face, touched up her makeup, and returned to the exhibition


    hall.


    The time flew by in the blink of an eye, the exhibitionsting just over an hour.


    It felt like she saw a lot, but she couldn''t remember anything.


    After the exhibition, she got up, and D


    erek asked her, "Wanna grab some afternoon tea? I know a newly opened ce. The taste is pretty


    good."


    Violette wasn''t interested: "I''m kinda tired, wanna go back and rest."


    Derek saw that she looked exhausted, so he said, "I''ll take you back."


    "Thanks."


    The two walked out from the front row.


    At the exit, they bumped into Reaves.


    Violette saw that he seemed to be waiting for her, so she said to Derek, "Mr. Marcia, you go ahead. I


    have something to deal with."


    Derek also saw Reaves.


    The former second-inmand of the Dennis Group.


    "Alright, if you need anything, just give me a call. I''ll wait for you outside." After saying this, Derek


    walked out.


    After Derek left, Reaves approached Violette.


    "Are you nning to ept the investment from SwiftStream Capital?" Reaves asked with a smile, still


    being polite.


    "I heard you jumped ship to MindMeld Technologies, doing pretty well." Violette said.


    Reaves: "What''s good or bad about it? I''m still a vice president... I guess that''s all I can be in this


    lifetime..."


    Violette: "You can start your own business and be the boss."


    Reaves shook his head: "Being a vice president is pretty good. No need to take on such big risks."


    Violette: "Oh. That means you''re still short of the ability required, huh."


    The friendly atmosphere on their faces disappeared instantly, and hostility surged.


    It was Reaves who had set a trap for Kaleb in the casino before.


    So, Violette was always on guard against him.


    "Violette, have you be so sarcastic just to cover up your inner nervousness? Let me tell you, I


    don''t care about your SuperBrain System anymore! I''ll work with my R&D team to develop an even


    more powerful system. And your system will be worthless." Reaves mocked.


    Violette coldly responded, "Oh, well, good luck with that!"


    "Aren''t you afraid?!" Reaves saw her weak attitude, and his heart burned with anger.


    Violette countered, "Shouldn''t you be the one who¡¯s afraid? No matter how terrible Kaleb is, he''s still


    the young master of the Bourne family. You better watch out for him seeking revengeter."


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    Reaves'' face immediately darkened.


    Coming out of the exhibition hall, Violette walked quickly towards Derek.


    "Mr. Marcia, you go ahead! I saw a flower market nearby, and I want to go buy some flowers." Violette


    wanted to be alone for a while, so she made an excuse.


    Derek nodded, "Violette, next weekend is my father''s birthday. I''d like to invite you to his birthday party."


    Violette: "Sure!"


    Derek: "You can bring your mother along at that time. I''m hosting the birthday party at my house, and I


    haven''t invited too many guests."


    Violette: "I''ll let my mom know. Thank you!"


    Derek: "You''re wee. I''ll pick you up then."


    Violette: "You''ll probably be busy then, let''s decide on that day!"


    Violette watched Derek get in the car and leave.


    After he left, she let out a sigh of relief.


    Back at the Bourne family house.


    Elijah felt a bit cold outside today, and when he returned home, he had a fever again.


    The doctor sighed in his heart.


    Lacey looked worried and asked the bodyguard in a low voice, "Has he seen Violette yet?"


    Bodyguard: "They met and had another fight. Otherwise, why would Mr. Bourne be like this?"

 Chapter 92

    Chapter 92


    In that afternoon.


    Violette got herself two pots of daffodils from the flower market, which


    she carried back to the ce her mom rented.


    It wasn''t even five yet, so you''d think Albina would still be at work.


    But there she was, busy in the kitchen.


    "Mom, did you leave work early today?" Violette asked, changing her slippers and cing the flowers


    on the living room table.


    Albina came out of the kitchen, looking a bit awkward.


    "Violette, I didn''t keep that job," she exined. "My friend''s daughter-inw found a more professional


    nanny."


    Violette simply replied and then gave her mom a hug.


    "Don''t worry, Mom."


    Albina smiled and said, "I''m fine... What''s with the flowers?"


    Violette nced at the humble house and said, "I passed by the flower market and got these."


    "Ah, Violette, don''t worry about my job. I''ll find another one."


    "Mom, you don''t have to. Just stay at home and rest!" Violette took out her bank card and handed it to


    her mom. "There''s money in there. Use it."


    Albina pushed the card away and said seriously, "Violette, I''ve lived long enough to learn one thing. It''s


    better to rely on yourself than others. Even if I have to sweep the streets tomorrow, it''s better than


    asking for your money."


    Violette couldn''t help butugh at her mom''s righteous look. "Come on, Mom, sweeping streets? I


    heard they have to wake up at like 4 or 5 in the morning. It''s freezing now! Just find an easy job."


    Albinaughed too. "If the pay is good, waking up early isn''t a problem. I''ll go cook. You sit down and


    rest."


    Violette was sitting on the sofa and checking her phone, when she saw messages from Odette.


    Odette: Violette, I really don''t get it... What''s the deal with Elijah? He''s still sick, so why did hee


    looking for you? What''s he ying at? If he really loved you, he''d just give you money! What''s his


    game?


    Violette didn''t know how to respond to Odette''sints.


    After a while, Odette sent another message: Ramsey just went to see Elijah. The doctor said Elijah''s


    immune system is messed up and he should be hospitalized. Is that serious?


    Violette: Only after a hospital checkup will we know how serious it is.


    Odette: Oh... Have you fallen for Derek? That''s what they''re all saying.


    Violette: Who¡¯s they?


    Odette: You know, Elijah''s people! They say you''re neglecting Elijah because you''re into Derek. I think


    Derek is less handsome than Elijah. And he gives off a slick, scheming vibe.


    Violette didn''t feel that way after spending some time with Derek.


    She asked: You think Elijah looks that honest?


    Odette: Elijah seems really honest! But he''s a bit strict, haven''t you noticed that a lot of people in the


    legal profession, the ones who are violent to their families, are like that?


    Violette took a sip of water and asked: How''s Ramsey?


    Odette: He''s way younger than Derek and Elijah. He''s like a little puppy. Violette, if you get divorced,


    you should go for a younger guy next time! They''re easier to control.


    Violette: Let''s see if I can get a divorce first!


    Odette: Are you really willing to divorce Elijah?


    Violette: Why wouldn''t I be? Whether I divorce him or not, I can''t get a share of his fortune.


    Odette: True, it''s impossible for an ordinary person to take advantage of someone as rich as him.


    This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    At dinner.


    Violette took a few bites and then put down her utensils.


    Albina: "Why did you stop eating? Doesn''t it suit your taste?"


    Violette frowned slightly: "Mom, I''m starting to show."


    Albinaughed: "You''re already four months pregnant, almost five. Of course, your belly will start to


    grow."


    Violette: "Luckily, I''m wearing loose clothes now, so others can''t tell."


    Albina: "Mmm... Violette, I''ve been thinking, what if you go abroad to study for a master''s degree? You


    can take the opportunity to have the baby there."


    Violette was stunned: "Mom, studying abroad costs a lot. Plus, I don''t want to study for a master''s


    degree. I want to get a job and make money."


    Albina: "Don''t worry about the money. I''ve saved up some over the years. It''s enough for your tuition


    and daily expenses."

 Chapter 93

    Chapter 93


    Violette was gobsmacked.


    When Albina and ke Dennis got divorced, Violette was still a kid.


    Back then, she was always on the go, didn''t have time to care about her mom''s life.


    So, she had no idea how her mom managed to save up money.


    "If you don''t want to go abroad, that''s fine... I thought we could buy a smaller house too. We can rough


    it out a little, but we can''t let the kid suffer!" Albina continued.


    Violette: "Mom, do we really have that much money?"


    Albina: "We have enough for the down payment."


    Violette: "Oh... Let''s not rush, the baby isn''t due for several months!"


    "Time flies, you should think it over."


    Violette nodded: "Mom, I have to go out. A friend''s dad is celebrating his birthday next week, I need to


    buy a present."


    Albina: "Can''t you buy it during the day? It''s dark outside, and I''m worried about you going alone."


    Violette: "There are street lights outside, it''s okay."


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    Albina: "Then make it quick."


    Violette got up, grabbed her bag, and left.


    She hailed a cab at the roadside and told the driver Elijah''s address.


    Images of Elijah''s gaunt and haggard face kept popping up in her mind.


    She couldn''t control her urge to go see him


    , and had already made an excuse to go back.


    The cab stopped at the entrance of Elijah''s house.


    As Violette got out


    , she saw several cars were parked in the yard.


    Seemed like, a lot of people came to visit him.


    The security guard recognized Violette and immediately opened the gate for her.


    She walked in, and


    Joey was the first to spot her.


    Seeing her, Joey immediately informed the people in the living room.


    Lacey came out in a hurry: "Mrs. Bourne! You finally came back!"


    Violette said in a low voice: "I came back for myptop."


    A hint of awkwardness shed in Lacey''s eyes: "Oh... Maybe you should go see Mr. Bourne? He''s sick


    again since he came back today. The doctor said that he got drenched in rain a few days ago, messed


    up his immune system..."


    Violette neither agreed nor denied.


    Following Lacey into the living room, in an instant, everyone in the room turned to look at her.


    Violette felt a bit alienated, even though she had been away for only a few days, p


    robably because their looks were quite frosty.


    Well, from their point of view, Elijah''s illness was her doing.


    "Mrs. Bourne, you should go upstairs first! Yourptop is in your room, no one touched it." Lacey urged.


    Violette hesitated for a moment, then headed upstairs.


    After Violette went upstairs, Joey said: "Should we go up? After all, Melinda is upstairs. What if they


    start a fight?"


    Brandon crossed his arms and said indifferently: "Leave them be."


    Violette went upstairs and straight to Elijah''s bedroom door.


    The bedroom door was wide open.


    Elijah was lying on the bed, his eyes closed, seemingly in a deep sleep, and


    Melinda was wiping his body with a damp towel.

 Chapter 94

    Chapter 94


    Inside the room, the doc and Grace were present too,


    discussing Elijah''s physical condition by the window.


    Violette felt like she had lead in her boots, unable to step into the room.


    Melinda, holding a basin of water, spun around from the bedside and spotted Violette lingering in the


    doorway.


    "Violette! What are you doing here?" Melinda hushed, fearing to rouse Elijah.


    She put down the basin on the nightstand and strode towards Violette.


    Hearing Melinda''s voice, Grace also headed for the door.


    ......


    Violette, not wanting to wake up Elijah, took a few steps towards the staircase.


    Melinda, thinking she was making a run for it, blocked her path.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    "Violette! You think you can y Elijah like a fool? If you don''t fancy him, then let him be! If you hurt him


    again, I won''t let it slide!" Melinda''s eyes were aze with hatred.


    Grace sternly added, "Violette, Elijah must''ve been hoodwinked by you to refuse the divorce. Can''t


    believe you''re biting the hand that feeds you! I must''ve been blind to choose you over Melinda! Only


    Melinda truly loves Elijah!"


    Against their tag team, Violette didn''t feel like fighting back.


    She just wanted to check on Elijah, and one nce


    was enough.


    "You guys take care of him! I''m outta here!" Violette shoved Melinda aside and descended the stairs.


    In the living room, everyone was all ears, listening to themotion upstairs.


    The crowd had mixed feelings when Violette came down.


    Some were enjoying the drama, while others were shaking their heads in disbelief.


    But what really mattered was Elijah''s view on this.


    Unfortunately, he did not have much consciousness due to his fever,pletely clueless about what


    was going on.


    "Ms. Dennis, did you take the cab here? I can drive you back," Joey offered warmly.


    Violette shook her head, "I''ll manage."


    With that, she headed for the door.


    Lacey, seeing her dazed departure, immediately followed, "Mrs. Bourne, you forgot yourptop."


    Violette snapped back to reality.


    She quickly turned around, crossed the living room, and went into her room.


    "Wish I could wake Elijah up," Brandon pondered, "Once Violette leaves tonight, she might nevere


    back."


    Joey egged him on, "Go wake him up then! You have my moral support."


    Brandon red at her, "I wouldn''t dare with Grace around."


    Soon after, Violette emerged, lugging her suitcase.


    She imed to retrieve herptop, but it was just an excuse.


    If Elijah were awake, they could have a good talk, and maybe she wouldn''t leave after that.


    Lacey felt guilt-ridden.


    She had good intentions when she urged Violette to go upstairs.


    What if Elijah woke up after she went up?


    That''s gotta be better than her not seeing Elijah at all after making the trip, right?


    "Wwhy not wait till your husband wakes up, say goodbye, and then leave?" Lacey suggested.


    Violette responded, "No need."


    With that, she dragged her suitcase and walked resolutely into the chilly winter night.


    Just then, Grace followed her downstairs.


    "Violette! If you leave, don''t you evere back!"


    Brandon sighed inwardly.


    This was just adding fuel to the fire!


    Violette had always been hot-headed, not yet over Mr. E''s affair. Now Grace pissed her off again. How


    could she possibly hold it in?


    Violette couldn''t care less about Grace''s threat.


    Soon, she vanished from their sight.


    "You saw it, I didn''t bully her! She left on her own!" Grace angrily said .

 Chapter 95

    Chapter 95


    Grace was still a bit on edge.


    After all, Elijah had a big fight with her over Violettest time.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    Around midnight.


    Elijah''s fever had subsided and he woke up.


    A warm orange light was on in the room.


    He sat up and saw Melinda crashed out at the side of his bed.


    He frowned, got out of bed, and left the room.


    ......


    The next morning, Melinda woke up to an empty bed, and she felt there was also something missing in


    her heart.


    She rushed downstairs to look for him.


    Lacey was surprised, "I''ve been downstairs the whole time, Mr. Bourne didn''te down!"


    Melinda froze, "I came down because he wasn''t in the room."


    Lacey: "Oh my gosh! Mr. Bourne couldn''t have just vanished into thin air!"


    With that, Lacey dashed upstairs.


    She and Melinda searched every room on the second floor, but no sign of Elijah.


    Melinda broke down in tears, "It''s all my fault... I slept so soundlyst night, I didn''t notice when he got


    out of bed..."


    Lacey hurried downstairs, "I''ll ask the security guards. If Mr. Bourne left, they would have a record."


    Soon enough, Lacey got feedback from the guards.


    Elijah hadn''t left the house.


    Lacey immediately gathered everyone for a full-scale search inside and out of the vi.


    Half an hourter, everyone gathered in the living room.


    "No sign of him in the front yard."


    "Backyard''s clear too."


    "No luck in the storage room or the parking lot either."


    "We''ve searched all the guest rooms on the first floor... except for Mrs. Bourne''s room."


    Upon hearing everyone''s reports, Lacey headed straight for Violette''s room.


    The relief was palpable when Lacey pushed open the door to find Elijah sleeping peacefully in


    Violette''s bed.


    Lacey immediately left the room and told Melinda, "Ms. Marcia, you should go home. If he needs you,


    he''ll reach out."


    Melinda was fuming, "Why was he in Violette''s bed? Didn''t they have a fight? Why would he..."


    Lacey: "If you hadn''t been in Mr. Bourne''s roomst night, he wouldn''t have gone to rest in Violette''s


    room. He hates people going into his room."


    Melinda choked back a sob, "Am I an outsider? I''ve been by his side for ten years..."


    Lacey: "Ms. Marcia, I know you''ve had it tough, and that life hasn''t been easy for you. But you can''t


    force your feelings onto others."


    Melinda: "How dare you talk to me like that?!"


    Lacey: "Violette never shouts at others just because she''s the boss. I''m not saying you''re less than her,


    I just hope you can see other people''s strengths and realize your own weaknesses."


    Lacey was basically saying, you were not as good as Violette.


    Melinda left the Bourne family house, fuming with anger.


    Eight in the morning.


    Elijah came out of Violette''s room.


    After a good night''s rest, his temperature was back to normal.


    But he was still feeling lightheaded and weak.


    Seeing him out, Lacey immediately brought him a hot bowl of soup.


    "Mr. Bourne, Violette came to see youst night." Lacey watched his face as she spoke.


    He held the soup in his hand but didn¡¯t drink it.


    He lifted his head, signaling her to continue.


    "Violette came upstairs to see you when you were asleep, and Ms. Marcia was mopping your brow."


    Lacey confessed, "It¡¯s my fault. I didn¡¯t know Ms. Marcia would be such a loose cannon."


    "Melinda is not allowed in my room from now on." Elijah said in a low voice.


    "Okay. Last night, your mother and Ms. Marcia said some harsh words to Violette." Lacey didn¡¯t hold


    back since there was no one else around, "She took her suitcase and left. I don¡¯t think she¡¯ll being


    back."

 Chapter 96

    Chapter 96


    10 a.m.


    A ck Rolls Royce pulled up in front of an old residential area.


    The car door opened, and a tall figure stepped out.


    Elijah was wearing a long navy down jacket today, with a gray scarf around his neck, and a pair of


    brand-new leather boots on his feet.


    Despite being well-dressed, his face was pale and haggard.


    His cold and noble demeanor waspletely out of ce with the surrounding deste and run-down


    scene.


    His driver and bodyguard trailed behind him, carrying expensive gifts.


    The door to the rental house was knocked. Albina trotted over from the kitchen to open it.


    She was somewhat dazed the moment she saw Elijah.


    "...Why are you here?" Albina was taken aback for a moment, then swung the door wide open, "Come


    on in! I heard you¡¯ve been sick, are you feeling better?"


    Although it was winter, it was not cold enough to wear down jackets.


    Elijah nced at the clean floor and hesitated, "Should we take off our shoes?"


    Albina immediately shook her head: "No need,e on in!"


    She led Elijah in, then noticed the gift boxes carried by the driver and bodyguard.


    "Why did you bring so many gifts?" Albina was puzzled.


    Last night, Violette took all her luggage back, and


    Albina didn¡¯t dare to ask anything.


    She guessed that Violette must have broken up with Elijahpletely, which was why she dragged her


    luggage back.


    So, she never expected Elijah to show up today.


    "I¡¯m here to officially visit you," Elijah sat down on the sofa.


    The driver and bodyguard put the gifts in the living room and tactfully left.


    Albina found the air conditioner remote and turned on the heating.


    "Oh...You and Violette..st night..." Albina had a conflicted expression on her face, not knowing how to


    phrase her question.


    "I didn¡¯t see herst night," Elijah looked at Albina with honest eyes, "There were some


    misunderstandings between us."


    "Oh...She rarely tells me about you guys. So, I don¡¯t know what to say." Albina poured him a cup of hot


    water, "You look terrible. You should be resting at home."


    "I¡¯m okay." He took the cup of water, holding it with both hands.


    Albina sat down on the sofa next to him, her gaze falling on his face.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    When people were sick, their sharp edges tended to soften.


    She remembered thest time she saw him, he seemed so high and mighty, unreachable.


    "Elijah, what are your true feelings for our Violette?" Albina hesitated for a moment before voicing her


    thoughts, "Her father and I divorced when she was very young. She lived with her father...you can


    imagine, in such a family environment, she couldn¡¯t get the love she deserved. If you don¡¯t love her,


    please set her free."


    "Now is not the time to discuss divorce." Elijah took a sip of water, "She¡¯s been getting close to a man


    named Derek. You might not know him, but I do."


    Albina got his point: "Are you saying this Derek is no good?"


    Elijah nodded: "I hope you can ask her to stay away from Derek."


    Albina nodded repeatedly: "Okay, when she wakes up, I¡¯ll talk to her."


    Elijah furrowed his brows and raised his wrist to check the time.


    It was already half past ten in the morning.


    Was Violette still sleeping?


    Albina exined: "She went to bedtest night, so she¡¯s not up yet."


    As soon as Albina finished speaking, the bedroom door opened and Violette, in her pajamas, came out.


    Her long hair was loose, and she looked sleepy. Upon seeing Elijah, her dull eyes instantly lit up.


    "Violette, Elijah came to see you. I¡¯m going to buy some groceries, you guys have a good chat." Albina


    found an excuse and left.


    Violette nced at the air conditioner, th


    en at Elijah¡¯s down jacket.


    It seemed that he was still not well.

 Chapter 97

    Chapter 97


    "If you¡¯re still feeling under the weather, just chill at home and take a breather," Violette said, then


    turned to pour herself a ss of water.


    "I¡¯m feeling much better today." He took off his scarf.


    "That¡¯s what you said yesterday too," Violette replied, setting down her empty ss.


    She walked into the living room and noticed the gifts


    on the floor.


    "What¡¯s with the present?" she asked.


    "Thought it would be rude to show up empty-handed," he replied, then after a pause, changed the


    subject, "I only found out today that you went backst night."


    "Did youe all the way here just to tell me that?" Violette sat down on the couch, looking at his


    gaunt face.


    There was a distance of more than a meter between them.


    "About Melinda and me..."


    "I don¡¯t want to hear about it," she cut him off. "Whatever is going on between you and Melinda, I


    couldn¡¯t care less."


    Seeing her cold demeanor, Elijah felt a profound sense of helplessness.


    "Are you about to bring up Derek too?" she retorted, "Elijah, even if he fooled me, I¡¯m the one who¡¯s


    dealing with the aftermath. I won¡¯t drag you into it, nor will I ask for your help. So quit bringing it up."


    Right now, she was acting like a rebellious teenager.


    The more he pushed, the more she defied him.


    Elijah pressed his lips together, looking tired and deep in thought about her words.


    Violette was feeling a bit peckish.


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    She got up and went to the kitchen, where her mom had left breakfast.


    Grabbing some cereals, she returned to the couch.


    As she ate with relish, he watched her with intense eyes.


    "Anything else you want to say?" she asked, after she¡¯d had her fill. "If not, you can leave now."


    "I¡¯d like to stay for lunch," he said.


    Violette was taken aback, as s


    he didn¡¯t quite know how to refuse.


    It was just lunch, she wasn¡¯t that petty.


    "Fine, stay for lunch! I¡¯m outta here!" Violette stood up from the couch, ready to head back to her room


    to change and leave.


    "Violette, are you nning on nevering home again?" Elijah got up from the couch and followed


    her to the bedroom doorway.


    "This is my home," Violette said.


    "Did my mom say something to youst night?"


    "Nope," she said, not wanting to stir up trouble. After all, he was in a fragile state and needed to rest.


    "What is going on between us shouldn¡¯t involve anyone else. I just don¡¯t think we¡¯re a good match."


    "What would make us a good match?" Elijah asked, stepping into the bedroom and closing the door.


    The bedroom was small, with barely any room to move around besides the bed and a wardrobe.


    A sense of oppression began to well up.


    "Someone who can make me feelfortable." Violette said, looking up at him. "But you can¡¯t."


    Her words infuriated him.


    "Does Derek make youfortable?" he snapped. "Is that it? He makes you feelfortable?"


    "Sure as hell feels better than being with you!" she retorted, pushing him away as she felt his towering


    presence closing in. "Quit being a nuisance! Just because you¡¯re sick doesn¡¯t mean I won¡¯t fight back!"


    With a zip, He zipped down his jacket


    , and then took off his jacket and hung it on a nearby coat rack.


    Underneath, he was wearing a grey V-neck T-shirt.


    His attractive Adam¡¯s apple was visible at the neckline.


    There seemed to be beads of sweat on his neck.


    "What are you doing taking off your clothes? You¡¯ll catch a cold!" Violette grabbed his jacket from the


    rack, intending to have him put it back on.


    But the next moment, he picked her up and pinned her on the bed.

 Chapter 98

    Chapter 98


    "Violette! Have you forgotten whose wife you are?" He grabbed her struggling hands, pinning them


    above her head, "Stay away from Derek, don¡¯t push your luck with me!"


    It had been a while since she¡¯d seen him so pissed off and unhinged.


    He looked so weak, yet terrifyingly strong.


    She didn¡¯t dare to fight back.


    Because the more she resisted, the wilder he¡¯d be.


    For the sake of the baby in her belly, all she could do was lie still, let him vent his frustrations.


    "Why aren¡¯t you saying anything?" His eyes bore into her small face intensely, and his big hands


    gently rubbed her cheek.


    "What do you want me to say? Just tell me what you want to hear." she said helplessly.


    His anger instantly evaporated.


    "Violette, did I really screw up that bad?" His voice was hoarse and gentle, his hand cradled the back of


    her head.


    His body felt hot


    , and so did she.


    "You didn¡¯t screw up that bad," her eyes flickered, dropping the pretense yet remaining firm, "Elijah,


    you¡¯re great, everything about you is. But I want a peaceful life. Please, let me have it."


    The hope in his eyes shattered, he didn¡¯t want to hear her speak anymore.


    His lips silenced her, smothering her protests.


    ...


    Noon.


    The bodyguard knocked on the door.


    This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    Albina let him in.


    "Where¡¯s Mr. Bourne?" The bodyguard¡¯s eyes darted around the empty living room.


    Albina pointed towards the bedroom door. "In there."


    "I see..." The bodyguard was about to ask when he woulde out, but realized the question was


    pointless.


    Nobody knew that but Elijah himself.


    "I made lunch, do you want some? You can share with your colleague," Albina offered kindly.


    The bodyguard walked up to the bedroom door, pressing his ear against it.


    Silence.


    "Sound doesn¡¯t travel well here. If they were talking, we¡¯d hear them. Maybe he¡¯s asleep. He seemed


    sick!" Albina suggested.


    "The doctor told him to stay home, but he insisted oning," the bodyguard muttered.


    Albina nodded, "Don¡¯t worry! He¡¯ll be fine with us."


    "Where¡¯s Violette?" The bodyguard asked.


    "She¡¯s in there too," Albina said.


    The bodyguard¡¯s mind raced, "How long have they been in there?"


    "Maybe an hour? I was out grocery shopping, not sure when they went in," Albina replied, heading for


    the kitchen, "You guys aren¡¯t eating? I¡¯ll start then."


    The bodyguard was hardly in the mood for food.


    Their rtionship was on the rocks, and Elijah was sickly weak. If Violette pulled him into a room, she


    could easily kill him!


    With that thought, the bodyguard flung the bedroom door open


    , and was taken aback by what he witnessed.


    Elijah was lying on the bed, eyes closed, not a stitch of clothing on him,pletely motionless.


    Violette stood at the bedside, clutching a nket.


    Caught off guard by the sudden intrusion, so the expression on her face looked surprised.


    "What did you do to Mr. Bourne?!" He rushed to the bed, reaching to check Elijah¡¯s breath.


    Violette was impressed by his imagination, "He¡¯s not dead. Just asleep."


    The bodyguard awkwardly withdrew his hand, giving Elijah another nce, "Why did you undress Mr.


    Bourne? You¡¯re relentless!"


    Violette spread the nket over Elijah.


    "Don¡¯t nder me! He undressed himself," she red at the bodyguard, "If you don¡¯t believe me, ask


    him when he wakes up!"


    The bodyguard just grunted, giving Violette a once-over.


    She was wearing a summer nightgown.


    From the skin exposed, he could guess what had happened.


    "I¡¯ll leave now! Take good care of him!" With that, he made a hasty exit.


    Violette was left fuming.


    She sat by the bed, ncing at Elijah.

 Chapter 99

    Chapter 99


    He was conked out, sweating bullets,


    but his temperature was normal.


    She felt bushed, so shey down next to him and before she knew it, she was out like a light too.


    At, three in the afternoon,


    Violette woke up, with a growling


    stomach.


    She hopped out of bed, got dressed, and got out of the room.


    The bodyguard and driver were loafing around on the couch, watching TV.


    Albina was in the kitchen, twiddling around with her phone.


    The vibe seemed chill.


    Except, it felt like someone else had taken over her ce.


    "Violette, you¡¯re probably famished, right?" Albina put her phone down and brought out some leftovers.


    Violette sauntered over to the living room and told the driver, "Elijah will probably wake up soon, you


    might want to fetch a clean set of clothes."


    The driver sprang to his feet, "Sure thing."


    After the driver left, Violette switched off the TV and told the bodyguard, "My mom¡¯s got migraines, she


    can¡¯t deal with noise. Please keep it down while you¡¯re here."


    The bodyguard didn¡¯t dare to argue.


    After all, their boss Elijah was still snoozing in her bed.


    They had no clue when Elijah would wake up.


    What if he sleeps till night?


    ...


    The bodyguard was on pins and needles. It was already dark as a dungeon around six in the evening,


    but there was no sign of Elijah stirring in the room.


    Albina and Violette had a chat, "Violette, I think I¡¯ll crash at a hotel tonight."


    Violette obviously wouldn¡¯t agree, "Mom, I¡¯ll just wake him up, it¡¯s no biggie."


    Bodyguard: "He¡¯s sick! He needs rest. Don¡¯t disturb him!"


    Violette shot a re at the bodyguard, "This is my house!"


    The bodyguard turned to Albina, "Ms. Palmer, I¡¯ll foot the bill for your hotel!"


    He pulled out his wallet, took out some cash, and handed it to Albina.


    "Ms. Palmer, please ept this!" The bodyguard¡¯s voice was loud as if they were having a spat, so


    Albina was sort of scared of him.


    Violette: "Mom, take it!"


    It was a no-brainer!


    Albina took the money, feeling it warm in her hand, "Violette, I¡¯ll look for a hotel then."


    Violette: "Mom, it¡¯s still early. He¡¯ll probably wake up soon."


    Bodyguard: "Ms. Palmer, I¡¯ll drive you to the hotel. Mr. Bourne might not go back even when he wakes


    up, it¡¯s quitete."


    Before the bodyguard could finish his sentence, Elijah woke up


    , and Violette felt his forehead.


    The temperature was normal.


    "You¡¯ve been snoozing all afternoon, it¡¯s already dark outside. Time to hit the road, buddy!" Violette


    N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    brought the clean clothes that the driver had brought in the afternoon.


    His eyes were red when he looked around the room.


    "Come on! We only have one bed in this house!" Violette urged him.


    On hearing this, Elijah mumbled, "I¡¯m feeling dizzy..."


    Violette: "Quit ying possum! I just checked, you don¡¯t have a fever!"


    Elijah started coughing, l


    ike he was about to cough up a lung.


    Violette bit her lip and stopped talking.


    Although he didn¡¯t have a fever anymore, hisplications hadn¡¯t gotten any better.


    She left the room to fetch the driver.


    "Mr. Bourne is awake, but he says he can¡¯t get up..."


    Driver: "If he can¡¯t get up, let him rest. I¡¯ll go get his meds."


    After saying that, the driver left.


    Violette rubbed her temples.


    Was she really having him over for the night?

 Chapter 100

    Chapter 100


    An hourter.


    The driver brought Elijah¡¯s personal stuff, including a hearty dinner.


    Lacey packed a dinner for three in the thermal instion box.


    "Here are Mr. Bourne¡¯s meds. I appreciate your help tonight," the driver handed the meds to Violette


    and then left.


    Violette sat on the couch, eyeing Elijah¡¯s stuff on the table, lost in thought.


    Had she been too kind to him?


    She should¡¯ve kicked him out by noon, which would¡¯ve saved a whole lot of trouble.


    Suddenly, there were coughs from the bedroom.


    Violette took a deep breath, grabbed the meds, and opened the bedroom door.


    Since they were the only two in the house, she decided to keep the door open for venttion.


    Elijah had taken a shower and changed into clean clothes.


    But, the bed was a mess.


    "Got any water?" He was a bit thirsty.


    She ced the meds on the bedside table and went out to fetch him a cup of water.


    He followed her into the kitchen.


    "Where¡¯s your mom?" he asked.


    "Thanks to you, my mom¡¯s staying at a hotel," Violette handed him the cup of water, "Hungry? The


    driver brought dinner, you can eat."


    He hadn¡¯t eaten anything since noon and had been sleeping until now. He must be hungry.


    "I just need some oatmeal." He didn¡¯t have much appetite.


    She brought the dinner from the living room coffee table


    , and h


    e finished the oatmeal and put down the spoon.


    "I messed up the bed, got any clean sheets? I¡¯ll change them," he still looked pale, but much fresher


    after the shower.


    "You go dry your hair. I¡¯ll change the sheets," Seeing him now, she was a bit angry but had to hold it in.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    "Where¡¯s the hair dryer? I couldn¡¯t find it."


    She got up and went to the bathroom to get the hairdryer, with him


    e following her and taking the it from her hands.


    Then she went back to the room to change the sheets and duvet cover.


    The two of them worked together like a long-standing couple.


    Nine o¡¯clock at night.


    Violette¡¯s cell phone rang, a video call request.


    Without thinking, she hung up, b


    ut the caller called back.


    Violette took a deep breath and answered the video call.


    It turned out to be a video conference from thepany management.


    After the video was connected, there were three people on the other end.


    "Violette, have you decided? SwiftStream Capital is willing to invest in us, this is an honor for us. What


    are you worried about?"


    "I asked Derek¡¯s assistant today, they said Derek didn¡¯t make any excessive demands and was waiting


    for your reply."


    "Didn¡¯t we already decide at ourst meeting? Everything is for thepany¡¯s benefit, you won¡¯t back


    out, will you? We know you and Melinda don¡¯t get along, but what does that have to do with Derek?


    He¡¯s willing to invest in us, we have no choice but to ept his investment."


    ......


    Listening to their chatter, Violette¡¯s temples started to throb.


    "Give me another week."


    "Why another week? You said the same thingst time."


    "Really? How long are you nning to drag this out? If you don¡¯t want thepany to continue


    operating, you can directly express your refusal to Derek! Your indecisiveness is really confusing!"


    Violette: "Next weekend is Derek¡¯s father¡¯s birthday, he invited me to the party. After next weekend, I


    will definitely confirm with you."


    "What do you mean confirm with us? You should reply to Derek!"


    "Well...I will reply to him next weekend. It¡¯s already past nine o¡¯clock at night, you should go to bed


    early." Violette prepared to end the video call.


    Because Elijah was right beside her.


    Tonight, he would definitely stay.

 Chapter 101

    Chapter 101


    And there was only one bed here.


    He was the patient, so she nned to give him the bed to sleep in.


    After taking a shower, she sat down on the couch, p


    But then, half an hour ago, he came over too.


    He slept all afternoon, so it was understandable that he was not sleepy now.


    She can¡¯t force him to go to sleep.


    "You¡¯ve been dragging this on, and I haven¡¯t had a good sleep in a week! Violette, let¡¯s talk!" The other


    end of the video, the director of the technical department spoke up.


    "I can¡¯t sleep either! I can¡¯t even eat!" The director of the development department chimed in.


    "Same here!" The director of the HR department added.


    These old men, each one more exaggerated than thest.


    They were trying to force Violette to make a decision right away.


    Elijah frowned and snatched her phone away.


    Violette: "Hey! I¡¯m on a video call! Give me back my phone!"


    She moved towards him, trying to snatch her phone back.


    "Who¡¯s this guy?! He looks kinda familiar!"


    "This must be Violette¡¯s boyfriend! They¡¯re together sote! It¡¯s gotta be her boyfriend!"


    "Oh... this guy looks like someone..."


    On the other side of the video, the three old men started discussing.


    ...


    "Violette, how do I hang up? I can¡¯t find the button." Elijah studied her phone for several seconds and


    couldn¡¯t find the button, so he handed it back to her.


    Violette immediately hung up the video after getting her phone back.


    "Why did you grab my phone?!" Violette confronted him.


    "I was annoyed." Hezily replied, "It¡¯s 9 PM, not 9 AM."


    "If you¡¯re annoyed, go home! This is my ce." Violette frowned, holding her phone and headed


    towards the bedroom.


    He followed her pace.


    Meanwhile, the three directors connected the video again.


    "I just said that Violette¡¯s boyfriend looks like someone... Did you guys notice? That guy looks like


    Elijah!"


    "I¡¯ve never seen him in person, only in pictures."


    "I¡¯ve actually seen Elijah in person, but I was sitting in the back row, at least a few hundred meters


    away from him."


    "Didn¡¯t you two hear his voice? The man¡¯s voice in Violette¡¯s video just now matches Elijah¡¯s voice too!"


    "How could we remember his voice when we haven¡¯t even seen him?"


    "It must be Elijah! I swear! No wonder she wouldn¡¯t agree to work with Derek, she had a better option!"


    "If that¡¯s true, then Violette is really amazing!"


    "I need to apologize to Violette! I¡¯ve been sending her messages almost every day, using her of


    being clueless!"


    "Don¡¯t get ahead of yourselves! Let me confirm with her first, and see if that guy is really Elijah or not!"


    ...


    Rental house, bedroom.


    Violette had a headache, so shey down on the bed.


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    Seeing her lying down, Elijah followed suit.


    He raised his hand and turned off the room light.


    Violette closed her eyes, but her breathing was heavy


    , which showed that she was in a bad mood.


    Elijah: "I¡¯ve seen one of the three guys in the video with you."


    Violette turned her head to look at him: "Who?"


    Elijah: "The fat one with sses."


    Violette: "Oh... so what if you¡¯ve seen him?"


    Elijah: "He must have recognized me. Our rtionship can¡¯t be hidden anymore." He paused for a


    moment and continued, "I¡¯ll offer 500 million dors, you go talk to Derek and see if he¡¯ll match the


    price."


    "Are you crazy?!" Violette lifted her leg and kicked him, "You think this is an auction?!"

 Chapter 102

    Chapter 102


    "Elijah, I ain¡¯t takin¡¯ your money," she said seriously. "So don¡¯t talk to me like that."


    "Why don¡¯t you want my money? Is my money different from others?" His tone obviously dropped.


    Violette hesitated for a moment and said, "I don¡¯t want anyone¡¯s money. I don¡¯t want to be at the mercy


    of anyone¡¯s mood ."


    That shut him up.


    "I¡¯m going to sleep, so don¡¯t bother me." Violette turned her back to him.


    Looking at her thin figure, he covered her with his quilt.


    She immediately threw it off, "I¡¯ll use mine, and you use yours. Don¡¯t touch me."


    There were two quilts on the bed.


    Elijah had a thick one, while h


    ers was a summer air-conditioning quilt.


    But the room was warm with the air conditioner on.


    "You take the thick one, I¡¯ll take the thin one," Elijah kindly said.


    He was always feeling cold, so he worried that she would be too.


    "You trying to roast me alive?" Violette rudely said, "Just go to sleep, you have to leave before my mom


    Elijah tucked in, "Got it."


    Ten minutester, Violette turned over with her phone in hand.


    By the light of the phone screen, she saw his eyes open, emitting a cold, dark glow.


    "Why aren¡¯t you asleep? Are you cold?" she asked.


    Elijah: "A little. Are you too hot?"


    She was wearing short sleeves, a


    nd the quilt only covered her upper body.


    It was like they were experiencing different seasons.


    Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    "Mind your own business. I¡¯ll get you a nket..." Violette sat up.


    He reached out and grabbed her, "Just give me half of your quilt."


    "Okay..." She gave him half of her quilt.


    This way, if she wanted to cover herself, she had to lean towards him.


    Realizing this, she sat up again, wanting to grab a nket.


    "Don¡¯t move... I want to sleep." He stretched out his long arm and pulled her back.


    ...


    Bourne Estate.


    Grace had been sitting on the sofa all along, so angry she didn¡¯t even eat dinner.


    After the driver returned from delivering things to Elijah, Grace started questioning him.


    "That rental house is really small, right?"


    Driver: "Very small, the whole house is not even as big as this living room."


    Grace looked around the living room and got even more annoyed.


    "When I left, Violette¡¯s mom had already gone to stay in a hotel. There were only Mr. Bourne and


    Violette in that rental house," the driver said.


    "Will Violette do anything excessive to Elijah?! He¡¯s so sick now, how could you leave him alone with


    her? Where¡¯s the bodyguard?! The bodyguard must not leave him!" Grace was very worried.


    "It should be fine..." the driver stammered, "I heard from the bodyguard that they... uh... did that kind of


    thing at noon... there must be some feelings between them."


    Grace was shocked, "Elijah is so sick! How could he have the energy to do such a thing! Violette is


    indeed shameless! I¡¯m going to bring Elijah back! If he stays with her, my son will be taken advantage


    of!"


    The driver gave Lacey a look.


    Lacey immediately held Grace back, "If you go, he might get angry with you. You should go back first,


    and I¡¯ll have the driver pick him up in the morning."


    "You don¡¯t know any better!" Grace shook off Lacey¡¯s arm.


    Lacey stepped back, not arguing with the olddy.


    "Take me to where Violette lives now. I¡¯ll just look from the outside, I won¡¯t go in!" The olddy told the


    driver.


    The driver immediately helped her out the door.


    Forty minutester, Grace saw the old neighborhood where Violette lived.


    Sitting in the car, the olddy couldn¡¯t help but cry.

 Chapter 103

    Chapter 103


    "My son has never lived in such a crappy ce since he was born...never! What kind of bad luck is


    this?! It¡¯s all my fault! Why did I choose Violette to be his wife? Out of all the women, I had to pick this


    shameless slut!"


    ...


    In the room, Elijah¡¯s breathing gradually became steady.


    Violette reached out and touched his forehead.


    There was sweat on his forehead, but the temperature was normal.


    Afraid that he might wake up thirsty during the night, she got out of bed and poured a cup of water for


    him, cing it on the bedside table next to him.


    The next morning, when Violette woke up, Elijah was no longer by her side.


    She picked up her phone and checked the time.


    It was already past eight in the morning.


    Elijah had sent her a message at around six in the morning: "Slept wellst night, I¡¯m leaving first."


    Her cheeks flushed. Why did she feel so hot just by reading his message?


    She found the remote and turned off the air conditioner.


    After freshening up, she came out of the room, and Albina called her for breakfast.


    "What¡¯s going on between you two?" Albina asked as she served Violette breakfast.


    "What do you mean?" Violette pretended not to understand.


    "Don¡¯t y dumb. Weren¡¯t you going to divorce him? I don¡¯t think you two can do it." Albina sat across


    from her and said, "He doesn¡¯t want to divorce you at all. He must like you quite a bit."


    Violette sighed, "Mom, what does it matter if he likes me? My worth shouldn¡¯t be determined by a man."


    Albina: "But if he doesn¡¯t divorce you, what will you do?"


    "If it reallyes to that, I¡¯ll go abroad for graduate school."


    "Sounds good!"


    "Mom, just eat your breakfast and don¡¯t think too much about it." Violette felt like every breath she took


    was filled with his scent.


    After finishing breakfast, she had to take a shower.


    Bourne Estate.


    Elijah, wrapped in a towel, walked out of the bathroom.


    He went to the wardrobe, got dressed, and then came to the dining room for breakfast.


    Lacey, seeing him wearing very little, was puzzled: "Sir, aren¡¯t you cold?"


    "Not cold. I feel much better today."


    "That¡¯s good! The doctor willeter; let them check on you."


    "No need. I¡¯m going to the officeter." Elijah¡¯s words shocked Lacey.


    Before he went to see Violette yesterday, he looked like he was seriously ill.


    But today, he seemedpletely normal.


    So, taking all that medicine before couldn¡¯tpare to staying with Violette for a day?


    Bourne Group.


    When Elijah appeared at thepany, several executives couldn¡¯t help but follow him to his office.


    "Boss, are you feeling better? I heard it was pretty serious."


    "Pfft! The boss just had a cold and fever, how serious could it be? Since the boss is here at the


    "Right! Boss, if you feel unwell, feel free to go home and rest. If there¡¯s anything urgent, we¡¯ll email you.


    You can work from home."


    ...


    Elijah ignored their concern and turned to Joey, "Call Melinda in."


    Joey immediately called Melinda, and the others tactfully left.


    "Elijah, why did you suddenlye to work? Did the doctor agree?" Melinda saw him looking unwell


    and was worried.


    "Melinda, your dad¡¯s birthday ising up, right?"


    A hint of surprise shed in Melinda¡¯s eyes: "Yeah, it¡¯s this weekend. I didn¡¯t tell you because you were


    sick."


    Elijah: "I¡¯ll be there."


    Melinda¡¯s lips curved up, and she was overjoyed: "Great! I was worried you wouldn¡¯t want to go! My


    N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    dad will be so happy to see you."


    "Melinda, I have a wife. I¡¯m going to your dad¡¯s birthday party because your brother invited my wife."


    Elijah¡¯s words shattered all of Melinda¡¯s illusions.

 Chapter 104

    Chapter 104


    Melinda¡¯s smile disappeared from her face: "There¡¯s never a ce for me in your heart."


    Elijah: "Go find someone who can."


    Melinda turned and walked away.


    That night, Melinda was feeling down, so she asked Derek to join her for a drink.


    Seeing her in such a state, Derek bluntly said: "No guy will like you if you¡¯re like this."


    Melinda¡¯s eyes filled with anger: "I¡¯m already tired enough outside! Do I still have to pretend in my own


    home?!"


    Derek poured her a drink: "Melinda, we siblings need to stick together more. If you listen to me, you


    can have anything you want."


    "Can I have Elijah?" Melinda downed her drink and asked him with red eyes.


    Derek put his arm around her, leaned in and whispered: "You can¡¯t have him while he¡¯s alive, but if he


    dies, I can give you his ashes. That¡¯s like having him indirectly, isn¡¯t it?"


    Melinda¡¯s face changed drastically, and she pushed him away forcefully!


    "Derek! Are you out of your damn mind?! Don¡¯t you dare hurt Elijah!"


    ¡®Bang!¡¯


    Derek mmed into the table behind him, feeling a sharp pain in his waist.


    "I¡¯m sorry! I didn¡¯t mean it!" Melinda helped him up, feeling guilty, "I didn¡¯t mean to argue with you... But


    Elijah is my bottom line, don¡¯t be his enemy!"


    " ... We¡¯re already enemies." Derek gasped in pain, "He¡¯s investing 500 million dors in the Dennis


    Group. Melinda, do you think it¡¯s worth that much? He¡¯s provoking me!"


    Melinda stiffened.


    "Is that true? Howe I haven¡¯t heard anything?"


    "Because he doesn¡¯t trust you. And he deliberately let the news leak to me. I bet he and Violette talked


    privately." Derek slowly sat on the sofa, looking pained, "Melinda, get me some medicine."


    Melinda went to get the medicine box


    , while her thoughts were wandering.


    Maybe she¡¯d never see Elijah and Violette get divorced.


    She had never seen Elijah treat any woman so seriously


    .


    She lost!


    So thoroughly!


    ...


    Derek¡¯s father¡¯s birthday party was held at the Marcia family¡¯s vi in R City.


    A City and R City were neighboring, just over an hour¡¯s drive away.


    Derek called Violette early in the morning, wanting to pick her and Albina up.


    Violette declined politely: "My mom doesn¡¯t want to go, and I have to go back to school for something


    today. You don¡¯t need to worry about me, just go ahead!"


    Violette didn¡¯t have anything urgent.


    Derek knew she just didn¡¯t want to be with him.


    Derek: "Violette, try toe early, I have something to tell you."


    Violette: "Mmm... I have something to tell you too."


    After hanging up, Violette went back to sleep.


    She had stayed uptest night writing a paper and was extremely tired.


    At the R City vi.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    At noon, the Marcia family¡¯s huge parking lot was filled with luxury cars.


    Elijah entered the gate and began searching for Violette in the crowd.


    "Violette hasn¡¯t arrived yet." Melinda said, "You two haven¡¯t made up yet? I thought you¡¯de


    together."


    Elijah was calm: "We might make up tomorrow."


    "I heard you want to invest 500 million in the Dennis Group. Elijah, as a friend, I think you¡¯re being


    irrational." Melinda poured him a ss of warm water.


    "How much money I give her is between me and her." Elijah picked up the water ss and took a sip,


    "You don¡¯t need to worry about my family affairs."


    Melinda¡¯s face turned pale.


    Family affairs!


    He didn¡¯t even care about a 500 million dor investment!


    "I will neverment on your rtionship with Violette again!" Melinda said resentfully.


    Elijah: "You¡¯d better keep your word."

 Chapter 105

    Chapter 105


    Melinda


    spent the whole morning mentally preparing herself not to get mad at Elijah because of Violette, but


    now, her psychological defensepletely copsed!


    She held back her pain, got up, and left.


    Not far away, Derek watched his sister hit a wall with Elijah again, even in their own home, feeling both


    heartache and embarrassed .


    Melinda wasted the ten years of youth and feelings on Elijah, and he had to pay back tonight!


    After lunch, Elijah went to the guest room to rest.


    He didn¡¯t expect Violette to not have arrived yet.


    Didn¡¯t she say she wasfortable with Derek?


    Was she lying to him?


    After arriving at the guest room, he didn¡¯t lie down to rest.


    He wasn¡¯t very tired;ing to the guest room was just to avoid socializing.


    He sent a message to his bodyguard: Call me when Violette arrives.


    After sending the message, he put his phone on the table and picked up a book from the shelf next to


    him.


    Around 4 p.m., there were voices outside the door.


    "Do you know Violette?"


    "Of course, she¡¯s the woman Derek likes!"


    "Right, just now young master asked me to prepare some stuff for a woman and bring it to his room. It


    seems Violette will be staying overnight."


    "When ites to chasing women, he never fails! Do you know why he¡¯s always sessful?"


    "Why?"


    "Our young master has a way to make women obey! The method is..."


    The voices outside the door suddenly became softer.


    Then, the footsteps gradually faded away.


    Elijah frowned and strode towards the door.


    At this moment, his phone rang.


    Elijah turned back and answered the call.


    "Boss, Violette is here. Derek personally greeted her at the door. Now he¡¯s taking her to the south." The


    bodyguard reported.


    "Follow her!"


    "Boss, there are bodyguards guarding the south side, and outsiders are not allowed in. I heard that¡¯s


    where Derek¡¯s father lives."


    Elijah hung up the phone.


    He opened his contacts, found Violette¡¯s number, and dialed it.


    ......


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    "Violette, my father likes quiet, he¡¯ll get a headache when he hears things like phone ringing..." Derek


    said to Violette.


    Violette immediately replied, "Then I¡¯ll set it to silent mode."


    "No need. Your phone probably doesn¡¯t have a signal now. The signal is blocked on this side where he


    lives."


    Violette: "Is your father¡¯s illness that serious?"


    Derek nodded: "He is still not getting any better despite he has seen many doctors . Only when he is in


    apletely quiet environment, will he feel better."


    Violette: "Since he likes quiet, why does he still hold a birthday party?"


    Derekughed: "He doesn¡¯t like it, but his condition is more importent. Before he got sick, he liked lively


    events."


    Violette nodded, indicating that she understood.


    "Why does your father want to see me alone? I¡¯m a little nervous." Violette said uneasily.


    Derek: "Don¡¯t be nervous. He just wants to chat with you."


    Banquet.


    Derek and Violette didn¡¯t show up.


    Elijah called Violette several times without any response.


    He then called Derek, with the same result.


    Feeling as if his heart was being cut out, he left the banquet hall and strode towards the south.

 Chapter 106

    Chapter 106


    "Mr. Bourne, please hold on," the Marcia family bodyguard stopped Elijah.


    Elijah said sternly, "I have to go in! My wife is inside."


    The Marcia family bodyguard said, "You mean Ms. Dennis? She went mountain climbing with Mr.


    Marcia."


    Elijah¡¯s lips tightened, and the coldness in his eyes grew stronger.


    The Marcia family bodyguard pointed to a nearby peak, "They went up from there. But it¡¯s already dark,


    and the road up the mountain is quite steep. You¡¯re not familiar with the mountain path, so I suggest


    you wait in the banquet hall. They¡¯ll be back soon."


    Elijah¡¯s fingers clenched slightly, and he strode towards the mountain path.


    ...


    Reception room.


    Violette couldn¡¯t sit still after listening to Derek¡¯s father talk about his entrepreneurial history and his


    views on the Dennis Group for two hours.


    "Uncle, thank you for sharing so much with me. Happy birthday to you. As for work, I¡¯ll discuss it


    privately with Derek."


    If it wasn¡¯t for the fact that it was his birthday, Violette might not have been able to sit for so long.


    "Dad, take a break. I¡¯ll take Violette to eat," Derek looked at the time and spoke to his father.


    As they left the reception room, Violette looked at the darkening sky and felt a touch of sadness in her


    heart.


    Maybe because it was her first time here, she felt unfamiliar and uneasy everywhere.


    "Derek, I won¡¯t ept your investment." Violette mustered up the courage to tell him her answer.


    Derek stopped suddenly, his face losing itsposure, "Why? Can you give me a clear reason?"


    Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    Violette didn¡¯t mince words, "Because you¡¯re Melinda¡¯s brother. So I won¡¯t ept your investment."


    "Did Elijah say something to you? Are you nning to ept Elijah¡¯s investment?" Derek was not


    surprised by her answer, but he was heartbroken.


    "I won¡¯t ept his investment," Violette said calmly and decisively, "Derek, I took a bullet train this


    afternoon, and now I need to catch a train back, so I won¡¯t stay for the dinner."


    She came today just to tell him her answer face to face.


    Now that she had told him, she could leave.


    Derek didn¡¯t expect her to be so heartless.


    Her way of doing things was strikingly simr to Elijah¡¯s.


    Was this the reason they attracted each other?


    Derek grabbed her arm, trying to keep her, "Eat first, then go. Since Elijah is here today, let him take


    you home. Otherwise, I won¡¯t feel at ease."


    Violette pulled her arm back, "I called a car in advance. The driver should be here by now."


    Derek insisted, "Eat first, then go! Even if we can¡¯t work together, we don¡¯t need to make our


    rtionship so stiff! Violette, we¡¯re not enemies!"


    Violette took a deep breath.


    She didn¡¯t want to break up with Derek.


    They couldn¡¯t be friends, but she also didn¡¯t want to make another enemy.


    Derek took her to the banquet hall and arranged a seat for her. After that, Melinda walked towards


    them with a cold face!


    She went up to Derek, grabbed his arm, and dragged him out!


    Violette watched the Marcia family siblings leave and suddenly lost her appetite.


    Melinda¡¯s face was gloomy and cold just now.


    It was as if something had happened!


    Violette looked around uneasily.


    Besides her, the other guests didn¡¯t notice the Marcia family siblings¡¯ abnormal behavior.


    Derek said earlier that Elijah was here, but she hadn¡¯t seen him.


    ...


    Melinda dragged Derek out of the banquet hall.


    "Where¡¯s Elijah?! Where did he go?!"

 Chapter 107

    Chapter 107


    Derek dusted off his crumpled sleeves and retorted coldly, "Melinda! I¡¯m not his bodyguard, I don¡¯t have


    the time to babysit him for you! If you need him, go find him yourself!"


    Melinda clenched her fist and punched Derek in the chest, "I can¡¯t reach him! I can¡¯t find him! Even his


    bodyguard doesn¡¯t know where he is! Stop ying dumb, Derek! You intentionally jammed the signal in


    the house, didn¡¯t you? This is all part of your scheme!"


    Derek muffled her with one hand and picked her up with the other.


    "Melinda! You are grounded now! After tonight, you won¡¯t be in pain anymore!"


    In the banquet hall.


    Violette suddenly stood up.


    She was surrounded by unfamiliar faces, and h


    er unease grew by the minute.


    Checking her phone, she saw missed calls and a message from Elijah that afternoon.


    His message read: Find me as soon as you see this! I¡¯m waiting for you in the banquet hall!


    She was in the banquet hall, but where was he?


    She tried calling him, but the call automatically disconnected, indicating a poor signal.


    Wasn¡¯t it only the south area that had no signal?


    Her suspicion grew.


    She stepped out of the banquet hall and was immediately approached by a tall, dark figure.


    "Violette! Have you seen my boss?!" Elijah¡¯s bodyguard looked at her anxiously.


    "No! Weren¡¯t you with him?" Violette¡¯s heart clenched as her mind began to race, "I just tried calling him


    but couldn¡¯t get through. There¡¯s no signal here!"


    "It must be Derek who jammed the signal! I don¡¯t know where he has gone. I was eating in the other


    banquet hall when Melinda suddenly ran over asking where he was. That¡¯s when I realized he was


    gone!"


    Violette clenched her fists, recalling the icy re Melinda had given Derek.


    "Derek... I¡¯ll go find Derek!" Violette mumbled.


    "I¡¯ll go with you!"


    As they approached the entrance to the south area, the bodyguard spotted Marcia family¡¯s bodyguard


    and charged at him, gripping his throat.


    "Where¡¯s Derek?! Take us to him!"


    Seeing this, Violette quickly pulled the bodyguard away, "How can he talk if you¡¯re choking him?"


    The bodyguard released him, and t


    Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    he man coughed violently, "I...I don¡¯t know where Mr. Marcia is? I¡¯m just in charge of guarding the south


    area..."


    Violette: "Did you see Elijahe here?"


    She had a strong gut feeling.


    Elijah had spent the afternoon calling her and even sent her a message. He had been waiting for her.


    He must have known she was here, he must havee looking for her.


    The Marcia family¡¯s bodyguard hesitated.


    Seeing this, Elijah¡¯s bodyguard kicked him to the ground, "Where did my boss go?! I have a short


    temper, you have three seconds! Three, two..."


    "Elijah went up the mountain!" the Marcia family¡¯s bodyguard pointed towards the dark, "He went up


    from there!"


    "Damn it! Why would my boss go up the mountain! It¡¯s pitch dark, why would he go up there!" The


    bodyguard cursed and stepped on the man¡¯s head, "Speak up! Damn you, speak up!"


    Violette¡¯s heart pounded in her chest, and her eyes were filled with tears.


    Elijah had a bad leg.


    He had juste out of the wheelchair not long ago


    , and he couldn¡¯t climb mountains.


    Moreover, the mountain was pitch-dark, without any light.


    "He...he went up the mountain to find...find Ms. Dennis..." the Marcia family¡¯s bodyguard stammered


    out the reason before passing out.

 Chapter 108

    Chapter 108


    The vi sat halfway up the hill.


    There was a pretty smooth road from the bottom to the halfway mark, perfect for driving right up to the


    vi.


    But anything above that, there was no road.


    By the time Elijah started his climb, night had already fallen.


    He turned on the shlight on his phone and began to climb quickly.


    He was worried about Violette.


    Derek was up to no good and he feared he might bete to save her.


    If he had known Derek was this sneaky, he would never have let here alone.


    After about half an hour, he was gasping for breath and his legs began to give him hell.


    He had been warned by the doctor not to engage in any strenuous activities for the next six months.


    His legs could barely handle a simple walk, let alone a long one.


    And a mountain climb that would wear out his knees? That was a big no-no. It was way too risky.


    In the dark, with the chilly wind howling and the trees rustling, he stopped because of the intense pain


    in his legs.


    He tried to call his bodyguards from his contact list, b


    ut there was no signal on his phone.


    Technically, he could descend the mountain. His strength would allow for that.


    But not once did he entertain that thought.


    He endured the difort and continued his climb.


    He had to find Violette and get her safely down the mountain.


    However, disaster struck when he missed a step.


    His legs hurt so bad that he missed a step, lost his bnce and fell backward.


    As he fell, the image that shed in his mind wasn¡¯t fear, wasn¡¯t death, but Violette¡¯s face.


    Violette in all her moods.


    Only then did fear grip him.


    Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    He was scared that Derek could harm Violette!


    As he fell into the limitless darkness, t


    he sharp, grating sound of his body scraping against rocks and tree branches filled his ears.


    He had no idea where he wouldnd or if he would survive.


    ...


    "Elijah! Can you hear me! Elijah!" Violette screamed into the silent mountainside, "I didn¡¯t go up the


    mountain! Elijah! I didn¡¯t go up the mountain!"


    Bodyguard: "Boss! We¡¯reing for you! If you hear us, respond! I¡¯m here to get you!"


    The wind was chilly, and the cold was bone-piercing.


    The higher Violette climbed, the more scared she became.


    The path was way too steep!


    She had to hold on to the bodyguard¡¯s arm to climb.


    Elijah¡¯s legs were bad, how could hee to such a ce?!


    Hot tears welled up in Violette¡¯s eyes.


    "Elijah!"


    Her voice was choked with emotion.


    The bodyguard, annoyed by her slowing him down, let her go: "Stay here and don¡¯t move! I¡¯ll go find


    him!"


    After he left, Violette quickly wiped away the tears from her eyes.


    She took one step at a time and struggled to climb.


    She couldn¡¯t just stand there and do nothing!


    No way!


    She had to find Elijah!


    She had to tell him in person that she didn¡¯t go up the mountain! And even if she did, he shouldn¡¯t have


    taken such a risk to find her!


    Wasn¡¯t he supposed to be a genius?


    Where was his high IQ?!


    Where was his rationality!


    Was it all gone?!


    Violette¡¯s vision blurred.

 Chapter 109

    Chapter 109


    Suddenly, her gaze was drawn to a light not too far away!


    She shone her phone shlight towards it¡ª


    In the messy valley, there was clearly a person lying!


    "Elijah!" She broke downpletely, ignoring everything, she got down on her hands and knees,


    crawling towards the steep valley. "Elijah, I¡¯ming! Don¡¯t be scared! You¡¯re gonna be fine, you¡¯re


    gonna be fine!"


    Hearing her scream, the bodyguard shouted down from above, "Violette! Have you found my boss?¡±


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    "...I found him! He¡¯s fallen down! His face is covered in blood!" Violette, holding back her emotions,


    pleaded for help, "You need to get here quick!"


    After finishing her plea, she took a deep breath and then jumped in Elijah¡¯s direction.


    She twisted her ankle


    , gasped in pain, and wiped away her tears fiercely.


    Quickly, she crawled over to Elijah and held him tight!


    "Elijah! Wake up! Don¡¯t sleep! Don¡¯t sleep!" Holding his somewhat cold face in her hands, she lowered


    her head, trying to warm him up.


    There was no signal on the mountain, and t


    hey couldn¡¯t call for help.


    The bodyguard carried Elijah and went down the mountain first.


    Violette, supporting herself with tree branches, cried as she descended.


    Why did this happen?


    Who told Elijah she was on the mountain?


    This was murder!


    If Elijah had fallen into a deeper valley, if nobody found him, with the current weather, he would freeze


    to death in less than 24 hours!


    Just thinking about his near-death experience, her tears uncontrobly fell.


    Because he went up the mountain looking for her.


    ......


    The Marcia family¡¯s vi.


    After Elijah was rescued, two of the Marcia family¡¯s bodyguards came to Derek¡¯s room.


    "We waited for him at the mountain top, but he fell before reaching the top!" reported the bodyguard.


    Derek clenched his fists, mming the table, "Useless! Couldn¡¯t even make it to the top! He should¡¯ve


    just killed himself!"


    Bodyguard: "He¡¯s got lucky! We went to see where he fell, it was a big valley. If it was a narrow one,


    nobody would¡¯ve found him!"


    Derek rubbed his forehead, annoyed, "We must keep what happened tonight secret! You can leave


    now!"


    After the bodyguards left, Derek came out of his room.


    He unlocked Melinda¡¯s room with a key.


    Melinda¡¯s eyes were full of hatred!


    "You killed him, didn¡¯t you? Derek! Is this your way of setting me free?! Will you believe me if I say I¡¯ll


    die with him!" Melinda¡¯s eyes were swollen from crying, a fruit knife in her hand.


    She was shaking uncontrobly.


    If Derek said Elijah was dead, she might actually stab herself in the heart the next second.


    "He¡¯s got a strong life, didn¡¯t die. Now the one who might die, is me." Derek¡¯s face was gloomy, "Once


    he wakes up, he¡¯ll definitelye for revenge. Melinda, leave this family!¡±


    ¡®ng¡¯!


    The knife fell to the floor.


    "Why does it have to be a life and death situation? Derek, you lose every time you face Elijah! Why


    can¡¯t you just admit defeat?" Melindaughed coldly, picked up her bag, and walked past him.


    ......


    A weekter.


    The Dennis Group officially announced bankruptcy, and t


    he court initiated the bankruptcy liquidation process for the Dennis Group.


    Violette did not sign the will inheritance procedures, s


    o ke¡¯s debt had nothing to do with her.


    On the day the news came out, Reaves sent Violette a message: Go to hell!


    Violette turned off her phone.


    People¡¯s energy is limited.


    She had too much on her te right now.


    Elijah¡¯s legs were seriously injured.


    When he was discharged from the hospital, he had to get back in the wheelchair.


    She didn¡¯t visit him at the hospital.


    It wasn¡¯t that she didn¡¯t want to, but she couldn¡¯t.


    The Bourne family¡¯s bodyguards were guarding outside his hospital room, not even a fly could get in.


    She could only get news about him from Lacey.


    Lacey told her, after waking up, he was very depressed, not willing to talk or be disturbed.


    So, she could only wait.


    Wait till he was willing to see her.

 Chapter 110

    Chapter 110


    University of A, library.


    After having dinner at school, Violette had been holed up here reading.


    Deeply absorbed, a cheer suddenly erupted around her!


    "It¡¯s snowing! First snow of the year! It¡¯sing down hard! Let¡¯s go y in the snow!"


    "Yeah! I¡¯m going to take photos!"


    ...


    The library quickly emptied out.


    Violette couldn¡¯t resist and went to the window to see the heavy snow falling outside.


    What a heavy snow, so beautiful!


    Beautiful things always bring about a good mood.


    "Hey, your phone is ringing!" Someone came up behind Violette and tapped her shoulder.


    Snapping back to reality, she heard her phone ringing: "Thanks, dude!"


    She limped back to her seat from the window.


    Last time on the mountain, she sprained her ankle and didn¡¯t get it treated untilte.


    Her ankle was badly swollen and still hadn¡¯t fully recovered.


    But this didn¡¯t affect her life.


    She picked up her phone and answered the call.


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    Whatever was said on the other end of the line had her eyes instantly lit up, her eyebrows raised.


    Her eyes were full of excitement.


    After hanging up, the smile on her face didn¡¯t fade.


    Life wasn¡¯t always bad luck, she was finally blessed by Lady Luck.


    She packed up her stuff, grabbed her bag, and headed outside as fast as she could.


    In an instant, her phone rang again.


    She quickly pulled out her phone and answered.


    "Violette! It¡¯s snowing! Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re still in the library!" Odette¡¯s voice came from the other end.


    "Odette, I¡¯ve decided to go to grad school!"


    "What the hell! Didn¡¯t you say you weren¡¯t nning on that? What made you change your mind?!"


    Odette eximed in shock.


    Violette pulled the phone slightly away from her ear, or her eardrums would burst.


    "Do you know Professor Dr. Mitchel?!"


    "Who¡¯s that?!" Odette asked cluelessly, "Is he some big shot professor?"


    "Absolutely! He¡¯s my idol! His assistant just called me, said Dr. Mitchel is willing to take me as his


    student, asked if I¡¯d go to his grad school..." Violette¡¯s voice choked up, "I¡¯ve always dreamed of being


    his student... never thought he¡¯d pick me..."


    Odette really wanted to hug her.


    "Violette! I told you you¡¯re great! Why didn¡¯t you believe me? You believe me now, right? Where are


    you? I¡¯ming to find you, I¡¯m treating you to a big meal to celebrate!"


    Violette was a bit dizzy, after wiping away her tears, sheughed: "I want to go home and sleep. I¡¯m


    really tired. Next time, I¡¯ll treat you!"


    Odette: "You haven¡¯t been sleeping well these past few days, have you? I heard from Ramsey that


    Elijah went home to rest today. You don¡¯t have to worry too much about him, with so many people


    taking care of him, he¡¯ll definitely recover."


    Violette: "Yeah!"


    She wasn¡¯t worried about him not recovering, she felt guilty.


    If it weren¡¯t for herst time, he wouldn¡¯t have been injured.


    After hanging up, Odette looked up at Ramsey.


    "Violette¡¯s nning on going to grad school." Odette sighed, "She might even go abroad. I just looked


    up that professor she mentioned online, he¡¯s at a medical school overseas..."


    Ramsey: "It¡¯s good to study more. Elijah would definitely support her."


    "What¡¯s Elijah¡¯s deal? Why won¡¯t he see Violette? She was the first to find him when he fell on the


    mountain. It¡¯s not like she made him climb the mountain, how could he be mad at Violette!" Odette


    defended Violette.


    Ramsey draped his arm around her shoulder as they walked through the heavy snowfall.

 Chapter 111

    Chapter 111


    "I reckon Elijah didn¡¯t avoid Violette because he was mad. I asked his bodyguard, and he said that


    Elijah got a scratch on his face from a tree branch and he¡¯s really bothered by it. His wound hasn¡¯t


    healed yet, so he probably doesn¡¯t want to see anyone."


    "Ah, that¡¯s the reason! I¡¯ll let Violette know right away, or she¡¯ll start imagining things!" Odette ryed


    Ramsey¡¯s words to Violette.


    Violette responded with a smiley emoji.


    Odette texted her again: Elijah¡¯s birthday is in two weeks. Have you thought about what gift to give


    him?


    Violette: Not yet, I don¡¯t know what to give him.


    Odette: It¡¯s super cold out, why don¡¯t you knit him a sweater?


    Violette: Are you for real? Who wears hand-knit sweaters these days?


    Odette: Just do it. Guys love this kind of thing.


    Violette: But I don¡¯t know how to knit!


    Odette: The yarn shop will teach you! Or you can find tutorials online! You¡¯re smart, you¡¯ll pick it up in


    no time!


    Violette: Why are you insisting that I knit a sweater?


    Odette: Because guys love the sentiment behind it! Ramsey still can¡¯t forget his first love because she


    knitted him a sweater that he¡¯s kept all these years. I¡¯m so jealous, but there¡¯s no way I¡¯d knit him one!


    Standing in the snow, Violette looked at her best friend¡¯s message and briefly hesitated.


    A car stopped in front of her, honking its horn and snapping her out of her thoughts. It was the taxi she


    had called.


    An hourter, she returned home with a bag of yarn.


    Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    Albina came up to her, looked at the yarn in the bag, and asked curiously, "Are you going to knit a


    scarf?"


    Violette blushed slightly, "I want to knit a sweater."


    Albina¡¯s eyes shed with understanding, "Who are you knitting it for? For me? Or for Elijah?"


    Violette: "Mom, I¡¯ll make one for you. but Elijah¡¯s birthday ising up, so I¡¯ll get one for him first. Once


    I get the hang of it, I¡¯ll knit a better one for you."


    Albinaughed, "I was just teasing you! But isn¡¯t it out of fashion to knit sweaters for your lover? It used


    to be trendy during our time."


    Violette: "Odette said it¡¯s still in style."


    Albina: "Oh, seems like what goes aroundes around! Do you know how to knit? It¡¯s pretty time-


    consuming. Do you want my help?"


    Violette shook her head, "There are still two weeks left! I should be able to finish it."


    ......


    Bourne Mansion.


    The closed balcony on the second floor.


    Elijah sat in his wheelchair, silently watching the heavy snow outside the window.


    His mind had been nk these days. So was his heart.


    The previous obsessions and pains seemed to have been paused.


    He didn¡¯t want to see anyone, nor did he want to hear any sound.


    Only when the pain in his body was unbearable would he wonder, what it would be like if he had died in


    the fall.


    He knew very well that nothing would change.


    The earth would still spin.


    Those who cried because of his departure would eventually return to their normal lives.


    In this world, no one would die just because they lost someone.


    But deep down, he still cared.


    He couldn¡¯t die.


    His hands tightly gripped the armrests of the wheelchair, his body tense.


    Tears quickly slid down from the corners of his eyes.


    In the living room on the second floor.


    Grace sat on the sofa, with the doctor standing beside her.


    "Madam, Elijah¡¯s injury this time has led to a rpse of his depression."


    Grace sighed, "I can feel it. He won¡¯t talk, he¡¯s closed himself off again."

 Chapter 112

    Chapter 112


    "I gave him his depression meds in the morning, but he didn¡¯t take them," the doctor said, frowning. "He


    can¡¯t just not take your meds!"


    Grace: "I¡¯ll have a good talk with him tomorrow."


    Doctor: "I heard he listens to Violette more. Maybe you could..."


    "No way! The reason my son is in this state is all because of her. That woman only brings misery to my


    son!" Grace eximed, her emotions running high.


    The doctor didn¡¯tment.


    He was only responsible for Elijah¡¯s physical condition.


    "I know you¡¯re not intentionally siding with Violette... We¡¯ll talk again tomorrow! Let¡¯s see if he¡¯ll listen to


    me," Grace quicklypromised.


    She hoped her son would get better soon. Everything else, she could let slide.


    ...


    After Violette finished her bath, she went to the window and looked at the snow outside.


    The ground was white, as if it had been dressed in ayer of silver. The night also seemed a bit


    brighter.


    She picked up her phone, wanting to call Elijah.


    She wanted to hear his voice.


    Afraid that he wouldn¡¯t answer, she decided to send him a voice message instead.


    Even if she couldn¡¯t hear his voice, she wanted him to hear hers, to let him know that she was thinking


    about him.


    After sending the voice message, she went to the living room, took out some yarn, and began knitting a


    sweater.


    The world became peaceful, and her heart followed suit.


    Around 2 am, Elijah was awakened by a nightmare.


    His forehead was covered in sweat, and his eyes were filled with a rare terror.


    These days, he dreamt every night that he was dead.


    That wasn¡¯t even the worst part.


    The horrifying part was in the dream, where his body was torn to pieces, unrecognizable.


    He had turned into a pile of mush!


    The only things surrounding him were flies and bugs.


    Every time he woke up, he felt disgusted!


    He picked up his phone to check the time.


    identally, he opened the messaging app and Violette¡¯s profile picture appeared before his eyes.


    With trembling fingers, he opened their chat and saw the voice message she had sent.


    He yed the voice message. Her voice came out


    ---


    ---Elijah, it¡¯s snowing today, have you seen it? I heard you were discharged today, I hope you get better


    soon! I wanted to call you, but I didn¡¯t want to disturb you, so I sent you a voice message. Let me show


    you the snow over here!


    ---Snowscape.jpg


    When he opened the picture, he saw the white snow.


    His throat moved, the shadows of his nightmare suppressed.


    He kept reying her voice message, listening to her clear voice. His heart, controlled by the illness,


    N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    gradually calmed down.


    A weekter,


    Elijah appeared at the Bourne Group.


    He was sitting in a wheelchair, a lightweight woolen nket draped over his legs.


    His face was as cold and noble as ever, emanating an aura of "stay away."


    If not for his legs, it would be hard to believe he almost died half a month ago.


    When he entered the office, his assistant Joey immediately started briefing him on the work.


    After the briefing, Joey asked, "Boss, would you like something to drink? Coffee? Or something else?"


    Elijah slightly parted his thin lips and said, "Coffee. And call Melinda over."

 Chapter 113

    Chapter 113


    Joey: "Alright."


    Soon, a cup of coffee appeared in front of Elijah.


    Joey stepped out of the office, bumping into Melinda, who was without makeup, looking exceptionally


    pale.


    Joey approached her, wanting to say something, but in the end, she said nothing.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    Melinda entered the office and closed the door.


    "Elijah, I¡¯m sorry," she said, standing in front of him, her voice low. "It was all my brother¡¯s doing. He


    knew about your leg, so he tricked you into climbing that mountain. That mountain is especially steep;


    we usually never go there. He wanted to hurt you."


    Elijah looked at her pale face, went silent for a while, then said, "I know."


    "I¡¯m sorry. He won¡¯t apologize, he¡¯s already fled the country," Melinda said, struggling to hold back her


    tears. "Elijah, please have mercy on my family. My father is old, and I¡¯m afraid he can¡¯t handle a family


    crisis. If you want to punish someone, punish me. I¡¯ll ept it."


    Elijah watched her, still silent.


    As if this was the first time he was seeing her true appearance.


    Before, she was always made up, always presenting her best self to him.


    "Melinda, I remember your years ofpanionship," he said calmly, devoid of any emotion. "Leave


    here, and never appear before me again. As long as you can do that, I won¡¯t harm your family."


    As soon as he finished speaking , Melinda broke into tears.


    ---It was over!


    She and him, it waspletely over!


    She took a deep breath, trying to hold back her tears, but they flowed anyway.


    She gave him onest look, then turned and ran out.


    After Melinda left the Bourne Group, Brandon knocked on Elijah¡¯s office door.


    He knew Elijah didn¡¯t want to hear about Melinda, so he didn¡¯t bring it up.


    "Elijah, your birthday is next week, if you don¡¯t want to throw a party at a hotel, how about a small one


    at home?" suggested Brandon.


    Elijah took a sip of his coffee and said coolly, "No party."


    He disliked fuss; he never celebrated his birthdays.


    "But Violette has already prepared a birthday gift for you, if you don¡¯t celebrate, how is she going to


    give it to you? You know, her gift isn¡¯t something money can buy," Brandon said, deliberately ying


    coy.


    Elijah tried to act indifferent, but his eyes gave him away.


    "She¡¯s knitting you a sweater! Every day, she¡¯s knitting, just so she can give it to you before your


    birthday," Brandon exaggerated. "Don¡¯t you want to see the sweater she¡¯s knitting for you? I¡¯ve never


    had a woman knit me a sweater before!"


    Elijah didn¡¯t like wearing sweaters, b


    ecause wearing them was a hassle.


    And painstakingly knitting a sweater, was even more of a hassle!


    In his view, this was a foolish act, b


    ut he wouldn¡¯t call her foolish.


    If she gave him a sweater, he wouldn¡¯t reject it.


    "Elijah, I know you dislike fuss, so it¡¯ll just be us, a few friends, having a meal together," said Brandon.


    Elijah frowned.


    Realizing he¡¯d forgotten to mention the most important person, Brandon quickly added, "Oh, and


    Violette. She¡¯s already prepared a gift for you, so she¡¯ll definitely attend our gathering. Do you prefer it


    at home or at a restaurant?"


    Elijah: "Restaurant."


    Brandon: "Alright! I¡¯ll book a ce right away. After the booking is made, should I inform Violette, or will


    you?"


    Elijah: "You tell her."


    Brandon thought for a moment, "Have you two not been in contact all this time? Why not? I heard from


    Ramsey that Violette has been wanting to see you..."


    "She hasn¡¯te to see me." Elijah¡¯s voice was a bit low, even his breath was filled with unhappiness.


    Brandon didn¡¯t expect, that Elijah was waiting for Violette to reach out to him.


    "She¡¯s probably busy knitting the sweater! Knitting takes a lot of time, and it¡¯s her first time trying. Wait,


    I remember you don¡¯t like wearing sweaters!" Brandon suddenly remembered, thenughed, "If she


    finished knitting it, give it to me! I¡¯ve never worn a handmade sweater before!"


    Elijah calmly replied, each word was clear and distinct, "You remembered wrong, I like wearing


    sweaters."

 Chapter 114

    Chapter 114


    Brandon knew he was lying, but he couldn¡¯t call him out.


    They¡¯d known each other for years, and Brandon had never seen him in a sweater!


    However, the sweater Violette knitted for him had a different meaning than any store-bought one.


    "Elijah, Grace called me," Brandon said. "She said your nephew is out of the hospital and she wants


    you toe home for dinner tonight."


    Elijah: "She could¡¯ve told me herself."


    Brandon: "Did Grace piss you off or something? She seemed kinda nervous when she was talking to


    me. Elijah, don¡¯t be mad at her. There¡¯s no one in the world who loves their kid more than a mother..."


    Elijah: "Please, just stop talking."


    Brandon burst outughing: "Wanna bring Violette home for dinner?"


    Elijah thought for a few seconds: "Didn¡¯t you say she was busy knitting that sweater?"


    "Yep! She¡¯s got another week to finish. I wonder how it¡¯sing along."


    ......


    In the evening.


    Elijah returned to Old Manor.


    Grace was over the moon, while everyone else was visibly tense.


    Elijah¡¯s cold gazended on Sabrina.


    He didn¡¯t expect her to be at this family dinner.


    "Elijah, she¡¯s Violette¡¯s sister, Sabrina. I wasn¡¯t really fond of her at first, but she¡¯s been taking care of


    Kaleb since he got hurt..." Grace began to exin when she noticed her son looking at Sabrina.


    Sabrina felt intimidated by his stare, but mustered up the courage to greet him: "Hi, you can just call me


    Rina. I¡¯m Violette¡¯s sister. I thought you¡¯d bring her with you today."


    Elijah ignored her and shifted his gaze to Kaleb.


    Kaleb looked exhausted and dejected. His hospital stay had been the worst time of his life.


    "Uncle, Violette and I broke up six months ago. She hates me because she found out about me and


    Rina. She wasn¡¯t nted by me, I promise," Kaleb tried to exin.


    Elijah replied nonchntly: "I figured." He paused, then added, "You probably don¡¯t have the guts to


    control Violette."


    Violette was a free spirit. No one could tie her down.


    "Uncle, you can lecture me all you want, as long as it makes you happy," Kaleb said humbly.


    Elijah: "How about you shut up then?"


    Kaleb shut up. His fingers had been reattached, but he hadn¡¯t fully recovered yet.


    Now, he relied on Sabrina to feed him.


    The dinner was tense and quiet.


    Seeing no one else talking, Sabrina tried to lighten the mood.


    "We once had a very urate fortune teller read Violette¡¯s birth chart," Sabrina began, sounding quite


    knowledgeable. "He said Violette would bring misfortune to her husband... Your recent ident in the


    mountains was her doing."


    Elijah looked at her, a coldness in his eyes: "I¡¯m good at fortune-telling too. Here¡¯s a prediction for you -


    your days are numbered."


    Sabrina dropped her spoon with a tter.


    Sensing her son¡¯s anger, Grace immediately called for the security: "Please escort Sabrina out!"


    Seeing Sabrina being kicked out, Kaleb felt down: "Granny..."


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    "You shut up! Either eat by yourself or don¡¯t eat at all! I¡¯ve always had a problem with that Sabrina!


    Being with her will only bring you trouble!"


    Kaleb said nothing more.


    He tried to pick up the spoon with his injured hand.


    Elijah put down his cutlery, took out a cheque from his pocket, and handed it to Travis: "Bro, this is for


    taking care of mom. Please ept it."


    Since Grace lived with Travis, Elijah would periodically give him such payments.


    Travis was hesitant.


    On one hand, he wanted to take the money, but on the other, he felt it would be a blow to his pride,


    as looking after his mother was his duty as a son.

 Chapter 115

    Chapter 115


    Last time Kaleb lost a bet, causing Travis¡¯s massive property loss.


    "Since Elijah is willing to give, let¡¯s just ept it!" Travis¡¯ wife said, "We¡¯re family, no need to be so


    distant with Elijah."


    Travis¡¯ face flushed slightly as he took the check, "Elijah, thank you. This will be thest time."


    Elijah: "I¡¯m full, I¡¯ll leave first."


    Grace stood up and personally saw him out.


    After they left, Kaleb angrily smashed the spoon on the ground!


    "Dad! Why did you ept his money?!" Kaleb felt utterly embarrassed.


    epting charity made him very ufortable.


    "You useless guy! You still have the nerve to say that! If you¡¯re capable, pay back the 20 million


    gambling loss first!" Travis was furious.


    This time Melina also med her son: "Kaleb, your uncle indeed looks down on us, but we don¡¯t have


    to hurt our pride for money! Do you know how much he gave? Five million! Your dad¡¯spany can¡¯t


    even make that much in a year now!"


    Kaleb¡¯s eyes reddened: "Is our family really that bad off now?"


    "What do you think? More than half of ourpany¡¯s clients cooperate with us out of respect for your


    uncle. Starting from the second half of this year, those clients won¡¯t work with us anymore..." Melina


    sighed, "Sabrina doesn¡¯t know the actual situation of our family. If she knew we were broke, she


    probably wouldn¡¯t go after you like that."


    Kaleb was hit hard.


    His injured fingers tightly clenched, but he couldn¡¯t feel the pain.


    He had always lived in a greenhouse.


    Now, the barrier protecting him was gone, and he had to face the cruel reality.


    In the blink of an eye, it was Elijah¡¯s birthday.


    Violette woke up in the morning and checked the prepared gifts, t


    hen she went to wash up and change clothes.


    At the same time, Elijah took a T-shirt from the closet and put it on.


    If he wore a dress shirt, it would be inconvenient to wear a sweater.


    What if the sweater she knitted was tight?


    At 10 a.m.,


    Violette and Elijah arrived at the reserved restaurant.


    The reason they came so early was that Brandon had called them separately.


    Brandon called Elijah, saying Violette had arrived, and he should hurry over.


    And when he called Violette, he said Elijah was already there and asked her toe over immediately.


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    When they rushed over, they found that, besides them, no one else had arrived.


    Violette took a secret nce at Elijah.


    The wound on his face had healed, and he looked pretty good.


    However, he was sitting in a wheelchair, and she didn¡¯t know how his leg injury was recovering.


    He was dressed quite light today, with a T-shirt inside and a thin windbreaker outside.


    While she was looking at him, he was also looking at her.


    She had foundation on her face, but it couldn¡¯t cover her deep dark circles.


    It seemed that she had put in a lot of effort to knit the sweater recently.


    "I knitted a sweater for you. Since I didn¡¯t know your size, I made it a bit bigger..." She handed him the


    bag in her hand.


    His gaze dropped slightly, took the bag, and took out the sweater.


    It was a beige sweater, with quite rough wool. The whole sweater was quite heavy in hand


    , and should be very warm when worn.


    He took off his coat and put on the sweater right in front of her.


    Violette¡¯s cheeks flushed slightly, not expecting him to put it on directly.


    "Elijah, happy birthday."

 Chapter 116

    Chapter 116


    Elijah gazed at her fresh face and softly said, "Thanks."


    The sweater felt wayfier on him than he had expected.


    Violette didn¡¯t expect him to look so good in it


    , and kept wondering whether the sweater itself was good-looking or if it was just because of the


    person wearing it.


    She picked up a bag and pulled out a box from it. "This is another gift I prepared for you. I was afraid


    you wouldn¡¯t like the sweater, so I got you a small gift as well."


    Elijah looked at the small box in her hand.


    "It¡¯s a lighter," she exined a bit embarrassed, "I didn¡¯t know what else to get you, so I bought this.


    You can use it, but try to smoke less. Smoking is bad for your health."


    After saying that, she handed him the box.


    He opened the box, took out the lighter, and pressed it lightly. A me rose up.


    "I¡¯m not addicted," his voice was deep and charming, "I only smoke when I¡¯m annoyed."


    Violette was slightly surprised, "But when I lived in your house before, I saw you smoking almost every


    day."


    Elijah: "That¡¯s because you annoyed me every day."


    Violette: "..."


    "I need some fresh air." Elijah felt a bit hot.


    Because of the heating indoors, his forehead was already starting to sweat.


    "Alright, I¡¯ll push you outside." She walked behind the wheelchair.


    "No need, it¡¯s an electric wheelchair." He said, pressing a button, and the wheelchair automatically


    moved.


    Violette caught up with him, "But you used to let the bodyguards push it."


    Elijah: "If bodyguards push, I don¡¯t need to bother myself."


    "I can help you push..."


    "You don¡¯t have to."


    "But I want to." She said, grabbing his wheelchair handle and pushing it outside, "How¡¯s your leg? What


    did the doctor say?"


    Elijah: "Left leg fractured, right leg bruised."


    Violette¡¯s heart ached a little, "Could you feel the pain?"


    Elijah: "I¡¯m fine."


    Violette pushed him out of the restaurant, and the cold air immediately surrounded them.


    Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    She stopped the wheelchair by the side of the road and covered his legs with his coat.


    "I texted you before, why didn¡¯t you reply?" She asked courageously.


    Hisck of response made her unable to sleep well for several nights.


    Their faces were so close


    , breaths intertwining.


    He didn¡¯t want to tell her that after his injury, his depression had rpsed. It took a week of anti-


    depressant medication to stabilize his condition.


    Once his condition was stable, he found out from Brandon that she had been busy knitting a sweater,


    so he didn¡¯t bother her.


    "Never mind, there wasn¡¯t much to reply to. I couldn¡¯t help but text you because of the first snow." She


    stood up, walked behind the wheelchair, and pushed it along the street.


    "Why didn¡¯t youe find me?" He countered.


    "Ramsey said you¡¯re very conscious of your appearance. I was afraid you wouldn¡¯t want to see me with


    the wounds on your face still healing."


    "But you only texted me once."


    "Because you didn¡¯t reply the first time. I thought you didn¡¯t want to see my messages."


    "I wanted to." His voice became a bit choked.


    "Huh?" Violette stopped, her heart racing, "Elijah, did you just..."


    "There¡¯s a dessert shop up ahead," Elijah pointed at a store ahead and changed the subject, "I want a


    piece of cake."


    Violette¡¯s attention was sessfully diverted, "Alright, let¡¯s go get some cake!" She paused, then asked


    doubtfully, "I thought you didn¡¯t like sweets?"


    "I can have something sweet on my birthday."


    "Yeah, there should be some special rituals on birthdays."


    They arrived at the dessert shop, and the clerk let them pick a style.


    Elijah said to Violette, "You choose."


    Violette: "How about a mousse cake? Cream ones are too sweet."


    Elijah said to the clerk, "Mousse cake."


    Clerk: "Alright, sir, how big do you want it?"


    Elijah turned to Violette, "How big do we need?"


    Violette: "How many people areing for dinner tonight?"

 Chapter 117

    Chapter 117


    Elijah said, "Don¡¯t worry about them."


    Violette suggested, "How about we get a bigger one? What do you think of a ten-inch cake?"


    Elijah told the shopkeeper, "Ten inches."


    The shopkeeper smiled and said, "Alright. You two look so cute together."


    Elijah¡¯s face turned red instantly.


    Elijah turned to the shelves, "Do you need anything else to take home?"


    Violette replied, "No, I don¡¯t..."


    Elijah suggested, "Let¡¯s buy some anyway, for your mom."


    Violette found his blushing face amusing, "Alright, let¡¯s get some."


    An hourter.


    Violette pushed the wheelchair out of the dessert shop.


    Elijah held the cake, looking a bit awkward.


    Luckily, there weren¡¯t many people on the street.


    The temperature was only 5 degrees, b


    ut it felt like there was a fire beside him, warding off the cold.


    The two returned to the restaurant, whereContent held by N?velDrama.Org.


    everyone had already arrived in the private room.


    The originally lively atmosphere suddenly quieted down.


    Elijah, wearing a white sweater, looked different, as if he had be much younger.


    He was also holding a huge cake, which seemed quite out of ce, as e


    veryone knew he didn¡¯t like sweets.


    Brandon cleared his throat and walked up to them, "You guys went to get a cake? I brought one too,


    but it¡¯s not as big as yours."


    Violette felt embarrassed and exined, "He said he wanted cake, so we went to buy one."


    Brandon asked with confusion, "He said he wanted cake?"


    Violette replied, "Yes. Is everyone here? If so, I¡¯ll go and open the cake."


    After she left to open the cake, Brandon went over and touched Elijah¡¯s sweater, joking, "The sweater


    is so soft, Ms. Dennis¡¯ handiwork is not bad! But aren¡¯t you hot wearing this indoors? Do you want me


    to help you take it off?"


    Elijah swatted his hand away, "Don¡¯t touch me."


    Brandonughed and pushed him to the main seat of the table.


    After Violette ced the cake on the table, Brandon asked the waiter to serve the dishes, and


    Elijah took out candles from the cake box and inserted them one by one.


    Everyone was dumbfounded!


    The president actually looked so rxed and happy?


    Didn¡¯t he hate celebrating birthdays?


    But looking at his state today, he seemed to be enjoying it!


    After inserting the candles, Elijah suddenly took out a lighter from his pocket and lit it up!


    The me lit up the room, and everyone was shocked again!


    Violette said awkwardly, "Don¡¯t people usually light candles in the evening?"


    Brandon walked to the window and closed the curtains, "It¡¯s fine, as long as Elijah wants to light them,


    we can have them anytime"


    The moment the curtains were closed, the room darkened.


    Brandon was particrly good at analyzing Elijah¡¯s mind.


    So after he lit the candles, Brandon asked, "Elijah, is this lighter new? Can I borrow it to light a


    cigarette?"


    Elijah put the lighter back in his pocket, showing a hint of stinginess, "Violette gave it to me."


    "Ms. Dennis, you actually gave two gifts, so thoughtful!" Brandon praised.


    Violette felt embarrassed and could only change the subject, "Let¡¯s sing the birthday song!"


    After saying that, she took the lead in singing, and e


    veryone quickly followed her rhythm.


    After a cheerful birthday song, Elijah closed his eyes and made a wish.


    Violette looked at Elijah¡¯s handsome face under the light, her thoughts drifting.


    She was really curious.


    What kind of wish would he make?

 Chapter 118

    Chapter 118


    He widened his eyes and blew out the candle.


    The curtains were drawn, and sunlight streamed in through the window.


    "Elijah, what did you wish for?" Brandon asked with a grin.


    Elijah shot back, "Do you tell everyone your wishes every time you have a birthday?"


    Everyoneughed.


    Elijah cut a piece of cake and ced it in front of Violette.


    "The first piece is for you." Violette pushed the cake back towards him.


    "I can''t eat that much." He put down the knife, picked up a fork and took a small bite. He then handed


    the cake back to her.


    Between the two of them, it was as if a huge love bubble separated them from everyone else.


    Everyone started joking around¡ª


    "Should we start calling Violette Mrs. Bourne now?"


    "Why don''t you give it a try? I don''t think the boss would mind!"


    "Hahaha! Ms. Dennis probably wouldn''t mind either, right?"


    ...


    Violette blushed and fidgeted ufortably, her skin turning red even down to her neck.


    "Enough, you guys," Elijah said.


    "Alright, alright... Let''s eat cake!!" Everyone divided the remaining cake among themselves.


    After finishing the cake, they officially started lunch.


    "Ms. Dennis, would you like some wine?" Brandon asked Violette, holding a bottle.


    Violette shook her head, "I''ll just have water."


    "How can you just drink water? How about some milk or juice?" Brandon asked.


    Violette said, "I''ll just have water."


    She felt a little dizzy,


    probably because of getting up too early and the smell of alcohol in the room.


    Brandon poured her a ss of water and, seeing she didn''t eat much, asked her,


    N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    "Are you feeling ufortable? Don''t be nervous... We''re good friends with Elijah, like brothers..."


    Brandon tried hard to make her rx.


    Violette¡¯s eyelids drooped a little and said honestly, "I''m not nervous, I''m just full from the cake and a bit


    sleepy."


    Brandon immediately stood up and enthusiastically said, "I''ll take you to the guest room to rest."


    Elijah gripped Violette''s hand under the table and firmly looked at Brandon, "I''ll take her."


    Someone pulled Brandon back to sit down.


    Brandonughed helplessly, "Don''t go and note back, I still want to have a drink with you!"


    Violette pulled her hand out of his, "I''ll just let the waiter take me. You stay here and eat."


    Elijah said, "I''ll take you."


    His tone was very determined.


    Violette felt that he was different after his injury.


    Before, his dominance was annoying, but now, she couldn''t refuse him.


    She had realized that even if he didn''t look nice, he wouldn''t hurt her.


    Violette pushed his wheelchair out, and they quickly disappeared from the private room.


    "I never thought our boss would spoil a woman so much. I thought he wasn''t interested in women!"


    "He just hadn''t met the right person before. Now Violette has him wrapped around her finger."


    "Are you sure it''s Violette who has control over the boss? I think Violette respects our boss too!


    Otherwise, would she knit a sweater for him? Ask how many women still knit sweaters these days."


    Brandon saw them starting to argue andughed, "Stop arguing! They both have an influence on each


    other. Elijah definitely has feelings for Violette, and Violette has given a lot to Elijah... If Violette only


    thought about herself, the Dennis Group wouldn''t go bankrupt. Elijah nned to give her 500 million,


    but she refused. If it were you, could you refuse that 500 million?"


    Everyone shook their heads.


    "No wonder the boss likes Violette so much. It''s hard to find a second woman who doesn''t care about


    money like her!"


    "Hahaha! Let''s bet on whether the boss wille back for dinner or not." Brandon spoke up, "I bet he


    won''t."


    Everyone else chimed in, "We bet he won''te back either."


    How could this bet continue?


    At the guest room door.

 Chapter 119

    Chapter 119


    Violette said to Elijah, "I''ll take you back to the private room, then I''ll go to sleep. When I wake up, I''ll


    Elijah went straight to the guest room, "I''m tired too."


    Violette was stunned, "But you haven''t eaten yet! You should go eat something first..."


    "Don''t worry about me, just go rest." Elijah said.


    How could Violette not care about him?


    Today was his birthday, and she couldn''t let him go hungry.


    She walked quickly to the private room, intending to pack some food for him.


    Everyone watched her pack enthusiastically.


    "Ms. Dennis, give him more meat! Make sure our boss is full! He''s lost so much weight after the injury."


    "Ms. Dennis, our boss is in your hands! Please take good care of him!"


    "Ms. Dennis, have a good rest after eating, we won''t disturb you!"


    ...


    Violette''s face flushed, carrying the packed food back to the guest room.


    Elijah was ying with his phone, and


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    Violette took the food out of the bag, putting it in front of him.


    "Take off your sweater, you''re sweating." Violette said, "I wish I hadn''t bought such a thick yarn."


    He put down his phone, took off his sweater obediently, "It can be worn as a coat."


    She took his sweater and hung it on the nearby rack.


    "I packed you a lot of food, try to eat as much as you can." Violette sat down on the bed, watching his


    thin back.


    He had indeed lost a lot of weight


    , while her weight was slowly increasing.


    The child in her belly was already five months old.


    Her appetite was getting better and better, although she tried to control her diet, but as the child grew,


    her weight kept on increasing.


    She sat on the bed, nning to wait for him to finish eating, and then help him to bed.


    But she didn''t wait for him to finish eating; she fell asleep on her own.


    After finishing his meal, Elijah walked to the edge of the bed and gazed at her tired sleeping face. His


    fingers involuntarilynded on her cheek.


    ...


    Violette slept soundly this time.


    When she woke up, it was already dark outside.


    She immediately sat up and saw Elijah sitting in his wheelchair.


    His eyes were bright and deep, staring at her


    , and her face suddenly turned red.


    "Did... did you watch me sleep the whole time?" Violette took a deep breath.


    Elijah''s cheeks flushed, changing the subject, "Are you hungry? It''s already dark. I told them to eat first.


    Let''s go eat outside!" Violette agreed, then got out of bed and went to the bathroom to wash her face.


    The temperature difference between day and night in A City was quiterge.


    Violette pushed Elijah out and immediately felt the bone-chilling cold.


    "Elijah, let''s go eatmb chops!" Violette said.


    Elijah responded, "Okay."


    There weren''t many pedestrians on the street, but a lot of snack shops.


    Violette hadn''t eaten lunch, and now she felt especially hungry when she saw any food.


    "Elijah, wait here for me for a moment, there''s a cotton candy stall across the street! I haven''t had this


    in a long time, I''ll go buy a stick!" Violette said, taking big steps towards the opposite side.


    Elijah looked at her excited face, the corners of his mouth slightly raised.


    After a while, Violette took the cotton candy from the seller, her face showing a satisfied smile.


    Suddenly, she caught a glimpse of a ck car speeding towards them from the corner of her eye.


    It looked like the car was aiming for Elijah!


    The cotton candy in her hand dropped, she hesitated for a moment, and ran towards Elijah, her


    trembling voice scattered in the cold wind,


    "Elijah! Watch out!"

 Chapter 120

    Chapter 120


    All of a sudden, there was a loud bang!


    Followed by the screeching sound of car tires skidding on the ground!


    It felt like her eardrums were about to burst!


    Violette hugged Elijah tightly in his wheelchair, h


    er face covered in tears.


    Her body was shaking uncontrobly.


    The ck sedan''s tires blew out, and it swerved abruptly past them, crashing into a cotton candy stand


    on the opposite side!


    Elijah held her tightly with both hands and nced at the ck sedan.


    Someone wanted him dead, b


    ut they didn''t seed.


    Then, a second gunshot rang out!


    This time, the bullet struck the driver''s cabin of the ck sedan!


    People screamed in panic and scattered in all directions.


    Violette''s body temperature seemed to droppletely.


    Elijah held her face with both hands, looking at her frightened little face, and whispered, "Don''t be


    afraid, it''s over now."


    Her chest heaved rapidly, her eyes flickering, but still fixated on him, "Elijah...Elijah..."


    She wanted to say something, but all she could do was repeat his name.


    "Violette, I''m fine." He held her hand and touched his own cheek, "I''m still warm, right?"


    She nodded, tears silently falling, "I was so scared...so scared you would die..."


    "I am strong! Nobody can take my life unless I want them to." He held her hand tightly and suggested,


    "Let''s go have somemb chops."


    Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    Violette gripped the wheelchair handles and quickly pushed him away.


    They found a restaurant, and not long after they sat down, Brandon and his friends arrived.


    "Elijah, are you okay?" Brandon sat down next to Elijah, "When I heard the gunshot, I knew someone


    was after you!"


    Elijah said, "I''m fine, let''s eat first."


    He put some slicedmb chops on Violette''s te.


    Her emotions had stabilized quite a bitpared to before.


    "Who fired the shot?" She asked Elijah.


    If it weren''t for someone shooting out the tires of that sedan, she and Elijah wouldn''t be sitting here


    eatingmb now.


    "Since Elijah''sst incident, we''ve increased security. There were guards on the rooftop of the ce we


    ate today." Brandon answered her question.


    "Oh..." Violette said.


    "Ms. Dennis, you must be terrified, right?" Brandon served her a bowl of vegetable soup, "Have some


    soup to calm down."


    "I''m not hungry." Violette had no appetite after the ordeal.


    "Scared full?" Brandon joked, "Why don''t we have a driver take you guys back?"


    Elijah looked at Violette.


    Violette asked, "Why are you looking at me?"


    Elijah picked up his phone and started typing.


    Violette thought he was acting strange, and a


    few secondster, her phone beeped.


    She picked it up and saw the message he sent: [Want to know my birthday wish today?]


    Violette felt like her phone was burning!


    They were sitting right across from each other.


    And he was texting her!


    She wanted to look up at him, but felt shy, b


    ecause everyone else was watching them.


    So she had to pretend to beposed and replied, "Just say what you want to say."


    He replied, "Come home with me."


    She looked puzzled.


    Elijah said, "My birthday wish is for you toe back home with me."

 Chapter 121

    Chapter 121


    Violette plonked her phone on the table and took a sip of themb soup Brandon had poured for her,


    feeling a little parched.


    Brandon rapped on the table, saying disgruntled, "Hey, you two think we don''t know you''re swapping


    texts?"


    Getting nervous about what Elijah might blurt out, Violette quickly said, "We''re stuffed, so let¡¯s head


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    out!"


    Brandon joked, "Alright then, we''re full too! You two are too adorable."


    The Bourne family.


    The news of Elijah''s murder plot reached Grace


    , who rushed over in the middle of the night.


    Seeing Violette there, Grace''s face darkened considerably.


    "Tonight, when the boss was almost hit by a car, Violette lunged and shielded him in her arms," the


    bodyguard, who had witnessed the whole thing, felt it necessary to tell Grace, "If I hadn''t shot the car''s


    tires, that car would have rammed straight into them. Violette would have been crushed underneath, no


    doubt about it. The boss might have had a fighting chance because she was protecting him."


    Upon hearing the bodyguard''s ount, a bloody scene yed out in Grace''s mind.


    "Mom, we haven''t had dinner yet," Elijah piped up, "We¡¯ll go get something to eat."


    "Oh, go ahead! I''ll be leaving soon." Grace said.


    Grace''s resentment towards Violette had lessened significantly in that moment.


    She could only tell a person''s true colors in times of crisis.


    Violette had protected Elijah without hesitation in such a perilous situation. If it wasn''t love that


    motivated her bravery, then what was it?


    After dinner, Elijah and Violette exited the restaurant.


    Elijah told Violette to head back to their room first.


    But Grace called out her name,


    "Violette, I know how to judge character. Thanks for protecting him tonight," Grace got up from the


    couch and walked up to Violette, "Let''s forget about the past resentments. As long as you treat Elijah


    with sincerity, I won''t ask for more. Elijah is my son, I just want him to be well."


    Violette was a bit taken aback by the sudden change in her rtionship with the olddy. After a


    moment''s hesitation, she said, "It''ste. You should go get some rest."


    Grace nodded, "You two should also get some sleep."


    After the driver escorted Grace out, t


    he living room fell silent.


    Violette felt like she was glued to the floor.


    Of course, she didn''t have the nerve to go upstairs with Elijah.


    But how could she make an excuse to leave?


    After all, it was his birthday. If she left, wouldn''t he be disappointed?


    "Elijah, I took all my clothes with mest time..." Violette said.


    "Just wear mine for now," he cut her off before she could finish, "Change your clothes and wash them


    today, they''ll be dry by tomorrow."


    Violette pursed her red lips, her mind nk.


    "Are you that reluctant?" he looked at her, his thin lips parting slightly, "If you want to go back to your


    mom''s, then go. I''ll have the driver take you."


    Violette didn''t know what to say.


    Whether she was willing or not, she could tell he wasn''t as happy as before from his tone.


    Suddenly, Lacey appeared with a smile, "Violette, you forgot a set of clothesst time. I''ll go get it for


    you."


    Violette didn¡¯t respond.


    Now, she really had no excuse to leave.


    After Lacey left, Violette walked up to him and pushed him towards the elevator.


    "Today''s your birthday. You can''t be angry on your birthday," she tried to soothe him.


    "I''m not angry." His tone was calmer, "I don''t want to force you."


    "It''s not really about being forced... I just..." Violette said.


    "Just what?" Elijah asked.


    "I was so determined when I leftst time. But I came back after just a few days. It''s kind of awkward."


    Violette said.


    Elijah said, "I didn''t see you leavest time. So if you feel awkwarding back now, it''s my


    awkwardness, not yours."


    Violette felt slightly relieved, then asked, "Who helps you bathe at night? Is it still that male nurse?"


    Ding! The elevator reached the second floor.


    Elijah looked up, his eyes full of interest as he looked at her.

 Chapter 122

    Chapter 122


    "I''ll shower myself," he replied confidently, "If you''re worried, you can stick around to help."


    Violette felt like she was stuck between a rock and a hard ce.


    She was definitely notfortable with him showering on his own.


    But what was the difference between her watching him shower and her helping him shower?


    After they entered the bedroom, she closed the door behind them.


    "Hand me my cane," he requested, his voice deep and steady.


    Just as she was about to ask where it was, she found it.


    So, she handed him the cane.


    He then used it to get up from his wheelchair.


    Violette was taken aback, "Is this okay?"


    "It''s fine. I''ve been showering myself these past few days," he responded, chuckling a bit, "Did I scare


    you just now?"


    She blushed, "Were you teasing me just now?"


    "Yeah, I just wanted to see your reaction," he said, hobbling towards the bathroom.


    Despite her worries, she followed him.


    "Do you want to watch me shower?" he asked, stopping at the bathroom door.


    She shook her head in panic, then nodded, "I''m a bit worried about you... How will you take off your


    pants? Will it hurt your wound?"


    "I''m only wearing sweatpants," he exined, "It''s loose and easy to take off."


    Trying to put her at ease, he started to loosen his strings, intending to show her.


    Her face turned scarlet, and she stepped back, "I...I''ll wait outside! If you need help, just give me a


    shout."


    She quickly left the bathroom, closing the door behind her.


    Violette was panting, wanting to leave but also worried he might need help.


    Right then, Lacey came in with her clothes in hand. She asked,


    "Madam, has the master gone to shower?"


    Violette nodded, taking the clothes, "He showers on his own usually?"


    "Yes, because he doesn''t want anyone''s help." Lacey said.


    Violette whispered, "He''s really stubborn."


    "Indeed, he is, and it sometimes gets him into trouble. No matter what happens, he bears it alone and


    doesn''t like to share his troubles," Laceymented.


    Violette agreed wholeheartedly, "Sometimes, I really can''t stand him."


    "Madam," Lacey became serious, "Although I don''t know what he''s been through, I know he''s a really


    nice person."


    Nice?


    That word seemed odd when used to describe him, b


    ut to call him a bad person would be wrong too.


    "Doctors say that people with depression are usually really kind-hearted..." Lacey said.


    "He''s depressed?" Violette furrowed her brows.


    Lacey nodded, "He''s been on meds for a week now."


    Violette felt a heaviness in her heart.


    It felt like she had never truly understood him.


    He was fierce and cold, yet also vulnerable and determined.


    When Elijah finished showering, he came out of the bathroom leaning on his cane


    , wrapped in a white bathrobe.


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    Violette went over to help him. Looking at his damp hair, she asked, "How did you wash your hair?"


    "I washed it while sitting down." Elijah said.


    "I''ll go get the hairdryer to help you dry." She headed towards the bathroom and came out with a


    hairdryer.


    While she was drying his hair, he sat quietly, not moving at all.


    She wished time could stand still at this moment.


    Suddenly, he grabbed her wrist.


    "My hair is dry now," he reminded her.


    "Okay," she came back to her senses, turned off the hairdryer, and noticed blood seeping through the


    bandage on his leg, "You need to change your bandage, I''ll go get the first-aid kit."


    She put the hairdryer back in the bathroom and rushed downstairs to find Lacey and the first-aid kit.

 Chapter 123

    Chapter 123


    Hauling a first aid kit up the stairs, she squatted next to his leg, unwrapping the bandages.


    His injury was far worse than she¡¯d imagined.


    Arge patch of skin on his leg was stripped off, revealing a bloody wound.


    This must hurt like hell!


    But he didn''t even flinch.


    She applied ointment to his wound, then swiftly bandaged it up.


    Hearing her heavy breathing, he broke the silence, ¡±Violette, the wound might look scary, but it doesn''t


    actually hurt.¡±


    He was trying tofort her,


    but she didn¡¯t need his phonyfort.


    She jabbed his wound with her finger, and c


    aught off guard, he winced in pain.


    ¡°Say that again, does it hurt?¡± Her eyes welled up, ring at him.


    Leaning back on his hands, he stubbornly said, ¡°It doesn¡¯t.¡±


    He bet she wouldn''t dare jab him again.


    N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    He was in pain, but she was hurting more.


    ¡°Justy down and rest! You need to stay in bed for at least a week, no more running around!¡± She said


    angrily and stormed off to the bathroom.


    Leaning against the headboard, he picked up the cell phone from the nightstand.


    He dialed a number and coldly asked, ¡°What have you found?¡±


    The guy who¡¯d hit him with a car tonight had been shot, but it wasn''t fatal.


    Now, the guy was being interrogated.


    ¡°Boss, this guy won''t spill the beans. We¡¯re nning to use some special techniques. We promise he¡¯ll


    confess by tomorrow morning,¡± His underling assured him on the phone.


    ¡°Just make sure he doesn¡¯t croak before he spills the beans!¡± Elijah wanted to know who was


    threatening his life with such dirty tricks.


    The car ident he had six months ago left him severely injured and resulted in him bing a


    vegetative state.


    He wouldn¡¯t make the same mistake twice.


    After hanging up, he took out some pills from the drawer nearby.


    He had to take four different kinds, a handful of pills each time.


    After taking his pills, he put down the water ss.


    Just then, the bathroom door opened, and Violette came out.


    ¡°Elijah, I¡¯ve thought about it. Your leg is badly injured. I worry I might hurt you if I move around in my


    sleep,¡± She said, walking over to the bed.


    ¡°Do you really think I¡¯d feel the pain?¡± He looked at her affectionately, ¡°Violette, you¡¯re just trying to


    avoid me.¡±


    Violette blushed, climbed onto the bed and sat beside him.


    ¡°Is this okay?¡± She looked at him innocently, ¡°Anyway, you can¡¯t do anything to me in your current


    state. I have nothing to fear.¡±


    Her nonchnce stirred his desire to dominate.


    He grabbed her by the head, forcing her to tilt her chin up slightly.


    He suddenly leaned in for a kiss.


    At three o¡¯clock in the morning.


    Elijah reached out his long arm, pulling Violette towards him.


    She kept close to the edge of the bed, careful not to touch his wound.


    He was worried she¡¯d fall off the bed in her deep sleep.


    He¡¯d pulled her close a few times, but she¡¯d always move back to the edge once she woke up.


    This time, he didn¡¯t let go after pulling her into his arms.


    She was tensed up at first but gradually rxed in his embrace.


    Suddenly, his phone screen lit up.


    He¡¯d set his phone to silent, so it didn¡¯t ring.


    He picked up the phone and answered the call.


    ¡°Boss, we got something from the interrogation! The guy said it was Sabrina who told him to do it!


    Sabrina is Ms. Dennis¡¯s half-sister.¡±


    Elijah¡¯s breath hitched.


    On the other end of the line, his underling asked, ¡°Boss, how should we deal with Sabrina? Do we kill


    her or throw her in jail?¡±


    Elijah swallowed hard, then nted a gentle kiss on Violette¡¯s forehead, whispering, ¡°Kill her.¡±

 Chapter 124

    Chapter 124


    News of Sabrina''s death came around seven in the morning.


    She jumped out of her hotel room window and died on the spot.,


    The cops managed to get in touch with Violette after identifying Sabrina from her ID left in the hotel.


    With ke gone and Alexa abroad, Violette was the only one left to deal with Sabrina''s aftermath.


    She was still half-asleep when she got the call.


    For a moment after hanging up, she thought she was dreaming.


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    But when she checked her call history and realized it wasn''t a dream, she quickly got out of bed,


    skipped breakfast, and rushed to the hotel.


    "Boss, she jumped on her own. We just opened her room door and before we could do anything, she


    ran to the window and jumped. Clearly, she felt guilty."


    A henchman reported to Elijah.


    Elijah took a sip of his coffee, "Keep an eye on Kaleb."


    Sabrina and Kaleb were in cahoots.


    She wanted him dead, so obviously, Kaleb would want the same.


    Sabrina probably wasn¡¯t the mastermind behind all this.


    She might''ve been a scapegoat.


    But still, she deserved to die.


    The hotel was on lockdown by the cops.


    Guided by a police officer, Violette entered the scene.


    "Ms. Dennis, we preliminarily identified the deceased as your sister Sabrina. However, we need you to


    confirm," the cop told Violette. "She died around five in the morning due to a fall from a high altitude."


    Violette''s heart was racing; she felt something choking her.


    Soon, they arrived next to Sabrina''s body.


    The strong smell of blood was overwhelming, Violette covered her nose as she looked at the


    bloodstains on the ground.


    The white sheet covering Sabrina was pulled away, revealing a face covered in blood.


    "Ugh---" Violette started to vomit.


    The face was shattered, unrecognizable!


    She had dissected animals and bodies during med school...


    But she had never seen a body in such a horrendous state!


    "Ms. Dennis, are you okay?" The cop noticed her violent reaction and rushed to support her.


    Violette was panting heavily, "I''m sorry... I can''t recognize her... Maybe we should do a DNA test!"


    "That''s an option. But it will take longer..." The cop said.


    "I can''t recognize her... I really can''t..." Violette took another look at the bloody face and this time, tears


    started to fall.


    She was feeling a whirlwind of emotions.


    It wasn''t just about losing a "rtive".


    She never got along with Sabrina, but


    disliking someone and seeing their dead body were twopletely different feelings.


    Sabrina''s body was taken away by the police.


    They also took all her personal belongings from the hotel room.


    Violette was sitting in the police car in a daze.


    Why did Sabrina jump?


    Did she have a fight with Kaleb?

 Chapter 125

    Chapter 125


    With that in mind, she dialed Kaleb''s numbers.


    After a few rings, the call was picked up, "Violette, what''s up?"


    "Kaleb, Sabrina''s gone. Did you know?" Violette said.


    "What? She''s dead? I had no idea! I''m at the hospital getting my meds... She seemed fine when I


    talked to her yesterday..." Kaleb said.


    "You didn''t fight with her?" Violette asked.


    "No way!" Kaleb''s tone was smooth and natural, After a few seconds, he seemed to recall something, "I


    remember thest time my uncle came over for dinner, Rina was there too. They didn''t get along at all.


    My uncle said she wouldn''tst long and she''s been freaking out about it..."


    Violette''s face turned a shade paler, "Impossible! I''ve been with Elijah all day yesterday and today. He


    didn''t do anything!"


    Kaleb sighed, "Violette, why do you always lose your rationality when ites to my uncle? I''m just


    telling you what I know. I wouldn''t rat out my uncle to the cops..."


    Violette snapped, "Kaleb! You better be sure Sabrina''s death has nothing to do with you! The police will


    get to the bottom of this!"


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    Kalebposed himself, "I didn''t do it. I had no motives or reasons to kill her. Even if we had a fight, I


    wouldn''t kill her. Violette, you stopped caring about me the moment you fell for my uncle."


    "Cut it out! Did you care about me when you were with Sabrina?" Violette hung up the call angrily.


    The policeman asked, "Who were you talking to?"


    "Kaleb, Sabrina''s boyfriend." Violette reported his number to the cop, "Sabrina was always with him


    recently. He must know why Sabrina jumped off the building."


    Around noon, Violette left the police station and took a cab to her mom''s ce.


    After breaking the news about Sabrina''s death to her mom, Violette whispered, "Mom, I couldn''t


    recognize her... Her face was covered in blood... I couldn''t see her features..."


    Albina held her daughter tight, "Violette, don''t be scared! It was her fate, it has nothing to do with us.


    Let''s just live our own lives."


    "Kaleb said Elijah did it..." Violette''s voice was cold, "I don¡¯t believe it! I don''t believe Elijah could kill


    someone!"


    "Have you talked to Elijah?" Albina asked, "Even if he did it, he must have had a reason."


    "Mom, no reason justifies taking someone¡¯s life. If Sabrinamitted a crime, she will face legal


    consequences." Violette said.


    "Violette, Sabrina''s unclemitted a crime. Did he face any legal consequences?" Albina held her


    hands tightly, "I''m not saying killing someone is right. I''m just telling you, don''t take Kaleb''s words for it."


    Violette quickly pulled herself together, "Mom, I just came to tell you this. I need to go. I need to find


    Elijah."


    "I''ll take you there. You''re not focused right now, and I''m worried about you." Albina said.


    The Bourne family.


    Last night Violette had convinced Elijah to take at least a week off to rest at home, s


    o he was home resting today.


    At two in the afternoon.


    Violette arrived at the Bourne family''s.


    Seeing her pale face, Elijah felt a pang in his heart.


    "Elijah, I need to talk to you." Violette sat down next to him.


    Hisrge hand held her small one, trying tofort her.


    She wasn''t used to being so intimate with him in broad daylight, so she reflexively pulled her hand


    back.


    "Is Sabrina''s death somehow rted to you?" She considered for a second, intending to phrase it


    delicately, but ended up asking directly.


    That was how she and Elijah had alwaysmunicated.


    Elijah looked at her deeply, his voice icy, "Why don''t you ask who tried to kill mest night? Is Sabrina''s


    life more valuable than mine?"


    The news of Sabrina''s suicide had upied her mind all day, she almost forgot aboutst night!


    "Who was it?" She asked eagerly, "Did you find out?"


    "If I told you it was Sabrina, would you still mourn her death?" He stared at her.


    He watched her face go from shocked to confused, then from confused to anxious.


    "So... Sabrina''s death... really does involve you." She choked up a bit, "Couldn''t you have handled it


    differently? Why go to such extremes?"


    "Violette, don''t look at me like that." His voice was no longer gentle, "I''ll send anyone who hurts me


    straight to hell. That''s the kind of person I am."

 Chapter 126

    Chapter 126


    The tension between the two was so fierce. Even though they were sitting together, it looked like they


    were about to start a fight any second.


    Lacey, worried about a sudden fight breaking out, quickly brought over a te of freshly cut fruit.


    "Ma''am, have you had lunch? I saved some for you." Lacey said.


    Violette sprung up from the couch at once


    , and speed-walked towards the dining room.


    Elijah watched her retreating figure, trying and failing to read her thoughts.


    If she was really pissed, she wouldn''t be eating, b


    ut she looked like she was about to explode.


    Violette hadn''t eaten breakfast or lunch, and now she was so hungry her stomach was hurting.


    This meal, she took over half an hour to finish.


    Because of the stomachache, eating too fast would just make it worse.


    By the time she was full and came out of the dining room, Elijah was no longer in the living room.


    "Ma''am, when you''re angry, you''re liable to do something rash. Why don''t you take a break?" Lacey


    suggested.


    Violette had a splitting headache, so she nodded.


    She headed towards her room on the first floor.


    Lacey followed her, awkwardly saying, "Ma''am, I thought you''d be sleeping in the master bedroom from


    now on, so I cleaned up your room this morning."


    Violette frowned, "I''m not sleeping with him."


    "Ma''am, sir''s leg injury isn''t getting better any time soon, and he refuses to let anyone else take care of


    him." Lacey tried to persuade her, "He only lets you near him. If you don''t care about him, what if he


    falls..."


    "He seems to handle his crutches just fine. He won''t fall." Violette insisted.


    Lacey said, "Ma''am, I know you''re pissed."


    "I''m not pissed, I''m serious." Violette said.


    Lacey continued, "Last night when you came to me for the first aid kit, saying he was bleeding, your


    eyes were red..."


    "Stop talking. I''m going upstairs." Violette said quickly, heading for the second floor.


    Master bedroom.


    Elijah was taking a nap on the bed.


    The curtain was half closed, with only the sheer pulled across the other half.


    The outside light warmed the room.


    As she walked in and saw him sleeping calmly, all her emotions were stuck in her chest, unable to be


    vented.


    The education she had received since she was a child told her to be a good person who could obey the


    rules.


    Not like Elijah, arrogant and wild.


    She sat down by the bed


    Pondering, and a


    fter a while, a hand grabbed her arm, followed by pulling her onto the bed.


    He hadn''t been asleep.


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    The moment she walked in, he gave in.


    "She jumped herself." He exined hoarsely.


    He hated exining to others.


    But facing her, he couldn''t be as stubborn as before.


    He''d rather suffer himself than to see her in pain.


    "Even if she hadn''t jumped, I wouldn''t have spared her life." Elijah said, showing her his true feelings,


    "Just because I didn''t diest night doesn''t mean I''m immortal. There are many people who want to kill


    me, do you think they would stop if I was kind to every one of them?¡±


    Violette looked at him silently, his handsome face just inches away from hers, feeling both moved and


    heartbroken.


    Indeed! He was not immortal.

 Chapter 127

    Chapter 127


    If he really did bite the dust in a car crashst night, would the one who caused it get their


    punishments?


    Even if they did, would that bring him back to life?


    If such a thing did happen, there was noing back from the dead.


    "Elijah, I''m not trying to bust your chops... I just can''t wrap my head around the way you do things..."


    She took a deep breath, her voice soft as cotton candy.


    "You don''t have to. You just need to know that I won''t hurt any innocents." Elijah said.


    "Alright." Violette said.


    "Go to sleep!" He patted her back gently, coaxing her to sleep.


    In his arms, lulled by his unique scent, she quickly drifted off to dreand.


    Five in the afternoon.


    Violette got a call from the police station, asking her to drop by as soon as possible.


    After hanging up, she didn''t tell Elijah. She just grabbed her bag and left.


    She hailed a cab to the police station and saw Alexa, whose eyes were swollen from crying.


    Alexa''s eyes were filled with hatred when she saw her.


    They were led to a separate room by the cops and sat down.


    "DNA tests have confirmed that the deceased is Sabrina." The cop said.


    Upon hearing this, Alexa broke down in tears, "My daughter must''ve been murdered! She was always


    so cheerful, there''s no way she''d off herself!"


    Cop said, "After our investigation and evidence collection, we found that Sabrina was a suspect in the


    car ident on Pinewood Avenuest night. She was allegedly plotting to murder Elijah. The evidence


    is here."


    A pile of documents and a phone were pushed in front of Alexa and Violette.


    Violette just looked at the pile coldly, not touching the evidence.


    N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    Alexa shook her head vigorously, repeating, "No way! My daughter wouldn''t do that! She hasn''t even


    graduated yet! How could she possibly be a murderer!"


    "She hired a hitman. If it weren''t for Elijah''s bodyguard, Elijah might''ve been pushing up daisies by


    now." The cop corrected her, "Elijah is a well-known businessman in our city, who''s made significant


    contributions. What Sabrina did was seriously illegal. If she hadn''t taken a leap from the building this


    morning, she would''ve been prosecuted."


    "You''re saying my daughter jumped off the building herself?" Alexa, unable to handle the continuous


    blows, held her head in one hand, as if she might faint at any moment.


    "Yes, the hotel surveince shows that this morning, your daughter got up from bed, ran to the window,


    and jumped out." The cop showed them the video on his phone.


    Violette also watched the video.


    The video was dark, but she could see Sabrina getting frightened, quickly running to the window, and


    jumping out.


    The whole thing took less than ten seconds.


    "So you''re not going to investigate any further!" Alexa mmed the table in anger, "Why would my


    daughter jump out of the window? She must''ve been scared! Someone forced her to jump!"


    Cop said, "We''ve already investigated. The person who opened the hotel room was the hotel''s


    housekeeping manager. Because the culprit gave out Sabrina, Elijah''s people went to the hotel to


    confront her, who then panicked and jumped."


    Alexa gritted her teeth, "Elijah...Elijah killed my daughter..."


    Cop said coldly, "Actually, it was your daughter who hired a hitman first. Ms. Alexa, it''s clear that the


    Alexa retorted angrily, "Shut up! My daughter would never be a murderer! You useless cops! Instead of


    catching the real culprits, you''re framing my daughter! I won''t let this go!"


    After saying this, Alexa stormed off angrily.


    Violette stayed, signing the documents.


    With the evidence clear-cut, the case was closed.


    Violette left the police station, intending to catch a cab back home.


    However, Alexa suddenly appeared, grabbing Violette''s arm tightly. She yelled,


    "This is definitely a scheme by you and Elijah! You killed my daughter out of spite! Violette, you''re


    heartless! If your father knew how ruthless you are, he''d never have handed over thepany to you!"


    Alexa was very emotional, if she had a knife, she would''ve lunged at Violette.


    "Honk¡ª"


    A sharp car horn sounded.


    A ck Rolls-Royce sped up and stopped in front of Alexa and Violette.

 Chapter 128

    Chapter 128


    Violette firmly shook off Alexa''s arm.


    She recognized Elijah''s car and quickly headed towards it.


    The car door opened, and a bodyguard got out, promptly heading towards Alexa.


    Violette had a bad feeling about what was about to happen.


    "Don''t you dare touch her!" She stepped in between the bodyguard and Alexa, "Her daughter just


    passed away, she''s understandably upset."


    "Ha... Violette, surprised you haven''t been kicked out by the Bourne family yet! You really know how to


    reel in the men!" Alexa sneered.


    The bodyguard raised his hand, ready to p her!


    But Violette stopped him, "Get back in the car, I''ll be there in a moment after I have a word with her."


    The bodyguard shot Alexa a warning look, signalling her not to harm Violette!


    Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    Alexa was a little scared, but she could only hold back.


    Her daughter was gone, and she had to keep going!


    Only by surviving could she avenge her daughter!


    When the bodyguard left, Violette told Alexa, "You can guess the murderer all you want, but don''t you


    dare bring up my father! If he were a ghost, you''d be his prime target. You sent your brother to my


    father''spany, and in a few years, you two swindled two billion... I¡¯ll make sure you¡¯ll pay for what


    you have done!"


    Alexa went pale, "What does my brother¡¯s actions have to do with me? You think I wanted the Dennis


    family to go bankrupt? Violette, I''ve been with your father for so many years, you really think I didn''t


    care about him!"


    Violette said, "But now you''re living afy life abroad, using the money your brother scammed. If it


    wasn''t for your daughter''s death, you probably wouldn''t be back!"


    Alexa''s face turned red.


    Not long after, she retorted loudly, "Reaves told me everything! You''ve imed your father''s SuperBrain


    System for yourself! Reaves said your father spent over a billion on this system! Violette, how dare you


    use me!"


    Violette said, What I have is given to me by my father. What you have is obtained through deception!


    You are thieves! I will make your brother return the money our father gave you! And he will end up in


    prison!"


    Alexa was so angry her blood pressure went up, but she couldn''t find aeback.


    Finally, she could only watch Violette get in the car.


    As soon as the car door closed, Violette quicklyposed herself.


    She looked at Elijah, confused, "Why are you here?"


    Elijah opened a bottle of water and handed it to her, "I knew Alexa was back, I didn''t want her messing


    with you."


    "Do I look that weak?" Violette took a sip of the water.


    "You only show your assertiveness in front of me." He said calmly.


    She red at him, "I''m starving and don''t have the energy to argue with you."


    "Should we go out to eat?" He suggested, "What do you feel like?"


    "Whatever." She replied, then a thought came to her, "I want my mom''s home cooking."


    "Go to your mom''s?" He asked.


    Violette nced at his leg and said, "Nevermind, my mom''s ce isn''t equipped for your immobility, it


    would be inconvenient for you."


    "We can go home first and get a crutch." He replied.


    "If we go home, we might as well eat there. Why bother going to my mom''s?" Violette said.


    "Because you said you wanted your mom''s cooking." Elijah said.


    "I was just saying." Violette didn''t expect him to take it so seriously.


    Elijah took out his phone and dialed a number.


    Violette watched him, wondering who he was calling.


    Then, Albina''s voice came out of his phone, "Hello, Elijah?"

 Chapter 129

    Chapter 129


    "Mom, it''s me," Elijah said.


    Violette suddenly started coughing.


    He actually called her mom ''mom''!


    "Mom, actually, Violette mentioned she wanted to have your cooking, but it''s not convenient for me to


    cook?" Elijah said gently and calmly.


    Albina said, "Sure! Send me the address, and I''ll be right over."


    Elijah said, "Thanks a lot."


    After hanging up, he sent Albina the address.


    Violette stared at him, astonished by his actions.


    "Elijah! Have you gone mad? I didn''t think before I spoke... and you actually invited my mom toe


    and cook!" Violette used him, "You''ve never taken my words so seriously before, what''s gotten into


    you?"


    "From now on, I will." His gaze and tone suddenly turned serious.


    It felt like a wave of warmth washing over her.


    Her cheeks turned red instantly, as if she could hear her own heartbeat.


    "No!" she refused, "If next time we argue, and I say I want to hit you, would you hit yourself?"


    Elijah said, "Violette, can''t you stop thinking about arguing with me all the time?"


    "Because we always disagree. But I think it''s normal to have different opinions; how could there be


    someone who agrees with mepletely in the world?" Violette said.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    "It''s possible that there are such people; we just haven''t met them yet." Elijah said.


    "But if I''m looking for a lifelong partner, I don''t want someone who agrees with mepletely. How


    boring would that be? Some arguments make life more interesting." She lowered her eyes, her ears


    turning a beautiful shade of pink.


    Elijah looked at her meaningfully.


    "If you want to find that person who agrees with youpletely, you can go ahead and look. I won''t


    object." She was provoked by his deep gaze, her heart racing, "Besides love, there are many more


    important things in my life."


    "I didn''t say anything; don''t overthink it," he said helplessly.


    She opened the water bottle and took another sip.


    "Don''t you think it''s too much to ask my mom toe over and cook? She''s not our servant. If I were


    her, I''d be angry," she whispered.


    "Violette, you''ve never been a mother, so you can''t understand your mom''s true feelings," Elijah''s


    words implied that Albina might not be angry.


    How could a mother be angry about cooking for her child?


    And it was not like she had to cook for her child every day.


    His words touched Violette.


    "Elijah, do you think I don''t want to be a mother? It''s you who doesn''t want me to be one!" Violette said.


    Seeing the tears in her eyes, he felt like he messed up.


    He opened his mouth wanting to say something, but didn''t know where to start.


    "Is it because you have depression that you don''t want children?" Violette asked softly after a moment


    of silence, "Depression doesn''t necessarily affect the child. Prenatal tests can screen for it, and if the


    child has a problem, the doctor will rmend termination. Whether the child has a problem or not,


    and whether they should be born, shouldn''t be your decision."


    He looked out the window


    , jaw clenching.


    It seemed like he was trying to control his emotions.


    After a while, his cold voice came through the car, "Violette, don''t mention children again. As long as


    you don''t bring up kids, I''m willing to do anything."


    "But what if I only want children?" Violette tried to grab his hand with both of hers, her voice trembling


    and full of pleading, "Elijah, what if I beg you?"


    Before she could finish speaking, he had already pulled his hand away.


    That was his rejection.

 Chapter 130

    Chapter 130


    Restaurant.


    Albina brought the cooked dishes to the table.


    "Violette,e here for a sec." Albina called out to her daughter.


    Violette followed her mom towards the restroom.


    "Did you have a fight with Elijah?" Albina asked.


    "Mom, isn''t it obvious that we fought?" Violette''s face was emotionless.


    Maybe it was because of too many disappointments; her heart had gone numb.


    "Yeah, you two are like a couple on the verge of a broken marriage." Albina described, "That''s the


    exact expression your dad and I had when we get divorced."


    Violette couldn''t help butughed, "Mom, we didn''t talk about divorce. We just... disagreed on the issue


    of having kids."


    "Oh, he still doesn''t want kids? Did he give any reason?" Albina asked.


    Violette shook her head, "He has depression. Every time I think about his illness, I tell myself to take it


    easy."


    "Poor thing." Albina sighed, "What''s the use of having money? Health is the most important thing. I


    think we''re richer than him in that sense."


    "You have no idea how much money he has." Violette smiled and held her mom''s hand, "Mom, thanks


    for everything tonight."


    "I''m happy to cook for you every day, but the Bourne family''s chef probably cooks better than me."


    Albina said.


    "Mom, no matter how good other people''s cooking is, your cooking is the best to me." Violette smiled,


    "Mom, let''s go eat."


    "I already ate at home. Plus, seeing the two of you like this, I have no appetite." Albina joked, "I''ll head


    back, you try not to mess around with him. We can''t afford to offend him."


    Violette said, "Don''t worry, Mom! I''ll handle things between me and him."


    After seeing her mom off, Violette returned to her seat.


    In front of her was a te of processed shrimp


    by him.


    "Elijah, you must be good at pursuing girls, huh?" Violette picked up her fork, stabbed a shrimp, and


    put it in her mouth.


    "Usually, people pursue me." Elijah answered truthfully.


    Violette almost choked.


    "It''s an honor to eat shrimp processed by you." Violette said.


    "Violette, I wish you could always be like this." Elijah said.


    Violette took a deep breath, suppressed her emotions, and said softly, "From now on, I''ll try not to make


    you angry." She paused, then said, "I have a banquet at school next week. Yourpany probably has


    an event too, right?"


    "Yes, but I won''t attend." Elijah said.


    "Right, you need to rest with your leg." Violette picked up a shrimp, dipped it in some sauce, and


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    brought it to his mouth.


    He hesitated for a moment, then opened his mouth.


    "Do you have any ns?" He ate the shrimp she fed him and felt a sweetness in his heart.


    Their previous quarrel was overshadowed by the current harmonious atmosphere.


    "Yes! This is myst college banquet." Violette said.


    "I''d like to go." He said softly.


    Violette was taken aback, "How? Students can''t bring family members."


    "I''ll find a way." Elijah said.


    Violette looked at his calm expression and suddenly realized, "Yeah, you''re so rich, if you''re willing to


    donate a building to our school, not only can you attend the banquet, you could even visit the girls''


    dormitory if you wanted."


    Elijah looked up at her.


    Was this what she meant by trying not to make him angry?


    Before they knew it, the day of the banquet arrived.


    Violette went to school early in the morning, and


    Elijah got up only after she left.

 Chapter 131

    Chapter 131


    His leg had recovered a bit, and he could walk pretty smoothly with a crutch now.


    After getting out of bed, he went to the dressing room to pick out clothes for the day.


    His wardrobe was pretty much all dark colors.


    He frowned, f


    eeling like the dark colors were too gloomy.


    N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    Not finding any satisfactory clothes, he left the dressing room and called Joey,


    "Joey, I need a set of light-colored clothes."


    Joey said, "Alright, do you want casual or formal?"


    "Casual." Elijah said.


    "Okay, I''ll go buy it right away," Joey said. "Oh, by the way, the jewelry designer you asked me to


    contact has finished the design. I''ve sent the pictures to your mailbox. We can start making it after you


    take a look."


    Elijah said, "Mm."


    After hanging up, he went to the study and turned on theputer.


    This New Year was his and Violette''s first New Year together, and he


    wanted to give her a gift.


    He opened his email and clicked on the newest one.


    A design of a diamond ring appeared before his eyes.


    This design was customized ording to his request.


    He thought Violette was as pure as a snowke, so the diamond ring was designed in the shape of a


    snowke.


    At the University of A.


    After the morning rehearsal, Odette dragged Violette to have lunch.


    "Violette, why did you give up the group dance performance?" Odette asked.


    "Dancing is too tiring. I just need to perform the singing part well." Violette nced at her phone and


    asked, "Is your boyfriending to watch your performance?"


    Odette said, "He wants to, but he can''t. He''s not from our school, and there''s no seat for him."


    Violette nodded.


    "Is your husbanding? I heard you guys are getting along really well recently, is that true? You


    never answer me when I ask." Odetteined.


    "You heard it from your boyfriend, right? How can he gossip so much? You should put some pressure


    on him to focus on his work and earn more money." Violette said.


    "But all I want to do now is enjoy the sweetness of love! Did you tell your husband about studying


    abroad for your master''s degree? I told Ramsey not to b, so he shouldn''t have told him." Odette


    said.


    Violette''s eyes dimmed a bit.


    "Why don''t you tell him? Are you afraid he won''t agree?" Odette looked at her expression and guessed


    the answer.


    Violette took a sip of water and calmly said, "Let''s wait until after the New Year!"


    "Okay! You haven''t said yet if he''sing tonight to watch your performance! If hees, let him bring


    my Ramsey along!" Odette said.


    Violette said, "He''ll be there."


    Odette sighed, "You just didn''t admit your rtionship was good! He''s giving up hispany''s party to


    attend ours, which means in his heart, you''re more important than hispany! My Ramsey is going to


    his family''s party! No need for your husband to bring him."


    Violette got goosebumps all over, "Can you not call him ''your husband'' and ''my Ramsey'' like that...


    Odette, isn''t that too cheesy?"


    "I didn''t say anything wrong. Elijah is your husband! My Ramsey may not be my husband yet, but isn''t


    that how lovers address each other?" Odette said.


    Violette ordered the dishes and handed the menu to the waiter.


    "Violette, will he go on stage to give you flowers after your performance?" Odette suddenly looked


    forward to tonight''s party.


    "His leg isn''t fully healed yet, how can he go on stage? With a crutch?" Violette said.


    Odette sighed, "What a pity! I wanted to see you two go public with your rtionship in front of the


    whole school!"


    Violette shot back, "You watch too many dramas."


    Odette frowned, "How did you two even fall in love? So boring! Not romantic at all!"

 Chapter 132

    Chapter 132


    Violette didn''t argue.


    Her love life with Elijah was indeed a bit dull.


    For example, they hadn''t gone out at all in the past week and just stayed at home.


    Elijah was either working in his study or reading in the living room.


    Violette was either writing papers or reading with him in the living room.


    He was reading books in foreignnguages, and she couldn''t even understand their titles.


    She was reading books on neurology written by Dr. Mitchel in foreignnguages, and she believed he


    couldn''t understand them either.


    So she didn''t feel inferior.


    "Violette, what do you think of my ne?" Odette suddenly showed her ne to Violette.


    "Looks nice. Did your boyfriend give it to you?" Violette asked.


    "Yes! It''s his New Year''s gift for me. It even has my name engraved on it!" Odette said.


    "Odette, you know you can buy cheap jewelry on apps and get free engraving, right?" Violette said


    seriously, "You have to stay rational in love!"


    Odette didn''t care, "What I value is not the engraving, but the fact that he gave me a gift. It makes me


    happy! If one day he can''t make me feel this way anymore, our breakup will be just around the corner."


    Violette didn''t respond.


    "Are you so indifferent because Elijah didn''t give you a gift?" Odette guessed, "That''s not like him! He''s


    so rich, he wouldn''t be stingy, would he?"


    Violette replied, "I didn''t prepare a gift for him either."


    "You just got married not long ago! And you''re already like this?" Odette sighed, "Violette, he''s older


    and might not understand romance, but you''re still young! Can you not be so down? If he doesn''t take


    the initiative, you can!"


    Violette didn''t respond and just continued eating.


    At 7 pm, the New Year''s party began.


    Violette and Odette were in the backstage makeup room.


    "Violette! Your husband..." Odette said.


    "Can you be mindful of the asion?" Violette looked around and reminded her.


    "Uh, has Elijah arrived? Did he call you? I just nced at the audience, it''s packed. Which row is he


    sitting in?" Odette asked.


    Violette nced at her phone, no new messages.


    A strange feeling shed through her heart.


    He hadn''t arrived yet, had he?


    Maybe he decided not toe at thest minute.


    "He didn''t call me. I don''t know if he''s here or where he''s sitting. Just because he''s here to watch the


    show doesn''t mean he''s willing to go public. Odette, even if he sees me, he might pretend not to know


    me. And I''d do the same." Violette said.


    Odette was shocked.


    Elijah arrived at the University of A at 8 pm.


    Violette''s performance was the 13th, about an hour after the opening.


    Arriving at 8 pm was just in time.


    Elijah entered the auditorium, apanied by his bodyguards and school security staff.


    He was wearing a light blue t-shirt, a beige long coat, and matching casual pants.


    Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    He wasn''t in a wheelchair or using a cane.


    His leg hadn''t fully recovered, so he walked slowly.


    He looked as dazzling as a prince who had just stepped out of a TV show!


    The moment he walked into the auditorium, everyone''s attention was on him!


    Odette immediately recognized him.


    "Oh my god! I almost didn''t recognize him in white clothes! He''s so handsome!" Odette ran to Violette


    who was waiting at the backstage, unable to control her excitement, "He''s here! He arrived on time! He


    must havee for you! And he''s sitting in the front row! That''s so surprising!"


    Violette started to feel nervous.


    She walked forward a few steps and looked at the first row of the audience.


    That white figure was like a beam of light, shining straight into her heart.


    "Violette! It''s your turn soon! You mustn''t make any mistakes! Let your husband see a side of you he''s


    never seen before!" Odette patted her shoulder, encouraging her.


    Violette was a bit speechless, "Odette!"


    ...


    "Now let''s wee the beautiful Violette from the art department. She will sing and y the guitar for


    us. Let''s give her a warm round of apuse!"


    As soon as the host finished speaking, Violette walked onto the stage.

 Chapter 133

    Chapter 133


    Her hair was tied up in a ponytail, wearing a blue hoodie on top and a loose white skirt on the bottom.


    She sat down in the center of the stage with a guitar in hand


    , and adjusted the height of the microphone.


    Then, the stage lights went out, leaving only a spotlight shining on her.


    The melody of the guitar began, followed by her crystal-clear and pleasant voice¡ª


    Although Violette didn''t intentionally look at someone in the audience


    , she could feel his gaze on her all the time.


    To get more into her performance, she closed her eyes.


    Suddenly, the stage lights came on.


    Colorful petals fluttered down from the sky, and t


    he audience screamed like crazy!


    Violette opened her eyes, her eyshes trembling for a moment.


    Petals floated past her eyes, and a surprised expression appeared on her face.


    No one had told her that there would be a petal shower during the performance!


    Was this something the school addedst minute?


    Her cheeks started to heat up, but she still persisted in singing¡ª


    Suddenly


    , q drone flew towards the stage from mid-air.


    On the drone, there was a bouquet of flowers.


    The scene was ignited once again!


    Screaming all around, Violette''s heart waspletely in chaos.


    Odette was almost moved to tears with envy, "This old man is so romantic!"


    She even said at noon that Elijah didn''t know romance!


    This petal shower, this drone... it was so romantic!


    Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    As Violette finished thest line of lyrics, the drone stopped in front of her.


    Her eyebrows raised, lips pursed, she took the flowers off the drone.


    Downstage, the apuse was thunderous!


    "Happy New Year, everyone!" With the guitar on her back and flowers in one hand, she said this into


    the microphone. Her gaze lingering on the white figure in the front row of the audience, "Thank you!


    Thank you, everyone!"


    The drone flew away


    , and the petal shower stopped.


    Elijah, who was sitting in the front row, also left.


    Everything seemed as unreal as a dream, b


    ut waking up from it, she still felt very touching.


    "Violette! Are you in love again?! Are the flowers from your hubby?! Sending them with a drone is so


    creative!"


    "And the petal shower! It must be prepared by your hubby too! None of the rest of us had a petal


    shower! So romantic! Waaah!"


    ...


    Backstage, everyone surrounded Violette.


    Odette ran over and pulled Violette out of the crowd.


    As they left the auditorium, a tall guy blocked her way,


    ¡°Violette, I heard you broke up recently. I''ve had a crush on you since freshman year, but I never had


    the courage to confess my feelings. We''re graduating soon, so I..."


    "Are you dumb?! Violette has a boyfriend! Who do you think made the petal shower for her? And the


    flowers in her arms, do you think the drone sent them by itself?" Odette interrupted the guy before


    Violette could say anything, bursting his bubble.


    The guy scratched his head awkwardly, "I didn''t think I''d bete again."


    At that moment, footsteps were heard from behind.


    Violette turned her head and saw Elijah''s handsome and mature face.


    Under the cold moonlight, his face was particrly eye-catching.


    "Hello, you are..." A guy saw Elijah standing next to Violette and began guessing his identity, "Are you


    Violette''s rtive?"

 Chapter 134

    Chapter 134


    Violette noticed the guy next to her suddenly got tense.


    His outfit today made him look way younger than he actually was, b


    ut still, being mistaken for an older person must get him bummed.


    "I''m Violette''s..." Elijah was about to exin.


    "Actually, I don''t know this dude that well." Violette took the initiative, grabbed Elijah''s hand, and said,


    "It''s cold outside, let''s go to the car."


    Just then, Odette left with the boy.


    Violette shot Odette a grateful nce and helped Elijah towards the ck Rolls Royce.


    "Elijah, your leg isn''t fully healed; you shouldn''t be walking so much." Violette said with concern.


    "It doesn''t hurt anymore." He nced at the flowers in her arms, his tone a bit awkward, "The gift is


    inside the bouquet."


    "Huh?" She looked at him in surprise, "You got me a gift? But I didn''t get you anything."


    The atmosphere suddenly got a bit awkward.


    They had been staying home all week with no time for shopping.


    Elijah opened the back door of the car and let her in first, "I didn''t give you a gift to get something in


    return."


    His voice was deep and sexy, making her heart race.


    She got in the car with the flowers, then gently fiddled with the bouquet.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Sure enough, there was a pink box hidden inside.


    She opened the box to find a diamond ne.


    The design wasn''t anything special, but that diamond... it was huge.


    After Elijah sat down next to her, she couldn''t help but joke, "I never thought you''d like such a simple


    design."


    "You don''t like it?" He looked at her, "What kind do you like?"


    He always thought women loved diamonds.


    And the bigger, the better.


    She took out the ne, put it in her palm, and showed him, "Don''t you think this diamond is too big?


    A diamond this big can look clunky."


    Looking at her delicate hands, he thought anything would look good on her.


    He had his own standards for picking gifts, "If it''s too cheap, I can''t give it as a gift."


    "I didn''t say anything." She put the ne back in the box, "Thanks foring to see my


    performance."


    "Violette, your singing is amazing." Her voice kept echoing in his mind, "You''re studying art history,


    right?"


    Violette hugged the flowers tighter and asked, "Do you know why I chose this major?"


    He shook his head.


    "Actually, Alexa helped me choose it. She told my dad it was an easy major, so he let me study it. But


    this major has limited job prospects. Most of the students studying it at our schoole from wealthy


    families." Violette said.


    "Your dad giving you the inheritance for thepany shows he doesn''t want you to just drift along."


    Elijah analyzed objectively.


    Violette said, "But he never told me the truth when he was alive. He betrayed my mom and was always


    cold to me. I resented him until he died."


    "He probably felt he had already hurt your mom and didn''t want to hurt you again." Elijah said.


    "How do you know? Are all guys like that?" Violette asked.


    Elijah replied, "Weren''t we talking about your dad?"


    "But I feel like you can understand his feelings." After saying this, she sensed an argument brewing, so


    she quickly changed the subject, "Did you wear matching colors with me on purpose today?"


    She was wearing blue and white, and so does he.


    Her blue was a little darker, b


    ut if someone said they were wearing couple outfits, no one would question it.


    This question made Elijah a bit embarrassed.


    She knew in her heart, so why did she have to ask?


    "Yes, I did it on purpose." He answered with a hint of embarrassment.


    Violette was speechless.


    When they got home, Violette went to take a shower first.


    After she finished, Elijah went into the bathroom.


    She was lying in bed, looking at her phone.


    Suddenly, Elijah''s phone screen lit up.


    She picked up his phone and saw a notification from Brandon.

 Chapter 135

    Chapter 135


    Brandon: [Your wife''s singing is seriously good! Such a waste she didn''t be a singer!]


    Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    She couldn''t resist and opened the message.


    She didn''t expect that she could actually unlock his phone.


    If he had set a screen lock, she wouldn''t have been able to unlock it.


    But, she did unlock it, and h


    e didn''t set a screen lock at all.


    Brandon sent him that message, along with a video.


    It was her singing and ying at the performance.


    Just now, Odette also sent her the same video, a


    nd told her that she was trending on the school forum.


    She pressed the back button, returning his phone to its original spot.


    But when she put it down, her finger identally hit his phone gallery.


    The pictures inside, suddenly appeared before her eyes.


    ...


    Elijah came out of the shower, Violette waved at him.


    He immediately sat down by the bed.


    "I suddenly have an interest in cooking. How about I cook for you from now on?" She proposed to him.


    He looked at her puzzled, "Are you serious?"


    "Yup! But I can''t guarantee it''ll taste good. Cause I''ve never done it before." Her eyes were filled with


    curiosity about this new thing.


    "Then give it a try tomorrow." Elijah said.


    "Sure!" She looked at his grey robe, giving him a suggestion, "You look good in light-colored clothes,


    you should wear them more often."


    "But your ssmates still say I look like your elder." Elijahined.


    "How do you know he wasn''t just messing with you?" Violette held his face with both hands,forting


    him, "You look particrly handsome tonight."


    His big hand held her small one, his deep eyes shing with confusion, "Why are you suddenly so


    affectionate?"


    She blushed under his gaze, and nestled her head into his neck, whispering, "No reason, just felt like


    hugging you."


    His heart filled with warmth, he opened his arms and pulled her into his embrace.


    Time flew by.


    He spent his days either working in his study or watching her cook.


    And her energy was mostly spent in the kitchen.


    In the blink of an eye, it was New Year''s Eve.


    Grace called early in the morning, urging them to hurry over to Old Manor.


    Violette got up and cooked a pot of meat sauce pasta


    After a leisurely breakfast, they headed over to Old Manor.


    "How about we go have dinner with your mom this afternoon?" Elijah, holding Violette''s hand, asked for


    her opinion.


    He suggested bringing Albina to Old Manor for dinner, but she refused.


    Even if she didn''t refuse, Albina would.


    Violette shed him a smile, "No it¡¯s fine. I just want to spend the day with you. This is our first New


    Year¡¯s Eve together."


    Elijah said, "We will have many more New Year¡¯s Eves together in the future."


    Violette looked out the window,ughing, "Look at the thickyer of snow outside! We can make a


    snowman."


    "Yeah.


    ¡°


    ¡°Let''s make a snowman togetherter!"


    Elijah wanted to say ''childish'', but couldn''t bring himself to say it.


    He didn''t want to spoil her mood.


    After lunch at Old Manor, Violette dragged him out to make a snowman.


    The rest of the Bourne family stood by watching them y.


    This was the first time in all these years that they had seen Elijah do something so childish.


    But looking at the smile on his face, he must be happy!


    "Elijah, are you happy?" Violette looked at the snowman they built together, suddenly asked.


    Elijah said, "I am. Being with you makes me happy."


    He didn''t say the rest of his thoughts out loud, but silently recited them in his heart.

 Chapter 136

    Chapter 136


    In the afternoon, they headed home for some rest.


    Because tonight, they were gonna party, New Year''s style.


    As soon as Elijah dozed off, Violette popped open her eyes.


    She stared at his face, couldn''t get enough of it.


    Too bad time couldn''t just freeze, wouldn''t it be awesome to stop right here, right now!


    At 4 pm, Elijah woke up to find Violette missing from his side.


    He got up, went downstairs to find her.


    "You''re awake!" Violette was prepping dinner, "I was thinking of making Mexican wraps tonight, what do


    you think?"


    Elijah reached the kitchen doorway, watching her bustling around and felt at peace.


    "How about I take over dinner?" he suggested.


    "You can cook?" Violette looked surprised, "If you can, go for it! I''ve never tasted your cooking before!"


    "I haven''t before, but I can follow a recipe." he said, "You go chill in the living room."


    "Can I just stay here and watch you cook?" she teased with a twinkle in her eyes.


    Of course, he didn¡¯t turn her down.


    He brought her a chair to sit on.


    Watching him methodically prepare dinner, it was like a show.


    Whatever he did, he made it look like he totally knew his stuff.


    In the evening, Violette, enjoying his steak, couldn''t help butpliment, "Even better than


    professional chefs."


    Elijah said,: "Maybe the restaurants you''ve been to are just mediocre."


    Violette said, "Can''t you just ept mypliment?"


    Elijah said, "Alright, I do think my cooking is pretty good."


    Violette said, "Ha-ha... I''ll give you the broli, not a fan."


    N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    Saying this, she passed her broli to him, while sneakily eating his cherry tomatoes.


    "Violette, don¡¯t be picky." Elijah chided gently while eating her broli.


    She quickly defended, "I''m not picky, I just don''t like boiled stuff."


    After dinner, they took a walk and then returned home to watch TV.


    She leaned on his shoulder, dozed off sleepily.


    At 11:30 pm, he woke her up, "Let''s go set off some fireworks!"


    Her face lit up with a smile, but there was a hint of sadness in her eyes.


    They put on their coats, headed outside, where


    the bodyguard lit the fireworks.


    In an instant, the sky was lit up with dazzling fireworks!


    Violette looked up, letting the cold wind brush past her face.


    "Violette, I have a gift for you." His voice echoed in her ears.


    She turned to him, "A New Year''s gift? Didn''t we say no gifts?"


    She hadn''t prepared anything for him.


    Elijah said, "It was pre-ordered."


    Saying this, he pulled out a square red box from his pocket.


    Without opening, she could guess what was inside.


    "We''ve been married for half a year, this is your bted wedding ring." He opened the box, inside was


    a beautiful diamond ring.


    Violette looked at the diamond ring, her eyes suddenly became teary.


    He took out the ring, held her right hand, and slowly put the ring on her finger.


    "It''s beautiful." She murmured.


    "As long as you like it." He held her right hand tightly.


    Up in the sky, the fireworks continued to burst.


    The colorful fireworks lit up the night.


    As the fireworks turned into a countdown, she stood on her toes and kissed his cool lips.


    He felt the wet sensation on his face


    , and saw her cheeks was full of tears.


    He wanted to ask, why was she crying like this?


    The countdown ended, and it was officially the New Year.


    "Elijah, Happy New Year." She let go of him, her voice hoarse.

 Chapter 137

    Chapter 137


    "Happy New Year, Violette," he raised his hand, trying to wipe the tears off her face.


    But she stepped back abruptly, her voice cold, "Elijah, I''m leaving."


    Before he could react to her words, she had already pulled off the engagement ring from her finger.


    "Take this back," she stuffed the ring into the pocket of his coat.


    "I like you, but I can''t continue like this." She lifted her head, her eyes glistening with unshed tears,


    "You have photos of her on yourputer and your phone. Surely, she''s in your heart too. I admit


    you''ve been good to me, but you love her more. I won''t force you to exin or give her up, because I


    know it would be in vain.


    We''re breaking up!" She was not asking for his opinion. She was telling him.


    Elijah stood frozen, disbelief in his eyes.


    Before she mentioned breaking up, they were seemingly happy.


    In the past, she cooked for him every day, held him every night... He thought they would stay in love, till


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    death do them part.


    When did she start thinking about breaking up?


    He had no idea.


    Maybe a few days ago.


    Or even earlier than that.


    "I''m leaving soon. I''ve handed over the divorce proceedings to mywyer. He''ll be in touch after the


    New Year," Violette wiped the tears off her cheeks and stepped back, "Elijah, let''s not meet or contact


    each other in the future. Let''s act like we''ve never known each other."


    She clenched her fist, trying hard not to cry.


    The first time she saw her photo on hisputer, she was just curious. Then she saw the same


    woman''s photo on his phone, it was a gut punch.


    His phone had only her pictures.


    She had to face this cruel reality, that t


    he man she loved had another woman in his heart.


    Violette hailed a cab by the roadside.


    Before getting in, she couldn''t help but look back¡ª


    Behind her, there was nothing but the silent, cold wind.


    He didn''t chase after her.


    Just as she said, even if she forced him, he wouldn''t reveal anything about that woman, let alone give


    her up for Violette.


    Her tears fell like strings of pearls.


    She got in the cab and hoarsely told the driver, "To the airport."


    Albina had already returned the rented apartment and was waiting for her at the airport with their


    luggage.


    In two hours, she and her mother would leave this city.


    The taxi sped down the deserted streets in the dead of night.


    She watched the scenery sh by through her teary eyes, reminiscing about their time together.


    Everything felt so real, y


    et so unreal.


    Her heart ached fiercely; tears kept flowing.


    Suddenly, she felt a kick in her belly.


    It was their baby.


    She and Elijah''s baby was already seven months old.


    In a while, they would be born.


    Sadly, they would never have a father.


    Four yearster¡ª


    A City.


    3 A.M.


    Elijah''s master bedroom.


    A light suddenly turned on in the quiet room.


    Elijah opened his eyes and picked up the phone from the bedside table.


    It was a call from Professor Dr. Mitchel.


    He answered immediately.


    "Elijah..." The voice on the other end, Professor Dr. Mitchel''s, sounded weak, "I... I''m afraid... I won''t


    make it... There''s someone who can help you with the task you''ve given me... my student... her name


    is..."


    Suddenly, there was a loud thump, like the sound of a body hitting the floor!


    Elijah sat up in bed abruptly, his heart dropping into an icy pit!


    No matter how much he called out to Dr. Mitchel, there was no response.


    Until an hourter, Dr. Mitchel''s assistant called him back, "Mr. Bourne, Dr. Mitchel has suddenly


    passed away due to an illness. I discovered that hisst call was to you, so I thought I should let you


    know."

 Chapter 138

    Chapter 138


    A weekter.


    A City, Silverleaf Ridge sales center.


    Violette was carefully examining the model.


    The salesperson sized her up, looking at her young face, and asked, "What kind of house are you


    interested in?"


    Violette said, "Any big ones left?"


    Seeing the glint in her eyes, the salesperson quickly responded, "Yes! There''s one left. But it''s pretty


    Violette said, "Can I move in immediately if I pay now?"


    The salesperson hastened to nod, "Absolutely! All our vise with luxury furnishings and we even


    throw in furniture for the whole house. All you need to do is bring your luggage."


    Violette said, "Alright, just let me know the price."


    Salesperson answered, "The total cost is 30 million. The price is a bit steep, but in ourmunity, this


    is the onlyrge one left. If you think the price is a bit..."


    Violette nced to the side.


    Albina was holding her daughter Rita, who had fallen asleep. They needed a ce to stay.


    Violette turned back to the salesperson, "Show me the house."


    The salesperson quickly escorted her to view the property.


    In a blink, only Albina and the two kids were left in the sales center.


    The girl was sleeping in Albina''s arms, while the boy stood next to Albina, a wary look in his eyes.


    He was wearing a baseball cap, a white loose t-shirt, grey denim shorts, and a pair of sneakers.


    His features were delicate and beautiful, like a little prince from aic book.


    A saledy walked over and offered him two pieces of chocte


    , "Little buddy, how old are you?"


    Ian Dennis didn¡¯t responded.


    "What''s your name?" She kept asking.


    Ian, still didn¡¯t say a word.


    "Is the little girl your sister?" She asked the third time.


    Ian didn''t utter a word; he just turned away.


    Seeing the embarrassed look on the saledy''s face, Albina quickly exined with a smile, "I''m sorry,


    he doesn''t really like to talk."


    "No worries, here''s the chocte." The saledy handed the chocte to Albina, and then looked at


    Rita''s sleeping face, genuinelyplimenting, "Your granddaughter is so beautiful."


    A whileter.


    Violette returned from viewing the house, walked up to Albina and said, "Mom, the house seems nice.


    Why don''t we buy it?"


    The reason for choosing this ce was because it was close to their old house.


    Albina frowned, "It''s a bit pricey. The house your father had was only 3 million."


    Violetteughed, "Mom, when you guys bought that house, I wasn''t even born! You can''tpare


    prices from back then to now."


    With that, Violette pulled out a card and handed it to the salesperson.


    Twenty minutester, Violette signed the contract, and left the sales center with her family.


    "Who would''ve thought this chick was loaded! She paid the whole thing upfront!"


    "Just look at how young she is, already with two kids. She definitely didn''t earn that money herself!"


    "Still, she''s pretty hot. Her husband must be loaded." The salespeople gossiped among themselves.


    ...


    At the vi.


    Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    Albina took Rita to the room, and I


    an followed them in.


    "Ian, grandma is going to buy some groceries and then cook dinner. Can you take care of your sister?"


    Albina negotiates with him.


    He nodded in agreement.


    Reassured, Albina left the house.

 Chapter 139

    Chapter 139


    "Violette, I''m gonna pop out to buy some groceries. If you''re knackered, take a break," Albina told


    Violette.


    Violette opened her suitcase and began to take out her stuff out.


    "Mom, be safe. I''m good, I''ll sort out these stuff first." Violette said.


    "Alright, I¡¯m leaving now." Albina said.


    Once Albina left, the ce fell silent.


    Violette quickly stowed everything away, then took a peek in the kids'' room.


    Rita was still snoozing, and Ian was lying next to her, eyes shut.


    She left the room and sighed softly, a tinge of sadness crossing her face.


    Ian was a healthy kid, but he was also different.


    He wasn''t keen on talking, refused to interact with strangers.


    He was already four but hadn''t been to school yet.


    Violette took him for many medical checks. His health was fine, and his IQ was even higher than


    average.


    But his issue was psychological.


    Violette had taken him to see a psychologist, but the problem remained unresolved.


    Fortunately, Rita didn''t have this problem.


    Even though Rita wasn''t fond of socializing with strangers either, she was willing to express her


    feelings.


    Her phone suddenly rang.


    Violette picked it up and answered the call.


    "Violette, have you found a ce to stay?" On the other end of the line was Adrian, Dr. Mitchel''s


    assistant.


    "Yeah, Ian and Rita are napping, and mum''s out shopping," Violette replied. "When are youing


    back? We should catch up."


    "I''ll definitely hit you up when I''m back. But there''s something I need to give you a heads up," Adrian''s


    tone became serious. "About five years ago, Elijah entrusted Dr. Mitchel with a task, a secret one that


    Dr. Mitchel never mentioned. Three days ago, Elijah started gathering a list of Dr. Mitchel''s students."


    "Why would he do that?" Violette asked, puzzled.


    "When the police were investigating Dr. Mitchel''s cause of death, they pulled up thest call he made to


    Elijah," Adrian exined. "In that call, Dr. Mitchel said he couldn''t help him anymore and told him to


    seek his students. Before he could finish, Dr. Mitchel passed away. I''m guessing the student he wanted


    to refer to was you."


    Violette was stunned, "If Dr. Mitchel couldn''t solve a problem after five years, I''m sure I can''t either."


    "Nobody else stands a chance, but Dr. Mitchel once said your abilities have surpassed his," Adrian


    paused, then continued, "You want to avoid Elijah, right? That''s why I didn''t put your name on the list.


    The list I gave him contains names of those still in medical practice after graduation. Nobody knows


    Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    you''ve been staying in Dr. Mitchel''sb since your graduation. He won''t be able to find out."


    "Thanks, Adrian! I''ll buy you a drink when you''re back," Violette breathed a sigh of relief.


    Her kids were her top priority now. For their safety, she wanted nothing to do with Elijah.


    "No worries. Just keep your guard up since you two are in the same city now." Adrian said.


    "Got it." Violette said.


    At nine in the evening.


    In the kids'' room.


    Ian and Rita, in their adorable cartoon pyjamas, were lying on the bed.


    A warm orangemp was left on the bedside table.


    The little ones had their eyes wide open.


    "Ian, have you found out who our dad is?" Rita asked.


    With a serious look, Ian uttered with a name, "Kaleb."


    "Huh? Brother, are you saying that''s our dad''s name?" Rita tugged at Ian''s arm, asking anxiously, "How


    did you find out? What does he look like?"


    Ian furrowed his brows, his expression eerily reminiscent of Elijah''s.


    He got off the bed.


    Rita quickly followed suit.


    Ian opened hisptop, found a picture, and said to Rita, "Him, Kaleb, our dad."


    Earlier in the afternoon, Ian used his hacking skills to find Violette''s records in A City hospital from four


    and a half years ago.


    It showed that their dad was Kaleb.

 Chapter 140

    Chapter 140


    Rita''s eyes widened as she stared at the photo of Kaleb on theputer screen,


    "Wow! Dad''s so hot!"


    Ian turned off theputer, thinking to himself, ¡°What good is being handsome! He''s a good-for-


    nothing, not good enough for Mom!¡±


    "Ian! When are we going to find Dad? Do you think he''d be happy to know about us?" Rita fantasized


    about her dad, as Violette had never bad-mouthed him in front of them.


    Whenever Rita asked who their dad was, she would patiently tell her daughter, "You don''t have a dad."


    Iany back down on his bed, staring at the ceiling, and quietly said, "No."


    Rita was a bit upset and asked in despair, "Why? We''re not asking him for money, just want him to


    spend some time with us!"


    Ian said, "Go to sleep."


    Rita was sulky and said, "I can''t sleep. I want Dad."


    Ian was disappointed in ''Dad'' and thus was down and out of patience, "Shut up."


    Finally, Rita quieted down.


    She could sense that her brother was upset, so she stretched out her little arm, hugged him, and said


    gently, "Sorry, I didn''t mean to piss you off. If you don''t want to find Dad, then I won''t either."


    Ian pushed her arm away, his tone much cooler, "Wait for my signal."


    Rita happily hugged her brother again, "Okay, I''ll do as you say!"


    ......


    Master bedroom.


    Violette stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, looking at the bustling night view outside, her expression


    somewhat nk.


    Four years had passed in a blink, and it seemed like everything had changed, yet nothing had.


    For instance, she and Elijah hadn''t been in contact for four years, but their rtionship was still legally


    intact.


    Elijah hadn''t signed the divorce papers.


    She dialed herwyer''s number, and soon, the call was answered.


    "Mr. Ross, ask him again tomorrow. If he still refuses to sign, please tell him that I''ll file for a divorce."


    Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    Her own voice sounded, calm and determined.


    She couldn''t help but remember four years ago when she had left, crying so much that she almost


    fainted at the airport.


    So silly!


    While he wasn''t affected at all.


    After she had gone abroad, she would secretly search his name online because she missed him.


    So she saw news and photos of him attending various events.


    His world was still spinning, with or without her.


    Seeing him doing so well, she quickly moved on as well.


    "Ms. Dennis, are you back in the country?" Mr. Ross asked.


    "Yes." Violette said.


    "Since you''re back, why not go talk to him directly?" Mr. Ross sighed, "He stopped taking my calls a


    long time ago. I guess he cklisted me."


    Violette was stunned.


    "But if you insist that I intervene, I can contact him with a different number." Mr. Ross continued,


    "Honestly, your chances of sess would be higher if you did it yourself."


    Violette said, "Could you please contact him with a different number then!"


    Mr. Ross said, "Sure thing."


    After hanging up, Violette scrolled through her contacts.


    She hade back not only because this was her hometown, but also for a very important reason.


    She wanted to rejuvenate the Dennis Group, which had gone bankrupt under her watch.


    Not only did she want to rejuvenate it, but she also wanted to make The Dennis Group more glorious


    than ever.


    The 500 million dors that was stolen from her, she would get it back with interest!


    She found the former HR director of The Dennis Group in her contacts and dialed the number.

 Chapter 141

    Chapter 141


    The phone rang for a while before someone finally picked up.


    "Mr. Ramsey, hi. This is Violette. Not sure if you remember me." Violette said.


    "Violette? Of course, I remember you! Ourpany wouldn''t have gone bust without you! You''ve got


    some nerve calling me. Can''t find a job and looking to borrow money from me? Let me tell you, not a


    single penny will you get from me!" Mr. Ramsey said.


    Listening to his enraged tone, Violette calmly replied, "I''m not here to borrow money. I''m calling to ask if


    you''ve had any recent changes in your job."


    "Job changes? Are you in recruitment now?" Mr. Ramsey asked.


    N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    "No," Violette replied, "I''m nning to resurrect the Dennis Group. If possible, I''d like to rehire old staff.


    If everyone''s willing toe back, I can offer double what they''re currently earning."


    The HR director was taken aback!


    "Would you be interested ining back?" Violette asked.


    Taking a deep breath, Mr. Ramsey asked, "Did you hit a jackpot? Do you know how much it costs to


    pay double the sry?"


    "I can offer that." Violette responded.


    "If you really can pay, then of course I''lle back! Who would turn down more money!" Unhesitant,


    Mr. Ramsey said, then added in a low voice, "Did you really hit a jackpot?!"


    "I wouldn''t say I hit a jackpot. But resurrecting the Dennis Group is not a problem anymore. By the way,


    could you look into who originally bought the Dennis Group building? I''d like to buy it back." Violette


    said.


    "Looks like you''re serious! Hang on... I''ll find out right away! I''ll let you know as soon as I get the info!"


    Mr. Ramsey said.


    ncing at the time, Violette said, "It''s gettingte. You can look into it tomorrow. I called because I''m


    feeling happy to be back home."


    Even if life abroad was good, there was always a sense of belonging missing.


    The following morning, Violette took Rita to tour the private kindergarten in their neighborhood.


    Naturally, the kindergarten in this high-end residential area was also high-end.


    It was built like a castle.


    "Ms. Dennis, if you''re worried Rita won''t adjust well here, you can have her attend trial sses for a


    day," the principal looked at the princess-like Rita with particr affection.


    Crouching down to Rita''s level, Violette asked for her daughter''s opinion, "Sweetie, would you like to


    give it a try? If you study here, grandma can drop you off and pick you up every day."


    Rita balled her little hands into fists, her sparkling eyes staring at her mom, "Mommy, are you taking


    brother to another school? Can I go to school with brother?"


    Gently stroking her daughter''s head, Violette exined softly, "I''m afraid not, Rita. Brother''s situation is


    different from yours. As soon as he can go to school with you, mommy will let hime keep you


    With a disappointed look, Rita nodded.


    After leaving her daughter with the principal, Violette went home.


    Albina was washing dishes in the kitchen, and


    Ian was on the floor ying with his new toy.


    Violette walked over to her son and gently asked, "Ian, would you like to go see a new school with


    mommy? We''ll just take a look and if you don''t like it, we''lle back."


    Ian put away his toy and stood up.


    He was usually very cooperative.


    When visiting new schools, he was always amenable, b


    ut actually attending was a problem.


    Violette had tried many kindergartens, but Ian couldn''t adjust.


    Even one-on-one home tuition didn''t work.


    She didn''t want to send her son to a special education school, but at the moment, she could think of no


    better alternatives.


    Ang International Institute was a renowned high-end special education institute in A Country.


    Because the tuition fees were very high, most people couldn''t afford to study there.


    Besides, the institute also implemented a member referral system.


    It was only through connections that Violette managed to secure a spot.


    The taxi she had hailed stopped in front of the gates of Ang International Institute.


    Violette and her son got out of the taxi and went to the security booth to register.


    At that moment, a ck Rolls Royce drove out from inside the institute.


    After registering, Violette turned around and saw the luxury car...

 Chapter 142

    Chapter 142


    The car slowed down and waited for the electric gate to open.


    Violette hugged Ian almost reflexively and turned away.


    In a sh, the car passed by.


    Ian watched the luxury car disappear into the distance, then looked up at his Mom''s worried


    expression, guessing she might know the person in the vehicle.


    He had never seen his Mom scared before.


    This piqued his interest in this ce.


    After entering the school, the person in charge led the mother and son to visit the school environment.


    This ce lived up to its reputation as the best particr school in A Country, with stunning


    surroundings, top-notch teachers, and state-of-the-art facilities.


    Although the expensive tuition fee, Violette was entirely satisfied with this ce.


    "Ian, what do you say we give this ce a shot? I could drop you off in the morning and pick you up in


    the evening. How does that sound?" Violette took her son aside to discuss.


    If Ian shook his head, she would never force him.


    Even though he was special, he was still her most cherished child.


    In the Worst case scenario, she would take care of him for the rest of her life.


    At this moment, Ian nodded.


    Violette was stunned.


    Did she see that right? He agreed!


    "Sweetie, did you really agree?" Violette took a deep breath.


    Ian looked at her and nodded again.


    Violette hugged him tightly, her eyes welling up with tears.


    Although it was just one step forward, it was a giant leappared to before.


    At ten o''clock in the morning.


    Mr. Ross finally got in touch with Elijah.


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    "Hello, Sir. I''m Violette''swyer. I''m contacting you because Violette has returned to the country." Mr.


    Ross got straight to the point, fearing Elijah would hang up.


    Sure enough, Elijah kept the line open.


    Mr. Ross breathed a sigh of relief, saying, "Violette contacted mest night and insisted I inform you


    today. She is still resolute in her decision to divorce and hopes you can sign the agreement soon.


    Otherwise, she will file for a divorcewsuit."


    On the other end, Elijah''s breathing became noticeably heavier.


    Mr. Ross said, "Sir, I don''t understand why you''re reluctant to divorce. Violette is not asking for gifts.


    she wants to dissolve the marriage. This has no loss for you."


    Elijah, rubbing his eyebrows and nagging his voice, said, "Fine, we can divorce, but she muste to


    talk to me in person."


    With that, he hung up.


    Mr. Ross ryed his response to Violette.


    "Ms. Dennis, why don''t you just go see him? He said he''ll agree to the divorce if you go to see him in


    person."


    Violette pondered for a moment, asking, "If I won''t divorce him, it won''t affect my life, right?"


    Mr. Ross eximed, "Of Course it will! Firstly, your current ie is considered joint property..."


    Violette cut him off, "Don''t kidding He earns more than me. If he''s not worried, why should I be?"


    Mr. Ross said, "But you signed an agreement not to im his assets, he hasn''t said anything about not


    wanting yours?"


    Violette said, "Oh, if he needs it, I''ll give it to him."


    Mr. Ross said, "I''m really baffled. Are you two over or not?"


    Violette said, "We''re over."


    Mr. Ross said, "Oh! So, are you nning on filing for divorce? That process isplicated. I suggest


    you go talk to him."


    Violette frowned and said, "I''ll think about it."


    Mr. Ross said, "Okay, I hope your divorce process goes smoothly." He paused, then asked, puzzled,


    "Actually, I never understood why you want to divorce Elijah. Elijah is the dream partner for many


    women, but you chose to divorce him."


    Violette said, "Wish you are booming business." With that, she hung up.

 Chapter 143

    Chapter 143


    She really didn''t want to go look for Elijah anymore.


    That Rolls Royce she saw today at Ang International Institute was differed from the one four years


    ago.


    After all,there''s no way he''d be driving the same car for four years.


    However,the driver was his old driver.


    Why the heck would he show up at a school ?


    Could it be that he invested in the school?


    But even if he did invest, he probably wouldn''t be involved in the school''s day-to-day operations.


    After all, the Bourne Group is so huge. He''s got enough on his te already.


    Lunchtime.


    Joey saw Elijah looking cold and worried, so he tried tofort him: "Boss, even though Dr. Mitchel


    has arge number of students, if we look for them individually, we''ll eventually find the person Dr.


    Mitchel mentioned."


    Elijah mumbled: "Violette''s back in the country."


    His voice was cold and lonely.


    Joey immediately reacted and said ,"Did she contact you?"


    "No, but she shoulde soon." Elijah finally picked up his knife and fork. "She wants a divorce. I told


    Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    herwyer to tell her if she wants a divorce,e find me by herself."


    Joey asked: "What if she doesn''te to find you? After all, whether you guys get divorced doesn''t


    affect your lives."


    Elijah shot her a cold nce.


    Joey instantly kept his mouth shut.


    Brandon ordered a bottle of wine, then asked him: "Elijah, what do you feel about her now? If it were


    me, I''d definitely hate her. But I feel like you not only don''t hate her, you even seem to wanna see


    her..."


    After the wine arrived, Elijah filled himself a ss.


    Taking a sip, he said indifferently: "I wouldn''t say hate, but not love anymore."


    He would''ve signed the divorce papers long ago and let her be free,If he still loved her.


    Four years ago, he gave her everything - his wealth, body, mind, and soul- without holding anything


    back.without holding anything back.


    But in the end, she heartlessly abandoned him.


    At that moment, he deeply felt what it''s like to be in excruciating pain.


    Everyone has the right to protect their privacy, but she demanded that he reveal all of his.


    If he had that courage and ability, he wouldn''t have developed psychological issues because of it.


    She said she loved him and made him believe he had everything, only to turn around and destroy it all.


    He swore he would never fall in love with another woman again.


    Let alone her.


    "Since you don''t love her anymore, that''s good. I originally thought Violette was differed other women,


    but she hurt you even deeper." Brandon raised his ss. "Joey and I will always support you."


    As their sses clinked, Joey suddenly remembered something:"Boss, today your property manager


    told me someone inquired about the Dennis Group building''s price, and that person wants to buy it."


    "Who?" Elijah''s hand gripping the wine ss turned pale.


    "I checked. It''s the former HR manager of the Dennis Group."


    "Are you sure he can buy the Dennis Group building?" Elijah was skeptical.


    Joey still needed to check the other party''s financial situation.


    He needed first to make sure Elijah was willing to sell.


    "If you n on selling, I can set up a meeting with him. What price do you want to sell it for?"


    Elijah''s eyes shed , and his body tensed up.


    Brandon noticed the change in his mood and quickly guessed what he was thinking, saying: "You''re not


    suspecting that the person who wants to buy the Dennis Group building is..."


    Elijah cut him off, turning to Joey, saying:Did you reveal your identity?"


    Joey shook his head: "Not yet. He only found out about your property manager''s info."


    "Tell the property manager to verify the other party''s proof of assets. If it''s not him buying, let him bring


    the person who wants to buy it for a meeting." Elijah said seriously.

 Chapter 144

    Chapter 144


    At two o''clock in the afternoon, Violette got a call from Ramsey.


    "Violette, let me know when you''re free. The other party has agreed to meet with us. They want to a


    chat. Oh, by the way, do you have proof of assets? The market value of this building is at least 500


    million."


    Ramsey''s words stunned Violette, "I remember the initial selling price of this building was 200 million


    US dors."


    "Yup, it''s in a prime location. With the skyrocketing housing prices in recent years, its value has


    increased too."


    "Alright. I''m not avable today. Let''s meet tomorrow!"


    "Got it. I''ll let them know right now."


    Violette has an appointment with Odette in the afternoon.


    Over the years, they kept in touch. Although they didn''t talk often, their friendship remained strong.


    The two met at a restaurant.


    Odette held a bouquet of roses in her hands. Upon seeing Violette, she gave her a warm hug.


    "Violette! You''re finally back! If you didn''t return, I would''ve considered cutting ties with you!"


    In these four years, they had met twice.


    Both times, Odette went abroad to find Violette.


    Violette picked up the roses, sniffed them, and praised, "These flowers smell amazing."


    "Violette, I wanted to pretend not to know you, but I couldn''t help it! You haven''t been back once in


    these four years!" Odette escorted her to the sofa. "This time ,you''re back. you won''t leave the country


    again, will you?"


    "Of course, I''ll leave again! Like for vacations and stuff."


    "You seem to be in a good mood! Where are you living now?" Odette ordered a few signature dishes


    and handed her the menu.


    Violette nced at the menu and handed it to the waiter.


    "I''m living at Star River Bay."


    Odette was surprised, "Is it the famous Silverleaf Ridge district?"


    Violette nodded awkwardly, "I made some money while abroad."


    "Oh my god! The vis there are worth tens of millions! You didn''t just make some money. you made a


    fortune! How''d you do it? Can you teach me?" Odette winked, pretending to joke.


    Violette said lightly, "I partnered with someone to start apany abroad, and it turned out to be quite


    profitable."


    "You guys are amazing! I don''t even know if Ramsey has made 10 million in his entire career. I doubt


    he''s cut out for business, and so do my parents. That''s why they disagree with me marrying him."


    Odette held up five fingers. "I''ve been with him for almost five years. I don''t know how much longer I


    can hang on."


    "Didn''t you say that as long as he returns back and takes over the family business, your parents will


    agree to let you marry him?"


    "Yes! But Ramsey doesn''t want to go back and take over! He said he''s willing to be with me for a


    lifetime, and the money he makes is enough to support me." Odette pretended to be unhappy.


    "Violette, I''m so sad! I might never get married in this lifetime."


    "Don''t worry. if you really want to get married, you can marry me. I can support you too." Violette


    Odette almost spat out the water in her mouth.


    "Violette, I''m curious, why did you divorce Elijah? Did he cheat on you? But I''ve never heard of him


    having another woman! In the years you''ve been abroad, he hasn''t had a new girlfriend either." Odette


    had been too shy to ask before, but now that Violette was here, she asked all her questions.


    "Odette, if Ramsey had another woman in his heart, but she never appeared in your lives, could you


    ept it?" Violette asked back.


    Odette suddenly understood, "You mean Elijah had another woman in his heart?"


    Violette took a sip of water and said, "It''s all in the past. We''ve been broken up for so long, now there''s


    just the divorce procedure left."


    "I never thought he could deceive himself like that. His friends think you hurt him, they think he''s the


    most sincere man in the world, and you''re the most vicious woman. I feel like throwing up now."


    "Don''t vomit, don''t ruin my appetite." Violette''s mood was calm, no fluctuations could be seen on her


    N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    face.


    "Alright! Let''s not talk about that unpleasant man anymore! What are your ns for your next career


    ns ?"


    "I n to rebuild my father''spany."

 Chapter 145

    Chapter 145


    Odette was dumbfounded, staring straight at her, and asked, "How much money did you make?"


    Violette replied, "My goal is to rebuild my father''spany. It''s just a wish, not necessarily achievable."


    Odette breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Compared to you, Ramsey and I are like two losers. So, I


    have to stick with you.I could introduce you to a boyfriend? I have a cousin, he''s handsome and young,


    just 19 years old, and most importantly, he''s very obedient"


    Violette touched her forehead and said, "Odette, stop joking around."


    "You don''t like younger guys? Do you prefer older then? That''s fine too! I have a gym trainer. He''s 40


    this year. though he''s older, his muscles make me drool every time I see him.You can ask him do


    housework and take care of you"


    Violette sighed.After breaking up with Elijah, she lost interest in men.


    Young or old, she didn''t want any of them.


    In the afternoon, Violette went to the car dealership with Odette.


    Odette suggested buying a Mercedes, but she preferred a Range Rover.


    "How about this one? It looks pretty good." Violette pointed at a car and asked Odette.


    Odette pointed at the price tag on the car and said, "Violette, as long as you can afford it, this car is


    obviously great! How could a car at this price not be good?"


    Violette took out her bank card, handed it to the salesperson, and said, "I''ll take this one."


    She had to pick up Ian from schoolter, and taking a taxi could have been more convenient.


    In the evening, Violette drove to Ang International Institute.


    The teacher handed Ian to Violette with a smile and said, "Ian is very obedient. I enjoyed being with


    him."


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    Violette looked at her son in surprise and asked, "Ian, is what the teacher said true?"


    Ian put both hands in his pockets and nodded.


    Violette''s eyes welled up with emotion.


    She didn''t expect Ian to be willing to go to Ang Academy!


    Ang Academy is indeed well-deserved!


    The tuition is so expensive, but it''s worth it!


    The next day.


    After meeting with Mr. Ramsey in the morning, they went to the agreed-upon coffee shop together.


    "Violette, did you bring proof of assets?" Ramsey looked at her empty-handed and was a bit nervous.


    Violette responded, "I''ll check the price first."


    Ramsey said, "I asked, and he said it''s based on the market price. But then he said we''ll discuss it


    when we meet."


    Upon arriving at the coffee shop, Violette ordered a coffee first.


    The agreed-upon time was 10 a.m.


    As her coffee was served, it was the appointed time.


    Somebody pushed the ss door of the coffee shop .


    Violette looked up.


    Two men strode in. One of them looked very familiar to her!

 Chapter 146

    Chapter 146


    Joey was shocked when he saw Violette.


    He didn''t expect the buyer of the Dennis Group building to be Violette!


    Violette''s mood immediately became chaotic.


    Why was Elijah''s assistant here?


    Mr. Ramsey saw theming and immediately stood up to greet the property manager, "Mr. Silva, who


    is this?"


    Mr. Silva introduced, "This is Elijah''s assistant, Joey. The Dennis Group building was bought by Mr.


    Bourne through me back then."


    Mr. Ramsey nodded and greeted Joey, "Hello, Joey."


    Joey said, "Hello."


    "Let me introduce you. The person who wants to buy the Dennis Group building is my former boss


    ke''s daughter, Violette." Mr. Ramsey introduced Violette to them, "The Dennis Group went bankrupt


    unavoidably, and now Ms. Dennis has made money abroad and wants to buy back the building and


    rebuild the Dennis Group."


    Violette felt an unusual silence around her.


    She didn''t hear what Mr. Ramsey said.


    She just felt the whole situation was ironic!


    Why did fate make fun of her like this!


    Would Elijah sell the building to her if he knew she was the one who wanted to buy it?


    Probably not.


    ording to Odette, Elijah should hate her very much.


    "Mr. Ramsey, Mr. Silva, I want to talk to Ms. Dennis alone. Could you please leave us for a moment?"


    Joey said with a smile.


    Mr. Ramsey immediately stood up and told Violette, "I''ll wait for you outside."


    After saying that, he walked out.Mr. Silva followed him.


    Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    In the cafe, only Violette and Joey were left.


    The air was filled with awkwardness.


    Violette picked up her coffee cup and took a sip.


    Joey ordered a coffee and then looked at her leisurely, saying, "Ms. Dennis, weren''t you studying


    abroad? You must have made much money if you dare to buy this building?"


    Violette looked at him calmly and replied, "That''s my business, and I don''t want to answer."


    Joey pushed his sses and said, "It''s straightforward if you want to divorce my boss. Just find him,


    and he''ll divorce you. Likewise, if you want to buy the Dennis Group building, I can''t give you any


    answer. You have to find him."


    Violette said, "I don''t want to see him."


    "Ms. Dennis, are you feeling guilty? Why don''t you dare to see him if you''re not guilty? He wants to end


    everything with you" Joey said, "He doesn''t love you anymore. So you don''t have to worry about him


    bothering you when you meet."


    Her heart ached as if a knife had cut it.


    Violette kept her expression unchanged and said, "I see. I''ll find time to see him. Also, the person who


    should feel guilty is definitely not me."


    After saying that, she got up to pay the bill.


    Joey looked at her slender back, and herst sentence echoed in his mind.


    Her performance indeed didn''t seem guilty.


    Was there something unknown between her and his boss?


    After Violette left, Joey got up and left, ready to report back.


    When Elijah learned that the person who wanted to purchase the Dennis Group building was Violette,


    there was no change in his expression.


    He had predicted this yesterday.

 Chapter 147

    Chapter 147


    "She still looks as young and beautiful as four years ago, but her personality has changed significantly."


    Joey told Elijah about her recent encounter with Violette, "Now she''s more calm and decisive, definitely


    has that rich people vibe. I don''t know how she made so much money in four years."


    "The information I found in B Country shows that she co-founded apany called AN Tech three


    years ago, mainly producing and selling drones. she used ke''s system, but I heard it wasn''t perfect,


    so she must have had someone help her improve it. Otherwise, her drones wouldn''t sell so well."


    Brandon said, pulling out a bunch of documents.


    "Violette''s not the helpless little girl she was four years ago."


    Joey said, "I never thought she was helpless. She might have been broke four years ago, but she was


    determined. That''s why she pissed off the Boss so much."


    Brandon said, "That''s true. Now she''s wealthy! Even if we price the Dennis Group building at a billion,


    she could afford it."


    Joey looked at the silent Elijah and asked, "Boss, are you going to sell it? She seems interested."


    Elijah looked away from theputer screen and said coldly, "Let here to me."


    Next afternoon In a high-end restaurant.


    A man and a woman were sitting by the window.


    The man was Kaleb, and the woman was the daughter of a wealthy family in the city.


    "My uncle is Elijah, and I meet with him every week. He and my dad are good friends," Kaleb said


    confidently, "If we''re together, I can take you to meet him."


    The woman asked, "why don''t you work at your uncle''s Bourne Group?"


    Kaleb replied, "I want to rely on myself and prove my abilities."


    "So, how many girlfriends have you had?"


    Kaleb said, "Two. One during college and one after graduation. I haven''t been in a rtionship for four


    years because I''ve been too busy with work."


    "Do you still keep in touch with your ex-girlfriends?"


    Kaleb said, "No, we stopped contacting each other after breaking up. I I wouldn''t say I like ambiguous


    rtionships, once we break up, we''re strangers. Even if theye to me now, I wouldn''t care."


    The woman nodded, seemingly satisfied with Kaleb''s answers.


    Just then, a little girl suddenly grabbed Kaleb''s clothes and said, "Dad don''t you want me and Mom


    anymore? This auntie isn''t as pretty or young as my Mom, did you fall for her money? Wahhh, Dad!


    Don''t leave me and Mom!"


    Kaleb jolted as if he''d been electrocuted!


    He initially wanted to push the little girl away, but his heart softened when he saw her pitiful face.


    This little girl is so pretty!


    Her hairstyle was adorable, and she had bright, big eyes.


    "Kaleb! Your daughter is already this big! You''re so irresponsible!" The woman angrily sshed the


    water from her cup onto Kaleb''s face, grabbed her purse, and stormed off.


    Kaleb wiped the water off his face and prepared to chase after her.


    Rita suddenly burst into tears and said, "Dad! You can''t leave! You can''t leave me!"


    Rita''s crying immediately caught everyone''s attention.


    Kaleb was on the verge of a breakdown, "Look, you''ve got the wrong person! I''m not your dad! I''m not


    Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    even married. How could I have a daughter? Can you please stop crying? I beg you! Can you please


    stop crying!"


    Seeing that the woman had already driven away, Rita immediately stopped crying.


    "You don''t seem like my dad. My dad wouldn''t just leave me behind." Rita wiped her nose and


    extended her hand to Kaleb, "Uncle, can I borrow your phone? I got separated from my dad."


    Kaleb gritted his teeth and handed Rita his phone.


    After Five minutester.Rita walked out of the restaurant, one hand covering the Bluetooth earpiece in


    her ear, and said triumphantly, "Brother, I''ve installed the virus on his phone just like you told me to!"

 Chapter 148

    Chapter 148


    At the Bourne Estate family dinner, Grace asked Kaleb with concern, "How''s it going with Prisc


    Norris, the daughter of the Norris Group?" Kaleb looked down, looking a little frustrated.


    "Kaleb, your grandma is asking you a question! Didn''t you say you guys had a good chat the day


    before yesterday?" Kaleb''s mother said to her son.


    Kaleb said dejectedly, "We were having a great time talking, but then a little girl about four or five years


    old suddenly came running over, calling me daddy. She was crying and screaming, making the scene


    super awkward. Prisc misunderstood me, and she blocked me. I can''t get in touch with her now."


    Travis and his wife''s faces turned sour. They had hoped that their son could form a connection with a


    wealthy family through marriage, maintaining their social status. Although Elijah was excellent, he


    wouldn''t share his money with them. They had thought marrying into the Norris Group would go


    smoothly, but it was ruined by a little girl.


    "How could this happen? Did that little girl do it on purpose?" Melina asked angrily.


    Kaleb said, "I don''t think so. She got separated from her father, and I guess she was terrified, so she


    mistook me for him."


    He felt it was somewhat familiar as he thought of the little girl''s face again.


    "That little girl looks like someone Violette! The more I think about it, the more I think they look alike!"


    Hearing the name "Violette," Travis immediately warned his son, "Don''t mention Violette''s name in front


    of Elijah."


    Kaleb said, "Uncle, I''m sorry. I didn''t mean to. That girl really looks like Violette..." He looked at Elijah,


    trying to exin.


    "Enough, stop talking! Let''s eat! Later, you''ll go with me to apologize to the Norris family!" Travis said.


    Kaleb quietly epted.


    At Silverleaf Ridge, Violette was having dinner with her family.


    Soon, the two kids finished eating and ran to their room.


    "They already had dinner at school, so they''re not hungry," Albina said with a smile. "I didn''t expect our


    Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Ian to adapt to school life."


    Violette looked at the closed door of the children''s room and whispered, "Mom, that''s a special school,


    not like regr schools. Ian has no ssmates there. It''s just him and two teachers."


    "Having no ssmates is a small matter. I hope he can learn some knowledge so he won''t be idle


    when growing up. It would be even better if he could find a job to support himselfter." Albina said, her


    mood a bit heavy.


    Violetteforted her, "Mom, don''t think so far ahead. As long as he''s healthy, that''s the biggest


    blessing."


    Albina nodded and said, "Alright."


    At that moment, the two kids were in their room, sitting by the window chatting.


    "Dad is a terrible person." Rita''s eyes sparkled, and she growled, "Brother, I don''t want such a person


    to be my father."


    Ian''s eyes filled with rage, "He doesn''t deserve to be our father."


    "Yeah! He''s not worthy of being our father! I''d rather have no father than have one like that!" Rita


    barked, huffing, "Brother, we should teach him a lesson! He was so fawning over other women today It


    made me very angry!"


    Ian jumped from the window and said, "I''ll make him pay for it."


    That night, at ten o''clock.


    After taking a bath, Violette paced back and forth in her room.


    Although she really didn''t want to see Elijah, she had to contact him next.


    Mr. Ramsey had contacted the employees who used to work at the Dennis Group, and they all


    expressed their willingness to return to work.


    So she had to buy the Dennis Group building as soon as possible.


    If Elijah really refused to sell, she could only choose to give up and find another ce to buy a building.


    She opened Elijah''s phone number several times but never had the courage to call.


    Even though the reason for their breakup wasn''t that she had done something wrong to him, why was


    she so nervous?


    She went downstairs to buy a bottle of wine and brought it back.


    After drinking half a bottle of wine, her cheeks gradually turned red.


    Her eyes had hinted at of drunkenness, but her brain was still apparent.


    She dialed Elijah''s number, staring coldly at the phone screen.


    About ten secondster, the call was answered.

 Chapter 149

    Chapter 149


    "Tomorrow''s the weekend, do you have time?" she blurted out first.


    "Morning or afternoon?" His voice was low and maic, as charming as ever.


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    "Morning it is!" Her mind was controlled by alcohol, so she spoke directly and boldly, "If our talks go


    well, we will go through the divorce procedures tomorrow morning!"


    Elijah didn''t expect her to be this careless.


    This was different from what Joey had described.


    "Violette, you''re gonna regret this." His fingers tightened around his phone.


    "I won''t regret a thing!" His words pissed her off, "Once the divorce is sessful, I''m gonna buy


    fireworks and set them off non-stop for 24 hours!"


    She startedughing at her own words.


    Listening to her, Elijah sensed something was wrong.


    "Violette, have you been drinking?"


    She used to be a teetotaler!


    Now she''s drinking, and even drunk.


    Anger started to burn in his heart.


    "Why do you care? I can drink if I want to. No one can tell me otherwise!" she shouted recklessly.


    Elijah gritted his teeth, "Fine, divorce then!"


    Indeed, nobody could control her.


    She was now the Boss of AN Tech.


    Worth hundreds of millions.


    Though they were technically married, their marriage was only in name!


    Everyone around them knew they were no longer together.


    If that''s the case, then it''s time to end this marriage!


    *p, p, p*!


    She was pping.


    His face was pale. He hung up the phone!


    He would probably have a hypertension attack if he didn''t hang up. .


    After the screen darkened, Violette chuckled a couple times, then let her body fall heavily onto the bed


    behind her.


    "I''m finally free! Finally getting a divorce!" Violette looked at the ceiling,ughing andughing until


    scorching tears started to fall from her eyes, "Elijah I really regret, regret meeting you, regret marrying


    you, regret falling for you"


    The next day.


    The sunlight shone through the window. Violette rubbed her eyes on the white bed.


    She drankst night. Her head was throbbing.


    She reached out for her phone, opened it, and saw


    A message from Elijah,


    It was the meeting ce he sent at midnightst night.


    She put her phone down, and massaged her aching head.


    After the pain eased a little, she got out of bed.


    Next day 10 a.m.She arrived at the cafe bookstore he had arranged.


    Today she wore a ck dress. Her hair tied back, with light makeup on her face.


    Her delicate makeup couldn''t hide the fatigue or bloodshot of her eyes.


    She ordered a ck coffee.


    Half an hourter, she finished her coffee.


    She nced at the time, and ordered a second cup.


    At eleven o''clock, she drank her second cup of coffee.


    She didn''t go on to ask for a third cup of coffee.


    She picked up her phone, and dialed Elijah''s number.


    They agreed to meet at 10, why was he still not here?


    Did he change his mind about the divorce, or did something happen?

 Chapter 150

    Chapter 150


    A ck car pulled up in the front yard of the Bourne family''s residence.


    The car door opened, and a familiar delicate face appeared.


    Lacey piped up, "Ms. Marcia, long time no see."


    Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    Melinda smiled, "Lacey, it''s been a while. Is Elijah home?"


    Lacey nodded, "Mr. Bourne has been waiting for you since he got your call this morning."


    Melinda nodded in satisfaction.


    Anotherdy then got out of the car.


    "Watch your step, Ms. Sarah," Melinda helped her out of the car.


    Ms. Sarah, about thirty, was mature looking with a dignified air.


    She took a good look at the vi in front of her.


    Her feelings were unreadable from her eyes.


    Lacey didn''t dare to ask more questions, She led them into the living room.


    Upon their arrival, Elijah immediately got up from the couch.


    Melinda had called him in the morning, iming to have found the student Dr. Mitchel had mentioned


    who could potentially help him.


    Dr. Mitchel''sst phone call before his death was to Elijah, a fact that had made local news.


    With enough money and connections, anyone could find out about thatst phone call between Dr.


    Mitchel and Elijah.


    Melinda had gone to great lengths to bring Ms. Sarah, from far away, to meet Elijah, all in an attempt to


    weasel her way back into his life.


    Five long years!


    During these years away from Elijah, she had been living abroad.


    Now, she had the chance to return to him And she grabbed it with both hands.


    His face, more appealing than five years ago, tugged at her heartstrings.


    Her eyes welled up.


    But Elijah barely nced at her before his gazended on Sarah.


    "Ms. Sarah, nice to meet you," Elijah extended his hand towards Sarah.


    "Nice to meet you, Mr. Bourne," Sarah shook his hand.


    Elijah offered her a seat.


    "Ms. Sarah, I''ve seen your resume. Are you the youngest professor at the Vitality Medical Center?"


    Elijah inquired.


    Melinda watched him, her heart aching.


    Sadly, he barely acknowledged her.


    But even if she was invisible to him, she didn''t mind.


    She was content just being near him.


    But she needed to figure out why he sought Dr. Mitchel and Sarah.


    He is in good health, and Grace is also in good health. Who is he seeking medical treatment for?


    Sarah nodded in affirmation, "Yes, I am. If you''ve seen my resume, you should have a pretty good idea


    of my background. I joined medical school at 15 and, ever since, I''ve dedicated my life to medicine and


    my patients."


    "Right. I''ve arranged amodation for you. You should rest. We can talkter," Elijah suggested.


    "Okay," Sarah agreed.


    Elijah dispatched a bodyguard to escort Sarah out.


    Once Sarah left, Melinda called to him, "Elijah"


    "Melinda, thank you," Elijah turned to Melinda after watching Sarah leave, expressing his gratitude, "If it


    weren''t for you, I might have had to spend more time finding her."


    Dr. Mitchel had a plethora of students.


    And each one of them had an impressive resume.


    "I was just doing my part. Elijah, can I rejoin the Bourne Group? I''ve been keeping myself busy these


    past few years. I studied abroad for a year and worked for more than two." Melinda tried to convey her


    ability to take on the role of the Public Rtions Director at the Bourne Group.


    Elijah didn''t like owing people.


    Melinda had done him a huge favor this time.


    He could grant it even though he wasn''t thrilled about her request.


    "I can ept your request. But if you join the Bourne Group, our rtionship will strictly be that of a


    boss and subordinate," he made it clear that he didn''t want her getting too close.


    Melinda was heartbroken but nodded anyway.


    "Elijah, can I ask who the medical help is for? I don''t mean to pry. I''m just worried about you," Melinda


    asked tentatively before leaving.

 Chapter 151

    Chapter 151


    Elijah: "Appreciate the concern, but I don''t need it."


    Melinda awkwardly turned around and left.


    The phone rang, breaking the silence of the room.


    Elijah picked up, saw Violette''s name, and felt a headache.


    It''s nearly midnight.


    He was supposed to meet Violette this morning, a date they set upst night.


    He got a call from Melinda while he was getting ready to leave and wholly ked on the meeting.


    He picked up the phone: "Sorry, I have something to do today and I don''t have time to make an


    appointment. I will entrust awyer to handle our divorce."


    Violette paused, then calmly said, "Alright. You can''t divorce on a weekend. Have yourwyer get in


    touch with me on Monday."


    Elijah: "Sure."


    Seems like the call can end now.


    "I can sell you the Dennis Group building," He''s lost his taste for revenge against Violette.


    All he wants now is for his sister, Maka, to get better.


    Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Maka was his twin sister. But Maka had a mental disability.


    Their father was a very strict person, hard on his kids.


    He couldn''t bear to have an unhealthy child, He didn''t want it to be aughing stock for the Bourne


    family.


    So Maka''s birth was a disaster.


    No one knew the Bourne family had a child named Maka.


    Elijah is haunted by memories of his father beating Maka when drunk.


    Maka has suffered so much.


    She almost died once.


    Their mother hid Maka away, which saved her from their father''s beatings.


    Elijah always felt deeply for his sister. His heart ached for her.


    He would spare no expense for her health.


    He wished so much that she could one day lead a normal life.


    With advancements in medicine, he''s been searching for top doctors globally, hoping to find a cure for


    his sister.


    And then, Sarah showed up, and he saw hope.


    Violette felt devastated.


    For over four years, Elijah refused to sign the divorce papers unless they met face to face.


    But now, he''s handing it over to hiswyer.


    She thought it''s his way of getting back at her!


    But then, he agreed to sell her the Dennis Group building without making a fuss or jacking up the price.


    So, it''s not revenge. He doesn''t care. About her, about everything.


    Violette walked out of the coffee bookstore.


    The scorching sun blinded her.


    She got into the car, and the temperature inside was high.


    But she didn¡®t notice the heat.


    She sat, dazed and empty-headed.


    She''s probably erasing memories of Elijah.


    Her phone rang.


    She came back to herself.


    She took a deep breath,posed herself, and answered the phone: "Adrian, what''s up?"


    "Violette, remember Sarah?" Adrian asked with a chuckle, "Dr. Mitchel chose you over her to be his


    student. Because Sarah is not as good as you."


    Violette blushed: "Why to bring that up? I barely know her."


    "Elijah went to Sarah. He thought the person Dr. Mitchel was talking about was Sarah." Adrianughed.


    "Sarah can''t save the person he wants to save."

 Chapter 152

    Chapter 152


    Violette snapped back to reality.


    She had a strong gut feeling.


    The person Elijah wanted to save must be the woman he''d been missing.


    She couldn''t possibly bless them.


    She drove the car on the road, and after turning on the air conditioner, the cold wind hit her face.


    Violette decided to take her two kids out for some fun.


    She had yet to take them out since they returned to A Country.


    "Mom, where are you nning to take me and Ian?" Rita and Ian asked from their car seats.


    The two kids were sitting quietly in the back.


    Violette had no idea where to take them.


    Her two kids seemed more mature than than other children of the same age.


    "Do you guys want to go to an amusement park? There''s a huge one downtown; it''s like a castle!"


    Violette suggested enthusiastically.


    Rita sighed and said, "Mom, it''s so hot out! Can we find somewhere cool to hang out?"


    Violette: "How about a water park?"


    Rita frowned, "I don''t like all those people in the same pool. it''s too dirty! Mom, can we just go get some


    ice cream?"


    Violette: "Such a foodie."


    Seeing her mom was upset, Rita quickly said, "Mom, just drive us around for a bit! Let''s get something


    yummy to eatter, and then we can go home!"


    Ian, who was usually quiet, agreed, "Okay."


    That was him agreeing with Rita''s suggestion.


    Violette reluctantly agreed.


    Her two kids seemed to have social anxiety. They didn''t like crowded ces.


    Even if other kids found something fun, they would just find it childish and boring.


    Violette drove her kids around A City for a bit.


    Two hours they are passed like this.


    When it was around 4:30 in the afternoon, Violette drove downtown, found a parking spot, and took her


    kids to a restaurant nearby.


    This was a high-end restaurant, so there were few customers.


    Violette picked a seat by the window.


    Rita and Ian sat across from her.


    The two siblings got along well. They asionally argued, but Rita would alwayspromise.


    Violette took a look at the menu. Every dish had a picture next to it, so she handed the menu to her


    kids to order.


    "Mom, if I eat my food nicely, can you get me an ice cream?" Rita bargained before ordering, "Ian


    wants one too."


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    Ian declined, "I don''t want one."


    Violette smiled gently, "Rita, why don''t you eat your food first? Then mom can get you ice cream."


    Rita nodded happily.


    Kaleb and his dad went to the Norris family to apologize and exinst night.


    Considering their sincerity, Prisc decided to give Kaleb a chance.


    Today, Kaleb invited Prisc out for dinner.


    "Prisc, I''m really sorry about what happened yesterday. Even though the little girl mistook me for


    someone else, there were so many men in the restaurant, and she just had to pick me up. Perhaps my


    luck could have been better. I made you ufortable yesterday. I''ve been thinking about it all night,


    and maybe my bad luck was because all my good luck was used up when I met you."


    Kaleb was good-looking and in shape. Plus, he knew how to dress,and was very attractive overall.


    With his charming looks and sweet talk, Prisc found herselfughing and enjoying hispany.


    "This is a gift I specifically picked for you. I hope you''ll ept it. It''s a gift and a representation of my


    sincerity."


    A red gift box was pushed in front of Prisc.

 Chapter 153

    Chapter 153


    Prisc nced at the gift box and said, "Kaleb, I am not young anymore, I want to get married and


    have kids."


    "Prisc, I''m on the same page with you, I also want to tie the knot. We can keep dating, and if we hit it


    off, we can get married and bring a little one into the world," Kaleb said eagerly, and his eyes glued to


    Prisc.


    Prisc lowered her head, "My dad has one condition. If we get married, our first kid, be it a boy or a


    girl, has to take my family''sst name."


    Upon hearing this, Kaleb''s expression changed immediately.


    "If you can''t ept it, we don''t have to eat this meal." Prisc took the bag and pretended to leave.


    "Kaleb quickly grabbed her hand, "Prisc, I have no issues. It''s still my kid, no matter what. But my


    folks might have a problem with this. After we''re married, we can have two kids. The first can have your


    Prisc breathed a sigh of relief after hearing his words.


    "Will your parents agree to this?"


    Kaleb replied, "I''ll work on them. Prisc, I''ve found myself seriously falling for you these past few days


    with you. . You''re elegant and generous,pletely different from those little girls in their twenties.


    You''re irresistible!"


    Prisc blushed.She epted the gift.


    Kaleb thought to himself: Atst, he had managed to win over this woman.


    With a marital tie to the Norris Group, his social standing was set to soar.


    He raised his wine ss and took a sip.


    Suddenly, he spotted a familiar figure!


    The little girl had mistaken him for her dad the day before!


    What a coincidence to bump into her again!


    She was being led by a slightly taller boy toward the restroom.


    "Prisc, I''m going to the bathroom!" Kaleb smiled, got up, and walked quickly towards the little girl.


    Kaleb followed quickly.


    Hearing the hurried footsteps, Ian nced back cautiously.


    Seeing Kaleb, Ian quickly dragged his sister into thedies'' restroom!


    "Brother! I don''t need to go to the bathroom! Why are you taking me in here? I need to wash my


    hands!" Rita frowned, looking puzzled at her brother, "Brother, you''re a boy. you can''t go into thedies''


    restroom."


    Ian looked serious, whispering, "Kaleb is outside."


    Rita immediately covered her mouth, her eyes wide with fear, "Brother, what are we going to do? Did


    he see me? Is heing to get me?"


    Ian opened the backpack he was carrying, taking out a lightweightptop.


    "Power outage, fire rm," he said calmly.


    Five minutester


    The restaurant''s power cut off!


    Seven minutester


    The fire rm in the restaurant started to re!


    All the customers scrambled to evacuate the restaurant!


    Only Violette ran to the restroom!


    "Rita! Ian!"


    The two children calmly walked out of the restroom.


    "Ma''am, please take your children and leave quickly" A restaurant worker shouted as he saw them.


    Violette was scared witless.Luckily, her kids were fine.


    She held Ian''s hand and carried Rita in her other arm, quickly heading towards the restaurant exit.


    Meanwhile, Kaleb was sitting in his car, noticing the little girl.


    She was in her mother''s arms.


    Her mother was also holding a boy''s hand.


    Because they were far off, Kaleb couldn''t clearly make out the mother''s face .


    Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    But the more he looked at the woman, the more familiar he felt!

 Chapter 154

    Chapter 154


    He couldn''t help but think of Violette.


    But Violette was abroad, so there was no way this woman could be her.


    After dropping Prisc off in the evening, Kaleb gleefully returned to Bourne Estate.


    Seeing her son''s radiant face, Melina smiled, "Things went well today, huh?"


    "It''s settled. She wants two kids after marriage, one of them must bear her family name. I agreed."


    Seeing his mother''s face change dramatically, Kaleb immediatelyforted her, "Mom, don''t sweat it,


    I''ll have her wrapped around my finger! She''ll willingly hand everything of the Norris family over to me!"


    Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    Only then did Melina breathe a sigh of relief, "Kaleb, I believe in you."


    Kaleb: "I will get the Norris family!"


    At night, ten o''clock.


    Travis''s phone rang.


    After Travis answered the phone, Prisc''s father yelled angrily: "Travis! What the hell is your son


    doing! You sent random photos to my daughter! My daughter was disgusted and cried! Let''s forget


    about the marriage of our two families!"


    Travis waspletely dumbfounded: "What kind of photos did my son send to your daughter?"


    "The Pictures of him without clothes on! Is your son out of his mind? If he is in good shape, I can still be


    his strange hobby, but he is so thin, how dare he post this kind of picture to embarrass himself?!"


    Travis''s face turned beet-red and he didn''t know how to exin!


    He wasn''t sure whether his son was skinny or not, he wasn''t sure, but sending a girl photos of himself


    without clothes on? which made him too confused!


    How could he be so inappropriate towards a woman he just met?


    He clenched his phone and headed towards Kaleb''s room.


    With a loud bang, the door was kicked open.


    Travis, cursing at his son,y on the bed, "You shameless little shit! You ruined a a perfect marriage


    proposal! Why the hell did you send Prisc those photos?!"


    ying his game, Kaleb was utterly amazed by his father''s words.


    "Dad! Why are you ndering me? How could I possibly send her stuff like that! I''ve never sent any


    woman photos like that!"


    Kaleb got off the bed, approached to his father and tried to exin.


    Travis mmed the phone screen to his face: "Prisc''s father called me just now and told me himself!


    Can people nder you? You know if you have done it yourself! You have let me down so much


    After saying that, Travis left angrily after speaking.


    Kaleb exited his game and opened his chat history with Prisc.


    "Mom! Look! I never sent her photos like that! Ourst messages were from this afternoon when we


    arranged to meet up."


    Melina nced, still extremely disappointed: "You might have deleted the messages. Kaleb, the matter


    has failed, you should reflect on your actions!"With that, Melina left as well.


    Kaleb was mad with rage!


    Why was he being ndered for something he didn''t do?


    And when he parted ways with Prisc that night, they even kissed. There was no way Prisc would


    frame him.


    What the hell went wrong?


    The Silverleaf Ridge.In Children''s room.


    On the big bed, Rita and Ian were chatting.


    Rita: "Do you think that unreliable man will get dumped by the richdy?"


    Ian: "Probably."


    Rita: "Brother, aren''t we being a bit mean? After all, he is our dad."


    Ian: "If I don''t acknowledge him, he''s not."


    Rita sighed: "Brother, where did you get those photos of him without any clothes?"


    Ian: "From his private album."


    Rita: "Brother, why won''t you let me see those photos?"


    Ian''s expression was severe: "You wouldn''t be able to handle it."


    Rita didn''t back down: "Howe you can look at them!"


    Ian: "I''m a guy. You''re a girl. you can''t look!"


    Rita: "Fine, I won''t look!"


    After a while, Rita suddenly hugged her brother and said softly, "Brother, you''re amazing! I don''t need a


    dad as long as you protecting me!"

 Chapter 155

    Chapter 155


    Ian didn''t speak, but he decided one thing deep down: he wants to be strong, to protect his sister,


    mother and grandmother!


    Monday came around.


    Violette met with Elijah''s attorney.


    After the divorce papers were painlessly signed and done, thewyer told Violette, "Ms. Dennis, that


    building you want to buy, got the contract right here."


    Violette froze for a moment: "He asked you to handle this for me?"


    Thewyer simply nodded, taking the contract out of his briefcase and handing it to her. "You might


    want to look, specifically at the price."


    Violette took the contract, flipped it open, and went straight to the price.


    Two hundred million!


    This is the original purchase price for Elijah.


    He was taking a hit if he was selling it to Violette for that price!


    "What''s he up to?" Violette was puzzled.


    Thewyer exined, "I guess, maybe because you two were once married, he''s decided to sell it to


    you at cost."


    "I don''t need his charity. I heard the building''s market price is around 500 million." Violette said, "I don''t


    want him to lose money. I can give him 600 million."


    Thewyer: "I need to tell Mr. Bourne this."


    Violette: "No need. Just change the price on the contract. We can sign it ourselves. He and I have no


    ties now. He''s a businessman, always counting the pennies. He won''t me you."


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    Thewyer pondered for a moment, then nodded. "I''ll get in touch once I''ve updated the contract."


    Violette: "Sounds good."


    Ang International Institute.


    In this castle-like skyscraper, a tragedy was ying out.


    "Stop crying! If you keep crying, I''m going to lose it!"


    "That''s right! Your parents died in a car identst month! Even though they''ve paid your tuition until


    you''re 30, they''re not returning! If you don''t pull it together, no lunch or dinner for you today!"


    Bitter scolding and the girl''s cries intertwined.The harsh scolding mixed with the girl''s crying was


    unbearable.


    Ian walked past the room, sneaking a peek inside.


    A teen girl, unable to take care of herself because of cerebral palsy.


    She spilled food on her clothes during breakfast, and the caretaker was shouted at her.


    Ian plopped down on the floor, opened hisptop, and got to work, fingers flying across the keyboard.


    Before long, a horrified scream came from the room behind him!


    "Why did the sweeping robot hit me?!"


    "I have no idea! Wait, why did the microwave turn on?!


    "So weird! Are we being haunted?! Ahh!"


    The two caretakers ran out of the room in a panic!


    The sweeping robot followed them out!


    Ian yawnedzily, then closed hisptop.


    As he stood up, he locked eyes with a pair of pure and beautiful eyes.


    The eyes belonged to a beautiful woman.


    She had a princess-cut hairstyle and was wearing a pink princess dress.


    "Big brother, you''re awesome! Can you take me with you?" Maka blinked her innocent big eyes, her


    voice full of injustice and helplessness, "They want to operate on my head. It''s going to hurt. I''m


    scared."


    Ian furrowed his brows.


    This woman is at least 30, right?


    Why did she call him big brother?


    It seems that her intelligence must not exceed three years old!

 Chapter 156

    Chapter 156


    The Study room of The Bourne family.


    Elijah handed his sister''s medical records to Sarah.


    "Aside from being slightly lower in intelligence and physically weaker than normal, she has no other


    symptoms." Elijah said, "I just hope that her intelligence can improve, even if it is only a little bit, it will


    allow her to understand the world better."


    Sarah looked at Maka''s medical records.


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    "Sir, has your sister been at Ang International Institute all this time?"


    Elijah: "Yes."


    "Can I meet her?" Sarah asked. "I need to talk to her and then take her for a full check-up."


    Elijah nodded: "Sure."


    Sarah nced at the time: "Then let''s go now!"


    Elijah: "Let''s talk about the fees first."


    They hadn''t discussed this issue since Melinda brought Sarah.


    Sarahughed: "Let''s not talk about fees first. I won''t take a penny if I can''t cure your sister. If I can, we


    can talk then."


    Elijah knew that free things oftene with the highest price.


    He preferred transparent prices.


    "How did Melinda tell you? Your return to the country this time will certainly affect your work."


    Sarah: "Sir, I came back during my vacation. I just finished a project and have two months off."


    Elijah: "I will give you some deposit first."


    Seeing Elijah so insistent, Sarah finally gave in: "Okay. I''ll send you my bank ount, and you can put


    in whatever you like."


    Only then did Elijah breathe a sigh of relief.


    At half past ten in the morning, Elijah took Sarah with him to the Ang International Institute.


    At this point, the Ang International Institute was in chaos. Maka was missing!


    The person who took care of Maka was a nanny arranged by Elijah.


    She had once taken care of the mother in the Bourne family and was very loyal to the Bourne family


    and took great care of Maka.


    Today, Maka was gone, and she was terrified!


    Maka was always well-behaved and always let her apany her wherever she went.


    When she couldn''t find Maka, the nanny immediately contacted the school''s leadership.


    The school leaders immediately mobilized all resources to search the entire campus.


    At the same time, they also went to the monitoring room to check the surveince video.


    But strangely, all the monitoring equipment had malfunctioned, and all the screens were ck!


    "I''ve called someone to fix it," the worker in the monitoring room said. "Half an hour ago, the devices


    suddenly went ck. We''ve tried many ways, but none of them worked to restart it."


    The principal looked severe, "The historical data should be okay, right?"


    The worker shook his head. The memory should not be affected if it''s amon equipment failure. But


    if someone maliciously attacked, it''s hard to say."


    Hearing this, the nanny nearly fainted, "What if someone came specifically to kidnap Maka? I have


    to call Mr. Elijah!"


    The director helped her,forting her: "I''ll contact the gate security right away! If Maka leaves the


    campus, security will know! Since security didn''t contact us, it means Maka didn''t leave."


    Hearing this, the nanny was slightly reassured.


    The director pulled out his phone and called the school gate security room.


    "I didn''t see Miss Maka leave." The security guard answered.


    The security guard didn''t tell him was that about twenty minutes ago, there a power outage in the


    security room.


    At that time, the security guard left his post to check the circuit breaker.


    The director wiped the sweat off his forehead and told the nanny: "Maka didn''t leave. We will find


    her as long as she''s still on campus!"

 Chapter 157

    Chapter 157


    Nanny was disappointed.she nodded her head: "I''ll go find her."


    About half an hourter.


    Elijah''s luxury car entered Ang International Institute.


    After the car was parked in the parking lot, Elijah and Sarah walked toward the pink building where


    Maka lived.


    Maka lived alone in a building.


    There are special personnel responsible for her life, study and medical treatment.


    Elijah pushed open the door, and the room was so quiet, you could even hear a pin drop.


    He frowned.


    When the nanny learned of his arrival, she hurried over.


    "Mr. Bourne, Maka is missing!" The nanny cried with swollen eyes, "We''ve searched the entire


    campus and can''t find her. The surveince system is broken, and I don''t know where she went. I''ve


    been calling her. but she wouldn''t respond if she heard me."


    Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    Elijah''s body tensed instantly, his hands clenched into fists.


    "Last night I told her that you found an excellent doctor and that she could recover her health after the


    surgery. She asked me what surgery meant. I shouldn''t have just told her like that, I think my answer


    scared her, and she had nightmares and cried. I suspect she''s hiding because she''s afraid." The nanny


    knelt on the ground, ming herself.


    Elijah''s heart ached as if a knife had cut it, but he couldn''t get mad at the nanny.


    The nanny had cared for Maka all these years, doing her best and never made a mistake.


    This time, it was probably because Maka was scared and hid herself.


    "You''ve searched the entire campus and haven''t found her?" asked Elijah seriously, "Is it possible that


    she ran out of school?"


    The nanny cried, "The guards at the gate said they didn''t see Maka leave. I''m considering whether


    we need to drain all the artificialkes on the campus? What if Maka fell into the water? She can''t


    swim."


    Elijah''s face darkened instantly.


    "I''ll have someone drain the water right away!" The principal arranged it on the phone before Elijah


    spoke.


    Just then, the security captain rushed over.


    "Today at around 10 o''clock am, the security room suddenly lost power, and the guard on duty went to


    the meter room. He probably left for about ten minutes! So we can''t be sure if Maka left the school


    during that time."


    All the light in Elijah''s eyes dimmed at that moment.


    Maka''s intelligence was equivalent to that of a three-year-old child, and she would bepletely


    unable to live independently in the outside world!


    If someone saw her adult appearance and figure, they wouldn''t treat her as a child.


    If someone found out about her intelligence problem.Elijah''s heart ached, and he didn''t dare to think


    any further.


    Elijah quickly left the room and called to arrange a city-wide search.


    At the same time, he called the police station to request surveince footage of the main roads outside


    the campus.


    He had to find Maka as soon as possible.


    Otherwise, things could be very dangerous.


    Meanwhile in the Silverleaf Ridge.


    Albina couldn''t describe her shock when she saw the woman Ian brought back.


    "Granny, someone wants to perform brain surgery on her." Ian told Albina, "I don''t want her to die, so


    we can let her stay at our house for now."


    Albina hugged Ian and exined, "Ian, she must have her own family. If you bring her back to our


    house, her family will definitely worry!"


    Ian asked Maka, "Do you have a family?"


    Maka didn''t understand a family , so she shook her head vigorously.


    "Granny, she''s sick." Ian frowned and proposed a new n, "We can have Mom help her get better,


    and when she''s better, we can let her go."


    Albina sighed, "How did you escape from school? Does your teacher know you''re home?"


    "I need to go back to school." Ian said and then looked at Maka, "You have to be obedient!"


    Maka nodded vigorously, looking very well-behaved.


    After sending Ian to school in a taxi, Albina returned home and hurriedly called Violette.


    "Violette! Are you busy right now? If not, can youe back right away? Ian brought a woman home!"

 Chapter 158

    Chapter 158


    After Violette hung up the phone, she hurried home.


    She really couldn''t understand why her son would bring a woman home!


    Usually, Ian wouldn''t interact with anyone other than their family.


    Let alone bringing someone home.


    So, who is this woman that he brought home?


    What''s so special about her? Could she change Ian''s personality?


    When Violette got home and saw this woman.


    She felt the strength in her body being instantly drained!


    "Violette, you''re back!" Albina came to the door, saw her daughter''s pale face, and immediately helped


    her. "What''s wrong?"


    Violette''s eyes stared straight at Maka, as if trying to find all the answers on her face!


    This woman with a princess haircut and wearing a pink princess dress had only existed in her


    imagination!


    She never thought she''d see her in person one day!


    Even more unexpected was that her son brought her back!


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    Why? What''s her purpose?


    Is it for Elijah?


    Violette couldn''t figure because she had already divorced Elijah today!


    She and Elijah would no longer have any rtionship!


    This woman had no reason toe here!


    "Mom, you go back to your room and rest first! I''ll talk to her alone!" Violette calmly said to her mother.


    Albina could see her daughter knew this woman.


    Moreover, their rtionship was not good.


    But Albina didn''t understand how her daughter could have a conflict with a mental retardation woman.


    Doesn''t that seem narrow-minded?


    Before going to her room, Albina took a detailed look at her daughter and the woman.


    I was Hoping that there wouldn''t be any conflicts between them.


    Otherwise, she would need to figure out who to help.


    After Albina went into her room, Violette walked straight to Maka.


    Her body tense,and her face full of aggression.


    "Why are you getting close to my son? What the hell do you want? I''ve already divorced Elijah! From


    today on, I have nothing to do with him! Are you interested in my child? If you dare touch my child, I will


    never let you go!"


    After Violette''s stern warning, her lost rationality slowly returned to her.


    The woman in front of her had a face full of fear and terror.


    And her eyes welled up with tears, the next second,


    Her cry echoed through the room!


    The crying of adults and children is different.


    Adults'' crying is mostly restrained, while children''s crying is unrestrained and primitive.


    This woman in front of her cried without any dignity.


    Her beautiful little face was wronged, pitiful, and helpless.


    She sobbed and walked towards Albina''s room.


    Violette: "???" What''s going on?This woman is peculiar!


    Violette followed her."Why are you crying? Can you tell me why you approached my son? Why did you


    back, just tell me what you want to say!"


    The door creaked open, and Albina came out of her room.


    "Violette, she doesn''t understand what you''re saying!" Albina walked out, and Maka immediately hid


    behind her, sneakily looking at Violette with a terrified face.


    Violette was frustrated and said casually, "I spoke very clearly, didn''t I? Or does she have a problem


    withprehension?"


    "You''re right! She does have a problem withprehension. I just talked to her, and she didn''t


    understand at all. She just kept shaking her head!" Albina sighed, "Ian said someone wanted to hurt


    her, so he brought her back. Ian also hopes that you can help her with treatment.¡±


    Violette was speechless.

 Chapter 159

    Chapter 159


    She considered various possibilities, but never thought her love rival would be a dumbass.


    Could this be why Elijah didn''t want to discuss it with her?


    Violette walked to the sofa in a daze, covering her face with her hands, unable to digest.


    "Violette, what''s wrong?" Albina sat beside her daughter and asked, "Do you know her? Otherwise,


    what you just said was really weird."


    Violette replied, "Mom, my head is killing me right now.can you give me some peace?"


    Albina said, "Okay. I''ll go and get a guest room ready."


    Violette grabbed her mother''s arm, "Mom, no need. She knows Elijah, and they''re pretty close.I''ll get rid


    of herter."


    Albina was shocked.


    Maka''s face also changed.


    She suddenly felt terrified when she heard the name ''Elijah''.


    She started crying again, shaking her head as she did.


    Albina held her hand, trying to calm her, "Don''t be afraid, do you know who Elijah is?"


    Maka shook her head vigorously.


    If she didn''t shake her head, she would be sent back.


    If she was sent back, she would have to do surgery.


    She didn''t want that!


    She''d rather stay in this strange ce than return and have surgery!


    Violette looked at her reaction, feeling it was utterly absurd.


    This woman didn''t remember Elijah?


    ...


    Ang International Institute.


    The artificialke had been drained, and every inch of the campus had been searched at least twice.


    Ian entered the school, and seeing the busy search teams, he lowered the cap on his head a bit.


    He walked towards the other side with his backpack.


    When he passed the parking lot, a ck Rolls-Royce entered his sight.


    He walked to the Rolls-Royce and took a closer look.


    This car was the one that made his Mom nervous, and turned around when she took him to school that


    day.


    He needed to find out the owner was.


    He nced at the license te number.


    At that moment, Elijah came out of the nearby building, apanied by the school''s senior


    management and bodyguards.


    "Sir, ording to the technical staff''s investigation, around 10 am this morning, a hacker invaded our


    surveince system and power system."


    Elijah frowned and said, "Find this person immediately!"


    "We have already contacted the top hackers in the world and will find this person as soon as possible!"


    the vice principal said, "Moreover, this hacker must be in our school. Cracking our surveince system


    and power system is not an easy task. This hacker must have already entered our system and made


    sufficient preparations!"


    Elijah said, "Block the campus!"


    The vice principal said, "Understood! I will personally investigate each and every one!"


    Ian stayed in the corner of the parking lot, looking up the car owner through the license te number


    and found out it was Elijah.


    Why would his Mom be afraid of Elijah?


    Ian''s fingers moved quickly on the keyboard, starting a deep search on Elijah''s information.


    Soon, he found the news of Elijah''s car ident five years ago and bing a vegetative state.


    After a while, Elijah''s divorce information appeared in front of him.


    Hold on, Elijah got divorced today?


    His ex-wife is my Mom?!


    Unbelievably, my Mom had been married to this guy!


    Ian felt a little confused.


    My mom and Kaleb have two kids together.


    But her marriage partner was Elijah.


    Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    This raises a question: who does my mom really like, Kaleb or Elijah?


    Perhaps Ian was too focused on his thoughts that he didn''t even notice when Elijah walked right in front


    of him!

 Chapter 160

    Chapter 160


    "What are you doing here?" Elijah looked at the little boy with a baseball cap, his tone revealing a hint


    of impatience.


    This is a parking lot, and if a driver doesn''t see him while backing up, they might hit him.


    The vice principal immediately exined, "Mr. Bourne, this child joined the schoolst week. He


    doesn''t like talking to strangers."


    Everyone whoes to this school, whether kids or adults, has mental and physical troubles.


    Elijah thought about how this child had problems like Maka, and his mood softened.


    Ian put his notebook in his backpack, picked it up with one hand, and got up all cool-like.


    As he walked past Elijah, he stepped hard on Elijah''s spotless leather shoes.


    Elijah was speechless.


    Did this kid do it on purpose?


    "Mr. Bourne, I''m so sorry! The child must not have done it on purpose." The vice principal squatted


    down and wiped Elijah''s shoes with a tissue.


    Ian turned his head, a hint of provocation in his eyes.


    Elijah red at him but could only see the lower half of his face.


    Because the upper half was covered by the brim of his hat.


    That stomp was intentional.


    Whatever! All the kids at this school have some issues!


    He didn''t need to get angry with a troubled child.


    ...


    At 5 pm In Silverleaf Ridge.


    Albina picked up Rita from kindergarten.


    She had told Rita in advance that a special guest at home.


    So Rita was mentally prepared.


    But when she got home, she was still shocked.


    What a beautiful auntie!


    Her hairstyle, and her dress,were all so unique.


    And she was so pretty, like a princess from a fairy tale.


    "Auntie!" Rita walked up to Maka and greeted her politely.


    "Sister!" Maka called out a little shyly.


    Maka visibly rxed when she saw Rita.


    Before Rita came back, she hadn''t said a word.


    Rita covered her mouth with both hands, too surprised to speak.


    "Rita, grandma told you that she''s a special guest. She''s sick,she thinks she''s a child and younger than


    you," Albina exined to Rita.


    Rita was shocked, "Oh Can I treat her as my ''little sister'' and take her to y?"


    Albina looked at Violette and then nodded.


    Rita immediately took Maka''s hand and went to her room.


    Albina approached Violette.


    Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    She had been sitting on the sofa in a daze since she returning in the afternoon.


    "Violette, shall I pick up Ian?" Albina suggested.


    Violette suddenly snapped back to reality, "I''ll go! Mom, is Rita back?"


    Albina sighed, "She''s back and in her room. You better stay home! I don''t feelfortable with you


    being so distracted. Dinner is ready. if you''re hungry, eat first."


    Albina left after saying that.


    Violette rubbed her throbbing temples and then got up to the bathroom.


    She sshed cold water on her face and felt slightly more awake.


    She walked toward the children''s room, pushed the door open


    "Sister, this doll''s eyes can move!" Maka held a Barbie doll in her hand, her face filled with innocent


    joy.


    "It can even talk! Press its hand and it''ll speak." Rita exined to her.


    She tried to press Barbie''s hand and the doll immediately made a sound.

 Chapter 161

    Chapter 161


    Her face lit up with an even brighter smile, something that most people would find hard to achieve.


    This woman has a lower IQ than Rita than Rita.


    Violette Dennis started to lose her prejudice and resentment towards her.


    Even if this woman was loved by Elijah Bourne, it couldn''t hide her pitiful self.


    After dinner.


    Ian took the initiative to approach Violette


    "Mum."


    Violette looked at her son, her tone calm, " Do you want to exin something to me?"


    Ian nodded, his eyes showing an unusual sympathy, "She''s really pitiful."


    ¡°Pitiful.¡±


    That word took Violette back to the night she broke up with Elijah.


    She was heartbroken, all because of this woman who meddled in her rtionship with Elijah.


    But she didn''t n to tell her son about this.


    "well, she is indeed pitiful," Violette answered, "You want me to help her get treatment, but I can''t


    promise you that."


    Ian raised his head, "Why?"Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    "Her condition can only possibly be cured by surgery. And any surgery carries the risk of death. I can''t


    do the operation for her Without her family''s consent," Violette exined rationally.


    Ian wanted to help Maka Bourne greatly , but his mother''s words made more sense.


    "Ian, do you know what her name is?" Violette asked curiously.


    Ian shook his head, then walked to Maka and asked, "What''s your name?"


    Maka thought for a while before she saying, "Maka."


    "Maka! Sleep with me tonight!" Rita said excitedly after learning her name.


    Maka nodded without hesitation.


    ...


    Meanwhile, at the police station.


    Since his sister was missing, Elijah didn''t eat or drink from noon to night.


    "Mr. Bourne, the person you''re looking for might''ve been taken away by someone else," the police


    officer guessed, "We''ve checked all the road surveince near Ang International Institute, but we


    didn''t see her. If she got lost by herself, she would''ve been wandering on the streets."


    Elijah''s eyes were red-rimmed, his voice hoarse, "I can''t let anything happen to her! I must find her!"


    "You can put out a missing person notice throughout the city. As long as the reward is high enough,


    you''ll be able to find her quickly."


    Now, this was the only way.


    ...


    Eight o''clock at night.


    The colorful neon lights illuminated the city, contrasting with the stars in the sky.


    Elijah left the police station, radiating a cold aura, and got into his ck Rolls-Royce.


    The driver asked, "Boss, where are we going ?"


    "Home."


    As the car started, his phone rang.


    He picked up the call.


    "Elijah, Violette gave you $100 million!" Brandon Fleming''s voice came through, "The money has


    arrived! This huge cash flow has not made the Boss look smile!"


    "What $100 million?" Elijah frowned, not understanding what he was talking about.


    Why would Violette give him $100 million?


    "The Dennis Group building! The contract was signed today!" Brandon said, then suddenly changed


    the subject, "Where are you now? You don''t seem very happy? What''s wrong?"


    "Why $100 million?" Elijah asked angrily, "Didn''t we agree on $50 million?"


    "Violette said the market price is $60 million, she didn''t want you to lose out, so she gave you $100


    million," Brandonughed, "Elijah, who would''ve thought, you could even make money with your


    handsome face!"


    Elijah hung up the call, found Violette''s number and dialed it.


    Whether in the past or now, she was always the best at making him angry!


    Seeing his call, Violette''s heart beat faster her hand gripping the phone feeling hot.


    In the past ten hours, he must''ve been very anxious and restless. Should she tell him that Maka was


    with her?

 Chapter 162

    Chapter 162


    "Violette, are you doing this to show off your current sess? "Elijah''s cold voice came through the


    silence.


    Violette was stunned. She didn''t understand why he was so pissed off.


    ''Showing off my sess?''


    Was it about the contract price adjustment?


    "You want to sell it to me for 30 million,"Violette asked in response,"Are you giving me something?


    what''s your ns? I don''t need it."


    Elijah''s brows furrowed.


    He realized the rtionship between them was terrible beyond repair.


    When he bought the Dennis Group,his intention of finding an opportunity to give it to her.


    At that time, he thought they could walk long and far.


    He never intended to make a profit from the Dennis Group building.


    He sold it to her for 30 million, simply to get close to her.


    Even if he wanted to give, she wouldn''t ept.


    "Fine, let''s do market price!" Elijah was tense, his voice full of passion, "You don''t need my charity, and


    I don''t need your generosity!"


    "Great! Then hurry up and return the extra tens of millions to me!" Violette''s fingers clenched in anger.


    His breathing was heavy, he didn''t say anything else.


    He hung up the phone.


    In less than five minutes, 50 million was transferred to her ount.


    As she looked at the money he transferred, her eyes stung.


    She had always hoped to break up with him peacefully, but she didn''t expect it to end like this.


    He was stubborn, and so was she.


    Before answering the call, she had been considering whether to tell him about Maka, but he didn''t


    give her a chance to exin.


    In that case, let him find his own kid!


    Violettey on her bed, staring at the ceiling, lost in thought.


    If Ian hadn''t brought Maka home today, she wouldn''t be in such a mess.


    She thought that after the divorce, she wouldn''t be bothered by Elijah''s affairs, but now Maka was


    sleeping in her daughter''s bed.


    She had just escaped from this predicament, only to fall back into it.


    Given the intensity of their argument, even if she returned Maka now, he would definitely suspect


    that she had kidnapped his Maka.


    She felt frustrated and covered her face with the nket.


    After some time, her phone rang, pulling her back from her thoughts.


    She lifted the nket, took a deep breath, and answered the call.


    "Violette! I saw that woman of Elijah''s you mentioned!" On the other end was Odette Farrar''s shocked


    and angry voice, "Elijah is so despicable! How can he date two women at the same time!"


    "We divorced today." Violette, just slept for a while and regained a lot of energy." How did you know


    about it?"


    "Hispany posted a missing person notice! Looking for a woman named Maka, offering a


    Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    hundred million for provide clues and two hundred million if she''s found! It''s insane!" Odette was too


    angry to even breathe, "Violette, I don''t me you for being deceived! I asked Ramsey, and he said he


    didn''t even know about Maka."


    Violette was oddly calm.


    It''s like cutting meat with a dull knife, after a while, you just don''t feel the pain anymore.


    "Violette! I''m so angry! He''s spending a billion to find that woman, which shows how important she is to


    him!"


    Violette: "Oh. What time is it now?"


    Odette: "It''s almost twelve o''clock, right? I''ve told you so much, why didn''t you respond at all?"


    Violette chuckled bitterly, "What reaction do you expect from me? I''ve already divorced him."

 Chapter 163

    Chapter 163


    "Oh, right! How could I forget! Getting divorced is such a relief! You should''ve done it ages ago!" Odette


    sighed in relief, "Are you free tomorrow? I''ll treat you to a meal to celebrate your liberation from pain."


    Violette: "I just bought the Dennis Group''s building today. I''ll be pretty busy moving forward."


    "Huh, I heard from Ramsey. You spent 200 million dors, and you''re loaded!"


    "Not quite 200 million." Violette replied calmly, "He paid me back 50 million dors in the evening."


    "Eh! What''s going on between you two?"


    "Drawing a line in the sand."


    "Right, right! You need to draw a line with him! He''s too much! I''ll tell Ramsey to keep his distance from


    him!" Odette said angrily.


    "It''ste, get some sleep! I''m really exhausted" Violette was really tired.


    Her eyelids have be heavy.


    Elijah can spend billions of dors to find Maka, indicating his deep affection for her.


    That''s a good thing, because Violette had given up on him.


    Meanwhile, in another high-end apartment.


    Melinda Marcia was stunned, like she had been hit with a brick, when she saw the news of Elijah


    offering a 200 million dor reward to find Maka.


    Who was Maka?


    She had been by Elijah''s side for so many years, but she had never heard of, let alone seen Maka.


    The Maka in the missing person''s notice was wearing a princess hairstyle and a pink dress.


    She suddenly remembered being trapped by Violette.


    She never understood why Elijah was so furious at the time, but now that she saw Maka''s photo,


    she understood.


    Elijah couldn''t tolerate another woman with a princess hairstyle.


    Because Maka was unique, no one could imitate her!


    Tears quietly fell, Melinda raised her ss and drank the red wine in the ss.


    After getting drunk, she picked up her phone and called her brother Derek Marcia who was abroad.


    "Brother There''s always been another woman in Elijah''s heart." Melinda sobbed, "He''s been spending


    a fortune for Maka! Have you heard of this name?"


    Derek: "No, I haven''t. Melinda, I told you not to return to the country, but you insisted. Why are you


    doing this to yourself?"


    "Brother, I feel so stupid! I''m even more stupid than Violette!" Melinda cried and thenughed, "Do you


    know how rich Violette is now? She spent 200 million dors to buy the Dennis Group''s building. 200


    million! I don''t even have that much money, but she does!"


    Four years ago, Melinda looked down on Violette.


    She thought Violette had nothing, and without Elijah, she would be just an average woman on the


    street.


    But now, she hadpletely transformed.


    Derek was a bit surprised: "Is she that rich?"


    "Yeah! It''s just me who''s bing more and more of a loser! Even without Maka, Elijah would


    never like me. Violette is younger and more aplished than me. I''m aplete failure."


    "Melinda, stop talking!" Derek was a little worried, "Elijah is not as good as you think! Besides you and


    Violette, there are other women in his heart, which shows he''s a yboy! And he killed his own father,


    Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    which shows he''s violent! You shouldn''t waste your life on a man like that!"


    Melinda grabbed her hair and mumbled: "I understand. Brother. I got it"


    ...


    The Silverleaf Ridge at


    3 a.m.


    Rita was woken up by the person next to her running a fever!


    She opened her eyes wide, touched Maka. It was so hot!


    She immediately got up and turned on the bedsidemp.


    Maka''s skin was flushed with fever she was delirious, mumbling, "Brother Brother..."


    She was dreaming of her brother Elijah.

 Chapter 164

    Chapter 164


    Rita immediately scrambled out of bed to call her mom.


    Violette, with her hair all over the ce, grabbed the first aid kit and rushed into the kids'' room.


    "Rita, go and sleep with your brother," Violette told her daughter after seeing Maka''s severe fever..


    Rita nodded, her eyes concerned, "Mom, did Maka catch a cold? Should I turn off the air


    conditioner?"


    "No," Violette replied, "There are plenty of reasons for a fever. It''s probably not a cold."


    The room was perfectly heated, not freezing enough to catch cold.


    After sending Rita to Ian''s room, Violette returned to Maka''s side.


    She took Maka''s temperature and found that she had a high fever. She needed to reduce the fever


    down immediately.


    After feeding her ibuprofen, Violette fetched a basin of lukewarm water from the bathroom to cool her


    down.


    At this time, it was already past three in the morning. Based on her doctor''s instinct, Violette was caring


    her "rival in love".


    Once she finished, she sat down by the bed, feeling more and more ufortable.


    Why was life screwing her over so severely? How was she going to return Maka?


    If she didn''t return her soon, Elijah would probably lose his mind.


    She didn''t enjoy torturing him. Even thinking about it gave her a headache.


    In Ian''s room.


    After Rita got into bed, Ian woke up.


    Once Violette left the room, Ian asked Rita, "What''s up?"


    "Maka''s running a fever. She kept calling for ''brother.''She must miss you. But you were asleep, so I


    didn''t wake you," Rita''s voice was tinged with sadness.


    Ian reassured her, "Mom''s there. she''ll be okay."


    "Right," Rita tilted her head, let out a sigh, "If I went missing, mom would probably cry her eyes out.


    And you and grandma would be heartbroken too."


    Suddenly, an image of a tall figure popped into Ian''s head, "Mom has a husband."


    Rita''s eyes widened, "What? Who''s mom''s husband? Is it Kaleb Bourne?"


    "No, mom''s husband is that scoundrel''s uncle."


    Rita jolted upright, pulling Ian up with her.


    "Brother, spill the beans."


    In the dim light, Rita''s eyes were sparkling.


    "Elijah," Ian mentioned his name, "Mom just divorced him."


    "Is he hot?" Rita was a sucker for handsome guys.


    Ian replied, "He''s pretty old."


    Rita was instantly disappointed.


    "But he''s loaded," Ian added.


    "Brother, I want to see his picture. Can you show me?" Rita asked.


    "He''s not mom''s husband anymore," Ian answered.


    Rita pouted, "But I can''t sleep now! Just let me take a quick look."


    Ian got off the bed, turned on hisputer, found Elijah''s picture, and showed it to his sister.


    Rita''s eyes widened as she stared at Elijah''s face,pletely entranced, "he''s so handsome! Brother,


    Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    he''s way hotter than that jerk!"


    "He''s a jerk too," Ian said coldly, "Why else would mom divorce him?"


    Rita said with dissatisfaction: "Brother, we two are really unlucky! Both our biological father and


    stepfather are bad people! People in the Bourne family are not good people!"


    Ian closed theptop, took his sister''s hand, and climbed back into bed, "Go to sleep."


    Violette stayed up until five in the morning by the bed.


    A few hourster, Maka''s fever subsided.


    Exhausted, Violette went back to her room to take rest.


    At seven in the morning.


    Rita and Ian got up to check on Maka.

 Chapter 165

    Chapter 165


    Opening the door, Maka eximed in an ufortable low voice, "Brother... Brother"


    Both kids furrowed their brows and rushed to her bedside.


    Maka''s cheeks were flushed red, her skin burning hot.


    "She''s got a fever again! I''m going to get Mom!" Rita immediately ran to inform Violette.


    Ian held Maka''s iling hand, trying to soothe her, "Maka! Don''t be scared!"


    Hearing his voice, Maka''s eyes fluttered open.


    She saw her brother!


    Her brother was here with her!


    Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    "Brother hold me" Maka cried and acted like a baby.


    Her body was so hot, she was in so much difort she felt like she was dying.


    Ian was helpless. The size difference between them was too significant. How was he supposed to hold


    her?


    He could only wait for mom toe and relieve her fever.


    "Brother, why won''t you hold me? Don''t you want me anymore?" Maka''s tears rolled down her


    cheeks, and her cries heartbreaking.


    Ian looked so much like Elijah, so she mistook Ian for Elijah.


    Hearing that Maka had a fever again, Violette hurried over.


    How could you have such a bad fever? "Violette raised her hand and tested the temperature on


    Maka''s forehead. The fever was even worse than it was after 3am." No, we need to go to the


    hospital to have the cause checked


    Staring at Maka''s red face and devastated expression, Rita asked fearfully, "Mom, is she going to


    die?"


    "Rita, don''t be scared. Mom is going to take her to the hospital." Violetteforted her daughter and


    gave Maka some fever-reducing medicine.


    Albina Palmer had gotten up and seeing the situation immediately stepped forward.


    "Violette, shall we call an ambnce?"


    Violette hesitated for a moment, her heart bing increasingly entangled and painful.,


    If they called an ambnce, it wouldn''t be long before someone recognized Maka and notified


    Elijah.


    Once Elijah took Maka away, he would hand her over to Sarah.


    Adrian told her that Sarah couldn''t save Maka.


    So, what was the point of handing Maka over to Elijah?


    Was she supposed to watch Maka suffer from her illness until she died?


    "Mom, do you think I should help her?" Violette''s eyes welled up with tears, her voice hoarse, fists


    clenched.


    Albina looked at her daughter, understanding her pain, "You don''t have to. No one is forcing you."


    Violette: "But I''m not just Elijah''s ex-wife. I''m a doctor!"


    Her tears flowed freely.


    In a moment, she took a deep breath, wiped away her tears, turned around and, helped Maka out of


    bed.


    ...


    At The Bourne Group


    Today, everyone was talking about the same topic.


    "Have you heard about Maka? What''s her rtionship with the Boss?"


    "Probably his mistress! His secret lover! If I were the Boss, I''d also want a doll-like mistress! Don''t you


    think Maka looks just like a doll?"


    "Indeed, she''s the most unique and beautiful woman I''ve ever seen! No wonder the Boss was willing to


    spend two hundred million dors to find her!"


    Not only the regr employees were discussing this, but even the top management was talking about


    it.


    Joey took a sip of his coffee, "I''ve never heard the boss mention Maka."


    Brandon sipped his coffee, "I''ve known him longer, and I''ve never heard of her either! I thought we


    were close, but I''ve been kept in the dark."


    Joeyforted him, "Brandon, Maka was found near the Ang International Institute. It''s a very


    unusual college."


    Brandon looked severe, "I checked her backgroundst night. There must be something about this


    woman. I didn''t expect Elijah to have such a fetish for women."


    Joey took a sharp breath, "The boss can''t be as bad as you''re imagining, right?"


    Brandon squinted , calcting, "If there''s nothing wrong, why would he hide it so well?"


    Joey was almost convinced.


    "No wonder Violette divorced him. I bet Violette found out about this." Brandon continued specting,


    "Violette couldn''t ept sharing a man with another woman, so she decided to call it quits."

 Chapter 166

    Chapter 166


    Brandon''s spection was surprising, as if he were really Violette himself.


    Joey wanted to call Violette to confirm, but he didn''t dare.


    She''s divorced her boss now, she might not pick up his calls.


    "Brandon, have you dialed up the boss?" Joey asked.


    Brandon sighed and said, "If this woman named Maka hadn''t disappeared, do you believe he would


    have kept it a secret for a lifetime? This is something he doesn''t want to disclose. If I ask, wouldn''t it


    bother him


    Joey: "Yeah, with Maka still missing, he must be in an even sourer mood."


    ...


    Ang International Institute.


    Ian felt veryplicated when he saw the news that Elijah had spent a lot of money searching for


    Maka.


    What''s up with Elijah and Maka?


    He searched for ''Maka''.


    But, he couldn''t find any relevant information at all.


    Maka must be a pet name, but he had no clue what her real name was.


    Ian looked up Ang International Institute''s personnel system, and unexpectedly, her student record


    also showed the same name.


    Could it be that the family did this on purpose to protect her?


    Who is her family?


    Ian had no clue, his only choice was to dig deeper into Elijah''s info.


    After pulling out Elijah''s family members, Ian frowned.


    No one named Maka in the Bourne family.


    Elijah only has one brother.


    So, the only exnation for Elijah and Maka''s rtionship: they''re lovers!


    If Kaleb is a scumbag, then Elijah is also the scumbag fighter jet!


    How could he get it on with a woman who''s mentally impaired?


    ...


    Meanwhile, Melinda found Sarah.


    Sarah was residing in a luxury house prepared by Elijah,plete with round-the-clock nanny and


    bodyguards.


    After Melinda''s arrival, seeing thevish vi and servants, she felt ufortable.


    "Dr. Sarah, could we chat outside?"


    Sarah nodded.


    Maka gone missing, and Sarah had nothing to do.


    They walked around thepound with followed by bodyguards not far away.


    "Dr. Sarah, do you know what''s the deal with Maka and Elijah?" Melinda had a sleepless night, after


    sobering up, this question kept stinging her.


    Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Sarah shook her head: "Ms. Marcia, I haven''t asked, and he hasn''t mentioned it."


    "Could you please ask him? I''ve been with him for many years, never heard of this woman, I''m very


    curious and shocked!" Melinda was bing agitated.


    Sarah calmly looked at her: "Ms. Marcia, that''s his private matter. if he doesn''t talk, I won''t ask. If you''re


    curious, you can ask him yourself."


    "I asked him , he wouldn''t tell me."


    "Why would he tell me when he wouldn''t tell you? I''ve only met him twice." Sarah analyzed rationally,


    "Didn''t he get divorced yesterday? At least we can confirm, he and Maka are not husband and wife."


    Melinda: "I know they''re not a couple. How could he marry a mentally impaired woman? But he''s willing


    to spend two hundred million for this woman.it''s inexplicable."


    Sarah: "If you feel jealous, you can also figure out how to make him spend money on you."


    Melinda frowned: "That''s not what I meant! I don''t want him to spend money on me. I want him to fall in


    love with me."


    Sarah cut her off: "The way for a man to prove his love is to willingly spend money on you."


    Melinda had a realization.


    "I''ve got no hope. What''s bothering me is how he could hook up with a mental retardation! That''s even


    worse than being with Violette!" Melinda muttered to herself.


    "You''re really great, "Sarah joked at her.


    "Stop ribbing me I''m miserable enough. I lost to Violette, and now to a mentally handicapped person.


    I''m starting to question my own worth."


    Sarah looked at Melinda, not saying anything else.


    She suddenly became very interest in Violette.

 Chapter 167

    Chapter 167


    Violette managed to stay married to Elijah for more than four years; there was definitely something


    special about her.


    Plus, Sarah had heard her name when she was abroad.


    She was also a student of Dr. Mitchell and had published several decent papers.


    However, after graduation, she was nowhere to be found.


    She didn''t work in any major hospitals, nor did she work in the medical field.


    What good was extensive theoretical knowledge without clinical experience?


    Why else would Elijah not have her treat Maka?


    Evening.


    Silverleaf Ridge.


    Albina looked at the two children and wondered, "Why aren''t you two eating?"


    Rita with her cheeks puffed out, asked, "When is moming back?"


    Albina: "She''ll be back when she''s done. I don''t know when that will be."


    Rita: "Is she trying to save Maka?"


    Albina: "Yes. Don''t worry, Maka will be fine."


    At this point, Ian grumbled, "Maka, troublemaker!"


    "You''re the one who brought Maka home, why are you suddenly talking about her like this?" Albina


    reached out and touched his head.


    "She''s in cahoots with Elijah!"


    Albina didn''t expect him to know this.


    "Ian, this is an adult issue, you shouldn''t worry. Maka was born with brain development issues, what


    Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    did she do wrong? If anyone''s to me, it''s Elijah." Albina always felt sorry for Maka.


    Maka was no different from a three-year-old girl.


    Ian felt more guilty than anything.


    If he had known about mom''s rtionship with Elijah, or Elijah''s rtionship with Maka sooner, he


    would never have brought Maka home!


    Mom must be feeling terrible.


    When mom came back, he must apologize!


    At eight o''clock in the evening.


    Elijah received a call.


    "Mr. Bourne, we found the hacker! ording to various information left by the hacker, he is your


    nephew, Kaleb!" The person on the other end of the phone said excitedly.


    Elijah was at a loss for words.


    When did Kaleb, who was as useless as theye, be a hacker?


    "Mr. Bourne, I had the tech team double-check three times, all with the same result! ording to the IP


    address, the hacker is currently at Bourne Estate!"


    Elijah clenched his fist, his eyes filled with murderous intent!


    His ck Rolls-Royce shot out of the mansion like a meteor.


    Ten minutester, the car stopped at the door of Old Manor.


    Elijah got out of the car and strode into the living room.


    "Where''s Kaleb!" Elijah shouted.


    Travis and his wife immediately went to find their son.


    Kaleb, who was in his room, came out when he heard his uncle''s roar.


    "Uncle, you were looking for me?" Kaleb had been jilted; he was in a slump these days and was just


    ying video games at home.


    Whack!


    Kaleb''s head was knocked to the side


    , and his cellphone fell to the floor!


    "You''re the hacker who attacked Ang International Institute? You''ve got some nerve!" Elijah roared


    in anger, "Hand over Maka! If anything happens to her, I''ll make sure you have no ce to be


    buried!"


    Kaleb was stunned.


    "Elijah, what hacker? Kaleb couldn''t possibly be a hacker, right? You know him, he''s useless!" Travis


    held Elijah back, fearing that he wouldsh out again and endanger their son''s life.


    Elijah ordered his men to confiscate all of Kaleb''s notebooks and cellphones for inspection!


    Two hourster, they found something on Kaleb''s phone.


    "I don''t know how my phone got a virus. I never let anyone else use my phone... except I did lend it to a


    little girl the day before yesterday!" Kaleb cried, "The little girl is not even five, surely she couldn''t have


    infected my phone, could she?"

 Chapter 168

    Chapter 168


    "What did that little girl want with your phone?" Elijah asked suspiciously.


    "She got separated from her dad and wanted to borrow my phone to call him. Ever since I ran into her,


    I''ve been having the worst luck. I swear she''s a jinx!" Kaleb''s face was swollen and tear-filled, looking


    quite pitiful.


    Elijah eyed him sympathetically and asked, "Do you remember what she looks like?"


    Kaleb responded, "Yes! She was really pretty. If she wasn''t, I wouldn''t have lent her my phone. I told


    you before, she kinda looks like Violette!"


    Upon hearing the name, Elijah''s expression darkened, "Go get some ointment."


    "Uncle, it doesn''t hurt... I want to know how my phone got infected! It automatically sent private photos


    to my blind date and ruined it. I suspect it can even eavesdrop on me!" Kaleb said in distress.


    He had no idea how he had be a target for hackers.


    Or who he had pissed off.


    "Kaleb, go to your room and let your mom put some ointment on you. I need to talk to your uncle in


    private." Travis interjected.


    Kaleb got up and left the room.


    Once only the brothers were left, Travis said, "This hacker is extremely aggressive, first installing a


    trojan horse in Kaleb''s phone, then hacking into Maka''s school system. Everything was


    premeditated. Why would they kidnap Maka? It''s been a day and they haven''t made contact."


    This was also Elijah''s concern.


    If they wanted money, he could give it!


    But he was afraid they would harm Maka!


    "Elijah, did you piss off someone?" Travis asked.


    Elijah replied, "It''s probably someone from the school. I''ve already sent someone to check the


    personnel records from the past month."


    "Right, I''m sure your security measures are top-notch. Over the years, neither our mother nor I have


    been able to visit Maka. It would be even harder for outsiders." Travis sighed, "If Maka hadn''t


    wandered off, none of this would have happened."


    "Don''t me Maka." Elijah''s knuckles whitened slightly as he guiltily replied, "She was just scared,


    that''s why she left."


    "I''m not ming her, she''s just a kid, what does she know?" Travis''s eyes reddened slightly, "I just


    hope she''s safe."


    The next morning, Violette still hadn''t returned home.


    Rita''s eyes were red and teary.


    "Grandma, I don''t want to go to kindergarten..." Rita sobbed, "I want Mom."


    Albina, filled with sympathy, agreed, "Alright, we won''t go to kindergarten today. We''ll go when your


    momes back, okay?"


    Rita nodded, her small mouth pouted.


    After breakfast, Ian leaned in and whispered into Rita''s ear, "Do you want to go find Mom?"


    Rita''s eyes lit up and she nodded vigorously.


    R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    "Grandma, I''m going to take Rita to y in the neighborhood. We''ll be back soon." Ian, holding Rita''s


    hand, told Albina.


    "Ian, aren''t you supposed to be at school today? Nevermind, go ahead and y." Albina sighed.


    Ian and Rita left.


    The siblings got in a taxi and headed for the hospital.


    Rita asked in a small voice, "Is Mom in this hospital?"


    Ian nodded.


    Mercy Hospital.


    After her surgery, Violette stumbled out, feeling dizzy and almost falling.


    "Mom!" Rita rushed to Violette, hugging her legs.


    Ian also walked over, his small hand firmly gripping her clothes.


    Violette looked at her two children, her eyes full of surprise and joy.


    "How did you guys get here?" Violette instantly perked up, "Who told you I was here? Where''s


    Grandma?"

 Chapter 169

    Chapter 169


    Rita was in her mom''s arms, pointing at her brother with her little finger: "Ian brought me here."


    "Oh... Ian, how did you know Mommy was here?" Violette had a gentle smile on her face, not ming


    the child. "Did you ask Uncle Mike to help you track Mommy''s phone?"


    Ian nodded.


    Hisputer skills were taught by Uncle Mike, and


    Violette didn''t know how advanced Ian''s skills were now.


    "Let''s go home! Mommy''s so tired." Violette''s brain was already getting confused.


    She took the two kids out of the hospital, hailed a car at the door, and fell asleep as soon as they got in.


    Time: 11:20 AM.


    Sarah received a call from a stranger telling her to go to Mercy Hospital.


    Sarah arrived at Mercy Hospital and saw Maka after the surgery.


    Her head was wrapped in gauze, her eyes closed, and her face was pale!


    About two hourster, Elijah got a call from Sarah.


    "Mr. Bourne! I found Maka! She''s in the hospital! I performed brain surgery on her!" Sarah''s voice


    was full of excitement,ing through clearly.


    In the past two hours, Sarah had examined Maka''s brain.


    She found that a delicate surgery had been performed on her brain!


    Sarah asked the nurse who did it, but the nurse didn''t know.


    So, Sarah pretended to be busy in the operating room.


    As soon as the two hours were up, she immediately called Elijah and took all the credit for herself.


    Elijah rushed to Mercy Hospital.


    It was only after seeing Maka that he finally felt relieved.


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    "Dr. Sarah, what happened?" Elijah asked, gripping Sarah''s arm tightly because of his excitement.


    Sarah held his hand back and exined, "Maka passed out and was brought to the hospital by a


    kind person. I happened to know a doctor at this hospital, who knew I came back to help you this time,


    so he informed me directly, and I came over."


    Elijah didn''t doubt her words, only feeling a little confused.


    "Why did you suddenly perform surgery on her?"


    "Her condition was terrible, even a second''s dy would be very detrimental to her. So I performed the


    surgery first and didn''t have time to inform you." Sarah''s speech sped up due to her guilt.


    "Thank you!" Elijah''s eyes were filled with gratitude.


    Finding Maka safe and sound and sessfullypleting the surgery was the best oue.


    For the past two days, he had been tormented.


    Luckily, Maka was alright!


    "Mr. Bourne, do you want to transfer Maka to a better hospital? The conditions here aren''t great."


    Sarah suggested, "Her recovery process also requires a better environment."


    Elijah nodded, "I''ll arrange for her transfer now."


    Sarah nodded in satisfaction.


    "Dr. Sarah, thank you for your hard work!" Elijah expressed his gratitude again, "Did you see the kind


    person who brought Maka to the hospital? I want to thank him personally."


    Sarah replied, "By the time I arrived, the kind person had already left. They didn''t leave their identity,


    which shows he doesn''t want to be known."


    Elijah responded, "I understand."


    Two hundred million dors!


    Could anyone really resist such temptation?


    He really wanted to know who this kind person was.


    After sending Maka to the best hospital, Elijah called his subordinates and ordered, "Send me the


    surveince footage of the entrance to Mercy Hospital this morning."

 Chapter 170

    Chapter 170


    About twenty minutester¡ª


    "Mr. Bourne, I just contacted Mercy Hospital, and they told me that their surveince system is under


    maintenance today, so there''s no footage."


    Hearing his subordinate''s answer, Elijah frowned.


    Was this a coincidence? Was there really no footage, or did someone purposely not want him to see it?


    "Delete all news and pictures about this incident on the inte!" Elijah ordered.


    "Alright, Mr. Bourne, I''ll get right on it."


    About an hourter, all information about Elijah''s spending big bucks to find someone, as well as


    Maka''s photos, had been removed from the inte.


    Violette was sleeping soundly, and if it weren''t for her phone suddenly ringing, she definitely wouldn''t


    have woken up.


    Odette was frantically calling her, and her phone rang for over a minute before she picked it up.


    Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    "Hello..." As soon as she spoke, she yawned.


    "Violette! Are you still sleeping? It''s only seven in the evening, are you taking a nap?" Odette''s sharp


    voice came through the phone.


    Violette rubbed her groggy eyes and looked out the window.


    "Odette, do you need something? If not, I''m going back to sleep. I''m so tired." Violette hugged her


    pillow, her voice soundingzy.


    "Didn''t you sleepst night? What were you doing?! Weren''t we supposed to go out for a big meal to


    celebrate your divorce? I''ve already booked the restaurant, and if you don''te, I''m gonna pack up


    all this food and bring it to your house! Send me your address!" Odette insisted.


    "No... just send me the restaurant''s address, and I''ll go freshen up up and head over." Violette


    struggled to get out of bed.


    "Weren''t you just saying how tired you are? Let me pack up the food and bring it to you instead! I''ve


    stolen a good bottle of wine from my dad''s cer. I''ll bring the wine over, and we can drink it next time


    we meet."


    Violette immediately woke up.


    If Odette''s boyfriend wasn''t Ramsey, she wouldn''t be so afraid of Odette finding out about the kids.


    "Odette! I''m not tired anymore! Where are you now? Send me your location, and I''ll be right there!"


    "Okay! Is your mom staying with you? Invite her to join us for dinner!"


    "No need! She''s already eaten."


    After hanging up, Violette got out of bed,bed her messy hair into a ponytail, and picked out a long


    dress from her wardrobe.


    After changing, she came out of her room.


    The living room lights were off.


    They were actually not home!


    She found her phone and made a video call to her mother.


    Albina answered, "Violette, are you awake? I left some food for you in the kitchen."


    "Odette invited me out for dinner, so I won''t be eating at home. Mom, where are you guys?" Violette


    walked to the entrance, grabbed a bag, and headed out.


    "We''re at the park. We received an international package today. Inside was a drone. The kids insisted


    oning out to y with it." Albina said, turning the camera towards the sky.


    A colorful drone was being controlled by Ian!


    Nearby, many children were flying kites.


    Violette smiled, "You guys have fun! I''m heading out."


    About half an hourter, she arrived at the restaurant Odette had booked.


    It was a luxurious restaurant, and t


    here was a handsome man ying the piano on stage.


    "Odette, did youe here alone?" Violette looked at Odette and joked, "I thought you''d bring your


    family along!"

 Chapter 171

    Chapter 171


    "Why''d you bring family along for our little outing?" Odette poured a drink and handed it to her. "What


    were you up tost night? You''ve got some serious dark circles, looks like you pulled an all-nighter."


    Violette raised her ss and took a small sip, "I was upte watching movies!"


    "I don''t buy it. You look like you''re faking that smile." Odette asked, "Are you still missing Elijah?"


    Violette almost spat out her drink, "Odette, do you think I''m an idiot?"


    Odette nodded, "Well, you''re loaded, but you do look kinda dumb."


    In another corner of the restaurant...


    Brandon grabbed a bottle and poured a drink for Elijah.


    This was the fanciest restaurant close to the hospital.


    "Elijah, I''m not gonna pry about you and Maka. I called you out here to have a drink with me," said


    Brandon. "So, is that Dr. Sarah really as amazing as you say?"


    Elijah lifted his ss and took a sip, "She performed surgery on Maka, but she hasn''t woken up yet."


    "Oh... If it works, how much are you nning to pay her?" asked Brandon, curiosity in his eyes.


    "Whatever she wants."


    "What if she doesn''t want money, but wants you instead?" Brandon proposed his own theory. "Violette


    can''t ept you having Maka in your heart, but some women don''t care, like Melinda. If Dr. Sarah


    doesn''t mind and just wants to be with you, what will you do?"


    Elijah nced at Brandon, "She lives and works abroad. She''s just here on vacation."


    "If you''d marry her, she could totally give up her life and work overseas," said Brandon. "You''re just too


    irresistible to women."


    "Dr. Sarah isn''t like that," Elijah said firmly.


    Brandon nodded and didn''t mention Sarah again.


    "Elijah, see that table over there? Isn''t that woman Odette?" Brandon pointed in a direction. "And the


    woman across from her, her back looks a bit like Violette''s."


    After saying this, he got up and walked over.


    Elijah looked in the direction he had gone.


    It was Violette.


    He could recognize her silhouette in an instant.


    They hadn''t seen each other for over four years, but Joey said she hadn''t changed much in


    appearance.


    "Odette, howe you didn''t bring Ramsey along?" Brandon talked to Odette, but his gaze fell on


    Violette''s face. "Oh my, isn''t this Violette?"


    Violette suddenly saw Brandon and was stunned.


    Brandon looked at the wine ss in her hand and sighed, "You didn''t drink before, but now you do?


    Perfect, Elijah and I are drinking too. Do you mind if we join you?"


    Without waiting for Violette''s answer, he went straight back to their table, grabbed wine and sses,


    and brought Elijah over as well.


    Violette was speechless.


    Odette frowned and said discontentedly, "Hey, my friend and I are having dinner. What are you two


    doing here?"


    "Last time we had dinner together, you were so warm to me. Have you forgotten already?" Brandon


    asked yfully. "Elijah and Violette may be divorced, but they used to be married. They can still be


    friends, right? Right, Violette?"


    Violette awkwardly touched her head.


    Be friends? Even if she was drunk, she couldn''t possibly be friends with Elijah.


    "Violette, I didn''t mean to stand you upst time," Elijah stood beside her, one hand holding a wine


    ss, the other in his pocket.


    His deep eyes looked down at her from above.


    Her face was still so beautiful, but now she seemed more mature.


    "You don''t have to exin to me. I''m not mad," Violette looked up and gave him a faint smile. "I have


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    some things to do, so I''ll go first."


    She got up, ready to leave.


    But he was like a solid wall, blocking her way, showing no intention of stepping aside.

 Chapter 172

    Chapter 172


    She barely touched her food. There was still quite a bit of wine left in her ss.


    If he didn''te over, she''d definitely just make up an excuse to leave.


    "You guys keep eating, I''m gonna head out." As soon as he finished speaking, he straightened up and


    walked away with big strides.


    Brandon grabbed his wine ss and immediately chased after him: "Elijah, wait for me!"


    Odette gave Violette a thumbs up: "Violette, you''re amazing."


    Violette looked helpless: "He wanted to leave on his own."


    "Maybe he still likes you." Odette picked up her wine ss and clinked it with Violette''s, "And from the


    look in his eyes, I could feel that he still loves you."


    Violette said, "Odette, you need to watch less romance movies; you''re turning silly."


    "Didn''t you say you stayed upte watching moviesst night?"


    "I didn''t say I was watching romance movies." Violette took a sip of wine and said slowly, "Live your


    own life well, men and love are not as important as yourself."


    Odette agreed wholeheartedly: "Violette, you''re right! Elijah never really cared about you."


    "Stop mentioning him, let''s eat." Violette whispered, "I drove here, so I''ll need to find a designated


    driverter."


    "There are plenty of designated drivers outside," Odette said. "Violette, I was actually nning to go to


    your ce today. Why didn''t you let me? I haven''t been to your new house yet."


    Odette only knew that she lived in Silverleaf Bay, but didn''t know which vi was hers.


    Violette awkwardly took a sip of wine: "Some other time, my ce is a mess right now."


    "Isn''t your mom living with you? How could it be messy?"


    "Um..." Violette started making excuses.


    At that moment, Elijah received a call and quickly walked towards the restaurant entrance.


    Odette watched his rapidly retreating figure and said, "Violette, Elijah is leaving."


    Violette turned her head and saw his leaving figure.


    Was he in such a hurry to leave because Maka woke up?


    Maka did wake up.


    Sarah called Elijah and told him to hurry back to the hospital.


    In the intensive care unit.


    Maka stared nkly at the unfamiliar surroundings and people.


    "Maka, I''m your doctor, my name is Sarah." Sarah tried to make Maka remember the information


    that ''I performed your surgery.''


    Sarah didn''t know what Maka was thinking or what kind of impact this surgery would have on her.


    Maka stared nkly at Sarah


    Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    , whose face felt very unfamiliar to her.


    When Sarah grabbed her hand, she didn''t hesitate and immediately pulled it back.


    Soon after, Elijah arrived.


    When Maka saw her brother, her fear and uneasiness eased a bit.


    She reached out her hand to Elijah, and


    Elijah immediately went to her bedside and held her hand.


    Seeing the uneasiness in her eyes, Elijah said to Sarah, "Dr. Sarah, she''s afraid of strangers. Can I


    trouble you to step out for a moment? I''d like to talk to her alone."


    Sarah nodded and left the room.


    After the door of the room closed, Elijah whispered, "Maka, do you have a really bad headache?"


    Maka nodded, "What happened to me?"


    "You had brain surgery. It might be painful now, but it''ll get better in a few days." Elijah''s voice was


    gentle, and his eyes were even softer, "Maka, do you remember how you left school?"


    Ian''s face appeared in Maka''s mind.


    "Elijah, you took me out!"


    In her thoughts, Ian''s face seemed to be exactly the same as her brother''s.


    Elijah frowned.


    Could this be because the surgery hadn''t fully healed yet?


    "Elijah, who was that person just now? I don''t know her." Maka thought of Sarah''s face and couldn''t


    help but frown.


    "That''s Dr. Sarah. She''s your surgeon."

 Chapter 173

    Chapter 173


    "I don''t know her," Maka said with a hint of resistance. "I''ve never seen her... I don''t know her..."


    "Yeah, you passed out at the time, so you didn''t see her," Elijah exined.


    Passed out?


    Maka: "No, that''s not right!"


    Thest thing she remembered was Violette''s face.


    She was lying in bed with a fever, and Violette was by her side, talking to her. She couldn''t remember


    exactly what was said, b


    ut she vaguely remembered Violette''s warm gaze and gentle voice, which brought her greatfort.


    She started to get emotional, and the pain in her head was like a knife cutting through her, causing her


    to cry.


    "Maka, does it hurt a lot? Close your eyes now, don''t think about anything, and when you wake up, it


    won''t hurt as much," Elijah wiped the tears off her face with a tissue, gently patting her arm, coaxing


    her to sleep.


    She had just had brain surgery and needed more rest.


    After putting her to sleep, Elijah left the room.


    Sarah immediately came forward and asked, "How is she?"


    Elijah grinned, his voice full of excitement, "She talks more than before, and her eyes are clearer now...


    Dr. Sarah, the surgery was a sess!"


    Sarah breathed a sigh of relief, "That''s great! I was worried the surgery wouldn''t be effective!"


    Elijah, overwhelmed with gratitude, couldn''t help but hug Sarah, "Dr. Sarah, thank you!"


    Sarah''s heart raced, feeling a bit awkward but enjoying Elijah''s embrace.


    She tried to hug him back, "Mr. Bourne, it''s what I should do."


    Her voice made Elijah snap to his senses.


    He let go of her, but his smile remained, "Dr. Sarah, thank you for your hard work. It''ste now, go


    home and rest. See you tomorrow."


    Sarah nodded, "If anything happens to Maka, call me anytime."


    Elijah nodded and saw her off.


    Brandon saw it all


    , and thought this Sarah was no ordinary woman.


    He nned to visit Maka in her room, but the bodyguard stopped him.


    Brandon was puzzled, "What? Don''t you recognize me?"


    "Mr. Fleming, of course, I know you. But without the boss''s instructions, I can''t let you in," the


    bodyguard exined, "Even if it''s the boss''s mother and brother, I would stop them too."


    Brandon: "Why? She can''t see anyone?"


    Bodyguard: "She doesn''t like strangers."


    Elijah was overprotective of Maka!


    Just because she didn''t like strangers, he wouldn''t let her see anyone?


    This overprotection could be harmful to her condition.


    "Open the door, and I''ll just stand at the entrance," Brandon tried to negotiate with the bodyguard.


    The bodyguard was firm, "Mr. Fleming, don''t make it difficult for me."


    Brandon: "Your boss isn''t here, open the door and I''ll send you some good wine."


    The bodyguard seemed a bit tempted.


    Just then, Elijah appeared.


    R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    "Elijah, has Dr. Sarah left? You said the surgery went well, is Maka back to normal now? That''s


    amazing! Can I see her?" Brandon grinned, walking up to Elijah.


    Elijah replied, "No."


    Brandon''s smile vanished, "You can''t keep her in this room forever to protect her, you know? It won''t


    help her. She needs more social interaction."


    Elijah replied, "It''s not the time yet."


    Brandon continued, "As long as you know that. How did you meet her? Doesn''t she have any family?


    You''re not really nning on marrying her after she recovers, are you?!"


    Elijah frowned, "Stop bothering me with your qustions!"

 Chapter 174

    Chapter 174


    Brandon grabbed his arm and guided him towards the emergency exit.


    "Elijah, you still care about Violette, so why are you doing stuff we can''t wrap our heads around? This


    Maka chick, no matter how hot she is, you really think she can hold a candle to Violette?" Brandon


    tried to get Elijah to snap out of it.


    "There''s no one more important than Maka!" Elijah answered seriously.


    "Is that why Violette chose to divorce you?" Brandon questioned him.


    "Yes."


    "Well then, what did Violette do wrong? What reason do you have to be upset? You''re the one who


    messed up!" Brandon rarely spoke so bluntly with him. "As a friend, I''m not gonna fight with you over


    your rtionship issues, I just don''t wanna..."


    "You can leave me too, like Violette!" Elijah cut him off. "My personal business is none of your


    concern!"


    Brandon took a deep breath. He figured if Elijah wanted to be stubborn, then let him regret itter!


    Violette might be single now, but that didn''t mean she''ll be single forever.


    When the day came that Violette married another man, he hoped Elijah can live with himself!


    When Violette got home, it was already 10 pm.


    She opened the door to the kids'' room, and Rita looked up at her right away.


    "Sweetie, why are you still awake?" Violette walked over to the bed and gently stroked her daughter''s


    head.


    "Mom! Today, I yed with a drone outside with my brother, it was so fun!" Rita excitedly said. "Uncle


    Mike sent it to us."


    "Mhm, Mommy knows. It''s reallyte now, baby, you should go to sleep."


    Rita pouted, "Mommy, I was waiting for you toe home and tuck me in."


    Violette immediately kissed her daughter''s cheek. "Goodnight, baby!"


    "Mom, you''ve been drinking!" Rita touched her cheek with her little hand.


    Violette pped herself on the forehead, slightly regretful. "Sorry, sweetie, Mommy forgot. I''ll go get a


    towel to wipe it off."


    Rita giggled innocently, "No need, Mom! You smell nice even when you''ve been drinking!"


    Violette thought her daughter was just too cute!


    She grabbed a wet towel from the bathroom and wiped her daughter''s cheek.


    Once Rita was asleep, she quietly left the room.


    Back in the master bedroom, she called Mike.


    "I''ve been waiting for your call! Why are you only calling me now?" Mikeined on the other end


    of the line.


    "I had some stuff to do today, just got home." Violette put the phone on the bed and switched to


    speakerphone, then went to the closet to get her pajamas. "Is the drone you sent a new product you


    guys developed?"


    "Yes! It''s amazing! It has incredible battery life and sensing capabilities, it''s like a robot." Mike excitedly


    said. "Once it''sunched in A Country, it''ll definitely dominate the tech market!"


    Violette frowned, "I haven''t even finished setting up the team here yet! I''ll hurry up."


    "I know you''ve been busy with your divorce."


    "I''m already divorced. Are you secretly teaching Ian hacking skills? I''ve caught him sneaking on the


    "I only taught him because he''s interested! I didn''t even charge him tuition, how can you me me?"


    "I don''t wanna discuss this anymore. I''m exhausted today." Violette hung up and went to the bathroom


    with her pajamas.


    At 1 am in the hospital room, Elijah got his hands on the surveince footage from Mercy Hospital


    yesterday morning.


    Turned out, the ''maintenance check'' was just an excuse.


    After getting the footage, he started watching.


    He really wanted to know who brought Maka to the hospital.


    Even if the person didn''t want his 2 million dor reward, he should at least remember their name.


    If they ever needed help, he''d definitely lend a hand.


    Around 3 am, his eyes were sore and swollen, feeling exhausted.


    The coffee in his cup was gone, but there was still an hour of footage left.


    He decided to finish watching the rest before getting some rest.


    Rubbing his forehead, he looked back at the screen, where a


    Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    familiar figure suddenly appeared!


    In the crowded surveince footage, he instantly recognized Violette!

 Chapter 175

    Chapter 175


    Just that, she was holding a little girl, with another kid in tow with her other hand.


    He was starting to think he''d got it all wrong.


    From the surveince footage, he couldn''t make out the woman''s face.


    He was starting to suspect this woman, who looked awfully like Violette, wasn''t Violette at all!


    Why else would she be with two kids?


    He knew Violette didn''t have any!


    He watched the security footage over and over again.


    Each time he watched it, his suspicions grew! The more he watched it, the clearer his mind seemed to


    get!


    He saved this small clip onto hisputer, then shut hisptop.


    It was toote now, and he can''t figure out who the woman and the kids in the footage were.


    When morning came, he''s got to ask Violette about this!


    At six in the morning, Maka woke up.


    Once she had awake, she got out of her sickbed


    , walked over to the bed where Elijah was, and lightly touched his hand.


    "Elijah..."


    Elijah suddenly opened his eyes.


    "Elijah, let''s get out of here." Maka didn''t wanna stay in the hospital anymore; she wanted to leave.


    Elijah immediately got up.


    He probably only got an hour of sleep


    , and he felt dizzy.


    But Maka insisted on leaving, and he''s gotta take her out of there or she''ll get antsy.


    Considering her intelligence had improved after the operation, he decided to take her home.


    Half an hourter, Maka looked at the Bourne family vi and curiously asked, ¡°Elijah, what''s this


    ce?¡±


    ¡°This is my home. Would you like to live here with me from now on?¡± Elijah asked her.


    She used to only want to stay at the Ang International Institute, unwilling to leave that familiar ce.


    But now, she agreeed.


    The effects of the operation were just too obvious.


    Even though Maka still acted like a child, her intelligence had surpassed the level of a three-year-


    old.


    Seeing the changes in Maka, Elijah can''t help but think of Sarah.


    He felt he needs to thank her properly.


    Violette didn''t wake up until ten in the morning, and t


    he kids had already gone to school.


    Seeing here out of the room, Albina immediately brought her breakfast to the table.


    ¡°Violette, did you sleep well?¡±


    ¡°Mmm, I slept really wellst night.¡± Violette smiled slightly, ¡°Mom, I have to go to thepanyter, I''ll


    be back in the evening.¡±


    ¡°If you''re busy, you don''t have to pick up Ian. After I pick up Rita, I''ll go get Ian with her.¡± Albina said,


    ¡°There''s a lot of preliminary work to do at thepany, I hope you can do better than your father.¡±


    Violette responded, ¡°I''ll do my best.¡±


    The Dennis Group.


    In the conference room.


    Violette handed out the user manuals for the new product to everyone.


    ¡°I believe you all remember my father''s dream of manufacturing self-driving cars for household use. My


    ideas differ from my father''s, I believe it''s better for people to have control over their own lives. So we


    won''t be manufacturing self-driving cars.¡±


    Just as she finished speaking, her phone on the table lights up.


    She had already silenced it, b


    ut she noticed that the screen said ¡®Elijah¡¯.


    Her mood was instantly thrown off.


    ¡°Sorry, I need to take this call.¡± She picked up the phone and stepped out of the room.R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    Once the call went through, Elijah''s voice came through, ¡°Violette, were you at Mercy Hospital


    yesterday morning?¡±


    Violette stammers, ¡°No, why?¡±


    "Why lie? I''ve already seen the surveince footage." Elijah''s voice was deep and questioning, "I saw


    you holding a child and leading another by the hand. Where did these two kidse from?"

 Chapter 176

    Chapter 176


    Violette felt like she was choking, a


    s if someone had her throat in a death-grip.


    She had no idea that the two kids would go to the hospital to find her.


    What was more, she didn''t expect that despite their promise, Mercy Hospital would leak the CCTV


    footage.


    Elijah was always the suspicious type.


    So, she guessed he''d sniff around to find out who took Maka to the hospital.


    But he got it twisted, thinking she was the one who brought Maka to the hospital yesterday, when in


    fact, she went the day before.


    Even if he scoured yesterday''s surveince footage, he wouldn''t catch a glimpse of her taking Maka


    to the hospital.


    "Elijah, we''re divorced. Whether I was at the hospital yesterday, carrying however many kids, holding


    however many kids'' hands, it''s none of your business!" Violette said determinedly once she''d calmed


    down, "They''re not your kids! I wouldn''t bear your children! Our child was lost because of you!"


    After letting out her feelings, Violette hung up the phone.


    She didn''t want to hear any response from him.


    May he and his Maka live happily ever after!


    And stop being a nuisance!


    Elijah''s lips moved, but before he could get a word out, the line was dead.


    As he listened to the dial tone, his mind went nk.


    The memory of him forcing her to abort their child must be a permanent scar for her, b


    ut she never mentioned it afterwards, so he didn''t often remember they once had a child.


    His spacious vi was so quiet that he could hear his own heartbeat.


    He asked himself, did you regret that?


    After a few seconds of hesitation, he knew the answer.


    Same old answer.


    "Sir, Dr. Sarah is here." Lacey said as she walked over to him.


    His face quickly returned to its usual calm.


    He strode towards the living room.


    Sarah was in a good mood today. She wore a brightly colored dress, light makeup, and her hair was let


    down.


    A stark contrast from her usual serious demeanor.


    Elijah walked into the living room and was slightly taken aback when he saw her.


    "Mr. Bourne, you haven''t forgotten me, have you?" Sarah said with an awkward smile, "Now that the


    surgery is over, I can rx a bit. I n to go shoppingter. Although I moved overseas with my father


    when I was young, I''ve always had a soft spot for A City. This ce is still my hometown."


    Elijah nodded, "Do you need someone to apany you?"


    Sarah''s eyes lit up and she nodded, "It''d be great if someone coulde along."


    Elijah: "I''ll have the driver take you.


    Maka needs someone to be with her."


    Faced with his straightforward reply, Sarah epted with a smile.


    "Indeed, it''s a pity she''s a bit resistant to me. Otherwise, I could apany her." Sarah expressed


    regretfully.


    "Alright, Dr. Sarah, let''s discuss your payment now!" Elijah invited her today for this very reason, "Name


    your price!"


    A look of difort crossed Sarah''s face: "Mr. Bourne, the advance payment you gave me is more


    than enough. You don''t need to give me any more."


    Elijah had previously given her five million, b


    ut to him, that amount was far from enough.


    Over the years, he had sought top doctors worldwide, but none could improve Maka''s condition.


    The amount he spent far exceeded five million.


    So, he couldn''t possibly give Sarah just this little.


    "I''ll give you a hundred million!" Elijah proposed.


    Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    He didn''t want to owe Sarah anything.

 Chapter 177

    Chapter 177


    Elijah didn''t want Sarah to make any additional demands.


    So, throwing money at her seemed like the best solution.


    Sarah looked shocked, "Mr. Bourne, don''t. Maka''s illness... it''s not something that can be fixed with


    just one surgery. You must have noticed, her intellect has improved, but only by a bit. Once she


    recovers from this surgery, if you still want to continue her treatment, there might be a second surgery,


    a third one..."


    Sarah''s words left Elijah speechless.


    Sarah hade over during her vacation.


    She might not have such ample time in the future.


    "Dr. Sarah, what are your ns for your career?" Elijah asked.


    He was certainly going to continue Maka''s treatment.


    If her intelligence could reach the point of self-sufficiency, that would be ideal!


    Sarah got the gist of what he was saying.


    "Mr. Bourne, I''m actually in a pretty awkward and confused stage right now. I''m 34 and I''ve never been


    in a rtionship, which is a constant source of worry for my family. So, my career isn''t my top priority at


    the moment."


    She was basically screaming, "Marry me if you want to repay me or if you want me to keep treating


    your Maka!"


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    Elijah frowned slightly.


    "Ms. Sarah, I could introduce you to some potential boyfriends," Elijah said after a moment of


    hesitation.


    Sarah was somewhat disappointed, but she still smiled, "I didn''t expect to hear that from you."


    "Because I need you to continue treating Maka." Elijah was blunt, "I''m not getting married again in


    this lifetime."


    Sarah was drawn to his handsome and striking features, "Mr. Bourne, I don''t necessarily have to get


    married. I think, after getting to know you, it would be hard for me to be interested in other men. Why


    don''t we date? That way, my family will stop nagging me and I can focus on researching Maka''s


    illness."


    Sarah had found Elijah''s Achilles heelm which was


    Maka''s illness.


    He was willing to spend a fortune on Maka, so now Sarah only wanted the title of ''girlfriend''. Wasn''t


    that reasonable?


    Was he not willing to continue Maka''s treatment?


    She was pushing him.


    Until he found another doctor who could treat Maka, he could only be threatened by her.


    ...


    At the Dennis Group.


    Violette returned to her office after a morning of meetings.


    Her secretary came over and reported, "Ma''am, Reaves from MindMeld Technologies would like to see


    you. He used to be our vice president."


    Violette had a very strong impression of Reaves.


    When the Dennis Group went bankrupt, he even specifically called her to curse her to hell.


    Violette strode into the reception room, where


    Reaves got up from the sofa and approached Violette.


    "Violette, long time no see, you''ve gotten even more beautiful."


    Violette tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and said sinctly, "What brings you here today?"


    Reavesughed, "You''ve brought back all the old employees with double the sry, which has made


    the Dennis Group famous. I wonder if there''s a chance for me toe back?"


    Violette raised an eyebrow, "No."


    Reaves'' smile disappeared instantly.


    He didn''t expect Violette to disrespect him so much!


    "I was just asking! I''m doing well at MindMeld Technologies!" Reaves tried to save himself the


    embarrassment.


    Violette: "Is there anything else you need?"


    Reaves: "... I just came to look around!"


    Violette retorted, "Do you think this ce is a zoo or a cafe?"


    Reaves got up angrily and stormed out.


    Violette calmly returned to her office and took a sip of water. Then, her phone rang.


    She put down her water ss and answered the call.


    "Violette! Elijah and that female doctor he found are together now!" Odette said angrily, "I don''t


    understand! I thought Maka was his one true love! Why is he with another woman?!"

 Chapter 178

    Chapter 178


    Violette massaged her temples with her fingers.


    She thought she wouldn''t care about him after the divorce, b


    ut why did it still hurt so much?


    He cared so much about Maka, why couldn''t he be faithful to her?


    She soon figured it out.


    It wasn''t about who he was with, it was about him being such a jerk.


    Admitting that the man she once loved was a jerk was painful. It made her question her own judgment.


    "Violette, are you okay?" Odette asked worriedly. "If I had known, I wouldn''t have told you... But even if


    I didn''t tell you, you would have found out eventually."


    "I''m fine." Violette picked up her water ss and took a sip. "It''s his choice. As long as he''s happy."


    "Ramsey said it was Sarah''s idea. Her treatment for Maka seemed to be working well. Elijah wanted


    to reward her, but she didn''t want money."


    "No need to exin," Violette felt a wave of nausea. "If he didn''t want to, no one could have forced


    him."


    "I heard that Maka''s still need more treatment... Elijah wants Sarah to continue treating Maka, so


    he agreed to Sarah''s request." Odette was just stating the facts, but she felt like she was still defending


    him.


    Violette sneered, "That''s great. Sarah doesn''t mind his fickleness, so they are all getting what they


    want."


    Odette agreed, "Yeah! Maka has moved into the Bourne Mansion. It feels weird. But as long as they


    don''t find it weird, it''s fine. Violette, forget about this jerk! I won''t bring him up anymore."


    "Okay, I''ve been busy with worktely, I''ll treat you to a meal when I''m done."


    "Sounds good!"


    ...


    After hanging up the phone, Violette held her water ss and fell into deep thought.


    She didn''t know Sarah well, but after this incident, she found Sarah to be quite bold.


    The surgery on Maka wasn''t performed by her, yet she dared to use it as a condition to make Elijah


    her boyfriend.


    Wasn''t she afraid Elijah would find out the truth?


    But whether Elijah knew the truth or not, it didn''t matter to Violette anymore.


    Sarah liked him; Violette didn''t care.


    His money, himself, she didn''t want any of it.


    She just wanted to live a good life with her two children,


    so she wouldn''t expose Sarah''s lie.


    That night.


    Violette dragged her tired body home.


    The TV in the living room was on.


    Rita ran up to Violette, "Mom! You''re back! Are you tired?"


    Violette shook her head, "Mom''s not tired. Rita, are you tired from school?"


    "If mom''s not tired, Rita is definitely not tired!" Rita showed a sweet smile and pulled Violette to sit on


    the couch.


    Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    After Violette sat down, she saw the financial news ying on the TV.


    Just then, Elijah''s face appeared on the screen.


    "Rita, did you turn on the TV?" Violette was puzzled as to why her daughter would be watching a


    financial channel.


    Rita nced at Ian, "Ian turned it on. I changed the channel."


    Because she saw the financial channel broadcasting news about Elijah, she purposely watched this


    program.


    "I see..." Violette held her daughter with one arm and looked towards Ian, "Ian,e over. Mom has


    something to tell you both."


    Ian was ying with puzzles. Hearing his mom''s words, he immediately came over.


    After Ian came over, Violette pointed to Elijah''s handsome face on the TV and told her children,


    "Remember this man''s face. If you identally bump into him, you must avoid him."


    Rita was confused, "Mom, why?"


    Violette thought for a moment and said, "If he finds you, he might... strangle you."


    This was something he had once said.


    He had said that even if she gave birth to their children, he would strangle them.


    Now, he knew that she had two children.


    If he didn''t continue to investigate, that would be the best.


    She was just worried that he would find out the two children were his.


    Rita''s little face immediately scrunched up.


    She picked up the remote control and turned off the TV.


    Rita originally thought Elijah was quite handsome and had watched him for a few more seconds, but


    she didn''t expect him to be a bad guy!

 Chapter 179

    Chapter 179


    "Dinner''s ready, you guys go wash your hands, thene eat!" Albina came out of the kitchen and told


    them.


    Violette immediately took the two kids to wash their hands.


    Nine o''clock at night.


    Children''s room.


    Ian''s eyes were wide open, thinking about what mom said in the evening.


    "Rita." Ian called his sister.


    "Ian, you can''t sleep either? I''m so scared! Elijah is so handsome, but he''s such a bad guy! why does


    he want to strangle us?" Rita stretched out her little arms, holding her brother tight, looking for a sense


    of security.


    Ian voiced his guess: "Maybe he''s our real dad."


    "What?!" Rita eximed in surprise.


    "Rita, we need to take the initiative, and seek the truth." Ian had a n in mind.


    "Ian, what should we do?" Rita''s eyes widened at Ian.


    "Go to sleep first."


    ......


    The next day.


    The Bourne Group.


    Network paralysis!


    The staff of thework security technology department began to investigate the cause of the ident.


    Upon learning of this, Elijah rushed to thepany immediately.


    Such a huge group, with awork paralysis?


    This was the first time such a major security incident had urred since thepany was founded!


    When Elijah arrived at thepany, he first went to the tech department, then returned to his office


    and turned on hisputer.


    Hisputer also got hacked!


    Other employees''puters showed a blue screen with a ghost face sticking out its tongue, but


    his was different.


    His was a blue screen with a provocative sentence.


    The sentence was - Jerk,e strangle me!


    The screen was green, and the font was red.


    These two colors mixed together were especially ring.


    Elijah looked at the line, his brows furrowed.


    - Jerk??


    This word was really childish!


    About an hourter, all the employees''puters returned to normal


    , except


    Elijah''s.


    The virus in hisputer was different from other employees''.


    So, the core members of the tech department gathered in the president''s office to crack the virus.


    Joey spected: "Boss, your nephew''s phone was also hacked before, right? Could it be the same


    hacker?"


    Elijah: "The previous hacker deliberately used Kaleb''s information. His real identity hasn''t been found


    out yet."


    "This hacker seems to be right around us." Joey analyzed, "First it was Kaleb''s phone, then Ang


    International Institute''s surveince, now ourpany''swork... why are they doing all this?"


    Elijah was also puzzled.


    Last time Maka got lost, she wasn''t hurt at all


    Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    , so the hacker''s target wasn''t Maka.


    The hacker''s target was either Kaleb or him, and t


    he image of cool Ian suddenly popped into Elijah''s mind.


    This kid just transferred to Ang International Institute a few days ago, and t


    he principal said he doesn''t talk to strangers.


    But his teacher said that on his first day of school, they reached an agreement to not interfere with


    each other, and only then did he stay at Ang International Institute.


    This kid must be something special!


    After leaving thepany, Elijah decided to investigate this kid''s detailed information.,

 Chapter 180

    Chapter 180


    Ang International Institute.


    Elijah strolled into the admin department and got his hands on Ian Dennis''s file.


    Name: Ian


    Mother: Violette


    Age: Four years and three months


    Elijah''s eyes were locked onto the name ''Violette'', heart pounded like a drum in his chest!


    The little brat he had a run-in with was Violette''s son!


    Moreover, the kid was already over four years old.


    It had been a little over four years since Elijah and Violette split up.


    If this kid was her own, then she must''ve been pregnant when she left.


    Elijah held Ian''s file in a death grip, his body slightly trembling.


    The head of the admin department was clueless, cautiously asking, "Mr. Bourne, is there a problem


    with this kid?"


    Elijah''s throat bobbed, his voice raspy, "Take me to see him!"


    The director awkwardly said, "He didn''te to school today. Is there something you need him for? I


    can call his mother."


    Elijah: "No need!"


    He took Ian''s file and stormed out of the admin department.


    He was going to find Violette himself!


    He needed to find out what the hell was going on with this kid!


    Meanwhile, in the garden outside the Bourne Mansion.


    Melinda was tense, feeling absolutely rotten.


    She had never in her wildest dreams thought that Sarah could be so bloody ambitious!


    She actually made a move on Elijah!


    Melinda brought Sarah to Elijah in order to score some brownie points and get back into his good


    graces, b


    ut this woman she brought back was actually trying to steal her man!


    What the hell was that all about?


    Was this the ssic case of shooting yourself in the foot?


    Unbelievable! Melinda had totally underestimated this woman!


    "Sarah, are you just giving up on your job abroad?" Melinda tried to keep her cool, but the tremble in


    her voice gave away her true emotions.


    She was fit to be tied!


    If Sarah wasn''t so important to Elijah right now, she would''ve pped her already!


    "It''s just a job. I can find good work anywhere." Sarah nonchntly brushed it off.


    How could she not see Melinda seething with rage?


    But she didn''t care about Melinda one bit.


    So what if she was the daughter of the Marcia family? She was not the heir.


    Besides, now that she had hooked up with Elijah, she didn''t need to fear anyone.


    "Looks like you''re hellbent on being with Elijah!" Melinda gritted her teeth.


    Sarah gave her a sidelong nce, "Ms. Marcia, if you can''t have the man, no one else can? I suggest


    you let it go. Either step up your game or face reality. Elijah would never choose an average woman


    who brings nothing to the table."


    Melinda''s blood pressure spiked!


    Sarah said she was useless to Elijah! And called her an average woman, that was a low blow!


    Whether it''s looks, figure, or work abilities, Melinda was far from average!


    How dare Sarah belittled her like this?!


    "Dr. Sarah, right now you''re like a proud peacock." Melinda''s lips curling upwards a bit, "Believe it or


    R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    not, I can pluck all your feathers."


    Sarah nced behind her.


    The Bourne family''s bodyguards were not far behind, protecting her 24/7.


    "Do you think if I yell now, the bodyguards behind me wille running?" Sarah deliberately provoked


    her, "Or, I could call my boyfriend right now, and he''d definitelye to my defense. Melinda, do you


    really want to make an enemy out of me?"


    Sarah didn''t want to make an enemy out of Melinda.

 Chapter 181

    Chapter 181


    She''s gotta figure out a way to fix Maka right now


    , which was the only way she can stick around Elijah longer.


    Melinda was so pissed off, her eyes bright red, e


    specially when Sarah mentioned "boyfriend."


    But Melinda can''t do a thing about her!


    She could only strut away in her high heels.


    Sarah watched her back and sneered, "Loser! Can''t take a punch!"


    The Dennis Group.


    Violette''s busy with the recruitment of different departments.


    Although a lot of the old staff came back, since the business was different from before, they need to


    recruit some experienced people.


    Mike said he would fly over to help today; she could probably rx a bit after he arrived.


    "Violette, are we gonna hire a celebrity to endorse?" suggested the nning department head after


    discussing the marketing and publicity work with Violette.


    Violette shook her head: "Nah."


    "It''s trendy now to co-promote with famous YouTubers..."


    Violette, "No need. Our products will speak for themselves."


    The director was a bit puzzled, "So we''re not doing any publicity?"


    Violette, "That''s not what I mean. Publicity is necessary, just not with celebrities or inte influencers."


    The director nodded his head, "So how do we publicize?"


    Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    Violette put down the documents in her hand and said, "We invite professionals in the field to promote.


    If our products are irreceable, sales will naturally go up."


    The director understood this principle, but since he had not seen the product yet, he was a bit worried,


    "Are you this confident?"


    Violette smiled, "I can''t answer that right now. We''ll see when the productes out."


    The director nodded his head.


    There was a knock at the door, and Violette said, "Come in."


    The door was pushed open, and someone dressed in irregrly tailored trendy clothing appeared in


    the office.


    The director frowned and challenged, "Who are you? Wrong ce, buddy? This is the Dennis Group..."


    Mike strode past the director, came to Violette, and gave her a warm hug.


    "Missed you like crazy!" Mike''s cheesy line made the director blush and he quickly left.


    Looked like this blond guy was Violette''s gigolo.


    As the director left her office, he ran into the secretary who was about to knock.


    "Don''t go in yet! Violette''s boyfriend is here, they''re getting cozy!" the director warned the secretary,


    "Wait until the blond guy leaves, then you can go in."


    The secretary looked anxious, "But Elijah from the Bourne Group is here, he specifically asked to see


    our boss! I can''t just keep him waiting, can I?"


    The director was shocked, took a deep breath and said to the secretary, "I''ll go meet Elijah, see what


    he wants."


    After saying that, the director strode towards the elevator.


    As he reached the elevator, waiting for the doors to slowly open, a tall and straight figure walked out


    from inside.


    The director looked up, and seeing Elijah''s cold and stern face, he was too scared to breathe.


    He instantly forgot what he had just said to the secretary.


    "Mr. Bourne! You''re here! Let me take you to Ms. Dennis''s office!" the director immediately became


    obsequious, bending over and leading the way for Elijah.


    When they reached Violette''s office, the director immediately chickened out.


    He didn''t dare to offend Elijah, let alone Violette!


    "Mr. Bourne, please go in! Ms. Dennis is inside." the director said to Elijah.


    Elijah''s brow furrowed, without any hesitation, he reached out his long arm and pushed the office door


    open!


    Violette was sitting in her boss chair, while Mike was sitting on the desk in front of her, his fingers


    ying with Violette''s hair!


    Their actions were so intimate!


    ''Bang''!


    Elijah kicked the door hard!

 Chapter 182

    Chapter 182


    A loud bang had the two people in the office instantly looking towards the door.


    Elijah''s face was dark and gloomy, as if someone had pissed him off.


    "Hey! Ex-hubby!" Mike hopped down from his desk, strolled over to Elijah and greeted him cheerily.


    Violette''s temples suddenly throbbed.


    Mike had no idea how scary Elijah could be!


    She had to stop him from offending Elijah.


    She walked swiftly to Mike and pulled him back a bit.


    This move made Elijah green with envy!


    What was their rtionship?


    She was actually protecting this scoundrel-like man so fiercely!


    "What are you doing here?" Violette stood in front of Elijah, looking up at him. "Do we really need to


    see each other?"


    Elijah''s hand was clenched tightly, the paper in his hand nearly crumpled.


    He moved closer to Violette, their bodies almost touching!


    Violette was surrounded by his intense anger; danger was imminent.


    She quickly led Mike towards the door, "Wait for me outside!"


    After pushing Mike out, she closed the office door.


    "Who''s that man?!" Elijah looked at her flushed face and demanded to know.


    With no one else in the office to watch the drama, Violette was no longer afraid of him.


    "Elijah, don''t push me to say something you won''t like. I don''t want to argue with you." She walked over


    to him and pulled the paper from his hand, "This is..."


    Before she could finish her sentence, she saw their son''s name!


    Her body started to tremble, her fear and anxiety all over her face.


    Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    Elijah watched the emotions y across her face, his suspicion growing stronger.


    "Violette! Is this child mine?!" His voice was icy and harsh, without a trace of warmth.


    Without thinking, Violette denied it at once, "No! Our child was aborted a long time ago! This child...I


    adopted him overseas!"


    She had to lie.


    If she didn''t lie, he would undoubtedly do whatever it took to take the child away.


    He hated kids, he had said he would never have kids in his life.


    And Ian was not like other kids, if Ian got into his hands, she didn''t know what would be of Ian.


    "Adopted?" Elijah''s eyebrows furrowed, he hadn''t expected this answer, "Why would you adopt a


    child?!"


    "Because he''s a unique child, and I felt sorry for him, so I adopted him. Elijah, I''m only exining this


    once. From now on, don''t meddle in my personal affairs! If you get so much time with you, go take care


    of that girlfriend of yours!"


    Violette threw the paper into the shredder!


    Watching her slightly shaking shoulders, Elijah felt like he had been doused with a bucket of cold water.


    His anger was instantly extinguished.


    She knew he had a girlfriend.


    News travelled fast.


    He wanted to exin to her, but he realized whatever he said would seemed ridiculous.


    "Violette, your new boyfriend is not that great. You could do better." He had intended to warn her, but it


    ended up sounding mocking.


    Violette was so pissed off that she decided to give him a taste of his own medicine, "Your new girlfriend


    is pretty average too. You''d be better off with Melinda! I don''t know what you were thinking."


    Elijah gritted his teeth, "You''ve met Sarah? In my eyes, she''s better than Melinda!"


    Violette raised an eyebrow, "You know my Mike? Don''t judge him by his shy exterior, he has a pure


    heart! Unlike some people, who ys with two women''s feelings and still wants to deceive a third!"


    Elijah''s face turned white with rage, he turned around and left!

 Chapter 183

    Chapter 183


    After he left, Mike went straight back to the office.


    "What did your ex-husband want? He looked mad. He didn''t give you a hard time, did he?" Mike


    approached Violette, helped her sit down, and handed her a ss of water.


    Violette was upset, but seeing Mike''s concern, she said bashfully, "He thought you were my boyfriend,


    and I didn''t bother to correct him. Will that cause you any trouble?"


    Mike blinked his light blue eyes and said, "Boyfriend? If you want, I can be your husband right


    away."


    Violette replied, "I don''t n on getting married again. Save that chance for someone you truly love."


    Mike looked disappointed. "I don''t n on getting married again either. My ex-boyfriend hurt me, and I


    don''t believe in true love anymore."


    Years ago, Mike had a dangerous tumor in his brain, and


    Violette performed surgery to remove it sessfully.


    Before the surgery, his boyfriend left him.


    Afterward, Mike and Violette started AN Tech together.


    "Forget about the sad stuff. Have you found a ce to stay? If not, I can help you book a hotel."


    Violette took out her phone, ready to search for hotel information.


    "Can I stay at your ce? I''ve already put my luggage there. Your mom gave me a warm wee."


    Mike looked smug. "We''re so close; your home is my home. I don''t need a hotel."


    Violette was speechless.


    However, since Mike was gay, she didn''t think much of it.


    ...


    Today, Ian didn''t go to school, and he


    took Rita to Kaleb''spany.


    Their goal now was to find their biological father.


    They couldn''t get close to Elijah, so they had to learn through Kaleb.


    At noon, Kaleb left the office to grab lunch nearby.


    Rita, with her backpack, appeared at the entrance of the office building.


    Kaleb recognized her immediately.


    He had a deep impression of this little girl with a mushroom haircut!


    He kept having nightmares that the person who nted a virus in his phone was her!


    But every time he woke up, he thought it was impossible.


    How could such a young girl, possibly still drinking milk powder, master such advanced technology?


    "Little girl!" Kaleb walked up to Rita and grabbed her arm. "Why are you here? Are you looking for me?"


    Rita blinked her bright, big eyes and nodded. "Sir, I''ve been looking for you!"


    "What do you want with me? You asked to use my phonest time, saying you needed to call your dad,


    but I didn''t see any call record." Kaleb led Rita to a nearby restaurant.


    The sun outside was too hot!


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    "I forgot my dad''s phone number! Sir, I found my dadter, and he asked me to thank you. He even


    sent a gift for you." Rita spoke clearly and logically.


    Kaleb med himself inwardly for being suspicious of this child.


    She was beautiful and innocent, and her father was well-mannered too!


    "Did your father bring you here?" Kaleb asked.


    Rita nodded and pouted, "My dad works nearby, but he had something to do, so he went back to the


    office first."


    Before Kaleb could ask more, Rita took out a gift from her bag and ced it on the ground.


    It was an electric toy.


    "Sir, can you turn it on?"


    Kaleb squatted down to find the switch.


    At that moment, with quick hands, Rita yanked a hair from Kaleb''s head!

 Chapter 184

    Chapter 184


    "Sir, don''t move!" Rita yelled in surprise.


    Kaleb was about to jump up and ask her what the hell she was doing!


    But Rita''s scream stopped him dead in his tracks.


    "You''ve got so many gray hairs on your head! Let me pluck them out for you! Otherwise, people will


    think you''re an old man!" As Rita spoke, she quickly stuffed the plucked hairs into a bag and shoved it


    into her backpack.


    After finishing, she patted Kaleb on the shoulder: "There you go, sir, I got them for you."


    Kaleb, enduring the pain, stood up: "Let me see! I don''t remember having any gray hairs!"


    Rita, feigning innocence, pointed to the air: "I already threw them away! What''s so interesting about


    gray hair? It''s just hair that turned gray."


    Rita: "Sir, your hair is so greasy! I need to go wash my hands, or they''ll get dirty."


    With that, Rita left, backpack in tow.


    Kaleb watched her retreating figure, bewildered.


    He touched his hair ¨C it was dry and smooth!


    Why did she say his hair was greasy?


    And he was pretty sure he didn''t have any gray hairs!


    What''s up with this girl?!


    Thest time he encountered her, he had the same feeling.


    Could it be... another plot?!


    Kaleb hurriedly took his phone to get it checked for any viruses.


    ...


    Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Rita ran all the way to her brother.


    Proudly, she took out Kaleb''s hair and showed it to him.


    "Ian, am I awesome or what?"


    Ian was very satisfied with his sister''s performance: "I''ll buy you ice cream."


    "Ian, I didn''t go to kindergarten today. Will mom be mad?" Rita was happier with her brother than at


    kindergarten, but she was worried that her mom would be angry.


    Ian calmly said: "Nope."


    How could their mom not know every time they skipped school?


    But she never scolded them.


    For Ian, kindergarten was a boring ce.


    "Ian, let''s go get ice cream! I want chocte vor!" Rita hugged her brother''s arm, smiling happily.


    Ian put Kaleb''s hair in his own bag, then took his sister to buy ice cream.


    Fifteen minutester, the two kids sat in an ice cream shop enjoying their treat.


    "Ian, what if our dad is Elijah? What would we do then?" Rita worriedly asked, "Mom said he wouldn''t


    be nice to us."


    Ian: "Don''t worry, I''ll protect you."


    "Do we have to acknowledge him as our dad? You said he''s super rich, right?" Rita asked, curious.


    Ian: "No way!"


    At Bourne Mansion.


    Maka was recovering quite well after her surgery.


    Apart from refusing to eat every day because of headaches, she was quiet at other times.


    Lacey carefully took care of her every day.


    It wasn''t until the third day that their rtionship improved slightly.


    Although she still wouldn''t talk to Lacey, she would ept the food and water Lacey brought her.


    Lacey really wanted to know about her rtionship with Elijah but didn''t dare to ask.


    After serving Elijah for so many years, it was the first time that Lacey saw him treat a woman with such


    care and affection.


    His attitude towards Maka and Violette was different.


    He was good to both women, but his concern for Maka was more like an elder taking care of a child.


    Whenever Elijah appeared before Maka, he was always at his gentlest.


    In contrast, when he was with Violette, they often argued.


    Lacey thought to herself that maybe it was because Maka had a slightly lower IQ, so Elijah was


    particrly gentle with her!


    "I want to go out and y." After her headache improved slightly, Maka made a request to Lacey.

 Chapter 185

    Chapter 185


    Lacey felt super troubled: "Maka, the doc said you need at least two weeks of bed rest. But it''s not


    even a week since your surgery. If I take you out, mister will me me."


    Maka slightly lifted her head, "Who''s mister?"


    Lacey: "He is..." paused for a moment, then asked, "What do you call him?"


    Maka thought for a moment, then pointed to the window: "I want to go out."


    Not daring to make the decision on her own, Lacey called Sarah.


    Soon after, Sarah rushed over.


    "Maka, you want to go out?" Sarah gently asked, "I can take you, but you have to be in a wheelchair.


    I''m worried you might feel dizzy walking."


    Maka didn''t mind using the wheelchair, she just wanted fresh air.


    After agreeing, Lacey brought out an old wheelchair Elijah had used before.


    "Lacey, let me push her." Sarah said, then pushed Maka to the front yard.


    To secure her position by Elijah''s side, Sarah first needed to establish a good rtionship with


    Maka.


    Like now, as she pushed Maka out, Maka''s resistance towards her wasn''t as strong as before.


    This was definitely progress.


    With a bit of progress every day, Sarah believed that in the near future, there would be a significant


    change in her rtionship with Maka.


    The temperature today was still over 30 degrees, but the sun wasn''t too strong.


    "Maka, does your head still hurt? If it does, I can give you painkillers." Sarah softly inquired.


    ording to Sarah''s judgment, Maka''s intelligence level was about that of a 10-year-old child.


    So, she just needed to treat her like a 10-year-old.


    Maka: "No need."


    She wouldn''t ept any medicine from Sarah unless it was given by Elijah.


    Sarah smiled and said: "Maka, it''s great that you can say that! Just like Elijah, I hope you recover


    soon."


    Maka didn''t respond.


    After breathing in some fresh air outside, she suddenly asked: "Did you really perform the surgery on


    me?"


    If Sarah did the surgery, why didn''t she see her before she went unconscious?


    Only Violette''s face was in Maka''s memory, b


    ut she didn''t know Violette''s name.


    This question made Sarah''s heart skip a beat!


    Maka''s eyes and tone when she said this were different from a 10-year-old child.


    Did she remember who performed the surgery?!


    Sarah''s face turned red, and she started to think about how Elijah would react if he knew the truth.


    "Dr. Sarah?" Maka saw she didn''t answer and called her.


    Sarah took a deep breath and decided to take a gamble: "Yes! Maka, did you remember something?


    You can tell me."


    R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    Maka closed her mouth and didn''t speak anymore.


    ...


    The next day, early in the morning.


    Violette was still in a daze when her phone rang.


    She picked it up and saw it was Odette''s call, so she answered: "Odette, it''s just past seven... are you


    already awake?"


    She had been working overtime every night recently, so now the task of sending the two kids to school


    fell on Albina.


    Odette: "My parents went on a trip, I drove them to the airport. On my way back, I passed by Silverleaf


    Bay, so I stopped. Which building do you live in? I got breakfast and wanted to see your new ce."


    Violette


    immediately jumped out of bed, and due to getting up too fast, felt dizzy from insufficient blood supply


    to her brain.


    "Violette! I''m at your gate, you can''t refuse to let me in, right?" Odette put her hands on her hips,


    sounding a bit unhappy.


    Violette hurried out of the room.


    Seeing that the two kids had gone to school, she picked up the toys in the living room and put them in


    the children''s room.


    Once everything was tidy, she sent Odette the exact location.


    In less than three minutes, the doorbell rang.


    Violette rushed out of the bathroom, brushing her teeth.


    At that moment, Mike, shirtless, beat her to it and opened the door!

 Chapter 186

    Chapter 186


    Violette''s toothbrush suddenly dropped on the floor.


    Outside the door, Odette almost dropped her breakfast too.


    Mike reacted quickly, catching the bag in her hand.


    "Violette, is this your buddy?" Mike opened the bag, took out a small sandwich, and put it in his mouth,


    then tried to feed another one to Violette, "Tastes pretty good, you want some?"


    Violette saw Odette''s shocked expression and immediately pushed Mike into the room.


    "Odette! Hold on a sec! Go sit on the couch!" Violette said to Odette.


    Odette suddenly realized what was going on.


    She took a deep breath, pulled out her phone, and texted Ramsey: Oh my god! Violette sure knows


    how to live! She''s actually living with a handsome guy!


    Ramsey: You''re talking about Violette?!


    Odette: If I hadn''t seen it with my own eyes, I''d never believe that! I suddenly don''t feel bad for Elijah at


    Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    all! Elijah might be a yer, but our Violette isn''t too shabby either! That guy is really good-looking, just


    a bit skinny...but everything else is top-notch!


    Ramsey: Any pics?!! I wanna see!


    Odette: Violette took the guy into her room! I''ll definitely ask her when shees out! Wait for my


    update!


    Ramsey: Alright, honey!


    After sending Mike back to his room, Violette returned to the living room, picked up the toothbrush from


    the floor, and continued brushing her teeth in the bathroom...


    Five minutester, she finally calmed down and came to Odette.


    "Violette, do you want to exin it yourself, or do you want me to ask?" Odette interrogated.


    Violette sighed, "He''s my business partner."


    "Oh...so you guys went to bed to ''work together''?"


    Violette stopped drinking water, "Odette, when you see us sleeping together?"


    "Isn''t it obvious? If you weren''t sleeping together, why wouldn''t he stay in a hotel?"


    Violette put the ss on the table and gave up arguing, "I''m single now, it''s not illegal for me to find a


    man, right?"


    "Of course not! If that guy really is your new love, I''d be thrilled!" Odetteughed and sat next to


    Violette, "I never thought you''d be so badass! If Elijah knew, he''d probably die of anger."


    "He found out the day before yesterday." Violette said calmly, "We''re adults; he has to ept it."


    Odette really wanted to know Elijah''s reaction after learning about this.


    So after leaving Silverleaf Bay, she immediately called Ramsey and asked him to tell Elijah.


    Ramsey obediently called Elijah.


    "Elijah, Odette just visited Violette''s ce." Ramsey stirred the pot, "She''s actually living with a guy!


    Odette said he''s pretty handsome too!" Elijah''s thoughts were immediately upied by that man.


    The two of them were already living together!


    "She can live with whoever she wants, you don''t need to call me just to tell me that!" Elijah responded


    coldly and hung up the phone.


    Ramsey felt a bit wronged, so he shared the situation with Brandon.


    Since theirst quarrel, they hadn''t had a proper conversation for days.


    But when he heard that Violette had found a new partner, Brandon''s pent-up emotions were instantly


    released.


    Was Violette getting a new boyfriend just to piss off Elijah?


    Let Violette hurt Elijah once and for all!


    Ang International Institute.


    Ian received the DNA test report.


    The test results showed that he and Rita had no father-son or father-daughter rtionship with Kaleb.


    So their father wasn''t Kaleb.


    The test also showed that they had some blood rtionship with Kaleb.


    This pretty much confirmed that their father was Elijah.


    When he suspected Kaleb was his father, he wasn''t too happy.


    Now knowing that Elijah was their father, he felt even more of a headache.

 Chapter 187

    Chapter 187


    Dealing with Kaleb didn''t require Ian to use any tactics.


    But dealing with Elijah, well, that ain''t a piece of cake.


    Ever since he sessfully infiltrated Elijah''spany''s security system, Elijah poured in a ton of


    money, setting up a super firewall that he can''t break through now.


    Uncle Mike had been busy with The Dennis Grouptely and didn''t have any free time to help him. So


    he can only look at Elijah''s picture and quietly digest his unhappiness.


    In the ssroom, he was the only student.


    Two teachers were taking care of him.


    One was in charge of daily life, and the other was in charge of teaching.


    The teacher was lecturing on stage, while he sat in the audience, wearing headphones and ying


    with hisputer.


    Everything was in perfect harmony.


    Sometimeter, a figure appeared outside the ssroom door.


    He nced at the person at the door and quickly looked away.


    ''Knock knock''!


    Someone was knocking on the door.


    The teacher saw it was Maka standing there and hurried to the door.


    "Maka, how did you get here? Did youe alone?" The teacher asked warmly.


    Maka''s headache was gone, and she was bored at home, so she insisted oning to school.


    The driver took her to school in the morning and would pick her up in the afternoon.


    She, apanied by a nanny, had almost visited the entire campus.


    Who knew what she was looking for?


    Until she came to the door of this ssroom, took a nce inside, and suddenly stopped, refusing to


    leave.


    She saw Ian, and suddenly remembered him.


    Ian was wearing a baseball cap, easy to recognize.


    She pointed at him.


    The teacher immediately went to him: "Ian, Maka is looking for you. Do you guys know each other?"


    R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    Ian: "No!"


    Maka heard him say this, suddenly got excited and said loudly, "Yes, we do!"


    Why did these two quiet people suddenly start talking?


    Ian: "No!"


    Maka: "Yes!"


    After a few rounds, Ian''s eardrums were sore.


    He stood up and strode towards Maka.


    The two of them walked to a deserted corner like old acquaintances.


    "You''re a bad woman! I won''t help you anymore!" Ian said with disgust.


    Maka looked wronged: "Why? Why? I''m not a bad person! I''m not!"


    Ian: "Bad people never admit they''re bad! Don''te to me again! I won''t talk to you anymore!"


    Ian said coldly and quickly left.


    Maka watched his determined departure, tears swirling in her eyes.


    The nanny came to her side, handing her tissues to wipe her tears: "Miss, don''t cry! Why did you guys


    quarrel? When did you meet this boy? Howe I didn''t know?"


    Maka was holding back her tears, but after hearing the nanny''s words, she burst into tears.


    The nanny helped her back to the room and called Elijah to inform him of the situation.


    "That boy, his name is Ian. Maka has been looking for him all morning. They started arguing as soon


    as they met. Ian said he didn''t know Maka, but she insisted she knew him..." The nanny sighed, "Sir,


    you shoulde and take a look! Makais still crying."


    Ian! That was Violette''s adopted son!


    Why would Maka cry for him?


    When did they meet?


    Did Violette know they know each other?


    Elijah clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white!

 Chapter 188

    Chapter 188


    When Elijah rushed to the school, he saw Maka''s red and swollen eyes and immediately hugged


    her, gently patting her back.


    "Maka, don''t cry."


    Maka''s head was throbbing from crying, but hearing her brother''s familiar voice, her sense of


    security gradually returned.


    She leaned on her brother''s chest, her emotions gradually calmed down, and after a while, she dozed


    off.


    Elijah gently ced her on the bed and left the room.


    He needed to find Ian and figure out what had happened.


    Soon, he arrived at Ian''s ssroom.


    Seeing hime in, the teacher immediately stepped aside.


    Now, only the two of them were left in the ssroom.


    Elijah walked straight up to Ian.


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Seeing him approach, Ian quickly packed his books into his backpack.


    "Ian, I know who your mother is." Elijah pulled a chair over and sat in front of him, blocking his way.


    Seeing Elijah''s imposing manner, Ian knew he couldn''t escape, so he sat quietly in his chair, nning


    to ignore him.


    "When did you meet Maka?" Elijah asked, looking at Ian''s profile.


    He didn''t understand why this kid always wore a hat.


    Wearing it outside was one thing, but why wore it indoors too?


    Was it because he had no hair or wanted to look cool?


    "As long as you answer my question, I won''t make things difficult for you." Seeing Ian''s refusal to


    speak, Elijah''s patience gradually wore thin. "If you don''t say anything, we''ll just sit here."


    He was threatening Ian, b


    ut Ian wasn''t scared at all, who


    leaned on the table, closed his eyes, and pretended to sleep.


    Elijah looked at his disdainful expression and felt helpless.


    He couldn''t use violence against a four-year-old child, a


    nd this child was Violette''s son!


    For a moment, the atmosphere in the ssroom became extremely quiet.


    Twenty minutes passed.


    They remained in a stalemate.


    Elijah worried that if he didn''t take action soon, this little guy would really fall asleep.


    So he got up, walked over to Ian, and forcefully picked him up.


    "Don''t touch me!" Ian shouted.


    Hearing his childish voice, Elijah felt his absolute control over him!


    No matter how stubborn this child was, what could he do?


    He didn''t talk to strangers?


    See, wasn''t he talking now?


    What did that mean? It meant he didn''t have any big problems!


    A truly intelligence challenged child wouldn''t speak under these circumstances.


    "Tell me! When did you meet Maka? Why did you two argue?!" Elijah held Ian tightly as he


    struggled.


    He found that this little guy didn''t like to be touched.


    In that case, he would keep holding him, u


    ntil he answered the question.


    Ian was furious!


    This jerk! He dared to hold him!


    He wouldn''t answer his questions!


    And why didn''t he just ask Maka?!


    Why did he assume it was someone else''s fault when Maka cried?


    No wonder his mom divorced this man!


    He was beingpletely unreasonable for Maka''s sake!


    Thinking about this, Ian''s eyes were filled with rage.


    He bit down hard on Elijah''s neck!

 Chapter 189

    Chapter 189


    It wasn''t until his mouth tasted metallic that Ian let go.


    ......


    Four in the afternoon.


    Violette got a call from the school saying Ian had bitten someone and she needed toe to the


    school immediately.


    This left Violette puzzled, b


    ecause Ian was supposed to be in a one-person ssroom.


    He didn''t have any ssmates, so who did he bite?


    Could it be that he bit a teacher?


    With that possibility in mind, Violette immediately switched off herputer, grabbed her car keys and


    headed out.


    How could he bite a teacher?


    Even if there was some conflict with the teacher, that was no way to solve it!


    She knew Ian wasn''t that kind of kid.


    How did he turn out like this?


    Had she been too busytely and neglected her two children?


    She decided she needed to have a serious talk with her children tonight.


    Upon arriving at the school, Ian''s teacher said apologetically, "Ms. Dennis, your son has been taken


    away."


    Violette''s eyebrows knit together in shock.


    "But don''t worry. Ian was taken away by Mr. Elijah. You must have heard of Mr. Bourne, right? I can


    give you his address. You can pick up Ian there," the teacher said.


    Violette''s face turned red with anger. "Why did you let him take Ian away? Doesn''t your school have


    any regtions? Why didn''t you call me when he took Ian? I''m really disappointed in you guys!"


    The teacher immediately exined, "Ma''am, let me exin. Mr. Bourne didn''t take Ian away long


    before I was going to call you, but I figured you''d be here soon, so I didn''t. As for why Mr. Bourne took


    Ian, it''s because Ian got into a fierce argument with Maka today. Maka cried all afternoon. After


    Mr. Bourne came, he asked Ian why they were arguing, but Ian wouldn''t say. When Maka woke up


    just now and said she wanted to go home, Mr. Bourne took Ian home too. He wants to find out why


    they were arguing."


    The teacher exined very clearly, b


    R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    ut Violette was still angry.


    She gripped her car keys and stormed off.


    The teacher followed her, saying, "Ms. Dennis, don''t be angry! I can go with you to pick up Ian! You


    might not know the way to Mr. Bourne''s house, I can go with you..."


    Violette, who had a massive headache, said, "Stop talking to me! I''ll go myself!"


    The teacher said, "Alright! I''ll give you the address, it''s..."


    "Shut up!" Violette''s temper was ring.


    She had no idea what Ian would face in the Bourne family!


    She was extremely worried, and s


    he had to get to the Bourne family as quickly as possible!


    After getting into her car, she mmed the gas pedal and quickly left Ang International Institute.


    The teacher watched her leave, muttering to herself, "Does she know the way to Mr. Bourne''s house?


    Or why else would she stop me from saying it?"


    Bourne Mansion.


    After Elijah brought Maka and Ian home, Lacey immediately brought out some fruit and snacks.


    Looking at Ian, Lacey asked in confusion, "Sir, who''s this little boy?"


    Ian, with a baseball cap on his head and a big backpack on his back, was gripping the straps tightly.


    His eyes were hidden by the cap, but from his puffed cheeks and tightly closed lips, it was clear he was


    very angry.


    "Violette''s son," Elijah said coldly from the couch, "She adopted him."


    Lacey was stunned


    , and so was Ian.


    He had be a child his mother had adopted?


    Well, this must be something his mother had told Elijah on purpose!


    After all, his mother had said that if Elijah knew about him and his sister, Elijah would strangle them.


    "Oh, Violette is really kind-hearted," Lacey said, peeling a banana and handing it to Ian.


    Ian didn''t want to eat anything from this house, so h


    e turned around and refused.


    Lacey put down the banana and went to the restroom to get a basin of warm water.


    Without asking Ian''s opinion, she directly took off his hat, "Look, your face is all sweaty. Let me wipe it


    for you."


    The moment the hat was removed, Elijah finally got a good look at Ian''s face!


    This little guy... why did he look so like him?

 Chapter 190

    Chapter 190


    "Don''t touch me!" Ian yelled at Lacey


    , and quickly put his hat back on.


    Lacey was stunned by his yelling.


    Elijah and Maka were both staring at Ian.


    Maka was startled by Ian''s yelling, w


    hile Elijah was surprised to see Ian''s face for the first time, seeing his own reflection in it.


    "Then you wipe it yourself, okay?" Lacey handed him the used towel, "You''re sweaty, it''ll feel better if


    you wipe it off."


    Ian took the towel and then threw it into the bucket.


    Seeing Ian''s temper, Lacey quickly took the bucket and left.


    "If you don''t tell when and why you and Maka met and argued, you might as well forget about going


    home tonight." Elijah threatened Ian.


    Ian didn''t care and walked towards the door.


    Outside, two bodyguards blocked his way.


    Ian raised his head and met their gaze.


    The two bodyguards looked at Ian''s face and felt more and more uneasy.


    Why were this kid''s eyes so fierce?


    He was not like other kids, who still looked a bit cute when they got mad.


    He was genuinely terrifying!


    Moreover, he had an aura simr to Elijah''s on his face, which was pressuring the bodyguards.


    Ian nced at his watch.


    It was four-fifty.


    If his grandmother came to pick him up at school at five-thirty and couldn''t find him, she would definitely


    tell his mother.


    His mother would definitelye looking for him.


    All he had to do was wait patiently for his mother to arrive.


    Seeing him sitting leisurely at the door, Elijah looked at his small figure, and knew in his heart, he had


    lost, b


    ecause he waspletely helpless with this kid.


    He couldn''t possibly use any means on this kid.


    Otherwise, Violette would never forgive him.


    "Maka, when did you meet Ian?¡± Elijah, helpless with Ian, could only turn to ask his sister.


    Maka was nibbling on the banana that Lacey had just peeled for Ian, bite by bite.


    Hearing her brother''s question, a hint of panic shed in her eyes.


    She remembered her previous plea to Ian to take her away from the school.


    If she told her brother, her brother might get angry.


    It was okay if her brother was angry with her, but if he was angry with Ian, Ian would ignore her even


    more.


    She slowly ate the banana, innocently looking at Elijah.


    Her eyes seemed to say, I''m not going to answer your question, you better not ask.


    A sense of defeat surged in Elijah''s heart.


    Maka and Ian were very simr.


    Neither of them liked to talk.


    Nor did they like to deal with strangers.


    Elijah was very curious, how did they meet! What did they talk about!


    "Sir, how did your neck get injured?¡± Lacey noticed the wound on Elijah''s neck, and was startled, "I''ll


    get the first aid kit."


    Elijah nced at Ian, his Adam''s apple bobbed: "No need!"


    He guessed that it wouldn''t be long before Violette woulde.


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    Violette would definitely be very angry, and h


    e was keeping the injury on his neck for Violette to see.


    Just then,


    in the front yard, a Land Rover pulled up, and


    Violette got out of the car.


    Seeing his mother''s figure, Ian immediately stood up.

 Chapter 191

    Chapter 191


    It was only 5 o''clock, and mom found me so quickly!


    Even though mom told others I was adopted, I knew she loved me a lot.


    "Ian!" Violette Dennis saw her son sitting on the doorstep with two tall bodyguards beside him, her eyes


    instantly fill with tears.


    Hearing Violette''s voice, Elijah Bourne got up from the sofa and walked towards the door.


    The bodyguards didn''t dare to stop Violette


    , as they had seen how much Elijah loved this woman before.


    Although she was now Elijah''s ex-wife, she still meant something different to him than other women.


    Elijah saw Violette holding Ian, her eyes red as if her son had been hurt.


    "Violette, let''s talk."


    Violette got angry: "What gives you the right to bring Ian to your house? Did you ask for my


    permission? This is illegal!"


    Elijah frowned: "I didn''t hurt him! I just want to know, when did he and Maka meet? Why did they


    argue?"


    Violette countered: "Why don''t you ask Maka? Elijah, I know Maka is the most important person


    to you, but that doesn''t give you the right to bully my son!"


    Elijah got a headache.


    He did bring Ian back without her consent.


    That was because if he had asked her, she would''ve definitely refused.


    "I didn''t bully your son!" Elijah said.


    "You forcefully brought him to your house and made him sit on the floor. Isn''t that bullying? Then tell


    me, what is bullying?" Violette suddenly noticed the bite mark and dried blood on his neck.


    Was that from her son?


    Suddenly, her confidence wavered.


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    Seeing them argue in the front yard, Lacey immediately came out to help exin: "Violette, the boss


    really didn''t bully your son. I offered him food and drinks, but he refused."


    Seeing Lacey, Violette''s anger subsided.


    After a few years, Lacey''s face still looked familiar andforting.


    "Arguing won''t solve anything." Lacey walked up to Violette, patted her shoulder, "Don''t stand outside


    anymore. Come in!"


    Violette didn''t want to go in, but Lacey took her arm and pulled her in.


    The interior decoration and furnishings were exactly the same as four years ago.


    Her heart suddenly felt heavy.


    "I want to talk to you alone." Elijah said.


    Violette didn''t trust Ian alone, so she nced over at him


    , and identally saw Maka.


    Maka stood by the sofa, watching her intently.


    She quickly moved her gaze away from Maka and followed Elijah into the study on the first floor.


    Seeing Violette''s face, Maka suddenly remembered their past! She''d rather have Violette stay by her


    brother''s side than Dr. Sarah. That way, she could see Violette more often.


    But Violette was mean to her brother. She was a bit scared.


    After the study door closeed, Ian walked over immediately, and Maka followed suit.


    The two of them boldly lie down by the study door, eavesdropping on the conversation.


    Lacey watched them, amused and exasperated.


    In the study,


    Elijah started: "Maka didn''t make any friends at school before she went missing. So I have reason to


    suspect that she met your son during that time."


    Violette''s expression and tone were indifferent: "Oh, just ask them! I don''t know anything."


    Elijah looked at her cold face, feeling ufortable: "Your son never mentioned Maka to you?"


    "No. He doesn''t like to talk much." Violette quickly ended the topic, "Don''t pressure my son anymore. If


    you really want to know, just ask your Maka! If there''s nothing else, I''ll leave."


    Elijah: "There''s something else."


    Violette was stunned.


    "I heard you''re living with that blonde guy," Elijah said bluntly, "Moving in together so soon, were you


    two already dating before our divorce?"

 Chapter 192

    Chapter 192


    Violette listened to him, frowning.


    "What do you mean ''that blonde guy''? He has a name!" Violette corrected him. "Do you even know how


    to respect people?"


    Elijah: "Respect? You want to talk about respect? We''re not even divorced yet, and you''re with that


    blonde guy. Have you guys respected me?"


    "Get it straight, I gave you the divorce papers four years ago. It''s you who refused to sign it!"


    "As long as I haven''t signed, we''re still married! How dare you cheat on me?" Elijah questioned her.


    Violette looked at his serious face, almost believing she really cheated.


    "When did I admit that I was with him before our divorce?" Violette countered. "It''s all your spection!


    You''re the one who''s insisting on bing a cuckold, and you me me?"


    Elijah took a deep breath, trying to calm down. "What''s the blonde guy''s name?"


    "Why do you want to know his name?" Violette asked cautiously.


    "You said I don''t respect him! If you don''t tell me his name, how can I respect him?!"


    "Oh... even if I tell you his name, you won''t respect him." Violette didn''t want to tell him for fear that he''d


    look into Mike''s information. "Elijah, you already have a new girlfriend. Since we both have new lives,


    let''s not get tangled up with each other!"


    Just as Violette finished speaking, Elijah''s phone rang.


    He took it out and nced at the screen.


    It was Sarah calling. Today was her birthday, and


    Sarah invited him to dinner tonight.


    R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    Since she said it was her first birthday after returning home, Elijah agreed.


    Sarah had arrived at the agreed restaurant and was calling to ask when he''d arrive.


    He stared at the screen, hesitating for a moment.


    Violette saw the name on his screen and turned to leave.


    He grabbed her arm, not letting her go.


    He wasn''t done talking to her.


    Even if they were divorced, he couldn''t watch her fall!


    That blonde guy looked like a street thug!


    How could she date such a man?!


    He answered the call and said, "Sarah, I''m sorry, but I have something to do tonight..."


    Sarah: "Oh, it''s okay! I can wait for you. It''s still early."


    Elijah: "I can''t make it tonight."


    Sarah, feeling like someone just poured cold water on her, disappointedly asked, "Elijah, can you tell


    me why?"


    Elijah nced at Violette and said, "Maka''s not in a good mood today. I need to be with her."


    Sarah: "I see! How about Ie over and join you guys?"


    Elijah: "No need, Maka needs some quiet time now."


    He ended the call and threw his phone on the table.


    Violette found it amusing. It seemed Elijah had no feelings for his new girlfriend.


    To him, Sarah was just a tool to treat Maka''s illness.


    What a pitiful woman!


    "Elijah, you''ll get your karma for doing all these evil things," Violette kindly reminded him.


    "It''s her choice. I told her that from the beginning," Elijah hurriedly exined himself before turning the


    topic back to her. "Why would you choose a guy like that? Are you trying to make me angry on


    purpose?"


    Outside the study, Maka almost barged right in.


    "I can''t hear anything... not a thing..." She furrowed her brows in frustration.


    Ian didn''t hear anything either.


    He didn''t know if it was because the door was soundproof or if they weren''t really arguing inside.


    Ian returned to the living room from the study door, with


    Maka following closely behind him.


    "I''m sorry!" Maka clenched her hands in her clothes, pondered for a moment, and bravely said, "Ian,


    I''m sorry!"

 Chapter 193

    Chapter 193


    She thought for a moment about why Ian was angry.


    Could it be because she asked him to take her away from school and got med for it?


    Other than that, she couldn''t think of any other reason.


    Ian got even angrier when he heard her apology!


    Was she admitting to the improper rtionship between her and Elijah, which led to his mom and dad''s


    divorce?!


    "Don''t follow me!" Ian yelled at her without mercy, "I hate you!"


    Maka''s footsteps stopped, and tears fell.


    Lacey saw this scene and immediately took Maka to sit on the sofa: "Maka, don''t cry. If he doesn''t


    want to be friends with you, then don''t follow him."


    Ian was an irritable person, and Maka would only hurt herself by acting like this.


    But Maka didn''t want to lose Ian as a good friend, s


    o she kept shaking her head.


    Lacey immediately held her head, telling her not to shake it anymore: "Don''t shake your head; you''ll get


    a headache. You sit here, and I''ll go ask Ian what it''ll take for him to be friends with you, okay?"


    Maka finally nodded obediently.


    Lacey picked up two pieces of chocte from the coffee table and walked up to Ian.


    "Ian, I used to have a good rtionship with your mom," Lacey said with a kind smile, cing the


    chocte in Ian''s hand.


    Ian thought of the affectionate look his mom gave her earlier, so he didn''t throw the chocte away.


    "Maka is only as smart as a child; she shouldn''t have done anything to hurt you, right? Why do you


    hate her so much?" Lacey asked him.


    "I hate her! I don''t need a reason!" Ian said before walking towards the door.


    Lacey didn''t follow him.


    She probably knew that Ian must be disgusted by Maka''s low intelligence.


    Lacey felt a bit sorry for Maka, but she couldn''t bring herself to hate Ian.


    Ian was very simr to Elijah, but he wasn''t Elijah''s child.


    Could this be just a coincidence?


    Lacey returned to Maka''s side, handing her a tissue to wipe her tears: "Maka, I know a way to


    make everyone like you."


    Maka looked at Lacey with curiosity.


    "That is to study hard, get proper treatment, and recover as soon as possible," Lacey said with a look


    of pity, "then everyone will like you."


    Maka believed Lacey''s words.


    In the study, the topic of Violette and the blond man finally ended.


    That was because Violette told him: the more he disliked Mike, the more she would like Mike.


    Violette knew how to win arguments too well, s


    o Elijah didn''t mention Mike anymore.


    She thought she could finally leave, but he had more to say.


    Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Violette watched as he pulled out a photo


    , which showed a surveince video from Mercy Hospital.


    It was the day Violette had finished surgery on Maka, and the two children came to the hospital to


    find her. She left with the two children in the picture.


    "The little girl in your arms, is she also adopted by you?" Elijah''s eyes fell on her face.


    Violette threw the photo into the trash and casually said, "Yes! Both of these kids are adopted by me.


    Are you asking this because you want to adopt a child? Oh, I almost forgot, you don''t like kids."


    Elijah: "You don''t even have time to take care of children. Why adopt two of them?"


    Violette: "Whether I have time or not, what''s it to you?"


    Violette checked the time, and it was almost six o''clock.


    She had to take Ian home.


    She strode out of the study.


    Entering the living room, she saw a woman with long hair and a light purple dress.


    Was this woman Elijah''s new girlfriend, Sarah?

 Chapter 194

    Chapter 194


    "Are you Violette?" Sarah took the initiative to greet Violette. "Hi, my name is Sarah."


    Violette gave Sarah a nce and said indifferently, "Yeah, I''m gonna leave now."


    Then, Violette left with Ian, leaving the Bourne family behind.


    Sarah stared in the direction they left, feeling a bit stunned.


    Violette was much younger and prettier than she had imagined. What did shee to see Elijah for


    today?


    And she brought a little boy with her...


    Could this little boy be Elijah''s child?


    So, did shee with the child, wanting to get back together with Elijah?


    Thinking about it, Sarah felt very unsettled.


    Elijah wouldn''t get back together with Violette just because of a child, right?


    "Elijah, sorry for not letting you know beforeing over." Sarah pointed to the cake on the coffee


    table. "A friend sent me a cake, and I couldn''t eat it all by myself, so I brought it to share."


    Elijah nced at the cake. "Happy birthday. Did you get any gifts?"


    Sarah was taken aback: "Someone did send me a package this afternoon, but I didn''t know it was from


    you, so I haven''t opened it yet."


    Elijah nodded: "I don''t really like cake, and neither does Maka. You can eat it with Lacey!"


    After saying that, he went to Maka and took her to the room.


    When they left, Sarah opened the cake box.


    "Lacey, when did Violette get here?" Sarah smiled, cut a piece of cake, and handed it to Lacey.


    Lacey answered, "Not long ago, she came to pick up her son."


    "Oh... that little boy is her son!"


    Lacey exined, "Adopted."


    Sarah eximed in surprise, "I thought he was her child with Elijah!"


    "They did have a child, and if that child hadn''t been aborted, he would be about the same age as the


    child she adopted." Lacey thought it wouldn''t hurt to tell, as it was a long time ago. "I guess Violette


    adopted this child tomemorate the aborted one!"


    Sarah asked, "Why did she have an abortion at the time?"


    Lacey answered, "Elijah didn''t want children. He doesn''t like children. So, Ms. Sarah, let me give you a


    piece of advice: if you want to stay with the boss, don''t have children. Even if you get pregnant, you


    might be forced to have an abortion."


    Sarah nodded quickly, "Thank you for reminding me."


    On the way home, Violette asked her son, "Did Elijah treat you horribly?"


    Ian replied, "No."


    Violette asked again, "Did he say anything outrageous to you?"


    Ian said, "No."


    Violette breathed a sigh of relief, "Ian, do you want Mom to change your school?"


    Ian answered, "No need."


    Violette asked, "Do you really like your current school?"


    Ian said, "Not really."


    Because he had no ssmates and no one watching him.


    Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    The teacher was very kind to him, and he could do whatever he wanted, even more freely than at


    home.


    "I''m afraid you''ll run into Elijah again next time. What if he takes you to his house again..." Violette was


    full of worries.


    Telling people the child was adopted could only deceive others for a while, but not forever.


    If one day Elijah started to suspect and took Ian for a DNA test, her lie would be exposed.


    At that time, both children would be in danger.


    "He''s my dad, right?" Ian asked bluntly.


    Violette nced at her son, "How did you know?"


    Ian: "He looks like me."


    Violetteughed, "Is it really that obvious?"

 Chapter 195

    Chapter 195


    Ian: "Rita looks just like a mom."


    Violette: "Ian, he is indeed your father, but he doesn''t like kids. So, you guys better not try to


    acknowledge him. If he finds out you guys are his children, I don''t know what he might do to you."


    R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    Ian: "We don''t want a father like that."


    Violette: "Ian, I think that you''ve changed a lot since you came back, and you''ve made a lot of


    progress."


    Ian: "Mom, I''m fine. It''s just that I find those people childish and boring."


    Violette noded: "I know. You like smart people now, like Uncle Mike, but when you really mature,


    you''ll find that not-so-smart people have their own characteristics too. We have to learn to


    find the good in others. For example, kindness and simplicity are also good qualities."


    Although Ian didn''t agree with his mom''s words for now, he didn''t argue. Maybe when he grew up a bit


    more, he''ll understand the meaning behind his mom''s words.


    At seven o''clock in the evening, Sarah returned home, opened the package she received in the


    afternoon.


    She was disappointed with the birthday gift from Elijah, because most likely, it was not personally


    chosen by him. It was sent by the store clerk, so maybe he asked his assistant to pick it.


    And indeed, Elijah asked Joey to pick the gift, and Joey picked a Chanel purse for her.


    Sarah looked at the purse, and Violette''s face appeared in her mind.


    Elijah lied to her for Violette. He said Maka was in a bad mood, staying home to apany


    Maka, but he was actually with Violette.


    He canceled their date for Violette.


    If it was just a regr date, she might not care too much, but today was her birthday!


    She felt really hurt.


    The next day.


    The Dennis Group.


    The receptionist called up, saying Elijah''s girlfriend had arrived.


    "President Dennis, this woman wants to see you," the secretary told Violette. "I called the Bourne


    Group to confirm, and they said their boss indeed has a new girlfriend."


    Violette slightly lowered her eyes, thinking for a few seconds before putting down her work.


    On the first floor, Violette met Sarah.


    Sarah was wearing no makeup today, dressed in a white shirt and jeans.


    This outfit made her look much younger.


    "Ms. Dennis, I heard you''re also a student of Dr. Mitchel, so I wanted to talk to you... I don''t know if I


    could have lunch with you?" Sarah smiled politely.


    It seemed like she really wanted to discuss academic issues with her.


    Violette knew her real purpose was not academic, but she still agreed to have lunch with her. The two


    chose a restaurant near the Dennis Group.


    After sitting down, Sarahughed and asked, "Ms. Dennis, did you start your own business right after


    graduation? I heard AN Tech is yourpany. You''re amazing. Not like me, always working at the


    hospital, not making much money."


    Violette: "Didn''t Elijah pay you for treating Maka? He spent two billion on a missing person''s ad, he


    should at least give you two billion inpensation, right?"


    Sarah''s smile stiffened: "He did want to give me two billion, but how could I dare to ept such arge


    sum of money."


    "Oh, you''re afraid that if you take the money, it''d be awkward to have him as your boyfriend, right?"


    Violette bluntly spoke.


    "Ms. Sarah, I''m sorry! I''m very straightforward, I hope you don''t mind." Violette took a sip of tea.


    Sarah smiled slightly: "It''s okay, I know you have a problem with me. If it weren''t for me, you''d still have


    a chance to get back together with Elijah."


    Violette: "Ms. Sarah, you''re mistaken. I have a problem with you because you''re shameless."


    Sarah looked hurt and asked, "What do you mean? Is it because I got Elijah, so you have so much


    hatred for me?"


    .

 Chapter 196

    Chapter 196


    Violette nearly spat out the tea in her mouth.


    She wiped the corners of her mouth with a tissue.


    "Ms. Sarah, I was the one who proposed the divorce with Elijah. So, about you ''getting'' Elijah, if I really


    hated you, it would only be because you two are still not married? Look at you two, such a perfect


    match! Rich and beautiful! When are you getting married? I''ll give you some wedding gifts!"


    Sarah''s face showed an awkward smile: "So that''s what Ms. Dennis was thinking, but I''m afraid I have


    to disappoint you. Elijah and I have no ns to get married."


    "Why not get married?! Is it because you don''t want to get married, or he doesn''t want to get married?


    If he doesn''t want to get married, do you want me to persuade him for you?" Violette took another sip of


    tea.


    Sarah: "There''s no need for Ms. Dennis to bother. Whatever happens between me and Elijah will


    happen naturally. By the way, Ms. Dennis, I didn''t understand what you meant when you said I was


    shameless. This is our first meeting, why would you insult me?"


    Violette got a taste of what a truly hypocritical person was like.


    Sarah''s pitiful expression and eyes, plus her aggrieved tone, made her sound sympathetic.


    "Didn''t your teacher teach you not to be too greedy?" Violette said, thinking she would understand.


    But she still looked nkly at Violette, waiting for her next words.


    Violette felt a bit tiredmunicating with her. She thought: Does she really think her lies will never be


    exposed?


    If she didn''t use the surgery to force Elijah into a rtionship with her and instead took some money


    from him, Violette would have no issue with her.


    How could she be so greedy?


    Although Violette and Elijah were divorced, seeing him being manipted by Sarah still made her a bit


    angry.


    "Ms. Dennis, do you think it''s too much for me to ask Elijah to be with me?" Sarah asked, seeing her


    not speaking, "You may not know, but Maka''s illness can''t be cured with just one surgery. There are


    follow-up treatments, and I work abroad. Elijah wants me to stay in the country to treat Maka, which


    would inevitably affect my career. So I proposed to resign, return to the country, and be responsible for


    treating Maka..."


    "Ms. Sarah, you are really too kind." Violette said sarcastically, "Didn''t you just say that your sry at


    the hospital is low? If Elijahpensates you for your financial loss, or even doublepensates you,


    do you think he can''t afford it? Or do you think being his girlfriend will give you half of his property?"


    Sarah''s face turned pale: "Are you jealous of me? Jealous that my medical skills are better than


    yours?"


    This was what Sarah saw from Violette''s aggressive eyes.


    "I really envy you... Ms. Sarah, your medical skills are amazing! We are both students of Dr. Mitchel,


    but why are you so outstanding while I''m so ordinary?" Violette sighed, "I heard that Elijah spent a lot of


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    money to have Dr. Mitchel treat Maka, but even Dr. Mitchel didn''t dare to do the surgery! I didn''t


    expect that you would cure Maka''s illness with just one move! You''re even better than Dr. Mitchel..."


    Sarah was at a loss for words when praised by her, feeling that Violette was actually mocking her, b


    ut she wasn''t quite sure.


    After all, Violette must not know that Maka''s surgery was not done by her.


    If Violette knew the truth, she would have told Elijah already!


    "Violette, you don''t have to say it so weirdly. My achievements are all through my efforts. If your


    medical skills are not as good as mine, you should reflect on whether you studied hard enough in


    school." Sarah said calmly, "I still remember when Dr. Mitchel first saw me, he praised my hands for


    being beautiful. He said that they were born to hold a scalpel."


    Sarah said, raising her hand to show Violette.


    Violette didn''t want to see her hand. Who didn''t have hands?


    But Sarah was very insistent, even though Violette''s face already showed disinterest in her hand, she


    still stretched it out in front of Violette.


    Violette pushed her hand away¡ª


    "Ah!" Sarah screamed!


    Violette just pushed her hand away a little harder, and as a result, her hand knocked over the kettle on


    the table, which was filled with boiling water.


    The boiling water spilled out, just sshing on her beautiful hand!

 Chapter 197

    Chapter 197


    This kind of behavior, stirring up trouble on purpose, was so messed up!


    Violette watched her fake performance, dumbfounded. She thought to herself: Her acting was so bad.


    A waiter rushed over, helped Sarah up from her chair, and took her to deal with her scald.


    Violette sat in her chair, feeling like she had fallen into a huge trap.


    Now, Sarah was injured, so she had the upper hand.


    If she said it was a misunderstanding, the incident wouldn''t spread.


    If she said Violette deliberately sshed hot water on her, it would be a false usation.


    Violette pressed the service bell to pay the bill.


    Soon, the news about Violette scalding Sarah''s hand with hot water reached Elijah''s ears.


    Sarah''s hand was very important to Elijah


    , because he needed Sarah to perform surgery on Maka.


    But now, Violette had scalded her hand.


    "Violette wouldn''t do something like this!" Elijah spoke up.


    The bodyguard showed Elijah the surveince footage from the restaurant.


    The video clearly showed Violette pushing Sarah''s hand away, causing the kettle on the table to topple


    over.


    After watching the video, Elijah said again, "It wasn''t on purpose."


    He knew Violette well, and she would never do something like this intentionally.


    The surveince could only see the scene, not hear the sound.


    If Sarah hadn''t reached out in front of Violette, how could Violette have pushed her hand away?


    The bodyguard didn''t expect Elijah to defend Violette like this!


    "Boss, I have the audio recording of their conversation," said the bodyguard, ying the audio for


    Elijah.


    ¡ªShouldn''t you two just get married directly? Look how perfect you are for each other! A talented guy


    and a beautiful girl, a match made in heaven! When are you getting married? I''ll be there to give you


    some wedding gifts!


    ¡ªIs it you who doesn''t want to get married, or him? If he doesn''t want to get married, do you need my


    help to persuade him?


    After listening to the recording, Elijah''s face darkened.


    His fingers clenched tightly.


    The words he had spoken in her defense were like a sharp de, stabbing his heart.


    She actually wanted him to marry Sarah!


    What a joke!


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    the Dennis Group.


    Violette had been waiting for Elijah''s call.


    Sarah had gone to great lengths to invite her to dinner and then create the scalding ident. With such


    a good opportunity, how could she notin to Elijah?


    Suddenly, her phone rang.


    She picked it up and saw Elijah''s name on the screen.


    After answering the call, Elijah''s voice came through: "Violette, Sarah''s hand is scalded. Did you do this


    on purpose?!"

 Chapter 198

    Chapter 198


    Violette felt a wave of emotions upon hearing his question.


    "What exactly did your girlfriend tell you?" she asked.


    Elijah was taken aback. He hadn''t gone to see Sarah yet.


    He had called Violette first, furious after listening to the recording.


    "Violette, I''m talking to you! Don''t change the subject!" His tone became even more serious.


    As Violette listened to his scolding, her anger grew: "Isn''t the truth obvious? I burned your girlfriend''s


    hand with hot water! Tell her to stay away from me whenever she sees me, or I''ll ssh hot water on


    her face!"


    Elijah was speechless.


    Violette: "Why aren''t you saying anything? Weren''t you going to defend your girlfriend?"


    Elijah''s throat tightened, and his teeth clenched.


    "If Ms. Sarah''s hand is really burned, who will perform surgeries on your pets in the future? Oh, I''m


    suddenly worried. Elijah, you won''t take revenge on me, will you?" Violette continued.


    "Violette, even a fool can tell you''re saying this out of anger! But even so, I''m still pissed off hearing it!"


    Elijah was hurt by her sarcasm.


    "Then don''t call me! You think I''ll cry and say it wasn''t me, then beg for your forgiveness just because


    you called me about her?" Violette coldly retorted. At that moment, there was a knock on her office


    door.


    Violette gripped her phone tightly and said, "Come in!"


    Her secretary entered, not realizing she was on the phone, "President Dennis, there''s a man named


    Kaleb Bourne downstairs who says he''s your friend and wants to see you."


    Upon hearing this news, Violette told the person on the phone, "Your nephew is here, so I won''t chat


    with you anymore."


    After hanging up, Violette headed for the restroom.


    Five minutester,


    Kaleb was guided to Violette''s office by her secretary.


    Violette had regained herposure.


    Seeing Kaleb''s familiar face, the feeling of disgust remained.


    As the secretary left, she closed the door behind her.


    "Violette, I can''t believe you''re back! Actually, I knew you were back a few days ago. The news of you


    buying the Dennis Group building for a huge sum has spread everywhere. But I was busy and couldn''t


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    "Kaleb, you''re even more annoying than before," Violette red at him. "What brings you here?"


    "I came to talk about the past..."


    "Alright, let''s talk about Sabrina Dennis''s cause of death then." Violette walked away from her desk,


    ready to have a good ''chat'' with him.


    Kaleb''s face turned pale, "Why are you bringing her up? She''s already dead!"


    "You''re so cold-hearted! Remember when you two sneaked off to ''have some fun'' at my wedding?


    Have you forgotten?" Violette looked at his panicked face and continued, "You must have forgotten me


    too, since this is how you treat women you''ve slept with."


    Kaleb was stumped by her sarcasm, wanting to be angry but not daring to retort, wanting to please her


    but unable to speak.


    "Since we no longer have feelings for each other, are you here to talk about money?" Violette asked.


    "You didn''t see how hard I''ve been working and want to lend me money, did you? By the way, how''s


    yourpany doing? You must have made a lot of money, right? If you want to lend me money, you


    wouldn''t charge me interest, would you?"


    Kaleb was left speechless.


    He felt regretful; maybe he really shouldn''t havee.


    Violette had deted him with just a few words.


    "Violette, can you be nicer?" Kaleb sighed.


    Violette took out her phone, texting Odette toin while answering him, "How can you call this a


    bad attitude? I''m just trying to help you grow. At your age, you shouldn''t still be thinking about relying


    on women to get rich. Even if I wanted to raise a dog, I wouldn''t choose you."

 Chapter 199

    Chapter 199


    Kaleb: "Violette! Are you saying I''m worse than a dog?!"


    Violette: "Yup! From what I know about Sabrina, she definitely doesn''t have the guts to hire someone to


    kill. However, I''m not interested in either of you, so whether you''re alive or dead doesn''t matter to me.


    But if you keeping to me, I won''t mind hiring a private investigator to look into this."


    Kaleb''s face turned pale with fear: "Violette! I didn''te here specifically to see you, I just happened


    to be passing by... I won''t bother you again next time!"


    Violette didn''t expect that her casual words would expose his true face.


    He had ill intentions towards Elijah but didn''t dare to hire a killer in his own name, so he made Sabrina


    the scapegoat.


    At that moment, her phone screen lit up with a new message.


    Violette nced at the message from Odette: Elijah is really unreasonable! He actually called you


    because of that woman! Is he out of his mind? Does he even know what he feels for you?!


    Kaleb saw her looking at her phone, so he got up, ready to leave.


    He identally caught a glimpse of her chat wallpaper, which


    showed the faces of two children.


    A boy and a girl.


    The little girl''s face seemed familiar!


    "Violette, who''s the girl in your wallpaper? I feel like I''ve seen her before..." Kaleb approached Violette,


    trying to find out more.


    Violette immediately flipped her phone screen over and coldly said, "You can leave now!"


    Kaleb was intimidated by her gaze: "I''ll go now. Recently, there''s a little girl who''s been giving me a


    headache. She looks like the girl in your wallpaper..Maybe I''m mistaken. I''m leaving."


    After Kaleb left, Violette felt uneasy.


    Would Rita have gone to see Kaleb?


    She knew that Rita and Ian had taken a few days off, and she didn''t me them. They had just


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    returned to the country and might not be familiar with life here, so she gave them a lot of freedom.


    The more she thought about it, the more uneasy she felt.


    What were the two kids doing with Kaleb?


    In her heart, Kaleb was as dangerous as Elijah.


    On the other hand...


    After calling Violette, Elijah went to visit Sarah at her ce.


    Her hand had been burned, and it was wrapped in gauze.


    The severity of the wound was not visible.


    "Did you go to the hospital?" Elijah asked.


    Sarah shook her head: "I can handle it myself."


    "Is it serious?" he asked.


    Sarah continued shaking her head: "It shouldn''t be. It just hurts a lot."


    Elijah''s face darkened: "Why did you go to see Violette? We''re already divorced, you shouldn''t have


    gone to her."


    Sarah looked apologetic: "I''m sorry, Elijah. I heard she was also Dr. Mitchel''s student, and I thought we


    might have somemon topics to talk about, so I went to see her. I didn''t expect this to happen."


    As Sarah spoke, her face twisted in pain and tears streamed down her cheeks.


    Elijah didn''t know how to scold her when he saw her like this.


    "It hurts so much..." Sarah said in pain, then leaned her head on Elijah''s chest and said hoarsely,


    "What if I can''t perform surgery anymore because of my hand being burned?"


    Frowning, Elijah picked her up: "I''ll take you to the hospital for a check-up."


    Hugging his neck and burying her face in his neck, Sarah''s eyes shed with a cunning and satisfied


    smile.

 Chapter 200

    Chapter 200


    6 PM.


    Violette drove back to Silverleaf Ridge.


    The vi''s gate was wide open, and a


    red BMW was parked in the yard.


    Violette recognized the car ¨C it was Odette''s.


    What on earth brought Odette here all of a sudden?


    "Violette!" Odette saw Violetteing back and immediately rushed out, "I saw your two kids! Why


    didn''t you tell me you adopted two children?"


    Violette hesitated to get out of the car upon hearing Odette''s question.


    She realized that anything about her, if known by Elijah, would be public knowledge.


    And whatever Odette knew about her, she would report straight to Elijah.


    All because Odette was dating Ramsey, but s


    he couldn''t just cut ties with her because of that.


    "Why didn''t you tell me!" Odette walked over to Violette and pulled her out of the car, "It''s just adopting


    two kids, not like they''re your biological children with Elijah. Why hide it?"


    Violette was speechless.


    "Bute to think of it, the two kids you adopted look so much like you and Elijah! Did you adopt them


    because they''re good-looking?" Odette asked.


    Violette: "¡­Yeah! Ian didn''t look like Elijah when he was little, or else I definitely wouldn''t have adopted


    him."


    Odette: "Oh! How strange! They''re not father and son, yet they look so alike."


    "Maybe they won''t look alike when they grow up. Children''s faces change as they grow," Violette said


    nervously.


    R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    "I see¡­ Violette, why did you want to adopt children?" Odette was puzzled, "And I heard from your


    mom that Ian has some personality issues, he''s not very sociable. Adopting such a child would be


    troublesome!"


    Violette knew Odette meant well, so she patiently exined, "Odette, even challenged children are


    angels."


    "I''m not saying they''re not good. I just think you''ll be exhausted."


    "He''s more obedient than regr kids. He never makes a fuss." Violette walked to the door and


    changed her shoes.


    Rita and Ian immediately came over.


    "Mom, is Aunty Odette your good friend? She bought me lots of pretty dresses and hair clips, can I


    keep them?" Rita looked up with a curious expression.


    "Of course! Aunty Odette is mommy''s best friend."


    "Oh... Thank you, Aunty Odette!" Rita immediately thanked Odette.


    Odette patted Rita''s head and sighed, "It''s a pity Ian doesn''t like the gifts I got him."


    "Aunty Odette, my brother likes puzzles! Next time, get him someplex ones," Rita exined, "He


    finishes the simple ones in no time."


    Odette: "Alright! I''ll buy some tomorrow. Rita, you''re so pretty, just like your mom when she was little!"


    Rita showed a proud expression: "I''m my mom''s daughter, of course I look like her!"


    Odette was dumbfounded.


    Violette quickly took the flustered Odette to the bedroom.


    "Violette! Are these two kids yours? I''ve been wondering why they look so much like you and Elijah!


    They''re your children with Elijah, aren''t they?" Odette saw Violette''s mouth move a bit and immediately


    said, "Don''t try to deceive me! If you lie to me, I''ll go straight to Elijah and tell him these two kids are his


    biological children!"


    She should''ve known that this secret wouldn''t stay hidden for long.


    Only if she didn''t run into any old acquaintances would the truth remain concealed.


    But the world was too small; how could she not bump into familiar faces upon returning?


    It was all toote now.

 Chapter 201

    Chapter 201


    - Odette found out.


    "Violette, why don''t you tell Elijah? If he knew about these two kids..."


    "He doesn''t want kids. Odette, if you tell Ramsey or Elijah about this, we''re done." Violette''s voice was


    cold, her face was even icier, as if she had be a different person.


    "If it''s really that serious, I definitely won''t say anything! This is your private matter, I''ll absolutely keep it


    a secret!" Odette said, "I really don''t understand Elijah, does he have a mental illness or something?"


    "I can''t rule out that possibility." Violette sat down on the edge of the bed and said, "I just want to raise


    these two kids quietly."


    "Violette, don''t worry, I promise I won''t tell anyone about this."


    ...


    Bourne Estate.


    At 7:30 in the evening, Elijah arrivedte.


    "Elijah, is Sarah''s injury not serious? How could she be so careless? A doctor''s most precious asset is


    their hands!" Grace was extremely worried when she heard that Sarah had been scalded.


    "It''s not serious." Elijah didn''t want his mother to worry.


    He took Sarah to the hospital and saw the burn on her hand.


    It was a bit severe; t


    he surface skin waspletely ulcerated.


    "That''s good. Sarah is our hope for Maka''s illness," Grace murmured.


    "Mom, let''s not talk about that." Elijah helped his mother sit down at the dining table.


    The table was filled with avish dinner, and everyone was waiting for him toe.


    "Uncle Elijah, do you remember the little girl I told you aboutst time?" Kaleb nervously initiated a


    conversation with Elijah, "I went to see Violette this afternoon, and I saw a picture of that girl on her


    phone."


    Elijah stopped eating.


    "I''m sure that the girl who came to me is the one on Violette''s phone. She looks a lot like Violette, I


    can''t forget! I suspect that girl is Violette''s biological daughter." Kaleb shared his guess with Elijah.


    Elijah put down his knife and fork.


    Travis red at his son, "Don''t talk nonsense about things you''re not sure about! And why did you go


    see Violette today? Even if your Uncle Elijah and Violette are divorced, she''s still your aunt! Get your


    head straight!"


    Kaleb: "Dad, I just happened to pass by The Dennis Group, so I went up to see her. I definitely won''t go


    looking for her again."


    Elijah suddenly stood up from his chair.


    "Elijah, you haven''t finished your dinner! Even if Violette really has a daughter, she''s not your child!


    Why are you getting so worked up?" Grace held her son''s arm, trying to persuade him, "You have


    Sarah now, so stop getting tangled up with Violette."


    ...


    That night, Elijah suffered from insomnia.


    Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    He hadn''t seen Violette''s daughter yet


    , and didn''t know what she looked like.


    He didn''t know if her daughter was adopted or biological, and


    had a strong intuition that Violette was now being cautious and reserved towards him, so h


    er words couldn''t be fully trusted.


    Like when she said today that she deliberately scalded Sarah, how could he possibly believe that?


    Also, Sarah recording their conversation and giving it to the bodyguard was something he really


    disliked.


    He hated women with too many schemes.


    Although he often argued with Violette, she would never do such a stupid thing.


    The next morning, he dialed his assistant''s number, his voice was hoarse, "Help me find Violette''s


    current address."

 Chapter 202

    Chapter 202


    There were two voices inside him, one warning him not to get entangled with Violette.


    The other urging him to go see Violette''s daughter.


    Even if Violette''s daughter wasn''t his, he wanted to see how much she looked like her.


    And that blond guy, he was a thorn in his heart!


    Silverleaf Ridge.


    R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    Odette came over with a new puzzle she bought, b


    ut when she knocked on the door, Mike answered, shirtless.


    "Why are you always half-naked?" Odetteined, "There are other people in the house, like baby


    Rita! Can''t you have some decency?"


    Mike, still half-asleep, replied, "Why didn''t you bring breakfast? Last time you bought some, it was


    pretty good!"


    Odette


    put down the puzzle and went towards the master bedroom, b


    ut Violette wasn''t there.


    "Did Violette go to work?" Odette came out of the bedroom and asked.


    Mike yawned, "If she''s not here, she''s probably at work!"


    "What about Aunt Albina? Did she take the kids to school?"


    "If she''s not here, she''s probably out!" Mike went back to his room and put on a T-shirt.


    Odette followed him and asked, "So you and Violette don''t sleep in the same room? Guess your


    rtionship hasn''t escted to that level yet!"


    "Why are you so nosy? Even if Violette and I don''t sleep together, our bond is stronger than any other


    man''s!" Mike proudly said and left the room.


    Albina had prepared breakfast in the kitchen, so he


    walked straight to the kitchen to eat.


    Odette followed him, trying to dig more information.


    "How did you meet Violette? When did you start dating? Violette isn''t the promiscuous type, so you two


    got together after her divorce, right?"


    "You should ask Violette these questions. If she doesn''t tell you, I won''t either," Mike said while


    devouring his pasta. "If you want information from me, you have to trade for it."


    Trade?


    "Why are you so stingy? Are you like this with Violette too?" Odette sat down across from him.


    "Of course not. I''d do anything for Violette. Whenever she calls, I''ll do whatever she wants." Mike, with


    his handsome face, said such cheesy words that Odette couldn''t stand it.


    "I don''t even know your name! I''m Odette, Violette''s college friend," Odette said.


    "I know you''re Odette and her college friend. Can you share something useful?" Mikeined.


    Odette took a deep breath, drank some water, and said, "Do you know Violette was framed yesterday?"


    Mike raised an eyebrow, "Oh?"


    Odette: "First, tell me your name, and then I''ll tell you how she was framed."


    "Mike."


    "Okay, Mike. You know Elijah, right? He got a new girlfriend named Sarah. Yesterday, she went to have


    dinner with Violette, and during the meal, she deliberately used hot water..."


    "What?! She threw boiling water on Violette?!" Mike shouted, tossing his fork, ready to fight.


    Odette held him back, "Let me finish! She didn''t throw it on Violette! She threw it on herself! Then she


    used Violette of doing it! Can you believe how disgusting she is?!"


    Mike''s face turned red with anger, "How could she do that?! Violette would feel guilty even stepping on


    an ant, let alone throwing hot water on someone!"


    "Exactly! The worst part is, Elijah called Violette to confront her about it, all for that Sarah! Can you


    believe how infuriating that is?!"


    Mike: "It''s outrageous! If I were Violette, I''d run to his face and yell at him!"


    Odette wiped the sweat from her forehead, "Well, maybe not that extreme!"


    Mike: "Why not?! That Sarah must have a death wish, ndering Violette like that!"


    Mike started brainstorming how to get back at Sarah in his head.

 Chapter 203

    Chapter 203


    At that moment, Ian walked towards them.


    Odette was super shocked. Why wasn''t Ian at school?


    Mike was also surprised, "Ian, no school today? Then let me take you out to have some fun!"


    Ian grabbed Mike''s arm and dragged him away.


    Seemed like the two of them get along pretty well.


    No wonder Mike was able to capture Violette''s heart!


    It was because he got all buddy-buddy with her kid.


    The Bourne Group.


    After Elijah arrived at thepany, Joey came in to report on work.


    When the work report was over, Joey pushed up his sses, "Boss, Ms. Dennis is currently living on


    Lavender Lane. Are you going to see her? She probably won''t let you into her house since you guys


    are divorced."


    Joey was worried he''d hit a brick wall.


    Elijah: "Joey, help me find a doctor who can treat Maka. No matter how much they charge, as long


    as they can cure Maka, we can negotiate."


    Joey was a bit surprised, "Is Ms. Sarah not treating Maka anymore?"


    Elijah just nced at him, and he understood right away.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    "Ms. Sarah is really going too far, threatening you with this matter," Joey said. "I''ll keep asking around.


    By the way, Ms. Dennis has been pretty busytely. A friend of mine started working at the Dennis


    Group, and she said Ms. Dennis works overtime every day."


    "I want to see her daughter. I heard her daughter looks a lot like her," Elijah revealed his intention. "I


    always feel like she''s hiding something from me."


    Joey: "Oh, you can go over in the evening then. Also, my friend said that the blond guy is the technical


    director of the Dennis Group, named Mike."


    "Technical director?" A hint of surprise shed in Elijah''s eyes. "Is he very skilled?"


    Joey: "I couldn''t find any information about him online. He''s a very mysterious person."


    Elijah''s eyes narrowed slightly.


    A mysterious man?


    How did Violette meet him?


    "Joey, have your friend keep an eye on him. I want to know more about him," Elijah said.


    Joeyughed, "I already told my friend. To be honest, I don''t really believe Violette is with this Mike guy.


    He''s so different from you, people''s tastes don''t change that much."


    Elijah held a pen in his hand, murmuring, "Kaleb said Violette''s daughter went to see him twice. Violette


    would never let her daughter go to Kaleb. There must be someone else behind it."


    "Do you suspect it''s Mike?"


    "Not sure. They''re both very strange."


    "Yeah! And there was that time when Ang International Institute''swork system was attacked. I''m


    thinking, was it Mike who did it?"


    "That''s why I need to know more about this man."


    ......


    Five o''clock in the afternoon.


    Albina went to the kindergarten to pick up Rita.


    "Grandma Albina, today two little boys offered me snacks, but I didn''t take them," Rita whispered.


    "Also, big brother said not to y with boys, or else I''ll be unhappy!"


    Albina: "Did your brother really tell you that?"


    Rita: "Yeah! Big brother said that besides him and Uncle Mike, all other men are bad guys!"


    As Rita spoke, her bright eyes spotted a tall man standing at their front door.


    "Grandma, who''s that man standing at our door? Who is he?"

 Chapter 204

    Chapter 204


    Albina strode towards Elijah.


    Seeing Albina approaching, Elijah took the initiative to speak up: "Hi, Albina."


    Albina''s face was cold: "Did Violette invite you?"


    "No."


    "Then what are you here for? You and Violette are divorced, so please don''t disturb our lives." Albina''s


    attitude was very tough, and this was her family''s home, so Elijah''s uninvited presence was quite rude.


    Elijah nced at the closed gate of the vi and then at Albina''s face, feeling like there was a stone


    stuck in his throat, "Sorry for the disturbance."


    He couldn''t just barge into Violette''s house.


    As he left, he caught a glimpse of someone moving behind the bushes nearby.


    No doubt, that was Violette''s daughter.


    He really wanted to see Violette''s daughter, but not like this.


    After he left, Rita came out of the bushes, panting.


    "Grandma! What was my dad here for?"


    Albina took Rita''s little hand and walked towards the vi gate: "How do you know he''s your dad?"


    "Because he''s mom''s ex-husband!" Rita looked worried and sighed, "What a shame he''s such a bad


    guy... My brother and I will never have a father in our lives."


    Albinaughed: "Not necessarily! Your mom is still so young, maybe she''ll meet a nice man someday.


    Even if you don''t have a real dad, having a loving stepdad isn''t bad!"


    From a mother''s perspective, Albina definitely hoped her daughter would find another man.


    After all, life was long, and it was nice to have someone by your side so you won''t be lonely.


    Rita pouted: "I don''t want a stepdad! Neither does my brother."


    The door opened, and the two went inside, with Albina closing it behind them.


    "Ian!" Rita knew Ian was home today, so she shouted loudly, "Ian, I''m back!"


    Albinaughed: "Rita, I forgot to tell you, Ian is not home. He went to your mom''spany with Uncle


    Mike." Albina took Rita to the living room.


    "What''s my brother doing at mom''spany? Is he ying? I want to go y at mom''spany too!


    Grandma, don''t cook, take me to find mom and Ian!" Rita begged, holding Albina''s arms with both


    hands.


    Unable to resist her, Albina had no choice but to take her to The Dennis Group.


    Today was The Dennis Group''s firstpany gathering since its reestablishment.


    Violette, as the boss, had a drink with everyone and then came out of the restaurant.


    Her mother and two children were waiting for her outside.


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    The two kids didn''t like being in crowded ces with strangers, so s


    he had to take them home.


    "Violette, have you been drinking?" Albina asked.


    Violette shook her head: "Just juice. I have to drive, so they all understand."


    Mother and daughter each held a child''s hand and walked towards the parking lot.


    Not far away, under the night sky, half of Elijah''s face was hidden under a streetlight.


    His deep eyes watched the family of four, and he wanted to walk over several times, but his sanity held


    him back.


    What Albina said to him in the evening was clear enough.


    If he had any self-respect left, he shouldn''t bother them.


    "Boss, the little girl Violette is holding, she must be her daughter, right?" Joey looked at Violette and


    asked.


    Elijah whispered: "Joey, should I just stop bothering them? No matter whose child she has, it''s not


    mine. My child with her was aborted long ago."


    Joey: "Even if you''re divorced, you can still say hello when you see each other. I don''t think that counts


    as bothering."

 Chapter 205

    Chapter 205


    "They avoid me like the gue and don''t even want to say hi to me." Elijah stopped in his tracks, his


    voice tinged with sadness.


    "Boss, how about I go say hi to her and take a peek at what her daughter looks like?" Joey wanted to


    help him out.


    "No need. Your mission tonight is to get close to Mike."


    "Alright."


    After the Dennis Group''s dinner party, there would be a series of entertainment and leisure activities.


    Joey''s friend promised to take him alongter.


    This way, Joey would have a chance to get close to Mike.


    After Violette and her family got in the car, Joey said to Elijah, "Boss, you should head back! You


    haven''t visited Ms. Sarah yet today, have you? She''s injured, and if you don''t see her, she''ll probably


    feel pretty bummed."


    Today, Elijah had been busy at work all day. Joey could tell he was feeling down, so he buried himself


    in work.


    But some things had to be faced eventually.


    Right now, Maka still needed Sarah''s treatment, so Elijah, as her boyfriend, couldn''t be too


    heartless.


    After Elijah left, about half an hourter, Joey''s friend emerged from the restaurant.


    A bunch of guys came out with him, including Mike.


    "Our technical director ns to take us to a bar to continue drinking... Joey, I remember you can hold


    your liquor pretty well. Later, you can apany our director for a few drinks," Joey''s friend whispered,


    putting his arm around Joey''s shoulder. "I feel like our director and our boss are more like ''sisters''...


    normal couples wouldn''t be that clingy. I don''t know if you get what I mean... you can probe a bit when


    you drink with our directorter."


    Joey was shocked but then secretly delighted.


    If Mike and Violette were "sisters," that would be the best news ever!


    These past few days, Elijah had been looking increasingly haggard because of Violette and Mike being


    together.


    And since they were divorced, there wasn''t much Elijah could do about it.


    "Speaking of which, I feel like our boss and Maka aren''t really a couple either... but I can''t quite put


    my finger on what their rtionship is," Joey whispered. "Don''t let this get out, or my boss will find out


    and I''ll be toast."


    "I won''t tell if you don''t. After all, our technical director is second-inmand in thepany. If he''s


    not what we think, he''ll definitely fire me."


    "Got it!"


    ...


    R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    At the bar.


    The dim lighting and alcohol made it very easy for people to get carried away.


    After a couple of drinks, Joey''s friend brought him over to Mike.


    "This is my friend, Joey. He''s pretty good at drinking, so let him keep youpany!"


    Mike''s hazy eyes swept over Joey''s face.


    Among the guys Mike knew, Joey''s looks were just okay, but his eyes were very special.


    It had been a long time since he''d seen such clear and clean eyes.


    "How much red wine can you drink?" Mike asked, clinking sses with Joey.


    "Half a bottle at most. My alcohol tolerance is actually pretty average."


    "Oh, that is average. Well, apany me for half a bottle then!" Mike''s face was flushed, contrasting


    sharply with the skin on his neck.


    After having a drink with him, Joey felt that he seemed pretty normal based on their conversation and


    eye contact.


    A few drinkster, the two started chatting.


    Under the influence of alcohol, Joeypletely forgot the purpose of asking him out for drinks.


    And Mike''s guard against Joey was lowered.


    A few hourster, Joey got up, swaying as he prepared to leave. Mike also got up and left with him!

 Chapter 206

    Chapter 206


    The next morning at 5 o''clock, Elijah''s phone screen lit up. He had received a new message. Two


    hourster, he woke up and opened his phone to see the message from Joey.


    "Boss, ording to Mike, he''s a very powerful hacker."


    "He''s gay."


    "Boss, I need to take a day off."


    Looking at these three messages, Elijah frowned. How did Joey manage to find out so much critical


    information in just one night? Mike was not an easy person to deal with, and he wouldn''t just reveal his


    information to a stranger for no reason.


    With that in mind, Elijah called Joey.


    "Joey, how did you manage to get this information from Mike?"


    Joey was silent for two seconds and sounded a bit tired. "He said it when he was drunkst night."


    "That''s it?"


    "Yeah. I was also drunk, and my head hurts. So I want to take a day off."


    "Okay. Rest well at home."


    ...


    Silverleaf Ridge.


    Eight o''clock in the morning.


    Violette was getting ready to send her two children to school.


    "Mom, did Uncle Mike note back to sleepst night? I looked in his room, and he wasn''t there!"


    Rita, with her backpack on, looked curious.


    Violette had called Mike at elevenst night, and he said he was drinking. When she called him again


    at midnight, he didn''t answer.


    "He probably drank too much and slept at a hotel," Violette replied. "Don''t worry about him. He''ll be


    fine."


    Mike''s all-nighters were normal, and he had a colorful nightlife.


    "Oh, Mom, are you going to marry Uncle Mike?" Rita asked. "If you''re going to marry Uncle Mike, I


    won''t be angry."


    Violette smiled and was a bit annoyed. "Mom can''t be with Uncle Mike, so don''t think about it."


    "But Ian and I both like Uncle Mike."


    "Mom knows that you like Uncle Mike. Mom will be his good friend for life." Violette took her two


    children out of the house.


    The vi gate opened, and a ck Rolls-Royce appeared in front of them. Elijah stood next to the car,


    looking at them.


    Violette and her two children''s expressions changed noticeably. It was only eight in the morning, so


    why was Elijah blocking the door? When did hee, and why?


    Violette felt her blood boiling but couldn''t move her feet.


    Albina saw them standing there from the living room and immediately walked out to see what was


    going on.


    "Violette, what''s wrong?" Albina walked out and saw Elijah outside the gate, she immediately went


    over.


    Violette hurriedly caught up with her.


    "Mom, you take the kids to school!" She was afraid that her mother and Elijah would argue, so she


    grabbed her mother''s arm.


    R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    "I forgot to tell you, he came yesterday evening and came again today... What does he want?" Albina


    was red-faced and very angry.


    Violette nced at her two children and said to her mother, "You take the kids to school first! Since he


    came looking for me, he must have something to say."


    Albina took her two children past Elijah.

 Chapter 207

    Chapter 207


    Elijah caught a glimpse of Rita''s face.


    She sure looked a bit like Violette.


    As she passed by him, Rita stared at him with a somewhat fierce look in her eyes.


    Who knew what kind of ideas were fed into this kid''s mind to make her hate him so much.


    Soon, Violette walked up to him.


    "What brings you here so early? Anything important?"


    Elijah looked at her cold and clean face, with aplicated expression, he asked, "Violette, your


    daughter is your biological child, right? She looks a lot like you."


    "Did youe here just to see my daughter?"


    "Who''s her father?" Elijah''s voice got heavier. "She''s already in kindergarten, so she must be over


    three years old."


    It seemed like the lie about adoption wouldn''t work anymore.


    Rita looked too much like Violette when she was young.


    They were like two peas in a pod.


    "Yes, she''s indeed my biological daughter, but you''re not the father," Violette smiled at him. "I just


    picked a random guy''s sperm from a sperm bank abroad to fulfill my wish to be a mother."


    Fulfill her motherhood wish!


    This statement left Elijah speechless.


    "If you came here just for this, you can leave now," Violette said bluntly.


    Elijah''s face darkened a bit, and he reminded her, "The guy staying at your house doesn''t like women."


    Violette''s smile froze, "How did you find out?"


    There was no information about Mike online.


    Mike was a top-level hacker globally, and no one could find out his info unless he wanted to expose his


    identity.


    Elijah breathed a sigh of relief, "It seems you already knew."


    "Elijah, are you just bored? How''s your girlfriend''s injury? How''s Maka recovering? You have so


    many women waiting for your attention, so you don''t have to waste what little energy you have left on


    me. Do you think there''s still something between us?"


    Violette pushed him hard and then turned to walk towards the yard.


    "Violette! Maka and I aren''t what you think!" Elijah clenched his fists and called out to her retreating


    figure.


    Violette gritted her teeth.


    How long had she been waiting for him to say that?


    She had given him countless chances.


    Why didn''t he say it before?


    What did he want to recover by saying it now?


    "Elijah, do you find it amusing to tease me like this?" Violette turned around, facing him from a


    distance, and sarcastically said, "Now the person you need to exin to and take responsibility for is


    Sarah, not me!"


    Her words made hime to his senses.


    However, he didn''t agree with herst statement, "I have no obligation to exin or take responsibility


    for other women unless I want to. Violette, you know I don''t love Sarah."


    "Whether you love her or not has nothing to do with me! I don''t care who you''re with!" Violette''s words


    stabbed into his heart, "You never truly loved me! So I won''t be fooled by you again!"


    If he had cared about her feelings, he wouldn''t have dragged out the exnation he should have given


    her four years ago until now.


    "You said you and Maka aren''t that kind of rtionship," Violette''s voice trembled, "Even if it''s not


    that kind of rtionship, she still holds the most important ce in your heart. Elijah, I beg you, please


    Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    let me go! I don''t want to be toyed with anymore!"


    ...


    After taking a day off, Joey returned to work and found his boss in an even worse mood than before.


    He was a bit confused, so he went to ask Brandon.


    "What''s up with the boss?"


    Brandon sipped his coffee and sighed, "From what I gathered from his driver, he went to Violette


    yesterday to make peace, but was brutally rejected."


    Joey: "Ah!"


    Brandon: "What are you sighing about?"


    Joeyined, "I had to drink with Mike to get information from him, and now my headache is killing


    me! Does this count as a work injury?"


    At noon.


    Elijah, with his bodyguards in tow, stormed into the Dennis Group.

 Chapter 208

    Chapter 208


    Violette got a notification and rushed to the tech department.


    "Mr. Bourne, our director didn''te to thepany today." The head of the tech department didn''t


    know what happened, but seeing the coldness on Elijah''s face, it must be that Mike had pissed him off.


    "How about I take you to meet our boss?"


    As soon as the supervisor finished speaking, Violette walked in.


    She approached Elijah and said, "Let''s talk in my office."


    He came to the tech department to find Mike, so something must have happened between them.


    Mike hadn''t told her anything, but seeing Elijah''s gloomy face, something serious must have happened.


    In Violette''s office, Elijah and Brandon sat down on the sofa, and the bodyguard waited outside.


    "What happened?" Violette poured them each a ss of water.


    Brandon: "Ms. Dennis, your tech director bullied Joey."


    Joey was Elijah''s most capable assistant, like his right-hand man. Anyone bullying Joey was bullying


    him.


    Her head spun, not expecting Mike to do something so outrageous!


    She immediately picked up her phone and called Mike.


    The call was quickly answered.


    She lowered her voice and yelled, "Get back to the office now!"


    Mike had no idea what was going on and wondered, "I''m eating out! What happened that you''re yelling


    at me?"


    "Did you bully Elijah''s assistant?"


    "What? I don''t even know Elijah''s assistant!"


    "Elijah is in my office now. If it wasn''t true, he wouldn''t havee!" Violette''s breath was a bit rapid,


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    "He said it happened the night beforest, think about it!"


    "The night beforest, a guy dide to have drinks with me. Was that the assistant you''re talking


    about?"


    "Probably! Did you bully him?!"


    "Why would I bully him? I didn''t even know who he was at the time... We both got drunk that night, and


    I saw that he was so drunk that he wasn''t clear-headed, so I took him to rest."


    Violette took a sharp breath, "Who told you to take him to rest?!"


    "Ah! So I should have left him on the street? That''s too dangerous!"


    "Is that all?"


    "Yeah! What else could it be?!" Mike pped his forehead.


    ...


    After the call, Violette took a deep breath and sat down across from them.


    "Mike said that night Joey went to have drinks with him on her own initiative." Violette was puzzled,


    "Don''t you need to give me an exnation? If Mike caused trouble, I can apologize to you, but clearly,


    Joey deliberately approached Mike!"


    Brandon pushed up his sses and exined, "We have to admit that Joey approached Mike to find


    out more about him."


    Violette understood instantly.


    "You guys are so despicable! Picking on us!" Saying this, she looked at Elijah, "So after that night, you


    knew about Mike?!"


    Brandon felt they were about to start arguing and quickly spoke up, "Ms. Dennis, you don''t know the


    whole story. We investigated Mike because ourpany was recently attacked by hackers, the entire


    Institute was also hacked. We suspect that the same person is behind both incidents."


    Violette''s heart tightened and said, "Why do you suspect Mike?"


    "Because he''s your tech director. He must be very skilled! Moreover, we couldn''t find any information


    about him, which made him very suspicious." Brandon said, "We had no choice but toe up with


    this method."


    Violette lost her confidence.

 Chapter 209

    Chapter 209


    If this whole series of events is indeed Mike''s doing, then based on what she knows about Elijah, he''ll


    definitely make Mike pay.


    A bitter, Mike came back to thepany.


    He pushed the door open and walked into the office.


    "Violette! Let me exin! I really didn''t mess with Joey! If I knew he was with Elijah that night, I would


    never have had drinks with him! Instead, I would''ve beaten him up right there and let him taste my


    fists!"


    Mike finished, only to realize there were other people in the office.


    The office suddenly went quiet.


    Elijah picked up his cup and took a sip of water,


    Brandon doing the same.


    Feeling awkward, Violette changed the topic and asked Mike, "Did you ever break into Ang


    International Institute? And what about the hack on the Bourne Group a while back, was that you?"


    Mike raised both hands swearing, "No way! If I did it, I would admit it. Even though I''m pretty good at


    that kind of thing, it really wasn''t me."


    He finished and gave Violette a look.


    His eyes were saying¡ªit was your son.


    "Uh... I haven''t eaten yet, have you guys? How about we grab a meal together?" Violette had to protect


    her son, so she had to muster up the courage to invite them, "There''s a restaurant near ourpany


    that makes amazing grilled meat."


    Brandon nced at Elijah, deciding to speak for him, "Ms. Dennis, no..."


    "Don''t you love grilled meat? Let''s try it!" Elijah interrupted Brandon and agreed to the meal.


    Brandon was confused: when did he start liking grilled meat?


    It was clearly Elijah who wanted to go but was too embarrassed to show it!


    Ha!


    Serves him right for being controlled by Violette!


    R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    "Can you guys get Joey toe out? He has to apologize to me!" Mike didn''t want to join their meal,


    just wanted to clear things up with Joey.


    Brandon reminded, "If you want to see him, go find him at the Bourne Group. But if you dare to hit him,


    you probably won''t make it out of there alive."


    Violette: "Mike, Joey is a good person, don''t hurt him."


    Mike suddenly became gentle, "Oh."


    ...


    At the restaurant.


    Violette ordered a few signature dishes and handed the menu to Brandon.


    Brandon passed the menu to Elijah.


    Violette: "Weren''t you the one who said you liked grilled meat?"


    Brandonughed, "Elijah loves it too."


    "Oh... did the hacker attack on yourpanyst time cause any damage?" Violette asked cautiously.


    They had seen Mike''s signal to her earlier.


    This hacker, even if not Mike, must be someone close to Violette.


    "Of course. That day, a deal worth millions failed to be signed. More seriously, all the important data in


    Elijah''sputer was gone! We''re still tracking down the hacker! Once we find them, we''ll pursue


    criminal responsibility and financialpensation!"


    After Brandon finished, Violette''s face turned pale.


    Seeing her reaction, Elijahforted her, "He''s just scaring you. The economic impact is negligible,


    and the data in myputer wasn''t damaged. The hacker just wanted to provoke and anger me. I''ll


    definitely catch him and send him to jail!"

 Chapter 210

    Chapter 210


    Violette''s heart was pounding like crazy.


    She tried to sound chill, but she was actually trembling with nerves: "Uh... what''s this challenge letter


    about?"


    Elijah frowned and said seriously, "It says, ''You jerk,e at me if you dare!''"


    Brandon chuckled helplessly: "I suspect this hacker might be a youngster!"


    Violette: "Not necessarily! Can''t really tell anything from that!"


    To avoid leading them to suspect anything about her being underage, Violette said to Brandon: "Jerk."


    Then to Elijah: "Jerk."


    Brandon


    and Elijah were both silent.


    Violette: "See, it''s not that dumb! Adults use it too."


    She tried really hard to defend herself, while


    Elijah and Brandon exchanged a brief nce.


    They already had a judgment in their hearts.


    "Ms. Dennis, how did you meet Mike? It''s hard to imagine you knowing such a unique person,"


    Brandon changed the subject to something lighter, "and he seems to listen to you a lot."


    Violette picked up a ss of water, took a sip, and made up an excuse: "We met at a mixer when I was


    studying abroad. We''re friends, and no one''s bossing anyone around."


    "Oh... so did hee to A Country with you?"


    "Hees and goes as he pleases. There''s no following or not following." Violette picked up a fork and


    put a piece of meat in her bowl.


    The Bourne Group.


    Mike went to the front desk on the first floor and exined his purpose.


    "I''m sorry, but if you want to see Joey, you need to make an appointment in advance."


    Mike: "But it''s off-hours now."


    "Yes! It''s off-hours now, you can make an appointment after 2 pm."


    Mike: "That''s not what I meant... Elijah and Brandon sent me to find him. Do you know the two people


    I''m talking about?"


    Receptionist was speechless.


    How could she not know?


    "Sir, please wait a moment, I''ll call Joey to ask."


    After the call, the receptionist told Mike, "Joey doesn''t want to see you."


    "I know he doesn''t want to see me, it''s your bosses who sent me. Do you listen to him or to your


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    bosses? Just take me to him." Mike had to see him in person, b


    ecause he was really angry!


    After hesitating for a few seconds, the receptionist took him to Joey''s office.


    Joey''s face turned sour when he saw Mike.


    Mike closed the office door and coldly scolded, "You spy!"


    Joey, feeling guilty, admitted: "I confess¡­"


    "Good that you admit!" Although Mike was furious, he still spoke clearly, "You even dare to badmouth


    me to your boss, hrious!"


    Joey gritted his teeth: "Let''s delete each other''s contact info!"


    "Fine, do it then" Mike took out his phone and deleted Joey''s number in front of him.


    At the same time, Joey also deleted Mike''s number.


    "Let''s not meet again in the future! Even if we bump into each other on the street, let''s pretend not to


    know each other!" Joey said.


    Mike: "Ha! I''d rather meet a ghost than you!"


    After arguing for a while, they both left angrily.


    Leaving the Bourne Group, Mike went to a nearby coffee shop, ordered a ck coffee, and called Ian:


    "Ian, your mom already knows what you''ve been up to. I can''t save myself this time, so watch your


    back!"


    "It seems like the n will have to be carried out earlier," Ian whispered.


    "Yeah! I bet your mom will confiscate yourputer and give you a good scolding. Because Elijah


    went to bother her today, I guess she''s in a really bad mood! Do you think you should go into hiding for


    a while?" Mike suggested.


    Ian: "I''d rather take her punishment than make her worry."


    ...

 Chapter 211

    Chapter 211


    Dusk.


    Violette came home earlier than usual.


    After Albina picked up Ian, she carried Rita into the room.


    Ian watched his grandma take his sister away, knowing what was about to happen.


    "Ian, give me your backpack," Violette reached out her hand to Ian.


    Ian handed her the backpack with both hands.


    She opened his backpack and took out hisptop.


    Instead of opening hisptop, she said directly, "Your Uncle Mike told me everything. You''ve been


    using the skills he taught you to do some bad things. Ian, do you know that''s illegal? If you get caught,


    do you know what you''ll face?"


    Ian didn''t even blink: "I''m only four years old, can they really put me in jail?"


    Even if Elijah had a lot of power in A Country, he probably couldn''t get a four-year-old child into prison.


    But that was not the point. The point was, Ian''s values were starting to get twisted.


    "You won''t be four years old forever. You''ll grow up," Violette lectured him, "I can''t watch you make


    mistakes over and over again, so I''m confiscating yourptop for now."


    Ian: "Uncle Mike will get me a new one."


    Violette sighed with a headache, "Do you still n to do bad things?!"


    Ian shook his head, "I won''t mess with Elijah anymore."


    As long as he didn''t mess with Elijah, no one else would be able to trace him.


    "You''re not allowed to eat dinner tonight," Violette''s eyes were slightly red as she held hisptop and


    walked towards the bedroom.


    Ian knew his mom wouldn''t ''beat him up'', but thinking of her angry face made him feel sad.


    He just wanted to help his mom punish those who bullied her.


    At seven in the evening, Sarah received a message.


    --Tonight at 10 pm, hotel room V809, I want to get to know you better. Elijah


    Elijah actually asked her to meet him at a hotel?! And the time was 10 pm. This time and ce made it


    hard not to let one''s imagination run wild.


    They were all adults, even without any romantic experience, they should be able to understand the


    deeper meaning of this message.


    Why would Elijah suddenly change his attitude towards her?


    She didn''t have time to think more about it, because she was overwhelmed with joy.


    She had to dress up nicely tonight to leave the deepest impression on him.


    Completely rece Violette in his heart.


    Silverleaf Ridge.


    The two kids finished washing up and went to bed.


    Rita took out a piece of chocte from under the pillow, "Ian, this is from grandma. She''s afraid you''ll


    be hungry. Come on, eat!"


    Ian refused.


    Rita''s little hand continued to rummage under the pillow. Suddenly, she pulled out another piece of


    chocte, "Ian, this one''s from mom. She''s also afraid you''ll be hungry. Just eat one! Let''s have one


    each, okay?"


    Rita pleaded softly.


    "Is it really from mom?" Ian looked at the chocte in her hand.


    They were clearly two identical pieces of chocte.


    "Mhm! Both of them are from mom. She told me to say it''s from grandma first because she''s a little


    embarrassed..."


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    Only then did a warm expression appear on Ian''s cold face.


    At 10 pm. Hotel.


    A beautiful figure appeared at the hotel entrance.

 Chapter 212

    Chapter 212


    Sarah, wearing a red sundress, pushed open the door to room V809.


    The dim light in the room made her pause for a moment, but soon, she saw the faint red candlelight in


    the room.


    Red candles!


    Next to the candlestick, there was an opened bottle of red wine and some snacks.


    On a chair nearby, there was a bouquet of red roses.


    Sarah was almost lost in this romantic atmosphere.


    Elijah actually had such a sense of romance! She was looking forward to what was about to happen


    R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    tonight!


    She picked up the roses, smelled the fragrance, and felt a bit dizzy.


    She sat on the chair with the roses, then took out her phone. It was already ten o''clock at night, why


    hadn''t Elijah arrived yet? Was there a traffic jam?


    Fifteen minutes passed, and Elijah still hadn''t shown up.


    She began to get anxious. He wouldn''t bail on her, would he?


    This carefully arranged room couldn''t be just a whim, right? Or did he send the wrong text message?


    She poured herself a ss of wine.


    Holding the wine ss, she gently swirled the red liquid and took a sip.


    Delicious! The wine had a rich taste and a smooth texture.


    At eleven o''clock, the door to the room was gently pushed open, and atall figure appeared before


    Sarah.


    In Sarah''s blurry eyes, a spark of excitement lit up.


    She quickly walked towards the tall figure...hugging him tightly and whispered, "Elijah, I knew you''d


    The man''s body suddenly tensed up, and he seemed a bit startled. But Sarah didn''t care, still holding


    him tight.


    She had two sses of red wine and had lost her senses. All she wanted now was to be with him!


    ...


    The next morning, at seven o''clock.


    Sarah woke up with a headache.


    Upon waking, she squinted at thepletely unfamiliar surroundings, recalling everything that had


    happened the night before. A faint smile appeared on her lips.


    Last night, she slept with Elijah.


    She didn''t think their rtionship would progress so quickly, nor did she think that being with him would


    feel so wonderful. He was gentle and patient with her, allowing her to experience the pleasure of being


    a woman.


    She was falling more and more in love with him!


    Thinking of this, she looked at the man next to her. The man was lying on his side, with delicate


    scratches on his back, which were from her during their passionate night.


    She deliberately left her mark on him, proving that she had be his woman.


    She leaned her body towards him, letting their skin touch closely, and their body heat merge.


    "Hmm? You want more?" came the man''s hoarse voice.


    Sarah was startled.


    Why it wasn''t Elijah''s voice?!

 Chapter 213

    Chapter 213


    Sarah''s body suddenly stiffened.


    Kaleb turned around, looking a bit dazed, and teased her, "Dr. Sarah, I didn''t expect you to be so


    feisty."


    Sarah finally saw Kaleb''s face clearly!


    This wasn''t the first time Sarah had met Kaleb. After she burned her hand, Grace hade to see her.


    At that time, Kaleb drove Grace over.


    Sarah had drunk too muchst night, and the room was dark with only a few candles lit, so she didn''t


    realize that this man was not Elijah!


    Why did this happen? It was Elijah who had invited her herest night! How came it was Kaleb?


    "Howe it''s you? Why is it you?" Sarah picked up a pillow and smacked it hard against Kaleb''s


    face.


    Kaleb covered his head and yelled, "Dr. Sarah, don''t hit me! I don''t know what''s going on! Last night I


    got a text from Violette telling me toe to room 809, so I did. Who knew that as soon as I walked in,


    you hugged me. I tried several times to loosen your arms, but you just wouldn''t let go. Not only did you


    not let go, you kept rubbing against me. Who can stand that?"


    Sarah threw the pillow to the floor and started crying.


    "Dr. Sarah, don''t cry! I know this sounds fake, but it''s true! I can show you the text! I really didn''t mean


    to offend you! Just think ofst night as a dream! I promise I won''t tell my uncle, if my Uncle Elijah finds


    out about this, he''ll definitely not let me go! I wouldn''t bring trouble upon myself!¡±


    Kaleb knelt in front of Sarah, swearing and promising.


    Sarah''s eyes were red as she reached out to see the text message. She wanted to know where things


    had gone wrong.


    Kaleb quickly found his phone, opened the text, and tried to show her. But to his surprise, the text from


    "Huh? Where''s the text?! I remember I didn''t delete it!"


    Sarah picked up another pillow and smacked him hard again.


    Kaleb was bitter, "Dr. Sarah, listen to me! It must''ve been a hacker! My phone was hacked before!"


    "You''re saying the text Violette sent you was done by a hacker? Then was the text Elijah sent mest


    night also done by a hacker?" She asked sarcastically.


    She didn''t believe the message Elijah sent herst night was done by a hacker.


    But why didn''t Elijah show upst night?


    She took a deep breath, found her own phone, and opened the messages¡ª


    Her face turned pale in an instant!


    "Dr. Sarah, is it that the text my Uncle Elijah sent you is also gone? It looks like you''ve been hacked


    too!" Kaleb''s brain was working at high speed, "Last night was a trap, deliberately set for us!"


    "Who? Who on earth was it?" Sarah was going crazy.


    If what happened between her and Kaleb reached Elijah''s ears, Elijah would definitely not want her


    anymore!


    "I''m not sure... This hacker is too powerful, we can''t trace them." Kaleb handed her two tissues, "Don''t


    worry, this was definitely not done by my Uncle Elijah. He still needs you to treat Maka, he wouldn''t


    do something so embarrassing to you."


    Sarah took the tissue and wiped away her tears, her voice was hoarse, "Is there any surveince in the


    room? Could what happenedst night have been recorded?"


    Kaleb looked around the room, "There shouldn''t be... This is a five-star hotel after all. If there''s any


    hidden camera, I''ll definitely sue them!"


    R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    Sarah: "Go find someone to check it out! See if there are any cameras."


    Kaleb: "Okay¡­"


    ...


    Ang International Institute.


    Today, Elijah personally brought Maka to school.


    After sending Maka to her ssroom, Elijah strode into Ian''s ssroom.


    Having met with Violette yesterday, he and Brandon spected that the hacker who had invaded


    Ang and the Bourne Group was someone close to Violette. And it was someone she cared about.


    Otherwise, she wouldn''t have invited them to dinner.


    At present, the only people she seemed to care about were her mother, her two children, and no one


    else.


    Elijah had seen Ian Dennis y with aputer before.


    Although logically, a four-year-old child couldn''t be the hacker who sent him a challenge, sometimes


    the impossible became possible.


    He entered the ssroom and walked straight towards the little boy wearing a cap.


    "Ian, give me your backpack."

 Chapter 214

    Chapter 214


    Ian pretended not to hear and ignored him.


    Seeing Ian''s attitude, the teacher got scared and quickly came over.


    The teacher asked, "Mr. Bourne, what do you need Ian''s bag for?"


    Both were people he didn''t dare to mess with.


    After weighing the options, he felt that it was even riskier to mess with Elijah.


    So he took Ian''s bag out of his desk.


    The teacher said, "Ian, don''t be scared. Mr. Bourne isn''t a bad guy. He''s just worried about you." The


    teacherforted Ian and handed the bag to Elijah, "He passed the security check when he entered


    the school, there''s nothing dangerous in his bag."


    "I remember he had aptop," Elijah said as he took the bag.


    The bag was light, and he frowned.


    When he opened the bag, there was only a set of spare clothes, noptop at all.


    The teacher said, "Oh... Ian does have a smallptop, he usually likes to watch cartoons alone..." The


    teacher exined.


    Elijah put down the bag, looked down at Ian, and asked, "Why didn''t you bring yourptop today?"


    Iany on the table, pretending to sleep.


    The teacher awkwardlyughed and said, "Should I call his mom?"


    Ian suddenly stood up, red at the teacher with a meaningful look, and then picked up his bag and


    walked out.


    The teacher hurriedly chased after him, shouting, "Ian,e back! I won''t call your mom!"


    Ian ignored herpletely and continued to walk quickly towards the exit.


    Maka was at the door, and seeing Ian walk out, she timidly called out, "Ian."


    Ian gave her a cold look and walked away even faster.


    Elijah came out and saw his sister following Ian, grabbed her forcefully, "Maka, where are you


    going?"


    "Ian!" Maka pointed at Ian, looking worried, "Where is he going?"


    "His teacher will take care of him. I''ll take you back to ss." Elijah said, but Maka pulled away from


    his hand and ran after Ian.


    Maka shouted, "Ian, wait for me!"


    Maka''s behavior made Elijah frown.


    Why did she like Ian so much? What happened between them?


    He quickly followed them.


    Since the teacher and Elijah were following, the security guards didn''t dare to stop him, so Ian


    sessfully left the school.


    If no one was following, he would have taken a taxi home. But now there were three people following,


    so he couldn''t go home. He carried his bag and walked along the road.


    Elijah held Maka''s hand and followed behind Ian, with the teacher on the other side. The four of


    them just walked aimlessly on the street.


    "Ian, if you want to go home, I can take you there."


    Ian: "I''m not going home!"


    "Then where do you want to go? I can take you. It''s dangerous for you to be out here like this." the


    teacher tried to persuade.


    Ian didn''t say anything again.


    After walking for about half an hour, they came to a busy street.


    Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Maka was out shopping for the first time and found the outside world fascinating.


    Her eyes were wide open, staring at everything around her.


    Elijah was watching her.


    Sarah had said that letting her experience the outside world would be good for her condition.


    Before, she rejected everything outside, so he couldn''t take her out. After thest surgery, her changes


    were obvious. She began to take an interest in the outside world.


    It was a significant improvement.


    Seeing Maka''s change, Elijah thought of Sarah. Maybe, he should be nicer to Sarah. After all, she


    was the only one who can save Maka now.


    Ian saw that they were still following him and stopped right in the middle of the street.


    Elijah saw his intention and said to his sister, "Maka, let''s go back! It''s too hot outside, we could get


    heatstroke."


    Maka was sweating profusely, but she shook her head determinedly, "Ian could get heatstroke too."


    "Why do you want to follow him?" Elijah asked in confusion, "If he goes home, are you going to follow


    him there too?"

 Chapter 215

    Chapter 215


    Maka nodded without hesitation.


    It was not like she hadn''t been to his house before. She actually kinda liked his ce, and she wanted


    to go again.


    Elijah looked at his sister''s stubbornness and felt overwhelmed.


    Ian hadn''t brought hisptop to school today, so it must''ve been confiscated by Violette.


    It was pretty much certain that the unbridled hacker was the guy standing right in front of him, wearing


    a hat. Even though he was Violette''s adopted son, Elijah was nning to teach him a lesson. But right


    now, Maka''s attitude towards him made Elijah feel torn.


    Suddenly, there was a loud ''bang'' from the side, followed by harsh cursing!


    They looked towards the source of the noise, where two people were already fighting.


    Maka looked at the violent scene in front of her, her face instantly pale, and her eyes filled with fear!


    "Ah! Ahhh!" She screamed hysterically, covering her ears with both hands.


    Seeing her out of control, Elijah''s heart clenched. She must''ve been reminded of the beatings she


    experienced as a child!


    He picked her up and quickly left.


    Ian watched them leave, Maka''s scream echoing in his mind.


    What happened to her? Was she frightened? It wasn''t her who was in the fight, so what was she afraid


    of?


    "Ian, it''s too chaotic here! Hurry up ande back to school with me!" The teacher grabbed Ian''s arm


    and led him away.


    ......


    At noon.


    Violette went to the police station.


    Five years ago, Alexa''s brother, Peter Rodriguez, had stolen nearly 2 billion from the Dennis Group and


    fled abroad.


    Despite the solid evidence, the domestic police could do nothing about it.


    The country Peter had fled to had no extradition agreement with Country A, so the police in Country A


    couldn''t go abroad to arrest him.


    Moreover, Peter had assumed a new identity after fleeing abroad.


    Over the years, Violette had been searching for his whereabouts.


    Not long ago, a private investigator she hired overseas finally sent her Peter''s recent photos and


    address.


    Violette handed this clue to the police.


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    Today, there was new progress.


    "Ms. Dennis, we sent one of Peter''s old friends to try to persuade him toe back. ording to the


    informant, Peter is living quite poorly now, and most of the money he stole is probably gone."


    Violette: "It doesn''t matter whether the money can be recovered or not; I want him to face the


    consequences of thew! I''ve talked to awyer, and since the amount he''s involved in is huge, he


    could be sentenced to a long prison term, right?"


    "Yes, once he returns to the country, we''ll arrest him immediately."


    "Alright, thank you for your hard work!"


    Violette left the police station with a sigh of relief.


    Her return to the country to rebuild the Dennis Group was actually bait.


    She wanted Peter to know that she was now very wealthy.


    Having seeded once at the Dennis Group, Peter would definitely want to make another big score


    there.


    She had her current CFO contact Peter''s friend, giving them the illusion that they could make another


    fortune from the Dennis Group. Sure enough, Peter was tempted.


    After getting in the car, she nned to go back to thepany.


    At that moment, her phone rang.


    Seeing the iing call, she immediately answered, "Adrian, you''re at the airport, right?"


    Adrian: "Yeah, where are you? I''lle find you."


    "I''m not busy right now. I''lle pick you up."


    Half an hourter, Violette arrived at the airport and picked up Adrian.


    "Adrian, how long are you back for?" After asking for his address, Violette drove the car out.


    "Permanently." Adrian shrugged, "I quit my job. I decided toe back home and develop my career


    here."


    "That''s great! This way, we can see each other more often." Violette''s smile was pure and sincere.


    A hint of worry shed in Adrian''s eyes, "Violette, Sarah contacted me. She''s even more shameless


    than I thought. Be careful of her."

 Chapter 216

    Chapter 216


    Violette: "What does she want from you?"


    Adrian sarcastically said, "She said she needs an assistant and asked me to rmend someone."


    Adrianughed, "Do you know her requirements for an assistant? She wants someone who''s Dr.


    Mitchell''s student and has medical skills no worse than hers. She might as well just say she wants


    someone who can treat Maka independently. Why would someone better than her be her assistant?"


    Violette also found it ironic.


    "Trying to do that job without the ability... Elijah isn''t an idiot, he''ll find out the truth one day," Adrian


    said. "Violette, you''re too soft-hearted. Not many people would treat their love rival."


    Violette smiled lightly, "If you saw Maka, you wouldn''t say that."


    Adrian: "As long as you''re not upset."


    "There''s no need to keep punishing myself with this. Life has to move forward," Violette changed the


    subject. "I have some good news. Mypany is almost rebuilt. Everything is going smoothly."


    Adrian was happy for her, "Not bad. How''s Ian doing at the special school?"


    Mentioning Ian, Violette''s smile disappeared.


    "He learned hacking skills from Mike, and his skills have already exceeded my imagination. Elijah has


    noticed him," Violette said irritably. "I''m really afraid that if this continues, more will be exposed."


    Adrian: "Violette, few secrets can be hidden for a lifetime. You''re not the Violette from four years ago.


    Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Even if Elijah knows he''s the father of your two children, he wouldn''t really kill them."


    "That''s why I have to make more money and be stronger so I can protect my children better,"


    Violette said. "I''ll hide it for as long as I can! His personal life is a mess now, the kids are better off


    without a father."


    The Bourne family.


    Elijah brought Maka home, and the family doctor gave her a sedative.


    After she fell asleep, the doctor asked Elijah, "Psychological illness is not within my scope of treatment.


    You can have a psychologist involved in her treatment."


    Elijah had thought about it, "She''s quite resistant to strangers."


    "You can try first. Didn''t you say her condition has improved a lot after the surgery?" The doctor


    reassured, "Maybe if her mental knot is untied, it will help her recover."


    Elijah nodded, "Do you have any good psychologists to rmend?"


    "I know a famous psychologist in the country, but I don''t know if he has time. I''ll askter," the doctor


    said. "You can also ask Dr. Sarah''s opinion. She''s more capable than me and may have more


    professional insights."


    Half an hourter, Sarah rushed over. She was dressed in long sleeves and pants, and her face and


    neck were covered with thick makeup.


    "Dr. Sarah, are you okay?" Elijah looked at her, "I heard you stayed out all nightst night."


    Sarah didn''t let the bodyguards follow her to the hotelst night.


    So the bodyguards only knew she didn''te back but didn''t know what she was doing.


    "Yeah. A friend came to see me, and I spent the night with her," Sarah smiled faintly and quickly


    changed the subject. "What happened to Maka?"


    Elijah told Sarah what happened at noon.


    "Has she been through this kind of stimtion before? If so, try not to let her get stimted in the


    future. She just had brain surgery, and it''s better for her to rest now," Sarah said.


    "Can we find a psychologist for her?"


    Sarah: "If there''s a really good psychologist, you can try. But it still depends on Maka''s reaction. If


    she''s very resistant, we don''t need to rush. When her intelligence recovers to a certain level, her


    psychological endurance will also improve ordingly."


    Elijah nodded.


    "Elijah, you go do your thing! I''ll watch Maka," Sarah said.


    Elijah went to the study.


    Sarah watched his back and sighed heavily.


    In the morning, Kaleb had someone check the hotel room, and there were no hidden cameras inside.


    So she didn''t have to worry aboutst night''s incident for now.


    Although she didn''t know who set the trap, without evidence, she could deny it.

 Chapter 217

    Chapter 217


    Her life was depending on Elijah now. Being a badass doctor ain''t as good as being a top-notch rich


    person in society.


    Plus, she was well aware of her own medical skills; there was no way she could be as incredible as


    Professor Dr. Mitchel.


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Continuing in the medical field, her room for growth was limited. But marrying Elijah, that was a whole


    different story. Everyone would be green with envy when that time came.


    Study room.


    Elijah had just sat down when Brandon called.


    "Elijah, how did your investigation go at the school today?"


    "Theptop wasn''t in his backpack. Probably got confiscated by Violette."


    Brandon eximed excitedly, "Looks like it''s Violette''s kid who did it! Isn''t he just over four years old? Is


    this what they call a genius?"


    Elijah didn''t respond.


    "Elijah, how do you n to deal with this kid?" Brandon found this drama quite entertaining.


    If the hacker were an adult, it wouldn''t be as interesting. Who would''ve thought that the person who


    paralyzed the Bourne Group''swork was just a kid?


    Brandon: "Hahaha! This kid''s got character! I''d love to meet him."


    Elijah: "Keep dreaming!"


    Although Ian did something wrong, he was still an special child.


    Elijah wouldn''t do anything to him and wouldn''t let Brandon disturb him at school.


    "In a while, it''ll be Violette''s birthday. What if she invites us to her birthday party? That way, I could see


    her child!" Brandon said excitedly. "Elijah, do you want to prepare a birthday gift for her in advance?


    Even though you guys are divorced, you had a memorable rtionship. You wouldn''t be stingy enough


    not to send a blessing, right?"


    Elijah narrowed his eyes and asked, "Do you think she would ept my gift?"


    Brandon: "Wasn''t she quite enthusiastic when she invited us to dinner yesterday? Although that''s


    because we have something on her."


    Elijah: "No need..."


    Brandon: "How much would a gift cost? If you''re too embarrassed to send it, I can help you deliver it to


    her. I really want to see her child." Brandon spoke up.


    Elijah pondered for a few seconds andpromised, "What should I give her that''s suitable?"


    "Jewelry, of course! Women love shiny things." Brandon suggested.


    Elijah: "Sending jewelry might not be appropriate. After all, we are divorced."


    Brandon: "If not jewelry, then what? Can you afford to send something too cheap? She''s now a


    billionaire businesswoman!"


    Elijah rubbed his temples, "Fine, let''s send her jewelry!"


    Outside the study, Sarah listened to his voice, feeling extremely jealous. When she had her birthday


    recently, he had his assistant send her a bag worth tens of thousands.


    Now that it was Violette''s birthday, he was going to give Violette expensive jewelry!


    She was his girlfriend! How can he treat her like this?


    She was the only doctor who can save Maka now!


    Her eyes turned red with hatred, and she opened her phone to send a message to her father: Violette


    had two children. Please help me find out where she adopted them in B Country and what the reason


    for adoption was.

 Chapter 218

    Chapter 218


    Silverleaf Ridge.


    Dinner time.


    "Violette, Adrian came to see me this afternoon." Albina''s eyes were full of smiles, "He said he''s going


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    to settle down in the country..."


    Violette looked at her mom''s smiling face and guessed what she was trying to say.


    "Mom, I know you want me to find a man and get married. But please, don''t show this kind of emotion


    in front of others, or people will think I''m easy!" Violette begged, "I''m only in my twenties, still young!


    Now is the time to strive for my career. When I be sessful and famous, I can have any


    handsome guy I want."


    Albina''s smile disappeared: "I''m not rushing you... I really think Adrian is a good match. When you were


    abroad, he took such good care of you! How can you forget his kindness?"


    Violette: "So just because someone is nice to me, I have to give myself to them? Dr. Mitchel is even


    nicer to me!"


    Albina: "...Fine! Keep pretending you don''t see it! Adrian is really a good guy, and if you miss him, you


    may not find another man who treats you so well in the future."


    "Have some faith in me, okay? There will be men attracted to me in the future." Violetteforted her


    mom, "And, have you asked the kids'' opinions? They don''t want a stepdad."


    Violette gave the kids a look.


    Rita obediently expressed her opinion: "Although I don''t want a stepdad, if it''s a man my mom likes, I


    can reluctantly ept him."


    Clearly, her daughter didn''t understand the meaning of her look.


    Violette ced her hopes on her son.


    Ian: "Grandma, let''s eat."


    Albina: "Alright, grandma won''t say anymore. I''m just afraid your mom will regret itter, so I wanted to


    remind her. Since she''s not interested, I won''t bother."


    Violetteughed: "Mom, if you want to y matchmaker, you can help Mike find someone. He''s been


    hanging out at bars every daytely, so he probably wants a girlfriend."


    The next day.


    The Dennis Group.


    Adrian''s arrival was a big surprise to Violette.


    "Adrian, aren''t you taking a day off at home today?" Violette invited him to sit down on the sofa.


    Adrian: "Do you have any coffee here?"


    "You better not drink coffee, or you''ll suffer from insomnia again tonight." Violette poured him a ss of


    water, "How about I take you on a tour of the different departmentster?"


    Adrian nodded: "I came to see you for a reason."


    With that, he handed her a photo.


    She picked it up, full of doubt: "Who is this person?"


    "A patient. He''s been bedridden for three years with a slight consciousness. He''s a little better than a


    vegetable. His parents found Dr. Mitchel half a year ago. Dr. Mitchel took his medical records. But he


    hasn''t had time to give a treatment n before..." Adrian began.


    "Oh... Since the professor promised, you can give me his medical records to take a look!" Violette said.


    "Will it affect your work? After all, yourpany just started and it''s a busy time." Adrian hesitated,


    "How about waiting until you''re less busy?"


    Violette nced at the photo: "Just show me the records. Such a good-looking boy, it''s a pity for him to


    be lying there all the time!"


    Adrian: "I''ll give it to youter. Show me around your business empire!"


    Violette couldn''t help butugh: "Adrian, stop teasing me. When I visited your hospitalst time, I didn''t


    make fun of you like this."


    The two left the office, talking andughing along the way.


    Soon, the news of Violette''s new boyfriend spread throughout the Dennis Group.

 Chapter 219

    Chapter 219


    Noon.


    Brandon showed Elijah a photo of Adrian and Violette together.


    "Violette''s new boyfriend."


    Elijah took a quick nce at the photo, and his eyes suddenly darken. "Isn''t this Dr. Mitchel''s


    assistant?"


    He took Brandon''s phone and zoomed in on the photo.


    "You know this guy?" Brandon asked with interest. "I heard Violette was hanging out with him at the


    Dennis Group for a whole morning. They seemed to be getting along really well and looked super


    close!"


    Elijah handed the phone back to Brandon. "Yeah, I know him."


    "Oh. I think they look pretty good together." Seeing Elijah''s expressionless face, Brandon purposely


    said, "Their vibes kinda match, one being gentle, the other being elegant..."


    Elijah gives him a cold nce. "Can''t you talk without being sarcastic?"


    "I''m innocent! I just saw the jewelry you picked out for Violette, and it seems like you still have feelings


    for her." Brandon teased, "Nes, earrings, bracelets, rings - you think they''re too couple-y to give,


    so you opt for a brooch. But then you choose such a huge diamond... You know what the jewelry


    designer said to me? He said a brooch with a diamond that big could almost stop a bullet if worn right


    over the heart."


    Elijah''s face darkened even more.


    "Is this a birthday gift or a divorce settlement?" Brandon continued to tease. "Do you think Violette


    would dare to ept this gift?"


    "Then I won''t give it." Elijah lost his appetite.


    "That''s not what I meant... I heard from Joey that you gave Sarah a $30,000 bag for her birthday."


    Brandon sighed. "How could you give someone a bag that cheap? Aren''t you afraid she''ll be upset


    when she found out about the huge diamond you''re giving Violette?"


    Elijah: "Joey picked the gift. I didn''t know the price."


    Brandon: "Didn''t you sign the reimbursement form?"


    Elijah: "I didn''t look closely."


    Brandon was speechless.


    "Since you''re not interested in Dr. Sarah at all, you should find a way to break up with her!" Brandon


    suggested. "I don''t believe there isn''t a better doctor in the world than her."


    "That''s what''s been bothering me." Elijah frowned. "As you''ve seen, after Sarah performed surgery on


    Maka, she recovered very well. I''ve consulted other doctors, but they all said they couldn''t help. Yet


    Sarah managed to do it."


    If it weren''t for Sarah''s ability to treat Maka''s illness, Elijah would never have tolerated her threats.


    "Isn''t Violette also a student of Dr. Mitchel?" Brandon wondered.


    "She is indeed Dr. Mitchel''s student. But during her post-grad studies, she founded AN Tech." Elijah


    said, "She''s a businesswoman now."


    Brandon shook his head, sighing regretfully, "It would be great if Violette could save Maka."


    This remark made Elijah''s heart tighten. Godd things never happened to him!


    He had never really been favored by fate since he was born.


    ...


    A weekter.


    Sarah called Violette, asking to meet up.


    "No." Violette refused without hesitation.


    She had already seen how cunning and treacherous Sarah can be from theirst encounter, and she


    won''t give Sarah a second chance to y her games.


    Sarah sneered, "Fine, Violette. Since you won''t see me, let''s talk on the phone! You im your two kids


    are adopted, but I''ve had people check every orphanage in B Country, and there''s no adoption


    information about you. So, your children aren''t adopted at all! They''re clearly your own!"Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.

 Chapter 220

    Chapter 220


    Sarah''s words left Violette dumbfounded.


    "If I''m not mistaken, these two kids should be yours and Elijah''s," Sarah''sughter came through the


    speaker.


    Violette couldn''t help but shiver.


    "Adoption information is not supposed to be leaked!" She clenched her fists, refuting Sarah.


    "Yeah! Normally, adoption info wouldn''t be leaked, but my dad''s no ordinary guy." Sarahughed


    proudly and wildly, "My dad''s connections in B Country prove that you lied! Violette, I heard Elijah hates


    kids and is dead set against having any. If he finds out those two kids are his, I wonder what he''ll do!"


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    "Sarah! Don''t go too far!" Violette snapped angrily.


    "Who''s the one going too far, me or you?! Elijah is my boyfriend now! You''re his ex-wife! You two are


    already divorced! Why do you still want to meddle in our rtionship?" Sarah''s voice was even shriller,


    "I''ll keep your secret, but only if you never see Elijah again!"


    Sarah threatened.


    A woman''s intuition told her that Violette would definitely obey. Those two kids were Violette''s weak


    spot.


    Violette could agree to Sarah''s demands since her life wouldn''t be affected much by seeing or not


    seeing Elijah. But she didn''t want to give in!


    She didn''t do anything wrong, so why should she put up with this?!


    "Sarah, let''s meet up," Violette quickly adjusted her mood, "The same restaurant asst time."


    "Fine!"


    ...


    Half an hourter, the two sat down in the same spots at the restaurant.


    Violette sat down and teased, "Ms. Sarah, no hot water today."


    Sarah''s expression was slightly awkward.


    Violette turned on her phone''s voice recorder and showed it to her, "Wanna turn on your recording


    device? We can record together!"


    So cocky! Sarah had something on her now, how dare she be so arrogant?


    Violette calmly opened the menu, ordered a fruit juice, and a dessert.


    After ordering, she handed the menu to Sarah. Sarah ordered a fruit juice and handed the menu to the


    waiter.


    After the waiter left, Sarah looked at Violette, "Violette, you''re really pathetic. When other women have


    a man''s child, and it''s a bargaining chip to raise their status, but you''re just the opposite."


    "I''m afraid I''m not as pathetic as you. Only someone who sees themselves as a breeding machine


    would have that kind of mindset. I''m not like you. My kids are mine, not for a man, and definitely not a


    bargaining chip to raise my worth." Violette smiled brilliantly, "It''s hard to imagine you''re a highly


    educated woman."


    Sarah was so angry her shoulders trembled, but she didn''t know how to retort.


    "Violette, it seems you''re not afraid of me telling Elijah about this at all." Sarah gritted her teeth, "In that


    case, I''ll make sure your family of four reunites as soon as possible!"


    Violette: "Haha, do you know why I asked you to meet? Because I wanted to see your threatening face,


    which must be really ugly. And it is."


    Sarah wanted to m the table, but her burn fromst time hadn''t healed yet.


    "Sarah, you threatened Elijah into being your boyfriend using Maka''s treatment as an excuse, and it


    worked in an instant. Weren''t you surprised?" Violette watched her face change with various


    expressions at ease, "But you must have nightmares at night, right? After all, you weren''t the one who


    got Maka''s surgery done."


    Sarah''s face turned pale instantly!

 Chapter 221

    Chapter 221


    "Hey, you! You..." Sarah''s face showed an awkward expression, and her brain was buzzing.


    "Actually, I saw the guy who did the surgery on Maka at Mercy Hospital that day too." Violette looked


    at the fear and nervousness on her face, speaking with a stern tone, "If you want to threaten me, you


    better think carefully if you can handle the consequences of being abandoned!"


    At that moment, the juice and snacks were served.


    Violette leisurely started eating her afternoon tea.


    "Violette, I underestimated you!" In just a few short minutes, Sarah was exposed, "We''re even now!


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Let''s pretend nothing happened! I won''t tell Elijah your secret, and I hope you can keep your mouth


    shut too!"


    "Weren''t you pretty confident just now?" Violette mocked her, "You get a little leverage, and you show


    your true colors. How can you do research with this kind of personality? In another ten years, you still


    won''t be able to cure Maka."


    "You don''t have to attack me! Not unless your medical skills surpass mine." Sarah red at her, "Dr.


    Mitchel''s most despised people are those like you who abandon medicine for business!"


    Violette took a sip of juice; the sour and sweet taste was very refreshing.


    "Aren''t you curious about who did the surgery on Maka?" Violette raised her eyes and looked at her


    indifferently, "Do you think lies will never be exposed?"


    "Do you think I didn''t investigate? I just haven''t found out yet... You know the truth, but you won''t tell


    me. You see me and Elijah together, and you''re dying of jealousy..."


    "Sarah, don''t disgust me. If I wanted to break you two up, I''d just call Elijah, and he''d dump you."


    "Don''t threaten me!" Sarah shouted.


    "Doesn''t it feel terrible to be threatened?" Violette took a small bite of cake and said slowly, "The guy


    who did the surgery on Maka was a middle-aged man with short hair and a thin build..."


    Sarah''s eyes widened, "Violette, why are you helping me?!"


    "Because I don''t want to see you anymore." Violette spoke coldly, "Sarah, don''te looking for me


    again. I''m busy and don''t have time to argue with you."


    Sarah: "I understand! Thank you for telling me this important clue!"


    ...


    A week before Violette''s birthday, Brandon pushed open the door to Elijah''s office.


    "Elijah, did you receive Violette''s birthday invitation?"


    "No." Elijah''s eyes were slightly downcast, and there was a hint of sadness in them, "You?"


    "Me neither. If she doesn''t even invite you, there''s no way she''d invite me." Brandon guessed, "I


    suspect she might not be celebrating her birthday."


    "That''s possible."


    Violette had always been low-profile.


    "But you''ve got the gift ready; you have to give it to her." Brandon said, "Why don''t I call the Dennis


    Group and ask?"


    Elijah: "You can ask if you want, no need to report back to me."


    Ten minutester, Brandon came to report to Elijah.


    "Elijah! Violette has gone too far!" Brandon eximed, "She''s nning a grand birthday party! She


    booked thergest banquet hall in Shangri-La Hotel for her celebration! But she didn''t invite us!"


    Elijah''s heart felt like it was stabbed with a knife. Maybe to Violette, he, her ex-husband, was already a


    stranger.


    "She doesn''t invite me; she must have her reasons." Elijah answered calmly, "Have you finished your


    work? Or should I give you more tasks?"


    Brandon immediately turned around and left.


    The office became quiet, but Elijah''s heart couldn''t calm down for a long time.


    Half an hourter, he dialed the number for Shangri-La Hotel¡ª

 Chapter 222

    Chapter 222


    Didn''t Violette book the biggest banquet hall?


    Well, he¡¯d book a smaller one next to it. He wanted to see how grand her big birthday party would be.


    ......


    The weekend.


    People who received birthday invitations all came to thergest banquet hall in Shangri-La Hotel - Hall


    of the Dazzle Stars.


    "Where''s Violette?" Odette asked Mike after entering the hall, "I texted herst night, but she hasn''t


    replied yet."


    Mike shrugged and exined, "She''s been pretty busytely. I don''t know what she''s up to either. But I


    sent her the address a while ago, and she promised she''de."


    Odette: "Is she busy with work stuff?"


    Mike: "Nope! But I don''t know what she''s busy with either. Everyone has their own privacy, and even


    though I''m close to her, I won''t force her to tell me things she doesn''t want me to know."


    Odette: "Since she''s so busy, who''s hosting the birthday party?"


    Mike: "That''d be me!"


    "Who made the guest list?"


    "Me again!"


    Odetteughed and then ran towards the Hall of the Purple Moon next door.


    The Hall of the Purple Moon was much smaller than the Hall of the Dazzle Stars.


    Thanks to Mike, Elijah''s friends were having dinner in the Hall of the Purple Moon today.


    As soon as Odette entered the Hall of the Purple Moon, she squeezed in and sat down next to


    Ramsey.


    "Where''s Elijah? Why hasn''t hee yet? Didn''t you guys say Violette didn''t invite him, and he''s


    pissed?" Odette excitedly grabbed Ramsey''s wine ss and took a sip.


    "He said he was stuck in traffic half an hour ago." Brandon looked at Odette and asked, "Violette hasn''t


    arrived yet, right?"


    "Nope! Mike said she''s been really busytely. She doesn''t even have time to host a birthday party, and


    the guests were invited by Mike. He doesn''t get along with you guys, so of course he wouldn''t invite


    you!"


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    "I see! That Mike, what a petty guy!" Brandon sneered, "Our Joey didn''t even confront him, and he''s


    already holding a grudge against us!"


    Odette and Brandon''s words greatly stimted Joey, who felt likeshe had dragged Elijah down. If it


    weren''t for his strained rtionship with Mike, maybe he would''ve invited Elijah.


    Five minutester, Joey silently left the Hall of the Purple Moon and walked towards the Hall of the


    Dazzle Stars next door.


    Mike was standing at the entrance of the Hall of the Dazzle Stars, greeting guests.


    So the moment Joey appeared, Mike saw him right away.


    "Come out! We need to talk!" Joey pushed his sses up on her nose.


    Mike sneered and walked out boldly.


    The two walked to the deserted end of the hallway.


    "Why didn''t you invite my boss to Violette''s birthday party?!" Joey questioned, "Even if we have a


    grudge, does my boss have one with you too? By what right do you make this decision for Violette?!"


    Mike crossed his arms: "Why should I invite your boss? They''re divorced, and I''m sure you, a top


    student, know what that means, right?"


    "Of course I know what divorce means! Divorce doesn''t mean bing enemies!" Joey angrily


    retorted, "You''re clearly doing this out of spite! You can take your revenge on me, but not on my boss!"


    "What does your boss have to do with me not inviting him? Are you deliberately picking a fight? Do you


    want to fight? Come on! I''m not afraid of you..."


    Before he could finish his taunt, Joey threw a punch at him. Mike quickly dodged, avoiding it smoothly!


    The two immediately got tangled up in a fight.


    Hall of the Dazzle Stars.


    Albina called Violette, and at first she could get through, but now when she called her again, it was


    turned off.


    "She wouldn''t just turn off her phone like that." Albina was worried, "Did something happen to her?"


    Upon hearing this, Adrian dialed Violette''s number, and indeed, it was turned off.


    "Auntie, don''t worry, I''ll go find her!"


    Adrian strode out of the banquet hall.

 Chapter 223

    Chapter 223


    Seeing a fight not far away, he quickly ran over.


    Turned out, things weren''t that simple.


    Mike had been beaten up by two guys.


    One of them was Violette''s ex-husband, Elijah.


    Adrian immediately pulled Mike to his side and confronted Elijah, "Why''d you hit Mike?"


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Elijah hade over just three minutes earlier. He saw Mike on top of Joey, beating him, and


    immediately kicked Mike to the ground.


    "Adrian, he hit my assistant!" Elijah dusted himself off and exined, "My assistant''s pretty weak; he


    can''t take a beating."


    Adrian saw Joey''s broken sses and shot Mike a dirty look.


    "Violette''s phone is off, not sure if something''s wrong," Adrian said to Mike, "I''m going to look for her


    now. You either go to the banquet hall and take care of the guests ore with me."


    Mike swallowed his anger, "I''ll go with you!"


    Elijah strode over and blocked their way, "What''s wrong with Violette?!"


    Adrian: "Mr. Bourne, we''re not sure what''s going on either. I called her this morning, and she said she''d


    be here by six. But it''s almost seven now, and she''s not here."


    "Is she not at home on weekends?" Elijah worried.


    Adrian: "She''s not at home. Mr. Bourne, we''ll go find her first. If you want to know more, let''s talk after


    we find her."


    With that, they hurried away.


    Elijah watched them leave and headed for another elevator.


    Joey followed him, exining, "This birthday party for Ms. Dennis was organized by Mike. The guests


    were also invited by him. It wasn''t Ms. Dennis''s idea."


    Elijah frowned, "Didn''t she check the guest list?"


    Joey: "I heard she''s been busytely. They don''t even know what she''s been up to."


    Elijah nced at him, "You don''t have to follow me. Go get a new pair of sses."


    Joey: "Alright."


    "When you''re clearly outmatched, you should use your brain. You''re usually rational, what happened


    tonight?" Elijah asked, puzzled by his disheveled appearance.


    Joey lowered his head, "He probably didn''t invite you because of our past issues."


    "You''re overthinking it. Even if you hadn''t had issues with him, he still wouldn''t have invited me," Elijah


    said calmly, "Don''t be so impulsive next time."


    "I understand."


    After leaving the hotel, Elijah got in the car.


    The bodyguard asked, "Boss, where to?"


    "I''ll make a call first."


    Elijah called the phonepany to inquire about thest known location of Violette''s phone before it


    was turned off.


    Soon, Elijah got a general area.


    "Head to Silverleaf Bay."


    Her phone wasst located near Silverleaf Bay.


    As they approached Silverleaf Bay, Elijah told the bodyguard to slow down. On the bustling street, he


    spotted a white Range Rover parked by the roadside.


    That seemed to be Violette''s car!


    "Pull over!" Elijahmanded sharply, and the bodyguard immediately pulled over.


    Elijah got out and strode toward the white Range Rover.


    The early autumn wind carried a hint of chill.


    He walked up to her car and saw her slumped over the steering wheel, seemingly passed out!


    "Violette!" His eyes filled with rage, he roared her name and yanked the car door open!

 Chapter 224

    Chapter 224


    Her car door was locked!


    He was only separated from her by a ss door, but he couldn''t touch her.


    The bodyguard smashed the front windshield with a fire hammer and then jumped into the car.


    Once inside, the bodyguard unlocked the central lock.


    Elijah pulled the car door open and carried Violette out of the car.


    She didn''t have any obvious injuries, but her breathing was super weak!


    Violette seemed to be in aa. Otherwise, she should have woken up when the bodyguard smashed


    the windshield earlier.


    At the hospital.


    After examining Violette, the doctor said, "She''s in aa because of ack of oxygen. But you guys


    brought her in just in time, so there''s no big problem. Let her rest, and she''ll be fine when she wakes


    up."


    Elijah: "Why was shecking oxygen? Is her blood test really okay?"


    "Her blood test shows that her various data are pretty good... except for her low blood sugar, there''s no


    big problem." The doctor nced at her test results and handed them to Elijah.


    "Why is she still in aa? When will she wake up? Does she really not need to be hospitalized?"


    Elijah looked at her haggard face, feeling that the problem wasn''t that simple.


    She had no external injuries but was unconscious in the car, and the car door was locked.


    This meant... she probably had internal injuries.


    Doctor: "Mr. Bourne, she must be too tired and sleeping too deeply, that''s why she hasn''t woken up."


    To convince him, the doctor continued, "Look at her dark circles and the red bloodshot eyes."


    As he spoke, the doctor lifted Violette''s eyelid for Elijah to see.


    Elijah sighed in relief after seeing the red bloodshot eyes. He imagined her driving while sleepy, finally


    falling asleep on the steering wheel.


    What had she been doingtely? Hadn''t she been sleeping? Otherwise, how could she be so tired that


    she locked herself in the car?


    If he hadn''t found her, if it had been a littleter, she would have been in great danger due tock of


    oxygen.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    An hourter, Elijah brought Violette home and called Albina to reassure her.


    "Why did you take my daughter to your house?" Albina was very angry.


    Elijah: "The doctor said she doesn''t need to be hospitalized, so I took her home to rest."


    "You know where my house is, why didn''t you bring my daughter to my house?" Albina wanted to pick


    up her daughter, but Rita and Ian needed her care.


    She couldn''t just bring the two kids to the Bourne family; it would be too dangerous.


    "If you knew what happened, you probably wouldn''t me me." Elijah deliberately brought Violette to


    his house.


    He wanted to know why she was so tired.


    Albina, listening to his voice, her heart skipped a few beats: "What do you mean? What happened to


    Violette? Did something happen to her?!"


    "She''s fine for now. She''s sleeping deeply, and when she wakes up, she''ll go back on her own." Elijah


    said, "If you''re worried about her, you can bring both kids over. I don''t mind."


    Albina: "......I''ll have Adrian go over."


    ......


    An hourter, Adrian arrived at the Bourne family.


    "You mean she fell asleep while driving?" Adrian asked incredulously, "She locked herself in the car?!"


    Elijah looked at him coldly: "Adrian, what''s the rtionship between you and Violette?"

 Chapter 225

    Chapter 225


    "Just friends," Adrian said.


    "Dr. Mitchel has so many female students, and you aren¡¯t that close to Sarah, are you?" Elijah joked.


    "Do you have a crush on Violette?"


    Adrian felt his strong hostility.


    "Can''t Violette start a new rtionship?" Adrian asked with a smile. "Mr. Bourne, you''re with Sarah, has


    Violette ever said anything?"


    Elijah replied coldly, "There''s one thing I find strange. After Dr. Mitchel passed away, I asked you to find


    out who that student he mentioned was, but you only gave me a list. Why didn''t you just tell me it was


    Sarah? Sarah said she knows you. You should know her too, right?"


    Adrian suddenly felt that Elijah was a bit smart.


    "Of course I know her. But she graduated years ago, and I can''t say for sure how good her medical


    skills are now. So I gave you the list and let you find her yourself."


    Elijah wasn''t fooled by his answer.


    "Didn''t Dr. Mitchel ever mention her to you? Dr. Mitchel didn''t dare to operate on Maka, but he said


    he had a student who could. So Dr. Mitchel must be very satisfied with this student... There''s no way he


    never mentioned such a talented student to you."


    Adrian was at a loss for words. In his panic, he took a sip of water from his cup.


    "Adrian, I think you deliberately didn''t tell me," Elijah saw his guilty conscience. "Is it because of


    Violette that you deceived me?"


    "It has nothing to do with Violette," Adrian exined immediately. "Dr. Mitchel didn''t tell me everything.


    He never mentioned anything about the matter you entrusted to him. So I had no idea about what was


    going on between you two. I''m a cautious person by nature, even if I knew Sarah was amazing, I


    wouldn''t dare to tell you ''she''s the one you''re looking for.''"


    Elijah looked at him silently.


    "Like how I like Violette, but I won''t say it," Adrian confessed his feelings to increase credibility.


    "Because I know she only sees me as a big brother."


    The coldness in Elijah''s eyes disappeared in an instant.


    "It''ste, you should go back! She''ll contact you guys when she wakes up," Elijah dismissed him.


    After Adrian left, Elijah strode towards the master bedroom.


    The door was open, and Maka was sitting on the edge of the bed, staring at Violette.


    Elijah walked up to Maka and looked into her innocent, curious eyes.


    "Maka, do you like her?" Elijah asked softly.


    Maka would instinctively hide from strangers, even when she saw Sarah. But she came to see


    Violette on her own initiative.


    "Yeah, I like her!" Maka thought of the gentle care she received when she had a fever that day, and


    her heart felt warm.


    "Why do you like her?" Elijah nced at Violette and guessed, "Is it because she''s beautiful?"


    "Brother, she''s prettier than Dr. Sarah," Maka grabbed Elijah''s hand and looked at him earnestly.


    "Don''t you think?"


    Elijah gave a bitter smile, "You''re right."


    "Elijah, why aren''t you with Violette?" Maka mumbled softly.


    It was as if Elijah was some kind of a fool.


    She knew Violette was prettier than Sarah, and wasn¡¯t he also aware of that? The question made


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Elijah''s heart ache.


    Maka had been recovering exceptionally well since herst surgery. If she continued treatment, he


    believed she would soon be able to live a normal life. So, he couldn''t break up with Sarah before


    finding a doctor who could continue treating Maka.


    "Maka, this is between her and me. All you need to do is be happy every day," Elijah stroked her soft


    hair, hiding his bitterness deep within.


    "Brother, are you happy?" Maka looked up at her brother''s handsome face, her eyebrows slightly


    furrowed. "You don''t seem happy at all."


    Violette faintly heard the conversation. She wanted to open her eyes and see who was talking next to


    her.

 Chapter 226

    Chapter 226


    After a few struggles, she still didn''t open her eyes.


    But she heard Elijah''s voice.


    However, whose female voice was that?


    Such a strange voice calling for Elijah brother...


    Was Elijah flirting with a woman?


    She was sleeping so soundly, and he was actually flirting with another woman next to her bed. He had


    gone too far!


    If she could wake up from her dream now, she would definitely kick them out!


    Violette fell asleep again in a daze.


    Elijah took Maka''s hand and led her to rest.


    After putting Maka to sleep, he returned to the bedroom.


    Violette turned over and still slept heavily, so


    Elijah went into the bathroom and took a shower.


    ...


    Sarah heard that Elijah had taken Violette home for the night and was very angry.


    Who exactly was his girlfriend?


    She was very clear that he promised to be her boyfriend to let her treat Maka''s illness.


    But even so, he should at least keep up appearances!


    What was the deal with bringing Violette home for the night!


    The shame of identally sleeping with Kalebst time disappeared.


    She couldn''t help but think that even if Elijah knew she had slept with Kaleb, he probably wouldn''t be


    angry.


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    She opened a bottle of wine and carried it back to her room.


    The next day.


    Adrian came to the Bourne family early in the morning to check on Violette''s situation.


    Elijah, wearing loose home clothes, greeted him with an unhappy face.


    "Mr. Bourne, Auntie sent me. Violette didn''t go home, and she''s very worried." Adrian knew it was rude


    to disturb them so early in the morning, b


    ut he couldn''t refuse Albina''s request.


    Elijah took him to the bedroom.


    Adrian was worried about Violette''s safety at first, but seeing her almost taking up the entire bed,


    leaving no room for Elijah, he was relieved.


    "Mr. Bourne, sorry for the disturbance." Adrian said politely and left the room.


    Elijah turned and went into the guest room to continue his rest.


    It was only 7 a.m.!


    He didn''t sleep until two in the morningst night, so he was in a bad mood.


    Adrian left the Bourne family and called Albina.


    "Violette is sleeping soundly. Elijah is sleeping in another room." Adrian said, "Auntie, don''t worry,


    Violette is safe. When she wakes up, she''ll definitely go home."


    Albina sighed with relief: "Thank you, Adrian. It''s great to have you. Otherwise, I don''t know how I''d


    manage with two kids."


    Adrian said, "If Violette hasn''t returned home by noon, I''ll go check again."


    "Alright! Thank you so much!"


    "Don''t mention it. It''s partly my responsibility that Violette is working so hard." Adrian apologized, "If I


    hadn''t offered her this job, she wouldn''t be so exhausted."


    Albina said, "You can''t say that. Without Dr. Mitchel, our Violette wouldn''t have grown so fast. Saving


    people is her duty. It''s a bit hard, but you shouldn¡¯t me yourself."


    After hanging up the phone, Albina felt much better.


    "Ian, Grandma is going to buy groceries. You and your sister stay at home for a while, okay?" Albina


    said to Ian.


    Ian nodded.


    After Albina left the house, the two children immediately started their n.


    Rita put on her little backpack, and Ian took his notebook from his mother''s room.


    "Big brother, let''s tell grandma! Otherwise, she will definitely worry." Rita pulled her brother''s clothes


    and blinked her big eyes.

 Chapter 227

    Chapter 227


    Ian said with a serious expression: "If we tell Grandma, she won''t let us go look for our mom."


    Rita was a bit torn: "Then let''s just go find Mom! What if that jerk dad is bullying her?"


    Ian quickly thought and made a decision: "I''ll go alone, you stay at home. If Grandmaes back, just


    make up an excuse."


    With that, Ian went out alone.


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Watching the door close, Rita burst into tears.


    How could she let her brother go find that jerk dad alone?


    What if her brother got caught by the jerk dad?


    She can''t lose her brother!


    Crying, she ran to knock on Mike''s door.


    After opening the door, she ran to the messy bed, grabbed Mike''s arm, and cried her eyes out: "Uncle


    Mike, wake up! My brother''s gone! He left alone... he didn''t take me with him..."


    The Bourne family.


    A servant came out of the kitchen, puzzled: "Why is there a power outage?"


    "We didn''t receive any notice. I''ll turn on the backup power," Lacey said.


    After the backup power was connected, everything returned to normal.


    About ten minutester, the backup power also stopped.


    Elijah came down the stairs quickly, and Lacey immediately reported the situation to him: "There''s a


    power outage at home. The backup power has also failed. I''ve called someone to fix it. But I called the


    powerpany, and they said there''s no power outage in our area."


    Elijah didn''t say anything


    ; he just walked towards the door.


    A bodyguard came over.


    "Boss, today''s power outage is a bit strange. I''ve already dispatched more people toe."


    Elijah nodded and continued to walk towards the gate.


    The bodyguard didn''t know what he was going to do and just followed him.


    Outside the gate, Elijah pointed to a small figure not far away and ordered the bodyguard: "Go catch


    him."


    The bodyguard had already noticed Ian, but since he was such a small child, he didn''t pay much


    attention.


    "Boss, do you mean to catch that little boy?" the bodyguard asked puzzledly.


    Ian heard their voices, but instead of running away, he walked over on his own.


    Elijah coldly looked at the child.


    Although he had changed his clothes and hat, his brim still covering his face, making it hard to see his


    features clearly, Elijah recognized him at a nce.


    The power outage today was definitely his doing


    ; the house''swork must have been hacked by him too.


    And he came here for Violette.


    Ian quickly came to them.


    As he passed Elijah, Ian identally stepped on Elijah''s foot.


    Elijah was speechless.


    The bodyguard looked at Ian in shock as he entered the vi nonchntly. He immediately crouched


    down to wipe the dust off Elijah''s slipper.


    "Boss, this kid is really ill-mannered! He looks like a child with no one to discipline him!" the bodyguard


    angrily said, "Maybe he''s an orphan! Don''t bother with him, I''ll go drive him away right now."


    Elijah coldly said: "You guessed right, he is indeed an orphan."


    With that, he strode into the yard.


    Ian had already entered the living room, and several servants curiously looked at him.


    Ian shouted loudly in the direction of the staircase: "Violette! I''m here to see you!"


    Lacey quickly remembered him.


    "You''re Ian, right?" Lacey crouched down. After she confirmed it was him, she immediately pulled him


    to sit on the sofa, "Your mom is still sleeping! She''lle down when she wakes up."


    Elijah walked into the living room and saw Lacey piling fruits and snacks in front of Ian like she was


    serving a guest.


    Elijah reached out with his long arm, grabbed his backpack, and took out a notebook: "Did you stop my


    house''s power?! Restore it right now! Or else..."


    Hearing this, Ian raised his head and looked at him challengingly.


    Elijah stared at his face, suddenly froze, and his heart skipped a beat!

 Chapter 228

    Chapter 228


    This kid''s face, every time he saw it, it felt so familiar to him!


    It was like seeing his younger self through time and space!


    Ian red at him and looked away.


    Lacey asked Ian in a panic, "Ian, did you really cause the power outage here? How did you do it? Is


    thisptop yours? You know how to use aputer at such a young age?"


    Ian silently put hisptop back into his backpack.


    He put on his backpack, went to the stairway, and sat down, waiting for Violette toe out.


    Lacey nced at Elijah, whose eyes were filled with anger.


    If Ian weren''t a kid, he''d probably be in big trouble by now.


    About half an hourter, a bodyguard from outside reported, "Boss, there''s a mysterious person who''s


    been watching us. Should we catch him and ask him some questions?"


    Elijah immediately thought of Mike, and h


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    e quickly walked towards the gate.


    Before he even reached the gate, he saw Mike''s blonde hair.


    "Violette! Are you being held captive? If so, just shout, and I''ll call the police!" Mike yelled in Elijah''s


    direction.


    Elijah''s face darkened instantly.


    Mike got beaten upst night, yet still dared to cause trouble!


    "Grab him!" Elijah said, annoyed by his swaggering around.


    Two bodyguards immediately grabbed his arms.


    "What are you doing? I didn''t break anyws; why are you arresting me? Is there now anymore? I''m


    going to call the police! I''m calling the police right now!" Mike shouted as the bodyguards led him to the


    living room.


    Ian looked at Mike, surprise shing in his eyes.


    Mike gave him a wink, then struggled free from the bodyguards'' grip and wandered around the living


    room.


    The two bodyguards followed closely behind him.


    "Elijah, is this your fancy mansion? Did the decorators scam you?" Mike mocked, "It''s not even as good


    as Violette''s house!"


    Elijah sat on the sofa, drinking tea, and ignoring him.


    This guy probably wasn''t here to find Violette but to cause trouble.


    After all, he got beaten upst night, so it was normal for him to be upset.


    Mike pressed a switch on the wall, but the light didn''te on.


    Mike got excited immediately.


    "Your house doesn''t have electricity? No wonder it''s so hot! Elijah, aren''t you hot wearing that huge


    robe? Call your electrician... Oh, I mean your technician, and tell them to fix it ASAP!" Mike''sughter


    was harsh, his smile even more so.


    Elijah''s fingers clenched, his face darkening.


    Just as he was about to teach Mike a lesson, the chandelier above his head suddenly made a "click"


    sound and turned on.


    The electricity was finally back!


    The temperature control system started, and the room quickly became cool andfortable.


    Mike stared at the chandelier for two seconds, then sighed, "Elijah, let''s have apetition! I wasn''t


    convinced when you beat mest night! Let''s have a fair and square match now. If I win, you let me


    punch you!"


    Elijah raised his eyebrows, "And if you lose?"


    "If I lose, I''ll take Ian away!"


    Was this guy out of his mind?


    His bet held no appeal for Elijah, so he wouldn''tpete with him.


    At this point, Ian said coldly, "Elijah! Are you afraid of losing?" His childish voice was filled with disdain


    and mockery.


    Even though he knew it was a provocation, Elijah changed his mind.


    He asked Mike, "What do wepete in?"


    "I see there''s a tennis court outside. Let''s y tennis."


    Elijah: "Fine."


    ...


    Elijah changed his clothes and went to the tennis court with Mike.


    Everyone, except for the gatekeeper and Lacey, went to the tennis court to cheer for Elijah!


    Rita sneaked into the vi''s living room, bending her waist.

 Chapter 229

    Chapter 229


    She was nning to go downstairs to find her mom, but suddenly there came a burst of footsteps from


    the kitchen!


    Rita got so freaked out that she didn''t dare to breathe, and she bolted towards the stairs.


    Forced to go up to the second floor, she leaned against the wall, gasping for air.


    At that moment, the footsteps got closer!


    That person wasing upstairs!


    Rita hurriedly ran to find a hiding ce.


    In a moment, Lacey appeared on the second floor, heading for the master bedroom.


    Lacey came to check on Violette.


    She was worried about Elijah and Mike''spetition.


    After all, Elijah had been in a car ident before, and although he had recovered, the doctor warned


    him not to engage in intense exercise.


    Lacey didn''t want to see Elijah lose and get punched by Mike, s


    o she had to find Violette.


    Opening the door, Lacey walked to the bedside.


    Looking at Violette''s sleeping face, she couldn''t bear to wake her up, but only Violette could persuade


    Elijah to stop thepetition.


    "Violette," Lacey began, patting Violette''s shoulder at the same time, "Violette!"


    Violette frowned at the sound of her name.


    "Violette, wake up," Lacey raised her voice.


    Violette slowly opened her eyes, her sleepy gazending on Lacey.


    "Violette, get up. Mike and Elijah arepeting on the tennis court, hurry up and stop them! You know


    his leg isn''t good," Lacey said, helping Violette sit up.


    Violette rubbed her eyes, puzzled, "You said Mike and Elijah are on the tennis court?"


    "Yeah!" Lacey told her what had happened.


    Violette looked around the room nkly, breaking out into a cold sweat, "How did I end up here?!"


    Lacey hesitated for a moment and then told her the truth, "You locked yourself in the car and fell asleep


    yesterday. If it wasn''t for Elijah finding you and taking you to the hospital in time, the consequences


    would have been unimaginable. Violette,e with me to the tennis court first!"


    ...


    The tennis match was stopped due to Violette''s appearance.


    Violette''s eyes swept over Mike and Ian''s faces, finallynding on Elijah''s, "Thank you forst night!"


    "No need to thank me. You should get checked out at the hospital again!" Elijah looked at her clean


    face, his emotions calming down, "Last night, yourplete blood count showed several values that


    were lower than normal."


    "Alright." Violette felt a bit sleepy, but otherwise okay.


    Mike grabbed her arm, his attitude firm, "I''ll take you to the hospital for a check-up!"


    As they left, Violette couldn''t help but give Elijah an extra nce.


    Yesterday, after she finished her work, she was exhausted, but Mike called her to the hotel, saying he


    had a birthday surprise for her.


    She declined, but Mike insisted.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    She had no choice but to drive to the hotel.


    As a result, she got too sleepy on the way, and before falling asleep, she hit the brakes and pulled over


    the car on the side of the road.


    She wanted to go home to sleep, wanted to call someone for help, but she couldn''t move.


    So she just fell asleep in the car.


    Thinking back on it now, she broke out in a cold sweat.


    If no one had found her, she might not be alive anymore.


    Elijah returned to the living room, and Lacey brought the soup to him.


    Elijah took the soup bowl, drank it all, and went back to his room to rest.


    At three in the afternoon, a heart-wrenching wail echoed throughout the entire vi!


    Elijah was awakened by this childish yet loud cry.


    It sounded like a child''s cry!


    But wasn''t Ian already gone?


    Could it be...

 Chapter 230

    Chapter 230


    No way, there was another kid at home?!


    Elijah gasped!


    He came out of the room and saw Rita crying loudly by the stairs!


    It was Violette''s daughter!


    When did her daughtere over?


    He didn''t know at all!


    Was the most advanced security system in this house just for show to them?


    Oh, he suddenly remembered that the homework system was just repaired two hours ago.


    Rita was wearing a rabbit-shaped children''s backpack, holding a rabbit doll in one hand and carefully


    holding the stair railing with the other while sobbing.


    Elijah followed her, and she didn''t notice.


    The housemaids stood at the first-floor staircase with shocked expressions, looking at the little girl who


    appeared out of nowhere!


    "No... my mom must have left... I cried so loudly... she didn''te to find me... No!"


    R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    Rita''s crying sounded like a train starting up; it¡¯s i


    n bursts, very rhythmic.


    "Are you Violette''s daughter?" Lacey walked to Rita and carried her downstairs.


    Rita''s eyes were red: "Did my mom and brother leave?"


    "Yeah! They left hours ago. When did youe? Howe we didn''t see youe in?" Lacey sat


    Rita down on the sofa and wiped her tears with a tissue.


    This little girl was really pretty, looking a lot like Violette.


    Clearly she was Violette''s biological daughter.


    But


    Lacey didn''t dare to ask about the child''s father...


    .


    Elijah must have figured it out already.


    "I came in when nobody was around... I''ve been here for a long time... I came to find my mom! I miss


    her so much..." Rita sniffed pitifully, "Why didn''t they call me when they left? Uncle Mike knew I was


    here..."


    Elijah walked to Rita and looked at her little face.


    "I don''t want you to look at me!" Rita nced at Elijah with disgust.


    Elijah''s mood suddenly darkened.


    She sneaked into his house and acted so righteous!


    This was Violette''s well-taught daughter!


    At this moment, Maka came out of her room.


    Seeing Rita, Maka happily walked over.


    Maka remembered Rita but not her name.


    She walked over and reached out to Rita


    , who ooked up at Maka, frowned, and red at her.


    That wasn''t enough. Rita raised her little chin and snorted coldly at her.


    Seeing Rita do this, Maka didn''t back off. Instead, she held Rita''s little hand even tighter.


    Elijah had a headache.


    Why on earth did Maka like Violette and her two kids so much?!


    Had they met before? Were they close?


    Otherwise, why would they hold hands when they met?


    But if they had met, when was that?


    Elijah had no clue!


    "Get away!" Rita shook off Maka''s hand and said with disgust, "I won''t y with you!"


    Maka was stunned and then her eyes welled up with tears.


    Elijah was pissed.


    Violette''s two kids were not only impolite but also very fierce!


    What the hell was wrong with them?!


    "Rita! Look closely, whose house is this?!" Elijah scolded her, "Didn''t your mom teach you to knock


    before entering someone else''s house? And also..."

 Chapter 231

    Chapter 231


    "You''re so mean when you talk! My mom definitely taught me to knock before entering someone''s


    house! But she didn''t say I had to knock before entering a bad guy''s house!" Rita red with her big,


    bright eyes, her voice even louder than his.


    It was as if they werepeting to see whose voice was louder and stronger.


    Elijah Bourne gritted his teeth: A bad guy?


    Who taught her that?


    "I don''t even want to be in your house! I''m leaving now!" Rita huffed, got off the sofa, hugged her bunny


    doll and walked toward the door!


    Hospital.


    After a series of routine checks, Violette Dennis asked Mike for his phone to call Albina.


    Her phone had run out of battery, and s


    he needed to call her mom to let her know she was okay.


    Mike took out his phone and handed it to her.


    The call was quickly connected.


    Violette smiled and said, "Mom, it''s Violette. I''m fine. I was just really tired yesterday and fell asleep.


    Don''t worry, I''m with Mike and Ian now, and we''ll be home soon."


    Albina: "That''s good. I''ll start cooking."


    Violette: "Um, Mom, where''s Rita? I miss her so much, and I want to hear her voice."


    Albina was shocked, "Mike took Rita to find you! Is Rita not with you guys?!"


    Violette''s face changed, her fingers tightened on the phone, and her emotions copsed in an instant.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Before she could freak out, Mike suddenly pped his forehead: "I forgot about Rita! She must still be


    at Elijah''s house! I''ll go pick her up right now!"


    Without a second thought, Violette wanted to go with him.


    "Wait for the test results here!" Mike said.


    "You and Ian stay here! I''ll go get Rita by myself!" Violette''s tone left no room for argument. "I''ll take


    your phone for now! I''ll meet up with you guys after I pick up Rita!"


    Upon leaving the hospital, Violette hailed a cab on the roadside.


    Once in the car, she used Mike''s phone to call Elijah.


    Hopefully, Rita was at Elijah''s house and not somewhere else! Otherwise, it would be too dangerous!


    The Bourne family.


    Elijah held onto the sulking Rita, not letting her go.


    Rita got angry when he held her!


    "Let go of me! You bad man! You''ve held other women, don''t hold me!" Rita yelled with a frown, her


    little fists pounding him randomly!


    Maka felt sorry for her brother but didn''t dare touch Rita, so she stood by with red eyes, watching.


    At this moment, Elijah''s phone on the table rang.


    Lacey immediately brought his phone to him.


    Elijah held Rita with one hand and answered the phone with the other.


    "Elijah, it''s Violette, is my daughter with you?" Her voice was very anxious. "I''m sorry for causing you so


    much trouble."


    Rita faintly heard her mom''s voice and immediately snatched Elijah''s phone: "Mom! Is that you?! I''m


    Rita!"


    Violette''s eyes reddened when she heard Rita''s voice.


    "Rita! I''m so sorry! I didn''t know you were here, and I forgot to take you with us. Mommy wille get


    you right away, don''t be afraid..."


    "I''m not scared! I knew you''de get me."


    After the call, Rita gave the phone back to Elijah.


    Her shining eyes stared unblinkingly at his pale, slender neck, her little mouth pouting, "Which side of


    your neck did my brother bitest time?"


    Elijah pointed out the location to her.


    "Oh... there''s still a bite mark!" Rita said, and her little mouth leaned toward the unharmed side of his


    neck to bite!


    Elijah was speechless.


    He thought she asked this question because she wanted to apologize for her brother, b


    ut it turned out like this!


    Elijah couldn''t take it anymore. Even if this child was Violette''s biological daughter, she was too


    mischievous!


    He had to give her a good beating right now!

 Chapter 232

    Chapter 232


    Half an hourter.


    Violette rushed to the Bourne family''s ce, and


    went straight into the living room.


    However, there was no one there.


    Violette was a bit puzzled.


    "Rita!" she called out.


    R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    In no time, Rita''s voice came from nearby: "Mom! I''m here! Come save me! The bad man wants to hit


    me!"


    Violette followed the sound.


    In the dining room,


    Rita was hiding under the table, looking terrified.


    She rxed only after she saw Violette.


    "Rita! Why are you hiding under the table? Get out of there!" Violette walked to the table, squatted


    down, and pulled her daughter out.


    Rita threw herself into Violette''s arms, her eyes red, andined, "Mom, he wants to hit me! I was


    so scared... so I hid! Luckily I ran fast and he didn''t catch up... If he had caught up, he would have


    beaten me to death!"


    Violette, of course, didn''t believe her daughter.


    How could Elijah hit a child?


    He didn''t even know Rita was his daughter.


    "Rita, he won''t hit you," Violetteforted her.


    Elijah: "I did want to hit her just now."


    Violette suddenly looked up, staring into his cold eyes.


    He was wearing a gray bathrobe, and there was a conspicuous crimson bite mark on his neck.


    "Rita, why did you bite Uncle Elijah?" Violette saw his anger and knew she had to give him an


    exnation.


    Thest time Ian bit him, it was because he had taken Ian home without permission.


    But this time, Rita hade to his house on her own.


    Rita rubbed her red eyes and said with a pout, "He hugged me! I didn''t want him to... but he insisted... I


    was so mad!"


    "Oh, even so, you can''t bite people!" Violette scolded her daughter, "Look, you bit Uncle Elijah''s neck


    and made it bleed. Quickly apologize to him."


    Rita puffed her cheeks and stubbornly said, "I''m not apologizing to him! If I do, my brother willugh at


    me when I go back."


    Violette was at a loss with her daughter.


    "Violette, let''s talk alone," Elijah said with a solemn face and a low voice.


    Violette handed Rita to Lacey and then followed him out of the dining room.


    As soon as they left the room, Elijah questioned her, "How do you usually educate your children? They


    both hate me to the bone, you know?"


    Violette shook her head nkly, "I haven''t said bad things about you to them."


    "Then it must be Mike," Elijahined, "Both of your kids bit me on the neck, do you want to take a


    bite too?"


    Violette blushed and apologized, "I''ll go get the first aid kit."


    Elijah strode to the sofa and sat down.


    Violette came over with the first aid kit.


    He tilted his head back slightly, revealing his slender neck and sexy corbone.


    As she treated his wound, she tried to make conversation, "Did you also go to my birthday party


    yesterday?"


    "No," Elijah''s eyes were deep and full of resentment, "I was not invited."


    Violette was taken aback, "Oh... maybe Mike thought we were divorced..."


    "Didn''t you see the guest list?" He was still bothered by this.


    "No. I only found out yesterday that Mike threw me a big birthday party."

 Chapter 233

    Chapter 233


    "What have you been up totely?" He stared at her, his gaze burning.


    Violette finished treating his wound and turned to put away the medical kit.


    Her answer was nonchnt: "Busy with work stuff."


    "You''re lying. If you''re busy with work, why aren''t you at thepany?" Elijah sat up straight and


    grabbed her arm, "You''ve been giving me a weird vibetely. I don''t get you."


    Violette: "What do you want to understand about me? Elijah, I''m grateful that you saved mest night,


    and I can treat you to a meal..."


    Elijah let go of her arm, surprised: "I didn''t save you for your gratitude. Take your daughter and go! And


    that bastard son of yours, he attacked mywork at my doorstep today. If you don''t discipline him, I


    won''t mind teaching him a lesson!"


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Violette apologized awkwardly: "I''m sorry. I''ll tell him not to do that when I get home. I promise it won''t


    happen again."


    Violette put the medical kit back in its ce and picked up Rita, ready to leave.


    "Violette!" Elijah strode to her and handed her a box, "Happy birthday."


    Violette looked down at the box he handed her, not knowing what was inside, but sensing it was


    valuable.


    "Elijah, thank you..."


    ''For your blessings, but I don''t need the gift.''


    She didn''t have time to say that, b


    ecause Rita had already epted the gift.


    Violette was speechless.


    Elijah secretly breathed a sigh of relief, thinking she would refuse.


    "Mom, let''s go home! I miss my brother and grandma so much..." Rita snuggled up to Violette''s


    shoulder, her voice soft and cajoling.


    "Alright, we''ll go home right away." Violette looked up at Elijah, her thoughts in disarray, "Goodbye."


    Elijah watched them leave.


    If her children could be as well-behaved in front of him as they were in front of her, he might consider


    them as his own.


    Silverleaf Ridge.


    Albina had been waiting anxiously for the two children and Violette to return.


    "Violette, don''t drive when you''re tired anymore! It''s too dangerous!" Albina said with red eyes.


    "Mom, I know. It smells so good! Did you make my favorite dish?" Violette headed for the kitchen.


    Mike was also hungry, so he washed his hands and sat down in the dining room.


    Rita, on the other hand, took her brother to their room.


    "Brother, do you know how awesome I was today?" Rita said excitedly, "I got something from a bad


    man."


    Rita put her backpack down, unzipped it, and pulled out a dark red box.


    Ian looked at the box, puzzled: "What is this?"


    Rita shook her head: "I don''t know! I saw it on his bookshelf. I thought the box was pretty, so I took it."


    Ian looked at Rita''s little face and said seriously, "Rita, you can''t just take other people''s things. How is


    that different from stealing?"


    Rita lowered her head, her mouth pouting, feeling wronged.


    She wouldn''t just take other people''s things; s


    he only took her dad''s things.


    How she wished Elijah wasn''t a bad man, so she could have a dad!


    "I''m not ming you." Ian suddenly changed his mind and his tone, "You can take anything from Elijah.


    Just don''t get caught."


    Rita immediately smiled happily: "Ian, don''t tell Mom. If she finds out, she''ll definitely scold me."


    "Okay. Put your stuff away first. Let''s go eat."


    "Okay! Brother, I was so scared today all by myself. You all left, how could you forget about me?" Rita


    hid the box under the bed and chattered, "Luckily I was brave. If I wasn''t, I would have been scared to


    death there."


    Ian held Rita''s little hand and said guiltily, "Brother won''t forget about you next time."


    "Yeah!" Rita was instantly appeased, "Brother, the bad dad gave Mom a gift. Do you think he still loves


    Mom?"

 Chapter 234

    Chapter 234


    Ian looked at his sister''s innocent little face and shattered her fantasy, "Bad guys are bad guys because


    they can love many women at the same time. Don''t be blinded by this bad guy Elijah."


    Rita felt a bit disappointed.


    She didn''t dare to tell her brother that even if Elijah was a bad guy, she was somehow attracted to him.


    After dinner, Violette called Ian to her room for a private talk.


    "Ian, do you know what mom wants to talk to you about?"


    Ian lowered his head and didn''t speak.


    "How did you promise me before? You said you wouldn''t bother Elijah again, but you didn''t keep your


    word." Violette felt a bit upset, "I know you were looking for me today, but you can''t use this method..."


    "Mom, I''m sorry." Ian looked up and apologized, "I won''t do it again next time."


    "Ian, Elijah is not as easy to deal with as you think. Mom has already divorced him. If one day he no


    longer has feelings for me, and you went to him. He won''t let us go easily... All mom wants is a quiet life


    with you, Rita, and grandma."


    "I understand." Ian lowered his head again.


    "Bring me yourptop." Violette said.


    Ian went back to his room, got hisptop, and handed it to his mom.


    "Get Uncle Mike here." Violette put theptopaside and spoke to her son.


    Soon, Mike entered the room.


    "Violette, I''m so surprised that you asked me toe to your room!" Mike sat down next to Violette and


    hid his nervousness with a smile.


    Violette looked serious, staring at the injury on his face, "Did you fight with Joey? And broke his


    sses?"


    Mike raised both hands, looking very innocent, "He pulled my ne first. It was a gift from my ex-


    boyfriend..."


    "Aren''t you supposed to hate your ex-boyfriend? So it''s fake, huh!"


    Mike: "I really hate him! It''s just that I''ve been wearing this ne for so long, it''s like my child. Joey


    wanted to take my child away, of course I had to beat him up."


    "You go apologize to him." Violette didn''t want to hear his argument, "Either tonight or tomorrow."


    Mike, with tears in his eyes: "Violette, he started it!"


    "But he''s more injured. And why didn''t you invite Elijah to my birthday party?" Violette questioned him,


    "Although I''m divorced from him and technically we don''t have to invite him, we can''t refuse if he wants


    toe! It''s just a meal, right? We can afford to treat him! Don''t be so stingy!"


    After Mike left the room, Violette took a deep breath.


    She took out the birthday gift Elijah sent from her pocket,


    Her heart suddenly raced, and her body heated up.


    Opening the box, a beautiful brooch appeared before her eyes.


    She looked at the huge diamond on the brooch, feeling a bit dizzy.


    Why did he send her such an expensive gift after breaking up?


    She picked up her phone and called him.


    In the restaurant.


    Elijah was elegantly cutting his steak with a knife and fork.


    The phone on the table rang, and h


    e nced at the screen.


    Seeing it was Violette calling, he immediately put down his knife and fork and wiped his hands with a


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    napkin.


    He picked up the phone and answered the call in front of Sarah.


    "Elijah, I can''t ept the gift you sent." Violette said, "I don''t know how much it costs, but it''s definitely


    not cheap. Plus, I don''t wear brooches."


    "Do you think I''d take this gift back?" He said patiently, "If you don''t like it, just throw it away."


    Violette was left speechless by his words.


    Sarah guessed that the call was from Violette and that they were talking about the gift.


    She was so jealous that her whole body was trembling, so s


    he deliberately asked Elijah loudly, "Elijah, who''s on the other end of the phone?"


    She said this for Violette to hear.


    She wanted Violette to know that Elijah was on a date with her now.

 Chapter 235

    Chapter 235


    She thought to herself, "If Violette wasn''t such a shameless girl, she should hang up the phone right


    away."


    Sure enough, when Violette heard Sarah''s voice, she suddenly sobered up, "Sorry for interrupting your


    date. I received the gift, but I won''t return the favor. Don''t send me any more gifts in the future."


    Without waiting for his response, she hung up the phone.


    Elijah felt a sting in his heart as the phone was hung up.


    "Elijah, I heard Violette locked herself in the car yesterday, is she okay now?" Sarah initiated the


    conversation.


    "Yeah." Elijah was not interested in talking about Violette with her, "You mentioned there''s a doctor


    you''d rmend for me, which doctor is that?"


    Sarah took a business card from her bag and handed it to him, "I''ve heard this doctor is a famous


    psychologist in A Country. Many people want to make an appointment with her. I used my connections


    to book a consultation for you next Wednesday morning. You can take Maka there."


    Elijah nced at the card, and it was the same psychologist rmended by the family doctor.


    Silverleaf Ridge.


    Violette came out of the shower and walked towards the children''s rooms.


    Rita was watching TV, and Ian was doing a jigsaw puzzle.


    Violette set their bedtime at nine o''clock in the evening.


    Before nine, they could y whatever they wanted.


    "Mommy." Ian immediately put down the puzzle when he saw Violette.


    Violette walked over to her son, squatted down, and spoke softly, "Are you mad that mommy took away


    yourptop?"


    Ian nodded.


    Life without aptop was iplete.


    But -


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    "I still love you the same." Ian looked at her seriously.


    Violette''s heart melted instantly.


    She hugged her son and sniffled, "Mommy will give it back to you, but not for a while."


    "Okay." Ian''s eyes softened, "Mommy, you go to sleep. I''ll take care of my sister."


    "Alright."


    At nine o''clock in the evening.


    The lights were turned off in the room, and the two childreny in bed.


    Rita''s eyes were wide open, staring at the ceiling, feeling restless.


    "Ian, I want to open that box. But I can''t open it. Can you help me open it?" Rita reached out her little


    hand, shook Ian''s arm, and asked.


    "Let''s open it tomorrow."


    "But I want to see what''s inside now. Brother, do you think there might be beautiful jewelry inside?"


    "No way." Ian''s tone was firm.


    Elijah was a man; how could he possibly keep jewelry in his study?


    Rita sat up, more energized.


    "Ian, if you don''t help me open it now, I won''t sleep." Rita muttered, "I won''t sleep tonight... I''ll stay up


    all night."


    Listening to his sister''s nonsense, Ian took a deep breath, sat up, turned on the bedsidemp, and set


    the light to a dimmer setting.


    Rita immediately got out of bed, found the box from under the bed, and handed it to her brother.


    "Brother, what if you can''t open it?" Rita looked at the box and murmured.


    As soon as she finished speaking, Ian easily opened the box.


    Rita was stunned for a moment, then excitedly asked, "Brother, what''s inside?"


    Ian handed the box to her so she could see.


    It wasn''t beautiful jewelry; t


    he light in her eyes dimmed instantly.


    "Brother, what are these?" Rita poured the contents of the box out.

 Chapter 236

    Chapter 236


    Ian turned up the bedsidemp a bit.


    Out of the box came a CD and a piece of paper.


    Rita unfolded the paper and stared at the text, carefully reading it several times, then nkly handed it


    to her brother: "Ian, what does this say? I don''t recognize these characters."


    Ian took a nce and said expressionlessly, "Neither do I."


    After all, he was just a kindergarten kid.


    "What''s this?" Rita picked up the CD and looked at it from both sides.


    There were no patterns or any words on it.


    Ian looked at the CD and became curious, b


    ut he didn''t have aputer now, so he couldn''t check it.


    "Bro, do we need to put this into aputer to see it?" Rita had a bright idea, "We can ask Uncle Mike


    to borrow hisputer!"


    Ian looked at the excitement in his sister''s eyes and was tempted.


    "Ian, I''ll go ask! Otherwise, mom will get mad at you for ying with theputer again!" Rita said,


    running towards the door.


    Ian, fearing she couldn''t carry theputer, immediately followed her.


    Mike wasn''t at the bar tonight.


    His face was injured, and if he went to the bar like this, he would scare others.


    Ian and Rita entered his room, and he was ying a game.


    "What are you two doing here? It''s past nine o''clock, why haven''t you gone to bed?" Mike nced at


    them quickly and then continued to focus on the screen.


    Ian and Rita looked at his screen; they weren''t interested in the game, just theputer.


    "Uncle Mike, can we borrow yourputer for a while?" Rita asked.


    Mike was typing and spoke quickly, "What do you two need aputer for? If Violette finds out I lent


    you guys aputer, do you think she''ll kick me out right away? She talked to me today and seriously


    chewed me out! Saying I''m a bad influence on Ian..."


    Ian frowned and said coldly, "Laptop, lend it to me!"


    Mike reluctantly said, "You really don''t care if your mom kicks me out, huh!"


    Ian: "Just ten minutes."


    Mike: "Are you sure?"


    Ian nodded.


    Mike gestured to theptop next to him, "Take it yourself. Give it back to me in ten minutes! Otherwise,


    I''ll tell on you to your mom!"


    Ian held theptop with both hands and quickly left.


    Back in the room, Ian turned on theptop.


    Rita held the CD, her eyes unblinking as she stared at theputer screen.


    After booting up, Ian took the CD from her hand and ced it into theptop''s tray.


    Before opening the content of the CD, Ian spoke cautiously, "Rita, let me watch it first. What if the


    content is terrifying?"


    Rita immediately covered her eyes with both hands, "Oh... Ian, turn off the sound. What if there''s a


    scary sound?"


    Rita was easily frightened, e


    specially at night.


    Ian turned off theptop''s sound and then opened the CD''s content.


    A ck and white video appeared before Ian''s eyes.


    There was a timestamp on the video.


    Ian stared at the timestamp and was stunned.


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    If he wasn''t mistaken, this video was from about twenty years ago.


    And the reason the picture was in ck and white was that the people in it were either wearing ck or


    white clothes.


    Ian suddenly realized that this video might be recording a funeral.


    And it was a funeral for someone from the Bourne family.


    Ian didn''t have time to watch the entire video, he just skimmed through it from beginning to end.


    It was aplete funeral record.


    Ian closed the video and patted his sister''s shoulder, "The content is too scary; you can''t watch it."


    Rita pouted, a little disappointed, "Ian, are you lying to me?"


    Ian: "Funeral, do you want to watch?"


    Rita didn''t even think about it and vigorously shook her head, "Who died?"


    "Don''t know." Ian turned off theptop, "I''m going to return theputer."


    "I see..."


    After Ian left with theputer, Rita put the CD and the paper back into the box.

 Chapter 237

    Chapter 237


    If she had known that these two things were inside, she definitely wouldn''t have gone through hell and


    high water to bring this box back.


    But now, it was super hard to sneak it back without anyone noticing


    , as she probably won''t go to that bad dad''s house ever again.


    Whatever! Just shoved this box under the bed for now!


    It was just a CD and a piece of paper, definitely nothing important.


    Ian was still on theputer when Rita had already snoring away.


    In the other room, Violette couldn¡¯t sleep.


    Maybe she slept too much during the day, so now she was wide awake.


    When you were awake with nothing to do, your mind can easily go wild.


    Like right now, she was missing Elijah like crazy.


    His handsome face and sexy breathing were all over her mind.


    She even remembered the touch and warmth of his skin.


    If it wasn''t for his helpst night, she might either be dead or lying in the ICU right now.


    There was so much she wanted to say to him, but she was afraid to express it.


    He was not her husband anymore.


    He had Maka in his heart, and Sarah by his side, while


    she was just his ex-wife.


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    They can never go back to the way they were.


    Hot tears slid down from the corners of her eyes.


    She forcefully closed her eyes, trying not to think about it.


    Life was never perfect, after all.


    She had Ian, Rita, and a perfect career now. She was happier than 99% of the people in the world.


    She shouldn''t be too greedy.


    Three dayster,


    Sarah realized her period was a weekte.


    Since it was usually on time, she got suspicious.


    She went to the pharmacy early in the morning and bought a pregnancy test.


    Instead of going home, she found a nearby public restroom, and


    fifteen minutester, she walked out, pale as a ghost.


    She was pregnant!


    That night she spent with Kaleb Bourne at the hotel actually got her pregnant.


    Her lips turned red from biting them so hard


    , and her body can''t stop trembling.


    Why was God treating her like this?


    She wanted to be Elijah''s wife.


    Not Kaleb''s wife!


    Why did she have to get pregnant with Kaleb''s child?


    She clenched her fists so tight that her nails almost dig into her palms, but she can''t feel the pain.


    Her heart felt like it was being sliced by a knife.


    She found a quiet corner and called Kaleb.


    The call went through, and it took a while for him to answer.


    "Dr. Sarah, what''s up?" Kaleb''s voice was hoarse, as if he just woke up.


    "Kaleb, I''m gonna kill you!" Sarah gritted her teeth, "Get here right now! You''ve got ten minutes! If you


    don''t show up, I''ll kill you with my own hands!"


    Kaleb suddenly jumped out of bed, his back covered in cold sweat, "Dr. Sarah, you..."


    Sarah hung up the phone, squated down, covered her face with her hands, and started sobbing.


    She couldn¡¯t have Elijah find out about this!


    She had already given up her job abroad for him.


    Her friends and family knew she was Elijah''s girlfriend now, and everyone was envious.


    No matter what, the child in her belly couldn¡¯t be a stumbling block on her road to sess!


    It was just that her body wasn''t suitable for pregnancy. If she lost this baby, she might never be able to


    get pregnant again.

 Chapter 238

    Chapter 238


    Ten minutester,


    Kaleb appeared in front of Sarah.


    He was wearing pajamas and slippers, with messy hair, as he had rushed over after taking the call.


    He was so pissed!


    That call was so freaking weird. How could Sarah be so rude to him?


    The incident at the hotel wasn''t his idea, he was a victim too!


    But when he saw Sarah''s tear-stained red eyes, all his anger vanished.


    "Dr. Sarah, what''s wrong?" Kaleb cleared his throat, "Did my uncle dump you or something?"


    Sarah scoffed, leaning on a tree trunk to stand up.


    "Kaleb, I''m pregnant!" she gritted her teeth angrily, "It''s your child!"


    Kaleb''s mouth twitched in disbelief, "No way! We only slept together once..."


    Sarah swung her bag and smashed it onto his body!


    "You bastard! Scum! It''s all your fault!" Sarah yelled and hit him, "What am I supposed to do now?! Tell


    me! What should I do?!"


    Kaleb held his head with both hands, and without even thinking, he blurted out, "Get an abortion! What


    else can you do? If my uncle finds out you''re carrying my child, he''ll kill me!"


    Hearing his answer, Sarah''s tears rolled down again, "I want to do that too! Just thinking about having


    your child makes me sick! But if I get rid of this child, I might never be able to get pregnant again!"


    Sarah''s strength was drained from her body.


    She squatted down, holding her head in her hands, crying uncontrobly.


    Kaleb realized the seriousness of the situation.


    No wonder she was so furious.


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    If she couldn''t abort the child, things would get really tricky.


    He squatted down beside her, patting her back gently, trying tofort her.


    "Dr. Sarah, I''m so sorry! It''s all my fault. You were drunk that night, but I wasn''t. I knew you were my


    uncle''s girlfriend, but I still couldn''t resist the temptation and slept with you!"


    As Kaleb spoke, he pped himself in the face.


    Sarah looked up at him, his remorseful expression slightly cooling her anger.


    "Let''s keep the child for now," Sarah took a deep breath, struggling to speak, "Your uncle doesn''t love


    me, and we might not make it in the end. If I abort this child now, and he finds another doctor who can


    cure Maka, he''ll definitely break up with me without hesitation..."


    Sarah knew all along that Elijah was still secretly looking for a doctor who could cure Maka.


    Kaleb nervously replied, "Well... Just make sure my uncle doesn''t find out the child is mine. Otherwise,


    he''ll definitely kill me."


    "Are you really this afraid of dying?!" Sarah said resentfully.


    "I''m still so young, I haven''t enjoyed life enough yet!" Kaleb helped her up, "Aren''t you afraid of dying?


    Anyway, even if my uncle finds out the child isn''t his, he won''t kill you. After all, you did save Maka."


    Kaleb''s words made Sarah decide to take a gamble.


    Since the worst oue would only be breaking up with Elijah, what was there to be afraid of?


    "You go back first. I''ll go to the hospital for a check-upter. Once the results are confirmed, I''ll let you


    know." Sarah pulled her arm out of his grip, instantly threatening, "From now on, you must obey me


    Kaleb had no other choice.


    The child was already in her belly, which was solid evidence of his offense against Elijah.


    He was nowpletely under Sarah''s control.


    On the other side.


    Insight Therapy.


    A ck Rolls-Royce parked at the entrance, and


    Elijah and Maka got out of the car.


    After entering the treatment center, the doctor greeted Elijah briefly and asked him to wait in the rest


    area.


    "Maka, don''t be afraid. I''ll be waiting for you at the door." Elijah tried to let go of her hand.


    But she held onto him tightly, refusing to let go.

 Chapter 239

    Chapter 239


    Elijah pulled out a few candies from his pocket and ced them in her hand.


    Maka finally let go of his hand when she saw the candies.


    Elijah felt nervous as he watched the doctor lead Maka into the treatment center.


    This was his first time taking Maka to see a psychologist.


    And this doctor was one of the most famous psychologists in the country.


    He didn''t know if Maka could ovee her mental obstacles.


    About half an hourter, the door of the treatment center opened.


    Maka quickly walked out and rushed into Elijah''s arms.


    Her emotions were rtively stable; she didn''t cry, but she was a little scared and nervous.


    Elijah held her in one arm and patted her back with the other hand, "Maka, it''s okay. I''ve been


    waiting for you here the whole time."


    The doctor invited Elijah to sit down on a nearby sofa.


    "Mr. Bourne, I looked through the information you sent mest night. Based on mymunication with


    her just now, I don''t think she''s suitable for psychological treatment at the moment. It''s not just a simple


    psychological issue. I suggest she undergo specialized surgical treatment first to restore her physical


    health. She might not even need psychological treatment after she recovers."


    Elijah asked, "Did she talk to you just now?"


    The doctor shook his head, "I had her answer my questions with nods and head shakes. She


    cooperated quite well."


    The doctor handed him a questionnaire.


    It contained the questions the doctor asked and Maka''s corresponding answers.


    The questions were all pretty simple, like who her favorite person was, what made her happiest, and


    what made her unhappy...


    Every answer was rted to Elijah.


    "Her intelligence issue is more serious than her psychological issue," the doctor said. "Mr. Bourne, you


    don''t need to worry too much."


    "Thank you." Elijah put away the questionnaire, got up, and prepared to leave with Maka.


    At that moment, a mother and son entered.


    Before Elijah could react, Maka had already rushed towards them.


    After Violette returned to the country, she booked a consultation with a local psychologist.


    She was worried about Ian''s inability to fit in with his ssmates.


    So whenever she heard of a good psychologist, she would take Ian to give it a try.


    Maka walked up to Ian and gave him a sweet smile.


    Violette was a little surprised to see Maka.


    Why was she here? Had Elijah brought her?


    Immediately after, a tall figure strode over, shielding Maka.


    Elijah looked at Violette, his voice low and mellow, "Your son could indeed use a psychologist."


    He didn''t mean any harm.


    He thought Ian had some personality issues, and the sooner he got treatment, the sooner he could


    recover.


    But Violette heard a different meaning, "You''re the president of the Bourne Group; do you really need to


    mock a four-year-old kid?"


    Elijah''s face turned slightly red, defending himself, "I''m not mocking him. I brought Maka to see a


    psychologist as well."


    Violette pursed her lips and led Ian past them.


    After Ian was taken to the treatment center by the doctor, Violette went to the waiting area next door.


    About half an hourter, t


    he door of the treatment center opened, and Violette came out from the waiting area.


    "Ms. Dennis, your child is just a little different from other children, but it doesn''t mean he has any


    R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    psychological problems," the doctor handed her a questionnaire.


    She nced it through and then expressed her gratitude to the doctor.


    Then, she led Ian out of the clinic.


    Not long after they walked out, a tall figure blocked her path.

 Chapter 240

    Chapter 240


    "Let''s have lunch together!" Elijah invited her.


    Violette looked up at him: "Have you been waiting outside the whole time?"


    Elijah didn''t deny it.


    He would have left long ago if he wasn''t waiting for her here.


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Violette nced at the sun.


    Although it was early autumn and the temperature wasn''t that hot, the midday sun was still quite


    scorching.


    "Where''s Maka?" she asked.


    Elijah nced towards the parking lot: "She''s in the car."


    "Oh... You guys go ahead! My mom cooked, so I''ll eat at home." Violette didn''t hesitate to reject him.


    Who knew what Elijah was thinking. He


    actually wanted her to eat with Maka?


    Didn''t he feel awkward?


    Even if he wanted to date three people at the same time, he didn''t have to be so direct about it!


    "I booked a restaurant nearby." Elijah didn''t get discouraged by her refusal, "I have to take Maka to


    schoolter, and you have to take Ian to school too, right? Let''s eat together and then take them to


    school."


    Violette pursed her lips, thought for a moment, and refused again: "We''ll eat at home. I''ll take the kid to


    school after he takes his nap."


    Elijah saw that talking nicely wouldn''t work, so he deliberately said: "It''s just a meal, what are you afraid


    of? Can''t we eat together after the divorce? Or do you still have feelings for me, so you can''t face me?"


    Violette was shocked and so pissed off by his words.


    She tried to maintain herposure, holding Ian''s hand, and walked boldly towards the nearby


    restaurant.


    Elijah went to the car to get Maka.


    After the four of them sat down in the restaurant, they started to order.


    At this moment, no one was talking at the table, and the atmosphere was a bit eerie.


    Violette ordered and handed the menu to Elijah


    , who took the menu and handed it to Maka, letting her order.


    Violette saw everything and felt her heart burning.


    She picked up the water jug, poured herself a ss of water, and then lifted the ss to drink.


    But it turned out, the water was boiling, and


    she suddenly got scalded!


    Seeing this, Elijah immediately got up from his seat, grabbed the water jug, and went to the service


    counter.


    In a moment, he brought back a jug of cold water and filled her ss.


    "Rinse your mouth with cold water." His voice was deep and powerful.


    She took a sip of the cold water and exined: "I''m fine."


    "What were you thinking? You''re so absent-minded." His eyes looked deeply at her.


    Her cheeks turned red, and she frowned: "It''s not you who got scalded, why do you care what I''m


    thinking?"


    "Did I upset you?" Elijah retracted his gaze, poured himself a ss of cold water, and took a leisurely


    sip.


    "I didn''t even want to eat with you in the first ce." Violette didn''t mince words, "If I find a man and act


    all lovey-dovey with him in front of you, let''s see if you can stomach it."


    Because the kid was there, she didn''t say these words very loudly.


    Elijah frowned: "Do you think Maka and I are acting intimate?"


    Violette lowered her head to y with her phone, not wanting to deal with him.


    If he didn''t think that was intimate, then it didn''t matter!


    What moral bottom line and principles did he have when he can date two women at the same time?


    Elijah knew what she was angry about.


    When she was scalded by the hot water, it was precisely when he handed the menu to Maka.


    He let Maka order, and she got jealous, which meant she cared about him.


    "Violette, stop ying with your phone." After saying that, he reached out and took her phone away.


    Violette was stunned.


    He wanted to put her phone down and then have a good talk with her.


    Although Maka and Ian were present, they usually didn''t talk and would never leak anything.

 Chapter 241

    Chapter 241


    So he could totally take this opportunity to have a good chat with Violette.


    "Me and Maka..." He started, but a picture on her phone caught his attention. "Who''s this dude?" He


    looked kinda familiar.


    He looked at the picture over and over again.


    He was sure he''d seen this guy before, but couldn''t remember any specific details about him.


    Violette snatched her phone back.


    "You seriously haven''t changed at all, still so controlling. Maybe that''s amon issue with old men?"


    She put her phone back in her bag, teasing him. "This is a famous guy I''ve been crushing ontely.


    What do you think? Handsome, right? And young. I''m into this type of guy these days."


    Elijah clenched his teeth in anger.


    Was she implying he was old?


    He had nned to have a good talk with her, but it seemed unnecessary now!


    After all, she didn''t like older men, only going for younger ones!


    "What were you trying to tell me just now?" Violette saw his face turning red from anger, and her mood


    improved.


    "Never mind!" Elijah said coldly, "Let''s eat!"


    The meal wasn''t very pleasant.


    In the end, as Elijah was paying, Violette left with Ian.


    At the hospital.


    Sarah got the test results, and tears streamed down her face again.


    It was like a never-ending nightmare all morning.


    The worst part was waking up and realizing the nightmare was real.


    She was pregnant


    with Kaleb''s child!


    After leaving the hospital, she started looking for a solution.


    There must be a way to fix this!


    As long as no one knew the child was Kaleb''s, it wouldn''t be that terrifying.


    Plus, Elijah now depended on her to treat Maka, so she wouldn''t end up worse than Violette.


    Thinking about this, her mood calmed down a bit.


    Back home, she went to her room to lie down.


    Her head was throbbing, but she couldn''t fall asleep with her eyes closed.


    Half an hourter, she called Kaleb.


    "I need to find a way to sleep with Elijah," she revealed her n, "and then pin the child on him."


    Kaleb was shocked; his emotions ran wild.


    "It''s not impossible... it''s just, if my uncle does a paternity test after the child is born, won''t it be


    exposed?"


    Sarah: "I have a n! Just follow my lead!"


    "Alright! I won''t say anything. Do whatever you want." Kaleb didn''t dare to say more, "But how are you


    going to get my uncle to sleep with you? He''s really difficult to deal with."


    "If I had a way, would I be calling you!" Sarah yelled, "Hurry up and think of something! If you can''t,


    your uncle will definitely find out the child is yours in the end!"


    Kaleb wanted to cry: "I know! I''ll think of something right away."


    ...


    In the afternoon.


    Violette received a call from Odette.


    "Violette, I just got a message from Mike saying he''s throwing you a bted birthday party this


    weekend."


    Violette rubbed her temples: "That guy, making decisions without asking me! He didn''t even tell me!"


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Odetteughed: "I think he just wants to have fun, so he''s using this as an excuse to throw a party."


    "Hmm... did he just call you?"


    "Yeah! I''ll definitely be there this weekend. But do you want to invite Elijah this time? He was pretty


    upset that you didn''t invite him to yourst birthday party." Odette said, "He even booked the small


    banquet hall next to yours. So childish!"


    Violette touched her forehead: "We just had an argument. He might not want toe to my birthday


    party."


    "How did you guys fight again?"


    "It''s a long story."


    "Oh, should I ask Ramsey to call and ask if he wants to go? If he does, you can invite him." Odette


    suddenlyughed, "I heard you epted his gift. It wouldn''t make sense not to invite him, right?"

 Chapter 242

    Chapter 242


    Violette was totally speechless at thatment.


    It was all her own fault!


    Why did she ept his gift?!


    If she hadn''t epted his gift, it wouldn''t be this awkward now.


    After hanging up the phone, Violette called Mike: "Why didn''t you give me a heads up that you''re


    throwing me a birthday party?"


    "What if you said no if I told you beforehand?" Mike knew her too well. "By telling everyone else first


    and then you, there''s no way you can refuse."


    Violette snorted: "Well, you guys can have fun without me. I''m not going!"


    "But I already told Elijah! And that shameless guy actually agreed!" Mike''s tone was sarcastic. "Violette,


    why did you fall for like such a thick-skinned guy?"


    Violette massaged her temples and hung up the phone.


    Less than a minuteter, Odette called.


    "Violette, Elijah''sing! I thought he''d definitely refuse since he''s usually so arrogant!" Odette


    wondered. "I can never predict his reactions. Is this what makes sessful people unique?"


    Violette: "Odette, you can''t predict a crazy person''s reactions either. Can you not look at him through


    the rose-colored sses?"


    "Hahaha! Every time you talk about Elijah, you sound so aggressive!" Odette analyzed. "Looks like you


    still love him! If you didn''t, you wouldn''t be so stirred up."


    Violette took a big gulp of water and hung up the phone with a random excuse.


    She suddenly missed the days when she was too busy to have time for this nonsense.


    ...


    After telling Elijah about the party, Mike went to the bathroom to calm down for a few minutes.


    Once he cooled off, he called Joey.


    He had deleted Joey''s number long ago, but damn it, he still remembered it.


    The phone rang for a while before it was answered.


    "I thought you wouldn''t pick up my call! Why didn''t you reply to the message I sent the day before


    yesterday?!" Mike had sent Joey an apology text under Violette''s threat, but Joey didn''t reply.


    This had been bothering him.


    "You have the right to send messages, and I have the right not to reply." Joey''s voice was cold. "Don''t


    R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    call me for no reason."


    "I have a reason! Violette''s birthday party this weekend, are youing?"


    "It depends on whether our boss is going."


    "Elijah just told me he''sing!"


    "Alright, I''ll go with him then." Joey said, "I''m really busy right now. Don''t call me during work hours."


    With that, he hung up.


    Mike was filled with rage.


    He was just a freaking assistant!


    What was he so busy about?!


    Even Elijah didn''t say that!


    Mike was the second boss of the Dennis Group, but did he ever say he''s busy?


    A momentter, Mike created a group chat with thepany''s managers.


    Group name: Defeat Elijah


    The managers, seeing this surprising title, didn''t dare to speak in the group.


    Mike: This Saturday at the party, we''re gonna make Elijah lose big time! Do you guys have


    confidence?!


    A certain manager: How do we do that?


    Mike: Drinkingpetition, duh! What else?


    Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

 Chapter 243

    Chapter 243


    "No problem! I can hold my liquor!"


    "Same here! I can drink like a fish!"


    "We can definitely take Elijah down together!"


    Mike grinned as he read the group''s boasts.


    Why did he invite Elijah to the party? This was his true intention.


    Messing with Violette meant messing with him.


    He couldn''t fight Elijah head-on, but he was confident they could drink him under the table!


    Later that night...


    Grace asked Elijah to bring Sarah to Old Manor for dinner.


    After they arrived at Old Manor, they all sat down for dinner.


    "Dr. Sarah, if you have time, you shoulde over more often," Grace said with a smile. "Elijah is


    usually busy, so he might not have much time to spend with you."


    Sarah nodded, "Sure, as long as you don''t mind me being around, I''lle over more often."


    "Why would I mind? You''re so talented; I''d be thrilled to have you around!"


    After the pleasant dinner, Grace called Elijah into her room for a private chat.


    "Elijah, you and Dr. Sarah are a good match. You''re not getting any younger, so maybe you should


    consider getting engaged?" Grace suggested.


    "I don''t want to think about marriage until Maka''s illness is cured," Elijah replied, looking for an


    excuse.


    "Getting married and Maka''s treatment aren''t mutually exclusive!"


    "I want Maka to be there when I get married."


    "She can be there now! Didn''t you say she''s recovering well after herst surgery?"


    Elijah shook his head.


    "Getting engaged isn''t the same as getting married. Dr. Sarah gave up a high-paying job abroad for


    you; you should at least show some appreciation," Grace said, probing. "What''s really on your mind?"


    "I won''t get engaged," Elijah told his mother honestly. "and I don''t love her. If I can find another doctor


    to treat Maka, I''ll break up with her immediately. Mom, you''re a woman; you should know that if I


    marry her or get engaged with her, I''m only hurting her."


    Grace''s expression stiffened.


    "Do you think your father and I had a deep emotional connection? Many couples only appear to be


    happily married, but they can still spend the rest of their lives together."


    Elijah: "Just because others can do it doesn''t mean I want to live that way."


    "You''re too stubborn! If you insist on being this way, I can''t do anything about it," Grace said, looking


    dejected. Then she changed the subject, "In a month, it''ll be your father''s death anniversary."


    Elijah''s lips tightened, and he turned away. "I know. If there''s nothing else, I''ll leave now."


    "Elijah, reconsider your rtionship with Dr. Sarah!"


    After leaving the room, Elijah told Sarah he had to go.


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Sarah saw him off: "I''ll stay here a little longer."


    Elijah nodded.


    Half an hourter, Grace went to her room to rest.


    Kaleb finally found a chance to talk to Sarah alone.


    "Dr. Sarah, I found out that my uncle is going to Violette''s birthday party this Saturday," Kaleb revealed


    his n. "He''ll definitely drink at the party. When he''s drunk, you can go pick him up. If he''spletely


    wasted, you can do whatever you want to him. If he''s tipsy, give him this bottle of water..."


    Kaleb handed Sarah a bottle of water.


    "This water will turn my uncle from a gentleman into a beast!"


    Although it was a bit shameful, there were no other options.


    Sarah took the water, her tone icy: "You''re really good at doing such shameless things."


    Kaleb¡¯s face turned red at the remark: "Dr. Sarah, you asked me to find a way to get my uncle to sleep


    with you; we have to use shameless tactics!"


    "Shut up! I know he likes Violette! But so what? I''m his girlfriend now!" Sarah said arrogantly. "Once I


    sleep with him, I''ll force him to marry me!"

 Chapter 244

    Chapter 244


    Her ambition was in as day.


    Kaleb felt like his dead soul had been brought back to life. N


    ow, he and Sarah were in the same boat. If Sarah seeded, he''d seed too.


    ...


    10 PM.


    A ck Rolls-Royce slowly pulled up.


    Elijah attended a social event tonight.


    He went to this event because there was a top three entrepreneur in the domestic drone industry.


    He wanted to take this opportunity to learn about Violette''spany.


    The information gathered tonight showed that although the Dennis Group had been rebuilt, it faced


    distribution problems in the domestic market.


    AN Tech was really powerful abroad, with top-notch reputation and word of mouth.


    But when Violette returned home, she didn''t use the AN Tech brand but used the Dennis Group''s name


    instead.


    Even if the product quality was the same, the brand was different, and the value was different.


    Violette didn''t do any marketing or advertising, so no one was interested.


    The top three entrepreneur said that Violette wouldn''tst half a year in the domestic market and would


    sadly return to B Country.


    The next day.


    Golden Gate Hotel.


    Violette came here alone to discuss cooperation with


    one of thergest drone distributors in the country.


    After meeting in the hotel restaurant, they sat down.


    "Ms. Dennis, you came alone?"


    The distributor was about 50 years old, slightly overweight, wearing sses, his eyes particrly sharp


    behind the lenses.


    "Yes, everyone''s quite busytely." Violette smiled politely, and took out a document from her bag, "Mr.


    Jordan, this is a detailed introduction to ourpany''s products. Have a look."


    "Oh, I''ve seen it. That''s why I asked Ms. Dennis to meet." Mr. Jordan''s gaze moved down from her


    face, past her chest, and finally stopped at her slender waist, "Ms. Dennis, I know yourpany''s


    products are great, but the domestic market is different from abroad."


    "Well." Violette felt ufortable being stared at and took a sip of water, "Please enlighten me."


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    "Give me the authorization for your products, and I''ll make sure they quickly dominate the domestic


    market." Mr. Jordan said, suddenly hooking his foot towards Violette, "Can you lower the price a bit?"


    Violette moved her legs back and her tone turned cold, "I''m sorry, the price I gave you is the lowest. It


    can''t be lowered."


    "Ms. Dennis, you seem insincere." Mr. Jordan looked regretful, "Without sincerity, how can we do


    business?"


    Violette''s eyes narrowed, and she smiled, "Mr. Jordan, what do you think is sincere?"


    Mr. Jordan saw her charming smile, immediately stood up, and walked over to her.


    "Ms. Dennis, you''re so young and beautiful, and most importantly, you''re capable. There must be many


    men chasing you, right?" Mr. Jordan''s greasy palmnded on Violette''s shoulder.


    Violette gripped her teacup tightly.


    She began counting down in her heart¡ª3, 2...


    Suddenly, a gust of wind came, followed by a loud "bang," and Mr. Jordan beside her was sent flying by


    a punch!


    Violette looked up and saw Elijah''s gloomy face!


    "Violette! I can''t believe you''ve sunk so low!" Elijah pulled her out of her chair and scolded her loudly,


    "You said you didn''t like old men! What are you doing now?! This fat guy is touching you, and why don''t


    you resist?! Are you giving up your dignity for money?!"


    Violette was dizzy from his scolding.


    If he hadn''t punched the fat man, Violette would have sshed water on his face.


    "Elijah, can you keep it down?" Violette saw people around them looking over and her face turned red.


    She grabbed her bag from the chair, ready to leave, but h


    e pressed her back into the chair.


    His eyes were bloodshot, and he was furious, "Are you willing to sell anything for money?!"


    Violette''s dissatisfaction with him, which had been suppressed in her heart,pletely exploded


    because of this sentence!

 Chapter 245

    Chapter 245


    "Yeah! As long as you give me money, I''ll sell anything!" She said with a flushed face and a trembling


    voice, "It¡¯s my business, and none of your concern!"


    His eyes were filled with burning rage.


    "Clear the ce!"


    At hismand, the bodyguards immediately kicked out everyone who was watching the drama in the


    restaurant.


    Including Mr. Jordan, who was sitting on the ground.


    The huge restaurant was suddenly left with just the two of them.


    Violette pushed hard against his chest, "Elijah! You jerk!"


    She used all her strength, but couldn''t move him an inch.


    "You wanna sell, huh? I''ll help you!" His big hand reached out, tearing her shirt.


    Her face turned pale with fear, and she immediately begged, "Don''t touch me! Elijah! Please don''t


    touch me!"


    "Others can touch you, but I can''t?! Am I not paying?" Hepletely lost his mind!


    He took out his wallet, grabbed all the bills inside, and threw them on her panicked face.


    Then, with a ''hiss'' sound, h


    er shirt was violently torn open by him, revealing the white bra inside.


    Tears slid down from the corner of her eyes.


    "Elijah! If you touch me again, I''ll never see you again!" She choked, word by word, "I can''t mess with


    you, but I can hide from you!"


    Her words were like a bucket of cold water pouring down on him.


    His bloodshot eyes stared at her aggrieved and angry face, and the impulse inside him was


    suppressed.


    His sanity returned.


    He swallowed, and his long fingers began to unbutton his shirt.


    Violette crossed her arms, coldly watching him.


    She watched him unbutton his shirt, take it off, and finally, with a swing of his long arm, cover her with


    it.


    His warm and familiar masculine scent seeped into her body.


    He left the restaurant with his lean upper body bare.


    She looked up, gasping for breath, and a


    fter an unknown period, her phone rang in her bag.


    She suddenly came back to her senses.


    Lifting his shirt, she grabbed her bag and quickly left.


    ...


    The Bourne Group.


    After receiving a phone call, Joey took a deep breath!


    Had the world gone crazy?


    Her boss, Elijah, had actually gone to the hotel to throw a fit.


    He not only ordered the bodyguards to kick out all the guests in the restaurant, but also threw money


    around in the restaurant...


    Even crazier, he took off his personal shirt and left it in the restaurant.


    If this were a y, it would definitely be a farce.


    Half an hourter, the restaurant owner personally brought Elijah''s cash and clothes.


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Along with these two things, there were also two buttons from ady''s shirt.


    "Whose buttons are these?" Joey asked, holding the buttons.


    "It seems to be a youngdy''s."


    "Violette?"


    "Yes! They had a huge fight in the restaurant and almost made love right there."


    Was it what he thought it was?

 Chapter 246

    Chapter 246


    Odette handed Violette a T-shirt. "What happened to you? Did you get into a fight or something? Your


    buttons were ripped off," Odette asked, puzzled.


    Violette put on the T-shirt and replied, "Yeah, you caught me. I got into a fight."


    "Did you lose the fight? You look so disheveled. I feel sorry for you. Why don''t you hire a bodyguard?


    Elijah has hired a lot of bodyguards, and they''re all top-notch experts," Odette said, pouring her a ss


    of water. "As a billionaire, it''s necessary for you to have a bodyguard."


    Violette shrugged, "So I don''t need to hire a bodyguard."


    "Why not?" Odette asked, then immediately understood, "Is Elijah nuts? Why is he treating you like


    this?"


    Violette drank the water and put down the ss. "Odette, thank you for lending me your clothes. I need


    to go back to the office now."


    Mike called her and asked how the meeting went. She needed to report back.


    "I''ll take you," Odette said, worried about Violette.


    "No need. I''m fine. It''s not the first time we''ve fought," Violette said casually.


    "I know you fight often, but he hit you today!" Odette said, suddenly remembering something. She


    walked to the cab and took out a bottle of pepper spray, "Put this in your bag. Use it if he bullies you


    again."


    ...


    The Dennis Group


    Mike was surprised to see Violette change her clothes. "Did the meeting go wrong?" he asked.


    "Yeah," Violette replied.


    "Never mind, if it failed, it failed. It''s okay," Mikeforted her. "We can hire more employees for the


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    sales department and sell our products ourselves."


    "I was thinking the same thing. We just started, so we shouldn''t expect to seed overnight. We


    should take it step by step," Violette nodded.


    Mike was never interested in business or money. He partnered with Violette to repay her for saving his


    life. Whatever she said, he would listen and follow.


    "Mike, we may lose the money we earned overseas in the future... it''s possible that we may not make


    any profit," Violette spoke honestly after a moment of contemtion.


    "Why worry about that? If we run out of money, I''ll go make more! You just need to be pretty," Mike


    hooked her shoulder andughed, "Violette, when we started our business overseas, it wasn''t smooth


    sailing either!"


    Violette''s bad mood was slightlyforted, "Maybe it''s because nobody knows me overseas, so I don''t


    have any psychological burden whether I seed or fail."


    "Don''t live under other people''s scrutiny. Just focus on doing your own thing," Mike said.


    Violette''s mental shackles were released, and she smiled, "Mike, my life coach, you seemed extra nice


    today."


    "Haha! Let me take you shopping! Your clothes are not pretty!" Mikeined, "It''s your birthday this


    weekend, you have to dress up!"


    Without asking for her opinion, Mike took her out of thepany.


    In the afternoon, the Bourne Group.


    Elijah arrived at thepany with Joey following him.


    "Joey, it''s Violette''s birthday this weekend. I''m not going," he said coldly, seeming to be the same as


    usual, but also different.


    Joey knew why he changed his mind at thest minute.


    He had a big fight with Violette at lunchtime, and his mood would probably not recover for a while.


    He was a person who valued his dignity very much, and t


    o strip and throw money like that in public was really ridiculous.


    Although the people in the restaurant were kicked out at the time, there were probably a lot of people


    outside the restaurant watching the show.


    "Then I''ll go with Brandon," Joey said, "If neither of us goes, it doesn''t seem right."


    Elijah was absent-minded and nced at the ck bag on the table, "What''s this?"


    Joey coughed lightly and didn''t know how to answer.

 Chapter 247

    Chapter 247


    Elijah opened the bag and immediately spotted the shirt and cash inside.


    With a "whoosh" sound, h


    e flung the ck bag away!


    "Get rid of it!" His voice came coldly.


    "Alright." Joey quickly picked up the bag and strode out.


    At the shopping street.


    After Mike took Violette into a women''s clothing store, he picked out one new item after another for her


    to try on.


    "Don''t be shy. You only know if the clothes fit when you put them on." Mike pushed her towards the


    fitting room.


    "Miss, your boyfriend is so good to you. Not many men are this attentive!" The salesperson said with a


    smile, "Do you need me toe in and help you change?"


    Violette shook her head frantically: "I can do it myself."


    For an entire afternoon, Mike apanied Violette, and they hit up every store on the shopping street.


    The trunk was packed with shopping bags.


    He not only bought clothes for Violette but also for Ian, Rita, Albina, and himself.


    This wasn''t Violette''s first time shopping with him, but it should be thest.


    Violette, hungry and starving, dragged him into a random restaurant to fill up before going back.


    "Violette, eat quickly. After you''re done, I''ll take you to get your hair done."


    Violette widened her eyes: "Be honest, are you trying to tire me to death?"


    "Getting your hair done doesn''t require any effort. Just look at how gloomy you are now. How will you


    find your second love?" Mike flipped through his phone and showed her a picture, "Look at this guy,


    handsome, right? The prince of E Country, tall, rich, and handsome, super loaded. Way more


    impressive than Elijah. Get someone like this, and then you can piss off Elijah."


    Originally quite hungry, Violette felt full of anger after hearing Mike''s words.


    "You think that by buying clothes and getting my hair done, I can catch the eye of a prince?"


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    "Of course not. You have to go to E Country to have a chance." Mike was still quite sober, "Don''t be


    discouraged, we''ll take it one step at a time."


    Violette put down her fork and wiped her mouth with a napkin.


    "Finished eating? Let''s go!" Mike paid the bill and then took Violette to get her hair done.


    Saturday.


    Violette''s birthday party.


    The party took ce at a five-star hotel in the city center.


    Albina and the two kids stayed at home.


    First, because Violette''s birthday wasst week, and second, because the kids didn''t like being in a


    crowded, unfamiliar setting.


    At four in the afternoon.


    Mike drove Violette to the hotel.


    In the banquet hall, guests had already begun to arrive.


    Today, Violette had long, wavy hair that cascaded around her shoulders. She wore a beige V-neck


    gown with a skirt that faded from coffee brown at the bottom to a lighter shade at the top, adorned with


    shimmering sequins.


    At a nce, it looked like a dazzling sky full of stars.


    Her appearance caught the attention of everyone in the banquet hall.


    Brandon and Joey walked towards her.


    "Ms. Dennis, happy birthday." Brandon handed her a gift, sincerely praising, "You look stunning today."


    Joey also offered a gift: "Ms. Dennis, my boss is busy today and couldn''t make it."


    Violette wore a gentle and polite smile, "Thank you for your gifts and blessings."


    As her words fell, Mike eximed, "Holy shit, Joey! Isn''t that your boss?!"


    Everyone turned their gaze towards the entrance of the banquet hall¡ª


    Elijah, tall and handsome, walked in at a leisurely pace.

 Chapter 248

    Chapter 248


    Joey felt extremely embarrassed.


    Didn''t he say he wasn''ting to Violette''s birthday party?


    Why was he suddenly here?


    Brandon and Joey marched up to Elijah, asking what was going on.


    Elijah, without changing his expression or showing any guilt, lied, "I just happened to be passing by and


    came up to take a look."


    "Heh, I thought you were too scared toe!" Mike walked over, pulling Elijah towards the people who


    were drinking, "Today, we''re all gathered here to celebrate Violette''s birthday, so first, no swearing, and


    second, no fighting. Having fun is the most important thing!"


    Saying this, Mike grabbed an empty ss and ced it in front of Elijah.


    Then he picked up a bottle, filling the ss!


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Drinking before dinner time, really?


    Violette saw Mike leading a group of people, including thepany managers, staring at Elijah like


    hungry wolves.


    She instantly saw through their n.


    She took a step forward, intending to stop them, but


    Odette held her back.


    "Don''t worry about them!" Odette dragged her towards the drinks area, "Did you forget how Elijah


    bullied you a few days ago? I told Ramsey not to help him, so you shouldn''t either."


    Violette''s cheeks flushed slightly, "But dinner hasn''t started yet..."


    "I''ll go check on the kitchen, and if the food is ready, I''ll ask them to serve it."


    "Okay."


    Soon, the waiters started serving dishes.


    Odette pulled Violette to sit down.


    "Violette, this dress definitely isn''t something you bought yourself, right? You look so good in it! So


    sexy!"


    Violette''s cheeks turned a bit warm, and she said awkwardly, "Mike picked it out."


    "I knew it was him. I have to invite him to go shopping with me next time. He has a great taste for


    clothes." Odette decided to be besties with Mike.


    "He''s especially good at shopping, and has great stamina." Violette''s feet still hurt from shopping the


    day before yesterday.


    But Mike wasn''t affected at all.


    "Violette, I think you should tell Mike that Elijah has a pretty average alcohol tolerance." Ramsey was


    sitting at their table, but his heart was with Elijah.


    Odette red at him, "Didn''t you say you were on our side?"


    "Of course I am, but what if something happens to him from drinking too much?" Ramsey nced at


    the next table, "They''ve already finished a bottle! And it''s only been half an hour!"


    Violette suddenly stood up, determined to go and stop them.


    "Violette, Elijah isn''t alone, there''s also Joey and Brandon, right? Don''t worry, they''ll take care of him."


    Odette held her hand and pushed her back into her seat, "He has a girlfriend now, it''s not your ce to


    worry about him. Just leave him alone."


    These words made Violette suddenly calm down.


    At the next table, Joey and Brandon took turns blocking drinks for Elijah, s


    o Elijah didn''t drink much.


    Mike had a brilliant idea, pulling Joey away, "Come on! Let¡¯s have a drink!"


    Joey took his ss and followed him.


    As soon as they left, the atmosphere at the drink table cooled down a bit.


    After all, Mike was the group leader of the Defeat Elijah n.


    Without him, the others didn''t have the same momentum.


    Who was Elijah? The big boss of the Bourne Group.


    None of the managers present were sure if they could work at the Dennis Group for their whole lives,


    so no one dared to offend Elijah.


    "Come on, drink!" Brandonughed, raising his ss to lighten the mood.


    Everyone raised their sses and drank.


    Violette saw that Mike was gone, and the atmosphere had returned to normal, so she rxed.


    She picked up her fork and began to eat.


    "Violette, did you see the gift I gave you? Do you like it?" Odette chatted with her casually.


    Violetteughed, "I love it! But, why do you have so many embarrassing photos of me?"


    Odette had given Violette a photo album.

 Chapter 249

    Chapter 249


    There were all kinds of photos from their college days inside


    ; it was such a precious gift.


    "Cuz we''re besties, duh! In the phone I used in college, apart from my own photos, most of them are


    photos of you." Odette looked at her affectionately, "Let''s be besties for life!"


    Violette raised her ss and clinked with her, "Let''s never forget each other, no matter how rich or


    sessful we be!"


    After taking a sip, Violette put her ss down.


    Suddenly, her shoulder was patted.


    She turned her head and saw Brandon''s flushed smiling face.


    "Ms. Dennis,e sit over here!" Brandon pointed at the next table, "Go manage your employees, or


    they''ll get us drunk."


    Brandon had a wronged expression.


    "Brandon, you''re more than capable of taking on ten people with your alcohol tolerance!" Odette


    teased.


    Brandon sighed, "That was before. I''m getting old now..."


    Violette got up and followed Brandon to the next table.


    Brandon let her sit in Mike''s seat, a


    nd Mike''s seat was next to Elijah.


    Violette caught a glimpse of Elijah from the corner of her eye


    , who was staring at her with his sharp hawk-like eyes.


    Violette was annoyed by his gaze, so she sat down next to him.


    "Ms. Dennis, have some juice." Brandon poured her a ss of juice and asked Elijah, "Elijah, do you


    want some juice?"


    Because Violette was there, everyone else was well-behaved.


    No one dared to get Elijah drunk.


    Elijah picked up the wine bottle, pouring and drinking it himself.


    Brandon awkwardly put down the juice pitcher.


    "President Dennis, I''ll toast to you. Happy birthday." A manager stood up and offered Violette a toast.


    Violette raised her ss of juice and said, "My birthday has already passed. You don''t need to toast


    me." After that, she took a sip of her juice.


    The manager held his ss, looking embarrassed.


    At this moment, Elijah raised his ss and said in a low voice, "I''ll drink with you guys."


    Violette took a deep breath, looking past Elijah to Brandon.


    It was clearly Elijah''s own decision to drink, how could he me her employees for getting him drunk?


    Brandon took out his phone and texted Violette: He just nced at your chest, probably stimted by


    your outfit.


    Violette replied: What I wear is my own business, if he doesn''t like it he can leave!


    Brandon: Ms. Dennis, I didn''t mean it like that. Since he wants to drink, let him drink! You eat and don''t


    worry about him.


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Violette put her phone on the table.


    Elijah nced at her, then at Brandon.


    The message was clear: I know you guys are texting behind my back.


    He raised his ss, took a sip, and then said, "Do you guys know what the most important thing is


    when running apany?"


    The managers looked at each other, confused.


    Brandon looked puzzled at Elijah.


    Why did he suddenly say this?


    Was he going to give everyone a free lesson on entrepreneurship?


    Equally shocked was Violette.


    She was a bit bewildered.


    She didn''t know if Elijah was drunk or if she was drunk.


    At this moment, she looked at his face so close to her, feeling it so unreal.


    Elijah''s body felt a little hot, his long fingers tugging at his cor.


    "Starting apany is easy, but to keep it going and let it thrive require skills..." Elijah spoke again.


    The managers all put down their sses, listening intently.


    Brandon took out his phone and texted Violette: He''s saying this for you. He''s afraid you''ll go bankrupt.


    He''s worried sick about you.


    Violette looked at Brandon''s message, her face turning red instantly.

 Chapter 250

    Chapter 250


    Elijah''s big hand suddenly reached out and grabbed her hand holding the phone.


    Her hand went limp and she let go of the phone


    ; his big hand immediately withdrew.


    This confirmed Brandon''s guess.


    He was giving this lecture for her.


    The managers were dumbfounded!


    Holy crap!


    What was going on?


    The boss and Elijah seemed a bit flirty!


    Violette''s cheeks burned.


    She picked up the juice pitcher, poured herself a ss, and chugged it down.


    Good thing it wasn''t her birthday today.


    Who wanted to listen to his lecture on their birthday? So annoying.


    He talked about his sess secrets while also raising his ss to drink with everyone.


    Seemed like he didn''t forget that tonight was for her birthday celebration.


    Violette had two bowls of rice, a te of fruit, and an hour passed, and he still wasn''t done talking.


    She just propped her head up with one hand and stared at him.


    His Adam''s apple bobbed, and he looked back at her, "Violette, did you remember everything I just


    said?"


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    "Let''s drink!" She lowered her eyes, picked up the wine bottle, poured herself a ss, and then refilled


    his, "We''ve known each other for so long, and we haven''t had a drink yet!"


    Elijah held the wine ss, thinking about whether or not to drink with her, but


    she raised her ss and gulped it down.


    Odette at the next table was stunned.


    "Violette''s gone crazy!"


    Ramsey said, "I never thought the one to drink Elijah under the table tonight would be Violette, not Mike


    or the managers."


    Odette saw Elijah raise his ss and follow suit, then gasped, "What are they doing?"


    Ramsey: "Can''t you see? It''s love and war! They''ll either end up together or never speak to each other


    again!"


    "Heh, there''s no way they can be together! Not only does Elijah have Sarah, but he also has Maka...


    Violette wouldn''t get back with him."


    Half an hourter, the drinking session ended.


    Elijah was totally wasted, and


    Violette had also drunk quite a bit.


    She rubbed her temples with both hands, forcing herself to stay sober.


    Mike was indeed a regr at bars.


    When everyone else was drunk, he ran over, pulled Brandon away, and continued drinking!


    Judging by his posture, he nned to drink Elijah, Brandon, and Joey all under the table!


    At 10:30 p.m.


    Sarah appeared in the banquet hall with a cold expression.


    After exining her purpose to the security guard at the door, she strode into the banquet hall.


    The sound of high heels on the floor reached Violette''s ears, and she looked up to meet Sarah''s gaze.


    "Ms. Dennis, happy birthday." Sarah looked down at her and said coldly, "I''m here to take Elijah home."


    Violette was tipsy and feeling unwell. She wanted to speak, but her throat couldn''t make a sound.


    She raised her hand and waved at Sarah.


    "Ms. Dennis, you know excessive drinking is harmful to your health, so why did you get Elijah drunk? I


    thought you and Elijah had a past and wouldn''t mess around, but I didn''t expect you to be so reckless!"


    After scolding her, Sarah and the driver helped Elijah up from his chair.


    Because Elijah was so drunk, Sarah and the driver couldn''t get him to the parking lot smoothly.


    Left with no choice, Sarah booked a room in the hotel.


    After sending Elijah to lie down on the bed, the driver left.


    Sarah took out the bottle of water Kaleb had given her from her bag.


    With Elijah this drunk, tonight, she was bound to seed.

 Chapter 251

    Chapter 251


    "Elijah, have a sip of water!" Sarah slightly lifted his head and brought the water to his lips, "I know


    you''re feeling terrible right now, but drinking some water will help a lot."


    ......


    In the banquet hall.


    Violette had sobered up quite a bit, b


    ut she felt even worse than when she was drunk.


    She couldn''t continue to entangle herself with Elijah!


    If this went on, things would only get worse.


    "Violette, that Sarah is so cocky!" Odette came to her side,forting her, "Don''t take her words to


    heart. She''s so hypocritical, acting as if the threat to Elijah was someone else''s doing."


    Violette picked up her bag, nning to leave: "I''m not mad at her. I''m mad at myself."


    "You didn''t do anything wrong."


    "I''m so ridiculous," Violette murmured self-mockingly, "I still had fantasies about him... Odette, if I ever


    see him again, you have to p some sense into me!"


    Odette was very reluctant, but for her to no longer be so miserable, she nodded in agreement.


    "Let me take you home!" Odette supported her, "Don''t worry about the others. Ramsey will take care of


    themter."


    Violette and Odette took the elevator downstairs.


    When they reached the parking lot, she saw Elijah''s car right away.


    "You wanted me to lecture you, and now you can''t take your eyes off his car! Ugh!" Odette turned her


    face away, teasing her, "I found out that Sarah booked a room at the hotel. With Elijah being so drunk,


    even if she wanted to do something to him, she wouldn''t seed."


    Violette: "Why are your imagination so wild?"


    "Fasten your seatbelt!" Odette joked and then spoke earnestly, "Go home and get a good night''s sleep.


    Violette, you deserve a better man."


    Violette was a little touched.


    Just as she was about to say something, her phone rang in her bag.


    She took out her phone and saw that it was Lacey calling, which surprised her.


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    As soon as she answered the call, a piercing cry came through before Lacey''s voice.


    It was Maka.


    Odette was about to start the engine but came closer when she heard the cry from Violette''s phone


    speaker.


    "Violette, I can''t get through to Mr. Elijah''s phone, so I had no choice but to call you... Maka hasn''t


    seen him tonight and has been crying non-stop, and nothing I say canfort her. He went to your


    birthday party, right? Can you ry a message to him and let him know the situation?" Lacey said


    anxiously.


    Violette had just sworn to Odette that she would never see him again.


    "Violette, say no," Odette reminded her.


    Violette wanted to refuse, but she couldn''t bring herself to say it.


    Maka''s heartbreaking cries came from the other side of the phone.


    If she couldn''t see Elijah tonight, she wouldn''t let it go.


    "I''ll go find him." After replying to Lacey, Violette hung up.


    Odette let out a heavy sigh.


    "Odette, you go home and rest! I''ll go back by myselfter." Violette hadpletely sobered up, and


    even though her eyes were bloodshot and her voice hoarse, she said, "I know what I''m doing."


    She got out of the car and closed the door.


    Odette watched her stride into the hotel, remembering Ramsey''s words tonight.


    Would she and Elijah get back together or never speak to each other again?


    ......


    After entering the hotel, Violette went to the front desk to find out the room number Sarah had booked.


    Room V906.


    Violette looked at the closed door, took a deep breath, and pressed the doorbell.


    After waiting for a while, there was no response.


    She pressed the doorbell again.


    Still no response.


    Just as she was about to turn around and leave, the door suddenly opened.


    Elijah''s shirt was loose and disheveled, his chest flushed red from excessive alcohol intake.


    He frowned in pain.


    Upon seeing her familiar face, he almost didn''t think before pulling her into his arms!

 Chapter 252

    Chapter 252


    Violette''s face hit his chest, causing her pain. She looked around the room quickly. Where was Sarah?


    Why was he the only one in the room? Was no one taking care of him while he was drunk?


    Violette tried to push him away, but he held onto her tightly, "Violette...don''t leave me... I miss you so


    much...I miss you every day..." he murmured, carrying her to the bedroom.


    Violette watched him, drunk and helpless, and her heart ached. He was so drunk! They say that people


    speak the truth when they''re drunk, so when he called her Violette, did that mean that he still had her in


    his heart?


    He carried her to the bed and pressed his body against hers, looking at her with deep affection.


    "Elijah, let me go!" Violette took a deep breath and used both hands to hold his face, trying to awaken


    his senses. "You didn''te home tonight, and Maka is crying. Lacey called me to tell you..."


    Before she could finish her sentence, his lips covered hers.


    She didn''t expect that when she mentioned Maka''s name, he could ignore her so coldly. Didn''t he


    care about Maka before? Whenever Maka frowned, he would be so nervous. What was different


    tonight?


    She bit his lips until they bled, and the taste of blood filled their mouths.


    "Elijah! Do you know what you''re doing?" She cried. "I said Maka is crying! Did you hear me?! She''s


    waiting for you toe back!"


    He pursed his bloody lips. Just when she thought he was going to speak, tears fell from his eyes, drop


    by drop, onto her cheeks.


    "I heard you! Violette, I''m not going back... I''m not going back tonight! I want to be with you..." His voice


    was hoarse but determined.


    He destroyed the mental barrier she had built, and his kiss fell upon her again. She didn''t push him


    away. She had no strength to resist him anymore. In her mind, all she could see was his painful face


    with tears streaming down it.


    Why did they have to be like this?


    ...


    Sarah walked into the room with a shopping bag from a nearby men''s clothing store. As she entered


    the room, she heard soundsing from the bedroom. She dropped the bag onto the carpet.


    She couldn''t believe it.


    She walked quickly towards the bedroom. The door was slightly ajar. She pushed it open a little-


    On the big bed, a good show was being staged. The male lead was her boyfriend, Elijah. And the


    female lead... was Violette!


    Why was she always around?!


    Sarah clenched her fists tightly. She wanted to rush in and pull Violette''s hair and throw her out. But


    Elijah was on top of her. He was supposed to be unconscious, wasn''t he? How could he be so


    energetic when Violette arrived?


    Sarah wanted to get rid of Violette, but she had to push Elijah away first. She didn''t dare to do that. So


    all she could do was watch Elijah and Violette lost in pleasure on the bed...


    Tears silently fell from her eyes. She felt humiliated and wronged. She wanted to cry loudly and leave


    this heartbreaking ce, but she couldn''t. She had to stick to the n! Otherwise, all her efforts over


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    the past few months would be in vain!


    She gritted her teeth and closed the bedroom door.

 Chapter 253

    Chapter 253


    She didn''t want to hear their voices anymore.


    Those voices were always mocking her - so what if you were Elijah''s girlfriend? The woman he doted


    on was Violette!


    She went and sat down on the couch.


    She felt her heart was dead, her body stiff and cold.


    2 a.m.


    The bedroom door finally opened, and


    Violette, exhausted, walked out.


    Seeing Sarah sitting on the couch, she stopped in her tracks.


    "Ms. Dennis, is my boyfriend that great?" Sarah''s voice trembled, her eyes filled with rage as she


    looked at her. "I was gone for just 20 minutes, and you swooped in! You knew he was drunk and


    unconscious, yet you seduced him! How could you be so shameless?!"


    Violette wanted to exin, but no matter what she said, it seemed weak and powerless!


    She never thought she''d be caught in the act like this!


    So ironic.


    "I''m sorry."


    "What good is an apology?" Tears streamed down Sarah''s face. "I know I got him by dubious means,


    but that was after you two were divorced! Ms. Dennis, I''ve never hurt you throughout this whole time,


    so why are you hurting me?!"


    "I''m sorry." Violette walked over to her, apologizing again.


    "Let''s pretend this never happened! You can''t tell anyone! And don''t tell him! When he wakes up, I''ll tell


    him that nothing happened!" Sarah looked at her mockingly. "He''s drunk, he might not remember


    anything when he wakes up."


    "Alright." After saying this, Violette left in big strides.


    Stepping out of the hotel, a cool breeze blew.


    She hugged herself, tilted her head back slightly, and took a deep breath.


    Her heart was so chaotic and painful,


    but she couldn''t talk to anyone.


    She found a random ce to sit by the road.


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    She didn''t want to go home or stay in a hotel.


    She''d just stay like this!


    When the sun rose, it would be a new day.


    Everything could start anew.


    ......


    Morning, 8 o''clock.


    Hotel, room V906.


    On the white bed, Elijah woke up with a hangover headache.


    Seeing the unfamiliar room, he nced warily at the woman beside him¡ª


    Her hair was spread out. She had a brown mole on her back.


    Her skin was so pale that the mole was very noticeable.


    Elijah frowned.


    Who was this woman?!


    Violette didn''t have such a mole on her back!


    He sat up abruptly, seeing his naked body and vaguely recalling the events ofst night.


    Violette came to himst night, but he couldn''t control himself, and they did it.


    But where was Violette?!


    He quickly put on his clothes, intending to wake up the woman on the bed.


    At that moment, Sarah turned over, rubbed her eyes, and sweetly smiled at him. "Elijah, you''re awake?


    Why don''t you sleep a little longer?"


    Elijah: "......"


    Seeing Sarah''s face, it was as if his blood had frozen, his eyes filled with disappointment and shock.


    Why was it Sarah?


    Could it be that he mistook Sarah for Violettest night?


    "Elijah, what''s wrong? Last night, it was you who carried me to bed. I didn''t take the initiative." Sarah


    clutched the nket tightly, carefully exining.


    Elijah clenched his fists, muttering, "I''m sorry."


    It seemed that he really mistook Sarah for Violette!


    How could he have made such a rookie mistake?


    "Why are you apologizing to me? I''m your girlfriend, and you''re my boyfriend. Isn''t it normal for us to be


    this intimate?" Sarah said, squeezing out a tear in grievance.


    She secretly breathed a sigh of relief.


    It seemed that Elijah really didn''t remember the woman he slept withst night.


    ¡ª Violette, you lost!


    From now on, you''vepletely lost!

 Chapter 254

    Chapter 254


    "Sorry, Dr. Sarah." Elijah quickly adjusted his mood, his eyes returning to his usual indifference. "Last


    night was my bad, I need to cool off a bit."


    With that, he quickly left the bedroom.


    Sarah''s facial expression froze.


    She thought that after tearing up, Elijah woulde over and hold her affectionately, trying tofort


    her.


    But why was his attitude still so cold?


    He just got up and left like that!


    Last night, when he was holding Violette, he didn''t act like this at all!


    Sarah wiped the tears from her face with a straight face.


    Althoughst night''s experience made her sad and painful, the result was good.


    She found her phone and called Kaleb: "I did it."


    Kalebughed: "Dr. Sarah, you''re amazing! If there''s anything I can do for you next, just let me know!


    I''ll listen to whatever you say."


    Sarah felt even worse when she heard Kaleb''s voice.


    If only Elijah could be half as obedient to her as Kaleb.


    "Am I really not attractive enough? Your uncle has never really looked at me." Sarah said sadly, "I got


    Kalebughed even harder, "My uncle isn''t exactly normal, you know! Dr. Sarah, you should really treat


    my uncle. He''s the one who needs treatment the most."


    Sarah thought he was joking, so she continued to speak sadly: "But he was totally normal with Violette


    "Well..." Kaleb''s voice got smaller, "Violette is so beautiful, and very few men can resist her charm."


    "Heh, so you mean I''m not as good as her?"


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    "No! Dr. Sarah, you have a great figure and a pretty face! You and Violette... are both beautiful! I just


    mean that most men might prefer Violette''s type, which is both innocent and sexy..."


    Sarah hung up the phone.


    There was no need to deceive herself.


    She knew Violette was younger and prettier than her.


    She didn''t expect to win Elijah''s heart; she just wanted his body.


    ...


    Violette was awakened by the ringtone of her phone.


    She had spent the night sitting and sleeping on a bench at the bus stop.


    Upon hearing the ring, she took her phone out of her bag.


    After answering the call, she put the phone to her ear.


    Her finger identally touched her ear, and her skin was burning hot!


    She had a fever!


    She mustered her strength and hailed a taxi on the side of the road.


    After getting home, she took a fever-reducing pill and then went to bed wrapped in a nket.


    Albina didn''t have time to ask her what happened before she fell asleep.


    The Bourne family.


    Elijah had been in the bathroom for over an hour and hadn''te out yet.


    He usually finished washing in half an hour


    , but he couldn''t ept what happened between him and Sarahst night.

 Chapter 255

    Chapter 255


    As for Sarah, he had got plenty of ways to deal with her, but how the hell was he gonna face Violette?


    Afterst night''s events, he was more sure than ever that he was still head over heels for Violette.


    He can''t lie to himself, and he can''t forget her either.


    He bumped into Lacey and Maka as he came out of the bathroom.


    "Sir, Maka was waiting for you all night," Lacey said.


    Elijah''s mind immediately shed to Violette''s face!


    He vaguely remembered Violetteing to himst night, telling him that Maka was crying and


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    asking him toe back!


    His heart suddenly clenched.


    Did Violette really go looking for himst night?


    He clearly remembered hering to his room,


    and the two of them cuddling in bed...


    So why the hell did he wake up with Sarah beside him?


    "I couldn''t get through to your phonest night, so I called Violette. She promised to let you know, but


    you didn''te back... She must not have found you." Lacey guessed.


    Maka cried until 3 in the morning, only stopping when she was too exhausted to continue.


    Lacey was also wiped out.


    Elijah''s heart suddenly tightened!


    The light in his eyes dimed, and his voice trembled a bit: "She came to find me... I heard her tell me


    that..."


    Lacey: "Oh, you drank too muchst night, huh? You still smell like alcohol. I''ll go make you some


    hangover soup."


    After Lacey left, only Elijah and Maka were left in the room.


    Elijah looked at Maka


    , whose eyes were red and swollen.


    "Maka, why were you cryingst night? Did you miss your brother?" he asked softly.


    Maka lowered her head and shook it: "That person hit me... I was scared..."


    Elijah hugged her sympathetically: "Did you have a nightmare? That person is long dead... Maka,


    he''ll never show up again! Your brother will protect you! No one will bully you anymore!"


    Maka sobbed with a grievance: "You weren''t herest night..."


    "I''m sorry. I drank too muchst night," Elijah apologized.


    After coaxing his sister to sleep, Elijah changed into a new set of clothes from the closet.


    His memories fromst night seriously didn''t match up with reality.


    He can''t tell what was real and what was fake.


    He needed to ask Violette.


    Silverleaf Ridge.


    A ck Rolls-Royce stopped in front of the vi.


    As soon as Albina saw his car, she didn''t hesitate to close the front gate!


    "Grandma, why are you closing the gate?" Rita asked, confused.


    Albina frowned: "Elijah is outside. You''re not allowed to open the door for him!"


    Rita immediately nodded and ran off to find her brother.


    Outside, Elijah looked at the closed gate, took out his phone, and dialed Violette''s number.

 Chapter 256

    Chapter 256


    Violette''s phone was off.


    Elijah frowned.


    They were so close to each other, yet it felt like they were worlds apart.


    Inside the vi, Rita told Ian that Elijah had arrived. Ian immediately found a drone in his room.


    "Bro, what are you gonna do?" Rita asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.


    Ian: "Chase him away!"


    "Oh, do you need my help, bro?" Rita really wanted to lend a hand.


    Ian found a hose and gave it to her.


    ...


    Elijah stood outside the vi.


    Today, he had to see Violette.


    About twenty minutester, a drone slowly flew over from the second-floor balcony.


    The bodyguard frowned when he saw the drone: "What the heck is this?!"


    If it was just a regr drone, the bodyguard wouldn''t be so surprised, b


    ut this drone had a hose attached to it!


    Elijah looked up and saw the drone.


    It had a really cool design


    , and was shing colorful lights.


    As he was wondering who was controlling the drone, whoosh, w


    ater came pouring down from the sky!


    The drone stopped tantly above Elijah''s head.


    The hose it was carrying was connected to a faucet inside the house, s


    o it came here to "water" Elijah.


    "Damn!" The bodyguard immediately pulled Elijah towards the car, "Violette is going too far!"


    Elijah refused to get in the car.


    He let go of the bodyguard''s hand and corrected: "It''s not her. She''s not that childish."


    Although he couldn''t see who was controlling the drone, he could guess that it was probably Ian.


    If Ian could learn hacking skills, what was so hard about controlling a drone to him?


    The drone kept following Elijah.


    He moved, and the drone moved.


    He stopped, and the drone stopped.


    Water from the hose kept pouring on him.


    His hair, his clothes, were all soaked.


    Bodyguard: "I''ll go in and check!"


    "Stop!" Elijah spoke up, stopping him.


    If his bodyguard forcibly rushed in, it would definitely cause a stronger bacsh from Violette''s family.


    He didn''t want to fall out with Violette and her family.


    "I''m so pissed off! It must be that jerk Ian! Next time I see him, I''ll give him a good one!" The bodyguard


    angrily said, turning to look for an umbre in the car.


    Unfortunately, there was no umbre in the car.


    Albina saw the situation outside from the first-floor window and immediately went upstairs.


    "Ian! Get the drone back now!"


    Ian frowned, his hand holding the remote control, not moving.


    Elijah hadn''t left yet!


    He wanted to chase Elijah away!


    Rita held the hose, acting all cute: "Grandma, we have to drive away that bad guy Elijah!"


    Albina turned off the faucet and sternly said to Ian: "If you don''t bring the drone back, I''ll tell your


    mother right away."


    Although Albina didn''t want to see Elijah, she couldn''t tolerate the two children being so rude!


    Ian hurriedly flew the drone back.


    Albina stood behind the balcony curtain, peeking outside.


    Elijah was already soaking wet from head to toe, b


    ut he still stood there, not moving.


    His bodyguard was wiping him down with tissues.


    Albina frowned, feeling very conflicted.


    She felt that she should go out and apologize for the rude behavior of the two children.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.

 Chapter 257

    Chapter 257


    But she couldn''t shake off the prejudice she had against him in her heart.


    ......


    "Boss, let''s go back!" the bodyguard suggested, "Your clothes are soaked, and you might catch a cold if


    you don''t go home and change."


    It was early autumn now, and although the sun was shining brightly today, the temperature had


    dropped a lotpared to before.


    "I''m not cold," Elijah''s voice was calm andposed.


    Seeing him so persistent, the bodyguard knew he wouldn''t change his mind, s


    o he had no choice but to stand by and wait with him.


    After a while, a red Cayenne slowly drove up and stopped beside Elijah.


    The window rolled down, and Mike poked his head out.


    "Hey! What are you doing here?" Mike said, noticing his soaked clothes and looking surprised, "Did it


    rain here?"


    The bodyguard red at him unhappily, "It was that brat Ian who poured water on him!"


    Mike: "Oh... He''s really something! Always doing what I want to do but don''t dare to!"


    The bodyguard gave him a look to shut him up.


    Mike coughed lightly, getting out of the car, "You guys standing here like this is so dumb! Let me take


    you in!"


    After saying that, Mike swaggered towards the vi''s main entrance.


    Elijah hesitated for a few seconds, then followed closely behind.


    Mike entered the password and opened the gate.


    Albina saw Mike bringing Elijah in and kept a straight face, saying nothing.


    "Albina, I''ll take him to change his clothes, and then if you want to kick him out, I won''t stop you," Mike


    discussed with Albina.


    Albina nodded.


    Mike led Elijah upstairs.


    As soon as Ian and Rita heard the footsteps, they immediately ran to their mother''s bedroom door and


    stood there!


    They swore to protect their mom!


    Never let that scumbag dad get close to her!


    When Elijah went upstairs, he saw the two kids standing in front of a door.


    Their determined expressions in their eyes gave away the crucial information.


    Elijah knew where Violette''s room was, but he didn''t go over.


    "Elijah, your assistant has too far!" Mike said as he brought Elijah into his room, "And your CFO! What''s


    going on? The two of them teamed up to hit me! My face just healed, and now it''s bruised again!"


    Seeing Elijah enter Mike''s room, the siblings breathed a sigh of relief.


    They opened the master bedroom door and slipped in.


    After taking the fever-reducing medicine, Violette''s body was sweating non-stop.


    The more she sweated, the colder she felt.


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Even though she was under the nket, it felt like being in a freezing cold ce.


    Rita and Ian walked over to the bed, seeing their mom''s body shaking uncontrobly, their faces turned


    pale.


    Ian reached out and touched her face.


    It was burning hot!


    "Rita, you watch mom here! I''ll go call grandma!" Ian instructed, then quickly ran out of the room.


    He ran downstairs, grabbed Albina, and took her upstairs.


    Seeing Violette''s condition, Albina was horrified!


    "Mike!" Albina came out of the room and called Mike, "Violette has a fever! We need to get her to the


    hospital right away!"


    Mike immediately headed for the door, and


    Elijah was even faster.


    When they reached Violette''s room, Elijah pulled Mike aside and went in first.


    Violette was already very sick.


    When Elijah picked her up from the bed, she had no idea what had happened.


    Her head hurt terribly, and she felt her body was heavy.


    She had already taken the medicine, so why was she still feeling so terrible?


    "What happened? I called her this morning, and she was fine," Mike followed Elijah downstairs, "Aunt


    Albina, you stay home and watch the kids, I''ll drive Violette to the hospital!"


    Albina: "Drive carefully on the way!"


    Albina saw them off.


    She saw Elijah carrying Violette and getting into a ck Rolls Royce


    , and his bodyguard immediately drove away!


    Mike, who was left outside, was totally dumbfounded.


    What was going on?!


    Did Elijah just snatch Violette away?

 Chapter 258

    Chapter 258


    "Mike! Hurry up and drive after them!" Albina said anxiously.


    Mike: "Alright!"


    After Mike drove off to follow them, Albina finally breathed a sigh of relief.


    "Grandma, will my mom be okay? I''m so worried about her!" Rita''s eyes were red, and her little hand


    tightly gripped Albina''s clothes.


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Albina hugged her and said, "Your mom just has a fever, it''s not serious. Once she gets to the hospital,


    the doctor will treat her. She''ll be fine after her fever goes down."


    "Oh... What is Elijah up to?" Rita had a bad feeling.


    Albina frowned and said, "I don''t know. But since your mom is sick, he probably won''t do anything."


    Elijah carried Violette downstairs directly.


    Although Albina was biased against him, she couldn''t find fault with his performance just now.


    You could tell if a man cared about you from the little things.


    No matter how many women he had now, he still had feelings for Violette.


    So, Violette should be safe.


    At the hospital.


    Elijah carried Violette to the emergency room.


    By the time Mike caught up, Violette was already receiving an IV.


    "Elijah! You ran too fast!" Mike panted, "Give Violette back to me!"


    There were no beds avable in the emergency room, so Elijah had to hold Violette.


    "Stop making a scene here!" Elijah looked at him coldly.


    "Me, making a scene? If you hadn''t pushed me away, I could''ve brought Violette to the hospital too!"


    Mike argued with his hands on his hips.


    The surrounding patients all stared at them.


    "Do you want to be on the news?" Elijah questioned him, "Just keep quiet!"


    Mike nced around and reluctantly closed his mouth.


    Finally, it was quiet.


    Soon after, a few medical staff arrived and escorted Elijah to the ward.


    Elijah carried Violette to the room andid her down on the bed.


    He reached out and touched her forehead to check her temperature.


    Her fever was starting to subside.


    Looking at her frail appearance, his brow furrowed tightly.


    After a while, he went out to the balcony and made a phone call.


    ...


    After returning home from the hotel, Sarah went straight to her study.


    In addition to finding the doctor who treated Maka, she also needed to find a way to cure Maka


    herself.


    Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.


    Sarah said, "Come in."


    There was a bodyguard and a nanny in the house.


    Other than these two, no one else would disturb her.


    The bodyguard walked straight up to Sarah.


    "Dr. Sarah, my boss sent this to you." The bodyguard handed Sarah a check.


    Sarah took the check, nced at the amount, and sneered.


    "He''s really generous! After one night, he gave me five million." Sarah put the check on the table, her


    The bodyguard shook his head.


    Sarah felt a pang of pain in her heart.


    What did Elijah think of her?!


    Did he treat her like a prostitute?

 Chapter 259

    Chapter 259


    So, just sleep with her and pay her off?!


    The only difference was that she made way more money than regr hookers!


    Sarah clenched her teeth, feeling a chill from anger.


    "Does he even know how to respect people?!" Sarah mmed a medical book onto the floor.


    The bodyguard kept a straight face, "Dr. Sarah, he''s already showing you enough respect. If he didn''t


    respect you, you wouldn''t get anything."


    "It''s because I''m valuable to him!" Sarah yelled with teary eyes.


    "If you weren''t valuable, he would''ve let you go a long time ago." The bodyguard stated the facts, "Ms.


    Dennis didn''t ask for a dime from the boss at first, and she was very obedient."


    "Are you saying I''m asking for too much?!"


    Bodyguard: "You''d be better off trying to please Grace."


    The bodyguard left the room after saying that.


    Sarah was enlightened!


    She threatened Elijah to be her boyfriend, which made him disgusted.


    So, she shouldn''t keep pushing him.


    The bodyguard was right!


    She should start with Grace!


    At the hospital.


    After Violette''s fever broke, she felt much better.


    Waking up from her sleep, she looked at the unfamiliar hospital room and immediately became alert,


    looking at the bedside.


    Elijah was sitting there, quietly watching her.


    Why was he here?


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    And, how did she end up in the hospital?


    "I..." As soon as she spoke, her voice was hoarse, and her throat hurt from the strain.


    Elijah poured her a ss of warm water, helped her sit up, and fed it to her.


    She drank the water, and her mind was filled with the events that had happened fromst night to


    today.


    "Do you want more?" he asked her.


    She shook her head and pulled the nket up, "Why are you here? Who brought me to the hospital?"


    Besides her, there was only him in the room.


    Was it him who brought her here?


    She didn''t remember anything that had happened in between.


    "Mike is outside." Elijah saw the alertness and indifference on her face and felt a pang of sadness,


    "Violette, I came to you to ask you a question."


    "Oh, what''s the question?" She looked at him weakly but calmly.


    Her eyes were clear and clean,


    but with a touch of coldness.


    "Did youe to see mest night?" He looked at her face, not missing any subtle emotions on it, "I


    remember you came to see me..."


    "No." She interrupted him decisively, "I was feeling sick after drinkingst night. How could I possibly


    "Did you really note to see me?" He asked, disappointed, "I clearly remember youing and


    telling me that Maka was crying..."


    "Whye to me for confirmation if you recall it so clearly? So maybe you don''t recall it as well as you


    thought." Violette calmly replied, debunking all his fantasies.


    He stood up from the chair, the confusion and sadness on his face disappearing in an instant.


    "In that case, I''ll leave you alone!" His voice was even colder than hers.


    Her heart ached slightly, but she dared not show her emotions.


    "Did youe to ask me this question because something important happenedst night?" She


    pretended to be rxed, looking at him curiously.


    She thought he would leave angrily in the next second, b


    ut he didn''t.


    He looked at her face and said seriously, "I slept with Sarahst night. Does that count as something


    important?"

 Chapter 260

    Chapter 260


    Violette''s eyes twinkled, and then she chuckled: "You two have been together for so long, and this is


    the first time you''ve slept together? You guys are so innocent."


    Elijah''s face darkened, "You talk as if you have a lot of experience. Have you slept with other men


    besides me?"


    Violette smiled sweetly: "Of course." Ian counted as a man too.


    Elijah''sposure was gone!


    "Violette! I¡¯m never going toe looking for you again!" He stormed out of the hospital room.


    Violette watched him disappear, her smile fading away bit by bit.


    That was good.


    He would nevere looking for her again, and t


    hey could both start their own lives.


    But why wasn''t she feel happy at all?


    She hugged the nket and took a deep breath.


    On it, his lingering scent remained.


    The hospital room door was pushed open, and Mike strode in.


    "Violette, did Elijah bully you? He''s so annoying! I was supposed to bring you to the hospital, but he


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    beat me to it!" Mike walked to the bedside and sat down, reaching out to touch her forehead.


    It was cool.


    Her fever had subsided.


    "He brought me to the hospital?" Violette''s eyshes fluttered, taken aback.


    "Yeah! He went to find you and got soaked by Ian, so I took him into the house to change clothes, and


    then we found out you had a fever." Mike told her the story, "What did he just say to you? He was so


    angry when he left!"


    Violette spoke lightly, "He didn''t say anything. Why did you bring the nket from home?"


    Mike: "He carried it here! He''s so strong! He carried you like that, and I couldn''t catch up."


    Violette didn''t want to hear anything more about Elijah.


    She nced at the IV drip bottle and said, "There''s one more bottle. I''ll sleep a little more."


    "Alright!" Mike tucked her in.


    Three dayster.


    At the Dennis Group.


    The sales department received an order.


    "The Bourne Group actually wants to order our drones!" The sales manager checked the order


    information repeatedly and immediately reported the news after confirming there was no mistake.


    Mike took the order information to find Violette.


    "The Bourne Group''s purchasing department ordered 5,000 Breeze Drones." Mike said incredulously,


    "What do they want so many drones for?"


    Violette took the purchase order from him and nced at it.


    "Our drone is priced at 19,999 dors each. Five thousand drones are 99,995,000 dors!" Mike took a


    deep breath, "Should we raise the price for them? Raise it to 20,000 each, and it will be exactly 100


    million."


    Violette thought she heard it wrong.


    Shouldn''t they offer a discount for such a big customer?


    "You''re not thinking of giving them a discount, are you? Violette, do you think Elijah needs this little


    discount?!" Mike took back the order information, "This order is a bit big, I''ll go check with Joey."


    Violette watched Mike leave, her brain working overtime.


    Elijah must know about this purchase of over 100 million, right?


    Why did he want to buy drones?


    What was the point of buying so many drones?


    Did he n to give one to each employee?


    Mike returned to the office and called Joey on thendline.

 Chapter 261

    Chapter 261


    Joey Lamont picked up the phone: "Hello?"


    Mike: "It''s me."


    Joey nced at the call screen, coldly said: "What do you want?"


    "Watch your tone, or I won''t sell you guys drones." Mike threatened.


    Joey frowned and retorted: "Don''t tter yourself! Who wants to buy your drones?!"


    Mike paused: "Your boss! The order ced by your procurement department, is it fake?"


    Joey took a deep breath: "You''re saying our boss ordered the procurement department to buy your


    drones?"


    "Yeah! Didn''t you know? Haha! I thought you were your boss''s right-hand man, turns out you''re


    nothing." Mike mocked and hung up.


    Joey was irritated and went to ask Elijah for confirmation.


    Elijah looked up from hisputer screen.


    "Ourpany gives out welfare gifts to employees every year during festivals. This year''s gift is a


    drone, any objections?"


    Joey vigorously shook his head: "No objections! Just a bit surprised."


    "It was ast-minute decision." Elijah said nonchntly, "Though I no longer have contact with Violette


    Dennis, herpany''s products are good."


    He would never forget the scene a few days ago when he went to Violette''s house and was chased by


    a drone that was pouring water from the sky!


    Technology was advancing with time.


    Such a good product, he should share it with his employees.


    "Oh... Mike just called me, and I was a bit rude... I don''t know if it''ll affect our order." Joey said


    regretfully, "I''ll call him back."


    Half an hourter, Joey and the procurement manager headed to the Dennis Group to discuss


    cooperation.


    Violette and Mike received them in the conference room.


    "Five thousand is too many. We can''t produce that many in such a short time." Mike began, "However,


    if you insist on getting 5,000 in such a short time, it''s not impossible..."


    Joey couldn''t stand Mike''s arrogant attitude anymore!


    As a buyer, why should they put up with this humiliation?


    It was not like the Dennis Group was the only domestic drone seller!


    "How many can you produce?" Joey asked seriously, "We''ll take as many as you can produce, and if


    it''s not enough, we''ll buy from otherpanies."


    Mike raised an eyebrow: "Is that what your boss said?"


    The procurement manager whispered to Joey: "Joey, be nicer. Our boss only wants the Dennis Group''s


    drones."


    Joey picked up the water cup and took a sip.


    Mike continued: "If you really want 5,000, we can source them from foreignpanies, but the price


    will go up."


    Joey''s anger red up!


    "Shut up! I''m calling my boss!" Joey took out his phone and dialed Elijah''s number.


    Violette picked up her water cup and took a sip.


    Mike was right. Their current production capacity wasn''t enough to produce 5,000 drones in a short


    time.


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Sourcing from abroad would require paying shipping and tax fees.


    Furthermore, their drone''s price was indeed higher overseas than domestically.


    Joey couldn''t ept the terms Mike mentioned, probably feeling that as a buyer, he was superior.


    Joey, holding back his anger, exined the situation to Elijah, who responded coldly: "Joey, do you


    think I can''t afford her drones?"


    "Boss, that''s not what I meant... I just think they''re taking advantage of us!" Joey whispered.


    Violette tapped her finger on the table, signaling Joey to pass the phone over.


    Joey adjusted his sses and reported: "Boss, Ms. Dennis wants to speak with you."

 Chapter 262

    Chapter 262


    Elijah on the phone went silent.


    Joey awkwardly handed the phone to Violette.


    Violette turned on the speaker and ced the phone on the table.


    "Mr. Bourne, hello."


    Hearing Violette''s formal greeting, Mike tried not tough, while Joey was speechless.


    Then, on the other end of the line, Elijah''s even more formal voice came through, "President Dennis,


    hello."


    Violette was stunned for a moment.


    Mike picked up his water ss and took a sip.


    Joey also picked up his ss, but it was empty.


    "I feel it necessary to exin to you that we haven''t been taking advantage of you guys." Violette


    adjusted her emotions and spoke calmly, "Our factory was just established not long ago, and we don''t


    have enough equipment and staff. At the moment, we really can''tplete the order quantity you


    asked for. Getting merchandise from abroad can guarantee quantity and time, but our prices are higher


    abroad than domestically."


    Hearing Violette''s exnation, Joey''s emotions cooled down.


    What she said was the same as what Mike had said, but hearing it from Mike made him especially


    angry.


    "Since this is our first big domestic order, I can offer you the products we get from abroad at domestic


    prices." Violette spoke again into the phone.


    Mike was shocked.


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Why gave Elijah a discount?!


    Joey breathed a sigh of relief.


    That was more like a gesture of good faith in cooperation!


    On the other end of the line, Elijah''s cold voice came through again, "I don''t like discounted items."


    Everyone in the conference room was dumbfounded.


    The other meaning of Elijah''s words was - I''m not short of money! Giving me a discount? Are you


    looking down on me?


    Mike pped and apuded!


    "By the way, let me tell you about our payment method. Pay 50% of the cost as a deposit first. The


    remaining bnce will be paid in full within three days after delivery." Mike spoke up.


    Joey was indignant, "Your deposit ratio is too high!"


    Purchasing manager: "Yeah! Normally, 30% is already quite high, and you guys are asking for 50%!"


    Elijah: "Send me the bill, and I''ll pay it all now."


    Joey and the purchasing manager were both speechless.


    There was no need to send two people to negotiate with the boss''s attitude!


    He clearly wanted to give Violette money...


    Oh!


    They got it!


    The boss just wanted to give Violette money.


    Otherwise, what would she do if herpany went bankrupt without orders?


    The boss was really racking his brains!


    After signing the contract, Violette offered to treat them to dinner.


    Joey wasn''t in the mood and wanted to leave, but the purchasing manager happily agreed.


    "Joey, why are you looking so glum? Buying our drones, and you guys won''t lose out." Mike tried to


    intelligent system is also a key factor that sets us apart from other brands..."


    Joey raised his hand, interrupting his self-praise, "Let''s go eat!"


    The Bourne Group.


    Brandon learned the news that Elijah was going to spend 100 million to buy products from the Dennis


    Group.


    "Elijah, do you really want to buy drones, or do you want to give Violette money?" Brandon couldn''t


    figure it out, "Didn''t you guys break up? You even said the other day when you were drinking that


    you''re never going to see her again."


    Elijah: "When I used to give my employeesptops, phones, and other digital products, why didn''t you


    question me?"


    Brandon nodded, "Seems like Violette''s drones are pretty good."


    Elijah: "Or did you think AN Tech''s performance was fake?"


    At that moment, the phone on the table rang.


    Elijah nced at the caller ID, picked up the phone, and answered the call.


    Brandon, holding his coffee cup, took the hint and left.

 Chapter 263

    Chapter 263


    "Mr. Bourne, we identally found out that Miss Sarah is also looking for a doctor." On the other side


    of the phone, it was a private detective Elijah hired abroad to find a doctor who could treat Maka.


    "Ms. Sarah is looking for a middle-aged male doctor."


    Elijah frowned slightly: "Why is she looking for this male doctor?"


    The private detective said: "I guess she wants this doctor to treat Maka together."


    A glimmer of hope shed in Elijah''s eyes: "We need to find this male doctor before she does!"


    Private detective: "Alright. I also found out a private piece of information. Dr. Mitchel had a student,


    whose information ispletely confidential, and he participated in Dr. Mitchel''sb work throughout."


    Elijah asked seriously: "Could this student be the middle-aged male doctor Sarah is looking for?"


    Private detective: "Yes, that''s what I guessed too."


    At 5 pm, Elijah personally went to Ang International Institute to pick up Maka.


    At the parking lot, they happened to meet Violette, who came to pick up Ian.


    The four stared at each other in the parking lot.


    Elijah quickly looked away and helped Maka into the car.


    Violette got into the driver''s seat after seeing Ian sitting in the safety seat.


    Both cars started simultaneously, turned around, and drove to the school gate at the same time.


    Luckily, the school gate was wide enough.


    The two cars left the school gate together, one turning left and the other turning right.


    After the car drove out, Ian muttered: "Mom, I want to transfer to another school."


    Maka always peeked at him outside the ssroom, and h


    e had had enough.


    He entered Ang International Institute initially to investigate Elijah and Maka''s rtionship.


    Now that he knew about their rtionship, he didn''t want to study here anymore.


    "Where do you want to transfer? Are you willing to study and live with other kids?" Violette asked.


    Ian was silent.


    Ang International Institute was actually pretty good.


    He was the only student in a ss


    , but wanted to transfer because he didn''t want to see Maka.


    "Ian, can you wait till the end of this year?" Violette negotiated with him, "You hated kindergarten, so


    let''s try primary school next year, okay?"


    After thinking for a moment, Ian nodded.


    In the other car.


    Maka clutched her seatbelt with both hands, looking down, and discussed with Elijah: "Brother, can I


    invite Ian to my birthday party?"


    "He won''t wish you happy birthday." Elijah''s tone was gentle, but his words hurt Maka.


    "Why don''t they like me? Is it because I''m stupid..." Maka''s eyes turned red.


    "No." Elijah''s Adam''s apple rolled, and he said hoarsely, "They don''t like you because they don''t like


    me."


    "Why don''t they like you? You''re the best."


    "Maka, just because I''m good to you doesn''t mean I''m good to them." Elijah said bitterly, "I''ll be with


    you on your birthday."


    Half an hourter, the car entered the front yard of the Bourne family.


    After dinner, Lacey took Maka to the backyard to pick fresh fruits.


    Maka loved nature.


    There were many flowers, nts, and fruits in the backyard, and Lacey would take her to y there


    every day after dinner.


    Elijah entered the study.


    In another week, it would be his father''s death anniversary.


    He had been having nightmares these nights.


    Every year during this time, he would have the same nightmare, which hadsted for nearly twenty


    years.


    Closing the study door, he strode to the bookshelf.


    On the third row of the bookshelf, he ced a dark red box.


    This box contained his most important secret.N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    He put this secret on the bookshelf because the most dangerous ce was the safest ce.

 Chapter 264

    Chapter 264


    He''d had it for 20 years, and never had any issues.


    But, why was it gone now?!


    After discovering the box was missing, he took all the books from the third row of the bookshelf.


    Since the bookshelf was fixed to the wall, there was no way it could''ve fallen into a crack.


    In no time, he moved all the books from the shelf to the floor.


    After emptying the bookshelf, he searched through the piles of books again!


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Still nothing!


    His eyes turned bloodshot, and a strong murderous intent rose from the bottom of his eyes!


    Who?!


    Who came into his study and took his stuff?!


    He vaguely remembered seeing the box not too long ago.


    He called the security room: "Pull up all the surveince from the past month! Someone''s been in my


    study!"


    The bodyguard didn''t even dare to breathe: "Yes! I''ll pull up the surveince right away!"


    "Get all the manpower you can and check the surveince!" He ordered with a tense voice.


    "Okay!"


    Lacey brought Maka back to the living room from the backyard, and instantly noticed Elijah''s gloomy


    and cold face. Her heart tightened.


    "Sir, what''s wrong?"


    Elijah: "Someone took something from my study."


    Lacey''s face turned pale, too shocked to speak.


    "List everyone who''s been to the house in the past month and give it to me as soon as possible!" After


    giving instructions to Lacey, Elijah took Maka''s hand and led her back to her room.


    Maka was a little scared.


    Back in the room, Elijah held her hand and asked, "Maka, have you been to your brother''s study?"


    Maka timidly shook her head.


    "It''s okay. Just asking."


    "Brother, what did you lose? I''ll help you look for it." Maka finally spoke after a moment of silence.


    Elijah forced a bitter smile: "I''ll find it. Don''t worry."


    "I didn''t take it..." Maka suddenly lowered her eyes, feeling hurt.


    "I know you didn''t." Elijah helped her sit on the edge of the bed.


    Maka was sensitive and fragile because she didn''t have a healthy mind and couldn''t self-regte


    like a normal person.


    So he had to find a way to cure her.


    "Maka, tell me what you want for your birthday present, and I''ll buy it for you." Elijah changed the


    subject to something lighter.


    Maka''s tension disappeared.


    "I want Ian...to y with me." She thought for a while and said her desired ''gift.''


    Elijah frowned, feeling it was a bit tricky.


    But he didn''t want to disappoint his sister.


    After all, it wasn''t entirely impossible.


    After Lacey listed the names, she came to the room.


    "Sir, I''ve put the list in your study." Lacey said, "Let me take care of Maka."


    Elijah left Maka''s room and strode towards the study.


    The names on the list were all familiar to him.


    Among them, Sarah, Violette, Mike, Ian, and Rita caught his attention.


    Before they came to his house, the box had always been on the shelf.


    He held a pen in his hand, and first crossed out Violette''s name.


    Violette couldn''t have taken his stuff.


    He didn''t know why he trusted her so much, just like he trusted himself.


    Then, the pen tip stopped at Mike''s name.


    Mike was originally brought into the living room by his two bodyguards.


    He hadn''t been upstairs, so how could he have entered the study and taken the box?

 Chapter 265

    Chapter 265


    Crossed off along with Mike''s name was Ian''s name.


    Ian had been to the house twice, but he only stayed in the living room on the first floor.


    Rita, on the other hand, had been upstairs.


    When everyone found her, she was on the second floor.


    It was just that this girl didn''t seem too bright.


    Otherwise, she wouldn''t have cried her eyes out at the time.


    He didn''t cross off Rita''s name, but his attention moved to Sarah''s name.


    Could it be Sarah?


    But every time Sarah came over, there were people in the house.


    She had no chance to enter his study and take anything.


    He could only wait for the surveince.


    That night, he checked the surveince in the monitoring room and didn''t sleep at all.


    The day he brought Violette to his house, the surveince was attacked and interrupted for three hours.


    Now, as long as he made sure the surveince was normal at other times and if anyone broke in, he


    would know where the problem was.


    Back in the bedroom, he couldn''t sleep at all.


    Before he could find his stuff, his heart felt crushed and shattered.


    If he could face that dark past and that version of himself, he wouldn''t have divorced Violette.


    Noon.


    Dozens of bodyguards had checked all the surveince footage from the past month.


    "Boss, we focused on checking the surveince at the entrance of your study, and no one entered or


    exited besides you and Lacey," the bodyguard reported. "Every time Lacey came out, she was holding


    cleaning supplies and nothing else."


    Elijah''s eyes closed in despair.


    He never doubted Lacey.


    Lacey had served him for many years, always loyal and devoted.


    If Lacey had any ill intentions, she would have betrayed him long ago.


    "Ms. Dennis''s kids were here the day the surveince was broken for three hours. Is it possible


    someone went into your study during that time?" the bodyguard asked.


    Elijah''s eyes darkened a bit.


    After the bodyguard left, he picked up his phone and dialed Violette''s number.


    Violette saw his call and thought it was about work, so she answered.


    "Violette, I lost something." Because he hadn''t slept all night, his voice was hoarse and bleak.


    Violette hesitated, "What did you lose?"


    "This thing was still here a month ago. I checked the surveince overnight for the past month and


    found no abnormalities. But when you were at my house, your son broke my surveince, and there


    was a three-hour ckout."


    Violette understood and felt a chill in her heart, "Elijah, I didn''t take your stuff! I couldn''t possibly take


    your stuff!"


    She didn''t take any of the expensive gifts he gave her when they were together.


    "I didn''t suspect you," Elijah listened to her intense tone, his heart tightening, "Can you ask your kids if


    they took a dark red box from me?"


    "I haven''t seen a dark red box at home. If they took something from you, they would definitely tell me."


    Violette said with certainty, closing herptop, "I''m going home to look for it now."


    "Okay." His voice was still hoarse.


    Violette''s heart softened a bit, asking him, "Did you not sleep all night? Did you lose something


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    important?"


    "Very important." He rubbed his brow, pained, "If you see that box at home, please don''t open it."


    "I understand." Violette felt a lump in her throat, wanting tofort him, but not knowing how.


    The bestfort she could give him now was to help him find his stuff.


    She left the office and strode towards the elevator.


    She always knew he had unspeakable secrets.


    Now, the box hiding his secret was lost.


    She didn''t know who took it, but i


    t definitely wasn''t Ian and Rita!


    Although they didn¡¯t like Elijah, they couldn''t have stolen anything.


    Even so, she decided to search her house thoroughly.


    What if that box was in her house?

 Chapter 266

    Chapter 266


    Silverleaf Ridge.


    Albina Palmer was a bit surprised when Violette rushed home.


    "Violette, have you eaten yet?"


    "Mom, have you ever seen a dark red box at home?" Violette threw her bag on the sofa and strode


    towards the kids'' room.


    "A dark red box?" Albina followed her steps, murmuring, "I didn''t notice, what''s up?"


    "Elijah lost a dark red box." Violette spoke a bit fast, "He checked the surveince footage and found no


    problems. But Ian cked out his surveince camera when he went to his house to find me a while


    ago. He suspects Ian has something to do with it."


    Albina frowned, "He suspects Ian took it?"


    Violette looked at her mother, "Mom, I know you don''t believe Ian would do such a thing, and I don''t


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    either. But think about it, how many crazy things has Ian done behind our backs?"


    Albina took a deep breath and didn''t argue.


    "A dark red box, right? Is there something important inside?" Albina said and started searching with


    her.


    "He said it''s important." Violette looked worried.


    "If it''s important, why didn''t he keep it safe?" Albina was puzzled, "If our Ian could so easily take his


    stuff, it must have been in a very obvious ce."


    Violette exined, "There are bodyguards guarding his house all day, and there are surveince


    cameras inside and outside."


    Because of theyers of security, no matter where he put his stuff in the house, most people wouldn''t


    dare take it.


    Albina didn''t say anything more.


    The mother and daughter searched the kids'' room thoroughly but found no dark red box.


    Violette came out of the room and began searching the entire vi.


    An hourter, nothing was found.


    "Violette, if he suspects us, let hime and search." Albina was tired and sat down to rest on the


    sofa.


    Violette took out her phone, went to the balcony, and dialed Elijah.


    "I don''t find the box you mentioned at my house." She started, "I''ll ask the kids when they get home


    from school tonight."


    Elijah, "Okay."


    "Elijah, what will happen if you can''t find that box?" Violette''s worries unconsciously surfaced.


    "Nothing will happen." He didn''t want her to worry.


    "Oh... Since it won''t matter, you should go to sleep first, and look for it after you''ve rested." Violette''s


    tense heartstrings rxed a bit, "Sometimes the more anxious you are, the more chaotic things get.


    Maybe it''ll show up when you''re not looking."


    "Okay."


    He had already searched the entire vi several times.


    The box was basically confirmed to not be at home.


    As for who took it, he had no clue.


    If Violette''s child took it, it must be at her house.


    But she didn''t find it at home, which meant her child didn''t take it.


    Who else could it be?


    Why did that person take his stuff and not use it to threaten him?


    If that person didn''t want his money, did they not want to harm him either?


    If the contents of the box were made public, he would fall from grace.


    But that person didn''t make it public.


    If they didn''t want to harm him, why would they secretly take his stuff?


    He couldn''t figure it out.


    Heid in bed, forcing himself to rest, but no matter what, he couldn''t calm down.


    In the evening.


    The two kids came home from school.


    Violette took their backpacks and checked them one by one.


    Apart from spare clothes and textbooks, there was nothing else in the two children''s backpacks.


    "Mom, what are you looking for?" Rita asked, blinking her curious big eyes in confusion.


    "Rita, Ian, have you two ever taken a dark red box from Elijah''s house?" Violette squatted down and


    looked at the two kids.


    Rita''s little face flushed instantly.


    She panicked! Her little heart was pounding wildly.

 Chapter 267

    Chapter 267


    "Nope," Ian said calmly.


    "Really? There''s nothing?" Violette looked at her son, asking repeatedly.


    "Nope." Ian''s face showed no emotion.


    Violette had to give up.


    If the child didn''t take it and she kept asking, it would make them feel like she didn''t trust them.


    Ian took Rita to their room to put away their backpacks.


    When they entered the room, Rita whispered, "Bro, why did you lie? We''re not supposed to lie to


    Mom."


    She could hold back from saying anything when Violette wasn''t asking.


    But when Violette asked, she didn''t dare lie.


    "Elijah knows the box is missing. He must be freaking out," Ian said coldly. "If we return it, he''ll me


    us for taking his stuff. If we don''t, he''ll keep worrying."


    "Oh... okay then!" Ritapromised.


    Between her brother and her deadbeat dad, she would definitely side with her brother.


    Originally, the box was under the bed, but two days ago, they took the box out to the yard and buried it


    under a tree.


    After learning what was on the paper, he felt that the box was extremely important and couldn''t be left


    under the bed.


    So they moved it, otherwise it would have been discovered.


    "What if he worries himself to death?" Rita suddenly became worried. "He''s still our dad!"


    Ian, "Don''t worry, bad guys don''t die that easily."


    Rita finally rxed.


    After dinner, Violette sent Elijah a message: I asked both kids, and they said they didn''t take the box.


    She thought Elijah was resting, but he replied instantly: I see.


    She continued to text him: You haven''t slept yet?


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    He didn''t reply to this question.


    He didn''t know how to answer her.


    He hadn''t slept for more than 36 hours.


    His psychological defenses were slowly being worn down.


    He thought desperately about what would happen if the contents of the box were exposed.


    So what?At most, he would lose money, friends, and his lover. But he had no lovers.


    He had already made enough money for a lifetime, so even if he didn''t make any more money, he


    wouldn''t have to worry.


    As for his friends, he didn''t care about losing them.


    At least Maka wouldn''t leave him.


    Aftering to terms with the worst-case scenario in his mind, his mood gradually rxed, and soon,


    he fell into a deep sleep.


    Violette waited for his reply.


    But she didn''t get a reply for three days.


    The next time she heard from him was through a call from Odette Farrar.


    "Did you know Elijah''s in the hospital? I don''t know what happened to him, but he''s been on a hunger


    strike! I never thought such a rational and calm person would do that!" Odette sounded shocked.


    Upon hearing this news, Violette immediately stood up from her chair.


    No wonder her heart had been uneasy for the past three days.


    She didn''t expect that the dark red box would be so important to him.


    She shouldn''t have believed what he said on the phone about not finding it and that it wouldn''t matter.


    If it didn''t matter, he wouldn''t be searching for it all night.


    "How is he now?" Violette, feeling anxious, walked to the office door but stopped abruptly.


    "He''s in the hospital getting IV fluids!" Odette said, "Ramsey just came back from the hospital. Sarah


    Warren has been taking care of him there. Violette, do you want to go see him?"


    She did want to go to the hospital to see him, but since Sarah Warren was already taking care of him,


    she wouldn''t go.


    Even if she went, Sarah Warren wouldn''t let her into the room.

 Chapter 268

    Chapter 268


    "You better not go, Maka''s there too. There are two women in the ward with him, and you''ll definitely


    feel upset if you see that," Odette said. "His mental state isn''t great. I thought hispany was in big


    trouble, but Ramsey said no. I''m wondering, does it have anything to do with you?"


    Violette sat back in her office chair, "Odette, you''re giving me too much credit. I couldn''t even bring him


    down when we divorced. I''m not that capable."


    "Then why is he acting so strange? Is it because of Sarah Warren?" Odette asked. "I heard Sarah


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Warren has been going to Bourne Estate a lottely. That woman is so cunning!"


    Now, hearing about Elijah and Sarah Warren, Violette''s mood became more and more calm.


    Maybe one day when she hears about their marriage, she could still keep herposure.


    She and Elijah had be two lines without an intersection, and they would only grow further apart in


    the future.


    "Odette, how are you and Ramsey doing now?" Violette changed the subject.


    "Same as always! He decided to persevere until the end of the year. If he still can''t satisfy my parents


    by then, he''ll go back home and inherit the family business next year," Odette sighed. "Not everyone


    has Elijah''s business acumen. Maybe Ramsey and I can only inherit the family business."


    Violette clicked her tongue in sympathy, "At least you guys have a family business. I can only rely on


    my own efforts."


    "You''re much better than me," Odetteughed. "Violette, I''m actually happy to see that you didn''t go to


    the hospital to see Elijah."


    "He didn''t get some terminal disease or anything," Violette said, trying to sound casual.


    "If he did, would you go see him?"


    "If he really had a terminal disease, out of sympathy, I would definitely have to visit him before he dies."


    Odette heartilyughed, "In a while, it will be Elijah''s birthday. If he invites you, will you go?"


    Violette, "No."


    "He doesn''t n to celebrate his birthday anyway. He didn''t before either."


    "Then why did you ask me?"


    "I just wanted to see if you were determined enough!" Odette approved of her response. "I''m not


    worried about you now."


    After hanging up the phone, Violette hesitated for a while before calling Lacey.


    Lacey quickly answered, "Violette?"


    "Lacey, it''s me." Violette hesitated for a few seconds before asking, "I heard Elijah was hospitalized.


    What happened?"


    Lacey sighed, "He was hospitalized for stomach issues. Something happened at home, and he didn''t


    sleep for two days and nights. Then he was too tired and slept for two days straight. As a result, he


    didn''t eat for three days, and his stomach issues red up."


    "Oh, he didn''t deliberately fast, did he?"


    "No. He wanted to eat after waking up, but then he vomited blood." Lacey still found the situation


    terrifying when she thought about it.


    Violette breathed a sigh of relief.


    As long as he didn''t deliberately fast, there shouldn''t be any major problems.


    "Don''t worry, he''ll be fine after a few days of treatment," Violette reassured her.


    "Okay, did you go to the hospital to see him?" Lacey asked.


    "No. I''ve been pretty busy," Violette made up an excuse.


    Of course, Lacey could tell it was just an excuse.


    "Lacey, please don''t tell him about this call," Violette said awkwardly. "After all, we''ve already broken


    up, and we both have new lives."


    "Alright, I won''t say anything," Lacey answered understandingly. Then she suddenly changed the


    subject. "Violette, your son Ian, he''s Elijah''s child, right?"


    This question made Violette''s heart tense up immediately.


    "Did I ask something too personal?" Lacey apologized. "I''ve seen Ian twice, and every time I see him, I


    feel like I''m looking at Elijah. They look very much alike, and their personalities are simr too. Don''t


    worry, I''ll only tell you this, I won''t say anything to Elijah."


    Violette didn''t know how she ended the call.


    Should she be relieved that Elijah didn''t suspect the child was his?


    Before, she didn''t want him to know about the two kids because he didn''t like children, wouldn''t ept


    them, and might even hurt them.


    Now she didn''t want him to know about the kids for even more reasons.


    There were two more women around him, and no matter what kind of women they were, the kids didn''t


    belong with him.


    Since the children were better off not acknowledging him as a father, it was better to keep them in the


    dark forever.


    The five thousand drones ordered by the Bourne Group from the Dennis Group hovered above the


    Bourne Group building.


    Under Mike''smand, the five thousand drones in the night sky constantly changed into various


    shapes and colors.

 Chapter 269

    Chapter 269


    "Joey, our drones are pretty cool, huh?" Mike said, munching on an apple, with a proud look on his


    face.


    Joey nced at his smug face and suddenly didn''t find him so annoying. In fact, he even thought Mike


    looked kinda handsome.


    "Not bad! But don''t get too cocky, your drones still have a lot of room for improvement," Joey said with


    a touch of arrogance.


    "Even your Bourne Group can''t guarantee the best, right?" Mike retorted. "We''re just getting started,


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    and we''ll definitely get better over time."


    "Keep it up!"


    "The moon is so round tonight!" Mike eximed, looking at the sky.


    Joey tilted his head and agreed.


    "How about we stop fighting?" Mike suddenly turned to him and said seriously, "What if we have to


    work together in the future?"


    Joey pushed his sses up on his nose, "You just think my boss is an easy target, and you want even


    more of his money."


    Mike, "It''s not bad! We''ve met dumber buyers abroad."


    Joey, "My boss buying your drones has brought you a lot more than 100 million in revenue. Tomorrow,


    this will be a hot topic. Once people know that the Bourne Group has bought so many drones from your


    Mike, "I know. But I think it''s something Elijah should do as a decent ex-husband. Is he waiting for


    Violette to be grateful to him?"


    Joey found it both outrageous and funny, "You guys can''t just take it for granted!"


    Mike, "It''s his choice."


    Joey, "Why didn''t your bosse?"


    Mike, "Your boss didn''te either, did he?"


    Joey, "Uh..."


    Were they avoiding suspicion?


    In the blink of an eye, autumn turned to winter.


    Ang International Institute.


    9 AM.


    Elijah dropped off Maka at school.


    Then he strode towards Ian''s ssroom.


    The teacher saw himing and immediately left the room.


    Ian nced at Elijah and immediately buried his head on the desk, ignoring him.


    "Ian Dennis, let''s make a deal!" Elijah walked up to his desk and began, "Today''s Maka''s birthday


    and her wish is to spend it with you. If you can celebrate with her today, I''ll grant you one wish."


    Ian''s eyes widened, bright with excitement.


    Though he was reluctant to spend time with Maka, the idea of getting a wish from Elijah was pretty


    tempting.


    What if he needed it to protect his momter?


    After brief consideration, Ian grabbed paper and a pen, asking Elijah to write a voucher.


    Elijah didn''t expect the kid to be so meticulous.


    He took the pen and paper, wrote the voucher, and signed his name at the bottom.


    In the evening.


    Violette came to pick up Ian.


    She was shocked when she saw Ian in Maka''s ssroom.


    First, Ian hated Maka.


    Second, Maka''s ssroom was turned into a birthday party.


    There was a beautiful cake on the table next to them, like a piece of art.


    Today was Maka''s birthday?


    Violette took out her phone and checked the date.


    She gasped!


    If she wasn''t mistaken, today was also Elijah''s birthday!

 Chapter 270

    Chapter 270


    Do they both have the same birthday?


    What a coincidence!


    Violette walked towards the door, holding her son''s hand.


    A tall and handsome figure appeared before her.


    Elijah was wearing a ck coat today, looking cold and solemn.


    She wasn''t sure if it was her imagination, but he seemed to have lost some weight.


    Violette hesitated for two seconds and decided to be more tolerant and wish him a happy birthday.


    Just as she was about to speak, Maka flew to Elijah like a little bird, grabbing his hand and softly


    saying, "Brother, let''s eat cake."


    Since Violette was standing right next to Elijah, she heard everything clearly.


    Brother?!


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Maka called Elijah brother?


    Violette frowned and looked at Maka.


    Maka felt Violette''s gaze and met her eyes.


    Perhaps because of Violette''s serious expression, Maka became a bit nervous.


    Maka wanted to invite Violette to eat cake together, but she didn''t dare speak up.


    "Did you just call him brother?" Violette asked Maka somewhat sternly.


    Violette didn''t mean to scare Maka, but her tone unconsciously grew heavier, causing Maka to


    shrink behind Elijah in fear.


    Elijah held Maka''s hand tightly andforted her, "Don''t be afraid, Maka. Let''s go eat cake."


    They walked past Violette and into the ssroom.


    Ian saw his mom looking dazed and tugged at her hand.


    "Mom, let''s go home."


    Violette took her eyes off them, quickly adjusted her mood, and left with her son.


    After getting in the car, Ian noticed that his mom''s brow was still furrowed, so he said, "Maka has


    called me brother too."


    Violette looked at Ian and rxed suddenly.


    How could she forget that Maka was a bit slow.


    Her calling Elijah brother didn''t mean he was really her brother.


    "She''s probably not Elijah''s real sister." Ian continued.


    Violette snapped back to reality.


    What on earth was she thinking?!


    There was no chance for her and Elijah anymore!


    After driving off, she asked her son, "I thought you didn''t like Maka? Why did you agree to celebrate


    her birthday with her?"


    Of course, Ian wouldn''t tell her it was because Elijah promised him a wish for it.


    Ian didn''t answer.


    Violette guessed, "I know you have a kind heart. Maka is a pitiful woman, and I won''t be angry if you


    celebrate her birthday with her."


    Ian didn''t want to talk about Maka.


    "Today is also Elijah''s birthday." Ian didn''t deliberately remember Elijah''s birthday, but he saw two


    cakes in Maka''s room.


    One cake had Maka''s name on it.


    The other one had Elijah''s name.


    "How did you know? Are you interested in him?" Violette nced at her son from the corner of her eye,


    "You''re not thinking of epting him, are you?"


    Ian, "I don''t need a dad."


    Violette said sadly, "If things weren''t soplicated, I believe you and Rita would be happier with a


    dad."


    Ian firmly said, "No need!"


    Elijah''s image as a scumbag was deeply rooted in Ian''s mind.


    Ian would never forgive him.


    The Bourne family.


    Elijah took Maka home.


    Grace Bourne and her eldest son''s family were all at home.


    Seeing them, Elijah felt a surge of displeasure.

 Chapter 271

    Chapter 271


    They came over, but they didn''t give him a heads-up.


    He wasn''t exactly thrilled about their arrival.


    To Maka, they were all strangers.


    Their presence would freak Maka out.


    Grace was leading the pack.


    When she saw Maka, her eyes lit up, and she couldn''t help but walk towards her.


    Elijah shielded Maka behind him, "Mom, what are you doing here today?"


    "Today is your... I brought a cake over." Grace stuttered, looking down. "I know it''s sudden, but I


    couldn''t help myself."


    She couldn''t help wanting to see Maka.


    Maka listened to Grace''s voice, feeling a bit nervous but also curious.


    She peeked out from behind Elijah, staring at Grace.


    "Maka, you''re not afraid of me, right?" Grace looked at her with anticipation.


    Maka immediately pulled back, grabbing onto Elijah''s clothes with both hands.


    Elijah reached back and held her hand.


    "Mom, you guys should go! We already had cake at school." He said coldly, "Take the cake with you."


    Grace sighed.


    Though a little disappointed, she felt satisfied to see her daughter safe and sound.


    Then they left quickly.


    Elijah took Maka inside.


    Lacey apologized, "Grace Bourne came not long ago, and she asked me not to notify you."


    Elijah looked at Sarah Warren next to him.


    Sarah Warren quickly said, "Elijah, I came at six this afternoon. Since you already had cake, I''ll take


    mine away."


    Sarah Warren had also brought a cake.


    She made it herself.


    Elijah saw her looking like a frightened deer and frowned.


    Was he really that scary?


    "Dr. Sarah, any progress on Maka''s next treatment n?" He asked, looking at her face.


    Sarah Warren looked up at him, "The earliest would be next spring for her next treatment. She needs a


    recovery period after her first surgery. The longer the recovery period, the better, in theory."


    Elijah nodded, "I''ll wait to hear good news."


    "Yeah, I''ll try my best." Sarah Warren left the Bourne family with her cake.


    Sarah Warren felt heavy-hearted after leaving the Bourne family.


    Grace''s gaze at Maka was strange.


    Today was Elijah''s birthday; he should be the center of attention, but Grace''s eyes were always on


    Maka.


    Sarah Warren''s mind was a mess, so she texted Kaleb Bourne: Did your grandma know Maka


    before? She seemed so excited.


    Kaleb replied: Dr. Sarah, I can''t tell you anything about that.


    Seeing the answer, Sarah Warren became even more curious.


    She replied: Even if you don''t tell me, I''ll find out the answer.


    Kaleb didn''t reply.


    Seeing that he didn''t reply immediately, Sarah Warren continued texting: Let me guess. Does Maka


    have something to do with your family? Did your family cause her mental issues? Was she Elijah''s


    previous wife? You guys covered up all her information because of her mental problems.


    Kaleb looked at Sarah Warren''s reasoning and replied: Dr. Sarah, I don''t know the specifics about


    Maka either. But I don''t think it''s what you guessed.


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Sarah Warren: Then what do you think?


    Kaleb: She and my uncle definitely aren''t in a romantic rtionship. If they were married before, how


    could I not know?


    Sarah Warren''s heart was filled with joy.


    She didn''t care about who she was as long as Maka wasn''t Elijah''s woman.


    3 am.


    Silverleaf Ridge, master bedroom.


    Violette''s phone rang urgently.


    She rubbed her eyes and answered the call.


    She suddenly jumped in fright after hearing something on the other end, then sat up in bed.

 Chapter 272

    Chapter 272


    She was sitting on the bed with joy written all over her face.


    Five years ago, her stepmother Alexa''s brother Peter Rodriguez took off with nearly half a billion dors


    from the Dennis Group.


    After blowing most of the money, Peter got greedy and thought he could get more from the Dennis


    Group.


    But this time, instead of getting another half a billion, he was in for some serious legal trouble!


    Just now, the cop in charge of the case called her and told her that Peter was already on a flight back


    home.


    The police had set up an ambush at the airport.


    As soon as Peter''s flightnded, they''d arrest him.


    She''d been waiting for this moment for years!


    After hanging up, she couldn''t calm her excitement.


    She wanted to share the good news with her friends, but it was 3 a.m., and she couldn''t bother them


    now.


    She got out of bed, left her bedroom, and headed to the kitchen.


    Opening the fridge, she saw a few cans of beer.


    She grabbed a beer and sat down in the living room.


    4 a.m.


    The Bourne family.


    Elijah''s phone rang.


    He awoke from his sleep.


    Frowning, he grabbed his phone.


    He thought he was seeing things when he saw Violette''s name.


    He rubbed his eyes and looked at the screen again.


    He wasn''t mistaken. It was Violette calling.


    He sat up, not thinking, and answered the call.


    She must have something serious going on if she was calling at this hour.


    They usually didn''t even talk when they saw each other. There''s no way she''d call unless something


    was wrong.


    "Hello... Elijah? Happy birthday!" Violette''s tipsy voice came through, Elijah rxed and then tensed up


    again.


    She was drunk!


    She wasn''t in trouble!


    But why was she drunk at this hour?


    Wasn''t she at home?


    If she were at home, she wouldn''t be this drunk.


    "Violette, why''d you drink so much?" He frowned.


    "I''m wishing you a happy birthday, why are you mad at me?" Violette crushed the beer can as she


    spoke.


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    "My birthday''s over." Elijah reminded her, then asked, "Why''d you drink? What happened? Where are


    you? Tell me the address!"


    He got out of bed.


    He walked to the closet and grabbed a change of clothes.


    "Haha! I''m at home! Guess why I''m so happy?" Violette lost her reason, letting her joy pour out


    unrestrained.


    Hearing her delightfulughter, he sat back down on the bed.


    He could tell she was genuinely happy.


    But he couldn''t guess why.


    "Violette, I haven''t heard youugh in a long time." His voice was low and sexy.


    Her smile froze, and she felt as if they were still madly in love.


    Her head suddenly throbbed with pain.


    She threw all the beer cans into the trash and got up from the sofa, heading to her bedroom.


    "Elijah... I called you... to wish you a happy birthday."


    "You already said that."


    "Oh... then I wish for you to have a baby soon."


    Elijah just listened to her ramblings without getting mad. "No need."


    "Don''t want kids? Then I''ll wish for you to make a lot of money!" Violette stumbled her way back to the


    bedroom and copsed on the bed.


    Her breathing and body were heavy.


    Listening to her breathing, Elijah suddenly had an idea.


    He had a question for her.


    "Violette, the child you were pregnant with back then, our child, did you really have an abortion?" He


    asked softly.


    Ian looked a bit like him and had the same personality ws as Maka.


    He always thought of Ian.


    If their child wasn''t aborted back then, their child''s age would match Ian''s.

 Chapter 273

    Chapter 273


    Violette heard his question, and sobered up a bit.


    Did he think she was drunk now and would say anything?


    He really underestimated her.


    She did drink a lot.


    But it was beer, not wine.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Beer wouldn''t get her so wasted that she¡¯d lose her mind.


    She decided to ignore him and go straight to sleep.


    Elijah listened to her breathing gradually even out and couldn''t bear to hang up while looking at the call


    interface.


    If she hadn''t been drunk, she would never have called him.


    Eight in the morning.


    Violette woke up from a nightmare.


    She dreamt of the time when her father had just passed away.


    Her father died, thepany went bankrupt, and she and her mother were homeless, wandering


    aimlessly through the streets like stray cats and dogs.


    She was so thirsty and wanted to drink water, but she and her mother had no money and couldn''t even


    buy water.


    She woke up in a cold sweat.


    Seeing the familiar bedroom, she breathed a sigh of relief and whispered, "Violette, it''s all in the past.


    Don''t be scared."


    As she finished her sentence, a deep male voice suddenly came from her phone, "Awake?"


    Violette was startled.


    She looked at her phone.


    What happened?


    What''s wrong with her phone?


    Why was it ying Elijah''s voice automatically?


    "Calm down, there can''t be ghosts during the daytime, right?" She took a deep breath and picked up


    her phone.


    Elijah listened to her talking to herself and began to look forward to her reaction.


    She opened the phone, saw the call interface, and her face instantly stiffened.


    The call interface showed that she had been on the phone with Elijah for five hours!


    The phone in her hand was burning hot!


    Did she call Elijahst night?


    Why did she call him?


    She looked at the phone and her face turned red.


    She really wanted to ask him what happenedst night.


    "Violette, are you sober now?" He took the initiative to speak, breaking the silence.


    "...I''m sober." She took a breath, rubbing her temples with her fingers, "I''m sorry. I didn''t say anything


    crazyst night, did I?"


    "Of course," Elijah spoke slowly, "you did."


    Violette: "..."


    Her headache got worse.


    She tried to recall, hoping to remember everything that happenedst night.


    "You wished me a happy birthday," Elijah said slowly, "and wished for me to have a child soon."


    "Huh?" She remembered.


    She drankst night because Peter was returning to the country and was about to be arrested.


    It was already eight in the morning, and by now, Peter''s flight might havended.


    "Elijah, I have something else to do, so I can''t chat anymore!" She hung up anxiously.


    She called the police officer while getting out of bed.


    The call went through quickly.


    "Officer, did you catch Peter?" She heard her own heartbeat pounding.


    "We caught him, and he''s been brought back to the police station. We''re questioning him right now."


    Mr. Lee said, "I didn''t want to disturb your rest, so I didn''t call you."


    "Thank you! Thank you so much!" Her body suddenly rxed, and her headache eased.


    "You''re wee. I''ll let you know if there''s any progress."


    "Okay! Thank you so much!"


    At ten in the morning.


    Violette received a call from Alexa.


    They hadn''t been in contact for over four years.


    But she never forgot that mean face and malicious voice.


    "Violette! You''re so cunning! Setting up such a trap!" Alexa gritted her teeth in hatred, "If anything


    happens to my brother, I will never forgive you!"

 Chapter 274

    Chapter 274


    Listening to Alexa''s furious rant, Violette felt even happier.


    "What do you think you can do to me?" Violette said cheerfully, "Your brothermitted a crime, either


    you''re behind it or you let it happen. After all, you spent a lot of the money he took! How dare you call


    me?"


    Alexa, "You killed my daughter, Sabrina Dennis!"


    Violette, "Do you think I''m still the same as before and allowed you to bully me? Alexa, you lost your


    Her voice was cold and ruthless.


    Alexa angrily hung up the phone.


    She wasn¡¯t going to let it go that easily.


    She booked a flight and decided to return to A Country immediately.


    Midday news.


    ¡ªThe Dennis Group''s value skyrocketed by $500 million. Former CFO, Peter, who embezzled funds


    and fled five years ago, was arrested by the police at the airport this morning!


    After seeing the news, Mike pushed open the door to Violette''s office.


    "Howe you didn''t tell me about such big news!?" Mike said excitedly, "Ourpany''s value is


    going up by $500 million!"


    Violette picked up her water ss and took a sip, "How can you believe this news? If he hadn''t spent


    all the money, could he have been tricked intoing back?"


    "Violette, you lost $500 million for nothing, and you can still sit here calmly."


    "It was my dad who lost the $500 million, not me." Violette corrected him, "People have to be


    responsible for their own mistakes. This is the price he paid for being with Alexa."


    Mike, "Are you going to celebrate tonight?"


    "Sure!" Violette said with a smile, "organize it."


    "OK." Mike happily hooked her hair with his finger, and shyly discussed with her, "Can I invite Joey?"


    Violette''s smile disappeared immediately, "You and Joey..."


    Could it be that they¡¯re in that kind of rtionship?


    "We''ve made up! We''re on good terms now." Mike said honestly, "I''ll only invite Joey, not your ex-


    husband. Is that okay?"


    "What do you mean you''re on good terms?" Violette said, "You two wouldn''t..."


    "Violette, do you want me to fight with Joey every time we meet?" Mike interrupted her, "Get your mind


    out of the gutter."


    "Oh, then invite him!" Violette looked at Mike''s blushing cheeks and felt that things weren''t as innocent


    as they seemed to be.


    Anyway, she wouldn''t interfere in their rtionship.


    After Mike left, Violette called Adrian and invited him to celebrate together in the evening.


    Adrian dly epted and then asked, "Are you free this afternoon? Can youe to the hospital?"


    Violette, "Yeah, sure."


    After lunch, Violette drove to Mercy Hospital.


    After Adrian met her at the hospital entrance, he took her to the inpatient department.


    "Violette, I have good news for you. Kylee''s condition has improved." Adrian praised, "You''re truly Dr.


    Mitchel''s best student!"


    Violette smiled, "Has he woken up?" Kylee was her first patient after returning to the country.


    "Yes! He''s conscious now." Adrian eximed, "Famous doctors from here and abroad thought Kylee


    couldn''t recover, but after your treatment, he woke up."


    "He''s just conscious, there''s still a long way to go for recovery." Violette said slowly.


    "I believe in you. You''ll definitely help him stand again!"


    Violette also wanted to help him stand again.


    Before he entered a vegetative state, he was the top male star in the country!


    Even after being out of the entertainment industry for two years due to an ident, his poprity


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    ranking in the country was still in the top ten!


    After Violette performed the first surgery on him, she watched various performances he had done


    before.

 Chapter 275

    Chapter 275


    It''s like he was born for the stage.


    Even if he wasn¡¯t doing anything, as long as he was up there, people felt refreshed and happy.


    In the evening, Violette drove Adrian to the party address that Mike had sent.


    After they arrived at the hotel, they both got out of the car.


    "Adrian, tonight''s guests are all my friends and Mike''s friends," Violette said with a smile. "Tonight is


    mainly about celebrating Peter''s arrest, which has been a burden on my heart."


    "I know, you''ve told me," Adrian smiled, looking at her face. "I can definitely feel that you''re in an


    especially good mood today."


    They enter the hotel and go to the banquet hall Mike mentioned.


    As soon as they entered, her smile disappeared.


    What the hell?!


    Why are there so many strangers here?


    Did they go to the wrong ce?


    But, she could clearly see Mike in the crowd.


    Mike saw Violette and came over quickly.


    "Violette, you''re here! Adrian, you''re here too!"


    Violette pulled Mike out of the banquet hall and asked him what was going on.


    "Well... when I invited Joey, he said hispany was having a dinner party tonight, and they''d booked


    a big banquet hall so we could all eat together. It''s a way to save money, right?" Mike said with a


    cunning glint in his eye.


    Violette''s eyes were practically shooting mes!


    Was she not willing to spend money when she was in such a good mood today?


    "Don''t worry! Elijah usually doesn''te to the Bourne Group''s parties," Mike exined. "They have a


    dinner party every two weeks, and Elijah can''t possiblye to every one. ording to Joey, Elijah


    only shows up during holiday gatherings, and tonight isn''t a holiday, so he won''t be here! I swear!"


    Mike raised his hand to swear.


    At that moment, they heard the sound of dress shoes tapping the floor behind them.


    Violette looked back.


    Elijah strode towards them.


    Violette pped Mike''s raised hand down.


    Mike took a deep, embarrassed breath and whispered to Violette, "What do we do? Everyone I invited


    is already inside sitting, down. I can''t just make them leave and change a palce, can I?"


    Elijah came over, his deep eyes resting on Violette''s face. "Congrattions."


    Violette frowned.


    He continued, "Your worth just increased by 500 million dors."


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Violette raised an eyebrow. "Oh... don''t you usually skippany dinners?"


    "Ie when I want to. There''s no fixed rule," he said casually, not forgetting to mock her. "Are you


    drinking tonight?"


    Violette replied stubbornly, "I''ll drink if I want to. There''s no fixed rule."


    Elijah gave her a deep look and then removed his gaze, striding into the banquet hall.


    Mike pulled Violette along after him.


    "If we leave now, he''ll definitely think we''re scared of him!" Mike tried to convince her. "Tonight, not only


    should we eat more, but we should also order a few bottles of good wine! After all, he''s paying."


    Violette red at Mike. "Aren''t you embarrassed?"


    Mike smiled charmingly. "He''s not my ex-husband. You''re the one who should be embarrassed."


    Violette decided never to let him organize a dinner party again.


    "Where''s Adrian?" Violette suddenly realized Adrian was gone and looked around.

 Chapter 276

    Chapter 276


    "Elijah took him away." Mike pointed in a direction for her.


    Violette saw Elijah and Adrian sitting alone at a table.


    There were bodyguards nearby.


    There was a bottle of wine on their table; were they nning to drink?


    Violette frowned.


    Adrian didn''t drink often, so he must get drunk easily.


    Mike teased, "Let''s see who gets wasted first."


    She almost forgot that Elijah also rarely drank.


    "Violette, this is a battle between men, let them drink!" Mike patted her on the shoulder.


    She pushed him aside, "It''s all your fault!"


    "I''ll never listen to Joey''s nonsense again!" Mike swore.


    "There won''t be a next time!" Violette walked over to Odette nearby.


    Odette gave Mike the middle finger.


    Violette hadn''t been in contact with Elijah or seen him for a long time.


    It''s all Mike''s fault for making them meet again tonight.


    "Violette, congrats on your skyrocketing worth." Odette handed her a ss of juice. "Whether you can


    get the money back or not, at least it put your dad at ease."


    Violette nodded, "Yes, I n to visit my dad''s grave tomorrow."


    "Sure! You can take the two kids with you. If your dad were still alive, he would be so happy."


    Violette thought for two seconds and nodded.


    Suddenly, her phone rang.


    She nced at the caller ID and walked away to answer the call.


    After the call, she returned to Odette, "I need to step out for a bit. I''ll be back soon."


    The call was from Alexa.


    She had returned to the country.


    After learning about the possible legal consequences Peter might face from thewyer, she panicked.


    So she called Violette, hoping to meet her and talk things through.


    The two met at a coffee shop near the hotel.


    Alexa looked Violette up and down carefully.


    Violette still looked the same as five years ago, but her temperament had changed.


    Her eyes were cold and distant.


    "Violette, I had nothing to do with my brother¡¯s embezzlement." Alexa took the initiative to break the


    silence. "I''ve been with your dad for so many years, how could I bear to see the Dennis family fall?"


    "My dad''s already dead, what''s the point of talking about this?" Violette tore off her hypocritical mask in


    one sentence. "I don''t have much time to chat, get to the point."


    "Let''s settle this privately!" Alexa frowned, stating her intention. "I''ll find a way to gather all the money


    he took! If he hadn''t taken the money, the 500 million dors would have been for me and Rina! Now


    it''s all yours, are you satisfied?!"


    Alexa''s attitude seemed like she was doing Violette a huge favor!


    Violetteughed, "Alexa, is your brother worth only 500 million dors in your eyes? Yourpanies


    abroad make quite a lot, right? It should be at least 1 billion dors for a possible private settlement."


    One billion dors!


    Alexa gasped!


    Such a huge sum of money, wasn''t that like asking for her life?


    Her face twisted, and her hands clenched into fists.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    "Violette! Don''t be too greedy!"


    "Settlement failed, let''s go the legal route!" Violette slowly said, standing up from her chair.


    Seeing Violette about to leave, a burning me rose in Alexa''s heart.


    "Wait! One billion dors is not a small sum! Let me think about it!" Alexa stood up and negotiated


    through gritted teeth.

 Chapter 277

    Chapter 277


    "Cause you''re my mom in the eyes of thew, I''ll give you a day to think about it," Violette said coldly


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    before walking out of the cafe.


    Banquet hall.


    Elijah and Adrian had a few drinks, and were both a bit tipsy.


    "Adrian, I heard that Dr. Mitchel had another disciple before he died." Elijah poured Adrian some wine


    and casually asked the question.


    Adrian looked at Elijah with red cheeks, "Mr. Bourne, who told you that?"


    Elijah raised his ss and clinked it with Adrian''s, "Adrian, just tell me if it''s true or not."


    Adrian took a sip of wine, hesitantly, "Sorry, I can''t reveal any personal information about Dr. Mitchel."


    "Dr. Mitchel is dead. Besides, it''s not a bad thing."


    "What if that person doesn''t want their identity to be known?" Adrian replied.


    Elijah, "So, Dr. Mitchel did have a disciple."


    Adrian saying ''that person'' could only be referring to the mysterious man, right?


    Adrian raised his ss again and took another sip of wine.


    "Adrian, that disciple of Dr. Mitchel''s, it''s you, isn''t it?" Elijah voiced his suspicion.


    Adrian instantly spat out the wine in his mouth.


    Elijah handed him a box of tissues.


    "Thanks." Adrian wiped his mouth with a tissue, blushing, and exined, "Mr. Bourne, I''m just Dr.


    Mitchel''s assistant. Even though I study medicine too, I''m not worthy to be his student. That''s why he


    made me his assistant."


    "Is that so?" Elijah looked into his eyes, trying to discern the truth.


    "Of course! Besides, didn''t you already find Sarah Warren?" Adrian changed the subject, "She''s pretty


    amazing."


    "She is, but I want more options," Elijah said solemnly, "I heard Dr. Mitchel''s disciple is a middle-aged


    man. I''ve sent a lot of people to find him, but after two months, there were still no clues."


    That was why Elijah invited Adrian to drink tonight.


    "Mr. Bourne, in your eyes, I''m already a middle-aged man." Adrian said with mixed emotions.


    "Sorry, I''m out of ideas."


    Adrian drank some more wine, getting impulsive, "Your intel is wrong. Even if Dr. Mitchel has a disciple,


    it''s not a middle-aged man."


    "Oh, so it''s a woman?"


    Adrian pressed his lips together, not answering, which was as good as admitting it.


    Elijah continued to probe, "Adrian, can you reveal more? Name your price, I''m willing to pay."


    Adrian had no choice but to pretend to be drunk and slump onto the table.


    Violette entered the banquet hall and saw Adrian lying on the table, anger rising within her.


    That bastard Elijah!


    How could he get her friend drunk?


    She strode toward Elijah angrily.


    Elijah sensed her and suddenly looked at her.


    "Elijah, what''s the meaning of this?!" Violette red at him.


    A touch of crimson appeared on his face.


    There was even a flicker of innocence in his eyes.


    He picked up the wine bottle from the table and showed it to her.


    He and Adrian had drunk half a bottle together.


    Elijah had reasonable suspicions that Adrian was faking being drunk.


    "Adrian doesn''t drink much!" Violette, now frowning, put the wine bottle back on the table and tried to


    help Adrian up.


    When Elijah saw her hand about to touch Adrian, he reached out and pulled her forcefully.


    She was caught off guard.


    And just like that, she was pulled into his strong embrace.


    "Violette, I..." Elijah''s eyes gazed at her face, and his voice was hoarse, "I think I''m drunk."

 Chapter 278

    Chapter 278


    His breath, reeking of alcohol, blew on her cheek.


    She was certain he was drunk.


    Otherwise, he wouldn''t have held her in his arms in front of so many employees.


    Violette tried to get up from hisp.


    But he held her waist tightly, not letting her go.


    "Violette, let''s have a drink." He picked up a wine bottle and poured it into a ss. "Did you get drunk


    His grip on her waist loosened a bit.


    She immediately got up from hisp.


    She nced in Adrian''s direction. Where was he?


    "Elijah! Where''s Adrian?" She looked at Elijah''s flushed face and felt he was getting craftier.


    He must have had his men take Adrian away while he was forcefully holding her.


    "He''s so drunk, of course we sent him to rest." Elijah slowly handed her a ss of wine. "Don''t worry, I


    won''t do anything bad to Adrian."


    As soon as his words fell, Violette''s phone beeped.


    Opening it, she saw a new text message.


    It was from Adrian.


    ¡ªViolette, I''m not drunk. He''s been asking about Dr. Mitchel''s apprentice all night, so I had to pretend


    to be drunk. Be careful, he might find out about you.


    She breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing the message, but also tensed up.


    She looked at Elijah, took the ss of wine he offered with aplicated expression, and took a sip.


    "What were you doing just now?" he asked in a low voice after taking a sip of wine.


    Her chest rose and fell slightly, and her emotions were stirred by him.


    He was drinking with Adrian, but still kept an eye on her in the crowd.


    "Elijah, have you forgotten what you said before?" She reminded him kindly, sitting down in the chair


    next to him. "You said you wouldn''te looking for me again."


    Of course, Elijah hadn''t forgotten.


    His voice was low and mellow, "I''m just here for thepany party, I¡¯m not looking for you."


    "Then why do you care about what I was doing just now?" She scoffed.


    "Violette, do you not believe I''m drunk?" He looked at her with interest.


    Violette drained her ss and spoke to the bodyguard behind him, "Your boss is drunk, take him


    home!"


    She walked away from him.


    After she left, he put down his ss and left the banquet hall.


    "Violette! You were hugging and cuddling with Elijah just now, what were you two doing?" Odette pulled


    Violette toward the restroom. "Look at your face, it''s so red!"


    Violette patted her hot cheek and made up an excuse, "It''s because I had a drink."


    "Did Elijah get drunk? I saw him holding you so wildly!" Odette described with a vivid expression. "I''ve


    never seen Elijah act so crazy. I was shocked!"


    Violette looked at her exaggerated expression.


    "I''ve known him for so long, and he''s always been cold. Sometimes I wonder if he''s a robot."


    Violette, "If he were a robot, I would have cut off his power supply long ago, so he wouldn''t have a


    chance to annoy me."


    Odette was convinced.


    The two returned to the banquet hall from the restroom, sat down in their seats, and started eating


    dinner.


    "Who was looking for you just now? I wanted to ask you, but you left in a hurry." Odette asked.


    "Guess." Violette said.


    Odette shook her head, "I can''t guess. I thought about it when you left. Basically, everyone you know is


    here, who else could be looking for you?"


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    "Alexa." Violette took a bite of meat and chewed slowly. "My worth might have skyrocketed by more


    than five hundred million dors."

 Chapter 279

    Chapter 279


    Alexa was willing to consider a billion, which meant she could cough up a billion.


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    The next day.


    The Bourne Group.


    President''s office.


    Golden sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a glow on the spotless office.


    Elijah reopened the list of Dr. Mitchel''s grad students he had collected earlier.


    Last night, Adrian spilled the beans that Dr. Mitchel''s disciple wasn''t a middle-aged man, nor even a


    man at all.


    That narrowed things down quite a bit.


    His eyes suddenlynded on Violette''s name.


    Violette was also one of Dr. Mitchel''s grad students.


    Since Violette didn''t pursue a medical career after graduating, Elijah did not have much knowledge


    about her experiences during grad school.


    Her background was pretty simple.


    She studied academics and published papers.


    He found one of her papers online and took a look.


    But since he couldn''t understand it, he closed the webpage.


    Maybe Violette wasn¡¯t as simple as he thought?


    If she were mediocre, Dr. Mitchel wouldn''t have taken her on as a student.


    Adrian had saidst night that he wasn''t good enough to be one of Dr. Mitchel''s students, so he


    became his assistant instead.


    Since Violette is talented, why didn''t she continue in medicine after graduating?


    was it really just for the money?


    If it was just for the money, why would she bother going to Dr. Mitchel''s grad school and waste two


    years of her life?


    Elijah frowned, grabbed a pen, and wrote her name down on paper.


    He then connected it to Dr. Mitchel and AN Tech.


    Then AN Tech connected to Mike.


    Herpany''s profits wouldn''t be possible without Mike joining.


    Mike had told Joey that he was a super badass hacker.


    He couldn''t find any information about him online.


    Why would such an amazing hacker willingly work for Violette?


    Elijah put a question mark next to Mike''s name.


    At the cemetery.


    Violette, along with her mother and two children, came to visit her father.


    "Dad, Mom, I are here to see you," Violette ced a bouquet of flowers in front of the tombstone, "and


    my two kids are here to see you too."


    ke Dennis'' portrait was engraved on the tombstone.


    "Dad, the Dennis Group has been rebuilt. Peter has been caught too. You can rest in peace."


    A cool breeze blew, and her phone rang in her bag.


    Violette took it out and saw it''s Alexa calling, so she answered right away.


    "Violette, I''ve thought about it. I can''t give you a billion dors all at once. But I can write you a


    promissory note, guaranteeing it''ll be paid off within a year!" Alexa, having not slept all night, sounded


    weak.


    She doesn''t want to pay a billion dors to save her brother Peter.


    But her parents were forcing her to handle this or face the consequences.


    "Oh," Violette replied coldly, "if you can''t evene up with a billion dors, what''s there to talk about?"


    Alexa was stunned, and then she lost it, "What do you mean?! Didn''t you say that as long as I give you


    a billion dors, you''ll agree to settl this privately?!"


    "Do you really have such poorprehension? What I saidst night was if you give me a billion


    dors, I''d consider dropping the charges. I''ve thought about it, and I''ve decided to go through legal


    channels and let Peter die." Violette looked at her father''s tombstone, her voice cold.

 Chapter 280

    Chapter 280


    She never thought about making peace with Alexa behind the scenes.


    She said thatst night on purpose to give Alexa a glimmer of hope, and then shattered it today.


    She wanted Alexa to taste the pain!


    Alexa was so angry that her lips were trembling. "I didn''t want to give you a billion dors anyway!"


    "I hope your brother won''t turn into a ghost and haunt you after he dies," Violette said. "I wonder how


    you two split the 500 million dors back then."


    Alexa''s blood pressure skyrocketed with anger!


    "Violette! Just wait! I''ll never let this go! I''ll avenge my brother and my daughter, mark my words!"


    "Oh, are you going to hire someone to assassinate me?" Violette reminded her. "The system and


    investigations in Country A havee a long way since five years ago. I suggest you think twice


    before hurting others, and whether you can bear the consequences. In Country A, murder and hiring a


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    hitman are both punishable by death!"


    Alexa''s face turned pale, and she hung up the phone.


    Albina looked at Violette, "Is Alexa still that crazy?"


    Violette, "Her beautypany abroad has made her quite a fortune."


    Albina didn''t say anything more.


    "Mom, the money she used to start thepany was all from her brother''s embezzlement." Violette


    knew what her mother was thinking. "No matter how good she is at business, she caused Dad''s death


    and the bankruptcy of the Dennis Group! She''ll get hereuppance!"


    Albina nodded, "Her daughter died young; that''s her retribution. Violette, all I want is for you to be safe.


    I don''t care if you have money or not."


    That evening.


    Joey called Mike and invited him out for drinks.


    Mike was at home and, after receiving Joey''s call, Violette immediately looked at him.


    Mike had had too much to drink the night before and decided to stay home tonight.


    But it was hard for him to refuse Joey''s call.


    "Weren''t you drinkingst night? Why are you drinking again tonight?" Mike spoke on the phone,


    feeling a bit guilty as he nced back at Violette.


    "Can''t you handle it?" Joey goaded him.


    Since Joey¡¯s rtionship with Mike had improved, Elijah had asked him to find out why Mike, such an


    amazing hacker, was willing to start apany with Violette.


    Was there some hidden story behind it?


    Young and impulsive, Mike would never admit he couldn''t handle his liquor.


    "Send me the address, and I''lle find you right away!" After hanging up, Mike walked toward


    Violette.


    Violette guessed, "Is it Joey?"


    Mike''s face turned slightly red as he scratched his head, "How did you know?"


    "Who else could call you out but Joey? You came homest night looking like a mess, and what did


    you say to me this morning? You said you wouldn''t drink for a week."


    "I said I wouldn''t drink red wine. Drinking beer is like drinking water to me." As Mike spoke, he was


    already out the door.


    Violette followed him, "Haven''t you ever wondered why Joey invites you out for drinks?"


    "Uh?" Mike paused while putting on his shoes.


    Violette told him about Elijah''s attempt to probe Adrianst night and then warned, "You don''t need me


    to teach you how to answer if Joey asks you any rted questions tonight, right? If you let anything


    slip, we''re done!"


    Mike got the message, clenched his fist, and gritted his teeth, "That Joey! Every time he contacts me,


    it''s to use me! He¡¯s so infuriating! I''ll get him drunk tonight and teach him a lesson!"


    Violette, "Don''t do that! He has to work tomorrow!"


    "Whether he goes to work or not is none of my business!" Mike promised her, "Don''t worry, I''ll never tell


    anyone about your secrets."

 Chapter 281

    Chapter 281


    "If you were dating Joey, would you tell him?" Violette felt a bit uneasy inside, so she asked again.


    Mike said, "Even if he were my wife, I wouldn''t say a word as long as you don''t want me to. You''re my


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    savior, and you''ll always be the most important person to me!"


    Violette breathed a sigh of relief and showed him the door.


    The next day.


    Joey, with a nasty hangover, made his way to the office.


    Elijah nced at him, "How did you get so wasted?"


    "Mike got me drunk on purposest night! I didn''t have a chance to ask him anything before he


    knocked me out." Joey''s head was pounding now, "I didn''t get any info, but I did notice a scar on his


    head."


    "A noticeable scar?"


    "Yeah. He must''ve had brain surgery." Joey said confidently.


    "Brain surgery is no small deal." Elijah frowned and whispered, "Ask him about it next time. And don''t


    drink with him, just ask him straight up. Go home and rest!"


    "Alright." Joey''s head hurt like hell, but he was still clear-headed, "Boss, are you investigating Mike


    because you suspect Ms. Dennis?"


    Elijah replied, "Don''t you think she''s strange?"


    "Yeah! I think she''s weird too! She clearly loves you, so why did she divorce you?" Joey was puzzled, "I


    know she''s jealous of Maka. But can''t she be more tolerant of people with special needs? I''m kinda


    disappointed!"


    Elijah: "..."


    His words made no sense.


    "Go home and rest. Don''te to work with a hangover in the future." Elijah turned and walked away.


    Violette had no idea about Maka''s intellectual disability when they divorced.


    He never med Violette.


    If anyone was at fault, it was him.


    ...


    Five in the afternoon.


    Elijah got a call from Sarah Warren.


    "Elijah, my dad''s back. Are you busy? He wants to have dinner with you."


    Elijah checked the time and said, "Alright."


    "By the way, I told you before that my parents are divorced. My dad will bring his new girlfriend to


    dinner, you don''t mind, do you?" Sarah hesitated before telling the truth.


    "I don''t mind." Elijah replied.


    He didn''t care much about Sarah Warren, and he was even less interested in her father''s new


    girlfriend.


    An hourter.


    Elijah met Sarah Warren''s father and his new girlfriend.


    For a moment, his mind went nk, and he forgot what to say and do.


    His sharp gaze fell on the new girlfriend.


    "Mr. Bourne, do you know me?" Alexa smiled and said, "Although we had a distant family connection


    before, we''ve never met! I never thought we''d meet like this."


    Elijah''s face grew even colder.


    The atmosphere was awkward.


    At that moment, Elijah''s phone rang.


    He picked up the call and walked out of the restaurant with big strides.

 Chapter 282

    Chapter 282


    The call was from Joey.


    "Mike said he used to have a malignant tumor in his brain, and when it got really bad, he''d pass out. In


    the end, Dr. Mitchel performed surgery to remove it." Joey said.


    "He still didn''t say why he wanted to partner with Violette?"


    "He did. He said he likes drones, and Violette had the system developed by ke. After perfecting


    ke''s system, he was very satisfied, so he partnered with Violette to start apany."


    The answer was rigorous andplete.


    After hanging up, Elijah headed to the dining room.


    Though he really disliked Alexa, he needed Sarah Warren''s help now, so he couldn''t embarrass her.


    As he entered the dining room, Sarah Warren immediately came up to him and exined, "Elijah, I''m


    sorry. This is my first time meeting her. I didn''t know she was Violette''s stepmother. I don''t usually have


    much contact with my dad, and he didn''t tell me beforehand."


    After hearing her exnation, Elijah walked to the table and took a seat.


    "Hello, Mr. Warren," he greeted Sarah Warren''s father.


    As for Alexa, he treated her as if she were air.


    "Hello, Elijah," Mr. Warren smiled awkwardly. "I''m sorry, I didn''t talk much with Alexa about her past, so


    I''m not quite clear about what happened between you two."


    "It''s fine. Violette and I are already divorced," Elijah said lightly.


    Seeing that Elijah had a problem with her, Alexa thought for a moment and spoke up, "Elijah, I''m sorry


    for what happened in the past. I apologized to Violette over the phone. I offered topensate her with


    10 billion, but she wasn''t willing."


    Elijah nced at Alexa.


    Sarah Warren was surprised, "You have that much money?"


    She didn''t expect Alexa to have that much money.


    "I don''t have that much cash on hand, but I can mortgage mypany to get a loan for that amount to


    show my sincerity," Alexa said regretfully. "I hope to reconcile with Violette. But it''s not going smoothly."


    Seeing Elijah''s serious face, Sarah said, "let''s not talk about this."


    "Alright, I won''t say anything," Alexa closed her mouth tactfully.


    ...


    After the dinner, Elijah was even more determined to get rid of Sarah Warren.


    If Violette found out that Alexa was now Sarah Warren''s father''s new girlfriend and might be


    Sarah Warren''s stepmother in the future, she would definitely never contact him again.


    At this moment, Maka suddenly came over and hugged him.


    Feeling his sister''s dependence, Elijah''s heart clenched.


    Although her intelligence had improvedpared to before, she still couldn''t take care of herself.


    Soon, her second treatment would begin.


    He was really looking forward to her second treatment.


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    But meeting Alexa tonight made him feel sick.


    As long as he and Sarah Warren maintained a nominal rtionship, he and Alexa might have more


    dinner parties.


    "Maka, do you like Dr. Sarah?" Elijah took his sister''s hand and sat down on the sofa together.


    Maka pursed her lips, her bright eyes staring at Elijah''s face.


    She didn''t like Sarah Warren, but she knew Sarah Warren was her brother''s girlfriend.


    "What about you?" Maka had learned to ask back.


    Elijah shook his head and then exined, "I need her to treat you. Maka, she can cure your illness."


    Hearing him say he doesn''t like Sarah Warren, Maka bravely said, "Violette can treat me too!"


    Elijah frowned.


    He realized that things weren''t that simple.


    "Maka, has Violette treated you before?"


    Maka pursed her lips and nodded.


    Elijah held her shoulders, his deep eyes looking at her, and asked, "When did she treat you? Was it


    when you got lost before?"


    When Maka wasn''t lost, she always had a nanny and surveince.


    He knew Maka''s every move, every day.


    So it was easy to infer that Maka met Violette after she went missing.

 Chapter 283

    Chapter 283


    Maka was scared of her brother''s serious expression. She realized she couldn''t hide it any longer,


    lowered her head, and kept quiet.


    Silverleaf Ridge.


    Mike was bragging in the living room about how high his alcohol tolerance was, he easily got Joey


    drunk, and how he spun lies to fool Joey.


    "Violette, I''m pretty awesome, huh?" Mike sought praise, "Joey must''ve run off to report to his boss!


    Don''t worry, there''s no way Elijah will suspect you."


    Violette peeled an apple and handed it to him, "You''re finally showing some smarts."


    "Hey! What''s that supposed to mean? I''ve always been smart, okay?" Mike took the apple and bit it


    with a vengeance, "I just don''t like to think too much. But once I get thinking, even Sherlock Holmes is


    no match for me."


    At that moment, Rita walked over with a picture album.


    "Mom, who is this handsome guy? I really like him!"


    Rita came out of Violette''s room.


    Violette nced at the album in her daughter''s hands and immediately put down the fruit knife.


    "Rita, why are you going through Mom''s stuff again?" Violette took the album and closed it.


    It was Kylee''s photo collection.


    Violette was his fan.


    "Mom!" Rita looked aggrieved, "Why won''t you let me see? I like handsome guys too!"


    Ian nced at the album and teased, "Fangirl."


    "You''re calling Mom a fangirl too since she likes him." Rita argued.


    Ian couldn''t win the argument and went back to his room.


    Rita snuggled in Violette''s arms, acting cute, "Mom, when you look for a boyfriend in the future, find


    one like this handsome guy! If you bring back someone this handsome, Grandma and I definitely won''t


    object."


    Albina couldn''t help butugh.


    Violette felt a headacheing and was about to lecture her daughter when the doorbell suddenly


    rang.


    It was nine at night.


    No one besides Odette usually visited.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    But Odette never came here at night.


    Mike had already walked to the door and looked out through the peephole.


    "Uh-oh! Violette, your ex-husband is here!" Mike didn''t dare open the door and hurried back to the living


    room, "And he brought his little sidekick."


    Little sidekick?


    Violette handed Rita to Albina.


    Albina immediately took Rita back to her room.


    "Maka... came too." Mike whispered to Violette.


    Violette frowned.


    What was Elijah doing bringing Maka here sote?


    She went to the door and opened it.


    Before she could say anything, Elijah asked Maka, "Is this the ce?"


    Maka peeked into the room.


    After seeing Violette''s serious face, she pursed her lips and didn''t dare speak.


    Elijah held her hand as they walked past Violette and into the living room.


    "Elijah..." Violette took a deep breath and followed him.


    "Shut up!" Elijah snapped, cutting her off, "Violette, Maka went missing earlier. Was she here with


    you?!"


    Violette: "..."


    He finally found out.


    Seeing her reaction, Elijah felt certain of the answer.


    A chill rose from the bottom of his heart.


    "How did she get here? Why didn''t you tell me?" Elijah walked up to her, staring her coldly, continuing


    to question, "Did you find it amusing to watch me panic like a madman?!"

 Chapter 284

    Chapter 284


    Back then, everyone knew he spent so much time and money looking for Maka.


    He couldn''t believe Violette wouldn''t know about it.


    Violette''s cheeks turned red as he questioned her.


    The way he talked was as if she had tricked Maka intoing to their house.


    But she didn''t have time to think about all that back then, because Maka had a fever.


    If she gave him Maka with a fever, would he think it was her fault for not taking good care of her?


    "Yeah!" Her voice came through fiercely, "I''m thrilled to see you going crazy!"


    Suddenly, everything went dark.


    The lights in the room went out.


    Not only did the living room lose power, the whole vi idid too!


    "Ah!" Maka screamed in fear and immediately found someone to hold on to.


    Mike stomped his feet, "Why are you hugging me? Let me go!"


    "Scared! Scared!" Maka continued to scream.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Mike sighed helplessly.


    Fine, let her hold him! It was not like he would lose anything!


    Why bother arguing with a mentally challenged woman!


    Besides, Elijah would soone and take her away.


    As Mike thought this, Elijah''s voice came through the darkness, "It was your son who took Maka out


    of school, right? Did you tell him to do that?!"


    Mike was puzzled.


    What''s wrong with Elijah?


    Maka was scared and screaming, but he didn''t care and kept arguing with Violette.


    "Yes! I told my son to do it!" Violette''s voice was even louder "I deliberately let my son bring Maka


    home, I wanted to see how amazing this woman who''s been haunting your dreams is! Who knew she


    was an idiot!"


    He could badmouth her, but she couldn''t stay calm when Ian was involved.


    His series of questions made herpletely lose her sanity.


    He already knew she was a vicious woman, but he never thought she would be this vicious!


    After she finished speaking, the world went silent.


    Suddenly, the lights in the living room came back on.


    Violette saw Elijah''s face darken and his fists clenched.


    It felt like he was about to hit her the next second.


    Violette''s heart raced, and her sanity quickly returned.


    How could she say Maka was an idiot?


    Even if it was just to vent, she shouldn''t have said it in front of Maka.


    She looked around, searching for Maka.


    In the children''s room.


    Albina and the two kids stared at Maka with her head down.


    They had heard what Violette said just now.


    So even though they didn''t like Maka, they could only apologize to her now.


    "Maka, my mom didn''t mean what she just said." Rita''s childish voice came through, "My mom didn''t


    tell my brother to bring you home, she was lying. She called you an idiot, but that was a lie too."


    Rita''s words made Maka''s eyes light up.


    Before, Rita wouldn''t even talk to her, but now she was taking the initiative to speak to her, making her


    a little happy.


    "I am an idiot!" Maka blinked and said honestly, "Violette wasn''t lying."


    Everyone in the room struggled to find a response.


    In the living room.


    Elijah''s body was tense, with tears welling up in his eyes.


    He looked at Violette and said, "Violette, you can hurt me, but you can''t talk about Maka like that!"


    His words were full of hatred and disappointment.


    Violette wanted to apologize, but she swallowed her words.


    "Take Maka and leave my house!" After saying this coldly, she strode into the bedroom.

 Chapter 285

    Chapter 285


    She mmed the door shut and locked it.


    Mike saw that the argument was over and immediately took Maka out.


    "Hey! Mr. Bourne..." Mike wanted to say something for Violette.


    Elijah red at him fiercely, "Shut up!"


    Mike shut up and watched him walk over to Maka and take her away.


    Outside the vi, there was a light rain.


    Elijah took off his coat and put it over Maka''s head.


    Once inside the car, Maka hugged his coat and looked out the window at the vi.


    Elijah buckled her seatbelt and whispered, "Maka, don''t look anymore."


    "Brother, I''m sorry." Maka said, with tears streaming down her face.


    "Maka, you did nothing wrong, and you don''t have to apologize to anyone." Elijah wiped the tears


    from her eyes.


    Maka cried harder, "Brother, it''s me... I was afraid of the surgery... I ran away on my own... I asked


    Ian to take me."


    She didn''t dare say it earlier, but now she finally had the courage to tell the truth.


    Elijah thought of Violette''s cold eyes.


    Why didn''t she exin?


    Was it fun for her to make him angry?


    "Brother, don''t me Violette... She was really nice to me... When I was sick, she took care of me."


    Maka choked up, recalling the scene from that night, "She gave me an injection... Violette is


    amazing."


    Elijah wiped her tears with a tissue, "You asked Ian to take you to his house, then you got sick and


    Violette treated you... What happened after that? Did she take you to the hospital?"


    Maka looked at him with teary eyes, "I don''t remember... I just remember Violette being really nice to


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    me. She''s not like how she was tonight... She''s not a bad person."


    "She called you a fool, and you''re not mad?" Elijah''s eyes were sore.


    Even thinking about it now, his heart still hurt.


    He knew Violette wasn''t a bad person, but her words deeply hurt him.


    Maka hadn''t been so bad at first, but her father''s domestic violence made her like this.


    He couldn''t allow anyone to bully Maka anymore!


    Maka''s eyes were red, and she shook her head, "You asked Dr. Sarah to treat me because I''m a


    fool, right?"


    Elijah hugged her tightly and exined, "Maka, that''s not it! You''re not a fool. I asked Dr. Sarah to


    treat you so you could better experience the world."


    "Because I''m a fool, I''m not smart. Brother, I am a fool, Violette wasn''t wrong, and I''m not mad. You


    shouldn''t be mad either, okay?"


    Maka''s voice was pleading.


    Elijah heard his sister''s kind voice, and his emotions copsed.


    He held the steering wheel with one hand, his head slightly raised, and tears silently fell.


    "Being a fool isn''t so bad, right?" Maka hugged the coat tightly, took a deep breath, and murmured,


    "As long as my brother is always with me, I''m willing to be a fool forever."


    Elijah''s lips moved, but he couldn''t say anything in the end.


    He must cure his sister''s illness.


    She won''t be a fool forever!


    In the vi.


    Violettey in bed in pain, feeling no different from being dead.


    She could have been less emotional and exined everything properly.


    But she couldn''t.


    Because his attitude pissed her off!


    From the moment he entered, he didn''t respect her, let alone listen to her exnation patiently.


    He came over tonight just to pick a fight.


    This was her home; why should she be wronged?


    She covered her face with a pillow.


    She regretted it.


    She shouldn''t have called Maka a fool.


    How was that different from Elijah using her of deliberately taking Maka away?


    How could she vent her anger at Maka because of Elijah''s harsh words?


    But it was toote.


    She heard the sound of a car engine starting outside the window.

 Chapter 286

    Chapter 286


    She walked out of the bedroom, and everyone''s eyes were on her.


    No one said a word, and the atmosphere was super awkward.


    "Did I go too far just now?" She sat down on the couch, reflecting on herself, "I shouldn''t have said that


    about Maka."


    "You weren''t over the top at all! It was Elijah who yelled at you first. The moment you started talking, he


    told you to shut up! I think not only did you not go overboard, but you should''ve gone even further! If it


    were me, I''d have cussed him out directly! I''d not only call Maka an idiot, but his whole family too!"


    Mikeforted her.


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Mike''s words left Violette stunned.


    Albina chimed in, "Violette, you were just blowing off steam. If he had any sense, he would know you


    didn''t mean it."


    "I don''t care what he thinks; I''m just afraid Maka will be hurt." Violette lowered her eyes, sighing


    softly.


    She didn''t care about Elijah''s feelings; she was just worried that her angry words would hurt Maka.


    "Maka isn''t mad. She said she''s really an idiot," Mike reassured her.


    "It''s precisely because she''s like this that I feel guilty." Violette fidgeted, got up from the couch, and


    returned to her room.


    Seeing their mom so remorseful, Rita and Ian felt terrible too.


    Tonight, Ian truly realized that Maka was different from them.


    Although Maka looked like an adult woman, her mental capacity wasn''t that of a normal person.


    Even a young child would be angry and rebellious when being called an idiot by others.


    So it seemed pointless for him to be so mean to Maka all the time.


    Back in their room, Rita pulled out her watercolor pens and started drawing on paper.


    Ian peeked over.


    "Brother, can you give this to Maka tomorrow?" Rita drew a flower on the paper.


    Ian was a bit disdainful but didn''t refuse.


    "I feel so bad for Maka!" Rita''s eyes reddened, "Who would want to be an idiot? Only an idiot


    wouldn''t mind being one."


    Ian took her drawing and put it in his backpack.


    "Brother, let''s not be so mean to Maka anymore, okay?" Rita held her brother''s hand and pleaded,


    "We can just hate dad, not Maka."


    The next day.


    During the break, Maka, as usual, came to Ian''s ssroom door.


    Ian reluctantly handed her Rita''s drawing.


    She took the drawing, her face full of joy.


    It was as if what happenedst night didn''t affect her at all.


    "I love it!" She hugged Ian tightly.


    Ian, "..."


    He had just decided not to be mean to her anymore, but he couldn''t handle her being this enthusiastic.


    Ian pushed her away forcefully, quickly returned to the ssroom, and closed the door.


    After a while, Maka''s nanny came over with a basket. The basket was filled with fresh fruits and


    some snacks.


    The nanny handed the basket to Ian''s teacher.


    "This is from Maka for Ian," the nanny said, ncing at Ian.


    Ian happened to look up.


    For a moment, the nanny seemed to see Elijah.


    The nanny returned to Maka''s room.


    Maka was still looking at the drawing.


    "Maka," the nanny sat down beside her, "have you ever thought that Ian looks a lot like your


    brother?"


    Maka nodded, "I like Ian."


    "I mean, Ian might be your brother''s child." There was no one else in the room, so the nanny and


    Maka could speak freely, "If Ian is really your brother''s child, then you would be his aunt."


    "Aunt?" Maka furrowed her brows slightly.

 Chapter 287

    Chapter 287


    "Yeah! Maka, you can be an auntie now!" The nannyughed, then suddenly sighed, "But it seems


    like your brother doesn''t know. I can''t be sure if Ian is your brother''s son either."


    "He doesn''t like my brother." Maka looked sad.


    The nanny replied, "That''s because your brother has a girlfriend now. Their situation is too


    Maka ignored theplicated stuff and continued to admire the painting Ian gave her.


    The Weekend.


    Odette and Violette were out shopping.


    "Unless something unexpected happens, I''m going to the Ramsey''s this year to discuss our wedding."


    Odette was a bit nervous, "I heard my dad talking to his dad on the phone privately."


    Violetteughed, "Isn''t that a good thing? You two have been dating for so long, it''s about time you got


    married."


    "But we''re both still so young, and we haven''t had enough fun yet!" Odette dragged Violette into a


    men''s clothing store.


    "What will be the difference between you two now and you two when you¡¯re married? When people say


    they haven''t had enough fun, they mean they don''t want to take responsibility, but you and Ramsey,


    you''re nning to be together for a lifetime, right?"


    "We''re thinking about a lifetime now, but who knows what we''ll think in the future? What if we get tired


    of each other?" Odette went to the new arrivals section, and picked up a casual jacket, "Violette, what


    do you think of this jacket?"


    "Totally out of style." Violette said without hesitation.


    "I''m buying it for my dad."


    "Oh. That makes sense."


    "Violette, did you leave your brain at home today? Would I buy this kind of clothing for Ramsey?"


    Odette teased her, "Are you in the mood for a rtionship?"


    "Spare me! I want to live a few more years."


    "Hahaha! You''re right, being single doesn''te with as many troubles." Odette checked the size of


    the clothes and asked the salesperson, "Do you have extrarge?"


    "This style doesn''te in that size. Miss, how about this one? This one has extrarge." The


    salesperson showed Odette another style.


    Violette didn''t have a father or any older male rtives, so she didn''t have anything to buy.


    She sat down on the sofa next to her and picked up a fashion magazine.


    In a moment, a pair of ck leather boots caught her eye.


    She looked up and saw Sarah Warren''s face.


    It was very sudden and unexpected.


    "Violette, what a coincidence!" Sarah Warren was out shopping for clothes with her father today.


    She had heard Odette mention ''Violette'' just now, so she came over.


    "What a coincidence." Violette didn''t move from the sofa.


    Mr. Warren came over, nced at Violette, and asked his daughter, "Is this your friend?"


    "She''s Elijah''s ex-wife, Violette."


    "Oh..." Mr. Warren knew Violette.


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    But this was their first meeting.


    She looked different from the photos.


    In person, she was even more stunning.


    "I''ve finished trying on the clothes." Mr. Warren spoke to his daughter.


    He didn''t greet Violette.


    Alexa hated her to death and cursed her in front of him every day.


    "Oh. If you like them, just buy them all!" Sarah Warren said, taking a card out of her bag, "Anyway, it''s


    Elijah who''s paying."


    She wanted to show off the bank card Elijah gave her.


    The salesperson took the card from her hand, swiped it, and asked her to sign.


    She deliberately asked in a voice that Violette could hear, "This is my boyfriend''s card, should I sign my


    own name or his?"


    "Sign your own name." The cashier said enviously, "Your boyfriend really spoils you. This card has no


    spending limit!"


    Sarah Warren smiled happily, "Yeah! He''s so good to me, and I love him so much."

 Chapter 288

    Chapter 288


    Violette was expressionlessly flipping through a magazine.


    Suddenly, the magazine was snatched away.


    "Aren''t you bored here?" Odette pulled her up from the couch. "Ugh, what bad luck! Even buying


    clothes brings us into contact with annoying people."


    Odette deliberately raised her voice so that Sarah Warren could hear.


    Violette, "The store is open to everyone."


    "That''s why I said we''re unlucky! Let''s not buy anything! Let''s go." Odette grabbed Violette''s hand,


    trying to drag her away.


    Violette, "Why are you being such a coward?"


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    That made Odette stop in her tracks.


    Right!


    Why was she being so cowardly?


    She wasn''t afraid of Sarah Warren.


    Why should she leave?


    Odette grabbed a few clothes from the shelf, pulled Violette, and walked towards the cashier.


    "What''s the big deal about using someone else''s credit card? And being so loud about it, seems that


    you''re afraid others won''t know you''re a freeloader." Odette sneered, "It''s only impressive if you spend


    your own money!"


    Although she didn''t name Sarah Warren directly, Sarah turned around when she heard the mockery.


    Odette feigned surprise, exaggerating her expression. "Ms. Sarah, are you shopping? Where''s your


    boyfriend? I heard you two are really close, or am I wrong? Otherwise, why would he only send his cold


    credit card? Everyone has a credit card, right?"


    Sarah Warren was embarrassed.


    She knew Odette was the only daughter of the Farrar family, whose department stores were all over


    the country, making them quite wealthy.


    She also remembered that Violette was now the boss of the Dennis Group, so she didn''tck money.


    Although Elijah gave her a supplementary card and let her spend as she pleased, without him, her


    financial power couldn''tpare to the other two.


    The salesperson bagged the clothes Odette brought to the cash register.


    "Miss, didn''t you want a triple XL? These sizes are all wrong." The salesperson reminded her.


    Odette gave a faint smile, "Pack these up, and the ones I saw earlier too. What''s the big deal if the size


    is wrong, I''ll just use them to mop the floor."


    Sarah Warren''s face turned ashen.


    Mr. Warren realized Odette was not someone to be messed with, so he pulled his daughter away.


    As they left the store, Sarah Warren shook off her father''s arm.


    "Dad! Why did you pull me out? I''m not afraid of them! This is so humiliating!"


    "We have paid. What good would it do to quarrel with them? If Elijah finds out, do you think he will like


    you more? Men don''t like shrews."


    Sarah Warren took a deep breath and stifled her anger.


    Inside the store.


    Violette returned the ill-fitting clothes to the shelves.


    "Odette, you were too impulsive."


    Odette snorted, "You can''t go easy on bitches like her. Did you hear how loud she was when she took


    out her card earlier? Wasn''t it on purpose for you to hear? You can take it, but I can''t!"


    Odette had seen too many people like Sarah Warren, and her tactics were nothing special.


    So dealing with her was a piece of cake.


    The two left the store and found a nearby restaurant to sit down at.


    "Elijah has been really good to Sarah Warrentely," Odette nced at Violette. "Sarah Warren''s father


    is back for a while, saying he wants to invest, so Elijah uses his connections to introduce him to a lot of


    business partners."


    "Why are you telling me this?" Violette hadn''t been in touch with Elijah since theirst argument.


    Whether he and Sarah Warren were happy or not was none of her concern.


    "I think you don''t love him as much anymore, so I wanted to mention it and see your reaction."


    "Even if I don''t love him anymore, it doesn''t mean I want to hear about him." Violette took a sip of


    water. "If I were to bring up your ex in front of you, would you like it?"

 Chapter 289

    Chapter 289


    "No biggie! I''m still good friends with my ex!"


    Violette had nothing to say.


    "Violette, maybe they''ll really get married." Odette continued the topic. "Sarah Warren has won Grace''s


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    heart. And it seems like Elijah hase around too. Ramsey and I think that if Maka''s second


    surgery goes well next spring, he''ll definitely marry Sarah Warren."


    Violette replied indifferently, "My best wishes to both of them."


    "You¡¯ve gotta move on too!" Odette started to worry. "You''re so young, your mom is helping you with


    your two kids, and they''re both in school, so they don''t need too much of your attention. You can totally


    enjoy life now."


    "I''ll enjoy it," Violetteughed. "Can you stop pitying me? Being single is great too."


    "I think you''re unhappy," Odette said quietly.


    "Don''t overthink it. If you''re really that bored, start nning your own wedding in advance!"


    "Oh! You''ll be my bridesmaid then."


    "I already have two kids, how can I be your bridesmaid?"


    "Huh? I can have whomever I want as my bridesmaid," Odette argued confidently. "Perfect, your two


    kids can be my flower children."


    Violette couldn''t help butugh.


    Her phone rang, and she picked it up and saw it was Mr. Lee calling, so she answered right away.


    "Ms. Dennis, didn''t Peter decide to appeal? I just got the schedule from the Supreme Court. Peter''s


    case will take some time before it goes to trial again, so don''t worry."


    "Alright. Thank you for your hard work!"


    "Don''t worry, he''s just trying to buy time. There won''t be any change in the verdict."


    "Right, I''m confident."


    ...


    In the evening, Violette returned home with bags of shopping.


    As soon as she entered the house, her two kids came up and took the shopping bags from her hands.


    "Mom, what did you buy? Can you take me with you next time you go shopping?" Rita had already


    started her break.


    "It''s too cold outside. You might freeze." Violette touched her daughter''s little head.


    "No way! I have a hat and a mask!" Rita took out the new clothes and shoes from the shopping bag,


    and gradually, joy reced her dissatisfaction.


    Albina came over and discussed with Violette, "Your uncle asked us to go back soon. If you don''t want


    to go, I''ll go alone."


    "I''ll ask Mike if he''s going back to B Country during this time."


    "I already asked him, and he said he''s staying here," Albina replied.


    "Oh, then you can go to uncle''s house by yourself! If you want to take the kids, that''s fine too."


    Albina shook her head, "I won''t take the kids. Now that they know you have money, they''re reaching


    out to me. They never called me before. When your grandmother passed away, they didn''t even notify


    me."


    "Then don''t go," Violette said, seeing her mother upset.


    "I have to go. I want to visit your grandmother''s grave and offer flowers."


    Violette hugged her mother, "Mom, you must take good care of yourself."


    "What nonsense are you talking about? You still have two kids!"


    "It''s different. I can act spoiled with you, but can I do that with my kids?" Violette sighed.


    After dinner.


    Violete¡¯s kids and Mike were ying and having fun.


    Violette was scrolling through her phone when she came across a news story.


    - Bourne Group President Elijah was spotted at a jewelry store with his girlfriend, purchasing a pricey


    engagement ring!


    Below was a candid photo.


    From the tall figure of the man in the photo, it was indeed Elijah.


    And Sarah Warren smiling sweetly beside him while holding a ring.

 Chapter 290

    Chapter 290


    She stared at the picture, totally engrossed.


    How could she not have a reaction to this?


    It hurt a bit.


    She wouldn''t bless him.


    No way.


    "Violette, what are you spacing out for? Your kids are picking on me! You''re not even helping!" Mike


    walked to the sofa, pulled Violette up, and stood her in front of him.


    Her expression instantly returned to normal.


    "Ian, your mom mentioned transferring schools before. How do you feel about this?"


    This question suddenly quieted the living room.


    "Mom, will big brother go to kindergarten with me?" Rita asked excitedly.


    "Your big brother is going to elementary school, not kindergarten." Violette said, and Ian nodded in


    agreement.


    Although his rtionship with Maka wasn''t as bad as before, Maka was still close to Elijah.


    He and Elijah were like oil and water.


    So leaving Ang International Institute and staying away from Maka meant staying away from


    trouble.


    "Why? I''m as old as him. Why does he go to elementary school and I go to kindergarten? I want to go


    to elementary school too!" Rita pouted, grabbing Violette''s hand.


    Albina came over and picked her up, "Rita, even if you want to go to elementary school, you have to


    wait until your big brother gets used to it first, okay?"


    "Oh... alright!"


    Violette smiled and said, "Rita, there''s an entrance exam for elementary school. Let''s see if your big


    brother can pass it first."


    Rita looked confused, "Uh... sounds hard. I guess I''ll just go to kindergarten!"


    At eleven o''clock at night, it started snowing heavily.


    When Violette opened the bathroom window, she identally caught a glimpse of the view outside.


    She pulled the bedroom curtains open.


    Watching the snowkes fluttering outside, and her heart suddenly felt peaceful.


    She remembered the past, the ups and downs they experienced before she and Elijah broke up.


    She took a deep breath.


    If it snowed all night, she could take the kids out to build a snowman tomorrow.


    They would be so happy.


    With this peaceful feeling, she went to bed, turned off the light, and went to sleep.


    On the other side.


    Elijah came out of the study, returned to the bedroom, and was about to close the curtains when he


    saw it was snowing outside.


    Then his hand paused.


    Suddenly, he thought of the winter five years ago when Violette knitted him a sweater.


    It was a thick sweater.


    He didn''t like wearing sweaters.


    But after receiving the sweater from her, he put it on right away.


    He still remembered the happiness he felt when he put on the sweater she made by hand, and his


    heart raced.


    He walked to the closet, opened the door, and inside hung that in sweater.


    It seemed a bit out of cepared to the other designer shirts and suits in the closet.


    He hadn''t worn it since they broke up.


    For some reason, he chose to take the sweater out and put it on.


    The sweater was warm, but his heart was cold.


    Today, Sarah Warren asked him to go shopping with her, and he went.


    They passed a jewelry store, and she was attracted by the jewelry inside.


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    She picked a cheap ring, and he paid for it without a word.


    As if the ring was a gift from him to her.


    He still hadn''t fallen in love with her.


    But she was quiet and never bothered him.


    If he had to marry a woman, a woman like her wouldn''t be too hard to tolerate.

 Chapter 291

    Chapter 291


    When the second year of spring rolled around, if she can cure Maka, he would marry her.


    The next day, in the morning.


    A delivery arrived at Silverleaf Ridge.


    Albina took the package and put it on the table.


    The two kids saw the thick snow outside and couldn¡¯t wait to put on their down jackets and run out.


    Albina left the door open so she could keep an eye on the kids.


    Cold air rushed in, making the room temperature drop quite a bit.


    Violette came out of her room in her pajamas and quickly went back to put on a coat because it was so


    cold.


    "Violette, there''s a package on the table for you!" Albina stuck her head out of the kitchen to remind


    her.


    "Oh...I didn''t buy anything!" Violette walked over to the table, picked up the package, and wondered,


    "What could it be?"


    "I think it''s something soft inside. It feels like a sweater," Albina said.


    Violette used scissors to open the package.


    Sure enough, it was a sweater.


    As soon as she saw it, she immediately recognized it as the one she knit for Elijah back then.


    Now he sent the sweater back to her as if to cut ties with herpletely.


    She really wanted to throw the sweater in the trash.


    But she couldn''t bear to do so after remembering the effort she put into knitting it.


    Punishing others shouldn''t mean hurting oneself.


    She took out the sweater and immediately smelt his scent.


    Frowning, she hugged the sweater and headed for the washing machine.


    Albina saw the sweater and immediately understood what happened.


    "Violette, you can donate this sweater."


    "No need, I knit it with my own hands, I''ll wear it myself." She couldn¡¯t bear to throw it away or donate it.


    The sweater was as good as new; he must not have worn it many times.


    Albina sighed.


    "Violette, go outside and check on the kids. They''re building a snowman."


    "Okay." After tossing the sweater into the washing machine, Violette strode toward the door.


    As soon as she appeared, Rita grabbed her arm.


    "Mommy,e help Ian build a snowman! I''m going to ask Grandma for a carrot to make the


    snowman''s nose!" Rita excitedly finished her sentence and ran back inside.


    Violette looked at Ian''s red, cold hands. "Sweetie, are you cold?"


    "I¡¯m not cold." Ian voluntarily squeezed her hand.


    Ian''s hand was warm.


    "What do you want for a Christmas present?" Violette asked with a smile.


    "Aputer." He answered without hesitation.


    Violette frowned in worry, "I can give you back theputer, but you can''t use it for bad things."


    Ian excitedly responded, "Okay!"


    In the afternoon.


    Mike found Violette and said, "I invited Joey toe to our house for the holidays. You shouldn''t have


    any objections, right?"


    Violette is confused.


    Weren''t they like oil and water?


    Besides, this was her house, and she didn¡¯t want othersing in casually.


    "I''ll buy you a new ce! There have been a lot of promotions for properties recently. Let''s go house


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    hunting now!" Violette pulled his arm, wanting to take him with her.


    "I want to live with you! In case I get sick, you can save me right away. If I live alone, I could die out


    there and nobody would know." After his serious illness, Mike no longer liked living alone.


    "Why do you want to invite Joey?" Violette asked.


    "He said he''s good at cooking, so I asked him toe and cook." Mike exined, "At that time, you


    just say you can''t cook, and we''ll let him do it."


    Violette reluctantly agreed.


    In the blink of an eye, it was Christmas.


    Albina prepared a big feast.


    Violette set up a tripod and camera next to the dinner table, nning to record their first reunion dinner


    since returning to the country.


    While adjusting the camera, her phone on the dinner table rang.


    "Mom! Your phone is ringing!" Rita picked up the phone, excitedly ran over to her, and handed it to her.

 Chapter 292

    Chapter 292


    Violette took the phone from her daughter''s hand. Seeing that it was Adrian calling, she immediately


    picked up.


    "Violette, Merry Christmas!" Adrian''s cheerful voice came through.


    Violette chuckled and corrected him, "Adrian, Happy Christmas Eve! Save the Merry Christmas for


    tomorrow."


    "Have you guys eaten yet? I was going to call youter, but I just got some great news from the


    hospital, so I couldn''t wait to tell you." Adrian paused for a moment, then said, "Kylee can sit up now!


    His consciousness is getting clearer and clearer!"


    Violette said, "That''s great!"


    "Violette, he and his family are really grateful to you. They said they''lle visit you personally after


    Christmas." Adrian ryed.


    "No need for that. I''ll go see him after Christmas. He just needs to focus on his recovery now,


    everything else is minor." Violette said.


    "How can this be a minor thing? They want to pay for his medical expenses and asked me how much


    would be appropriate. I told them to talk to you face to face." Adrian said.


    Violette pondered for a moment, "I''m just finishing the work that Dr. Mitchel couldn''tplete. If they


    want to pay for the medical expenses, they should give it to Dr. Mitchel''s family ording to the original


    agreement with him."


    Adrian said, "I knew you wouldn''t ept it."


    "Dr. Mitchel''s death was so unexpected." Violette''s voice suddenly became somber, "I still can''t ept


    it. He saved so many people, but in the end, he died so young."


    "Maybe heaven saw that Dr. Mitchel was too tired living, so they let him rest early. Violette, let''s think


    positively and not be too sad." Adrian changed the subject, "When are you free? Let''s have a meal


    together."


    "Sure! I''m free on the days after Christmas. You cane over anytime." Violette said.


    "Great!" Adrian said.


    After hanging up, Violette hugged her daughter and sat back down at the dinner table.


    Albina had already prepared the meal.


    "Mom, the dishes you made today are quite a lot." Violette looked at the dishes on the table and


    eximed.


    After the happy dinner, Violette let her mother go rest.


    Mike stayed in the kitchen and helped her wash the dishes.


    In a blink of an eye, it had been several days since Christmas.


    Albina left early in the morning to go back to her hometown.


    Not long after Albina left, Violette went out with her two children. Today, Joey wasing over to hang


    out with Mike.


    So she chose today to go have a meal with Adrian.


    "Violette, let''s go skiing!" Adrian suggested, "There''s a newly built Snow Pce in the ski resort, it''s


    really beautiful. I''ll bring a camera to take pictures for you guys."


    "Sure!" Violette looked at the excited faces of her two children and agreed.


    At the same time, inside a ck Rolls-Royce, Maka excitedly looked at the snowy scenery outside


    the window.


    Today, Elijah had booked the entire Snow Pce for Maka to y alone.


    Maka loved to y but was afraid of crowded ces. So, every time Elijah took her out to y, he


    would book the ce in advance.


    Sarah was with them.


    This time it was Elijah who invited her. He rarely looked at Sarah, but even so, he noticed that she had


    be much more haggard than before. He didn''t know if it was because she was too tired being with


    him or because of Maka''s treatment n.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Before long, Maka would have her second surgery.


    He hoped that Sarah could maintain a good state to face it.

 Chapter 293

    Chapter 293


    The ski resort was packed with people.


    "Where''s Snow Pce?" Violette asked Adrian.


    There were too many people, and she was worried about the kids'' safety. So, she wanted to check out


    Snow Pce.


    "It''s at the back of the ski resort." Adrian pointed her in the right direction.


    A nearby tourist overheard their conversation and kindly said, "You guys want to go to Snow Pce?


    It''s closed to the public today! I heard someone booked the whole ce."


    "Snow Pce, that big, is booked?" Adrian was somewhat surprised.


    "Yeah! Damn rich people! Why do they have to book it during the holiday season? So annoying! The


    ski resort is so crowded today because Snow Pce is booked." The touristined.


    Embarrassed, Adrian said to Violette, "How about we go there first and I''ll try to negotiate with the


    person who booked it?"


    Otherwise, they would have wasted their time.


    It took almost two hours to drive here from the city. The two kids were so excited on the way. If they


    couldn''t get into Snow Pce, they would be so disappointed.


    Violette nodded and tried to lighten the mood, "It''s okay if we can''t get in. We can still see the view from


    outside! And the scenery around here is beautiful too. We can just take some pictures nearby."


    Adrian nodded, "I''m sorry, Violette! I should have checked online before we came."


    "It''s not your fault. We cane back another time." Violette said.


    "Alright." Adrian said.


    Inside Snow Pce, Maka happily wandered around the dreamy ice castle.


    Elijah, with his camera, captured her smiling face.


    Sarah stood by, watching this heartwarming scene.


    "Elijah, let me take some pictures of you guys together!" Sarah offered.


    Elijah handed her the camera and walked towards Maka.


    At the entrance of Snow Pce.


    Adrian and Violette stood with their kids in front of the door.


    Just as Adrian was about to approach the bodyguard to negotiate, Violette stopped him.


    "Adrian, we are not going in!" Violette''s face suddenly turned cold.


    She recognized Elijah''s bodyguard.


    The one who booked the ce was Elijah. He wasn''t interested in recreational activities, so did he


    book it for Sarah or Maka?


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    She turned around and tried to leave with Adrian. At that moment, Rita, taking advantage of the


    bodyguard''s distraction, grabbed her brother''s hand and rushed in!


    "Mom! We made it in!" Rita eximed excitedly.


    Violette was speechless.


    The bodyguard, seeing this, was stunned. These two little ones! So bold!


    Just as the bodyguard was about to go in and catch the kids, Violette quickly followed.


    "Don''t hurt my children! I''ll take them out right away!" Violette said.


    The two bodyguards looked at Violette and Adrian entering, even more confused. One of them


    regained his senses, "It''s fine, that''s Ms. Dennis. The boss won''t me us."


    "But they''re divorced!"


    "They may be divorced, but they''re not enemies. Besides, Miss Maka and that little boy get along


    well."


    "Oh, I heard that little boy is the boss''s son. Why doesn''t he acknowledge him?"


    "Who told you that?"


    "I guessed it myself. Don''t you think that little boy looks a lot like the boss?"


    "Mind your own business."


    Inside Snow Pce.


    Rita, dragging Ian, ran deeper into the pce.


    "Mom! Let me and my brother y inside for a while! As long as they can''t catch us, we can y a bit


    longer... Ahh!" Rita said.


    Rita ran too fast and identally bumped into a tall figure!

 Chapter 294

    Chapter 294


    Elijah nced down and saw Rita''s face all scrunched up in pain.


    His heart immediately tensed up! There was no way Rita woulde here alone! So... Violette was


    here too?


    He looked behind Rita¡ª


    Just then, Ian quickly ran over and protected Rita in his arms. Seeing her hand covering her face, he


    immediately took her little hand away to check if there were any injuries on her face.


    "Ian, I''m fine. I bumped into someone. My nose hurts a bit." Rita''s eyes were red and teary, looking all


    pitiful.


    Ian tightly held her hand, looking up at Elijah''s cold face.


    An unspoken chilling atmosphere spread between the father and son.


    At this moment, Maka saw Ian and Rita, her face full of surprise!


    "Ian! Rita!"


    Maka walked quickly towards them.


    Seeing this, Ian immediately pulled Rita away, turning and leaving. Rita looked back reluctantly, her


    eyes lingering on the icy wondend around her. Finally, when her gaze fell on Elijah''s face, she made


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    a funny face at him.


    Elijah ignored Rita''s provocation and held Maka''s arm, not letting her chase after them.


    Not far away, Violette and Adrian approached.


    Seeing the two kids, Violette breathed a sigh of relief, and at the same time scolded, "Rita! How could


    you be so bold!"


    Rita rubbed her eyes andined, "Mom, it''s so beautiful here, I wanted toe in and y!"


    "Not today, I''ll bring you back next time!" Violette picked up her daughter, her eyes catching a glimpse


    of Elijah and his women.


    She didn''t expect him to bring them all together. How harmonious!


    It seemed that one had to endure what ordinary people couldn''t, in order to get what ordinary people


    couldn''t get.


    Sarah was really something.


    When Elijah saw Violette, his gaze quickly shifted to Adrian beside her. Although Adrian was a bit


    ordinary, he seemed to have a good character.


    Violette being with him didn''t seem like a good match in Elijah''s eyes. But since she chose him, he


    could only respect her decision.


    "Maka, shall we go somewhere else to have fun?" Elijah discussed with Maka.


    Maka absent-mindedly nodded. She didn''t understand why Ian, who was fine with her at school, was


    ignoring her today?


    As Elijah led Maka past Violette, he stopped and said, "We''re leaving, enjoy yourselves!"


    If it weren''t for the kids wanting to y here, Violette wouldn''t ept his charity.


    After they left, Rita immediately pulled Ian and started running around.


    Seeing Violette''s cold face, Adrianforted her, "Violette, don''t let it affect your mood. He''s actually


    quite generous, they probably just arrived not long ago."


    "Yeah! If we hadn''te in, they definitely wouldn''t leave." Violette said sarcastically, "He''s so nice,


    giving us the ce to y."


    "Do you still have feelings for him? Is that why you''re so angry?" Adrian teased her in a rxed tone.


    Realizing her outburst, she blushed, "Adrian, don''t make that kind of joke in the future. He''s now


    surrounded by women, very happy. My appearance just dampens his mood."


    "Cheer up! Let''s go find the kids! They''ll run too far away soon." Adrian said.


    "You go find them; I''ll go inform the staff to open the Snow Pce." Violette finished speaking, and


    strode towards the exit. She wasn''t used to booking the whole ce.


    When she arrived at the entrance ticket booth, she exined her intentions to the staff.


    Staff said, "But Mr. Bourne booked the whole day."


    "Then donate the extra ticket money to charity." Violette said.


    Staff said, "Let me check with my supervisor."

 Chapter 295

    Chapter 295


    Violette gave a slight nod.


    As she turned to enter the Snow Pce, not far away, Sarah''s body suddenly went limp, and she was


    about to fall. Elijah reacted quickly and scooped her up in his arms!


    Violette watched this scene, her long eyshes quivering.


    The air seemed to freeze, and time appeared to stop.


    "Dr. Sarah, what''s wrong?" Elijah held Sarah, a trace of anxiety shing in his eyes.


    Sarah looked at his worried expression and softlyughed, "Elijah, I''m sorry! I was so excited about


    hanging out with you today that I couldn''t sleepst night. I just felt a little dizzy just now. But I''m


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    alright."


    Elijah breathed a sigh of relief. She couldn''t be in trouble! He was still waiting for her to treat Maka!


    "Let''s go back!" He carried Sarah and walked towards the parking lot.


    Violette still hadn''t snapped out of it until they walked away.


    After calling her superior, the staff member said to Violette, "Miss, my boss agrees to your n. But we


    need your information. So, we can exin it to Mr. Bourne if he askster."


    Violette came back to her senses.


    The staff member handed her a notepad and a pen, "Miss, please write down your name and phone


    number."


    Violette mechanically wrote down her information.


    The Norris family.


    Albina brought the expensive gifts back to her house and distributed them to the younger generation.


    Everyone''s attitude towards her was exceptionally warm and friendly.


    Her sister-inw, who had never been nice to her before, not only brought her tea but also served her


    fruit and snacks.


    "Why didn''t you bring Violette back with you?" She asked.


    Albina took the cup, "She''s having dinner with a friend today."


    "Tell her toe back and visit when she has time! We all miss her!"


    "I''ll tell her. But she rarely listens to me now. After all, she has her own ideas, and herpany is


    pretty busy," Albina said politely.


    "Yeah! I never thought she could restart the Dennis Group! It''s really impressive!" The sister-inw


    said, ncing at her son, "Our Jake graduated from grad schoolst year, and he''s been looking for a


    jobst year. Either the sry is too low or the position isn''t quite right. Can you talk to Violette and see


    if Jake can join the Dennis Group''s finance department when you go back?"


    Without hesitation, Albina refused, "Violette is still in awsuit with the former CFO. I can''t get involved


    in the finance department."


    Her sister-inw''s face changed instantly, "You''re her biological mother, how could she not listen to


    you? You just don''t want to help us, do you?"


    Albina put down the tea cup, "You can say whatever you want. I won''t do anything that would make


    Violette ufortable."


    With that, Albina stood up.


    "Albina, calm down! Let me take you to Mom''s grave!" Seeing the situation, Albina''s brother


    immediately took her out.


    At 5 PM.


    Albina finished dinner at home and left. She walked to the side of the street and hailed a cab.


    Soon, a taxi stopped in front of her. After getting in the car, it drove onto the main road.


    Behind the taxi, a ck Santana, the man in the driver''s seat holding a bottle of alcohol, took several


    big swigs and then stepped on the gas, chasing the taxi ahead.


    At 5:30 PM.


    A drunk driving ident urred on Riverside Avenue!


    Traffic police rushed to the scene and found the deceased''s phone, contacting her family.


    Violette saw her mother''s iing call, the corner of her mouth slightly raised, she answered, "Mom,


    we''ll be back soon!"


    "Hello, I''m a police officer. There''s been a serious car ident on Riverside Avenue, causing a woman


    to die on the spot. I contacted you through her phone. Are you her rtive? If so, pleasee as soon


    as possible!"

 Chapter 296

    Chapter 296


    With a "whoosh", Violette mmed on the brakes, pulling the car over to the side of the road!


    Car ident? Death?!


    Her head was ringing, and then the tears came pouring down!


    "Mom! Why did you stop the car?" Rita shrieked.


    Ian nervously asked, "Mom, why are you crying?"


    "Mom, what''s wrong? Please don''t cry!" Rita choked up and started crying too.


    Hearing her kids, Violette took a deep breath.


    Wiping the tears from her face, she said hoarsely, "I''ll take you guys home right away. Just stay home,


    okay? I''ve got something to take care of."


    The car started moving again.


    Rita and Ian were still really worried, "Mom, what happened? Why are you so sad?"


    Violette took a deep breath, hiding the truth, "A friend of mine had an ident. You guys behave at


    home, I might be back reallyte. If Mike''s not there, I''ll call him toe and look after you."


    "Mom, don''t cry! Your friend will be alright!" Rita said with concern.


    "Mom, it¡¯ll be okay!" Ian tried tofort her.


    Violette mumbled an agreement.


    They arrived at Silverleaf Ridge.


    Mike and Joey were at home, eating dinner. Violette opened the door, letting the kids in. But she didn''t


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    even go inside the house, just walked away.


    When Mike came out of the dining room, she had already driven off.


    "Rita! What''s your mom up to? Why did shee back and not even go inside?" Mike asked, puzzled.


    "Mom said her friend had an ident. She was crying so hard." Rita looked pained and guessed,


    "Could it be Aunty Odette? I really like Aunty Odette."


    Mike patted her head, then picked up his phone from the table and called Violette.


    The call went through, but she didn''t answer. After the it was automatically hung up, he called again,


    still no answer.


    Apart from Odette, Violette didn''t have any other friends. Could it really be that Odette had an


    ident?


    Mike found Odette''s number and called her. The call was quickly answered, and Odette''s puzzled voice


    came through, "Did you dial the wrong number? Why are you suddenly calling me?"


    Clearly, Odette was fine.


    "Sorry, wrong number," Mike hung up, his expression serious, and called Violette again.


    This time, she finally answered.


    "Violette! What the heck?! Why didn''t you answer my calls?! If you didn''t pick up this time, I was gonna


    go looking for you!" Mike stood with one hand on his hip, holding the phone in the other, out in the cold


    air, "Who had an ident? I just called Odette, and she''s perfectly fine."


    Violette took a deep breath and cried out, "My mom. Mike, can you watch the kids for me?"


    "What happened to your mom?" Mike''s heart clenched.


    ¡ª Beep, beep, beep!


    The call ended.


    Mike gripped the phone tightly, his brow furrowed.


    Joey came out of the living room and asked, "What''s going on? What happened?"


    "Violette''s mom had an ident. I think this is big; she was crying so hard! I really want to go find her,


    but she asked me to stay home and look after the kids!" Mike said quietly.


    Joey''s face darkened, "I''ll check what happened to her mom. You stay home and take care of the kids!"


    By the time Violette arrived at the scene of the ident, it was already dark.

 Chapter 297

    Chapter 297


    Under the streetlight, she looked at her mom''s bloody face, trembling as she raised her finger and put it


    under her mom''s nose.


    A gust of wind blew by, and she suddenly burst into tears, "Mom! I know you''re still alive! You promised


    to be with me for a lifetime! I''m taking you to the hospital now! Don''t be scared! I''ll be with you! I''ll


    always be with you!"


    When Joey found out about Albina''s car ident, he hesitated for a moment and then called Elijah. If


    Violette had someone by her side, Joey wouldn''t bother him.


    "Boss, Violette''s mom had an ident this evening and died on the spot. But she can''t ept the


    news and took her mom to the hospital. Mike''s at home taking care of the kid now. It''s gonna be tough


    for her to handle her mom''s funeral alone, so maybe..." Joey said.


    "Which hospital?" Elijah''s Adam''s apple moved, his voice tense, "Which hospital is she in?!"


    His terrifying expression and the sudden rise in his tone scared Maka into shrinking her neck.


    Sarah had never seen Elijah like this. All the care and pain in his heart were revealed.


    She didn''t know who called him. But she knew that his pain and tension were definitely for Violette.


    Today, Snow Pce was booked for the whole day, and they were there for less than half an hour.


    Because Violette''s child wanted to y, he decisively left and gave the ce to them. Violette''s position


    in his heart was even more important than Maka''s. If Maka didn''t have intellectual issues, he


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    would definitely put Violette before Maka.


    After finishing the call, Elijah strode towards the door.


    Sarah''s heart panicked and she chased after him, "Elijah, what happened? What''s wrong?"


    He clearly heard her voice but ignored her, not even stopping his steps.


    Sarah felt heartbroken. Recently, Elijah had been treating her well, and she thought he was gradually


    epting her. They would soon enter the marriage hall and be happy and loving.


    But one phone call knocked their rtionship back to square one.


    In the hospital.


    Violette took her mom to the emergency room. She cleaned her mom''s wounds, stopped the bleeding


    and bandaged her, stitching the torn flesh one by one. But her mom''s body temperature gradually


    became colder.


    Her fantasies shattered, and her hopes dashed!


    "Mom. I''m sorry. Mom! I should have gone with you to Uncle''s house! I shouldn''t have let you go alone!


    I''m sorry! It''s all my fault! It''s all because of me!" Shey on the operating table, hugging her mom''s


    cold body, sobbing uncontrobly.


    Elijah rushed to the hospital with a cold aura.


    Seeing him, Joey immediately greeted him.


    "Boss, the driver who caused the ident was drunk driving. He''s not dead but severely injured. We


    can''t determine yet if it was just a simple drunk driving ident or intentional murder," Joey reported


    the situation he had investigated to Elijah.


    "Where''s Violette?!" Elijah asked.


    "She''s in the operating room." Joey paused for a moment, then continued, "She wants to save her


    mom, but her mom is already dead. I''m really worried that she won''t be able to handle this blow,


    leading to mental problems."


    Elijah''s eyes reddened, and his fists clenched tightly.


    It was as if an invisible giant hand was choking his neck.


    How he wished he could bear all the pain for her¡­


    A momentter, he arrived at the operating room door, and faintly heard her crying!


    His heart ached as if being cut by a knife, and he forcefully gripped the door handle of the operating


    room.


    Just as he was about to push the door open, his phone rang!


    "Elijah! Where are you right now?!" On the other end of the phone, Grace''s anxious voice came


    through, "Sarah fainted! She''s pregnant with your child! Your child is already almost five months old!"


    Violette''s suppressed cries and her mother''s excited voice mixed together.


    His face suddenly turned pale!


    Sarah was pregnant? Pregnant with his child?!

 Chapter 298

    Chapter 298


    He only hooked up with Sarah once, did that really get her pregnant?


    His grip on the operating room door handle suddenly loosened.


    Joey watched the change in his expression, feeling worried. What the hell happened? Was he not


    going in to see Violette anymore?


    "Joey, you stay here," Elijah said heavily, "I''m going back for a bit."


    Joey nodded, not daring to ask more.


    After Elijah left, Joey pushed open the door to the operating room and took a quick peek inside.


    Violette took off her coat and draped it over Albina. Her thin body sat weakly beside her, gripping


    Albina''s hand tightly, crying and whispering something.


    Joey felt his eyes well up involuntarily as he watched the scene. Closing the operating room door, he


    took out his phone, found Adrian''s contact, and called him.


    After notifying Adrian, he drove away from the hospital and headed to Silverleaf Ridge.


    He couldn''t help Violette at the hospital, so, he wanted to switch with Mike. He''d take care of her two


    kids and let Mike go be with Violette.


    Upon arriving at the vi, the two kids were already asleep.


    After he told Mike about the situation, Mike''s eyes turned red and he rushed out.


    In a blink of an eye, the vi became quiet.


    Joey entered the children''s room. On the bed, the two kidsy there quietly.


    They had yed so hard outside today that they slept especially heavily.


    A warm bedsidemp was on. Joey wanted to take a closer look at the kids'' faces, so he turned the


    light up a bit.


    Rita and Violette looked very simr, beautiful and cute. Even their sleeping faces were so adorable.


    As for Ian, without his baseball cap, he lost his coolness. The sleeping him had more childishness that


    kids his age should have.


    Joey dimmed the bedsidemp and turned to see a long children''s desk. On it were some stationeries,


    books, and aptop. Thisptop should belong to Ian.


    In Joey''s eyes, Ian wasn''t a problem child but a genius. He shouldn''t be sent to a special school but a


    more advanced one.


    Unfortunately, Violette probably just wanted him to be an ordinary person.


    When Mike arrived at the hospital, Albina had already been sent to the morgue. Adrian apanied


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Violette as they sat on a bench in the hospital corridor.


    Nurses and family members hurried past in the corridor, bringing gusts of cold wind.


    "Violette!" Mike looked at her as if her soul had been sucked out, feeling especially heartbroken.


    Hearing Mike''s voice, Violette looked up.


    "How did you get here? Where are the kids?" Her voice was nasal, and her eyes were terribly red and


    swollen.


    She stood up from the chair.


    Mike strode to her and hugged her tightly. "Violette, don''t be afraid! You still have me; I''ll always be with


    you."


    A sharp pain shot through Violette''s temple.


    She suddenly pushed Mike away and yelled, "Where are the kids?! Didn''t I ask you to take care of


    them at home?!"


    "The kids are asleep. Don''t worry, Joey will help look after them. He asked me toe and be with


    you, and I wanted to be with you too, so I came." Mike took her hand, but her icy-cold touch caught him


    off guard.

 Chapter 299

    Chapter 299


    He immediately took off his coat and draped it over her.


    "Go back!" Violette''s eyes were filled with tears, but her voice was cold and strong. "How could you


    leave the child with a stranger?!"


    Her mother had already left. She mustn''t let anything happen to the two children. If anything happened


    to her child again, she would break down.


    Mike looked at her grieving and angry face, feeling a mess inside.


    "I''ll go back right away, don''t cry!" Mike reached out to wipe the tears from her face. "I won''t bring him


    home again! Just stop crying!"


    Mike hurriedly finished and left quickly.


    Meanwhile, at another hospital.


    Elijah pushed open the door to the ward. On the bed, Sarah saw his face and immediately burst into


    tears.


    Grace strode to the door and pulled him in.


    "Elijah, how could both of you be so careless? The child is already so big, and you both didn''t even


    know." Although Grace''s tone was reproachful, her face was full of smiles. "The doctor just checked


    Sarah, and she and the son in her belly are fine."


    Sarah was pregnant with a son? That was so freaking unbelievable!


    "Elijah, I''m sorry! I didn''t know I was pregnant. My periods are often irregr. When I''m stressed, it


    basicallyes once every six months. So I can''t predict pregnancy like other women by the dy of


    my period. I didn''t think I''d get pregnant."


    Sarah looked at Elijah''s cold face and tried to exin.


    "Abort it!" His voice was cold and ruthless.


    His brief recovery made Sarah unbearable, and also almost made Grace faint.


    "No! The child can''t be aborted!" With the help of the nanny, Grace quickly adjusted her emotions and


    said firmly, "It''s not easy for her to get pregnant! And she''s not young, and the child is growing too.


    Aborting the child at this time might cost her life! Does Maka''s treatment need to continue?! Elijah,


    weigh it up!" Grace said.


    His mother''s words turned his face pale instantly!


    He needed Sarah to treat Maka. So, Sarah couldn''t have any ident.


    He took a step back. His heart ached so much that he couldn''t breathe. His pride, self-esteem, and his


    usual confidence were ruthlessly trampled underfoot.


    One mistake, and everything went wrong! Did he have any other choice but to endure?


    He tookrge strides out of the ward.


    Sarah''s tears fell silently.


    "Sarah, don''t cry! I''m here, and he won''t dare to hurt you!" Grace handed Sarah a tissue to wipe her


    face. "You must give birth to this child. As long as you have the child, I guarantee he''ll marry you! As


    long as I am still alive, your position in the Bourne family will never change!" Grace said.


    Sarah choked, "He must hate me to death. He doesn''t like children, even if I give birth to the child, he


    won''t like it.."


    "Sarah, it''s not like what you think! As long as you give birth to a healthy child, he''ll definitely like it.


    Who wouldn''t like their own child?" To soothe Sarah''s emotions, Grace told the truth, "He''s kinder and


    softer than anyone. He doesn''t want a child because he''s afraid the child will be unhealthy and suffer


    pain and discrimination in the future."


    "Why would that be? Isn''t there prenatal testing? If the child is not healthy, it wouldn''t be born in the first


    ce." Sarah stopped crying and expressed her doubts.


    Grace hesitated to say more, and finally didn''t reveal the deeper reasons.


    "Sarah, just remember what I said. As long as the child in your belly is fine, he will never mistreat you


    and your child."


    Sarah nodded, "I got it."


    The next day.


    The news of Sarah''s pregnancy spread quickly, and everyone in A City knew.


    Violette heard the news at the funeral home.


    "This woman is really amazing! Being pregnant with Elijah''s child, even if she doesn''t marry into the


    Bourne family, she can still have a good life because of the child!"


    "Yeah! I''m so envious of her! Elijah is not only rich but also so handsome! She''s like a modern


    Cindere!"


    Violette, holding her mother''s ashes, walked step by step out of the funeral home.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 300

    Chapter 300


    Silverleaf Ridge.


    After breakfast, Mike broke the news of Albina''s passing to the two kids.


    "I know this is a huge blow for you guys, and I''m pretty bummed too. But your grandma has left us


    forever, and I hope you can be strong. Your mom is really, really upset right now. If you guys are sad


    too, it''ll make her even more miserable." Mike said.


    Mike hugged each child and gave them a kiss on the head after he finished talking.


    Rita couldn''t take the news. She cried her eyes out, her little mouth kept sobbing, making a weak


    sound, "I miss grandma. I want to find grandma.¡±


    Ian''s eyes were wet too, but he was stronger. He didn''t cry out loud and even hugged his sister, "Rita,


    don''t cry. Brother is here."


    "I don''t want to be apart from grandma. What will we do without her?" Rita felt like the world was falling


    apart.


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Grandma used to pick her up from school, make them delicious food, and take them out to y every


    day.


    "Rita, don''t be scared. We can still live well without grandma. When momes backter, let''s not cry


    in front of her, okay?" Mikeforted, "From now on, I''ll take you guys out to y and eat yummy


    food."


    "I want my grandma. Where do people go when they die? I want to bring my grandma back." Rita


    rubbed her eyes, her tears soaking her hands.


    Seeing her sad face, Mike decided to tell her the truth. After all, better a short sharp shock than a long-


    drawn-out pain.


    "When people die, they''re gone. Your grandma will nevere back. She''spletely disappeared


    from the world we live on." Mike said.


    After hearing this, Rita hugged her brother and cried even harder. Mike covered his face with his


    hands, and after a moment, he called Adrian.


    "Mike, how are the kids?" Adrian asked, then heard Rita''s crying.


    Mike said, "Not so good. You know they had a great rtionship with their grandma. How''s Violette?"


    Adrian nced at Violette and answered, "We''re at the cemetery now. Her mom has been buried. But


    Violette hasn''t slept all night, I''m worried it''ll take a toll on her body."


    As soon as Adrian finished speaking, he saw Violette faint.


    "Violette!" Adrian yelled and rushed over to pick her up from the ground without hanging up the phone.


    An hourter, Mike took the two kids to the hospital.


    "Don''t worry, Violette is fine. She just fainted from excessive grief," Adrian said, "She didn''t sleep all


    night, now let her rest."


    Mike said, "Adrian, you should go back and rest too! I''ll take care of her here."


    Adrian shook his head, "I''m not tired."


    The two kids stood by the bed, staring at Violette lying there. Their grandma was gone, would anything


    happen to their mom too? What would they do if their mom also left?


    Police station.


    Elijah sat in the chief''s office, listening to him analyze the car ident.


    "At the moment, it seems to be a drunk-driving ident. The driver at faultes from a poor family,


    I''m afraid they don''t have the money topensate Ms. Dennis," the chief said.


    Compensation? Violette didn''t care about money at all.


    "Did you overlook the fact that the driver at fault is a gambler?" Elijah said coldly, "He owes over a


    million in gambling debts, his wife left with their child long ago, and his parents were taken by the debt


    collectors, only to be suddenly sent back home a while ago."


    The chief was stunned and sighed, "Elijah, it''s only been one night since the incident, and you''ve


    already found out so much."


    Elijah said, "The deceased was my mother-inw. I can''t let her die in vain."


    The chief nodded, "So you think this is a murder?"


    "It''s obvious," Elijah said confidently, "Someone hired a hitman to kill."


    The chief frowned, "Fortunately, the driver at fault didn''t die. We''ll interrogate him thoroughly once he''s


    recovered."


    "I''m afraid someone might try to harm the driver at fault." Elijah said.

 Chapter 301

    Chapter 301


    "I''ll have someone watch the hospital 24/7." The chief said, then changed the topic, "I heard your


    girlfriend''s pregnant, congrats man!"


    "I''m not a fan of kids." Elijah''s face darkened, and his tone turned cold, "Let me know the minute there''s


    progress in the case."


    The director nodded, "Sure thing. How''s Ms. Dennis doing? She was pretty upset yesterday, is she


    better today?"


    Elijah''s eyes dimmed. He got up from the sofa and strode away. He couldn''t answer that question.


    Last night, he had reached the door of the operating room, but because of his mother''s phone call, he


    didn''t push it open in the end.


    Sarah''s pregnancy had be a tough issue in his heart. He couldn''t face it, so he couldn''t face


    Violette even more.


    In the hospital room, Violette slowly woke up after sleeping all afternoon. Before the grief could flood


    her mind, Ian''s voice came first, "Mom, I''ll go to any school you want me to in the future."


    Then, Rita''s soft and hoarse voice came, "Mom, I''ll be really well-behaved in the future too. Can you


    get better soon?"


    Rita had been crying, so, her eyes were red, and her voice was hoarse.


    Violette immediately sat up and held both children''s hands.


    "Mom''s fine. I was just too tired, so I took a nap." She said, getting out of bed, "Let''s go home!"


    As she stood up, Mike rushed over and gave her a hug.


    "Violette, you still have two children, and me. I''ll never betray you. As long as you need me, I''ll never


    leave you." Mike said.


    Mike was rarely so calm and serious.


    Violette''s chin rested on his shoulder, and she took a heavy breath, "Let''s go home! I miss home."


    On the other side, Elijah hadn''t rested at home for three nights in a row.


    Maka sat in the living room, unwilling to go back to her room. Lacey sat beside her, keeping her


    "Does he not want me anymore?" In the quiet living room, Maka''s voice suddenly rang out.


    "How could that be?" Lacey held her hand, "Mr. Bourne went to Silverleaf Ridge."


    ording to the bodyguard, Elijah went to Silverleaf Ridge every night and stayed outside Violette''s


    house all night, leaving only at dawn.


    "He went to find Violette?" Maka''s tone rose a few notches, "I want him to be with Violette."


    Lacey sighed, "He can''t be with Violette."


    "Why?" Maka''s bright eyes were clear and confused.


    Lacey felt very sad. She thought of Violette experiencing the pain of losing her mother, and Elijah


    guarding outside her house, wanting to see her but unable to.


    "Because of your illness. Dr. Sarah can cure you, but she''s forcing Mr. Bourne to be with her, or she


    won''t treat you. He has to be with Dr. Sarah to cure you." Lacey said reluctantly, "Maka, do you


    understand what I''m saying?"


    Maka shook her head nkly, "Say it again."


    Lacey took a deep breath and repeated it.


    This time, Maka probably understood.


    "I won''t get treated." Her eyes sparkled, her fingers clenched, and she murmured repeatedly, "I don¡¯t


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    want any treatment."

 Chapter 302

    Chapter 302


    7 a.m.


    A ck Rolls-Royce slowly pulled into the front yard.


    Lacey hadn''t slept all night.


    Seeing Elijah return, she immediately went to the living room door. After telling Maka the truthst


    night, Maka was pretty shaken.


    Lacey felt super guilty. Once she said something, it was like spilled water, and she couldn''t take it back.


    Elijah, shivering from the cold, entered the living room.


    "Sir, I did something really dumb. I deserve any punishment." Lacey followed Elijah.


    Elijah stopped, his bloodshot eyes looking at Lacey.


    "Last night I told Maka about Dr. Sarah threatening you. That''s why Maka refuses treatment now,"


    Lacey lowered her head, "It''s all my fault. I shouldn''t have bbed!"


    "Why did you tell her that?" Elijah frowned, looking unhappy.


    "She said she hopes you and Violette get back together. So, I couldn''t help but tell her the truth," Lacey


    said in a hoarse voice, "You should fire me! I''m getting old and confused. I''m not fit to serve you


    anymore."


    Elijah''s gaze moved away from Lacey, tiredly saying, "You go rest! Don''t talk to her about such


    Lacey responded with an "okay," not daring to say more.


    After lunch, Elijah took Maka for a walk.


    The temperature was still low, and the wind was bone-chilling.


    "Maka, are you cold?" Elijah held her hand tightly.


    Maka shook her head, "Elijah, I don''t want to treat my illness anymore."


    "You can''t do that," Elijah immediately rejected her, "Violette and I divorced because our rtionship


    fell apart. Even if I break up with Dr. Sarah, I won''t get back together with Violette. So don''t be affected


    by our issues."


    Maka tried hard to understand what he was saying.


    "I hope you can experience more happiness in the future," he said softly.


    Maka was silent for a moment before suddenly saying, "You''re not happy, Violette isn''t happy. Only


    I''m happy every day. Not treating my illness, I''m happy every day. So, I don''t want to treat it."


    Her tone was unusually determined.


    Elijah looked into her eyes, feeling bitter, "How can you know you won''t be happy after you''re cured?


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    And even if you don''t treat your illness, I won''t break up with Dr. Sarah for now. Because she''s


    pregnant with my child."


    "Am I going to be an aunt?" Maka naturally followed up.


    Elijah''s heart tightened, his gaze at her becameplex, "Maka, who told you the word ''aunt''?"


    Maka pulled her hand out of his and turned her back to him. She always avoided answering


    questions like this if she didn¡¯t want to.


    Elijah walked quickly in front of her, holding her shoulders, looking down at her, "Tell me."


    "Elisa said my brother''s child will call me aunt," Maka looked up, asking him, "Brother, am I Ian''s


    aunt?"


    Elisa was the nanny who took care of her at school.


    Her question made Elijah''s body tense.


    "What do you think?" he said, recalling Violette''s answer at the time.


    Violette said Ian was adopted.


    "I hope he''s your child, so he''ll have to call me aunt," Maka''s voice was emotional, "If you have a


    child with Dr. Sarah, they won''t like you anymore."


    "I don''t need them to like you. I just want you to be healthy." Elijah''s eyes became dim, feeling a little


    sad.


    On the first working day after the holidays, Mike couldn''t go to thepany. He had to take care of the


    kids at home.


    Violette had been in Albina''s room for four days and hadn''te out. She kept watching the video


    recorded during the Christmas family gathering, over and over again. She could never have imagined


    that it would be thest image of her mother in this world.


    Mike and the two children had breakfast together,


    He nned to take them out to y today. If they passed by thepany, he''d take the kids to check it


    out.


    Suddenly, Albina''s bedroom door opened.

 Chapter 303

    Chapter 303


    Violette walked out from inside.


    When Mike saw her, it was like he''d seen a ghost. She hadn''t gone out for days, her face was


    extremely pale and haggard, and she hadn''t eaten much. She had lost a lot of weight.


    The two kids were also shocked when they saw her.


    Violette went straight to her room, and Mike followed her.


    "Violette! You''re not nning to go to work, are you?" Mike guessed.


    Violette took out a set of clothes from the wardrobe and headed to the bathroom, "You stay home and


    take care of the kids, I''ll go take a look at thepany."


    "Am I going to take care of the kids from now on?" Mike asked.


    Violette shook her head, "I''ll hire bodyguards."


    "Shouldn''t you hire a nanny?" Mike asked.


    Violette said, "Not necessary."


    She wanted to take care of the children herself.


    The bodyguards would be responsible for picking up and dropping off the children at school and


    ensuring their safety. That was enough.


    "By the way, I heard that your mom''s car ident was a deliberate murder." Mike said, "You can go to


    the police station to askter."


    Violette''s eyes darkened, her voice tightened, "Who told you?"


    "Joey," Mike said, "He said Elijah sent someone to investigate the ident driver, and they found out a


    lot of things."


    The calm on Violette''s face shatteredpletely. If it was murder, then there was no need to think too


    much about who the killer was! Who else could it be but Alexa?!


    As soon as Violette left the house, she saw Odette driving to her ce.


    Mike handed the two children to Odette.


    "Odette, please help take care of the kids. Violette is acting very strange today, I need to go find her!"


    Mike said, then took his car keys and left.


    When Mike arrived at the police station, Violette was justing out.


    "Violette!" Mike got out of the car and ran towards her.


    She seemed to have lost her soul, and didn''t hear his voice. She got in the car, started it, and drove


    away quickly.


    Mike watched her car whizz past him, hands on his hips, taking a deep breath!


    Violette looked at the road ahead, her vision gradually blurring.


    It turned out not to be an ident! It was a deliberate murder! It must be Alexa!


    But the police told her that the evidence they had so far showed that the person behind the bribery of


    the ident driver was Peter. Because the bank card used to transfer money to the ident driver


    belonged to Peter. And Peter admitted to it.


    This was simply ridiculous and absurd! He was in jail, and how could he do this?


    Moreover, he was already sentenced to death! What a perfect n!


    Violette''s tears kept falling. All of this was controlled by Alexa! But because all the evidence pointed to


    Peter, Alexa wouldn''t have any trouble!


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    An hourter.


    Violette and Alexa met at a coffee shop.


    "Violette, I didn''t expect your mother''s death to make you so haggard." Alexa looked at her face and


    said sarcastically, "I hope you cheer up a bit, after all, there are more upsetting things waiting for you in


    the future."


    Alexa picked up her coffee cup and took an elegant sip.


    "Oh, I forgot to tell you," Alexa continued with a smile, "My current boyfriend is Sarah''s biological father.


    Now that Sarah is pregnant with Elijah''s child, they will be married soon. In the future, Elijah and I will


    be considered family."

 Chapter 304

    Chapter 304


    Violette was tightly gripping a cup of coffee.


    She couldn''t care less about what Alexa was saying about Elijah.


    "Your brother''s in jail, how could he hire someone to kill? Did you do it?" she stared at Alexa''s face,


    asking word by word.


    The smile on Alexa''s face disappeared in an instant. "Violette, don''t use me of something I didn''t


    do! In A Country, murder is punishable by death, and so is hiring someone to kill! That''s what you told


    me before. How could I possibly do such a thing?"


    After saying that, the corner of her mouth curled up. As if to say ¨C She was not stupid! Even if she did


    it, she would never admit it.


    The coffee in Violette''s cup swayed gently because she was gripping it so tightly.


    "Do you know why I asked you to meet me?" Violette let go of the coffee cup.


    Alexa nced coldly at her, "Violette, your mom is already dead. It''s useless to pester me. If I say I


    didn''t do it, then I didn''t do it. Even if you kill me, the truth won''t change."


    Violette stood up from her chair, suppressing her anger, "Of course. As long as you don''t admit it, it''s


    not your doing."


    With that, she quickly walked up to Alexa.


    Realizing what Violette was about to do, Alexa screamed, "Help!"


    By the time Mike rushed over, he saw Violette, her eyes bloodshot, yanking Alexa''s hair and banging


    her head against the wall! There was a bright red bloodstain on the wall. Blood was flowing non-stop on


    Alexa''s face.


    "Oh my God!" Mike eximed, then quickly ran over, "Violette! Let go! You''re going to kill her like this!"


    Mike tried to break up the fight, He held Violette tightly, trying to pull her away. But she stubbornly held


    on to Alexa''s hair, refusing to let go!


    "She killed my mom! I must avenge my mom!" Violette screamed hoarsely, "Let go of me! I''m going to


    kill her!"


    "Are you crazy? You still have two kids! Do you want them to be orphans?!" Mike yelled, "Violette!


    Wake up! Don''t ruin your life for such an evil person! Your mom won''t rest in peace if she sees you like


    this!"


    A shop assistant came running with scissors and quickly cut off the hair Violette was holding onto. That


    finally separated the two.


    Violette looked at the clump of hair in her hand and angrily threw it at Alexa''s face!


    "Alexa, I won''t let you off!" Violette couldn''t calm herself down, her eyes cold as ice, staring at Alexa,


    "Either you hire someone to kill me, or I will make sure you die!"


    Mike had never seen such a fierce Violette.


    She looked so frail, but her strength was unbelievable. Two shop assistants carried Alexa out to take


    her to the hospital for emergency treatment. Only then did Mike dare to let go of Violette.


    He took out his wallet and said to the coffee shop owner, "Sorry about that! How much is the


    The owner took the bank card and reminded, "If thedy who was beaten calls the police, this young


    Mike immediately negotiated with the owner, "I''ll give you triple thepensation. When the police


    Violette pushed Mike aside, "I''ll take responsibility for what I did! Didn''t I tell you to stay home with the


    kids? Why did youe?"


    "Odette came. I asked her to help look after them." Mike moved back to her side, sighing, "Thankfully I


    felt something was off and followed you. If I hadn''te, I would only be able to see you in jail in the


    future!"


    At two in the afternoon.


    At the police station.


    "Officer, I was the one who beat her up. If you want to detain me, then do it! This has nothing to do with


    Violette!" Mike raised his voice, trying to take the me.


    Violette was touched by his loyalty to her, but it was unnecessary in this situation.


    "Mike, I''ll count to three. If you don''t leave after three seconds, I''ll never talk to you again." Violette sat


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    in the chair, speaking coldly.

 Chapter 305

    Chapter 305


    Mike didn¡¯t say anything.


    "One, two..." Violette started counting.


    Mike''s cheeks turned red with anger, "Violette! Just keep going crazy! I''m done with you!"


    With that, he turned around and left the police station. After leaving the police station, he took out his


    phone and called Joey.


    "Joey! Is your boss at the office? I need to talk to him!" He stood outside the police station, feeling hurt


    as the cold wind blew past him.


    But no matter how hurt he felt, he couldn''t ignore Violette. Violette''s situation was quite special now.


    People could do anything when they were under extreme stress. She could kill someone today, and


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    what if shemitted suicide tomorrow?


    "Today''s the first day back to work, so it''s a bit busy. What do you need from him?" Joey spoke quickly,


    then realized, "You''re looking for my boss? Did something happen to Violette?"


    "She went crazy today and almost killed Alexa. Now she''s in the police station and I think she''s gonna


    get detained. Your boss is pretty powerful, right? Hurry up and tell him to get Violette out of there! If he


    can''t get her out before nightfall, I''ll expose his scandal!" Mike said.


    Joey swore, "What''s wrong with you? You have dirt on my boss? If you talk to him like that, do you


    believe you''ll be kicked out of A Country tomorrow?!"


    Inside the police station.


    The officer handed Violette a piece of white paper and a pen.


    "Ms. Dennis, I know you''re upset right now, but it''s not right to hit someone." The officer looked at her


    cold face and tried to persuade her gently, "Write a self-criticism letter, then pay for Alexa''s medical


    expenses, and everything will be fine."


    Violette looked at the paper and sneered, "Why should I write a letter? I just wanted to hit her."


    The officer didn¡¯t speak.


    "You want me to pay her medical expenses? Sure! When she dies, I''ll pay for her funeral!" Violette


    continued.


    Her slender fingers pushed the paper and pen away, "Just deal with me ording to your procedures!"


    The officer frowned, "Ms. Dennis, I know you have your own thoughts. But with the evidence we have


    right now, it really has nothing to do with Alexa. If Alexa had even the slightest suspicion, we would


    definitely arrest her for questioning."


    Violette''s eyes drooped, and her pale lips pressed together, no longer speaking.


    She was angry, but not because of what the officer said.


    She just didn''t want to make things difficult for everyone.


    But her heart was filled with so many emotions. If she did nothing and let Alexa get away with it, she


    couldn''t get past the hurdle in her heart.


    Half an hourter.


    A ck Rolls-Royce stopped in front of the police station.


    Mike saw Elijah getting out of the car, so he quickly walked towards him. But Elijah walked too fast. He


    passed by Mike without even noticing him!


    Elijah entered the police station and saw Violette''s slender figure.


    "Elijah, you''re finally here!" The chief waved at Elijah, "Please talk to Ms. Dennis! As long as she writes


    a self-criticism letter, we''ll let her go immediately."


    Violette heard his name and looked up in surprise. Why would Elijah be here?


    Elijah picked up the white paper on the table, tore it in half, and throwed it in the trash.

 Chapter 306

    Chapter 306


    "I got this." He grabbed Violette''s slender wrist and spoke to the director, "I''ll take her out first."


    The chief nodded.


    As they left the police station, Violette shook off his hand.


    Elijah looked at her, like a hedgehog, and frowned, "Violette, even if you killed Alexa, your mom won''t


    "What gives you the right to lecture me?" Violette looked at his familiar yet unfamiliar face, mocking


    coldly, "Just because you''re the high and mighty ''Mr. Bourne''? Or because Alexa is your future mother-


    inw?!"


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    Her tone was very harsh.


    Elijah was a bit helpless andforted her, "Violette, calm down."


    "I can''t calm down!" She screamed, "As soon as I close my eyes, the image of my mom''s tragic death


    appears in my mind! What did my mom do wrong?! She did nothing wrong! Why did they have to kill


    her?!"


    She burst into tears.


    Elijah looked at her thin body and desperate grief, and hugged her tightly.


    Her emotions exploded as she smelled the unique woody scent on him. Even though his cologne


    remained the same, he was no longer the old Elijah.


    "Let go of me!" She pushed against his strong chest.


    "No!" He held her tightly in his arms and exined in a hoarse voice, "You just said Alexa is my future


    mother-inw, which is ridiculous! I only have one mother-inw, and that''s your mom."


    Violette stopped struggling, giving up.


    After carefully savoring his seemingly affectionate words, she looked at him with teary eyes and coldly


    asked, "Sarah got pregnant with your child. Did you have your bodyguard take her to the hospital for an


    abortion?"


    Her questioning made him suddenly let go of her.


    "Elijah, didn''t you hate kids? Howe you could ept Sarah''s child?" She stood in front of him,


    questioning him, "Did Sarah threaten you again? Did you give in to her again for the sake of treating


    Maka? Weren''t you pretty tough in front of me? When you forced me to have an abortion, you didn''t


    hesitate. Do you think it''s okay to mess with me because I have a good temper?"


    Elijah felt pain deep in his heart, but he still looked at Violette calmly.


    Her emotions became more stable than before. However, her words became even harsher.


    "Don''t mention my mom in front of me again. She never approved of you as a son-inw." Violette


    looked at his face and said coldly, "Even if she died, she wouldn''t approve of you. She would only think


    you''re bad luck."


    She saw his face turn extremely ugly. Not only did she not feel sorry for him, but she also felt relieved.


    Perhaps, she hadpletely given up on him.


    He could have children with Sarah and ept her mother''s murderer as his mother-inw. As long as


    he didn''t appear in front of her, he could do whatever he wanted.


    "Violette, let''s go home!" Mike nced at her after driving the car out, "You must be tired too."


    "I''m not tired." Her voice was clear and calm, "I don''t want to go home."


    Mike said, "Where do you want to go then?"


    Violette seemed not to hear his voice, looking out the window, murmuring, "If I hadn''t insisted on going


    back, my mom wouldn''t have had an ident."


    Mike looked at her haggard and self-ming appearance, worried.


    Would she suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder?


    Mike turned the car around at the intersection ahead and headed toward Mercy Hospital.


    After learning about Violette''s situation, Adrian was worried but also firmly said, "She is a very strong


    person. I believe she can figure everything out and get through the grief and anger."


    He handed several boxes of sleeping pills to Mike.


    "She needs a good rest now. Let''s see if she can get better after getting through this tough time."


    Adrian said.


    A weekter.


    Violette''s mental state became stable, and it was time for the kids to go to school.

 Chapter 307

    Chapter 307


    After breakfast, Violette dropped the two kids off at kindergarten.


    It was Ian who suggested that he and his sister go to kindergarten together. That way, mom wouldn''t


    have to pick them up and drop them off.


    Albina''s death seemed to have changed nothing, yet at the same time, everything had changed.


    "Violette, winter''s over," Mike said, driving onto the main road. "All the bad stuff is behind us! Starting


    today, we''ll have nothing but good luck every day."


    Violette stared at him nkly, "Can you speak like a normal person?"


    Mike cleared his throat, "I know you''re still gonna be sad for a long time, but we have to focus on the


    future. There are more good things and people waiting for you."


    Violette said, "Just drive."


    Mike turned on the car stereo.


    Violette thought for a moment, then suddenly said, "Mike, thank you."


    "Huh?" Mike turned off the music.


    "Thanks for helping me take care of the kids during this time." Violette said.


    "Why are you being so polite all of a sudden? Your kids are my kids too. Even if your mom wasn''t here,


    or even if you weren''t here, I''d still raise them well!" Mike said passionately.


    Violette looked at him meaningfully.


    He exined further, "You know what I mean."


    Violette hummed.


    Meanwhile, at the Bourne family home.


    Grace arrived early in the morning, her face rosy and her mood cheerful.


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    She showed a photo to the servants, "Look at this child, doesn''t he look like Elijah? He looks just like


    Elijah when he was little!"


    The servants nodded in agreement, and Grace''s smile grew even wider.


    Elijah heard the noise from upstairs and came down quickly.


    "Elijah! Look at your son!" Grace showed him the photo, "This was taken by Sarah at the hospital


    yesterday. Look at this child, he looks so much like you! The doctor said he''s healthy, so you don''t have


    to worry!"


    Elijah looked at the wrinkled baby in the photo and frowned. He couldn''t see any resemnce at all. If


    it weren''t for Maka''s medical treatment, he would never have let Sarah give birth to this child.


    "Elijah, what kind of reaction is that? Sarah went through so much carrying your child. Even if you don''t


    care about her, how can you be so indifferent to your own child?" Grace said, changing the subject, "I


    brought Sarah to Old Manorst night. In my eyes, she''s already my daughter-inw!"


    Elijah didn''t want to argue with his mother, so he maintained a calm demeanor.


    "You don''t need toe here just to tell me that. As long as you''re happy." Elijah said.


    "What do you mean ''as long as I''m happy''? That''s your son!" Grace said/


    "Did you ever get my permission to give birth to him?" Elijah''s expression was cold, "I don''t want to hurt


    anyone, but that doesn''t mean you can hurt me without restraint."


    The photo in Grace''s hand suddenly fell to the floor.


    An hourter, his mother was driven away by the chauffeur.


    The house was silent.


    Elijah nced at the time, it was almost noon. At that moment, his phone rang.


    It was a call from the family doctor, "Elijah! Do you know Kylee?! Two years ago, he was paralyzed and


    unconscious due to a performance ident. But now, miraculously, he''s recovered!"


    Elijah''s heart raced, his voice trembling, "Who cured him?! Do you know who his doctor is?!"

 Chapter 308

    Chapter 308


    After Sarah got pregnant, she started staying at home and taking it easy. Even Maka''s treatment


    progress was put on hold.


    So, the person treating Kylee definitely wasn''t Sarah!


    Their family doctor sighed, "I don''t know the specifics, but the chances of him waking up on his own are


    slim to none. I think he found a neurologist with skills on par with Dr. Mitchel."


    After hanging up the phone, Elijah immediately sent someone to contact Kylee''s family.mKylee had


    been out of the entertainment industry for two years, and all previous contact information and


    addresses were no longer valid.


    By the evening, Elijah''s subordinates still hadn''t found any clues about him!


    At dinner.


    "Elijah, I''m feeling much better now," Sarah, who had heard some news, was getting impatient. "We


    can start preparing for Maka''s second surgery."


    Elijah took a quick nce at her, "Are you sure?"


    Sarah nodded, "I have great confidence in the second surgery. Tomorrow, let''s take Maka to the


    hospital for a check-up to see how her wound is healing."


    Elijah said, "Alright."


    "Elijah, I''m sorry," Sarah suddenly teared up. "My dad broke up with Alexa and ns to return to


    Country B soon. Thanks for putting up with me during this time."


    Elijah took a sip of his wine.


    "And, about our baby. I know you don''t like kids, so I won''t expect you to like ours. Since my body isn''t


    suitable for abortion, I''ll probably give birth to this child. If you don''t want it, I''ll raise it on my own."


    Sarah suddenly brought up this more sensitive topic.


    Ever since Elijah found out she was pregnant, he hadn''t approached her. She felt like she was being


    treated coldly. If it weren''t for her usefulness to him, her fate would probably be simr to Violette''s.


    "I won''t tell the baby who their father is, so you don''t have to worry," Sarah said reasonably. "I''ve


    thought a lot about it. If you don''t love me, I shouldn''t force you."


    Elijah said, "Dr. Sarah, if I asked you to get rid of the baby."


    Sarah''s body trembled at his words, but she maintained a dignified expression, "If you insist, I could.


    But I don''t know how long it''ll take for my body to recover after an abortion. The baby has already


    formed, so it''s actually the same as giving birth."


    Elijah weighed the pros and cons after hearing her words.


    "I''m afraid it''ll dy Maka''s treatment," Sarah lowered her eyes and sipped her water. "Elijah, I know


    you''ve never stopped looking for a doctor who can treat Maka. I''m really sorry for using that to


    threaten you."


    Elijah said, "That''s your bargaining chip."


    "You must hate me." Sarah said.


    Elijah said, "As long as you can cure Maka, everything else is trivial."


    Sarah said, "We haven''t talked like this in a long time. Elijah, I won''t force you to do anything anymore.


    Can you stop hating me so much?"


    As she spoke, her hand reached out and held his.


    Elijah removed her hand, "Sarah, let me say it again, as long as you cure Maka, everything else is


    trivial."


    "I''ll definitely try my best to cure Maka," Sarah said. "This weekend is your mom''s birthday, and your


    brother wants to throw a party. They hope you can make it."


    "I got it," Elijah replied absentmindedly.


    His mind was still focused on the mysterious doctor who treated Kylee. Why was this person so


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    secretive?


    In the courtroom.


    The judge sentenced Peter to immediate execution!


    Violette stood up from her seat.


    Not far away, Alexa, with a bandage on her head, red at her resentfully. Violette met her gaze, took


    a step forward, and prepared to walk towards her.


    "Violette, don''t cause trouble! This is a courtroom," Mike worried that Violette would lose her temper


    again and quickly held her back.


    "Oh." Violette reined in her behavior.


    She strode out of the courthouse.

 Chapter 309

    Chapter 309


    After Alexa came out, Violette stood in front of her.


    "The next one is you," Violette said calmly, looking good with light makeup.


    Under her calm surface, there was a strong sense of resentment.


    "Well, my daughter is gone and my brother is gone. Violette, I¡¯m onto you!" Alexa was extremely angry


    after being grabbed by Violette and mmed into the wall with a concussion in the coffee shopst


    time. If it weren''t for Elijah going to the police station to find Violette, she would never have let it go!


    Violette got on the car with an indifferent face and fastened her seat belt.


    Mike opened a bottle of water and handed it to her, "Elijah is investigating Kylee''s doctor. I think he


    wants to abandon Sarah. This man has a cruel heart! Sarah is still pregnant with his child!"


    Violette took the water and took a sip.


    "Let him investigate!" she replied nonchntly.


    She thought to herself, let''s see what he could find out!


    Kylee and his family promised her to keep the secret strictly confidential. Their current location was


    also rtively hidden. Elijah was probably unable to even find where Kylee lived now.


    Weekend.


    Grace''s birthday.


    Because Sarah was pregnant with the Bourne family''s child, Grace was in high spirits.


    Tonight, Bourne family''s rtives and friends were invited to celebrate.


    Sarah sent a message to Elijah early in the morning reminding him toe early. But he still arrived at


    the banquet hallte.


    After the host finished his opening speech, he invited Grace toe on stage.


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    Grace held Sarah''s hand with one hand while tightly gripping Elijah''s hand with the other.


    After the three went on stage, the host passed the microphone to Grace.


    "Today is my birthday, but more importantly, I want to announce some good news to everyone through


    this party!" Grace said excitedly, touching Sarah''s belly with her wrinkled hand, "My daughter-inw is


    five months pregnant! Soon, he will be born!"


    The LED screen on the stage was originally ying various beautiful pictures of Grace when she was


    young. But suddenly, the screen turned into a ring green color!


    There was amotion in the audience!


    The host quickly tried to save the situation, "I''m sorry! Our technicians wille and fix it immediately!


    Don''t worry!"


    Themotion gradually subsided. But Elijah could hear his own strong heartbeat!


    Boom, boom, boom!


    Because the screen was emitting green light, it naturally enveloped the people on stage in ayer of


    the same color.


    Elijah looked at the green screen behind him and felt something was wrong. For some reason, his first


    reaction was not that the LED screen malfunctioned, but he thought of Ian''s cold face.


    Just as he was guessing whether tonight''s ident was caused by Ian, the pure green screen


    suddenly disyed the word "betrayal" many times.


    Elijah was confused.


    "Who betrayed whom?!" A naive little boy in the audience eximed.


    "Who did this? What¡¯s the meaning of this?" Everyone started discussing.


    Sarah''s face looked very ugly.


    She thought that the intimate moment with Kaleb that night was something no one else knew, but it


    turned out to be exposed!


    Who did all this?!

 Chapter 310

    Chapter 310


    Grace''s face was dyed green by the screen''s green light. If it weren''t for Elijah holding her, she


    probably would''ve freaked out and fallen down by now.


    The staff cut off the power to the LED screen, and the annoying green light disappeared in an instant.


    "What the hell?!" Travis questioned loudly, "Why is the word ''betrayal'' showing up on the screen? What


    are you staff doing?!"


    The manager came over and bowed apologetically, "Mr. Bourne, I''m sorry! I just asked the staff, and


    they said theputer was hacked. We don''t know why the word ''betrayal'' ended up on the LED


    screen."


    Travis nced at his mother. Grace had already recovered.


    "Go change theputer quickly and make sure nothing like this happens again!" Travis told the


    manager.


    After the manager left, the awkward atmosphere on stage didn''t ease up.


    In A Country''s culture, green, besides being a bright color, also had other meanings.


    ¡ª For example, emotional betrayal, which meant infidelity.


    Sarah felt everyone''s eyes on her face.


    With a red face, she exined, "Auntie, I haven''t done anything to betray Elijah. The bodyguards can


    vouch for me."


    Elijah said, "So you''re saying I''ve done something to betray you?"


    Sarah shook her head vehemently, "Elijah, I didn''t doubt you. It was just a staff error. Maybe the words


    on the screen didn''t imply anything, and we shouldn''t think too much about it."


    Elijah''s lips slightly parted, "Really? I hope no one''s trying to hint at something."


    "Sarah is home every day, how could she possibly do anything to betray you?" Considering the child in


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    Sarah''s belly, Grace decided to settle the matter, "Elijah, today is my birthday, and I have a birthday


    wish."


    Elijah''s temples throbbed with pain. The woman in front of him who imed to love him the most


    always used love as an excuse to force him to do things he didn''t like.


    "I''m a woman too, and I''ve experienced pregnancy, so I know how hard it is. I hope you can treat the


    mother of your child better, even if just a little. Elijah, can you promise me?" Grace was publicly forcing


    Elijah to take a stand.


    With so many friends and family watching below the stage, if he dared to say a single ''NO,'' he would


    be a heartless man in their eyes from now on!


    "Mom, you should wish for more years to live! After all, you like this unborn grandson so much." After


    saying this, Elijah strode off the stage.


    The atmosphere in the banquet hall seemed to freeze.


    Kaleb suddenly stood up, raised his ss, and warmly said to the guests, "Today is my grandma''s


    birthday. I wish her happiness and longevity! Tonight, let''s all raise our sses and drink!"


    With that said, the atmosphere in the hall instantly returned to normal.


    Elijah went outside and lit a cigarette.


    Who was behind the word ''betrayal'' and the picture of the grasnd on the screen? Was it Ian?


    But Ian hated him very much. Even if he was really betrayed by Sarah, that kid probably wouldn''t tell


    him. After all, betrayal wasn''t scary, what was scary was not knowing he had been betrayed for a


    lifetime.


    And Ian''sputer had been confiscated by Violette. Besides Ian, who else would do this?


    Although there were no clues, tonight''s drama made him even more cautious.


    As soon as the child in Sarah''s belly was born, he would do a paternity test with the child.


    Thinking about this, he realized that he didn''t seem to reject investigating this ''betrayal''! If the child in


    Sarah''s belly wasn''t his, how great would that be! But five months ago, that night in the hotel was a real


    event.

 Chapter 311

    Chapter 311


    That night, he really thought the woman with him was Violette! If he knew it was Sarah, he wouldn''t


    have touched her with a ten-foot pole.


    Meanwhile.


    Violette invited a few close friends for a seafood feast.


    If it weren''t for these friends''pany and care during her mom''s passing, Violette wouldn''t have


    bounced back so quickly.


    Although thinking of her mom still broke her heart, she wouldn''t impulsively choose to go down with


    Alexa.


    Mike wanted to pour Adrian some booze.


    Adrian said, "I drove here today, man."


    Violette poured juice into Adrian''s cup, "Adrian can''t drink, Mike, you''re on your own tonight!"


    Odette chimed in, "Violette, are you looking down on me? I can drink!"


    Violette replied, "I know you can, but Ramsey asked me to take care of you and not let you get


    wasted."


    Odette scoffed and started drinking with Mike anyway.


    Violette reminded them, "Don''t go overboard, guys. I invited you to enjoy the seafood, not to get drunk."


    Mike said, "What''s so great about seafood. What''s the point of a party without booze?"


    Odette echoed, "Exactly! What''s the point?"


    Violette decided to ignore them.


    The two chatted while drinking.


    After Violette peeled a bowl full of shrimp for the kids, she started eating too.


    Seeing Mike and Odette tipsy, Adrian chatted with Violette, "Kylee really wants to thank you in person."


    Violette replied, "Tell him to focus on his rehab. We''ll naturally meet again when he can stand up."


    She expressed her concerns, "If he were an ordinary person, I wouldn''t have to worry so much. But


    he''s still very popr, and if discovered, it could affect his rehab and daily life."


    Adrian nodded, "You''re right. He''s still too young and impulsive."


    As he spoke, he handed her the peeled shrimp.


    Violette blushed and said, "You eat it!"


    Adrian awkwardly said, "I don''t want it. I saw you peeling shrimp for the kids and not eating any. You


    should eat more."


    Rita looked up, and seriously told Adrian, "My brother and I will make cake for Mommy to eat!"


    Adrianughed and replied, "With you two around, I''m not worried!" He then asked Ian, "How are you


    adjusting to your new school?"


    Ian nodded. He wasn''t very sociable, but he didn''t bother other kids either. So, his teachers liked him.


    Adrian noticed Ian''s backpack with the unzipped pocket, revealing aptop inside, and asked, "Why''d


    you bring yourputer when you''re out having fun?"


    Ian immediately zipped up the pocket.


    Violette looked at her son, feeling worried. She didn''t question him right away. Instead, she checked


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    her phone to see if Elijah had contacted her.


    Thankfully, he hadn''t! She breathed a sigh of relief.


    "Violette, I heard Sarah is about to perform a second surgery on Maka." Adrian''s expression was


    both happy and worried, "I don''t know whether to say Sarah is gutsy or Elijah is clueless. Although her


    skills won''t kill Maka, I don''t think the oue will be good."


    Violette suddenly became worried.


    "Are you sure you don''t want to tell Elijah that you performed the first surgery on Maka?" Adrian


    whispered to her.

 Chapter 312

    Chapter 312


    This question left her speechless.


    "Have you ever loved someone?" she asked calmly. "If you have, then you should understand how I


    feel."


    Adrian shook his head.


    "Loving someone can make you possessive. I want everything of his to be mine, and I want his love for


    me to be without reservation." She smiled slightly, "But as you can see, he has Maka, and he would


    do anything to cure her. At first, I didn''t know Maka had an intellectual disability, and I always saw


    her as my enemy. But when I found out, my hostility towards her gradually faded. I can perform a


    second surgery on Maka, but I won''t."


    Adrian stared at her intently.


    "What do you think Elijah would do if he knew I was the one who performed the surgery on Maka?"


    Violette picked up the wine bottle, poured a little into her ss, and said slowly, "How did he treat


    Sarah? He was so grateful to her that he would agree to anything she asked. Adrian, I don''t want him


    to be grateful to me for another woman."


    Violetteughed bitterly, "I don''t want that kind of gratitude!"


    Adrian took the wine bottle away from her, "Violette, I understand what you mean. Elijah can''t give you


    a perfect love, so you''d rather not have it."


    "It''s not just that. He can''t give me an equal love, and he can''t be the father of my child!" Violette


    downed her ss of wine, her tone full of hatred, "He doesn''t want our child! But why did he let Sarah


    get pregnant? Why didn''t he force her to have an abortion? Hmph!"


    Adrian poured her a ss of juice, "Violette, don''t be angry."


    "Mommy, don''t be mad!" Rita tugged at Violette''s arm, "My brother and I don''t need a bad daddy! We


    have you, and that''s enough."


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Violette touched her daughter''s head and smiled, "I''m not angry. I''m doing this to clear my mind."


    Adrian had just asked her if she wanted to tell Elijah about the situation.


    When she thought of Maka''s innocent eyes, she softened a bit. So, she spoke these words not only


    for Adrian to hear but for herself as well.


    The worst oue of Sarah performing the surgery on Maka would be no progress. That was


    eptable. But if Elijah knew she was the one who did the surgery, he would definitely get entangled


    with her again!


    And now he had a pregnant Sarah by his side! How could she possibly want to confess to Elijah?


    Monday.


    Silverleaf Bay''s kindergarten.


    The kindergarten was located next to Silverleaf Ridge.


    Every morning, Violette dropped off the kids at the kindergarten, and if she couldn''t pick them up in the


    evening, Ian would take his sister home first.


    Inside the kindergarten, the children were diligently attending ss.


    Suddenly, a familiar figure appeared at the ssroom door. Rita immediately recognized her!


    "Ian, Maka is here!" Rita shouted, and the siblings went to the door.


    Seeing them, Maka''s smile was reced by worry.


    "I''m scared about having surgery tomorrow," she whispered nervously.


    "Is it Dr. Sarah who''s doing the surgery?" Rita asked.


    Maka nodded.


    "Maka, don''t let her touch your head. You''re already not very smart, what if she makes you even


    dumber!" Rita offered advice, "You can hide likest time. Don''t get caught! That way they won''t force


    you to have surgery!"


    Ian nced at Rita and said, "Mind your own business!"

 Chapter 313

    Chapter 313


    Rita said with a pout, "Didn''t we agreest time not to get mad at Maka anymore?"


    Ian held his sister''s hand as they entered the ssroom together.


    Maka''s surgery had been scheduled. She was nervous and scared, and evening to see them


    wouldn''t change that. She should go find Elijah for somefort.


    Three in the afternoon.


    Elijah received a call from Elisa.


    As soon as the call connected, he heard Elisa crying, "Maka is missing again! The bodyguards and I


    have been searching for over an hour around Silverleaf Ridge, but we can''t find her!"


    "What are you doing in Silverleaf Bay?" Elijah grabbed his car keys and hurried towards the door.


    "Maka came to school this morning and kept saying she wanted to find Ian. I told her no, but she


    threw a tantrum. She refused to eat or drink. She''s never been like this before. I had no choice but to


    take her to find Ian," Elisa sobbed uncontrobly.


    Ever since Maka had her surgery, she became more self-conscious and harder to manage!


    "So you took her to see Ian?" Elijah mentioned the child''s name and felt a jolt in his heart, "Could she


    be hiding with him?"


    "No! I took Maka to the kindergarten to meet Ian and Rita, they only talked for a bit before going


    back to their ssroom," Elisa told the truth, "After we left the kindergarten, she wanted to go y in


    the residential area, so I took her in. But in the blink of an eye, she disappeared!"


    Elisa cried, gasping for breath.


    Elijah frowned and said, "Don''t cry for now. I''ll be right there! She should still be nearby."


    Elisa choked up, "Maka was always well-behaved, she''s just hiding because she''s scared of the


    surgery."


    "I know," Elijah had spent a long timeforting Makast night before she finally fell asleep.


    He didn''t want her to suffer, but the surgery would make her healthier, so it had to be done. He didn¡¯t


    want her to be called a dummy anymore.


    In the evening.


    Violette drove back to the neighborhood and saw several guards at the entrance, with a long police


    cordon and many onlookers.


    She furrowed her brows. Was something big happening?


    She quickly parked the car and rushed home. Please, let it not be her two kids in trouble!


    Opening the vi''s front door, she saw the two children ying in the living room, a stark contrast to the


    tense atmosphere outside.


    "Good job, both of you, staying at home and behaving yourselves," Violette kissed each child on the


    cheek.


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    Rita said calmly, "Nothing to worry about. Maka''s just hiding, and they''re searching for her."


    Violette''s brain exploded.


    "Maka is hiding in our neighborhood?" Violette asked.


    "Maybe? I told her to hide, but I didn''t say to hide in our neighborhood," Rita pouted, looking upset,


    "What if that bad guyes to our house looking for Maka? I don''t want to see him."


    Violette became anxious, "Did you two hide Maka in our house again?!"


    Ian and Rita shook their heads vigorously.


    "No. She hid herself, and we don''t know where she went either."


    Violette took a deep breath, calming herself down quickly, "As long as she''s not in our house, it''s fine.


    I''m going to cook, you two don''t run around. If someone rings the doorbel"


    Before she could finish, the doorbell rang.

 Chapter 314

    Chapter 314


    Rita and Ian quickly ran to the door, checked the face of the man outside through the ess control


    system.


    "Mom! That bad guy is here!" Rita panicked with a bit of excitement, running fast towards Violette.


    Violette picked up her daughter.


    "Don''t be scared, baby. You and your brother go back to your room first." Violette gave Ian a look.


    Ian reluctantly came over and stayed in the room with his sister.


    Violette came out of the room, walked through the living room, and opened the front door.


    Elijah stood outside the door.


    The setting sun shone from behind him, making his features even deeper.


    "Maka is gone. The nanny who took care of her said she was lost in your neighborhood." Elijah


    exined his purpose. "I''ve searched the other owners'' houses, but I couldn''t find her."


    "So, you want to search my house?" Violette looked at him indifferently.


    Elijah calmly said, facing her cold eyes, "I''m here to find Maka, not to search."


    "What if Maka is not in my house? What are you going to do?" Violette opened the door wide and


    waited for his answer.


    "What do you want me to do?" He stepped up, getting closer to her.


    Such a strong sense of oppression!N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    She suddenly took a step back, speaking faster, "If Maka is not in my house, you must promise that


    you will never set foot in my house again!"


    Elijah frowned slightly, seeming to be thinking.


    After a while, he opened his mouth, but not to answer her question.


    "Maka! Come out! I''m here to take you home!" He yelled loudly into Violette''s empty living room.


    If Maka was here, she''d definitelye out when she heard his voice.


    "Maka! Can you hear your brother''s voice? I''m here to pick you up!" He yelled again because there


    was no response.


    Violette listened to his tone, which was so intimate. Even if he was Maka''s brother, he wasn''t her


    real brother.


    After all, Maka wasn¡¯t belong to the Bourne family at all. And would a normal man be nicer to a


    woman who wasn''t his real sister than to his wife?


    "Elijah, stop yelling. Maka is not in my house. If you don''t believe me, you can search every room."


    Violette calmly opened the doors one by one.


    Elijah followed her.


    They passed the first room, and there was no Maka. The second room, also no.


    When they reached the third room''s door, he caught a glimpse of the two children inside! Ian hugged


    Rita, both staring at him with hostile faces.


    "Violette, why do your two kids hate me so much?" Elijah looked puzzled at Violette. "Did you really


    never badmouth me in front of them?"


    Violette said, "They hate you because you have a vibe that children dislike. You''re not worth my breath


    in front of my kids."


    Elijah was angered by her response. But thinking of the child he asked her to abort, he held back.


    "Last time Maka went missing, you were nearly going insane! Why do you still have time to argue


    with me this time?" Violette mocked him. "Do you think a kind person will send her to the hospital


    again?"


    Elijah responded, "She was less intelligent when she went missingst time. This time she¡¯s a bit


    smarter."


    "What if she''s even smarter?" Violette asked casually. "Would you care more about her or not care as


    much?"


    "Violette, you don''t have to mock me," Elijah said with a hint of gloom in his eyes. "In your eyes, she''s


    just an idiot!"


    It seemed like she touched the sensitive spot in his emotions. His face suddenly darkened and looked


    terrifying. He didn''t continue searching, but clenched his fists and strode away.


    After he left, Violette took a deep breath and adjusted her emotions. Why did he have to bring up old


    grudges when he couldn''t find Maka?

 Chapter 315

    Chapter 315


    Back then, she said those words when she was mad, and he was gonna hold a grudge for a lifetime?


    After dinner, she dialed Mike''s number, hit the speakerphone, and started cleaning up the kitchen.


    "Violette, I''m gonna bete tonight!" Mike''s tone was serious and solemn, "I''m not going to the bar


    tonight, I''ve got something legit to do. I''ll tell you tomorrow."


    Violette said, "It''s not something big, is it? You''re suddenly so serious, I''m not used to it."


    Mikeughed, "I''m afraid you might think I''m messing around outside. You don''t have to save me any


    dinner."


    "Alright." Violette said.


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    After hanging up, Violette looked at the empty house and couldn''t help but think of her mom.


    The reason she didn''t want to hire a nanny was to do everything her mom used to do. And to guess


    what her mom was thinking while doing those things.


    The more she thought about it, the more guilty she felt. Her mom had been taking care of her since she


    got pregnant. After the baby was born, her mom went all out to help take care of both children.


    ¦­¦Ï¦Ó ¦Á s??gl¦Å ?¦Á¦Ã w¦Ás s¦Ñ¦Å?¦Ó l?¦Í??g f¦Ïr ?¦Års¦Ålf.


    S?¦Å ????''¦Ó ¦Ó???¦Ê ¦Ó?¦År¦Å w¦Ás ¦Á?¦Ã¦Ó???g wr¦Ï?g w?¦Ó? ¦Ó??s ¦Ê??? ¦Ïf l?f¦Å ?¦Åf¦Ïr¦Å, ?¦Ô¦Ó ¦Ï?l¦Ã r¦Å¦Ál?z¦Å? ¦Áf¦Ó¦År ?¦År


    ?¦Ï? w¦Ás g¦Ï?¦Å ¦Ó?¦Á¦Ó s?¦Å ?¦Á? s¦Ñ¦Å?¦Ó ¦Ál?¦Ïs¦Ó ¦Áll ?¦År ¦Å?¦Årg¦Ã ¦Ï? w¦Ïr¦Ê ¦Á?? ¦Ó?¦Å ¦Ê??s.


    "?¦Ï?! ¦¢r¦Ï¦Ó?¦År''s ?¦Ôll¦Ã??g ?¦Å!" R?¦Ó¦Á s¦Ô??¦Å?l¦Ã r¦Á? ¦Ï¦Ô¦Ó w?¦Ó? ¦Á wr¦Ï?g¦Å? f¦Á?¦Å.


    V?¦Ïl¦Å¦Ó¦Ó¦Å q¦Ô??¦Êl¦Ã w?¦Ñ¦Å? ¦Áw¦Á¦Ã ?¦År ¦Ó¦Å¦Árs ¦Á?? r¦Ås¦Ó¦Ïr¦Å? ?¦År ¦Åx¦Ñr¦Åss?¦Ï? ¦Ó¦Ï ?¦Ïr?¦Ál, "¦§¦Ïw ??? ¦Ã¦Ï¦Ôr ?r¦Ï¦Ó?¦År


    ?¦Ôll¦Ã ¦Ã¦Ï¦Ô?"


    "¦§¦Å s¦Á?? ¦© ????''¦Ó ?¦Ï ?¦Ã ?¦Ï?¦Åw¦Ïr¦Ê w¦Åll, ¦Á?? ?f ¦© ?¦Ï?''¦Ó ?¦Ï ?¦Ó r?g?¦Ó, ?¦Å''ll ¦Ó¦Å¦Ár ¦Ô¦Ñ ?¦Ã ?¦Ï?¦Åw¦Ïr¦Ê ?¦Ï¦Ï¦Ê!"


    R?¦Ó¦Á ?¦Ï?¦Ñl¦Á??¦Å? ¦Á?gr?l¦Ã.


    V?¦Ïl¦Å¦Ó¦Ó¦Å ¦Ó¦Ï¦Ï¦Ê ?¦År ?¦Á¦Ôg?¦Ó¦År ?¦Á?¦Ê ¦Ó¦Ï ¦Ó?¦Å r¦Ï¦Ï? ¦Á?? gl¦Á??¦Å? ¦Á¦Ó ?¦År ?¦Ï?¦Åw¦Ïr¦Ê. ¦­¦Ï w¦Ï??¦År ¦©¦Á? w¦Ás


    s¦Ôl¦Ê??g; R?¦Ó¦Á''s ?¦Ï?¦Åw¦Ïr¦Ê w¦Ás ???¦Å¦Å? ¦Ñ¦Ï¦Ïrl¦Ã ?¦Ï?¦Å.


    "R?¦Ó¦Á, ¦©''ll ¦Ó¦Å¦Á?? ¦Ã¦Ï¦Ô. L¦Å¦Ó''s ¦Ôs¦Å ¦Ó?¦Å ¦År¦Ás¦År ¦Ó¦Ï ¦År¦Ás¦Å ¦Ó?¦Ås¦Å ??s¦Ó¦Á¦Ê¦Ås f?rs¦Ó." V?¦Ïl¦Å¦Ó¦Ó¦Å ?¦Á? ?¦År ?¦Á¦Ôg?¦Ó¦År s?¦Ó


    ?¦Ïw? ?¦Ås??¦Å ¦Ó?¦Å ?¦Ås¦Ê ¦Á?? ¦Ñ¦Á¦Ó?¦Å?¦Ól¦Ã g¦Ô??¦Å? ?¦År.


    Af¦Ó¦År ¦Ó¦Ô¦Ó¦Ïr??g ¦Ó?¦Å ?¦Ï?¦Åw¦Ïr¦Ê, s?¦Å ?¦Ål¦Ñ¦Å? ¦Ó?¦Å ¦Ê??s w¦Ás? ¦Ô¦Ñ, ¦Á?? ?? ¦Á ?l??¦Ê ¦Ïf ¦Á? ¦Å¦Ã¦Å, ?¦Ó w¦Ás ¦Álr¦Å¦Á?¦Ã


    10 ¦Ñ?.


    V?¦Ïl¦Å¦Ó¦Ó¦Å r¦Å¦Ó¦Ôr?¦Å? ¦Ó¦Ï ?¦År r¦Ï¦Ï?, ¦Ô¦Ó¦Ó¦Årl¦Ã ¦Åx?¦Á¦Ôs¦Ó¦Å?.


    ¦§¦År ???? w¦Ás ?l¦Á?¦Ê. ¦©¦Ó f¦Ål¦Ó l?¦Ê¦Å s?¦Å ?¦Á? ?¦Ï?¦Å ¦Á l¦Ï¦Ó ¦Ïf ¦Ó???gs ?¦Ô¦Ó ¦Áls¦Ï ¦Ás ?f s?¦Å ?¦Á??''¦Ó ?¦Ï?¦Å


    ¦Á?¦Ã¦Ó???g ¦Á¦Ó ¦Áll. ¦¢¦Åf¦Ïr¦Å, ?¦År ?¦Ï? ?¦Á? ?¦Ål¦Ñ¦Å? ?¦År w?¦Ó? ¦Áll ¦Ó?¦Ås¦Å ¦Ór?¦Í?¦Ál ¦Ó???gs. S?¦Å ¦Ïw¦Å? ?¦År ?¦Ï?


    ¦Ó¦Ï¦Ï ?¦Ô??, ¦Á?? s?¦Å ?¦Ï¦Ôl? ¦Ï?l¦Ã r¦Å¦Ñ¦Á¦Ã ?¦År ?? ¦Ó?¦Å ?¦Åx¦Ó l?f¦Å.


    S?¦Å w¦Ál¦Ê¦Å? ¦Ó¦Ï ¦Ó?¦Å w¦Ár?r¦Ï?¦Å, ¦Ï¦Ñ¦Å?¦Å? ¦Ó?¦Å ?¦Ï¦Ïr, ¦Á?? w¦Ás ¦Á?¦Ï¦Ô¦Ó ¦Ó¦Ï ¦Ó¦Á¦Ê¦Å ¦Ï¦Ô¦Ó ?¦År ¦Ñ¦Á?¦Á?¦Ás.


    ¦³?¦Å ?¦Ï?¦Å?¦Ó ¦Ó?¦Å ?¦Ï¦Ïr ¦Ï¦Ñ¦Å?¦Å?, ¦Ó?¦Å ¦Ñ¦Års¦Ï? ?¦Ôrl¦Å? ¦Ô¦Ñ ??s??¦Å ¦Ál?¦Ïs¦Ó f¦Åll ¦Ï¦Ô¦Ó!


    V?¦Ïl¦Å¦Ó¦Ó¦Å ??s¦Ó???¦Ó?¦Í¦Ål¦Ã ?¦Á¦Ôg?¦Ó ?¦Á¦Ê¦Á¦Ãl¦Á, w?¦Ï w¦Ás ¦Á?¦Ï¦Ô¦Ó ¦Ó¦Ï r¦Ïll ¦Ï?¦Ó¦Ï ¦Ó?¦Å fl¦Ï¦Ïr!


    ¦§¦Ïw ??? s?¦Å ¦Å?? ¦Ô¦Ñ ?????g ?¦År¦Å?! ¦§¦Ïw l¦Ï?g ?¦Á? s?¦Å ?¦Å¦Å? ?????g?


    V?¦Ïl¦Å¦Ó¦Ó¦Å ????''¦Ó ?¦Á¦Í¦Å ¦Ó??¦Å ¦Ó¦Ï ¦Ó???¦Ê ¦Á?¦Ï¦Ô¦Ó ?¦Ó ?¦Ár¦Åf¦Ôll¦Ã; s?¦Å ???¦Å??¦Á¦Ó¦Ål¦Ã ¦Ñl¦Á?¦Å? ?¦År ?¦Ï?¦Ã fl¦Á¦Ó ¦Ï? ¦Ó?¦Å


    gr¦Ï¦Ô?? ¦Á?? ??¦Å?¦Ê¦Å? ?¦År ¦Í?¦Ó¦Ál s?g?s.


    A ?¦Ï?¦Å?¦Ó l¦Á¦Ó¦År, V?¦Ïl¦Å¦Ó¦Ó¦Å ??¦Ál¦Å? A?r?¦Á?''s ?¦Ô??¦År f¦Ïr ?¦Ål¦Ñ.


    ¦³?¦Å ?¦Åx¦Ó ?¦Ïr???g.


    ¦©¦Á? ¦Á?? R?¦Ó¦Á g¦Ï¦Ó ¦Ô¦Ñ ¦Á?? f¦Ï¦Ô?? ¦Ó?¦Á¦Ó ¦Ó?¦Å?r ?¦Ï? w¦Ás?''¦Ó ?¦Ï?¦Å ¦Á?? ?¦Á??''¦Ó ¦Ñr¦Å¦Ñ¦Ár¦Å? ?r¦Å¦Á¦Êf¦Ás¦Ó f¦Ïr


    ¦Ó?¦Å? ?? ¦Á?¦Í¦Á??¦Å.


    Al¦Ó?¦Ï¦Ôg? ¦Ó?¦Å ¦Ê???¦Årg¦Ár¦Ó¦Å? ¦Ñr¦Ï¦Í??¦Å? ?r¦Å¦Á¦Êf¦Ás¦Ó, ¦©¦Á? w¦Ás?''¦Ó ¦Ôs¦Å? ¦Ó¦Ï ?¦Ó, s¦Ï V?¦Ïl¦Å¦Ó¦Ó¦Å w¦Ï¦Ôl? ¦Ñr¦Å¦Ñ¦Ár¦Å


    ?r¦Å¦Á¦Êf¦Ás¦Ó ?? ¦Á?¦Í¦Á??¦Å.


    "¦©¦Á?, w?¦År¦Å ??? ?¦Ï? g¦Ï?" R?¦Ó¦Á ¦Ás¦Ê¦Å? ?? ?¦Ï?f¦Ôs?¦Ï?, "¦©f ?¦Ï?''s ?¦Ï¦Ó ?¦Ï?¦Å, ?¦Ï w¦Å ?¦Ï¦Ó ?¦Á¦Í¦Å ¦Ó¦Ï g¦Ï ¦Ó¦Ï


    s??¦Ï¦Ïl?"

 Chapter 316

    Chapter 316


    Elijah didn''t sleep a winkst night.


    Maka had be a bit smarter now and should be able to remember his phone number, so there


    was no need for her to hide out all night.


    He had people stationed around Silverleaf Ridgest night.


    From then till now, there had been no word. That meant they hadn''t found Maka.


    It was warmer now, but sleeping on the streets would still freeze her.


    Where could she be hiding? Did some kind soul take her in for the night?


    He was kicking himself. She''d run away from home after her first surgery.


    He thought she''d be smarter now and better able to cope. He''d exined the reasons for the surgery


    over and over, thinking she''d get it at least a little bit.


    Who''d have thought she''d still be so resistant?


    If he''d known it''d turn out like this, maybe he wouldn''t have forced her to have the surgery. But he didn''t


    want her to be a fool for the rest of her life!


    What if he left the world before her? Who''d protect her once he was gone?


    He couldn''t stand her being bullied. Even just picturing it in his mind was unbearable.


    In his heart, there were two kinds of people in the world. The first kind was normal people, the second


    kind was him and Maka.


    He drove to Lavender Lane and searched every corner again. Then, he went to the security center to


    check the records of every car entering and exiting.


    At 2 in the afternoon.


    He saw a familiar Range Rover driving out of the underground garage on the surveince footage.


    He paused the video with a click of the mouse.


    "Isn''t this Violette''s car?" he muttered to himself, looking at the time on the monitor, "What was she


    doing at 10:30st night?"


    The people around him didn''t know what to say. Wasn''t he looking for Maka? Why brought up


    Violette now?


    He took out his phone, found Violette''s number, and dialed.


    In the vi, Violette''s phone rang, and the two kids immediately gathered around. Today Violette wasn''t


    home, and they didn''t go to school.


    Ian had wanted to take Rita to school. After all, he was the big brother and had to set an example for


    his sister.


    But Rita kept filling his head with "you don''t really want to go to kindergarten either,¡± which made him


    change his mind. So, Ian asked the teacher for leave, saying Rita was sick and he had to take care of


    her at home.


    The teacher didn''t suspect anything and agreed.


    Now, Violette''s phone rang, leaving the siblings unsure of what to do.


    "Isn''t that bad daddy''s name?" Rita couldn''t read many words, but she knew Elijah''s name clear as day.


    "What''s he calling mommy for?" Ian grumbled, hanging up the call.


    Rita spoke up, disappointed, "Don''t you want to know what he wants with mommy? I really want to


    know! If he calls again, let''s pick up!"


    Ian said, "Dummy, he won''t talk if he doesn''t hear mommy''s voice!"


    With that, Ian added Elijah''s number to the cklist, so he wouldn''t call again and disturb their peace.


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    In the monitoring room.


    Elijah looked at the hung-up call, shocked. Even if they were divorced, it shouldn''t be to the point of not


    answering the phone, right?


    Just as Elijah was about to call her again, a call came in.


    It was from Sarah.


    But when he picked up, a strange female voice came through.


    "Mr. Bourne, hello, Dr. Sarah asked me to call you and exin the situation." The woman said first, "Dr.


    Sarah is performing surgery on Maka right now. Don''t worry. The surgery should be done in about


    an hour."

 Chapter 317

    Chapter 317


    Elijah froze, then quickly stood up!


    Why the heck was Maka in the hospital?! Who took her there? Why didn''t they let him know before


    the surgery?


    "Who took Maka to the hospital? Which hospital is she in?!" Elijah gripped his phone tightly,


    storming out of the surveince room.


    "Sorry, I don''t know the details. We''re at Mercy Hospital." The unfamiliar woman''s voice said, then hung


    up.


    Mercy Hospital! Not again!


    Sarah wasn''t nning on doing Maka''s surgery at Mercy Hospital! So, she must have been


    informedst minute that Maka was at Mercy Hospital and went there.


    Who took Maka to Mercy Hospital? Was it Violette? But, he went to her housest night and


    Maka wasn''t there!


    Maka could be a bit willful, but she always listened to him. There was no way she would ignore his


    voice.


    His mind was a mess! Nothing else mattered as long as Maka was okay.


    Two hourster, Elijah saw Maka at Mercy Hospital after her surgery. Her head wrapped in thick


    gauze, her eyes closed, looking like she was sleeping.


    "How is she?" Elijah asked.


    Sarah smiled, "She should be alright. I talked to her throughout the surgery, and she was very alert."


    Seeing Sarah''s smile, Elijah let out a sigh of relief. But, he had so many questions!


    "Sarah, why didn''t you let me know first?"


    "Sorry! I was so busy moving stuff here. I didn''t remember to tell you until I was in the operating room!"


    Sarah looked innocent.


    Elijah nced at the blood on her gloves and didn''t question her further.


    "Sarah, thank you," he said quietly.


    "Why are you being so formal with me? You''re my boyfriend. This is what I should do." Sarah said, then


    went to change her clothes.


    Elijah walked to the door of the hospital room, seeing the bodyguard and Elisa inside, he felt much


    more at ease.


    He walked a few steps away and dialed Adrian''s number.


    He needed to ask Adrian! Why was Maka always sent to Mercy Hospital whenever something


    happened? What was going on?


    On the phone, Adrian''s voice was calm, "Mr. Bourne, you need me?"


    "Adrian, your father is the dean of Mercy Hospital, right?"


    "Why do you suddenly mention this, Mr. Bourne?"


    "Could you please give me the surveince footage of Mercy Hospital today? I want to know who


    brought Maka here." Elijah tried to control his emotions.


    Adrian said, "You can just go to the surveince room and ask. After all, I''m just a regr doctor at the


    hospital."


    "Alright." Elijah hung up the phone and went to find the hospital''s surveince room.


    Entering the room, some of the screens were ck.


    "What''s going on with these ck screens?" Elijah frowned and asked.


    "Those cameras malfunctionedst night and the repairman hasn''te yet!" The staff answered


    truthfully.


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    "Which areas were affected?"


    "The front entrance, the south parking lot..." The staff replied.


    How convenient that the surveince broke at that time and ce! Was it really broken, or did someone


    not want him to see?


    Violette''s face suddenly appeared in his mind.


    She left the underground garage at 10:30st night, what was she up to?


    He took out his phone and dialed her number.


    "Sorry, the number you have dialed is temporarily unavable. Please try againter."


    The cold automated voice made the chill in his eyes grow even stronger.

 Chapter 318

    Chapter 318


    He dialed her number again, but all he got was the same robotic tone.


    He couldn''t believe it! How dare Violette hang up on him? Or maybe her phone was off?


    He scrolled through his contacts, found Mike''s number, and called him.


    The two of them lived in the same house and were business partners, practically with each other all the


    time.


    Mike looked at the iing call from Elijah, very puzzled. What was he calling for? Were they that


    close?


    He nced at Violette on the bed...and suddenly everything clicked.


    Mike picked up the call, and before he could say anything, Elijah''s voice came through, "I need to talk


    to Violette!"


    Mike was dumbfounded. Why was Elijah so aggressive?


    "Violette is sleeping! What do you want with her?" Mike looked at Violette''s sleeping face, not wanting


    to yell at Elijah.


    She had rushed over three hours ago, not saying a word, and fell asleep as soon as shey down.


    Mike originally nned to leave first, but then realized she didn''t bring anything with her, so he had to


    wait here.


    "Wake her up! I have something important to discuss with her!" Elijah''s tone was forceful and


    irrefutable.


    Last night, Maka disappeared in Lavender Lane, and Violette left the neighborhood in her car in the


    middle of the night. Then, Maka was taken to Mercy Hospital. Coincidentally, several key


    surveince cameras at Mercy Hospital were broken fromst night until now.


    He hated being deceived! This matter must have something to do with Violette!


    Mike sensed from his tone that it wasn''t a simple matter.


    He bent down and gently patted Violette''s back, "Violette! Wake up! Your ex-husband is looking for


    you!"


    Ex-husband!


    This term made Elijah frown. He really didn''t like this word. But Mike always called him that.


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Violette didn''t move, with no reaction at all. She must have been up all night to be this tired.


    "Violette! Elijah is looking for you! Elijah! If you don''t wake up, that jerk is gonnae here and catch


    you!" Mike raised his voice, threatening her by her ear.


    Violette was sessfully awakened.


    She rubbed her eyes and looked around, dazed.


    "Elijah... where is he?"


    "Here!" Mike handed her the phone, "Looks like he wants to argue with you, better be prepared."


    Violette took the phone and pointed at a bottle of water on the bedside table with her other hand, "Get


    me that water, I''m a bit thirsty."


    Elijah heard her hoarse voice and became even more certain. She must have been with Makast


    night. That was why she didn''t sleep! Otherwise, how could she still be asleep now?


    Mike unscrewed the water bottle and handed it to her.


    After taking a big gulp of water, she held the phone to her ear andzily said "Hello?"

 Chapter 319

    Chapter 319


    "Woke up?" Elijah mocked.


    Violettey t on the bed, rubbing her aching temples with her fingers: "Wasn''t it your call that woke


    me up? What do you want from me?"


    "Violette, I saw you driving out of the neighborhood at 10:30st night. What were you up to sote?"


    he asked directly.


    At this, she raised her leg and kicked Mike at the end of the bed, giving him a meaningful look. Then


    she answered Elijah''s question.


    "Last night Mike got drunk outside, and the bar owner called me to go pay the bill, so I drove to find


    him... Who knew he''d be wasted and going crazy? I was afraid he''d wake the kids if I brought him


    home, so I found a nearby hotel and got a room... What''s the matter? Want to join him next time?"


    Elijah frowned. How was her answer different from what he had imagined?


    "Got any more questions?" she yawned, "I didn''t sleep at allst night because of this jerk Mike... I''m so


    tired. If you don''t have anything else, hang up!"


    As she was about to hang up, she remembered something and asked, "By the way, did you find your


    Maka?"


    Thisst sentence made Elijah give up. He never thought that Maka wasn''t sent to the hospital by


    her.


    She had left the neighborhood in her carst night to go to the bar. And she had gotten a room with


    Mike in a hotel, sleeping until now!


    "Yeah," Elijah said and hung up.


    Violette saw the call disconnected and dropped her pretense. She handed the phone back to Mike.


    Mike looked shocked: "Why did you lie?! And Maka... She''s lost again?!"


    Violette closed her eyes, her tone calm: "Yeah! Howe she''s so good at hiding? Why did she have


    to hide in my closet? If she hid in your closet or my mom''s, she would be dead by now."


    When Violette found herst night, her face was pale, and her breathing was weak. If she had found


    her a littleter, she would have died.


    Although she was mentally challenged, she was at least lucky. Twice she got lost, both times ending up


    at Violette''s house.


    "Oh my god! You didn''t perform surgery on her again, did you?" Mike guessed, "Did you let Sarah take


    the credit again?"


    Violette was shocked by his description and opened her eyes: "What do you mean credit? It should be


    called a ticking time bomb. If she wasn''t so weak and close to death when I found herst night, I


    would have just handed her over to Elijah. But if I didn''t cure her, Elijah would definitely think I did


    something to her again."


    "You just keep pretending! You must not have the heart to hand Maka over to Sarah for treatment."


    Mike saw through her lie at a nce, "You saidst time that Maka was an idiot and you''ve been


    feeling guilty ever since. This time you finally found an opportunity to make up for it, so you performed


    the surgery!"


    Mike''sprehension ability had improved by leaps and bounds!


    Mike: "Because you don''t want to get entangled with Elijah, a scumbag, you can only do good deeds in


    secret!"


    Violette: "Can you shut up and let me sleep? I''m so tired!"


    "Fine, I''ll let you sleep! Just make sure you sleep well, or when you wake up, there''ll be another piece


    of bad news tormenting you all night!" Mike hinted mysteriously.


    Violette didn''t fall for it: "Then you go away! What kind of weird habit is it to stare at someone


    sleeping?"


    Mike: "Hey! You didn''t bring your phone, and you didn''t bring your wallet, so when it''s time to check out


    Violette: "Can''t you just go to the front desk and pay more? I don''t even know how my two kids are


    doing. You go check on them."


    Mike: "Uh... I called Ian. He said he didn''t go to school today because Rita didn''t want to, and neither


    did he."


    Violette''s expression immediately turned serious, and she waved her hand at him: "Then you go take


    care of them! I don''t know if they''re hungry or not."


    Mike: "Don''t worry, they''ll order food by phone. Did you find a bodyguard for them?"


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    Violette suddenly wasn''t sleepy anymore. She got out of bed, pulling her messy hair into a ponytail.


    "Not yet. I''m always worried about finding someone unreliable. But if I don''t find a bodyguard, I''m


    worried about the kids'' safety. They always like to run around."


    Mike raised an eyebrow and suggested, "How about I ask Joey for help?"


    She looked at him in shock: "Do you think my two kids have lived too long? Why don''t you just have me


    invite Elijah to be their bodyguard?"

 Chapter 320

    Chapter 320


    Mike realized he said something wrong and quickly covered his mouth.


    "Are you trying to betray me?!" Violette sighed.


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    "Absolutely not! He hasn''t been snooping on our gossiptely." Mike said seriously. "I wouldn''t lie to


    you!"


    She didn''t doubt the truth in his words.


    "Do you n to keep helping Maka with her illness for free? It''s such a loss not to charge Elijah for


    medical fees!" Mike changed the subject.


    She shook her head: "There won''t be a next time. Her condition is quite serious, and my ability is


    limited. I can''t predict what will happen after her surgery, but it shouldn''t be worse than before."


    "If Elijah doesn''t know about this and keeps treating her, won''t she suffer a lot?" Mikemented.


    "Although Elijah is a jerk, Maka... I mean, the mentally challenged Maka is still pretty cute!"


    She didn''t argue with Mike.


    She felt a bit tired, and nned to go home for some sleep.


    Hospital.


    Elijah stood by the bed, looking at Maka''s pale and haggard face. He wished that things would get


    better when she woke up. It would be even better if she could remember what happened fromst night


    to the surgery.


    He really wanted to know what happened during that time.


    When Sarah entered the room, Elijah looked at her and said, "You go home and rest! When she wakes


    up, I''ll let you know."


    Sarah was pregnant now, her belly obviously bigger.


    He had a resistance to the child in her belly, but he was grateful for her treatment of Maka. The


    people he sent out still hadn''t found Kylee, who seemed to had evaporated from the face of the earth.


    So Maka''s illness still had to rely on Sarah for now.


    "I think the one who needs rest is you. You must have been up all night worrying about Maka''s


    disappearance," Sarah walked over, patted his shoulder and said, "Elijah, go home and rest. I''ll take


    care of her here."


    Elijah looked closely at her. She was gentle and virtuous, with excellent medical skills, a good woman.


    He asked himself, why couldn''t he treat her better?


    "I''ll go home after Maka wakes up," Elijah insisted, although he was tired, he wouldn''t be able to


    sleep even if he went home. "Sarah, you go home and rest first."


    Seeing his persistence, Sarah had toply.


    About an hour after Sarah left, Maka woke up from hera. Upon waking, Maka looked at the


    unfamiliar environment with cold eyes.


    Elijah dared not blink.


    Maka had never had such an expression before! She was mentally challenged, a simpleton. She


    wouldugh when happy and cry when unhappy, and she wouldn''t haveplex expressions or looks.


    But now she was different from before. It was all because of the surgery!


    He didn''t expect the effect to be so remarkable.


    "Maka, how are you feeling?" Elijah asked excitedly, holding her cold hand.


    Maka carefully examined his face for a few seconds, and then asked in a hoarse voice, "Elijah,


    where''s Violette? Wasn''t she just talking to me? Where is she?"


    Elijah was stunned: "When did she talk to you?!"


    Violette had been with Mike at the hotel sincest night!


    Maka said softly, "Just now!"


    A wave of dizziness hit Elijah, almost making him pass out.

 Chapter 321

    Chapter 321


    Was it Violette lying to him, or was it Maka hallucinating after her operation?


    He whipped out his phone, dialed Sarah, and told her to get her butt to the hospital pronto!


    Hearing his anxious voice, an uneasy feeling crept up in Sarah''s gut.


    "Elijah, hold your horses. Is the op not working out for Maka? She just woke up. She needs some


    time. Please allow her recover at her own pace."


    Elijah felt his anxiety ease off a bit. But Maka didn''t have such an odd reaction after herst


    operation.


    After ending the call, he returned to her bedside.


    "Maka, you just had surgery. Don''t stress yourself out with too many thoughts, or you''ll just get a


    headache," he gently looked at her, a smile on his face, "I can feel you getting better day by day."


    "Elijah, my head hurts a bit," Maka took a deep breath.


    "Dr. Sarah will be here soon, see if she can give you some painkillers."


    "I don''t want to see Dr. Sarah," Maka dropped her gaze, her voice weak.


    Elijahforted her: "Maka, it was Dr. Sarah who did your surgery. You''re a polite person, and when


    Dr. Sarahes, you should say thank you."


    "No..." Maka lifted her eyes to look at him, her voice stubborn, "It was Violette... Violette was with


    me, I heard her talking to me... She asked me to talk, to answer her questions... She was so gentle, not


    like usual..."


    "Maka, that was all in your head. Violette has been with another man fromst night until now. She


    couldn''t have been by your side." Elijah was anxious but kept a poker face.


    He feared his own anxiety would just make Maka even more anxious.


    Upon hearing his words, Maka was stunned. A hallucination? Was it really a hallucination?


    But she clearly remembered Violette''s voice, and the questions Violette asked.


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    Violette told her she couldn''t sleep now, but couldter. So the two of them kept talking.


    How could such a vivid and real memory be a hallucination?


    Half an hourter, Sarah rushed over. After checking Maka''s temperature and blood pressure, she


    turned to Elijah: "So, what did she say earlier?"


    Elijah nced at Maka, then walked out onto the balcony with Sarah.


    "She said it wasn''t you who operated on her, but that Violette was with her the whole time and even


    talked to her." Elijah lowered his voice, puzzled, "If she imagined the person, why didn''t she say it was


    Elisa talking to her? She''s closer to Elisa."


    Sarah was taken aback by his words.


    Could it be that Violette really performed the surgery on Maka?! How was that possible? How could


    Violette be that skilled?


    She was so young and didn''t have any public clinical surgery experience, how could she perform such


    aplex and precise operation on Maka?


    Sarah felt like she was going crazy.


    Before her body gave out, she steadied herself: "Maka was mistaken. The one who talked to her


    was me. I mentioned that during brain surgery, the doctor must talk to the patient. Because during the


    operation, the doctor needs to understand the patient''s physical condition at all times."


    After giving this excuse, she carefully observed Elijah''s reaction.


    The expression on his face gradually changed from skepticism to eptance.


    "Let''s observe for a few days then," he said.


    If it wasn''t Sarah who performed the surgery on Maka, could it have been Violette? But Violette said


    she was never with Maka.


    For now, he could only ept Sarah''s answer.


    "Don''t worry. It''s normal for her to say some strange things and have emotional swings now," Sarah


    reassured, "She seems to be doing fine, you should go and rest."


    Elijah returned to the ward. Before leaving, he repeatedly reminded Elisa, then left with ease.


    As soon as he left, Sarah immediately came to Maka''s side, trying to convince her: "Maka, I was


    the one who performed the surgery on you, how did you remember it as Violette? You hurt me so much


    by telling your brother that!"

 Chapter 322

    Chapter 322


    Even though Sarah put on a pretty convincing show, Maka wasn''t buying it. You can always see


    through the bull when you look someone in the eye. Maka could feel Sarah''s sucking up to her


    brother, but she couldn''t feel any genuine care towards her.


    "He asked me to say thank you." Maka said with a touch of annoyance, "But I don''t wanna say it."


    Sarah turned to Elisa, "Can you give us a minute? I wanna have a heart-to-heart with Maka."


    Elisa was torn, but right now Sarah was the Bourne family''s savior, and she didn''t dare to offend her.


    Once she left, Sarah began, "Maka, I don''t get why you have beef with me. Did someone badmouth


    me to you? I''ve been busting my ass every day researching treatment ns for you after I got back.


    Why can''t I get a single thank you?"


    Maka cut right to the chase, "I don''t think you''re the one who did the surgery."


    Why else would she see Violette''s face and hear Violette''s voice in her mind before each surgery? If


    she saw Sarah before each surgery, she wouldn''t be questioning this.


    She didn''t haveplicated thoughts; she believed what she saw and heard.


    "You think? You''re the patient here, and everything you just said, they''re all in your head." Sarah


    continued her brainwashing.


    After all, she was intellectually challenged before, even though she was a bit better now, she was still


    fresh off the operating table!


    Sarah could manipte her thoughts. Even if she was right, she can be deemed wrong, as eople would


    believe the doctor, not the patient. That was why Sarah dared to lie to Elijah.


    Since the real surgeon decided to remain anonymous, it meant they didn''t need anything from Elijah.


    And since they contacted her through the hospital staff twice, it meant they were okay with her


    epting this ''gift''!


    Who would turn down a free lunch?


    "You''re a bad person!" Maka''s disdain for Sarah skyrocketed at her cocky attitude.


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Even though Maka wasn''t as smart as others, she could still sense right from wrong. True kindness


    didn''t boast.


    "You probably haven''t seen a real bad person, that''s why you''re saying this. I know you''re the woman


    Elijah cares about the most, and I never thought of hurting you. I can stay by Elijah''s side with you, but


    why can''t you ept me?"


    Sarah''sst sentence, although sounding rhetorical, was her voicing her grievance.


    "Get lost!" Maka''s voice suddenly escted, her emotions ring.


    Elisa, hearing her shout from outside, immediately rushed in.


    "Maka, what''s wrong?"


    Sarah calmly said, "Elisa, don''t worry. The more agitated she is, the better it is. It means her self-


    awareness is significantly improving, which is a good sign that the surgery was sessful."


    Elisa was taken aback for a moment, but quickly nodded, "Dr. Sarah, I can''t thank you enough!"


    "No need to thank me. It''s not good for her recovery to be like this. I''ll prescribe some sedatives. Make


    sure she takes them."


    "Okay."


    Silverleaf Ridge.


    Violette got home, and the two kids showed varying degrees of anxiety when they saw her.


    They didn''t go to school today, mom won''t be mad, right?


    "Mom! Phone!" Rita picked up her phone and handed it to her like a gift, her eyes twinkling, "Mom,


    someone called you! Guess who!"


    Ian: "Mom, I blocked him."


    Violette immediately checked her phone, opened the block list and saw Elijah''s name. She frowned


    slightly, debating whether to unblock him.


    Mike leaned over and teased, "He''s already got another woman, what''s there to hold onto? If I were


    you, I would have cut ties with him ages ago!"


    Violette looked up at him, "Who was the one crying every day for a year after breaking up with their ex?


    Who was it?"


    Mike blushed instantly, quickly changing the subject, "Violette, you should go to sleep! I''ll take the kids


    out so we won''t disturb your rest."


    After Mike left with the kids, she took a deep breath and decided to keep Elijah on the block list!


    After today, his rtionship with Sarah would definitely got closer, maybe they''ll even get married soon!


    There was no need for her to contact him anymore.


    Holding her phone, she headed to her bedroom.


    The Bourne family, master bedroom.

 Chapter 323

    Chapter 323


    Elijah had a nightmare.


    He dreamt that Violette kicked him to the curb. Not only was he no longer able to see her, but he


    couldn''t even get through to her on the phone. They had lost touchpletely!


    His heart ached, as if he had lost something precious.


    He woke up in a cold sweat, and his eyes snapped open. His eyes were filled with tears, brimming with


    endless pain.


    Elijah grabbed his phone and dialed Violette''s number.


    It was already seven in the evening. She had been sleeping all day, so she should be at home and


    awake by now!


    ¡ªSorry, the user you''re calling is temporarily unavable. Please try againter.


    The cold robotic voice echoed in his ear.


    His fingers tightened around his phone. It seemed like his nightmare hade true. Violette had really


    blocked him!


    Otherwise, there was no way he couldn''t get through to her.


    To confirm his suspicion, he threw off his nket, his long legs jumping out of bed.


    With thendline in his house, he dialed Violette''s number. With each button pressed, his heart ached,


    and he was filled with intense unease.


    After the call went out... it actually went through!


    He gripped the phone receiver firmly, eyes red! If it were the old him, he might had smashed the


    up.


    After her ringtone sounded, Violette, still wrapped in her nket, picked up her phone.


    ¡°Hello.¡± Her voice waszy and husky.


    ¡°Violette!¡± Elijah¡¯s voice was strong and angry, ¡°Take me off your blocklist!¡±


    Violette sobered up instantly. How embarrassing, he found out so quickly.


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    She quicklyposed herself and spoke, ¡°Elijah, is that necessary? From now on, we¡­¡±


    ¡°Take me off your blocklist!¡± He cut her off.


    His voice was so loud that it hurt her eardrums, ¡°Could you lower your voice...¡±


    ¡°Take me off your blocklist!¡±


    ¡°I won''t!¡± She red up, her voice suddenly raised, ¡°Stop ordering me around with your high and mighty


    attitude! You can''t boss me around!¡±


    Her crisp and powerful voice left the man at the other end of the phone silent.


    After calming down, she found herself breathing heavily, her heart felt like it was going to jump out of


    her chest, and her body temperature had suddenly risen.


    She didn¡¯t want things to be so unpleasant between them. But why had their rtionship suddenly


    turned out like this?


    ¡°Do we really need to draw a line between us?¡± After a long while, his voice came through, filled with


    sadness.


    The grief and heartache in his voice were undisguised. No matter how much pain he was in, he would


    never lose hisposure in front of others. But when it came to Violette, all his principles just flew out


    of the window.


    Violette was choked up, ¡°Sarah is carrying your child. You should be with her!¡±

 Chapter 324

    Chapter 324


    Outside the master bedroom, Mike and the two kids were all ears against the door, eavesdropping on


    the noise inside. Violette''s loud yell earlier had drawn them like bees to honey.


    Suddenly, the door swung open, and Mike nearly fell headfirst into Violette.


    Violette stared at them in shock, "What the heck are you guys doing?"


    "Mom, who were you having a spat with?" Rita craned her neck, her eyes filled with curiosity, "Was it


    with that bad guy?"


    Mike teased, "Your mom only gets wild when she''s dealing with her nemesis. Otherwise, she''s ady."


    "Oh, so the bad guy is mom''s nemesis." Rita concluded.


    Violette felt a headacheing on. She stepped out of the room and headed downstairs.


    "Violette, I left some dinner for you in the kitchen!" Mike called after her retreating figure.


    "Alright."


    "I''ll go get the kids ready for their baths. After you''ve eaten, we can talk!" Mike continued.


    Violette turned around to look at him, her hand on the banister, "What do you want to talk about? Why


    not just spit it out?"


    Mike looked exasperated, "Did you forget what I told you at lunch? Go eat first, I''ll find youter."


    She tried to recall their conversation at lunch.


    No clue. These past few days had been a blur. Between her messed-up sleep schedule and her poor


    mental state, her memory was shot.


    After randomly nibbling at her food, she went upstairs.


    Mike looked shocked as he saw her, "You finished eating already?"


    She leaned against the kids'' bedroom door, "What do you want to tell me? Cut the crap and just say it."


    Ian gave Mike a nudge towards the door, "I''ll take care of Rita."


    Mike nodded, then grabbed Violette''s arm and led her downstairs.


    "I just didn''t want to disturb your rest," Mike confessed, "It''s about a minor issue at thepany.


    There''s a slight problem with our product."


    She furrowed her brows, "What kind of problem?"


    "We got duped by our partner. Remember we ordered high-end camera lenses from Nika Tech? Turns


    out they gave us a mid-range product from their brand."


    "That''s outrageous! How did it pass quality control?"


    "Things were hectic at the end ofst year, plus the supervisor wasn''t familiar with the process, so this


    happened." Mike pulled out his phone and showed her a video.


    The video had over two million views, and the YouTuber was a drone tech guru.


    The video title was eye-catching - "The Most Epic Review Ever! Let''s see how AN Tech''s the Dennis


    Group fools their customers!"


    The video detailed the product''s pros and cons. And this YouTuber even purchased a drone from AN


    Tech abroad topare with the Dennis Group''s Breeze Drone.N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    The conclusion was that as the person in charge of these twopanies, Violette''s products produced


    abroad were of higher quality and better value for money!

 Chapter 325

    Chapter 325


    But, with this domestically made Breeze Drone, even though its battery life was up there with the


    international ones, the camera quality was average and it couldn''t take professional pictures! And yet, it


    was priced the same as professional drones!


    In the video,ments were pouring in like crazy--


    --This is so embarrassing! Has Violette forgotten that she''s also from A Country?! She''s deliberately


    screwing her own people over! Disgusting!


    --The Dennis Group might as well go bankrupt!


    --Shouldn''t we be mentioning the Bourne Group right about now? After all, their boss Elijah is a big


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    client of the Dennis Group!


    Violette plopped down on the sofa, picked up her water cup, and took a sip.


    "Violette, I''ve reached out to Nika Tech, and they''re willing topensate us ording to the contract."


    Mike said, "Also, they said they can''t sell us their high-end lenses."


    "Why?" Violette put down her cup, looking puzzled, "Is it about the price?"


    Mike shook his head, "We''ve put the other domestic drone brands on edge. They''re worried we might


    dominate the market. So they''re ganging up against us."


    Violette couldn''t help butugh, "They think if Nika Tech doesn''t sell us their high-end lenses, our


    Mike: "Other domestic camera brands won''t work with us either."


    Violette nodded, "Let''s look for foreign brands."


    "Violette, that''ll be too costly." Mike reminded her, "There are only a handful of globally known camera


    brands; many of them are exclusive to certainpanies, bound by special contracts."


    "I get it." Violette said casually, "Like AN Tech and Pulse Tech have an exclusive contract. Even though


    the Dennis Group is still ours, as long as it''s called the Dennis Group and not AN Tech, Pulse Tech


    won''t sell us their lenses."


    "Exactly."


    Violette lowered her head, starting to think of a solution.


    Then, Mike''s voice continued, "Nika Tech gave me a business card of the boss at MindMeld


    Technologies. I had a chat with him, he said as long as we''re willing to share our core technology


    SuperBrain System, Nika Tech will work with us."


    Violette chuckled, "MindMeld Technologies? If I remember correctly, the former vice president of my


    dad''spany jumped ship to there to keep being a VP. He almost got me killed over the SuperBrain


    System."


    Mike: "Haha! Guess you guys are arch-enemies!"


    Violette: "Exactly! Tell the big boss at MindMeld Technologies to dream on!"


    Mike: "I knew you wouldn''t agree, so I turned them downst night."


    Violette had a n in mind, "Call back all the sold Breeze Drones. Refund every customer at the


    original price."


    Mike raised his eyebrows in disbelief, "Are you sure? Our Breeze Drones'' cameras aren''t top-notch,


    but they''re not bad. They''re perfectly fine for regr people as long as they''re not using them for


    professional shoots."


    Violette corrected him, "When we make a mistake, we need the courage to face the consequences.


    Losing money is a small matter, but losing our reputation is the big issue."


    "Alright, I''ll take your word for it!" Mikeughed, "But our biggest client is Elijah. Should I go talk to him,


    or do you want to do it yourself?"


    Violette suddenly blushed. She had just ended things with Elijah, clearly drawn the line, even blocked


    him, and now... such a serious after-sales issue had urred!


    This was so awkward!


    "Of course you go!" Her eyes dodged, cheeks flushing, "Didn''t you hear me fighting with him?"


    "Alright, I''ll go see him tomorrow." Mike pulled her towards the kitchen, "You eat first! We''ll figure it out.


    Worst case scenario, we invest in Pulse Tech to start a newpany in A Country!"


    Violetteughed, "Great minds think alike."


    Mike ttered her, "These guys are underestimating you! Thinking they can scare you off, haha! Even


    Elijah can''t intimidate you, let alone these ordinary folks?!"


    Hearing Elijah''s name, her smile faded, "Mike, our fight tonight was pretty intense. Be careful


    tomorrow."

 Chapter 326

    Chapter 326


    The next day, bright and early.


    Elijah showed up in the hospital''s intensive care unit.


    After Maka drank the soup Elisa madest night, her consciousness became blurred and her limbs


    weak, and she fell asleep.


    Waking up after a solid night''s sleep, Maka just stared nkly into space, until Elijah came.


    "Maka, how are you feeling today? Do you have a headache?" His gentle and familiar voice brought


    a spark of life back into Maka''s face.


    "Why hasn''t Violettee to see me?" Maka sounded a bit upset.


    His brow furrowed slightly, the warmth in his eyes vanished, "She won''te to see you. Maka,


    stop thinking about her and her kids."


    Maka looked even more upset, "But you guys don''t believe me... Violette spoke to me, and she


    asked me a lot of questions..."


    Looking at his sister''s pale face, he felt a sense of deep sorrow, "I believe you. Maybe she really did


    talk to you. But it was all in your dreams."


    "Really?" Maka stared at him, somewhat dazed.


    Was it all just a dream?


    "I often dream about our childhood, but when I wake up, I''m back in reality. Even though the scenes


    and sounds in the dream are so vivid, they are just dreams, not real." He exined patiently.


    Maka''s eyes drooped slightly, as if epting his exnation.


    At 10 a.m., Elijah left the hospital to head to the office.


    With Elisa and the bodyguard watching over Maka, he felt reassured.


    Even though she was a bit down today, it was better than her emotional outburst yesterday, more


    conducive for her recovery. Elisa mentioned that Sarah had prescribed Maka some sedatives.


    Maybe it was the effect of the medication?


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    Sarah...


    Last night, Violette told him to have a good married life with Sarah, which pissed him off so much that


    he couldn''t sleep all night.


    But now that he had calmed down, his thoughts had changed.


    The Bourne Group.


    After Elijah entered his office, Joey followed him in.


    "There''s been a problem with the Dennis Group. Have you seen the news?"


    Elijah looked indifferent, "I don''t care."


    Joey, having found out earlier from Mike about the big fight between the boss and Violette, wasn''t


    surprised by his reaction.


    "Well, the Dennis Group issued an official statement this morning, deciding to recall the Breeze Drones


    at the original price." Joey observed his boss''s face, cautiously saying, "Mike called me this morning,


    asking if you want to return the products we previously bought."


    Elijah switched on hisputer, raising an eyebrow, "Do you know why Mike contacted you?"


    Joey knew the reason, of course, but didn''t dare to say it.


    "Violette blocklisted me." Elijah scoffed, "She can''t reach me, so she had to ask Mike to do it."


    This was something Joey hadn''t anticipated! A fight was a fight, but blocklisting, wasn''t that a bit


    childish?


    "So, what''s your decision?" Joey, seeing through the hurt behind his boss''s coldugh, tried to guess,


    "Return everything, and make them pay?"


    Elijah looked serious, "A financial loss won''t hurt her. I won''t return them, so she''ll feel bad."


    Joey was speechless. He was finding it increasingly hard to understand his boss''s thinking. Did he


    want to hurt Violette, or did he not want to make her lose money?


    As he left the office, Joey called Mike.


    Mike: "How did it go? What did Elijah say?"


    Joey pushed his sses up on his nose, saying carefully, "Tell Violette to remove our boss from her


    blocklist! He''s quite pissed about it."


    Mike held his forehead, "If she removes him from the blocklist, will he agree to return the goods?"


    Joey confidently said, "Yes."


    Mike pushed open the door to Violette''s office.


    It was empty. She had rushed to the office early in the morning to deal with this messy issue.

 Chapter 327

    Chapter 327


    Her phone was left on the office desk.


    Mike picked it up, quickly unlocked it, and started looking for a blocklist. But he did not find Elijah''s


    number in the it!


    He quickly put down her phone and pretended like nothing happened.


    Just then, the office door was pushed open, and Violette walked in.


    "Any reply from the Bourne Group?" She strided over, picked up a cup of water from the table, and took


    a sip.


    "They don''t want to return the goods." Mike told her the response, "You''re not really asking for a return,


    are you?"


    She put down the cup, and looked up at Mike: "You''re getting to know me better. But even if I insist on


    a return, they won''t do it. So, no need to go back and forth with them."


    Mike gave her a thumbs up.


    She continued, "Refund 50 million to theirpany ount!"


    Mike: "What?"


    "Forget it, let¡¯s not do that." Violette quickly changed her mind, analyzing calmly, "If we refund him, he


    would definitely blow his top, and we¡¯ll have another fight."


    Mike: "Right!"


    "Leave me alone for a while."


    "Oh... Don''t look up ourpany news online, and don''t read thements." Mike instructed her


    before leaving.


    The Dennis Group had an ident this time, with other domestic drone brands grouping together,


    hiring arge number of fake fans to write press releases. Now the inte was filled with posts


    smearing the Dennis Group and Violette.


    After Mike left, Violette opened herptop.


    On Twitter''s trending topics, there were a series of terms like ''the Dennis Group apologizes'' ''the Dennis


    Group goes bankrupt'' ''Violette scams'' ''Violette get out of A Country''.


    Those who didn''t know better might think Violette had done something outrageous and extremely


    wicked.


    Breeze Drones sold less than seven thousand units, of which Elijah bought five thousand. In other


    words, in reality, only about two thousand customers bought Breeze Drones.


    Would this amount of transaction really cause such a big fuss?


    - Do you know why Violette is so rich? She''s been kept by a married man abroad! Her money is earned


    by being a mistress! You can imagine what her character is like!


    - Just look at her appearance and you know she''s not a decent woman! Otherwise, how could she do


    such disgusting things? Does she think everyone is a fool?


    - I will never buy any products from the Dennis Group again!


    - Me neither!


    Looking at these fabricated rumors, a chill shed in Violette''s eyes. If she was affected, then the


    opponents would have seeded.


    She closed the webpage, quickly adjusted her mood, opened her email, and started working.


    That evening.


    At the Bourne Estate, almost everyone in the family was present, but the atmosphere was quite chilly.


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Because Elijah''s face was cold as ice.


    "Elijah, didn''t you say Maka''s surgery went smoothly? Why the long face?" Grace spoke up, "We


    really need to thank Sarah this time, if it wasn''t for her..."


    "How do you want me to thank her?" Elijah interrupted his mother.


    Grace looked at his angry face, and swallowed her words. In the end, she carefully said, "I understand


    you don''t want to get married. You don''t have to register for marriage, just get engaged. It would give


    Sarah a status."


    "Fine."


    This simple word surprised everyone.


    The most excited person, of course, was Sarah. Elijah actually agreed to get engaged to her!


    Oh my God! She was going to be thedy of the Bourne family!

 Chapter 328

    Chapter 328


    After dinner, Elijah took off first. He was going to the hospital to see Maka.


    The other Bourne family members left one after another.


    After Grace went back to her room, Kaleb knocked on Sarah''s door. Ever since Sarah''s pregnancy had


    be public knowledge, she had been moved to Old Manor.


    "Dr. Sarah, you''re a real piece of work!" Kaleb closed the door behind him after he entered the room.


    "You managed to tame my uncle who is notoriously hard to please. Does that mean you will be my


    aunt-inw from now on?"


    Sarah wore a calm and elegant smile. "Of course. Once we''re engaged, I''ll be his fianc¨¦e. What''s the


    difference between a fianc¨¦e and a wife?"


    "Congrats! But..." Kaleb looked worried. "Is there a way to make sure my uncle won''t suspect the baby


    in your belly? After all, that baby is our ticket to my uncle''s fortune."


    Sarah''s face changed. "I can''t possibly let this baby live!"


    Kaleb paled.


    "Once the baby is born, your uncle will definitely order a paternity test." Sarah''s voice was icy cold. "If it


    turns out the baby isn''t his, he''ll break up with me for sure! And you''re screwed too!"


    Kaleb stuttered, "So I''m asking you if there''s a way to tweak the paternity test results?"


    "There''s no way! Unless he lets me do the test myself. But he''d never let me do that! He''s been on


    guard against me all this time, looking for experts who can treat Maka... If he finds one, he''ll dump


    me in a heartbeat." Sarah said nervously.


    Kaleb patted her shoulder. "But he hasn''t found one, right? Dr. Sarah, you''re amazing! Both surgeries


    were so sessful; no wonder my uncle changed his mind and proposed to you. If I were him, I''d


    marry you."


    Sarah reacted like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, flinging his arm off her and looking disgusted.


    "If you have nothing else to say, get out! Don''te to my room again!"


    "Okay... If you don''t want the baby, how are you nning to abort it?" Kaleb looked at her swelling


    belly, his emotionsplex.


    "You''ll find out when the timees!" Sarah was hatching a big n in her mind.


    The next day.


    News of Elijah and Sarah''s impending engagement spread throughout A City. Even the date was set,


    half a month from now.


    Mike was eating breakfast, reading the news on his phone, and joking, "Violette, do you think Elijah is


    using his engagement news to distractizens from us? There are noticeably fewer people


    badmouthing us online today."


    Violette was unfazed. "Do you really think Mr. Bourne would personally deal with something that can be


    solved with money? They''re close. They can go public with their rtionship whenever they want."


    "Oh, we''re going to lose a lot of money this time!" Mike put down his phone, took a sip of his milk. "The


    money we made from Elijah is all going to be lost."


    Violette took a slow sip of her coffee. "Losing money is not the most important thing; it''s the damage to


    our reputation that''s fatal."


    Mike looked at her and said, "You have no reaction to Elijah''s engagement news, have you really let go


    of your feelings for him? He was the man you once loved deeply!"


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    "You said it yourself, ''once''. Isn''t that conclusive enough?" Violette finished her breakfast and got up.


    "I''m flying to B Country today to talk to Pulse Tech about our future coboration."


    "Hold on! When did you buy the ticket? You didn''t even tell me... Are you running away to a foreign


    country because you can''t handle the shock of Elijah''s engagement?" Mike said sarcastically.


    Violette showed him the ticket information. "I booked the ticketst night. Did I know they were going to


    announce their engagement today?"


    "Alright! How long are you going to be gone?" Mike saw her out.


    "I''m not sure. I''lle back as soon as possible, I''m notfortable leaving the kids without


    supervision."


    "If you want to stay abroad for a few more days, that''s fine too. I''ll definitely take good care of your two


    kids." Mike thought the current public opinion in the country wasn''t very friendly towards Violette.


    On one hand, a lot of people online were demanding her to leave A Country, on the other hand, social


    tforms were full of news about her ex-husband''s engagement. The simultaneous appearance of


    these two pieces of news was suffocating.


    In the evening, Brandon wanted to take Elijah to a bar for a drink.


    Elijah frowned and declined. "I''m going to see Makater."

 Chapter 329

    Chapter 329


    "She''s got nannies and bodyguards looking out for her, hasn''t she? We haven''t had a drink in forever!"


    Brandon said, leaning in to whisper, "Violette left the country today."


    A shadow passed over Elijah''s eyes. Suddenly, he felt like drinking.


    Brandon had booked a table at the Rooftop Rendezvous. They stood by the rooftop railing, each with a


    bottle of booze in hand, silent as they stared out at the vast starry sky.


    The early spring night was a bit chilly.


    After they''d finished off a whole bottle, Brandon finally spoke, "Did you decide to get engaged to Sarah


    to repay her for helping Maka with her treatment?"


    "My mom wanted me to marry her, and Violette wanted me to settle down with her. Maka''s illness


    was just a secondary reason." He tilted his head back slightly, revealing his long, sexy neck, his


    Adam''s apple bobbing a few times as he spoke in a husky voice, "Violette was hell-bent on putting


    distance between us, so I gave her what she wanted."


    "Don''t be like this. It''s just an engagement, not a marriage. And even if you get married, you can


    always get a divorce!" Brandon looked at his tormented face and gave his shoulder aforting pat,


    "Come on, let''s drink some more."


    A weekter.


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    Silverleaf Kindergarten.


    Maka suddenly appeared at the ssroom door of Ian and Rita. This time, there was no smile on


    her face. Before, every time she saw them, she would have a sweet, goofy smile.


    Ian and Rita came out of the ssroom.


    "Ian, Rita, I came to see you for thest time..." Maka said, tears sparkling in her eyes.


    "Why is it thest time? That bad guy... Did Elijah forbid you from seeing us?" Rita almost let it slip.


    Maka shook her head, hot tears streaming down her face, "I''m dying. I feel... I won''tst much


    longer."


    Ian and Rita looked at her helplessly, their hearts filling with grief.


    Maka took out the bag she brought.


    "I want to give you my most precious things. Because you are my best friends." Maka wiped away


    her tears, took out several jewelry boxes and a few beautiful picture books from the bag.


    These were her most valuable and favorite things. All bought by Elijah.


    Rita began to sob uncontrobly, "Maka, I don''t want you to die! You''re not going to die! Put these


    things away quickly! We don''t want them!"


    Elisa was wiping her tears on the side.


    After Maka''s surgery, she wouldpse into unconsciousness every night. Normally, if she slept well


    at night, she should be energetic during the day. But she was the exact opposite.


    Today Maka was in a bad mood, insisting on seeing Ian and Rita. Elisa had secretly brought her out


    without Elijah''s knowledge.


    "Maka, my mom came back from abroad this morning! I''ll take you to her! She can definitely save


    you!" Rita grabbed Maka''s hand and dragged her away, not caring about anything else.


    Ian felt this was too impulsive, and their mother might get angry, but he didn''t stop them.


    When he heard that Maka was going to die, his heart broke. Thest time he felt this way was when


    his grandmother passed away.

 Chapter 330

    Chapter 330


    Silverleaf Ridge.


    Master bedroom.


    Due to jetg, Violette hit the hay as soon as she got back at six in the morning.


    Rita walked over to her bedside, grabbed her hand, and hollered, "Mom! Wake up! I need to talk to you!


    Please, wake up!"


    Violette struggled to open her eyes upon the faint sound of her daughter''s voice.


    "Mom, Maka says she''s dying, please save her!" Rita begged, breaking into tears as soon as her


    mom opened her eyes.


    Violette immediately snapped out of her drowsy state. She sat up in bed, ncing at Maka standing


    next to Rita.


    She took a deep breath, wanting to say no, but instead, asked, "Maka, why do you think you''re


    dying?"


    Elisa intercepted, "Ever since her surgery, she''s been out of sorts. Always tired, groggy, and dazed all


    the time..."


    "Have you got her checked out at the hospital?" Violette questioned.


    Elisa shook her head, "Dr. Sarah said it''s just a normal post-op reaction. She just needs to rest more."


    Violette: "But you and Maka think this is not normal, right?"


    Elisa hesitated, "I don''t really know, I just follow what the doctor says. But seeing Maka like this is


    tearing me apart."


    "Then get her to the hospital!" Violette sighed, "You can bring her here, why can''t you take her to the


    hospital?"


    Elisa was again in a fix, "I didn''t dare to take her to the hospital without Dr. Sarah''s approval."


    "You bringing her here would piss off Sarah even more."


    Elisa: "It was Maka who wanted toe here. Ms. Dennis, why don''t you take Maka to the


    hospital? If you step in, Mr. Bourne wouldn''t me you."


    So, Elisa didn''t want to upset Sarah and Elijah, so she let her deal with it?


    "Ms. Dennis, please." Elisa begged, hanging her head low.


    At this moment, Rita also chimed in, "Mom, please take Maka to the hospital! She wasn''t like this


    before. What if she''s really dying?"


    "Rita, you....."


    "Mom! Maka isn''t a bad person! She''s so pathetic, can''t you just help her?" Rita retorted, her eyes


    welling up with tears.


    Violette gave in.


    After dropping the kids off at the nursery, she drove Maka and Elisa to the hospital.


    "Maka, do you have your ID?"


    Maka shook her head.


    "Do you remember your ID number?" Violette pressed on.


    Elisa: "Ms. Dennis, Maka doesn''t have an ID."


    What?!Unbelievable! Every citizen in A Country had an ID, even orphans did. Why didn''t Maka?


    Violette didn''t ask further. Even if she did, Elisa wouldn''t spill the beans.


    "Violette, I think it''s because of the surgery you performed on me." Maka''s voice came from the


    backseat.


    Violette saw Elisa''s shocked expression through the rearview mirror.


    "No, it''s not." Violette denied tly, "Maka, I will only take you for this one check-up. If anything


    happens in the future, go find Elijah, okay?"


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Elisa caught the displeasure in her tone and quickly said, "Ms. Dennis, sorry for the trouble. I won''t


    bring her to bother you again."


    Violette: "Thank you for understanding."


    "I should be the one thanking you." Elisa looked utterly embarrassed.

 Chapter 331

    Chapter 331


    Elijah and Sarah are due to get engaged next week. As Elijah''s ex-wife, Violette definitely wanted to


    keep her hands off anything rted to Elijah.


    Three in the afternoon.


    Maka''s check-up was done, and Elisa took her home while Violette drove to the office.


    During her week abroad, the Dennis Group had basically fullypensated all customers who


    returned goods. Due to the quality issue that came up, all orders around Christmas got cancelled.


    So, the Dennis Group¡¯s loss wasn¡¯t just the money they paid to the customers, but also the dilemma of


    not having any orders.


    This, for apany, was a killer blow.


    Apany with insufficient funds might not be able to sustain for long and will go bankrupt. Now,


    everyone in thepany was scared, afraid they will lose their jobs any day.


    Upon reaching the office, a few executives immediately got to Violette.


    "President Dennis, what should we do next?"


    "With no orders now, the workshops are at a standstill, and the workers are pissed!"


    "It''s all my fault. I was too careless and didn''t spot the problem, or thepany wouldn''t have suffered


    such a big loss." The quality control department head said guiltily.


    Violette nced at them and said nonchntly, "You go and tell the staff, if they have nothing to do


    now, they should take a good rest at home. Sries will be paid as usual. The quality controlContent ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    department sure screwed up big this time, but it¡¯s okay, just don¡¯t make the same mistake again. If it


    happens again, you''re out!"


    "What should we do next? Everyone in the industry isughing at us!" the deputy general manager


    said.


    Violette took a sip of water.


    There was a knock at the door. The secretary came in and reported, "President Dennis, Reaves from


    MindMeld Technologieses to see you."


    Violette had kicked him out once and told him not toe again.


    Surprisingly, he dared toe. Well, he probably came to gloat.


    "Let him in," Violette said, then turned to the executives, "You guys go and calm down the employees.


    We''ll talk more in the meetingter."


    "Alright!"


    The executives left one after another.


    With a smug smile on his face, Reaves strode in. Violette came out from the other side of her desk, sat


    down on the couch, and invited Reaves to sit.


    "Violette, in trouble, huh!" Reaves sat down leisurely, nced around her office, "What a pity! The


    "Reaves, thank you for your concern. Just like you''ll never get my dad''s SuperBrain System in this


    lifetime, I''m afraid your prediction is also wrong!"


    Her words left Reaves'' smile frozen.


    "Well, we''ll see! Let''s see who wins in the end." Violette said calmly.


    Violette raised an eyebrow, and hit back, "Why can you only ever be a deputy manager? Because


    you''re definitely not as smart as me."


    Reaves was furious, he mmed his teacup on the table and stormed out! Co?tent of


    Dr?manov§Öls


    At the same moment, Elijah received a call from Elisa.


    Elijah''s eyebrows furrowed, he barked in a low voice, "Who gave Maka sleeping pills?!"


    Elisa, holding a white pill bottle given by Sarah, nervously said, "I''ll tell you when you get home."

 Chapter 332

    Chapter 332


    Elijah hung up the phone with a grim face, storming out of the office.


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    Ordinary folks can''t even get their hands on sleeping pills.


    So, where did thesee from?


    The Bourne family.


    As the ck Rolls-Royce pulled into the courtyard, Lacey took Maka back to their room. After Elijah


    strode into the living room, Elisa handed him the medical report.


    "You took Maka to the hospital for a check-up?" He looked up at Elisa.


    Elisa looked down, struggling, not daring to meet his gaze.


    Violette had instructed, if he doesn''t ask, try not to mention her.


    "It was Ms. Dennis." Under his intense stare, Elisa confessed, "Maka insisted on going to see Ms.


    Dennis''s kids today..."


    "Violette is back?" he interrupted.


    "She came back this morning," Elisa said, "She didn¡¯t want to get involved, but I begged her to take


    Maka for the check-up. Maka has been saying she''s going to die all morning, so I was really


    worried."


    "Why didn''t you tell Sarah?" Elijah¡¯sposure began to waver.


    Just hearing the name Violette unsettled him.


    Elisa hesitated, "I did report Maka''s condition to Dr. Sarah each time, but she kept saying it was a


    normal postoperative reaction. But seeing Maka so down, I felt off."


    "I see." Elijah didn¡¯t me her any further, he picked up the report and examined it, "What¡¯s this about


    the sleeping pills?"


    "I suspect it''s the sedative Dr. Sarah prescribed. But I''m not sure," Elisa cautiously said, handing him


    the white pill bottle.


    He took the bottle, unscrewed the cap, and took a look. Inside were some white pills.


    An hourter, Sarah rushed in.


    The atmosphere in the living room was cold, oppressive, and eerily quiet.


    She spotted the white pill bottle on the table and immediately grasped the situation. She faced Elijah''s


    stern face with an innocent look, "This is the sedative I prescribed for Maka a few days ago. I told


    Elisa to add a pill when making soup for her to consume for three days. Maka was in such a state,


    and it wasn''t good for her recovery, so I prescribed the medication after careful consideration."


    Upon hearing this, Elisa''s face turned pale, "Dr. Sarah, you didn''t tell me it was only for three days! So


    I''ve been adding it to the soup for Maka every day..."


    Sarah frowned, "Elisa, I remember very clearly. I told you to try it for three days first. If her mood was


    still unstable after three days, then extend it to a week. But after a week, no matter what, you can¡¯t


    continue to medicate her. Did you forget about that?¡±


    Elisa felt like a scapegoat!


    Despite the reassurance, Elisa felt wronged. She clearly remembered that Sarah did not say it was a


    sleeping pill, and certainly did not limit it to seven days at most.


    "Elijah, Elisa is getting on in years, and it''s inevitable she might forget things. Please don''t me her,"


    Sarah yed the good person, pleading for Elisa.  Dr?§Þan§àvels


    Elijah stared at her and retorted, "If she was only supposed to take the pills for three days, why did you


    give her a whole bottle?"


    Sarah was taken aback, quickly responding, "Maybe I wasn''t focused, and I trust Elisa implicitly. So I


    just handed over the medicine."


    "From now on, any medication, even vitamins, if it''s for Maka, you need to clear it with me first,"


    Elijah said sternly, "This kind of thing will not happen a second time!"


    Having warned her, he strode off towards Maka''s room.

 Chapter 333

    Chapter 333


    Inside the room, Maka was diligently tidying up her desk with Lacey''s help.


    His throat tightened with guilt. For the past few days, whenever Makained about feeling


    dizzy, he just told her to rest. Little did he know, her dizziness was due to sleeping pills.


    If it wasn''t for Violette taking her to the hospital, who knew how much longer Maka would''ve been on


    those pills. He was grateful to Violette, but he didn''t know how to express his gratitude.


    The next day.


    Early in the morning.


    Lacey showed up at Violette''s doorstep. Surprised, Violette quickly invited her in.


    "Violette, sorry to barge in on you like this." Lacey handed her two boxes, "I baked some cakes. You


    used to love them, so I thought I''d bring some over."


    "Thanks a lot! What brings you here so early?" Violette poured her a ss of warm water.


    Lacey was a bit reserved, "Actually, the boss sent me over to say thanks. We really owe you for taking


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    Maka to the hospital yesterday. It could''ve been a disaster otherwise."


    Violette''s smile faded.


    "Violette, you have no idea how horrible this could''ve been." Lacey shuddered, "Sarah said she told


    Elisa to only give Maka the pills for three days. But Elisa imed Sarah never told her that. Elisa


    was sobbing to me all night... I''m more inclined to believe Elisa. After all, she''s been taking care of


    Maka for over 20 years, she wouldn''t harm her."


    Violette caught the key point, "So Elisa has been looking after Maka for over 20 years? You mean


    Maka has been with the Bourne family since then?"


    Lacey: "I suppose so! All Elisa told me was that Maka was very pathetic, and she wouldn''t disclose


    any other details."


    Violette remembered how Elijah refused to talk about it.


    "I never thought Sarah would be so cunning." Lacey sighed, "She''s about to get engaged to the boss,


    and I''m worried she''s not a good person."


    "If he''s not worried, you shouldn''t sweat it." Violetteforted her.


    "Violette, I''m sorry, I shouldn''t have brought this up. You''ll definitely find a much better guy." Lacey got


    up, "If you have finished the cake and want more, just give me a call. I''ll bring it over."


    "Sure, thanks."


    To her surprise, she found Sarah''s Twitter ount.


    Sarah had been posting quite a few tweets recently. Some showing off her fancy new dresses. Some


    showing off her diamond ring. And even... showing off her baby bump.


    Every tweet was filled with happiness. Co?tent of Dr?§Þ??ov§Öls.c§àm


    A wave of inexplicable sadness hit her, because she didn''t receive an invitation to their engagement.

 Chapter 334

    Chapter 334


    Five dayster.


    At the Bourne Group.


    Elijah, as usual, arrived at thepany at 10 AM.


    "Mr. Bourne, you''re getting engaged tomorrow, aren''t you taking the day off today?" Joey greeted him.


    "No need." He pushed open the office door and walked in briskly.


    Joey followed behind him. "I heard from Mike that they''vee to an agreement with Pulse Tech to set


    up a newpany here to provide high-end lenses for them."


    Elijah: "If I remember correctly, Pulse Tech seems to be working with AN Tech?"


    "Right. Basically, this indirectly shows that Violette has a really good rtionship with the boss of Pulse


    Tech. Otherwise, they wouldn''t need toe to A Country just to set up a brand-newpany for her."


    Joey analyzed, "I checked out the boss of Pulse Tech and found something interesting."


    "What?" Elijah''s curiosity was piqued.


    "The current boss of Pulse Tech is the son of Dr. Mitchel¡¯s cousin." Joey had spent a few days digging


    up this information, "So, the sess of AN Tech is not by chance. It''s the result of a collective effort."


    Elijah frowned.


    Dr. Mitchel had so many students, why did his cousin''s son happen to know Violette? Was it Dr. Mitchel


    who introduced them or was it just a coincidence?


    "So the problem that the Dennis Group will face next is not a product quality problem, but reputation


    and sales." Joey continued, "I suggested Mike to hire a professional marketing agency, but he said


    Violette disagreed. Violette has always insisted on quality first..."


    Elijah looked up at his assistant: "Why are you reporting to me about the Dennis Group? Whose


    employee are you?"


    Joey was speechless. Who was the one that just listened with great interest?


    Elijah focused, turned on theputer, and lightly said, "Violette and I arepletely over. From now


    on, you guys can gossip about her in private, no need to report it to me."


    "Alright."


    Joey came out of the president''s office and ran into Brandon.


    "Brandon, Elijah just said that he and Violette arepletely over." Joey ryed the gossip to


    Brandon, "It reminded me of a phrase¡ªstubborn as a mule."


    Brandon burst outughing, "When did you be so bold? Daring to tease your boss! Have you


    been learning from Mike?"


    Joey: "I know you won¡¯t snitch on me. He''s getting engaged tomorrow, but his mood is getting worse


    and worse, it feels like I''m watching a soap opera."


    "That''s his own choice." Brandon said, "We just enjoy the free show."


    "Brandon, I think you''re gloating."


    "Stop talking nonsense. I''m considering whether to secretly imitate his handwriting and send an


    invitation to Violette." Brandon was very invested in the drama.


    "Then he might not be able to get engaged to Sarah." Joey spected, "Isn''t the reason he refuses to


    send an invitation to Violette because he''s afraid that if she really shows up, he''ll regret it?"


    Brandon suddenly coughed and patted Joey on the shoulder.


    Joey: "Brandon, what''s wrong? Did I say something wrong? I think..."


    "Joey,e to my office!" Elijah''s face was gloomy, his voice cold!


    Lunchtime.


    Violette received a call from the kindergarten teacher.


    Violette instantly lost her appetite. She put down her chopsticks, picked up her bag, and rushed home.


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    Updated at Dra§Þ??§àvels.c§àm


    Once she got in the car, she called Ian.


    Ian had a watch phone, and the call was answered after a bit.


    This meant that the kids were not at home.

 Chapter 335

    Chapter 335


    "Mom, she''s just feeling a bit woozy. A nap will fix her right up," Ian replied, "Don''t sweat it."


    "Oh... well, that''s good then. You take care of your sister."


    "Yep."


    After hanging up the phone, Violette didn''t head back to the office. She kept driving towards home. She


    had a pretty solid hunch that the kids weren''t at home.


    If she had told them on the phone that she wasing home, they would surely have hightailed it back


    home. Now she was sneaking back home. If they weren''t back yet, she would give Ian another call!


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    She had this nagging feeling that they were pulling a sickie to hatch some sort of n.


    Rita was a simple girl, not one to scheme, but her downfall was being too obedient to Ian. Given Ian''s


    past antics, Violette had a bad feeling about this.


    Silverleaf Ridge.


    Violette parked the car and headed for the front door. After unlocking the door, she stepped inside.


    Shortly, Ian heard the noise and came out. As mother and son locked eyes, there was a tense spark in


    the air.


    Violette felt a pang of guilt. She had suspected her kids of getting up to no good! But they were at


    home.


    Turned out, Rita was genuinely unwell.


    "Ian, I was just too worried about you guys, so I rushed back home. How''s your sister doing?" Violette


    gently asked, heading quickly towards the kids'' bedroom.


    "She''s asleep," Ian exined, "Don''t worry, Mom."


    With a nod, Violette looked at her daughter lying quietly on the bed and checked her forehead.


    Temperature was normal.


    "Mom, you should go to work," Ian suggested kindly.


    "I''ll stay home with you two," Violette felt guilty for being so wrapped up in work and neglecting her kids


    "Uncle Mike said there are still problems at thepany," Ian cut straight to the chase, "Mom, you


    should go to work."


    Violette blushed, "Don''t worry, honey. I''ll take care of it."


    "Okay!" Ian walked his mom to the door.


    As soon as Violette left, Ian quickly closed the door. Rita also got out of bed.


    "That was close, Ian!" Rita took a deep breath, "Thank god Uncle Mike called to warn us. If mom came


    home and we weren''t here, she''d be livid!"


    "No way! I want to go with you! I''ll be scared if I stay home alone!"


    "Ian, you said you''re going to give that jerk dad a big surprise... what kind of surprise? How big?" Rita''s


    big, clear eyes sparkled with curiosity. New ch?pter av?ble o? Dra§Þ§Ñn§àv§Öls.c§àm


    Ian: "I can''t tell you."


    Rita pouted, "Why not?"


    Ian stated firmly, "Because I said so."

 Chapter 336

    Chapter 336


    "Alright, I''ll listen to Ian then!" Rita pouted.


    Even though she was still curious, she decided to follow her brother''s advice.


    "Mom wants to hire bodyguards for us," Rita changed the subject, "If we get bodyguards, we won''t be


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    able to run around freely anymore."


    Ian replied, "You can keep an eye on the bodyguard, I''ll move separately."


    Rita hesitated, "Brother, if our jerk dad marries Dr. Sarah, we shouldn''t go looking for him anymore!


    Let''s pretend we don''t have a dad!"


    Looking at his innocent sister, Ian confidently stated, "He won''t marry Dr. Sarah."


    "Why not?"


    "Because she''s not a good woman."


    "But dad''s not a good man either! Wouldn''t they make a good match?"


    Rita''s words left Ian speechless. He suddenly realized that his sister might be the smartest person in


    the world.


    ...


    The Dennis Group.


    Executive meeting.


    Violette presented her scheme that she had been pondering over for days. The management present


    at the meeting couldn''t believe their eyes. Everyone was stunned, looking at each other in disbelief.


    Mike was Violette''s perennial fan. So he was the first to apud. Even if she were to burn money, he


    would cheer her on, saying it was a great idea.


    The other executives pped along mechanically. Violette was the boss, whatever she wanted to do,


    she would do... as long as she was happy.


    "Do you guys think my n is bad?" Violette saw their faces and humbly asked.


    The others immediately voiced their opinions:


    "President Dennis, we know you''re loaded, but this is a huge loss! This could lose at least forty million!


    Ourpany hasn''t received any orders this year and we''ve been operating at a loss..."


    "Yeah! Recing the lenses of two thousand drones alone would cost a fortune, let alone giving them


    away for free. It''s a bloodbath!"


    Mike: "I think Violette''s n is great. Besides, it''s not for free! They have to pay a dor to buy it."


    Others: "Director Mike, does a dor even count as money?"


    Mike: "Why wouldn''t it? If all two thousand people are willing to spend a dor to redeem their drones,


    that''s two thousand dors in return."


    Violette picked up her coffee cup and took a sip.


    "If we''re going with this n, I''ll go post the notice now," the operations manager said.


    Violette nodded.


    Soon, the Dennis Group posted an official announcement online.


    - Customers who have purchased the Breeze Drone, by showing their previous refund record and


    adding a dor, can repurchase the drone with a high-end lens. New ch§Ñpter av?ble on


    Dr§Ñman§àvels.c§à§Þ


    Essentially, you can buy a high-end drone worth 19999 dors for just a buck! This news shocked the


    entire inte!


    In a blink of an eye, the entrance of the Dennis Group was crowded with customers looking to


    repurchase.


    Violette didn''t leave the office until nine o''clock at night because she was so busy.

 Chapter 337

    Chapter 337


    She drove out of the parking lot and hurried home. By this point, her two kids were probably already


    asleep. Once this whole fiasco was over, she wanted to spend some quality time with them.


    Her phone rang out of the blue. ncing at the caller ID, she quickly popped on her Bluetooth headset


    to answer.


    "Violette! Have you checked Twitter yet? I''m pissed off!" On the other end was Odette Farrar''s angry


    voice, "You generously gave out drones to the customers, and now a bunch of people are dragging


    your name through the mud online!"


    Violette had seen thising from a mile away. Reaves told her straight up, as long as she didn''t


    share her core tech, she wouldn''t get anywhere domestically. She had managed to piss off eighty


    percent of the domestic capital.


    Regardless of what she did, they would definitely hire an online mob toe after her. Right now, her


    mission was just to weather the storm. She believed in her product, and knew it could win over real


    customers.


    "I haven¡¯t checked, and you shouldn''t either." She responded, cool as a cucumber.


    "How can I pretend not to see it when it''s in my face? I''m currently in a war of words with those trolls


    online!" Odette fumed, "Violette, I''ve rallied all my friends to support your product! You have to hang in


    there!"


    "Thanks for that! But don''t bother next time."


    "If I were in your shoes, you''d help me out too!" Odette suddenly changed the subject, "I''m not going to


    Elijah''s engagement party tomorrow."


    Violette couldn''t help but chuckle, "Odette, it''s not necessary."


    "It absolutely is! I can''t stand Elijah! And Sarah is such a bitch! Going to watch them get engaged is


    nothing short of masochistic!"


    Since Odette was so worked up, Violette didn''t push the matter.


    ......


    The Bourne family.


    After his shower, Elijah found himself wide awake. He descended the stairs and opened a bottle of red


    wine.


    Seated at the bar, he sipped his drink while reading the news about the Dennis Group.


    The n put forth by the Dennis Group today seemed foolish but was actually a smart move. The best


    way to offset negative press wasn''t evasion, but presenting a sincere solution. However, the inte


    had nothing but harsh words for this approach.


    Some imed Violette''s actions were a marketing ploy. Others used her of trying to monopolize the


    domestic market. Once she''d driven out thepetition, she''d lower the quality and raise the prices.


    The money she was losing now, she''d make back off the customers!


    The most outrageous im was that her funding came from overseas. Buying from the Dennis Group


    was equivalent to handing money over to foreigners.


    He was oblivious to how horrifying his expression was at that moment.


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    Next day.


    7 a.m. New ch§Ñpter av?ble on


    Explosive news was going viral on Twitter. The servers even crashed!


    Elijah was rudely awakened from his sleep by his ringing phone.

 Chapter 338

    Chapter 338


    Just now, Kylee, whom Elijah had been on the hunt for, showed up on Twitter!


    As a once super popr idol, that stage ident three years ago became the biggest heartbreak in his


    lif. Since then, he''d gone MIA.


    Everyone thought he''d kicked the bucket. Only his many fans, year after year, leaving him messages


    on Twitter every day, waiting for the miracle!


    Lo and behold, the miracle really happened!


    He posted on Twitter at 6:55 this morning.


    - Dear friends, it''s been three years, how have you been? I''m fine, just a little lonely. Last year, I bought


    a Breeze Drone. It flies to faraway ces every day, bringing back different exciting clips, making me


    feel like I''m traveling through a city full of life. I''m grateful for itspany. To me, it''s not just a cold


    machine, but more like an old friend. Now, it''s going through a low point because it''s not perfect. I can''t


    stay silent anymore - please give it a chance to grow, just like you apanied me in my growth.


    Below the text, there''s a video attached. The video is aption of exciting scenes shot by the


    Breeze Drone. At the end of the video, his slender fingers gently brushed off the dust on the drone.


    No one would have thought that the former superstar would reappear in public in this way after


    disappearing for three years!


    His fans were freaking out, and Twitter servers were straight up overloaded. Half an hourter, the


    servers finally returned to normal.


    Under Kylee''s new tweet, the number ofments was skyrocketing at an astonishing speed.


    - Ahhh! I''m crying! I knew Kylee wasn''t dead! He promised us, he''d always be with us!N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    - Kylee is back!


    - I got so excited, I just ordered ten Breeze Drones on the Dennis Group official website! For Kylee,


    let''s go!


    ......


    Elijah, looking at the tweet Kylee sent, suspected his ount had been hacked. Because this tweet


    sounds too much like an ad from the Dennis Group.


    Mike is a world-ss hacker, hacking someone''s Twitter is a piece of cake. Now theirpany''s


    Breeze Drone was under huge public attack, and urgently needed to salvage its lousy reputation.


    Kylee tweeting this at this time, was like a godsend! But how to exin Kylee''s hand appearing at the


    end of the video?


    Elijah specifically searched for pictures of Kylee''s hand online andpared it with the hand in the


    video. Afterparison, he confirmed that the hand in the video was Kylee''s. Under what


    circumstances would someone who''d been hiding for three years and didn''t want to be found, came out


    for a product?


    But the problem was, in the video he posted, it was all lush forests everywhere, you couldn''t tell where


    exactly it was.


    Now there was only one way, and that was to contact Violette! Content of Dr§Ñm??ovels.c§àm


    Silverleaf Ridge.


    At nine in the morning, the doorbell rang.

 Chapter 339

    Chapter 339


    "Mike, why can''t you get hold of the boss?" the Vice President anxiously looked at Mike. "We''ve got a


    big problem! You need to find the boss, ASAP!"


    Mike looked a bit confused, scratching his head before heading into the room: "Thepany hasn''t


    gone bankrupt. What''s the big deal?"


    The Vice President quickly took off his shoes and followed him in: "Did you guys hire a celebrity to


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    endorse our products? Some star named Kylee just tweeted about our product. And guess what? He''s


    freaking famous!"


    Mike''s confusion faded and he looked surprised: "I have no clue what you''re talking about."


    "Oh my God! This big-shot celebrity named Kylee is endorsing our product on Twitter. Ever since he


    tweeted, our customer service line has been ringing off the hook. And the even crazier part? Our orders


    are skyrocketing... I''ve never seen anything like this!" the Vice President said, excited.


    Unable to reach Violette and Mike, he had no choice but toe in person.


    Realizing the gravity of the situation, Mike immediately headed towards the master bedroom.


    After knocking and pushing open the door, he found the room empty.


    "Violette isn''t here," Mike said, puzzled. "Can''t you reach her on her phone?"


    The Vice President shook his head: "I just tried calling her! Her phone''s off."


    Mike quickly went back to his room to change.


    "I looked up this Kylee. He had disappeared three years before endorsing ourpany! After his tweet


    today, all the online haters vanished! His fans are legit!"


    "I know about Kylee. Violette is a fan," Mike said, waking up to the situation. "But I have no idea why


    he''s helping us. We have to ask Violette."


    "Didn''t she tell you where she was going?" the Vice President was running around like a headless


    chicken. "My phone has been blowing up all morning. Apart from calling you guys, I''ve had my phone


    on airne mode."


    Mike looked surprised: "Is it really that crazy?"


    The Vice President was sweating buckets: "Yes! Everyone thinks we''ve teamed up with Kylee. They''re


    asking how we managed to get him back in the game! They''re even asking how much we paid him! My


    daughter even asked me to get an autograph from Kylee!"


    Today was Elijah and Sarah''s engagement ceremony.


    Guests were gradually arriving at the hotel.


    Sarah, dressed in a bespoke gown, had her makeup and hair done, and was eagerly waiting for Elijah.


    She had been waiting from 8 a.m., and was losing patience by 9 a.m.


    Grace tried to calm her down, "Let''s head to the hotel first! I just tried calling him, but his phone was off.


    As soon as he turns it on and sees my call, he''ll definitely get back to me."


    Sarah maintained a smile on her face, but she felt wronged inside.


    The original n was for him to pick her up in the morning and then proceed to the hotel together.


    Today was their engagement day, and no matter what happened, he shouldn''t have turned off his


    phone! In the end, it seemed she was not his priority.


    She furrowed her brows.


    Thinking of this, her fingers trembled as she dialed Violette''s number. Read at


    ¡ªSorry, the subscriber you dialed is powered off.


    A wave of sadness rose in Sarah''s heart.


    Elijah''s phone was off, and Violette''s phone was off too. Were they...together?!

 Chapter 340

    Chapter 340


    The inside of the Rolls Royce was pitch dark, and the car doors were tightly shut.


    Violette was feeling regret. She must have been still half asleep this morning to have gotten into his


    car. The moment she got in, he immediately locked the doors.


    What the hell? Was this a kidnapping or what?


    "Elijah, what the hell are you doing?" Violette frowned, confronting him.


    Wasn''t he supposed to be getting engaged today? Why the hell was he here bothering her?


    "Violette, do you happen to know Kylee?" He looked up at her, a sharp glint in his eyes, "Don''t you dare


    lie to me!"


    Violette''s phone had died right after she answered his call this morning. So to this point, she had no


    idea what had happened online. His sudden mention of Kylee put her on alert.


    "I don''t know him, what''s your point?" She stared at his familiar yet somewhat unfamiliar face, forcing


    herself to stay cool.


    "Why would he help you if you don''t know him?" He quickened his pace, questioning her word by word,


    "Last time I saw you looking at his pictures on your phone. You''ve never been a fan of anyone, yet you


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    like him so much. You''re saying you don''t know him, are you taking me for a fool?!"


    Violette was pissed at his tone, retorting sharply, "Whether I know him or not, what''s it to you?!"


    Her words seemed to calm him down. Did she just admit it? If she really knew Kylee, that would be


    perfect.


    "Help me get in touch with Kylee." His voice was low, with a hint of pleading, "Consider it a favor I owe


    you."


    Violette couldn''t help butugh, "I don''t know Kylee! If you want to find him, go find him yourself!"


    "Violette!"


    "Yell at me all you want, I still don''t know Kylee! Aren''t you supposed to be getting engaged to Sarah


    today? You can find Kylee any time, why now? If you''rete today, your fianc¨¦e is going to be


    heartbroken!" Violette kindly reminded him.


    Her words made him scoff. He started bargaining with her, "Help me get in touch with Kylee, and I''ll go


    get engaged to Sarah!"


    "Whether you get engaged to Sarah or not, what''s it to me!" Violette said sarcastically, "Are you using


    this to bargain with me? You think I still love you?!"


    Her words stung him deep.


    He had a strong hunch that she definitely knew Kylee. Otherwise, Kylee would never have stepped in


    to help the Dennis Group. But she refused to help him. If she were in trouble and came to him, he


    would do everything he could to help her. Even though they were divorced, the old feelings were still


    there.


    How could she be so indifferent? This heartless woman!


    With a heavy heart, he took out his phone and dialed Sarah''s number.


    Sarah saw his call and felt slightly relieved, "Elijah, where are you? Your mom and I are already at the


    hotel. We couldn''t get hold of you this morning, and the guests arrived early, so we didn''t wait for you."


    Violette, sitting in the passenger seat, was totally shocked.


    Had he lost his mind?! How could he do this? How could he say that? He''d deceived everyone!


    That cunning woman Violette! She lured Elijah away on the day of her and Elijah''s engagement


    ceremony! Co?tent §àf


    "Sarah, what happened?" Grace was puzzled at her unstoppable tears.


    Just then, Travis walked over after answering a phone call.

 Chapter 341

    Chapter 341


    "Mom, Elijah said the engagement party''s off, he''s noting." Travis said, quickly supporting his


    mother.


    Grace looked shocked, "What happened to him? What''s wrong?"


    Travis shook his head, "No idea, he hung up right after he said it. Must be something urgent, I guess.


    I''ll have the driver take you home first, and then I''ll exin to everyer."


    Talk about awkward! But no one dared to say a thing.


    Seeing Sarah in tears, the guests all turned to look at her. She''s never been so humiliated! She couldn''t


    stay a second longer. Picking up her long train, she fled in tears.


    ¡ª Violette! She''d remember this!


    Silverleaf Kindergarten.


    Ian opened hisptop, ready for some juicy drama. But to his surprise, Sarah had run off!


    He furrowed his brow. Elijah hadn''t shown up at the banquet hall yet. Was he noting at all? Why


    else would Sarah run? Were they calling off their engagement party?


    Ian let out a sigh of relief. He hated Elijah, but that didn''t change the fact that he was his biological


    father. He always said he didn''t want a jerk dad, but if his dad wasn''t such a jerk, would he resist


    epting his own father?


    By noon, the banquet in the hall started as normal. After the meal, the guests started to leave. Ian''s


    nned video wasn''t able to y as expected.


    "Rita." Ian suddenly spoke.


    "Ian, what''s up?"


    "Jerk dad called off the engagement."


    "What? Why?" Rita looked confused, leaning in closer to her brother.


    "He didn''t show up." Ian simply said.


    "Is he going to hurt all the women?" Rita asked seriously.


    Ian didn''t know the situation, so he couldn''t answer his sister''s question.


    Inside the Rolls-Royce, Elijah was charging Violette''s phone with his own charger.


    Violette had calmed down a bit. Only when he cooled down would he let her out of the car. He was


    determined to find evidence of her knowing Kylee, so she just let him look.


    After turning on her phone, he went through her contacts.


    With a quick scan, he asked, "Why are there so many weirdly named contacts?"


    "Those are my ssmates from abroad."


    Her answer made him frown.


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    If she wasn''t lying, then indeed, there was no Kylee in her contacts.


    "Violette, I''m asking you onest time, you really don''t know Kylee?" He held her phone, staring at her


    seriously.


    "You can ask a thousand times, I still don''t know." She said calmly, "At least not before today."


    He handed her phone back.


    "You''re happy to see me embarrassed?" His face turned pale.


    "If you don''t take me home, I''m not leaving." She had been trapped in the car all morning, her stomach


    growling from hunger, she didn''t have the energy to get out. Content of Dr§Ñm??ovels.c§àm


    He hit the gas, driving to Silverleaf Ridge.


    "Elijah, you jerk!" She held onto the car door handle, and before getting out, she spat.


    "I''m the jerk? Then who''s the good guy in your eyes? Mike? Or Adrian?"


    "Anyone''s better than you!" She said coldly, pushing the car door open, ready to step out.

 Chapter 342

    Chapter 342


    That kiss, she had no idea how long itsted. It was only interrupted by a ''thud, thud'' sounding


    from outside. He reluctantly let go of her.


    Outside the car window, Mike was looking in with a puzzled expression.


    Violette was scared out of her wits!


    She was about to get out of the car when Elijah grabbed her, whispering, "I''ve got privacy tint on the


    windows. He can''t see us."


    She let out a breath of relief. That kiss just now hadpletely scrambled her thoughts. Her cheeks


    were flushed, her hair was a mess, and her coat had been removed somewhere along the way! She


    picked it up, while he opened a bottle of water and handed it to her.


    "I don''t want it!" She red at him coldly.


    Thinking of what he had just done to her, she was so angry she was getting a headache. Even if she


    died of thirst, she wouldn''t drink his water.


    He seemed immune to her hateful re. All his anger and resentment had been melted away by that


    kiss just now. Had all his difort been due to missing her taste?


    "Violette, didn''t you enjoy it just now?" He took a sip of water. "You''ve been without a man for a while,


    must be lonely, right? If you need, I can help you out, free of charge."


    "Elijah! Piss off!" Violette cursed, then quickly escaped from the car. After mming the car door, she


    gave his fancy car a good kick!


    Mike: "Whoa! Violette! What were you doing in Elijah''s car?! Were you two fighting? What''s the point of


    kicking his car? You should have kicked him!"


    Violette: "You think I didn''t want to kick him? The space in the car was too small to move around!"


    "Uh... do you know I almost called the cops when you disappeared all morning! How did you end up


    with Elijah? Isn''t he getting engaged today?" Mike followed behind Violette, chattering nonstop.


    Violette walked ahead, opened the door to the vi, and quickly headed towards the bathroom.


    Her face was burning! She needed to wash her face. And take a shower. She didn''t want to smell like


    him!


    "Can you stop asking questions? Can''t you see I''m really pissed off? Can I have some peace?" She


    washed her face and quickly headed upstairs.


    "Okay, let''s not talk about that jerk! Let''s talk about Kylee! Why did he help ourpany? You know


    him, right? Why else would you buy so many of his art books." Mike persisted.


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    Thepany was in chaos at the moment. But even though it was chaotic, everyone seemed happy,


    and so was Mike. The big problem that had been causing him to frown yesterday was solved overnight!


    Violette immediately checked her phone to see what had happened, and asked, "How exactly did Kylee


    help us?"


    "He posted a promotion for ourpany''s products on social media. Then, his fans not only drove


    away those ounts that were smearing us, but also made our order volume surge... Pretty amazing,


    right?" Mike couldn''t conceal his joy as he spoke.


    But now, she could only ept his kindness.


    Violette didn¡¯t say anything. She really wanted to tape his mouth shut!


    ......  Dra§Þan§àv§Öls


    Bourne Estate.


    Since returning from the hotel, Grace had beenforting Sarah.

 Chapter 343

    Chapter 343


    No engagement, no problem.


    She had already braced herself for Elijah to break up with her, to let her go. Even if Elijah couldn''t give


    her love, he''d surely pay her a hefty sum. Bagging some cash wouldn''t be a total loss.


    The Rolls-Royce parked outside the front door.


    Grace quickly said to Sarah, "Elijah''s back! I''ll make sure he gives you an exnation!"


    Sarah remained seated on the sofa, not getting up.


    Her heart was shattered by him! How could he tell her he''s in love with Violette on their engagement


    day?


    He not only didn''t love her, he didn''t respect her either.


    And this was all considering she was Maka''s doctor and had performed two surgeries on Maka.


    Without this connection, he probably wouldn''t care about her at all.


    Elijah got out of the car and strode towards the living room.


    "Mom." He spoke to his mother.


    "Elijah, are you okay?" Grace examined him from head to toe, holding his arm.


    "I''m fine." He helped his mother into the house, then his gaze fell on Sarah, who looked cold and


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    detached.


    "You two talk it out!" Grace said, "Elijah, no matter what, Sarah''s been good to us, and you owe her an


    exnation."


    Elijah nodded. Soon, it was just him and Sarah in the living room.


    "Sarah, I''m sorry." Elijah stood by the coffee table, telling her his decision, "I can''t force myself to be


    with you."


    "I see." Sarah responded nkly.


    "I''ll pay you for treating Maka. If you don''t ept..." His tone was firm.


    She got the message before he even finished his sentence.


    "I ept. Whatever amount you give, I''ll ept." Sarahughed, "It''s all my fault, I was dreaming. I''m


    not good enough for you. Just give me the money."


    "Sarah, don''t belittle yourself. You''ll meet a man who values you, it''s just not going to be me."


    "I understand." Sarah stood up from the sofa, "I''ll move out right away."


    "No need." Looking at her rounded belly, he felt a pang of pity, "Since you''re carrying my child, you can


    stay here. We''ll figure it out after the baby is born."


    Sarah looked down at her belly, a sarcastic smile ying on her lips, "Thank you."


    With that, she quickly retreated to her room.


    Grace asked, "You''ve found a better doctor than Sarah?"


    Elijah nodded, "I will."


    "Mmm... Elijah, you''ve worked hard taking care of Maka all these years! If you really have no


    feelings for Sarah, we can''t force you. But the child in her belly, the doctor said it''s healthy, and we


    must keep it." Grace said. Updated at Dr§Ñmanovels


    His phone rang, pulling him back from his thoughts. He picked up the phone and answered the call.


    "Mr. Bourne, we''ve found information on Kylee!" His assistant''s voice came from the other end of the


    line.


    Elijah immediately strode outside.

 Chapter 344

    Chapter 344


    Silverleaf Ridge.


    Fresh out of the shower, Violette saw her phone ringing and immediately picked it up.


    ¡°Adrian.¡±


    ¡°Violette, why was your phone off all morning?" Adrian asked anxiously.


    ¡°My phone died. I just charged it." Violette said with a hint of guilt, "Are you calling about Kylee?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, Kylee was worried you might be pissed."


    ¡°I''m not pissed." Violette replied, "Just think it''s a bit troublesome for him. I''ll give him a callter."


    ¡°Good." Adrian sighed in relief, "I almost went to your house when I couldn''t get hold of you this


    morning. I called Mike, he said you weren''t home... where were you?"


    Caught off guard by the question, Violette quickly found an excuse, "I was out for a morning jog."


    ¡°Oh... indeed, moderate exercise is necessary. The issues at yourpany should be resolved this


    time, right? No matter what happens, you need to keep your spirits up. A healthy body is the most


    important thing." Adrianforted.


    ¡°Thanks, Adrian! I owe you a meal."


    ¡°Haha, when you''re free, I''ll treat you."


    ¡°Deal!"


    After the call, she picked out an outfit from her wardrobe and got dressed. As soon as she came


    downstairs, Odette ran towards her.


    ¡°Violette! You wouldn''t believe how juicy the drama was today!" Odettemented, "If I had known Elijah


    would call off the wedding, I should''ve gone to the hotel with Ramsey! They say Sarah ran out of the


    banquet hall sobbing, in her high heels!¡±


    Violette could picture the scene in her head, but she couldn''t muster a smile. Sarah must hate her guts


    now!


    ¡°Violette, I got you lunch, drop by the office this afternoon. Gotta run." Mike pointed at the lunch on the


    table.


    Violette nodded.


    Once Mike left, Odette began to describe the scene in greater detail.


    ¡°I always knew Elijah was a jerk. That Sarah is nowhere near as pretty or as adorable as you, not to


    mention her character!" As Odette went on, she pulled up a picture Ramsey had taken at the scene to


    show Violette.


    ¡°Odette, let me eat in peace." Violette took the lunch box out of the bag, "I''m starving."


    ¡°Didn''t you have breakfast?" Odette put down her phone and changed the subject, "What''s going on


    between you and Kylee? We''re both babes, howe I don''t know a hunk like Kylee?"


    Violette nearly choked on her food. ¡°If you''re this free, do me a favor!"


    ¡°What is it? As long as I can help, I definitely will!" Odette said resolutely.


    ¡°Sure thing! Give me their contact info, I''ll meet them face to face."


    ¡°OK."


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    After lunch, Violette drove to the office.


    While waiting for the traffic light, she unlocked her phone¡¯s private space, found Kylee''s number, and


    dialed it. The call was quickly picked up. Co?tent of Dr?§Þ??ov§Öls.c§àm


    ¡°Dr. Dennis." Kylee''s voice came through.


    ¡°Kylee, thank you for helping me." Violette said sincerely, "But I''m afraid this will expose your location."


    Kylee: "My drones fly quite far for the shoots. It probably won¡¯t expose me, right?"

 Chapter 345

    Chapter 345


    Kylee: "No worries. Even if he finds me, I won''t spill the beans. You can count on me!"


    "Alright. Just focus on your rehabilitation training. I can''t wait to see you back on stage."


    "I''ll give it my all!"


    ......


    Evening.


    Kylee, at his vi on the hillside, received an unexpected visitor. He didn''t expect Elijah to find him so


    quickly.


    Apanying Elijah was ady.


    "Kylee, nice to meet you. Sorry for the sudden intrusion." Elijah politely began, "I''ve been looking for


    you for a while now. If it wasn''t for your post on social media this morning, I might still be searching."


    Kylee responded with equal politeness, "May I know what brings Mr. Bourne here?"


    Elijah nced at Maka and then said, "Maka, there''s a cat over there, why don''t you go take a


    look?"


    Maka, apanied by a bodyguard, went to find the cat.


    Elijah''s gaze returned to Kylee, "She''s my sister, born with intellectual disabilities."


    Kylee was stunned.


    "My sister is adorable, and kind." Elijah''s eyes were moist, his voice husky, "If you knew what she''s


    been through, you''d understand what I mean."Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    He handed a few photos to Kylee.


    Kylee picked up the photos, which showed a small girl lying on a hospital bed. This girl, emaciated and


    covered in injuries, was a truly distressing sight to behold.


    Kylee couldn''t bear to look anymore and put the photos down.


    "Do you know why she''s injured?" Elijah took back the photos, "My father did this to her. He considered


    her an embarrassment because of her disability, so he abused her. Looking at her smiling at you


    earlier, could you imagine what she''s been through?"


    Kylee was affected, "Mr. Bourne, are you hoping to find the doctor who treated me to help your sister?"


    Elijah: "Yes. I''ll spare no expense if it can help my sister."


    "After my ident, my family contacted Dr. Mitchel for me." Kylee confessed, "If Dr. Mitchel hadn''t died


    unexpectedly, he would have been the one to perform my surgery."


    Elijah remained silent, waiting for him to continue.


    Elijah was speechless. Violette! How could it be her?!


    Elijah sneered, "Do you know what my rtionship is with the Violette you mentioned?" New ch?pter


    av?ble o? Dra§Þ§Ñn§àv§Öls.c§àm


    Kylee shook his head.


    "She''s my ex-wife." Elijah said painfully.


    Violette had deceived him!


    She had imed she didn''t know Kylee. So, this was what she meant by not knowing him?!

 Chapter 346

    Chapter 346


    Did she ever tell the truth?


    Was she being cautious around him, or did she see him as an enemy?


    If she was just being cautious, then why? What''s got her so scared and on edge?


    And if she saw him as an enemy, that was even harder to understand! He''d never done anything to hurt


    her. Why was she so hostile towards him?


    All the way home, he''d got this frown that was not going anywhere.


    After they got home, Elisa took Maka off to rest. Elijah got a phone call, then he headed out in his


    car.


    Some high-end club.


    Brandon saw Elijahe in and immediately pulled him over to sit on the sofa.


    "Elijah, where''ve you been all day?" Brandon poured him a drink.


    "I went to see Kylee." He took the drink and took a sip, "You''d never guess who did the surgery."


    Everyone looked at Elijah, waiting for what he was gonna say next. But he didn''t continue that train of


    thought.


    "Have I been that bad to Violette?" He furrowed his brow, downed his drink, "She''s the one who wanted


    the divorce, no matter how much I tried to get her to stay. After the divorce, she rebuilt herpany,


    and I lived my life. Whenever she had troubles, I''d help her out. She wanted to sever ties with me, have


    a clean break, told me to be with Sarah, and I did... But why does she hate me so much?"


    His words were slurred; he was clearly drunk.


    Sure, Sarah was his woman now, but the woman he can''t stop thinking about was Violette. Now he was


    even troubled and wearing a frown, seeking sce in alcohol due to his feelings for Violette.


    "Elijah, you''ve done enough! She''s only acting all high and mighty because you''ve been too good to


    her! I''ve seen it all! The better you are to a woman, the less she values you! Only when you''re hard on


    her does she take you seriously!"


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    "I think you''ve been good enough to Violette! Remember when you spent a billion on herst year? Did


    she thank you?"


    "Elijah, Violette isn''t worth all this!"


    ...


    Everyone chimed in, all criticising Violette.


    Around eleven at night, Elijah left the club, reeking of booze. Once he was in the car, the driver started


    it up. Elijah pulled out his phone, looked up a number in his contacts.


    He''d got a question for his family doctor. After he dialed the number, he asked in a low voice, "Could a


    regr med student perform a surgery following a specialist''s treatment n? A brain surgery, even?


    And it was sessful!"


    There was silence on the other end of the line.


    On the other end, Sarah was shocked!


    "Elijah, you dialed the wrong number." Sarah''s voice was cold. New chapter av§Ñble o?


    Dram?n§àvels.c§à§Þ


    Hearing Sarah''s voice, Elijah instantly sobered up.


    He nced at his phone screen¡ª


    Seeing Sarah''s name, he immediately hung up.


    Drinking really screwed things up! Did Sarah hear everything he just said?

 Chapter 347

    Chapter 347


    He racked his brain, trying to recall what he just bbered, but a pounding headache made it hard to


    focus.


    Whatever! It didn''t matter what he said, it won''t hurt Sarah if she heard it.


    ......


    Sarah felt like her whole world was being turned upside down! All her doubts seemed to have found an


    answer all of a sudden.


    Though she was reluctant to admit that Violette was a better doctor than her, the facts seemed to be


    staring her in the face.


    Violette, she was Dr. Mitchel''s student! The anonymous doctor who had operated on Maka twice, it


    was her!


    Only her wouldn''t want to gain anything from Elijah. No one else would do something like this! So, all


    the benefits she was getting from Elijah now, were all thanks to Violette. If Violette ever told Elijah the


    truth one day, everything she had now would be taken back.


    In a split second, she went from a dominant position to a passive one. She needed toe up with a


    n, and fast, to turn the tables.


    The next morning.


    After breakfast, Sarah was strolling in the garden with Grace.


    "Auntie, yesterday when Elijah called to cancel our engagement, he told me why he was calling it off,"


    Sarah started the conversation.


    Grace felt guilty towards Sarah, so she looked apologetic.


    "Do you know where he was yesterday morning?" Sarah chuckled solemnly, took a deep breath, "He


    was with Violette."


    "Oh dear! What a mess!" Grace frowned.


    "Elijah told me that he still loves Violette, so he can''t get engaged with me," Sarah''s eyes were red, "I


    thought about it all night, I don''t me Elijah. It was me who forced him to be with me, I''m already


    satisfied that I could have his child. Now I just wish he could be happy."


    Grace was taken aback by how forgiving Sarah was.


    "Can you help me invite Violette over? If I invite her, she definitely won''te." Sarah looked down, "I


    want to have a heart-to-heart talk with her. As long as she treats Elijah well, I can step aside."


    Grace couldn''t turn down her request.


    An hourter, Violette appeared at Bourne Estate.


    Violette didn''t want toe, but Grace insisted. Apart from being Elijah''s mother, Grace was also an


    elder. She couldn''t say no.


    After parking her car outside the yard, she stepped into the front yard. Looking over, she could vaguely


    see Sarah standing under a tree. When Sarah noticed her, she immediately walked towards her.


    Violette turned to leave, but Sarah reached out to grab her arm, stopping her from leaving.


    Violette clenched her fists, her voice trembling, "Who did you call a dimwit?!"


    "Your son! He goes to a special school. If he''s not a dimwit then what is he? Even if Elijah knows he''s


    his own flesh and blood, he won''t let him inherit the family business in the future. The one who''ll be the


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    heir to the Bourne family, will be my son!" Sarah held her belly with one hand, looking at her


    provokingly. New ch§Ñpter av?ble on Dr§Ñman§àvels.c§à§Þ


    "Let go!" Violette forcefully shook off her hand.


    "Ah!" Sarah''s body went tumbling backward, crashing into the stone table behind her!

 Chapter 348

    Chapter 348


    Violette gaped at the scene unfolding before her, totally lost for words! She''d only pushed Sarah''s arm


    away, how did that make Sarah topple over?


    Sarah was on the ground, clutching her belly and wailing in agony, "My baby... My baby..."


    Her cries instantly drew the attention of the nanny, the bodyguard, and Grace.


    "Sarah! How did you fall?!" Grace demanded, her face a mask of fury, "Did Violette push you?"


    How else could Sarah have fallen? It was not like she would trip over herself. The ground was t as a


    pancake, and there was no way she could have tripped.


    Tears streamed down Sarah''s face as she cried out in pain, "Violette! You''ve stolen Elijah''s heart! Are


    you not going to spare my child with Elijah either? My baby is innocent..."


    Violette was dumbstruck by Sarah''s usations.


    She realized she had walked right into a trap. But what she couldn''t understand was why Sarah would


    go to the extent of hurting her own unborn child just to frame her? Was it because this was the most


    effective way to make Elijah hate her?


    But what if something happened to the baby?


    "Sarah, you''re using your own child to nder me. You''re not fit to be a mother!" Violette spat out, her


    heart turning cold.


    "It hurts... It hurts so much... Violette... It was you! You pushed me! Everyone saw..." Sarah was lifted


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    up by the bodyguard, her cries growing more frantic, "If anything happens to my baby... I will never


    forgive you!!"


    The bodyguard hurried towards the car with Sarah in his arms.


    Grace was seething! She raised her hand and pped Violette across the face!


    "Violette, do you think you can do whatever you want just because Elijah is on your side?! This is the


    Bourne family! How dare you hurt my grandson! If anything happens to the baby, I''ll make sure you


    answer for it!"


    With that, Grace stormed out of the room with the help of the nanny.


    Once the car drove away, an eerie silence filled the room.


    Violette''s cheek was stinging. She didn''t mean to push Sarah over, let alone hurt Sarah''s unborn child.


    But she knew no one would believe her.


    Just then, a man stepped out of the vi. It was Kaleb.


    He''d heard everything that had happened, but he didn''te out to watch the drama.


    What was there to see? His own child being killed?


    He walked up to Violette and smirked, "Violette, seeing you like this, I feel so bad."


    "Don''t pretend to care!" Violette snapped back, "Even if I did push Sarah, so what?"


    With that, she turned and walked away.


    He wondered how Elijah would react when he found out.


    At the hospital.


    Sarah was rushed into the emergency room. Outside, Grace was on the phone with Elijah.


    She broke down into sobs.

 Chapter 349

    Chapter 349


    On the other end of the phone, Elijah''s hand froze around his mobile. Half an hourter, he rushed to


    the hospital.


    "Mr. Bourne, I''m sorry. We couldn''t save your child." The doctor began, "Ms. Sarah fainted from


    excessive grief."


    Grace stood by, choked with tears and unable to speak. Sarah''s father was carrying a ck bag in his


    hand and his face was ashen. Inside the bag was the stillborn baby that Sarah had just given birth to.


    "Elijah, you couldn''t give my daughter a proper status, and now you let another woman kill my


    grandchild, isn''t that too much?!" He roared angrily.


    Elijah nced at the ck bag and said, "Give me the child."


    His feelings towards this child wereplicated.


    He wasn¡¯t exactly sad, but the fact that Violette was responsible for it, ignited a me of anger within


    him. While he was angry, his rationality made him take the child for a paternity test.


    "Heh, what do you want the child for? Can you bring him back to life?!" Mr. Warren held the bag tightly,


    spewing venom, "You''re not fit to be a father! My daughter falling for you, it''s the stupidest thing she''s


    ever done in her life! You ruined her! And you ruined your child! This child won''t let you off either!"


    He was too emotional, his words harsh. The bodyguard tried to pull him away, and hey started to push


    and shove.


    At that moment, a nurse''s cry came from the ward.


    "The patient in bed 38 is bleeding too much!" The nurse rushed out of the ward, calling the doctor in to


    check on the situation.


    Elijah nced into the ward, where Sarahy on the bed, pale. His heart clenched, and he strode


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    inside.


    After checking Sarah''s bleeding and blood pressure, the doctor immediately said, "The patient lost too


    much blood! We need to stop the bleeding immediately!"


    ......


    Dennis Group.


    Violette was restless, constantly checking her phone for messages or calls.


    What was the situation with Sarah now? She didn''t know. After a morning, there should be some


    oue, regardless whether the child was okay or not.


    Could it be that the child is fine? Otherwise, why hadn''t Elijah called to me her?


    Better if nothing happened. She didn''t want any trouble.


    "Violette, let''s go grab lunch!" Mike pushed open the door of her office and called out to her.


    She shook her head, "I''m not hungry, you go ahead!"


    "Then I''ll bring back food for you. What do you want to eat?" Mike asked considerately.


    "Anything!"


    Violette nced at Mike, feeling a need to vent: "This morning, Sarah asked to meet me and set me


    up. I got fucked."


    She answered the call, and Elijah''s voice came through, "Violette, should Ie to you, or will you


    His voice sounded calm, but underneath that calmness lurked a terrifying storm of emotions. New


    ch?pter av?ble o? Dra§Þ§Ñn§àv§Öls.c§àm


    She didn''t want him toe find her, nor did she want to go to the hospital to see him. She didn''t want


    to see him at all!


    "So you''re saying that besides Sarah, my mother and our housemaids are all ndering you?" Elijah''s


    voice was chillingly cold.


    Violette sneered in her heart, then blurted out in a fit of rage, "So what if I did push her? Are you going


    to avenge her?!"

 Chapter 350

    Chapter 350


    There was a brief pause on the other end of the phone. He didn''t expect her to be so audacious.


    "Violette, that''s a life you''re talking about!" he barked at her. "How could you be so cold-hearted?"


    "So, you and Sarah''s kid is gone, huh?" Violette took a deep breath. She admired Sarah to the point of


    absolute reverence. "Is she secretly rejoicing? She used a child''s life to set the stage for now. She''s


    worthy of being the woman by your side!"


    Her words had a double meaning. Not only was she saying that Sarah was ruthless, but also


    suggesting he was the same.


    Elijah: "She''s bleeding heavily and being resuscitated. If this is her scheme, she''s not only lost her


    child, but also gambled her own life. Do you think your spection is brilliant?!"


    Violette was left speechless.


    "Violette, this time, I won''t show you mercy!" With that, he hung up the phone.


    Violette held her phone, her face pale and her body weak.


    Mike looked at her worriedly. The words she had just said seemed to indicate that something serious


    had happened. "Violette, what the hell happened?"


    Violette quicklyposed herself. "Nothing much. Get your lunch!"


    "What the hell! I heard everything. Sarah had a miscarriage, did she me you, saying you caused it?


    That shameless woman!" Mike clenched his fists, unable to control his temper.


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    "There''s no need for you to get involved. She''s being resuscitated due to heavy bleeding," Violette said


    calmly. "I''m even starting to wonder if it''s really my fault for pushing her, causing her to miscarry and


    bleed heavily... otherwise, the price she''s paying is too high."


    Her words made Mike frown. "Is Elijah going to give you trouble?"


    "Don''t worry about me. Even if hees looking for me, he won''t make me pay for his son''s life."


    Violette said calmly.


    "His son wasn''t even born; he can''t be considered a full person! I used to studyw!" Mike bragged,


    "But he might take revenge on you."


    "Yeah, go eat!"


    "But I''m worried about you."


    "Do you think he won''t take revenge on me just because you''re worried?" Violette walked out from


    behind her desk and pushed him towards the office door. "Bring me back some food. Thanks."


    "Violette, if hees looking for you, you must call me. I''ll protect you." Mike reminded her.


    "Mhm."


    After Mike left, Violette sat back down in her office chair. She rested her head in her hands, reying


    the events of this morning.


    ......


    The more Violette thought about it, the more she felt it was a setup!


    She had also been pregnant before. Generally speaking, even if you fell, it didn''t necessarily lead to a


    miscarriage. Even if you had a miscarriage, it usually wouldn¡¯t cause heavy bleeding. Co?tent belo?gs


    to Dra§Þ?n§àv§Öls.c§àm


    As this thought crossed her mind, Violette broke out in a cold sweat.

 Chapter 351

    Chapter 351


    Silverleaf Kindergarten.


    It was the bodyguard''s first day on the job. After picking up the two kids, he took them home.


    "Can I y outside with Ian for a while?" Rita looked up at the bodyguard, testing his limits.


    The bodyguard thought for a moment. "Sure! After dinner, I''ll take you out to y."


    Rita: "Oh! What are we having for dinner? Ordering takeout? Or are you going to cook for us? Sir,


    when do you get off work?"


    Bodyguard: "When your mom or your unclees home, I can clock out. If you don''t mind, I can cook


    for you."


    Rita mumbled, "So, do we have to go to the supermarket first to buy groceries? If you cook for us, does


    my mom have to pay you double? But, if your cooking sucks, she doesn''t have to pay you twice..."


    The bodyguardughed, "Your mom pays me enough to cook for you ten times a day."


    With that, the bodyguard took the two children towards the supermarket. At seven in the evening, the


    bodyguard received a call from Mike.


    Mike checked on the kids'' situation, then said, "I might beteing home tonight. The kids go to bed


    at nine, if Violette and I aren''t back by then, you can go home."


    Mike can''t find Violette! He went to pick her up from work, but no one was in her office.


    He called her, but she didn''t pick up. After a while, he called her again, and her phone was off!


    Mike was pissed! It must be Elijah who took her away, because Elijah''s phone wasn''t answering either.


    Mike was now driving to Elijah''s mansion. He put on his Bluetooth headset andined to Joey,


    "How can Sarah''s miscarriage be Violette''s fault?! Violette wouldn''t do such a thing! She''s not that kind


    of person!"


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Joey: "Elijah didn''te to the office today. I heard about Sarah''s situation, but I wasn''t there, so it''s


    not right for me to jump to conclusions. I advise you to calm down. They''re adults, they can handle


    this."


    "This is ridiculous! Violette is a stable adult, but your boss is anything but stable!" Mike retorted, "If he


    had any sense, he wouldn''t suspect Violette! He called Violette at noon, threatening her, I was right


    there, and I heard everything! If anything happens to Violette, I won''t let your boss off the hook!"


    Joey got a bit angry at his threat, "And how do you n to deal with my boss?"


    "I''m going to expose his dark secrets! I''ve got tons of dirt on him!"


    "Are you out of your mind? If you dare to expose him, he will put you in jail!" Joey pushed up his


    sses, "Calm down, let me make a few calls and see if anyone knows where he is."


    At some hotel.


    "Elijah, what exactly is your n to resolve this?" After her phone was taken away, she sternly


    questioned him.


    "Eat something first." He picked up the menu in the room and started ordering.


    She looked at the luxurious presidential suite and felt a sense of unease about how things were


    unfolding.


    She strided towards the door. Opening it, she was met with the gloomy gaze of two bodyguards.


    Updated at Dr?manov§Öls.c§àm


    She gasped, stepped back, and closed the door!

 Chapter 352

    Chapter 352


    She''s supposed to give him a kid in return?


    She thought she must have misheard! A child was not amodity, how was she supposed to


    Seeing the confusion on her face, his voice came slow but firm, "Use your body to give me a child!


    Dead or alive, as long as it¡¯s my child!"


    Her body shuddered violently, she shouted angrily, "Elijah! Have you gone mad?"


    Back then, when she was pregnant with his child, he had his bodyguard take her for an abortion! Did


    he forget all about this?


    Now he was forcing her to have a child again, what did he take her for? Some kind of toy? This was


    ridiculous!


    "Yes, I''ve gone mad!" His eyes were bloodshot, filled with burning hatred, "Violette, you''re the one who


    drove me to this! You lying woman! You''re pushing my patience to its limit over and over again!¡±


    Violette was so frightened by his menacing aura that she barely dared to breathe. She stepped back


    until she copsed into the couch.


    ¡°Violette, I won''t indulge you any longer! You made a mistake, and you must pay! Even if you give birth


    to a stillborn, you must do it!¡± He said each word coldly and ruthlessly, "Starting from today, whenever I


    need you, you must show up! Until you''re pregnant with my child!¡±


    He looked down at her from his high position, forcing her into a corner. Her hands clenched the couch


    tightly, her chest heaving rapidly.


    Thinking of how the child would never be treated well by him, she protested, "I won''t! Find another


    woman to have your child!"


    ¡°This is not up to you! This time, even if you run to the ends of the earth, I''ll hunt you down!¡± Elijah


    stared at her flushed face with a grim look, saying coldly, ¡°If you want to be free again, either die or give


    me a child! Don''t think you can escape by dying, unless you die with your two children. Otherwise,


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    even if you''re dead, I won''t spare them!¡±


    Violette was speechless.


    His cold fingers unbuttoned her blouse one by one, trampling her dignity underfoot.


    The Bourne family.


    After parking his car outside the vi, Mike exined his purpose to the gatekeeper.


    ¡°I''m your boss''s good friend Mike. He invited me over for a drink.¡± Mike nned to wing it once he got


    inside.


    Thest time Mike had visited, the bodyguard remembered him. He wasn''t the boss''s friend, but


    Violette''s.


    ¡°He isn¡¯t home right now. You cane again when he is back!¡± The bodyguard stopped him.


    ¡°Oh¡­ Do you know when will that be?¡±


    Bodyguard: "No idea."


    After Mike shouted, Lacey came out striding.


    Soon, Lacey came out supporting Maka. Seeing Mike, Maka immediately went to the gate and


    opened it for him. Content of Dr§Ñm??ovels.c§àm


    In this house, other than Elijah, Maka had the highest status. The bodyguards didn''t dare to mess


    with her.


    Without any hesitation, Maka nodded.

 Chapter 353

    Chapter 353


    Mike thought he was a freaking genius! This n, it was bloody brilliant!


    He shared his ingenious idea with Joey.


    Joey: "Elijah surely won''t feel threatened. Maka''s nanny and bodyguard are with her all the time.


    Taking them to Violette''s is just a change of scenery."


    Mike was at a loss for words.


    Joey: "My boss won''t harm Violette, I promise you."


    Mike: "And what''s your guarantee?!"


    Joey: "If you don''t trust me, then forget it! I''m at the hospital with Sarah, she''s still unconscious."


    Mike calmed down a bit: "What''s up with Sarah?"


    "She''s been in aa since her blood transfusion."


    "Oh... Violette says she didn''t push Sarah. What do you think Sarah''s deal is?" Mike was puzzled, "Isn''t


    the baby in her belly Elijah''s?"


    "You would obviously take Violette''s side. We can''t jump to conclusions about what really happened."


    Joey replied objectively.


    Mike burst intoughter: "I think the baby in her belly isn''t Elijah''s. If it were, she would die before


    letting anyone push her. You could have Elijah do a paternity test."


    "That''s not possible. The baby was taken by Sarah''s father after she gave birth."


    "Ha, ha, ha!"


    "Stopughing. Sarah''s life is hanging by a thread, discussing who the father is meaningless." Joey


    said, "Anyway, the baby is dead."


    "How is it meaningless? Violette is being held for responsible for no reason!" Mike was indignant.


    "Don''t be so pessimistic. Elijah didn''t even want the baby in Sarah''s belly. Now that the baby is gone,


    maybe he''ll be grateful to Violette!" Joey said, "Violette isn''t home, aren''t you going back to take care of


    the kids?"


    "We''ve hired a bodyguard at home."


    "Oh... then you can just keep hanging around at Elijah''s ce! I''ve contacted many people, but no one


    knows where he is."


    Mike frowned, deeply worried.


    "By the way, let me tell you something I found out today," Joey remembered something before hanging


    up, "Alexa sold her cosmeticspany overseas and cashed out three billion. Looks like she''s


    nning to return home."


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    "Ah, that cunning woman! Once she''s back, I won''t let her have an easy time!"


    "Don''t underestimate her. Alexa is a smart businesswoman. If she''s decided toe back, she must


    have a n. You should remind Violette to watch out." Joey changed the subject, "I think you should


    home! Waiting at Elijah''s ce is pointless."


    "All you do is defend your boss!" Mike hung up impatiently.


    In the hotel.


    Violette felt like she was dying. Apart from hunger, his torment was killing her.


    At two in the morning, there was a knock on the bedroom door.


    Violette pulled the silk quilt over herself. Elijah, in his robe, strode towards the door.


    "Sarah is awake. She''s very anxious to see you," the bodyguard said.


    Bodyguard: "Yes, sir!" New chapter av§Ñble o? Dr§Ñm§Ñnovels


    Violette''s eyes were red with rage!


    Elijah walked up to her, lifted her up, and put her back on the bed.

 Chapter 354

    Chapter 354


    She held onto his robe with both hands, ring at him with her crimson eyes filled with rage. "Whether


    I take medicine or not is my business! You''re pushing it too far!"


    In the dim room, her voice was piercing.


    His Adam''s apple bobbed sensually.


    "Give me back my phone!" She zeroed in on his slender neck.


    If he dared not to, she was ready to take a bite in the next second!


    "Violette, you better not ignore my words!" His eyes were dark as he said in a low voice, "If you dare to


    take contraception, then we will continue making love!"


    With that said, he handed her the phone.


    After getting the phone, she quickly jumped off the bed, picked up the clothes on the floor, and put


    them on hastily. Before he could leave, she stepped out of the room first!


    It was two-thirty in the morning, with a few cars passing by. A gust of night wind blew away her


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    exhaustion.


    She turned on her phone, More than a dozen missed calls were disyed on the screen, All were from


    Mike.


    She wanted to call him back, but what would she say to him? What happened tonight was just so


    bizarre; it still felt unreal when she thought about it.


    Three o''clock in the morning.


    Hospital.


    Elijah arrived at Sarah''s ward.


    Upon seeing him, tears started to stream down Sarah''s face.


    Elijah wiped her tears with a tissue.


    "Sarah, it¡¯s alright."


    "Our baby... is gone... I feel so terrible... It''s all my fault... I didn''t protect him..." Sarah sobbed


    uncontrobly, as if she was going to suffocate any second.


    "You will have children in the future." Elijahforted her, "You need to rest now."


    Sarah looked at him with teary eyes: "But I won''t have your child anymore... Elijah... Our baby, died so


    tragically! He was already formed!"


    Elijah: "I know."


    "It''s Violette..."


    "Why did you meet with Violette?" Elijah interrupted her, "Did you really have to ask my mom to invite


    her?"


    Elijah stared at Sarah''s aggrieved face, and asked, "So she pushed you?"


    Elijah''s face darkened. If what Sarah said was true, then Violette was indeed cruel.


    "Every time I close my eyes, I see our child, covered in blood, crying so sadly... He''s calling for me to


    save him..." New chapter av§Ñble o? Dr§Ñm§Ñnovels


    "Sarah! Stop it!" Elijah cut her off sternly, "The child is already dead. Your pain now won''t help."


    "Elijah, is our child just going to die in vain?" Sarah''s voice dropped to a whisper, choked with emotion.


    "I will find Violette! You just focus on getting better!"

 Chapter 355

    Chapter 355


    "No worries." Elijah looked at her pale face, his heart filled with pity. "You need a rest. I''lle by in the


    morning."


    "Okay."


    After leaving the hospital, Elijah asked his bodyguard, "Where''s the kid who passed away?"


    "The kid was taken to the crematorium by her father," the bodyguard replied.


    Elijah frowned. He had intended to have a DNA test done on the child, but that now seemed


    impossible.


    The bodyguard continued, "Mr. Warren was very upset. I tried to help, but he took it the wrong way and


    thought I was trying to take the child. We ended up having a big row."


    Elijah''s face darkened as he got into the car.


    The next morning.


    The family doctor received a call and rushed over to the Bourne family. Elijah hadn''t slept all night, his


    eyes red and somewhat terrifying.


    "Mr. Bourne, I heard about Ms. Sarah''s miscarriage," the family doctorforted. "You and Ms. Sarah


    are still young. There will be other chances."


    "I didn''t ask you here to talk about that." Elijah took a sip of his coffee. "The one who operated on Kylee


    was Violette."


    The family doctor looked shocked. "Your ex-wife, Ms. Dennis?"


    "Yeah. What do you think?"


    The family doctor adjusted his sses. "Even though I know Ms. Dennis was a student of Dr. Mitchel''s,


    I''m still surprised. After all, neurosurgery isn''t a walk in the park."


    "How can we find out what her skills are really like?" Elijah asked.


    The family doctor shook his head. "Unless you see her operate or she tells you herself, there''s no way


    to know."


    "Kylee said the treatment n was made by Dr. Mitchel. If you were given a n like that, would you


    dare to do such aplex operation on a patient?" Elijah''s question left the family doctor deep in


    thought.


    "Mr. Bourne, why don''t you ask her directly?"


    Elijah frowned, "If I could get a straight answer out of her, would I be bothering you?"


    "Ah...If Dr. Mitchel gave me his treatment n, I could do it, but I can''t guarantee sess," the family


    doctor answered his question. "If Ms. Dennis could pull it off, it means she''s very good. I just don''t know


    who has better medical skills between her and Ms. Sarah."


    Elijah looked down. "Even if she were the better doctor, she wouldn''t help Maka."


    The family doctor said, "Honestly, I think Ms. Sarah is already very impressive. If Ms. Dennis won''t


    help, you could always rely on Ms. Sarah."


    Elijah nodded.


    "If the child was cremated, it''s impossible to do a DNA test, right?" he asked.


    The family doctor nodded. "You wanted to do a paternal test with Ms. Sarah''s child? If the child''s been


    cremated, there''s no way to get a sample for testing. Are you sure there''s no other way to get aN?velDrama.Org content rights.


    sample?"


    Elijah said, "It happened so suddenly. By the time I got to the hospital, the child was already taken


    away by her father."


    "Well, then there''s no way. But why would you doubt Ms. Sarah?"


    "I was only with her once, and that was after I''d had a few too many. I can''t be sure that it was her I was


    with that night."


    The family doctor: "Ms. Dennis doesn''t seem like that kind of person."


    "She might not be that person to others, but in front of me, she''s a liar." Co?tent of Dr?manov§Öls


    "Why would she do that?"


    "If I knew why, I wouldn''t be so troubled." Elijah had been up all night, reying her words in his mind.


    It was hard to tell whether she was telling the truth or not.

 Chapter 356

    Chapter 356


    The family doctor said, "Mr. Bourne, I remember you had your bodyguard take Ms. Dennis for an


    abortion."


    "Yeah, the bodyguard said he personally escorted her into the operating room." Elijah recently asked


    the bodyguard from that time, "He said the doctor gave him post-op instructions."


    "So she must have had a abortion." The family doctor said, "The child she adopted looks like you;


    maybe she did it in memory of the child she lost."


    Did Violette hate him so much because of this?


    Silverleaf Ridge.


    Mike and the two kids were staring at Violette on the bed, not blinking.


    Mike had called her after one in the morning the previous night, but he couldn''t get through.


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    And then she was back home! He didn''t even know when she came back.


    "Are there mosquitoes in the house?" Rita suddenly asked curiously.


    Mike looked around the room and said, "No, were you bitten by one?"


    Rita: "A mosquito bit my mom!"


    The little one''s bright eyes were fixed on Violette''s neck. "Look, a mosquito bit my mom and left a big


    bump!"


    Mike looked in the direction of Rita''s finger--


    This... From his adult experience, this didn''t look like a mosquito bite, but a mark left after some


    intimate behavior.


    "Alright, let''s not disturb her rest." Mike picked up one of the kids in each arm and took them out of the


    room, "Let''s go have breakfast, and I''ll decide where to take you guys today."


    "I want to wait at home for mom to wake up." Rita pouted, "I haven''t yed with mom in a long time!"


    Ian nodded in agreement.


    "Okay, then you guys stay at home after breakfast." Mike yawned, "I might have to work overtime


    today... but I''ll wait until your mom wakes up to leave."


    Ian asked, "Why didn''t mome homest night?"


    "It must have something to do with Elijah!" Thinking of the red mark on Violette''s neck, Mike was even


    more certain that her disappearancest night had something to do with Elijah, "Sarah had a


    miscarriage, do you guys know what that means?"


    Ian nodded, while Rita shook her head.


    "Sarah was pregnant with Elijah''s baby, right? But the baby... didn''t make it yesterday! Sarah insists


    that your mom pushed her and caused her miscarriage..." Mike exined animatedly.


    Ian''s eyes were filled with coldness. That bad woman Sarah! She ndered his mom! He''ll teach her a


    lesson.


    Rita frowned, her hamburger squashed in her hand, and she said angrily, "Mom woulnd¡¯t do that!"


    Ian: "Let my and my sister''s bodyguard protect mom."


    "We can just get another bodyguard." Mike said, "Don''t worry. I''ll take care of it soon!"


    "Uncle Mike, you have to deal with this now." Rita said anxiously, "I don''t want any irresponsible men to


    bully my mom!"


    Ian also said, "You should go now!"  Dra§Þanovels.c§àm


    Mike stood up from the dining chair with his cup of milk in hand: "Okay, okay, I''ll go now! You guys stay


    at home, and don''t run around!"


    Ian went back to the children''s room and turned on hisptop. He decided to teach Sarah a lesson!

 Chapter 357

    Chapter 357


    They approached the front door, seeing a morous old woman in her 60s or 70s on the security


    system''s screen.


    Ian quickly recognized her, "That''s the jerk''s mother!"


    Rita responded with a "Oh", "So she''s our granny then!"


    "You''re not calling her granny!" Ian quickly corrected his sister, guessing, "She''s definitely here to


    cause trouble for mom!"


    Rita chimed in, "Humph! We can''t let her bully mom! We need to kick her out!"


    Ian immediately went to fetch their drone, and Rita hurried to follow her brother''s lead.


    Outside the door, Grace frowned, waiting for Violette to open the door.


    She had a sleepless night, feeling quite upset. So she came here to demand an apology from Violette.


    Suddenly, a loud noise came from above. Grace looked up, and a drone appeared out of nowhere.


    Just as she wondered why a drone would appear, it started spraying red liquid. When the red liquid


    sshed onto her expensive leather coat, she screamed and ran towards her car.


    Violette was startled awake by the scream. She immediately got out of bed, went to the window, and


    took a nce outside. Once she saw what was happening, she rushed out of the room.


    Outside the vi, Grace hid in the car, her eyes red with anger. The nanny helped her take off her coat


    and wiped her face with wet wipes.


    "Madam, it appears to be paint." the nanny said.


    Grace gritted her teeth, "So barbaric! I didn''t believe she could push Sarah over before, but now I do!"


    Before long, the vi''s front door opened. Violette came out in her pajamas, walking briskly.


    She walked towards the ck luxury car. Upon seeing her, Grace immediately got out of the car with


    the nanny''s help.


    "Violette!" Grace looked disheveled, shouting, "Are you out of your mind!"


    Hearing the olddy''s roar, Ian and Rita immediately rushed out. Violette had asked them to stay in the


    house and note out, but they couldn''t stand to see their mom being bullied!


    "It wasn''t my mom! It was my brother and me!" Rita shouted back.


    Grace had heard that Violette had two children, but seeing them in person this time was a big shock to


    her.


    "We don''t want you here! What my brother and I do in our own home is our business! You wouldn''t be


    wet if you hadn''te!" Rita red at Grace fiercely.


    Grace stared at Rita''s face, which looked strikingly simr to Violette, her chest rising and falling


    rapidly, "I came to see your mother! How can you be so rude!"


    "I don''t want you to see my mom!" Rita lifted her chin, ordering her to leave, "Get lost! If you don''t go,


    I''ll have my brother drive you away with the drone!"


    Violette quickly led the children back into the house.


    "Violette, who is your son... who is your son''s father?" Grace asked, her voice trembling. Co?tent of


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    Dr?§Þ??ov§Öls.c§àm


    Grace seemed to not hear, grasping the nanny''s arm, she briskly walked towards the car.


    After getting into the car, her lips moved, muttering, "Did you see her son just now? He looks exactly


    like Elijah when he was young."


    The nanny asked, "You suspect that he''s Elijah''s son?"

 Chapter 358

    Chapter 358


    Grace looked serious, "There''s no way they could look so alike without being blood rted. I''ve got this


    gut feeling. That kid is my grandson! Elijah was just like him when he was little, always with that icy


    stare. Those eyes, exactly like Elijah¡¯s when he was a kid!"


    The nanny replied, "But it seems like Mr. Elijah hasn¡¯t suspected anything about the kid''s background."


    Grace retorted, "I know Elijah better than he knows himself! He probably can''t even remember what he


    was like as a kid."


    The nanny, "You''re right. So, what''s your n?"


    A determined glint shed in Grace''s eyes, "I need to figure out whether that kid and Elijah are father


    and son. A quick DNA test should do the trick."


    "Um... but to do a DNA test, we need to get the kid''s blood or hair..."


    "I''ll find a way, I''m sure of it," Grace was brimming with confidence, "Once I dig up the truth, then I''ll talk


    to Elijah."


    Hospital.


    Sarah, on her phone, scrolled through the news to kill time. She needed to stay in the hospital for


    observation for a couple of days.


    Elijah visited her this morning, but was gone after less than ten minutes when a call came through on


    his phone.


    Now that she no longer carried the Bourne family''s child, Grace wasn''t so invested in her. Her heart


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    sank a bit, but the billion dors Elijah had transferred to her certainly took the edge off the


    disappointment. Money can''t buy everything, but it sure as hell can make you happy.


    She''d epted Elijah''s hefty payout, so naturally, she had to continue with Maka''s treatment. If


    there were breakthroughs in Maka''s condition, Elijah would surely reward her. Right now, Elijah still


    needed her, and she wasn''t about to settle for just one billion.


    Suddenly, a message popped up. She swiped it open, and a video jumped out.


    Her eyes widened in shock. The person in the video looked familiar!


    Wait a minute! Wasn''t that her? And the man... it was Kaleb!


    She gasped. The video was a record of the night she and Kaleb had sex at the hotel.


    They had searched the entire hotel room but didn''t find any cameras. Yet this video... it captured


    everything that happened in bed.


    Sarah blushed red, her grip on the phone trembling.


    Who was it? Who sent the video?


    She opened the message to check the sender, but the sender field was nk. What the hell?!


    After much hesitation, she replied: I don''t know who you are, but Elijah and I have already broken up


    amicably. He never loved me, and I''ve given up on him. Content of Dr§Ñm??ovels.c§àm


    After looking at the text for a while, she deleted it again.


    Finally, she sent over one sentence: How much do you want? Name your price!

 Chapter 359

    Chapter 359


    Silverleaf Ridge.


    After receiving a message from Sarah, Ian started to ponder whether he should swindle her.


    Now that she had broken up with Elijah and lost her child, the video wouldn''t be as effective as a tool


    for embarrassing Elijah.


    "How could you two do this?" Violette went to the kids'' room and lectured them after taking a sip of


    water, "No matter what I have against that olddy, she''s over seventy! What if you two scare her into


    getting sick..."


    Rita blinked her big eyes and naively said, "If she gets sick, mom, you can just treat her."


    "I''m not a miracle-worker! I can''t cure all diseases!"


    "She didn''t get sick! She was still yelling at you!" Rita continued to mumble, "Mom, my brother and I,


    we can''t let people bully you!"


    Hearing her daughter''s mumbles, Violette''s heart instantly softened.


    "They didn''t bully me. I''m not that easy to mess up with." Violette said this to reassure her children.


    "But you didn''te homest night... My brother and I waited for you for a long time. Uncle Mike said


    you were taken away by that jerk.¡± Rita pouted and said in a huff, ¡°When my brother and I grow up,


    we''re gonna get revenge for you!¡±


    Violette was deeply touched. She picked up her daughter and said softly, ¡°Mom can protect herself. All


    you and your brother need to do is to grow up healthy and happy! How about I take you guys out for


    funter?¡±


    ¡°Sure! Mom, it''s been so long since you took my brother and me out to y!¡± Rita sniffed, a little


    aggrieved.


    Meanwhile, Ian replied to Sarah.


    Seeing the reply from the mystery person, Sarah frowned.


    ¡°A thousand Bitcoin? What''s Bitcoin?¡± Sarah wondered and searched it online.


    Bitcoin is a type of virtual currency internationally. You have to admit, this mystery person was quite


    clever. If he directly demanded money from Sarah, Sarah could call the police.


    She checked the price of Bitcoin, and was dumbfounded.


    One Bitcoin was actually worth twenty-one thousand! A thousand Bitcoin would be twenty million!


    Sarah felt like her heart was being ripped apart. Even though Elijah had given her a billion, it was all


    her hard-earned money. Spending twenty million on a video was just too painful for her.


    After suffering for a while, she purchased a thousand Bitcoin for the mystery ount!


    Watching the thousand Bitcoine in, Ian immediately closed hisptop.


    ¡°Ian, you and your sister are soon having your birthdays, how about I take you guys to get some new


    clothes today?¡± Violette, dressed and ready, led the two children out the door.


    The bodyguard was waiting at the door.


    ¡°Mom, the bodyguard makes really good food.¡± Rita saw him and immediately told her mom, ¡°He


    cooked dinner for my brother and mest night, we ate it all!¡±


    Violette looked at the bodyguard and said appreciatively, ¡°Thank you!¡±


    The bodyguard shyly replied, ¡°It''s no trouble.¡±


    She was getting a manicure.


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Seeing the message from her best friend, Violette smiled. She had a hunch about what this big news


    might be.  Dra§Þanovels.c§àm


    ¡°Should we go see Aunty Odette?¡± Violette asked the children.


    ¡°Yep! I like Aunty Odette!¡± Rita raised her hands in agreement.


    Ian didn''t object, which meant he agreed.

 Chapter 360

    Chapter 360


    The nail salon was tucked inside a luxury brand store. Violette used to think that this brand only sold


    bags and clothes. She was quite surprised to find out they''ve branched out into the nail business.


    "Violette! Ramsey and I are nning to tie the knot this year!" Odette announced the big news. "And


    you, you''re going to be my maid of honor! Your two kids will be my flower girl and ring bearer!"


    Violette was dumbstruck. "My kids can be your flower girl and ring bearer, but maid of honor...I think


    you should find someone else for that!"


    She had already been married and had kids.


    "I''ve already talked it over with my parents and Ramsey! They''re all okay with it." Odette pulled her to


    sit next to her. "Let''s get matching nails!"


    "I can do the matching nails, but I really can''t be your maid of honor. Odette, I wish you and Ramsey a


    lifetime of happiness and sweetness. Don¡¯t end up like me." Violette looked down, "Although I''m pretty


    happy now, I want you to be even happier."


    Odette''s smile froze on her face, she said, "Violette, I''ll listen to you. But I believe that you will find a


    better man in the future, and you will be very, very happy."


    Violette nodded, looking at her fingers, "Are your nails almost done? How long have you been here?"


    "I came in the morning. Because I chose a lot of styles, it took a while, but the results are pretty good."


    Odette looked at her finished nails, very satisfied.


    "I''ll just get a simple manicure. I brought the kids out to y today; if it takes too long, I''m afraid they''ll


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    get bored." Violette nced at her two children.


    "Mom, I want pretty nails too." Rita stared at the dazzling array of nail styles on disy, her eyes wide.


    Violette replied, "You''re too young now. Wait until you''re older to do it."


    "Mom, we won''t get bored," Ian held Rita''s hand and spoke to his mom, "You should get nails like


    Aunty Odette''s."


    Odetteughed, "Ian, you think my nails are pretty too?"


    Ian nodded.


    Odette said, "What a good boy! You get the same as mine, I''m almost done, if they get bored, I''ll take


    them out to y."


    To let Violette rx and get her nails done, Odette took the kids out after she was finished. She had


    always enjoyed having fun, and after taking the two kids out of the shop, she took them to a children''s


    clothing store and bought several outfits, then took them to eat dessert, and then to the amusement


    park...


    After Violette finished her nails, she called Odette to ask where they were.


    After Odette told her their location, Violette gasped, "Odette, how did you guys get so far? We''re


    practically on opposite sides of the city now! I might as well go home and sleep."


    Otherwise, by the time she found them, it would be dark.


    Odetteughed, "Go home and sleep! Rita told me that you got kidnapped by Elijahst night and didn''t


    Violette didn''t expect her daughter to spill the beans, she said shyly, "I went there myself."


    "Oh...did hee to you because of Sarah''s miscarriage? That jerk, just block him! Don''t bother with


    him in the future!" Odette was indignant.


    Violette replied, "Even if I block him, he can still find his way to my house. Avoidance won''t solve the


    problem."


    She looked up and saw a familiar figure not far away. She would never forget this person in her life!


    New chapter av§Ñble o? Dr§Ñm§Ñnovels


    If she still had any unachieved goals, it would be to see this person dead!


    Standing next to Alexa was a man, who was carrying Alexa''s bag. This man was Sarah''s father.

 Chapter 361

    Chapter 361


    They had broken up before, but after Alexa sold her overseas assets, this dude swaggered back into


    her life.


    "Mr. Warren, I heard that Elijah gifted your daughter 100 million bucks, is that right?" Alexa deliberately


    raised her voice.


    Mr. Warren spotted Violette too. He answered with evident pride, "Yeah! He gave it to her yesterday."


    "Why don''t you let your daughter invest it with me? I can turn her 100 million into 400, even 600


    million!" Alexa chuckled.


    "Sounds like a n! I''ll discuss it with her when I get home. She actually admires you, and she''s pretty


    supportive of us being together."


    Alexa was all smug, turning to Violette who was approaching, "Violette, I''m back!"


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    Violette stopped, giving her a cold nce, "Nice. Even if you hadn''t returned, I would have found you


    overseas."


    "Oh... I came back for you, you know. Your mom''s life wasn''t enough for the lives of my daughter and


    my brother!" Alexa retorted, raising an eyebrow, "You fancy Elijah, don''t you? Then I''ll use the money


    Elijah gave to Sarah to deal with you."


    "Bring it on!" Violette nonchntly replied, "It''s either you die, or I survive."


    "That''s what I''m thinking too! If I had known you''re trouble, I would have dealt with you ages ago!"


    Alexa snarled.


    "If I had known you were a pain in the ass, I would have found a way to get rid of you too." Violette shot


    back.


    Their exchange grew heated. Afraid they''d start a rumble in the store, Mr. Warren quickly ushered


    Alexa away.


    Back home, Violette saw thewn sttered with red paint, and promptly grabbed the hose to clean it


    up.


    Her mom''s face involuntarily appeared in her mind. When her mom was around, she''d nted a lot of


    veggies in the yard, keeping it well-organized. Now the yard was empty, looking deste.


    She wouldn''t let Alexa off the hook. She had to avenge her mom!


    The next day, she woke up early and hit the flower market.


    She bought a bunch of flowers and nts, and after sprucing up the yard, she called Odette and Adrian


    to invite them for a barbecue at her ce.


    Odette asked with augh, "Can we bring plus ones?"


    "Sure, bring Ramsey!" Violette replied.


    "Haha, I was thinking since Adrian can''t drink, I''ll bring Ramsey to keep Mikepany." Odette


    exined.


    Violette: "You really think he won''t bring Joey?"


    Odette was taken aback, "How far have those two gotten?"


    "From a one-night stand to a tonic love affair, I guess!"


    In the evening.


    Adrian and Joey arrived one after the other. The barbecue kicked off soon after they arrived. Re?d at


    Dr?m§Ñ?§àv§Öls


    Odette was dumbfounded, "Holy shit! Isn''t that Elijah''s car?!"

 Chapter 362

    Chapter 362


    Under the dim street light, he stood out in his light brown trench coat.


    He usually wore dark clothes, so when they saw him switch up his style, everyone were pleasantly


    surprised.


    His arrivalpletely changed the vibe in the yard. Odette was gritting her teeth, clenching her fists, as


    if she was about to punch Ramsey any second. Obviously, it was Ramsey who brought him here.


    Upon seeing Elijah, Violette quickly looked away. Everything that happenedst night was still fresh in


    her mind.


    With so many people in the house tonight, she believed he wouldn''t dare to pull anything.


    He positioned himself as the creditor and her as the debtor. So even if she didn''t invite him, he still had


    the guts to show up.


    As they walked in from the yard gate, Odette stretched her hand and twisted Ramsey''s arm. Ramsey


    shrugged, looking helpless. His face said it all¡ªI was innocent! It wasn''t me who brought him!


    Odette nudged him towards Violette, indicating that he should apologize and exin to her. He strode


    next to Violette.


    "Violette, your nails look really nice! Same as Odette¡¯s, right?" Ramsey said, forcing a smile and


    looking at her nails.


    Joey made room for Elijah to sit. After he sat down, he looked at Violette''s hand, having heard


    Ramsey''s words.


    Under the orange light, her nails looked like cat''s eyes, clear and sparkling, with a mysterious and


    captivating glow.


    After Ramsey said that to ease the tension, he leaned into Violette''s ear and whispered, "I swear it


    wasn''t me who brought him. I just said I wasing here and he insisted oning with me..."


    Violette: "I''m not ming you."


    Ramsey let out a sigh of relief: "I brought some wine...in the trunk, I¡¯ll go get it."


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    After saying this, Ramsey and Odette went to get the wine.


    Mike was extremely annoyed seeing Joey acting like a suck-up after meeting Elijah.


    "Some people are just shameless, aren''t they?" Mike said bluntly, looking at Elijah, "Who invited you


    here?"


    Elijah looked up, calmly: "Living under someone else''s roof, and you think you''re the host?"


    Living under someone else''s roof?! Even though this wasn''t his house, what kind of rtionship did he


    have with Violette? The kind that can take the bullet for each other!


    Joey pulled up a chair and sat down next to Mike, whispering, "Don¡¯t be so petty. Violette didn''t say


    anything, so just shut up!"


    "Violette! Kick this shameless guy Elijah out!" Mike said, ordering Violette.


    After she made the announcement to kick him out, everyone¡¯s gaze suddenly shifted to Elijah.


    If he had any self-respect, he should stand up and leave immediately. But he didn''t. Co?tent belo?gs to


    Dra§Þ?n§àv§Öls.c§àm


    Was he giving everyone a life lesson?


    Mike wanted to flip the barbecue grill when he heard that.

 Chapter 363

    Chapter 363


    Joey shoved a kebab into his mouth, effectively shutting himself up.


    Ramsey and Odette came over with a few bottles of red wine, and Joey immediately went to greet


    them.


    "Look at all these good wines! Did you steal these from your dad¡¯s cer?"


    "What do you mean ''steal''? Can I steal from my own house?" Ramsey started to uncork the wine


    bottles as he defended himself.


    Joey took a bottle to Mike, pouring a ss for Elijah as well.


    Adrian, known for his low tolerance, also grabbed a ss, "The night is young, let me join you."


    "Adrian, you''re in high spirits today, aren''t you?" Odette poured him a ss, then turned to Violette,


    "Violette, do you want some?"


    Violette shook her head, "I have to look after the kids, you guys go ahead."


    "Sure! I''ll make sure to keep this unexpected guest entertained!" Odette said, sitting down next to


    Elijah, "Mr. Bourne, why aren''t you at the hospital with your fianc¨¦e? You wouldn''t abandon her now


    that she''s lost the baby, would you? You weren''t just with her to have a baby, were you?"


    Her rapid-fire questioning chilled the room. Odette surely knew how to stir the pot! Mike felt like a


    rookiepared to her.


    Elijah''s face was cold as ice.


    "True, she lost the baby from just one fall. She is so weak! If I were you, I''d dump her too!" Odette


    continued, "I mean, Violette is not as big as Sarah. How could she have knocked her down? Don''t you


    have surveince? Show us the footage! If Violette is really that bad, I''d be the first one to cut ties with


    her."


    Ramsey felt a chill in the air.


    He put down his ss, covered Odette¡¯s mouth and moved her away from Elijah.


    Seeing the awkward atmosphere, Joey quickly lifted his ss, "Let''s not dwell on unpleasant topics.


    Let''s drink! No one leaves sober tonight!"


    No one responded.


    The tension increased.


    Then, Adrian raised his ss and clinked it with Joey''s.


    Mike joked, "With your tolerance, I could knock you out in half an hour."


    Joey: "Let''s time it then! If you don''t knock me out in half an hour, you lose!"


    Mike: "Alright! You''ve lost already!"


    They started a drinkingpetition.


    In a moment, Ramsey calmed Odette down and apologized to Elijah. Odette sat down with Violette and


    started grilling skewers.


    Twenty minutester, Rita ran over to Elijah with a skewer of vegetables.


    She held it out to Elijah, "Eat this!"


    Elijah nced at the ''vegetable'' in her small hand.


    "My mom says you can''t be picky! Eat it!" Rita insisted.


    Elijah obviously didn''t take it. Then, Ian came over and took Rita away.


    "Your ''vegetable'' looks too much like grass. He''s no fool." Ian calmly said.


    Rita looked troubled, "What should we do then? I want to give him a stomachache!" Co?tent §àf


    Dra§Þa?ov§Öls.c§à§Þ


    Ian: "Laxatives."


    Rita: "Where can we findxatives? He said he likes meat. Let''s put some in the meat!"


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ...

 Chapter 364

    Chapter 364


    Ian turned his head, shooting a nce in Elijah''s direction. Coincidentally, Elijah was also looking at


    them. Father and son made eye contact, and the air was crackling with a dangerous vibe!


    Ian shot him a re, then turned away, "Rita, he wouldn''t eat what we offer."


    "Ian, why did hee to our house?" Rita couldn''t help but look at him even though she disliked him.


    Ian replied, "No idea. Are you full?"


    Rita shook her head, "I''m waiting for mom to get the ketchup."


    As soon as Rita finished, Violette walked out from the house with the ketchup.


    Odette leaned in to ask her quietly, "Violette, you don''t have anyxatives at home, do you?"


    Violette shook her head, "What happened?"


    Odette told her about what just happened, "I was dying ofughter. You should have seen Elijah''s face,


    hahaha! He wanted to lose it but was too embarrassed...After all, who could bear to be mean to our


    cute little Rita?"


    Violette realized why Rita had finished her ketchup so quickly and asked her to get more.


    She was trying to distract her!


    Violette ced the grilled skewers in front of the two children, "Eat these and then go back to your


    room."


    "Oh, mom, you shoulde with us," Rita said.


    Violette replied, "Sure."


    Not long after, the two children had their fill and they went back to their room with Violette. They didn''t


    go upstairs but instead stayed on the ground floor. From the barbecue area, their yful figures could


    be seen. After half an hour, Violette took the children upstairs to give them a bath.


    In the front yard, Mike and Joey finished their drinking game, with Mike as the clear loser. He failed to


    outdrink Joey within half an hour! Joey''s increased alcohol tolerance was unexpected.


    After losing, everyone started to cheer for him to perform a talent.


    Elijah, uninterested, put down his ss and got up. Odette was constantly watching him. When he got


    up, she nudged Ramsey.


    Ramsey quickly understood what she meant and followed Elijah, "Elijah, are you leaving?"


    Elijah pointed to the vi, "I''m going to the bathroom."


    "Oh... Well, go ahead then!" Ramsey awkwardly returned to Odette, "Odette, stop staring at him. I can''t


    possibly follow him into the bathroom."


    Odette huffed, "It''s all your fault! Why did you tell him you wereing to Violette''s?"


    "You know I can''t lie to him. Besides, I asked him for a favor today, he''s been so good to me, how could


    I lie to him?" Ramsey defended himself, "You guys always hang out without me, why did you invite me


    today?"


    Odette replied, "We won''t invite you next time!"


    "Come on! Elijah doesn''t alwayse along. I guess he''s just feeling pent up and needs to let off some


    steam, so¡­"


    "So, he''s here to pick a fight with Violette, right?"


    Inside the vi.


    Violette finished giving the children a bath and put them to bed.


    Dragging her weary body back to her room, a sudden figure startled her!


    "You..." She gasped. Co?tent §àf Dra§Þa?ov§Öls.c§à§Þ


    Elijah strode over to her, closing and locking the door behind him.


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Her face flushed a deep red.


    She had let her guard down. Of course, he didn''t juste over for dinner tonight!

 Chapter 365

    Chapter 365


    "Elijah, don''t you ever get tired?" She gritted her teeth.


    "Are you tired?" Hisrge hand gripped her slender wrist, pulling her to sit by the bed. "You had a


    barbecue with friends today, you should be in a good mood, right? Seeing me makes you tired?"


    He started to unbutton her coat.


    She quickly grabbed his slightly cold hand, her voice pleading, "Elijah! Please don''t do this in my


    house!"


    "Why not?" He didn''t give her a chance to answer, sternly asking, "Because you''ve had other men in


    your bed?"


    Violette pushed him hard: "Because I find you disgusting!"


    His body stiffened sharply at her words!


    She despised him, because he had slept with Sarah.


    Violette walked briskly to the door, opened it, indicating for him to leave. He walked over, swung his


    long arm, and closed it again!


    "And you? You''ve carried another man''s child in your belly." He locked the door, grabbed her waist, and


    picked her up!


    She had a cesarean section before, so there''s a scar on her stomach. This scar, it deeply triggered


    him. Because she said Rita was a test-tube baby, conceived with sperm from a sperm bank.


    Her mouth was stopped by his words.


    Elijah¡¯s body was about to press down, her arms blocked between them.


    "Go take a shower! You smell like alcohol!" She frowned, turning her head away.


    Seeing her disgusted look, he pulled her arm, taking her to the bathroom. "We''ll shower together."


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    "I''m not showering with you!"


    "You want to sneak out while I''m showering?" He questioned.


    "This is my house! Where would I go thiste?!" She retorted.


    "Then let''s shower together!" He pulled her into the bathroom, closing the door behind.


    ...


    Front yard.


    A slightly drunk Mike realized Elijah''s seat had been empty for a while.


    "The heck, didn''t Elijah go to the bathroom? Why hasn''t hee back?"


    Mike''s words brought Odette, who was drinking, back to her senses.


    "How long has he been gone?!"


    Ramsey checked the time: "It''s been an hour... He didn''t fall in the toilet, did he?"


    No one was on the first floor.


    "Odette, keep your voice down. The kids might be asleep." Ramsey reminded.


    Odette covered her mouth and went upstairs. The others followed.


    Odette first went to the children''s room to see if they were asleep. Upon opening the door, the light


    from the hallway shone on the bed, and Ian''s eyes suddenly popped open. Seeing a group of people at


    the door, Ian immediately sat up. Updated at Dr?manov§Öls.c§àm


    "Ian..." Rita rubbed her eyes and also sat up.


    Seeing this, the group at the door didn''t know what to do. Crap, both kids were awake!


    Ian and Rita looked very nervous and anxious, and they immediately ran to their mom''s room!

 Chapter 366

    Chapter 366


    "Mommy!"


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    "Mommy!"


    The two children''s cries echoed throughout the vi.


    In the master bedroom, Violette heard the children''s voices and immediately tensed up. She tried to


    break free from the man on top of her, but couldn''t.


    "Elijah! Let me go!" Her eyes twinkled with tears of anxiety.


    He held onto her wrists tightly, showing no intention of letting go.


    "I''m not done yet!" His voice was deep and annoyed. "You think they really need you?"


    "Whether they need me or not, whenever they call me, it''s important!" Her eyes turned red as she


    fiercely resisted him.


    He overpowered her with greater force. How could she break free when he was so determined not to


    let her go?


    Tears streamed down her face, and hatred filled her eyes as she looked at him!


    Outside the door.


    Seeing Rita almost crying, Odette immediately picked her up.


    "Don''t cry, Rita. I might have had too much to drink and said something wrong." Odette held Rita and


    walked towards the kids'' room. "Elijah isn¡¯t with your mommy... With all of us here, how could he mess


    with her?"


    Mike tried to turn the handle of the master bedroom door, but it was locked. Although he was furious,


    he wouldn''t actually break down the door. He picked up Ian and followed Odette to the kids'' room.


    "Ian, don''t be mad! I''ll stand guard at your mom''s door! Once that jerk Elijahes out, I''ll give him a


    good punch!" Mikeforted the frowning Ian. "You and your sister should go to sleep now. You have


    school tomorrow!"


    Ian, suppressing his anger, remained silent. A whileter, the two kidsy down on the bed, and Odette


    and Mike left the room.


    "Odette, I think you really had too much to drink! Whatever happens between Elijah and Violette, you


    can''t let the kids know! They''re still so young. Don''t drag them into it!" Ramsey reprimanded.


    Odette''s face turned even redder at the scolding. "Why are you ming me?! If you have the guts, call


    Elijah out! You bastards are always protecting Elijah!"


    Mike: "I''m definitely not protecting that scumbag!"


    Joey: "Who are you calling a scumbag?! He is not bad!"


    Mike: "Scumbag! I said he''s a scumbag, what are you gonna do about it!"


    Joey nced towards the direction of the master bedroom, then lowered his voice and challenged him:


    "Youe with me!"


    So, the two of them went downstairs.


    Ramsey looked at his watch and said, "We should head home too."


    Odette, still upset, said, "Home? Did you clean up the yard?"


    Ramsey: "Oh, let''s go clean it up then!"


    "You do it! I''ll supervise!"


    "Alright, alright, I''ll do it, and you supervise." Ramsey sighed. "Honey, don''t be mad anymore. You can


    be mad at Elijah all you want when I''m not around, but at least think about me when I''m here!"


    "I can''t stand him!" Odette went downstairs. "I just can''t hold it in!"


    "But I think Violette is handling it pretty well." Ramsey joked, "Stop worrying. If Elijah was really abusing


    her, do you think she could stop herself from screaming?"


    After everyone went downstairs, they started cleaning up the yard.


    Suddenly, Mike looked up towards the master bedroom on the second floor.


    "Wow! Howe they didn''t turn on the lights? Are they asleep already?"


    Joey: "Seems like my boss isn''t going home tonight, I''ll send the bodyguards home first."


    Mike: "Who said he could stay here overnight?"


    Joey raised his eyebrows: "Violette did!"


    In the master bedroom upstairs.


    After everything was over, he let her go. She didn''t want to see him, so she turned off the light.

 Chapter 367

    Chapter 367


    When she switched off the light, he noticed a tear trickling down her cheek. Even though he was


    satisfied physically, he felt suffocated inside. Her silence made him feel even worse.


    The room was pitch dark, with only a faint lighting in from the streetmp downstairs. He stared at


    her back, his eyebrows furrowing more and more. His body instinctively craved to be closer to her, not


    maintain this distance.


    Elijah moved closer, stretching out his arm to pull her into his arms. When she felt his warmth, she


    pushed him away with all her might.


    "Let go of me!" she murmured softly.


    "No!" His arms held her tight, his chin resting on her smooth shoulder, inhaling her scent, "I''m not


    leaving tonight."


    She felt tied up, unable to move.


    He was not gentle, but not as rough asst time either. Since when did he consider her opinion about


    staying or leaving? What good was her opinion to him anyway?


    He didn''t need to talk at all. He just did whatever he damn well pleased!


    The next day.


    Violette, as usual, woke up at seven in the morning. When she got up, the man in the bed simply


    opened his eyes, nced at her, then rolled over and continued to sleep. She quickly got dressed and


    left the room.


    Both kids were awake. Ian was brushing his sister''s hair with ab.


    Violette thought about the cries of her children from the previous night and her heart ached.


    She quicklyposed herself and entered their room.


    "Good job, my little ones! You guys got up without mommy having to wake you!" She approached them


    and pulled them both into a hug.


    "Mommy! Did that jerk Elijah leave? Did he hurt you?" Rita''s small hand gripped her arm, her eyes


    scanning her face.


    She shook her head, "He didn''t hurt mommy. If he did, mommy would definitely fight back! You guys


    don''t have to worry about me, okay?"


    Rita sighed with relief, "I knew my mom wasn''t a pushover!"


    "Right!" Violette reassured her daughter, then turned to her son, "Ian, how about mommy takes you


    guys out for breakfast today?"


    Ian nodded.


    "Mommy is really fine." Violette ruffled his hair, then picked a hat from the wardrobe and put it on his


    head, "You like wearing hats, so wear this one. Mommy will buy you lots of cool hats in the future."


    Ian''s face was still expressionless, and his jaw was clenched tight.


    Violette could tell, he was still angry, becausest night when they called for her, she didn''te out of


    the room.


    She felt guilty.


    After getting the kids ready, the three of them left the room and went downstairs. As they passed the


    master bedroom, Ian nced at the door. He had a strong suspicion, that jerk Elijah was still in mom''s


    room.


    Nine o''clock in the morning.


    The Bourne family''s bodyguard delivered some clean clothes to Silverleaf Ridge.


    Elijah changed into the fresh clothes gracefully. As he exited the master bedroom, his phone rang. He


    answered the call and strode downstairs.


    "Ourpany''sputer system got hacked!" On the other end of the line, was Joey''s anxious voice,


    "The hacker left a message."


    Elijah paused, calmly asking, "What message?"


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    Joey: "The hacker ims to be your father. He told you to behave, or he''ll hack you every day."

 Chapter 368

    Chapter 368


    Elijah smirked to himself. Ian was actually trying to y daddy! What a joke.


    But the kid did have some guts.


    He had stayed overst night, and Elijah could bet that Ian didn''t sleep a wink out of sheer anger. So,


    that was why he attacked hispany''swork overnight.


    He should be angry, but picturing Ian''s restless and irritated face, a smug smile crept onto Elijah''s lips.


    "Boss, should we call the police?" Joey asked.


    Elijah strode down the stairs and casually replied, "What''s the situation with the IT security department


    now?"


    Joey: "They are fixing it urgently."


    Elijah: "When can it be fixed?"


    Joey: "They said it could be done before noon."


    Elijah reached the ground floor, "No need to call the police."


    Joey: "Alright. Boss, do you suspect it was Ian?"


    Elijah: "Drop the ''suspect''."


    Joey couldn''t help butugh, "Alright! He''s like a wonderkid! After thest attack, our tech department


    upgraded our firewall, but he still managed to break in."


    Elijah: "So what if he''s a genius? He''s gone off track at such a young age. If Violette keeps indulging


    him, he''s destined to be a future jailbird."


    Joey''s smile faded. That was harsh. If Violette heard that, she''d flip her lid.


    "But it seems like he''s only targeting you... I haven''t heard of him attacking anyone else," Joey


    analyzed, "As long as you don''t call the cops, he won''t end up in jail."


    Joey believed that Elijah would never send him to jail. No matter what he did, as long as Violette


    protected him, Elijah wouldn''ty a finger on him.


    Joey''s words made Elijah''s expression darken a bit. If that was the case, he was in for a world of


    trouble. Because this kid''s abilities were only going to get stronger as he grew up. Thinking about that,


    Elijah felt like he had a thorn in his heart.


    Bourne Estate.


    Sarah was discharged from the hospital today.


    She should''ve stayed in the hospital for a few more days, but she couldn''t bear to stay there any


    longer. Although Elijah hadn''t explicitly broken up with her, it was clear to everyone that they were over.


    There was no reason for her to continue living at the Old Manor.


    "Sarah, stay here for now and don''t overthink things. Elijah''s opinion doesn''t reflect mine. I still like you


    very much," Grace said, "Stay here and keep mepany."


    Sarah: "Thank you for liking me. But if I stay here, Elijah might not be pleased."


    "He''s not that petty! Right now, you need to rest and take care of yourself," Grace handed her a


    beautifully wrapped gift, "This is a little something from me. I hope you won''t resent Elijah and will


    continue to treat Maka with all your heart."


    Sarah epted the gift box. So, the olddy was being so nice to her because she still had some use


    for her.


    "Don''t worry, I''ll do my best," Sarah opened the gift box to find a beautiful bracelet, "This is gorgeous,


    thank you."


    "My daughter-inw once wanted to get this bracelet, but I couldn''t bear to give it to her," Grace smiled,


    "Giving it to you today shows how much I appreciate you."


    "Hmm! Actually, I don''t resent Elijah. It''s just that we weren''t meant to be." Sarah said calmly.


    Just then, a maid came over and whispered something to Grace. Her face tightened immediately, and


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    she got up and headed inside.

 Chapter 369

    Chapter 369


    Grace picked up the phone in the inner room, "Hey, you know Elijah, right? I''m his mom."


    The other person responded, "Mrs. Bourne, hello. What can I do for you?"


    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Do you have a student named Ian at your kindergarten?"


    "Yes, we do."


    "I need some of his hair, can you get it for me? I can pay you, just name your price." Grace blurted out


    generously.


    The other person, confused, asked, "What do you need his hair for? It''s not that I don''t want to help,


    but you might not understand this kid''s situation. He doesn''t let anyone touch him. Only his sister can."


    Grace couldn''t believe that such a simple request could be so difficult with Ian.


    "Figure something out! If you can''t get the hair, blood will do!" said Grace, "Just to be straight with you,


    his mom was once married to my son, and I have some serious doubts about this kid''s background. So


    please, try your best to help me. If you seed, I''ll make it worth your while."


    The nanny noticed a shadow moving at the door, and she immediately walked towards the door.


    "Ms. Sarah, what can I do for you?" The nanny looked at Sarah, her expression serious, carefully


    choosing her words.


    Sarah looked flustered. She had been eavesdropping.


    "Oh, well... I think the gift from Grace is too expensive, I can''t ept it."


    The nanny responded, "Please wait in the living room."


    Sarah quickly headed to the living room.


    Grace finished her call shortly after. The nanny didn''t mention Sarah''s eavesdropping, as she didn''t


    want to stir up any trouble. After some small talk with Grace, Sarah said she had lunch ns with her


    father, so she had to leave.


    Leaving Old Manor, Sarah felt heavy-hearted. From what she overheard, Grace seemed suspicious of


    Violette''s two children. Even though Elijah didn''t like children, Grace was eager to have grandchildren.


    If Grace learned that Ian and Rita were Elijah''s children, she would definitely treat them like treasures


    and take Violette''s side.


    Sarah didn''t want to see that happen.


    At the restaurant, Sarah just sat down and nced at Alexa.


    "Sarah, why the long face? Didn''t Elijah give you a big chunk of money? Cheer up, money''s what


    matters most." Mr. Warrenforted.


    Sarah took a sip of water, "It''s not about that. By the way, Alexa, have you closed the deal on those


    techpanies you wanted to acquire?"


    Alexaughed, "Almost there. It''s a great time to get in. The Dennis Group is doing great right now and


    the rest of the industry is in a slump, so it''s easy to negotiate prices. You want in? I guarantee you''ll


    make a profit."


    Sarah''s eyes flickered, "How can you guarantee?"


    A determined look shed in Alexa''s eyes, "Because Violette and I are at odds! I have to win!"


    Sarah, influenced by Alexa''s determination, said, "Alright, I''m in."


    At the Dennis Group.


    After quickly finishing her morning work, Violette looked at the time and rose from her office chair. She


    walked out of thepany, heading towards a nearby pharmacy.


    Entering the pharmacy, the clerk asked, "Miss, what can I get for you?"


    Violette hesitated, then said somewhat embarrassed, "Emergency contraception."


    The clerk immediately fetched a box of morning-after pills, giving her an extra look.


    She lowered her head, opened her phone, and paid via mobile payment. After paying, she left the


    pharmacy with the pills, Elijah''s warning echoing in her mind.


    He had said that if she didn''t bear him a child, he''d haunt her for the rest of her life. He wanted her to


    carry his child, even if that child couldn''t be born alive, even if it was a stillbirth!


    She suddenly felt a chill, her body turning ice cold. The pills in her hand jangled as they hit the ground.

 Chapter 370

    Chapter 370


    After thework in the Bourne Group was back to normal, Joey knocked on Elijah''s office door.


    "The IT security team asked me to give you this," Joey said, handing over a stack of papers.


    Elijah nced at the documents and asked, "What''s this?"


    "¡­It seems like it''s some virus code Ian wrote," Joey scanned briefly, then didn''t dare to look anymore.


    Elijah opened the file and was immediately greeted by a line of bold, capitalized writing within the


    jumble of code: ''Elijah is a dummy''.


    His face instantly turned red.


    He flipped to the second page ¨C ''Elijah drives into a river!''


    The third page ¨C ''Elijah runs out of toilet paper!''


    The fourth page ¨C ''Elijah chokes on a piece of bread!''


    ¡­


    Elijah picked up the stack of papers and fed them to the shredder. His face wasn''t looking too good, but


    he didn''t react further. After all, Ian was only four years old. He wasn''t about to get worked up over a


    kid.


    Just then, there was a knock and the office door opened. Brandon was standing at the door, "Elijah,


    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    let''s grab some lunch."


    Joey gave Brandon a meaningful look.


    Brandon walked in and asked, "What''s up?"


    Joey moved closer to him and whispered, "Violette''s kid, he''s one heck of a pest."


    "Oh...speaking of which, I''m peeved too!" Brandonined, "Isn''t that kid only four? How is he so


    talented? It makes our IT guys look like a bunch of dummies!"


    Brandon''sment left an awkward silence. After all, their IT team was filled with cream-of-the-crop


    talents.


    Joey: "Probably because Ian''s mentor is quite the whiz."


    Brandon: "Oh, you mean Mike?"


    Joey''s face turned a shade of red. He didn''t want to continue the topic, so he left first.


    Brandon and Elijah went to a restaurant near thepany.


    "You guys had a BBQ at Violette''s yesterday? Why didn''t you invite me?" Brandon sounded a tad sour


    after ordering his food.


    "Do you know why Ian messed with ourwork?" Elijah asked calmly.


    Brandon: "He can''t stand you, duh!"


    Elijah: "I went there by myself yesterday. No one invited me."


    Brandon looked surprised, "Elijah, when did you be so shameless?"


    "I wanted to know why Violette was in such high spirits." He picked up the teacup and took a sip.


    People usually invited friends over for a BBQ when they were in a good mood.


    "So, did you find out why after going therest night?"


    He shook his head, "They weren''t exactly thrilled to see me."


    Brandon felt a pang of sympathy, "If they don''t wee you, don''t go next time. Whatever you want to


    eat, I''ll treat you."


    "Their displeasure doesn''t affect my mood." He put down the teacup, looking unfazed.


    Seeing the calmness on his face, Brandonughed, "You couldn''t resist seeing Violette, could you?


    Your called-off engagement was also because of her, wasn''t it?"


    "You''re mistaken," he corrected, "The real reason is that I don''t love Sarah."


    "Though I''m not particrly fond of Sarah, I do feel sorry for her this time. She lost you and her child.


    Don''t you feel anything for that baby? After all, that was your flesh and blood. If she hadn''t had an


    abortion, the baby would be born in a few months," Brandon said sympathetically.


    Elijah''s face remained expressionless, his voice icy and devoid of emotion, "If I must have a child, I


    certainly wouldn''t want it to be borne by another woman."

 Chapter 371

    Chapter 371


    He might as well just say it ¡ª he only wanted a child from Violette. As for other women, if their child


    died, so be it, no biggie, since he didn''t want it!


    "So you''re going to have Violette bear your child?" Brandon teased.


    "Hmm."


    Brandon was gobsmacked, nearly spilling his drink. "You''re really having Violette bear your child?!"


    "Sarah wants me to avenge our lost child."


    "So you''re having Violette bear your child as a form of revenge?" Brandon couldn''t help butugh, "If


    Sarah knew your way of revenge, she''d probably faint from crying."


    Elijah: "How I seek revenge is my business."


    "What about Violette?" Brandon suspected there was more to it.


    Violette already had two children. Even if Ian was adopted, her attitude towards him showed her


    maternal love. She probably wouldn''t want to have any more kids!


    "She''s not willing." His eyebrows knitted together. "She hates me to the bone now."


    "You forced her to bear your child, Of course she hates you!" Brandon was taken aback by his drastic


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    decision.


    He was not exactly a gentle man, but he was definitely not a savage either. Sarah''s miscarriage wasn''t


    Violette''s fault. How could he make her bear a child aspensation? Unless, he wanted to make her


    his.


    "She has a scar on her belly." He said in a low voice. "It constantly reminds me that she''s had a child


    with another man. Even though that man never touched her body, she carried his child. The thought of


    it makes me lose my cool."


    So even though he never wanted a child, out of revenge, he wanted her to bear one for him.


    "Elijah, you don''t want other women to bear your child, yet you want her to do it. In the end, you still


    love her." Brandon looked at his anguished face and ordered a bottle of wine.


    "Is this love?" He looked lost. "But she doesn''t want me."


    Brandon: "I''ve heard that once a woman bears a man''s child, she falls for him even more. Maybe


    you''re doing the right thing."


    His eyes held a hint of ambiguity.


    Whether this decision was right or wrong, he had already made it.


    ...


    A weekter.


    Odette dragged Violette to a bridal shop.


    "Violette, have you ever worn a wedding dress?" Odette was going to try on wedding dresses today


    and she was beyond excited.


    Violette shook her head: "I''ve worn something like a evening gown."


    "A wedding dress is not the same as a normal gown. Why don''t you try one on today! You have such a


    great figure and fair skin, you''d look stunning in a wedding dress!" Odette picked out a white wedding


    dress in the shop, "Violette, what do you think of this one? It''s quite simr to the one I ordered!"


    Violette blushed when she saw the white wedding dress.


    She didn''t have a boyfriend, nor ns to get married. There was no need for her to try on a wedding


    dress.


    "Odette, you try it on, I won''t." She refused shyly.


    "I''ll wear the one I ordered, you wear this one!!" Odette ignored her and had the shop assistant take


    down the dress.


    Odette dragged her to the fitting room.


    She grumbled, "Odette, are you trying to find me a boyfriend so we can have a double wedding?"


    Odette: "I wish that were the case, but no man is good enough for you!"


    Violette couldn''t help but chuckle.


    An hourter, Odette posted a series of photos on Twitter. There were pictures of her trying on the


    wedding dress, and there were also pictures of Violette in a wedding dress.


    Within five minutes, someone sent them to Elijah.


    Elijah erged the picture, and his brows furrowed when he saw her face.


    Why was she wearing a wedding dress? Was she nning to get married?

 Chapter 372

    Chapter 372


    Looking at the photo of her smiling so joyfully, he painfully realized that it had been a long time since


    she had smiled at him like that.


    Probably about five years.


    Bridal shop.


    Violette had taken off her wedding gown.


    She picked out a lightvender dress to wear for Odette''s wedding.


    "In a few years when I hit 30, I wouldn''t dare to wear such cute clothes," she joked, "So I''m taking


    advantage of my youth to stock up."


    Odette: "Violette, you still look like an 18-year-old girl!"


    "ttery will get you everywhere. No wonder Ramsey is so smitten with you," Violetteughed.


    "He''s the one hitting the jackpot by being with me." Odette said contently after trying on several


    custom-made dresses, "Now we just wait for the wedding! Oh, aren''t your two little munchkins¡¯


    birthdaysing up? How are you nning to celebrate?"


    Violette: "At home."


    "What?! You''re not throwing a party? Or maybe a small one at home?" Odette, who had already picked


    out gifts for the children, was eagerly awaiting Violette''s ns.


    Violette shook her head: "I''ve decided not to throw a birthday party."


    She made this decision to avoid attracting Elijah''s attention. She had lied, saying Ian was adopted and


    Rita was born through IVF. If he found out the kids share the same birthdate, he would definitely get


    suspicious.


    "You''re trying to avoid Elijah, aren''t you? That guy is like a bad penny!" Odette frowned, "But can you


    hide this forever? Don''t worry, I won''t spill the beans to Ramsey. I''m just worried that Elijah might get


    suspicious and start digging."


    Violette¡¯s head pounded at the mention of Elijah. She wanted to keep her distance from him, but the


    more she thought about it, the messier their rtionship became. It seemed like God was ying a


    cruel joke on her.


    "I''ll try my best to hide it! The kids hate him; they don¡¯t want to know him."


    "If I were Ian and Rita, I wouldn''t like him either. He''s such a narcissist, always putting himself first, with


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    no respect for others." Odetteined, taking Violette''s arm as they left the bridal shop, "Let''s go


    grab a bite! My treat!"


    Violette frowned suddenly, "Why isn¡¯t Ramsey with you? Isn''t he supposed to apany you today?"


    "He¡¯s been taking over his family business this year, so he¡¯s swamped... If I want him to take a


    honeymoon with me in May, I need to give him time to sort out his work now." Odette sighed, "No


    exaggeration, you''ve been spending more time with me than he hastely."


    "Are you guys nning to have kids? You need to start taking folic acid in advance if you are," Violette


    reminded her.


    Odette shook her head with a helpless expression, "You know I''m a wuss when ites to pain. I can''t


    bear the thought of childbirth, so we''ve decided to hold off for now. Don''t let it slip... His parents and


    mine are already pressuring us to have a baby!"


    Violette was surprised, "I always thought you loved kids!"


    "I do! Your two munchkins, I adore them. But liking kids and giving birth are two different things," Odette


    grimaced, "I''m waiting for medical advances. The day men can give birth, I''ll push Ramsey into the


    delivery room first."


    Violette burst intoughter.


    "Let''s have your bodyguard pick up the kids from school and bring them out for dinner! Consider it an


    early birthday celebration. Let''s head back to my ce to grab the presents first," Odette suggested, "I


    won''t bring Ramsey along tonight, okay?"


    Violette smiled and nodded, "You''re very thoughtful."


    Odette: "I have to be! That''s why I can''t stand Elijah. Such adorable kids and because of that jerk


    Elijah, they can''t have a normal family like other kids."


    Violette''s smile faded.


    "Violette, don''t get me wrong. I''m not saying the kids aren''t happy with you. I''m just saying they could


    have it even better."


    "You''re right. I''ve always felt guilty." Violette confessed.


    She had always questioned whether her stubborn decision to have the children was right or wrong. If


    the children could choose, would they want to be born?


    At 6 in the evening.


    The bodyguard brought the children to one of the most expensive restaurants in town.

 Chapter 373

    Chapter 373


    Odette and Violette chose a spot by the window in the hall. The view was pretty cool.


    "Mommy!"


    Rita, holding her brother''s hand, ran towards Violette.


    Violette scooped them up onto the couch and asked, "Did you guys have a st at kindergarten


    today?¡±


    Rita shook her head. "Mommy, the teacher said we''re going to get our fingers pricked next week... I''m


    scared it''s going to hurt..."


    Ian exined, "They''re checking our blood sugar."


    Violette got it right away andforted her, saying, "Honey, don''t be scared. It''ll only hurt for a sec."


    Rita''s eyes were already drawn to the cake on the table.


    "Mommy, whose birthday is it today? Is it Aunty Odette''s birthday?"


    Odette chuckled and shook her head. "We''re celebrating your and your brother''s birthday early!


    Excited?" As she said that, she pulled out two beautifully wrapped gifts and handed them to the two


    kids.


    "Yay!" Rita took the gift with an excited face and said, "Thanks, Aunty Odette. I really like you!"


    "I like you too!" Odette reached out and rubbed Rita''s head.


    Violette gestured for Ian to take his gift.


    Ian took the gift, his handsome little face blushing slightly. "Thanks."


    "No need to be so formal! Hurry up and unwrap your gifts! If you don''t like them, I can exchange them


    for youter!" Odette taught them how to unwrap the boxes: "Just pull the bow, and it will open."


    Soon, the two children unwrapped their gifts.


    Rita''s gift was a figurine modelled after her. It was well-made and beautifully designed.


    "I love it! It looks just like me!" Rita held up the figurine and gave it a kiss.


    Ian''s gift was the same.


    Ian didn''t exactly love the cool figurine, but he didn''t hate it either.


    The waiter began to serve the dishes.


    After the dishes were served, Violette put birthday hats on the two children.


    "We''ll keep it simple this year. When we get a chance, I''ll throw you guys a birthday party," Violette


    promised the two kids.


    "Mommy, it doesn''t matter if we have a party as long as you''re with us!" Rita said sensibly, "It''s a shame


    grandma isn''t here. She said she would make us a chocte cake for our birthday."


    The smile on Violette''s face froze.


    Odette quickly changed the subject: "You''re ready for cake, aren''t you, Rita? Let''s cut the cake now!"


    "Aunty Odette, we have to make a wish first." Rita picked up a candle and said, "And we have to put in


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    the candles and sing Happy Birthday!"


    ...


    At the entrance to the restaurant,


    A tall figure suddenly stopped.


    He instantly recognized Violette''s familiar face.


    Then his gaze fell on Ian and Rita.


    The two kids were wearing birthday hats.


    Today was their birthday.


    "Mr. Bourne, this way, please." The person apanying Elijah spoke respectfully.


    Elijah ignored him and strode towards Violette''s table.


    The others didn''t know what was going on and followed him in confusion.

 Chapter 374

    Chapter 374


    When Elijah showed up at the dining table, Violette was just about to take a bite of her piece of cake.


    Catching sight of him, she almost bit off her fork.


    What kind of luck was this to run into him while just having a meal out?


    Odette frowned in annoyance and said, "Mr. Bourne, what a coincidence! Have you got a dinner party


    tonight?"


    She joked, waving at the group standing behind him.


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    Everyone gave polite but reserved smiles.


    Elijah nced at the cake on the table, finally resting his gaze on the two children.


    "Their birthdays?" His voice was low and powerful, full of uncertainty.


    He remembered Ian''s birthday was on April 13th, not today.


    Violette felt like her blood was boiling!


    She didn''t celebrate the kids'' birthdays to prevent him from finding out.


    But now, even when she celebrated their birthdays secretly, he still found out!


    Seeing the panic and unease on her face, his mind started spinning.


    Was Ian''s birthday today, not April 13th? And Rita''s too?


    Were both kids'' birthdays on the same day?


    Could it be?


    "Why are you so nosy? What''s it to you whose birthday it is today? And who said that cake can only be


    eaten on birthdays?" Odette removed the birthday hats from Rita and Ian''s heads, cing them on her


    own and Violette''s. "Today is the anniversary of me and Violette knowing each other for over a decade,


    so we''re out celebrating. Got a problem?"


    At her words, the panic on Violette''s face instantly disappeared.


    Elijah''s gaze dropped to her head, teasing, "Violette, do you want to get married?"


    She was startled by his question and looked up to meet his gaze.


    Before she could respond, Odette jumped in and said, "Elijah, can you just mind your own business?


    Whether Violette wants to get married or not, what does that have to do with you? Even if she did want


    to marry, she wouldn''t want to marry you! Just give it up!"


    Odette''s words stung Elijah, and a dull ache throbbed in his heart.


    His gaze suddenly turned fierce. "Odette, I didn''t ask for your opinion, so just keep your mouth shut!"


    Violette couldn''t just ignore it anymore. "What Odette said is exactly what I wanted to say. There''s no


    need for you to make a scene in public; it''s beneath you!"


    His rationality suddenly snapped back.


    His expression was cold, and he clenched his fists, turning around and striding away.


    Once he was gone, Odette took a deep breath and said, "That scared me! That''s the first time he''s


    ever been that mean to me!"


    Violette: "Next time, don''t cover for me. It''s hard for Ramsey to be stuck in the middle."


    Odette puffed out her cheeks, grumbling, "Don''t you think his behavior is confusing? You two are


    divorced; why does he keep bothering you? And asking if you want to get married... , if you said you


    did, he would marry you?"


    Violette felt a headacheing on and said, "Just stop talking about him. Next time we go out for a


    meal, don''t go to ces where rich people like to hang out."


    Odette: "Oh, we didn''t do anything wrong; why should we avoid him? I''m not afraid of him!"


    Violette took a deep breath.


    She was afraid of him.


    The kids were her Achilles'' heel.


    If she had no other choice, she would have to give him another child.


    There was no way she was going to give him Ian and Rita.


    "Mommy, why did he ask if you wanted to get married?" Rita''s clear voice rang out.


    Odette burst outughing. "Because your mommy is wearing a wedding dress today, looking all pretty


    and sexy! That bastard Elijah probably saw the picture and got his heart fluttering."


    Violette''s cheeks grew warm. "Odette, don''t post my pictures on social media anymore."


    Odette: "He doesn''t even follow me! It must have been Joey or Ramsey who sent it to him! I swear,


    these guys are even bigger gossips than us girls!"


    Suddenly, the screen of Violette''s phone on the table lit up.


    Unlocking the screen, she saw a message from Elijah.


    He had sent her the name of a hotel and a room number.

 Chapter 375

    Chapter 375


    He was straight to the point.


    "Pay me back tonight."


    She frowned and replied, "I can¡¯t do it tonight."


    He got back to her in a jiffy.


    She could almost picture him seething.


    "I''m not negotiating with you; I''mmanding you!"


    That was his reply.


    She responded coolly, "Forgot about a woman''s time of the month?"


    Elijah: ...


    Violette: Still on for tonight?


    Elijah: Are you taunting me?


    Violette didn''t dare reply.


    She wouldn''t dare really provoke him.


    ...


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    On the second floor of the restaurant, Elijah didn''t wait for her reply and put down his phone.


    When he picked up his phone to text, everyone in the room held their breath.


    The atmosphere only rxed when he put it down.


    "Mr. Bourne, was that Miss Dennis from downstairs, the owner of the Dennis Group?"


    "Yes, that''s her. You can find her picture online." Someone nearby showed everyone her picture and


    asked, "Do you know Alexa? She was Violette''s stepmother. After ke Dennis died, they had a falling


    out over his estate. Now that Alexa is back in the country and entering the drone industry, it seems like


    she wants topete with Violette."


    "Who do you think will win?"


    "Hard to say. They both make drones, but their target markets are different. Violette targets the high-


    end market, while Alexa targets the low-to mid-range market. If Alexa is sessful, she''ll definitely


    make more money."


    "I''m betting on Alexa. She''s been sessful abroad, and it''s clear she has a head for business. What


    do you think, Mr. Bourne?"


    All eyes turned to Elijah.


    He pressed the power button on his phone, lighting up the screen. Violette hadn''t replied.


    "Did you lot invest in Alexa?" His clear eyes sparkled with mischief, but his voice waszy. "I''m not a


    shareholder, so I don''t really care about their performance."


    "Oh, I haven''t invested in Alexa yet, but I''m considering it. Any advice, Mr. Bourne?"


    His face waspletely devoid of frivolity as he said seriously, "Real power yers don''t go around


    begging for investments. They manage their own money."


    He ended the dinner party early.


    As he went downstairs, he nced at where she had been sitting.


    It was empty.


    Did she leave so quickly to avoid him?


    Time flew by, and it was Monday.


    Silverleaf Kindergarten was having a full medical check-up today.


    A ck Mercedes parked quietly in the kindergarten parking lot.


    Grace sat in the car, anxiously waiting.


    She had specifically arranged this check-up just to get a blood sample from Ian.


    Grace was worried that he wouldn''t cooperate.


    If he didn''t, and they couldn''t just force a blood sample from him, then things would getplicated.


    After about an hour, a nurse hurried towards the parking lot.


    Grace''s eyes lit up!


    Had they seeded?!

 Chapter 376

    Chapter 376


    The nurse approached the car, handing a vial of blood sample to Grace.


    "Did it go that smoothly?" Grace took the vial; her face lit up with surprise.


    The nurse nodded. "His sister is afraid of pain, so he had his blood drawn first as an example for her.


    They are very close."


    Grace was only interested in Ian.


    Rita didn''t look anything like Elijah, and rumor had it that Rita was the product of Violette and another


    man.


    Even if Ian was Elijah''s son, Grace thought, she wouldn''t ept Violette because Violette had a child


    with another man.


    After stowing away the vial, Grace shut the car door.


    The car headed towards a paternity testing center.


    Upon arrival, Grace handed over Elijah and Ian''s blood samples to the staff.


    "When will the results be out?"


    The staff replied, "Very soon. We will notify you immediately once the results are avable."


    Holding back her excitement, Grace nodded her head.


    The Dennis Group


    Monday''s regr meeting.


    "President Dennis, Alexa is making a big fuss about their drones!" the vice president started. "After


    snapping up threepanies in one breath, she quickly started merging and restructuring. What''s


    scarier is that she''s reportedly bagged a hundred million in investments. Investors are all in on her."


    "I have a friend working in herpany, and he said that Alexa has big ambitions. She aims to be the


    number one in the domestic drone industry. Her strategy is clear: first open the domestic market with


    low prices, then develop high-end products after establishing a market presence, and finally squeeze


    us out of the drone industry," another executive expressed his worries.


    Mike smirked, "Well, let''s see if she can beat us!"


    "President Dennis, what do you think? Should we do something to counter this?" The vice president


    turned to Violette. "I have confidence in our products, but we also need to prepare for the worst."


    Violette nodded. "Let''s see what their next move is... If they price their products too low, they''ll have to


    continuously invest in marketing. Although this can quickly capture the market, how will they turn a


    profit? If they can''t manage that, they''re done for."


    Mike agreed, saying, "Rushing things can lead to a fall."


    Violette took a sip of her coffee, her eyes flickering. "Did she really get a hundred million in


    investment?"


    "That''s what she said at the staff meeting. I think if she said it, even if it''s not a hundred million, she


    must''ve gotten tens of millions in investment."


    Violette nodded, then asked, "Is our drone pricing too high?"


    "Not really. Compared to our quality, the price is reasonable. But for the average person, a drone


    costing thousands is definitely expensive."


    "Right, President Dennis, with your words, we feel much more at ease!"


    After all, being able to quickly raise a hundred million in a short period of time was an impressive feat!


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    Violette wished she could pretend not to care. But she subconsciously frowned.


    "If Elijah is really behind Alexa, then herpany is definitely going ces; it''s just a matter of how


    big," the vice president pessimistically said. "President Dennis, didn''t you and Elijah have a thing? He''s


    not sentimental at all!" Content of Dra§Þ??ovels


    Violette''s eyes flickered. "There''s nothing between him and me anymore. He sees potential in Alexa, so


    he invests in her; that''s understandable."


    "I just think he''s already so rich; why does he need to make this deal? Every cent he invests in Alexa is


    a stab at you!"


    After leaving the meeting room, Violette briskly returned to her office.

 Chapter 377

    Chapter 377


    On the office desk, there''s a fancy invitation.


    She opened it and took a nce. It was an invitation from a summit.


    Mike walked in, noticing the invitation in her hand, and exined, "If you don''t want to go..."


    "I''m going," she replied, opening her purse and pulling out a lipstick, starting to touch up her makeup.


    Mike clicked his tongue and said, "You''re really going all out, huh? Is that a new lipstick? The color is


    poppin''! You look badass with it on! Alexa doesn''t stand a chance against you."


    After Violette finished her makeup and put her lipstick back into her purse, she turned to him and


    asked, "Wanna tag along?"


    "Of course, I''ll be your driver."


    At the summit.


    It was a gathering of elites from all walks of life.


    Upon Violette''s arrival, she was immediately invited backstage by the organizer.


    "Ms. Dennis, you''re scheduled to speakter. The slot is about twenty minutes long. Please have your


    speech ready."


    Violette nodded, But then noticed that Mike was gone.


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    She didn''t prepare a speech in advance, and it was toote to do so now. She would have to wing it.


    She emerged from backstage, scanning the bustling crowd.


    She pulled out her phone from her bag, intending to call Mike.


    But then someone grabbed her arm, pulling her to the side. She looked in surprise at the person


    holding her. Elijah''s bodyguard?


    Did Elijah also attend the summit?


    As she was about to speak, she saw Mike and Joey arguing fiercely in a corner not far away.


    Joey was here too, so Elijah was definitely here.


    "Let go of me!" She said, frowning at the bodyguard, "I''ve got legs; I can walk myself!"


    The bodyguard released her, warning, "No funny business."


    "Where is he?" she asked, her heart pounding and her breathing bing more rapid.


    In half an hour, the summit would begin.


    Was he seeking her out now on purpose?


    The bodyguard didn''t answer her but strode ahead to lead the way.


    When they reached a guest room, the bodyguard opened the door, gesturing for her to enter.


    She took a deep breath and walked into the room.


    With a ''bang'', the door was closed by the bodyguard! Content of Dra§Þ??ovels


    "What do you want?" She red at the man sitting on the sofa.

 Chapter 378

    Chapter 378


    Summit scene.


    After Mike and Joey had been arguing for nearly twenty minutes, they were both worn out.


    "You''re such a drama queen!" Joey retouched his sses on the bridge of his nose and added


    Mike sneered, "Every time your bosses up, you lose all reason. You should really reflect on


    yourself! Your boss isn''t your dad; who are you to say you understand him?"


    "You''re the one who needs to reflect! Why do you care who my boss invests in? Even if he really did


    invest in Alexa, that only means Alexa has business value! It doesn''t mean he admires her character!"


    Joey retorted.


    "Don''t call me for drinks any more! Since you guys are in cahoots with Alexa, let''s just cut ties from now


    on! I''m Violette''s employee!" Mike drew a line between them.


    Joey''s face turned red, "Fine, we won''t hang out! Who wants to hang out with you anyway?"


    After the argument, they each went to find their own boss.


    Ten minutester.


    Mike couldn''t find Violette, so he went to find Joey again.


    "I can''t find Violette! Where''s your boss?"


    Joey shrugged and said, "I don''t know. He didn''t tell me where he was going. We''re here for the


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    summit."


    "Violette is also here for the summit! She has to give a speechter!" Mike looked worried, took out his


    phone, and called Violette.


    Her phone was off, and he couldn''t get through.


    "Do you think my boss is here to be a spectator?" Joey sneered, "Since both of them are missing, they


    must be together."


    "Of course I know they''re together! It must be that jerk Elijah who kidnapped Violette!"


    "Can you use a more polite word?" Joey red at him and said, "Don''t panic; my boss has a good


    sense of time; he should be here soon."


    Mike took a deep breath, and decided to wait.


    Half an hour passed!


    The summit had already started for twenty minutes!


    Elijah and Violette were still nowhere to be seen.


    If there weren''t so many people around, Mike would definitely grab Joey by the cor and ask him, Is


    this Elijah''s sense of time?


    Suddenly, there was apuse. Alexa was invited to the stage.


    Alexa walked onto the stage with aposed and elegant smile, first bowing to everyone.


    "I''m very pleased to be invited to today''s event. It''s an honor to share with so many excellent seniors


    and entrepreneurs... Ourpany''s cultural philosophy is that technology changes lives. We aim to


    change not only the lives of the wealthy and themon people, but also the lives of the poor."


    Alexa was passionately speaking on stage.


    Mike strode towards the person in charge. Violette probably couldn''t make it, so he decided to


    represent her on stage. He couldn''t let Alexa take all the limelight!


    In the hotel room.


    Violette tried to get out of bed several times, but Elijah wouldn''t let her.


    His body was pressing on hers, with ayer of silk quilt in between.


    His behavior was very childish!


    What good did it do him to make herte?


    She pushed his head away. "You¡¯re pressing on me like this; I''m even more tired!"


    Listening to her heavy breathing, he got off her.


    "We only have a bedtime rtionship, not a dining rtionship," she said sarcastically, lifting the silk


    quilt and getting out of bed.


    "There''s no need to rush there now that you''re alreadyte." His voice cooled a few degrees.


    "I''d rather go sunbathing than stay with you," she said as she put on her clothes. New ch?pter av?ble


    o?


    His good mood waspletely ruined by her.


    He got out of bed with a grim face.


    They were both dressing across a bed.


    "Elijah, did you invest in Alexa?" After getting dressed, she picked up her bag, hesitated for a moment,


    and asked.


    Violette was at a loss for words.

 Chapter 379

    Chapter 379


    She pursed her red lips and headed for the door.


    "I''m not sure whether my investment in Alexa counts or not." His drawling voice came as she reached


    the door: "I gave Sarah 400 million dors."


    400 million?


    He gave Sarah 400 million!


    She almost blurted out, "Wasn''t it 200 million?"


    He chuckled, "So you''ve been keeping tabs on Sarah and me. Yes, I did give her 200 million before,


    and another 200 million the day before yesterday. She performed two surgeries on Maka, each


    worth 200 million."


    Violette''s hands clenched tightly!


    For these two surgeries, Sarah got a whopping 400 million from Elijah!


    And after getting the 400 million, Sarah invested it all in Alexa!


    How ironic!


    She had never seen a more absurd story in her life!


    Because both surgeries were performed by her!


    So essentially, she had handed 400 million to Alexa!


    Ha! She wanted Alexa dead! How could she be funding Alexa?


    Elijah saw her body tense up, trembling slightly.


    He quickly dressed and strode over to her.


    He came to her side and saw her pale face, and her dull and numb eyes.


    "Violette, what''s wrong?"


    He gripped her wrist.


    After a deep breath, she forcefully shook off his hand.


    "Elijah, I''m such a fool!" She held back tears, her chin slightly lifted. "I shouldn''t have been so soft-


    hearted! No more mercy for you or anyone around you!"


    The VP was right.


    Every penny Elijah gave to Sarah felt like a knife plunged into her.


    Because Sarah and Alexa were in cahoots!


    Her heart was now in shreds!


    She had let herself down, and worse, she had let her mother down!


    "Violette, what are you talking about?" Elijah gripped her wrist tighter, and his brows furrowed. "Are you


    mad that I gave money to Sarah? Or do you think I gave too much?"


    "How much you give her is your business!" she screamed out in frustration.


    "So it is about that." Heughed bitterly, saying, "If you could cure Maka, I''d give you whatever you


    want! Can you? Can you cure Maka?"


    His voice grew louder!


    "No! I won''t treat her!" Violette bit back her pain, and spoke coldly, "Even if I could cure her, I wouldn''t!"


    He forcefully let go of her arm!


    Her words had hurt him deeply.


    He knew she not only despised his people, but she also never cared for his money.


    She walked out of the stifling room.


    She didn''t go to the summit.


    She hailed a taxi by the roadside and gave her home address.


    With her current emotional state, she couldn''t handle anything.


    She wanted to be alone.


    In the evening, her two children came home from school.


    They were surprised to see Violette at home. New chapter av§Ñble o? Dr§Ñm§Ñnovels


    "Mom! Howe you''re home early today?" Rita and Ian walked over to her.


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    Rita showed her a finger.


    Violette gently blew on Rita''s finger and said, "It won''t hurt in a while."

 Chapter 380

    Chapter 380


    "Mom, I was scared of the pain, so the nurse let big brother take the lead," Rita exined. "My brother


    took the blood test for me. He loves me the most."


    Violette sighed after hearing Rita''s exnation: "You two are so adorable and thoughtful; Mom is falling


    in love with you guys more and more every day!"


    "Mom, we love you too!" Joy filled Rita''s bright eyes.


    The bodyguard standing by scratched his head. "Ms. Dennis, should I start cooking?"


    Violette: "Wouldn''t that be too hard on you?"


    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    The bodyguard shook his head and said, "Not at all."


    After saying that, the bodyguard went into the kitchen.


    "Mom, the bodyguard''s cooking is really good!" Rita held Violette''s hand, mumbling, "Why didn''t Uncle


    Mikee back with you?"


    Her brows furrowed slightly. "He had some stuff to do; that''s why we didn''te back together."


    Her phone had been off since Elijah turned it off.


    Mike must be sick for not being able to find her this afternoon!


    She immediately took out her phone from her bag and turned it on.


    Seeing the missed calls from Mike, she called him back.


    Mike picked up immediately, "Violette! Can you let me know the next time Elijah takes you away? Do


    you know how worried I was?"


    Violette felt a bit awkward and changed the subject to, "Why are you fighting with Joey again?"


    "You saw us fighting?" Mike gritted his teeth. "I asked him if Elijah invested in Alexa; he said he didn''t


    know and told me to mind my own business, that his boss had his reasons whether he invested in


    Alexa or not... I can''t stand his attitude."


    "There''s no need to fight over this." Violette nced at the kitchen and said, "Do you want toe


    back for dinner?"


    "I have a dinner meeting outside tonight," Mike changed the subject, "You didn''t hear Alexa''s speech


    this afternoon... I just had tough! She was saying she didn''t start herpany to make money but to


    save all the poor people. Does she think she''s so great? It''s obvious she''s just trying to scam


    everyone''s money!"


    Violette listened to his excited rant, her mood rtively calm.


    She had been thinking a lot since she came back this afternoon.


    She can''t stop Alexa from doing anything; what she needs to do now is maintain her core


    She has to wait for the opportunity to deliver a fatal blow to Alexa!


    "Don''t drink too much tonight; call a driver if you do. I have a headache today; I can''t pick you up." She


    reminded him.


    "Oh, why do you have a headache? Is it because of Alexa or Elijah?" Mike asked worriedly.


    "It''s because of myself." She replied lightly, "I''m going to be with the kids now."


    "Oh I''lle back early tonight." Mike was still worried about her.


    ......


    Eight o''clock in the evening.


    The Bourne family


    A ck Rolls-Royce slowly pulled into the front yard.


    After the car stopped, Elijah got out.


    Sarah came out from the living room and stopped in front of him.


    Elijah: "You can continue to stay there."


    Elijah: "Are you not staying in the house I arranged for you anymore?" Co?tent belo?gs to


    Dra§Þ?n§àv§Öls.c§àm


    Sarah''s firm attitude this time took him by surprise.


    He thought of Violette.


    Violette used to love him too, but when she wanted to break up, she was also this determined!


    Thinking about this, a cold light shed in his eyes.

 Chapter 381

    Chapter 381


    Sarah left Elijah''s luxurious residence and walked back to Bourne Estate.


    Grace always hit the hay pretty early. Travis and his wife were often out painting the town red till the


    wee hours. As for Kaleb, he was either MIA at night or cooped up at home all day. So Old Manor was


    very quiet every day.


    After getting back to her room, Sarah texted Kaleb.


    Kaleb got the text and beelined it to Sarah''s room.


    "Sarah, our kid is gone. What do you still need from me?" Kaleb stood at the doorstep with an


    indifferent expression and said.


    Thinking about the kid whose life was snuffed out, he felt a pang. If it was him who didn''t want the kid,


    he could stomach it. But it was a kid he was looking foward to.


    "Do you think I didn''t want my own kid? That was my kid too! But I couldn''t have it! If it was born, we


    would both be in a pickle!" Sarah pulled him into the room and shut the door.


    Kaleb sobered up a bit, "What do you need me to do?"


    Sarah: "I''m moving out. I thought I should say goodbye to you tonight."


    "You''re making it sound like we''re never gonna see each other again. Didn''t you agree to continue


    treating Maka? And you took my uncle''s hefty bank transfer..." Kaleb¡¯s tone wasn¡¯t too cheery.


    "Kaleb, if I had enough money, maybe I wouldn''t care if you were capable or not. As long as you can


    dance to my tune." Sarah looked at him.


    "Sarah, what are you getting at..." Kaleb was losing it a bit.


    "Just what you think!" Sarah yanked him by the cor to the bed and turned off the light!


    ...


    Two dayster.


    The paternity testing center called Grace to let her know the results were in. Grace''s blood pressure


    shot up before she even saw the results. She wanted to go and get the results herself, but she was


    feeling dizzy as hell.


    After taking her blood pressure medication, she had the chauffeur go get the results. The moment the


    chauffeur left, she started a lively chat with the maid by her side.


    "I didn''t ask on the phone because I wanted to see the results with my own eyes." The olddy said


    happily, "I dreamed of the resultsst night! Just what I wanted! Ha-ha!"


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    The maidughed along with her.


    At this point, Kaleb came down from upstairs, asking, "Grandma, what''s the news? You look so happy!"


    Kaleb: "Sounds mysterious. I''ll get back to sleep, wake me upter!"


    Grace: "Sure!"


    About an hourter, the chauffeur came back with the results.


    The results were in a file envelope. Grace opened the envelope and pulled out the paper, her hand


    trembling! Updated at Dr§Ñmanovels


    The olddy murmured to herself, her breath quickening as she grabbed her phone to make a call.

 Chapter 382

    Chapter 382


    Half an hourter, Elijah got a call from his brother Travis.


    "Elijah! Get your butt to the hospital! Mom just took a tumble at home, and her condition isn''t looking


    too hot!"


    Elijah''s grip on his cell tightened. He bolted from his office, making a beeline for the elevator.


    Joey saw his ashen face, worry gnawing at him. What happened?


    "Should we postpone the next meeting?"


    "Let the deputy handle it. Have the meeting minutes sent to meter." Elijah said before stepping into


    the CEO''s elevator.


    The elevator doors slowly closed, and Joey felt an uneasy twinge. Elijah rarely showed this kind of


    tension at work.


    Hospital.


    Grace was rushed into the ER. When Elijah arrived, the ER doors were still tightly shut.


    "What happened?" He looked ghastly as he turned to Travis.


    "I wasn''t home... Kaleb said he heard mom scream. When he rushed out of his room, he saw mom at


    the bottom of the stairs."


    Elijah frowned, "She fell from the second floor? What was she doing up there?!"


    Grace was getting on in years and her mobility wasn''t great, hence she lived on the first floor.


    Travis was in agony, "I don''t know! I wasn''t there... Mom doesn''t stay on the second floor, but she likes


    to walk around the house."


    "Where was the nanny?! Didn''t she keep an eye on her?!" Elijah''s voice rose in anger.


    Grace had high blood pressure. She couldn''t afford to fall!


    "I rushed to the hospital as soon as Kaleb called me. I didn''t have time to grill the house staff!" Travis


    was on the verge of tears, "Kaleb, tell your uncle what happened."


    Kaleb''s eyes were red and puffy. "I was asleep at home. After hearing grandma''s scream, I ran out to


    find her on the floor. The nanny was just crying. I didn''t have time to question her, I just dialed 911."


    Elijah tensed up, his fists clenched tight.


    Kaleb wiped the tears from his eyes, "I''ll go home now and question the nanny. See what really


    happened."


    After Kaleb left, Travis stood anxiously by the ER door.


    Elijah stood stiffly on the other side. He thought back to thest time he saw his mother. It was when


    Sarah had a miscarriage. They had a conversation then. He told her he''d find another doctor to treat


    Maka. She was happy and said she wouldn''t force him to stay with Sarah anymore. She was always


    like that. She seemed strong, but alwayspromised with him. He wasn''t good at expressing his


    feelings, so he rarely said warm words to her. But that didn''t mean he didn''t love her.


    After a while, the door of the ER was pushed open. The medical staff came out.


    Instantly, the wails of Travis and his wife echoed in the corridor. New ch§Ñpter av?ble on


    Dr§Ñman§àvels.c§à§Þ


    Elijah trudged into the ER. His mother''s face was pale. Her eyes were wide open, as if there were still


    unfulfilled wishes .


    He gently tried to close her eyes with his hand. But, her eyes wouldn''t close.


    He held her cold hand tightly, his voice hoarse, "Mom, do you have anything to tell me?"


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    There was no response.

 Chapter 383

    Chapter 383


    "If there''s a next life, I hope you won''t have to cross paths with me and Maka again... We''ve been


    such a burden to you."


    Still, no response.


    So, it was true that when a person died, everything ceased to exist. All the worries, resentments, and


    unfulfilled desires erased with the stopping of a heartbeat.


    No one would nag him to get married and have kids anymore, and no one would worry if he''d well-fed


    and clothed, or overworked.


    A momentter, Kaleb arrived at the hospital. Upon hearing the news of his grandma''s death, he broke


    down, sobbing uncontrobly.


    "How could my grandma just die like that? She was just nagging me about getting a girlfriend


    yesterday..." Kaleb cried out, taking out his grandma''s phone, "I asked her caregiver. She said my


    grandma made a call before she fell. So, I brought her phone here."


    With tears in his eyes, Elijah took the phone and opened the call history.


    A familiar name popped up on the screen, taking his breath away!


    ¡ªViolette!


    Thest call his mom made before her fall was to Violette. Why would his mom call her?


    It showed that they spoke for five minutes. What could they possibly have discussed for five whole


    minutes?


    "Who was mom on the phone with?" Seeing Elijah''s odd facial expression, Travis moved closer and


    nced at the phone, "Violette? Why would mom call her? They don''t usually interact much! And mom


    never mentioned her!"


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    With trembling hands, Elijah dialed Violette''s number using his mom''s phone.


    At the Dennis Group, Violette sat in her office, feeling cold. She had been sitting motionless for over an


    hour.


    An hour ago, Grace had called her, revealing that she already knew Ian Dennis was Elijah''s biological


    son! Without waiting for her to speak, Grace read out the paternity test results. Then, she gave Violette


    a piece of her mind.


    In essence, she was saying, "You may have hidden well, but you can''t fool me! I''m going to tell my son


    about this. We want Ian, not you! If you have any conscience left, return Ian to the Bourne family! If not,


    we''ll take him back by force!"


    She hadn''t expected Grace to secretly conduct a paternity test. Now she was trapped with no way out!


    If Elijah found out about this, she couldn''t imagine the consequences. So, she was appalled. She didn''t


    know how to keep the child with her.


    The ringing of her phone on her desk brought her back to reality. She clenched her lips, her gaze fixed


    on the phone screen.


    She thought it would be Elijah, but no, It was his mom again!


    She quickly picked up the phone, her voice hoarse, "What do you want now?!"


    Her shriek echoed in Elijah''s ears. Why was she so agitated? What had happened between her and his


    mom?


    "Violette." Elijah said her name.


    Upon hearing his voice, she immediately clenched her fists! Co?tent §àf Dra§Þa?ov§Öls.c§à§Þ

 Chapter 384

    Chapter 384


    His question made her instantly furrow her brows. What the heck was he talking about? He was asking


    her what happened between her and his mom?


    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    That was so weird! Couldn''t he ask his mom about it himself?


    What was even weirder was that, didn''t Grace say she would tell him about it? It''d been over an hour


    now, hadn''t Grace told him the truth yet?


    She picked up her water ss, took a sip, trying to calm herself down.


    ¡°Why don''t you ask your mom about it instead?" she asked, feeling suspicious as she said it.


    Did something happen that prevented Grace from telling Elijah the truth?


    "My mom passed away," he said with a heavy tone, "Herst phone call was to you. So I want to know


    what you guys talked about."


    She quickly put down her water ss, whispering, "Your mom passed away? What happened?"


    "Answer my question! What did you talk about on the phone?!" he was losing his patience!


    He originally thought his mother''s death was an ident. But now he was starting to have doubts.


    How could she suddenly fall after living there for decades? Before she fell, was she under any kind of


    distress?


    Thest call on her phone to Violette was just too suspicious. They hadn''t been in contact for a long


    time, how could they suddenly have a five-minute phone call?


    Violette was flushed from his interrogation. She was indeed afraid that Grace would tell him the truth.


    But she never thought that Grace would die. She had nothing to do with Grace¡¯s death, but his tone


    seemed to say, you killed my mom!


    She felt really upset. All the doubts and suspicion would destroy their rtionship.


    The reason why she didn''t tell him about the kids was because she didn''t trust him.


    She didn''t trust him to be a good father.


    She didn''t trust him to be good to the kids.


    His attitude towards her showed that he was selfish, arbitrary, and brutal.


    "What I talked to your mom is none of your business! Her death has nothing to do with me!" she gritted


    her teeth and said.


    His disappointment was palpable at her response.


    "It seems my mom''s death does have something to do with you," he said with a cold smile.


    He wasn''t overreacting, she was!


    She got all the words she wanted to say off her chest. She couldn''t feel his pain, because her pain was


    even deeper. Content of Dr§Ñm??ovels.c§àm


    Since she hated him so much and could never love him again, why should he show her any mercy!


    "Bring Violette over here!" he said to the bodyguard next to him.

 Chapter 385

    Chapter 385


    Violette listened to hismands and sarcastically replied, "No need to bother your bodyguard! Where


    are you now, I''lle over myself!"


    Hospital.


    Elijah was clutching his mom''s phone, body all tense. He had made up his mind. He had to get Violette


    to spill what she and his mother talked about in theirst phone call.


    He couldn''t let his mom die without knowing the truth.


    Travis tiptoed over to him and asked, "Elijah, mom is gone. Should we start preparing for the funeral?"


    Elijah: "Autopsy first!"


    He had to rule out if she was killed by others. His mom did have high blood pressure, but usually, her


    body was quite healthy with regr checkups. His mom suddenly dying from a fall, it was highly


    suspicious.


    Travis nodded, "Alright, I''ll go find the doctor."


    Kaleb was supporting his mom. He was so scared that he couldn¡¯t breathe. His heart was racing, inner


    turmoil was running wild.


    He couldn''t show any signs of weakness. If Elijah knew that he was the one who pushed his grandma


    down the stairs, Elijah would kill him right there and then!


    He didn''t want to do it either. His grandma always loved his uncle the most but also adored him. It was


    Sarah who coerced him, blinding his conscience. He had no way out now!


    ...


    Sarah didn''t want Elijah to know that Violette''s child was his. Because if Elijah knew, he would be even


    crazier about Violette!


    If Violette had Elijah, how could Alexa ever beat Violette? Sarah and Alexa were now in the same boat.


    Anything that harmed Alexa, harmed her.


    After Grace was pushed down the stairs and died, Kaleb destroyed the paternity test results.


    He also threatened all the servants in the house not to utter a word, or else they would end up dead.


    The servants at the Old Manor were already mistreated by Travis''s family and wouldn''t dare to speak


    out. Plus, Grace had made a phone call to Violette before she died. So naturally, all the conflicts and


    hatred were directed at Violette.


    Hospital inpatient hall.


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    Violette and Sarah ran into each other. Seeing Violette, Sarah looked like a hunter who spotted her


    prey. She provocatively stared at Violette.


    "Violette, what a coincidence?" Sarah pressed the elevator button and said to Violette, "Why the long


    face?"


    The elevator doors slowly opened. After everyone inside came out, they entered the elevator one after


    the other. Coincidentally, only the two of them were in the elevator.


    Violette was not in the mood to entertain her.


    "Shut up!" Violette retorted.


    Violette turned to Sarah in shock! She stared at Sarah''s face. New ch?pter av§Ñble o?


    Dr?§Þan§àv§Öls.c§àm


    Violette was filled with rage!


    "Do you know why I dare to tell you all this?" Sarah leaned in and whispered in her ear, "Because I bet


    that Elijah will believe me, not you."

 Chapter 386

    Chapter 386


    Violette didn''t bat an eyelid after hearing her words. She and Elijah had be mortal enemies. She


    didn''t even dare to hope that Elijah would believe her.


    "Ms. Sarah, your breath stinks. Didn''t anyone tell you?" Violette said, covering her nose with her hand.


    Sarah grimaced, wanting to retort but didn''t dare open her mouth!


    When the elevator reached the assigned floor, the doors slowly opened.


    Violette was the first to walk out. Not far away, Elijah saw her and walked over. He grabbed her arm


    and forcefully pulled her towards a corner.


    Sarah watched them pass right before her eyes. She stood rooted to the spot, watching them.


    She saw Violette shrug off Elijah''s grip. Then Violette said, "The call was from your mom! What we


    discussed is none of your business! Why can''t you find out how your mom died yourself? Do you have


    no other way to deal with things other than bothering me!"


    She was so fierce. Sarah didn''t expect Violette to be so ballsy in front of Elijah! Seemed like Violette


    was actually being polite with her in the elevator earlier.


    Elijah turned his back to Sarah, but Sarah could see his back tense up.


    "I''m not asking how my mom died! I want to know what you said to her?! What did you two talk about in


    those five minutes! Violette, you understand what I''m saying. Why are you ying dumb?!"


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    Violette sneered, "Your mom died, but you don''t care how. If you were my son, I''d be heartbroken and


    disappointed!"


    "What are you bbering about?!" Elijah was provoked by her.


    "Me bbering? Do you think you''re so clear-headed?" Violette said, "Your mom didn''t fall down the


    stairs by herself! She was pushed!"


    Her words enraged Elijah.


    "Who?" He spat out the word.


    "Sarah!" After a brief struggle in her heart, Violette decided to say it. She felt uneasy not saying it, "She


    confessed to me in the elevator just now!"


    Sarah heard their conversation clearly. She didn''t expect Violette to fall so easily for her trap. And she


    thought she was smart.


    Sarah took a deep breath and squeezed out some tears. She strode towards them.


    Elijah''s gaze shifted from Sarah''s face to Violette''s.


    "Violette, do you have anything to say?" His voice was low, his eyes full of disappointment. New


    ch§Ñpter av?ble on Dr§Ñman§àvels.c§à§Þ


    "No." She said calmly.


    "Apologize to her." He said, "Apologize to Sarah!"

 Chapter 387

    Chapter 387


    Sarah wailed, "Violette! I''ve never seen such a shameless woman like you! You''re twisting the truth!


    Am I crazy to do push Grace?"


    "Yeah! You''re definitely bonkers!" Violette coldly watched her drama unfold, "Don''t be too smug. One


    day your mask is going to slip off."


    "What mask! Violette! Exin... What mask!" Sarah cried, lunging at Violette.


    Violette dodged, taking cover behind Elijah. She was not about to get her hands dirty with this loony.


    Elijah nced at her and blocked Sarah.


    "Sarah, we''re in a hospital!" he reminded, "I haven''t settled things with her. Put your grudges aside for


    now!"


    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    He then dragged Violette towards the elevator.


    Once they had left, Sarah''s tears instantly stopped. Though it was all an act, she really did want to hit


    Violette!


    Kaleb quietly came over, his voice filled with anger, "Sarah, I suddenly feel like we might not be a good


    match. You''re a venomous woman. I can''tpete with you."


    Sarah looked around and didn''t see anyone else, she retorted, "You''re calling me venomous? Do you


    think you''re any better? The one who killed your grandma was you! Not me!"


    "Do you find it amusing to say such things? If it wasn''t for you seducing me while we were making


    love..."


    "If you were a decent man, would you have been seduced by me? Kaleb, it''s toote to turn back now!


    Don''t bring this up in public again! Your grandma is dead, and dead people can''t talk! From now on, we


    just sit back and watch the show!" Sarah quicklyposed herself, "This time, your uncle won''t let


    Violette off easily."


    Kaleb, "I hold no grudge against Violette. She used to be my girlfriend!"


    Sarah raised an eyebrow, "Feeling sorry for her? Go beg your uncle for mercy! Tell him you were the


    one who pushed your grandma..."


    Kaleb''s face suddenly froze, and his eyes was filled with fear as he looked behind Sarah.


    Sarah turned around following his gaze.


    Smack! Travis pped Sarah across the face!


    "You wretched woman!" Travis couldn''t believe his mother was killed by their scheme, his heart was


    filled with sorrow, "Why did you kill my mother and manipte my son!"


    Sarah covered her face. She tasted blood; her lip was cut.


    Her eyes red at Travis like a venomous snake. Why didn''t he hit Kaleb when he was the one who


    did it? She couldn''t directly confront the Bourne family yet, so she had to hold her anger.


    Kaleb, fearing for his life, fled. Sarah followed suit and escaped as well.


    Travis''s wife turned pale with fright.


    She clung to her husband''s arm, crying, "Don''t tell Elijah. If you tell him, he''ll not only kill Kaleb but also


    hate us! Let him deal with Violette!"


    Travis''s eyes were filled with bloodshot veins, "I''m afraid Elijah will kill Violette."


    "No, he won''t!"

 Chapter 388

    Chapter 388


    The sleek ck Rolls-Royce pulled away from the bustling city and rolled into the deserted outskirts.


    Violette was chilling in the back seat with her eyes closed. After a while, the car pulled to a stop. She


    slowly opened her eyes to look outside. All she saw was a dense and unfamiliar forest, eerie and cold.


    She had a bunch of question marks in her head. Where the heck was this? Why on earth had he


    brought her here?


    "Where are we?" She asked him.


    "Just one of my holiday vis." He said as he stepped out of the car.


    Holiday vi? There was no way he brought her here for a vacation.


    She got out of the car and followed him towards the vi.


    The vi was a typical gothic-style building. The grey-blue building nestled in the forest, exuding a


    creepy and mysterious vibe.


    She felt like she was walking into a prison, not a holiday vi. Looking back, she saw his bodyguards


    following behind. She was totally trapped now.


    Entering the vi, the open view inside made her frown.


    The interior design was oppressive.


    "Violette, when did you start contacting my mother?" He asked.


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    The vi''s door quietly closed behind them.


    She shot a nce at the closed door and asked, "So, if I don''t answer your question, I can''t leave,


    right?"


    "Exactly. If you want to get out of here, you have to answer my question truthfully!" His voice echoed in


    the empty vi.


    "I''ve told you! I have nothing to say. No matter where you take me, my answer remains the same!"


    Violette''s voice rose, "Elijah, stop wasting your time on me!"


    "Did you discuss me with my mother?" He ventured, "I can''t think of anything else you two could have


    talked about."


    "That''s not important!" She looked desperate, "Why do you have to know the answer to a question


    that''s not important? My mom died at home, not in mypany! What''s the point of dragging me


    here?"


    "Well said." He stared at her, "If it''s not important, why can''t you tell me? Is it because I''m less


    important than this question, or because you think you can ignore my feelings over and over again?!"


    Violette remained silent.


    "The person who died is my mother! Not some stray cat or dog on the street!" His voice choked, "Why


    can''t I know what my mother said in herst call? Why can''t I know?!"


    Elijah heard the sound of his heart shattering.


    Of course, Elijah knew what the bodyguard''s method was. Read at


    There were two ways to make enemies talk. The first one, bribery. The second one, torture.


    Obviously, the first method wouldn''t work on Violette. So they were left with the second one.


    He had never been able to bring himself to hurt her.

 Chapter 389

    Chapter 389


    But how did she treat him? All his kindness now seemed like a joke.


    He turned his back after a brief decision. The bodyguard got the hint and immediately dragged Violette


    away.


    The hall suddenly went deadly quiet. She didn''t cry or make a fuss. She disappeared from his sight,


    just like she quietly left him years ago.


    ......


    Violette was taken to the basement by the bodyguard.


    The basement was dimly lit. With the faint light, you could see that the basement was bare. They


    moved through the concrete and steel, with strange noises echoing every now and then. The air was


    filled with a rotten, bloody smell that made one want to puke.


    After about five minutes in the basement, the bodyguard gave her a hard shove. She fell t on her


    face without any warning.


    Her fingers touched something sticky, and she picked it up with a shiver...


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    It was grass, but it was covered in some kind of slime, which smelled disgusting!


    She frowned and tossed the grass away.


    "Ms. Dennis, look behind you," the bodyguard said.


    She turned around to see a giant snake''s head. It was a python! A live python!


    The python slowly opened its big mouth at her. She suddenly went weak in the knees, her body cold.


    "Ms. Dennis, do you know why this python is so healthy?" the bodyguard squatted next to her and


    chuckled like a demon, "Because it only eats meat..."


    Violette gasped, unable to stop herself from shaking.


    "In respect of your past service to Mr. Bourne, I won''t directly harm you. This python is our most gentle


    form of punishment. Because it can swallow a creature whole! Once swallowed, you''ll be dead in no


    time..."


    The bodyguard spoke cheerfully, like a devil.


    "Ms. Dennis, what did you tell Grace? If you don''t tell me, I''ll let the pythonmunicate with you! I


    won''t let it swallow you whole... I''ll let it bite... bite by bite... starting from your face... You''re so beautiful.


    You must care about your face, right!"


    The bodyguard reached out and pinched her face. Tears of fear were on her cheeks. She violently


    pushed his hand away, quickly got up and mmed herself into the wall!


    "Damn!" The bodyguard was stunned! He quickly walked over and picked her up from the floor where


    she had copsed after hitting the wall!


    "What happened?!" Another bodyguard walked over upon hearing themotion.


    "She hit the wall! Damn! She''s got some spirit!" The bodyguard put her down and checked her


    forehead wound.


    Her head was bleeding heavily.


    Elijah would surely me them if she was dead before they could get the answer out of her.


    Back in the vi''s grand hall.


    After checking the time for the third time, Elijah''s bodyguard said, "Boss, Ms. Dennis¡¯s body is weak.


    She probably can''t handle the basement punishment." Co?tent of Dr§Ñm§Ñ?ovels.c§àm


    "I''m afraid they might be too rough..." The bodyguard continued, "Maybe I should go..."

 Chapter 390

    Chapter 390


    With a ''ssh'', basin of cold water was thrown over Violette, and she woke up in shock.


    The wound on her head was so painful that she gasped.


    "She''s still alive." The bodyguard who threw the water tossed the basin aside and said, "You thought


    you were in a soap opera and a little bump would kill you? It''s not that easy to die!"


    "What now? She''s too stubborn. If we don''te up with something stronger, she won''t talk."


    The other bodyguard nodded.


    Violette gritted her teeth, her gaze cold as she watched them. All the fear in her heart turned into


    unending hatred.


    The more Elijah treated her like this, the more she wouldn''t talk. Even if his men killed her and she


    died, she would never reveal the origins of the two children.


    It would be better for the kids to go to an orphanage than to acknowledge a devil as their father!


    Two bodyguards were murmuring to each other, then one of them grabbed her arm and brutally


    dragged her forward.


    "Ms. Dennis, don''t be so drastic... You''re so beautiful, you could easily find another wealthy man with


    that face. There''s no need to make yourself miserable just to prove a point. What did you say to


    Grace? Just tell us and we''ll let you go!" The bodyguard threatened.


    Violette was dizzy; everything in front of her was blurry. She had hit the wall earlier, and although it


    didn''t kill her, it injured her badly. She wasn''t even afraid of death, so why would she fear their threats?


    Seeing her emotionless face, the bodyguard grinded his teeth. This woman really had no fear of death!


    ...


    When Elijah entered the basement and approached the two bodyguards.


    "Where''s Violette?!"


    The dim light in the basement made Elijah look even more terrifying!


    One of the bodyguards quickly answered: "Mr. Bourne, this woman is very stubborn! I tried to scare her


    with a huge snake and she ended up hitting her head on the wall! But don''t worry, she''s not dead.


    She''s still alive... We''re freezing her now, and then we''ll roast her, let her feel the torment of alternating


    cold and hot!"


    When Elijah heard ''hit on the wall'', his heart felt like it was being stabbed.


    She actually hit her head on the wall! Was she trying tomit suicide?!


    "Mr. Bourne, don''t worry. For people with a stubborn temperament like her, we need to torment her for


    a few days! Give us some time, no more than three days, we guarantee she will spill everything!" The


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    bodyguard quickly promised, seeing Elijah''s bad mood.


    Elijah was frustrated. These two idiots! He kicked one of the bodyguards away and growled, "Bring her


    out!"


    The two bodyguards were confused. Did the boss think the progress was too slow and wanted to


    torture her himself?!


    Elijah had a lot of mixed feelings. He had no idea how long she had been in there, and how she was


    doing now.


    ...


    He would never admit regret, but he was crazily missing her. He remembered her smiling face, her


    warm body, and soft hands... New ch?pter av§Ñble o? Dr?§Þan§àv§Öls.c§àm


    The two bodyguards dragged Violette''s body in front of him.

 Chapter 391

    Chapter 391


    Her face was pale and bloodstained, as if she was already dead...Seeing that, he asked himself in his


    heart, is this the result he wanted? !


    Could it be that if she died, he could be freed? But why was his heart hurting even more!


    He lifted her off the ground.


    Her body was as cold as ice, holding her was like holding a block of ice!


    "Violette Dennis!" He called out her name, "I didn''t let you die, you''re not allowed to die!"


    In his roar, the two bodyguards heard otherplex emotions besides hatred! There seemed to be


    tension, urgency, but also unwillingness!


    "What''s wrong with Mr. Bourne? Violette isn''t dead, didn''t I tell him that?" one of the bodyguards


    wondered.


    Another bodyguard: "Mr. Bourne seems to be afraid of her death."


    Elijah''s personal bodyguard looked at the two, andining, "You two are too aggressive! If


    anything happens to Violette, you two will be finished!!"


    The two bodyguards turned pale with fright, " Mr. Bourne agreed for us to bring her down! And we were


    very gentle with her! We just used a python to scare her, she was the one who decided to bang her


    head against the wall! If she hadn''t done that, there must be nothing wrong now!"


    Elijah carried Violette to therge bed in the bedroom.


    A doctor arrived shortly!


    After the doctor treated the wound on her forehead, the doctor suggested, "Take off her wet clothes and


    give her a hot bath. Once her body temperature recovers, she should be able to wake up."


    In the evening.


    The Dennis Group.


    Mike couldn¡¯t reach Violette, so he called Joey Lamont again.


    "Damn it! Has Elijah gone mad again? Did he take Violette away again?"


    Joey replied, "Mr. Bourne''s mother has passed away."


    Mike looked shocked, "You''re not joking, are you?"


    Joey: "Do you think I would joke about something like this?"


    Mike: "Oh... Violette is missing again! I''m going crazy! Elijah''s mother died, so he shouldn''t have time to


    trouble Violette now, right?"


    Joey: "I don''t know. Right now I''m on my way to my boss''s house, Maka is upset right now!! Mr.


    Bourne will definitely not go back home these few days, do you want to take Maka to your ce?"


    Mike was speechless.


    An hourter, Joey brought Maka to Silverleaf Ridge.


    Mike briefly exined what had happened today to Rita and Ian.


    After the two kids tried their best to understand the news, they anxiously asked, "Where''s our mom?!


    Where did she go!"


    Joey pushed up his sses and said to Mike, "May be Violette is really with my boss. Because my


    boss isn''t in the hospital."


    "That big bully! Why did he grab my mom again! I''m so mad!" Rita huffed.


    Maka flushed anxiously, "My brother is not a bully!"


    "He took my mom away! He''s definitely a big bully!"


    On the other side of the phone.


    The bodyguard, holding a phone with an iing call, came over to Elijah.


    Upon hearing his voice, Rita immediately pouted and yelled, "You big bully! Did you take my mom


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    away?! Don''t bully my mom! If you bully my mom, I''ll have my brother expose a picture of you bathing


    naked on the inte!" Re§Ñd at Dra§Þan§àvels


    Rita''s threat made Elijah frown.


    "If you dare to do that, I''ll kill your mom right now!"


    He wasn''t in the mood to y childish games with these two little brats!


    With a vacant look in her eyes, she heard the words he had just said echoing in her ears.

 Chapter 392

    Chapter 392


    She should have been heartbroken or upset.


    But she couldn''t cry, and there was no emotional turbulence within her.


    All she felt was a severe headache, so bad that even the slightest breath seemed to cause death.


    She wanted to get up, but her body was sore and aching.


    She had a fever.


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    Although her body was burning, yet she felt chills.


    After finishing his call, Elijah handed the phone back to the bodyguard.


    The bodyguard gestured towards the bed.


    He immediately looked towards the bed.


    Her eyes were open, but there was no sign of life on her pale face.


    She was clearly awake, but she looked the same as dead.


    He hated seeing her in this state!


    He''d rather have her argue with him!


    He strode to the bed and pinched her chin with his slender fingers.


    However, her burning body temperature made him involuntarily let go!


    "Go get the doctor!" he ordered the bodyguard sternly.


    The bodyguard immediately went to ask for the doctor.


    After the bodyguard left, she turned her head to the other side.


    She didn''t want to see him.


    His anger red as he grabbed her chin again, forcing her to look at him, "Violette, have you ever


    thought about what will happen to your two kids if you die? They just called me."


    She had thought about it.


    She thought about it when she crashed headfirst into the concrete wall.


    If she died, Mike would help her raise the kids.


    Odette Farrar would also visit her two children from time to time.


    And Adrian......


    She didn''t need to worry that her children would suffer after her death.


    Her children would only suffer if they fell into his hands.


    So her death wouldn''t make any difference.


    Well, there would be some impact. Her children might cry their hearts out.


    Butpared to falling into Elijah''s hands, what''s a little grief?


    Her expression was calm and fearless, his question didn''t bother her.


    He realized he had underestimated her!


    This woman wasn''t even afraid of death, what could possibly cause her pain and fear?


    The doctor arrived quickly.


    After taking her temperature, he intended to give her an IV.


    Elijah stood by, watching the doctor insert the needle.


    "Mr. Bourne, dinner is ready. Would you like to eat now, or wait a bit?" the bodyguard asked.


    Elijah didn''t respond, just strode out of the room.


    Violette closed her eyes indifferently.


    She and Elijah had reached this point, she couldn''t change her mind, much less beg him.


    She would rather die than submit or plead before him.


    The doctor sighed and left the room quietly.


    As soon as the door was closed, she immediately pulled out the needle on the back of her hand!


    He saw the needle tube that was torn off at a nce, and the medicine dripped down the needle drop


    by drop. In that moment, his face turned very gloomy! New ch§Ñpter av?ble on Dr§Ñman§àvels.c§à§Þ


    She really wanted to die!


    If she wasn''t so feverish, she would probably get out of bed immediately!


    Either jump straight out of the window!


    Or bang her head against the wall again!


    Her eyes were tightly closed, she didn''t move an inch.


    He paused, as if he had thought of something, and then shouted her name, "Violette!"

 Chapter 393

    Chapter 393


    Her temperature was skyrocketing, and her skin was turning redder by the minute.


    She looked like she was about to be roasted alive by her own body heat!


    No matter how he called her name, she didn''t respond!


    His heart was pounding like crazy!


    "Doctor!" He dashed out of the room in search of a doctor.


    The doctor arrived quickly and after assessing the situation in the room, he immediately said, "Mr.


    Bourne, we need to bring her fever down right away. I can give her another injection, or we can try oral


    medication, what do you think..."


    "She''s unconscious, how is she supposed to take a pill? Am I supposed to feed her with my mouth?!"


    Sweat beads trickled down the doctor''s forehead, "Then I''ll give her another injection."


    Since the previous medication had dripped half a bottle onto the floor, the doctor had to prepare


    another dose after the injection.


    Elijah stood beside the bed, looking down at her unconscious form.


    All he wanted was one answer from her!


    Why would she rather die than tell him?


    The thought made him so furious he wanted to strangle her himself!


    What else could this woman do besides causing him pain?


    Silverleaf Ridge.


    Rita was crying her eyes out, mumbling that Elijah was a big meanie.


    Maka, on the other hand, was standing off to the side like a child who had done something wrong,


    unable to utter a word.


    She didn''t expect her brother to be so fierce.


    He''d never been fierce with her before.


    But why was he so harsh towards Violette?


    Joey was just as perplexed as Maka.


    He understood his boss was heartbroken over his mother''s death, but why take out his anger on


    Violette?


    "Our boss must have his reasons for doing this," Joey adjusted his sses, trying to exin to an


    enraged Mike.


    Mike got a headache hearing Joey''s voice, "You can leave now!"


    "Oh... what about Maka... can I leave her with you?" Joey needed to ensure Maka''s safety.


    Mike: "Of course, she has to stay here! If Elijah dares to harm Violette, I''ll use Maka as a threat


    against him!"


    Joey: "Oh... please take good care of Maka until they return! I''lle back tomorrow."


    After Joey left, Mike picked up Rita,forting her, "Rita, don''t cry. Elijah said those things to scare


    you. He''s afraid we''ll expose his dirty deeds."


    Rita sniffed, and grumbled, "Uncle Mike, I don''t like him anymore."


    "Wait, when did you ever like him?" Mike was puzzled.


    Rita bashfully admitted, "I liked him... in my dreams..."


    Mike: "Oh, well, in your dreams, he must be a good guy, that''s why you liked him, right?"


    Rita nodded pitifully.


    She had wished so much that her father was a good man, that she could acknowledge him.


    But the constant disappointments made her give up on that dream.


    She had faced reality. She could never acknowledge that jerk. She just wanted her mom back!


    At 10 pm.


    After three bottles of IV fluids, Violette''s fever finally broke.


    "Ms. Dennis, are you awake?"


    A stranger''s voice rang out.


    Elijah had arranged for a nurse to look after her.


    Violette struggled to open her eyes, then turned her head away.


    This was her way of rejecting.


    She didn''t want to talk to anyone. Read at


    Not Elijah, not his friends, not his subordinates.


    If he wouldn''t let her go, she would rather die here.


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    The nurse sighed, put the bowl down, and went out to consult with Elijah.


    In no time, Elijah''s towering figure appeared in the room.


    He had already showered and was wearing a grey robe.


    Her hands clenched the nket tightly,pletely ignoring his threat!

 Chapter 394

    Chapter 394


    Her silent resistance turned his face into a big thundercloud.


    Sure, he could force-feed her, spoonful by spoonful.


    But he didn''t feel the need to stoop to that level.


    If she didn''t want to eat, well, let her go hungry then!


    He drew back his angry gaze and stomped out of the room.


    Once he was gone, her tensed body gradually rxed.


    Suddenly, a car horn sounded from outside the window.


    She perked up her ears, listening carefully to the noises outside.


    One car after another pulled up to the front yard of the vi.


    In no time, a mor of voices rose from downstairs.


    What''s with the crowd at this hour?


    This ce is in the middle of nowhere, what are all these people doing here?


    Elijah said this was one of his vacation homes, so, were these people his guests?


    His mom passed away not long ago, and here he was, in his vacation mansion, inviting all these


    people... was he throwing a party?


    Just as she was about to get out of bed and walk over to the window to investigate, the door was


    pushed open.


    The doctor walked in with his medicine box.


    "Ms. Dennis, I heard you''re refusing to eat. Mr. Bourne asked me to give you some IV nutrition," the


    doctor said, sighing, "Why not just eat? There''s no need to protest with your body... even though you''ve


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    been wronged today, I can tell Mr. Bourne still has feelings for you..."


    Feelings, huh?!


    So not killing her outright was considered having feelings for her?


    The doctor hung the medicine bottle on the stand, inserted the needle into her, and stood by.


    Violette got his meaning and said, "It''ste, you should go rest. I won''t remove the needle."


    Doctor: "Are you sure you won''t? If you do, Mr. Bourne will me me."


    "I won''t."


    The noise downstairs was bing clearer!


    Tonight, even if it wasn''t a party, it was definitely a big gathering.


    As the host, Elijah must be downstairs entertaining his guests right now.


    This was an opportunity.


    "Ms. Dennis, I''m d you''vee to your senses. I won''t disturb you then. When it''s time to remove


    the needle..." the doctor began.


    Before he could finish, she chimed in, "I''ll do it myself."


    "Oh... you do know how to remove a needle, violently at that..." the doctor joked as he walked out.


    As soon as the doctor was gone, she quickly pulled out the needle and got out of bed to move towards


    the window.


    There were more than a dozen luxury cars parked downstairs.


    And not far away, car lights were flickering... more cars were driving towards the vi!


    She wondered who all these people were,ing here.


    The night wind blew in gusts. Violette hung onto the railing, recalling the day''s events.


    It all felt like a dream.


    Theatrical and absurd.


    Today, she hade closer to death than ever before.


    Before this, she had been afraid of dying.


    Because she wanted to raise her two children and see them grow up.


    But now, she felt that was a luxury she couldn''t afford.


    Downstairs in the vi, in the grand hall.


    Everyone was sitting around on sofas, drinking and chatting.


    "Elijah, let''s skip the sentimental stuff... Cheers!"


    Everyone raised their sses and drank up.


    "Hasn''t it been ages since west gathered?"


    "We''re having barbecue tonight?" someone asked curiously. Updated at Dr?manov§Öls.c§àm


    "We eat whatever Elijah prepares!"


    "Mmm..."


    Just then, two bodyguards brought out the ingredients.


    "Oh my gosh! We''re having this for dinner?!"


    "Hahaha! This is awesome!"


    Violette quietly made her way downstairs from the upper floor.

 Chapter 395

    Chapter 395


    The bodyguard saw hering downstairs and immediately went to report to Elijah.


    Elijah got up from his couch and looked towards the staircase.


    Violette was wearing his bathrobe, with the hem just brushing the floor and the sleeves a bit too long.


    The oversized robe wrapped her slender body, making her look like a kid in adult clothes.


    He frowned, ¡°wasn''t she supposed to be on an IV drip? Why did shee downstairs?¡±


    "Elijah, you''ve been hiding a real beauty here!" Someone spotted Violette and teased him.


    "He''s a normal man, it''d be weird if he didn''t have women around, haha!"


    "Is this girl some rich missy or someone you picked up for fun?"


    Elijah ignored everyone''s questions because Violette was walking towards them.


    Didn''t she want to die? Why was she willing to see his friends?


    What was she up to?!


    He strode towards her and blocked her way.


    He red down at her, "Did you pull out the needle again?!"


    She pushed him on the chest, "You''re throwing a party here, can''t Ie and see the fun?"


    See the fun?!


    Hmph!


    If she wanted to see the fun, he would give her a show!


    He stepped aside.


    Her gaze naturally fell on the barbecue grill!


    Her eyes turned cold instantly! Her ankles weakened, her body trembled violently, and she took two


    steps back!


    Tonight''s barbecue feast was that giant snake that scared her out of her wits!


    She still remembered its terrifying appearance when it opened its mouth, but now it was gutted and


    roasting over the fire!


    Seeing her scared out of her wits, he grabbed her wrist and led her towards the couch.


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    "Since you''re here, let''s taste it together!" His voice was low and maic.


    It sounded like he was talking about something very normal.


    Her heart was pounding wildly!


    Why did he kill the snake?


    She didn''t dare to think too much.


    She was like a puppet, being pushed down onto the couch by him.


    "Isn''t that the boss of the Dennis Group, Violette?" Someone recognized her.


    "Oh... I''ve heard about her..."


    "You guys sure know a lot, I''ve never heard of her!"


    "Haha, I only took notice because I heard she was young and pretty and paid more attention to her


    Violette lowered her eyes and picked up a ss of wine from the table.


    Elijah grabbed her hand, stopping her.


    She had been given several doses of medicine, including fever reducers and antibiotics, so she was


    not allowed to drink today.


    After snatching the wine ss from her, he signaled the bodyguard to switch it with water.


    "Don''t mind me," She muttered, getting up and walking to the sofa on the opposite side.


    Elijah frowned as he saw her sit down beside a man she didn''t know.


    She preferred to sit with a stranger rather than him!


    "Elijah! Don''t worry, I won''t bully your Nexa girl! Hahaha!"


    An hourter, the snake was ready, and everyone started eating.


    Elijah headed for the restroom.


    After a while, Elijah returned from the restroom. Co?tent §àf Dra§Þa?ov§Öls.c§à§Þ


    "Where did Violette go?" He asked in a daze, staring at the empty sofa.


    At two in the morning.


    With the help of a bodyguard, Elijah went upstairs.


    He came to the door of Violette''s room and pushed it open.


    The room was empty!


    Where the hell did she go?!

 Chapter 396

    Chapter 396


    He''d assumed she''d gone back to her room after her bathroom break, so he''d continued drinking up


    until now, before heading upstairs.


    Then a thought struck him! Could she have...run away?!


    There was nothing but forest for over a hundred kilometers around!


    How could she get out of the forest with her frail body?!


    He clenched his fists tightly, spinning around to head downstairs.


    "Mr. Bourne! I''ll check the security footage right away to see when she escaped!"


    The bodyguard immediately spoke up after realizing Violette was missing, "It''s dark out there, there''s


    no streetlights, she couldn''t have gotten far!"


    "A bunch of idiots! Can''t even keep an eye on a woman!" Elijah spat out between gritted teeth.


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    "I''m sorry! I''ll send someone to find her right away! I promise we''ll have her back before dawn!" The


    bodyguard assured him with a terrified look on his face.


    Elijah waspletely sober!


    He was more than sober now.


    He even had a strong gutfeeling!


    "She must have left before midnight! I came back from the bathroom before midnight and found her


    gone, she must have escaped then!" He guessed, "Check the footage before midnight! There must


    have been someone helping her! She couldn''t have left this mansion alone!"


    Bodyguard: "I was thinking the same thing."


    All those who came to the event that night were Elijah''s close friends.


    They were the people Elijah had met when he made his first fortune. Although they didn''t interact much


    afterwards, they kept in touch.


    On the first floor, people were still drinking.


    Elijah''s gaze was fixed on one person.


    Before Violette disappeared that night, she was sitting next to this man.


    He had initially thought she just picked a random ce to sit, but now that she was gone... it indicated


    she might have picked her spot deliberately.


    In other words, she and this man might know each other.


    "Did you let Violette go?" Elijah walked up to the man, taking the ss from his hand.


    The man opposite looked up, his expressionplex, but admitted, "I let her go."


    Everyone turned to look at them.


    "What''s going on? You know Violette? Why''d you let her go? She''s Elijah''s woman!" Someone voiced


    their confusion.


    "It''s simple," the man said, drunk but still lucid, "I owed her a favor. Tonight, she asked me to repay it.


    Elijah, my apologies! I''d rather owe a favor to one of us than to a stranger."


    Elijah gripped his ss tightly.


    Eventually, the stem of the ss shattered in his grip!


    "By letting her go, you''re sending her to her death!" He growled, "Don''t you know how dangerous it is


    out there?!"


    A chill shed in Elijah''s eyes.


    As soon as the bodyguard finished speaking, Elijah clenched his fist, striding towards the back door.


    He had every reason to suspect that she didn''t escape sote at night to survive but to die.


    After Elijah and the bodyguard left the hall, the tense atmosphere remained. Re§Ñd at Dra§Þan§àvels


    "Hey, why do you owe Violette a favor? Never heard you mention it before!" The man next to him asked


    curiously, "Violette''s just a regr businesswoman..."


    "She''s anything but regr," The man cut him off, "A woman that Elijah cares so much about, how


    could she be ordinary?"


    "So, Elijah cares about her not just for her looks and body?"


    There was no proper path leading away from the back door of the mansion.

 Chapter 397

    Chapter 397


    A vast jungle, seemingly endless, stretched out before them.


    This jungle was teeming with ferocious beasts and birds of prey. Even in daylight, anyone stepping into


    this jungle might find themselves under attack, let alone in the pitch-dark night.


    Shielded by bodyguards, Elijah stepped into this terror-filled jungle. As the shlight in his hand


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    illuminated the dense vines and branches ahead, he felt an increasing sense of despair.


    How dare she?


    How dare she enter this ce?


    Did she really think she could make it out alive?


    Even after knowing there was no way out, why did she still choose not to turn back?


    Even if she had turned back halfway out of fear, he wouldn''t be this mad!


    "Violette!" He called her name, his voice trembling.


    The bodyguards joined him, shouting, "Ms. Dennis! We''re here looking for you! If you can hear us,


    please respond!"


    But all that answered them were the howling wind and some animal noises.


    About twenty minutes into their difficult trek, the beam of the shlight caught a bathrobe on the


    ground. It was the one Violette had been wearing that night. After her bath, as there were no clothes for


    her, Elijah had given her his bathrobe to wear. This grey bathrobe, which he had helped her put on,


    how could it be here?


    Why was it taken off?


    With his heart in a mess, he quickly walked over and picked it up.


    "Mr. Bourne, the robe is torn... and there''s blood!" One of the bodyguards pointed out the tear and the


    bloodstains to Elijah.


    His hand holding the robe was shaking incessantly. She must have encountered a beast. Otherwise,


    how could her robe be torn and bloodied? She must have been hurt. And without any clothes on, even


    if she had not been killed by a beast, she would have frozen half to death from exposure to the cold


    weather.


    He didn¡¯t dare to think any further.


    A hint of distress shed in Elijah''s eyes. He took a deep breath, clenching his fists and striding deeper


    into the jungle.


    He had never imagined that he would put her in such danger and distress. He loved her, no other


    woman in the world had ever fascinated and enraptured him like she did. Yet, why had he driven her to


    this? New ch§Ñpter av?ble on


    Somewhere along the way, it began to rain. The rain pierced through the dense canopy, mercilessly


    drenching them.

 Chapter 398

    Chapter 398


    By the time they returned to the vi, they were soaking wet.


    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Now, it''s past three in the morning.


    There were still a few people drinking in the lounge.


    Although it looked like they were just drinking, they were actually waiting for Elijah toe back.


    When they saw Elijah carrying Violette, everyone stood up from the sofa.


    Someone should have said something to break the awkward silence, but no one dared to speak.


    Elijah was only wearing a thin T-shirt which was clinging to his skin because of the rain.


    Water was dripping down from his hair.


    His deep eyes were filled with a dark and desperate light.


    The woman he was carrying was wrapped in his robe, with only her face exposed.


    Her face was pale, and her eyes closed as if she would never open them again.


    The scene was filled with destion and misery!


    Carrying Violette, he strode upstairs and disappeared.


    ......


    After Grace Bourne''s autopsy results came out, Travis Bourne immediately snapped a picture of the


    results and sent it to Elijah.


    She wasn''t poisoned, and there were no other injuries to her body apart from the fall.


    ording to the medical examiner, Grace died from the fall.


    Travis consulted a renowned astrologer, who said the best time to hold the funeral was the next day.


    Upon receiving Elijah''s response, Travis immediately notified friends and family about the funeral time.


    Silverleaf Ridge district.


    Joey came to visit Maka.


    Maka was being well taken care of.


    In fact, after her second surgery, Maka became smarter than before.


    Although she still needed care, her ability to take care of herself was much better than that of a few


    years old kid.


    "My boss'' mom''s funeral is tomorrow," Joey told Mike, "He''s definitely going. Perhaps he''ll bring


    Violette back with him."


    Mike nodded, "Can you take me to the funeral?"


    Joey was shocked, "Only a few executives from ourpany were invited. I''m just a little assistant, I


    don''t have the right to bring anyone. And what are you going to do at the funeral? If you mess around,


    you''ll be taken down by the bodyguards on the spot, you know?"


    Mike certainly didn''t want to get himself killed.


    But he had lost contact with Violette for two days.


    Not only was he anxious, but the kids'' spirits were also getting low.


    If Violette didn''te back, he didn''t know what to do.


    Ian overheard their conversation, his mind started to race.


    He needed to find a way to find his mom!


    He had to bring his mom back!


    The next day was Grace''s funeral.


    The funeral was very grand and solemn.


    The security team had the ce surrounded, not even a bug could get in.


    He appeared before everyone.


    Joey secretly messaged Mike, "My boss is alone. He didn''t bring Violette."


    Mike replied, "Damn it!"


    Joey: "Calm down, I''ll ask him after the funeral."


    Mike: "I''m already outside."


    Joey: "You''re here?!"


    Mike: "Yeah, I brought Ian and Maka." Updated at Dr§Ñmanovels


    Mike: Touching. You actually care about me.


    Joey: ......


    Joey: ..........


    Ian Dennis... this little punk, was he nning to make a scene at the funeral?


    Joey felt a headacheing on and wanted to tell Elijah about this.

 Chapter 399

    Chapter 399


    But looking at the text message from Mike, Joey decided to hold it in.


    Forget it, who cared!


    Just pretended not to know anything.


    The boss had really crossed the line this time.


    How could he take Violette away and not even let her contact her family?


    If he were Mike, he would be livid too.


    In a blink, it was already 11 am.


    Ian didn''t cause any trouble at the funeral. In fact, Joey hadn''t seen him at all.


    He wondered what Ian''s n was.


    Whatever his n was, he probably chickened out.


    After the funeral, the guests went to a hotel for lunch.


    Joey headed straight for Elijah.


    "Boss."


    Elijah stopped, giving him a cold look.


    Joey awkwardly said, "My condolences."


    Upon hearing this, Elijah headed towards the parking lot.


    Joey quickly caught up with him and bravely asked, "Boss, is Ms. Dennis with you? Her kids are really


    worried about her safety..."


    Elijah swallowed hard and croaked, "She''s not dead."


    Joey: "???"


    What kind of answer was that?


    She''s not dead, does that mean she''s alive? But not in a good state?


    She could be dying and still technically not be dead.


    So, what was her actual condition?


    Before Joey could process it, Elijah was already near his ck Rolls-Royce.


    His bodyguard opened the door and helplessly reported, "Miss Maka insists on waiting in the car for


    you."


    Maka looked up at Elijah, her eyes clear. "Brother, I want to be with you. Wherever you go, I go."


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    Elijah stood at the car door, looking at his stubborn sister, lost for words.


    He got into the car and closed the door.


    "Maka, I''ll take you home."


    Maka, her eyes slightly red, shook her head.


    "I have some things to finish. I''ll be home as soon as I''m done," He held her hand, trying to reason with


    her.


    "Brother, you''re a good person, so why are you so mean to Violette?" Maka was very upset talking


    about it, "I heard you say you''re going to kill Violette. I''m scared..."


    Elijah squeezed her hand, patiently exining, "I was just trying to scare the kids. Maka, you''re not


    a kid, so you won''t be fooled, right?"


    Maka: "Can you stop being mean to Violette? If you''re mean to Violette, Rita and Ian won''t y with


    me."


    Elijah''s eyes darkened: "Maka, stop overthinking. Stay at home and wait for me."


    Even though Maka didn''t get the answer she wanted, she obediently nodded her head.


    After dropping Maka off at home, Elijah quickly got back in the car.


    The ck Rolls-Royce, like a shadow, sped northward.


    Mansion.


    Violette was lying on arge white bed, slowly opening her eyes.


    When she escapedst night, she encountered a wolf in the forest.


    She was very lucky, the wolf bit her only once, and she also stabbed the wolf once. New ch§Ñpter


    av?ble on


    It was a draw.


    After being stabbed, the wolf ran away in panic.


    And she passed out due to excessive blood loss.


    Before she passed out, she was sure she was going to die.


    But she was still alive...


    Was it Elijah who brought her backst night?

 Chapter 400

    Chapter 400


    "Ms. Dennis, you''re finally awake!"


    A male voice rang out in her ears.


    Violette turned towards the source of the sound.


    It was Elijah''s bodyguard.


    "Ms. Dennis, do you remember what happenedst night?" The bodyguard stood by the bed, chatting


    away non-stop, "Last night, when our boss carried you back from the forest, it was raining cats and


    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    dogs! He even lost his shoes and had to walk barefoot to get you back!"


    Violette didn''t know how to respond.


    "Although your leg was badly injured, our boss also got a few deep cuts on his feet..." The bodyguard


    looked down at her with a smug expression, "You got soakedst night and had a high fever. Our boss


    also caught a fever. After bringing you back, he treated his feet, and took some fever medicine, but


    didn''t even have time to close his eyes before he had to rush to the olddy''s funeral."


    Seeing no expression on her face, he figured that she must be too ill toprehend.


    "Ms. Dennis, out of all the women I know, you''re the toughest," The bodyguard''s face showed


    admiration, "Early this morning, around five, my colleagues and I found an injured wolf in the forest...


    perhaps it''s the one that bit youst night? You''re amazing! So thin and weak, yet you fought a wolf!"


    "I had a dagger," Violette corrected him.


    The moment she opened her mouth, a strange sensation hit her throat.


    She broke into a fit of coughing!


    "Ms. Dennis, don¡¯t speak, just listen to me," The bodyguard continued, "That wolf, we ate it! Consider it


    as revenge for you!"


    Violette: "..."


    "Also, my colleagues are really sorry for offending you in the basement yesterday. That giant python


    doesn''t eat humans, they just wanted to scare you."


    "Why are you apologizing to me?" she asked in a hoarse voice.


    "Because we''re scared! We thought the boss hated your guts, but who would''ve thought he cared so


    much about you!" The bodyguard said helplessly, "I know you probably hate our boss now, and I''m not


    here to defend him. I just hope you won¡¯t take it out on my colleagues... they''re incredibly loyal to the


    boss..."


    Violette responded weakly, "I just want to rest now."


    "Oh...I''ll go get the doctor to check on you," The bodyguard quickly left after saying that.


    Soon, the doctor came to check her condition.


    After taking her temperature and blood pressure, the doctor said:


    "Ms. Dennis, you still have a slight fever! And you''ve lost a lot of blood, so you''re quite anemic. You


    must stay in bed for the next few days and avoid catching a cold. You''re very weak right now, and your


    leg is seriously wounded . The wound is quiterge, and it might leave a scar."


    She could clearly feel that her body was very weak.


    When she woke up, she tried to lift her leg, but she couldn''t.


    Even though she was awake, she was as good as bedridden.


    She had no strength or energy.


    Thinking of anyone or anything didn''t stir any emotional response in her.


    When a person was weak to a certain extent, this was what happened.


    "I''ll go ask the maid to cook some oatmeal for you," After saying that the doctor left the room.


    Violettey in bed, staring nkly at the chandelier on the ceiling.


    The light from outside shone in, making the ss facets of the chandelier shimmer brightly.


    But inside her, it was all darkness, with no light in sight.


    Not long after, a horn blew from outside.


    A ck Rolls-Royce pulled to a stop in the front yard.


    Elijah got out of the car with long strides.


    Upon hearing this, Elijah quickly entered the mansion.


    The maid was about to go upstairs with a bowl of oatmeal.


    Seeing Elijah, she immediately said, "The doctor told me to cook oatmeal for Ms. Dennis." Re?d at


    Dr?m§Ñ?§àv§Öls


    Elijah took the bowl from the maid and headed upstairs.


    He appeared at her bedside with the bowl of oatmeal.


    Seeing him, she didn''t show any expressions, but reflexively clenched her fists, on high alert.


    Violette did open her mouth, but not to swallow the oatmeal he was feeding her, instead she said ¡ª


    "I can eat by myself," Her voice was hoarse from the fever, but she was still stubborn.

 Chapter 401

    Chapter 401


    He shot her a cold nce.


    Laying down his porridge bowl, he helped her sit up, and stuffed two pillows behind her back for her to


    lean on.


    Then, he picked up the porridge bowl and handed it to her.


    She took the bowl, her right hand reaching for the spoon in the bowl, but her left hand, which was


    holding the bowl, suddenly lost its strength... her wrist trembled a bit, and then the bowl in her hand fell


    onto the quilt.


    The porridge in the bowl sshed out.


    She stared at the sshed porridge in surprise, her eyes wide open, and her lips tightly closed.


    Elijah watched this scene and felt a pang of pain.


    She didn''t do it on purpose!


    He saw that she didn''t do it on purpose!


    She just wanted to have her porridge, but she didn''t even have the strength to hold the bowl now!


    Before her tears could fall, he calmly removed the soiled quilt from her.


    "Violette, you''ll get better! Don''t cry!" He wanted tofort her gently, but when he opened his mouth,


    his voice was stern as if he was scolding.


    He took a deep breath, wanting to exin, but she had alreadyid down, turning her back to him.


    He didn''t hear her crying, but he knew she was.


    He took a clean quilt from the cupboard and covered her.


    "I''ll ask the maid to make another bowl," He sat on the edge of the bed, looking at her back, and spoke


    in a low voice.


    She closed her eyes and didn''t say a word.


    Her head suddenly felt dizzy.


    It was caused by anemia.


    After she fell asleep, he left the room.


    He had not slept all night and now he had a terrible headache.


    He went into the next room, nning to sleep.


    About an hourter.


    A fire suddenly broke out on the hill in the backyard.


    All the bodyguards in the vi immediately rushed to put out the fire.


    Ian, with his backpack, appeared at the front door of the vi.


    He had followed Elijah in the trunk of his car.


    The bodyguards and servants had all gone to put out the fire, and the vi was now empty.


    The first-floor lobby had a clear view, with no master bedroom or guest room except for the kitchen and


    servant''s room.


    After checking theyout of the first floor, Ian headed to the second floor.


    He sessfully found Violette in the second room on the second floor.


    Seeing his mom, he quickly ran to the bedside.


    "Mom!" Ian wanted to call out loudly, but seeing his mom sleeping, he lowered his voice a lot.


    She didn''t hear Ian''s voice.


    Ian stood by the bed; his bright eyes fixed on her.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    He didn''t know how Elijah would deal with him.


    But he would never be separated from his mom again.


    As long as he was with his mom, he was not afraid of anything. Co?tent §àf Dra§Þa?ov§Öls.c§à§Þ


    ......


    The fire on the hill woke Elijah.


    After waking up, he strode towards Violette''s room.


    He pushed open the door of Violette''s room--


    In an instant, father and son, their eyes met!

 Chapter 402

    Chapter 402


    When Elijah saw Ian, he thought he was still dreaming.


    How could Ian possibly be here?


    Where did this kide from?!


    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    He found that many times, this kid would give him "surprises" out of nowhere.


    "Why did my mom get hurt?" Ian stood by the bed, his eyes cold as ice, calmly asking Elijah.


    Seeing the bandage around his mom''s forehead, it was obvious she was hurt and needed care.


    He called out to her, but she didn''t respond. He suspected she wasn''t just sleeping but fell into aa.


    But he was helpless.


    He couldn''t take his mom away, nor could he cure her.


    Elijah ignored Ian''s question.


    He coldly looked at the kid in front of him: "How did you get here? Who came with you?"


    "Just me!" Ian was still calm, showing no fear in his voice, the look of hatred in his eyes growing, "You


    hurt my mom, I won''t let you off!"


    Facing his threat, Elijahughed coldly: "How are you going to take revenge? Don''t think your little


    tricks will work every time! Ian, if you weren''t part of the Dennis family, do you think you''d havested


    this long in front of me?"


    Ian''s face was filled with disgust, "I didn''t even want to see you! You''re always causing trouble!"


    "I''m causing trouble? Your mom and I knew each other before you were born! What happened between


    your mom and me is none of your business!" Elijah looked at the disgust on his face, and he started to


    spiral out of control.


    "You cold-hearted jerk! My mom''s problems are my problems!"


    "I''m cold-hearted? You, who knows nothing, say that again!"


    Ian was provoked, and his fear vanished, "I may not know anything, but I know that you''re a cold-


    hearted jerk! You''re not just cold-hearted, you''re sick!"


    A vein on Elijah''s forehead popped out, his eyes shing coldly.


    He paused for a moment, then shouted, "What did you say?!"


    "You said I know nothing!" A smug look appeared in Ian''s eyes, "Because you''re sick! You''re not


    normal! That''s why you keep bullying my mom! My mom will never like you! Neither will Rita or I! No


    one will like you!"


    Last year, Rita found a dark red box in Elijah''s study, which contained a medical diagnosis!


    It was Elijah''s diagnosis!


    Ian didn''t understand the diagnosis, but he was curious about its contents.


    So, he searched for it online.


    In the end, he found out!


    The diagnosis said that Elijah has a mental illness!


    ording to thew, people with mental illnesses whomit murder won''t be prosecuted.


    Ian tried to find more information about Elijah online, but all the public information didn''t have anything


    rted to that.


    So, this was Elijah''s secret!


    If he didn''t hurt his mother, Ian would keep his secret!


    But he kept bullying and hurting his mom, and Ian couldn''t stand it anymore!


    Even if he was sick, it wasn''t an excuse for him to bully his mom.


    Elijah''s face became extremely gloomy!


    Was it Mike or Violette?


    He had to recall those dark memories.


    His hand muscles suddenly contracted!


    His sanity was gradually falling apart. Re§Ñd at Dra§Þan§àvels


    His big hand tightly grabbed Ian''s neck!


    After being strangled, Ian started to struggle in pain.


    On the big bed, Violette had a nightmare.


    She woke up in cold sweat!


    When she opened her eyes, she only saw Ian being lifted high up!

 Chapter 403

    Chapter 403


    Elijah was choking the life out of Ian!


    She must be dreaming, right?


    Otherwise, how could Ian be here?


    It''s not like this was the first nightmare of this sort.


    Ever since Elijah said five years ago that he would kill their child even if she gave birth, these


    nightmares became a regr thing.


    She''d dreamt of Elijah torturing their child in the most horrific ways.


    A scene like the one unfolding right now was something she''d seen countless times in her dreams!


    But the difference was, this scene felt way too real.


    Ian''s struggle was so intense that his backpack dropped to the ground with a loud ''thud'', creating a


    huge noise!


    Violette blinked, a certain feeling inside her was triggered, her blood boiling in an instant!


    This wasn''t a dream! It''s not a dream!


    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Elijah! Let him go!" She shouted, trembling as she tried to get up from the bed.


    But due to her leg injury, she couldn''t get off the bed properly.


    After a brief struggle, she rolled off the bed along with the nket.


    Her eyes were filled with tears, her fingers clenching tightly onto Elijah''s pant, her voice was filled with


    desperation and anger, "Elijah! You can''t do this! You can''t... he''s your son¡­cough¡­cough¡­"


    Her emotions were so high that she started to cough violently.


    Bright red blood spewed from her mouth!


    Blood stained her mouth and sshed onto Elijah''s clothes.


    Elijah, shocked, looked at her pitiful face, and his hand suddenly released.


    Ian fell to the ground!


    He was pale as a sheet, gasping for air as he struggled to crawl towards Violette.


    "Mom!" Ian hugged his mother tightly, tears instantly flowing, "Mom, what''s wrong?!¡±


    When Elijah choked him earlier, he felt like he was suffocating, but not a single tear fell!


    But now seeing his mom coughing up blood, his emotionspletely broke.


    Violette let go of Elijah''s clothes.


    She took a deep breath, holding her son tightly, "¡­Ian, are you okay? Are you okay?"


    She repeated it quietly.


    She thought to herself, if she had woken up a littleter, would Ian have been choked to death by his


    own father?!


    "Mom, I''m okay! But you''re bleeding! Why are you bleeding?!¡± Ian reached out his small hand, trying to


    wipe away the blood from her mouth.


    Violette held his hand, sighing in relief, "¡­How did you get here? Who brought you? Was it Mike?


    Where is he?¡±


    She wanted Ian to leave as quickly as possible!


    Elijah was too dangerous and vicious!


    She couldn''t let what just happened happen again!


    Seeing her finally show some emotional changes, Elijah felt even more uneasy!


    He left the room quickly.


    After a while, the doctor rushed in.


    The doctor took Ian aside, then helped Violette back onto the bed.


    Dra§Þan§àv§Öls


    Ian stood by the bed, noticing that his mom''s leg was wrapped in thick gauze.


    What the hell did she go through to end up in this state?


    That bastard Elijah!


    He actually hurt his mother like this!


    Ian wiped the tears from his eyes and pressed the red button on his watch.

 Chapter 404

    Chapter 404


    This red button is for alerting the cops.


    Just a tap on this button, and it sends out a location signal.


    As soon as he pressed this button, Mike would get the alert signal.


    Unless he really had no other choice, he didn¡¯t want topletely break ties with Elijah Bourne.


    All this mess was because of Elijah.


    ¡°Ian......¡± Violette called out anxiously after lying in bed.


    Ian immediately came to her side, grasping her hand tightly: ¡°Mom, don''t be scared, I''m here.¡±


    Violette anxiously suggested to him: ¡°Ian, I am not doing well right now, I''ll be back once I recover.


    When Elijahes, I''ll ask him to arrange for a driver to take you away... you have to behave...¡±


    Ian frowned: ¡°Mom, we don''t need his help! I will take you home! I promised my little sister I would bring


    you back!¡±


    Violette: ¡°I''m not in the best condition right now...¡±


    Ian said: ¡°I''ve already called the police. They''ll take us home.¡±


    Violette''s eyebrows twitched, her gaze shifting towards behind Ian.


    Elijah was standing at the door!


    He heard what Ian just said.


    Violette immediately pulled Ian towards her.


    Ian didn''t understand his mother''s reaction, following her gaze to the back.


    Seeing Elijah¡¯s cold face, Ian dered loudly: ¡°I''ve called the police!¡±


    ¡°Ian, stop talking!¡± Violette was afraid he''d piss Elijah off.


    Bruises on Ian''s neck, constantly reminding her, not to do anything reckless before they leave this


    ce!


    She could die here, but not Ian!


    Elijah walked in with a grim face.


    ¡°Stop testing my patience!¡± he looked at Ian Dennis¡¯s face, saying word by word, ¡°Leave now! Or I''ll


    throw you into the woods to feed the wild dogs!¡±


    Violette''s breath became hot and heavy: ¡°Elijah! Ian is only five! Why are you so cruel to such a small


    child?!¡±


    Elijah: ¡°I hate kids! Especially this adopted son of yours, I particrly despise him!¡±


    ¡°He only came here because he was worried about me! If someone is at fault, it''s me!¡± Violette choked


    up, ¡°Just send him home! I''ve already told him, he won''te again!¡±


    ¡°Didn''t he already call the cops? The police car will naturally take him back!¡± Elijah said coldly, his eyes


    shifting to Ian, ¡°The fire on the back mountain was set by you, right?¡±


    Ian stood tall: ¡°Yes, I did it!¡±


    ¡°Hmph! If you didn''t die today, you''ll end up in jail in the future!¡± Elijah said and turned to leave.


    The doctor had been hiding in the corner of the room, not daring to make a sound.


    After Elijah left, he came over with a bottle of medicine.


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    The doctor just noticed the bruises on Ian''s neck.


    "Er... alright. How did this injury happen?"


    Violette didn''t answer.


    Ian''s lips were tightly closed, his expression cold.


    The doctor coughed and said: ¡°Kid, I can tell you have a deep hatred for Mr. Bourne, but Mr. Bourne


    wouldn''t hurt your mother. The injury on your mother''s leg was from a wild wolf in the forest.¡± Content of


    Dra§Þ??ovels


    "What about the wound on my mother''s forehead?" Ian asked further.


    She didn''t want to deepen the animosity between Ian and Elijah.


    Ian was not yet capable of confronting him.


    If he continued to provoke Elijah, he would only bring trouble upon himself.

 Chapter 405

    Chapter 405


    Today was one heck of a wake-up call!


    She couldn''t let Ian go head-to-head with Elijah anymore.


    "But you didn''t get hurt for no reason, it must''ve been him..." Ian spected, furrowing his brows.


    "Actually, Mom was missing you and your sister so muchst night that I went out alone and ran into a


    wolf..." Violette exined, "When you go back, tell Mike and your sister that I''m okay. I don''t want them


    to worry, alright?"


    Ian nodded, half skeptical.


    "Mom, are you really noting back with me? The cops can take us home."


    "My leg hurts too much, I''ll go back when it heals a bit."


    "Okay... Mom, don''t go out on your own again. If it''s dangerous outside, stay in the house and we''ll find


    a way to rescue you."


    Violette nodded contentedly, "Ian, I''m very happy that you came to find me. But if something like this


    happens again, I don''t want you toe. If anything happens to you, it would break my heart!"


    Ian firmly said, "But what if something happens to you? What are we supposed to do? If the same thing


    happens again, I wille to get you."


    Tears welled up in Violette''s eyes, "There won''t be a next time."


    Ian said, "Mom, you should stay away from him... he''s bad."


    Violette thought Ian said this because Elijah almost choked him to death.


    "He probably won''t hurt me... the ones who need to stay away from him are you and your sister. Ian,


    I''ve told you and your sisterst year to stay away from him. Didn''t you take my words to heart?"


    Ian lowered his head.


    "You and your sister are my most precious treasures. My biggest wish in life is for you and your sister


    to grow up healthy," Violette said softly, "You must always remember my words."


    Ian grunted in response.


    An hourter, a police car arrived at the secluded vi.


    Ian got in the police car.


    "Ian, where''s your mom?" Mike came with the police.


    After some negotiation between the police and Elijah''s bodyguards, the police took Ian away.


    "Mom hurt her leg, she can''t move right now." Ian felt a bit down, as he initially intended to take his


    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    mom home.


    "How did your mom get hurt? Was it serious?"


    "She got bitten by a wolf."


    Mike looked around, "Good Lord! A wolf? Here? Are you sure it wasn''t that scumbag Elijah?"


    Ian was speechless.


    "A while ago, Mr. Bourne''s bodyguard told us that Ms. Dennis went outtest night and got bitten by


    a wolf. There''s a doctor taking care of her here. They''ll send her home once she recovers," a police


    officer exined.


    Mike said in surprise, "That''s crazy!" Then he noticed the bruise on Ian''s neck, "Ian, what happened to


    your neck? Who did this to you?"


    He didn''t want to upset his mom.


    Ian''s eyes reddened slightly.


    Being hurt by his own father had scarred him deeply. Updated at Dr?manov§Öls.c§àm


    After all, he was just a five-year-old kid.


    Back at the vi, Violette was lying in bed, receiving an IV treatment.


    Elijah sat in a corner of the room, smoking.


    Violette looked at his blurry face through the hazy smoke.


    "Elijah, have you ever killed anyone?" She asked after hesitating for a moment.

 Chapter 406

    Chapter 406


    The reason she asked like this was because the scene of his violence towards Ian today was downright


    shocking.


    Every time she recalled it, she felt a chill down her spine.


    She didn''t ask him why he did it, because no matter what Ian did, he had no right toy a finger on that


    kid.


    After all, what kind of an adult throws a hissy fit with a five-year-old for God''s sake?


    Her question made him turn to her.


    "Not only that," he said, his voice low, "I''ve done things far worse than you can imagine."


    Violette remained silent.


    His eyes were deep, his tone serious.


    She was so shocked she lost her voice.


    "Violette, don''t pretend you give a damn about me. You don''t really care what I do." He flicked his ash


    into the ashtray with an air of nonchnce, "You only care about your two kids. I''ve warned your son


    not to mess with me."


    "He won''t mess with you again!" Violette responded, her voice shaking with anger.


    He extinguished his cigarette in the ashtray.


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    He got up and walked to the bed.


    "Violette, I don''t owe you anything, don''t raise your voice at me! I''m running out of patience!" his re


    was fierce.


    Just then, the door was knocked and then pushed open.


    The nanny came in with a bowl of soup.


    Seeing Elijah, the nanny froze.


    Elijah walked to the door and took the bowl of soup from the nanny.


    The nanny immediately left the room and closed the door.


    Violette wanted to get the hell out of here as soon as possible, so she had to eat something.


    She tried to sit up.


    By the time Elijah walked to the bed, she reached out her hand, wanting to eat by herself.


    But he ignored her outstretched hand, spooned a spoonful of soup, and brought it to her lips.


    She stared at him nkly.


    He clearly saw her reaching out, why did he ignore it?


    She didn''t need him to feed her!


    Didn''t he say he was running out of patience?


    "Open your mouth." He looked at her, her eyes were filled with hatred for him.


    "You''re the devil." Her voice was cold, as if she was seeing him clearly for the first time.


    "I am the devil, I will go to hell...and I will drag you down with me." His face was expressionless, his icy


    fingers pried open her mouth and spooned the soup in.


    He finished the bowl of soup and wiped the corner of her mouth with a paper towel.


    She sat on the bed, experiencing his so-called ''care''.


    Maybe in his eyes, she was just his toy.


    People areplicated.


    He had a brutal side, and a gentle one.


    She had been touched by his gentle side.


    Only now she saw clearly, that wasn''t the real him.


    Before he left the room, he ced her phone on her pillow.


    After he left, she picked up the phone and turned it on.


    The phone was filled with missed calls, overwhelming her.


    She found Mike''s number and dialed it. Re§Ñd at Dramanov§Öls


    Mike picked up immediately: "Violette!"


    "It''s me! Mike, where''s Ian?"


    Violette''s eyshes fluttered, "I think.. should be able to!"

 Chapter 407

    Chapter 407


    "You better rest up, and if he doesn''t let youe back in a week, I''ll call the cops again," Mike barked


    angrily. "I''ve got the whole picture now."


    Violette asked, "How''d you find out?"


    Mike replied, "Joey Lamont spilled the beans. He couldn''t believe his boss was that evil, so he did


    some snooping."


    Violette forced a bitter smile.


    Mike continued, "So, his mom knows about the kid''s true origins now, right?"


    Violette responded, "Yes."


    Mike said, "I figured as much. You didn''t want to tell him, so now he''s got a bee in his bo."


    Violette again confirmed, "Yes."


    Mike burst out, "You''re such a goofball! If I were you, I wouldn''t take this crap! So what if you told him?


    Can he really do anything to Rita and Ian? I don''t buy it! I can''t believe he''d have the guts to hurt his


    own flesh and blood! Those kids haven''t done a thing to him!"


    N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Violette said, "I think things are fine the way they are. I don''t want to gamble."


    Mike said, "Alright, but you better ring me up at least once a day or I''m calling the cops."


    Violette replied, "Got it." After hanging up with Mike, she felt a wave of relief wash over her.


    The past few days had been like a living nightmare.


    Never-ending nightmares, one after the other.


    About an hourter, the nanny came to give her a bath.


    The nanny said, "Ms. Dennis, Mr. Bourne got you some new clothes." She showed Violette the new


    clothes, "All designer brands! He even told me to wash them first."


    Violette didn''t react and tried to get up from the bed.


    The nanny asked, "Ms. Dennis, do you want to take a bath? Mr. Bourne asked me to give you a


    sponge bath. You can just stay in bed, and I''ll..."


    Violette stopped her, "No need, I can bathe myself. Can you get me a cane?"


    The nanny agreed, "Sure, I''ll go look for one," and quickly left the room.


    When she returned, she didn''t bring a cane but instead brought Elijah.


    The nanny stood by his side, awkwardly exining to Violette, "Ms. Dennis, the doctor says it''s better if


    you stay in bed. Walking around might strain your wound and slow down your recovery..."


    The nanny probably had no idea that Violette was also a doctor.


    But under Elijah''s pressure, Violette reluctantlyy back down.


    Immediately, the nanny fetched warm water and a towel and began to sponge bath her.


    After the bath, the nanny offered, "Ms. Dennis, I made some pork rib soup. Would you like to try


    some?"


    Violette responded, "Bring it up quietly, don''t let him see."


    She didn''t want Elijah feeding her again.


    Not because Elijah was bad at it, but she just didn''t want to see him.


    The nanny agreed, "Okay, there are a lot of people in the house tonight, he probably won''t notice."


    Violette asked, "More guests?"


    Violette didn''t ask any more questions.


    After finishing the soup, she fell asleep.


    Each time she was woken up by the noise, she was puzzled.


    Hadn''t his mother just passed away? Updated at Dra§Þ§Ñn§àv§Öls.c§àm


    Was he celebrating his mother''s death, or drowning his sorrows in booze and beautiful women?


    After three days of bed rest, the pain in her leg was less noticeable.


    That night, she was woken up once again.


    She opened her eyes to a dimly lit room and heard the sound of the door being pushed open.


    She immediately looked towards the door - a tall figure, familiar yet strange!


    He staggered in, reeking of alcohol!

 Chapter 408

    Chapter 408


    She flicked the room light on right away.


    The sudden light jabbed into his eyes, and he angrily mmed the door shut.


    She looked at him, her heart pounding with fear.


    He was drunk, and after closing the door, his long fingers began impatiently unbuttoning his shirt.


    As soon as she realized what he was up to, she was too scared to even breathe.


    "Elijah! You''re in the wrong room!" She tried to rouse him, "This is my room!"


    He looked at her and walked towards the bed, at the same time, he took off his shirt and threw it on the


    floor.


    "I''m not drunk." He got into bed, firmly holding her injured leg, "Don''t move this leg."


    She was speechless.


    He didn''t seem drunk, but knowing she was injured, so why did he stille to torment her?


    Soon, his warm lips were on her neck.


    She smelled a strange, strong perfume on him and immediately frowned.


    The maid had mentioned that a group of young, beautiful women hade to the house a few days


    ago and stayed for three days.


    The strange scent on him must''ve been left by one of those women.


    Even though he had taken off his shirt, the scent on him was still strong.


    Disgusted, she pushed his head away and said coldly, "Don''t touch me!"


    He was interrupted and looked at her angrily.


    "You smell like another woman''s perfume!" She couldn''t control her anger, "You filthy man! Don''t touch


    me!"


    The moment her words fell, she pushed him away again.


    After three days of rest, she had regained much of her strength, and he almost fell off the bed.


    Her words, her actions, stirred his desires.


    N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    He propped himself up with one hand and quickly unbuckled his belt with the other.


    He only intended to be intimate with her, not nning anything substantial.


    But now, he had to punish her!


    "You said I''m a devil, right? Have you ever seen a clean devil?" His husky voice apanied by his


    ragged breath, his fingers gripping her chin, forcing her to look at him, "I''m the filthiest man in this


    world! But that won''t stop me from having sex with you!"


    He pressed heavily against her body, stopping her from resisting or moving.


    Tears silently slid down, she stared at his face.


    "Turn off the lights! Turn them off!" She screamed hoarsely.


    Seeing her agitated state, he didn''t want to obey, but the tears shimmering in her eyes hurt him.


    He abruptly turned off the light, and the room plunged into darkness.


    All that could be heard was her faint sobbing and his suppressed, heavy breathing.


    After an unknown amount of time, the man''s breathing became steady.


    He was lying on top of her, asleep.


    She wiped away her tears and pushed him to the side with all her strength.


    Heid beside her, his long arm naturally wrapped around her waist.


    How ridiculous!


    He always kept her injured leg on the outside. Read at


    She couldn''t calm down.


    Her body was tense, a terrifying thought shed in her mind - She would kill him!


    That way, she wouldn''t suffer anymore! Her two children would be safe!


    Once this thought appeared, it spread through her body like a virus, impossible to erase.

 Chapter 409

    Chapter 409


    She reached under her pillow, pulling out a dagger.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    This dagger was given to her by Scott when she fled home.


    She was still clutching the dagger when Elijah saved her.


    Initially, Elijah wanted to take the dagger, probably because he was afraid she''d off herself.


    But she insisted on keeping it, and since then, it''s been under her pillow.


    The dagger once saved her life and held great significance to her. That''s why she decided to take it


    with her when she left.


    She didn''t expect to face such a humiliation tonight!


    Her pride was shattered, her sanity copsed. Right now, all she wanted was to die with him!


    Kill him, then end her own life!


    She was a top medical student, she knew exactly where to strike to end his life fast.


    She gripped the dagger tightly, pondering which artery would be the best to target.


    Her eyes were locked on his face.


    Under the dim light outside, his handsome features were visible.


    His eyes were closed, sound asleep.


    His neck was exposed outside the nket, catching her attention...


    She held the dagger, trembling as she lifted it.


    Just one strike, and she''d be free in less than half an hour!


    But when the tip of the dagger was aimed at his throat, her body suddenly lost strength.


    Was she really going to kill him?


    Did he really deserve to die?


    If she killed him, she wouldn''t be able to live. Could she really abandon her two children?


    Too many thoughts flooded her mind, her eyes stinging with heat.


    She didn''t want to die.


    She couldn''t kill him, but she couldn''t stand his endless harassment either!


    Maybe turning him into a vegetable would be the best oue!


    But she was unsure if she could do it without killing him.


    She took deep breaths, feeling utterly tormented.


    This n...she couldn''t go through with it!


    Her emotions slowly cooled, her hand holding the dagger gradually lowered.


    Just then, he suddenly opened his eyes, seeing the hanging dagger in her hand.


    It was clear as day what she was nning.


    He grabbed her dagger-holding hand forcefully...


    She didn''t expect him to wake up!


    She felt like her wrist was about to break from his grip!


    "Elijah...let go of me!"


    "You want to kill me, for your son''s revenge?" He couldn''t hear her anymore, he was lost in an abyss of


    grief.


    She could no longer hide or make excuses, "Yes! I want to kill you, Elijah! I''m sick of your torment! I


    can''t take it anymore!" She cried, pouring out all her feelings. Co?tent §àf Dra§Þa?ov§Öls.c§à§Þ


    "Okay...okay..." He muttered, gripping her hand holding the dagger, aiming it at his heart, "Stab here!"


    He was so strong!


    She saw the dagger pierce his chest, blood spilling out!


    She cried out in fear, trembling, "Let me go! Elijah, let me go! I don''t want to murder! I won''t kill you!"


    She lost her sanity from fear, she screamed hysterically, "Is anyone there? Help¡ª"

 Chapter 410

    Chapter 410


    Her scream quickly caught the attention of the bodyguard on duty outside.


    The moment the door was swung open, the lights flicked on.


    The scene on the bed made the bodyguard''s face go white with shock.


    "Get a doctor! Now!" he yelled, rushing to the bedside.


    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Violette, sobbing, pleaded with the bodyguard, "Get him to let go! Make him let go!"


    The bodyguard initially thought it was Violette trying to murder Elijah. But when he tried to loosen the


    knife in Elijah''s hand, he had to use a lot of force.


    So, it was actually Elijah forcing Violette''s hand to hold the knife.


    In other words, Elijah was trying to kill himself.


    Once the bodyguard pried Elijah''s bloody hand away, Violette jumped off the bed immediately.


    After the doctor hastily arrived with his medical kit, Violette snatched it from him and ran to the bedside,


    ready to stop Elijah''s bleeding.


    The doctor was momentarily stunned. How could Violette move so swiftly?


    Has her leg recovered already?


    She just snatched the medical kit!


    When the doctor finally snapped out of his stupor, he rushed to the bedside.


    He was instantly dumbstruck by the sight of the dagger lodged in Elijah''s chest and the bedsheet


    soaked with blood.


    The bodyguard grabbed Violette''s arm, trying to pull her away, but she forcefully pushed him off.


    "Ms. Dennis, you''re getting in the way of treatment!" the bodyguard frowned, full of skepticism.


    Violette''s eyes were red and her voice choked, "I can stop the bleeding!"


    Her voice woke Elijah.


    He saw Violette''s tear-streaked face and the medical kit in her hands.


    He reached out to push her away, wanting to end his life.


    All his life brought him was pain, and nothing else.


    "Hold him down! Hold him down!" Violette pushed his hand away, tearfully pleading with the


    bodyguards.


    Hearing this, the bodyguard immediately held Elijah''s hand down.


    Elijah coughed up blood in anger, "don¡¯t you dare!"


    The bodyguard, startled, quickly let go.


    Violette red at the bodyguard coldly, "Do you want him to die? Hold him down!"


    The bodyguard certainly didn''t want Elijah to die, so he had no choice but to obey Violette''s order.


    "Sorry, boss... you''ve lost too much blood... Let Ms. Dennis stop the bleeding! As soon as the wound is


    bandaged, we''ll rush you to the hospital," the bodyguard cautiously said.


    Elijah was panting heavily, ring at Violette with hatred.


    She ignored him. Gripping the handle of the knife, she prepared to pull it out.


    His face was pale and haggard from blood loss.


    His eyes were cold and hopeless, shimmering as if holding back tears, but none fell.


    He was always like this, always showing his strong side.


    She gritted her teeth and yanked the knife out.


    Immediately, blood spattered everywhere.


    She quickly applied coagnt and bandaged the wound.


    All his defenses were gone and he looked frail, like apletely different person.


    "We have to get him to the hospital, NOW!" Violette took a deep breath and shouted in a low voice.

 Chapter 411

    Chapter 411


    The bodyguard and doctor immediately hustled him out of the room.


    She sat on the bed, clutching her knees and sobbing loudly.


    The night deepened, but she was bing more lucid. She could hear the regret and cries in her


    heart.


    She could also hear the rumbling sound of a helicopter starting from the roof.


    Soon, the helicopter disappeared into the night sky.


    Footsteps were heard outside the door.


    She didn''t look up. She didn''t care who came in.


    The person walked straight to the bed after entering.


    He draped a nket he held in his hands over her, then picked up the bloody dagger from the bed.


    "Ms. Dennis, I gave you this dagger for self-defence, not for you to kill people," Scott said helplessly. "I


    need to take this dagger back."


    Choking back tears, Violette said, "I wanted to kill him... but I couldn''t do it..."


    "Your actions pissed him off," Scott said calmly. "You stabbed him right in the heart!"


    Violette had no words to respond.


    "Your mother diedst year, right? You should know the pain of losing a loved one. That''s when people


    be very vulnerable." Scott lit a cigarette and held it between his fingers. "His mother died, so we


    brothers came to apany him. He might find us annoying, so he asked us to leave tomorrow."


    Violette was staring nkly at the blood on the bed.


    "I don''t know the conflict between you two, but I know that in his eyes, there''s only you, no other


    women. We''ve brought many beautiful women to hang out, he never cast a nce at those women.


    Those women, any one of them is more beautiful than you, with better figures. Why would he pick you?


    Don''t you get it?"


    Violette took a breath, "I don''t love him anymore."


    "Oh..." Scott nced at her, took a drag on his cigarette, and blew out a thick puff of smoke. "So why


    are you crying? Didn''t he say he won''t bother you even if he''s dead?"


    Violette remained silent.


    "Scared by all this blood? Don''t kid me. You''ve seen more blood than us." Scott stood up with a scoff.


    "It''s gettingte. I won''t disturb you anymore."


    After Scott left, the nanny came in, her face pale with fright.


    "Ms. Dennis... Can you sleep in another room tonight? I can clean up this room for you."


    Violette stopped crying, her voice cold. "I''ll stay here."


    The nanny brought clean sheets and nkets, and helped her out of bed.


    "Ms. Dennis, the wound on your leg might have reopened. The blood is seeping out," the nanny


    reminded. "But the doctor is not home."


    Violette looked down to see the bandage on her leg had turned red.


    It could be his blood, or it could be hers.


    The wound hurt, but she didn''t want to deal with it.


    After the nanny changed the sheets and nkets, she helped Violette into bed.


    When the nanny left, she turned off the lights.


    Violette opened her eyes, staring nkly at the dim room, constantly reying what had just


    happened.


    Maybe him hurting others could be exined by his cruel nature, but why would he hurt her?


    He''s a madman!


    She couldn''t hold back her tears.


    Time ticked away, and before she knew it, it was already daylight.


    Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.


    The nanny came in with breakfast.


    Seeing that she was still asleep, the nanny left with the breakfast tray.


    In fact, she hadn''t slept at all. She had been awake all night.  Dr?§Þan§àvels


    N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    After the nanny left, she opened her swollen eyes and picked up her phone.


    She typed ''Elijah'' into the search box and pressed the search key.


    Soon, thetest news about him appeared!

 Chapter 412

    Chapter 412


    She was staring at the news on the screen, her breath heavy.


    He''s dead?


    How could he just up and leave like that?


    Justst night, she was staunching his bleeding! The helicopter flew him to the hospital, he should''ve


    been in the ER in no time, why couldn''t they save him?


    Did he squirm around in the helicopter, ripping open the bandages she tied?


    Or did he refuse treatment when he got to the hospital?


    She took a breath, tears streaming down her face.


    No matter what happened in between, he was dead!


    Doctors could save the critically ill, but they couldn''t bring back the dead!


    Last night when she wanted to kill him, she thought if he were dead, she would be free.


    But why does knowing this result hurt so much?


    On the inte, after the news of Elijah''s death was released, all major media started reporting it, with


    rted headlines popping up like mushrooms after rain.


    - Paying tribute to Elijah: The end of a legend!


    - The Bourne Group: Where is the business empire Elijah single-handedly built headed?


    - About Elijah: His achievements and sorrow!


    - Behind Elijah''s death, what secrets are hidden?


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    - Elijah''s birth mother died four days ago, now Elijah follows suit, what''s going on with the Bourne


    family?


    A series of eye-catching news was released.


    Everyone was shocked!


    Travis Bourne kept dialing Elijah''s number, but it was always unreachable.


    He didn''t know how to evaluate the rumors on the inte.


    Travis''s wife was a bit excited, "If your brother really died, can we get a piece of his fortune? His will left


    a portion of his estate to our mother. Now that our mother is dead, can we get that money?"


    Travis red at his wife, "Our mother just died, my brother has met with misfortune, and all you care


    about is money!"


    "What else should I care about? He''s dead, it''s not like I killed him!"


    Travis murmured, "How could he be dead?"


    "You better call Kaleb back! We have another funeral to hold at home!"


    Travis didn''t want to listen to his wife''s nagging, grabbed his phone and car keys, and left.


    The Bourne Group was in chaos!


    How did the boss suddenly die?


    Joey''s phone was ringing off the hook!


    The deputy general manager, Brandon Fleming''s phone was also ringing non-stop.


    They gathered in Elijah''s office to exchange information.


    "Who has been in contact with him these past few days?" Brandon asked.


    Joey adjusted his sses, "Three days ago, Mike and Ian went to see him. He seemed fine then."


    The three of them discussed and decided to take action.


    Silverleaf Ridge. Content of Dra§Þ??ovels


    Joey rang the doorbell.


    After a long wait, the door finally opened.


    Mike''s head was topped with a fluffy golden hairstyle. He looked at the person in front of him,


    seemingly unable to believe it.


    "What are you doing? Disturbing my rest so early in the morning." Mike rubbed his eyes and walked


    towards the living room.

 Chapter 413

    Chapter 413


    Mike picked up his water ss and asked dismissively, "What''s up with your boss? Don''t keep getting


    on Violette''s nerves..."


    Joey said sorrowfully, "He''s dead."


    Mike choked on his water and spluttered, "Quit joking around. He''s dead? How did he die?"


    Joey replied, "I''m not sure. I just saw the news online."


    Mike''s face was a picture of shock. Seeing Joey on the verge of tears, he quickly put down his water


    ss and headed to his room. He tried tofort Joey, "Calm down, I''ll give Violette a call... She


    texted me yesterday at noon, and said her wound wasn''t hurting as much, so she''d be back in a few


    days. She didn''t mention anything about Elijah..."


    Joey followed him into the room and continued, "This happened in the wee hours of the morning. His


    phone''s been switched off, and his bodyguard isn''t answering either. I''ve known him for years, never


    seen this happen before."


    Mike grabbed his phone and dialed Violette, putting her on speaker.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    The call connected after a while.


    Mike asked anxiously, "Violette! I heard Elijah''s dead. What happened? You''re not involved, right?"


    Violettey on her bed, staring nkly at the ceiling, her voice hoarse, "I did it."


    Mike and Joey were stunned.


    Violette repeated, "I did it."


    Mike, in disbelief, tugged at his hair, "You... Are you alright? How could you have killed him?"


    Violette mumbled through her sobs, "I don''t know..."


    She cried for a long time, her throat painful and hoarse, "I don''t know how it ended up like this..."


    Mikeforted her, "Alright, stop crying! I''ming to get you right now!" He swiftly grabbed a jacket


    and hurried out of the room, "Keep your phone on!"


    Mike hung up, leaving Joey standing in silence.


    His boss was truly dead. And the killer was Violette. This was absurd! He''d thought that despite their


    differences, they still had affection for one another, and could patch things up.


    But instead of a happy ending, it was a tragedy.


    As Mike was changing his shoes at the door, he nced at Joey. He said, ¡°Joey, it might indeed be


    Violette¡¯s fault this time, but I¡¯ll still protect her.¡±


    Mike finishedcing up and looked at Joey. "I''m sorry. If you can''t deal with that, we can''t be in touch


    anymore!"


    With that, Mike left without looking back. He''d once said that Violette was closer to him than family. No


    matter what she did, he''d always support and protect her.


    Joey took off his sses and wiped away his tears. Cutting ties with Mike wasn''t the worst part. What


    truly hurt was the death of his boss.


    He didn''t know how he made it back to the office. Once back, he didn''t have the courage to break the


    news to the Deputy General Manager.


    He called Brandon and ryed what he''d just confirmed.


    Brandon asked, "Did she really say that?"


    Brandon said, "Don''t cry just yet. I''m at the hospital, and the news I got is he''s still being resuscitated."


    Joey paused, then collected himself, "How was he injured? What part was hit? Why is it so severe?"


    "Heart."  Dra§Þan§àv§Öls


    Joey asked, "How could she be so ruthless?!"


    "Did he say that himself?"

 Chapter 414

    Chapter 414


    In front of a vi in the forest.


    Mike parked the car and headed straight for the front door. He was stopped by Elijah''s bodyguard.


    "I''m here to pick up Violette," Mike said, "Your boss is dead. Ever thought about who''s gonna sign your


    paychecks now?"


    The bodyguard was left speechless.


    Over by the stairs, the nanny was helping Violette downstairs.


    She wanted out of this ce. Elijah was dead, and she wanted to see him onest time.


    Seeing Violette, Mike immediately brushed past the bodyguard and stormed in.


    "Violette, I''m taking you home." Mike took Violette''s hand from the nanny and guided her carefully.


    He helped her into the car and nced at her legs. She was wearing baggy pajama pants, so he


    couldn''t see her injuries.


    "You were limping earlier. I think you''re not fully recovered yet," Mike frowned and started the car.


    "We''re heading to the hospital first."


    Violette clutched the seat belt in front of her chest, feeling empty inside.


    "Violette, will hiswyer... give you a hard time?" Mike asked as they drove away.


    Mike didn''t really like Elijah, because he was awful to Violette and their two kids.


    Now that he was dead, and while it was a bit of a shame, Mike didn''t want his death to bring any


    trouble to Violette.


    "I don''t know," Violette''s voice was low.


    Whether thewyer woulde after her was the least of her concerns right now.


    "What... happened between you two?" Mike''s voice dropped.


    This was a heavy topic.


    "I don''t know." Her head felt heavy. Every time she thought about anything rted to him, she felt


    suffocated.


    "Did you not sleep at allst night?" Mike noticed her red and swollen eyes, "You should rest for a bit.


    You still have two kids to look after. I''ll hire the bestwyer. You don''t have to worry about anything


    else."


    Violette closed her eyes, and the image of Elijah''s painful and hateful eyes on his deathbed appeared


    in her mind.


    He said he wouldn''t bother her anymore. He hurt her, and she hurt him. He chose to end his life,


    maybe because he would have rather died than see her again.


    ......


    Silverleaf Kindergarten.


    During nap time, Ian walked out of the ssroom with Rita.


    "That bad guy is dead," Ian told his sister about the news he saw.


    "Which bad guy? Kaleb... or... Elijah?" Rita asked in shock.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    "Elijah," Ian said the name he despised so much.


    How could he just suddenly die?


    "Ian, is he really dead? Don''t lie to me," Rita''s eyes welled up with tears.


    Ian nodded.


    Ian said, "If you feel sad, then let yourself be sad." Re§Ñd at Dra§Þan§àvels


    "Are you sad?" Rita wiped her tears and looked at her brother with bright eyes.


    The bruise on Ian''s neck hadn''t faded yet. Even if he felt sad, he would never show it.


    "I''m not sad."


    After their grandma died, their mom often took them to visit her grave.

 Chapter 415

    Chapter 415


    So, their old man passed away, but did they need to go to the graveyard to pay their respects?


    "If you wanna, go ahead. I ain''t going." Ian responded, then turned around and walked off back to the


    ssroom with a cold expression.


    "Ian...I miss Mom...when is sheing back?" Rita quickened her pace to catch up with him, grabbing


    his arm.


    "She''ll be back soon, I reckon." Ian had a gut feeling.


    With Elijah gone, there was nothing holding their mom back anymore.


    ......


    Mike drove Violette to the hospital and asked Adrian to check her out. The moment Violette saw


    Adrian, she asked straight away, "Which hospital is he in?"


    Adrian replied, "Hope Hospital. Thetest info I got is that he''s still in critical condition. Don''t freak out,


    Violette."


    He helped her onto a bed to rest. It took her a while to digest his words. "Adrian...does that mean...he''s


    not...dead?"


    Adrian sighed. "He went into shock once, but they managed to pull him back. He''s still in critical


    condition."


    She let out a breath of relief, but still looked dazed.


    Adrian wheeled her into the ER, carefully cutting open her pants leg with scissors. The bandage was


    "Violette, your wound is so bad. Why didn''t you take care of it?" Adrian scolded, carefully unwrapping


    the bandage from her leg.


    Violette casually replied, "Didn''t hurt that much."


    "Even if it''s not painful, you could get an infection if you don''t take care of it." Adrian sighed, "Good


    thing Mike brought you back."


    Standing by the door, Mike was on the phone with Joey.


    He wanted to tell him that Elijah wasn¡¯t dead yet, but the call wouldn''t go through.


    "Damn it. This guy has me on his block list!" Mike pocketed his phone and walked into the ER.


    Seeing Violette''s bloody leg, he cursed under his breath, "Violette! What the hell did you do to yourself?


    Are they gonna have to amputate?!"


    Mike''s outburst disrupted Violette''s calm demeanor.


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    "Can you not bber nonsense?"


    "Your leg looks like that, and you want me to stay quiet?" Mike ruffled his hair, "Adrian, can she recover


    from this?"


    Adrian shook his head, "The wound''s too big. There''ll definitely be a scar."


    "Ah...a scar is a scar. As long as she''s not losing a leg." Mike watched as Adrian cleaned the wound,


    "Does she need to be hospitalized?"


    "It''d be best if she stays, but she can rest at home too. I cane by every day for the dressing."


    Adrian looked at her, "Violette, you should rest at home. Even the best room here can''tpare to the


    Violette nodded. She was feeling extremely tired. She hadn''t slept for over a day, and her nerves were


    on edge the whole time. Now that she knew Elijah wasn''t dead, all the tension disappeared.


    She was so tired!


    After Adrian finished dressing her wound, he noticed she¡¯d already fallen asleep.


    Mike tucked her in, and Adrian went to get antibiotics for her infusion.


    "Mike, you go do your thing! I''ll take her home when she wakes up." Adrian said.


    Adrian nodded, understanding.


    Mike joked, "Adrian, you might never win her heart! Even if she breaks up with Elijah, she''s not gonna


    choose you. I don''t want to see you wasting your valuable time on this." Co?tent §àf Dra§Þa?ov§Öls.c§à§Þ


    Adrian blushed, "I understand. I never had high hopes for this."


    Hope Hospital.


    Brandon said, "Don''t worry, I won''t ask about his inheritance. I already know how it''s divided."

 Chapter 416

    Chapter 416


    Seeing Brandon all puffed up, thewyer exined, "After Mr. Bourne''s mother passed away, he came


    to me to change his will."


    "Oh?" Brandon asked.


    "I don''t drink, and I don''t do parties. If there is any change in Mr. Bourne''s condition, please let me


    know ASAP," thewyer replied.


    "Alright, let me walk you out," Brandon responded.


    After thewyer left, Brandon checked the time. Before he knew it, it was already 7 p.m.


    Violette woke up, a little disoriented.


    "Violette, we''re heading home!" Mike eximed as she woke up. "Just got back from Hope Hospital.


    Elijah is still hanging in there. He was transferred to the ICU. The media are ruthless, and jumped the


    gun to report his death."


    Mike helped Violette to her feet, and she was more alert.


    "What time is it?" she asked.


    "Almost 8 p.m.," Mike replied as he helped her into her wheelchair. "You hungry?"


    Violette nodded.


    She hadn''t been eating well these past few days.


    Now, she just wanted a good meal, a warm bath, and a good night''s sleep.


    With theck of sleep from the past few days, she was feeling a bit woozy.


    "Got food at home. Let''s head back for dinner! The kids are stoked to hear you''re back!" Mike helped


    her into the car and stashed the wheelchair in the trunk.


    Half an hourter, they pulled into Silverleaf Ridge.


    Seeing the familiar surroundings, Violette felt a wave of emotion. Although she had only been gone a


    week, it felt like she had been through a lifetime. Once back home, she gathered her thoughts.


    The moment the kids saw their mom, they ran over.


    "Mommy!"


    "Mommy!"


    Seeing their faces, Violette felt both joy and sorrow.


    "I missed you guys so much," she said.


    "Mommy, we missed you too! Did you hurt your leg? Does it hurt?" Rita asked, looking at her leg.


    "Mommy, which leg is it?"


    "My right leg," Violette replied.


    "Mommy, you need to rest at home and not move around too much. It''ll be better in a few days," Rita


    said.


    "I will, sweetie," Violette promised.


    For the next week, Violette stayed in bed to recover. Mike wanted to stay home to take care of her, but


    she insisted he go to work.


    The bodyguard would cook after dropping the kids off at school. Adrian woulde by every day at


    noon to change her bandages and give her shots. After a week of rest, her leg was much better. She


    was even able to get out of bed and walk around the yard.


    The weather was getting nicer. Summer was on its way.


    Hospital.


    "Elijah, you''re finally awake," a woman''s voice said. "How do you feel?"


    He turned his head and saw Sarah''s face.


    "Elijah, I''ll go get the doctor," Sarah said before leaving.  Dra§Þa?ov§Öls.c§à§Þ


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    He was in the hospital. Was he sick? He tried to lift his arm, but it felt weak.


    After Sarah left, Brandon walked in.


    Elijah''s face remained expressionless.

 Chapter 417

    Chapter 417


    Brandon stood by the bed,ying it all out for him.


    There wasn''t a change on his face.


    Couldn¡¯t me him, really. He was already prepared to kick the bucket, so what was left that could


    shake him? After he was gone, someone would definitely look out for Maka.


    In no time, the doc showed up, checked him over, and said, "Mr. Bourne, you''re weak as a kitten. You


    need to be admitted. If you feel off, give me a holler anytime."


    Elijah shut his eyes, and Brandon pulled the doc aside to get the details.


    "He''s not about to croak, is he?" Brandon asked.


    The doc said, "If he follows our recovery instructions, he should be fine. But he didn¡¯t have got the will


    to live, and that''s not helping his recovery."


    Brandon nodded, "I''ll figure something out."


    About an hourter, Brandon brought Maka to the hospital.


    "Maka, your brother''s been through the wringer. Can you go and cheer him up?"


    Maka blinked, furrowed her brows, and tilted her head, asking, "How did he get hurt?"


    "His heart got hurt."


    "How can a heart get hurt?"


    "Well... he and Violette had a big blowout." Brandon exined it to her in the simplest way possible,


    "And now he doesn''t want to stick around. He wants to bite the dust. So, what you need to do is to pull


    him up by his bootstraps and get him to soldier on."


    Maka looked puzzled, "Then why don''t you call Violette? I''m afraid he won''t listen to me."


    Brandon said, "They had a falling out. He doesn''t want to see Violette. And you should stop looking for


    Violette too. They''re done."


    Maka asked, "Can I still look for Rita and Ian?"


    N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Brandon retorted, "Your brother''s at death''s door, and you''re still bothered about other stuff?"


    Maka had no choice but to agree, "What should I do to stop him from biting the dust? Can you guide


    me?"


    Brandon took a deep breath, "Just stay by his side, and keep an eye on him."


    "Okay."


    Elijah drifted off, and when he came to, he saw Maka''s innocent face. She sat by his bedside, eyes


    wide open, staring at him.


    "Elijah," Maka said, "I don''t want you to leave me. What should I do if you leave? If you must leave,


    then take me with you! I don''t want to be alone in this world... I want to be with you..."


    "No one treats me with sincerity. Only you do." she whispered, "I can give up anything. I just want my


    brother."


    His eyes flickered.


    He felt the same way. Besides Maka, no one truly loved him.


    She grasped his hand, wrapping it with her tiny hands, "Elijah, your hand is cold. Let me warm it up for


    you."


    ......


    Four dayster, Elijah was discharged and went home to recuperate. That day, every major media


    outlet apologized for their previous bogus news reports.


    He was alive.


    He was discharged.


    He was starting a new life.


    And she would start anew too.


    Hopefully, from now on, their paths would never cross again, so neither of them would suffer any pain.


    Co?tent belo?gs to Dra§Þ?n§àv§Öls.c§àm


    Her phone rang. She saw the caller ID and answered the call.


    "Violette, Elijah''s been discharged!" After days of hesitation, Odette finally decided to reach out to her.


    "I''ve already seen the news." Violette''s eyes dropped slightly, her voice calm.

 Chapter 418

    Chapter 418


    Odette was worried she might have been misunderstood and quickly added, "Violette, whether he


    shows up or not is his call, but you have to! You''re my best friend, if you don''te, I might not even


    want to get married."


    Violette responded, "I will."


    Odette breathed a sigh of relief, "Great! I heard about your leg. Is it better now? I''ve been wanting to


    reach out... I know about the Elijah thing. I didn''t contact you because I was worried about your mood."


    Violette replied, "My leg is much better."


    Odette said, "That''s good. Let''s go shopping tomorrow!"


    Violette nced at her injured leg and said, "Maybe it''s not that much better." The bandage on the


    wound had been removed, revealing a scabbed yet still gruesome wound.


    Thankfully, she bought a long skirt before, which could cover the wound.


    Odette reassured her, "I¡¯lle see you tomorrow. Don''t worry, I won''t ask about you and Elijah."


    Violette agreed, "Alright."


    The first thing the next morning, Odette was already there before the kids headed off to kindergarten.


    She brought not only fruits, snacks, toys, and new clothes but also a big bag of breakfast.


    Violette was shocked.


    "Odette, this is too much... Rita told me that when I was away, you visited them every day, and brought


    them toys and snacks..."


    "That''s something I should do!" Odette handed her the breakfast, then lifted her skirt to take a look,


    sighing in sympathy, "Oh my god! Such a big wound!"


    Violette said, "It doesn''t hurt much now."


    Odette eximed, "I can''t believe it! This is the first time I''ve seen someone hurt themselves so badly


    for love." Not daring to say more, she took the toys and new clothes she bought to the kids.


    "Sweeties, are you two off to school now?"


    "Aunty Odette, I wish you were getting married today so I wouldn''t have to go to school." Rita, with her


    backpack on, was not too keen on going to school.


    "Sweetie, why don''t you want to go to school?"


    "Because I want to stay home and y with Mommy," Rita answered honestly.


    "Rita, I have to go to work tomorrow. I won''t be able to y with you then." Violette interjected.


    "I don''t want to go to kindergarten today. With Aunty Odette here, I really want to stay at home even


    more... let me stay home and y with you!" Rita pouted, pleading.


    Odette took off Rita''s backpack and said, "Alright, alright! Let''s y at home for a day! Skipping


    kindergarten for a day won''t matter."


    This sentence was meant for Violette.


    "Odette, if you had kids, they would definitely be spoiled rotten." Violette sighed.


    "Rita said so. We''ll just y at home today. She will go to school when you go to work!" Odette, holding


    little Rita, smiled at Violette, "If I had a daughter as cute as Rita, I wouldn''t have the heart to send her


    to kindergarten! I would get a tutor to teach her at home."


    "Of course, I have the free time to take care of a child at home. But your situation is different! You''re a


    career woman!" Then Odette quickly added, "However, sending kids to kindergarten for a collective life


    experience, and preparing them for school, is also very good."


    Violette took a sip of water, pondered for a moment, and said, "Odette, you don''t need to tiptoe around


    me when we talk. I''m not used to it."


    Odette raised an eyebrow, "So, what''s going on with you and Elijah?"


    Violette didn¡¯t say anything.


    Violette shook her head, "Odette, you better not guess. I''ll have a guest at my house in a while."


    Both Odette and the kids suddenly became alert.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    "Who is it?" Hearing themotion in the living room, Mike came out of his room. New ch?pter


    av§Ñble o? Dr?§Þan§àv§Öls.c§àm


    He was only wearing boxers, appearing in front of everyone like this.


    Odette immediately rushed over and pushed him back into his room.


    "Shut up! Go back and put on some clothes!" Odette pushed him back into the room.

 Chapter 419

    Chapter 419


    At this moment, Violette''s guest had arrived.


    A ck business van pulled up to the vi.


    The car door opened, and two bodyguards got out first.


    Odette had been warily watching the situation outside,


    "Who the heck is this? Showing up with an army of bodyguards!"


    Violette got up from the couch and walked past Odette, saying, "It''s Kylee."


    After several months of rehabilitation training, Kylee was now able to stand on his own.


    Today, he came to visit Violette with his family to personally thank her.


    Kylee was dressed in a ck and white tracksuit, wearing a sun hat, and his face was hidden by a


    mask and sunsses.


    At first nce, they couldn''t make out his facial features.


    But his tall stature and unique aura set him apart from the crowd, impossible not to notice!


    "Violette, can I scream?" Odette trembled slightly.


    Violette replied, "Better not. I don¡¯t want the neighbors calling the cops."


    Odette did her best to suppress her excitement.


    Under the protection of the bodyguards, Kylee and his family walked into the living room.


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    Seeing Violette, Kylee hugged her before he even had time to remove his mask,


    "Dr. Dennis, thank you."


    Violette was a bit surprised, "You don''t have to call me Dr. Dennis."


    "Violette, thank you." Kylee let her go, then removed his hat, sunsses, and mask.


    The sun shone on his delicate face. His pale skin, and his perfect features were visible to all.


    Everyone watched him, mesmerized.


    He looked even better than in the pictures.


    Rita''s mouth dropped open, her little hands clenched into fists.


    What a handsome mister!


    Even more handsome than dad!


    No, he was a different type from dad!


    Rita preferred young men like Kylee.


    "Hello, uncle! My name is Rita!" Rita mustered up courage, ran up to Kylee with small steps, "I''m


    Violette''s daughter! I really like you!"


    Kylee was a bit surprised, then gently picked up little Rita.


    Ian felt awkward, so he retreated to his room.


    Mike came out after changing his clothes. Seeing Rita in Kylee''s arms, he felt a pang of jealousy.


    Odette screamed, "Ahhh!"


    When Kylee nced at her,  Dra§Þanovels.c§àm


    Odette said, "I''m Violette''s best friend! And, I''m also your fan!"


    Odette was so ted she was about to faint!


    Before she could faint, Mike caught her.

 Chapter 420

    Chapter 420


    After lunch, Kylee had a meal with everyone at Violette''s ce and then took off.


    "Violette, take a breather and gear up for your afternoon medical check-up. I''m thinking of taking the


    kids out for a spin, what do you think?" Odette looked at the sunny weather, feeling a bit stir-crazy at


    home, "I''ll have them back by six, max."


    Seeing both kids itching to go out, Violette naturally didn''t object,


    "Odette, won''t this be a hassle for you?"


    Odette replied, "What hassle? They''re not little babies who need constant cuddling. Taking them out is


    a piece of cake."


    Violette had her bodyguard tag along with them.


    After waving them off, she went back inside and locked the front door.


    On the coffee table in the living room, there was a white box


    , left by Kylee.


    It was a gift for her.


    He said it was his lucky charm, not anything fancy but he hoped it would bring her good luck.


    Such a meaningful, yet not extravagant gift, she couldn''t turn down.


    She took the white box and went back to her room.


    Just as she sat down on the bed, Mike gave her a ring.


    "Violette, I''ll pick you up in about two hours. You can rest for now." He quickly asked, "Is that guy gone?


    If not, it''s about time he left, right?"


    "Don''t talk about him like that. He''s a very talented artist. I heard his new song today, and it''s really


    good." Violette defended him, "I''ve never been a fangirl before, but his charm really got me hooked. I''m


    N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    a real fan now."


    "Holy moly, you''re not falling for him, are you?" Mike asked.


    "I just admire him." Violette said.


    "Oh, just admiration! But if you really were with him, I wouldn''t object. When you are looking for a


    boyfriend, you gotta aim for the boys either good-looking, loaded with money or good at something.


    Like Kylee, gotta admit, he''s a looker." Mike said.


    "If there''s nothing else, I''m hanging up now." Violette didn''t want to go on with this topic.


    After her rtionship with Elijah ended, she had no ns to date or get into another marriage.


    Dating took too much energy, which made her reluctant to give it another go.


    She put down her phone and opened the white box.


    Inside was a uniquely designed ne.


    The pendant was a ring with some characters engraved on it.


    They were in anguage she didn''t understand and she had no idea what they meant.


    She put the ne back into the box andy down on the bed.


    She had been getting plenty of sleeptely, so she didn''t feel sleepy.


    Violette looked at the bright sunshine outside the window and the birds flying by from time to time,


    feeling very rxed.


    She hadn''t had such a peaceful time in so long.


    Now she seldom thought about Elijah, and even less about their past.


    She didn''t deliberately n for the future either.


    This kind of simple and indifferent life was something she had never experienced before. And s


    he hoped to keep it this way.


    Two hourster, Mike came to pick her up.


    She saw her long-lost colleagues, and her calm heart was somewhat stirred.


    As everyone hadn''t seen her for a while, they all missed her.


    Everyone was asking where she had been and how she had enjoyed her time.


    When she looked at Mike, Updated at Dra§Þ§Ñn§àv§Öls.c§àm


    "Why didn''t you tell me earlier? I didn''t get any souvenirs for them." Violette said.


    Only then did Violette rx.


    After the series of medical check-ups were over, Mike took Violette and left the hospital.

 Chapter 421

    Chapter 421


    Violette shook her head, "I wanna take a stroll."


    "If your leg hurts, you gotta tell me. Don''t y tough." Mike warned.


    "I know." Violette said.


    "Violette, if I knew there would be so many headaches after we came back, I wouldn''t have let you


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    about you every day." Mike said, helping her into the car.


    Violette felt guilty, "Maybe you should go back to B Country."


    "That''s not what I meant!" Mike said.


    "I know it''s not. I just think I can handle the work here. Maybe you should go back." Violette said.


    "You''reing with me then." Mike said.


    "I don''t want to go back. I prefer my hometown." Violette said.


    Mike snorted, "Then I''m not going. Wherever you are, I am."


    "You can''t bear to leave Joey, can you?" Violette asked.


    "Why are you bringing him up? He''s blocked me. That annoying guy only cares about his boss." Mike


    stepped on the elerator and drove the car away.


    Violette apologized, "I''m sorry!"


    "Why are you apologizing to me? Even without you, we''d still have problems! I can''t stand not being as


    important as his boss." Mike said,


    They went to the mall.


    Violette bought some imported food and gold zodiac bracelets for her female colleagues at the jewelry


    store.


    "Violette, you really love making things hard for yourself! Checking everyone''s birthdays." Mike


    "But they''ll be happy when they receive the gifts." Violette replied.


    "If you just gave them money, they''d be happier." Mike argued.


    "You might be right, but some happiness can''t be bought with money." Violette said.


    For example, she felt happier receiving a gift from Kylee today than if Kylee had just given her money.


    After shopping, Mike carried the shopping bags in one hand and held Violette with the other.


    After a while, her leg started to hurt.


    "I told you I could do the shopping alone, but you never listen. You''re so stubborn!" Mikeined.


    Violette ignored his grumbling.


    The next morning, Mike drove her to work.


    After distributing the gifts, she returned to her long-missed office.


    There was a fresh bouquet of flowers on her desk.


    She walked over to the bouquet and took out the card.


    The card read - Today is a beautiful day!


    At the bottom, it was signed: Kylee


    She smiled, sat down at her desk, and turned on herputer.


    So she spent the whole morning in her office.


    At noon, Mike knocked on her office door and asked her to lunch.


    "Did you check your medical report? It''s in your email." Mike reminded her.


    She nodded, getting up from her chair, "I just got it, but I haven''t read it yet. How''s your report?"


    Dra§Þan§àv§Öls


    Mike led the way and pressed the elevator button.


    As she stepped into the elevator, she saw a line in her medical report that left her stunned!


    -- Three weeks pregnant!

 Chapter 422

    Chapter 422


    She was pregnant.


    Judging by the gestational age on the medical report, she must have conceived on the night Elijah


    stabbed himself in the heart.


    How ironic.


    They were at each other''s throats and now she was carrying his baby.


    She was at a loss for words, her face a mask of shock.


    It reminded her of the pain when she found out she was pregnant with Rita and Ian.


    Back then, Elijah was insisting on a divorce.


    But now she was financially independent. She could provide for her kids, whether they be one, two, or


    three.


    Should she tell him about this?


    After all, when Sarah miscarried, he med her and demanded a child.


    Even though they were not in touch anymore, what if he created a ruckus over this in the future?


    Mike noticed her panicked expression out of the corner of his eye and hurried over to peek at her


    phone.


    She quickly pressed the power button and the screen went ck.


    "Is your medical report okay? You look kinda freaked out." Mike tried to grab her phone, but she


    dodged him.


    "I''m fine, just a bit anemic." She made up an excuse, "Oh, I can''t go to the office this afternoon, got


    something to do."


    She nned to go to the hospital for another check-up to confirm the results.


    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Mike, puzzled, asked, "What''s up?"


    "Something private. You keep your secrets, I keep mine." She replied.


    "I don''t have any secrets!" Mike retorted.


    "Well, I do. So I can''t tell you right now." Violette spoke calmly.


    "When can you tell me then?" Mike asked.


    The elevator doors opened, and Violette strode out,


    "When I feel like it."


    Mike quickly asked, "Violette, you''re not going to see Elijah, are you? If he could stab himself this time,


    next time he might stab you."


    Violette felt a chill run down her spine at his words,


    "I won''t go see him."


    "Good! As long as you don''t go see him, I don''t care about the rest." Mike said, relieved.


    Violette shot back, "Even if I did, you couldn''t do anything about it, right?"


    Mike furrowed his eyebrows.


    "I was just kidding! What are we eating?" Violette tugged at his arm, "Let''s eat something light! Did the


    doctor tell you not to drink because of your digestive system or liver problem?"


    She sessfully distracted Mike.


    "I''m perfectly healthy!" Mike imed.


    "Then how about we grab a few drinks?" Violette asked.


    Mike had to admit, "I have a bit of a stomach issue. Many people do."


    "Got it! Where are you going this afternoon? I can drop you off!" Mike said.


    "No need. I''ll take a cab." Violette said.


    Mike didn''t press further.


    After lunch, they parted ways outside the restaurant. Co?tent §àf


    Then she opened her medical report again to confirm the results.


    , unless theb technician mixed up the samples.


    But that was highly unlikely in modern medical procedures.


    She took a deep breath, her hand gently resting on her belly.

 Chapter 423

    Chapter 423


    A new life was brewing here.


    Yet, she hadn''t noticed it at all so far.


    When she was pregnant with Rita and Ian, the early pregnancy symptoms were super obvious.


    With these thoughts in mind, new problems started to creep up.


    When she got pregnant with this child, she was at her lowest point emotionally, and she had taken a lot


    of antibiotics due to a leg injury.


    She furrowed her brows, her heart aching so much that she couldn''t breathe.


    Even if she was pregnant now, the child might not be healthy.


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    The taxi stopped at the hospital entrance, and Violette quickly got out after paying the fare.


    She went to register for a gynecological appointment and exined her situation to the doctor, who


    gave her a request form for an ultrasound.


    She took the form and waited in the ultrasound room. After about forty minutes, it was her turn.


    A whileter, she came out of the hospital with her ultrasound results. Just as she had suspected, she


    was pregnant.


    She was pregnant with Elijah''s child again.


    Whether the child was healthy or not was still unknown because he was too small.


    If he was not healthy, he might die before three months.


    He could also make it past three months and only show problems at the health check-up.


    She was very confused now, not knowing what to do.


    If Elijah didn''t want the child, she might choose to have an abortion, as the child could potentially not be


    healthy.


    But she would choose to make a decision around three months.


    Should she tell him? Should she tell him now?


    She stood on the side of the street, looking at the bustling traffic and feeling very lost.


    The Dennis Group.


    Mike had a business card in his hand. After looking at it, he sized up the other party,


    "Are you Kylee''s agent?"


    "Yes. Kylee asked me to discuss a coboration with you guys." The agent exined his purpose. "His


    and fame would definitely make this song a hit online! But he insists on giving this single to your


    Mike frowned, "Give it to us?"


    "He said it''s written for yourpany. You can use it as a promotional song for your products or your


    Mike nodded, "But I haven''t heard his new song, is it any good?"


    The agent looked helpless.


    Mike said, "Has he discussed it with Violette? Violette is the boss."


    "Ms. Dennis is very fond of this song. But she might not ept Kylee''s gift." The agent said.


    The agent nodded, "I think that''s a better idea too. But Kylee doesn''t want to take your money."


    Mike said, "Then give us a low price! Otherwise, Violette definitely won''t ept it."


    Mike said, "The single Kylee gave us, maybe it''s because he can''t stand our current situation?"


    Agent said, "That''s my guess too. He''s more concerned about yourpany''s development than you


    guys." Upd§Ñted at Dr§Ñ§Þan§àvels.c§à§Þ


    Mike took a deep breath, his opinion of Kyleepletely changed.


    This young man was not only good-looking, but also very sharp-minded.


    The next time he came to see Violette, he would definitely open the door for him.


    At five in the afternoon, Violette took a taxi to the Bourne family.

 Chapter 424

    Chapter 424


    When the doorman saw Violette, he thought he was seeing things. How did she even have the nerve to


    In the past, the doorman would swing the door open for her, but not this time. He dialed thendline in


    the living room on the first floor. Lacey picked up.


    "Violette''s here, waiting outside," the doorman said.


    Lacey sounded surprised. "Okay, I''ll go check it out."


    She hung up and made a beeline for the door.


    N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    What had been a clear sky was now cloudy.


    Instead of inviting Violette in, Lacey stepped outside.


    "Violette," Lacey greeted, her face serious. "Are you here to see Mr. Bourne?"


    Lacey knew that Violette was the reason for Elijah''s injury, so she had no sympathy for her. Elijah''s


    injury was so severe that it nearly cost him his life. Thest person he would want to see was Violette.


    Violette nodded, "Is he home?"


    "Yes, he''s been resting at home since he was discharged from the hospital," Lacey answered. "The


    doctor rmended that he rest at home for at least a month."


    After a few seconds of thought, Violette said, "I need to see him."


    Lacey asked, "What for, Violette? He needs to rest. The doctor made it clear that he should not be


    disturbed unless it is absolutely necessary."


    Violette got the hint. He did indeed need his rest.


    "Violette, I''m sorry. I''m not the one who''s stopping you from seeing him, nor do I not want you to. Even


    if I told him, he might not want to see you," Lacey exined patiently, seeing the disappointment in


    Violette''s eyes.


    Violette nodded, "I don''t me you."


    Seeing her like this, Lacey softened, "Maybe you can wait here a bit. I''ll go ask him."


    "No need. Let him rest," Violette said calmly.


    Elijah''s condition was not suited to any form of stress, and she was uncertain about the baby''s health.


    So she could wait, to see if the baby could make it to three months.


    She turned to leave just as it started to drizzle.


    Lacey rushed back into the living room to grab an umbre and ran after Violette.


    Violette didn''t have a car. If she wanted to hail a cab, she would have to walk a bit.


    She heard Lacey calling and stopped. Seeing the umbre that Lacey brought, she looked up in


    surprise.


    Was it raining?


    "Take it, Violette," Lacey offered the umbre.


    "It''s fine. The rain isn''t heavy," she refused.


    Violette picked up the pace and left in the rain.


    Lacey, holding the umbre, returned home disappointed. Updated at Dr§Ñmanovels


    On the second floor of the vi, the balcony.


    Why had shee here?


    As the question popped into his mind, his heart ached.

 Chapter 425

    Chapter 425


    When he was not seeing her or thinking about her, he can eat, drink, and sleep just fine.


    But the moment she came to mind, his body had a strange reaction.


    Soon, there was a knock on his door and Elijah walked in from the balcony.


    He opened the door to find Lacey standing outside.


    "Sir, Violette was here. She said she needed to see you but didn''t tell me why," Lacey said, "She''s gone


    now."


    "I know," he replied coldly.


    "So, should I let her in next time?" Lacey asked.


    "No need," he said after a moment of silence.


    ......


    When Violette got home, she was soaked to the bone.


    "Mom, why are you all wet? Didn''t you take an umbre?" Rita asked with a concerned expression.


    Mike pushed her towards the staircase, "Go take a hot shower, you don''t want to catch a cold."


    Violette headed upstairs.


    "Mike, why did you let my mome back on her own?" Rita med Mike.


    Ian also gave Mike a reproachful look.


    Surrendering to the two little ones, Mike said, "Your mom said she had something to do this afternoon


    and didn''t want me to tag along. I''ll make her some soup so she doesn''t get sick." He headed towards


    the kitchen while saying this.


    Violette took a shower, dried her hair and went downstairs.


    Mike handed her the soup he had prepared, and she thanked him after finishing it.


    "Violette, where did you go this afternoon? Didn''t you know it was raining? Can''t you use an umbre


    or take shelter?" Mike scolded.


    Rita pouted, defending her mom: "My mom is soaked and you still have the nerve to scold her!"


    "Alright, let''s go eat," Mike led the children to the dining table, "Violette, our bodyguard is a great cook.


    We should give him a raise."


    Violette took a look at the feast on the table and nodded slightly: "Hmm."


    "Aren''t you anemic? You should eat more meat," Mike said.


    It was funny how the mind worked. She ate meat in the morning and didn''t feel nauseous or


    ufortable.


    But now that she knew she was pregnant, the sight of the meat dishes made her lose her appetite and


    even made her stomach churn.


    Seeing that she wasn''t eating, Mike put a piece of meat in her bowl.


    She took a bite and said, "I wish we had some greens."


    "Oh, I''ll have him cook some veggies tomorrow," Mike said, sensing her low spirits, and thought she


    might have gone to see Elijah in the afternoon.


    Because she was fine before noon.


    "Kylee''s agent came to see you this afternoon, but since you weren''t here, I had a chat with him." Mike


    said.


    "Oh, how did it go?" she asked.


    "Since you guys have decided, let''s go with that," she didn''t offer any further opinion.


    "Oh, I thought you didn''t like marketing?"


    "You''re not being stubborn anymore!"


    "Hey, eat something first!" Mike saw that she left half of her food untouched and immediately stopped


    her. Co?tent of Dr?§Þ??ov§Öls.c§àm


    "I''m not hungry. I''ll make some noodles when I''m hungry," she said and headed upstairs quickly.


    Once upstairs, she opened herptop and started working.


    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    The rain was pouring harder outside, its sound like a drum on the window.


    She finished her work distractedly and stood up from the chair.


    Looking at the time, it was already eleven at night. She needed to go out now.

 Chapter 426

    Chapter 426


    She was still feeling uneasy about the baby in her belly. She wanted to do something to make up for it


    before she could confirm if he was healthy. Whether it was toote or not, at least it would make her


    feel better.


    She put on a coat, opened her umbre and stepped out.


    Three minutes walk from her apartmentplex, there was a pharmacy. She bought a bottle of folic


    acid and put it in her pocket, then she walked into the rain with her umbre.


    The rain was heavy, but it wasn''t cold. It was spring now. Spring was the season of revival and


    everything was full of hope.


    She hoped that the baby in her belly would be healthy, just like Rita and Ian. As long as he was healthy,


    she would give birth to him. Elijah''s opinion didn''t matter much to her now.


    The rain in the evening helped her sort out many thoughts. She and Elijah was living twopletely


    different worlds. As long as she could live her each day to the fullest and had a clear conscience, that


    would be enough.


    Upon returning home, she put away her umbre and left it outside. Before she could enter, she heard


    voicesing from the living room.


    "You''re choking me!" Joey''s voice came out angrily.


    Mike: "Can you keep it down! Don''t wake up Violette!"


    Joey took a deep breath, "What did you bring me here for? Take me home now!"


    Mike sat on the sofa, "I''ve been drinking, how can I take you home? Just make do here for tonight!"


    "You''re making me sleep on the couch?!"


    "What''s wrong with sleeping on the couch? You should be thankful there''s a couch for you to sleep on!


    Or do you want to sleep in my room?"


    "Are you crazy? What if Violette and her two kids find me sleeping on the couch?" Joey struggled to get


    up from the sofa and headed for Mike''s room.


    Mike followed him, "Wait for me! Joey, quit your job, okay? Elijah is..."


    "Enough! My boss is not a bad guy! I know you''re going to bring up Maka again. I swear, he and


    Maka are definitely not a thing! And Sarah is even more ridiculous! My boss never liked her! Even if


    they identally got intimate, it was all Sarah''s scheme... My boss is a clean freak! Whether in life and


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    in rtionships, he''s always been a neat freak!"


    Joey had forgotten to keep his voice down. Even if Violette was in her room upstairs, she could still


    hear his yelling.


    "Violette is even cleaner!" Mike argued, "Since I''ve known her, she hasn''t had a single boyfriend! No


    matter how many handsome and excellent men pursue her, she''s always remained indifferent! Is your


    boss as clean as Violette?!"


    Joey: "But Violette almost killed my boss!"


    Mike: "That was his own fault! With Violette''s petite figure, she would struggle to kill a chicken, let alone


    your boss! With your brain, how did you be an executive assistant?!"


    Joey, one hand on the door and the other adjusting his sses on the bridge of his nose, looked


    puzzled.


    Mike seemed to make sense?


    Seeing him in a daze, Mike pushed him into the room and closed the door behind him.


    She hurried upstairs to her room.


    After taking off her coat, she picked up a ss of water and took a folic acid pill.


    What on earth had she done wrong to end up pregnant with Elijah''s three children! Content of


    Dra§Þ??ovels


    Three children!


    But that was not the most important thing.

 Chapter 427

    Chapter 427


    She flopped onto bed and turned off the lights.


    But she just couldn''t sleep, and she was getting more and more awake.


    She grabbed her phone to check the time. Only half an hour had passed. With a sigh in the darkness,


    she forced herself to try and get some shut-eye.


    After a while, she checked her phone again. Now it was past midnight; it would be one in the morning


    soon, but she still couldn''t sleep.


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    Almost instinctively, she reached into her bedside drawer and pulled out some mtonin. Just as she


    was about to pop the pill, the sight of the folic acid on her nightstand made her snap wide awake! She


    immediately tossed the pill into the trash. For the sake of the little bun in the oven, she needed to sleep.


    At eight the next morning, after dropping off her two kids at daycare, Violette picked up breakfast on


    her way home.


    Everyone sat down at the table and Joey took a nce at Violette.


    She was all dolled up today, looking absolutely stunning. She wore a white sweater over a red dress,


    paired with some t leather shoes. Her makeup was light, making her look radiant.


    ¡°Ms. Dennis, do you have a hot date today?¡± Joey asked curiously.


    Mike chimed in, ¡°Kylee, did you know him? His firsteback single was signed to us, and we''re


    having the signing ceremony at the hotel today.¡±


    Joey turned to Violette in surprise, ¡°So, it was really you who cured Kylee''s illness?!¡±


    Violette quickly changed the subject, ¡°Didn''t you block Mike?¡±


    Upon hearing this, Joey''s face lit up with amusement, ¡°Last night, I was out having drinks with my


    coworkers and he tracked us down.¡±


    Mike frowned, ¡°Speaking of which, you still haven''t unblocked me, have you?¡±


    Violette stood up, ¡°You two keep eating. I''m off.¡±


    At ten in the morning, the city''s oldest five-star hotel was hosting the first event Kylee was attending


    since hiseback.


    The event was being livestreamed online, with millions of fans pushing it to the top of the trending list


    on Twitter.


    In the president''s office of the Bourne Group.


    Elijah''s face darkened. The sweater she was wearing was the one she had once knitted for him.


    Co?tent of Dr§Ñm§Ñ?ovels.c§àm


    He was so angry that he started coughing violently!

 Chapter 428

    Chapter 428


    The office door swung open.


    Brandon saw him coughing up a storm and quickly handed him a ss of water.


    "You shouldn''t be at work if you''re not feeling well! You never listen to the doctor''s advice."


    Elijah ced the ss on the desk and made a beeline for the restroom. Brandon was about to follow


    him but got distracted by a live stream ying on hisputer.


    "Kylee, we''re all dying to know why you chose to work with the Dennis Group. Is it because they''re


    offering a boatload of money?" The reporter asked with a grin.


    Kylee shot Violette a look, with a twinkle in his eyes. Just as he was about to respond, Violette jumped


    in, "Nah. Kylee said he''s been out of the industry for three years and is back at square one, so he''s


    only taking a small fee."


    The room instantly erupted into chatter.


    "How did you meet Kylee? Are you guys tight? I noticed you''re both wearing white sweaters today..."


    The reporter continued to grill them.


    Violette''s face turned beet red instantly.


    "That''s just a coincidence." Kylee covered for her, "I also have a brown coat on but took it off since it''s a


    bit warm in here."


    "Kylee, for youreback, you must have had tons of options. Did you choose the Dennis Group


    because you''re chummy with Violette? When did you guys meet?"


    Kylee replied, "We met when I was sick. The new song was also written during that time."


    Suddenly, someone made a request, "Kylee, can you perform your new song live for us?"


    This request started a chorus of agreement. Violette shot him a smile, stepped back, and let him take


    the stage.


    The Bourne Group.


    Emerging from the restroom, Elijah found that Brandon had shut off the live stream on hisputer.


    Brandon didn''t get it. Why was Elijah still keeping tabs on Violette''s news when they had broken up?


    Who she was with was her business. Why should Elijah care? Hadn''t he been hurt enoughst time?


    "Elijah, let me take you home." Brandon stood firmly in front of him. "Are you nning on keeling over


    right here in the office?"


    Elijah''s face was gloomy, his fingers clenched as he took big strides towards the elevator.


    Brandon trailed after him.


    "She came looking for me yesterday." He said in a low and choked voice as they entered the elevator.


    Brandon was in disbelief, "You mean Violette came to see you yesterday?"


    "I didn''t see her." His throat moved, "She is wearing that white sweater today just to piss me off."


    "If you don''t love her, it wouldn''t matter what she''s wearing." Brandon said bluntly, "If you can''t change


    her, change yourself."


    Easier said than done!


    If he could just force himself not to love her, he wouldn''t be in such agony now. New ch?pter av?ble


    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    o?


    Back at the hotel, after Kylee performed his new song, the atmosphere was electric!


    Alexa from Golden Palm Tech was seething as she watched the live stream.

 Chapter 429

    Chapter 429


    "Violette really got some serious chops, huh?" Alexa said in a rather frosty tone.


    Yeah, sure Kylee wasn''t the hottest male celeb around anymore, but he used to be! And today was his


    bigeback, stirring up a buzz in the showbiz world like never before!


    Alexa was totally stumped as to why Kylee was going all out to help Violette.


    The guy had tweeted for the Dennis Group before, giving them a boost, but now he went and wrote a


    song for them. It was downright mind-blowing!


    She dialed up Sarah, who answered almost instantly.


    "Sarah, any idea why Kylee''s bending over backwards for Violette? Do they have some kind of secret


    between them?"


    Sarah was catching the live stream too, and she was pissed. Kylee was talented and a looker to boot,


    and no woman could resist his charm.


    "He just spilled the beans on the live stream," Sarah¡¯s voice was as cold as ice, "He said he met


    Violette when he was sick."


    Alexa didn''t catch her drift: "What''s so odd about that?"


    "He was in a vegetative state before! Totally unconscious. Even if Violette was around him every day,


    there''s no way he could''ve known her! So he had to have met Violette after he recovered! How did he


    get better? Why is he so good to Violette? Isn''t it obvious?!"


    Alexa was gobsmacked: "You''re saying Violette cured him?!"


    Between clenched teeth, Sarah confirmed: "Yes! Violette must''ve cured him! Only if Violette saved his


    life would he go to such lengths to repay her!"


    Alexa suddenly burst intoughter.


    Sarah was puzzled: "What''s so funny? Violette has Kylee now, you bettere up with a n to stop


    her!"


    "When did Violette be such a big shot? Howe I didn''t get the memo? She can cure people in


    a vegetative state? If she''s really that capable, why bother starting apany? She could just be a


    doctor and treat rich folks. Look at you, you cured Maka and Elijah paid you a fortune... Isn''t that


    more lucrative than running apany?"


    Alexa was rebutting Sarah''s conjecture.


    Sarah: "Fine, don''t believe me! I wasn''t nning on convincing you anyway!"


    Alexa: "It''s not that I don''t believe you, I just can''t believe Violette! How could she be that amazing?!"


    Sarah took a deep breath: "I didn''t believe she was either, but denial doesn''t make it untrue! Self-


    deception only makes you look more foolish!"


    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    The smile on Alexa''s face vanished.


    "Scared now, aren''t you?" Sarah saw Alexa go silent and sneered, "Had I known you were such a


    chicken, I wouldn''t have put all my money on you!"


    Sarah justughed: "Well, I can''t wait to see how you''re gonna take her down!"


    After Kylee''s car drove off, the fans outside the hotel gradually left.


    Not too far away, a ck Rolls-Royce was parked with Elijah sitting inside. When the crowd dispersed,


    his deep gaze fell on Violette in her white sweater. New ch?pter av§Ñble o? Dr?§Þan§àv§Öls.c§àm


    She was chatting with Mike, who had his arm around her affectionately and was leading her to the


    parking lot.


    Elijah was heartbroken. Violette''s life was never short of male attention.

 Chapter 430

    Chapter 430


    He realized that her life was indeed getting better.


    ......


    After Violette got into the car, she took out her thermos from her bag, opened the lid, and took a sip of


    water.


    Mike waited for her to finish drinking before he started the car.


    "What''s for lunch?" He asked.


    Violette: "It''s not even noon, I''m not hungry."


    Mike: "There''s no harm in nning ahead, right?"


    Violette thought for a few seconds and said, "I''ll take care of my own lunch from now on."


    Mike was a meat lover, but she was currently not interested in any kind of meat. Before getting


    pregnant, she had a good appetite, so if Mike saw her not eating meat, he would definitely be


    suspicious.


    "Are you trying to lose weight?" Mike questioned, "Violette, don''t starve yourself slim! You''re not a


    celebrity, and there''s no need topete with those female celebrities."


    Violette knew Mike would jump to conclusions.


    "I''m not trying to lose weight. I just don''t want to eat with you anymore."


    Mike: "Why don''t you want to eat with me anymore? If you''re not eating with me, who are you eating


    with?"


    Violette: "I think we should keep some distance. I heard what you said to Joeyst night. You care so


    much about Joey''s rtionship with Elijah, what if Joey cares about your rtionship with me?"


    Mike was speechless.


    Violette: "From now on, let''s eat separately. We can still go home together after work."


    Mike: "Oh... okay."


    At that moment, his phone rang. He took out his phone, nced at the caller ID, then slowed down his


    speed and put on his Bluetooth headset to answer the call.


    "Are you with Violette right now?" Joey''s voice came from the other side of the phone.


    Mike nced at Violette: "No, what''s up?"


    He lied because he wanted to hear what Joey had to say.


    Joey: "Do you know where Violette got the white sweater she''s wearing today? She''s crossed the line!


    That sweater was knitted by her for my boss..."


    Mike nced at the white sweater on Violette, and casually said, "Oh, the sweater that was given to


    your boss, how did it end up back with her?"


    Joey sighed, "Probably he gave it back to her after they broke up!"


    Joey didn''t expect him to get so angry.


    Mike''s retort left Joey speechless.


    What Mike said was true. Why was his boss so angry? New ch?pter av?ble o? Dra§Þ§Ñn§àv§Öls.c§àm


    They had already ended their rtionship a long time ago, and it wasn''t a pleasant breakup. Normally,


    he shouldn''t have any lingering feelings.


    Sitting in the passenger seat, Violette had a general idea of what Joey was saying on the other end of


    the phone.


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    She chose to wear this white sweater today because Kylee told her to wear the ne today. The


    ne was ck, so a white outfit would match better.


    She didn''t have a white coat, so she chose to wear this white sweater. She didn''t expect Kylee to also


    choose to wear a white sweater today.

 Chapter 431

    Chapter 431


    This caused a misunderstanding and she felt a tad sorry, but she didn''t feel like clearing things up.


    "Joey, go tell your boss that Violette is now with Kylee!" Mike hoped Elijah would finally give up and quit


    bugging Violette.


    Upon hearing Mike''s words, Violette immediately snatched the headphones from his ears.


    "Joey, don''t listen to his nonsense." She chimed in, "Kylee and I are just business partners. Also, that


    sweater is something your boss gave back to me, I''ll wear it whenever I feel like it. Even if I get into a


    new rtionships in the future, I can still wear it on dates."


    Joey was stunned. Mike had actually lied to him about their rtionship, and now he felt extremely


    awkward.


    "Ms. Dennis, it''s your clothing, so wear it if you want to. I was just chatting with Mike, no other


    intentions... I know now that my boss isn''t perfect and has his ws. I''ll remind myself in the future."


    Joey exined.


    "Hmm... is he at work today? Shouldn''t he be resting at home?" Violette said calmly.


    Joey: "He never listens to his doctor. But Brandon has already taken him home."


    "Hmm."


    Their conversation ended there, both not knowing what else to chat about.


    Joey suddenly said, "I hope your sales skyrocket and youpany would lead in the industry."


    N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Mike took back his headphones, ending the awkward conversation.


    "Violette, you''re really good at knitting! Can you knit me a sweater when you have time?" Mike joked.


    Violette gave him a re.


    Mikeughed and changed the subject: "Elijah is really something, huh? He still can''t get you off his


    mind. I guess your stab wasn''t deep enough."


    Violette corrected him, "I wasn''t the one who stabbed him."


    "Well... I''m starting to think there might be something wrong with his mind."


    Violette: "I read a book once. It said sessful people think differently than ordinary ones."


    Mike: "But you seem pretty normal!"


    Violette awkwardly said, "I wouldn''t call myself sessful."


    "You''re not sessful? Having business tycoon Elijah pining after you and famous actor Kylee head


    over heels for you... To be honest, I think Kylee might be falling for you. He was staring at you the


    entire time during the event earlier. His gaze was quite strange," Mike pointed out.


    Violette: "Are you asking for a punch?"


    Mike immediately shut up.


    That evening, a trending topic suddenly appeared on Twitter¡ª


    #KyleesLoveLife#


    One key piece of evidence was the ne Violette wore that morning¡ªit belonged to Kylee!


    Below were numerous photos of Kylee from previous events.


    In every single photo, Kylee was wearing this ck ne. Upd§Ñted at Dr§Ñ§Þan§àvels.c§à§Þ


    Was this confirmation?!


    After the trend appeared, the inte was filled with voices of regret! Violette also became a trending


    topic.


    The Bourne family. A news alert popped up on Elijah''s phone.


    ¡ªKylee''s love life exposed! The leadingdy is the beautiful president of the Dennis Group, Violette!

 Chapter 432

    Chapter 432


    Fresh out of the shower, water droplets slid down from Elijah''s hair.


    One hand holding a dry towel, the other clenching his phone, his fingers slightly trembled as he opened


    the pop-up news.


    A cold glint shed through his eyes after he finished reading. When did Violette ept Kylee''s token


    of love?


    Did shee to himst night to tell him she was starting a new rtionship? Was that necessary?


    He chucked his phone onto the cab, making a loud sound.


    In a luxurious European-style vi, Alexa was holding a goblet, the red wine inside slightly swaying.


    She browsed through the online news with a smug look on her face, then took a sip of her wine.


    "Do you know what celebrities fear the most?" she said, looking at Sarah, "it''s their fans ditching them.


    And what could make a celebrity lose fans? Going public with a rtionship. Even Kylee can''t dodge


    this bullet!"


    Sarah admired Alexa greatly.


    "This will definitely hit Kylee hard. No matter how he exins itter, he''ll surely lose some fans." Alexa


    smirked, "Times have changed, we''re not short of handsome and talented idols."


    Sarah: "Don''t be too cocky too soon. None of the male stars now can top Kylee."


    "You speak so highly of him, are you a fan too?" Alexa looked at Sarah with a puzzled expression.


    "What''s so strange about me being his fan? Our target isn''t Kylee, it''s Violette. So, you''d better know


    your ce." Sarah grabbed her bag and left the luxurious vi.


    Now that Alexa and Mr. Warren were living together, Sarah often came over for meals.


    After Sarah left, Mr. Warren said to Alexa: "Don''t mind her, just do things your way. You''re a


    businesswoman. You just need to think about profits."


    Alexa casually replied: "Your daughter upset me, you need topensate me, right? Give me a foot


    massage."


    Mr. Warren immediately went over to massage her feet.


    Alexa leanedfortably on the couch, sighing: "How did I end up marrying ke? You have no idea


    how I had to watch his feelings every day when I was a full-time housewife, living off the allowance he


    gave me each month. If only he was still alive! I''d love to show him how powerful I''ve be."


    Mr. Warren ttered: "If he was still alive, you wouldn''t have started your own business. We wouldn''t be


    together."


    Alexa: "That is true. Although he''s dead, his daughter is still alive. What he owes me, I''ll get it back


    from his daughter."


    ...


    Yesterday, Kylee asked her to wear the ne, but she didn''t think much of it.


    "I can exin, but please don''t return my gift. It would hurt me." Kylee pleaded a little. Co?tent §àf


    Dra§Þa?ov§Öls.c§à§Þ


    Violette''s heart softened instantly: "Alright, I''ll keep it. But you must rify our rtionship."


    Kylee was silent for a few seconds, then agreed.


    After hanging up, she picked up her water ss and took a sip.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.

 Chapter 433

    Chapter 433


    "I told you, he''s into you, right?" Mike sat nearby, listening to their conversation loud and clear, "If you


    like him too, you guys could get together tonight!"


    "He''s too young, and young people tend to act on impulse." Violette exined, "I was once young too."


    Mike said, "I know! When you were young, you acted on impulse towards Elijah, that''s why you''re still


    paying for it."


    Violette fell silent.


    "Violette, don''t check Twitter." Mike gently patted her head, "The people online are just too uncouth!


    The things they''re saying about you are downright nasty! Don''t take any of it to heart."


    "I haven''t been on Twitter." Violette said calmly, "Even if I did, it wouldn''t affect me. I''m mentally strong


    enough."


    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Good!" Mike nced at the time, "Joey invited me forte-night snacks, I''m heading out first! Call me if


    anything happens."


    "Get going then! But don''t drink!"


    "I know. I promise not to drink tonight." After Mike reassured her several times, he grabbed his car keys


    and left.


    At nine o''clock in the evening, Violette turned off the lights in the children''s room.


    After her footsteps had faded away, Rita tugged at Ian''s arm.


    "Ian, mom turned down Kylee, I''m kind of upset. Why doesn''t mom like Kylee? I really like Kylee. He''s


    so handsome, I wish he was my dad."


    Rita was conflicted and began toin. She didn''t dare to say these things in front of her mom.


    Because she knew she couldn''t influence her mom''s decisions.


    Ian''s reaction to this was very indifferent.


    Although Kylee was very handsome and had helped their mom, he felt that there was nobody in this


    world who was truly worthy of their mom.


    "You go for it."


    A string of question marks shed across Rita''s mind: "Ian, what are you talking about? I don''t get it."


    "Grow up. When you grow up, you can marry him." Ian exined.


    Rita froze, "Are you serious?"


    "Seems like you don''t really like him."


    "I do like him! But by the time I grow up, won''t he be old?" Rita''s rationality was wrestling in her mind.


    Ian said, "If you really like him, you wouldn''t mind him getting old."


    Rita took a deep breath: "Okay...then I... will go for it."


    Violette returned to her room and turned on her phone.


    His tweet immediately made it to the top three trending topics.


    ......


    Before going to bed, Elijah nced at his phone and another news popped up.


    -- Kylee openly admited Violette was his goddess!


    He clenched his teeth, clicked on the news and saw the tweet Kylee had posted. Re§Ñd at


    Goddess?


    Elijah''s brow furrowed, and a sense of crisis that he couldn''t put into words suddenly rose in his heart.

 Chapter 434

    Chapter 434


    Violette didn''t see his message right away because she went to sleep after reading the tweet Kylee


    posted.


    Expecting momsmonly experienced symptoms like nausea and drowsiness, and these days she


    was finding it even easier to drift off than usual.


    In the past, she''d sometimes have trouble falling asleep, needing a little help from mtonin, but


    tonight she was out like a light the moment her head hit the pillow. She slept straight through until just


    past five in the morning. If it wasn''t for nature''s call, she could probably have kept snoozing.


    Waking up, the first thing she did was grab her phone to check the time, and that was when she saw


    the message from Elijah.


    She was totally gobsmacked, clutching her phone as she bolted towards the bathroom.


    The message from Elijah read: "Did you need something from me yesterday?"


    Yesterday? She racked her brains for a moment. She hadn''t reached out to him yesterday!


    Hang on! She stared at the time the message was sent. Half past tenst night?


    She woke up all the way.


    Exiting the bathroom, she took her phone back to the bed. Lying down, she stared at the message,


    unsure of how to respond.


    Should she tell him, "I''m pregnant?" But he needed rest now, so she''d better not spring that on him.


    But making up a lie wasn''t exactly a piece of cake, either. He was sharp as a tack and not easily fooled.


    After pondering on her bed for a bit, she replied: "I was in your neighborhood the day before yesterday,


    so I thought I''d drop by."


    After sending the message, she became wide awake.


    Holding her phone, staring wide-eyed at the ceiling, her heart pounding like it was about to leap out of


    her chest.


    It was just a message, why was she acting so wired?


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    Why was it that with other men, she could keep her cool, but with him, she was always easily swayed


    by her emotions?


    Her phone was on mute, and she figured he''d be catching some z''s at this hour, so she just held her


    phone, zoned out for a bit.


    When her eyes felt a bit dry, she picked up her phone to check the time, and saw his reply!


    He''d replied right after she sent her message!


    It was early in the morning, yet he responded to her message immediately. She couldn''t help but


    wonder, had he been up all night?


    She immediately sat up on her bed to read his reply.


    His reply read: "For what? What''s there to see? Don''t tell me, you wanted to see me!"


    Her fingers started moving: "You didn''t stay up all night, did you?" Updated at Dra§Þ§Ñn§àv§Öls.c§àm


    She wanted to change the subject, so she sent that message.


    But it was that very message that made him furious!

 Chapter 435

    Chapter 435


    The president of the Bourne Group himself dropped her a message, and she didn''t reply right away.


    He was seriously pissed off!


    Looking at her message, he was fuming, quickly typing on his screen: "Feeling smug, are you?"


    The tension was palpable. But considering he hadn''t slept all night, his mood swing was


    understandable.


    Keeping her emotions in check, she patiently replied: "It''s six o''clock now, you should go to sleep. I''m


    going to catch some more z''s too."


    After sending the message, sheid down again.


    He didn''t reply, this time he totally lost! In a rtionship, whoever made the first move lost.


    At half past seven, the doors of the Bourne family mansion slowly opened, with Elisa, bag in hand,


    ready to head out.


    Maka, seeing her silhouette, hurriedly followed.


    Hearing footsteps behind her, Elisa turned around, and she stopped when she saw Maka following.


    "Maka, I have some errands to run this morning. You wait here for your tutor, okay?"


    Maka shook her head. Elisa was always with her; she was used to Elisa''spany.


    "Wherever you''re going, I want to go with you."


    Elisa frowned, "I''m heading to the station. It''s quite far. Plus, it''s crowded, so you probably won''t like it."


    Maka wasn''t a fan of crowds, she was scared of strangers, but she wanted to try today.


    Unable to persuade her, Elisa reluctantly agreed to take her along. If she got scared, she''d have the


    bodyguard take her home.


    At half past eight, Elisa and Maka arrived at the station. It was jam-packed.


    Elisa held Maka''s hand tightly the entire time, constantly keeping an eye on her.


    Though Maka was frowning, she didn''t show the reluctance and fear she used to have.


    Soon, the person Elisa was looking for walked up from the waiting area.


    "Maka, what brings you here?" The woman speaking was Marta, who had previously served Grace.


    Elisa was here to see off Marta, and Maka looked at her curiously.


    "Maka''s really brave now,ing to such a crowded ce." Marta sighed, "I hope you keep getting


    better."


    "She''s recovering pretty well now." Elisa replied, "After you go back to your hometown this time, you''re


    not nning oning back, right?"


    N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Marta nodded, "They gave me a huge amount of money. I don''t have to worry about my livelihood


    anymore."


    Though she received a big sum of money, Marta''s eyes were filled with sorrow.


    "Maka, why didn''t you attend your mother''s funeral? Did Mr. Bourne prevent you from going?"


    Marta''s eyes reddened, "You should have gone. She was your mother!"


    At Marta''s words, Maka was taken aback, "What mother?"


    "Mr. Bourne''s mother is your mother!"


    Maka blinked, seeming to understand, "Elijah never let me call her mom. We weren''t close."


    "Mmm...She didn''t know you well. But she was your mother. Maka, if she knew how well you''re


    recovering, she''d be so happy."


    "But she''s already passed away, she can''t see me anymore."


    Maka''s words left Marta''s eyes misty.  Dr?§Þan§àvels


    Hit with so much information at once, Maka felt a headacheing on.


    Maka was stunned, her hand clenching Marta''s arm, deeply moved!

 Chapter 436

    Chapter 436


    The Dennis Group


    Violette checked her phone after wrapping up her work.


    She went through her chat history with Elijah, puzzled why he messaged her out of the bluest night.


    She had reached out to him the day before yesterday and he should''ve known it that night. Why didn''t


    he contact her then?


    She also looked up the rumors about her and Kylee online.


    She couldn''t help but wonder if Elijah contacted her because he saw the news about her and Kylee.


    What was his attitude towards her now? If he despised her already, he wouldn''t care about the news


    about her.


    He didn''t mention anything about the past when he contacted herst night, did this mean he didn''t


    care anymore?


    No way! How could he forget such deep wounds so easily?


    She furrowed her brow, her thoughts in a mess. If he hadn''t messaged herst night, she wouldn''t be


    thinking about him so much today.


    Her phone on the desk rang. She picked it up.


    "Violette! I''m downstairs at your office! Come down quick! Let''s have lunch!" Odette''s voice came from


    the other end.


    Without a second thought, Violette agreed.


    Five minutester, she met Odette downstairs. Two stylish and pretty girls stood beside Odette, their


    style very simr to Odette''s.


    "Violette, let me introduce you. This is my good friend Lisa, and this is Alice, they were my


    bridesmaids." Violette said.


    "Hi Violette! We''ve met before! I''m Odette''s college ssmate!" Lisa said enthusiastically.


    Alice said, "Hi Violette, although we haven''t met before, Odette talks about you a lot. I feel like I know


    you!"


    Violette went to a nearby restaurant with them.


    "Are you guys out shopping today?" Violette asked.


    "We just did a bit of shopping, then they made me bring you out, so we came over to your office."


    Odette slung an arm around Violette''s shoulder, "Violette, they''re fans of Kylee! They''re so jealous that


    I got a picture with Kylee at your ce a few days ago. Ha-ha!"


    Violette got the hint.


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    "Next time I''ll take you guys to meet him." Violette said. She was more than happy to help her friends.


    "Violette, you''re too kind! We didn''t expect you to be so nice! You''re Kylee''s goddess!" Lisa said with


    excitement.


    Alice suggested, "Violette, could you invite Kylee to Odette''s wedding? We''re willing to pay him to sing


    a few songs!"


    Violette nodded, "I''ll ask himter. What if he''s free?"


    They decided on barbecue for lunch. Violette hadn''t eaten meat in two days. She wasn''t feeling sick at


    the moment, so she was actually craving some.  Dra§Þa?ov§Öls.c§à§Þ


    "Violette, don''t you usually avoid spicy food?" Odette was surprised to see a lot of chili on her te.

 Chapter 437

    Chapter 437


    Violette replied, "Really? Must be your imagination."


    After dinner, she whipped out her phone and texted Kylee, asking if he was free on May 1st. She didn¡¯t


    expect him to reply so quickly. After she told him the situation, he was on board instantly.


    "Odette, Kylee said he''ll attend your wedding on May 1st." Violette said.


    Her words had barely left her mouth when a chorus of gasps filled the room! Odette, Lisa, and Alice


    were all thrilled. In no time, Odette shared this news with Ramsey, who then told Brandon Fleming.


    "My wife says it''s all thanks to Violette." Ramsey said, sounding a bit downcast, "I''m starting to have


    second thoughts about this wedding. My wife is a die-hard fan of Kylee, a crazy one! And her


    girlfriends, I mean, nearly all her female friends are fans of Kylee. Who will give a damn about me on


    the wedding day? They''ll all be there for Kylee! This is not the wedding I pictured!"


    Ramsey was feeling blue but didn''t dare to tell Odette.


    Brandon, feeling sympathetic yet a bit schadenfreude, said, "Don''t worry, you''re not the only one


    bummed. Kylee clearly has a thing for Violette. Elijah will probably be down in the dumps too."


    Just yesterday, Violette wore a white sweater that identally matched Kylee''s outfit, making them


    look like a couple. Elijah was so ticked off he nearly blew a gasket. If Violette were to start dating Kylee,


    Elijah would probably be up all night tossing and turning.


    "Does Elijah have a thing for being mistreated or something? If a woman dared to hurt me, I''d be kind if


    I didn¡¯t pay her back double. I''d never have a thing for her again." Ramsey said, puzzled.


    "It''s not about being masochistic. After all, Violette has had her heart broken too." Brandon replied


    rationally, "He''s just stubborn, whether it''s about his work or the person he likes."


    Once he made up his mind, he wouldn''t change it. Most people would back off when they encounter


    difficulties. But he wouldn''t, no matter how tough it got.


    "Oh, should we tell him about this?" Ramsey asked.


    "I''ll find a good time to tell him." Brandon said after thinking for a few seconds.


    At 3 p.m., Violette returned to the office. Before she could even open her office door, Mike called out to


    her, "Violette,e over here!"


    Hearing his call, Violette headed towards Mike, "What''s up?"


    Mike grabbed her arm and led her to the meeting room. Inside, there were a man and a woman.


    "They''re from Fashion Icon magazine. They want to interview you." Mike whispered to Violette, "I


    looked it up, and Fashion Icon is pretty famous. See if you''re up for their interview."


    Violette thought for a moment and then nodded.


    "Hello." She greeted the staff.


    Violette checked the time and dly agreed.


    "I don''t have any ns in that regard at the moment," She replied. Re§Ñd at Dramanov§Öls


    "Kylee said you''re his goddess. So, do you like him?" The reporter asked with a smile.


    This question made Violette hesitate for a bit, "You could say that! I admire him a lot."


    "We found online that you had a past rtionship with the president of the Bourne Group, Elijah. Is that


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    true?" The reporter''s questions were getting trickier.

 Chapter 438

    Chapter 438


    Violette was sure as hell not going to answer that question. She couldn''t exactly say no either, so she


    carefully said, "Please don''t bring up anything about him. I''m worried your magazine won''t be able to hit


    the stands."


    Her response made the magazine crew have an "aha" moment.


    "Alright, Ms. Dennis. You''re a med school grad, why did you want to start your own business? What


    made you choose this path?" The reporter asked.


    This question made Violette frown.


    If she were to really go into it, she''d be talking all day. She was going to keep it short and sweet. Just


    as she was about to speak, a wave of nausea hit her like a truck.


    She pped a hand over her mouth, making a beeline for the bathroom.


    "Ms. Dennis! Are you okay?" Two staff members hurried after her.


    It happened so suddenly, and no one had time to react.


    Once Violette made it to the bathroom, she started puking her guts out!


    Everything she had eaten for lunch came back up. The difort was so intense, her eyes watered.


    After emptying her stomach, the difort vanished like magic. She flushed the toilet and steadied


    herself against the wall.


    Hearing themotion, Mike rushed in, striding into the bathroom.


    "Violette, what happened?" he grabbed her arm, turning her to face him, "You look pale as a ghost! Did


    you throw up?"


    Violette pushed his hand away, going to the sink to ssh water on her face, "I had a barbecue lunch


    with Odette, we ordered too much and I didn''t want to waste it, so I stuffed myself."


    "You could''ve taken the leftovers home! What''s this about making yourself sick?" Mike frowned, "I''ll


    take you home to rest."


    Violette said, "The interview isn''t over yet! I''ll go home myself after it''s done."


    "You''ve just been sick. Everything else can wait." Mike said.


    "I feel better now." After washing her face, she felt much better and left the bathroom, "Mike, you don''t


    have to worry about me, go do your thing!"


    After saying this, she apologized to the two staff members, "Sorry about that! Let''s continue!"


    Even though she wasn''t feeling as sick anymore, she felt weak after throwing up. She wanted to go


    home and lie down.


    After leaving the office, she hailed a cab on the street. Once she got home, she sprawled on her living


    room couch and texted Odette. Upd§Ñted at Dr§Ñ§Þan§àvels.c§à§Þ


    After giving it some thought, she decided to tell Odette about her pregnancy.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    Her level of excitement even surpassed when she met Kylee.

 Chapter 439

    Chapter 439


    Violette moved the phone a bit further from her ear, which was starting to hurt.


    "Violette! Don''t you dare ignore me! Spill the beans now! Whose baby are you carrying?! Ah! I''m


    freaking out! Where are you? I''ming over! We need to talk face to face!" Odette was flipping,


    making Violette burst intoughter.


    "I''m at home right now, so don''te over. I''m hitting the sack after this." She said in a sluggish tone,


    "Whose baby could I possibly be carrying. The reason I''m telling you is because my morning sickness


    is getting worse. Even eating is a struggle. Can you cover for me at your wedding if someone tries to


    make me drink?"


    They had agreed to attend Odette''s bachelorette party the night before the wedding together. With a


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    crowd, there was bound to be booze.


    By discussing it with Odette in advance, she could avoid a lot of hassle.


    "You can''t drink if you''re pregnant! I''ll make sure of it." Odette said, then spected, "Is it Elijah''s kid


    again? Oh my God, what the hell is going on between you two?"


    Hearing his name, Violette instantly felt sleepy.


    Because she and Elijah were on the outs for now, her brain would automatically block anything rted


    to him.


    That way, it wouldn''t hurt as much.


    "Keep it on the down-low. The baby might notst three months." Violette stood up from the sofa and


    started heading upstairs.


    "Sure, I''ll keep it hush-hush." Odette promised, then suddenly red up, "What good is Elijah besides


    making babies? Is he even a man?"


    Violette''s temples pulsed, "Stop badmouthing him. Nothing like this will happen again."


    The child in her belly, consider it a give-back to Elijah. Whether the baby could be born healthy or not,


    she wouldn''t owe him anything anymore.


    "You''re way too easy to push around!" Odette raged on her behalf, "Next time he dares toy a finger


    on you, give him the chop!"


    Violette got the hint and her cheeks instantly turned red, "Odette, calm down. If the baby is healthy, I''ll


    keep it. I can handle raising another child."


    "Alright. You go rest. I won''t bother you anymore." Odette said.


    ......


    At dusk. The Bourne family.


    Brandon''s car slowly rolled to a stop in the yard. Elijah, dressed in a grey house suit, stood at the door,


    sizing up Brandon.


    "I''m here for dinner." Brandon put the gift he brought in the living room, then shared somepany


    updates with Elijah, "You should continue resting at home! You look a lot better after staying home all


    day."


    Elijah didn''t respond.


    "Where''s Maka? I''ll call her for dinner." Brandon looked around but couldn''t spot Maka.


    "You''re pretty chatty today." Elijah frowned, "What''s up?"


    "Nothing." Brandon seemed a bit uneasy.


    Elijah caught his difort, but didn''t press further. The two stared each other down in the cold


    silence, with Brandon being the first to back down. Content of Dra§Þ??ovels


    "So you''re really not going to Ramsey''s wedding?" Brandon sat down at the dining table, "Kylee''s


    going, Violette invited him."


    Just as expected, Elijah''s calm facade fell instantly.


    Elijah''s face was expressionless, all his emotions buried deep down. "I''m not going!" He dered.

 Chapter 440

    Chapter 440


    His answer left Brandon gobsmacked.


    "So you''ve moved on?" Brandon jested, "You should''ve done that ages ago. You know what she told


    Joey? She said that since you''ve returned her white sweater, she''ll wear it whenever she damn well


    pleases. Can''t argue with that. But she did mention she might wear it on future dates."


    Elijah''s knuckles turned white as he gripped his fork, "You think I care?"


    Brandon said, "I was just trying to help you forget her."


    "Then why bring her up?" His gaze was icy as it swept over Brandon''s face, "Don''t talk to me about her


    anymore. Not interested."


    "Well, thank God! I was worried you were still hung up on her." Brandon breathed a sigh of relief, "Too


    bad you can''t drink. Guess I''ll be drinking alone then."


    He sauntered over to the mini bar and grabbed a bottle of red wine.


    Elijah quickly finished his meal, put down his fork and spoon, and left the dining room.


    Brandon, holding his wine ss, frowned in dissatisfaction, "Hey! Keep mepany for a bit! Eating


    alone is such a drag!"


    Elijah strode towards Maka''s room. He hadn''t slept the previous night and only woke up in the


    afternoon. After waking up, he heard from Lacey that Maka wasn''t feeling great. She skipped ss


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    and barely ate anything.


    He had peeked into her room earlier. She was asleep then, so he couldn''t ask her why she was upset.


    Now it was dinner time and it was getting dark, she needed to stop sleeping If she kept sleeping, she


    would be up all night.


    He pushed open Maka''s door, only to find her eyes open. Her bright eyes were fixed on something.


    He had no idea what she was thinking about, but he felt a pang of sorrow.


    "Maka." He sat by her bed, gazing at her distant face, he gently said, "Time to get up for dinner."


    Maka raised her hand to sp his and asked, "Elijah, your mom is my mom too, right?"


    Elijah''s gaze flickered, "I heard you went out with Elisa this morning. You guys went to the station,


    weren''t you scared?"


    "Elijah, your mom is my mom too, right?" Maka seemed to ignore his question and persisted.


    "Uh-huh." Elijah clearly felt that Maka was different than usual.


    She rarely asked questions before, let alone sensitive ones like these. But now, not only did she ask,


    she was persistent.


    "Why didn''t you take me to mom''s funeral?" Maka began to believe what Marta had told her after


    getting confirmation from Elijah.


    Maka bravely nodded.


    "But you''re still sick." Maka sat up from her bed, "Elijah, I''m hungry."


    Elijah helped her out of bed and took her to the dining room. Brandon saw Makaing and quickly


    put the wine bottle aside.  Dra§Þa?ov§Öls.c§à§Þ


    Maka shook her head, picked up her fork, and quietly began to eat.


    Elijah went to the living room and dialed a number.

 Chapter 441

    Chapter 441


    The call connected and he briefly exined Maka''s condition, then asked, "Do you think she can


    skip another surgery and recover on her own?"


    On the other end, the family doctor was hesitant to make a judgement, "This is positive news. But


    whether she can continue to recover is still uncertain. What''s clear is, more surgery will only do more


    N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    harm to her body."


    Elijah got the point.


    In addition to the two craniotomies Sarah performed on Maka, he''d taken her to see other renowned


    doctors. These specialists had also performed surgeries on Maka, so he was in a real bind now.


    "Mr. Bourne, did you ask Dr. Sarah what she thinks?" The family doctor asked.


    "No, I didn''t." Elijah said.


    "Ah, if you don''t want Dr. Sarah treating Maka anymore, you could consider Violette. I noticed


    Kylee''s performance since hiseback, which is really impressive. Besides not being able to dance


    like before, his singing is pretty much unaffected. This indicates his recovery is well on track. That''s


    really remarkable." The family doctor remarked.


    He said this because he didn''t know that Elijah''s injury was rted to Violette.


    Elijah''s mood suddenly took a nosedive! He had discussed this with Violette.


    Violette said, even if she could cure Maka, she absolutely wouldn''t lift a finger!


    So, he wouldn''t go to that heartless woman.


    ......


    In a luxurious European-style vi.


    After dinner, Sarah didn''t leave immediately as she usually did. Because Alexa''s n hadn''t gone


    smoothly. Alexa thought that exposing Kylee and Violette''s scandal would result in Kylee losing some


    fans. But in reality, after Kylee rified his rtionship with Violette on Twitter, not many fans


    abandoned him.


    Maybe many did leave, but because he had too many loyal fans, the scandal didn''t really affect him.


    On the contrary, it catapulted his trending discussions to number one. Coupled with his new song


    selling like hotcakes on various tforms, he attracted many new fans. His poprity was still soaring


    high.


    "Alexa, what''s your next move?" Sarah asked while sipping her coffee, "I heard that the Dennis Group''s


    sales are sky-high. Their pricing is so high, them selling one drone equals us selling a hundred. But


    they''re pure profit, while we''re selling at a loss. At this rate, even a lot of money won''t be enough!"


    "You''re too impatient, not really cut out for investing." Alexa retorted sarcastically, "The Dennis Group


    belongs to Violette, not Kylee. Kylee''s fans won''t keep footing the bill for Violette forever. Once this


    wave of hype passes, their sales will naturally drop."


    "But you should think of something, don''t let Violette have it so easy!" Sarah put down her cup, saying


    angrily, "Seeing her so smug really pisses me off!"


    Alexa calmly replied, "I already have a new n! Just sit tight and watch."


    At this point, Sarah''s father interjected, "Sarah, Alexa is busy withpany matters every day. You


    should be more respectful when you talk to her."


    With that, she walked away.


    Time flew, and before they knew it, it was the end of April.


    "Violette, how did you lose so much weight? Are you sick?" Ramsey asked. Updated at


    Dr?manov§Öls.c§àm


    Odette shot him a look, "If you don''t have anything nice to say, don''t say it at all! Violette looks great


    now! Thin and gorgeous!"


    Violette had lost about six pounds since bing pregnant. These days, besides eating some


    porridge and fruit, she barely had an appetite.

 Chapter 442

    Chapter 442


    Odette helped Violette into the car.


    Trailing behind them, Mike said to Odette, "Odette, can you please try to persuade her to eat


    something? She''s been on this diet recently and refuses to eat anything at all! That''s not good for her


    health! But she doesn''t seem to realize how serious this is. Look at her now, she''s as thin as a stick!


    She used to take walks around the neighborhood, but now she doesn''t even want to move."


    Odette patted Mike''s shoulder, "I''ll talk to her about it. Don''t worry so much. She''s in this weight loss


    phase, it might just be a phase and she''ll change her mind soon."


    "Hmm, why didn''t you guys invite me to your outing today?" Mike asked, sounding a bit disappointed.


    Odette replied, "You''ve got to look after the kiddo, remember?"


    Mike was speechless.


    Odette hopped into the car and waved to Mike as the car door closed and they drove off swiftly.


    Lying in the backseat, Violette asked Odette, "Did you invite Joey?"


    Odette replied, "Why would we invite him? He''s Elijah''s assistant. We didn''t invite anyone rted to


    Elijah, including Brandon."


    Violette couldn''t help butugh.


    "I''m not doing it for you. I just personally can''t stand their crowd. I''ve told my husband to keep his


    distance from them." Odette said, "Elijah is a real jerk, and the people around him can''t be any better. If


    I had met my husband a bitter, he would have been influenced by them."


    Violette could see from the rearview mirror that Ramsey, the one in the front seat, was biting his lip, not


    daring to say anything.


    "Violette, when did you get this dress? It''s really nice!" Odetteplimented her outfit, "And this white


    coat, it''s beautiful!"


    Violette had been throwing up so much these past few days, she hadn''t been able to go to work.


    Staying home all day was extremely boring, so she started online shopping. The outfit she was wearing


    was one of her online purchases.


    "I''ll send you the link to buy it!" Violette said.


    "Great! I haven''t done any online shopping in a long time." Odette said.


    From the passenger seat, Ramsey couldn''t help but say, "Violette, if you really want to lose weight, you


    should go shopping with Odette more often. Shopping is a form of exercise, it''s much better than


    starving yourself!"


    Just as Violette was about to respond, Odette cut in, "However Violette wants to lose weight is her


    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    business, mind your own."


    Ramsey said, "Odette, that''s not fair! I only care because she''s your good friend."


    "Violette doesn''t need you to be concerned. My concern is enough." Odette said.


    Ramsey shut his mouth, sighing internally. Odette usually wasn''t like this when she talked to him. He


    didn''t understand why Odette was so protective of Violette. Her way of losing weight was clearly wrong,


    but not only did Odette not advise against it, she didn''t allow anyone else to either.


    What was the logic in that?


    After driving for more than an hour, they arrived at the seaside vi. The weather was especially good


    that day, sunny and warm with a pleasant temperature.


    After Odette and Violette got out of the car, they walked hand-in-hand towards the vi. Ramsey took


    out his phone and snapped a picture of their retreating figures.


    Once the photo was taken, he sent it to Brandon with the message: [Brandon, can you guess which


    one is Violette?]


    Ever since hisst visit to Elijah''s house, Brandon hadn''t been keeping up with news about Violette.


    After all, Elijah had said he didn''t want to hear anything about her anymore.


    Brandon replied: [Don''t tell me the one in the floral dress is Violette.]


    Brandon didn''t reply. Updated at Dra§Þ??§àvels.c§àm


    Ramsey sent another message: [It''s a shame you can''t see her in person! She''s so thin now it''s


    unrecognizable! When I first saw her this morning, I almost didn''t recognize her!]


    Brandon replied: [Is it really that dramatic?]


    Brandon didn¡¯t respond.

 Chapter 443

    Chapter 443


    Brandon suddenly found himself a bit curious about the now Violette. After pondering for a moment, he


    shot a message to Ramsey: [Shoot me a direct pic of her.]


    Ramsey replied: [You''re not thinking about showing this to Elijah, are you?]


    Brandon retorted: [Just do it!]


    The vi was heated, with temperatures a bit on the high side.


    Odette and Violette had taken off their coats and were sitting on the sofa. Odette had prepared a lot of


    fruit, lining them up one by one in front of Violette.


    Violette picked up a peach, surprised, "Isn''t it off-season for peaches?"


    Odette replied, "As long as you have the dough, you can get them any season. Give it a try!"


    Violette giggled and nodded. Ramsey seized the moment to snap a picture of her munching on the


    peach.


    He nailed it! Be itposition, lighting, or overall aesthetics, it was nothing short of perfect. He


    captured Violette in a way that was both cute and sexy, yful yet alluring.


    Ramsey sent the picture to Brandon.


    When Brandon saw it, he eximed: [Those arms, are you serious?]


    Violette had taken off her coat, revealing a spaghetti strap sundress underneath, hence her slender


    arms were on full disy.


    Ramsey replied: [Doesn''t she look like one of those patients who contracted a severe illness and lost


    weight drastically?]


    Brandon retorted: [Shut it. Even if Violette and Elijah broke up, there''s no need to curse her like that!]


    Ramsey whined: [I didn''t mean it that way. You haven''t seen her in person. It''s a lot more shocking than


    in the photo!]


    Brandon suddenly wanted to see for himself, but going alone seemed a bit lonely. He wanted to find


    someone to tag along. Sitting in his leather swivel chair, he pondered. His fingers had already


    involuntarily opened his phone, finding Elijah¡¯s chat.


    Of course, he couldn¡¯t directly send Violette¡¯s photo, for Elijah would definitely be pissed.


    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    He messaged Elijah: [Elijah, I''m sending you Q1''s financial report now, take a look when you can.]


    Elijah quickly replied: [Sure.]


    Brandon, grinning, sent over the report and casually attached Violette''s pic. Pretending to identally


    send Violette''s photo, Brandon kept his eyes glued to the chat.


    He was dying to know Elijah''s reaction!


    Ten minutes passed and the chat remained silent.


    In the CEO''s office, Elijah was staring at the photo of Violette, his eyebrows furrowed. At first, he didn''t


    recognize her, just thought this woman looked somewhat familiar. It was by associating with Odette on


    the side that he deduced the woman holding the peach was Violette. New chapter av§Ñble o?


    Dram?n§àvels.c§à§Þ


    How did she get so skinny? Was she seriously ill?


    His heart suddenly clenched!

 Chapter 444

    Chapter 444


    When Brandon entered, he made a point not to knock.


    He pushed the office door open.


    Elijah, hearing the noise, immediately put down his phone.


    " Elijah, I just realized I identally sent you Violette''s picture." Brandon said, feigning surprise.


    Elijah looked up at him, "Just admit it was on purpose. I won''t do anything to you."


    Brandonughed awkwardly, "Ramsey said Violette lost a lot of weight, as if she was seriously ill. I


    didn''t believe him, so he sent me her picture."


    Elijah said, "Seeing youugh so happily, I guess she''s not seriously ill."


    Brandon''s smile froze, "Uh, I heard it''s because of dieting. She''s so harsh, there are so many ways to


    lose weight, and she chose to diet. Isn''t she a medical student? Doesn''t she know that dieting is bad for


    the body? It''s like when she tried to kill you, it was a real shock."


    Elijah''s calmness disappeared.


    He put down the file in his hand, "You''re so interested in her, why don''t you just jump ship to the Dennis


    Group!"


    Brandon said, "Let''s pretend I didn''t say anything! I came to tell you something important! I need to


    leave work early this afternoon. They''re having a feast tonight, so I''m going to join them for dinner."


    Elijah said, "Since when do you need to report your work schedule to me?"


    Brandon said, "Alright, do you want to join us for dinner? Ramsey said there will be a lot of beauties."


    Elijah said, "Get lost!"


    Brandon left quickly.


    After the office door closed, Elijah turned on his phone, and Violette''s picture appeared. He zoomed in


    on the photo, staring at Violette''s radiant smile.


    In the photo, she looked the same as when he first met her - naive, innocent. He hadn''t seen her this


    rxed and happy for a long time. She wasn''t like this in front of him.


    At the vacation vi. Invited guests arrived one after another, all of them young people under the age of


    30. They were all dressed fashionably and exquisitely, and everyone was quite good-looking.


    Violette sat on the sofa, watching a fashion drama.


    There were no activities in the morning, so everyone gathered together to chat and eat, the


    atmosphere was unusually lively.


    They were cooking lunch themselves. The kitchen was open, everyone walked over and started


    discussing what to eat and who would cook.


    Violette had no appetite, so she told Odette and went to rest in her room. Seeing Violette leave,


    Ramsey moved closer to Odette and asked, "She''s not nning to skip lunch, is she?"


    "Yes! Ramsey, I told you not to meddle, have you forgotten?" Odette pushed his head.


    Ramsey sighed, "Alright! I just felt like she was about to faint at any moment. I was just concerned


    about her health."


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    "I know! But she''s not a child anymore, she doesn''t need people telling her what to do. If she really


    faints, we''ll just take her to the hospital." Odette said.


    Ramsey was speechless. Co?tent §àf


    After lunch, Odette called everyone to y on the beach. The vi suddenly became quiet, and Violette


    slept until evening.


    It was still Odette who brought her dinner. She was attracted by the aroma and woke up.


    Violette got up from the bed.

 Chapter 445

    Chapter 445


    She took a nap this afternoon and now she was feeling pumped. That sick feeling was gone too.


    "It''s hard to say. Maybe it''ll get better soon, or maybe it''llst till thete stages of pregnancy. Don''t


    worry though, some people have mild pregnancy symptoms. You might not even throw up." Odette


    said.


    She sat down on the small couch, looking at the boletus mushroom soup, "Odette, thanks for being so


    thoughtful. It''s been a while since I had it."


    "Take it easy at first, I don''t want you to hurl." Odette sat across from her, "Do you know what Ramsey


    did today? Because you didn''t eat lunch, he was afraid you might faint here, so he called an ambnce


    right away. The ambnce is still parked outside the vi!"


    Violette raised her brows, a smile in her eyes, touched.


    "Odette, I hope you and Ramsey will always be in love and happy forever." Violette said.


    "Got it! Your job now is to take care of yourself and the baby in your belly. Just thinking about him being


    as beautiful and smart as Rita and Ian makes me pray for his healthy birth." Odette said.


    "Mm."


    Violette finished dinner and walked out of the guest room with Odette.


    When everyone saw her walking down the stairs, they immediately pulled her to sit in the middle of the


    couch.


    "Violette! Come y a game with us! Don''t worry, Odette already told us that you''re not feeling well. So


    even if you lose, we won''t give you a hard time."


    Violette gave Odette a grateful look.


    "What game are we ying? I don''t really y games." Violette was feeling pretty good now and


    wanted to join in.


    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "We''re ying Heartbeat Challenge! We''ll show you some video clips, and if your heart flutters, you


    lose!"


    After hearing the rules, she thought the game was too easy.


    Apart from Elijah, she never had feelings for anyone else, so she definitely wouldn''t lose.


    Seeing Violette''s confident face, Odette reminded her, "They''re all cheeky girls. Watch out for the kind


    of videos they might show you."


    Violette blushed immediately, but she still had confidence.


    At that moment, Alice put a heart rate bracelet on Violette''s wrist,


    "Violette, if you win, you can make any request to anyone here. Although I don''t think you''ll win."


    Violette said, "I will definitely win."


    The lights in the room suddenly dimmed, then the big screen lit up.


    A handsome man appeared on the screen, lifting his shirt to reveal a solid six-pack!


    Laughter erupted in the living room, Violetteughed too, her heart rate only increased a little bit.


    Soon, the next video started ying.


    Violette was still cool as a cucumber, smiling, her heart rate steady.


    Until Kylee''s gorgeous face appeared on the screen!


    He was dressed in a white shirt and knight''s uniform.


    All hell broke loose! Everyone started screaming excitedly. New ch?pter av§Ñble o? Dr?§Þan§àv§Öls.c§àm


    Violette''s heart rate shot up.


    Everyone turned in surprise towards the door.

 Chapter 446

    Chapter 446


    Violette watched her heart rate tracker on her wrist, the numbers dropping from a hundred to eighty.


    Why the hell was he here? Odette didn''t invite him or his buddies.


    Did he just show up on his own?


    Odette nearly jumped out of her skin.


    She reached out and pinched Ramsey''s arm, ¡°What''s going on? Why is he here?¡±


    The moment Elijah showed up, the vibe in the vi turned ice cold.


    Odette wasn''t exactly thrilled to see him, but she didn''t dare to kick him out.


    Ramsey whispered in Odette''s ear, ¡°Since Elijah is here, let''s just y nice and wee him! No


    frowning. Help me out here.¡±


    Ramsey quickly finished and went over to Elijah with a warm wee, ¡°Elijah, Brandon, you guys are


    here! Did you have dinner yet? If not, we still have something in the kitchen."


    Brandon chimed in, ¡°We''re not hungry for now. What were you guys up to just now? Making quite the


    ruckus.¡±


    As soon as Brandon finished, everyone breathed a sigh of relief, like someone hit the pause button.


    ¡°We were ying Heartbeat Challenge! You guys wanna join?¡± Odette''s good friend Lisa invited


    enthusiastically.


    ¡°Sure! How do we y?¡± Brandon pulled Elijah towards them.


    Odette shot a nce at Lisa.


    Lisa looked a bit aggrieved, and she whispered her n to Odette, ¡°Once they lose, we can mess with


    them a bit!¡±


    Odette instantly got it.


    ¡°Violette, go sit on the side.¡±


    Odette helped Violette up from the middle of the couch, then Brandon and Elijah were ushered to the


    center.


    Violette''s heart rate tracker was taken off.


    ¡°Which one of you is going first?¡± Lisa walked up to them with the tracker.


    Without thinking, Brandon pointed at Elijah, ¡°He''ll go first.¡±


    Elijah shot Brandon a cold nce.


    Brandon cleared his throat, picked up some snacks from the table and said, ¡°I''m a bit hungry. Gonna


    eat first.¡±


    Lisa handed the tracker to Elijah, ¡°Put this on.¡±


    Elijah was never into games; no matter what they were, he just wasn''t interested.


    So he rejected coldly, ¡°I''m not ying.¡±


    ¡°If you''re not here to y, what are you here for then?¡± Lisa looked at him bewildered.


    Ramsey was on edge.


    Odette and her friends, they were all so audacious.


    Why weren''t they afraid of Elijah at all?


    Just as Ramsey was about to intervene, Elijah took the tracker from Lisa.


    Brandon was so confident that he challenged everyone, ¡°How about we make a bet? I bet he wins!


    Anyone thinks he''ll lose, ce your bets!¡±


    Aside from Brandon, Ramsey, Odette, and Violette, no one else really knew Elijah.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    All they knew was this guy was a big shot. Co?tent of Dr§Ñm§Ñ?ovels.c§àm


    ¡°Ha-ha, deal!¡± Brandon agreed without hesitation.


    The girls started looking for short clips.


    ¡°I have some ssic kissing scenes and bed scenes in my collection!¡± Lisa said.

 Chapter 447

    Chapter 447


    "Ha-ha, all set! We gotta think of something else too. What if he''s not into girls? Let''s add some hot


    guys!"


    "Sure thing! I''ve got a must-see video for men in my favorites!"


    "What''s a must-see for men? Show me!"


    "Ha-ha! This is good!"


    ......


    A group of girls were having a st searching for materials.


    They were still too naive, no clue what kind of guy Elijah was.


    Brandon heard them and couldn''t help but smirk. Even if they yed some R-rated stuff, Elijah might


    not even lose.


    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Ramsey walked over to Odette and Violette, whispering, "Brandon asked me for the location, I couldn''t


    just say no. He didn''t tell me Elijah wasing. But even if he had, I''d still wee them!"


    Odette gave him a cold nce, "What''s the point of saying all this now?"


    Ramsey pleaded with a smile, "I just don''t want you guys to be upset, especially you, Violette."


    Violette said, "They''re your friends, and inviting them is normal. I''m okay."


    Ramsey looked grateful, "Violette, you''re so understanding! But honestly, I didn''t invite them. They


    came on their own."


    Of course, Ramsey wouldn''t mention that he secretly took her picture.


    If he did, wouldn''t that reveal that he indirectly led them here?


    Odette looked towards Elijah.


    It was too obvious.


    Elijah came tonight for Violette.


    f Violette wasn''t here, he definitely wouldn''t havee.


    "Why don''t you two sit on the couch? Aren''t you tired of standing?" Ramsey suggested.


    "Violette doesn''t want to sit." Odette had suggested Violette sit on the couch, but she declined.


    Because Elijah was sitting there, she chose to stand where he couldn''t see her.


    "Alright, I''ll get you some chairs then." Ramsey promptly fetched two chairs.


    After they sat, Odette whispered to Violette, "Your heart rate hit 100 when you were doing the


    challenge, ha-ha! You were excited!"


    Violette was calm now, her heart as stilled as water.


    "Anything under 100 is a normal heart rate." She replied coolly.


    "The process doesn''t matter. The result is it didn''t go over." Violette said.


    Odette nodded reluctantly.


    Soon, Lisa and the others had their materials ready, and Elijah''s challenge was about to start. Read at


    "Violette, do you think he''ll lose?" Odette asked.


    "I don''t know." Violette said.


    As Violette spoke, a scene of a man and woman passionately kissing on a bed appeared on the big


    screen!


    Violette''s face turned red. She didn''t dare to imagine Elijah''s reaction to this scene.

 Chapter 448

    Chapter 448


    She awkwardly pulled out her phone to distract herself.


    Brandon nced at the big screen, then looked down at the heart rate changes on Elijah''s wrist.


    No freaking way! His heart rate didn''t even flinch!


    This made Brandon a bit suspicious, wondering whether the bracelet was faulty, or if Elijah was just


    unresponsive.


    Ramsey was also eyeing the bracelet on Elijah''s wrist and said,


    "The bracelet should be working fine; it was fluctuating when Violette wore it earlier."


    Brandon asked, "How did Violette''s challenge go?"


    Ramsey nced over at Violette.


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    Her face was totally expressionless, but Odette gave him a fierce re.


    Ramsey looked away and answered, "She passed. If the heart rate is too high, the bracelet will rm.


    But when she was doing the challenge, I didn''t hear any rms."


    Brandon nodded and looked over his shoulder towards Violette, who


    was engrossed in her phone, clearly trying to avoid the situation.


    After the first video ended, the second one started ying.


    The second video featured a scantily d bombshell, striking poses in front of the camera.


    Her bodynguage and facial expressions were super tempting!


    Some people whistled excitedly, while others sneakily observed Elijah''s reaction.


    Elijah''s brows furrowed, his face serious.


    He was looking at a beauty, but his expression was as if he were at a funeral.


    His heart rate did fluctuate a bit, after all, he was a living human.


    But the fluctuations were very minor, probably rted to his breathing.


    "He doesn''t seem to like women! y a video of a handsome guy!" Lisa, who was closely watching


    Elijah''s reaction, suggested to the person controlling the screen since he wasn''t reacting.


    Soon, a hot hunk appeared on the big screen.


    Not only did the guy have flowing hair, but also a lean muscr body.


    Elijah''s expression went from serious to gloomy, b


    ecause in his mind, he saw Mike''s face.


    Seeing his frown deepen, Lisa felt like crying. Clearly, he didn''t like men either!


    "y the video that all men must watch." Lisa suggested.


    A few secondster, a chubby little face appeared on the big screen.


    The living room immediately erupted inughter, mostly from the men.


    See, men did love watching cute baby videos.


    It was always around eighty, fluctuating by no more than five.


    "I''ve never seen a man who isn''t interested in anything."


    "Why do you think he''s sessful? Because he''s only interested in money."


    "Okay! The game''s not over yet! I''m not admitting defeat yet!" Re§Ñd at Dra§Þan§àvels


    ...


    On the big screen, aption of kissing and bedroom scenes started ying.


    Just then, Violette''s slender body was pushed next to Elijah.


    She was stunned.


    Had Odette lost her mind?! She actually pushed her next to Elijah!

 Chapter 449

    Chapter 449


    Elijah looked at the woman beside him in surprise.


    When he had first walked into the vi, he had caught a glimpse of her from afar.


    She had been all smiles then, but the moment she saw him, the smile vanished into thin air.


    By the time he made it to the couch, she had silently retreated into a corner out of his sight.


    Now she was sitting next to him, he could clearly see her thin face, and the panic in her eyes.


    She had lost so much weight! Even her sharpness seemed to have faded.


    Her presence had softened, as if he could shatter her with the slightest touch.


    After a rushed nce at him, she was about to get up and leave.


    He grabbed her wrist tightly, stopping her from leaving.


    Everyone in the room watched the drama unfold.


    In fact, their past rtionship had been the topic of gossip among Ramsey''s friends and Odette''s


    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    friends.


    Now watching their tussle, their curiosity was like a fire burning brightly!


    Perhaps their anticipation was so strong that the situation, as they had hoped, started to spiral out of


    control!


    "Beep!"


    Elijah''s heart rate monitor started to re!


    His heart rate had shot up from eighty to one hundred and twenty!


    Watching pretty girls, handsome guys, cute babies, kissing scenes, sex scenes, nothing had caused


    this reaction. But here he was, with Violette sitting beside him for less than two minutes, and his heart


    was going haywire.


    This was just nuts! Everyone was taken aback by this turn of events.


    The rm sounded like a sledgehammernding on Elijah and Violette.


    Violette''s face turned a bright shade of red from embarrassment. She covered her face with her hand,


    too shy to meet everyone¡¯s eyes.


    Elijah quickly took off his heart rate monitor and, with a "p", flung it away!


    Damn that wristband!


    Elijah''s face was a mix of seriousness and embarrassment. Everyone tried to hold back theirughter.


    But Brandon, sitting on his other side, started tough out loud!


    And with himughing, everyone else joined in.


    Theughter echoed throughout the living room.


    Violette wished she could crawl into a hole. She forcefully pried Elijah''s hand open and awkwardly


    slipped away.


    As she made her way around the couch, her eyes locked onto Odette.


    She grabbed Odette and walked off, the two women disappearing into a guest room.


    Once the door was closed, Violette angrily said, "Odette! Have you lost your mind?!"


    Odette was stillughing, "I did it on purpose. Didn''t you want to know why he came out of the blue? I


    figured he came for you. But I wasn''t sure, so I ran a little test. And vo, it worked!"


    Violette was at a loss for words.


    Of course, Violette wasn''t going to let it slide. She would rather not specte about his feelings.


    She didn''t know how to face him, unless they never saw each other again.


    Although Violette was upset, she didn''t want to ruin Odette''s mood with the wedding tomorrow.


    Updated at Dra§Þ??§àvels.c§àm


    "Alright. I''m not mad anymore. Go ahead and entertain them. I''m going to take a bath." Violette opened


    the door, letting Odette out.


    Back in the living room.


    Elijah had lost the challenge, so he and Brandon had to finish a bottle of alcohol each.


    Brandon held his ss, drinking one ss at a time.


    Elijah, on the other hand, picked up the bottle and guzzled down the whole thing in one go!

 Chapter 450

    Chapter 450


    In reality, no one forced him to drink.


    After downing a bottle, Brandon turned to him and asked, "Are you fully healed yet? Didn''t the doc tell


    you to stay off booze for three months? Has it been three months yet?"


    Upon hearing this, Ramsey quickly fetched a jug of juice,


    "Elijah, have some juice instead!" Ramsey cleared all the bottles of alcohol from in front of him,


    "Dinner''s ready in the kitchen, why don''t you guys grab a bite?"


    Brandon finished his own drink, then dragged Elijah towards the kitchen.


    Once the two of them were in the kitchen, the living room started buzzing again.


    Brandon poured a ss of juice and handed it to Elijah.


    "I should''ve known it was gonna be this awkward, I wouldn''t have invited you if I had." Brandon said


    with a bitter smile, "Should I take you home?"


    Ramsey, standing nearby, chimed in, "You guys are both drunk, so no driving. I called an ambnce


    earlier today, how about we have it take you guys home?"


    Neither Brandon nor Elijah responded.


    "Um, if you guys don''t want to go home, you''re wee to stay here. I rented eight vis, should be


    enough rooms." Ramsey quickly changed the subject when he saw their surprised faces.


    Brandon asked in confusion, "Why did you call an ambnce?"


    "Violette didn''t eat lunch today. She was helped upstairs by Odette, I was worried she might pass out,


    so I called the ambnce." Ramsey exined, "We''re also quite a distance from the nearest hospital."


    Brandon was even more puzzled, "Why didn''t she eat?"


    "I don''t know. Odette didn''t want me to ask. She said I was Elijah''s friend. Odette doesn''t have anything


    against Elijah, ans she''s just very protective of Violette. Considering their long friendship, I can


    understand." Ramsey sneaked a nce at Elijah.


    Elijah had been drinking, his face was slightly flushed.


    He was still sober, but also a bit fuzzy, "Did she eat dinner?"


    "She should have. Odette drove out to buy her some mushroom soup. She seemed fine when she


    came downstairs, probably ate." Ramsey replied.


    Elijah picked up his ss of juice and took a sip.


    Suddenly remembering something, Ramsey quickly added, "She ate a lot of fruit this morning! Didn''t


    touch any other snacks, just ate a bunch of fruit. Those were all pre-ordered from abroad by Odette. I


    was wondering why she bought so much fruit, then I saw Violette eating them with such joy, and


    realized they were all for her."


    Elijah and Brandon were deep in thought.


    After a while, Brandon narrowed his eyes and concluded, "Seems like she''s really on a diet. Myst


    girlfriend only ate fruit when she was dieting, wouldn''t touch any flour products, probably worried about


    the high sugar content."


    Ramsey asked in confusion, "Doesn''t fruit have sugar too?"


    "It''s still better than eating flour products. They calcte the calories of every food they eat very


    precisely." Brandon spoke in a serious tone, "My ex was dieting to make me happy. She wasn''t fat, but


    she saw that all my previous girlfriends were skinny, so she went on a crazy diet. In the end, I broke up


    with her because I was worried her crazy dieting would harm her health."


    "So, is Violette dieting to please a certain guy?" Ramsey asked.


    Brandon nced at Elijah and said bluntly, "I''m guessing it''s for Kylee."


    The atmosphere instantly froze.


    With a gloomy expression, Elijah said, "Go ahead, you guys drink."


    With that, he stood up from his chair and headed for the stairs.


    Something seemed off to Ramsey, so he followed, "Elijah, are you going to rest?" Re§Ñd at


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    Dramanov§Öls


    Elijah gave a short reply.


    Because all the guest rooms in this vi were already upied.


    Elijah frowned, "Leave me alone."


    Ramsey was taken aback.

 Chapter 451

    Chapter 451


    "I''m going to see Violette." Elijah said.


    Ramsey was in shock.


    This was kinda freaky! Super freaky!


    Theirst sh, although Ramsey didn''t witness it firsthand, he had spent so much time in the ICU that


    the mere thought of it still gave him the chills.


    And now he was going to see Violette again. Was it because the issue fromst time hadn''t been


    settled yet? Was he looking for round two?


    Ramsey was seriously scared.


    He couldn''t stop Elijah, so he went to find Brandon and Odette.


    Brandon coolly analyzed, "He just had one beer. He''s not drunk out of his wits."


    Odette anxiously said, "But Violette doesn''t want to see him! She told me herself! No, I must stop him!"


    After saying this, Odette was ready to head upstairs to intervene.


    Brandon and Ramsey each grabbed one of her arms to stop her.


    "Odette, just chill for a moment. I''ll go check it out." Brandon was worried that if Odette went up, the


    whole vi would know about this.


    Elijah had already embarrassed himself once, Brandon hoped she could leave him some dignity.


    "Let Brandon handle this!" Ramsey pulled Odette to his side, "Don''t worry, with Brandon around, they


    won''t get into any trouble."


    Second floor.


    Violette came out in a white robe after her bath.


    Since she had slept so much in the afternoon and had a full dinner, she felt especially refreshed after


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    her bath.


    So when she saw Elijah, she didn''t doubt herself that she might be seeing things.


    Elijah walked up to her and asked, "Are you dieting for Kylee?"


    Violette didn¡¯t answer.


    This was too illogical!


    She understood what he was saying, but it sounded utterly absurd!


    Dieting for Kylee? Such a thought was just too bizarre.


    So if she dieted, it must be for a man?


    Violette was speechless.


    That was too much! He actually said that to her! Re§Ñd at Dra§Þan§àvels


    She originally didn''t want to argue with him, as thest ident was caused by her, but his words were


    really infuriating.


    "No matter who I''m dieting for, it''s none of your business." She pointed to the door, sternly saying, "Get


    out!"


    Seeing her resolute expression, his anger started to re up.


    "Does he know about us?" His voice sounded very rude, "If he knew we''ve been sleeping together,


    would he still date you?"

 Chapter 452

    Chapter 452


    Violette stared at his handsome but cold face, too angry to speak.


    In the past, she would''ve been so pissed off at him that she''d be fuming mad, followed by a huge fight.


    But now, because she was feeling under the weather, she didn''t want to argue with him, let alone get


    physical.


    If he insisted on staying in her room, she was powerless to stop him.


    If he shamelessly insisted on staying in her room, she couldn''t do anything to him.


    Maybe because his words didn''t anger her, he was very confused.


    Were his words not direct enough?


    Or had she already made some sort of deal with Kylee?


    "Violette, no matter who you end up with in the future, I won''t let you go. As long as I''m alive, don''t


    even think about marrying someone else." He threatened again.


    Listening to his threats, Violette felt nothing.


    She no longer had ns to marry, so his threats were just empty words to her.


    "Do you enjoy meddling in other people''s affairs so much?" She looked into his eyes, mocking him.


    A hint of embarrassment shed across his eyes.


    "If I end up with Kylee, and you keep pestering me, you''ll be the third wheel." Violette continued when


    he remained silent.


    Elijah was a man who could keep his cool, and he quickly adjusted his emotions.


    He said, "So what if I''m the third wheel? I don''t care."


    See, he really didn''t care about anything.


    Violette pushed him away forcefully and sat down on the edge of the bed.


    She took out skincare products from her bag.


    In fact, since she found out she was pregnant, she hadn''t used any skincare products.


    The ones she previously used, she couldn''t stand the smell after bing pregnant, and the


    ingredients weren''t suitable for pregnant women.


    After stopping for a while, her skin started to peel due to dryness.


    So Odette bought her a set of scentless skincare products suitable for pregnant women.


    After using them, she felt they worked pretty well.


    Elijah watched her apply skincare products coldly, bing more convinced that her current diet and


    skincare routine were all for some man!


    Because she used to live quite rough.


    She might not necessarily use skincare products after taking a shower.


    She felt his burning gaze, and then looked straight at him.


    "What are you staring at?¡± She finished applying the products and twisted the cap back on, "Do you


    need anything else? You''re not thinking of sleeping in my room, are you?"


    It seemed like her words reminded him. He had just had a bottle of wine and was feeling a bit dizzy.


    He walked over and sat down next to her, his intentions clear.


    "Is that a problem?" He looked at her provocatively.


    Violette said, "Do you think this bed can amodate three adults?"


    He didn''t quite understand her words, but he looked at therge white bed.


    The bed was pretty big, but to amodate three adults.


    "Who are you nning on sleeping with tonight?" He frowned suspiciously.


    Elijah jumped up from the bed as if he had been electrocuted. Read at


    Violette really wanted tough, but couldn''t.


    She might be able to dodge him tonight, but what about the future?


    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    But here he was again!


    She had never met a man as obsessive and stubborn as him.

 Chapter 453

    Chapter 453


    Violette stopped him, "Elijah, if I give you a kid back, can you promise not to bother me anymore? Like


    we agreed before."


    She didn''t want to get tangled up with him.


    He paused, his cold voice responding, "Give me the kid first, then we''ll talk."


    With that, he opened the door and walked out.


    "Elijah, are you okay?" Brandon had been waiting outside.


    Hearing themotion outside, Violette was getting antsy.


    She couldn''t suppress or shake off this feeling of irritation.


    As the footsteps outside faded away, she flopped onto the bed.


    After lying still for a few minutes, she picked up her phone and initiated a video call with Mike.


    Mike picked up immediately, "Violette, have you eaten yet?"


    Mike was ying with two kids, Violette could vaguely see someone moving in the kitchen.


    But Mike quickly adjusted the camera to focus on the kids.


    "Yeah, I did." Seeing the two kids, Violette felt a bit more rxed, "Ian, Rita, what game are you guys


    ying?"


    "We''re doing puzzles! I''m watching Ian do it. Because he won''t let me help, he says I''ll just mess it up."


    Rita pouted, "Mom, Joey made us dinner today."


    Mike was taken aback, "Rita, didn''t I tell you not to tell your mom about this? Didn''t you promise?"


    Rita looked innocent, "But I already told mom! She won''t be mad."


    Violette said, "Mike, did you forget we have surveince at home? I saw Joey''s car parked in our yard


    in the evening."


    Mike was speechless.


    Ritaughed, "Dumbass!"


    "Aren''t you on vacation? How do you have time to watch the surveince?" Mike was puzzled, "Are you


    lying in bed? What are you doing? If you''re going to sleep, why did you go so far to do it?"


    Listening to hisints, Violette said helplessly, "Someone showed up, so I hid in my room."


    "Someone?" Mike understood what she meant, "Elijah went too? God! He said he wouldn''t go!"


    Violette said, "Don''t mention him."


    Mike left the room with his phone.


    Joey, having heard their conversation, followed Mike out.


    "Violette, did he bother you again? That bastard!" Mike cursed.


    Violette said, "He won''t bother me with so many guests today."


    Mike asked, "You mean, if there weren''t so many guests, he would bother you?"


    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Violette said, "Don''t worry. Nothing likest time will happen again."


    Mike said, "How can I not worry? He''s crazy."


    Joey couldn''t stand it anymore, he snatched Mike''s phone and said,


    "Violette, I''ve seen my boss''s medical report. He''s in great health, and he''s not crazy."


    Joey tried to exin, "He''s just a bit stubborn, doesn''t like people opposing him. As long as you don''t


    argue with him, he won''t hurt you."


    Actually, Joey was right, Elijah wasn''t that crazy.


    It was strange.


    She was always rational and calm in front of others.


    But in front of him, she became a different person.


    If he said something she didn''t like, she''d definitely make him feel worse.


    Joey said, "Oh, it''s nothing. Your bodyguard took a day off, so Mike asked me toe." Updated at


    Dr§Ñmanovels


    Joey was speechless.


    Mike felt embarrassed. Could she not expose him like that?


    Violette hung up the video call with a smile.


    Suddenly, there was a sound of the door lock turning at the entrance.


    The next second, the door was pushed open.

 Chapter 454

    Chapter 454


    "Violette!" Odette shoved the door open and stormed in, "Do you know what Elijah just said to my


    hubby?¡±


    Violette sat up in rm. What was he doing looking for Ramsey?


    Could it be...?


    "He said he wasn''ting to our wedding before, but he just changed his mind! He said he''d attend


    our wedding tomorrow.¡± Odette spoke rapidly, ¡°Why is he so damn fickle?¡±


    Violette heaved a sigh of relief.


    "By the way, did hee looking for you earlier? What did you guys talk about?" Odette sat down by


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    the bed, scrutinizing Violette''s face, "He didn''t do anything to you, did he? I wanted toe over to


    help you, but Brandon said he woulde."


    "It''s okay.¡± Violette answered calmly, ¡°There are so many guests tonight, he won''t lose it."


    "That''s good. Do you want to go out for some fresh air? It''s really cool outside! You won''t feel cold!¡±


    Odette asked with concern, "It''s still early, so you probably can''t sleep yet."


    Without much thought, Violette nodded, "I didn''t bring any extra clothes, can I wear my pajamas?"


    "Ha-ha! They''re all ying in the swimming pool right now, all in swimsuits. Of course it''s no problem


    for you to wear your PJs!¡± Odette took her by the hand and left the room.


    It was past seven in the evening now, and the seaside street lights cast long shadows. Many people


    were frolicking by the sea.


    The temperature was in the teens, a little cool, but not cold.


    A gust of sea breeze blew over, and Violette felt a bit more awake.


    "Elijah should get some air.¡± She murmured.


    Perhaps the wind could clear his head a bit.


    "Huh? I bet he''s gone to rest. His face was all red when he was chatting with my hubby, and so were


    his eyes. The guy really can''t hold his liquor." Odette said.


    Odette treaded on the soft sand, "He''s still staying in our vi. My hubby had to give up his room for


    him. The guy is a real piece of work, Violette, how did you put up with him when you were dating?"


    "I don''t want to relive my past with him.¡± Violette was afraid it would bring back memories of his


    goodness.


    When they were dating, the sweetness far outweighed the pain.


    He used to treat her like a treasure, with utmost care.


    Back then, her life revolved around him, aside from her studies.


    First love was unforgettable because it was the first taste of love.


    Violette didn¡¯t reply.


    Violette got goosebumps from her words.


    "We actually had a fight tonight.¡± She told Odette about what happened earlier, "He thought I was


    losing weight for Kylee." Content of Dra§Þ??ovels


    Violette said, "Maybe he thinks I''m too old! Aren''t the artists entering the entertainment industry all


    teenagers?¡±


    "There are also those in their twenties, but they are rtively few. Ha-ha! How did you respond to


    him?¡± Odette asked.

 Chapter 455

    Chapter 455


    Violette said casually, "I didn''t directly respond to him."


    "You''re such a tease. You''re leading him on, aren''t you? You know he likes you, but you won''t be


    straight with him." Odette said.


    Violette shook her head, "I think he''s making a fuss over nothing. I don''t want to deal with him."


    "Ah, makes sense. You two aren''t back together. Wait, do you guys have a chance of getting back?"


    Odette grabbed Violette''s arm, staring at her wind-swept hair.


    "How can we get back together?" Violette brushed the hair out of her face, "He hasn''t exined the


    situation with Maka. Besides, the thought of his fling with Sarah makes me sick. I''d rather be single


    for life than get back with him."


    "That''s really messed up. Even if he didn''t like Sarah, he shouldn''t have had a child with her!" Odette


    N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    tutted, "That''s why I call him a jerk. Acting all heartbroken over you, pfft!"


    Violette chuckled, "I used to get so mad when I thought of him, but today, not so much. Another funny


    thing. He said he''s going to break up my rtionships so I''d never get married."


    Odette was speechless for a few seconds. After she grasped what Violette was saying, she burst into


    "Are you talking about the same Elijah I know?" Odette wasughing so hard, "If I tell my husband, he''d


    never believe it!"


    "Maybe it''s because he was drinking tonight." Violette thought it felt like a dream.


    He was sometimes a pain and ridiculous, but not this immature.


    "Just one beer. He couldn''t have gotten that drunk?" Odette took a deep breath, "He''s just infatuated


    with you, but he can''t have you, so he doesn''t want you to marry anyone else. You better pray you don''t


    find your true love, otherwise, this could get messy."


    Violette looked up at the sky. The stars were twinkling, bright and captivating. She hoped Odette''s


    wedding tomorrow would go smoothly without any hitches.


    The next morning came in a blink of an eye.


    Odette and Ramsey''s wedding was set in the city''s most upscale five-star hotel.


    Rita and Ian woke up early, eager to go to the hotel and wait for their mother. Mike reluctantly got up


    early to take them to the hotel.


    To their surprise, the guests arrived early. There were quite a lot of people dining in the hotel


    restaurant.


    Suddenly, someone tapped him on the shoulder.


    "Ian, I know everything." Maka gripped Ian''s arm, spelling out word by word, "You''re my brother''s


    son, and I''m your aunt."  Dra§Þanovels.c§àm


    Ian stared at Maka in shock, forgetting to shake off her grip.


    Ian shook off her hand, looking cold, "You''re Elijah''s real sister? Prove it!"

 Chapter 456

    Chapter 456


    Ian''s skepticism threw Maka into deep thought.


    "What kind of proof do you need?" Maka asked.


    To Maka, the rtionship she shared with Elijah required no evidence whatsoever.


    Elijah was her brother, and that was that.


    Ian challenged, "You say you''re Elijah''s sister,. Do you have an ID? Can you show it to me?"


    Maka wasn''t sure if she had an ID card, but she could ask her brother about it.


    "I''ll dig up some proof!" She assured Ian.


    She trusted Marta''s words wholeheartedly. Because Marta had told her that Elijah''s mother was also


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    her mother, and Elijah confirmed it too. She and Elijah shared the same mother, and it was only natural


    they were siblings!


    "If you can''te up with proof, I won''t acknowledge anything." Ian said coldly, walking away with his


    te.


    Maka watched his retreating figure, feeling a mix of anxiety and indignation. If only Elijah were here


    now. She could ask him for proof.


    Ian returned to Mike''s side.


    Mike asked, "What did Maka say to you? Didn''t Elijah say he wouldn''te? Maka''s here, so it


    looks like Elijah might show up at the wedding today."


    Ian frowned, "Nothing really."


    Mike noticed Maka kept ncing their way, and felt a pang of sympathy, "We really shouldn''t be so


    ruthless to someone who''s mentally challenged."


    Ian said, "She''s not as naive as she used to be."


    Mike said, "Yeah, I''ve never doubted your mother''s medical skills."


    Ian looked quite proud of his mom.


    Mike said, "But your mother seems a bit offtely. You''ve seen it. She barely eats and she''s so thin. If


    Elijah wanted to take her away, he wouldn''t need to put in any effort. It''s one thing she doesn''t want to


    keep fit, but how can she be so irresponsible to herself?"


    Ian said, "We could try snooping around mom''s phone. See what she''s thinking."


    Mike didn¡¯t respond.


    Ian asked, "Are you scared?"


    Mike said, "Absolutely! She''s your mother, not mine. If you mess up, she might just give you a good


    tongueshing. But if I do, she''ll kick me out!"


    Ian said, "Oh."


    After some inner struggle, Mike suggested, "Ian, we can give it a shot. If your mom finds out, we''ll face


    the consequences together, deal?"


    Ian nodded.


    After breakfast, Mike went to the parking lot to fetch aptop. Ian and Rita waited in the banquet hall.


    Seeing Mike leave, Maka immediately approached their table.


    Maka looked at Ian, puzzled, "Why don''t you want Rita to y with me? I''m your aunt."


    Ian said, "Proof!" New ch§Ñpter av?ble on Dr§Ñman§àvels.c§à§Þ


    Maka''s eyes sparkled, "I''ll show you the proof."


    Ian said, "Even if you show me, I won''t acknowledge it! I don''t want Elijah to be my dad. I don''t


    recognize him!"


    Ian was speechless. He was suddenly at a loss for words. Maka''s way of thinking was unique, but


    he couldn''t find anything wrong with it.

 Chapter 457

    Chapter 457


    Elijah almost hurt himself while also messing with his mom, but Maka, she never did anything to hurt


    them.


    When Mike walked up to Maka with hisptop, he greeted her with a smile, "Hey Maka, what''s


    up?"


    Maka looked a bit nervous when she saw Mike.


    "Did youe alone?" Mike asked, grinning like a true gentleman.


    "My brother will be here soon." Maka replied.


    "Oh, how''s your injury doing? Still got a headache?" Mike asked, reaching out to touch her pretty wig.


    Maka shook her head, "It won''t hurt as long as I don''t touch it."


    Mike leaned in closer, pushing his hair aside to show her his own wound, "Look, we both got simr


    wounds, don''t we?"


    Maka looked shocked at first, thenughed, "Is your head messed up too?"


    "Yep! But I''ve recovered now, you better get well soon too!" Mike said.


    Maka said, "Sure! Once I''m better, I''ve got some really important stuff to do!"


    "Oh? You got some important stuff to do?" Mike asked.


    Maka''s expression stiffened, and then she ran off to her bodyguards.


    After Maka left, Ian and Rita sat next to Mike, watching him check their mom''s phone, trying to figure


    out why she wasn''t eating.


    But then, Violette showed up!


    She''d been worrying about her kids, so she came early. She noticed Mike''sptop screen.


    "What are you doing?" She asked, oblivious to the fact that he was snooping through her info.


    Mike nearly yelped in surprise, and he quickly shut hisptop.


    "Mom!" Rita hugged Violette excitedly, "Mom, you look so pretty today!"


    Violette was wearing a dress she''d bought with Odette. It was a bit loose now, but still looked fantastic.


    Odette had arranged for a makeup team, so Violette''s makeup was professionally done. Her hair was


    done up in a bun, and her makeup was clean and natural. She looked both elegant and sweet.


    "Sweetie, you look pretty today too! Who did your hair?" Violette picked up her daughter.


    But remembering her pregnancy, she quickly put her down.


    "Uncle Mike did it." Rita said.


    Mike blinked, "Nah! I wasn''t checking out anyone''s info, I was just reinstalling the operating system."


    "Oh? You brought yourptop to the banquet to reinstall the operating system?" Violette sat beside him,


    half-skeptical.


    Violette stared at his eyes. Suddenly, her eyes shifted behind him.


    He followed her gaze. New ch?pter av?ble o? Dra§Þ§Ñn§àv§Öls.c§àm


    Wow! Elijah was here.


    The moment he entered the banquet hall, all eyes were on him.


    Everyone saw their intimate gestures. Seeing all this, Violette''s face turned somewhat gloomy.Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 458

    Chapter 458


    "Elijah, do I have an ID?" Maka asked.


    Elijah replied, "Why the sudden question?"


    Maka said, "Everyone has one, and I want one too."


    Elijah said, "You have one, it''s at home."


    Maka smiled, "Alright, give it to me when we get home."


    Elijah found a seat and asked, "What do you need the ID for?"


    Maka pulled out a new phone from her bag, "Elijah, I bought a new phone. I want to get a SIM card


    using my ID."


    Elijah was taken aback.


    The bodyguard exined, "Maka bought the phone when she was shopping yesterday evening. She


    got a SIM card using Elisa''s ID."


    Elijah was surprised by Maka''s change. Heforted Maka, "You can use your own ID to get a


    SIM card."


    Maka asked, "Elijah, when are we going home?"


    Elijah replied, "We can''t go home until after the banquet. Don''t worry, Maka, your ID is safe with me."


    Maka opened her phone, "Elijah, can you teach me how to use this phone?"


    Elijah patiently agreed.


    ...


    Mike said to Violette, "Violette, stop staring, you''re zoning out."


    Violette awkwardly looked away.


    Elijah was teaching Maka how to use her phone. He was very serious and patient. Violette hadn''t


    seen him this gentle in a long time. That was why she was so engrossed watching Elijah.


    She took a sip of water, trying to hide her fluster.


    Mike asked, "Why hasn''t Kyleee yet? Isn''t his seat next to you?"


    Violette nodded.


    Mike asked again, "Did you guys have fun at the vi yesterday?"


    Violette replied, "I was basically asleep all day yesterday."


    Mike asked, "Did you eat anything yesterday?"


    Violette said, "I did." Right after she finished, her stomach grumbled.


    She had thrown up her breakfast not long after eating it. She felt so weak today. If it wasn''t for Odette''s


    wedding, she might not have had the strength to go out.


    Mike leaned in and whispered, "I chatted with Joeyst night. I told him you haven''t been dieting or


    dating, but you just don''t want to eat. You know what he said?"


    Violette''s heart raced as she saw Mike''s mysterious expression.


    Mike said, "He said that when women are pregnant, they can''t eat. His sister was pregnant a while ago


    and her situation was exactly like yours! She would throw up whatever she ate."


    Before Mike could finish, Violette started dry heaving. Mike was startled.


    "Mom!" Rita screamed.


    Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Ian quickly handed Violette a tissue box.


    Why did Rita scream? What happened to Violette?


    But the way she looked at Mike was a bit guilty.


    Mike knew what happened. She was pregnant! Her look just now gave her away.


    The staff quickly called a doctor.


    Violette said awkwardly, "I''m sorry, I''m fine."


    The staff repeatedly confirmed her condition before leaving.

 Chapter 459

    Chapter 459


    "Are you here just to stir things up?" Mike joked.


    Ignoring Mike''s jest, he strode confidently to the empty seat next to Violette and sat down.


    Violette''s eyshes fluttered slightly before she said, "This is Kylee''s seat."


    "This is my seat!" He proimed defiantly, "Don''t worry, he''s at this table too."


    Violette got the picture. He must have swapped seats with Ramsey.


    No sooner had he sat down than Maka came over and took the seat next to him.


    Seeing Violette''s difort, Mike stood up, intending to switch seats with her. But before he could


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    even open his mouth, Maka beat him to it, "Mike, could we switch seats?"


    Mike and Ian''s seats were adjacent, and she wanted to sit next to Ian.


    Mike simply didn''t know how to decline her request, and She didn''t even give him a chance to reject.


    She directly went over to Mike''s side. So Mike had no choice but to switch seats with her.


    This way, no matter if Mike switched seats with Violette or not, Elijah would always be at her side.


    Mike gathered his courage and said to Elijah, "How about we switch seats?"


    Elijah said, "No."


    Mike shot him a re.


    Before they knew it, it was noon. Ramsey and Odette''s wedding ceremony began.


    Elijah wasn''t interested, so he didn''t look at the stage. Violette, however, took out her phone and


    started taking pictures of the stage.


    In a blink of an eye, the ceremony ended and it was time to toss the bouquet.


    Odette looked at Violette, turned around, and tossed the bouquet towards her with all her might!


    Elijah caught the bouquet.


    There was a collective gasp from the crowd!


    Violette was stunned.


    After catching the bouquet, Elijah didn''t give it to Violette. Why would he give her the bouquet if he


    didn''t want her to get married? So he handed the bouquet to Mike.


    Mike said, "Thanks!"


    After the ceremony, the lights in the banquet hall suddenly dimmed. Then, a familiar song began to


    y. Instantly, the crowd erupted in screams, "Kylee! Kylee!"


    Kylee''s singing voice, like a heavenly melody, filled the room, apanied by the crowd''s screams.


    Elijah''s gaze fell on Violette''s face. She wasn''t looking at the stage like everyone else; she was quietly


    eating her food. She mainly ate sd and didn''t touch any meat.


    He picked up his fork, and ced a shrimp on her te. She looked at him in surprise, "I don''t want it.


    Take it away."


    If he didn''t take it back, the two bites of vegetables she had just eaten would probably make her feel


    sick.


    However, he seemed to have made up his mind andmanded coldly, "Eat it!"


    "Mom, let''s switch seats! I''m not scared of this jerk!" Rita said.


    "Honey, it''s fine. Mom''s not scared of him either." Violette put down her fork, not wanting to eat


    anymore.


    Later, after Kylee''s performance ended, he came down from the stage. Content of Dra§Þ??ovels


    This way, Violette would be separated from Elijah. And Kylee would sit between the two of them.


    Feeling the tense atmosphere at the table, Kylee turned to Elijah and said, "Hello, Mr. Bourne."

 Chapter 460

    Chapter 460


    Just now, he told Violette''s family doctor about her condition. The doctor replied that she was either


    sick or pregnant.


    He immediately dismissed the first possibility because Violette herself was a doctor. If she had a


    serious illness, she wouldn''t have attended Odette''s wedding, let alone the bachelorette party the day


    before. And if it was a minor illness, how could it make her lose so much weight in such a short time?


    Plus, it wasn''t that she couldn''t eat, she ate fruits and vegetables, just not meat. Wasn''t this the ssic


    symptoms of pregnancy?


    As soon as Elijah spoke, everyone at the scene was stunned. Mike didn''t expect him to guess so


    quickly, and felt a bit miffed.


    "Violette isn''t pregnant." Mike refuted on purpose.


    Violette felt extremely embarrassed. She didn''t look at Elijah, but she could feel his sharp gaze on her


    face.


    She could lie like Mike, but she couldn''t bring herself to. Because to confirm this fact was too simple.


    She couldn''t exin why she felt nauseous, nor could she exin why she didn''t eat the shrimp he had


    picked for her. He was a suspicious person, and this time, she couldn''t fool him.


    She picked up her bag and stood up.


    Everyone looked at her, and no one knew what she was going to do.


    As soon as she stood up, Elijah also got up. He strode to her side, grabbed her wrist, and led her out of


    the banquet hall.


    Odette, who was toasting at the time, saw them leave and immediately came over and asked, "Why did


    they leave? What happened?"


    Mike looked at Odette, "Odette, did you already know about Violette''s pregnancy?"


    Odette''s eyes started to shift.


    Ramsey looked surprised, "Violette''s pregnant?! That''s shocking! Did you all know? Did Elijah know?"


    Mike raised an eyebrow, "What do you think?"


    Ramsey rubbed his hands, "Ha-ha! Isn''t that good? Why do you all seem unhappy?"


    Who would be happy? Even Elijah himself might not be happy. When he took Violette away just now,


    his face was very gloomy.


    Ramsey suddenly realized and eximed, "Could it be that the child Violette''s carrying isn''t Elijah''s?!"


    Odette couldn''t stand it anymore and dragged him away.


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    ......


    Elijah grabbed Violette''s arm, took her out of the banquet hall, and they both entered the elevator.


    The elevator doors slowly closed, and the atmosphere in the narrow space was extremely oppressive.


    Violette didn''t expect him to find out about this in such a way today. She observed him secretly through


    the metal wall of the elevator. He furrowed his brows, his lips tightly pressed, and remained silent.


    Various thoughts came to his mind, creating chaos. His heart was even more chaotic.


    His heart was in a state of tension, and he immediately decided to take her to the hospital for a check-


    up.


    Hospital. New ch§Ñpter av?ble on


    The corridor was very quiet, and the door of the ultrasound room was opened.


    His eyes were filled with coldness, "Violette, whose child are you carrying?!"


    The ultrasound report showed that the child she was carrying was already two months old!

 Chapter 461

    Chapter 461


    But he only found out about it now.


    Violette shot a re at his burning eyes, aggrieved, "You always find a way to humiliate me!"


    If the child wasn''t his, then whose did he think it was? Kylee¡¯s? Or Mike¡¯s?


    "Why didn''t you tell me if the child is mine?!" He didn''t see any problem with his question, and her


    concealment only stirred up more memories.


    She had hidden things from him before. He hated being kept in the dark by her. She was treating him


    like a fool, spinning him around in circles!


    "Elijah, aren''t you tired?" She stared at his furious face, despairing, "I''m tired. I''m really tired. No matter


    what happens, you always find a reason to blow up at me! What do you take me for? What the hell do


    you take me for?!"


    She hit the elevator button!


    He looked at the screen. The elevator was only on the third floor.


    The doors slowly opened, and she strode out.


    He followed her, his heart pounding, "Violette! What are you doing?"


    "I''m going to abort this child!" She muttered with ayer of hatred in her eyes, "I''ve had enough! The


    child will only suffer if it''s born! Why give birth if you know this oue?!"


    Five years ago, she was pregnant, and he forced her to abort. He must not have thought back then that


    there would be a day like this.


    Hearing her say she wanted to abort the child, their child, felt like a heavy blow to his heart. It hurt so


    much he couldn''t breathe. He couldn''t think straight, and all he could do was stop her instinctively.


    "I won''t let you abort our child!" His eyes were bloodshot, hisrge hand tightly gripping her arm to stop


    her from going further, "Give birth to it! Even if it''s a freak, you have to give birth to it!"


    Freak! He was actually cursing their child like that.


    Tears silently slid down Violette''s cheeks, "You''re the freak! You are!" She sobbed, her eyebrows


    twisted in anger!


    She couldn''t move her arms, so she kicked him. She kicked his leg with all her might!


    N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    People around them started to stare.


    This was the gynecology clinic. Countless women came here every day to have abortions, and


    countless women were overjoyed to be pregnant. There had been many cases where couples argued


    over whether to keep the child. But it was rare for the woman to want to abort and the man to want to


    keep it.


    Someone took out their phone to sneak a picture of them, and the bodyguard immediately stepped in to


    stop them.


    Elijah scooped her up and headed for the elevator. She was emotional right now, and he had to get her


    out of there. Otherwise, she would be set on having the abortion.


    "Let go of me! I can walk on my own!" She pounded on his chest, but he showed no sign of letting her


    go.


    After leaving the hospital, he carried her swiftly towards the parking lot. The bodyguard jogged over to


    their car, pulling the door open in advance.


    She didn''t want to be gawked at, so she buried her head in his chest.


    Once in the car, she coldly said, "Take me home! To my home!"


    Elijah sat down next to her and closed the door.


    "To her ce." He said hoarsely.  Dr?§Þan§àvels


    The car sped off.


    Violetteposed herself and pulled out her phone from her bag.

 Chapter 462

    Chapter 462


    She was so pissed at him, "What if I miscarry?"


    Caught off guard by her counter-question, he was left speechless.


    "It''s not even three months yet, and there''s no guarantee this baby will make it! If you keep pissing me


    off daily, I can assure you it won''t survive." Watching his shocked expression, she felt a rush of


    satisfaction from her sessful retaliation.


    Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    He stayed silent, his lips moving but no words came out.


    He remembered her hopeless look in the hospital earlier. He shouldn¡¯t piss her off anymore. Because


    before today, she could have secretly aborted the baby, but she didn¡¯t. She silently endured the painful


    symptoms of early pregnancy, lost so much weight, yet she didn''t abort the baby. She must want to


    have this baby, right?


    He gradually calmed down.


    Meanwhile, Violette''s emotions also gradually cooled down. She opened her phone, seeing messages


    from Mike, Odette, and Kylee. She replied to each of them, letting them know she was safe.


    Soon, the car pulled into Silverleaf Ridge. Finally, it stopped in front of Violette''s vi. The car lock


    opened, she pushed the car door and got out.


    Elijah also got out.


    "What are you doing? Get back." Violette, holding her bag, looked at him across the car.


    Elijah said, "Let''s talk."


    "Talk about what?" What was there to talk about?


    They just had a blowout, and she was exhausted. She wanted to sleep now.


    But he stood rigidly at the vi gate, waiting for her to open it. She walked past him, opened the gate,


    and stepped into the yard.


    He followed her. She felt like she was inviting a wolf into her house.


    Once the vi door was opened, he even entered before her. She was surprised to see him take a pair


    of brand-new men''s slippers from the shoe cab and put them on.


    "Elijah, don''t you find yourself ridiculous?" She stood at the door, watching him change his shoes,


    couldn''t help but sneer, "Didn''t you hate the idea of me having your baby? Have you forgotten about


    what happened back then?"


    How could he forget? Not only did he not forget, but he also remembered it vividly.


    "Violette, if mocking me makes you happy, then feel free to mock me." After changing his shoes, he


    turned and gave her a cold nce.


    "Do you think your grandiloquent words can cover up the mistakes you''ve made?" As she said, she


    walked next to him, put her bag on the cab, and quickly changed her shoes.


    "The mistakes I''ve made?" He chuckled, "If I could go back, I would do the same."


    She was stunned.


    She stared at him.


    "If you were me, woke up one day and suddenly had a so-called wife, what would you do? No matter


    whose child this is, I cannot ept it." He said coldly.


    For the first time in so many years, she heard what he truly thought, and it eased some of her


    bitterness.


    "You say I didn''t put myself in your shoes, but have you ever put yourself in mine?" She retorted, "How


    do you think I got pregnant? Could I have done it alone?" Co?tent of Dr?§Þ??ov§Öls.c§àm


    He was taken aback by her words.


    He didn''t get angry, and took a moment to think it over. Although abortion was a minor surgery, it was


    still painful and emotionally damaging.

 Chapter 463

    Chapter 463


    He walked into the living room and stood straight, waiting for her toe over.


    "Got anything else to talk about?" She stood at the top of the stairs, intending to go upstairs to rest.


    "Are you going to bed?" He looked at her slim figure, and the pain in his heart eased a bit.


    "Yeah, but if you''ve got something on your mind, I can listen." She stood at the top of the stairs, just


    didn''t wanna be too close to him.


    Her heart ached when she smelled his scent. Their rtionship was so familiar, yet fate put their hearts


    miles apart.


    "Just go to sleep!" He sat back down on the couch. "I''ll sit for a while and go." "Alright..." She took her


    eyes off him, and climbed the stairs step by step.


    After she went upstairs, he got up from the couch.


    He realized that he had been too self-centered all along.


    He never really got what she wanted.


    He thought he had given her all he had, and med her for not responding to his feelings.


    But the truth was that what he gave was not what she wanted.


    And as for what she wanted, he had never given her.


    About half an hourter, he figured she must be asleep, so he whipped out his phone and dialed the


    family doctor.


    "Mr. Bourne, congrats. You''re gonna be a Dad." The family doctor said with a chuckle.


    The hospital he took her to was where the family doctor worked.


    "Is there a way to ease pregnancy reactions?" He asked, frowning.


    "Nope." The family doctor replied, "She just has to tough it out. Usually, the reaction starts to ease up


    around 12 to 16 weeks of pregnancy. Ms. Dennis is eight weeks in, another month and she should be


    feeling better."


    "She''s so skinny." His fingers clenched and his voice starting to tense up.


    "Really? If she can''t eat, she can consider IV nutrition. She''s a doctor, so she should know this." The


    family doctor said, "Unless she doesn''t want the baby..."


    "She indeed doesn''t want the baby."


    "Huh? Why''s that?"


    "She can''t stand me." Elijah paused, "But I won''t let her give up this baby."


    "Ah, hormone fluctuations during pregnancy can cause mood swings. Maybe Ms. Dennis want the


    baby, but she''s just in pain and can''t find a way out." The doctorforted, "This is when she needs


    your patience and care."


    Elijah said, "She doesn''t want to see me."


    Family doctor replied, "...If it''s as you say, then maybe you shouldy off for a while."


    "I can''t do that." He calmly analyzed and gave this response.


    Upstairs.


    Violette changed into her cotton pajamas,y in bed, eyes wide open, and couldn''t sleep a wink.


    He hadn''t left yet.


    She didn''t know what he was doing downstairs.


    Nor what he was thinking.


    Could he raise the baby well?


    He had a terrible temper and was easily irritated.


    She felt uneasy about the baby being with him.


    Then, she heard footsteps outside the door.  Dr?§Þan§àvels


    Without a doubt, it was him.


    She immediately shut her eyes.


    The door was pushed open, and he strode to the bedside.


    She thought he just came in to check, but he sat down!


    N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Not only did he sit down, he eveny down next to her!

 Chapter 464

    Chapter 464


    Her body tensed up.


    Since her back was to him, she couldn''t see his facial expression, let alone know what he was thinking.


    Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    She was torn inside. What should she do if he did anything inappropriate?


    But when hey down, he didn''t do anything out of line.


    His breath was close to her, and she seemed to feel his strong heartbeat.


    When his breath gradually became even, his long arm suddenly wrapped around her waist.


    Just like when they were deeply in love, he naturally held her in his arms.


    Her eyes opened, reminiscing about the past.


    After a while, her eyes were moist, and the man behind her had fallen asleep.


    She gently moved his arm, then sat up.


    Looking at his sleeping face, she wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes.


    Her gaze shifted to his heart.


    She wanted to see the wound on his chest.


    She reached out and unbuttoned his shirt.


    When she unbuttoned his first button, his brow furrowed, and then his big hand forcefully pushed her


    arm away!


    She looked at him nkly.


    He was asleep!


    He didn''t even know who was touching him now. Why was he so alert?


    Was he always this alert, not letting anyone touch him?


    But if that was the case, why would he have sex with Sarah?


    Thinking of this, her mood became very bad.


    She had no other man but him.


    So she couldn''t ept that he had had other women.


    She could not ept an imperfect rtionship.


    Even though his heart was still beating for her.


    She sat there, tears uncontroble.


    She knew that pregnancy made her emotional, so she always tried to keep her mood steady to


    counteract the effects of hormonal imbnce.


    But he easily made her copse.


    As if sensing something, he suddenly opened his eyes.


    Before she could adjust her emotions, he saw her in distress.


    "Violette, what''s wrong?" He was shocked by the scene in front of him. His body hadn''t fully awakened,


    but he sat up abruptly, wiping the tears from her face, "Why are you crying?"


    Violette was so embarrassed.


    She stopped crying and found an excuse: "I wanted to check your wound, but you pushed me away."


    She saw his wound exposed to the air.


    This terrifying wound seemed to mock her.


    She stretched out her finger and gently touched it.


    His body shivered slightly. His big hand tightly holding her hand: "Don''t touch it. It doesn''t hurt


    anymore." Re?d at Dr?m§Ñ?§àv§Öls


    He looked at her swollen eyes and closed his lips tightly.


    The reason he was so impulsive at that time was because he was strongly stimted.


    He loved her so much, but she wanted to kill him.


    He felt that life had no meaning, so he might as well choose death and bepletely free.

 Chapter 465

    Chapter 465


    "Why''d you suddenly bring this up?" He didn''t want to argue with her, considering they had a new bond


    between them - their child.


    "And why can''t I bring this up? Just because we don''t talk about certain things doesn''t mean they do


    not exist." She knew digging up the past wasn''t a good move, but if they didn''t rify things, they''d be


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    like a sharp sword, jabbing at her heart now and then.


    He pulled her gently into his arms, whispering, "Didn''t you say you wanted to rest? Did I disturb you?"


    Her cheek suddenly pressed against his hot chest, making her heart race and her emotions scatter.


    She pushed him away forcefully, then quietlyid down, turning her back on him.


    He watched her delicate body, his heart clenching. She still hadn''t told him what his mother had said to


    her before she died. Of course, he didn''t dare to ask again. She was already pissed, if he asked again,


    she might get even more pissed.


    He pulled up the nket, covering her, thenid down beside her again.


    ...


    Six in the evening.


    Mike and Joey came back with the kids. When they opened the vi door, they saw Violette sitting on


    the couch watching TV.


    "Violette, I brought you dinner," Mike ced the dinner in front of her, "Your favorite fruits, soup, cold


    dishes... give it a try."


    Violette nced at the dinner, her stomach immediately grumbling.


    "Mom! You have a baby in your belly, why didn''t you tell me and brother?" Rita sat next to Violette, her


    eyebrows furrowed, feeling a bit angry, "Brother and I are so good, why do you need another baby? I''m


    not happy!"


    Violette gave an awkward smile, "I''m sorry, Rita, I should have told you and your brother earlier. Mom


    was wrong, I will correct it."


    "Oh... as long as you apologize, you don''t need to correct it," Rita softened, reaching out to touch


    Violette''s belly, "Huh? Where''s the baby? Why is there nothing?"


    Violette hadn''t eaten much all day, so her stomach was hollow.


    Joey and Mike stared intently at her stomach and began to think. Mike asked angrily, "Violette! Don''t


    tell me Elijah Bourne took you for another abortion?"


    Joey didn''t believe Elijah could be that cruel, but seeing Violette''s pale face and t belly, he started


    having doubts.


    "Violette, if Elijah forced you to have another abortion, I''ll quit my job right away," Joey made this


    promise to prove he was a decent guy.


    As soon as he finished speaking, a tall figure appeared at the top of the stairs.


    Joey and Mike looked towards the stairs. When they saw Elijah, Joey''s ankles went weak. He


    stabilized himself by grabbing Mike''s arm.


    Elijah walked down the stairs, straight to Joey, asking softly, "You''re quitting?"


    In the face of his sharp gaze, Joey hesitated and stammered, not daring to speak.


    Mike was furious, "You bastard! That''s Violette''s baby, who gave you the right to make her abort!"


    Mike was so angry he wanted to fight. Joey held him tightly.


    Mike instantly calmed down.


    Elijah nced at the dinner in front of her, then spoke to Joey, "Joey,e with me."


    After they left, the living room became quiet again. Re§Ñd at Dra§Þan§àvels


    Violette felt really annoyed. If it weren''t for Elijah insisting on having another child with her, of course,


    she wouldn''t want to have another one.


    But what choice did she have?


    "By the way, what did he say?" Mike asked, hands in pockets, "Told you to have the baby? And then


    what?"

 Chapter 466

    Chapter 466


    Violette looked at him and said, "Can you let me eat in peace? I haven''t even talked to him about these


    things yet."


    Mike asked with a puzzled look, "You two were together all afternoon, what have you been discussing?


    And why did I see himing down from upstairs? Did he sleep in your room?"


    Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Violette frowned, "You''re such a pain."


    "Alright, I¡¯ll shut up. You eat first!" Mike said, his heart aching at the sight of her frail figure.


    Violette picked up a spoon and took a bite of her soup. It was still hot.


    The two kids were staring at her without blinking. She blushed, "Why are you two staring at me?"


    Rita asked, "Mom, if you have another baby, will you still love me and my brother?"


    "Of course! Mom will always love you and your brother." She loved them so much, so she didn''t want


    Elijah to know they existed.


    Rita let out a sigh of relief, batting her big eyes, "Is the baby in your belly a boy or a girl?"


    Violette couldn''t helpughing, "Sweetie, the baby in mom''s belly is still very small, we don''t know if it''s


    a boy or a girl yet!"


    Rita eximed in surprise, "Wow¡­"


    "The baby isn''t even as big as an egg yet."


    Rita was even more surprised, "Were my brother and I like that when we were small?"


    "Yes, everyone starts small and slowly grows."


    Rita nodded, then asked, "Mom, why can''t you eat? Is it because the baby in your belly won''t let you?"


    Ian felt that Rita was asking too many questions and disturbing their mom''s meal, so he took her hand


    and led her to their room.


    Mike took a sip of water and walked over to Violette. "Your pregnancy really came out of the blue. You


    should''ve told the kids earlier. They''ve been feeling down since noon." He said in a low voice.


    Violette struggled to reply, "The baby... Elijah wants it."


    "Oh? So you n to let Elijah raise the baby after it''s born?"


    Violette replied, "That''s the n for now, but I''m not sure if I''ll change my mindter."


    "Well, since you''re pregnant, I guess you''ll have to give birth." Mike quickly epted the fact, "Then


    you should quit your job and stay home."


    Violette said, "Morning sickness only happens in early pregnancy. Once I stop feeling nauseous and


    vomiting, I can go back to work."


    "Why are you pushing yourself so hard? What if something happens to the baby?" Mike nced at her,


    "This baby is what Elijah wants. If you lose it, he would be devastated."


    "How do you know him so well?"


    His words made Violette tense up.


    The Bourne family.


    Elijah looked at his sister''s anxious expression and sighed deeply, "Maka, which is more important,


    me or your ID?" Updated at Dra§Þ??§àvels.c§àm


    Maka was taken aback, "Both are important."


    "Maka, your ID is very important. If you lose it, you must tell me immediately," he instructed.


    Maka nodded solemnly, "I''ll keep it in my room. I won''t lose it."

 Chapter 467

    Chapter 467


    "Have you had dinner?"


    "Yeah! I ate with Ian at the hotel."


    "You seem to really like Ian." Elijah remembered how she swapped seats with Mike at noon. In the


    past, she would have stuck with him no matter what. But today, she seemed to prefer sitting next to Ian.


    "I like both Ian and Rita." Maka had a strong hunch that she was not only Ian''s aunt but possibly


    Rita''s as well. Their rtionship mirrored the one she had with her brother.


    Elijah couldn''t help reminiscing about the time he nearly choked Ian Dennis to death at the forest vi.


    Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    During their meeting at noon, Ian wouldn''t look at him, as if intentionally avoiding him.


    He was sure the kid was traumatized by him. Thinking back, he felt guilty. He never used to feel guilty


    about his actions, as he was not one to pick fights. If Ian hadn''t provoked him, he wouldn''t have lost


    control. But now, he was reflecting. Ian was wrong, but so was he.


    At dinner, Maka came over with her ID. "Bro, why is ourst name different? Didn''t you say we were


    siblings?" Maka had just sent Ian a picture of her ID, who pointed out this discrepancy.


    Elijah asked, "You don''t like ''Maka Linley''?"


    Maka responded, "I do! But I want the samest name as you."


    Elijah said, "Maka, thisst name isn''t worthy of you. Just be Maka Linley, it sounds lovely."


    Maka paused for a few seconds, then nodded, "I''ll take your word for it."


    She went back to her room and exined to Ian. Ian checked her identity and found no rtion to


    Elijah.


    "There''s another way to prove it." Ian told Maka another method.


    Maka went to see Elijah in the dining room again.


    "Say that I''m your real sister." Maka sneakily turned on the recording function on her phone.


    Ian had said he would only believe it if he heard Elijah say it himself.


    Elijah put down his chopsticks and looked at Maka. "What''s gotten into you today, Maka?"


    Maka batted her innocent big eyes. "I just want to hear you say I''m your real sister."


    Elijah asked, "Why do you want to hear that? Is it really you who wants to hear it?"


    He noticed her hand hidden behind her back and quickly guessed what was going on.


    Maka nodded, not fully understanding. "Then I won''t tell Ian."


    "I''ll listen to you." Content of Dr§Ñm??ovels.c§àm


    The next day.


    Violette made the trending list. It wasn''t because of some man, but due to her two kids.

 Chapter 468

    Chapter 468


    Violette almost fainted when she saw the trending topic this morning!


    Not because people were gossiping about her private life. But those unscrupulous self-media ounts


    actually posted photos of her two kids.


    Even though they were sneaky shots, not full-face ones, there wasn''t much difference from full-face


    photos. One could clearly see the kids'' facial features. They even exposed the kindergarten the kids


    were attending.


    Dragging her weary body, Violette left her room. She knocked on Mike''s door and walked in.


    "Mike, wake up!" She lifted Mike''s nket.


    Thankfully, Mike was wearing his underwear. Otherwise, she would definitely regret her impulsiveness.


    "What''s up?" Mike, still groggy, looked up at her, "Violette... is it morning already?"


    "It is! The kids will be waking up soon." Violette showed him the news on the trending topic, "Can you


    help me get the pictures of Ian and Rita taken down? I don''t know how to contact Twitter''s official


    support... These ounts have gone too far!"


    Mike nced at the kids'' pictures in the news and immediately got up.


    "Don''t worry. Leave this to me." He put on his T-shirt, got off the bed, walked to hisputer desk and


    switched on hisputer, "Seems like someone''s out to get you."


    "Yeah. Can you find out who''s trying to expose my kids?" Violette asked.


    "Certainly, it''s possible. You can definitely find information by following the trail of this ount, but it


    might take some time." Mike spoke faster, "Give me some time."


    "Okay, I''ll go get breakfast."


    Mike looked at her, "Don''t go out. Just order delivery. What if you faint outside?"


    Violette hesitated, then nodded: "What do you want to eat?"


    "I''m not hungry yet... But a cup of hot milk would be nice..."


    "We have milk at home. I''ll go heat it up." She walked towards the kitchen.


    Eight in the morning.


    Violette''s trending topic shot to number one, and more and moreizens learned about Violette having


    two kids. But when they eagerly clicked on the ounts and saw her two ''kids'', they were all surprised.


    --Did I see it wrong? Isn''t this blogger a famous entertainment blogger? When did it be a humor


    blogger?


    --I almost thought the ount was saying that Violette''s two kids were my idol Kylee''s, but when I


    clicked on it, is this what I get?


    --I was drinking coffee and it sprayed all over the guy across from me! Damn, pay for my coffee!


    ...


    The title of the trending topic was still the same, but the sneaky shots of the two kids posted were


    reced by Mike with two giraffe pictures. Also, the Silverleaf Kindergarten mentioned in the text was


    changed to National Wildlife Park. This way, it seemed like the self-media exposed that Violette gave


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    birth to two giraffes, and these two giraffes were now studying at the zoo.


    No way! Even if she was very stupid, she wouldn''t make up a story about giving birth to two giraffes.


    Joey: I knew it was you.


    Mike: You have no idea how anxious Violette was this morning. At critical moments, it''s still up to me.


    Your unreliable president is useless.


    Joey: Praise yourself all you want, but can you not belittle my president? Considering you solved my


    problem today, I don''t want to argue with you. Co?tent belo?gs to Dra§Þ?n§àv§Öls.c§àm


    Joey: Indeed, should I help you guys look for one?


    Mike: That''d be great!


    Joey then called Elijah.

 Chapter 469

    Chapter 469


    Elijah had experienced insomniast night, so he was taking a nap now. His phone rang, and he


    answered the call.


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    "President, Mike is looking for a nanny for Violette. I told him I''d help, and he agreed," Joey was talked


    to by Elijahst night.


    He had asked Joey to keep a close eye on Violette through Mike. Joey thought this was a good move


    by Elijah. He saw it as Elijah stepping up to his responsibilities as a father, so he agreed without


    hesitation.


    "Alright, I''ll sort it out," Elijah murmured.


    "Also, Violette''s a hot topic online today. Somebody snapped a picture of Rita and Ian and gave it to a


    famous entertainment blogger. They''re saying Violette is a single mom and that her personal life is


    messy..." Joey continued.


    Elijah frowned. "Find out who''s behind this, now."


    "Sure thing. Mike said Violette was up at 6 a.m. today. She''s pretty worked up about the online chatter.


    She''s pregnant and her emotions are all over the ce. This kind of news will definitely tick her off.


    Maybe you shouldfort her?"


    Elijah: "How should I do that?"


    Joey: "She can''t eat anything, so maybe buy her a gift."


    Elijah rubbed his forehead. "You think she''ll ept my gift?"


    Joey: "Even if she doesn''t, at least she''ll know you mean well."


    Elijah figured Joey had a point. He wouldn''t let her abort the baby, yet he couldn''t share her pain of


    pregnancy, so giving her a gift seemed like the right thing to do.


    Silverleaf Ridge.


    Mike told Violette about the nanny search.


    "Isn''t everything fine the way it is?" Violette frowned. "I''m not so sick that I can''t get out of bed. Both


    kids are in school, so they don''t need much supervision."


    Mike jokingly said, "You''re making all this dough, don''t you want to spend some? How much could a


    nanny cost?"


    "It''s not about the money... I just don''t feelfortable with a stranger living in our house."


    "Then find someone who onlyes during the day to cook and clean."


    "Once you find one, bring them over for me to have a look," Violette no longer objected. Then she


    changed the subject. "Do you have a date today?"


    Mike: "Nope. What''s up?"


    "There''s an event at Rita and Ian''s school. If you''re free today, you could take them to the science


    museum to learn about airnes. Maybe snap some photos while you''re at it."


    "No problem. I''ll take them when you''re resting at noon," Mike replied.


    At 11 a.m., Violette was reading on the couch while Mike and the kids were ying with a new toy.


    Maka was holding a bag.


    "Rita, Ian! I brought you some gifts!" Maka handed the gifts out one by one, then presented a more


    borately wrapped box to Violette. "Violette, this is for you. Come on, open it."


    Dra§Þanovels.c§àm


    "Wow! I really love this ne! Mom, can I swap my gift for yours?" Rita pleaded.


    "No way! Violette''s gift is from my brother. He asked me to give it to her," Maka said nervously.

 Chapter 470

    Chapter 470


    Afraid they might not get it, Maka added, "It''s a gift from my brother to Violette."


    Violette closed the gift box and looked at Elijah, "What''s the deal?"


    Tension escted. Mike quickly took Maka and the kids away. It was not good for the kids to


    constantly see their parents arguing.


    Once outside, Maka immediately exined to Rita and Ian, "Violette''s gift is from my brother, but


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    your gifts are from me, I bought them. You have to ept them, okay?"


    Rita murmured a yes and started to unwrap her gift, while Ian kept ncing towards the living room.


    "Don''t worry, Ian. Now that your mom''s pregnant with that guy''s child, he won''t bully her," Mike


    reassured him, "How about I take you guys out for some fun?"


    Ian said, "I''m not going." He was still worried about his mom.


    Maka took Ian''s hand, "Let''s go out and have fun. My brother won''t hurt Violette. When he was


    picking out a gift for her today, he wanted to buy her everything. He really cares for her."


    Ian was shocked. Elijah, that jerk, caring for someone? He didn''t buy it.


    Back in the living room.


    Elijah was sitting on the couch across from Violette. Violette rejecting his gift was something he saw


    epted it.


    "Elijah, is this gift a thank you for getting me pregnant?" she pushed the gift towards him, "If not, then


    what''s the meaning behind it?"


    "Can''t I give you a gift without a reason?"


    "If there''s no reason, then why give me a gift?" Violette retorted.


    "Maka gave your kids gifts without any reason."


    Violette responded, "You''re not Maka, and I''m not a five-year-old."


    Seeing her so determined, Elijah had to change tack, "If your daughter likes it, let her have it."


    Violette said, "My daughter doesn''t ept hand-me-downs."


    Elijah was speechless.


    Violette added, "Anything else?" She was almost ready to say ''you can leave now''.


    Elijah nced outside. Mike had already taken Maka and the kids out.


    "I''ll wait here for Maka toe back," he said calmly.


    Violette didn''t know how to react. His attitude towards her had now done aplete 180-degree


    reversalpared to before. She was used to his old treatment, and even considered their previous


    rtionship as normal.


    When she wasn''t pregnant, he had one attitude towards her. But as soon as she became pregnant, he


    immediately changed his attitude. Did that mean, in his eyes, the pregnant her and the non-pregnant


    her were two different people?  Dra§Þanovels.c§àm


    He was mocking himself. He had foolishly believed that her getting pregnant with their child would


    magically mend their rtionship.

 Chapter 471

    Chapter 471


    It was utterly absurd, a delusion of a fool.


    His eyes were bloodshot as he stood up from the sofa.


    "Don''te to my house anymore," Violette said, word by word. "I trust you haven''t forgotten what you


    did to my son. Seeing you will only remind him of that day."


    Elijah swallowed hard. "You only saw me bullying him. Did you ever ask him what he said to me?"


    "No matter what he said to you, you could have fired back with words. Did you really have to get


    physical?" Violette argued.


    She was right. He was the one in the wrong.


    "I''m just this kind of brutish and rude person!" he eximed in frustration.


    "Well, no need to introduce yourself!" She shot back, "I already know!"


    The light in his eyes gradually turned to despair and faded away. He suppressed the urge to exin,


    preserving his remainingposure and dignity. He picked up the gift box on the coffee table and


    stormed out.


    Violette took a deep breath. After he left the vi, she looked out with red-rimmed eyes.


    She saw him tossing the expensive gift into the trash bin outside the gate. The lunatic! Not content with


    being mad himself, he was trying to drive everyone else around him insane too. After his car drove


    away, she gritted her teeth and walked outside. The bodyguard,ing out of the kitchen, immediately


    followed.


    "Ms. Dennis, where are you going?"


    Violette didn''t answer. She walked to the trash bin outside the gate, opened it, and took out the gift box


    Elijah had thrown away.


    The bodyguard was taken aback. She didn''t need to do the dirty work of rummaging through the trash


    herself.


    "Good thing we bagged all the trash before throwing it out," the bodyguard tried to lighten the awkward


    atmosphere. "The box is still pretty clean."


    Violette clutched the gift box and headed back inside.


    The bodyguard trailed behind her, babbling, "Ms. Dennis, maybe it''s none of my business, but Mr.


    Bourne was being quite polite today. Since you retrieved his gift, it shows you''re not entirely heartless.


    Why pretend to be so harsh and cold-hearted?"


    Violette suddenly turned around.


    "Our grudges would take days and nights to tell. You don''t need to know what happened between us,


    but you can''t make baselessments," as Violette spoke, she raised the gift box in her hand. "As for


    why I picked this up, I hate to see beautiful things being trashed. I hate him because he''s good at doing


    that."


    The bodyguard was at a loss for words.


    The Bourne Group.


    CEO office.


    Brandon knocked on the door, then opened it. He walked up to the desk and put a few books he was


    holding onto it.


    "Elijah, I bought these for you at the bookstore. I hope they''re helpful."


    Elijah nced coldly at the books¡ª


    The Pregnancy Bible


    The Sears Baby Book


    Baby Chronicles


    What To Expect The 1st Year


    ......


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    He stashed all the books in a drawer.  Dra§Þa?ov§Öls.c§à§Þ


    Elijah: "Did you also hear about my fight with Violette?"

 Chapter 472

    Chapter 472


    Brandon plopped down on the chair, all ears for his rant.


    "Elijah, you were indeed forced into a rtionship with Sarah, but not for Violette, but for Maka,"


    Brandon hit the nail on the head, "Violette still has no clue about you and Maka, so her being mad is


    pretty understandable."


    Elijah''s deep gaze flickered slightly, "What do you think my rtionship with Maka is?"


    Brandon chuckled, "You really want me to guess?"


    "I know you can figure it out." Elijah stated confidently, "You know me."


    "So, you''re pissed that Violette doesn''t trust you enough?" Brandon guessed if he was right, his


    rtionship with Violette might get worse.


    "Doesn''t that prove a point?" Elijah shot back.


    Brandon shrugged, "Elijah, not everyone is as calm and rational as you. Plus, love is a whole different


    ballgame. You were green with envy over Mikest year. You weren''t as cool then."


    Elijah''s eyes dimmed, his voice barely above a whisper, "I screwed everything up."


    "Of course not." Brandon assured him when he saw his low spirits, "Maka is your sister, right?


    Violette might have guessed that. You just didn''t rify it, so she couldn''t be sure. The more you care


    about something, the more likely you are to think the worst."


    A pained expression shed across Elijah''s face.


    "Elijah, everyone has secrets they don''t want to tell. You''re not wrong, Violette isn''t either, but you two


    just aren''t a good fit." Brandon consoled, "I might sound harsh saying this, but seeing you suffer for her


    like this, it''s not worth it. The cost you''re paying is too high. If you don''t break it off now, it''ll be harder to


    do itter."


    Elijah arched an eyebrow, "She''s carrying my child, you want me to break it off?"


    Brandon coughed, "No, I mean don''t invest too much energy in her. She''s a doctor, and she can take


    care of herself. After she gives birth, take the baby and cut ties with her."


    Elijah pondered his advice. Maybe Brandon had a point. If they continued like this, he''d suffer, so would


    Violette. If Violette sessfully gave birth and handed the baby to him, as a reward, he''d set her free.


    ...


    At a five-star hotel.


    There was a panel discussion held here today. At ten-thirty in the morning, Violette arrived under the


    escort of bodyguards, making a low-profile entrance.


    Alexa sat on stage, sharing her entrepreneurial experiences and sess secrets with other sessful


    individuals. Violette removed her sunsses and stared coldly at Alexa on stage.


    Halfway through the panel, the host invited questions from the audience.


    Violette raised her hand. The host picked her. Violette confidently stood up and asked, "Can Ie up


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    and ask in person?" New ch?pter av?ble o?


    The host was taken aback, but nodded, "Sure, why not!"


    Her bodyguard gasped. He didn''t expect Violette to be this daring.

 Chapter 473

    Chapter 473


    He started to feel things were spiraling out of control, so he immediately sent Mike his location along


    with a message: "Ms. Dennis is off to confront Alexa. Get your butt over here ASAP when you see this


    message."


    Upon receiving the location of the hotel from the bodyguard, Mike''s mind was filled with rm bells.


    Violette had been throwing up this morning after barely touching her breakfast and was in too much


    pain to get out of bed. How on earth could she muster the courage to face Alexa?!


    Mike grabbed his car keys without hesitation and left the office.


    At the hotel.


    With all the calmness in the world, Violette walked onto the stage, took the microphone from the host,


    and turned to Alexa.


    "Ms. Alexa, I have a question for you," Violette asked with a firm voice, "Is your assistant named


    Taylor?"


    Alexa coldly replied, "This question has nothing to do with our discussion today."


    "Isn''t the theme of today''s discussion about the impact of marketing on sess?" Violette spoke and


    took out several pieces of paper.


    The situation on the stage was projected in real-time on arge screen next to it, so the audience could


    clearly see what was happening.


    "Your assistant bribed a certain entertainment blogger on the night of May 1st, agreeing to release a


    negative news about me the next day. After bribing this person, your assistant continued to contact the


    Twitter trending team...all in all, it cost 500,000, and you reimbursed it, didn''t you?"


    With the evidence in Violette''s hand, Alexa''s expression changed drastically.


    "Alexa, if you have no shame, then I have no choice but to expose your dirty deeds in public." Violette


    threw the printed evidence onto Alexa''s face, "I''ve already called the police. Get ready to receive a


    subpoena."


    Seeing this, Alexa''s bodyguard immediately rushed onto the stage, grabbed Violette''s arm, and


    dragged her off the stage.


    Chaos broke out. Violette''s bodyguard saw this and immediately rushed up, "Let go of my boss! Let her


    go! She..."


    He wanted to say "she''s pregnant," but considering it was her privacy and she hadn''t announced it, he


    couldn''t just blurt it out.


    "Let go of me!" Violette''s arm was rudely grabbed by Alexa''s two bodyguards, she winced in pain and


    shouted angrily.


    Her bodyguard came over and pushed one of the opponent''s bodyguards away. The other bodyguard


    of the opponent violently pushed Violette out: ¡°You started it! Get the hell out!¡±


    Violette was violently pushed out and fell heavily to the ground. Her head hit the floor with a crisp


    sound, but she instinctively reached out to cover her belly.


    "Are you okay?" The bodyguard was scared stiff, he didn''t think twice, picked her up from the ground


    and ran out, "I''m taking you to the hospital right now! There''s one nearby!"


    At this moment, a hurried ringtone came from Violette''s bag.


    Mike was driving, anxiously waiting for the traffic light. He wore a Bluetooth headset, trying to call


    Violette, but no one answered. He tried calling the bodyguard, but he didn''t answer either.Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    He was anxious and irritated. He called Joey, who picked up immediately.


    Joey said calmly, "Do you know where she is? I''ll go find her."


    "I''ll send you her location!" Mike opened his phone and forwarded the location information.


    Half an hourter, Elijah received a call from Joey.  Dra§Þan§àv§Öls


    "If you''re busy, you don''t have toe over. Mike and I are here watching her." Joey said.

 Chapter 474

    Chapter 474


    Joey knew he couldn''t keep it a secret any longer, so he spilled the beans, "She went to see Alexa


    today, but got knocked over by Alexa''s bodyguard."


    This morning, Joey told him that the hot topic the day before yesterday was because of Alexa''s


    assistant. This made him decide to go find Alexa. However, Violette beat him to the punch.


    Joey gripped his phone tightly, listening to his heavy breathing, and quickly said, "Mr. Elijah, this


    situation is a bit unexpected, and we can''t pin it all on Violette. She didn''t want this to happen. I bet


    she''s gutted right now; when you get there, please try not to me her immediately."


    Elijah hung up the phone. Ever since Joey started seeing Mike, his way of thinking changed. He cared


    about the kid, but he wouldn''t ignore Violette''s safety. If he had to choose between Violette and the kid,


    he''d pick Violette without batting an eye.


    Golden Palm Tech.


    Sarah rushed over as soon as she heard about the sh between Alexa and Violette.


    "Alexa, is this the n you told me about?" Sarah, holding back her anger for two days, finally blew her


    top, "You have no other way than to expose her child?"


    Alexa nced at Sarah, "Do you understand the impact entrepreneurs can have on apany?


    Exposing her child is just one aspect, the main goal is to tarnish her reputation."


    "Having a child out of wedlock is a scandal? What ages are we living in!" Sarah looked incredulous.


    "You just don''t get it. The customers who buy our products are mostly over forty..."


    "I don''t want to hear your analysis. Do you know that Violette''s two children are Elijah''s?" Sarah said


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    angrily, "If Elijah knows about this, do you think he won''t stand by Violette?"


    Alexa calmly replied, "I''ve already guessed that. The little boy looks a lot like Elijah. Maybe if Elijah


    knew the kids were his, he''d fight Violette for custody? Violette must be scared of Elijah finding out for a


    reason."


    Sarah could only rub her temples at Alexa''s response. She hoped she was overthinking it.


    "That Mike around Violette is aputer whiz," Alexa''s face darkened. "My n was working perfectly,


    but he ruined it. And even managed to get the upper hand. Even though I can dodge the me, I can''t


    pull this stunt anymore."


    Just as Alexa finished speaking, her phone rang. She answered the call, and a cry for help came from


    her bodyguard on the other end, "Ms. Alexa! Help! Help!"


    The call was suddenly cut off. Alexa didn''t even have time to ask what had happened.


    "What''s wrong?" Sarah saw her face turn pale, and her heart jumped into her throat.


    Alexa frowned and quickly walked towards the door, "It was my bodyguard... something seems to have


    happened to him."


    As they left the office, the elevator door slowly opened not far away. A man covered in blood slowly


    crawled out of the elevator¡ª


    Sarah screamed in fright. Alexa''s face turned ashen. That was her bodyguard. How did he end up in


    such a sorry state?


    "It must have been Violette!" Alexa gritted her teeth in anger.


    "Alexa, be careful when you send your assistant out." a strange male voice threatened. Content of


    Dr§Ñm??ovels.c§àm


    Alexa''s face turned from pale to red. Mr. Bourne?

 Chapter 475

    Chapter 475


    Was that Elijah?!


    Hospital.


    Mike was in the ward with Violette. Joey was waiting for Elijah outside the ward door.


    When Elijah arrived, Joey immediately tried to calm him down, "President, ording to the doctor,


    Violette needs to rest now, she can''t get out of bed for at least a week, and she shouldn''t get too


    emotional, so..."


    "You trying to stop me?" Elijah red at him coldly.


    Joey quickly backed off, gave up on arguing, and opened the door to the ward for him.


    After Elijah entered the ward, Joey signaled Mike toe out. Mike ignored him and boldly told Elijah,


    "The baby''s gone."


    Aplex emotion shed in Elijah''s eyes as he whispered, "You go out, I want to talk to Violette."


    Violette was in a daze, but turned her head at their conversation. Joey quickly stepped in and escorted


    Mike out,


    In the ward, only Elijah and Violette were left. Elijah sat down by the bed, took her hand that was on the


    IV, andforted her, "Violette, it''s alright if the baby''s gone, don''t be too upset."


    His constion left her speechless. She looked at his handsome face, as if in a beautiful dream. The


    baby had gone, and he was this calm?


    "You need to eat well and take care of your health from now on." He saw her dazed face and his heart


    tightened. No matter whether she wanted the baby or not, she endured so much pain for it. Now that


    the baby was suddenly gone, it must be heartbreaking.


    "Take care of my health..." she murmured, frowning, "And then what?"


    Her sensitivity did not escape him. He guessed what she was doubting, and what she was afraid of.


    She was afraid that he wanted her to recover to get pregnant again.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    "Violette, I never saw you as an enemy." He looked at her pale face, unable to say anything that might


    upset her, "I won''t force you to have a baby again."


    His words eased her mind. "Did you ever suspect that I fell on purpose?" she asked.


    Surprise shed in his eyes, "It seems in your heart, I''m not just a devil, I''ve be even more


    terrifying."


    She can''t help but want tough.


    "Violette, don''t be reckless anymore." Seeing her rxed, he said seriously, "Whether it''s impulsively


    barging into a meeting or confronting someone on stage, these are irrational behaviors."


    Violette was not pleased being scolded, "You deal with enemies with violence.I''m nowhere near as bad


    as you."


    "Still arguing with me." He sighed, opened the meal box on the table, and looked inside, "Do you want


    to eat something? It''s still warm."


    Violette, "I have no appetite. I feel like throwing up."


    "The doctor didn''t tell me the baby had gone." Violette calmly looked at him.


    Mike was tricking him just now. She wanted to see his reaction, so she didn''t expose him.


    belongs to Dr?§Þan§àvels


    Elijah''s steps stopped, his body tensed up.

 Chapter 476

    Chapter 476


    She looked at his tense figure, filled with doubt. "Elijah, regardless of whether this child can be kept or


    not, I hope you can approach this with a calm mind. Pregnancy itself is a roll of the dice, not every kid


    gets toe out safe and sound."


    She said this because she had a bad vibe. From the moment she found out she was pregnant, she had


    been all doom and gloom. She was undergoing wound treatment during her pregnancy, and if it wasn''t


    Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    for a stroke of luck, she shouldn''t have kept the baby in the first ce. Anything obtained through luck


    could be lost at any time.


    Her words cut him deep. He spun around, looking at her, "Are you trying tofort me? Who''s the one


    that can''t deal with this with a calm mind? You''ve already figured it out, haven''t you? If you didn''t want


    this kid from the start, then let''s just say it''s gone."


    With that, he stormed out of the ward. After he left, Mike walked in, asking curiously, "Why did he leave


    so quickly? What did you guys talk about? He looked a bit off. He doesn''t really think the baby is gone,


    does he?"


    Violette looked a bit lost, "Mike, he''s not that bad to me... right?"


    Mike put his hands on his hips and took a deep breath, "Are you falling for him again?"


    Violette lowered her eyes, her eyshes trembling, "You just told him the baby is gone. He told me to


    rest up, and said he won''t pressure me to have kids anymore."


    Mike, "When he''s bad to you, you think he''s the devil, now he''s a bit nice to you and you think he''s a


    saint. Violette, I''m really worried you''ve got Stockholm Syndrome."


    Violette shot him a cold look.


    "What are you ring at me for? I''m just trying to remind you, even if he''s nice to you now, you can''t let


    your guard down." Mike pulled a chair up to the bed, "Violette, I beg you, tell me before you do


    anything. If the baby is really gone, you''d be crushed, right? Even if you''re not pregnant, you can''t just


    go running off to Alexa. You want to take action against her, but she''s nning the same against you."


    Violette admitted that she was too impulsive today. It was a spur of the moment decision to go find


    Alexa. She couldn''t swallow her anger.


    "I should''ve listened to you." She suddenly said.


    Mike, "Yes! You should''ve listened to me, everything I do is for you."


    "I should''ve listened to you, and gotten more bodyguards. If I had more bodyguards at the hotel today


    than Alexa, it wouldn''t have been me on the floor, but her." She analyzed.


    ...


    About half an hourter, Alexa came to Violette''s ward with her assistant Taylor to apologize. Suddenly,


    Taylor kneeled in front of Violette''s bed.


    "Ms. Dennis, I''m sorry! I screwed up. I acted rashly. I deserve to be punished!" As he spoke, he raised


    his hand and pped his own face.


    The sound of pping echoed in the ward. Violette nced at his full-on performance, then shifted her


    gaze to Alexa''s face.


    "Alexa, let me guess. Even if we go to court and you lose, you''d just have to pay me some money. To


    you, it''s nothing." Violette had a hunch, "Who sent you?"


    "Well then aren''t you going to kneel?" Violette''s voice rose a few notches, "Your assistant getting


    beaten can''t cover up the fact that you ordered this."


    Elijah didn''t ask Alexa to apologize to Violette. Because Violette needed to rest, he wouldn''t let Alexa


    bother her at this time. Content of Dr§Ñm??ovels.c§àm


    Violette sat on the hospital bed, watching Alexa kneel in front of her, and felt a sense of relief.

 Chapter 477

    Chapter 477


    Alexa was a tough cookie, but now she was forced to kneel down to her, which must be killing her


    inside.


    In a bit, a nurse walked into the room to change the medication. She was surprised to see Alexa and


    her assistant by the bedside.


    "Alexa, you and your assistant can hit the road." Mike tossed out all the gifts they brought.


    Once Alexa and her assistant left, tranquility returned to the room.


    After the nurse finished changing the medication and left, Mike waved his phone in front of Violette.


    "I just spoke to Joey, he said those two bodyguards were put out of action this morning." Mike said with


    a charming smile, "I don''t like Elijah, but he did a good job on this one."


    Violette, "What do you mean?"


    Mike covered his mouth with his hand, "Joey doesn''t want me to tell you. He''s afraid it''ll scare you."


    "Do you know why Alexa came to apologize? She must be scared out of her wits!" Mike joked, "You


    used Elijah to intimidate Alexa earlier, didn''t see thating."


    Violette''s face reddened slightly, "Didn''t he y the hero first? Since he offered himself for me to use,


    why wouldn''t I?"


    "Fair point." Mike said, "Just treat him like a toy. y with him when you''re happy, ignore him when


    you''re not."


    Violette picked up her phone absentmindedly, checking the time. "I need to rest a bit. Let¡¯s head home


    when I wake up."


    "Alright. Rest up. I''ll step out for a smoke." Mike helped her lie down before leaving the room.


    ......


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    Once Alexa got into the car, tears started rolling down her cheeks. Her assistant nervously handed her


    a tissue, "Ms. Alexa, I''m sorry. It''s my fault you got hurt."


    Alexa pushed aside the tissue, wiping away the tears, "It''s not your fault. It''s because I''m not strong


    enough. When I surpass Elijah, we''ll see who dares to mess with me!"


    As she spoke, Alexa took out her phone from her purse, dialing Sarah''s number. The call was quickly


    picked up. "Sarah, can you do me a favor?"


    "What kind of favor? I''m not helping you with anything risky."


    Sarah was taken aback, "You want me to confirm if she''s really pregnant?"


    "Yes. I suspect the child is Elijah''s again. Why else would Elijah help her so much?!"


    Sarah felt desperate. She had always wanted to bear Elijah''s child, but he never gave her a chance.


    Violette, however, had already borne him two children, and was now carrying his third. He gave all his


    love to Violette. Co?tent of Dr?manov§Öls


    A week passed. Violette came to the hospital for a check-up to see if her baby was still there.

 Chapter 478

    Chapter 478


    She made her way to the maternity ward like a seasoned pro. But Mike grabbed her, steering her


    towards the ultrasound department on a different floor. She looked at him, clearly puzzled.


    "Well... you can go straight to the ultrasound," Mike attempted to downy the situation but failed


    miserably, "Elijah''s here. He''s probably waiting for you in the ultrasound room."


    Violette shrugged off his arm, clearly annoyed. "Since when did you start taking orders from him?"


    Mike raised his hand in a defensive gesture. "I was not influenced by him. Joey told me."


    "Well, Joey works for him. What''s the difference between you being influenced by Joey and you being


    influenced by him?"


    "There is a difference. Joey is not like that jerk. Joey knows right from wrong." Mike grabbed her arm,


    exining, "He promised me that if that jerk messes with you again, he''ll quit."


    Violette, "But you didn''t have to tell them everything."


    "I didn''t spill all the beans... like how your appetite has improved, how you''re not puking as much, or


    that you think the baby might be gone. I didn''t tell them any of that." Mike sighed, "Such a shame. A


    little one gone just like that. Are you here for the abortion surgery today?"


    Violette felt an ufortable knot in her stomach, "If there''s no heartbeat, then yes, I''ll need the


    surgery."


    In the past few days, her morning sickness had noticeably decreased. This wasn''t exactly a cause for


    celebration as it might mean the baby was gone. Beforeing to the hospital today, she had a hearty


    breakfast and hadn''t felt nauseous since.


    She had mentally prepared herself for the possibility of the baby being gone, but the pain seemed to


    amplify once she stepped into the hospital. She was also surprised to see Elijah there. What would he


    feel if he knew the baby was gone?


    They took the elevator to the ultrasound department. As the elevator doors slowly opened, she saw the


    man waiting outside. He was wearing a high-quality light gray shirt and dark casual pants, a stark


    contrast to his usual all-ck ensemble.


    Her steps felt as heavy as if they were weighed down by lead.


    As Elijah watched her approach, he wanted to greet her, but ended up just staring at her. She looked


    well and may have gained a few pounds. It seemed she was doing okay over the past week.


    She walked past him into the ultrasound room. He followed behind her.


    Shey on the ultrasound bed, pulling up her shirt. The doctor applied the cold gel to her belly before


    moving the probe around. With Elijah nearby, she kept her eyes closed, anxiously awaiting the results.


    N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    After a while, the doctor asked, "Ms. Dennis, do you have any other symptoms?"


    Violette opened her eyes, looking at the doctor, "I''ve been eating more."


    The doctor smiled, "That''s good. Any other symptoms? Like bleeding?"


    "No, nothing like that."


    Violette was stunned. The baby was okay? The early pregnancy symptoms... were they over?


    Elijah saw her in a daze and helped her sit up. "Did you think the baby was gone?"


    Violette''s thoughts were seen through by him, and her cheeks immediately turned rosy.


    After the ultrasound results were printed, they both left the examination room. Mike came over, trying to


    console her, "Violette, don''t be sad. As long as you''re healthy, nothing else matters."


    to Dr?§Þan§àvels


    Mike''s eyes were aze with fury.

 Chapter 479

    Chapter 479


    Violette said somewhat awkwardly, "Mike, the baby''s fine."


    Mike, "Really?"


    Violette tugged on Mike''s arm and headed towards the elevator, "Let''s get to work."


    "Is the baby really okay? Did the doctor say you can go back to work?" Mike was somewhat skeptical.


    "Yep." The baby was fine and her health was good, so she could totally handle going back to work.


    Joey, standing next to Elijah said, "Mr. Elijah, congrats! Your baby is almost three months old. After


    three months, it''s less likely for a miscarriage to happen."


    Elijah''s mood had been on a roller coaster. He had a nightmare the previous night - dreaming that he


    had lost his baby. Thankfully, it was just a bad dream.


    The Dennis Group.


    When Violette arrived at thepany, the deputy general manager immediately reported the work


    situation to her. In fact, the managers of each department would usually report to her via email. Even


    though she hadn''t been at thepany, she was still in the loop with all thepany affairs.


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    While the deputy was reporting, she picked up a magazine on the desk. The magazine was called


    Fashion Icon, which had interviewed her previously. Her picture was on the cover. Originally, she was


    supposed to go to their studio for a photo shoot, but she wasn''t feeling well, so she ended up sending


    over some of her own photos.


    The magazine chose a casual photo of her from her postgraduate days for the cover. In the photo, she


    was holding a cup of coffee, smiling brightly in the sunlight.


    She flipped open the magazine and found her interview. Besides the Q&A, there was also a feature


    about her. The article was full of praises, which made her blush, so she closed the magazine.


    "President Dennis, we bought five thousand copies of this magazine," the deputy mentioned, noticing


    her interest.


    Violette was shocked.


    "Didn''t the director tell you?" the deputy manager chuckled, "He said he would pay for the magazines


    himself and not charge it to thepany, that''s why I didn''t tell you."


    Violette, "Give them to the employees if you must, but don''t send them to our clients."


    The deputy manager looked troubled, "They were all mailed out this morning..."


    Violette picked up her water ss, took a sip, and tried to hide her surprise. "Did you send them to all


    our clients?"


    Deputy manager, "Yeah. We sent them ording to the sales department''s list. Well, no, I just realized


    that we only sent them to our big clients."


    Violette, "Let me see the list."


    Violette covered her face with her hand.


    ...


    Eleven o''clock in the morning.


    The Bourne Group. New chapter av§Ñble o? Dr§Ñm§Ñnovels


    Suddenly, his face turned cold. He threw the magazine back onto the desk with a thud.

 Chapter 480

    Chapter 480


    He stood quietly for a while, then called Joey to ask who had sent the magazines. Joey replied, "It was


    sent by the staff of The Dennis Group. They sent a total of 20 copies. I had my secretary distribute one


    to each senior manager."


    With a frown, Elijah asked, "Have you read it?"


    Joey replied, "Not yet. I''ll buy one outside after work."


    Elijah said, "You can have mine."


    After a while, Joey came to the CEO''s office and seeing Elijah''s dark face, he immediately realized


    there might be something wrong with the magazine.


    He''d only nced at the magazine cover. Violette looked beautiful and charming on it, so the problem


    must be with the content.


    "Can I take this magazine?" Joey tried to gauge his reaction.


    "Take it." Elijah''s face was cold, and his voice even colder.


    Joey picked up the magazine from the desk and left the office. He flipped to the page with Violette''s


    interview and quickly scanned the headline.


    What the hell?! Violette''s crush was Kylee?


    Joey returned to his office and called Mike to ask what was going on with the interview. Mike exined,


    "Alexa is promoting her strong woman image, so Violette epted the magazine''s interview to raise


    ourpany''s reputation. What''s wrong?"


    "So you''re using Kylee for publicity?"


    "That wasn''t our intention, it was suggested by the magazine. They just want to sell copies!" Mike


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    exined, "Besides, it was Kylee who first said Violette was his goddess..."


    "How can Violette publicly say Kylee is her crush? Mr. Elijah is gonna be jealous." Joey lowered his


    voice, "You even sent the magazine to him, what were you thinking?"


    Mikeughed, "It was the deputy general''s idea. I told him to send it to our big clients, did he send you


    one too? You''re our big client, but we obviously don''t need to maintain rtions with you."


    Joey felt a headacheing on and hung up. He took the magazine and knocked on Elijah''s office


    door again. "I just called and asked. Violette epted this interview to counter Alexa''s marketing


    strategy. The content and title of the interview are sensational, partly for the magazine''s sales and


    partly because The Dennis Group needs Kylee to boost their profile."


    Joey''s exnation made sense. After a few seconds of silence, Elijah calmly said, "Give me the


    magazine."


    He had only looked at the title and not the content. Joey immediately handed him the magazine.


    "You can leave now." Elijah felt a bit awkward, and his face was slightly red. After all, he had given the


    magazine away less than ten minutes ago, and now he wanted it back.


    Joey promptly left the office. Elijah opened the magazine and read through the Q&A section of


    Violette''s interview. When asked if Kylee was her crush, she replied - you could say that, I admire him a


    lot.


    This answer wouldn''t be misconstrued.


    Lunch time.


    Alexa went home for lunch, and Sarah told her that Violette''s child was safe.


    Alexa said with a poker face, "She''s at work today, I thought there was something wrong with her child."


    Read at


    Sarah felt very ufortable listening to this. Because she too was willing to have Elijah''s child out of


    wedlock. Moreover, women who were willing to do this were definitely more than just her and Violette.

 Chapter 481

    Chapter 481


    "If you can''t stop her from having that kid, then you can forget about defeating her." Sarah spat out,


    "And don''t count on getting any more of my investments in the future."


    Alexa blinked, "You''re still able to get funds from Elijah?"


    Sarah''s chin lifted with confidence, "At least I can still get a billion."


    Alexa responded, "Don''t sweat it. There''s no way I''m letting her baby see the light of day."


    ......


    Evening.


    Violette came home from work to find a car parked in front of her house. A guest? She got out of her


    car after parking it.


    At the entrance of the vi, Maka walked out with two kids.


    "Mommy!" Rita called out excitedly.


    Mike scooped up Rita as she ran towards Violette.


    "Why is Maka here?" Mike asked, puzzled.


    Maka walked up to them with a small smile on her face, "Violette, I''m heading home first." And with


    that, she left.


    Violette turned to Rita, "When did Maka get here, Rita?"


    "She was at our doorstep when we came home from school. She had a secret chat with Ian, but


    wouldn¡¯t let me in on it." Rita replied, brow furrowed.


    Violette nced at her son, who was standing not far away. A secret between Ian and Maka?


    "Violette, didn''t you say you were hungry? Let''s eat." Mike urged, entering the house with Rita in his


    arms.


    Ian chose not to disclose the secret between him and Maka, and she didn''t push. She should


    respect her son''s privacy.


    The next day.


    The finals of the National Children''s Coding Competition took ce at the city''s Science Museum. More


    than sixty talented children nationwide were there topete.


    Maka sat in the audience, her eyes locked on Ian. She had encouraged him to participate in the


    university in the country and enter the gifted program for further studies.


    Maka felt it was a great opportunity, so she had used reverse psychology to get Ian to agree to


    participate.


    An hour and a halfter, the judges unanimously gave Ian the highest score. When the host announced


    ''Champion Ian Dennis'', Maka jumped up in excitement.


    Ian looked displeased, "Let go of me!"


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    Maka let go of him and asked the host, "Can we leave now? I want to take Ian to celebrate!"


    A few boys who had also won awards but ranked lower than Ian stood nearby, discontent written all


    over their faces.


    Seeing Maka holding Ian''s hand, one of the boys suddenly shouted, "Isn''t that the woman who went


    missingst year? Elijah spent a billion to find her."  Dr?§Þan§àvels


    His eyes reddened as he threw the trophy in his hand away with all his might.

 Chapter 482

    Chapter 482


    Elijah¡¯s phone rang. He picked it up.


    ¡°Mr. Bourne, Miss Maka took Ian to the national children''s codingpetition finals today.¡±


    Maka¡¯s bodyguard¡¯s voice came from the other end.


    Elijah furrowed his brows in confusion, ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    The bodyguard repeated, then exined, ¡°Miss Maka didn¡¯t want me to tell you.¡±


    ¡°Then why are you telling me now?¡± Elijah rubbed his temples, a bad feeling creeping into his mind.


    The bodyguard continued, ¡°Ian just won the championship, and Miss Maka was so happy she ran up


    on stage, but she got recognized. Things got a bit out of control. Miss Maka wasn¡¯t hurt but she was


    definitely scared.¡±


    Listening to this unexpected ident, Elijah felt like he was being spun a yarn. Why would Maka


    take Ian to a codingpetition? Ian was shy, not fond of strangers. He should have been reluctant to


    participate in thepetition, how was he convinced?


    ¡°Send me the address.¡± Elijahmanded sternly before hanging up.


    ...


    A park near the Tech Museum.


    Ian was tired and sat on a park bench. Maka holding his gold trophy, sat next to him.


    ¡°Ian, I¡¯m sorry.¡± Maka looked at him apologetically, ¡°I wanted you to get into the gifted program, so I


    made you enter thepetition.¡±


    Ian red at her, ¡°Why go to the gifted program?¡±


    ¡°My teacher said that people in the gifted ss are all very smart. I thought you¡¯d be happier there.¡±


    Maka shared her thoughts, ¡°Because everyone is just like you in there. If there was a ce filled


    with people like me, I¡¯d be so happy.¡±


    Ian wanted to argue, but seeing her hopeful expression, he felt torn. He didn¡¯t want to me her, but he


    was worried she would pull something like this again.


    ¡°You think just because you¡¯re my aunt, you can interfere in my life?¡± Ian stood up from the bench,


    warning her, ¡°Even if you are my aunt, I don¡¯t need you to manage me!¡±


    With that, he stormed off.


    Maka held the trophy, following him, continuously apologizing, ¡°Ian, don¡¯t be angry. If you don¡¯t want


    to go to the gifted program, then don¡¯t! I won¡¯t make you angry again, I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    But Ian wasn¡¯t just mad at Maka, he was mad at Elijah too. ¡°I hate Elijah!¡±


    Maka felt helpless, but there was nothing she could do to make him like Elijah. All she could do was


    make sure Ian didn¡¯t hate her.


    ¡°Ice cream.¡± Ian didn¡¯t want to dwell on the past events, so he changed the topic.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go get it right now. Wait here.¡± Maka held the trophy, darting off.


    The bodyguard followed Maka. Co?tent belo?gs to Dra§Þ?n§àv§Öls.c§àm


    Maka and Elijah were twopletely different people; he shouldn¡¯t lump them together.


    Outside the park, a ck Rolls-Royce was parked steadily. When Elijah entered the park, his intense


    gaze fell on Ian who was standing by a flower bed. Maybe it was because his gaze was too direct, Ian


    looked up, meeting his gaze.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.

 Chapter 483

    Chapter 483


    The moment he saw him, Ian felt like his blood had frozen over. His mom had always warned him to


    steer clear. Ian turned on his heel and bolted instantly.


    "Ian!" Elijah shouted as he noticed Ian avoiding him like the gue.


    Ian''s steps slowed, but he didn''t stop. Elijah had to pick up his pace to catch up.


    "Ian, why are you here alone? Where''s Maka?" He blocked Ian''s way.


    "Stay away from me!" Ian didn''t want to speak or even look at him, "Remember you owe me a wish? I


    want it granted now - stay away from me forever!"


    Elijah, seeing his resistance, felt a surge of frustration. He didn''t want their rtionship to sour like this!


    Their feud was taking a toll on his rtionship with Violette. If he hadn''t almost harmed Ian back then,


    Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Violette wouldn''t have banned him from her house.


    "I apologize." Elijah said, "I''m sorry."


    Ian, hearing his apology, was bbergasted. How could this arrogant guy admit his mistake?


    "I don''t ept it!" Ian retorted coldly.


    After their conversation, Ian grabbed his backpack and headed for the park exit. Elijah, worried about


    his safety, followed him, "I''ll walk you home."


    "No!" Ian rejected him sternly.


    But Elijah scooped him up anyway, "I''m taking you home! I''ll leave after dropping you off, even if you''re


    mad!"


    The Dennis Group.


    The door to Violette''s office was pushed open. Mike walked in and pulled her from behind her desk.


    "What''s going on?" She was a bit taken aback.


    "Shit hit the fan!" Mike dered seriously, "I wouldn''t have known that Ian secretly participated in the


    National Children''s Programming Contest if I hadn''t seen the news! He won, but there was a ruckus!"


    Violette furrowed her brows, "What ruckus? Is Ian okay? Where is he?"


    "Elijah took him home!" Mike said.


    "What does this have to do with Elijah?!" Violette asked.


    "Maka took Ian to thepetition." Mike exined, "She got Ian past the preliminaries straight to


    the finals! Other contestants questioned him after thepetition, so things got messy."


    Violette was shocked, "Maka''s that capable now?"


    Violette felt relieved but worried simultaneously, "Is Ian okay?"


    "He should be, but he really despises Elijah. I can''t imagine what it''s like with them together now." Mike


    said.


    Cold sweat broke out on Violette''s back.


    Silverleaf Ridge.


    After being taken home, Ian locked himself in his room.


    He struggled not to think too much. Was this quirky little guy really Violette''s adopted child? Was Ian


    really not his son?

 Chapter 484

    Chapter 484


    About half an hourter, Violette came back home.


    She rushed into the house, not even bothering to take off her shoes, and headed straight to Elijah,


    asking, "Where''s Ian? Why are you here alone?"


    As Elijah was about to answer, she noticed something off about his clothes. "What happened to your


    shirt?"


    His shirt was wrinkled as hell. Violette followed the creases to his back, finding a tear on the back of his


    shirt.


    Through the hole, she could see his skin dripping with blood. Although the blood had already solidified,


    she could imagine how bad it must have hurt at that time.


    "Did Ian bite you?" She stepped in front of him, looking up into his eyes.


    "I had iting." He answered nonchntly, "He''s in his room."


    "Alright, I''ll go check on him. You stay here." She said before heading upstairs.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    Mike walked behind Elijah, examining his wound, and couldn''t help but exim, "Ian''s teeth are sharp


    as hell! Your wound looks like you''ve been bitten by a dog!"


    Elijah turned around, giving Mike a stern look, "Mike, is Ian my son?"


    Mike was taken aback by his question and took a few seconds topose himself, "What are you


    talking about? Didn''t you force Violette to abort your first child? Ian is adopted! Do you need to see the


    adoption certificate?"


    Elijah nodded, "Show me the adoption certificate."


    Mike was puzzled.


    Elijah asked, "What''s wrong?"


    Mike awkwardly exined, "I don''t have it! You should ask Violette for it. But I suggest you better not


    because mentioning Ian will definitely remind her of how you almost hurt him."


    Elijah said, "I apologized to him today."


    "What good is an apology?" Mike took this opportunity to test him, "Even if Ian was your biological son,


    he would never ept you after what you did to him."


    Elijah felt like his heart was being stabbed by a sharp knife.


    Mike was right. Even if he was Ian''s biological father, Ian would never forgive him. Just like how he still


    hadn''t forgiven his own father.


    He never thought he would turn into the person he hated the most.


    Mike noticed his red eyes and downtrodden mood and awkwardly coughed, "I was only joking with you!


    But Ian does have a temper. Since you pissed him off, he definitely won''t forgive you. Unless..."


    "Unless what?" Elijah asked in a low voice.


    "Unless Violette makes him forgive you." After giving him this advice, Mike changed the subject, "Why


    didn''t Makae? I wanted to ask her why she secretly took Ian to such a bigpetition. It''s a


    good thing he won the championship, otherwise it would have been so embarrassing."


    "I had my bodyguard take her home." Elijah said.


    "Okay. I think you should have a serious talk with her, or maybe give her more schoolwork." Mike said.


    While they were talking, Violette came downstairs. She was holding a first aid kit and a men''s t-shirt.


    "Mike, why don''t you hang out with Ian for a bit." She said to Mike.


    "I''ll take him out for a walk!" Mike whispered to her at the stairs, "Elijah suspects Ian is his son."


    Upon hearing this, she was a bit surprised.


    Elijah was sitting on the couch. His deep gaze fixed on her. Feeling his stare, sheposed herself


    and walked over to him.


    "I''ll help you with the wound." Violette said.


    He slowly unbuttoned his shirt, then took it off, revealing his lean upper body. Updated at


    Dra§Þ??§àvels.c§àm


    "Violette, can I ask you something?" He suddenly broke the silence, making her feel nervous.

 Chapter 485

    Chapter 485


    "Get dressed." She said coldly after tending to his wound.


    He put on his T-shirt and looked up at her, "Can I ask now?"


    "What do you want to ask?" She replied, her tone frosty, "Ian doesn''t like you, so stay away from him


    next time. If something like this happens again, just call me."


    His mind went nk. He really had iting. He picked up his dirty clothes and stood up, ready to


    leave.


    A sense of urgency gripped her heart and she stepped forward involuntarily, "What do you want to


    ask?"


    He turned to look at her, "Do you think Maka still needs treatment? I''m worried that the treatment


    might do more harm than good."


    She was taken aback. She hadn''t expected him to ask that.


    "Isn''t Maka''s primary physician Sarah?" She asked, her voice wavering as she mentioned Sarah''s


    name, "Since you''ve gone to her and paid her a hefty medical fee, just listen to her."


    He hadn''t expected his question to hit a nerve.


    "Violette, I won''t bother you with Maka''s condition anymore." He said, his voice steady despite the


    lump in his throat.


    But Violette saw disappointment in his eyes. "If you''re sincerely asking me a question, at least show


    some sincerity." She retorted, looking him in the eye, "You better keep it from me forever! When I


    wanted to know, you didn''t tell me; and when you want to tell me, I might not want to know anymore."


    He clenched his bitten shirt and left in a rush. She didn''t want to know about his rtionship with


    Maka anymore.


    He felt like aplete fool! When he made the choice, he didn''t realize that one wrong move led to


    another. He chose to hide it from her for the sake of his damn pride, but now he realized his pride


    meant nothingpared to her.


    After he left, Violette copsed onto the sofa. She held her burning cheeks in her hands. Even


    breathing hurt.


    Mike and Ian had been watching their argument from the stairs. It wasn''t really an argument though.


    Elijah didn''t quarrel with her. Ever since he found out about her pregnancy, he hadn''t messed up.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    If their rtionship had to be described now, it would be karma. The current Violette was Elijah''s


    karma. But in the process of this karma, she got hurt too.


    Ian moved to Violette''s side and hugged her.


    "Ian, I''m fine." She quicklyposed herself and hugged her son, "Before you go to apetition next


    time, let me know, okay? I''ll cheer for you."


    Ian nodded.


    ...


    A ck Rolls-Royce drove out of Silverleaf Ridge.


    Elijah didn''t drive home. His mind was a mess.


    Unknowingly, he drove to the hospital where Violette had an abortion years ago.


    "Can you retrieve the records of an abortion done five years ago?" He asked, lighting a cigarette in the


    hospital director''s office. Co?tent of Dr?manov§Öls


    His cigarette trembled in his fingers and ash fell on his slender fingers.

 Chapter 486

    Chapter 486


    The next day, 7 a.m.


    At Silverleaf Ridge, Violette''s doorbell rang out of the blue.


    Violette, still in her pajamas, walked out of her bedroom. At the door, she saw on the screen it was


    Odette, and she opened the door right away.


    Odette went abroad for her honeymoon with Ramsey after their wedding.


    She had previously told Violette they nned to be away for a whole month. But it was only half a


    month now, why were they back already?


    ¡°Violette, are you sure you¡¯re okay?¡± Odette came in carrying a load of presents.


    ¡°No worries, I¡¯m fine. I''ve already gone back to work.¡± Violette got her slippers, ¡°Why are you guys back


    so early?¡±


    Odette, with a serious face, said, ¡°The honeymoon was a disaster! I nned to rx during the time,


    but he was taking at least twenty work calls every day. To be honest, I¡¯m thinking about getting a


    divorce now.¡±


    Violette poured her a ss of water, trying to console her, ¡°Don¡¯t be hasty. He just took over the family


    business. Give him some time.¡±


    ¡°Huh, I¡¯ve given him enough time. In the end, it¡¯s all because he¡¯s not capable enough, that¡¯s why he¡¯s


    always in a mess.¡± Odette took the ss of water, had a sip, ¡°Sometimes, I really envy you guys who


    are so good at working.¡±


    ¡°I often work overtime too.¡± Violette sat down next to her, ¡°Sometimes I also bring unfinished work


    home. When we first started the business, it wasmon for me and Mike to stay up until two or threeBelongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    in the morning.¡±


    Hearing Violette¡¯sforting words, Odette seemed to rx a bit.


    ¡°Violette, thank you forforting me. Ramsey said I¡¯m too dramatic. Maybe I am a bit!¡± Odette said.


    ¡°Did Ramsey really say that?¡± Violette found it hard to believe.


    ¡°He said I do nothing all day and still manage to disturb his work. He said you raise two kids and work


    so hard, so I should learn from you.¡± Odette said, her eyes slightly red.


    Violette took a deep breath, thinking Ramsey¡¯s words were too harsh.


    ¡°Well, I guess I can¡¯t me himpletely. I was the one who started criticizing him. I said Elijah is


    always rxed. Every time we hang out with him, I¡¯ve never seen him take a work call.¡± Odette pouted,


    ¡°Maybe I really should find something to do, to distract myself.¡±


    ¡°Odette, you think Elijah looks rxed, but when you¡¯re not around, he works really hard.¡± Violette said,


    ¡°He has a big study at home, which is actually his home office. When he¡¯s busy, he can stay in there all


    day.¡±


    ¡°Is it really that serious?¡± Odette asked.


    Violette nodded, ¡°No one¡¯s sesses easy. Even those who inherited their family¡¯s wealth, they


    also need to figure out how to keep that wealth, right?¡±


    ¡°Right. Haven¡¯t Rita and Ian woken up yet? Don¡¯t they have school today?¡± Odette got up from the sofa


    and started to go upstairs.


    At this moment, Violette¡¯s phone rang. She picked up the phone, and saw it was a call from an


    unknown number. After hesitating for a moment, she answered the call.


    ¡­¡­


    At the hospital.


    Elijah had been waiting in the Dean¡¯s office all night.


    The Dean had also spent the whole night sitting there with him. At first, the Dean suggested he go


    home and rest. As soon as they found Violette¡¯s files, they would call him. But Elijah insisted on waiting


    in the hospital until they got the results.


    The Dean had no choice but to have more staff continue the search in the archive room. When the


    dawn broke, Elijah went to the archive room himself.


    After Elijah came, they started the second round of search.


    An hourter, the search was over.


    ¡°Mr. Bourne, we don¡¯t have any medical records for Violette here.¡± One of the staff told him.


    belongs to Dr?§Þan§àvels


    Elijah frowned, full of doubt.


    Before Elijah could speak, the bodyguard said, ¡°I was the one who brought her to this hospital. How


    could I get it wrong?¡±


    The Dean was stunned, ¡°The possibility of us losing the files is almost zero.¡±

 Chapter 487

    Chapter 487


    Bodyguard said, "We should track down the surgeon who operated on her to see if she remembers


    anything."


    Director asked, "Do you recall the name of the doctor?"


    Bodyguard said, "How could I? She was all decked out in a cap and mask, I didn''t even get a clear look


    at her face."


    Director said, "I can go down the list and ask each obstetrician if any of them remember Ms. Dennis."


    However, Elijah walked away. He already knew the answer.


    Violette probably didn''t abort the baby, and Ian, he could very well be his son. But what was the point of


    knowing the truth? He hurt Ian. There was no way Ian would forgive him.


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    Violette never nned to tell him about the child in the first ce, so she surely wouldn''t help him now.


    He didn''t me Violette. This was all his own doing.


    Five years ago, he said if she were to carry their child, he would kill it himself. Five yearster, he


    almost did just that.


    His eyes reddened, a shimmer of tears gleaming in them.


    He got in his car and hit the gas. He stopped at Silverleaf Ridge. After getting out, he walked up to


    Violette''s front door.


    A red BMW caught his eye. It seemed to be Odette''s car.


    He rang the doorbell. After a while, Odette appeared with Rita in tow.


    "Are you here for Violette? She''s not home." Odette said from inside the door.


    Elijah looked at Rita.


    "Didn''t Rita go to school today?" His voice was rough.


    Rita quickly hid behind Odette, peering at him cautiously.


    "Rita''s not feeling well today, so she didn''t go to school." Odette thought Elijah was acting strange.


    His expression and voice were both off, and he seemed like a different person. His face was still so


    familiar though.


    Odette felt a bit scared, she wanted to move closer to inspect, but dared not to approach him.


    "Elijah, what''s going on?" Odette asked.


    "Did she go to work?" He fired back.


    Did he pull an all-nighter? What happened? He wouldn''t lose it again, would he?


    "And Ian?" His voice was even more hoarse.


    "I''m fine, just passing by." He said, and turned to leave.


    Just as he turned around, he suddenly copsed.

 Chapter 488

    Chapter 488


    Rita''s scream broke out. Odette scooped her up and headed for the room.


    "Chix, Rita! I''m gonna call an ambnce!" Odette settled Rita on the couch, dug out her phone from


    her bag, and dialed emergency services.


    Rita broke into uncontroble sobs, "Is my dad dead? He doesn''t even know I''m his daughter yet!"


    Odette, with one hand cradling a tear-streaked Rita and the other on her phone, dialed for help.


    After giving them their location, Odette hung up. "Rita, stay put, I''m gonna go check things out." Odette


    told Rita before darting out.


    ...


    Horizon College.


    Violette got a call from the Vice Principal of Horizon College in the morning so she brought Ian along.


    Ian had just bagged the championship title at the National Children''s Programming Contest yesterday.


    He wasn''t the youngest among all the contestants, but he was the youngest to make it to the finals.


    What was even more mind-blowing was that he took home the championship.


    "Even though Ian skipped the prelims and went straight to the finals, our aim in hosting this contest is


    to scout for talents. For a whiz kid like Ian, we''re more than willing to bend the rules." The Vice


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    Principal said, beaming, "Ms. Dennis, would you consider letting Ian join our Talent Program?"


    Violette had already done her homework on Horizon College''s Talent Program. Every graduate from


    the Talent Program was a high-flyer in their respective field. Of course, she''d be thrilled to have Ian join


    the Talent Program.


    "Ian, would you like to give it a shot?" She asked her son in a low voice.


    "Mum, I''ll go with whatever you say." Ian said.


    "Ian, I''ve been trying to find a ce where you can thrive. I want you to try out different environments


    so you can find the one that suits you best." Violette shared her thoughts with her son, not wanting to


    let him down.


    "Ms. Dennis, you don''t have to worry. You can let Iane to us for a trial period before deciding." The


    Vice Principal suggested kindly.


    "Alright. Thank you for that." Violette said.


    After leaving Ian with the Vice Principal, Violette left the school. She took out her phone from her bag


    and saw two missed calls from Odette. Apart from the missed calls, Odette had also sent her a few


    messages.


    [Violette! Elijah just came to see you! He fainted right at your doorstep! Rita and I were scared out of


    our wits]


    [I''ve called an ambnce!]


    [The ambnce took him away! I didn''t go with him. I''ve called Ramsey!]


    [Did something happen between you two again? Call me back as soon as you see these messages!


    Rita was so scared she can''t stop crying!]


    ...


    Violette''s heart clenched. She immediately called back.


    Odette picked up, "Violette, don''t worry. He''s alright. He fainted from overwork."


    "Overwork?" Violette''s grip on her phone tightened as she repeated, "He looked fine when I saw him


    yesterday."


    Violette''s heart ached. She quickened her pace towards her car.


    "How are things on your end? Everything smooth sailing?" Odette switched to a lighter topic.


    belongs to Dr?§Þan§àvels


    Violette frowned,pletely baffled by Elijah''s actions. They quarreled all the time. Yesterday''s spat


    was nothing out of the ordinary.


    What on earth happened to him? Why did he push himself to the brink like this?

 Chapter 489

    Chapter 489


    How dangerous it could have been if he hadn''t been discovered by Odette when he passed out?


    Dusk.


    She pondered for a while and finally decided to pop over to Bourne Mansion.


    "Violette, I can drive you there." Mike said, following her out of the house.


    She shook her head, "I''m going to see Maka. I''ll be back in a jiffy."


    Mike said, "Cut the act! If you''re just going to see Maka, why not give her a ring and ask her out?


    She''s got a cell now."


    Seeing that he saw right through her, she didn''t argue any further, "No need for a ride, I''ll drive myself."


    "You''re pregnant! How can I let you drive alone at night? If anything goes wrong, Elijah would be on my


    case first!" Mike held his ground, "Alright, how about this? I''ll drop you off, but I won''t go in with you."


    She opened the car door, hopped in the driver''s seat, and shut the door.


    She rolled down the window and said, "It''s not dark yet. Take the kids out for a bit. I''ll try to be back


    before nightfall."


    Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    With that, she drove off. Mike stood there, hands on hips, feeling a bit miffed.


    But then he thought, even though Elijah might be a piece of work, he was still the man Violette chose.


    If she really wanted to leave him, she had plenty of ways to do it! She might be all talk, but her actions


    spoke volumes.


    Bourne Mansion.


    Elijah hadn''t returned homest night. Lacey had heard about his fainting episode and hospitalization


    today, so she didn¡¯t report anything to him happened in the house.


    She couldn''t even if she wanted to. He was resting in the hospital. No one dared to disturb him.


    Violette''s arrival took Lacey by surprise.


    "Violette, what brings you here? Why didn''t you give me a heads-up?" Lacey gave a forced smile,


    "Have you eaten yet? I can whip something up."


    Violette said, "I''ve had. I''m here to see Maka."


    The smile vanished from Lacey''s face.


    After Maka was brought home by the bodyguardst night, she woke up in the middle of the night


    from a nightmare and cried for half the night. She started running a fever this morning, so they called in


    the family doctor.


    Though her fever had broken, she was still delirious, babbling now and then.


    Elisa and Lacey were both on pins and needles. Without Elijah''s orders, they didn''t dare contact Sarah.


    They knew Elijah was trying to cut ties with Sarah.


    Moreover, Sarah''s treatments cost an arm and a leg. One operation alone was a billion dors. Who


    would dare to contact her without Elijah''s orders?


    "What''s wrong? Maka''s not home?" Violette saw the strange expression on Lacey''s face and asked.


    Lacey grabbed her by the arm and led her to Maka''s room.


    Violette frowned at this. She came this time to express her gratitude to Maka. Content of


    Dr§Ñm??ovels.c§àm


    Ian decided to continue his studies at Horizon College''s Talent Program after his trial session today.


    She never realized Ian was a prodigy. Maka had changed all that.

 Chapter 490

    Chapter 490


    Violette saw Lacey breathe a sigh of relief. Lacey was thrilled that Sarah came to help treat Maka''s


    sickness. She quickly approached the bodyguard and asked, "Is Mr. Bourne awake yet? Did he


    mention when he''ll be back?"


    Before the bodyguard could answer, Sarah already walked in with her medical bag.


    "Ms. Sarah, did Mr. Bourne call you over?" Lacey asked.


    Sarah nodded, "He should be back soon. How''s Maka doing now?"


    She stopped at the staircase after saying this. Violette was standing upstairs. Their eyes met.


    Sarah quickly took control of the situation. She looked at Lacey and asked in a cold tone, "Who invited


    Violette over?"


    Lacey was a bit stuck, "Violette came to see Maka."


    "Oh, I thought someone invited her over.," Sarah said sarcastically, and then went upstairs. When she


    was close to Violette, she sneered, "Violette, didn''t you break up with Elijah? I heard you dumped him.


    Who are you putting on this show of looking down on Elijah for? If no one invited you, why are you


    here? What a joke."


    After saying this, Sarah walked past her, deliberately bumping her with her shoulder.


    Seeing this, Lacey immediately went upstairs and whispered to Violette, "Violette, you should leave for


    now! I''ll call you when Maka gets better."


    Violette''s face turned cold. Her fingers tightened slightly. She did want to leave. But it felt like her feet


    were nailed to the floor, unable to move.


    Wouldn''t it be even moreughable if she left just because of a few words from Sarah?


    She came to thank Maka. Seeing Maka so sick, she couldn''t just leave like that. More importantly,


    she wasn''t sure if Sarah could effectively alleviate Maka''s pain.


    She didn''t listen to Lacey''s advice, went to Maka''s room, opened the door, and walked in.


    Sarah heard the door being pushed open and looked towards the entrance.


    Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Seeing Violette, Sarah''s face changed drastically, "Who let you in?! Violette, you''re so shameless! Get


    out!"


    Seeing Sarah angry, Lacey immediately came over and grabbed Violette''s arm, pulling her out of the


    room.


    "Violette, you should leave for now. Let Ms. Sarah focus on treating Maka." Lacey said.


    Lacey knew Violette was upset by Sarah. But Maka had already been sick for a day. If she didn''t


    receive treatment from Sarah soon, Lacey was afraid Maka would be in danger.


    Lacey pulled Violette out of the room. Elisa cooperatively closed the door.


    Violette looked at the tightly closed door, feeling bitter inside. To them, Sarah was the only one who


    could cure Maka. It was right for them to kick her out.


    Just like what she told Elijah yesterday, Sarah was Maka''s primary doctor. Maka''s condition was


    entirely Sarah''s responsibility.


    Elijah''s feelings then were probably simr to hers now! How ironic!


    Her face was as hot as fire, and her heart felt as if it was being cut by a knife.


    Facing Lacey''s sincere advice, Violette''s inner defensespletely crumbled. If she continued to stay


    here, it really wouldn''t suit her image. She clenched her lips and began to walk downstairs step by


    step.


    "You don''t have to apologize to me." Violette didn''t stop walking. Her tone was calm, "I was impulsive


    today. I shouldn''t havee here."

 Chapter 491

    Chapter 491


    Violette cut the conversation short.


    She wasn''t nning toe back. She should''ve listened to Mike''s advice. Maka had a phone now.


    If she wanted to thank her, she could just call her up.


    Down at the lobby, she walked over to the couch and picked up her bag.


    At that moment, a ck Rolls Royce slid into the front yard,ing to a halt.


    Elijah was back.


    Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Regret gnawed at her. If she hade downstairs a minute earlier, she wouldn''t have to see him. She


    was already upset. She just wanted to be alone.


    "Violette, Mr. Bourne is back!" Lacey reminded her.


    So what? She downcast her eyes, picked up her bag, and headed to the door to change her shoes.


    Elijah had seen the Range Rover parked in the yard. He had no idea Violette would show up. As he got


    out of the car, he saw her stepping out after changing her shoes.


    He walked over to her car, waiting for her toe over. A cool night breeze blew, but his heart was


    bing increasingly restless.


    Soon, Violette stood in front of him. She gave him a nce and her lips moved slightly, "Move."


    His body tensed up instantly. He didn''t understand why she was so angry.


    "What are you here for?" He asked patiently.


    "I''m here for a headache." She replied, mocking herself.


    He noticed a ck Porsche parked next to her car. That was Sarah''s car.


    "Maka is sick, so I asked Sarah toe to check on her." He exined, then asked, "Did she upset


    you?"


    "What if she did? She''s your guest of honor, and I''m nothing." She retorted coldly, took out her car key,


    and unlocked it.


    Elijah reached out and grabbed her arm, "Violette, why do you have to say such things? What about


    our child if you are nothing?"


    She felt a slight pain in her stomach. Because her early pregnancy symptoms had disappeared


    prematurely, she often forgot that she was pregnant. And she would certainly not remember that she


    and Elijah had a special connection now.


    "Did youe to see me?" He asked, seeing her silence.


    "No." She looked at his handsome but somewhat haggard face, "I came to see Maka. Since she is


    sick, I won''t disturb you."


    She got into the driver''s seat and buckled up.


    "Violette, Maka is my..." He decided to tell her the secret.


    She suddenly looked at him. Co?tent of Dr?manov§Öls


    "Cool it. Stop. I don''t want to hear it!" She said coldly.


    With that, her tears started to fall. She took a deep breath, started the car, and drove into the pitch-


    ck night.


    Elijah stood there, raising his head in pain.

 Chapter 492

    Chapter 492


    "Mr. Bourne, let''s head back." Lacey suggested, walking up to him after a while of waiting.


    She had no clue what he''d just been discussing with Violette, but it was clear he didn''t want Violette to


    feel wronged in any way. After all, Violette was carrying his child.


    Sarah''s behavior tonight was a bit much. But Lacey could see where she wasing from. Had


    Sarah''s baby not been miscarried, it would''ve been born by now.


    Elijah clenched his fists, striding into the living room.


    Sarah was sipping her coffee on the couch. She put down her coffee cup as soon as she saw him.


    "Elijah, I gave Maka a sleeping pill. She hasn''t slept for a whole day and night; she needs to rest."


    Sarah told him, "I need to take her to the hospital for a brain check-up in the morning."


    Elijah gave a simple nod of agreement.


    "Elijah, I heard you fainted today. Are you alright?" Sarah asked, concern stered on her face,


    "Whatever''s going on, take care of yourself. It''s not just for you, but also for Maka. She hasn''t fully


    recovered yet. She might need a third surgery."


    Elijah gave her a brief nce, "You should go."


    "Alright. Maka''s asleep. You should rest too." Sarah got up, passing him and leaving gracefully.


    After Sarah left, Elijah headed for Maka''s room.


    "Mr. Bourne, Maka just fell asleep." Elisa informed him immediately.


    "Go to rest. You''ve been working hard." Elijah told her.


    "As long as Maka gets better soon, this little hardship is nothing." Elisa replied, then reminded him,


    "Mr. Bourne, take care of yourself too. I heard Ms. Dennis is pregnant with your child. That''s great


    news. If Grace were still alive, she''d be over the moon about this."


    A shadow passed over Elijah''s face, showing a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes.


    After Elisa left, he sat down by the bed, gazing at Maka tenderly. Elijah and Maka, though


    siblings, didn''t look alike.


    Maka took after their father. He, on the other hand, took more after their mother.


    People wereplex. His least favorite person was his father, yet Maka, who resembled their


    father, never reminded him of him.


    Now both his parents were gone. His brother was much older, so they didn''t see each other very often.


    In his heart, Maka was the closest family he had.


    He didn''t want to lose her.


    ...


    The next morning.


    Maka woke up. She sat up from bed. Seeing Elijah asleep by her side, she gently patted his


    shoulder.


    "Why are you sleeping here?" Maka asked.


    Elijah woke up, rubbing his throbbing temples.


    "Maka, how are you feeling now?" Elijah asked.


    Maka blinked her big eyes and said, "I feel great! But, I''m so hungry!"


    Elijah sighed in relief, "I''ll have breakfast brought up. After you eat, we''ll head to the hospital for a


    check-up."


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    Maka was silent for a few seconds, remembering yesterday''s events.


    "Maka, don''t worry. You''ll get better." Elijah said.


    "Okay." Maka said.


    This finally put Elijah at ease.

 Chapter 493

    Chapter 493


    "Elijah, have you already taken Maka for her checkup? Weren''t we supposed to go together?" Sarah


    sounded upset.


    She drove to the Bourne family''s ce only to find out that Elijah had already left with Maka.


    Elijah watched theings and goings at the hospital entrance, his voice cold. "Her test results came


    back fine."


    "That''s good. I''ve started prepping for Maka''s third treatment," Sarah said excitedly. "I''ve got a new


    approach. If all goes well, we can do the third surgery in the second half of the year."


    Elijah, "Can you guarantee the third surgery will get her back to normal?"


    Sarah was taken aback. Even the best doctors didn¡¯t dare to promise they could cure their patients. "I


    can''t be 100% sure, but I think..."


    ¡°If you can''t be sure, then stop!¡± He said coldly. ¡°Come find me when you''re 100% sure.¡±


    Stop? Sarah was shocked.


    "Elijah... are you suggesting we stop Maka''s treatment? Or... have you found a better doctor?" Her


    voice trembled slightly, sounding a little lost.


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    She never imagined that Elijah would make such a decision. Did he know that she wasn''t the one who


    performed the previous two surgeries on Maka? But if he knew, he wouldn''t have called herst


    night to see Maka!


    ¡°No.¡± His voice was devoid of warmth. ¡°Sarah, the money I gave you could''ve been used to buy


    anything you wanted. But you chose to give it to Alexa.¡±


    Violette hated him so much, not only because he abandoned their rtionship to protect a secret, but


    also because of the tension between him, Sarah, and Alexa.


    He spentst night in Maka''s room, thinking a lot. The more he thought, the more he understood


    Violette''s pain. Sure, everyone had their own sufferings, past mistakes had been made, but in the


    future, he wanted to avoid repeating them as much as possible.


    When Sarah heard his reason, tears silently fell. ¡°I''m sorry... Elijah, I didn''t realize you still had such


    strong feelings for Violette.¡±


    ¡°You knew.¡± Elijah saw through her lie.


    Sarah never thought he would be so blunt!


    ¡°Sarah, we don''t need to keep in contact.¡± He said the most decisive words in the calmest tone.


    Sarah wanted to scoff, but she couldn''t. Just the day before, she was bragging to Alexa about being


    able to earn at least another billion dors from Elijah. Maybe her actions were too much, and karma


    decided to bite her?


    But didn''t he force her to do this? If he had even a shred of affection for her, she wouldn''t need his


    money.


    The call ended. Elijah hung up the phone.


    Sarah cried till her eyes were red, feeling as if the world had ended. Elijah didn''t need her anymore!


    She had nothing left.


    She returned home in a daze, and only realized when she reached the door that she had ended up at


    Alexa and her father''s ce.


    "Sarah, what''s wrong?" Alexa happened to be home that day.


    Alexa looked serious. "Is it really that bad?" Read at


    Alexa handed her a few tissues. "Stop crying. I''vee up with a thorough n, but I need your help."

 Chapter 494

    Chapter 494


    And just like that, the end of May was here. Tomorrow would be International Children''s Day, as well as


    Violette''s prenatal check-up.


    She originally thought this baby might not make it, since she took a lot of medication early during the


    pregnancy. Contrary to her expectations, this little one had managed to survive till now. If the prenatal


    check-up went well tomorrow, she could start preparing for the birth.


    "Violette, Elijah will be apanying you for the prenatal check-up tomorrow, right?" Mike asked


    during dinner.


    Violette, "You have a date tomorrow, don''t you? I can go for the check-up by myself."


    Mike raised an eyebrow. "Elijah isn''t going with you?"


    Violette, "I don''t need him to apany me. And I don''t need you either. People might mistake you for


    the father of the child."


    Mike, "Then you should let the nanny apany you."


    "The nanny will stay home to look after the kids. You just go on your date and don''t worry about us."


    Violette took a sip of her soup. "I''ve made an appointment in advance. It should be over by noon at the


    "Alright," Mike responded absentmindedly, his slender fingers swiping swiftly across his phone screen.


    Two minutester, he looked at Violette. "Violette, Elijah will be apanying you for the prenatal


    check-up tomorrow!"


    Violette put down her soup bowl and looked up. "Did Joey tell you that?"


    Mike nodded. "Elijah didn''t tell you, probably because he was afraid you''d refuse."


    Their conversation ended within five minutes, and Violette''s phone rang. The screen clearly disyed


    Elijah''s name. She left the dining room and walked into the living room to answer the call.


    "Violette, I''ll be waiting for you at the hospital tomorrow morning." His tone was not one of negotiation.


    She didn''t want hispany, but she couldn''t refuse. Because if she did, he would certainly use the


    child as an excuse.


    "Got it," She responded after a moment of silence.


    "Let''s have dinner together tomorrow night! You were looking for Makast time you came over,


    weren''t you? I''ll bring her out tomorrow." His voice was deep and maic. "Bring your kids too. It''s


    Children''s Day tomorrow."


    "Elijah..." Violette started, wanting to refuse.


    But then Maka''s voice came from the other end of the line. "Elijah, who are you talking to? Is it


    Violette? I want to talk to her."


    Elijah told Violette, "Maka wants to talk to you. I''ll give her the phone." With that, he handed the


    phone to Maka.


    Violette''s guard immediately fell.


    After the call, she went over to her children. "Sweethearts, do you want to see Maka? How about we


    have dinner with her tomorrow night?" She was worried the children might disagree, so she tried to


    appeal to their sympathy. "Maka was ill recently."


    Rita looked sympathetic. "Sure! It''s Children''s Day tomorrow, I want to give Maka a present! She''s


    always the one giving me presents."Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    Ian did not object, indicating his silent agreement.


    Violette hesitated for a moment before speaking again, "Elijah will be joining us for dinner tomorrow


    night."


    The children immediately widened their eyes at her. They didn''t object and Violette couldn''t tell what


    they were thinking.


    At nine o''clock that night, after the lights in the children''s room went out, the two children started


    talking.


    "Ian, I don''t want to eat with the bad dad." Rita pouted, looking unhappy.


    Ian replied, "We should listen to Mom."


    "Do you think the baby will live with us after it''s born?"


    "I don''t know."


    "Sometimes I hope it will live with us, sometimes I don''t. I''m afraid it will take my things, and I''m afraid it


    will be bullied by the bad dad." New chapter av§Ñble o? Dr§Ñm§Ñnovels


    "Let''s just go to sleep." Ian only hoped that their mom would be okay. Nothing else mattered.


    The morning sun shone in, and she gazed at his familiar and tall figure in the light.

 Chapter 495

    Chapter 495


    He was standing outside the yard, straight as a statue.


    Her heart suddenly started to pound. She quickly went back to her bed, grabbed her phone, and


    checked to see if he had called or texted her.


    Nothing. He hadn''t contacted her this morning. When did he get here? Why was he here so early? If


    This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    she hadn''t spotted him now, was he nning to wait outside quietly?


    She quickly found a dress in her wardrobe, changed into it, and rushed downstairs.


    When the front door opened, Elijah''s dark eyes were looking at her. Violette, in a white dress, slowly


    stepped out.


    He lifted his wrist and nced at his watch. It was only seven in the morning. Why was she up so


    early? Weren''t pregnant women supposed to be sleepy?


    She walked to the gate and opened it. "Why are you here?" She asked, looking at him.


    His eyes were bloodshot; he must not have slept wellst night.


    "I came to pick you up," He said quietly. "It''s still early. You can sleep some more."


    "Once I''m up, I can''t sleep again."


    "Then let''s go for breakfast?" He suggested.


    "I have tests today that require me to fast," She replied.


    "Then let''s go to the hospital now!" He worried about making her wait too long and being hungry.


    She nodded, turned around, and went back to her room to get her bag. A whileter, she came out with


    her bag.


    Once in the car, she didn''t immediately put on her seatbelt. "To Mercy Hospital."


    "Alright."


    She didn''t expect him to agree so readily. Mercy Hospital was where Adrian worked, and she


    remembered Elijah being somewhat against it.


    She buckled her seatbelt, and the car immediately started. When they arrived at the hospital, it was not


    yet eight in the morning.


    Adrian had been waiting at the hospital early and had already prepared a series of tests.


    "First, let''s get a blood draw." Adrian took them to theb.


    "Elijah, did you make Adriane to the hospital so early?" Violette asked him quietly when they were


    walking behind.


    Elijah also answered quietly, "He wanted me to let him know when I was leaving."


    "You guys had been in contact?" She was surprised.


    "We''ve had each other''s contact information for a long time."


    She almost forgot Elijah knew Dr. Mitchel before she did. To treat Maka, he gave everything he


    could.


    After the tests, it was already noon. Adrian invited them to his house for lunch.


    Elijah and Violette both blushed. Co?tent of Dr?§Þ??ov§Öls.c§àm


    Adrian, "Mom,e on. They are not what you think."


    Adrian''s mother smiled bitterly. "My son. If they are not in that kind of rtionship, how could they have


    a child together?"


    Adrian fell silent.

 Chapter 496

    Chapter 496


    Her mind waspletely nk. She forgot everything she wanted to say.


    Adrian''s motherughed and joked. "Neither of them denied it! Haha!"


    Scratching his head, Adrian awkwardly changed the subject. "After we finish eating, your blood test


    results should be out."


    Violette nodded and continued eating.


    After lunch, Violette refused to let Adrian apany her to collect the results. She felt really bad for


    asking him to help so much in the morning.


    Adrian''s house was near the hospital. Violette and Elijah left there and walked to the hospital.


    "Why didn''t you let me exin? Do you think causing misunderstandings is fun?" Violette teased him.


    "We barely know her, no point arguing with her." He walked on the street side of Violette, always


    keeping an eye on the traffic.


    "You don¡¯t know her well, but I do."


    "Since you know her well, feel free to exin to her anytime." The green light came on, and he


    naturally took her hand to cross the road.


    "I can cross the road by myself." She shook off his hand and looked at him coldly. "I only acknowledge


    you as the father of my child, nothing else."


    "Whether you acknowledge it or not, I am your child''s father," He reminded her. "We should maintain


    this rtionship first."


    She stopped talking.


    At the hospital, she collected the results. She carefully checked each of them.


    Elijah asked nervously, "How is it? Everything okay?"


    "What¡¯s this ¡®everything okay¡¯?" She didn¡¯t look up at him.


    "Do these tests check you or the baby?" He was not familiar with these because she was pregnant


    now.


    She suddenly looked up, "The baby is still small! We can only check his condition through ultrasound


    now."


    "How about the blood tests? Any problems?"


    "The results for syphilis and gonorrhea will take a week." She put the test report into her bag.


    He was taken aback and reassured her, "You couldn¡¯t possibly have those diseases."


    "You mean I respect myself?" She said, "Thanks. But if you don¡¯t, I can still get infected."


    Elijah was silent.


    Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "I''m going to take a cab home. You should go home too!" She took out her phone and called a ride.


    Her words just hurt him. He got a physical check-up every year, he was healthy and didn¡¯t have those


    diseases! But she doubted him!


    In the afternoon, Violette had a peaceful nap. When she woke up and checked her phone, it was


    already five in the afternoon.


    Remembering that she had arranged to have dinner with Elijah, she immediately jumped out of bed.


    After tidying up, she came out of the bedroom.


    The door to the children''s room was open, and Rita¡¯sughter came from inside. Violette hurried over


    to see a mess in the room. Her eyebrows furrowed. Re?d at Dr?m§Ñ?§àv§Öls


    When Violette thought about this, she couldn''t me her daughter for messing up the wardrobe


    because she always knew that Rita was a bit fond of Elijah.


    Few people could resist the charm of a handsome,petent man.

 Chapter 497

    Chapter 497


    Even though he and Sarah had a thing in the past,pared to most sessful dudes, his love life


    was pretty low-key.


    ...


    6 p.m.


    Violette, with her two kids in tow, arrived at the restaurant address Elijah had sent the previous night.


    Elijah had booked a VIP private room. When she reached the reception and gave the room number, the


    waiter immediately ushered her into the room.


    As soon as they entered the room, Rita let out a gasp! "Mom! This ce is so gorgeous!"


    The room had been meticulously decorated with a Children''s Day theme. Beautiful balloons, fairy


    lights, flowers, and boxes of presents piled on the floor. It was almost too much to take in.


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    "Mom, what''s in these boxes?" Rita picked up a box and asked.


    Violette, "These are just decorative boxes, they''re empty."


    The waiter corrected her with a smile. "Ms. Dennis, each box contains a gift prepared by Mr. Bourne.


    These are Children''s Day gifts for you and your children."


    Violette was taken aback, her lips moved, but she didn''t know how to respond.


    "Ms. Dennis, Mr. Bourne said if you arrive first, we can serve the food." The waiter asked, "Shall we


    serve now?"


    Violette shook her head. "We''ll wait till he arrives."


    He was the host, and it would be rude for her to start eating first. Not to mention there was a table full


    of fruits and snacks.


    "Alright, ring the bell if you need anything. I will be waiting outside, ready to serve you at any time." The


    waiter then excused himself.


    Rita wanted to open the boxes, but Ian stopped her.


    "I just want to peek." Rita gave him the puppy eyes.


    Ian, "Unreliable men are the ones who know how to charm women. You''ll definitely like the gift he


    sends."


    Rita pouted and reluctantly put the box down.


    Seeing Rita really wanting to open the boxes, Violette said, "Ian, whatever gift Elijah gives, I can return


    the favor. It¡¯s ok to open them. Let''s have some fun today, it''s Children''s Day."


    Rita, after getting Violette¡¯s permission, jumped with joy. "Mom, I promise I''ll just take a look, I won''t


    take anything!"


    Violette agreed but was worried that Rita might not know how to open it, so she went over and helped


    her.


    Ian was not interested in the gifts, so he sat down at the dining table. He was feeling a bit peckish.


    Usually, they would have already had dinner at home by this time.


    After Violette opened the first box, she took out an exquisite model of a fighter jet. It seemed to be a


    scaled-down version of a real jet, and it looked pretty high quality.


    Rita took the model and ran to Ian. "Didn''t you say I''d definitely like the gift from an unreliable man? But


    I don''t really like this! I think you''d like it."


    Violette opened another box, it was a children''s crown adorned with colorful gems. Rita absolutely


    loved shiny jewelry.


    To her surprise, it was already 7 p.m. Elijah hadn''t shown up yet!


    Rita and Ian were hungry, and they were now sitting at the dining table, eating snacks listlessly.


    A few secondster, the call was connected. New ch?pter av?ble o? Dra§Þ§Ñn§àv§Öls.c§àm


    "Elijah..." she began, intending to ask if he waste due to traffic or some unforeseen circumstances.


    However, Sarah''s tearful voice came from the other end!


    A loud bang rang in Violette''s head, her face turning pale instantly!

 Chapter 498

    Chapter 498


    Elijah didn''t show up for their meeting because he was with Sarah. That wasn''t the worst part for


    Violette. The worst part was thinking about the fact that Elijah and Sarah once had a child together.


    What was even more awful was that Sarah used Violette of killing their child! And Elijah... he


    actually believed her. Otherwise, she wouldn''t be pregnant with the child she was carrying now.


    At the thought of this, she couldn''t help but tear up. She hung up the phone, her strength drained from


    her body, and she suddenly leaned on the dining table.


    Her two children noticed something was wrong so they jumped off their chairs immediately.


    "Mom! What''s wrong?" Rita asked, tears welling up in her eyes.


    "Mom, he''s noting, is he?" Ian guessed, then hurriedlyforted her. "Mom, don''t cry, let''s go


    home!"


    Violette fought back her tears, feeling guilty, she said, "Are you guys hungry? I''ll take you out to eat


    now."


    Both children shook their heads.


    "Mom, I''m not hungry! I''m just really pissed off..." Rita''s eyes reddened, unable to suppress the feeling


    of being hurt.


    She had put on her prettiest dress for the meeting today and even brought a delicate gift for Maka.


    That meant, she really cared about tonight''s dinner. But they didn''t show up! Elijah was a liar. Maka


    was a liar too!


    "Mom, let¡¯s go out to eat!" Ian suggested, worried that his mom was hungry.


    Violette gave a nod, leading her two children out of the private dining room.


    The waiter saw them leaving and immediately panicked. "Ms. Dennis, you and your children haven''t


    eaten yet! Shall I have the kitchen serve the food now? It''s all ready..."


    Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Violette stopped in her tracks and replied, "No need."


    The waiter was confused about what had happened. But since Violette decided to leave, the waiter


    didn''t dare to stop her. "Ms. Dennis, you can take the gifts in the room. If it''s not convenient for you to


    carry, you can leave an address, and I''ll have them delivered."


    Violette responded, "We are not taking them." After saying that, she walked out firmly with her children.


    The waiter reported the situation to the manager. The manager immediately called Elijah and gave him


    a detailed ount of what had happened.


    "Ms. Dennis'' daughter was crying really hard."


    Elijah was on his way to the city at the time. Hearing the manager''s words, he spoke heavily. "And


    her?"


    The manager was taken aback for a moment, then understood what he meant. "Ms. Dennis didn''t cry,


    but her eyes were red. She''s probably going to cry as soon as she leaves the restaurant. Her son didn''t


    cry, and his eyes weren''t red, but he looked really angry."


    This image appeared in his mind and his eyes moistened immediately.


    This afternoon, Sarah called him, saying that she had found a doctor who could treat Maka. And she


    gave her third treatment n to that doctor.


    The doctor was on vacation, and where he stayed was far from the city center, near a famous tourist


    spot. It would take about two hours to drive there.


    However, not long after they met the doctor, Sarah started to lose control. She started crying about how


    much effort she had put in for Maka''s illness, and how much she loved him, but he kept avoiding


    her...  Dra§Þan§àv§Öls


    Elijah didn''t forget about his dinner date with Violette. He left at 4:30 in the afternoon to return to the


    city center.

 Chapter 499

    Chapter 499


    Once Violette hung up, he finally got what was going on. "Get out!" He ordered, bringing the car to a


    halt.


    Maka shrank back, startled. In the back seat, Sarah was teary-eyed. She knew Elijah''s words were


    directed at her. But they hadn''t reached the city yet, and she didn''t want to get off here.


    "Sarah, don''t make me force you!" Elijah warned, his eyes piercingly cold.


    Sarah, scared witless, quickly pushed the car door open and got out. Once she was out, the car shot


    off like a bullet, disappearing into the dim night.


    Twenty minutester, Elijah arrived at the booked restaurant. When he entered the private room, the


    manager pointed at the opened gift boxes on the floor. "They did open all the gift boxes but didn''t take


    a single gift."


    Elijah looked at the opened boxes, his eyes red, a lump in his throat.


    "They even ate some of the fruits and snacks," the manager continued. "You were only a littlete. It


    didn''t really matter... and the waiter reminded them several times that the dishes could be served in


    advance..."


    Elijah frowned, raising a hand to stop him from speaking further. Violette was angry not because he


    waste, but because of what Sarah had said.


    He helped Maka sit down at the table, then turned to the manager. "Serve the dishes."


    The manager immediately instructed the waitstaff to remove the fruits and snacks from the table and


    signaled the kitchen to serve the dishes. Soon, a feast wasid out on the table.


    Maka looked at the delicious food but couldn''t bring herself to feel happy. "Elijah, call Violette."


    "She won''t answer my call." he knew Violette too well. She seemed gentle and quiet but was more


    stubborn than anyone. He would apologize to her but wasn''t sure how to do it yet.


    "Violette is mad." Maka insisted. "You need to call her now."


    Unable to refuse Maka, he dialed Violette''s number.


    ¡ªSorry, the number you have dialed is switched off.


    Just as he had expected.


    Even if he went to her house now, she definitely wouldn''t open the door for him.


    Silverleaf Ridge.


    Violette returned home with the two kids after dinner. The vi was pitch-dark. Mike and Joey were out


    Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    on a date and hadn''t returned yet.


    Violette opened the door and switched on the lights. The room was instantly as bright as day.


    "I''ve prepared gifts for you," Violette smiled. "The gifts are hidden in the living room. Go find them!"


    Violette looked out warily. It was Mike¡¯s car.


    Mike entered the living room, to which Violette wondered, ¡°Why are you back so early?¡±


    He scratched his head, deciding to lie, ¡°Joey had some stuff to do, so we decided to head home


    separately. You go rest. I¡¯ll take care of the kids.¡±  Dr?§Þan§àvels


    Violette saw his shifty eyes, and knew he was lying but didn''t call him out on it. She returned to her


    room and closed the door.


    And Elijah, he couldn''t either!

 Chapter 500

    Chapter 500


    Living room.


    Rita burrowed into Mike''s arms, whining, "Elijah didn''t show up. We waited for him for ages... My mom


    had to call him to find out he wasn''ting... She took us to eat somewhere else."


    Mike wrapped Rita tightly in his arms, patting her back gently. "Sweetie, don''t be mad. It''s all his fault!


    From now on, we won''t dine with him anymore."


    Tears welled up in Rita''s eyes. "I''ll never eat with him again! I won''t let my mom eat with him either!"


    "Good! Sweetheart, stop crying. If your mom saw you this sad, it''d break her heart," Mike said, while in


    his mind, he was cursing Elijah up and down!


    It was Children''s Day, and other kids were having a st, but his two little angels were at home,


    heartbroken. That jerk!


    Elijah thought it was just about breaking a date, but he had no idea, he hurt two little hearts.


    Mike wanted to take them out to distract them, but they both shook their heads.


    After ying with them for a while, Mike took them to take a bath. Usually, Rita was thest one to go


    to bed, but tonight, after her bath, she climbed into bed and covered herself with her nket.


    Mike turned off the lights for them and left their room. He nced at Violette''s bedroom; she should still


    be awake.


    He wanted tofort her. After all, she was pregnant now, not like other people. What if she did


    something stupid?


    He walked to her door, knocked lightly, and pushed it open. The room was pitch ck.


    The hallway light shone in, and he could see her lying on her side of the bed, seemingly asleep. She


    usually didn''t go to bed this early, but even if she was pretending, he didn''t want to disturb her.


    He closed her door and went back to his own room. Joey had sent him several messages, asking


    about Violette''s situation. Reading these messages, Mike felt annoyed. [Is your boss asking you to do


    this? Is he even a man? Why doesn''t hee to see her himself?]


    Joey. [Can you talk on the phone now?]


    Mike. [I don''t feel like talking! I just don''t get it, what on earth has Violette done to deserve this jerk!]


    Joey called, and Mike picked up.


    "Go outside and check... I have a feeling my boss might show up," Joey said calmly. "Our driver said


    there was a car ident on the way to the city in the afternoon, which caused a dy. If it weren''t for


    the traffic jam, he wouldn''t have beente."


    "Is that the reason he waste?" Mike said sarcastically. "He already told me that it had something to


    do with Sarah."


    "But he''s already cut ties with Sarah!" Joey insisted. "He''s decided not to let Sarah treat Maka


    anymore. I didn''t tell you because I thought it was something he should do."


    Mike''s anger cooled a bit.


    Elijah was standing rigidly outside the gate, silent and motionless. His dark eyes fixed on Violette''s


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    room, like a human statue.


    If what Joey just said was true, then he wasn''t entirely to me. Of course, that was just what Mike


    thought. Whether or not Violette would forgive him, Mike would not interfere. New ch?pter av?ble o?


    Dra§Þ§Ñn§àv§Öls.c§àm


    He opened the vi gate and walked towards the courtyard gate.


    Upon seeing Mikee out, Elijah immediately turned from a human statue into a living man.

 Chapter 501

    Chapter 501


    After Elijah heard this, he turned around and left. As his car drove away, Mike took a deep breath.


    The next morning.


    Maka showed up, apanied by Elisa.


    The kids were having breakfast. Seeing Maka walk in, their expressions shifted but they did not say


    anything and stayed put.


    Mike shed a grin at Maka. "Why are you here so early?" He thought Elijah would be the one


    walking through the door.


    "I''m here to apologize to Violette, Rita, and Ian," Maka said, her voice clear and strong. "My brother


    and I weretest night. That''s on us."


    "Maka, they don''t need your apology. The one who owes them an apology is Elijah," Mike said,


    walking over with a hot cup of milk.


    "My brother will be here to apologizeter," Maka''s cheeks turned pink, "I just couldn''t wait, so I


    Mikeughed, "This isn''t your fight, Maka. You don''t need to apologize or beat yourself up."


    Maka disagreed, "My brother took me to a new doctor yesterday. The doctor lives far away, and it


    takes a long drive to get there... If it wasn''t for me, he wouldn''t have beente."


    Just then, Rita walked out from the dining room. "Maka, is everything you said true?" Rita''s eyes


    were still puffy from crying the night before.


    Maka nodded vigorously, "Yes. I swear I''m not fibbing."Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    At this moment, Ian finished his breakfast, walked through the living room, put on his backpack, and


    prepared to go to school. Maka went over to him immediately, "Ian, I''m sorry. I didn''t mean to bete


    yesterday."


    Ian wasn''t mad at Maka. He shrugged off Maka''s hand, and said coldly, "I gotta go to school."


    Maka let go, and handed him a small box from her bag, "This is a gift for you. Will you ept it?"


    Mike stepped in, fearing Ian would reject the gift. He wrapped an arm around Ian, "Let''s hit the road. Or


    we''ll bete."


    After Mike and Ian left, Rita ran back to her room to get the gift she prepared for Maka.


    Maka was over the moon receiving the gift. She also took out the gift she prepared for Rita from her


    bag. The gift Maka gave Rita was a brand new hairpin. Rita was so happy that she forgot about the


    upset from the night before.


    "Maka, I actually really like you. I love all the gifts you''ve given me," Rita sat on the sofa, holding


    Maka''s hand, and said, "But I don''t like Elijah¡­ I''m still mad. He hurt my mom''s feelings, and mine


    and Ian''s¡­"


    Outside, a ck Rolls-Royce pulled up slowly. Elijah stepped out of the car.


    Uncle Mike was taking Ian to school, and mom wasn''t home¡­


    "Mr. Bourne, I need to take Rita to school. Please take Miss Maka and leave. I need to lock up,"


    Violette''s bodyguard told Elijah. Re?d at Dr?m§Ñ?§àv§Öls


    Elijah looked surprised, "Where''s Violette?"


    "She had to go out," the bodyguard replied.

 Chapter 502

    Chapter 502


    At the entrance of the vi, Maka and Rita walked out from the living room. Elijah saw the two little


    girls and hurried over.


    "Maka, Rita needs to go to school. I¡¯ll take you home first," he said, walking up to Maka.


    This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Maka nodded, whispering, "Ian, I''ve apologized to Rita. You have to apologize to her, too."


    Rita looked down, but her small mouth was pouting high.


    Elijah squatted down, looking at Rita''s face, which was simr to Violette''s. He gently said, "Rita, I''m


    sorry. Not only was Ite yesterday, but I also made you guys upset. I want to exin to your mom."


    At this point, he asked, "Do you know where your mom went?"


    He had asked Violette''s bodyguard earlier, but he wouldn''t say anything.


    Rita looked closely at Elijah''s face, her nervousness gradually fading. Although he was a really bad


    guy, he was also really handsome.


    "Of course I know where my mom went," Rita said proudly, raising her head to him, "but I have to go to


    kindergarten. I can''t talk to you anymore. I can''t be like you, alwayste."


    Rita''s words were filled with double meanings. Elijah''s face showed embarrassment and helplessness.


    Rita clenched her little fist, finally being able to vent her anger. She actually had no idea where her


    mom went. When she woke up, her mom was already gone. But she deliberately teased Elijah''s


    curiosity as a little punishment for him.


    The bodyguard came over with Rita''s little backpack and picked her up in one arm.


    Elijah stood up, looked at Maka and said, "Let''s go."


    Maka nodded regretfully.


    As the car drove out of Silverleaf Ridge, Elijah dialed Mike''s number.


    Mike picked up quickly.


    "Mike, where did Violette go? Don''t tell me she went to work," Elijah decided to find Violette after


    dropping Maka off.


    He had to know Violette''s whereabouts as soon as possible. If he didn''t exin things to her, he


    wouldn''t be able to calm down.


    Mike had just dropped Ian off at school. He was standing in the school parking lot, basking in the


    morning sun. He saidzily, "Why don¡¯t you call her yourself? Did she block you again? Heh... without


    her permission, I dare not reveal her whereabouts. If she mes me, I''d have nowhere to live."


    Facing Mike''s provocation, Elijah frowned, "I''m considering sending Joey to the Antarctic for a new


    market survey for mypany, what do you think about that?"


    Mike was momentarily speechless.


    That was too much. This guy Elijah! He was using Joey to threaten him.


    "Which city did she go to?" Elijah''s brows furrowed.


    She was three months pregnant and not suitable for heavy work at all. Was it because of what


    happenedst night that she decided to leave for a business trip early this morning?


    She was not a person without judgement. If she was clear-headed, she wouldn''t choose to go on a trip


    at this time.


    "Z City," Mike finally conceded. Not because he was afraid that Elijah would really send Joey to the


    Antarctic, but even if he told Elijah the address, Elijah would not be able to go there. New ch§Ñpter


    av?ble on Dr§Ñman§àvels.c§à§Þ


    Mike was med, but he didn''t get angry.


    Elijah thought for a few seconds, then said, "Give me her detailed itinerary, including the hotel she''s


    staying at. I''ll have Joey go help you."

 Chapter 503

    Chapter 503


    Mike tried to control hisughter, "Alright, deal."


    "Hmm."


    "Our client this time is the border defense troops. As for where Violette will be staying, it''s right in the


    border defense camp." Mikeughed even more wildly, "I''ve already told you, you can''t go there. They


    won''t let you into the camp."


    Elijah clenched his teeth and hung up the phone.


    Z City was located on the border of the country. It took about four hours by ne from here.


    Elijah didn''t know what time Violette''s flight was, but she probably hadn''tnded yet. Even if she had


    Since the ce she was going to was rtively safe, he wasn''t particrly worried about her safety. He


    could wait for her toe back from her business trip, and then exin the situation to her clearly. If


    he rashly followed her to Z City, it might affect her work. He wasn''t sure whether she would get even


    more angry because of this.


    After sending Maka home, he went to thepany. Not long after he arrived at thepany, the


    secretary came to report, "Mr. Bourne, Miss Sarah is downstairs. She said she wants to apologize to


    you."


    Without any hesitation, Elijah said coldly, "Put her in thepany''s visitor cklist system. She''s not


    allowed to step into thepany ever again."


    "Alright, Mr. Bourne."


    After being kicked out of the Bourne Group building, Sarah''s pride took a big hit. Before she met Elijah,


    she was also a woman who was pampered by others. She didn''t expect Elijah to treat her like this.


    Thankfully, the child she was pregnant with wasn''t his. Otherwise, if she was treated like this by him


    now, she would definitely be furious.


    She got in the car, took out her phone, and called Kaleb. "Kaleb, let¡¯s go abroad for a change of


    scenery."


    Kaleb asked, "What happened? Did Elijah make you angry again?"


    "Hah, I wish he would at least acknowledge me. He doesn''t even want to see me now." Sarahughed


    bitterly, "Can youe to stay with me?"


    "Wait for me to finish up some work... Sarah, didn''t you say you were going to give up on himst time?


    Why did you go looking for him again?"


    "I''ve given up on him. I just didn''t expect that he wouldn''t even give me a chance to make money,


    haha."


    "Well, you''ve already made quite a lot of money." Kaleb asked, "Which country are we going to?"


    "B Country."


    "B Country? What''s fun about that ce. You lived there for many years, didn''t you? Let''s go to a


    different country."


    Sarahughed gloomily, "Do you think I''m really going there for a change of scenery? I have something


    very important to do in B Country."


    "Something important?" Kaleb was puzzled, "I thought you decided to settle down in A Country? What''s


    so important still in B Country?"


    Sarah: "I''ll tell you when youe."


    ...


    Noon.


    The Bourne Group.


    Brandon knocked on the door of the CEO''s office. "Elijah, let''s go grab some lunch."


    Elijah finished up thest bit of work and shut down hisputer. Upd§Ñted at Dr§Ñ§Þan§àvels.c§à§Þ


    After saying that, Brandon took out an envelope and handed it to him. Inside was a ne ticket for the


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    first flight to Z City that afternoon.

 Chapter 504

    Chapter 504


    Z City.


    High noon.


    A bulletproof vehicle slowly pulled into the border defense force base.


    Violette was inside the car, curiously observing the scenery outside the window. There were no lofty


    skyscrapers here; it was far away from the hustle and bustle of the city. What was here was the primal


    beauty of nature and soldiers defending the country.


    "Ms. Dennis, our base is pretty far from the city and conditions are quite rough. You might have to


    rough it out for the next couple of days," said a person called Mr. Rocks.


    Violette: "No worries. It''s an honor for us that you chose ourpany''s products."


    Mr. Rocks chuckled, "Wepared drones from manypanies and finally chose yours which we


    believed were the best. Our director Mr. Johnson decided directly to purchase your drones."


    Violette replied with a hint of flush, "Making the best products has always been our goal."


    "Well, Ms. Dennis, you mentioned over the phone that we can add some features to fit our needs. How


    soon can you deliver the product then?"


    Violette replied: "I need to know what features you''d like to add first, then I have to discuss it with our


    technical director."


    "Alright, let''s go grab some lunch first. We''ll have a detailed chat with Mr. Johnsonter."


    "Sure."


    After lunch.


    Mr. Johnson took Violette for a walk outside, chatting as they strolled. The camp was huge. Violette


    walked for a while, she was not tired, but her stomach started to hurt.


    She had made ast-minute decision toe here, so she hadn¡¯t told anyone here that she was


    pregnant. But now she can''t walk anymore, so she had to tell Mr. Johnson she was pregnant.


    Upon hearing this, Mr. Johnson immediately looked at her belly. She was wearing a pair of regr


    jeans today, with a long-sleeved T-shirt on top. The T-shirt wasn''t baggy, so her fairly t belly was


    visible.


    "Ms. Dennis, you''re not three months pregnant yet, right? It doesn''t show at all. Why aren''t you resting


    This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    at home? You could''ve sent someone else." Mr. Johnson said in confusion.


    Violette was too embarrassed to say that it was a momentary impulse, and she hade to avoid


    Elijah.


    "It''s been three months. I had a check-up yesterday and everything was fine. Plus, I work on usual


    days, so I wanted toe myself this time, hoping to push forward our cooperation." Violette


    exined, trying topose herself.


    "You''re very dedicated, Ms. Dennis. How about this, I''ll call a car and show you around our camp," Mr.


    Johnson suggested.


    "Thank you, that would be great."


    ......


    Four PM.


    Violette woke up from a nap and started working. She opened herptop, organized the requirements


    Mr. Johnson proposed at lunch into a document, and sent it to Mike.


    Mike replied instantly: "When are you nning on turning your phone back on?"


    Violette blushed: "I didn''t notice."


    Mike: "Then turn it on now."


    Violette nced at her phone and put it down again: "Why? I don''t need my phone here."


    Mike: "Aren''t you going to video call the kids tonight?"


    Violette: "We can video call through theputer."


    Violette didn''t respond. New ch§Ñpter av?ble on


    Violette remained silent.


    ''Knock, knock''.


    There was a knock at the door.

 Chapter 505

    Chapter 505


    It was just ten past four.


    There was no way a ne could get here that fast, right?


    As she was lost in her thoughts and feeling uneasy, a deep voice came from outside the door, "Ms.


    Dennis, I''m here to bring you some fruit."


    Violette let out a sigh of relief and quickly went to open the door.


    "Ms. Dennis, we heard you''re pregnant. Our director specifically told us to take good care of you." said


    the soldier, holding a bag of fruit in one hand and a bag of snacks in the other, smiling at her.


    Violette was a bit surprised but couldn¡¯t help thinking that men loved gossip just as much. She figured


    that the news of her pregnancy had probably spread throughout the entire camp.


    "Ms. Dennis, if you need anything, just let us know. We''ll do our best to amodate," said the soldier


    as he set down the items and prepared to leave.


    "Thanks. I don''t need anything for now. Sorry for the trouble." Violette said as she showed him out.


    Once he left, she closed the door, returned to the table, picked up her phone, and turned it on. The


    security here was pretty tight, so Elijah might not be able to get in.


    She was still mad at him, but she was starting to worry. He had a bad temper, and if he tried to force his


    way in, it could get ugly. But if he didn''t try to force his way in and just kept waiting outside, that wasn''t


    good either. This ce was very remote, deste, and there was no one around. It would be getting


    dark in a few hours.


    Once her phone was on, she saw the missed call from himst night. Just one.


    She wondered if he would contact her once his nended.


    She stared at the screen of her phone, feeling deeply conflicted. She didn''t want to see him. But he had


    At dinner time, Violette was distracted.


    Mr. Rocks noticed her unusual behavior.


    "Ms. Dennis, is the food not to your liking? Or are you not used to life here?" he asked.


    She quickly shook her head, "The food is great, and the amodations arefortable."


    "Then why aren''t you eating?" Mr. Rocks asked with a kind smile, "You should have brought someone


    with you."


    She took a bite of food, trying toe up with an excuse. Just then, a soldier reported, "Director.


    There''s a guy outside who ims to be the boss of the Bourne Group. He says he wants to make a


    donation."


    Violette nearly choked on her food.


    Seeing her reaction, Mr. Rocks realized something, "Ms. Dennis, do you know this person?"


    She nced out the window as the sky was starting to darken. This ce wasn''t like the bustling city;


    there were no street lights here at night. She couldn''t afford to be reckless.


    Ten minutester, A soldier brought Elijah to Mr. Rocks'' office.


    "You said you want to donate? How much are you nning to donate?" Mr. Rocks asked bluntly.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "I''ll pay for the drones you bought from the Dennis Group," Elijah said.


    Mr. Rocks squinted at him, "Are you here to donate, or are you here to see Violette?"


    "You should havee earlier," Mr. Rocks said regretfully, "She said she was going for a walk this


    afternoon but hasn''te back yet." Re§Ñd at Dramanov§Öls


    Elijah''s eyes shed with panic, and he stood up abruptly, "Where did she get lost? I''ll go find her now."


    Outside the forest, there was a warning sign: Danger! Mines ahead. Please be careful!

 Chapter 506

    Chapter 506


    A minefield, that was what they call an area with bombs buried underground. If one identally


    stepped on a bomb, an explosion could ur. So Mr. Rocks'' question to Elijah wasn''t just ''Would you


    dare to go in there to find her?'' but also ''Would you risk your life for her?''


    Elijah''s deep gaze turned towards the depths of the forest. A few secondster, he marched right in.


    ......


    Violette was hanging on the edge of her seat at Mr. Rocks'' ce. Mr. Rocks had said he was going to


    keep an eye on Elijah.


    Half an hour had passed, and still no news - what was the holdup?


    It was unclear how Mr. Rocks intended to observe him.


    Elijah''s personality was very peculiar. They wouldn''t have had a conflict, would they?


    Seeing her all knotted up, Mrs. Rocks tried to soothe her, "Ms. Dennis, don''t you worry. My hubby


    knows when to pull his punches. He''ll bring him here in no time."


    Violette gave a small nod, "It seems to get dark pretty early around here."


    "Ah, yes, the weather here is a bit different from where you''re from," Mrs. Rocks replied, and then she


    suddenly asked, "The baby you''re expecting, it''s his, isn''t it?"


    Violette was taken aback.


    "Ha, with the way you''re fretting over him, it''s obvious." Mrs. Rocks chuckled, holding her hand, "He


    must care about you a lot toe all this way. But my hubby''s way of doing things can be a bit scary,


    just hope he can handle it. Even if things go south, it doesn''t mean he doesn''t love you at all, he might


    just love himself a bit more."


    Hearing this, Violette shot up from the couch. She suddenly remembered the terrifying moment when


    Elijah had taken her to the vi surrounded by forest, and how panicked she had been. She didn''t want


    to go through that nightmare again. Neither for herself, nor for Elijah.


    With a frown, she headed for the door.


    "Ms. Dennis, wait for me, I''ll go with you. I have a rough idea where they could be." Mrs. Rocks, fearing


    for Violette''s safety, hurried after her.


    Outside in the forest,


    Mr. Rocks and Mr. Johnson were debating whether to ept Elijah''s donation. It was no small sum,


    This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    after all.


    "If you''re considering his donation, then why are you making things hard for him?" Mr. Johnson asked.


    "Making things hard? It''s not like it''s a real minefield. I''m just trying to give him a scare," Mr. Rocks


    shrugged, crossing his arms, "Did you see how upset Ms. Dennis looked? That jerk must''ve done


    something to upset her. I''m just trying to get some payback for her."


    "Why are you poking your nose into their business?"


    "Poking my nose? They''re on our turf now, which makes it our business."


    "Ha, you better hope he doesn''t get pissed off and decide to withdraw his donation."


    "Hahahaha."


    The two men were having a great time talking. Violette''s arrival with Mrs. Rocks went unnoticed.


    "Ms. Dennis, do you see that grove over there?" Mrs. Rocks asked, "That ''minefield'' sign is a fake. It''s


    not a real minefield. Elijah should be in there." Content of Dra§Þ??ovels


    It was dead quiet. Violette turned on her phone''s shlight and quickly moved deeper into the grove.


    "Elijah."


    After about five or six minutes, she started shouting his name. Her shouts echoed through the grove.

 Chapter 507

    Chapter 507


    Suddenly, a beam of light shot from afar. When the light source appeared, the tension in her heart


    immediately eased.


    "Violette." He yelled out her name.


    Hearing his familiar voice, her nose stung with a bitter-sweet pain and her eyes started to heat up.


    "Violette, stay where you are. There might bendmines here." Upon seeing the lighting from her


    direction and confirming her presence, Elijah warned sternly.


    Tears began to fall from Violette''s eyes.


    Could it really be a minefield here? Would Mr. Rocks let him take such a risk? Did he leave his brain at


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    home when he went out today?


    Moreover, if it was really a minefield here, how could she possiblye in?


    In her memory, he had always been a very smart man. How could he suddenly turn into a dunce?


    "This is not a minefield." She sobbed back at him, "You, get back here now."


    Hearing her words, he immediately ran towards her.


    Her eyes blurred with tears, she could only feel the distant light quickly moving towards her. She could


    almost feel his hot breath. She raised her hand, quickly wiping away her tears.


    In no time, he was by her side.


    "Violette, they said you got lost. You didn''t, did you?" His breath was a bit ragged and his hands tightly


    held her arms.


    "Do I look like a kid to you? How could I possibly get lost?" She pushed his hands away, looking


    straight at him, "When did you be so gullible?!"


    "I came to apologize to you." He didn''t care about being fooled, as long as he could see her, "Violette,


    did youe here to avoid me?"


    His gaze was intense, staring straight at her face. The light was dim, but he could still clearly see the


    tears and hurt on her face.


    "If you already knew, why did youe?" She lowered her head, not daring to look at him. She was


    afraid that once she saw his face, all her principles and boundaries would disappear.


    "Mike told me you came here alone. I was worried." His big hand slowly slipped down from her arm,


    holding her hand tightly, "Let''s leave here first."


    With that, he picked her up. She was taken aback, then began to p his shoulder: "Put me down. I


    can walk."


    "The road here is tough. What if you fall?" His gazes were deep and steady, every step he took was


    firm.


    She quieted down. Whatever grudges there were, they could be dealt with after leaving the woods.


    Five minutester, they emerged from the woods. She struggled out of his arms. With a grim face, she


    walked towards her ce without saying a word. He leisurely trailed behind her.


    "Why are you following me?" She turned around and questioned him, "Weren''t you here to donate?"


    His handsome face was hidden beneath the dim light.


    Violette took a deep breath, her eyes filled with tears, "Frankie can''t save Maka. Don''t be fooled


    again."


    Elijah''s lips were tightly closed, and he didn''t say a word. When she said ''don''t be fooled again'', was


    she referring to him being fooled by Sarah once? New ch§Ñpter av?ble on


    "What''s next? Keep talking." She gritted her teeth and pushed him hard.

 Chapter 508

    Chapter 508


    He gazed unwaveringly at her pained expression, tightly holding her hand and cing it over his heart.


    "Violette, things aren''t as you think," he exined softly and sincerely, "I''m only helping her because


    she once helped Maka."


    Sarah helped Maka?


    It was as if she could hear a mockingughter in her heart. In his eyes, Sarah was Maka''s savior.


    Otherwise, he wouldn''t have casually tossed Sarah two hundred million dors.


    She wrenched her hand from his grip. "If Sarah could help Maka, then why did you break up with


    her?" she asked coldly.


    "Because of you," he said without hesitation.


    Violette''s heart leapt to her throat in surprise. He broke up with Sarah because of her?


    Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Even though Maka hasn''tpletely recovered yet, I''m satisfied with her current state," he


    continued, "I can''t force myself to be with Sarah, nor can I force myself not to care about you."


    Hearing his exnation didn''t make her feel any better. Instead, she felt exhausted.


    "Where are you staying tonight?" she asked, ncing at her own ce.


    "I don''t know," he said, looking around, "Where do you live?"


    "You''re not thinking of staying at my ce, are you? Don''t get your hopes up." Violette observed that


    he hadn''t brought anything with him, suspecting that he had rushed over in haste.


    "I''lle to your ce to rest for a bit. I''m pretty beat," he said, his face showing his fatigue. He hadn''t


    rested all day and only had breakfast. Now he was not only tired, but also hungry.


    Just as she was wondering whether to let hime over, his stomach growled. She had never seen


    him so tired and hungry. If he hadn''te looking for her, he''d probably be in his mansion now,


    enjoying the care of his family and a sumptuous dinner.


    "You''re going back first thing tomorrow morning," she said, leading him to her ce, "This conditions


    here are harsh, not suitable for a rich man like you."


    "You''reing back with me," he said decisively, "If you don''t leave, neither will I."


    "I''m here to work, not on vacation." She gave him a stern look and then unlocked the door with her


    keys. "If you''re not leaving, fine. You think you can threaten me?"


    He entered her room first. The room was very simple, with only a bed, a table, and a chair. Well, and a


    bathroom.


    He headed to the bathroom. There was no shower, so there were no bathing facilities in the room. He


    stared at the water bottle and basin in the bathroom, deep in thought.


    "I''m not leaving," he said, looking at her, "Experiencing a different kind of life here is not too bad."


    "Alright then, I''ll call Mr. Rocks and have him arrange a room for you," Violette said, pulling out her


    phone to call Mr. Rocks. Co?tent §àf


    Just as she turned on her phone, a video call from Mike came in. She wasn''t sure why she answered it.


    "Hey Violette, how''s it going over there? Have you seen Elijah yet?" Mike asked.

 Chapter 509

    Chapter 509


    "I''ve already seen him," she said, picking up her phone and swiftly shifting the topic. "What about Ian


    and Rita?"


    With a sorrowful expression, Mike sighed and said, "They might not be able to video chat with you


    tonight. Ian was crying today."


    In the bathroom, Elijah heard everything loud and clear. What happened to Ian?


    Elijah walked out of the bathroom, a sullen look in his eyes as he nced at Violette.


    Violette was too flustered to pay him any attention. She was even more surprised than him. Ian had


    always been a child who didn''t show his emotions openly. His demeanor and emotions were more


    "What happened? Was he bullied at school? Did you talk to his teacher?" she asked, speaking at a


    mile a minute. How she wished she could be home right now,forting her son.


    "They had a pop quiz today at school, and someone outperformed him. He was devastated," Mike


    shrugged, "He couldn''t handle the fact that someone was smarter than him."


    Violette felt a slight relief, but she still felt sorry for Ian. He always lived in his own world where he was


    the best.


    "He''s the youngest in his ss, and it''s understandable if his grades are not as good as the others. But


    he just won''t listen to me. The more I tried to console him, the more upset he became," Mike recalled


    the ordeal of picking him up that evening, it gave him a headache. "I''ve never seen him break down like


    this."


    This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "I''ll be back tomorrow," Violette dered.


    "Uh... I suspect Alexa has nted a mole in ourpany. You were out today to negotiate a


    partnership with the border patrol, and coincidentally, Alexa also went on a business trip to a remote


    area, even bringing a photography team with her. Hahaha." Mike''sughter echoed throughout the


    room.


    At the mention of Alexa''s name, Violette immediately lost interest in the conversation. Out of the corner


    of her eye, she saw Elijah standing at the bathroom door. She told Mike, "Alright, we''ll continue this


    when I see you tomorrow."


    "Sure, send me your flight details once you''ve booked. I''ll pick you up at the airport."


    "Okay."


    After ending the video call, she opened the flight booking app to check tomorrow''s flights. Elijah


    brought a bucket of hot water over, set it down, then fetched a towel.


    "Are you booking a flight?" he nced at her phone screen, "Book one for me too. We can go back


    together."


    She gave him a cold stare, "Can''t you book it yourself?"


    "My phone is out of battery." He squatted down in front of her, applying massage oil to her neck and


    shoulders with his slender fingers.


    She was taken aback, and her body shivered for a moment, "Elijah! What are you doing?!"


    Ignoring her protest, he kneaded her shoulders and then locked eyes with her, "Book a ticket for me."


    His eyes were saying, I massage you, and you book a ticket for me.


    She got goosebumps all over her body. "Let go of me! I''ll book it!" she eximed. His palms were warm


    and firm against her shoulders.


    Violette gazed into his deep and affectionate eyes, feeling deeply conflicted inside. Read at


    Her lips moved as if she were about to say something when suddenly, a heavy rainstorm started


    outside, the sound so loud that it was startling.


    What worried her more was how she would turn down his request to spend the night in her room.

 Chapter 510

    Chapter 510


    Elijah took his sweet time finishing the massage for her, then gently wiped off the residual oil with a wet


    tissue.


    Her cheeks were ame, and she tried to pull away a few times, but he wouldn''t let her. His fingers


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    gently brushed her skin, sending a tingling sensation straight to her heart.


    "You know tomorrow''s flight might get canceled, right?" he finally let her go.


    "Don''t jinx it." All she wanted now was to go home.


    He picked up the water basin to empty it in the bathroom. When he returned, her expression had taken


    a turn for the worse.


    "Did they cancel the flight?" He guessed.


    "Yup." She set her phone down and spoke with a mncholic tone, "There¡¯s fruit and snacks in the


    bag. Go help yourself."


    Although he was a bit peckish, seeing her like this killed his appetite. She picked up the kettle, nning


    to boil some water. He took the kettle from her, "You go lie down and rest. I got this."


    She walked over to the bed, looking dazed. Her mind was filled with thoughts about Ian. Ian had hardly


    ever cried since he turned one, unlike most kids who would throw tantrums every now and then. She


    couldn''t even picture Ian crying.


    Ian chose to stay in the Talent Program because it wasn''t as restrictive as regr sses. The


    curriculum was more advanced, and his ssmates were all potential prodigies. Geniuses were


    different from average people in personality. They were more self-centered and didn''t pay much


    attention to others. So Ian decided to continue studying there after his trial day.


    She was happy that Ian found a ce where he fit in, but she overlooked the pressure the environment


    put on him.


    "Are you worrying about Ian?" he asked her after setting down the kettle, "Don''t worry, he knows how to


    handle stress."


    She looked at him in surprise, "How do you know?"


    He was silent for a while, thinking about a lot of things. How did he know? Because Ian was his son.


    That was how he knew.


    Ian was much like him in personality, demanding a lot from himself. When he failed to meet his goals,


    he would be devastated and doubt himself, but then he would try even harder.


    "Because he''s your son. I trust him." He looked at her intensely, saying this calmly.


    Her heart raced, and shey down on the bed.


    He walked over to tuck her in. "Violette, can I see your belly?" He sat at the edge of the bed, asking for


    her opinion.


    Her face turned redder, "Why do you want to see my belly?"


    He swallowed hard, his throat feeling scorched, "I want to see our baby."


    "You can''t see anything yet." She shattered his illusion.


    "Well, how long does it take to find out?" He asked, feeling frustrated.


    Violette had no idea that Elijah already knew Ian was his child, so she didn''t think much of his question.


    "Probably in five or six months."


    His eyes suddenly moistened, and he sighed, "Violette, you were right. I might be the dumbest man in


    the world." Read at


    "Did I really say that?" She looked at him in surprise, wondering why he would say such a thing out of


    the blue.


    "Everyone makes mistakes." She looked at his determined profile, her voice unconsciously softened.

 Chapter 511

    Chapter 511


    The topic was a bit heavy for her to wrap her head around, so she deflected, "Can you wash an apple


    for me? Thanks."


    Without a word, he washed an apple and handed it to her.


    "You should eat something too." She sat up with the apple in hand.


    "Alright."


    The storm was raging outside, yet inside it was peaceful. After Violette finished her apple, sheid on


    her bed, torn between whether or not to let him join her.


    It was raining outside, the temperature had dropped significantly, and there was no heating in the room.


    If she let him sleep on the table, he''d surely catch a cold. But asking him to join her in bed was a


    mouthful she found hard to swallow.


    After a while, he came out of the bathroom after a shower, asking her if she wanted the lights off. She


    answered him with her eyes closed, and he turned off the lights.


    The room was plunged into darkness. She waited for him toe over, but... he sat down by the table.


    Seemed like he really nned on spending the night on the table.


    "Didn''t you use to not give a damn about my feelings? Why are you pretending to be a gentleman


    now?" She couldn''t hold back her anger, "Want to freeze to death?!¡±


    He didn''t expect her outburst. He turned the lights back on. She squinted at the sudden brightness,


    immediately pulling the quilt over her face in embarrassment.


    He came to her bedside, pulling the quilt down to reveal her flushed face. "Violette, I didn''t care about


    your feelings before, hence you despised me. I don''t want to make the same mistake."


    She was taken aback, "Why... are you naked?"


    "I didn''t bring any clothes."


    "Then don''t take a shower." She snapped, "What are you standing around for. Get in bed." She


    suspected he did it on purpose; it was his scheme.


    He got into bed, lying next to her. His body warmth immediately transferred to her. She suddenly


    realized that this wasn''t just his plot. It was his seduction.


    Two dayster.


    A City airport.


    Mike and Joey were there to pick them up. Elijah had one hand on Violette''s bag and the other around


    her, trying to shield her from the bustling crowd. The four of them left the airport.


    After Elijah put her bag into Mike''s car, she spoke first, "You should go back first."


    "Should Ie over tomorrow?"


    Their whispers were low, but clearly caught by Joey and Mike. This was fantastic. The scene before


    their eyes was fantastic.


    After they got into the cars, they drove in separate directions.


    "Violette, don''t you have anything to say?" Mike started to tease, "You''re not as strong as you think.


    This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    You were about to blow a fuse, weren''t you? And now you''re conquered by his plot in just three days."


    Dra§Þanovels.c§àm


    Violette rubbed her temples, "Nothing happened between us, okay?"

 Chapter 512

    Chapter 512


    "Yeah, you gotta observe him at least until your baby is born." Mike suddenly chuckled, "I''m wondering


    if he can keep up his Mr. Nice guy act for that long."


    Violette looked at his smug face and said, "He''sing over to cook for us tomorrow."


    "What?" Mike doubted his ears, "Can he even cook? Are you sure he''sing to cook and not ruin the


    food?"


    Violette didn''t know what to say, because that was what Elijah insisted on. He messed up dinner the


    other day and wanted to make up for it. He thought cooking dinner himself would be a good way to


    Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    apologize.


    When they arrived home, Rita hugged her with joy. To celebrate her homing, Rita had taken the


    day off from school.


    "Rita, mommy missed you so much." Violette, disregarding her pregnancy, picked up Rita.


    "Violette, be careful." Mike reminded her, "Did you forget that you need to take care of your baby?"


    Violette immediately put her daughter down: "Rita, did you miss me?"


    "Yes. I miss you every day, mom." Rita said, her tiny mouth puckered as if she was about to cry, "Mom,


    don''t leave us again, okay?"


    "Rita, don''t cry. I won''t suddenly leave you guys again." Violette felt guilty, "Shall we go pick up your


    brother togetherter?"


    "Okay. Mom, Ian cried the other day." Rita pouted again, looking distressed, "If he were as dumb as


    me, he wouldn''t have so many troubles."


    Violette was both amused and helpless: "Baby, you''re not dumb."


    "I asked Uncle Mike to send me to the Talent Program, but Uncle Mike said they definitely wouldn''t


    want me." Rita looked aggrieved.


    "Baby, do you really want to go to the Talent Program?"


    "Yes. Ian was bullied, and I want to help him." Rita clenched her little fists, her eyes shining with


    determination.


    She was touched by the close rtionship between her children, but her daughter''s ability to


    distinguish right from wrong still needed improvement.


    In the afternoon, Violette took her daughter to pick up Ian. As the school gate opened, students came


    out one after another. Rita couldn''t help but step forward, turning her small head left and right, carefully


    searching for her brother''s figure.


    When Ian appeared, Rita immediately screamed and ran towards him. "Ian¡ª"


    Hearing Rita''s voice, Ian quickly looked up. A few secondster, ''plop'', Rita crashed into his arms and


    hugged him tightly. "Ian. I came to pick you up from school. Are you happy?"


    Ian was surrounded by Talent Program ssmates, and they all turned to look at them. After seeing


    Rita''s beautiful little face, they all looked stunned.


    "Ian, is this your sister?" A boy with sses asked Ian.


    Ian silently held Rita''s hand and grumbled a yes.


    The boy with sses blushed: "Ian, I can let you off in the future."


    Ian: "I don''t need it."


    Violette felt both amused and helpless. She walked over and held the hands of the two children.


    "Mom." Ian''s face softened at the sight of her, "You''re finally back."


    "Yes."


    After getting in the car, Violette started the engine. New ch?pter av§Ñble o? Dr?§Þan§àv§Öls.c§àm


    "Yes." Ian had adjusted his mood two days ago.


    The expressions on the faces of the two children froze as if they were under a spell.

 Chapter 513

    Chapter 513


    "If you guys don''t want him toe over, that''s totally cool. I''ll give him a ring in a bit and tell him to


    save the trip," Violette quickly added.


    The kids'' reactions suggested that they didn''t seem too thrilled about his visit.


    "He''sing over to help?" Rita suddenly caught on, shouting with excitement, "Well, bring him on. Let


    him do all the housework until he drops."


    Violette knew her daughter was just messing around, and she didn''t mean what she said. Thest time


    Elijah fainted at their doorstep, Rita cried inconsbly out of worry.


    "What would you guys like to eat? Think about it and let me know, I''ll have him cook it tomorrow," said


    Violette softly.


    Rita was a total foodie, she immediately started thinking about what she wanted to eat tomorrow.


    Ian, on the other hand, frowned, "Mom, are you trying to get back together with him?"


    "No," Violette exined patiently, "He wants to make up for his past mistakes. It''s the first time he''s


    admitted to me that he was wrong."


    They had argued countless times before. She had been scared, but she never backed down. Because


    what was wrong was wrong, and no matter how much she loved him, it couldn''t erase his mistakes.


    Hearing his mother''s words, Ian''s lips tightened and he said nothing. He couldn''t forgive Elijah, but he


    didn''t want to argue with his mom either.


    ...


    The next day.


    At 7:30 AM.


    Violette got up to use the bathroom, and while she was at it, she walked to the window, opened the


    curtains for some fresh air, and saw a ck luxury car parked outside the gate. She thought her eyes


    were ying tricks on her. She rubbed her eyes and looked again.


    It was Elijah''s car. His familiar figure was standing by the trunk, directing his bodyguards to take out the


    bags inside.


    She quickly went to the bed, picked up her phone, and checked the time. What the heck?!


    Hadn''t they agreed that he wasing to make dinner? It was not even eight in the morning yet, what


    was he doing here?


    Even if he couldn''t cook, he didn''t need to start preparing this early, did he?


    She hurried to the bathroom, cleaned herself up quickly, and rushed downstairs. When she came


    downstairs, the kids heard the noise and followed her down.


    "Elijah, what are you doing here so early? You bought so much food. Are you preparing breakfast or


    dinner?" Violette went to the gate, opened the door, and sarcastically asked him.


    It was the weekend, a time that should have been for rxation.


    Over the past three days in Z City, the two of them had been squeezed on that tiny 5-foot bed. She


    didn''t know how he had slept, but she hadn''t slept well.


    Violette watched him and his bodyguardse in carrying a bunch of stuff, looking a bit flustered.


    Although she wanted to be angry, she felt sorry for him.


    "I don''t want to see him. Have Uncle Mike stay with you." Ian tly refused his sister''s request and


    This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    headed upstairs. New chapter av§Ñble o? Dr§Ñm§Ñnovels


    Rita pouted, her beautiful big eyes looking lost in Elijah''s direction.


    Elijah felt her gaze and quickly walked over to her. "Rita, you and your brother are twins, aren''t you?"


    Elijah squatted down in front of her.


    This question had kept him up all night.

 Chapter 514

    Chapter 514


    Even though he never took a DNA paternity test to prove that Ian was his son, the remarkable


    simrities between Ian''s appearance and character to his own made him firmly believe that Ian was


    his biological son.


    Meanwhile, Violette had confessed before that Rita was her biological daughter. How could one woman


    possibly give birth to two children who have grown so big in just four years at the same time? The only


    possibility was that the two kids were twins.


    He was so excited about this possibilityst night that he couldn''t sleep. Because... he really liked Rita.


    From the moment he saw Violette''s two kids, he was particrly fond of Rita. No matter who Rita''s


    father was, he never felt any aversion to her, probably because Rita looked a lot like Violette.


    And Rita had a very interesting personality. Although she seemed obedient, she was far from being a


    ''goody two-shoes.'' She was lively and a bit mischievous.


    He admired this kind of character, so he had a soft spot for her.


    "What are twins?" Rita asked him with innocent and curious eyes, her eyshes fluttering. "My mom


    never told me about this. What does it mean?"


    Elijah''s hopes, which had been growing in his heart, were gradually dashed. Could it be that things


    Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    weren''t as he imagined? But what was the deal with these two kids?


    He wanted to take them to get a DNA test, but without the consent of Violette and the two kids, he


    didn''t dare to act rashly. Otherwise, he might lose their trust.


    "If you won''t tell me, I''ll ask my mom."Rita pouted and wanted to go find Violette.


    Not wanting to disturb Violette''s rest, Elijah picked her up and headed towards the kitchen. "Twins


    means you and your brother grew up together in your mom''s belly and were born together." Elijah


    exined simply, staring at her adorable little face.


    Her eyebrows, eyes, nose, and mouth were the spitting image of Violette. Violette must have been this


    cute as a child, right?!


    Time seemed to stop at that moment. The air also ceased to flow. He gently closed his eyes and kissed


    her soft cheek.


    After the kiss, his face immediately turned red. He realized he had crossed a line. Rita didn''t like him,


    and how could he kiss her?


    He immediately put down the bewildered Rita. "I''m sorry, Rita, I didn''t mean to..." Actually, it''s because


    you look so much like your mom that I couldn''t resist.


    But he didn''t have the chance to say this. Rita''s crying echoed throughout the vi.


    "Waaah! Mom!!" Rita cried, shouting loudly, "Mom! Ian! Someone kissed me! I didn''t want him to kiss


    me!"


    Tears filled Rita''s eyes as she pointed at Elijah in the kitchen. New ch?pter av?ble o?


    Dra§Þ§Ñn§àv§Öls.c§àm

 Chapter 515

    Chapter 515


    "That rascal Elijah, he kissed me right here." Rita pointed at her chubby little cheek, gradually calming


    herself down.


    This naughty man, which was her dad, kissed her. Did that mean he liked her? But she hadn''t decided


    whether to forgive him or not yet.


    Elijah walked up to Violette, apologizing sincerely, "Violette, I''m sorry. I thought your daughter was too


    adorable and I couldn''t help but give her a peck."


    This was the first time Violette had seen such a nonchnt apology. "I know my daughter is cute, but if


    everyone thinks she''s cute and kisses her like you did, how can she lead a normal life?" Violette asked.


    Although she scolded him, she was torn inside. Elijah was not a man who couldn''t control his desires,


    so was his affection towards Rita because of their father-daughter rtionship?


    "Rita, I''m sorry." He apologized to Rita again, "Can you hit me for that?" He extended his hand towards


    Rita.


    Rita hurriedly grabbed his big hand, put it to her mouth, and bit down! This little one was like a small


    wildcat. Even though she was little, she had quite a strength. Elijah felt his hand was getting bitten


    through.


    "Rita, stop biting!" Violette lightly patted her daughter''s shoulder, "If you hurt him, who''s going to cook


    for us?"


    Hearing her mom''s words, Rita immediately let go.


    Elijah quickly withdrew his hand, then put it behind his back naturally. Seeing his gestures, Violette''s


    heart softened. She took his arm and left the living room.


    "Ian, did you see that?" Mike analyzed to Ian, "Elijah''s moves are endless! First, he kissed Rita, then he


    acted hurt in front of your mom. Rita doesn''t have that much strength, could she really hurt him?"


    At this point, Mike nced at Rita''s little mouth. Rita''s lips were rosy, there seemed to be traces of


    blood on them.


    This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Uh, Rita, you didn''t have to use that much force. If you hurt his hand, how is he going to cook for us?"


    Mike said awkwardly.


    Rita blinked her eyes and licked her lips, "His hand tastes good. I couldn''t resist."


    "Are you hungry?" Mike asked, carrying her towards the kitchen.


    "Um... Will mommy be mad at me?" Rita suddenly became worried.


    "No. It was that bad man who kissed you first. You can fight back however you want when dealing with


    such an old rogue." Mike said, "If your mom gets mad at you, I''ll take the me."


    ......


    Violette took Elijah into a room. It was filled with medical supplies.


    "I''m sorry, my daughter didn''t control herself." Violette said. She saw the bloody teeth marks on his


    palm and med herself, "You don''t have to cook today."


    Elijah casually said, "It''s okay. I''ll wear gloves when I cook, it won''t affect anything."


    "Why did you kiss Rita?" She asked. Her gaze went down while holding the medical supplies and


    cleaning his wound.


    "Huh?" She looked up at him, "I thought you didn''t sleep all night! You don''t look so good."


    "I slept for a bit." He described his dream in an almost ethereal tone, "I dreamt that your two children


    were twins." Co?tent of Dr§Ñm§Ñ?ovels.c§àm


    She trembled, spilling the entire bottle of medicine onto his hand!

 Chapter 516

    Chapter 516


    Her words were pretty cryptic, but he got the gist of it. What she meant was, no matter if Ian and Rita


    were twins, or if Ian was his kid, he shouldn''t have any thoughts on either of them. Only the kid in her


    belly was his.


    ording to his past temper, he would''ve gotten mad for sure. But he seemed to have his emotions


    under better control now, and he figured having a kid was better than having none.


    She applied some ointment on him and got some white gauze ready to bandage him up.


    "Just a band-aid will do." He said, thinking the gauze was too formal and noticeable, and worried that


    people might think he got seriously injured.


    She ignored his suggestion and bandaged his hand with the gauze anyway.


    "Don''t get the wound wet for a couple of days." She instructed.


    "How am I supposed to shower then?" He asked.


    "Haven''t you ever been injured before?" She raised an eyebrow, ready to retort, but thought better of it


    when she remembered he got injured by her daughter. She continued, "If you can''t manage with one


    ? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    hand and don''t want anyone¡¯s help, just wear a waterproof glove."


    Looking at his thoroughly bandaged hand, he casually asked, "When can we find out if our baby is a


    boy or a girl?"


    "We''ll know when the baby is born." She put away the medical supplies and walked to the door.


    "Knowing in advance won¡¯t change anything." Violette added.


    "I hope it''s a girl." Elijah slowly walked up to her, expressing his wish, "Just like Rita."


    "The more you want something, the less likely you are to get it." She countered on purpose, "It might


    be a boy."


    The light in his eyes faded instantly. It was clear that he had a soft spot for daughters and he didn¡¯t


    seem to like sons as much, which exined why he was so hard on Ian. If Rita had offended him


    instead of Ian, the oue might have been different.


    Forty minutester, Joey drove over. Since Elijah was injured, Mike didn''t expect him to cook, so he


    asked Joey for help.


    Violette thought Mike just called Joey, but to her surprise, Odette, Ramsey, Brandon, Adrian, and


    Maka all showed up too.


    Violette didn''t tell anyone else that Elijah was cooking at home today. She had no expectation for his


    cooking skills, and what if he blew up the kitchen? Hence, it was better not to make a big deal out of it.


    But here was Mike, calling all these people over to watch the spectacle.


    "Wow! Mr. Bourne starts cooking so early?" Odette walked up to Elijah with a grin, noticing his


    bandaged hand. "The stove isn''t even lit yet, and your hand is already cut? What''s this ritual? A blood


    sacrifice first?" Odette asked.


    Elijah was teased, but he casually retorted, "Don¡¯t distract me."


    Violette couldn''t stand it anymore and dragged Odette out of the kitchen.


    "Violette, you didn''t even tell me about this big event. Were you nning to wait until you guys remarry


    and get your marriage certificate?" Odetteined. Updated at Dr§Ñmanovels


    "He''s just here to cook, don''t overthink it." Violette peeled an orange and handed it to her.


    Unable to dodge Odette''s questioning, Violette had no choice but to tell her about what happened in Z


    City. She tried to y it down and be as brief as possible.

 Chapter 517

    Chapter 517


    "Why are you two sharing a room?" Odette immediately nailed the issue.


    Violette exined, "It was pouring rain at that time, I couldn''t just kick him out."


    "Ah, so you guys slept in the same bed? How could you just let him sleep on the bed? He didn¡¯t pay a


    dime, and just because of a rainstorm, you gave him the chance?" Odette asked.


    Violette was a bit puzzled, "We didn''t do anything. Oh, he did do one thing."


    "I knew he must have done something." Odette said.


    Feeling the conversation was getting weird, Violette quickly interrupted her, "Odette, it''s not what you''re


    thinking! He washed my feet."


    Violette didn''t want to share this, but Odette¡¯s piercing gaze left her no choice!


    After she finished, Odette startedughing triumphantly, "Mr. Bourne is really something! Those noble


    hands of his, not only good for making money, but also for washing a woman''s feet! Is this humble and


    enduring spirit his secret to sess? No wonder sessful people can achieve in everything they do!


    If a guy washed my feet, I''d be totally down for it!"


    The room burst intoughter!


    Violette felt her cheeks burning, and she held her water ss with both hands, thinking about Elijah.


    Would he be mad if he found out she had shared this? After all, this could be a reason for people to


    Front yard.


    Adrian came out for some fresh air, and surprisingly, Maka followed him.


    "Adrian, are you a doctor too?" Maka looked up to him with admiration.


    Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Yes! But I''m just an ordinary doctor." Adrian blushed slightly.


    Maka gave him a smile, "It would be great if you could treat me. I don''t like Dr. Sarah, nor the doctor


    she rmended."


    Adrian froze, "If I could, I would definitely help you."


    "I believe you, Adrian." Maka held his hand tightly, "You and Violette are good friends, you must be a


    good person."


    Adrian wanted to pull his hand away instinctively, as it was proper to keep a distance from the opposite


    sex. But seeing her innocent eyes, and considering her mental disability, he felt guilty for even thinking


    about it.


    "Maka, Violette really hopes you will get better." Adrian said.


    Adrian looked at her innocent smile and said bitterly, "Maka, Violette can''t cure you now. If she


    could, she wouldn''t refuse just because of your brother."


    "Oh! So my illness is incurable?" After asking, Maka muttered to herself, "I think it''s pretty good


    now."


    Adrian picked an iris from the flower bed and handed it to her, "This is an iris, it symbolizes hope. I


    want to give it to you, hoping your future is full of hope." New ch?pter av§Ñble o? Dr?§Þan§àv§Öls.c§àm


    Suddenly, Rita walked in and stood by his leg.

 Chapter 518

    Chapter 518


    Elijah looked down at Rita''s cute and angry little face, correcting her, "Why are you calling me by my


    full name? That''s a bit rude, you know."


    Rita snorted, "Cause you''re a bad guy."


    "Did your mom tell you that?" Elijah asked, showing a calm expression on his face. He wasn''t upset.


    Rita was still so young, what did she know? Whatever she knew was taught by adults.


    "No way! My mom wouldn''t talk behind people''s back!" Rita quickly changed the subject, not wanting to


    rat out her brother, "What are you doing?"


    "Making stewed ribs." Elijah showed her the ribs he was marinating, "It''s your mom''s favorite dish.


    What do you want to eat? I''ll make it for you."


    Without a moment''s hesitation, Rita said, "I want chocte! And I also want meat! Can you hide


    chocte in the meat? But you can''t let my mom find out!"


    Elijah pondered for a moment, then asked, "I can do that, but can you tell me what your brother likes to


    eat?"


    Rita thought for a second, "My brother likes vegetables. But he definitely won''t eat anything you cook.


    He hates you the most!"


    Elijah got the message. He had to make up for his mistakes, bit by bit.


    After Rita left the kitchen, Joey sighed, "Sir, you don''t have to do this."


    First washing Violette''s feet, now cooking for her family. Was this still the boss he knew? If foot washing


    could be considered a couple''s activity, then what about cooking?


    "You wouldn''t feel belittled if you were cooking for Mike, would you?" Elijah retorted.


    Joey responded, "That''s different, I like cooking."


    Elijah shot back, "I like cooking for Violette."


    Lunchtime.


    Violette was eating the stewed ribs Elijah had made. They were a bit too sweet due to the extra sugar


    he''d added.


    "It''s a bit sweet." She whispered to Elijah.


    He tasted a piece and agreed, "I''ll put less sugar next time."


    Violette paused, next time? There was a next time? She didn''t dare to think too much about it.


    She noticed her daughter eating a te of lobster by herself at a small table, so she called out, "Rita,


    why are you eating alone?"


    Elijah exined, "I put chocte in the lobster I made for her. She was afraid you''d find out."


    Violette frowned and asked, "She asked you to put chocte in the lobster?"


    "Yes. Out of three lobsters, I only put one piece of chocte." He leaned in and whispered, "Give me


    some credit, it''s rare that your daughter is willing to eat something I made."


    After lunch, he went to her room to rest. He hadn''t slept at all the previous night, and he was


    exhausted.


    When he went upstairs, Odette suggested ying cards. Mike and Brandon immediately agreed,


    Adrian was not a fan of the game but was dragged into it anyway.


    Violette sat behind Odette, watching them y.


    Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Violette, I heard Elijah really sshed the cash this time just to see you, huh?" Odette asked.


    "What do you mean?" Violette was still trying to understand what she meant.


    She felt upset every time she thought about this,. Co?tent of Dr§Ñm§Ñ?ovels.c§àm


    She was so repulsed by Sarah, yet Sarah was the one who got the 100 million!


    If Elijah was a fool, then she was an even bigger one!


    Violette wasn''t interested and cut Brandon off, "You guys keep talking, I''m going to rest for a bit."

 Chapter 519

    Chapter 519


    After she left, Odette awkwardly asked, "Did I put my foot in my mouth?"


    Brandon said heavily, "You know about the 100 million that Elijah gave Sarah. Even though Elijah could


    also give Violette 100 million, it¡¯s not the same thing."


    "I almost forgot about that woman, Sarah, until you brought her up."


    "Their fight was all about Sarah," Brandon said. "Don¡¯t underestimate the impact of an ex."


    "True! Considering Violette is pregnant now, her emotions are a bit all over the ce. But her asking


    Elijah to cook means she''s willing to give him another shot, right?" Odette was a bit unsure about her


    thoughts.


    "Whether they will get back together or not, only they can tell," Brandon said leisurely. "We just need to


    sit back and watch as friends."


    ...


    Upstairs.


    Violette pushed open the bedroom door, and light was streaming in from the window. She quietly


    looked at the bed. Elijah was already asleep. Despite the noise downstairs, he wasn''t disturbed. He


    must have really been beat.


    She walked into the room and gently closed the door.


    The reason she agreed to let him make up for the missed Children''s Day dinner wasn''t because he


    spent big bucks to see her or washed her feet, but because he didn''t hesitate to enter the danger zone


    to find her.


    This was a man who was willing to risk his life for her. How could she ignore such deep feelings?


    Her emotions were all over the ce. Their rtionship wasced with so much.


    Sitting on the edge of the bed, she couldn''t sleep. She idly tapped on her phone and identally


    opened a photo. The photo showed a man and a woman, the man shirtless and the woman scantily


    d in a swimsuit, intimately hugging each other. She knew both of them!


    The man was Kaleb. The woman was Sarah. How did they end up in such an intimate photo?


    Violette thought she was seeing things, so she zoomed in on the photo. While she was erging the


    photo, it suddenly disappeared. A message popped up. [The photo has been deleted.]


    This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    She pressed the back button and realized that she had identally clicked on Kaleb''s Facebook. That


    intimate photo was posted by Kaleb. But now, it was deleted. She pinched her arm. It hurt. She wasn''t


    dreaming or hallucinating. Kaleb was with Sarah now.


    She stared nkly at Elijah. He probably still didn''t know. Should she tell him? How should she break it


    to him?


    ¡ªYour nephew is with your ex! Read at


    ¡ªThey might have been together for a while!


    ¡ªElijah, looks like you''ve been cuckolded!

 Chapter 520

    Chapter 520


    She was about to speak when she was stunned by the tears in his eyes and his apparent vulnerability.


    "Elijah..." She couldn''t control herself and called out his name.


    She wanted to ask, what was wrong with him? But before she could open her mouth, his big hand


    grabbed her arm and pulled her into his arms.


    She propped up her body with her arm, and her eyshes were trembling slightly. Their faces were


    only a few centimeters apart. She could see the broken emotions in his eyes more clearly.


    "Elijah, what happened?" Her heart was tightly knotted, and her voice unconsciously softened.


    "I dreamt you left me." his throat moved up and down, and his voice hoarse. "You left with another


    man."


    Her heart seemed to be stuck, unable to speak. She would not tell him that she had dreamt of him and


    Sarah together, dreamt of him marrying Sarah.


    Because she cared, she was afraid of losing.


    "It''s just a dream, it''s not real." She gently wiped the tears from the corner of his eyes with her fingers.


    "Don''t be with other men." He seemed to ignore her exnation, and his big hand tightly held her hand.


    "I''m not with other men." Her hand was held so tightly by him that it hurt a bit. But she didn''t withdraw


    her hand, because she knew that if she did, he would only hold on tighter.


    "Swear to me." He was afraid she would run away, so his other hand tightly gripped her waist. "Swear


    you won''t be with other men in this life."


    She was silent for a while, then said, "If you ask me this, what if you''re with another woman?"


    "I don''t want anyone but you." His deep eyes were full of deep affection, and he said firmly, "And you


    Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    can''t be with other men but me."


    "Elijah, I never thought about being with other men," She said word by word. "I just want to raise the


    child."


    Speaking of the child, the pain in his eyes deepened. Rita was a normal child, but Ian was not. Ian


    needed her to put in more effort.


    He didn''t know how the two children were before, but at least now, they were well taken care of. Plus,


    with the child in her belly, she really didn''t have the extra energy to date other men.


    "Violette." He looked at her, his eyes full of pleading, his voice hoarse. "Kiss me."


    She was stunned.


    "Kiss me!" His tone was anxious with anticipation and the awkwardness of fearing rejection.


    When she hated him, she even wanted to kill him with her own hands. But when she loved him, she


    hoped to give him everything.


    She didn''t hesitate and kissed his cold lips.


    ......


    In the living room downstairs.


    Rita wanted to y with Ian, but Ian wasn''t interested in her.


    "You used to always call him scumbag Dad! Now you''re calling him Dad?" Ian rarely spoke so much at


    once.


    It looked like he was really mad! Updated at Dra§Þ??§àvels.c§àm


    "With so many people in the house now, don''t call him Dad! Don''t call him bad man either!" Ian


    reminded her seriously.

 Chapter 521

    Chapter 521


    "Alrighty, brother! Let''s go hang out with Maka!" Rita dragged Ian towards Maka, "Maka said


    she''d take us out for some fun, and her bodyguard will drive us around!"


    At 5 PM.


    Elijah was helping Violette down the stairs.


    Everyone saw the cozy scene and their imaginations began to run wild. A nap usually only needed an


    hour or two at most. But they had been resting upstairs all afternoon. Everyone was grown-ups here,


    who would sleep all afternoon? So, everyone got the picture about what they did upstairs even if they


    didn''t say.


    "Are you guys done ying?" Violette asked, blushing from the stares she was receiving. She was


    trying to change the subject.


    "We finished at four, and Joey''s cooking! Didn''t you guys hear anything upstairs? Were you really


    sleeping the whole time?" Odette asked, looking puzzled.


    Violette blushed even more, "We were really sleeping. What do you guys think we were doing?"


    "Ha-ha!" Odetteughed and pulled her over, saying to Elijah, "You should call Maka and ask them


    toe back for dinner. Maka and the kids have been out all afternoon and haven''te back yet."


    Elijah immediately took out his phone and called Maka.


    Meanwhile Odette pulled Violette aside for a private chat. She asked, "Violette, be honest with me, did


    you guys make up?!"


    Odette was feeling a bit conflicted. When Elijah was with Sarah, Odette wanted to teach this jerk a


    lesson for Violette. But seeing him change, she thought maybe he deserved a second chance. Was itContent is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    too easy to give him a chance?


    "Depends on how you define making up. If you mean reestablishing a family, then no." Violette said


    and walked towards the courtyard entrance to see if the kids were back.


    "Alright then! Even if you don''t remarry, you guys are basically in a rtionship now, right?" Odette


    asked.


    "Not really." Violette''s eyes sparkled, "I think we have a friendly rtionship of co-parenting."


    "I think he''s changed a lot over these years. He used to dislike children, but he seems quite alright with


    Rita and Ian today." Odette said.


    Violette replied, "You can''t just judge a person by their outward behavior."


    "Of course, the real test starts when the baby is born." Odette cheered up at the thought, "This is his


    karma! Ha-ha!"


    Elijah hung up the phone and walked over, asking, "What are you guys chatting about, you seem quite


    happy?" His sudden appearance startled Odette and she quickly retreated into the house.


    "Are theying back soon?" Violette raised her eyes to ask him.


    "Yeah. They''re on their way." Elijah replied.


    He gave a bitter smile, saying, "I would bless her."


    "Oh, what if her lover is your nephew?" Violette asked.


    His smile froze, "Are they together?" Updated at Dra§Þ??§àvels.c§àm


    "If they really are together, I would not only bless them but also give them a big gift." His tone seemed


    even more cheerful.

 Chapter 522

    Chapter 522


    After dinner, Rita tugged at Violette''s hand, looking a bit worn out, "Mama, I''m sleepy. Can you give me


    a bath?"


    The nanny immediately stepped forward, offering to help. But Rita, looking somewhat drowsy and


    moody, insisted, "I want Mama to bathe me."


    Odette walked over with a smile and said, ¡°Rita, soon your mom¡¯s belly is going to get big. By then, she


    might not be able to help you with your bath.¡±


    Rita looked a bit startled and touched Violette¡¯s t belly.


    Demonstrating on Violette¡¯s belly, Odette said, ¡°By then, your mama''s belly might be as big as this."


    Rita looked a little frightened. Her mouth was agape and her little face showed full of disbelief. Odette


    carried Rita upstairs, meanwhile telling Violette, "Violette, you go take a break."


    Violette was worried about Rita, but Elijah grabbed her arm, saying, "Come with me for a bit."


    Violette went over to him and asked, "Where to?" She added, "I''m sure Maka is worn out from


    ying today. You guys should head back."


    Elijah took her hand and said, "Let''s go for a walk. The bodyguard will take Maka home."


    Summer wasing. The days were getting longer and the weather was getting hotter. The breeze


    outside was particrly refreshing. They both had a long nap in the afternoon, so he figured she wasn''t


    tired and wanted to take her for a walk.


    Violette assumed that by "going for a walk," he meant strolling around their neighborhood. However,


    ? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    Elijah opened the car door instead.


    Standing outside the car, Violette asked doubtfully, "Where are you thinking of going?"


    Elijah replied calmly, "Let''s go shopping."


    Violette was aware that Elijah didn''t like shopping. He must have decided to take her shopping to cheer


    her up. But shouldn''t he have discussed it with her first?


    As Violette got into the car, she told him, "You''re acting strange." She asked, "What are we shopping


    for? I''m pregnant now, and I can''t walk too much."


    Elijah responded, "I know. We''ll head back once you''re tired."


    They arrived at the city''s most famous high-endmercial street, which was filled with luxury brand


    stores. However, due to the expensive prices, ordinary people didn''t dare toe. So,pared to


    regr shopping streets, this ce appeared quite deserted.


    Being pregnant, Violette couldn''t be taken to crowded ces by Elijah.


    Looking at a menswear store ahead, Violette said, "Elijah, I don''t need clothes or anything. If you want


    to buy something, let''s go check out the menswear!"


    Elijah replied indifferently, "Let''s just take a look around."


    Nine o''clock at night.


    Half an hourter, Violette replied: [Just got home.] Co?tent §àf Dra§Þa?ov§Öls.c§à§Þ


    Odette: [Oh my god! You guys were out for so long! Are you feeling okay?]


    Odette: [Didn''t you guys eat enough at dinner?]

 Chapter 523

    Chapter 523


    Violette: [He might think I''m eating for two now, so I need to have more food.]


    Odette: [Ha! What did he get you? Snap a pic and let me see!]


    Violette took a picture of her loot for the night and sent it over. After seeing the picture, Odette called,


    "Did he also buy you jewelry? Ha-ha, is it a thing for men to buy jewelry for the women they like?"


    Violette was speechless, "He has an ulterior motive."


    "What is it?" Odette was puzzled.


    "For the event next Monday." Violette hadpletely understood his scheming actions tonight. She


    had initially refused the jewelry and clothes, but he insisted on buying them for her. When she asked for


    a reason, he provided one.


    This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Previously, she and Kylee had attended a signing event at the hotel. They were both wearing white


    sweaters and were mistaken for wearing couple outfits. She was also wearing a ne gifted by


    Kylee, which sparked some controversy.


    The issue was past, but not for Elijah.


    Tonight, he took her shopping and chose a dress for her that matched the one he bought, as a couple


    outfit. The jewelry he bought her was a beautiful gemstone ne. The color of the gem matched the


    cufflinks of the shirt he chose. He not only wanted to wear couple outfits with her but also wanted


    matching jewelry. All this because next Monday, the Dennis Group, the Bourne Group, and the border


    troops would sign an official contract.


    Hearing Violette''s words, Odette couldn''t stopughing, "How did I never notice he was such a


    schemer? Why didn''t you refuse the couple outfit? If you had, he would surely have done something


    even more surprising!"


    Violette said, "His donation to the border troops this time is a good thing for the country and the people.


    I don''t want to affect the cooperation over such a trivial matter."


    Odette said, "Ha-ha! It''s hrious! Your two''s love story even involves patriotism. The country should


    give you two a ''Best Couple Award''."


    Violette blushed slightly and quickly changed the subject, "I identally saw a photo of Kaleb and


    Sarah today. Kaleb posted it on Facebook, probably by mistake, and then immediately deleted it."


    Smelling drama, Odette said, "Didn''t Sarah move to the Bourne Estate after she got pregnant? Maybe


    they got together then!"


    "I also feel they might have been together for a long time. The photo I saw today, they were pretty


    close." Violette frowned, puzzled, "Didn''t Sarah really like Elijah? How dare she do this?"


    She had never revealed to anyone what happened that night. Because Sarah was Elijah''s official


    girlfriend at that time, and she was the outsider who intervened in their rtionship.


    "Are you sure?" She heard her own voice, ethereal yet filled with anxiety.


    Dra§Þa?ov§Öls.c§à§Þ


    Being as drunk as he was, Elijah might not know anything. But Violette remembered that night clearly.


    He had no energy to deal with Sarah that night.

 Chapter 524

    Chapter 524


    "Violette, why are your so quiet?" Odette asked, puzzled, "You reckon there''s a chance that the baby


    Sarah was carrying wasn''t Elijah''s? You know, the odds of getting pregnant on the first try are pretty


    slim. And the fact that Sarah was with that dirtbag Kaleb proves they''re two peas in a pod!"


    Violette was in a world of pain, muttering silently, "I can''t say for sure if there was really a thing between


    them. Odette, I''m beat."


    "Oh, then you better get some rest.¡± Odette suggested.


    Violette hung up the phone, staring nkly into the dark night through the window. Tears quietly rolled


    down her cheeks. She had thought that when Elijah was with Sarah, it was like any other mundane


    couple. She believed that the baby in Sarah¡¯s belly was the fruit of their many nights of passion.


    What augh!


    In the past period, much of her hatred for Elijah stemmed from his rtionship with Sarah. She


    Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    despised him, resented him, and even wanted to kill him herself. Everything he said fell on deaf ears.


    Whatever he did, she just wanted out!


    Blinded by jealousy and resentment, she saw him as an enemy. She regretted meeting him time and


    again, cursing him through countless sleepless nights. Now, the truth pped her in the face coldly!


    Her heart ached as if it would tear apart. He wasn''t the jerk everyone made him out to be, nor was he a


    scumbag who messed around with women. The hurtful things she said to him and the pain she caused


    him filled her with deep shame.


    After sobbing her heart out, shey on the bed, staring nkly at the ceiling. As all emotions slowly


    subsided, her thoughts became clear. No wonder Sarah had a miscarriage! The baby in her belly


    wasn''t Elijah''s at all. That was why she didn''t dare to give birth.


    What a wicked woman! Even on the day she aborted the baby, she didn''t forget to stage such a


    dramatic scene.


    At this thought, Violette''s body shivered uncontrobly. Neither she nor Elijah were fools, but they were


    yed around in circles by Sarah! Even though it was all in the past, the torment they went through


    was unforgettable!


    She wouldn''t let it go just like that!


    Monday.


    The Dennis Group.


    Violette showed up at the office in a white dress with a purple gem ne that made her skin glow


    even more.


    "Is our President Dennis in love? She looks so pretty today!"


    "Ha-ha! The big boss of the Bourne Group, Elijah, showed up at 8:30 this morning. Did you notice the


    purple gem ne President Dennis is wearing? I just brought Elijah a coffee and noticed his


    cufflinks are also made of purple gems!"


    "Oh my God! Are they going public?!"


    "Ha-ha! I hope they get together! We wouldn''t have to fear Golden Palm Tech then!"


    ...


    In the morning, news made the front page about Alexa leading a team deep into the mountains to


    donate drones to hundreds of schools nationwide. Soon after, news about the Dennis Group and the


    Bourne Group jointly donating drones worth billions to border troops also hit the front page.


    After reading these two pieces of news,izens startedmenting:


    -- Oh! Are they wearing couple outfits? Content of Dr§Ñm??ovels.c§àm


    -- Who would''ve thought we''d find such fun tidbits while reading social news.


    Lunchtime.


    Violette and Mike treated everyone to a meal.

 Chapter 525

    Chapter 525


    Elijah, Joey, and Brandon had been hanging around since the morning, doing some digging at the


    Dennis Group. Supposedly ''research'', but really, they were just here for a free lunch.


    This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Alexa knows her marketing game." Brandon said, scrolling through news on his phone, "But she''s met


    her match in us."


    "Their sales are solid though." Joey countered, "There''s plenty of potential in the lower markets."


    "Well, it''s cheap, isn''t it? But they''re winning poprity by losing money. The more they sell, the more


    they lose. Their n was to take over the market quickly, knock out the Dennis Group, then monopolize


    and jack up the prices." Brandon exined, "But they''ve realized the Dennis Group isn''t easy to knock


    out. They''ve started looking for other methods."


    "Cutting costs? Or painting rosy pictures for investors after gaining control of lower markets, then going


    for an IPO?" Joey took over the conversation.


    "Could be both. There''re a bunch of investors who are still bullish on them." Brandon grinned, "Alexa


    sure has a business brain."


    Violette, meanwhile, was ordering food while keeping an ear on their conversation.


    Noticing her distraction, Elijah whispered in her ear, "Don''t worry about Alex. She can''t touch you."


    Blushing slightly, she replied, "It''s not her I''m worried about. I''m just deciding whether to get orange


    juice or watermelon juice."


    "Why not both?" Elijah asked.


    "Alright." Violette said. After cing her order, she handed him the menu.


    "Violette, you''re over three months pregnant now. How are you feeling?" Brandon shifted the


    conversation towards her.


    "Just asional nausea, nothing special." Violette said. This pregnancy was much easier than her first


    one.


    "That''s good. You only have a daytime nanny at home now, right?" Brandon continued, "Shouldn''t you


    consider hiring a live-in nanny once your belly get bigger? After all, Mike is a guy. He can''t help you out


    if anything happens."


    Elijah cast a nce at Violette. She kept her cool, saying, "It''s still early. We''ll see when the time


    "Ha-ha, I don''t know why, but I''m so nervous about your pregnancy. It feels as if the baby is in my


    belly." Brandon teased.


    "Brandon, you''re going to scare Mr. Elijah. He doesn''t want to have a baby with you!" Joey joked, and


    everyone burst intoughter.


    As the atmosphere lightened, Violette threw out a question, "What do you guys fear most? Being broke


    or being betrayed?"


    "Betrayal!" Mike was the first to answer.


    Joey nodded in agreement.


    "I could handle being dumped, but not betrayal." Brandon answered.


    Violette didn''t look at Elijah. She knew his answer would be the same. She had wanted to find a chance


    to tell him about Sarah''s betrayal, but now she hesitated. How could someone as proud and arrogant


    as him handle such a blow?


    Wednesday.


    Violette finally got in touch with Sarah, who just returned from her vacation. They agreed to meet up at


    a restaurant.


    Sarah looked upset, shooting sideways nces at Violette. "Are you here to show off?" Sarah began


    talking.


    Sarah covered her face with her hand; her eyes were as wide as saucers!


    How did Violette know? Who told her?


    "Elijah, he..." Sarah stammered, unable to finish her sentence. Updated at Dra§Þ§Ñn§àv§Öls.c§àm


    Sarah looked pale and slumped into her chair!


    She hadn''t ordered anything, so why was there a package? She had no idea who it could be from or


    what could be inside.

 Chapter 526

    Chapter 526


    She parked the car right at the front of her house. The delivery guy was waiting for her by the door.


    As she got out of the car and took the package, her phone started ringing. She had the package in one


    hand while the other dug out her phone. After unlocking the door, she answered the call.


    "Where are you?" Elijah''s deep voice came through the phone.


    "I''m home." Violette replied.


    "Do you feel sick or anything?" His tone was filled with worry.


    "No, just came back to get a delivery." She crossed her front yard, got to her door and unlocked it.


    Once inside, she tossed the package casually onto the shoe rack, "Do you need me for anything?" She


    slipped into her slippers, with her phone in hand, and walked towards the couch.


    "Sarah is definitely with Kaleb now." Elijah''s bodyguard just brought Kaleb to him and he spilled the


    ? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    beans, prompting the call, "How did you know?"


    "How''d you find out?" She gripped her phone tighter.


    "Kaleb told me. He said he started seeing Sarah after we broke up. They made it official recently."


    Elijah''s tone was super chill, "I don''t mind Sarah being with him."


    Violette responded after hearing his words. If Kaleb told him that Sarah was his girlfriend and he got


    her pregnant, he surely wouldn''t be this chill.


    "That''s all in the past." Violette hoped this issue could be put to rest.


    Elijah hadn''t loved Sarah nor had a rtionship with her, and that was enough. She didn''t want Elijah to


    get hurt by rumors. Even if he didn''t care about being betrayed by Sarah, others would definitelyugh


    at him.


    On the other end of the call, Elijah was silent for a few seconds before saying softly, "I know you''re


    mad."


    "No, not at all! I don''t care, I''m not mad. Let bygones be bygones." Violette was casual about it.


    Hearing her voice, it seemed like everything was indeed in the past. But he felt it wasn''t that simple. He


    had been with Sarah, and Sarah was pregnant with his child. How could she not care at all? "I want to


    see you." He was filled with guilt and decided to make it up to her.


    "Oh, where are you now?" Violette asked.


    "I''lle to your ce." Elijah said.


    "If you''re at the office, I''lle to you! I don''t have much going on today." She didn''t want to disrupt his


    work.


    Hearing her say this, he rxed a bit and smiled, "Alright, I''ll be waiting."


    After hanging up, he checked the time. It would take half an hour to drive from Silverleaf Ridge to his


    office if there was no traffic. He stood up and headed for the door.


    Joey was looking for him and asked, "Boss, where are you off to?"


    "I''m going to buy something." He headed for the elevator.


    Joey was surprised and followed him, "What do you need? I can get it for you."


    Seeing his good mood, Joey curiously asked, "Boss, did something good happen?"


    Elijah pressed the elevator button, turned around and smiled, "Violette will be here soon."


    Silverleaf Ridge.

 Chapter 527

    Chapter 527


    At the Bourne Group.


    Joey was chilling in Brandon''s office.


    "Man, it''s been ages since I''ve seen the boss this happy!" Joey said with augh, "I was waiting by his


    office and saw hime back with a huge sack of fruits and snacks. Can Violette really eat all that?


    Ha-ha!"


    Brandon frowned, "Why did Violette suddenly change her tune? Women are as unpredictable as a


    needle in a haystack."


    "Do you think it''s because Sarah and Kaleb are dating?" Joey spected, "I can''t think of any other


    reason."


    "Let''s hope so." Brandon raised his cup, clinking it against Joey''s.


    Half an hourter, Violette arrived at the Bourne Group building. After having coffee with Brandon, Joey


    had been waiting for her outside. Upon seeing Violette''s Range Rover, he immediately went to greet


    her.


    Seeing Joey, Violette rolled down her window, "I think all the parking spaces might be taken. I''ll go park


    somewhere else."


    Joeyughed, "There are plenty of spots and just park wherever you want! You can even park right in


    front of the building if you like."


    He waved his hand in a direction, "Just park over there!"


    "But there''s no parking space marked there!" Violette said.


    "No worries! This whole area belongs to Mr. Bourne, you can park however you like." Joey said with a


    sycophantic smile, "Or you can get out, and let me park for you?"


    Violette shook her head, a bit embarrassed, "No thanks, I can do it."


    After parking, she got out of the car.


    "Ms. Dennis, you look absolutely stunning today!" Joeyplimented sincerely.


    She was wearing a flowery crop top with a matching body-hugging skirt. Her skin was smooth, and her


    figure was slender and well-proportioned. The outfit entuated her curves, making her look both sexy


    and charming.


    ? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    Seeing her dressed like this, Joey thought that the boss might have a hard time controlling himself.


    Violette felt a bit regretful. She was just here to see Elijah. Why did she need to dress up? She had just


    seen him yesterday. And they could see each other every day. He was still working, and she was


    visiting him dressed like this,. What would people think?


    "I..." Violette tried to exin.


    "Ms. Dennis, the sun''s zing outside, let¡¯s get inside! My boss has been waiting for you." Joey said


    while leading the way.


    With Joey''s guidance, Violette sessfully made it to the top floor of the executive offices.


    "I''ll leave you two alone." Joey said, leading her to Elijah''s office door, then tactfully retreated.


    Violette saw Elijah sitting on the couch, peeling grapes. His te was full of peeled grapes.


    Elijah stared at her, swallowing hard, "Don''t you feel cold to dress like that?"


    Although Violette was a little nervous, she found an excuse, "Pregnant women can¡¯t bear the heat."


    "How does it taste?" His deep eyes were focused solely on her face.


    Blushing under his gaze, she suddenly felt a surge of courage. She wrapped her arms around his neck,


    and her lips were meeting his slightly cool ones.

 Chapter 528

    Chapter 528


    Half an hourter, the Vice President rushed into Brandon''s office.


    "Joey, I''ve been looking all over this dang building for you. I knew you''d be here!" He sat down next to


    Joey Lamont, out of breath and sweating.


    Seeing his state, Joey asked, "What the heck happened? You look like we just went bankrupt."


    Getting himself a cup of water, the VP said, "Did you guys know Violette Dennis was here? Why didn''t


    anyone tell me?" He downed his water in one gulp, "I just came from the boss'' office. Man, I feel like


    such a fool. I bet he''s going to ask me to resign."


    Brandon and Joey looked at each other in shock. "Wait, they were in the office together?" Brandon


    didn''t dare to finish his thought.


    Nodding sadly, the VP said, "Worse, I wasn''t the only one who saw them. I had a whole team with me.


    I''m screwed." He buried his face in his hands, looking utterly miserable.


    As everyone knew, Elijah Bourne, President of the Bourne Group, never had any women around him.


    He never brought women to thepany, let alone did anything in the office. But today, he broke the


    pattern!


    The VP never dreamed he''d witness such a scene. Elijah, a man who valued privacy like no other, was


    probably devising a way to deal with the situation.


    Brandon and Joey tried to sympathize, but they couldn''t help butugh.


    "Stopughing, you jerks! I''m in the dumps here. This isn''t helping," the VP said checking his phone for


    messages or calls, expecting the worst from Elijah.


    "Don''t worry. I think you''ll be fine," Brandon said, trying to lighten the mood. "If I were you, I''d knock on


    his door in half an hour and congratte him."


    Joey added, "The boss is in a good mood today. Even if you messed up, he might let it slide."


    "Are you guys serious?" the VP asked, "He looked pissed when he saw me!"


    "What exactly was happening when you walked in?" Brandon asked.


    "Let me think... I just saw a blur of white. Oh, that was Ms. Dennis''s back," the VP said,ughing


    awkwardly. "Ms. Dennis was on top."


    Brandon''s jaw dropped. "I can''t help you there," he said shaking his head. "I didn''t expect that."


    Joey was also taken aback,pletely stunned.


    "If you guys can''t help me, I''ll just figure it out myself!" The VP stood up, ready to apologize to Elijah.


    "Hey, hold on a second! What if they''re still... busy?" Brandon tried to stop him.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Brandon dropped the VP''s hand, realizing there was no helping him.


    "Go find Violette," Brandon suggested.


    Joey added, "If she forgives you, the boss will too."


    President''s office.

 Chapter 529

    Chapter 529


    Did Violette take off? For real?


    The vice president took a deep breath, tapping on the wide-open office door. Elijah nced up, saw it


    was the VP, and immediately said, "Come in, shut the door."


    Man, that''s scary! His tone was the same as always, but his words were definitely nerve-wracking. The


    vice president walked in gingerly, shutting the office door behind him.


    "Boss, where''s Ms. Dennis?"


    Elijah pushed his files aside and asked coldly, "You need her for something?" He paused, then


    continued in the same icy tone, "You guys scared her off."


    The VP started sweating as he replied, "Boss, I''m really sorry! I''ll go apologize to Ms. Dennis right


    away!"


    Elijah frowned, pushing further, "You think she hasn''t had enough embarrassment?"


    The VP hung his head, a look of ''I''ll do as you say'' on his face.


    "I don¡¯t want anyone else to know what happened today!" Elijahmanded.


    The VP nodded vigorously, saying, "don''t worry! I won''t b!"


    "I still have things to take care of, bring the others to see me in half an hour." Elijah''s tone was back to


    its usual calm.


    ? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    The VP breathed a sigh of relief. Looks like the boss is indeed in a good mood today!


    Violette was driving aimlessly around the city. She was still shaken from the incident. So embarrassing!


    She dialed Odette, arranging to meet up. Half an hourter, they were sitting in a coffee shop. Violette


    ordered a dessert. Odette watched her eat bite after bite, perplexed, "You didn''t call me here just to


    watch you eat, did you?"


    Violette paused, then replied, "I went to see Elijah."


    Odetteughed, "So that''s why you''re wearing that outfit today. You always said it didn''t suit you, but I


    think it looks sexy and gorgeous on you! I bet Elijah was gobsmacked when he saw you in it!"


    Violette blushed, saying, "He was staring at me with those dumbfounded eyes. The contrast, it was


    killing me!"


    "Haha, the arrogant CEO turned into a devoted puppy?" Odette had already pictured the scene in her


    head.


    "Something like that." Violette took a sip of water, still feeling ufortable, "And then, we were on the


    sofa in his office."


    "Wow! That''s thrilling! But why do you look so miserable? Don''t tell me, he''s not good in bed?" Odette''s


    heart raced.


    If she was right, she''d definitely urge Violette to find a new man.


    Violette took a deep breath, her hands resting on her forehead, "We were busted in his office by a


    bunch of his employees."


    Odette gasped, "You guys are wild!"

 Chapter 530

    Chapter 530


    Odette shook her head, "Nope, wasn''t there any sender''s information on the package?"


    "I just nced at it. It seems to be somepany''s name," Violette voiced her confusion, "I told the


    mailman to put the package in themunity mailbox or ring my doorbell and leave it with the nanny,


    but he insisted I sign for it myself."


    "Oh, maybe there''s some valuable stuff in there. They usually only require a face-to-face sign-off for


    valuables," Odette chuckled mysteriously, "Could it be a gift from Elijah? You two are head over heels


    for each other now, right?"


    Violette shook her head, "Doubt it. He never uses delivery for his gifts to me. Even if he buys


    something abroad, he''d have it sent to him first, check it out, then give it to me."


    "Oh my! The way you put it, I''m kinda falling for him again. After all, he used to be my crush!" Odette


    stirred her coffee, "Violette, have you totally moved on from the past?"


    Seeing Violette''s behavior today, she was totally a girl in love. Violette knew she couldn''t hide it, so she


    nodded, "Let bygones be bygones!"


    "I respect your decision. Who hasn''t made mistakes in life?" Odette was happy for her, "I feel like


    you''ve changed since you got back together with him. And so has Elijah. You two look so happy


    together, just keep it up! Then your three kids can have aplete family, how great is that!"


    Violette looked down, "Can''t say for sure about the future. But I''ll definitely cherish the time we spend


    together. We''re not kids anymore, and our children are growing up."


    She had seriously thought about it. Right now, for her and Elijah, marriage wasn''t the most important


    thing. They needed a solid trust like family, not just a piece of marriage certificate.


    Around five in the afternoon.


    The nanny picked up Rita from kindergarten. When Rita walked in and was changing her shoes, she


    immediately saw the package on the shoe rack. "Whose package is this? What''s in it?"


    The nanny replied, "It''s your mom''s."


    "Oh, I wanna open it and see." Rita thought what belonged to mom also belonged to her.


    The nanny was a bit hesitant, "Your mom will be back soon, why don''t we wait until then? Or we can


    wait for your brother and see what he thinks."


    Rita nodded, thinking her brother would be back soon.


    About ten minutester, the bodyguard brought Ian home.


    "Ian! The nanny made some really yummy pies today!" Rita held a piping hot beef pie in her hand,


    totally forgetting about the package from ten minutes ago.


    While changing his shoes, Ian noticed the package on the shoe rack. Violette rarely shopped online, so


    there were usually no packages at home. Following her brother''s gaze, Rita remembered the package.


    "Ian, this is mom''s package. I want to open it and see what''s inside. Let''s open it together!" With her


    brother around, she wasn''t afraid of any trouble.


    Ian said, "It''s mom''s stuff, so we can''t just open it."


    Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Rita pouted, "What''s mom''s is ours, and what''s ours is mom''s! I just want to see what''s inside!"


    Afraid that Rita would do something reckless, Ian led her towards the living room.


    "We need mom''s permission to open it," Ian lectured her.


    "I can open anything in the house," Rita retorted, shaking off her brother''s hand, "Mom won''t get mad at


    me!" Rita rarely argued with Ian like this.


    "Then go ahead and open it," Ian said emotionlessly, "But I¡¯m not your ''brother'' anymore."


    Rita was speechless.


    "Rita!" Violette called out while changing her shoes at the door, "Ian! Mom''s home!"


    Rita and Ian came out from different ces.


    Hearing this, Violette looked at Ian, "Ian, what happened? Did you get into a fight with your sister?"


    Ian kept his mouth shut, not saying a word.

 Chapter 531

    Chapter 531


    Violette didn''t expect such a small issue. "Well, I wouldn''t really be mad. But that was pretty rude, you


    know." Violette said patiently, "You could''ve asked me if it was okay to open it when I got back. If I said


    yes, then you could''ve opened it."


    "Mom, can I open it now?"


    "Sure," Violette picked up the package, her expression turning serious all of a sudden, "Rita, I have no


    idea who sent this or what''s inside, so I better open it myself."


    She was worried it could be something dangerous or messy that could scare the kids.


    "Oh." Rita''s curiosity was piqued.


    Violette took a small pair of scissors and cut through the tape on the package.


    The nanny came over and asked, "Mydy, is Mikeing home for dinner tonight?"


    Violette answered, "He has an event tonight, so he won''t be back for dinner."


    "Alright, I''ll go set the table."


    "Sounds good."


    Violette opened the package and put down the scissors. A draft of cold air came from the box. She took


    out a block of ice from it.


    She started to feel suspicious. Usually, when there''s ice in a package, it''s fresh food. But the box wasn''t


    big. Besides the ice, there was a small roll of ck tape.


    She took out the tape and unrolled it...


    "Mom, what''s inside?" Rita looked up, her hands clutching her dress.


    Suddenly, a wave of nausea hit her. Violette, holding the box, ran towards the bathroom!


    "Mom! What''s wrong?" Rita started crying in fear.


    ? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    Ian quickly hugged her, "Don''t be scared, mom''s pregnant right now, so she might feel sick


    sometimes."


    Rita finally stopped crying.


    The nanny, hearing themotion, hurried to the bathroom. "Violette, are you okay?"


    Violette went into the bathroom and locked the door.


    Under normal circumstances, she would answer the nanny. But once she entered the bathroom, she


    didn''t utter a word. She was in shock!


    She''s pregnant now, so she can''t be as carefree as before.


    "I''m fine... Don''t worry about me." Her face was pale, trying to keep herposure, "Go have dinner.


    I''m not hungry. Don''t mind me."


    She whispered, clutching the box, and headed upstairs.

 Chapter 532

    Chapter 532


    Violette didn¡¯t look fine at all. Both Rita and Ian could feel it, not only was something up, but it was also


    pretty serious.


    "Ian, take your sister for dinner. I''ll bring up your mom''s meal." The nanny said.


    Ian, holding Rita''s hand, headed to the dining room. The nanny, tray in hand, went upstairs.


    In the master bedroom on the second floor, Violette''s fingers trembled slightly as she pulled out a tape


    recorder from a box. Without hesitation, she hit y.


    ¡ªI heard Dr. Mitchel has a secret disciple, who is even better than Dr. Mitchel himself! Tell me, who is


    this secret disciple!


    ¡ªI don''t know. The professor never told me.


    The familiar voice made her shudder with more intensity. It was Adrian''s voice!


    ¡ªOh, since you don''t know, I''ll just chop off your fingers and send them to the most likely person. Let''s


    see if we can draw her out.


    Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    This wicked voice was terrifying. Then, from the tape, came a ''thump''! The sound of a knife falling,


    followed by a scream! Adrian''s cries of pain made Violette break down instantly!


    Tears blurred her vision, her fingers clenched tightly, her nails digging deep into her palm, but she didn''t


    feel the pain!


    The nanny, tray in hand, stood at the bedroom door. Just as she was about to knock, she faintly heard


    a scream from the room. The nanny''s face turned pale with fear, and she immediately went downstairs


    with the tray.


    "Isn''t she eating?" The bodyguard asked, looking at the untouched food on the tray.


    The nanny walked over to the bodyguard and whispered, "You need to call Mike right away, tell him to


    The bodyguard paled, "Ms. Dennis is in trouble?!"


    "No! It''s that package. It''s really scary!" The nanny whispered, ncing towards the dining room.


    The two kids were eating in the dining room, but they kept their eyes on the nanny and the bodyguard.


    "Go outside and call Mike, I''ll watch the kids." The nanny said, heading towards the dining room. The


    kids were still young. No matter what happened, they shouldn''t be affected.


    Mike, receiving the call from the bodyguard, sobered up. His dinner tonight was with the top brass of


    the Bourne Group, an invitation from them. The close rtionship between Elijah and Violette had


    be well-known within the Bourne Group.


    "Joey, something came up, I gotta go." Mike stood up from his chair, addressing Joey.


    "What''s up?" Joey, noticing his worried expression, immediately left the room with him.


    Joey reminded him, "You''ve been drinking, get a driver! Or take a cab."


    Mike had only had one beer. He wasn''t drunk, but he still took Joey''s advice and put away his car key.


    "I have a bad feeling about this." Joey was uneasy, "Send me a message when you get home?"


    Mike gave him a nod, then hailed a cab on the street.


    Silverleaf Ridge.

 Chapter 533

    Chapter 533


    The nanny and the bodyguard looked shocked. "Ms. Dennis, where are you going at this hour?"


    Violette was tense all over. She couldn''t hide her nervousness, nor muster even a hint of a smile for the


    kids. Her eyes were red and swollen as she told Ian, "Ian, take good care of your sister."


    Ian was always strong, but he was scared by the sight of his mother. Though he was more mature than


    most kids his age, he was still only five. He clung to Violette''s clothes, asking in a fearful and sad voice,


    "Mommy, where are you going?"


    Under normal circumstances, Violette would patiently exin to the kids, even with white lies, to soothe


    their feelings. But now, her body was cold and she couldn''t think straight!


    There was only one thing on her mind, she had to go to B Country to rescue Adrian! No matter the risk,


    no matter the cost!


    Adrian was captured because of her. If Adrian didn¡¯t know her, he would never have suffered like this.


    That bloody finger felt like a knife, stabbing deep into her heart.


    The taxi stopped outside the mansion. Before Mike even got out of the car, he heard Rita''s heart-


    wrenching cries. He saw the two kids clinging to Violette''s arm. Violette was determined to leave with


    suitcase in hand. His heart twisted in pain as he approached Violette and took the suitcase from her.


    "Violette, what on earth are you doing? The kids are crying, can''t you hear them?!" Mike threw her


    suitcase aside, hands on his hips, demanding, "What happened? I heard something about a package.


    Where is it?!"


    She lowered her head and walked away. Mike followed her.


    "I received the package at one in the afternoon. If I don''t get to B Country within 24 hours of receiving


    the package, they''re going to kill Adrian!" Despair was evident in Violette''s eyes, "I don¡¯t have much


    time. Don¡¯t try to stop me!"


    Mike didn¡¯t realized the situation was so bad.


    "I''ll go with you. Don¡¯t leave me here babysitting! Violette, these people aren''t ordinary bad guys! You


    going alone is suicide! Think for the baby in your belly!"


    Violette''s eyes were bloodshot. She didn''t want to die, she didn''t want to take any risks! But she


    couldn''t let Adrian die because of her! That was even more painful than her own death!


    "Wait for me at the gate. I''ll exin to the kids." After whispering this in her ear, Mike turned to the kids.


    Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Ten minutester, Mike carried her suitcase and walked to her side, "Let''s go."


    As she walked away, Violette could clearly hear Rita''s faint sobs from behind. Her heart was painful!


    She wanted to look back at her kids, but she didn¡¯t dare to. Now she was at a dead end and could only


    move forward.


    An hourter, at the airport, in the VIP waiting room.


    Mike held his phone, unsure how to respond to a series of messages from Joey.


    Violette gripped her phone tightly, her knuckles white. She had thought about telling Elijah, but if she


    did, he would definitely stop her from leaving.


    "Violette, your phone is ringing." Mike noticed her phone light up and reminded her.

 Chapter 534

    Chapter 534


    The call dropped. She nced at the time. She wasn''t sure where he was right now. The airport was


    out in the sticks, if he was in the city, it would take him at least an hour to get there.


    Her flight was leaving in forty minutes. She couldn''t wait for him. If she missed this flight, the next one


    wouldn''t be until tomorrow morning. She didn''t have that kind of time.


    Mike noticed her pale face and took her cold hand. "Violette, don''t freak out. Whoever''s looking for you


    might need your help with some medical issue." Mike tried to reassure her, "Just try to buy some time,


    I''ll figure something out."


    "We need to save Adrian first," Violette said softly.


    "Right."


    "I''ve known Adrian for years, I''ve asked him for help so many times and he''s never turned me down.


    He¡¯s always sharing good stuff with me. He''s never asked me for anything, never. Every time I invited


    him to dinner, he always picked up the tab. He''s like my brother." As Violette said this, tears started to


    fall, "He could have just given them my name and he wouldn''t have gotten hurt!"


    Mike''s eyes reddened slightly and he hugged her, "Don''t cry. Adrian will be fine."


    At Silverleaf Ridge, Violette and Mike''s departure had left the two kids feeling down. Mike told them


    This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    they had to go handle some stuff in B Country, and they''d be back as soon as they could. But how long


    would ¡®as soon as they could¡¯ be?


    Also, the events of the night were too weird. Ian had no clue what was going on. He had a strong


    feeling something serious must have happened to make their mom so upset and leave in such a hurry!


    Mom had never just dropped everything and left him and his sister like she did tonight. Even Ian, who


    rarely cried, couldn''t hold back his tears.


    "Why are you crying? Do you miss mom?" Rita''s emotions, which had finally calmed down, were stirred


    up again by Ian¡¯s tears, "Did mom abandon us? I''m scared!"


    Ian cleaned his tears and hugged his sister, "Don''t be scared, Rita. They''ll be back soon. I''ll protect you


    until they return."


    Rita cried into her brother''s chest for a while, her voice hoarse. "I want Maka toe stay with us.


    Can you call her?"


    Ian nodded.


    The night deepened, the neon lights of the city flickered, stunningly beautiful. The ck Rolls-Royce,


    like a phantom, raced through half the city at top speed to the airport. As soon as the car stopped,


    Elijah stepped out, phone in hand, and walked briskly towards the terminal.


    The announcement overhead said the flight to B Country was now boarding, directing passengers to


    gate 4.


    Violette stopped in her tracks. Mike, standing beside her, turned and saw Elijah, "Violette, Elijah''s here.


    Do you want to go talk to him?"


    Violette¡¯s eyes welled up with tears.

 Chapter 535

    Chapter 535


    What could she tell hem?


    Now she had to head to B Country. Whether he agreed or not, she''s determined to go. Plus, she didn''t


    want to drag him into this mess.


    She took a deep breath and stepped forward. Barely ten meters away, she would turn a corner. Once


    she was out of sight, he wouldn''t see her anymore.


    ¡°Violette!" Elijah watched her stride off without hesitation, his heart pounding. His eyes grew bloodshot


    as he darted towards the check-in counter, only to be stopped by security.


    ¡°Violette! Look back at me!" He abandoned all dignity and pride, shouting loudly in the bustling airport


    terminal. ¡°Turn around! Look at me!"


    Violette''s steps were heavy as lead. She barely made it to the corner of the corridor, the short distance


    draining all her strength. Out of his sight, she leaned against the ss wall, sobbing quietly.


    ? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    ¡°Mike, tell him to leave!" Her voice was full of pain as she covered her face with both hands.


    Mike frowned, looking troubled. ¡°He won''t listen to me. You shouldn¡¯t be going either. I''ll call Joey!"


    After calling Joey, Mike took a hold of Violette''s hand and led her away.


    When Joey arrived at the airport, he quickly found Elijah standing at check-in counter number 4.


    Violette was gone. His heart, his soul, they''ve left with her. This was not the first time he''d been left


    behind.


    Five years ago, she did the same thing, leaving him no matter how much he pleaded. He never thought


    she''d do it again after five years. Although this departure doesn''t mean a breakup, the hurt is just the


    same.


    He rushed through countless red lights to get to the airport as quickly as possible, yet she wouldn''t


    even turn her head back to look at him. How could she be so cold?


    Joey quickly stepped up to him, murmuring, ¡°Boss, it''ste. I''ll take you home."


    Upon hearing Joey''s words, his rigid body finally reacted.


    He stared at Joey. ¡°Do you know why she left?"


    Joey froze. Mike texted him the reason right before switching off his phone. But he dared not tell Elijah.


    Choking, Joey blurted out, ¡°Adrian. It''s Adrian. Something happened."


    His brows furrowed and the sharp look in his eyes dimmed. He let go.


    Elijah took a deep breath and asked anxiously, "Why doesn''t she want me involved? Is it something


    dangerous?"


    Joey replied, "I''m not sure what happened exactly, but if they''re rushing to B Country like this, it must


    be serious."

 Chapter 536

    Chapter 536


    Joey understood him, and he always had his back, just like Mike would always have Violette''s, no


    matter what.


    2 a.m. A sleek, ck Rolls-Royce glided into the driveway of the Bourne family mansion.


    Inside the living room, lights were zing.


    Elijah stepped out of the car and Lacey was right there to greet him and fill him in, "Sir, what happened


    with Violette? Ian called around ten tonight and took Maka away."


    At the mention of Ian''s name, a fresh wave of pain hit Elijah. Violette didn''t just leave him, she left their


    kids too.


    "Sir, it''ste. You need to catch some Z''s," Lacey suggested, taking in Elijah''s gloomy expression and


    deciding not to push her luck.


    He was like a zombie, dragging himself to his bedroom. His gaze swept over the empty bed and


    thoughts of Violette''s determined departure flooded his mind. He started doubting if they ever really


    made up. Maybe everything that happened was just his imagination!


    He had only ever seen Violette took the initiative in his dreams. So it was all a lie. But the pain in his


    heart was more real than any nightmare.


    Time ticked away, and before long, dawn began to break.


    7 a.m. A car pulled up in front of the Bourne mansion. Maka stepped out. Lacey saw her and hurried


    over to ask, "Maka, what the hell happened? Is Violette not home? Where did she go?"


    Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Maka replied, "Violette went to B Country. Is Elijah home?"


    Lacey was taken aback, "Yeah, he is. He got home realtest night and is probably still asleep."


    Ignoring Lacey, Maka headed upstairs. As she reached the second floor, Elijah''s door swung open.


    He had been up all night, his eyes were red and the smell of smoke wafted from his room.


    Maka looked at the haggard and morose man in front of her, a flicker of fear in her heart.


    "Maka, how are Rita and Ian?" Elijah broke the silence, his voice hoarse fromck of sleep.


    Maka gathered her courage and suggested, "Let''s go find Violette!"


    "Did the kids put you up to this?" Elijah''s eyes were icy, his voice even colder.


    He''d thought about going after her, but every time he remembered her cold attitude towards him, he''d


    squash the idea. Humiliating himself wouldn''t earn him a second nce from her!


    "In our backyard."


    A wave of anxiety washed over Elijah and he headed back into his room to freshen up.


    Ian and Rita stood quietly in the yard, looking serious, a stark contrast to the zing sun overhead.


    Ian''s voice was cold, "If he doesn''t go find mom, then as far as we''re concerned, he might as well not


    exist."

 Chapter 537

    Chapter 537


    Ian and Elijah stepped out of the vi, their eyes meeting for a moment before Ian awkwardly averted


    his gaze.


    As Ian was still a minor and couldn''t fly alone without an adult, he had no choice but toe here. If it


    wasn''t for that, he would definitely not have chosen toe! He just wanted to get to B Country as


    soon as possible, to be closer to his mom.


    "Ian! Rita! My brother said he''ll take us to B Country!" Maka excitedly ran up to the two kids, joyfully


    eximing, "We''ll be able to find Violette soon!"


    B Country.


    Capital Airport.


    Violette was escorted out of the airport by two men in ck and into a ck Buick. Mike snapped a


    picture of the car''s license te from afar, they were unable to make a move yet since Adrian was still


    in danger. The ck Buick quickly vanished from sight, and Mike noticed a ton of messages popping


    up on his phone from Joey. He quickly dialed Joey''s number, who picked up right away, "My boss took


    Maka and the two kids on a private jet to B Country."


    Mike raised an eyebrow, rubbing his temple, "One would think they were off on a holiday if they didn''t


    know better!"


    "Can you quit with the sarcasm? What did you guys dost night? Violette left my boss alone at the


    airport!" Joey grumbled, "I just don''t get it, how can a great guy like my boss fall for someone like


    Violette."


    "Watch your mouth! Why are you bashing Violette?!" Mike snapped back, "Adrian is in trouble because


    of her, and she''s already having a hard time. We''re in B Country, not A Country. Elijah can''t just do


    whatever he wants here! Are you suggesting we should just bring him here to die?!"


    Joey gasped, "Die?! Is it really that serious?"


    "Someone sent her a bloody finger! Adrian''s finger!" Mike hadn''t mentioned this when they were in A


    Country, worried that Elijah would stop Violette if he knew.


    Joey eximed, "Holy crap! What did Adrian do?!"


    "Adrian wouldn''t hurt a fly. They''re after Violette." Mike hailed a taxi, "So stop ming her, she''s


    already in enough pain."


    "But why?!" Joey was confused, "Why go through Adrian to get to Violette? Why not just go after her


    directly?"


    Mike realized he couldn''t hide it anymore. "Because Violette is Dr. Mitchel''s prized pupil. But besides


    Dr. Mitchel, Adrian and myself, hardly anyone knows."


    Joey was taken aback, "Why do you know?! You''re not part of their crew!"


    "Violette performed my surgery." Once Mike exined, Joey immediately understood why he was so


    protective of Violette.


    "Elijah also hired a private investigator in B Country to find Dr. Mitchel''s prized pupil when he was trying


    to cure Maka. The people who kidnapped Adrian just used more brutal methods." Mike added.


    He never thought that she was right under his nose all along. How ironic!


    The ck Buick stopped after about an hour''s drive.


    "Ms. Dennis, please remove your clothes," a strange voice said.


    This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    She turned angrily towards the source of the voice¡ª

 Chapter 538

    Chapter 538


    A man with a head full of white hair but a youthful face came into her sight.


    "Are you the one who kidnapped Adrian?" She clenched her fists and asked.


    The man just smiled slightly and said to the two women beside him, "Help Ms. Dennis change her


    clothes."


    "Don''t touch me!" Violette shouted warily. "Why do I need to change my clothes?!"


    "Ms. Dennis, maybe there are dangerous items or poison in your clothes?" One of the women replied


    with a smile. "Don''t worry, we''ll clean your clothes and return them to you."


    Violette took the clothes from the woman''s hand, "I''ll change by myself!"


    "Ms. Dennis, you can change here," the woman still said with a smile.


    "How can I change here?" Violette looked around in surprise at the bodyguards and the white-haired


    man. With so many men around, they actually wanted her to change clothes in public?


    A Country.


    Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    A social news hit the headlines. This morning, a Gulfstream G650 private jet took off from the capital


    airport. There are less than ten rich people in the country who own a Gulfstream G650 private jet. So,


    this quickly became a hot topic after dinner.


    Alexa sipped her tea andughed, "It must be Elijah, right? There are only three people in our entire


    city who own a Gulfstream G650, and I know that the private jets of the other two are parked at other


    airports. Only Elijah''s ne is at the capital airport."


    Sarah Warren was also in a good mood. Originally, she was very uneasy about Violette knowing about


    her ambiguous rtionship with Kaleb Bourne. But now that Violette was in trouble. Who knows if


    Violette could return safely?


    "Sarah, you''ve done a great job this time!" Alexa praised Sarah. "If you want to deal with Violette, you


    have to get her out of A Country. After all, Elijah has a lot of influence domestically, as long as he wants


    to protect Violette, we can''t harm her!"


    Previously, Sarah had asked Kaleb to go to B Country with her, saying that there was something


    important. That important thing was to get Violette out of A Country. Sarah had lived in B Country for


    several decades and had a wider social circle in B Country than Violette.


    The white-haired man in B Country was a tough nut to crack. He was a notorious bad guy. But he was


    also very rich. His wealth made him friends with the politicians in B Country, and no one dared to mess


    with him there.


    Sarah found him this time, sold Violette''s information to him, and got a lot of money from him.


    "Violette is in a pickle this time." Sarah picked up her teacup and took a happy sip.


    "Are you sure?" Alexa also wanted Violette to die, but she was worried about her safety. "Elijah has


    already flown to B Country, and that guy Mike is not easy to deal with either. If they work together to


    save Violette, they can definitely save her. It''s just that it might cost a lot."


    Sarah gave a coldugh, "Silver King is a freak."


    Alexa was shocked, "Freak? Didn''t you say that he was looking for Violette just to have her cure his


    daughter''s illness? Even if he''s a freak, if Violette can cure his daughter''s illness, he wouldn''t harm


    Violette, right?"


    Sarahughed even more, "Violette can''t cure his daughter''s disease!"


    After changing her clothes, Violette entered the vi.


    "Take me to see Adrian." She walked beside Silver King and made this request. "I must make sure he''s


    still alive."


    "Send him down the mountain! Not throw!" The anger that Violette had been suppressing in her heart


    surged up.


    Silver King furrowed his brows, "I see."

 Chapter 539

    Chapter 539


    "Where is he?!" Violette demanded coldly, standing in the living room.


    Silver King gave his henchmen a nod, and they immediately brought Adrian in. He was dragged out by


    two men in ck, beaten to a pulp.


    Violette froze, she couldn''t believe what she was seeing! Adrian was all bloody and bruised, not a


    single part of him was unharmed.


    Silver King shrugged nonchntly, "Ms. Dennis, you should be thanking me. If it weren''t for my men,


    this dumbass would''ve jumped off a cliff and be smashed to bits by now."


    Jumped off a cliff?! Indeed, there was a cliff outside the vi. Adrian wanted to jump off it? Was he


    trying to protect her identity and avoid torture so much that he''d rather die?


    Tears welled up in Violette''s eyes.


    "Adrian!" She rushed to his side and cradled him, "Adrian! I''m sorry! It''s all my fault!"


    Adrian was unconscious, not moving at all.


    After a moment of bitter tears, Violette swiftlyposed herself, "First aid kit! Get me a first aid kit!"


    Silver King gave another nod and a henchman brought her a first aid kit. She bandaged his wounds


    whilst holding back her tears, then turned to Silver King with zing eyes, "Get your men to take him to


    the hospital! Now! If he dies, I don''t care if you kill me, I won''t help you with anything!"


    Silver King waved his hand, then Adrian was quickly taken away. "As I said, it''s because this idiot


    wanted to jump off a cliff that he ended up like this."


    "Shut up! You can¡¯t scare me with your tricks! You need me!" Violette snapped, her head throbbing. "I


    need to rest. Bring me Adrian''s medical report tomorrow. We''ll talk then."


    On a Gulfstream G650 private jet.


    Elijah was resting with his eyes closed. After two sleepless days, even his robust body was feeling the


    strain.


    Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Rita and Ian were burdened with worry and couldn''t sleep. "This is my first time on such a luxurious


    ne!" Rita said, her face a mix of excitement and curiosity. "I bet it costs a fortune."


    Ian scoffed, "I''ll buy you one when I grow up."


    "Really? Do you think Mom will be happy or angry when she sees us?" Rita''s happiness was short-


    lived, reced by mncholy.


    "We''ll contact Mike when we get there."


    "Okay!"


    Elijah noticed Mike''s haggard and downcast face. Could the situation be that bad?

 Chapter 540

    Chapter 540


    In the ICU of the hospital, Adrian''s body was swathed in thick bandages, only his swollen eyes visible,


    bulging with bloodshot streaks. His fingers were also wrapped up, clearly missing a segment.


    Rita and Ian weren''t allowed in, with bodyguards watching them from the door.


    Maka followed in, her bright eyesnding on the figure on the bed. She stared hard, but failed to


    recognize who it was.


    "Who... who is this?" she whispered, as if scared to disturb the patient.


    Mike nced back at her, realization hitting him that she was shocked. He guided her towards the door,


    "That''s Adrian, Maka. You better leave for now..."


    Maka''sposure shattered. She pushed Mike away, quickly walking to the bedside, her tears


    falling like rain.


    "Adrian! Adrian, what happened to you? Who did this to you?" Maka tried to hold his hand but afraid


    of hurting him further, she could only clutch at the nket, "The sunflower you gave mest time... you


    said it would bring me hope. Can I give that hope back to you?"


    Elijah listened to his sister''s anguished cries, his emotions a tangled mess. He never expected Adrian


    to be in such a state. No matter their rtionship, seeing him like this would hurt anyone. And for


    Violette, Adrian was an important person.


    He wasn''t sure how heartbroken Violette would be if she saw Adrian like this. He suddenly


    remembered their encounter at the airport. If his pleas had made her miss her flight to B Country,


    causing Adrian''s death, she would hate him for sure!


    Luckily, she had stood her ground, and it didn''t lead to such a grave consequence. For him, he''d rather


    owe her than let her get hurt again.


    But with her current predicament, how could he ensure her safety? Would her fate be worse than


    Adrian''s? Could their baby survive in such a dangerous environment? Sweat broke out on his forehead


    at the thought.


    "Maka, stop crying. He needs to rest now." Elijah grabbed Maka''s wrist, leading her out of the


    room. They had to secure the two kids and Maka first, then figure out how to rescue Violette.


    "Ian, take your sister and Maka home. Stay put, no running around." Mike instructed Ian, "Always


    have a bodyguard apany you when you leave the house."


    Ian nodded in agreement.


    "Going back to your ce or Violette''s?" Elijah asked Mike after they left.


    "Violette''s. Did you forget she''s the boss of AN Tech?" Mike tiredly responded, "I already know who


    took her."


    "Who?" It was rare to see Mike look so despondent.


    Elijah frowned. He had a different opinion, "A direct assault could harm Violette. If money can solve the


    issue, I can pay."


    "I know you''re loaded, but throwing money at him might not work! He wants Violette!" Mike scoffed.


    "Violette is mine." Elijah got into the car, sharing his ns with Mike, "n A, get the B Country


    ? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    politicians involved, pressuring Silver King to release her. n B, fight fire with fire."


    Elijah just smirked at his typical tactics, "You can handle the negotiations alone." Elijah had him get out,


    "Give me the car. I''ll arrange for n B."

 Chapter 541

    Chapter 541


    Mike said, "Hey, who are you looking for here? This is B Country, do you know your way around?"


    Elijah replied, "Money talks, buddy, and that''s a universalnguage. As long as I''m willing to pay,


    there''ll always be people willing to work for me!"


    Mike was a bit taken aback by his confidence, obediently stepping out of the driver''s seat. But Mike


    couldn''t resist a jab, "Remember back at the airport, when Violette ignored you? I bet you cried, didn''t


    you? Wish I had filmed that..."


    "Get lost!" Elijah shot him a frosty nce before mming the car door shut.


    White vi.


    Upon waking up, Violette received Adrian''s medical report. The list of injuries on his body filled several


    pages. It took Violette a good while to read through it all.


    "Ms. Dennis, he''s not dead. He''ll recover after some rest," the woman monitoring Violette said coldly.


    Adrian was indeed out of immediate danger, but his body was wrecked. Many of his injuries were


    irreversible. Like that severed finger that couldn¡¯t be reattached. His vision would definitely be affected.


    And many wounds would leave ugly scars.


    Violette wanted to cry, but it seemed like she was all out of tears.


    "Ms. Dennis, I suggest you ditch that long face. Men don''t find it attractive. If you want to survive here,


    Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    you''ll need to learn how to read Silver King''s moods."


    Violette couldn''t help butugh at the absurdity. "Survive here? Who said anything about wanting to


    stay?" Violette stood up angrily. "Take me to him!"


    She wanted to see what disease Silver King wanted her to treat. If it was curable, she would do her


    best, then leave this hellhole as soon as possible!


    The woman led the way with a smile. The vi was like a maze. Violette followed the woman through


    several turns, feeling a bit dizzy. "Here we are," the woman said, standing in front of a door. "Silver King


    is inside."


    Violette strode into the room. It was gold andvishly decorated.


    "Ms. Dennis, did you sleep wellst night?" Silver King approached her with a smile, assessing her like


    a piece of merchandise.


    Violette felt a sense of unease. When she saw the ''patient'' in the room, she screamed.


    In the room was an ice coffin. Inside the coffiny a beautiful woman. But this woman... was already


    dead!

 Chapter 542

    Chapter 542


    Violette felt a chill to the bone. She felt utterly bamboozled. Even though she was a top-notch doctor,


    she couldn''t bring someone back from the dead./


    "Ms. Dennis, this is my beloved daughter, the most beautiful woman in the world." The voice of Silver


    King echoed in Violette''s ears,ced with a hint of mockery and madness. "Can you save her? If you


    can, I''ll give you everything."


    Tears welled up in Violette''s eyes as she shoved him away forcefully. "You''re nuts. She''s gone, how am


    I supposed to cure her?. I can only treat the living. I never imed I could resurrect the dead."


    "Somebody told me you were Dr. Mitchel''s student, that your skills are even more superior than his. So


    why can''t you cure the dead? How would you know if you don''t try." Silver King clutched her arm tightly,


    not letting her go. "Ms. Dennis, where are you off to? This is your home from now on."


    Violette felt a chill in her heart. She suddenly realized it wasn''t the dead body in the ice coffin that


    needed treatment, but this living man in front of her. He was batshit crazy.


    Now that she was in his clutches, she either had to resurrect his daughter or die at his hands. The


    former was utterly impossible; even if she paid with her life, she couldn''t bring his daughter back to life.


    So, was death the only thing waiting for her? She wasn''t willing to ept this.


    "Let me go. No matter how much money you need, I can give it to you. I beg you. Let me go." Tears


    filled Violette''s eyes out of fear.


    She thought she had run out of tears, but she was wrong. It was simply because the shock she faced


    wasn''t great enough. Now that she was sure she couldn''t get out of here safely, despair loomed over


    her. She lost all her sanity, struggling with all her might to free herself. But the physical strength


    difference between men and women was too great, and she quickly exhausted herself, copsing on


    the ground.


    "You can''t bring back my daughter. I''m very disappointed." Silver King squatted down with a sorrowful


    This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    face, then with some fake mercy, said, "As long as you stay by my side and serve me wholeheartedly


    from now on, I can spare your life."


    "In your dreams." Violette''s gaze was like it had been soaked in poison, as she spat out word by word,


    "There''s no way I''m living with a lunatic like you."


    "Haha, Ms. Dennis, aren''t you scared of death?" Silver King grabbed her chin and had a wicked smile


    on his lips. "Are you really not scared? Think carefully before you answer."


    Violette, with a look of disgust, pushed away his hand and said, "If I was scared of death, I wouldn''t be


    here. Even if you kidnapped ten Adrians, they wouldn''t be as important as my own life."


    "Oh... true. Ms. Dennis, I know many geniuses in various fields, and most of them are like this. These


    kinds of people usually look down on moneybags like me. You look down on me too."


    "I have nothing but contempt for you because you think you can do whatever you want with money."


    Violette leaned against a cab, slowly standing up. "You''re infringing on my personal freedom now,


    which is illegal."


    "Hahaha. This is B Country. Are you lecturing me about thew?" Silver Kingughed recklessly. "Ms.


    Dennis, I genuinely want to keep you by my side. Don''t force me to get rough. I may be brutal, but I


    don''t kill kids."


    As Silver King spoke, his dangerous gaze moved to her slightly bulging belly. She felt like she was on a


    grill, breaking out in a cold sweat instantly.


    "I hope you don''t make me break my rule." Silver King''s smile slowly faded. "I''ll give you 24 hours, as


    per usual."


    She didn''t remember how she got back to her room. How could she have forgotten about the baby in


    her belly? She wasn''t afraid of death, but the baby in her belly was already four months old, already a


    lively life. How could she not care about the baby''s life or death?


    Silver King returned to the living room, his assistant lighting a cigar for him and handing it over.


    "Mhm." Silver King took a drag of his cigar, his half-lidded eyes expelling a puff of smoke.


    After the call was connected, Silver King took the phone.


    "I heard you captured a woman named Violette, is this true?"

 Chapter 543

    Chapter 543


    "This is B Country. A Country''sws don''t apply here." Silver King continued to chuckle.


    "Even so, someone is using our dirtyundry to ckmail us, demanding we protect her. Release her


    now."


    "No, I won''t." Silver King was adamant. "I need her to prolong my life. She''s a medical genius; she can


    definitely find a way to extend life."


    "You sure about that?"


    "I''m sure," Silver King answered.


    "Well, don''t do anything to her for now. She needs to stay alive," Mr. Hobbs said. "I''ll stall here. You


    better make this woman willing to stay, so you don''t give anyone any ammunition."


    "Got it." Silver King¡¯s smile turned chilly.


    How could he make Violette stay willingly? What could he do to make her want to stay?


    ...


    In the afternoon, Mike found Elijah in a mysterious and special bodyguardpany. Mike didn''t expect


    Elijah not only to have a strongwork but also excellent execution.


    Silver King was living on a high mountain now. Right now, they had made detailed terrain models and


    preliminary battle ns in themand room.


    "Elijah, you''re really capable. From what I know, this bodyguardpany isn''t open to the public," Mike


    whispered, pulling Elijah aside.


    "Do I look like an ordinary person to you?" Elijah asked seriously.


    "No... I mean, this bodyguardpany doesn''t cater to ordinary rich people." Mike exined further,


    "The owner of this bodyguardpany was a former Chief of Strategy. Although they''re called


    bodyguards, they''re actually professional killers."


    "Do I look like an ordinary rich person to you?" Elijah seemed confused. "Then who counts as an


    extraordinarily rich person? Give me a reference."


    Mike thought, seriously. They were discussing serious matters, and he was showing off here.


    "I''ve said, as long as the price is right, there will be people willing to work for me." His eyes shed with


    a cold light. "I must rescue Violette before dawn tomorrow."


    Mike, "If you''re going to use force, make sure she doesn''t get hurt."


    "I''ll go personally." His voice was firm, his eyes calm andposed. With that, he strode back to the


    8 p.m.


    The phone suddenly rang. He took out his phone and saw a video call request. He held his breath and


    pressed the answer button.


    Violette''s face suddenly filled the screen. Simultaneously, her screams came through. "Let go of me.


    ? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    You beast."

 Chapter 544

    Chapter 544


    "Violette." He cried her name in agony. His usually ice-cold face was now consumed with fury and the


    intent to kill.


    He wanted to save her, but it felt like they were so close, yet so far away. He could hear her heavy


    breaths, see the fear clouding her eyes, but he was powerless. His blood began to boil; he wouldn''t let


    the man hurting her get away with it.


    Over at Violette''s end of the video call, it was clear she was terrified. It was Elijah''s voice. Her body


    was shaking uncontrobly. She didn''t expect that Silver King would sneakily call Elijah. "Elijah. Don¡¯t


    look." Tears welled up in her eyes. "Please. Don''t look."


    Elijah watched her helpless and heartbroken expression, his heart broken. His fingers clenched tightly


    around his phone, eyes filled with anger. "I''ming to save you. Violette, I''ming right now." He


    said, tears silently rolling down his cheeks, falling to the corners of his mouth.


    The tears tasted bitter. He had never experienced such pain. Watching the woman he loved being


    humiliated by another man was more painful than killing him.


    With his phone in a death grip, he bolted to his room.


    Mike heard themotion and walked out, colliding head-on with him. "What happened?." Mike,


    wincing from the impact, saw his red-rimmed, tear-filled eyes and instantly knew something was


    seriously wrong.


    At this moment, from the phone, Violette''s screams kept ringing out. "Turn off the video. Please, turn it


    off."


    Mike took the phone from him and saw the scene of Violette being pinned down on the screen. He


    clenched his teeth, trembling as he said, "Violette, remember what I once told you. We will save you.


    But not now." After that, he ended the video call.


    "We are going to save her now. I said now." Mike''s words angered Elijah, his voice trembling with rage.


    This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "I can''t wait any longer. Let''s move out now."


    "Get a grip. What are you going to do now?. Bombard the ce? Kill everyone, including Violette?."


    Mike, his eyes bloodshot, yelled back, "I don''t care who''s humiliating her. I just want her alive."


    Elijah''s arm was around his neck, the grip loosened a bit.

 Chapter 545

    Chapter 545


    "We made a deal on the ne that if her ce goes dark, that''s our cue to swoop in and save her. She


    can use the ckout as a chance to hide in a corner, and once we''ve taken out all the bad guys, we


    can rescue her. If we don''t mess with their power grid and cause some chaos, they''ll definitely use her


    as a hostage against us."


    ......


    In the vi.


    The video call ended, and Violette''s voice disappeared. She stopped struggling and screaming, which


    seemed to take the fun out of it for Silver King.


    He was doing all this to make her his own. Only if she became his woman, would she be willing to stay.


    The reason he video-called Elijah was because he found out that Elijah was her boyfriend. He wanted


    Elijah to see her being humiliated, then surely Elijah wouldn''t want her anymore.


    "Why are you so quiet now? Do you really think that man wille to save you?" Silver Kingughingly


    pped her cold cheek. "Do you know how many soldiers are hidden in the woods below my vi? No


    one can enter my vi without my permission."


    "How long has your daughter been dead?" Violette asked coldly, staring at him.


    Elijah''s voice kept echoing in her mind. Even though she didn''t see him in the video, she heard his


    choked voice. She had nned to end her life after being humiliated, but now, she changed her mind.


    Silver King didn''t expect her to ask that question. He thought for a moment, then replied, "Including this


    year, thirteen years."


    "I can bring her back to life," she said calmly, staring at him. "I have a unique remedy that might be


    worth a shot. I can''t guarantee it will work, but there''s a good chance."


    Silver King intuitively knew she was lying, and his face turned both surprised and angry. "That''s not


    what you said this morning."


    This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "What are you afraid of? Even if Elijahes, it''s suicide for him, right?. Were all the things you said


    earlier just big talk?" She taunted. "If I can''t revive your daughter, I''ll spend the rest of my life with you."


    Silver King didn''t expect her to be so confident. He slowly got off her, ncing greedily at her body. "I


    don''t like your body. If you can''t revive my daughter, I''ll hand you over to my brutish men to be fucked.


    They''ll show you what happens when you lie to me."


    Violette buttoned up her clothes, held back her tears, and said coldly, "Go defrost your daughter now."


    After the power in the freezer room was cut off, the refrigeration stopped. "The defrosting is too slow.


    Do we need a dryer?." Silver King stood by the ice coffin, anxiously speaking.


    Violette sat by the ice coffin, coldly replying, "No. It must defrost naturally. If there''s a sudden


    temperature change, the corpse will rot immediately."


    Silver King gritted his teeth, anxiously watching. "If you can''t revive my daughter as soon as she


    defrosts, get ready to be raped by those brutes."


    Dawn was approaching.


    "Do it. Kill me now and let me join her." Mike had been awake for two days and nights, and he was on


    the verge of breaking down.


    Seeing the tears in Mike''s eyes, Elijah''s grip on the gun loosened.


    "Why are you crying? Do you think Violette is already dead?" His voice was low, filled with uncertainty.

 Chapter 546

    Chapter 546


    Mike buried his face in his hands, crying out, "I regret it so much. Why did I say those cruel words to


    herst night?"


    Elijah couldn''t help but feel his eyes well up as he recalled the events of the previous night.


    "She seemed so scared and helpless; even if I couldn''t immediately rescue her, I shouldn''t have said


    those things. She must have felt more desperate after hearing my words..." Mike was overwhelmed by


    his guilt.


    Elijah swallowed hard. "Stop crying. How''s the mission going?"


    Mike wiped away his tears and nced at the progress on theputer screen. "It''s almost done...


    definitely by tonight. My head hurts. What should I do if Violette really died?"


    Elijah dared not contemte such a possibility.


    "Maybe you should go home and take a shower," Mike suggested, looking at the stubble on Elijah''s


    chin, realizing he might have been suffering even more than himself. Violette was pregnant with his


    child after all.


    Elijah stood there, looking lost, as if he hadn''t heard Mike''s words.


    "You should go check on the kids, and Maka." Mike raised his voice.


    Elijah finally reacted, replying, "Mm."


    As he reached the door, Mike sighed, "You''re nning on taking the gun back? Elijah, Violette will be


    fine. She''s so tough, she won''t go down unless she sees Silver King drop dead with her own eyes."


    Elijah finally set the gun on the table and strode out of the room.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ......


    Violette''s vi in B Country was located in the wealthy district downtown. She chose this ce, not to


    unt her wealth, but because it was safe.


    Elijah was stopped at the entrance of themunity. He called Mike, who then called Ian.


    After 15 minutes, Ian came to the entrance with Rita. Elijah felt a wave ofplex emotions. If Violette


    was truly gone, what would he do with these two kids? He would, of course, take care of them, but


    without Violette, they might not ept him.


    "Ian, he looks so sad." Rita whispered to Ian as they watched Elijah from afar. Ian''s heart raced. Was


    Elijah like this because something had happened to their mom?


    Yesterday in the hospital, Ian and Rita had not seen Adrian''s state. But when Maka came back, she


    detailed Adrian''s condition. Ian had a nightmarest night, dreaming that their mom had passed away.


    Rita had the same dream, and they held each other crying through the night.


    After Ian let Elijah in, Rita asked him in tears, "Where''s mom? Didn''t you go to save her? Why hasn''t


    shee back?"


    Elijah didn''t know how to answer her.


    Ian couldn''t stand the silence, nervously asking, "Did something happen to my mom?"


    "Where''s Maka?" Elijah asked after changing shoes.


    "Maka went to the hospital to see Adrian." Elisa replied. "I had a bodyguard take her. I stayed to look


    after the kids."


    Elijah nodded.

 Chapter 547

    Chapter 547


    "Haven''t eaten yet, have you? I''m gonna whip up some lunch." Elisa spoke and then headed off to the


    kitchen in long strides.


    Elijah nced around the house. It was decorated in a minimalist style, with everything clearlyid out.


    Rita, thinking he was looking for the guestroom, ran ahead to lead the way. "You can crash here." Elijah


    acknowledged her, but a picture frame on the dresser caught his attention. The picture within was of


    Albina and Violette, each cradling a baby. It was a happy family portrait.


    He approached the dresser and picked up the frame for a closer look. In the lower right corner of the


    photo, it read, "We''re one year old now." So, the two babies in the picture were probably one year old


    at the time.


    One baby, in a tiny suit, the other in a white princess dress with a decorative crown, they were clearly a


    boy and a girl. Could they have been Ian and Rita?


    "Hey, over here." Rita called from the doorway, "Come check out the bed I set up for you."


    Elijah immediately put down the photo and strode over to Rita. The guest room was on the ground


    floor, facing south, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the outdoors. He only then noticed


    that the sky outside had turned gloomy.


    "Check out this pink bunny pillow. Do you like it? My mom got me two, but my brother doesn''t like them,


    so you can have one." Rita picked up a bunny-shaped pillow and showed it to Elijah.


    Elijah, feeling her kindness, smiled, and said, "Thanks, Rita."


    Rita blushed. For some reason, she found herselffortably nestled in her father''s arms, enjoying the


    sensation of being held high.


    "I''m gonna take a shower." Elijah''s face also turned a bit red.


    "Oh... go ahead." Rita sprawled on the bed, and her big eyes were watching him. "Why are you crying?


    Are you missing my mom?"


    "Mhm." Elijah opened his suitcase, taking out toiletries and fresh clothes.


    "Didn''t you say you''re picking up my mom tonight?" Rita asked in confusion. "It''s almost evening. Hang


    in there."


    "Okay." Elijah, his back to her, didn''t need to hide the pain on his face.


    ......


    At the white vi.


    Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    ?

 Chapter 548

    Chapter 548


    Time was ticking away, and the sky was growing darker. The rain was starting to fall. Although it wasn''t


    heavy, it was enough to make you uneasy.


    "Ms. Dennis, the potion''s cooled down," came a voice.


    Violette snapped back to reality, walked over to the wooden barrel, and checked the temperature of the


    potion with her hand.


    "Put the body in," she ordered.


    "Oh... just drop the corpse in like that, won''t it rot?" asked Silver King''s assistant. "Ms. Dennis, can you


    really bring the dead back to life?"


    Violette shot him a cold look. "You are doubting me?"


    "I''m just curious."


    Violette said solemnly, "This is a secret potion. The body won''t rot."


    Seeing her serious demeanor, the assistant didn''t question any further. A few bodyguards lifted the


    corpse and ced it in the barrel.


    Violette noticed the varying degrees of panic on their faces. No matter how beautiful this woman had


    been in life, her corpse from over a decade ago wouldn''t be appreciated by anyone. It was not the dead


    that were scary; it was the fear of the unknown that was terrifying.


    This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Ms. Dennis, what do we do now?" the assistant asked.


    "Wait," Violette replied calmly, standing by the barrel.


    The assistant seemed puzzled. "Wait for what?"


    "Wait for her toe back to life," Violette added. She felt somewhat fearful and nced out the


    window, whispering, "Doesn''t the room seem a bit dark? Turn on the lights."


    The assistant found her a bit entric but signaled to the bodyguards, nheless.


    A bodyguard went to turn on the light, but the chandelier hanging from the ceiling didn''t light up when


    the switch was flipped. Violette watched this scene, a glimmer of hope igniting within her.


    "What''s going on?" The assistant went over to the switch and tried again, but the chandelier still didn''t


    respond.


    "Stay here. I''ll check the circuit breaker." The assistant said seriously, then left in a hurry.


    At this time, the light above Silver King''s head also went out. He was entertaining guests in the VIP


    room, where the lights had been on until they suddenly went out.


    Because night had fallen, the room became even darker when the light went out. He thought the light


    had burnt out, but then his assistant rushed in, telling him that the power was out throughout the entire


    mansion.


    He thought he must have misheard. He had never experienced a power outage in his life. There were


    plenty of backup power supplies in the mansion.


    "Boss, the technician is working on it. The power should be restored soon," the assistant told Silver


    King.


    Seeing that the power was out, the guests hurriedly left. The sky darkened in an instant. With no


    electricity, the mansion was enveloped in an eerie atmosphere.


    "Where''s Violette?." A sense of foreboding rose in Silver King''s heart.


    "What a bunch of ipetent idiots. Were all the backup power supplies sabotaged?." Silver King was


    furious.


    "Yes, they were. Even if they sabotaged our power supply, we have Violette. There''s no need to be


    afraid," the assistant said nervously.


    Soon, they reached the second floor.


    "Violette. Is your maning to rescue you tonight?" Silver King taunted, pulling out a handgun, "Think


    you can get out of here alive?"


    His only response was silence.

 Chapter 549

    Chapter 549


    "Violette? Where''s she?" Silver King bellowed. "You bunch of idiots. Bring her to me now."


    The bodyguards and assistants started searching for Violette. She was just by the barrel, standing still.


    Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    How did she vanish all of a sudden?


    An assistant''s shlight illuminated the female corpse in the barrel, causing him to drop his phone in


    shock.


    "Ghost. I saw a ghost."


    There were trails of blood at the corners of the corpse''s eyes and mouth. It looked as if the corpse had


    The assistant, scared out of his wits, bolted. The bodyguards, torches in hand, also pointed their lights


    at the corpse''s face. Though they didn''t scream, their bodies betrayed their fear, and they started to


    flee.


    "Boss. There''s a bunch of helicoptersing." The assistant informed Silver King after reaching the


    first floor, the sight outside even more terrifying than the ghost.


    Silver King, gritting his teeth, lifted his pistol to the corpse''s head and pulled the trigger. A series of


    gunshots echoed, and the corpse''s head was riddled with holes. This was no longer his beloved


    daughter; his daughter was the most charming woman in the world, not a horrifying ghost.


    Silver King felt it wasn''t enough, he raised his gun again and shot at the barrel. "Bite the dust."


    "Boss, we better get out of here. There''s a fight breaking out outside." The assistant pleaded while


    tugging Silver King''s arm. "They seem to have hired ShieldGuard Security. It''s toote to call for


    backup now. If we don''t hide, we''re toast."


    The mention of ShieldGuard Security made Silver King immediately pull out his phone. "I''m ready to


    pay double. Can Elijah match me?."


    After saying that, he dialed the boss of ShieldGuard Security.


    "Silver King, even ten times the cash won''t help. It''s not that I don''t need your money, but you''ve really


    stepped into it this time. Some hacker has dug up all your dirtyundry. Too many people are involved.


    If you don''t die, all of this will be exposed. You''ve got two choices now, die or hide where no one can


    find you. We''ll announce your idental death then."


    The call ended, and Silver King turned pale. He didn''t want to die; he still had so much money to


    spend.


    "Retreat." He gritted his teeth and dashed towards the back door. There was a private helipad with his


    helicopter; He had to escape immediately.


    Ten minutester, the vi¡¯s power was restored. Darkness was reced by light.


    ¡°Violette.¡± Elijah screamed her name hoarsely. His eyes were bloodshot, and the sight of the chaos and


    fallen servants on the ground made his heart race.


    He went upstairs, and his gaze was drawn to the corpse in the barrel. The blood and holes on the


    corpse''s face made him gasp.


    Her body was cold as ice. He couldn''t feel any signs of life from her.


    Seeing this, Elijah was shocked. "She''s still alive, she must be. She can''t be dead, she just can''t." He


    roared in a low voice.


    The doctor withdrew his hand, looking at Elijah with regret. "Mr. Bourne, it seems she has stopped


    breathing."

 Chapter 550

    Chapter 550


    Elijah''s eyes were filled with murderous intent.


    The doctor quickly changed his tune. "I didn''t say she''s dead. She might be in temporary shock due to


    severe blood loss. Yes, shock."


    Elijah''s eyshes quivered slightly. He took a deep breath, tightly holding the woman in his arms,


    wishing he could merge her into his body.


    After a while, the helicopternded at a hospital, and Violette was rushed into the emergency room.


    Elijah stood outside the emergency room as if he''d hit the pause button on himself. He felt hollow,


    physically and emotionally.


    What was he supposed to do if something had happened to Violette?


    His phone rang, interrupting his sorrowful thoughts. He pulled out his phone, and like a robot, pressed


    the answer button.


    "How''s Violette? I''ve dealt with Silver King." Mike boasted. "That old fart. I knew he''d try to escape from


    the back door. I got him as soon as he stepped out."


    Elijah''s throat bobbed, and he said quietly, "She took a bullet in her arm; she''s being treated now."


    "Which hospital are you at? I''ming over now." Mike paused, then asked. "Was she conscious when


    you found her?"


    Elijah was momentarily unable to answer.


    "Speak up." Mike shouted. "Elijah, answer me."


    "She must be alive," he said vaguely.


    Mike got the message. Violette was either dead or about to die.


    "Mike, go home first." Elijah''s fingers clenched, and his remaining sanity allowed him to speak calmly.


    "The kids are waiting for you at home. Go exin to them."


    "Exin? How am I supposed to exin? Tell them their mother is dead?" Mike scoffed coldly. "Why


    Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    don''t you handle this?."


    "She''s not dead." Elijah¡¯sst shred of sanity was spent. "I told you she''s not dead. She can''t be."


    ...


    After a while, the door to the emergency room swung open. A doctor hurried out. "Sir, are you a rtive


    of the patient?"


    Elijah quickly stepped forward. "Yes. I am."


    "Is the patient pregnant? There''s a slight bulge in her abdomen..." The doctor inquired.


    "Yes. She''s nearly four months pregnant."


    Doctor, "Alright, the situation now is..."


    Elijah couldn''t help interrupting, "Is she still alive? Tell me, is she still alive?"


    Elijah''s eyes moistened, and he whispered, "I knew she was still alive..."


    "Oh, are you her husband?"


    A resolute light shed in Elijah''s eyes. "I am the father of the child."


    The doctor was actually asking whose safety should be prioritized, the mother''s or the child''s.

 Chapter 551

    Chapter 551


    He would naturally choose Violette, and he didn''t want to give up their child, but he had no other


    choice. Their baby was nearly four months old. If it weren''t for this ident, they could see the baby''s


    clear face at the next prenatal check-up.


    "Alright, sir, please sign this risk disclosure form." The doctor handed him a paper. "Does the surgery


    require anesthesia? It might have some effect on the fetus. If you want to keep the baby, we can skip


    the anesthesia."


    "Wouldn''t that be very painful?" Elijah sure wanted to keep the baby, but the thought of not using


    anesthesia before surgery meant that Violette would definitely be in a lot of pain.


    "Yes, it would hurt a lot. But she''ll get over it," the doctor said.


    "She''s already so weak, I don''t want her to suffer anymore." Elijah felt heartbroken, his breath


    bing painful. "Please give her the anesthesia."


    "Alright." The doctor took the signed risk disclosure form from his hand and turned to enter the


    emergency room.


    Elijah quickly adjusted his emotions. Even though the baby might have to be sacrificed, at least Violette


    was okay. If something happened to her, their child wouldn''t survive either. So, the current situation was


    already the best oue for him.


    ......


    Country A.


    Alexa walked up to Sarah with a newspaper in her hand.


    "Silver King is dead."


    Sarah nced at the newspaper, her face cold, "I got the newsst night. What a pity. I thought he


    could pose a threat to Violette."


    Alexa was a bit disappointed. "Elijah is still powerful. Even the Silver King fell at his hands."


    "It''s not entirely Elijah''s merit," Sarah said nonchntly. "But this time, Elijah paid a big price to save


    Violette."


    "Oh?" Alexa asked curiously, "How much did he probably spend?"


    "At least a billion dors, I guess." Sarah wasn''t sure about the specific number, but she could guess.


    "He really loves Violette. I had already given up hope on him, but seeing him give so much for a


    woman, I started to like him again."


    "Get real. No matter how good he is, he''s someone else''s man." Alexa''s attention turned to Violette, "Is


    Violette okay?"


    "How could she be? ording to my friend, Elijah has been with her in the hospital. If Violette just had


    a minor injury, there would be no need for her to be hospitalized," Sarah said nonchntly. "I think she


    definitely can''t keep the baby."


    "Even if she loses this baby, she will still have two children. She can still enjoy wealth and luxury with


    those two kids in the future." Alexa said jealously. "It would be great if we could get rid of her two


    children."


    Sarah didn''t expect Alexa to be so malicious. "Have you ever thought, if you do that and it gets


    exposed, your end will be death." Sarah warned her. "We should focus on making money now. Violette


    Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    is temporarily out of the game."


    ......


    Three dayster.


    Her eyes fell on the infusion tube; she instinctively reached out to pull it out. She remembered that she


    was pregnant and couldn''t take medication casually.


    Elisa immediately went to find the doctor, who arrived quickly.


    "Ms. Dennis, your arm was hit by a bullet, and you''ve undergone surgery. Today is your fourth day in


    the hospital." The doctor exined patiently.


    The doctor answered, "Your husband agreed to us giving you medication. But it''s likely that your


    pregnancy will have to be terminated."

 Chapter 552

    Chapter 552


    She was totally gobsmacked. If it wasn''t for the wound on her arm, she would have probably bolted


    upright from the bed.


    "What husband? I''m not married. No one has the right to decide the life or death of my child."


    She was so worked up that the doctor quickly apologized, "Ms. Dennis, I''m sorry. Mr. Bourne didn''t


    im to be your husband, he said he was the father of the child."


    "Even if he is the father, he doesn''t have that right." Violette lost control, and tears were rolling down


    her cheeks.


    Elijah had been keeping vigil at the hospital all night. This morning, Elisa came to relieve him so he


    could get some rest. She shouldn''t have disturbed him, but seeing Violette''s state, she had to call him.


    After Elisa called Elijah, Mike pushed the door open and walked into the room. "Violette, you''re finally


    awake." Mike sat down by the bed and wiped her tears with a tissue. "Don''t cry anymore. Elijah and I


    think alike - you are definitely more important than the baby. If we lose the baby, we can always have


    another. But if we lose you, we lose everything."


    Violette pushed his hand away.


    "I know you''re feeling physically and mentally awful right now. But this time, Elijah wasn''t wrong. He


    hasn''t had a moment''s rest since he rushed here to save you. He only breathed a sigh of relief when


    the doctors told him you were still alive."


    Mike had a newfound respect for Elijah after this incident, so he couldn''t help but defend him.


    Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    After Mike''s reminder, she remembered what had happened a few days ago. She muttered softly but


    choked up and couldn''t continue.


    She had hurt Adrian, made Elijah and Mike run around for her, and she also owed it to the unborn child


    in her belly. The situation had escted to this point, and it was all her fault.


    "Violette, you don''t need to me yourself. This has nothing to do with you." Mike took her cold hand.


    "You just need to take care of your health now. Once you''re discharged, we''ll go back to A Country."


    She just stared nkly, her gaze unfocused, not sure if she heard what Mike said.


    "Violette, shall I call the doctor to give you an IV drip? You still have two bottles of medicine to finish


    today." Mike coaxed.


    She shook her head in refusal.


    "Alright, when Elijah arrives, you guys can have a good chat." Mike sat by the bed, quietly keeping her


    After a while, Elijah arrived.


    "Violette, he''s here." Mike gave her a heads-up, then got up and stepped out.


    As the door closed behind him, Elijah walked over to the bed.


    Violette looked at his familiar yet haggard face, and tears rolled down her cheeks again.


    "I only want the one in my belly." As Violette cried out, she clutched his hand tightly. She wanted him to


    feel her heartache.


    Looking at her, Elijah felt guilty. "I''m sorry. It was poor judgement on my part. At the time, I was afraid


    you were in pain, so..."


    "I''m sorry. Maybe I''m not a good father." He spoke guiltily. Perhaps because the baby hadn''t been born


    yet, he hadn''t fully considered it as real life.

 Chapter 553

    Chapter 553


    Her voice choked with tears as she said, "I want to leave the hospital."


    He didn''t dare upset her, so he turned around to find the doctor.


    "Ms. Dennis, if you insist on leaving the hospital, we won''t stop you, but you need to have a check-up


    first. If the results are okay, I''ll handle your discharge straight away."


    Before long, a series of checks were done, and the doctor sorted out her discharge.


    Once home, she locked herself in her room. Before leaving the hospital, she had an ultrasound which


    ? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    showed her baby was two weeks smaller than it should be. This meant that her baby had stopped


    growing since she arrived in B Country, which was a terrible sign.


    The doctor suggested she terminate the pregnancy, but she couldn''t ept this.


    "Maybe we should get her to see a shrink," Mike suggested to Elijah in the living room. "The doc said


    her depression isn''t just about the baby. I think he''s spot on. What she went through with Silver King


    could wreck anyone''s mind."


    Elijah, looking towards her room, said, "We should give her some time. I believe she can pull through."


    "Okay. What about the baby in her belly..."


    "If she wants to keep it, then she should."


    Mike frowned and said, "But what if the baby has health problems after it''s born? What if the baby is


    mentally challenged..."


    Elijah turned to Mike, his eyes red, "Even if the baby is mentally challenged, so what?"


    Mike pursed his lips, not saying any more. Suddenly, the door opened, and Violette came out of her


    room. Their eyes bothnded on her face.


    "I want to see Adrian," she said, her voice cold and hard and her head bowed. She was still weak, and


    able to walk, but looking like she could copse at any moment.


    "I''ll take you." Elijah quickly stepped in front of her, reaching out to support her.


    She pushed his arm away, looked up at him, and said, "Elijah, if our baby is indeed mentally


    challenged, I won''t let it impact you. I''ll raise it myself."


    Elijah was taken aback. Had she heard his conversation with Mike? He hadn''t said he didn''t want the


    baby if it was mentally challenged. Why was she using the word ¡°impact?¡±


    Sensing the awkwardness between them, Mike quickly stepped in. "Violette, I''ll take you to see Adrian."


    Mike took her hand and led her out the door.


    On the drive to the hospital, Mike stole nces at her, seeming to want to say something.


    "I heard your conversation in the living room." She broke the silence.


    "Oh, he didn''t say he didn''t want the baby..."


    Mike seemed to understand something.


    "If he thought like you, he wouldn''t have asked me to have an abortion." She couldn''t forget his cold


    attitude.


    Mike was shocked and asked, "He asked you to have an abortion?"

 Chapter 554

    Chapter 554


    "When the doctor suggested I have an abortion, he didn''t utter a word. His silence meant he''d given up


    on our baby." Violette deeply inhaled, bitterness tinging her words. "He''s the father. How could he be so


    cold-hearted towards his own child?"


    Mike struggled to find his voice. "Maybe he just naturally takes the doctor''s advice."


    "He never listens to the doctor. He smokes when he''s sick, he drinks when he''s sick. No one can make


    him toe the line unless he wants to." Violette¡¯s eyshes fluttered, and her voice choked. "He just


    doesn¡¯t want this baby who might have health issues."


    "Violette, don''t make him out to be the bad guy. At least, he does care about you a lot." Mike tried to


    steer clear of the baby topic.


    "I know," she inhaled, her voice nasal. "If he didn''t love me, he wouldn''t havee to my rescue."


    Mike could only nod in agreement.


    "Mike, I love him too," she choked out.


    "I know, if you didn''t love him, you wouldn''t even consider having his baby." Mike frowned. "Violette,


    what are you gonna do? You''re not seriously thinking about breaking up with him, are you?"


    "I don''t want to break up with him, but I also don''t want this potentially sick baby to be his burden." Her


    eyes were moist. "I can''t abandon this baby that''s already formed inside of me. I can''t let go... I really


    can''t..."


    "Don''t worry about all that now. No matter what you decide, I''ve got your back." Mike handed her a box


    of tissues.


    Soon, they arrived at the hospital.


    Mike led Violette to Adrian''s hospital room. Adrian''s mother, Mary, walked out of the room, looking at


    Violette coldly. "Violette, I want to have a word with you."


    Violette followed Mary to a secluded corner of the corridor.


    The sunlight outside the window was a bit ring. Mary looked out, then back at Violette. "Violette, my


    son is like this because of you."


    "I''m sorry, I really am."


    "What good is your apology? I only have one son, and now he''s like this, do you know how heartbroken


    I am?" Mary''s tears fell. "I used to like you so much, but now I can''t stand you. How dare you show


    your face here?"


    "I wanted to apologize to you and Adrian''s father, and to Adrian."


    "We don''t want your apology.¡± Mary pointed towards the elevator. "Leave now. I don''t want to see you


    ever again. Every time I see you, I feel jinxed."


    ......


    Mike walked into the room and saw a beautiful bouquet of sunflowers on the table. He asked, "Did


    Maka send these?"


    Adrian had woken up a few days ago, his spirits were good, but his leg was broken, and he couldn''t get


    out of bed.


    "Yes. She sends flowers every day. I really appreciate her."


    "Adrian, you have a great attitude. Despite your injuries, you''re still grateful to others," Mike admired.


    Mike walked out of the room, only to see Mary alone. "Ma''am, where''s Violette?"


    Mary coldly replied, "I don''t know. My son needs to rest. Don''t bring her here again."


    Mary walked back into the room and shut the door.


    Mike rushed towards the elevator. She didn''t have her phone, no money, and she was injured. Where


    could she have gone?? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

 Chapter 555

    Chapter 555


    Mike stepped out of the inpatient department and looked around, but found no sign of Violette. With a


    disappointed sigh, he dialed Elijah. ¡°Elijah, get your butt to the hospital, pronto. Violette¡¯s gone AWOL.¡±


    On hearing this, Elijah bolted from the vi. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±


    ¡°Adrian¡¯s mom had a chat with her. Bet she gave her an earful.¡± Mike, standing in the hospital yard,


    scanning the surroundings, said, ¡°I goofed. I was shooting the breeze with Adrian in the room, so I


    didn''t keep an eye on her.¡±


    Elijah frowned. ¡°She must be somewhere around. Wait for her at the hospital entrance.¡±


    ......


    Violette stepped out of the elevator, wandering aimlessly towards the outpatient building. She found a


    vacant seat in the lobby filled with patients and their families. Tired, she sat down. Among the crowd, a


    couple was there with their sick child.


    ¡°I never wanted this kid, but you insisted. Now look, running to the hospital every few days. Do you


    know how swamped I am at work? I ain¡¯ting with you again.¡± The man huffed, ming his wife,


    who was holding their child.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t wish for our child to be sick. What¡¯s the use of ming me? It¡¯s your child too. If you don''t


    ¡°Fine, let her die. No treatment today.¡± The man stormed off after his words.


    The woman left alone, broke down in tears, holding their child. Finally, she, too, lost her patience, left


    the child on the chair, and walked away.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    Violette, watching the abandoned infant, felt a pang of sorrow. She stood up, intending to pick up the


    crying child.


    ¡°Don¡¯t touch my child.¡± The baby¡¯s mother ran back suddenly.


    Violette watched her take away the child, deeply moved.


    ¡°Violette.¡±


    Someone was shouting her name in the distance. She turned towards the sound, seeing Elijah running


    towards her. He came up to her, gripping her arm tightly.


    ¡°Violette, Adrian¡¯s injury is his own business, nothing to do with you. Don¡¯t mind what others say.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± She looked at his somewhat pale face due tock of sleep, and her gaze downcast. ¡°Let''s go.¡±


    He put her in the car and patiently buckled her seatbelt.


    ¡°Elijah, when are you nning to go back?¡± She looked at his handsome profile and asked.


    He looked up at her. ¡°We¡¯ll go together when you¡¯re healed.¡±

 Chapter 556

    Chapter 556


    Her eyes caught the shimmer of unshed tears in his. She wanted to tell him that it wasn''t like what he said, but before she could,


    he abruptly pulled away from her.


    With a resounding m, he shut the car door beside her. He didn''t head for the driver''s seat. Instead, he stood outside, dialed a


    number on his cell phone.


    She watched him silently. They were only separated by a car door, yet it felt as if a vast chasm had opened between them.


    He said she valued their child more than him. How could shepare the two?


    The child was innocent, so of course she would protect it more. He used her of having no faith in him, but the truth was that


    she had no faith in herself.


    Soon, Mike jogged over.


    Violette saw them talking outside the car. She didn''t know what was said, but Mike quickly took the car keys from him and slid


    into the driver''s seat.


    Elijah had his back to her the entire time, his muscles taut with tension. Only after Mike got into the car did she hastily withdraw


    her gaze.


    "He said he''s going back home tomorrow. Was it your idea?" Mike asked as he started the car.


    "Yeah." She couldn''t help but look out the window again.


    "He said he''s staying in a hotel tonight. Did you two have a fight?" Mike drove the car away.


    She ignored Mike''s words. She leaned against the car window and watched as Elijah''s figure grew smaller and smaller until it


    was almost impossible to see him clearly. Only then did she turn around.


    "Why are you doing this to each other?" Mike sighed as he stopped at a red light. "Do you think you''ll be happier without him?"


    ¡°My head hurts." She took a deep breath and closed her eyes.


    Just thinking about Elijah made her head feel like it was about to explode.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°You should rest when we get home. You''re still recovering, and | shouldn''t have brought you out." Mike said, "And | spoke to


    Adrian. He doesn''t me you for anything. Don''t let his mother''s words get to you."


    Dinner.


    Maka picked at her food listlessly. One, because she was going back with Elijah tomorrow. Two, because she knew Elijah and


    Violette had fought again.


    ane

 Chapter 557

    Chapter 557


    As dawn broke, Maka tiptoed into Violette¡¯s room, whispering a soft farewell, ¡°Violette, I''m leaving now. Take care of yourself


    and when you''re healed, promise me you''lle back home, okay?¡±


    Maka whispered and quickly left the room to avoid waking her up. Violette opened her eyes to an empty room, feeling a


    profound sense of loss.


    At 8:00 in the morning, a Gulfstream G650 private jet took off from the capital airport of B Country with its destination being the


    capital airport of A Country. After more than ten hours of flight, the ne gradually descended at the capital airport. At this time, it


    was 6:00 in the morning in A Country.


    Adrian went back with them.


    ¡°Mr. Bourne, thank you for bringing us home," Mary thanked Elijah sincerely.


    ¡°No problem," Elijah replied.


    ¡°Well, we better get going.¡± Mary said.


    Elijah cleared his throat, hesitated briefly and said, ¡°Mary, you can''t me Violette for Adrian''s injuries. She didn¡¯t even tell me


    that she was Dr. Mitchel''sst student. Adrian was kidnapped because he used to be Dr. Mitchel''s assistant, not because of


    Violette.¡±


    Mary was taken aback.


    Once Elijah had said his piece, he left inrge strides.


    ¡°Mom, what did you say to Violette?¡± Adrian asked, his face serious as he sat in his wheelchair. ¡°Violette is also a victim. How


    could you me her?¡±? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    Mary¡¯s eyes reddened, ¡°I''m sorry, son. | was just so upset. You had such a bright future ahead of you, and now it''s all ruined. If


    you hadn''t met Violette, none of this would have happened.¡±


    Adrian retorted sharply, ¡°Mom! Didn''t you hear what Elijah just said? It has nothing to do with Violette.¡±


    Mary insisted, ¡°How can it have nothing to do with her? If Dr. Mitchel hadn''t made her his student, none of this would have


    happened.¡±


    Adrian responded, ¡°So being excellent is a mistake now? If that''s the case, | might as well be a nobody for the rest of my life.¡±


    News of Elijah''s return quickly spread across the country.


    ¡°Elijah returned alone, but Violette is still in B country.¡± Alexa shared thetest scoop with Sarah, ¡°And Elijah went straight to


    work after returning. | suspect there''s trouble in paradise.¡±


    ¡°That doesn''t make sense. Elijah invested billions for Violette.¡± Sarah expressed disbelief, ¡°Could it be that he dumped Violette?¡±


    ¡°Regardless of who dumped who, Elijah''s billions are now down the drain.¡± Alexa rejoiced in their misfortune, ¡°Violette certainly


    can''t pay him back.¡±


    Sarah responded sarcastically, ¡°Elijah is a very chauvinistic man, even if they broke up, he wouldn''t ask Violette for the money


    back.¡±


    Alexa spected, ¡°Billions isn''t a small amount for Elijah. He may want to ask her back, but he just might be too embarrassed to


    do so.¡±


    Sarah raised her eyebrows, ¡°What''s your n?¡±


    Alexa shed a mysterious smile, leaned in close and whispered her n.


    At Bourne Group,


    After arriving at the office, Elijah worked tirelessly to clear up the backlog of work. He didn''t even have a chance to grab a drink


    before rushing off to a lunch meeting with a client.


    Joey trailed behind him, texting Brandon: [ Their rtionship is probably over.]


    Brandon replied: [| went to see him


    this morning, and |.c Ieefell 6m his


    cession cbori fel him drink at the


    meeting.] Please read the original


    content at .


    Joey: [Got it. Brandon, how much did the he spend on this trip?]


    Brandon: [[Sweating]. Why do you ask?]


    Joey:[The way he''s working so hard, I''m starting to think he might be broke.]


    Brandon: [Not likely. | think he''s just using work to numb himself.]


    Joey pocketed his phone and quickly


    caught up with Elijah. eS aus A:


    meetin let me ake fal hore to


    rest¡± za suggested, ¡°It''s closer to


    your ce from here.¡± Please read


    the original content at


    .


    Elijah replied, ¡°I''m not tired.¡±


    Joey exined awkwardly, ¡°The


    company is organizing a two-


    team buil ing eyennifis afternoon,


    Youic Id use the time to rest, or if


    you prefer, you could join us for the


    event.¡± Please read the original


    content at .


    Elijah¡¯s gaze darkened, ¡°Do | have any other options?¡±

 Chapter 558

    Chapter 558


    He didn''t want to go home, nor did he want to partake in the team-building activities.


    Seeing his misery, Joey suggested, "Why not take a break? Where do you want to go? | can book a hotel for you.¡±


    He considered for a moment and replied, "I want to drink."


    Joey was left speechless. Was this his real reason for attending dinner parties?


    An hourter, Elijah got his wish and was heavily inebriated. After escorting him home, Joey heaved a sigh of relief. Although


    drinking was bad for his health, if Elijah didn''t drink, he wouldn''t sleep.


    On his way out from the Bourne''s residence, Joey called Mike, "What''s Violette thinking? My president has spent so much


    energy and money on her, and all she does is hurt him."


    At that moment, it was nighttime in Country B.


    Mike rubbed his forehead and yawned, "What are you bbering about now?"


    "Did Violette initiate the breakup? Is she heartless?" Joey vented his frustrations.


    "Joey, are you considering yourself as Elijah''s father, or treating Elijah as your son?" Mike snapped, "Their rtionship is none of


    your business. Stay out of it."


    "You''re yelling at me?!"


    m yelling at you!" Mike felt more energetic as he yelled, so he decided to get out of bed and pour a ss of water to soothe


    his throat. "The child Violette is carrying is likely to have issues. The doctor says it can''t be kept. She''s suffering terribly. You think


    your boss is the only one hurting?!"


    Joey touched his nose, "Well. So that''s why they broke up?"


    "| guess so. Elijah thinks they should listen to the doctor and terminate the pregnancy, but Violette can''t bear to do it. She doesn''t


    want to drag him down, so she wants to give birth and raise the child on her own. Hence, she decided to break up with him.


    What did Violette do wrong?"


    "Why didn''t you tell me about this big thing?" Joey''s tone became calmer.


    "I''ve been so busy | haven''t even had time to sleep. How can | tell you?"


    ¡°Alright, go to sleep then." Joey''s mood sank, "By the way, when are you guys nning to return?"


    "| don''t know. We haven''t discussed it yet."? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    "| see. Since the doctor said the child might have issues, they should listen to the doctor and terminate the pregnancy. Giving


    birth to an unhealthy child is also a form of torment." Joey couldn''t help but share his opinion before hanging up.


    Mike flopped onto the bed, "Did you


    forget she''s also a doctor? What if


    she can cure the child¡¯s\itnesO''"!


    Besides thetchltthas been in her


    womb for nearly four months. It''s


    normal that she''s attached and


    doesn''t want to get an abortion."


    Please read the original content at


    .


    "Yeah, it''s a real mess. What was supposed to be a joyful event has turned into a tragedy." Joey thought back to when they had


    made up before leaving for Country B. Life was full of uncertainties.


    "It''s good that they are taking some


    time apart to cool down. Maybe after


    a few days, Violette wilisharig het


    iva and tacided abort the baby."


    ike said, "Her refusal to terminate


    now might be because she''s upset


    about Elijah''s attitude towards the


    child." Please read the original


    content at .


    "Try to talk to her. Whether she keeps the child or not, don''t let her get too upset. When you guyse back, we''ll catch up."


    "OK."


    On Sunday, a piece of news went


    viral in Country A. The news was


    published on the elepusqaic jaune |


    Walt arteohhbidcies, The headline


    was sensational - Bourne Group CEO


    Elijah swindled out of ten billion?! The


    truth behind the scenes will bring you


    to tears! Please read the original


    content at .


    The subheading read: Don''t let so-called love empty your wallet!


    The article mentioned the shooting incident that happened in Country B.

 Chapter 559

    Chapter 559


    But the article''s author suggested that all this was Violette''s orchestration, designed to swindle Elijah out of his fortune.


    Violette made her fortune in the B country, which she considered her second home. Couldn''t her connections and her wealth in B


    Country help her resolve the crisis when she was kidnapped in her own hometown? Did she really need Elijah to fly in on his


    private jet to her rescue?


    And so, Elijah threw ten billion into the fray, only to return home heartbroken and alone. The author was convinced Elijah had


    been tricked by Violette. Duped not just out of love, but more critically, out of ten billion.


    The article concluded that even a shrewd man like Elijah could be yed for a fool by a woman. If one wanted to keep his


    wealth, he must stay away from women, especially a good looking ¡®powerful woman¡¯ like Violette. Because her wealth was


    basically obtained through men.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    The article was circted widely and soon became a sensation. Such explosive news, if true, would be quite a shocker.


    ¡ª|I think there''s some credibility to this news. A few days ago, Elijah did fly to B Country on his private jet. My friend who works


    at the capital airport told me.]


    ¡ª{So it seems that Elijah is a hopeless romantic?! Ten billion, oh my god! Violette sure knows her game.]


    ¡ª(Violette probably won''t dare to return home, huh? How long would herpany have to run to earn ten billion.]


    ¡ª[Can Elijah call the cops in this situation? Can he recover this massive amount of money? [pondering] ]


    After the article blew up, the online public opinion started to boil over even more. Many people went to the Dennis Group''s official


    ount page to use them.


    Manyizens even went to Kylee''s page to warn him¡ª


    ¡ª[Kylee, your sweat girl is a huge scam artist. She swindled Elijah out of ten billion. Be sure to hold on tight to your wallet. Don''t


    let her deceive you.]


    ¡ª[Kylee is too kind, and that''s why he didn''t see Violette''s true colors. It''s fortunate that the one who got swindled is Elijah, not


    our Kylee.]


    ¡ª{Sisters who bought the Dennis Group drones for Kylee, let''s group together for warmth. Now when | look at the drone at


    home, | feel sick.]


    After getting drunk on Friday afternoon, Elijah spent two days sleeping in his room.


    His phone was switched off. So he was unaware of the online fiasco.


    Unable to reach him, Joey contacted Brandon, "Brandon. This magazine is crossing the line. How can they imply our boss got


    scammed? They''ve made him seem like a fool. I''m livid reading that article."


    Brandon: "I''ve read it too. Not only did they paint Elijah as a fool, they''ve also portrayed Violette as a scam artist.¡±


    Joey: "Yeah. | just contacted the


    magazine''s staff, but they were mM


    extremely arrogany. he\trettised to


    tae daWn'' the article, even stating


    that our president is a public figure


    so they haven''t infringed on any of


    his rights." Please read the original


    content at .


    Brandon: "The capital behind ''Wealth & Technologies¡¯ is an old rival of Elijah. It''s no wonder they''re acting so brazen."


    Joey: "I see. If the president sees this article, he''s bound to be furious."


    Brandon pondered, "We''ll cross that


    bridge when wee to it. This


    elie serves as outs) upset!


    as vebeb hoes a little too


    love-struck. And the amount he spent


    on Violette is way more than ten


    billion. It could also serve as a


    warning to Violette." Please read the


    original content at .


    "But Violette won''t be able to see this article in B country."


    Brandon chuckled. With the news


    spreading like wildfire how coutsivit\


    ch ter ator¡¯ \Bndered


    hein ae ¡®d react upon reading the


    news. Please read the original


    content at .

 Chapter 560

    Chapter 560


    In the B country,


    Mike stumbled upon a piece of news. It wasn''t that he was purposefully searching for news about A country, but rather the


    executives of the Dennis Corporation had forwarded it to him. Apparently, some media outlets had contacted the Dennis


    Corporation, inquiring if the news was indeed true.


    How could the executives possibly be aware of such a private matter of their president? All they knew was that Violette had


    travelled to B Country, but they had no idea about the purpose of her visit, let alone the fact that she had been kidnapped.


    After reading the news, Mike was fuming. He finished his cup of coffee, yet he was still undecided whether he should divulge this


    news to Violette or not.


    Violette had been resting at home for the past few days, only leaving her room during meal times. Her mood during these meals


    was considerably better than it was before Elijah left. Mike thought her current state was good and did not want to upset her with


    this news. However, if this matter wasn''t resolved, her reputation in A Country would be irreparably tarnished.


    At lunch, Mike initiated the conversation, "How''s your wound, Violette?"


    Violette, sipping her soup, replied calmly, "Much better."


    ¡°Wow, healing without medication, that''s amazing," Mike eximed.


    After waking up thest time, Violette had stopped taking medication.


    "The human body has its own healing power. Medication simply alleviates pain and elerates the healing process," she said,


    cing her soup spoon down.


    "Violette, here''s your phone," Mike handed her phone over to her once she finished eating.


    During herst visit to B Country, before being taken by the men in ck, she handed all her personal belongings to Mike.


    She picked up her phone and pressed the power button, but there was no response. The phone had been left unused for quite


    some days and had long since run out of battery.


    "It''s out of juice. Your charger is in your bag," Mike said, "Ian''s teacher sent me a text, asking when we are sending him back to


    school."


    Violette nced at her son and voiced her n, "Mike, you taken and Rita back home first. I''ll return after a while."


    ¡°How can | leave you here alone?" Mike immediately rejected her suggestion, "We either go back together or stay here together.¡±


    lan and Rita nodded in agreement. However, their agreement was of little importance when it came to Violette''s decision.


    "The nanny and the bodyguard will protect me. What''s there to worry about? My body is not in the state for a long journey. The


    kids¡¯ studies can''t be dyed, and there are matters in thepany that you need to attend to.¡± She said.


    Mike argued, "They are still so young; their studies can wait."


    Violette countered, "You guys are disturbing my rest. | will recover faster if | can have some alone time."


    Mike was speechless.


    Violette continued, "Pack your bags and leave after lunch. | will be back in at most two weeks."


    Mike tried to negotiate, "We can''t leave today. There¡¯s too much to pack. We''ll leave tomorrow."


    Violette didn''t say anything. She went


    back to her room to charge her


    phone. After connecting her pho


    the charger, she prepeettthe\power


    payorl ted secondster, the


    phone switched on. As expected,


    numerous missed calls and


    messages popped up. She picked out


    a message from Odette and replied:


    [I''m okay now. We''ll talk when we


    meet.] Please read the original


    content at .


    It was midnight in A Country right now, so Odette didn''t see her message right away.


    After replying, she put down her


    phone. She had to go out today. r


    the past few days y_hilel he Was


    resting.at Heme, she had been


    contemting a question. Who had


    leaked her information to Silver King?


    Please read the original content at


    .Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    Her being Dr. Mitchel''sst disciple


    was not public knowledge. Adrian did


    not expose er tesilvering, yet


    AerRing ad targeted her. She had


    a hunch, but she needed to confirm


    her suspicion. Please read the


    original content at .

 Chapter 561

    Chapter 561


    A Country.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    The weekend passed in the blink of an eye.


    It was Monday morning. Elijah arrived at the office. Joey followed him into his office.


    ¡°Anything urgent?" Elijah powered up hisputer and nced at Joey.


    ¡°Boss, have you not switched on your mobile phone?" Joey cautiously inquired.


    Only then did Elijah realize that he had left his mobile phone at home. He had spent the weekend sleeping, which had left him


    feeling a bit dizzy despite the long rest.


    "Here''s the thing," Joey highlighted the events from yesterday and reported them to him.


    Upon hearing the news, a puzzled expression appeared on Elijah''s face. "Get one of the bodyguards to bring me my phone," he


    ordered Joey.


    After Joey left, he turned his attention back to hisputer screen. The headline news for the day popped up ¡ª The Bourne


    Group CEO, Elijah, was scammed out of one billion!


    Although Joey had described the news content to him, he opened the pop-up news anyway. After reading through the news, he


    rubbed his temples. It didn''t matter if they called him a love-struck fool, but why did they have tobel Violette as a con artist?!


    Ridiculous!


    The news had gone viral online for a whole day. It was toote to delete it now. Everyone knew that he was swindled by Violette


    of 10 billion. Even if he refuted this rumor, the majority wouldn''t believe him.


    He picked up the office phone and called the legal department. After delegating the matter to thewyers, his phone was


    delivered by the bodyguard. Besides calls from Joey and Brandon, no one else had tried to reach him. He didn''t know if Violette


    had seen the news, or how she would react to it. He pulled up her contact, intending to call her but ended up setting his phone


    down.


    Why should he feel guilty? He didn''t release the news.


    She wanted him to go back to his own life. Didn''t she just want him to go back to being the same person who had nothing but his


    career?


    He never bothered about such news before, let alone let it affect his mood.


    He closed the news tab, opened his work email and began his day''s work.


    Across the ocean, in B Country.


    Violette woke up to a message from Odette. Besides asking when she would return home, Odette also informed her of the news


    concerning her and Elijah.


    Her first reaction to the news was: Elijah spent 10 billion to save her?! Her second reaction was: She was a con artist?!


    Stunned, she sat on her bed for a


    good while, too shocked to reach|She


    sna ha of tet Mitipor when Mike


    came knocking on her door. Please


    read the original content at


    .


    "Violette, are you feeling alright?"


    Mike asked from t doorway. Or


    youFernof dell the kids and | can


    dy our return." Please read the


    original content at .


    Upon hearing this, she immediately got off the bed.


    "Mike, have you seen the news back home?" She strode over to Mike. "Elijah spent 10 billion to save me?!"


    Mike scratched his head. "I''m not


    sure how much he spent. He eine


    tell me. B Lhe hiced ShieRiGuard


    Sed tirty. hey''re pretty expensive. 10


    billion sounds about right." Please


    read the original content at


    .


    Violette''s eyes flickered, and her lips pressed tightly together.

 Chapter 562

    Chapter 562


    Mike studied her serious expression, guessing, "You''re not thinking of giving that money back, are you?! We don''t have that kind


    of money."


    After Mike finished speaking, he took a deep breath.


    Violette asked him earnestly, "How much do we have?"


    Mike was stumped by the question. "I''ve never really paid attention. You are the people in charge, don¡¯t you know?"


    Violette admitted she hadn''t been keeping track either.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    "You take the kids back first. I''ll follow in a few days." She promptly changed the topic. "Isn''t it about time for your to leave? Don''t


    miss the flight.¡±


    Mike knew her too well, so he couldn''t help but advise, "Violette, that news wasn''t released by Elijah. Joey told me it was


    targeted at him, and you just got dragged into it. The billion dors might be astronomical for us, but not for Elijah. You don''t need


    to put this much pressure on yourself over it. Your priority right now should be your health. You''re pregnant after all."


    "| know." Violette was noticeably more rxed.


    "You''ve given him so many kids, consider this money child support." Mike continued tofort her.


    She nced at their two children ying not far away. "Enough about this. Be careful on your journey, and text me when you


    arrive."


    "Sure. If you don''te back within a week, I''ll fly over to get you." Mike assured her.


    "We''ll see when the timees." She saw them off.


    After their departure, Violette returned to her vi. She went to her room to change and then instructed her bodyguard to drive


    her to AN Tech. She wanted to figure out exactly how much she could afford to give back. A billion dors was no small sum, not


    something she could return on a whim.


    When Mike arrived in A Country with the kids, Joey immediately showed up at Silverleaf Ridge. iming he was there to cook for


    them, he pulled Mike into the kitchen for a private talk.


    "She saw the news, right?"


    Mike responded affirmatively, "Odette probably told her."


    "Well, my boss hadwyers sue the magazine that published it." Joey mentioned, then inquired, "How did Violette react to the


    news?"


    ¡°What do you think her reaction was?" Mike countered.


    ¡°Based on what | know about her, she probably wants to give the money back to my president." Joey spected, "But | doubt


    she can pull together that much money in one go."


    ¡°Haha, you guessed right. But she has no idea how much she''s worth. She runs her business not to umte wealth but to


    keep herself busy." Mike couldn''t help but chuckle, recalling her puzzled expression when she asked how much money they had.


    "She probably started thepany to restore the Dennis Group." Joey corrected him, "But considering herpany''s current


    outlook, repaying the billion dors wouldn''t be a stretch."


    "Why should she return it?" Of course, Mike sided with Violette. "Elijah willingly gave the money. We didn''t force him."


    Joey was taken aback, "My president never asked for the money back. Why are you getting so worked up?"


    ¡°Are you trying to imply something here?" Mike shot him a re, "Didn''t Elijah send you to ask?"


    Joey raised his hands in defense, "My president would never stoop so low. Plus, she''s carrying his child, why would he ask her


    for money?"


    That night, at eight o¡¯clock.


    Ack Rolls-Royce cruised down the bustling streets.


    Elijah sat in the backseat, his eyes


    closed in rest. All of a St deg, tis \


    rbopesterad Ne abra y opened


    h Nee and nced at the screen.


    Please read the original content at


    .


    Violette had sent him a message. He


    didn''t rush to read the content,


    instead, he ch \GmeGi ne


    pene Selle


    eight ¡®athe @vening in A country,


    which meant it would be around eight


    in the morning in her country. Please


    read the original content at


    .


    He opened the message, reading her


    words: [I will return your money fut!


    n''t have that ikuch right now. | will


    pay you back in installments.] Please


    read the original content atChapter


    He knew that if she sent him a text, it was definitely about this. Knowing her pride, how could she stand beingbeled as a


    fraud?

 Chapter 563

    Chapter 563


    His fingers, tightly clutching the smartphone, unconsciously tightened.


    They had transformed from a broken-up couple to a creditor-debtor rtionship. Ironically as it may seem, at least it established


    some connection between them.


    He didn¡¯t reply to her. What good would his disapproval do? She wouldn''t listen to him anyway.


    About fifteen minutester, his phone buzzed again. Opening the message, he saw a bank notification. His personal ount,


    just now, had been credited with one billion dors. The remark was repayment.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    He stared at the meaningless series of numbers, the light in his eyes dimming bit by bit. That was probably all the cash she could


    muster at the moment.


    After transferring the money, Violette stared nkly at her phone for a while.


    He didn''t reply. Could it be that he didn''t see it?


    Oh well, she had already sent the message,and he would see it sooner orter.


    She put her phone back into her handbag, picked it up and walked out of the door. She had contacted a police officer the


    previous day, hoping the police could investigate who Silver King had met before kidnapping Adrian.


    Although Silver King was dead, some of his henchmen were still alive. The police had investigated a few of Silver King''s


    henchmen at her request and obtained a detailed statement. She was heading to the police station now to collect that statement.


    Time flew by, and two weeks had passed.


    Violette had said that she would return to A country after two weeks, but she didn¡¯t.


    Mike felt extremely heavy-hearted after talking to her.


    Joey had guessed it right. She was indeed nning to return the ten billion dors to Elijah. Because she was short of money,


    she took on extra work.


    The fact that she was Dr. Mitchel''sst apprentice had spread in B Country. Some wealthy individuals were willing to pay a high


    price for her to treat them.


    For the sake of earning more money, she agreed. Hence, she was unable to return to A Country now.


    "To earn more money, she didn''t care about the injury on her arm and the underdeveloped baby in her womb, and went to treat


    others." Mike had a splitting headache and called Joey, "| should have known she would be like this. She would never listen to


    me.


    Joey furrowed his brows: "Why are both of them so stubborn?"


    Mike walked to the bar counter and poured himself a drink, "I''m really afraid that she''ll work herself to exhaustion."


    "Why don''t | talk to my bosster? Ask him not to ept Violette''s money anymore. Otherwise, Violette''s health will definitely not


    hold up." Joey suggested.


    Mike: "I''m afraid it won''t help even if you talk to him."


    "| have to try, right? Otherwise, how


    long are they going to keep t


    Joey e dthevaihafta Saving this.


    DRANS up the courage and


    knocked on the CEO''s office door.


    Please read the original content at


    .


    Elijah was talking to the deputy C


    Seeing Joey b gsip in@ frowh formed


    oMiatblehead. Please read the


    original content at .


    "Mr. Elijah, | have something important to report to you." Joey walked up to Elijah.


    Seeing this, the deputy CEO tactfully excused himself.


    Elijah''s eyes held a hint of anger: "You''re getting bolder."


    Joey slightly lowered his head: "Mike


    just told me that Violette has taken


    on a lot of private jobs Palsy Country to


    mayan? ouack QUE as possible.


    ealth hasn''t recovered yet, and


    she''s also pregnant. She''s bound to


    face problems with such exertion.


    Why don''t you just let her off the


    hook?" Please read the original


    content at .


    Upon hearing this, Elijah''s heart clenched and his face turned pale with fury.

 Chapter 564

    Chapter 564


    When did he ever pressure her to repay the money?! It was her. She was doing this to herself.


    "Do you think | asked her for money?" His voice trembled slightly as he spoke.


    Joey quickly shook his head: "| know you wouldn''t ask her for money. But you could persuade her to stop repaying it."


    "Do you think she would listen to me?" His tone wasced with irony, "Why do you think she would listen to me?!"


    Joey was taken aback.


    "Did Mike send you to tell me this?" Elijah''s Adam''s apple bobbed as he frowned tightly.


    Joey shook his head: "He knew it would be pointless to talk to you. But | think even if it''s pointless for you to say anything, at


    least you''ve made your stance clear. If she doesn''t listen and something happenster on, she can''t me you."


    "| get it. You can leave."


    Elijah wasn''t afraid of being med; he was just worried about her health.


    After Joey left, he picked up his phone and called Violette. The call went through, but no one answered. After the system


    automatically hung up, he put down his phone.


    He felt like a puppet on strings, and she was holding them. She was driving him crazy.


    He reached for his coffee mug, only to find it empty. He called his secretary, and momentster, there was a knock on his office


    door.


    Just then, his phone rang on the table. He picked it up and saw Violette''s name, his eyes darkened and he answered: "Violette!


    What are you trying to do? Tell me, what are you trying to do?!"


    His roar startled his secretary who was frozen on the spot. Violette on the other end of the phone was also taken aback. She had


    juste out of the bathroom, getting ready for bed. She saw his missed call, so she called him back. But she was greeted by


    his angry voice.


    "What did | do?" She sat down on the edge of the bed in confusion and murmured, "Elijah, have you gone mad?"


    ¡°Have | gone mad? Who''s the one that''s really gone mad?!" He stood by the window, staring at the bustling city outside,


    questioning, "Who told you to take on all these messy jobs? Was it me? Did | force you to repay the money?!"Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    Violette understood why he was angry after listening to his string of questions. "I didn¡¯t take on any messy jobs."


    "You''re lying!" He snapped, "Have you recovered from your injury?! Other than resting and recovering, who gave you permission


    to do anything else?! Have you considered how | feel seeing you recklessly trying to make money?!"


    The secretary was scared stiff. She


    had never seen the CEO lose his


    temper like this. In the yes of avlithe


    ploypegcelian Wasa ways


    avie-| even to the point of being


    cold and detached. But now, he


    seemed like a man filled with


    emotions and desires. Please read


    the original content at


    .


    Facing Elijah''s reprimand, Violette''s


    breathing became heavier before


    . jaa!


    gradually cal gpownS dteteke


    ope aatdery jo for the money, but it


    was within my physical capacity. This


    isn''t some messy job. And it''ste


    now. | need to rest." Please read the


    original content at .


    She didn''t hang up immediately after saying this. She wanted to see his reaction. But he gave none. After a moment of silence,


    she hung up.


    Surely, Mike must have exaggerated when telling them about her taking on side jobs. Otherwise, Elijah wouldn''t be so angry.


    She turned off the light,y down, and


    forced herself to close her e By Pe


    had no re retsiqbooutferactions. She


    SaaS much money; of course


    she needed to find ways to earn it


    back. Please read the original content


    at .


    Elijah returned to his office chair.

 Chapter 565

    Chapter 565


    He picked up the steaming cup of coffee from the table and took a sip. The coffee was bitter, just like his current feelings.


    Violette had always been like this, doing as she pleased, never considering his feelings. Even after they had split up, she still had


    ways to torment him.


    At lunchtime, a boy came up ton with his lunch tray.


    n, that woman on the news who conned Elijah out of a hundred billion, that''s your mom, isn''t it?" The boy named Chuck, who


    was rather chubby, hence everyone called him Chunker.


    "My mom is not a fraud!"n retorted angrily.


    "| Know your mom is not a fraud. If she was, Elijah would definitely havee after her." Chunker asked curiously, "Your mom


    must be safe at home, right?"


    ¡°My mom is abroad."


    Chunker pushed his sses up his nose and stared atn, "I see, why isn''t she heading back?"


    lan frowned.


    Chunker said, n, don''t be mad. | didn''t say your mom was a fraud. I''m just curious, will Elijah go after your mom to get the


    money back? Does your family have that kind of money to pay him back? If your mom doesn''t pay back, can you and your sister


    still go to school?¡±


    lan got up, grabbed his lunch tray, and left.


    n, don''t go. | didn''t say your mom was a fraud." Chunker immediately chased after him, n! Even if your mom was a fraud, |


    wouldn''t hate you. We''re still friends."


    lan walked away swiftly. He didn''t want to deal with Chunker anymore.


    In the evening, the bodyguard tookn home.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    lan was clearly not in a good mood today. When Mike got home, the bodyguard told him about it. He immediately went to talk to


    lan.


    n, did you have a conflict with your ssmates at school?" Mike crouched down, speaking patiently, "| promised your mom


    that | would take good care of you and Rita, and never let you be wronged. If you don''t tell me, I''ll call your mom."


    lan was initially reluctant to talk, but he didn¡¯t want Mike to call his mom either. "Chunker said my mom is a fraud."


    "Damn it!" Mike was enraged, "Your mom is not a fraud! The money was willingly given by Elijah. And your mom is already trying


    to pay it back. I''ll drive you to school tomorrow to talk to the teacher, and let them deal with Chunker.¡±


    lan looked up: "Mom is going to pay back a hundred billion to Elijah?"


    Mike: "Yes. | told her not to, but she didn''t listen to me. And Elijah never asked for the money back as well. That amount of


    money is not small, but it doesn''t affect Elijah''s wealth."


    lan drooped his eyes, his gaze flickering.


    "You little rascal, do you also think that the money should be paid back like your mom?" Mike saw right through him, "Your mom


    gave birth to you and Rita, and now she''s pregnant again. Doesn''t Elijah need to pay for her hardship?"


    lan: "We don''t recognize him as our dad, so we don''t need his money."


    Mike stood up, hands on his hips: "


    don''t want your mom t be yndeit T |


    hygeptasslte o you know


    hew much a hundred billion is?"


    Please read the original content at


    .


    lan strode towards his room.


    Mike followed him: "It''s dinner time, where are you going?"


    lan: "I''m going to check the price of Bitcoin."


    Mike was baffled: "You bought


    Bitcoin? When did you uy itttowido


    you y with in VEas Current task


    iSto study well. Investing is not


    suitable for you..." Please read the


    original content at .


    lan: "I conned it out of Sarah."


    Mike''s eyes lit up.


    Entering his room,n switched on hisputer, logged into his ount, and checked thetest price of Bitcoin.


    Exciting. Truly exciting!


    Within just a year, the price of Bitcoin


    had risen from ten thousand atin


    thousand. He He hadbleektmaited Sarah


    Kae Bitcoin, and now


    these virtual coins were worth a


    hundred million. Please read the


    original content at .

 Chapter 566

    Chapter 566


    These two were left speechless.


    n, let''s hold off on selling these coins. My gut tells me they''re going to appreciate further." Mike took a deep breath and warned


    him.


    "Alright,"n replied.


    ¡°Let''s not tell your mom about this just yet," Mike continued, "| fear her heart won''t be able to handle the excitement."


    "When the timees, I''ll give you the money, and you can give it to her,"n suggested.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Good idea. Let''s go grab some food." Mike pickedn up. Today,n was a giant in his eyes.


    In B Country.


    After performing surgery on a client''s father, the client invited Violette to dinner at a fancy restaurant.


    "Dr. Dennis, do you know Sarah?" the client asked.


    Violette felt nervous in her heart but didn''t show it on her face. "Not well, why do you ask?"


    "This woman has been asking around about you," the client exined, "I''m not sure who told her about our recent dealings. Why


    would she be snooping around if you two aren''t close?"


    Violette replied, "What did your friend tell her?"


    "| told my friend to keep quiet. Not many people knew about the surgery you performed on my father. I''m not sure how she found


    out."


    "| see. If she''s been asking your friend, it means she already knows."


    ¡°Right. But this shouldn''t affect your business in A Country, right? | heard you''re a merchant there."


    Violette affirmed, "It won''t."


    "That''s good. I''ve instructed my assistant to transfer the final payment to your ount," the client said with a smile. "Although


    your fees are high, | believe it''s worth it. But Dr. Dennis, why don''t you advertise? If it wasn''t for your recent kidnapping, |


    wouldn''t have known you were Dr. Mitchell''s disciple."


    Violette revealed, "In order to fulfill my elder''sst wish, | had to return to Country A."


    "| see. Can | seek your medical services again in the future?"


    "It depends on my schedule," Violette replied. "I will be returning to Country A in a few days."


    "That''s a shame, | was hoping to introduce some business opportunities to you. Well, | guess it''ll have to wait until your next


    visit."


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Violette had made five million dors from this surgery. The price was not set by her, but by the client.


    She was in need of money, and since the client was willing to pay that much, it meant it was within their budget. So she didn''t


    refuse.


    The whole process took just over a week.


    Her arm injury was no longer causing her much difort. She had been away from her kids for more than half a month now,


    and she missed them terribly.


    After leaving the restaurant, she


    made an appointment for a prenatal


    check-up the rE ye The Sats. in


    Hep badly WAS Roe four months


    old. She nned to have the


    check-up and then return to Country


    A. Please read the original content at


    .


    Returning home, she nced at the


    calendar and checked the mere


    back to A Country. Ta €agan,


    pens ugheoriadiny be A foe her


    of Elijah. He hadn''t contacted


    her since their heated phone call.


    Every time she thought of his words


    from that conversation, her heart


    sank. Please read the original content


    at .


    He used her of not considering his feelings. Why would he say something like that so casually? Should she have epted


    his billion-dor assistance?


    But considering their rtionship, she just couldn''t.


    After taking a bath, she crawled into


    net ek utterly exhat eeceor¡±


    d to.wekquib\datly fo er prenatal


    check-up, so she couldn''t afford to


    stay upte. Please read the original


    content at .


    The next day.


    Her bodyguard drove her to the hospital. After exining her situation to the doctor, she was led to the ultrasound bed.


    "Is your baby at 16 weeks?" The doctor inquired, moving the ultrasound probe across her belly.

 Chapter 567

    Chapter 567


    "Umm."


    "Your baby''s development indeed isn''t progressing too well,¡± the doctor spoke after a moment. "Did you say the examination two


    weeks ago showed that it was undersized by about two weeks?"


    "Yes. How about now?" Violette''s heartstrings were taut as she awaited the doctor¡¯s verdict. If her baby''s growth had stopped,


    even if she wanted to keep the child, she would be helpless. She was prepared for the worst.


    "Could you show me thest ultrasound report?" The doctor set down the ultrasound probe and handed her a tissue.


    She took it, cleaned her abdomen, and handed the doctor the ultrasound report from her bag.


    After checking thest ultrasound report, the doctor said, "Although your baby''s development isn''t promising,pared tost


    time, there is still some progress. If you want to keep this baby, you can rest well, eat nutritious food, and monitor the situation."


    Violette''s hanging heart suddenly dropped.


    ¡°Have you done the Down Syndrome screening?" The doctor printed this time''s ultrasound report and handed it to her.


    Violette shook her head.


    "You can do it now," the doctor solemnly said, "Did you eat breakfast this morning? If not, you can do it today."


    Down Syndrome screening was a check for congenital mental retardation or neural tube defects. If the baby had Down


    Syndrome, the child would have developmental dys, intellectual disabilities, and multiple organ development disorders or


    malformations.


    Violette knew she could do the Down Syndrome screening now, but she was scared. What if the test showed that the baby had a


    problem? She was afraid.


    Even though she had said she would keep the baby even if there were problems, facing such a result would still require


    enormous courage.


    "Ms. Dennis, your baby''s development is smaller than average, and it''s very necessary for you to do this test," sensing her


    hesitation, the doctor encouraged her, "If the child is unhealthy, it''s best to terminate the pregnancy. It''d be the best choice for


    both you and the baby."


    Violette murmured, "The best choice..."


    "Yes. Down Syndrome can''t be cured at present. Ms. Dennis, | know you''re a brilliant neurologist, but even you are helpless in


    the face of such diseases, aren''t you? If you can¡¯t be sure that the child can have a normal life, it''s best to end the suffering in the


    womb."


    The words of the doctor calmed Violette''s emotions a lot. Her previous arguments with Elijah about the child werergely


    influenced by her subjective emotions. She med him for neglecting the baby''s health and being too cold-hearted, so she told


    Elijah that even if the baby had a problem, she would still give birth.


    "Please write me a referral," she finally said.


    After the doctor wrote the referral and handed it to her, the doctor said, "| wish you and your baby luck."


    "Thank you," she epted the referral and went to theb.


    There were quite a few people in theb. She had to wait for a while before it was her turn. After drawing blood, the doctor told


    her the results would be ready in a week.


    "Are there electronic results?" she asked.


    "Yes. We will send you a message.¡±Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    "Okay, thank you."


    After leaving the hospital, Violette


    bought a ticket back home. aye


    reflexivel wantedto geha the ticket


    ABRAMS to Mike, but just before


    hitting send, she hesitated. Please


    read the original content at


    .


    Mike couldn''t keep a secret and would tell Joey everything, and Joey was very loyal to Elijah.


    After pondering, she deleted the message. She didn¡¯t have to tell Mike everything anymore.


    The next day, at the capital airport of


    Country A, Violette walked ok oF the


    erbexit with ier suitcase, keeping


    a low profile. Please read the original


    content at .


    She was notorious in Country A, the big scammer who tricked Elijah out of ten billion.


    She wore a baseball cap and a mask,


    covering her face tightly. She wa


    wearing a loos cket Shir Whi


    covered hePstig tly protruding belly.


    Below was a ck and white id


    long skirt, and a pair of t shoes on


    her feet. Please read the original


    content at .


    After leaving the airport, she hailed a taxi on the roadside and told the driver her address.


    As the taxi started moving, she pulled out her phone, opened the contact list, and dialed a number¡ª

 Chapter 568

    Chapter 568


    "I''m back, when are you free, let''s meet up." She started as soon as the call connected.


    The person on the phone was quite taken aback, "Is that necessary?"


    ¡°Weren''t you very worried about me? Even went all the way to B Country to dig up info about me." Violette teased, "| noticed how


    much you care about me, so | thought I''d contact you first when | got back."


    Sarah scoffed, "Don''t tter yourself. | was visiting my rtives in B Country and just happened to inquire about you. After all,


    your kids came back home, but you didn''t. | thought you were seriously ill, so | asked around."


    ¡°And you say you don''t care about me." Violette replied casually, "If you don''t, how did you know that my kids came back home?


    It''s not like they ran up to you and told you, did they?"Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    Sarah was speechless.


    ¡°Let''s meet this afternoon, and you can see for yourself how I''m doing." Violette suggested.


    "| don''t care about your health. But since you insist on seeing me, fine, let''s meet." Sarah replied indifferently.


    "Great, you pick the ce, so you won''t use me of bullying you." Violette joked.


    Sarah felt something was off about the way Violette was speaking today. She got the feeling that Violette''s intention to meet


    wasn''t that simple, but since Violette had called her out, she couldn''t just chicken out.


    After hanging up, Sarah went home to change into a vibrant outfit and applied a dashing makeup look. She had lost in love to


    Violette, and although it was a bitter pill to swallow, a loss was a loss. She couldn''t lose to Violette in anything else.


    At three in the afternoon.


    Sarah arrived at the arranged restaurant. The restaurant was near Golden Palm Tech. After meeting with Violette, Sarah nned


    to go chat with Alexa about this juicy gossip.


    Violette arrived ten minuteste due to the traffic jam.


    "Violette, can you be on time when you make an appointment?" Sarah frowned, clearly displeased.


    Violette took a seat across from Sarah, leisurely picking up the menu and ordering a fruit juice.


    "Sarah, before Adrian was kidnapped, what were you doing with Silver King?" Violette nced up, her gaze cold as she looked


    at Sarah.


    The question hit Sarah like a bombshell. "I... | didn''t do anything. He came to me, asking if | could cure his daughter, and | said |


    couldn''t." she exined hurriedly, "That was it."


    "Are you Sure you didn''t say anything


    else to him?" Violette took out a piece


    of paper from her CaS handethit


    t ran¡¯ What''th iS money transfer


    ut? You didn''t treat his daughter,


    so why did he give you money?


    Because you''re pretty?" Please read


    the original content at


    .


    Sarah felt her heart tighten. She never dreamed that Violette would be able to find out about this. It was like Violette had ripped


    away Sarah''s veil of innocence.


    . | had a few drinks, so maybe | told


    him something. Oh, | remember now,


    | told him | heard that AG <mitchelrad< p=""></mitchelrad<>


    ecret protege anus rian might


    khOw who it was. That''s all | said,


    nothing else." Sarah flushed, raising


    her voice, "Violette, | never mentioned


    your name, so don''t give me that


    betrayed look." Please read the


    original content at .


    Finishing her outburst, she picked up her water ss and took a nervous sip.


    "So you''re saying Adrian betrayed


    me?" Violette gritted her teeth, "S


    King is dead n didGusdiry? Xt


    dopsra reat matter. | came to see


    you today to tell you to cough up


    every single dime Elijah gave you."


    Please read the original content at


    .

 Chapter 569

    Chapter 569


    Sarah: "What?!" The water she had just sipped nearly shot back out of her mouth. What did Violette mean by ¡®spit it all out¡¯?


    The money Elijah had given her was hers now. Why on earth would she spit it out?


    "Violette, | know you want to pay back Elijah, that''s why you''re strapped for cash," Sarah nervously said. "But that''s no reason to


    come asking me for money. I''ve invested so much time and effort into Maka''s illness."


    ¡°But you weren''t the one who performed the surgery on Maka.¡± Violette responded calmly. "I''m only asking you to spit out the


    two billion, not the interest. Consider that interest your fee for all your hard work."


    Sarah''s lips trembled, but no words came out.


    Absurd. Violette was truly absurd!


    "Sarah, haven''t you heard that there''s no such thing as a free lunch?" Violette sneered. "You had the guts to deceive Elijah and


    took his money. Aren''t you afraid of biting off more than you can chew?"


    Sarah''s eyes widened in anger, "Violette, don''t think that just because you''re Dr. Mitchel''s favorite student, you can talk


    nonsense in front of me. We live in an era of evidence. You think a few words from you can erase all my efforts?"


    "Oh, your efforts. Do you mean your acting efforts?" As Violette was speaking, the waiter arrived with a juice. She took a sip,


    moistening her throat.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    Sarah''s fingers clenched tightly, her eyes ring venomously at Violette. "Violette, bring out your proof. Without evidence, no


    matter what you say, it''s useless. Don''t think that just because Elijah likes you, you can be unreasonable in front of me. | won''t


    admit anything | didn¡¯t do."


    Violette calmly sipped her juice before pulling out her phone.


    "What are you doing? Are you going to call Elijah?" Sarah''s voice trembled slightly. "Even if you call him, it''s useless. There were


    so many people at that time who could testify for me."


    "If that''s the case, then why are you panicking?" Violette arched an eyebrow, casting a dismissive nce. "Or do you know |


    have evidence?"


    "You do?!" Sarah felt as if she had been choked, her voice strangled.


    "Without evidence, how would | ask you for money? Relying on your conscience? Or begging you?" Violette opened a video on


    her phone and slid it across to Sarah. "This is a video of Maka''s first surgery. Even though the surgeon''s face isn''t shown, |


    believe Elijah will recognize who it is."


    Sarah''s heart plummeted. She stared at the video on Violette''s phone, feeling breathless.


    It was Violette. The ¡®kind-hearted¡¯ person who had performed the surgery on Maka was Violette.


    Even though she had suspected this, she had not expected Violette to have a video.


    She had thought that Violette,


    wanting to monopolize the childr


    would avoid tog pyyetndantaet with


    Bijan and Yetuse his money. But it


    wasn''t that she didn''t want it, it was


    just not the right time. Please read


    the original content at


    .


    "So now, you don''t care if Elijah knows that Rita andn are his children?" Sarah''s face twisted into a smile that was even worse


    than crying.


    Violette shrugged, "I''m short on cash


    now. When faced with two bili


    that matt rdoppars¨¦ehr''se ig


    Aaynaiol eoites, he might already


    know that Rita andn are his kids."


    Please read the original content at


    .


    Sarah felt as though all her strength had been drained. She slumped in her chair, the fire in her eyes reced with fear.


    "Sarah, transfer the two billion to my


    ount within three days. If not, !''ll


    give this recording to Elfah. ket ir


    ceregthennoliri money."


    lette said, smiling at Sarah. "I


    believe you know what kind of man


    Elijah is. His methods are definitely


    not as gentle as mine." Please read


    the original content at


    .

 Chapter 570

    Chapter 570


    Golden Palm Tech.


    After Sarah tearfully told Alexa about the situation, Alexa''s face turned unusually grim.


    "| don''t have that kind of money to give you back." Alexa''s voice was icy, "All the money has been spent. You can ask our finance


    department if you don''t believe me. See if there''s 2 billion left in thepany ounts."


    Sarah took a deep breath, her voice frosty, "Alexa, the gun isn''t held to your head, so of course, you can say you have no money.


    But if you were in my shoes, what would you do?"


    Alexa snapped back, "I wouldn''t be as foolish as you. Can''t even hang on to your own hard-earned money. If you knew you


    couldn''t keep it, you should have taken the 2 billion and run away.¡±


    "When you were begging me to invest in yourpany, you didn''t have this attitude." Sarah''s heart was aze with anger.


    Violette gave her only three days. She had toe up with 2 billion within three days. She didn''t want Elijah to find out the truth.


    If he found out, it wouldn''t just be about returning the money.


    "What''s the point of telling me all this?! If | had the money, | would give it back to you. You think I''m intentionally making things


    difficult for you?" Alexa could see Sarah''s cheeks were flushed with anger, her emotions teetering on the edge. If she continued


    to argue with Sarah, it could escte into a disaster.


    "Sarah, why don''t you see how much your boyfriend can contribute? I''ll call the finance department to see how much the


    company can spare. Is that okay?" Alexa''s tone softened.


    Tears glistened in Sarah''s eyes, "Kaleb is useless. I''d rather earn the money myself than rely on him. Just call the finance


    department."


    Alexa took a deep breath, picked up thendline phone, and dialed the internal line for the finance department. The call was


    answered quickly, and she asked, "How much money can you spare right now?"


    "Ms. Alexa, how much do you need?"


    Alexa nced at Sarah and mumbled, "2 billion."


    "That... Ms. Alexa, we don''t have that kind of money. The safe only has just over a million.¡±


    Alexa: ¡°Alright, | understand." With that, she ended the call.


    ¡°Alexa, you think I''m a fool, don''t you?" As Alexa was on the phone, Sarah pulled a switchde from her bag. Now, the de


    was pressed against Alexa¡¯s throat.


    Alexa froze, daring not move a muscle, "Sarah! Put the knife away! I''ll get you the money. | will! But first, drop the knife!"


    "| won''t! If you don''t wire the money to my ount today, I''ll kill you! Alexa, I''m serious! If you don''t give me back the money,


    Elijah wille for my life. | have no choice." As Sarah spoke, tears of pain fell, "I should never havee back to this country.


    If | hadn''te back, my life wouldn''t be ruined."


    Sarah''s hand trembled, and the de pierced Alexa''s throat. Bright red blood began to flow.


    Sarah was petrified, screaming in


    panic, "Alexa! The money! Hurry p |


    15 wire the iene)! Or you''ll really


    d atieineen is bleeding! So much


    blood!" Please read the original


    content at .


    Alexa felt it. And it terrified her, leaving her in a state of shock.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    An hourter.


    Sarah ran out of Golden Palm Tech in a panic. She quickly got into her car and drove away.


    Once she was on the road, her


    emotions began to stabilize. ps had


    gotten he money hag Row it was


    Dean ready to be


    transferred to Violette. Please read


    the original content at


    .


    She lost everything. And the people


    who caused her lo were nat just! |


    ane WGoldite But one more.


    Please read the original content at


    .

 Chapter 571

    Chapter 571


    Her eyes were bloodshot as she dialed a number she hadn''t used in a while. As the call connected, a sweet voice emerged, "Dr.


    Sarah, is that really you? It''s been such a long time since west spoke, | thought you''d forgotten about me. Hahaha."


    On the other end was the triumphantughter of Melinda.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    It was Melinda who had brought her from Country B to here. Melinda had promised her a better life here, as long as she


    complied. But she hadn''t listened.


    After obtaining a leverage over Elijah, she had immediately dismissed Melinda.


    ¡°Melinda, what''s so funny?!"


    "I''mughing at you, my dear. You''re out of the game." Melinda''s tone was lighthearted, "I could squash you like a bug, but why


    would | dirty my hands?"


    "Is that so?" Sarah murmured, "What have you got? Elijah belongs to Violette, not you."


    ¡°Hahaha. Elijah is indeed not mine, but the person by his side isn''t you or Violette." Melinda enunciated each word, "It''s me. I''ve


    been patient for over a year, watching you build your empire, watching you celebrate with your friends, watching it all crumble. |


    knew this day woulde."


    ¡°Well? What do you predict will be Violette''s fate?" Sarah''s tone was serious.


    ¡°Hahaha. She''ll end up just like you. Don''t think having a few kids can change anything." Melinda sounded confident, "Elijah


    won''t be tied down by anyone. Only | can give him the freedom he desires."


    Ending the call, Sarah felt a wave of nausea. She had fought tooth and nail against Violette, only to realize that Melinda was the


    real threat.


    Melinda''s scheming sent chills down her spine. Even if she teamed up with Violette, they might still not be a match for Melinda.


    After Violette came back, she called Odette.


    "Violette! You''re finally back. Are you at home? I''ming over. | heard you were shot! | wanted to go to Country B to see you


    but Ramsey said I''d only be a nuisance." Odette blurted out excitedly.


    "I''m healed now." Violette replied, lounging on her couch, "I haven''t even told Mike I''m back. You were the first person | thought


    of."


    ¡°Aww, I''m so touched. I''ming over right now. | have some juicy gossip to share with you. Wait for me." Odette said, hanging


    up the phone.


    Half an hourter, Odette arrived, arms full of gifts.


    "Odette, why do you always bring so many things? Aren''t you tired?" Violette sighed.


    "Don''t you remember my family owns a supermarket?" Odette replied, setting down her bags and giving Violette a once-over,


    "You''ve lost weight. How''s the baby? I''ve been worried about you two."


    "We''re both fine." Violette gave a


    dazzling smile, changi itheGaBject,


    / mentioned Some gossip on the


    phone. What is it?" Please read the


    original content at .


    Odette looked conflicted, "| don''t want to upset you. But | can''t keep it to myself."


    "Just tell me. | won''t get upset."


    Helene reassured V vero


    r aiee aapecia after my


    n L eath experience." Please read


    the original content at


    .


    "It''s that jerk Elijah. He''s back wit


    Melinda.¡± Odette rufel SoldhaBits


    dja raed." Pitase read the original


    content at .


    Violette''s smile froze.


    "Violette, don''t be upset. He''s not worth it." Odetteforted her.


    As Violette tried to hide her emotions, her phone on the table suddenly rang.


    She quickly picked it us¡ª

 Chapter 572

    Chapter 572


    It was a message from the bank. Her ount had been credited with a whopping two billion dors.


    "Violette, | heard that you were the one who initiated the break-up this time," Odette spected, "I guess he did this just to get


    under your skin."


    Violette, having received the two billion, was in high spirits. "He can do whatever he wants." She picked up a banana from the


    fruit bowl, peeled it and handed it to Odette.


    Odette was disgruntled, "That Melinda, she''s like a bad penny. | almost thought she had quit working at the Bourne Group since


    she''d been quiet for over a year. She sure knows how to keep a low profile.¡±


    Violette''s impression of Melinda was very distinct, even though they hadn''t seen each other in a long time.


    ¡°Melinda''s love for Elijah is far greater than mine," Violette said deliberately, "Elijah doesn''t like children, so she removed her own


    uterus to reassure him."


    Odette was stunned.


    ¡°Elijah being back with her might be his realization that being with someone who loves him more is the right choice." Violette


    sounded relieved, "It''s good this way. Life has returned to normal."


    When she first met Elijah, Melinda was by his side.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°What about your children? If there were no children involved, | wouldn''t argue with what you said." Odette couldn''t keep her


    calm like her, "You know well that Rita always wanted a father."


    "Well, you should also know thatn doesn''t want a father.¡±


    ¡°What about the one in your belly?" Odette challenged.


    "It''s uncertain if this one will make it safely to birth." Violette picked up the ss of water from the table and took a sip, "Odette, a


    couple''s rtionship is their own business and has nothing to do with anything else. If he chooses to be with Melinda again, we


    should respect his decision."


    Odette stammered, "He didn''t say he''s back with Melinda. He just started taking her out for meals again."


    "Don''t keep an eye on him all the time." Violette spoke calmly, "There''s more to life than men."


    "Oh, right. Are you really going to return that one hundred billion to him? That''s a lot of money. How will you do it?" Odette looked


    worried, "| asked my dad if we have that kind of money, and he said | was daydreaming."


    ¡°Ha. | originally thought | must have a lot of money, but after checking my bnce, | realized that making money isn''t that easy."


    Violette said while transferring the two billion to Elijah.


    After a while, they went to pick upn from Horizon College.n''s eyes welled up with excitement when he saw his mom. "Mom,


    when did youe back?"n held her hand.


    "| came back today. | didn''t tell you guys in advance because | wanted to surprise you."


    lan''s face broke into a rare smile.


    n, | finally see you smile. You look


    so cute when you smil ouskoilldl


    snail othsanice girls will be


    ie¡ì to y with you." Odette


    teased. Please read the original


    content at .


    The smile onn''s face vanished immediately.


    "Hahahaha. Can''t take a joke." Odette opened the car door, "Get in.¡±


    Half an hourter, the car pulled into


    the front yard of the vi. As soon as


    Violette got out of the-cer, she caw!


    . AON


    Mike hirig Ritd-with Joey following


    behind, walking towards them. After


    everyone entered the house, they


    started to have dinner. Please read


    the original content at


    .


    Violette''s phone screen suddenly lit


    up. She picked up her phone eels


    a message fro ¨¦hejbahit the?


    [email protected]</a> to Elijah was


    refunded back without a penny


    missing due to incorrect information.


    Please read the original content at


    .


    How could there be an error? She sessfully transferred money to him just a few days ago.

 Chapter 573

    Chapter 573


    "Joey, did Elijah cancel his regr credit card?" Violette looked up at Joey.


    Joey was taken aback. "He didn''t ask me to do that, so I''m not sure. Can''t you transfer money to his ount anymore?"


    Violette nodded.


    "I''ll ask him when | go to work tomorrow," Joey said, feeling a bit embarrassed. "Maybe he doesn¡¯t want you sending him money


    anymore."


    "Interesting. Does he want Violette to owe him for a lifetime?" Odette turned her piercing gaze to Joey. "What exactly is going on


    between him and Melinda? Ramsey said that he brought Melinda to the dinner partyst time."


    Joey felt ayer of sweat forming on his forehead. "They''re just colleagues. He''s known Melinda for years, so sometimes he


    brings her along for meals."


    "You''re fooling no one. Ramsey said that Melinda served him food, and he ate it. Is that how colleagues act in yourpany?"


    Joey: "Odette, there''s no need to bring this up in front of Violette and the kids."


    "Are you embarrassed?" Odette was always blunt, unwilling to beat around the bush.


    "What does this have to do with embarrassment? It was Violette who wanted to break up. Now that they have, my boss can be


    with anyone he wants."


    "So you admit it. He''s now with Melinda." Odette scoffed coldly.


    "Why are you angry with me? Wasn''t it Violette who told him to return to his old life?" Joey was getting agitated. "If she is jealous


    now, all | can say is that she brought this on herself."


    Odette was grinding her teeth in fury.


    Mike barked, "Joey! You''re way out of line! This is her house. Get your act together!"


    Joey abruptly stood from his chair,m "I apologize. I''ll leave."


    After Joey left, the atmosphere in the dining room turned awkward.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Violette, I''m sorry." Odette spoke guiltily. "It''s my big mouth."


    Mike: "| shouldn''t have invited him for dinner.¡±


    Violette finished her meal, put down her cutlery, "Joey is right. You all are. It''s my fault." She rose and left the dining room.


    She had always wanted to find a method to bnce everything. But there was no such method.


    In her view, love meant both parties growing together, not one dragging the other down. Even if she hadn''t broken up with Elijah,


    she would have paid him back. Moreover, she didn''t regret her decision. The pressure on her was immense. Apart from the debt,


    there was also the child in her belly.


    Back in her room, she closed the


    door. After calming do , she dialed


    ra tetee purabet Gish, did you


    Lg your credit card?" Please read


    the original content at


    .


    On the other end of the line, a cold,


    Indifferent voice sounded, '' HOW 1


    chmeney ey dikouscrape together


    this time to pay me back?" Please


    read the original content at


    .


    Ignoring his mockery, she retorted, "Do you want me to pay you back in cash?!"


    "Contact Melinda," his voice returned to its usual calm. "From now on, if you want to pay me back, deal with her directly."


    She pressed her lips together, her mind a nk.


    "Violette, are you happy now?" His icy


    voice cut through the silence.


    "Melinda is ob lent ae


    ania hk Angry. With her, | only


    need to enjoy her devotion. | don''t


    have to guess her mood like a fool."


    Please read the original content at


    .


    Listening to his boastful words, Violette felt a wave of nausea hit her. "Ugh-"


    On the other end, Elijah''s voice stopped abruptly, his face turning pale.

 Chapter 574

    Chapter 574


    After a moment of silence, he couldn''t contain his emotions any longer. He called out her name, "Violette!" His voice betrayed his


    concern and care for her.


    After retching a few times, the feeling of nausea finally subsided.


    He regained hisposure slowly, whispering, "Violette, if you''re not feeling well, go lie down."


    "Don''t you dare pity me!" she snapped, angered by his words.


    He didn''t need to tell her how good Melinda was.


    "| pity our child." His voice was strained, his grip on the phone tightened.


    ¡°Pity him for what?" she sneered, "For not being aborted?!"


    "Violette, why are you being so confrontational?!" Elijah almost believed he was the viin in her narrative. He was genuinely


    excited about the arrival of their child; he was looking forward to its birth. When the ident happened, he was devastated.


    "Who started the confrontation?" Violette sat by the bed, her eyes red, her fingers gripping the bedsheet, "Melinda is obedient


    and sensible. Wasn¡¯t that what you said just now?"


    Elijah''s lips moved, but no words came out.


    "Stop disgusting me!" She hung up the phone after her harsh words.


    Elijah closed his eyes in despair. He had been too impulsive just now. In his anger, he forgot she was carrying their child. How


    could he have said such things to her?


    ¡°Elijah, let''s go grab lunch.¡± Melinda knocked on his office door, inviting him to lunch.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    He looked at Melinda. For the past year, Melinda was like invisible, never uttering a word in front of him. Only recently did she


    reappear in his life.


    "You go ahead." he responded, "I''ll head straight home."


    Melinda nodded, "You don''t look too well. Don''t overwork yourself."


    After she left, he took out his phone and dialed Joey''s number. "Joey, are you at Violette''s ce?"


    Joey pulled over to the side of the road, "No. We had an argument. We were having a good time at the dinner when Odette


    brought up the matter about you and Melinda. | lost control and said a few harsh words. I''ve left Silverleaf Bay."


    Elijah rubbed his temples, instructing, "Be careful with your words around Violette. She''s pregnant.¡±


    "Yes, | regretted it the moment | left her house. I''ll apologize to herter," Joey confessed guiltily.


    The next morning, Adrian paid Violette a visit. Upon seeing each other, they couldn''t help but share a hug.


    "Violette, don''t take to heart what my


    mom said to you. She''s old a


    some rigi inopains aban ed


    bedh iting for her return to exin,


    "I''m okay now. What about you?


    How''s your injury?" Please read the


    original content at .


    "I''m fine now," She led Adrian to the


    couch, pouring him a ss of watt


    ter Aatian, is¨¦ me you won''t


    be¡¯so reckless in the future." Please


    read the original content atChapter


    "There won''t be a next time. But you, now that your identity is public, you need to be more careful," Adrian advised.


    "Sure. And your hand..." she sat down beside him, taking his hand.


    "It''s okay. It doesn''t affect my life at


    all," Adrian showed esis V


    cogfidentivaaviclett, Elijah asked me


    to tutor Maka." Please read the


    original content at .


    Hearing this, she looked at Adrian with surprise.

 Chapter 575

    Chapter 575


    "| really enjoy the time | spend with Maka. It''s rxing. So | agreed," Adrian admitted, "and he secretly gave my parents a


    hefty sum."


    Violette managed a smile, "well, if he''s offering, you might as well ept."


    Adrian shook his head, "| had my parents donate the money. | don''t like the feeling of being pitied, as if I''m a charity case. I''ve


    never felt that I''m in a pitiable situation."


    ¡°Adrian, maybe that''s not what he meant."


    Adrian''s gaze was warm, his tone calm, "| know he means well. Violette, since you''re able to advise me now, why can''t you sort


    things out for yourself?"


    "What about me?" Her cheeks flushed slightly.


    "You broke up with Elijah, which wasn''t very wise of you. You''re pregnant now, and you need someone to look after you,"


    Adrian''s tone became serious as he watched her face, ¡°after all that''s happened, can''t you see how much he cares about you?"


    Her brows furrowed, her heart in pain.


    "You''re gentle and polite in front of others, but you''re brash and defiant with him." Adrian said, "It''s because he lets you get away


    with it.¡±


    ¡°Adrian, why are you speaking about me like that?" Violette felt wronged.


    Adrian''s tone softened, "I can''t bear to see you raising three children alone."


    n and Rita have grown up and don''t really need me to worry about them," Violette said. "Do you think that Elijah appears


    mature andposed in front of others, and he will be the same with me? He was trying to annoy me with Melinda yesterday,


    acting childishly and ridiculously. Expecting him to take care of the children is no better than me doing it myself."


    Adrian didn''t have much experience in this matter, so he remained silent. In the afternoon, Violette received a call from Melinda.


    She hadn''t reached out to Melinda about paying back Elijah because she felt irked. But to her surprise, Melinda took the initiative


    to call her.


    "Violette, in the future, when you need to pay back Elijah, juste to me," Melinda said professionally, "Elijah is nning to


    establish a foundation, and all the money you pay back will be donated there. | will be managing the foundation''s affairs."


    After listening to Melinda, Violette''s eyebrows furrowed slightly, "Send me the bank details of your foundation."


    "The foundation is not yet established. Once it''s set up, I''ll let you know," Melinda said.


    "Understood."


    "Violette, may | ask, does your child have any problems?" Melinda asked innocently.


    Violette, feeling as if her tail had been stepped on, instantly lost her temper, "Did he tell you that?"


    "No. This foundation he''s establishing is for helping children with intellectual disabilities. He doesn''t particrly like children, but


    he''s specifically establishing this foundation for them, so | was wondering if it was rted to your child."


    Violette felt a chill run down her spine. She could hear the gloating tone in Melinda''s voice.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    That night, Violette couldn''t sleep. Shey in bed, staring at the ceiling light, her mind filled with countless memories. Although


    those memories seemed like they happened just yesterday, reality had long since changed.


    For her children, for those who cared about her, she had to be stronger than before.


    The next day, Violette was invited to


    attend an entrepreneurs sungmi \


    on Aire she@uesuitounded by


    a¡®swarm of journalists. Please read


    the original content atChapter


    "Ms. Dennis, we heard that you swindled Elijah out of 10 billion dors, is this true?"


    Violette calmly faced the camera, "Yes, it''s true."


    Everyone was too stunned to say anything.


    "Ms. Dennis, you must be joking? If


    it''s true, why hasn''t he-sued porn


    j palistacked Sher a few minutes.


    Please read the original content at


    .


    Violette replied, "Because Mr. Bourne


    is incredibly w thy eh Bilin Gottars


    iG DOLEING YE him.¡± Please read the


    original content at .


    Everyone was silent once again.


    Violette added, "If any of you want to get rich, go swindle him. He''s very easy to deceive."

 Chapter 576

    Chapter 576


    The interview was posted online by the journalist, and the video immediately went viral.


    News of Violette swindling Elijah out of a whopping ten billion had been a hot topic a little while ago. And now, Violette was


    addressing this publicly for the first time. Shocking as it was, she had indeed swindled Elijah out of ten billion, and Elijah didn¡¯t


    sue her or seek rpense.


    Incredible! Was Elijah really that easy to trick?


    At the Bourne Group.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    Elijah had just wrapped up a meeting and returned to his office when he unlocked his phone to find a slew of new messages.


    Every single message contained the same video clip. Frowning, he clicked on one.


    "Ms. Dennis, we heard that you swindled Elijah out of 10 billion dors, is this true?"


    "Yes, it''s true."


    "Ms. Dennis, you must be joking? If it''s true, why hasn''t he sued you?"


    "Because Mr. Bourne is incredibly wealthy. 10 billion dors is nothing to him. If any of you want to get rich, go swindle him. He''s


    very easy to deceive."


    Elijah¡¯s face darkened instantly. If he hadn¡¯t seen her face in the video and heard her voice with his own ears, he wouldn¡¯t have


    believed it.


    The office door was pushed open, and Brandon walked in, grinning. "Elijah, have you seen the video? Ha-ha! Did you upset


    her?"


    Elijah put down his phone and took a sip from his water ss. "She looks well," Brandon noted as he neared him. "Have you


    guys not met since she returned home?"


    They hadn''t, but they certainly had argued.


    "Do you want to see her?" Brandon asked. "If you do, | could arrange."


    "No." Elijah set his ss down. "Every time we meet, either she gets mad, or | do. She¡¯s pregnant now; | don¡¯t want to upset


    her.


    He also didn¡¯t want to be upset by her, so it was best they didn¡¯t meet.


    "Can''t you twomunicate properly?" Brandon sighed. "Do it for the kids. You can¡¯t let the child be born fatherless."


    Elijah: "She doesn¡¯t want me to be the father of her child."


    Brandon: "So be more assertive. You can¡¯t always yield to her."


    Elijah nced at Brandon: "She already can¡¯t ept me when | am not assertive. If | am, she would want to cut all ties with me."


    Brandon: "You can¡¯t just ignore herpletely. In a month or two, her belly will start to show. People will undoubtedly specte


    about the father¡¯s identity."


    Elijah: "We''ll cross that bridge when we get to it. | have enough on my te right now."


    Brandon: "Ha-ha! She indeed can be quite a handful. But it¡¯s her uniqueness that makes it hard for you to let her go."


    Outside the office, Melinda listened to their conversation, her face ashen. Elijah admitted he couldn''t let Violette go and would


    take responsibility for her and the baby when her belly starts showing.


    Humph! What if Violette¡¯s belly didn¡¯t show?


    Though Melinda dared not hurt


    Violette directly, she co Id indirectly,


    use-her ta miseatt ~The stress of


    regnant woman can greatly affect


    the fetus. Please read the original


    content at .


    C.


    a


    After attending the summit, Violette, guarded by her bodyguard, left the hotel. Her phone rang suddenly, and she picked it up.


    Whatever was said on the other end


    brought a smile to her face, ey


    hung uk bodyguided asked in


    cbafusi n, ¡®Boss, who was that? Why


    didn¡¯t you say anything?" Please read


    the original content at


    .


    Violette put her phone in her bag: "You''ll find out soon enough."


    Once in the car, Violette named a restaurant. Her bodyguard started the car, specting, "Did Elijah ask you out?"


    The mere mention of his name


    caused Violette¡¯s smile tt falter) Why


    Aas AIRY alnspa''s 4 en? Do you


    t I''d be this happy if he asked me


    out?" Please read the original content


    at .


    Her bodyguard mmed up.

 Chapter 577

    Chapter 577


    Momentster, the car pulled up outside a bistro. Violette entered the bistro, heading straight for the private booth.


    "Kylee, are you off today?"


    Kylee had reserved a booth in a bistro near Violette''s office and invited her for a meal.


    "Yep, I''m off during the day," he replied, pulling out a chair for her. "I''m d you''re back safe. | was really worried about you."


    Before Violette could reply, she was distracted by a card on the table. "What''s this? Your card?"


    Kylee sat down next to her. "Yeah. You take it first and pay back Elijah."


    Without a second thought, she pushed the card back to him. "! don''t want it, Kylee. Although | owe him money, he didn''t pressure


    me to return it. If | want to return it, | will. If one day, | don¡¯t want to, | won''t."


    Kylee stubbornly pushed the card back to her. "You''ve broken up with him; it''s better to pay him back as soon as possible.


    Violette, you saved my life. The money | earn, | can give it all to you." His eyes were clear and bright, and every word he spoke


    was sincere.


    "| didn¡¯t return to work because | love it. | did it so | could be a useful person and help you when you''re in trouble."


    Tears welled up in Violette''s eyes as she listened to him. "Kylee, | really can''t ept your card. Your invitation to lunch is enough


    for me. The money | owe Elijah, | can pay it back myself. Trust me, okay?"


    She felt the atmosphere growing heavy, so she shed a smile. "It''s been a while. You''ve gotten even more handsome."


    "Don''t change the subject," he said, stuffing the card into her hand. "Keep it for me. You can give it back when | get married."


    Violette didn''t know how to refuse this request.


    "The pin is your birthday," he added.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    "Why are you telling me the PIN?" Violette asked.


    "| have a bad memory. You can help me remember that."


    Three dayster.


    Elijah''s foundation was established and Melinda sent Violette the bank ount details. As soon as Violette received the details,


    she transferred two billion into the ount.


    Melinda was stunned for a few minutes after seeing the massive transfer. Where did Violette get so much money?! She had paid


    back one billion before, and now another two billion. Was herpany really that profitable?!


    Melinda immediately informed Elijah about this. His eyebrows furrowed. Where did she get all this money? Who lent it to her?


    Who could lend her so much?


    Was it Kylee?!


    Asurge of anger welled up in his heart.


    After transferring the money, Violette put down her phone and started working. About twenty minutester, she noticed her phone


    screen light up out of the corner of her eye.


    She picked up her phone and saw a


    new message. It was from t O


    hospital in B County the r¨¦sults of


    He? b¨¦wni syndrome screening were


    out. Her heart pounded as she


    opened the message. Please read the


    original content at .


    Down syndrome: Low risk


    Trisomy 18: Low risk


    Neural tube defects: High risk


    High risk?!


    Her hand, gripping the phone, tightened. Was there something wrong with her child?!


    Elijah drove to the Dennis Group. He


    wanted to find out wher she-gotithe


    ¡®5 billion tyorm PSHE got it from


    a a man, he absolutely couldn''t


    ept it. Please read the original


    content at .


    He didn''t make an appointment, and just barged in.


    When he strode to the elevator and


    pressed the button, the glevatan i


    ors w opened, SeVealing


    lette''s tear-streaked face. Please


    read the original content at


    .

 Chapter 578

    Chapter 578


    She cast him a nce. It was a single, lost nce. Then her gaze awkwardly shifted away.


    Exiting the elevator, she brushed past him without a word.


    ¡°Violette!¡± Hisrge hand gripped her arm tightly.


    Her steps came to a halt, and then, with her free hand, she began to pound against his chest. ¡°Let me go!¡± She croaked out, ¡°Let


    go of me!¡±


    Her vehement reaction caused his grip to loosen immediately. He looked at the tears welling up in her eyes. His Adam¡¯s apple


    was bobbing. ¡°Violette, what''s wrong?¡±


    Something was clearly off with her. He couldn''t fathom what kind of trouble she could possibly be in to react like this.


    She stared at his face. The pain in her heart was intensifying. If only he hadn''t insisted on the medication, maybe their child


    would have been alright.


    She wanted to me him, but it couldn¡¯t change the result. It wasn¡¯t like he did it on purpose.


    ¡°Elijah, don¡¯t follow me!¡± With teary eyes, she uttered these words before swiftly turning to leave.


    Watching her retreating figure, he found himself unable to stay calm. He strode towards her, determined to follow.


    Just then, the nearby elevator door opened, revealing Mike. The receptionist had called Mike over.


    ¡°Elijah! What are you doing here?¡± Mike quickly caught up with Elijah, grabbing his arm. ¡°Are you here for Violette? What do you


    want with her?¡±


    Hearing Mike¡¯s voice, Violette, who wasn¡¯t too far away, turned to look back. Seeing her tear-covered face, Mike immediately


    assumed the worst. Elijah had been messing with her!


    ¡°Damn it! You made Violette upset!¡± Mike threw a punch, hitting Elijah square in the face.


    Taken by surprise, Elijah was unable to dodge and took the full brunt of the punch.


    His face was darkening. Elijah retaliated with a punch of his own!


    ¡°Ms. Violette! Mike and Elijah are fighting!¡± The receptionist, terrified, called out to Violette, ¡°Please, you have to stop them!¡±


    Violette halted in her tracks.


    ¡°Mike seems to be losing to Elijah!¡± The receptionist watched the fight, pacing nervously.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    Taking a deep breath, Violette strode towards the two men. ¡°Enough!¡± She stood just a step away from them. Her voice was


    stern. Both men immediately stopped fighting.


    The receptionist was left speechless. It was understandable that Mike would listen to the boss. But why was Elijah, who was


    supposedly conned by the boss, also obedient?


    ¡°If you must fight, do it elsewhere! Don¡¯t bother me!¡± Choking back sobs, Violette spoke out these words before turning to leave.


    As Elijah tried to follow, Mike grabbed him.


    ¡°Elijah! What the hell did you do to


    Violette?!¡± Mike wip Lhe o


    Dim full of anger.


    Please read the original content at


    .


    Elijah red menacingly at him. ¡°Sure, | wanted to do something, but | didn¡¯t get the chance yet!¡±


    ¡°Then why was she crying?!¡±


    ¡°Let go of me! I¡¯m going to ask her!¡± Elijah shook off his hand.


    ¡°It wasn''t you who made her cry?¡±


    Ril Seoliele ce ny a


    ma tir of doubt and belief.


    Please read the original content at


    .


    At that moment, the receptionist came over with two cups of warm water, handing them over.


    ¡°Mike, after Mr. Bourne arrived, he


    bumped into Ms. Violette in the


    elevator. They barely e changed al |


    f onds,a aoe tink she was


    crying because of him.¡± The


    receptionist quickly exined before


    rushing back to her desk, unable to


    handle the tense atmosphere. Please


    read the original content at


    .


    Looking awkward, Mike finally let go of Elijah¡¯s arm.

 Chapter 579

    Chapter 579


    Elijah nced toward the office front door. Violette had driven off.


    ¡°Uh... sorry about that! | thought you were the one who made her cry!¡± Mike directed him toward the elevator, holding his arm. ¡°I''ll


    buy you a cup of coffee! She asked us not to bother her. It¡¯s best to leave her alone for now.¡±


    Elijah furrowed his brows. ¡°You really don¡¯t know what''s going on with her?¡±


    Mike replied, ¡°I have no clue! She seemed perfectly fine when she came to work this morning. Otherwise, | would not think you


    upset her.¡±


    Elijah followed Mike into the elevator.


    ¡°Do you know how she get the two billion?¡± Elijah posed this question. ¡°She paid me back two billion today. As far as | know, her


    twopanies don¡¯t currently have such a lot of money.¡±


    Mike said, ¡°You came looking for her just to ask this?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°| don¡¯t know!¡± Mike, of course, wasn¡¯t going to tell him the truth. ¡°She doesn¡¯t share much with me anymore. She thinks I¡¯ve


    joined your side because I¡¯ve been hanging out with Joey.¡±


    Elijah¡¯s sharp gazended on his face, not moving away. Mike, unnerved by his gaze, swiftly changed the topic. ¡°You are with


    Melinda now. You¡¯re just trying to piss Violette off, aren''t you? Aren¡¯t you afraid of causing her any harm? After all, she¡¯s pregnant


    now.


    ¡°So you''re implying that even though she dumped me, | still have to remain celibate for her sake?¡± Elijah countered.


    ¡°Even if you can¡¯t remain single for her, it¡¯s still too soon to hook up with Melinda. Don¡¯t you think? Can¡¯t you wait until after she¡¯s


    given birth?¡±


    ¡°Why do you think she would care who | date?¡±


    ¡°Why do you think she wouldn''t?¡±


    ¡°She dumped me!¡± Elijah gritted his teeth. ¡°If she cared, why would she dump me?!¡±


    The anger radiating off him made Mike swallow hard.


    The elevator arrived at the designated floor. With a ¡®ding¡¯, the door opened. The two men stepped out of the elevator and went


    into Mike''s office.


    ¡°Elijah, have you ever considered why she wanted to break up?¡± Mike asked him, closing the office door.


    ¡°She mes me for signing the surgery risk consent form without her agreement. She mes me for not putting the baby first.¡±


    He stated the reason for their breakup logically. ¡°She doesn¡¯t think I¡¯d be a good father, so she doesn¡¯t want to raise the


    child with me.¡±


    Mike frowned. ¡°You''re right and also wrong. Even if she doesn¡¯t trust you, she still loves you! She broke up with you because she


    was afraid something might go wrong with the baby and she wants to bear the consequences alone!¡±


    Elijah smirked sarcastically. ¡°Did she say that?¡±


    ¡°Why the hell are youughing? What''s so funny?!¡± Mike cursed. ¡°If Maka¡¯s condition were not good now, she¡¯d probably still


    be locked up in your golden cage! If something were to happen to your child with Violette, would you also lock up this ¡®wed¡¯


    child and keep him from the outside world?!¡±


    Mike¡¯s words caused Elijah¡¯s face to darken instantly. ¡°I kept Maka in a golden cage? Is that how you feel about me?!¡±


    ¡°What do you mean by ¡®how you feel


    about me¡¯? Isn''t that the truth?! Who


    knew about Maka b fore fet {t\


    an-impprovetl You kept her


    miacill hidden from the outside


    world because you were


    embarrassed by her, weren''t you!¡±


    Mike''s tone intensified. Please read


    the original content at


    .


    If Violette wouldn''t say these things


    to Elijah, then he would have to


    expose the Ge LQinenise; eign


    wWOuIceys ink that Violette


    heartlessly dumped him, without


    realizing he had more issues. Please


    read the original content at


    .


    Elijah clenched his fists. There was a chill in his eyes. His lips moved slightly as if to exin, but he choked on his words, unable


    to utter a single one.


    Not all pain can be shared.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    At the hospital.


    Violettey on the examination bed,


    preparing for amniocentesis. The


    prenatal screening ae wereyiat\


    Pe 80 sndWdctor advised her


    bins further tests as soon as


    possible. If the further tests


    confirmed the worst, she would have


    to terminate the pregnancy


    immediately. Please read the original


    content at .

 Chapter 580

    Chapter 580


    ¡°Ms. Dennis, did youe alone?¡± The doctor asked. ¡°You''ll need to be observed in the hospital for a couple of hours. Better call


    a family member over.¡±


    If mom was still around, she would call mom.


    She scrolled through her contacts and finally dialed Odette¡¯s number. Upon hearing she was in the hospital, Odette quickly


    asked for the hospital and department, and then rushed over.


    Two hourster, Odette drove her home.


    Not wanting to disturb Violette, who seemed emotionally fragile, Odette didn¡¯t pry.


    As she drove out of Silverleaf Bay, Odette felt increasingly upset. Even though Violette hadn''t told her what happened, she had a


    hunch. It must be something about the baby.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    The baby wasn¡¯t only Violette¡¯s. Why was Violette suffering while Elijah seemed to be unaffected? It was unfair.


    Odette found Elijah¡¯s number and dialed.


    The phone rang for a while, but no one picked up. After the call was automatically disconnected, she dialed Joey¡¯s number,


    which was quickly answered.


    ¡°Joey, where¡¯s Elijah? | need to talk to him.¡±


    Joey replied, ¡°What happened? Today the foundation¡¯s established , so he¡¯s a bit busy.¡±


    ¡°No wonder he didn¡¯t pick up my call.¡± Odette pulled over. ¡°Where¡¯s the foundation? I''ll go there.¡±


    ¡°Odette, what''s so urgent? If it''s not that important, you can find him another day.¡± Joey kindly reminded.


    ¡°If | need him now, it¡¯s obviously urgent!¡± Odette¡¯s tone grew irritated. ¡°Just tell me the address! If you don¡¯t, I''ll call Brandon!¡±


    Joey took a deep breath. ¡°Is something wrong with Violette?¡±


    Odette wouldn¡¯t bother Elijah unless necessary. She was close with Violette. If she urgently needed Elijah, it must be about


    Violette!


    ¡°Joey, why is it so hard tomunicate with you? Just listen to me and tell me the foundation''s address!¡± Of course, Odette


    wouldn''t gossip about Violette¡¯s hospital visit. All she wanted was to find Elijah and make him take responsibility as the father!


    Joey, provoked by her words, gave her the address. ¡°Odette, when will you control your temper? Without your father or husband


    backing you up, you¡¯d offend someone sooner orter.¡±


    ¡°You''re just jealous that | have


    backup, aren''t you? | w at change! |


    . , aN is : "


    ah get dard let alone you!


    Ls retorted arrogantly and hung


    up. Please read the original content


    at .


    The foundation''s establishment was being held at a hotel, with many political and business elites present.


    Luxury cars filled the hotel entrance. Security personnel in ck uniforms were everywhere.


    When Odette drove to the hotel and tried to enter into it, she was stopped at the door due to theck of an invitation.


    ¡°Let me in! I¡¯m Elijah¡¯s friend. If you


    don''t let me in, believes, licHavel |


    ij firevould ette stood tall and


    firm. Please read the original content


    at .


    The staff member looked troubled.


    ¡°Miss, if | let you in worn t cow


    peipeviiie c Yet ired too. How


    a Li you call Mr. Bourne and ask


    him to tell me?¡± Please read the


    original content at .

 Chapter 581

    Chapter 581


    ¡°Today he¡¯s swamped, with no time to take any calls.¡±


    Staff replied, ¡°Alright, youngdy, hang on for a moment. I¡¯ll ask the manager.¡±


    About two minutester, the staff returned with Melinda.


    Seeing Odette, Melinda furrowed her brows. ¡°Why are you looking for Elijah? He¡¯s tied up today.¡±


    ¡°It''s just an event, isn¡¯t it? You''re telling me without him, the event can¡¯t go on?¡± Odette scoffed. ¡°He doesn¡¯t even have time for a


    sip of coffee or a bathroom break?¡±


    Melinda stood her ground against Odette¡¯s bravado. ¡°What''s the matter, Odette? If it¡¯s something reasonable, | can pass the


    message for you, considering the good rtionship between Elijah and your husband.¡±


    ¡°| don¡¯t need you to pass any messages! Let me in and I¡¯ll only take a few minutes of his time!¡± Odette snapped in frustration.


    ¡°If it were any other day, I''d let you in. But today we have a lot of important guests. | can¡¯t just let you in.¡± Melinda exined, ¡°If


    you don¡¯t want me to pass the message, that¡¯s fine. I¡¯m busy too. | don¡¯t have time to waste here.¡±


    Melinda had a hunch that Odette was here because of Violette, so she wasn¡¯t about to let her in.


    ¡°Melinda, you know my husband and Elijah are close, and what gives you the right to block me? Do you think you speak for


    Elijah? Even Joey wouldn''t dare to treat me like this. You really think you''re something special! You¡¯re nothing more than Elijah¡¯s


    lapdog!¡± Odette was convinced Melinda was intentionally making things difficult, so her words wereced with venom.


    Melinda¡¯s eyes shed red as she was insulted. ¡°Odette, if you think I¡¯m hispdog, then I¡¯m just doing my job. Dogs guard the


    door for their owners!¡±


    Odette¡¯s anger red. She raised her hand to p Melinda¡¯s delicate face.


    Aloud ¡®smack¡¯ echoed! The surrounding guards and staff were dumbstruck.


    One of the staff approached Melinda, speaking in a low voice, ¡°Ms. Marcia, are you alright? Would you like us to throw thisdy


    out?¡±


    Melinda, bearing the burning pain on her cheek, smirked. ¡°Don¡¯t you see? Thisdy isn¡¯t someone we can afford to offend. Go


    and inform Mr. Bourne, and ask him toe here.¡±Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    The staff quickly entered the hall, seeking out Elijah.


    Soon, Elijah rushed over. His gaze swept over Melinda¡¯s face, and then locked onto Odette.


    ¡°Elijah, your PR manager barred me from entering. Who gave her the right to treat me like this?¡± Odette used.


    As soon as Odette finished speaking, Melinda bowed her head towards Elijah. ¡°Elijah, I¡¯m sorry. | didn¡¯t mean to stop her. | asked


    her why she wanted toe in, but she refused to tell me. Therefore, | didn¡¯t dare to let her in.¡±


    Achill settled in Elijah¡¯s eyes. ¡°Odette, who gave you the audacity to assault someone here?¡±


    ¡°Who told her to stop me? | said | just


    wanted to talk to you briefly. Isn''t that


    clear enough? oyquetiiak Wot


    caysealSd¨¦he once inside? What


    does she take me for?¡± Odette¡¯s voice


    escted,pletely forgetting why


    she came here. Please read the


    original content at .


    ¡°Apologize!¡± Elijah enunciated each word, and his voice was stern. ¡°Apologize to Melinda!¡±


    ¡°In your dreams! Elijah, | can¡¯t believe


    you''re taking her side! | must be blind.


    | was hoping you could assu esre


    responsi lity ofarather> | eee


    Have sted you. You''re just a jerk!¡±


    In her rage, Odette spoke out


    everything in her mind. ¡°No wonder


    Violette doesn''t want to be with you.


    She saw your true essence long ago!¡±


    Please read the original content at


    .


    Elijah never raised his hand against a woman, but Odette made him break his rule.


    Odette¡¯s disrespect towards Melinda,


    and her refusal to apologize, wasn''t


    why he lost his temper. ILwas tet!


    wgyesygaasnin shirking his


    responsibilities as a father, calling


    him a jerk, and saying Violette saw


    his true essence... that made him no


    longer hold back his anger! Please


    read the original content at


    .


    He pped her!


    Odette¡¯s head jerked to the side with the force of the p!

 Chapter 582

    Chapter 582


    Odette covered her aching cheek,pletely stunned. What took her by surprise was Elijah¡¯s next words to her. ¡°Get lost!¡±


    In the twenty-odd years she¡¯d been a pampered girl. No one had ever pped her face, let alone told her to ¡®get lost¡¯!


    She had a fiery temper, but it didn¡¯t mean she was strong. With her hand on her face, she ran off in tears!


    Elijah watched her retreating figure. His fingers clenched tightly. He could already imagine how furious Violette would be when


    Odette told her about this.


    But what''s done is done. There was no way to change it. If he had to do it all over again, he would still reprimand Odette! This


    woman just didn¡¯t know how to behave properly.


    She did not know when to hold her tongue, and her behavior was also exceptionally brazen.


    Melinda was just his PR manager. However, apart from this identity, she was also a daughter of the Marcia family. No matter


    what, Odette shouldn''t have offended Melinda in public.


    Odette ran out of the hotel in tears. After getting in the car, she drove it onto the main road, and then dialed Ramsey¡¯s number.


    ¡°Honey! Elijah hit me!¡±


    With tear-blurred eyes and an emotional meltdown, Odette was in no condition to drive. She parked the car on the side of the


    road and sobbed on the steering wheel.


    Ramsey''s brow twitched in disbelief. ¡°Honey, what did you say? Elijah hit you?!¡±


    ¡°He hit me. This jerk hit me for Melinda!¡± Odette sobbed, gasping for breath, feeling like she was about to pass out.


    Ramsey was deeply distressed. ¡°Honey, where are you now? I¡¯ming to get you!¡±


    ¡°I''m outside the hotel. I''ve got the hazard lights on... | can¡¯t stop crying. | can¡¯t drive...¡±


    ¡°I''ll be right there! Don¡¯t cry anymore. It hurts me!¡± As Ramsey said this, he immediately went to get his car.


    He wanted to call Elijah and find out what had happened, but he didn¡¯t dare to hang up the phone. He had known Odette for


    such a long time. This was the first time he¡¯d seen her cry so hard.


    Half an hourter, he found Odette outside the hotel.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    ¡°Honey!¡± Odette threw herself into Ramsey¡¯s arms. Her voice was hoarse from crying. ¡°Cut him off! | don¡¯t want to see him ever


    again!¡±


    With one arm around her and a tissue in the other hand to wipe her tears, Ramsey said, ¡°Babe, I''ll do whatever you say. Don¡¯t


    cry anymore. Your eyes will hurt.¡±


    Odette sniffled and nodded.


    ¡°Honey, weren¡¯t you supposed to be at home baking today? Howe you''re here all of a sudden?¡± Ramsey asked softly.


    ¡°| left home a long time ago... Violette called me...¡± Odette stopped crying, but her breathing was still irregr and her speech


    stuttered, ¡°Violette went to the hospital. There¡¯s something wrong with the baby... | was at the hospital with her... then | took her


    home... | thought | couldn¡¯t let Violette bear this pain alone, so | came to find Elijah. | wanted this jerk to stay with Violette...¡±


    As Odette got to this point, recalling what had happened at the hotel, she couldn''t help but start crying again.


    ¡°Honey, don''t cry anymore! | know


    you''ve been wronged. Let''s


    first!¡± Ram sey pandas heavy, but


    He voatile show it. ¡°When we get


    home, I''ll cook you something to eat.¡±


    Please read the original content at


    .


    ¡°| don¡¯t want to eat anything... | feel so sad... He hit me... He told me to get lost...¡± Odette covered her face with her hands. ¡°I''ve


    never been so humiliated in my life!¡±


    Listening to her words, Ramsey felt an indescribable sense of difort.


    Once they got home, Odette, probably


    exhausted from crying, went Sug fe


    to bed. Ramse tepk is ot ne


    apuisaw iessage from Elijah:


    Ramsey, when it¡¯s convenient for you,


    let¡¯s talk on the phone. Please read


    the original content at


    .


    Ramsey immediately left the room and dialed Elijah¡¯s number. The call was quickly answered.


    ¡°Elijah, did Odette upset you?¡±


    Ramsey began, sounding dis essed.


    ae s be n-shelteratkibrwhole life,


    To nat spoiled. If she


    uo you, | apologize on her


    behalf.¡± Please read the original


    content at .


    Elijah said, ¡°She hit Melinda, and said some harsh words to me, so | didn¡¯t hold back.¡±


    Ramsey nodded. ¡°I figured. She must have done something really over the top, otherwise you would never haveid a hand on


    her.

 Chapter 583

    Chapter 583


    Elijah paused for a moment before asking, ¡°Did she tell Violette about this?¡±


    Ramsey replied, ¡°No, she hasn¡¯t mentioned it to Violette yet.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Elijah wondered, trying to understand why Odette hade to him.


    Ramsey hesitated before admitting, ¡°Odette came to see you today to tell you that there might be a problem with Violette¡¯s


    pregnancy. She apanied Violette to the hospital earlier.¡±


    Alump formed in Elijah¡¯s throat as he absorbed the information. The light in his eyes was dimming.


    ¡°Her mood was probably affected by this news, which is why she came to see you in such a hurry,¡± Ramsey tried to exin on


    Odette¡¯s behalf. ¡°Odette means well.¡±


    ¡°| see,¡± Elijah muttered, and ended the call.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    There was a problem with the baby. Their baby. But Violette hadn¡¯t told him about it. Would she keep it a secret if Odette hadn¡¯t


    come to him?


    The thought tortured Elijah. He moved towards the banquet hall entrance as if in a daze.


    ¡°Elijah, the dinner is about to start. Where are you going?¡± Melinda asked,ing up to his side and holding onto his arm.


    He shook off her hand, barking, ¡°Leave me alone!¡±


    He walked away, leaving Melinda staring at his retreating back. Her heart ached. She didn¡¯t need to guess. He was definitely


    going to find Violette.


    Odette muste to him with news about Violette.


    At Silverleaf Ridge, Maka dialedn¡¯s number during dinner. Maka mentioned she was learning to drive. Once she got the


    hang of it, she wanted to taken and Rita out.


    ¡°Maka, you''re so cool now! You''re learning to drive!¡± Mike eximed in awe.


    Maka replied, ¡°Adrian said | can learn anything | want.¡±


    ¡°Adrian is right! You can do anything! When you fully learn how to drive, tell your brother to get you a fancy car!¡± Mike teased.


    Maka retorted, ¡°We have plenty of cars at home. | can just pick one!¡±


    Mike suggested, ¡°How about your brother''s ck Rolls Royce?¡±


    ¡°| don¡¯t like ck. | prefer red cars.¡±


    Just as Maka finished speaking, a ck Rolls Royce pulled up outside the vi.


    Elijah stepped out of the car and


    made his way to the front door,


    pressing the d orbelleabstheteborbel


    rang, Giblette had just finished dinner.


    She walked out of the dining room


    and looked towards the front door.


    Please read the original content at


    .


    There stood Elijah, in a white shirt and ck pants, calmly waiting in the twilight. His dark eyes were locked onto her as soon as


    she appeared.


    Her heart pounded against her ribcage. Why was he here? Did he... know?


    She stood frozen at the door,


    prompting him to press the dopsietl


    again. Th insigtennifadinig threw her


    Degas After taking a deep


    breath, she moved towards him.


    Please read the original content at


    .


    Not wanting his presence to disturb the kids at dinner, she opened the door and stepped outside.


    ¡°Violette, there¡¯s a problem with the


    baby. Why didn¡¯t you tell We


    gripped h ryrigt taht! Bis


    emdtierig were on the verge of


    spiraling out of control. Please read


    the original content at


    .


    ¡°What''s the point of telling you?¡± Violette retorted. ¡°So you could apany me to an abortion clinic?¡±

 Chapter 584

    Chapter 584


    ¡°| have a right to know!¡± he dered. His eyes were zing in the dimly lit room. ¡°Even if you wish otherwise, it doesn¡¯t change


    the fact I¡¯m the father of your child!¡±


    Violette responded nonchntly, ¡°Well, aren¡¯t you in the know now?¡±


    m, but not because you told me.¡± He demanded, ¡°Let me see the child¡¯s medical reports!¡±


    ¡°No medical reports,¡± she replied, as her wrist ached under his sturdy grip. She reached out to pry his fingers off. ¡°Let go of me!¡±


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t there any medical reports?¡± He loosened his grip but didn¡¯t let gopletely. Hisrge hand moved slightly, still


    clutching her wrist firmly.


    ¡°The tests were done in Ennd. They only sent me a text message.¡± She admitted, unable to lie under his intense scrutiny.


    ¡°Show me the message!¡± he insisted. If he didn¡¯t see the message today, he wouldn¡¯t let this go.


    At that moment, Mike and the kids emerged from the dining room,ying their eyes on Elijah.


    ¡°What''s he doing here?¡± Rita murmured quietly.


    Mike responded, ¡°Your mom was crying this morning. Not sure why...¡±


    lan furrowed his brows. ¡°What''s wrong with mom?¡±


    Mike shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t know. When | asked her, she didn¡¯t respond. But she seemed fine at dinner. Probably nothing serious.¡±


    While they conversed, Violette opened the front gate and ushered Elijah in. Mike led the kids back to the dining room.


    Elijah followed Violette into the vi. Violette reached for her phone on the coffee table, unlocked it, and handed it to him. After


    reading the message, he nced at her belly. ¡°What were you doing at the hospital today?¡±


    ¡°An amniocentesis.¡±


    ¡°What''s that for?¡±Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    ¡°To confirm if there¡¯s anything wrong with the child.¡± She quickened her speech, eager to end the conversation. ¡°Results will be


    out in two weeks. You can ask me then.¡±


    He looked towards the dining room where three pairs of eyes were watching them. He grabbed Violette¡¯s hand, leading her


    upstairs.


    ¡°What are you doing?!¡± She didn¡¯t want to be alone with him, so she shook off his hand. He hated when she did that, and she


    continually rejected him.


    He gripped her hand again. This time he gripped harder, as if he wanted to punish her. ¡°I have something to tell you. Do you


    want them to hear it?¡± He nced at her slightly reddened face, and then continued to lead her upstairs.


    Once upstairs, they entered Violette¡¯s bedroom.


    Violette didn¡¯t want him in her room, but he had taken over her home with no regard for guest manners, acting like he was the


    owner.


    ¡°Violette, if there¡¯s still something wrong with the child in two weeks, what will you do?¡± He shut the bedroom door, asking the


    question.


    ¡°Terminate the pregnancy,¡± she said without hesitation.


    Her answer sent chills down his spine. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you¡¯d keep the child even if there was something wrong? Why the


    change?¡±


    ¡°Should | bring him into a world of


    suffering?¡± She didn¡¯t u ergtanoh his


    r ction wera CVU the one who


    te me to terminate it? Shouldn''t


    you be happy?¡± Please read the


    original content at .


    ¡°That''s my child! Whether he¡¯s sick or


    terminated, | can¡¯t be h ppy! Aint


    emotion flickered tris eyes.


    . dleffe, are you trying to hurt me?¡±


    Please read the original content atChapter


    She wanted to end the pointless argument, so she turned away. ¡°If there¡¯s nothing else, you should leave. | need to rest.¡±


    ¡°What''s this about two billion


    dors?¡± He stepped in frontotei|


    Pe ee fade Nik ¡®Where did


    you get that money? Who did you


    borrow it from?¡± Please read the


    original content at .


    ¡°| didn¡¯t borrow it from anyone.¡± She felt stifled under his towering figure and unconsciously moved back. ¡°I earned it myself.¡±

 Chapter 585

    Chapter 585


    ¡°You made two billion in a few weeks? Exin that to me,¡± he demanded. The disbelief was etching his face as he cornered her


    against the edge of the bed.


    ¡°Why are you bothered about how | made my money? Your job is only to care for our child, not me!¡± she retorted, pushing


    against his chest.


    ¡°| care for you because | care for our child!¡± He stood his ground. His eyes were intensifying. ¡°As long as our baby is in your


    belly, | have every right to worry!¡±


    Violette found his argument ludicrous but couldn¡¯te up with a better retort. ¡°I was a private physician, paid generously for my


    services,¡± she didn¡¯t exactly lie.


    The two billion was payment given to Sarah by Elijah, but it wasn¡¯t Sarah who had treated Maka. Therefore, she demanded


    the money from Sarah. She had no qualms about taking the money.


    ¡°Who?¡± He was skeptical. ¡°Who paid you such a high amount?!¡±


    ¡°You allowed Sarah to be paid so generously, but you can¡¯t ept me being paid the same? Or can¡¯t you ept that someone is


    as wealthy as you?¡± Violette taunted, ¡°Such a self-righteous man!¡±


    ¡°Violette, does it bring you peace when you make me angry?¡± He tightened his grip around her neck, and his face was inching


    closer. His warm, unique scent enveloped her, making her heart race.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± She managed to stutter. Her longshes were trembling, and her breath became rapid. ¡°I swear I''ll


    scream if you don¡¯t stop!¡±


    Despite her threat, he silenced her with a kiss. She wanted to resist, but his strong arms held her captive.


    After what felt like an eternity, he finally released her. Her eyes were red-rimmed, not bothering to hide the hurt and anger. ¡°Do


    you even know what you''re doing?!¡± She pushed him back.


    Surprisingly, he stumbled backward, crashing into a clothes rack. He managed to brace himself against a nearby cab,


    preventing a fall.


    The rack toppled, exposing the contents in her bag on the floor. He immediately crouched to pick up her bag and the scattered


    items.


    Her bag didn¡¯t contain much. There were just tissues, earphones, apact, and some basic medication. As he was repacking


    her bag, he caught a glimpse of a ck card standing out from a side pocket.


    ¡°Don''t touch my stuff!¡± She broke out


    in a cold sweat upon seeing him With


    t anc ee dade ees Kylee,


    susie to her for safekeeping.


    mleste read the original content atChapter


    He flipped the card and saw the


    name Kylee on the back. ¡°Your stuff?¡±


    He twirled the card etyeen Gi)"


    fi ersytHisdord Was full of sarcasm.


    ¡°Why is Kylee¡¯s card in your bag?


    When did it be yours?¡± His tone


    grew harsher, and his expression was


    darkening. Please read the original


    content at .


    ¡°| told you not to touch my bag. | didn¡¯t say the card is mine!¡± She snatched her bag from him and attempted to reim the card.


    He stood up abruptly, raising the card out of her reach.C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    ¡°Is this where the two billion came


    from? He gave it to you?!¡± His. YiPP\


    rose in an ef. (When €d3ou two


    start ehship? How long were


    you nning on deceiving me?!¡±


    Please read the original content at


    .

 Chapter 586

    Chapter 586


    She watched the hurt and anger etched onto his face, suddenly at a loss for words. He was convinced, she and Kylee were more


    than just friends.


    She would also misunderstand if she thought in his shoes. Under what circumstances would a woman ept a man¡¯s credit


    card? Certainly, it would be when they were in a very intimate rtionship, to the point of being inseparable. Even during the


    sweetest phase of her rtionship with Elijah, she had never epted his credit cards.


    Her train of thoughts halted abruptly as she noticed the brimming tears in his eyes. She felt as if someone was strangling her,


    and she was struggling for breath, desperately trying to defend herself. ¡°Elijah... he only left his card with me for safekeeping... |


    never spent his money...¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡± He clenched the card tightly in his hand. ¡°In that case, I''ll return it to him for you.¡±


    After saying that, he stood up, propping the fallen clothes rack back up.


    He opened the door and was greeted by the faces of Mike and the two kids. His expression was icy as he passed them without a


    word. Then he strode downstairs.


    ¡°Mom! Did he bully you?¡± Rita rushed into the room, looking up at her mother¡¯s face.


    Violette forced a smile, hanging her bag on the clothes rack. ¡°No, he wouldn''t dare to bully me when you''re around.¡±


    ¡°Violette, | heard everything.¡± Mike walked in. His expression was somber. ¡°Is there something wrong with the baby?¡± No wonder


    she had been crying all morning.


    Violette feigned calmness. ¡°Not necessarily! There is a risk, but we''ll have to wait for the results.¡±


    ¡°Oh, well, don¡¯t be too stressed.¡± Mikeforted. ¡°I talked to a doctor, and they said babies aren¡¯t as fragile as we think.


    Especially after the first trimester, problems are generally unlikely.¡±


    ¡°Violette, | argued with him today. | told him everything.¡± Mike stood in front of Violette, awkwardly scratching his head.


    Violette frowned. ¡°What did you say?¡±


    ¡°Uhm... | used him of pretending to care for Maka when he actually looked down on her.¡± Mike paused. ¡°I also said that


    you still love him. | asked him to break up with Melinda... at least, wait until after the baby is born.¡±


    Violette looked puzzled. ¡°Jesus! Who told you to say that?! He must think | told you to say that! No wonder he just...¡±


    No wonder he kissed her!


    He must think she still loved him after hearing what Mike had said.


    She covered her mouth, wishing the ground would open up and swallow her whole.


    ¡°Don''t overthink. Your job now is to take good care of yourself.¡± Mike reassured her. ¡°You think he doesn¡¯t know you still love


    him? He¡¯s not a fool, nor are we.¡±


    ¡°I''m the fool, okay?¡± Violette pushed Mike towards the door. ¡°Just go! | don¡¯t want to see you right now.¡±


    Mike immediately left the room with the two kids.C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    Violette felt as if she had been


    drained. Shey down an.thebest \ |


    ie at? cheeyd BEING Rr swollen


    |


    ijah¡¯s tear-covered face was


    still vivid in her mind. Please read the


    original content at .


    Despite her reluctance to admit,


    every time she saw him in pai Pe\


    would soften. Namattel how deep


    thay ge was, the sight of his


    vulnerability would instantly break


    down her defenses. Please read the


    original content at .


    Such a dominant man would never shed tears easily unless he was genuinely hurt.


    She held her breath. He reacted so


    strongly just because she epted


    Kylee¡¯s card. What weulc naar!


    sheared man in the


    future? He could have an ambiguous


    rtionship with Melinda. Why


    couldn''t she be with another man?


    Please read the original content at


    .


    Two hourster, a scandal broke out on social media.


    Elijah, the CEO of Bourne Group, publicly pped a young woman in a hotel!


    Apanying the scandal was a screenshot from a surveince video. From the screenshot, one could clearly see Elijah hitting


    a woman.


    Regardless of social status, any man who hits a woman and is exposed will inevitably stir up a storm of public opinion!

 Chapter 587

    Chapter 587


    ¡°This guy looks like a wolf in sheep¡¯s clothing, doing such down-and-dirty deeds!¡±


    ¡°He seems cold as ice and fierce as a bear. He''s definitely got a violent streak! I¡¯d like to see who''s brave enough to marry him!¡±


    ¡°Violent streak? Even if he were a murderer, there¡¯d still be women lining up to marry him! Money matters after all!¡±


    ¡°Disgusting! If | were the woman he hit, I¡¯d never let him go!¡±


    ¡°Who''s the woman he hit anyway? Anyone knows her? She seems pretty from the side!¡±


    After her shower, Violette popped a folic acid pill and thenid down in bed.


    Having had a nap in the afternoon, she wasn¡¯t sleepy at all now. She picked up her cell phone and saw a notification. It was from


    her college group chat.


    She opened the chat and saw a heated discussion.


    Student A said, ¡°That woman¡¯s profile looks like Odette!¡±


    Student B replied, ¡°Even though she looks like Odette, there¡¯s no way it¡¯s actually her! Odette wouldn¡¯t allow anyone to push her


    around!¡±


    Student C said, ¡°If | remember correctly, Odette¡¯s husband and Elijah are friends. There¡¯s no way Elijah would hit Odette!¡±


    Student D said, ¡°Odette! Come check out the gossip! A woman who looks a lot like you got hit by Elijah!¡±


    Violette stared at the messages, confused. She scrolled up the chat and found a picture.


    She recognized Elijah at a nce. She zoomed in on the picture and saw the woman who was hit. If she hadn¡¯t seen Odette


    today, she might have thought, like the others, that the woman just bore a resemnce to her.


    But she had seen Odette today! The outfit the woman was wearing in the picture was identical to the one Odette had on


    today.This woman was Odette!Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    Tears welled up in Violette¡¯s eyes. Her hand clenched tight around her phone. Odette was a little princess born with a silver


    spoon in her mouth. She was the only child in her family, and never experienced any hardship. Even though she was a bit more


    spoiled than most, she never bullied anyone unless they provoked her.


    Why did Elijah hit her?!


    She jumped out of bed, threw on a jacket, and headed downstairs in a hurry. Half an hourter, she arrived at Ramsey and


    Odette¡¯s marital home.


    Ramsey was surprised to see her.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me Odette was bullied?¡± Violetteined.


    Ramsey looked helpless. ¡°She was embarrassed and didn¡¯t want anyone to know. How did you find out?¡±


    ¡°It''s on the news.¡± She strode towards the bedroom.


    Odette was sitting on the bed munching on snacks. When she saw Violette, she thought she was hallucinating.


    ¡°Odette! How could you hide


    something like this from me?¡±


    Violette r ached tiex!Side-n two


    stades''and- examined her injury. ¡°It''s


    so swollen... That bastard Elijah!¡±


    Please read the original content at


    .


    Odette had already calmed down


    somewhat. Since Violette was


    pregnant, she did wahtbhehto¡± me


    wWOrTVale Spptied some ointment. It


    doesn¡¯t hurt much now. The doctor


    said it''ll heal in a week.¡± Please read


    the original content at


    .


    ¡°Why did he hit you?¡± Violette held her hand, pressing her. ¡°Odette, tell me!¡±


    Odette frowned, reluctant to recall the incident, but she couldn¡¯t avoid answering.


    ¡°| saw you suffering because of your


    pregnancy, so | wanted to secretly tell


    him to be there for yous{ Qdetie Batd,


    "ywentterh@ Hotel, but Melinda


    blocked me and wouldn''t let me in.


    Melinda did it on purpose! I¡¯m still so


    angry when | think about her.¡± Please


    read the original content at


    .


    Violette gently patted her shoulder, already having a rough idea why Elijah had hit her. It was definitely because of Melinda.

 Chapter 588

    Chapter 588


    ¡°| pped Melinda,¡± Odette confessed. ¡°I know it was impulsive, but if | had the chance to do it all over again, I¡¯d still do it! She¡¯s


    not even the boss of the Bourne Group yet, but she was giving me a hard time!¡±


    Violette listened. Her mood was still heavy. It was wrong of Odette to throw the first punch, but that was between her and


    Melinda. Was it necessary for Elijah, as a man, to get involved?


    ¡°That jerk, Elijah, I''ll never forgive him! Surely he never cares about my forgiveness!¡± Odette dered, giving Violette a look.


    ¡°Violette, my issues with Elijah have nothing to do with you. Don¡¯t let me influence you. | was hit because | couldn''t keep my


    mouth shut. He didn¡¯t just do it for Melinda.¡±


    ¡°Odette, no matter what you said to him, he had no right to hit you.¡± Violette brought up a past incident, ¡°He nearly chokedn to


    death once.n still hates him for it. | suspect he knows thatn is his son. Because of his past mistakes, he doesn¡¯t dare


    acknowledge him. He knowsn would never ept him.¡±


    Odette stared nkly. ¡°Should | be grateful that he only pped me?¡±


    ¡°He has a terrible temper.¡± Violette pulled out a tube of ointment from her bag and handed it to Odette. ¡°Odette, stay away from


    him.


    ¡°| certainly will. | won¡¯t forgive him unless he apologizes. Well, even if he apologizes to me, | won¡¯t!¡± Odette huffed, ¡°But if you


    want to make amends with him for the sake of the baby, | won¡¯t hold it against you.¡±


    ¡°Odette, you¡¯re my best friend. If he hits you, it¡¯s like he¡¯s hitting me,¡± Violette said.


    ¡°Oh, Violette, | knew you''d take my side! But you¡¯re pregnant now. | don¡¯t want you to worry about this.¡± Odette gripped her hand.


    ¡°The doctor said you need to rest more, but you made the effort toe and see me. I¡¯m really moved. Don¡¯t argue with Elijah


    over this. | don¡¯t want you to stress out and harm yourself.¡±


    ¡°| know my limits.¡±


    The next day, in the morning.


    Violette, wearing a light blue maternity dress, appeared at the Bourne Group building.


    Since she didn¡¯t make an appointment, she stood on the first floor, waiting for the front desk to announce her arrival. About five


    minutester, the elevator door slowly opened in the distance.


    Joey walked out briskly. He approached Violette with a warm smile on his face. ¡°Violette, what brings you here all of sudden?¡±


    Violette answered, ¡°I felt likeing.¡±


    Joey knew perfectly well why she was here, but still pretended to be clueless. ¡°My boss is a bit busy at the moment and is not in


    his office. Would you mind waiting in his office?¡±


    Violette replied, ¡°Sure.¡±


    They both entered the elevator, one after the other.


    Once the elevator door closed, Joey nced at her belly. ¡°Your belly is bigger than before. Are you tired?¡±


    Violette said, ¡°Not tired.¡±


    Joey asked, ¡°Oh, how are your prenatal check-ups?¡±


    Violette replied, ¡°Not good.¡±


    Awkward. He didn¡¯t mean to i a


    nerve. He didn¡¯t know te pr


    check-u were donde kg wath | if he


    eXcaMNG he wouldn''t have asked


    such a foolish question. Please read


    the original content at


    .


    ¡°... What are you holding?¡± He awkwardly changed the subject.


    Violette was holding a file bag with a contract inside.


    ¡°I''ll discuss it with your boss when | see him.¡± Her tone was cold and her aura was exceptionally chilly.


    Joey shivered.


    The news of Elijah foes oe


    the night before had so? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    the ipte thug aed was


    d heter, Violette must have


    known about it. Please read the


    original content at .


    Violette rarely made her way here. Her sudden appearance today was definitely because of this incident.


    Asense of rm rang in Joey''s heart: The boss is in trouble!


    Violette was currently carrying the


    boss''s child. There nO waychiel |


    Foratcupadt her Therefore,


    apiicllihe Elijah was bound to lose


    without a doubt! Please read the


    original content at .

 Chapter 589

    Chapter 589


    After escorting her to Elijah¡¯s office, Joey poured her a ss of water.


    ¡°Do you want something to eat? | can run out and get it,¡± Joey asked in a friendly tone.


    Violette shook her head. ¡°No need. You go and take care of your work. Don¡¯t worry about me.¡±


    Joey¡¯s smile didn¡¯t falter. ¡°| don¡¯t have much to do right now. I''ll keep youpany while you wait!¡±


    Violette picked up the ss and took a sip.


    ¡°Violette, | heard about what happened between my boss and Odette yesterday. Let me exin! Elijah didn¡¯t p Odette


    because of Melinda. It was because Odette said some inappropriate things, like calling him a jerk and saying that he deserved to


    be dumped...¡±


    Violette¡¯s frosty gaze met Joey¡¯s.


    Feeling flustered under Violette¡¯s stern gaze, Joey blurted out, ¡°Uh... Elijah should have exined it to Ramsey already.¡±


    ¡°The more you exin, the more | dislike him,¡± Violette said, setting down her water ss.


    Joey zipped his mouth shut. ¡°I''ll be waiting outside.¡± He left the office, taking a deep breath once he was in the hall.


    A few momentster, Elijah strode out of the elevator. Joey rushed over and whispered, ¡°Boss, she¡¯s really angry. Be careful.


    Also, her belly is bigger than before, so you better keep your temper in check...¡±


    Elijah swallowed hard, and then stepped into his office.


    Upon seeing him, Violette immediately pulled a contract out of her bag. ¡°This is the three-way agreement we signed before,¡± she


    said. Her tone was cold and controlled. ¡°Mypany¡¯s coboration with the border patrol doesn¡¯t require your involvement


    under the guise of charity.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean, ¡®under the guise of charity¡¯?¡± Elijah frowned.


    ¡°You decided to donate only in order to pursue me, not because you genuinely wanted to give money,¡± Violette retorted. Her


    gaze was piercing. ¡°I want to terminate this three-way agreement. I¡¯m not here to negotiate. I¡¯m here to inform you.¡±


    Elijah¡¯s eyes turned icy as they met hers. ¡°You''re here because of Odette.¡±


    ¡°So what if | am?¡±


    ¡°| hit her, and now you hate me.¡±


    ¡°So what if | do?¡±


    ¡°Will canceling one contract make you feel better?¡± He walked over, gently took her hand, and ced it on his cheek. ¡°Go ahead.


    p me. Take revenge for your best friend!¡±


    Violette pursed her lips, trying to pull her hand away. But she couldn''t.


    ¡°Go ahead!¡± His eyes were bloodshot,


    and his voice was harsh. ¡°Reme r,


    | almost ae edyoer Son! B5n!


    yoy ir¨¦irierhiBer¡¯ I''m a devil! |sh out


    at anyone who angers me! Whether


    it¡¯s your best friend or your son, |


    won''t show mercy!¡± Please read the


    original content at .C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    His hot breath fanned over her face.


    It''s like his wickedness got intachet |


    peyaiseather hand and, with a


    aelw swing, pped his handsome


    Fe Please read the original content


    at .


    The loud smack echoed in the room like a whip,nding heavy in her heart.


    Her hand was numb from the impact, and her heart ached too. She had hit him, under his provocation!.


    The office door swung open. Melinda rushed in, with her high heels clicking against the floor.


    ¡°Violette! Who gave you the


    permission toy a hand on


    What ar ol! thinbiig? Melinda''s


    Revere viens as she noticed the red


    mark on Elijah¡¯s face. She lunged at


    Violette, crazed. Please read the


    original content at .


    Elijah grabbed Melinda¡¯s arm. His teeth gritted. ¡°I told her to do it! Melinda, if you touch her, I¡¯m not gonna show you mercy.¡±

 Chapter 590

    Chapter 590


    Melinda couldn''t believe that at this point, he was still defending Violette!


    She felt a pang of heartache and injustice. Her tears were uncontrobly falling.


    Joey quickly walked in and took Violette away from the couch.


    ¡°| didn¡¯t know Melinda was going to show up,¡± Joey exined seriously. ¡°I''ll take you downstairs.¡±


    ¡°No need.¡± She pushed Joey¡¯s hand away and strode towards the elevator.


    She had mixed feelings inside her heart right now.


    She had indeede to see Elijah because of Odette, b


    ut she hadn¡¯t thought that she wouldy a hand on him.


    He had provoked her, but hitting was still not right.


    He had a bad temper and often quarreled with her, but he had never hit her.


    After getting out of the elevator, she walked quickly towards the parking lot.


    Once in the car, she drove it towards the office.


    On the way, she received a call from Odette.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Violette, | heard you hit Elijah for me... | told you not to go see him, didn¡¯t 1?¡± Odette was shocked. Even her bruised face didn¡¯t


    hurt anymore. ¡°You''re so brave. Aren''t you afraid he''ll hit you back?¡±


    In Odette¡¯s eyes, a man who dared to hit a woman or a child was without boundaries.


    Violette lied, ¡°| came to see him for business.¡±


    ¡°What business do you two have together? Now you''ve hit him. How are you going to face each other in the future?¡± Odette felt


    suffocated just by thinking about it.


    ¡°| don¡¯t have to face him.¡± Violette spoke calmly, ¡°You take good care of yourself. Watch your diet. Don¡¯t eat spicy food...¡±


    ¡°Haha! Violette, I¡¯m already much better. You¡¯ve avenged me today, so | feel so relieved.¡± Odetteughed, ¡°Once my face heals,


    I''ll treat you to a feast.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    After hanging up, Violette arrived at the office.


    The news that she hit Elijah had spread throughout the entirepany within half an hour of it happening.


    As soon as she entered the office, she felt the receptionist¡¯s strange gaze.


    When she arrived at her office, Mike immediately appeared before her.


    ¡°Violette, does your hand hurt?¡± Mike leaned on her desk with both hands. His light blue eyes were staring at her face. ¡°Joey said


    you pped his boss''s face and left four red marks on his face! His boss was so embarrassed, so he went straight home.¡±


    Violette frowned. ¡°Do you really need to be this happy?¡±


    ¡°Haha! | think you did a good job!


    Some men need a good Ls 100


    eae? ea binamnoying, but


    she¡¯s ie Of us. We can''t let her be


    bullied, right?¡± Mike said. Please read


    the original content at


    .


    ¡°Get out.¡± Violette wanted to be alone.


    Mike said, ¡°Joey guessed that his


    boss might note lefekaln fesse


    anymore, cquge Wi dods as


    ever Bod so humiliated! So you''ll


    have to raise your child by yourself.¡±


    Please read the original content at


    .


    Violette lifted her heavy eyelids. ¡°I told you to get out!¡±


    Mike replied, ¡°Oh... I¡¯m leaving... But


    why would you break t econtrant! |


    onihare poAghfover money.


    hese deal worth millions!¡± Please


    read the original content at


    .


    Violette had a severe headache. After taking a deep breath, she muttered, ¡°Get out!¡±


    Afraid that she might get upset, Mike immediately left the office.


    Once the office was quiet, she examined her own right hand.


    Her hand was still slightly red and numb.


    It was evident how hard she had pped him.

 Chapter 591

    Chapter 591


    She put herself in his shoes for a moment. If Elijah pped her, she would undoubtedly hold a lifelong grudge against him.


    In her anger, she might even storm off to the hospital to terminate the pregnancy.


    With this thought, she spected he probably wouldn¡¯t ever seek her out again.


    Aweekter, at an upscale restaurant in town.


    Odette¡¯s face had mostly healed, so today she had invited Violette out for avish meal.


    Initially, Odette wanted Violette to bring along the kids, but they were out with Maka and Adrian.


    ¡°Violette, Elijah hasn¡¯t tried to contact you, has he?¡± Odette asked nervously.


    ¡°Hmm.¡± Violette ordered a few dishes, handing the menu over to her.


    ¡°| heard he¡¯s been staying home these past few days, and hasn¡¯t stepped out at all.¡± As Odette spoke, she couldn''t help but grin.


    ¡°| don¡¯t hate him anymore, really. | feel so good when | think about how he might feel worse than | felt. After all, his family is


    wealthier than mine, and his status is more prestigious. Haha!¡±


    Violette couldn''tugh at all.


    However, seeing Odette so happy, she couldn¡¯t help but feel a bit of her cheerfulness rub off on her.


    ¡°Violette, how do you feel recently?¡± Odette changed the subject. ¡°The test results will be out in another week. | had a dream


    about itst night, and woke up in a cold sweat...¡±


    Violette said, ¡°I can eat well and sleep well, with no difort.¡±


    Perhaps she had already prepared for the worst-case scenario, so she didn¡¯t dwell on it.


    ¡°That¡¯s good!¡± Odette finished ordering and handed the menu to the waiter.


    After the waiter took the menu and left, Odette said, ¡°Ramsey is nning a trip for us. Just to take a break. Summer vacation is


    coming up. Why don¡¯t you bring the kids? We can all go together?¡±


    Without a second thought, Violette declined her offer. ¡°So, you and your husband can enjoy on vacation while | am ying the


    third wheel? Besides,n has summer camp during the break, and I¡¯m nning to sign Rita up too. And my belly is bigger now,


    so it¡¯s a bit strenuous for me.¡±


    ¡°| think your belly isn¡¯t that big. I''ve seen other pregnant women who are just over the top! Their bellies are huge by the fifth


    month!¡± Odette mused, ¡°Wasn''t it more tiring when you were carrying twins?¡±


    ¡°That was six years ago. | was younger then and in better state. | was still attending sses right up to my delivery!¡± Violette


    reflected, ¡°I didn¡¯t feel that tired then.¡±


    Just as Odette was about to continue the conversation, she caught sight of the restaurant entrance from the corner of her eye.


    Melinda, in a fiery red dress, walked in, holding the hand of a girl in a white dress.


    ¡°What a small world!¡± Odettemented coldly. ¡°Herees Melinda.¡±


    Following Odette¡¯s gaze, Violette looked towards the restaurant entrance.


    Perhaps their stares were too direct, as Melinda noticed them too.


    The girl in white at Melinda¡¯s side also turned to look at them.


    At this moment, Odette made a shocking discovery.


    ¡°Violette, the girl in white looks so


    much like you! At first nce, |


    thought it was Quk @dbtte CO


    epiaioned ene for the fact


    that you are sitting right in front of


    me, I''d definitely think it is you.¡±


    Please read the original content at


    .


    Violette noticed it too.


    Where did Melinda find such a look-alike?


    ¡°Violette, hold on a sec.¡± After foink


    this, Odette brishiy, walked town


    Malinda Please read the original


    content at .


    Odette wanted a closer look at this girl in white.


    Two minutester, after gathering her intel, Odette returned to her seat.


    ¡°Violette, | bet that woman had


    surgery to look like you! | could tell


    right away that she¡¯ hacwotk


    pfaceButineh probably won''t


    notice.¡± Odette spected, ¡°Melinda


    will stop at nothing to win Elijah over.


    | bet she wants to present this


    woman to Elijah!¡± Please read the


    original content at .Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    Violette¡¯s face turned cold, and she lost her appetite.


    At that moment, there was somemotion at the restaurant entrance.


    Violette looked over.


    Elijah, dressed in a dark suit, strode in surrounded by bodyguards.

 Chapter 592

    Chapter 592


    ¡°Hah! Just as | suspected!¡± Odette sneered, ¡°That girl Melinda brought in is for Elijah.¡±


    Violette averted her gaze.


    It was absurd, but she couldn¡¯t control the actions of others.


    ¡°Such bad luck! | was in such a good mood just now, but then they showed up.¡± Odette took a sip of her water, turning to Violette.


    ¡°Violette, let''s go to another restaurant.¡±


    Violette shook her head. ¡°We got here first.¡±


    ¡°| just don¡¯t want you to feel ufortable.¡±


    ¡°Even if | do, we can¡¯t leave.¡± Violette replied calmly. ¡°We''ve already ordered. We can¡¯t waste food.¡±


    ¡°We could take it to go?¡±


    ¡°Odette, since when do you back down? If that girl did indeed get stic surgery to look like me, it should be her who¡¯s scared


    when she sees me, not the other way around.¡±


    ¡°Of course I¡¯m not scared! Even if Elijah came up to me right now, | wouldn¡¯t be afraid!¡± Odette bristled, but subconsciously


    touched her previously bruised cheek.


    The waiter came over with their food and set it on the table.


    Violette picked up her fork, speared a piece of steak and ced it on her te.


    ¡°My mom used to tell me all the time. Let the past be the past. Whether it¡¯s people or events, once they pass, don¡¯t think about


    them anymore. It saves you a lot of worries.¡±


    Odette said, ¡°Your mom was wise. But it¡¯s easier said than done.¡±


    ¡°Indeed. My mom loved my dad so much. After their divorce, she never got over it. Not until my dad passed away, and his will


    revealed he left hispany and all his core technologies to me. My mom cried her heart out. Then she finally moved on. She


    felt all her grievances were worth it.¡±


    ¡°Sometimes | just hate it. Why was your mom, such a good person, taken from us, while Alexa has yet to face retribution!¡± Odette


    gritted her teeth.


    Violette lowered her gaze, murmuring, ¡°Let''s eat.¡±


    On the other side.


    Upon seeing the girl in the white dress, surprise flickered in Elijah¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Elijah, this is my cousin Nora,¡± Melinda introduced, ¡°She just graduated from college. She¡¯s job hunting and | thought it would be


    nice if she could work with me.¡±


    ¡°Elijah, nice to meet you. My name is Nora.¡± Nora spoke softly.


    Elijah studied her face, taking in the uncanny resemnce.


    Could there really be two people in this world, with no blood rtion, who looked so alike?? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    ¡°Elijah, don¡¯t you think Nora looks a bit like Violette?¡± Melinda noticed his gaze lingering on Nora and quickly exined, ¡°She¡¯s


    been studying abroad and | only met her two days ago.¡±


    Nora blushed. ¡°My cousin told me | look like Violette, but | didn¡¯t believe her. When she showed me a picture, | realized we do


    look alike!¡±


    Melindaughed. ¡°Only a bit. Nora¡¯s features are more defined.¡±


    Nora turned even redder. ¡°Elijah, would you consider hiring me at yourpany?¡±


    ¡°What''s your major?¡± Elijah asked.


    ¡°Business Administration,¡± Nora replied sweetly. ¡°Elijah, if | can work for you, | will work hard and | won''t let you down.¡±


    Elijah replied indifferently, ¡°l don¡¯t


    need a secretary. But if ou gan¡¯ find


    job Lean antioduce Foti to a friend''s


    cofpany, as a favor to Melinda.¡±


    Please read the original content at


    .


    Melinda was taken aback.


    So was Nora.


    ¡°Elijah, | want her in ourpany. It


    would be easier for me tg logk @ftan


    fan Melinda snndied er


    e Ll tiesomert and insisted. Please


    read the original content at


    .


    Elijah replied, ¡°Then arrange her in your department.¡±


    Nora¡¯s eyes welled up.


    Under the table, Melinda squeezed her hand, telling Elijah, ¡°Then I''ll arrange her in my department.¡±


    Elijah said, ¡°No need to report things like this to me.¡±


    His cold response to Nora was something Melinda had not expected.


    Nora looked so much like Violette,


    but her features Weenie adden


    angiexqoisite. Hy normal man would


    be attracted to her. Please read the


    original content at .


    Instead of being attracted, he seemed repulsed.

 Chapter 593

    Chapter 593


    Violette pushed away her te, feeling pleasantly full from the roast beef and mashed potatoes.


    Odette quickly followed suit. ¡°Violette, shall we head out? Fancy a stroll downtown? I¡¯d be happy to apany you.¡±


    Violette shook her head. ¡°I¡¯ve eaten too much, and | feel a bit sleepy.¡±


    ¡°I''ll drive you home then.¡± Odette took her bag, moved to Violette¡¯s side, and offered her a hand.


    Suppressing a chuckle, Violette waved her off. ¡°There¡¯s no need to fuss over me. | can walk.¡±


    ¡°But | want to!¡± Odette affectionately patted Violette¡¯s belly. ¡°It¡¯s showing more now. Your loose clothing hides it well, but the


    bump is quite prominent when | touch it. Almost like a big watermelon.¡±


    Violette retorted, ¡°More like a small watermelon.¡±


    Odette chuckled. ¡°But this is not small at all. Can you see the baby¡¯s face now?¡±


    Violette nodded. ¡°Yes, the doctor showed me during myst visit in B Country.¡±


    ¡°Who does the baby look like?¡± Odette asked eagerly.


    Pausing for a moment, Violette replied, ¡°It looks like itself.¡±


    ¡°Boy or girl?¡± Odette continued, ¡°By the fourth month, you can usually tell, right?¡±


    Violette shrugged. ¡°I didn¡¯t ask.¡±


    ¡°Alright! You go home and rest. I¡¯ll apany you to the hospital to get the results next week.¡±


    That evening, Violette received a call from Odette.


    ¡°Violette! This is hrious!¡± Odette¡¯sughter echoed through the phone. ¡°Remember the girl we saw at lunch? She looks so


    much like you. It turns out she¡¯s Melinda¡¯s cousin! Melinda tried to match her with Elijah, but he tly refused! This is too funny!¡±Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    Violette listened in silence.


    ¡°Her cousin looks too much like you, so Elijah gets annoyed. You really left a mark on him, Violette!¡± Odette couldn¡¯t stop


    laughing. ¡°Your p gave him a psychological trauma!¡±


    Violette¡¯s heart tightened, as she sighed inwardly.


    Her ties with Elijah werepletely severed.


    This was for the best. There would be no more disputes over the baby.


    Aweekter, early in the morning.


    Violette left her house and drove to the hospital.


    After parking, she grabbed a quick breakfast at a nearby diner.


    She had had a sleepless night, so herplexion was a little off.


    Despite feeling exhausted, the anticipation of the results kept her wide awake.


    As soon as the clock struck eight, she headed to the hospital to collect the results.


    An hourter.


    Odette¡¯s car pulled up in front of Violette¡¯s house.


    She was there to apany Violette to the hospital to get the results.


    They had agreed to go to the hospital together.


    Entering the house, she was about to


    head upstairs when th ougekeeper


    tgp ovebites eep. She


    a ty not to be disturbed today.¡±


    Please read the original content at


    .


    ¡°Alright! I''ll just wait here until she wakes up.¡± Odette settled into the couch.


    Half an hourter, a


    ck Rolls-Royce pulled up behind Odette¡¯s car.


    Elijah stepped out and walked to the front door, ringing the bell.


    Seeing his towering silhouette, Odette felt a wave of shock.


    She dashed upstairs to the master


    bedroom, waking Violette. ¡°violett¨¦l\


    St jerk SlGahiishererHe must be


    here for the baby¡¯s results!¡± Please


    read the original content at


    .


    Violette, in a deep sleep, was rather displeased to be disturbed.


    Barely awake, she pointed towards


    her bag on the table payemuciitg) The


    Ov.


    results raralinth bag... Give them...


    to him...¡± Please read the original


    content at .

 Chapter 594

    Chapter 594


    Odette descended the stairs, with a medical report in hand.


    Elijah, alerted by the sound of footsteps, turned to look.


    Their eyes met, and an awkward silence filled the living room.


    ¡°What brings you here, Mr. Elijah?¡± Odette asked. There was a hint of apprehension in her voice. But this was Violette¡¯s home.


    She drew confidence from that.


    Elijah ignored her veiled sarcasm. His gaze was falling on the medical report in her hand. ¡°Is Violette still asleep?¡±


    ¡°Ah, you''re here to apany Violette to fetch her results, right?¡± Odette said, waving the report slightly. ¡°She¡¯s already gotten


    them.¡±


    ¡°Give it to me.¡± Elijah strode towards her, with his hand outstretched.


    Odette hid the report behind her back, taunting him, ¡°Have your bruises healed? | thought you wouldn''te looking for Violette


    again, but it seems the child is more important than your so-called pride!¡±


    Elijah¡¯s face darkened at her mockery.


    ¡°Are you so concerned about the child because there¡¯s a throne to inherit in your family?¡± Odette wouldn''t let him off that easily.


    ¡°Oh, your family is indeed grand with a throne to pass on! Unfortunately, fate has a way of ying tricks... You and Violette¡¯s


    child... didn¡¯t make it!¡±


    Elijah stiffened.


    His hawk-like eyes bore into Odette¡¯s face, not missing a single flicker of emotion.


    He was trying to discern if her words were true or false.


    ¡°Do you think I¡¯m lying to you?¡± Odette feigned surprise.


    Elijah saw no traces of deceit on her face, but he couldn''t bring himself to believe her words either.


    He needed Violette to personally tell him that the child was lost!


    ¡°Give me the report!¡± Hemanded, his tone harsh. ¡°Odette! Don¡¯t force me to p you again!¡±


    ¡°Are you threatening me?¡± Odette stepped back. ¡°If you hit me, Violette won¡¯t let you off!¡±


    ¡°Give me the report!¡± Elijah closed in on her, grabbing her arm tightly with one hand, reaching for the report with the other!


    ¡°You bastard! You''re hurting me!¡± Odette felt as if her arm was about to be crushed.


    She regretted her actions.


    She shouldn''t have provoked him! When this man lost control, he feared nothing.


    Elijah snatched the report from her hand.


    Just then, Violette came down the stairs.


    She frowned at the sight of them, puzzled. ¡°What are you guys doing?¡±C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    Their voices were so loud that she couldn''t sleep.


    Odette immediately ran to her side, whispering, ¡°I just lied to him saying the baby didn¡¯t make it. | wanted to scare him but he got


    really mad...¡±


    Violette said, ¡°Aren''t you just asking for trouble?¡±


    Odette replied, ¡°I can¡¯t stand him! | don¡¯t want him to be too happy.¡±


    Elijah¡¯s dark eyes lingered briefly on Violette. Then he lowered his head to read the report.


    Although he didn¡¯t understand some of the medical jargon, he could grasp the gist of the results.


    Their child was safe.


    ¡°Violette, is our child okay?¡± he asked.


    His voice was trembling sligttifoWith


    emnentarcbhtthe baby be born?¡±


    Please read the original content at


    .


    Violette said, ¡°For now, yes.¡±


    He let out a sigh of relief.


    She watched his face. Her emotions were a whirlpool ofplexity.


    She thought he wouldn¡¯te looking for her today, but he did.


    ¡°Violette, since you''ve already


    received the medica repart, cieeave


    est Qderta fait ike a third wheel


    Please read the original content at


    .


    Even if they weren''t in a romantic rtionship, they had a lot to discuss about the baby.


    After Odette left, Elijah settled down on the sofa.


    Sensing that he had no intention of leaving, Violette steeled herself.


    ¡°Have you not done the prenatal check-up for this month yet?¡± he asked, breaking the silence.


    Violette grudgingly admitted.


    She was so tired in the morning that she immediately returned home after collecting the report.


    He looked at her, noting her


    bloodshot eyes. ¡°You shouldasti ti


    seguraggtevsn Yetta for


    t recent tomorrow.¡± Please read


    the original content at


    .

 Chapter 595

    Chapter 595


    She was very sleepy earlier, but themotion stirred her up. Now, sleep was the furthest thing from her mind.


    ¡°Let''s get going now!¡± she dered, heading upstairs to grab her bag.


    Shortly, she descended, carrying bag with her.


    His gaze fell to her belly. ¡°Violette, you don¡¯t have a lift in your house?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± she responded, knowing full well where he was heading with this line of questioning.


    He was worried about the strain of the stairs on her, especially considering the baby she was carrying.


    But the truth was, she wasn¡¯t tired at all.


    Even if her belly continued to grow in theter stages of pregnancy, a two-story climb was hardly a hurdle.


    ¡°You either move to a room on the first floor, or | get a lift installed for you. Your choose,¡± he stated, in a tone that brooked no


    argument.


    ¡°How do you propose we install a lift? Going to tear down my house?¡± she retorted, giving him a hard stare. ¡°If | can¡¯t manage


    the stairs, I''ll naturally move downstairs.¡±


    After saying that, she stepped outside, with him trailing behind her.


    Their bodyguard, upon seeing them, promptly opened the car door for them.


    Once they were in, the car set off towards the hospital.


    The atmosphere inside the car was cold and tense.


    Suddenly, Elijah reached out and flipped a switch.


    Apartition rose before them, separating the backseat from the driver¡¯s seat.


    Violette was taken aback.


    ¡°Violette, since the baby you''re carrying is in good health, we should have it,¡± he began. His voice was firm. ¡°This child is mine.


    Once it¡¯s born, it¡¯ll take my surname, and I''ll be the one to raise it.¡±


    Violette frowned. ¡°You raise it? Can you even take care of a child?¡±


    Elijah replied, ¡°I have the resources. | can hire a professional nanny.¡±


    Violette shot back, ¡°You weren''t this assertive before. Is this because | hit you? Are you holding a grudge and now you want to


    take the baby away from me?¡±


    Elijah retorted, ¡°What do you mean take away? The baby is mine to begin with!¡±


    Violette was at a loss for words, finding his stubbornness difficult to counter.


    If he was going to be like this, she really didn¡¯t have any other options.


    ¡°And just for the record, that p isn¡¯t enough for me to hold a grudge,¡± he added. His voice was low and steady. ¡°But it was


    enough to make me realize that you don¡¯t deserve my love.¡±


    His words felt like a needle piercing her heart. They didn¡¯t cause an unbearable pain, but rather a lingering difort that


    wouldn''t fade.


    Her eyes dropped to the floor.


    She had hit him, and by doing so, she had lost her right to speak.


    ¡°Violette, you''re the first woman who has everid a hand on me,¡± he confessed. His voice was filled with hurt. ¡°If you loved me,


    you wouldn¡¯t hit me.¡±


    For so many times he had lost his temper in front of her, but he never thought ofying a hand on her.


    He would rather hurt himself than her.


    Violette felt humiliated.


    ¡°This child, I''ve decided, is TN ia


    dered, quickly regainitg his


    compaddrePlease read the original


    content at .


    Shortly after, they arrived at the hospital.


    Elijah apanied Violette directly to the ultrasound department.


    The head of the department personally attended to Violette.


    As shey down, the ultrasound probe was ced on her belly.


    Immediately, theputer screen disyed a clear image of the baby¡¯s face.


    Elijah held his breath.


    His deep-set eyes were fixated on the lively face of the baby on the screen.


    Violette could see the baby¡¯s face too.


    The baby was the simr image ofn.


    The doctor nced at Elijah and


    chuckled. ¡°The abytakes afeStie


    dayydaesh the?¡± Please read the


    original content at .


    The doctor then moved the prob


    lower, revealin the babyts body¡¯ on


    the sciddr Please read the original


    content at .


    The baby¡¯s gender was now clearly visible.


    ? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

 Chapter 596

    Chapter 596


    ¡°Congrattions, Mr. Bourne, it¡¯s a boy,¡± the doctor announced, pointing to the distinct features on the screen in front of them.


    Elijah swallowed hard. His voice was barely a whisper. ¡°Can | see his face?¡±


    The doctor quickly adjusted the ultrasound probe.


    Unfortunately, the baby had turned, so only his side profile was visible.


    ¡°| saved a picture of his face earlier,¡± the doctor reassured Elijah, pulling up the image on the screen. ¡°Mr. Bourne, your son looks


    a lot like you. It''s apparent at first nce.¡±Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    Elijah looked at the picture of his unborn son. His heart softened.


    This was the first time he truly felt the reality of the child - a living, breathing being.


    Suddenly, he understood why Violette had been so upset when he had insisted on medication for her.


    She had felt the life inside her before he did.


    ¡°I''ll print out the baby¡¯s picture for youter,¡± the doctor said. ¡°Let me first check on the baby¡¯s development.¡±


    Elijah nodded.


    After a moment, the doctor said, ¡°The baby is a little small. The mother should nourish herself more, rest, and avoid excessive


    fatigue.¡±


    Elijah¡¯s gaze shifted to Violette.


    Her cheeks flushed. She slid off the exam table and headed out of the room.


    Shortly after, Elijah emerged with the ultrasound printout in hand.


    The two shared a silent moment before stepping into the elevator.


    The hospital was crowded, so the elevator was no different.


    Elijah, concerned for herfort, stood face to face with her, keeping her within his protective space.


    Feeling his intense gaze, she quickly lowered her eyes.


    Soon, the elevator reached the first floor.


    As if it was the most natural thing, he reached for her hand, leading her out.


    ¡°Violette, the doctor said the baby isn¡¯t developing as well as expected,¡± he began once they were clear of the elevator. ¡°You''re


    due in three to four months. Take a break from work for now. If you need money, | can help.¡±


    She carefully withdrew her hand from his. Her eyes were locking onto his. ¡°The doctor didn¡¯t say | need to stop working.¡±


    ¡°The doctor did say you need to rest more. You''re a doctor yourself...¡± Elijah reached for her hand again, determined not to let


    her pull away.


    ¡°| don¡¯t believe | need to stop working just because | am pregnant,¡± she interrupted him. ¡°I haven''t felt unwell. As long as | feel


    fine, | can work.¡±


    She carried his child, but if she insisted on working, he couldn''t stop her.


    ¡°From now on, you need to let me know when you go out,¡± he stipted.


    Violette looked incredulous. ¡°I¡¯m pregnant, not under house arrest! | don¡¯t need to report my every move to you. Don¡¯t use our


    child as an excuse!¡±


    Elijah¡¯s eyebrows furrowed. ¡°What do


    | have to do toma yowuyndestahd


    that anitnyidg {Cate for you, not


    control you!¡± Please read the original


    content at .


    ¡°Maybe some women would


    appreciate your kind of ¡®care¡¯, but |


    am not one of thera, dipiptt€ OTT


    retorted, puillin oh her phone to call


    wit


    acab. ¡°I''ll go home by myself. We''ll


    see each other at my monthly


    check-ups. No need to contact me


    otherwise.¡± Please read the original


    content at .


    Elijah had told her she wasn¡¯t worthy of his love.


    He had imed their unborn child as his own.


    Thinking about it made his ¡®kindness¡¯ unbearable.


    If there was no baby in her womb, he wouldn¡¯t even bother with her.


    Elijah watched her disappear from his sight. His fists were clenching at his side.


    She always had a way of plunging him into a whirlwind of pain.


    But now, besides the pain, he also had a son. He wasn¡¯t empty-handed anymore.


    Back at the office, he switched on hisputer. Melinda knocked and stepped inside.


    ¡°Elijah, | heard you apanied


    Violette to her prenatal phectrupiDid


    erythi wear sre asked. Her


    deh Bred


    gazended on the ultrasound


    printout on his desk. Please read the


    original content at .

 Chapter 597

    Chapter 597


    She picked up the ultrasound image, looking at the baby¡¯s features that strikingly resembled Elijah¡¯s. Disgust rose from her heart.


    ¡°Your little one looks just like you! It¡¯s a boy, isn¡¯t it?¡± Melinda asked with a smile.


    Elijah answered with a nod, taking back the ultrasound image. ¡°What brings you here?¡±


    ¡°My cousin is starting work today, so | thought I''d drop by.¡± Melinda¡¯s eyes showed a gentle smile. ¡°Congrattions, Elijah! Your


    son¡¯s going to be just as brilliant as you.¡±


    Elijah¡¯s expression unconsciously softened.


    Now, the child was the only light in his life.


    Melinda maintained a professional smile as she left his office and returned to her own.


    But the moment she entered her own office, her face changed.


    She was furious!


    Their child was perfectly fine!


    How could fate be so cruel to her?!


    Nora entered her office, noticing the scattered paperwork on her desk. She immediately asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Melinda?¡±


    ¡°What''s wrong? | regret it!¡± Melinda gritted her teeth. ¡°He didn¡¯t want kids, so | removed my uterus to gain his trust. Now, he¡¯s


    having a son with Violette!¡±


    Nora picked up the scattered papers, ncing them on the table. ¡°You sacrificed too much for him. That¡¯s why he took you for


    granted.¡±


    ¡°| know! But without my sacrifices, | wouldn¡¯t have the chance to be by his side! Look at you. You are trying so hard to be like


    Violette, but has he ever nced your way? His heart is always so cold and unfathomable!¡±


    ¡°Calm down, Melinda. If we stick together, we can definitely beat Violette.¡± Nora scoffed, ¡°As long as she hasn¡¯t given birth yet, it


    doesn¡¯t count!¡±


    Melinda took a deep breath. ¡°I won''t let Violette give birth to that brat! | could have kids too. Elijah can¡¯t do this to me!¡±


    In the afternoon, Elijah got in touch with Kylee.


    Apanied by his agent and bodyguard, Kylee came to the Bourne Group.


    ¡°Violette wanted me to return this to you.¡± Elijah handed the ck card back to him.


    Kylee raised an eyebrow, taking the card. ¡°You mean you want to return it, right? Violette epted it at the time.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? Why would you give her a bank card? Is this your usual tactic when wooing women?¡± Elijah¡¯s eyes were sharp, and


    his tone was harsh.


    ¡°That¡¯s between me and her. Mr. Bourne, as her ex-husband, don¡¯t you think you¡¯re meddling too much?¡±


    ¡°Ex-husband? She¡¯s carrying my child right now!¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t change the fact that you¡¯re just her ex. Whether it¡¯s me giving her a bank card, or any other man, she has the


    freedom to ept. Even if she¡¯s carrying your child, she can marry another man. You have no right to interfere.¡± Kylee replied


    calmly.


    Elijah¡¯s eyes turned bloodshot at his words.


    ¡°Young men these days, are they all


    as shameless as veray U waihtd |


    b the stepfattiah thy child? Do you


    khoOw what I¡¯m capable of?¡± Please


    read the original content at


    .


    ¡°Mr. Bourne, age hasn¡¯t made you any more cultured. You''re being very rude.¡±


    Elijah growled, ¡°Get out!¡±


    After Kylee left, Elijah picked up his phone to make a call.


    He was going to make Kylee understand the consequences of coveting his woman!


    The next day, all of Kylee¡¯s works were taken down from the inte.


    Major brands announced the termination of their contracts with Kylee.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    He was the only star who hadn''t been involved in any scandal, but was cklisted on the inte.


    No matter how popr he was, he couldn¡¯t defy the power of capital.


    Violette hadn''t been following the


    news online. It was Kylee''s agent |!


    r informed her


    Berldhd informed h


    about the situation. Please read the


    original content at .


    ¡°I''ve looked into it. It¡¯s Elijah who''s


    cklisting Kylee! MsDennig,


    ging you! BiaSge talk to Elijah!¡±


    Please read the original content at


    .

 Chapter 598

    Chapter 598


    Violette was bbergasted.


    She couldn''t believe it! How could Elijah do this?!


    Why did he cklist Kylee? Why?!


    His agent painfully recalled, ¡°Elijah¡¯s assistant contacted me yesterday, and said Elijah wanted to see Kylee. So, | took him to


    The Bourne Group. | don¡¯t know what they talked about in private, but Kylee looked upset when he came out. And now, Kylee


    has been cklisted...¡±


    Violette asked, ¡°How¡¯s Kylee now?¡±


    The agent replied, ¡°He¡¯s okay. He still has his family business to fall back on, but | don¡¯t want him to leave the industry! He¡¯s born


    to be a star. Ms. Dennis, you must help Kylee!¡±


    Violette responded, ¡°Calm down. I''ll talk to Elijah immediately.¡±


    The agent sighed with relief, ¡°Thank you, Violette.¡±


    After hanging up, Violette scrolled through her contacts to find Elijah¡¯s number.


    Elijah and Kylee didn¡¯t have a personal rtionship.


    Their meeting definitely rted to Elijah returning the card to Kylee.


    Aconflict must have happened.


    This situation, after all, happened because of her.


    Just as she was about to dial Elijah¡¯s number, her office door burst open.


    Mike strode in. ¡°Violette, Kylee¡¯s been cklisted! | talked to Joey. He said he¡¯s been with Elijah on a business trip since early


    morning! They''re not in A City!¡±


    Violette was stunned.


    Elijah did this on purpose... He did it on purpose, didn¡¯t he?!


    He knew she would confront him, so he left the city.


    Her fingers trembled as she dialed his number.


    ¡°I''m sorry, but the number you dialed is powered off. Please try againter.¡±


    Not only did he leave the city, but he also turned off his phone.


    His intentions were clear. He wanted to cklist Kylee, and he didn¡¯t want her interfering.


    Violette¡¯s temples throbbed with anger.


    ¡°Violette, calm down! Don¡¯t stress yourself! Do you think he¡¯s going to be on a business trip forever?¡± Mikeforted her. ¡°Let''s


    treat this as a vacation for Kylee.¡±


    Violette couldn¡¯t swallow her anger. ¡°Where did he go on his business trip?¡±


    Mike quickly intervened, ¡°You''re not going to find him, are you? Remember the doctor said the baby isn¡¯t developing well. You


    need to rest. Calm down and don¡¯t do anything rash!¡±


    As he spoke, he poured her a ss of warm water.


    She took the ss and drained it, but her anger still red.


    Elijah¡¯s bullying of Kylee was an insult to her.


    Did he think she would simply ept it?C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    ¡°Mike, book a venue and invite the


    media. At 7 pm tonight, have ani 1 \


    we annannounderhent.¡± Violette


    said. She had an idea. Please read


    the original content at


    .


    Mike frowned. ¡°Violette, what are you nning? Don¡¯t tell me you''re going public with Kylee?!¡±


    Violette didn¡¯t respond to his question. ¡°Just do as | say.¡±


    At 6 pm, The Dennis Group¡¯s official Twitter ount posted: See you tonight at 7 pm!


    The tweet was followed by a live


    stream link and sey ralitaggedO''"''


    affigiahoueurkd of rands that had


    contracts with Kylee. Please read the


    original content at .


    The live stream hadn''t started yet.


    However, from the tagged buhtg,


    ascopviGus the stream was about


    ylee. Please read the original


    content at .


    An hourter, the live stream began.


    The host was none other than Violette¡¯s secretary.

 Chapter 599

    Chapter 599


    The secretary faced the camera, unable to contain her excitement. ¡°Good evening, everyone! Wee to ourpany¡¯s live


    stream! Without further ado, let¡¯s give a big wee to our boss, Ms. Violette Dennis!¡±


    Thunderous apuse echoed around the room.


    Violette, dressed in a plunging silver gown that entuated her curves, entered the stage. Her slightly protruding belly was now


    in full view of the public.


    Apanying her on stage was Kylee, who was assisting her with the gown.


    The number of viewers in the live stream shot up like a rocket and thements refreshed constantly.


    ¡°When the Dennis Group was in trouble, it was Kylee who stepped in and helped them out! Now Kylee is in trouble, so the


    Dennis Group is standing by his side! The bond between them is so touching!¡±


    ¡°| will boycott the brands that terminated their contracts with Kylee. | will also support the Dennis Group and will buy their new


    products as soon as they are released!¡±Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Kylee looks so handsome tonight! No one can hurt you, Kylee!¡±


    ¡°Did anyone else notice Violette¡¯s belly? She¡¯s pregnant! Whose baby is it? Could it be Kylee¡¯s?!¡±


    Violette, looking radiant in her sexy dress and meticulously applied makeup,plemented Kylee perfectly. They looked like a


    match made in heaven.


    Violette took the microphone from the secretary, smiled, and addressed the audience, ¡°Good evening, everyone. | believe you¡¯ve


    all seen the news about Kylee. It was sudden and ridiculous. Tonight, | want to announce that | have decided to invite Kylee to be


    the ambassador for all series of ourpany¡¯s products.


    ¡°When the Dennis Group faced a crisis, Kylee stepped forward to help us through it. | will never forget Kylee¡¯s kindness. From


    now on, the Dennis Group will join hands with Kylee. | believe that no hardship can knock us down.¡±


    As Violette finished speaking, the audience erupted in apuse.


    Meanwhile, in the live stream, Kylee¡¯s fans began to send gifts.


    The secretary eximed, ¡°Ms. Violette! Kylee¡¯s fans are sending so many gifts!¡±


    Violette decisively said, ¡°Turn off the gift feature.¡±


    The secretary immediately turned off the gift feature.


    Thements went wild!


    ¡°Violette is truly Kylee¡¯s goddess! From now on, she will be my goddess too!¡±


    ¡°If we can¡¯t send gifts, then I''ll just have to buy their drones!¡±


    ¡°Fans of Kylee! The Dennis Group is the only support for Kylee now. Let''s boost the sales of the Dennis Group! Supporting the


    Dennis Group is supporting Kylee!¡±


    The brands that had terminated their contracts with Kylee were dumbfounded.


    Elijah had pressured them to terminate their contracts with Kylee, and t


    hey did it out of respect for Elijah.


    But now, Violette was openly


    coborating with Kyles ¨¦n a(ive)


    sirperp iitiat WS going on?! Please


    read the original content at


    .


    One of the brand managers tried to


    calm everyone down, ¡°Don''t \GX\


    Mr. Bour el areeeseh iolette a


    laskort y tomorrow, she''ll terminate


    her contract with Kylee.¡± Please read


    the original content at


    .


    ¡°But | heard that they had a romantic rtionship before.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s history! Mr. Bourne is single now.¡±


    ¡°Oh, does anyone know who the father of the baby in Violette¡¯s belly is?¡±


    ¡°Whoever it is, it¡¯s definitely not Mr. Bourne¡¯s!¡±


    Elijah watched the live stream, and his brows were furrowing deeper.


    Violette¡¯s outfit tonight, revealing


    most of her chest and er pregnant!


    vere qualed ee


    eup,


    made her look like a


    different person. Please read the


    original content at .


    The icy glint in his eyes shone deadly.

 Chapter 600

    Chapter 600


    Inside the ck Rolls-Royce, Joey hung up a call and turned to Elijah.


    ¡°Boss, Mike just called to invite me to join them for dinner at the hotel,¡± Joey said hesitantly, ¡°Would you like toe?¡±


    Elijah¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°They didn¡¯t invite me. Why should | go?¡±


    Feeling embarrassed, Joey added, ¡°I heard Violette tried to call you this morning, but couldn¡¯t reach you. Maybe you should meet


    and talk things over? Despite her dazzling smile on her live stream tonight, Mike said she¡¯s actually quite upset. | suspect she


    dressed up like this just to get under your skin.¡±


    Elijah¡¯s dark eyes brimmed with icy menace. ¡°How do you know she didn¡¯t dress like this for Kylee¡¯s benefit?¡±


    Sensing his simmering rage, Joey fell silent.


    At the hotel.


    Kylee was demonstrating how to operate thetest drone model from the Dennis Group. Upon popr demand, he then started


    singing.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    The live stream instantly turned into an online concert.


    Violette descended from the stage. Mike offered her a light jacket, but she declined.


    ¡°It''s summer. I¡¯m not cold.¡±


    Mike replied, ¡°The air conditioning is a bit chilly though.¡±


    ¡°I''m not cold.¡± Violette ced her palm on his hand, letting him feel her temperature. ¡°Pregnant women tend to feel warm.¡±


    ¡°Alright! A few journalists asked me earlier. They¡¯re quite interested in the father of your child.¡± Mike massaged his temples. ¡°The


    number of viewers tonight exceeded my expectations... By tomorrow, practically everyone online will know about your


    pregnancy.¡±


    Violette had considered this oue, but she wasn''t afraid.


    ¡°Being pregnant is nothing to be ashamed of. It won''t matter if people know it.¡±


    ¡°But you''re not married!¡± Mike pointed out the crux. ¡°People are particrly curious about the father of your child.¡±


    Violette shrugged. ¡°That¡¯s their concern, not mine. | won''t let others influence my life.¡±


    ¡°Oh... So you''re not afraid that people will find out that Elijah is the father?¡± Mike uncapped a bottle of mineral water, handing it to


    her.


    ¡°| can¡¯t just hide away because I¡¯m afraid people will find out, can 1?¡± Violette took the water and took a sip. ¡°Besides, | wouldn¡¯t


    be doing this tonight if he didn¡¯t provoke me.¡±


    Mike¡¯s gaze dropped a bit, ncing at her chest. ¡°This is the first time I¡¯ve seen you in such a sexy dress. | never realized you


    have such a great figure... but | suspect someone will go crazy tonight. Hahaha!¡±


    Violette knew who he was referring to, but she didn¡¯t care about that person¡¯s feelings.


    ¡°Are you tired? If you are, | can take you home.¡± Mike suggested. ¡°I called Joey earlier. He said he and his boss are back, so |


    invited him to join us for dinner. Who knows? He might bring his boss along.¡±


    Violette raised an eyebrow. ¡°Who told you to invite Joey to dinner?¡±


    Mike scratched his head. ¡°You and Elijah had a fight, but it doesn¡¯t mean | can¡¯t date!¡±


    ¡°Fine! I¡¯m not tired. Gonna leave with Kyleeter.¡± Violette handed the water bottle back to him. ¡°I¡¯m going to listen to Kylee sing.¡±


    Amomentter, as Kylee finished his song, he invited Violette on stage to sing a duet.


    All eyes instantly focused on Violette.


    Blushing slightly, she picked up h


    skirt, preparing te pgaentith¨¦ stave.


    Fleaseiiedthe original content atChapter


    Just then, a tall, dark figure appeared at the entrance of the venue.


    Mike spotted Elijah next to Joey, surprised but not shocked.


    He had informed Joey about the live stream earlier.


    So, Elijah would have definitely tuned in.


    The sight of Violette¡¯s stunning


    beauty alone, as wel as\her idtirtet¨¦


    intgragtion with Ky ee, was bound to


    get under his skin. Please read the


    original content at .


    Inwardly, Mike was impressed by Violette¡¯s strategic move.


    She knew exactly how to make this proud man bend.


    Mike grabbed Violette¡¯s arm, whispering into her ear, ¡°He¡¯s here.¡±


    Violette looked towards the entrance. Elijah had already made his way in.


    His intense and aloof gaze was fixed


    on her. The haughty quiaertahating


    frome bimtade itn stand out from


    the crowd. Please read the original


    content at .

 Chapter 601

    Chapter 601


    She brushed off Mike¡¯s hand,posed herself, and stepped onto the stage.


    She took the microphone from the stage assistant, turning to face Kylee.


    Even from the side, the audience could clearly see the happiness on her face.


    The intro began. The two on stage were gazing at each other as if nothing else existed.


    Elijah moved to the front of the stage. His bodyguard was clearing a space for him.


    The atmosphere was tense and eerie.


    No one expected Elijah to show up.


    Rumors in the industry hinted that he was the one who had cklisted Kylee.


    So, it was even more perplexing why he would show up here.


    Was he here to cause trouble for Kylee, or for Violette?


    What followed was bound to be a spectacle!? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    Upon noticing Elijah¡¯s dark expression, Mike immediately texted Joey, [Once they finish singing, I''ll get Violette out of here. You


    handle your boss and don¡¯t let him go onstage and make a scene. We''re live!]


    Joey replied, [I''ll try to keep him in check!]


    Mike texted, [How many times has this happened? He knows he¡¯s no match for Violette, but he always provokes her, for god¡¯s


    sake!]


    Joey texted. [Shut up! It¡¯s their business. Let them sort it out. We can talk till we¡¯re blue in the face, but they''ll still do as they


    please]


    Mike replied, [Hey, isn¡¯t my girl Violette looking gorgeous tonight?]


    Joey nced at Violette on stage. [From the side, she looks quite pregnant!]


    Mike texted, [Is that all you noticed?]


    Joey replied, [What else should | look at? Her chest? She¡¯s my boss¡¯sdy. | dare not!]


    The four-minute love duet finally came to an end. Mike strode onto the stage, grasping Violette¡¯s arm and leading her off.


    Elijah¡¯s face was so dark, that no one dared to look at him.


    As Violette descended from the stage, Kylee quickly put down the microphone and followed.


    Joey cautiously suggested to Elijah, ¡°Boss, why don¡¯t you go and talk with Violette?¡±


    Elijah¡¯s cold gaze moved from Violette.


    ¡°She cane to my ce if she wants to talk. | don¡¯t want to see that young boy toy!¡± After saying that, he left the venue.


    His abrupt departure left everyone in a state of confusion.


    He had only stayed for one song.


    Everyone expected more drama.


    Joey quickly approached Violette to ry Elijah¡¯s message.


    ¡°Violette, don¡¯t go!¡± Kylee pleaded,


    gripping Violette¡¯s anes (Evert?)


    leave theiindust ? don''t want you to


    go to him!¡± Please read the original


    content at .


    Violette cast a gentle look at him,


    calmly saying, ¡°Okay, | won''t ima bit


    has Hi gggesti Frere¡¯ a dinner


    | Seu can leave after the dinner.¡±


    Please read the original content at


    .


    Then Kylee released her arm.


    Half an hourter, her bodyguard escorted her home.


    She headed straight upstairs,


    removed her makeupetoak a@hoWer,


    ang changed ihtSAoose cotton


    dress. Please read the original


    content at .


    After doing all this, she picked up her phone from her bed and nced at the time.


    It was already 10 PM.


    Would it be inappropriate to go to his ce at this hour?

 Chapter 602

    Chapter 602


    If she didn¡¯t seek him out tonight, she knew she¡¯d definitely suffer from insomnia. Her hope was to


    see Kylee¡¯s career back on track as soon as possible. Otherwise, the unsettling feeling within her


    would be relentless.


    After a moment''s hesitation, she emerged from her room. Her kids were sound asleep, and the


    house was as quiet as a church mouse. She could even hear her heart beating like a drum.


    What was she afraid of? She was carrying his baby. He would never dare harm her.


    The nanny and the bodyguard had gone off duty, so she drove alone to Elijah''s mansion.


    Forty minutester, the car halted at his front gate. As she got out of the car, the security guard,


    under the glow of the streetlight, recognized her and immediately opened the gate. Who would dare


    stop her now that she was carrying Elijah''s child?


    As she reached the mansion''s front door, Lacey hurried over, knelt down, and started to remove her


    shoes.


    ¡°I can do it myself,¡± she quickly intervened.


    Lacey replied, ¡°Violette, you¡¯re carrying a child now, so you shouldn¡¯t be bending over if you can


    help it. Mr. Elijah said you wereing over, so I made you some soup.¡±


    She hadn¡¯t eaten much since the evening and was feeling a bit peckish.


    ¡°He told you I wasing over?¡± Her heart skipped a beat.


    ¡°Yes! He asked me to prepare some food.¡± Lacey finished helping Violette with her shoes and


    guided her towards the dining room. ¡°I made some of your favorite dishes, but I¡¯m not sure if they¡¯ll


    suit your current appetite. It¡¯s quitemon for the appetite to change drastically during


    pregnancy!¡±


    Violette was a little dazed. She came here to see Elijah, not to have a midnight snack, but Lacey


    was so hospitable that it was hard for her to refuse.


    Once she was seated in the dining room, Lacey brought out two dishes, a bowl of soup, and a te


    of sd.


    After taking a sip of the soup, she asked, ¡°Elijah hasn¡¯t gone to bed, has he? I need to talk to him.¡±


    It was almost 11 o¡¯clock now, and she was regretting her impulsive decision. Lacey assured her, ¡°No


    way. He knew you wereing, why would he go to bed? Once you¡¯ve finished eating, I can go get


    him.¡±


    Violette sighed with relief. ¡°The soup is delicious.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t drink too much, or else you¡¯ll be running to the bathroom all night. That can affect your sleep


    quality.¡± Lacey was smiling, but her eyes betrayed a hint of worry. ¡°Violette, you¡¯re heavily pregnant


    now. It¡¯s not good for you to get worked up. If you have any issues with Mr. Elijah, you should


    communicate properly¡­¡±


    Violette replied, ¡°I will, I¡¯llmunicate with him properly.¡±


    After finishing her meal, Violette left the dining room.


    Elijah, dressed in casual attire, was sitting in the living room. She didn¡¯t know when he hade


    downstairs.


    As she approached him, ready to speak, his voice preempted her, ¡°Didn¡¯t feel like wearing that


    sultry dress of yours? Am I not worth it?¡±


    His icy tone sent ripples through her calm heart. She wanted to have a proper conversation with


    him, but clearly, he didn¡¯t.


    ¡°Elijah, stop being unreasonable! What I wear is my business.¡± Her cheeks med, and she sat


    down on the sofa across from him. ¡°It¡¯ste, let¡¯s keep this short. You need to lift the ban on Kylee


    immediately. I don¡¯t want innocent people to be caught up in our issues.¡±


    ¡°Innocent? He wants to y stepdad to my child. You think he¡¯s innocent?¡± Elijah''s lips curled up in


    a cold smirk. ¡°If I don¡¯t teach him a lesson, that boy toy will think he can walk all over me!¡±


    ¡°Can you not be so rude? He left his credit card with me for safekeeping until he gets married, that''s


    all!¡± Violette¡¯s voice rose in frustration.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.

 Chapter 603

    Chapter 603


    "Why are you safeguarding his credit card for him? Are you his mother? Do you just start oozing


    maternal instincts every time you see a good-looking man?" He spoke each word with an


    intimidating force, not giving an inch.


    Violette''s eyebrows knitted together. Her mind went nk for a moment. She had known for a long


    time that reasoning with this man was futile. To prevent herself from losing control and waking the


    others in the vi, she rose from the couch and walked towards him. "Let''s take this discussion to


    the bedroom."


    After she said this, he quickly stood up from the couch. He grasped her arm and led her to his


    bedroom.


    The moment the bedroom door closed, Violette got straight to the point. "Elijah, I don''t want to


    waste my breath. Tomorrow, I must see Kylee''s work unblocked! You can bully me, but you can''t


    bully my friends! If you think I''m threatening you, then take it as a threat!"


    "Are you threatening me with the baby in your belly?" Elijah''s eyes fell on her stomach. The corner


    of his mouth lifted slightly in a sneer as if he were mocking her.


    She could never harm her unborn child, let alone use it to threaten him!


    Noticing theughter in his eyes, she was extremely annoyed. "Elijah, you''re so immature! Weren''t


    you on a business trip? Weren''t you ignoring my calls? Now you''re forcing me toe to you... The


    joke here is you!"


    The smile on his face faded. "Is this your attitude when asking me for help?"


    "I came here to negotiate, not to beg. Don''t think that just because you have some money, you can


    control other people''s lives! If you don''t lift the ban on Kylee tomorrow, I''ll continue my livestream


    tomorrow night!" Violette teased, "Are you going to ban me too?"


    Of course, he wouldn¡¯t do that. If he wanted to do anything to her, he would have done it when they


    were livestreaming tonight!


    Watching her slightly lifted chin, his throat bobbed. "Continue the livestream?"


    "Yes! I''ve already thought of the content for tomorrow''s livestream!" Her clear eyes watched the


    spark in his and continued adding fuel to the fire. "Tomorrow, I''m going to announce to everyone


    who the father of my child is! A lot of people asked this question tonight, I believe everyone is very


    interested!"


    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    His lips thinned to a line and his breath gradually became heavy. If she dared to announce to the


    wholework that he was the father of the child, he actually wouldn''t mind. He was just worried


    about her and the baby''s safety.


    Violette had to rack her brains for a countermeasure because her words did not sessfully


    threaten him.


    "If you insist on banning Kylee, I don''t need to protect your dignity anymore," she took a deep


    breath and decided to drop a bombshell. "During the livestream the day after tomorrow, I will


    announce to the wholework that although the father of my child is not Kylee, I want to be with


    Kylee!"


    His gaze suddenly became fierce and venomous. She was so scared that she took a few steps


    back. Just as she was nning to retreat to the door and escape quietly, he lifted her body off the


    ground. If she wasn''t pregnant now, he would have thrown her directly onto the bed.


    He hadn''tpletely lost his sanity. When he put her on the bed, his strength was noticeably


    controlled.


    "Elijah, you..."


    "Shut up! I don''t want to hear another word from you tonight! If you dare to defy me, I promise you


    won''t be able to get out of bed tomorrow!" His bloodshot eyes stared at her face, and his hoarse


    voice threatened her in a brutish and crude manner!


    She was so scared that she shut her mouth.


    The night was long and torturous. He vented all his anger and dissatisfaction on her. When he was


    almost finished, hisrge hand caressed her stomach as if he had just remembered the baby inside.


    Once he fell into a deep sleep, she carefully took his phone.

 Chapter 604

    Chapter 604


    Daylight came swiftly.


    A bombshell news piece swiftly took over the headlines of major websites!


    [Elijah: I didn''t cklist Kylee.]


    The headline was straightforward and eye-catching!


    Clicking on the headline revealed the full news article. The main body of the text wasn''t long, but the


    content was crystal clear. Elijah stated that he was not familiar with Kylee and had not cklisted


    him. He never did, and he never would.


    The big brands that had cut their contracts with Kylee were dumbfounded! What did this mean?


    Why did Elijah change his mind?


    Elijah''s phone was ringing off the hook, but it didn''t bother him while he slept because his phone


    was off.


    With no way to reach Elijah, everyone started calling Joey. Joey had a hangover from drinking the


    night before. The ringing phone only made his headache worse.


    The news added to his migraine. "What news? Fake news, right?! There''s no way my boss would


    say something like that!" Joey sat up, looking for his sses. "Don''t panic just yet. I''ll find out what''s


    going on and get back to you."


    After hanging up, Joey put on his sses and casually opened a news app. Once he fully


    comprehended the news, his brow furrowed, and he was left speechless.


    "What''s up?" Mike asked, noticing his friend''s stillness and sitting up as well.


    Joey showed him the news. "Violette must have gone to see my bossst night. This news release


    couldn''t possibly have been instigated by him. He would never deny anything he had done; it''s just


    not his style."


    Mike nced at the news and replied indifferently, "So you''re saying Violette released this news?"


    "Right." Joey rubbed his temples. "This is so awkward... the brands that cut off Kylee are all


    dumbfounded. They must think my boss has a split personality."


    Mike could hardly contain hisughter. "Why should you care if your boss gets embarrassed...


    besides, he brought this upon himself. I can only say, he deserves it!"


    "Get lost! I need to think of something," Joey retorted, then tried to call Elijah.


    His phone was off, so he was probably still asleep. Joey then tried to call Violette, but her phone


    was off, too.


    ¡°Why is Violette¡¯s phone off too? I¡¯m starting to think she spent the night at my boss¡¯ house.¡± To


    confirm his suspicion, Joey dialed Elijah¡¯sndline.


    Lacey picked up.


    ¡°Lacey, did Violettee overst night?¡± Joey asked.


    ¡°Yes, they¡¯re both still sleeping!¡± Laceyughed.


    Joey¡¯s face flushed. ¡°Alright, got it.¡±


    In the master bedroom of the Bourne residence.


    The sunlight streamed through the windows, and Elijah slowly opened his eyes. He could smell


    Violette¡¯s distinctive scent.


    He stared at her peaceful sleeping face, and his heart softened. He loved the way she looked, so


    quiet and obedient. If only she could always stay by his side just like this.


    His fingers instinctively touched her cheek. The moment his fingertips brushed her skin, her brow


    furrowed slightly. She let out a soft grunt, seemingly in protest.


    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    Not wanting to wake her, he withdrew his hand. As he pulled the nket over her, he looked at her


    swollen belly. His heart felt like it was melting.


    Inside, was their son. He was eagerly anticipating the arrival of the little one. He would strive to be a


    good father. He didn¡¯t actually dislike children. He was just afraid that his child might inherit his


    illness. Therefore, he would rather not have a child than pass on the pain to him. This was a pain he


    could never share.


    After tucking Violette in, he swung his long legs off the bed and got up.


    After freshening up, he went downstairs for breakfast.


    Seeing Elijah in good spirits, Lacey smiled and said, ¡°Joey called a while ago.¡±

 Chapter 605

    Chapter 605


    ¡°What did he say?¡± He settled into the dining chair, picking up his cup of coffee and taking a sip.


    ¡°He mentioned something about Violette, then hung up.¡±


    After breakfast, Elijah went upstairs to fetch his cell phone. Getting a call from Joey this early in the


    morning meant something was up.


    He picked up his phone and pressed the power button, but the screen didn¡¯t light up as expected.


    Holding down the power button longer, the phone finally turned on.


    His brows knotted. He was certain he hadn¡¯t turned it offst night, so how did it shut down itself?


    Once the phone was powered up, a barrage of missed calls and messages flooded in. His heart


    tightened as he randomly selected a message to read.


    ¡ª[Mr. Bourne, did you see the news today? I did, and it ruined my breakfast.]


    ¡ª[Mr. Bourne, what exactly are your feelings towards Kylee? I can''t make sense of it. I''m shocked.]


    ¡ª[Mr. Bourne, are you really not going to cklist Kylee anymore? Can I work with him again?]


    ...


    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    Elijah finished reading the messages, his icy gaze shifting to Violette, who was sleeping soundly on


    the bed. Before breakfast, Elijah had tenderly stroked her face, promising to cherish her forever.


    Now, all he wanted was to make her suffer, to make her beg for mercy!


    But this thought was smothered in its cradle. She was carrying his child now; he had to control his


    impulsive nature. Elijah wanted to be a responsible father, which meant he had to reign in his


    temper.


    Gripping his phone, he stepped out of the bedroom.


    The Bourne Group.


    As soon as Elijah arrived at the office, Joey stepped into his office.


    "Boss, I''ve been discussing with the PR department, and we have two possible solutions." Joeyid


    out the options. "The first one is to deny the morning news. We say you''ve never made any


    comments about Kylee."


    Joey finished talking about the first method, and Elijah tossed his phone onto the desk.


    Joey picked up his phone to see his outbox. There, a message was sent to a journalist at three in


    the morning.


    Seeing the content, a chill ran through Joey. "Uh, this is something Violette sent while you were


    asleep, right?"


    The frost on Elijah''s face could kill. "What else?" Would he ever do something that would make him


    look bad?


    Joey couldn''t help butugh awkwardly. "Then we can only resort to the second solution,


    compensating all major brand partners."


    Money was never an issue for Elijah. What angered him was that Violette had embarrassed him!


    Her actions were too aggressive. Couldn''t she have discussed it with him before making a decision?


    Did she have to sneak around and message journalists behind his back?


    "Boss, don''t you have a screen lock on your phone?" Joey suggested. "Maybe you should set one


    now to prevent simr incidents."


    "Could I even lock her out?" Elijah''s voice was icy cold. "She could unlock it with my finger while I''m


    asleep!"


    Joey had overlooked this. They had slept togetherst night. Once again proving, Elijah had no


    resistance towards Violette.


    The Bourne Residence.


    With no one disturbing her, Violette slept soundly until noon. Waking up, memories fromst night


    flooded back, causing her face to flush with embarrassment.


    Not daring to stay any longer, she quietly got dressed, and nned to sneak out.


    "Violette, aren''t you going to exin?" Elijah, with a cup of coffee in hand, gritted his teeth. "If you


    dare to step half a foot out of this door, I¡¯ll break your legs!"

 Chapter 606

    Chapter 606


    Violette felt a chill creep up her spine upon hearing his voice. He didn''t go to work today? Had he


    been waiting for her to wake up?


    With an embarrassed turn, she looked at him. He was dressed in his suit, and his face was stern.


    The light filtering in from the window fell upon him, making him seem even colder.


    "I sent a message using your phone," she confessed. "I admit it was wrong of me to take your


    phone without permission, but you didn''t consult me when you decided to cut off Kylee either."


    She admitted her fault, but she didn''t regret her actions.


    "Violette..."


    "What do you want? Are you going to hold this against me? I didn''t agree to stay overst night, you


    perv!" Violette snapped with her chin raised defiantly. "If I were you, I''d keep my mouth shut and let


    this slide."


    Elijah was rendered speechless by her words.


    Watching the two of them arguing, Lacey immediately stepped in to mediate. "Violette, lunch is


    ready. You must be hungry. Why don''t youe and eat?"


    Before Violette could refuse, her stomach gave a loud grumble. She hadn''t had breakfast, and her


    hunger was gnawing at her. Ever since her belly had grown, her appetite had increased. Even mild


    bouts of nausea couldn''t dampen her hunger.


    Elijah felt as if a bucket of cold water had been dumped on him. His anger cooled instantly.


    "Sir, go have your meal! Don''t be upset with Violette. She''s pregnant, and it''s quite tough on her,"


    Lacey advised, taking the coffee cup from Elijah''s hand after Violette had left for the dining room.


    Lacey''s words had an effect. Elijah considered Violette''s actions. She had sent a message to a


    journalist from his phone. So what? It wasn''t as if she''d leaked his nudes. It was merely a p to his


    ego. Butpared to the baby in her belly, his pride was insignificant.


    In the dining room.


    They sat opposite each other. Violette was so hungry that she was focused solely on her food.


    Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    "Slow down, or you¡¯ll choke," he reminded her, his eyebrows furrowed in concern.


    She paused, then calmly picked up her soup bowl and took a sip. Perhaps it was because she was


    full, but she suddenly felt like making conversation.


    "Elijah, I heard there''s a woman at yourpany who looks a lot like me."


    "You''re referring to Melinda''s cousin?"


    "Do you think she looks like me?" She put down her soup bowl and looked at him calmly.


    Elijah. "She only bears a superficial resemnce."


    "Oh, do you find her prettier, or me?"


    Elijah nced at her. "Are you full? Your question is rather boring."


    "Why won''t you answer my question? Even if you say she''s prettier, I won''t do anything to you. I''m


    not like you, who always gets angry," she goaded him into answering.


    He put down his fork, wiped his mouth with a napkin, and said seriously, "If I thought she was


    prettier than you, and so attractive as to bewitch me, the woman in my bedst night would have


    been her, not you."


    Violette felt awkward. Why did he have to bring upst night?


    Seeing her frown, he teased, "I thought someone just said they don''t get angry."


    "I''m not angry. I''m just annoyed," Violette voiced her feelings. "Do they think I attracted you with my


    looks? Ridiculous. My personality is far superior to my looks."


    The coldness in his eyes melted away, and he joked, "Yes, I waspletely smitten by your


    personalityst night."


    His words gave her goosebumps. "I''m full. I''ll go now."


    "I''ll walk you out." He rose to his feet and followed her.

 Chapter 607

    Chapter 607


    "No need," She retorted, filled with regret for even attempting to engage him in conversation. Now,


    she was unable to keep up with his fast-paced chatter and was also left feeling rather embarrassed.


    "Violette, we need to talk. Let me drive you home, and we can discuss it on the way." His tone left


    no room for argument.


    She collected her bag and followed behind him.


    As they exited the vi, he extended his hand. "Give me the car keys."


    "And how do you n on getting back?" She asked, catching sight of his bodyguard already pulling


    out a car from the corner of her eye.


    She sighed internally. He always had his bodyguards around, so why did she even worry about


    him?


    Once in the car, they drove off smoothly. Her blood sugar spiked after dinner, leaving her feeling


    dizzy.


    "Violette, have you made any ns for Ian and Rita''s summer break?" He casually threw out the


    topic he intended to discuss.


    Her eyebrows furrowed, instantly alert. Was he showing concern for Ian and Rita because he knew


    they were his kids?


    Given her reaction, he quickly rified, "You''re heavily pregnant now, so it must be inconvenient for


    you to take care of them. Should I sign them up for a summer camp?"


    "Oh... Ian''s school has already scheduled activities for the summer. As for Rita, I haven''t decided


    whether to enroll her in any summer programs yet,¡± Violette responded, torn.


    ¡°You could discuss it with her and see what she wants."


    "I know. You don''t need to worry about this." She nced at his profile, hesitating for a moment


    before adding, "Elijah, if you truly want me to rest well during my pregnancy, then you need to stop


    upsetting my friends."


    Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    His eyebrows furrowed. "Violette, it''s your friends who should be cautioned. They''re the ones who


    keep provoking me."


    "I will certainly advise them to keep their distance from you, but shouldn''t you also control your


    temper a bit?" She asked sternly.


    "So, in your heart, your friends are more important than me, aren''t they?"


    A headache began to throb at her temples, what was the point of thisparison?


    To prove his sincerity in wanting her to rest and not to upset her, he turned on the car radio,


    effectively ending their argument.


    Upon reaching Silverleaf Ridge, he didn''t follow her into the vi. As she entered and switched


    shoes, she noticed him getting into the car with his bodyguard out of the corner of her eye.


    This man was stubborn and aloof. He would never admit to being wrong if he believed he was right,


    even if you forced him.


    "Violette, have you had lunch?" The nanny asked as soon as she saw her return.


    "I have." Violette settled onto the couch, noticing an envelope on the coffee table.


    "Ian brought it backst night," the nanny exined. "Also, starting from tomorrow, Rita will be on


    summer break. Mike attended a school event for her today."


    She opened the envelope to find detailed information about a summer camp, located in B Country.


    She could send Ian to B Country and check if he would adapt well to the summer camp. If he did,


    she would leave him there and return alone, if not, she would bring him back with her.


    In the afternoon, she drove to her office. As soon as she entered her office, the vice president


    rushed in.


    "President Dennis,st night''s livestream was a huge sess! Our orders have skyrocketed today!"


    The vice president beamed. "There are rumors online saying that this was a coborative marketing


    effort between you and Elijah. We''re all over the inte now!"


    Violette chuckled. "So, should I be paying Elijah a marketing fee?"


    The vice president''s grin faltered. "So it really was a joint marketing effort between you and Elijah?!"


    Violette replied, "Use your brain. Is that really possible?"


    Vice President. "It is possible! The baby in your belly, isn''t that his? Everyone in thepany knows


    now!"

 Chapter 608

    Chapter 608


    Violette froze.


    "Everyone was whispering about who the daddy of the kid in your belly was... Then, atst night¡¯s


    livestream, Elijah, showed up out of nowhere. He didn¡¯t say anything but stared at you the entire


    time. It was so obvious!" the Vice Presidentughed heartily.


    Violette. "Kylee was also looking at mest night."


    "That''s different. If the baby was Kylee''s, why would Elijah stick around you? Elijah isn''t the type of


    man to let himself be at a disadvantage," The VP exined with enthusiasm.


    Violette opened herptop.


    The VP continued, "Elijah wants to cklist Kylee. Many big brands have chosen to cut ties with


    Kylee and not dare go against Elijah. Only ourpany has the guts to do so, why? Because you


    are carrying his child.


    "Duringst night''s livestream, I received many calls advising me to stop you from acting recklessly,


    saying Elijah would definitely give us trouble... but the headlines this morning had me in stitches!


    "President Dennis, ourpany has be the biggest winner in this scandal."


    Violette clicked open her email to check today''s work report. Last night''s sales equaled all the sales


    of the previous month. No wonder the VP was so cheerful.


    "If we keep up this momentum and with ourpany''s leading core technology, Alexa has no


    chance of beating us," the VP spoke confidently. "Kylee has now be our spokesperson, and


    his fan base is just too massive! Even though he''s been unbanned, it doesn''t stop his fans from


    revenge-buying our products."


    Violette nodded. "I have to go abroad the day after tomorrow."


    "Okay. President Dennis, you''re heavily pregnant now. You don''t really need toe to the


    company and tire yourself out. I''ll report to you promptly if anythinges up," the VP suggested.


    Violette, "I appreciate your effort."


    "Thepany''s growth is all thanks to you," the VPplimented. "If your father were alive to see


    how well you''ve managed the Dennis Group, he would be so proud."


    Violette''s eyes fell slightly, wishing her father could continue resting in peace.


    In the evening, a sleek ck Rolls-Royce pulled into the Bourne Estate. Ever since his mother''s


    death, Elijah hadn¡¯t visited. Tonight, his older brother had called, insisting he muste over.


    Elijah stepped out of the car and briskly walked into the living room.


    Apart from Travis¡¯ family, Sarah was also present. Upon seeing Elijah, Sarah immediately lowered


    her gaze.


    "Elijah, it''s been a long time since you''ve been back! Let''s have dinner first and chat while we eat,"


    Travis greeted warmly.


    Everyone entered the dining room and took their seats.


    Travis cleared his throat. ¡°Elijah, I called you here because there''s something important I wanted to


    discuss... Sarah has been pregnant with Kaleb¡¯s child for over a month now. Initially, I was against


    their rtionship, but now that Sarah¡¯s pregnant..."


    Elijah¡¯s face remainedposed. "That''s good. I remember Sarah saying she had fertility issues.


    Since she''s pregnant, she should keep the baby."


    His response eased Travis''s worries. "I n to have them engaged once the baby is three months


    old. As for the wedding, it can take ce after the baby is born. What do you think?"


    Elijah, "Just let me know the date once you''ve decided."


    Travis, "Good! It''s been a long time since we brothers had a drink together. Let''s have a good time


    tonight!"


    Elijah lifted his ss and took a sip.


    An hourter, Travis was drunk and was helped to his room by his wife. Elijah had also had quite a


    bit to drink. His handsome face was flushed.


    Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    "Elijah." Sarah followed him out to the front yard. Her voice was choked with emotion. "I really did


    love you... Even if you weren''t the high and mighty President of the Bourne Group, I would still love


    you! My love for you is no lesser than Melinda''s or Violette''s, but why are you so heartless towards


    me?"

 Chapter 609

    Chapter 609


    "You''re such a fool," Elijah slurred, his words blunt with drunkenness. "I gave you two billion; you


    could''ve done anything with it. But no, you had to go and mess around with Kaleb. That just proves


    you''re two of a kind."


    His words were like a dagger to Sarah''s heart. Two billion... which had long been spent by Violette!


    If Sarah still had that money, why would she have to use her unborn child as a bargaining chip with


    Kaleb?


    To her, Kaleb was the best man she could find under her circumstances.


    As the bodyguard helped Elijah into the car, the ck Rolls Royce quickly disappeared into the


    night.


    Sarah wiped away her tears. Not far behind her, Kaleb stood with his hands in his pockets, his


    words icy. "Look at yourself, Sarah. You''re an embarrassment. My uncle has been done with you for


    ages. Why are you still acting like a lost puppy? The man you need to please now is me!"


    Sarah turned to face Kaleb. His mockery was ringing in her ears. "You wouldn''t dare to speak to me


    like this if I still had the money!"


    "But you don''t, and you''re never going to make that much again," Kaleb retorted, looking at her as if


    she were nothing more than a charity case. "You should face reality and give me a child. As long as


    you take care of me and my parents, I won''t mistreat you. You''re not getting any younger, so stop


    daydreaming. It''s an honor for you that I''m willing to marry you!"


    Sarah broke down in tears. After her and Alexa¡¯s fallout, Alexapletely abandoned Sarah and


    her father. Heartbroken, Sarah¡¯s father returned to country B.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    Sarah refused to just return to country B. When she found out she was pregnant after feeling


    unwell, she decided to use it to tie Kaleb down.


    Maybe Kaleb was right. Maybe this was her life now.


    Silverleaf Ridge.


    After taking a bath, Violette was packing for Ian''s summer camp trip. Rita was eagerly helping


    around. Her small hands were busy with excitement.


    "Rita, do you want to go to summer camp like your brother?" Violette asked with a smile.


    Rita shook her head without hesitation. "Didn''t Uncle Kylee tell you, Mom? He said he would take


    me out during the summer."


    Violette was taken aback. "He said that?"


    "Yeah! He asked if I wanted to join him on his TV show. He said it would be fun, and we could make


    some money..."


    "But darling, why didn''t you tell me earlier?" Violette asked in surprise. "Are you sure you want to be


    on TV? Aren''t you scared?"


    "I won''t be scared if I''m with Uncle Kylee. Please, Mom, let me go with him!" Rita pleaded with her


    big, innocent eyes. "I told Ian about it, and he said if I wanted to, I should go. Otherwise, I would just


    be at home bothering you."


    "So, am I thest one to know?" Violette was taken aback, then sternly replied, "I don''t think..."


    Rita quickly kissed her on the cheek. "Mom, please let me go! I want to know what it feels like to


    earn my own money!"


    Violette was speechless.


    The next day, Violette and Ian boarded a flight to country B. Rita went with Kylee to the city where


    they would be shooting the TV show.


    Upon hearing about these two developments, Elijah''s face turned ominously dark. Violette leaving


    the country without informing him was one thing, but allowing Rita to enter showbiz? Who gave her


    the right?


    Did she really think he didn''t know Rita was his daughter? Was she trying to force him to


    acknowledge it?

 Chapter 610

    Chapter 610


    Joey quickly figured out why Elijah was upset and immediately exined, ¡°Violette didn''t want Rita


    to enter showbiz. It was Rita who begged and pleaded, determined to experience it. You know how


    adorable Rita is. Few can resist her."


    ¡°Rita''s just a kid, but Violette was an adult. A mother should guide and supervise her child, not


    indulge her!¡± Elijah argued sternly.


    Joey defended, ¡°If Rita came begging to you, would you really have the heart to reject her?¡±


    Elijah''s face darkened immediately. ¡°Whether I can or not is beside the point, I see your loyalties are


    wavering!¡±


    Joey hurriedly showed his loyalty. ¡°Not at all. I''m just trying to empathize with Violette. If Rita came


    begging me, I''d certainly give in. After all, she''s so adorable. I''ve never met a more charming little


    girl.¡±


    Joey''s ttery instantly calmed Elijah. He knew how adorable Rita was, after all, she resembled


    Violette.


    Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Violette often angered him, but he never had the heart to truly punish her. He would be even softer if


    she were to shrink down, transforming into Rita.


    ¡°It must be that smooth-talker Kylee''s doing!¡± Elijah furrowed his brow, analyzing. ¡°If he hadn''t


    approached Rita, she wouldn''t have done this.¡±


    Joey nodded. ¡°Indeed, Kylee yed a nasty trick! He didn''t discuss it with Violette because he knew


    she wouldn''t agree. After all, Violette is not short on cash, she wouldn''t let Rita expose herself in


    showbiz. Kylee went directly to Rita, catching Violette off guard!¡±


    Elijah''s grip tightened, and a chill shed in his eyes. Afraid of his impulsiveness, Joey reminded


    Elijah, ¡°Boss, you just publicly vowed not to target Kylee a few days ago, so... don¡¯t make a fool of


    yourself again.¡±


    Although it was a bit too much for Kylee to bring Rita into showbiz, Joey felt that Kylee would surely


    take good care of Rita.


    Elijah picked up his ss of water, swallowing a mouthful and forcefully suppressing his rage.


    ¡°Violette went to B Country to send Ian off to summer camp. I heard she''ll be back in a couple of


    days,¡± Joey continued, ¡°Violette was worried that Ian might not adjust to the camp, so she escorted


    him.¡±


    Elijah looked up. ¡°Did she take any bodyguards?¡±


    ¡°She did,¡± Joey replied. ¡°She''s familiar with B Country and has many friends there. She should be


    alright.¡±


    Elijah remarked, ¡°You forgot about her previous kidnapping incident?¡±


    Joey awkwardly suggested, ¡°Do you want to make a trip there?¡±


    ¡°You said she''ll be back in a few days, right?¡± Elijah''s eyes slightly lowered.


    It wasn''t that he wasn''t worried about her, but they just had a quarrel. If he chased after her to B


    Country now, it would seem rather humiliating.


    ¡°Yeah. If you don''t want to go to B Country, you could go to Lake Mesa... for an inspection. Rita''s


    reality show is being filmed at Lake Mesa.¡± Joey tactfully saved Elijah¡¯s pride.


    Elijah pondered for a moment but didn''t make a decision right away.


    In B Country.


    After Violette and Ian got off the ne, Ian was picked up by the summer camp''s shuttle. The camp


    activities were fully enclosed. Violette couldn''t apany him and had to wait for the teacher''s


    feedback tonight or tomorrow.


    ¡°Boss, I''ll take you home to rest,¡± The bodyguard offered to Violette.


    Violette had slept for a few hours on the ne and wasn''t tired. ¡°Not now. I''m going to meet a friend


    first.¡± Violette took out her phone, found her friend''s number, and dialed it.


    After their conversation, they agreed to meet at a local diner.

 Chapter 611

    Chapter 611


    On their way to the restaurant, Violette spoke to her bodyguard, "I don¡¯t want anyone to know about


    my itinerary in B Country, not even Mike. He''s almost under Elijah''s payroll; I don''t like being


    watched. If anyone asks about me, just say I''m resting at home."


    The bodyguard nodded in understanding. "Boss, I won''t betray you."


    Violette raised an eyebrow, "Has anyone ever tried to bribe you?"


    Caught off guard, the bodyguard nodded again, "Elijah''s assistant tried. I sternly refused."


    Violette took a deep breath. Not only had Joey swayed Mike, but now they were trying to buy her


    bodyguard! Were they trying to infiltrate every aspect of Violette¡¯s life?


    All because she was pregnant! Did they really need to be this paranoid?


    The more they acted this way, the less she wanted them to know her whereabouts.


    Upon reaching the restaurant, she sessfully met with her previous client.


    Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    With gratitude, the client said, "Dr. Dennis, my father''s health has improved significantly! I can''t


    thank you enough. I mentioned introducing you to a prospective clientst time, so I brought their


    medical records today. A friend asked me, and I couldn''t refuse, but if you''re too busy or not feeling


    well, it''s okay if you decline."


    Violette responded, "Since you''ve brought the records, let me have a look."


    "Dr. Dennis, I knew you couldn''t refuse. You must be tired, especially now with your pregnancy. If


    you''re willing to take the case, you can wait until after your baby is born." the client offered


    considerately.


    Violette nodded. "Alright, since it''s not urgent, I''ll take the records home to review."


    "That''s fine. Dr. Dennis, I''ve brought a small gift for you. Please ept it." The client handed her a


    bag. "It''s a children''s jewelry set that I designed. I know you have a daughter, so you can give it to


    her."


    Though Violette was hesitant to ept, she didn''t want to refuse the client''s kind gesture. Moreover,


    she knew Rita would love it. After considering it, Violette epted the gift.


    Around nine in the evening, Violette received a call from the summer camp counselor. The camp


    hosted students from around the world, including Ian''s ssmates and other gifted children.


    Violette had assumed Ian would struggle to adapt, but to her surprise, the counselor informed her


    that Ian was not only adjusting well but also quickly befriending several international kids.


    After the call, Violette was filled with admiration. Before sending Ian to the Talent Program, she had


    always thought he had psychological or physical problems because he was different from other kids


    his age. It turned out, her son was just more intelligent than most kids and didn''t want to follow the


    same path as his peers.


    She was grateful to Maka. Ian would still be in traditional kindergarten if it hadn''t been for her.


    The next day, at eight in the morning, Violette was awakened by her phone ringing. In her groggy


    state, she picked up the call.


    "Violette, can youe back home now? The camp counselor told me Ian is having a great time at


    the summer camp." Mike''s voice came through the phone. "If you don''te back soon, some


    people are going to get anxious."


    Violette rubbed her eyes, mumbling, "What are you talking about?"


    "I''m saying, if you don''te back soon, Elijah is going to go to B Country to find you!" Mike''s voice


    held a hint of mockery. "Do you know what he did yesterday? He went to Z City to secretly visit


    Rita."


    Violette was stunned.

 Chapter 612

    Chapter 612


    She jerked awake, startled.


    "He snuck out, just to have a peek at the TV show set, without disturbing Rita," Mike added. "Joey


    told me he probably knows that Ian and Rita are his children. He just doesn''t dare admit it. Both kids


    dislike him. Plus, you don''t want him anywhere near them, so he''s been quietly enduring the pain of


    being separated from his own flesh and blood."


    "Also, he''s totally against Rita getting into showbiz," Mike continued. "So, you need toe back as


    soon as possible, to distract him. If he can''t hold himself back and causes a scene on the set, I


    won''t be able to control the situation."


    Violette rubbed at her temples, feeling a headacheing on. Jetg had kept her tossing and


    turning most of the night. Thest thing she wanted now was another flight.


    "I''m not going back today." She took a deep breath. "I have a headache. I''m going to rest at home


    today."


    "Oh... Well, if you''re not feeling well, you should rest," Mike said. "Why didn''t you text me when you


    landed yesterday? You''ve been contacting me less and less. Do you have a problem with me?"


    Violette didn''t want to upset him, so she said, "Cell phones emit radiation, so I''m cutting down on


    screen time. If you need anything, you can contact my bodyguard."


    Mike, "Oh... I''m not stupid, you know. Are you unhappy because Joey and I have be close? Do


    you think I''m bing one of Elijah''s people? You can''t think like that! I always tell you the first


    thing if there''s any news from Elijah''s side. Could Joey have told me about Elijah visiting Rita


    without my efforts and sacrifices?"


    Violette had to admit this made sense.


    "From now on, don¡¯t report on me, just on him. How about that?" Violette said, "I''m so sleepy. I''m


    going back to bed. If it''s not something urgent, just text me. I just managed to fall asleep after


    adjusting to the time difference!"


    "You''re still adjusting to the time difference? I called your bodyguard yesterday, and he said you


    were sleeping. Have you been sleeping for a whole day and night?"


    Violette paused. "Is there a problem with that?"


    "Of course not, if you''re actually resting at home. I''m just worried you''re doing something dangerous


    behind my back... like getting scammed or something. Losing money is a minor issue, but getting


    kidnapped..." Mike voiced his concerns.


    Violette, "Do you really think I''m that stupid? You can''t assume that just because of one mishap, I''ll


    always get into trouble whenever Ie to the B Country!"


    Mike, "Isn''t there a saying that pregnancy makes you stupid?"


    "There''s no scientific proof for that. If women be stupid, it''s not because of pregnancy, but


    because of the strain of getting married, having children, and taking care of a family," Violette shot


    back, word by word.


    Mike, "I apologize. Violette, you rest well. When you''re up, remember toe back home."


    Violette hung up the call. She''d been so tired, but after arguing with Mike, she felt wide awake. No


    matter what, she couldn''t allow herself to stop working or studying.


    She got out of bed and left the bedroom.


    Her bodyguard was in the process of heating up the breakfast he''d bought that morning in the


    microwave. A steaming hot breakfast was ced in front of her two minutester.


    "Boss, when are we going back?"


    Violette, "We''ll see tomorrow. I''m not going out today, so you can take the day off."


    The bodyguard was taken aback. "I''ll call you for lunch then."


    "Alright. If I''m asleep, don''t wake me up."


    Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    "Got it!"


    Violette took her breakfast back to her room. She ced the breakfast on the table, then took out


    the medical records she''d brought back yesterday from her bag.


    A thick stack of records. She wondered what the patient''s condition was.


    In A Country.

 Chapter 613

    Chapter 613


    Elijah was gued by insomnia, not because of Violette, but rather, Rita.


    The show Rita was participating in, which Kylee had introduced her to, was a reality TV show that


    took ce outdoors.


    The premise of the show was to have celebrities and everyday kids live together, allowing the


    celebrities to experience what it was like to be a parent. The kids chosen for the show, both boys


    and girls, were all exceptionally attractive. Of course, in his eyes, none of them were as beautiful as


    Rita.


    Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    The reason for Elijah''s sleepless nights was the fear that Rita would subconsciously start to see


    Kylee as her father!


    He had thoroughly grilled the director with questions on set. The director''s response was that the


    kids lived, ate, and yed with the celebrities, just like with their real parents.


    Elijah¡¯s heart sank. He wanted to cancel the show... No, he wanted to cancel Kylee! If Rita had to be


    on the show, he would have preferred another partner for her, so it wouldn''t have been so painful.


    But he knew that Rita was set on being with Kylee. Violette would definitely have a major row with


    him if he were to sideline Kylee again. As her pregnancy progressed, he didn''t dare risk upsetting


    her and endangering the baby.


    He barely slept that night. Once dawn broke, he got up and brewed a cup of coffee. After finishing


    his cup, he decided to immerse himself in work to keep his mind from wandering. He couldn''t


    change anything before Violette returned.


    An hourter.


    Melinda called her cousin Nora.


    "Nora, get dressed quickly. Elijah is going to inspect the Dream City site today. You''ll go with him. If


    he asks why, tell him you''re really interested in the project."


    Nora got the call and hurriedly got out of bed. "Okay, I''m getting up now. Ugh... my head hurts.


    Damn, I met a moron at the clubst night who kept insisting I was Violette. He wouldn''t leave me


    alone. He drove me crazy."


    Melinda frowned. "Who told you to go to the club?! This is City A, there are so many people who


    know Violette and Elijah... Can you remember what that man looked like?"


    Nora, "Not really, but I got his name. He''s Elijah''s nephew, Kaleb. Do you think we can use him? He


    was smitten with me. It would be great if we could get him to work for us."


    Melinda paused for a moment, then said, "I''ll give it some thought. For now, go to Dream City. We''ll


    take it one step at a time."


    In Country B.


    Violette looked over the medical records brought back. After a quick review, she was somewhat


    excited. Based on the records, the patient''s illness was almost identical to Maka''s. Maka''s


    disease was fairly rare, so encountering two identical cases was quite astonishing.


    She checked the patient''s basic information and found that the patient was the same age as


    Maka, just a different gender.


    She found it quite intriguing, so she messaged Adrian, [Adrian, I''ve encountered a patient in


    Country B with a condition almost identical to Maka''s. I''m undecided about taking on the surgery.


    I can''t guaranteeplete sess.]


    Adrian responded quickly. [Talk it over with the patient''s family. If they can ept the risk of surgery


    failure, then go for it. After all, with your experience from Maka''s surgery, I believe no one could


    do better than you.]


    Adrian''s reply gave Violette a lot of confidence. She replied. [I''ll arrange to meet the patient''s family


    tomorrow.]


    The next day.


    Apanied by her bodyguard, she met the patient and their family. Upon seeing the patient, she


    felt as if she had been struck by lightning and was unable to regain herposure for a long time.

 Chapter 614

    Chapter 614


    Our meeting went smoother than expected. The patient''s family understood the surgical risks


    Violette hadid out. All they asked for was her expertise, and even if the surgery didn''t go as


    nned, they were prepared.


    After their conversation, Violette stepped out of the patient''s residence. She took onest nce at


    the mansion behind her before climbing into her car with a heavy heart.


    The chauffeur reminded her to buckle up before steering the vehicle onto the open road. She


    couldn''t help but ask, "Have you ever seen two strangers from different countries who look eerily


    alike?"


    The chauffeur responded, "Ma''am, I seldom travel overseas. I hardly know any foreigners."


    "What about people from our own country looking alike?" She rephrased the question.


    The chauffeur pondered, "I don''t know that many people. But I think it''s possible, just rare. I believe


    I''ve seen something like this in the news before. Ma''am, may I ask why you''re curious about this?"


    Caught off guard, Violette shook her head. "Nothing in particr. Let''s go shopping."


    Chauffeur, "What do you need? I could drop you off at home and get the items for you. Mike


    mentioned it''s best if you avoid crowded ces. An ident could easily ur."


    Violette, "Did he mention anything else?"


    Chauffeur, "He said you shouldn''t go out at night. And to be extra careful during the day, especially


    around strangers."


    Violette, "There are pregnant women everywhere, and they''re all fine. What could happen to me?¡±


    The chauffeur nced around. "Where? I only see you!"


    Violette was speechless. She was merely making an analogy!


    It seemed her chauffeur not onlycked a general sense of the world around him but alsocked a


    sense of humor. Thank god that all she required from him was loyalty.


    "It''s not the weekend. The mall shouldn''t be too crowded." She spoke up. "A client gave me a gift


    yesterday, and it wasn''t cheap. I should reciprocate."


    "Alright, ma''am. I think you''re not as feminine as some women, but I admire you more. You bnce


    a career and motherhood, impressive!" The chauffeur praised.


    Violette, ¡°You¡¯re not good at ttery. You don¡¯t have to try. I won¡¯t dock your pay.¡±


    The chauffeur seriously responded, ¡°Ma¡¯am, I¡¯m not ttering you. I mean it!¡± He genuinely thought


    shecked femininity.


    Although Violette didn¡¯t think being called feminine was much of apliment, considering her


    chauffeur¡¯s experience and personality, it must¡¯ve been high praise from him.


    "Did I say something wrong, ma''am?" The chauffeur noticed no smile on her face and asked


    worriedly.


    Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    Violette, "No. I appreciate yourpliment. Just refrain from giving them in the future."


    The chauffeur simply replied, "Oh, okay!"


    A Country.


    The construction site of Dream City.


    This project was funded by the Bourne Group. Onceplete, it would be the firstrge-scale


    amusement park adapted from an intellectual property.


    Elijah got out of his car to see Nora waving at him from outside the safety barrier.


    "Elijah, my cousin told me you wereing for an inspection today, so I took the liberty to drop by."


    Nora beamed. "I''m a huge fan of Dream City! I''ve watched all the movie adaptations and even


    reached the highest level in their games! I''ve been waiting for this amusement park to be built!"


    Elijah looked at her face, which was strikingly simr to Violette''s, and zoned out for a moment. "It''s


    still under construction."

 Chapter 615

    Chapter 615


    "But I can''t wait to see what''s inside!" Nora pleaded. "Elijah, will you take me in? I promise I won''t


    cause any trouble. Plus, as a die-hard fan of Dream City, I could offer some feedback once I have a


    look around!"


    Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    After a few moments of contemtion, Elijah agreed. They all donned helmets and followed the


    project manager onto the construction site.


    The project manager exined the progress of each area and the remaining workload and


    schedule. Nora listened attentively, interjecting asionally. It was obvious she was a real fan of


    Dream City.


    "Nora, once Dream City is built, I can transfer you to work here." Elijah thought this would cheer her


    up.


    But her face didn''t light up with a smile. "Wouldn''t that take me far away from my cousin?" She


    muttered. "Elijah, can I juste here to hang out every week? Please don''t transfer me here,


    okay?"


    Seeing the way she pouted and whispered, Elijah couldn''t help but think of Violette.


    Violette rarely acted so cute with him. Even when they were madly in love, she never behaved like


    this.


    He was well aware that Nora wasn''t Violette, but every time he saw Nora''s face, he couldn''t help but


    think of Violette. He quickly averted his eyes from Nora''s face.


    "Elijah, there''s something I need to exin to you.¡± Nora noticed Elijah¡¯s difort and guessed


    what he might¡¯ve been thinking. "I didn''t have stic surgery to look like Violette. I only had a nose


    job because I had an ident, and the doctors rmended it. I can show you pictures of how I


    used to look."


    Hearing her exnation, Elijah felt more settled. "No need. You are you, and Violette is Violette.


    Even if you looked exactly like Violette, in my eyes, you two could never be the same person."


    Nora obediently nodded.


    The next second, her expression changed drastically as she looked behind Elijah. "Watch out,


    Elijah!"


    Before Elijah could react, Nora had already wrapped herself around his back. He turned around just


    in time to see a steel rod piercing through Nora''s body.


    If not for Nora''s quick action, the steel rod would have hit him instead.


    Nora was wearing a floral dress, which was now torn and stained with blood. Elijah''s body tensed


    as he shouted, "Call an ambnce!"


    ......


    When Violette returned from B Country, the first piece of gossip she heard was about Nora getting


    injured while saving Elijah.


    "Joey wasn''t with Elijah at the time, so I have no idea what actually happened on the site," Mike


    joked. "I just don''t get it, how could a steel rod just fly out of nowhere and aim straight for Elijah?


    Was it a divine punishment, or did the workers try to kill him because he owed them wages?"


    Violette ignored his sarcasm and asked, "Is Nora badly hurt?"


    "Just a flesh wound. Elijah personally took her to the hospital and arranged a private ward for her,"


    Mike said with a hint of bitterness. "Elijah used to despise her, but now he owes her big time."


    Violette replied, "Since she''s injured, let''s not talk behind her back."


    "Who knows if she got injured on purpose? If she can have stic surgery to look like you, don''t


    expect her to have any scruples," Mike warned. "Elijah will being to see you soon. Probably to


    settle scores!"


    Violette yawned. "I''ll go rest in my room. Wake me up when he arrives."


    She went back to her room and slept until evening because Elijah didn''te to see her.

 Chapter 616

    Chapter 616


    At eight in the evening, a ck Rolls Royce slowly pulled into Silverleaf Ridge.


    Upon hearing the noise, Mike stepped out of the vi.


    "Elijah, what brings you here at this hour?" Mike teased with a cold smirk. "Didn''t you say you''d be


    here in the afternoon? It''s pitch ck now, is your afternoon different from everyone else''s?"


    Elijah lifted his dark gaze. "What difference does it make whether Ie in the afternoon or now?"


    "Of course, there''s a difference. If you''de in the afternoon, Violette would be home. Now that


    you''re here, Violette is not." Mike stood in his yard, toozy to open the gate. "I won''t bother inviting


    you in."


    Elijah''s heartstrings tightened. "Where did she go?"


    "First, tell me what you were up to this afternoon. Why did you say you''de in the afternoon and


    then didn''t?" Mike retorted confidently.


    Elijah swallowed hard, his voice deep. "Nora insisted on being discharged this afternoon. I took her


    home, and her family insisted I stay for dinner. I couldn''t exactly refuse."


    Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    Mike chuckled coldly. "So if her family asked you to spend the night, you couldn''t refuse that


    either?"


    Elijah shot back, "So what if I stayed over? It''s not up to you to pass judgment on me! Where''s


    Violette?!"


    "I don''t know," Mike responded quickly. "Staring at me won''t help. She said she was going out to


    eat, but she didn''t specify with whom." Fearful of his anger, Mike turned and walked back into his


    vi right after speaking.


    Elijah''s gaze darkened, he pulled out his phone, found Violette''s number, and dialed.


    Violette saw his call and chose not to answer or hang up, afraid he would keep on calling. She


    silenced her phone and put it in her bag.


    She wanted to act unbothered, but deep down, she was honestly upset. He said he''de to see


    her in the afternoon, but by evening, he still hadn''t shown up. She didn''t think much of it until Odette


    sent her a photo.


    The photo showed Elijah and Nora sitting together, surrounded by others, enjoying a dinner


    together. The dinner seemed abundant, and aside from Elijah, everyone around the table wore


    joyful smiles. The scene was so harmonious; it could''ve been a Thanksgiving celebration.


    Odette told her it was a photo that Melinda had posted on her social media. So, it must''ve been


    Melinda who took the picture.


    Elijah had postponed his visit to her for Nora.


    Unable to reach Violette, Elijah dialed Odette. Violette¡¯s friends were few. She was either with


    Odette or Adrian.


    "Violette isn''t with me, you know!" Odette answered the call teasingly. "Aren''t you with the Violette


    lookalike? Is your party over? Do you remember the real Violette now?"


    Elijah listened to her mockery, unwilling to argue, and then he ended the call. He dialed Adrian''s


    number, which was answered after a few seconds.


    "Adrian, is Violette with you?" He asked, standing by his car, staring into the endless night, and his


    expression grave.


    He had visited Nora''s house that day, and her family showed him her old photos. At a nce, Nora


    did bear some resemnce to Violette. So, it was possible that Nora just happened to look like


    Violette and hadn''t undergone stic surgery to look like her. But Violette''s friends had already


    labeled Nora as a fake.


    "No, what''s up?" Adrian hesitated before responding.


    Elijah''s frown deepened. "She went out to eat, I thought she was with her friends. Since she''s not


    with you, I''ll hang up."


    "Alright," Adrian replied, ended the call, then turned to Violette. "How long do you n to hide from


    him like this?"


    Violette, eyes cast down and eating her meal in small bites, replied, "I don''t want to talk to him right


    now. It''s best not to let emotions explode when you''re upset. Once I''ve calmed down, maybe I won''t


    be so mad about him anymore."


    Adrian spoke, "Even though I''ve never met that woman who looks remarkably like you, I believe no


    matter how simr someone tries to look like you, they can''t be the real you. Your knowledge,


    and your abilities can''t be replicated. I''m sure Elijah realizes this, too."


    Violette responded, "Adrian, as long as I don''t see him, I won¡¯t be angry at all."

 Chapter 617

    Chapter 617


    "Let''s just drop it," Adrian chuckled. "It''s gettingte, I need to drive Maka home. Let''s catch up


    some other time."


    Violette nced at the time and nodded. "You guys go ahead! I''ll hang around for a bit."


    Having overslept in the afternoon, Violette was quite awake now. With the kids out of the house, it


    would be boring to return home. She''d rather spend some more time out.


    Violette had arranged tonight''s dinner. She brought them gifts from her trip to B Country.


    After they left, she pulled out her phone from her bag and saw a message from Mike. [He''s gone!


    You cane home now!]


    Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    Violette replied, [I didn''t go out just to avoid him. Could you stop assuming I''m that weak?]


    Mike, [That''s not what I meant! I just want you home safe. It''s gettingte, and it''s not safe out


    there!]


    Violette, [Our country is perfectly safe. If you''re so free, why don''t you go on a date?]


    Mike, [I haven''t seen you in a few days. I just want to spend some time with you!]


    Violette, [I''ll be home soon.]


    After sending the message, she picked up her bag and left the restaurant.


    The Bourne Residence.


    When Adrian dropped Maka off, Elijah had just gotten home. After acknowledging Adrian with a


    nod, Elijah led Maka into the living room.


    Maka wore a beautiful bracelet on her wrist, which shone under the light. Elijah hadn¡¯t seen it


    before and asked, ¡°Maka, is this a new bracelet you bought today? Or did Adrian give it to you?¡±


    Maka blurted out, ¡°Violette gave it to me tonight. I love it!¡±


    Elijah¡¯s face darkened instantly. ¡°You spent the evening with her?¡±


    Realizing her slip, Maka quickly covered her mouth, her eyes filled with fear.


    ¡°Maka, it¡¯s okay. I¡¯m not angry.¡± Elijah quicklyposed himself, took her hand, and examined


    the bracelet. ¡°This bracelet is beautiful. Go rest now.¡±


    Maka gripped his hand, puzzled. ¡°Elijah, did you upset Violette again? Can you stop making her


    angry? Violette is so nice, and I really like her.¡± She paused, then added, ¡°Adrian never makes


    Violette upset. That¡¯s why she likes hanging out with him.¡±


    Veins bulged on Elijah¡¯s forehead.


    Earlier that evening, he had called Adrian to ask if Violette was with him. Adrian had said no. Any


    sympathy he had for Adrian evaporated that night.


    The next morning, Elijah drove to Violette¡¯s ce. The mansion¡¯s gates were shut tight, and the


    entrance was deserted, as if no one lived there.


    Which was true at that moment.


    Half an hour earlier, Mike and Violette had driven to Z City. Today was Rita''sst day of shooting.


    After the afternoon session, they could wrap up. They nned to pick Rita up.


    At five in the afternoon, they returned to Lavender Lane.


    As the car slowly approached the mansion, Elijah''s tall figure came into view. Violette hadn''t


    expected him to be waiting at her doorstep.


    When did he get here? How long had he been waiting?

 Chapter 618

    Chapter 618


    Mike nced at Violette, asking, "Do you want to go down and speak with him?"


    Violette acted as if she hadn''t heard Mike. Her gaze was fixed outside the car window, and her


    attention had already been captured by the man outside.


    Mike parked the car, raising his voice, "Violette, go down and talk to him."


    She suddenly snapped back to reality, pushed open the car door, and got out. Their car had air


    conditioning, so she hadn''t felt the scorching heat outside. As she got out, a wave of heat hit her,


    and a thinyer of perspiration quickly formed on her forehead.


    She saw that Elijah''s skin was sunburned, and his forehead was covered in sweat. His shirt, soaked


    in sweat, clung to his skin. She couldn¡¯t imagine how long he had been standing in such scorching


    heat.


    "Ms. Dennis, you''re finally back. If you had not returned soon, my boss would have been a goner."


    Elijah''s bodyguard grumbled. "We have been here since eight in the morning!"


    Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    Violette felt a lump in her throat, her body slightly shaking. Thinking about him standing in the sun


    for the entire day, she could not contain her rage, "Elijah, I wasn''t home. Couldn''t you see that?"


    "You didn''t answer my call. Didn''t you see that either? What if you were home and just didn''t want to


    see me?" His voice was hoarse due tock of hydration.


    Violette''s eyes immediately welled up with tears. She just didn¡¯t want to pick up his callst night.


    Had he called her today, she might have picked it up.


    "Why are you here?" She asked, struggling to keep her voice steady. "Is it about Rita''s reality show?


    She''s back. Go talk to her!"


    She spoke so easily. Her kids wouldn''t listen to him.


    "Why does Rita want to earn money at such a young age? Is it because she knows about your debt


    to me?" Elijah''s voice came coldly. "You put this pressure on her shoulders, which doesn''t belong to


    her. Are you apetent mother?"


    Violette choked on his questioning. Indeed, Rita wanted to be on the reality show to make money.


    And Rita''s intent to earn money, was likely, as he had said, to help her pay off the debt.


    "Elijah, thest person on earth who has the right to judge me is you!" Violette wiped the tears from


    her eyes. "Stay out of Rita''s business!"


    "Violette, I won''tply with everything you say!" His hawk-like eyes fixed on her, and his tone was


    firm. "Take this card! It''s for the hard work you put into having our child! Use it to pay off the debt! I


    don''t want to see Rita in the entertainment industry again, and don''t let me catch you taking side


    jobs behind my back! Until you''ve given birth, don''t think about escaping from my control!"


    He forcefully shoved the card into her hand and then vanished before her eyes like a gust of wind.


    She clutched the card he had given her, and a sarcasticugh escaped her lips. Was he asking her


    to pay off his debt with his money?


    He was really something!


    Feeling drained, she floated back into the living room.


    Mike fetched her ss of water. "Violette, is this card from him?" Mike asked as he casually took the


    card from her hand and handed her the ss.


    Violette took a sip from the ss.


    "There''s an ATM with this bank outside ourplex," Mike said excitedly. "Shall I go check how


    much money there is?"


    Violette could guess the amount in there, but she kept silent.


    "Uncle Mike, take me with you! I want to see too!" Rita tugged at Mike''s shirt.


    Mike picked Rita up and was already at the door when he remembered to ask Violette, "Why did he


    give you money?"


    Violette put down the ss and got up from the couch. "Go ask him."

 Chapter 619

    Chapter 619


    Having finished her sentence, she made her way upstairs. She had been running errands all day


    long, and her body felt especially tired now.


    Watching her ascend the stairs, Mike picked up Rita and headed out. They stopped at an ATM, and


    Mike carefully inserted his card.


    The PIN was written on the back of the card - it was Violette''s birthday, so it was easy to remember.


    After entering the PIN, Mike pressed the query button. Suddenly, countless zeros appeared on the


    screen.


    Mike was astonished. He blinked in disbelief!


    Rita eximed, "Uncle Mike! How much money is this? There are so many zeros that I can''t count


    them all! Wow!" This was beyond Rita''sprehension.


    Mike cleared his throat, then began counting the zeros with his free hand.


    Rita suddenly pointed at the first digit on the screen and loudly announced, "This is a 7."


    Mike, "¡­Sweetie, you made me lose count! Where was I? Oh!"


    "Dumb Uncle Mike! Just take a picture of it and ask my mom when we get home! She''ll know how


    much it is just by looking at it. She doesn''t need to count like you!" Rita pouted, looking quite


    disgusted. "Or you could ask your boyfriend. He''s definitely smarter than you!"


    Provoked, Mike¡¯s face flushed a shade of red. "Rita, I know how much this is, I don''t need to count.


    It''s seven billion."


    Violette still owed Elijah seven billion.


    Confused, Rita blinked her big, bright eyes. "Uncle Mike, how much is seven billion? How many


    toys and pretty clothes can I buy with it?"


    Mike didn''t know how to exin to her just howrge this number was.


    "For example, if you worked for four days and made seven hundred thousand." Mike took out his


    phone, opened the calctor, and started to do the math for her. "That would mean you''re making


    175,000 a day. If you earned that much every day, you would make 63,875,000 a year. If you made


    that much every year, you would need to work for 110 years from now... You''re five years old now,


    so you''d have to live to be 115 to make 7 billion."


    Rita stared nkly, her eyes wide.


    "Honey, do you understand?" Mike wore a kind smile, but his heart was slightly bitter.


    Damn it, how was Elijah so rich? He just casually whipped out such arge sum of money. If he


    were Violette, he''d probably be dazzled by the wealth!


    Rita suddenly burst into tears. "Have I only lived for five years? How long will it take to live to over a


    hundred?"


    Mike wiped the tears from her little face. "Don''t cry, sweetheart! I was just trying to exin how


    much money this is. You don''t have to earn this much. Let''s go get some ice cream! We can go


    home after that."


    Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Rita immediately stopped crying. "I want the chocte vor."


    Mike, "As long as your mom doesn''t find out, sure."


    Back at the vi.


    Violettey in bed, trying to sleep, but a headache kept her awake. She decided to keep her eyes


    open, staring nkly at a spot in the room, and reflecting on how things with Elijah had escted to


    this point.


    She loved him and could feel his care for her, so why did they insist on hurting each other? Was


    hurting each other the only proof that their love hadn''t faded?


    As her mind was in turmoil, her phone on the bedside table rang. She picked it up and saw a string


    of strange letters.

 Chapter 620

    Chapter 620


    She sat up in bed, staring at the iing call on her phone. On a whim, she picked it up. Before she knew it, a video call had started.


    "Mom!"n''s crisp voice came through.


    Violette''s face lit up at the sight ofn. n! How did you manage to video call me?"


    "I managed to hack into the camp''s Wi-Fi and used a burner ount,¡±n exined with a rare smile on his face. "Mom, is Rita back yet?¡±


    "She''s back, but she''s out with Uncle Mike. They haven''t returned yet," Violette replied gently. n, are you adjusting well over there? Your teacher


    called me the other day and said you''ve made some friends.¡±


    ¡°Mom, I''m all grown up now. You don''t need to worry about me."n¡¯s tone was mature.


    ¡°How can a mother not worry about her child? Even when you grow up, I''ll always worry about you." Violette stared at her son''s face, not able to get


    enough of it. "There are still 10 days till I can visit you!¡±


    "Mom, I''ll video call you every night. okay?"


    ¡°Wouldn''t that be against the rules?¡± Violette worried. "If your teacher found out, wouldn''t that be bad?"


    "It''s fine. My teacher knows I video call you. I managed to do this on my own, and he didn¡¯t have anyints,¡±n said proudly.


    Violette felt proud but remembered something important. n, you need to call your Uncle Miketer and talk to Rita. Tell her not to think about


    entering the entertainment industry to make money. I don¡¯tck money and can pay back Elijah on my own. You two should focus on your studies and


    grow up happily."


    lan replied, "I''ll talk to herter."


    Violette said, "Okay, I''ll have a talk with her, too. But I think she might listen to you more."


    lan said, "Okay, I''ll call Uncle Mike now."


    Even if Violette didn''t mention it, he


    would have called Mike. He saw 2


    Violette¡¯S swollen, red eyes, butif he


    asked: her why she was crying-on the


    video call, she definitely wouldn''t tell


    the-truth. : to


    <


    He called Mike, who answered quickly. "Why was my mom crying?"n asked seriously. "I just video called her.¡±


    "Uh..." Mike was unsure whether he should tell the truth.


    ¡°Ian!" Rita eximed when she sawn. "When are youing back to y with me? I miss you so much!"


    "Rita, not now."n interrupted her.


    Rita quieted down


    Mike exined,"A woman got


    surgery to IQek like your mom and


    tried to seduce Elijah. She N


    sessfully lured him into having


    dinnerwith her yesterday. He was


    Su ppesed to visit your mom itr the


    afternoon but didn''te. That''s


    why they had a fight." Carttent


    belongs to


    "So the jerk finally showed his true colors,¡±n joked.


    ¡°Elijah isn''t that bad. It''s the woman who''s disgusting for using your mom as a model for her surgery...¡±


    "What''s her name? I''ll teach her a lesson!"n demanded.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    Mike thought for a moment. "! think her name is... Nora! I don''t know her full name. but you can look her up. She¡¯s Melinda''s cousin.¡±


    "Got it."n stored the name ¡®Nora¡¯ in his mind, then changed the topic. "Rita, you shouldn''t be filming or going on shows anymore. Mom''s worried.¡±


    Rita frowned, pouting. "I already agreed with Uncle Kylee, I''m supposed to film in a few days!n, I''ll talk to Mom!¡±


    lan frowned back. ¡°Why are you not listening to me anymore?" In the past, Rita would always listen ton


    "I''m so cut¨¦>I should be a star!¡± Rita


    said, full af herself, "Uncle Kylee said


    he''ll always be with me, and that''l


    be ameven bigger star than him! lll


    splitthe money I earn with yOu


    okay?"  ~


    ¡°

 Chapter 621

    Chapter 621


    Mike almost burst intoughter, but seeing Rita''s adorable and confused expression, he managed to hold it back.


    Once they got back home, Violette was about to speak when Rita interrupted her. "Mommy, do you think I''m cute?¡±


    "Of course, darling! You''re the cutest little girl in the world."


    "Then when I be a big movie star, can I give you all the money I make? I offered to give half ton, but he didn¡¯t want it." Rita''s eyes sparkled


    like stars in the night sky.C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    Violette was left speechless. It seemed like reason wouldn''t work with Rita. She¡¯d have to talk to Kylee.


    She texted Kylee, expressing her concerns about Rita entering the entertainment industry.


    Half an hourter, Kylee replied, [Rita may be young, but we should respect her choices. The industry isn''t as scary as you think. I''ll protect her and


    won''t let her get hurt. Please trust me.]


    Negotiations had failed and Violette sank into deep thought. If she respected Rita''s choice and let her continue in the entertainment industry, Elijah


    would surely throw a fit. She didn''t want to argue with Elijah but didn''t want to force Rita to obey her for his sake.


    After pondering, she finally drifted off to sleep.


    A weekter.


    Due to the Dennis Group''s high-end drones holding an irreceable position in A Country, some officials were visiting today.


    Violette had received urate


    information three days prior. The


    original it was for the deputy


    general Manager to apany the


    aed but because the manager


    fell itv iolette was forced to step in


    despite her pregnancy anddimited


    rfObility.


    She dressed modestly, tying up her long hair and donning a light blue long-sleeved, elegant and dignified dress.


    The officials were due to arrive at ten in the morning, so she arrived at the first floor to wait at nine-thirty.


    Ten minutester, a red BMW parked outside thepany. Violette was surprised to see Sarah emerge from the car.


    Ever since She made Sarah cough >.


    up the two billion, the two hadn''t


    been imcontact, nor was there any


    need to. So she couldn''t guess ¡®the


    aint Yof Sarah''s visit.


    to  7


    Sarah hadn''t expected to see Violette in the lobby and called out, "Violette,e out!"


    Violette instinctively walked outside. Her secretary reminded her, "Ma''am, they''ll be here in twenty minutes.¡±


    Violette answered, "I''ll be right back." She strode up to Sarah.


    "Violette, it''s one thing you took


    Elijah from me;but why Kaleb too?


    I''m carryinghis child, and I want to.


    havea peaceful life with him. Whyc


    won''t yotr et me be? Do you want to


    see me dead? Is that what it''ll: take


    for.you to be satisfied?" After her


    emotional outburst, Sarahtried to


    grab Violette''s hair withoat giving


    her a chance to respond.


    Reacting quickly, Violette defended herself, "Sarah! What are you talking about? Kaleb and I are over. Why would I want him back?!"

 Chapter 622

    Chapter 622


    Had it not been for Sarah mentioning Kaleb''s name, Violette would have entirely forgotten about this man''s existence. After their break-up six years


    ago, Violette hadpletely given up on him


    Since falling in love with Elijah, her heart and mind had no room for anyone else, so how could she possibly snatch Kaleb away, as Sarah imed?


    It was entirely absurd, ludicrous even!


    The bodyguard nearby saw Sarahsh out and quickly sprinted over,nding a heavy kick on Sarah''s waist.


    Sarah, in pain, released her hold on Violette''s hair and toppled onto the ground.


    "I''m pregnant! You kicked me! If anything happens to my child, I''ll make you pay!" Sarahy on the ground, and her face was streaming with tears.


    The surrounding security guards and secretaries rushed over. One secretary, seeing Violette''s disheveled hair, immediately helped her up. "Boss, are


    you okay? Let''s go inside. I''ll fix your hair for you."


    Violette''s almond-shaped eyes were bloodshot, staring at Sarah on the ground.


    "Boss, how do we handle this crazy woman?" A security guard asked.


    Violette instructed sternly. "Move her and her car away immediately. Don''t let her leave! I need to settle this with herter!"


    One of the security guards pulled Sarah up while another found the car keys in her bag. Scon, the red BMW, along with Sarah, vanished from sight.


    Violette winced in pain as the secretary gentlybed her hair. Despite the careful movements, her scalp still throbbed


    How furious must Sarah have been to use such force? There was no way all of this happened without reason. Sarah must have seen her with Kaleb,


    prompting her to confront Violette.


    But she hadn''t met Kaleb at all. There must''ve been some misunderstanding.


    "Ms. Violette, I think your scalp is injured. Why don''t we leave your hair down?" the secretary suggested, noticing Violette''s reddened eyes.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    "TE do it." She took theb from


    the secrry and quickly tied hen


    hair into a ponytail. "Don''t let. news


    of: what happened earlier spread.¡±


    -\


    The secretary nodded. "Okay. I''ll inform the security team.¡±


    By noon, the manager had recovered from his fever and returned to the office.


    "President Dennis, everything went smoothly, I hope?" He asked, his face filled with regret.


    Violette replied, "You''re better now? Why didn''t you rest more at home?"


    ¡®I''m much better now. The stress


    was toa! ruch this morning, I was:


    afraid of misspeaking and _


    embarrassing thepany, . ithe


    manager confessed. Content


    belongs to  ~


    Violetteforted him, ¡°What''s done is done. You''ll be hosting the celebration party tonight.¡±


    "Right! President Dennis, you should go and rest. We''ll meet at the party tonight." the manager said.


    Violette nodded and left the office.


    The security team moved Sarah''s ~


    red BMWito thepany¡¯s back


    parking I lot. The guards kept a close


    eye ¡é on the car, not allowing Sarah ike)


    leave. .


    Violette walked up to the BMW, and the guard immediately stepped out of the car.


    "Boss, thisdy keeps saying you stole her man," the guard reported. "I think she might be mentally unstable.¡±


    Violette replied, "I''ll have a word with her."


    The guard advised, "Keep your distance while you talk, I''m afraid she mightsh out again. We wouldn''t want you to get hurt.¡±


    Violette nodded in agreement.


    Sarah rolled down her window, glowering at Violette. "Violette, you shameless woman!"

 Chapter 623

    Chapter 623


    "Sarah, you''re using me of stealing Kaleb away from you? Have you seen us together?" Viclette questioned her, leaning against her car. "Call


    Kaleb out here, and let''s clear the air!"


    "No way! He''ll surely break up with me if he knows I came to confront you!" Sarah cried out in anguish. "I saw a photo of you two at a nightclub! He''s


    already admitted it! How can you still deny it?!"


    "Nightclub? I''ve never been to such a ce! Either he''s lying or mistook someone else for me." Violette retorted, enunciating every word. "There''s a


    woman who looks a lot like me, and her name is Nora. You better check it out and see if the woman in the photo with him at the club is Nora!¡±


    ¡°But Kaleb said it was you!" Sarah was having a hard time believing Violette. After all. they already had a history of animosity.


    "Then keep hating me!" Violette responded coldly. "Don''t bring your drama with Kaleb to me again, or next time, I''ll have my security throw you out.¡±


    Holding her subtly aching waist, Sarah sobbed quietly. "If I lose my baby, I won''t let yours be born either!"


    Violette retorted, ¡°We''ll see if you have the guts." Having said that, Violette walked away inrge strides


    Bourne Group. CEO''s office.


    Suddenly, a news headline popped up on theputer screen. [Local Leader Inspects the Dennis Group Today.]


    Beneath the headline was a small photo featuring a sh of blue that grabbed Elijah''s attention. Clicking on the news article, he saw arger image.


    Violette was wearing a light blue, loose-fitting dress today. Her face was adorned with a gentle and elegant smile. Although her belly was big, it didn''t


    make her look awkwardProperty ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    Brandon pushed open the door to his office, calling him out for lunch


    "Do you have ns tonight?" Brandon asked, knocking on the desk. "What''s got you so engrossed?"


    Closing the webpage, Elijah rose from his chair. ¡°Are you hosting a poker night?"


    "I rarely see you at my poker nights," Brandon jested. "Tonight I n to go over to Violette''s for dinner. Joey and I have already arranged it, are you


    in? There''s a cocktail party at herpany.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Elijah refused without hesitation


    "You always do-this. Say no, then be


    the first onecthere,¡¯ Brandon sighed.


    "Why notjust be upfront about it? ->


    Even if you don''t care for Violette


    don''t you care for your child? I Saw


    today''s news photo> Her belly has


    grown bigger."


    4


    Elijah¡¯s lips thinned, not responding


    ¡°Elijah, did she return the credit card you gave her a few days ago?" Brandon whispered into his ear, gossiping.


    Elijah replied, "She hasn''t contacted me."


    "Oh, so she hagn''t returned it. You


    gave her so auch money, and it''s


    only fair w¨¦rmooch a meal off her,"


    Brandonthesitated, then said, '' Keep


    your distance from Nora in thec>


    futurey Violette getting upset means


    she''s jealous. Jealousy means she


    still cares for you." Contest belongs


    to


    "When she was with other men, she didn''t think about how I felt.¡± Elijah scoffed.


    "She''s pregnant now. Don''t be so petty with her.¡±


    Later that night, at the cocktail party.


    The banquet hall was filled withpany employees. Violette and Odette were chatting in a corner, eating and unaware of Elijah''s arrival.


    Upon entering, Mike pulled Joey away for drinks while Brandon engaged in hearty conversation with a few executives from the Dennis Group.


    No one dared to approach Elijah. He was left to sit alone and drink.


    At a nearby table, a group of women were whispering


    "That woman seems to be pregnant


    too! I sawcher yanking President 2


    Dennis¡°hair so fiercely! I wanted to


    rush aver and help President Bennis,


    but fer bodyguard beat me to it,


    kicking the woman to the ground!"


    "Who was that woman? She''s so bold!"


    "I don''t know, I didn''t see her face clearly! President Dennis asked us not to spread this around, so you mustn''t tell anyone."


    Upon hearing this, a chilling anger flickered in Elijah''s eyes

 Chapter 624

    Chapter 624


    Violette was deeply engrossed in animated chit-chat with her friend, Odette,pletely oblivious to the fact that Eliiah was approaching them.


    ¡®Violette, are you nervous at all? It won''t be long before you¡¯re expecting.¡± Odette stirred the juice in her ss with a straw.


    ¡°Not really nervous, just eager to have the baby already. I¡¯m weary with this big belly.¡± She nibbled on a small piece of cake, then asked, ¡°What about


    you?¡±


    ¡°My inws get the same answer every time. ¡°Let''s wait till next year.¡± I''m not done enjoying life as it is!¡±


    ¡°Having a baby won''t necessarily stop you from enjoying life.¡±


    ¡°It will certainly change things. I do love kids, but once I have one, I Know I won''t be able to resist caring for them


    ¡°You can enjoy life with your child. Having a kid has its own joys. You don''t have to worry too much.¡±


    ¡°You give me so much courage, Violette. Whether it''s having a baby or working, you''re fearless.¡± Odette admired. ¡°If I were a man, I¡¯d fall in love with


    you.¡±


    Violette chuckled, "If you were a man, I''d marry you, haha!


    Both womenughed together until the figure of Elijah appeared in their view. Odette''s smile instantly vanished, and she coughed awkwardly. ¡°Why is


    he here?¡±


    Following Odette''s gaze, Violette''sughter faded upon seeing Elijah.


    ¡°Did you invite him?¡± Odette asked in a whisper.


    ¡°No.¡± Violette replied softly.


    ¡°Should I excuse myself?¡± Odette continued to whisper.C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    ¡°No need,¡± Violette assured her.


    By now, Elijah had reached them and had overheard their conversation. He didn''t say a word but just stared at Violette with a calm gaze.


    Feeling nervous, Violette quickly stood up and led him away.


    ¡°Who upset you this morning?¡± He asked as they left the banquet hall. ¡°If I hadn''t identally found out, you wouldn''t have told me, would you?¡±


    ¡®It''s nothing important, and it¡¯s not


    worth mentioning,¡± Violette said


    dismissively, looking at his face. He>


    had beerrsunburnt a week ago a after


    spending a day outside her house,


    leaving his face a shade darker and


    his Skin dry and peeling. Content


    ~


    ¡°What are you looking at?¡± He asked, ufortable under her gaze.


    ¡ê


    "Do you have any facial masks at


    home? Your skin is dehydrated,¡± she


    advised. ¡®And avoid prolonged ¡°


    exposur¨¦to the sun. It can cause


    SUNDUAT- Don''t underestimate the


    UV ays in the summer, severe


    sunburn can require hospitat


    treatment.¡± Content bnigs to


    He brushed off her concern. His long fingers brushed her hair aside, revealing her reddened scalp. She winced in pain and pushed his hand away.


    ¡°Who pulled your hair? Tell me!¡± He demanded.


    ¡°It''s in the past, no need to bring it up again,¡± she diverted his attention by changing the subject. ¡°Rita¡¯s dream is to be a star. She loves being in


    front of the camera, so I can''t force her to leave showbiz.¡±


    This effectively shifted Elijah''s focus. ¡°You ignored my advice!¡± He was unhappy with her way of parenting.


    Elijah, I understand your concerns,


    NS


    but children geed to be respected


    too. If you have abetterwayof ~


    changing ita''s mind, I won''t stops


    you, ¡°Violette didn''t want to argue, so


    she kept her tone gentle. ¡°I''ll hold


    onto the card you gave me for now.


    Ithreturn it to you once you fall in


    love with someone else,¡±


    He gave a bitter smile. ¡°You might be waiting forever.¡±


    ¡°Don''t be too sure,¡± she said, heading towards the elevator.


    He followed her closely.


    He thought she was going home, but she headed to the drugstore next door after leaving the hotel. He thought she was going to buy an anti-


    inmmatory ointment for the scalp, but she ended up buying two boxes of medicinal facial masks.


    After paying, she handed him the masks. ¡°Take these and use them.¡±


    ¡°You think it''s my face that''s hurt?¡± He didn¡¯t take the bag she was offering.


    He had more to say, but he didn''t. Yet, she understood what he meant.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!